Music Reviews of Hip-Hop, Rap, Urban, Turntablism, R&B
Band Spotlight
Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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Skinny Puppy - Mythmaker
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03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Hip-Hop, Urban, Turntablism, R&B
Serengeti — Noticeably Negro Buy it at Amazon
Abstract witty nuances are mere child’s play for Serengeti. Beefing isn’t in his vocabulary as instead this underground hip-hop star puts forth an album of socially conscious music about society and racial issues. You might think Kool Keith at times during the surreal and fitting soundscapes that dot “Noticeably Negro” or perhaps you’d think more about turntablism artists as you listen to this Chicago-native’s engaging and totally kickin’ album. Truth told, these are some of the dirtiest and filthiest beats that are sprung up with spotless lyrics and amazing MC’ing. Pick it up even if you’re not much of a hip-hop fan.
- J-Sin
Timz — Open For Business Buy it at Amazon
Politically fiery single “Iraq” by this Iraqi descendent (his parents were born in Baghdad, while he was born here in the States) and San Diego native marks this ghetto kid for more folks than just the Department of Homeland Security. His raps spit out at the stereotypes of Middle Eastern people while he does lean towards his heritage for grooves and beats. His voice is clear and concise and you’ve gotta love his version of his hometown football team, the San Diego Chargers, theme song. Peep it.
- J-Sin
Rench — Life In Mean Season Buy it at Amazon
For all those kids who say “yeah I like pretty much all music except for country and rap”, Rench isn’t going to be a favorite any time soon. Why? Because his fusion of country and hip-hop will never win over the haters. But once you get past that obnoxiousness, you’ll find yourself addicted to this moonshine swilling double-wide producer who perfectly coalesces two distinct genres for a sound all his own. Extremely unique and daring, “Life In Mean Season” is a trailer park’s answer to Eminem’s daunting "8 Miles".
- J-Sin
Gravity — Heavweight Vol. 1: Debut of a Don Buy it at Amazon
God forbid someone record a groundbreaking hip-hop album that doesn’t delve into the yawning chasm of rap clichés. Gee, I really never saw any of these hooks coming Gravity…
- J-Sin
The Civil Mics Movement — We Shall Overcome Mixtape Buy it at Amazon
Mixed by DJ Q Sak, “We Shall Overcome” is socially conscious hip-hop that has good lyrics and laid-back rhythms. But that’s not what sells in the hip-hop world of course. You have to bring the bling and shout about shooting, drugs, and ‘bitches’. Fortunately this mixtape has nothing to do with that depravity and misogyny. Decent beats, prophetic MC’ing, and thrilling samples make this a damn fine mixtape to own and share with others.
- J-Sin
John Robinson — The Leak Edition Vol. 2 Buy it at Amazon
Queens native John Robinson has pulled together a gritty and dirty hip-hop joint with plenty of guests to impress you with. Edgar Allen Floe, Invizible Handz, Wale Oyejide, and Tiffany Paige are but some of the major players on “The Leak Edition Vol. 2”. Bouncing rhythms, tight MCing, and samples that KRS-One would be proud to sport, this is a fine entry in the hip-hop arena.
- J-Sin
2pac — Pac's Life Buy it at Amazon
Apparently 2Pac heard that Kurt Cobain past Elvis as the artist who made the most money posthumously and said, “I raise you one”. It’s absolutely ridiculous how many albums Tupac Shakur has released after he was shot and killed. This is slewed with guest appearances and is yet another reason why hip-hop boggles the mind. The sad thing is that Tupac is better dead than the majority of still breathing rappers in the hip-hop circuit today.
- J-Sin
Wylde Bunch — Wylde Bunch Buy it at Amazon
Actually Wylde Bunch is surprisingly solid hip-hop that breaks down all barriers that the rap world has bestowed upon itself. The group is a ten-piece filled with a wide variety of influences and a resulting sound that’s just as myriad and divergent. You’ve probably heard them already on videogame soundtracks with their infectious “Yeah Yeah (Stomp the Bleachers)” and if not you’re certainly missing out.
- J-Sin
Termanology — Hood Politics IV: Show and Prove Buy it at Amazon
“Hosted by Clinton Sparks”, Termanology’s new album unfortunately drops the ball more times than it passes it. Gripped with a feverish attitude to ‘prove itself’, “Hood Politics IV” is disjointed, lame, and rarely treats one to anything other than self-accolades and funky turntablism. This ‘shows’ little and ‘proves’ nothing.
- J-Sin
AZ — The Format Buy it at Amazon
AZ is slipping in his old age. After bringing us “A.W.O.L.”, he pushes out “The Format”, which seems hurried, tired, and uninspired. We know he has the chops as he’s been nominated for a Grammy and has recorded with some of hip-hop’s best and brightest in Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, and Trackmasters. Guests like Lil Fame, Face Defeat, DJ Premier, Emile, and Phonte Coleman don’t make this any less sub-par.
- J-Sin
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