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Archive for the ‘ALBUM REVIEWS’ Category

“Stay On It” - Review Of Yukmouth’s The West Coast Don

If you can’t quite place the name Yukmouth, don’t fret. It’s been over 15 years since he permanently ingrained himself into Hip-Hop history on “I Got 5 on It,” and repeated listening to Luniz’ weed anthem can cause the memory to go hazy. Not content with being a one hit wonder, Yukmouth’s...
August 3rd, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Motor Music” - Review Of Finale’s A Pipe Dream And A Promise

Between the failing automotive industry and record low seasons from their professional football team, the city of Detroit has more reasons than usual to feel hopeless during a recession. Sharing the same sense of disparity comes a rapper not afraid bank his aspirations on the power of alliteration:...
July 29th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Feel Like I’m Back” - Review Of Fabolous’ Loso’s Way

The mid-nineties saw Hip-Hop’s infatuation with gangster movies at an enormous peak. The late, great Notorious B.I.G. adopted his moniker from Christopher Walken’s character in King Of New York and revered storytellers like Raekwon and Kool G Rap saw their works heavily inspired by Italian...
July 28th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“That’ll Work” - Review Of Alchemist’s Chemical Warfare

Chances are, most rappers didn’t pay much attention in high school chemistry. That said, the majority do know some basics about chemical equations. You need to find an appropriate balance, run a controlled experiment to test your theories, and most importantly, the chemist who’s handling the material...
July 26th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Ohh!” - Review Of DJ Quik & Kurupt’s BlaQKout

Ten years ago, the thought of West Coast mainstays DJ Quik and Tha Dogg Pound’s Kurupt collaborating on a project might have induced panic attacks among eager fans. While the anticipation for said album has undoubtedly fizzled, the two legends in their own right take the better-late-than-never...
July 23rd, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Talk To Me”- Review of Twista’s Category F5

A category F5 twister is impossible to predict. Though many storms can hit a landscape promising damaging winds, they rarely come through with the anticipated ferocity. After a few storms in Twista’s catalogue that produced little more than a few forgettable showers, the Chi-town spitter is back and...
July 21st, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Redemption” - Review Of Wu-Tang Chamber Music

After the unfortunate commercial failure of 8 Diagrams, many deemed the Wu collective as a lost cause and a distant memory as internal conflict and creative differences threatened to sink the Wu-Tang ship for good. Now, two years later RZA takes the backseat as an executive producer as his rhyme brethren...
July 16th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Air Jordan” - Review Of The Kid Daytona’s Come Fly With Me

Free is the new $9.99. In the past, a free album giveaway from an artist raised red flags, implying substandard material unworthy of the Sam Goody. But in 2009, with mixtapes, Rapidshare and downloadable singles threatening to kill albums, giving away a full-length under the auspices of name recognition...
July 14th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL, MUSIC, STRAY SHOTS, WE GOT NOW | Read More

“Don’t Get Caught Slippin’” - Review Of Ace Hood’s Ruthless

What a difference 6 months can make. Regardless of whether the stars were aligned or back room deals took place, Ace Hood was poised for the short track to success. Backed by DJ Khaled, Rick Ross & the Def Jam machine, his inclusion in XXL’s ‘08 Top Ten Freshman Class, coincided with the release...
July 13th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Ain’t Nuttin Changed” - Review Of Blaq Poet’s Tha Blaqprint

It’s been 22 years since Blaq Poet first entered the rap game in 1987 when he infamously dissed KRS-One during the battle between the Bronx and Queens. Subsequently, he was relatively quiet up until the year 2000 when he linked with three of his fellow New York City rappers to form the Queensbridge...
July 8th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL, MUSIC, STRAY SHOTS | Read More

“Hood Dreamer” - Review Of Willy Northpole’s Tha Connect

Connections matter, and when trying to break through in anything, it sometimes helps to know the right people. Willy Northpole could do much worse than DTP, as he attempts to break into mainstream Hip-Hop with the aptly named Tha Connect. With the support of Luda’s gang and a few key guest appearances...
July 7th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Remember My Name” - Review Of Maino’s If Tomorrow Comes…

As far as back story’s go, Maino’s definitely is one of the most interesting from a new rapper since 50 Cent. Jailed for kidnapping at the age of 16 and locked up for 10 years, he’s got the credentials most gangsta rappers could only dream of. So upon entering the rap game, it’d almost be...
July 5th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More

“Afrika Hot!” - Review Of dead prez & DJ Green Lantern’s Pulse Of The People

While most MCs dabble and experiment with a range of styles and angles, dead prez stay as revolutionary as they want to be. No shuckin’ and jivin’, just raw, contentious Hip-Hop. Take it or leave it, fuck you. It’s philosophy like this which has kept M-1 & stic.man among the frontrunners...
July 5th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL, LOOSIES | Read More

“Bring It Forward” - Review Of Donny Goines’ The Breakfast Club

Never underestimate the power of determination and merits of hard work. In just a little over a year, Donny Goines has made a prominent name for himself, appearing on countless guest verses and radio shows and even releasing his debut album Minute After Midnight last December. If sleep is the cousin...
June 29th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL, MUSIC, STRAY SHOTS | Read More

“Refuse 2 Die” - Review Of AZ’s Legendary

There are certain words within each profession which are reserved for a select few who have toiled to reach a higher plateau. Within the world of music, terms like classic and legendary are bestowed upon those who have created acclaimed works and/or proven themselves to be head and shoulders above...
June 19th, 2009 | ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL | Read More