Given the current state of Hip-Hop music in 2009, a resurgence of “real” Hip-Hop music and return to the lyricism as heard on classic albums of the 90’s has been seen with recent releases like Raekwon’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… PT II, KRS-One & Buckshot’s Survival Skills, and Marco Polo & Torae’s Double Barrel. Since his debut in 2006 with the 9th Wonder assisted Cloud 9: The 3 Day High and follow-up mixtapes including Corner Store Classic and The Power Of Words, Skyzoo has undoubtedly noticed the declining state of Hip-Hop music and has been on a mission to bring things back to the way they once were. This is evident with an album titled The Salvation, as the term “salvation” by definition is the saving of humanity from death or eternal damnation. With this album Skyzoo is set on saving listeners and the genre of Hip-Hop from death via untalented artists with limited skills and abilities on the microphone (I won’t go into names here… everybody has their own list). With producers along the lines of 9th Wonder, Just Blaze, Black Milk, Illmind, Nottz, and Needlz, and the credible history of Skyzoo as an intellectual, lyrical emcee, this album looks good on paper to be a success, but in the end does that translate to a quality product.

1. The Opener
Produced by Cyrus The Great
In relation to the album title, the opening track starts off with a gospel interlude followed by some piano playing the leads into some piano driven production by Cyrus The Great. The production plays its role as Skyzoo immediately lets listeners know what they’re getting with this album in the form of lyricism and a return to real Hip-Hop music. This track is a good introduction to the rest of the album that follows.

2. Return Of The Real
Produced by Just Blaze
Speaking of a real to Hip-Hop music, that’s exactly what this track is about as stated by the song title. Skyzoo enlists music producer extraordinaire Just Blaze for this track as he delivers with one of the most energetic beats on the album. After a trademark Just Blaze introduction, Skyzoo gets right into it over the head-nodding beat in speaking about how he’s one of the last few lyricists remaining in the game and is destined to bring the realness back to the genre. This is a track that definitely knocks on the system, as Skyzoo does a good job on his intentions with his convincing lyrics and flow.

3. The Beautiful Decay
Produced by 9th Wonder
This track stood as the first official single for the album with an accompanying video released a few months back that provided excellent visuals to compliment Skyzoo’s lyrics describing the inner city life in a positive manner by name it “The Beautiful Decay”. 9th Wonder supplies Skyzoo with one of his signature soulful beats that fit his lyrics and flow like a glove and sound like something you might have heard from their sessions back on the Cloud 9: The 3 Day High project. This is an excellent track that shows Skyzoo in his zone in speaking about city life and its surroundings.

4. My Interpretation
Produced by Best Kept Secret
On this track Best Kept Secret provides some airy flowing production as Skyzoo gives his interpretation of “getting lifted” with his head in the clouds on his journey to the top. The soulful production once again fits nicely with Skyzoo’s rhyming, as he doesn’t sound one bit out of place with his vivid descriptions and portrayal.

5. Popularity
Produced by Nottz
Getting back to the energetic sound that was heard a few tracks ago on “Return Of The Real”, Skyzoo recruits Nottz behind the boards of this track as he supplies some bouncy production while Skyzoo proceeds to let listeners know why he’s one of the most popular emcees on the rise in the game and doesn’t show any signs of being stopped. Being the type of rapper that Sykzoo is, this is the closest you’re going to get to hearing a potential commercial song receiving radio play, and honestly a song of this kind is one I wouldn’t be opposed to hearing compared to the likes of “You’re A Jerk” or “Money To Blow”.

6. Like A Marathon
Produced by 9th Wonder
9th Wonder returns to the scene with some more soulful production for Skyzoo to deliver some words of inspiration to those on the road to pursuing their dreams. “Like A Marathon” is clever wording which ultimately translates to never giving up and quitting as life and the roads to our goals can feel similar to running a marathon. It’s quite clear to see how Skyzoo and 9th were able to put together a quality project in three days as their chemistry is unlike many other emcee/producer pairings. This track is another gem to be found on the album that listeners are sure to enjoy and relate to with their own lives.

7. The Shooter’s Soundtrack
Produced by Cyrus The Great
After six tracks this is the first track on the album that I’m not really feeling and probably won’t get many repeat listens from me. Cyrus The Great provides some nice production on the track but it sounds dull and gets repetitive after a while of listening. From Skyzoo’s lyrics (which aren’t his best delivered and sound a bit boring like the production) this track is meant to be the soundtrack for those in the streets living the crime life. Ultimately compared to the previous tracks heard, this track sounds more like it was meant and would fit better on a mixtape than an album. The skit/interlude of Skyzoo and his girl’s phone conversation does well in setting up the scene for the next track but sort of goes on too long.

8. Under Pressure
Produced by 9th Wonder
9th Wonder comes through again, this time utilizing the same sample (“Walk On By” – The Undisputed Truth) used by J Dilla on his Donuts album cut “Walkinonit” to a good degree for the production on this track. Skyzoo takes note from the sample’s song title in dropping lyrics about being under pressure in a relationship while doing what’s necessary and providing for both, but realizing that it can no longer work in the end. This is another good song of relatable virtues and values that are realistic in the lives of many going through relationships and difficult times.

9. Penmanship
Produced by Black Milk
In a recent Q&A session (“Ask Skyzoo”) with Skyzoo on 2dopeboyz, he replied to a question that there were two producers that he had to have on his debut album being Just Blaze and J Dilla. As heard on the previous track “Return Of The Real”, he was able to accomplish ½ of his goal with a Just Blaze produced track, but unfortunately due to the untimely passing of J Dilla he wouldn’t be able to have a track produced by the late great Detroit legend. Insert music producer Black Milk who in his own right is one of the best up-coming producers in the game and becoming a Detroit legend in his own right. Having some similar qualities of J Dilla to his name in terms of production and sound, Black Milk provides Skyzoo with the closest rendition to having a Dilla produced joint on his debut album. Black’s production consists of a pulsing organ riff backed by off-beat drum programming that might throw some listeners at first, but is head nodding none the less. On the track Skyzoo gets down in delivering lyrics pertaining to his lyricism and tight pen game. This song reassures listeners that Skyzoo is no here today gone tomorrow type emcee, and his lyrics are some of the nicest out of the rest of the next generation rappers.

10. Dear Whoever
Produced by Illmind
From the previous up-tempo track, Skyzoo decides to slow things down a bit with “Dear Whoever” in which he rhymes lyrics in the form of a letter addressed to past girlfriends (no one in specific) that he went through the same circumstances with. Speaking about being in a relationship where he lowered his guard and put all of his feelings out in the open for his significant other, only to realize that them being apart was better for them than being together. Illmind’s soulful production on this track fit comfortably well in complementing Skyzoo’s lyrics and the track’s subject matter. This song seeming so personal from Skyzoo’s lyrics is a gem to be found on the album.

11. For What It’s Worth
Produced by Eric G.
After a brief interlude of wise words from the late great Tupac Shakur, we’re hit with one of the most heartfelt tracks on the album. Eric G. beautifully samples Dee Dee Bridgewater’s “My Lonely Room” as the perfect backdrop for Skyzoo to deliver lyrics about living life for what it’s worth in the time given while battling between making a living on the block within the drug game or facing the struggles of the legal life to reach dreams. When Skyzoo is in his element of tracks describing life’s trials and tribulations he is one of the realest emcees behind the microphone. In the case of where that’s seen with “For What It’s Worth”, it stands as one of the best tracks on the album.

12. The Necessary Evils
Produced by Needlz
Those who have been following Skyzoo’s career since his start in 2006 through the various mixtapes he has released will recognize this track from his 2007 mixtape Corner Store Classic. Needlz produces a dark, sinister sounding beat for Skyzoo to deliver lyrics about the necessary evils of the street life that seen as everyday living for those involved. Much like the previously heard “The Shooter’s Soundtrack”, this track doesn’t standout in comparison to some of the other strong production found on this album and feels out of place on this album since it was previously featured on a mixtape from two years ago. This is another track that won’t receive much play from me and is one that could have been left of the final track listing.

13. Easy To Fly
Featuring Carlitta Durand; Produced by 9th Wonder
This song features the only guest appearance to be found on the album with Carlitta Durand supplying the hook in gracious vocal styling. 9th Wonder supplies soulful, floating production that fits well with the song’s topic as Skyzoo drops lyrics about a girl that he’s trying to take away from her current bad situation into a better relationship with him. Topic wise this track hold’s the same weight as most of the female tracks we’re used to hearing on rappers’ albums, but the track’s production and guest feature give it an edge from falling totally into the cliché standing.

14. Bottom Line
Produced by Eric G.
Off his fantastic production heard on “For What It’s Worth”, Eric G. returns with some more soulful sounding production on “Bottom Line”. On this track Skyzoo spits lyrics about being on your grind in whatever you do and how it comes so easy if the grind is something you’re consistent with. This is a good track to be heard and stays in tune with most of the soulful tracks heard throughout the album.

15. Metal Hearts
Produced by 9th Wonder
Mr. Douthit returns for the last and final time on the album with some lively, soul production in sampling Barry White’s “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up” to good results. Skyzoo uses the nice composed beat to speak about his dedication and devotion to the grind in doing whatever is necessary to see success at the end of the day.

16. Maintain
Produced by Nottz
Skyzoo brings things full circle and ends off on a similar note and mood that was heard on “The Opener”. With the sound writing on the paper in the background, he speaks maintaining in life and in the music industry. Talking about making it to a point that not many people taught they would be him at in delivering an album and having a record deal after three years of diligence and never quitting in the process. This track does a good job in closing our the album on a peaceful vibe that gives listeners the idea that Skyzoo has finally made it to the point in his career that he has been striving for.

Bottom Line:
Many people outside of the underground Hip-Hop scene might not be well familiar with Skyzoo as an artist and his works, but one thing is sure after listening to this album and that is that Skyzoo will be a name that people all over will be familiar with in due time. With an album dubbed The Salvation, Skyzoo’s intentions of bringing the rap game back to its respectable nature of quality music and strong lyricists are evident, and he succeeds in doing that with this album. Skyzoo is an emcee that isn’t afraid to go against the grain of popular dances and trendy gimmicks in providing listeners with the quality, “real” Hip-Hop that has been a missing element for so long now. While he isn’t the only one on this quest and making the necessary steps with an album of this kind (see: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… PT II, Double Barrel, Slaughterhouse, The Ecstatic, etc.), Skyzoo definitely makes the movement strong with the addition of his debut album. During a time where artists’ albums sound more like compilations with guest features just for the popularity of a name (ex: Lil Wayne, Drake, Jay-Z, etc.), Skyzoo realizes that his is his show and uses the platform to showcase himself to listeners with only one guest appearance on the whole album. Aside from a couple of choice songs that threw off the flow and cohesiveness, The Salvation is a prime example of good Hip-Hop that so necessary nowadays. Much like Hip-Hop albums in the 90’s featuring one of two main producers, this album has that feel cohesiveness, as most of the tracks are able to flow easily into each other. With some further work, Skyzoo is on the verge of releasing a classic album in given time. Those searching for quality Hip-Hop outside of the blitz of commercial radio albums and singles should look no further than Skyzoo and The Salvation. When it seems like too many rappers “forgot how to be real and remembered how to be wack”, it’s good that Skyzoo is vice versa.

nappyPicks: “The Beautiful Decay”, “Like A Marathon”, “Under Pressure”, “Dear Whoever”, “For What It’s Worth”

Download: Skyzoo – “The Beautiful Decay”

Bonus: Skyzoo – “Return Of The Real”

Typically, when we think of Pro Black, prideful, conscious rap, KRS-One tends to triumphantly erupt from our souls as the poster child and is highly regarded as a top 5 emcee…probably more like top 3. It doesn’t take much effort or digging to get into a conversation about this man or his greatness. Buckshot’s name may not have the same resounding name recognition for someone who isn’t heavy into the game. It’s not because he’s not an ill emcee, but the byproduct of being a part of such lyrical assassin groups as Black Moon and the Boot Camp Clik. While grinding on the underground scene, those that are familiar with his work were ready to celebrate when they heard that these two verbal samurais were working on this project together.

1. Survival Skills
Featuring DJ Revolution; Produced by Illmind
If this is the tone for the album, I’m ready to be excited. This isn’t about glossy production and bounce, this is about returning to bass, beat, and intensity. Now, I’m sure we may get some polish and pretty effects later, but this one comes off like one of the hard hitting NY throwbacks. You also get a taste of what could be ahead with Blastmaster working this track and his flow to his advantage and Buckshot Shorty playing the Geeche Suede to his Sonny Cheeba with a smooth sound and style that works with KRS brash lyricism. The hook throws me a little, but the lyrics and track are too fly to ignore…shout out to some old school scratching.

2. Robot
Produced by Havoc
This is the lead single for the album and I can’t even pretend to like the melody of the hook. The message is one that I’m sure we will hear a lot more of in the near future (and I welcome that). Havoc keeps the theme feeling from the first track as our duo do a job of blending and not competing while both offering some of the illest commentary on the current state of the industry.

3. The Way I Live
Featuring Mary J. Blige; Produced by Black Milk
Anthem, period. The production on this joint is fantastic and Mary J. proves again that she’s one of the best to do this Hip-Hop hook thing. KRS literally destroys this song with his insightful lyrics and inspiring flow. Hell, this may be my new alarm in the morning. This is one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. If this one doesn’t make radio, all the execs need to be fired. Sometimes, things are ready for the radio because they NEED to be heard, not because they are designed to be played on the air.

4. Clean Up Crew
Featuring Rock (of Heltah Skeltah); Produced by Illmind
The track is cool, still hard hitting, but something about this one doesn’t really grab me. Lyrically, it’s ok. The concept is pretty straight forward, as you see the title, but it comes off overdone to me. Like, the analogy of cleaning, cleaning supplies, janitors, etc, gets a little boring to me after a while. It’s creative and I get it…but yeah. You’ve got to hear it, I guess the best way for me to say it is that it’s creative, but not as clever as I’d expect or hope for.

5. Oh Really
Featuring Talib Kweli & Geo (of Blue Scholars); Produced by Marco Polo
Talib! Oh shit, I’m ready…for him to only be on the chorus? Yeah, that’s all we get. Hey, I was hoping he was going to do his thing. Again, a tough track that plays the proper role and lays the foundation for offerings like this one from KRS, “I’m naughty by nature/raunchy by nature/forty by nature/y’all corny by nature/meanin’ all y’all naturally wack/and I’m naturally dope like coke before crack/but really, I’m more like the weed in this rap/and these new jacks are more like the seeds in this rap”.

6. Connection
Featuring Smif-n-Wessun; Produced by Moss
We still get grit on this one, but with a healthy dose of dark ominous chords in the background. This song is one of the missteps on the album for me. The song becomes boring and at 5:23 seconds, it’s too long to sound like this. The one thing I will mention is KRS line at the end of the song…damn…damn meaning GOOD!

7. Runnin’ Away
Featuring Immortal Technique; Produced by Black Milk
I hate to be lazy or come off like I’m on some bullshit, but Immortal Technique did some unmentionable shit to this song. Really, I don’t even want to cloud your this song review with talk about the other shit, Immortals offering wore the paint off my rewind. Just take a listen at the bottom.

8. Think Of All the Things
Featuring K’naan; Produced by DJ Mentplus
There are certain things you all know about me at that I need in albums. I don’t pretend to be the almighty scholar on all things Hip-Hop, and I Will Not Apologize for how I evaluate albums. You all know that I am a stickler for lyrics, beats, hooks, production and flow of an album. I LOVE this song…aside from KRS singing. The message is fantastic, but I have trouble with it on this album or at least hear. It just seems odd right here and now.

9. One Shot
Featuring Pharoahe Monche; Produced by Nottz
This beat drives me crazy, and not in a good way. It’s set on the down beat so you can’t really nod where you’re used to nodding…you’ll get it when you hear it. It’s not as jarring with further listens but it has yet to resonate with me. Monche is another of of those guys that doesn’t get the notoriety that he deserves in the business but unfortunately, I can’t say that he offered anything to change that. He’s only on the chorus. I do like the structure of this song and the lyrics offered as well.

10.Amazin‘
Featuring Sean Price & Loudsmouf Choir; Produced by Khrysis
Y’all know about the love the Fro’ has for the Justus League, so shout out to Khrysis right out the gate. I should probably listen to this again and count how many times they say amazing since that is the concept of the song…but oddly enough, it doesn’t get old. I’ve never heard one word sound like so many different words as I do with KRS stressing different portions of the word and the words before and after it. Buckshot continues to prove that this album is collaboration and not a competition as he lends a different sound but flow that is second to none.

11. Hear No Evil
Produced by Khrysis
Definitely a different sound on this track. Appropriately I feel like the resounding, rejoicing, triumphant horns are recruited to play at the name and theme of the song. This song is good, the track stands out on this one though.

12. Murder 1
Featuring Bounty Killer; Produced by Coptic
Another decent song, another song that doesn’t really flow with the album. Bounty is relegated to the hook and not intermingled enough to get this one over for me.

13. We Made It
Featuring Slug (of Atmosphere); Produced by Illmind
The thing that I think is most important to note about this song is how differently each emcee approaches the topic of “made it.” KRS comes with a story of life from seed to success, Slug speaks about his personal struggles and triumph in life, and Buck speaks about his motivation to be successful and make it. This is a really good song for any aspiring rappers to check out.

14. Past, Present, Future
Featuring Melanie Fiona & Naledge (of Kidz in the Hall) ; Produced by 9th Wonder
Miss Fiona will be dropping her album next week and if her vocals on this one are any indication, if you like the feel of Amel Larrieux silky voice, we need to be on the lookout. 9th Wonder is on his shit as usual, and just like most of the previous 13 tracks, lyrically, this song is really good. It’s good to see Naledge getting some shine as well.

Bottom Line:
This album is feature heavy, but that is a bit misleading. With three of the features just being on the chorus (when both of them should have been spitting) and the rest doing a pretty good job of blending with the album, it doesn’t come off as feature heavy as it is…if that makes sense. This album seems to get looser as it drones on and a lot of the grit and grime gets polished and cleaned up by track 14. There are hiccups which I attribute more to my own ideas and what I want rather than them being bad tracks. The lyricism on this album is really dope and inspiring as well is the structure of some of the songs. In a industry that tends to go with verse, hook, verse, hook format, this team offers some different set ups and interesting collaboration and subject matter throughout. All in all, this album is probably going to be a must have for those that love either KRS or Buck, but I don’t know that it will win any new fans or make a big commercial splash. To that matter, I haven’t decided if that’s more a commentary on the state of music or about our desire/disdain for hearing things that are different to what we like…or maybe just me.

nappyPicks: “The Way I Live”, “Survival Skills”, “Oh Really”, “Amazin”, “Runnin’ Away”

Download: KRS-One & Buckshot feat. Mary J. Blige – “The Way I Live”

Download: KRS-One & Buckshot feat. Immortal Technique – “Runnin’ Away”

Just as I was closing up shop for tonight (To do whatever it is that I do on Friday nights), Wale drops the long delayed but much anticipated mixtape Back To The Feature. The title doesn’t lie; this mixtape is packed with features. I guess I got the soundtrack for tonight. Check out the front & back cover, download the mixtape, and tell us what you think.

Download: Wale & 9th Wonder – Back To The Feature

With any Hip-Hop group, folks tend to try to discount someone in the group. I don’t know if anyone in a duo has been more slept on than Rapper Big Pooh. When his appropriately titled Sleepers hit the streets, folks took notice. On the heels of the “new improved Little Brother” GetBack album, what kind of album would we get this time? Let’s find out.

1. Intro

2. The Comeback
Produced by Khrysis
“The Comeback” sounds like the continuation of GetBack with 808, head-nod heavy track. Khrysis provides the instrumental acrobatics and Big Pooh sticks the landing. He addresses change, haters, and all points in between. The flow and the track give this a real throwback Hip-Hop feel and give a promising intro into what the album can be.

3. It’s A Go
Featuring Torae; Produced by Dae One
The chords and keys give this one a slight Middle Eastern feel. The bass is relentless and for those that like the thump, it’s here on this track. The lyrically, this is just old Hip-Hop cipher type song. It’s all fun and it’s Saule Wright in my opinion.

4. Nothing Less
Featuring Ab Soul, Jay Rock, & K. Dot; Produced by Young RJ
This track seems to falls flat after a big intro of keys. The bass is really subdued and overall, it sounds like we are waiting for the melody or something to kick in. It just feels incomplete to me. Ab Soul (mixtape download in the forums) and his label mates Jay Rock (who sounds insanely like Rick Ross) and K.Dot join Pooh on this one and add some West Coast flava. Get familiar; we will hear a lot from these three in the future. After the thump of the last two tracks though, this one is almost set to fail. Same flows, different beat, we have a winner.

5. C.O.D.
Produced by Mickey Free
“You gon’ remember the name / so let me tell y’all why the fuck I came / just tryna’ get paid, you can keep the fame / embarrass a couple niggas that’s stakin the claim / they the best thing livin’ / respect ain’t given / put yo bifocals on inspect my vision”. Out the gate, we get heat from Pooh who seems to have a chip on his shoulder on this album. I don’t mind a bit. Mickey Free brings back the bump for us with a pretty cool track.

6. Move Featuring Darien Brockington; Produced by Phonix
Did someone call Dr. Dre? This track is so West Coast/Aftermath I expect to hear Nate Dogg sing the hook, not D-Brock. I’m really feeling this track by Phonix. This is that requisite radio/dance song, and I don’t mind this one at all. You know how D-Brock gets down by now and Pooh does a cool job of storytelling on this one.

7. Something Like Stars
Featuring Big Treal; Produced by Jake One
Would you like some White Van Music with your Delightful Bar? Jake One serves up a beat that has a little too much synth for me, but it’s still not bad. I like the variations throughout the song and the overall structure of the song.

8. Step Up
Produced by D.R.
This song is about stepping up to the responsibility that was created when you decided to Jay Holiday it with Mr./Ms. Nightattheclub. Yes, I know, we always hear about how men aren’t shit, and he addresses that too. Ladies, the first verse is for you, second verse is for the fellas. I commend him for making a song that we all need to be hearing on a regular basis. The last verse is an overall message for whoever is listening.

9. Reality Check
Featuring Big Dho, D. Black, & Mykestro; Produced by Khrysis
It’s undeniable when Khrysis is working the boards. You get that hard hitting, east coast, throwback sound. Lyrically, Mykestro steals the show on this one. The entire song is fly, but you need to hear how Mykestro does his thing.

10. Problems
Featuring Jozeemo; Produced by Khrysis
So I spoke too soon, this is certainly not an east coast track, but it IS hard hitting. This one is a lot funkier with a heavy baseline. Our man (pause) Jozeemo hits the lab again and gives us a dope flow and Pooh addresses the skeptics again.

11. Amo A Su Papi De La Barra Skit
Hey, someone translate this shit and hit us up on the forums and tell me what she’s saying. I have no idea but it sounds good as hell.

12. Roll Call
Featuring Jozeemo, Chaundon, & Joe Scudda; Produced by The Co-Op
There isn’t too much to go into with this one. You see the name, you see the features, this is a Hall Of Justice Production. It sounds like a lot of the mixtapes and they handle this one just like they old days.

13. The Life
Featuring Muhsinah; Produced by Khrysis
Okay, I REALLY spoke too soon, I don’t like this beat by Khrysis. I don’t think it’s a bad beat, but it’s not my thing. The “whistle” sound and the random tweets get annoying. This one starts to sound like a test of the emergency broadcast system. When you add to that Muhsinah’s celestial sounding voice, this track is all too “heavenly” and not in a good way. Overall, the song comes off as annoying and clocking in a 4 minutes just makes this one too much for me.

14. Rearview Mirror
Produced by 9th Wonder
You know what you get when 9th and LB connect. This one has that old soul sound to it and Pooh still sounds at home flowin’ over it. “We made a bit of magic when we did it as 3 / then we grew up, then we grew apart / that’s when I realized it was bigger than art / But grown men gon’ do what grown men do.” There is more to this but Pooh gives us a little more insight into the group and the growing pains in the business.

15. Empanda Norte Americana Outro

Bottom Line:
On Facebook, I had to list my top 5 Hip Hop groups and I listed Little Brother in that top 5. I don’t know if we’ll ever get another group album, but even as solo artists, they continue to put out solid work. This album continues in that vein. I really enjoyed the album and with the beats and the feel, it plays a lot quicker than it is. I thought this album was going to be a lot more conceptual than it was, with 4 different releases of the album, 4 different covers, I expected a different album. This one is cool, but it was simply like the titles stated, some Delightful Bars, nothing more, nothing less. I wasn’t blown out of the water like I was with Rick Ross’ and Jada’s album, but this album is very solid and enjoyable. Make sure you check it out.

nappyPicks: “The Comeback”, “It’s A Go”, “C.O.D”, & “Reality Check”

Download: Rapper Big Pooh feat. Big Dho, D. Black, & Mykestro – “Reality Check”

Bonus: Rapper Big Pooh feat. Jozeemo, Chaundon, & Joe Scudda – “Roll Call”

Not many people have more eclectic Hip-Hop producer credits than North Carolina’s own 9th Wonder. Think about it: De La Soul, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Murs, Little Brother, Erykah Badu, Bishop Lamont, Destiny’s Child, Jean Grae, Sean Price (Just to name a few). I’ve been a 9th Wonder fan since Little Brother’s 1st album The Listening and his remix of Jay-Z’s The Black Album, Black Is Back!. Even though his stuff with Little Brother was great, my favorite production by him are probably his album with Murs (Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition & Murray’s Revenge). It’s funny though, I really didn’t care his solo/compilation albums Dream Merchant Vol. 1 & Vol. 2 (Thic Saule loved Vol. 2 though). But I am looking for to his Asylum debut The Wonder Years (Release date still TBA) as well as his upcoming mixtape with Wale, Back To The Feature.

Okay, here’s a sample of his import album Wonder Years: 9th Wonder Golden Years Remixes that came out early this year. He remixes a Little Brother “Whatever You Say” as well as Pharrell & Jay-Z’s “Frontin’”.

Download: Little Brother – “Whatever You Say (9th Wonder Remix)”

Download: Pharrell feat. Jay-Z – “Frontin’ (9th Wonder Remix)”

When talking about whether The Black Album is a classic or not. Allow me to answer that question: Yes. The Black Album is classic. “Michael Jordan hitting the final shot over Byron Russell during the 1998 NBA Finals “ classic. Even though this album turned out NOT being Jay-Z’s final farewell to the game, it doesn’t take away how good it is. Just think about some of the songs produced on this album. “What More Can I Say” is where Hov killed the throwback jersey trend while justifying his use of Biggie lyrics (“I’m not a biter I’m a writer for myself and others, I say a B.I.G. verse I’m only biggin up my brother”). The bouncy Timbo produced “Dirt Of Your Shoulder” had him showing NY dudes how to switch up and go South paw. The song that introduced the world to 9th Wonder, “Threat”. The album’s real goodbye “Encore” (“When I come back like Jordan, wearin the 4-5, it ain’t to play games witchu. It’s to aim at you, probably maim you”). And of course the track that had the critics jumping for joy, the Rick Rubin produced “99 Problems” (“Well my glove compartment is locked so are the trunk in the back and I know my rights so you gon’ need a warrant for that.”). Do I even need to mention the brilliance of the Kanye produced “Lucifer” or the Just Baze produced “Public Service Annoucement”.

There were some songs that I didn’t initially, but over time grew on me. Yes, “Change Clothes” being the lead single off the album may not have been the best choice, but it’s needed. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Jay-Z’s standard tracks are better than most rappers’ best (“He is to the east coast what Snoop is, to the west coast what Face is to Houston”). While “Justify My Thug” may have never gotten the Madonna feature it intended, Hov still dropped some gems (“And I ain’t never been to jail; I ain’t never pay a nigga to do no dirt for me I was scared to do myself. I will never tell even if it means sittin in a cell I ain’t never ran, never will”).

Even if you don’t like Jay-Z, you gotta respect the wave he started with all the remix albums that came out based on The Black Album (I even made one…kinda). You could write a whole article about the remixes alone, not even including the commercial & critical successes like DJ Danger Mouse’s The Grey Album or the Jay-Z/Linkin Park callabo Collision Course.

Maybe a lot of people was sour because the original idea for the album never came through; 10 to 12 legendary producers for 10 to 12 songs (I think it included DJ Premier and Pete Rock). I say, get over it. This album is more cohesive.

I’m sure this article will be used as further proof that I’m a Jay-Z stan but at the end of the day, it doesn’t take away from The Black Album being one of Hova’s best as well as being Classic Material.

No group has ever meant business like EPMD. Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon are the epitome of business. Erick and Parrish have been makin’ dollars for over 20 years now. They released their first album in ‘88 (Strictly Business) and have been East Coast legends since. As a group they have faced a fair share of turmoil. They separated in ‘93 and re-united four years later. It wouldn’t be for long though because Erick and Parrish haven’t released any material for over nine years. Until this December that is when they released We Mean Business amidst controversy of the lack of DJ Scratch. DJ Scratch has been an important part of every EPMD album. In many senses, he is just as important to the group as Erick and Parrish are. So the questions is can they overcome his loss?…

1. Puttin’ Work In
Featuring Raekwon; Produced by Ty Fyffe
Not a bad start. It’s kind of refreshing to hear an album without a rap intro. And it’s even more refreshing to hear these Hip-Hop pioneers together. Don’t get me wrong though, this song is far from perfect, but it’s also far from obscurity.

2. What You Talkin’
Featuring Havoc; Produced by Erick Sermon
I could do without the superficial hook and the over-exaggerated instrumental, but this track is alright. On a sidenote, I’m surprised Soulja Boy hasn’t said anything about EPMD yet. They hit him with this gem: “The Oscar De La Hoya, the golden boy/I’m not dude, don’t believe I’ll show ya boy/Ask Destiny’s Child/ I’m not Soulja Boy”

3. Roc-Da-Spot
Produced by Erick Sermon
This is definitely what you’d call classic EPMD. The funk sample, the Biggie sample, the hook. Well done. I was feeling this one.

4. Blow
Produced by Erick Sermon & JFK
The first two verses were fire. The last verse was just off. I don’t know if it was recorded separately or what, but it just did not sound good at all. It’s a good song despite all that though.

5. Run It
Featuring KRS-One; Produced by Erick Sermon
KRS-One the black educator telling people “Get down on the floor” and making all sorts of ambience sound? Am I missing something? Isn’t he supposed to be busy being a positive influence to youngn’s? By the way, this song is terrible.

6. Yo
Featuring Redman; Produced by Erick Sermon & Marc Berto
Best song off the album period. I said no discussion! Who told Redman it was OK to outshine EPMD on their own album?

7. Listen Up
Featuring Teddy Riley; Produced by Erick Sermon
Some songs would be better acapella. This is one of them.

8. Bac Stabbers
Produced by EPMD
You know the phrase “Good idea, poor execution”? Well, this is a case of “Poor idea, good execution”, if that makes any sense at all. Leave it to EPMD to make a song for the bac(k) stabbers, and equip some old-school techno sample.

9. Never Defeat ‘Em
Featuring Method Man; Produced by DJ Honda
Erick Sermon sets it off over this engaging instrumental and Method Man bodys his verse. But then Parrish put me to sleep, he does not sound good over this instrumental.

10. Jane
Produced by Parish Smith
Every EPMD album has a song called Jane. It is typically just a song for the ladies, and it’s no exception this time.

11. Left 4 Dead
Featuring Skyzoo; Produced by 9th Wonder
This song sounds the same way it looks on paper. EPMD is the essence of true school Hip-Hop, 9th and Skyzoo are two cats who are taking Hip-Hop where EPMD took them before. Needless to say, this track is crazy, and definitely worth checking out.

12. They Tell Me
Featuring Keith Murray; Produced by Parish Smith
Keith Murray and EPMD have done some classic work together, this is not indicative of that at all. Skip/delete/sleep/right click… whatever you have to do, this one is not worth your time.

13. Actin’ Up
Featuring Vic D & Tre; Produced by Erick Sermon
A good send-off. Everything was on point here. Good guest spot, good instrumental, good lyrics. Nothing better than good but still…

Bottom Line:
This album will not attract any new fans for EPMD.  They stuck to an old formula with the exception of “Left 4 Dead”, and will most likely only appeal to old fans.  Still it’s a good album, and you should definitely check it out if you haven’t already done so.

nappyPicks: “Left 4 Dead”, “Never Defeat ‘Em”, & “Yo”

Download: EPMD feat. Redman – “Yo”

How do you label Ludacris? Is he a southern rapper? Is he a Hip-Hop mogul? Is he a rapper-turned actor? To me Luda is all of these, and none of these. When you think southern rap, you think of guys like Shawty LO, Soulja Boy, & Gucci Mane. I hope everyone can agree that Ludacris is on another level compared to those dudes. When I think of the word mogul, I imagine Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, & Suge Knight. These are people you can clearly associate to a record label. When I say Russell Simmons, you instantly think of Def Jam, Jay you instantly think of the ROC, and Suge you (hopefully) think of Death Row. When you think of Luda, DTP isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Sure it’s a successful label, but Chingy is the only artist most people will recognize (and that’s saying something). As an actor, Ludacris has chosen great roles, but always gets stuck in a supporting role. Look at the movies he’s been in: Crash he plays the thief, Hustle & Flow he plays the successful rapper, and in Fred Claus he plays a DJ. 2 Fast 2 Furious is the exception. But as a recording artist, Luda has earned his place among Hip-Hop royalty. Theater Of The Mind has the potential to go Gold (maybe platinum) before the end of 2008. After that long-ass intro, you’re probably asking how is the album? Well…

1. Intro
Produced by The Runners
I was scratching my head for the first 40 seconds. But once the beat kicks in, this transforms from your average Intro to “Ultimate Satisfaction Part II”. Same slow beat with the strange loop, and the same Luda with the rapid-fire flow. I was pretty impressed with Luda’s lyricism until the last 30 seconds which is just filler. At the same time it’s an above average rap-intro, what more can you hope for?

2. Undisputed
Featuring Floyd “Money” Mayweather; Produced by Don Cannon
Floyd Mayweather is the first of four random celebrities to pitch in with a vocal sample. Didn’t really add anything to the song. This was a sick-ass track though. The beat was nice, I can see this being the new Don Cannon beat to freestyle to. But when it comes to the wordplay, my jaw dropped: “And if you sittin’ on chrome/I’ll call up my boys and have you stripped of ya medals like Marion Jones”. “Luda leaves intruders stretched out like gymnastics/And acrobatics I’m superstar status/The mouth of the South like Gangsta Grillz you bastard” This is a fucking banger!

3. Wish You Would
Featuring T.I.; Produced by DJ Toomp
Like Luda said “It was bound to happen sooner or later”. The two real “Kings of the South” sound real good over this bouncy Toomp instrumental. And they spit some straight crack for almost five minutes. And for once I can honestly say, I was really feeling the hook on this track.

4. One More Drink
Featuring T-Pain; Produced by Trackmasters
After the two songs above this track fucking sucks. It’s not a terrible track, but it’s clearly a single. You might hear this one in the club, but I’d advise you to skip it. It’s featuring T-Pain; that should already tell you something.

5. Call Up The Homies
Featuring The Game & Willy Northpole; Produced by Clinton Sparks
Not bad. Game and Luda exhibit some good storytelling here, over Clinton Sparks’ Dr. Dre-esque beat (with the heavy funk instrumentals). Willy Northpole’s verse seems out-of-place, but it was weak to begin with. I’m guessing Luda just stuck him on the track to improve the youngn’s sales since he’s signed to DTP. This might be one you will have to repeat.

6. Southern Gangsta
Featuring Rick Ross, Playaz Circle, & Ving Rhames; Produced by StreetRunner
Ving Rhames’ handles all the rapper’s introductions. Sounds like an MC introducing boxers before a fight, which is funny considering Ricky Ross is on this track. Luda turns in a good 16. I’ve never been a Rick Ross fan, but this is one of his better verses (from what I’ve heard anyway). And for the second track in a row Luda gives his DTP weed carriers a guest spot to bolster there sales. Still the same result, Playaz Circle sounds just as awkward on this track as Willy Northpole sounded on “Call Up The Homies”.

7. Everybody Hates Chris
Featuring Chris Rock; Produced by Don Cannon
Don Cannon is a much better producer than he gets credit for. DJ Drama doesn’t hold a torch to this dude, and I’m glad Luda realized it. Another sick beat, but Luda didn’t really hold my attention on this one. His lyrics fluctuate from generic to sick after every bar. And the hook…. Come on Luda!

8. What Them Girls Like
Featuring Chris Brown & Sean Garrett; Produced by Darkchild
This was the first single if I’m not mistaken and it’s nothing you should ever check out. Ever! Not saying it was downright terrible, but why waste your time?

9. Nasty Girl
Featuring Plies; Produced by Swizz Beatz
Another one for the ladies. This song left me wondering who actually bought Plies album? Really? You can enjoy that shit? Really?…Proof that anyone can be a successful Rap artist these days. Who needs flow and lyricism when you can loudly babble into a microphone? That’s what I want to hear! Smh.

10. Contagious
Featuring Jamie Foxx; Produced by Scott Storch
Yet another song for the ladies. This album has really taken a downward turn. On a random note, you’ll probably never guess that Scott Storch produced this track. It’s almost nothing like any of his previous work.

11. Last Of A Dying Breed
Featuring Lil Wayne; Produced by Wyldfyer
And we now return to the album called Theater Of The Mind. You can tell Luda saved his best lines for this track. Even though this wasn’t a single, this is probably the track everyone will skip to once they cop this album. Lil’ Weezy on one of your tracks is a bonafide way to sell records these days. As for the track, Wyldfyer provides a perfect instrumental for this head-to-head face-off. To me this was the song where Luda shows the world that he can flow with Weezy and hold his own. The first verse set the mood, and set up Wayne’s verse perfectly. I’m no Wayne stan but I’ll admit he came with a pretty sick verse too, even though his voice sounded hoarse as hell (lay off the lean homie). On a sidenote, it’s pretty fucking funny to hear Ludacris make a song declaring himself to be “One of the last lyricists alive”, when that’s nowhere close to realistic. And how do you possibly feature Lil’ Wayne on this song when he was partly responsible for the death of the MC? Aside from that hypocrisy this song was pretty good.

12. MVP
Produced by DJ Premier
Damn. Who would have ever thought Ludacris could secure a Primo beat? At the same time, who really wants to hear Luda over a Primo beat? No one. Even though I’m a fan of both artists, they don’t really sound too good together. I doubt this song will have much of a fanbase, aside from heads wondering how Luda got this beat. Seriously, first Termanology, now Ludacris. What’s next, DJ Premier producing Soulja Boy and 50 Cent?

13. I Do It For Hip Hop
Featuring Nas & Jay-Z; Produced by Wyldfyer
I was really disappointed with this track. Everyone came with their C game. Besides Wyldfyer (the producer) who came with his F game, this instrumental is terrible. Add Luda’s obviously hypocritical lyrics to Jay and Nas’ uninspired lyrics and you get this mess of a song.

14. Do The Right Thang
Featuring Spike Lee & Common; Produced by 9th Wonder
This is a pretty soulful send-off. It took me a few listens to fully appreciate 9th Wonder’s optimistic contribution and I’m still not really feeling the beat here. But it’s a good track, decent way to end this album.

Bottom Line:
I felt that Ludacris tried way too hard to make everyone happy on this album. He made a few bangers, a few songs for the ladies, and a few songs for the heads. I’m sure his fans will gobble up this album and tout it as a classic, but for people new to his music this may not be the best place to start. Just by looking at the musical features you can tell how different the songs are. T.I. & Nas, Common & Lil’ Wayne, DJ Premier & Plies… those names just don’t sound like they would ever be together. And that is what makes this album hard to listen to at times.

I got one thing to get off my chest. I don’t always agree with the ratings on this site. I don’t think Theater Of The Mind is an amazing album or even in the top 10 of ‘08, but it is better than Paper Trail & The Recession in my book, so that’s why it got the rating it got. And because I know y’all would leave angry comments.

Update: Okay, maybe it was a little high

nappyPicks: “Undisputed”, “Wish You Would”, “Call Up The Homies”, & “Last Of A Dying Breed”

Download: Ludacris feat. T. I. – “Wish You Would”

Bonus: Ludacris feat. Nas & Jay-Z – “I Do It For Hip-Hop”

Okay, I know I’m like 20 hours late on this one, but I had to do this for the 2 Jay-Z “stans” on staff (What’s up H20?). I saw this the other day and kinda wrote it off as another weak mash-up. But after actually listening to it today (Can you say THAT other websites?), I actually liked it; Mick Boogie & Terry Urban put together a winner. Plus the line up is way better than expected with you have producers like 9th Wonder & Hasan Insane handling some of the beats. Not to say it’s the best mixtape ever, but it’s very worthy of a listen (They did fucked up my favorite Coldplay song “Clocks”).

Download: Mick Boogie & Terry Urban Presents Jay-Z & Coldplay – Viva La Hova

After years grinding it out as a mainstay on the independent scene, Murs returns with his 7th album (Or 20th, depending on who you ask). What makes this album different from previous outings? This album, Murs For President, officially marks Murs first trek into a bigger arena since this is his first album on a major label (Warner Bros.). After being a poster boy for Hip-Hop’s indie scene, a lot are wondering can the L.A. native make the successful transition. Well, as the name of his new album states, Murs is looking to lead the Hip-Hop nation and save it from senseless corruption. And like a certain presidential candidate from Chi-town, Murs is definitely looking for change.

1. Intro
Produced by Wild Animals
The intro has an obvious presidential theme as a reporter covers Murs on the campaign trail. It has a reporter asking him how he is going take his grass roots campaign to cover the “demands for the majority”. It’s actually a good metaphor for his indie to major move. His answer…

2. I’m Innocent
Produced by 9th Wonder
This track sounds like something straight off Murrays’ Revenge, and that’s not a bad thing. I always said that out of all the collaborative albums by 9th Wonder, the one with him and Murs are by far his best. Over a chopped up soul sample, Murs shows easily why he’s nice with the words; “You gotta move with urgency/Assert with certainty/Ask me if I’m set to serve I say certainly”. He even drops gems for long time fans of his past 9th Wonder produced albums. Nice way to start out.

3. Lookin’ Fly
Featuring will.i.am; Produced by Keith Harris & will.i.am
When this song starts out, I instantly recognize the sample as the Green Hornet’s theme (A lot of you may have heard it from Kill Bill). It reminds me a lot of what Needlz did with Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” for Young Buck. Even though the song is not bad, I think will.i.am could have brought more to the beat (Kinda like what he did for Common or The Game). The hook sounds like it lacks something too. Like I said, it’s not a bad track and Murs doesn’t sound bad as he raps about looking fly. I guess you gotta do these things when dealing with the majors.

4. The Science
Produced by Scoop Deville
Here, Murs successfully breaks down the problems in Hip-Hop as well as within the Black community. He shows his intelligence as well as knowledge as he breaks down everything from “Freeway” Ricky Ross to welfare dependence to even the original position of the Hip-Hop DJ. There’s no hook, just Murs droppin’ science all the way through over a flute driven mid tempo beat. It’s funny; Murs knows more about the history of the drug trade than most dope boy rappers.

5. Can It Be (Half a Million Dollars and 18 Months Later)
Produced by Scoop Deville
I’m really surprised that Murs got sample clearance of the Jackson 5’s “I Wanna Be Where You Are” (Could that be the “Half a Million Dollars” in the title?). Since this is one of my favorite songs of all time, I guess I might be a little biased. Yeah, I’ve heard a few other rappers flip this sample on mixtapes, but Murs does it justice with lines like; “From the independent Hip-Hop scene/Now they talking like how I’m not a Hip-Hop fiend/Needle in my arm; can’t they see that I’m OD’n?/Never take the strips from this triple OG’n”.

6. Everything
Produced by LT Moe
Murs gets introspective on this as he relives his younger hardships as well choosing to stay true to himself. The production on the track has an inspiring feel and serves as a good backdrop. I’m trying to place the sample but don’t kill me if it doesn’t come to mind (It sounds like Bryan Adams but I know I’m wrong).

7. Road Is My Religion
Produced by Khalil
In the beginning of this song, Murs dedicates this song to anyone who has to make their money on the road; that’s exactly what the song is. Don’t get it twisted though, this is not about touring like Jay-Z or 50 Cent; this is about the indie circuit (Performing at small venues, forgetting to pay the cable bill, etc.). It’s not a subject most can relate to, but over a clap and bass beat heavy track, Murs lets us into this world.

8. Sooo Comfortable
Produced by Josef Leimberg
This is the first song I’m not feeling off the bat. I know that it’s you standard California-like beat, but I don’t think this sounds like Murs. I guess this is the “chill out” song. It’s basically a song about Murs in his comfort zone but to me it’s boring (Sounds like that’s Kokane on the hook too).

9. Time Is Now
Featuring Snoop Dogg & LaToiya Williams; Produced by Niggaracci
I probably would have taken a Little Brother or Living Legends feature instead of Snoop Dogg, but in the end the song turned out good. The production is not something you would hear on the Tha Eastsidaz or anything, its piano heavy and sounds well thought out. Murs doesn’t turn down the lyricism and well Snoop does…Snoop. The slept on LaToiya Williams as always is awesome.

10. Think You Know Me
Produced by Nottz
Even though I find the production here dull at first, Murs lyrics about preconceived notions brought me back. He takes the role of three different gangster looking individuals who are not what they appear; “I’m a felon, don’ mean that I’m stupid…/I probably gotta higher IQ than you/These jobs not hiring, what should I do?” This is a good concept track that gets its point across (The hook could have been better).

11. Me & This Jawn
Produced by Nottz
I think everybody will recognize the Isley Brothers sample here. Even though “For The Love Of You” has been heavily used, Nottz flips it in a way I’ve never heard. Here Murs shows one of his strengths in making songs about relationships (And not in the LL Cool J way either). The way Murs does it; it makes it relatable to both men and women while also being funny. The track as a whole has a feeling that makes you wanna go sit back and just ride (If you can find the gas). I been feeling this song since it was leaked a while ago.

12. Love and Appreciate II
Featuring Tyler Woods; Produced by 9th Wonder
9th and Murs hook up to make a sequel to a track that appeared on 2006’s Murray Revenge. I actually like this one over the original. Murs talks to the men who have a cold heart to females; “Can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em/But I love a whole lot more than I hate about ‘em/They look good, smell good, feel even better/So why you acting like you momma didn’t use that leather?” Yea, it had to be said.

13. A Part Of Me
Produced by Terrace Martin
Murs keeps with the relationship themed songs and goes into what happens when you let “the one” get away. The production, as well as Murs’ tone, all sound emotional and help convey the mood of feeling like you fucked up a good thing. It even has Murs yelling towards the end in foolish frustration; “Forget what I did on tour/I said I love you. You needed more/Why you tripping? You need to understand/Sometimes a man’s gotta be a man!” A lot of people say Murs is sometimes too silly to be taken seriously; this proves them wrong.

14. Break Up (The OJ Song)
Produced by Knotch
Yeah, it seems like Murs has a lot of relationship problems; the last four songs deal with them. When I saw the title, I thought he was gonna be in Eminem “Kim” mode (He only cashes in on the OJ title at the end of the song). Even though he treads on the subject extensively (remorseful breakups with girlfriends), Murs turns in a great song. What really stands out in the production by Knotch; the sample use is sick and makes this track my favorite off the album (I hope I didn’t already say that). This one is a winner and very (very) relatable.

15. Breakthrough
Produced by 9th Wonder
Murs ends the album the same way it began; with 9th Wonder. This track almost has the same structure as “I’m Innocent”. He touches on a lot subjects like never wearing gold fronts and working at Target or Best Buy if this album doesn’t sale. The production gives Murs For President a good note to end on.

Bottom Line:
If the question is still whether on not Murs made a good transition for independent to commercial; that will have to wait until the album sale numbers come out. If the question is did he produce a good album, the answer is a big yes. While Murs did incorporate more mainstream elements in the mix (Snoop, will.i.am, DJ Quik mixing the album), he didn’t lose himself in the process. Murs still comes across the same as before with witty and humorous rhymes about the everyday man. All in all, I’m just happy he has a bigger platform; one (most of the time) not usually given to underdogs in Hip-Hop. The jury is still out on whether or not the nation will cast their vote for Murs, but Murs For President shows that he runs a very good campaign. What up though?

nappyPicks: This album needs support. If you downloaded Sweet Lord, you basically agreed to support him on Murs For President.

Download: Murs – “Break Up (The OJ Song)”