Music (33)
2win (@WhoElseBut2win)
Imagine
I was pondering who was deserving of asurprise review in this esteemed publication. I wanted to reviewsomeone with good buzz, but slightly off of the mainstream radar. Onenight while I was DJ-ing I played “Whole Thang” by 2win(pronounced Twin, in case you were wondering), which reminded me ofthe fact that he had a new mixtape. So without further ado, allow meto introduce you to 2win and his latest mixtape titled “Imagine”.
Since I had limited exposure to 2win'smusic, I didn't quite know what to expect. So I was interested to seeif he could carry a full-length release. Well I'm pleased to say thathe can carry it, bench press it and spin it on his finger like abasketball. Dude is an excellent example I've seen of a new genre ofmusic I'd like to call “Hood Hop” (trademark). Hood Hop artistcombine elements of drug, street and club life without over-emphasison either element. In other words...life that the average person inthe hood would experience on the day-to-day basis.
The project is solid from stem to stern(from beginning to end). “Streets Ain't For The Week” is a songthat both trappers and non-trappers can (and will) appreciate. Healso did a great job re-imagining (every pun intended) the TeddyPendergrass classic “My Place”. His flow/delivery is eerilyreminiscent of West Coast veteran Domino; not that he's singing onvery song, only that he's very melodic.
2win's mixtape, “Imagine”, isdefinitely worth you all's support. I believe that in this crowdedmixtape market, there is room for an artist that original, talentedand entertaining. I expect many good things from him in both thenear and distant future. Imagine that!!! (okay that was one pun toomany)
Best Song On The CD: “Imagine”,“Streets Ain't For The Week”, “MLK”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “RollModel”, “Shine”, “My Place”
Overall Rating: 4.0...excellent...wellworth looking up and listening to
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Baby Chronic "TDM1.5 (Thugs, Drugs & Music Pt 1.5)
Sunday, 13 May 2012 Written by OnThaReal Magazine
Baby Chronic (@BabyChronic)
TDM1.5 (Thugs, Drugs & Music Pt.1.5)
All my regular readers may rememberthat I recently reviewed an artist from Duval (Jacksonville) namedBaby Chronic. I spoke highly of his mixtape TDM Pt. 1 (which I rated3.75). Well heeeeee's baaaaaack; this time with a system upgradetitled TDM 1.5.
I'm pleased to say that he's picked upright where he left off...making hot trap/strip club music. Dude hasactually enhanced his winning formula without sounding forced orcontrived. As the title states, this cd is primarilyabout...well...thuggin' and clubbin'. The mixtape starts off with aroar with the club banger “I'm Live”. This song pretty much setsthe tone for the remainder of the cd.
As he did last time, Baby Chronicprovides the trappers with hood anthems: namely “All I Need” and“Trap”. The homie did his thing all the way thru this mixtape. Many fans of the Florida rap scene have been searching for the nextPlies (because for some reason they think he's fallen off). I'mconvinced that Baby Chronic is that dude!!! I've said it before andI'll say it again...y'all need to get to know this dude likeYESTERDAY!!! I know there are some majors looking at him. With thatbeing the case I have one question: What are you waiting for?!?
Best Song On The CD: “I'm Live”,“Put Em To Bed”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Fade Away”,“Stressin'”
Overall Rating: 4.25...an improvementon his previous effort...ready for prime time
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Miscellaneous (@MiscDaBoss)
Violentine's Day
A couple of months ago I review andartist out of Memphis named Miscellaneous, and his mixtape “The LilMike Project”. I was mesmerized and overwhelmed by the superiorquality of the mixtape (I rated it 5.0). Little did I know that,while I was reviewing his last mixtape, he was in the finishingstages of his latest mixtape titled “Violentine's Day”.
Now as I've stated before,Miscellaneous is one of the best lyricists out there. I was expectingmore verbal gymnastics similar to what he displayed on “The LilMike Project”. Well he did that, but he also added an unexpectedtwist. Over 90% of the subject matter on this mixtape revolvedaround...around...well how can I clean this up...causing major (yetpleasurable) damage to a woman's vaginal walls during copulation(TRANSLATION: beating the nookie up). This is a far cry from hisprevious effort. Then I remember that this project was releasedaround February 14 (get it...Valentines, Violentines).
As far as the individual songs go, thequality speaks for itself. The tone for the mixtape is immeidatelyset by the first track, titled “I'm A Beast”. Any strip club DJ(or fans of strip club anthems) will find plenty of bangers on thisproject (“Take Control”, “Lil Mama Fiendin'” for example). Healso added a couple of hidden jewels too, namely “I Love You” and“Work”.
“Violentine's Day” isn't anexpansion upon “The Lil Mike Project”. I give Miscellaneous majorkudos; not only did he take a chance by tackling subject matteroutside of his perceived comfort zone (thereby potentially expandinghis fan base), he did so in exceptionally grand fashion. I'm reallydumfounded as to what more he has to do to get the deal he deserves.It's obvious to me that he's able to make quality music that wouldappeal to multiple markets. Keep bangin' out hits homie...your daywill come.
Best Song On The CD: “I'm A Beast”,“I Love You”, “Swagga Sex”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Lil MamaFiendin'”, “15 Minutes of Fame”, “Work”
Overall Rating: 4.5...not his bestwork, but better than just about everyone elses's work though
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Rogue MC (@TheRogueMC)
The Black Baccara
As many of you know, the bosses at thisexcellent magazine are constantly looking for artists to review. Theput out the call, I get the links...then the waiting game starts LOL. As a result, I get the pleasure of getting to know artists that Imay not have ordinarily heard of or had access to. I was recentlyasked to review a female MC straight outta the ATL, named Rogue MC,and her mixtape titled “The Black Baccara” (the black rose).
First I gotta give credit where creditis due...she can hold her own lyrically. Not only that (hold yourhats fellas), she can produce too. No she's not Kanye, but she damnsure isn't a hack either. She produced two songs on the mixtape: “2People 2 Lives” and “The Pain”; the latter being one of themost open and honest songs you'll come across. She can also flow ontracks that she didn't produce as well. She did an excellent job onsongs like “Bait”, “Stop Me” and “Get It In”.
With all the goodness that this mixtapehas (and there is plenty), there is one glaring deficiency: thehosting DJ. Being that I'm a DJ (and a damn good one at that...justask my mom) I know what helps and what hinders an artists mixtape. For example, if a DJ is going to backspin a record it needs to startagain ON TIME!!! Also, if a DJ is going to restart a song, it has tobe restarted ON TIME!!! There were too many instances (too many tooverlook) where the hosting DJ (I won't put dude on blast becausethis isn't a personal attack) totally ruined the flow of the mixtapeand let the artist down (this is the reason why I primarily listen tothe no DJ version of mixtapes). Artists need to remember that theirproduct is competing with everyone else in the market. If yourproduct isn't of professional quality, no one (important) is going totake your project seriously.
Having said all that, Rogue MC isdefinitely an up-and-comer worth keeping an eye one. She knows howto write, produce and record quality material. Now she (and herteam) needs to learn the overlooked (and underrated) task of projectmanagement. I firmly believe that her next mixtape will havesignificant improvements. We have our eyes on you Rogue...make usproud!
Best Song On The CD: “The Pain”,“Stop Me”, “Bait”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “2 People, 2Lives”, “In My Dreams”
Overall Rating: 3.5...very solid asidefrom the host DJ
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Trouble (@TroubleDTE)
431 Days
This is one of my favorite types ofreviews to do: a purely unsolicited one. If you're familiar with theATL rap scene, then you've definitely heard of Duct TapeEntertainment (DTE). Many of you are familiar with their primaryartist: Alley Boy (see my previous review of his latest mixtape“Nigganati”). Another featured artist on DTE, the one that I'llbe reviewing today, is Trouble. His latest release is titled “431Days”.
Maaaaaannnnnn...this dude definitelydoesn't get enough credit. He is absolutely one of the purest streetlyricists you'll ever hear. He has a effortless delivery that bringslife (or death, depending on the song's subject matter) to the wordshe speaks...straight laced, no chaser.
If you're not a fan of the trap musicgenre (which as you all know I'm not a big fan of), I wouldn't be soquick to dismiss this as stereotypical “trap rap crap” (that'swhat most critics of the genre call it). Yes there are your expectedtrap anthems (“Go”, for example), but this isn't an all trapmixtape. Trouble has always been one that criticizes the rampant“frontin'” that goes on among alleged trap rappers (“Let ThemTell It”). He also has a dark sense of humor that'll have youshaking your head and laughing at the same time (as exhibited on “UDon't Deserve That”).
There are several featured artists onthis mixtape: the usual suspects (Alley Boy, Veli Sosa) and thepurely unexpected (Verse Simmonds!?!). This is an extremely well-donemixtape that actually expands upon the potential of “Trap Rap”(much like Alley Boy's “Nigganati”). Street life is gritty anddirty; music about life the the streets are going to be similar. Butif you want to see the artistic potential of “Hood Hop”(trademark lol), then definitely check out Trouble's “431 Days”.
Best Song On The CD: “ATL”, “WouldYou”, “Let Them Tell It”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “It's Time”,“U Don't Deserve That”, “Take”
Overall Rating: 4.25...superiorproject...deserving of more attention
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
YC (@1YungChris)
Back From Vacation
Here is a fact that a lot of y'allwould like to act like it didn't happen: two years ago “Racks” byYC (featuring Future) was the hottest song in the clubs and the hood.The only song I can think of (as I type this) that had a similarimpact was Shop Boys “Party Like A Rock Star”. “Racks” was apivotal moment for both YC and Future, but for seemingly differentreasons. Future took off and became the hottest name in the streets(I heard those snide remarks 2 Chainz fans), while YC appeared tofall off the map. Well you'll be pleased (or displeased depending onyour point of view) to know that he hadn't fallen off the map, butwas on vacation. So on that note, let's take a closer look at YC'slatest mixtape “Back From Vacation”.
Apparently, while on vacation, YC waswriting new material and new lingo for the streets. For example, fatbands in your pockets are now called “Saggers” and swag is nowcalled “Taste”. I'm sure all y'all lovers of drama would say thatYC's song, “Circles Around You Squares”, is a subtle dig at Rockoand Future (I'm not offering any opinions pro or con, just wantedy'all to know that I noticed). All puns and lingo aside, the mixtapeis actually pretty solid.
The only problem I had with the mixtapeis a problem that is becoming more pervasive on mixtapes lately: theoveruse of Auto-Tune. I really, really, really, really wish thatrappers wouldn't be sooooo dependent on that feature. There are songson this cd that would be infinitely better if YC hadn't employedAuto-Tune. Rappers, it is okay to use any vocal effect withmoderation; if you're not a somewhat decent singer (T-Pain forexample), I wouldn't recommend using Auto-Tone as heavily as you guysare doing right now. I'd like to be able to understand the words thatare coming out of your mouth (Chris Tucker voice).
Auto-Tune issues aside, “Back FromVacation” is an a pretty solid project. I'm not sure if he'll evermake it back to the heights he previously experienced; however, thatdoesn't mean that he's not still making good music. Check him out.
Best Song On The CD: “Taste”, “WhatIt Took”, “Saggers”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “CirclesRound You Squares”, “Wonder Feelin'”
Overall Rating: 3.75...a little lessAuto-Tune next time sir. Time for the real YC to stand up.
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Sir Walt Chamberlain (@Sir_Chamberlain)
Thank You For Smoking
To my regular readers (all eighteen of you LOL) the name Walt Chamberlain should look familiar to you. I recently reviewed his debut mixtape “Deja Vu”, which I heaped high praise on the young lyricist out of Savannah, GA. Little did I know, he was finishing up his latest project titled “Thank You 4 Smoking”. Needless to say, I was looking very much forward to opening up the link and seeing what he had for us this time.
As I had expected, he continued to come thru from a lyrical standpoint. No one, in his or her right mind, can question Walt's skills. I will, however, question track/production selection. It's not that the tracks aren't decent/good/great (most of them, in fact, are); it's the fact that some of them do not compliment/enhance Walt's style. Walt's style is like a wild stallion running across the plains: wild, powerful, and graceful (born to run). A couple of the tracks almost transformed him to a common carriage horse: slow, lethargic, tame (born a slave). I said it last time, and I'll repeat it here, this dude has every tool necessary to become one of the standard bearers of hip hop (southern or otherwise). Walt, its okay to be selective on what you spit over. Once you find your niche, you'll truly be unstoppable. Remember, there was no Drake until Drake came.
Having said all that, this CD had some definite gems. Displaying his verbal versatility, and better track selecting abilities, on the song “Little Black Dress”. This is a song which can be played in a “grown & sexy” club, yet he didn't have to sacrifice his flow/skills. I really, really, really liked the honesty displayed on “Let It Go”. Just like the last mixtape, this one is a solid effort that is well worth your time, effort and support
Best Song On The CD: “Little Black Dress”, “Umbrella”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Two Men, Four Hoes”, “Let It Go”
Overall Rating: 3.75...this mixtape is just as good as the last one, which is why I docked it ¼ point...you're almost there homie, keep recording!
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Spliffy Doe (@SpliffyDoe
No Pressure
The more I do these reviews, the more apparent it becomes to me that the state of Florida wants to reclaim the title of the Dirty South's Hip Hop Kings; a title that was relinquished to the ATL in the mid-1990s(and, quite frankly, has been here since). I'm not saying that so much because of the major artists (even though Ricky Rozay and his Maybach Music Group is doing a damn good job so far), but because of the upknown/unsigned artists coming down the pipe. One such artist, straight out of Dade County (Miami area for the out-of-towners), is Spliffy Doe. Here's my review of his mixtape, titled “No Pressure”.
Spliffy isn't your typical Dade Co. MC; his style isn't reminiscent of Trick Daddy or Rick Ross. Truth be told, if you listened to his vocals and flow pattern, he reminds me a lot of Fabolous. I'm not saying that's a plus or minus, I'm just saying that he's not your typical southern (T)rapper.
But therein lies the conundrum; he has an east coast style that would be greatly complemented by east coast tracks, but he's smack dab in the middle of Dade Co. (home of booty shakin' and trappin'). I can tell he's still struggling to balance the two opposing forces: his preference vs. his environment. Especially with the hooks to certain songs...it reminded me of when east coast rappers would try to make crunk songs in the late 1990s (square peg, round hole). Back then, they would spit their bars then try to come up with a hook that “them cuntry azz niccas” would vibe to (and yes, “Real Nigga Vibe” is one of those songs in my opinion).
Even with this battle waging throughout his creative process, he still managed to put together a pretty damn solid mixtape. “Roses” should be an anthem for anyone (male or female) that spends a lot of time away from loved ones in pursuit of your dreams. “Live It Up” also stood out as another premiere track by Spliffy. Ironically these tracks aren't very (stereotypically speaking) “southern”, yet they were two of the better tracks on the project.
I firmly believe that Spliffy Doe, once he embraces his east coast instincts, will become a definite force to be dealt with in the southern rap scene. Long ago, when I use to write, I had the same problems that Spliffy faces today. Just focus on making good music homie...good music will draw fans from all over, and eventually your hood will come around. I got my eye on you!!!
Best Song On The CD: “Swagger On A Mill”, “Roses”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Swagged Out”, “Live It Up”, “Real Nigga Vibe”
Overall Rating: 3.5...I really wanna hear what you're gonna sound like in the future.
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Solo (@KarlosRashad)
No Excuses
As I've stated in earlier reviews, the requests for me to review mixtapes of new/undiscovered artists, for this publication, have been both overwhelming and humbling. I take this responsibility very seriously; therefore I will always given honest, constructive reviews of any project placed in front of me. So, with that being said, let's look at the work of another yet-to-be-discovered artist. He goes by the pseudonym of Solo, and his mixtape is titled “No Excuses”.
Solo is another up-and-coming artist from Savannah, GA. And much like his peer from that city (Walt Chamberlain), dude has serious skills. It's good to see that lyricism isn't a lost art among today's new breed of MCs.
This mixtape is a pretty solid effort, covering various subject matter and styles of music (although it was mostly centered on east coast hip hop). “Celebrate You” is a brilliant song that Solo pulled off extraordinarily well. He also collaborated with the aforementioned Walt Chamberlain on “Heisman”...and they did not disappoint. They may need to consider joining forces, pooling resources and quite possibly becoming a new millennium OutKast (yeah I said it).
I'm looking forward to seeing what young Solo has in store with his future endeavors. A production upgrade is in order now, because a lot of people are gonna have their eyes on him. I expect that he'll continue his upward climb towards respect and international fame.
Best Song On The CD: “Celebrate You”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “Cali Dreamin'”, “Heisman”
Overall Rating: 3.5...solid effort...time for the next course
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
Miscellaneous (@MiscDaBoss)
The Lil Mike Project
Here again is another one of those “unsolicited mixtape reviews” that I do from time to time. I was put up on this particular artist by DJ Killa Cam (what's up fam...#LSGDJS) out of Memphis, TN. Sooooo, con mucho gusto (with much pleasure) I'd like to introduce you to Miscellaneous and his mixtape titled “The Lil Mike Project”.
When we think of the Memphis rap scene, the names 8-Ball, MJG, Project Pat, Gangsta Boo, Yo Gotti, DJ Paul and Juicy J: legends of dirty south hip hop. Memphis rappers were known more so for their hooks and beats, not so much for their lyrics. Well, I'm here to tell ya, Miscellaneous could hold his own in a Queens Bridge cypher. As I've been known to say from time to time, “Dude Can Spit!!!” He reminds me a lot of a young Nas...but without the arrogance. He has the talent and the drive to become THE voice of a new M-town generation.
This isn't a mixtape...its an experience. You can truly listen to it from beginning to end, without skipping tracks (a sign of a classic in my humble opinion). Out of all of that goodness, there were moments that stood out. His “Thanksgiving Freestyle”, lyrically speaking, takes a back seat to no one...and I mean NO ONE!!! “Feelin' Okay” and “Sleepy Head” are absolute gems as well. I really could go on and on heaping praises on this mixtape...just check it out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
Please note: Miscellaneous has a brand new mixtape titled “Violentines Day”. I haven't heard it yet, but if its anything like this one it should be an instant classic. I need all of my readers (all 18 of you) to support Miscellaneous. You can't complain about how bad music is today, then turn around and not support someone putting out excellent material...for free!!!
Best Song On The CD: “Feelin' Okay”, “Sleepy Head”
Song I Enjoyed The Most: “F*ck Em Dress”, “Thanksgiving Freestyle”
Overall Rating: 5.0...This was album-worthy material. Lil Wyte chose wisely when he hitched his wagon up to him.
Rating System:
1—Recycle Bin
2—Could've Been
3—Aight
4—Tiiiiiiiite
5—Ri-DAMN-diculous
Reviewed by DJ KontraDikshun (@KlubKD)
