13/03/2018
Lil Artist Review: Jimmy Chronic @ Cymatic Sessions 4 17/03/2018
“Jimmy Chronic” – Be not lead into the witty boyish charm that playfully settles into the street-smart Artist name given to one James Cells, we rarely get to write so earnestly and passionately about an artist whom for over decades has summated, crusaded and morphed and reshaped SA’s electronic music scene... welcome to the Original SLEEPWALKER!!
By changing so much in so many facets and continuously sets undeniable benchmarks that many in this City and country often are way to ( we List as follows: ) , scared, ashamed, embarrassed , pretentious, ignorantly, sheepishly or are just down right to proud to admit and or verbalize the lack therein of personal opinion to firmly credit, commend more notably Salute whom we have come to proudly say is a true Musical son of our beloved industry and country!!
Sturdy swagger and personality invites intrigue ..with a boyish chuckle yet confident. Ozzing a “ no backing down” way of being, imaging all of that encompassed in the body of scruffy round the way “lightiee” whom rocked his cap to the side and wore his baggies low. Mischief riddled his disarming character smile- Lil jimmy, was that kid whom snuck into raves and clubs to “HEVIT” like we all did, but a certain difference became a early show of where this musical genius was at. He snuck in and many time getting a good beat down to watch this musical sound-smiths make the masses move to their punishing shows of turntablism and skilled style sets to further his hunger and blood imprinted passion for music sound and the universe that was the underground dance culture in JHB.
From selling mixed tapes and cd’s at seedy inner-city Nightclubs and or venues worth mention that lay home to his passion you’d find “Jimmy” there or wanting to be there. Not letting the small bit of age challenge and form of him not attaining ability to not just watch his idols but also showcase his already daily practiced skills on the decks himself. Jimmy "Chronic" affectionately known to his peers and fans alike was the youngest alongside Power names like Nick Lumb to Grace the Mighty and prestigious decks at SA’s Pillar of electronic underground TRUTH (JHB). With charisma, a s**t load of balls and a lil “chron” charm his rise and presence was undeniable, more fascinating , in that this ball-squeaking kid showed a musical prowess and equaling and in so many occasions superseding then stalwarts of the underground deep house and rave culture! From being the “speckled EGG” in the most toughest townships to the hardened raves and festivals this kid was not only a force but a unflinching shooting star, one that was to bright to go unoticed!!
Forwarding many applauded performances and many harder struggles and hardened choices made better his one true love music. The Wiley Name “ Jimmy chronic” was one of the youngest residents at Truth and experimenting in new and different sounds but staying true to that signature animal like sound that simply drove the cripple to dance. James therein also fed his hungered musical soul and started producing ever testing what so called limit his passion and love lay head, because his already very learned ear in so many music styled brain found yet another canvas in where, renaissance greats had they been producers would marvel and pay homage to a deft deep unearthing sound that not only evoked raw unbridled emotion but commanded a following and audience both locally and internationally. Jimmy has collaborated with the likes of Alex smoke, Siopsis, Affect, Djumasound system, Hiedi, RalF Kaulman, Rodriguez jnr, this list we kid you not goes on for days and the labels read like a Oscar nominated best actor had we been talking on these terms! Aside from being a internationally respected releasing producer and DJ, James sunk his fingers deeper into the bone marrow of our industry and coordinated and strategically planned and first handedly brought down some of the most amazing artists to grace our shores, EG: M.A.N.D.Y, and more and has in one way more the other influenced some of the top clubs, DJ’s Producers and artists presently making SA, the recognized music powerhouses we are showing to be!! Like a sponge “Jims” ability to reinvent himself and his sound over almost two decades of selflessly dedicating himself to our beloved scene, has had its drawbacks and come with many a trial an tribulation battled struggle….and many a sacrifice!! The unfortunate nepotistic nature of our scene and industry shuns and disgustingly smirks at personal struggle and or failure to artists and industry incumbents alike, James Cells, has fought bumps bruises and all through like many artists the internal personal and industry battles, yet still like the musical savant he continues to look beyond himself and the bulls**t, and focus on what has always mattered and will always do the talking …..The music!
Opening the very well received record label in SLEEPWALKER records and extending his skill level to not just “Djing” but going fully “live” !!! The later choice has unleashed yet another force in this musical jaughernaught his sound is a culminated, instinctual palate of sound, that almost seams life-like!! An emotive yet energy a chasing or**sm of warm riding baselines, punishing high-hat sequences riddled buy suggestive yet telling vocals!! The symmetry and seamless movement of harmony and melody dance a intimate tango fashionably announcing its graceful stride!! Yet the raw almost jurrasic strength in his live set is something one has to experience to genuinely understand and genuinely fall happily pray to!! Cymatic Sessions are proud and honored to be hosting Jimmy and his caliber at this very anticipated 4th session in where a very special performance will be gifted!! But from our side and we defiantly know from the Cymatic team “Jimmy” we openly want to thank you and salute you for making and setting foundation in your own special way to events like Cymatic and simply for giving yourself in pursuit of making our industry not only a proud one but a sure as f**k better one for us to simply indulge in what musical dreams may come!!
Record label owner, “Live” electronic act, Event manager, Promoter, Ableton Instructor, Strategical Marketing and coding expert, Brand/Concept/Graphics Design/Web Developer, oh and when he has time to breath Dad, friend, mapping and sound engineer will be a headline feature for Cymatic Sessions and will indeed be a very special something…..be ready to engage!
