This 4 person rhyme crew hails from the mighty Northwest. Really, the whole NW of this nation is slept on. Blue Scholars and Braille are just two groups that jump to mind that are from up NW, hopefully I can find more groups through Animal Farm. This crew has a real funky sound, upbeat vibe. The production isn't overwhelming say like an Ugly Duckling, but it's def. fresh as hell. I'm a huge fan of "The Show Must Go On." This is just some fun, indy Hip-Hop.
I'm gonna peep the album when I can, hopefully it'll be cheap, then I can peep it even quicker. The songs I've heard are real strong, so I'm thinking the album has to follow suit.
More proof that my tastes are really pointed towards more feel good shit, then overly down-trodden "I'll kill your family, your gardener, and the gardener's family" type verses.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Planet Asia being relevant + Time Machine video + Thoughty McThoughterson
Written by Big R
Friday, 16 May 2008
Planet Asia and DJ Muggs "That's What It Is" [left click, zshare, thanks NahRight!] - Wow. You want to know the secret of making an artist relevant again? Give them an angry-ass beat and get aggressive on it. Planet Asia passes that test with flying colors with this HYPE track. This is the b-side of the lead single "9mm" off the collab project Pain Language. I remember the Gza and Muggs CD being pretty solid, but I don't remember any of it sounding this good. Planet Asia needs hype beats in his life, and this song is proof of that.
I might have posted this before, but I recently re-fell in love with this jawn. The Time Machine album Life is Expensive drops 5/20/08. I'll let you know what I think once I pick up a copy. They made me fans with their first disc and their insane hype live-show.
Random Thoughts:
Anyone catch George W. Bush compare Barack Obama to a Nazi appeaser for wanting to meet with our "enemies"? I'm glad Barack came back firing, because there is a huge difference b/w diplomacy and appeasing to the enemy. Israel, the country that has to deal with hostile nations for a 9-5, talks to their enemies. You know why? That's how you prevent unnecessary conflict. People are so quick to go to war when its not their children or friends fighting the war. And the comparison of Barack Obama to Neville Chamberlain (sp) is unbelievable. Neville was a Senator who let Hitler take over half of the Czech Republic, and Bush is equating that to wanting to talk to Iran? I don't know why people even take Bush seriously anymore, he is the least popular President of all time. He has proven that his foreign policy views and strategies are pretty downright terrible, so it only makes sense he continues in that idiocy now. I still think Democracy is kind of bullshit when the most important person has NO accountability. Sports coaches have more accountability then our leader, doesn't that say something to you?
And in case people forget that being nice helps, remember what we did for Berlin. The Daily Show reminded me that we turned a nation that hated us (Germany right after WW2), into a country that loved us a few years later. A country we bombed mercilessly, invaded, and conquered...we then bombed them with food as Russia surrounded the Democratic side of Berlin. That's how you turn haters into people who don't hate you. As opposed to just invading them like we seem to currently do.
Americans are getting dumb, read newspapers - I had a convo with the homie PhenomAnand last night (whattup!), and I was just kinda venting on how I think news in America is real stupid. It's aimed to keep people dumb by focusing on the most trivial of things. He countered my point stating at least my news is somewhat truthful as news in China is blatantly filtered by the government. What's scary is that our country is so used to getting our info from the video source, they are settling for the lowest common denominator of "infotainment." It's less about the news and more about how it's packaged. I watched a bit of late night local news after LOST last night, and I wanted to punch myself in the face. Is that what people really care about? I now understand why intelligent people newspapers: It's to stay that way.
I hate the Patriots - This Spygate nonsense is getting pounded into our heads with people forgetting the crucial point that the Patriots cheated. The news that will come out is the Pats didn't cheat as much as we thought or that they only got certain things from the tapes...BUT THEY STILL EFFING CHEATED!! I hate them, so very much.
I am going to model my professional life after Daniel Day-Lewis: I watched "There Will Be Blood" recently, and holy sh*t, Daniel Day-Lewis is no joke. He spent FOUR YEARS training for the role of Daniel Plainview. The movie is rather slow but he totally keeps you hooked. Go watch it, it'll inspire to do whatever you do, better.
Wow real political on this one, be easy folks!
RIP and REP D. Ellis
taeOne & LEX of the New York Rhyme Exchange present: The Vague Clarity Remixes
Written by Big R
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Editor's Note: I got this remix CD from Lex and Tae-One. You might remember me posting Tae One's remix CD a minute ago, it had the tank on it and some fiery remixes. Here, he remixes his homie Lexicon's CD. I gave it a quick run-through, and I enjoyed what I listened to. My words don't do it as much justice as the following email that Tae-One sent me. Make sure to download the CD and peep the Myspaces!
For those unfamiliar, The Vague Clarity Mix was originally released by LEX (then known as Lexicon) of the group Sinistah Circle in 2005. The CD received critical praise online and introduced the world to a young hungry MC hailing from the streets of Queens, New York. Now, nearly 3 years later, Minority Rules Entertainment is proud to present The Vague Clarity Remixes. The Vague Clarity Remixes is now available as a free digital download that re-introduces many of the lyrics from LEX's 2005 debut accompanied by the phenomenal production of New York Rhyme Exchange and Midnight Specialists producer taeOne. The two combine their talents for their first full length collaboration project.
Free Digital Download Tracklist:
1. The Vague Clarity (2008)*
2. Beautiful
3. Muscle Up ft. Jaded Wonder
4. The Team
5. Queens Break*
6. Show Me Your Mind
7. Mary Jane ft. Snakeyez
8. Hungry
9. Three The Hard Way ft. Semi Auto & Lucky Dice
10. What It Is
11. Man's World ft. Snakeyez
12. Dedication
13. The Show
14. God Willing
This mixtape is dope. When I hook ya'll up with free sh*t like Dimebag and Oddisee 101, you know I got good taste in what to give out. This is Exact Science presents DJ Tommy Blak volume 1. Featuring many joints from artists you know and don't.
Click the album cover to download
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Kweli's Idle Warship will be his Gnarls Barkley
Written by Big R
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Idle Warship (Talib Kweli + Res) ft. Chester French "Fall Back" [left click, zshare] - "Fall Back" is Kweli and Res's attack on a certain female presidential candidate. Even with her commanding win in West Virginia, she is at something like a 4% chance of pulling out the necessary votes to win. She is essentially wasting time and hurting Obama's chance of beating McCain. If Obama ends up losing to McCain, I think a lot of people within the party are going to blame Hillary for her ridiculous primary antics.
Anyhow I just want to get into Kweli's recent grouping with Res with Idle Warship. I feel like Res brings a certain mainstream flair, even though she isn't a household name, her style brings out a different Kweli. Those who know "Screamin'" know exactly what I'm talking about. That's a straight club banger and it's a different sound we haven't heard from Kweli. It's less pure Hip-Hop, but just pure fun music. Kinda like Gnarls Barkley is more fun then pure soul music, and it's why they have found so much sales success. I will not be surprised when Idle Warship pushes Kweli to new heights. And let's be honest, he deserves it.
Also in randomness, New Era is making dope Iron-Man fitteds.
I was a huge fan of the movie and I'm glad Robert Downey, JR is getting his props. This hat is incredibly fresh and will probably cost something obnoxious like 70 dollars because that's how Hip-Hop fashion works.
I was giving Kidz in the Hall The In-Crowd a quick listen and I have to say it's a pretty solid CD. I probably mess with Nicolay&Kay / The Roots more, but Naledge and Double-O found a fanbase and success with "Driving Down the Block." The album goes for a mainstream audience with features of Travis McCoy and Estelle, but makes up for it with a priceless Sean Price verse comparing himself to Frankenberry and Frank Lucas in one line. Genius!
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Love Hurts + My Face Hurts + Kurupt w/ Pete Rock
Written by Big R
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Papoose attempts to spring Remy Ma out of jail - wait what? - The Papoose / Remy Ma saga is the stuff Reality TV shows are made of. Papoose was trying to sneak handcuff key, and their wedding got called off at Riker's Island. Papoose won't be able to visit her until November. Say word? The fact that Papoose is still trying to marry Remy Ma after she caught a mean max 25 year bid for shooting her friend says something. This story needs to be looked at a lens outside of Hip-Hop to really see how sad this shit is. Stars are not, Pap and Remy are kinda effed if you think about it. Ever since you saw Remy's reaction to the verdict (Hysterical crying) and then the revelation that Pap and her are engaged; I kinda get gut feeling of "ouch" whenever anything new comes from this story. However I will say this was a real dumb move.
So I got my wisdom teeth pulled out. The pain ain't so bad, but the unbelievable about amount of blood in mouth is terrible. I feel like a damn prize fighter. I feel like a damn schizophrenic, I didn't get any sleep due to the sweet blood build-up. It sucks not being able to eat, I feel like every commercial I watch is a damn food commercial. I'm going to eat the hell out of a 5 dollar foot-long (digi-PAUSE) when my face heals. The only solution is for Big R to release a Rap CD because I can barely talk. I can call the mixtape "Spitting Wisdom" ("AH MAN!" Joe Budden-style ad-libs everywhere).
Kurupt "Yessir" [left click, zshare, thanks NahRight!] - A new Kurupt joint produced by Pete Rock. I haven't heard Kurupt so relevant since "Xxplosive" or "Tryology", and Pete Rock provides a solid backdrop for the west coast lyricist. I'm bleeding right now so I don't feel like getting into too much detail. Just enjoy the song!!
I'm going to go get wicked on GTA IV now, be easy people. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep by this time tomorrow.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Nerd Alert
Written by Big R
Monday, 12 May 2008
NERD ft. CRS (Lupe, Kanye, Pharrell) and Pusha T "Everyone Nose Remix" [left click, zshare]
I'm about to get my wisdom teeth removed but before that, let me toss this update real quick. Phareezie re-tweaks the soon-to-be-smash "Everyone Nose" for some MC ripping. Kanye started his verse with "you want some black in you", well you can tell this one is for the kids. With a monster lyrical line-up I still found Pusha's ending verse the most entertaining. Judge for yaself though.
Also that joint "Spazz" which they've been playing on Zune commercials sounds real official as well. Skateboard P and co. are looking mighty hungry with Seeing Sounds. NERD and Gnarles Barkley have found a way to do rap/rock that is sonically pleasing and progressive.
RIP and REP D.Ellis
Why The Carter III Can't Be a Classic.
Written by Big R
Saturday, 10 May 2008
Before you assume I have a copy of this album, hold your collective breath, I don't. Nor would I try to apprehend a copy because I got better things to do like figuring out what to get Mom's on Mother's Day. Oh yeah, shouts to the mothers before I begin discussing Wayne.
I guess this thought hit me after my 10th drink at a bar and "Lollipop" hit the speakers. Mind you, I am not an emo Hip-Hop listener who hates mainstream Hip-Hop. I mess with everything if it gives off the good vibes ya heard? So the song hits and people go bonkers like you'd expect for Lil Wayne and I was just kinda bored with it. Again, I'm a fool for bad Hip-Hop when I'm out partying. "Lollipop" created a screw face for some reason I didn't realize until now.
Lil Wayne's self-prophesized "best out alive" status should allow us to look at his music with higher scrutiny. If he is going to put himself out there like Jay-Z/Nas, you best compare him to those types of mainstream / legendary artists. He has said for sometime that this album will be his masterpiece. However, "Lollipop" has a catchy chorus but is one of the dumbest songs I've heard in a long time. Dumb like giving yourself a concussion with a hammer because you got nothing else to do. I don't think a classic album can be pushed with a song like this. This is no where near other classic album singles like "Don't Knock the Hustle" or more recently "H 2 the Izzo." That's just Jay-Z for example but think about what Outkast and Nas put out as singles. Each of these artists do a better job of pushing albums without annoying us with teenie bopper singles. Lil Wayne is selling what he has advertised as perfection with that ghastly track.
Wayne, shawty does not want to f*ck, shawty will likely just want your fans to shut up for once in a while. Yes he has lyrical ability but this is not material for a classic album. He could have come with a poppy song (Random sidenote: The production on "4 Minutes" is such a problem that it needs to come with a Surgeon's General Warning) produced by Timbo or something. The point of this rant is to hopefully shut up any talk of him dropping a classic album. Classic albums don't have this auto tone gah-bage on it. I won't rule out the album as a good one but he has already lost out on that classic status in my opinion. Lil Wayne drops useless verses with a T-Pain-esque flair, and lets be honest, T-Pain does it better. "Lollipop" ain't even as hot as other club tracks like Ursher or Estelle's "American Boy."
This has nothing to do with a general hatred of Wayne, so sit back Cash Money lovers and take care of your mothers today.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
The wacky world of popularity plus other thoughts
Written by Big R
Thursday, 08 May 2008
First up, a big congrats go to The Roots. No mainstream video or Fall Out Boy hook? No problem. The group's latest CD, Rising Down, enters the charts at #6 selling approx. 60 g's out the gate. Atmosphere opened at #5 last week with close to 40 thou in sales, so it's been two solid weeks in Hip-Hop. While that figure is impressive, it gets me wondering which Roots fans aren't buying this album. I refuse to believe there are not 200,000 people with this album. The Roots are a group even po-dunk people know about because they tour pretty much every campus. They should garner more sales, I mean Lupe cleared close to 100 G's with The Cool on first week. I am disappointed that The Roots couldn't get closer to that number. I did my part and purchased the jawn, did you?
I don't even know where MTV is on my cable list in DC, so I missed the fact that Kidz in the Hall hit #6 on TRL. Say word?!! "Driving Down the Block" is a bass heavy medley which is a pretty catchy tune. It also has more remixes then I can even count. For instance, the El-P remix was just released, you can grab it here. Naledge and Double O are a solid tandem, I thought School was My Hustle was a dope CD. They are pushed as the ivy-league Hip-Hop alternative and a grad student like myself respects their steez because they don't cling onto that image too hard musically (besides the overly preppy covers.) Kidz in The Hall are on Duck Down Records which makes their mainstream success even more impressive. The times are shifting towards indie success when people don't even buy CD's anymore from the mainstream down. I haven't listened to The In Crowd yet, but I'll let you know my thoughts when I get my chance.
Thank you DMX, for reminding us of what kinda moron you are. I wrote I think a full two years ago how this guy needs a chauffeur. He is incapable of making rational decisions by hitting a nice 114mph ticket in Arizona. He needs to be in jail for the sake of a random pedestrian. Wesley Snipes is going to jail for tax mistakes while DMX is free to be a danger to society when he decides to drive. He needs to lay down that pipe. Remember that XXL interview where he recently stated he had no idea what Barack Obama's name was? Yikes.
And here are some reasons why Barack Obama will beat John McCain come November. Before I get into that quick list, I want to say I was the only kid in my class out of 70 who predicted the Democrats were taking both Houses of Congress in 2006. So I'm no expert, but I am pretty good with my hunches.
1. It's Nixon v. JFK 2 - Obama will beat McCain for the same reasons JFK barely beat Nixon. He is younger, refreshing, and is a symbol for hope in a time where the country needed it much like this nation in the 60's. McCain isn't a total demon like Nixon, but can you imagine the two in a debate? The energy Obama will bring to the table will be enough to defeat him there. Mccain represents the old and Obama is the refreshing future we need when this nation faces recession, a broken war, and possibly another terrible global conflict with Iran.
2. No one wants Bush vol. 2 - I will kick every democratic strategist in the balls if they don't attack McCain as 4 more years of W. I don't think there is anyone more unpopular then George W. Bush. He made fun of himself on Deal or No Deal for having low ratings!! He also lowered the ratings for that show for that specific episode as well! I'm serious, they need to swiftboat McCain's ass for being like Bush. He has the lowest popularity rating EVER for a President. The Republicans will hit up Barack for being Muslim (false), not a patriot because he doesn't wear flag pins (retarded), and his lack of experience (arguable). The democrats need to find a spine and fight dirty to win. B/c if we don't, we'll have to deal with another four years of incompetent warmongering.
3. Did I mention people don't like Republicans anymore? - 2006 showed the trend that this country doesn't trust that party. Not to say the Dems have done anything to earn our trust, they have a huge boost in not being Republican. Barack Obama has more charisma then humanly possible and will be able to harness votes from Americans who just don't trust the Repubs anymore. He is that new, and will be also be able to get former Republicans who don't like where their party is going.
I am known to have faith in this country more than the average citizen. I've lived in like 5 states and have gone to school in 3 different ones. I've befriended Conservative/Liberal or whatever, and I'd like to think all folks are good. Sure there are some morons out there, but I hope this time they are outnumbered by concerned citizens. Go-Bama, and I'm outtie.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Loose Thoughts
Written by Big R
Wednesday, 07 May 2008
Finished finals for now, and I feel refreshed except that I'm hella ill. Thanks sinus infection. 6 days way from a seemingly terrible wisdom teeth removal, I better get some writing in. Here are some random thoughts on my mind.
Dice Rawneeds to drop an album within half-a-year: This is for two reasons. First is hype, because I truly believe Dice Raw shined in his duties as guest performer on The Roots's Rising Down. Second is hunger, Dice Raw sounds like his swagger is back circa Things Fall Apart. I'm not going to lie, Dice Raw's chorus ability really impressed me. I know what you are thinking, what the f*ck is the purpose of being good at carrying a hook for a rapper? Ask Skillz or any other rapper on the cusp of super OKP fame. Jay-Z is obviously nice as hell, but the finishing touch is normally his ability to carry a hook. You hear that with Dice Raw on "The Show" and "Singing Man." He needs solid production and big promo and I promise big things. Most of the Roots fanbase will get his back, and that should lead to decent sales.
What did I tell you about Atmosphere? - Their latest album When Life Hands You Lemons, Paint that Shit Gold debuted at #5 in the Country. I repeat, IN THE NATION. I've always thought Slug was the rap version of like Emo rock, with a style that could attract many fans if he was promoted right. I rememer writing a few years back that these guys would break through to the MTV crowd soon enough, and that time is now. I used to hate, and then he grew on me, slowly and painfully. I tried to hate his style, because he was a dude that complained about girls while picking them up like it was germs in a public bathroom. He moved past that shit with his last album and has straight up made me a fan. "Yesterday", "Your Glasshouse" [such an amazing attack on Bush!] and "In Her Music Box" are effing bangers. Slug spits with mad clarity, and his subject matter is a lot easier for me to move with. Now, the mainstream world is catching up. MTV is featuring Atmosphere in commercials and it's good to see a group who has put in so much work get the sales success they have. While I won't move to "Fuck You Lucy", I do mess with this CD. By next album, these guys will be huge, trust me. Doing it all with that indy label steez which means these guys are getting mo' bucks. Congrats to them.
It makes me wonder that building a fan base is more important then looking at the short-term platinum release. Atmosphere has been aroudn forever and sold about 40,000 with the first record. They made their fans through tours and probably some downloads, and the dividends are paying off. They will likely get even a larger fan base with this album and look to reach even greater heights with a slow and steady approach which always guarantees them some success, due to that generated strong fanbase.
Roger Clemens is still getting off easy: Roger Clemens for the past four months has had one of the most awkward pity parties ever. He claimed he didn't do steroids, and could get busted for perjury. He said his boy McNamee was a liar, and is now suing him for defamation. Thanks to his inept lawyer, he forgets in defamation cases that character evidence can be used against Clemens. Therefore, he can bring up past affairs with people. What's crazy is that the country singer was FIFTEEN when Roger was 28 supposedly. He claims they were "just friends" then. Right, and when people download mp3's they are just "previewing albums." I hate to bring up Barry Bonds again, but this dude has been vilified like baseball's Osama bin Laden. They throw steroids at him and possible affairs, to which he has admitted neither. Why aren't people losing their minds over the fact he could have had a sexual relationship with a minor and he was 28!?! Is it okay b/c he is Roger Clemens? I almost feel like people put on their training gloves when trying to hit Clemens, but bring "dem tings" out when attacking stars like Pacman Jones (who is a verifiable idiot). Can you imagine this happening to a famous African-American athlete and the press giving this this little amount of weight?
Check out Analogic + Rashid Hadee - I've known Analogic for his work with Haysoos and Cuban Link, and I've known Rashid Hadee who drops mad mean tracks like "Surrender." They have teamed together to drop a release, and you can download two hype joints at this Promo page. Get at it folks.
Game Over, yet Clinton is still there - According to Slate, her latest chance of winning dwindled down to 4.2%. She didn't need a split, she needed to dominate in both states. She says her fight goes on, but it's like the 4th Quarter and her team is down 20. Sure it could happen, but it likely won't. I've been thinking that her position in the race is just to mess it up for Barack so she can win in 2012. Attacking B-Rock for his pastor...man fuck that. The Bushes lean against Pat Robertson/Jerry Falwell for advice, and he is the guy who stated gays caused 9/11. Jeremiah Wright stated that America "deserved" 9/11 for its foreign policy actions, a radical position sure, but definitely a defensible one. Anyway, I think this race will wrap up by June, giving Barack ample time to layeth the smack down on John McCain.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
The many sides of Busta Rhymes
Written by Big R
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Two videos for the upcoming Busta Rhymes album. One is certified club banger, another a certified emo banger. It's easy to discern which is which.
Here's Hyphen's promo for the interview: "We discussed his incredible production lineup (Oh No, DJ Spinna, 88 Keys, The Are, Shuko, Kno, S1, M-Phazes, J-Zone, etc.), his writing style, the Portland - Seattle connection, and more..."
Those of you who do know me, know I really dig Braille's music. Also, I generally think Braille is a cool dude as well who knows how to run a label proper. Peep the interview and make sure to check out his latest album, "The IV Edition."
I just had my first complete listen through of Rising Down, and whew, it's a heater. Do I think it's better then Game Theory? I have no clue, that album was the best of 2006. Black Thought left his imprint on that album. This record feels more like a mixtape at times with all of the features. Honestly, I couldn't even estimate how many guess verses there are. That does not take away completely from the album's quality. It's kinda like how Celine Dion does duet albums; The Roots were reaching out to fam and future fam to get down and make amazing music.
The album so far is my favorite of 2008. The Roots are synonymous with Quality Hip-Hop. It is amazing how different this album is from Game Theory. It has only been two years since it's release. Rising Down is paranoid and pissed off like Game Theory, but not so much. There is more edge to this record with fiery verses from Saigon and Wale. The production of course is amazing on the majority of the tracks, "I Will Not Apologize" has not hit me like it should yet. Here are the joints I really love off the record that aren't the ones that leaked like "Get Busy" , "Rising Up", and "75 Bars."
"Criminal" - Wow!!! This is amazing. Saigon's ending verse is immaculate and that emo-ass chorus is perfect for the guitar-laden beat. I just want to walk around depressed and angry with a mean mug with this track.
"Unwritten" - Holy shit, why couldn't this song be longer!! Mercedes Martinez and Black Thought lace this moving track. I was craving for more like a crackhead who just finished his last snickers bar.
"The Show" - This album moves towards the Heavy Synth like white people to the burbs. "The Show" is a perfect example of how The Roots freak it so well. Common drops a damn impressive verse.
"Singing Man" - Dice Raw steals this jawn with his chorus. More down-trodden production that is reminiscent of Game Theory. Dice Raw needs to harness this kind of passion on an upcoming album.
There are so many JAMS on this album to make up for the songs I don't like yet. And that's how The Roots work, they make an album that you love at first and love even more as you spend more time on it. It's like a relationship and shit. Make sure to go out and pick up the album on Tuesday. Truth is I'd probably buy the record if it was just 45 minutes of "Birthday Girl" and come on here and call the record "riveting, fresh, and unique." My fandom is extreme, but it is well deserved. The Roots make statements with their music and it makes sense why they are at a forefront of a Hip-Hop subculture (OKP heads).
Here is "Criminal", in case you haven't heard it.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Sorry for being busy, its finals time
Written by Big R
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
A better update tomorrow, here is the birth of the running man though:
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Why Oddisee is probably my favorite rapper/producer doing it right now
Written by Big R
Friday, 18 April 2008
J-Live ft. Oddisee and Posdunous (of De La Soul) "The Upgrade" [left click, zshare]
People always ask me who my favorite artist or producer is and my normal answers lean to Wu-Tang, DJ Premier, Dre 3k, Kanye (hate on, haters. The Glow in the Dark Tour looks like the most epic show EVER). Ever since Trek has put me onto Oddisee my answer is slowly turning to that dude. Beatswise he is an animal, just see how he freaks the new J-Live joint. He will save that album and that man's career after J-Live's album disappointed like your drug-riddled high school aged child. Oddisee's beats sound so organic and fresh and don't require the big name samples and features to snap your neck. Ask me whose beats I want to hear, right now it's Oddisee. I'm a huge fan of many producers and "The Upgrade" is evidence enough of my addiction to dude's beats.
Oddisee is also a straight beast on the mic. Trek told me Oddisee was mad lyrical, but I kinda lost his lyrics in how fresh his beats were. His lines are mad deliberate and it feels like dude spends his time putting his verses together. They are so intelligently put together and I rarely catch what he is saying on one listen. Just listen to "Camera" as Oddisee gets political with Barack Obama type clarit. His play on words is Jay-Z type clever (huge props, I know) with a more down to earth feel. Oddisee also has a mad addictive flow with a slight southern flair which gives him a style his own.
He is the Okayplayer's favorite artist before they even know it. What's crazy is I have an album he produced, Trek Life's "Price I've Paid" remixed by the dude, and it's so much fire!! I'm definitely geeked to hear more Oddisee production with Trek on Trek's upcoming album. Anyway, you might think I'm dickriding, but that's fine. I probably am dickriding, but I'm up on it before everyone jumps on the bandwagon. And I'm praying that bandwagon hits, because Oddisee deserves it.
RIP and REP D. Ellis
Lupe should have put this single out sooner
Written by Big R
Monday, 14 April 2008
Great Video though. I think if this pushed properly we could see Lupe go Gold. And that's good business considering his lyricism and the market for CD purchases.
