Bucky Dolla - King Amongst Pawns (Review and Download)

Seems like Bucky Dolla and I have something in common, we both took a little time off but please believe we’re back and giving you more reasons to listen. 

Almost a year to the date, I reviewed a mixtape by his counterpart M-Burb the Captain which was a very gifted offering by a young talent out of the DMV. Bucky Dolla is no exception to this, following up a 2 year hiatus from the rap game with his new mixtape King Amongst Pawns. The album cover is with a ‘bred’ color way. It seems as if he’s looking to make a statement with the title of the mixtape and its generous offering of 21 tracks.

I'm going to run through a few of the highlights from the album and give you more than enough reasons why you should also. 

Well Alright!

One Day feat. J Beale (Produced by Chrisbeatz)

The first track should always set the tone for the album. And hearing Bucky’s voice over the synth with the statement ‘My niggas move like kings, you and your niggas move like pawns’ lets the listener know from the jump that while other cats are looking only forward one space at a time; he’s coming at you from all angles. And while he can’t move all over the board just yet, he’s watching his front and his back at all times. One Day is full of introspect, but not without retrospect, it’s a mature sounding record.

Didn’t Ya Know (Produced by Chrisbeatz)

I’m a sucker for this J Dilla sample, shouts to Chrisbeatz, respect on the flip. This joint is just smooth; you can see how cohesive Bucky is over the beat. He uses a different tone in his voice and even slurs his words to conform to the beat. The second verse is full of regret and struggle which humanizes the track, and keeps it in the same vein as its sample from Erykah Badu.

Dead Prezies Feat. Money Bagz (Produced by Curtis Tull)

Obligatory THIS JOINT GOES! B$ has a great ear for production. This track is face paced and the lyricism takes a turn for the better using a rhyme scheme that is more upbeat and drawn out. Money Bagz comes thru and laces the track nicely adding his own personal perspective to the game and how he hustles. He has a line ‘Doing wrong to live fair’ that stuck with me. It’s like even though he’s out there grinding he’s still not where he wants to be, but it’s the only life he knows.

Hustler Lullaby Feat. Rio and PTfromtheYT (Produced by Sergio Cortez)

This track is as far away from a lullaby as you can be! If this song puts you to sleep you must either be deaf or dead because this joint bangs. The end of the second verse is exceptionally a great way to leave em: ‘Every night I be prayin but not fond of the church / but the Lord understand cause he know my worth.” It has that ‘you might not like me, but you will respect me’ feel. I don’t know if it’s Rio or PTfromtheYT rapping the third bar but I’m feeling the slow flow cousin.

Make A Way (Produced by Nick Rio)

You can tell this is a personal record. He’s putting his life on wax. The beat isn’t too complex but it complements what I think Bucky was trying to achieve. It was more about the message. I ain’t gonna ruin the record, just give it a lesson.

 Aint No Love Feat. Hank Diggs and Yung Rahz (Prouduced by Nfinit3)

This is hip hop. Modern day crime dramas told 16 bars at a time. Probably my favorite track on the album. Hank Diggs comes thru and blesses the track, his voice shadows over the track and gives you a feeling of Big Pun/Large Professor. Rahz has great story telling ability and tells ends the track perfectly. Don’t sleep.

Doing Thangz Feat. M-Burb the Captain (Produced by Ysonthetrack)

Chemistry is something that is developed over time and these cats got it. The track sounds like something you would hear at the club and the bass knocks. What’s an Bucky Dolla tape without a M-Burb feature? Great way to end the mixtape, they came in the game together and even after two years off the mic, it sounds like he’s never left.

Bucky Dolla has an ear for beats and doesn’t disappoint with this offering. The tape had tracks about life hardships, his own short comings and personal issues, storytelling, and even a joint for the strippers. Subject matter stayed consistent throughout, Bucky has found his lane and will stick to it. All in all this is one of his best mixtapes and I think the time he took away from the mic allowed him to regroup and come back with a deeper perspective and love not only for hip hop, but for life in general.

Beats: 8.5

Rhymes: 8

Life: 8

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Common - WAR

COMMON - WAR (Prod. No I.D.)

First single off the No I.D. produced album Nobody's Smiling.

Download under the stream.

Gucci Mane - RGIII

GUCCI MANE - RGIII

GUWOP goes in for the Redskins stat quarterback.  HTTR!

2013 Hip Hop Albums of the Year Part 2

Round 2...Fight!

Earl Sweatshirt - Doris

This album spoke to me more than all of the other albums this year combined.  I think we all have a little bit of Earl's cynicism and confusion in all of us.  The production was on point and set an ominous tone with witty metaphors and thoughts no person in their right mind should have.  But hey what do you expect from an Odd Future member.

Executive Producers: Earl Swearshirt

Beats By: randomblackdude, Neptunes, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, RZA, Alchemist, BadBadnotGood Christian Rich

Vocal Features: Frank Ocean, Tyler The Creator, RZA, Mac Miller, Vince Staples, Casey Veggies, Domo Genesis

Beats: 8

Ryhmes: 9

Life: 9

Ka - The Night's Gambit

I dont think y'all understand how much I appreciate New York/ East Coast rap.  The boom bap, punchlines, rewind that moments and great story telling.  This album has all of that.  You may know of Ka by listening to Roc Marciano albums but the kid is definitely on his own on this one.  One of the most slept on albums of the year.  Do yourself a favor, go get it.

Executive Producers: Ka

Beats By: Ka

Vocal Features: Roc Marciano

Beats: 8

Ryhmes: 8

Life: 8

Travis Scott -  Owl Pharaoh

I had no expectations going into this album but boy, did that ever change.  I see why Kanye put that bread up and signed this dude away from T.I.  Anyway the kid can rap, but the production is what you need to listen to this album for.  Knee slappers and trunk knockers throughout. 

Executive Producers: Travis Scott, Grand Hustle

Beats By: Travis Scott, J Gramm Beats, Mike Dean, Kanye West, Toro Y Moi, Wundagurl, Young Chop, Lex Luger

Vocal Features: 2 Chainz, Wale, A$AP Ferg, Meek Mill, James Fauntelroy, Paul Wall, Theo London

Beats: 10

Ryhmes: 8

Life: 7.5

Childish Gambino - Because the Internet

I like Mr. Glover because he makes the music that he wants to make.  Produces and writes his own music and consistently is down to earth and writes some seriously funny punchlines.  This album is one of his more personal recordings, more like Camp, less like Royalty.  Either you like him or do don't, but you can't ignore the guys talent.

Executive Producers: Donald Glover

Beats By: Childish Gambino, Christian Rich, Ludwig Goransson, Thundercat, Pop Levi, Sam Spigel

Vocal Features: Chance the Rapper, Azelia Banks, Lloyd, Jhene Aiko, 

Beats: 7.5

Ryhmes: 8.5

Life: 8

Ghostface Killah - 12 Reasons to Die

Best album of the year by some peoples standards, and I can definitely see why.  This is a storytelling masterpiece, you actually feel like you're watching a movie and in some parts, like your behind 2-way glass, eavesdropping on the whole plot.  I'm not going to give away the ending but Ghost kept this joint Wu and it is probably his best work since Fishscale.

Executive Producers: Rza

Beats By: Adrian Younge

Vocal Features: Masta Killa, U-God, Inspectah Deck, Cappadonna, William Hart, Killa Sin, 

Beats: 9

Ryhmes: 9

Life: 8

Action Bronson - Blue Chips 2

In my opinion, the first installment of the Blue Chips series wasn't their best work.  I preferred Dr. Lecter and his work with Statik Selektah.  But this puts you in a mood.  This takes you back.  I guarantee this will be played at frat parties and beaches nationwide.  The vibe just has that type of appeal and the way Bronson shows his versatility is applaudable.  And for some reason, listening to Action Bronson always makes me hungry...

Executive Producers: Action Bronson, Party Supplies

Beats By: Party Supplies

Vocal Features: Big Body Bes, Meyhem Lauren , Ab-Soul, Mac Miller, Retchy P, Jeff Woods

Beats: 9

Ryhmes: 9

Life: 8.5

Part three to come....

Rick Ross feat. Jay Z - The Devil is a Lie

Rick Ross feat. Jay Z

The Devil Is A Lie

I'll let this hold y'all over till Part Deux

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!