fans of underground rap?

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Xcell, what do you think of Mos Def's single from the new album?

I don't think "Boogie Man" is very good at all... I don't like it a bit... this alone really scares me about Mos' credibility... if his next album has a lot of tracks like this one, I will be very disappointed, and more importantly, he will only be known to me as an actor.

I'm jumping the gun here though, and hopefully his other tracks are better.

But... "Boogie Man"? ...

[Fresh Tendrils]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Did anybody ever pick up MF Grimm's "American Hunger?"

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

CD's to look forward to...


Artist: Living Legends
Album: "Legendary Music Vol. 1"
Producer(s): Hecktick; Bean One; Grouch; Bicasso; Wiz; Brycon; Dirt Nasty; DJ Fresh; Eligh; Scarub
Release Date: September 1st

Reason: Choose your favorite artist from Living Legend... or do you like them all? Well, that's good if you do, because they are all here. Grouch, Eligh, Murs, and more. This 11-track mix looks like a decent release. It won't rival the Hall of Justus album any time soon, but it should hold us over for the month that we can't get the HOJ cd.

Chance of Buying it: Maybe. But probably not... I'll wait for the HOJ.


Artist: Pigeon John (of L.A. Symphony)
Album: "...and the Summertime Pool Party"
Producer(s): RJD2; DJ Rhettmatic; and More
Release Date: September 12th

Reason: I loved his first couple cd's, and I like L.A. Symphony. He features Brother Ali on this joint too. Overall it should be a fun album to have, straying away from the serious points of hip-hop. By no means, is he a bad lyricist though. He is very tight with the pen, and I suggest you check it out if you haven't heard of him before.

Chance of Buying it: Just pre-ordered it 3 minutes ago.


Artist: Skyzoo & 9th Wonder
Album: "Cloud 9: The 3 Day High"
Producer(s): 9th Wonder
Release Date: September 12th

Reason: He is a strong lyricist, and it always helps to have the magical music conducter on the beats. Cloud 9 has obviously everything to do with 9th Wonder's name, seeing as all songs are produced by him. Get ready for some hot stuff for real. Outside of this album, he has released several independent mixtapes, has performed songs at MSG for Knick games, and has battled on 106th and Park. He is from Brooklyn, and we all know the talent that comes from there. Really... Get ready for some hotness.

Chance of Buying it: I need more money, and when I get it... I'm 100% getting this.


Artist: Zion I & Grouch
Album: "Heroes in the City of Dope"
Producer(s): Grouch
Release Date: October 10th

Reason: Very political minded, hypothetical, ponderful, and WONDERFUL, this cd is looking to really make an impact on the thoughts. If you are one to listen to though-induced creations, and artists who have the agenda to get young minds in the train of thought and reasoning, this is your album to buy.

Chance of Buying it: Ahhh... I spend so much money on cd's... last album I will buy mr. wallet... I promise!

[sportsdude]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Looks like some good stuff. I'm really looking forward to the Zion I and Grouch albums. Thanks for the linkage to UGHH.com too, though I hope I don't start spending too much money on cds.

Does Talib have a new album coming out or he just release that single "Listen" by itself?

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Looks like some good stuff. I'm really looking forward to the Zion I and Grouch albums. Thanks for the linkage to UGHH.com too, though I hope I don't start spending too much money on cds.

Does Talib have a new album coming out or he just release that single "Listen" by itself?

i like that song... haven't heard anything about a cd tho

[3rdAnswer]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I'm also waiting for that Skyzoo album. Thanks, xcell, for signing me on to his music, especially with 9th on the boards.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I'm also waiting for that Skyzoo album. Thanks, xcell, for signing me on to his music, especially with 9th on the boards.

lol, no prob man... I actually just pre-ordered his cd yesterday... my wallet officially hates me... but my ears are gonna love me.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: Kenn Starr
Album: Starr Status
Producers: Oddisee (6); Illmind (2); Kev Brown (3); M-Phazes (2); DJ Roddy Rod; Khrysis; Young Cee

Every track on this album is soulful, and a real treat to listen to. Oddisee always does a fantastic job on the beats, but the producers who shine, are Illmind and M-Phazes. Kenn Starr also employs other great beat-makers in Kev Brown and Khrysis. Thing is, the melody is the foundation, but the lyrics let this cd reach new heights. Kenn Starr has one of the best flows I've ever heard over these type of tracks. No matter how intricate the beats are, and complex, he masters them with ease. "Inside" ft. Wayna is an incredible song, and so is "Middle Fingaz". Both cover the full rap spectrum, from ultimate feelings of love, to strong feelings of hate. This cd is a near-masterpiece, and I'm definetely looking forward to his next endeavors. I suggest a purchase of this cd.

• Grade:
  • A-
• Song to Download:
  • "Inside" ft. Wayna
  • Produced by:
    • Illmind

[Nivek]

Re: fans of underground rap?

CD's to look forward to...


Artist: Living Legends
Album: "Legendary Music Vol. 1"
Producer(s): Hecktick; Bean One; Grouch; Bicasso; Wiz; Brycon; Dirt Nasty; DJ Fresh; Eligh; Scarub
Release Date: September 1st

Reason: Choose your favorite artist from Living Legend... or do you like them all? Well, that's good if you do, because they are all here. Grouch, Eligh, Murs, and more. This 11-track mix looks like a decent release. It won't rival the Hall of Justus album any time soon, but it should hold us over for the month that we can't get the HOJ cd.

Chance of Buying it: Maybe. But probably not... I'll wait for the HOJ.

Don't sleep on this album, I've had it for about a month now. Still in my heavy rotation...

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: L.A. Symphony
Album: Disappear Here
Producers: Evidence; Great Jason (2); FLYNN (6); Madlib; Cookbook (3); Sup the Chemist

A hit or miss type album. Some songs are really easy to skip over, even some of the half-way decent ones, because they really don't have too much to offer. However, some of the songs will be abused on your playlist. "Pop's Song" is a breakaway from the normal momma song, and the story-telling involved is superb. The production (done by Cookbook) is very well done on the track. Another great song is "Rise" in which there is a sped-up flow, but it sounds spectacular. The Symphony even managed to get a club-banger on the album, and in no way is it a failed attempt my many undergrounders. I can see myself getting busy on the dancefloor to "Dance Like".

• Grade:
  • C+
• Song to Download:
  • "Pop's Song"
  • Produced by:
    • Cookbook

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: Wade Waters
Album: Return of the Kings (Mixtape)
Producers: Analogic (2); 9th Wonder (2); Oddisee (6); Arsenal; SBE Audiologist; Shuko (2); Father Scott; Speaks

This mixtape starts off with a bang, with three masterfully made beats, and unbelievable lyrics. These guys have tremendous talent. I'm going to say it, and not many people like to hear statements like this but, "Beautiful Sight" is the best song in Hip-hop, and one of the best made in history. I can honestly say, that I listened to that song nearly 50 times in a row. The song "Rock Solid" is also a solid piece with Cuban Link featured on the side. Some of the freestyles are decent, but the one with 9th Wonder on the beat is awesome. Other than that, the cd is meh. Nothing special, but its just a mixtape. Their new cd "Dark Water" is coming out October 3rd, and I strongly suggest you invest.

• Grade:
  • B-
• Song to Download:
  • "Beautiful Sight"
  • Produced by:
    • Analogic

[sportsdude]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Artist: Wade Waters
Album: Return of the Kings (Mixtape)
Producers: Analogic (2); 9th Wonder (2); Oddisee (6); Arsenal; SBE Audiologist; Shuko (2); Father Scott; Speaks

This mixtape starts off with a bang, with three masterfully made beats, and unbelievable lyrics. These guys have tremendous talent. I'm going to say it, and not many people like to hear statements like this but, "Beautiful Sight" is the best song in Hip-hop, and one of the best made in history. I can honestly say, that I listened to that song nearly 50 times in a row. The song "Rock Solid" is also a solid piece with Cuban Link featured on the side. Some of the freestyles are decent, but the one with 9th Wonder on the beat is awesome. Other than that, the cd is meh. Nothing special, but its just a mixtape. Their new cd "Dark Water" is coming out October 3rd, and I strongly suggest you invest.

• Grade:
  • B-
• Song to Download:
  • "Beautiful Sight"
  • Produced by:
    • Analogic

Hey Xcell, you I know I value you hip hop opinions and love your reviews, but from now, whenever you say "xxxx is the best song in hip-hop", maybe you would like to quantify the statement. If it's truly the best, the why? What makes the writing so good? What makes the beats so good? Etc. You know hip-hop man, show it.

[HMcCoy]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I'm late....No love for Slum Village?

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Hey Xcell, you I know I value you hip hop opinions and love your reviews, but from now, whenever you say "xxxx is the best song in hip-hop", maybe you would like to quantify the statement. If it's truly the best, the why? What makes the writing so good? What makes the beats so good? Etc. You know hip-hop man, show it.

The sampling on "Beautiful Sight" is the best utilized that I've ever heard. The hook is hard to not love, and the flow and message tied into each verse is Wade Waters at their best. The 3rd verse especially, when they switch up every four bars. They really do a spectacular job combo'ing, and their rap voices are very complementary.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?


Artist: Skyzoo & 9th Wonder
Album: Cloud 9: The 3 Day High
Producers: 9th Wonder (12)

Recently added member of the Hall of Justus crew, Skyzoo is one sick lyrically talented mc that hails from Brooklyn, rather than the normal HOJ Carolina team members. For his debut, he joins up with the famous 9th Wonder which is a direction that many choose, and few to none regret. This album is no exception. Some of the beats on the album are so-so, but most of them are such a treat to the ears. His flow makes him unique and he'll be easily identifiable once he gets the higher status. On the entire cd he goes solo, so we don't get a glimpse at other cats he might be rolling with outside the HOJ, that he might pull in. It would have been nicer to have a few featured artists, but this cd should definetely gain this rookie some respect.

• Grade:
  • B
• Song to Download:
  • "You and Me"
  • Produced by:
    • 9th Wonder