Representing Colorado, the MC/producer known as Mr. J. Medeiros is part of the three-man crew, the Procussions, whose 2006 release, FIVE SPARROWS FOR TWO CENTS, hailed the return of Rawkus Records. On his solo debut, OF GODS AND GIRLS, J. explores darker lyrical territory, speaking on such diverse issues as alcoholism ("King of Rock Bottom"), child prostitution ("Constance"), and the trappings of materialism ("Money"). Medeiros makes it work with intelligent wordplay and enough finesse to avoid sermonizing. Production comes courtesy of Illmind, Stro the 89th Key, Headnodic, Joe Beats, and Mr. J. Medeiros himself.