Artist Name: The Jokerr Album Title: Welcome To The Show Release Date: December 24th, 2009 Record Label: Independent
Straight off the internet for free on Christmas Eve emerged a download from an undisclosed “Lancaster”. Tucked near or far away on stolen WiFi from a laptop fashioned together by pieces of broken shackles, prison bars, keys, and various microchips laying around the dungeon, one who calls himself The Jokerr, with two R’s, unleashed an EP that’s planted a seed of destruction in the underground. One could first ask themselves, from first glance at the artwork of the album cover, where this guy has been. Not literally where he’s from, but when you start to listen to the songs where has he been musically? He seems to be an independent from who knows where and to the credits posted inside the CD case composes his own beats locked away in his own studio “The Jokerr’s Lair”.
Once you begin to listen to it though you soon realize that The Jokerr is not your typical underground/horrorcore type of rapper. The cover is a scene of angels and demons intermingling in what seems to be an elaborate room from the castle above the dungeon where he was unjustly imprisoned. In the middle of this busy scene is a jester; equipped with a cap, bells and the entire outfit of a timeless harlequin from the courts of royalty. His face paint a grim display of the pain this character, The Jokerr, has endured trapped and locked away for so long in the deepest, darkest dungeon in all the land. This all behind a flowing banner, on which a simple message (which happens to be the title) is written, a warm ‘welcome’ of sorts: “Welcome To The Show”.
As the disc begins to spin the first song opens as if you’re already there, at the show; ticket in hand. A woman dressed in a white gown and flowing red hair steps behind the microphone, demanding the undivided attention of all in attendance. She now proclaims that you’re in store for the show of a lifetime as a gentle piano texture begins to build slightly, climaxing in a thick symphonic pounding. The show has begun!
From a long awaited return of the one and only king’s jester, The Jokerr opens with the project’s title track ‘Welcome to the Show’. The song is an introduction not only bringing you into the show and all of its surroundings, but shoving you head first into a humungous bucket of flavor; a display of things to come further on in the album. It kind of sounds like how things once were in the land of “Lancaster” The Jokerr seems to hail from. A celebratory time where all was what it should be, until one day something went terribly wrong.
It seems that this album, if visualized, is being performed on a stage from beginning to end, with interactive intermissions and live commentary giving the listener a third-person vantage of the stage conversation. In-between the first and second track is a brief intermission by Lady Mirabelle giving an in depth monologue describing how, unjustly, The Jokerr was sentenced to death by those he strove to entertain. Awaiting his punishment, thrown away in a damp decrepit dungeon, the castle fell siege to an unknown force, and so The Jokerr remained un-noticed, locked away.
As the quiet melody fades out and the curtain opens yet again with a single silhouette cut out of the darkness only by the light illuminating his figure as he grasps the microphone letting out a baritone yell excreting ‘The Jokerr’s Pain’ in every note. He describes in great detail the perils of his condition, and the loathsome way in which he was forced to live during his time in the dark cell. With the ridding of his chains that had so long plagued him, and with the help of newly acquired friend, Corvix the Impaler, The Jokerr now embarks on a simple mission; to find those who imprisoned him and punish them for their transactions. His message is made especially clear with the web-exclusive ‘Give Me Your Eyes’. As the song comes to a close the marvelous looking Mirabelle makes her way to center stage as the lights dim and she clings to the last. By now the stage is set and ready for the next scene…. ‘Here I Am’.
With the lighting changing to a shade of blood red, a booming 808 kick drum fills the mix and The Jokerr begins a lyrical onslaught of magnificent proportions. This punch-line heavy cadence carries elements of raw hip-hop, mixed with the charisma already established by the first two pieces, and has a surprise chorus that seems designed to show The Jokerr can deliver rhymes with the tongue control of the best. After a full 4 minutes and 30 seconds, the song ends abruptly with the infectious laugh of the evening’s host.
Once again we are greeted by the red-headed woman describing a world that exists not too far beyond our own. How one could find themselves looking for this place of indescribable pleasures where all are more than what they seem. Then, ever so slowly, crept in a fog that was generated in the darkest corner of the room. The curtain rises and The Jokerr is sitting affixed on a stone with one hand placed atop of it as he entrancingly introduces the audience into the ‘Omniverse’. This is a land of wonder and amazement; where it seems anything can possibly happen.
Closing the book on ‘Omniverse’, The Jokerr and Mirabelle engage in a comedic conversation followed by a tasteful mocking of the host’s manufactured English accent. At this point Mirabelle herself assumes the microphone and delivers a poetic 8 bars, summing up the evenings activities. A brief reverse-explosion ensues and The Jokerr quickly switches the pace and hits off with the final performance of the night with ‘I Don’t Fit In’. This is a tongue-twisting, fast paced way of identifying with those who obviously don’t fit in – and are looking for somewhere to belong. It seems to be a way to go out with a BANG leaving the audience stunned, wanting more.
With the show summed up, the audience wowed and amazed, and the stage left in ruins, The Jokerr, The “Guillotine Garrison”, “he to whom there is no comparison”, the new undisputed “Sultan of the Underground” stands alone, shamelessly welcoming challenge, and daring all those who would like to take aim at the name. This album is a bold footprint on the door of the underground game and shouldn’t be slept on.
Artist Name: Rancid Album Title: Let The Dominoes Fall Release Date: June 2nd, 2009 Record Label: Epitaph
One of the Forefronters of the Revival of Punk Rock returns with their 7th studio album "Let The Dominoes Fall". In the 6 years since their last record "Indestructible" The band went on a hiatus of sorts. Lars Frederiksen released the 2nd album with his side band "Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards" titled "Viking" and Tim Armstrong released a solo album called "A Poet's Life", was one of the Executive Producers and Co-Producer of Danny Diablo's Suburban Noize album "Thugcore 4 Life". And releasing ""Haunted Cities" with "The Transplants".
The boys kept themselves busy with writting all new material for this album. The Lineup is back minus the departure of founding member/drummer Brett Reed which would lead to the addition of new drummer Branden Steineckert formally of the Emo/Screamo band "The Used". The band started rehearsing the album in late 2006 at Steineckert in-home studio in Utah and once that was set found themselves at the legendary Soundstage known as Skywalker Sound (more famous for all the music in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones flicks).
For production Rancid reunited with longtime friend/Epitaph Records owner/Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz for the entire album. "Let The Dominoes Fall" is Rancid the way you would expected after 18 years as a band. Allthough all the member span from their early 30's to early/mid 40's (Tim Armstrong being the oldest at 43 and newcomer Steineckert the youngest at 31). The music has not changed. Rancid is still as hard as ever and the lead single "Last Ones To Die" proves it just as much as it ever did. "Dissconnected" is one of my 3 favorite songs on this album. The meaning of the song is pretty much being not satasifed with the way this country is going at and that the wars in Iraq and Afganistan are 100% bullshit.
"Lulu" is another song I like mainly because it is an anthem for all the working class, which is a topic Rancid has talked about throughout the years. "Up to no Good", "Liberty And Freedom?, and "That's just the way it is now" are songs that will take even the oldest Juggalo from the Bay Area or even a youngin who just got into the punk scene back to the old days of Founding members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman's old band Operation Ivy.
The 3rd and final track I love on this album is the closing song titled "The Highway". To me it's a great way to end an album that is simply "Essental Rancid". The entire song is acoustic and it's about how even if you have one night stands and go to one show to another. you'd rather just sit back and play music with your friends. I bought the extra pricy 3-disc edition which came with an acoustic version which is something you never hear from Punk bands. "Outgunned" is the best song on that version. The 3rd disc is the making of the album.
All in all, this CD is one of those albums that you should throw in your collection no matter which version you get.
Artist Name: Swollen Members Album Title: Armed To The Teeth Release Date: October 27th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Suburban Noize seems to be a cesspool of underground artists and other musical groups. With yet another team of tyrannical MC’s added to the labels lineup, Vancouver’s very own corpse collecting, street soldiers Swollen Members, drop their debut to the record label; ‘Armed To The Teeth’ like a fresh hundred dollar bill, ready to be picked up. Though this newest release is their debut to Suburban Noize Records this is in no way their first crack at the rap game. Ever since way back when in ’96 Mad Child, Prevail, and DJ Rob the Viking exploded onto the Canadian underground scene and quickly spread like an infection through an open wound, pouring over the boarders soon found themselves a fan base on the West Coast.
Having earned themselves numerous awards, selling over a million records worldwide with no record deal, and working/being involved with the artists they have worked with Swollen have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with lyrically or otherwise. Fusing what they have already accomplished with that spirit of a fresh start and a new album on a new label, after the narcotic/legal collapse of their own Battle Axe Records Swollen Members have stepped back into where they must feel most comfortable, the studio. Recording a bold, boisterous statement on a disc, ‘Armed To The Teeth’ should be set to blaze a trail to the status of the previous 5 records.
With tracks engulfed with rhythms, melodies, rhymes, and ruckus reflecting the drama that has unfolded for the group over the past few years it’s a clever mix of story telling and bangers for the club. Whether how you get your fix of the Swollen Members it’s an album featuring some of the best lyrical accompaniment on a release; Tech N9ne spinning and twisting tongues on ‘Bollywood Chick’, Talib Kweli lacing his laid back flows on ‘Crossfire’, Everlast and Slaine of LCN hitting the mic with a brick of yay on ‘Dumb’, and Glasses Malone helping bringing the project to a close on ‘Real P.I.’
For the exception of two tracks Rob the Viking handles the production needed to put this together with the precision honed from years of crafting his skill and doing what he does best. The album is pretty dope and one not to be slept on; I mean its music on a disc for your ears not a pillow for your head. With tracks like ‘Dumb’, ‘Bang Bang’, ‘Bollywood Chick’, ‘Concerto’, and ‘Flyest’ it’s something that could be spun more then once, and hopefully the tour that ensues this release extends from the West Coast, Canada, and British Columbia, because judging from their performance at this years Gathering of the Juggalos the groups live performance supercedes their sound on an album.
Artist Name: Mastamind Album Title: Toxsic Avenger Release Date: April 21st, 2009 Record Label: Reel Life Productions
Track Listing
01. Hell Again
02. DOITTILLUDIE
03. Sweet Revenge
04. I'm Good
05. Toxsic Avenger
06. Torn
07. fsa (LIKEABOOM!)
08. ?
09. Out Tha Gate
10. Hella Clinentel
11. Icon
12. ?
13. Resident Evil
14. Illist Of All Time
15. Explode
16. Do Sumn Stupid
17. MM Bang! Featuring Esham
Blaze One 4 The Wickeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! Mastamind Returns home to Reel Life/Aknu Media with his 5th Release Toxsic Avenger! Mastamind does not lack on this release thats for sure. Mastamind's flows just get better and better after each release and this is coming from a person who was a big fan of his last release 3 years ago. What caused Esham and Mastamind to really make peace after the big fallout in 2002 is a question to ask both of em at a future Juggalo Gathering. However after hearing this release you'll forget that question and just get your eardrums blow right the fuck up.
"fsa (Like A Boom)" is my favorite track on this album outta 3 songs that i like on this CD and i'll explain why. Mastamind just explodes lyricaly and the beat just made it more perfect. Mastamind just explains what he does everyday in the D and thats for sure (should mention the bass on this beat was so loud it shattered my car windows...it's true..it's damn true!). Another song i like on this album is "Hella Clinentel" and that's just a classic anthem for all the Day-Oner's out there. The song reminds me alot of "Worship The Wicket" from "TheMindzi". The song is very catchy with lyrics like "make em say fuck the world with me. take em thru the dirt with me make em scream we're not worthy!" It'll just make ya slap your face back in place. And finally the 3rd song I like on this is "MM Bang (Featuring Esham)" Which is just ya typical Wicket Shit Anthem. The chorus is classic Esham of course, With the Sucide lines and all. You can't get no better than that for real. Seriously? Who can get better than that. And "DOITTILLUDIE (or Idol Till You Die as AMG listed it)" is just a great way to start off your Experince if you never heard of Mastamind. That video was just dope.
All in all Ninjas and Ninjettes will just fall in love with this album for real. I give this album 10 outta 10 and the cool part about this CD is we get a flyer for the New NATAS Album.
Artist Name: T.O.N.E-z Album Title: Back On Dat Shyt (Again) Release Date: 2009 Record Label: N/A
At it again! Spilling his emotions on the mic and no long biting his tongue T.O.N.E-z is Back on Dat Shit, again; and it all starts with a click of track one, ‘D.I.E.’! Straight out The Bronx and back with a bag of banging bombs to drop like an airstrike routed from Saddam T.O.N.E-z aka ‘Mr. Incredible’ hit the booth with an explosion of abilities, emotions, and a gallon of Hennessey for your ears to bleed to.
With over a year in development, this is a showcase not only of the undeniable skill being brought to the scene by the one known as T, but it’s a shot to all the haters who have had something to say on him and his progress since stepping into the Horrorcore Game. Setting all the games and other projects on the side, BODSA, took the full burner as T.O.N.E-z took the clip, loaded up, cocked back let his tongue rip. Expanding on subjects from the past and new ones from recent times this album is as timeless as any of the other bangers dropped on the websites for you guys.
This album is one of his more hostile sounding jams. It’s almost as if the man himself has been ducked and pushed back into a corner; with nothing else to do he came out swinging for temples and jugulars with a fist connect to the neck. It’s an excerpt of a man who’s dealing with his addiction to the microphone, tatted on his left arm. Along with his Lust to the game we get another track proclaiming his addiction held by the right arm, the bottle of Hennessey with the track ‘Hennessy (izahelluvadrank)’ he does it so easy that you would think he’s flying kites it’s so breezy. A third thing that he talks about is his cockiness in a way he hasn’t done before with the track ‘God Complex’. It’s not like your typical cocky track he’s dropped before ‘Cocky pt. 1-5’ it’s a personal shout to how his mind works and why he comes off as so cocky.
This is that gritty shit from the hoods of NY, the rotten apple where it’s do or die, and T.O.N.E-z is showing us that he’s not going anywhere; for a while! He’s fixated in this position on distribution of lyrical lacerations and it’s waiting right here for you to download. Peep that shit and make sure you download yourself a copy, yesterday!
Artist Name: Kottonmouth Kings Album Title: Double Dose (3 disc pack) Release Date: September 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Recently in the wake of the bombs being dropped in the form of a ‘Blast from the Past’ from the Subnoize Souljas the Kottonmouth Kings are getting ready to drop a brand new concept album and what a better way to help the avid Sub Noize fan pass the time then to drop a new project to add to your collection; The Double Dose Package: volumes 1-3. Each CD is in it’s own right the KMK’s own version of ‘Blast From the Past’.
It’s a package set that takes the listener back to a time of yesteryear when the Kings were first making their mark and getting their start. When the open road was something new and the albums were being made with no stopping in sight. Since the time these original presses were released the Kings have since ventured out and formed their own record label aside from what they were originally signed, Capitol Records. The ownership to the masters of the original tracks or albums on Hidden Stash 1, Hidden Stash 2, The Endless Highway DVD, and The Dopeumentary. The Kings have found that the original copies to these titles are long since gone in the record stores and are trying to put their older matierial in the hands of their newer fans.
Included with the package as well is a bit of flavor no one fan, veteran and rookie alike probably wouldn’t have, the original Dopeumentary. The very FIRST dvd the group had ever shot for release, something that they had made while Saint Dog was still apart of the group and Johnny Richter had not quite come into his own. It includes footage from the road never seen, in the early days, as well as a few music videos along the way that could have only been seen if you found it online in the deepest darkest corners of deep,cyber space. Upon completion of the video however, Saint split and Richter stepped up. In these actions, their newly acquired label, Capitol Records, had coerced the Kings into refilimg the DVD to showcase new member, Johnny Richter, to see the fans reaction to the new lineup.
As far as the albums go with this deal are the original copies of the Hidden Stash’s 1 and 2, along with that you get a bonus disc of all newly, remastered remixes that the group likes to bump while out on that ‘Endless Highway’ touring the country side, Monday throught Friday. Of course the remix disc is all music of their own and it’s a little something something the Kings would like to give back to the fans that have given them so much over these past 15 or so years. If you’ve already got these originaly albums download the DVD if you want, if not and you’re trying to get on your KMK knowledge acquisition then by all means cop all 3! I’m a fan of the scene so you know I’m going to go grab em’ UP!
Reviewer: Whipstick
Overall Rating: 7 / 10
Favorite Track: (none) I did like the original Dopeumentary
Price: $14.20 (each volume)
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: JP Tha Hustler Album Title: Definition... Release Date: 2009 Record Label: Grim Reality Entertainment
The Definition Of A Hustler...
JP Tha Hustler is one of the members of Insane Poetry - a very well known horrorcore group. Now, I have an honor to review his newest album called "Definition...". It was released on Grim Reality Entertainment, a label, which JP and Cyco created back in 2003. To be honest with you, I don't know what to expect. I haven't heard any new music from GRE for a few years (except for Cycos "The Snuff Reels", but it was released on NSD Records). So let's sink into the unknown and find out more about being a hustla.
Hustle 24/7
01. Bang It Out (Bangin' Trax)
The first track is a typical example of gangsta rap. Let me quote a verse. “When they up in your hood, up to no good, do it like you should homie, bang it out! When it's time to catch wreck, protect your neck, crank up the deck, let's bang it out!” The beat is kinda funky, leaves a positive feeling. I don't like the autotune which appears when JPs says "Bang it out". Other than that, it’s a good track, especially for an opening to the album. 9/10
02. Fo' Sho (feat. Spark, Insane Poetry & Omowale Payne)
I love the hook, „Like oh, fo’ sho, do what you have to, go and get that dough!”. Another gangsta track, west coast style. The guests did okay, I especially like Cycos verse. The beat fits the song, especially that trumpets in proper places. It’s one of my favourite tracks from the album. 9/10
03. Wannabe Thugs (feat. Mr. Prophet & Omowale Payne)
Definitely the worst song. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, just not my jam. The only thing I like about it is the hook, it’s calm but brings a lot of energy in lyrics. The beat is also nice. 3/10
04. Dirty (feat. Spark)
The third best track from the cd. It’s about sex and all kinky fetishes connected with it. Girls, you can get to know how JP and Spark like to do that! The beat is dark and portentous. Normally, it wouldn’t fit a song about sex but it fits this one. (weird, huh? I know.) 9/10
05. Definition Of A Hustler
Another JPs solo song. Too bad it’s so short, it lasts only over a minute. But hey, you can get to know the true definition of a hustler! Real deal. 7/10
06. Paranoid (feat. Insane Poetry)
The second best joint on “Definition”. Like you can presume from the title, the song is about paranoia. Dark beat and sick, gloomy lyrics. Now that’s definitely my cup of tea. Has a horrorcore feeling. Cycos verse in this track is his best verse on the whole album, you can clearly hear emotions in his crazy flow. 9/10
07. Wake Up (feat. Insane Poetry)
Brainwashing the society, that’s what this song is about. I like it because it’s real, JP and Cyco speaks the truth, “wake up, they’re telling you lies!”. Anyway, the beat is okay. The only thing I don’t really feel is the hook. 8/10
08. Fuck 'Em All (feat. Insane Poetry)
“Middle fingers up like fuck them all”. That’s right, this song is dedicated to all fake gangsters and wannabe rappers. I like the beat and the lyrics. The hook is also dope. 8/10
09. Darkside (feat. Insane Poetry & Scum)
Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce to you the best song on the album. A perfect combination of horrorcore and gangsta rap. I mean, come on, JP, Cyco and Scum on one track? Shit speaks for itself. You can take a journey into the dark side of their minds. The lyrics are sick, the beat is dark (I love the sample during the hook), you can’t go wrong with that. Scum’s verse is also nice. There’s an upcoming project, an collab album between Insane Poetry and Scum. I can tell you that I can’t wait for that cd as a big fan of horrorcore music. 10/10
10. Still Can't (feat. McNastee)
Another cool song with a really good guest. McNastee is a great lyricist and one of my favourite artists. I especially like the JPs verse in this song, he rips the beat apart! Well, I also agree with his verse, “These bitches in the industry have been doing shit sooo wrong.” I was trying not to bash mainstream in this review but I just couldn’t stop myself, so – FTI! 8/10
11. Dirty (English/Spanish Radio Mix) (feat. Taab Frio)
It’s a remix of the “Dirty” song. It features an Spanish artist, Taab Frio. I don’t know him and franky I don’t even know what he says since I don’t know this language. I just can rate his flow and it’s not bad. Remember that it’s the radio version of the song so you won’t hear cussing and stuff like that. But if you own a radio station, make sure to play this track because it’s a banger! 9/10
Final Say: A day off.
To sum up, it’s an gangsta rap/horrorcore album with a characteristic west coast vibe. There are no weak songs. Just dope tracks and very good guests (especially Scum, McNastee and Spark). I don’t mention Insane Poetry because they are almost all over the album which is actually a really good thing. Production is also dope, JP is a very talented beat maker aswell as lyricist. The album is short, a little over 30 minutes but I think it’s a plus. A big one to be exact. Long albums are mostly boring and you feel fed up in a middle of listening to one. In this case you’ll be left with a feeling that you want more and I like that feeling, I’m looking forward to next releases from GRE. If you like that type of music, make sure to pick it up and bump it in your CD player, loud. If you’re not into that kind of music, give it a try, you might love it or you might hate it. The point is – if there’s even a small chance that you’ll love it, give it a try.
Artist Name: ESHAM Album Title: I Ain't Cha Homie Release Date: August 2009 Record Label: Reel Life Productions
Alright. You all should've known by now that this was bound to happen. "Smartest" thing I did was wait till after E cleared all rumors and song meanings up before I even decide to write a review for Faygoluvers.
Anyways I Ain'tcha Homey is another one of those "I am wicket shit bitch!" album's from the man who paved the way himself...ESHAM THE U-N-H-O-L-Y! sure theres some lyrics that might speak "ICP and Eminem Disses" but as Esham stated on his podcast "it's not true..all is cool with myself and ICP" so that still leaves questions. This Album is perfect for those who want to hear some fresh faces from Detroit's Underground. for example the songs "Painted Up" and "Poker" will give those who just got into the scene an introduction to a man who's done tracks in Detroit with not only Esham but Bo$$, Eminem, the late Proof, Slum Village, Fat Killahz, and The Goon Squad.
Runyon Ave's own Poe Whosane who is one of the fastest rappers in Detroit and is as fast as Cleveland's Bone Thugs N Haromony or Chicago's Twista and Do Or Die. The lead single Happy Happy Joy Joy is a perfect refresher corse for those who never heard Esham kick the sick shit that got him the title of "King Of The Wicket Shit". Juggalotus at first sounds like a Juggalo anthem cuz Esham did write this song after smoking weed with juggalos at the 2008 Gathering. But the chorus is of corse Esham pissed off that everybody is jacking his style "WWF Attitude Era" style and making money off it.
This album in reality is another trip into the always disturbed mind of Esham Attica Smith and once again reminds fans of the horrorcore/acid rap style that E's been on another level since day one. The big part about this album is the fact that this won't hit the National stores till October..but those that don't live 2 far from Detroit got this copy the tuesday after the Gathering Of The juggalos (and of course at the Gathering this year) and one lucky motherfucker got a free PS3 with every Esham video and over $1,000.00 worth of Merch from Reel Life. And thats the shit!
Artist Name: Dood Computer & Stir Crazy Album Title: Penny Dreadfuls Release Date: May 7th, 2009 Record Label: N/A
Concocted and started in 2006, Dood Computer and Stir Crazy's bringing you this, a lyrical antidote for meaningless shit, it’s for you musical junkies to get you your fix. The album in which that I am referring is “Penny Dreadfuls” an excerpt from the craziness forming and shaping the lives of the two most involved in it’s creation; Stir Crazy and Dood Computer. It’s a sound in the land of the ‘undergound’ that is somewhat newer to the genre and it’s in a sense something its own. It’s got the swagger of a college kid, smooth lines like a bald head, and melodic beats to keep you tapping your feet. It’s an album made by two real motherfuckers and it’s only your fault if you don’t believe it brother!
With the beats boisterously, banging all the way out from Motor City, Detroit, and the lyrical dynamics slam dancing off of the walls The Rotten Apple, Albany, New York, this album is not one that should be looked over. It’s one that should be picked up and at least given one good listen. It starts simple enough, like you popped in a tape to learn how to play an instrument of sorts; in a way you are because if you soak up the knowledge dropped by an artist it can further your own inhibitions. Back on track it’s a simple start to a simple hip-hop album for this man to get his name out there. He states on ‘Watchu Doin’: “I’m rapping for gas money and my man Stir Crazy is banging the drums for me. Well really it’s all I know I don’t feel quite at home unless I’m rocking the show.”
The album then continues to roll on through what seems to be three or four different tracks in the first two, but it’s only because Stir Crazy’s beat capabilities supersede a lot around them and there’s too many to contain for just one song on one track. In a way it’s sort of like you’re getting a double album with all the extra beats added onto the end of each track. This project then spans over a variety of different subjects one would run into with the trials and tribulations in everyday life for the twenty-something year old MC letting his emotions leak through his pen to the page. There’s a sense of drinking heavily, as anyone with the swagger of a college kid would need, a nonstop party atmosphere, and when the beats hit the sound the words flow out of the mouth.
Like every other album ever made though some of the elements thrown into the mix on this are about women, the music scene today and how it needs to go back to its roots, and a case of full blown aids! In regards to the rapping of women there are three tracks in particular ‘Something Better’, ‘Rachel Profiling’, and ‘Mitchell Loves Jessica’. Each of these tracks are about the same subject, females, but two different perspectives; ‘Something Better’ is about being sick and tired of these games they play and cutting straight to the point. “I want to make mistakes and excuses, so I got something to write when I make some music.” ‘Rachel Profiling’ is like DC’s version of Madrox’s ‘Sour Patch Bitches’; and what I mean is, is that there’s always that one chick or group that when you see em’ you’re like “Not her again!”
Then he switches the style up and gets to the current state of hip-hop and why he feels it’s where it’s at and how he would want to take it back to the days of rapping to rap and here the crowd applaud and clap. From the get-go with the intro it’s blatantly stated how Dood feels, but with the tracks like ‘Tape Rock’, ‘Push it Through’, and ‘Make a Wish’. On ‘Make a Wish’ I feel he’s addressing more than half of the artists in the underground; the biters, the haters, and the un-talented. Letting them know how a lyricist can lay it down and take you on a journey with his words, swan diving onto his sword-like pen.
In closing the album we’re hit with the banger of track ‘Tape Rock Remix’ where Dood alongside his boys Dezmatic, Timmy Wiggins, and Benn Grim. It’s a track about recording back tracks like back in the day, with love for the music on a four track with one common drive, love for the game of hip-hop. Check out “Penny Dreadfuls” by Dood Computer and Stir Crazy when you find you’ve got the time and open your mind’s eye.
Artist Name: Insane Clown Posse Album Title: Bang! Pow! Boom! Release Date: September 1st, 2009 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
They’re back! Judging by your decision to come to this site, much less read my review, you’re just as excited as I am. Being that they’ve been gone for such a long time and how their sound has changed little by little and influenced by the era in small amounts, I’m almost skeptical about what I’m about to hear. Almost… Play Track 1.
1. Intro
The intro describes, in essence, who the newest carnival entity is in great detail but I won’t spoil it for you. I’ve still yet to decipher whether it’s one single character with 3 forms or 3 separate entirely like the Jeckel Brothers. Either way I approve, they obviously put in a good amount of time and effort into creating it. Also, who the hell is speaking here? Because they’re perfect! They have such a great foreboding tone that it gave me chills from the bottom of my spine all the way to these Skullcandy earbuds. It’s the perfect way to start an album in my opinion. N/A
Track 2
Ok here’s the deal. Each album came out with its own second track so here they all are separately with their own ratings.
2. Freaky Creep Show (Red Version)
It begins with what seems to sound like a voodoo priestess or something of that sort with a language I can only decipher as foreign, as well as a nice drum pattern that sounds just as dark and carnival-esque as anything I would expect from these two. The best way I can describe it is, like they took the lyrical style they used on Alley Rat from the Tempest and slapped it molded it into a MUCH better song with a fantastic hook and strong chorus. I’ll remember this song when Halloween comes around. 5/5
2. The Clowns Are Back(Green Version)
Starts fairly suddenly right into the lyrics and it’s just okay but then out of nowhere it busts into this amazing breakdown beginning with the intro to “Bring In The Clowns”, which is the basic music most people associate with the circus. It’s actually sort of a surprise to me oddly enough. I can’t recall them using it a lot but they definitely used it right this time. This is an intricate and very hard song that I can expect to see Juggalos get wrecked moshing to. 4/5
2. Beautiful Doom(Blue Version)
To me this sounds a lot more like a Dark Lotus tune. It’s mysterious and lyrically, Violent J in particular, was in great form. It was produced well but personally nothing besides J’s rap really stood out to me 3/5
3. In Yo Face
This sounds like a classic I.C.P. song. Bouncing bass, a lot of different guitar samples, and goofy yet violent lyrics complete it. The chorus is a chanter so Juggalos should enjoy it. In fact I already know it does.
The Bone: Sounds like another Alley Rat but this time they mixed it a lot better. Guitar sampling sounds almost rockabilly, damn close in fact. The chorus isn’t bland and the hook works perfectly but I have nothing specific to say about it. It plainly works. 4/5
4. The Bone
Sounds like another Alley Rat but this time they mixed it a lot better. Guitar sampling sounds almost rockabilly, damn close in fact. The chorus isn’t bland and the hook works perfectly but I have nothing specific to say about it. It plainly works. 4/5
5. Zombie Slide
God the beginning of this song got me pumped with Violent J repeating “Wake The Dead Up” on crescendo. I think
the all the music behind the lyrics has a lot wanting but the chorus makes up for it exponentially. It’s another Headless Boogie. This is gonna get crowds to jump high and land hard. Especially when Shaggy chants J-U-DOUBLE G-A-L-O!!! It employs organs and a lot of nice computer tricks and I’m almost waiting to hear a club remix. Already an album favorite. 5/5
6. To Catch a Predator
This song is funny as hell and has more to offer than you would expect from just a plainly funny song. Piano, Guitar, and good drums are put together with what sounded like sampling from an old school printer at one point. The idea behind the song is this. Violent J sits at home and lures unsuspecting perverts over the internet, making them think he’s a little girl, and when they arrive the slaughter ensues. 5/5
7. Boing Boing
Ah another song about a great American past-time, sex. They basically are touting their ability to leave every girl they make eye contact with, weak in the knees. They put in some old school sounding drums and porn clips that sound like they came from the same movie as Riddlebox ‘s track “Lil’ Somethin Somethin”. 3/5
8. I Found a Body
This song doesn’t sound all the way right to me and I can’t quite place why but I’m sure most of you will like it. It’s about Violent J and Shaggy respectively finding corpses and parading them as friends. It’s a pretty creepy and it’s produced well but to me it’s just… meh. However the skit at the end is hilarious. 3/4
9. Love
Ah something that we can all enjoy. A song about falling deep in love with someone you haven’t even met. The sound on this song is fairly unique even for our beloved carnie duo, not lyrically but the sampling is pretty interesting and that’s the best I can explain it. They definitely sat in front of a computer a long time on this track. It’s a pretty good song but not the best. I’d give it a B on a bad day. 4/5
10. Fonz Pond
Like Marsh Lagoon? Nope it’s actually a different concept entirely. People don’t dispose of bodies there, they just get drug down by something unknown. Deep Bass and perfect guitar samples put you right into the song like your standing right at the water’s edge. J and Shaggs ride the beat like the pros they are and once again I’m waiting to hear a club remix. Fantastic song and another album favorite. 5/5
11. Imma Kill You
This track is pretty simple but at the same time it’s simplicity makes it work. I have to say if their goal on this album was to go old school they accomplished it on this track, if not on any other. It resembles “Stomp” and others like it with a couple modern tricks. If it weren’t for how varied in style this album already is, I’d say it defines it entirely. “Oooh I’m Hurtin’ You. Imma Fuckin Kill You” I can already here the Lo’s chanting it outside every venue in the country. 5/5
12. Juggalo Island
I have mixed feelings on this because on one hand it’s not hard enough for my taste but on the other hand it has a great uniting sound like all the other Juggalo centered song. Ah fuck it I like it. This is a song most of us could smoke to during spring and summer parties. Lets trip in the sun on Juggalo Island. It sounds better than the Bahamas. (Also the skit at the end made me laugh my balls off, hear it for yourself) 5/5
13. Vultures
Interesting bass line and piano mix, I like the way this song sounds from beginning to end. From what I understand this is a fairly untapped “enemy” target for I.C.P. the best way I can describe them as is Vulture also. Someone who sits far away while they wait for opportunities to present themselves so that their apathy and greed pays off, such as waiting for an old relative to die for inheritance. God even talking about it makes me feel dirty, thankfully the song makes me feel better. Produced well and lyrically strong as an ox anyone can love it. 5/5
14. Vera Lee
If you liked Amy’s in the Attic, like I did, you’ll like this too. It’s pretty deep and dark and the metal/keyboards make it stay that way. Violent J puts emphasis on the right spots and just like he always does, perfects it. Although this seems like too good a song to have so little to say about it, that’s all I got. It’s a basic track but one I want to see live nonetheless. 4/5
15. Miracles
Every album they put out has a song that makes you transcend in your mind, all that you think is real and this album is no exception. Magic is something that I.C.P. has the unique ability to make me believe in periodically and this song does the job too. Echoing keyboards and drums make it sound like the sounds name sake and lyrical content. It shows how far they’ve gone and how far they’ll still go. It’s even got a guitar solo of sorts toward the end. It’s almost like another Nothing’s Left. Pure Shining Platinum. 4/5
16. Bang! Pow! Boom!
This song is really intricate and you can tell they put a lot of brow sweat on this, as they should have. It’s pretty typical clown stuff and it definitely was produced well, but to me among the other title tracks like Wax Museum and Great Milenko, it sort of lacks. But either way it works as an outro and that completes another album.
P.S. I know there were secret tracks at the end of each version. 4/5
Final Say: This is why after all these years I still claim I.C.P. as my favorite band. They have the right mix of violence and yet they don’t take themselves too seriously. You can tell they worked hard and had fun on this album. I can already tell this album will be remembered by past and future juggalos and stand as a great. Thus it begins… The era of BANG! POW! BOOM!
Reviewer: Captain Nemo
Overall Rating: 9.99 / 10
Favorite Tracks: Creep Show, Zombie Slide, Fonz Pond, Imma Kill You, Vultures
Least Favorite Track: I Found a Body
Price: $10.00 (or $25.00 for all 3!)
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: GWAR Album Title: Lust in Space Release Date: August 18th, 2009 Record Label: Metal Blade Records
For those Juggalos who have never heard the name GWAR or have never had the pleasure of seeing them live or on Youtube, this article is specifically for you. GWAR is a 5 piece band from Virginia, whose sound has ranged from Alternative to the heaviest of Metal since their creation in 1984. But the fact that they’ve been playing for 25 years isn’t what’s special about them. Their entire sound and stage show is based around the fact that they are 5 Alien/Monster/Warrior/Gods from across the Galaxy. Here is their story as described on their website at Gwar.net:
“Eons ago, there existed an elite group of chaos warriors who ravaged the galaxy with a boundless hatred of all things alive. They were called the Scumdogs of the Universe, and they grew in might and fury, the greatest weapon in the arsenal of their cosmic Master.
But they became too powerful, and too defiant, and for their cosmic crimes were banished to the most insignificant planet in the universe…the seething mudball known as Earth.
Millions of years passed, and they slumbered, until the pollution of your world de-thawed these creatures from their ageless coma…and now they stride the Earth, living gods, dedicated to one goal, the destruction of the human race, and the eradication of existence itself! Wait- that’s two goals!”
Sounds pretty cool right? They’re best known for their unique and heavy sound as well as their intensely obscene and grotesquely vivid lyricism that at times would make Cannibal Corpse blush mixed in with a solid serving of comic relief.
Seeing as they just played at the Gathering I figured, as a huge fan, I would give you an intro and a review of their latest LP “Lust In Space”.
The day has finally come when the Scumdogs of the Universe have found a way to escape Earth. This album marks the end of their reign on our planet and the beginning of their tyranny on the entire Galaxy. I’ve been waiting for this album to come out since I started listening to them so let’s see how it matches up with the rest of their albums and their current heavy trend… Play Track 1.
It begins down-tempo and with creepy small animal sounds and interesting synth tricks that makes it sound like you’re walking through a forbidden and ancient temple. Oderus(lead singer) starts out with “Again, what grim vision this… Blood stained tomb, beer cans and piss. This… Is no life… for a god” and then it breaks into the metal. Though this album is the 4th in their current series of thrash albums, it’s toned down just a bit from Beyond Hell but not too much.
In this new album GWAR stays true to their metal roots and hardened ferocious sound, however, they didn’t skimp on the goofy antics. Songs like Let Us Slay, Damnation Under God, and The Price Of Peace make you want to bang your melon right the fuck off with powerful riffs and insane breakdowns that are sure to make your neighbors complain, even if you live on a farm. The bassist Beefcake lends his vocals on Damnation Under God and the lead guitarist Flattus does the same on Release The Flies, which to some loyal GWAR fans is a bit odd. To me personally I think it can’t beat Oderus and his unique pipes but they don’t necessarily disappoint. Coincidentally this album was produced by their lead so that may have had something to do with it.
Lyrically this album is just as good as any other: Vile and hilarious. Here are some of my favorites:
“If I can escape Earth, I swear I'll quit crack” – Lust In Space
“All the chicks are strippers, all their fathers proud” –Metal Metal Land
“I go straight to work. Crushing Babies, Torching Worlds, and acting like a jerk” –Where Is Zog?
And those are pretty soft considering the artist.
In the end this new album is a credit to their ongoing legacy. Heavy riffs, screaming solos and drums that seem to at times be a Thrash/Tribal fusion that would put Sepultura to shame make this album a must buy for any metal collection. As underground artists they stand at the forefront of the same basic “fuck you” attitude toward mainstream. Only they would say something more along the lines of “Suck my giant scaly HIV infested cock” as they run a burning rampage through the office building.
Reviewer: Captain Nemo
Overall Rating: 8 / 10 Stacked Rotting Corpses
Favorite Tracks: Let Us Slay, Damnation Under God, Price of Peace, Metal Metal Land Where Is Zog?
Least Favorite Track:The Uberklaw.
Price: $11.18
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: Sub Noize Souljaz Album Title: Blast From The Past Release Date: August 25th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
In the wake and the clearing of the newest joints dropped by Suburban Noize Records what could one do? Touring season is under way for you to catch you favorite acts on the road and the newest additions to the label are busy working on a debut of their own. This would leave any fan in the city that the tour had just left or those still waiting, wanting something to quench their thirst of weed-laced rhymes and times about a past so fine.
So now here is this; Subnoize Souljaz: Blast From the Past. Not only is it a new album released by the Soulaz, not only is it their third studio album, but this is also not only an album for the fans, but I think, an album for the artists themselves. This installment to the collection hidden in the vault of SNR is a remix, remake, cover, or whatever you call it done by the artists of the label; paying homage to the groups or MC’s that got them kick-started back in the day. They’re taking it back to when hip-hop/rap was still looking to form itself,.. when no one voice was really heard but noise was being made.
Even in this genre there are many of us who come from so many vast and different areas, musically along with geographically. To me this album is just a way for everyone to see where their favorite rappers draw their influences, who they listen(ed) to when it all went down and they were pushed to pick up the pad and pen and begin to write.
Each person(s) on SubNoize who has already been established themselves has one song. One could wonder, how many songs are there then? Because it would seem SNR has this gnack for signing 1000 and 1 artists or groups and seems too hard to keep up at times. Well for a simple question there is a simpler answer, 14. 14 newly remixed, re-mastered, and redone classics are here on this disc for you to spin. Everybody from the KMK, Judge D, Big B, DGAF, Dirtball, Saint Dog, Chucky Chuck, Potluck, Sendog, and Dogboy are all on this blazing joint of a remake.
So all in all to take it back to a time when you were too young to know what these original songs were laying down or you just want to take it back to when you first got into hip-hop way back when, I suggest you pick this up and get your REMINISING ON!
Artist Name: DJ Clay Album Title: Let Em Bleed: Volume 4 Release Date: August 2009 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
1. Intro
Sets the flow and the unpredicatbility of the Let 'Em Bleed series.
2. U Ain't From Around Here (DJ Clay)
The track opens up with a slow, powerful drum beat with a melodic piano note that flows slow as Clay schools it with that fire we all come to love, with juggalos in the back chantin' "DJ CLAY! DJ CLAY!" like fans live at a WWE event. 4 / 5
3. Sleep Stalker remix (Boondox)
This remix brings us back to Punkinhead with a little twist of Clay's vision of Sleep Stalker. Sounding quite similar in remix sounds that Clay has done in the past, gives it quite a dreamy feel to it. Sounds dope to me but alot of you may feel different, you be the judge! 3 / 5
4. It's Goin' Down (Axe Murder Boyz)
AMB takes it to the rapid fire flows that they spit, lettin' us know that they ain't afraid of hate and neither should we! Keepin' it wicked like they always do, they spit like Dre and Eminem from the "2001" album, it's fast paced and it's a banger! 4 / 5
5. Everywhere I Go (Blaze Ya Dead Homie)
New flavor from the Deadman brings us a cover of the 2 Pac classic! "One part jager, one part of eggnog! Call it Jeggnog!". I can see this track being chanted live at a show, sure to be a classic that the Deadman always seems to pull outta nowhere, that'll fit along with the likes of "Casket", "Shotgun", "Juggalo Anthem".....Reminds us that everywhere we go, we're always seeing juggalos. A bit short but fresh! 4 / 5
6. I'm Just Me remix (ABK)
Yet another older Psychopathic track remixed. ABK always seems to have a shortage of remixed tracks and this one is sure to be one to bump. Not my favorite remix but not worth skipping. 3 / 5
7. Get Wild skit
Punch a motherfucker, punch a motherfucker, stomp a motherfucker, stomp a motherfucker! Enough said! A moshpit anthem of sorts that I'm sure you'll hear during a Clay intermission. You be the judge of this one too. ? / 5
8. Let Me Hear You (Boondox)
Now this is a fuckin' head banger! Imagine a club full of juggalos dancing and grinding in a rain of blood and a beat like this with juggalettes getting wicked. Boondox'll have you puttin' both hands up in your ride and at home and you'll wake up with a broken neck and shoulders from bumpin' this flavor repeatedly! 5 / 5
9. See You In Hell (contest winner O.D.S.)
Ah the beat contest winner track. This was clearly out of left field as many submitted and one got in. We all know the beat and this fresh face and left a good impression on me personally and I'm diggin' what he brought. 3/5 3 / 5
10. Outlaw (AMB)
A sneak peak of what AMB has in store for the Big Money Rustlas soundtrack? Dope is all I can say about this track. Western flavor from west coast homies AMB to lace their shit all over this track. Bonez schools it with his dual voice and with the music's simplicity, what else could you ask for than a six shooter and a little extra cheddar in your pocket? 3 / 5
11. I Shot a Hater (ICP, Twiztid and Three Six Mafia)
Ok I'm highly favoring this track! I personally got to preview this track at Hatchet Attacks and all I could remember was how nuts the crowd was after this track was played by Mike. E. Clark. Taking us back to "Just Another Crazy Click", almost a sequel of sorts 8 years later, this track definitely has etched it's way as a Let Em Bleed favorite; joining the likes of "Frankenstein", "Forever Detroit" and "Kept Grinding". 5 / 5
12. Bitch Get Off Me (DJ Clay)
Clay kicks off this track as almost a juggalo "Big Pimpin" track with a little more felonies laced around it. This is awesome. Try bumpin' this when you're with your girl and see how far it gets you! 3 / 5
13. High Rize remix (ICP)
Ah, a classic remixed and made fresh again. In all honesty alot of these remixes either bang or just don't do it for me, but I definitely think that this remix should've been the original beat. The drums and the guitars give it a live band feel to it. I'd love to hear this remix live. It goes from hard to ballad-like musical flow that just rips and repairs. 4 / 5
14. Welcome to the Flames (Boondox)
Boondox comes with a preview of his next album, "South of Hell". Not the full version but enough to tickle your ballsack to the point of having blue balls. What's not to like about this track? It says two things: It's got the infernos of "Death of a Hater" and most importantly Boondox is like Freddy Krueger in his prime, HE DELIVERS!!!!! 4 / 5
15. All Work No Play (DJ Clay)
Welcome to the hustle that is the underground and the work ethic of a Psychopathic artist. Hard work, hard bumps, hard grinding, blood, sweat and bringing fear to the haters. DJ Clay is hinting flavor to his upcoming solo album he's been working on and this is just a sign of things to come. 4 / 5
16. Redemption Song (Razor Ray of Motown Rage)
Razor Ray brings us a rockin' solo track. The Motown Rage vocalist and lead guitarist delivers us something a little personal to the juggalos out there, with a sounds of what Stone Sour and the Hatchet would blend us if such a mixture existed. Definitely something different and defiantly unique. 3 / 5
17. Outro
"Same juggalo face, same juggalo fire...!" (end transmission)
Overview: The Let 'Em Bleed series may be over but all I can say is, this is definitely my most favorite of the four. Everyone has their favorites for their own reason and this one is to make it that very favorite. The series is etched in forever now as an amazing completion to this innovative series that Clay put together and it's been one saga that we've all enjoyed. A must buy for all juggalos! I don't throw praise lightly but I can assure you this one is the appropriate way to close the Let 'Em Bleed series.
Reviewer: Carlos "Dallas" Esquivel
Overall Rating: 9 / 10
Favorite Tracks: I Shot a Hater, Welcome to the Flames, Let Me Hear You
Price: $10.00
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: T.O.N.E-z & Stir Crazy Album Title: Heroes Release Date: August, 2009 Record Label: E-Z $ Records
As the thunder clashes and the lightning exposes the clouded, stormy night pandemonium rang out through the streets of the underground the signal is ignited and thrown in the sky. Intended for a specific duo of dynamics, it had been a long time coming, but the “Heroes” The Bronx Bomber and The Detroit Ninja aka T.O.N.E-Z and Stir Crazy had finally arrived to save the day from the whackness being broken down and propelled back to the masses.
Here to rid the underground of the evil doers of music, who aren’t doing nothing for themselves to establish their name in the game so they hate, T dot has come back from hiatus stashed away in “Happyland” he’s hopped behind the mic to deliver a lyrical blow that no enemy could withstand. Expanding his powers and stretching his skills he attacks with vicious blows to the evil squad of H.A.T.E and converting them to “Ride with me”. Finally capturing their ‘Mind’s Eye’ he was able to control his enemies like he was their ‘Puppet Master’. Doing his part to keep the underground safe from bad music, Tone just dives into every situation on the album from fake friends, the evil E-thugs constantly hating, and the current status of the land he’s trying to save with every album.
Just when the battle seems it’s overturn and The Bronx Bomber calls out the magic words and puts it down ‘4 my homies’ on the underground lending their hand to help in the constant battle that seems to be ongoing, never-ending event.
All that aside though, this album is a release that T.O.N.E-z couldn’t resist dropping because Stir Crazy sent the hotness in the beats and Tone just let it ride dropping the magic he laces the tracks with, with ease. One track that I enjoyed the most on it is ‘Spit the Truth’ because, to me, he’s calling out the main labels of the underground, or any artist out there claiming the UG, showing that the talent is in the un-heard and the raw talent that you have to search for. Another track that was most enjoyable straight up and down protesting his cockiness and his fixture in this music biz, ‘C.O.E. (Casulaty of Eny)ft. Dood Computer’. Revealing his moment of truth and clarity that what you get is what you see from the second you shake hands with T.
At the end of the album there’s a track called ‘T.O.N.E-Z killed M:I (the dream)’ leading anyone who follows the underground movement to fathom could something possibly be boiling under the belly of one of the true undergrounds beasts? Only time will tell. This album is pretty dope for having come out swinging after his supposed last album, but T.O.N.E-Z, The Bronx Bomber, and Stir Crazy, The Detroit Ninja have answered the cries for some “Heroes” on the underground and now you can check it out!
Artist Name: Mr. 6ix Album Title: Level 1 Release Date: 2009 Record Label: N/A
"It's a 6-i-beat" and its definitely something fresh. Coming from Colombus, Ohio is a young buck who's opened up for ABK and has performed at a few record release parties in the metro Colombus area, Mr. 6ix. Not much is known but word on the street says that experience is the key in making the levels increase. So starting with the basics is like anyone in the game could start is with his debut album "Level 1", all recorded and produced by Mr. 6ix himself (with the exception of "Make It Bump" produced by, Simulation of a Life) at home studio in what he calls "The Syke Ward". So let orginality take over and let's explore Level 1.
1. Welcome (w/ Prophet)
6ix comes out with an appropriate welcome to our listeners with a smoke and some of that Lil Wayne "fire"....but I think that the person on the phone at the end will have something to say about that....
2. Change The Game
"Boys and girls of every age, would you like to see something strange?" The single released on his myspace page and became pretty popular on the internet waves, as well as myspace music. 6ix comes correct with a realistic introduction to who he is and what he's about, something most musicians out there should really be about in their music rather than being hard and gangstalicious. Great to bump and the chorus and hooks are quite catchy. 4 / 5
3. Undisputed
Like most good artists should do, getting back to basics with confidence with simple beats and spittin' like a ruler on the throne. Great like an old-school-esque rap song that most artists don't even do anymore. 3 / 5
4. Irrate (feat. Devious T and Prophet)
A hater's anthem meant to tell a hater to fuck off! Given to three midwest artists with a hint of light Dr. Dre-like production laced up with the fresh and talented Devious T and Prophet. So part like the Red Sea, grind on your own time slow paced no hurry and don't hate because they're irrate! 4 / 5
5. No Time (Jealousy)
"Envy is a sin but jealousy human". Walkin' tall equipped with rubber gloves and drawing lines like an animator, 6ix's flow is heavy like an elephant and production is upbeat and becoming shaper! At this point, he's at "Level 1.5". 4 / 5
6. Keep Me Wired
A phone sex track....this is different! Very original! Good for a fuck session for anyone out there bumpin' and humpin' out there, you'll find a G-spot of eargasims and sexual healing! Sounds like what Keith Sweat could do if his style was blended with Lil Wayne. 5 / 5
7. Evolution
Going with a little more of a darker sound, 6ix lyrically preaches in the first person view of what any artists tries to do when paying dues in this game. Taking hits and hitting back. 3 / 5
8. Movin' On - Pianos play and melancholy arrays in this deep and personal track, touching on the fruits of life that is a relationship that ends sour. The song speaks for itself and like life itself, real. 5 / 5
9. Psykotik (feat. J-Frost)
We're all a little crazy and the duo of 6ix and J-Frost spit a some wicked shit for y'all horrorcore enthusiasts out there. Lyrically it's more of the off set tracks out there and that's not a bad thing. The song has an old-school ICP flow and production with some new school lyricist definition. 3 / 5
10. Grind Time - "Life is like riding a skateboard. Either you ride and grind or you fall and bust your ass"
Is it me or does 6ix take music lessions from Mike Peezy and Tech N9ne? Motivated with positive words he calls "6ix's ambition", this beat has a "Juggalo Anthem" aura and an "Everybody Move". Set on gettin' his, get set and get yours in life! It's time for you to grind! 5 / 5
11. Make It Bump - "It's a Simulation beat, mu-fucka!"
This track is a banger and it's damn sure to be a favorite of mine. 6ix and Simulation bring us something to bump and split wigs to. Simulation came correct with a Freekshow-era beat and schooled it! Bump your head until you break your vertabrae! 5 / 5
12. Monstas Anthem (feat. Devious T)
6ix and Devious T calls upon all underground followers and have them bow down to the monsters! Short but sweet and definitely another favorite! 4 / 5
13. Illin' Killin' (bonus promotional track) - "Muthafucka I'm I'll, I'm I'll!"
One of 6ix's promotional tracks that was available for a limted time on his myspace page and now it's here! The beat? Jacked straight up but still fresh! Mainstream hip hop fans'll recognize this track right off the bat! Wicked shit? You be the judge! 3 / 5
14. A Scrubz Rize (bonus promotional track)
Another promotional track, another beat jacked solely for the love of music. Again you mainstream hip hop fans'll recognize this beat right off the bat! Some freshness right here definitely! 4 / 5
Overview: For anyone that's looking for something different, fresh and original, definitely check out the nutty Mr. 6ix. Colombus, Ohio should be proud to have an artist that shows that he's paying dues and working to be the best. Level 1 is just the beginning! Visit his myspace page @ myspace.com/juggalo4lifemr6. Juggalos, you'll definitely enjoy Mr. 6ix.
Reviewer: Carlos "Dallas" Esquivel
Overall Rating: 8 / 10
Favorite Tracks: Make It Bump, Grind Time, Movin' On
Price: FREE!
Download Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: Badluck Album Title: End Of Days (Re-Release) Release Date: 2009 Record Label: Infect Music
The time has come and the end has begun. With the re-release of his Infect debut, Badluck, has hit us with his incarnation of the extermination of all the worlds' nations. Over the past three or four years, along with Mission:Infect, Badluck has adapted and changed his stance since the passing of long time friend, Fed Up, former partner in rhyme of the group Medula. Since then Luck has done nothing more than sit back and watch chaos unfold from lands far and wide, even in places in which there is no where to hide. From higher plateaus of Asia to the lowest sewers under the alleyways in Delaware people have been living life similar to that of ancient cities Sodom and Gomorra. It’s been a life of debauchery and overindulgence and everyone is blame.
Sitting atop his rabbit hole, having just escaped the Wonderland scam, not allowing himself to become another statistic in this underground game something has clicked inside Badluck’s mind leaving him with this: ‘The End of Days (re-release)’. There are a few different reasons as to why he would need to release a previously dropped album; one of course would be the fact of belonging to a record label that has more bark then a bite had him in a contract and basically robbing him blind. Once the Wonderland Scam was broken through and the 7th Seal was open Luck quickly released the original ‘End of Days’ a little more than a year ago. Yet due to a year jocked full of bullshit, hater-inspired antics, and possible lawsuit threats new tracks were added to the mix and a new logo in place of the two M16’s, gas mask, and triforce.
Aside from the constant moving around and raising of another life Badluck has managed to drop one of the dopest albums on the underground today. By underground I am not talking about Psychopathic, Strange, or Suburban Noize. Those three labels are no longer underground, yet still not mainstream; they’re big enough to have recognizable names and artists, but just beneath the mainstream. They’re like the mainstreams’ little brother that is just trying to stand out among the stars. Including all of the fellow artists past and present on Mission:Infect this album is one matching the spark to the gas and helping ignite the infect movement. Including featured spots by Saint Sinna, Claas, Rude Boi, T.O.N.E-Z, Green Vilin, and a few other underground up and comers this is something you shouldn't sleep on. When the End of Days begin no amount of money will be able to save you, except the 4.99$ on the digital download……we’ve all been warned.
Artist Name: La Coka Nostra Album Title: A Brand You Can Trust Release Date: July 24th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Back like an asthmatic crack attack, I(whipstick), am here to bring you the news of something that is popping off in the underground that needs to be recognized. Something malicious and malevolent has been brewing. Its La Coka Nostra here to pick up the flag and raise the middle finger in the FTI movement. It’s a movement of sorts and not one to be taken lightly, consisting of the Boston Strangler(Slaine), The Cult Leader(Ill Bill), and the House of Pain(Everlast, Danny Boy, and DJ Lethal) La Coka Nostra is an underground sensation quickly picking up the heat and igniting the match wherever they go. It’s a group formed of five individuals who when gathered together form a fist of MC’s who bludgeon the side of your dome in your ears until you can’t take it no more, and then you realize you want more and more.
Having formed under strict regulations, to produce the raw/hardcore essence of hip-hop that has seemed to have been lost over the years of watered down mainstream play; the group has definitely delivered everything they vowed they would here on their debut release ‘A Brand You Can Trust.’ However, this not only a debut album, but a debut on a new record label, Suburban Noize Records, founded by underground fixture, The Kottonmouth Kings. Since their conception little was known about the group other than the members it consisted of. It was rumored that nothing would come out unless they were all in the studio together laying it down all in the same room, to get that energy or vibe that is only heard/felt when records are made that way, not when the artists mail each other their verses back and forth.
Obviously they weren’t kidding around, they came together and put out a handful of tracks; ‘Fuck Tony Montana’, ‘That’s Coke’, ‘I’m an American’ and a few others. They set the trap and laid the bait by leaking these tracks. It did more than work as the devoted followings of these individual artists came together under the banner of La Coka and showed their support to the group through internet downloads and ticket/merch sales on the ‘Bring the Noize Tour’ with label mates the KMK. Now slated for release on July 14, 2009 LCN has been preparing its fans and the rest of the media world for it’s arrival for the past few months and all I can say is ‘..I hope you’re ready!’
Starting the album off with hard driven sounds declaring their statement and movement with guitar riffs and a honed rage the group rips it open with a head but to your chin with the tracks ‘Bloody Sunday’ and ‘Get You By.’ They move through the ranks and the trenches of the underground with the greatest of ease dropping knowledge on these kids this a group of lyrical MC’s who aim to please with tracks like ‘Bang Bang’, ‘Soldier Story’, ‘Gun In Ya Mouth’, ‘Nuclear Medicinemen’, and ‘Cousin of Death.’
This album was a project that was put mainly together by the LCN, yet there were a few helping hands in the mix to drop this hot shit. On the tracks lending their verbal abilities are the likes of Snoop Dogg, Big Left, Cypress Hill, Sick Jacken, Bun B, Q-Unique, and Immortal Technique. Along side with DJ Lethal on the 1’s and 2’s the production team consisted of group members Ill Bill and Everlast, along with Sicknature, The Alchemist, Cynic, and Q-unique. And what else could stop this group then sudden death? Nothing! Not one damned thing! Get this album, it’s a strong suggestion listen carefully.
Artist Name: Asher Roth Album Title: Asleep In The Bread Aisle Release Date: April 20th, 2009 Record Label: Universal Motown
I rarely buy music without hearing it first but when I do I always find it to be the right choice. I have had people telling me to run and get Asher Roth’s first album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle, since it was released on 4 20 and I finally caved. He’s working on a completely unbiased opinion so here’s what I thought after putting his album on repeat in my VW for a week. Play… Track 1.
Lark on my Go-Kart - Great opening song, with kickin’ bass and snare, easily a head bobbing song. Its also the first time I’ve heard a Teddy Ruxbin reference since I was 5. He has great lyricism and with a flow that would put the Mississippi river to shame it definitely works as an intro to me.
Blunt Cruisin’ - Lyrically this song has a lot lacking but those KMK fans out there will find PLENTY to like about it. It’s rightly name Blunt Cruisin’, with a nice slow rolling beat I can see my self riding around blazing to this song any day. Other than that it’s a very basic stoner song.
I Love College - I’m almost certain if you’ve already heard of Asher Roth this is the song you’ve heard and you probably like it. However, for me, it doesn’t work. It mainstream production. Odds if you go to college you’ll see at least a dozen douche bag frat boys lip syncing to it. I have to admit he did organize it and flow it well but the end was weak, chanting “Chug chug chug, freshman freshman, do something crazy, keg stand keg stand”. If I want to get hyped about stuff like that I’ll watch Animal House or Van Wilder.
La Di Da - Great soul and psychedelic guitar sampling work on this song and the sublime tone really makes it work. If you ever need to cheer up or just need a nice song to get you through the day I would reach for La di Da immediately.
Be By Myself - My absolute favorite song on the album. He collaborates with Cee-Lo Green of Goodie Mob(most famously the singer for Gnarls Barkley). I am a huge fan of his and anyone he works with has my immediate respect. Aside from that you get to hear some nice gospel organs with steady bass and cymbals. The overall tone of the song is of a guy who just wants to be alone and enjoy the single life. Cee-Lo uses his voice the right way and adds to the already amazing soulful sound on this track. Asher gets straight to the point and you know that the song is straight from the heart.
She Don't Wanna Man - Awesome idea to flip to the other side speaking of women who just go to the club to dance(Cue Dane Cook joke). Kind of another weak mainstream dance song but I still enjoyed it, thinking back to when I jammed out to Yeah by Usher. If your girl likes Black Eyed Peas or Pussycat Dolls I advise you put it on. Regardless of the lyrics if the moods right you just might have a good night. Lettes you better be payin attention. Musically I think it’s pretty basic but it was given it’s time due for production, nothing was left out, it’s just kind of bland to me.
Sour Patch Kids - He gives a pretty basic beat however his lyrical flow and piano samples save the song with some elbow room. The track basically is a big “Fuck the recession” about every aspect of tired shit which we are all pretty used to. He spits fire on this track in my opinion and the hooks are fantastic, with immaculate timing. My favorite lyric is “poverty is probably our biggest problem and it ain't gonna stop with Obama to save the world we must start at the bottom” though I hear this everyday for some reason it speaks volumes coming out of my speaker.
As I Em - Man I LOVE the backbeat and the reggae and classical guitar. I feel this song in every aspect. BUT… he gives props to Eminem. Now I hate Eminem as much as the other guy but it’s still a good song and it’s not all about how good MM is. It’s mostly about how is always hearing criticism regarding his similarity to Mr. Mathers. Chester French a band from Harvard, is doing all the music in the back which is pretty rare nowadays aside from the Roots. I like it but all the Lo’s might have an odd itch about the Eminem link. Ugh… Next track.
Lion Roar - Who likes Drum & Bass? All hands raised will love this song to death. It features New Kingdom and Busta Rhymes. That’s right it’s Busta given his two cents. Great house song and his Ashers flow resembles a certain rapper from a lil group called Potluck. Busta blows up the mic and gives this party song about the primal pursuit of woman a rough tone. It rolls together perfectly and will always be on my party mix.
Bad Day - The name says it all. If you’ve had a really bad day which we all have you will feel it in his rapping. It almost seems like he just read all those Fuck My Life jokes and was inspired to make a song. Nothing brings the song down, in fact Jazze Pha brings his soulful voice to really complete the chorus. Great song but not for every day.
His Dream - If you like songs like Rendition of Reality or Nothing’s Left this is the song for you. An extremely smooth and heartfelt song it’s a wonderful one to relax too and get on his level. It really feels like Asher is trying to reach out to me and pouring out everything. Big R&B feel it helps to begin closing the album the right way.
Fallin' - The last song on the album. He wraps up with kind of a walk through the hallway of his life reminiscing while looking ahead to a still brighter future regarding his career. Real upbeat but mellow he makes you feel like your just starting to come down off of ecstasy. It’s is a great way to make people feel like when they’re reviewing your record.
In the end I find it’s a great album for anyone around my age who can truly appreciate it(18-25). Coming from a lot of mainstream hype it stands as a diamond in the rough that is our BS music industry. I believe Asher Roth has got a long way to go and his peak as an artist has yet to be seen but I promise you he is rising rapidly. I plan on seeing him in Dallas in July 28th and I hope all the Lo’s will show an emerging artist the support he deserves.
Reviewer: Captain Nemo
Favorite Track(s): Be By Myself, Lark on my Go-Kart, His Dream
Overall Opinion: 9/10
Least Favorite: I don’t hate any tracks but his voice doesn’t always do it for me.
Price: $12.49
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: Twiztid Album Title: End of Days Release Date: 2009 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
I got an advanced copy in the mail from a homie who bought me a copy and got a chance to peep this freshness out on my stereo and I can personally tell you, juggalos DON'T PASS THIS UP! Because once it's gone, IT'S GONE!
So let's break it down song by song....
1. It's Pulling Me In
This intro sets the tone for the whole CD. Enough said.....
2. Hell Ride (feat. Violent J)
Twiztid and Violent J take you on a spectacular rollercoaster ride through Hell's demented and wickedly laced horrors of all sins. Violent J and Monoxide really stand out on this track, Madrox's voice and lyrics slow the tone down but really paints a picture. Your body and soul slowly melt away! Great track. 4/5
3. Hold On To Me (feat. Boondox)
Beat? Scratches with a wickedly aura and tells a story of Twiztid and Boondox going to a carnival with a girl and the terror that the carnival holds within. Lyrically, Madrox and Boondox school it with rapid fire rhymes. Especially Boondox's verse, he doesn't sound like himself but his voice is unique and scary. 5/5
4. Hell On Earth
Twiztid fucking tears and rips the sound barrier with this track! Take Twiztid's Black Majik sound from Mutant Vol. 2 and give it a hinted but unique mix of some light Lamb of God flavor and you have a fuckin' banger! Motown Rage looks like they've done the production on this track and with this unique mix......5/5!!!!!!!!!!
5. End Of Days (feat. Prozak)
Twiztid and Prozak take us back with some Fright Fest aura with the energy of the Man's Myth tour and blend us with the prophecies of the coming end of days. I would've loved to hear this on W.I.C.K.E.D., even without Prozak's guest vocals is sounds dope! Prozak's natural wicked sound just fits with this bonus flavor and gives us a sick take on his views of the end. 4/5
6. Death Note (Eric Davie remix)
This remix I wasn't really feeling too much, especially with the girl's lyrics chopped and screwed, but the beat sounds a little like one of ICP's remixes on the Wraith remix albums. Gives it a little more of a lighter side of W.I.C.K.E.D. albeit simple. 3/5
7. Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha (Akuma remix)
Dope.....the best way to describe it, DOPE! The beat and vocals have been amplified with some amazing skills by Akuma. Personally I kinda favor this mix over the original. It's not perfect it gets a 4/5 in my book.
OVERVIEW: Juggalos get this CD! It's worth it! GET IT! Add this to your collection of Psychopathic rarities and fuckin' show the world how scary we can be!
Artist Name: Green Day Album Title: 21st Century Breakdown Release Date: May 15th, 2009 Record Label: Reprise Records
The makers of American Idiot bring you their 2nd classic Punk-Opera..21st Century Breakdown! It's the first album from the Oakland, California Punk Trio, Green Day, in 5 years. Like American Idiot followed the lives of J.O.S, St. Jimmy, and Whatsername, 21st Century Breakdown follows the lives of a young couple named Gloria and Christian who are living in the first half of the 21st century and have already seen the bad side of the world for this century from Unemployment Rates, Nuclear Halocaust, and Wars unlike the ones we currently see now and today. This leaves the question...is whats going on in the world today gonna get worse? Was Nostradamus right?
So with that said Green Day enlisted Veteran Rock Producer Butch Vig (Known more as the producer of Garbage) and put together a 2nd punk-opera. The Big Impressive part is that Green Day not only solidified that they're Punk till they die, but also re-invented the genre they in a way forefronted...Pop-Punk.
Billie Joe Armstrong's Songwriting Blossoms on this entire album! They added a 2nd Instrument once again, which hasn't been seen since 2000's Warning (Harmonica on the song "Minority"). This time, their instrument of choice was a Piano. Let's not forget the very familiar sounds of an old friend as "Blue" (Billie Joe's first Guitar which you might've heard on songs such as Basket Case, Geek Stink Breath, Nice Guys Finish Last and Minority) makes its return to the band's musical murder spree.
This album is also filled with some more bluesy and "Power Ballad" style music. For example, the song "Last Night On Earth". Billie Joe said in an interview: "we're doing alot of songs that were inspired by the likes of Bob Dylan and John Lennon". "Christian's Inferno" is just an insane punk anthem that will leave your eardrums ringing so loud that your neighbors will think it's time for fucking church!
The 4 songs I am really feeling are Peacemaker, Last Of The American Girls, Murder City, and 21 Guns. Murder City is another great song and on a side note, Billie Joe wrote the song after doing 2 things: 1: Visiting the city of Detroit, Michigan; and 2: attending a concert on a certain day in october of last year featuring 2 certain face-painted clowns (could be wrong).
But with all good masterpieces, you gotta have a bit of conterversy. I know you're gonna say "what the hell is this fat motherfucker babblin about?" Well I am referring to "American Eulogy Part A: Mass Hysteria" and the following lyrics "Because the martyr is a compulsive liar when he said it's just a bunch of n****rs throwing gas into the hysteria." Now I know that Bille Joe is not racist, but there's gonna be alot of people that will call him that for saying the N-Bomb. Let's put it this way. On American Idiot he called America a Faggot. So in the words of ill bill "If this song offends you you're a hater". The closing song "See The Light" is one hell of a way to end an album. It sounds a lot like the 2nd song on the CD but it's different as far as the song-writing and music go.
This album is for anybody who wants to listen to some good Rock without the bullshit you get from listening to the crappy radio.
small note: Special thanks to greendayauthority.com for the actual way of spelling the songs: ¡Viva la Gloria! and ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl), and for having the right photos to use in this review.
Track Listing
01. Song Of The Century
Act I: Heros And Cons
02. 21st Century Breakdown
03. Know Your Enemy
04. ¡Viva la Gloria!
05. Before The Lobotomy
06. Christian's Inferno
07. Last Night On Earth
Act II: Charlatans And Saints
08. East Jesus Nowhere
09. Peacemaker
10. Last Of The American Girls
11. Murder City
12. ¿Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)
13. Restless Heart Syndrme
Act III: Horseshoes And Handgrenades
14. Horseshoes And Handgrenades
15. The Static Age
16. 21 Guns
17. American Eulogy
A. Mass Hysteria
B: Modern World (Main Vocals by Mike Dirnt)
Reviewer: KM
Favorite Track(s): Peacemaker, Last Of The American Girls, Murder City, and 21 Guns
Overall Rating: 10/10
Price: $13.64
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: ABiCA Album Title: Numb (Prelude) Release Date: 2009 Record Label: N/A
ABiCA takes hip hop music in a new direction.
Rap. I never really considered it to be music of much substance. I enjoy a rap song or two, but I never really considered it much more than music girls can shake their butts too. That was until I encountered the band ABiCA fr om Dekalb. At first, I was reluctant to give them a try as I was not a big fan of rap and I had thrown them in to carbon copy pile. My buddy convinced me to give them a chance I was definitely pleasantly surprised.
The album Numb (prelude) star ts of the catchy and memorable anthem entitled “My Kind“. The lyrics of the song are dead on, and set the tone for the album. You understand immediately where ABiCA stands; they make music for the average person. This is almost unheard of in modern hip hop. Lyrics like “another chapter gone and you know what I have written. So I speak to the other kind that don‘t listen. I speak for the last resort of just wishin’ I speak for the things that are lost or went missin’” give the listener too much to comprehend in just one play through. Other songs like “Breakdown” What I’ve Become” and “How Much Can You Take” show the bands more rock/industrial style with strong distinct vocals over powerful distorted guitars and pulsating drums. The Trent Reznor inspired “When I Died” takes you into the mind of Hash as he tries to come to grips with his past, quite possibly a failed relationship.
The Highlights of the album I found were the more somber and slow paced entries. These tracks force the listener to slow down and listen to every word sang because they are delivered with such intensity. “HopeE2 I found to be particularly interesting song because the way the group compares sexual exploitation to drug addiction. It’s not often that a rap song makes me hit repeat so I can try to figure out what the duo is trying to communicate. The other memorable song was There It goes”, a narrative about losing something so important and watching it just slip away. You know that feeling when you listen to a song and it just clicks and you get chills running down your spine? That song did it for me, and it was powerful because I had a very similar experience.
Numb prelude is not an album for everybody, although there are a few more radio friendly songs, the vast majority of the album is much more musically and lyrically complex. The album superbly delivers to people who are looking for something more than straightforward, conventional rap, but people looking for something to put on repeat at a party may be disappointed.
Artist Name: T.O.N.E-z Album Title: HappyLand Release Date: April 17th, 2009 Record Label: N/A
More than two decades in the game and if by now you haven’t heard the name; you’ve been sleeping an such; probably bumping the lame. Of course, I’m referring to the greatest of all time, the one no-one expected, the Bronx bomber himself; T.O.N.E-Z of Mission:Infect and E-Z Money Records. Over the past couple of years he’s been making the transition between the underground horror-core scene and the underground hip-hop scene. Through such transition this guy has been able to accomplish more than most artists that have been involved with the horror-core scene for the past ten years. He’s done tracks with Potluck, Twiztid, and Tech N9ne to name a few. However, this makes no difference; he doesn’t need to collab on the track with a ‘hotter’ artist to attract attention to his name.
The album presented to us on March 27, 2009, Happy Land, is a tale of irony, time spent on a carnival’s merry-go ‘round of mishaps and hardships. It’s a good concept to an album similar to other albums released over the past year, year and a half, involving being at a theme park on a ride of some sort that would end up being the name of the album. Instead, T(dot), flipped it and made the entire park the album. Not just one ride of up’s and down’s but an entire day spent within the gates under the winter sun, each ride or game being a different track on the album. Like I said Happy Land is an album of irony. On the surface when you first look at it, seeing the theme park it looks like a time full of fun and hours could be lost at the games and rounds of ring toss. But, what lies on the surface of this park is a façade of trials and tribulations, things that would push the normal to an extreme and have them buckle under the pressure.
At the start of the disc we’re greeted by T.O.N.E-Z as he stops to shake our hand, but we didn’t let go quick enough and before we realize it we’re stuck in the middle of the park, without any tickets to ride the rides. Odd enough there isn’t any other patrons walking around, it’s just us and at each stand/ride there’s T.O.N.E like an auctioneer trying to convince us to take a spin or try our luck at the games of chance.
There’s so much pain bled through the speakers to the disc, from the disc to the speakers, from the speakers to the eardrums. Like on the tracks ‘Winter Sun’ or ‘Truth Serum’ T.O.N.E-Z shows how coping with the losses of one’s closest to you like a brother or a best friend through music makes for a good song.
Artist Name: Big B Album Title: American Underdog Release Date: March 24th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Big B has been in the game doing his thing for more than a grip span, over at Suburban Noize Records. Not all of it has been good, in my opinion most of it was bad, but the big guy keeps on pushing on and dropped his fourth full length at the turn of the New Year “American Underdog”. He has taken us on the trip of his introduction as “High Class White Trash” laying down his rhymes consisting of some of the most “Random Stuff” I’ve ever heard before, and shortly before this installment he gave us just a little bit “More to Hate”, and has spent the time since then either on the road or in the studio bringing us this latest addition of creativity.
His style is something I can’t get used to, I don’t really like his voice or the way he rhymes; I’ll be the first to tell you I’m not the biggest Big B fan in the land, I honestly don’t know any of his solo tracks. But for those of you who do, he seems to deliver on this album like he has in the past. His vocals and the way he tries to incorporate the different styles that are blended together from the deserts of Nevada to the sandy shores of the California beaches is captured on this project and put together better than in the past.
All over all of his albums are the trials and tribulations this guy has had to go through with life, as well as living life in the full throttle sense, like label-mates the KMK. He is either spitting on the idea of being a ‘Criminal’, ‘High Class White Trash’, or ‘Drinkin’ More’. He’s like every artist on an album either expressing his sorrows or triumphs, the highs and the lows no matter how it sounds, he remains true to himself. That’s one thing I can respect about the big guy, it’s just I do not enjoy his music.
However on this album he has one song, like his others, that catches my attention; it’s usually the last one, and there is no exception on this album. It’s not only because it means that the CD is about to be over, but he seems to try extra hard to let the album go out with a bang and want you to play it again. On this one the track ‘In my City’ sounds like all of his previous CD’s all wrapped up into one song laid down in a few verses rather then a few discs.
Just like Other Suburban Noize releases this project is jam packed with all types of featured spots, and they’re all fellow label-mates of B; fellow subnoize souljah(Dirtball), Johnny Richter, Scott Russo(unwritten Law), Daddy X, Jared(of hed PE), and John E. Necro(OPM). The production is not bad at all on this album, and even though I have hated on Big B, you may not. So therefore just go get this album if you have not already and don’t be so hung up no what other people think, go bump that shit you like, bitch!
Track Listing
01. To The Moon - (featuring DJ Bobby B)
02. Hot Women - (featuring Dirtball)
03. Criminal
04. F*cked In Vegas
05. Life Lessons
06. Drink More - (featuring Johnny Richter)
07. Sinner - (featuring Scott Russo)
08. Let It Rain - (featuring DJ Product)
09. Supastar - (featuring Daddy X)
10. Born 2 Ride - (featuring Jared)
11. Trouble - (featuring DJ Product)
12. Play These Cards
13. Money - (featuring John E. Necro)
14. Sunday
15. Tattooed Queen
16. Gotta Do
17. Let's Go Play
18. Hi Dad
19. In My City
Artist Name: Twiztid Album Title: W.I.C.K.E.D. Release Date: March 17th, 2009 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
Never one to be outdone, my favorite Michigan duo shook the underground with the release of their newest record, W.I.C.K.E.D. If you're unfamiliar with the concept of this album, let me give you a little chunk of info about the purpose of this album. It stands for Wish I Could Kill Every Day. If that isn't something you've thought about while blowing out the candles, click the X in the corner and never come back to Faygoluvers! This album blew my fucking mind. In positive and negative ways. Twiztid can't impress everybody all the time. It's impossible. The hip hop and rock combination leaves you with the impression that this album was pretty much Mutant, but given alot more time and effort. Some love it, some hate it. I dont like every track, but here I will break everything down for you, cause I'm Buckeye and thats how shit goes, motherfucker.
WICKED - Madrox sets the tone for the album, reminiscent of pretty much all of Twizzler's intros. The dark sound of the chorus combined with his chanting of the word Wicked leaves you thining maybe an intro isn't always supposed to be skipped over. Definitely peep this at least once.
KILL WITH US - Erratic, crazy ass song, feels like an extended intro. Very rock oriented, not really my style, but I can see them doing this at a live show while the crowd tries to break bitches in half.
BUCKETS OF BLOOD - They made a video for this song. I didn't care for the video, because the animation is pretty much sub par. My roommate makes cartoons, and he could have honestly done a better job. Regardless, Madrox opens this track up with a filthy sound in his voice, making you wonder why Twiztid didnt make this song 9 years ago. Monoxide comes in with an "it's the quiet ones you gotta watch" attitude. Not one to always be all over the place, he kills his verse on this track with a peaceful demeanor. The beginning of the cd is predominantly Madrox, but hey. Give the ninjas what sounds good and nobody gives a fuck.
HA HA HA HA HA - The video for this one is fucking sick. STRAIGHT UP. Best video I've seen from the hatchet to date. The song itself proves you dont have to scream in someones face to scare the shit out of them. I recommend this track only for those deemed too demented to live amongst society.
DEATH NOTE - Picks the album's tempo up. Suicide is a topic often brought uo in songs from Psychopathic, but this track definitely puts a new spin on the idea. Nothing like Hell's Pit's Suicide Hotline, or Zug Izlands Suicide track, They cut this one up like Freddy Krueger. This one will have my fam getting hyphy for years.
KROSS ROADS INN - The lyricism here is sick like the bird flu, but the beat leaves more to be desired by the juggalos who aren't so much into rock as others, like myself. Yet another recycled concept, like i said before, nobody fucking cares as long as they dig it. I won't say fuck this song, but i'ts one I skip over when bumpin' the cd.
ALL OF THE ABOVE - Madrox opens up with a verse reminiscent of some old school Lotus shit. One of my favorite tracks as far as the beat and lyrics are concerned, I really don't think the hook fits this track at all. Monoxide continues to dismember the body that is ALL OF THE ABOVE on verse 2, and given a pretty dope breakdown, he does his job of murdering tracks well. They each reprise for second verses and another hook and breakdown finishes the track off. On second thought, I think I'm going to bump this one again just because the lyrics are that hard.
KILLING SEASON - If this one doesn't sound like it came off Mutant, none of the tracks here do. The beat steps up Twiztid's game though, making it a track to remember for the ages. If you don't get down to this song, suck my dick. Killing season sets a mood unlike many of their tracks. It makes you feel pissed off, but you want to sit still. I guess you could say this is a good track to bump while planning some premeditated felony.
WHOOP WHOOP - The "Raw Deal" of WICKED. The track that gets juggalos moving. I can hear the lyrics being chanted at the tenth annual gathering already! This is a track for those excited juggalos that never shut the fuck up. Honestly, when tracks like this are being sold to the masses, it's hard to think anyone could shut the fuck up. Probably my favorite track on the album, the metaphors used in this one are unlike Twiztid, but goddamn. Blew my mind. I think it should have been at the front of the album, because it is definitely one of the most energetic tracks. This is probably a song you'll play at your wedding, or baby's christening or something of the sort.
THAT'S WICKED - Ah, the album's single. I know we all heard this before it's release. How could anyone resist a free Twiztid track!? I'm sure we all have our own opinions of this one by now, so I'll leave this one to y'all. I'll just say it's pretty much definitive of the experimental/wicked overtone of the album, and a pretty good pick for a single.
THEY TOLD ME - Twiztid brings it back here. This album is starting to make me wonder why they fucked around for so long, releasing shit like Independent's Day & Toxic Terror when they have had the ability to make shit like this all along. This on emakes me proud to have been an 11 year juggalo veteran. FUCK YOU MUTHAFUCKA FUCK YOU FUCK DIE repeated over the hook makes it seem like a great quote to have tatted on your face somewhere. ANyone thats ever held a hatchet can agree with me here that this one makes it almost impossible to not want to fuck somebody up. Yet another banger from Jamie & Paul.
MY ENEMIES - Ok... Send me death threats or whatever, I don't give a fuck. I think this song is pretty much wack. The album begins to close up with this track, slowing down. Monoxide's verses are pretty brutal, but short. Other than that, I skip this one also. Another track for those rock oriented ninjas.
BELLA MORTE - A truly Twiztid song, which they based the Hot Topic version comic book on. I boycott Hot Topic personally, so I haven't seen it. The song itself starts pretty slow and dark and once again I can see ninjas not digging this song as much as the rest of the album. It's a nice contrast though, since Twiztid is known for their versatility and dynamic ability to rock many different types of beats. The song gets better towards the end though, and I'm sure plenty of you will be happy with it.
WHEN I GO TO HELL - I think they probably dedicated this to the assholes who were mad about the gathering going to Cave-In-Rock in 2007. Sure to piss Christians off all over the place, it has a nice catchy hook and dope style to it. Definitely a track definitive of the overall motif of this record.
WOE WOE - The last track on most Psychopathic albums are notoriously slow and more uplifting than the rest of the album. No exception here, It opens up like some radio shit you'd hear on your local rock station. I was waiting for the Nickelback dude to start whining, but it was Madrox instead. Using the same voice and feel he used in Familiar from Mutant, he sings, kind of. This track is definitely not one that I dig a great deal, but again its the shit to see them pull off a track like this as good as they did. Monoxide's singing skills have greatly improved since Dirty Li'l Girl. If you have any tolerance for tracks of this sort, this is your shit 100%. The cd ends here if you bought the album anywhere but Best Buy, and I feel that most of you were pretty blown away by now.
*BONUS SHIT!*
CATCH THE SHOW - Whatthefuck!? Twiztid, seriously??? This is the track that will blow your fucking wig off like a city bus just sped past you at 100mph. It completely catches the energy of the afternoon of the day you go to see Twiztid in your town, but the beat is OBVIOUSLY unlike anything these fools have ever pulled off. My brother thought it was T-Pain on the hook, but it's not. I could see some people arguing that though, and you'll see why when you cop this version or peep it on Youtube. Definitely the best track on the album in my opinion, provided you bought this version.
GOTHIC CHICK - Madrox was quick to jump on Hot Topic's balls with this track. Another ballad track, Twiztid style. The production here is pretty dope, but kind of simple and slow. I could dig this track to an extent, but I'm not going to claim its super dope or anything.
IT DON'T STOP- This track gets you moving. I see why it was left off the original version, but that doesn't take away any of the flavor. Such a real ass track, you feel as if they're actually speaking to you with this one. I hope they take this one on the road with the upcoming End of Days Tour.
Reviewer: Buckeye Fresh
Favorite Track(s): Whoop Whoop, Catch the Show (Best Buy Version)
Favorite Lyric: I stuff bad bitches like a taxidermist" -Monoxide on "Whoop Whoop"
Overall Opinion: 7.5/10 - Great effort from the boys you and I have come to love over the last decade or more. I say buy this record for sure. If you downloaded it youre either just a broke ass family member, or a cheap bitch. Support the underground, but I wouldn't say you should buy 4 copies like alot of ninjas did. FInd a ninja who bought multiple copies if you're broke and you know the fam has eachother's backs. They'll hook you up. No Juggalo wants to see another ninja miss out on any flavor. Especially flavor this bangin.
Price: $13.00
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: N.A.T.A.S. Album Title: Vatican Release Date: March 24th, 2009 Record Label: Reel Life Productions
You asked for it...They gave you an 8.00 Digital Download sneek peek of their 8th Album Hypocrisy...Natas..Esham, Mastamind, and TNT are back together! the EP was origianly mentioned on a recent edition of The Bomb Ass Podcast as a mixtape..but it's more of an EP insted of an Mixtape..though only TNT appears on 2 songs it's still good to hear all three back together. theres a few downsides on this EP.. it sounds really rushed and you can hear microphone pops in some of the lyrics but than again...you heard some of em on Esham's Sacrifical Lambz.
Mastamind and Esham cover a good 90% of this album including a solo song from Esham and 2 solo songs from Mr. Hellrazor. Normaly Nerdcore rappers sample video game music for their albums but Natas done did that with the anthem for all those mothers we all want to get inbetween those legs titled "Milf". Hypocrisy is the title track and sneek peak of the album of the same thing. all in all this EP this one hell of a way to say that them N!&&@z Ahead of Time And Space are back together!
Track Listing
01. Bernard Madoff
02. Rap Battle
03. Died 2Day
04. Blood
05. Curse On You
06. The Vatican
07. Of Of Ur Mind
08. Milf
09. World Crazy
10. Hypocrisy
Artist Name: Potluck Album Title: Pipe Dreams Release Date: February 10th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
On February 10,2009 the heroes of Humboldt County, CA, the team of 1Ton and Underrated have stepped back into the studio and dropped this lyrical bomb, ‘Pipe Dreams’, on the industry with just enough time to spare on the shot clock. This is their second release on Suburban Noize Records and since they dropped ‘Straight out of Humboldt’ you could say that the two have been busy to say the least. Ever since that album dropped and they started to collect more recognition on the underground as well as other sub-mainstream levels the momentum has been building up to this moment and now we’ve come to the crossroads and the album is finally released.
More than a year in the works all the tweaking and geeking has come to a abrupt halt. They’ve hopped on at least three or four various tours and doing random shows along the way they did what they had to do to get their faces and name out there even more so that when this album came out it really came out like a open palmed bitch smack across the face.
When you first hop into it with the disc spinning, off the bat they grab your attention with the intro ‘Welcome to the Movement’ letting you know exactly what you’re in store for, some head-bob get whiplash, smoke weed music. That is exactly what you get when you bump this shit. It makes you just want to pick up the sack, grab a dutch, split it, lick it, snip it, light it with a cricket, and then hit it. Over and over again. This album sounds like it’s been in the workings for more than a year, because if you follow the group it sounds like a build up of each album they’ve released since coming together. It’s got an element from each release; ‘Humboldt County High’, ‘Harvest Time’, ‘The Lost Koast Collective’, ‘Humboldt County Storms’, ‘Straight Outta Humboldt’, and now this ‘Pipe Dreams’.
It’s got featured guest spots sure, who’s album doesn’t now-a-days? Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that collaborations between artists on the indy scene, or any sene for that, is bad. They definitely slimmed the list of collabos down though. There’s ‘Stoner Bitch ft. Johnny Richter and Daddy X’, ‘Smoke the Pain Away ft. Twiztid’, ‘She Don’t Wanna Fuck With Me/Be easy (both) ft. Krizz Kaliko’, and ‘Hot Box Anthem ft. Dank Alumni.’ All of these tracks are bangers, just the right type to get the smoke session starated right and the smoke blown into the air, to get rid of all your worries and cares.
My favorite track is a close race between two different ones, like the play count is one or two away from each other. I’m talking about the tracks ‘I Gotta Problem’ and ‘Computer Love’. On ‘I Gotta Problem’ it’s every stoners realization of what they’re doing in life at some point, LOL. The hook explains it all “I gotta problem getting’ high and rollin a blunt. I think my brain gonna fry ‘cuz I been smokin too much. Everyday I tell myself I need to quit, the next day I wake up puff a blunt and forget.” It’s a straight classic to twist out to. Then you got ‘Computer Love’, this song is a perfect description of 94% of the people on facebook, myspace, or any other site that’s like those two. Underrated’s line at the end of his verse also sums that whole “scene” of computer interatcion online today; “So fuck the bar I’m headed back to my comptuer, to chat with someone fine who in time will let me do her.”
The album is pretty funny and electric. It has it’s ups and downs like most other CD’s out now, but you’ll never know if you like it or not unless you check it out. So get up, get out, and get lifted with this; Potluck’s ‘Pipe Dreams’ IN STORES NOW!
Track Listing
01. Welcome 2 The Movement
02. Stoner Bitch - (featuring Kottonmouth Kings)
03. No Disrespect
04. I Can Do Anything
05. Real Love
06. Meet Joe Brown [Skit]
07. Shut the F*ck Up
08. Hot Box Anthem
09. I Gotta Problem
10. Funny Shit
11. Struggle, The
12. She Don't Wanna F*ck Wit Me - (featuring Big Krizz Kaliko)
13. Classroom [Skit]
14. I Say Yes To Drugs
15. Computer Love
16. Be Easy - (featuring Big Krizz Kaliko)
17. Smoke The Pain Away - (featuring Twiztid)
18. News Broadcast [Skit]
19. There's No Limit
20. My Dad
21. 2 Minute Drill
Artist Name: X-Clan Album Title: Mainstream Outlawz Release Date: January 27th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
It's been a few years and roads have been traveled. Now the Grand Verbalizer, Brotha J, along with DJ Fat Cat and the X Clan Soldiers reppin the red, black, and green are back with the awakening of hip-hop from the source itself, the streets. With the remark of Nas claiming hip-hop is dead has driven this brotha away from the mecca of hip-hop, NY, and go into the heart of Houston, TX for a change of environment to show how alive this creature you and I would call hip-hop really is.
About a year deep into the journey we are presented with this project, X Clans sophomore album on Suburban Noize; Mainstream Outlawz. Starting with a previously released track on Strange Noize 2, "Down by Law", this freedom fighter grabs you by the vertebra and inching up to your mind opening it up and planting the seeds of enlightenment. Rolling right along through the adventurous album of hip-hop you'll notice that the guest spots on this CD wouldn't be what you'd expect on a Suburban Noize production. Then again it's not only that, it's an X Clan installment in the Tru-School Movement and the anomalies shown are what makes it that much better and influential to the music itself.
With the likes of Tony Henry, Bun B, Poppa Doc, J-Napp, Bobby Fine, Medusa, Phoneix Orion and Supernatural gives this album a flavor not really tasted, but one that is musically thirst quenching. One track with a featured guest that stands out mostly is "Still up in the Game ft. Poppa Doc & J-Napp", because it's taking it back to the old school through the new, yet still remaining true to their natural spit roots. Brotha J made the comment about how hip-hop needs to be more versatile and open minded like how the underground scene has become. I think that this ideology not only comes from the current state of "rap" now-a-days but also with the people he's been touring with since resurfacing as X Clan; ICP, MF Doom, Tech N9ne, the Living Legends, and of course the KMK.
This album, like their last, is a battle cry. It's a cry for the music listening world to head to the East Blackwards and pick up this album with the re-awakening of your hip-hop knowledge. Heed the message and know what the X Clan holler about, what Brotha J is spittin about, and get up get out and peep this.
Track Listing
01. Down By Law
02. Night 2 Day
03. Thru My Eyez (w/ Tony Henry & Bun B)
04. Prime Time Lyrics
05. The Lord Spits
06. Piper's Poetry
07. Orientation
08. Still Up In The Game (w/ Poppa Doc & J-Napp)
09. They Wanna Know
10. Do It Like You?! (w/ Bobby Fine)
11. Keys To Ur City (w/ Medusa)
12. Wiz Degrees
13. Armageddon DNA (w/ Phoenix Orion & Supernatural)
14. Stop Look Recognize
(HED)P.E. - "New World Orphans" (Whipstick Review)
Artist Name: (HED)P.E. Album Title: New World Orphans Release Date: January 13th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
2009! Happy Fuckin New Years, again, and what a time it is. It’s a time of many changes that have happened and just a glimpse of more to come. What a way for Suburban Noize to set off the timeline of changes then to have Hed(PE) come fresh out of the studio with a brand new album, New World Orphans, jocked full of 26, that’s right, 26 BRAND SPANKIN’ new tracks.
Only further perpetuating the ideas and beliefs that the government is not only corrupt, but fucking us, it’s constituents over and over time and time again; whether it’s with taxes, bullshit reasons to go to war, or who the next president would/should be these guys are very much into the idea of waking up the human race and making them aware. Along with the ideology of sticking together as one solid group and overcoming, as a whole, the problems in front of us that were caused by no one other than the person in the mirror.
The sounds on this album are a lot like any other Hed(pe) CD, but that’s the sound that many of their fans have grown to love and appreciate. The band still coming at your eardrums once again with the hard and driving riffs of their metal roots, to then blend it into a mellowed out version with fresh ass raps on top of them. Yet it also sounds like that on this album they’ve matured more and grown up. If you compare it to albums past they have become more socially conscious giving back more then they want to take. If anything all they want to take is their fans by the hands to the land where all the questions are answered and there is no conspiracy.
A very prevalent feeling or thought on this album that has started surface more and more lately, besides fuck the emo kids and how fucking gay they are, is to help one another. If we don’t help each other how are we as a group supposed to progress toward our ultimate goal of a global community that lives together in harmony?
Basically Hed(PE) is showing us that in 2009 there are some things that need to be more then just said, they need to be done and put forth into action. We have already seen this with the 2008 election results of electing President Obama to power. It’s a year of change: environmentally, socially, and most important Musically. Cop this album and open your mind’s third eye and look deeper then just the surface.
(HED)P.E. - "New World Orphans" (S0UNDWAVE Review)
Artist Name: (HED)P.E. Album Title: New World Orphans Release Date: January 13th, 2009 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
New World Orphans. The time is coming for a new revolution. Not a revolution against Iraq, not against Iran, or even against America…but rather a revolution against Thoze In Power…thoze of Dark Intent. You all need to wake up to whuts going around you…these guys are not fucking around with their message. This IS the Truth Movement. And I am glad to be a part of it.
We are the forgotten..the targets..the orphans of tha world…we are whut they want!
Welcome friends and family…
…to the New World Orphans.
1. New World Intro - “You had better wake up and understand…”
A unique intro that utilizes samples from the great documentary Zeitgeist. If you have not seen this film I highly suggest and urge you take tha time to watch it. Itz 100% free online @ www.zeitgeistmovie.com and DVD copies are only like 7 bucks which they encourage you copy and distribute. The intro also has an excerpt from a George Bush Sr. interview where he explicitly says, “We have the opportunity to forge…a New World Order.” This shit is REAL people. A perfect intro to get tha listener ready for whuts approaching.
“All they care about…is controlling the whole damn world!” 5 / 5
2. Live or Die Free - “Who are you to decide/Whether we live or we die!?”
Jump start into New World Orphans! Live or Die Free…a call to all of us to stand up and fight for your freedom. Fast and intense, this track will get you energized!
“You will be held responsible for your crimes against humanity...We don’t owe you shit!”
**This track was featured on the Truth E.P. that came free to those who pre-ordered NWO.** 4 / 5
3. Bloodfire - “We’re running out of time! When will we ever learn?”
History repeats itself indeed. A hard-hitting heavy track with sic drums and crashing cymbals. This track keeps tha fast pace of the opening track explaining to the listener that we are running out of time. WAKE UP!!
“Be a man/Fight for the right to exist!”
**This track was featured on the The D.I.Y. Guys and the Truth E.P. that came free to those who pre-ordered NWO.** 4 / 5
4. ORDO (AB CHAO) - “You betta think about it...we’re running out of time!!”
Another hard track whose verses are in the perspective from Thoze In Power. This track’s title is taken from the idea “Oreo Abs Chaos”, or, “Order Out Of Chaos”. There is a very interesting website I found about this topic many months ago, www.orwelltoday.com/stagedevents.shtml. This track is one of my top five favorites on this rec. It was featured on The D.I.Y. Guys, but has a new added element: some dope melodica flavor!
“You know you make it so easy/I show you the enemy/You fall in line.”
**This track was also featured on the The D.I.Y. Guys and the Truth E.P. that came free to those who pre-ordered NWO.** 5 / 5
5. Stay Ready (w/ Dirtball) - “On point with it/spit it/and get it out to the ears of the public.”
Funky rhythms and sic guitar riffs make this track pop and continue the listener on itz travel through New World Orphans. This track stands on itz own! Fast raps from Subnoize’s own Dirtball keep this track on itz rough edge. Eazily one of my top five off this rec.
“Esoteric Agenda..9-11 Lies..September Clues..” 5 / 5
6. Family - “No you don’t wanna fuck with me/I represent the FAMILY.”
A fast punk track informing Hed pe fans how important we are to them with one simple word: FAMILY. Jared shows his love for us on this track and his connection to us. He continues to inform his listeners of lies we are told and that hes got our backs.
“Born 2 Ride – Down 4 Life” 4 / 5
7. Stepping Stone - “Fuck you and everyone you compare me to.”
A lovely song about a bitch who aint worth tha time that has a slow, mellow feel. The hook on this track is quite catchy and emphatic. The digital drums and melodica give this track a more hip hop/rap feel and the guitars remind us this is still a HED pe song. Jared lends a fast tempo rap on this track and the outro is off tha hook.
“Fuck the police/Fuck the rich/Fuck that pussy emo shit.” 5 / 5
8. Renegade - “See me?/I’m still standing/I might be bleeding/But I’m still breathing.”
A renegade muther fucker! I was bumping this song 24-7 when they released it on their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/hedpe) a couple months back. The hook is powerful and hits the listener very hard. It has a great short solo and the video they created for it is one of my favorite HED pe videos to date. THIS TRACK perfectly shows whut HED pe is all about and is another of my top five.
“Freedom at last…Freedom at last!”
**This track was featured on the Truth E.P. that came free to those who pre-ordered NWO.** 5 / 5
9. Everything All The Time - “I love to watch you hurt for me/your pain is perfect for me.”
This intro has a solemn catholic church sample that totally flips into a psycho-obsessive song about keeping a woman in his room. This song contains a young girl who is trapped, but doesn’t seem to mind. This song is definitely on some Juggalo shit! The hook is very dope and tha entire song opens up some very visual elements of tha mind and made me feel like a psycho totally in control of a fictional young woman. Very intense! Another top five for me.
“You should be more careful/Walking all alone/Now you’re in my world.” 5 / 5
10. Mortgage Crisis Intro - A sampled interview giving a brief explanation of the mortgage crisis in America. It leads into the next track about the same topic. 3 / 5
11. Middle Class Blues - “It’s a war on the Middle Class!”
This track is tough and tells those in power to stop fucking with me. Itz not a very descriptive track, but itz still rather “Fuck Em All” so to speak. The mortgage crisis in America is so fucked up right now. If you’re thinking of buying a house, as hard as it may be giving the lack of credit and crumbling banks, make sure to get a locked interest rate so that you don’t become part of this fucking mess! Real talk.
“Why you gotta be like that?/Stop fucking with me!”
**This track was featured on the The D.I.Y. Guys but was titled “War On The Middle Class”.** 3 / 5
12. Flesh and Blood - “We got nothing but time/Cuz the spirit never dies.”
Not to be confused with their Blackout track “Flesh and Bone” (one of my all time favorites), this track has an eighties California surfer punk rock feel to it. It reminds us that we are much more than flesh and blood, that we are spiritual beings and that we should unite to save each other.
“My renegade philosophy frees souls and minds.” 4 / 5
13. Niburu Intro - Another sampled interviews to introduce tha next topic: Planet X, (Niburu). 3 / 5
14. Planet X - “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? The sky is falling!”
Another funky California surfer guitar riff that tells the listener that Niburu (aka Planet X) is on itz way. For those of you unaware of whut Niburu is, it is said to be a planet that will cross through our solar system and will return the race of people that created us. There is some very interesting thoughts and view points on this and I encourage you all to do some research an make tha choice for yourself. Unfortunately, this track’s lyrics were not included in the liner notes.
“There’s something funny up in the sky.” 5 / 5
15. Higher Ground (w/ KMK) - “You can sleepwalk through life/Or you can open your eyes.”
Funky synth sounds throughout, Higher Ground is all about evolution of mind through marijuana and sex. After Jared’s verse rips through your ears, Johnny Richter enters in with his verse of taking a woman to a higher plane followed by Daddy X jumping in and twisting his voice as only he can do. This is definitely on some KMK shit.
“I/Dip/flip/and trip through the matrix.” 4 / 5
16. A Soldier's Intro - A soldiers concerns of the 9-11 lies and the War On Iraq and how it is done.
“All we’re trying to do is make it home alive.” 5 / 5
17. Tow The Line - “The years went on and nothing changed/The lie was dieing and the TV played.”
Tow the Line…Truth isn’t always on time! Haha. A little Toto humor for you. I was totally expecting a sample or riff but no dice. The message of this song is simply “Bring Our Soldiers Home”. This track is very catchy and very punk with a reelly dope solo. This track speaks to me personally for I have a cousin in tha military an thankfully her second tour in Iraq has just finished and she is safe. Not home, but safe. If anyone has family or friends in tha military, you’ll love this song.
“Solja Solja/Lay your guns down/You can come home/Your job is done now.” 5 / 5
18. Self Aware - “This love/This hate/Can‘t go on/Can‘t wait.”
A very slow track about the opening of your mind into self awareness. This track is powerful and hits home to those who will listen. It starts mellow, but has an interesting change with a great outro flow. We are revisited by Jared’s soft vocals once again. Itz been quite some time since Jared got on this level and Im glad cuz itz been far too long. For those of you who haven’t been listening to HED pe for very long, you gotta know Jared has a reelly sic voice with great dynamic range. Homie can hit some notes! The Meadow is still one of my favorite songs ever from HED pe even tho Jared prolly hates it these days, haha.
“Never ask/Never know/Who you are/Who’s in control.” 5 / 5
19. Lost History Intro - A story of a space war.
“Because all things are allowed/Many lessons are learned.” 3 / 5
20. This Love - “No matter what you do/Stay true/Remember that this love will always be there for you.”
YES!! This is Jared’s call to all of us, all of YOU, that we are all together in this…that we are all FAMILY. He gets on some 2 Pac-sounding ish on this one yo. This is a reelly unifying song. I thought this track would not see any vocals when I first heard it [on The D.I.Y. Guys]. This mix is much better and includes some ill acoustic guitars and Jared‘s doubles are crisp.
“The Truth Movement thanks you/The planet thanks you/The universe thanks you.”
**An instrumental clip of this track was featured on the The D.I.Y. Guys.** 7 / 5 (hahaha)
BONUS TRACKS:
21. Work On This - “Let me get up in you/I‘ll give you something to cry about.”
This track is on some ill rap shit. It even has tha bitch spittin a new fuck-version of “Do You Think I’m Sexy?” and later spits “Uh!/I need some HED! Daddy, Uh!/I need some HED!” (from “Game Over” off Insomnia). And a Freaky Ass Tech N9ne jumps in on this an does it as only he can, spittin some straight FIRE on this piece. A very fuck-worthy song, as that bitch sounds hot!
“Suck Tecca Nina/Fuck Tecca Nina/Bitch I thought you knew/That I was crazy bout va-gina.” 4 / 5
22. Babylon Fall - “And the powers that be/Can suck a big fat dick!”
This track jumps off on some reggae funk! Itz about bringin tha muther fuckers in power down. To unite an watch them fall. Tha horns on this track give it a real bump factor and the overall feeling on this track is very uplifting, rounding out my top five.
“Ya yayaya ya ya ya.” 5 / 5
DEMO TRACKS FROM ALL 3 DISCS
23. Buckey Lasek - “Cash paychecks/My safe sex/Still triple X.”
This song begins with a sample of a Barack Obama speech. Itz a slower track but itz still on some “Fuck Em All” shit. Itz short, short track and has an outro that utuilizes more Obama speech.
“Tell me/How you gonna fight tha fuckin war from a golf course?” 3 / 5
24. Don't Fuck With Us - “Now you’re here with a cracked up hed.”
It seems to me that perhaps DJ Product is tha one spittin vocals on this fast punk rock track. This is pretty much as punk as it getz people, RECOGNIZE.
“That was just a warning/Are you still here?” 3 / 5
25. Girlfriend - “Never clap chrome/I hit with both fists/Both feet/30 sixteenth/and a 40-inch reach.”
A slower track during itz verse, it picks up during itz chorus. Guitars are ill and percussion is rough. Itz rather self explanatory, itz about you and your girlfriend, you and your bitch. This track contains a modified hook of 2 Pac’s “Me and My Girlfriend”. Itz a dope track for you to bang to.
“I‘m not the type a nigga/Take you out on a date/Get one thing straight/I got pussy in all fiddy states.” 4 / 5
26. Born2Ride - “I do whatever it takes/To get by!”
A fast tempo song featuring Subnoize’s own White Trash Renegade, BIG B!! Catchy rhythms and percussion keep this track bumpin.
“Ride like a soldier/Ready for combat/Like its your last mission/and you’re never coming back!”
“Solja Solja/Lay your guns down/You can come home/Your job is done now.” 4 / 5
27. Cities On The Moon - “Sucha a waste of the 21st century.”
Another sample of a Barack Obama speech and an up-tempo bass line start this track about tha future that we envisioned that isn’t. Water-powered cars and life on tha moon…things that didn’t ever see tha light of day that many of us grew up on through television and movies. A good chunk of this song is Obama’s speech which seems to fit properly here.
“Whatever happened to cities on the moon?” 5 / 5
28. Hey Now - “And Ima rock tha party/Keep tha part punk rock!”
An upbeat song with organs and funky rhythms that is just on a level all itz own yo. It may sound different, but it is definitely HED pe. The “Hey!—Ho!” part of tha track is coo an tha horns kick in later that make this a straight party track!
“Be good to me/come on chill tonight…Step back this dog will bite!” 3 / 5
29. 4SmokazOnly - “While you were playing with your toys/We were blazin on doobies.”
This is a Potluck track that features Jared spittin a hot vocal. As with most Potluck tracks, this track is very much guided towards smoking bud! So light one up people!
“Throw that fire in the air!” 4 / 5
Summary: Ive been listening to HED pe for almost ten years. Ive seen them go from mainstream status, to underground. From opening act to headlining fame. Ive been there through ALL tha group lineup changes, through all their ups and downs. I was there when they were getting heavy radio play, I was there when they went through all their own Jive bullshit. Im one of the few that still bump Church of Realities! No matter whut, this band has always spoke to me an Ive yet to relinquish their musik from my hedphones. Real talk.
HED pe has ALWAYS been on some other shit and this record is no exception. HED has gotten me through some of my hardest moments, notably some female bullshit with Blackout. Itz probably Jared’s least favorite record, but it still bumps good messages yo. After that record, I felt reelly close with Jared and his experiences, like we were on similar wavelengths. (Even tho in retrospect, Im most certain he wasn’t talkin about female crap.) New World Orphans not only solidified my unity with them, but it should definitely give tha same experience to many others. And a side note, the pyramid with Reptilian eye was created by guitarist Jaxson.
This record speaks to HUMANITY, not just tha fans. But fans that have stuck around, fans that have found them in recent years should realize these guys are family now. WE are family now. HED pe is fireal, their musik is fireal, and their message is fireal. If theres ever something Jared writes that you don’t understand or are unfamiliar with it, look it up! Library, Google, Wikipedia, YouTube.. I guarantee you your eyes and mind will open and expand to a whole new world that has always been right there in front of you. Tha signs are all around us and New World Orphans points you in tha right directions. GO GET THIS RECORD and WAKE THA FUCK UP!!!
Artist Name: Dead By Wednesday Album Title: The Killing Project Release Date: October 28th, 2008 Record Label: Eclipse Records
Back in 1997 in Butler, New Jersey, there was a man. This man had a simple thought to start up a label and bring together underground metal acts and get them exposed and shown for what talented young fucks they truly are. This man’s name is Chris Poland, this is the guy responsible for bringing out the people from the furthest most left field there is and making their music fit where it belongs most, in your sound system. He’s responsible for bringing about acts like Mushroomhead, Bobaflex, Cipher, and now Dead By Wednesday.
Based out of Connecticut the metal packed fist blasting your jaw features members: Marc Allan(screams/vox) Ceschi Ramos(vox), Opus(drums), Mike MOdeste(Bass), and Ross Ragusa(guitar). Still coasting on the waves of their debut album, “Democracy is Dead”, the group has had an eventful last couple of years running around on the underground. Before the release of their sophomore album, “The Killing Project”, they had done various, wide ranging things to try and break the mold and be found by a following they could call their own. First things first that I can remember on hearing about these guys period was the Underground Psychos Contest held by Psychopathic Records back during the 2005 Gathering of the Juggalos. Obviously we all know who won that, but since then they’ve been making moves and paying their dues. They have toured with the Insane Clown Posse on the promotional tour for their release “The Tempest”.
When stepping into the studio to lay down these tracks the ultimate goal they were going for was something that sounds very similar to what Hed(PE) has said before, but with a more metal aspect; the government corrupt, unjustified wars, overthrow the system, and other anarchistic views. The albums sounds are very hard driving, melodious, and dark bringing you into an instant state of rage or anger. Getting your adrenalin pumped up with whatever it is that’s making your blood bubble. To me this is the sound that many young kids at an Ozzfest or some type of Metal Festival like that are looking for. Don’t let me be the one to segregate the group off of that statement. Over the past couple of years many kids’ juggalos, hip-hop, metal, or whatever they associate themselves with have been braking down the audio barriers and calling out for musical integration. Give it a look and good listen before you judge, just like that book you wanted to put down, but still read out of wonderment.
One thing that I like that Opus, of the group, said when making this album is “fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity” it’s an oxymoron which needs to be handled abruptly. These guys seem like they are at the point in their career where they are the opening group looking for headlining spot. The group that can get the crowd started off with the pit and keep them swinging until the last kids wig is split. Check them out if you’d like the links are right below, if not then keep being musically ignorant and boast your opinion even though you have no diversity.
Artist Name: Anybody Killa Album Title: MudFace Release Date: November 25th 2008 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
Well, ABK is back to Psychopathic Records and as we all know its been a bit of a mixed welcoming from everyone, but I believe this album showed everyone what ABK did with his time off of psychopathic. From start to finish you get a real nice feel of everything ABK wanted from this album, from the little laughs throughout the CD representing the more Native Side/ psycho killa side, to the CD's artwork , to the songs themselves touching subjects that people can understand. Well lets kick this off…
1. The Vision - One of my favorite intros, the beginning laughs completely threw me off guard, then it went into the beat itself which is pretty nice, then the lines "I'm so muddy, your so muddy, we're so muddy, let's get muddy" is really catchy, then we get into backgrounds of ABK's other albums and his thoughts on other mainstream artist. Short, sweet, and to the point. 5 / 5
2. Far From Reality - Not a bad song, the verses are well written, but "WE AINT GOIN' AWAY" gets a tad bit annoying when its repeated, but I got used to it and got over it due to the more upbeat tones of the verses, plus it gets you hyped up by the 3rd verse, another short and decent song. I personally liked the very ending with the Native American calls and shit, then the "Bitch *tomahawk hit* Your It" good shit. 4 / 5
3. Muddy Muddy - Well, I'm sure the review for this song could have been written long before the CD came out a while back, still one of my favorite songs off the album, there're many references towards Native American, which is nice. This song has a good line within the background of the chorus " Another face on the totem pole" best one liners for the chorus for me. 5 / 5
4. Grind 2 The Flow - Really old school feel from this song, which wasn't something I was expecting to hear from this CD, but it's a positive. Once again, the verses are well written, and they show that ABK really has his shit together, but then again, he had a lot of time to prepare for these songs. One thing I really enjoyed was the lead into the next song fit well, the placing for the songs actually match perfectly instead of the Dark Lotus CD which could have had songs in different places to give a better effect, but this is a Mudface CD, not Opaque Brotherhood, so moving on. I just dont think this song is as good as the ones before it, not saying it's a bad song. 3 / 5
5. My Neighborhood - Not sure how to put this one, Boondox killed his verse on this one, as did ABK, but the Chorus needs work. Its not the lisp but just the way it sounds, the line "My neighborhood aint what its all cracked up to be" kinda sounds like something else, its one of those things that bugs me if I notice it. But the idea of describing no matte where you are, you still like the place you grew up. Back on the subject of Boondox, really catchy verse, " Cuz them cornbread booties got em hypnotized, spending college tuition just to get in them thighs." 4 / 5
6. Mommy's Doin' Drugs - This song is one of the personal songs that range from what seems to be a lot of emotion from ABK about his relationship with his own mother and his wife. Almost a saddening song due to the fact that this shit actually happens and it's a crazy thought about how reality can affect some people. The verses are good, as is the Chorus, which makes me think of "2 whom this may concern" . Another one of my more likable songs on the CD. 5 / 5
7. What U Want From Me? - Not sure why, but reminds me of a song you'd hear on like….a need for speed game. ABK tells us his thoughts on what happens when he's on edge to not giving a damn. Blaze, gives kind of a disappointing aspect to the song, its just a lil bit in the hook, rather than a whole verse to himself. Not really a top song on the album, but I can see this being someone else's favorite due to the semi-hard hitting audio and beats, just not a decent one for me. 2 / 5
8. Rain Dance - This song is a decent song, but I think for what its called for ABK it should have been better. A few good elements would be the whole Native thing that are throughout the song, there's the line "while other sing a song to try to make it go away" then there's the nursery rhyme which is really a nice touch to make it a good song. The negative that lets me down is the chorus is repetitive and kind of annoying after awhile. 3 / 5
9. Attitude - Another one of the nice verses and not so nice chorus', the chorus wold have been better if it wasn't so damn childish sounding and more like the hard hitting sounds of the verses, if it was consistant then it would have easily been one of the better songs, so keeping this short. 3 / 5
10. Thoughts Of Suicide - One of the better songs, to me. Starting off with a skit between ABK and Blaze and ABK is trying to
help Blaze get over some shit, leading him to not kill himself. Following this ABK hits on all the topics that most people use as reasons for suicides, from relationships, to getting involved with the wrong people. Then ABK questions if people that commit suicide go to heaven or hell and that whole matter. The song is really nice because of the huge amounts of details that are covered in the small amounts of time. N/A
11. I'm Just Me - This song reminds me of What u Want From Me, only better. The changes in tones and the effects of the voices are great ways of keeping someones attention. From the soft spoken parts to the yelling are superb. The Chorus is repetitive but not in a bad way, it is personal and you can hear how much heart is in the song. And that puts it on a different level from What U Want From Me. 3.5 / 5
12. Let Them Outside - I like the tone of the beat, but one thing that disturbs me at the beginning is "I know that they want to" in that high pitch, kinda unnecessary. But the subject matter of the song is really something people should pay attention to, I interpret it as people not going out, and staying inside bottled up and causing havoc, leading them into trouble with their parents and others, but also to the people that are at ABK's concert and they are the stupid fucking juggalos that go out and give us a bad name among people and they look towards blaming ABK and shit instead of themselves. 4 / 5
13. Trail Of Tears - HOLY FUCK, the song I actually bought the CD for, haha, but seriously this is one of my favorite songs. The built of of the beat reminds me of "Come Out to Play" and it get more and more intense, with talks of ABKs view on making it through life, using words to make a living and people trying to comprehend what he does, and ABK is going to keep looking forward. Its also about the choices people make in order to live their own life. After that, we get the verse sung by Tina Mastrianni, who has a really good voice for this song. ABK lives up to his talent in this song, even more than a year after it came out as a single back in the day, its still my favorite song on the CD period. Many different elements in his voice and tones that work great together, and he is super intense about all of it. 5 / 5
14. You Ain't No Killa - Other than the funny double negative in the title name, there's nothing wrong with this song. This is professionals doing what they do best. Lets face it, ICP's lyrics for the most part now a days have been slipping, but for some reason I think their best things lately have been guest on other songs, this is no exception, J's lines in this song are some of the best I've heard from him since Tempest. Shaggy's verses left hope in me for him, honestly I thought his lyrics have been slacking but this song alone is probably one of my favorites since FTFO or possibly Hell's Pit. Overall a great work from everyone on this track, the little mix in skit is funny then the skit leading into the next song is even better but I'll get to that next song. 4 / 5
15. Same Thing 2 - The skit is what made this song for me, ABK is a funny person and its good to see him with his comedy back. But, to the song itself, it's a good effort into making us realize that we are all the same in ways. But that's all it is, I'm pretty sure this is just a goof track on the CD which is a pretty nice comic relief built in. The ending skit is pretty funny itself "You owe me money….pay me!" and another occurrence of the creepy laugh. 3 / 5
16. Racist - From the moment I saw this title as a track on the CD I knew this was going to be one of those real songs that ABK would deliver for. Well, it was just a weird song, because people are just used to hearing either white or black people talk about how they are treated by other peoples, and then ABK talks about Red Skin discrimination. One thing that stands out to me is the verse that talks about the police messing with him because of the Sticker. It shows that everyone has discriminations regardless of anything. The only annoying thing about it would be that the chorus is loud and annoying. 3 / 5
17. Keep It Real - This song being an ending song, its expected that its one of the softer, but still intense and hard hitting ones, and this song is a good example of that. ABK talks about his experiences though meeting new people, dealing with others and how his life's been. In a since, he makes this song make sense by actually keeping it real. This reminds me of one of the songs in Monoxides, Chain smoker album, which I enjoyed as much, although I thought this song could have been better and didn't make the best end track for a CD, I still think it gives a good meaning to how ABK feels, and what he's gone through in his life. This song also features the end of all the crazy laughter though out the CD. 4 / 5
Summary: I've always been a fan of ABK, his lyrics are always something that would get me and some friends into arguments about how many ways people can take the meanings. His lisp never has bothered me, and for the Juggalos out there that let that affect how they feel about him as an artist, that's just dumb because isn't one portion of being a Juggalo accepting yourself for what you are, and everyone has their problems, and hates when people talk shit about them, so why make it harder for someone else to get their shine on. Personally, I was happy to hear ABK was coming back on the record label, I always thought he made a good addition to the groups, when he was in Lotus he shined big, the remake of DL's TFTLP was better than the original, and Black Rain is still my favorite CD from them.
I'd rank this CD as one of ABK's best works, even better than Dirty History and Hatchet Warrior, and EASILY above Road Fools. So that's my 2 cents and a dime…..MCL TO ALL Y'ALL THAT MADE IT THROUGH READING ALL THIS!
Artist Name: Saint Sinna Album Title: Gladiator Music: The Oliver Reed EP Release Date: November 15th 2008 Record Label: 7th Seal Entertainment
I haven't stepped off yet. After taking a big chunk of time to take a break and widen my horizons of the hip hop world by dusting off the old records of "Illmatic", "The Chronic", "Paid In Full" and "Criminal Minded" and skimming and thumbing through famous Hip-Hop magazines and now I'm back on the forum to speak on a highly anticipated EP by a very slept on MC by the name of Saint Sinna who was formerly of Bio Killaz and Michigan Militia.
1. Intro - JessicaRabbit spits realier shit in this intro than the whole EP, real talk haha. I admit giving shit to Saint for being a lazy dude especially when it comes to new music by himself since he as playing "Dr. Dre" of 7th Seal Entertainment for a minute haha. Saint comes in rapping on what sounds like an Scott Storch instrumental with the orchestrated party single track which Storch is known for making. First I was thinking this was some whack intro but I consider it a track for it has 16 bars which contains wordplay referring to other rappers and has ill witty lines like "Make you wanna vomit / I'm a certified lyrical technician and your still hooked on phonics". Sounds good but I wish it was a full track with a hook and atleast another verse then it would lived up to a classic track potential, especially since this is a reasonably short EP 7.5 / 10
2. Hell Fire - It wasn't a surprise for him to be spittin' something with this title labeled. The production is very similar to the first track, very Scott Storch-ish but what makes this an ill song is that it has a sampled scratching hook from "Affirmative Action" off NaS' "It Was Written". Very original, no one else is doing beats like these anymore nor does anyone incorporate scratching in their hooks neither and that's what makes this song stand out than all his other material. What hurts the potential is that the song has only two verses along with numerous other songs. Flow-wise "Hell Fire" is what stands out more than the lyrics itself. And I don't know if it's the hook like I said or the flow itself that makes me think that he's from the slums of Michigan while his pen or his writing process himself is from New York. 8 / 10
3. U Don't Want It - Old track, tends to happen when it comes to solo albums in the underground now-a-days but then again a lot of people slept on this track aswell. The production unfortunately is not up to par with the "Intro" and "Hellfire", comparing this to the last two this one is dry. Lyrically, this one stands out just as much as the "Intro" and is better than the ones off "Hell Fire". The hook could have been a lot better, it's catchy and could work as a single but for me it isn't doing it for me. 7 / 10
4. Baldwin Brothers (Ft. Renigade) - Haha. Good shit, one of the more humorous tracks with his homie Renigade. Reminds me of old school hip-hop with the jaw droppin' back-n-forth punchlines with no hook. Lyrics and flow are on point with the catchy beat that fits with the previous tracks. Breath of fresh air whenever I play this song and makes me think why isn't there any more songs like this with Renigade? 8.5 / 10
5. Lordy Bring Me a 40 - Saint discusses his drinking habits and his love for it which has its negative and positive effects and one of those negative ones almost ended his life which he mentions in this song. The first verse really reminded me of how Lo Key flows to the point where it made me mention it, especially since he isn't stressing his "SMX" voice that hard on this one haha, I guess it has something to do with the personal concept. The hook is ehh..alright, not as good as the ones off his past work of previous projects. 7 / 10
6. Infect In The Building - The similarity of production still continues on and this one reminds me of "Get Mixed" with the flow and feel, definately a good club single. On every M:I/7SE album it seems like there will atleast be an "Infect" pride track by default, especially this one where he makes references to all the big cats reppin' the infection. Definitely something that would be hype track to perform at a club or live show, the only track so far that lives up to "Hell Fire". 8 / 10
7. Never Break me (Ft. Lo Key and Malaria) - Another personal song about being resilient and not having anyone phase them from pursuing their musical careers. The guest line up is Lo Key and Malaria, which is perfect since all three have been hated on for this and that, another thing that caught my eye is like I said Loke is on the song, holy shit. I was starting to doubt that Lo Key would ever get a collab. with Saint done heh. Another thing that's mentionable is that Malaria's flow since "Back From The Dead" changed dramatically. Back then his voice and flow was more angry and stressed like how Eminem sounded back around the jump start of his career. Once I saw the line up on this one I expected only a "10/10" song with the moody beat, good hook etc but something about it doesn't make me wanna label this a "classic" so I'm going to leave it up with an.. 8 / 10
8. You And I - Another song that surfaced on his MySpace music player. This song reminds me of Lo Key's "Dear Girl" song but way more serious and deeper. After hearing this it amazes me how your music changes your mood because with his flow and lyrics he makes the song almost paint its own little music video in your head and running images matching to all the step by step events and emotional spilled on this song. This song is the reason why Saint should incorporate his singing voice in his hooks more, that itself deserves to be the next big single by him, especially with the murky cloudy beat, dark times in a musician's life put into record makes good music and the type that people could relate to. The only 9 / 10 deserving track because you can tell you took a lot of time with the "science" of this track and how serious this time of his life was or is...If I heard more songs or atleast hooks like this I would be typing up more "9 / 10" rating songs. 9 / 10
Summary: So Saint's first solo project in almost 5 years? Definitely been too long. After hearing the full EP I feel that this free CD is to introduce "Saint Sinna" to more potential fans and to hold over his die-hards for his "Illmatic/Chronic" potential full length
Overall this EP was good for NEW Saint Sinna fans that are getting familiarized with his music. But for people who have been following him up might be disappointed for the short-length tracks and reusing of some past released songs but then again it doesn't bring down my opinion that Saint is a lyricist and like I said this EP is for the new fans. Another thing that I was thinking was the chemistry that I heard with him and BadLuck on "xterM:Ination" wasn't brought to the table on this one, why wasn't there any BadLuck collabos? It's like Dr. Dre releasing an album without a song with Snoop Dogg. It's hard to say what I was expecting from this mixtape when he announced it back in Feb. because I was only focused on the solo LP.
For the die-hard fans of Saint, don't be disappointed that there are older tracks for that the newer recorded material is worth downloading but I wish there was atleast 1-2 more exclusive cuts to make it up but then again it would'a defeated the purpose of this being a prequel CD.
Artist Name: KottonMouth Kings Album Title: The Green Album Release Date: October 28th, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
It’s their tenth full length studio album, their thirteenth year in the industry, and a new chapter to add to the Kottonmouth catalog. It’s been a long strange trip and each year seems to bring in more strange-ness to the scene. It would seem to me that the KMK had found their sound they were going for a long time ago on “Rollin’ Stoned” with how laid back and stony the album felt. Since then they’ve taken many different routes with their music and some have been good ventures while others have not.
Finally, this album and most of its sounds are like a breath of fresh air from the Sub Noize Camp to branch away from their radical sounds of punk fusion with everything they do. I think that this, the Green Album, is a chance that they’ve taken to handle their music like they used to, with the laid back, mellow feel as opposed to the rip-hop sound they’ve been putting down. To me their rip-hop just doesn’t do it, I think that they’re better songwriters than that. For as much as those RH songs can be politically charged I just feel that if they were to take their time and sit down in their studio and write a connected track with the times at hand it comes out way better.
On this album what I like about it so much is how they not only took it back to a time of yesteryear, but they also kept the featured artists to a minimum which could display the Kings’ abilities that much more on the microphone. And in my personal opinion I feel that the group has grown over the years like a bud plant that’s been carefully crafted and well kept. Even though I like this album so much for the lacking on the rip-hop tracks they still snuck a couple in there: “Super Hero” and “So Cal.” If not your taste like myself thank god for the skip button. But then there are the tracks that are like the lyrical buds that I crave and want to hear with tracks like: “Pack your bowl”, “ Freeworld”, and “Where I’m Going.”
It’s an addition to make to your Kottonmouth Collection for sure if you like the group. If not a fan then roll up a dutch and burn that bitch while the disc turns in your friends system.
Artist Name: Pakelika Album Title: The Smokin Word Release Date: October 21, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Throughout American history there have been those people who take a stand, get up, and get their word out! Pakelika is no different than the rest. For the past 15 years he's been synonymous with the Kottonmouth Kings for his Hydro-Mechanix style when he hits the floor and the music starts playing. However, a few years back, Pak released his debut LP, Another Cult Classic. He's hit the studio with Dave Avelar, Patrick Shelvan, and Daddy X and returned from the depths of his own mind to bring us this, The Smokin' Word.
When first started years ago The Kottonmouth Kings had always brought Pak along for the ride on stage and in videos as someone who never spoke. The gimmick they had went with to make sure he didn't speak was that he is the great one. That we as people couldn't be able to comprehend the knowledge he'd drop on us. The only thing we kept hearing was that he was a sick individual and one day we would find out how sick he really was.
Pakelika's rhyme style is definitely one of his own. From his first release it was apparent that he will musically/physically do what he wants, how he wants, when he wants. Sometimes I will admit it seems that they have put him in front of the microphone and told him to read from his journal or whatever and then build the beats around what he laid down. One thing that bothers me about it is that when he is spitting it, it's more like spoken word poetry, not rapping on beat. Well there is a beat, it's must be constantly floating through his mind. Deep within his rhyme schemes he talks about the corrupt government and how they perpetrate constantly playing the American public for chumps. With welfare, warfare, and constantly increasing gas prices we are on the short end of the stick for sure.
In my opinion, Pakelika is like the Corporate Avenger, just WAAAAAAY more stoney and not as full throttle, in your face, bouncing off of the walls to get his point across. My favorite track off of this album is ?Inhale to the Chief'. It's the ushering in of Pakelika ushering in his era within the Green House, legalizing buds, cutting taxes, and making it a better state of mind and existence. My emotions on this album are mixed just because I am not that huge of a fan on his laid back, slowed down style. If you are an avid Suburban Noize collector go get this album, if you want to hear some truth go get this album, if you have twenty bucks to blow GO GET THIS ALBUM.
Artist Name: Sen Dog Album Title: Diary of a Mad Dog Release Date: September 30th 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Way back in '86 this 'Dog' of sorts has been paving the way and adding flavor to the rap game. As a key member in the group Cypress Hill or the front man of the band SX10 Cuban-born Senen Reyes, Sen Dog, has shown the industry just how easy it is to make an impression and have it stick. Ever since those first few hits of a bong on the and learning how he could just kill a man, it seems that his rap career has slowly been building, escalating to this point where he has brought us this: "Diary of a Mad Dog."
Going from making an album as apart of a group this time he's stepped outside of the box and gone about this project a little different. He's making this one a solo effort. Even though it has been more then two decades in the game, mulitiple platnium/gold records, millions of albums sold, and he's survived more in the rap rat-race more than a fat kid in a deli, this album is in fact his debut album as a solo artist. Releasing it on Suburban Noize Records this album has seem to have found the ideal place for it to have been made, a camp full of misfits where cultural lines are blurred into one and all music is just music.
Now I personally have not really gotten into Cypress Hill(B-Real or Sen Dog) besides the few songs they've collabed with Kottonmouth on or those that were major hits and had airtime. This was the first time I could actually hear an album by one of the two and hear it for what it is. This album marks a turning point in this Mad Dog's life and he's not afraid to hold back from showing what it is that's bothering him. With the opening track "Fumble" the pace of the ablum is set. It seems quick and spastic in some parts, but then again in other parts it slows a bit to break it down and show the listener what is what.
The album sounds very personal talking about his early life, gangbanging, what it's like as a "superstar" according to the media, and even suffereing a heart attack of sorts.
"I'm not going to have an agenda on this; I'm going to jam and record whatever is fun to me."
It seems he got that across on this album and whether or not you like Cypress from back in the day or just like hip-hop music in general give this album a taste. If you're not a fan of either I do not know why you are here and neither do you probably. All I can suggest is, is that you go get yoruself a copy of this somehow and wait to see this Mad Dog on tour reading scriptures from The Diary.
Artist Name: iLL BiLL Album Title: The Hour of Reprisal Running Time: 60:02 Guest Appearances: Necro, Tech N9ne, Everlast, Slane, HERO, Howard Jones, HR, Darryl Jenifer, Max Cavalera, Vinnie Paz, B-Real, Chef Raekwon, Inmortal Technique, and Uncle Howie. Production: iLL BiLL, Necro, T-Ray, DJ Muggs, Sicknature, DJ Premier, DJ Lethal, Darp Malone, Cynic Release Date: September 16th 2008 Record Label: Uncle Howie Records / Fat Beats Records
It took a year and a half to finally release this album, but iLL BiLL has struck again with an album that some people will see as a throwback to Non Phixion's 2002 LP: "The Future Is Now"! If you listen to the first song of this album though, you'll realize that “Hour” is not that. It's the one album that Hip Hop has been waiting for since Nas stated that the genre was dead.
From the first track to the last track, you'll hear Bill speak about a lot of subjects. One of these topics is the subject of what we've heard bill talk about since his Non Phixion days: That’s the truth about the illuminati, the free masons, and the government's scheme to brainwash us.
You also see Bill going on a personal tip with the following. "My Uncle" is a song he wrote for his Uncle who has recently relapsed with his drug addictions. "Riya (Featuring HR and Darryl Jenifer Of Bad Brains)" is a song he wrote to his daughter Riya Mae Brunstein.
"Only Time Will Tell (Featuring Necro, Tech N9ne, and Everlast)" Is possibly one of the greatest songs I've ever heard! The beat by DJ Muggs and the guitars from Necro made it even better. If you don't buy another album at all, this album is what you need. Some stores are even selling it on the cheap!
The DVD contains a live concert Featuring iLL BiLL, Mr. Hyde, Sabac Red, Jedi Mind Tricks, Immortal Technique, and Q-Unique from the Legendary CBGB in Brooklyn New York which has since closed down which makes this album even more worth it because there’s history in the DVD as well as the album.
Track Listing:
01. Babylon (Feat. Howard Jones)
02. Doomsday Was Written In An Alien Bible
03. Trust Nobody
04. A Bullet Never Lies (Feat. Vinnie Paz)
05. White Nigger
06. My Uncle
07. Riya (Feat. Hr & Darryl Jenifer)
08. War Is My Destiny (Feat. Max Cavalera & Immortal Technique)
09. Society Is Brainwashed
10. This Is Who I Am
11. Too Young (Feat. Hero & Slaine)
12. Pain Gang (Feat. B-Real & Everlast)
13. U.B.S. (Unauthorized Biography Of Slayer)
14. Coka Moschiach (Feat. Raekwon The Chef)
15. The Most Dangerous Weapon Alive
16. Soap 00:49
17. I'm A Goon
18. Only Time Will Tell (Feat. Tech N9ne, Necro, & Everlast)
Artist Name: ESHAM Album Title: Sacrificial Lambz Running Time: 75:41 Guest Appearances: Mike Puwal, Mastamind, Johnny P Release Date: August 26th 2008 Record Label: Reel Life Productions
Finally...the first major solo release since his Departure from Psychopathic back in 2005. Esham strikes back with an album that compares to 1994's Closed Casket. The Judgment Day Box Set, NATAS's NOFTHAWORLD, and The Butcher Shop were all tasters to this giant LP! This album has a national distribution which a lot of people thought when Esham left Psychopathic in 2005 that that would never happen. For the Record I didn’t download this. I bought the CD today…the day I am writing this because Esham said this was a gift to real listeners and the real Suicidalist and Juggalos who bump his shit and does not give a fuck!
Now, onto the major review. From track 1 to 27 this brings you onto a journey to the center of the universe and back again! My personal favorites are the songs “U Kill Me” and “Mirror Mirror” which sounds like some classic Esham shit that mirrors the song "I Know" from his 2001 LP "Tongues".
It was really good to hear Mastamind grace his vocals on "Stay On Yo Toes". That was the one thing missing on all his shit before this from 2002's Acid Rain to 2006's Martyr Sity. Mr.Hellrazor is getting Wicket where Fallen Down (Featuring Mike Puwal) was just demonic. Mike P returns with his Guitar and just going more demonic than he's ever been...more demonic than ICP's "Feels So Right"!
I've been a Fan of Esham's work since 1994's Closed Casket and I have not stopped listening since. No matter what! This album is for the Real Fans of Esham The U-N-H-O-L-Y. If you bought it then it's a gift! If you downloaded it than you're shit outta luck! The packaging is just sick as fuck! Enclosed is what it looks like. It's fucking dope and worth the price. I give this bitch 100 million Stars…shit even Violent J shows up for a backing vocal saying "Hold up Dog" on "Better Than the Rest"
Track Listing:
01. Zeitgist
02. Garbitch
03. 6 Million
04. DSL
05. Unholy Knights
06. U Kill Me
07. Sacrifical Lambz
08. No Place On Earth
09. All Pro
10. Waterhose
11. Livin' Legend
12. Can't Let Go
13. Stay On Yo Toes - Featuring Mastamind
14. Now'm Talkin' Bout
15. Get Me Down
16. Fuck U
17. Dead Rappers
18. Levies Broke
19. Root Of Evil
20. Ain't No Telling
21. Don't Give Up
22. Ringtone
23. Fallen Down - Featuring Mike Puwal
24. Mirror Mirror
25. Better Than The Rest - Featuring Johnny P
26. Angels And Demons
27. Substance Abuse
Artist Name: T.O.N.E-z Album Title: The Cure Release Date: June 15th 2008 Record Label: N/A
God creates man. Man creates the mic. God creates T.O.N.E-Z. T.O.N.E-Z destroys the mic. Within a world gone mad with "Whack Rappers Disease" across lands far and wide comes a man with "The Cure", T.O.N.E-Z. Hailing from Boogie-down Bronx, NY pushing his numbers(2,147 to be exact, act like you know!) through the roof with his latest release, The Cure, which dropped June 15, T.O.N.E-Z is infecting the minds and opening the eyes of those who crave more than the mainstream has to offer. Within a system that's so menapausle, leaking out the worst of garbage and songs people can't relate comes an album that can be bumped to get through another day. Most if not all of the artists climbing the pop charts just can't fuck with T, with a mjaority of this being spit with a style so free. No pen, no paper, off the top of the head, just like Lil' Wayne, but with talent instead. This dude is one of the hardest moving and hardest working, constantly dropping a new song or album for the soliers to get ahold of.
Ok, now here's the scenario in this land where the sky is overcast and bleek, slowly walking down the road you see a lone shillouette, standing on a soapbox. The mass infection resulting from the chemical threats, both phases, has left the music industry's world upside-down and topsy-turvy. As a survivor your looking for something, anything to help you get through the pain... this is where you find him, the one lurking through the haze with an M:I soldiers traditional gasmask and backpack(T.O.N.E-Z) handing something out to the people, but what is it? You begin slowly, then your pace grows faster and faster until you find the two of you face to face. Your hand is extended and you make the exchange. The next thing you know you're in your room in front of your stereo, popping in what it is that you just recieved, The Cure.
This album is a banger. Straight up and down all day and night. T.O.N.E-Z spans over many subjects, how the underground is where it's at. The best of the best ready to spit at a moments notice. 'Vanilla Sky', an awakening, a moment of clarity, a catastrophe it casually takes everything you think you know about rhyming and tosses it out the window. Featuring a guest spot from the ghostly one himself, Lo-Key, the duo known for going with Death Before Dishonor bring the cocktails and burn your house down off the bat with this molotav of a track. The depth of the tracks on this shit are so easily relateable becuase it's real life of what's going on in the underground now-a-days. A simple and blunt concept by telling you how it is with no fabrications. A couple of the tracks that definately demonstrate this attitude; 'Judge and Jury', 'F.T.I. 2008 mix', and 'The Cure'. Holding on to the essence of hip-hop, missing the bastards and the pigeons in the game dropping shitty tracks for the masses to, unwillingly, hear you scream "Fuck the Industry!" knowning the lime-light is now being stolen and fixated on the underground. On 'P.O.P.', produced by Mr. Kooman, the subject is changed to be on the lookout for them snakey, sneaky, double-crossing bianacas known as bitches. You're shown how not to let a woman get ahold of you because then she'll just be another person controlling you. What kind of underground artist who's performed at the Gathering of the Juggalos hasn't rapped with a wicked-shit twist in their sound some-how? Not many, and there is no exception here. T.O.N.E-Z is no stranger to the darkside of the inner confines of the human mind and you can feel it on like an underlying shiver up your spine as the disc spins.
For an artist who puts his own albums out with no backing by a major label in underground or mainstream T.O.N.E-Z always comes correct with the quality of his production of his releases. My favorite track of the album is probably the first, 'Vanilia Sky'. The beat on it, put together by Inzane, is luring and once it gets its nails dug into you there's no escape from its clutches. Then with Stir Crazy who produced 'Who's The King(otug)', adding 'Darkness Falls', 'Do You Remember', and 'I am who I am' T can show you exactly who he is and connect on a more personal level with his audience. With the tracks that i feel have the biggest influence on the whole "Dark/Fuck you" attitude being thrown into the mix by Sirvo 'F.T.I. 2008', PMC 'Addicted to Death', and also Struggle 'The Cure' & 'Judge and Jury' this album is just one that isn't one to be slept on, that's for sure. If you don't know who T.O.N.E-Z is, he's the guy who is indepently getting paid off his own shit. Moving his own units and forging a solid fanbase the trail-blazed fire that's been started, "The Cure", will surely burn up through the underground.
Artist Name: Lo Key Album Title: Chamiliatic Release Date: July 25th 2008 Record Label: 7th Seal Entertainment
After an almost 2 month review free break I decide to come back write up on an highly-anticipated release by Lo Key which is his 2nd solo LP "Chamiliatic" which you can listen to for FREE at the link at the bottom of this thread.
Hope you enjoy and drop some feedback after listening to the album and reading the review, appreciate it.
1. 1984 - Song begins with a small snippet of our phone interview where he explains what this CD will be about. Then a mysterious voice surfaces and summarizes the concept of the "Chamiliatic" talking about finding his true colors and what will happen when he does discover himself. This song is a time line if you will starting off at "1984" when he was born. The beat is dope, it sounds fast paced and kind of dark, fits the mood well. The hook and is good and the verses are well written and delivered correctly like what all opening tracks should be like. 10 / 10
2. Careless - Taking the sound to a slower and more depressing feeling to follow up on the "personal" concept which is good because it makes for good music. Talks about how he doesn't care and what careless lifestyle he pursues probably due to depression. The hook has a pretty cool effect in it but I wish there was more to it you know. The verses are straight and the beat sounds dark and gloomy like the last one. I give it an above average score. 7.6 / 10
3. Cigarettes - Lo Key talks about his nicotine addiction and how bad it is. Not exactly what I expected on an album concept like this. Not really feeling this song compared to the first one. The verses are pretty good especially when he describes situations and the beat is up to par compared to the last two but the hook and bridge come weak. Maybe it hasn't grown on me but I tend skip it when listening to this CD. 6 / 10
4. 8 Bits Legends (Ft. BadLuck) - Totally different version compared to the one that you and I are used to, it's not as video game-ish (? lol) sounding as the one of Loke's MySpace which I like a lot better because this one is boring compared to that one. Dope song nonetheless for the verses are humorous from both Loke and Luck and the hook was creatively written haha. Like I said the remix is better, I give it an average - good rating. 7 / 10
5. Legacy - First single that release on New Years which became my favorite song by Lo Key. The beat is very strong and unique and it helps paint the picture that Loke presents along with the sampling used in the hook, with the orchestrated instruments etc and all that. Song talks about his life and how he became to be who he is now. One of the best songs off of the whole CD and I never get bored of the track, this has the potential to become a successful radio single. 10 / 10
6. Dear Girl - Song's about "snakey bitches". If you are a big fan of Lo Key's first debut album "So-Lo" you will notice a reference that was made in this one. This is unique because I never heard Loke speak of the subject before so I was interested to hear what he says. Very good song, well written and his delivery fits the mood well with the beat that raises suspense til the hook repeats again, which is a high pitched sounding girl singing is what it sounds like, dope shit. One of the type of songs I wanted to hear for an album like this. 8 / 10
7. Never - Another song that is up to par with "1984" and "Legacy" and should be his next single. Loke is singing out the whole song on a beat that kind of sounds like the same person who produced "Careless" with the pianos and whatnot, good shit. Loke spits some emotional shit talking about how "that aint him" and how he can't change that I guess is what he's saying.; wish it was a bit longer though. 8 / 10
8. Let's Go (Ft. T.O.N.E-z) - "It ain't always rainy days". Loke and Tonez do what they do best and that's straight up hip hop joints 'bout partying. Which could we apart of Loke's personal life, not always just depression and bad experiences. But I think I'd rather have a track that is about that by Death B4 Dishonor because I heard a couple on the sampler. But the beat is pretty dope and would make a good club track and the verses are what you would expect from both of 'em sick punchlines, T.O.N.E-z also talk about being appreciative for the fans over money. I give it an average okay rating. 7 / 10
9. Losin' My Mind - Song sounds like "Dear Girl" because he uses the same type of hook with the high pitched voice singing and the beat sounds like its by the same producer. He talks about him slipping out of his sanity. This is probably, next to the singles, my favorite song lyrically next to "End Of An Era". I wish there was more to it in the hook you know like Loke rapping over the singing in the backround or he could have used the bridge as part of the hook especially with the effect he used on it. 8 / 10
10. End of an Era - Song's about his ambition and struggle to reach the top while battling the demons around and within himself, very well written. Lo Key was definately in the right mind state with the pen and pad like a brush and canvas. The chorus is a bit repetitive 'cept for the "look into my life, look into my eyes, you will see a killer, same thing you made into a sinnaaaa".
And also the line "This is my decision, god help horrorcore, make room for the 12 oracles" makes you think about what's next, especially if you are one of those people who bought the "Cut Throat Chronicles" and the "The Last Offering" CDs by Lo Key earlier this year. 9 / 10
Summary: For some of you guys this wouldn't be what you expected, especially for the ones who can't see passed the whole "wow only 10 tracks" part and for the people who don't think that way you'll agree with the saying "less is more". So listen to the whole CD for free @ LokeyMusic.net
Artist Name: (hed)p.e. Album Title: The DiY Guys Release Date: July 8th, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
I started this installment with one of three. Now I’m wrapping it up with (HeD)PE. It’s for their latest release, The DiY Guys. But what comes with it is the surprise! Discs with audio capturing one of their live shows, and for a first time ever a bonus DVD, following the band on a day-to-day type deal, reality television! The album itself is the shit. Straight up “G-punk” smacking you upside the side of your fucking HeD, Planet Earth style! Everything you could want from a (HeD)PE show minus the exhaustion, sweat, and blood. It’s loud, hard, driving, in your face, straight Hardcore, American Style. The line-up that is known as Jahred Shane(lead vocals), DJ Product(backup-vocal/DJ), Mawk(bass), Jaxon(guitar), and Tiny Bubz(drums) finally show those who don’t have the cajones what it is to be apart of their crowd without the risk of having to hurt yourself. Pussies!
The track listing on the CD is one that any concert-goer could definitely remember and get live with. Madhouse, Not ded yet, Game over, peer pressure, Sophia, the truth, RTO, Put ‘em up, and Real Talk. Aside from that they’re dropping some brand new shit live on the rough and rugged side with the tracks; Niteclub in Bali, War on the middle class, Ordo ab chao, and Bloodfire. Straight up everything we’ve come to love about (HeD)PE is here hate for the Emo kids, chaos on a disc wrapped up into an hours worth of music, and Anarchy in it’s purest form.
The DVD is a whole other story within itself. It’s a visual for the audience to take home and look at whenever they so desire. It’s a look into the universe that (HeD)PE has built around themselves and dwell. With sections on their life on the road, on tour and behind the scenes, paternity suits with Jahred, DJ Products shenanigans making life for BJ their tour manager a living hell. Spanning over subjects like conspiracy, what a “GER” is, smoking the ganja, and having an enjoyable time so to say with the ladies behind the closed doors of the tour bus. Then still amidst all of the story telling, schooling of information, chaos, and more hate on the Emo kids then they could handle. There is clips of a live show in L.A. at the Key Club (I think) from a set that would definitely look fun as fuck to be in the crowd for. There’s more people there than Peabody’s getting hype, live, wild or whatever the fuck you want to call it. Whatever it may be one word could be used in all aspects to describe it “fun”.
If you are apart of the underground movement and consider yourself an “internet troop” pick up this addition to your arsenal of musical weapons of mass destruction. IF you like punk music, go get it. If you like funky-ass hip-hop rhymes with read between the lines type meanings go get this. If you’re still sleeping in the matrix of lies that this countries government has formed and need to open your fucking eyes, go get it. If you don’t want it FUCK YOU and keep moving on down the line. Emo Queer.
Tracklisting:
01. Madhouse
02. Not Ded Yet
03. Game Over
04. Peer Pressure
05. Sophia
06. The Truth
07. RTO
08. Niteclub In Bali
09. Get Em Up
10. War On The Middle Class*
11. ORDO AB CHAO*
12. Bloodfire*
13. Real Talk (Instrumental From DIY Guys DVD) *Previously Unreleased
Artist Name: Tech N9ne Album Title: KILLER Release Date: July 1st, 2008 Record Label: Strange Music, Inc.
I’ve been incognito for a grip-span longer then Shaggy’s dreads used to be, but now I’m back with one installment of three. July first marked the time of the N9ne, this time for sure if not before. This was the release date of “The hardest Tech N9ne album to date!” (-Tech in Psychumentary), Killer! This album has seen it’s fair share of hype of the last year and half or maybe even longer. A few months after M.L.K.’s release on the Strange Noize Tour we started to slowly hear about a new album that was in the works. Everything was used; from the Internet, to shameless promotions on DVDs, ‘We Are Your Future’, and the Tech/Prozak sampler the word rapidly spread about this monstrous project coming into form.
Two discs, thirty-two tracks of treacherous Tech! That’s what you get when you make the purchase to obtain this addition to Arron’s artistic endeavor. Looking at this album like he should, with a ‘fuck you attitude’ and that he’s at a pinnacle in his career to reach those Tech N9cians who haven’t been found yet. From the cover looking like Michael Jackson’s’ ‘Thriller’ to flows that will leave you captivated to start disc1 back over when disc2 is finished you can’t go wrong. As said on the secret track “Killer” released off of his website Tech isn’t lying “All Killer no filler”.
Of course on this album hitting the production team Strange Production vet. Robert Rebeck, Michael “seven” Summers, David Sanders II, Matic Lee, Wyshmaster, Matic Lee, and on behalf of Lost Koast Productions came Aaron Abeyta, and Jeff “Heffe” Simmons. We can’t forget about the MC/producer making as much noise for himself as well as his record label, Sub. Noize, UnderRated.
Like I said a few short paragraphs above Tech approached this with a ‘fuck you attitude’ to get off his chest what need to be gotten off. Taking the microphone and completely obliterating it, N9ne spits on anyone who doubted, anything that slowed his career down, on himself, and what his pain is. His rhymes are still grimey, hard, and quick as fuck. Then to flip it around his taking his style and adding what makes the mainstream shit spin on the radio and in a way slowly incorporating the ‘club scene’ to his lyrics. Possibly attract more of a ‘black audience’ something he feels he lacks.
Disc 1 opens up with Tech in a Psychologist’s office there on the suggestion of Travis O’Guin following a metronome slowly falling into hypnosis. Bursting out with bangers right off of the bat like “Like Yeah”, “Wheaties”, “Everybody Move”, and “Get the Fuck Outta Here”. It then takes a turn for what some of us who bump the wicked shit crave, the dark side. “Psycho Bitch 2”, “Paint a Dark Picture”, and “Poisonous” piant scenes so vivid you can’t help but see them played out in your mind, just listen closer then the beat. To bring the first half to an end is the track “Too Much” ft. Kutt Calhoun. This track gives me the feel similar to that of “Message to the Black Man” with the beat and how it has an epic feel to it. It’s a driving beat that makes you feel that it’s all building up to something, the time of the Strange Dynasty has arrived and doesn’t look like it’s going to end anytime soon.
Disc 2 opens with a message to his ‘so called friends’, ‘so called fans’, and a prevalent subject, his wife in the track “I Love You but Fuck You”. Following right along with that ‘fuck you attitude’ he drops bombs like “Beat You Up”, “Let’s Go”, and “Drill Team”. After telling his wife how he feels torn between love and hate busts out the track “One Good Time” showing us, his fan base, how much he hurts but can’t let one tear shed. How all he wants to do is have one good cry to let the pain leak away then let him take his family and just disappear into solitude. What kind of Tech N9ne CD would this be if we didn’t hear him rap about his love for the female species or his love for the parties? In “The Sextion” part of disc2, serenading the bitches with “Seven Words”, “Enjoy”, and “I Am Everything” ft. (Hed)pe and Kottonmouth Kings.
To close the entire project is one of my more favorite Tech N9ne tracks, up there in the top 5, right after “Turn”, “Last Words”. This is Tech in his session in Dr. Fraziers’s Office, which started this whole thing off. I like that part about it a lot, open a project one way and close it with the conclusion of the opening scene. I’m sure if you have heard anything off this you want it, and if you’ve got it you can’t put it down. I know I can’t. This is Tech N9ne at some of his finest, lyrically, worst, personally. Get up, get this, get lit, and listen to it.
Tracklisting:
Disc 1
01. Dr. Frazier's Office (Intro Skit)
02. Like Yeah
03. Wheaties - (featuring Shawnna)
04. Everybody Move
05. Get The F**k Outta Here - (featuring Paul Wall/The Popper)
06. Waitress, The
07. Crybaby
08. S**t Is Real
09. Blackboy - (featuring Ice Cube/Krizz Kaliko/Brother J)
10. Pillow Talkin' - (featuring Scarface)
11. Paint A Dark Picture - (featuring Dirtball)
12. Hope For A Higher Power
13. Worst Case Scenario (Skit)
14. Psycho B**h II - (featuring Liquid Assassin)
15. Poisonous - (featuring Liz Suwandi)
16. Too Much - (featuring Kutt Calhoun)
Disc 2
01. I Love You But F**k You
02. One Good Time
03. Drill Team - (featuring Krizz Kaliko/Snug Brim/B.G. Bulletwound)
04. Beat You Up - (featuring Lebowski/The Weapon)
05. Let's Go - (featuring Kutt Calhoun/Mistah F.A.B.)
06. Why You Ain't Call Me
07. Seven Words - (featuring Krizz Kaliko/Skatterman)
08. Sexorcist, The (Infomercial) - (featuring Krizz Kaliko)
09. Killa Call (Skit)
10. Enjoy - (featuring Krizz Kaliko/Bosko)
11. Elbow Macaroni (Skit)
12. I Am Everything - (featuring Hed P.E./Kottonmouth Kings)
13. Happy Ending
14. Can't Shake It - (featuring Krizz Kaliko/Robert Rebeck)
15. Holier Than Thou - (featuring Strange Lane Choir/Krizz Kaliko)
16. Last Words
Reviewer: Whipstick
Favorite Track(s): Beat You Up, Get The Fuck Outta Here, Too Much, and Last Words
Overall Rating: 10 / 10
Price: $19.99 (Includes Free MP3 & Autograph)
Purchase Album: Click Here!
Artist Name: Lo Key Album Title: "XTERM:INATION" Release Date: June 2008 Record Label: 7th Seal Entertainment
1. Intro - A small audio clip from the cult classic movie "Saving Private Ryan" as they rush through the battle field like bars being spit into the pop screen of microphones in different Infect operation bases while cooking them up in their labs. Nothing else to say about it since it's an intro. N/A
2. INFECTAKONZ - We all heard this track and 95% of us wanted it as an mp3 so we all bought the single up on the Infect music store. Before I go further into this song I just want to say two words, Madd . . . . Maxxx. That alone is self explanatory on how his verse on this heavy hitting single sounds like. Purely devastation and it totally shocked me that he's back on 7th Seal Ent. / Mission : Infect. BUT this is not his best verse on this LP and I'll get more into that as we go further into the CD. The hook is nicely done by the most hated and at the same time the most envious, Lo Key. The chorus is nicely effected with distortion with helps the mood of the track because this song is suppose to sound like "If the decepticons were to blow up the world, this is how it would sound". He truly paints a vivid picture in just the hook. It brings the most apocalyptic mood with the beat done by Saint Sinna while towards the end with Loke's murderous flow. But I got to give it up to BadLuck, he obliterated the song especially since he flipped up his flow and makes himself sound darker than his delivery on "End Of Days". Good track peep the MySpaces to listen to this first single. 10 / 10
3. Front Lines - I remember listening to this when it was only Saint Sinna with his first verse and hook and thought "god damn" and since now BadLuck and Madd Maxxx is it's only natural that this track would be the next M:I anthem. I'm not feeling the back masking and reversing in the beginning, I wish they took that out. I don't know who produced this but again this sounds like some straight apocalyptic pump your fist shit. And the hook is what backs up what I said, nicely sang by Saint and is probably the best shit I've heard from him especially since he brings the same delivery as the song he did with Trouble "Every time". "All my soldiers ride and lets meet on the fronnnttliinneee". Next Badluck continues to bring the same deliver that I enjoyed on the last track, straight battle rap is what his mind state was when he barked this out. You can tell Saint and BadLuck have that same chemistry that Loke and Tone have when it comes to collabos. Just like the last song everyone murdered this one but I give the most props to Madd Maxxx. His delivery was the best out of the three and brought out raw word play to the table when he spit shit about the spider-man movie and carnage, I can't explain it well enough on a post so buy the CD. But "So I spell it so go tell your friends, M, A, DOUBLE D, M, A, TRIPE X, M , I, DOUBLE S, I, O, N - INFECT!" 9 / 10
4. Whiplash - With this CD stamped with a M:I logo you'd expect a song with T.O.N.E-z right? Yep. And Lo Key and Max? Cheauh. No this is NOT the song by Tha Wikid One and McNastee lol I thought it was when I first saw this song. You'd think after 2 hard hitting tracks that this would be a more laid back track, SHIT NO! This is another track saying "Can't touch Infect, we DGAF, kill yourself". The beat sounds pretty fresh, not as hard as the last couple but it fits well. The hook isn't bad but compared to the last ones this one gets murdered. T.O.N.E-z spits out some word play like usual. What stands out the most on this track is Max referring to his first CD which will bring back old memories and the first couple lines "Who the fuck do you think you are talking to me? I'll leave your forehead looking like Moses parted the sea!". Overall this track is average but compared to most artists in this genre's best song, "Whiplash" is devastating. 6 / 10
5. Bounce - The song came out on the Mission : Infect network site as an exclusive. This song features Lo Key, GrewSum and Prone Records artist and 1 / 2 of The Trailer Park Boyz, Kombine. Good party type of track to get the crowd jumpin' to the "M:I! M:I!" especially with the head nodding beat . The hook is killed by Grew and serves as something that would make good crowd participation at a show, definately something they should throw up on the set list. GrewSum's verse I have to say is my favorite on this one "Pump (?) your face to the concrete, put it the car in drive, drag you on the street now you really stayin' on the grind" . Other than that Loke and Kom's verses aren't bad and I'm actually happy that Kombine is on this track because a lot of dudes sleep on him. 8 / 10
6. Infect Planet - T.O.N.E-z, Madd Maxxx, Lo Key on one track once again! And obliterates the last track that had all three of them, plus they got BadLuck back on this track. This would have made a great ending track for this CD for that it's something that brings me back in the mood of "Throw 'Em Up" off "Chemical Threats". T.O.N.E-z jogs your memory by bringing up the "House Of Pain" and that there is "No retreat, no relief no surrender". Madd Maxxx's flow is what makes his verse what it is especially when it delivers up the wordplay but in my opinion Lo Key kills this one and will shut down most of the people hating on the internet. Good head nodding beat that fits well with BadLuck singing about people biting their sound. 9 / 10
7. Napalm - This song consists of DEATH B4 DISHONOR! Lo Key and T.O.N.E-z. This is probably the most different song because this sounds like a track that would be on "So-Lo" or "Chamiliatic" because the beat sounds like something clubby but the hook with the effects that are a highlight of the track give a mood that reflects something personal for some reason because it's a loop of him saying "whatcha know bout me?". Hopefully that made sense. It's hard to pick who shined the most because they both bring that chemistry that makes it hard to pick and T.O.N.E-z spits that jamaican sounding flow which sounds dope. Wish this track was a bit longer though. 8.5 / 10
8. Lose Yo Mind - Madd Maxxx, Lo Key 2 SICK PART 2?! Damn might as well be. Something to note about this track is that it's back and forth rap rather than "16 bars, hook, then 16 bars, hook" you know? "Don't think that the little beef between us means shit". that line right there should stop speculation that's left over haha. This beat fits well because its a straight club type track with raw lyricism. It's "2 Sick"! 10 / 10
9. For The Soldiaz - Loke, Grew and Da Murda Mitten Menace, Menacide up in this piece! This is a Soldier appreciation song and it's natural to have Menacide on this one because his 2nd family is the Wicked Underground, I'm sure Grew and Loke would say the same without a doubt. The beat is really laid back and something to close your eyes and zone out to after a long day. Grew is too ill on the hooks and it shows on this one. This crushes all the speculation on if these guys really appreciate what the soldiers do, especially on how loyal they are, you know spending money on flyers and spending countless cash on CDs and that latest M:I charm you know. Lo Key shines up on this track and I can't wait for the new LP homie. This track kills me everytime even though this was surfaced long time ago lol 8 / 10
10. Battle Tracks - Remember when I said BadLuck and Saint have that chemistry together on a song? Yep. Back on that heavy beat tip. This puts all the whack rappers in their place "Maybe you should do your rap to keep 'em all laughin', and be the next big thing or the last comic standin'!" BadLuck is bad on the hook and basically says that "If you really think you can battle rap, I'll leave your body on the floor". Saint's grimy sounding voice fits well on the beat because it reminds me of "Front lines" and his sick lines "Even if you reach my height! you'll be forced to sky dive! without a parachute cuz your not that fly" and with that I think Saint stood out the most with this one. Serious sounding track, "Chemical Threats" material. 8.5 / 10
11. Pink Mist - Mich Milich up in your face. Grimy street horrorcore song to hold you over until "First Blood" drops. Produced by Saint, he made it sound like something off a action movie while an anti-hero or villain posts up in a warehouse looking for that unfortunate victim. Both verses are descriptive in a way that it paints a picture in your mind as the brains spew out exposing the "Pink Mist". Saint did a good job on the chorus with his raspy voice then changed it up when he does his voice and does less of the grimy tone, probably because this sounds better on the beat. Out of the two verses I think Menacide's verse stands out the most because it reminds me of "Hush" off his last LP, "Street Symphony". 8 / 10
12. Outro - This clip just picks off the intro where a sharp shooter picks off the last unsuspected victims in their way with a sniper N / A
Now that I expressed the good I'm going to have to cover the negative unfortunately.
The Bad: I wish this CD had more exclusive songs even though all these tracks never released before except for a couple sites that had it in the music player to get the Soldiers hyped. Another thing is that it didn't have ClaAs, whatever happened to that dude? And Menacide's disappearance effected this CD too, especially since he came up with this album name so I thought he would heavily participate on this one.
Better than "Chemical Threats"?: Without a doubt. This one seemed more organized and had more collabos with more people rather than just "BadLuck Lo Key GrewSum" or just "T.O.N.E-z and Lo Key" And the beats are better.
I hope you enjoy the CD like I did, because it's the real reason why I did a review. To express my opinion on this CD, if this album wasn't what I was looking for then I wouldn't have spent 3 hours talking about it so it's just my opinion. 7SE and M:I is who I've been respecting the most out of anyone I listen to, mainstream or the underground. And that is the main reason why I enjoy helping out with the cause.
Big Slack & LaVey - "The Goodfella & The Enforcer EP"
Artist Name: Big Slack & LaVey Album Title: The Goodfella & The Enforcer EP Release Date: June 2008 Record Label: American Riff Raff, Inc.
What up, recently I've been getting a lot of people giving me some constructive criticism about my reviews saying I should do write-ups for albums that I necessarily didn't enjoy as well than just doing ones with CDs I only liked like usual. And at the same time try out writing a paragraph format review that most people do rather than my usual "track-by-track" ones that I favored the most. Just to see what the feedback for a briefer and to the point review.
Tonight I'm reviewing Big Slack and LaVey's "The Goodfella & The Enforcer" EP that released a while ago and finally dug it up to talk you guys about it. Big Slack and LaVey are part of the infamous clique that goes by the name "Riff Raff" which consists of artists such as iLL, ClaAs, Bloodshot, Shy One, McNastee, and new member GrewSum.
The Good then Bad: The Hip Hop tracks, simple as that. I think the hip hop sounding songs came out better than the horrorcore tracks. Like "If It Aint Riff Raff" with McNastee, "Dick In Ya Jaw" with Rube, "Test Me" in a way, "C'Mon", etc. Especially when it comes to Slack, he should stay on the hip hop tip because that's where hes on point with his rhymes and delivery in my opinion. Making fun of the industry mainstream rappers by stabbing at their images, dances, rhymes etc are the humorous topics I like from Big Slack. From a fan's perspective homie, I hope your next CD is like "Hate Me Cuz U Aint Me" in a sense that it has songs like what I just listed and songs like "You Aint A Rapper", "Nobody's Dancing" and "SykaMoStyle". When it comes towards the end of the EP with songs like "Gotta Get Out", its how most CDs close leaving you on the personal feel which I like a lot.
Concerning LaVey, dude does that wicked shit. And I like to hear this dude more in the future doing a classic horrorcore CD. Especially with songs like "Revenge Aint Sweet". And he's a lot better on those type of songs than the hip hop songs that Slack mostly shines on. So with LaVey I think he should keep it on the darker side because thats where I think he's on point on. And in my opinion it's a mash up that I wasn't feeling but separately it would have been a different story.
Overall: "C" Average
Both emcees are good but I think their styles are completely different.
I'll be on the look out for "Evilution" by LaVey and "Full Fledged Slacker" by Big Slack in the future to see if those are the CDs that I'll enjoy.
Who's This CD For?: Fans of Riff Raff specifically Big Slack and LaVey or fans who want to hear a two different genres mash up.
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. Revenge Aint Sweet ft Bloodshot and Mr Rage
03. Test Me
04. If It Aint Riff Raff ft McNastee
05. Kill Me
06. Murder In the Attic ft iLL
07. Get High Interlude
08. Dick in ya Jaw ft Rube of Cheese Houze
09. The Victim (produced by Memphis legend Mr Sche)
10. C'Mon
11. Gotta Get Out
12. Goodfella/Enforcer Outro
Artist Name: Prozak Album Title: Tales from the Sick Release Date: June 3rd, 2008 Record Label: Strange Music, Inc.
Prozak has been dwelling deeper then hell in the underground for the past decade. Writing rhymes about felonious crimes, murders, and straight up sick shit. The projects he’s been involved in; PDM, Bedlam, and other solo releases this is what he, himself would like to call his “debut” solo album. Not in the sense that he wants to forget what he’s done in the past, but in the sense that he is presenting himself on a much larger scale. He’s honed his skills as a rapper, an artist, and a political visionary. The album might not be as intensely gripping; politically, as a PDM album, yet it grasps your attention with a variety of other ways.
This album, aside from being completely wig-flipping insane, features some of the best recording artists and producers on the underground scene to date. Of course when it came to production his PDM partner, Mike E. Clark lent a helping hand. Aside from that one name alone there are Strange Music veteran producers; Michael “Seven” Summers, Rob Rebeck, as well as George “Gee” Pierce, and Robert Bradley.
From one side of the studio to the part where the lyrics are laid down comes a majority of the names featured on this production. His own label mates; Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Kalhoun, and Tech N9ne. Home-state friends; Bizarre, Blaze ya Dead Homie, Insane Clown Posse, King Gordy, Twiztid, The R.O.C. Jumping along for the ride from Chi-Town, Twista. And all the way from the West Coast hails Cypress Hill.
Now that all of that is out of the way it is time to get to what you want to really read about the album, Tales of the Sick, itself. This shit is dark, melodic, malicious, mind-sparking/splitting, and everything else plus more that we’ve grown to love Prozak for. His “guerilla tactics” are still very present. The hype over this album was magnanimous and the way Strange Music and Prozak went about promoting it was genius. I can’t just call out one track and say this is why I like the album or something from track twelve is why I really dig it. No, that’s not it at all. The main reason hands down as to why I truly appreciate this album’s release is the way Prozak can paint these vivid paintings through the use of his lyrics and word craftsmanship.
If you didn’t get the pre-order seriously get out and go get this CD. This album is definitely shit to bump when you off to start your own riot, no doubt. But along with an already platinum album, in my mind, you will get a free DVD. I won’t tell you what’s on the mother-fucker except you will see an underground rapper you’ve grown accustomed to listening to or looking at. Not just Prozak, but you’ll see what I mean once you watch it. Bottom Line: This album is hotter than the Human Torch, fatter than an 800LB bitch, and off the hinge with tetanus. GET OUT AND GO GET IT!!!!
Tracklisting:
01. Hitchcock Of Hiphop
02. Fun N Games
03. Keep Grindin
04. Scapegoat
05. Go To Hell
06. Crossing Over
07. It Was You (Intro)
08. It Was You
09. Why??? featuring Tech N9NE and Twista
10. Run Away featuring Big Krizz Kaliko and Tech N9NE
11. Corporate Genocide
12. Bombs Away
13. Holy War
14. Its Too Late Now
15. Insane featuring Insane Clown Posse
16. Bodies Fall featuring Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Kutt Calhoun, Tech N9ne and The R.O.C
17. Psycho.Psycho,Psycho! featuring King Gordy and Bizarre
18. Drugs
19. Living In The Fog featuring Cypress Hill
20. Fading featuring Twiztid and Big Krizz Kaliko
21. Good Enough featuring Mike E. Clark
22. Under The Rain featuring Big Krizz Kaliko
Artist Name: Boondox Album Title: "Krimson Creek" Release Date: May 13th, 2008 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
I'm happy to express my feelings about another excellent release by The Skar-Crow Boondox by the name of "Krimson Creek", his 2nd full length album on Psychopathic. I was mad surprised about how great this LP was that I wanted to take time out to do a track-by-track on it to convince all you ninjas to BUY IT!
Here we go, lets visit "Krimson Creek"
1. Intro - A mysterious character with deep moans walks through what it sounds like a place where it is covered with dry leaves as he crushes them to a "Creek" to dump what it sounds like something heavy. I would guess a body. While a creeping guitar is being strung New reports of domestic violence is being reported with distortion laced with noises of the "Krimson" water splashing about then all of a sudden a muffled voice singing starts the beginning of it all. N/A
2. Country Life - This song is like "Out Here" off his first LP but way darker if you will. It is basically what the title says, about the life style that Boondox is accustomed to and is the first coming from that culture to be swinging the hatchet. The "Skar-Crow" paints a vivid picture, definately something that is music video material. Good hook but the verses are what's up. Behind this haunting beat it is already one of Boondox's best tracks and I just got to the first song. 9 / 10
3. Untold Unwritten - Wow, this song is amazing, it would have made a great closer but I'm glad it is towards the beginning of the CD. This song is about struggling throughout his life and he makes a very controversial reference to "Seven" about being one of 7 children which I wouldn't mind hearing more about. Even though this track is 3:58 I felt like it was too short because I wanted to hear more of his story. Amazing hook which wraps up the gist of the song and descriptive verses on the mood setting beat. 10 / 10
4. Inbred Evil - He brings back the "PunkinHed" voice which fits the concept and name of the song. Scary movie type of skit in the beginning and this is definately "That Wicked Shit". With the guitar that has your nodding your head you have your mouth open to Boondox's delivery of the lyrics then finding yourself chanting the chorus that I'm sure is going to be something that all the scythe swinging Juggalos spit back at him at all the future shows. Wicked verses with a wicked hook to live up to a vicious story. 9 / 10
5. Freak Bitch (Feat. Violent J) - Haha, the beginning skit is what I'm guessing sampled from a "Porn Star Interview" about "squirting" which sets the mood pretty interestingly lol. You guessed it, something to notice is that he still kept that murderous type of flow and beat which I'm guessing is by Darkeonz? Shout outs to Darkeonz by the way. What I noticed about his songs about sex is that he always keeps it horror like, from "Rollin' Hard" to "Dead Neck" with Blaze he keeps it wicked which I like. Violent J up on this track. Like what he's know for he spits those funny bars, especially for this concept but his verse isn't that long. 9 / 10
6. Heathen - A more fast paced track with a nice guitar and drum beat to have your head nodding to like a bobble head in an earth quake. Boondox is here uplifting up your spirits spitting about living the good life, being laid back and "being wicked" from coming from nothing. Songs like these separate him from the other Psychopathic artists and other horrorcore emcees in general. Highlight of this track is the chorus and the verses are pretty dope especially with the flow he uses. This is more of the Hill billy swamp watah wicked shit! EEEYAAAWWW! 10 / 10
7. Walking After Midnight (Feat. Insane Clown Posse) - "Walking After Midnight" with the Wicked Clowns. The beat is definately because it is a bit slower than the others but it fits the mood perfectly. Song is about the name title of course and 2 Dope takes this song and murders it in my opinion. All three paint pictures with their rhymes that come out to a nightmarish night. The hook is alright, not as good as the other ones I'm afraid. Song is something you have to listen to more to have grow on you. This would have gotten a lower rating but Shaggy's verse made up for it. 7 / 10
8. Love Hate - Whoa, this beat is straight insane. Another sweet guitar riff laced with something that I can't explain but sounds good lol. Something to realize is that Boondox's voice is slightly different as in tone of his voice and it sounds fresh. This song is a straight about Juggalo pride which there is atleast one per Psychopathic album. And like the title says, it's either you hate or love the ninjas and either way they DGAF!. "Rock a fxcking hatchet and we represent the underground!". A lot darker than the usual Juggalo Loving songs which helps prove that Boondox still keeps it wicked. 10 / 10
9. Cold Cruel World - The beginning of this song is a sample of different people talking about their personal problems, disabilities, etc. This is something that people can definately relate to. The chorus is simply amazing and it talking about living in his own private hell. Once again he paints mental pictures of his past negative experiences. Good mood fitting beat but the hook and chorus are the highlights of this track. 10 / 10
10. Straight Outta The Crops - Another southern pride track which is one of the many things Boondox is known for. Something I really look forward to on songs like these are the beats and this one is a bangah. The hook is something unique and very different than the past songs and this would make a great single or a music video. 9 / 10
11. Outlaw - Doc Holiday of the wicked shit haha. Good track, probably one of my top 5 songs on this whole CD. Walk through the mind of a ruthless southern bandit with a 6 shootah on his side! Dope song, I like the hook the most because it's the highlight of the song. Good beat, something really different and the verses sound like something off a movie, dude can really tell stories. 10 / 10
12. Path I Walk - A personal track about taking your own path to walk on and how life is a struggle especially for Boondox. He has a great singing voice and he expresses that talent on the chorus which is probably the best hook off this LP. Great beat with a guitar and head swifting drum pattern and the verses are uplifting. The best song to listen to when you're upset about something and want to clear your mind. 10 / 10
13. Trailer Park Creepin' (Feat. Violent J) - Something sampled off "America's Most Wanted", I can tell from the host's voice lol. I like the drum pattern on this song a lot because it makes the beat that much better. Another "Hilly Billy swamp water" tale coming from the Skar-Crow! EEYAAW lol jp. The hook has the infamous Violent Violent J of the Insane Clown Posse then it's Boondox again singing it up then goes back to painting up the story of runnin' from the law! 8.5 / 10
14. Fear (Feat. Blaze & Monoxide) - Now lets set the jokes aside and make path for a personal trip with The Dead Man and The Chainsmoker. Boondox's flow and delivery sounds dope and this is the perfect song to have Blaze and Monoxide with their distorted, specially effected vocals on for they slaughter this beat life if this was recorded at a butcher shop. Something to note is that Mono's voice and flow kind of reminds me of how he sounded on the latest Dark Lotus CD at certain points. 10 / 10
15. Death Of A Hater (Feat. Madrox) - Another beast of a beat to end the album and it's up in your face behind the Skar Crow, Madrox and the great sounding lady on the hook. Jamie makes references to his first solo CD back in the early days of House Of Krazees and spits a very gruesome verse which you have to hear to know what I'm speaking of. Very good word play on this song and Boondox's lyrical skill shows on this song the most. Very powerful song and it felt like it passed by so quickly for real, great album closer and is soon to become a fan favorite.. 10 / 10
Is This Boondox's Best Release?: This is definately without a doubt his best release and shows that he gets better and better whenever he's in the Lotus Pod recording something new.
Hope y'all enjoyed and on behalf of Faygoluvers.net
Much Luv and thanks for reading
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. Country Life
03. Untold Unwritten
04. Inbred Evil
05. Freak Bitch (featuring Violent J)
06. Heathen
07. Walking After Midnight (featuring ICP)
08. Love Hate
09. Cold Cruel World
10. Straight Outta The Crops
11. Outlaw
12. Path I Walk
13. Trailer Park Creepin'
14. Fear (featuring Blaze & Monoxide
15. Death of a Hater (featuring Madrox)
Artist Name: Krizz Kaliko Album Title: Vitiligo Release Date: March 5th, 2008 Record Label: Strange Music, Inc.
First and foremost what I can say about this CD is FINALLY! It’s undergone a name change, about a fist full of years worth production, and more hype than an old school Tyson Brawl. Tech N9ne presents Krizz Kaliko’s Vitiligo, originally ‘The Funkra’ hit the streets of the nation sweeping it by storm Tuesday May 6, 2008. I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited for this to finally come out and now that it has I’m sure happy that I preordered it to get it that much earlier, to soak it all in. One thing I found appealing right from the start is the way it opens.
Tech and others at an amusement park come up to a couple of rides. They split up and he chooses what is called “Vitiligo” which by the way it sounds is one wicked bitch to ride, built at one of the most insane parks.
An instant classic from the Strange Music family Krizz shows us his repertoire and variations in which he can throw his voice. It’s a marvelous combination of serenade and strip club music. Some shit you can definitely bump in club and behind bedroom doors! Then flipping the script even more he reaches deep within himself to show us what it was like to grow up with this disease. This isn’t even a disease, but a blessing in disguise. Had it not been for this, I feel that Kaliko wouldn’t have been through some of the trials and tribulations otherwise to have the skills and lyrical depth to say what he says.
The guest appearances on it are none to be thought of as a joke. Of course what kind of Strange Music product would it be if Tech N9ne wasn’t featured in some way or form, along with Kutt Calhoun. BG Bullet Wound, Prozak, Skatterman, Snugbrim, Twiztid even E40 stops through putting the West amongst the Midwest madness. What I enjoyed about this CD so much was hearing Tech, but he was playing the role in which Kali usually, the script had been flipped and Kaliko is now showcased in the spotlight. . Just when it should sound like Tech would jump in it was still all Kaliko coming with more of that Big Krizz style.
The theme of a rollercoaster is very appropriate for this release kind of like it was for the Insane Clown Posse’s: The Tempest, there are so many ups and downs.
He sings, raps, even beat boxes for that ass on a track. In The studio there must have been an overwhelming amount of creativity flowing through the air to bring a product of this magnitude to our eardrums from out of the speakers. Not only in the lyrics, but also within the beats themselves, tracks like ‘Jungle Love’, ‘Do it like I do it’, ‘What’s Sizzlin’, and ‘The Bidness’ Krizz can definitely get the club vibrating and ladies gyrating. To pull a complete 180 degree spin and express emotion towards his loved ones and those closest to him with songs like ‘If I Ever Go’, his sister in ‘Vitiligo’, and ‘Rewind’. Then even more he jumps around once again to show us how he can keep it dark, gangster, and wicked in tracks ‘Anxiety’, ‘Peek-a-boo’, and ‘Crew Cut’.
If you have not gotten this by now, May 8, you better because you don’t know what you’re missing and are already late to one of the biggest parties on the underground music scene this year. Yet then again if you don’t really dig the music you don’t dig it and my attempts are futile, I do however strongly suggest you peep this project out it’s not one to be slept on.
Tracklisting:
01. The Ride (skit)
02. Anxiety Inspired By Tech N9ne
03. Vitiligo
04. What's Sizzlin
05. Do It Like I Do It
06. Jungle Love
07. Do Sum'n
08. The Bidness
09. The Tunnel (skit)
10. Mirror, Mirror
11. Peek-A-Boo
12. Crew Cut
13. Slow Down
14. Rewind
15. Beautiful You Are
16. Let's Dip
17. Collect
18. Saucy
19. If I Ever Go
20. The Ending
21. Where You Want Me
Artist Name: Dirtball Album Title: Crook County Chronicles Release Date: March 13th, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Tall tales, the Wild West is renowned for them; Pecos Bill, John Henry, and now Crook County has its shot.
As told by some wild-eyed, spaced out looking local, The Dirtball. A third installment in the rap career for our bald-headed buddy, this one surely displays how he as an artist can grow. Hitting the booth once again with Mike Kumagai, Daddy X, himself, and P-nice on the production DB just takes his “swing batter-batter” instinct and swings for the fences slapping your nugget from the top of your body like a tee-ball setup.
The DB is a percussion rapper for sure. The way he flows for days about anything is on a level compared to Tech N9ne, Twista, and BTNH. He’s been showing us since when he dropped “Poppa Dball” first emerging on Suburban Noize. In this one though I feel he reaches more into himself and pulls out linguistic flows that he rips the mic down piece by piece on. I’m not saying his first two solo albums were bad I’m just saying that they kind of sounded like they had both been recorded almost in the same session with the only direction to mold and shape an upcoming artist. Now that they process of shaping and shifting is over with we are left in the wake of “Dropping Bombs” to hear what makes the mind of the Dirtball tick.
Naming the album after his hometown “Crook County” I feel he’s trying to show us that no matter what part of it, no matter how far up or down the coast, The West Coast can still make the water bubble and the earthquake. I like the way the Subnoize Camp approached this project to hype it up. First off they did the Crook County Chronicles, an Internet program ran and operated by the raptillion himself about what it’s like day by day in Crook County. Episode 5, I think, is the one in which they even premiered a video from the album featuring two songs. Well kind of. The main focus is for the track ‘Mushroom Cloud’ in which DB shows us a piece of his psychedelic side with his mushroom tea. Then after his two verses, just when the third should kick off, it jumps into a new snippet for the opening verse to the song ‘Moonshine Rhyme’. The reason why I liked this so much was because you're not only hearing something from the album before its release you also get a visual which is pretty silly.
Aside from rapping on subjects like taking a “trip”, and working in the garden of the dead, he also gets into what It’s like for his relationship with his woman while he’s constantly on the road in ‘Just a Friend’ ft. Lady Love. Yea, artists make tracks like this all the time, but it’s pretty cool to hear how the Dirtball can throw the words together for his version of this type of track. Like I said though he’s got a track on here called ‘Mora Kyrkogarden’ and it’s Swedish for something, something that I don’t know.
From the lyrics in the song though it sounds pretty sinister and a dark place to be, somewhere fun for any horrorcore fan to take the wife and kids. My favorite track off this project however, is ‘Speak’. I like it so much because the beat is almost an acapella, and he also released this in the Crook County Chronicles as well.
The Guest spots on this CD are indifferent. Some you can already assume would be on there; Big B, Daddy X, and Johnny Richter. Along with them though is Boondox from Psychopathic Records and CeeKay of La Coka Nostra. All the tracks with the featured artists are that much better with the extra hand lent into the melting pot of ideas used in this production. I’m not saying that the rest of the CD with DB by himself isn’t as good, it’s just fun to hear what other people think of on certain beats and subjects of songs.
The Dirtball has come a long way of running with the boys of Chola, to reppin’ the spade for Suburban Noize Records. He’s establishing/ed himself as an independent artist as well as half of the group Subnoize Souljahs. He can step on stage and captivate the crowd, he can get in the booth and mesmerize the listener, and being along side some of the best on the underground scene he’s learning how to work the business side of touring as well, I could imagine.
Bottom line get up, get one and peep it out. The Raptillion seems he’s here to stay.
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. I'm Not
03. Mushroom Cloud - (featuring Daddy X)
04. Speak
05. All In - (featuring Big B)
06. Phantom Power
07. Taxman
08. Pitspit
09. Nightshade - (featuring Ceekay)
10. Campfire 1
11. Crook County Killaz
12. Campfire 2
13. Moonshine Rhyme
14. Tried Trued + Tested - (featuring Boondox)
15. Underground Biz
16. Just a Friend - (featuring Lady Love)
17. Grind - (featuring J. Richter)
18. Mora Kyrkogarden
19. Outro
Artist Name: KottonMouth Kings Album Title: "Xperience 2: Kosmic Therapy" Release Date: April 15th, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
The sequel to what was already a mind-blowing Xperience comes part two, Kosmic Therapy. If you had been sleeping on it and never did check out the first here’s what you’ve missed. A trip through the deepest confines the mind has to offer. A personal Radical Audio, Visual Experience (R.A.V.E.) for you to have on your own when you don’t have the skrilla to make it to an actual one. Consisting of a “trip” of sorts through a visual and audio experience to leave you in awe and wanting more. The Kings have hit the studio to select various tracks, verses, beats, and anything else they felt needed to be in this project to tweak it for you the fan to check out and geek it.
The First was quite trippy I do admit, but this one is more laid back and stoney where the first one was trying to be more psychedelic. This is equally psychedelic but it’s more in depth. What I mean is that it seems as if you’re walking trails, flying over mountains, or like Alice falling down the rabbit hole into the Kottonmouth Kingdom. Through the solar system of a galaxy not too far away in the near distant future on a planet unnamed you’re eased into a euphoric music feeling never encountered. It’s a familiar feeling yet a far different place. We received the radio signal slowly echoing to become Johnny Richter’s voice asking, “Can anybody hear me?” Obviously you did because you heard because you found the coordinates hurdling towards your destination.
The visuals within this program are definitely something worth watching. It’s an upgrade, like going from carrier pigeons to cell phones. Yea, it’s like that. More than just pictures behind the colors there’s clips of whole videos/footage. Not too far into we are shown that we’re actually watching this all through somebody’s eyes. A tripped-out, ripped-out green man who’s greeted by a camel, telling him he needs to wake up and open his eyes!
What I enjoy mostly about both of these projects, this one especially is how the KMK can remix their music. These beats for some reason seem a tad bit better then the original cuts. For example: “Still Ballin”. The PTB chant from the rip-hop track off of “Cloud Nine” is cleverly done as a hip-hop track. Aside from that hook and idea of song they add a variety of verses from “Put it Down ft. Cypress Hill” which sound like they’re being spit quicker due to being on the slower beat. Much props are deserved to P-Nice, Kumagai, and Xavier. With Maximillian laying down bass on “Somewhere Between Nowhere” this album is something to listen to when you want to get laid back and feel the good tunes, vibes, and times.
Tracklisting:
01. Growin Ganja
02. Dragon Slayer
03. Sun Splash
04. Down The Road
05. Krazy Train
06. Freedom Time
07. Radical Habits
08. Smokeout
09. Stoner Dub
10. Ride or Die
11. Pack Another Rip
12. Somewhere Between Nowhere
13. Still Ballin
14. Keep On Smiling
15. New Weed Order
16. Echoes N Spirit Guides
Artist Name: FETUS Album Title: "Abortion Theory" Release Date: March 30th, 2008 Record Label: N/A
I noticed that F.E.T.U.S comin' str8 outta Clearwater, Florida isn't getting any attention here on the forums. So I'm here to introduce his latest free EP that he released not too long ago. Alright hope you enjoy Another CD that I wanted to express my feelings about because I think it's being too slept on. Alright so let's start.
1. Intro - This intro gets me mad hyped for the opening track because in the backround it sounds like some straight Rocky music production which sounds dope, while a young lady is talking about her Abortion experience and some type of protester speaking her thoughts on it. N/A
2. Birth Of The Cursed - One of the dopest tracks I've heard from F.E.T.U.S. The energy and flow he delivers makes this song a perfect opener to pop off the album. The verses are straight crack and the hook is just as good. The effects he put on the chorus helps fit the mood of the song title. Dope shit. And I think this is produced by Lyrikal, because he usually doing tracks with that cat. 10 / 10
3. Where U Sleep - This track has been on his myspace and is the most played whenever I end up going to his page; next to "The Switchblade Salute". The song is great but is definately too short, it is 11 seconds short from being 2 minutes. This beat has more of emotional appeal to it because it has a piano behind it and the hook he sings. The verse he spits is fresh and goes well with the beat. This song would be a 10 / 10 but it wasn't long enough. Produced by Lyrikal. 9 / 10
4. The Outcast - One of the songs that I haven't heard yet. I think the vocals should be a little more louder because it kind of hard to understand what he is saying at times but I get this gist of it which is good. Song is about how all of his haters wish that he was him. Beat is pretty unique, never heard something like it before. These verses had some of the graphically sickest lines I've heard so far on the CD. "I'm out for blood! Sorta like someone like Dracula / But only I know to give you an abortion with an spatula". So from that you can tell that he is still continuing the concept of the album name. 9 / 10
5. Crack - Crack - Latest single released to promote this CD. The whole gist of the track is summed down to the hook, " Yo I'm looking for asssss, titties and asss" lol. He continues to surprise me with funny lines like "Your in your business suit and I aint wearing shit but a smile, UPS baby come over here and get this package". It sounds like that he recorded this track with different equipment because the quality doesn't sound like the same as "Birth Of The Cursed" not terrible sounding because the vocals and beat produced by Lyrikal are listenable, but it could have sounded better if it did. Oh and towards the end he samples some various different quotes from movies including some from Grandma's Boy. 9 / 10
6. The Switchblade Salute - I reviewed this before and I'm going to still say the same, dope shit. Produced by Lyrikal once again and this is definately one of the best pieces of work either him or F.E.T.U.S have done. If you like guitar sounding beats like I do you love this track. Hip hop wicked shit is what I'll label this along with a majority of this CD. The hook is one of the highlights of this EP, if you don't want to download this free album you should atleast listen to this song on his MySpace. 10 / 10
7. They Said (Ft. Dee Ignorant) - They Said (Ft. Dee Ignorant) - Another song that I never heard yet until now. Unlike most closing songs, this track is a straight hip hop sounding song but ends the EP with the last laugh because he explains how they said he will never make this CD happen. What I don't like about this track is that the quality isn't as good as the past songs. I would have gave this song a 6 out of 10 but the lyrics by both F.E.T.U.S and fellow B.T.K member Dee Ignorant definately delivered and same with the hook. So it's hard to rate this track because I have mixed feelings about it, I wouldn't skip over the track though. N/A
Who's The EP For?: Anyone who hasn't heard his music before and that wants to hear something different, it's for free anyways so why not get it?
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. Birth Of The Cursed
03. Where U Sleep
04. The Outcast
05. Crack
06. The Switchblade Salute
07. They Said (Ft. Dee Ignorant)
Artist Name: Dark Lotus Album Title: "The Opaque Brotherhood" Release Date: April 15th, 2008 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
The blood red moon has come and gone, and now it is the night of the blue. As prophesized twelve thousand years ago by a Chinese Mystic the five pedals have spread leaving that is known as The Lotus in full bloom. This is not only one of the most organic, beautiful sites for a mortal to have bestowed in front of them; it is also one of the deadliest. The pedals contract and ball up into the form of one. Five pedals form one solid figure of a fist to deliver this album as a sucker punch on the chins of those who never thought it would happen again. Far ahead of their time, it’s time to follow these journeymen into the ever-spinning spiral known as existence. Upon this journey we now find where The Lotus is taking us, The Opaque Brotherhood. A band of misfits and freaks of the night with one mission: spreading the message of the Lotus to the masses.
Through the Tales from the Lotus Pod and even sitting out in the Black Rain the wait for the Opaque Brotherhood was well worth it. The Production all over this whole concept is the shit, wig splitting, and it is also very entrancing. The way the collected pedals as a whole come together their product is nothing short of spectacular.
“We’re so ahead of our time” as, said on ‘In Bloom’ is not only a slick hook it’s straight fact. Individuals have many things going on for them in their main paths they follow; yet when under the Lotus it seems those talents are magnified and enhanced. This is strictly an all-Psychopathic production. There are no outside influences, other than supernatural. What do I mean? I mean that it was recorded in the Lotus Pod and lyrics written by DL. Produced, engineered, mixed, and edited by Dark Lotus with the help of behind the scenes ninjas like Akuma and Eric Davie.
Compared to the previous releases of this proclaimed “super-group” The Opaque Brotherhood is the best fit for the next installment in the darkest reaches known as the Dark Carnival. The sound on this CD, like the others, is straight wicked and dark. The darkest rhymes and lines are dropped by these individuals for us to pick up and heed as a warning or as a well-delivered message for us to act upon. You take it how you take it. All I know is I can keep the secret with the whispers in my ear, so I’m going to keep hyping it up and bumping this shit like I’m supposed to.
Embedded in the lyrics is nothing out the norm for PSY a large amount of violence, blood, and gore to quench that thirst until you feel the need for a new CD to drop. Also many of the rhymes have different meanings behind them all you have to do is read behind the lines. Peep tracks like ‘Witch trapped in this song’, ‘Keep Up’, ‘Hot Poison’, and ‘Withered’. Bottom line juggalos, juggalettes, and lovers of the Wicked Shit you should get up and get this, the CD is bomb and you most definitely need to check it out at least once.
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. In Bloom
03. Follow The Leader
04. Black Sand
05. Can You Keep A Secret?
06. Heinous
07. Backwords
08. Keep Up
09. Witch Trapped In This Song
10. Opaque Brotherhood
11. Hot Poison
12. Falling
13. Trapped Inside
14. Withered
Artist Name: Dark Lotus Album Title: "The Opaque Brotherhood" Release Date: April 15th, 2008 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
1. Intro - Track starts off as a soft whipping wind then a dark mysterious voice starts talking about the Lotus. 2 Dope starts singing the hook laced with the winds and reversed talking in the beginning then later you start to hear the other 4 members chanting various lines to the haunting beat. Pretty dope intro if you ask me, definitely something to start a big album like this off to, but what I noticed is that it is you love it or hate it but I think it's dope, just didn't really feel the bridge even though the rest of it made up for it. 8.5 / 10
2. In The Bloom - Just like the previous Dark Lotus records, Madrox is definitely back on point with the choruses and is a big element of Lotus. My favorite part of this track is that besides the hook, Monoxide's verse is very different because he changed up his voice, big time. I didn't even recognize who it was at first, it is more quiet, little faster with a different natural effect which I can't really describe but if you ask anyone else who listened to it they would probably say the same and agree. Everyone's verses sounds straight but Madrox and Monoxide definitely stood out to me the most. 9 / 10
3. Follow The Leader - Slower creepin' track with heavy drums which fits the mood and concept. Jamie Madrox on the chorus again with Blaze and does a great job of making it sound like some straight voodoo shit. Not my favorite song off the LP but it isn't something to skip over. 7 / 10
4. Black Sand - My favorite song so far on the album. Good pace track, not slow like the previous songs, flows well on the beat, would have made a perfect single to promote the CD. Probably one of the dopest concepts created and would make a nice music video. Madrox's chorus fits well and is the highlight of the track. 10 / 10
5. Can You Keep a Secret? - Instead of just 1 verse each they flipped it up so each "petal" has multiple verses and it reminds me of a song off "Tales From The Lotus Pod". This track is about each of them confessing different murderous, heartless, criminal, vicious acts to you the listener and then them asking you "Can You Keep A Secret?". Beat fits well under all of them whispering out their verses. Another straight slow wicked shit song, there isn't too many slow murder type of songs that I'm into but this is listenable. 8 / 10
6. Heinous - From the track's name, it is exactly what you think it is about. Violent J and once again Jamie Madrox is singing on the hook, but I like Jamie's part the most, for some reason the voice he decides to use on this one fits the most on it, especially under the beat. Violent J and Monoxide's verses stands out the most to me. This track next to "Can You Keep A Secret?" sounds the most different than the past Lotus songs off the previous CDs. At first I didn't feel this track but after more and more listens it starts to grow on me more. 7.5-8 / 10
7. Backwords - One of my favorite choruses next to the one of "Black Sand". This would have made a dope opening song towards more of the beginning of the CD. Song is about straight destruction and reeking havoc with each of the Petals spitting descriptive verses of each of them doing different random acts of violence. 10 / 10
8. Keep Up - Heart lifting track which is a first one this CD. It's talking about something about running through the fire if you ask me. I think it has more of a deeper meaning then what you hear on the surface. Amazing song, everyone is on point with their verses and the beat is one of the best so far. The chorus is one of my favorites along with the past ones that I've noted, with the effects and singing laced with other petals contributing. Nothing to sleep on. 10 / 10
9. Witch Trapped In The Song - If you read my past reviews, you can tell I'm a big fan of concepts and this is one that is on point. Each petal has effects on their voices to make it sound like something like white noise and makes the mood feel more realistic. The hook isn't nothing big even though it isn't bad at all but the highlight of this song is going to have to be the verses, everyone once again is descriptive and hits the target. 8 / 10
10. Opaque Brotherhood - Title track, self explanatory. Talks about the "Opaque Brotherhood" and each petal describes themselves. Even though this song is the average time length it goes by fast because half the song is a chant-like chorus which is in my opinion the highlight of the track. Once again it's a slow type of song and is kinda too slow for my taste, this would have made a dope Intro to start off the CD towards the beginning. 7.5 / 10
11. Hot Poison - In this track they describe their music as "Hot Poison" and from everywhere from Hell, to locations where they build Pyramids that they bump "Hot Poison". You could label this as the new Lotus anthem that you would probably hear being chanted by Juggalos in the crowd. The creative hook is the highlight of the track. Not one of my favorite tracks but I wouldn't consider it a filler, a little too slow for my taste. 7.8 / 10
12. Falling - Song is about whispers and strange voices influencing the petals to end their life by jumping. I'm starting to like this track because it isn't as slow as some of the other tracks and is a pretty good song. The chorus is pretty creative because under the singing the beat turns into some siren type of sound wave that to me kind of represents the craziness going into the head of each of the members. The verses are on topic and they each bring their own point of view of what they see before they take that step and start "Falling". 8 / 10
13. Trapped Inside - The production on this one makes one of the best beats so far. This is the first song that has a sample as the chorus of two people being puzzled of where they are, I don't know where it is from but while it plays Violent J is in the backround singing about there is no escape. I'm guessing it is about going insane and not leaving a state of mind that they will forever be in. Not bad of a concept song. 8 / 10
14. Withered - Mmm ending tracks, I think all of us really enjoy the closing songs that Psychopathic makes because usually they end well and on point just like this one. For some reason I feel the same vibe as when I heard "Thy Unveiling", "Angel Like", and "Nothing's Left", that might not make sense but I feel it. Nicely laced guitars and drum pattern fits well under the verses. From this song you can tell how much they've matured compared to the past Dark Lotus records. Nicely paced and I know I've said this a lot but, Madrox stands out on this one again because his verse is quick and still kept his darkened "psych voice" as people call it and brings that even deeper meaning to the track especially that he is the last petal to spit on the entire CD if you don't count the repeated chorus of course. 10 / 10
Who's this album for?: Anyone who likes that slow murderous wicked shit for that this CD has a good amount of. And who likes Dark Lotus in general will enjoy this CD, along with people who enjoy deep meaning concepts.
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. In Bloom
03. Follow The Leader
04. Black Sand
05. Can You Keep A Secret?
06. Heinous
07. Backwords
08. Keep Up
09. Witch Trapped In This Song
10. Opaque Brotherhood
11. Hot Poison
12. Falling
13. Trapped Inside
14. Withered
Artist Name: Myzery & T.O.N.E-z Album Title: Twin Gats "The Lost Sessions" Release Date: March 25th, 2008 Record Label: N/A
1. Intro (The Find) - Intro isn't nothing too big, just T.O.N.E-z and a friend of his walking at night and it eventually leads them into a graveyard and they find a certain tombstone suspicious so they dig it up and find, well just look at the cover again.
2. Bang Bang - Beat is something off a Chamillionaire track, pretty good. Good opening track and the verses are pretty straight and the highlight of this track would have to be the hook of this song. You can download this track free @ Faygoluvers.net
3. Sniper (F.U Twin Gatz) - Beat is too sick, idk where it's from but I like it. Something special that I noticed about this track is that he spits bars that are shout-outs references to the rest of the Rydas' stage names which I found pretty dope. The chorus isn't bad but I like the verses, it's exposing fake gangsters and how tonez and myzery are untouchable. Pretty good word play by T.O.N.E-z.
4. Cock Back (How Dare You) - First song I ever heard off this CD, and it's still my favorite so far. This beat sounds like something off an old gangsta flick which sounds nice with the concept and song title. The best track off this LP so far, word play in the verses that were spit were dope. "You think your hard and your shit is lethal, kid you couldn't catch a body if it was raining people"
5. Straight Ryda - A very familiar old school beat . Definately some str8 Psychopathic Rydas shit. He also laces the hook really well and T.O.N.E-z ends the track with a bridge then an outro but he doesn't spit any verses so I would consider this a Myzery solo joint.
6. Twin Gatz - Beat sounds like something that would be on "Book Of T.O.N.E-z Vol. 2", with the beat and sampled hook and all. This would have made a really good single even though the track is kind of short, it goes a little over 2 minutes. Pretty fun laid back bars and is definately something to replay after your done listening to the CD for the first time.
7. The Stick Up (Skit) - Haha, this funny dude is tuning in the radio and getting frustrated with all the whack music and wants to bump his own music so he go gets some "Payback"
8. Payback - Besides "Cock Back" and "Twin Gatz" this is another song off the LP that I really enjoy. The hook is my favorite part of this track cuz Myzery's flow sounds nice over these orchestrated type of beats. Gettin some Payback!
9. Duck Low - Beat is something really familiar but don't know exactly where it's from. The hook isn't that bad but isn't as good as the past ones. Verses are str8, especially T.O.N.E-z'.
10. Special (Gangsta Mamiz) - Another bangin' beat idk who produced it or where it's from but I'm feeling it. This song is a special track about appreciating "Gangsta Mamiz. Track is definately something to bump in the whip and nothing to skip over, just wish it was a little longer, song is 1:47 mins long but it comes with a verse each and a hook so it definately delivers more than a usual mixtape track with 1 verse.
11. Bring It On (Bullet Proof) - Another familiar beat and Myzery all of a sudden sounds waaayyy different on this track especially on this chorus. His voice sounds heavier and raspier which I think sounds dope and fits on this track, I hope he starts to spit like that more on his future projects. Pretty short track 1:32 minutes long but just like the last song it comes with a hook and verses which aren't bad, highlight of this track is definately the chorus.
12. The Return (Load Up) - First single off this CD, and the latest song Myzery recorded that was released so far. Most of you guys already have it so you know what I mean when I say shit's dope and having this song end the entire EP kind of makes me think if this is just a prequel of what is to come from T.O.N.E-z and Myzery of course.
I never was a big fan of Myzery before but since I've heard more from this dude, I'm keep an eye out for whatever future projects he has in store for us.
Who's this album for?: Anyone who felt him on Rydas or any of Myzery's or T.O.N.E-z solo CDs would enjoy this
Tracklisting:
01. Intro (The Find)
02. Bang Bang
03. Sniper (F.U. Twin Gatz)
04. Cock Back (How Dare You)
05. Straight Ryda
06. Twin Gatz
07. The Stick Up (Skit)
08. Payback
09. Duck Low
10. Special (Gangsta Mamiz)
11. Bring It On (Bullet Proof)
12. The Return (Load Up)
Artist Name: DGAF Album Title: DGAF Release Date: March 18th, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records Records
If you don’t give a fuck and stay drunk as fuck yell DGAF! Finally after all the years of hype DGAF themselves have finally stolen the finalized product straight from Zingers office to bring to us the debut album: DGAF. When first thought of it was brought down to Chucky Chuck, Gillies, and an unnamed party. Now there is a small change, no Cause, but there is Saint and Big Hoss. Two heavy-hitting Subnoize renegades who’ve got more than just a little something to spit.
The message is simple, “Comply with us. Don’t collide with us. Coincide with us, or it’s ash to ashes, mother fucking dust to dust.” From the Socal to the ATL theses dudes give no fucks for sure, and definitely are here to raise a little hell while rieking a little bit of havoc the only way stoners know how to. Bottle after bottle, shot after shot, all the bitches pussies popped, all the smoke smelling like pot the Subnoize Compound has continued to propel the ever-changing sound on the hip-hop front yet again.
DGAF really started when an un-named source was too tripped out off of a few too many hits, but has been re-created and subnoize initiated. It only looks like good things from here on out. On their debut album along with the two OG’s Saint and Hoss this shit has that good ol’ down home production by the duo of Brad “Daddy” X and Kumagai. Though it is a Subnoize production Bobby B is not on the tables. That’s kinda weak in a way, but it’s awesomely fresh, because he can’t DJ for every body his fingers would simply fall off. Instead they have found this guy behind a music store scratching broken records on trashcans: DJ Circa. He doesn’t even sound that bad. As a whole, this group (4 Emcee’s and DJ) makes a clinched fist that punches the industry’s head honcho right in the upper lip splitting that bitch, releasing the blood that the underground so desperately craves.
The energy on this CD is constantly keeping you moving, bumping it alone, with a crew, or even just your boo this is something that could get you moving. But you might find one catch by it, some of the time with all the yelling of “DGAF” it sounds like it could be a Kingspade CD just with DGAF in place of KINGSPADE. That’s just how I felt the first time I heard it. I really think it’s fresh as fuck that this disc is finally out though, I can’t even begin to tell you guys how much I’ve waited. Go get out and get it. Pop it in, get the green, bogart it, get retarded, and if any haters start to bump their gums remember that you’re down on your luck feeling rich off 1$ so yell DGAF!!!!!!!!!
Tracklisting:
01. Into
02. Damn Right
03. We Came Here
04. Burn
05. Bump That Shit
06. Misfits
07. Knuckle Up
08. Pass That
09. With Us Or Against Us
10. Let em' All Know
11. Hallucinations
12. Fuck A Chump
13. No Way But Up
Artist Name: DJ Clay Album Title: Let Em Bleed Vol. 1 Release Date: February 19th, 2008 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
Since DJ Clay’s arrival into the Juggalo world he has been quite the busy guy. Always touring with various Psychopathic Records artists as a live Mixxmaster, he’s laid down some quality production on recent releases, and finally has put out a project of his own style. A mixxtape. Not just any kind of mixxtape like Lil’ Wayne, Young Jeezy, or any of them bitches would put out; this is a mixxtape of straight up Psychopathic Shit. There is no constant sound or any specific theme he’s trying to stick with except deliver to the Juggalos what the want to hear.
Now not only is this the first official dropped thing from Clay while affiliated with the hatchet; it’s the first release on Hatchet House from its debut artist. The way I see it is that the double H is just Psychopathic’s little brother in the music industry, so how could the little brother do something brand new without the help of the big brother? You know what that means, every-motherfukcing-body from the hatchet is alive, kicking, and representing that Detroit funk giving no fucks if it makes it’s way to your trunk.
First DJ Clay continues to show us that he considers himself a triple-threat by kicking it off with one of his own tracks, “Follow Me”. Whether you feel the same way about him is your own decision. Scratching right into the next track is the multiple-batman personalitied man himself, Jamie Madrox with “Let ‘em Know” to put down and show how much family love he’s got. After select tracks you hear the various artists along with random promotions of W.FuckOff Radio, this projects like a pre-recorded radio program, I think it’s fresh. Shaggy 2 Dope steps up next to let Clay remix the track “Alley Rat” to deliver you the blows again from The Tempest. What kind of CD would it be if you heard Shaggy, but no J to be found somewhere close by? A solo EP probably, if that. Naw I’m just fucking around with y’all. Really though, Shaggy does have solo tracks on this album. He also displays his production skills by remixing ICP’s own “Get ya Wicked On”. But next is Violent J to show us his newest homies of Gumps and Freaks; “Frankenstein”.
Now what this furiously, ferocious, vinyl spinning body snatcher does next is something nobody had heard before, EVER, until the release of the sampler for this shit. A track with Esham released under the Hatchet, since the falling out from Soopa Villainz, with Boondox the Skarcrow rockin’ cursed verses to make “I Murder”. If you don’t have a chance to get the Toxic Terror EP from not attending the tour, and you don’t wanna be shitty and download it, Clay tries to help you out by delivering you “The Sickness” which is basically ISI, but otherwise known as Twiztid and Blaze ya Dead Homie. It for sure lives up to the title, this shit is straight sick and if you caught the tour, it shows you why your medical bills are piling up, “The Sickness” is spreading.
Again, Clay continues the non-stop wig-flipping extravaganza with playing the Twiztid beats’ “Fall Apart” and “Die motherufcker Die” while having Shaggy and the ROC spit all over them like they had a lisp. Both take each track and make it their own, while keeping it eerily, freshly, and awesomely throwback to a yesteryear. At the same time whilst jumping back and forth between times had and the times we have yet to experience lyrics get spit, wigs get split, and new talent is brought up. DJ Clay and his homie Bailz from the SouthWest D-Town on some murder shit, “Kill 4 You”, on the “Blaze Up” beat. Bailz is someone new I haven’t hear of, but I also live under a rock so, I don’t know. But I know that this dude sounds a lot like Blaze.
This mixxtape has a bunch of different sounds by your favorites on the label that runs beneath the streets. Pick it up, dub a copy, steal it, do whatever you gotta do to get your listening fix and tell us what you think about it.
Tracklisting:
01. Start (DJ Clay)
02. Follow Me (DJ Clay & Razor Ray)
03. Let 'Em Know (Jamie Madrox)
04. Alley Rat Remix (DJ Clay)
05. Frankenstein (Violent J)
06. I Murder (Boondox & Esham)
07. Sickness (Twiztid & Blaze)
08. Fall Apart (Shaggy 2 Dope)
09. Somethin Outta Horror Flick (Jamie Madrox & R.O.C.)
10. DieMuthafuckaDie (The R.O.C.)
11. Get Ya Wicked On Remix (Shaggy 2 Dope)
12. Off The Post (Boondox)
13. Blaze & Monoxide (Blaze & Monoxide)
14. Write a Letter (Jamie Madrox)
15. Kill 4 You (DJ Clay & Bailz)
16. Trife (DJ Clay)
17. Global Warming (Violent J)
18. End (DJ Clay)
Artist Name: Psychopathic Records Album Title: Toxic Terror EP Release Date: 2008 (Only on the Toxic Terror Tour) Record Label: Psychopathic Records
While your skull is being cracked with an aluminum bat, twiztid around 62 degrees, or your ankles broken in backwards if you’re at the Toxic Terror Tour make sure to pick yourself up a copy of the Toxic Terror EP (limited edition). Supplies will only last so long and once they’re gone, then they are gone Juggalos! Sure you might be thinking this guy is an idiot because I can just download it online eventually. Well if that’s your mindset then fuck you bitch, support that shit and help out fellow Juggalos who make the wicked-shit for your bitch-ass to bump out the trunk.
Ok now I have mixed emotions about this CD. Don’t get me wrong it’s off the hook and definitely a banger, yet it seems like something else. It seems like it’s Twiztid’s answer to I.C.P.’s ‘Eye of the Storm’ for the ‘Tempest’. For them it’s ‘Toxic Terror EP’ for ‘Independents Day’. It also seems like if they would just throw four or five more tracks consisting of remixes and one or two new ones they could call it Cryptic Collection Volume4. Also with all the shit twiztid has cranked out since Halloween they could’ve dropped another full length without even taking the tracks form PFOS3. With my insistent bitching out of the way now I can move on to what we both want, a break down of the Toxic Terror EP for you from me.
The first track is ‘The Sickness’ w. Blaze ya Dead Homie. This shit is fuckin’ fresh. Fresh like cotton right off the plantation and put straight into your shirt. You can look at like this a new-school ISI track. Yea bitch, Infamous Superstars Incorporated, aka. Twiztid and Blaze. That’s ol’ school psychopathic shit for real. If you remember when Twiztid first came around they toyed with the idea with tracks like ‘Somebody’s Dissin’ You’, ‘What The Fuck?!??!?’, and ‘Triple Threat’. When these three spit on the mic screen together it’s never less then a flat out stab to your jugular.
Second is a type of track that the duo has only fucked with once in a while or while dawning the bandanas for the Psychopathic Rydas. It sounds like what it would if Twiztid ran the music selection in the club that nite, getting it crunked up and hype all night, ‘Wile out’ w. The ROC. Fat-kids bouncing, chain-smokers smoking, and entities making moves for money or murder move the energy right along in this superbly mixed track in which you might catch your feet sliding across the linoleum to pop and lock it up, homeboy!
Switching up the style the best they know to the demeneted, demonic bretheren from the deepest parts of the outer limits, microphones in hand, spit out this loogie of a track ‘If They Don’t Come For Me’ landing right in your ear, splitting your cranium like a cracked window. A wicked as fuck track about everything they’ve ever suggested coming into existence, and take all their negative elements and embrace it, straight TWIZTID.
Now I’m only one to explain the freshly new. This whole disc is freshly new, hence the reason to call it the Toxic Terror EP to sell on the Toxic Terror Tour. But the last couple tracks are remixes, then the infamously whack track feat. Master P. The original cut to ‘My Addiction’, a new ‘Sex, Drugs, Money, & Murder’, and Master P’s nut on your face are tracks that I want you to hear on your own and decide what you like in them and what you hate in them. This shit don’t matter no more, go get these tracks bump the bitches and leave the hoes wallowing with stitches. Quit sleeping on it and get with the freshness, it’s only ten bucks.
Tracklisting:
01. Toxic Terror
02. The Sickness (w/ Blaze)
03. Wile Out (w/ R.O.C.)
04. If They Don't Come For Me
05. Sex, Drugs, Money & Murder Version 2 (w/ Boondox & Violent J)
06. So Addictive (Alternate Version)
07. Feel Me (w/ Master P)
Artist Name: KottonMouth Kings Album Title: Greatest Highs Release Date: January 15th, 2008 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Juggalos, Teccnicians, and Subnoize Ratz alike I’m back in this bitch like a pimple in the middle of your fuckin’ forehead. I’ve been out for a grip but now returned to bring forth another showcase from the Kottonmouth Compound. The newest addition to their repertoire of lyrical ammunition, Greatest Highs, was discovered buried in layers and layers of sand on the beaches of the California Coast, dusted off, and delivered to a record store near you to shake the foundation of the nation.
No matter what you may call yourself, if you like the Kings get your self a copy of this. Whether it’s burned, stolen, bought, or dubbed to a cassette this concept is worth the effort you give to get it. Thirty-nine tracks! That’s right, thirty-nine motherfuckin’ tracks of bong rips, big hits, fat tits, wide spliffs, and new shit. Everything is on here. Every dope-ass, off the hinge track the kings have put out basically are morphed into this compilation to take the “musical high” you’re used to and throw that bitch sixty-four and a half feet more into the clouds.
Now we’re in the stratosphere, straight spacing it when out of nowhere, disc 2 starts off with a brand new track specifically made for this project, “Can anybody hear me?” One of the first tracks in ’08 to state a point with a slowed down melody, yet still stating the same message the Kings have always expressed “The power to live in true freedom, when a plant isn’t victimized as a criminal on a planet, which supported it’s life before our own.” What it seems like they’re saying is that they are willing to pay the ultimate price to achieve the ultimate freedom, to be in peace to smoke their weed.
Then closing the whole experience it flips the script to get into a more political mood with “No Future.” An intense piece about where we as a collective whole are headed, to nowhere. Running in circle a thousand times over making the same mistakes. In taking these actions the future we’ve chosen isn’t even there, existence stops and we finally take the blame.
It’s another project thrown out by the group of Buddha blazers that beat down the door the music industry with a steel toe Dock Marten. Go get it if you’ve just started getting into this group, after listening it’s hard to deny their talents. You’ll be hooked like a worm while fishing. That’s my time and I’ve got to go, my opinion shouldn’t matter to you anyway, reader, make your own conclusions from your listening experience.
Tracklisting: Disc 1:
01. Where's The Weed At
02. Full Throttle
03. Bump
04. Put It Down (w/ Cypress Hill)
05. Fire It Up
06. First Class
07. City 2 City (w/ Tech N9ne)
08. 4-2-0
09. Peace of Mind
10. Tell Me Why
11. Outcast
12. King Klick
13. Day Dreamin' Fazes
14. Tangerine Sky
15. Friends
16. Bad Habits
17. Rest of My Life
18. Dog's Life
19. Positive Vibes
Disc 2:
01. Can Anybody Hear Me?*
02. Everybody Move
03. Suburban Life
04. Livin' Proof
05. Bring It On
06. King's Blend
07. Sub-Noize Rats
08. SRH
09. The Lottery
10. Think 4 Yourself (w/ Insane Clown Posse)
11. Float Away
12. Peace Not Greed
13. Dying Daze
14. Bong Tokin' Alcoholics
15. Gone Get High
16. So High
17. Life Rolls On
18. Life Ain't What It Seems
19. No Future*
20. Rip the Night Away
Artist Name: Psychopathic Records (Collaboration) Album Title: Psychopathics From Outer Space 3 Release Date: November 13th, 2007 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
Just moments after we stumbled off of the no-mans-land trail in Newton County to escape Punkinhead and find an old timepiece on the ground to see the Clockwork Grey, a material in which we can walk back and forth through the seems of time. But while standing there in a field, pickin’ the wedgie out our ass crack we notice a shooting star. Yet it seems that this star is coming closer and closer to where we are positioned as if it were destined to land in the field like there were crop circles or something. Following the impact we find ourselves running over to the crater that’s split the earth’s surface 17 feet deep.
The closer we draw to this object the more bass rumbling we feel in our belly’s. The production on Psychopathic’s CD’s over the years has only shot into the stratosphere to bring itself back to earth to blow the lids off our fuckin’ heads like a mossberg point-blank from behind.
Ever since the first was conceived I’ve always had a deeper appreciation for these compiliations, 1, 2, & 3. Record labels put out regular mixtapes to display the skills or abilities of one or two new artists, and what these guys always do is just that, but take it one step further. Aside from a shit-load of new music to bump by the newer faces, the ol’ school OG’s; T-W-I-Z-TID, Blaze, and of course motherfuckin’ ICP. It’s a mixtape with no meaning, or message other than to sound out of this world and completely new. It’s always like that; whether we’re finding our ways through the Amazing Maze, spinning some 24’s on our ’84 Regal, or getting a fix for My Addiction, it’s fuckin’ fresh.
Now if you’re a Juggalo and you have no idea about this disc, you’ve gotta problem. Not really you can just read this and then go peep the album yourself. Yet here’s something for you to wanna go get it quicker; ICP, Twiztid, Blaze, Boondox, Dark Lotus, DJ Clay, Motown Rage, The Hatchet Family, and Zodiac Mprint. Those ten names have collectively added their powers gathered from the inner depths of outer space to set this disc on a mission. To once again come to this useless, hopeless, and restless ball of life and take it over for the hatchet.
Right about here is where I would tell you about the individual tracks, but I hold these CD’s in such a high regard I couldn’t spoil that fun for you, the listener. I want you to draw your own conclusions on this one and not even care about what you’ve read already. These tracks are off the fucking hook, but that is just me and I don’t know how you feel about it. Just do me a favor take yourself a copy of this CD, listen to it and call me in the morning let me know how you like it.
Tracklisting:
01. Blast Off
02. Dark Lotus - Further Away
03. Insane Clown Posse - Truth Dare
04. Zodiac Mprint - Shake
05. Twiztid - My Addiction
06. Boondox - My Van
07. Blaze, Violent J, Madrox - Put It Down
08. DJ Clay - Just a Song I Wrote
09. Boondox, Shaggy, Monoxide - Last Day Alive
10. Twiztid - Zombie
11. Blaze - Girls They Love Me
12. Insane Clown Posse - If I Was God
13. Boondox - Torn Possession
14. Motown Rage - Reason
15. The Hatchet Family - Hatchet Man
16. The Landing
Artist Name: Wombstretcha Album Title: Startin' Floods Release Date: October 5th, 2007 Record Label: Pavement Joint Productions
Wombstretcha, these are just two normal guys. Normal guys who don't give a fuck, these dudes will leave a dead bodies arm hanging out the back of a trunk doin 67MPH while kids are goin through a crosswalk to "special education" classes. Burstin' on the scene straight out the womb, stretchin the walls the whole way out Wombstretcha and Statutory Ray take a rap style mastered by the likes of Muck Sticky, any rhyming 12year old, and the OG himself, Danny K. Their shit is straight funny, if you've got the sense of humor fitting for a Tromo Horror Classic video.
The production on this disc doesn't seem to be all too bad. These two just try and flow all over everything and sometimes their "flow" sounds generic and played out. Yet what they manage to express while bobbing their heads on beat is some of the most fucked up, weird, straight outta left field shit i've ever heard:
ex.) "Oh Snap" - "you and me and baby makes three, threes a crowd and 2's companys, so you and stomach and baby meet knee, down comes the baby from the baby tree."
Now i know what you're thinking, these two aren't the first to rap on; maming, eating, or raping babies. But the way that this song starts out showing it may be a sequal to a song called "Baby Steps" where you throw your bitch down the stairs instead of getting an abortion. This song takes place in a trailor, for those of you who don't have the luxury of stairs.
Another thing i found most entertaining about this album was "Track 6". That shit was my favorite. It opens with Womb. talking to Ray and how he heard the whole album. It's great until one small problem is discovered. There is no track for slot six. And so "Track 6 feat. 12welve Gauge, MikeNike, Haf-Dolla, and Anybody Thrilla." Theres only one thing that could boost this track beyond the greatnersst of W&R, and that's guests! They don't fuckin car as long as they can rap and are black. If you study the guests listed on the track they all have names similarly familiar to underground sensations Tech N9ne, feminem, 50cent, and the Anybody Killa. It may be as if he's dissing them, but he may not, i can't tell.
These dudes are funny as fuck, not something i would throw in during a party, but it's something i would want to hear when I'm in the drunk mode where i wanna hear funny shit, fo sho. Check em' out yourself you have the internet at your fingertips, don't take my word for it be your own judge, nutgobbler.
Tracklisting:
01. Startin' Floods
02. Dead Horse
03. Pop, Pop!
04. Tramp Collector
05. Oh, Snap!
06. Track 6
07. Gravy (Without the Lumps)
08. Fucking Polite
09. Lost it in 'Nam
10. Cant' Say "Nigga"
11. Box Lunch
12. Stop Sign
13. Kiss Me Where I Pee (or You'll Get My Wang in Your Shithole)
14. Glove and Rockets
15. Pink Bunnies
16. Change Da Urf
Artist Name: 7th Seal Entertainment Album Title: Bucket of Bones Release Date: October, 2007 Record Label: 7th Seal Entertainment
After having barely escaped from the Hell House 2 times for two consecutive Halloween’s and mutating/shifting/changing through chemical threats phase 1 and 2, we are now brought to a point on this path where we come upon a bucket. Now it seems like a regular bucket, weathered, gray, rust, and a broken handle. As we draw closer and closer we come to find that a foul stench lingers in the air and that dark puddle’s color is becoming more and more red? Standing above the pale we find our darker thoughts are realized this bucket is a “Bucket Of Bones”.
Seven major bones apart of the anatomy are within. Succumbing to the uncontrollable urge to eat we plunge ourselves towards it without a second thought. After ingesting a few bites from the legs, the arms, a piece of the head, a rib, and one eye we hear more voices. Voices we can’t escape, the same voices that plagued our thoughts throughout the House, the Chemical Threats, and even the Temple Rain, with some new voices to torture us.
7th Seal Entertainment is only growing; it’s like a cancer blot on your skin or mold on your bread. Not too long ago Lo Key put down the tracks that laid the foundation of the House, and even concocted the formula for the Chemical Threats. Employing the skills of an all-star line-up on the underground scene, Lo Key’s army of “infected soldiers” is slowly marching to the beats of this drummer towards the battlefield to the war between mainstream and underground.
Back in the booth of course is Lo Key, with his generals; Badluck, Grewsum, and the Wikid One. Taking their sides, Psycho Jesus and Claas, newly recruited adding their madness to the battle-plans.
Without a doubt Lo Key’s song, Under the Moonlight, shows how this madman under the light of a blood red moon can lyrically murder with the best on the EP. The whole exhibit is good, it’s not bad at all. Psycho Jesus’ song “Nightmares” is eerily awesome descriptive about everything you don’t want to dream about, but still do. Even the hidden track about torture is fuckin’ fresh as hell. You’d just have to download it and find out for yourself if I’m right or straight bullshitting. That’s another thing I love about 7SE, everything is downloadable, motherfuckin’ free! Go check that shit out on myspace or his web page bitch and get off this page’s nuts.
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Temple Rain - The Hayride
3. Badluck - The Walk
4. Psycho Jesus - Nightmares
5. Lo Key - The Moonlight
6. Grewsum - Feed My Dog
7. Tha Wikid One - Six Deep
8. ClaAs ft. Bloodshot - Ima Get Em
Artist Name: ESHAM Album Title: Lamb Chopz Release Date: October 30th, 2007 Record Label: Reel Life Productions
Esham's Back with a Digital Download and for 6 bucks it's well worth it.. We only heard little but big noize From Esham since he left Psychopathic Records in 2005. in the 2 years since than he released an album with Natas, Released Raps First $100.00 Box Set to Celbreate the 15th Annv of Judgement Day Vol's 1 and 2, and made some noize online with The Bomb Ass Podcast. When news came about on New years Eve 2006 that Esham's Next Album was gonna be a 2 disc set. Fans of Esham were wondering how it was gonna sound. Lamb Chopz is a 6 song preview (kinda like how Eazy-E did 187 It's On Dre as a 8 song preview to Str8 Off Tha Streets Of Muthaphuckin Compton) to Sacrifical Lambz. and Before Esham once again gets sucked in by the major lebel corprate politics as in April of 2007 Esham Signed with The Virgin/Capitol Recording Group. Anyways. Lamb Chopz is everything you'd expect from an Esham album. it's as Wicket As his older stuff and is as new as most hip hop out there that sucks. Esham proclaims his claim to the qoute used recently on an interview with The Zone:
"I Started This Wicket Shit And This Is The Fucking Thanks I Get!?"
on Forgot About E which he flows freely over a sample of Jimi Hendrix's Let Me Stand Next To Your Fire. Deadbeat Mom is a gritty story about Eshams Gritty Divorce in 2002 which left him almost homeless and it brings back and brings back the conterversal moment of Imus Calling a listner a Nappy Headed Hoe. American Psycho is old school Esham going all wicket and not caring just like Mr. Honey Nut Cheerioz is as wicket. Mr. Honey Nut Cheerioz is a story about a Serial Killer who stalks and kills on halloween morning.
All in all Lamb Chopz Is what you need if you are a hardcore Esham Fan or a major fan of Horrorcore
Tracklisting:
1. Lamb Chopz
2. American Psycho
3. Deadbeat Mom
4. Forgot About E
5. Mr. Honey Nut Cheerioz
6. I Got Flow
Artist Name: Kutt Calhoun Album Title: Flamez Mixtape Release Date: September 18th, 2007 Record Label: Strange Music
You wanted some of that clown DNA, you’ve patiently waited, and now he’s hit you back. That’s right boys and girls of all ages you read right, Kutt Calhoun has stepped back into the studio and released “pure fire” within that is known as the Flamez Mix Tape. Strange Music employs some of the best emcees on the underground scene and it doesn’t matter if that beat was jacked or original, it’ll get murdered.
B.L.E.V.E. was released in two double O-fo’ and now Bloody Kutty has returned to the building that is “the game” and lit that bitch up with The Flamez. No one famous rapper was sacred, the mainstream has no idea what it is that hit their beats, but they will soon be jockin’ the meats, of tech, krizz, and kutt best believe. This shit is real. Kutt took those million dollar songs and brought them to a real man’s level. Not rapping about the 40 G’s he spent on his diamond encrusted shoelaces.
The Game, Young Joc, Fergie, Kelis, The Ying Yang Twins, and Busta Rhymes all wishes they could fuck with these songs the way Strange Music did. This CD is everything, bomb ass beats, bomb ass flows, and sure to be bomb ass shows. Besides all those mainstream hoes being on this disc (technically) some real musicians are up here. Tech N9ne, Big Krizz Kaliko, Skatterman, Snugbrim, BG Bulletwound, Duece Klik, and Tupac. Ya heard, Tu-motherfuckin’-pac.
This Cd is going to catch on quicker than Velcro shoelaces in a colony of people with no fingers. The mistake you’ll make is not to get this mixtape, it’s no risk take. So throw your rags in the sky cuzz, throw your flags in the sky blood, now all together you and I should not rest until this CD’s sales are on the rise.
Personally I don’t have one favorite track, because when I spin the disc I gotta hear it all the way through, all 24 tracks of Kutty Cal with the Bloody style getting wild on the mic for a while.
Tracklisting:
01. The Greatest Song Ever
02. Hit Me Back (w/ Tech N9ne)
03. The Story
04. Letchu Know (w/ Snug Brim)
05. The Anthem
06. In My Cup (w/ 3rd Degree)
07. KOCKY
08. Im Da One (w/ Big Krizz Kaliko)
09. Blik Blik Blowh
10. Bounce (w/ BG Bulletwound)
11. Automatic
12. 1st Lady
13. Move On (w/ Tech N9ne)
14. So Damn Hot...
15. Putcha On Da Flamez (w/ Big Krizz Kaliko)
16. Changin Lanez (w/ Deuce Klik)
17. Wanted 4 Murder / Flame Thrower (w/ BG & Skatterman)
18. Pants Party...
19. Party People (w/ Young Greed)
20. N Da Trunk (w/ Grant Rice)
21. Whore Island...
22. Strip Club Song
23. Bears...
24. We Can't Stop (w/ 2Pac)
Artist Name: Danny Diablo Album Title: Thugcore 4 Life Release Date: October 9th, 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Double D, Lord Ezec, Danny Diablo, whatever it is you may call him you know that he’s been putting his neck bending Thugcore blend down since 1994. Well now it’s thirteen years later and the shot blockin, glock cockin kid from Queens, NY is here to present his newest dabbling “Thugcore 4 Life”. This album has a blend of many different sounds. There’s East, West, and Mid-West hip-hop sounds, as well as various hardcore sounds from around the way. Fusing a type of thug essence in his raps, with the hardcore driven guitar riffs and drums he’s wig splitting and hoe hitting and you should check it out.
Making appearances on this working is Daddy X(KMK), Stress & Havok (Subhoodz), Prince Metropolitan, Ceekay, & Panic(Shotblockers), Skinhead Rob, Slaine, Big Left, Danny Boy(La Coka Nostra), and let us not forget Necro, there is bound to be at least one song that you could dig. It starts out with a hard driving force melting your stereo. Then Diablo shows us his rhyme skills f’sho on the track “Funky Rhyme” (ft. Daddy X, Stress, and Havok) showing you where he’s come from if you’ve followed his career.
What I really liked about this album was how each project he’s had a hand in is showcased so well on their tracks. “I’m a Shotblocker!!!” is one of my favorite tracks off the album because it has a kid of laid back feel to the beat, and the way the words fall from the mouths of the MC’s is quite well. The track that I found most appealing though was “Mechanix”. Soul Assassins, Dirty Money Syndicate, and Psychological Records on one track together, this track is hands down the best on the album. The word play on it leaves those listening stupid like an autistic group of Jerry’s kids.
Yet the thing I wasn’t able to get into a whole bunch was the sound of “Jersey White Trash”. I just don’t like that kind of Rock. The subject is hilarious and the lyrics are funny as fuck, I just hate that kind of music sound, I dig the hip-hop way more. But that’s just me.
Lord Ezec has done more than one or two things in the last fifteen years, I mean c’mon, he’s an International Hardcore Superstar, that’s hard to achieve. He managed to do it, I give him props. If you like Danny Diablo’s older shit, check this out it’s by far a good working I think. If you have no idea who I’m talking about check out his myspace then go get the album. If you don’t like him oh well bro, read a book or something.
Tracklisting:
01. We Dont Care
02. Get Down
03. Banged Out
04. Funky Rhyme (Featuring Daddy X of KMK, Stress and Havok of the Subhoodz)
05. Jersey White Trash
06. I'm a Shotblocker!!! (Featuring Prince Metropolitan, Ceekay and Panic of the Shotblockers)
07. Livin' By The Gun
08. Satanic Shamrocks (Featuring Skinhead Rob and Slaine, Big Left, Dannyboy of La Coka Nostra)
09. Unstoppable
10. Mechanix (Featuring Prince Metropolitan, Skinhead Rob and Necro)
11. The Harsh Truth
12. Hardcore 4 Life
Artist Name: Big B Album Title: More To Hate Release Date: August 28th, 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
High-class white trash, hooligan, any way you see him or call it, his name is Big B. As a solo rapper or apart of the group “OPM”, Big B came into contact with the OG Sub Noize ratz, KMK, through the motocross world and somehow something must’ve clicked. OPM and Big B had signed deals to be apart of the vastly expanding record label that is known as Suburban Noize.
Hailing from LV, Nevada B’s managed to catch the attention of living hip-hop legends Mellow Man Ace (did beats for Ice-T) and Bronek. Debuting in 2004 on SNR with the album “High Class White Trash” he’s returned with newest of installments that’s just for all you Big B fanatics, “More to Hate”.
I’ma just whip out the ginzu and cut right to it because I can’t do anything else but keep it real and drop the info for ya’ll to peep. Big B’s sound hasn’t been so appealing to me over the last couple of years from what I’ve heard. Yet on each of the projects he’s involved in I find myself like at least one or two tracks, even if it is out of twenty-one tracks. This album in fact, I liked, more than anything else I heard on one disc by him. Some of his flows I find sloppy and off beat, but the lyrical content always makes up for it with the tales, stories, and woven words he spins for the murder-go-round we call life; ”Real as They Come”, “We Can Smoke” ft. KMK, and “Million Miles” ft. Tech N9ne.
Some of his stuff I don’t like is how he has that sound with the country twang in the beats. I don’t what it is but that sound drives me nuts as fuck. Sometimes I can withstand it, but for the most part that shit throws me into a hazy daze leaving me comatose from bouncing my head off the walls. Don’t get me wrong Big B is still the shit and whatnot but I just don’t like all of his shit. You can get all the people some of the time, some of the people most of the time, but never All of us at once, fucker!
My favorite track on this album would have to be “We Can Smoke” ft. KMK. It’s a throwback to “We Can Dance” just way better for today’s generation! (Pepsi product placement) I like how they took that song and produced this phat-ass beat to blow a phat ass bleezy to. The song is pretty self-explanatory saying “Yea it’s illegal, but we’re gonna smoke still, bitch-ass, smitch from the east.” This attitude in the song isn’t what drives me to it, seeing as the Kings have whole albums dedicated to this. But the rapping, the producing, everything to deal with song is amazingly goofy. “Million Miles” ft. Tech N9ne is fresh as fuck as well, Big B and Tech N9ne on track together? WHAT?!? Yea it’s right they are, B’s verses definitely come from the heart and it shows through in the verses he drops. Tech peels the mic back like a banana, eats it, then spits it back out into the speakers to your ears!
Big B has his work still cut out for him, but has so me good ass teachers showing him the ropes on the road. Every time the Kings go on tour Big B and his label-mate The Dirtball embrace their fatigues and take stage as the Subnoize Souljahs. Whether it’s rockin’ the mic right during the night, making a cameo on A&E’s ‘Inked’, or laying down newer tracks for ya’ll to catch a fix this front line veteran on the underground/mainstream war will be keeping it real as himself; real, funny, high class, white trash, but most of all himself. (The only thing you can call all your own [if you’re an innovator!] FUCK THE IMMITATORS!
Tracklisting:
01. More To Hate
02. American Dream
03. White Trash Life
04. Put Em Up - (with Danny Diablo)
05. Counting Pennies
06. Pass The Jager - (with Dirtball)
07. Real As They Come
08. Looky Looky
09. Harley - (Skit)
10. On the Road
11. Come Take a Journey
12. How Quick - (with Blaze Ya Dead Homie)
13. Miss Wonderful
14. This Is Me
15. We Can Smoke - (with Kottonmouth Kings)
16. Million Miles - (with Tech Nine)
17. Living On the Edge - (with Sen Dog)
18. Its All Good - (with Dirtyball)
19. Staring Out My Windows - (with John E Negro)
20. Brand New Day - (with Daddy X)
21. Suk It - (Outro)
Artist Name: NECRO Album Title: Death Rap Release Date: September 11th, 2007 Record Label: Psycho+Logical Records
Necro- noun. ['nek-(")rO] - Self-made underground superstar, one who reps a sound all his own demolishing sound barriers
He's been around rapping, ripping the eardrums out of his fans heads since 1999 with the power driven force of his record label Psycho+Logical Records. Necro aka Ron Braunstein hasn't been one to shy away from controversial lyrical content: bondage, gore, intense violence, drug usage, and satanic beat selection. Six discs, that’s six whole albums underneath his belt, most if not all artists who are overly successful in today’s music game make one maybe three if their lucky. This guy forged something in his mind set it into motion and made it stick more than a chigger at Hog-Rock Ill. He’s done so many things to help shape the game from directing, producing records, and being a self-employed rapper (which ain’t easy only few can do) he’s about to be joining colossal forces with the Insane Clown Posse to embark on the tour that is known as The ’07 Hallowicked Tour.
His latest installment of thirst quenching violence is delivered in form of “Death Rap” not only dropping the title in his lines but dedicating an entire album to the name. It has the best of both worlds for the listener. It has the heaviest, death-metal driven chords and drums thanks bands like Shadows Fall, Twelve Tribes, Fates Warning, Mark Morton(Lamb of God), Mike Smith(suffocation), Steve DiGiorgio(formerly of Death), Scott Ian(Anthrax), and Dave Ellefson(formerly of Megadeath). Then it has that hip-hop feel of Necro that you obviously have grown to like if you have bought the album or any other of his early workings. Mr. Hyde and Ill Bill even appear on it dropping some seriously raw, like salmonella, lines.
The tone to this CD is so dark. Probably the darkest I’ve heard, you might disagree but this one was actually done well. With ideas spanning over revenge, reppin’ what you are(Suffocated by God’s Shadow), and how evil rules all this is scarier than most movies released recently to theatres. Something to definitely listen to if you’re pissed looking for something to take your stress away or pump yourself up to go fuck someone royally up. I am such a fan of the way that Necro can put his words together on beat even on tracks like SBGS.
I’ve heard mixed emotions about this yet from fans of his saying that it might not be as hard as his older shit. I disagree and say it’s just as hard and in your face, hocking a loogie, slapping your mother and calling your sister a bitch. I suggest to check this out if you find it intriguing, if it ain’t your thing whatever then dude fuck you too.
Tracklisting:
01. Creepy Craw
02. No Remorse
03. Some Get Back (Revenge)
04. Belligerent Gangsters (featuring Harley Flanagan)
05. Suffocated to Death by God's Shadow (featuring Brian Fair, Mark Morton, Mike Smith and Steve DiGiorgio)
06. Mutilate the Beat
07. Keep on Driving
08. Technician of Execution
09. Keeping it Real (featuring Adam Jackson)
10. Exploitation (featuring Mr. Hyde)
11. As Deadly as Can Be (featuring Ill Bill)
12. Evil Rules (featuring Scott Ian, Dave Ellefson and Ray Alder)
13. Forensic Pathology
14. Portrait of a Death Rapper
Artist Name: KottonMouth Kings Album Title: Cloud 9 Release Date: August 28th, 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Sal-U-mother fuckin’-Tations! Like the KMK and an unleashing of flesh eating fish into a public pool I, Whipstick, am back up in that ass to bring you this, ‘Cloud Nine’ review. It seems that every time I hold my breath, spin around three times, and then pick my butt-crack; Big P, Lou Dogg, Bobby B, and them three emcee’s Richter, Loc, and X pop out with the newest of installments that is apart of the underground movement. This one has a little something extra with it though, not only do you get a tight ass disk jammed full of flava, but you get a DVD as well as a decal for those of you who got a hooptie to throw that bitch in.
This album showcases what it is that has made these past twelve years one hell of a ride to be on, had you been bumpin’ the Kings since back in the days of them Stoners Reakin’ Havoc. In the beginning you’re slapped with a song set to a “roll call” type melody, meaning that the general’s are on the front line trying to find their King Klick (subnoize ratz). Keeping it truly innovative, fresh the sound continues to pulsate rip-hop through the speakers ‘Livin’ proof’, ‘No escape’, ‘Loadies’, and ‘All or nothing’.
Then around the 4th track it switches back to the Kottonmouth hip-hop, Socal style you wish you knew how to bump right; ‘Marijuana’, ‘Litas’, ‘City 2 City ft. Tech N9ne’, ‘Ridin’ High ft. B Real’ ‘Don’t make me beg’, ‘Everyday Thang’, and ‘Darkside ft. Sen Dog’. This ninth studio album by these humble, Cali boys blends punk rock and hip-hop together more than any other, I think, they’ve previously put out.
Then they flip the script on us all with sounds that gather your thoughts into one collective movement from songs like: ‘Think for yourself ft. I.C.P.’, ‘One day’, ‘Riddled’, ‘It ain’t easy’, ‘Proud to be a stoner’, and ‘Free willy’ a tribute to a fallen patriot incarcerated for the bullshit rule that using the herb to forget and have fun is illegal.
The CD’s sound is very spazmatic and jumpy, but without that variation of the chaos theory where would the Kottonmouth Kings be today? Nowhere, because if they’ve learned one thing over the years about their fans it’s how to keep them happy. Constant touring, CD releases, DVD pressings, and any other thing they can do to get you up and out they’ll do it.
My suggestion, get this CD if you like KMK for their unique style, own music, and whatnot. If for some gay reason you find yourself ‘hating’, get that dick out of your mouth, put your bowl of bitch flakes down, and jump into oncoming traffic because it’ll be easier that way.
Tracklisting:
01. Controlled Substance
02. Livin' Proof
03. Marijuana
04. Think 4 Yourself - (with Insane Clown Posse)
05. No Escape
06. Litas
07. One Day
08. City 2 City - (with Tech N9ne/Big Krizz Kalico)
09. Pass It Around
10. Ridin' High - (with B-Real)
11. PTB
12. Riddled (Interlude)
13. Drunk With Power
14. It Ain't Easy
15. Loadies
16. Don't Make Me Beg
17. Everyday Thang
18. All Or Nothin'
19. Dark Side - (with Sen Dog)
20. Free Willy
21. Time To Get High
22. Proud To Be A Stoner
Artist Name: Insane Clown Posse Album Title: Eye of the Storm Release Date: August 9th, 2007 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
This EP with five new songs and an intro was first spoken about shortly after The Tempest tour was underway. It’s a mythical CD with outtakes (except for the last song, which J released on his program “The Witching Hour” from WFuckoff Radio) from The Tempest that is ‘supposedly’ better than The Tempest itself? Where can you get one such thing? For months the only place you were told to tangibly cop that bitch was at the GOTJ07. When Aug. 9, 2007 rolled around and them few thousand juggalos who gathered at Hog Rock in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois soon found out what had awaited them.
Throughout the next four days I heard two very different/split opinions about this little stint. Either it was “The Shit, and should’ve replaced The Tempest” or “This is whack, it’s the Calm pt. 2” this album definitely got love whether it be bad or good.
I can see where the people are coming from saying it’s the shit and should not have been scratched from the project. The sound has songs where it’s both of the clowns and then each get their own song. Their rap styles both have changed since back in the days of South-West Detroit, but their lyrical content has grown nuttier and sillier.
Yet I can also feel the juggalos who say this is just The Calm pt. 2. It short, but then again it’s only an EP. I.C.P.’s rapping has changed dramatically and it’s almost not the same as it was once upon a time ago. Some of these tracks have nothing to do with the wicked shit at all and leave one(s) scratching their dome.
I liked two of the songs off of it honestly; ‘High-Rise’ and ‘Scatter Brain’. There’s something about the way the music, melody, and lyrics all flow together in ‘High-Rise’ that has left me entranced leaving the repeat button on most of the time.
For ‘Scatter Brain’, as J says, “It’s one big organized cluster fuck!” It’s nonsensical and goofy, true clown style. If you read “Behind the Paint with Hobey Echlin”, then you should remember J talking about a local rapper, Danny K, and how he only rapped to rhyme and it didn’t make sense. That’s why I love this song so much, not only does he give props to DK by mentioning his name, but also pays homage by using a rhyme style a half-retarded, undead Martian could use.
I'm sure as soon as you seen it you probably bought it, if you run with a hatchet. Then again if your half down because of your older brothers stereo bumpin' too loud then buy your own shit and bump them true scrub style hoey!
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. The Madness
03. Yellow Bus
04. High-Rise
05. The Perfect Night
06. Scatter Brain
07. Thrill of the Kill
08. Wind Me Up
Artist Name: Blaze Album Title: Clockwork Gray Release Date: 2007 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
This compilation of dead bodies, thugs, slugs, bitches, and drugs took more time to make than the deadman Blaze himself has been rapping it seems. Take a moment with me please, Juggalo to Juggalo/lette, remember that rumor started that Blaze was making a new CD after the Colton Grundy release? Well after years of “editing” and mixing we finally get what we were suppose to have at least by LAST HALLOWEEN. Now because it’s our dead homie, I’m gonna compare this CD in high regard to his early shit; Blaze ya Dead Homie EP and 1 less G N The Hood.
Production on this CD = superb, Lyrics on this CD = greatness, and delivery on this CD = madness trapped in a bottle.
1.) Production – Shaggy 2 Dope, DJ Clay, the R.O.C., Butch and Fritz Vankosky, Scott Summer and Randy Lynch, as well as Underrated of Lost Koast Productions.
2.) Lyrics – As most know Blaze doesn’t write all of his shit, but he performs it better than a magician pulling a rabbit out the hat.
3.) Delivery – Blaze’s delivery and unique voice make it unmistakably hard to forget his name once he gets stuck in your head.
Clockwork Gray, is the fourth installment of Blaze’s solo career in this rap game. Definitely not his best work, because nothing fucks with the Blaze EP, but it’s so close. With tracks like Blaze Up, Crypt Keeper, Toe Taz N’ Body Bagz, Wishing Well, and Escape Artist, this homie can show you he has more than just one trick up his sleeve.
I could honestly say that there was only one song on this album that I couldn’t find myself getting into/feeling at all, Egg Plantz. I don’t know why, I mean the lyrics are silly as fuck but I just cant dig it, I guess I lost my shovel.
There are so many guest appearances on this CD that doesn’t change it’s greatness, but they definitely had something to chip into the pot. Big B, Boondox, Kutt Kalhoun, Madrox, Monoxide, The R.O.C., The Samhein (mother fuckin’!) Witch Killaz, and Violent J. Let me digress, SWK. Those three letters bring three individuals together who haven’t released anything under that alias since Nosferatu and blow the track up bigger than 9/11.
This album is defiantly one to go out and get if you want one of many new additions to your psychopathic collection. If you didn’t like it I’m sorry for your feelings and can’t help but shake my head in shame.
Tracklisting:
01. Contact from the Other Side
02. The Crypt Keeper
03. Blaze Up
04. Toe Tagz 'N Body Bagz (w/ Jamie Madrox)
05. Ill Connect (w/ The R.O.C.)
06. Keep It Simple (w/ Big B & Kutt Calhoun)
07. Some of Them Thugz (w/ Monoxide)
08. Egg Plantz
09. Zip Codez N' Time Zones (w/ Violent J)
10. Inside Looking Out (w/ SWK)
11. Dead Neck (w/ Boondox)
12. Escape Artist
13. Wishing Well (w/ Jamie Madrox)
14. E.O.D. (w/ Zodiac Mprint)
Artist Name: (hed)p.e. Album Title: Insomnia Release Date: 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
When (hed)p.e. drops a CD, its so underground you’ll hit china before you find a record store that carries any of their old shit. (not literally, stick with me though) From samples and friends mixes, (hed)p.e’s, sound is just as hard-hitting and soft spoken as it is invigorating. It’s the very meaning of Websters definition of a contradiction. It’s like the Nirvana syndrome, no matter how hard they had tried to remain underground and do their own thing, (building a very devoted fan base) have gained more notoriety than previously attained with the signing to Suburban Noize Records.
Insomnia is their sophomore album on the label, but for sure it isn’t their second release. It all started back in ’95 independently, working through the years with labels like Jive and Koch (hed)p.e has found something all their own that sticks. It sticks so fuckin’ good you’ll need skin softener to alleviate some of the chaffing from your skin. It’s been a rollercoaster ride of twelve years and eight successful albums, but these guys are still going strong having just gotten off of the Strange Noize Tour with label mates; Subnoize Souljahs, KMK, (psychopathic records’) Blaze, and that red haired wonder, Tech N9ne!
If you’re like me, you really hadn’t taken the time out of your music/work/marijuana/economic consumer driven day to listen I think you should. If you’re looking for a group who’s never made the same sounds twice then hit these dudes up like that cheap trick on the corner that you and your boys hit three times after one case of Natty Lite. There are so many different sounds on Insomnia, you’re bound to find something you like within the 14 track encounter from that late night calling.
What I love so much about them is how they use a live band the whole time, not just a mixing board or disks spinning on the tables of fury. There isn’t a damn thing wrong with rap at all, but these guys are using rap combining it with actual music where all entertainment sprang. This disk if full of guitar riffs, fat spliffs, and hot chicks who look more than ready to fuck. I found the same message in a lot of the lyrics that I have heard before though, ‘Be yourself, fuck anyone else’s opinion, and that there is no normal or abnormal there’s only that gray area in between where we all reside’. It features guest spots by label mates KMK and Big B, with Tech N9ne and Roscoe throwing flava into the mixing bowl for a thirst quenching taste of invigorating music.
I like these guys and if you do too pick this cd up if you haven’t already if not FUCK OFF BIOTCH.
Tracklisting:
01. Madhouse
02. Walk On By
03. Game Over
04. Habeus
05. Suffa
06. Comeova2nite - (with Young Roscoe)
07. C2gu
08. RTO - (with Big B)
09. Mirrorballin
10. Tienanman Squared
11. Children
12. Atlantis A.D.
13. Wind Me Up - (with Tech N9ne/Kottonmouth Kings)
14. Dont Let Me Down
Artist Name: Lavs Album Title: The First Set Release Date: 2007 Record Label: Chisle Records
TJ Lavin has done quite a few things with his life that have gained him some fame. He’s a pro dirt-BMX champion, and has been featured on an MTV show or two in the past, and now he has arrived at a new station in life. In front of the microphone putting it down trying to hold his own. A Las Vegas native like that high-class white trash, Big B, Lavin is out of the lab to bring you his newest venture, “The Lavs”.
The production on this CD isn’t bad at all, it sounds like it’s gonna be an interesting journey on this walk down the dimly lit trail that is known as “TJ Lavin’s Rap Career”, but it really isn’t. The CD is perfectly fine, the beats, and skills used in putting it together all seem to fit perfectly until Lavin steps up to the mic and actually begins to spit. Honestly, I think that he sounds like the tough-guy in the boy band that never made it, so now he’s trying to rap to sound harder than Liberache’s dick, but sounds softer than Snuggle the Downy Fabric Softener Bear. And nothing adds to this theory than when he uses swear words in his lyrics that don’t really sound like that fit.
Rapping on such subjects that are close to him; friends, biking, how “he made it”, how he doesn’t drink, doesn’t smoke, and doesn’t use violence but listens to his mom and “Kills them with love? Or hugs?” I hear the same message again and again all over this CD, and I don’t like it. I don’t care what it was like for you to grow up riding bikes and being a good kid, but I do know what I like and it’s actual talent behind the microphone. Something that Lavin seriously lacks, my half-retarded, chain-smoking, constantly drinking pet monkey, Shep, could rap better than this, Sober!
If you like that “pop sounding” radio rap, by all means go get this CD and continue being the homosexual you are with your feathered hair, and Sean Jean clothing. And if you’re looking for a CD with a bunch of good beats to jack, 7th Seal Style, get this, I’m sure you’ll hear something you could flow all day on. As for me I’m just going to wonder why this disc would actually be pressed up.
Botttom line TJ, stick to what your good at and stay out of the studio!
Tracklisting:
01. Intro
02. R U Ready
03. Don't Think I Forgot
04. Tonight (w/ Simon Tiberon)
05. Runnin
06. Make A New Song
07. #1 Fan
08. Been Around the World
09. Gotta Be A Star
10. My Name Is
11. Never Gonna Hold Me Down (w/ Richter and Jon E)
12. I Don't Care
13. Sexy
14. Do You Believe in God?
15. Remember The Time
Artist Name: Amber Pacific Album Title: Truth In Sincerity. Release Date: May 22nd, 2007 Record Label: Hopeless Records
Amber Pacific is another one of those, family friendly, pop/emo bands, that seem to be swarming upon the scene like locusts these days. Much in the same vein as Mtv mainstays, Yellow Card and Cartel, the group incorporates modern rock elements with the sad sappy teen angst filled lyricism that makes a grown man want to murder.
Formed originally with the name, Follow Through, in 2002 while the members were high school juniors, Amber Pacific have been kind of cruising along the warped tour circuit as second stage acts since 2004. Playing the venerable summer jam fest in successive years they are finally starting to get some respect and attention being asked to change from, playing spots to playing the entire festival, this new found glory (haha get it) is mainly because their newest record and the subject of this review, "Truth In Sincerity", hit the billboard charts for the bands first trip to the middle, peaking at #66.
This is a band that is literally on the brink of making their name a little less forgettable. With fellow emo/rockers Yellowcard and Sum41 releasing new albums this year it can't help to try and introduce a newbie to the world. So don't think you won't soon hear about them nonstop throughout the country. Weather it be from Top 40 radio, TRL, MtvU, Nickelodian and Video Game/Tv Spots or whatever crazy way labels are getting their artists music heard these days.
Amber Pacific's music and their problem can be summed up in one simple way, by just listening to the first 2 tracks of the album, The group has desire to be epic, however they are not and that's something they will have to soon accept. The libretto and lyricism, just does not measure up to the best part about the band which is the constant bombardment of incredible instrumental. So what you have, cut down the middle is this...an Emo/Pop band trying to be epic, using just terribly boring subject matter. On the other side, you have an incredibly powerful music force driven by the superb Guitar and Drum combo of Will Nutter and Dango.
One of the highlights of the album is its latest single, "Fall Back into My Life" probably the strongest vocal performance on the album, is your typical...We were young and dumb, I made a mistake, and would do anything to get you back, track. (What kind of industry are we living where a complex storyline like that becomes a run of the mill thing?) It is undoubtedly ear candy, and serves itself well being released as a single, designed to infest the ipod of every 13 year old rebellious teeny bopper. It just sounds musically so good, no matter how boring it is, it stands out.
We picked out one highlight, now onto the next one right? It is a hard thing to do when every single song sounds exactly the same as the last. The only compliment I can gave is that, throughout the album, there starting to sound more and more like a multiple platinum recording artist (except it isn't them)... Simple Plan.
In one of the songs on the record "Take me from this place", Matt Young sings, "I have nothing in this heart at all, this life seems meaningless" that statement doesn't sound far off of what I think about this album, it seems meaningless. The lyrics express they have heart...however the majority of it seems kind of like produced pre-arranged, puppy love. Nothing about this album is personal at all, though they'd want you to think it's deeply unique, nothing about the album is awe inspiring, in fact it is just the same record that has made careers for bands like Simple Plan and Yellowcard, reproduced and rearranged a few times.
The Bottom Line: Eh, listen to a few tracks over at their my space and decide whether you'd like to invest in a band that in short time will be making millions on the backs of your little sisters schoolmates. If your heading to the Warped Tour this year, steer clear, with the lineup they have this year...your time would be better served rehabbing your broken bones waiting for the next act. The group has an impressive musical sound however the vocals just plan out suck and kill the passion and the grandeur that permeates from the superb plucking and drumming of its non singing band members. Drop the singer, find a life...preferably your own, experience it, write about it, and we got something interesting.
Tracklisting:
01. Rule #76
02. Summer (In B)
03. Temporary
04. You're Only Young Once
05. Living Proof
06. Follow Your Dreams, Forget The Scene
07. Take Me From This Place
08. Fall Back Into My Life
09. We Think We're Hardcore, Cause Well, We Are
10. Runaway (Featuring Mike Herrera Of MXPX)
11. Watching Over Me
12. Dear ____, This Has Always Been About Standing Up For Yourself...
Artist Name: Bloc Party Album Title: A Weekend in the City Release Date: February 7th, 2007 Record Label: Vice Music
Bloc Party is perhaps, the next biggest rock band in the world. They are a band that were not formed by some corporate entity trying to squeeze every last dime out of rock n roll and dip, Formed in East London, England in 2002, their tale of mediocre beginnings and great success is one that seems to be more common to your local garage band then it would be the biggest phenomenon in the rock industry today.
The fairy-tale story of Bloc Party's success is the legend of the common dream of every struggling musician in the planet. Lead singer Kele Okereke and guitarist Russell Lissack formed the core of the group, meeting in the neighborhood were Kele went to school and Russell lived, they ultimately formed a band called Union in 1999, with a name, a guitarist, and a vocalist, they did what so many musicians these days do...they put out an ad in a magazine enlisting the services of a bassist, where the met up with Gordon Moakes, they eventually rounded out the group with drummer Matt Tong.
In 2003, they changed their name to Bloc Party and released their debut single, "She's Hearing Voices." The band got their break, when Kele attended a Franz Ferdinand concert and like so many aspiring artists, threw his cd on stage at a DJ who played the groups song on the radio, and called it "GENIOUS." That's all it took...soon after they had labels running after them trying to attach their names to them.
Their debut record released, Silent Alarm released in 2005 was a huge hit and was voted by numerous outlets as the album of the year, the group even went platinum in their native U.K. However, without the proper exposure they didn't even chart in the U.S.
After being featured on numerous U.S. media outlets, such as the hugely popular teen sitcom, The O.C. and having a track featured on one of the Tony Hawk Pro Skater games, they started to raise a ton of eyebrows in the states, which brings us to today. The record we are reviewing, "A Weekend in the City" was released in February and unlike their last record, not only did it make the U.S. Billboard charts, debuting at #12, it charted in 17 countries, including #2 in the U.K.
While most bands in today's industry are trying to be the next Blink 182 or Green Day, Bloc Party has a much different sound. Less like Blink more like Coldplay meets Tv On The Radio, Bloc Party have a truly refreshing sound. The majority of music today is either meaningless yet fun to listen to, or meaningful to the point of that emo stereotype, Bloc Party have found a comfortable spot right in the middle, where they are creating extremely entertaining music with a meaning. Drawing inspiration from the 7/07/05 subway bombings, drug abuse, and government issues, they created a masterpiece.
From beginning to end, "A Weekend in the City" is just awe inspiring, all thriller no filler, Bloc Party leaves its listeners buzzing yet craving for more at a meager 11 tracks. Opening with the almost agitated confessions of Kele Okereke in "Song for Clay" expressing he cannot stand East London and how he feels like he doesn't exist their today, yet loves what it was in the past. This song defines Bloc Party in my opinion (if you don't mind me offering it.) significantly expressive music with a catchy chorus and a perfect compliment of instrumentals bellowing behind a inimitable voice.
The third single from the album (which debuts this month) and perhaps the most meaningful track on the album is "Hunting for Witches." Hunting for Witches was inspired by the deadly subway terrorist attacks which occurred in England on July 7th 2005, Kele talks about his inspiration in an interview with Billboard magazine, "The 30 bus in Hackney, which is just around the corner from where I live, was blown up. [That song was] written when I was just observing the reactions of the mainstream press in [the UK] and I was just amazed at how easy it'd been to whip them up into a fury. ... I guess the point about the song for me is post-September 11th, the media has really traded on fear and the use of fear in controlling people." This songs subject matter doesn't sound like it would fit the almost upbeat catchy sound of the guitar/keyboard fueled resonance behind it, yet it is the driving force behind Okereke's first hand experience.
Listening through the 11 track album, As a reviewer, I find myself in a quite unique spot, my goal when going into an album is to warn potential listeners of the flaws of the album, however I find myself frustrated that their isn't much that I can say to deny the credibility of this album, yet thoroughly entertained with the genius that I am experiencing. You can listen to this album from start to finish without skipping a track; however a few noteworthy submissions really ring through, "I still remember" the first U.S. Single, brings the listener back to innocent days, and high school romance, yet still somehow manages to be more palatable to a male listener then the majority of mushy pop/rock songs infesting your radio. "Kreutzberg" is another softer track which compares love and lust to living behind the iron curtain separated by the Berlin Wall. "Uniform" tells the story of being young and misunderstood, wanting to change everything by wearing the uniform of most "rebellious" teenagers...your standard issued chuck taylors, and tattoo's, but eventually realizing that you cannot change the world by fashion statements.
The Bottom-line: Bloc Party is going to be huge, they are everything that music is supposed to be...fun and meaningful. The most impressive part of their portfolio, is their almost cinematic rise to fame, Bloc Party rose to the top on the dreams of every kid playing their guitar right now in their room, wishing to be a rock star. There is so much bullshit in music today, you cannot listen...or watch for that matter, rock music today without seeing a guy in skin tight jeans wearing eye shadow, with a bowl cut practically crying about god knows what. However, with Bloc Party, you get that emotional element yet it isn't about some random girl who left her socks at your house, it is about the state of the world, and simpler times.
Tracklisting:
01. Song For Clay (Disappear Here)
02. Hunting For Witches
03. Waiting For The 7.18
04. Prayer
05. Uniform
06. On
07. Where Is Home?
08. Kreuzberg
09. I Still Remember
10. Sunday
11. Srxt
Artist Name: Tech N9ne Album Title: Misery Loves Kompany (M.L.K.) Release Date: July 16th, 2007 Record Label: Strange Music, Inc.
A riot maker, a playa, a G, a clown, and a Kan. City King, TECH N9NE! brings you the flava of the Midwest in a truly hardcore addition to the vault of the Strange Music Dynasty. A little more than eight months since the release of “Everready the Religion” Tech has been steadily making moves, shaking shoes, leaving clues bringing us to what is now The Strange Noize Tour featuring the Suburban Noize Camp and the devastating fire-blazed trail known as “Misery Loves Kompany”.
Demonstrating the power of their royal bloodline, a lineup of Kan. City Killas that’s unfuckwitable, inseparable, and undeniable; D-Loc(not KMK), The Journalists, T-Nutty, Mr. Reece, The Philsta, Shadow, Money Hungry, Agginy, Yukmouth, Greed, Dalima, Prozak, Kutt Calhoun, Skatterman, Snugbrim, Big Krizz Kaliko. Let us not forget the one who sits atop of the throne over the kingdom of the KC Jungle Tech N9ne, bringing back an oldie yet still a goodie BIG SCOOB! (57th Street RDV’s act like you know bitch) A multitude of magnanimous talent is clearly displayed with word play from a time or a day, unknown. Flipping words quicker than jeezy flippin birds MLK is sure to be worse than an outbreak of herpes at the free clinic on a gay cruise without rubbers.
This album is a club bangin’, booty shakin, party makin anthem. Every track, beat for beat, line for line, proves to me that there is far more talent running the underground scene than the mainstream any day of the week, even when it’s on vacation. With production from the inner workings of David Sanders II, Robert Rebeck, and Michael “Seven” Summers Tech brings you a CD jammed full of musical entrancement. With luring beats such as “Big Scoob”, “Sex Out South”, “That Box”, “2 Piece”, “Gangsta Shap”, and “Fan or Foe” this disc will bring more recognition and greatly deserved payment for one of the hardest working beings in this industry.
Aaron even spans over the exploration of his roots and where he’s headed with tracks like “Message to the Black Man”, “The P.A.S.E.O.”, and “Crazy Love” (Bringing more compliments and love to the women than disrespect.) Taking you from the club, to the bedroom, to a place in your mind that is so secluded not even you knew it existed Tech N9ne is still working and moving in ways incomprehensible. If you feel the Nina get up, get out, and get this. If not, fuck you and get off your Bitch Flake Cereal and Haterade, get to the store and get on a real musician's level.
Tracklisting:
01. Kansas City Shuffle (Intro)
02. Midwest Choppers - (featuring D-Loc/Dalima/Big Krizz Kaliko)
03. Misery - (featuring The Journalist/Yukmouth)
04. That Box - (featuring Kutt Calhoun/Big Krizz Kaliko/Snug Brim/Greed/Skatterman)
05. Gangsta Shap - (featuring Kutt Calhoun/Big Krizz Kaliko)
06. Sex Out South - (featuring Kutt Calhoun/Big Krizz Kaliko)
07. Get Ya Head Right - (featuring Snug Brim/Money Hungry)
08. Fan Or Foe - (featuring Big Krizz Kaliko/T-Nutty)
09. Girl Crazy "Crazy Love"
10. 2 Piece - (featuring Big Scoob/Joe Vertigo/Big Krizz Kaliko)
11. Big Scoob - (featuring Big Scoob)
12. Yeah Ya Can - (featuring Krizz Kaliko/Shadow)
13. I Can Feel It - (featuring Agginy/The Philsta)
14. Karma (Skit)
15. You Don't Want It - (featuring Mr. Reece/Prozak/Big Krizz Kaliko)
16. Message To The Black Man
17. P.A.S.E.O., The (The Poem Aaron Saw Extra Ordinary)
Monster Maker - C-Rayz Walz and Sharkey present Monster Maker
Artist Name: Monster Maker Album Title: C-Rayz Walz and Sharkey present Monster Maker Release Date: July 31st, 2007 Record Label: Babygrande Records
Now I don't have some long back-story or history about C-Rayz Walz or Sharkey, no clever intro, hell...I've never even heard of Sharkey, and the most I know about C-Rayz is that he coached, a young nerdy white kid named Niles to be a rapper, on Mtv's Made.
The group derived its name from every day life, Sharkey explains, "I feel like the world is the monster maker and I feel like everyone, no matter how good of a family you’ve been raised by, or how good of a person you are, is capable of being that person that is sitting in the middle of bumper to bumper traffic for an hour one day and on the verge of going out and blasting people. Everyone has those moments where they feel like they can cross the line; everyone has that seed in them where they’re capable of doing something monster-ish." However, Monster Maker also has another meaning entangled within the routes of this album. As you listen to the record you are witnessing a monster being created…yes it is a concept album…and it works.
The beauty of being a music critic is that you stumble across the newest and most exciting music without having to look for it like everyone else. Admittedly, it has kind of been a drought over here at Faygoluvers, as far as introducing new and interesting music goes; however, Monster Maker is perhaps my favorite submission since coincidentally, Gnarls Barkley. The group mixes elements of Big Band, Funk, Hip Hop, and Rock into one big ol Rap version of the KFC Famous Bowl (Now that’s some good eatin!).
The duo went into this project as solo artists, Walz had a successful solo career going for him, working with artists such as Eminem, Rick Rubin, and Public Enemy, his libretto has long been heralded as some of the strongest in the game, while Sharkey had been getting huge recognition from his Debut Album Sharkey’s Machine, named one of the years top albums in The Washington Post. Like two pieces of a puzzle, their skill sets came together and created probably the duo’s greatest effort, be it solo or otherwise.
This concept album starts off as a sunny, life filled party album, however, little do you know a monster is building behind the tracks, and it needs life to feed its rage so it can finally surface. As it beings to grow, the music in turn gets a little darker a little angrier a little more intense with each track. A perfect example, take the sunny disposition of the second song on the album, "This Ol' Twisted World." Compared to the dark more mysterious, more paranoid sounds of "Forgotten" you can clearly tell business is picking up. Where anger grows, happiness leaves…and that anger reaches its apex with, "That Moment before Crazy ft. Vast Aire," Where it is unmistakable that the monster is preparing for his strike, he is fully formed and ready to wreak havoc on the track, "Slim Chances." The song sounds like the pitfalls of warfare from the beginning, lasers and beeps and zooms flying atmospherically it is...the end of days.
The music almost becomes secondary to the story of the monster, which is by far one of the more innovative things I have seen in music in a long time. The album is more a hip opera, the story of the monster being created as told by C-Rayz and Sharkey. Now with the back-story and concept behind…the music on this album is incredible. Sharkey is one of the greatest new producers in the game, and his moody yet funky influences make for destructive beats and that is what made this album exactly what it is. C-Rayz mind numbing vocals give life to the monster, and sort of act as a narrator to his life at the same time. Depending on what you go into this recording expecting, you’ll either just hear some great music or you can hear great music with an even better story behind it.
The Bottom Line: Monster Maker is officially one of the groups you have got to start watching in the underground. C-Rayz never sounded better then when he spit overtop a Sharkey beat and vice-versa, Sharkey’s beats never sounded as good as when C-Rayz went crazy on em. This is easily the most fun album I have reviewed in months, and If marketed correctly it will be a huuuge hit, with radio spots and hopefully music videos. Monster Maker is the Gnarls Barkley of the underground. Make sure you pick up Monster Maker when it hits stores July 31st.
Tracklisting:
01. Birth of Ratto Di Laboratorio
02. This Ol' Twisted World.
03. My Way
04. Pain To the Picture.
05. Jumping Off At The Jump Off
06. Electric Avenue
07. Might She Shoot
08. We Speak Animal
09. Forgotten
10. Loss of Niche ft. Zooks
11. That Moment Before Crazy ft. Vast Aire
12. Slim Chances
Artist Name: José González Album Title: Veneer Release Date: September 6, 2005 Record Label: Imperial Recordings
With a name like José González, you wouldn't immediately suspect that he is a Swedish national. González was actually conceived in Argentina (where his parents are from) and before being born, immigrated to Sweden where he currently resides. José was introduced to music by his father, at a very young age. His early inspiration can be accredited to his dads wide-ranging collection of music, including two huge influences The Beatles and Bossa Nova.
At the age of 14 José picked up the guitar for the first time and learned to play acoustically from a Beatles tab book, again something that can be accredited to his father. Growing up he loved every type of music, some of his favorites included not only punk groups such as Black Flag, and The Misfits but also hip-hop groups such as NWA and Public Enemy. All the while he was playing punk rock, and trying to master the classic guitar on the side.
Through a series of probably uninteresting events, José left his punk days behind him and decided to pursue his education. Attending Göteborg University studying biochemistry, he dedicated the majority of his time to his studies. When José finished school in 2001 he decided he'd go for his PH.D and began setting up the steps that would lead him there.
However, out of nowhere, José received a phone call from a Stockholm-based indie label, Imperial Recordings, after hearing previous work José had done of an indie rock nature, and they were in awe. So they basically asked him if he would be interested in giving music one last shot. And on October of 2003 José emerged with the album we are going to be talking about today…Veneer. Veneer was released in 2003 in Europe, in The UK on April 25th 2005 and September 6th 2005 in the United States.
Despite the two year difference, Veneer had finally landed on the shores of the States and
Unfortunately received little to no publicity or marketing which resulted in lackluster sales at the time. However, a blessing was about to be bestowed on González, The single at the time of arrival was his cover of fellow Swedish ex rockers, The Knives, song titled "Heartbeats". The people at the Sony Corporation approached José about using his cover for an upcoming commercial for the Sony Bravia television set. And this really launched his career. The highly innovative and successful commercial introduced González music to the country just in time for them to check out the album.
Before we get into the meat of the review, as a music enthusiast, I would be contrite if I didn't let it be known that I thought Veneer was actually one of the most underrated albums of the year in the United States, and deserved a hell of a lot more in terms of attention, than what it received.
José González plays classic guitar like it hasn't been played in decades. His soft melodic voice which almost sounds monotone somehow serves a different purpose; the music fills you with energy rather then putting you to sleep. It makes you feel more playful then bored. It infests your ear drums like a good disease. Once you hear the first master stroke on his guitar, you become obsessed with the music.
José González music does something to the listener, with a voice that soothes you, he brings out your pain with mere words, and allows you to connect intimately with the music bellowing from his acoustic guitar….none more then his latest single for the album, the song "Crosses." The song has heavy religious connotations, which read almost biblically. When listening to the lyrics the song on the surface just sounds great, but lost in that great instrumental seems to be a prophetic José channeling a message from God which he is preaching to the troubled souls populating our avenues and city streets. "Lay down your cross, don't worry I know your burden is heavy, but I am here to guide you." The music video which accompanies the single is equally as stirring. This ain't your sister's rock music. In a world where music is just background noise, and a thousand teenyboppers screaming "THAT'S MY SHIT!!!!" José González is playing music that matters.
This is where I usually continue and list like 2 or 3 songs that I think make the album better. On this album, I can literally name off the entire remaining playlist and have accomplished the same goal. This album is great from top to bottom, from Hints, and Stay in the Shade, to Deadweight on Velveteen and Love stain.
The Bottom Line: The album is a revelation and it breathes a breath of fresh air into a dying genre, however, it doesn't matter to the public because no one has heard it. Worldwide the album has sold 500,000 copies, the majority over seas. In the eye candy music industry that exists today, unless your smoking hot, or have a catchy hook your music is Nye. José González is perhaps Sweden's best export since dynamite.
When rumors surfaced that Lil Wyte had died...they were partially true. For most fans of the 2003 debut album, "Doubt Me Now", the following he built up was swiftly destroyed by his horrible follow up, "Phinally Phamous". The dreaded sophomore album, synonymous for ending most artists' careers hit Lil Wyte hard, but was this just a sophomore slump or something more?
Artist Name: Twiztid Album Title: Independent's Day Release Date: July 3rd, 2007 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
Twiztid!
One word which so perfectly describes these two giants of the underground society, The Monoxide Child and Jamie Madrox. Twiztid beats,
Twiztid hair do's, Twiztid lyrics, Twiztid life-styles, and Twiztid music made by Twiztid-serial killin' juggalos for Twiztid serial-killin' juggalos!
A highly anticipated album by this dynamic-duo, shaking the soil from which we stand, will surely blow the ears off that lump you call a melon and leave you in a daze wishing you had the slightest idea of what was going on. Insanity wrapped in music genious is delivered in this 59.5 minute stint set forth by Jerry Mailbox and The Peroxide Child.
Summoning the assistance of many Independent heavy-hitters Twiztid captures a new essence to that good 'ol Carnival sound that has been seeped, bumped, blarred, or blasted out of your speakers of any sort. There's so much talent woven togther to be spun round and round like the Murder go Round to keep you satisfied until the new Tech N9ne or Blaze albums come around. Combining the magnanamous forces of nature known as The Dayton Family, DJ's Quick & Clay, The Dogg Pound, Blaze (yours and my dead homie), The ROC, Bizzar and Proof (R.I.P.) of D12, Hed PE, Tech N9ne & Krizz Kalico, Potluck, and of course I.C. Motherfuckin' P, Twiztid throws it all into the blender concocting this fresh mix of Sex, drugs, money, and murder.
If you've been waiting just as long as I to hear this then you already know how gratifying it is to hear something that you knew you wanted to hear, it's just you were waiting to recieve it at the right time. From when you first look at the cover the story has already started. It's a Dark Carnvialish looking Uncle Sam staring you straight in the eyes from his soulless holes. Upon beginning of the spinning, the man opens his jacket and a force stronger than that of a black hole pulls you in. You stand after having fallen into a relam of darkness, horror, mystery, and many other things that leave more questions than answers in your mind. You begin walking down the path and two shadowy figures, twitchin' and twiztin, slowly glide torward you whispering possible latin things. As they draw closer and closer you begin to understand more and more. What was once not understandable is now so clear that you can help but listen. They only wave you down instructing you to follow them through this escapade of freeks, creeps, and juggalos. Passing under a sign all rusty and worn from erosion stating: "Welcome Home". Under the sign there was a gate that was broken down and boarded up. Then it suddenly hits you, your in the legendary Dark Carnival grounds. Caught off guard the first thing you see from the corner of your eye is a Monster wearing a hatchet man chain/charm fashioned from intestines and brains sporting it like it's all the same.
Seeing you're all shook up from the little you've already seen the two turn and ask "Are you scared?" Still quivering, and they can tell, they say "There's so many more that are Jus' like me, that will Bussyoheadopen without thinking twice trying to Hurt someone." Lifting your head from vomiting due to a weird aroma you couldn't explain you eagerly chase after Twiztid's sillhouettes inching into a side tent with a green smoke emerging from the doorway. You peak in to see not only Twiztid but Proof and Bizzar of D12 sitting there conversing of how that "Weak Shitz" out by tossing the stems and seeds aside of "My" favorite bitch, mary-jane. Telling of different Wet dreamz each has had by recieving a bag of schwag instead of fluff from them stingy fiendish, thieves. Being lit from the second-hand smoke Twiztid leads you to a cemetary and you begin to think twice about where it is you are and where it is you're headed. Tech N9ne, Big Krizz, and Potluck are spread out with, bodies upon bodies all laying around. "You're the new guy, you've got to bury 'em all, mitch bade!" blurts Tech. Not wanting to seem like a whiny bitch you do what is instructed. After it is all said and done with the group, all the side-shows you've seen along this trail, end up under the big top and in the center ring is both ICP and Twiztid kickin' off the beginning of the Monsters Ball, the show/rave/party end it all, real big (the only way Psychopathic knows how to do it).
As the CD finally ends you wake up one final time with your headphones on the wrong ear and the feeling that you have been out for a bit of time. Your vision a little blurry, voice a little raspy, and green smoke still seeping out of your pockets (my favorite! haha) you stare at the case of what you just bought. Realizing it was the rawest of the Raw Deal's and you are now left with this question: Will you or will you not go on to be a J-U-double G-A-L-O!
Whipstick
Tracklisting:
1. Welcome Home
2. Monster
3. My Favorite - (with DJ Clay)
4. Hurt Someone - (with DJ Quick/Tha Dogg Pound)
5. Just Like Me
6. Buss Your Head Open - (with Blaze Ya Dead Homie)
7. Get The People To Feel Me - (with The R.O.C.)
8. Raw Deal The Juggalo
9. How I Live - (with Proof)
10. Sex Drugs & Murder - (with The Dayton Family)
11. Weak Sh*tz Out - (with (Hed) Pe)
12. Wet Dreams - (with Bizzar)
13. Burry Them All - (with Tech Ngne/Big Krizz Kaliko/Potluck)
14. Monster's Ball - (with Insane Clown Posse)
Artist Name: Lil Wyte Album Title: The One and Only Release Date: June 5, 2007 Record Label: Hypnotize Minds
When rumors surfaced that Lil Wyte had died...they were partially true. For most fans of the 2003 debut album, "Doubt Me Now", the following he built up was swiftly destroyed by his horrible follow up, "Phinally Phamous". The dreaded sophomore album, synonymous for ending most artists' careers hit Lil Wyte hard, but was this just a sophomore slump or something more?
For the diagnosis, you need to scrutinize his career; Lil Wyte is an artist who has been banking on making it big for years, off of really only one factor, being part of Three 6 Mafia's inner circle. However, Hypnotize Minds (his record label) never really saw him as a legitimate chart topper they should invest in. But when Lil Wyte's debut album ""Doubt Me Now"" sold 130,000 copies with little distribution and even less PR, parent company Warner Brothers couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, and signed him to a one album deal with newly re-launched imprint Asylum. This new deal also renewed the interest of Three 6 Mafia in the advancement of his career.
With a new deal and the backing of a major record label, this champion of the underground took to the mainstream and the result, 2004's, "Phinally Phamous". While anticipation for the album was at a fever-pitch, many fans watched with a vigilant eye. Would all the extra money and pressure change Wyte? Would he become less underground and, "sell out." When the album was dropped, the answer was yes. Working with Three 6 Mafia transformed his street style beats and his sturdy choruses into a badly serviced reproduction of Three 6 Mafia in almost every way, it just didn't work. The album flopped and Lil Wyte in a sense, died.
However, history had other plans for Mr. Lanshaw. God bestowed upon the Three 6 Mafia, an Oscar. So when Three 6 Mafia reconvened after months of partying, they had Warner Brothers begging for them to do different projects and keep the motivation and press coverage boiling. One of the projects the label demanded was for the guys to get some new artists for their imprint on WB, Hypnotize Minds. So after a showcase the label demanded Lil Wyte be signed immediately and to get into production on a new album, the album became the one we are finally about to discuss, "The One and Only."
"One and Only" is Lil Wyte's third album and perhaps, his most imperative. Signed again with Warner Brothers, Lil Wyte has the limelight and attention securely focused on him at all times. His last album failed, he cannot afford another flop. So Lil Wyte stepped his game up even further, with the help of Three 6 Mafia not only with production, but also lyrically. The mistakes that could have ended his career on Phinally, Phamous, had to be fixed and mastered. So with the assistance of Juicy D and DJ Paul, "The One and Only" after all the hype, was finally released on June 5th, 2007.
The album features 20 tracks, including the stand out street single that made Warner Brothers sign him after a showcase, "Talking Aint Walking." The highly volatile diss track directed at the various "haters" in Wyte's life, takes you lyrically back to his "Doubt Me Now" mentality, while still instituting a very Three 6 Mafia style chorus. This track in a sense is all encompassing of exactly what ""Phinally Phamous"" was supposed to be. Other standouts include "I got Dat Candy" which they are using as the Radio single, which again encapsulates a Lil Wyte who has finally regained his form. Notables on the album also include "Feelin real pimpish" which describes the high life the Hypnotize Minds Boys are living as of late. "Gun do Da' Talkin," and "Suicide" round out some of the highlights of the overall solid album.
The Bottom Line: The bottom line is this, the album is like I said, solid for lack of a better term; it seems as if he knows "Phinally Phamous" was unsuccessful and did more damage than good in the eyes of his listeners. So with a second opportunity to finally hit the charts high he aimed for the stars. The decision to again bring in Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat to help him not only with production but with the writing is one that made the difference big time. As previously stated ""Phinally Phamous"" failed because it sounded like Lil Wyte was trying to be Three 6 Mafia. However, Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat helped Lil Wyte to become Lil Wyte again...just with Three 6 Mafia's production and help writing Choruses. Better than "Phinally Phamous", yet doesn't hold a candle to "Doubt Me Now".
Tracklisting:
1. One And Only, The
2. We Ain't Kool
3. I Got Dat Candy
4. That's What's Up
5. Talkin' Ain't Walkin'
6. Get High
7. It's On
8. Feelin' Real Pimpish - (with Project Pat)
9. Get Wrong
10. Chappa On Da Back Seat - (with Project Pat)
11. Gettin' Money Boy
12. Cake
13. Got'm Lookin
14. Fu*k'd Up
15. Suicide
16. Ghostin'
17. Do It Fluid
18. Dat Boy - (with Project Pat)
19. Gun Do Da Talkin'
20. Outro
Artist Name: Bone Thugs -N- Harmony Album Title: Strength & Loyalty Release Date: May 8, 2007 Record Label: Interscope Records
Despite selling over 35 million records, becoming one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time, and winning multiple Grammy awards, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have found themselves starting their illustrious careers all over again. The story of Bone Thugs N Harmony is more a tragedy than a comedy, more about the turmoil and tribulations then the music, from fairytale success to living unhappily ever after, a true rollercoaster ride. Through a seemingly unending series of twists and turns, of highs and lows, Bone Thugs and Harmony had it all, and as it goes…lost it all in a matter of years.
After leaving long time record label Ruthless Records, and releasing a series of failed and unfulfilling records and various side projects, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony found themselves trying to find solid ground after losing grip with today’s music industry, which is more about shit talking and bragging then harmony and meaningful art. Whether it was hitting rock bottom or “trying to find their roots again” the bone boys were no longer living the life of Grammy winners, they went from playing packed arenas full of screaming fans to playing a dive 80’s rock bar somewhere in the decrepit grime of Baltimore’s inner city in front of maybe 20-30 die harts.
However, ever since capturing yet another Grammy when Krayzie Bone contributed a jaw dropping cameo in last summers hit with Chamillionaire – Riding Dirty, the public started asking…what ever happened to Bone Thugs–N-Harmony? After signing a brand new deal with Interscope records, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are back with their latest and most important album titled, Strength and Loyalty.
For fans of the group who have been intimately watching the tempestuous atmosphere around the group since departing from Ruthless Records in 2003, this album is widely considered their last chance to prove they still have a spot in today’s fast paced hyperactive driven music industry. For those people, you need not listen past the first track to realize, Krayzie, Layzie and Wish are back on top of their game.
Two members short, the long missing incarcerated Flesh-N-Bone and newly departed Bizzy Bone who is battling personal demons, Strength N Loyalty can be used as an adjective to define what the group has been displaying their entire careers, from child abduction, to losing a member to the penal system, witnessing their mentor Eazy E succumb to the AIDS virus, the group has shown incredible strength to keep pushing forward and indescribable loyalty, not only to each other…to Ruthless Records, and the only home they know…Cleveland, Ohio. That’s the why, now we move to the what.
Strength N Loyalty is Bone Thugs N Harmony long awaited new Fourteen track LP released on May 08th 2007. The follow up to the disappointing previous venture, 2003’s Thug Stories. The first track on this new album, “Flowmotion” is a perfect display of what made Bone Thugs such a great group at the zenith of their career, rapid fire deliverance cuddled with incendiary production, The mind blowing verses from both Layzie and Krayzie set the tone for the album off properly and proudly introduces listeners to the newly reincarnate Bone Thugs N Harmony. With the assistance of long time friend and producer Swizz Beats, Bone Thugs N Harmony have been reenergized and reinspired, ready to take what could be their final stance on the music industry.
Boy. do these guys Carpe Diem (Seize The Day for your Latin impared folks) erasing all elements of doubt in just a few tracks, You know that Bone Thugs N Harmony are still pertinent and can be the Grammy winners they previously were. With songs such as Bump in the Trunk, Flowmotion, and Windblow (Fleetwood Mac sampled) that are just that Thug Style folks have come to expect over the years from the group, the album is a complete hit without hitting the 4th track.
And then, the fourth track comes on, I Tried featuring Akon, the groups’ brand new single and probably most integral part of this albums pending success. Like the other tracks it brings you back to that old school Bone style, this one very reminiscent of more harmonic tracks such as The Crossroads and Change the world. If any track on the album made you question if the group “needed” Bizzy Bone, it would be this one. On an album more about the thug style, Bone Thugs N Harmony sometimes appear to be lacking the harmony, however cameos help soften the void, and Akon did a terrific job adding his very unique vocal prowess to this track and the next single, “Never Forget Me.”
Speaking of cameos, not a whole lot of them worked on this album outside of Akon Yolanda Adams and Twista’s contributions. The return appearance of Mariah Carey on a Bone Thugs record came off very awkward on Lil L.O.V.E. It almost felt that this was Mariah Careys single, and this isn’t the Mariah of the late 90’s and early 2000’s when they worked so well together, it sounds like Mariah cant reconnect to her less TRL more hood queen style that made the previous collabs work so well. Overall just a wasted opportunity, bad beat, bad vocals, bad verses from the bone boys, Wish really seemed lost on this one. While we are dissing bad beats and bad verses, let’s talk about Streets featuring The Game and Will I Am. With all that aside, the track just sounded so impersonal, like The Game hasn’t even met the group and just decided he’d help em out and give em a less then mediocre.
Another perfect example of a collab working is a selection I previously mentioned, “Never Forget Me” featuring Akon. Perhaps the second best track on the album if not the best, the beat is extremely catchy and Krayzie Bone spits volcanic magma on his opening verse, The chorus is one of the best the group has ever featured since Body Rot. Layzie continues to be the complete opposite of his namesake, the most consistent thug in the group and reliable, you can always depend on Layzie to bring something that makes you salivate. The big surprise on this track is WISH BONE, as previously mentioned whenever the track doesn’t sound 100% perfect, the common denominator is a failed verse by Wish Bone, who is always trying to get better, but may not ever be on the same as his group members, however he held his own on this track and contributed a verse that was not only impressive but also in Harmony.
I could literally go through every track and you would hear the same critics, the production and collaborations sometimes seem off, but the lyrics and comradory really shine through like never before. For a longtime fan you can clearly see the desire and the passion is back. Bone Thugs N Harmony have finally been Resurrected.
The Bottom Line: The bottom line is this, Bone Thugs N Harmony have seen their fair share of struggles that have led them to the top and then to the bottom once more. They made some bad career decisions but they received a second chance when they were signed by Interscope Records. They took every opportunity they could to make this the best record that they had it in their power to make, and it really shows. Though at times you do ask yourself how much better this would be with a sober Bizzy Bone in the picture, you know that Krayzie and Layzie and Wish are still their pushing forward keeping the legacy alive and reinvigorating their careers in the process. A line from Layzie in the track “I Tried” says, “I’ts like a curse that I can’t shake this part of Cleveland.” Well Layz, it might actually be a blessing for you, unlike most artists who win awards and sell millions of records, Bone Thugs have always remained connected to their roots and because of which they can maintain there thug and always have new stories to harmonize. The future of Bone Thugs is now bright again due fittingly to passion and desire, but more importantly…strength and loyalty.
Tracklisting:
1. Flow Motion
2. Bump In The Trunk - (with Swizz Beatz)
3. Wind Blow
4. I Tried - (with Akon)
5. Lil Love - (featuring Mariah Carey/Bow Wow)
6. C-Town - (with Twista)
7. Order My Steps (Dear Lord) - (with Yolanda Adams)
8. Streets - (with The Game)
9. 9MM
10. Gun Blast
11. Candy Paint
12. So Good So Right - (with Felecia)
13. Sounds The Same
14. Never Forget Me - (with Akon)
Artist Name: KottonMouth Kings Album Title: Hidden Stash III Release Date: 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Over fourteen albums, hundreds of thousands of miles traveled, at least a decade, and pounds upon pounds of marijuana consumed, The Kottonmouth Kings have burned a hole into the music industry that no plastic surgery no matter how extensive can remove. Way back in the day starting out as the P-Town Ballers (PTB), Brad “Daddy” X, Johnny Richter, Dustin “D-Loc”, Saint Dog, Pakalieka the visual assassin, and Lou Dog the irie drummer, set out to make the music they wanted to hear. And make it they did!
A small group, all friends growing up, created what they wanted and made it work. Showing the mainstream media that they don’t need major distribution by the record labels by forging their own, Suburban Noize Records. Starting it over 10 years ago with only one group on it, to now with a numerous amount of unheard, under credited pool of talent.
From the days before when the “Gods were Humble”, to them crazy “bong-tokin’ alcoholic” driven nights, to the “so high” times of them “two hidden stashes”, creating anarchy in the streets in a “day dreamin’ daze” of “peace, not greed”, rolling through them “endless highways” so stoned, to checking out the “Kottonmouth Xperience” as they performed their “classic hits live”, to when the “joint venture” was “fired up”, when they were traveling “Koast to Koast” and finally revealing to their much loyal audience their third hidden stash of secrets, Hidden Stash III.
Over the years though the lineup may have changed a little yet always came with the freshest, greenest, chronic engulfed rhymes that anyone on this continent or any other have come to recognize as something completely original and breath taking. The kings have taken us down so many different paths to how the cannabis society’s world goes around and how when used responsibly marijuana has no negative effects.
The newest chapter of strait skunk filled, endless high times that are called HS3 (Hidden Stash III), shows how much the King Klique has matured and mastered their art over these past years. It has many, many banging tracks that begin with the first disk and don’t stop until the wee hours of the morning after the DVD jammed pack full of 20+ videos decides to stop spinning in your recently fried DVD player (from the freshness of this pimp-shit).
If you even begin to say that you are down with the klique of bong tokin, blunt smoking, joint rollin, pipe choking revolutionaries then you need to add this one of many instant classics to your collection, ASAP! It has a slew of many tracks that display the many acts accumulating to their on and poppin record label, Suburban Noize Records. Such great artists are Saint Dog, Judge D, Big B, Chucky Chuck (DGAF!), the Dirtball, Dog boy, and even Big Pak., makes a guest appearance to give us the privilege of hearing the great one’s rhymes for yet another time.
What are you doing still reading? Go get that shit already! Since that fateful day the kings picked up the mic until the time the last of the group finally loses life will never stop. Even after they’re gone there will be some loyal Subnoize Souljah ready to carry to the torch of radical, chronic reformation flows for all to know.
Bottom Line is, GO GET HIDDEN STASH III and get out from underneath that fuckin’ rock in which you live.
-Whipstick
Tracklisting:
Disc 1
1. Gone Git High (feat D-Loc, X, Richter)
2. Still Smokin (feat D Loc , Richter ,X , Saint)
3. Feels So Good (feat D Loc)
4. Things I Do pt 2 (feat Johnny Richter)
The Underground (feat X, Big B)
5. That's How It Goes (Kingspade)
6. Chronic Weed (feat Richter, Judge D)
Legalize or Legal Lies (feat X, Pakelika)
7. Dust to Dust (feat D Loc , Judge D)
8. Police Story (feat D Loc , X, Richter)
9. One Life (feat X , Richter , Judge D)
10. Pimpin Lessons (feat D Loc, X, Richter)
11. Set Me Free (feat X, Saint)
12. Karma (feat D Loc , X , Richter)
13. Hit That (feat Richter, Big B)
14. The Bomb (feat Daddy X)
Same Ole Story (feat X, Dirtball)
15. My Selecta (feat DJ Bobby B, Dog Boy)
Disc 2
1. Hidden Stash (feat D-Loc, X, Richter)
2. Keep a Lookout (feat D Loc , Richter, Judge D)
3. Something for Your Stereo (feat X, Saint)
4. Stick Together (Remix)
5. Last Daze (feat X, Dog Boy , Big B)
6. Lets Ride (feat D Loc, Richter , X)
7. Remember Me (feat Richter, Judge D)
8. Lottery Remix (feat D Loc, X, Richter)
9. Batter Swing (feat The Dirtball, X)
10. Lady Killer (feat Richter)
11. Losin' Streak (feat X, Judge D)
12. Flyin High (feat X, Chucky Styles, The Dirtball, Pakelika)
13. Summertime (feat Richter, Big B, Saint)
14. Power Trippin' (feat Judge D, X)
15. Money (feat Daddy X)
16. Rip n Tear (feat X, Chucky Styles, Saint)
17. Peace of Mind (P Nice remix)
18. Wake N Bake (feat Daddy X)
Artist Name: X Clan Album Title: Return from Mecca Release Date: April 27th, 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Bass bumpin’, Brooklyn, New York natives, X Clan, are back like scoliosis. Their message of self-righteousness and self-empowerment has been set into motion once the record is spun. A major release since their last, from the early 90’s, their message sounds like that of Public Enemy, minus the Flavor Flav, replaced by lyrical abilities not yet conceived by the mainstream. Back on the microphone to rip it in half, duct tape it back together, and rip it in half yet again, the line up of The Grand Verbalizer Funkinlesson Brother J, DJ Fat Jack, Lord Sizzle, Ultra Man, and Dr. E.G.O take you on a mind-bending journey from the streets of the concrete beast to the lands where civilization all began.
The message aimed at your ear holes is not hard to pick up on, freedom fighters coming together for the purpose of the revolution. As expressed on Return From Mecca by KRS One, “Revolution cannot take place without revelation.” This is definitely something that will spark the revelation in the minds of those who hear it to join those fighting this invisible war in front of everyone for all to see. This is what the revolutionaries have been waiting for make your move!
“Slavery is back, in fact t’was never abolished; it still exists today in the judicial system. By the year 2010, a majority of African-American men, 18-40 years old, will be incarcerated in this ‘justice system’”.
A message of intolerance to the African-American public and Muslims is told in this vivid story painted as a picture behind closed eyes. In your mind, it begins to turn the gears and get you to start thinking about the past and where it is that our future will take us. Only one thing can decide what happens and that one thing is “us”. Humanity coming together can only bring about this change.
This is a compilation of twenty-two tracks that ask you one simple question without actually asking, to think for yourself and see what society has done to itself. If you feel that the time is now, then pick yourself up a copy with the quickness and heed the message given. The tracks are inspiring to get all in attendance to finally take stand and listen at what so any have been screaming for years upon years.
Featuring mega hitters on the hip-hop scene; RBX, Quazedelic, Jah Orah, Chali 2na, Hannah Barberea, Brad “Daddy” X, KRS One, Tech N9ne, and Damian Marley, Return From Mecca shows that “Ol’ School” vibes with a pure, clear cut message is all BUT forgotten.
Commanding respect on all seven continents in different dialects, X Clan is here no for all to see what needs to be seen as well as hear what needs to be heard. I know this sounds all too much like a broken record, but the message is clear! Freedom fighters unite, and come together behind the colors of the Red, Black, and Green.
Tracklisting:
1. X CLAN ALBUM INTRO
2. ARAGORN
3. VOODOO feat. RBX Quazedelic
4. HOVERCRAFT INTRO
5. WHY U DOIN THAT?
6. WEAPON X
7. SPEAK THE TRUTH
8. POSITRONS
9. MECCA
10. PRISON feat. Christian Scott
11. ATONEMENT feat. Jah Orah
12. BROTHER, BROTHER
13. FUNKY 4 U feat. Chali 2na of Jurassic 5
14. SELF DESTRUCT
15. SPACE PEOPLE feat. Quazedelic
16. TRUMP CARD feat. Hannah Barbera
17. TO THE EAST feat. Abstract Rude & YZ
18. LOCOMOTION feat. Brad X of Kottonmouth Kings & Tri State of One Session
19. AMERICANS feat. Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach
20. 3RD EYES ON ME
21. CULTURE UNITED feat. Damian Marley
Artist Name: Kingspade Album Title: P.T.B. Release Date: April 27th, 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
Once, the dirtball said 'Up at the plate only one thing matters, swing batter batter, swing batter batter, try your best to avoid a strike!' D-Loc and Johnny Richter, otherwise known as that ferociously, fresh duo KINGSPADE, each in the batters boxes to crack this curveball of a CD upside your melon, displaying truly well done production skills.
Though this is KingSpade’s sophomore album, they’re anything but rookies. For the past dozen years or so they have been rockin’ the stage settin’ nightlife-enthralled parties to outlive this endless weekend with the KottonMouth Kings. That’s a subject completely on it’s own. If you don’t know and want to know check out one of the many classic KMK CD’s or read any type of review for them.
The two childhood friends are returning on this hard hittin’, trunk knockin’, bass bumpin’ disc to show you who they are, what they have, and where they’re from. They span across many issues; like drunk driving, hustlin’, and bouncin ‘cars with bouncin’ systems. (The average for them anarchistic, suburban boys from OC.) These have been touched on in the past, but never like this. This CD shows how musically gifted the Sub Noize Team is. With DJ’s Bobby B and Shakey Bonez scratchin’, nothing can go wrong. Then swinging in from High Frequency Productions is Kumagai to throw in his freshness into the mix on those mixing boards.
This album is sure to blaze a trail through the music scene like an epidemic of STD’s throughout a nymphomaniac colony without any condoms.
Once the intro gets done we truly see Who Run This when this duo starts off slammin’ your ears with so much bass you have to rearrange your face. Once you get the electric, eclectic, feeling flowing through your veins you become geeked knowing that there are still 13 more tracks to ensue. KingSpade is Takin’ it Back a style of Neighborhood Trends that’s completely their own forged out on the West Coast so many years ago. After getting back up off of the ground from being knocked out of all the bass your Lookin’ Up to see how musically genius this CD only saying “That’s the Shit!” You stumble to your front door to see your boys chillin’ on the porch waiting to hear that We Ridin’ down to the spot to get what it is we need to really start Havin Fun.
While driving though there is a close call with this crazy-ass Brotha Brotha who was swerving into your lane as you think “I don’t wanna die today”. Finally arriving to the party you see Richter and Loc up on stage rockin’ right all night, Bringin the Crowd from the back to the front. Standing in the crowd this naughty lookin’ hottie starts grindin all over your shit and her piece of meat, dude comes up trippin. Your only response is “Dude, Check Yo Bitch!”
Suddenly the sound of the party changes for a serious second when they start rippin’ Follow the Leader telling your to lead your own life, find your own answers, and be your person. After which the set is ended with Dreams which is their ballad to the fans showing how dreams, no matter how big/small, can be achieved if you have the drive and enough belief.
The set and party were both amazingly fresh, and you now want to get a SRH tattoo so you head to go ahead and get Inked Up then back to home to go to sleep knowing you lived a bomb-ass day, which was an everyday/all day thing and That’s just How it Goes.
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Who Run This?
3. Takin’ It Back
4. Neighborhood Trends
5. Da Shit
6. We Ridin
7. Lookin Up
8. Havin Fun
9. Bring The Crowd
10. Brotha Brotha
11. Check Yo Bitch
12. Follow The Leader
13. That’s How It Goes
14. Dreams
15. Inked Up
Artist Name: Dogboy Album Title: Rebel Riddim Release Date: 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
The Rhythmic chants, yells, and cries for a party/overall good time is heard in this debut album of true irie feeling. The DogBoy is honestly not something I would normally listen to, but our friends over at the Suburban Noize Compound have hooked me up so I gave it a listen. There was some of it that I liked and some of which I hadn’t.
I completely dig the whole concept on how he is an international “sound system”, breaking all borders with his unique, undeniable sound. What I also really like is how distinguishable his voice is from most others heard on the music scene today. I like how he throws his ideas right at your eardrum with a smile on his face, expecting for you to react either with disgust or empathy.
Yet what I never really liked about the DogBoy from when I first heard him on Royal Highness is that some of his work isn’t as edgy as I would like it to be. It could either be from me not being able to understand his voice and what he’s saying some of the time, I just don’t know. Don’t get me wrong he is as talented as he is unique; he has a vibe about him that is nothing like heard on the mainstream or underground today.
The sound to this CD, though it is straight out of the underground, has more of a pop feel to it then most I’ve heard recently. I like it though. It reminds me of when I was younger listening to music in my dad’s truck, pure and jocked full of good times/tunes.
The DogBoy takes you on a melodic stroll from when you pop the disc in the player to when you change the batteries to ones that actually work. Definitely the Return of this Drop has inspired the forth coming Rebel Riddim. Throughout the whole CD, he is mysteriously speaking of some woman in his life. This woman is either one who he truly loves; a being, the planet, mary-jane, or all three of them. Either way She’s Driving through Dear Jamaica where the DogBoy later told her Fearlessly with a Smile that “She Can’t buy my Soul.”
After stopping through the homeland to the sound of the Too Rude, DogBoy you find yourself asking “Where to now?” but there’s no where to go because your just Falling into an abyss full of wonder, intrigue, and magnificence. During these Desperate Times most Sexy Rebels feeling the riddim stay Locked and Loaded. If you so happen to be one of these rebels, being strapped doesn’t mean that you’re strapped for cash, and you stop for some One Stop Shopping but soon find that in your mind there is no need for materialistic driven goals. You see that your lover is Your Reward and the mutual feeling of Straight Love is a mutual Thing. If you are one who feels the DogBoy, his message, or his Rhythmic Rebel Yell pick the CD and give it a gander.
The DogBoy is among one of those few who has traveled the world over, collecting and immense stockhold of inspirations. Creating this melting pot of sounds not yet thought of one way or another by anyone else, but he pulls it off with almost greatest of ease.
Tracklisting:
1. Return Of The One Drop
2. She’s Driving
3. Rebel Riddim
4. Can’t Buy Soul
5. Dear Jamaica (Stand Strong)
6. Where To Now?
7. Hold You
8. Fearless With A Smile
9. Daddy What Is War?
10. Falling
11. One Stop Shopping
12. Desperate Times
13. Locked And Loaded
14. Sexy Rebel
15. You’re My Reward
16. Straight Love Thing
17. Tap Into / Dub Into
Artist Name: Insane Clown Posse Album Title: The Tempest Release Date: March 20th, 2007 Record Label: Psychopathic Records
A younger Joe Bruce expresses his wishes in the fifth track “Growing Again”, to one day “Be the biggest motherfucker alive, that’d be the shit”. With the release of this LP, The Tempest, he and Shaggy riding shotgun on his shoulder achieve a status of magnitude greater than King Kong standing on Godzilla’s shoulders.
Ever since 1989 the Wicked Clowns have been putting it down creating their own sound with the release of Party on top of the Hill. Over the endless year of blood, sweat, and tears The Tempest has been circulating over the oceans undetected, until the year 2007, in which on March 20, took an unsuspecting nation of Juggalos and normals alike by total surprise. Recently after the release of the almighty 6th Jokers Card, The Wraith, ICP’s sound has undergone quite a few changes that has left their fan base in a void, questioning their “Juggaloism”. Obviously many weren’t as down as they had claimed to be and just dropped the group. Yet at the same time the two had managed to captivate the minds of others alike across the globe to come along for this ride.
Hailing from Motor City, Detroit, Michigan, The Insane Clown Posse, Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, have become more familiarly known to the mainstream as “The most hated band in the world”. Those who think this is complete nonsense (such as myself) have continually purchased the works of this wickedly, fresh duo. ICP is on of the most slept on talents in the music industry in the times of yester-year, today, and maybe for days to come, who knows right? Only time will tell.
The sequel to a somewhat considered flop, The Calm, which to some it wasn’t, it was just the two still figuring out what it was they’re doing, now that their mission to spread the word of the Dark Carnival before it’s arrival is over. The Calm was ICP delivering another message to those who would take the time from their busy, materialistic driven days that this storm was brewing up and there was only one way for it to expand, everywhere.
The intro to it is hands down one of the most wickedest, craziest, freshest intro for this CD. After which straps you down nice and tight in your cart, the first one you lucky son of a bitch!
The rickety, rackity, clackity, slits of wood just go higher and higher in to the sky, which is shot more red than the freshly squeezed blood from your busted eardrums. Steaming, hail-force winds are blowing more hard the higher you ascend, with streaks of lightning flashing brighter than a megawatt bulb in an enclosed, tiny space with a Closter Phobic.
The ride has only just begun as the speed of the Alley Rats hit you full force in your gumpy chin. After the split second descent of insanity your caught, trapped in a series of crazy turns of Haunted Bumps kicking your head harder than a pack of 6 wild ninjas to the left. Then an even more sharp turn to the right, into the feet of a recently returning mammoth of a giant from outer space, Violent J who keeps Growing Again and again, the tallest motherfucker alive!
The ride then slows down a tad bit, while keeping a force of speeds pushing the skin on your cheeks up on your forehead. It then becomes a bumpy one again, with the rhythm of the Hum Drum Boogie. After the rhythmic bumps that have almost catapulted you from your seat, you see that it calms down when you hear those tunes kicking in from the conductors mega-phone bumpin’ Do This. The very though runs though your mind at the same time,
“I can do this, I just might make it off alive, or with my lunch still inside.”
Certainly this must be true, yet you see that your thoughts we all but right, as you hit a straight drop full of neck cuts and guitar riffs.
You see your car in the parking lot at this time and you see some ruffians around it in which you yell, “Watch my Ride!” to only find that they had fucked it up, fucked it up, fucked it up! The track slows down again forcing you to lose your lunch jocked full of nuggets, chips, and dip with a splash of Faygo. The very tip top of the highest point on this crazy ride, you look to the left, nothing, then to the right you see a Tower. And as the colossal coaster begins to drop yet again for more murder, hilarious turns and twists you hear a bullet wiz pass your noggin shooting straight from the tower.
Seeing as your on the carnival grounds you see that Club Chaos is popin’ off, and for some reason even more mysterious, you wound up walking through the doors. DJ Clay is hosting The Party and spots you out, cuts the volume, and slaughters your ears on the turntables. Who other than Shaggy the Clown bursts on the scene jumping into the mix making Clay’s butt hole spit in his pants. You blink to find that you were just seeing things, in a hallucinogenic like daze only imagining the whole thing. Someone screamed out “The rides almost over!” You sigh in relief. Then a series of spirals and loops cause your head to be screwed on your body backwards as you shriek out “Why?!” they reply “Bitch I Lied”.
Oddly enough before you walked in the front gates of this Carnivalistic Paradise everything was written in Spanish except the sign a quarter and a half mile then forty-three feet down a dirt trail which read “Welcome to Mexico City”.
The end is in sight and you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The ride is finally over as you squeeze your belly in disbelief that you could fit all that food in there, which sadly enough you lost. You get off the ride at the end of the line with the only thoughts of extreme hunger, and strange pull to want another go ‘round! While waiting in line the duo of demented, juggling, Juggalos, are posted up next to the line with Mike E. Clark playing the piano Karaoke style breaking into song. Letting you know what it would be like “If I were a Serial Killa”. But in this realm they are, from having just verbally murdered your eardrums for the last fifty-six minutes on this crazy-ass ride of whips, turns, twists, rolls, bounces, and loopty-loops.
In my opinion you should take your head from between your butt cheeks and quit listening to that bull shit you’re used to and peep this much, long awaited album. All I can say about it honestly is that it is simply better than great.
Tracklisting:
1. The Sky is Falling
2. Ride the Tempest
3. Alley Rat
4. Haunted Bumps
5. Growing Again
6. Hum Drum Boogie
7. I Do This!
8. What About Now?
9. Watch My Ride
10. News at 6 O'Clock
11. The Tower
12. The Party
13. Bitch I Lied
14. Play My Song
15. Mexico City
16. If I was a Serial Killer
Artist Name: PotLuck Album Title: Straight Outta Humboldt Release Date: 2006 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
In today’s society when people hear the two words Rap and California in the same sentence their minds may wander to musical influences such as the N.W.A, Too $hort, Brotha Lynch Hung, Snoop D-O-double Geezy, as well as (within the last decade) The Kottonmouth Kings and their record label Suburban Noize Records. They’ve been a huge movement on the underground scene for at least the last ten years expressing their views on the government, marijuana reformal laws, and with the release of most recently “King Spade” getting crunk & partying.
A new duo added to the line up of Sub-noize, is the team consisting of 1 Ton and Underrated, Potluck. To me these two as stated on their newest release “Strait Outta Humboldt” may not be the best rappers out there, but I do believe they are some of the most determined. They’re both equally titans of the turntables, said on track 19 “Our Histroy”. I say this because when they actually first met up with one another, it was at a try out for a job at a club called “Jeffe’s” (I think).
“We were the two best so we got picked, Rockin’ four turntables! That was the shit!”-Potluck.
As well as their label-mates, The Kings, they are two rowdy young bucks who like most of today’s youth spend a bulk of their time taking it easy and blowin’ back the bleezy’s. They can capture the energy of a crowd and keep them captivated. Having seen them perform at the Gathering of the Juggalos ’06 I came up with three conclusions.
1.) Underrated may be as small as he is, yet he packs one hell of a punch on the microphone.
2.) 1 Ton is a comedic master mind with his rhymes.
3.) This group if they have the devotion that they claim to have will blow up bigger than an atom bomb one day.
On the first three tracks of the cd, it feels kind of like a regular rap cd, you know smoke, drink, party, and bitches. As you get further and further into the cd they come at your eardrums with slower melodic sounds with songs like “Mary jane, My Life, Money makes the world go ‘round, Love me, One day, Our history and the final track Funeral.”
Aside from finally having a bunch of dues paid for on the underground scene they’ve worked with a multitude of God-like lyricists on the underground scene. Chali 2na of Jurassic 5, E-40, Tech N9ne, Twiztid, The Luniz, and not to mention the mother fuckin’ Kings, need I say more? Once the cd gets going there is no stopping it until the last track expires. It gives just a small glance of the world through Potluck’s eyes and leaves you wanting more, which I can’t wait for.
Tracklisting:
1. Rock The World
2. Get High
3. Fire
4. The Interview (skit)
5. Mary Jane (feat. The Luniz)
6. Money Makes the World Go Round
7. Dank Alumni
8. My Life
9. What We Are (feat. Tech N9ne)
10. U Ain't That Fine (feat. E-40 and Bosko)
11. Meeting With the Boss (skit)
12. Roll Big (feat. Kottonmouth Kings)
13. Doing Alright
14. Welcome 2 Humboldt
15. Love Me
16. Revolution (feat. Chali 2NA of J5)
17. Phone Calls (skit)
18. Marijuana 101
19. One Day
20. Our History
21. Funeral (feat. Twiztid)
Artist Name: X Clan Album Title: Return from Mecca Release Date: January 30th 2007 Record Label: Suburban Noize Records
When Hip-Hop first started in the South Bronx it was a different genre entirely than what it has become today. In the 1970's hip-hop was created by Dj Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash in the club scene as a way to keep the crowds moving with pulsating drum patterns, and from their it continued to mutate and evolve. In the 1980's Hip-hop became more political based, groups such as our featured artist X-Clan, Public Enemy, NWA and a range of others began to open the iron curtain behind the inner city and projects they were raised in and replace it with an open window showcasing the racism and prejudice they as African Americans were experiencing throughout the United States.
The X Clan became more than musicians they became activists and the voice of a community enraged by exploitation and poverty. The Group became popular in the 1990's with their Billboard Debut, "To The East, Blackwards" and their successful follow up, "Xodus." The future seemed extremely bright for the Clan, however the world had its own plan. Unfortunately the group suffered tremendous loss when two of the groups founding members past away, long time group member Sugar Shaft died of Aids in 1995 and founding member, Professor X, died of complications related to spinal meningitis in March of 2006.
On January 30th 2007, Grand Verbalizer Funkinlesson Brother J, Master China, Kumu, "Ultraman" Ra Hanna, ACL, Lord Cza and DJ Fat Jack the new manifestation of the X Clan, team up to release the groups first album in over 15 years, "Return from Mecca." Much like the previous X Clan releases, this isn't your run of the mill brainless hip-hop, The X Clans new record is a monster onto itself and truly unique, however groups such as The Roots and Jurassic 5 are also well known for their intellectual brand of hip-hop. Speaking of Jurassic 5, the album contains appearances by Chali 2na, Damien Marley, Tech N9ne, and fellow New Yorker Krs-One.
So after 15 years, the loss of two original members, and the reformation with brand new faces, how does the new incarnation of the X Clan measure up to its legendary roots? How does the New York based group work with the notoriously west coast influence of their new record label, Suburban Noize Records? Is their music and message still relevant in the ADHD environment of today's music? There are a myriad of questions that the group will need to answer with, "Return from Mecca," but do they?
In a word, Yes. Despite the fact that the words and delivery have been slightly altered the message of the red, the black and the green is still clear, though the music has been updated to match today's social issues. The album starts off by introducing the new members, which is definitely needed as the only original member of the group is Brother J, who takes control over the clan as a result of Professor X's death. It is than followed directly by a surprisingly west coast track entitled Aragon, a very typical sound of something that would come out of Suburban Noize records, does little to get you enthused about the second coming.
Though, "Return from Mecca" starts with a fizzle, the group come right back to form with a more gratifying record, "Why U Doin that" supported by a catchy head-nod beat, Brother J lifts the spirits of those in doubt with erudite lyricism. Other highlights on the album include the classic hip-hop cadence of "Speak the Truth" featuring KRS-ONE, which plays like a modern day collaboration straight outta the 90's. The bluesy melodrama (trumpet included) of, "Prison" which contains not only incisive libretto but paints a vivid picture with its melancholy imagery, and message sending glimpse into the modern day slavery plaguing the black community, prison, is perhaps one of the most striking tracks on the album.
The collaborations on the album, outside the appearance of Krs – One, really didn't do much to impress, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5's participation was wasted on a horribly crafted track with a flat out, dreadful beat, "Funky 4 U" had so many different layers that it just sounded like noise. The ghastly appearance by Coby Dick of Papa Roach on "Americans" was just gruesome, nothing about the track at any point was a good idea. The alliance of the X Clan and Damien Marley on "Culture United" is forgettable at best.
The Bottom Line: After over a decade in seclusion, X Clan impressed with managing to pick up where they left off at, and rekindling the message that made them pioneers. Brother J succeeds in breathing a new life into the X Clan with, "Return from Mecca" however, he in no way is the leader that Professor X was ,on even his worst day. At a time when political hip-hop is making its biggest outing since the days the X Clan rained supreme, the groups return was highly anticipated, however if there is one thing that "Return from Mecca" established, it wasn't supremacy or prominence, rather it was the fact that they don't hold a candle to todays talent including The Roots, Jurassic 5, Immortal Technique, Common, amongst others.
Track List:
1. X CLAN ALBUM INTRO 2. ARAGORN 3. VOODOO feat. RBX Quazedelic 4. HOVERCRAFT INTRO 5. WHY U DOIN THAT? 6. WEAPON X 7. SPEAK THE TRUTH 8. POSITRONS 9. MECCA 10. PRISON feat. Christian Scott 11. ATONEMENT feat. Jah Orah 12. BROTHER, BROTHER 13. FUNKY 4 U feat. Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 14. SELF DESTRUCT 15. SPACE PEOPLE feat. Quazedelic 16. TRUMP CARD feat. Hannah Barbera 17. TO THE EAST feat. Abstract Rude & YZ 18. LOCOMOTION feat. Brad X of Kottonmouth Kings & Tri State of One Session 19. AMERICANS feat. Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach 20. 3RD EYES ON ME 21. CULTURE UNITED feat. Damian Marley
Millions of years passed, and they slumbered, until the pollution of your world de-thawed these creatures from their ageless coma…and now they stride the Earth, living gods, dedicated to one goal, the destruction of the human race, and the eradication of existence itself! Wait- that’s two goals!”
Then still amidst all of the story telling, schooling of information, chaos, and more hate on the Emo kids then they could handle. There is clips of a live show in L.A. at the Key Club (I think) from a set that would definitely look fun as fuck to be in the crowd for. There’s more people there than Peabody’s getting hype, live, wild or whatever the fuck you want to call it. Whatever it may be one word could be used in all aspects to describe it “fun”.
