THA SCRIBBLE MIXTAPE REVIEWS

This is where you can find all of my mixtape reviews. To submit a mixtape to be reviewed, email us at [email protected]

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Tha Scribble: 2013 Archive: Ian Egar's "Toys in the Bassment"

Note: Tha Scribble: 2013 Archives is a collection of unpublished music reviews from albums released in 2013. 

Title: Toys in the Bassment Artist: Ian Egar Producer(s): Un-credited Label: Uncredited Release: 2013 music site: https://soundcloud.com/egartherapper/sets/toys-in-the-bassment Artist Page: https://www.facebook.com/egartheretard

 "Toys in the Bassment" is the solo ep debut of indie Hip-Hop artist Ian Egar (of the Gainesville Hip-Hop duo The Kreux). Egar makes a dramatic shift in gears from his traditional Hip-Hop roots to the accelerated, heart-thumping, white knuckled drag race that is dub step.

Egar shreds through a collage of throbbing bass and electrifying synths with a razor sharp flow and catchy head bopping lyrics. Though the electronic beats could have been more daring and risqué, Egar does a great job of keeping the listener entertained and engaged.

"I Made it," the opening track, stands out as the ep's edgiest track filled with dark and gritty imagery. Egar lays waste to anyone's preconceived notion of this clean cut, all-American rapper with this insightful trap tale.

One of the best kept secrets of 2013, "Toys in the Bassment" is, quite possibly, the first independent EP out of the 352 to fully integrate rap and electronic dance music in one project. Though very short in length (only five tracks equating to about seventeen minutes of music), "Toys in the Bassment" still earns its place as one of the greatest independent 2013 music releases to emerge out of the Gainesville, Fl music scene.

Ian Egar's "Toys in the Bassment" gets 4 out of 4 "Likes"

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Tha Scribble: A Mixtape Review of Junior's "Death Before Dishonor"

Artist: Junior Featured Artist(s):Lil V, Nemesis Credited Producers: N/A Label: N/A Download: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/mixtape.88820.html

Death Before Dishonor is the latest mixtape project of Duval County independent hip-hop artist Junior. DBD offers a more mature and sound and structure than Junior's previous project Big Bang Theory.

There are definitely a number of gems to be discovered in DBD. Junior's evolution as an independent hip-hop artist over the past few years is very evident in DBD.

"Death Before Dishonor," the title track, certainly sets the mood and environment for the first half of DBD. A smooth blend of classic jazz horns and percussions provide a somber and gritty foundation for Junior and Lil V, the main guest featured artist on DBD and veteran of BBT. The duo's mature lyrics are delivered with ease and confidence in this tale of the street code.

"By Any Means," and "Mafia Homeboys," continue the tape's  not so subtle mafia theme, though not as robust as the DBD track.

"Don't Tempt Me," brings DBD to a much more emotionally deeper arena with a stylized confession of being in love with a wayward stripper; Yeah, it's complicated.

Of course, no mixtape is complete without traditional tear-jerker attempt. "Blue Sands" is not only an attempt, it is a resounding success. It is an honest and powerful reflection of the pain and, sometimes, guilt associated with the loss of a very close loved one.

Junior cleverly inserted a thumping and lively interlude for those listeners who listen to the tape track to track from front to back. Funky kick drums, snares, and a cheeky wordplay prepares the listener for the crunked out jigging fest that is about to follow.

"This Morning," the very next track on DBD, is simple, catchy, and fun.  It is easily a house party anthem capable of making its way into a scene in Hollywood's next teen movie.

"Like Us," is, hands down, Junior's crowning achievement on the tape. The ninth track features DBD's second guest MC Isaiah Keen (credited as "Nemesis"). Junior and Lil V do an excellent job of  providing a dynamic delivery and flow of their respective lyrics.  I.K. rounds out the song with hard hitting lyrics and a confident delivery.

For all of its wins, Death Before Dishonor does have certain misses that should be mentioned.  Though "Blue Sands," and "Don't Tempt Me," are successful tracks on DBD, the other slow jams didn't quite meet the same standards. "Apologize," is a decent song on its own but a bit excessive on DBD. The energy of DBD teeters on the edge of dullness during portions of the four minute plus ballad. On the positive side, however, much kudos and respect go to the producer for sampling The 411's classic "On My Knees!" Also,  Lil V and Junior again show poetic and lyrical proficiency. Ultimately, though, "Apologize," could have worked better as a single separate from the mixtape.

Overall, Death Before Dishonor is a relevant and undeterred contender in the mixtape game earning 4 out of 5 Mixtapes for having CERTIFIED DOPENESS. It's obvious that Junior is a determined rapper dedicated to his craft.  Expect to hear more from this young artist. 

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Tha Scribble: A Mixtape Review of Junior 904's "Big Bang Theory"

Artist: Junior

Featured Artists: Lil V, D-Money, JayEl, D-Money, Lil Gunna, Alonzo, Fuzein, Nemesis

Credited Producers: NON LISTED

Label: N/A

Download Link: http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/junior904-big-bang-theory-mixtape.79174.html

Big Bang Theory is the 3rd mixtape debut by rookie Duval County rap artist Junior.  Big Bang Theory is, if nothing else, a very fun journey through the rich and, sometimes somber, world of Junior. BBT is definitely a grass roots, DIY (Do It Yourself), type of a project with a considerable amount of production challenges.  From a technical standpoint, BBT could have benefitted from a final mix down at a professional studio by a competent audio engineer.

Now that I've vented, let's move on to what I think does work well with Big Bang Theory. Let's start with the choice in naming the mixtape. Although this is not the first tape to reference a popular sitcom (Like Wale's 2008 The Mixtape About Nothing), it is important to note it because Big Bang Theory represents a broader scope of the Rap renaissance that is currently emerging out of Duval County. It is one that is more vibrant, intellectual, and increasingly more marketable than ever before. The recent major label record deal bestowed upon fellow Duval County artist T. Rone has certainly brought a much needed spotlight and energy to the 904; Kudos to Junior for choosing, "Big Bang Theory," as the name for his tape.  

Junior has somewhat of a choppy flow that, at times, hangs on the outer boundaries of any given beat without ever falling off of it. It's a unique trait to have as a rap artist that can stem from a variety reason but makes for a very exciting dynamic on a mixtape. As I listened to BBT, I never quite knew how Junior would approach a beat from track to track. This added a heightened anticipation that kept me interested and engaged in the tape all of the way through. 

"Wobble," is definitely my favorite track on the tape. Those of you familiar with my reviews already know that my favorite tracks are usually the type of songs that you'll hear at the club...the strip club. "Wobble," is definitely that type of song. It has certain technical production issues but has the potential of being a true hit with a professional label release.

“Wassup” is another favorite of mine with its anthem style beat and catchy hook. Junior sounds a little more confident on this track than some of the other ones on BBT and pushes his vocal abilities a bit. “Wassup” also features up and coming hip-hop artist, and Gainesville, Florida native, Alonzo. FULL DISCLOSURE: I manage Alonzo and served as Executive Producer for his feature on “Wassup.”

Junior takes an introspective shift with “Pray for Me,” a story about poverty, child abuse, and drug use. “Pray for Me” features fellow Duval County artist Nemesis who does a great job of adding soul and emotion to the somber ballad.

Overall, “Big Bang Theory” is a stronger showing of Junior’s talents and abilities as a rising hip hop artist. As I stated in the beginning of this review, Big Bang Theory has a considerable amount of production and sound engineering issues. A tape of this quality would usually garner a Two Mixtapes Rating. Junior, however, manages to redeem his production shortcomings with talented features, clever rhymes, and unconventional flow. The Big Bang Theory truly earns its name as well as 3 out of 5 Mixtapes for being Dope!  

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THA SCRIBBLE MIXTAPE REVIEWS: A REVIEW OF JOHN Q.'S WELCOME TO THE DARKSIDE

Title: Welcome to the Darkside

Artist: John Q.

Featured Artists: Sucoo, KB da Boss, Insight, Johnny St. Tellah, Dre LaVey, A.R., Wali G., Jaycee Marx, Fat Wala, Dirty Michievan, Y.P., Slymm, Flying Lotus, Thundercat

Credited Producers: Cooking Soul, Q-Tip, Fat Jon, Flying Lotus, Teebs, Dibase, Tut Piece, J. Dilla, Madlib, Opus

Label: All My Homies Inc.

Download Link: www.johnq.bandcamp.com (Will become available for download on July 4, 2013)

The Darkside-(n.) 1. the side of an object in space (such as a spaceship or planet) that faces away from the closest star. 2. (often cap.) the force of evil.-Answers.com

"The Darkside ain't for you," is a line from a verse that indie Hip Hop artist, and All My Homies Inc. Co-Founder, John Q. delivers in his song, "Astro Travellin." John Q. might be very right; "The Darkside," may not be for you. In fact, I would venture to say that John Q.'s latest mixtape project might only be for a select few; a select few who appreciate melodic beats, full bodied lyrics, and intellectual stimulation. "The Darkside," is dark and enigmatic. With the exception of the remix of the classic Janet Jackson/Q-Tip collabo "Til It's Gone," every song has a unique flow and story. It is like a series of musical vignettes that tap into the darker natures of man and society. If that sounds too deep for your mind to process, then don't touch "The Darkside;" it will hurt you. If you, however, are searching for hip-hop music that is more dynamic than the marketable sub-genre tags (old skool, dope, real hip-hop, etc.) or even the revered genre identifier "Hip-Hop," then something is seriously wrong with you but you should keep reading because this review is for you.

"We, the pure being have an affection for the infection...," is an obscure line from an even more obscure sound clip that I have not been able to locate in my research (which anyone who knows me knows how difficult that was to admit; JUST KIDDING, it's from Moojiji's Programming of an Idea). John Q. uses this philosophical audio clip in his intro track, "Welcome to the Darkside." If there were ever an award for "Best Mixtape Introduction Track," this intro would garner the first award.

I typically focus on specific tracks and describe what makes them so great or why they were such a failure of a song. For this review, I'll simply say that there were only some slight, barely notable production nuances. The overall quality of the "The Darkside" is very strong and well produced. Each track offers a vast breadth of substance and even greater depth of content.

John Q. again demonstrates his tremendous abilities as an executive producer with "Welcome to the Darkside." There are few independents artists, local or otherwise, with the ability to gather such an impressive lineup of raw talent and make it seem damn near effortless.

John Q.'s "Welcome to the Darkside" is groundbreaking to say the least. Yet, I still left the mixtape with a feeling that there was some slight hesitation on the part of some of the featured talent. I believe that the best is yet to come as far as this journey that John Q. has begun. This is why "Welcome to the Darkside" gets 4 out 5 mixtapes for Certified Dopeness! I'm looking forward to a follow up to John Q.'s "Welcome to the Darkside!"