CYNE: Pretty dark things

This definitely isn’t CYNE’s best work, but it was still a pretty solid album. The production was great, but what more would you expect from this group? And there is a lot of Good lyricism in most of the songs, but once again, what more would you expect?

1. Just Say No– 2.5/5
2. The Runaway– 4.5/5
3. Calor– 3/5
4. Escape– 3/5
5. Money Parade– 3.5/5
6. Pretty Black Future – 3.5/5
7. Elephant Rome-3.5/5
8. The Dance– 3/5
9. Opera– 4/5
10. Prototypes– 3/5
11. Fuzzy Logic– 4/5
12. Never Forget Pluto– 3/5
13. Pianos On Fire– 2.5/5
14. Radiant Cool Boy– 4.5/5
15. Excite Me– 2/5
16. Scattered– 3.5/5

So I’m not gonna say much more, but if you haven’t heard this album yet, you really need to check it out. If you love lyricism and great production, this is a must have.

Top tracks:
The Runaway
Money Parade
Fuzzy logic
Radiant cool boy

Production: 3/5
Lyrics: 4/5

Overall: 3.5/5

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Album Review: Murs For President by Murs

Murs For President is Murs‘ (Wiki Page) seventh studio album which was set to be released on September 30th but was leaked on the 25th. It is Murs’ first album released by a major label which is a bit hypocritical considering his stage name is an acronym, standing for Making Underground Raw Shit. 

This had to be one of hip hop’s most anticipated albums of the year. Reviewing it was very exciting considering not even iTunes has this ish yet. I came with high expectations and here are my conclusions:

I’m Innocent

The beat on this track has an annoying vocal sample on loop but other than that it is pretty decent. Murs has a great clear flow allowing you to spot some of his mentions to stuff like Oh You Mad Cuz I’m Stylin’ On Ya.

Lookin’ Fly ƒ Will.I.Am

Nice deep bass but I have to say that Murs rhymes are kinda wack. It’s a dance track, this is for all the mainstream fans who actually have money to buy the album.

The Science

It’s interesting that this track would be put in this position on the album. The lyrics are a lot more content-full and advanced than the previous. This is probably my favorite track production-wise on Murs For President because of the use of flutes.

Can’t It Be

This is basically an educated rant by Murs. Not a great beat, but nice use of vocal samples and Murs’ drops some conscious rhymes.

Everything

Skip track, good lyrics I guess, and an ok beat but overall, boring.

Road Is My Religion

Dope storytelling track about Murs’ tough life on the road and his struggles as an artist. A subtle guitar sample compliments the deep bass.

Sooo Comfortable

Chill song, jumps around topic wise, cool head banger but not what you are looking for if you want complex lyrics.

Time Is Now ƒ Snoop Dogg

The production and chorus on this track involve samples from a church choir and organ which Snoop Dogg’s flow fits perfectly with.

Think You Know Me

As you may have implied from the title, this track is about stereotypes Murs goes through daily mostly because of his appearance. Captivating lyrics and a sing a long chorus make this one of the best tracks on the album. I have a feeling Murs really just wants to say “Fuck You!”, but restrains himself.

Love And Appreciate

Murs drops some nice verses about the appreciation for women and calls out those who “act hard”. Great chorus from Tyler Woods, no not Tiger, Tyler.

Part Of Me

Murs most likely recently broke up with a girlfriend and is getting out some stuff about it in this track. A fusion of rap and rock.

Break Up (The OJ Song)

Another track about Murs’ lost girlfriend. Ok song but is he Bill Clinton or what?

Breakthrough

Simply a closing track of the album. Murs drops some self boasting lines over a vocal loop repeating, “You must breakthrough”.

Final Word:

Dope album overall. The production is on point with the exception of a couple repetitive beats. Definitely one to cop when you get the chance. Lived up to the hype? No. Pretty Decent Album? Yes.

Download The Album

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T Dub

Album Review: Fun DMC-People Under The Stairs

Thes One and Double K make People Under The Stairs, a Los Angeles founded alternative hip hop group known for their laid back sound and beats influenced by breakdancing.

Fun DMC is an album full of old school samples, fun rhymes, and frequently breaking beats.

The old school samples are pretty apparent in most of the songs, throughout the album an old school fan will be reminded of hits like Woo Ha by Busta Rhymes (Up Yo Spine) and especially in the track Letter 2 C/O The Bronx, a tribute to the creators and innovators of hip hop.

The whole theme of the production is focused to be laid back, perfect for chilling at the house or a barbecue. And although I appreciate the chill sound in contrast to a lot of the fast, “loud”, production coming out lately, it can get a bit repetitive or sound like the whole album mashes together into one song.

One track that stood out from the rest was Gamin On Ya, a cool storytelling song whose production features samples from what sounds like an old video game.

Also, the track People Riddum has a beautifully incorporated Odell reggae chorus which makes one of the most relaxing tracks of ’08 so far.

Final Word:

This album is sure to have at least one song you will like, chalk-full of memorable samples accompanied by cool beats and laid back lyrics make this album one of the best of ’08 so far. 

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Mm’ mmm Bitches

Thanks To Musical Schizophrenia

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Album Review: Politics As Usual – Termanology

The first thing that pops out concerning this album is it’s production. Termanology must have walked into a secret meeting of some of the greatest producers ever because I don’t know how else he would have been able to get them on this.

DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Large Professor are just three of the renowned producers that grace Termanology’s Politics As Usual.

Don’t get confused by the title, this isn’t some Immortal Technique ish chalk-full of government conspiracy theories. Topics in Politics As Usual range from Termanology’s hometown to getting high but the most recurrent throughout the album is Termanology’s self-boasting lyrics and confident attitude. 

The lyrical content of this album is pretty average, although there were a few standout lines like:

They say,

Lyrically, I’m the new AZ

Cuz if I really wanted to I could keep up with Nas

The lead single off of the album, So Amazing produced by DJ Premier, was actually released along with the video last year.

This album is a pretty good example of a cross between mainstream and underground. Termanology has the lyrics of an underground rapper but the production, hooks, and featuring artists (Bun B, Sheek Louch, Lil’ Fame, Freeway, etc.) on Politics As Usual mirror that of a mainstream hip hop album.

Final Word: 

Pick it up or give it a listen if you are looking for new music. After the initial listen you come to realize that considering the production cast, this album could have been a lot better.

Best Track: So Amazing

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DJ Muggs Vs. Planet Asia- Pain Language

First of all I want to clear up any confusion you might have had over Planet Asia’s ethnicity. His is in fact black, just because his name is Planet Asia doesn’t necessarily mean that he is asian although I can see where one would confuse that.

Alright, now that is all cleared up so we can continue to the album. Pain Language is full of sick head banging beats produced by DJ Muggs, formerly of Cypress Hill. The production overall is the highlight of the album as DJ Muggs is one of the most underrated producers out right now. His excellent use of guitar solos and drum loops shows the most in songs like “9mm”.

 The downside of this album is Planet Asia’s lyrical performance. Although I can appreciate Planet Asia’s skills in wordplay and punchlines,  in a good portion of the tracks Muggs’ production completely overshadows Asia’s flow. This is also partly because of Asia’s delivery and voice, it sounds very similar to that of GZA. When you hear an original sounding voice, for example B-Real, the lead lyricist in Cypress Hill had a voice like no one had or most likely will ever hear again.

Overall I would say the album is worth picking up but not a necessity. Production-wise, definitely better than most of the stuff that has come out this year.

Download The Album

This one gets a HHP 7 stamp. (Out of 10)

Album Review: When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold- Atmosphere

When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, or for short, WLGYL… actually scratch that, lets just call it “Lemons“. Anyway, Lemons is the sixth studio album released by the Minnesota based underground rap duo, Atmosphere. The duo consists of rapper Slug and producer Ant and together they make one of the most successful underground hip hop groups ever.

The production in Lemons is solid all the way through. Ant uses techno and synth based production which makes each track sound similar, if you listened to this album mixed with another Atmosphere album the production would be the main key to telling them apart. The production of this album is not at all flashy but it is intelligent and subtle nonetheless.

Slug’s lyrics are what really makes this album. His storytelling ability is amazing, on every track, whether he is telling a personal experience like “Yesterday” the track about his dad, or someone else’s story like “Dreamer” where slug chronicles the story of a struggling woman.

The overall sound of the album is great but the only possible downside is that much of the songs can sound like each other because of Slug’s unique voice and flow which doesn’t vary too much. 

HHP Rating: 

Album Review – Mixtape Messiah 4 by Chamillionaire

Chamillionaire recently released one of the most highly anticipated mixtapes of 2008. Mixtape Messiah 4 was scheduled to be released on December 18, 2007 but was pushed back and finally released on August 27, 2008. It contains a 2 disc set of remixed tracks and also many parodies, skits and freestyles.

On top of that, the mixtape contains a total of 37 tracks. It also features a variety of special guest appearances such as Slim Thug, Trae, Bun B, Paul Wall, Famous, and Akon.

But while Chamillionaire was working on Mixtape Messiah 4, he was also working on Mixtape Messiah 5. Mixtape Messiah 5 is scheduled to be released in mid November of 2008.

I was only able to review one disc set but I will try to review the 2nd disc set as soon as possible.

Track 1. The Horror Film (Intro)

The Horror Film is the intro of Mixtape Messiah 4. It contains a creepy piano sample to build up the mixtape. Chamillionaire spits a freestyle giving you a lil’ preview of the mixtape is going to be about.

Track 2. Go Hard

Go Hard is possibly the only banger Chamillionaire managed to create in Mixtape Messiah 4. Chamillionaire borrows one of the hardest instrumental from the Hip Hop Group known as “Clipse”. This song is perfect to put it in your car and just cruise around the city.

Track 3. Fire Drill

Fire Drill is a one minute freestyle and Chamillionaire uses the same instrumental he used for “Roll Call Reloaded”. I’m guessing its a previous series of Roll Call Reloaded.

Track 4. Roll Call Reloaded

Roll Call Reloaded is one of the best songs that was featured in Mixtape Messiah 4. Chamillionaire showcases his talent by imitating the style and voices of various Hip Hop Artist such as Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, Lil Wayne,Plies, E 40, B.G, Rick Ross, Rich Boy, Snoop Dogg, Bun B, The Game, Jay-Z, and The-Dream. I was shocked when I first heard that Chamillionaire did all the voice. He did all the rappers voice and style extremely perfect.

Track 5. The Real Thang

In this song, Chamillionaire speaks about the realities of his career in the music industry. He speaks about how he was feeling exhausted when he first entered the Def Jam Audition.

Track 6. All Around The World

I was pretty impress that Chamillionaire remixed this track. He speaks about the same topic as the original track. The second verse was hilarious, he starts singing but then he switches back to rapping. This is definitely a great track and could have a great possibility of hitting local radio stations.

Track 7. Do It For H Town

Do It For The H Town, is a tribute to Chamillionaire’s hometown, Houston and part tribute to the late Houston rapper, Pimp C. The song is great as well and he also speaks about some Hip Hop issues.

Track 9. Internet Nerds Revenge

In Internet Nerds Revenge, Chamillionaire pretends to be a “Internet Gangster” and starts dissing “Chamillionaire”. The funny part is that at first I thought he was dissing The Game because he states in his lyrics: “He’s probably name dropping artists cause he knows his album bout to drop”.

The Game’s album L.A.X was recently released on August 22, 2008. Then Chamillionaire says: “He didn’t even diss 50 back when 50 Cent called out his name”. But I was wrong, the song is actually a diss to the haters which can be noticeable in the ending of the track.

Track 10. Fire

Fire is a great song which Chamillionaire features a underground rapper known as “Famous”. The track only contained 2 verses but both artist did great.

Track 11. Hero

This is my favorite track off of Mixtape Messiah 4. This is one hell of a freestyle done by King Koopa. The track will get some major attention after he calls out nearly every rapper alive but states in the song: “I’m shouting out all these artists to make me step up my game.” Something a rapper wouldnt normally do. He also states that he’s one of the best rapper alive. He delivers great punchlines as well making the track hotter.

Track 12. My Dream

Chamillionaire features Akon on the track. It a cool relaxing track but on top of that Chamillionaire speaks about his dream. Akon makes a great hook, that flows great for the song.

Track 14. Gotta Be Playa

Chamillionaire features Famous once again. The song was alright not his best but he did flow good in the song. Famous did a good job as well.

Track 15. Not Your Baby

This is not really a track but its somewhat like a skit. It hilarious, its a previous series of the upcoming track in the mixtape (Answer Machine 3). The girl calls him asking him why he hasnt called her and he states that he has been busy lately. He gives her a number so that she can call him back but he says he will call her back but the girl ends up being deceived.

Track 16. Answer Machine 3

This is a remix to LL Cool J’s single, “My Baby” but in this song Chamillionaire is bothered by a girl in which she keeps calling him but he keeps ignoring her calls and the girl is stuck blowing up his voicemail on his phone. Chamillionaire switches the lyrics in the chorus, for instance, when LL Cool J says “Your My Baby” Chamillionaire says “Your Not My Baby” incessantly through out the chorus.

Track 17. The Greatest

This is my 2nd favorite track off the Mixtape. Chamillionaire rips the “Kick, Push” instrumental which was highly known from Lupe Fiasco. His flow is perfect and fits perfectly with the beat.

Track 19. On The Grind Homie

Another smooth relaxing song produced by DJ Montay. Chamillionaire remixes Foolish by Shawty Lo. Chamillionaire murders the instrumental in which what Shawty Lo failed to do. King Koopa switches his flow, he starts rapping at a fast pace and then decreases the speed of his flow.

Track 20. My Life

This is one of my favorite tracks off of Mixtape Messiah 4. Chamillionaire features Trae and Slim Thug all from Houston, Texas. Chamillionaire rips the beat as usual and both Trae and Slim Thug did great. I personally think that this remix was better than the original track.

Track 21. Middle Finger Up

This song is a slow paced song and it can somewhat get you down. But not exactly as well, Chamillionaire speaks to the haters and puts his middle finger up in a sense that he doesnt care what haters have to say.

Overview:

Overall, the mixtape is a great example of Chamillionaire’s lyrical abilities. He shows a great example of how good flow, lyricism, delivery and punchlines should be demonstrated. Chamillionaire did a great job on picking the instrumental for each of the songs as well.

Chamillionaire is definitely making a name for himself and if Mixtape Messiah is a preview of what he has in store, then he definitely has an opportunity to become one of the best rappers alive.

Chamillioniare simply murders the mixtape and all the tracks were incredible. I’m 100% sure that all his fans won’t be disappointed. The mixtape is definitely the best of 08 and its more than worth your money.

Ratings:

★★★★☆

Download/Purchase Link:
Click Here To Download Mixtape Messiah 4
Click Here To Purchase Mixtape Messiah 4

– Dynasty

What The F*ck Is A Jay Electronica?

The title exactly reflects my thought process when I first heard of this artist. Then when I was told that Jay Electronica was a person, a musician at that, I assumed he was some techno guy, you know like Daft Punk and all that. Nope, it turns out this guy is a rapper from New Orleans. So I googled him and guess what DIDN’T come up, a Wikipedia page!

So I check his Myspace, no ‘About Me’.

So then I came across this interview he had with URB.com, it turns out that information on this guy is a known fault. But what I did find out is that the 31 years old has released his music mainly over the internet and that he is co-signed by both Erykah Badu and Just Blaze.

After listening to this mixtape I know why.

The production is very clear and there are some dope tracks throughout the album but the main thing that caught me was Jay’s flow. His voice reminds me of a more relaxed Busta Rhymes and his personal style is very reminiscent of Nas. 

A lot of the tracks have samples from various movies as they are a big inspiration for Jay Electronica. Like on the track “Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)” that dude literally drops verses over the movie score from Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Now tell me that’s not creative!

Don’t mistake him for an alternative artsy rapper though. This guy can drop a hard verse too, for example “Uzi Weighs A Ton” where Jay establishes himself as not one to mess with over an erie beat.

Every song on this mixtape has a different sound and something unique that makes it good. Overall I would say that Jay isn’t exactly a future legend as a lyricist but definitely one to look out for in the future. He brings hard to hipster rap.

T Dub

Common Market – Tobacco Road

Recently I heard about this group Common Market who hail from Seattle, Washington. Now this a city more famous for it’s Grunge Rock’n’Roll than it’s Hip Hop but emcee RA Scion and producer Sabzi(of Blue Scholars fame) look set to change that.

The album Tobacco Road came out on September 9 on Massline records which is also Blue Scholars label. Now myself being familiar with the work of Blue Scholars previously thought it would be well worth checking out these guys.

It kicks off with the sound of a preacher talking about finding no greater happiness in life than by doing God’s work. The second track Trouble Is kicks in with sliding organ sounds and fast paced rhymes by RA Scion who talks about trying to get labels to promote and distribute their release. The following track Gol’ Dust is an anthem like number which goes into not everything that glitters being gold and how we are judged in the next life by what we do in this one. Slow Cure is more laid back with a nice little loop running through it while the rhymes again explore living with morals and sets the scene for most of the album’s subject matter. The chorus borrows lines from De La Soul and Mos Def’s Big Brother beat.

The next track to catch my attention is Winter Takes All which is about striving for positivity amongst self doubt and trying to offer advice despite sometimes losing faith in the goodness of others. It also goes into finding inspiration for rhyming. This is one of the best tracks on the album and the production from Sabzi really compliments RA Scion’s delivery. Track 9 Weather Vane goes into soul searching and trying to find positivity while using the image of the seasons to illustrate positivity and depression in the struggle to provide for your family in an often unpredictable world. The natural and political environment is also the common theme through the next track 40 Acres.

The following song Spits is curiously titled since there is no rhyming whatsoever and it is a strange little instrumental which sounds somewhere between The Clash and Pink Floyd. Distorted Guitars panning back and forth behind a dub beat. My favourite track on the album follows this Nina Sings featuring Funklove it has the best chorus of any on the release in my pinion and the rhymes talk about people’s stories. The trend flowing through the album is all about living life right and striving for positivity amongst the struggles of life. This is again reiterated in the two final tracks Swell and the title number Tobacco Road. 

The Crucible which is the only one to feature Geologic of Blue Scholars was also on the Soundtrack to Pineapple Express which I have yet to check out but have heard good reports about.

Overall the production of this album is of top quality and the lyrics are complex enough to require several listens to digest. If you like your Hip Hop laced with positivity and nice samples then this would be a great pick up. I for one am definitely going to have to check out their back catologue with their self titled debut album from 2005 and an EP called Black Patch War being released on May 20 this year. This one gets my vote for one of the freshest and best releases of the year so far.

Buy It

Listen To Entire Album

Kardinal Offishall Not For Sale Review

Kardinall Ofishall the Canadian hip hop artist recently hit the US mainstream with his hit single featuring Akon, Dangerous. If that is all you have heard from this artist I would recommend you listen to this album. It’s not exactly the lyrical bible or anything but Kardinall’s reggae influence makes for an interesting listen.

The first thing I noticed when listening to this album is the production’s use of samples. In the song Ill Eagle Alien uses a Sting sample that goes perfectly with Kardinal’s flow. The song sounds reggae, and so does his voice but his flow is rap. Another recognizable sample is in Tide Is High where the chorus sung by Rhianna is actually part of a Blondie song. This one I didn’t like too much because Rhianna doesn’t have that great of a voice, and the beat completely overpowers Kardinall Ofishall’s small verses.

Really the whole album goes up and down. Some songs like Going In where Kardinal demonstrates his punchline skills, and Nina which is a lot more reggae based, sound different from everything else out right now. But then there are the songs like Go Home With You and Bring The Fire Out that you space out to because they sound like the song you just heard five minutes ago on the radio.

As for the album overall I would say it’s generally “ok”. I wouldn’t recommend the entire album but certain tracks like Nina, Ill Eagle Alien, and Bad Like We Bad where Kardinall Offishall has a more reggae and dancehall based beat and flow. Those are the tracks that you should listen to.

Overall Rating: