Enigmatik and myself took it upon ourselves to review Blueprint 3, since the leak trickled down yesterday. Hit up this post over on The Boom for our track-by-track thoughts on Jay's latest opus.
So one of the most anticipated Hip-Hop albums of the last 5 years or so is finally here. Does Lil' Wayne finally make good on his "greatest rapper alive" claims, or does he just die slow?
"3 Peat" It's not really sensical to call a track "3 Peat" when you didn't get the ring on the first two.
"Mr. Carter (ft. Jay-Z)" Oddly enough, Weezy can't even be saved by a decent Jigga verse and a decent Just Blaze beat. You'd imagine that trio would come with some serious fire, but this is worse than "Hello Brooklyn 2.0".
"A Milli" Can't help it, I love this beat. I love it so much that I have Wayne's ridiculous lines committed to memory, like "tougher than Nigerian hair", and my favorite, "I can turn a crack rock into a mountain". What kind of boast is that, and how is that possible? Why would you want a crack rock that big?
"Got Money (ft. T-Pain)" Such a ridiculous use of computerized voices over electronic beats. I didn't think niggas could niggerize computers this bad.
"Comfortable (ft. Babyface)" What the fuck is Babyface doing on a Weezy album? This track is pretty dope for what it is, except with Wayne's dumb lines ("I got game like EA"). Kanye is mad subdued on the beat, but it works.
"Dr. Carter" Cold, cold beat. I wonder how much Swizzy got paid for this one. I do find it odd that Wayne is the doctor trying to resurrect Hip-Hop, when he's arguably one of the reasons the shit is dying.
"Phone Home" I always thought this nigga was an alien. Now he admits it.
"Tie My Hands (ft. Robin Thicke)" I actually like this one. I was a fan of "Shooter", oddly enough. I can get with this sly Robin Thicke beat. Lovin' that smooth bass.
"Mrs. Officer (ft. Bobby Valentine)" Why follow up a dope R&B collab with a fucked up one?
"Let The Beat Build" This beat sounds like Kanye from 5, 6 years ago. I kind of wished this didn't have the drums in it; that sample is cold enough. Dude is getting saved by dope beats, though. EDIT Props to 2DB for uploading the instrumental to this one.
"Shoot Me Down (ft. D. Smith)" I guess Wayne is going introspective on this? I can't take this anymore... "Lollipop (ft. Static Major)" RIP Static.
"La La (ft. Brisco & Busta Rhymes)" David Banner is a fool for this beat. I do not like Weezy's "I'm richer than y'all, I got a bank full of pride" line. What kind of dizzy shit you spoutin'? This should've been a Bus-A-Bus solo cut. I love this beat!
"Playing WIth Fire (ft. Betty Wright)" How much did he pay Miss Wright?
"You Ain't Got Nuthin' (ft. Juelz Santana & Fabolous)" Fab's verse is the truth. The rest of it? Not so much.
"Don't Get It (Misunderstood)" The only way we misunderstand Weezy is depending on how much lean he drank before he wrote his joints. Why is this track damn near 10 minutes? And is all of that Al Sharpton hate really necessary?
I don't see the point in even trying to bring up Weezy's rhymes. While dude can keep a flow throughout a tune, he isn't the best writer, especially when people try to compare him to a Jigga or Nas. He's not even in that realm. And with albums like this, that contain some hot beats and some dope rhymes, dude hasn't gotten that one classic album yet that's sorely needed to solidify his spot within the game as a true entity. He's just a glorified mixtape rapper, period.
rock the dub gives Tha Carter III 2 out of 5 stars. While there are some dope beats, and Weezy can trip up on a decent line every now and again, there's no way that this is his classic album. Maybe the best album out of his catalouge, but that's not saying much at all.
Burn Deez: "A Milli", "Dr. Carter", "Let The Beat Build"
From what I understand, Tyga is the cousin of Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy, and is signed with both Lil' Wayne and Pete Wentz' labels. Must be nice to have friends/fam in the industry...
"Diamond Life (ft. Crash)" Wow. Big beat with some odd female on the hook. There's a shitload going on in this beat. In his lyrics? Not so much. "Coconut Juice (ft. Travis McCoy)" You ever been drunk on keg beer at someone's house party, and the DJ put on a track that you didn't particularly feel, but you saw all of the ladies getting really suggestive with their dancing to the joint? That's what "Coconut Juice" sounds like to me. Drunken college slut bangers. Travis' verse is so short, it's unnecessary. I guess you gotta sell units some way.
"Supersize Me" "I stay puffed like the Marshmallow Man"? No thanks. Dude really sounds like everyone and no one at once. Patrick Stump produced this. That's probably not a good idea, no matter how cheap his in-house beats might be.
"Don't Regret It Now (ft. Patrick Stump)" This beat sounds like the one previous, with weaker synths. Dude goes in a bit lyrically, but his voice and that synth make the message get lost in the sauce. I could do without that hook, too, but you know.
"Pillow Talkin'" This beat puts me to sleep. I'm not sure if that was the intention, though.
"Aim" Dude sounds like crap over hi-tempo and mid-tempo beats. I can imagine him in the booth, really getting into his flow... and it makes me laugh.
"First Timers" I could see this being a decent single for the cool summer nights, with that guitar and laid-back beat. Nice summer love cut here.
"Cartoonz" Wow. I'm surprised cats are still saying "no homo". Loads of cartoon mentions in here. I'm head-nodding to this beat, but it's definitely not that hot.
"Summertime" I guess this is dude trying to be the Fresh Prince. Only he's underage and packing Patron.
"Press 7" You gotta love how semi-decent tracks get ruined by that nasal white boy singing on the hook. Not that this track was that great or anything. I'm just saying, the hook takes it from a -4 to a -24.
"Woww" I wonder what the extra 'w' is for. Dude said this is a new sound. Then he says "I can make a style out of nothing". Dude says "wow" like Kia Shine does, so I guess that whole "new sound" shit is bogus (especially when he says "I don't think nobody sound like this"; maybe he didn't cop that Kinfolk CD).
"2AM" Hey Tyga! You wish you were in a coma? Listen to your CD, it'll be the perfect sleep-inducer for when your life's troubles are too much for you, dog.
"Est. (80's Baby)" His "I"m an 80s baby" track. Punchy kicks in this beat, but again, too much going on in here.
At the end of the day, I am just not feeling this. I didn't have high hopes or anything... and that's probably for the better. I can't even imagine someone actually buying this, unless they felt "Coconut Juice" was REALLY THAT FLY. Which it wasn't. Anyone got Pete Wentz' number?
rock the dub gives No Introduction a 1.5 out of 5 stars. Not much going on here, which is sad, considering the company dude keeps. Whomever greenlit this needs to be fired.
I love when producers I had never heard of, like Presto, blow me out of the water with something amazing they've created. I love it even more when I get their album in the mail, and it's even slicker than I imagined it would be. Track-fi-track, maayne...
"Listen" Nice, quick jazzy intro. Sounds like something that would play on the menu screen from a DVD documentary about DJ Premier.
"Conquer Mentally" (ft. Sadat X, O.C. & Large Professor) Wow. Talk about... wow. That jazz sample is perfect, especially on that cold ass beat. Sadat's verse is my favorite of this one, with him laying out his thoughts on his legacy and space in the game. Both O.C. and Extra P flex their skills as well. Beats like this, from the cuts to the overall melancholy funk this track emotes... wow, I don't know whether to cry or light a cigarette.
"Street Sport" (ft. Ark) I remember hearing MF Doom use this sample years ago. Just a nice mixture of such a cool, relaxing melody and Ark's mellow fury.
"Pour Another Glass" (ft. Blu) Another jazzy affair here. Perfect combination on here. I could see this one going off well at a grown ass club, kind of like the spot in D'Angelo's "Brown Sugar" video.
"On" (ft. LOWD) This track is dope, has a nice, dusty break underneath not much else. I'm not that big a fan of LOWD on the track, but I don't dislike him at all. I do not like his hook, though.
"The Pressure" (ft. Raashan Ahmad) The keys on this sound like Lupe Fiasco's "Paris, Tokyo", but are closer to ATCQ than Lupe could ever be. Raashan sounds like how niggas rhymed back in '95.
"Higher" (ft. Mhax Montes) I love that dude doesn't go for the big drums on that loop. So many producers would just go to the basic drums, all big and crisp. Nah, Presto keeps it simple, and just let's that soul flow. The fill might make you think it's gonna drop, but the beauty is in that lil' sample!
"Altered States" (ft. Wayward Saints) Damn. Summer cookout anthem here. That airy keyboard, the flexing on the guitar. "Cool" doesn't even begin to describe it. A crime would be someone rapping to this track. Excellent.
"Mass Quality" (ft. J Theory) Wow, dude must have a batch of tight beats sitting at his crib. I'm not up on J Theory, but he kicks some dope rhymes over this one. This has a New York feel to it. I love how the beat flips randomly in this one.
"What's What" (ft. Fatlip & Kim Hill) There's Fatlip! There's some interesting sounds going on in this beat - has a nice, bouncy feel to it. 'Lip does his thing on this, but it's not necessarily his best rhyme. I never really bought him chattin' up chicks - especially after "Passin' Me By".
"Feel Me" (ft. T Weaponz) Probably one of my least-favorite beats on here. The strings on this don't really go anywhere.
"Part Of Greatness" (ft. CL Smooth) CL always comes correct over cuts like this. Neck-snappin' vibe on this one, with Smooth caressing the track so slyly. The piano twinkling in this sets it off.
"Let It Circulate" (ft. Dhurti Whoutr) Another beautiful piano sample. That Nas on the hook works well, too. I'm not sold on dude on the mic, but again, he isn't murdering the track.
"Plain Jane" (ft. Kim Hill) This beat sounds almost too-hard for this lovely voice... the contrast doesn't mesh for me here. I think she could have coasted over some of those more lush tracks Presto has created.
"Go" (ft. Trek Life) Some dope inspirational rhymes for the Black youth of today.
"Still Here" (ft. IN-Q) I love this instrumental. Those stabs sound like fat raindrops on a warm summer afternoon.
"Outro" Damn. Dude takes it out like a heavy, blunted DJ Krush number on this one. This shit has the ill lurch to it.
"Conquer Mentally (Large Pro Remix)" (ft. Sadat X, O.C. & Large Professor) Extra P spreads his quality production to arguably the best cut on here. It's not better than the original, but has a nice, gritty feel to it, with that sleazy guitar and those horns. Nice take on this banger.
I used to buy albums just like this in the late '90s! I am so not mad at this. I feel like I did back when I was a teen, taping underground Hip-Hop from college radio, then hitting up mom & pop spots, digging for both the new releases and the sources they would sift through, looking for the perfect beat. Presto has the jazz, the boom-clack, the ear... dude is a producer that more of you MCs need to be giving your checks to.
rock the dub gives State Of The Art4 out of 5 stars. Most of today's talent bubbles under the radar. Fortunately, with the cameos Presto has pulled, and the obvious talent dude has, he should be making it onto more projects than his own. Let's hope someone is listening to this.
State Of The Art is in stores June 17th. You can pre-order this album (which comes with a 2nd disc with the "Conquer Mentally"/"On" video on it) on Amazon.
While I love new Hip-Hop, I am an Old School head at heart. When I heard Foul Mouth Jerk's new joint was called Streetlight Music, I was instantly intrigued, hoping that dude really keeps it park jam and fly on this album...
"Streetlight Music" Has all the pre-req sounds, even throws in that KRS-One "power from the streetlight made the place DARK" sample in there. Nice intro cut.
"The Jerk's Theme" Hot use of an Eddie Murphy sample. One thing that cracks me up about MCs that brag on the weed they smoke is lines like "chain-smoking $20 sacks"... is that possible? Definitely some "pothead comments" in there.
"NJ Transit" (ft. El Da Sensei) How can I hate on a track that's a tribute to my homestate. El and FMJ definitely encapsulate New Jeru in this one, especially the Hip-Hop side of NJ. Club Sensations ftw. Even though FMJ now reps North Carolina, you can tell by his dirty steez that dude is NJ bred, through and through.
"Small Town USA" (ft. Masta Ace) Gotta love when cats show love to the smaller cities in the US that still hold it down when Hip-Hop acts come to perform for them. Sad thing is, I hardly ever see these niggas come to my area. It's always Princeton, Camden, Newark. Trenton, NJ has one of the best arenas in the country, yet I've seen more comedians there than Hip-Hop acts. This is an ill tribute, though.
"Surrounded By Criminals" OK, who let the stop snitchin' track in the door? Very unexpected, but I guess "streetlight" is more than just block parties and stolen electricity? Regardless, this seems out of place... And yes, they do drop the Biggie sample in here.
"One Room Shack" I love that loop in this. So damn funky - if they just took that 2-bar loop and made that the beat, shit would have been ON! I remember this one cat I used to work with had a one room shack - well, it was technically a two-room shack, but the 2nd room only had a light and a mic in it. I drank Natty Lights and smoked some fluffy weed up in that spot. Also the first spot I watched Fight Club in, but yeah. You didn't necessarily want to be chillin' over there.
"Neighborhood Drug Dealer" I mean, I know niggas who dealt drugs back in the day, and I have no beef with them, but trying to play these niggas like they are the working everyman like any other hardworking individual misses the mark completely. And yes, they drop the KRS sample in here.
"Day One" (ft. Grandmaster Caz & TopRamen) As much as I love the old school, and really wanted to be into this, the beat just kind of plods on. Hearing Caz on a track is always welcome, though - dude hasn't lost a step.
"The Decider" The only interlude on here is a bunch of "Bushisms" that never gets old.
"Culture Of Life (Jesus Doesn't Give A Shit)" This track epitomizes "real talk". Dude goes in on our government and everything that we are fucking up today. I like the line about our country being headed by CEOs, giving new meaning to "the executive branch". I have a cousin going to Iraq next month... its such a wild feeling. I hate so much about our government, but they are the ones sending one of my own off to fight in this war. My cousin is a man, and makes his own decisions... I just want him to come back in one piece.
"Played Out" Dude spends a whole song breaking down shit he liked in the early 90's, with the punchline being that he is played out by today's standards.
"Lost In The Sauce" (ft. Breez Evahflowin') Sick beat, and these two just attack it. Peep Breez on the 2nd verse, with his seemingly endless comic book references.
"Mr. Green" (ft. Hardy Cooper) This one is for you ganjalists. I like the Clue reference in the chorus. This one is to be played when you are blowing trees out of a phat water pipe in a college dorm on a lazy afternoon.
"Take The Money & Run" (ft. Tao Principle) The best thing about this track is the Cutty Ranks sample in the intro.
"Monopoly (Remix)" Surprising track here. A remix where the beat is pretty much taken out. The storyline is accented by soundbites and some cat playing the role of the dude FMJ is speaking. Kind of a like a Hip-Hop radio serial program. I dug this one.
See, there's kind of a ying and a yang with FMJ. While I love his old school aesthetic, and dude is definitely a talented cat on the mic, his virtues can also be seen as his faults. While he is definitely a dope old school head, a lot of the themes and thoughts he brings out have been done time and again. And while he is a nice lyricist, he has some spotty lines in here (e.g. he makes a comment about stackin' "more dead presidents than Mt. Rushmore"; Mt. Rushmore has 4 dead presidents on it, so anyone with a $5 bill in their pocket fits that bill, although that's not what he was trying to get across). I do love that he has the ability to stay on topic for an entire song, but if the topic is played, what good is it?
rock the dub gives Streetlight Music a 3.5 out of 5 stars. FMJ is talented, and when he comes with interesting and off-the-mark topics, he shines. It's when he falls back on unnecessary or, in his words, played out themes where he falters.
Burn Deez: "Culture Of Life", "Small Town USA", "Monopoly (Remix)", "Lost In The Sauce"
Streetlight Music is available NOW! Hit up FMJ's MySpace page for more details on him and how to cop it.
I put you guys up on the release of Praverb's Center Of Attention album last week; I have since given it a few spins and I am very impressed. While I can't say I vibe to "Christian Hip-Hop" on the regular (although mad MCs like to invoke the Lord's name), P-Viz attacks it from a different angle. Yes, dude follows Christ and has no qualms about letting you know this, but he isn't being preachy or trying to bash your head in with the Bible, which is what counteracts many of the attempts by Holy Hip-Hop acts. Let's bust out a track-by-track of this dope album...
"Perfect Intro"
That title is perfect; if I was to find a beat to start off my album, it would be this - that slower tempo, with an ill melody that sounds like it's played in reverse. Praverb does what he does best: he breaks down his personality in rhyme, letting you know exactly who he is and what he's about to do, while injecting some dope lyrics and ending up just talking to you. Dude is like a rapping motivational speaker.
"Back In The Days" No, dude isn't necessarily trying to be "old school" over this Middle Eastern-influenced track, he's just trying to get us back to how we used to vibe to Hip-Hop, mentally. P spits about not necessarily needing to make cake off of Rap, he would rather just perform for the people and create dope music. Thoughts like that are desperately needed these days.
"Freedom To Prevail" Hands down my favorite beat on this LP. Teddy Roxpin, I salute you for that pitched-up string loop that gets slowed down (think hitting the "start" button on a turntable while a track is playing) every 4 bars. P acknowledges that life on Earth is hell, but finds solace on the mic.
"Dead 2 Sin" Praverb kicking some heavy Christian lyrics, shedding his old self (like an insect does its exoskeleton) when he takes the Lord in his heart. I could see this one rockin' in a smoky club as well as in church the following morning.
"Rain" Introspective cuts are always welcome, and P spits about still trucking through his early life, even when the pain and struggle rained and poured over him.
"I Grind, You Grind" (ft. Trinidad) Hypnotic beat, with some chopped up samples that remind me of somethign 9th Wonder or Preemo would do, P and Trinidad expound on the trails of cats who don't rap for a living, and have to deal with living check to check, which many of us know too much about. They're not spitting it negatively, nor are they ready to flip some birds - it's all about staying positive in this sick, sad world.
"Tatianna" Praverb gets his Slick Rick on, weaving a tale about a teen girl who gets abused early on in life, and falls into a sticky situation trying to become a model.
"You Know Me" Praverb pokes out his chest and just goes for broke over a moving beat. I hate the state of Hip-Hop, too, P.
"Time Is Ticking" I was expecting some kind of Busta Rhymes "THERE'S ONLY FIVE YEARS LEFT!", but Praverb speaks on himself some more, going a bit deeper than he did on "Rain", and gives those some hope, even though we all know our time on Earth is limited.
"Represent" Another cut where P stands strong and believes in himself, even though life can be mad hectic at times. All about having that gameplan and staying focused.
"Ordinary Day (Remix)" Gotta love it when a track makes you think it's going to go one way, and then diverts into something completely different. This one goes from P just maxing on any random day, then flips to the trials and tribs of an artist hustling his CDs at the mall he was just going to to pick up a few things. Nice, jazzy samples on this one, too.
"Trading Places (Remix)" A fine example of the grass not being greener on the other side. P pens a tale where he steps into someone else's life and truly sees that things aren't as easy as we might think they are living in someone else's kicks.
Very solid package here. Praverb executes his messages soundly, not being overly preachy, but also never pulling punches on the points he is making. His flows are slick, and dude can ride a beat like the best of 'em. The only real problem I had was the ending of some of the more-story based cuts. "Tatianna", while a def track and something that many artists don't speak on, seems to kind of just end - all of this pain and madness flows on, and while the ending isn't necessarily a happy one, a lack of retribution is there. The last 2 tracks also seem like they could have been doper with just one more 16 on them, kind of an end-cap. The thing is, that doesn't deter from the overall message, and neither the project nor the tracks themselves ultimately suffer from this. In the end, Praverb is an MC many should look out for, especially if you are tired of the profanity-laced rhymes of so many MCs, or you want some message-driven rhymes that will bang in the whip while still being child-friendly. I'd put this on for my son before throwing in many of the other albums I own. And in 2008, in our sexed-up/bullet-ridden entertainment industry, that speaks volumes.
rock the dub gives Center Of Attention 3.75 stars out of 5. Praverb is a choice MC who feels as though he grew up with you, but instead of lacing a blunt or popping a brew, kept his head in the books and, while he can still catch wreck, is working towards a higher power, all the while still making your neck snap and your hands clap. I feel like it's 1988 all over again.
Burn Deez: "Freedom To Prevail", "I Grind, You Grind", "Rain", "You Know Me"
Center Of Attention is available now from the following spots: iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and Emusic. Domination Recordings has also provided a free album sampler that you can grab from here. Highly recommended.
I will admit it: while I think Matisyahu is dope, I was kind of concerned when this was billed as being some form of "Jewish Hip-Hop". Word to MC Paul Barnum, I hadn't heard too many artists who wore their religion on their sleeves like that. Thing is, Y-Love isn't like that. The way he infuses his Hasidism is not unlike how Rakim infused 5% knowledge into his raps - he kept the music where you could feel it, all the while still touching on the social commentary he deemed important. Y-Love aims to do this, all the while giving the people something they can dance to...
"This Is Babylon" First things first, Jake Break does the damn thing with these beats. That wobbly bass, thrown into a bed of snaps and a somber kick, provides a deep bed for Y's intellect. I wish I knew what homeboy was saying in some spots, I guess that's Aramaic he's chanting? His views aren't that far from some of the Babylon-speak that Rastafari dabble in, which definitely works. Nice intro to this CD...
"Bump" Revolutionary Hip-Hop, 2008. That down home feel to this organ-driven track makes Y get into that pocket with his flows. I love the congas thrown in here. Definitely all about the positive vibes - I could seriously hear this one getting a crowd hype.
"Bring It On Down" This is a weirder track, sonically. While Y-Love is trying to free the shackled ghetto yout, the beats are on this funky swing, but I am not too keen on the feedback and random synth notes in the background. Still has an appeal to it, though.
"Keep The Party Divine" Does exactly what the title suggests. The use of the crazy, piercing synth works better here as a wild melody. Y gets a bit deeper into this, with more words and a more complex flow packed on top of this one. I wonder how I can get "respected on 260 dimensions"...
"Check The Technique (ft. Shaanan Street of Hadag Nachash)" This one is heavy on the percussion, which is a crazy contrast to the plinky melodies on top, and rhymes referencing MySpace. Feel like I'm in a drum circle, and a cat just randomly catchin' wreck over their slaps. Y digs into where he came from and why he's doing what he's doing today. I don't know what language Shaanan Street is rhyming in, and I wonder how long it took him to write that; dude flows nicely in whatever language he is speaking.
"Exhibit A: The Diagnosis" Interlude leading into the next cut. It doesn't make much sense until you get into the following track.
"New Disease" This is all about the disease of the mind that our society pollutes us with. I like how Y attacks this beat, I can't explain his style, really. I could see him doing a concept album ala Kool Keith or Prince Paul. Or rockin' over some real sonic craftsmen. He definitely has that talent.
"6000" This sounds like what Barack Obama needs to be spittin up on the debate block. We need to break the shackles and recreate our society. Heed the words!
"This Is A Test" Another interlude that makes more sense when the next track kicks off.
"State Of The Nation" This beat is wild. Jungle-ish, crazy percussion, wild bassline. Y-Love goes off on how he sees our nation right now. I love that 2nd verse, with all the stats he brings up.
"Mind Transit" "Bombin' ya synagogue like Ahmadinejad". Word? This sounds like a tribal documentary remixed with an inner city frolic. Sneaky funk freak.
"From Brooklyn To Ramle (ft. Saz)" This beat sounds like something Ghostface would murder, but this is another track rapped in both English and another language. Dope rhymes from Y, again. Introspective madness.
"Mt. Sinai (ft. Super Dane)" Lovin' that dance hall feel on that hook. This one has a futuristic bop to it. Lovin' the whole platter.
"Mehadrin Rhymin'" Those eerie melodies get me everytime. This cut is on some stream of consciousness feeling shit. Really frantic. I love it, though, especially how the goes from more downtempo to a faster click. Kind of combines everything that's been established and throws it in one pot.
While I don't subscribe to his religion, I can respect a cat who has found a way to get positive, especially in these trying times. More power to the brother for picking up his craft and using his skills to try and save a few of us. If you like shit from Immortal Technique, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and others who mix a bit of politics into their punch, and you are a fan of forward-thinking sonics, this is right up your alley.
rock the dub gives This Is Babylon3.75 out of 5 stars. Solid effort, and while I wouldn't bump this on the regular, I would not be mad if it came on randomly. Nice mixture of ill technique and deep thought.
Burn Deez: "State Of The Nation", "New Disease", "6000"
This Is Babylon is available NOW on Amazon MP3. CDs should be in stores on April 29th, 2008.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - wait, not THOSE Horsemen. The Hoarsemen are a collective out of New York, reppin' "alternative" Hip-Hop (meaning that they pack both turntables AND kazoos) for you lovers of shit that's a bit askew. Is their debut album, Snacks & Catastrophes, dope enough for you to cop? Let's find out:
"Neck Bop" This cut starts out with some head-noddin' drums and a solid organ melody, which get paired up with MC Long Division's quirky lines and that odd hook, this CD reminds me of what Beck was doing on Odelay, minus the wall-of-sound sampledelica.
"Brown Bag" This is the lead single. Another solid groove, with dude throwing in words not normally heard on your regular Rap disc (I mean, who rhymes shit like metropolis?), but dude also has some ill things strung together, like this end game on the first verse: "Got to make my name ring bells like a pugilist/Spitting some old hotness like Vesuvius/I sip Bombay, turn clubs to Pompeii/And critics, y'all can all go to Hell like Dante". Not your normal raps, for they take a bit of thought! Also diggin' the New Brunswick drop.
"Feel Mine" Three songs deep and each is on that mid-tempo, live bop to it. Not that bad, but hopefully the paces changes every now and again. I bet these cats are dope live, especially homey who makes all the weird voices on their hooks. Like who says "OK I'm going to sound like a little kid/weird old man on EVERY hook"? Lyrically, this reminds me of the Anticon heads, but with more rhythm to the flows and less SAT words...
"Pablo McNasty's Revenge" I miss DJ-only tracks. Even if this is an interlude, this one has a DJ Disk charm to it. If you didn't hear his Ancient Termites CD, you're missing out.
"Dookie Booty" This one kicks it up a tad - I could see this one going down nice at a beer-soaked basement party. Got that fun vibe to it, not far from cats like Digital Underground back in the day.
"The Ballad Of Three Fingered Joe" This is more Hip-Hop/Country hybrid than anything Nelly and Tim McGraw could ever come up with. All this track is missing is a verse from Slick Rick as Joe.
"You're Not Allowed To Volunteer Here Anymore" I think this is one of the first tracks I've heard in a while that mentions Modelo beer. I had those once - the bottles are funny looking, but the brew was sub-par. I was going to do a series of posts where I bought beer, drank them, then reviewed the beers, but I realized that was a trigger to alcoholism. In any case, this one has a funky vibe to it. I love the cut-up phone ringing at the very end.
"The Carnival" Odd-ass interlude of a carny bigging up the Hoarsemen (mad adjectives abound).
"Snacks 'n' Catastrophe" Fuzz-box Hip-Hop, complete with kazoos. Grimey, yo!
"Gulps (The Captain Has Bad Dreams)" Dude who does the captain voice (I'm guessing that's Loosey?) is spot-on. That pitter-patter kick in this makes that beat. Love that low-key bass, too. Perfect bed for the deep-sea themes in this killer.
"Rotgut" Here comes the bevy of SAT rhymes. You sophmores and juniors need to just study this cut for your verbal section.
"Monkey Heads" Definitely didn't expect this proto-jungle banger. Lovin' the freaky flavor of this interlude.
"Flavorite" This one is the closest to a trunk-rattler on this set, with some hardcore scratching alongside a boomin' bassline. I also love dude's rhymes, reminds me of the early '90s.
"Sexshuwal" Does exactly what it says on the tin - this is a fly cut that would go down PERFECT in a live setting. This would get the crowds rocking, especially those who are full of couples, or those just trying to get buck nasty on a broad.
"City Man" With the bongo/conga line in this, sounds like a classic break with dude going buck over it. Another block (party) rocker.
In the end, this isn't what I'd normally peep at all, which is sad. It's good to hear Hip-Hop coming from that leftfield side of things, especially when it's not like a crew of guys who are trying to just use Rap as a tool. You can tell The Hoarsemen both love Hip-Hop and are good at what they do, making their particular brand of shit that much more interesting. While I think the CD isn't the best way to take in a set like this (I'd imagine their live shows are a good time), it's definitely a solid base for their budding future.
rock the dub gives Snacks & Catastrophes a 3.75 out of 5 stars. Flippin' Hip-Hop on its ear, these cats bridge a love for what was great about Hip-Hop with a desire to bring in their other influences into the mix, creating a vibrant stew and a funky good time.
Burn Deez: "You're Not Allowed To Volunteer Here Anymore", "Brown Bag", "The Ballad Of Three Fingered Joe", "Rotgut", "Dookie Booty"
Snacks & Catastrophes is available on April 15th, 2008. Check out their website for more information. If you are in the New York area on Thursday, April 17th, check out their album release party at Fontana's Bar in the L.E.S.; aside from the Hoarsemen, live performances will be coming from K Banger, the1shanti, The Woes and a host of others, with drink specials provided by Function Drinks and Svedka Vodka.
It's odd that it's rainy here when I sit down to review this album; it was a rainy weeknight when I bought two important albums in my collection: Reprazent's New Forms (the US, 2xCD version) and V Classic, Vol. 1. I was already into DnB, but aside from Goldie's Timeless album, and a string of compilations from Liquid Sky Records (and tapes I made from the various Jungle shows on WPRB), I hadn't found something to truly latch onto. Roni Size and New Forms was it. The jazz, the lyrics - this opus was a very different approach to the Drum & Bass I was used to. We had real song structure, live instrumentation, and an aesthetic that screamed "we do what we feel works". It went on to be highly lauded, and is one of the greatest albums in DnB history. Now, 10 years later, Size has gone back in and re-edited the original 13 tracks, giving them a 2008 polish, but does it work?
"Railings (2008 re-edit)" Not bad so far - you can hear the fatter break on this one, with a few synth notes being played under Dynamite's rhymes. The tempo feels a bit slower than I remember the original to be, but that doesn't deter from the cut at all.
"Brown Paper Bag (2008 re-edit)" You remember this one, right? The video is epic. Again, this one has a crispier feel to it, with some harder drums added underneath. The subtle differences (the random bleeps thrown in, echoes thrown on Dynamite MC's rhymes, etc.) seem unnecessary, this track is vivid enough for those tweaks, but again, I'm with it so far.
"New Forms (2008 re-edit)" This is where things get kind of confusing. I fucking KNOW this one is slower than the original, and it comes off feeling awkward. It's damn near Breaks-esque, with Bahamadia's rhymes coming across too slow over the track. Wrong move, this one worked so much more when her vocals attacked that faster beat. Side note: did you know that she didn't record her rhymes with Roni? She actually got the info from Size, did her vocals, but when the tape came to Roni, she mispronounced his name... Sykes instead of Size. I forget where I read that, always made me laugh though.
"Let's Get It On (2008 re-edit)" And then what does Roni do? He takes my FAVORITE cut from the album, and turns it into an interlude. This whole thing about this track is the calm before that frantic storm when the beat drops. But we miss that. Guess he had to make room for something better?
"Trust Me (2008 re-edit)" Anthem status. This one has been mashing down raves for a long-ass time. It was a staple in '97, and I remember like 4, 5 years ago, it re-emerged, for good reason. Simple melody that murks the crowd. This one is kept relatively unscathed, which is nice.
"Digital (2008 re-edit)" I was never that big on this cut, but it actually works very well with the new coat of paint on it. Hasn't aged badly at all.
"Matter Of Fact (2008 re-edit)" This is a classic, and I'm glad he hasn't toyed with this one either. When you want to talk about one of the things that drew me into DnB, it was the manipulation of the breakbeat. This one sounds like Max Roach or someone doing an extended solo, and those classic V/Full Cycle atmosphere sounds always got me. Special sleeper cut.
"Heroes (2008 re-edit)" When I listen to this re-edit, I keep thinking about DJ Die's "Drop Bear". I really don't remember how the original one sounded, but this cut could get released today and still mash down the liquid crowd.
"Share The Fall (2008 re-edit)" Another epic cut, "Share The Fall" is all about that big vocal. Roni really just threw a new sheen on a ton of these cuts, which definitely sounds better than what many fans thought this would sound like. I think people were expecting Roni to retwerk these in his newer style, but he definitely stayed true to the originals, for more or less.
"Heart To Heart" The first of the new cuts is my favorite new cut. This is pure downtempo, jazzy mood music. That sample is pure genius. Loads of emotion gets built into this one, as well... once that sample hits, its orgasmic. Trust we.
"Less Is More" Unfortunately, more is what this cut needs. Another trip in a Break-y territory, instrumental cut is funky, yes, but doesn't seem to fit into the vibe of what's been established so far. Too funk/electro for this set, in my opinion.
"Down (2008 re-edit)" Back to the nasty, vocal-driven cuts. I love when this one gets funky. So raw, rugged and refreshing.
"Hi Potent (2008 re-edit)" This is one I forgot about. I remember the double bass in this, harkening to "Brown Paper Bag" a bit, but that vintage V bassdrop in this was something I guess I forgot about. Big big tune.
"Don't Hold Back" The new single. Roni trying to recreate today's Hip-Hop production, I guess? Dynamite does his thing on the mic, but this just doesn't even fit into the scope of what this album was about, at all. Disappointing choice.
"Beatbox (2008 re-edit)" When I made my corny mixtapes, I used to use this as an interlude. I love how they totally re-created a DnB track vocally. So impressive.
"Encore" This is cool, definitely sounds dope, although I think it would be cooler in concert than it is on CD.
"Destination (2008 re-edit)" I love that sax sample. It's so simple, but so damn effective. True jazz right there. And he didn't muddy this one up that much. I always loved this being the final cut.
All in all, while I am not totally disappointed in how Roni handled this project, I think it wasn't necessary. For the most part, the re-edits aren't that diverse or special to truly necessitate a release. And I get it, this is a landmark album in Drum & Bass history, but why not do like true landmark albums do, especially in the Jazz world: why not release a deluxe edition, say a 3 disc thing. Make it where the full original release is spanned over the first two discs, and the third can be a mixture of remixes/B-sides/alternate takes - hell, even throw the newer tracks on there, if need be. Don't go in, throw some new clothes on these older tracks and expect the masses to gobble it up. In reality, what this disc does is make me want to listen to the original more (which I COULD if I hadn't loaned it to this chick I used to cop weed off of). Maybe I should buy that instead of this...
rock the dub gives New Forms²3 out of 5 stars. While it is a treat to hear these classic cuts polished with a new shine, this should have been called New Forms Revisited. Note to Roni: those new tracks are NOT enough to make someone cop this.
Burn Deez: "Heart To Heart", "Destination (2008 re-edit)", "Trust Me (2008 re-edit)", "Hi Potent (2008 re-edit)"
One third of Masspyke, Hanif-Jamiyl's Krushed Grapes is the kind of Hip-Hop album you put on when you go shopping for lace undergarments for your lady friend. The kind of album you put on when you need to get into the zone of "I'm gonna get me some ass tonight". Or, at least, it tries to be...
"Take It Off" OK, so homeboy is coaxing his girl to take her panties off with a piano loop. Have YOU ladies ever had your grapes crushed before? Yeah, I don't know what's going on here either...
"Krushed Grapes" Wow, dude's voice sounds like a pimp with a stuffy nose. And he comes off like a nerd who just got his first nut and fashions himself as the ultimate player. Sad thing is, dude is serious...
"Yes U R" This one is more like it - the ultimate cocky nigga in the club track. This nigga is actually letting you know that, even if you think you aren't trying to get with him, you really are. Although any nigga who says he prefers wine to beer, I immediately have a puzzled look. This flow sounds like Q-Tip circa The Love Movement.
"Insatiable Rose" Why is dude trying to be Andre 3000 imitating Prince? Like, everything about fucking doesn't have to be "honey dripped lips" and all that pseudo-poetry slam malarky. Oh, this beat is fucking horrendous.
"Alone" And just when I thought dude was going to get off the "player" shit, a track entitled "Alone" is about what he'd do for the chick that's alone... with him. Yawn, already, damn!
"Gyrations" This is a track that's to make you ladies get on the floor and, you know, gyrate. Thing is, this is like a dance track for the incense burning crowd. And his lyrics are questionably un-incense burning. Mark, you've been missed.
"My Lament" Christ, we're halfway through this and I'm thoroughly bored.
"Intoxicating" Even the interludes are boring. And unnecessary, even if it includes a Lauryn Hill sample.
"Wet Dream" You know he be dreaming, right? Maybe he should have hit the snooze button and kept this track on the cutting room floor...
"Let Him Go" I am with him on this. Any of your females who are stressing over ain't-shit niggas, stop that shit. Let them niggas go. And go find some better CDs.
"Lonely Girl" Dude letting his girl know that, no, he wasn't out trickin', he was in the studio making wack tracks about fuckin' and relationships. This feels like an episode of Maury...
"She Got It All" What do you get for the girl that has it all? Definitely not Krushed Grapes...
"Just A Nut (beware of dog)" Probably the best beat on here, which isn't saying a lot. Dude half-singing to a bitch, letting her know that she's nothing more than a nut.
"Yummy" Dude's rhymes aren't that bad on this one. Or maybe I am just glad that this album is over.
Wow. I didn't think I could dislike an album this much. Maybe it's just me, but this Pharrell for the 30 and up crowd is just not poppin' for me. I don't believe that dude is a player, I am tired of him sounding like other rappers, and it was just an overall boring experience.
rock the dub gives Krushed Grapes 1 out of 5 stars. Unbelievably dull CD about one of the most exciting acts in the world - sex.
Burn Deez: n/a
Krushed Grapes is out either NOW or on May 6th, depending on which siteyou hit up.
You gotta love when dope MCs come from your home state. Jersey City's S.O.U.L. Purpose is just that cat for New Jersey. We're a state that already boasts Poor Righteous Teachers, Redman, Queen Latifah, Joe Budden and a plethora of other MCs, and they all come correct. S.O.U.L. keeps this trend going on this new disc, The Construction; it's another sober Friday, so let's give this a track-by-track breakdown:
"Step Up (Intro)" This intro cut is short but has that 1995 feel to it, from that classic loop to the flows that get bounced back and forth. Lovin' that vintage sound.
"The Product (ft. Block McCloud)" Right off the rip, that old spy-movie sample gets you movin'. When the beat drops, it is kind of predictable, but I like the skittery drums thrown under that sample. The hook, with the words being matched to the sample, is not my thing, but it definitely works. As for the content, yeah get out of my area, this is my spot, I got what you need. Next.
"Cut The Rug" One thing today's Rap Radio is full of is tracks with dances already built in. This one is a bit different - it's about a cat trying to just dance with the ladies. Well, he does get a bit sexual, but that's the shit you are thinking about when you are in the club, trying to get your swerve on with the females. I love that breakdown that comes in and out - such a dope track.
"Way That We Live" Another heater. Music with a message, and speaking about something most cats only complain about: our people. You might fight, fuck, struggle and love your people, but you gotta cherish your people. Sometimes, your people are all you got.
"Tonelle Ave." An old-school feeling beat showcasing his block. Chilltown swing, forreal. The ill thing about this track is dude makes me feel like he's talking about MY hood. You can hear the passion and love for his block in his stories.
"1 & 9 (ft. Special K & Big Zoo)" Another track about the old days, but this one goes a bit further into the grimier side, although he doesn't sound like he loathes his past - this is just letting you know what's good (or not so good) in the Garden State. It ain't all tomatoes and pizza pies.
"Concrete Jungle" Nice mixture of sounds on here, although I think it might veer into Timbaland-territory if they don't watch it. Some dope rhymes on this one, dude really goes in on the flows.
"Boob Tube" Straight up and down, this cut is one of the iller tracks on here. Remember GZA's "Labels" track, and the various other tracks where he takes a theme and does whole verse about them? This is just like that, only with TV show titles used throughout. Some interesting uses as well, although I think the beat could have been a bit more upbeat. And it's almost too short...
"No Good" 'You don't even know the half of the half', eh? I'm honestly not feelin' this one. The beat is cool, but isn't that exciting, and I got lost in what he was rhymin' about after the first verse.
"I'm Pacin'" This one jacks Soul II Soul's "back to life" refrain, but don't let that deter you: this one has a smooth groove to it. Different play on the drums, with a thumpin' kick setting the pace with some repeated horns and other flourishes. Nice summertime night vibe on this one.
"Knucklehead (ft. Poison Pen)" Fuzzbox anthem to those niggas who just don't give a what. Nothing but braggin' rhymes and head-noddin' funk.
"Universal Condition (ft. Murs)" For someone I've not heard of before, this cat is pulling some dope features on this CD. This one takes our country to task, trying to decipher what the fuck is going on in our country on many levels - while this doesn't change the world, its good to hear people still trying to get the people motivated to strive for change. Nice march-y vibe to this, I could see this being a smooth protest cut.
"Porno Star" I was always a sucker for chicks making orgasm noises on tracks. I'll give you 1 guess on what this track is about. Kickin' that NC-17 subject matter on this one.
"Lemons (ft. Urban Sun & Redskin)" The congas and organs make the beat sound like a leftover from What's Going On, but that's all I can really get into with this one. Just not my thing.
"Real O.G.'s" ROFL @ "break yo' self, fool!"... this cut is just a big track. Cocky raps, lovin' that hook. Almost a late 90s feel to that basic beat and trunk-rattlin' bass. One for the jeeps.
"Rampage (ft. C-Rayz Walz & Pace)" (bonus track) Yes, they flipped the EPMD "Rampage" beat and feel. Yes, this is one of my favorite cuts off the CD. Just that thick, classic feel in that loop, and all 3 cats make sure they went right in on their pens.
"Dry Spells (ft. Wordsworth)" (bonus track) LOL @ "she grabbed my Goldberg, so we had to make Whoopi"; S.O.U.L. & Words go in on times when you can't get some coochie. Really funny track when you get what they are talkin' about...
"The Other White Meat (ft. Immortal Technique)" (bonus track) Fuck the police, that's my word. Immortal Tech on anything is certified truth, and that beat is the hot shit. One would wish all anti-cop songs were this aggressive, lyrically, but that funky on the production.
Damn. For those of you who think Hip-Hop is dead, shut the fuck up and grab this disc. This has everything you need: comedy, social commentary, hardcore braggadocio, ill beats, hot flows, and an overall love for the music. I am not a fan of this because dude is reppin' Jersey City: I am that much more in love with the disc for that reason. Fans of good music, don't sleep on this one.
rock the dub gives The Construction4 out of 5 stars. While there are some missteps, this disc is sure to grow on those who need something to take from the crib to the whip to the job and back again. Different flavors for every fan.
Burn Deez: "The Other White Meat", "Cut The Rug", "Dry Spells", "Rampage", Universal Condition"
Dublin, Ireland: not necessarily the spot where you would expect the classic sounds of Jungle and Dance Hall would thrive, but Naphta has concocted an album full of dubby, waist-winding cuts that aim to bring back that old time feelin'. I've had this disc in my possession for a minute, and for one reason or another, didn't get around to reviewing it. I'm sober and awake, so let'er rip!
"Can't Stop" From the intro's "ready for it!" loop to the Luther Vandross samples, right alongside the crazy Amens and expertly-dropped piano loops, this one is just a beautiful Jungle gem. You almost hate for albums to come out swinging this hard, because the assumption is it can't get better than this...
"Won't Stop" ...then it does. Naphta creates an addendum to "Can't Stop", mashing up various elements of the track and creating newer, deeper riddims out of seemingly random snippets of sound, creating a hard-hitting Dance Hall tempo expedition.
"Prince Trojan" This one showcases how Naphta is so def, he can hone in on those jazzy melodies and make them work in both a hardcore Dance Hall vibe into a more Jungle style tune. Loads of fun riding with this one.
"I Need U (Draw Near)" This one is more of the classic, seductive Jungle vibes. Big, warm basslines, classic roots vocal samples and chanting in the background, and lovely edits to classic breaks, this is one is a time machine to 1995 Ragga styles.
"Bagman Skank" This one reminds me of Congo Natty's Drum & Bass output circa 2000, when he started moving into the more steppin' style of DnB while still keeping his large sample library in tune to the sound.
"Jungle Republic" Nice, mid-tempo track that dabbles in a DnB/Jungle BPM but maintains a nice, dubby vibe throughout. Love that melody in there. Just a nice, vibing cut.
"Babylon Babies" This is an interesting tune; I want to say it's an interlude, due to the length, and the fact that it's not as fleshed out as the other cuts, but it skanks along just the same.
"Upriver" This track sets up the next one nicely, establishing a brooding mood over the horizon, kind of like riding in one of those boats from Apocalypse Now, with the murky waters and fog and such...
"Copy Rider" ...then the ride starts getting a bit choppy, and you start seeing natives in the woods, holding spears, and all of the sudden its a battle between you and them. Weapons thrown, weapons shot, as you're paddling faster, trying to find your way out of this deep, dark nightmare...
"My Heart Beating" ...and you awake in a cold sweat to realize it was all a dream. You slept with the DVD player on all night, and your roots CD playing in a loop, over and over. What a night.
"All Kinda Style" This track is the sounds of the tribes in the deepest parts of the wild, putting on centuries-old ceremonies, full of syncopated congas and chanting...
"Street Dancing" ...and out comes the tom-toms, and it's a full-on dance party! This cut is one of my favorites. While the bassline would fit so perfectly with a disgusting Amen rinseout kind of vibe, the tempo is more on a Breaks-style of vibe. Interesting twist.
"Soundclash 1 (VIP Mix)" One of the other anticipated cuts is this VIP of Naphta's release for Fanu's Lightless label. This is the amen tearer that we were waiting for, and it'd delivered to perfection, aided by a wash of synths and some fat, dubby bass. Ultimate satisfaction.
"Long Story" And the story ends. We get into the helicopter and leave this crazy Dublin town to its own wild nights and ragga stylings.
I must say, being that I am so deep into the sounds of Jungle, Dub and Dance Hall, this disc was a no-brainer. The fact is I didn't expect it to be SO varied, and was definitely impressed with how well the tracks worked off of each other. Naphta has a gift of creating these tracks that can go in so many different directions, but he also knows when to just establish that groove and ride that bitch to the end. If you are a fan of Dub in all of its differing formations, I suggest grabbing this, early.
rock the dub gives Long Time Burning4.5 out of 5 stars. Solid execution of the styles within, and a great example of a multi-talented producer making great music and enjoying the art of manipulating sound.
Burn Deez: "Can't Stop", "I Need U (Draw Near)", "Soundclash 1 (VIP Mix)", "Street Dancing"
Naphta's Long Time Burning is available NOW for purchase. Hit up THE FEAR STORE for more details.
You gotta love how Janet Jackson came out the gate with her first Island Def Jam release, Discipline, and hit #1 in its first week. Was it truly a #1 album, though? Let's rock a sober track-fi-track on this album:
"I.D." Quick intro. Kind of on some futuristic shit, but it's essentially Janet typing into a PC and getting the album going. What's the point, though - Janet on that next level?
"Feedback" Sadly, this just misses the mark for me. That "first day period" line was just a tad too raunchy, kind of like when Michael Jackson dropped that "kike" line years back. Can't help it - it's hard to see these stars grow old when you still see reruns of Janet as Penny on Good Times... this is kind of like NC-17 Ciara.
"Luv" This one hits me nicer. Nice electro-bop to this one, Darkchild did the damn thing on this one. You would wish that more artists would tempt that new-er sound but still maintain their singular personality, and I think Janet hits this one on the mark.
"Spinnin'" Why does Janet keep doing these less-than-ten-seconds interludes?
"Rollercoaster" Sounds like all of the similies and lines 50 Cent didn't use in "Amusement Park" made it into this track.
"Bathroom Break" Janet and her girls talkin' girl-talk in the potty. "What yo' name is?"
"2Nite" Another electro-infused number. You'd think after a few of these not working, Janet would decide to try something different. Hopefully we get more sounds in the later tracks...
"Can't B Good" Weird track, lyrically. Homegirl is fallin' in love, and the assumption is that she's been hurt before, so she's telling herself this feeling just isn't right. I like that take on it, because you don't hear those emotions dropped so simply, especially over such a cool, calm track like this.
"4 Words" Another short interlude. Yawn.
"Never Letchu Go" And another yawn at a snoozer of a track. That Isley Brothers/Santana-lite guitar in the beginning was unnecessary, and the rest of the track comes off like Timbaland trying to be Prince. Just a waste of space.
"Truth Or Dare" While I'd love to play truth or dare with Janet, I don't need an interlude for this...
"Greatest X" The-Dream and "Tricky" Stewart contribute to this project, and it's definitely not as hot as lot of the tracks they've done in the past. Janet lamenting on a great ex doesn't really amount to much, especially since there's no real resolution come the end of the track.
"So Much Betta" This is the track for the chicks who are the other woman in a relationship. Jermaine Dupri produces a minimal track that I actually felt right from the jump. It's not in the liner notes, but I swear that loop throughout the track is from Daft Punk's first CD. This one is a bit different - still on the current sound, but twisted a bit for the average listener. I wish it was a bit longer, too, but so be it...
"Play Selection" Hi computer person, end interlude.
"The 1 (ft. Missy Elliott)" Kind of a subdued version of Amerie's "1 Thing", this one could be a lot hotter than this, it seems. I like the percussion, and I even dig Janet's playful vocals bouncing all over, but it just feels like it's missing something.
"What's Ur Name" Janet talkin' that slick talk to the nameless cat walking down the street. Oh God, she said swag. Next.
"The Meaning" What's the meaning of discipline? Janet gives you her favorites. I wish she could discipline herself to stop making pointless interludes.
"Discipline" Lyrically, this one plays like a Penthouse letter - teasing, enticing and, for lack of a better term, cum-drenched. Seductive pace, all slow and heavy, with twinkling keys and beautiful harmonies. Sad thing is, you'd wish she did more tracks like this...
"Back" The last interlude. Thank God.
"Curtains" Simple bounce on this one. Janet hitting that higher octave nicely over a basic bop. The metaphor of the show is a nice touch.
At the end of the day, while I admire Janet for stepping up and really trying to come out with the sound of now, it comes off as forced and uninspired. The reason tracks like "Umbrella" or the Justin Timberlake/Timbaland collaborations work is because they sound more fun that "attempts to make money". We get glimpses of that here, but with a CD that's packed with these mid-to-up-tempo electro Pop tracks, it just doesn't work as a Janet Jackson CD. It does get it right a few times, and that is appreciated.
rock the dub gives Discipline a 3 out of 5 stars. What it gets right, it gets all the way right. And while more tracks miss the mark than they should, they can still be enjoyable for the diehard Janet fan. But those interludes have got to go!
Burn Deez: "So Much Betta", "Can't B Good", "Discipline", "Curtains"
Janet Jackson's Discipline is available in stores now.
Enigmatik and myself took it upon ourselves to review Blueprint 3, since the leak trickled down yesterday. Hit up this post over on The Boom for our track-by-track thoughts on Jay's latest opus.
So one of the most anticipated Hip-Hop albums of the last 5 years or so is finally here. Does Lil' Wayne finally make good on his "greatest rapper alive" claims, or does he just die slow?
From what I understand, Tyga is the cousin of Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy, and is signed with both Lil' Wayne and Pete Wentz' labels. Must be nice to have friends/fam in the industry...
While I love new Hip-Hop, I am an Old School head at heart. When I heard Foul Mouth Jerk's new joint was called Streetlight Music, I was instantly intrigued, hoping that dude really keeps it park jam and fly on this album...
I put you guys up on the release of Praverb's Center Of Attention album last week; I have since given it a few spins and I am very impressed. While I can't say I vibe to "Christian Hip-Hop" on the regular (although mad MCs like to invoke the Lord's name), P-Viz attacks it from a different angle. Yes, dude follows Christ and has no qualms about letting you know this, but he isn't being preachy or trying to bash your head in with the Bible, which is what counteracts many of the attempts by Holy Hip-Hop acts. Let's bust out a track-by-track of this dope album...
I will admit it: while I think Matisyahu is dope, I was kind of concerned when this was billed as being some form of "Jewish Hip-Hop". Word to MC Paul Barnum, I hadn't heard too many artists who wore their religion on their sleeves like that. Thing is, Y-Love isn't like that. The way he infuses his Hasidism is not unlike how Rakim infused 5% knowledge into his raps - he kept the music where you could feel it, all the while still touching on the social commentary he deemed important. Y-Love aims to do this, all the while giving the people something they can dance to...
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO - wait, not THOSE Horsemen. The Hoarsemen are a collective out of New York, reppin' "alternative" Hip-Hop (meaning that they pack both turntables AND kazoos) for you lovers of shit that's a bit askew. Is their debut album, Snacks & Catastrophes, dope enough for you to cop? Let's find out:
It's odd that it's rainy here when I sit down to review this album; it was a rainy weeknight when I bought two important albums in my collection: Reprazent's New Forms (the US, 2xCD version) and V Classic, Vol. 1. I was already into DnB, but aside from Goldie's Timeless album, and a string of compilations from Liquid Sky Records (and tapes I made from the various Jungle shows on WPRB), I hadn't found something to truly latch onto. Roni Size and New Forms was it. The jazz, the lyrics - this opus was a very different approach to the Drum & Bass I was used to. We had real song structure, live instrumentation, and an aesthetic that screamed "we do what we feel works". It went on to be highly lauded, and is one of the greatest albums in DnB history. Now, 10 years later, Size has gone back in and re-edited the original 13 tracks, giving them a 2008 polish, but does it work?
One third of Masspyke, Hanif-Jamiyl's Krushed Grapes is the kind of Hip-Hop album you put on when you go shopping for lace undergarments for your lady friend. The kind of album you put on when you need to get into the zone of "I'm gonna get me some ass tonight". Or, at least, it tries to be...
You gotta love when dope MCs come from your home state. Jersey City's S.O.U.L. Purpose is just that cat for New Jersey. We're a state that already boasts Poor Righteous Teachers, Redman, Queen Latifah, Joe Budden and a plethora of other MCs, and they all come correct. S.O.U.L. keeps this trend going on this new disc, The Construction; it's another sober Friday, so let's give this a track-by-track breakdown:
Dublin, Ireland: not necessarily the spot where you would expect the classic sounds of Jungle and Dance Hall would thrive, but Naphta has concocted an album full of dubby, waist-winding cuts that aim to bring back that old time feelin'. I've had this disc in my possession for a minute, and for one reason or another, didn't get around to reviewing it. I'm sober and awake, so let'er rip!
You gotta love how Janet Jackson came out the gate with her first Island Def Jam release, Discipline, and hit #1 in its first week. Was it truly a #1 album, though? Let's rock a sober track-fi-track on this album: