2014/10 on Da Hip Hop Place

Bio Organic Weaponry: Bio Organic Weaponry vol. 1

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Bio Organic Weaponry sounds like it’d be this industrial rock band that’d tour with either Marilyn Manson or Nine Inch Nails, but nope - that’s not the case. It’s a hip hop group that comes hard with their album “Bio Organic Weaponry vol. 1.” They open the record with “Liquor & Death” and it’s not hard to hear each individual in the group. Sometimes with ensembles it is hard to identify who’s who but not here. Masta Ace hops on “Subconscious Theatre” and I love this one just because of the cool cat jazz-like intro. It was unexpected and that’s always a good thing that’s appreciated. What I heard hear is that Bio Organic Weaponry kind of reminds me of House of Pain. Speaking of unexpected, “The Escape Plan” has a Reggae feel to it and stands out above the rest when it comes through. They group is joined by Khase and Big Tone for “Pyramid” and it is nothing more or less than a grand slow jam. Fitting for Halloween we have “Eulogy of a Dead Memory.” I really like the lyrics of this one and the beat makes this one easy to follow and really take in. Big Tone’s back on “All Seeing Steez” and instantly you can hear the sample they’re using and if you don’t recognize it, please refer to your ’90s catalogue and study. You can’t hate any song that pays respect to the great TLC. Another homage they did? Um, “Betty White.” This may be the first time the Golden Girl may have been mentioned in hip hop and it’s awesome. If you’re into hip hop that sounds street but has some surprises, check out Bio Organic Weaponry’s “Bio Organic Weaponry vol. 1,” out now. (https://suncycle360.bandcamp.com/album/bio-organic-weaponry-vol-1)

Both Sides with U.S.G.

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

U.S.G. is doing it up and bringing both sides to the table. “Neva Fold” features the likes of Phoenix, Swan Gody, Mega and T.W.O. What it is all about is never folding and giving up. It’s a good positive message set to a beat that sounds very hard but really it’s an enlightening song that could bring a sense of understanding to someone feeling low. We get into what really makes U.S.G. pop though when we roll up on “Spills I Wanna Rock.” We hear how fast his can come at you. He wastes no time and has a very interesting choice of an intro when it comes to “Let The Show Begin.” You just never know how a hip hop song is going to unfold but it’s always a pleasant surprise when you start to peel back the paper and get a song like this and ones like “Rain on Em” and “Line Em Up.” 2Shot produced “We Ain’t All Perfect Papers” and Scrills hops on to help out his boy U.S.G. This one had more of a realistic tone and tells a telling story. It’s eye opening to the real struggles people face. That’s really the hip hop that’s always the most interesting to hear. Currently though you can hear U.S.G. promoting two singles that are bound to take hip hop over. “That 30” sounds a little like a more audible Pitbull when it starts and the other is repping where U.S.G. calls home, “Bklyn Finest.” With Swan Gody, Mr. Spills, T.W.O., Yung Mega, Papers and YP you can be for sure that this one is hard to dismiss. It comes across like a modern day Wu Tang joint. If you’re a fan of both the fun and the seriousness of hip hop, check out U.S.G. today. (https://www.officialusg.com/)

MTV Featured Artist: Eliot Ness

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Eliot Ness has a lot of friends in high places but can do his own thing when put to the test. “Cadillac” featuring NIQ and Paul Wall comes across as a good joint to get behind. It has a good Cash Money sounding flow to it. Then you have Scotty Boi, T. Berry and DJ Sky High lending a helping hand to “Money Calls.” I like this one. It has a subtle freshness to it. With so many emcees on one track, it could sound overcrowded, but it doesn’t. It’s well balanced like a healthy meal. “We On” kind of follows the same formula as the last while “I’m Me” lets Eliot Ness shine on his own. No featured artists, just him and he does a good job without anyone else but it is nice to have friends around, right? “Boss” has a more R&B feel than anything else and it’s a nice break in between all the hip hop. It showcases another side of him as an artist and it shows that he can tackle whatever you toss at him while still spitting rhymes. If there was a new rapper to check out today, it’d be Eliot Ness. Do yourself a favor and take him on today. (https://www.mtv.com/artists/eliot-ness/)

True Times with Tru Def

Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Tru Def is a young emcee who sounds like he’s been doing this since ‘93. When Tru Def hit up RAW in Dallas he not only demanded attention from the crowd, but took it with an explosive performance. That’s something to respect from a hip hop artist. The one’s that can go onstage solo and take control, that’s impressive and respectable. Then when you get to his music offstage, he still commands that attention. Songs like “King Of The Hill” regulates and really captures you with a simplicity. He really likes the idea of royalty as we get into “King.” This one has a great hook in it that you can hear throughout. It kind of is this omnipresent feature. “Another One” kind of passes you by but then “Bout Dat Life” pulls you back in with it’s hard hitting pace. We go from that hard hitting track to one that scales it down a bit, “Do Me.” It’s definitely one of those songs that will get stuck in your head because it’s easy and very memorable. Kelton Blackshare hops on “The World Is Ours” and together they create an instant hit. It had this understated energy that comes through in a way that makes this one an undeniable one. If you’re a fan of Drake and TI, check out Tru Def today. (https://www.trusocietymusic.com/)

Official G.A.R.: Mr. Altamirano

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Official G.A.R. has a lot to offer but we’re going to focus on his record “Mr. Altamirano.” “Run This City” breaks down what it takes to have a firm grasp on your city. It comes at you with a rapid fire delivery at times but there is a fair balance. I like how “Versace Control” grabs your attention in the intro and then how it comes to a halt and transforms into a song that sounds anew. It was hard to get into “In The Cut” because the beat just wasn’t as attention holding as some of the others. The lyrics were tight but the beat, no so much. I’d like to hear this spit out freestyle. With “Thomas Aquinas” you get a little experimental side from Official G.A.R. It sounds weird and out of character, ironically enough it sounds like he is playing someone else. Stepping away from that we got “3AM In Dallas.” This track takes us back to why we like this emcee. It has a fast approach and comes across as fresh. If you need some new hip hop in your collection, check out Official G.A.R.’s “Mr. .Altamirano,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/official_gar)

Pace Yourself for Dubbstyle

Sat, 25 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Dubbstyle comes at you from College Station and does it so at his own pace. “Take a Chance” kicks things off for us nice and slow. The flow is not over the top and it actually sounds like it could be a R&B track due to the music but you can hear that hip hop flow just fine in the delivery. This style seems to just be how Dubbstyle rolls because you get the same thing more or less with “Life on Hold.” Although it sounds similar, the story is different than the last. I do like that we got something a with a little more energy with “Thugs Repent” but it wasn’t too much. He keeps true to who he is while switching it up just a bit. But then we get to “Do It 2 ‘Em” and here something out of the ordinary we’ve come to know as Dubbstyle. This one is more aggressive and in your face than the others. The same can be said of “Smash on Em.” Then we head out on “Fadin.’” This song takes us back to the point where we started; chilled hip hop. In the end I have to say that I like when he keeps things relaxed. It helps you really hear the lyrics and take them in. If you’re a fan of rappers who know how to really tell a story, check out Dubbstyle today. (https://soundcloud.com/dubbstyle)

Hood Ninjas: “Infinite Sphere”

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Hood Ninjas’ “Infinite Sphere” is a great collection of artists showcasing a particular skill and bringing that to the forefront to create a captivating hip hop track. It’s a story of where they came from and it’s one worth telling. I must admit the imagery of the video is a bit intimidating but it only helps fuel the fire behind the lyrics and makes for an all-around good time. The style is very cool, calm and collected but it has a great impact. I’m not sure what hood the Hood Ninjas represent but their style reminds of me of the chilled feel of the west coast seen. If that’s what you’re into, check out “Infinite Sphere” from Hood Ninjas. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEMfmnZwXe8&index=1&list=PL799664EA3884AAA5)

Brokenglazz: Ear Candy

Sat, 11 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Brokenglazz’s “Ear Candy” is smooth and sweet rap music. So you have a song called “My Chickens.” This raises eyebrows and you can do nothing but dive in with an open mind. It’s like hip hop took a drive with sensual beat. That sentiment continues on with “Somebody Prey.” Brokenglazz is all about the rhymes but it’s clear that sexy time is on the table and mind as well with these tracks. Again, the delivery and tone just scream sensuality. Why? Well Brokenglazz doesn’t rely on super street beats but rather a more sophisticated sound in songs like “Honey Pot” and “Hater.” Rounding out the record Brokenglazz gets a little dirty with “U Nasty.” It has that sexuality but in a more abrupt and in your face sort of way. Finally “Marias Hot” caps off the record with a little Latin flare but not too much with a very catchy chorus. If you like your hip hop with a side of sex then check out Brokenglazz’s “Ear Candy,” available now. ((https://www.brokenglazz.webs.com/)

L.X.G.'s a Non-Stop Pro

Sat, 11 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

L.X.G. is all about letting you know what’s what and does it in a professional manner. “Re Up” featuring Bluntz is a very raw track. It sounds like one of those songs that came to mind and was instantly scribbled down and was born to be a stand out for the artist. It’s so full of life that you can’t help but like it. L.X.G. gets a little more constructed with “Creative Minds.” This one slows it down a bit from the last in the verses at first but then the beat speeds up and so does his delivery a bit. In the mix and at the end of our time together we’re getting to know a little more about L.X.G. by presenting his well, you know. “This My Shit” has a repetitive nature and isn’t about getting some deep message across but rather getting stuck in listeners’ heads on a loop. It’s like that Wiz Khalifa song that just said black and yellow for four minutes straight - and that was a hit, right? That method isn’t broke, it works. So let’s see if you like artists in the hip hop game that come across put together and aren’t wasting your time, check out L.X.G. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlSAyTy4J9WfvaEFg41HZA/videos)

V12 Gets Nasty

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

V12 comes at you from the streets of Raleigh. “T.N.O.” translates to “trust no one” and it’s a message that’s not delivered loud and clear but rather in a way that plays it kind of low key. The atmosphere changes a lot with “Drop.” The last song has this dark feel to it, while this one sounds like a life of the party and it is. It sounds like V12 is trying to start a movement, well some sort of dance move with it. Attitude comes back in full force with the intimidation of “What Dey Say.” The lyrics in the verse have anger to them, but the chorus is more sing-song in nature. One of the best coming from V12 is “Lil Mama Bad.” Why? Well this joint has what makes a hip hop track stand out - good beat, catchy feel and it makes you bounce. Another mom centric song is “Yeah Mama” and it could do without the crying at the start. Ending on a different note, we have “Streets Nasty.” It’s definitely not one you’d want your mama to hear, but you and your boys? You can be sure you’ll be singing along to this one together. If you’re into hip hop that has a lot of fire behind it, check out V12. (https://soundcloud.com/yung-12-1)

RandiVision Claims Greatness

Thu, 09 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

It does not matter who stepped onto the court before or who has after, there will never be someone as significant in the sport of basketball as Michael Jordan. From his shots to his shoes, the hip hop community has really taking a liking to him over the years and RandiVision is no different. That is why it is not surprising that he made a song about the greatest player of all time called “MJ23.” Well it’s not about him, but more a comparison to the basketball player. When you view yourself as the top dog - who else is there to compare yourself to? Exactly. As for the song, the beat is good but it’s the delivery of the lyrics that really send this one home. That’s not all this emcee has up his sleeve though. The real root of what makes this artist stand out sits within the rest. “Quantum” has this interesting element that makes it memorable. It doesn’t do it the whole time, but when RandiVision goes up at the end of each line at the end of one of the earlier verses, it makes an impression that’s lasting. What is good about “Comput3d” is that it’s slow enough that those who aren’t quick with their tongue can rap along. “Purple Cloudz” isn’t the strongest of the batch. This one fell a little flat to what came before it. Keeping with the colorful titles, we’ll wrap this up with “Blue Dolpinz.” This is a great note to end on. It’s got a pace that is radio ready and sounds like something Drake would push out. If you’re into Top 40 hip hop, check out RandiVision. (https://www.randivision.com/home) (https://www.randivision.com/)

Dope District is Well, Dope

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Dope District is an emcee from Columbia who does it his way. “Camera On Me” has a chill beat and is really for those who crave the spotlight. Rolling into “Gold Moulf Athem” you get another track that doesn’t come too hard. “Trap Story” has a great story to it - which is not surprising thanks to the title but we still have to point out that storytelling element that comes across strong with this one. “Club Bangers” steps it up a bit in the energy department but not by much. What’s great about Dope District is that he delivers a consistent vibe with his music. If you like chilled out hip hop, check him out now. (https://soundcloud.com/jamir-keitt)

Durt Road Camp: Welcome 2 Da South

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Durt Road Camp’s “Welcome 2 Da South” mixtape is jammed packed of fierce beats and sensitive moments. “100 Barz Or Beta” is a great song based mainly on the beat. I love that it sounds like some AC song intertwined with hip hop. What isn’t that great is that is clocks in at almost six minutes. It definitely needs a radio edit. When you finally get to “You Ain’t Gon Stop This” you have another great beat and a very ferocious delivery from Durt Road Camp. Okay, so if you thought “Lion King” was an ode to the highly successful Disney movie, it’s not. Although that’s the reality of the situation, it comes at you as fierce as the king of the jungle. “He Telling You” calms things down with a spurt of R&B tossed into the mix. Let’s end on a sassy and sexy note though. “Fuck Me Good” is one of those songs that you instantly want to learn all the words to and declare as your own. It’s a little dirty but fun. If you like southern style hip hop, check out Durt Road Camp’s “Welcome 2 Da South,” available now. (https://www.datpiff.com/Durt-Road-Camp-Welcome-2-Da-South-mixtape.646951.html)

Sam Phresh, The Safe Bet

Wed, 08 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Sam Phresh is an emcee who plays it safe. “Buy The World” is a cool and calm beat that really soothes. Then you have “Hatin” comes slow while “Reckless Pt. 2” picks it up but still has this cool demeanor. I like that Phresh never over does it. Finally Sam Phresh gets a little more push with “Beware” but still doesn’t go hard as some emcees. If you like hip hop that plays it chill and real, check out Sam Phresh today. (https://soundcloud.com/samphresh)

Phade: "Flashin'"

Tue, 07 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Phade is an emcee from Brockton, Massachusetts with a new joint for the taking. This New England rapper has teamed up with Olay for “Flashin.’” This track starts out strong and follows a simple flow the whole way through. It never really goes overboard at any point. It’s a song that you can definitely get into within one listen. If you like hip hop that’s got a little swag but definitely has that radio quality, check out “Flashin’” by Phade featuring Olay. (https://www.audiomack.com/artist/phadebeatz)

Lady Queet: No Makeup

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Lady Queet’s “No Makeup” mixtape is chalked full of hype tracks. “New Money” is a great way to start out the mixtape. It really sets the tone for the rest of it - one that’s lined with fine things. Then we get to “Stop Hatin” and the beat seems the same as before. It’s a very energetic time with Lady Queet. “Do It For Da Camera” lays it out of why this emcee does her thing - for the camera. This one has a good beat but it’s not as strong as the previous. “B.L.B. (Body Like Buffy)” sounds like one of those songs that catch on like a cold and you can’t shake it. We’re going to round this out with that and leave you with the notion that if you’re looking for a female emcee who does her thing on her own then Lady Queet is the one you’ve been on the hunt for. So get in tune and check her out now. (https://indy.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/18353/lady_queet_no_make_up.html)

I am C4 Gets Familiar

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

I am C4 comes at you with a familiar sound from St. Petersburg. “Over Here” started off like something from Lil Wayne. He’s got that same style and sound and fans of Cash Money will definitely like this one’s flow. With “I’m the Truth” things get picked up and it comes at you like a radio hit from the likes of TI. I’m not sure what “ODMFW” means but I can tell you that this chill track shouts out Martin Lawrence and does its job at making you stand up and listen. It has a more serious tone as well. In “Zone” you have a mid-tempo track that relies on a hook. Wrapping things up is a beautiful intro in “Way Too Gone” and an eerie feeling with “My City.” All in all you’ll definitely want to check out all the paces this emcee can run and you better keep up. So check out I am C4 today. (https://soundcloud.com/i-am-c4-1)

Pretty Blaxx Works it Out Right

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Pretty Blaxx starts one way but then flips the script and does it up. “Put Your Hands Up” starts out cool and then when he comes in it sounds a little manic but at the same time composed. The vocals remind me a little of Eminem in “Stan” while the music is demure. We go a completely different route with “Move to the Dance Floor.” It’s a club anthem in the making. Definitely a different side of the artist shines here. With “If You Love It” we keep up that energy and things don’t stop. “Get It Lit” sounds like a fun time and it is. So it appears that first track was just a base to hop off and the rest of Pretty Blaxx’s music is definitely geared towards those who like their hip hop hype. If that’s you, check out Pretty Blaxx now. (https://soundcloud.com/pretty-blaxx)

TheWorldInKaos Gets Chaotic

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

TheWorldInKaos is an emcee who has a lot of backbone. “Can’t Tell” is a song for young people because it’s really how that mentality is. It doesn’t matter what someone says, you can’t tell them anything. It’s a great theme for a young demographic. With “Too Far” he goes the distance with a sick delivery style. That continues with “Still.” Then the beat and tone changes with “Yeah2.” The intro has this R&B feel but TheWorldInKaos is still hitting you with the rhymes, only they’re a less aggressive than the previous tracks. It’s a nice break, but you can’t but love that attitude he gives and that’s why it’s good to end with “I Gaurantee” for that. If you like hip hop that comes at you as hard as the streets, check out TheWorldInKaos now. (https://www.hulkshare.com/theworldinkaos)