Off The Bench…
AUDIO By Devin Chanda on September 8, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Yet another doin’ it for Maryland like Gilchrist (here’s hopin’ he doesn’t bottom out like the Terp) as he spits on the title track of his debut mixtape Starting On JV, Phil Adé adds his name to the growing list of capable wordsmiths claiming the DMV as their stomping grounds.
A member of 368 Music Group, his co-sign comes courtesy of co-founder Raheem DeVaughn. Now, as far as DMV emcees go, Wale was the one to undoubtedly kick in the door. But Phil is likely to help keep it ajar (alongside the likes of the decidedly more eccentric Tabi Bonney), as he’s cut from the same cloth as his African brethren (he’s half-Nigerian, half-Grenadian) in more ways than one. There’s the rapid-fire, witty wordplay that bring a sense of cocky assuredness to his otherwise underdog raps. But most importantly, as seen on standouts such as the fame-weary “Hollywood,” (“I hope I never have to wish for the old me,” he raps) he’s capable of much more than just droppin’ a dope 16. Strong songwriting is no doubt enhanced by his tendency to sing on the hook—and his ability to actually carry a tune rather well.
Sangin’-ass rappers seem to be en vogue at the moment (the Drizzy effect), but as someone who can toe the line between both sides, praise is due to Adé.
Download — Phil Adé - “Hollywood”
For more info, visit http://www.myspace.com/philade301.
Posted in AUDIO, LOOSIES, MUSIC, WE GOT NOW — Tags: 360 Music Group, Phil Adé, Starting On JV
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9 Comments
Great post…. Phil can definitely rhyme. I was waiting for some material from dude, but this one slipped past me. Thanks
SMH @ the John Gilchrist reference. I was in undergrad @ Old Dominion while he was playing at Maryland, and his dad was working for UPS delivering to the building where Language & Philosophy classes were. We’d always talk about his son and how he went from lighting dudes up in VA Beach when he was in high school, to doing his thing in the ACC. I would’ve liked to see him make some better decisions.
Big ups to Phil…spitting some fire
This is pretty good. I’ll leave it to TSS to put in the leg work and keep up with dude but good looks, I like this.
Boring.
word to my colon, lol. pretty dope. hate the horn tho, like the drums
Devin, Devin, Devin! Boy you sure do now how to pick’em. Followed the trail and now I am on zshare about to download the mixtape. This track was FIRE to me. Homeboy can rhyme! Good looks
this dudes trash. theres way better artist coming out of the dmv
if you want dmv go check out kev brown