When you want things to start and never stop, dive into Shawty Wee’s latest mixtape, “Da Re-Up.” It comes at you fast with the first track, “Just Cooling.” There’s nothing chill about this track. It’s an intense look at the emcee’s start and what he’s all about today. Speaking about what he’s all about…”All Bout Money” is a throwback to when rap started to be about the Benjamins, but it has this modern sound to it. In “Dice Game” Shawty sets things up for a party vibe, but it actually remains a laid back trip through the end. Rolling into “My Dayz” we hear a maturation of the rhymes. It goes from the money and the streets to something with a little more substance. If you’re a fan of artists like Lil Wayne and Tyga, check out Shawty Wee’s latest, “Da Re-Up,” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/SHAWTY-WEE-Da-Re-up-mixtape.744956.html)
Kaper is back with a new track and it’s a good one. “B.I.B.L.E” is the name and it means, “basic instructions before leaving earth.” With that, you know that this is a song coming from a gospel background, but overall - this is full on hip hop. Actually, you could find it crossing over because it sounds like something you’d hear alongside T.I. on the radio. If you’re a fan of hip hop that comes from a deeper place than the rest, check out Kaper’s new one, “B.I.B.L.E,” out now. (https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kaper4)
When you read about a Christian rapper, you really don’t know what to expect and that was the case with Ga’briel. He’s got this aggression to him that makes you stand with your full attention to him. This is especially true with “Blessings Came Out.” It’s this dynamic track that takes you for a ride and is top notch. With “On My Own” he’s joined by Brittany Friday. On this one, the emcee doesn’t let up but the sound is soothed by the presence of his friend. That energy level is still high, ironically with “Fly High.” It’s clear that when it comes to Christian rap, things have changed from when it first emerged and it sounds more mainstream than anything, but has lyrics that make you think. Check out Ga’briel now if you’re into hearing some great music, from a talented emcee. Regardless of your beliefs, this is great stuff. (https://www.gabrielcartermusic.com/)
“Cookin Circles” is the latest from Franso Mafio. It starts with a hook and then gets into the emcee’s past. You really get a feel for where this rapper came up from and while it never pops off into this hype track, it remains solid in its sense of reality and that’s to be respected. His sound is reminiscent of those artists who come with more bark in their delivery like Ice Cube and Nate Dogg. If you have those guys n your music library already, then add Franso Mafio’s “Cookin Circles” into the mix too. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UQKmoh4p_A)
What appears to be a commercial for the HBO series “Hard Knocks,” Viz Dawg’s video for “Get Me The Ball” has a very masculine feel to it; men in very great shape on a football field, an energetic yet abrasive beat, and a hardcore sound. After realizing this isn’t an ad for a show, this is a pretty great song. I could hear this during any practice around the country, gym and even clubs. It reminds me a little of the Ying Yang twins minus the mainstream pop vibes they had at times. It’s more about the grit of that Atlanta sound. If you’re in the market for a song that pumps you up, check out “Get Me The Ball” by Viz Dawg, out now. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yL3bY3H35M)
Today we got Geez straight out of the city of Brotherly Love. With Luchini by his side on “I Want You,” we start off on a good foot. Sounding like something that Jason Derulo would put out, this mix of hip hop, R&B and a little pop for good measure is just what the musical doctor ordered. I could hear this on the radio right now. We change the page and come across a new side as “All My Niggas” shows a harder side of the artist. We find the middle ground in “Really Not Really.” It’s not as smooth as the first but not as rough as the last, but just right. When it comes to having everything in a row, lined up perfectly - Geez knows what he’s doing and has it all planned out right. He’s a young emcee who’s ready to show what he has to the world. So let him and check him out today! (https://soundcloud.com/2freakygeez)
Down in the Bluegrass state Fresco_letsgo is working hard to make his name a household one across the world. “Can’t Sleep” is an ironic one to start off with since the rain is falling hard outside my window and I could curl up into a ball, but alas I have this banging track playing and cannot. The beat sounds like something sort of industrial, but the lyrics are a little lost in between. With “Saint” we get a cleaner sound. “Shine” has a daunting vibe that sounds a little like the start of a horror movie involving ghosts. Then it never really picks up. When all’s said and done, Fresco_letsgo has gotten a great grasp on making beats, but needs to work on making the rhymes pop just as much. You can check out Kentucky’s own Fresco_letsgo now. (https://soundcloud.com/Fresco_story)
Matic is a rising emcee who has some tricks up his sleeve. “Come Shop Wit Me” featuring his boy Tec finds its hook in the title. Really though that’s where the song kind of falters. It’s catchy, but definitely would benefit from something a bit more. With “Whole Lotta Work,” I think he steps it up in terms of all around packaging. The beat is intriguing and not overdone in any manner. Last up, “Stoner” comes through and I think is really the icing on the cake. It has this unique sound to it and this is what I’d like to hear more of when it comes to this emcee’s sound. If you’re a fan of emerging hip hop artists who have a lot to offer, check out Matic today. (https://soundcloud.com/planetmatic)
Tony Casanova’s “T Up Like Me” has this mystery when it starts. You don’t know whether or not things are going to get crazy or not. When you listen more, it’s that anticipation - topped with the great pace at which Tony Casanova delivers - that really makes you like the track. This sounds like something that’s out and about right now on the radio. With acts like Kendrick Lamar and Fetty Wap, that’s where Tony Casanova belongs in the spectrum of hip hop right now. Check out his latest, “T Up Like Me,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/tonycasanova-1/t-up-like-me)
Chris Capalano is an emcee from the Windy City who has a sound that really shows off a supreme talent. We start this out with Chris and his bud Good with “Half A Brick.” Here we have a lot of energy right out of the gate. The intro alone of this song could get adrenaline pumping, and once the lines start to come out - that doesn’t change. As we move onto “Somebody Snitching” we get another great intro but this time it’s because this one is completely different from the last. Instead of this hype feel, we get a more sing-song, playground rhyme and then Chris Capalano comes through fresh. What’s to be appreciated about “Hands High” is that Miami nightlife feel the music brings to life. From the heat of Miami to the streets of urban America, we land in a “Sea of Doubt.” Here is the real icing on the cake of the whole lot. It has a great vibe all the way through and really showcases a true set of skills. If you want to hear more from this Chicago based rapper, check him out now. (https://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=606804)
You don’t hear too much rap from the North West, but Alex Xander AKA PAPI is going to change that. Let’s get started ironically with “The Wait.” When you see only a picture, you can never truly know what to expect when the music starts. I was surprised to hear Alex showcase some vocal abilities when it came to actually carrying a tune here instead of just spitting out rhymes. The boy can sing on top of rapping. In “Now You Know Pt. 2 (LEGEND)” we start off with some dramatics and then ease up for the rest of the show. We keep going on that easy road with “Rich Mahogany” while rounding things out with “MAIDS,” a track that showcases more of an attitude from the emcee. What I loved was when Alex Xander showed off something a little different with the vocals. He should put more of that into his music and he’ll continue to stand apart from the crowd. With that, here’s to watching his career grow in the New Year. (https://www.reverbnation.com/RealAlexXander?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav)
Courtney Chambers - Tales of the Aftermath
URL: https://www.courtneychambers.net/
Courtney Chambers is far from the stereotypical blonde haired California girl. This native of the Coachella Valley has released a stunning fourth album, Tales of the Aftermath, which marries impressive musical versatility with a poetic sensibility and smoky, impassioned vocals. The stylistic shifts move from a blues foundation into areas as diverse as neo-classical ballads, jangly folk rock experiments, and spare acoustic pieces. Chambers is a multi-instrumentalist, manning both piano and guitar on this release, but it isn’t a perfunctory role. Her playing, particularly on piano, is an important thread in the album’s sonic tapestry. Producer and second guitarist Sean Hoffman, known for his work with the American Music Club among many other projects, creates an evocative virtual stage for Chambers, himself, and the other players to occupy. A bevy of superb atmospheric qualities drive many of the songs, but listeners are fortunate that Chambers and Hoffman alike possess the artistic discernment to never overindulge and drive the songs into heavy-handed melodrama. There is a delicate, yet exquisite, balance between the assorted instruments that helps strength Tales of the Aftermath into a cohesive listening experience.
