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Review of Da Girl Iz Real's "Black Dress" (2013)

"Black Dress" by Boston's own, Da Girl Iz Real, is a slow tempo, bass thumping, audio collage of 17 tracks including 7 features: D-Money Martinez, Swerv, D. Ruff, Fresh, Chief, Kidd Lou, Red Shaydez, and Nique. The project opens with Miss Real jumping right IN- blessing the mic with straight bars, chanting, "If you knew a chick with better rhymes ni$$a/ I aint met her yet." Confidence. Its contagious! We feel you Miss Real! "Heels" is a certified RnB type banger with a catchy chorus. It is very clear that this femcee is holding nothing back lyrically, which would have been a very easy option on a record that already has great production and a solid chorus. Good stuff! "Rewind" featuring D-Money is another RnB type track that is definitely hot! Again, Miss Real employs a "tough girl" delivery as she rhymes, "Despite my tears I stayed in fear that I wouldn't find another/ But to say everything is fine/ We'd be lying to each other/ I get past my patience after every altercation/ And I tell him love me or leave me is the only ultimatum." Nice lyrics! On French Montana's hit "Shot Caller," Miss Real remixes the record with "Ni$$a got potential/ I'm a call him/ Now lets just see if he ballin." This track was enjoyable but the album would have been just as great without it given the fact that this record has been remade a million times. The album takes a surprising turn with the spoken word record "Black Dress Interlude" featuring D. Ruff. Nice addition! Definitely wasn't expecting that! The album continues with the title track, "Black Dress" using the same instrumental as the spoken word piece. I like the way these records are tied together as Miss Real rhymes, "Her body look the best in a black dress/ she got it going on." Okay then! "Good Girl Gone Bad" is another chill banger with an energetic delivery as Miss Real flows, "On the outside she seems perfect/But on the inside this girl hurt man." Nice imagery! "Cognac," "Player's Card," and "Im gone" are all smooth Hip Hop joints with a hint of RnB while "Hard Time" is more of a record made for the streets. "Gangsta" and "Gotta Believe" are the most upbeat records on the project while "Roasted" has more of a Hip Hop-Jazz oriented sound. All in all, "Black Dress" is a solid album that sticks to slow tempo, RnB Hip Hop fusion type of tracks matched with unforgettable choruses, superb features, and a "tough girl" delivery. You can actually play this album from beginning to end because of the consistency regarding its production and themes. "I need my own shine/ Keep my drive like a valet." With this type of attitude and raw delivery, Da Girl Iz Real, will continue to create and maintain her "own shine." Watch out now! (The Beatnuts Voice) Written by: Dezi Leon Owner, URBE CONDITA and THE URBE WAY BLOG To listen to “Black Dress” please go to: http://www.datpiff.com/Da-Girl-IzReal-Black-Dress-mixtape.514251.html Dezi’s Favorite Track: "I'm Gone" featuring Red Shaydez and Nique IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ, PLEASE BE SURE TO STOP BY THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT “LIKE” https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728?ref=hl

Review of Chaz Ray's "Grind Season" (SteadyGrind Entertainment, 2013)

"Grind Season" is a 21 track collection of stories featuring some of New England's best including Cyclone, Seven3EZ, Stix Cheney, Ace Da Truth, and countless others from SteadyGrind Entertainment CEO, Chaz Ray. The project begins with a smooth, dirty south type of introduction very reminiscent of a UGK or a David Banner record. Ray rhymes, "Homie this is MY season/I'm the best so ni$$a let me prove it." Okay then! "Ima Fly Boy" carries the same confident swag as Ray spits, "I'm a fly boy since 88/ Took it to a new level 9-4 man/ At age 5 I was a K-9 that was K-2/ If I want it, I would take mine." I think this is one of the best verses on the whole mixtape! The album continues with the mid-tempo, bass driven track, "Early In the Morning." What a catchy, well-written chorus! "Lazy Afternoon" is another smooth banger with production that reminds me of a West Coast type of record. This track, in particular, introduces a different sound from the dirty south flavor that has dominated thus far. Nice! With assistance from Cyclone, "Work" proves to be a memorable record with yet another consistent, dope chorus followed by "Same Song," the track that I feel like represents the whole "Grind Season" project best. "I'm out here tryna get my grind on/ Tryna stack money but I'm tryna get my shine on." We hear you Ray! "Me and You" featuring 2Wayy is a definite banger! "Its me and you/ I wouldnt have it no other way/ She hustle too just get it in another way." I like the flow throughout this one although there are times when the delivery sounds a tad bit off beat. Nonetheless, this is definitely a moment on the album when I'm beginning to understand and grasp the Chaz Ray sound. "Its grind season in tim boots stomping through the street/ Bad dime in my passenger seat rolling trees." Great imagery and unforgettable hook! All in all, I think that "Grind Season" is notable for its choice in features and catchy choruses. I feel like Ray's best moments occur on the records geared towards the ladies, yet still infused with street appeal. Nice balance! I think that the album, as a whole, fits very well into the fabric of today's rap music and hip hop sound. From a commercial perspective, I think that this is excellent. From a creative standpoint, I wanted Ray to dig deeper and to take more risks, both lyrically and musically. With this said, it IS "Grind Season" and I'm sure that Ray is just getting started in terms of where he plans on taking his audience. He concludes on his final track, "stay tuned for a whole bunch more-interviews, videos, a whole bunch of $hit!" Written by: Dezi Leon Owner, URBE CONDITA and THE URBE WAY BLOG To listen to "Grind Season" please go to: http://www.datpiff.com/CHAZ-RAY-GRIND-SEASON-mixtape.534269.html Dezi’s Favorite Track: “Respect Me" featuring Cyclone and Ace Da Truth IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ, PLEASE BE SURE TO STOP BY THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT “LIKE” https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728?ref=hl

Review of Iyadonna's "Melnea Cass Project" (2013)

Infused with catchy samples coupled with hard hitting drums and great features, the "Melnea Cass Project" by fellow Roxbury femcee, Iyadonna, is indeed a breath of fresh perspective. The project begins with the slow tempo, 'Who is She" which I.Y.A. spits, "Even if I start a war, fine/ Long as I remember what we fighting for/ Call it an outpour of my freedom of speech." In a male dominated industry, the voices of women often go unheard and unnoticed hence, I.Y.A. lets you know, right from the beginning, that you are about to listen to the "outpour" of thoughts from an Emcee representing a group of marginalized artists who MUST be heard! The project continues with the sample driven "The Arrival (Lady's Coat)" which I.Y.A. echoes, "You want that real/Thats what they pay me for." Great production and well done chorus! "I Know What This Is" sounds like a potential hit single with its thumping bass and hypnotic chorus. I.Y.A. exposes her more raunchy side with, "But you were the best head I got for a while and it had me hot." Nice track! The album proceeds with the certified street banger "All Day," changing course from the looped sample sound. "When they ask if the pu$$y good/All I really want you to say is all day all day." I know the fellas HEAR that! "We Should be Stars" featuring Reggie Hills is a great fusion of RnB, Pop, and Hip Hop. This track reminds me of a Talib or Common record. Dope production matched with a memorable chorus! The album carries on with its slow tempo vibe with the 30 second interlude "California Jam Session." Great addition! "They Ask" returns back to the sample infused sound that has reigned throughout the entire album with the 1973 Isley Brothers hit, "That Lady." Instantly appealing and another potential hit record! The production and the choruses are consistently unforgettable and truly do flow together. There is a steady balance of street bangers versus conscious rap tracks versus slow tempo RnB type of records. Iyadonna really does touch upon a wide span of sounds with looped samples being the most dominant. "I know I'm something kind of different," rhymes I.Y.A. and I'm sure listeners can agree. Written by: Dezi Leon Owner, URBE CONDITA and THE URBE WAY BLOG To listen to the "Melnea Cass Project" please go to: http://iyadonna.bandcamp.com/album/melnea-cass-project-2 Dezi's Favorite Track: "We Should Be Stars" featuring Reggie Hills IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ, PLEASE BE SURE TO STOP BY THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT “LIKE” https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728?ref=hl

Review of Clinton Sparks "My Awesome Mixtape 4" (2013)

"My Awesome Mixtape 4" is another impressive compilation by Boston's own, Clinton Sparks. With an introduction led by Hulk Hogan and Diddy, Sparks sets the tone immediately-LETS TURN UP!! The project opens with Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise," mashed with Sparks' signature blending style of raw old school hip hop beats mixed with todays techno driven 808 dub step style of music. Awesome blend! Riding on his dub step wave, Sparks continues the party with "Turnt Up" featuring 2 Chainz, Riff Raff, Wacka Flocka, DJ Scream, Hardwell, and Carnage. An array of artists provides for array of bars. Great production and collaboration! On the record "Give it To Me" Sparks teams up with Waka Flocka and a few others for a great dirty south techno mash up. The Fabulous assisted "N.F.A.C." is a great ode to the East Coast and their reputation for great lyricism! In signature Sparks style, he shows his audience that you can be a great lyricist and still TURN UP. On the record "LRAD Clarity" Sparks slows down the tempo with a pop/dubstep mashup by Zedd, Knife Party, and Brillz. Eclectic music taste! Love this! He continues on the same chill wave with the slow tempo street banger "Piece of my Trap" featuring Gucci Mane and Souljah Boy. Love the Guy sample! "Molly's Summertime Sadness" featuring Lana Del Rey is also another smooth banger and a great addition to a really TURNT UP mixtape. Sparks has a cunning ability of bringing the old and the new together. The ultimate blend! Sparks entices fans with the dub step street bangers "You Didnt Have to Cut Me Up," "The Die Trap," "All Night," "IDKurName" and "Gold Rush." Staying true to his Boston roots, Sparks even surprises listeners with the track "Boston Bass" featuring The Game. Sampling the sound of good ol' Beantown-Irish bagpipes, mashed with techno synths, Sparks really shows us just how creative he can get! The final track of the album, "Put Me Back Together," exemplifies this same creative wave. Sparks teams up with The Globetrakkers to produce an explosive slow tempo track that includes Sparks singing!! Well done!! I personally would love to hear Future on a remix to this. All in all, "My Awesome Mixtape 4" is a 36 track SOUNDTRACK to a really dope party with dope friends, filled with upbeat and slow tempo bangers to cater to each moment of your dope party. I think Hulk Hogan says it best, in the introduction, when describing Sparks- "When you're AWESOME, you don't have to be REMINDED." Written by: Dezi Leon Owner, URBE CONDITA and THE URBE WAY BLOG To listen to "My Awesome Mixtape 4" go to: https://soundcloud.com/clintonsparks/my-awesome-mixtape-4?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=mshare&utm_medium=facebook&utm_content=http%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fclintonsparks%2Fmy-awesome-mixtape-4 Dezi Leon's Favorite Track: "Put Me Back Together" IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ, PLEASE BE SURE TO STOP BY THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT "LIKE" https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728?ref=hl

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Review of "FLINGS (Side I and II)" ClaS!cK (Gary T. Nolan, Chris Parker 2013)

"FLINGS" is an impressive audio collage of melodic slow tempo beats balanced with an introspective emcee. Together, these musicians are better known as the hip hop duo, ClaS!cK, made up of Gary T. Nolan as the Producer and Chris Parker as the Emcee. Before you can even listen to this project, please do take notice of the song titles. If you read them, starting from track 1, scrolling all the way down to track 13, you will notice that the titles, when read together, form a poem. Very creative! On the opening track, "Hopefully," Nolan takes a different approach to the typical hip hop style of production, creating more of a meditative sound. After two minutes of straight mood music, Parker jumps in as emcee, with bars like, "Waking up on Mrs. Lucky's Chest/ Inhale karma exhale bull$hit/ Classic Bulletproof." Good imagery! The record's second track "It will all Blow Over" mirrors this same balance between producer and emcee. Both Nolan and Parker have done an excellent job of creating a balanced mix of beats and lyrics to showcase what each brings to the group. Both artists equally shine. On the record "Eventually" Nolan samples The Miracles classic 1965 hit, "Ooo Baby Baby" underlying it with a great drum pattern. Parker engages the listener with "Just drink myself to sleep/ What is my life about/ Misfortune and a handful of doubts." On the track "Excuse Me" Nolan continues to employ catchy mid tempo loops while the group invites fellow emcee, Jobo, to feature on the record. Jobo has a dope flow and is a great addition to the already evident chemistry between Nolan and Parker. The jazz influenced "I Must Take Cover" really highlights Parker, the Emcee, with rhymes like "Sitting here rapping on some other medication/ Use to be her and I/My Partner in crime I miss you." Deep lyrics! "At the Beach" is another great story supported by a catchy beat, with Nolan and Parker accomplishing the goal of taking the listener to the beach, both lyrically and musically. Tracks like "We're Together" and "Watch Me" really highlight the group's hip hop roots. Nolan employs more snares and drums and Parker sounds a bit more gritty in his delivery. Versatile! "FLINGS" blends well into the fabric of underground hip hop with its pure creativity and unique sound. I feel like I'm walking through the streets of D.C. with this one! The listener really gets to hear the thoughts of Parker in lyrical form with Nolan adding the bold colors of paint to an already well written picture. This project would really make for a great movie soundtrack! To listen to "F L I N G S (Side I and II)" go to: http://clasick.bandcamp.com/album/f-l-i-n-g-s-side-i-ii DEZI'S Favorite Track: "I Thought It Was Real" IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU HAVE READ, PLEASE DO GO CHECK OUT THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT “LIKE” https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728

Review of "Way of Life" Neeko Brown (Da Block Records, 2013)

"Way of Life" by CEO/Founder of Da Block Records, Neeko Brown, is an authentic piece of street music, reminiscent of an early Jadakiss or Maino. On the opening track "2thaDeathofMe" Neeko rhymes, "I'll make that white girl disappear Lacey P," and claims, "I've been feasting in these streets cause I got that recipe." With gritty rhymes like these, it is very clear that Neeko is here to devour any and all competition by remaining loyal to his own lane-street music. On the second track "Work," Neeko captures the audience with hard hitting drums and a catchy chorus. The bars are crisp and the message is clear-"In this concrete jungle, need to get on my Mutumbo." On the record "Finerthingz" Neeko slows down the tempo with a smooth banger that has an old school feel to it, illustrated in the Wu-Tang sample "C.R.E.A.M.' reigning throughout the chorus. This record definitely should have been included on the "Paid in Full" soundtrack, so you can imagine my delight when I saw that the next track following "Finerthingz" is titled "Paid in Full." Brilliant! Neeko employs a unique delivery and a raw catchy chorus with a Peedi Crack type flow in the first few bars on this one. Great record! Ofcourse, Neeko had to break his fans off with the club bangers "Do It Like That" "Let it Go" and "Stackalottapaper." Unlike most club bangers though, these records are strictly for the streets with a club feel to it. Don't worry ladies, these tracks will still have you "licking (Neeko) like a candy cane." On the record "G-Code" Neeko displays his storytelling abilities over a smooth piano melody. I think that this record really sums up the entire album, highlighted in the first bar, "Fuc#ing with these streets, I learned to be sucka free." The streets hear THAT Neeko! In an industry filled with "gangsters" in skinny jeans, it is quite refreshing to hear real "street music" again. Neeko never claims to be a gangster and instead uses each record to illustrate some aspect of street life. He never glamorizes this lifestyle which is said best when he rhymes, "365 everyday cuz 25 ain't for me." To listen to "Way of Life" go to: http://www.datpiff.com/SPOON-DADDY-THE-1-Way-Of-Life-mixtape.527330.html#comment-1026526521 Dezi's Favorite Track: "FinerThingz" IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ, PLEASE DO GO CHECK OUT THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT “LIKE” https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728

Review of "A Little Less Human" Smokey Daniels (Square Root Music, EZ Dread 2013)

"A Little Less Human" is an eclectic array of 9 solid tracks that truly outline the thoughts and ideas of Smokey Daniels. On the Gorillaz sounding first track, "Dig My Funky," Smokey captures listeners with his smooth melodic flow and new lingo. "Smoking marijuana with my future baby momma/no drama" it is no wonder that this track reminds me of a laid back night in California. Great opener! On "Miss Belly Dancer" the production really shines on this one. The catchy synths and drum patterns really illuminate the whole energy of the record. It feels like a chase or conquest of some sort with Smokey playing the "chaser. The third record "Louie V Str8 Jacket" has a great concept and a catchy chorus. Using his signature fast word play, Smokey talks about being locked "in a room full of crazies/ nobody here is Unique/ so can I get a straight jacket that comes in Louie V." This is definitely a great commercial record! On the fourth track "Dorian Gray," Smokey explores the concept of beauty versus inner beauty. He claims, "physical beauty does not justify spiritual ugliness." Smokey really illustrates his ability to tell a story and to create a lasting chorus. Deep record! All in all, Smokey Daniels strays away from the typical mainstream hip hop sound, creating a unique flow, coupled with production that truly takes the listener to a new and different sort of place. What a breath of fresh air! And, Smokey stands in his solo lane, quite confidently, claiming, "My only friend is me so Im walking with my shadow bro." To listen to "A Little Less Human" go to: http://www.datpiff.com/Smokey-Daniels-A-Little-Less-Human-mixtape.485760.html Dezi's Favorite Track: "Louie V Str8 Jacket" Written by Dezi Leon Owner, Urbe Condita and The Urbe Way Blog IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU READ, PLEASE DO GO CHECK OUT THE DEZI LEON FAN PAGE AND GIVE US THAT "LIKE" https://www.facebook.com/pages/DEZI-LEON/340794626728

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