Reviews: June 2007 Archives
Today's hip hop generation doesn't want to rock out to the "old cats." But let's keep it real, a little appreciation where it's due won't hurt nobody.
The topic on everyone's lips is the state of hip hop: Where is it going? Is it right to censor it? These are all rhetorical questions, meaning that a roundtable discussion can go on without any predictable ending. Still, one thing is certain, hip hop has left the nest and the parents are suffering the symptoms of empty nest syndrome. In come artists like Big Shug, member of Gang Starr, the super duo consisting of Guru and later instilling the legendary DJ Premier.
Is this project a direct action reacting to Empty Nest syndrome? Probably. Regardless, Big Shug is ready to put the past right where it belongs; behind him. Out this summer is Big Shug's album, Streetchamp, uses the age old formula that has worked for him before: yes, that means he teams up with colleague DJ Premier.
The beats are incredible, his flow is lazy. Not that it's a bad thing; it's just different from today's hip hop where artists are much more animated.
One would think that DJ Premier would be the star producer on this joint, but ironically Moss steals that spotlight with a few tracks that have great production like "What You Gonna Do."
Summing up the album, lets just say that I miss Guru's raspy voice on this album.
The power of Georgia is back with PSC and the introduction of the latest member - JR Get Money.
If your flavor is down south then this mixtape is definitely your cup of tea. There is some definite fire on this drop and it's to no surprise with over 30 hot tracks.
One of the funniest goes to Mac Boney's - "F**king DJ Skit". You know how it iz.
I don't care what anyone says...when Dirty Harry drops a mixtape you listen. He's the E.F Hutton of mixtapes. You can listen to the mixtape three times back to back to back and that fourth time you will hear some shit that you didn't hear before...that's called taking the time to truely perfect your craft. I've listened to Dirty Harry's first mixtape and I've listened to this mixtape and the one constant between the two is the creativity. The creativity has always been there from day one, he was doing things without the technology of today over 10 years ago that cats still can't do with that new technology right now...that's the mark of a legend.
I've had this project for a minute, even before it dropped and subsequently "leaked" on the internet. (DJs watch these people at the dup spots). I let it run its course so to speak. I've seen comments on message boards, blogs, and even Dat Piff. (laughs) The "art" of a DH project was def lost on some people and that's to be expected. Everything is "new, new, new"...the curse of the exclusive is what we'll call it. To be honest tho, the young "average" mixtape consumer these days is dumb as a bag of rocks. A true product of a overcrowded mixtape environment. I have people that email me from time to time about what mixtapes I think they should cop or what I'm listening to. This one young cat, when I said I was rockin' the new DH, said that he listened to it and it was OK, the colaborations were "nice" but he wouldn't give it much burn. I then told him that the "nice" colaborations were actually all put together and mixed by Dirty Harry. "These are not tracks he downloaded off the internet", I said. His reply was "are you serious?...that's crazy!" Suffice it to say dude went back and listened again and found himself what I like to call a "rare jewel". Now he's emailing me about the DH back catalog...and all it took was a lil schooling.
I'm not giving you mad highlights off this mixtape; its DH for christ sake so you know what to expect. Couple things I'll comment on tho. I know some cats were disapointed to hear a lot of "southern" type blends. I was mildly annoyed with that as well, but I "get it" and I still was rockin' to them regardless. That Intro alone was worth having to listen to Lil Wayne and lets face it, if I have to listen to Lil Wayne I'd prefer to listen to some DH Lil Wayne. If you cop the mixtape for one "blend" let it be for "All We Got Left". That blend alone is a production in and of itself to rival any song out right now. "Cocaine Make Me Better" is that shit, did you peep the subtle Scarface in the backround? Classic DH. That last "Rap Figures" was my shit tho, fuck that...made me want to go choke somebody out.
If it's one thing I would like to see Harry bring to the table more is the R&B. Listening to the early DH joints you def got more of the R&B sprinkled in and considering R&B is really shinning right now I think that would be a better listen as well has fill the void left by the overall lack of quality R&B blends in the game today. This overall project lacked that DH cohesivness, shit was a lil spotty concept wise with the movie clips and with a title like Warlordz it left a lot to the imagination. Thing is tho, I take what I can get and right now ANY DH mixtape is a welcome addition to the game. Can't wait to hear the next one.
Welcome Dre Robinson to the Rapmullet review section. Just so cats is clear the CD is hosted by DJ Radio and mixed by Nelly Protols...gotta let the DJs that credit too. For those that don't know Dre Robinson has been shinning for a minute out in Boston. Cats getting spins with Gee Spin on Jamn 94.5, I'm sure he got blasted off on the Launch Pad although I don't know if they still do that shit. The Buzz on Dre Robinson has been and is still real heavy; he's continuing to build that fan base while he prepares that debut album on Polly More Music Group. (www.pollymoremusic.com)
What's crazy about "This Is That (Oh My God)" is that once you hear it you know without a fraction of a doubt that Dre Robinson is a verbal weapon. It makes it a hard act to follow in my eyes because the track had it all: punch lines, energy, delivery, proper diction, and that classic Boston "I will beat the shit out of you" style...classic do dirt theme music. You could even say the same shit about "Run For Cover", that shit got Dre sounding borderline angry but he's def a focused MC. "Game Over" is that mixtape music I'm always looking for, to bad Mr. Robinson outshined everyone on that freestyle with ease batting clean-up. I know people are giving cats a hard time about reaching outside their region, especially to the south, but "Grain Grippa (remix)" was type fly. Shout to Cory Mo on the beat too. "Ghetto Mistress" with Remy Ma got a thick ass guitar sample in the beat. Mr. Robinson showing a lil versatility on here as well although that hook needed some work. Always good to see Murda Mass MCs working with each other, "Damage Is Done" got Ed Rock and Dre Robinson trading verses...this is that feel good music just like Radio said on the ad libs. Mad collaboration tracks at the end of the project. Colabo's are cool but I would have liked to hear Mr. Robinson go solo with some more introspective material, give the people that music they can relate to.
The sorry state of the major label business model is a welcome thing for indie artist like Dre Robinson. It should be interesting to see how his label handles the debut album; what avenues they choose to use to promote and get his music to the masses. He's been on the right path so far, building that fan base consistently over the years, doing quality shows ect. The money is still out there you just gotta give the consumer a reason to spend it. With all the talent out in Boston and the surrounding areas and the shift in the music industry for Hip Hop it's only a matter of time before the curse of the Boston MC is broken.
This was an important mixtape right here. Not so much for the music but for the morale of the mixtape game. I know the whole ordeal isn't over yet but I think we can all agree Drama has handled it extremely well. Through adversity can come great things and that's what I'm expecting from The Aphiliates. What impressed me the most was Drama on the intro..."I pledge allegiance to feed the streets for the rest of my life." Damn, that's a real statement right there and it's coming from the man that actually got caught up in that "situation"...all you other DJs who ran and hid must feel like a bunch of idiots. Too many fair weather mixtape cats out there messing up the game for the ones who really truely love this shit...like Drama.
Willie The Kid commanding that top spot on the mixtape like the lyrically superstar that he is. "Cockin' Them Thangs" is cool as a fan and that line..."hoes fighting all the time / tities fall out bra's"...had me rolling. That's the only reason to watch two chics fight, hopes that a titie falls out their shirt and by some miralce the chics start making out and the lesbo scene jumps off. WTK laced "Fully Loaded" too on that true school mixtape shit; the metaphors are flowing with ease from dude and that jab at Lil Stain was classic.
I'm def diggin' the mixtape interlude "Gangsta Grillz - The Movie". This is that shit that adds character to your mixtape and lets you take jabs at the any and everyone while keeping the shit all jokes. Those of you who read Rapmullet on the regular heard Doo Wop on "2 of Americas Most Wanted" but for those of you who didn't open your damn ears and see how a true "concept" track is made. One of the best tracks of the year so far.
Playaz Circle on "Duffle Bag Boys" got that crazy vibe to it and it sounds oh so good in the ride too. I'm fuckin with Gucci Mane on "Zone 6" too, cats got the Atlanta streets behind them like an army...you gotta respect that shit. The sleeper track of the whole CD is La The Darkman on "Keep On Talkin"; instant rewind in my ride with this one. This is that shoot up the police station music right here. The bass on "Gorilla Pimp" got my sub woofers doing jumping jacks in the back of my ride too. Don't sleep on Remo either with "I Bang".
I'm sick of cats saying mixtapes aint got nothing new on them, we we're saying that shit back in 2003, where the fuck were you? Oh yea that's right you didn't start listening to mixtapes till 2006 fucking new jack bangwagon ass nut huggers. It ain't about new it's about quality and exclusivity (is that a word?). Exclusive in the DJ Sense of the word that ain't nobody have the music before you. Drama is giving you that on here with WTK, LA, WOP and a couple others and for good measure he added a couple cuts, showed some skill and talked that shit like only he can do. Be happy, the sun is shinning a little brighter on this game right now...thanks Drama.
Is it possible for mixtape djs to go hollywood? It is, although I don't see Diggz doing that anytime soon cause the music selection on here is pretty much the same formula with a couple of exceptions. I would call out the Lil Wayne section on here but fuck it Diggz plays what he likes and he obviously likes that shit (although wack) so it is what it is but honestly those joints had no place on this CD...just gotta call it like I see it.
"NWA 2K7" is a wack ass title for a song but the song itself is crazy. Maino, Uncle Murder, Cassidy went in on this shit like fat doods on some free fast food. (aliteration people you gotta love it) What the fuck is "From The Ghetto" doing on here? This song is soft as hell. I thought this was a Diggz/Rated R mixtape instead we're getting "exclusive" filler from the net. If I wanted to hear this song I would have listened to DJ (insert any DJ who drops a mixtape every week on canal). I want that hot boiled crack poured in my ears not fluff-a-nutter with a glass of apple juice! Sheek with "2 Turntables & A Mic" was a good come back. At least Sheek holding down D-Block on that street shit. Max B over that "Luchini" joint was straight...can't go wrong with a classic beat tho. If you ain't fucking with "Fresh" then you're a lame. Ru Spits, SAS, Remo and Stack Bundles (RIP)...come on man, this track is NYC with a dash of the UK...classic. "Family" was a cool track, I thought with all that talent on there it could have been better...def sounded like it deserved the last slot on Fabs new album. Beanie Sigel came wack on "Philly Clubbin", shit was fluff. As for Philly MCs on this CD it was all Cassidy. "Retarded" is that mixtape music, we needed more of this on this project. I like what Mazaradi Fox is bringing to the table these days, he got Ru Spits on that "Freestyle" too. Ignorant music personfied and it sounds good as hell too! Nature is still slept on after all these years man. "The Sermon" got bars in it, props to Diggz for giving Nature that proper shine. I'll admit Canibus can rhyme but his diction on the MIC is boring and I def wasn't impressed with "Liquid Words". "See though your feces with telekinesis"??? Naw man.
I'd say this mixtape had some "potent" moments but as a whole the product was just "cool". Rated R o'ding on the talking a lil too, one to many shout outs for my taste. I always say the "exclusive" joints ride with the music out at the time and early with joints like "From The Ghetto" and Styles BET joint" Make Me Better" was soft like pillow...not what cats are used to from a Diggz/Rated R joint in my opinion. I still give cats props for finding those rare jewels like Nature and even Showtime who is hella slept in his own right. It's officially about to be summer after this week so I know cats like Diggz will be diggin' a little deeper for that good music that will be leaving outlines in the concrete.
Welcome DJ Wristpect to the Rapmullet.com review section. I'm def diggin' the fact DJs are continuing to really developing some dope mixtape concepts. This is Vol. 2 of "Bridgin The Gap". Vol. 1 was Toronto to NYC hosted by Grafh and this time out Wristpect is building that bridge to the Chi with Naledge hosting. We are def going to get into the formula of the mixtape some more, the skills ect but to be honest this project right here is what mixtapes are truely all about...broken down to the very last compound.
I don't know how many of ya'll heard "Go Ill" by Kidz In The Hall but the shit is literally "ill". I can def relate to the music man, cats just lyrically putting it all on the line...I like that shit. One thing you will notice about this project is that damn near every artist that gets a track played up on here intros their joints and thats one aspect where DJ Wristpect is setting himself apart from the mixtape pack. Its all about the relationship with the artist who in turn blesses you with the music and supports what the DJ is trying to do...that mutual give and take type thing. I've been fucking with Rashid Hadee from Chapter 13 for a minute now. I don't get to hear that much new music these days out the camp but cats like Mr Hadee don't come around too often with not only the bars but hitting the beats too. The converstational flow is the shit on "Surrender", dude got like a real mellow intensity on the MIC. Naledge hit you with that rewind track with "Clothes, Hoes, and Liquor". I'm telling you people longevity in hip hop is all about releating to the artist and Naledge stays building his fan base. Rich London with "Magazine Memories" was some slick shit; same can be said for Promise with "Listen". The project def had it's share of sleeper MCs. Daetona on that "Two Worlds Freestyle" was flipping words like crazy keeping that flow consistient. Miles Jones flipped some smooth shit with "Good Morning Sunsine"...def some feel good music for the soul.
You know how with some "pause" tapes after you listen front to back one time you get a vibe like you might actually be dumber or you just killed some brain cells off the ignorance. I'm all for ignorance, it's entertaining when done right by those who were built to make that type of music and it adds balance. I'm not gonna say I was smarter after listening to this mixtape a few times back to back but I was in a hell of good mood and quite introsepective after the fact. Add to the fact that DJ Wristpect is actually mixing and you got one hell of mixtape. Download the mixtape here and check the vibe and see if I'm lying.
How many of ya'll used to slang? Don't front you know you were slangin' something; whether it was weed, guns, t-shirts, CDs, cigarettes, women or cars. We all know what Chuck T is slangin' right? Down South man, he slangin' that down south. You know who else is trying to slang' that down south? A whole lot of NYC mixtape cats and they need to stop! Cats is flip flopping like a presidential canadate who just got a big check in the mail. See the thing is if the South wasn't poppin' like it is and NYC was back ruling the game you know what Chuck T would be slangin'? He would still be slangin' that Down South cause that's what cats are all about. No flip flop, just a genuine love for their regions music and a desire to let cats get heard.
The old boy Trae is hosting so you know he gonna a couple "oh shit" tracks on here. It was Brandon D on the intro tho that set shit on fire with that freestyle. There ain't nothing like a custom made intro freestyle to set off a mixtape. Getting back to Trae tho, "Throwaway" got that energy that cats fiend for. I can't really fuck with Yung Joc too tough but Gorilla Zoe murdered this beat. "Check It Out" with damn near the whole Swisha House on it got me on that feel good music. I'm not really checking out Swisha House on some lyrics but they churn out that feel good music for your ride like its nothing. Plus I ain't heard this track on nothing else either which is a good thing...means cats is getting that exclusive shit. I know cats are fucking with it but "Brown Paper Bag" doesn't really move me...one too many MCs on here if you ask me. Trae bringing that true mixtape music to the table with "Rockin". The flow on the second verse is crazy like cat shit man, Trae is a beast! Don't sleep on Spark Dawg with "Dial Tone", dude can make an anthems with ease. "Take That" was the pefect exit to the CD cause it left you wanting to hear more Trae and that's how it should be mixtape wise helping to build that anticipation.
Why do you think Chuck T is winning right now and all the doubters got put in their place? Consistiency people. Chuck not only drops consistiently good product he's a student of the game. He's got a plan and he's executing it. If you got no plan then you're just dropping mixtape for the hell of it. Chuck has developed a couple key mixtape concepts/series that not only continue to push his name but the names of others in his region that need to be heard. That right there people is called Down South Slangin'.
Who doesn't dig the title of this CD? If you don't already know about Bango then you're asleep zzzz...wake the fuck up! . As for Ketch Phraze I don't thing cats are ready. These two MCs flip words like IHOP flips pancakes. The other thing is the beats. DJ Exclusive got an ear for this shit man which is rare for an A&R in 2007. Industry dudes now a days are too worried about looking pretty at industry events trying to sell dreams. Cats need join us down here in the dirt, listen to some good music and get fucked up. DJ Exclusive is down here but where is everyone else?
Once you hear Rude Jude on the intro say he jerks off to crack heads getting banged out you know you're in for something next level. "Let It Out" was straight, def a polished track but the shit that got my attention was "The Future". That vibe of that beat is ill, some true to life block music. Ketch Phraze said:"I go beyond the head of the critics / they call me the future". I got a couple favorite tracks on here and "Hey You" is one of them. "I got a neighbor built like Buick LeSabre / ass is so fat it's like her back's in labor." Hahahahaha, see thats the type of humor you find on here but cats are stringing bars together so well you have to admire the MIC skills...and that hook too. "One" is another track to vibe too. Not only is that a crazy vocal sample right there but cats switched gears on the flow too...Ketch Phraze ate that shit up. "Let Em Bang" is that pure mixtape music, that shit to make you run over small animals in your ride. The versatility doesn't stop..."Things Ain't The Same" is that slow flow, slow hook etc, all while Bango and Ketch Phraze get introspective. If there was one song that I aint' really fuck with it was "When You Hear That Sound". The rhyme was cool but the hook was just flat like flip flops on fat bitches. Rude Jude said and I quote: "I ate a bitch out on her period just met her that night...mouth taste like a fist full of penny's". Hahahahahahahahhahahahahah. I like how they rep'd on "The Mitten Comes First" showing respect to the surrounding areas in Michigan. That all goes back to lockin' down your region.
If you like listening to straight bangin' ass, funny ass, introspective raw hip hop music then this is the CD for you dick head. DJ Exclusive with his ear on the beats, Bango and Ketch Phraze with the words, the flow, the humor and Rude Jude going to pick up hookers..how bad can the CD be? No bullshit tho Bango and Ketch Phraze got bars and the presence to truly be the future of this shit.
I see the "mash up" debate was in rare form this week on the internet. It's just a phrase but for those of you who want to know where I stand just look at what review section you're reading this in and then you'll know. To BLEND musical genres or anything musical for that matter takes skill and lots of it. When I think "mash up" I think of just throwing two different types of music together...hence the MASH. Does it take skill to MASH a potato? Hell no, any non paraplegic can mash a potato. Does it take skill to make an eleven course meal? Most def, and thats what each and every DJ on this project is serving up. The blend/mash up season is heating up.
Welcome to Chez Rapmullet...DJ Crazy Chris, DJ Swindle, Frank Lyon, Dub Floyd, DJ Unexpected, Chong Wizard and Ro Data...are our featured chefs that will be serving you a seven course meal today.
DJ Crazy Chris supplies the appetizer. Kool & The Gangstarr is the concept. I'm expecting some funky monotone on this section. Funky for Kool & The Gang and monotone for well you no Guru from Gangstarr. Something about "Dwyck" was just working for me. Guru's flow over these beats was lethal. I listened to this blend like 8 times back to back cause when the second beat comes in and the horns drop you're like "oh shit!"
DJ Swindle and Frank Lyon serve up the soup and salad...and by salad I mean that greenery people. Snoop and Curtis Mayfield just fit...like fat bitches and cup cakes, peanut butter and jelly. "G'd Up" got that dirty funk to it, like you been wearing the same draws for a couple days but you can still pull a bitch with ease. I got the actual instrumental to "Eddie You Should Know Better" too. Cats should've holler'd!
DJ Dub Floyd serving up the cat fish old school style with Leaders of the New School of Rock. Busta got a flow that should mesh well with any genre of music so Dub got a quality ingredient in that respect. "Touch of the Tiger" is fitting for Busta's flow of that track and Dub rides the highs and lows to perfection. Busta's ad libs on "What's It Gonna Smell Like? Teen Spirit?" were hilarious. I fucks with Nirvana so I can safely say Dub did them and Busta justice.
DJ Unexpected is serving up the meat and potato's, that shit to fill you up (no homo). I knew Unexpected was gonna go all out with the 80's joints but using Men Without Hats borders on musical mixtape genius. 8 to 5 someone tries to flip that sample he was using from "Saftey Dance". Speaking of "dance"..."It's a Coolie Dane Thing" should get at least half the free world dancing. Whoa, talk about some classic mixing.
DJ Chong Wizard and Ro-Data serve up BB King and UGK as the coffe and desert. Don't get it twisted tho cause aint' nothing sweat about this section. "The Trill Is Gone" people, not really tho but this is that head nod. The soul in the beats is undeniable, especially with "One Morning". Chong and Ro went in on the production. This is def how you want to end you meal.
It's just really good to see DJs working together man, letting the skills breathe and pushing the envelope of creativity. You may no like every single blend or mash up on here but I guarantee you find something you like and you will not hear it anywhere else in the world. And with that said...check please.
It's Mutha Fuckin' Ron O'Neil people, I'm back up in the Rapmullet Mixtape Movement bitches and snitches. Dimez and Chew thanks for leaving the door open, I'm 'bout to kick that shit wide open and put these cave bitch fucking DJs in their place.
For those that care or even if you don't care, I was away on an up North Trip. It's nothing but a chicken wing on a string, right? OK, more like soap on a rope; nothing nice about the penitentiary at all. I had Chew send me all four CDs from Teknikz' Georgia Power series so I could get caught up and do this shit proper like. Considering the title and fresh off listening to all the CDs its safe to say DJ Teknikz is making "power" moves, excuse me if I'm late to the party.
It's easy to see why T.I. is the king of the South. Yea, I said it: KING OF THE SOUTH. I'm looking at the latest mixtape releases for the South and this is the only mixtape I see truly reppin' for Grand Hustle right now. Where Drama at? Teknikz is knocking on that door man. Thing is, will they let him in or will he have to break the door down? While we're talking T.I., FELL OFF is the anthem for your ride. This track is smooth and got me ridding tough in the Cutlass. If you're not making anthems in 2007 then you will not survive 2007.
You know what compliments an anthem? Infectious beats with an even sicker hook. THAT'S RIGHT by Big Kuntry and T.I. has all those elements. I can't say I was ever familiar with Big Kuntry but I'm familiar with him now. What's even more impressive is the fact T.I and Grand Hustle have quality MCs on the roster and not some D list rappers from around the way who specialize in weed and gun carrying. Grand Hustle is one of the few "rapper" labels that have their shit together.
What do Cindy Lauper, Madonna, Britney Spears, Martha Stuart, Brooke Shields, Lindsay Lohan, Lucy, Paris Hilton, Sharon Stone, and Betty White have in common? They're all being compared to coke in Big Kuntry's version of BRITNEY SPEARS. I would have called the song CAVE BITCHES personally. Cave Bitches are only good for a couple things: transporting that white, sucking dick and for slapping around. It is a harsh reality for the white girl. Betty White can still get it.
This kid J.R. is bringing some energy to the table on PRIME TIME. I'm telling you man, Grand Hustle if on their game with the talent. It wouldn't be a Grand Hustle party without Mac Boney too. His freestyle was that gangsta shit personified while his skits added some comical flavor to the project.
I didn't hear as much Dj skills as I thought I would but in all honesty the shit wasn't necessary. The CD is a perfect representation of Grand Hustle in 2007. Teknikz got an ear for this shit 'fo real, I'm not even gonna front on him. The southern market for Djs right now is a little crowded so as long as Teknikz keeps swinging his elbows with projects like this his spot will be solidified for the years to come.
One of hip hop's rising stars, BloodRaw has teamed with down south's hottest DJ; DJ Chuck T. It's been a long road for this Florida native who after six years of incarceration decided to persue his dream as a rapper; and with skills to spare he is leaving his mark all over the place. Bloodraw is now signed to Young Jeezy's CTE (Corporate Thugz Entertainment) Records.
Combine BloodRaw's gifted lyricism with one of the top mixtape pushers DJ Chuck T (a former rapper with an eye for what's hot) and you got....not a mixtape but an underground album - Triple Beam Dreams.
The project was brought together through their manager C. Wakeley, and after months of grinding in the studio the talented duo has produced Triple Beam Dreams and is ready to bless the streets with guest appearance from Jeezy and Slick Pulla.
Packed with twenty-two innovative tracks this album is slated to become a classic.
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