Just a Poet with a Soul

Just a Poet with Soul is the debut studio album by American rapper and record producer Def Jef. It was released on November 14, 1989, through Delicious Vinyl. Production was handled by the Dust Brothers, Def Jef himself, and Michael Ross, who also served as executive producer. It features contributions from N'Dea Davenport and Etta James on vocals, Kevin O'Neal on bass, Michael Kory on piano, and Julio G on turntables. The album produced three singles: "Droppin Rhymes on Drums", "Black to the Future" and "Poet with Soul".

Track listing

 * Notes
 * $undefined$ signifies an assistant producer.
 * $undefined$ signifies a co-producer.

Personnel

 * Jeffrey "Def Jef" Fortson – vocals, producer (tracks: 1-7, 10), co-producer (track 9) , sleeve notes
 * Etta James – additional vocals (track 1)
 * Julio "Julio G." Gonzalez – scratches (track 5)
 * N'Dea Davenport – vocals (track 8)
 * Kevin O'Neal – bass (track 9)
 * Michael Kory – piano (track 11)
 * DJ Erick Vaan – assistant producer (track 2)
 * John "King Gizmo" King – producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11), co-producer (track 5)
 * Matt Dike – producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11), co-producer (track 5)
 * Michael "E.Z. Mike" Simpson – producer (tracks: 8, 9, 11), co-producer (track 5)
 * Michael Ross – producer (track 11), executive producer
 * Brian Foxworthy – engineering
 * Mario Caldato Jr. – engineering
 * Darren Mora – additional engineering
 * Salomon Emquies – art direction, photography