Bay Area Music Review Thead
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Good to hear man! Just trying to improve my reviewing and also hopefully help some people buy some quality westcoast music!
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
Killa Tay and Laroo - Fuckin Wit The Mob Is A Privilege
Killa Tay and Laroo - Fuckin Wit The Mob Is A Privilege
Laroo been on the grind lately, doing some really high quality music with each appearance and release. Killa Tay been around for many years and is one of the first names that comes up when you think of westcoast gangster music and bay area mob music. Tay's solo work and Moment of Truth with C-bo are some of the hardest, most rugged mob albums that have ever been recorded.
With this new album I was interested to see if it was on the old mob shit or if it was on some new aged shit. The good news is that its got a good variety of tracks, which include some gangsta ass mob music that we ahve come to enjoy from Killa Tay and Laroo. On top of that mob sound, there is also a few laid tracks that work pretty good aswell.
"Like A Gangsta" is one of the years best tracks as it has that intense, high energy mob sound that really brought me back to the 90's sound from that era. Slappin ass beat, aggressive street tales from Killa Tay and Laroo. After hearing this song I was really curious to see if the rest of the album could be as good as this first track was.
"Face In My Lap" has another slappin beat and is a track I can hear bumpin at a strip club. The beat is once again on some mob shit, with some nice kicks and snares that Killa Tya and Laroo do a great job over.
"Im Da Man" is more laid back then the first two tracks and has a summertime vibe to it with a really well done hook. The track features mob vet C-bo, Pizzo and Mississipi joining Tay and Laroo for some laid back playa shit that surprisingly works extremely well after the mob tracks.
"Lock It" is right back to that gangster shit that I've come to expect from Killa Tay and Laroo over the years, its got a dope beat and a hard ass hook. This track will have the d-boys all around the world vibing with this shit and putting it on repeat. Mob Figgaz member Rydah J.Klyde drops by for a fantastic verse that really shows us that the Rydah still has that heat on the mic. Grab what ever green or purple you smoke and bump this track as loud as your system will go.
"Like A Ryder" has C-bo making another appearance and is on some grimey, eiry mob shit. The beat is more up beat and has some very good keys on it, along with some deep bass that brings the beat together nicely. Laroo and C-bo both sound right at home together over this kind of beat and will have the listener begging for a C-bo/Laroo album!
Ive enjoyed the first 5 tracks so far a hell of alot and I cant help but wonder if there is a average or bad track coming sometime soon. But as I paused the cd and sparked up some blueberry, "Dosia" hit me upside the head with its
enjoyable production and Killa Tays raps and recognizable background vocals. Luni Coleone is on this track and sounds as good as ive heard him in a hot second, as he spits a hot verse.
"Take Over" is a meeting of the bosses, as you have Larro, Killa Tay,C-Bo, Marvaless, Luni Coleone and Pizzo all appearing on this song. 4 minutes of that gangster shit right here and its another great track on this album
right here.
"Got Knock" has Marvaless stealing the show as she destroys the mic and takes no prisoners with a flawless flow and solid lyrics. Another knocking beat on this album right here, so far there have been no bad beats for me
personally, lets hope they rest of the album continues this. Its also worth mentioning that Marvaless also does a good job on the chorus aswell with this song.
"Jack Like Dat" has some crazy bass that will have your speaks shaking like crazy, straight slap! Killa tay gets some help from Luni Coleone again and also KJ. But without a doubt its definatly Killa Tay who steals the show on this track as he rides the bass perfect.
"Smash Down" is my least favorite track on the album, as the beat just doesnt cut it for me, especailyl after all the slappin beats that came before this one. The rapping is good here but the production just seems to bring the
song down a bit.
"The Pain" is a Killa Tay solo track and has a good beat which Tay spits some great raps and tales that will have you looking forward to a Killa Tay solo album. The beat isnt the best on the album, but it does a good job
of not going overboard and keeping it basic which works very well.
Here is a little taste of Tay on this track:
"Sometimes I wish I had a private plane and I could fly till I die/Marry Jane kill my stress so im high till I die/Take a look in my eyes you see the spirit of a prince".
"Mafia Life" is more laid back but is still a great track, as the song features a well done hook and a nice chill beat. This song shows that this album isnt just mob/gangster shit, that Laroo and Tay can rock a smooth track like this
aswell. Its Laroo who steals the show on this song with his usual addicting flow and charizma that we have come to expect from Laroo over the years. This is a track that I could see a video for and on tv to be honest, if it had the right director and with a warm climate like Hawaii or Brazil it would be perfect. This song really did remind me of 5 years back, chillin in Brazil with a few beautiful women, get a video for this!
"Westcoast Outro" is a great way to finish the album, as we get Killa Tay on another solo track spittin game over a hard beat that 2pac would have ripped to shreds. This is that mob street shit that Tay helped bring to the westcoast years ago.
Overall this album is even better then I expected it to be. Laroo is working harder then anyone in the rap game the last few years and Killa Tay shows that he still has what it takes to make great music. The beats are solid as hell, the rapping is topnotch and the features are perfectly done aswell. I enjoyed 14 out of the 15 tracks on this album and definatly reccomend it to any fan of mob music. Killa Tay and Laroo keep is gangster, but also do a few smooth/laid back tracks aswell that make the album even more well rounded.
The only negative things I can say about this album are that
1)its not on amazon.com or ITUNES yet, which are two big outlets for people outside the bay
2) One of the tracks wasnt up to par with the other tracks (production wise).
Two very small issues, with an otherwise nearly perfect bay area album.
Go cop this album, Roll one up (or grab your Bong/Vaporizor) spark your green up and enjoy this well made mobsta music!!
SCORE = 9/10
Killa Tay and Laroo - Fuckin Wit The Mob Is A Privilege
Laroo been on the grind lately, doing some really high quality music with each appearance and release. Killa Tay been around for many years and is one of the first names that comes up when you think of westcoast gangster music and bay area mob music. Tay's solo work and Moment of Truth with C-bo are some of the hardest, most rugged mob albums that have ever been recorded.
With this new album I was interested to see if it was on the old mob shit or if it was on some new aged shit. The good news is that its got a good variety of tracks, which include some gangsta ass mob music that we ahve come to enjoy from Killa Tay and Laroo. On top of that mob sound, there is also a few laid tracks that work pretty good aswell.
"Like A Gangsta" is one of the years best tracks as it has that intense, high energy mob sound that really brought me back to the 90's sound from that era. Slappin ass beat, aggressive street tales from Killa Tay and Laroo. After hearing this song I was really curious to see if the rest of the album could be as good as this first track was.
"Face In My Lap" has another slappin beat and is a track I can hear bumpin at a strip club. The beat is once again on some mob shit, with some nice kicks and snares that Killa Tya and Laroo do a great job over.
"Im Da Man" is more laid back then the first two tracks and has a summertime vibe to it with a really well done hook. The track features mob vet C-bo, Pizzo and Mississipi joining Tay and Laroo for some laid back playa shit that surprisingly works extremely well after the mob tracks.
"Lock It" is right back to that gangster shit that I've come to expect from Killa Tay and Laroo over the years, its got a dope beat and a hard ass hook. This track will have the d-boys all around the world vibing with this shit and putting it on repeat. Mob Figgaz member Rydah J.Klyde drops by for a fantastic verse that really shows us that the Rydah still has that heat on the mic. Grab what ever green or purple you smoke and bump this track as loud as your system will go.
"Like A Ryder" has C-bo making another appearance and is on some grimey, eiry mob shit. The beat is more up beat and has some very good keys on it, along with some deep bass that brings the beat together nicely. Laroo and C-bo both sound right at home together over this kind of beat and will have the listener begging for a C-bo/Laroo album!
Ive enjoyed the first 5 tracks so far a hell of alot and I cant help but wonder if there is a average or bad track coming sometime soon. But as I paused the cd and sparked up some blueberry, "Dosia" hit me upside the head with its
enjoyable production and Killa Tays raps and recognizable background vocals. Luni Coleone is on this track and sounds as good as ive heard him in a hot second, as he spits a hot verse.
"Take Over" is a meeting of the bosses, as you have Larro, Killa Tay,C-Bo, Marvaless, Luni Coleone and Pizzo all appearing on this song. 4 minutes of that gangster shit right here and its another great track on this album
right here.
"Got Knock" has Marvaless stealing the show as she destroys the mic and takes no prisoners with a flawless flow and solid lyrics. Another knocking beat on this album right here, so far there have been no bad beats for me
personally, lets hope they rest of the album continues this. Its also worth mentioning that Marvaless also does a good job on the chorus aswell with this song.
"Jack Like Dat" has some crazy bass that will have your speaks shaking like crazy, straight slap! Killa tay gets some help from Luni Coleone again and also KJ. But without a doubt its definatly Killa Tay who steals the show on this track as he rides the bass perfect.
"Smash Down" is my least favorite track on the album, as the beat just doesnt cut it for me, especailyl after all the slappin beats that came before this one. The rapping is good here but the production just seems to bring the
song down a bit.
"The Pain" is a Killa Tay solo track and has a good beat which Tay spits some great raps and tales that will have you looking forward to a Killa Tay solo album. The beat isnt the best on the album, but it does a good job
of not going overboard and keeping it basic which works very well.
Here is a little taste of Tay on this track:
"Sometimes I wish I had a private plane and I could fly till I die/Marry Jane kill my stress so im high till I die/Take a look in my eyes you see the spirit of a prince".
"Mafia Life" is more laid back but is still a great track, as the song features a well done hook and a nice chill beat. This song shows that this album isnt just mob/gangster shit, that Laroo and Tay can rock a smooth track like this
aswell. Its Laroo who steals the show on this song with his usual addicting flow and charizma that we have come to expect from Laroo over the years. This is a track that I could see a video for and on tv to be honest, if it had the right director and with a warm climate like Hawaii or Brazil it would be perfect. This song really did remind me of 5 years back, chillin in Brazil with a few beautiful women, get a video for this!
"Westcoast Outro" is a great way to finish the album, as we get Killa Tay on another solo track spittin game over a hard beat that 2pac would have ripped to shreds. This is that mob street shit that Tay helped bring to the westcoast years ago.
Overall this album is even better then I expected it to be. Laroo is working harder then anyone in the rap game the last few years and Killa Tay shows that he still has what it takes to make great music. The beats are solid as hell, the rapping is topnotch and the features are perfectly done aswell. I enjoyed 14 out of the 15 tracks on this album and definatly reccomend it to any fan of mob music. Killa Tay and Laroo keep is gangster, but also do a few smooth/laid back tracks aswell that make the album even more well rounded.
The only negative things I can say about this album are that
1)its not on amazon.com or ITUNES yet, which are two big outlets for people outside the bay
2) One of the tracks wasnt up to par with the other tracks (production wise).
Two very small issues, with an otherwise nearly perfect bay area album.
Go cop this album, Roll one up (or grab your Bong/Vaporizor) spark your green up and enjoy this well made mobsta music!!
SCORE = 9/10
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
- Souls Of Mischef new album
- CoopD Vill And Sicness.net - Community Service Vol2
- No Recess Part 2
Those are the next reviews that are coming up next. I also got a few videogames and foreign movies in the mail the last few days, so might be a second before those two reviews get up.
If anyone else wants they album,ep or single reviewed, then hit me up... up and coming artists or major hitters. Hit me a private Message on here or on the blog. Best bet is to upload your stuff to an upload site and then give me the link (www.megaupload.com or www.sendspace.com or www.zshare.net/ or www.mediafire.com) or send to my email. Can also send em in the mail, but that isnt as fast as the digital way.
- CoopD Vill And Sicness.net - Community Service Vol2
- No Recess Part 2
Those are the next reviews that are coming up next. I also got a few videogames and foreign movies in the mail the last few days, so might be a second before those two reviews get up.
If anyone else wants they album,ep or single reviewed, then hit me up... up and coming artists or major hitters. Hit me a private Message on here or on the blog. Best bet is to upload your stuff to an upload site and then give me the link (www.megaupload.com or www.sendspace.com or www.zshare.net/ or www.mediafire.com) or send to my email. Can also send em in the mail, but that isnt as fast as the digital way.
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
CoopDVill & Siccness.net Presents:Community Service Vol.2
CoopDVill & Siccness.net Presents:Community Service Vol.2
Siccness.net has been the place for fans of westcoast gangster rap for years, with great interviews from Coop, the best bay area messageboard on the net and some solid cd releases of there own.
Community Service Part2 starts off with a bang as Mac Dre and Skiem Hiem slap you across the face with a slappin track called "Good Game".
"Is That You" is up next and has The Jacka, Doja and R.O Reepa rocking the mic over a chill ass beat, with The Jacka rocking the chorus with his laid back entertaining flow.
"Keep Twistin" is probably my favorite track on the album, as Devin The Dude and 12 Gauge Shotie hit us up with a great smoking track. Devin the Dude steals the show as he spits some great lines such as:
"Man its cool to come out to San Diego/I can get use to it cuz man they stay blowed/They got some of the best weed, some of the finest hoes/ Bout to step to one of em and see if she bout it though/But bitches try to pick ya brain before they lick ya thang/Fuck all that smoke some weed and hit the drank, I keep the good killa indeed, you know I got to have weed, my brotha want me to bring back some seeds/He be growin that shit to, but we be tryin to do that shit legally like yall do man/Yall got purple and orange, blueberry and green and some other shit I aint never seen!".
"Juiced Up" has Mistah Fab, Beta Bossalini, Macnificent and Juice Lee on the mic rock a dope beat from Batkave. Its the prince of the bay Mistah Fab who steals the show though over this Batkave slapper.
Nif Nasty and Smac100 show up on "Community Service" and do a good job spittin over a bass heavy beat.
"We Be Functioning" has Bossman Hogg and Marty Macphly spittin game over a more up tempo track and has a down south type of hook on it.
"Model Top" for me is the first skippable track on the album, mainly because of a horrible hook. The rappers do a decent job and the beat isnt the worst ive heard, but could have been better.
Willie Joe, Jesse L and Balance bring straight heat with "Life In Tha Sky", as each mc does a great job on the mic.
Stevie Joe and E-40 rock a great beat from Traxx from the Rich on "Ghetto Meatloaf". This is probably my second favorite track on the album and has been on repeat for awhile now, E-40 and Stevie Joe both do a great job over this slappin ass beat.
I Rocc, Raw Deal, Smigg Dirtee and Big June drop by for "You Got It", which is another great track and another one of my favorites. The beat is hard as fuck and is on some grimey shit, along with a well doen hook. Each mc does a good job on the mic here, as I-Rocc and Smigg Dirtee always sound dope as fuck on a track together and this track doesnt change that. This track is nothing but that gangsta shit and is a track I think Ill be playing for awhile. By the way, can we get another I-Rocc/Smigg Dirtee album some time? Please?
Kuzzo Fly, Keak Da Sneak, The Cor and B-Luv drop some hyphy shit on "Some Otha Shiat", as Keak Da Sneak rocks a dope hook and a good verse. Definatly not my favorite track on the album, but not that bad either.
Livewire member J-Stalin hooks up with Kaz Kyzah from The Team for "Paper Route" and both mcs do a great job spittin fire. The beat could be alot better, but each mc really rips the mic apart and makes up for the average production here.'
Mac & AK along with Macs A Million do a good job on "Shinnin", even with a below average hook. The rapping here is top notch on this track though, and the beat from Waz slap to.
Killa Tay drops in for "Lawz Of Nature" and provides one of the cds best cuts as he spits that real shit that Tay is known for. The beat is on some smooth shit and is perfect for Killa Tays flow and lyrics on here.
"Everythang" is on some mob shit and is another enjoyable track which features a whole gang of mcs on it, including Guce and Baby Bandit.
I could have done without the last two tracks called Hell N A Day and Suppose To Be, but with all the other slappin tracks on here, its hardly an issue.
Overall this is a solid release from Siccness.net and Coop, as DJ Ambidekstres does a good job making the album come together, some good features and some solid beats. Not perfect, but for the most part its worth checking out and pretty enjoyable.
Lawz Of Nature, Keep Twistin, Ghetto Meatloaf and You Got It are my personal favorites on the cd, stop by siccness.net and pick up a copy. DJ Ambidekstres really has impressed me as of late, he doesnt add a bunch of sounds and crap over every song like alot of Dj's and keeps it basic and slappin.
SCORE = 7/10
CoopDVill & Siccness.net Presents:Community Service Vol.2
Siccness.net has been the place for fans of westcoast gangster rap for years, with great interviews from Coop, the best bay area messageboard on the net and some solid cd releases of there own.
Community Service Part2 starts off with a bang as Mac Dre and Skiem Hiem slap you across the face with a slappin track called "Good Game".
"Is That You" is up next and has The Jacka, Doja and R.O Reepa rocking the mic over a chill ass beat, with The Jacka rocking the chorus with his laid back entertaining flow.
"Keep Twistin" is probably my favorite track on the album, as Devin The Dude and 12 Gauge Shotie hit us up with a great smoking track. Devin the Dude steals the show as he spits some great lines such as:
"Man its cool to come out to San Diego/I can get use to it cuz man they stay blowed/They got some of the best weed, some of the finest hoes/ Bout to step to one of em and see if she bout it though/But bitches try to pick ya brain before they lick ya thang/Fuck all that smoke some weed and hit the drank, I keep the good killa indeed, you know I got to have weed, my brotha want me to bring back some seeds/He be growin that shit to, but we be tryin to do that shit legally like yall do man/Yall got purple and orange, blueberry and green and some other shit I aint never seen!".
"Juiced Up" has Mistah Fab, Beta Bossalini, Macnificent and Juice Lee on the mic rock a dope beat from Batkave. Its the prince of the bay Mistah Fab who steals the show though over this Batkave slapper.
Nif Nasty and Smac100 show up on "Community Service" and do a good job spittin over a bass heavy beat.
"We Be Functioning" has Bossman Hogg and Marty Macphly spittin game over a more up tempo track and has a down south type of hook on it.
"Model Top" for me is the first skippable track on the album, mainly because of a horrible hook. The rappers do a decent job and the beat isnt the worst ive heard, but could have been better.
Willie Joe, Jesse L and Balance bring straight heat with "Life In Tha Sky", as each mc does a great job on the mic.
Stevie Joe and E-40 rock a great beat from Traxx from the Rich on "Ghetto Meatloaf". This is probably my second favorite track on the album and has been on repeat for awhile now, E-40 and Stevie Joe both do a great job over this slappin ass beat.
I Rocc, Raw Deal, Smigg Dirtee and Big June drop by for "You Got It", which is another great track and another one of my favorites. The beat is hard as fuck and is on some grimey shit, along with a well doen hook. Each mc does a good job on the mic here, as I-Rocc and Smigg Dirtee always sound dope as fuck on a track together and this track doesnt change that. This track is nothing but that gangsta shit and is a track I think Ill be playing for awhile. By the way, can we get another I-Rocc/Smigg Dirtee album some time? Please?
Kuzzo Fly, Keak Da Sneak, The Cor and B-Luv drop some hyphy shit on "Some Otha Shiat", as Keak Da Sneak rocks a dope hook and a good verse. Definatly not my favorite track on the album, but not that bad either.
Livewire member J-Stalin hooks up with Kaz Kyzah from The Team for "Paper Route" and both mcs do a great job spittin fire. The beat could be alot better, but each mc really rips the mic apart and makes up for the average production here.'
Mac & AK along with Macs A Million do a good job on "Shinnin", even with a below average hook. The rapping here is top notch on this track though, and the beat from Waz slap to.
Killa Tay drops in for "Lawz Of Nature" and provides one of the cds best cuts as he spits that real shit that Tay is known for. The beat is on some smooth shit and is perfect for Killa Tays flow and lyrics on here.
"Everythang" is on some mob shit and is another enjoyable track which features a whole gang of mcs on it, including Guce and Baby Bandit.
I could have done without the last two tracks called Hell N A Day and Suppose To Be, but with all the other slappin tracks on here, its hardly an issue.
Overall this is a solid release from Siccness.net and Coop, as DJ Ambidekstres does a good job making the album come together, some good features and some solid beats. Not perfect, but for the most part its worth checking out and pretty enjoyable.
Lawz Of Nature, Keep Twistin, Ghetto Meatloaf and You Got It are my personal favorites on the cd, stop by siccness.net and pick up a copy. DJ Ambidekstres really has impressed me as of late, he doesnt add a bunch of sounds and crap over every song like alot of Dj's and keeps it basic and slappin.
SCORE = 7/10
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
No recess Part2: Class Is In Session Mixtape
No Recess Part2 Mixtape
This mixtape here is good for the most part, and has a little bit of everything on it. Far from perfect (few tracks are annoying and the cover could be better), but definatly a good listen non the less.
"Hands Down" is really slapping, "On Sum Mob Shit Remix" I really enjoyed and "On A Roll" Big Loud, Bay Sicc and Ness Tha Mess is also good. On the flip side though I really wasn't feeling "Fuck Yo Block"or "So Fresh So Clean" at all.
"Get Your Money" is a knocking track to bump in ya ride, as each mc does a good job with there time on the mic.
"We Go" is annoying and definatly skippable to me, not much more to say about this one other then its not on par with the good tracks on this mixtape.
"Ride Wit Me" is the best track on the album (along with Mobolous), as Big Lou continues to show alot of potential with his flow and lyrics. Definatly the highlights of this mixtape so far are the gangster/mob tracks.
"Live Only Now" was enjoyable as Big Lou and Bay Sicc show they each have a good flow and ride the beat very well.
"Vybe Beatz - Paparazzi" was decent but could have been better. At first I really didnt like it, but after a few listens it started to grow on me a little. Not one of the albums better cuts, but not terrible either.
"Myspace Thugs" I could definatly do without aswell, is it just me or do these myspace songs get annoying as hell? I know they dissing Myspace thugs on this song and I see what they saying, but anything about myspace seems to be boring to me personally.
"Blow Grapes Get Loot" is super slappin and another enjoyable tracks on this mixtape. "Mobolous" is some good mob music and has a great clip from Casino that fits in well with the rapping and a catchy hook.
"18 we Got" is some grimey, gangsta shit that is well done and is a good way to finish the mixtape off.
If the whole mixtape was as good as Rise Wit Me, Mobolous and Hands Down it would be alot better, as it stands its a little inconsistant. Its still worth checking out because there are some really enjoyable songs on here to be bumped. I came into this mixtape having not heard most of the rappers on here, but some of them really got some talent and did a good job on this.
No Recess 2 works best when its on some mob/gangster shit instead of some hyphy or party shit to be completely honest. In the end this mixtape has its share of slappers on it and is worth checking out.
No Recess Part2 Mixtape
This mixtape here is good for the most part, and has a little bit of everything on it. Far from perfect (few tracks are annoying and the cover could be better), but definatly a good listen non the less.
"Hands Down" is really slapping, "On Sum Mob Shit Remix" I really enjoyed and "On A Roll" Big Loud, Bay Sicc and Ness Tha Mess is also good. On the flip side though I really wasn't feeling "Fuck Yo Block"or "So Fresh So Clean" at all.
"Get Your Money" is a knocking track to bump in ya ride, as each mc does a good job with there time on the mic.
"We Go" is annoying and definatly skippable to me, not much more to say about this one other then its not on par with the good tracks on this mixtape.
"Ride Wit Me" is the best track on the album (along with Mobolous), as Big Lou continues to show alot of potential with his flow and lyrics. Definatly the highlights of this mixtape so far are the gangster/mob tracks.
"Live Only Now" was enjoyable as Big Lou and Bay Sicc show they each have a good flow and ride the beat very well.
"Vybe Beatz - Paparazzi" was decent but could have been better. At first I really didnt like it, but after a few listens it started to grow on me a little. Not one of the albums better cuts, but not terrible either.
"Myspace Thugs" I could definatly do without aswell, is it just me or do these myspace songs get annoying as hell? I know they dissing Myspace thugs on this song and I see what they saying, but anything about myspace seems to be boring to me personally.
"Blow Grapes Get Loot" is super slappin and another enjoyable tracks on this mixtape. "Mobolous" is some good mob music and has a great clip from Casino that fits in well with the rapping and a catchy hook.
"18 we Got" is some grimey, gangsta shit that is well done and is a good way to finish the mixtape off.
If the whole mixtape was as good as Rise Wit Me, Mobolous and Hands Down it would be alot better, as it stands its a little inconsistant. Its still worth checking out because there are some really enjoyable songs on here to be bumped. I came into this mixtape having not heard most of the rappers on here, but some of them really got some talent and did a good job on this.
No Recess 2 works best when its on some mob/gangster shit instead of some hyphy or party shit to be completely honest. In the end this mixtape has its share of slappers on it and is worth checking out.
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
Souls Of Mischief - Montezuma's Revenge (rough draft)
Souls Of Mischief - Montezuma's Revenge
Hieroglyphics have been one of the best underground groups of all time in my opinion. They put on amazing live shows, drop solid albums and have been trend setters in this independent rap game for many moons.
Souls Of Mischief are back at it again with there new album and have Prince Paul with them on the beats. From what I've heard everyone who worked on this project lived in the same house and all worked on the full album together and you can really tell by listening to this album, it really feels like everyone was there and working hard together.
I enjoyed 93 Till Infinity and I also thought No Mans Land was a fantastic aswell, even though others hated on it. After those two slappin albums though it seemed to me like Souls Of Mischief had lost a step and just coudlnt put together another complete album that was great from front to back.
With Montezumas Revenge, A-plus and the crew show that they are back at it and as good as ever! I dont know if its the fact that they all lived in the same house and worked on the whole album together with Prince Paul or what, but the album comes together perfectly and you can really feel the effort and love that Prince Paul put into the production on here.
Everyone knows that Souls Of Mischief can spit lyrics with the best of em and that they all have great flows, but its there beats that ususally decide how good one of there albums is in my opinion, this is where Prince Paul comes in and does his thang.
"One" is a dope track that features some slappin drums and some slick guitar aswell, overall its a very well made beat and each MC rips the mic apart. This song really sets the tone for the whole album and gets you hooked right off the bat.
"Postal" is an amazing track that has one of the years best beats as Prince Paul supplies a perfect beat that cant really be described in a review, you really have to hear it. The lyrics are also great to as each member of Souls spils there heart and soul into this song. Its very rare that I get goose bumps from a beat but this is one of those few beats that really sticks in my head, go smoke a fatty and get pulled into Prince Pauls amazing proudction on this song. Not only the best song from Hieroglyphics since Peploves Pacific Heights, but one of this years best tracks.
"Tour Stories" is about Souls of Mischief touring around the world and little stories from there adventures. The production is also top notch on this song aswell, as Prince Paul keeps pulling you in from all directions with an intoxicating beat. This is when Souls are at there best in my opinion, when they are telling stories and talking about stuff that has happened in the past. Nothing groundbreaking as far as the lyrics go, but everything fits together very well here, from the production to the raps.
"Proper Aim" has some crazy bass and is pretty basic compared to the other beats on here but that doesnt mean it doesnt slap. Bump this beat up loud and you can really feel the bass on here and each mc rides the bass extremely well, with Aplus stealing the show.
"You Got It" is another fantastic track and up there with Postal and Poets as my favorite on the album. The production has a a dope little voice sample that says "YOU GOT IT!" that comes in from time to time and its just addicting as hell. There is also a well placed flute in there aswell and the drums are well doen aswell.
"Poets" is super slappin and is tied with Postal as my favorite song on the album. I dont know where to start with this song really, the beat is amazing with another voice sample that is really genius and each mc spits with alot of confidence on the mic. After hearing this song you will be saying the hook with the voice sample over and over, Prince Paul really has outdone
himself on this album. You will hear one rapper talking about trying to get some weed and another rapping about women giving him head in the car and "head docters" as some call em in the bay.
"Morgan Freeman" is a short track that is cool, but more of a funny skit to me, that Prince Paul is known for with his albums. Some might think its out of place, but if you know of Prince Pauls other albums then you will understand this little random skit.
"Dead Man Walking" is blappin all the way thru as Prince Paul once again cooks up a crazy beat that each member of Souls Of Mischief rips to peices. The drums are top notch and the whole beat is well done and continues Prince Pauls extremely solid production on this album.
"For Real Yall" is the one song I wasnt feeling that much as it just feels boring to me when compared to the other songs on the album. Its not terrible by anymeans, but just seems out of place to me after all the other fantastic tracks that this album has to offer
"Lickety Slip" knocks the whole way thru and is a great song about beign sick of your girl and wanting to get rid of her for the shit she does. Production has some hard hitting snares and overall is another heater from the legendary Prince Paul. Each mc does there job well on this song to as each seem right at home with the topic of the song and the great beat from Prince Paul. Im pretty sure that every guy on the earth can appreciate or relate to this song aswell, as everyone has had some issues with there girl at some point or another and wanted to get rid of the bitch like Lickety Split!
"Home Game" is classic Souls Of Mischief, as its on some laid back party shit! After listening to this song it made me think back to the sun and time spent in Brazil with beautiful women around. This really is Souls at there best, making the party rock with good quality music and making that FEEL GOOD MUSIC. Some songs are perfect for certain times and this song is perfect for a summertime BBQ, the beat has a perfect guitar in it, dope drums and each verse is on point.
This album is the best Hiero related album in ages and definatly the best souls of mischief album since the underrated No Mans Land. I cant give enough props to Prince Paul though for this album, sometimes it seems like Souls Of Mischief have a hard time picking good beats for a full album but Prince Paul has made some amazing slaps and really put together perfect tracks for the boys to rock on. The album cover here is also one of the best ive seen in years to be honest, its a fantastic painting and really dope.
I dont know how much Prince Paul had to do with the overall feel of this album, to me his beats and the organization of this album is something very special. Its great to hear Souls Of Mischef back on top again and rocking over some to notch beats! One of the top 5 albums for 2009 for me personally as Prince Paul has once again made some ridicolous beats and Souls Of Mischief have proven that they are not done yet and are as good as they have ever been at ripping a mic apart.
**This is just a rough draft, its still gotta get edited**
Souls Of Mischief - Montezuma's Revenge
Hieroglyphics have been one of the best underground groups of all time in my opinion. They put on amazing live shows, drop solid albums and have been trend setters in this independent rap game for many moons.
Souls Of Mischief are back at it again with there new album and have Prince Paul with them on the beats. From what I've heard everyone who worked on this project lived in the same house and all worked on the full album together and you can really tell by listening to this album, it really feels like everyone was there and working hard together.
I enjoyed 93 Till Infinity and I also thought No Mans Land was a fantastic aswell, even though others hated on it. After those two slappin albums though it seemed to me like Souls Of Mischief had lost a step and just coudlnt put together another complete album that was great from front to back.
With Montezumas Revenge, A-plus and the crew show that they are back at it and as good as ever! I dont know if its the fact that they all lived in the same house and worked on the whole album together with Prince Paul or what, but the album comes together perfectly and you can really feel the effort and love that Prince Paul put into the production on here.
Everyone knows that Souls Of Mischief can spit lyrics with the best of em and that they all have great flows, but its there beats that ususally decide how good one of there albums is in my opinion, this is where Prince Paul comes in and does his thang.
"One" is a dope track that features some slappin drums and some slick guitar aswell, overall its a very well made beat and each MC rips the mic apart. This song really sets the tone for the whole album and gets you hooked right off the bat.
"Postal" is an amazing track that has one of the years best beats as Prince Paul supplies a perfect beat that cant really be described in a review, you really have to hear it. The lyrics are also great to as each member of Souls spils there heart and soul into this song. Its very rare that I get goose bumps from a beat but this is one of those few beats that really sticks in my head, go smoke a fatty and get pulled into Prince Pauls amazing proudction on this song. Not only the best song from Hieroglyphics since Peploves Pacific Heights, but one of this years best tracks.
"Tour Stories" is about Souls of Mischief touring around the world and little stories from there adventures. The production is also top notch on this song aswell, as Prince Paul keeps pulling you in from all directions with an intoxicating beat. This is when Souls are at there best in my opinion, when they are telling stories and talking about stuff that has happened in the past. Nothing groundbreaking as far as the lyrics go, but everything fits together very well here, from the production to the raps.
"Proper Aim" has some crazy bass and is pretty basic compared to the other beats on here but that doesnt mean it doesnt slap. Bump this beat up loud and you can really feel the bass on here and each mc rides the bass extremely well, with Aplus stealing the show.
"You Got It" is another fantastic track and up there with Postal and Poets as my favorite on the album. The production has a a dope little voice sample that says "YOU GOT IT!" that comes in from time to time and its just addicting as hell. There is also a well placed flute in there aswell and the drums are well doen aswell.
"Poets" is super slappin and is tied with Postal as my favorite song on the album. I dont know where to start with this song really, the beat is amazing with another voice sample that is really genius and each mc spits with alot of confidence on the mic. After hearing this song you will be saying the hook with the voice sample over and over, Prince Paul really has outdone
himself on this album. You will hear one rapper talking about trying to get some weed and another rapping about women giving him head in the car and "head docters" as some call em in the bay.
"Morgan Freeman" is a short track that is cool, but more of a funny skit to me, that Prince Paul is known for with his albums. Some might think its out of place, but if you know of Prince Pauls other albums then you will understand this little random skit.
"Dead Man Walking" is blappin all the way thru as Prince Paul once again cooks up a crazy beat that each member of Souls Of Mischief rips to peices. The drums are top notch and the whole beat is well done and continues Prince Pauls extremely solid production on this album.
"For Real Yall" is the one song I wasnt feeling that much as it just feels boring to me when compared to the other songs on the album. Its not terrible by anymeans, but just seems out of place to me after all the other fantastic tracks that this album has to offer
"Lickety Slip" knocks the whole way thru and is a great song about beign sick of your girl and wanting to get rid of her for the shit she does. Production has some hard hitting snares and overall is another heater from the legendary Prince Paul. Each mc does there job well on this song to as each seem right at home with the topic of the song and the great beat from Prince Paul. Im pretty sure that every guy on the earth can appreciate or relate to this song aswell, as everyone has had some issues with there girl at some point or another and wanted to get rid of the bitch like Lickety Split!
"Home Game" is classic Souls Of Mischief, as its on some laid back party shit! After listening to this song it made me think back to the sun and time spent in Brazil with beautiful women around. This really is Souls at there best, making the party rock with good quality music and making that FEEL GOOD MUSIC. Some songs are perfect for certain times and this song is perfect for a summertime BBQ, the beat has a perfect guitar in it, dope drums and each verse is on point.
This album is the best Hiero related album in ages and definatly the best souls of mischief album since the underrated No Mans Land. I cant give enough props to Prince Paul though for this album, sometimes it seems like Souls Of Mischief have a hard time picking good beats for a full album but Prince Paul has made some amazing slaps and really put together perfect tracks for the boys to rock on. The album cover here is also one of the best ive seen in years to be honest, its a fantastic painting and really dope.
I dont know how much Prince Paul had to do with the overall feel of this album, to me his beats and the organization of this album is something very special. Its great to hear Souls Of Mischef back on top again and rocking over some to notch beats! One of the top 5 albums for 2009 for me personally as Prince Paul has once again made some ridicolous beats and Souls Of Mischief have proven that they are not done yet and are as good as they have ever been at ripping a mic apart.
**This is just a rough draft, its still gotta get edited**
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
Stik Gilatine - The Fly Guy
Stik Gilatine - The Fly Guy
San Jose rap music is very underrated and has had a pretty big year so far in 2009. The Enemigos cd surprised the hell out of me and was slappin from front to back, The Teal Town album was solid and Stik Gilatine aswell with The Fly Guy.
Stik Gilatine has a ton of talent and to me is up there with Nio Tha Gift, Danked Out, Homewrecka, Turf Talk and The Livewire crew as the best of the up and coming westcoast rappers
The Fly Guy starts off with Aviator Light Speed which features G-Owens and is a nice way to start the album off and introduce those who are new to Stik. The beat is dope and the hook is addicting as hell, a very smooth and laid back track.
My Cool is a slappin ass track that has a hot beat and Stik Gilatine spittin some great raps with a steady flow. This is one of those tracks that I could see on the radio or in the club, but at the same time its not watered down bullshit, its a good track that just happens to be club friendly. The hook is also good and should have alot of people looking to get G-Ownes on a hook or two for there album.
Dippen UFO's is one of my favorite tracks on the album as its got a real soulfull feel to it. The production is on point with some great drums, nice bass and a perfect voice sample. Stik sounds right at home over this type of laid back, soulfull beat as he pulls you into his world and will have you putting this track on repeat. Such a ridicolous track this one with its smooth beat, a hot chorus and Stik doin the damn thang on the mic aswell.
Lois Lane is on some pimp shit and has a dope beat, aswell as a well done hook to. Not my favorite track on the album or something I would listen to alot, but it does its job perfectly and the women are bound to love this
track.
Life's A Movie is on some outter space type shit, but works very well. The beat is nice and Stik rides the hard kicks extremely well. The production is something new and differnt on this song and continues the solid beats
so far on this album.
Destination Moon has G-Owens featured on it and he does a great job with his singing right here. Once again its a track that both women and men can listen to, its not just a gangster track for the men or just a party track strictly for the women. This isnt my favorite type of song, but I cant front at all on it, Stik shows his versatility so far on this album with a good mix of differnt types of songs for everyone.
Go For Mine is on some real hiphop shit with some scratches, dope lyrics and a beat that you can bump loud as fuck while you smokin and really vibe with it. Stik sounds his best when hes on production like this in my opinion as he really rides this track perfectly.
Starship is some outterspace, experimental type shit and is fantastic. It reminds me of a combination of someold Outkast and Devin The Dude type of shit, but with that bay area swag. Really dope beat that is one of the best ones on the album and will have you putting it on repeat.
Ready To Go is the first (and only) track on the album that im not feeling, there is just to much auto-tune and im not really feelin the beat that much to be honest. Its not a really bad song, its just a little annoying after multiple listens and when compared to the rest of the album, it just doesnt compete with the other slappers.
Swimming In The Sky is some dope shit and had me thinking Husalah from the Mob Figgaz was gonna start spitting at some point. Lasro is on this track aswell and does a awesome job on the hook, with some real smooth shit and
is someone I would like to hear on more hooks, hes got a great voice.
Sweet Hangover is hot as fuck and has a crazy slappin beat that has some great voice samples and could be on a old school soundtrack like Shaft or something like that. This track right here is my shit though, super addicting beat and Stik, 2 Left Feet and Brycen10ial all do a good job on the mic.
Off The Roof is another dope track, the beat is sick and sounds like its got some kind of chinese or japanese samples or instruments in it. Very unique beat right here and is one of my favorite beats on this album if not the best, straight slappin! The chorus is also well done and Stik does a really good job on his raps for this song. Not sure who did the beat for this song, but this is when Stik is at his best in my opinion, over some unique production that he can rip to shreds.
Celebrate features San Jose vet Playa Rae, Jesse L and G-Ownes and is a great way to finish the album off. The production is smooth and very well done, and everyone who grabs the mic does the song justice. The hook
is also very dope and once again on some soulful shit.
This is a dope album here from Stik, its got alot of variety and overall has some fantastic production. But dont get it twisted, its not just great beats on here, the rapping from Stik Gilatine and everyone else is very well done and there is honestly only one song that I skip when I listen to this album.
Another good album from San Jose, do yourself a favor and go cop this new Stik Gilatine, The Enemigos and that Teal Town Boyz album. Its time that San Jose got there shine and the props they deserve, there are alot of very talented people in San Jose rap and they seem to not be slowing down at all.
This album right here is very unique and really a breath of fresh air, its good to have some mcs that dont mind doing something new or differnt. As a fan of not just rap music, but Jazz, Blues and Reggae, I can safely say that this album is accesible for everyone. I dont consider this westcoast rap or just rap music, this is music for the whole world to vibe with. For me the highlights of this album are Off The Roof, Celebrate, Aviator Light Speed and Dippen UFO's for me personally.
SCORE = 9/10
Stik Gilatine - The Fly Guy
San Jose rap music is very underrated and has had a pretty big year so far in 2009. The Enemigos cd surprised the hell out of me and was slappin from front to back, The Teal Town album was solid and Stik Gilatine aswell with The Fly Guy.
Stik Gilatine has a ton of talent and to me is up there with Nio Tha Gift, Danked Out, Homewrecka, Turf Talk and The Livewire crew as the best of the up and coming westcoast rappers
The Fly Guy starts off with Aviator Light Speed which features G-Owens and is a nice way to start the album off and introduce those who are new to Stik. The beat is dope and the hook is addicting as hell, a very smooth and laid back track.
My Cool is a slappin ass track that has a hot beat and Stik Gilatine spittin some great raps with a steady flow. This is one of those tracks that I could see on the radio or in the club, but at the same time its not watered down bullshit, its a good track that just happens to be club friendly. The hook is also good and should have alot of people looking to get G-Ownes on a hook or two for there album.
Dippen UFO's is one of my favorite tracks on the album as its got a real soulfull feel to it. The production is on point with some great drums, nice bass and a perfect voice sample. Stik sounds right at home over this type of laid back, soulfull beat as he pulls you into his world and will have you putting this track on repeat. Such a ridicolous track this one with its smooth beat, a hot chorus and Stik doin the damn thang on the mic aswell.
Lois Lane is on some pimp shit and has a dope beat, aswell as a well done hook to. Not my favorite track on the album or something I would listen to alot, but it does its job perfectly and the women are bound to love this
track.
Life's A Movie is on some outter space type shit, but works very well. The beat is nice and Stik rides the hard kicks extremely well. The production is something new and differnt on this song and continues the solid beats
so far on this album.
Destination Moon has G-Owens featured on it and he does a great job with his singing right here. Once again its a track that both women and men can listen to, its not just a gangster track for the men or just a party track strictly for the women. This isnt my favorite type of song, but I cant front at all on it, Stik shows his versatility so far on this album with a good mix of differnt types of songs for everyone.
Go For Mine is on some real hiphop shit with some scratches, dope lyrics and a beat that you can bump loud as fuck while you smokin and really vibe with it. Stik sounds his best when hes on production like this in my opinion as he really rides this track perfectly.
Starship is some outterspace, experimental type shit and is fantastic. It reminds me of a combination of someold Outkast and Devin The Dude type of shit, but with that bay area swag. Really dope beat that is one of the best ones on the album and will have you putting it on repeat.
Ready To Go is the first (and only) track on the album that im not feeling, there is just to much auto-tune and im not really feelin the beat that much to be honest. Its not a really bad song, its just a little annoying after multiple listens and when compared to the rest of the album, it just doesnt compete with the other slappers.
Swimming In The Sky is some dope shit and had me thinking Husalah from the Mob Figgaz was gonna start spitting at some point. Lasro is on this track aswell and does a awesome job on the hook, with some real smooth shit and
is someone I would like to hear on more hooks, hes got a great voice.
Sweet Hangover is hot as fuck and has a crazy slappin beat that has some great voice samples and could be on a old school soundtrack like Shaft or something like that. This track right here is my shit though, super addicting beat and Stik, 2 Left Feet and Brycen10ial all do a good job on the mic.
Off The Roof is another dope track, the beat is sick and sounds like its got some kind of chinese or japanese samples or instruments in it. Very unique beat right here and is one of my favorite beats on this album if not the best, straight slappin! The chorus is also well done and Stik does a really good job on his raps for this song. Not sure who did the beat for this song, but this is when Stik is at his best in my opinion, over some unique production that he can rip to shreds.
Celebrate features San Jose vet Playa Rae, Jesse L and G-Ownes and is a great way to finish the album off. The production is smooth and very well done, and everyone who grabs the mic does the song justice. The hook
is also very dope and once again on some soulful shit.
This is a dope album here from Stik, its got alot of variety and overall has some fantastic production. But dont get it twisted, its not just great beats on here, the rapping from Stik Gilatine and everyone else is very well done and there is honestly only one song that I skip when I listen to this album.
Another good album from San Jose, do yourself a favor and go cop this new Stik Gilatine, The Enemigos and that Teal Town Boyz album. Its time that San Jose got there shine and the props they deserve, there are alot of very talented people in San Jose rap and they seem to not be slowing down at all.
This album right here is very unique and really a breath of fresh air, its good to have some mcs that dont mind doing something new or differnt. As a fan of not just rap music, but Jazz, Blues and Reggae, I can safely say that this album is accesible for everyone. I dont consider this westcoast rap or just rap music, this is music for the whole world to vibe with. For me the highlights of this album are Off The Roof, Celebrate, Aviator Light Speed and Dippen UFO's for me personally.
SCORE = 9/10
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
Str8-Lace - Im Str8-Lace 2
The album starts off with "Im Str8-Lace2" which has a good hard beat and is a decent introduction to Str8-Lace and his style that he brings to the table. The recording quality could be alot better though on this track.
Alien Mode has another good beat but it almost seems like Str8-Lace did this song on the first take. Some of the rapping is on beat and done well, but then other parts of it seem way off. The hook is good and the lyrics are your typical gangsta shit and for the most part it works.
People Hollarin is a good track that has a slappin beat and also features Ice Meez aswell. Str8-Lace did a good job on this track with this flow and he sounds on beat this time. Ice Meez has been dropping some great tracks lately and he does a great job on this track aswell along with Str8-Lace. The hook is also done well and alot better then the first two songs in every aspect.
Heavy Buck$ has a slappin beat and Str8-Lace spits some good gangsta lyrics but his recording and flow once again sounds like its been done to fast and not perfected like it should be. The song here had a chance to be a real gangster hood slapper but the recording quality just feels very forced.
Autograph would be a good song but its got that copyright sound on it, like the beat has been stolen from someones website or soundclick page. The beat is real dope but unfortunatly it seems like Str8-Lace stole the beat for this from someone. Dudes flow is good on this song and he spits that grimey hood shit, if this was a mixtape it wouldnt really be that big of a deal, but this is being sold and advertised as a full album and not a mixtape.
Make It Last has Str8-Lace flowing nicely over a party beat that he sounds right at home over. The hook is pretty bad, but the rapping from Str8-Lace is good. Its a shame that this song didnt have a differnt hook because the rest of the song is actually pretty good.
What It Iz is an annoying track but Geezy and Str8-Lace are rocking over a pretty good beat. The rapping is what wrecks this song though, as the beat and hook are pretty good. If you can tolerate some average rapping over a good beat then you might enjoy this song, but for me I just wasnt feeling it. If the verses would have been done better and not sound like they where rushed, this could have been a nice track.
Cant Blame It On You is another track that starts off decent but has this stupid copyright voice over parts of the beat aswell. Str8-Lace does a good job spittin some good lyrics on this song and does a decent job on the hook aswell, but the recording quality and the copyrighted voice over the beat hold it back.
So Sexy is a track for the ladies and sounds like a track for the strip clubs. Everything is here to be a good track but its just once again the recording quality isnt very good and it sounds like the verses where recorded on the first or second try. The hook is well done and Str8-Lace's lyrics are good for this kind of song, its just that the delivery could be better and the recording quality could be alot better.
Touch That Leg with KC sounds like some down south club music and for the most part is done well. The rappers do a decent job on the mic and with the hook but once again the recording quality is lacking and this sounds like another stolen beat, as I hear the "THIS IS A SO AND SO PRODUCTION" at wierd parts during the song.
My Internet Song is one of the worst songs Ive heard in 2009 and is just horrible. I dont know if this song was recorded as a joke or for some Myspace women or what, but it just doesnt work at all.
Well We Gotta Go is the best track on the album and I cant hate, its a dope track! Good lyrics and str8-Lace does a good job with the rapping as he rides a chill beat very well. I think if Str8-Lace had a few more tracks like this on the album it would have been a bit better.
Overall Str8-Lace shows alot of potential on here, hes got a good flow at times and his lyrics are straight. But the recording quality is terrible on here and it seems like hes almost freestyling or doing his recording in one or two takes. If he can get someone behind him to guide him a bit and tell him to record a verse over again and to get him his own beats he would be alot better. Its jsut hard for me to take most of this album serious with the quality of the recording, the copyrigthted beats and the fact that alot of songs seem rushed.
People Hollarin, Well We Gotta Go and Make Me Say are the tracks Im feeling the most, but the rest of the tracks I probably wont ever listen to again and need ALOT of work. Str8-Lace has some catchy stuff and with some guidance and improvement in quality of the recording he could be alot better. Everyone has to start somewhere and everyone doesnt have tons of money to spend on studio time or beats, but you really do get what you put into music.
I look forward to hearing an album from Str8-Lace that has all original beats and that he takes his time with and has been recorded and mixed well. The talent is there (Make Me Say, People Hollarin and Alien Mode), but I just cant take some of these songs serious because of the recording quality and how it sounds like some of it was recorded in one take with little effort.
Also the copyrighted samples over some of the beats really take away from the songs, if it was a mixtape it would not be as big of a deal, but this album is suppose to be a retail album and it has copyright sounds on some of the beats, thats unacceptable. Also the "fake" features he has on this album are a lie and not really the way to go about things in my honest opinion.
I understand that people gotta hustle and get money, but you really do get what you put into it and if you settle for below average recording/mixing quality and rock stolen beats with copyrighted tags on em,it hurts. As I said above, the talent and skills seem to be there but the recording quality, fake features and stolen beats hurt this album alot.
SCORE = 3.5/10
The album starts off with "Im Str8-Lace2" which has a good hard beat and is a decent introduction to Str8-Lace and his style that he brings to the table. The recording quality could be alot better though on this track.
Alien Mode has another good beat but it almost seems like Str8-Lace did this song on the first take. Some of the rapping is on beat and done well, but then other parts of it seem way off. The hook is good and the lyrics are your typical gangsta shit and for the most part it works.
People Hollarin is a good track that has a slappin beat and also features Ice Meez aswell. Str8-Lace did a good job on this track with this flow and he sounds on beat this time. Ice Meez has been dropping some great tracks lately and he does a great job on this track aswell along with Str8-Lace. The hook is also done well and alot better then the first two songs in every aspect.
Heavy Buck$ has a slappin beat and Str8-Lace spits some good gangsta lyrics but his recording and flow once again sounds like its been done to fast and not perfected like it should be. The song here had a chance to be a real gangster hood slapper but the recording quality just feels very forced.
Autograph would be a good song but its got that copyright sound on it, like the beat has been stolen from someones website or soundclick page. The beat is real dope but unfortunatly it seems like Str8-Lace stole the beat for this from someone. Dudes flow is good on this song and he spits that grimey hood shit, if this was a mixtape it wouldnt really be that big of a deal, but this is being sold and advertised as a full album and not a mixtape.
Make It Last has Str8-Lace flowing nicely over a party beat that he sounds right at home over. The hook is pretty bad, but the rapping from Str8-Lace is good. Its a shame that this song didnt have a differnt hook because the rest of the song is actually pretty good.
What It Iz is an annoying track but Geezy and Str8-Lace are rocking over a pretty good beat. The rapping is what wrecks this song though, as the beat and hook are pretty good. If you can tolerate some average rapping over a good beat then you might enjoy this song, but for me I just wasnt feeling it. If the verses would have been done better and not sound like they where rushed, this could have been a nice track.
Cant Blame It On You is another track that starts off decent but has this stupid copyright voice over parts of the beat aswell. Str8-Lace does a good job spittin some good lyrics on this song and does a decent job on the hook aswell, but the recording quality and the copyrighted voice over the beat hold it back.
So Sexy is a track for the ladies and sounds like a track for the strip clubs. Everything is here to be a good track but its just once again the recording quality isnt very good and it sounds like the verses where recorded on the first or second try. The hook is well done and Str8-Lace's lyrics are good for this kind of song, its just that the delivery could be better and the recording quality could be alot better.
Touch That Leg with KC sounds like some down south club music and for the most part is done well. The rappers do a decent job on the mic and with the hook but once again the recording quality is lacking and this sounds like another stolen beat, as I hear the "THIS IS A SO AND SO PRODUCTION" at wierd parts during the song.
My Internet Song is one of the worst songs Ive heard in 2009 and is just horrible. I dont know if this song was recorded as a joke or for some Myspace women or what, but it just doesnt work at all.
Well We Gotta Go is the best track on the album and I cant hate, its a dope track! Good lyrics and str8-Lace does a good job with the rapping as he rides a chill beat very well. I think if Str8-Lace had a few more tracks like this on the album it would have been a bit better.
Overall Str8-Lace shows alot of potential on here, hes got a good flow at times and his lyrics are straight. But the recording quality is terrible on here and it seems like hes almost freestyling or doing his recording in one or two takes. If he can get someone behind him to guide him a bit and tell him to record a verse over again and to get him his own beats he would be alot better. Its jsut hard for me to take most of this album serious with the quality of the recording, the copyrigthted beats and the fact that alot of songs seem rushed.
People Hollarin, Well We Gotta Go and Make Me Say are the tracks Im feeling the most, but the rest of the tracks I probably wont ever listen to again and need ALOT of work. Str8-Lace has some catchy stuff and with some guidance and improvement in quality of the recording he could be alot better. Everyone has to start somewhere and everyone doesnt have tons of money to spend on studio time or beats, but you really do get what you put into music.
I look forward to hearing an album from Str8-Lace that has all original beats and that he takes his time with and has been recorded and mixed well. The talent is there (Make Me Say, People Hollarin and Alien Mode), but I just cant take some of these songs serious because of the recording quality and how it sounds like some of it was recorded in one take with little effort.
Also the copyrighted samples over some of the beats really take away from the songs, if it was a mixtape it would not be as big of a deal, but this album is suppose to be a retail album and it has copyright sounds on some of the beats, thats unacceptable. Also the "fake" features he has on this album are a lie and not really the way to go about things in my honest opinion.
I understand that people gotta hustle and get money, but you really do get what you put into it and if you settle for below average recording/mixing quality and rock stolen beats with copyrighted tags on em,it hurts. As I said above, the talent and skills seem to be there but the recording quality, fake features and stolen beats hurt this album alot.
SCORE = 3.5/10
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7
Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ - Call All Shots Vol.1
I must have been sleeping on this pointblank muzik movement, because this mixtape is straight slap. Im not gonna say this is the best mixtape of the year, but its extremely solid and something I will be bumpin for awhile.
Bay Thang is dope as fuck with a nice beat that Tre Mak and Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ rip apart. I have not heard of Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ before but he does the damn thang on this song and thru the whole mixtape.
Call All Shots (2 Tha Top) is my favorite track on the album and is Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ showing us the skills hes got as hes rocks this song solo and does a fantastic job. The production is also very good on this song and had my head
nodding the whole time. This song alone shows that world that Fo$$ could be a force in the future, hes got good lyrics, a great flow and some swag aswell.
Cant Get Ova is more laid back and features LT on the hook doing a good job. Its more of a laid back track but still adds to the overall flavor of this mixtape.
Tre Mak joins the party on Ohh Yeah, which is another enjoyable track that has a great hook and a slappin beat aswell. Yundee and Fo$$ also do a godo job on this track aswell, but its definatly Tre Mak that steals the show.
Shine On doesnt have the best beat but Steady, Fo$$ and Triple all do a great job spittin raps.
The Bay is more of some uptempo/hyphy shit but its also done very well. The rapping is on point for the whole track and is a little differnt then the rest of the types of tracks on the mixtape.
Westcoast is another banger and one of the best on the mixtape, as LT, Tre Mak and Fo$$ each attack the mic with that westcoast gangsta shit. The hook is also very good aswell and show LT's talent at rocking hooks.
I could have done without Bust Your Windows and On You, but the other 10 tracks are very enjoyable and serve as a nice introduction to Foss Tha Bo$$ and the Pointblack Crew.
Another thing is the recording quality is very good on all the songs except for one. Its almost 2010 and some rappers are still rocking what they call albums with piss poor recording quality, step ya game up and get some decent recording if you want to be taken serious. Its good to see even on a mixtape that Pointblank take the recording quality serious.
Do yourself a favor and check out this mixtape out. Fo$$, Tre Mak and Pointblank look to be a force in the future for this westcoast rap scene, keep an ear out for em.
I had not heard of Fo$$ before this and he really impressed me on this mixtape right here. Its put together nicely and there are alot of banging tracks on this shit. Looking forward to hearing more from Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ in the future.
SCORE = 7/10
I must have been sleeping on this pointblank muzik movement, because this mixtape is straight slap. Im not gonna say this is the best mixtape of the year, but its extremely solid and something I will be bumpin for awhile.
Bay Thang is dope as fuck with a nice beat that Tre Mak and Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ rip apart. I have not heard of Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ before but he does the damn thang on this song and thru the whole mixtape.
Call All Shots (2 Tha Top) is my favorite track on the album and is Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ showing us the skills hes got as hes rocks this song solo and does a fantastic job. The production is also very good on this song and had my head
nodding the whole time. This song alone shows that world that Fo$$ could be a force in the future, hes got good lyrics, a great flow and some swag aswell.
Cant Get Ova is more laid back and features LT on the hook doing a good job. Its more of a laid back track but still adds to the overall flavor of this mixtape.
Tre Mak joins the party on Ohh Yeah, which is another enjoyable track that has a great hook and a slappin beat aswell. Yundee and Fo$$ also do a godo job on this track aswell, but its definatly Tre Mak that steals the show.
Shine On doesnt have the best beat but Steady, Fo$$ and Triple all do a great job spittin raps.
The Bay is more of some uptempo/hyphy shit but its also done very well. The rapping is on point for the whole track and is a little differnt then the rest of the types of tracks on the mixtape.
Westcoast is another banger and one of the best on the mixtape, as LT, Tre Mak and Fo$$ each attack the mic with that westcoast gangsta shit. The hook is also very good aswell and show LT's talent at rocking hooks.
I could have done without Bust Your Windows and On You, but the other 10 tracks are very enjoyable and serve as a nice introduction to Foss Tha Bo$$ and the Pointblack Crew.
Another thing is the recording quality is very good on all the songs except for one. Its almost 2010 and some rappers are still rocking what they call albums with piss poor recording quality, step ya game up and get some decent recording if you want to be taken serious. Its good to see even on a mixtape that Pointblank take the recording quality serious.
Do yourself a favor and check out this mixtape out. Fo$$, Tre Mak and Pointblank look to be a force in the future for this westcoast rap scene, keep an ear out for em.
I had not heard of Fo$$ before this and he really impressed me on this mixtape right here. Its put together nicely and there are alot of banging tracks on this shit. Looking forward to hearing more from Fo$$ Tha Bo$$ in the future.
SCORE = 7/10
Props:
Th!zZ7-0-7