2015/03 on Da Hip Hop Place

Mic. Carr: Cut The Jazz

Tue, 31 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Mic. Carr’s “Cut The Jazz” makes you think you’re in for one thing and then another pops off. “Give to Get” starts out smooth and then you’re welcomed by a very calm storm of hip hop that has a sense of refinement. With “Second to None” you’re introduced to more singing than rhyming right off the bat. Then vocals like Common come through and you’re taken under a musical spell with a sample of what sounds like “I Wanna Sex You Up.” A little R&B flare settles in nice with “Nothin’ Better” as Ronny Soprano does his thing with Mic. Carr on both “Somethin’” and “The Move.” Wrapping up this record is what appears to be the best, judging by the title, “MVP.” What’s great and what listeners should know about Mic. Carr is that his style comes across as a poet and not as some run of mill rapper like Lil’ Wayne. Mic. does his thing with a sense of class and it’s all on “Cut The Jazz,” out now. So check it if you’re into that neo-soul hip hop scene. (https://micmusic9.bandcamp.com/album/cut-the-jazz)

Spread the Al Luv

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Detroit’s known for a lot of things, but soon it’ll be known as the home of Al Luv. “Determined” gets the point across with repetition. If you want a song that’s easy to learn, this is it. Once all the determination sets in, things get more sing-song and the hip hop takes a break with the chorus. Moving on, “Get It Ready” takes the idea of the chorus of the last one and creates a whole song that’s in that style. It’s more mainstream hip hop in that it has a beat that’s more pop-like than street. We go more towards the street though with “G.M.S.” It has a harder feel than we’ve heard so far. It sounds like a song that would be a great listen on a summer day, outside on the porch. “From the Hood to the Hills” lets us continue on this path of harder sounds from Al. This one stands tall as it has a sense of reality in it lyrics. Going into “Dats Me!” we have a track that would get booties shaking on the floor with the hook alone. To close this one out, we’ll end with “Gotta Keep It Movin.’” It’s a great one to end our time with Al Luv because it’s not only a great track that sends positivity through you, but is also a reminder to keep on keeping on. With that, if you’re a fan of hip hop that can be both chill and street, check out Al Luv today. (https://soundcloud.com/al-luvv)

Tame the Staticthebeast

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Out in the Midwest Staticthebeast is doing his thing with hip hop and creating a style that can’t be beat. “For the Money” has a great hook and sounds more on the pop side. It has that Akon feel to it. In that it has a flow, but at the same time can be sung and is fun. That’s all in the hook though. The rhymes follow that beat but come across like a good ol’ fashioned emcee. With “Sex With Me” we hear a sensuality brought on by a guitar played slowly at the start. Then the lyrics kick in and kick things into gear. While the music continues to play sensually, the rhymes come fast. It’s a nice balance of nice and slow. It’s like imitating the lovemaking experience. If you like hip hop that intertwines with mainstream and R&B, check out Staticthebeast now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/staticthebeast4)

Bigg.T: “Something That I’m Missing"

Thu, 26 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Bigg.T’s “Something That I’m Missing” is a stellar song that could be on your next playlist for the rest of the year, and into the next. It starts with that baby voice element that is sometimes used. It acts as the hook as Bigg.T comes through with with laidback and well constructed lyrics that showcase a sense of maturity. What’s also great about them is that they’re realistic. It’s not about the traditional hip hop lifestyle of money, girls, and whatnot - but Bigg.T really relays about his life and you feel more connected to him as more than artist, but as a person. That connection makes you want to check out more and see what else he has up his sleeve. If you’re into artists like Kendrick Lamar, check out Bigg. T now. (https://janicebanks293.wix.com/upcominggeneration)

Dig the Variety of Zobe Records

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to a great label, you have to have a lot going on for people to be interested and to make a name for yourself. That’s the mission Zobe Records completes. Artists like Kenn Retro holds it down with his Chris Brown like ways in “Holding It Down” and the more hip hop “Do My Thing.” Then they also have the rapid fire Staccato who really doesn’t mess around when it comes to rhymes. He’s like a speed racer and someone who can’t be caught on the mic. Don’t be mistaken though, it’s not a boys’ club at Zobe. They have some great female artists on the roster like Kayisha and Liana who’s single “Sometimes I” is a sweet mixture of pop and R&B. If you’re a fan of well made music, check out what Zobe Records is putting out in the music sphere today. (https://www.zoberecords.com/)

Feast on So Deep Entertainment

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

So Deep Entertainment has a lot on their plate. With “One Accord” you get a great case of R&B. It has a sense of the sweet sounds of the ‘90s when this music went from “Soul Train” to the homes of everyone. “All I Need” also makes you feel nostalgic because the beginning sounds like the intro to a video cassette. That blaring is then hip hop comes blaring out in a way that would make you a fan in an instant. We go back to the soul with “Eyes of An Angel.” This one has a Gospel influence and beautiful harmonies everyone involved. So Deep Entertainment has a lot to offer music fans whether it be Pretti Boi Shon, Black Magic or just with the variety of genres. You can have a taste of R&B, rap and gospel all in one stop. So Deep if for music people who don’t like to feast on just one thing, but like a little bit of everything. (https://soundcloud.com/so-deep-entertainment)

The Sky's the Limit for Lanza

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Lanza does his best with what he has, and if he keeps it up will be one of tomorrow’s must-listen artists. “Soldier” has an eccentric style. When it starts it’s more like talking than the hip hop flow most are used to, but then it goes on and gets more traditional with a hook. With “Came a Long Way” we get a sample of what appears to be either a sermon or track from way back in the day. Here you hear more flow from Lanza and it really showcases what he can do better than where we started off. With Tool by his side on “Be With You,” we get more of a neo-soul infused track here. “Aiming for the Stars” starts with a fantastic ivory trickle and then when the lyrics come through it’s all about what he’s going to do and what he’s done to get where he wants to go. Lastly we take on the best decade with “90’s.” What would’ve made this one pop off more would be if it was done more with a ‘90s beat or if the lyrics paid homage to those ten years a bit more. All in all Lanza is a young emcee who still has a ways to go, but definitely has a strong platform to spring off of. He’ll be as asset to hip hop soon. (https://soundcloud.com/lancepuesey)

All the Sides of Tae Zu

Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Tae Zu knows his way around a beat and that’s the truth. “Two Sides of One Half” comes across as confident. He is a man who knows his way around a rhyme and this showcases that to a tee. With “Troubled Scars” we start off soft with what appears to sound like a classical musical. The piano guides you into something that comes off as serene, and then Tae Zu comes in, but not hard. The beat has a light feel to it. Then with “Who Do You” things take a turn down R&B avenue. We’re back on the hip hop trail with “Point’em Out.” This one really sets the tone for someone who knows the facts of the craft and can do it justice. It has the strongest delivery as well. Closing this one out is “Slicker Guy.” Here Tae Zu gives us his all with a cool beat. He spits the lyrics out in a way that’s easy to follow but dosed in swag. If you’re a fan of artists like Nas, check out Tae Zu today. (https://soundcloud.com/ffep/sets/the-world-of-tae-zu)

Erie's Own Dommy

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Dommy has his head in the game and it’s clear that he’s going places. First one out the gate features Hubbs and together the go bold with “Bland.” It really sets the tone for what Dommy is capable as an artist. He puts himself out there and lays out what he’s all about. He continues to put on the table what he’s about and why he’s in the game with “Ambition.” It’s lyrical content is telling while its beat is sickening. With “Pro’s And Cons” we have a bit of icing for this hip hop filled cake. The hook has more edge than a lot of tracks out there and really does the trick. We get a need for speed with “Realization.” Here Dommy spits the rhymes fast and in a frenzy, but it’s still audible. We hit the street in a cool way with “Bi-Polar.” It has a more raw feel than the rest, while still maintaining a sense of cool. Being from Erie, Pennsylvania he should try and hook up with another emcee from that area - I$O Jyn. With that, we’ll sign off so you can sign on and check out Dommy. (https://soundcloud.com/dommy-doo)

Prepare for Lyrical Manslaughter with I$O Jyn

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Coming straight at you from the big PA, I$O Jyn sounds as New York as they can be. “Lyrical Manslaughter” has this very New York, Jay Z - big sound. It sounds like the video would feature the bright lights of the Big Apple. You can envision that in an instant. Plus, the rhymes flow so naturally, you can’t help but dig in and enjoy. We really started on a high point so heading on from here we’ll see if we can hit that peak position again. “LU BU” comes stronger than the last with rapid lyrics but it’s not the grand finale like the latter. “HopOff” comes across as pure intimidation. With “Suave So Kleen” it sounds like something out of a movie at first. The setup has a lot of drama. Then when things get started it doesn’t pop off like one would expect, but stays subtle. When you boils things down where were started is where the star of I$O Jyn’s tracks sits. It’s rare to hear a song like that from a indie emcee but it’s up there with the big dogs in terms of production, lyrics and overall presentation. If you want a master of his craft, check out I$O Jyn now. (https://soundcloud.com/isojyn)

Face the Facts with Johnny Bones

Wed, 18 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Johnny Bones is a skilled emcee who can do his thing as well as flip the script on some remixes. “Face Down” is the North Star of this rapper’s journey. It’s the point of interest that all his listeners will head towards. It’s well-rounded in the fact that it has a great beat, a steady flow, and sick rhymes. With “Relations” things are turned down a bit but it’s a smooth, and cool song that grabs your attention with its attention to detail. Then we get hype again in the delivery department with “Turn Up.” Johnny Bones comes at you with rapid fire lyrics. When it comes to what’s radio ready, you wouldn’t hear “Get Smoked” on your local dial any time soon just because of the explicit wording, but cleaned up it could be a weekly smash on the FM waves. Today there isn’t anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with Coco, but with Bones’ remix, he’s sure to get anyone who has yet to be engulfed in this track. He also has a sweet remix of “Yayo” that’s worth checking out as well. Whether he’s doing originals or remixing, one thing’s for sure - Johnny Bones has got the skills mastered, so stop wasting anymore time and check him out now. (https://www.youtube.com/user/cityboibones/videos)

A Fresh Start with Deezy Fresh

Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Deezy Fresh is an emcee who does things his way or no way at all. “On Shight” has a great beat but when it comes to the delivery, it could be a bit stronger. It’s a bit all over the place. With “Boo Thang” things are slowed down at the start and it’s far from a love song between people. It’s for those who aren’t ready to be tied down by love, but are all about that baller life. When it comes to “Bob Marley,” it would’ve been expected to hear a reggae beat, so it was surprising when that’s not what came out when “play” was pressed. At this point in the listening experience with Deezy Fresh, “Real Nigga” is one of the best. It’s slow paced but it seems to be the best representation of what he’s all about as an artist. With that said, “Packman” is pretty great too. It’s like a chilled version of Childish Gambino. If you’re a fan of hip hop that plays by its own rules, check out Deezy Fresh today. (https://soundcloud.com/abcfresh)

L.A. Davis Everything Changed

Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

L.A. Davis Everything Changed

REVERBNATION: https://www.reverbnation.com/ladavis

Though the days of smoked filled cocktail bars have been ushered out at insistence of modernity, L.A Davis is a welcome and promising vocalist in the tradition of smoky vocalists like Justin Timberlake, James Morrison, Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé. It’s easy to picture this London East Ender one a six-inch riser stage in a crowded club; small, but with a lively dance floor.

Whereas modern cocktail-bar singers cut their words into clipped syllables, L.A Davis relishes and leans into his hazy vocals. At times, throwing his whole self into the music is the only choice Davis has in order to contend with the operatic stylings of his backup vocals and full-bodied sound. No toes are stepped on, and the coordination between saxophones, acoustic guitars, piano, and synth beats is a narrowly avoided disaster. Most beautiful orchestrations are a mere beat away from catastrophe, and though L.A Davis dances that razor’s edge, the band comes out on top with a flourish.

Marc Makes His Mark

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Marc is all about the money and representing his home base in his slick hip hop tricks. When it comes to money, who wouldn’t want more? Well “Currency Affair” is all about that idea. While it’s a great song - it won’t magically make money appear if your pockets, but it will leave you musically satisfied because it’s got a sick hook and keeps your mind ironically off the dough. With “She Say” we get another great beat, one that really sounds video game-like. It is very light and has a tone that makes you want to move like you’re on the beaches of Miami. Which makes perfect sense because that’s where Marc calls home. Whether you’re in the market for musical money or want to hit the dance floor, this Florida artist is where it’s at. So check out Marc today. (https://soundcloud.com/305_marc)

From the Ill Streets, Enoch Maddox

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

We’re not sure where Illstreet is in the US, but that’s where Enoch Maddox likes to say he hails from. So sit back and relax, but not too much because this young emcee knows how to take the wheel and go for it. “Life is Like a Freestyle” has a really cool beat to it. It’s not overdone to the point that you’d grow bored of it. It’s very cut and dry, to the point. But that’s what makes it great, that raw appeal of it. With “Urban Cowboy Stories” you get more of a story that captures you and holds tight. The music does nothing more than help that tale glide from his lips to your ears. He gets a little more assertive with “The Imagination of the Invisible Man.” Then he lightens up as we head into “R.I.P. 2014.” Here we don’t get low key or assertive, but a song that could be on the radio yesterday. It’s great in terms of lyrical content and beat. If you’re a fan of artists like Kendrick Lamar, check out Enoch Maddox today. (https://soundcloud.com/celestial87)

Hip Hop Matures with KidDr1ft

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Who knew Minnesota had a hip hop scene? Not many, but KidDr1ft is doing what he can to change that. “All In My Head” isn’t what I expected. I thought, this looks like a young kid who’ll act a bit immature in his rhymes. Proven wrong, what came out of this track was a well composed man - not a boy at all. With “Hard to Tell” it got a little too repetitive and wasn’t the best of the bunch. The beat was good but the lyrics fell by the wayside. We come back though with “One Wish.” It’s not the most hype song and not one you’d put on to get a party going - but it has a composure that makes you want to just chill to it with your boys. KidDr1ft also hops on some tracks with his boy Ladell Parks. “Goodbye” takes you for a serious ride with a story at hand while “I Changed” has more of a dramatic feel. If you like hip hop that keeps it mature and classy, check out KidDr1ft now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/kiddr1ft)

Gordy Walbangar Live!

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

If you want a show that’s packed full of energy, check out Gordy Walbangar. He puts on a show that could be likened to both LMFAO in that it’s all about having a good time, but also hip hoppers like Tyga who bust out those serious rhymes. His stage presence represents someone who already thinks he’s a star so the confidence is there and it very well should be. He’s a professional with the mic and knows his way around it. In just a short amount of time he’s able to make you want more and want it now. If you like hip hop that’s genuine and fun, check out Gordy Walbangar today. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sUmcUeYxOs)

Midwest's Best, Saj Jones

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Hip hop isn’t all about the fast paced lifestyle and Saj Jones is here to prove just that. “Live It Up” starts off with a futuristic tone and overall could be likened to what Drake’s putting out - that smooth rap. That continues as we head down that path with “The Road.” It’s very low key and doesn’t overdo it with the delivery or the beat. It’s all laid out very calmly. Kid Da Great pops up to help out with “Think of You.” With this one we don’t overdo it but Kid does bring more of a Lil Wayne vibe to the table. It’s clear that nothing is ever going to pop off with this guy, but stay a chilled listening session, even when out and about with “Tour Life.” I spoke too soon…”Some how’ somehow managed to surprise me. It was what Saj and listeners needed. It was hyper than the rest and showed a much needed side of this emcee. While the ride with this Zion based rapper is relaxed for the most part - he proves he can play ball fast every once in awhile if you stay tuned. Check Saj Jones, one of the best from the midwest, now. (https://www.reverbnation.com/SAJJONES)

The One, The Don

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The Don knows his way around the rhymes. “Why We Trap” starts and comes off as a surprise. The face doesn’t match what we hear. I was expecting a youthful sound, instead came a man. After knowing we were not dealing with some young buck, at least vocally, it was easier to concentrate and that’s great because “3 Heat.” It sounds a little like what you’d hear from Gorillaz. Which was another unexpected thing, but only at certain parts. Moving on to “Music Made Me,” this is the song that almost every rapper has to do - that one about where they came from or how they came to be. It’s a hip hop necessity. As far as beats go and delivery, “Cradle to Grave” was one of the best. It had a beat that made you want to learn and sing along as soon as possible. Not so much in a pop way, but in a challenge yourself way - like when you want to learn an Outkast song, only The Don doesn’t come at you with those fast as heck Andre 3000 rhymes. Final one up is “World of Change.” Here you have a strong finish. This and “Cradle to Grave” are the money shots of The Don’s game. If you are ready, check him out fast. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtDEsjo78KGC5jqkLuADtOQ/videos)