stefanoneder Album

Co$$ x Numonics – Revelations

Artist: Co$$ x Numonics

Album: Revelations

Source: 2Dopeboyz

Tracklisting:

  1. Free
  2. Revelations
  3. They Keep Asking
  4. Gone (ft. Freddie Gibbs)
  5. Fake Kings
  6. Doubt Us
  7. We On (ft. Wrekonize)
  8. Confetti
  9. Let ‘Em Live
  10. Now Til Infinity (ft. Reks and Naledge)
  11. Tick Tock (ft. Sene)
  12. Paranoid
  13. Time Is Now
  14. It’s All Happening
  15. Genesis

Note:

Some releases catch you by surprise, Revelations, however was on my radar from jump. Co$$ has been getting better and better with every cut I hear him on. His flow and his drawl are very unique. His content is deeper than most would give him credit for. Numonics is also quickly becoming one of the more acclaimed producers in independent hip hop if you ask me. His previous work on his debut album, released earlier this year, Being Cool Doesn’t Pay The Bills gave him the opportunity to showcase his vast talent.

Co$$ and Numonics is not just a good combination,…it is a great combination. The album is dope. The track Free is a mere glimpse into what the duo can do. Co$$ goes to town over the heater. He breaks down how he is free from the constraints of a corrupt industry. He does not need to conform and can rock the mic his way. He truly is an original emcee in every sense of the phrase. I really can’t think of anyone that remotely sounds like Co$$.  His cadence and rhyme schemes constantly have you checking and rewinding.  It’s unorthodox and entrancing all at the same time.

Another choice cut from, Revelations, is the track Paranoid. Numonics hooks the listener up with a beat that fits the concept. It can best be described as neurotic. Co$$ then proceeds to give you multiple reasons to be afraid and paranoid of existing conditions.  He speaks on his unpreparedness for the future financially, his place in the streets, and having sex in this day and age.  The song straight up gave me a phobia just by listening to it!

Numonics production really leaves me tongue tied at times. It’s hard to pigeon hole the man. He is so diverse in his sound. He uses synth, horns, electric funk guitar, operatic sample, etc. You never know what the next track holds for you musically on this release.  He keeps you guessing on every piece of production which add to the pleasure of listening to, Revelations.

When people ask me who is the next to blow ala Freddie Gibbs, I point them in the direction of Co$$. He has the rare combination of street savvy, intelligent lyrics, and crafty flow. He has all the intangibles to blow up in today’s climate.

Revelations is a clear demonstration of talent both in terms of production and emceeing. It will leave you wanting more and I am sure there is much more on the horizon from both producer and emcee.  Just stay tuned.

*Bonus*

Paranoid (Numonics Alt Mix) -Download

Rock On – Download

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.

stefanoneder EP

A. Sesay – A Special EP

Artist: A. Sesay

Album: A Special EP

Source: Bandcamp

Tracklisting:

  1. Intro (ft. Muggsy Malone)
  2. We Want In (ft. Chris DeShield, D.O.E. C.I.G.A.P.O.M., Mannrock, K-Beta, Wordsmith, Adversary & Born Undadogz)
  3. Don’t Leave Me Lonely (ft. Dagga and Mannrock)
  4. Sinking With The Ship (ft. D.O.E. C.I.G.A.P.O.M., Adversary, and Napoleon Da Legend)
  5. If Love Was There (Interlude) (ft. Infearion)
  6. If Love Was There (ft. Dave East, Mic Legacy, Benji, and DJ Dublee)
  7. You Don’t Know Me Dog (ft. Dagga, Muggsy Malone, D.O.E. C.I.G.A.P.O.M., Bear Witnez)
  8. Can’t Hold Me Down (ft. Erika Anderson, Dave East, Karnagie, and Dagga)
  9. All In Stride (ft. JNesmuziq and Wordsmith)

Note:

A Special EP is one of the hidden gems of 2010.  There has not been much talk of this EP in blogging circles as far as I can tell so it certainly has gone under the radar as it were.    Regardless, of it not being picked up on by the masses, A. Sesay has done an incredible job producing the entire EP.  The DMV area has been a hot bed of hip hop activity lately and A. Sesay keeps the area on the front burner with this release.

Not only does the EP showcase A. Sesay’s production talents but it also gives other artists to share their verbal talents with the listener.  One emcee in particular that I thought was incredibly dope was D.O.E. C.I.G.A.P.O.M.  His verse on Sinking With The Ship was stellar.  It made check out his own Bandcamp page to listen to his album, Culture Shock 2012 AD.  That’s dope in it’s own right.

So what’s A. Sesay’s style?  I will call it understated.   He doesn’t “over-produce” a track.  On the posse cut, We Want In,  he keeps the beat crisp over organ instrumentation.  He sneaks the bass drum in and then all the sudden you are just nodding your head to a complete banger.  These emcees assassinate the track.  It really is dope to hear the instrumentation and the emcees come together so flawlessly.

On Don’t You Leave Me Lonely, the concept is very similar except that A. Sesay keeps it more mellow and uses a beautiful vocal sample that haunts the track.  Dagga and Mannrock both show keen ability to rock the track.  Again the fusion between emcee and producer is seamless.  This track is one of my favorites though I would have a hard time picking from the litter.

Sinking With The Ship, is the cut that I posted the video for earlier.   This cut is the one everyone should be talking about.  It’s bound to blow. The  beat and another incredible vocal sample lead the way as the emcees talk about developing unity in the hip hop game.   It addresses the way that emcees are prone to tearing each other down.  It’s a positive anthem for how hip hop should be done.  I do not take the word anthem lightly by the way.

By the time this EP is over with you should have developed a certain appreciation for what A. Sesay does behind the boards and what the DMV area talent is capable of.  So enjoy this hidden gem, and then spread the word.