Get familiar with J.O.E.Y’s “Biggest Fan: Biggest Critic” record. We start things out slow with “G.M.T (All A Nigga Need).” In case you’re not in the know with the acronym, the song spells it out clearly; girl, money and team. When you’re young that seems to be all you need. That’s where this music is targeted at - those who are young and still learning the ways of the world. Stylistically “Dreams Money Can Buy” is great. The odd background noise in the music you hear slightly at the start and throughout pulls the curiosity out of you. Then we get to this chilled love track, “I Wanna Be You.” Vocally you’ll know it’s J.O.E.Y but musically it sounds like a different artist than the previous tracks. This only goes to show how eclectic this artist can be. His growth is throughout a record instead of a career. You have youthful hip hop intertwined with relaxed beats and then samples of pop tracks tossed in with “Deep” that samples the Adele hit. We pick things up as we roll on with “Rollin’” that steps it up energywise. The best though seems to be “Dreams.” The hook is stellar and comes through like perfection. If you’re into being in the know about artists about to pop off, check out J.O.E.Y and his record “Biggest Fan: Biggest Critic” ASAP. (https://www.audiomack.com/album/joey-2/biggest-fan-biggest-critic)
David Dennis’s “Allure” isn’t your typical hip hop venture. The “Intro” of the record plays like a preview for what’s to come and sounds like a quick clip you’d see on YouTube for for an album. It’s less of an intro and more of a preview. From that I wasn’t expecting what came from “Enticement.” I thought this would be a party rock record but instead this song was well composed and showcased a musical maturity. That same mentality flows right into “Elevated.” The lyrics are more sensual than realistic than the last though. That chill factor keeps on going as we glide into “Disbelief.” The best of “Allure” comes with “Isolation.” Which is kind of ironic when you think about it. If you’re into hip hop that doesn’t go overboard in the least, check out David Dennis’s “Allure,” out now and be prepared to sit, listen and be cool, calm and collected. (https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/david-dennis-allure-mixtape.107400.html)
MURDA 1’s “Lost Soul” is a record overflowing with hits and jams. We kick off this record with the intro and it’s framed with intimidation but then a freestyle comes through and it plays out wonderfully as it goes into something a bit more constructed with a beat. It’s not exactly the John Travolta classic but this “Face-Off” is well, better than that weird movie. Anyways the delivery here is what’s key. I like the pace at which MURDA 1 brings the words to the forefront. There are a lot of great guests on this record from Skoob & Redd on “No Other Way” to just Redd on “My Gang.” That one really gets to the point with repetition. Parents will like “Ask No Questions,” well parents into hip hop because they can relate to the title. You know you’re in for a treat with “Real Niggas Only” based upon the intro alone. It has this epic build up and doesn’t let down once it starts. If you’re a fan of artists like A$AP Rocky and Wiz Khalifa then you’re going to love MURDA 1. So check out “Lost Soul,” out now. (https://www.datpiff.com/MURDA-1-Lost-Soul-mixtape.644309.html)
Out in the windy city sits Kraine’s “Kraineland” and it’s ready to blow you away. We waste no time with this record and start off right with “Savage” right out the gate. It comes hard and sets the bar high for the rest of the record. The spirits are kept high with “Walkin with Da Money.” The Paperboy TPB hops on “She Lick We Lick” to give us a naughty ditty. While C-Rock helps out with “Stunting On These Hoes” and they bring the energy and keep it up nice and good. Kraine steps out on his own with “Touchdown” and it goes for the goal in the end. When you sum up this record “Kraineland” has a lot of good tracks but the stronger ones are when Kraine has his friends by his side. If you’re a fan of Chicago style hip hop, check out Kraine now. (https://soundcloud.com/krainemane)
Rabanales’ “Real Hip Hop” comes at you from Tennessee. The record kicks off with “Alpha Omega.” The most interesting part of this song is that old school record player feel it has. The background music makes it sound like it’s an album spinning on a record player from the prohibition era. “I Need You” also has this classic feel to it. Rabanales really knows how to pay homage to what came before him. The rhymes are great, but what is really great about this EP is that old school vibe. That stops though once we wrap up “Real Hip Hop” with “Collective Thoughts.” It’s like this journey through time and then he ends with the modern era with just a handful of songs. If you’re looking for a fresh new face in rap check out Rabanales’ “Real Hip Hop,” out now. (https://soundcloud.com/rabanales)
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)
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)
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/)
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)
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)
True Mula’s “With Success Come Envy” is a great hip hop mixtape that gets it right from point A to point B. “Stay Fly” comes across fresh and really has a good flow throughout. It can’t touch the start of “Find Away” though. That one captures your attention from the start with that chipmunk hook. That is the one to attach yourself to first when listening to this record; for sure. You can also be in tune with “There For You.” True Mula does a good job at making sure the feminine touch is audibly addicting. This is more of a slow jam and does a great job at keeping you interested from start to finish. I’ve never been to New York, but from what I do know about it, “New York” is a good representation of the Big Apple. It’s about chasing a dream there and is very energetic. That’s good for the city that never sleeps, right? True Mula is a true blue emcee that really engages listeners with great tactics, rhymes and beats. So if you want to get in touch with him before he blows up, check him and his mixtape “With Success Come Envy” out sooner than later. (https://www.datpiff.com/True-Mula-With-Success-Come-Envy-mixtape.631370.html)
Sparx “Ignition” is a record chalked full of power house beats, but also has a couple surprises up its sleeves. “These Days” featuring Socrateez sounds like something off a Linkin Park record. It’s got a hip hop feel mixed with a beat and rock vibe - great feel. Socrateez hops on a couple other tracks and lights it up with “Ignition” which starts slow and quickly explodes. Then you have “Ear Candy,” rightfully titled. Outside of the LP Sparx does his thing remixing hits like Tegan & Sara’s “Closer.” He gives it a definite club makeover. If you’re into beats that truly come alive and take shape, then you have to see the magic Sparx is working on and coming out with on his LP “Ignition” and beyond. (https://soundcloud.com/djsparx801)
