I enjoy some somber yet sobering hip hop every now and again, and Charmingly Ghetto and Reks oblige on this release. I have no idea who the former is but I think his verse was the better of the two on this piece and that really is saying something here. We must all check for the Study A’Broad: The International Mixtape.
Artist: Reks
Album: In Between The Lines Vol. 2
Source: DJ Booth
Tracklisting:
Continue reading “No. 1 Reks – In Between The Lines Vol. 2 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)”
Album: Revelations
Source: 2Dopeboyz
Tracklisting:
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*
Hip Hop Dependency 