Two Cents: Cocky & Arrogant (Remix)

A while ago, a Detroit rapper by the name of Off-Rip dropped a pretty dope song—"Cocky & Arrogant"—featuring Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden and Franchize.

Today, the remix dropped also known as My Super Sweet 16.

Why?

There are 16 lyrically talented MCs on this one track:

• Off-Rip
• D-Rick
• Ro Spit
• Franchize
• Stackdough
• Ron Dance
• Stryfe
• Oba Rowland
• Cap
• Dusty Mcfly
• KOMA
• Louie P. Newton
• Hydro
• Ty Farris
• Marv Won
• Kid Vishis

 

While all of these gentlemen possess skills that can put many other rappers to shame and individually their verses are full of  bars and punchlines,  I'm not feeling the "Sweet 16" concept.

There's a saying, too many cooks in the kitchen can spoil the broth and that's how I feel about this song.

It's kind of hard to pay attention to everyone and naturally, some verses go ignored—not by choice.

When tackling this song I suggest listening to it in spurts of four, that is, pause every four rappers.

I got a lot of love for quite a few of the rappers on this track, but it's not something I can just sit back and listen to.

Click Here to download "Cocky & Arrogant (Remix)"

Peep the video for Off-Rip's "Cocky & Arrogant" featuring Royce Da 5'9, Joe Budden and Franchize

Review: Finally Famous Vol. 3

You may not have been familiar with him before, but by now you know, Big Sean. After months of waiting and several pushed back dates the somewhat highly anticipated Finally Famous Vol. 3 has finally released.

The mixtape is hosted by the infamous Don Cannon, who may be a big name but definitely throws off the mixtape a bit because he talks so much. In fact, it gets to a point where I can't even focus on the music presented because I'm trying to figure out why Don Cannon won't shut the hell up. But from what I've been told, they're supposed to be releasing a DJ-less copy in a few days (Let the people say #Yes).

I digress.

The mixtape has a variety of features, Bun B., Curren$y, Tyga, Chiddy, Mike Posner, Drake and a slew of others. One of the most anticipated songs on Finally Famous Vol. 3 was "Fat Raps (remix)" produced by and features Chuck Inglish of the Cool Kids. It also features, Asher Roth, Chip the Ripper, Dom Kennedy, and Boldy James. Personally, not a fan of the song, I don't think there has ever been a song that I really like that has had more than four artists on it. It makes the song too busy and it's impossible to really focus on what's being said and who's saying it.

*Edit: I was wrong, Binary Star's "K.G.B." ... I like.

I like the fact that Big Sean does keep it Detroit, aside from the namely recognizable performers I previously mentioned, he enlists the help of his Finally Famous comrade SAY IT AINT TONE (you kind of have to capitalize his name) on the witty and entertaining "My Closet," Key Wane, WrighTrax and Maybach Music Group's The Olympicks all lend producing talents on the mixtape. Even the mixtape's cover was shot by a Detroit photographer (Dante Marshall) and designed by a local graphic designer (Tommey Walker) who both have worked with him—and plenty others—before.

There's one more talent that I haven't mentioned and that would be Suai on "Almost Wrote You a Love Song". This is probably my favorite track on the mixtape, Big Sean is a garnish to an already great song (Suai released this a minute ago sans Big Sean). They've shot the video for this (maybe they know just how great this song is too), so I'm kind of anticipating on seeing that. Suai has a great voice and Big Sean does his thing lyrically. There was an alternate version released as well, kind of doper than the one on the mixtape.

Final Thoughts: 3 out of 5.

I've listened to this a few times all the way through, the tracks are arranged well and the transition (without Don Cannon's voice) is very smooth from track to track. Production is good, though I think I liked UKNOWBIGSEAN's production more, Key Wane and the Olympicks definitely shine on this one. It's not a mixtape full of features and while some features aren't that strong (see: "Fat Raps" above) others excel like "Ambiguous" featuring Mike Posner. I still feel like Big Sean is holding back and could be so much better than what he is (hard for some of you to believe I'm sure) but hearing "High Rise" definitely has me convinced it's more there. Overall, it's a solid mixtape and good to hold us over until the album's release.


CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD  'FINALLY FAMOUS VOL. 3'

Mixtape: Fin Is King 2

Well, thirty days past December and JFin has released his new mixtape Fin Is King 2. I must say, I am quite happy the mixtape is finally here. Hopefully, you have already downloaded 'InFINity & Beyond', his mixtape that released in July and have been paying some attention to his tracks the last thirty days. This mixtape is different than IAB, but definitely not in a bad way. Fin does tackle ransom but most of the beats on the tape are original. Some songs may look familiar, as they had been leaked as a part of the Thirty.30 project. It may be a couple of months a part but Fin Is King 2, definitely shows some growth and is slightly more cohesive than IAB.

My thoughts?:

First, I appreciate the fact that it's pretty much all JFin. It's not overpowered by features thus making the listener really get a feel for who he is. I like the fact that it has some consistency to it as far as style goes; it all flows nicely and doesn't sound choppy or like it jumps around a lot. For specific songs? I like them all but I do have favorites. I LOVE "Nothin' to Somethin'", "Shine Forever", "Galaxy" and "Favorite Rapper". I like them all for the same reasons delivery, wordplay and beats are good, yet they all sound different.

I have no criticisms, but I do know that some people will try to compare his style to Big Sean. The similarity is there, but upon closer listen they are indeed different.

If you couldn't catch on, I definitely think it's iTunes worthy.

Click HERE to download JFin's Fin Is King 2

Mixtape: Jay Beretta

I noticed an interesting campaign floating around cyberspace not too long ago: Endorse Jay Beretta.
The only thing that kept coming into my mind, was WHO IS JAY BERETTA?

Well I—and everyone else who didn't know— found out with the release of his second mixtape Countdown 2 Takeoff. If his first is anything like this one, then maybe I should go back and have a listen.

This mixtape, like others has a mix of original beats and whatever is popular by the masses. He kind of reminds me of P.L. a bit and to be as young as he is (he's 17), he's definitely lyrically skilled and proves age is simply a number.

My Thoughts?: Definitely somone worth listening to and downloading. Jay Beretta brings something different to the table and like his last name suggests, his lines have the power of a bullet.

If you've read any of my mixtape reviews before you know my only gripe is when there are a lot of covers instead of originial beats. Is that the case with this one? Yeah, but I actually don't mind it because his version of "Jerk" doesn't make me want to off myself.

Long story short, I endorse Jay Beretta.

Click HERE to download 'Countdown 2 Takeoff'.

Russian Roulette ::

Late - KR

Like his lil' bro, JFin, KR has been in the studio working on the follow up mixtape to this summer's 'Amnesia.' His next project, 'The Chain of Memories II' (I love the title) will be dropping sometime after the New Year.

In the meantime, KR is prepping folks for the release by dropping songs every Monday and Friday (must be a family thing). His series is titled "Monday Night Raw/ Friday Night Smackdown" and according to his blog he named it after the wrestling shows because:

"... I've been watching wrestling since I was about five years old and it's a habit I never broke out of. ... I wanted this series to reflect some of my favorite shit coming up. I got a thing for nostalgia."

The first two tracks of the series dropped Monday with another pair (maybe a single track) drops sometime today. The first track is "Blockstars," which is only about 1:30 in length but packs a lot of punch, "Pow ... right in the kisser."


The second joint is called "Curious," and KR stays true to the nostalgia feel by mocking the 'Living Single' theme song but even with that reference aside it has a 90s feel to it.



Now you may be quick to compare him and JFin to each other and I'm repeating myself and suggesting that you don't do that. While there are some similarities in wordplay between the two, they definitely vary in delivery.

If you want the rest of the "Monday Night Raw/Friday Night Smackdown" tracks KR has coming, just follow him on Twitter or check his blog every Monday and Friday.

Mixtape: Chacity

In a hip-hop world dominated by Nicki Minaj and look-a-likes, Chacity may be Detroit's best kept secret. At least, I didn't know about her. Her mixtape 'It's My Turn' dropped Sunday and is definitely not like others.

Chacity could best be described as a hip-hop femme fatale, looking at her you would think she would be like every other lady rapper out there ... then the bars come out.

She seems to have found the perfect balance of keeping it real and repping for the streets while remaining a lady.

'It's My Turn' includes features from local hip-hop heavyweights Miz Korona (who joins her on "Connected" and the cypher like "No Hook") and Slaughterhouse's Royce Da 5'9". Production isn't bad either, there are tracks produced by Alchemist, Silent Riot, and Killumal.
Tracks like "Kisses" and "UnderCover Gyrl" break up the grittiness of the mixtape but aren't any less real.

My Thoughts: I think the mixtape is beyond dope and definitely something worth listening to. It's so different from what we're used to hearing by female rappers, but it isn't masculine at all and it doesn't seem super "ride or die" either. The tracks flow well together and the skits are great (since they're from one of my favorite films 'Set It Off', which doubles as the theme for the mixtpe.)

If you are looking for a Barbie and plastic lyrics, Chacity's 'It's My Turn' may not be the mixtape for you.

If you're not, click HERE to download 'It's My Turn'.

Mixtape: Yung GooD

Bedda Made and Eastside (Detroit) representer, Yung GooD released a new mixtape a few weeks ago. E2P (Everything 2 Prove) 1.5: Things 2 Do dropped on Black Friday and was mixed by Mr. C.E.O. and DJ Rockin'. 21 tracks and 3 skits make up this E2P addition.
It includes the appearance of some local faves like J. Fin and Earlly Mac and some bars over known tracks like "Maybach Music" and "Run This Town".
This mixtape is something like a buzz keeper. GooD dropped Everything 2 Prove a while ago and is currently working on his next joint 'Show N Prove' which should be dropping sometime in the beginning of 2010.

My Thoughts: I can NOT figure out who he sounds like. Not delivery or lyric wise, but I really mean voice wise. There is a rapper out there that Yung GooD's voice reminds me of and I can't think of it.

Moving on, I rock with Yung GooD, he's an energetic rapper and that definitely shows through his songs.

What caught me off guard (in a good way) was "A Letter to Dream." The fast-paced mixtape of the mixtape comes to a screeching halt when this track comes on. If you want a good sense of who GooD is or his lyrical style this is the track that answers those for you.

I actually think GooD saved everything for the end. "Thanks in Advance" is the track after "A Letter to Dream" and is just as different from everything else on the mixtape as the track preceding it.

The only criticism I have is that there are a lot of the tracks are done to the beats of other songs (personal annoyance).

Overall the mixtape is kind of anxious and GooD's energy shows through every track from "Transformer" to "Get Like Me." GooD is strong lyrically and while his voice may remind me of someone else, his delivery doesn't.

Click HERE to Download E2P 1.5: Things to Do.

Without Me - Eminem

Guess who's back....

back again....

Alex's back....

tell a friend...


Hola!
It's been roughly 3 weeks to a month since my last post and I first must say thanks to those who have STILL been checking out the blog.
Also, special shoutout to those who asked where my posts have been, that is the coolest thing ever. Knowing that people actually read/value what I have to say is kind of humbling (in a weird way).
So where have I been?
Well, Summer has ended and school has began, and for the past couple of weeks I've been getting back into the university life. It was a weird transition (even weirder/stranger/more uncomfortable than freshman year) but it's good to be back.
ANYWAY, I realized I never did my summer recap, and I actually had one all written up nicely but I decided to change it up after reading Cliff's 5:03 today (mine was similar to his; it was everything I learned).

Summer.

One Word, 3 months, life-changing, epiphany.

That pretty much sums up summer 2009 for me. I have been taking "baby steps" into the Detroit entertainment scene. The weirdest thing about it is as much as I have been watching other people, people have been watching me.

I don't mean that in a "creepy, stalker, 'Marvin' from Player's Club" kind of way. There are so many talented people in the city, who I truly admire from Rick and Ro of Burn Rubber, Cliff, Slapz, DJ Mo Beatz, James over at DSE, Dante Marshall, Tommey Walker, the list goes on for a while.

At the same time there are people who give ME, props and kudos on my writing and I don't think many realize how much it actually means to me. (mushy, I know, lol).

Over the summer I:

-Fell in love with hip-hop all over again.

-Interviewed a Sony/J Records musician from Southfield who is currently filming his music video.

-Went to Burn Rubber, DSE @ Grand, and Spectacles (granted went each place once, but I will go more I promise)

-Fell in love with Detroit and what it had to offer

- Was introduced to Detroit hip-hop (who by the way have talent beyond the Tone Tone/K Deezy I was used to)

- Officially made a name for myself as a blogger with the Fli Pelican v. Juan Neal (not really versus but you get it) series..

- Think I may have possibly burned future bridges with that series (though I never took sides and have no hard feelings against the Pelicans).

- Ended my sophomore year with a 3.5 GPA (which is double and half where I was after freshman year).

-Wrote and contributed to two web sites (beside this blog)

-Had my first 'angry rapper mad at me because I didn't post his song and try to slander me' incident, which pretty much messed him up big time with other bloggers and rappers. (sorry, but it did).

That sums it up, lol those were the highlights beside meeting the most awesomest (made up word, yes?) people ever and appreciating the ones that were already in my corner.

This summer has taught me two important lessons:

1) Patience and practice are the two key components of success. I know everyone's definition of success varies, but NOTHING happens overnight and practice makes perfect. I was born to be a writer (I'm quite sure of it, lol) just like Kobe was born to be a NBA superstar, Oprah was born to be a billionaire, and Michael Jackson was born to entertain 5 generations of people. However, no one would have gotten anything done if they didn't practice their craft and hone their skill.

2) Acquaintances are not friends. (I feel there's no explanation needed for that one).

All in all, I had a fantastic summer in the city. I guess some people would say I found myself after losing a big part of me for a minute.

Ending this with: Expect dope things from me...No clothing lines, no mixtapes (well maybe I'll do an A Side mix but we'll see), no production...People can do dope things without rapping, dj-ing, or singing....and I shall.

Happy Friday

<3 Alex W.

Music Monday: Slaughterhouse

Lyrical Murders feat. K-Young

When Joe Budden, Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9, and Joell Ortiz announced that they were forming the group Slaughterhouse, I must admit I was really skeptical. Individually these guys are some of the most talented underground (and underrated) artists and often times when you take too much of a good thing it becomes just okay. Well tomorrow, August 11, Slaughterhouse is releasing their self-titled debut album (if you have managed to get a hand on your own copy, chances are it's because your music store released it early.)
It was roughly a year ago that the foursome said they were going to do a project together and throughout the summer they have been steadily recording and working on their album. This summer the slaughterers were one of the headlining acts on the Rock The Bells 2009 tour (which I was lucky enough to go to when it came to Detroit). The one thing I find interesting is that Joe Budden and Royce da 5'9 have managed to put their mini-beef aside to get this product done.
Their first official single "The One" premiered online and got a nice lil' buzz going for them back in July.
In all honesty hearing four voices on every (or almost every) track can get overwhelming, but their skill and wordplay definitely makes up for it.
Despite being a quad there are still featured artists on this record, including: Fatman Scoop, K-Young, and The Royals.
Do I think 'Slaughterhouse' is a pre-party/club banger? not at all. 'Slaughterhouse' is an album that you listen to, not just hear; and songs like "Pray" and "Rain Drops" are nothing short of lyrically mind-blowing to say the least.
Album production? crazy, (the good crazy) but I'm not surprised though. The beats bang indeed. lol. Some of the producers listed are Alchemist, DJ Khalil, and StreetRunner.
Strong verses, great beats, and eh/okay/mediocre hooks make up this album. Though some people deny it, or choose to ignore it, a good hook can make or break some songs. Some may say that lyrically challenged songs are the only ones that need hooks, but actually that's not true. Between the somewhat complex nature of their bars, the fellas of Slaughterhouse could have added a hook on some of their tracks. I don't know how any of you feel about this but at some point my mind needed a break.

RESULT: ♫♫♫♫ (of 5)

'Slaugherhouse' is something that I can see myself working to or just kicking back and listening to. However, I personally need breaks...I can't really listen to the album all the way through in one sitting without becoming overwhelmed. It does seem that Joell , Joe , Royce, and Crooked take a mixtape approach to their album which (to me) means that they clearly could care less about being mainstream. (*sidebar: I'm quite sure they could give two rusty pennies about being mainstream , but there are some artists who say it and are secretly hurt by not being mainstream, feel me?) Plus I don't think mainstream could handle them. Lyrics are dope, beats are fire, I wish this would have come out when it was initially supposed to be released because it would have been the perfect summer album to listen to. There's always next year.

Music Monday: Electrik Red

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls we have yet another R&B girl group trying to find their place in this crazy industry, Electrik Red.
Like I said in a previous post, I first heard of them when they were the openers for Ne-Yo's "Year of the Gentleman" tour featuring Jazmine Sullivan and Musiq Soulchild. I remember Musiq was hyping them up on the radio and when I got to the concert I wasn't impressed. But being who I am, I had to give them a chance anyway and slowly (like AOL Dial-Up slow) they have grown on me ( a lil' bit.)
Their first album "How to Be a Lady: Vol. 1" is set to be released tomorrow, and you know I had to give you my 2 - 3 cents on it.

I found it ironic that their album ended up following The Dream's in my iTunes library, seeing as he and Tricky are the producers of the entire thing and it definitely shows. I don't care who you are, if you're just a commercial music listener or a professional music dissector, you can always tell a producers sound (you mean to tell me you wouldn't know a Neptune sound if you heard it?) and it shows. Their album is very much like The Dream's Love v. Money with the techno/808/futuristic/rave/electronic sounds.
For a R&B group it is a weird approach to do the ENTIRE album that way, even the slower songs are fast because of the sounds.
Content?
The buzz/first single "So Good," isn't my favorite and is actually one of my least favorites on their album, but it shows they have potential. I guess I should state the obvious and say their album's theme is on how to be a lady. Ok it's about catering to your man and picking a good one, through songs like "P is for Power," "Freak Freaky" and "Devotion."
Results: ♫♫♪ out of 5
If The Dream were a girl he'd be Electrik Red. "How to Be a Lady" is very comparable to Love v. Money, almost too close, BUT their beats are sick, they have good club songs, but for a R&B group I expected more.
"How to Be a Lady: Vol. 1" will be available on iTunes tomorrow, if you want to get a sample of what they sound out, check out last week's "Yay or Nay: P is for Power"

Music Monday: Eminem

Whether you call him Marshall, Slim, Eminem or "that white guy with mad rhymes," he's back from a 5-year hiatus with his much anticipated album Relapse.
Let's back up a minute shall we?
Em's last studio album was 2004's Encore. He said he wanted to take a break from his own career and focus on family and the budding artists on the Shady/Aftermath label. Breaks for many artists are a time to rejuvenate and refresh, but for Slim quite of few things happened that kept him in the limelight.
In 2005, he cancelled a tour because he was hospitalized for dehydration and an addiction to sleeping pills.
In 2006, he remarried Kim (yes the same Kim he spoke of on Marshall Mathers LP's "Kim") and divorced her 11 weeks later. Eminem also lost his best friend, Proof, in a shooting at a bar in Detroit.
Take all of that pent up aggression, frustration, anger, and depression and put it on wax...Ladies and Gentlemen you have Relapse.
This album is so sick and twisted, but very Eminem.
Now, there has been some controversy about Em' picking at old wounds such as his relationship with Mariah Carey and his mother, but on "My Mom" Slim acknowledges this and opens with "My mom, my mom, I know you're probably tired of hearing about my mum."
He knows he is repeating the same topic, but the theme of his album is addiction (notice that the album cover is him made out of pills?) and it all fits.
Of course you have songs that poke fun at celebrities like "We Made You" and "Bagpipes from Baghdad."
But there are a few that sound like Marshall Mathers LP, Eminem. "Insane" is one of these songs, if you're not used to Eminem's obscurity or are a new listener I wouldn't start with this song. Eminem is one of the best lyricists out there, and this song paints a detailed picture of rape and incest into your head. My advice to you is to listen with caution, that one caught me off guard for a minute.
There's also talk of murder and assault on other songs and interludes as well. I've never believed the ratings put on albums, but if you are considering playing this for your kids, be prepared for them to sleep with you.
There are only two tracks with featured artists: The buzz single "Crack a Bottle" feat. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent and "Old Times Sake" with Dr. Dre. So 98% of the album is all Eminem. The beats? If you were even concerned about that you need to go back to the Slim Shady LP; the beats are bananas.
Results: ♫♫♫♫♫ of 5.
Though the topics are very sensitive *I wonder if the FCC is coming after him with this one* the lyrics are catchy, witty, classic Eminem, overall they're fire.
Also, what's been floating around is that there was so much music recorded this time that Slim Shady will be releasing Relapse 2, later this year.

Music Monday: Chrisette and Cam'Ron

I have been a fan of Chrisette Michele since I heard her sing the hook to Jay-Z's "Lost One" off of his 2006 album Kingdom Come and then the following year she released her single "If I Had My Way." *loved that* Now Chrisette is back with "Epiphany" and this album could NOT have been titled any better. The theme of this album? End of a relationship and moving on. From the album's first single "Epiphany" *whose video featured Drake, though I may critique his rap skills he's a looker* to "Blame it On Me" and "Another One," you're listening to a journey as a woman goes through all the emotions of ending a relationship. On this album Chrisette only co-wrote three of the tracks but that doesn't make it any less personal. Some of the contributions came from Ne-Yo *who is credited to six tracks* and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Some smaller credits, come from Michigan *of course had to throw that in there* with contributions from Bei Maejor and Tim Bosky.

If you're in a happy and blessed relationship (like some of you are) you may not want to listen to this album unless you're pissed at your significant other. You still can't deny her talents, for that I give her:
♬♬♬♬ out of 5.
-------------------------------------------------------
Killa Cam is back...lmao I can't even say that with a straight face. Ever since that Pink Mink/Range/Cell/Everything fiasco I have had the hardest time taking Cam'Ron seriously. If you say you still took him seriously you're either :



A) a liar
B) one of his family members
C) Cam'ron himself O_o


But the pink one is back with his first album in 3 years, "Crime Pays." Skitzo produced almost the entire album with a few from ARAAB Muzik. No matter how much of a wanna-thug he is, I can stomach this album. The album's accidental single "My Job," is a hood struggle anthem while joints like "Cookies-N-Apple Juice" give a new nickname to some classic parts, if you catch my drift.
My problem with Cam is that he continues to talk about being a thug/gangster/whatever and he came out with "Oh Boy" and rocked that Baby Pink Baby Phat Nextel ( I don't forget.) Apparently Cam'Ron didn't either because he addressed it in one of his skits, "F--k Cam'Ron..#3."
Though it's an album intended for mainstream sale, Cam'ron takes a mixtape approach to it which is why I think it works. Tracks like "Whoo Hoo" remind me of way back when Dipset were one of the best rap cliques around. With Byrd Lady on a couple of tracks and Skitzo producing most of it, I can't help but wonder what Cam has up his sleeve.
I give Crime Pays: ♬♬♬ out of 5
There is no set coherent pattern to the track order which breaks up the rhyme flow and causes problems. But he gets points for trying.