The Smoking Section

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Archive for the ‘REVIEWS’ Category

Year Of The Wolf…

Yelawolf Performs “I Wish” And “F.U.” Live @ A3C Perfect Attendance from The Smoking Section on Vimeo. The art of stage performance has been an Achilles heal for many artists. From vets to rookies, the gleam of the lights on center stage have made some careers and broken others....
November 6th, 2009 | AUDIO, LOOSIES, MUSIC, VIDEO, WE GOT NOW | Read More

“Show N’ Prove” - Review Of The Undergods’ EP

After the success of Slaughterhouse, established acts have seen since been forming like Voltron; teaming up to hopefully swap fan bases. Two of the most recent wordsmiths to create an alliance include The Undergods, which is the combined force of Canibus and Keith Murray.
November 3rd, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Switchin’ Speeds Like Bruce Lee”: NFS Shift Review

The Need for Speed series had some of the best arcade racing games out in its heyday. Then the franchise fell from grace with an annual slew of uninspired street racers. EA realized that something had to give when they put out Need for Speed: Shift its latest release. So while NFS Shift is a reboot,...
October 25th, 2009 | Gadgets, REVIEWS, SMOKE BREAK | Read More

“Cupcake” - Review Of Fat Joe’s Jealous Ones Still Envy 2 (J.O.S.E. 2)

Naming an album after a previously highly respected work (sometimes classic), can be a gift and a curse. Jay’s done it with his Blueprint series, Dr. Dre has The Chronics and Lil’ Wayne’s career has become synonymous for his Carter installments. Even Nas somewhat pulled off the feat...
October 25th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

Andreya Triana - “Lost Where I Belong”

It may not be 100% necessary to create a folder on your hard drive for Andreya Triana’s music just yet. But you’ll definitely want to add the UK soul singer’s name to your mental microfiche as one to watch & listen for moving forward.
October 21st, 2009 | AUDIO, LOOSIES, MUSIC, WE GOT NOW | Read More

“For What It’s Worth” - Review Of Skyzoo’s The Salvation

Spearheading the New York revival, Skyzoo has proven time and time again that his sharp lyricism could be the fuel that helps rocket his style of Hip-Hop back to the forefront. And of course, an affiliation with Just Blaze and a certain former Little Brother producer can’t hurt either. The Salvation,...
October 17th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

Lushlife - Redux Vol. 2: Jay-Z’s “Dead Presidents”

Remember how I told you about those “tasteful covers” the ever talented Lushlife concocted? Check him recreate the euphoria which is that of Jay’s “Dead Presidents” as well as CRU’s “Just Another Case.”
October 17th, 2009 | AUDIO, GENERAL, MUSIC, STRAY SHOTS, Videos, WE GOT NOW | Read More

Freddie Gibbs - “I’m That Ni##a”

If you know Freddie G’s story & history, you’re familiar that he’s not one for the industry politrix. Give him a blunt and beat and watch him work. And that’s exactly what he’s accomplishing on this freshly liberated joint from his next project The Labels Tryin To Kill...
October 15th, 2009 | AUDIO, GENERAL, LOOSIES, MUSIC, WE GOT NOW | Read More

Lushlife - “The Kindness”

Never judge a book by its cover has never been more relevant until now. Meet Philly MC/Producer Lushlife, an artist who may not look like a threat to your ear drums at first glance but beneath the kufi and white v-neck lies the heart of a rapper with a sound reminiscent of some of the Golden Era’s...
October 15th, 2009 | AUDIO, LOOSIES, MUSIC, WE GOT NOW | Read More

TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With J.Cole

Photo Credit: Honey Mag Fayetteville’s own Jermaine Cole exploded on to the scene in 2009 and began climbing your favorite MC’s favorite new MC list. Everybody was surprised by the new kid making waves, his lyrical depth and cadence, and that refreshing sound he brought to the Interwebs...
October 14th, 2009 | "Smoking Sessions With...", ARTIST INTERVIEWS, GENERAL, Videos, WE GOT NOW | Read More

“Starter Pistol” - Review Of Fresh Daily’s The Gorgeous Killer In Crimes Of Passion

Being a Brooklyn-born MC is a gift and a curse. The gift is credibility, from the borough’s reputation as a breeding ground of legends. The curse is the size of the shadows cast by the B.I.Gs and Jay’s as up-and-comers look to establish themselves in the game. On The Gorgeous Killer In Crimes Of...
October 13th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Tight Rope” - Review Of Brother Ali’s Us

The line between mainstream and underground Hip-Hop has become less and less distinguishable over the last couple of years. With so many artists scrambling for major label deals, rappers in similar veins as Brother Ali are welcomed with open arms by those still sporting their Jansports™ like it was...
October 12th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Salute A G” - Review Of M.O.P.’s Foundation

We should know what to expect by now from the Brooklyn duo M.O.P. It’s almost been two decades since they first barrage their way into the scene and they’ve seldom strayed from their modus operandi: to properly represent Hip-Hop, Brooklyn and the streets at large while providing theme music for...
October 6th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Let It Out” - Review Of DJ Honda’s DJ Honda IV

There was a time when a DJ had to prove themselves on the wheels of steel before they could even think about releasing an album. Noted turntablist DJ Honda is a classic example of this as he parlayed a runner-up performance in a DJ completion into a recording contract with Sony Music Japan. Fast forward...
October 5th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, REVIEWS | Read More

“Basketball Is A Vehicle…” - Review Of More Than A Game

For most, the name LeBron James didn’t enter your consciousness until that famed Sports Illustrated cover dubbing him, “The Chosen One.” From then on, the remainder of the traveling circus that became his high school career was reduced to highlight reel dunks and off-the-court transgressions,...
October 2nd, 2009 | REVIEWS, SMOKE BREAK, TV/Movies | Read More