Akir - Legacy (Viper)He's got rhymes for days, and a rarely-heard stamina on the microphone. Odds speak for Akir, the New York City based lyricist who debuted with the "Best Friend" single and later successfully pushed the self-issued "Street Edition" on us. And he's surely taking it back on full length debut "Legacy", back to the pavement and back to that old NY-grit. By keeping his lyrics pondering, Akir is reaching musing heights on a particularly strong first half. "Apocalypse" states a lot of the insight and reality this man have to speak, he gets emotional with "These R The Blues" and "Grind" proves he can go brutaly raw as well. With constant assists from partner Southpaw, Akir brings his beats traditionally experimental - heavy, snapping drums and melodic loops build much ground here - and while the concept sounds refreshing and alive for the most parts, it has tendencies to tire on the album's latter part, when we're rapidly thrown between mellow slow-attempts and crew-collabos. But he's got a damn good cause, whole-hearted. And although we partially could wish for a little more empathy in his delivery, the man's got a voice and a flow fairly comparable to both Nas and Kweli's. Akir's message is clearer, however, he is his own man speaking with sense and reason. By being more compact, "Legacy" would've probably won the biggest trophies, but the outcome as it gets is more than enough to recognize real. Akir is one of the most educated voices heard out of NY in recent years.
Ghostface Killah - Fishscale (Def Jam)By staying lyrically fit and continuously keeping a sharp ear to the street, Ghostface Killah has managed to stay vital through-out his solo career. His ability to surround himself with the right people at the right time have been reason to anticipate his new music, and "Fishscale" is no exception to this. But where Ghost on prior installments managed to find enthralling beats to place his rhymes on, his fifth LP feels reactionary in a less inspiring way. Pete Rock stepped through with the nice "Be Easy" lead-single-banger, but "Dogs Of War" is mediocrely average. Ghost acknowledges talent, but recycling MF Doom's old beats for "9 Milli Bros" and "Clipse Of Doom" only creates anticlimax. Further attempts from Lewis Parker, Crack Val and even Just Blaze feel repulsive and ignorant, it's basically only "Whip You With A Strap" that becomes a memorable collabo, though an up-tempo Dilla-beat had created more tension for Ghost. And in the end, it is the non-appearing heat that becomes the biggest problem for "Fishscale". Justly, Ghost's flow is still indisputable, but when being left without convenient beats his trademark storytelling loses severely in power.
Army Of The Pharaohs - Torture Papers (Babygrande)Comprised of select eastcoast emcee friends and led by Philly-based Jedi Mind Tricks frontman Vinnie Paz, Army Of The Pharaohs have managed to keep their name out there for ages - without putting many official records out - thanks to successful individual careers. So when the 10-men-strong crew finally come together on wax, it's a rare delight. Definitely taking on a sound closely bound to the JMT sound, "The Torture Papers" is a gloomy experience with exclusively murder-death-kill battle rap all over the place. With plenty variety in the quality of the beats, however, the album feels very uneven - too repeatative loop settings like "Listen Up" and neater takes "Into The Arms Of Angels" or "Narrow Grave" does not manage to compete at all. With many wills involved, this result is not surprising. A handful of really dope tracks sit tight on the album though - "All Shall Perish", "Henry The 8th" and "Feast Of The Wolves" all feature impeccable performances. Vinnie Paz' natural leader skills again makes solid impact on record, and Chief Kamachi steps up aside King Syze as AOTP's most intriguing lyricists of today. Far from a beginning-to-end experience, more of a select-tracks compilation, "The Torture Papers" is a fine presentation of talent though not perfectly utilized.
Apathy - Eastern Philosophy (Babygrande)Descending from straight-below-ground environment, Connecticut based activist Apathy was the emcee once hitting us up with cheeky wax releases "Compatible", "That Ol Boom Bap" and "No Joke", and by becoming the focal point of the widely talented, but rarely on-record-rocking, Demigodz crew, he's risen to one of indie hip-hop's most anticipated. With his long overdue debut for Atlantic Records still coming, it's a nice thing experiencing Ap on Babygrande output "Eastern Philosophy". Seemingly motivated, he's spreading intellectuals all over this 14-track-deep album. A couple of selections feels irresolute and strained, but as a whole Ap is backed by appropriate beats - no miracles - but Chum is doing good things with "1000 Grams", and "I Remember" is one of the most accurate reminiscing joints in a minute. Cheapshot gets his too, stepping in with the mellow, two-parted "Me And My Friends" on which co-founding Demigod One Two shines. With no specific highs and no specific lows, "Eastern Philosophy" is gratefully Ap's own achievement - just like it should be - and his verbal inflections make the lyrical attraction consummate.
Boss Hog Barbarians - Every Hog Has Its Day (Traffic)Acclaimed indie personalities J-Zone, with a wide production catalog under his belt including five solo albums, and Celph Titled - the famed Demigodz emcee and somewhat underrated beatsmith - come together on the same record. The Boss Hog Barbarians project is a legible sarcasm take on the stereotyped rap world - interpreted into present reality with Zone & Celph - obviuosly trying to live out their Too Short and Master P dreams on wax. A strange take, perhaps, but the "Steady Smobbin" single was dope. The concept does not, however, work on full length "Every Hog Has Its Day". The crappy lyrics here were expected, but coming from these two we'd also expected their charachteristic witty, ingenious wordplay on top of flavored beats. None of that is to be found here, the album's near-garbage quality rather feels insulting. Because I don't even appreciate the idea behind it, Zone & Celph are both skilled artists who should know better than trying to make fun of the artform in this way. The album's not dope, not funny, not anything - but abominable.
Blame One - Priest, Thief + Wizard (Blameone)The thing about San Diego, North County based lyricist Blame One has always been the candid approach, and his dedicated love of the art. Striving to create something of his own out of it, Blame's been around for years, puttin' out wax creations "Finally: The EP", "Chemically Imbalanced" and "Grown Man Rap". Now, when issuing full length debut "Priest, Thief + Wizard" entirely on his own, Blame put out a track-selection of mixed emotions, and mixed emotions are present when recepting the album as well. Before heard close-to-the-grit and tightly connected to the raw elements of hip-hop, dub-attempt "That's What I Say" is a different experience, and more-gentle takings here like "Jaw Is Powerful" doesn't really suite Blame neither. Fortunately, most of the rest does. Obviously trying to bring things differently and develop style, Exile's soul-solution "So Happy" succeeds and works well for Blame. But it's the firmer beats that become the best songs on this LP, like long-time provider Hoax One's "It's On Now", "Deep Doo Doo" - and Kankick's "Gotta Be Ready" stands out as the illest - because it brings out the best of Blame's emceeing as well. Not entirely uniform, rather varied and blended, "Priest, Thief + Wizard" shows Blame One's ability to approach the mic from various angles and to satisfy different needs.
Blaq Poet - Rewind: Deja Screw (Screwball)The Queensbridge based Screwball crew sort of operated in the shades of larger names during the later half of the 90's. One reason to this, the crew wasn't the sharpest and in the local competition their "Y2K" debut LP became understandably, though slightly unrighteously, overlooked. Blaq Poet, the most nuanced emcee in the crew, now presents "Rewind: Deja Screw" - an 18-track collection of new, old and rare creations. 45 Scientific contributes with lame and quite vapid beats, so does Alchemist, EZ Moe B and even Premier gives his weakest joints to Poet - and even slips on the fader (!) on "Message From Poet". Too bad for Poet, whose voice still is authorizing, talkin' rough and talkin' loud, but ain't really sayin' nothing new with his so-so tired 90's-New York-gangsta style which we heard so much of (and heard better) back then, and surely don't need to hear today.
Nightmares On Wax - In A Space Outta Sound (Warp)The lo-fi sounds from Yorkshire have been enlightening for over a decade, UK beat freak George Evelyn has an impressive quality-packed catalogue, and it's his penetrating knowledge of music that has taken Nightmares On Wax to where they are. "In A Space Outta Sound" comes, however, four years after the less solacing "Mind Elevation" LP - and the question have been asked if NOW was a thing of the 90's, entitled doubt has risen. No need to ponder further than this, Evelyn manages to create a self-willed mix of electro, downtempo and funk through-out all 12 tracks. A jutting first half of the album brings the backbeat dub phenomenon "Flip Ya Lid" and middle-east journey "Damn", while the LP's second half takes a manifesting soul-claim - best resulted in "Me". No shorts are taken, we're getting NOW as NOW best is heard - and although the gloriest days are gone, "In A Space Outta Sound" is NOW's best release since "Carboot Soul". Not importunate, not mulish, and not even astounding - but Nightmares On Wax bring the slackening when we need it.
El Da Sensei - The Unusual (Fat Beats)Labeled as the most down-to-earth and honest rhymebender to ever rise from the dirty Jersey, El Da Sensei made a clear attempt to step out of the Artifacts mindframe when embarking his solo career in 2002 with the legible "Relax, Relate, Release". Heads agreed, El's candour for authentic hip-hop took him to the top again. Comfortingly, "The Unusual" brings back the very same El Da Sensei. Illmind shows the way with "Crowd Pleasa" and "Hold On", K-Def's backtracking on "Rock It Out" stands out, and El seems more secure than ever on rougher takes "Gunblast" and "Nuttin' To Lose". El does not only deserve these high-quality-beats, but he also requires them, therefore a couple of less clever beat solutions here draws down the general impression. "The Unusual" remains slightly uneven beatwise, but brings a still-strongly authorizing voice from one of today's most sincere b-boy veterans.
Jel - Soft Money (Anticon)Oakland based beatsmith Jel's second solo installment breathes maturity and development. "Soft Money" is an expedient step in his own history of creations, the album is a virtually endless voyage through the man's in-depth way of making all beat elements become one. As Anticon's most diversified producer, Jel's most important impact came on the boards behind Sublte, Sole and Deep Puddle Dynamics. Continuing his ability to vary, this album feels like a landscape with shifting terrain and it's the rougher ends "Sweet Cream In It" and "Nice Last" on which the peaks come, however, his beats are still best when rhymed on - lead single "WMD" (with Wise Intelligent) remains the finest selection here. More evident here than on "Greenball" though, "Soft Money" has a problem of reaching the real high heights and really standing out proving its point, but through his development Jel's music is, more than ever, wide open for subjective judgement.
Dilated Peoples - 20/20 (Capitol)When having one of the best DJ's on your team, you can come a long way. There's no doubt that Babu is the biggest reason behind the success of Dilated Peoples. On their new record, "20/20", it becomes more obvious than ever. He's putting major scratch exercise on top of gems like "The Eyes Have It" and "Alarm Clock Music" - average tracks that really doesn't contain any profound production intelligence. We'll buy the concept for "Kindness For Weakness" and "You Can't Hide, You Can't Run" - it's necksnappin' hip-hop - but in its entiety "20/20" suffers from frailing, completely uninspired beats. And although Raaka & Evidence never been famous for super-in-depth concepts lyrically, they've surely never been on this day-care-centre level before. The trio's teamwork has always been their strength, we all thought this crew was something for the future. But at the end of the day, Babu saves the project from disaster. Dilated leave us with their weakest LP to this day.
All Natural Inc. - Anthology Vol. 1 (All Natural)The first couple of years of the century set wheels in motion for All Natural Inc. Label owners Tone B. Nimble and Capital D gave local Chitown talent like Iomos Marad and Daily Plannet possibilities to shine on own albums, and the camp's bloom saw a peak in 2003 with Family Tree's "Tree House Rock". Much of the magic was, however, not present on All Natural's "Vintage" from last year. And when they're again gathering label forces for "Anthology Vol. 1", it's very little excitement coming from previously reliable artists like Mr. Greenweedz and Rita J. The label's arguably most promising star Iomos isn't around anymore and - most notable - All Natural themselves doesn't deliver. The biggest problem are the insipid beats, incautiously wrapped around weak turntable work and bad structure. A couple of bright moments occur, Primeridian's "Off The Track" and Pacifics's "The Knock" state the fact that the label's newer acts bring the hunger whlie the older ones seem tired.
Concise Kilgore - Digitalis (Pockets Linted)San Diego based lyricist Concise Kilgore made faces smiling and necks snappin' a couple of years ago with "Status Quo" and "In The Kitchen". This guy's style brings joy through the speakers and stimulation to braincells combined. And when he now issues his debut EP "Digitalis" on Rasco's Pockets Linted, it's nice to be able to verify that Concise keeps on doing his thing. Entertaining, that is. Just like before laced by 1200 Hobos' frontman Brisk One the two put on a solid piece of good music here. Ill selections all across, the rough and street-gritty "Panoramic Opera" takes plenty weight, and the clever, word-bending "Polorise Protege" is this EP's arguably dopest treat. And like he's stating in "Good Ol Fashion Hip Hop", Concise is just like us - striving for the pure and original essences of the artform. "Digitalis" proclaims big parts of it, and acknowledges Concise Kilgore as one of today's most intriguing emcees from the West.
Vakill - Worst Fears Confirmed (Molemen)Vakill's sophomore full length release is packed with intricate rhyming, and Vakill remains delivering hardcore like always. But while Vakill himself obviuosly stays alert, his Chicago based production crew Molemen fail to impress on "Worst Fears Confirmed", and they even manage to dissappoint on several occasions. Where have the Molemen been hiding lately? Not at the practice camp, that's for sure. They are not giving Vakill's rugged - partially brilliant - presentation much justice. Panik tries, however, doing well on the deep, dark-forcing sounds of "Monstaz Ink", "Heart Bleeds" and on the Ras Kass guested "Introducin". Veteran emcee Vakill relies on experience, but he should've chosen a varied set of beat-providers to help bringing development and inspiration to this project, because we're missing a lot of the energy and hunger that made "The Darkest Cloud" such a solid feature.
J Dilla - Donuts (Stones Throw)Detroit son James Yancey is no longer a secret but one of the highest esteemed and respected producers around in these days. Once breaking grounds with Slum Village and The Ummah, Dilla made some of his finest work as of yet on his first proper solo "Welcome To Detroit" and got to open even the slowest eyes with the acclaimed Jaylib project on Stones Throw. And natural as it comes, it is on the L.A. indie-giant which Dilla presents "Donuts" - an energetic and hyperactive mixtape-like album where none of its 31 cuts spawning longer than 2 minutes. Only exception is the opening "Workinonit", interestingly enough one of the LP's finest selections. But there are a lot more, "Lightworks" and "Time: The Donuts Of The Heart" are raw evidence. Though kept short, sometimes too short - we want much more - "Donuts" is loaded with creative breaks and beats of which some are most likeley to end up on the next big record out there. Because "Donuts" is just as much a fan-base treat as a showcase exhibition from a giant producer whose name is one of hip-hop's largest in the making.
Ayatollah - Now Playing (Nature Sounds)NYC based beatsmith Ayatollah has kept a pretty low-keyed profile recently, at one point he was one the city's most sought-after, following successful productions for the likes of Mos Def, Cormega and Rakim. Now stepping into our speakers again, he's doing it with "Now Playing" on Nature Sounds, and by this we could label him the most humdrum producer out there. Yes, it was through affixed loops he once made his finest beats, but this is repeatative stuff taken to an unhealthy level. Ayatollah's basic beat-structures are very simple built to begin with, so with no added variation whatsoever they are bound to collapse when making loops to this extent. That is, even if you find a couple of nice ideas here and there through-out "Now Playing" they will bore you out very quickly.
Cunninlynguists - A Piece Of Strange (L.A. Underground)Once stunning us with "Will Rap For Food", Cunninlynguists brought indie light to the south with an incredible debut album - their insightful lyrics and innovative beats soon made them backpackers' favorite rap-darlings of hype. Deacon and Kno now return as a duo for their third LP, and "A Piece Of Strange" is nothing like prior offerings. A huge sentimental sigh rests over the album. The promising start with "Since When" continues into a queer abundance of melancholy tracks which solely creates anxiety and indisposition. Mellow creations can be good, and Kno's made them before, but this piece of plastic is way overloaded with square things, like "What'll You Do" and "Braincell", as well as direct disgusts "Caved In" and "The Gates". Gradually taking little, constant steps away from the ingredients that made their debut all that, "A Piece Of Strange" is the crucial step in the wrong direction. And there seems to be no turning back, unfortunately. We will just have to face facts - the lynguists ain't cunnin' no more.
Tha Alkaholiks - Firewater (Koch)Through their consistant party ability Tha Alkaholiks have managed to stay in the game despite several, quite mediocre album installments during the past few years. To this day, it's only their 1993 debut "21 & Over" that feels somewhat relevant in the crew's history. Tash, J-Ro and E-Swift started something good, with their certified drunk-funk, but failed to follow it up. Before calling it quits, the crew decides to squeeze the final bucks outta the Alkaholiks name - but "Firewater" won't bring any cheddar to their table. It's been times where we've accepted their low-leveled, drink-smoke-party chants but not this time around. Content is nothing, nothing but plain jibberish and while beats occasionally have saved them before, they sure fail them now. Dangermouse is here, Evidence, Swift himself - but the dope beats are not. Instead, we're forced to experience some of the worst things ever in Likwit-history like "Party Ya Ass Off", "The Get Down" and "On The Floor". So the 'Liks are leaving now, fine - bye bye, but they should've left earlier rather than putting out this insult as the farewell-wave.
Inside drawing artist Other's new book of modern Canadian folk art "Fight" comes compatriot and Anticon acquaintance Sixtoo's strictly limited 3" disc, providing sound accompaniment. An admirable project in its entiety, and comfortingly, Sixtoo delivers dope tunes on top of it. Sure, the 11-minute theme-epic becomes - despite good groundwork - a little too repeatative. The "Breakes Theme" is actually better, taken off "The Next" OST, is brilliantly divided into two separate pieces definitely showing-off Sixtoo's in-depth skills. As rare as it already is, more rare it will be, so fetch quickly if you come across it.
Newest Oxnard talent to rise on Stones Throw should be Roc C. Because when now following up last year's "Unborn" single, he brings even more attitude onto the "El Capitan" wax. Oh No's beat spreads in all kinds of directions, but the foundation works well for Roc to get his spit on. DJ Romes makes an interesting return to the boards on the messy "Let's Battle", but Baptman's "Fuck You" is the second winner here - giving free scope to Roc's elegant ignorance. Promising.
Large Professor limits his work very carefully but Prince Po gets the lacing on "I Got A Right To Know" with a well structured beat, though quite too soft to fit Po precisely - whose veteran mic skills in the end become the surplus of this 12-inch. Because it ain't a thrill beatwise, neither China Black or DJ Rhettmatic appear to have understood the fact that Po needs more harsh beats than these to perform at his prime.
First treat from Masta Killa, still on Brooklyn indie Nature Sounds, since his all-around-decent "No Said Date" debut is "Ringing Bells". Bronze Nazareth creates one loop, piano chords and strings builds it safely, and lets it ride for three minutes. Boring, yes, and it's far from enough to bring Masta Killa's name out there - to many of us he's still that background Wu-dude with the monotone flow.
Somebody tell us this is a bad joke. Mobb Deep signed to Interscope and are suddenly best buddies with G-Unit? What is this world coming to? Toy-gangsters unify? Well, it's been a while since we stopped hoping for The Infamous ones to bring heat, but if they only could have an ounce of substance in their music nowadays it would've been spectacular. "Put 'Em In Their Place" isn't even worth the wear on your cheapest needle.
The first treat from DJ Ese's debut LP "Side: Two" is a blessing. Main attraction is the Zion I guested "Running Man" on which Ese drops an energy-packed, b-boy driven beat. A wax out to create headnoddin' no doubt, b-side selection "D-Day" is more of a harsh, sultry suggestion, skillfully put in motion beneath Murs who makes one of his better appearances as of late. A largely awaited, likewise strongly solid, solo 12-inch from Ese - nothing but an immediate pick-up.
With "King" just around the corner, Toomp-produced taking "What You Know" will probably please raucous southern heads with its synthetic, bombastic slowfunk - it is an allright attempt to, within the T.I. formula, create something else. "Ride Wit Me" is the winner here though, coming at us more direct and the efficiant organs creates the needed tension. Spin it some more, this single can actually take it, T.I. is doing the things he came to do - and it just remains to be seen if there's more where this came from.
Following "Brand New" comes the new single off Chicago based emcee Rhymefest's upcoming "Blue Collar" album, here protected by Just Blaze for something that probably is meant to be a dual street/club banger. "Dynomite" is pretty rugged, serving its headbanging purpose but beneath the surface of Rhymefest's own presentation there is little substance to be found. More evident in the terribly tired b-side treat "Chicago-Rillas", the man appearantly doesn't have much to say - nor the verbal flow to compete. This wax can easily be avoided but keep an eye out, things could change with better beats around.
The first 12-inch off Apathy's for years awaited proper debut LP, "The Winter", is a soiled take from producer Chum with Blue Raspberry on convenient vocals - working allright without really standing out. Quite modest for a lead track. Beatwise there's more fire on the flipside's "Can't Leave Rap Alone" with fellow Demigodz Celph Titled and Ryu, however the focal point of interest is Ap's 2006-shape. Answer is the extreme-skilled lyricist does well here, but the beats suggest you could just as well wait for the album.
This new and to 1000 copies limited 7-inch from Female Fun features Spencer Doran's interpretation of "God Is Back", resulting in an allright soulful solution - and despite being quite average it's better than the original, and better than the majority of the latest Sadat X LP. Non-album track "America" may offer a creative touch from Agallah, but remains boring after a few spins. If there are any die-hard-Sadat fans left, this is solely for them. If not, this could very well be the final nail in the coffin for his mediocre solo career.
J-Zone with Celph Titled is a welcomed get-together, and the lead 12" off their joint project is a dope one coming from two of the most audacious emcees around. "Steady Smobbin" presents the theme and brings hilarious punchlines over a typical, but nicely varied, Zone beat. "Celph Destruction" is rawer, having Celph - a slightly underrated mic rocker - killing the track with an impressive non-pause flow. This is energy from start to finish.
Justus League representative Kaze called in 9th Wonder to remix his recent solo release "Spirit Of 94", and here lands the latest 12-inch off it. 9th's genius ways aren't blessing the quite tired "Last Laugh" though, the way Khrysis laces "Locked In Chains" works better for Kaze's toiling flow - but this single's main attraction is the finishing "Blood Thicker Than Oil" on which everything comes out in terms of energy, Rhettmatic's production is accurately met by the verbals, equalling fire, and judging just by this maybe the Visionaries DJ should be Kaze's next beat-collaborator.
Deadbeat has just put out this new piece of wax with Florida based newcomer Critical Madness on the mic, definitely exhibitng well-written verbals on the Sabac Red guested "1st Amendment". Tempermental backs him with an allright beat, though flipside selection "Dropped" is slightly more heated. Technically for C.M. himself though, his voice doesn't stand out at all - you know it's mostly the voice - so while his words come together, unfortunately his flow doesn't.
Swedish production crew Create & Deva-state links with Kut Masta Kurt's Threshold. An interesting project, however the results are varied. Neither the title track "The Hitman" (with Masta Ace & Stricklin) or Kurt's remix of it manage to take any heavier weight, but the b-side's "Just Get Down" where Maylay Sparks & Kenneth Masters join in is better, having C&D operating their funk-orientated sounds in a controlled way. Nothing particularly original, but banging.
Emcees Ness and Karaam, known from previuos wax treats "F.T.P." and "Walk With A Bop", are now preparing their debut LP "I Eat U Eat" on Nervous Records. Lead single lands right here, with DR Period behind the mix of "What's Your Politic" - a smart street-anthem for A-Alikes compounding well-timed mic-passing with stuck-up debut-hunger. "They Wanna Murder Me" isn't quite as itching, but still completes a dope 12-inch which promises more for the future.
It's a positive and truly matured El Da Sensei we hear on his new single. "Crowd Pleasa" is loaded with slick rhymes, fitting perfectly over Illmind's voice-choir production. Brilliance in its simplicity, the theme continues to the flipside's "Natural Feel Good" - a groovy, relaxed creation with nicely varied breaks from Frequency. Again, this piece of wax is nothing but fire from El. His flow hits with scary accuracy, the best buzz for "The Unusual" has just been created.
The artist formerly known as Declaime crossed to pure singing when deciding to record under his real name. The new single "Funky Dudley" does, however, blend some rhymes into the mix and the whole thing works pretty well over Madlib's straight-laced groove. So just judging by this - Dudley's forthcoming LP "Expressions" should at least be worth browsing through for similar fusions, because the b-side "Testin Me" sounds just as boring as the majority of "A Lil Light".
Ghostface has kept himself busy as of late prioriting records with Trife and the Theodore Unit. For the first time in a minute comes an official solo single on Def Jam, and this is the first one off his forthcoming "Fishscale" album. "Be Easy" is not your certified, ordinary Pete Rock jam, rather an aggressive solo-beat laced piece made to play loud. It works though, it works very well leaving us curious of what is next to come from the Wu's most energetic.
The ever-so-respected Dilated crew is returning, logically naming the new single "Back Again" which has Alchemist handing out a very average beat while Evidence and Raaka ain't saying nothing new in the booth. B-side works even worse, with one of Ev's sorriest beats ever making grounds for the Krondon-guested "Rapid Transit". This 12-inch isn't making it happen at all for me, quite unusual when Dilated brings it, let's just keep our fingers crossed they're saving the power for the "20/20" LP.
She's the big hope for Terror Squad this year, Castle Hill, Bronx representative Remy Ma shortened her name and is now releasing a solo album. Following "Whuteva", Remy continues the club theme for the new "Conceited" - a miraculously repeatative gem which sounds like Scott Storch just reversed the string-chord from "Lean Back". A mediocre single for anyone, with the ladies on the dancefloor being the only exception.
Videogame soundtracks have just got better and better over the past few years, and continues to improve. This is a good thing, exclusively made for NBA2K6 comes this piece of wax with "Big Money Talk" up front. Lyrics Born's Jumbo produced a-side is one of LB's roughest joints as of late. Dope, and on-point serving its purpose. Flipside has Jean Grae, unfortunately in a less heated appearance with "The Jam", but this record is still a suggested pick-up. Listen first!
There's been talks for a while, talks about the first proper LP from veteran rhymer Percee P. 2006 is said to be the year for his and producer Madlib's full length creation together, and "Put It On The Line" is the official single off it. P, one of the most spectacular technically, will not start buzz with this one though. Despite three jumbled versions of the track, only the BX Remix manage to take a little weight - the good Beat Conductor better improve his drums and overall structures here - because a Percee P album is worth much better things.
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