fans of underground rap?

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

In the Mainstream


Artist: Kanye West
Album: Graduation
Producers: Kanye West; DJ Toomp; Jay-Z; Jon Brion; DJ Premier
Release Date: September 11, 2007

If any quality in a rapper was the source to greatness and longevity, I would have to say that quality is versatility. Peep the poster boy of versatility Mr. Kanye West and his latest gem "Graduation". There is a few things this album accomplishes. For one, it keeps true hip-hop alive, and all the underground listeners can't help but smile when Yeezy's music gets played on the radio because its fresh compared to the usual garbage.

It's a absolutely bogus notion that Kanye West is not lyrically gifted or whatever concerning actual rapping. Yeah, his beats are his claim to fame, but this guy can rock a mic anyway he likes, in different ways, with stories to tell or maybe just letting his ego shine. You don't want to miss him call out Jigga-man on "Big Brother".

Every song from front to back is worth listening to and the one bad song is still pretty tollerable in the correct settings. Yeah, it is the song with Mos Def, how did you know? Save for "Barry Bonds", every beat is pretty soulful and melodic, with a hint of Timbooo on the masterpiece imitation "Flashing Lights" ft. Dwele.

Another hint at his versatility is that he made an album entirely skit-less. That's extremely different from his last classic "College Dropout" back in 2003 when there was a skit for every two songs. Oh you're wondering about "Late Registration"? This new album will make you forget that that album even exists. I can't complain about the absence of skits an interludes though. There is a revolution in rap taking place, and this is the direction it's taking.

It will be really interesting to catch the Phonte vs. Kanye rivaly as both their albums drop around the same point. They are most definitely running a parallel track in the rap game, but even more interesting is 50 Cent's album dropping same day. I don't think 50 can even sniff at how good this album has come out. A definite buy people. DEFINITELY.

• Grade:
  • 102% (CLASSIC)
• Song to Download:
  • "Good Life" ft. T-Pain
  • Produced by:
    • Kanye West, DJ Toomp & Jon Brion

I'm sorry but this album is nowhere near being a classic.

[Brandwin]

Re: fans of underground rap?

It's far from a classic, but I am really, really, really enjoying this album. Not as good as College Dropout, but a lot better than the LR, which I thought was a HUGE disappointment.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I don't dislike any track on the album really except for Drunk and Hot Girls... and I really really enjoy many of the tracks... its not like 1 or 2... most of the songs are drop-dead insane... LOVIN the Beats for'real.

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I don't dislike any track on the album really except for Drunk and Hot Girls... and I really really enjoy many of the tracks... its not like 1 or 2... most of the songs are drop-dead insane... LOVIN the Beats for'real.

This might be the first time I've completely disagreed with you.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

CD's to look forward to...


Artist: Special Teamz
Album: "Stereotypez"
Producer(s): DJ Premier; Pete Rock; Marco Polo; Jake One; Ill Bill; Yomo; Young Cee; MoSS
Release Date: September 25th

Reason: I may seriously die of over-excitement on September 25th. It could just be the greatest day of my life audio-wise. Besides the Godly lineup of producers, we get to hear Special Teamz which is a group comprised of Boston's Edo G. who is a treat to listen to alongside Slaine, Jaysaun, and DJ JayCeeOh. I'm thinking banger.


Artist: Aceyalone
Album: "Lightning Strikes"
Producer(s): Bionic
Release Date: September 25th

Reason: It's a good look for an album cover, not to mention that Aceyalone has been doing the rap thing for a good deal of time now. Aceyalone should be able to please the audience with this one.


Artist: Grayskul
Album: "Bloody Radio"
Producer(s): Old Dominion; Aesop Rock; Bean One
Release Date: September 11th

Reason: Aesop Rock, Slug, and Pigeon John are featured here so basically what I'm saying is where taste is present, you can expect good music. Let's just hope.


Artist: Hezekiah
Album: "I Predict a Riot"
Producer(s): N/A
Release Date: September 18th

Reason: Hurry Up & Wait was pretty good.


Artist: Little Brother
Album: "Getback"
Producer(s): 9th Wonder; Illmind; Khrysis; Nottz;
Release Date: September 25th

Reason: I don't think we need one.


Artist: Ohmega Watts
Album: "Watts Happening"
Producer(s): Ohmega Watts
Release Date: October 9th

Reason: Looks like it will be nice to download... not actually buy unless I give it some sick review.


Artist: Peanut Butter Wolf
Album: "NBA 2K8: B-Ball Zombie War"
Producer(s): Various
Release Date: October 2nd

Reason: Soundtrack of my favorite and most anticipated videogame... good'nuff.


Artist: Pumpkinhead
Album: "Border Blockerz Part 1"
Producer(s): Illmind; Analogic; Beatgees; Vanderslice; Jester
Release Date: Out

Reason: I was waiting for something with Analogic to come out. He has been apart of the "Hunger Strike" album which is up for Album of the Year and he produced 2006's Mixtape Song to Download of the Year ("Beautiful Sight" - Wade Waters).


Artist: Othello
Album: "Alive at the Assembly Line"
Producer(s): Illmind; M-Phazes; The BlackNotes; Siamese Sisters; Stro; Mr. J. Medeiros; Othello; Ohmega Watts
Release Date: October 30th

Reason: It's almost too scary that a cd of this potential will also be released on halloween. Double excitement!


Artist: SoulStice
Album: "Dead Letter Perfect"
Producer(s): M-Phazes; Analogic; SBe Audiologist; K-Salaam; Oddisee; Bring It Back
Release Date: September 18th

Reason: I don't mind Wade Waters but I love these producers so this is a must get for me.

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I didn't know that Soulstice was coming out with a new album. And why aren't you looking forward to Dream Merchant 2?

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I didn't know that Soulstice was coming out with a new album. And why aren't you looking forward to Dream Merchant 2?

LOL wow I forgot to throw that one up there...

DREAM MERCHANT 2 People....

I'm predicting Album of the Year!!!

[Brandwin]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Where is Medians preview? Comes out on the 25th

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Where is Medians preview? Comes out on the 25th

I'd rather not have a preview... I want to hear it fresh... I'm really excited for it.

[X*Cell]

Re: fans of underground rap?

In the Mainstream


Artist: 50 Cent
Album: Curtis
Producers: Chris Styles; DJ Khalil; Jake One; Tha Bizness; Ty Fyffe; Eminem; Dr. Dre and more!
Release Date: September 11, 2007

There is no content in 50's lyrics whatsoever. It's the same repetitive "shoot-em-up" bull**** that has been cliche'd to death in rap. 95% of 50's lyrics on "Curtis" is comprised of just that, and in the other 5% he is making a love song or he's actually contributing, which means you are listening to "Straight to the Bank". You must be, considering it's the ONLY song that is good lyrically. The rest is just awful.

50's whole appeal has sprouted out from his gangster roots, but hard beats just don't cut it for him. He would be much more successful making enjoyable hip-hop amongst underground listeners by enlisting in some smooth instrumental producers or acquiring softer beats like "Ghetto Qu'ran" which is one of 50's best. The two songs produced by undergrounder Jake One are both pretty tight songs and will get good playing time on the ol' playlist.

• Grade:
  • 70% (C-)
• Song to Download:
  • "All of Me" ft. Mary J. Blige
  • Produced by:
    • Jake One

[Nivek]

Re: fans of underground rap?

In the Mainstream


Artist: 50 Cent
Album: Curtis
Producers: Chris Styles; DJ Khalil; Jake One; Tha Bizness; Ty Fyffe; Eminem; Dr. Dre and more!
Release Date: September 11, 2007

There is no content in 50's lyrics whatsoever. It's the same repetitive "shoot-em-up" bull**** that has been cliche'd to death in rap. 95% of 50's lyrics on "Curtis" is comprised of just that, and in the other 5% he is making a love song or he's actually contributing, which means you are listening to "Straight to the Bank". You must be, considering it's the ONLY song that is good lyrically. The rest is just awful.

50's whole appeal has sprouted out from his gangster roots, but hard beats just don't cut it for him. He would be much more successful making enjoyable hip-hop amongst underground listeners by enlisting in some smooth instrumental producers or acquiring softer beats like "Ghetto Qu'ran" which is one of 50's best. The two songs produced by undergrounder Jake One are both pretty tight songs and will get good playing time on the ol' playlist.

• Grade:
  • 70% (C-)
• Song to Download:
  • "All of Me" ft. Mary J. Blige
  • Produced by:
    • Jake One

I'm loving the beats on this more so then Kanye's album, but yeah lyrically 50 is horrid.

[rockchisler]

Re: fans of underground rap?

I didn't know that Soulstice was coming out with a new album. And why aren't you looking forward to Dream Merchant 2?

Did anyone purchase Dream Merchant 1? If so How did you like it? I thought it was alright.

[jmood88]

Re: fans of underground rap?

Did anyone purchase Dream Merchant 1? If so How did you like it? I thought it was alright.

I have Dream Merchant 1 but I haven't listened to it in a few years. From what I remember it was pretty good.

[supremeslang]

Re: fans of underground rap?

dream merchant is gonna win album of the year... i can see it happening. I can also see 9th Wonder take over the producer of the year spot AGAIN...

Right now the nominees are....

Producer of the Year Nominees:
Black Milk
Sabzi
9th Wonder
Incise
Khrysis

DJ Premier has been nasty this year as well but he's not underground.

The think Alchemist should be nominated for his work on Prodigy's Return of The Mac album alone.

[Brandwin]

Re: fans of underground rap?

When Getback and Medians relief leak...let me know!

I can't wait!