Micah Williams' Visual For 'The 27 Club"

Micah Williams paid homage to his favorite legendary artist, Andy Warhol, in this short visual entitled "The 27 Club", directed by Marc E. The concept of "The 27 Club" came from a film Andy Warhol was apart of called "66 Scenes of America". In part of the film Warhol sat down and an ate a burger from Burger King in complete silence. 

In the video Micah mimicked Warhol but added his own elements into the video. Micah ate his burger and smoked his cigarettes while track produced by Mars Flowers played in the background. The song and the video differed but are similar in many ways. The record, "The 27 Club" was basically how we as humans do things that might harm us like smoke cigarettes or eat fast food, but we still do because it satisfies our every need. The video just gives us a simple visual of that. Listening to the lyrics of the song while watching the video can really make a person start thinking about how some of our daily routines are actually bad habits.

The 27 Club video: http://youtu.be/yXErLn_HkeU

Micah Williams' SoundCloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/micahwilliamsmusic

'ZNO' Mixtape Review

GRWYF$ teamed up once again and delivered a well produced and lyrical mixtape entitled, "ZNO". The mixtape featured a number of talented, soulful singers who made this mixtape even more enjoyable to listen to. Through intros, interludes, and outros the listener will get a new perspective of GRWYF$.

"Dreams" ft. Kayla Davion, Sydney Jay, Bk Bambino, and Young 99 

-"Dreams" was a great introduction to the "ZNO" mixtape. It started off with vocals by Kayla which was just beautiful. This track is just about dreaming big and reaching for the stars. Between the musical instrumentation and amazing vocals by Kayla Davion and Sydney Jay, I couldn't get enough of it. The production was just classic. Of course the lyrics from BK and Young was on point, I was so focused on the  vocals for the two female soul singer.

"Show The World" ft. Jabari and Bk Bambino 

-"Show The World" was a real chill song...it's a love song about how the couple could show the world how much they care and love each other. This track gave me Jade De LaFeur vibes and maybe a little bit of Solange Knowles too. I love this track....I really don't like love duets, especially with rappers and singers but I love this record.

"Sole" ft. Young 99

-"Sole" was more of a lyrical piece. The beat. The hook. The lyrics. Without all the components this song would of failed. Even though I'm still trying to figure out what this song is about,  it doesn't really matter. I did enjoy some parts of the song..... I dont know how many times I replayed and listened to that "Automatic onomatopoeia" line. Now that's how you use a poetic device! (Take notes). Overall, "Sole" just seems like a poem that was said out loud to an amazing beat.

"WWAR" ft. Bk Bambino, J-Hop, and Kayla Davion

-The beginning of "WWAR" was basically a club banger, but then it turned into a more enjoyable song. It started to sound more like a war song. With autotune throughout the record and soulful vocals from Kayla Davion, the track seemed more complex, eccentric, yet mysterious.

"NuLuv" ft. Shawnee Day  

-I really really really really really really enjoyed this R&B interlude. Shawnee graced us with this soulful track on a dominant Hip Hop mixtape. And this track was a perfect placement for this mixtape I must add. As I digress, Shawnee sung about her new love, and how she is taking a new approach to this new situation. The production was simple...just perfect. CHVRLESLVUSTE sampled Musiq Soulchild's "Love" for this record. At this point I don't know what else CHVRLESLVUSTE (Charles Lavuste)  is capable of. 

"Forbidden" ft. Bk Bambino and Jabari 

-"Forbidden" is my favorite song of the mixtape, hands down! Bk Bambino rapped about a rare female he is interested in. This rare female is more of a forbidden fruit than a cherished fruit. She's so bad, but so right to have...tempting. Jabari sung as the forbidden female. She's confident and independent...controls every situation. The production was great of course! It was very mysterious and complex.

"The Influence" ft. J-Hop

-"The Influence" is my second favorite song on the mixtape. CHVRLESLVUSTE sampled the Notorious BIG's "Party and Bullshit" for this record. In this record, J-Hop rapped about being under the influence of a substance. "The Influence" was a very playful track. Enjoyed the ending narration as well. 

   

"If I die ft. Shawnee Day and Jabari Rayford   

- This is the best song on this mixtape. Shawnee Day and Johari Ratford beautifully graced this record with their heavenly angel like voices. The fusion of the spectacular vocals and radiant instruments just blessed my ears. I was very disappointed that "If I Die" was only 1 minute and 36 seconds long because it was worthy of more. How did I know this song was over? Well Femdot began to rap on the same beat and I then knew my glimpse of heaven was shattered. 

"Lord Save Me" ft Femdot

-"Lord Save Me" was the most thought out song on this mixtape. Not only was it storytelling, it was poetic. I enjoy Femdot expressing how thankful he is for being alive because he has experienced and witnessed a lot of tragic in Chicago...how the most peaceful story can easily turn into a tragedy. I can personally related to "Lord Save Me" so this song is just a reflection of the life I have lived. The concept of the song is very complex; it discusses religious, violence etc. Femdot had a metaphor or simile for evey situation he rapped about in this record. "Lord Save Me" was another well executed poetic piece that Femdot can put on his Lyrical Resume.

                  

"Failure" ft Young 99 and J-Hop

-I wish that the outro to "Failure" was the entire song because I didn't really enjoy the first 4 minutes of the song. The outro to "Failure" had one of the best beats on the mixtape. Everybody's flow and lyrics were on point! I enjoyed J-Hop and Femdot, but I think Femdot owned "Failure", his metaphors and similies were poisonous. 

Overall I enjoyed "ZNO"; the vocals and the production were the key components that were memorable for me. Getting to hearing the producer, CHVRLESLVUSTE, switch from lyrical pieces to a club banger, to soulful R&B  records was very intriguing. This project was an absolute success.

Link:   https://m.soundcloud.com/chvrleslvuste/sets/zno

Micah Williams's 'Tree House' Visual

  Rapper, J-Quiz who is now going by his real name, Micah Williams, released a visual for his LP "Tree House. Directed by Marc E., the video took place in rural Frederick, Maryland where Micah Williams is cherishing the time he is having with his friends. The lyrics go along with the video, so it all does go together. BUT I can say that some parts of the video were hard to watch. Parts like the green screen behind Micah, which was poorly edited. I also wished that the video was chopped better...some parts were not needed. Overall, I would definitely give Micah an A for effort. For his age, he definitely has a lot of talent and I respect that.

Link to Tree House visual: http://t.co/0vIpqEnQjh

Link to Micah Williams's Soundcloud: https://t.co/FsS80KL30M

'King Dilla' Mixtape Review

Femdot released a well produced, complex, and thought out mixtape entitled "King Dilla' before the year was over. The theme was set for this mixtape; being a king and ruling the rap game.

Antebellum  -                  
"For girls who said I was too dark, I guess by status didn't give me light."
I thought Antebellum was a great and strong start to this mixtape. Femdot was clever on word play with his track ; rapping about getting ready for war hence the song title, Antebellum. The production and lyrics were on point. Femdot emphasized his brilliant bars on this well produced track by, DJ Chi. "Antebellum" showed that Femdot is versatile. Not only can he spit on a soft tempo beat, but he can spit on a ear bleeding, bass lit beat. 

Sovereign - 
   I enjoyed the second track, "Sovereign" as well. Again, Femdot's word play is brilliant: he's repetition of King Dilla through this track, which is the name of his project, and the definition of sovereign means ruler.  The production which was produced by DJ Chi, was great as well.

Kinglish -
" I'm the man nigga, King Dilla gotta ring to it. This that don't give a chick a ring music"
"Kinglish" which I think is a made up word, is one of my favorite songs on this mixtape. When I say the lyrics are on point....It's on POINT! Femdot went off for 40 days and 60 nights. Femdot spit numerous amounts of bars on a DJ Chi produced beat. To the flow, to lyrics, to production, "Kinglish" was well executed.

Top Gawd-
"Top Gawd" was the first single of the mixtape. I remember when this track came out, I didn't like it at all. The record kind of grew on me but it's definitely one of my least favorite songs on "King Dilla".

Energy-
..... I really didn't like "Energy"......I just love how Femdot tried something different. He showed a little bit of his singing ability and he gave a little harmony during the chours. A+ for effort Femdot.

PSN-
"I know you gotta roommate, hit me up when she not there."
Now "PSN" was my favorite song on mixtape. He gave me PartyNextDoor vibes and lord knows I LOVE PartyNextDoor. Definitely a big shout out to DJ Chi! I knowed Femdot's vocals on his song, then I did on "Top Gawd" maybe because it didn't seem forced. His vocals on "PSN" were very subtle. I was vibing out to this song so much that I wish it was longer. I also wished Keturah, female member of GRWYF$ , was on the track. I would of loved a female rapper to be on this track to flip the script on it.

Crossroads-
"I just graduated, at graduation I spoke
That was around the same time I had graduated to coke."
This track so so deep! DJ Chi produced this soft tempo beat which Femdot killed. It was my second favorite record on this mixtape. Femdot rapped about selling drugs while he was in high school and how it effected his personal and family life.

http://soundcloud.com/femdotmusic/sets/the-king-dilla-ep

J- Hop's New Single, 'NW2'.

Member of GRWYF$, J- Hop,  releases a bomb of metaphors in his new track "NW2". "NW2" is a track showing Hop's growth in his music. He's first solo track was called "New Wave", so "New Wave 2" shows a more matured J- Hop. Produced by one of my favorite producers in Chicago,  DJ Chi gives a 90's production that DMX would of loved to be on.  Beautiful piano keys play while J- Hop spit sour faced bars: "You guys couldn't ball like Lebron if I locked him in the basement and amputated his shooting arm." Overall, this was a great track; hopefully making us anticipate a new mixtape soon.

Link: http://m.soundcloud.com/jhop-4/nw2-prod-by-charles-lauste/s-5kGi8    

Cozz's "Cozz & Effect" Album Review

South Central rapper, Cozz signed to J. Cole's label Dreamville earlier this year and soon later put out his first album,  "Cozz & Effect".

Dream -
Cozz raps about when he was on the come up and how he always had dreams of being rich. He spits, "on that 9 to 5 job shit fuck that, I rather go comic and go to Gotham and eat with Batman and start robbin".
                                                   
Come Get It -
This track is about the fact that he is a soulful rapper and a soulful person but has gone some regeting things in South Central. He raps, "Pray like I hope there's soul inside of me, not like the sole of my feet when I stroll through the streets". I really like this track because he wants people to know I'm a "deadly poet". He is more that the streets and he is more than rap.

Cody Macc -
This track is a self titled song about Cozz really. He is making a debut as a established rapper on Dreamville. He feels like he has already made it in life and in the music industry. Cozz raps, "Got the whole world waiting for a nigga, got the city going crazy for me". I am one of many who wants to more about Cozz as a rapper and Cody Macc as a regular person. I hope to hear more music like this from him.

I'm Tha Man -
Sort of like Schoolboy Q's "Man Of The Year" single, this track is about how Cozz succeeds in everything he does: women, money, rapping, etc. He repetitively raps, "Cuz I'm the man, you should ask around".

Knock Tha Hustle -
Cozz's first single off of the album is about how Cozz grinded so hard to be in the position that he is in today. Nobody can knock is hustle because he was been struggling for way to long. He raps, "Been patiently waiting can't wait too long. I've been broke for way too long. No hot water for way too long.  You can't knock the hustle it's way too strong". Once a person reaches a point where they feel as though they have achieved their aspirations then they feel like nobody can bring them down.

Western Ave. Slaves ft. Enimal -
This track is about how a particular female being a "Western slave", meaning that she is a trying so hard to make ends meet. Cozz raps, "Over here you better have brains or be a Western Ave. Slave......she don't look to a god, it's a man that she worships cause the man keeps her afloat,  as it they were ships." This track has a lot of metaphors and personification describing females and how they word so hard in this world. This is a very positive song for females and I hope they got the message.

Murda -
This track is about Cozz being a killer, not on the streets but in the Hip Hop industry. He is killing everybody with just a pen. He raps, "I belong in some imprisonment,  no regards for the innocent. Undisciplined,  I'm sinnin with a pen....What would I do if I wasn't lyrically thugging?" I also love the word play in this song. People think that he is rapping about being an actual murderer, but please listen carefully!

BKBU (Interlude)-
This has to be my favorite song on the album! The acronym "BKBU" means "Dont Know Bout U" and Cozz is basically rapping about sipping liquor and telling us how much he loves it. Cozz repeatedly raps, "Tell me ya smoke, sippin juice....But I don't know about you. Yeah, me and my niggas we get loose". The production is what made me fall in love this this track!

LSN ft. Free Ackrite -
"LSN" is short for "Light Skin Nigga". This this track Cozz raps about how being light skin has its advantages. He raps about how he likes light skin females and how light skin females like him. Free Ackrite sings, "Careful, really keep it blushed out what she really wants is that light skin nigga. She really wants that light skin nigga He even questions his statements saying, "I dont know, it's so racist....". Will being light skin really get you far in life? No seriously will it? I see females bleach their skins just to "fit in". At the end of the day, humble yourself and you will get far in life.

I Need That ft. Bas-
This tracks is about how pussy, weed and liquor are Cozz's life essentials. Cozz raps, " I need that. That pussy I need that. That real shit I need that....Yo feed backs don't need that...."

Ya Know That -
This track is about basically knowing that facts are facts and it is what it is. He expresses, "Bros can be bros and ya know that...hoes can be hoes and ya know that". This track is short, sweet and straight to the point, even though the tracks fades out in the middle of the song while Cozz is rapping. I actually wanto the hear the full version now.

Knock Tha Hustle ft. J. Cole [Remix] -
I actually like this version of "Knock Tha Hustle" because you can hear the similarities of both Cole and Cozz. In my opinion, Cozz is the West Coast J. Cole; they are practically twins hah!....the Cold C's. Of course Cole went ALL THE WAY IN on this track like he always does on any song. He glamours us with metaphor and unbelievable word play! Cole raps, "My nigga moving state to state running late watch em. Tryna avoid state troppers, that's the weight watchers. Run this dope set cake till they say 'Gotcha'. Or till the fat lady sings, and nigga hate operas. And Oprah hates niggas, make no mistake thar we know the stakes still, we hope make over eight figures. Slim chances, but niggas bet against the odds and who am I to criticize how you play your cards dog".

Overall I enjoyed "Cozz & Effect" from beginning to end! The metaphors, similies, and rhyme scheme made me fall deeply in love this Cozz as a rapper. For his first album, he went harder than some of these rappers in the industry. I love to hear a West Coast rapper rap like a East Coast rapper. Signing to Dreamville is the best decision of his life! Cozz seriously is a great, positive, and amazing reflection of Dreamville. I want to hear Cozz and Kendrick on a track? And may be even up Jay-Z on it? Nas can get a couple bars too.....I can go on and on.

Buy Cozz's album "Cozz & Effect":  https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/cozz-effect/id924546422

Untitled Opinions

Hip Hop is supposed to be the culture of change. But is it just a culture with restricted boundaries?

Hip Hop's sound has changed from when it originated, and that's fine and great. BUT let's talk about when up and coming rappers put out new music and are being told, "it doesn't sound Hip Hop" or "it's not a club banger", well then what should the new artists do? Lose their identity for some dollars? Of course not! I would say just do you and make music for your fan base and yourself.

From the outside looking in, people don't know that in order to be in the "Hip Hop circle" you have to dress a certain way or an artist's music has to sound a specific type of way just to fit in. Hip Hop is somewhat like a high school cafeteria in my opinion. And if you love Hip Hop and understand the content of Hip Hop then you know exactly what I'm talking about.....For example, I remember having a conversation with one of my followers on Twitter about this exact topic. I tweeted out, "Childish Gambino is a better singer than Drake. #FACT". One of my followers said, "Drake can sell a R&B album and it can go straight to number one". I said that might be true, but Gambino can still sing better than him. And then my followers said, "Nobody knows Childish Gambino, he is not even on the radio". Long story short, all my follower did was list all of Drake's accomplishments and how popular he was. I never said Gambino was more talented or popular then Drake. I actually don't care how popular both of them were to be honest. All I wanted to know was if he sing better than Childish Gambino.

People don't even see how talented Childish Gambino or Tyler The Creator really are because they don't dress a certain way, talk a certain way, act a certain way, or hang out with the top rappers in the industry. But does that make them different or "lame rappers"? When artists like Tyler or Gambino are being casted out it makes me ask myself,  why is it that a powerful and influential culture (Hip Hop) won't accept rappers like Tyler The Creator? Hip Hop can make Miley Cyrus twerk and Wolf Blitzer dougie but if a rapper doesn't rap about urban things he/she are cased out.

There are rules and regulations to Hip Hop, and a lot of dos and donts. People want Kanye West to stick to rapping and producing and not focus of designing clothes because designing clothes "is not Hip Hop". What kind of logical thinking is that? Let the man design and rap because we are ALL going to buy it! We bought the Yeezys didn't we? Why should the individuals in Hip Hop be abel to put people in a boxes? The more boxes there are the more people are not going to care anymore.

Hip Hop is bigger than what it really is. If people noticed how much influence and power it and stop putting artists in boxes, Hip Hop could be only ONE genre of music.

Even though I'm upset about the restrictions some artists go though, I will always love Hip Hop to death. In my opinion, Hip Hop is so strong that not a genre of music anymore. It's clothes, the way an individual talks, a social status, and etc. Hip Hop dictates what's in and what's not. Hip Hop is Pop culture.

Femdot's "Top Gawd"

Femdot linked up with GRWYF$ producer Charles Lauste to bring you the first leak from his upcoming King Dilla project, which is expected this fall. Rapping over a flipped sample of SpeakerKnockerz "Lonely, Fem's flow was quite different from the rest of his tracks, which is a great thing but I wasn't intrigued. I honestly think that "Top Gawd" wasn't a good choice for a single. I heard better songs from him than this. On a positive note, the production was good.

Soundcloud Link: https://soundcloud.com/brent-douglas-1/femdot-top-gawd

Produced By: Charles Lauste

Twitter: @thereal_femdot, @Chvrleslvuste, 

Travis Scott's "Days Before Rodeo" EP

Travis Scott's mixtape, "Days Before Rodeo" is filled with crazy voice over effects, amazing production, and creative sorytelling. Enjoy....STRAIGHT UP!

"Days Befote Rodeo"
When I saw that "Days Before Rodeo The Player" was produced by wondagurl, the same person who produced Jay-Z's "Crown" I got pretty excited because for Crown was something serious, so I automatically knew that Travis was going to go in. In this song, Travis rapped about his life after stardom using an amazing flow, which made the storytelling enjoyable. The introduction and outro was great as well! A good song always needs a good intro and outro to me. 

"Mamacita" ft. Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug
I really did feel "Mamacita". When I saw Rich Homie Quan's name I knew he wasn't going to give me nothing but the same flow. And what is even worse was that I don't even listen to Young Thug, so u couldn't even tell if I was listening to Rich Homie Quan or not..... (don't judge me, thanks!).

Quintana Pt. 2
So when "Quintana Pt. 2" started to play I instantly got a Miami Vice vibe. In contrast to "Quintana Pt. 1", which was a trap song and definite club banger, "Quintana Pt. 2" gave off a whole different vibe even though he was repetitive with his favorite ad lib 'Straight Up". The piano work into T.I.'s interlude was a great transition. But T.I. kind of messed up the song for me; he doesn't belong in this song at all! His flow was okay, but he just made the song die out. Overall, my favorite part in this song was the end when Travis rapped, "Tell me why she wants to leave me, she used me to get high.....so tell me why she wants to leave me". The auto-tune that was used was a great ending to the song. I really enjoyed it a lot because if reminded me of "808 & Heartbreak". I actually wished the whole song was like that.

"Drug's You Should Try It"
The guitar work in the beginning really drew me into this track. Can we please praise Travis for his excellent choice of intrumentation on this track. "Drug's You Should Try It" doesn't even sound Hip Hop at all, more Rock/Alternative music. In this track Travis Scott rapped about being with a girl that likes to do drugs with him. This song was really quick and sweet, I wish it was longer.

"Don't Play" ft. The 1975 and Big Sean
I loved the soft lyrics in the beginning of the song because it didn't mix well with the beat.....ugh, and then when the beat drops it gets better! Always count on Travis Scott for an excellent trap but electronic beat. The beginning of the song which was sung by The 1975 made me think that the song wasn't going to be too turnt up, but as they finish singing the beat drops with, "I ain't playing with these niggas". I then knew this track was something serious. So when I seen that Big Sean's was on the trsck I really wasn't expecting much. If you know me, then you know how I feel about Mediocre Sean. As I digress,  I wasn't too excited,  but when I heard his verse I was extremely impressed! I could actually comprehend his choice of poetic devices, because lord knows he always raps about six different things that have nothing to do with each other in most of his songs. But anyways, this is the first song I actually like of the tape. The production, lyrics, flow, and creative were on point!

"Skyfall" ft. Young Thug
Once again,  who is Young Thug...because I don't care for him. ANYWAYS, Travis explained on Twitter that "Skyfall" was about old artists that have fallen off and how the new generation isn't hip to them anymore.  Travis raps, "I don't wanna buy no more, your shit ain't getting me high no more". Ths song is one big metaphor and besides Young Thug's senseless verse, this song was deep. We can all somewhat relate to what Travis was saying in "Skyfall" because we know a couple of old heads who just need to quit it.

"Zombies"
Why is this song called "Zombies"? This track sounds like a anthem or may be a chanting song like "Black Skinhead". Even though this song might be unclear,  I think Travis dedicated this song to his fans. If anybody is going to understand him, it would be his fans. He raps, "We will understand if they don't, we don't want they're bullshit no more". I guess his fans have something in common with Kid Cudi's fans; they're eccentric hipsters.

"Sloppy Toppy" ft Migos and Peewee Longway
If 1+1= 2, then we all know what sloppy toppy means. In this track, Travis, Migos and Peewee Longway their opinion and stories on a sloppy toppy. This song is all kinds of ratchet,  well almost any Migos song is ratchet.

"Basement Freestyle"
So when I got on Twitter, most peole said that were feeling Travis' "Basement Freestyle", so I was glad I finally got to listen to it. I had to listen to it a couple of times because the beat combinations and transitions threw me all the way off. I wasn't all the way thrown off, it's just that it reminded me of how pop songs would have remixes, but with this song it has unexpected beat-drops. As I digress, the freestyle was very storytelling and I enjoyed his flow in between the cycle of the different beats that were used.

"Backyard"
We went from the basement to the backyard as Travis Scott rapped about him growing up in Texas. This track, unlike the rest of the tape gave off a nice summer vibe. I actually want a video for this song, that's how good of a vibe it gave me. It really mapped out his life growing up in Mo City and I enjoyed his storytelling. "Backyard" was a great transition to the next song on the tape.

"Grey"
"Grey" sounded like a single to me as well and I also wouldn't mind a video for this track. Travis switched up flows on this Mo City (Missouri City), inspired song. In my opinion, "Grey" is one big metaphor for Travis' hometown. I think Mo City isn't black or white, it's in between; an undefined city with unclear achievements. I really enjoyed Travis's creative storytelling in this one. At the end of the track, Travis told a story about one of his friends that grew up Mo City. Apparently Travis' s friend is now in prison for a gun charge, and so happened to be a star athlete in Mo City. We hear these stories too often, especially in the Black community. Travis Scott ended the song with some deep words about his city: " Another lost kid, Mo City soul. The sky is grey."

I enjoyed "Days Before Rodeo", but I would only download two songs from this tape. I mean this tape dropped then it went. Nobody is talking about, no more press, no promo....just Ye tweeting about it. But I love Travis Scott, lowkey is one of my favorite mixtape artists. I just love how Travis uses different voice over effects. I think he is the only rapper besides Ye who can actually get alway with multiple uses of voice over effects in a song. I am glad Travis is signed to G.O.O.D Music as a producers because his is absolutely talented.....TALENTED! His productions are uncommon,  intriguing, and his vision is eccentric and that's why I enjoy his work so much.

J-Quiz's New EP, 'The TV Tape'

J-Quiz released his new EP project, "The TV Tape", with amazing vibes and soothing production. "The TV Tape" was everything I expected, real Hip Hop. The EP theme was "oldies", and it was well executived, gaving me an old school vibe. This six track EP is something I can be jaming to.

"The TV Show (Intro)" gave me Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" intros with the television introductions. Most of the intros were 90's television shows, like Hey Arnold and Martin. A great start to the EP.

"Oldies" produced by Relta Beats was feeding off of "The TV Show (Intro)". The track was about watching old school television shows and listening to old school music, basically the good old days. This track is relatable to anybody because those were the days that were just carefree and stressless. I mean everybody missed those 'good ole days' when families would just gather around the television and watch sitcoms.

"Overrated" produced by ICDMAW wasn't that intriguing to me maybe because I didn't care for the subject matter but the lyrics were on point. 
   
"Like That" gave me a Snoop Dogg 90's vibe, but it also reminded me of Schoolboy Q, maybe because of the add libs. This track was almost perfect, I would just love a female singer to place to harmonies in the background.

"Feel Good" produced by Cam was about feeling good, sexually. Well the lyrics speaks for itself. That's all I have to say.

Now last be not least is "SAMO" produced by ICDMAW. From my knowledge "SAMO" was the first single off of this mixtape and I wrote of my blog that I loved the track, but it doesn't fit in this mixtape. It shouldn't even be on this mixtape, period. It actually killed the whole vibe of the project and made me want to play back the rest of the mixtape. The song was great, lyrically and production wise it was an 10/10. The intro itself was intriguing and entertaining; I enjoyed it. I wish J-Quiz would of just not added it.

Overall J-Quiz's EP, "The TV Tape" was a feel good mixtape that gave off a old school vibe throughout the EP (excepted "SAMO"). I enjoyed listening to the EP and thought it was very creative. I hope to hear more from J-Quiz.

Link to "The TV Tape": https://t.co/h2lb9ZFqla

Twitter - @TheRealJQuiz

J Hop's New Single, "Look At Me".

J Hop, an artist from GRWYF$ released his single, "Look At Me" produced by Mike Wavvs. "Look At Me" gave me what I need, lyricism and production. The track couldn't be more perfect. With metaphors like:

"Give you food for thought but there are so many mouths to feed, the blind lead the blind it's time to let the world see"

"Metaphor, I'm walking Braille so you got to feel me"   

J Hop really showed that he is a lyricist rapper, or what I would say a "Poetic rapper". The production and flow give me a Mos Def type of vibe or just very old school. What ever the vibe was I was feeling it.

Link to "Look At Me" by J Hop: http://m.audiomack.com/song/j-hop/look-at-me

Femdot Drops His New Single 'CROWN'

Femdot dropped a new single, "CROWN", off of his new project "King Dilla", which will drop later this year. "CROWN" is produced by GRWYF$ producer, Mike Wavvs, who will be helping Femdot for is new upcoming EP. To me, "CROWN" wasn't a good choice for a single. Lyrics wise, I wasn't feeling it...at all. The song did have its few highlights but I can't say this was Femdot's best. What I did love about the song was the production. I thought Mike Wavvs did an excellent job with the production. By the way, did I hear a sample from Jhene Aiko's "Comfort Inn Ending"? I also like Femdot's flow during the whole song; it was heavy and  believable. Overall, get "CROWN" was an okay song, I just  like the production.

Twitter: @Thereal_Femdot, @MikeWavvs

Link: http://www.audiomack.com/song/femdot/crown

J-Quiz Releases His Single, 'SAMO'

J- Quiz has released his single, "SAMO" produced by ICDMAW, for his upcoming EP, "The TV Tape". In my opinion,  "SAMO" is a great choice for a single. The production of the song is great. I can definitely hear this song on the radio. But what really got my attention is that introduction. The introduction of the song is very intriguing. The intro to "SAMO" is actually a person introducing the person, Samo. I actually had to research the full audio because I was so intrigued. As I digress, the lyrics of the song is catchy as well. I just loved the metaphor to Samo and the phrase,  "Same Ole shit";  that is very creative. Overall, I liked the single, and I am looking forward for the EP, " The TV Tape".

Link to "SAMO" by J-Quiz: https://soundcloud.com/jquizofficialmusic/samo-prod-by-icdmaw

Dj Chi Releases "$kwadd" ft JHop, BK Dubois, and Femdot

Prodcer, Dj Chi, decided to release a new single off of his birthday ep "The Twenty Ep" which drops February 3rd. "$KWADD" features all rappers from the GRWYF$ camp and posses as the Get Rich anthem. "$KWADD" gave me a Middle Eastern vibe mixed with a southern beat, which was innovative, yet complexed. When it come to the lyrics, I was impressed. My boys from Chicago never disappoint anyways, but as I digress, each verse was spit with perfection. Every verse was delivered with entertaining and diverse flows. I really enjoyed the creativity with in the lyrics and production. I know for a fact that by the end of the song the listener will be saying, "All I'm really trying to do is get rich with my homies"

Link: http://www.audiomack.com/song/dj-chi/kwadd-feat-jhop-bk-dubois-femdot

Twitter: @TheRealDjChi @JDashHop @Bk_Dubois @Thereal_Femdot

J-Hop's "Rap Gawd"

Second single off J-Hop's upcoming project "JukeBox EP" featuring fellow GRWYF MC, BK Dubois, with production by in house producer DJ Chi. 

http://www.audiomack.com/song/j-hop/rap-gawd

"Underage" by J- Quiz

"Underage" is the next single released from the up and coming "XCV" EP Prod. by THEREXLOBBY a in house producer from NC.
 
Soundcloud.com/jquizofficialmusic
 
jquizofficial.tumblr.com
 
twitter.com/jquizofficial
 
youtube.com/jquizofficialmusic
 

Top 10 Hip Hop Albums Of 2013

1) Born Sinner
-"Born Sinner, opposite of a winner"
Cole delivered with an all around amazing album. He gave me solid bars, truth, and production.  With his two singles, " Crooked Smile" ft. TLC and "Power Trip" ft. Miguel, Cole's singles received plenty of spins on the radio and reached success on Billboard's charts. J. Cole definitely proved himself to the Hip Hop industry in his sophomore album. Born Sinner has creative interludes like "Mo' Money" which I truly thought was a tease for me. My favorite song was "Forbiden Fruit" ft. Kendrick Lamar and "Trouble". I just thought that Cole brought "the church" to Hip Hop and made it work. He is truly the lyrical king of 2013. Cole's use of metaphors, other poetic devices, and sceneries was just unbelievable. Yes, he rapped about his come up but what I love about this album was that he rapped about his down fall. That's why he is getting my number one spot.

2) My Name Is My Name
-"They love me on my Ric Flair shit!"

Pusha motherfucking T snapped on his first solo album, and I absolutely love Pusha T on his Ric Flair shit. Kanye West was the executive producer of MNIMN and I am thankful Ye helped Pusha T because it was a fantastic album. I am truly just glad Pusha T put out his first solo album,  it's been way too long. Now I know you guys are like "But all he does is talk about Cocaine". Well that is true, very true,  BUT this man has the best cocaine similies and metaphors in the game and you know it! I call him the "Poetic Dealer" but he refers to his music as "Higher fashion drug rap". His lyrics always do justice; he never fails me. My favorite songs are "King Push", "Sweet Serenade", and "Nosetalgia" ft Kendrick Lamar. I always said Pusha T was the best featured artist to have on a record because he always delivered with the bars. Nobody in the game has better cocaine analogies than King Push, but Kendrick did snap on Nosetalgia. I am not going to lie, I didn't know Kendrick was going out do the "featured king", but Kendrick really showed out. As I digress, "My Name Is My Name" blew me by surprise, but I should of known that the King was going to go all out.

3) Nothing Was The Same
- "Motherfuckers never loved us!"

I don't think I have to say much about this album because it was perfect. He seriously put his heart and soul into his album. The few topics of the album: love, women, and money....which didn't surprise me. Drake rapped AND sung about things women wanted to hear. I have no problem with that...I enjoyed the honest, but lyrically I wish he could of stepped out the box. Like Furthest Thing and Tuscan Leather had bars in there, Worst Behavior did too, but I just expected an "Ignorant Shit" album. Like at least Pusha T comes up with different cocaine analogies? Right? As I digress, my favorite songs are Worst Behavior and Own It. And even though Drake's sophomore album, Nothing Was The Same, wasn't as successful as Take Care which, which went triple platinum, Nothing Was The Same is my favorite album of his.

4) Because The Internet
-"Go home Roger....Tia and Tamera on my bed, I'm a Smart Guy"

Donald Glover, better know as Childish Gambino really surprised me with this album. He took a break from his amazing acting career and dropped Because The Internet. Even though I didn't have a chance to do a review, I honestly enjoyed this album. The concept of the album was amazing, "because the internet", social media is the center of this generation. From Google, Instagram, even World Star. Instead of saying "pause" Childish said "Spacebar". From clever, very clever bars, to the fantastic production. It gave me Channel Orange with a splash of Nothing Was The Same. Childish Gambino's vocals were on point, which leads me to say, "Donald Glover is a better singer than Drake". Songs like, "Shadow", "3005", "Pink Toes" ft. Jhene Aiko, "No Exit", and "Flight Navigator" showcasted Childish's vocals abilities. My favorite songs are "The Worst Guy" ft. Chance The Rapper, "No Exit", and "Biggest Troll" ft. Donald Glover. "Biggest Troll" was such a deep and emotional song for me; I felt like both Childish Gambino and Donald Glover were talking to me. Over all I absolutely love BTI, if I could I would place it before NWTS but you guys would get rallied up.

5) Yeezus
- "This is the craziest shit since in the club"

I am not going to lie but Yeezus rubbed me off the wrong way, but after listening to it about hundred times, I absolutely love YEEZUS. NOW if you know me, you know I am a Kanye West stan. I seriously ride for this genius of an artist and I might be bashed by this but Yeezus didn't reach my album placement criteria. No doubt about it, Yeezus is the most creative innovative, and complexed album of 2013. The sound blew my mind away, but it lacked lyricism. I heard catchy bars, but nothing that blew my mind. If you followed his career and his personal life, nothing in Yeezus was shocking. I enjoyed "I'm In It", "Blood On The Leaves", "Send It Up", and "Black Skinhead"....basically the whole album,  but I seriously can't say this is his best lyrical master piece. But I can say, it's his best produced album after "808&Heartbreak".

6) Magna Carta Holy Grail
- "Blue told me to remind you niggas"

Well, ite sad to say this but Great Hov didn't even place in my top 5. I am kind unsure about this album,  it was great but then I didn't care for it anymore. MCHG was like like WTT but it should of been entitled "Watch The Thone: Fame". I am not here to criticize the album at all; I already did a review on it anyways. I think Jay Z is a great rapper,  I am just not listening to MCHG no more. Yes he did link of with all the biggest producers in the music industry, but I don't care about that. I care about the music. I did love Jay's humor in his lyrics which people don't really notice. I would say my favorite song is "Oceans" ft. Frank Ocean. The message of the song is deep, and I enjoyed Frank's complex and amazing verse on this record. Even though MCHG met all the criteria,  the album turned into tue album of the summer to blah. I enjoyed the album at the moment, but I rarely return  to the album. Shit, it should of been number 8.

7) WOLF
- "Cats On Everything, Cats on Everything"

I actually bought this album. Ha!
You guys need to get with OFWGKTA, seriously. I am not playing with yall *Tyler The Creator voice*. Don't judge Tyler's music by his fashion, offensive lyrics,  and antics. Let's not forget when Kanye shutdown Kanyewest.com and deleted everything off his website just to put up Tyler's "IFHY" ft. Pharrell video. Tyler The Creator produced all of WOLF and directed all of the video off the album. Tyler is not a rapper; he is an creative artist. As I digress, WOLF is a very enjoyable album. Like the rest of the albums on this list, I didn't skip any songs. My favorite songs are "Rusty" ft. Domo and Earl Sweatshirt , "PartyIsntOver/Campfire/Bimmer" ft Frank Ocean (Tyler said in an interview that his four part song actually happened all in one night). Tyler The Creator has had an amazing year. Video promo by Yeezus himself, Pharrell, Erykah Badu, and Nas was featured in WOLF, he shared the stage with Pusha T,  Kanye and Kid Cudi, Pharrell was in his in video, and Tyler was also in Pharrell's 24 hour video "Happy". GREAT YEAR TYLER!

8) Indicud
-Kid Cudi

9) Trap Lord
-ASAP Ferg

10) OLD
-Danny Brown

Visual For "3RD EYE 95" By J Quiz

The first single off the J Quiz's upcoming 'XCV' mixtape is "3RD EYE 95"produced by Ned Miller. J Quiz gave both the single and the visual for "3RD EYE 95" all at once which created a lot of buzz. Now when the video first starts it appears to have that old school moive film vibe to it, but we suddenly get that Big Sean 'Hall Of Fame' album cover vibe, so retro and eccentric. Even more so J Quiz then switches up camera angles and has neon tribe marks all on his body, and I instantly fell in love with the video. I didn't care for the rest of the video actually; so intrigued by the neon tribe markings on his body, I started to think that J Quiz should of done more with the idea. May be he should of changed the setting up and stuck with the tribe marks. As I digress, I ended up continuing watching the video and I thought the George Bush cameo was slick, but then the other additional clips bored me. I would have loved to see a whole room full of people with George Bush masks on after the short clip, to may be make to video more controversial. Overall, I liked the idea and the angle in which the video was heading towards. I thought the production was what made the video even relevant in addition to the lyrics. I am kind of excited to listen to this 'XCV' mixtape, hopefully it will be promising.


Check out more original tracks here:
https://soundcloud.com/jquizofficialm

3RD EYE 95" Directed by Colecane and produced by Ned Miller  http://youtu.be/eE4kKFmK1iU

 

 

And like I always say, "Visuals are important". 

Dj Chi's 'GRWYF$ "FAMLAY' Mixtape Review

The GRWYF$ (Get Rich With Your Friends) has released their second compilation mixtape, "GRWYF$: FAMLAY", presented by Dj Chi . This tape features all the GRWYF$ members and close affiliates which I got to interview on a Google+ Hangout. I got to know a lot about the mixtape and also learned a little bit about the artists behind the mixtape. "GRWYF$: FAMLAY's" 14 tracks (18 including bonus tracks) has a catchy smooth vibe which blends everybody's style into one. In my opinion, "GRWYF$: FAMLAY" was a Hip Hop version of Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange"; the sound and production was something I haven't heard in this Hip Hop game yet. If this was a mainstream mixtape or even an album this would sell more than Mac Miller's "Watching Movies With The Sound Off", and that's a fact!


'GRWYFS: FAMLAY' started with "Bonita Part II" ft. Jahsi, Keturah, Femdot, a remix from "Bonita", which featured the same three artist. I actually liked the original better than Part II; the flow was just more smoother. Lyrics wise "Bonita Part II" was more lyrical, and also had a catchy hook. Jahsi raps the hook, "I said I need  a niña bontia, Mona Lisa, Willona, Hillary Banks, and Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and ugh Lucy Liu, I mean ah [......]. And a Draya for the crew, man you know what it do". Keturah brought it again! She had my favorite verse in the original and in Part II. She spits, "Sophisticated, lyrically, mentally, intellectual. No direction of my flow, I guess I'm next to you". And of course Femdot and Jahsi Wonder killed both of there verses, using metaphors, and giving us lyrical punch lines.

"You Bad" ft. Bk Dubois took me back to the early 2000's with the amazing production. The beat was a amazing to me, it just reminded of the days where Hip Hop was actually Hip Hop unlike this new "Turn Up, Molly" era. As I digress, Bk killed this song. His flow, his lyrics, and to the story he told, everything was just on point. He spits "...run your mouth and my homies will jump you like a checker board. No I'm not a felon nor a killer, but you trap me and I'll make you feel the power of the shawty get to spend a couple hotties in my villa, smoking broccolis for dinner, you a square. I can't even let isosceles get with this girl. Philosophically, I'm Socrates..my moccasins are silver . You move with your touch you must be Matilda..."

I would of loved to know where DJ Chi sampled the intro of "TV Dinners" because it was a beautiful intro, I also loved the television scratches in the back ground; it reminded me of  Frank Ocean's album "Channel Orange". Well "TV Dinners" ft. J Hop was about the progress in him and GRWY$'s music. TV dinners is more a less a metaphor, from TV dinners to dinner plates really. Hop raps, "Got dreams of crone spinners, I'm getting tired of fiending for TV dinners. We passing out Lunchables to the beginners. We doubled up on our wins, we eating our chicken dinner". I loved the concept and the flow of the song, J Hop really nailed it.

I thought the beginning of "Junk Food" was really creative; the chewing of chips, licking of the fingers and such made me think of two words...junk food. "Junk Food" ft. Jahsi Wonder was a perfectly produced record, giving me a jazzy feel to it. More or less a freestyle (well to me it was), "Junk Food" was just about the after affect of smoking weed, getting the munchies and all that. When I saw this record on the track list I couldn't wait to hear it because I knew it was going to be different, and it was exactly what I expected.

Crazy story that the GRWYF$ members told me during the Google+ Hangout was that "World Is Mine" ft. Femdot actually took the place of  "Murder" ft. Femdot. Femdot ended up releasing "Murder" anyways. Why they switched tracks? I don't know, but all I know is that "Murder" was a crazy track, Femdot dispatched it. As I digress, Femdot came through as always on"World Is Mine". The bars was out of control....flow was out of control and as I continued to replay the record about 4 or maybe 7 times, I finally understood why "Murder" was switched to this record. There will be a video coming out for "World Is Mine" pretty soon.

"Come Here" was a skit ft. La Fuego which I didn't care for. It wasn't horrible it was just pointless to the mixtape.

"Girls From Venus" ft. BK Dubois and Jahsi Wonder: http://thenewclassicera.blogspot.com/2013/07/grwyf-drops-from-venus-ft-bk-dubois.html

"Everclear" interlude, which wasn't an interlude since it was 3 minutes, featured Jahsi Wonder. During the first couple seconds of song, I wasn't into it, but that "Ba Ba Ba" part came up (if you listen to the track first you would know what I am talking about) I immediate loved the record. I would have to say out of the first seven tracks off this mixtape, "Everclear" had the best production and flow.

DJ Chi sample icon India Irene for "India Irene" ft. New Ara. Ms. Irene's graceful, soft voice flows in the beginning of the record and throughout the song as well. I wasn't feeling New Ara's flow or lyrics, he made this track weak. I would of love to hear Jahsi or BK on this track instead, but what I did like about this song was the end, when New Ara sung along with India Irene...but that is it. I am glad I didn't hear New Ara throughout the mixtape.

"Schleep" ft. Meelo Green and Lava King Neechi was a pointless track on this mixtape; it would of been a bonus track instead of putting it on the tape itself. I feel as though this record made the tape lose its identity; it's like it went from a Andre album to a Young Scooter record in a matter of seconds. I wasn't a fan of the flow but the production was okay.

"H.I.M." ft. Keturah and Femdot was track for the fellas and ladies; both Femdot and Keturah rapped about the flaws of opposite sex. Keturah raps, "...So I fucked up, then I seemed to luck up because your ego got you stuck up and my minds about to blow" and  "You got that 'follow the lead' mind like you 4 or something. Laying down with dogs will get you flees and worse or something". Femdot then raps "..But you? wish a nigga would. Devil in a tight dress makes sinning looks so good" and "...They think I am famous, they braining me so good. Just imagine, after I make it, their intention? they're no good. Don't hate me for being honest, don't trip like that....". I also liked the ,"I was just thinking about you...wondering if you wear the same cologne..it smells good on you" line, which DJ Chi sampled. It floated throughout the record which gave it a good touch. I absolutely loved the sample for this track!

"Lemme Know" intetlude ft. Femdot and OG Coop gave me an old R&B Jodeci type vibe to be honest. I am definitely was feeling this track. The production, flow, and lyrics were on point...There is nothing else to say.

"Love Floetry" ft. Keturah is the definition of lyricism! I ask, why can't there be females raps like this in mainstream Hip Hop? (I will wait....) Who else can go on a lyrical killing spree talking about loving a man other than Keturah? (I will wait again.....). Something that no female can do is rap about sex and still keep it class, and Keturah nailed it. Keturah spits, "Visually image the assassin of my vagine. Got me feeling like I'm spazzin' when you splasting". I loved the metaphor  at the end too, the " Don't Fall In Love" part. "Don't Fall In Love" means to me, don't fall in my "love" if you are not in love with me. Let's put it this way, even if it wasn't a metaphor to the listeners, it was to me. Call me crazy.

"End Of Summer" ft. J Hoop Dreams was a shout out and a nice ending to the tape

*All the bonus tracks have separate reviews*

[Bonus] Bonita (Feat. Femdot & Jahsi Wonder) : http://thenewclassicera.blogspot.com/2013/04/bonita-ft-femdot-and-jahsi-by-djchi.html

[Bonus] Whatever (Feat. Jahsi Wonder & Keturah) :  http://thenewclassicera.blogspot.com/2013/05/dj-chi-releases-ft-jahsi-wonder-and.html

 [Bonus] TNH (Top Notch Ho's) (Feat. Femdot x eGo x Jahsi Wonder) : http://thenewclassicera.blogspot.com/2013/05/dj-chi-released-teaser-ft-femdot-jahsi.html

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/therealdjchi/sets/famlay

Download Link:  http://www.mediafire.com/download/s8cfc97rdfi0ojp/FAMLAY.zip

Twitter: @TheRealDjChi

J-Quiz Releases Video For 'Street Fashion (Hypebeast)'

"This right here is for the niggas that want to dress like me. Man, all yall niggas Hypebeast."- J-Quiz

J-Quiz released his new video today of his single "Street Fashion (Hypebeast)" produced by Tr3. First of all, video lacked direction which was disappointing because he did showed off his style. I was looking forward to different outfit and and boutiques like he describes in the record, instead of walking through the woods (Travis Scott's Upper Echelon came to mind). Though I wasn't found of the video, I did like the record. J-Quiz rapped on a well produced beat about how slick his fashion sense is, even referencing Jeremey Scott. He rapped, "Ya nigga dress different, all my homie dress different. Jermey Scott with the bones. Yea I been did it". The song had a very A$AP Mob vibe to it, which was okay because at least the record wasn't a fail.

Listen to J-Quiz's "Street Fashion (Hypebeast)" on Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/jquizofficialmusic/street-fashion-hypebeast?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=mshare&utm_medium=twitter&utm_content=http://soundcloud.com/jquizofficialmusic/street-fashion-hypebeast

Watch the "StreetFashion (Hypebeast)" video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/embed/E6RfO07J2LI