Storyteller and lyrical genius Brian Ouko Omollo, popularly known as Khaligraph Jones, has delivered again. His 3rd studio album, The Book of Jones 1st Chapter, released on 4th April 2025 across YouTube, Spotify & Apple Music. This quenched supporters’ thirst since his last album Invisible Currency, released in 2022, ending a streak of singles and features from the Best Singer in Eastern Africa in 2023. (2023 Tanzania Music Awards) (TMA)
Released through his record label, ‘BlueInk Corp,’ the album sets the tone for a new chapter with a variety of features from Teya Ticasso, Timmy Blanco, Silverstone Barz, Nyashinski, Mordecai Dex, Nigerian rapper Falz, Dyana Cods, Tanzanian artist Mex Cortez, Abbas Kubaff, Fresh like Uhh, Ugandan rapper Ruyonga & Jakk Quill. However, he maintains his signature sound that propelled him to the top.
Track By Track Breakdown
It features 10 songs, including the long-awaited return of the Khali Cartel cypher series with its 5th installment: Khali Cartel 5. Mr. Omollo uses these cyphers to feature upcoming artists, giving them a platform, supporting and inspiring Kenyan talent in an industry that can be individualistic. These cyphers pay homage to traditional ‘boom bap’ genre. Boom-bap is a 1990s East Coast hip-hop style characterized by hard-hitting kick (“boom”) and snare (“bap”) drums, jazzy samples, and a strong emphasis on lyrical content. It’s about clever wordplay, rhymes and intricate flows to the beat.
One of my favorite bar drops is the double entendre, “It’s like I’m from New York, how I know Queens,” from Fresh like Uhh. The earth-shaking 808s and low-frequency bassline ensure the track is felt as much as it’s heard. The relentless vocal energy from all artists ensures an engaging and entertaining 11-minute listen.
Crashout ft. Teya Ticasso begins with a cinematic introduction with the persona’s monologue, suggesting he/she want to crash out due to a lack of credit for creating a superhero. The buildup creates an exciting twist, heightening anticipation for the upcoming tracks. The unique sample choice gives ‘2009 Kanye West’ vibes. Teya Ticasso’s angelic vocals on the opening chorus blend with Khaligraph’s aggressive delivery. He addresses his break from music, “Rap died when I took a break, I had to break that silence.”
Jones uses inspiration from the dystopian horror film franchise, The Purge, as inspiration for his song The Purge. In the music video released 3 weeks ago, props such as a chainsaw and knives drive the narrative of lawlessness and violence. He passionately expresses that he’s still got it and is above all his competition. “Student of the game, never late for class,” he exclaims. A dramatic riser is felt from the 2 note piano beat. His aggressive delivery makes you truly feel his passion. It is well-thought-out and executed song concept.
Risk ft. Nyashinski allows Nyashinski’s vocal prowess to shine in the chorus. The mid-tempo beat complements the message of the song: you have to risk something to get what you want. The 1st chorus from Jones highlights how his father told him that if he studies hard, he will achieve all he wants. “Set my eyes on a diploma, but later I had to call it quits.” This song is filled with double entendres and is a wonderful collaboration between 2 of Kenya’s greats.
For a harmonic union of vocals and aggressive delivery, Halfway ft Mordecai Dex is the go to pick. The beat features a soft guitar with melodic background vocals that sound heavenly. This gives the song a layered quality ensuring a dynamic listening experience. This is the 2nd most beautiful beat on the album. The chorus reminds us to always give it all in everything we do. “Pedal to the metal, never do it halfway,” Mordecai repeats in the chorus.
They gotta be wrong ft. SilversTone Barz is another self-proclaimed anthem of resilience and faith in one’s own hard work and talent. “If God’s on my side, I ain’t scared of the snakes they gotta be wrong,” Jones announces in the chorus. The beat makes you want to stand up. It features a slight trumpet and hard-hitting 808s. SilversTone Barz closes and finalizes the track with her usual lyricism and creative ad-libs.
Favour ft. Falz is an exciting, fast-tempo song with a classic South London drill beat featuring hi-hats, sliding 808s, and a string melody that creates a tense feel. Falz shines in the chorus with heartfelt vocals which pair well despite the grimey beat. “Watangonja sana kuona tukiteseka…amenipa favour na flavour,” Falz passionately reminds us of his success and his blessings from the Almighty. The ad-libs, especially the “Yeah!” in the chorus, give the song so much energy and rhythmic support.
For the R&B lovers, Khaligraph has blessed you. Family ft. Timmy Blanco has a slow-flowing beat with a subtle trap and R&B aesthetic. Both artists deliver, giving us lines of hard times, inspirations, dreams, and goals. “Every day I think about family, though at times they won’t understand me,” Khaligraph begins on his verse. The song’s message is that family is what we do all the things we do for.
On The Real is a testimony to Jones’ hard work and journey throughout the years. He shows off his mansion, extensive shoe collection and Chrysler 300 vehicle. Despite the flashy video, the song is a reflection on his path to stardom. The beat is a soft one with more melodious background vocals, setting a slow tempo on this deep song.
The final track on the album, OG Status, is another deep track, this time questioning morality and wealth. “Longevity doesn’t come if you don’t put effort and competence.” A deep line from Jones’ reminding us that it’s not easy to be great, it takes time and effort. The chorus repeats the names ‘Jones’ and ‘OG’, cementing Khaligraph as a veteran in the music industry.
Verdict
The album is thought-provoking, introspective and encouraging. Production is spot on, featuring a variety of different beats. The listening experience is entertaining, and the tracklist is carefully arranged, ensuring no skips of any songs. His lyricism, as always, is untouchable, and the choice of collaborations gives the album variety. Late release of music videos, few music videos, and only 10 songs on the entire project are some of the downsides. However, overall the entire project is an 8/10. Read another article here.
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