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I first heard Gangsta Reese on D.U.G.O.U.T. Records Hustlin City 2 City compilation CD and his track was one of my favorites, even thought it was hard gangster type rap… which Im not a fan of. But Reese's smart lyrics and style sold me so when Playa Rae from D.U.G.O.U.T. hooked me up with Reese for an interview I was excited. After chatting with Reese for almost two hours I had more respect for him as a person and artist that was one of the first to get his solo album "Full Metal Jacket". I was not disappointed at all even though I'm not a fan of gangster rap. About a week and a half ago Reese contacted me and said he had another album just pressed and wanted me to listen to it - I almost fell out my seat, an artist asks me personally to hear his album, well I thought that was the shit until… The CD comes in the mail the same day as Baby Beesh "On The Cool" and Jay Tee & Beesh "Velvetism" - to be honest I put the other two albums in my CD player first, it wasn't until I got to my car that I finally put the Full Clip album in and I think I gave myself whiplash from bobbin my head so much. The album was nothing like I have heard in years, it had a classic sound with the same smart lyrics and style I came to expect from Reese and his crew. So without further a due, I present my review of Full Clip's "The 2nd Chamber" CD… 1. My City (Intro) Bonus CD "Who'z Ridin?" - Im not gona review
this cause its bonus, problaby the best bonus CD I have ever received
with a CD, even better than getting Bay Area Players 1 when I bought
BAP2!!!! "The 2nd Chamber" by itself would have received
4.5 or maybe even 5 beers out of 6 - since it came with "Who'z
Ridin?" a hard as hell CD to get it instantly goes to must buy
status with 5.7 beers out of 6. |
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Mr. Kee "Latin
Plague" |
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Grade: A Scale: |
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REVIEW:Game Insane Final Grade: 4.5 beers out of the six pack |
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REVIEW:Mr. Sandman
10% Love Me 90% Hate Me  Mr. Sandman direct from San Jose drops his first solo in almost 2 yrs since his last solo album 'Quicksand'. This album is produced mostly by Sean T. features on this album include: Mob Figaz, Bullys Wit Fullys , Guce , Hittaz On A Pay Roll , M.O.G , Mainymone , Freddy Chingaz , 223 and more. From what I hear "10% Love Me 90% Hate Me" is a follow up to the EP release with the same title back in 1996, I have never heard the EP so I cant say if any of the songs are the but I remember hearing people there is 1 or 2 recycled tracks on this album but I don't know whether its from the EP or from other albums. Mr. Sandman seems to touch down on all bases on this album, he has some club type songs such as 'where the freaks' and some more hard shit for the gangsta rap fans such as 'Mobb to This', Mr. Sandman even took it to a new level and made a song bout internet haters called 'Apple Pc' in which the chorus says "You haters real big behind apples and pcs but don't wanna see real thugs and street g's , identify yourself if you real like that and come see us in the streets for some real combat." The main thing standing out with this album is the beats, Sean T really came thru with some clean production. Also unlike most bay albums nowadays you can listen to the CD pretty much all the way thru without skipping songs, course their are some songs that aren't the greatest but they still listenable if you gotta listen to them. I also like the fact that there is no skits except the intro, I love albums that are just music all the way thru so you can just push play and not have to skip thru anything. I actually cant really think of any downsides to this album, all and all its a real solid album and a definite must to add to your bay collection. Rating: 5/6 |
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Mac
Dre presents Rompalation 3
Mac Dre presents vol 3 of the well known and highly anticipated Rompalation series on Cavvy-R records. After a long wait and a few release date push backs Rompalation 3 is finally out and available for your ears to dance too. One of the things Mac Dre is most known for is his compilation titled Romapalation Volume 1, many people consider Romp 1 to be a bay area classic and some people will even argue that it is the best compilation to come out from the bay even though it has some tuff competition for that mark. The lineup on this compilation has some familiar faces and some new ones as the Rompalation legacy continues to live on thru the new millennium, features on this album are: Richie Rich, Dubee , Da Unda Dogg , Sleep Dank, City Side, Fully Loaded, The Suspecx , Miami, Baby Beesh , Jt from N2DEEP , PSD , Mac Mall , Young Dru , Kobra , Reepa ,Rico Mac , 1006 Fac. Levitti and more. Production on this album is done by: Da Unda Dogg , Johnny Z (check out the Johnny z interview in the Music Archive section) , And K-Lou. The Album is 14tracks deep. After hearing Rompalation 1 many people were disappointed in Vol 2 and rightfully so since its very hard to out do a classic, after giving this album a couple listens all the way thru I have to warn you if your expecting something like Romp 1 this album will be a huge let down because its not anywhere near that level, although it is a little better than Romp 2. Just like with most Mac Dre products this album has a couple heated songs that will get put on repeat in your CD player but for the most part I feel like this album is lacking something, I would have liked to actually see Mac Dre a lil more on the album (he is only on one song the whole album). The best songs on this album seem to be the ones that have Da Unda Dogg on it but again I would have liked to see Mac Dre on some of these songs because rumor has it Mac Dre and Da Unda Dogg are releasing a joint album together in the near future and it woulda been nice to get a lil taste of what we might see from that album. Overall production on this album is pretty good but nothing that will make your mouth drool. Proally the biggest shocker fans of the bay will find on this album is that there is a Mac Mall song on it, for those that don't know Mall and Dre have settled their long time beef and are back working together.... the song itself is tight but I was kind of let down cause once again I wanted to see Dre on it to see how Mall and Dre sound together after so many yrs apart, also I believe the song is a old song cause it sounds like a beat that legendary producer Khyree did and Khyree has said numerous times he will not be working with any mac dre related products, since Mac Mall is the only one on the song it leaves me to believe its a old song and not something new that was made just for Romp 3 (Dre and mall are rumored to also have a upcoming joint album in the near future as well). This is a album that I could easily pass up from buying but if you are a Mac Dre fan and a fan of his products then it's defiantly something to get to add to the collection, its worse than Romp 1 but better than Romp 2. Overall I gotta give this album a 3/6, there is a couple heaters on it but for the most part it's a album that can be passed up. If you can find it in a used section though or for a good price then it's worth it, but for $16 id spend my money on something else. Overall Rating: 3/6 - MacBoss 5-6-02 |
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TWDY's Captain Save Em comes back in 2002 with his new compilation called 'Freaky Tales'. Features on this comp include: Too Short, Ant Banks, Levitti, E-40, B-Legit, Herm and more. Lemme first start out by saying this is definitely a unique album and may have opened a whole new music scene in the bay area, the bay area r&b scene. Even though there is rap songs on this album the majority of the songs are love songs including a strictly r&b love song by Levitti called 'Deep Deep'. Everybody knows and loves the bay rap scene but this album goes to show that there's always room for new things. The highlights of this album definitely has to be Levitti's song, with rumors of Levitti looking for a new record deal so he can drop a solo album many people are wondering what and if Levitti can hang has a solo artist, this song gives everyone a glimpse at what a Levitti solo album might sound like, if Captain Save Em was smart and sent copies of this song to the radio station then I see no way how this couldn't get play on radio stations love shows that they have early in the morning at like or whatever time, even though its not really my style of music and you probably wont find me playing it its still definitely a good song in its own right. The major downside to this album would have to be that
its only 13 tracks, its nice to see albums that have around 17-18 tracks
as long as the artist can continue to make good tracks and doesn't have
7-8 completely garbage tracks, that could be a reason why Captain Save
Em doesn't have more tracks. |
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Review of
"Northern Expozure 4"  Woodie and East Co. Co. Records comes out with their third installment of the well-known 'Northern Expozure' compilation about a year after Northern Expozure 2 was dropped. Woodie decided to skip making vol 3 and decided to name it vol 4 due to norteno related shit. This album features the usual East Co. Co. crew with rappers such as Woodie, Shadow, Lil Los, Lou-E-Lou And X.O...it also features some other rappers from the bay such as Awax , Mac AK , and Mr Kee. This album is 18 tracks deep. If you've listened to other Northern Expozure albums then this album is a must get, it doesn't miss a beat from previous East Co. Co. albums, Woodie and the crew continues to come with their unique gang related style of rap, rapping about the struggles and pressures of living the life style they live. The only downside to this album is that over the years Woodie and Northern Expozure albums haven't seemed to change much, its almost like once you've heard one you've heard them all, at the same time that can be a plus too cause many people don't like it when a rapper comes tight one album then the next album they got a completely different style and its just not the same. Overall I'd say this album is worth every cent of 16dollars and as the yrs go on I can only hope Woodie will consider to dish out quality albums like this time after time. Overall Rating: 8/10 Beers Beats: 7.5/10 Beers Flows: 8/10 Beers MacBoss 4-15-02 top |
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Review of |
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Review of
Ram-C-Note "Satisfaction Guaranteed" www.ramcnote.com  When T1 from Game Insane told me I had to check out a CD that he highly recommended, I knew that it would be worth it to check it out. So about a week or so ago I listened to a copy of Ram C-Note's album "Satisfaction Guaranteed". I was impressed by this first album and have been playing it pretty consistently since then. Therefore I decided that I should review it, so here is my review: Track 1 - Satisfaction Guaranteed feat. Rakafela, Sugg- life I heard a lot about young Mozart, and I don't know what to say about the production… it sounds plain but hella tight. This is the title track for the album and it lives up to its name showcasing Ram C-Note's lyrical skills, I am satisfied with the track - it's nothing spectacular but enjoyable 3/6 Track 2 - Always on your Mind feat. Nino, Al Honey, cK This is an odd song, and I really enjoy it. It's a modification of the old disco song "I Will Survive" and Young Mozart put a nice hip-hop bay style beat without using a sample. This song incorporates a nice mix of R & B flavor into it, its not just the hook there are a couple of versus that incorporates it. Using the "I Will Survive" and replacing it with "Always on your Mind" strikes home with all of us players that have been or are in love… 4/6 Track 3 - Cancun feat. Al Honey This is a club type of track where all the artists desire to be in Cancun… don't we all! 3/6 Track 4 - Mouthpiece Action feat. Sugg-life, Al Honey What I like about Young Mozart's production is that it may seem simple at first you can associate some kind of emotion with it, as with this track you get a mellow feeling from this lullaby sound - which works well with this song about breaking bitches. The production gives off the feeling a pimp would with his words, a comfortable safe place - yet they are being manipulated… 6/6 Track 5 - You Can't Fuck With Us This is considered an interlude, but for a 51 second track Ram C-Note spits some straight heat. 3/6 Track 6 - Money & Weed This is the first track without a featured artist; even though they aren't bad Ram C-Note hasn't really had a chance to show his skills. Ram C-Note has lyrical skills he stays on beat through the whole song and spits lyrics that make sense to hold your interest its not just some bullshit to keep on beat and fill time. 5/6 Track 7 - SeXXX Files feat T1 First off I have to say that the lil electronic horn thing in the background pulls the whole song together! T1 starts this song of with some lyrics, no hook or anything, within the first 5 seconds the lyrics start. This song is straight reminiscent of the great Too $hort, telling stories and spittin game, in a confident manner. Ram C-Note and T1 flow together like veterans, while Young Mozart changes the beat up and its still doesn't disturb the flow. 5/6 Track 8 - Buggin Me feat. Al Honey Another faster club like beat, with a slow hook… I'm not that fond of it, but it is catchy. I don't know, to me to rap on a club style fast beat doesn't showcase skill too much its just nice on the ears. I can relate to this song, all us guys had girls trippin on us… "I'm not messin with your friends, plus you got no evidence. Why you buggin me…" 3/6 Track 9 - No More Sufferin feat. Nino Every artist has to have a success story type song. This may not be the best lyrical and groundbreaking song, but it does show that Ram C-Note can flow and has lyrical skills. 3/6 Track 10 - Problems of My Own feat. T1, Al Honey Yeah problems, let me tell you I got problems of my own… Never mind, enough about me back to this track… I don't know this album even if the song doesn't stand out the flow of the artists and the beats are amazing… I'm not too sure about the slow hook it doesn't match this song real well. 3/6 Track 11 - Next 2 You feat. Al Honey, Nino, Stevie B Just Ahhh! Talkbox again for the fifth time. Now I am a fan of the late Rodger T. but I expected it from him, I never expect this many tracks with the talkbox. Flows are tight, but… too much talkbox. 3/6 Track 12 - This is All Bad feat. T1 First off I'm not feelin the hook of this song… T1 starts off, and I got to tell you him and Ram C-Note can flow. When first hearing T1 I never thought of him as a stand out artist, but this album changed my mind - I can't wait for the Game Insane album. Ram C-Note also comes like he has the whole album, on beat with good lyrics. Oh plus the sixth appearance of a talkbox on this album… 3/6 Track 13 -Bonus Track This is the only bonus track that I know of without a title. Its not a bad track at all, production is on par as Ram C-Note lives up to the rest of his tracks. The R&B hook works well with this track adding some feelings to the lyrics and song. 3/6 Overall this is a good CD and I definitely think that people should pick this up. Ram C-Note has two albums out that I know of, and the second one is more club orientated (review next week). This is a solid CD I listen to it straight through all the time, Ram C-Note has flow and with Young Mozart's production they make a great team. Also all the featured artists are pretty good as well, many times when you have an underground artist release his first album the featured guests ruin some of the songs. I give this CD 4 out of 6 Beers based on the fact that it is a solid album with much replay value, the production and flow from the artist was great but nothing stood out significantly enough to give it 5 or 6 beers. top |
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Review of Game Related "Soak Game" Re-Release  I was at the local Record Exchange and found a used copy of Game Related's Soak Game CD. I know I already did a review of this album, but this is the re-release. It has four new tracks on it as well as missing the classic "V-A-L-L-E-J-O". So here is my review of the four new tracks…. Track 1 - Imagine This is a good intro track, kinda a club style to it. From hearing the OG release I can tell from this first track how the improvement of the Potent C and Knutty. 4.5/6 Track 4 - Perk, Perk, Perk Another new funky beat and smooth song recorded at K-Lou studios. Adding a bass guitar was a nice touch to the mood and flow of the song. 4/6 Track 5 - Somo Of It Straight mob shit recorded at the Cosmic Slop Shop. This is a hard-hitting track probably the hardest track on the album. Most of the songs that involve harder type lyrics don't really have the beat to go with it, this track is a nice addition to the album. 4/6 Track 8 - Trapped in a Maze This track features Kevin Gardner who also produces this R&B influenced flow. You ever feel like with everything that is going on that you are trapped in a maze and you cant find your way out… well so does these artists… 3/6 Over all I give the re-release a 4.5 out of 6 Beers, the new tracks are tight but I do miss some of the tracks from the OG release. top |
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Young DRU
"Flame Spitter" Review! www.jdeville.com  Young Dru - Flame Spitter Production by Johnny Z, Young Dru, Kobra, Indecent, DJ Mark 7, Georgie Porgie I was highly anticipating the release of Young Dru's first solo. You may have heard him in past N2Deep releases, Jay Tee's solo album and the 707 compilation. Dru is one of my favorite up and coming rappers from the bay and has come correct on every track I've ever heard him on. Also, Johnny Z is one of my favorite producers, so I knew this album would be heated. Now on to the review… Track 1 - Flame Spitter This track sets the tempo for the entire album… Dru comes with hard lyrics, and the production by Z and Dru on this one is more rugged than I'm used to hearing from Johnny Z. It is short, but it's basically just setting up the rest of the tracks. Good way to start off the album. 4.0/6 Track 2 - California Life Once again Dru is coming harder with his lyrics. I'm used to hearing Dru on some player type of shit from past shit I've heard him on, but I'm not saying this is bad. This beat is very tight, one of my favorites on the album. Dru's basically just talking about his life growing up in Cali and his life now. It's a neck breaker. 4.5/6 Track 3 - City of Hop f. Kobra Once again, the beat is not lacking in this track, but I'm not feeling it as much as the previous 2. It has a hypnotic whistle typa sound in the background. I'm not really feeling the guest in this track, Kobra. To me, he sounds like a Killa Tay copy, but he doesn't ruin the track. Dru and Kobra both come hard, while tossing back thug lyrics between one another. Not a bad track, but not one of my favorites. 3.5/6 Track 4 - Pass It, Light It This would be an interlude. I don't usually rate skits or interludes, but the beat on this one by Z and Dru is pretty wicked. It's basically setting you up for the next track… all about weed smoke and getting high. I don't smoke that often, but after hearing this track, it makes me want to. Where you at Heitic? 4/6 Track 5 - Ganja Stick The first time I heard this song, I laughed. I would've never expected Dru to come on a Reggae tip. After listening to it a few times however, it became one of my favorite tracks on the album. It's straight Reggae and weed. The first couple of verses Dru is singing in a Reggae tone, and then he busts a rap in a reggae flow as well. He's flowing about a day in the life of Dru and blowing big. 5/6 Track 6 - Young Rap Star So far I haven't heard a bad track on this album, but this would be one of my least favorite so far. The beat isn't bad at all, it just gets kind of monotonous after a while. Dru isn't coming with the thug style this time, as he's coming with more of a relaxed style. I don't know if Dru is really a "rap star" at this point in his career yet, but I don't see why he can't be in the future. 4/6 Track 7 - That Sick Shit f. Kobra Once again Kobra is featured, and I'll say he doesn't ruin the track, but I'm not a big fan of his. Dru starts this track off way heated, and this beat is straight knocking. My car speakers are shit, but I can see my rear view rattling while bumping this one. Once again a head knocker. Not one of my favorites, but not at all bad. I'd bump this one to get hyped for something. 3.5/6 Track 8 - Hustlin' In My Blood This would be my least favorite track so far… The beat is nothing special, and although Dru's style keeps your attention, I usually skip this one. Every album has those below average tracks, and although I wouldn't call this one "bad", I wouldn't call it anything special. 3/6 Track 9 - I Wanna Smoke With You This is a "remake" of Michael Jackson's "Rock With You". Well, not really a remake I guess, but an interpolation. Dru speaks on how much he likes to smoke (again). The beat is way relaxed and complex at the same time. Dru isn't on a thug tip, but his voice is pretty hard on this one. Hmm, I can't call it, not great, but not average. Lets call it good. 4/6 Track 10 - Hennessy & Coca Cola This would be my favorite track on the album. This beat is way too sick and Dru's flow fits perfectly with it. This is the first track I play if I'm bumping this album in my ride. Dru isn't too thuggish and is on a more relaxed vibe. This is the Dru I want to hear more of. The thug style is played out to me, and Dru is so versatile he can go for many different styles. Lets hope he goes this way in the future. 5.5/6 Track 11 - Telly Room This isn't one of my favorites on the album… It's basically just average to me (although I still haven't heard a "bad" track on here). I would call it a skipper if I'm in my ride, but a player if I'm drunk at the pad. I do like the beat, but the guy singing the hook is almost ruining this one to me. The title is basically self-descriptive of what Dru is speaking on. 3.5/6 Track 12 - Hand On My Nut Sack f. Doff Capone (Young "D" Boyz) Everyone keep their ear out for DJ Mark 7. He's one of up and coming producers from the bay, and I've liked what I've heard from him so far. This is one of the harder songs on the album, and the feature of Doff Capone is a good one. A head banger once again. I wouldn't call Dru's lyrics complex in this one, or any of the other tracks, but his flow is good and it keeps your attention. One of my favorite tracks on the album. 5/6 Track 13 - Fake ID's and Faulty Plates This track isn't anything special. Average I would say. I don't really have anything to say about it. Dru comes pretty much the same as the other tracks, but the beat isn't as good. 3/6 Track 14 - Andreas Demitrius The beat is very hypnotic on this track, and makes this one of the better songs on the album. Actually, I'd call this one my second favorite on the album. You can't help but feel the beat and Dru's flow over it. He's speaking on how he envisions his life and the dreams he has. Not bad at all. 5.4/6 Track 15 - Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Another tight ass track. Dru is basically repenting his sins in this one, and the lyrics are actually kind of deep (well, more so than the rest of the tracks). I rarely would say this, but the hook is the best part of this song. I find myself singing along every time I hear it. "Now I lay me down to sleep…" 5/6 Track 16 - Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust This track is just an instrumental of the first track - Flame Spitter. I won't rate this one. Overall, I would say Dru is very talented, rapping and producing (he co-produces on almost all of the songs). This album is a very good debut, and better than most debut's I've heard recently. I can't wait to hear future releases from Young Dru. Lets give it a 4.5/6. top |
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Review of Dru
Down's
"Pimpin Phernalia"  I was at my local Target store and passed the CDs, I noticed a copy of "Pimpin Phernalia" by Dru Down. I really liked his first and second album so I thought I couldn't go wrong with the third. Umm well Ill let the review take it from here… Track 1 "The Pimp Hunters" Ok this is more of a skit than an intro, and it sucks! Nuff said… 1/6 Track 2 "Im a Pimp" The first song on the album does not disappoint the listener, but it is misleading. This track is the pimp and "Bootsy" type shit that you would expect from DD. The track samples "Brickhouse" and the hook is catchy. "Im a pimp, Bitch!" 6/6 Track 3 "What's Wrong" Dru Down talks about what happened between him and his old C-Note label. A basic shit talking track, where Dru comes with a harder style (like Yuk Mouth did) that doesn't fit his normal style. 3/6 Track 4 "Im Ready" All right, Dru comes with his normal style instead of that harder one, pimp all the way! Dru gives props to $hort, wasn't it last album he had beef with him… 5/6 Track 5 "Life Story" feat. Johnny Atkins The beat is slowed down for this song, where Dru talks about all that he has been through in his life. It's nice to hear Dru slow down without compromising his style. 3/6 Track 6 "No Underwear" feat. Yuk Mouth & Enemy First of all let me say "I HATE YUK MOUTH'S THUG STLYE!" Yuk comes in with a funny ass hook sounding like he did on "Operation Stackola" in a funny ass song, until his regular verse. Yuk comes whit his hard style, wich in the end doesn't mix well with Dru Down's style. The other artist on the song doesn't impress me, sounds like the average rapper. 3/6 Track 7 "I Do" feat. Space This is not a beat that you are used to hearing Dru flow on, it's a small loop that continues without variation. This song has an East Coast sounding hook, and the song just doesn't please my ears. 3/6 Track 8 "Tha Track" Ahhhhh! Another stupid ass skit, these are some of the lamest skits I have ever heard! 0.25/6 Track 9 "Hey There, Hi There" Another Dru Down pimp song, where he is training on of his team. 3/6 Track 10 "You Know" feat. Pinky A slow type song where you have a female and male artist sharing their feelings… HELL NO! I don't like these kinds of songs… I don't know why but… 2/6 Track 11 "Ms. Freaky" SKIT! Damn this one starts good, until the funny sounding guy speaks… 1/6 Track 12 "Nasty" feat. Boss Yuk doses the hook, so he doesn't ruin this song. In fact the hook is quite good, and humorous. When I saw Boss was on this track I was thinking the female rapper from the early 90's, but I was wrong… instead it's a weak ass rapper. 3/6 (cause of the hook I gave it a 3 instead of a 2) Track 13 "Money" feat. Malikah & J Coleone This song has no real… anything. It's an average song with nothing you haven't heard from Dru during the rest of the album. 4/6 Track 14 "Let's Get High" The second best track on the album, its different then the rest with that fast and fun Dru Down style. This and track 2 are the only good songs on the whole album. This is truly a smoking song, a good song. 6/6 Track 15 "Make U Wanna" Wow two good beats in a row! This song is nothing you haven't heard, other than the fact that Dru comes with a better flow. 5/6 Ok I just notice the back of the CD case goes from number 15 to 17… where is Track 16 on the cover? Track 17 (16) "Things May Change" Another weird beat, that does not fit Dru's style. This track he says that even though he's got a new label he's not new to the game. Umm, this song may make you think he was! 3/6 Track 18 (17) "Lap Dance" feat. Sisco (Don Cisco) When I first was looking at this CD, before listening to it, I saw that Sisco (Dru Hill) was on a song… I then thought "radio track". Well as I listened I realized it was better than Sisco, it was Don Cisco. Well I was pissed about the spelling error, both on the cover and insert. Well Cisco comes real tight, Dru and him work well together. If you are a Cisco fan you will like this song, Dru comes pretty tight too. 5/6 Track 19 (18) "Convo w/ Lil Pimp" SKIT! A little kid going to Dru with problems about not being able to hit it from the rear… believe it or not this is a very entertaining skit - yes! A skit I enjoyed! 4/6 Track 20 (19) "No. 2" Ok I don't really know what No. 2 means, the song says it's a continuation of "Pimp of the Year" This is a pretty good song, nowhere near the original song. I laughed the first time I heard this, he uses the same hook from "Pimp of the Year"… 4/6 After giving the album many listens over, I do have to say I am disappointed in Dru Down's "Pimpin Phernalia". With the typos on the CD cover, to him stating that without his old record label he could make it. Well he didn't make it, and I give the album 3 out of 6 Beers. - VeeGee 10-29-01 top |
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Review of
Game Related's "Soak Game"
 Game Realated, no not the Click's second album, Game Related the group. You never heard of them, well neither did I until I picked this album up. I never heard of the group or the two artists; Knutty and Potent C - I only bought the CD cause of the guest artists. I was under the influence that this was a Sic-Wit-It group with the amount of times Levitti appeared on the album. Well I was wrong, the album was released on Big K Records in … hell nowhere on the CD or case is a date… I would guess 1995, but hell if I know. This was a good find I played this CD many times, and still enjoy it today even though I have no clue where they hell they are now. (Apparently after doing some research on the net - I found that there was a second release after the one I have in 1996.) Track 1 - Soak Game This is the title track for the album. With Levitti singing the hook you can see the Sic-Wid-It connection other than the Click's album title and their name. This song is tight, production sounds like old Sic-Wid-It stuff, as does the flows… 5/6 Track 2 - Bubble Up This is a good radio track, a solid beat - outdated by today's standards. The theme to this song matches the title well. Again Knutty and Potent C come tight with smooth flows that stay with the beat the whole time… it just makes me wonder what ever happened to them? 5/6 Track 3 - Dug So Deeply Again Levitti comes with the hook vocals along with the production on this one. Every bay album has a song that I guess I would say is a "Too $hort" song, and Game Related is not exception. Wana know all the girls and how freaky they are around Knutty and Potent C… well this song answers that question. It's a good song, but to me these types of songs are just played out, just like the "playa hater" songs. Even with Levitti I cant give this song a great score. 4/6 Track 4 - Where Ya Nuts At? Another Sic-Wit-It tie, G-Note from Funk Mobb! G-Note is my favorite of all the members from the Funk Mobb and his verse is the shit on this song! As I mentioned earlier Game Related can hold their own, but add G-Note, pre Lil Italy, and you have a great song. 5/6 Track 5 - Fame Ain't Shit A song that is everything NoLimit and Cash Money isn't… Game Related states that fame is not important, just give them the money… no "Bling Bling" "Trick thang, what's in a name? I would rather have the money!" The production is not good on this song, and its fairly common… as much as I like the meaning of the song the production affects the artists performance. 3/6 Track 6 - Playa Ride Mac Mall! The young Mac Mall is featured on this song. This song is not produced by K-Lou so the beat is clean and fresh, letting the artists show their skills… and they do! Mall comes with his normal flow, the beat sounds like a mix between Khyree and something from Celly Cell's "Heat for Yo Ass" album. The Game Related artists change their vocal pace to match the beat, and Mall's lyrics are well thought out, not just some cheesy guest appearance. 6/6 Track 7 - Cant Fuc Wit Da Bay A song where artists tell not to mess with where they are from… it seems like an overrated theme. But I need to keep in mind that this album this is an older album. Production is good, but not a stand out song in my opinion. 3/6 Track 8 - That's On Da Real A K-Lou produced track, so it sounds like it was made on an old outdated keyboard with built in synthesized beats. This is a slow song and Game Related doesn't have much with the horrible beat to work with, but their style doesn't slow down well. 3/6 Track 9 - Do Thangz This is by far the best track on the whole album (Well tied with the title track at least). With Mike Mosley on production you know the beat is tight as hell! This is one of those smooth gangster type songs, its hard lyrically but delivered smoothly. The delivery is so smooth that both rappers seem so confident in fucking you up… if necessary! 5/6 Track 10 - V-A-L-L-E-J-O I think at this time when the album came out artists from the Vallejo had to represent their town. This is pulled off well, even with K-Lou on production (he had to make at least one good beat). This track meets all genres of the Vallejo that we all know of, pimpin, hustling, and fucking people up who mess with you. Sometimes I wonder what the murder rate is like in Vallejo, CA. 4/6 Track 11 - Playa Hatas Earlier I mentioned that artists in the mid 90's always had two types of songs on their albums… well here is the Playa Hater theme. Levitti again produces a tight beat, but a corny ass hook. This song is nothing above or beyond any other player hater song… so to me its not that great. 3/6 Track 12 - Dank-N-Drank A smoking song! Smooth like some good ass drank and flows like the best of the smoking songs. This is one where Gang Related's lyrics are not great but the beat is so good, when your drinking or smoking, you don't give a fuck! 4/6 Overall I give this relatively unknown artist who I have yet to hear from again a 4/6 Beers. That is not a bad score since this was a freshman attempt and an underground album. top |
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Review of Scapegoat
Wax's "Okeeblow"
www.scapegoatwax.com  Since I spoke to J. Deville (Johnny Z) about Scapegoat Wax in the inaugural interview mixed with the fact that their label (Grand Royal) has gone under, I give to you a review of Scapegoat Wax's album "Okeeblow" Scapegoat Wax is basically just a gentleman named Marty James, check out the website to find more about them, now here is the review: Track 1 - "Star 6" The topic of the song is to introduce you to Marty James the vocalist of Scapegoat Wax. Marty tells about the people and lifestyles he has seen in his lifetime, and his struggle with music. This as an intro track is a good show of all Marty James's vocal skills. He starts off with his singing, and later turns to rapping. The transition from song to rap is pulled off nicely by using another character's and later again when hearing his personal add on "Dial-a-Date" (You just got to hear it!). "This is for the children. This is for the streets. This is for those cigarettes that keep you coughing in your sleep." Produced by: Marty James 5/6 Track 2 - "Aisle 10" Before this album was released I was browsing around www.jdeville.com and found a link to this song. I downloaded it, and two days latter the album was released and the following weekend it was in my car. "Hello Allison! I wanna hold your hand, I haven't been the same man since I saw you coming in. Lets have a test to the girl in aisle 10" This song is awesome… its just plain good. This song has a "pop" sound, but not "pop" lyrics. What I mean is that Marty uses bay slang, curses, and has a fun/goofy nature towards the whole thing. The song is about Marty, who works in a grocery store, and this woman, named Allison, who frequents there. Mary has been watching her and is trying to get the courage up to speak to her, and his rational is hella funny! "You came in here again, Im drinking by the copier. I made my self a promise, that I would finally talk to her." Produced by: Marty James and Mario Caldato Jr. 6/6 Track 3 - "Chico Boy" This is just Marty's voice distorted saying "Chico Boy" … not much there. Produced by: Marty James 2/6 Track 4 - "Freeway" This is one of my favorite tracks! This track has a good solid 70's funk style music behind it, Marty again sings and raps… this time though he uses many different singing styles! This cat is just amazing, you just have to hear it I cant put it into words! Produced by: Mickey P., J. DeVille and Marty James 5/6 Track 5 - "Crawlin'" This is a slow song where Marty sings from the soul. "You're crawlin'. Things can only get better boy. Your life can shine in front of you. It catches up with all of us, on certain afternoons." Marty is expressing his feelings for a friend who is traveling the wrong way in life. The realism and ability to relate to his lyrics added with his delivery makes this a song that you listen to the lyrics. Produced by: Marty James and Mario Caldato Jr. 5/6 Track 6 - "Eardrum" This track is pure Hip-Hop song featuring The Suspects. This is a good old battle rap, with all the MC's showing with their lyrics and delivery why other MCs are no competition. "Here is sometin' you cant run from. So stop look and listen and take your position. We do it like this son! The illest prescription, a lyric incision into your eardrum." Produced by: Marty James and Mario Caldato Jr. 4/6 Track 7 - "Space to Share" Know only as "the sleeping on the stairs song" by one of my friends, is a song that shows Marty's sadness of someone leaving him. Mary again puts feeling as well as his humor into this song, showing his sadness and personality. This song you feel bad for Marty, you want him to have that person back in his life. "I've been thinking about what Im going to do with this day, 'cause you took the long way home. And now it seems you're not even on your way." Produced by: Eric Valentine 5/6 Track 8 - "For All We Have" This is a weird instrumental that is used to make the transition from a slow song to a faster song. Produced by: Marty James 3/6 Track 9 - "Light of the Moon" I relate to this song, and Im sure many others do as well. Have you felt frustrated by your mother! "She don't even understand what she does to make me mad, Im beyond all this tension that we had. Put it in the past our love will last." Well Marty speeds things up for this track, to show his love and respect for his mother… I think it's a great song; most of us get mad at our mother many times when we were young and appreciate when we get older. Produced by: Mario Caldato Jr. co-produced by Jacquire King 5/6 Track 10 - "Evelyn" This song is full of feelings… Marty both sings and raps again in this track, it makes a great way to express his feelings and reason for those feelings. This is one track that is deep, and that is the way this whole album is! Produced by: Marty James 5/6 Track 11 - "Perfect Silence" Another pop but not a bad sounding song, especially the noise, word, or sound that is made before the chorus. This is a more happy song about relationships, with a strong vocal presence. "Im feeling us breath in perfect balance again. So much is said in this perfect silence." Produced by: Eric Valentine co-produced by Mike Busbee 4/6 Track 12 - "Party of One" This song is one of the funniest songs I have heard in a long time. The reason it's so funny is that I have never heard anything like it before. Marty raps about having a party with many people, but they are all him… confused well here "Then I slap myself five, walk in the door and yell "My Siiiiddddeee!"" This song is creative and funny as hell! Produced by: Marty James 5/6 Track 13 - "Almost Fine" Marty, in this song, uses humor to vent all the shit that has happened to him. In this song he talks about hurting his back playing basketball, and someone stealing his bike seat… I like this song cause everyone can relate; "Its getting close to being almost fine, but when I think I pull ahead Im really falling way behind." Produced by: Mario Caldato Jr. 4/6 Track 14 - "Okeeblow" This is a skit, or sound bite explaining the name of the album. Produced by: Marty James 3/6 Track 15 - "Scapegoat Wax - Return of the Dope Fiend Beat" Im really feeling the beat of this song, a beat where Marty can rap in many different styles from old-school to his own style. This is a good party anthem song, showing Scapegoat's humorous side and ability to get a party hopping. This is one of the tightest beats I have heard in a while, partially since Im a fan of old-school. Produced by: Marty James and J. DeVille 5/6 This album is not what I would usually pick up, cause of the amount of singing… not that Im against singing, I just prefer rap. Anyway, Scapegoat Wax is not singing or rap, I would classify it as pure Hip-Hop. The freshness, uniqueness, and lyrics of this album are my reasons for giving "Okeeblow" a 5 out of 6 Beers! top |
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Rappin' Ron &
Ant Diddley Dog
"Bad N Fluenz"  This week I decided to do a review of a classic "Bay Area" album. This album is the first non-nation wide label album I ever received, so technically it's the first underground bay CD I ever purchased. In my 2nd article on this site I mentioned that the Dangerous Crew from the old Too $hort albums played a big role in my choosing of this particular genera to listen too. The dangerous crew introduced me to many new artists and I particularly was impressed by these "Pimp Style Gangsters" and their style, for the Dangerous Crew and paid over $20 to have the CD shipped to me back in 1995. So to you I present my review of Rappin' Ron & Ant Diddley Dog's "Bad N Fluenz" album. Track 1 Intro / All Rapped Up I usually do not like intros cause they don't have a point, but this album is different. It starts the album off with a silly sounding song that shows Rappin' Ron & Ant Diddley Dog's awesome lyrical skills in both writing and presentation. With Ant Banks, at that time and for a while after that he was my favorite producer, on the beat like all the songs I heard before that it was causing me to salivate wanting more. Side note - when I first listened to this song I didn't realize how many artists were mentioned, but as my awareness of the "Bay Area" scene grew my ability to recognize names and enjoy the song also grew. For being the tightest intro I have ever heard and the lyrical skills involved to mention all those artists I have to give this first track: 6/6 Track 2 How the Gangsters Do It Man Rappin' Ron starts this song with a verse that, for anyone who has never heard him, shows that he is a master lyricist and confident enough in his delivery to scare any veteran off a mic. Ant Diddly Dog also comes hella tight with a smooth ass flow to gangsta lyrics. Hell, that's why this is an example of the "Pimp Style Gangsta" style that Bad-N-Fluenz was the master and creator of. What I mean is that they have a pimp-like flow with gangster lyrics, this was at a time when Dr. Dre and Snoop were putting "Gangsta Rap" on the map, and Bad-N-Fluenz addend the bay area pimp flow to this genera. That last statement goes for all the tracks on this album that's the appeal. "When these gangsta poets start to flow it" Track 3 The Bomb This track is one I loved when first hearing the album. I was hooked on Ant Banks casue of his funny ass pimp lyrics, and that's what he puts on this track.(he talks about making a nun fuck him!) With Ant Banks, at that time and for a while after that he was my favorite producer, on the beat like all the songs I heard before that it was causing me to salivate wanting more. Ant Banks and Bad-N-Fluenz was all I knew at first, so I skipped to this track first when I got this album back in '95. 5/6 Track 4 Buster Free This track was the one of the two tracks on this album that I would play when showing off the system in my '78 Cutlass. The beat is so smooth and funky Diddly's flows match perfectly with the beat. I mean how many songs can talk shit about "bustas" and fake asses to the old "Sugar Free" beat… I mean Ron scares me, his delivery is so confident he is just as convincing as Joe Pesci. This song is hella tight telling what bustas do, and what Bad-N-Fluenz will do to them… 6/6 Track 5 Ruff Like Pavement This was my first introduction to Mr. Ill, and cause of his role on this track alone made me run out to get his solo album as soon as it came out a year or so later. This song is suposivly about a rough style, but these boys can flow. The style is as gangsta as any and that's why I would consider it rough. I would never once guess that they were studio gangstas, and if you do I pitty you if you say shit! "Im sending bullets federal express, to your chest." 5/6 Track 6 P.H. Balance The intro to this song with the Govenor, is the shit! Man I can relate to it! I personally believe this also happened to Rappin' Ron, or maybe its because his lyrics and delivery is fucking impressive. Diddly like Ron shows how playa haters are bitches and what Bad-N-Fluenz is gona do to them. I mean we all know what playa haters are, but they remind you in detail, just as much detail as in the consequences for hating. "I thought the game was to expand, not get around no bitches and talk bad about the next man" 6/6 Track 7 You Ain't Heard Shit Yet This is a solo Rappin' Ron track. Even though he is no longer with us (R.I.P.) this song shows his superiority in the game. I cant exactly put my finger on what it is that puts him as my top lyricist. Rappin' Ron intelligent lyrics, confidence on the mic, and flow is unlabelled - I can understand why back in the early '90s he was considered the best freestyler in the bay. This track is pure classic… by a talented young artist who was taken away from us before he had the chance to show the whole world. "I don't know no calculus, algebra, or geometry - but I got my GATT so I know trigga-nometry" 6/6 Track 8 Dirty Work This track is straight gangsta, at least that's what Seagram's (also R.I.P.) verse shows us. Im not a big Seagram fan, especially since he recycles the verse from this song many times, but add a straight gangster with a straight up pimp - Too $hort and you got a mix that fits the theme of Bad-N-Fluenz. Mr. Ill, Rappin' Ron, and Ant Diddly Dog pulls the "Pimp Style Gangsta" style once again. I usually like songs that feature other artists, but Bad-N-Fluenz doesn't any other names, it makes this song slightly weaker. 4/6 Track 9 Maniac Mind Im not a real gangsta rap fan, but this is one of my favorite tracks its even got one of my favorite lines is in it: "You thought that playin with your life was funny, you stupid ass dead dummy!" Ron does fuckin scare me again his confidence makes it so believable. "I had a shrink "Your crazy!" is what the hoe said. I had to prove it with three holes in her forehead" Diddly Dog also comes harder on this track than any other. 6/6 Track 10 Smoke Season This is probably the song I used most in showing off my system in my '78 Cutlass. Cause it was a phat song and bumped hella hard! It's the perfect summer song, and when the CD was re-released this song was edited so the chorus sang "Summertime" instead of "Smoke Season". This is a smooth ass song where both artist flow about the summer, not all gangsta, but they do warn the bustas to not fuck with their summer! 6/6 Track 11 I'm a Bad N-Fluenz I like the original song with the same title and theme from Too $hort's "Get In Where You Fit In" album, in fact its my alltime favorite Bad-N-Fluenz song. So to hear this was slightly disappointing to me, but Im not saying it's a bad song - I was just bias. This song is a song that describes them and their style perfectly. In the end its theme is the same as the first one, and it makes its point! "Im a Bad-N-Fluenz, I aint no fuckin role model. Ill put my dick in your momma's mouth, and tell that bitch to swallow." 5/6 Track 12 Torcher Chamber Another straight gangster track because of the Street Thugs represent on this track. Im not a gangsta fan… hell I have already mentioned this and the fact that other than the Dangerous Crew, they don't need any other artists on the album. This is a good song but not my cup of brew. 4/6 Track 13 Pulls Out My Flamer This song is the gangsta shit I expect from Bad-N-Fluenz, it's packed with lyrical skills and solid flow not just random threats and violence - but its not Bad-N-Fluenz. Mr. Ill fits the Bad-N-Fluenz style awesomely, which is why I was happy to know after we lost Rappin' Ron he was stepping in to keep the group alive. 5/6 Overall this in my eyes is a classic album. Its from the crew I started to follow first, and the fist independent CD I ever bought. Rappin' Ron was the fisrt artist that I ever heard that I respected as a master of the game. It was hard when I knew how much talent he had to find out that he was killed in a car accident (I believe that is why he is not with us anymore, if I am wrong please email me) - hell I was gona pour out a little liqure for him, but instead I will empty a keg for him. I was excited a couple years ago when Ant Banks released his "Big Thangs" album and Bad-N-Fluenz was back and talking about a new album. I was upset to find out that Cell Block Records who they had signed to at the time was screwing their artists, and that's why we have not heard anything from them since. The "Pimp Style Gangstas" is a style that will never be reproduced in my eyes that's why I give Rappin' Ron & Ant Diddley Dog's "Bad N Fluenz" album a 6 out of 6 Beers! top |
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HU$TLIN
CITY 2 CITY
D.U.G.O.U.T. Records www.dugoutrecords.com  I did an article about DUGOUT Records two weeks ago talking about their first CD release. "Well Hustlin City 2 City" out now and I got my grubby little hands on a copy so let me break it down for you track by track. Don't judge the album until you read the whole album review at the bottom of the page! (track by track reviews made standard by Thir$ty's "Savage Dreams" review) Track 1 Intro This is your standard intro to any compilation listing who you can expect to hear on album. Rence Perez produces a decent beat to grab your interest *Do you really expect me to rate an intro… well ok - 1/6 (beat: 3/6) Track 2 Hustlin City 2 City Put one of the biggest name artist on the first song is a great way to grab listeners. Especially when that artist is Don Cisco. Don Cisco comes tight like he always does, this song sounds like it could have come straight from his solo album. K.O.D, like many of the artists on this comp is one that I have never heard of, but he stets the stage for big things. Anita Fixx is a decent female artist… I just don't like too many female artists. Again Rence Perez is on the production. "…Don Cisco got flow, I know you heard it hear..." 4/6 Track 3 Where You At? This track features Big Herm, Davey D, and Al Breezy… the beat by Rence Perez is solid, smooth, and able for a great flow… I for one love artist that flow to the beat, but this song the hook is said in a rough voice. Not really my style but not a bad song. 2/6 Track 4 Gangsta, Playaz & Hustlaz Ahh a gangsta song with that rough edge, but Big Lexx, K.O.D., Traficante, Playa Rae, and Joe Rico still are able to flow with the beat. K.O.D. and Big Lexx really stand out in this song. This song was also produced by Rence Perez. This is one of the songs that is growing on me… 3/6 Track 5 Quickest Gun In The West Wild Bill raps about the west, with a old western type sound effect in the background. Well this is the first track not produced by Rence Perez, and I think that's the first reason I skip this track. The second reason is that Wild Bill's lyrics are as impressive as flat beer. "Quickest draw in the west, no need to second guess…" - umm… whatever! 1/6 Track 6 Hush Ya Mouth Keltic Tribe and Dutch come with tight lyrics and a fast delivery; the production though makes it hard to hear them sometimes all I hear if Im not concentrating is the harpsichord type sound. I do like Dutch's flow on this one, got to give him his props! Mighty Mike could have better produced this song. 3/6 Track 7 Drank, Dank & Crank Track 19 Goin' Major |
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Baby Beesh Savage Dreams Production by: Mario Ayala, Happy P, Bunkie, Hotan, br, Jamie Ortiz www.dopehouserecords.com  This week I had my hands full getting settled in with my day job, so I passed this weeks music article to a good friend who originally introduced me to the Bay Area scene. That being said even though I don't agree 100% with his I respect his opinion more than anyone else's on an album review. So I present to you Thir$ty B's review of Savage Dreams. I've been following Beesh's career for the last 3 or 4 years, so I was highly anticipating this album. Let me break it down track by track… Track 1 "Hoo Doo" This beat definitely has a southern sound. Reminiscent to me of the Cash Money sound. Not really my type of beat, but this is the type of track that will get Beesh a bigger audience no doubt. Beesh has a good flow on this track, but overall, not my glass of beer. 3/6 T rack 2 "Quarterback" Again, Beesh's verse sounds reminiscent of Cash Money on his verse (and its not just because he says Bling Bling), but this track is much better than the first. Very short though. Mr. Kee lays down a SICK ass verse. I wish this one would've been longer with Kee flowin more. One of the tightest beats on the album. 4.5/6 Track 3 "Watch How Quick" I'm liking this track a lot. Another southern sounding beat, but Beesh comes savage on this one. Good beat to ride to. Beesh's lyrics aren't that all that impressive, but he matches perfectly with the beat. 4.5/6 Track 4 "N.R.G." This song was also featured on the "Heated Speeches Vol. 1" comp. This song is alright, but not one of the stand outs on the album. I'm not a big fan of SPM and his verse is very simplistic. He almost sounds bored on the mic. If I don't skip this track, I usually just skip to Beesh's verse. Its not that great, but it's the only reason this track keeps me listening. There is a guest spot from a rapper named Rasheed I've never heard of, nothing special though. The hook is really lackin too, I'm not feelin it. 3.5/6 Track 5 "Nice Ta Meet Ya" This is a tight ass track. The first verse is recycled from a Latino Velvet song (I forget which one), but it has that classic Clique sound. I like everything about this track, the beat, the hook, and Beesh comes pretty sick. It even has a reference to the great deceased Bill Bixby (the actor who played David Banner on the Incredible Hulk series). One of the standout tracks on the album. 5/6 Track 6 "Too Many Things" This track sounds like an old Everlast song (the Blues or whatever). It's a decent track, but I can't really get into it. It sounds radio friendly, which is good for Beesh, but I can't ride to this. 3.5/6 Track 7 "Who Wanna Creep" Recycled from the Velvet City album. One of my favorites from that album, but I give it a lower rank just cause its re-used. Can't complain though, got Cisco, Jay Tee and Beesh, the perfect trio. I get this hook stuck in my head all the time (If you're tired go to sleep… who wanna creep…) 4.5/6 Track 8 "Nana Tonight" Wow, I'm not feelin this track at all. The hook is annoying as hell. I always skip this one. 2.5/6 Track 9 "Blowin On Fire" |
