I’ve seen this labeled as Miami Beat Wave ft. Mayday, Mayday prod. by Miami Beat Wave, and off of the Wrekonize album, Soiree For Skeptics. So I am not sure who is going to take primary responsibility for this track but it definitely is dope. This cut is a game changer for 2010.
Kap Kallous – The TV EP
Artist: Kap Kallous
Album: The TV EP
Tracklisting:
- Intro – ChannelSurfing (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
- Lets Do Lunch (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
- Bitchuations (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
- Go On (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
- Where I Am (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
- Warphone (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
Note:
Kap Kallous is one of many talented emcees from the Florida area. I first heard him on the collaborative project, The Caveman Theory which released and album called The Stone Quartet in 2007 which featured some of the states most talented artists.
I came across The TV EP just by chance. I hate coming across things by chance because that means the word isn’t getting out appropriately. I just happened to see a “Tweet” (yeah, I know) about it, so I definitely wanted to check it out.
It’s short and ill. It’s a build up for his new LP dropping later this year entitled, I Should’ve Kept My Mouth Shut. According to Kap that should drop in early 2011. The track that I found most dope off of this release was, Where I Am. Dude, can spit some bars, no doubt.
Download this. Check The Cave Man Theory Album from 07. And come back for more information about his latest projects. One.
Jeff Chery – The Transition
Artist: Jeff Chery
Album: The Transition
Source: DJ Booth
Track Listing:
- Nu JC (prod by The RZA)
- Someday (prod. by Katapult)
- Candy Girl (prod. by Gamble)
- Pass The Dutchy (prod. by Chase N.Cashe)
- Drop The World (prod. Hit-Boy & Chase)
- Gotta Make It (ft. L.Jaye) (prod. by Kalaj Dame)
- Pedigree (prod. by Good Will)
- They Get Around (prod. Sam Sneed)
- Say You Will (prod by Kanye West)
- Come From (prod. by Scott Armstrong)
- One Night Stand (prod. by Hoodfamous)
- I Bet He’s Nice (ft. K. Sparks) (prod. by D. Roof)
- Steady Mobbin (prod. by Kane Beatz)
- The Pair (prod. P Haze)
- Doubt Me (ft. CurT@!n$) (prod. Kalaj Dame)
- Airplanes (prod. by Alex Da Kid)
- Who Is That (ft. Lil Chuckee) (prod. JHot)
- Silly
Note:
The Transition is a mixed bag for me. There are some excellent tracks on here and then there are some that I feel fall short of his potential. I have enjoyed Jeff Chery tracks before. He is a mainstay for a lot of the popular blogs so the exposure is definitely there. With that being said, I think I could half this album and listen to about fifty percent of the tracks and do without the rest.
This album suffers from an uncomfortable duality. The production from the album is almost exclusively based on synthed out beats. Whether they be original or instrumentals used previously from other artists. I am simply not a fan of that sound. There are times where it sounds good, ala Pedigree and They Get Around. These tracks utilize good hooks and Jeff Chery comfortably flows on top of them. These two songs are definitely highlights. The rest of the production feels pretty bland.
On some of the other songs I feel like the content of the rhymes is a little cliche. Alot of tracks regarding the ladies slow the progress of the album. I don’t mind a couple of cuts but too many defines redundancy. A little more diversity with eighteen tracks would have been better for the project.
Again, I don’t want to totally disregard the project as it does have it’s merits. I just can’t recommend it.
Magestik Legend – FREE (2007)
Artist: Magestik Legend
Album: FREE
Tracklisting:
- FREE (Intro) (prod. by Magestik Legend)
- The Legend (prod. by Astronote)
- In N Out (prod. by Snowman Jack)
- Chosen Ones (prod. by Eric G)
- Street Corner (prod. by Magestik Legend)
- Out There (prod. by Jay Fab)
- Good and Bad (prod. by Zhao-Ski and Magestik Legend)
- Someone Better (ft. Neco Redd) (prod. by Eric. G)
- Take 5 (Flashback 99′) (prod. by Magestik Legend)
- What Would You Do? (ft. Patrice Williams) (prod. by Jay Fab)
- Black Out (ft. iLLite) (prod. by Decompoze)
- Baby Girl (ft. Kashia) (prod. by Nick Speed)
- Hold Ya Weight (MLMIX) (prod by Zhao-Ski)
- Thanks to…(Flashback 99′) (prod. by Nick Speed)
- FREE (Outro)
Note:
This album comes from a few years back. 2007 to be exact. This was my first exposure to Magestik Legend. I originally got this off of Hiphopsite.com back in the day, when they were trying to be a online distributor. Now you can find it on his bandcamp page. Again, I am not going to spend a lot of time reviewing something from back in 2007 but I do think it is relevant now that his new album is coming out. The Great Escape dropping, November 3oth.
If you are looking for the sureshot off of this release, look no further than the Decompoze backed joint, Blackout. Decompoze production is incomparable and iLLite needs to get mentioned more when folks talk about Michigan hip hop. Stream…Download…Enjoy!
Magestik Legend – To Be Continued…Chapter 1 Mixtape (Separated Tracks)
Artist: Magestik Legend
Album: To Be Continued…Chapter 1 Mixtape (Untagged)
Tracklisting:
- Intro (prod. by The Audible Doctor)
- Bout Freedom (prod. by Astronote)
- Blood, Sweat, Tears (prod. by Bean One)
- Postal Service (prod. by Pete Cannon)
- All Eye Know (prod by Astronote)
- Larry Brown (Paystyle)
- Get Doe (prod. by Magestik Legend)
- The Showbiz (prod. by Astronote)
- Pop Metal (ft. MarvWon and Ro Spit) (prod. by Astronote)
- Crack Rules (prod. by Marink D)
- Where Can I Start (ft. Fes Roc) (prod by Hill Inc.)
- Day Break (ft. Othello) (prod. by 14KT)
- Shoot The Breeze (prod. by Oznoh)
- CARBON (prod. by Astronote)
Note:
I won’t spent a whole lot of time big uppin’ this release after giving a more extensive review of Chapter 2 earlier. Magestik Legend is talented and is backed by some talented producers and guest emcees on this release. I am just trying to get the populous prepped for his November 30th release, The Great Escape. My favorite off of this joint is the track All Eye Know. You can stream and download this mixtape (separated tracks version) below.
Magestik Legend – To Be Continued…Chapter 2 Mixtape
Artist: Magestik Legend
Album: To Be Continued…Chapter 2
Tracklisting:
- Reintroduction
- The Rundown (prod. by Astronote)
- Get.Ends.Hide (prod. by Astronote)
- Long Distance (prod. by Astronote)
- What’s In A Name (prod. by 14KT)
- TBC2 Interlude
- Vice Gripz (prod, by Astronote)
- Brand NEW (prod. by The Audible Doctor)
- What The World Needs (ft. T. Calamese) (prod. by Astronote)
- Lock And Key (prod. by Astronote)
- Dirty Little Pretty (prod by Slop Funk Dust)
- Video Game (ft. Buff1)
- Carbon (prod. by Astronote)
- Crazy (prod. by Astronote)
Note:
Magestik Legend is getting us ready for his album dropping November 30th, entitled The Great Escape. This is going to be his first full length album since 2007 and I would expect heads to support it wholeheartedly. To Be Continued…Chapter 2 is obviously the second installment of a series of mixtapes to prep for this release.
Honestly, this is more of an album in itself. It’s got a ton of dope songs and very little filler and the other things that get in the way of a good cut. It is hosted by none other than, Rapper Big Pooh. If you are unfamiliar with Magestik Legend but appreciate intricate lyricism, you will love this release. Magestik Legend’s lyrical prowess is amazing. The way he bends the English language to his will puts him in an elite group of emcees. He can flip on a variety of different production styles and BPMS and sounds dope in all instances. The song CARBON really will illustrate his abilities as an emcee.
Astronote handles the bulk of the production duties and I think he is very underrated or under-mentioned. His work on tracks like The Run Down, Get.Ends.Hide., and Vice Gripz show a great deal of polish and really give Magestik Legend a powerful sound to work with. The Audible Doctor also lends his hand to one track, Brand NEW, which ends up sounding incredible. It has a very soulful vibe. I love the samples this guy uses. He has a gift and a knack for finding and incorporating those dope samples.
What’s my favorite track? Take your pick. I could name any of the aforementioned tracks as a favorite. But I won’t be wishy-washy. CARBON. Bottom line is give the man his due and recognition. Get all of his material. You will definitely appreciate it. Listen below…
Watts – Scuba Lessons Vol. 1
Artist: Watts
Album: Scuba Lessons Vol. 1
Tracklisting:
- Success (Redo)
- La La La
- Peel Back (Power Of Your Love) (Redo)
- Reflection
- Stain Glass
Note:
Let me start off by saying that I literally know nothing about the emcee, Watts. But I want to know more so if you are reading this, homie, please get at me so I can get on board with what you are doing. This artist is mad talented. This is just five tracks but in this brief EP I can hear immense talent. He kills every verse. My favorites are La La La, where he demolishes the Fugees instrumental, Reflection, and Stain Glass.
I can appreciate a lot of music and usually find something enjoyable in every release but rarely am I blindsided by someone I haven’t heard a verse from. This kid is good. Damn good.
Shouts out to YNotMyDream for putting me on….
Jesse Abraham: Bars & NoBull
Artist: Jesse Abraham
Album: Bars & NoBull
Tracklist:
- Of Course (prod. by JA)
- Yoga (Video) (prod. by Spills)
- Just Gettin’ Going (prod. by KO Beatz)
- Who’s That (prod. by Trace Thomas)
- Little Bit Of Everything (prod. by KO Beatz)
- Got That Juice (ft. Albert Rhymestein) (prod. by Willie Green)
- Digit (prod. by Panjabi MC)
- Don’t Taze Me (ft. Jeanette Berry) (prod. by Spills)
- Life Is A Free Throw (prod. by Trace Thomas)
- Word Of Mouth (ft. Premonition) (prod by Spills)
- Get To Know Me (prod. by Trace Thomas)
- Raucous Lawlessness (prod. by !llmind)
- Get Off Me (prod. by Trace Thomas)
- Ventura (prod. by JA)
Notes:
Jesse, who? Jesse Abraham? I still don’t know who we are talking about. But what I did find out after listening to, Bars & NoBull is that this emcee is different. And I mean different in a good way.
Fun. Zaney. Witty. Lyrical. Gifted. Those are all words I would use to describe Jesse Abraham after listening to this album. Fun hip hop finally finds it’s way to us via Mr. Abraham in 2010. Admittedly I was a a bit unsure of this artist up to track three of this album, but he really started to grow on me. His style is extremely unorthodox in terms of relating him to another style or trying to place him in the proverbial box. He is somewhat similiar to Homeboy Sandman if for no other reason that they are unconventional in their rhyme patterns and cadence.
If you can appreciate an artist pushing the boundaries of hip hop, like clever and witty lines, and superb production, you will enjoy this release. It took a minute for me to develop this appreciation but after all is said and done this will retain it’s replay value for years to come.
Shouts out to DJ Booth from whence this release came!
Zumbi and The ARE: The Burnerz
Album: The Burnerz
Production: The ARE
Guests: One Be Lo, The Grouch, Martin Luther
Best Tracks: Changes, Jus Anotha Day, Off The Wall, Old Soul
Recommendation: Must Have
Notes: Zumbi (from Zion I) and The ARE have teamed up to create The Burnerz for their initial album release. This album, for me, was really an after thought initially. October 12th was a very busy day for new music to drop, however I gave the iTunes snippets a listen and proceeded to make it one of my many purchases.
After a few listens, I came to this conclusion: The album is insanely good. Production wise I can not pay it a higher compliment by saying I like it better than The Search For Stoney Jackson . That is saying a lot considering how solid Madlib’s work was on the aforementioned Strong Arm Steady project.
The ARE’s production is superlative. The beats and samples the man cooked up for this project are musical genius. It’s funky. It’s moving. It’s intricate. The sample placement throughout is on point and really kept me engrossed.
The whole production of the album really suits Zumbi. This is his pace. The album is action packed and it never slows down. It simply sends you deeper into it’s sound as it progresses. The guest list, while short, is powerful. One Be Lo shows why he is one of the best in the game on his verse on Off The Wall and The Grouch builds off the chemistry he had with Zion I from their previous collaborative effort on Heroes In The City Of Dope.
The energy from the album is simply contagious. The choruses become anthems and you have no choice but to rhyme along at some points. For instance on the track, Jus Anotha Day, the music feels as though you are in a medieval court with the harpsichord loop rolling over some boom-bap drums. Zumbi then takes that track and makes it infectious with his lyrical ability and catchy chorus. Equally as intoxicating for the listener is The Edge. The soulful hook and thought provoking lyrics have this joint on repeat. Then when you are ready to proceed through the album, the track, Off The Wall hits you. It’s an uptempo jam that incorporates diverse synth that is certain to have necks snapping and hands in the air. It’s three tracks that are completely different but all so very dope.
This album is chocked full of great music and you will regret it if you don’t add this to your collection. Simple and plain.
