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Rap music and R & B reviews.
Well this is the stuff that maybe dreams and maybe nightmares arte made of. From
the Divas like Lumidee and Ashanti to the Underground rap music movement this is
where the best in Rap Music and R&B Reviews can be found. The best of the
genre signed artists and unsigned artists and bands. If you can't find something
that has a bit of soul here then you simply ain't looking hard enough. Rikks
Revues presents only the very best in Rap and R&B reviews so you don't have
to browse and dig through all the crap to find what you are looking for. Enjoy
the reviews.
Turbin - Everything is Everything A flashback to the beginnings of rap music is in store for you with the lates CD from Turbin. Elements of some of the greats from UTFO, Run DMC, and Grandmaster flash ring through the 21 tracks on the CD. The main drawback may be the same thing that makes this CD enjoyable as at times Turbin not only pays homage the the greats, it's almost as if they are being copied. Not by the lyrical content, but more by the style and presentation. The art form that offers expressive outlets for artists is really flowing over the top of the bucket, wherever you look you can find rap in all corners of the musical landscape, so there really has to be something about individuals in the field that will make them memorable. Everything is Everything may end up getting overshadowed which really isn't doing anyone justice as the talent is evident, yet the style can be repetitive. Turbin has a voice that fits the style as he raps his way through the 21 tracks, and that is the key. You see, since there are 21 tracks here, there actually are more tunes that get the chance to shine. There are more chances to hit the rap nail with more tunes, and that works out in Turbin's favor as there are more good tracks than there are on some disks which include half the number of tunes. The volume of beats allow Turbin to experiment with different styles, and skits. What you have is some freestyle, a number of special guests including Planet Asia, Grand the vis, BigWig, OB-1 among others. If you are into the history of rap and would like to hear music influenced heavily by that, this may be your CD, if you want truly modern rap, this may not be, and it is not the CD that will bring new rap fans into the fold, but is enjoyable enough on it's own merit for true rap fans.
Classified - Trial and Error What, you haven't heard of a white rapper MC, and producer from Enfield, Nova Scotia, Canada. Well, you're not alone, but soon you may be sitting on that little Island by yourself as the MC released his 9th album in the spring, that full length is the story of this little review. Classified, a lover of the hip hop sound since he was in school, released his first CD in 1995, and hasn't shown signs of slowing down since. A lover of the reefer life, as well as the hip hop style, on Trial & Error, Classified rhymes with the best of them out there today, and lays down honest and true to the soul beats and rhymes that some artists would sell their soul to produce. Showing the world the style has heart, soul, and deserves to be heard by the hip hop community as he doesn't do and say the same thing over and over 'til the cows come home. No, here there is real emotion, and real feeling that is not only some of the best stuff available, but it's done in an original style that brings the roots of the style to the forefront as he delves into a new style that is fresh as new fallen snow. What, you think those are high praises, yeah maybe, but until you experience the style that Classified is pumping out, chill, this is the stuff dreams and beats are made of kiddies. Not since the Marshall Mathers CD has a hip hop CD had as much honesty and style that make it hard to put aside once you start to listen. Bringing the heart of Canadian hip hop life and the lack thereof to the head, this CD is in a class of it's own as it not only crosses the style boundary, but musical borders are shattered just by the complexity and the truth laid in the tracks offered by one of the true Canadian kings of the genre. Released by Urbnet, this CD is the epitome of honest to god rap and hip hop that leaves other wannabes in the shadows. Classified is not into the commercial aspect of the style, instead he lays it down for the common listener in a way that makes him extremely memorable. Not only does he rhyme, does he produce, but he lives the very words you hear sliding through your woofers and tweeters. This is a must have hip hop CD for fans of the style worldwide.
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Shadez - Thee Impossible If you were asked what first came to your mind when I mention Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada I am willing to wager that the words rap music would immediately come to your mind. The area does however stake claim to one of Canada's better rap groups. Shadez have a sound that would not sound a bit out of place if played back to back with any of the big names in rap today no matter where they hail from. The new CD Thee Impossible is a solid fit into the rap books of today laying down some solid beats and MCs that know how to lay down a track. Shadez prove with their newest release that they are for sure here to stay and play the game incredibly well. The subject matter on the other hand is not as original as it could be, it sits in the shade of the talent provided from the group. A bit too predictable as far as lyrical expression goes, but the solid artistry does help to propel the CD to a higher level. The three members, Bigg Casino, Eclipse B, and Skotch aka Mr. Bowen, create a presence that is sure to attract them more attention. The performance is top notch and the writing although predictable, is still solid enough that rap fans can relate to. There are no comparisons to be made as Shadez do not copy any one legend, they do draw on various influences that combine to create a good work. "Man Enough", "U Know How We Stay", and "Eyes Wide Shut" showcase the best of the album. Bringing to the table some great, and some not so rhymes, Shadez do succeed in carving their signature into the category of Canadian rap stars. A nice offering that is sure to tickle the rap
The Feenom Circle - The Pawn Shop Well, can you really find anything good at a garage sale, or say.... The Pawn Shop? Now you can, to an extent. Just as you can never find a true pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, or a REAL treasure at the local pawn broker, the same can be said of The Feenom Circle. What they have created is a cross somewhere between underground vibes and the major radio hit scene. A listenable mix of 11 tracks (10 plus a bonus) that starts off really strong, but begins to fade at about mid-way through. The group of San Fran "Bay Area" rappers Sidebee, Oatmeal, and Rawj. Now all three obviously bring in their own style and influences, but it just doesn't have the immediate urgency that it should have. The last EP from TFC started such an amazing buzz, I really expected more from the follow up to "Souled Separately", instead what we get is the EP with some new tracks added to make a full length. Alright, to be fair the CD flows well, but doesn't have as many standouts as it could have, rather some tracks could easily fall by the wayside. The first half of the CD is incredibly impressive, and then it begins to fade and makes the listener want to go back to the beginning rather than finishing the meal. The other option is at the back of one's mind, was any of this really impressive enough to repeat? Yeah, it really is, but as the true vibes begin to fade, the thought of just ejecting the disc are prominent. I would ask that you don't eject the CD, as with anything the true feel is subjective to each listener. The laid back trippin' vibes are easy enough to listen to, just from hearing the best on the CD, one knows The Feenoms didn't always put their best foot forward on the project. To be completely fair, Frisco Disco, F-Sharp, A-Train and Hood Child do make this a worthwhile purchase by themselves. Their truly aren't any sleepers here, merely a few that could have been much better. For underground fans, this may be a bit too polished. For mainstream hip hoppers, it may be a bit to laid back. But if you're not exactly sure where your tastes are, this may be a good beginners guide to the full scale of the hip hop scale. Good, by no means the best of the year, but entertaining nonetheless, and a bit disappointing.
R.I.P. - The One
Gillotine - Gorilla Mass/ Battles of Life
Anonymous Twist - Through The Looking Glass What does life hold for DJ Apollo when he decides he wants to make a true hip hop record? Well, Owen Chaim (AKA: DJ Appollo, AKA: Anonymous Twist) decided to take total control. Usually when a killer spinner has some fresh vibes to share they should have thrown the mix in the can when they try to produce their own beats and rhymes. Such is not the case by any means for the turntable maestro Anonymous Twist. Reading the liner notes and finding out this rap fan since elementary school had produced his own CD and acted as his own MC, I was a bit skeptical of what was to come from it. I was impressed, obviously Anonymous Twist has taken all the classes those who went to school before him laid in their wake. What you end up with is a true hip hop CD with all the trimmings. AT as a DJ spins and scratches with the best of them, as a rhymin' MC, this guy has it goin' on. As a writer and producer, I doubt if this Toronto native could have ever found anyone else who could have produced his vision better than himself, this stuff is dope! Technical and DJ prowess are evident through the tracks, blending his own style over and through the throwback back beats. Sometimes lighthearted, sometimes simply a Turntable track with minimal rhyming, and at times a mixture of rhymes and Turntables combine to make this CD a memorable and welcomed addition to any true hip hop collection. Spending time with a four track, college courses, and all the time writing and laying down tracks, it is odd today to here of a DJ/MC who waits until the tender age of 28 to actually lay down their first credible recordings. All right, now was it worth like a 28 year wait for this CD ? Well, not if you were staying in a closet waiting for the holy grail of hip hop, that's not what this is. Stating that, I will say that this is an incredibly well crafted mix. The writing is good, but at the same time you can feel that Anonymous Twist doesn't take himself too seriously. All this said, Through The Looking Glass is a solid mix of 13 true tracks that are a good addition. Bravo!
Joe Budden - Self Titled This CD is a stone surprise from the rap world . Joe grew up in Harlem N.Y. , a great melting pot of Rap & hip hop . Joe fits in , a bit Gangsta , a bit autobiographical , and a bit of old school . You mix that together and you get the new artist and CD from Def Jam . I was a bit surprised when I popped the CD in the stereo , after one listen I got hooked ! I haven't got this excited about a hip hop / rap CD since I listened to Run DMC (self titled) , The Roots (Things Fall Apart), or Snoop Dogg (Doggy Style) . Budden definitely has a knack for the game , as he rhymes his way through abandonment , drugs , and numerous references to sex . A great debut by a 22 yr. old you will be hearing much more from . In the fall of 2002 clubs dance floors were swarmed when they would play "Focus" (track 12 here) and for good reason , the beat is intoxicating . Although Budden stays true to some hip hop roots , he also goes out with a bit of new school flare . The young MC has had his share of hard times too , alcohol and drug use ended him up in a rehab , growing up with a functioning addict in his mom , and some brief stints in the slam , but nothing held him back , just made him stronger . "Pump It Up" (the first single) is a booming tribute to the music he chose as a career . Reminiscent of late 80s early 90s hip hop , but still so fresh ya gotta slap it . Budden has no problem with his past as he brings it up in his tracks and I think by the expressions in rhymes he is from the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" school of thought . "Pusha Man" throws the gangsta thing in the face of those who think they're all that and bad , but Joe has a few words for them . All in all this is one stone cold hip hop CD . It has all of the makings of a hit CD .
Buck 65 - Talkin' Honky Blues With the recent Warner release of Talkin' Honky Blues, Buck 65 not only shows he is here to stay, he also shows that his unique style of hip hop has marketability. Take the many sounds incorporated from spaghetti western sounds, classic beats, and rhythmic and melodic flow that keeps the listener guessing. Not your common ground when it comes to hip hop, rather a sort of thinking mans rap that uses the beats as a backdrop rather than the full instrument as the beats themselves simply add the proper contrast to the mix. Inspired for the writing of the project by the city of Paris where he lived while writing the new album. What you have is actually an experience that is not to be entered into lightly as the smooth, yet raspy vocal style hit you where it counts, the mental imagery section. You see, the entire project is simply a work of the inner thoughts and feelings of Buck 65 (AKA Rich Terfry) that not only pleases the aural sensors but the artistic side of the listener too. Taking the style of a laid back alternative rapper who proves that he has the juice to make it in the tough music industry in a day where breaking in doesn't always mean the artist is original. Buck 65 is a reference guide to originality and takes no prisoners with the release. Strange pictures are conjured as there is not only style and substance but a plethora of worldwide influences for your listening pleasure. Taking the substance to the next level may not appeal to the most hardcore hip hop fans, but does bring something to the mix that is worthwhile experiencing. Stepping back from the norm of in your face angst driven artists of the genre this is a pleasant distraction and addition to hip hop today. Hip hop music is at a high point in it's evolution, and if more artists dare to take the risks it will remain a true art form and expressive platform that will know no limitations. A fresh vibe that is growing in listener popularity, with good cause.
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B.o.b.b.i Blaq - Tribal Warfare The Silicon Valley isn't just for computer geeks anymore. Hailing from East San Jose, California, Bobbi Blaq is out to become one of the new rap artists, and change your conception. A mixture of experimental music pooled together with rhymes and beats make for a fresh sounding new style of rap. The rapster himself is as true to the past of the expressive style as he is to the future of rap as well. Taking the tried approach to the lyrics while modernizing the back drop put the artist a cut above some other indie rap artists today. Drawing in some of the usual subject matter for the genre and pushing it beyond it's limits and making it his own. Blaq learned to read music in the 4th grade which pushed him into concert jazz, and playing multiple instruments. The musical training has helped the artist realize the true musical expression rap offers. Ignoring family members who didn't believe the dream was accomplishable, Blaq has risen to the call and proved them wrong. Realizing the childhood dream (freestyling at age 12) Blaq is determined to prove the nay sayers wrong in the process. A long way from telemarketing and door to door sales, Tribal Warfare is as much of an in your face statement as it is a showcase for the talent Blaq has accumulated over the years. Yeah, there's your basic profanity, references to NBA stars (mentioning Vince Carter is a plus and deserving of points), drug abuse, and even mentions of Jeffery Dalmer. The style is happenin', the groove is stylish, and the vocal approach ranges from angry to the boasting. A very good indie rap album that should draw new fans, as well as the notice from some of the industry BIGS. I see this as a simple stepping stone to a career that is sure to take off.
Ashanti - Chapter II Well , I can tell you now I am not going to make many fans in the pop music world with this revue . Ashanti names her second release Chapter II , it would have been more aptly named Chapter one revisited . I am not saying it is not good, the CD has it's moments , but loses points for originality . The disc sounds like an extension of her first CD rather than the #1 POP CD , which it has become . It is just more of the same Diva magic that made her a superstar , but she fails to captivate and evolve as an artist , rather she holds true to the exact components that launched her to stardom . I liked the first CD , I like this CD , but it is not a follow up that deserves the rave reviews others have been giving . A bit more growing as an artist and a little less "Here I am again, with more of the same". I know some people will disagree with me here , as Ashanti surely has a huge following . It is a well deserved following as her first CD soared to new heights . She just doesn't have all the same magic here . I do like this, it is a good R & B record , I will not take that away from her , she deserves credit , just not high praise . "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" is a sure fire hit , there are others that will do very well as well , I was just expecting more . The "skits" in between some of the songs are supposed to help tell some of the story here , they leave me really cold , and wondering why they got added . A recommendation , but not high praise .
Lumidee - Almost Famous This is what I've been waiting for . A fresh voice to come into the R & B , hip hop scene . You know I recently read a review in a major publication that was all but favorable for the 19 year old from Spanish Harlem . believe that was completely without warrant . This young soon to be superstar has a voice that really makes you stand up and take notice . A velvet smooth voice at times , and at other times she can Rap with the best of them . She has style , originality , and a sultry presence that is without equal in the music scene today . "Never Leave You (Uh Oooh , Uh Oooh) " simply known as the "Uh Ooh" song is the first single and it has a rhythmic beat that holds you and moves you at the same time . There are an excess of tunes here that will take R & B radio by storm as this young lady rhymes and croons her way through solid arrangements of hit material . The CD that may very well take Lumi from almost famous to the true deal has some of the greats in the genre helping her out as well . Busta Rhymes , Fabolous ,Handsome Joe , N.O.R.E. and DJ Tedsmooth all lend their capable hands to this recording . Lumidee started out as a rapper before she even began to do the smooth R & B thing . She lets you hear a bit of it here , just enough to tantalize you . If it's a great R & B record you are looking for , look no further . Lumidee will captivate even the most fickle of fans . A very simple pleasure to the senses , and a new star on the rise , catch her on the way up , you will not be disillusioned . A very fine debut from a Diva in the making . I Highly recommend this debut , a pleasure .
G3 Rap - Inner city Groove Detroit based rapper G3 Rap (AKA Mario Gordon) has a unique style of rap smothered in a layering of smooth jazz . In his rhymes he says "If you don't like my style , get to steppin' " on "Jazzmatic" . G3 also plays soprano , alto & tenor saxophone which he showcases here on his CD "Inner City Groove". The laid back rap , rather than in your face , almost forcing their message to you , is G3's style . It is a refreshing sound , solid , rhythmic , and rhymes that are compatible with the best in the business . G3 is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the sometimes over saturated scene of Detroit . This CD is completely written , performed and produced by G3 . It aint a Gangsta thing , or hard core , but a nice addition to the scene I would have to call J-hop . The capital J stands for Jazz which is laid behind every groove here . G3 Rap says through his rhymes that he's not about the scantily clad "ho" and all that seems to totally engulf the rap world today . Instead he says do it "If that's you're thing..." he can't judge you , like you can't judge him . G3 Rap sure has a style of his own here . I think all styles of music has room for something a bit new and fresh and G3 Rap does his own THANG ! It's not by any stretch shear or utter perfection , but it is a fresh beat and groovy vibe that is pure "Jazzmatic"! If you're looking for soething a bit different in a class that has very few students , or teachers as the case may is here , then "Inner City Groove" may have your beat . The oft used profanity , which I believe is totally the right of the artist , is not heavy laden here . I'm not saying G3 Rap is a saint , because that is not the case . A solid Disk from beginning to end that includes some old school grooves , soul and jazz to blend into a great Funkajazadelic sound that is totally G ! A great CD for rap fans and R & B fans alike . G3 can write and rap 'em with the best of the BIG boys . Not the best CD on the market today , but "Inner City Groove" holds it's own in a world that deserves some beats with a difference .
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