Keeping up with Verbatum Jones.

Text by Aneesah Coley. Top image by Daniel Wooden. Bottom image by Brittney Bowers.

Verbatum Jones, Philly Hip Hop artist and Temple University student, heads to the stage at the “Almost Famous” talent showcase hosted by Temple’s S.O.C.A. Instantly cheers from the crowd fill the Owl Cove on main campus. “Yeah, Verb!” shouts one excited onlooker.

While the DJ tries to find his first beat, Jones gives the crowd a few laughs with a couple of impromptu jokes. He exudes confidence and knows how to work a crowd during what some would call an awkward situation.

Jones, who releases his debut EP, Verb, online today, November 14^th, is a passionate and proud rapper.

“I could give a CD to my mom and dad and not feel odd about it and I know that when they see that, they’re gonna see their son,” he says. “When people hear it, they’re gonna hear Verb. They’re gonna see me. I would give my CD to a pastor.”

The crowd repeats Jones’ mantra, “Everybody eats!” from an encouraging record that implies that when Jones reaches his goals of success, everyone around him who has loved, supported and looked out for him along the way will indeed be taken care of.

“I gotta make sure there’s food on everybody’s plate because people are looking out for me,” he says.

People are up and out of their seats, dancing to Jones’ last song, an energetic tune called “Look Around.” Energy is high and Jones grooves on stage. He eventually playfully runs off stage and gets within the crowd and continues to dance. He takes home the award for best performance. He even runs out of CDs at the event which astonishes him. People appreciate his talent.

Jones says that emotions fueled his energy to create his EP.

“It’s bravery,” he says. “It’s fears. It’s anxiousness. It’s charm.”

Just as movies can bring out multiple emotions in viewers, Jones wants his EP to do the same thing for listeners.

“Movies inspired the sounds,” he continues. “I spend a lot of my time listening to movie scores. When people hear me, I want them to feel like; it’s ok to be worried. It’s ok to be nervous. It’s ok to express yourself and also dance and smile.”

Jones is a socially conscious artist. He believes that current Philly hip hop is strong but is in need of unity.

“We need to get together and make music together and see what we have in common so we can grow as artists and people,” he says. “I’mma make Philadelphia really proud of me.”