Nems gets some visuals for, I Get Down, featuring Iron Solomon and Vanguard. The song comes off of his Prezidents Day album which you can cop at your favorite online retail outlets.
Zero Star – The Ink Pen Method EP (2011)
Artist: Zero Star
Album: The Ink Pen Method
Source: Kevin Nottingham
Tracklisting:
- Hanging Out
- Not Enough
- 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!
No. 1 Reks – In Between The Lines Vol. 2 Mixtape (2010)
Artist: Reks
Album: In Between The Lines Vol. 2
Source: DJ Booth
Tracklisting:
- Intro / Once Again (prod. by ATG)
- Legacy (prod. by J. Lee)
- Represent (2010) (Freestyle)
- This Or That (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- My Word (ft. Dynas and Jon Hope) (prod. by Rain)
- What It Is (Freestyle)
- Successful Girl (ft. BK Cyph) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Feel It Baby (prod. by Soul Theory)
- Different Breed (prod. by OhNo)
- Pray For U (Homicide Note) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Outta Control (Egos) (ft. Strong Arm Steady) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Money & Power (ft. Sonic and Termanology) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Eff You (prod. by Nottz)
- Get Rowdy (ft. Sha Stimuli and Reef The Lost Cause) (prod. by Bassheadz)
- No Hooks (ft. Lucky Dice and Chi Knox) (prod. by Nottz)
- In My Lane (ft. Ras Kass and Ekko) (prod. by Hazardis Soundz)
- Getting Ugly (prod. by Frank Dukes)
- Eat Or Starve (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- 6AM (ft. Slaine, JFK, and Steven King) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Setting It Off (ft. Slaine. JFK, Jaysaun, and Steven King) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Window Pane (prod. by Blaze P and Bing)
- The ETC (ft. Kali) (prod. by Statik Selektah)
- Night Sky (ft. S.O.L.) (prod. by Dom Dirtee)
- Hooked On Whateva (ft. Blaze P and J Tronious) (prod. by Blaze P)
- Lighter (ft. Ea$y Money and Sonic) (prod by Scotty B)
- Hndu Kush (GHOST) (ft. Lucky Dice and Steis) (prod. by The Lion)
- Rapanomics (ft. Termanology and Sha Stimuli) (prod. by Rain)
- Strays (ft. Saheed) (prod. by Hazardis Soundz)
- Brainstorm (prod. by ATG)
- My Dark Skin (Willie Lynch Theory) (prod. by Soul Theory)
Continue reading “No. 1 Reks – In Between The Lines Vol. 2 Mixtape (2010)”
No. 2 Slaine – The Devil Never Dies Mixtape (2010)
Artist: Slaine
Album: Devil Never Dies Mixtape
Source: Twitter
Tracklisting:
1. The Religion (prod. Silvamore)
2. My Girl, My Wife, My Mother My Bitch (prod. LuBalz)
3. The Deadzone (prod. Stoupe, cuts by Reel Drama)
4. Black and Blue Flag ft. Jaysaun (prod. Silvamore)
5. Thru The Rain ft. Blacastan (prod. Silvamore)
6. Off The Sidewalk ft. Cyrus Deshield (prod. Falside)
7. Going Down ft. Jaysaun (prod. Silvamore)
8. The Worst (prod. Statik Selektah)
9. Old English II ft. Esoteric (prod. Esoteric)
10. Burn ft. Amadeus & Chilla Jones (prod. Sicknature)
11. Envy ft. Termanology (prod. Moss)
12. It Ain’t Happenin ft. Amadeus & Blacastan (prod. Falside)
13. It’s Too Late ft. Amadeus (prod. Double Chamberz)
14. Science Of the Trife ft. Ill Bill & Q-Unique (prod. C. Lance)
15. Settin’ It Off ft. Reks, Jaysaun & Steven King (prod. Statik Selektah)
16. Trail Of Blood (prod. Statik Selektah)
17. Outro
18. Mind Of A Criminal (Remix) (prod. LuBalz)
Note:
Slaine was sure to be excited about the release of his debut album, A World Without Skies. Then came word that he needed to pay for sample clearance and the project would not release on the anticipated date in October. But rather than sulk over spilled milk, Slaine went right back to the lab and put together the mixtape, The Devil Never Dies for his fans. This wasn’t just slapped together. It couldn’t have been. I do know that Slaine, according to his Twitter account and the Outro of this mixtape, was hitting the studio for all night sessions trying to get this mixtape completed. Not only did he succeed in completing the project, but he earns our #2 spot for Mixtape of the Year.
Continue reading “No. 2 Slaine – The Devil Never Dies Mixtape (2010)”
No. 3 Bambu x DJ Muggs – Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape (2010)
Album: Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape
Source: 2DopeBoyz
Tracklisting:
- Gunfire
- Bullet
- Molotov Cocktail
- History Of Angels
- The Rock Rock On
- Grenade
- Firearm
- Smoke Smarter
- Pow Wow Drums
- Heist
- Check
- Kill A Man
Note:
Straight, no chaser. That’s the effect that this mixtape has on you. There are no guests. There is no auto-tune. There are no sing-song choruses. Bambu and DJ Muggs stand in the midst of hip hop purity with, Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape.
Continue reading “No. 3 Bambu x DJ Muggs – Los Angeles, Philippines Mixtape (2010)”
No. 1 Epsilon Project – Audacity EP (2010)
Artist:
Epsilon Project
Album:
Audacity EP
Source:
Bandcamp
Tracklisting:
- A.O.D. Intro
- Audacity Of
Dope (prod. by Seize) - Turn It Up (prod. by
Soopa Koopa) - Inspiration (prod. by Kev
Brown) - America (prod. by DJ
Vadim) - In God We Trust (prod by DJ
Sean) - Poor World (ft. Mr Lee) (prod. by OhNo)
- Sleeping
Giant (ft. Dopamine Rush of P.O.E.) - 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)”
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!
No. 3 Drekidd – City Of Champs EP (2010)
Artist: Drekidd
Album: City Of Champs
Source: Refined Hype
Tracklisting:
- City Limits
- Steppin’ In
- No Good
- She’s A Winner
- Never Stop
- Warrior’s Song
- Good Night, Good Morning
- Breaking Free
- City Of Champs Ext.
- 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.
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.
No. 5 J. Pinder – Code Red EP (2010)
Artist: J. Pinder
Album: The Code Red EP
Source: 2DopeBoyz
Tracklisting:
- Code Red
- All That Fire (ft. Zach Bruce) (prod. by Jake One)
- No Turnin Back (ft. Toki Wright) (prod. by Vitamin D)
- Go Far (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
- Safe Place (ft. Guilty Simpson) (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
- Later On (ft. Rapper Big Pooh and Zach Bruce) (prod. by Kuddie Fresh)
- Three Words (prod. by Vitamin D)
- 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.
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