Jamal J.‘s latest album My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah gets deep, and with intention- it’s a record that feels like a place you step into. It’s immersive, image-heavy, and unapologetically poetic, unfolding on its own terms.
With his new record, the Maryland artist doubles down on atmosphere and vision. His writing is dense but controlled, packed with symbols and sharp observation, delivered with a calm confidence. The production mirrors that energy: lush, deliberate, and patient. Swelling samples, ethereal textures, and organic drums give the album its cinematic weight, letting each track breathe.
Standout moments hit early and linger. Saint Kay’s production on tracks like “The Titan Kronos” and “Salmonella” help the tone – hypnotic, fluid, and abstract, pulling you into Jamal J.’s world before you realize you’re fully inside it. “Dichotomy,” produced by Reallyhiiim, pairs a sleek, shimmering loop with tightly wound verses from Jamal J. and ANKHLEJOHN, both rapping with restraint and precision.
Mid-album, the record leans into haze and reflection. “Mudras & Gang Signs” with Israel Jones drifts through poetic ambiance, while “Onomatopoeia” pushes forward with rising strings and a low-end pulse that feels both elegant and urgent. “Pig Latin” adds warmth – horns and flickering guitars underneath smooth exchanges from Jamal J. and Raheim Supreme.
By the time “Weigh Me Down” arrives near the close, the weight of the album has fully settled. Featuring Sol Chyld, the track feels expansive and grounded at once – soulful, reflective, and quietly powerful, letting emotion seep through the cracks rather than spelling everything out.
My Armada & the Bitter Waters of Marah doesn’t chase trends or easy moments. It rewards attention, repeat listens, and patience. Jamal J. is building something of his own, brick by brick, trusting mood, language, and texture to do the talking.