Snowgoons - Snowgoons Dynasty Album Review

Snowgoons Dynasty -
Album Review

A group who over the years I probably haven't followed as much as I could of.  Not that I haven't wanted to, but with a workrate like the german production quartet of DJ Illegal, Det, Sicknature & J.Kuster - better known as the Snowgoons, I must admit that with the amount of music they've released, over the past 5+ years, or something, it's been a bit hard to keep up.  Anyway i've been a bit of a fan over the years, since their album German Lugers & although I will admit that I've missed out on some quite notable releases by the crew, over the years, I'm now actually quite excited to listen to this latest album.  A bit of a task to review in full, but I must admit it's something i'm quite looking forward to, and not just for the guest features.

CD 1

An album that begins, with Snowgoons Dynasty Pt. II, which features an MC called Freestyle.  A quite intense, dark, sort of track to begin with, but it's typical Snowgoons really, and certainly a taste for the listener of what is yet to come.  Dope rhymes, and banging beats, and along the way a feature presentation  to a vast range of established, unknown, & upcoming MC's.  Something which on the next track Get Off The Ground is a great example of, and who better for the job than Termanology, Sean Price, Ruste Juxx & Lil Fame of M.O.P.  Pretty well known acts, but also added to the mix are lesser knowns H-Staxx, & Justin Tyme.  MC's with all pretty good verses, but lol at the first part of Sean Prices verse.  No doubt a reference to his recent online videos about the Sean Price Rap Clinic.

"You can't rap, understand man you can't rap.."

and it's surely no reference to any of the other 5 rappers featured on this track.  They all hold it down pretty well, and nothing to moan about really.  Probablly Ruste Juxx is maybe the weakest on the actual track, and Termanology is the most solid, but all in all it's a good song, and a good tone setter for the next track, the Krush Unit featured What U Do This For.

Which sounds a bit like the same sample off the Jay-Z track The Takeover.  Although saying that I might be wrong, but anyway about the track.  Not sure about the first MC (Side Effect) too much, he's a bit boring, but as for the second guy (Sick Six), he seems to be the one who come's up with the concept for the track, so I quite like him, and as for the two other emcee's (Brainstorm & Adlib), they're like the CNN of the group.  Definately make the track what it is, but again moving on.

Track 4 now, and this one's called John McEnroe, and if you've clicked on the name highlighted you will discover, if you didn't know, that John McEnroe isn't a Weed dealer like the line suggests:

"We keep on serving that green like John McEnroe".

but a West German Tennis Player.  Which concept wise is ingenious really, but it just goes to show that even though the Snowgoons, and Sicknature have made their money making predominantly U.S Hip Hop that still they are Europe based, and actually it's quite a dope track.  One of the better ones so far in my opinion.  

On to track 5 though, Better day featuring Lyricss.  Another relatively unknown to me, but about the music.  It's quite mellow actually, and to be honest it's quite surprising thinking back to track 1, and some of the tracks off German Lugers.  It's not very long, but it does bring a certain versatility to the album, and to someone who hasn't been checking the groups immediate last few releases, it kind of shows how far the groups come since 2007.  A welcome addition to the album, but skipping along.

On to track 6, and this one features Blaq Poet & Usual Suspects.  It's called Goonsville, and it's back to the more dark side of the Snowgoon's production.  A definite mood changer, and right up the production teams street beat wise.  It also isn't bad for the lyrics, and with all the different MC's there's quite a bit going on.  It's another different sounding kind of track, but so is the next one.  It feature's an MC who the production team are starting to work with a lot lately, a guy who goes by the name of Sean Strange.  A bit of a mix between DMX & Agallah, but he is good, and he rides on a nice beat.  Look forward to hearing more from this guy, but back to the album track 8.  Which before listening seems a bit out of my comfort zone in terms of the line up, but here goes nothing.  It's called Queen's, undoubtedly about the NYC borough
of Queensbridge.  Actually an ok track mind you even though Royal Flush is the only name out the line up I recognise, some of the other MC's are actually alright, and it seems to be a bit of a signature on the album to showcase new talent.  A trend that continues with a feature from an MC called Rozewood on Street Passion, a track i'm not actually over keen on actually, it doesn't really stand out to me, but it's just one of many so I think i'll just let it pass for the moment.

Over to Fight Club, a track featuring MC's Knowbodies, Smiley, Checkmark & E Flash (of NBS).  It's another one i'm not really feeling to be honest, but no hate, quite the opposite, because I don't think this track, or the last one are bad, just not up my street.  It does though however build up towards the end - so maybe i'm thinking I probably just need a second listen.  Something I shall do later, but back to the now, and this current track I like primarily because of the title Akenaten.  Who if you don't know was an Egyptian Pharoah, and I must admit it does piss all over a similar titled track, King Tut by Busta Rhymes.  It's quite a short one though, and more like a build up track really, and with a line up like the next number you can sort of see why.  A track featuring Westcoast MC's Ras Kass, Planet Asia, Krondon, Banish, & Aims, and with a name like What the West Like you can kind of see why.  About the track though not big on the beat really - it kind of sounds like windchimes in the background - I reckon I would of preferred it if it kept to more of the same sort of sound as the chorus beat, but for haters like myself the lyrics of the chorus couldn't be more releavant:

"...that N***a hate me cos his lady wanna take me everywhere, all on my nuts".

Could actually listen to this track again I reckon.  That chorus is growing on me already, but back to the actual album though, and the next few tracks.

Beginning with the Blacastan number Turistas.  A song about, according to google, tourists, because if you didn't know it's the same word, but in Spanish, or Portugese.  So a title you can learn something from in that respect, but about the track.  It's quite horror core really, and quite fitting to the stereo type you might give to the Snowgoons.  It's another quite short track, and it's probably best for the first verse, but after the second verse it's pretty much over with.  Though just aswell because the next track is certainly a banger.  Epic being the word that fits for one of the albums best tracks probably.  It features an MC called Mykill Myers (Someone I have heard of) and it's called Press Your Luck.  It's maybe one of the tracks you'd listen to the album again for, but it's probably the next track that would make you want to pick the album up in the first place.  If you had to pick one good reason of course, and it's one of the big posse cuts of the album.  It features, wait for it, Esoteric, Ill Bill, Godilla, Fredro Starr (of Onyx), Sicknature, Punchline, Reks, Thirstin Howl the 3rd, Planetary (of Outerspace, Virtuoso, Maylay Sparks, Swann, Sav Killz, M- Dot & Reef The Lost Cauze.  15 different rappers all together, and at 6 minutes long - I'm not even going to write about it.  Click Here to check it out.

A massive track, but anyway last track now.  It's called Missing Pages and features Revolution of Mind, and Sabac Red.  A good song, and as last songs go it's a good album altogether.  From start to finish, but actually hang on - it's not finished.  There's still another CD.


To Be Continued....


Follow this Link to read Part 2 (Currently Unavailable).

Public Enemy - Most of my Heroes Don't Appear On No Stamp Album Review.

One of two albums announced for this year by pioneers Public Enemy, and for this one (Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear On No Stamp) it’s interesting to see how much a group of this status has stood the test of time.  Which actually to me doesn't matter either way, because in my opinion they did enough during the 1980’s & early 90's, but as opportunities go, this one has to be as good as any.  To review a new album, from a group that even after all this time are still making their voice heard, and putting across their opinions through their own brand of rap music.

Music that has come along way from releases like (Fear Of The Black Planet) & (Yo Bum Rush The Show), but none the less it’s still new music.  A new release from a group that has been about for the best part of 30 years now, and it’s nice to hear that the boys Chuck D, Flava Flav, & Terminator X can still pull it off.

On an album that begins with (Run Til it’s Dark), and its nothing new from the group really,  Chuck D goes in first on a track that sounds like that if it was released in the 80’s or early 90’s P.E fans would only really notice from the content.  Mainly about today’s politics, but with that being said I’m sure that like myself most P.E fans of today would just be glad to hear new material.  Whatever is, and as being different goes the group bring in a feature for the next track (Get Up Stand Up) and it comes in the form of Brother Ali.  On a song slightly reminiscent of the Ice Cube track (Amerikkkaz Most Wanted) It’s quite a dark one really and very in your face, although the Brother Ali feature does work against this in part.  It’s a song which finishes with a skit, a little explanation behind the albums title.

An album which continues with the title number next, (Most Of My Heroes Still…), which makes sense considering the outro of the last track.  It features DJ Z-Trip, and probably the best part about it is the catchy beat, but it’s a bit all over the place for samples, content, or whatever, and it’s more like an interlude really.  So a bit different from the first two structure wise, but skipping on you hardly notice it, and before you do the album moves to track 4 (I Shall Not Be Moved).  A quite funky sort of political number and it’s a nice track to listen to for getting into the album.  A stand out line is:

“What good is learning from some record when y’all only listen for 15 seconds?”

Something I’m sure that will encourage most listeners to press replay, and I mean on this track in particular you kind of have to, but moving on.  Track 5 now, and this one’s called (Get It In) featuring DJ Premier Collaborator Bumpy Knuckles.  It’s not much else different sound wise from the album so far, but Bumpy does bring something else to the table.  The beats quite cool as well, and it’s a good mix between the two artists, but again though moving on.  On to track 6 (Hoover Music), and the more intelligent of rap fans would know that the boys from P.E have made a track about historical figure J. Edgar Hoover, a man who stood against Civil Rights, and not vacuum cleaners.  So I mean you can kind of get a feel of what this tracks like from the title, but otherwise it’s a hard rock rap song about controlled discretion of music.

It follows with (Catch The Thrown), no doubt a different take on the Jay-Z & Kanye West album title.  It features Queensbridge duo Large Professor & Cormega, and it’s the first track of this type that the features actually blend in with the likes of Chuck D & Flava Flav.  It keeps with the political theme, and as standards go it’s another good track on the album.  Which has so far been quite Ok on the ear, but with 4 tracks left now one might still think what else is yet to come?  From tracks which continue with (Rltk).  Which if you might wonder, if you haven’t got round to listening yet, is short for real talk.  Another quite typical P.E track, and it’s not as great as some of the other album tracks, but I won’t go on about it.  So on to Track 9, and this one’s called (Truth Decay).  A title undoubtedly about the lies fed to people through Music, TV, and media.  Not exactly out of P.E’s comfort zone, but it’s a good track, and it has quite a nice beat.

Two tracks left now, and they begin with (Fass Food).  A number about more than you’re regular McDonalds or BK, although not quite sure what, but skipping on, last track now, and this one’s called (WTF), and it sounds oddly familiar.  A bit like the M.I.A song (Paper Planes), but don’t get me wrong, it might not be.  As for the title kind of obvious really, it’s short for (What the F***) and it’s not my reaction after the album.  Something I thought was good, and something I’m going to give a (8/10).

Buy It Here @ Itunes.com

King Magnetic - Everythings A Gamble 3 (Album Review)

An album i've been anticipating since I heard about its release, and kind of odd really because I haven't even checked out the two other albums (EAG 1&2) out yet.  I just see this one, and I thought when this album comes out I'm going to get it.  For the features if anything being my main reason, but also because of Magnetic's involvement in the current line up of Army Of The Pharoah’s.  A group who I very much look forward to hearing on their album ('In Death Reborn') coming out later this year, but back to the now though, and we press play on the first track (Pop) which doesn't have any features, but it's okay for a first track.  It kind of sounds on the beat like somebody’s making music by tapping on a row of glasses of water.  A kind of xylophone effect you could say, but anyway - moving on.

On to the Celph Titled, Ruste Juxx & DJ Revolution featured Guns Theme, and other than the beat you got to love that first Celph Titled lyric:

"Not just rap doe I let the burner flame em cos buddy I hold the Eagle down like I'm a bird trainer".

Back to the beat though, and it's got like a big band sort of sound, and if you listen you can again hear the water glasses sound.  You might not agree, but I won't go on about it, because I can imagine to some people I might sound a bit stupid.  So on to the next (Wild Out), and this one it reminds me a bit of the old Busta Rhymes track ('Give me some more').  Which I couldn't tell you if it's used in the sample, but what definitely is, is a violin sample.  Something which combined with the rest of the album so far, water glasses and all, makes for a real classical sort of sound, and I'm not complaining actually, because other than this I actually quite like King Magnetic's voice.

Especially on track 4 ('Promises') which features some dude called Hannibal the Great, who sounds a bit like Raekwon I'd say, and about the beat...   It's another good one - keeping with that classical sound.  Something I could definitely listen to again.

Back to the rest of the album though, and I said about features; well, this one is a proper posse cut featuring the likes of Adlib, Main Flow, Blacastan, Diabolic & GQ Nothin Pretty.  It's called Grim Reaperz, and one might assume that this track might possibly not be the last from this collective.  You could imagine a whole Grim Reaperz album in the future, but about the track its okay, but I don't Mag think really needs all the features.  He definitely can hold his own, and if not just for his rapping, but his choice of beats as well.  Like the Marco Polo produced (Who you?) for example - a bit Disney Land yes, but it doesn't change the fact that it goes hard, and it's another great example of what the rapper can do on his own.  Which is a shame really because it’s the last track like this and with the rest of album there’s pretty much features on every track.

Tracks which continue with (WTF happened?) featuring frequent collaborator GQ Nothin Pretty.  A track with a marching sounding kind of beat, and it’s a bit Capone N Noreaga in the sense of how it’s a trade off of bars between the two emcees.  A definite chemistry, but moving on, and this time it’s another posse with this time Block McCloud, Tug Mcgraw, & Sha Stimuli.  It’s called (This Life) & if you listen to it the piano loop is quite obvious, but if you listen carefully you can again in a small part the glasses of water.  Although actually it’s quite hard to notice because as lyrics go it’s a pretty tough track, and especially because of Sha’s verse:

“look I been a violent rider since I been tiny toddler/ rapping Lodi Dodi my mother hollered and I shouted louder/ in and with the powder I’m not proud of my movers/ when doing music wasn’t moving so I vowed to get my bread up…”

So another solid track in my opinion, off a good album, and without hearing anymore tracks I would say that this album is good enough already, so anymore tracks are a bonus.  Tracks which continue with (Wake Up) and it’s another banger.  It features DJ Revolution, Murdoc, & GQ Nothin Pretty, and it kind of a bit hard to describe really, but it’s good.  Mainly because of GQ’s verse at the end, although it’s mainly DJ Revolution who steals the show, for his input on the beat, and as contributions go it doesn’t end there for DJ Rev.  He also appears on the next track (This Ain’t Gonna Work).  A single collaboration this time by Mag & Rev, and it’s quite similar to the last track beat wise, but probably doesn’t stand out so much.

Something which you could argue is because it’s a build up to the next track (Beast Pt. II).  One of the albums biggest tracks possibly, for features by Saigon, Ruste Juxx, & Sean Price, and as for the track it doesn’t sound like Saigon’s usual sort of track when it comes in, but it does however have King Magnetic written all over it, for the choice of beat.  Another classical sampling number, with quite noticeable violins, and operatic symphonies, and its maybe not to every hip hop listeners taste, but I’m happy with it, though mainly I’d say for other similar tracks by JMT, Canibus, & AOTP.

Off the subject of track 11 though, and we have two more songs left.  The first being (Nothing) feat. Capadonna, & GQ Nothin Pretty, and It’s a pretty immediate track as it gets going.  A bit like the earlier track (Wild Out), in the sense of the beat which has the same sort of sound in it, but otherwise it’s pretty up beat really.  A good way to finish up, although not before the actual end track (Watch Out), and it’s another posse cut.  This time featuring AOTP members Esoteric, Ali Armz, Godilla, Jus Allah & Vinnie Paz, and it’s surprisingly short for all the features, but what better way to finish up.  It’s kind of a taster to the In (Death Reborn LP), and as the final piece in the puzzle it makes for a pretty solid album.  So with that being said and at rating time I’m going to give this album a 9/10.  Generous considering it’s only just over 30 minutes long, but for its replay value it’s a worthy mark I think, and I would definitely say this album is worth buying/ downloading, and an even better reason to also check out its predecessors (EAG 1&2).

The Jacka - The Sentence - Album Review

01 – The Sentence 1
02 – Look Me In My Eyes (Feat. Max B)
03 – We Out Here
04 – M.O.B. (Feat. Smigg Dirtee And Mobb)
05 – Lately (Feat. J-Stalin)
06 – Choosin Up (Feat. Smigg Dirtee)
07 – Dago 2 The Bay (Remix) (Feat. Messy Marv And Mitchy Slick)
08 – Blowin Money (Feat. Young Chris And Ricky Ruckos)
09 – Around The World (Feat. Bueno And Dubb 20)
10 – Stone Cold Gz (Feat. Artist Records)
11 – Freedom Writers (Feat. Hollow Tip, Freeway, T-Wayne)
12 – The Sentence 2
13 – Cant Go (Feat. Balance And Big Rich)

********************************************************************************

One third of the group Mob Figaz, and someone who has been about, doing his own little thing for a while now. The Jacka this week released his latest offering 'The Sentence'. An album which I, to be honest, have only just heard about, but because of - I will not lie - some of the albums features, and the kind of unique, gritty vibes i'm getting off the album cover i've decided to check this album out, and write a review.

I will start at the beginning. The albums first track is a short skit of an over dramatic court room drama, which as you can guess is a reference to the albums title 'The Sentence'. Which actually does little to derail the albums quality because it is quickly followed by the cool, Max B assisted, "Look Me In My Eyes". So a good start, but it gets better.

After a little bit of nattering on at the end of this first track - the album follows up with another quite cool track, but this time with no guest appearence. The Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine" sampling 'We Out Here'.  A story about putting crime before love despite recognising the made sacrifice. A short track that at the end just stops, and goes right into the next track 'M.O.B', a kind of Mafia life kind of track featuring the Mob themselves, Mobb Deep. Which actually does little to change the subject of the last track, i mean you just have to break down what 'M.O.B' stands for (Money Over B*****s) to realise that both these tracks work in their own little way to compliment each other.

The album continues with track number 5 'Lately' featuring the former russian dictator J. Stalin. A slow Jamz kind of track oddly kind of reminiscant of the R Kelly track ignition from a few years back. Although a lot more gangsta. It's another short one, but somehow 'So far so good' formula wise, and what a better time to put something a bit longer in the mix. This comes in the form of 'Choosin Up' feat. Smigg Dirtee, a track about notorious activity that kind of serves as a transition track before maybe one of the albums best tracks 'Dago 2 the Bay (Remix)'. A "California Love" (Dr Dre & 2pac) & Barry White "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little Bit More Babe" sampling electro beat featuring both Messy Marv & Mitchy Slick. A kind of unrelated track given the albums concept, but i'm not complaining, personally i'm feeling it.

Alike track number 8 actually which features former (?) rocafella artist, Young Chris. It's called 'Blowin Money' & it's about... You guessed it, Spending money excessively. It follows with another quite fitting track 'Around the World' featuring homies Bueno & Dub 20, which is maybe one of the albums more lyrical tracks & best highlighted by the first 16 "Ayo my nicca Mitch hit me on the cell from the cell...". Not the Jackas bars, but maybe one of my favorites so far. And oh yeah "I pray that I stay alive for my Mothers Sake". Good Track, but continueing on, I would say track 10 'Stone Cold Gz' sounds a little like track no.4. Beatwise that is, but contentwise - it's more of a track about the struggle of trying to survive in L.A. It features artist/ group (not sure) Arist records - Not sure who he/ they are.

Track 11 'Freedom Writers" is most possibly one of the albums most emotional tracks, and is about greif, accepting death, and warfare. It features Freeway, Hollow & T-Wayne (not T-Pain & Lil Wayne) & i would describe it further as being about finding the muslim faith. It follows with a second album SKIT 'The Sentence Pt II' which is basically about someone being dragged out the courtroom kicking and screaming, but it's only about half a minute long Thank God. It follows with track no. 13, the final album track 'Can't Go' feat. Balance and Big Rich. Which actually sounds a little a little familiar, i believe i recognise it from a past Trae Tha Truth track, It's apparently according to my sources a sample of "Willie Hutch "Mothers Theme", and i will take back what i said about track 11. This final track i think is just that little bit more emotional, and i do like it better to be honest. It doesn't have any lines from the Quaran in it - which is cool, but not my cup of tea.

So Overall after giving the whole album a listen - I will give it a 7/10 because i liked most of it, but i didn't like track 11. I would say that it's worth a listen definately, and if you like westcoast, Bay Area, Hyphy, Gangsta, Rap & Hip Hop than, over some of the more commercial releases, that it's maybe worth buying.

Follow The Below Links to buy this album courtesy of Amazon.com/.co.uk

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Waka Flocka Flame: Triple F Life - Album Review

Tracklist:


01. Triple F Intro (Feat. Wooh Da Kid)

02. Let Dem Guns Blam (Feat. Meek Mill)

03. Round of Applause (Feat. Drake)

04. I Don’t Really Care (Feat. Trey Songz)

05. Rooster in My Rari

06. Get Low (Feat. Nicki Minaj, Tyga & Flo Rida)

07. Fist Pump (Feat. B.O.B)

08. Candy Paint & Gold Teeth (Feat. Ludacris & Bun B)

09. Cash (Feat. Wooh Da Kid)

10. Lurkin (Feat. Plies)

11. Clap

12. U Ain’t Bout that Life (Feat. Slim Thug & Alley Boy)

13. Power of My Pen

14. Flex (Feat. Travis Porter, Slim Dunkin & D-Bo)

15. Triple F Outro

16. Inky (Feat. Slim Dunkin & Wooh Da Kid) (Bonus Track)

17. Chin Up (Feat. Slim Dunkin) (Bonus Track)

18. Everything I Love (Feat. Future & Trouble) (Bonus Track)

My 2nd Hip Hop album review. My 1st was for the new album by the Jacka of Mob figaz - The Sentence & one article later i'm finding out what a good opportunity writing reviews offer. Especially because i'm opening my ears up to a few of the albums that before i wouldn't bother with. For Example - This Review - My Review of Waka Flocka Flame's - Triple F Life: Fans, Friends & Family. Not a rapper i really know that well, but he isn't someone either who i've been very encouraged to listen to - I mean the name says it all doesn't it - Waka Flocka, but actually he isn't someone that I am in any position to dislike because for a start I haven't listened to enough of his S**T. So here it is my review taking it as i hear it. All 18 tracks of it.

18 tracks which begin with the Triple F Intro track feat. Wooh Da Kid. A track with a beat which kind of sounds like one of those lullaby things you put over a babys cot/ crib. The only difference is Waka Flocka singing "Do ya wanna see me dead or get locked up". I wouldn't mind either to be honest, but continueing on the album drops into the dark sounding 'Let Them Guns Blam'. A Meek Mill assisted cut which i assume is about shooting people. Not very enthusiastic i know, but i said that i'll write this review, and god damn it I will. So track three now, and this one features Drake, and is called 'Round of Applause'. The beat is a bit lighter, and is about making that Ass clap apparently - so yes it is slightly hilarious. It's followed by the Trey Songz assisted cut 'I Don't really Care' which actually is a little bit better on Trey Songz behalf, but as for Flocka he's mainly just repeating the same lines over, and over. So nothing new there, but i'm not throwing the Towel in yet because before i do I've still got 'Rooster in my Rarri' to listen to, which actually i'd love to see a video for because I'm assuming that it's about driving round with a chicken in a ferrari - which hang on makes sense now putting it like that, but hang on - isn't a rooster a male chicken ? Doesn't matter - Next track.

So one of the big tracks for guest appearances, this one features Nicki Minaj, Tyga & Flo Rida, and to be honest it probably might aswell not even feature Waka because it's not really his type of track, well he doesn't sound terrible, but he's hardly in it. So i mean if your a fan of Nicki Minaj or Florida you'll probably like it, but if you're checking it especially for Flocka then i'd skip it after the first 30 seconds because that's it really. More of a track aimed at new listeners checking the album purely for the features, but don't worry everyone he's back in full swing for the next track 'Fist Pump' feat. B.O.B. A track about uppercuts i assume and clenching your fist - a well balanced track between the two artists. Which is followed by another big featured track 'Candy Paint & Gold Teeth' Feat Bun B & Ludacris. A track actually that ain't too bad, and i'm loving the lyric "Have a party with my people, and if their ass get hungry than the old folks gon feed you".  Maybe the only track i like so far, and not just for the features, but carrying on. I'm now on track nine. Halfway through, and i am now bumping 'Cash' feat. Wooh Da Kid. Which sounds oddly familiar to a lot of the old Gucci Mane/ Waka Flocka tracks, but non the less something for the die hard Waka Flocka Flame fans. It's about Hustleing, and is right in Waka's comfort zone, as is track 10 Lurkin feat. Plies. Another dark kind of typical sort of Waka Flocka track which i will admit for what it is, is okay. Cool also because of Plies and especially for when he says BRRRRRRRRRR!!

Cool nearly as the next track - 'Clap' which actually alike track 5, another one of Flockas solo tracks, is so far one of the albums highlights, and especially for this rather sexist lyric "Slap her in the booty - Flocka, Flocka - For Some Money". Very LOL worthy, but moving on next up is 'U Ain't Bout That Life' feat. Slim Thug & Alley Boy. A little more serious, but basically about Fake Gangstas who unlike Flocka aren't slapping Booties for money, or as Alley Boy puts it Like a Young Frank Lucas. A good track actually, and in fact i am starting to think this album is half descent. Maybe worth actually purchasing, and what doesn't hurt this opinion is this next track 'Power of the Pen'. A quite serious track, and with good lyrics - that don't repeat, but most surprising is that it's the third and final Flocka Solo track. It makes you think don't it? Maybe he should have done a few more like this. Carrying on. Next up is the possee cut featuring Travis Porter, Slim Dunkin (R.I.P) & DBo (out of the friday films i believe) It's called Flex, and it's the penultimate album track minus the three bonus tracks. An okay track which breaks into the emotional Triple F (Outro) which i would say is the albums best track, a fitting tribute to fallen comrade Slim Dunkin, and a good place to finish, but i said i'd review the whole album so before i finish there's still three bonus tracks.

First up is INKY feat. Slim Dunkin (RIP) & Wooh Da Kid, and is about Tatoos i think. Something i'd say is reminiscant of the type of tracks on the Flockavelli album. Which i'm not sure if it's an unused cut or not, but anyway contiuing on next up is 'Chin Up' featuring for the second track in a row Slim Dunkin (RIP) & it sounds a bit like the old 80's song 'The Final Countdown'. Not sure what it's about other than the title, but anyway last track. This one's called 'Everything i love' and it features Future & Trouble. I would describe it as a dark sounding typical waka flocka track with a lot of shouting. It's alright i'd say and the albums better with it than without it.

So my evaluation now i've finished writing i'm going to give a 6.5/10. I would say it's worth buying, but i wouldn't say it's a solid album, but then again Waka Flocka isn't somebody i'd normally listen to. Overall i would say that i have a new respect for him as an artist, and i would say i would like to listen to this album again, and that i'd be less reluctant to check out his other releases.

Follow the links below to buy Waka Flocka Flame: Triple F Life courtesy of Amazon.com/.co.uk

Click Here to buy at Amazon.co.uk

or Click Here to buy at Amazon.com
　

Cypress Hill & Rusko EP Review

A bit short this one, but after all it is an EP, and i mean i wouldn't normally bother to be honest with writing a review of what 5 tracks, but seeing that it's new music from the legends that are Cypress Hill i am somewhat differed in that opinion. I mean it isn't much to write about, but this new EP by Cypress Hill & dubstep producer Rusko is something that i would have thought a lot of people would like to know about. Although i would imagine that a lot of these people would have trusted to give this release a listen without a review, but anyway here are my thoughts - taking each track as i hear it.

1.) Lez Go -

The first track on the EP & it quickly becomes clear of what influence producer Rusko has on the Cypress Hill sound. A kind of mellow (for what it is) dance track (obviously) what introduces rather quite a similar sounding Rhyme pattern throughout. Although actually i would say that for what it is on both Rusko's part with Rappers B-Real & Sen Dog that together it does sound okay.

2.) Roll it, Light it, -

A bit of a giveaway the title, and not too mention the first line "We Came Here To Get You High". No doubt a reference to the Hip Hop groups heavy Weed use, but actually you could say that over the charged up dubstep beat that the reference is more metaphorical on a track where the lyrics are more about the music than the meaning.

3.) Shots Go Off -

On too track three now, and this one is slightly techno/ drum & bass. It's about like as the title suggests running for cover. It's a well highlighted track for it's sound effects of gunshots, and lyricwise not much really stands out other than the chorus, but on a release that's more about its sound than content there's really not much too complain about.

4.) Can't Keep me Down feat. Damian Marley -

And another banger. Track number four is an electronic kind of drum & bass number. It is alike the other tracks in one respect, particularily highlighted by the chorus. Although you could say that especially with Damian Jr. Gong singing what do you expect. A solid track all and all, on a solid release.

5.) Medicated feat. Young De -

Back on the subject of you guessed it (Sticky Icky) & this one is no doubt about California's Cannabis medication law, and getting high. The final track on the EP & features frequent Cypress Hill collaborator Young De. I would describe as a disco/ techno kind of track, and for what it is, it's a good way to finish up. Maybe not one of the EPs best tracks, but only really because some of the other tracks are better.

Summary - A New Sound for Cypress Hill, and another successful experiment from a group that in the past has released albums of a variety of different genres. It's weakness is only that it's just 5 tracks, but on the otherhand its strength will be that the group will be getting across to a more dance & rave orientated audience. It's similar in theme to the Adam F Kaos album from a few years back, but it's sound is slightly more in the direction of other dance genres. It's all, and all as i mentioned earlier a solid release, and for any Cypress Hill or Rusko fan, or anybody else looking to check the project out, I would say it's worth it. Especially if you're a DJ, and if you are check below for a link to buy your 12". Otherwise also check for links to buy your CD/ Download. Courtesy of Amazon.

For Amazon.com (U.S)


Or get your copy at Amazon.co.uk (UK)



Vinyl out July 17th (U.S) & 26th (UK)


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Tech9ne Presents... Stevie Stone - Rollin Stone.

After a successful 2011, which see the release of one of his biggest albums of his career (All 6's & 7's), rapper Tech9ne is back. Although not with new material exactly, but this time with a new Presents... album. A feature showcasing one of his newest acts, on his Strange Music Imprint, Stevie Stone, a rapper signed by Tech in July last year.

The release tentavely titled 'Rollin Stone' hit stores this Monday (the 12th), and is a piece with a few big name features (Yelawolf, Hopsin, & of course TechN9ne) but otherwise for guest spots it's mainly from other artists signed to Strange Music. A lot of help from other people you could argue, and especially Tech, but actually a lot of the content including verses, and chorus's is handled by Stevie, with the exception of perhaps the dark, dirty south like number 'Oneness' featuring reggae artist Peetah Morgan. Overall the feel of the album is of a unique Hip Hop artist who carries his craft on his own very well with 6 of the 16 tracks having no features at all. Surprising for a new artist, with label head Tech9ne actually only appearing on one track, '808 Bendin', and otherwise, there are a few tracks which are just as much a showcase for Strange musics other artists (Kutt Calhoun, Krizz Kaliko, & Big Scoob) but mostly the album has the upcoming rapper written all over it. Right from the start, from the opening number, the grimy sounding 'Get Buck', to the end with the finishing piece 'The Road', a track about the rappers journey to fame, you can hear the presence of the vesatile artist all the way through. An artist kind of similar to Petey Pablo on tracks like 'Cash Out', especially for his signature singing, but otherwise you can hear a voice which sounds like other rappers including DMX, David Banner, and perhaps Tech N9ne himself. The beats are also quite well choosen, a selection of quite Southernish kind of dark instrumentals, namely 'Keep Your name Out my Mouth' & the Hopsin assisted 'Raw Talk' the album has a good variety of music that ultimately brings the best out of Stevie. So to be considered that this is his debut album there isn't really a lot wrong. For somebody relatively newish to the Hip Hop retail market you can expect, that in the future, Stevie Stone will continue to fly the flag for Tech's Strange Music Group in quite a major way. A solid release from a solid artist.

Conclussion.
I'm gonna give this album a 9/10 because i don't think anything can be a 10. You got me i'll always find something wrong. I haven't, but i could so i repeat I'm giving this album 9/10. I would describe this album as a kind of dirty south sounding piece, although otherwise i would say that If you like Tech N9ne, and other releases from Strange Music than this is a rapper worth checking out. If you like your Hip Hop to have a voice behind it, alike many dirty south & westcoast albums, than this album will be for you. I will admit though I wasn't instantly impressed, mainly by the name Stevie Stone, but after a second listen i will say that the sound is really starting to catch on, and if anybodys reading this review to see if I think the album is any good, than my answer is yes, and about buying this LP as a CD/ download or whatever - my answer is also yes, and In fact i'm even gonna post a link below.

To buy @ Amazon.co.uk (U.K)
 
or for Amazon.com (U.S)

Del The Funky Homosapien & Parallel Thought - Attractive Sin (Album Review).

A bit out of my comfort zone this one, and not exactly people that i've heard very much of, but regardless of all of that - This Album, 'Del the Funky Homosapien' & 'Parallel Thought' - 'Attractive Sin' - I picked up, because i felt that it was an album that people need to know about. 

An album that i'm sure people have been waiting for in certain hip hop circles especially, and furthermore on Del's behalf, for his cool unique methods of making his music, but also i'm sure that the production crew 'Parallel Thought', have as well, for a lot of their previous work been just as much involved in the building buzz behind this Album. An album that i'm sure has had a lot of rap & hip hop fans anticipating it's release. I shall begin.

The first of 11 tracks, and the album opens with the song 'On Momma's House', and w/o listening one might assume that it's about Del's confidence that if he wanted to, he could gamble his own mother's house on his rap career, and as a result it wouldn't matter, because as a rapper he would win. A cool subject, but actually listening to the track, the title is more like a statement in its own right, because basically, content wise, it's more like a showcase of Dels ability to rap, rap & rap. Right from the jump & as soon as you hear the lyric.

"O-A-K-L-A-N-D - C.A - M.C - You think you can fade me? A-B-C Ya & I wouldn't wanna be ya".

An intro for not only the album, but as well as this, if you don't know Del, an introduction to what sort of rapper the Oakland MC really is. A rapper that raps & raps, right through to the next track, the funky jazz number 'Ownership'.

A track about, (obviously), which you will notice from the first line,

"This my S**T & i'm about to handle it, you can't funk with this"

is about ownership. A short track with the chorus at the start & for the rest of it, a continueos verse about basically ownership. How to get ownership, & the dos and don'ts of ownership, but anyway won't go on. Next up is 'Different Guidelines'.

About being unique in what you do, 'Different Guidelines' has alike 'Ownership' again a Jazzy kind of beat, but this time with a constant kind of African drum loop playing. It's different from the last two tracks, in the sense that it has a chorus. A catchy hook which goes something like

"F**k it hoe i do things different, I was brought up different, my brain thinks different, different guidelines I say i love you, but never was a hoe & i ain't going out with you...".

So definately a cool kind of track & if you're a fan of old school Hip Hop - i would say it has the same sort of sound, it's very early 90's esque, so i mean if that's what you're sort of thing is look no further. Although I will say that after skipping the track - the production (courtesy of 'Parallel Thought, of course') is switched up in a completly different direction with track no. 4 'Charlie Brown'. A bit similar to the album Intro actually in the respect that the rhyme structure, length (about 5 & a 1/2 mins long), and not too mention the same kind of random type of content is reminiscant. Although what i would say though, the thing which is different is the beat. Which i would describe as a bit less jazzy than the first 3, with a more acoustic kind of sound, but anyway continueing on.

Just about halfway through the album now, and we get to 'Activated Sludge'. A more upbeat kind of track which i would describe as, on 'Parallel thought's' behalf, a bit distracting, and mainly because the beat has so many different sounds. Sounds maybe with about 5 different noticable features, but not to take though anything away from Del, because on a second listen you can notice his word play, and it is a track that he can rap to.

So an ok kind of track, but moving on, and we get to 'Apply it to See'. A short kind of, I would say, interlude track. Which as body really kind of serves as a build up to track 7, '1520 Sedgewick'. A bit 'Cypress Hill'-ish i would say beatwise, and it's about trying it (rapping) out for yourself, something Del doesn't need to tell me, but continueing on, to the already mentioned track 7 '1520 Sedgewick'.

A track about a place, which if you look up on google, you will find out is a block of apartments in the Bronx, NY; where in 2007 was named as the birthplace of Hip Hop. Something which every Hip Hop fan should know about right? A track I would advice that you give maybe a few listens, and not just for the catchy beat, but for lyrics like:
"Okay I got some shit to express
Jump off my chest like a skydiver
Right into the fire, won't perspire
First off, all you half-ass writers, you're FIRED!
Retired and laid to rest DZL taste this test, nigga you ain't the best
You imitate straight down to the flesh, style and dress
but can't get it correct!
Sir DZL, the boy's a mess
Poison deployed and set
right with the cheese
Then I'm off in the night with a knife up my sleeve
Slicing thieves..."
Lyrics which stay consistent throughout, you could say, and in my opinion '1520 Sedgewick' is probablly my favourite, but there are others on the album which I like as well, and the next track 'Get to Drillin' isn't that bad either. A track mainly laced with Piano loops beatwise, with lyrics I can only assume are about making money. Suddenly getting rich like you've just, at that moment, struck Oil. Not exactly environmental, but heck it's not about drilling Oil is it, it's about making millions of pounds. Something i'm sure that Del must have, I mean with all the albums he's sold in the past, you wouldn't put it past him, but anyway back to the album.

On to track 9 now & this one is called 'Blow Your Mind'. An upbeat funky number about, the kind of lyrics that do just that, I would say, blow your mind. Blow your mind like track 10 'Shows Over'. A fitting name for the last track, except it isn't the last track, that is called 'Fronts Like You Know', but anyway back to track 10 'Shows Over', a synthy beat that content wise isn't about much just lyrics over a beat, but not bad though. Just as good as any other track on the album which unfortunately I am now listening to the last track of 'Fronts Like You Know'. A track i would describe as having a beat that kind of sounds like it's a transmission being sent across space. Possibly not what Del & producer's Parallel Thought was aiming for when they made the album, but heck for something which sounds as advanced as Del the Funky Homosapien's music - I think maybe any aliens that do intercept this album would possibly like it just as much as myself & any other human who knows about Del & Parallel thought. Who's album I am going to give an 8/10 rating, and an album I would recommend that is worth the purchase. An album for any real hip hop head.
Buy it here at Amazon.co.uk (For UK Buyers)

Amazon.co.uk (CD/ Physical Release)

Amazon.co.uk (MP3)

Amazon.co.uk (Vinyl)

Buy it here at Amazon.com (U.S Buyers)

Amazon.com (CD/ Physical Release)

Amazon.com (MP3)

Amazon.com (Vinyl)

********************************************************************

Also Check out:

• Deltron 3030
• Both Sides of The Brain.
• No Need for Alarm.
• Golden Era.
• 11th Hour.
• I Wish my Brother George Was Here.
• Future Development.
• Parallel Uni-Verses W/ Tame One.
• Parallel Thought - Art Of Sound.
• WCA Limited II Fella (Free Mixtape Download).
• WCA D-Funk Limited (Free Mixtape Download). 

*********************************************************************

MMG - Self Made. Volume 2. (Album Review)

The watered down 'Waka Flocka', or so he was called by fellow rapper Waka Flocka Flame recently, and it's all kind of laughable if you ask me, but 'Hustlin' rapper Rick Ross as i mentioned isn't to be dismissed in my opinion. The same as Waka Flocka' wasn't, when he released his new album 'Triple F' the other week, because the thing is, I'll say this & I'll say it again - don't dismiss peoples music as trash till you've actually listened to it. Only then can you have an opinion, and actually before listening to this album by Rick Ross's team 'MMG, and their new album 'Self Made Vol.2', my opinion is it looks dope. Although mainly for the Nas, T.I & Kendrick Lamar features.

Large Professor - Professor @ Large (Track by Track - Album Review)

A man in no uncertain terms a hip hop legend. So given the choice of what to review this week amongst new albums by Lil Scrappy (Gru$$tle), Flo Rida (Wild Ones) & this one right here by New York emcee & producer Large Pro. I mean the choice was quite obvious, for not just myself, but for what my readers would most like to read. An album actually what most people I would imagine would just listen to anyway, thus rendering this review pointless, but anyway for anybody reading this who doesn't know about Large Pro. & his group Main Source, here is my review of his latest album - 'Professor@ Large'.

I will begin with (obviously) track 1 'Key to the City' a track reminiscant of BDP's 'The Bridge is Over' on the beat. I would describe it as very old school - a bit like (obviously) Main Source, Brand Nubian, early 90's kind of sound. The track features Rob Swift on the cuts, and as an early indication of what direction the albums heading in - I would say so far so good.

And on track 2 'UNOWHTMSYN', and this one is keeping the momentum going. The production is alright, and as for the lyrics - They're okay. I would say for anyone who's ever liked that Boom Bap sound in the past than this would be the sort of album you'd like.

An album I would recommend if you're a DJ, and to see why, you only have to hear the next track 'Straight from the Golden', which by the way features 'the always busy' Busta Rhymes, who appears in the 2nd verse, but you've got to give it to Large Pro on this one. For if not anything else the catchy sounding hook, which you can hear right at the start of the track, and which goes a little bit like:

"Straight from the Golden, days i'm loadin, up them things to keep promoting, paper foldin, making quotas, play opponenent, if you want em".

No doubt a rhyme about both Busta's & Large Pro's roots in early the 90's Hip Hop scene, and actually on that topic (of rappers from Hip Hop's Golden Era), the album continues with a feature from two artists who only know this time too well, Cormega & Tradgedy Khadaffi. Two rappers who really brought that Queens, NY kind of sound back in the golden days, and actually this track (Focused Up) is no different. Something largely down to; I would say, the Large Professor production, and in support of this arguement is track 5 "Happy Days R Here".

A track featuring 1/2 of M.O.P, Lil Fame, this one although relatively short continues the albums solid sound, and is only maybe disappointng in length rather than strength. The beat kind of has a bit of a Pharcyde sort of sound about it, and you would guess by the way the beat switches at the end that it's more of a build up track to the Marco Polo prod. title track 'Professor @ Large' which actually is even shorter than the previous, so a bit of a stupid thing to say really, but continueing on, the thought pops in to my mind, so far, that this would be the perfect foundation for a 'Professor @ Large' Remix album. A theory of mine supported by another relatively short track 'Light Years'. A track which sounds a little bit like some of 'the Gorillaz' stuff.
  

At the start anyway i would have said, but heck that's just my opinion, and definately not for the lyrics, in which actually Large Pro tells it exactly how it is:

"Don't try & say i'm not from the old school kid, this is lightyears, right where - it's supposed to be with the Nike Airs, white hairs, a lot years in my life here, it's EX P - a known power".

So a bit of a new age beat, but one thing that does remain is EX-P's old school flow, right from the start till, well not track 8 (Barber Shop Chops) because this is just an instrumental interlude, but right through to the 80's pop sampling 'Live Again' , and even more on track 10 (Mack Don Illz) which not only features old school flows from also Mic Geronimo & Grand Daddy IU, but also the beat - a catchy boom bap number, keeping in line with that typical Large Pro early 90's Hip Hop sound.

A sound which comes from not only Large Professor as an Emcee, but after all as a producer who has produced on timeless classics for people like Nas, & Non Phixion. So I mean it's only right that there's room for at least one (well actually two incl. 8.} Barber Shop Chops) instrumental, and this comes in the form of 'Sun, Stars, & Crescents'. An interlude before another old school-ish classic which you would think by the sample, was called 'Kick Da Habit'. An obvious title for a song about kicking the habit of a life time.

Something Large Pro can't have managed actually because even after all those years he's still making hits, and track 13 'L.P Surprise' is another one. Featuring a sample of 'Sly & the Family Stones - I Can Not Make It', this one is certainally a tune, and continueing on, I would say so is track 14, but this is just an interlude, so again continueing on.

The album finishes up with the posse cut 'M.A.R.S' alongside Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Saigon, & Cormega. Maybe not my favourite track on the album, but 14 out of 15 isn't bad, and actually i don't think 'M.A.R.S' is that bad it probablly just needs a couple more listens - so as verdicts go - i actually quite like this album so I'm going to give it an 8.5/10.


Related: http://chivs86-indexes.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/chivs86-album-reviews.html

Get your copy at Amazon by clicking the below links:

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Vinyl LP/ 12"

Prodigy of Mobb Deep - HNIC Pt 3. Album Review

An album I've been quite curious to hear, as a fan of Mobb Deep.  Sure I'd've taken an album of both Havoc & Prodigy together over this anyday, but for that gritty dark sounding hip hop that only comes with the Mobb Deep brand, it feels like just as much as a privilege to hear this new solo material.  I mean to me, any new material, by either Havoc or Prodigy is worth a listen.  So basically that's why I'm reviewing this, an album which is of course the 3rd part of Prodigy's H.N.I.C trilogy.  The follow up to 2008's H.N.I.C Pt.2, and (2000's) H.N.I.C.

An album I've been quite curious to hear, as a fan of Mobb Deep.  Sure I'd've taken an album of both Havoc & Prodigy together over this anyday, but for that gritty dark sounding hip hop that only comes with the Mobb Deep brand, it feels like just as much as a privilege to hear this new solo material.  I mean to me, any new material, by either Havoc or Prodigy is worth a listen.  So basically that's why I'm reviewing this, an album which is of course the 3rd part of Prodigy's H.N.I.C trilogy.  The follow up to 2008's H.N.I.C Pt.2, and (2000's) H.N.I.C.




An album that kicks off with the track 'Without Rhyme Or Reason'.  A kind of concept track where P uses his bars to demonstrate that rapping isn't all about rhyming, and that he doesn't need a reason to do what he does best.  An okayish Intro track produced by the Alchemist, as is track 2 'Slept On', a track about why P thinks that he shouldn't be ignored, and i mean why would anyone dream of it - the album 'Hell On Earth' springs to mind.

An album along with other Mobb Deep releases reminiscent on the next track also.  A track called 'Pretty Thug' which actually sounds a little like the Slaughterhouse song 'Microphone', but no Alchemist this time this one's produced by Ty Fyffe.  A track which in my opinion is the best track on the album so far, but being so early on - I think it would be a bit stupid to rate an album off only 3 tracks..


Next up we move on to the Willie Taylor (Of Day 26) featured 'Your Angel'.  A smoothish kind of RNB thing on this one, and I don't mind it actually it's alright, but that's just me.  There's something which gets me about the emotion behind Rap with RnB features.  I like it, but moving on, and we get the Wiz Khalifa assisted 'Co Pilot'.   An East/ West coast collabo about a woman, I assume.  I would describe it as on both rappers behalf quite a metaphorical piece.  The sort of track that perhaps you could say needs a few listens to get into, but when you do it holds the album together quite well, as does the next track 'Live'.  Another one produced by the Alchemist, and one that is quite funny to begin with actually as it has P showboating as a Radio DJ.  You've got to love the first line also:

"Over here we tie your ass up to a chair, and throw bricks at you, top speed at your head..." 

A classic track from the Alchemist/ Mobb Depp (even if it is only one of them), but what do you expect, from that typical Mobb Deep sound? A sound which on the next track is a little absent.  A wierd kind of Alien sounding beat that begins with P trying his hand at a Dirty South kind of sound.  A flow which doesn't continue throughout thank goodness, but on the other hand - the track is produced by upcoming producer Young L, and I suppose you got to respect P really for giving people like this a chance.  People - I say because on the next track, which is again another Young L production, also features someone else in the same kind of situation.  An emcee this time, and a guy who goes by the name of Boogz Bogetz on a track called 'Get Money'.   Which again sounds very Dirty South, but saying that it is quite a catchy beat, and to put it plainly, as a rival to any of the other beats on the album - I would say it's right up there. 

Right up there with the best, but as they say "what's goes up must come down", and the next track 'Life Is What You Make It' isn't really  that great, and neither is track 10 'Award Show Life', but things do pick up with 'Who You Bullshittin?' a track featuring P's partner in rhyme, and other half (in Mobb Deep) Havoc.  Produced by Sid Roams it's a bit of a breathe fresh air after some of the tracks that have played already, and a quite welcome reunion to tie us other to the next Mobb Deep album.  An album coming out apparently next year, but back to HNIC pt. 3, and we move on to the track 'Skull & Bones' produced by UK producer Beat Butcha, and a welcome addition actually like a lot of Beat Butcha's past work, definitely up to scratch.  So not complaining there, but anyway moving on.  Track 13 now, and we have a song title used ironically by another Prodigy.  A group big in my home country of the UK in the 1990's with their album 'Fat of the Land'.  An album  which boasted the controversial hit 'Smack Your B**ch up'.  A title oddly similar to this one 'Smack That B**ch', featuring Esther.  A track a little less controversial content wise considering it's singer Esther who's singing about Smacking the B**ch up, and not Prodigy.  A good track overall, and 3 tracks after the rather weak tracks 9 & 10 the album feels like it's again beginning to take shape.

A shape that sounds oddly romantic after listening to track 14 'Let Me Show You'.  Which surprisingly, considering it's probably not something you'd expect from P after first picking this album up, is yet another love song.  A song featuring singer, 'Vaughn Anthony' which is basically about proving yourself to your woman, but if you thought this was surprising - you'll just love the next track.  It's called 'Gangsta Love', and it's the 2nd track to feature singer Esther.  A woman who I begin to wonder about actually; 'Is she more to P than his hook singer?  Maybe not, but with all these songs about love - it must be someone right?  I mean even on the next track, the T.I featured 'What's Happenin?' He's on about a woman again:

'When I was doing my sets up in the yard, all that was on my mind was my broad/ My star you the baddest b**ch/ Just the thought of us together got me extra big'.

So I mean it begs the question, is the Mobb Deep rapper in love? because he certainly hasn't avoided the subject much. I mean considering I started writing this review to actually write about this album, I can't help but think that I've slightly drifted off the subject a bit.  A subject i didn't expect to be about being a good boyfriend, and looking after your woman, but more about being a gangsta, pimping hoes, and hustling.  Topics that are far, and few between so in the hope that i might still here something exciting I shall move on to the next song.  The 17th track on the album, and it's called 'Hate To Love', and it's got quite a nice beat actually, but unfortunately the topic doesn't seem to have changed very much.  I shan't go on about it too much, but heck I can't get this line out of my head:

'I love to love you/ I love to love you/ We argue then we have make up sex/ We argue, and then we have anal sex/ You get on my f***in nerves b***ch. You make me sick.'

My assessment - Well, he must have been having anal sex with someone, and I hate to say it, but he was in jail for a couple of years, wasn't he lol (Just kidding, if for some reason you're reading this by the way P lol I don't think you're gay), but seriously - not the usual method of getting intimate with a woman after having a row.  Certainally not what i'd do, but anyway back to the review.

  

Three tracks left now that continue with the song 'Ms. Bad Ass', a track about...  need I say anymore, Prodigy's girlfriend/ wife/ mistress/ bit on the side, or whatever.  So hardly exciting, but you can't hate on the fact that this album is still half descent.  In fact i'd say it's only got 4/5 out of 20 tracks that i don't like.  Unfortunately though i'd have to say that 3 of these are the last 3, and sadly, maybe, what might be the last thing I'll remember about this release.

  

So for my analysis - out of 10 marks i'm going to give a 6.5/10 for the percentage of the album i do like.  A bit off putting yes perhaps, but I would recommend that the individual would build their own opinion before taken this review into account.  A review that i'd say isn't all doom, and gloom, and for select tracks.  I would suggest definately taking a listen.  

Check it out here:  

http://uploaded.to/file/9jz8lkmh/www.NewAlbumReleases.net_Prodigy%20-%20H.N.I.C%203%20(2012).rar

Related:  http://chivs86.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/prodigy-hnic-3-tracklist.html

Mr Green & Young Zee - One Crazy Weekend (Album Review)

An artist who i've been into for a good 10 years now i'd say, maybe a little less. I can't pin point what the first song was, but I've been a fan for a while. Even though I might have got him (Young Zee) at one stage confused with fellow Outsida, and his wife (I think) Rah Digga. I remember the 'D12 World' skit in 2004, was one tune, and other than that it was the Outsidaz album 'The Brick', and the Eminem featured songs 'Macosa' and 'Rush Ya Clique'. So I mean this album i've been quite interested to hear. Even if it is only 12 tracks.

12 tracks that begin with 'Throw Your Hands Up', which is a quite interesting track beatwise, with a hard rock kind of backdrop, sampling partner in rhyme Pacewon, and as a little insight into what production Mr Green has to offer - this is a perfect example.  As for Zee it's all about the lyrics as usual, and this one is no different:

"I'm not your average rap dude, i done morphed it, I can spit it from round March to July or August".

So business as usual from Zee, the album continues with the heavily sampled 'Those Days'. A track with that typical Outsidaz sound, and with its skippy kind of beat - you could say it's one for the DJ's.

Track 3 now, and this one is called 'Chillin with the kids'. Assumingly about spending time at home with the family. A lot softer than the last two, it's not dislikable, but as a personal kind of track - it's more one for Young Zee to listen to rather than his fans. A mistake by no means it follows with track 4 on the album 'I Love It', which again is different beatwise than the usual sort of Young Zee or Outsidaz track. About making music i'd have said, good lyrics include:

"She pass out like i'm in a coma, with my whole, hand in her hole, I stand up & go".

"Don't think i'm soft - see i jump around and playful with my 4 -5th they'll need the power of Grayskull".

An alright track actually after a couple of listens, and for the fact that it's a 3rd of the way through already - you could say that as a retail release it's good value so far. So far so good, but what's my opinion of the next track (track 5) 'Hahahahahaha'?

Well, it's got a hardbeat for a start, and for content: Ok - a bit out of order to certain individuals you would have thought, with the shout out to the dude who sold keys (Kilos of ??) to Whitney Houston (what ultimately killed her), but it's kind of funny for the hook in a morbid kind of way:

"I shoot and blast, then I drive away.... Bang, I laugh like Hahahahaa".

On to track 6 though - halfway through the album, and this one's called 'Ohh... I'm telling', and this one is also kinda funny. The concept is about people getting offended by Zee's lyrics, and threatening to tell his mother. So yes quite funny even hearing about, and to picture Zee getting chased round the kitchen with a broomstick - even funnier. Followed by track 7 'Never Enough'. A bit more serious this time, and it's about Zee's insatiable appetite to do what he does whether it's women or music, and if the lyrics anything to go by...

"I'ma do this rap s**t till i've got bright white hair..."
then the rapper doesn't plan on stopping any time soon, but back to the present, and we move on to track 8 'Wierd'. A title that is quite fitting to the first lyric actually:

"I wanna have kids with a dazziling anglo saxon actress like Brad Pitt, and then adopt a black kid from Africa/ I be a kids father to make my baby switch mama's like Swizz, and Mashonda, then Alicia Conda".

Wierd, but anyway, good beat, sounds a bit Linkin Parkish, and for a rapper that dares rhyme Mermaid with Bird Cage - you gotta love right. For the first 8 tracks at least, and two thirds of the way through the album, you can only hope that the last four tracks keep this momentum going. Tracks that begin with 'Hometown', and it's basically about Zee's locality of the Bricks, NJ, and its day to day goings on. Which sounds as Zee describes it as not exactly a haven, but you would think that there's probally no other place that the rapper would rather be.

A rapper that we get to know a little bit better on track 10 'Number One Fan', and it's a song for people like myself i'd say who've been checking Zee & the Outsidaz stuff out over the years. It's basically a little run down of some of the stuff Zee's done over the years, and kind of like an interlude in length (only 2 mins).  So i mean over quite quickly. Over, and on to track 11, 'If I only had a brain', and this one is kind of like the last track on the album considering track 12 is freestyle with 'Stretch & Bobbito'. A track what you would imagine has adopted its title from that famous saying from the Scarecrow out of the Wizard of Oz. A track which is good end to the album considering track 12 is like a bonus track, and it's a typical Young Zee/ Outsidaz track really, with that classical hip hop sound. A good finish to a good album, but on to the freestyle now, and it's a collective effort from as well as Zee; Outsidaz: Pacewon, D.U, Azizz, & Rah Digga. From ?? I would say it's probablly a few years old, and as a bonus? I would say fair enough, a bit random, but the albums good so why not.

Evaluation:

I'm not complaining, and at assessment time, I'm going to give this album a 9/10 rating. Quite a high mark, but I think that this album couldn't have really been anything more than it become, so for that reason I'm gonna say that it's a 9/10 because for a short album - for Zee's lyrics - It's on point. So I mean you would hope there's more to come, but for the moment this is good as it gets I suppose. Till a new Outsidaz album hopefully, and of course any future releases from Mr Green, Pacewon, and of course Young Zee.

My Opinion:

You should buy this album on Vinyl, but before you do check out the album yourself at Amazon.

For U.S Customers.

For U.K Cusomers.