Alliteration for an Illiterate Nation is a collaborative effort by J.O. and Mikavillain. It focuses primarily on themes of self-expression and self-reflection, while also paying close attention to their respective evolutions as rappers. Additionally several songs work to make political statements and/or hopefully allow the listener to re-evaluate their perspectives on society.

Alliteration for an Illiterate Nation

The main theme of this project, and the thing I had to tell myself over and over while putting it together, is that “self-expression is a form of self-empowerment.” It is, obviously, unsettling to broadcast your vulnerability, but it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It can bring some important ideas to light. I started writing this during a particularly dark moment in my life, but by putting that darkness into writing and that writing onto beats I began to reaffirm my sense of self. Process and progress often go hand in hand. This case of the blues seems to end on a note of agency and freedom, which is reflected primarily in the second half of the EP. 
 
I would like to give a shout out to DJ Bozzie, my master engineer. I would also like to thank Meesha and Physical Therapy who contributed spectacular instrumentals. As always, thank you for listening! And, of course, feedback is welcome.


Amsterdam Blues

Poets and Prophets

Wild Thing

Pick Up The Mic

Retrograde (prod. DJ Bozzie)

The Cycle (prod. DJ Bozzie)

If Only… (prod. Physical Therapy)

It's You (prod. Meesha)

06 Revival (prod. By Padreick)

05 Ruckus (prod. By Flamingosis)

04 Light (prod. By Flamingosis)

03 Tune Up (prod. By Meesha)

02 Call And Response (feat. Alex Berenson, Prod. By Meesha)

01 Intro

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01 Look Around

02 Expressions

03 Mastermind

04 Billy

05 Two Rappers Slain

My name is Joe and I go by the stagename M.C.J.O. Rap - and more broadly poetry - has always been an interest of mine, but recently the desire to create music and develop my skill set has become entirely consuming. For me, writing raps is not just the chance to express myself or prove myself, it is the very process of figuring out how I feel and reflecting on that feeling. Through sharing this music I hope to cause others to reflect in a critical and meaningful way. 

M.C.J.O.

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