Freestyle Friday! Dipset Edition

FREESTYLE FRIDAY

DIPSET Live in the Basement

2013 Hip Hop Albums of the Year Part 1

2013 Hip Hop Albums of the Year Part 1

ITS TIME

ITS A(s)OTY TIME!!!!!!!

Pusha T – My Name Is My Name

The long awaited solo debut album from the self proclaimed “½ of the greatest duo ever” has lived up to its expectations and quieted all its haters.  Signature tracks Nosetalgia, Numbers on the Boards and Who I Am give an ominous and dark vibe, a precursor to letting Push enter the scene with provoked imagery and slice the tenseness in the air with a cocaine sickle.

Executive producer: Kanye West (which is probably why it took so long to come out)

Beats by Kanye West, The Neptunes, Hudson Mohawke, NOTTZ (VA!),  and No I.D.

Vocal features: Ab-Liva, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, The Dream, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Jeezy, Pharrell

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 9

Life: 8.5

Danny Brown – OLD

OLD gives listeners a look into the head of Danny Brown post- ‘XXX.’  On Side A, he gives a glimpse into his past, allowing us to see his inner demons and past transgressions.  On Side B, Danny gives us his present state, which is basically a Hunter S. Thompson novel played over EDM.

Executive Producer:Nick Catchdubs (Mixtape about Nothing)

Beats by SKYWLKR, Paul Walker, Oh No, Darq E. Freaker, A-Trak

Vocal features: A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Freddie Gibbs, Ab-soul, Purity Ring

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 8.5

Life: 8

Kanye West – YEEZUS

You can read my previous review of the album here.

Executive Producers: Rick Rubin, Kanye West

Beats by: Kanye West, Daft Punk, Hudson Mohwake, Travis Scott, No I.D., 88-Keys

Vocal Features:  Justin Vernon, Frank Ocean, Chief Keef, Kid Cudi, King Louie, Charlie Wilson

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

Drake – Nothing Was The Same

After watching the latest South Park I realized I was hating hard on Drakes latest album; mainly because I was confused about the endgame of the record.  I didn’t know what he was a softcore ganster rapper or a hardcore R&B singer.  Then I realized; he has created his own lane.  Drake is Drake. Once I came to that conclusion, the album made more sense to me.  Just because I don’t agree with the person Drake is trying to be doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the album for what it is. I will say this, I don’t agree with the way the album was organized the tracks are out of place.  I think Bigghostface has ruined Drake for me, also when I saw Wu-Tang Forever I expected to hear something completely different.

I’ll put it like this, I came into this album expected the whole thing to have bangers like Started From The Bottom all over the joint. You can’t expect things when you listen to a new album, free you mind and take the album for what it is.

Executive Producers: Lil Wayne, Drake, 40, J. Prince, Birdman, Slim …(People are eating…)

Beats By: 40, Boi 1da, Jake One, Mike Zombie, DJ Dahi, Key Wane, Hudson Mohawke

Vocal Features: Jay Z,  Jhene Aiko, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Detail, Majid Jordan

Beats: 8

“Vocals”: 8.5

Life: 9

Roc Marciano - The Pimpire Strikes Back / Marci Beaucoup

To be honest I couldn’t decide which one was better because they’re both great albums.  You instantly get transformed back into the late 70-80’s with his slow flow which is remarkable (ha).  The brash delivery and hunger in his voice mixed with the jazz influenced production (most of which he created himself) allows for a great predecessor to MARCBERG.  You will also notice the number of features on both albums, you would think this would overshadow the production and feel of the album but it is seamless and cohesive.

Executive Producer: Roc Marciano & The Arch Druids

Beats: Roc Marciano, Madlib, Evidence, Mic Raw, Lord Finesse, Alchemist,

Vocal Features: Evidence, Ka, Guilty Simpson, Action Bronson, Knowledge the Pirate, Freeway, Maffew Ragazino, A.G. the Coroner, Boldy James,  Gangrene (Alchemist & Oh No), S.A.S., Blu, Quelle Chris, Cormega, Mayhem Lauren, Willie the Kid

Beats: 9

Rhymes 9.5

Life: 8.5

Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels

For a while, this was album of the year to me. Last year Killer Mike and EL-P took over the rap game and since they frequented each other’s albums, they figured, why not make a collabo, and Run the Jewels was born.  Both veterans in the game, EL-P and Killer Mike sound like they’ve rhymed together for years.  Similar subject matter, the ability to match flow for flow and all while keeping the intensity high and the listener engaged throughout.

Executive Producers: EL-P, Killer Mike

Beats By: EL-P, Wilder Zoby, Little Shalimar

Vocal Features: Prince Paul, Big Boi, Chest Rockwell

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 8.5

Life 9.5

Chance the Rapper – Acid Rap

Chance the Rapper is not new the scene by any means but he did a very good job of flying under the radar for this long.  Out of all the albums reviewed this year, this one has the most heart and comes from the perspective of someone actually going through it.  Some of y’all might not like his voice. And the Na Na Na stuff is pretty annoying sometimes.  But the lyrics stick to your ribs, they follow you.  I can’t tell you how many times I put Cocoa Butter Kisses on repeat.  I can’t explain how he makes me see his boy Rod gets stabbed on Juice.

Chance is the next pop/rap star.

Executive Producer:  Chance the Rapper and Elton Cheung

Beats By: Jake One, Nate Fox, Blended Babies, DJ Ozone, Peter Cottentale,

Vocal Features: Lili K, Nate Fox, Vic Mensa, Twista, Action Bronson, Childish Gambino, Saba, BJ the Chicago Kid, Ab-Soul, NoName Gypsy

Beats: 7.5

Rhymes: 9

Life: 8.5

Check back for part 2 soon!

Album Review: Kanye West - YEEZUS

Album Review:

Kanye West

YEEZUS

1. On Sight - Heavy synths in the beginnging of the track make you believe that this isn’t even a hip-hop album.  The synths sound scratchy and unfinished but thats the beauty of it; the first track is supposed to be raw!  Its supposed to set the the tone for the rest of the album, a glimpse of what to expect.  Key themes are electro beats with masoginistic lyrics.

2. Black Skinhead - This entire track sounds like an anthem, a revolution of sorts transpiring from beginning to end.  I feel the message here is totally ant-um...everything.  Ye talks race, establishment, religion, and ultimately revolution.  Looking at the credits... it’s no wonder that Lupe Fiasco is credited on the track.

3. I am a God (Featuring God) - “HURRY UP WITH MY DAMN CROISSANT!” This is Kanye at his best, the egoist spitting heavy braggidacio.  The track starts off with heavy drums and crashing synths.  The track samples Capelton’s “Forward Inna Dem Clothes” and the whole track sounds like something you would listen to riding on a Ducati weaving in and out of traffic at night on 95 (not in VA though, its hot out there).   Another track co-produced by Daft Punk and their electro feel has become a mainstay already on track 3 of the album.  I feel like this track is the cornerstone of the album.  He shows so much emotion talking about, well himself. The lyrics switch between first and second person and Ye gives you a better look at how he views his life and the people in it.

4.  New Slaves (Feat. Frank Ocean) - So many issues brought up in this song.  I’m going to list the major ones: Jim Crow, Ye and fashion, rich and poor stereotypes, civil rights movement, label issues, exploitation of black preformers (think old jazz and soul artists and even NWA), paparazi, and the private prison system in America.  The beat is pretty simplistic compared to the rest of the production on the album but still a noteworthy track nonetheless.

5. Hold My Liquor (Feat. Chief Keef, Justin Vernon) - So this track means and embodies what the title means.  What does liquor do to the body?  Leads to car wrecks, one night stands, anger, and alcoholism.  You may also throw up as well.  But yes this track is kinda lazy.  Not my favorite on the album.  I see how he’s trying big up his ChiRaq homies though, just keep Keef out of trouble.

6.  Im in it (Feat. Travi$ Scott) -  This song is just dirty.  And I love it.  I would love to see a music video for this one... Probably the most traditional hip-hop song on the album, and one most people will lean towards when listening to the album.  The song actually has two different themes when you look at it as well, on one hand you see the debauchery and sex, but on the other hand you see how he’s dealing with the life of a rock star as a future father.  The Jamaican theme seems to be a prevalent on throughout the whole G.O.O.D. Music camp as of late but I love the samples.  

7.  Blood on the Leaves - My personally favorite track on the album that features the sample “Strange Fruit” by Nina Simone.  I love horns, and this track has an abundance.  This is also the auto-tune Kanye as well, while I can do without him fake singing, the bass and horns take the track by the neck and suffocate you throughout.  The track is mainly about a wild night with a woman on the side that cost Ye (or whoever is being referenced) a lot more than he bargained for.

8.  Guilt Trip (Feat. Kid CuDi) - I’m glad to see both of them back on a track together, but this one could’ve used a little work.  Its a one verse track about a girl he lost in auto-tune. Not saying its a skip but...

9. Send It Up (Feat. King L) - When Beenie Man starts your track off, you know its gonna be hype.  Another Daft Punk produced banger that sounds grungy and dirty.  King Louie starts it off and gives some dope bars (Last night my bitches came in two’s/and they both suck like they came to lose).  This is probably the radio hit on the album.  It really has no premise and it just a party song, and should be enjoyed as such.

10.  Bound 2 - This is basically a Ponderosa Twins Plus One remix with Kanye West and Uncle Charlie Wilson.  Nevertheless a great song to end the Opus.  Its a ode to his baby boo Kimmy K and their bundle of Joy.  Also, taking it back to the old Ye, he references Martin.  Jeromey Rome is in the house!

I think it's a damn good album actually that pushes the limits of what hip hop is... But hip hop can be interpreted in so many different ways, this is Kanye's. The subject matter is darker. The production is more acid rock and electro. The features, while limited, fit the scheme of the album. Everyone expects college dropout 'Ye. Niggas want my old shit, buy my old albums. This album is forward thinking, both simplistic and overzealous, and above all to the point. Kanye is making it his mission to change hip hop traditional views and I think he's doing a good ass job.

Beats: 9

Rhymes: 9

Life: 9

Pusha T Numbers on the Board (Official Video)

PUSHA T

NUMBERS ON THE BOARD

OFFICIAL VIDEO

EGCKH!!!!!!

BIG K.R.I.T. - A King Remembered In Time

Big K.R.I.T

A King Remembered In Time

New Big K.R.I.T. for all yall.  17 unreleased track all produced by KRIT himself.  Features include Future, Smoke DZA and Wiz.

Click Here To Download (via Datpiff)

Review: M-Burb - The Syndicate

M-Burb 

The Syndicate

The Captain’s latest offering gives you 19 tracks produced majorly by Lexxi Banks and 5OhTrez (Shouts out to the 5 Foot Assassin what up B?!). Features include Bucky Dolla (what up cuz?), Taya Jae, Money Bagz, and KB The General.

Since it’s such a large offering of music, I feel it’s better to give a synopsis of the tracks that stood out in my mind and give my overall take at the end.  With that said… Leggo.

The Syndicate Prod by Cash Hits

The title track sets the mood for the album.  He comes out hungry reflecting on both past and future self. Burb rhymes seamlessly over a track laced with low bass high synths.  The Syndicate is a Burb showing his braggadocio.  He is boastful and throws subtle jabs at his haters with lines like: “small like, better tho, you niggas’ll never know/ you just suckin n ridin, nigga who you think gon’ blow?”  Even though The Captain may be small in stature, he’s determined to let you know you’re still in his shadow.

3 The Hard Way Prod By 5OhTrez

I really feel the concept, three P’s (paper, pack, and pussy), reminds me of similar songs with the same feel (see Kendrick Lamar – The Recipe, and A$AP Rocky feat Schoolboy Q – PMW).  But the feel in this one is grimey more gulley.  His style and versatility is shown here with his ability to go spit double time and recover smoothly to enunciate his point at the end of the bar.

Rackin Up Prod By ArjKnoxx

I like this joint because it’s straight to the point.  Bass knocks and Burb basically is letting y’all know (with only 8 bars per verse have you) how he’s getting it.  The line: “Your pack be on library/how I get it? Dirty Harry.” That line to me can be viewed two different ways, first the obvious, your ‘ish is quiet while mine goes loud.  But the other meaning I see here (whether it was the artists intention or not) could be related to money, and how others are basically renting it and giving it back, paying interest and what not while he is on his ‘Dirty Harry’ did he make 5 or did he make 6, in all the excitement he lost track of the money himself.  This no holds barred attitude and demeanor will definitely keep M-Burb relevant.

On My Set (Feat. Money Bagz) Prod. Ayodilo

My man, that’s how you start a track off!  If only that gunshot ad lib wasn’t in the middle of it… I had to rewind that joint a few times. The concept of this joint is basically ‘by any means’, the beat has that Young Jeezy Trap or Die feeling to it.  In my opinion this is the most complete track on the album, he sounds so determined on this track like his intention was to have his words melt the microphone.

Overall this mixtape is solid.  I view it as a form of unsigned trap music; party music with heavy bass that more than one market can relate to.  The low points of the album were definitely that annoying horn that scared the shit out of me on more than one occasion. Also, some of the tracks sounded like the vocals and percussion were put on a whisper and made the music sound uneven.  

Subject matter is consistent to his joints with Bucky Dolla, and he has his own lane.  I would like to see more concept driven songs that have a deeper meaning and maybe use your experiences and give me a track that tells a story. Broaden your base a little bit and gain more fans by showing how versatile you are on the mic.  

Given this is an underground artist who Is grinding with no label support I got to give him props with this release.  It’s worth a listen from start to finish.  Probably one of the first mixtapes I didn’t skip though.  Keep doin your thing cousin.

Download The Syndicate

Follow M-Burb on Twitter

Beats: 8

Rhymes: 7.5

Life: 8

Kendrick Lamar - Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe (Remix) Feat. Jay-Z

Kendrick Lamar

Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe (REMIX)

 Feat. Jay-Z

K.Dot Spazzes out after HOV drops his verse.