Hip-hop album reviews, downloads and more.

Wednesday 12 September 2012

Inactivity

I swear I'll get back to this one day. Been too busy with school and video games.

Monday 6 August 2012

Obscure Sphinx - "Anaesthetic Inhalation Ritual" Review



I have been spending my time on everything but updating this blog for a while so I decided it's time I try something different. This is a hip-hop blog and that's how it's going to stay, don't worry, but everyone that stumbles across this site should have the chance to check out this gem. I doubt anyone here has any interest in metal, but I can't resist putting this out there.
Sludge and doom are some of my favorite genres of metal, and music in general. One of my favorite sludge acts I discovered maybe a few months ago by word of mouth and I couldn't have been luckier. Obscure Sphinx is a sludge/post-metal outfit from Warsaw, Poland, founded in 2008. They have 3 releases out so far, 2 being demos. Their latest release, Anaesthetic Inhalation Ritual, is a groundbreaking record. 7 Tracks long and totaling just under an hour, I feel like this should have been longer. Every time I listen to it I have to just start it over again. Perhaps the best thing about this album is the vocalist, who is probably the most powerful and passionate I've ever heard in metal, or in any other genre. Every style she takes on is phenomenal and moving. She can easily switch between bleak, harsh shrieking of sorts and a cleaner, passionate clean voice, but never loses her power. I know I really sound like a dick-rider (despite her being female) but I honestly don't have any gripes here. There are many sections on this release where vocals aren't present so you never feel overwhelmed and can just just zone out to the melodies. This release is full of energetic riffs that slow into a calm section in the middle of the album, and pick back up before the end, really feeling like a journey. Again, I can't think of anything bad to say. From the riffs to the drumming and bass, the instrumentation never lacks for emotion and energy. A little past the middle of the album, there is such tension before getting back to the fast and angry sections and such a buildup that when it finally arrives you will probably break your head through the closest object in front of you. The main riffs here remind me Meshuggah, but are pulled off better (as far as I'm concerned) and the music itself isn't as repetitive. For this section there is a another intense buildup of energy with backing guitar solos and growls until it eventually slows down once again and eases into the final track. Unfortunately, I feel that this track isn't as good as the rest of the album. There are a few sections where the clean vocals seem to take away from the music, but other parts you would feel like the vocalist is in tears. It's truly an experience nonetheless and still ends very well and keeps you wanting more. This entire release will have you headbanging and losing your connection with reality (in the good way). I am very excited to see where Obscure Sphinx goes with their career and I urge you to try this album.

You can listen 21 minutes of material and buy a digital copy of the album on their bandcamp for 3 EUR.

Metal Archives page

Friday 20 July 2012

Update (Lack of posts, future)

Greetings, any readers that I might have.
    I have been slacking with both writing and listening to new music lately. Call it a rut, but I've been more interested in reading and other things like video games lately. I haven't played many records the past week or so, none of which being anything that I should be reviewing. I apologize for my laziness to both myself and anybody who happens to take an interest in my little slice of the internet.
     As I try to ease myself back into a regular schedule of sorts you can possibly expect to see reviews for the following:

Nas - Life is Good
Childish Gambino - Royalty
El-P - Cancer 4 Cure
Ab-Soul - Control System
Rich Kid Sound System - No Cheers For Pioneers
Lushlife - Plateau Vision
XV - Popular Culture
   
This list will change and be expanded upon over the next days and weeks.

Thursday 12 July 2012

Top 5 Hip-Hop Releases of 2012 So Far


1. El-P - Cancer 4 Cure
2. Big K.R.I.T. - 4eva Na Day
3. Killer Mike - R.A.P Music
4. Madchild - The EP Collection
5. Childish Gambino - Royalty



This is more or less off the top of my head. I struggled to even find a 5th place spot. I don't absolutely love Royalty but it's a pretty good mixtape. Big K.R.I.T., Killer Mike, Madchild and El-P made the list very easily.  Check out all of these releases if you haven't already.
2012 doesn't seem to have nearly as many great releases as 2011.
I might update the list if I think of any other artists that have been forgotten.
Honorable mentions list will be updated as I think of them as well.

Honorable Mentions:
1. Tech N9ne - Klusterfuk ep

Tuesday 10 July 2012

Thee Tom Hardy - "Guerrilla Broadcast" Album Review


     I've had quite a few albums sitting on my hard drive for weeks and sometimes months that I never got around to hearing. I try to play them whenever I can think of the artists in my queue, but many get skipped over and forgotten. I'm very glad that I ended up listening to the latest Thee Tom Hardy LP on a random pick today.
     Thee Tom Hardy is an independent rapper/producer from North Carolina. Tom, formerly signed to 9th Wonder's Jamla Records, began working independently after, obviously, leaving the label. I can't seem to find much information on Tom so I'll have to leave that at that.
     Guerrilla Broadcast is a highly personal record, but the lyrics are interesting. Some mainstream artists with personal albums tend to have lyrics a little on the boring side (I'm looking at you Kanye). Tom discusses anything from smoking weed to his adventures chasing women. And not just the sex.
     This album has a great smooth, laid back jazzy sound and feel to it. From the beats to Tom's flow this release is just made for relaxing. There really isn't a bad track to speak of on this LP, but if you don't like one track of his you won't like any of them. Each song, sonically, is very similar. But of course this isn't necessarily a bad thing.
     If you're not familiar with this North Carolina emcee you have to put him on your radar and expect more great material in the future.

Stream and free download here

Saturday 7 July 2012

Killer Mike - "R.A.P Music" Album Review



     On May 15th dropped one of the greatest albums so far of 2012. Killer Mike's R.A.P Music. This album was a collaborative effort between Mike and, one of today's best producers, El-P. I had never heard of Killer Mike before this album and hadn't yet bothered to check out El-P. R.A.P Music is Mike's 6th studio album but he hadn't blown up until now, but I'm glad he's getting the respect he deserves.
   
 Everybody has been hyping this record and at first listen I wasn't sure that I liked it as much as everyone else. After another play-through however, I realized it's appeal. Killer Mike is, and everyone will tell you this, similar to old Ice Cube on this release. His aggressive and passionate delivery, coupled with hateful lyrics towards racism and the government bring us right back to 1990's Amerikkka's Most Wanted.
   
 R.A.P Music tackles such issues as police brutality (Don't Die), politician's racist agendas (Reagan) and gang life (Big Beast). But Mike's latest effort isn't just politics. Songs like Jojo's Chillin and Southern Fried are funky and generally fun. El-P's production bumps in the whip.
   
 Every hook on this album is great, but I feel that sometimes the verses don't flow into them very well. That being said, nobody can downplay R.A.P Music's flow in general. El-P truly is brilliant at bringing every track together. El-P's beats are so complex and interesting that they almost overshadow Mike's rapping at times. You need a play-through for paying attention to Mike, and one for the beats to really absorb it all.
 
 R.A.P Music is worth whatever price you find it being sold for. Go buy it and support one of the hottest collaborations in years.

Preview
Digital Download
Order cd or vinyl here

Wednesday 4 July 2012

Logic - "Young Sinatra: Undeniable" Mixtape Review/Download



Alright; Logic's latest mixtape. I have mixed views about this project; Undeniable jumps all over the bloody place. When I first heard that, I wasn't sure how much I believed it.It couldn't be that odd, right? Wrong. The flow of this release is very strange, to put it plainly.

  The first 4 tracks, of the 22, are just what one would expect from a Logic release, but tracks 5 and 6 switch it up. Track 5, No Biggie uses the beat from Kick In the Door, by, surprisingly, Notorious B.I.G. This is about the highlight of this mixtape. Following No Biggie is Disgusting, featuring a Big Punisher beat. Again, this track is excellent.

  Track 7 is where this project really slaps you in the face and basically just confuses the shit out of you. Tic Tac Toe is when Logic completely changes the feel of the mixtape, sounding like Mac Miller or something. The release takes a dip here and doesn't pick up again until track 13, Numbers. This is just a great track about money and the problems that follow it, particularly phoney people (I'm feeling a little Mac Miller vibe again).

  By track 15 I'm feeling a little shaky again. Now Logic is trying to be Drake instead of Mac Miller or a thug and I'm not sure I like it. Logic would be a better Drake than Drake, but Drake isn't good nonetheless. This track is not for me, but it will definitely be loved by some. The following track has the same vibe to it, and I don't dig it at all. The same goes for track 17 as well.

  Track 18, Young Sinatra III, is a step back in the right direction. It samples Nas and even feels like a Nas track. Young Sinatra III saves the end of the mixtape for sure; this one is fantastic. The following track is nearly as good, which surprised me after those songs about 3/4 of the way through the mixtape.

  The ending tracks of the mixtape are  more of what we came to Logic for. They allow me to overall, label this a decent mixtape. Its fault is that it seems to lack direction throughout, but can that be excused? After all, it's only a mixtape.

  By the way: if I actually have any readers I'd like to apologize for my prolonged absence.




Download

Wednesday 6 June 2012

Mac Miller ''Macadelic'' Mixtape Review/Download


This is my 2nd review of a Mac Miller release, but I just couldn't resist. Mac just dropped Macadelic, his 7th mixtape, for free. Miller has been working nonstop since he was about 15 and it's really paying off. In 2010, he sold out every show on his ''Incredibly Dope Tour''.

 Just as I expected, Miller's clever lyricism is still making me smile. His success must be making him a little cocky. On the first track he raps,''And I do it big, you a iPod Nano''. On the next one he continues showing off with ''I just sold out that Fillmore/Got a million, make a mil more/Play a number one spot on the billboard''. But he isn't just talking shit; his debut album, Blue Slide Park(which I reviewed earlier), hit number 1 on the Billboard 200.

 I was somewhat surprised to discover Miller's storytelling skill with the track Vitamins. It describes a a drug trip in its most literal interpretation and is one of the best songs on the mixtape. This mixtape might have been better than Blue Slide Park if it was released with the 2nd half removed, but they have different appeals. Blue Slide Park is much easier to listen to and fun as hell. Macadelic is longer and much slower, being comprised of more clever lines and discussion of Mac's problems throughout.  Mac's lyrical skill is at it's finest and easily kills most rappers at his level of stardom.

Following the structure of his debut, Macadelic loses it's fire as it progresses, and does it worse than Blue Slide Park. Tracks 7 & 8 are disappointing and I thought track 12, The Question, featuring Lil Wayne would be the end, but I was pleasantly surprised by Wayne's verse. It didn't exactly have Weezy's unique appeal to it, but the clever lyrics kept me interested and listening.

The rest of the mixtape is perhaps too slow for hip-hop and mostly average. Nothing memorable appears on any of the last 5 tracks or so, other than the final track, Fuck 'em All. Mostly because of the hook: ''Get ya money, fuck 'em all/Everything, could be gone tomorrow/What's if it's gone tomorrow?/Get ya money, fuck 'em all/Get ya money, fuck 'em all/Everything, could be gone tomorrow/Everything, could be gone tomorrow/So get ya money, fuck 'em all.''

With this release, Mac Miller has ensured my interest in his career. It might not be phenomenal, but it's definitely interesting and smart, which is almost a rarity at his level of success. I'll be checking every album and mixtape of Miller's, probably for years to come, and hoping for the best.




Download Free Here (320kbps)

Tuesday 5 June 2012

Kid Ink "Up & Away" Review

There is not much to say about Kid Ink's debut album, Up & Away, other than that it's highly average and in no way original or interesting. This isn't the worst hip-hop record ever released, but there is really no reason to listen to it, or even acknowledge the young rapper's existence. Sure this might be enjoyable for the casual hip-hop fan, but even then I'm not sure it's worth any money. The beats aren't that bad and the opening track, admittedly is somewhat enjoyable. But by track 4, Act Like That, this album becomes irritating. I honestly can't get all the way through this release. If that voids my opinion then so be it, but I think half of a play through is all that's needed to form a realistic idea of Up & Away. I know I won't need to check out any more of Kid Ink's career.

Preview Here

Monday 4 June 2012

Machine Gun Kelly "Half Naked & Almost Famous" EP Review/Download


Machine Gun Kelly has been gaining exposure rapidly since being approached by Sean Combs (P. Diddy/Puff Daddy) and being signed to Bad Boy Records. MGK's first EP is just what you'd expect to hear from Bad Boy in 2012; catchy hooks, average lyrics and great sounding production. Baker's nickname comes from his "rapid fire flow", but he truly has nothing on Tech N9ne or Busta in that regard. Don't get me wrong, this is a decent release, but not really worth more than a few plays as far as I'm concerned. Half Naked & Almost Famous starts off pretty well with Warning Shot. Cassie lays down a great sounding hook and MGK backs it up with speedy, aggressive verses. The rest of this short EP doesn't really lose momentum and isn't boring even after a few plays in a row. If you're a fan of this style of hip-hop, definitely grab this EP as digital download for $4.99 from the link below.





Digital Download here

Saturday 2 June 2012

Madchild "The Ep Collection" Review


Madchild, of Swollen Members, is my favorite rapper right now. Madchild's unique voice and style should draw any hip-hop fan in. If that's not enough, maybe his charisma, personal (and often comedic) lyrics and skill will. Shane Bunting isn't afraid to tell his audience about every aspect of his life. In Little Bad Wolf he discusses  his legal problems; "Yo I tried to get into the States, they weren’t having it/Going through my bag like a bunch of savages /Customs agent looking like he’s mad at me/Cause I got friends that look like Sons of Anarchy". In Drugs In My Pocket he reminds us of his battle with drug addiction; "I need some help/I've never felt this fucked/cause I had everything and then I had to self destruct."  


Maybe I'm biased, but I don't think this release has any flaws. This 17 track collection of his 4 EPs is just terrific. If you have never heard Madchild, check out Dungeon Dragon and Drugs In My Pocket. If these songs don't have you hooked, there must be something wrong. The low-point of this release is right at the end; the final two tracks. Wanted and I'm OK can't stand up to the rest of the record, but are still not bad by any means.
Madchild's debut solo album Dope Sick is currently a work in progress.


http://www.madchild57.com/



Friday 1 June 2012

Mac Miller "Blue Slide Park" Review



I don't often read lyrics while listening to music because I expect a lot of writers in hip-hop to be sub-par, and a lot of them are, but Mac Miller truly is a lyricist. The entirety of Blue Slide Park features memorable lines and catchy hooks. Every verse is near phenomenal. From start to finish this is one of my favorite albums of the year. Party On Fifth Ave and Under The Weather are easily the highlights of the album, and even the more radio-friendly track Up All Night is great. The production is great throughout and Miller's command of the beats is simply fantastic. There really isn't a bad song to mention, although the record dies down a little towards the end. I highly recommend checking out this album, as well as the rest of Miller's material.

You can purchase Miller's debut album here: http://www.merchdirect.com/MacMiller/CDs/Blue_Slide_Park?productid=14848

Preview

Thursday 31 May 2012

Danny Brown ''XXX" Review/Download


For those yet unblessed by Danny Brown, he is an independent rapper from Detroit, Michigan. With his discography spanning 9 years, 3 albums, 2 collaborations and 7 mixtapes, I wish I could tell you it was hard to pick one to review. I've only come across 3 of his releases, and the only one I liked was "XXX". But when I say I liked it, I mean I fucking loved it. Since finding "XXX" I must have played it dozens and dozens of times, memorizing every line. "XXX" is full of hilarity, but also features Danny letting us into his head with songs like Die Like A Rockstar. Brown discusses highly personal subjects such as drug addiction(Adderall Admiral) and poverty(Scrap Or Die, Fields.). He doesn't want to spread his depression to his audience so he has some happier-themed tracks like I Will. Showing off his fun side and lyrical prowess, he raps "Take it off baby bend over let me see it/You looking for a real pussy eater? I can be it/Quit playing with me girl and bring that over here/And climb aboard my face, put that pussy on my beard." "XXX" doesn't know what a bad song is. Excellent lyrics, flow, production and unique delivery from track 1 to 30. Danny Brown is finally recieving the attention he deserves, having just started a  tour with Childish Gambino (who I might review next...) and appearing at several music festivals throughout the year.

I'll leave you with this: "I got them Penis Psalms for your Vagina Monologues/Love a feminist bitch, oh, it get my dick hard/So no apologies for all the misogyny/I just want your company to come and watch some porn with me."

You can find Danny's discography/download links on his site here: http://itsbruiserbrigade.tumblr.com/discography
Stream XXX here

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Apollo's Sun ''Falling Becomes Grace" Review/Download


2012 Never ceases to surprise me. It seems that almost every day I'm discovering a creative new producer. Apollo's Sun's latest release (the first of his I've heard) is absolutely hypnotizing, at least at first. Falling From Grace's unique production is best exemplified on tracks 1 & 2. Flow With The Current is particularly trance inducing. The mixtape really has no flaws, but it's novelty wears off relatively quickly. This release doesn't take long to become highly average, at least by my standards (which may be a little too high). Overall, Falling Becomes Grace isn't a bad mixtape and certainly isn't too long at 10 tracks. I recommend at least giving it a shot. Apollo's Sun gives Falling Becomes Grace away for free via digital download on his website, where you can find his discography and blog entries.

http://apollossun.com/

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Tech N9ne ''Klusterfuk'' EP Review



Tech N9ne has gotta be the most successful independent rapper in the game as of 2012. With 12 studio albums, 1 ''unofficial'' studio album, 3 ep's and a mixtape to his name, he's on top of the world. While we wait for his 2012 full-length, he gives us an ep, "Klusterfuk". This 6-track ep is fucking dope. Plain and simple.

The opening track, Klusterfuk, starts off with a silly little intro, but quickly redeems itself with Tech's signature flow. Fast as hell and unrelenting, just as we wanted and expected. The following track, Blur, featuring Wreckonize (of ¡Mayday! fame) is easily the highlight of the ep. Tech's flow is flawless throughout, accompanied by Wreckonize's surprising production and hook. The beats, flirting with house, command us to dance. This track inspires me to hit replay over and over, as well as check out Wreckonize's own group, ¡Mayday!.


Now at the half-way point, it doesn't let go. Can't Stand Me features some bloody dope verses by Tech, and a catchy as hell hook by Krizz Kaliko. I've never heard of Krizz Kaliko before, but damn can he sing. Tecca Nina sure has a talent for finding talent. Tech saved his best lyrics for this track, no doubt. The flow won't allow my head to stay still.


Now on track four, Ugly Duckling is still surprising me. I must smoke too much 'cause I forgot Tech has this smooth of a voice. Getting more personal than we're used to, he sings "No love or nothing/Just blood and suffering/For the ugly duckling". The verses contributed by Acie and Priceless make this one of the better tracks on the ep.

Awkward. Here is the lowpoint of the ep. It starts off great, the hook catchy and verse #1 being hilarious. Tech then tells a story, not rhymed, followed by the hook and the end of the song. The fuck? I don’t think anybody can afford to waste time telling a story for half of a track on such a short damn release. Let's see if he can pick it back up on the final track.


Krizz Kaliko drops a pretty dope verse to end the ep, but Tech sort of fucks up this track. Klusterfuk could have ended on a higher note, so to speak, but overall it is a great ep. At least to hold us over until the next full-length.


Monday 28 May 2012

Big K.R.I.T - "4eva N a Day" Mixtape Review/Download



Big K.R.I.T dropped "4eva N a Day" on March 5, 2012. I'll say right now that 4eva N a Day is one of the hottest mixtapes of the year. K.R.I.T has been giving the South a real name in hip hop for years and just won't let up. K.R.I.T abandons the South's stereotypes of poor lyricism and songs to party to for jazzy beats and ultra-personal lyrics. From track 1 to 17 the smooth production and introspective, deep lyrics keep us relaxed and interested. K.R.I.T is open to discuss his feelings, which is shown on tracks like Yesterday, Red Eye and Down & Out. I can't imagine anybody having any grievances with this mixtape, unless they come at it wanting some stereotypical Southern hip hop. I'd like to be able to tell you about the low points of this mixtape, but I really can't. You might not enjoy Temptation as much as the rest of the release if you aren't too fond of hook-oriented tracks, but it's still a good one. This mixtape reminds us that nobody can do it like the King Remembered In Time. I can't wait for his first full-length release, dropping June 5th.

Download free here (320kbps)