WhatzUp

Full Frontal Conversion
20 Ft. Neon Jesus
by D.M. Jones

20 Ft. Neon Jesus

Full Frontal Conversion

What is either genius or utterly stoopid about this disc from 20 Ft Neon Jesus is how its over-the-top pimp-tastic, unabashedly scatological, unwaveringly coarse subject matter is linked to the service of a higher calling – from its “advisory” label right down to the grooves themselves. Full Frontal Conversion (see what I mean?) is a fascinating listen, in a driving-past-a-car-accident kind of way, whether you’re in it for the bump, going for that ironic indie approach or seeking an alternative to, um, taste. Before you even hear a note of Full Frontal Conversion, a “sessy” lady in profile greets you on the cover; the promotional copy I received also included a photo of the MC himself, looking divinely schtreeet and holding a chalice filled with faux relics (bling-style, of course).

If you need any further proof of 20 Ft Neon Jesus’ aesthetic, let’s address the second track, which can’t be mentioned by name in this family publication. Suffice it to say, both title and subject matter refer to violating Beelzebub in a manner that can’t be discussed any further. What makes this track effective is its ability to offend practically everybody while knocking the teeth out of the biggest bogeyman of them all, ze devil. And yes, “South Park” should call 20FNJ and snap him up immediately for their next Saddam Hussein episode, if you know what I mean.

So … is this a pseudo-Christian hip-hop record, a comedy album or a little of both? Short radio-style interview skits are peppered throughout, wherein Christian radio, lifestyle choices and, well, other things are skewered. Speaking in purely musical terms, the messy “Jesus in the Cheese Whiz” flails and spazzes next to the thump and crunch of “Jesus Christ Supa Fly,” The unhinged hick/gangsta helium vocals (occasionally spelled by the neo-gospel stylings of a female voice which still manages to keep the record on-message) flop atop the beats like a freshly landed fish.

It’s nasty, it’s tasteless, it’s got beats, it’s got some of the freakiest rhymes that will ever assault your ears. Caveat emptor, y’all. Check out 20FNJ at www.neonjesus.com. (D.M. Jones)