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Shrine B & Wooden Souljah – “Interstate Heavyweights 2” Hosted by DJ Flipcyide (Mixtape Review)

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The dynamic duo of Shrine B and Wooden Souljah link up to resurrect a lost form of Hip Hop with DJ Flipcyide. Taking it back to the iconic mixtape era of Hip Hop that birthed the likes of today’s superstars Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, and 50 Cent. Shrine B and Wooden Souljah present us with the drug dealing sequel, Interstate Heavyweights 2.

The 17-track project features a variety of serious spitters that provides authenticity to the product. While Shrine and Wooden serve up their signature brand of Hip Hop to the masses with Flipcyide at the helm guiding the board. Trafficking a collection of hard-hitting Hip Hop that has become irrelevant into today’s mumble rap trap era.

Stream Interstate Heavyweights 2 by Shrine B and Wooden Souljah now.

Simply put, the lyrics on the new project is pure and hard. Everyone assists the two stars with stellar verses emphasizing in classic street mentality. Well balanced with conscious and street, the cast focus on skill and fans of the art form will praise every minute of the ride.

The project revives the early 00s mixtape nostalgia from the cover to the tracklist. Focusing all the attention on the gritty, street lyricism that shined bright in the previous era. As the project pays homage, its modern wordplay is acceptable as the artists attempt to connect the past, present, and future on the latest effort. For the lyrical enthusiast, Shrine B and Wooden’s new project is enjoyable from beginning to end.

Ranking: 9/10

Highlight: Structure

Follow Shrine B on Instagram: @shrine_nbb

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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$tar$eed – “I Am Everything” (Album Review)

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Hailing from the home of the chopped and screwed, Dallas-native $tar$eed is ready to take his act from the Lone Star to the world. A unique blend of off-beat rhymes over or under unorthodox self-production, accompanied by a clever stage name. The young hopeful embodies everything it takes to become a breakout star in 2019 and we receive glimpses of it on $tar$eed’s new album, I Am Everything.

I Am Everything is a ten-track debut effort by the rising star. A collective of fresh music that introduces the world to his bonafide Hip Hop star. $tar$eed briefly describes the project using a designer drug reference, “A rap album that is something of an LSD trip combined with DMT.”

Stream I Am Everything now, courtesy of Spotify.

Confidently produced by $tar$eed, the project’s production carries both originality and self-development. Rough, rowdy, distorted, the new artist proves he has a lot to learn behind the boards but simultaneously showcases sparks of creativity with unfamiliar combinations of sounds. Among the ten tracks, the Dallas star finds himself drowning due to oversaturating, overcompensating, and overwhelming sounds. Leading to confusion on the genre the rising star is playing for, Rock or Hip Hop.

Emo rap is easily identifiable as $tar$eed style. Artistic, different, but difficult to execute. Throughout the project, it’s clear the message and attitude that $tar is eager to get across; however, he is plagued with wrong notes, screeching pitches, and indescribable wordplay. Chaos and anarchy may be his approach but his execution definitely could use some work on the next outing.

Honestly, I Am Everything is an acquired taste for most. It delivers a style of Hip Hop that is only being explored right now and not adored yet by both fans or artists. A small few are successful with the new art and still produces a disconnect with its misunderstanding content. Not to say $tar$eed’s debut is bad but it can definitely use some tweaks before the forthcoming follow-up.
Ranking: 7/10

Highlight: Concept

Follow $tar$eed on Twitter: @Mastaslabdaddy

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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FLO Tha Rapper – “Butterfly” (Single Review)

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Not much is known about the up-and-coming recording artist FLO Tha Rapper. Crafty, creative, genuine are all characteristics that can be identified when it comes to rising talent. Allow his content to do all the describing for him and it does speak for itself. Eager to show what he can do, FLO Tha Rapper drops off his latest effort in an empowering new track, creatively-titled, “Butterfly”.

Hoping to establish his presence as a new artist in the current trendsetting Hip Hop landscape. Flo tells a story about his life with the use of metaphors and signature lingos. “Butterfly” turns pain into beauty with a positive message that the world can relate too.

Watch FLO Tha Rapper New Video, “Butterfly” Now.

The song’s production is appealing, nothing rough or rugged but hippy and joyful. Simple and plenty can best describe the instrumental as it caters to the rising star’s melodic message. Playing an intricate part in selling the song, the production balance itself out, giving its opportunity to shine and not overshadow the artist.

Lyrically, Flo has some noteworthy moments with the flow; however, it is overlooked by the overdosed harmonizing he focused on in the song. Is he a rapper or Pop singer is the inquiry throughout the song. Gimmicky at best, the single has the potential to provide Tha Rapper with the commercial appeal he urges for.

In review, “Butterfly” carries a feel-good vibe that has a tremendous amount of crossover ability. Flo Tha Rapper maintains a welcoming presence through his radio-friendly wordplay and positive approach. However, from a lyrical standpoint, Flo Tha Rapper’s style deteriorates as he moves in the popular direction. Any lyricist can identify his bars suffer when he begins to season the content with sing-a-long vocals. Eventually leaving Flo with a choice to make when it comes to his sound.

Ranking: 7/10

Highlight: Lyricism

Follow FLO Tha Rapper on Instagram: @flo_tharapper

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Big Shoes – Self-titled (Album Review)

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Big Shoes is a super-duo from Detroit, Michigan consisting of House Shoes on the boards & Big Tone on the mic. The 2 have made names for each other over the years whether that be House Shoes’ Let It Go or Tone’s The Drought & The Art of Ink. However after knowing each other for their whole lives, it was only right for them to team up & release their self-titled debut together.

The album opens with “Autobiography”, where Tone reflects on his career up until this point over a synth-heavy instrumental. The next song “High Velocity” talks about living life fast over a J Dilla-inspired beat while the track “From My Mouth to God’s Ears” gets conscious over a laidback boom bap beat. The song “King Shit” with Denmark Vessey & MosEL sees the 3 talking about how they do it over a prominent woodwind sees the 3 while the track “Exodus (Fly Away)” gets ambitious over a soulful beat. The song “No Guest List” with Quelle Chris is an ode to those down for the cause over a spacious beat while the track “Homage” pays tribute to the OGs over a luscious beat.

The song “8th Day” with Ta’Raach & 87 sees the 3 getting thankful over a menacing boom bap beat while the track “Most of Us” continues to get conscious over a punchy beat with some skittering synthesizers. The song “Haze” is a soothing weed anthem while the penultimate track “Beautiful Mind” with Blu sees the 2 talking about their blessings in the game over a victorious beat. The album ends with “True Story”, where Tone talks about how this album came together over a soulful beat.

This was just as fantastic as I expected. House Shoes’ production is some of his best yet & the stories that Big Tone tells are very touching. If you wanna hear 2 underrated legends from Detroit teaming up to tell an emotional story together, then PLEASE give this a listen.

Score: 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Gladiator Pen – “Roman Numeralz” (Album Review)

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Arizona collective of artist with different artistic expressions called Gladiator Pen drops a 17 track LP titled “Roman Numeralz” I was impressed with the intention of these emcees as they donate all proceeds to the literacy of the next generation we need more movements like this one. The cover was intense I can tell these emcees was coming for heads as the introduction begin with with a raw Dj mix to transition the 1st song “Remember The Name” featuring Blaze Rock, Mister Riot, ciphurphurce and DJ Les which makes you do just that with that rawness captured and bottled up and amplified by singer song tress Miss Rebecca leaving her mark and essence on this track along with the masterful dj scratches. This collective reminds me sonically even of the legendary wu-tang which is high praise.

“Very Afraid ” is a dark track showing the versatility lyrical of Blaze Rock & Floyd Write these two tailor a Hip-Hop banger in underground   standards we would love to see a video to this audio. This track is like the warning to other rappers and collectives who want drama with the team. “Its The Gladiators” featuring Blaze Rock, Floyd Write, Phal Kilmer ,Mister Riot & DJ Psychopat  comes on with a funky rhythmic piano and undeniable bass giving it a west coast G-funk vibe . The Gladiator Pen collective seems to specialize in lyrics and poetry style boombap and the different Djs add a mix perspective to the each cut.

“Shot Gun” featuring Mister Riot, Phal Kilmer, Hellamic, & Marques Elliot  had a  slick Rick and Wu vibe mixed together I even liked the fast rap style and classic Hip-Hop reference from “Common” I used to love her. “Blind Man” featuring Puritan, Ohm, Simple Wisdom & Dj Les came in with a killer production as the 1st artist absolutely murdered this track leaving it beat and battered for his partners then the other artist matched word for word with their own unique styles making this truly a Hip-Hop gem.

“Gladiator Regime” featuring Mister Riot, Blaze rock, Judgement, Floyd Write, Puritan, Medaforcale, Ciphurphace & Dj J20 was fire from jump giving me a Masta ace & Tech nine vibe. Homage to the legend as his rhyme scheme has always been killer fast & precise. Each artist came with a fast on top of the beat approach as they make poetry from this cut keep going the hits alive. “Simply” was an oldie but goodie sample which allowed a mellowed contemplation atmosphere for Blaze Rock &  Talk- Sik. “Keep it moving” featuring Talk-Sik,  Floyd Write, Phal Kilmer & DJ Pervee is one of those tracks that take you back to the early 2000s when we had tracks like “Drive Slow” by Kanye West. What I love about Gladiator Pen collective is they come from so many angles artistically  with their rhyme schemes and personas of each artist.

“Answer The Bell” featuring Ohm & Mister riot as Dj Blessed 1 held down the 1s & 2s was a love story of Hip-Hop as they explain why they fell in love with the infectious game in the 1st place. We are winding down as the album is on its b side (Not literal) we reach “The Watch” featuring Purtian, Mister Riot & Ciphurhace has a creepy halloween vibe I can see this showcasing in the time the viel is lifting. The production is the under lining tone as it gives the artist the foundation to rhyming and the down notes keep the creepy dark vibe alive. Keep up with the Gladiator Pen collective new music and news on Twitter & Band camp.

Rating 9/10

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Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Chilly Winters – “Cold Hearts Break Hearts“ (EP Review)

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Detroit Michigan own Chilly Winters drops a new album titled “Cold Hearts Break Hearts” a conceptual album about the pain and trauma throughout Chillys Life. Right of the the back I see the uniqueness in his persona with the cover art associated with the album showing the artistic temperature of this album as the dark cartoonist pinpoints Chillys emotions dead on. The title itself speaks volumes as he shows his journey to inner-standing this conceptual idea.

The album begins with “Trapped” were the listener begins inside the mind of Chilly winters. The hook allures you in immediately I like the rhyme scheme as they carry over perfectly. The Detroit Emcee showcases his song writing ability off the jump, as we roll on to the next track titled D.N.D.D highlights the brand persona of Chilly winters as the optimistic pessimist, You can hear the pain in every song as each artist brings a certain energy to balance the song like Hatch did on this track with his raw right out the fire verse.

B.S which is all Bars & Bullshit where Chilly winters showcases his punch line ability as he sets the tempo to the album. “All I need” featuring Bizzare the melodic track well written lyrics with great production to top it off. As the album goes on it become evident the focus put into chillys tracklist.

Next on the track list is “Gucci sweater” especially like this song because he shows the listener his transparency as he holds up the people who help him along the way. “Solo” is one of those songs thats spitting  facts I can see a one shot video for this track with alot of fire. Chilly brings an emo cocky vibe to the scene I cant wait to see the development of this artist in the latter years as he continues to show he can write a good song. I had to lay down a couple years I got some knowledge showing his growth over the years.

“Runnin” was the trype of song you wont forget the catchy hook and contemplation bars make this a banger safe to say my fav on the tracklist so far. “I fucked up a lot and no one to blame I grab that shovel and dig me out of that grave” this was the line that gave me life anytime pains becomes evolution its worth spreading. Follow Chilly Winters on Social media and stay updated with new music & news.

Rating 8/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Kovax – “Manifestor” (Album Review)

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Kovax is a MC from Detroit, Michigan who’s been at it for quite a while now. I personally started noticing him when he opened up for LARS last year, but his set during the show left me impressed to see what he would do in the future. And that leads us to his 5th full-length album, in which he enlists Foul Mouth to produce it in it’s entirety.

It all kicks off with the title track, where Kovax brags about his skills over a trap beat some haunting background vocals. The next song “Dread of Winter” vents about some personal issues over a gloomy beat while the track “Special” talks about his place in the game over a rock/boom bap fusion. The song “I’m So Beat” talks about the positives & negatives of life over a jazzy instrumental while the track “Buzz Kill” is filled with charismatic battle bars over a beat with some prominently somber guitar licking. The song “Ashes” with Xtra Overdoze sees the 2 displaying a vicious chemistry over an eerie trap beat while the track “Heat” talks about how dope he is over a soulful beat.

The song “Desk Job” talks about how trash his competition is over a horror film-esque trap beat while the track “$1.25” talks about his hustle over a trap beat with an immensely dark atmosphere. The song “Popov” takes a jab at his naysayers over a beautiful soul sample while the track “Empathy” talks about someone he’s beefing with over a minimalist beat. The closer “I Won’t Fall” gets triumphant over a joyful beat & then there’s the bonus track “Egodeth”, where Kovax destroys the confidence of all wack rappers over a grimy boom bap beat.

This is easily the man’s best work yet. It’s a little too short, but Foul Mouth continues to prove that he’s the best producer in hip hop right now with his varied instrumental palates & Kovax’ lyricism is more gruesome than ever before.

Score: 9/10

[bandcamp width=100% height=120 album=1646216126 size=large bgcol=ffffff linkcol=0687f5 tracklist=false artwork=small]

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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El Camino – “Lot & Abraham” (EP Review)

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El Camino an MC from Buffalo, New York that I discovered when he dropped his self-titled EP with Griselda Records in November of 2017. He then followed it up with his debut mixtape Walking on Water last summer & now just 2 months after his debut album Don’t Eat the Fruit, he’s already delivering his 2nd EP with DJ Shay producing it in it’s entirety.

After the intro, we go into the title track. Where Camino reflects on his past over a mellow beat with some horns. The song “2-Tone Joint” talks about his crack dealing days over a soulful beat while the track “Formula” pays tribute to Camino’s mother over some background vocals & a piano load.

The song “Break Bread” talks about knowing his time is coming with over an orchestral beat while the track “Strolling Down Rodeo” continues to brag over some joyous piano chords. The song “Gutta Shit” lives up to it’s title lyrically over some strings & then the EP ends with “Can’t Be Saved”, where Camino talks about people he knew over some guitar licking.

This is honestly tied with the self-titled EP for El Camino’s magnum opus. The lack of features can leave it somewhat monotonous & a few of the tracks sound unfinished, but his lyrics are sharper with each release & DJ Shay solidifies himself as one of the best producers in the underground right now.

Score: 9/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Jim Jones – “El Capo” (Album Review)

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Jim Jones is a legendary rapper from the Bronx who came up as a member of The Diplomats at the beginning of the decade. He released a few decent albums throughout the 2000s, but he went off the radar after 2011’s Capo. It wasn’t until last year’s Wasted Talent that he would make his comeback & now a year later, he’s delivering his 7th full-length album with The Heatmakerz producing it in it’s entirety.

The album kicks off with “Cristal Ocassions”, where he talks about his rise from nothing to fame over a soulful boom bap beat. The next track “Love of the Hustle” recalls his drug dealing deals over a minimalist beat while the song “Make No Issues of It” brushes off ignorance over some harmonious background vocals. The track “NYC” with Fat Joe pays tribute to their hometown over a joyous beat while the song “Good Die Young” is a tribute to all of the homies he lost over a beautiful soul sample. The track “State of the Union” with Rick Ross sees the 2 getting conscious over a mellow beat while the song “Pity in the Summer” with Cam’ron & Fred the Godson is a decent club banger.

The track “My Era” with Maino reflects on their pasts over some prominent drums with a soul sample in the background while the song “Nothing Lasts” with Fabolous vents on some life issues over an infectious beat. The track “Cocaine Dreamin’” with Dave East talks about how their lives a like a movie over a boom bap beat with a sped-up vocal sample. The track “Mama I Made It” with Cam is of course a triumphant success anthem with a nice church choir while the song “To Whom It May Concern” is a fantastic Dipset/Griselda posse cut. The track “Sports Cars” is all about just that with a decent beat & a perfect Curren$y verse & while “Song Boxing” is short, it’s very cutthroat. The penultimate track “Bread Right” boasts about his money over a dreamy beat & then the album finishes with “Don’t Know What They Took Him For”, where Jim gets with Jadakiss & Philthy Rich to talk about death over a soulful beat.

Overall, this is easily Jim’s best work yet. There are way too many features, but a good chunk of them do their thing. And on top of that, Jim steps his pen-game up & The Heatmakerz show why they’re one of the most underrated producers ever.

Score: 7/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Ouija Macc – “Resistance: The Walk to Wasteland” (Mixtape Review)

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Ouija Macc is a rapper from Las Vegas, Nevada who came up as 1/2 of Swag Toof. The duo eventually had a falling a couple years back & that led Ouija to signing with Psychopathic Records in 2017. He made a pretty solid debut last May with Gutterwater, following it up not too long after 2 mixtapes: Waterdamage & 50 Shades of Dead. However to celebrate the 1 year anniversary of his debut, he’s continuing his grind with his 3rd mixtape & longtime collaborator Devereaux producing it in it’s entirety.

The album kicks off with “Controller 17,” where Ouija is dissing an unknown rapper over an eerie beat. The next track “Infinight” talks about shooting out the sun over a druggy trap beat while the song “Lil Monster” gets murderous over a nocturnal trap beat. The track “1700 MPH” has a decent beat, but I love how Ouija disses his haters & that he speeds up his flow during the hook. The song “Dead Diary” is a horrific trap metal fusion & while the track “Randall’s Law” gets murderous, it sounds unfinished. The song “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” continues the lyrical themes of the previous cut over a haunting trap beat & while the track “Hater Exterminator” pretty much speaks for itself over an ominous trap beat, the hook is annoying.

The song “Gary in the Gravedigger” talks about hustling over an alluring trap beat while the track “Benz Boys” with R I L E Y showcases a pretty decent chemistry between the 2 over a Halloween-esque trap beat. The song “Friends” talks about being lonesome over bass-heavy trap beat with a haunting bell throughout while the track “Toxic Nephilim” talks about being a heathen over an atmospheric beat. The song “Jujitsu” gets boastful over a moody beat while the track “Error 404” is a short yet catchy banger where Ouija continues to brag. The song “Sonar Sizzle” talks about the things he’s seen over the course of his life over a somber beat & then  “Chaos Spell” is an adrenaline pumping way to close out the tape.

This was a major improvement over Ouija’s last 2 tapes & it’s on par with Gutterwater for his magnum opus. Devereaux’s producer tags can get annoying after a while as they’re placed on every single track, but his chemistry with Ouija is stronger than ever on this one & I like how they kept features to a minimum. It’s not for everyone though, as they continue to put an old fashioned horrorcore spin on the trap sound that’s ever so popular right now.

Score: 7/10

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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