fans of underground rap?

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I haven't heard too much of LA Symphony but Pigeon John's singing albums are horrible.

I like the song "Pops Song" by LA Symphony...

check it out... (P.J. left the group at this point tho)...

http://www.mediafire.com/?1jvy32qhq4h

[wwharton]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Man, I've been listening to more Black Star (already love Kweli), and Common. This ****s incredible! Mos Def may be one of the best lyricists out.

No question in my mind on this one. I actually thought that was a given but probably should account for different things getting more love in different areas. Honestly, I like Talib's message and he definitely has some (a lot) of hot tracks but I don't think he holds a candle to Mos Def. One of the best collections I've found is his 4 disc box set We Are Hip Hop, Me, You, Everybody.

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

No question in my mind on this one. I actually thought that was a given but probably should account for different things getting more love in different areas. Honestly, I like Talib's message and he definitely has some (a lot) of hot tracks but I don't think he holds a candle to Mos Def. One of the best collections I've found is his 4 disc box set We Are Hip Hop, Me, You, Everybody.

I think Talib is overrated, especially by people who don't really listen to rap but always bring him up when they talk about people who aren't in the mainstream.

The We Are Hip Hop collection is nice, I don't remember when or where I got it from but there are some great songs on there.

[Brandwin]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Anyone listen to this yet?

[Nivek]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Anyone listen to this yet?

Nope, any good?

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Anyone listen to this yet?

I've listened to a couple songs.

[Nivek]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I've listened to a couple songs.

PM

[Brandwin]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I went ahead and bought it off of iTunes. The music is smooth as hell (of course though, it's Nicolay) the lyrics could be better, but I am enjoying it. I haven't really got to listen though.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: fans of underground rap?

It's getting pimped out by Myspace hardcore. I gave a few tracks a gander.. nothing blew me away. But I'll attain the album eventually.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: Nicolay & Kay
Album: Time:Line
Producers: Nicolay
Release Date: February 12th, 2008

The beats are easy-going on the joint "Time:Line" brought to you by Foreign Exchange's Nicolay and rookie-underground rapper Kay. Similar to other works by Nicolay, this album is a few blemishes from being dope material. Still, the crossovers from track to track are seamless and help the album flow fluidly. My favorite string of tracks is "Through the Wind" to "What We Live". Both beats are two of the strongest on the entire track-listing, and Kay raps with more conviction than any other track.

I escaped listening to the album without having to delete much, as most of the tracks were pretty solid, but the album lacks a true banger. None of the features are potent enough to memorize, and all-in-all, Kay is just a rookie that nobody has really heard of yet. That being said, the B this album earned is impressive, and y'all should try to pick this up and check it out. Kay sounds average because he doesn't have a unique approach, but he does this rap thing well. Nothing is awkward.

• Grade:
  • 86% (B)
• Song to Download:
  • "When You Die"

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: Akrobatik
Album: Absolute Value
Produced By: Da Beatminerz; Hezekiah; Illmind; J Dilla; J-Zone; Therapy; Tzarizm; 9th Wonder
Release Date: February 15th, 2008

Akrobatik is superb at making hooks and that stems from his days with The Perceptionists (he's still apart of that). Every element of their big hit album "Black Dialogue" is reinvented on this solo album from Ak-B. Including producers like Illmind, Da Beatminerz, or the late-great J Dilla certainly helps launch any album to new heights, and getting a track (from 2008 nonetheless) to feature Little Brother over a 9th Wonder beat should be cherished every time it happens, because it ends up being amazing.

"...People taggin' along, to each and every song, it's dumb enough to get the people all on they feet / ain't nothin wrong with dancin, but we ain't takin chances, now black radio soundin' like Sesame Street..."

- Phonte on "Be Prepared"

The album suffers the same fate that Talib Kweli's "Ear Drum" did. From the first track to the tenth, it's pretty flawless, but the concluding four tracks are pretty crappy, even with an Illmind produced track within the interval. It's up to you to get this cd, or to not get this cd, but I would lean towards getting it especially if you're a fan of conscious hip-hop. Better be prepared!

• Grade:
  • 84% (B)
• Song to Download:
  • "Front Steps Pt. II (Tough Love)"
  • Produced by:
    • Tzarizm

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: Chaundon
Album: Carnage
Produced By: Analogic; Foolery; Illmind; Khrysis; 9th Wonder
Release Date: February 14th, 2008

"Carnage" has been long-awaited by all the fans of the Bronx native Chaundon, and it's finally out. Chaundon's smash-mouth style sets him apart from his Hall of Justus brethren, but the NY HOJ lineup of Sky, Chaundon, and Torae has proven to be lethal in the last few months and especially in 2008.

Just as expected, 9th Wonder and Khrysis make appearances, as does Illmind and Analogic. The mix of hard-rap and soul-filled hip-hop creates the perfect balance needed to put this album over the top. "Don't Take It Personal" is one of the, if not THE best song of the year so far. Chaundon brings an emotional storm of lyrics over the already-intensified beat laid down on the boards. Following that with an abrupt change of pace is "3 Kings" featuring the powerful NY-trio. "Everything Ain't Easy" and "We Are Here" are a few more great beats that you pass through eventually.

The remake of Jay-Z's "Can I Live" is pretty genius too. The sampling done by Khrysis makes the new instrumental even better, and Chaundon rocks the track and hook. As you can see, Carnage is packed with many alluring songs that is ear-stimulating. HOJ is back AT IT.

• Grade:
  • 90% (A-)
• Song to Download:
  • "Don't Take It Personal" ft. Darien Brockington

[CPMax]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Artist: Chaundon
Album: Carnage
Produced By: Analogic; Foolery; Illmind; Khrysis; 9th Wonder
Release Date: February 14th, 2008

"Carnage" has been long-awaited by all the fans of the Bronx native Chaundon, and it's finally out. Chaundon's smash-mouth style sets him apart from his Hall of Justus brethren, but the NY HOJ lineup of Sky, Chaundon, and Torae has proven to be lethal in the last few months and especially in 2008.

Just as expected, 9th Wonder and Khrysis make appearances, as does Illmind and Analogic. The mix of hard-rap and soul-filled hip-hop creates the perfect balance needed to put this album over the top. "Don't Take It Personal" is one of the, if not THE best song of the year so far. Chaundon brings an emotional storm of lyrics over the already-intensified beat laid down on the boards. Following that with an abrupt change of pace is "3 Kings" featuring the powerful NY-trio. "Everything Ain't Easy" and "We Are Here" are a few more great beats that you pass through eventually.

The remake of Jay-Z's "Can I Live" is pretty genius too. The sampling done by Khrysis makes the new instrumental even better, and Chaundon rocks the track and hook. As you can see, Carnage is packed with many alluring songs that is ear-stimulating. HOJ is back AT IT.

• Grade:
  • 90% (A-)
• Song to Download:
  • "Don't Take It Personal" ft. Darien Brockington

This album is real nice. My favorites are "Everything Ain't Easy" and "3 Kings." As for "Don't Take It Personal," it's a nice song with a great hook, but I actually prefer Brockington with Percy Miracles (aka Phonte) on "Understand" more. Overall real solid album, I'd probably give it a B+.

[stewaat]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I'm looking forward to listening to the Chaundon album tonight.

If you guys want could you post your top 5 artists and your favorite song by them

I'll start:

Atmosphere: God's Bathroom Floor
SoulStice: Be Perfect
Little Brother: After the Party
Basic Vocab: Come Get With It
Median: Rize

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Little Brother- The Way You Do It/Slow It Down
Blu- The Narrow Path
Pete Philly and Perquisite- Mystery Repeats
Blue Scholars- Joe Metro
K-Os- Sunday Morning

Honorable mention:
Heiruspecs- 5ves