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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Limbeck - Limbeck
WinterKids - Memoirs
03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of Hip-Hop, Urban, Turntablism, R&B
Blue Scholars — Bayani Buy it at Amazon
Smooth jazz and electronica samples whisper their way around your neck, sinking their teeth into that tender flesh like some sort of crazed vampire. But this is laid-back kickin’ hip-hop, you think. This is supposed to cut you up raw, not be somewhat seductive in its death tactics. Ah but that’s where “Bayani” surprises. This is turntablism with hip-hop MC’ing that isn’t preachy but tells it like is for those of us not fortunate enough to have a pedestal to cry foul from. Yes this is for the masses who are disenfranchised and forgotten and yet seemingly finds a way to appeal across all classes and cultures. A damn strong record indeed.
- J-Sin
Rick Ross introduces Triple C's — The Black Flag Prequel Buy it at Amazon
Rick Ross and Triple C prove that the “Southern” style of hip-hop makes rap, really only one letter away from ‘crap’.
- J-Sin
SoulStice — Dead Letter Perfect Buy it at Amazon
SoulStice is one of the more celebrated underground hip-hop artists today. His mixtapes are among the most traded and he has appeared in a slew of hip-hop magazines. Calling “Dead Letter Perfect” the perfect hip-hop album may seem like hyperbole to many but when SoulStice talks I listen. And this album, with guests ranging from Olivier Daysoul, Oddisee, M-phazes, Wordsworth, Analogic, and SBe Audiologist, is pretty damn close to perfect. He’s got an excellent register of hip-hop juggernauts alongside him to help produce a fine classic hip-hop album.
- J-Sin
Dalek — Deadverse Massive Vol. 1: Dalek Rarities 1999-2006 Buy it at Amazon
Dälek thumps out lyrical sorcery effortlessly on this collection of ominous hip-hop anthems. Alongside beat maker Oktopus, MC Dälek gives strength to the meaning of gritty with urban hood music that’s thoughtful, somewhat sublime, and boasts more flows than the Mississippi. Dark textures are abound here on “Deadverse Massive” that is armed with brutal slashings of samples and synths as well as thunderous bass-heavy rhythms. Visceral noise-riddled hip-hop that deftly pushes the envelope of underground hip-hop.
- J-Sin
Truce II Headrush — The Enigmatic Buy it at Amazon
Born and reared in Western, Maryland town Cumberland in the heart of true Appalachia, Truce II Headrush is probably the last guess you’d have made towards great hip-hop. Fitting emcee skills that recall the classic hip-hop era of yore, Truce II Headrush also produced this edgy urban debut on local fave Pro-Gravity Records. It’s nice to see someone falling back towards the good old days of hip-hop for a change. Brendan Ekstrom (Circa Survive, 200 North) adds guitar on two tracks. Check it out!
- J-Sin
All Teeth and Knuckles — Club Hits to Hit the Clubs With Buy it at Amazon
Dangerously sexy blip-hop club music that is filthy and sultry all at once. You’ll find yourself raising the roof and pitching a tent (get it?) with its bouncy beats and thick bass grooves. Nodding towards the electronic club music scene, All Teeth and Knuckles seem to have their heads screwed on a little to the leftfield of everything else. Electro that’s fashioned to have dirty sex to.
- J-Sin
Infinito 2017 & Unagi — You and Eye Buy it at Amazon
Beat arranger Unagi and Chicago emcee Infinito 2017 once again join forces on this 7-song EP. Hip-hop that’s political, socially conscious, and adverturous both in the lyrical format and Unagi’s challenging compositions. Sweet samples that aren’t always just heavy on the bass are looped with funky abandon. You can nod your head or shake your rump to the clever beats. While it’s only 17 minutes long, “You and Eye” is powerful hip-hop that will change people’s perspectives.
- J-Sin
Panacea — The Scenic Route Buy it at Amazon
Who else is glad someone like Washington, DC based Panacea is doing the hip-hop thang? Their sophomore album is a surreal journey into the cerebral subconscious and allows for the listener to follow the adventures of the main character throughout this highly touted concept album. Strong MC’ing skills are matched by a gifted sense for macking synths with samples and tights rhythms. Also “The Scenic Route” is guested by the vocals of Jive Records’s R&B starlet Raheem DeVaughn.
- J-Sin
T-Pain — Epiphany Buy it at Amazon
I’ve had an “Ephiphany” lately about R&B like this. It should be flushed down the commode like the corn-riddled poop that it is.
- J-Sin
R. Kelly — Double Up Buy it at Amazon
Didn’t he piss on a fourteen year old or something?
- J-Sin
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