Trey Songz “Anticipation” Mixtape
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Album: Anticipation Mixtape
Rating: N/A
Review: Trey Songz drops his latest 13-track mixtape as he prepares this third studio album “Ready”, which is currently scheduled for an August 4, 2009 release date. The tape is full of mixtape material. Not because the song quality isnt there, Trey Songz does a great job on a pretty straightforward r&b mixtape. But none of his rumored singles off the upcoming album are on the tape nor are any of the tracks with the big names features that will appear on “Ready”. But Trey Songz has a history of dropping crazy ass mixtapes; “Genesis” was his first official tape. This tape got mixed reactions from the Internet community, many from fans who are anxiously anticipating upcoming tracks from the album. Overall, this is a chill r&b mixtape the rides out. You can definitely throw this tape on and turn the lights off. Its worth the download and make sure to keep up on Trey Songz because there is more to come.
DJ Scream Presents Gorilla Zoe & Kollosus “I Am Atlanta 2″ Mixtape
Release Date: June 20, 2009
Album: I Am Atlanta 2 Mixtape
Rating: N/A
Review: Gorilla Zoe is one of the better ATL rappers and he drops the second edition of “I Am Atlanta” alongside Kollosus and DJ Scream. Zoe comes out speaking the truth on Hotlanta the intro describe how he is ”The hardest shit coming out of Atlanta”. The first track I Am Atlanta 2 features some fire production and tight work from Zoe, check it out. Where It’s At reps for the south and is another jam to look for featuring Rich Boy & Gucci Mane. Sh*t On Em has appeared on several tapes and has a touch of auto-tune throughout the track. Woozy is some street shit from Zoe and his flow and lyrics are official. On the track Cinco De Mayo Zoe dropped a video in the studio with DJ Scream, Kollosus and Block Ent. Zoe is also shown recording a track. Check the video out here. Settin Standards is another tight street jam to check out featuring Kollosus and Gucci. Eatin’ has some real good production and Gorilla Zoe talks about “eatin” aka making that money. Take It No Mo featuring Hustle Boy has a rock sound to it and its a banger to listen fore! ”I Am Atlanta 2″ is another tight mixtape from Zoe, DJ Scream and Kollosus. Make sure to check out Rap Game Easy from Kollosus and the bonus track Paper Tags.
50 Cent “War Angel LP”
Release Date: June 16, 2009Album: War Angel LP
Rating: N/A
Review: Fifty’s latest street LP known as the “War Angel LP” provides hope for those who have been waiting for a return to 2003 form from the Jamaica, Queens rapper. The first track off the Street LP is titled I Line Niggas and its a harder, angrier marching-type track from Fifty. Talking In Codes is a nice track from Fifty, who has his delivery under control on the track where he quotes Tony Montana rapping ”you die nigga die, fly pelican fly.” Fif takes a page from Eminem’s book with his flow on OK, Ya Right where 50’s rhyme-style is more playful and experimental than the usual direct and deliberate spit that is characteristic of Fifty Cent. Fifty brags that he “blew a hundred G’s on his bitches in Miami” on the track which transitions into Redrum (Murder), a nice classic joint where Fifty displays some variety but still remains true to the old school sound. C.r.e.a.m. 2009 is a straight banger so dont miss that track. I’ll Do Anything and London Girl are slower r&b type tracks that Fifty says are “for the bitches.” We really like Better Come One Your A Game because Fif’s delivery is on-point and its one of those old-school tracks that doesnt try to be more than what it is… good NY gangster rap. Get The Message has a nice sound to it too, the beat sounds like something G-Unit radio producer MEAN DEAN would have put together but the beat was actually produced by Green Light Music / BMI producer Chinky P. Robin Thicke is the lone feature on the LP and Thicke’s vocals are featured adjacent to Fifty’s whispering rap delivery on the track Cocaine, which begins with everyone’s favorite audio snippet from the motion picture “Blow”. The track is a little bit flat but still a interesting record from Fifty and and Thicke, who have found prior success working together. Overall, this tape is a welcome new offering from 50 Cent, who is feeding the streets in preparation for the release of his fourth official studio album titled “Before I Self Destruct”, which is currently scheduled to drop on September 8th, 2009. The front and back cover art is totally wicked too! Check it out.
The Kickdrums “Just A Game” EP
Release Date: June 2, 2009Album: Just A Game EP
Rating: N/A
Review: The Kickdrums release their highly anticipated “Just A Game” EP, which is a 10-song collage of various uptempo, kickdrum-inspired beats laced with indie-rocked out vocals and influences from many different genres of music. The first single off the EP is the title track Just A Game, which has a grandiose intro and gritty vocals. Think Radiohead meets Gorillaz… in Ohio. Alex Fitts aka “Fitty” drops cool vocals and chilled out beats alongside production partner Tilla on the album. Its not so hard to tell that Fitts has “been playing guitar since [he] was old enough to hold one.” There is some good indie rock guitar on the EP, which has a familiar sound that isn’t quite rock, rap or trip-hop but more of a confluence of all three styles. The first track on the EP, titled Impatient (Slow Down), is an interesting cut and a nice way to start off the album. Things Work Out is a piano-laced joint that has all the right ingredients for a soulful pop track. Out To Get Me! is another song that displays The Kickdrums ability to write and produce good music with clever lyrics like “someone in this town is trying to kill me.” Overall, this is a great EP from the musical duo from Ohio, who are now preparing to release their full length LP “Detached…At Ease”.
Dave Matthews Band
Release Date: June 2, 2009Album: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King
Rating: ★★★★ (89 out of 100)
Review: “Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King” is in all ways a tribute to founding DMB member and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, who passed away in August following complications resulting from an ATV accident. The album, affectionately named after the “GrooGrux King” begins with a sentimental reminder of just how brilliant LeRoi was. Grux is 1:11 second intro where Roi’s saxophone is allowed to gently steal the show over the complimentary drum rolls of Carter, who salutes his longtime bandmate and close friend. The intro gives way to Shake Me Like A Monkey, the album’s first indicator that this isn’t your usual DMB album. The longtime formula for one of the most recognizable jam band’s in history is noticeably absent on “Big Whiskey”. Pairing raw, organic production with songwriting centered around gritty acoustic guitar and built upon a world music style has given way to a more polished, fuller-sounding style of composition and production. The band worked with Rob Cavallo this time around and his alternative rock background is immediately apparent in the sound on this album, which is the band’s seventh official studio album. The album is generally sombre and represents exactly where DMB is right now… still recovering from the loss of 1/5 of what has been for nearly two decades a band of brothers. Funny The Way It Is, the band’s first single off the album, reflects this sadly reminiscent but celebratory spirit. The track is extremely enjoyable aside from a bridge or two that sound like something that might have appeared on “Everyday”. Lying In The Hands Of God is really the first track on the album that sounds like the Dave Matthews Band with scratchy acoustic guitar and pitch perfect musicianship. Dive In is hands down one of the best tracks on the album. The guitar and drums on the track make it obvious that the song was written by Carter and Dave. The entire album is very enjoyable and gives longtime Dave fans hope for more good recorded music from a band of road warriors. Reviews of the album have been generally positive; Rolling Stone editor David Fricke awarded the album four out of five stars and the magazine hailed ”Big Whiskey” as the the band’s “Best Album Yet” on the cover of their June issue. We disagree with that statement because it logically implies that the Dave Matthews Band has never released a five star album and honestly this album is far from the best album the band has ever released. Nevertheless, this album has its gems and is a fitting tribute to LeRoi. Alligator Pie is an enjoyable southern rock jam with a Louisiana Bayou sound to it. Time Bomb is another track that opens with the calming sounds of Roi and then evolves into true blue DMB jam band brilliance. Friends of the band Tim Reynolds, Rashawn Ross and Roi’s road replacement Jeff Coffin appear on the album as compliments to Steffan, Dave, Carter and Boyd. Steffan and Boyd take somewhat of a backseat on this album but still deliver flawless performances when called upon to do so. The last song on the album was written by Dave and has a nice acoustic sound similar to “Some Devil” that is a great way to close out the 13-song album. Overall, this album will appease existing fans of the band and should help keep the band relevant with younger generations who are increasingly attracted to the DMB appeal. Shout out to everyone over at antsmarching.org and nancies.org who keep us up on our DMB knowledge and R.I.P. LeRoi, you are terribly missed. Also, don’t turn off the last track on the album until the 4:57 mark and you will be blessed with one last reminder of LeRoi. If you’re a real hardcore DMB fanatic (like us), it really feels like Roi’s ghost is with us the whole way through on this album from the intro to pieces on Time Bomb to the hidden little track snippet at the end of the album…. its really kinda cool.
311
Release Date: June 2, 2009Album: Uplifter
Rating: ★★½ (46 out of 100)
Review: 311’s ninth studio album is a quiet release from the legendary Omaha alternative rock band. The first single Hey Youshowcases 311’s harder rock sound, which is a staple on “Uplifter”. Golden Sunlight is a lighter, surf-oriented jam that should be familiar to fans of the band’s hit Champagne. India Ink has a nice sound to it and the track represents 311’s modern sound which is a mix between alternative rock, punk, ska and the familiar surf rock. We liked Daisy Cutter a lot; it has a light but energetic sound that keeps moving. There are 12 songs on the regular version of the album. The deluxe version includes bonus tracks such as I Like The Way and Get Down. The bonus tracks are definitely worth checking out the deluxe edition and iTunes and Amazon each pack their own bonus tracks. Overall, this is kind of a cool album from 311, who are a real good live band but its nice to see them finally find the studio again after four years. The cover art looks real good too.
Grand Hustle & Hoodrich Ent Present T.I. & MLK “A Year And A Day” Mixtape
Release Date: May 31, 2009Album: A Year And A Day Mixtape
Rating: N/A
Review: T.I.’s appropriately-named “A Year And A Day” mixtape drops as the ATL readies himself for a year long bid stemming from federal weapons charges. The tape features an epic single Don’t Forget Me featuring Mary J Blige, which has already received national airplay. At It All Night is a decent remix attempt but Make You Sweat steals the earlier portion of the tape with its uptempo beat and ridiculous flow from T.I. Also listen for Get That Money, another upbeat ATL-style banger. The tape contains an unreleased version of Done It Now featuring Lil Wayne that is sure to have the Internet going nuts. Show Off featuring Young Dro is a decent track with interesting delivery from Dro but the beat is a little cookie cutter and feels like it has been done before. The r&b singer everyone loves to hate Chris Brown is featured alongside T.I.P. on the hybrid joint Leaving With Me. Chris Brown’s wholesome r&b demeanor appears out the window as the fallen-from-grace singer appears to be on more of a bad boy vibe lately in regards to his music. Your A Freak featuring Billy Blue is an electronic-sounding, fun clubby track that is almost out of place on this mixtape, with its otherwise somber theme. There is an unreleased version of On Top Of The World featuring Kanye West and Grand Hustle’s B.o.B. that is an excellent addition to the mixtape. All G is featured amidst the slower tracks that beging to appear toward the end of the tape including Still Aint Forgive Myself and Collect Call featuring Mitchellel. T.I. tells his fans “the show ain’t over, this shit wont stop and the king ain’t dead partner” on the Outro while MLK defers to “the hands of the Lord.” This tape is really good, a nice offering from T.I. and a great way to stay relevant in a hip-hop game that seemingly changes overnight and nobody really knows where the game will be in “a year and a day.”
Def Jam / Maybach Music Group Presents In Association With Orange Karma Records Presents Scotty Boi “Scott Free (Money Driven)” Official Street LP
Release Date: May 26, 2009Album: Scott Free (Money Driven) Street LP
Rating: N/A
Review: Scotty Boi aka “Beezy” drops his first official street album under Def Jam’s Maybach Music Group label with “Scott Free (Money Driven)”. Scotty’s recent incarceration has instilled an undeniable hunger in the South Florida rapper which is apparent in his gritty rhymes and hold-nothing-back style of delivery. Rick Ross drops the Intros and the Outros on the tape and is also featured on Scotty’s first single New Money. Scotty comes out swinging on the Official Street LP with the Maybach Music Mashup, which features all current members of MMG. This is a worldwide exclusive track from Scotty Boi, Gunplay, Torch, Young Breed and more. Bout Mine is Scotty’s latest single, its some absolute fire and appears to be one of Scotty’s handful of heatseeking jump-offs! Bout Mine was produced by MEAN DEAN, who also produced a third of Scotty’s tracks on “Scott Free (Money Driven)”. Look out for the official remix to Bout Mine coming soon! Scotty is on some Jeezy shit on Lights, Camera, Action produced by House Of Bangers. Official Yacht Club member Magazeen hops on My Bitch, a track that has all the ingredients of an international Carribean banger. Vibin features Ballgreezy & Young Breed and is a nice addition to the tape. Do My Time is a track where Scotty pours some real life issues over an epic MEAN DEAN beat and is definitely worth a listen. Look out for the Haitian connect: “Yeah, we signin’ niggas for 20 Stacks!” on Can You Handle That featuring Billy Blue of Poe Boy Ent. Man Of The Night is another classic joint produced by hitmaker MEAN DEAN. Man Of The Night is sampled from You Belong To The City and has a great modern M-I-YAYO feel to it. This rides from start to finish and is deeper than just southern rap, Scotty’s flow is extremely versatile. The track Have It All featuring Omega is a hip-hop/R & B smash that requires a listen! Pack Man produced by Charlie Boom is another tight track with the hook “I’m the Pack Man, Pack Man, everyday I’m strapped man”. Return Of The Jackboy is one of the harder tracks off “Scott Free (Money Driven)” with a dope Biggie sample on the hook. Young Breed and Scotty Boi do a tight job on the remix to The Supplier. Jimmy Dade of the Dreadwood Gang is featured on some Gucci shit on We In The Streets. The last full-length track on the tape is the Haitian banger Bum Pase featuring Negled flowing in Creole. This is a real legit Street LP from Scotty Boi who has carved out a nice niche for himself under the Bawses’ wing on the Def Jam / Maybach Music Group imprint.
Gyasi Omari
Release Date: May 21, 2009Album: The Waterkid EP
Rating: N/A
Review: The “Waterkid EP” is a 7-song, artsy & lyrical project from Canadian rapper Gyasi Omari (pronounced JAY-see Omari). From its chilled-out The Waterkid intro, you know you’re not in for the usual rap material. The cover art on the EP is even refreshingly different. Gyasi lays the chill on thick and early with Old Shows That, I Miss, which is Charles Hamilton-like but with a more laid-back, relaxed flow. Ultra casual, lazy rhymes are the recipe for Gyasi’s debut EP. Away So Long and How She Dance touch a familiar note with listeners, both tracks incorporating clever samples and Omari’s lyrically-heavy delivery. The Back Words (Freestyle) is a decent exercise for Gyasi, who also can slow it down such as on the track Gyzz. Run Til I’m Done featuring Dujon is the final track on the EP. It has the most single-worthy appeal and is an example of some good lounge hip-hop that flows well with the rest of the EP. It’s a humble effort at 7 songs but this EP is worth a download if you’re looking for something totally new and different in the rape genre from a brand new artist.
Method Man & Redman
Release Date: May 19, 2009Album: Blackout! 2
Rating: ★★★★ (84 out of 100)
Review: Its been a while since the dynamic duo of Method Man & Redman dropped an album. Its been a decade to be exact. But “Blackout! 2″ picks up right where the “Blackout!” album left out, with infectious party rap that is supported by clever, well-formed verses and rhyme-schemes. The album features production from Havoc of Mobb Deep, Erick Sermon, Rockwilder, Pete Rock, Buckwild, DJ Scratch, Nasty Kutt, Mathematics, Ty Fyffe, Swiff D, Reggie Noble and more. The album also features vocal performances from members of the Wu Raekwon and Ghostface Killah and Canadian hip-hop architect Saukrates, who is featured alongside Red and Meth in the music video for the lead single A-Yo. Saukrates is also featured on the skit for the album’s second single Mrs. International. Method Man and Redman teamed up with DJ Green Lantern to drop an official mixtape leading up to their sophomore album titled “Lights Out: Blackout 10 Yr Reunion”. Aside from the two singles, check out the BO2 Intro and the first track I’m Dope Nigga, with its grimy, “hot of the press” sound. Dangerous Mcees sounds like some real old school type shit, definitely check for it. Errbody Scream features Keith Murray and has a beginning and overall sound reminiscent of Da Rockwilder. City Lights is a real tight joint, fitting for a cameo by UGK rapper Bun B. Listen to Father’s Day which is a nice jam and all you smokers are gonna want to listen to the 420 anthem Diz Iz 4 All My Smokers. Other features on the album include Melanie Rutherford, Poo Bear, DJ Kayslay, C.O. Ellis & Ready Roc as well as Streetlife, Tanisha Green and Michelle Pinckey. This album is an extremely refreshing hip-hop effort that has something for everyone, including an attempt at the new-age and plenty of old school nostalgia to keep hardcore fans happy. Check it out!
