John Wells: The Apprehension of John Wells

Less funerals and more birthdays.

If you follow John Wells on any social platform, known as Lucky by his closest friends, family, and fans, you are probably familiar with this mantra. Wells is a Baltimore native, and he is certainly proud of that. His Baltimore upbringing can be heard in the intricate stories he tells, but also by his thick accent. An accent I personally love. I would be remiss if I didn’t emphasize that Baltimore is not a part of the DMV (I got ya, John).

Wells has released three albums and multiple EPs and singles since 2020. He has the type of voice that excels over Griselda-inspired production that commands you to listen. His voice is relaxed, yet you hang on to every syllable as he dices through clever lines while painting a story that can bring you to tears. 

I’ve been a fan of Wells for a while. I love how he consistently interacts with fans on Twitter while spreading his mantra, as stated above. I was glued to a six-minute video he posted the other day in which he raps from his father’s perspective before his eventual passing, which reminded me, “shit, he dropped an album.” So, without further backstory, here is my review of The Apprehension of John Wells. 

“The Fent”

(Insert Lil Wayne “oooooo” meme). Wow, what a beat to start this album. “The best days could be the worst days if you let them be.” A very poignant statement that helps introduce one of the album’s central themes: we are in control of how we react to pain. I’ll touch on this later in the review, but this is one of the few songs on the project with a chorus, and it’s a really amazing one. Wells is a poetic man who rides this beat as steadily as one can. He discusses the many people in his life that have passed away in the last year and his desire always to remain connected to his roots. This was an incredible intro song. 

“Grape”

Yeah, this is some smooth Griselda-sounding stuff. Wells’s voice is so relaxed but so commanding of your attention. The songs on this album are mostly short, under two minutes, but full of raps from start to finish. “I talk my shit with gold inside my mouth.” Damn, I love this man. I don’t have many critiques throughout this project, but one would be the need for a chorus and a stronger structure, as I mentioned above. This song is beautiful, and I could’ve heard Wells on this beat for a little longer. I’m sorry; I’m selfish.

“Y’all Some Whores”

This track functions as a nice interlude. Wells uses some great wordplay utilizing the word “Baltimore.” This one feels more like spoken word poetry than a song, and I mean that as a compliment. Some rappers are big punchline guys like a Big L, but I see Wells as more of a poet you have to dissect, like a Kendrick Lamar.

“Spot A Rat”

The transition from “Y’all Some Whores” into this gave me that stank face that we live for in hip-hop. Wells says earlier on this project that he is picky with beats. John, please continue being picky because you really know how to pick ’em. This song sounds like something you play with the windows down when the weather is finally getting better in spring. This is a song that would’ve benefitted from a chorus and more structure.

“Out Essex

This is one of the more underwhelming beats on the project, but Wells makes sure to come in with a great flow that’ll make you stick around. I feel this song could’ve benefitted from having female vocals. Especially at the end when John repeats the phrase that he is “really tryna’ get somewhere.”

“Jane”

This song feels like another interlude as it comes in at under a minute in length. I don’t have much to say about this song specifically besides it is another great beat and story from Wells, who can really help you envision the picture he is painting.

“You Must Love Me”

This beat is beautiful with the piano and soulful sample. Wells’s voice is as mellow as can be on this track, but something about his accent always keeps my ears perked up. On this track, Wells discusses the separation that was created in his relationship due to the abuse of drugs and how that abuse can change who that person really is. This song’s tone sounds melancholy, but Well’s writing is optimistic that the people around him can get better and that he’ll always treat them the same way he always has. The chorus on this one has a more profound impact each time it’s repeated.

“No Drugs In Heaven”

If the production choices on this album put you in a trance, open your ears for this one. If you’re a fan of storytelling, this is the track for you. As I said at the beginning of this review, I saw the video below at 5 a.m. on my Twitter feed and sat there crying until the end. Well’s ability to rap from his dad’s perspective as he details his rough upbringing and drug addiction problems is something I’ve never seen.

His vulnerability in sharing this personal story is so touching. This song helps us understand the man we’ve been listening to in the previous seven songs. It gives us a deeper idea of why he is who he is and the love he feels for his family and his city. Also, his ability to rap this entire song on video for six minutes is an extremely underrated skill.

“Tropicana”

This beat sounds triumphant as Wells’s voice brings back the energy for the closing track. Wells has big plans for his future as he predicts where his career and relationships will go from here. “I gotta live like a king, my daddy died with a box of clothes.” Wells makes sure to remark that this statement is literal. Wells has learned from the many people that have molded him his entire life in Baltimore. He knows his worth, and he won’t settle for less. Wells ends the album with a beat change and an honest discussion with the listener about what his dad taught him about overcoming pain.

Closing Thoughts

Wells summarizes the album’s major theme on the last track when he remarks how his dad would say that “pain is a sensation. Like, it’s not real.” My brother taught me something similar at a young age when he would tell me that “pain is mental.” Wells has used this saying as a catalyst for overcoming the recent losses in his life. Wells is a true poet, and these songs show his current mental state.

Although there is some need for more choruses and structure, Wells is a captivating author with a unique storytelling style. In this stage of my life, I have recently struggled with the nagging thoughts of death, so this album felt like a timely listen for me as Wells encourages the listener that they are in control of how they react to the many obstacles surrounding them.

LFMB.