Nov01

brandUn DeShay – All Day DeShay: AM (Review)

brandUn DeShay

All Day DeShay: AM

Released by N/A


What do Pokémon, Life Alert (yeah, the necklace that saves the lives of the elderly) and hip-hop all have in common? Being weird. Well, unless you count brandUn DeShay, of course. Somehow, the Chicago MC and beatsmith manages to throw all of them together along with video games, pain, love and even the dreaded "s" word* to create great music. All Day DeShay:AM is personal at times and playful at others. No matter which it is at the time it is being listened to, it is enjoyable and worth ...
Oct28

The Away Team, Scars & Stripes (Review)

The Away Team

Scars & Stripes

Released by IWWMG/Jamla/Duckdown


North Carolina might have saved hip-hop for a year or two (too bad that was circa 2003 or 2005 depending on your entry point). Khrysis is one of the best producers of the Fruity Loops era. That compressed sound was made for the digital generation and is still easy on the ear when done right. 9th Wonder & Khrysis are descendants of the Native Tongues, that was clear from the outset, why else would the marquee group of their movement be called Little Brother. But the cast on the fractured in-between has to be Da Beatminerz' crackling sound which kept the Boot Camp Clik on the borderline of backpack and blackjack; an export that worked exceedingly well with the Hall Of Justus massive's burgeoning endeavors.
Oct27

15 of the top CMJ Acts from 2011 you might’ve missed, but can still worship via Internet (Review)



The annual CMJ Music Marathon brought an exciting buffet of music to New York City last week – including a handful of newcomers to the scene that are worthy of being on your radar. Some rocked and shocked crowds all week long – others had only moments to get their shine on to the captive crowd. Here are a few handfuls of CMJ acts that had that URB flavor. Sorry if we didn't go into great detail about the bands. We have lives too, and we ...
Oct27

Quelle – The S.O.N. (Review)

Quelle

The S.O.N.

Released by Synergy Works


Dirt can definitely be a good thing. Grit, grime, whatever; this is what used to give hip-hop its flavor. This is what used to make hip-hop, hip-hop. It was the antithesis of the type of pristine, sterile, pre-packaged "rap" songs heard on the radio today. Quelle, who has produced for the likes of Danny Brown and Marv Won, knows that the stuff he puts out is dirty and is pretty damn happy with that. He should be too, because the stuff he puts ...
Oct24

Yung Classix – Life On The Grid (Review)

Yung Classix

Life On The Grid



Though Detroit, Michigan is known for creating legends in the world of hip-hop (and music in general), it is also nice to know that the upcoming artists from that part of the globe are continuing that legacy in their own way. Yung Classix, rising producer from D-town and part of the "BLAT! Pack," is such an artist. After countless beat battles and even a place in the 2010 Red Bull Big Tune Battle, he has released his fourth instrumental album entitled Life On The Grid. The project is a ...