Jersey Club grew to become predictable in today’s age, growing up in Central Jersey (Yes, we do exist) it was an array of DJs, all with different styles. From BreezeYhu’Nasty, DJ Lil Taj, DJ LSpiz, DJBigO973, everyone had their own flair. But today people believe you just chop up today’s Top 40 songs and BAM! You have a jersey club hit. But there’s one girl changing that narrative. Ladies & Gentlemen, The moment we all been waiting for, Cookie Kawaii & her debut album “VANICE” has come to give the world another perspective into Jersey Club Music. Released on July 30th, last weekend I decided why not sit down and dive back into my home roots and review this masterpiece that will forever be staple in Jersey Club. (Yeah, I said it)
Cookiee off rip with the album cover (shown above) let’s me know that she is going to take me into a ethereal vibe, starting off with “Cookiee & The Monsters” produced by legendary Jersey DJ -Producer Lil C4 sets the tone that versatility is a main priority for this project. “Your vibes turns me up” a repetitive lyric in the song that showcases the energy on this album is meant to be shared among the masses. (Or in this case, all of the 973 Area!) Jersey Club has been used in the past culturally as way to bring everybody together it’s great to see her not trying to change that but instead adding another element to that.
Going Further into the album, it gives synths, bass and very melodramatic, setting the tone of creating a space of security without being too restrictive. In “PLANET US”, she excelled perfectly mixing the climatic build up with a great section of verses. Not to mention her use of features are literally perfect, from Dear Silas [“VIOLIN” – My Personal Fave] , Bleszt [featured on the club dance tutorial filled jam “DUMP IT”] & Oya Noire featured on the tropical inspired “LOVE YOUR BODY”] it’s clear that Cookiee recruited a BIG 3 to help execute these exquisite productions.
Going back into versatility, Miss Cookiee sure does how to make everyone feel included, from house music fanatics [“START OVER AGAIN”] to vogue and fem queens, [“WERK!”] “VANICE” caters to all. It’s almost as if Cookiee is paying homage to all the things that have molded her into the artist she is today. A rare move for most to do in todays music industry. But over all Cookiee Kawaii is a new source of dynamic energy coming from the North Jersey scene and she has gladly made all of New Jersey dance again.
Check out the album for yourself, here. -JC
My Top Picks:
PLANET US
VIOLIN
DUMP IT
HEY DJ