No holds barred, pure and simple. That is the only way to describe the new album Pl3dge, by Killer Mike. He takes no prisoners in his latest release, proving to be one more step in his evolutionary process where there is truly no ceiling he can hit. Since 2003 we have heard what Killer Mike possess, but it is in the last few years that he has be linked to Outkast that he has truly been given a venue to [...]
Music is an art, this is not a surprise. We regard it as such because it requires time, love, devotion and placing one’s thoughts and emotions in a form that is tangible; therefore making it permanent. Music is a special art because it uses the words that we speak everyday to create a line of consciousness, fun, and maybe even memories. That is the kind of art that present in the new album from Blu entitled, “Her Favorite Colo(U)R”. This [...]
Tyler, the Creator is like the Quentin Tarantino of alternative hip hop; he addresses issues that will make you squirm, sometimes allowing a small opening for comic relief, before sending you back into a world of darkness that may leave you cynical and helpless. His words are not for the weak; he takes time throughout his latest album, Goblin, to explain he’s young, that this is fiction and that anyone who takes it seriously should be dismissed, ridiculed or murdered. This [...]
Odd Future Wolf Gang… KILL EM ALL! Normally I would I start this review with some stupid crap about how I feel and what I learned this time round with this Tyler, the Creator album. Instead I’m going to throw out a quote from Tyler himself. It basically sums up every review I have done and every review that I will do in the future. “Listen deeper into the music before you put it into the box.” It’s true. Before [...]
I am all about a mixtape. Whether its Kanye, Weezy, Consequence or Pete Rock; to me there is nothing in Hip Hop that compares to the mixin’, the match’ and the freedom of orginiality that mixtape gives. The combination of old and new and the introspection it takes to create the organic feel of the a mix is a true gift. It is especially awesome when a newcomer is able to create a mixtape that can conjure the type of [...]
It is not often that a musician can say, “Beyonce has featured one of my songs on her album.” That is, unless you’re Hugo. Chulachak “Hugo” Chakrabongse has an interesting background. Born in England but raised in Thailand, Hugo’s musical ventures were restrained; his music with past band Siplor was banned on the radio. Relocating to New York City, Hugo found influence in blues artists Robert Johnson and Howling Wolf, as well as more mainstream artists such as MGMT, Nirvana, [...]
What do you say when a group like the Beastie Boys comes back on the scene with a new album that absolutely rocks beyond comparison? What words do you give to the enormity of the “Fight for Your Right” being not only revisited in the form of an awesome album track but a star-studded 30 minute music video? What do you say about an album that flashes back to the glory days of Hip Hop…you say; “Thank God!!!” Hot Sauce [...]
Shante Scott Franklin, better know as Curren$y, has been making a name for himself in the rap game. Having worked with the likes of Wiz Khalifa, Raekwon and Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y is definitely an artist worth knowing about, and his latest album, Covert Coup, shows why that is. I must say, not being too familiar with Curren$y I did not know what to expect. After listening through Covert Coup though, I now see why he has gained the attention that [...]
Ask anyone who truly loves Hip Hop and they will attest to the fact that amongst any genre of music, it is Hip Hop that has proven to be the most diverse and universal than any other variety of popular music. Hip Hop speaks to the masses. In my time I have met Black B-boys, Fresh Latinos, Break-dancing Russians, and Native American D.J.’s. Hip-Hop has no color and knows no bounds; dope skills and powerful lyricism have color lines. Hip-Hop [...]
Atmosphere performed at Stubb’s, Monday, May 2 in Austin, Texas. Opening for the indie rapper were other Rhymesayers members, including DJ Abilities, Sab the Artist, Grieves and Budo and Blueprint. Gregory Keltgen, better known as DJ Abilities, is well known in the Midwest for being one of the best battle DJs in the local scene. Along with working with the late Eyedea in Eyedea and Abilities Keltgen has made a name for himself as a talented DJ. Sab the Artist [...]
