J.F.K ft. Mac Miller - 17

Author:: Richard Spadine
Updated:: Feb 12, 2018
Original:: Nov 3, 2010

Artist: JFK
Track: 17
Feat. Mac Miller
Producer: Statik Selektah
Album: Untitled (TBD)

“When I was 17, it was a very good year.” Though the Sinatra cut from which that opening line originated is an indisputable classic, I'm gonna have to stand alongside Boston up-and-comer/first-time featuree J.F.K. in disagreeing with Ol' Blue Eyes. Why? Well, I was just a socially awkward teen, but the Showoff signee has a deeper rationale – as he explains on his latest single, he spent his 17th year behind bars. Here, a sampled beat by Statik Selektah (who incorporates elements from Sinatra's joint as well as Slick Rick's Children's Story) as the headliner takes a look back, describing how a brush with the law brought his childhood to a premature end. East Coast buzzmaker Mac Miller's story couldn't be more different; on the record's second half, the Pittsburgh native details the day-to-day activities of his suburban life – y'know, hanging at the deli, chasing after older women, and the like. The contrast makes for a bittersweet listen, but provides plenty of food for thought. 17 is available now on iTunes, and fans can keep it locked for the latest on J.F.K.'s forthcoming full-length, which has yet to receive a solid release date.