Soulja Slim – Years Later… A Few Months After

Soulja Slim - Years Later... A Few Months AfterYou have to get used to Soulja Slim’s style. This is his 4th album, and even by the time it was released people weren’t used to his style. Some say it’s too rushed, too complicated, etc. It took me a while for his music to grow on me, and for me to appreciate the rawness that comes with his music. And if you do listen to Soulja Slim already, you know what I’m talking about. Slim was never going to break any huge barriers in rap, or reach a level that 2Pac; or say Nas were on. He was strictly New Orleans. One of the realest and most respected south artists ever, and anybody from the south region will tell you the same. This is his last cd before being shot in front of his mother’s house in 2003. On to the review:

 

1.) Intro: 

This intro/song gets you set for the album. Over a Dani Kartell produced track, Slim spits tales that everyone’s heard before, but in a way only he can describe it. Overall, perfect way to open the album.

2.) Hustler: 

Another tight song, not too much different from the last one, this time talking about how Slim’s a hustler and how he’ll never fall off when it comes to the game.

3.) Cheeze Eataz:

Def. one of my favorite joints on the album, the beat has to grow on you. At first, it sounds like something nobody could ever write a verse to or over. The song is basically about snitches and them snitchin on anybody to the FEDz, police, etc. Slim spits three hard verses, talkin bout how he’d never snitch, and how he plans to set a rat trap for all the rats. Overall, a bomb ass track and is great to play in yo system.

4.) Yeahh: 

Yet another Daniel produced beat (he’s all over the album, which is good)Slim continues his theme of the previous 3 songs detailing his history with enemies, *****es, and money hungry snitches. He takes subliminal shots at various people; including Master P and the No Limit camp.

5.) Heata On Me feat. B.G., Lil Real One: 

Most people’s favorite song on the entire album, shows the chemistry between former No Limit Soldier – Soulja Slim and former Cash Money Millionaire – B.G.. The two planned to release a duo album together after this was released, and it’s not hard to see why. The flows, the guitar laced beat, everything works together to make a near perfect track. Recommended…and has good repeat value.

6.) Speak Yo Mind:

About a 7-8 second skit leading up to the next song. Not really worth listening to; skip it.

7.) I’ll Pay For It: 

Also released on Slim’s 3rd album ‘Years Later’, this song had New Orleans buzzin for a while. Slim flows perfect over the beat, and the song is about payin for a ***** if ya really want it and need it that bad. Overall, tight song.

8.) U Hear Dat: 

My favorite song on the album, easily, is a KLC (formerly of Beats By The Pound) produced joint, that Slim flows smooth over. The bass is a 12 gauge 1, and Slim is talking about everything from spittin 50 bars, to taking shots at Master P with lines like “I ain’t no friend of P (Master P) don’t ask me bout that boy, he aint no man you think Im lyin then ask Pastor Troy”. Great track.

9.) Souljas On My Feet:

Another KLC produced track and another song off his underground release ‘Years Later’ this song is just as good as the previous. The beat is perfect, the flows, everything is on point. Guns, Soulja Reeboks, and stompin they face in is the story on this joint.

10.) Magnolia: 

The beat took me a while to get used to, as did Slim’s flow on this track. It’s not a mess, but it definatley could’ve been better. This song was yet another off Magnolia Slim’s ‘Years Later’ cd. By now, anybody can tell that this is a revamped major record distributed version. The song is not really that great, but worth listening to only if you cant get enough of Slim.

11.) U Bootin Up feat. Juvenile: 

One of the best songs on the entire album, the song is a beef record directed at Silkk the Shocker, Krazy (504 Boyz), and No Limit. The only bad part is Juvenile’s verse (it has nothing to do with the original theme of the song), but Slim saves it at the end with lines at Silkk like “No I don’t know Karate (reference to the Hot Boys movie) lil Silkky draws, you located in Victoria’s Secret for the broads”.

12.) Lov Me Lov Me Not:

The only video shot for the album (Slim died less than two weeks after it was filmed) the song is decent. I don’t want to say it’s bad, because it’s not even close, but it did feel like it was missing something. However, the song will be remembered by some; if not many as Soulja Slim’s last song…although it appeared on the first advance of this album ‘Years Later’.

13.) Holla At Me: 

Another skit (this one being about a minute) leading up to the next song. Slim’s on the phone with his boy talkin bout gettin loaded and meetin up later.

14.) If It Ain’t Real feat. Lil Real One: 

The beat is sick, and Slim and Lil Real One rip it talkin bout that midnight potion. This song is definatley worth playing repeatedly because it has a good feel to it, and is laced with a smooth sick beat.

15.) ***** You Nigga feat. Lil Real One, Cutthroat Committy: 

This song is a posse cut with some of the Cutthroat Committy crew and it definatley doesn’t dissapoint. Lil Real One steals the whole damn song though, with his verse to open up the song. The beat, the flow, everything is on point. Overall, a solid track, but fails to really stand out.

16.) U Gon Feel Me:

This song is weak…for the most part. Aside from a few entertaining disses thrown towards No Limit Record’s Krazy…the beat is skippable and the track sounds rushed. Skip it.

17.) Hit the Highway: 

A very good song with a beat that you have to get used to ( ike a lot of other songs on this albu ), but it delivers. While some argue that this is an obvious filler track, the song to me is one of the better ones on the album. Three solid verses from Slim over a solid beat don’t dissapoint. Ever.

18.) Committy feat. Cutthroat Committy: 

The track on the album with the whole Cutthroat Committy crew on it doesn’t dissapoint to a certain extent. If you’re lookin for Slim on this track, the most your going to get is about 6 bars. His crew is all over it, as he describes them as “ammunition for yo ***** ass”. Most of them can flow, and makes you wonder why they didn’t drop an official release because they’re almost all good…with the exception of a few.

19.) Untitled Track (I’ll Pay For It – Part II) feat. Mystikal: 

Basically the same track as I’ll Pay For It, with the same beat with a cameo from Mystikal. It’s average and nothing more, I like the original better.

 

Overall, this cd is a down south classic. It’s sad in a way, that this was Slim’s last CD; but your also glad that he went out at the top of his game at least. From starting his career at No Limit, to going to jail, to finishing his career at No Limit, to going back to jail, to finally seeing the fame he deserves (even if it is after his death) on a track with Juvenile; Slim put out enough classic albums, his rawness and realness on the mic will always be remembered; and I recomended ALL of his other releases. R.I.P. Soulja Slim. 4/5

TRU – The Truth

TRU - The TruthA TRU album without TRU members might be a big reason, people are overlooking this cd. And to some extent, they’re right. Let’s face it, Silkk is on 3 tracks, C is on 1, and P and Halleluyah basically crowded the cd. Others say it is somewhat of a new beginning for the New No Limit camp. The production level was raised ( not anything close to the BBTP days ), but good enough to gain some praise from those outside of the New No Limit fan base. However, the album does have it’s flaws, so on to the review:

 

1.) Where You From – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluyah, Silkk the Shocker:

The first single off the album ( and possibly the only ) doesn’t dissapoint. The production is great, and flows from everyone are on point. A good track, for what it is, and that’s an anthem that’s made to be played in clubs.

2.) Photo Book – TRU feat. Master P, Silkk the Shocker, Lil Romeo:

By looking at the tracklist and seeing the name of this song and who is featured on it, it doesn’t seem ‘TRU’. And by ‘TRU’ I mean that bout it bout it musik, that most No Limit fans have liked over the years and grown accustomed to. But by now, anyone should know that those days are over; which brings me to this song. It’s not bad, not at all, but DOES seem a little out of a place from a group that brought the world the dirrty south anthem back in 95. Overall though, a good beat, and good flows from everyone.

3.) Go Off – TRU feat. Master P, Hall, Afficial: 

Some people might dissagree with me when I say this, but this song is nothing better than average. Nothing, and I mean nothing really stands out about this song. P has basically the same flow he’s had on Goodside/Badside and brings nothing new to the table with this track. Not really recomended, skip it.

4.) Stressin – TRU feat. C-Murder:

The only solo C track on the album left a lot of people dissapointed. When most people think of TRU, they think of Master P, Silkk the Shocker, and C-Murder. The Miller Boyz. So when first hearing about this album, I’m thinking ‘new C-Murder tracks.’ This is not the case; just 1 song. Never the less, it is a good song, as the sound isn’t that great, the hook could be better, but I like this song. Definatley one of the best on the album..

5.) Street Army – TRU feat. Master P, Afficial, Halleluya:

The song that really got people buzzin over the album is in my opinion overrated. The chorus is wack, the beat is average, and it doesn’t really do nothing for me.

6.) Drama – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluya: 

This is where you can see the production for the NNL has changed for the better. Drumma Boy pulled it off with this track; which is worth listening to for the beat alone. P’s lyrics however, get tiring after a couple of these songs. Instead of overpromoting himself on this album, he should’ve let his brothers shine. Halleluya (who is being talked about as being the best soldier since Mac) comes average. He’s not bad, dont get me wrong, but putting him all over the album, was definatley a mistake.

7.) Welcome to New Orleans – TRU feat. Halleluya: 

Halleluya’s solo track doesn’t dissapoint. One of the better features of him on this album, he raps over a Mozart sample that has been used enough, but manages to pull it off. His 3 verses, are very much on point and this song is definatley recommended.

8.) You Ain’t Sayin Nothin – TRU feat. Master P, Mr. Stra, Afficial: 

A subliminal diss track to Yukmouth (P is heard shoutin ‘Godzilla aint got nothin on me’ at the beginning) is definatley one of the best songs on the entire album. This song’s production is as good as it gets in any region. Definatley recomended; everybody’s raps are on point and worth listening to (even MP’s).

9.) Shake It – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluya:

The beat is aight, the track itself is really not good at all. It’s another attempted club anthem to get the hoes poppin, but this aint goin to cut it. Also, throughout the whole song it sounds like P sampled Magic’s voice; which would be weird because Magic hates P and has publicly stated that numerous times.

10.) Sea Saw For Me – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluya: 

If you thought my review for the last song was bad, this song is hella worse. I’m open minded, but looking at the name of this track I almost wished this album DIDN’T come out so as not to damage TRU’s name. Lyrics like ‘Get ya wet like Niagra falls’ and ‘I aint Nelly, but girl get your eagle on’ make this track a complete mess. Skip it.

11.) Hood and Street – TRU feat. Halleluya, Yougi, Jazz:

First off, the beat is fiya. It starts off with a piano loop and busts into what sounds like a Diplomat-type beat. Once again, Drumma Boy REALLY helped this album with his production on anotha level. The song is good, the hook is good, the whole song is basically a highlight of the album. The only thing that sets it back is that this is NOT TRU. It would work a lot better on a 504 Boyz album.

12.) Headhunter – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluya: 

Once again, you can see that Halleluya is ALL OVER this album. And while he is not bad, and pretty good most times, I dont want to hear him on 5 or 6 songs in a row. Back to the song, the beat is good, the lyrics are laughable at times with P spittin ‘She used to ***** with Cash Money, now she ridin wit me.’ The song is basically about gettin head from a hoe that’s a ‘headhunter’.

13.) Squeeze – TRU feat. Silkk the Shocker, Halleluya: 

Silkk’s third and final track on the album, and he doesn’t dissapoint. While still on his ‘Based On a True Story’ flow, him and Halleluya collaborate for a good song exchanging verses talking about gettin girls to slow motion for them like ‘Slim and Juvey’ and removing bras and undressing.

14.) Buckle Up – TRU feat. Master P, C-Los, Black: 

Not a track that really stands out to me. The hook isn’t very good, and as usual P’s lyrics aintnothin to look. Just an average track, and in my opinion was more of a filler joint.

15.) Ride – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluya: 

Definatley one of my favorite tracks on the CD, Master P actually delivers on this joint. Halleluya does his thing, and nothing unusual stands out about his flow on this song, but overall the song is mos def. tight and recommended.

16.) Point Em Out – TRU feat. Master P, Halleluya: 

Another track at the end of the album that didn’t stand out. P and Halleluya collaborated on a lot of songs, some being good, some not. This song is just weak.

17.) Here We Come – TRU feat. Master P: 

Possibly my favorite track on the album, Myke Diesel actually produced something fire. The song is on point, the whole thing is worth listening to and I definatley recomended it to anyone from the south, whether you got respect for P or not. Great way to end an album.

 

Overall, this cd is nothing above average. It doesn’t stand out, but is possibly New No Limit’s best release yet. Hopefully the production on this album is a sign of things to come, because without Drumma Boy this cd would’ve REALLY been lacking. There are problems though, one in which it doesn’t SEEM like a TRU album. And I’m sure you’ll hear this over and over again, but I’d expect this from a 504 Boyz album, not TRU, and that’s what ends up dragging it down.

Rating: 3/5

Jehst – Nuke Proof Suit

Jehst - Nuke Proof SuitAfter his last two great releases, Jehst album’s is something to be highly anticipated and something you think is likely to live to the hype.

This Album one minute I love it and the other few I’m reaching for the skip button. One of my favourite has to be the title track and the lead single “Nuke Proof suit” The beat is very catchy with the deep bassline and the energetic arrangement. This is actually one of Jehst’s most complicated beats though compared to most it’s nothing difficult. Jehst makes light humour of a quite political topic finishing off with a catch as hell hook. The only problem is the squeaky voice can get on nerves. “Vice City” is another one which caught my ear. The simplistic but effective looped beat has a happy positive feel. Jehst addresses the struggle of city life. Jehst seemed to have switched back to the less abstracted but still present still which many feel in love with from return of the drifter. “Hydroblowback” many would say this is the best song with its chilled out beat and atmosphere where Jehst is almost singing his verse’s and delivering a catchy as hell hook, its hard to argue with them. “Work Ethic” again a nice simple but effective looped beat finished with a catchy hook. Jehst looks at his hard work staying on target while using more of that classic ROTD style.

As I kind of pointed out before Jehst finds it hard to stay on topic. Many would say this is a strength and his formula of success the others would say its his downfall. I do enjoy it but sometimes he does sound like a tramp who jump wandered into the studio. “Neck Breakin” and “Ape Shit” would be the two which show this the best. Neck Breakin, Jehst gives the beat an old skool vibe though the high pitched sound could get on your nerves. Ape shit many would say it’s a highlight though im one to disagree. The beat is simplistic and that being nice. Yes it is creative and yes he does create a nice haunting and eerie atmosphere with the chimes though its boring. Though both are creative, weird and fun to listen lyric wise kind of like one of Redman songs they are really ramblings of a drunk and stoned man, don’t think they even have any topics. “Magnum Force” and “Pepper Spray” are more of the unique style of lyrics Jehst is bringing. Its also nice to see Kashmere feature on a track. Jehst both brings nice heading nodding beats which are quite funky though both again very simplistic.

In all this album gets a 3.5 out of 5 and I think this one is more of a grower. It is sort of growing on me. There is only 8 tracks and to me it is cutting it a bit fine. First you think of the old saying “Quality before Quantity”, then of all the other classics and then you remember his Return Of The Drifter had about 8 tracks (not counting skits and remixes) and that was classic I thought maybe this would be. 8 tracks means it leaves it short but sweet though it also means if one track terrible there is not much to compare it to so you might brand it wack for just one tiny mistake. Jehst flips between his Return of the drifter and Falling Down style and delivers quite a creative, weird and fun to listen lyrics. I like how Jehst tried at a one man solo self production release and I can now give him the artist status. The beats are good, experimental and to a style of his own but with them being so damn simplistic you do get bored of them.

I recommend you buy the other two first (Return Of The Drifter 1st) and then expanding from then on.

The Mitchell Brothers – Breath of Fresh Attire

The Mitchell Brothers - Breath of Fresh Attire1. ***** me ***** you 

This song is a classic. It’s basically the brothers arguing over a dope beat. They both come tight on there individual verses then on there joint verse. Dope! (5/5)

2. G.O.R.G.I.E 

This song is about how even though there making money from the music they still got to sign on the doll so they can afford an extra pair of trainers or whatever. Dope beat and the Mitchell brothers both come. Good (4/5)

3. Routine check Featuring Kano and The Streets 

Dope beat. This song is about how police officers “routine check” them when their driving along. Kano is alright on this. The Mitchell brothers are dope as usual. The Streets is really good on this he raps about how he don’t get many routine checks. Good (4/5)

4. Shesgot it all wrong Featuring The Streets 

This has the same beat as Kano nite nite but it’s good. Tony’s verse is average on this song but when The Streets come on this song pickups again. But the best verse award goes to Teddy. He raps basically just leave her alone for a while and shell realise your right. The chorus is done by the streets normal hook singer. Good (3.5/5)

5. Someone can’t look us in the eyes

Dope beat. You hear grass being whispered and the Mitchell brothers go into some dope story telling lyrics bout how CID comes to the door asking questions. The chorus is on par with the rest of the song. They go on about how someone close to them can’t look at them in the eyes after he grassed bout the robbery they did so they smack him up. Dope! (5/5)

6. Harvey nicks featuring The Streets 

Dope beat again. And they rap bout how they get shit service if they go in there in overalls but if there in “garments that are the shit” they get good service. (4/5)

7. When the whistle blows

Starts with them arguing as usual. Then in comes in this good beat and they start rapping at the ref and arguing with him about his decisions. Then in the next verses they rap as managers. Then at the end you hear white noise and he taps the TV saying “what the ***** is wrong with the TV” (3.5/5)

8. Alone with the TV 

At the start this song shows that even though they argue all the time they still like each other. Teddy comforts Tony about his girl walking out on him. They both spit dope shit. The beat has an annoying squeaky sample in the background but apart from that amazing song. Good (4/5)

9. Excuse my brother featuring The Streets 

This song is about Tony getting well and truly pissed and gets rowdy and loud. And he raps bout coming on to this girl and she slaps him and she’s getting her boyfriend. Then The Streets plays the part of the boyfriend. Then Teddy stops Tony before he starts fighting him. Then teddy raps as if he’s talking to the girl and he starts off about how he’s sorry bout what his brother did then starts saying she brought it on herself. Good (4/5)

10. Smart Bastard featuring The Streets 

The Streets are on the chorus and are ok. The Mitchell brothers take it in turns and it sounds a bit awkward. Poor (2/5)

11. Wish I did the same 

Dope beat but the Mitchell brothers aren’t on par with there performance on the rest of the album. There basically rapping bout women. Poor (2.5/5)

12. Dont try this at home

Dope beat. In this song Tony raps about wasted and driving he gets chased by the police and runs away and crashes. Then in comes the chorus. Now its teddy’s turn and he raps about a robbery on a security van there about to do. Then back to Tony and he raps bout how stupid he was. Then teddy raps bout the robbery again and they run across the road to jack the security man don’t look and Tony gets run over. It’s a great ending. Dope! (5/5)

 

All in all this album gets a 4/5 apart from a few weak songs this is a very good album. And a great debut from the Mitchell brothers ill advise anyone to go out and buy this even if you’re not into English hip hop. I’m sure you like this.

The Circle Of Tyrants – Circle Of Tyrants

The Circle Of Tyrants - Circle Of Tyrants1. The Chosen Few

Nice epic feel on this track. Great electric guitar beat by Necro, this really does have a feel similar to “Eye of the Tiger”. Ill Bill starts it off with a great verse, he mentions “Lucha Libre” which rules all. Necro with the next verse and it’s reall good, man this track is insane! Hyde with the last verse and I think he outshines them here, he really put a lot of effort into his verse(Not saying the others didn’t). What an insane track to start off this album. This album has a real “Epic” feel to it, and it’s only the first track! DOPE!

2. Theatre of Creeps

DOPE!!!!! Great dark piano beat by Necro with eerie sounds mixed in. Man this is just amazing sounding. Ill Bill starts it off and he sounds like his 1994 self(!), man what a great verse by Bill, it’s very dark. Necro with the next verse and again it’s really dope, nice multi’s. Goretex with the next verse and he shines here. Hyde with the last verse and he ends things on a high note. This track had no chorus, it was just dope verse after dope verse. One of Psycho Logical’s finest tracks. DOPE!

3. Carnivores

This sort of sounds like “Canarsie Artie’s Revenge”. Great beat by Necro here. Necro starts things off and just rips the track to pieces. Bill is next with a really good verse about vikings, lightning, Tyson, & Zoloft. Goretex is next and man he does a great job, this track is just dopeness all around. Hyde has the last verse and does a great job here, it’s amazing to hear how much Hyde as improved over the years. This track had no chorus and just ruled everything. Everything was smooth flowing. DOPE!

4. South of Heaven

Slowed down dark beat by Necro. Necro has the first verse and rapid spits here, he does a great job. Nice chorus by Necro here as he slows down then rapid spits. Hyde is next and Hyde tries his hand at rapid spitting and does a great job. Hyde rules! Goretex is next with a rapid spitting verse and he probably does the best, his flow and his lyrics are on point. No Ill Bill but it doesn’t really matter because everyone did a great job. Good

5. Tyrannical

Nice bouncy beat(By Necro) here, it’s hard to describe. Ill Bill starts things off with a great verse, he mentions Dimebag(RIP) which is cool. Necro is next with a great verse. Hyde has the last verse and rules it here. Great track here. Good

6. The Four Horsemen

Nice Western feel here. I like the cowboy perspective here. Ill Bill starts it off and tells a great story here about being a bad ass outlaw, hell he even talks about having a mullet. Goretext is up next with a great verse. Gore has some really abstract lyrics which can be hard to decipher but you’ll understand them with several listens. Nice Metallica influenced chorus by Necro. Necro is up next and rules it here. No one is more bad ass than Necro as a cowboy/outlaw. Hyde is next and talks about shoot outs and the like, great stuff from Hyde. I dig this track a lot. DOPE!

7. Take It In Blood

Crazy organ type beat here, it’s just all over the place, it works as well. Necro is next with a crazy rapid spitting flow with several multi’s, man this is insane. I don’t really care for the chorus, but it’s not that bad. Hyde is enxt and he rapid spits as well and uses several dope multi’s. This track is insane. Great stuff. Good

8. Necrotura(feat Igor Cavalera of Sepultura, Alex Skolnick of Testament, & Matt Harvey of Exhumed)

Igor rules it on the drums and Alex rules it on the guitar. Necro starts it off with a great brutal verse. Harvey does good with the chorus, I like growling but I feel it isn’t needed here. Bill is next and man he sounds like a monster on here, very dope verse by Ill Bill. Great guitar solo by Skolnick, you know, you don’t hear a lot of good solo’s nowadays so it’s nice to finally hear one. Gore’s next with a great verse. More great guitar playing from Skolnick. Necro plays rhythm & bass guitar & Goretex on the Tri-ton. This track is GREAT! DOPE!

9. The Ultimate Revenge(Feat Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath/Dio & Alex Skolnick of Testament)

Nice drums by Appice, nice heavy guitars by Skolnick, & great bass by Necro. Necro starts things off with a great verse, I laughed when he dissed Jani Lane for being on Celebrity Fit Club. Great solo work from Alex. Hyde is next with a great verse. Hyde’s voice was meant to be on a track like this! Skolnick ends things with a great solo. Again, what a GREAT track! DOPE!

10. Severed Organs

Crazy bouncy organ by Necro. Necro starts things off with a dope verse. Ill Bill is up next with a dope verse, man Bill is a shining star on this album. hyde is next with a great verse. This track is just insane. Goretex is next up to end things and he rules it here. No chorus, just straight up lyrics over a brutal beat. DOPE!

11. Joe Spinell

fast paced beat. Hyde starts it off with a dope verse. Ill Bill is up next with a great verse. Goretex is next with a dope verse. Necro is up with the last verse and he rips it. Great track here, again there is no chorus! Good

12. Fender Rhodes Suicide

Great guitar beat by Necro. Bill is up first with a nice 70’s inspired verse. Necro does the chorus and horns are added for special effect, it sounds great. Goretex is last with a great verse. Chorus gets played one time. Great track! DOPE!

13. The Black Wings Of Apocalypse

Nice beat by Necro, I can’t really describe it. Bill starts things off with a great verse. Gore with the next verse and he rips it. Hyde is up with a great verse. Necro ends things with a dope verse. Great way to end things. DOPE!

 

All in all this gets a DOPE! rating. Circle Of Tyrants met my expectations and delivered. There were no skits and every song meant something. I called Danger Doom album of the year, but I’m going to have to say that THIS is album of the year, easily. You need to get this!

Danger Doom – The Mouse & The Mask

Danger Doom - The Mouse & The Mask1. El Chupa Nibre

In case you’re out of the loop, Danger Doom is Danger Mouse & MF Doom, which means Doom does the rapping and Danger does the production. I like the beat by Danger here, it has a very mellow feel to it and also very cartoony. MF Doom does a great job here, he doesn’t sound as muffled as he usually does. I like this track but what’s with the beeping? This had to be intentional, but it’s still very annoying. Great track otherwise. Master Shake tries to call Danger but gets the answering machine, so he leaves a funny message. Oh yea, this whole album is built around Adult Swim, so many characters show up and do voices. Great track. Good

2. Sofa King

Nice violin type beat here. MF Doom comes pretty tight here as he raps about the usual dope jibberish that you have to encode later on. Good track. Good

3. The Mask(Feat Ghostface)

A dream collabo in many rap fans minds, and it has finally happened. I like the beat by Danger here, very horn heavy. Doom starts off the track with a great verse. Ghostface with the next verse and he does a really good job playing the paranoid super hero. You know, both of these guys speak some dope jibberish. Dope track! DOPE!

4. Perfect Hair

Very smooth sounding beat, again it sounds cartoonish. MF Doom raps about a bunch of incoherent stuff. I like Doom a lot and this is what makes him special. You see, he doesn’t just rap a bunch of jibber jabber, he actually tells a story with his jibberish, so you most likely will get the meaning later on in life. Master Shake again tries to call Danger. I like this track. Good

5. Benzie Box(feat Cee-Lo)

Nice Westcoast-ish beat by Danger. Cee-Lo rules it on the chorus. Total styles clash between these 3(Yes, even Danger), but they really all work together well. Doom is Doom here. The usual good stuff from these guys. Good

6. Old School(Feat Talib Kweli)

This is a track dedicated to the wonders of cartoons. We all have watched Saturday morning cartoons, so we all can relate to this track. Kweli does a great job with the first verse, he sounds like he’s having a great time rapping about cartoons and their inspiration towards him. Doom does a great job with his verse as well. Great track. DOPE!

7. A.T.H.F.

Meatwad gives a little rap in the beginning, pretty funny stuff. Doom just raps about all the members of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force. You know this is why I like Doom, he’s not afraid to be original and to not be “Gangsta”. He doesn’t have to rap about guns and gangs, he’s just himself. This track will please the ATHF fans. Good

8. Basket Case

DOPE! This is my favorite track on the album. Harvey Birdman is king here as he gives a hilarious rant about the 70’s in the beginning. This track is about convicting Danger Doom and MF Doom has to give his story. Doom’s lyrics are very schitzo-like, references to straight jackets and anti-psychotic medications. Doom even tries to give his own testimony at the end, only to be laughed at by everyone. This track is amazing. DOPE!

9. No Names

Very 70’s sounding beat but it’s mixed with some bouncy Westcoast elements. Just an amazing beat that I can’t really describe. Doom raps about women and the like. Great track. Good

10. Crosshairs

I dig the beat here, nice guitars and very relaxing but also has violins mixed in. MF Doom raps about some abstract stuff, I can’t follow Doom sometimes but that’s why I dig the guy. Great stuff as usual. Good

11. Mince Meat

I like the track but it’s probably my least favorite on the album. Doom does a good job but the beat just bores me. Good(Just barely)

12. Vats Of Urine

The Mooninites do the beginning and actually add a lot to the track along with the sinister violins. Doom does a great job. Man this track is eerie sounding. Great stuff. DOPE!

13. Space Ho’s

This track is brilliant! Doom actually disses Space Ghost! Space even appears on the track. Man what a clever track, hell even Zorak is on the track. Danger flips the Space Ghost theme here with the whistles and what not. Gangsta rappers WISH they could do a track like this. DOPE!

14. Bada Bing

Nice way to end the track, very bass heavy beat and Doom rips it. Meatwad raps at the end. Good stuff. Good

 

All in all this gets a Good(Leaning on DOPE!) rating. This album is just amazing. This is easily album of the year. MF Doom & Danger Mouse hit a home run here. COP THIS NOW!

Quasimoto – The Further Adventures of Lord Quas

Quasimoto - The Further Adventures of Lord Quas1. Bullyshit

Great way to start off the album. This is “Bad Character” Part 2. Quasimoto talks about bullying people and acting like a psycho. Great stuff as usual. Good

2. Greenery

The bass is way too loud here. I don’t like this track at all. This track is very messy and just all around awful. There’s not much rapping here, it’s just a bunch of samples and talking. This is terrible. Wack

3. Crime

Bouncy beat here, a little dull but it’s ok. Quas & Madlib rap about stealing money and getting away with it. The problem here is that the track just cuts off and then some talking samples come in, this happens a lot on this album and it’s just annoying. This is too short to be anything good. Average

4. Hydrant Game

Terrible beat here. The Unseen was filled with jazzy smooth beats, this album is filled with sloppy beats that are poorly done. This is not a good track. Wack

5. Don’t Blink

80’s sounding beat here, it’s like I’ve stepped out of a time machine. Some people don’t like Quas, they think his voice is annoying and is just some gimmick. I think Quas is brilliant, and though while it is a gimmick, it’s a good gimmick. This track isn’t that good however. Wack

6. Players of The Game

Great starting here, I wish Madlib used this starting as the main beat, but he doesn’t. After the great starting is over, we’re stuck listening to a basic bass beat with annoying samples. Why is this album off to a bad start? Wack

7. Bus Ride

Good track about alcoholism, but there’s one problem and that problem is the cut off samples. The samples totally ruin the flow of the track. Still a good track though. Good

8. Closer(Feat Madvillain)

DOPE! MF Doom brings the dopeness here as he raps the first verse, great stuff from Doom as usual. I dig the beat here, very gloomy. Quas & madlib have the second verse and again it’s very dope. This is the best track on the album. DOPE!

9. Maingirl

Nice beat, I can’t really describe it, it sounds like one of those old war type tracks you’d here on one of those old “Sinbad” type movies. Quas raps about women. Good track. Good

10. Civilization Day

Good beat here, very funky sounding. This track is about judgement day and what goes on. Very interesting track. Again there are samples and they aren’t needed. Does Madlib actually think the voice samples appeal to people? I mean sure in moderation they’re ok, but not on every damn track. Good enough. Good

11. Bartender Say

Very MF Doom-ish beat here, I like it a lot. Interesting concept here, as Quas & Madlib talk to a bartender. See this is where voice samples work. Good track. Good

12. 1994

Drum heavy beat here, it’s very boring though Madlib does a great job flowing to it. This track is about…of course the year 1994 and how Hip Hop was back then. Average(Madlib did a good job)

13. Another Demo Tape

Very dope track here. This track is about listening to demo tapes and throwing them out of the window. Again there are cut off’s with stupid voice samples. Good enough track, though the samples do get redundant. Good

14. Raw Deal

Flute heavy track, then it gets really sloppy. Yea, this isn’t the Unseen, this is just a mess. Wack

15. Mr. Two-Faced

Decent track, I can’t really describe the beat here, though there are voice samples scattered throughout the track. Quas & Madlib do a good job. Good

16. The Exclusive(Feat M.E.D.)

This is a MED solo track and it’s really good albeit very short. MED spits the real here, very relateable lyrics. Great beat here, very relazing with “One Love” sayings scattered throughout. Good stuff. Good

17. Fatbacks

“I like my asses fat, not flat” is said atleast 40 times in the beginning, that gets annoying. This is about….of course fat asses. This track annoys me. Wack

18. J.A.N.(Jive Ass Niggaz)

-Good track, the beat is all sped up soul samples which is soothing. Quas & Madlib do a great job on this track. Good

19. Shroom Music

The beat is all over the place, just very sloppy. I hate tracks like this because if you say it’s awful then someone will say “Dude that’s because you have to be on drugs to get it!”. So you have to be on a substance to like a track? That sounds like an excuse to defend a terrible track. This track is awful. Wack

20. Rappcats Pt. 3

Nice track here. A very old school Hip Hop beat here. Madlib gives props to all the old school groups. Good stuff. Good

21. Strange Piano

Nice piano beat here, very heavy sounding. Quas & Madlib trade lines here. Great track, I’m a sucker for piano beats. Good

22. Life Is…

This was called “Chippin'” on “Stones Throw 101”. This track is terrible, way too many voice samples here. Just an awful track that’s so sloppy. Wack

23. The Clown(Episode C)

Weird beat here, but it has a soothing feel to it. Quasimoto raps about some weird stuff. Good track. Good

24. Raw Addict Pt. 2

Nice funky sounding beat here. Madlib talks about buying records and how it’s a habit. I’m also addicted to buying music. Madlib also raps about being addicted to making beats. Great track. Good

25. Tomorrow Never Knows

The beat has a funky feel to it and it also sounds like a video game. The track is about how you never know what will happen in life. Good track. Good

26. Privacy

Nice bouncy piano beat here, very upbeat sounding. Quasimoto comes tight here. Nice way to end the album. Good

 

All in all I’m going to give this a Good rating. Ok the album had some really terrible tracks and some really sloppy ones, but there were also some really good ones as well. Madlib went sample happy on this album and he really needs to stop putting so many on tracks because it kills the flow. This was not “The Unseen”, so don’t even try to compare the 2. Cop this if you’re a Stones Throw fan, but if you’re new to Quasimoto, then get “The Unseen”.

Empty Mynd – It’s Serious

Empty Mynd - It's SeriousEmpty Mynd was born in Panama City and raised in South Central L.A. and has been doing his thing for a while. He’s now releasing his first album on his label Westworld Entertainment. All tracks are produced or co-produced by Empty Mynd but music credits goes to ProttoeZak and others. I’m not sure what that means.

1. The Truth

The album starts of with “The Truth” about Empty Mynd who’s basically telling his life story, or at least the life history of Empty Mynd – the artist. The track’s got a real tight heavy beat completed with something that sounds like a medieval instrument and an instrument that I can only assume is a keyboard. It doesn’t matter what the instruments are – it’s a real tight track and it’s a real good way to start of the album.

2. Mashin feat. Tha Wizad of Oz, Lobo, Da Grench

Next up on the album is “Mashin”. Just like “The Truth”, it has a heavy, tight beat. I don’t know who’s who so I can’t really grade the guests but they’re all dropping tight verses. It’s a tight track but it’d be better with an other hook; It’s done by Tha Wizad of Oz with a special effects voice and I’m just not feeling it. It’s got a good thought behind it though and if the special effects were dropped I’d probably like it.

3. Hold Up

You can tell this is a West Coast album, and coming from me that’s a compliment. “Hold Up” has got a heavy, tight beat (I know, I’m being repetitive but it really does) and I’m really feeling Empty Mynd on this one. He’s coming out real raw and the hook’s made to raise your adrenaline. These first three tracks has really made me dig this album.

4. Ya’ll Don’t Want It feat. Eskeleto

“Ya’ll don’t want it” is a smoother track with a pretty heavy baseline and a tight hook. I found this line funny where Empty Mynd’s recreating an alleged conversation at a club:

“Seems like everybody got a little something to say
when they all up in the club and they all in my face like:
“Hey Empty Mynd man your album is cool. You’re the coolest n*gga that I ever met in my life dude”
I’m like “Whatever motha*****a step aside for me”.”

The beat’s latin inspired and the guest, Eskeleto, is actually dropping his verse in Spanish. It’s cool, but I don’t understand a word he’s saying.

5. Down Wit Me

This next tracks beat got repetitive real fast. Empty Mynd’s spitting about why you should be down with him and how you should get the ***** away from him if you’re not. The repetitiveness of the beat’s trying to be saved by some samples thrown in but it doesn’t help much. To its defense I’ve got to say that i was feeling the beat before getting tired of it.

6. Living The Life feat. D.L. Lewis

“Living The Life” is a slow jam and D.L. Lewis is the RnB cat singing the hook. Empty Mynd’s rapping about partying and living the life which might be suited better on an up-tempo party beat but whatever works for him… It’s a real cool track.

7. A Day In The Life feat. Lil Spade, Lord & Da Grench

Track 7 is another slow jam. Empty Mynd and his guests go a little deeper on this one, and I like that. To me, a slow jam needs to be either a love song or a deep song and I don’t think Empty Mynd’s the type of rapper that does a love song. I’m feeling this track. Hook’s real tight too.

8. Datz Gangsta

“All I came to do, is keep it gangsta”, says Empty Mynd on a slow but raw beat. There’s not much more to say about this song. I’m definitely feeling it.

9. Real Talk feat. Wizad Of Oz

“Real talk” is about gangs. Empty Mynd’s talking about how it is and how he represent his gang. He does warn people about how you’ve got to maintain focused since money will bring you up but also take you down. The hook’s made with special effects again but I don’t mind this time around. It’s a cool track without weak points.

10. Westcoast Rydaz feat. Draft Calhoun

Empty Mynd is a westcoast rydaz, and so is the guest here, Draft Calhoun, who is doing a real good impression on me with his 2 verses. There’s a great chemistry between the guest and Empty Mynd, too. Empty’s got a rawer flow on this track and it’s probably to match Draft Calhoun. The beat’s up-tempo and makes you nod your head = always a good thing.

11. 42nd Street feat Lewis & Klassic

This is a nostalgia trip back to 42nd Street, where I’m assuming Empty Mynd grew up or lives at. The mellow beat is perfect for a song taking you back somewhere and I’m really enjoying this song right here.

12. Hell Yeah feat. Beto Man, J Killa & Eskeleto

Eskeleto’s once again dropping a spanish verse on “Hell Yeah”. The difference between the previous appearance and this one is that this is a track where all three verses are in Spanish. The only English fragment on this cut is the hook. I don’t mind but at the same time i don’t understand a word. The beat goes well with the rest of the track since it’s Hispanic influenced aswell.

13. World Wide Ryde feat. Spade, Lord & Major Factorz

Empty Mynd is a world wide ryder, I guess. “World Wide Ryde” has a slow but heavy beat that I’m really digging. The guest do their job with more or less deep verses and so does Empty Mynd, making this a nice track.

14. Why

Why people wanna hate on Empty Mynd? I have no idea. He’s a pretty tight rapper and a nice producer.

All in all this is a real solid album. It started off real well but the other half of the album didn’t match the first. Beats are tight all the way through with few exceptions and even though Empty Mynds lyrics often lack deep meanings, he does surprise me here and there. He’s definitely got skills and after listening to the album a few times for this review I’m definitely going to look for his music in the future. The guests are doing their jobs too and doesn’t lower the standard of the tracks they appear on. The album is real solid and has no fillers wich is rare nowdays.

Production on the album is solid. A few tracks are above the average for this album while some are below average. Compared to other projects out there though, production is strong.

I rate this album 3,5 out of 5. It’s close to 4 than it is to 3.

Brotha Lynch Hung Presents: Now Eat, The Album

Brotha Lynch Hung Presents: Now Eat, The Album1. The Corpse Came To Dinner(Brotha Lynch Hung)

We start things out on a positive note. Great track here. Lynch just verbally destroy’s some choad named M’Sane. Brotha Lynch shows some great intensity on this track and the beat is really good. Great track. DOPE!

2. In The Tuck(Nit The Pit)

I’ve never heard of this guy, but he’s awful. What’s with the yelling? I can hear you just fine. Not a good track. Wack

3. Fucc A Struggle(Cos)

COS is such an overlooked rapper. He is the best lyricist in the Siccmade camp. Great symphony style beat, but it has hints of sadness to it. COS does a great job on this track as usual. Good stuff. Good

4. Doing Bad(E-Moe)

Nice piano beat here. E-Moe does a good job here, he can flow really well. Good track. Good

5. Rilla Man(D-Dubb)

Great track here. D-Dubb brings the 70’s soul on this track. Great singing as usual from the Dubb Meister. Just pure dopeness. DOPE!

6. Concrete Jungle(Doomsday)

These guys are from my hometown(Las Vegas) so they get automatic props. Nice piano beat here. Pit does a good job here, yes I know he sounds like Pac, but he’s really dope. Eklypse rules it as well with the raspy evil type flow. Good stuff. Good

7. I’m That Nigga(T Nutty)

DOPE! A star is born here. This is the best track on the album and it shows that T-Nutty has the talent to become something big in this rap business. This track is filled with fun lyrics and just all around charisma. DOPE!

8. Sins(Balance)

Dull track here. I find Balance to be really boring on the mic. This track just does nothing for me. Wack

9. Don’t Be My Pleasure(First Degree The D.E.)

This was on “Damn That DE”, I don’t see why it’s on here, oh well. DE does a good job here, funny lines are scattered throughout the track, especially the part where DE explains the blood on his lips(He was eating up coo chicken strips you see). Good track. Good

10. Mo Shit(Young Droop Feat First Degree The DE)

DOPE! Dark beat here with someone saying “1-8-7” all throughout, just eerie and really put together well. Young Droop just rips this track to pieces, another star is born, if only he weren’t so lazy. The DE sings the chorus and does a good job. DOPE!

11. Im A Hustle(Hollowtip, Mic-C & Young Shande)

Average track here. Hollowtip does a good job but Mic-C is just average and quite boring. This is the true definition of “Filler”. Average

12. Siccmade Rider(Dubb-Sak)

Good track here, nothing really mindblowing, just a dope eerie Siccmade style beat and Dubb-Sak doing a good job with the lyrics. Good

13. Jealous *****es(Zagg)

Nice dark beat here, really hard hitting as well. Zagg is a pretty good female rapper, nothing really mindblowing but good enough. Good

14. It’s Da Mista Nigga(Phonk Beta & Shagg)

This beat sounds like “Remember Me?” off the “Marshall Mathers LP”. Phonk has a very unique flow, I dig it but I can see where someone wouldn’t like it. Good track. Good

15. Court Dogg Gon’ball(Court Dogg)

What an awful track. Court Dogg is an awful rapper, what a Bone biter, you people think Chi Town bites bone? Well listen to this choad. Wack track. Wack

16. It’s Going Down(Lowdown)

Speaking of wack, who the hell is this guy? And why does he get his own track? This guy sounds like C-Loc but much worse and he tries to sing. Ugh, crap be gone from my ears! Train Wreck

17. Deep(Halfbreed)

Halfbreed were some horrorcore group that all the horrorcore fans praised. I don’t see what’s so good about them, I mean they’re not awful or anything, but they aren’t good either. This track has a decent beat and that’s about it. Average

18. Last Call(Loki)

Loki tells a pretty funny joke in the beginning. Good track here, not amazing or anything but it’s a nice way to end this soundtrack. Good

All in all this gets a Good rating. If you’re into Siccmade and Northern California rap then you should cop this.

Daz Dillinger – Gangsta Crunk

Daz Dillinger - Gangsta Crunk1. Intro (Tenna Key)(Feat LiL Larry)

Intro.

2. Now Dat’s Gangsta

There’s nothing “gangsta” about this track. terrible Casio-like beat here, it’s got a heavy Southern feel, but really it’s awful. Daz spouts out “NOW DAT’S GANGSTA” like it’s his new catchphrase. Wow we’re off to a bad start. Wack

3. It All Goes Down (Skit)

Skit.

4. We Mean Bizniz

Eerie type beat here mixed with some Southern crunk, it’s not bad but you can tell Daz has really turned into a terrible rapper. His flow here is sloppy and consists of yelling and over exaggerating words. Eh, this is just average nonsense. Average

5. Put’n It Down (Skit)

Skit. Why the hell is there another skit after just 1 track?

6. We Goin’ Sho U

Drum heavy beat here, it’s not that good. This is the same guy that brought you Dogg Food, and he’s churning out this crap? What the hell? Man this is awful. Wack

7. I’m Lookin For Dat Gangsta *****

What a song title. This is a mixture of coasts here(beat wise). You have the Southern claps and the Westcoast bounce. It’s ok but it’s really played out. Daz adds nothing to the track flow wise. This is awful. Wack

8. Can I Bounce Dat

This started off ok with a semi soothing beat, but once it all kicked in, then that’s where it all went wrong. You don’t mix a soothing beat with a heavy Southern one, it just doesn’t work. Daz brings the cliche’s here as he just wants to “Bounce dat”. Do I care? No, no I really don’t. Crap, be gone from my ears. Train Wreck

9. Bigg O’butt

“BIG BUTT!!!! BIG BUTT!!!!” Wow this is just awful. As a matter of fact, it’s worse than awful, it’s super atrocious. Terrible Casio beat here. Daz yells some lyrics, I fall asleep. Train Wreck

10. Tow Up From Tha Flo’ Up(Feat Mz. Maya)

Who really cares about the guest? Why does he even bother to have guests on this turd of an album? Mz Maya sounds terrible here, she’s even worse than Daz. The beat is just unoriginal garbage. This will be playing on a repeated loop in hell. Train Wreck

11. Run Up & Get Dun Up(Feat Bigg Baby)

I’m already sick of this album. Daz tries to be like DJ Paul & Juicy J, but it falls flat. Those guys still have talent, Daz. Bigg Baby adds nothing to the track, then again with a name like “Bigg Baby” I knew he was going to make the track even worse. This is awful. Train Wreck

12. It’s Tyme To Ride On ’em(Feat Yo Gotti)

Decent piano beat here, probably the ebst track on the album(Which isn’t saying much). Yo Gotti is decent here. Average

13. A License To Kill

Note to Daz: You can’t sing, so stop trying to. Terrible way to end the album here, Daz has really just became a joke. Train Wreck

 

All in all this gets a Train Wreck rating. Wow was this awful. I’m a fan of Daz’s old work, but man has he fell off. This was a pathetic attempt at appealing to the Southern audience and really it didn’t work. This could make a good frisbee, but then again why would you pay $13.99 for a frisbee?