{mosimage}I had no idea that N.E.R.D. was dropping an album today until a friend of mine had told me about it yesterday.  I woke this morning and placed “Seeing Sounds” on; I was completely blown away by the beautiful blending of vocals of Pharrell Williams and Shay Haley and Chad Hugo’s production.  There’s no other group out that is hardly as eclectic as these two Virginia natives, and “Seeing Sounds” is definite proof of this statement being so true.  The song, “Everybody Nose” instantly bangs through my stereo and is extremely reminiscent of production of hip-hop when it was in its Golden Age (1988-1996).  This song is definitely something that you should add to your “Get the Party Started” play list on your iPod because it will for sure get your ass up and ready to hit the club. 

 “Seeing Sounds” is only 12 songs, and will have you wishing that it was 24 tracks longer by how complete and great it is.  This album has something for everyone’s musical pallet; “Anti-Matter” and “Everybody Nose” for the hardcore hip-hop heads, “Yeah You” and “You Know What” for the soulful cats, and “Spaz” for the rock fans.  The eclectic level of “Seeing Sounds” is damn strong enough to have music fans of all different genres to be able to find songs that will fit their personal preference.  “You Know What” being one of those truly feel-good songs has the power to have to nodding your head for the 4 and a half minute vacation to a musical utopia of peace that it takes you to. The smooth guitar and synth production and dramatic bass line in complete unison placed together with Pharrell’s contagious vocals and lyrical content, “You Know What” compliments “Seeing Sounds” completely.  Another song that you can add to that “Get the Party Started” play list for your “getting ready for the club” mood is “Laugh About It.” Pharrell’s vocals over the party-driven beats of Chad Hugo on this song makes you feel at ease with whatever is stressing you in your life; it has that element to bring the most stressed day into an ideal one.

By far every song on “Seeing Sounds” is great, but there’s something so incredible about “Sooner or Later.” The breakdown at the end of “Sooner or Later” is so dynamic that you feel invigorated by how talented all three of N.E.R.D.’s members are; a near seven-minute musical wonder it is for sure!  Who would have thought a song about an annoying person sending you text messages and calling you all day could sound so smooth?  Only N.E.R.D. on the song “Yeah You!”

Unlike most albums nowadays where you’ll buy an album with 15 songs and only 3 will be good, “Seeing Sounds” by N.E.R.D. will not be disappointing at all!  Go cop that! NOW!  “Seeing Sounds” blows most currently-released albums out of the water with its complete and utter sheer explosiveness of talent.  This damn album will be in heavy rotation for a long time.

The Grouch is a member of the California crew ‘The Living Legends’. He has said to have brought ‘a marvellous masterpiece’ to the underground world of hip hop. The California based artist produces his own tracks as well as raps which is something we don’t see often in underground hip hop, he also puts the music out there without a label, so The Grouch is really iconic to other underground artists. He may not have had the greatest publicity when he first began, as he used to sell tapes on the street. However this iconic status was achieved through hard work and respect.

The Grouch has hooked up with friends and associates to appear on the album ‘Show You The World’ which is dedicated to his daughter. There are quite a few guest appearances on the album with the likes of MURS, Raphael Saadiq, Abstract Rude and Scarub, with each of these artists lending their vocal skills.

We have already had a taste of what’s to come with his first unofficial street single off the album titled ‘Artsy’. The Living Legends member has created a video which has flooded message boards across the net. The track is well produced with catchy beat, and The Grouch deliverers a very chilled out hook. This tone and mood is repeated throughout the album with tracks such as ‘Yardwork’ and ‘Mom & Pop Killer’ and ‘Never Die’.

Living Legends label mate MURS is present on the street and club banger ‘The Bay To L.A.’ The duo rap viciously throughout the album, resulting in this being a more commercial up-tempo effort. The Grouch collaborates with more Living Legends artists this time in the form of Bicasso and Scarub, in their uplifting track ‘Hot Air Balloons.’ This track has a very quick beat continuously keeping the listener addicted to the melody.

Overall the album is very diverse with it having many different sounds and vibes, which are constantly changing during the entire release. This gives the album a very fresh, summery, and chilled attitude. This album sets a great tone for the upcoming summer any no doubt contains tracks which, will be played over and over again.

Rating – 3.5/5

Here at HipHopRemix we try to review and show various types of hip hop music from the lackluster attempts of MIMS to Brother Ali’s innovational music tracks. Well today I am proud to announce Cava to the latter category. The soul singing music maker brings a new flavor to the hip hop community. A breath of fresh air coming from the Bay Area of San Francisco drops her debut album “Give In Let Go”.  If a comparison could be made for those have yet to hear Cava would be that of Alicia Keys but with (real) hip hop / jazz / and a futuristic style…which in the end cannot truly be described because it would not give justice to the music itself.

Labeled as singer/producer Cava doesn’t just sing good melodies with catchy hooks she makes great music PERIOD. The praises for this album can’t be said enough. Dropping on March 25^th from, get this, her own label – Cava Music Group. Cava Menzies sings and produces her soul shows it in music form. From the sultry voice in “Strides” and over the R&B -Jazz track of “Sorry” she shows just what good music truly is.

On the album titled track “Give In Let Go” featuring D.U.S.T. who fits perfectly with the innovative style that Cava brings to the table. D.U.S.T. who shows to be a South African MC holds his own with Cava dropping in between verses with hooks  will have you turning the track up and wearing out the repeat button.

Though destined not to be boxed in Cava gives us “Last Days” featuring indie hip hop rapper Zion which makes a laid back vibe asking the all important question, “If these are the last days of your life – what are you going to do to change? If this is all you’re living for – you better start today.” The keyboard in the background with the help of Zion will leave you in a trance.

Only 11 tracks deep, which consist of an interlude and a short intro is the only real short coming of this album. While this is her first album we can only hope and pray that we get more from this talented artist. One thing is for sure though before popping in this album make sure your repeat button is working because you WILL be hitting it more than once – which is rare in this industry.

For more information on Cava and her music abilities check out her myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cavamenzies

Indie hip hop has gone in only one direction – good music. Sky 7th can join the group of indie artist who are going away from the mainstream of money, drugs, women and just catchy hooks.  Being his first album release IrRealty Show is actually a play on words depicting what exactly reality truly is as displayed on tv. Listening all the way through there are several stand out tracks, but the transitions between each track is thing that gets this writers attention. So many times when I review an album you can tell the various producers involved within 5 seconds of the beat dropping.

A big fan of the QN5 and especially Decon production Sky 7th gets some help from the Villain on “Breathin’”. The laid back vibe of the track will definitely get you nodding your head and the rhymes will keep you rapping the rather simple hook of “Just Breathin’”.   Yet, don’t think the rather simplistic hook defines the track because then you’ll miss out on verses like:

“Everybody got a notion of what an emcee is

Tell me how to speak my piece and how to reach ‘em

Shut the fuck up its just me take it or leave it

 What’s hot in the streets? Ain’t really no secret

The play of poverty addiction conviction is twisted

Soundtrack the world you live in

I ain’t who I rhyme for no rappers rap

Real recognize real recognize the actors”

One stand out track though is “Everyday Struggle” which features Lou Sleefe (combined are Blueface) shows the production of Soulfresh is nothing short of a banger of the year. This gives hope to future collaborations between Lou Sleeve and Sky 7th as they go bar-for-bar.  Going with the trend of making music from the newbie to long time lover of hip hop Sky brings “Find Me An Angel” which features Rufus Troy and production to 5 Lyfe. While the singing may seem a little off it doesn’t take any less from the track where he spits from how he used to get into trouble to giving thanks to those angels that hold him down. Whoever has thought about their past “Find Me An Angel” will not only take you back but leave you nostalgic.

“Dirty Carpet” another banger shows off his house party-esque mentality in the form of the ol’ Kid N Play days.  This is another banger that as soon as the needle drops you need to put on blast. Yet, turning to "In Any Minute" you find the catchy hook that you can't help but rap out loud the next day in class and at work:

"If its a penny for your thoughts – whats a dollar for a dream?

Lost in a cause some are caught up in between

Thinking in the terms that the world were living

Right now – cuz it can end any minute."

Another feature with Lou Sleefe with some great production off 5 Lyfe is “Back Into The World” where as soon as the beat drops you can’t help but want to turn it up. Coming from nowhere Lou drops some heat where conspiracy theory meets hip hop with energy I haven’t heard in a long time since Immortal Technique.

Being the first album from this Midwest emcee is not just a great starting point for his career in the music industry but the ability to pick 17 tracks that slide through one another is a difficult task,  in today’s hip hop, only shows that he has what it takes to take it to the next level and I’m really looking forward to that alone.

Check out more at his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sky7thmusic 

In his latest release “Sacrifice” Substantial doesn’t just spit some “dope rhymes” over “dope beats” – he takes life and becomes one with hip hop in its purest form. Just from the beginning “That Damn Good” he lets you know why exactly he is…THAT DAMN GOOD! Yet, it doesn’t stop there “Resurrection of the House Party,” he dedicates it on the hook:

“This is for my people that’s sick of the club // If you miss house party’s then give me some love”

Giving a reminisce to the old school Kid N Play “House Party” and makes you want to start imitating the dance off for a good time.

Yet, don’t try to put Substantial in some type of category because as soon as put on “My Favorite Things” you’ll be blown away how well he can hold himself with a smooth jazz in the mix.

“See an ignorant man made a statement that’s so wrong
When he said rap music is an oxymoron
True most of us don’t sing some curse when they’re rapping
Some of us use sample and others utilize scratching
But it’s still all music stop judging and listen
Some of the joints you don’t like were the best songs ever written
No genre that was conjured has accomplished what rap has
Filled with brilliant poets who you thought just rap fast
And that’s sad, only heard when using curse words …”

Of course being on the QN5 roster you can’t help but get some dope music and thanks to Kno on “It’s You (I Think)” Substantial drops on the bridge about a past love relationship, “

(It's like) we… Love to live and live to love
Oh how… tough it is to give it up
When there's… enough to get, can't get enough
And when it gets rough, you ask yourself, "Is this love?"

Yet it doesn’t stop with Kno on the boards (of course) you gotta get Tonedeff on definite banger “Spaticus (Spit 4 Spat)” and Deacon the Villon on slowed down joint “A P.G. Boy” but it’s Algorythm who puts in some great work in “U Can Get It” and let’s not forget “Sign Language” which features Extended Famm.

In the end Substantial doesn’t just go par for par – he’s knocking holes in ones each time he gets in the booth. While this is only the 2nd album from the Maryland emcee you know it’s nowhere NEAR the end but the beginning of this talented artist.

Get your fill over at his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/substantial  

"You Can't be a Champ if you aint willing to fight"

These words ring loud and true, and should be a motto for anyone trying to accomplish anything. On their newest LP since 2005's "Reloaded", BCC and Underground veterans Smif N Wessun are back with "Smif N Wessun- The Album" to show that the fight is still in them, and why they and the Boot Camp remain relevant all these years later. Age doesn't dull skill, as the twosome rip the  "See The Light", professing their passion for life, and the art that they take pride in. Its refreshing to see this type of hunger in these times of carelessness for the music.

One thing that the listener will notice about the progression of this disc is the cohesiveness of the mood, and the songs themselves. From the aforementioned See the Light to "Trouble", there is a comfortable transition from track to track, alluding to the thought that went into the album construction, and song placement. (Little seen things these days)

"Kim 2000" is an uplifting tale of moving forward no matter what, with Smif and Wess trading verses over crisp claps, and a dark melody. They paint a vivid picture of those making do in the ghetto, with a somber but catchy chorus- "I do the best with the worst I got- some just wanna see you fail.. so I'm just keepin it movin". Truer words have never been spoken.

The Rock(of Heltah Skeltah) and Joell Ortiz featured "Stomp Thru" is the definition of a gritty NYC street banger. Good old boom bap snares, and hard  hitting rhymes from all make this an instant run-back.  Rock's presence on the track is gripping,  with his trademark gruffness, adding to the overall feel. Joell Ortiz burns the track ridiculous , spitting "Ya'll gonna jump me again, lets do it BITCH, the ONLY thing runnin is my nose when I'm getting sick!"

"Yeah" threatens to throw off the vibe of the CD at first, but its eerily intrugueing melody lures you in and keeps you, as Wess and Smif trade bars over the bouncy drums.  Wess hits the track with Venom, quipping "Amateurs, perhaps you lack stamina, challenge you rap characters, cannon without the camera".

The CD is not without fault though, as not even the duo's rhymes can save the bad production that  is "Can't Feel My Face". Surrounded by so many superior tracks, this feels like a B-side that didn't need to be included on such a solid release.  The chorus doesn't help either.

The proceedings pick up again with "Still Here", a track that makes any missteps on the album seem trivial.  I had to replay it twice to fully grasp what I heard, as the production is that excellent. As always, the two lace the track with dope rhymes, ending what was an enjoyable ride through their state of mind.

In the end, Smif N Wessun provide more heat for the BCC faithful, and do even more to cement their validity as Legends in the game.

Remember the days when it was nothing but Death Row hits flooding the streets? Now, when we hear the record label name its only to see who’s suing Suge Knight…again. Then there is the talent level that came from the West Coast Empire. While Snoop and Dre went on to make bangers after the Row one man behind the scene was determined to keep the dream alive and is showing it in his debut effort. RBX whose put his handy work in Dre’s and hip hop classic “The Chronic” and guest appearing on Eminem’s “The Marshall Mathews LP”.

RBX’s (Reality Born Unknown) “Broken Silence” automatically gives reminisce to the West Coast stomping days. When first hearing the voice of RBX you can’t help but wonder if it’s not Xzibit. The hard grimy vocal talent isn’t the only stand out on his album. A stand out track is shown on “Free”

“We live by the codes of the street

Crack cost money because pussy is free

And that’s how the story gets told

Stay tuned for the next episode”

…mixed with glass shattering drums pattern sets it off.

On “Never Again” RBX slows it down with guest featuring Ariano with a hot piano and drum mix. While it’s not the lyrical presence that shines on the track rather it’s the overall composure of it. Everything mashes up perfectly. Yet, during the laid back vibe you’ll end up missing,

“When Ronal Regan died I didn’t cry one tear

Music , television – telling lies to our eyes

Bush, Bin Ladden they one in the same pair

Both of them plotting the apocalypse is here

Smack the ice off a rapper and tell ‘em to come here

Show ‘em the death of a child from the diamonds in his ear”

Another stand out is “Stop That” featuring Ariano, LMNO and Chace Inifinite. The hooks speaks for itself:

“If you only rhyme about guns and you got one – so what? You need to STOP THAT!

If all you do is lie to the youth no truth for chump change – You need to STOP THAT!

If you only spit murder raps always watching your back – You need to STOP THAT!

If you don’t invest and waste your funds – You need to STOP THAT!”

While for some it’s difficult to spit hard west coast style and yet have a message it comes easy with RBX. Yet, then again when your pops is Bootsy Collins and your cousin is Snoop then you can’t help but have music in your veins. “She’s Sexy” is a great track that shows his talent level. The horns and beat pattern is an automatic repeat banger.

If RBX is bringing West Coast vibe from Death Row then I for one welcome it.

Prince Ali is something sort phenomenal. When “west coast hip hop” is mentioned the imagery of deep bass and less than par lyrics come up. Insert Prince Ali, a lyricist, repping the bay area. The result – well. you be the judge:

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Curb Side Service features guests such as Keith Murray, Pep-Love, Planet Asia, Tajai and A-Plus of Souls of Mischief, Rakkaa of Dilated Peoples, and more – so you know its going to be hot just from guest list.

Starting of with stand out track, “Way of the Warrior” gives reminisce to the hardcore west coast days of n.w.a. and ice-t but with a twist of superb lyricism. Running into “The Path (East Bay Remix)” keeps it moving and an excellent track to keep your head bopping to. While Curb Side Service has some tremendous music its tracks like “Slide Show” that slows it down and forces Ali to spit quickly. A combination that doesn’t go very well to say the least when compared to the storytelling in “Hug Daves” shows why. Thank God though for “3 Kings” and “The Majors” with Casual, Planet Asia and Keith Murray, both of which are easy favorites.

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Yet it’s the creativity that sets Ali apart from other artist. “Polyphonic Monarchs” shows this with fast tempo drums and scattered scratches. While there are certain low parts (see live band “Chopped”) you’ll find yourself hitting repeat A LOT more than skip. It is truly amazing how Ali crafts his cadence as that each line is put together precisely. The most ridiculous thing of it all is that this is not Ali’s first album and he’s not new to the game. Yet, if this is the introduction to the masses then we welcome it with open arms.  Good music is good music and Prince Ali makes great music. You would be a fool to not have this in your catalogue

Despite his success, Wonder has often experienced harsh criticism for what are deemed "uninspired" drum patterns that are made listenable by his adept picking of samples. Merchant shows no drastic change from this tried and true formula,  but for those who aren't analyzing every snare, 9th does his job of creating a banger quite well.

Opening with the Big Dho and Sean Price featured "Shots",  9th reminds you why he became such a monster on the Underground circuit, flipping a dope flute sample, while P and Dho do their thing.  One of the albums best cuts follows shortly after in the Mos Def, Jean Grae, and Memphis Bleek track "Brooklyn", which features Mos Def  sounding the most inspired we've heard him in years.

Jean Grae steals the show here,  with lines like, "Man, Brooklyn gave me confidence, When my mind slipped Brooklyn gave me consciousness", validating her case as best female MC in the game.  "Sunday" feat. Chaundon and Keisha Shontelle threw me off a bit upon first hearing it, as it changes the entire mood from Brooklyn to R&B in an instant. Once you settle in though, this  is a quality cut, without the hint of cheesiness that most r&b tracks on albums such as these usually are burdened with.(The Chaun verse helps of course)

The Little Brother assisted "No Time To Chill", starts out with Rapper Big Pooh ripping the mic, which some people though was impossible. Pooh has apparently been listening, and can now often stand beside another truly dope MC like Phonte without being a liability, which makes this track that much more enjoyable. Pooh gets down, with lines like "My pen packin the venom, heart pumpin the sound, mind pimpin the system , my catalog is the hound".

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better than a dope Pooh verse, 9th drops the Saigon and Joe Scudda cut "Saved",  showcasing both MC's dropping knowledge to the Hip-Hop youth over a classic Snoop sample.  "Backlash" feat. Boot Camp's Buckshot, and Sean Boog, is a gritty ride through the hood,  with deft lyricism, and old school vibe that will keep your head noddingfrom beginning to end.

Following this is "What Makes A Man" feat.  Rapper Big Pooh and Buddy Klein, which in itself is a good song, but suffers from what I mentioned earlier about 9th- repetitive drum patterns. Where other songs camoflauged their slight ineffiency, What Makes a Man showcases it, and takes away from a quality piece.

These minor gripes aside, 9th Wonder has managed to create consecutive dope pieces of work. While I and others think he needs to broaden his horizons drum-wise,  the man has undeniable talent when it comes to flipping samples, and  formulating great compilations.

When you think of Las Vegas you think of hot women, partying and good times. You rarely think hip hop, unless the act is passing thru. Let me be the first to introduce you to the duo Somobe (pronounced So-Moby) and “The Great Communication”.

Somobe composed of the ever-so-popular producer/emcee matchup: Jonathon “Jon D” Owns, and producer Roland “Bob-J” Llapitan. The one thing after poppin in “The Great Communication” I couldn’t help but notice is the originality of the beats. Turns out that Somobe pride themselves on creating the beats with REAL instruments. Something that is lost on todays hip hop generation.

“Long Days” an easy favorite has Jon D spitting over some soulful jazz with Shadow Pilot singing the hooks will have you hitting repeat after the 5:37. It’s difficult to write which one does it better either the production or lyricism.

“I was born to be a patriot

I was told to trust from God from an Atheist

I was told life is what you make of it

I was given the facts and then he changed it

Took it back and quickly rearranged it”

Taken from “Clap On” with the hard hitting production from behind it. The excellent lyrics behind the beats make this track more than a stand out but should be a hard hitting single. Yet, on “Where I’m Supposed to Be” eases back to their usual vibe with a dope bass guitar in the background.

Though this album has been in the works for 2 years, no lie, it truly shows with the professionalism shown in all aspect of the game.  From the lyrics to the beats that rides with ‘em.

“We Need a Love Song” is a perfect unity song for today’s hip hop.

 “It’s on when I’m blessing it

Tell me when you love it when I’m caressing the beat

Head to feet I’m undressing it

We need something desperate”

The coolest thing though about “The Great Communication” is in fact the last track the 13 minute track “You Can’t Rick That”. Where, during the end Jon D displays some excellent flow with some soulful / jazzy production. 

“If a picture is really worth a thousand words

then I need the mega pixel on my side right now.

Cause the human pieces inside of me want to give in

Spit a couple bars ain’t me to see if I can get in…”

“The Great Communication” is packed with some real music let alone real hip hop. If you’re looking for that grimy NY hip hop – look somewhere else. Or, if you want that deep booming bass like that LA hip hop – go somewhere else. If you want something to really vibe to and can post up in the whip and your mp3 player hit up Las Vegas and check out Somobe and remember who got you hip to ‘em.

Oh and keep an ear out for these cats and lets pray that the next album doesn't take 2 years. Show some love at their myspace: http://www.myspace.com/somobe