stefanoneder EP

Zero Star – The Ink Pen Method EP (2011)

Artist: Zero Star

Album: The Ink Pen Method

Source: Kevin Nottingham

Tracklisting:

  1. Hanging Out
  2. Not Enough
  3. Testing

Note:

Obviously this is a very short project that is a prelude for greater things to come but I still thought it bore mentioning.  Zero Star has that uncanny ability to flow over any beat.  He sounds good over them all.  He is very intelligent without flying over people’s heads.  The best example of his ability can be found on the track, Testing.   The beat is really dope.  Unfortunately I can not supply you with production credits yet but I hope to update that shortly.  The track features a nice piano riff that Zero Star effortlessly flows over.    That’s actually the best word to describe Zero Star’s talents:  His flow feels effortless and never pressed. At any rate, it is most definitely an ill cut.

Check it out below!

stefanoneder EP

No. 1 Epsilon Project – Audacity EP (2010)

Artist:
Epsilon Project

Album:
Audacity EP

Source:
Bandcamp

Tracklisting:

  1. A.O.D. Intro
  2. Audacity Of
    Dope (prod. by Seize)
  3. Turn It Up (prod. by
    Soopa Koopa)
  4. Inspiration (prod. by Kev
    Brown    )
  5. America (prod. by DJ
    Vadim    )
  6. In God We Trust (prod by DJ
    Sean)
  7. Poor World (ft. Mr Lee) (prod. by OhNo)
  8. Sleeping
    Giant (ft. Dopamine Rush of P.O.E.)
  9. Deranged
    Vets (prod. by V.I)

Note:
Our #1 EP from 2010 goes to the Epsilon Project’s
Audacity. To say that this project is quality
would be severely understating it’s worth. This is one of the most
solid projects that dropped in the last two years because it knocks
from start to finish. The array of emcees and production really
adds to making Audacity the dynamic project that it is.
Continue reading “No. 1 Epsilon Project – Audacity EP (2010)” →

stefanoneder EP

No. 2 A.Sesay – A Special EP (2010)

Note:  We have already reviewed this EP earlier in the year.  You can view the original post on A Special EP….HERE.  Quite simply this is a great sample of the music that this producer is capable of making.  I believe that the full course serving from A.Sesay will reveal the full compliment of his gifts.  The guests on this EP all shine.  Every song is a great listen.  So if you haven’t heard this EP yet, please so so immediately!

stefanoneder EP

No. 3 Drekidd – City Of Champs EP (2010)

Artist: Drekidd

Album: City Of Champs

Source: Refined Hype

Tracklisting:

  1. City Limits
  2. Steppin’ In
  3. No Good
  4. She’s A Winner
  5. Never Stop
  6. Warrior’s Song
  7. Good Night, Good Morning
  8. Breaking Free
  9. City Of Champs Ext.
  10. Hometown Glory

Note:

Drekidd released The Fix last year and that was my first introduction to this gifted artist.   The Fix had a lot of great songs on it and was a complete project in my estimation.  Now in 2010 he gives us City Of Champs. This project is the natural progression for the emerging Inglewood artist.   It picks right up where he left in 2009.

The vibe of this release is one of an artist trying to make a come-up.  He is trying to get his sound heard and he sounds hungry to make a dent in the game.  Backed by the exceptional production of Heart Beat, Drekidd is making some serious headway.  On, City Limits, you can hear this hunger for yourself.   Drekidd talks about where he is now, where he is going, and where he stands at present.  He is making a name on his own accord and on his own terms.  He is done heading other’s advidce by his own admission and if he succeeds or fails it will be because of his decisions.  The production by Heart Beat on this one is more down tempo and it varies throughout the track.   It almost mirrors the story that Drekidd is telling symphonic ally.

Never Stop is another track that will make you a believer in Drekidd’s talents.   He drives home his his desire and ambition on this track. It’s a short and quick account of things to come but dope nonetheless.   The beat is definitely more energetic than the aforementioned, City Limits.  His confidence is unwavering and tracks like this are certain to convert believers.  He utilizes comparisons to Jay Z and his come up to demonstrate that his dreams too can come true.  His positive outlook and being self-assured, move this track just as much as the lyrics and metaphors themselves.

Good Night, Good Morning has a more bluesy feel with the the twanging guitar sample and horns that lay in from time to time.   This is my favorite joint on the EP.  It’s soulful production from Heart Beat coupled with that must win attitude of Drekidd.   Peep the chorus below:

I don’t what to tell you / But I ain’t living with regrets/ Cause the past try to derail ya / I just see it as a test/  I ain’t trying to be rebellious / I’m just trying to do my best / So good night to failure / And good morning to success

I am definitely of the opinion that Drekidd’s confidence will translate into success.  City Of Champs is the conduit to greater things for sure.  The tracks are short and to the point.  It’s not overly complex.  It’s simple and dope.  Drekidd is an unabashed emcee who is going for his in an extremely convoluted field.  He differentiates himself with an exceptional flows, dope lyricism, and  by the fact I don’t think he will take no for an answer.  Every song on this EP is a testament to the come up and I encourage everyone to pick it up.

stefanoneder EP

No. 4 Kali – The Cali Kali EP (2010)

Note:

No. 4 on our list of dopest EPs from 2010 belongs to our previously reviewed, The Cali Kali EP.  You can check the full review HERE.   This is one of  only two EPs on the list that comes with a cost.  The rest were released free of charge so you know this one is worth the cheddar.  Kali is very slept on as an emcee and with production support coming from the likes of Statik Selektah, you know this is the sure shot.

stefanoneder EP

No. 5 J. Pinder – Code Red EP (2010)

Artist: J. Pinder

Album: The Code Red EP

Source: 2DopeBoyz

Tracklisting:

  1. Code Red
  2. All That Fire (ft. Zach Bruce) (prod. by Jake One)
  3. No Turnin Back (ft. Toki Wright) (prod. by Vitamin D)
  4. Go Far (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
  5. Safe Place (ft. Guilty Simpson) (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
  6. Later On (ft. Rapper Big Pooh and Zach Bruce) (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
  7. Three Words (prod. by Vitamin D)
  8. Kill It (prod by Kuddie Fresh)

Note:

Representing the Great Northwest is, J. Pinder with his release, the Code Red EP.   This EP stands out with great song after great song.  It has stayed in deep rotation in my Itunes for months on end and it has something that heads of all walks of life can appreciate.

All That Fire is a super smooth track that is backed by the vocals of Zach Bruce and production by the venerable Jake One.  The lyrics aren’t going to shock the world but this is a solid track to vibe to.  I can picture J. Pinder performing this song in a smokey Jazz Club and having the whole audience nodding their heads in accordance.  The beat is relatively simple but it’s infectious.  Zach Bruce’s hook really completes the track.  His vocals really make this a great song.

No Turnin’ Back maintains the good feelings that All That Fire set off.   The content of this cut is a little bit harder than the aforementioned track but the hook again has that capacity to hold your attention and have you singing along, guaranteed.  Emcees J. Pinder and Toki Wright tell street stories that detail the moves that are made to become successful.   Vitamin D is behind the boards using ill combinations of strings and guitar licks to back the emcees’ delivery.  Tracks like this keep the listener motivated and put their best foot forward to get what they want out of life.

Safe Place, features Detroit rhyme spitter Guilty Simpson and just like you might expect, this song goes hard.  The beat is crafted by Kuddie Fresh and is filled with horns and a thick bass riff.  I am really feeling this joint musically.  This is music to creep by.   Simpson and J. Pinder trade verses about making the money and being able to keep it away from the powers that be, or the snakes in the grass.  And again, the ill hook just completes the song.   I harp on this alot, but the art of making a good hook is lost on some people, J. Pinder knows the secret though!

All in all, you need to get to know, J. Pinder.   He is versatile.   He can speak on a number of different topics.  Simply put, he is making better music than a lot of others in the game.   Code Red is the initial embodiment of his immense talent, so be sure to check for it.

stefanoneder EP

Agacee – I Am Agacee

Artist: Agacee

Album: I Am Agacee

Source: Know Dice Music

Tracklisting:

  1. EXP
  2. I’mma Be Alright
  3. On Da Couch
  4. Get Busy
  5. High Off Life
  6. Jaws Of Rap
  7. Manifesto
  8. Grammy’s
  9. Waddup
  10. Take Control

Note:

I was taking a musical tour of the internet one day last week and ran into this artist named Agacee.  I don’t know what made me download this EP/Mixtape in comparison to all the other music out there, but I am glad that I did.  The track that really did it was the track Manifesto.  He just breaks off bar after of bar with no hook for nearly four minutes.  It’s tracks like this that really show off skill and ability.  It won’t get any radio play.  It is too raw for hat.  However, it does allow hip hop heads world wide to understand the talent that lies there in.

Another track that illustrates Agacee’s skill is EXP, which checks in at  just under two minutes.   He flips concise rhymes on how he is set on achieving his dreams and realizing his ambitions.   He is determined to make his grind pay off on flows like this.  It’s every independent artist’s dream to  be able to afford a comfortable life making the music that he or she makes without selling their soul.  Agacee laces bar after bar with this very desire.  I don’t doubt the fact that he can achieve his aims.

The track, Grammy, show that Agacee can translate talent into making good music.  The track features laid back production with chill vocal samples.   Agacee makes the observation during his verse: “Where the passion in music go?/Being real these days is unusual…”  Agacee still does not relent in  pushing his music in the right direction and letting others know where they falter.  This track puts all the elements of a good song together, even without the hook.  It does so without Agacee changing the way he approaches music as an emcee.   The rhymes are intelligent and uncompromising.  That’s the way it should be.

This EP/Mixtape was dropped as a prelude to his latest project, The High Off Life Experience.  According to his blog, this should be dropping very soon and I can not wait to hear it.  He has a dope sound and a good command of his delivery.  Chicago has been a hotbed for dope hip hop talent for quite some time and you can certainly add Agacee to that ever expanding list.

stefanoneder EP

Myk Dyaleks – Make’em (Yell)ow

Artist: Myk Dyaleks (Brokn.Englsh)

Album: Make’em (Yell)ow

Source: Kevin Nottingham

Tracks:

  1. Welcome
  2. Amber Alert
  3. Summa Spring Wenta June
  4. Starin’ Down The Lens (ft.  Lyric2Go)
  5. HAV Plenty
  6. Hey…I Know (ft. Empress)
  7. The Stars Look Up (ft. Cayan)
  8. Yell(ow)
  9. Long Kiss

Note:

If you are looking for something soulful and mellow to chill to today, tomorrow, or whenever, this very well might be your jam.  Make em’ (Yell)ow is a very chill EP from Brokn.Englsh member, Myk Dyaleks.

I really love everything about this release.  It’s not breaking new ground, but it is cultivating some stale turf as it were.  I wish I could provide you with some production credits because as far as smooth production, the work on here is top notch.  I would love to give credit where it is due.  Myk Dyaleks voice and flow on the EP are in perfect unison with the beats.  It sounds like a harmonious blend between man and music.

My choice tracks are Amber Alert, Long Kiss, and (Yell)ow.  The first two check in at just over a minute, but even being so brief, the sound was intoxicating to the point that I ran through them three or four times.  The track (Yell)ow, is a full featured track and I love the production off of this joint.   There are a lot of different sounds in that song that music lovers should enjoy.

Peep the Bandcamp below and also be sure to check out Brokn.Englsh’s latest group release totally produced by the incredible The ARE.

 

stefanoneder EP

Wordsmith – Buzzworthy Bangers Vol. 1

Artist: Wordsmith

Album: Buzzworth Bangers Vol 1

Source: 2Dopeboyz

Tracklisting:

  1. Ground Zero (prod. by Streetrunner)
  2. Hear The Whispers (prod. by Centric)
  3. In This Corner (prod. by J-Mac)
  4. Show Me The Money (prod. by Drum Majors ATL)
  5. Touch Back Down (prod. by Strada)
  6. A Night To Remember (prod. by Neo-Keys)
  7. Flashback Of Hope & Happiness (prod. by Strada)
  8. The Righteous Path Revo Remix (ft. Kontact, Black Knight, and Whitefolkz) (prod by Krate Krusaders)
  9. A Night To Remember Revo Remix (ft. Kontact and Black Knight) (prod. by Neo-Keys)

Note:

Wordsmith is one of those artists where the more you hear from him, the more you can appreciate what he does on the microphone. He has a rapid fire delivery and crisp cadence. He has also been a very busy artist this year. A couple of mix tapes and of course his album, Vintage Experience, have really made him pretty prolific and that’s not even to mention all of the guest shots the man has appeared on.

Buzzworthy Bangers Vol. 1 is a different vibe. Wordsmith is going to get his name heard on this release with plenty of accessible tracks.  There is something on here for the hip hop purists and those who are looking for a cut or two that should get some serious radio play if the right people are listening. Hear The Whispers is one of those tracks that could make it in both circles.  Lyrically, Wordsmith is keeping you on your toes, while  the producer Centric organizes a very energetic track.   It’s very uptempo and keeps the adrenaline flowing.   Wordsmith’s skill and charisma really draws you in on a track such as this.

My favorite track is The Righteous Path Revo Remix.   The production is really busy on this track, but it keeps you listening intently.  And while the beat holds your attention, Wordsmith, Kontact, Whitefolkz, and the very underrated Black Knight drop some meaningful bars.   I abide by the policy, that dope production, when coupled with dope, meaningful lyricism will always equal a sure shot.

Buzzworthy Bangers Vol. 1 is a great place to start if you have never heard a Wordsmith joint before, but also a great piece of music for existing fans to sink their eardrums into.  Wordsmith definitely has the ball rolling in a positive direction and I can only hope that hip hop enthusiasts can catch up to and appreciate what he and the rest of his DMV compatriots are putting down.

stefanoneder EP

Ayden – Miles To Go Before I Sleep EP

Artist: Ayden

Album: Miles To Go Before I Sleep EP

Source: Kevin Nottingham

Tracklisting:

  1. Ashes (ft. X-1, Mina B, Enormus The Ox, Mokeout)
  2. Guerilla war (ft. Havoc, Curt@!n$, Myth)
  3. Cold Streets (ft. Big Lou, Famoso, Sha Stimuli)
  4. Fam (ft. Shabaam Sahdeeq)
  5. Venting (ft. Keith Murray)
  6. Life Of Glamour (Instrumental)
  7. So Strong (ft. Donny Goines, Famoso, Rap P)
  8. Ain’t Going Out (ft. Mokeout, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Tools)

Notes:

Another what I will call “left field” release.  I am not sure who Ayden is, nor who Supabeatz is.  Do I need to study up?  Evident ally, because this little ditty is dope.  Strong production throughout really resonated with me.  Also, if I see a Donny Goines feature on your project, I can be guaranteed that the joint is going to knock.  Goines never disappoints.

This EP is chocked full of dopeness.  The joint, Ashes, starts out like a cinematic feature and then the four emcees just go for delf when the beat settles in.   I am not familiar with a single emcee on this cut but I don’t have a bad thing to say about any of them.  All had a nice flow about them and contributed their part.  The next jam, Guerilla War, made it’s way around the blogging circle earlier this year.   This joint features Havoc  (from Mobb Deep), Curt@!n$, and Myth.   Obviously that is a strong line up and the joint hits hard.  The track is very understated and certainly is not over-produced.  He really lets the emcees shine by the way the production is subtly dope.  That’s true not only for this track but for every track on this EP.

Hip Hop veterans, Shabaam Sahdeeq and Keith Murray also add solo joints to the project and both sound very nice over Ayden’s beats, particularly the former.  I have most of Sahdeeq’s material and I am glad to hear him attacking the beat again.  He sounds very rejuvenated over Ayden’s production.   I would be very interested in hearing an EP or album from Sahdeeq completely produced by Ayden.  I think there is a lot of chemistry there.

Most of the tracks are posse cuts and the production throughout the project makes it very accessible.  The bottom line is if you like the guest list, rest assured that you will certainly like production.   There is a lot of Boom-Bap flavor from Ayden on this joint.  If I understand correctly, this is just a prequel to a much bigger project so we should all be checking for something from him in the future.

Be sure to download this EP and check back here for more information.