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The Musical Judgment

Music Reviews by Salena Williams

ill-Literacy

With this CD to be honest was not good at all. It was only 5 tracks not saying that there is anything wrong with that...however, it sounded so amateur in every track to me it didn't make any since to me. The beat in one of the tracks was real hot. But throughout every track that the man was rapping it's like he didn't know how to flow with his rap. It’s like he decided to rap the day before they made the CD. 

Goddes and She

This CD was outstanding. I liked every track. The rapping and singing was really good and it sounded different than other CD's I came across which made me like it even more.  This is worth listening to.

The tracks to look for are:

1- Love Machine

3- What Would We Be

4- Blue in the Face

6- Drum Circle

8- Get Your Bike 

DIAMOND DISTRICT in the ruff

I thought this one was the best CD's.  The whole CD was really good when it came to the lyrics. The beat, everything about that CD, was great. I don't think there are any flaws on this CD. It is really good. I would listen to this CD over and over again.

The tracks to look for are:

01- Streets won't let me chill

03- Back to Basics

04- I Mean Business

09- Make it Clear 

SAREEM POEMS Black and Read All Over

I like how this CD was put together. Even though some of the songs sounded alike I like the direction it was going. The lyrics were uplifting towards how you look at life. I like this one, it’s different. The beats are official and there extremely well put together.

The tracks to look for:

02- Come Get it Feat. Theory Hazit

04- Tell It

08- Shake It Up 

Bisco Smith: THE BROADCAST

Bisco Smith to me is very smart to put this CD together like he did. It has a type of futuristic thing with it. I like all of the tracks on this CD the beats were on point.  I think that’s what got my attention to this CD. The logo is weird (a brain). However, it’s a good CD to enjoy and listen to.

The tracks to look for:

01-  Tine In

03-  Vibrations

   07- Never Know

   10- Circuit Breaker

 

Rob Murat

So Much To Say 

Refreshing is the first word that comes to my mind when describing Rob Murat’s debut album, So Much To Say.  From the onset, you will embrace this project with open arms. In a genre that was once dominated by strong songwriting, infectious melodies and soul, has now succumbed to unoriginality and lackluster performers. R&B now has a glimmer of hope being provided by Rob Murat. 

As a seasoned singer, songwriter and producer Rob is able to tell honest and compelling stories while being undeniably vulnerable. His raw emotion and no façade approach to music are displayed throughout So Much To Say.  Drawing from a vast musical background, he is able to transcend himself by providing lush soundscapes while intertwining heartfelt lyrics to entertain listeners. With well-placed cameos, Rob adds to the experience of So Much To Say.  Guest appearances include Amanda Diva on the Latin inspired “Mr. Soulman”, J. Ivy on “So Much More” and Blitz the Ambassador on the hip-hop infused “One Day”.  Standout songs: “Something Magical”, “Until It’s Over” and the title track “So Much To Say” are when Rob is at his best. On the title track, he soulfully but obscurely sings about music, “…something told me deep inside I’d have a chance to say / I wondered would you find your way / Swear I was dreaming about you everyday / And I was hoping it was worth the wait / And now I know I didn’t wait in vain.” While his sound is familiar enough to draw comparisons to John Legend he remains unique enough to be Rob Murat.  

In this age of auto-tune and bad R&B, it’s nice to see an artist that is willing to go the extra mile to ensure a quality supply of music worthy to purchase. For those of you who enjoy bountiful music experiences, you will not be disappointed in Rob Murat’s debut.  So Much To Say is a well- balanced display of musicianship and will begin the next wave of artists who will reclaim R&B.

 

Kam Moye’s new album, Splitting Image, is the emcee’s first full-length release since his hiatus of recording as Supastition, and features a new artistic direction for the emcee. Over production from the likes of Jake One, Marco Polo, Illmind, Vitamin D, Khrysis, M-Phazes, and more, Splitting Image finds Kam speaking heavily on true to life issues such as karma, what it means to be successful, the ups and downs of relationships, and much more.  

Check out "Let's Be Honest" Prod. By Veterano, the lead single from Splitting Image: http://media.audibletreats.com/Kam_Moye-Lets_Be_Honest_Prod_By_Veterano.mp3 

Diamond District's new album, In The Ruff, will be released October 27th and is the first group effort from the trio of producer/emcee Oddisee and emcees X.O. and yU. Flowing effortlessly over Oddisee's soulful, haunting samples and bass-heavy break beats, In The Ruff creates the perfect statement for the street savvy, politically-tinged lyrics that represent the group's DMV upbringing – giving insight into a region oft-discussed but rarely ever examined.

Check out "I Mean Business," the first single from In The Ruff: http://media.audibletreats.com/Diamond_District-I_Mean_Business.mp3

 

Jern Eye and Fly Gypsy

Although releasing only his sophomore solo effort with Vision, due October 13th via MYX Music Label, Jern Eye has been a name to follow for some time in the Bay, making waves in the city’s legendary independent hip-hop scene with his own Lunar Heights crew. With Vision, full of great music and strong concepts throughout, Jern's continuing artistic progression is on full display. Boasting collaborations with Mistah FAB, Guilty Simpson, Zion I, Cali Agents, and more, and including production from Keelay & Zaire along with hip-hop heavyweights Jake One (50 Cent, De La Soul, Freeway, etc) and !llmind (LL Cool J, 50 Cent, etc), Vision offers hip-hop lovers an album they can put on, play, and enjoy from beginning to end.

Although releasing only his sophomore solo effort with Vision, due October 13th via MYX Music Label, Jern Eye has been a name to follow for some time in the Bay, making waves in the city’s legendary independent hip-hop scene with his own Lunar Heights crew. With Vision, full of great music and strong concepts throughout, Jern's continuing artistic progression is on full display. Boasting collaborations with Mistah FAB, Guilty Simpson, Zion I, Cali Agents, and more, and including production from Keelay & Zaire along with hip-hop heavyweights Jake One (50 Cent, De La Soul, Freeway, etc) and !llmind (LL Cool J, 50 Cent, etc), Vision offers hip-hop lovers an album they can put on, play, and enjoy from beginning to end.
 
Check out "Get Right" feat. Mistah FAB and Zumbi of Zion I (Prod. By Jake One): http://media.audibletreats.com/Jern_Eye-Get_Rright_Feat_Mistah_FAB_And_Zion_I_Prod_By_Jake_One.mp3.

For more information about Jern Eye visit the Audible Treats.com web site at:  http://www.audibletreats.com/download/jern_eye/.

Fly Gypsy is comprised of Russian-born producer/one-man-band Alexei Jendayi and Jamaican-born emcee Kowboy Kom. With two new projects – The Vodka & Rum Mixtape and Higher EP – the duo, now based in the bubbling DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area, combine Alexei’s intricate, melodic, and slapping beats with Kom’s insightful lyrics to create something powerful. Fly Gypsy, with both projects, show off their musical depth and mastery, incorporating both samples and multi-instrument, original compositions with twisting, turning stories that provoke moments of thought, introspection, laughter, and most of all enjoyment. Fly Gypsy's Higher EP will be released November 10th via Fly Gypsy Music.
 
For a great example of the duo's outstanding talents, check out Fly Gypsy performing "Block Rockin," off The Vodka & Rum Mixtape, live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lo7jIOO1bqo.

For more information about Fly Gypsy visit the Audible Treats.com web site at:  http://www.audibletreats.com/download/fly_gypsy/.

 

DJ JS 1 - No Sell Out

Reviewed by Icering

Is it a Rock or a Diamond?

Unfortunately a majority of today's hip-hopers don't have a clue how the hip-hop genre sounds like in it's natural form. As the standards of American music constantly decrease, the the new generation of hip-hop fans only have crap to reference as inspiration for their music, which is usually worst than the crap they reference. If presented with a diamond in it's true form they'd throw the "rock" away or won't pay it any mind. Because of course diamonds as seen on TV come in the form of wedding rings and chains worn by rappers.  

DJ JS-1 decided to release an album called "No Sell Out", featuring hip-hop in it's rawest most natural form. This is for a special group of youngsters and people who can remember music back to at least 1996. Compared to today, I can argue the music and artist featured on the album are actually from another genre we can call "new oldies." The equivalent of 70's R&B being compared to the so called R&B you would hear nowadays. No Sell Out has authentic beats, this new concept called DJ scratching and an all-star line up of underground hip-hop artists.

But there is a point of diminishing results.  No Sell Out has 21 tracks.  There are different rappers but after awhile there is a risk of some tracks sounding too much like the others.  There are similar styles to the rap and different beats.

In my opinion this JS-1 release would be better off limiting this to 11 tracks.  Lyrics and beats are good, but I could only handle so much of the same flavor.

All in all, JS-1's No Sell Out, is a new oldies album.  It is a diamond or a rock?  It all depends, the word diamond means, unalterable and unbreakable so it's up to you to decide when you listen.  Either way, it's all good.

 

Reviewed by Icering

The Little City That Could

Recent I was sent an invitation to a new "city" called BROOKLYNATI, a hip-hop group named Tanya Morgan. The city is okay... It was missing one thing in particular ...

Landmarks 

The production and landscaping is solid, (although a little more variety would be nice), the language was rich in content, which is easy on the ears making the overall atmosphere very nice .  

But no memorable landmarks or for betters word...

Choruses

I was able to safely navigate through BROOKLYNATI without stopping or skipping around looking for direction.  Everything was presented nicely.

The builders Tanya Morgan are still relatively new at this and their skills still developing.  I'm almost sure greater additions will be added in the future.

BROOKLYNATI is GOOD. But not great...

With that said, I recommend you take a tour to see what I mean.

You may not agree.  

It looks like I won't be looking to move to BROOKLYNATI anytime soon. However, if your are an underground hip-hop head, there are plenty of activities for you and plenty of places to stay.  I'm sure you'll like it.  How do I know?  Just go and visit, you will see familiar faces.  Check it out.  

Click here to learn more:  http://www.audibletreats.com/download/tanyamorgan/

Track Listing for Brooklynati
 

1. “On Our Way”
2. “Alleye Need” feat. Piakhan
3. “So Damn Down”
4. “Bang N Boogie”
5. “Don't U Holla” feat. Jermiside
6. “Hardcore Gentlemen”
7. “Plan B” feat. Napoleon
8. “Intermission” feat. Peter Hadar
9. “Without U” feat. Phonte and Brittany Boscoe
10. “Never 2ndary” feat. Jermiside, Che Grand, Elucid and Spec Boogie
11. “Just Not True”
12. “Morgan Blu” feat. Blu
13. “Never Enough” feat. Carlitta Durand
14. “We're Fly” feat. Kay of The Foundation and Chop
15. “Just Arrived” feat. Miss Info
16. “Forgot 2 Say”

 

Music Reviews by Icering

Kero One - Early believers

After reading the promo package I just had to see what this was about.  Kero One seems to have blew up in Japan.  Now, I'm very hip to the Japanese music market.  I started playing and producing music because of Japanese producers and musicians.  90% of my music education is from Japan.  I also studied Japanese and I know most of the major studios and producers including those who specialize in urban music.  My home studio is actually being designed after one of the studios in Minato, Tokyo.  So did I miss something?  Or was this just hype?

Well, It looks like I did miss something.

Kero One is a solid artist and the music on his new album Early Believers doesn't bother or bore my very demanding ears.   The arrangements allow me to get through the songs without struggle and the lyrics, dynamics and vocal timbre are more than worthy. 

Kero One doesn't break any new group here.  But he does manage to make an album.  (If I were to teach a group of kids how to make make underground hip-hop music this could be a case study record for them to aspire to).   

Overall I have no complaints about the album.  If I had to find one thing to comment on, I would have left the last track, "On and On" off the album.  To me it's not quite up to par.  It's a looped instrumental so I won't count it with the rest of the songs.  

This album is solid in every way and is something I would consider a top shelf.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/keroone

Vimby Vid: http://www.vimby.com/video/music/us/all/detail/9150

 

8/10

Tonex - Unspoken

Put on your workout cloths if you're going to listen to this album.  Tonex's Unspoken is stocked full of energy.  Even the slow songs.

In this short album (8 tracks) Tonex stuffed a lot in here.  Lots of different styles and instruments show up as well as studio effects.  In some cases craziness works against him because I get confused in the middle of a few songs because so many things are going on at a rapid pace.  That makes the album not ideal for focus listening but perfect for something to put on while working out or doing something else while this plays in the background.

The singing is good. The production is fair.  And it should fit the needs of it's market very well.  Don't have a church picnic without it.

 

Bobby Womack

Here's one of our favorite Bobby Womack songs, "Woman's Gotta Have It."

To learn more about Bobby Womack visit his Wikipedia page here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Womack.

 

Audible Treats Music Reviews by Icering

The Metermaids album is nice.  The songwriting is good and the live instruments keep the songs interesting.   Each song on the album has enough variety to make the album recommendable.  

The vocals and lyrics remind me of the underground scene.  There's a touch of being a bit unpolished when it comes to the choruses and some of the lyrical delivery.  Their voices stay the same on all the tracks with little dynamics, so I get the feeling they are rapping over the beats and not with the beats.  All in all, this is good stuff.

Click below for more:

http://www.myspace.com/metermaids
http://audibletreats.com/download/Metermaids/

 

Illa J's  album is a solid effort.  The vocals are dynamic his choruses are tight.  I like the lyrics, but I don't think they are as good as Metermaids.

On the production side, the beats are good, but  don't produce enough variety for my tastes.  This effort is definitely worth buying.

Click here to learn more.

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Metermaids/

 

Bronx River Parkway - San Sabastian 123

If you were to "borrow" your father's 70's funk records, then "borrow" your friends father's 70's salsa records and mixed them together, you would get something that sounds like Bronx River Parkway's new album "San Sabastian 123."

This album is great for rhythm study because that's all it really is...lots of advanced rhythmic patterns. Every song clearly has the the mark of professional musicians who have mastered the element of "groove and rhythm."   You will find a copy of this CD in my "must buy" collection.

Click here to learn more:  http://www.audibletreats.com/download/BRP/

 

eLZHI - The Preface

What a sad case. Pathetic.  An emcee with such a nice delivery and interesting lyrics not to be better know.  eLzhi has the potential to reach Masta Ace level lyricism.  He is very close, but in more than one way.  Just like Masta Ace, eLZHI has a bit of a production problem.  The producer Black Milk doesn't suck, but the beats are a bit mediocre.  With stronger production eLZHI might have have something here.

 

Freddie Foxx - Crazy Like A Foxxx

This is a very easy review. In the early 90's, when hip-hop was at its peak, it was hard to find a bad album and this 1994 Freddie Foxxx album demonstrated that. Its too bad music today isn't of this quality and passion.

If you like 90's hip-hop (the original hip-hop) well here you go. Its interesting that the album is being released now. This style of music is almost a different genre compared to what's out now. Everything on this CD is good.  This is a sure thing.

 

Doomtree - Radio Edits

Doomtree is a very interesting group of individuals, they have a unique style which is distinguishable. That's something that's not very common in hip-hop these days -- also they have good chemistry which can be felt through the music.

Lyrically I wasn't very impressed, nothing really stood out as far as the spoken word was concerned; but all of the emcee's have a very nice flow over the beats. Doomtree suffers from what I call "underground syndrome," which means they have boring choruses which is extremely common in underground or independent music.

The production on this compilation is well done. There are no critiques I can really give to the producers...except...for them to add a better chorus to support their fellow Doomtree members to ensure the group doesn't fall into the "another rap group" pile.

Overall the compilation sounds like one big happy family with a lot of personality.

For more information on Doomtree and Freddie Foxxx contact Nora Ritchie (nora@audibletreats.com) or visit the Audible Treats web site at www.audibletreats.com. 

 

Tanya Morgan - The Bridge

When it comes to my super critical ears most hip-hop albums cannot meet my standards.  However, Tanya Morgan passed.  They are actually a good group that have quality music to share.   Let's start with the vocals.

Tanya Morgan has a good flow when rapping and have smooth transitions between rappers as they take their turn rapping.  In addition, this group actually has something of significance to say in the lyrics.  My only criticism is that I didn't like how they ended the last song, "How Low."

Production

With the exception of "How Low" the beats are solid and well crafted.  The beats vary enough to sustain interest in the album. 

As a test of pulling power I will intentionally send my attention elsewhere and have the music play in the background.  Many times I don't notice the songs have changed because either the vocals were boring or production was boring and similar in sound.   This was not the case here. 

Overall Tanya Morgan has put on a good show.  This is a very good CD that is worth your money.

To learn more about Tanya Morgan click here:  http://www.audibletreats.com/download/TanyaMorgan/

 

Ise Lyfe - Prince Cometh

The album is pretty cool and well done.  The production is solid and I can listen to the lyrics with ease.  Ise Lyfe made this an easy and smooth review for me.  My only gripe is that there are too many tracks on the album.  Ise has 21 tracks with 7 or 8 tracks serving as "filler."  In my opinion, too many filler tracks dramatically decreases an album's replay value.   All-in-all I give this album a "thumbs up."

8/10

Tag:  Here is another artist to add to the  black youth rescue market.   Working a few brain cells that would normally never get used in the mainstream market or commercial appeal.

 

J DaVey - The Beauty In Distortion/ The Land of The Lost EP

I have no idea what market this music is after, the music itself is very strange and confusing, I had a hard time grasping the purpose of a lot of these songs.  I would say the group needs a bit more polishing at least for my tastes.

The mixing on the album wasn't the greatest either.  At times the vocals were hard to understand because she gets drowned out by the beat.  The EP's are too random and don't have much structure.  I don't remember any words on the album nor do I remember any of the production.

The instrumental tracks can make good background music for transitions scenes.  This is a mix of different styles but nothing specific.  If you're very curious and open minded, this CD is worth a serious listen.  This is a very eclectic CD.

?/10

Tag:  "This is more of a "See for yourself'" kinda of albums, my review won't help.

 

K'naan - The Dusty Foot Philosopher

K'naan, an award-winning singer and musician, was born in Somalia, a country that has not had a functioning government since 1991. K'naan's family moved to Harlem after catching the last domestic flight out of Somalia and eventually settled in Ontario, Canada. Using his ability to blend Western and African influences, K'naan's music is a fusion of world music and hip-hop that borrows from the protest songs of Bob Marley, the hip-hop lyricism of Mos Def, and the storytelling traditions of Somalia. Despite the violence K'naan has experienced, his lyrics address the possibilities for positive change and peace. His album, The Dusty Foot Philosopher Deluxe Edition, will be released for the first time in the U.S. by the Bay Area-based record label, Interdependent Media on June 24, 2008.

Review by Icering

This album was interesting.  K'naan's vocal style is distinguishable and his words flow very well.  I felt on a few occasions that the high pitch vocal changes were annoying.

I wish some of the production was better as some of the beats didn't do all the songs justice in my opinion.  The beats weren't in design, they just didn't stand out.  I think there are too many tracks on the CD, after the 16th song I had to check see what was left since the music was so passive and of the same style.

Pros:  

- Dynamic vocals that almost force you to pay attention.
- Relatively meaningful lyrics
- Good stories.

Cons:  
- Some of K'naan's vocal pitch changes get annoying
- especially in the higher pitches
- Lack of memorable production

Swing:

If you're a hip-hop head and want to add a few new interesting spices to your collection, this could do it.

Streams:

"If Rap Gets Jealous"

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-If_Rap_Gets_Jealous.mp3

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-If_Rap_Gets_Jealous.asx 

"Strugglin'"

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-Strugglin.mp3

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-Strugglin.asx 

"Soobax"

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-Soobax.mp3

http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan/Knaan-Soobax.asx 

Photo Montage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rkdoZLtTso 

Bio, pictures, and streams available here:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Knaan

K'naan MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/knaanmusic

K'naan official site:
http://www.thedustyfoot.com/ 

Label site:
http://www.imculture.com/
 

Prior to signing with Interdependent Media, Shaya spent nearly ten years hitting the pavement in his native Bay Area slanging handmade CD's and mix tapes at shows and on street corners. Shaya's lyricism, determination, and charismatic personality caught the attention of many industry leaders but personal obstacles often prevented him from taking his craft to the next level. Interdependent Media is proud to finally release the fulfillment of the potential industry leaders had always seen in Shaya with Fallen Awake. Devoid of the clichés and excess that have come to characterize mainstream hip-hop, Shaya succeeds in crafting no-frills, honest, and intelligent hip-hop music. Fallen Awake will be released on 7/29.

Review by Icering

Shaya - Fallen Awake

The highlight of this album is its production.  Shaya's dynamics and vocal rhythms are good.  He uses his voice as a percussion instrument to add to the good production.  The depth of the lyrics didn't impress me.  I thought the word content was very shallow.  This is nothing I haven't heard before, so technically I could be listening to anybody.  I wouldn't be able to tell it was Shaya rapping if heard this song somewhere else.  I don't remember too much of the word content because it there was nothing that stood out.  So for me it became an instrumental album since his vocal delivery is done well.

Pros:

- Great production
- Good vocal delivery


Cons:

- Lyrics are "industry standard," they don't stand out.


Swing:

- The production and vocal delivery are enough to pick this one up, its enough to make you move your head.

Little Vic:

The first thing I noticed about this album as I run through it is the lyrical delivery.  Little Vic’s passion and emotion are very clear and shine on these tracks.  It’s very clear he is into what he is doing as the disc has a lot of energy.  The overall production was well done.  This CD compliments Vic’s style.  A lot of rap albums have a gap between the beat and the lyrics, however, in this case there rapper and the beat fit as one sound. 

The whole album is a very solid overall.  Outside of a few songs, Little Vic stood out as himself and not your cliché “wanna be rapper.”  I can recognize him on his songs which is a good thing. The entire album screams New York.  It has such a NY feel to it that I think Little Vic intentionally made it be as NY sounding as possible.  But it’s all good.
 
Pros: passionate rap flow and delivery, solid production, relatively smooth flowing album
 
Cons:  If I could tell Little Vic anything, it would be to stay clear of those pitch vocal style beats.  Fortunately there are only two on the album.  I was very tempted to skip through section because of their overuse.
 
Swing vote: Extra points are given because he is identifiable, which I find very rare.
 
Score: 9/10