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Album reviews.

DJ Danger Mouse & Jemini – Ghetto Pop Life

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DJ Danger Mouse & Jemini - Ghetto Pop LifeFor a while in 2004, Brian “DJ Danger Mouse” Burton’s name was in danger of forever being consigned to one illegal, if highly creative, mashup project that sparked a rainbow of Jay-Z remix albums. However after ’05’s shiny new Gorillaz album wherein Danger Mouse replaced Deltron 3030’s Dan the Automator as producer, an upcoming project with indy rap staple MF Doom and a promised album with southern soulmeister Cee-Lo Green, his future in music is assured. Now let us look at his legacy.

Burton’s first full-length album came in the form of his beats providing the backing for relative-unknown MC Jemini’s energetic verbalizations. The album is equal parts MC and DJ: it wouldn’t have worked without either the rapper’s penchant for making nearly any topic accessible and interesting, or the producer’s uncanny ability to take enthralling and innovative melodies, killer drum patterns and throbbing basslines and fold them into neat little oragami.

It sounds good throughout, from pumped gladiatorial anthems like Medieval to the incredulous anti-war sentiments of Bush Boys. Danger Mouse’s beats never fail to show off his talent for fluidly shifting form and formula, keeping the listener focused on the track while Jemini makes even the most cliché’d rap-related topics (clubbing for women) sound like the script to Miller’s Crossing or equally cleverly scripted great movie. A true triumph in the face of seasoned veterans’ more awkward crossover attempts since (including Cypress Hill’s What’s Your Name and Kweli’s Lonely People).

Overall, this album is amazingly good at being everything but hip-hop while being pure and true hip-hop at the same time. Dynamic drums and bass, mindwarping melodies taken in principal from other genres, here morphed into something that fits quite comfortably into the Real Rap Head’s Guide to the Musical Universe.

Buy it. Spin it. 4.5/5.

Bizarre – Hanni Cap Circus

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Bizarre - Hanni Cap CircusAfter Eminem was signed to Aftermath he brought in his Friends as a group on his second album Marshall Mathers LP. They were liked by the mainstream in masses. I feel two of them shined out more and for two different reasons. Proof a very gifted mc which had his skill recognized earlier by magazine such as Source etc and was earlier Eminems hypeman. Bizarre was spotted for his “funny” lyrics and weird preferences which the mainstream went mad for.

With the new single called “Rockstar” it is recognizable as an Eminem production with the same old sound. The song should be titled My band part 2 as he raps about the same topics and even some of the same lyrics The lyrics are about him being famous, going solo and placing him as a rockstar and the wild antics rock stars would get upto. This will sell loads and get the mainstream even more in on his side. Another thing to get on the mainstream side is his featuring slots with so many it shouldn’t be called a solo. Most of these are from D-12. “Hip-hop” featuring the famous Eminem. The beat is alright and I’m guessing Eminem produced this as well as they use that squeky voice effect Eminem seems to be in love with for the hook. They both speak about how hip hop has effect their lifes but more to the point Eminem really impresses me with his verse and easily outshines Mr. Bizarre on his own track and when you really think about it that isn’t hard. Eminem verse begin with asking why and how gun has been affiliated with Hip-hop and spirals into about Eminem believing it and what he did to get a gun and to the time he was arrest when beefing with the ICP. A nice storytelling track where unlike most Bizarre speaks about something worth listening to. “Doctor Doctor”featuring Obie Trice, again this is an alright beat wise and alright lyric wise where Obie and Bizarre spits a story track where they go to the clinic to see what’s wrong. His crew D12 appear later in the ender called “Nuthin At All” where the moral is they don’t give a ***** who they offend or what they do. They do their usual thing where they take shots at everyone including Hip-hop legend “Flava flav”. Proof comes off the best. The beat is alright too. Another flaw is the hook which is sung by Mr. Porter oh why does he do it?? Another track featuring one of the D-12 members is “Coming Home” where Kuniva and Bizarre speaks about their kids over some nice guitars. This is fresh air as his not very serious. Another one is “Ghetto Music” where Swifty, Stic. man and Kind Gordy where they speak about Weed over a quite funky beat. I’m surprised with Stic.man involvement and also Devin’s and Big Boi’s on “Porno *****es”. This is the better one out of the two which has the same topic. The other one quite like this is “Gospel Weed Song” . The only difference is his trying to give a praise the weed feeling with gospel.

There is alot of same topics which is the biggest flaw in this CD. Most are either Part 2 or Bizarre version like I said about Rockstar. “Bad Day” springs to mind over a similar beat of Cube’s Good day where he “cleverly” change words to change topic of Cubes to the opposite topic. I’m surprised it taken this long to do. It’s fun to listen to. “One Chance” is like Bizarre’s version of Eminem lose yourself even the hook reminds me of Eminem’s song. The topic is pretty much the same as Eminem misplacing certain facts with Bizarre’s struggle in hip-hop. “Let the record skip”has the part from Under the influence as the hook. On this he does his weird thing and is very like “***** your life” 

Like most Shady/Aftermath/G-unit affiliated record is that there is some good production on this record. There is average and also I think two terrible beats. The worse has to be “I’m in luv withchu” overall has to one of the worse overall songs I’ve ever heard.

Overall this gets a 1.5.

Bad/Gimmicky lyrics, some alright and terrible production and repetitive topics stop this from getting anywhere near a 5. I respect his style that someone has to entertain the kids and get more kids into hip-hop at a younger age but unless you have a sense of humour of a 10 yr old you wont really find this entertaining. This album is made for the mainstream

I don’t recommend this unless you like this and are very mainstream. Wait until proofs or don’t buy it.

Ras Kass – Van Gogh

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Rass Kass - Van GoghThe first time I heard Ras Kass was, I believe, on the revolutionary track Nature of the Threat. However the song Van Gogh, along with the Diamond D remix of Soul on Ice, is what actually drew me into Ras and got me to start considering him as one of the best, boldest and most original rap artists the game had seen to that point or since. The album Van Gogh itself is spotty, but shows flashes of brilliance similar to that of its title track.

While Ras Kass’ beat selections are frequently quoted as his greatest failing, here they don’t affect his skill at all. Similar to a 36-Chambers era Wu-Tang or Gang Starr around the time of No More Mr. Nice Guy, Van Gogh’s simplistic but atmospheric beats are simply there to provide a backing for Ras’ lyrical acrobatics, not to distract from them. Except for where they get repetitive after a while, and tend to sound the same, there’s nothing inherently wrong with most of the instrumentals.

Kazzy doesn’t move far from his usual I’m-hot-you’re-not routine often; most of the few subject-oriented tracks come around the second half of the album. It’s somewhat disappointing to see Razzy cover such bland and overdone topics as *****ing on Sex and money, hoes and clothes on Ah Ha; he does make a quick recovery, speaking on riches, murder and misoginy in Root of Evil. However it rings hollow given the previous cuts.

The album finishes off strong, with Van Gogh–possibly the best, definitely one of the best joints on the album–followed by TV Guide (a dark-themed breakdown of the racism of TV) and the final track Home Sweet Home. This last one, puzzlingly, is the full track Razzy made using the Alchemist beat they fought over (which became Jada’s We Gon’ Make It), but a good track it is, and only makes me hope Ras and Al make up sometime in the future and hook up again.

Overall, if accompanied by anthing but Kass’s undeniable verbal talent, this album would never have seen the light of day (not that it did anyway, but that would be for different reasons). It still sports its share of great tracks, but unfortunately they make up around half the album in total. 3.5/5.

Cypress Hill – Black Sunday

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Cypress Hill - Black SundayAlright Cypress Hill has made themselves famous by talking about getting stoned. about 70% of their songs are about it. I picked up this album a very long time ago when i only just about heard of them being a beginner in rap. They were the first famous latino Hip-hoppers. this was their second album.

 

1. I Wanna Get high 

To begin with this song reminds me of sirens you hear in movies when enemy intercepts the enemy place. The drums and nice bass hits and makes this quite a nice quite slow beat. Then B-real delivers a very simple yet catchy hook.The first thing you notice is his voice is very nasal and unique compared to anyone else. He flows well but it aint that hard for a beat like that but thats not a bad thing tho. If you havent guessed what it is about yet put down the Cd!

2. I ain’t going out ike that 

I feel the intro is way to long but after a while the beat hits you. Made of a drum loop, nice bass and some screeching type of thing, It’s great and originality. They flows really well to a uptempo beat. Again the hook is really catchy, Like the last one if you haven’t guessed what the lyrics are about then put this Cd down!

3. Insane in the brain 

This is their most famous song ever, i think everyone intrested in hip hop has heard it. To begin with it has some latino dude saying something which made me smile. The beat, like most of these songs are new sounding due to the latino involement,near the end it changes a little. The hook is catchy as hell but cna be seen as annoying. They flow really well. The lyrics are what i believe them going crazy over cops taking their stuff.

4. When the shit goes down 

This track has a real cam and mellow. This is B-real by himself, The hook is alright on this one.B-real flows well. The lyrics are really about how ‘loco’ they are you better always be ready.

5.Lick a shot 

This is great. to begin with we hear a really nice bass and skreiking type of effect,but then this very uptempo drum loop is added and makes this even better. B-real flows very well . No hook really. Again the title really gives away the topic.

6. ***** the hammer 

A nicely produced track again. The Bass and the drums fitted nicely together what catches my ears on this track. The track is really quite simple. The 1st verse isnt really flowed that well. He does take an approach at saying how he going to sort out his enemy like his weed. Then this bloke comes up and brings a smile to my face. Then B-real starts and spits some better stuff and flows much better and a punchline which brings a smile “up in that ass like a dildo”

7. Lockdown 

Some sort of interlude thing. Nice beat.

8. 3 Lil’ Puto 

The bass is more quite is on this one but the drums are very cool which gets me listening. The beat is pretty simple. the lyrics are pretty good and B-real flows nice but the last verse is what really makes me appericiate him.

9. Legalize 

Some sort of skit and you can tell whats it about,

10. Hits from the bong 

As you can see by the name it is obvoius what this song is about. The beat is a really mellow track with one of the most simplist drums I’ve ever heard with a sample of Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” as the backdrop. Flows well and like most of the hooks on this album very catchy yet simple.

11. What comes around goes around, kid 

Like most of Cypress hill’s songs the titles are obvious what the song entitles.The beat i havent really got much to say but it is good. There is sampling from their song How i could kill a man. Flows well. The hook is simple but yet it is addictive and catchy.

12. A to the K 

The hook starts this and very simple but very catchy. I like the bass alot on this. The drums are simple and some weird thing being played in the background. Flows well. The title is a big clue what is involves in this song.

13. Hand on the glock. 

The title gives this away like 90% of the song titles of this album. The beat is hard to explain but it keeps upto the standards. Flows well. I dont think there is a hook.

14. Break ’em off some. 

I dont know what is about this beat but it is similiar to another song i’ve heard before. I like the piano i think they are(very quiet version i got) in the background.Flows well. The title gives this away. This is a great way to finish of the album.

 

Overall this album gets a 5/5

This is a great album. There is no beats below a 4 and lyrically this is great. It also gets the full 5 as they opened up alot of things for people to expand with. The beats brang up a new sub-genre of Hip-hop. The voices are new and pretty cool. Cypress hill still remain one of my favourite groups in hip-hop.

Recommendation: BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!

50 Cent – The Massacre

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50 Cent - The Massacre50 cent had it all last year, respect from the listeners, respect from the rappers, million of dollars he even went 10x platinum with his debut album ‘Get rich or die tryin’ He is now back with ‘The Massacre. This being his make or break record 50 Cent would have to make sure this was flawless. So did he do what he went out to do and massacre the rest of the charts or massacre his career?

To begin with the intro we hear 50 mimicking the Valentines days massacre original done by real life gangsta Al Capone. Can you already taste the corniness? Can ya? Can ya? Then the first song drops and it’s really quite nice to listen to begin with. Over a really dark and sinister beat 50 cent raps about his typical thing him and most of his G-unit does and that is brag and tells stories about him being “In My Hood”. In all 50 cent just tells you the do’s and don’ts in ‘the hood. After that you notice it’s the same with most of the g-unit albums and that is boring rhymes and dope production. Maybe the second song will be a shining light of hope. And the answer is……NO. “This is 50” while is has a nice beat just like “In my hood” you can only sit back and listen to it and notice it is the same as “What up gangsta” from GRODT without the really addictive hook attached. Then I saw “I’m supposed to die tonight” on the track listing and thought maybe a paranoid 50 looking over his shoulder and stuff like that and from the hook which is nice I thought yes! But after the hook you hear nothing that new from “Many Men” where he brings up his grandma house maybe a flash back on the time he was shot 9 times. Over a good production from Eminem with violins giving it a atmosphere like the one I thought he would be rapping over instead he raps about how someone going to die either him or the enemy. Shame as this won’t be notice for Eminem superb production but will be disrespected due to 50 cent.

Then hits the anticipating diss, which is aimed towards a lot of NY MC’s “Piggy Bank”. First you hear the hook which is terrible. The rest is pretty average disses towards the NY MC’s which he says at the end is warning shots. The production is really good as well on this. Produced by Needlez which originally helped Young buck with the hit “Let me in” he creates a dramatic feel with opera requiem and the nice electronic bass. This maybe one of the 4 reasons why people would even think of buying this record. The other 3 being his 3 singles. “Disco inferno” which he trys to recreate the magic of the club hit “In Da Club” but it doesn’t even with the production he has it just isn’t that good. The other two, both being the man at the moment with mainstream hit’s Scott Storch “Candy shop” which also includes Olivia 50’s new member of g-unit and“Jus a lil’ bit”. Both of these are Sex raps where they misplaced words with dirty and awful puns like “I’ll melt in your mouth and not in your hands” which will get any teeny boppers dancing to it and all the girls idolizing the fact this may be them. This seems to be 50’s new market as he has many songs love and sexual topics something he dissed Nas earlier for. Also on his last album GRODT he had “21 questions”

The album is split on either Sex or violence which isn’t a very clever formula to be truthful. 50 kind of warned us by saying it was going to be his most sexual record. With songs like “So amazing”, “God gave me style” and other stomach turning topics, unless you have a ***** and a pair of tits I don’t think your male hormones will be able to take it. Even the production is piss poor on these records. “Get in my Car” where he brags about his status and how many women he can get and disrespects them with the hook this is the same rapper which earlier or later talks about loving them and treating them right. I hate contradicting people!

Where was the magic which was on the last record? Well it obvious being tried but isn’t working. One pro comment I give it is that the featuring in down to it lowest and production from Eminem and Dre is down maybe trying to go at it alone. Dre does only two songs and both of them really good but again 50 brings them down. Eminem only produces only 3 songs and appears on one. “Gatman and Robbin” oh what a clever name but song wise I kind of like. The production sounding like Batman theme from Eminem, this song where 50 and Em talk about how they relationship is like and how they would do all kind of stuff for each other. Eminem flows right to the beat on this one and gets even more credit from me for it and outshines 50 easily. “Hate it or love it G-unit remix” has all of the g-unit on this song trying to recreate the magic from Game’s better album. They all rap kind of good but Young buck impresses me the most. 50 cent could of at least had done a new verse like Game about his love for his group or how and why they could hate him (please no lists needed). “My toy soldiers” which features Tony Yayo a look it’s Yayo out of prison and he rapping to get more credibility and production from Eminem and like most of his production is it is 100% recognizable. The worse thing is the title. Like toy soldiers was a big hit for Eminem and he trying to get the fame of him by changing the title but it’s disgusting. He does this throughout the record with lines like “drop it like its hot” which is referring to Snoops big hit. A lot of mainstream rappers like Cam’ron, G-unit ETC are doing this a lot in rhymes. This isn’t the hip-hop I feel in love with firstly as a kid on Skater thrash and destroy soundtrack with people like Run DMC and Public Enemy and later on with people like DMX, Ice cube ETC!!!

There are some positive songs to name which I haven’t said already if I did. “A Baltimore love thing” where he puts him in the shoes of a drug and his lover is an addict and how their relationship goes on with a kind of nice thing. The beat is good as well. “Ski mask way” even tho I don’t feel the beat matches the thuggery inserted. “ I don’t need Em” is also a good song even tho the beat is probably the most used ever in hip-hop since the Wu-tang arrived. The lyrics are about how he always get blamed and how disloyalty comes up with the hood.

In all this gets a 1.5/5 maybe a 2/5 at its best. I don’t recommend anyone to buy this record I would download it and sort out your favourite songs. Buy “Get rich or die trying” as that is more worth your hard earned cash. I would even recommend Lloyd banks album before this one and that was boring as *****!

In all he doesn’t even out the production with different types and doesn’t cover all topics possible. You think yeah this may be bad but what about the mainstream what about them aren’t they going to be claiming it is the Shizz! My answer to you is NO! I know two kids which are big into mainstream hip-hop and when I handed them my Cd or the link to them they were like” WTF Bullitt isn’t there any good songs except the ones out!” So not only the women and the kids will be wetting their pants.

This is clearly a Massacre of 50’s career.

Too Short – Get In Where You Fit In

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Too Short - Get In Where You Fit In1. Dont Fight The Intro 

3 min intro, too short raps a little in the beginning, pretty good flows and lyrics, but just for a quik second. later he talks about his peoples, his label and what he is up to. so this is just an intro but if anything 3/5.

2. I’m A Player

GREAT track right here, one of my favorites. no features, straight up HEAT by the one and only Too Short. his flows are amazing, and hes right with the lyrics. and a good beat too provided by Ant Banks, and the dangerouse crew. 5/5 easily.

3. Just Another Day

Real Nice track, short rips it, tells a great story about his everyday life in the streets of Oakland. his flows are pretty good as always, his lyrics are great as well. a nice old school beat as well prodced by the dangerous crew. a great song just to listen to when you want to relax. 5/5

4. Gotta’ Get Some Lovin’

FAVORITE TRACK, jesus what a awsome track, another ‘Short SOLO. OMG his flows are incredible on this and especially his lyrics. love this track man, cant get bored. 100 PERCENT pure pimpin’ this track shows what too short is all about. “Gimme Head While Im Doin’ Bout 90 Biyyyatch” 5/5 EASILY

5. Money In The Ghetto 

Pretty cool track, real old school kinda beat to it. another solo from short, shorts lyrics arnt as good as the others on this one, but flows are always right. and a great hook. 4/5

6. BlowJob Betty 

An OK track from Short, talks about a ***** about Betty, long track kinda boring if ya ask me. not really feelin it, the beat ruins it all, but short got a good story with nice lyrics. 3/5

7. All My *****es Are Gone Ft. Ant Banks

a slow beat, short raps slow, real nice tho, alotta pimp shit, ANT BANKS is in this. truly he saves the track, good flows, his lyrics catch up to him at the end of this song. 4/5

8. The Dangerouse Crew Ft. Spice 1, Ant Banks, Mhisani and Pee Wee 

Real Nice track man, Beat is raw short starts it off with short real nice flows and lyrics. too short shines them all on this, but everyone keeps it right. Good track man fasho. 5/5

9. Get In Where You Fit In

A GOOD beat, Second fav track on here. Pee Wee Is the Narrator i think, what a great track, Too Short disses MC “whats his name” lol again. he hits him hard on this one, great flows and especially lyrics. keeps it right throughout the whole track. 5/5

10. PlayBoy Short* 

Great song, disses all the playa hataz. how he started the game, keeps it right. piano kinda beat, nice flows, lyrics are average. 4/5

11. Way To Real 

A GREAT beat, more newish then the others. Raps Quik, a good pace, how he lives, he keepin it real. good story. puts in alot of tips in for people. good flows and lyrics. 5/5

12. Its All Good

Pretty nice track, talks about a ***** who keep calling him LMAO. he getting sick of her, and shit. GREAT GREAT GREAT hook. a real nice track, short spits nice, and slows are on point. pretty nice no doubt. 5/5

13. Oakland Style Ft. FM BLUE, and Ant Banks 

great speach at the beginning. talkin bout that Oakland Shit yadidmean. shouts out RICHMOND in this (Pee Wee). one of the BEST track in tha whole album. talks about the city of oakland, FM BLUE starts it. great track witha awsome beat. short Rips it as well. FM blue > short on this one tho. 5/5

 

Like any other Too Short fan, or even a plain rap fan, they would give this Album a 5/5 Classic easily. this is my favorite Too Short album, some debate this or Gettin’ It. gettin it is a close second no doubt but Get In Where You Fit In Is Classic. MUST BUY, PLEASE CHECK IT OUT.

Canibus – Mind control

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Canibus - Mind controlThis is Canibus 6th album to be released but most of this material was wrote between 2000 B.C. And C True Hollywood stories but money problems was the cause of such a late release and now I suppose it is a clever tactic as everyone is waiting for his return Hip hop for sell from releasing the dope Rip The Jacker. When listening to this you must remember this was wrote ages ago and was his and Ricky Lee attempt for an independent label and this is his attempt ti write deep lyrics from his typical battle raps. I’m going to give this score which first come into my mind.

 

1.33 3’s (4/5) 

This is a pretty good way to begin the album. Canibus does a sequel to Jay-z’s 22 twos with 33 3’s. On this record he bases everything around the number 3 and shows his creativity. The song doesn’t make sense althogether but it’s cool. The beat is quite uptempo which is made of this piano/keyboard instrument and Canibus flows well. In all good way to begin the album. The not making sense lowers the mark.

2. Canibus man. (5/5) 

I love the guitar in the background gives this an aggressive feel. You can hear scratching of his famous 2nd round knockout. This is really a typical Bis battle rap song which proves how great he is. The hook is alright pretty simple tho. This is pretty dope.

3. Atlanta. (3/5) 

The beat is nice on this one but yet lyrically this isn’t Bis at his best. He spits about how he love Atlanta yet isn’t he from New York? Nevermind about that tho he spits stereotypical stuff of a south rapper and even gives himself a south flow like Lil’ Flip about how. Like CTSH I think this is Canibus trying to be clever by chucking irony in it. Pretty average

4. Gybaotc (4/5) 

The beat is pretty alright but the drums I hate as they sound like a typical club shit which I don’t like tho the violin type of instruments and the guitar loop is pretty good. The lyrics are about strip clubs and are bearable if it was a different rapper but yet again it irony which doesn’t drag this down. The hook is pretty funny tho. It’s quite a storytelling story as Canibus is a customer and the lady rapper is the stripper. Its pretty hilarious as instead of being a rapper who is iced up and touches the *****es during they dancing but Canibus is a broke rapper who touches a stripper by accident. Pretty good

5. In the rain (3/5) 

The beat is alright and the lyrics are alright . This song is average at it best time and spits one of the most stupidest lines every “you don’t know nothing I said well at least I know something”. The trumpets are alright on this one. Canibus tries to be deep on this one but doesn’t come well. He looks at himself optimistic as a rapper/artist. The hook is pretty annoying. He flows well that’s another pro of this song which is painfully average!

6. Mind control (2/5) 

The title song of the album yet it’s a stinker pure filler. The beat is painfully average with it electronic based stuff. The hook is pretty poor as well. The lyrics are in storytelling form and he warns you the dangers of the career he does placing it in his shoes and how you should take control of your life. It’s a nice idea but Canibus doesn’t pull it off and wern’t expecting this from Canibus with the name of Mind control. With a name like this I was expecting shit about how he can control your mind and dope stuff but this isa attempt of Bis breaking Mainstream.

7. Last Laugh (5/5) 

This is pretty dope. The beat has a Jamaican/Caribbean feel which you don’t hear that much no more. The hook is pretty good as well. The second verse reminds me of Phuk you where he shows he skill by placing a sample with his lyrics which always shows skill to me. The lyrics in general are his battle advanced style which is great IMO.

8. Not 4 Play Feat. Kurupt (3/5) 

Alright when I read this I notice two of my favourite mcs together I thought great going to be my favourite but it like most of this delayed album incredible painful to listen to. The beat is pretty nice witht that string instrument in the background but the lyrics are just pain terrible if the name hasn’t gave it away. I would rate this a 2/5 but the beat brings it up a little.

9. Stupid producers (2/5) 

This is a storytelling track and it is average (what a surprise). The lyrics are about some producer and Canibus making a deal with each other and Canibus take shots at producers and certain flaws they have. The producer’s voice is annoying as ***** and the beat is pretty simple and can’t save this. It’s a nice realistic story but I don’t like the beat and I don’t like the producer voice. The best bit is when Canibus starts beating the producer ass! Yes give it to that squeaky voice Bis!!

10. Talk the talk (3/5) 

Again the beat has a nice guitar loop but something makes this pretty average (beatwise), must be that synthesizers loop thing which replaces the guitar loop. I hate the hook. He raps about how you can’t talk about him and his stuff until you been in his place. Again the lyrics are his battle type of lines. He does that “you can talk about this you can talk about that you can talk about anything you want” type of thing where each line concentrates on a word. The hook and the synthesizer shit makes this not get above average.

11. Nobody 

The beat is more of a slow tempo and again has that synthesizer stuff which I don’t like making the beat an average one. There isn’t any lyrics just talking down the mic which doesn’t end the way how he could go out IMO.

 

I would rate this 3.5/5 and his 4th best album out of six

When you listen to this album you must remember that this was written as his 3rd lp so you shouldn’t really put it against his new work and say how bad it was compared to it and say he fallen of because he has gotten back up since this was written. Production lets this down in most but it an independent company with one producer and has done his best. Lyricially he still good. Most song appear on a Canibus mixtape which also brings this down. This is just a filler for the anticipated album “Hip hop 4 sale” which will probably production from Stoupe and A rumour Is Kanye west.

Recommendation. I would buy this if you are a big Bis fan but if its your first album of Canibus then Buy Rip the Jacker. You shouldn’t try this if you are ignorant and not willing to try something new then “Dat Gangsta Shit!!!11oneone”

Jehst – Return of the drifter

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Jehst - Return of the drifterJehst is from Hudderfield yorkshire UK.

 

High Plains Anthem

The album begins brilliant. The beat which is produced is this quite funky beat made up of drums,bass and the piano which shines out on this one and it is yet very addictive. The hook is a Dj premier type of thing where samples are used of Nas. Jehst flows incredibly well with this raw flow and spits some dope stuff on this track. Jehst uses wordplay and anything else he can to make a dope song. “More bad apples in the crew than cheap cider” makes this song and is my favourite line.

Skit.

A weird beat based thing with alot of scatching does actually what it says on the title

City of industry

To begin with you hear this very depressing sounding violin type of instrument being played it with a nice bass and then the drums slowy begin to be added to the mix. Then some crackling samples of Prodigy (from Mobb deep) begin. Jehst begins to flow and starts describing a typcial bad weather day in a northern town in the uk. he spit some dope stuff again. There is dope lyrics and maybe even better production which infact this song is done by himself, Which gets double brownie points from me.

Bluebells

This beat is more happier than this one and the next one. With the nice sampling and really nice baseline makes this very catchy. Kind of skitish type of thing.

1979

To begin with there is some really quite furious and rough drum loop and a quick scatch of something which you think it going to be a more aggressive song until it stops and some really weeping sound violin type of instrument and some sort of horn instrument. I was thinking if these are the two parts of the bea together this aint goint to work but instead when the drums mix with other stuff if works, amazing! Then jehst starts to rap about him strugggling in life and trying to get back on track. In the hook there is just sampling again which i can’t remember where from.

The Trilogy Ft. Tommy Evans + Ricochet

The bass is what really shines out on this one, but in all this really is a meancing beat. All together the mc’s use battle type of lyrics showing up of fake and piss poor mc’s. To begin with Jehst lays a really dope verse with lines like “Any timewasters grab them by the tie breaker Betta chance of flying off a sky scaper”. Then ricochet lays a good verse but weak against Jehst’s and Tommy’s but still keeps above good with lines like “Spit a muderous verse and rip like van winkle”. Tommy finishes this off with a good verse. to begin with in my opinion it pretty weak but keeps improving ever line. No chorus just killer verses. Ends with some sampling.

Alcholic Author 

This is dopest as it comes. This is my favourite on this dope E.P. I can’t really describe the beat on this one except dope. The lyrics are themed around his environment and the struggle. Damm whenever my favourite song i come to reviewing it i come off piss poor.

Staircase to stage Ft. J-zone

This is the song which on some albums where i think “is this better than so and so aka the favourite song” this arguable with myself to be favourite but is my second. Over a dope Piano loop with a pretty simple drum loop and sampling of Raekwon delievered by Harry love a very good UK producer and you can see why! Jehst lays some very and i mean very quotable lines. “Bling Blinging like Jahjah rings but you haha funny like ja ja binks” just to quote one line out of the many. This is one of Jehst stronger lyricially songs in my opinions. US underground legend J-zone appears on this one and does a dope appearence, but in all he gets outshine by Jehst easily. sorry to j-zone and all but even tho i’ve got love for him and all Jehst pulled out even more cards.

Return of the drifter

This is the title of the track and like the rest of the songs its dope. With harp strings and drum loops and nice bass makes this nice. Lyricwise i think this is about drugs. Nice flow and use samples of himself and someone else.

People under the weather Ft Asaviour

This is more weaker songs which is a 4 no doubt and ironicially i feel this is the more usual dope uk sound which i normally love.The title is a saying in uk only i think which means being sad and sometimes use to say unwell but also cleverly it is taking the piss out of the normal UK weather which is raining. The beat is made up of drums, bass and scatching. This is the only song with a hook and is pretty addictive and they spit dope lyrics.

Trilogy Remix Ft Chester P + Kyza

The beat is the same one as the original but with the new verse from all three Mc’s I feel Jehst i better on this than the original verse. chester p is my favourite and Kyza is the weakest in my opinion. A nice way to finish off this dope album

 

In all this gets a 5 out of the 5 as this is proberly my fave E.p.

In all of the uk records i have about 10+ of them this is one of the two i rate a 5. The other being Iron bridge Toilet humour. The best thing about Uk hip hop is the newer and more range production which the uk seem to have and this defines it.This album only has 1 4 star record. Jehst is lyricially advance than most of the uk mainstream junk which gets through he reminds me of Uk’s answer of Big l with a more advance vocab. Also its a really shame he doesnt get notice while people like lethal bizzle,the streets,Dizzee rascal ETC ETC does. I hate most of the stuff being shown on Channel U as the video are awful and you swear you turning on MTV base. He has this new kid of flow which also adds why i like him. he does his own production on some which adds to his dopeness. He proberly wont get regconized in the outer uk base as his lyrics are too hard to understand at times and the mainstream UK people are too ignorant.

Recommendation: BUY THIS *****ING ALBUM!!!!!! IF YOU FROM THE UK OR GOT INTERNET ACCESS I’F YOU DONT YOU’LL KICK YOURSELF. Jehst has also released another e.p which i dont know the name and a album called Falling down which should be checked out aswell.

Iron Bridge – Toilet Humour

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Iron Bridge - Toilet HumourIron Bridge consisting of Dirty Verbals and Jibbarish come from Essex in the UK. Essex is about 20 miles from the capital and is moulding some great artists, with these two leading the way.

The album begins with an intro, the “Intro” is a very simple yet catchy hook over a simple but again catchy beat made from what sounds like a brass instrument. The scratching also keeps it refreshing and entertaining. After the intro we get one of the first singles “Dance 4 Ya Daddy” The song isn’t really showcasing their lyrical skill but is more an energetic and fun track. Ronnie Compost joins them and makes this hilarious with one of the most quotable punchlines ever to be done in rap history. If I’m right then they also released two other singles. The next one is “They’re Comin 4 Ya ft Essex” which is a posse filled cut with nearly every rapper from Essex. A lot of different people come with different styles so many shine out for one reason or another. The last single is “Get up”. Get up is a solo song by Jibba where he spit venomous battle rap with aggression, with him constantly changing from normal to warp speed.

Looking at the tracklist there isn’t really too many songs which don’t feature someone apart from the solo songs and 3 songs. “Slient Hill” is the annual weed song which appears on half of the hip hop albums. The flute type of sound really suits the topic. “Die Tryin” is Dirty Verbals solo song. Dirty over a really energetic beat does a sort of fun battle rap song. “The shining” Where over a very melodic beat with them speaking about their struggle in the rap game. “The Outro” again over a crazy beat from pager the lads show their raw energy which a lot of people lack these days. Jibb even gives you his signature bullet speed rap for his last verse. “The Howling” is another Jibb solo and once again doesn’t disappoint. Over an incredible creepy beat by Ill-son, Jibb tells a story about a werewolf which is released on humanity.

It’s a shame as that is the only story on the album as that the refreshing and most entertaining story I ever heard since Ghetto Vampire by Chino XL. Apart from that original song idea there are a few more. “International Relations ft Shain Caw” Dirty V looks at other countries in the stereotypical views people have in the UK. I enjoy it even more with the beat by Ill-son and catchy hook by Shain Caw. “We Got Game ft Tekneek, Ennicee and Blokey” Where all four rappers spit about different type of games with a beat which matches i.e. If it is computer games then they rhyme over an electronic beat which suits the topic. “Scientific Cypher” over a very eerie beat, Dirty V and Wizdom speak upon very scientific stuff. “Essex Boyz” by far my favourite song. Joined by Phonetics they spit about the stereotypical images that the rest of the UK has on Essex. To be honest they are mostly true! “Silent Hill On Acid Remix” where most do the typical weed song (which they have on “Silent Hill”) them and Ronnie Compost look at Acid.

As mentioned earlier the album has a lot of track featuring slot but unlike most there is a reason behind this. They wanted to show Essex has skill and tried getting 90% of the Essex hip hop scene which existed then. They also feature the two crews they are part of. On “Ill Mentality” it features the rest of the Ill Psychosis. This is a crew type battle track which is pleasing to the ears. Then the title track of the album “Toilet Humour” which features the Human Vermin and a load more rappers. They do the humour which 90% of Essex people have over a beat sampled from the Oompa Lumpas from Willy Wonka. It isn’t a really a strong track for lyricism but is a funny and a good song.

In all this gets a 5 from me. Only this and return of the drifter from Jehst which gets the full 5 from the UK. All beats are brilliant, they are lyrically gifted and complete artists in the full content.

DMX – It’s Dark & Hell Is Hot

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DMX - It's Dark & Hell Is HotI’ve decided to review this album as this was the first whole album I really enjoyed. I got this from a copy of a mate when I was noticing the favourite genre of music was Hip-hop. In 1997, DMX emerged from Yonkers painting Dark and powerful pictures with this Gem of a debut It’s Dark and Hell is hot. Lately I have been reviewing without single song ratings but I have decided to do it with this one as this one deserves it.

 

1. Intro (5/5)

This is a great way to begin the album. To begin DMX is talking to someone talking about the Ruff Ryders, then the Bell hits then the drums slowy begin which are very nice. The whole beat is very dark and quite eerie,and I don’t normally say it but Irv Gotti came up good on this one. DMX Flows real nice and DMX spits about his takeover really with Dark lyrics.

2. Ruff Ryders Anthem (4/5)

This is good. It’s not my favourite but its still quite good. I don’t like this as much as the live version on the end of my CD for some reason. The beat is pretty simple but is effective I feel. Not the greatest beat but its by Swizz Beats so I wouldn’t be execting top notch. The lyrics are really what the Ruff Ryders are like and represents them. DMX’s flow is nice with his multi flow. The lyrics are good. The hook is pretty basic but does the job.

3. *****in’ With D (4/5)

This is good. The beat is pretty good I really like the bass. Not much to say on the beat for this one except it’s pretty good and a bit simple. The lyrics are pretty much about *****ing with him is the wrong thing to do.

4. The Storm (Skit)

There these two people and they talking about X and denying his skill. Just an intro to the next song.

5.Look Thru My Eyes (5/5)

This is dope. The beat is very dope, I especially like the piano. The whole beat in all is a slower more dark track and dope in total. X’s lyrics are about judging, street stories all about seeing things through his eyes. He flows well and shouts out most but he can pull it off. The hok is very catchy In all, very dope.

6. Get at me dog Ft Sheek (4/5)

The beat is good. I can’t really explain the beat but its good. Dmx makes threats and tells stories so it’s typical X stuff. The hook is alright which is delivered by Sheek. Flows well as well.

7.Let me fly (5/5)

The beat on this is very dark made with especially dark synthesisers. X raps about violence and pain. The hook is very good almost sounds like X is depressed but it is also very catchy.

8. X is coming (5/5)

To begin with a kid starts signing Freddie’s chant with one or two of the lyrics is changed. This is the hook as well. The lyrics are very dark and I’m still laughing (an evil type of humour) yet shocked at the lines his spits especially the 2nd verse. I feel he used the freddy chant due to him being like a nightmare. The beat is very dark and makes this song very dope.

9. Damien (5/5)

This is very dope!!!!! Over a dark beat which I can’t really describe except dope and dark he spits about this “friend” he has met called Damien. Damien doesn’t exist I feel hi just the dark side of X telling him to do stuff to please him to be his “nigga”. Quite a storytelling track. This is very dope and this type of song appears on every X album. This is why X has gone to 1st with all his albums.

10.Hows it Goin’ Down (3/5)

Urgh a for the females type of song. These are the worse type of songs in history of rap music IMO and that means not a lot of people can pull this off. X does not do this IMO. The beat is pretty good especially for this type of track. To begin with it has this long skit which I use to skip because it was so long I thought this was a skit. From what I was expecting to come from DMX when females where put into his songs. I was expecting very dark mistreating women type of stuff. Meh it could be worse he could go on about what his going to be doing to satisfy them with dirty puns and metaphors like Cam’ron.

11. Mickey (skit)

I laughed at this skit does this make me evil??? Just a skit

12.Crime story (3/5)

This beat is really quite boring and doesn’t really fit the topic matter. The topic matter is very dark and hectic and the beat is really mellow made up from bongos and drums. No wonder why it’s a Irv Gotti beat, he only ever makes good beats once and a while! This is a storytelling track where x spits about him killing some cops and them hunting him down and what his pressured to doing. The bit where he says he act as a girl is hilarious. In all the lyrics are dope and the beat is very boring.

13. Stop being greedy (5/5)

DOPE!!!! DOPE!!!! AND DOPE!!!!! This might aswell be my favourite X song ever released! Over a very dark uptempo beat made up for violins and organs, DMX spits about the struggle and ho the other ones are being greedy. X spits dope stuff! He really flows well.

14. ATF (4/5)

This dope but way to short it doesn’t get the full 5. It’s like Crime story in the way he is trying to escape from the police but this time he really is pressured in this one and the beat fits this song perfectly with the furious violins almost reflecting on X’s feelings. Shame this beat is way too short.

15.This is for my dogs (4/5)

The typical rap song now days. All about loyalty and how they ride for each other. The beat is nice and all of them spit good stuff. Not much to say except good.

16. I can feel it (5/5)

I love this song. The song has a mellow feel sampling Phil Collins for the hook. X spits about his life and what has made him. The lyrics in all are pretty dope. I’m a big Phil Collins fan and this maybe whyi give this the 5.

17. Prayer

Like on most DMX releases like a Damien song there is a Prayer. X is really religious and you can see why x does this then. Deep stuff displayed on this song.

18. The Convo (4/5)

This is a song which a lot of rappers do where they talk to God. X spits about his fate and his past and how god *****ed him though it yet his still grateful. At the end the topic gets all good by thanking god for positive things. The beat is pretty slow which restricted him from getting the full 5.

19. Niggaz Done Started Something Ft LOX + Ma$e (4/5)

This is pretty good way to end the album unless you have the Germany Extra track one like me. This is with the Lox and Ma$e and they deliver some good verses. The beat isn’t the beast it could be but does the job. X I feel delivers the best verse and Ma4e takes second. The lyrics are about how if you want money you should be prepared to take on haters and how they deal with them.

20.Ruff Ryders Anthem Live (Germany Extra Track) (5/5)

This is audio of a live performance of the Anthem and I like it better than the original one due to the Liveness adds a point o it if that makes sence.

 

In All this album gets a 4.5/5

This album falls half a mark even tho more than half the album is filled with %’s there are two 3/5 tracks and I feel to get a five you need more than half the album 5/5 and the rest 4. The lyrics are dope and is X at his best! The production is dark and dope and fits X’s lyrical matter prefect. This was the first whole Cd I heard and lit the flame for Hip-hop so I felt it had to be reviewed. This album did news things with hip-hop and you can see why all of X’s came first in the billboard charts.

Recommendation: BUY THIS!!! This is X’s best CD. The rest are pretty tight as wel with Flesh of my flesh blood of my blood getting a 4 from me, And then there was X getting about a 4 (not sure haven’t really listened to that one to review it probably.) The great depression which gets a 3 from me and Grand champ which is 3.5.