stefanoneder EP

Kap Kallous – The TV EP

Artist: Kap Kallous

Album: The TV EP

Tracklisting:

  1. Intro – ChannelSurfing (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
  2. Lets Do Lunch (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
  3. Bitchuations (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
  4. Go On (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
  5. Where I Am (prod. by DJ Dolo and MONOwax)
  6. 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.

stefanoneder Album

Jeff Chery – The Transition

Artist: Jeff Chery

Album: The Transition

Source: DJ Booth

Track Listing:

  1. Nu JC (prod by The RZA)
  2. Someday (prod. by Katapult)
  3. Candy Girl (prod. by Gamble)
  4. Pass The Dutchy (prod. by Chase N.Cashe)
  5. Drop The World (prod. Hit-Boy & Chase)
  6. Gotta Make It (ft. L.Jaye) (prod. by Kalaj Dame)
  7. Pedigree (prod. by Good Will)
  8. They Get Around (prod. Sam Sneed)
  9. Say You Will (prod by Kanye West)
  10. Come From (prod. by Scott Armstrong)
  11. One Night Stand (prod. by Hoodfamous)
  12. I Bet He’s Nice (ft. K. Sparks) (prod. by D. Roof)
  13. Steady Mobbin (prod. by Kane Beatz)
  14. The Pair (prod. P Haze)
  15. Doubt Me (ft. CurT@!n$) (prod. Kalaj Dame)
  16. Airplanes (prod. by Alex Da Kid)
  17. Who Is That (ft. Lil Chuckee) (prod. JHot)
  18. 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.

stefanoneder Album

Magestik Legend – FREE (2007)

Artist: Magestik Legend

Album: FREE

Tracklisting:

  1. FREE (Intro) (prod. by Magestik Legend)
  2. The Legend (prod. by Astronote)
  3. In N Out (prod. by Snowman Jack)
  4. Chosen Ones (prod. by Eric G)
  5. Street Corner (prod. by Magestik Legend)
  6. Out There (prod. by Jay Fab)
  7. Good and Bad (prod. by Zhao-Ski and Magestik Legend)
  8. Someone Better (ft. Neco Redd) (prod. by Eric. G)
  9. Take 5 (Flashback 99′) (prod. by Magestik Legend)
  10. What Would You Do? (ft. Patrice Williams) (prod. by Jay Fab)
  11. Black Out (ft. iLLite) (prod. by Decompoze)
  12. Baby Girl (ft. Kashia) (prod. by Nick Speed)
  13. Hold Ya Weight (MLMIX) (prod by Zhao-Ski)
  14. Thanks to…(Flashback 99′) (prod. by Nick Speed)
  15. 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!

stefanoneder Mixtapes

Magestik Legend – To Be Continued…Chapter 1 Mixtape (Separated Tracks)

Artist:  Magestik Legend

Album:  To Be Continued…Chapter 1 Mixtape (Untagged)

Tracklisting:

  1. Intro (prod. by The Audible Doctor)
  2. Bout Freedom (prod. by Astronote)
  3. Blood, Sweat, Tears (prod. by Bean One)
  4. Postal Service (prod. by Pete Cannon)
  5. All Eye Know (prod by Astronote)
  6. Larry Brown (Paystyle)
  7. Get Doe (prod. by Magestik Legend)
  8. The Showbiz (prod. by Astronote)
  9. Pop Metal (ft. MarvWon and Ro Spit) (prod. by Astronote)
  10. Crack Rules (prod. by Marink D)
  11. Where Can I Start (ft. Fes Roc) (prod by Hill Inc.)
  12. Day Break (ft. Othello) (prod. by 14KT)
  13. Shoot The Breeze (prod. by Oznoh)
  14. 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.

stefanoneder Mixtapes

Magestik Legend – To Be Continued…Chapter 2 Mixtape

Artist: Magestik Legend

Album: To Be Continued…Chapter 2

Tracklisting:

  1. Reintroduction
  2. The Rundown (prod. by Astronote)
  3. Get.Ends.Hide (prod. by Astronote)
  4. Long Distance (prod. by Astronote)
  5. What’s In A Name (prod. by 14KT)
  6. TBC2 Interlude
  7. Vice Gripz (prod, by Astronote)
  8. Brand NEW (prod. by The Audible Doctor)
  9. What The World Needs (ft. T. Calamese) (prod. by Astronote)
  10. Lock And Key (prod. by Astronote)
  11. Dirty Little Pretty (prod by Slop Funk Dust)
  12. Video Game (ft. Buff1)
  13. Carbon (prod. by Astronote)
  14. 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…

stefanoneder EP

Watts – Scuba Lessons Vol. 1

Artist: Watts

Album: Scuba Lessons Vol. 1

Tracklisting:

  1. Success (Redo)
  2. La La La
  3. Peel Back (Power Of Your Love) (Redo)
  4. Reflection
  5. 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….

stefanoneder Album

Jesse Abraham: Bars & NoBull

Artist: Jesse Abraham

Album: Bars & NoBull

Tracklist:

  1. Of Course (prod. by JA)
  2. Yoga (Video) (prod. by Spills)
  3. Just Gettin’ Going (prod. by KO Beatz)
  4. Who’s That (prod. by Trace Thomas)
  5. Little Bit Of Everything (prod. by KO Beatz)
  6. Got That Juice (ft. Albert Rhymestein) (prod.  by Willie Green)
  7. Digit (prod. by Panjabi MC)
  8. Don’t Taze Me (ft. Jeanette Berry) (prod. by Spills)
  9. Life Is A Free Throw (prod. by Trace Thomas)
  10. Word Of Mouth (ft. Premonition) (prod by Spills)
  11. Get To Know Me (prod. by Trace Thomas)
  12. Raucous Lawlessness (prod. by !llmind)
  13. Get Off Me (prod. by Trace Thomas)
  14. 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!

stefanoneder Album, Recommendations

Black El x Durkin – Color Commentary

Artist: Black El & Durkin

Album: Color Commentary

Producer: Durkin

Guests: Outasight, Jon Hope, Jelani

Best Tracks: Dead Poet Society, Go!,  Sunday Drive

Recommendation: Must Have

Thoughts: Color Commentary sneaks upon the listener.  I didn’t know much about the emcee or the producer but upon track three, I began to realize that a dope record was being achieved.

Consistency is the cornerstone to a great hip hop album and I have to say that each song on, Color Commentary more than holds it’s own weight individually.  Collectively, however, this album is something remarkable.  Durkin’s production talents on the album harken back to that boom bap flavor that so many of us enjoy but rarely hear.  Black El uses Durkin’s talents to the fullest extent. His high energy vocals and above average flow and wordplay kept me engage from track one to track ten.  There was no let down.  The two proved to be a perfect combination on Color Commentary.

This album is banger after banger.  It simply is a pleasure to listen to.  The sound is dope through out but the content certainly is varied.  Pride, for  instance opens up the listener to not just one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but also the confidence that Black El has developed over his years.  He speaks on the situations that have arisen in his life and his ability to step up to the plate and hold onto his pride.

Sunday Drive is the perfect cut to ride to.  The beat for this joint is my favorite on the album.  Black El speaks on the 9 to 5 grind and the ability to escape from time to time in your ride.   The track had me slowing down my speed, rolling the window down, and just chilling.  It’s a very therapeutic joint and a definite head nodder.

Arguably the hardest joint on the album is the posse cut, Dead Poet Society.  The track features Jelani and Jon Hope.  Each of these talented emcees drop solid verses and Durkin laces us with the darkest production on the album.  That production is a little different than you will find on other tracks.  While the rest of the album is that throwback boom bap, Dead Poet Society is more contemporary and is driven more by the keyboard than the hi-hats and snares.   This really makes this track stand out for the better.  Lyrically this track is one of the more superior joints.

I feel that this album is one of the more fun listens of 2010.  I could enjoy the album track for track and not have to worry about the fast forward button at all.  Give Color Commentary a chance and enjoy for yourself.  (Stream/Download below)