Jackboy Goes “Private”
A fixture in Florida’s street rap scene, Haitian-American rapper Jackboy gave a glimpse into his state of mind with I Can’t Do No Wrong, his triumphant and introspective new album. The Pompano Beach native and converted Muslim takes a trip to Saudi Arabia in the video for “Private,” an album highlight. Produced by SFL Xavi, “Private” gives Jackboy a percolating instrumental from which to launch his drawly melodies, as he brags about accumulating the kind of wealth that he couldn’t even fathom as a youngster: the kind of money where you don’t even need to carry a wallet. The video picks up where his recent clip for “Far From Average” left off, following Jack on his trip through the Middle East, this time making a stop in Riyadh, where Jackboy takes time to pray, frequent luxury shops, and learn how to ride a camel.
Spanning 17 tracks, I Can’t Do No Wrong captures Jackboy at a new creative peak: wiser, sharper, and more intentional than ever, bringing snapping flows and soaring melodies to express his every emotion. As described in songs like “In God’s Hands” and in a recent interview with REVOLT’s Big Facts Podcast, Jackboy has changed his life to reflect his new circumstances, converting to Islam and embracing his role as a family man, community leader, and label CEO. The album’s artwork combines the logo of Jackboy’s label, 1804 Records, with the visage of Toussaint L’Ouverture, the revolutionary hero of Haiti, the land of Jackboy’s heritage. Jackboy embraces L’Ouverture as a symbol of constant struggle, who was instrumental in liberating Haiti in 1804, sparking the ire of the European colonial powers.
I Can’t Do No Wrong is home to Jackboy’s recent singles, including the fierce “Hussle Like Nipsey” and “Derek Fisher,” a collaboration with fellow Floridian C Glizzy, and the starkly emotional “Heartbroken.” The album is populated with glistening instrumentals from producers like CBeezeOnDaBeat, who had a hand in over 1/3 of the album’s tracks, with additional contributions from heavy-hitters like frequent Rod Wave collaborator SephGotTheWaves and the Bay Area sound architect ReeceBeats. Jackboy trades country-fried bars with fellow Floridian Jayy Wick on “Gatekeep,” and offers dispatches from his world travels on songs like “Seoul.” I Can’t Do No Wrong is available on all platforms via 1804 Records / EMPIRE.
Though he has generated over 1 billion cross-platform streams, and earned a GOLD certification for 2020’s “Pressure,” Jackboy still feels like he has plenty to prove. I Can’t Do No Wrong re-establishes Jackboy as one of his home state’s most vital emcees.
Credit: Tristan Anderson