Well, this stack of advanced promo CDs ain't getting any shorter, and it's actually snowing here in St. Pizz, so I guess I might as well kill two birds with one stone: waste my day bumping this here rap music and letting the people know what's what. (Below is my account in real time.)
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We'll either humbly suggest you either:
*Cop it.
*Burn it.
*At least check out their myspace page.
*Walk on by.
*Send hate mail to this artist's record label.
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3:16pm: I've already seen this episode of "Star Trek" (the one where that mustachioed alien and his harem of seemingly beautiful women pill poppers fuck shit up old school on the Enterprise), so I might as well start this off right with supergroup The Camp's "The Campaign" (Commonwealth Records, http://www.myspace.com/itsthecamp). This was an April 1st release, so if yer still sleeping, wake the eff up. This crew is associated with Apathy and his ilk, and it shows here. Straight up uncomprimising dope hip hop. Nothing too sweet or innovative, just fresh and crispy hardcore mannerisms done well. Blunts, beats, brain, and get money, but all expressed with a certain respect and class, staying true to the game word to '95. From the title track opener, the exuberance and dedication these cats show to being the cockiest and cleverest bastards in the game is readily apparent. The beats are thick and bottom-heavy, with warm soul leanings and a mid-90s swing that soothes the hardcore head. Like the similarly gifted Celph-titled, this is that shit for intelligent thugs, or white kids who still wanna feel gangsta but can no longer stomach major label artists' penchant for lyrics targeted at drunk teenagers. The flow and content are classical, as is the chemistry and the vibe. Serious lyrical beatdowns are cut with refreshing humor and pathos. They even manage to throw in some good old fashioned messages between all the shenanigan story raps and extraordinary boasts. Anyone else remember loving getting lost in the hip hop universe in all its ugliness and swagger, shamelessly and without guilt?
Verdict: Cop it.
4:32: Justus League affiliated duo The Away Team released a little album called "Training Day" back in November of last year. I just discovered the disc again after losing it for months, so I guess I'll give it some play, finally. It's not too late to move them units! This here's a revival of sorts, serious as cancer. This is an event. Or I guess it was back in November. Man I picked 'em good today. "That classic/liquor in a flask shit." Kadeem Hardisoon reference? Check. Khrysis boardwork doesn't skimp on soul drenching arrangements and ominous beats, leaving the mic work to partner Sean Boog, who digs his baritone deep into the warm layers with an assured flow and a steady gaze. Equally adept at exhileration and introspection, the duo damn near speaks to each other through beats and rhymes. Hip hop can get spiritual, like when you see how awesome a duo can be when they combine powers, Organized Konfusion EPMD and on and on. A beautiful thang, fuck soup, this could be gumbo for the soul. Things stay fresh because many styles are mastered, with scary ease switching from pensive boasts to social commentary to party rockers. The versitility is almost exhausting. Warning: not for the faint of hip hop heart. May cause heartburn. But if ya can't stand the heat... you know. Classic breakbeats galore! That's a throwback move I'll endorse, James Brown is still funky. Track six dude even takes on Kweli's stilted machine gun flow admirably. This is crystal shit: well-crafted, multi-dimensional, complex and classy.
Verdict: Cop it already!
Well folks, the fat money is a little winded from all this typing, maybe I should cut back on the spliffs after all. Im'a go make some tea, have some coughee, and prepare for tonight's RPS tournie. Hater's beware, part 2 of the review rundown tomorrow...
Ffffrrrrresh, for oh-8, you suckkkkaaaaaasss.
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