You should already know I’m a fan of Lupe. The last time I’ve heard anything from him was “Drogas Wave” in 2018. Very deep. and worth the listen just for the historic and spiritual side. But this EP attracted me because of the production by Kaelin Ellis which always grabs my attention. And of course the lyrical genius of Lupe. Outside of that take a listen to the commentary by Virgil Abloh as well. Pretty damn good.
Mndsgn (Mind design) Anthology 2013 - 2019
Since we are in this Corona lock down, I had time to go back to 2019 and bring forward some beat makers, producers that I didn't get time to touch. One guy I was enjoying for a few years is Mndsgn (Mind Design) a Philippine, Jersey living, Cali living producer. I got caught up with his style once I listened to his 2014 release Yawn Zen. Labeled under electronic, not really hip hop with his early releases. This latest release Snaxx has recovered beats from a hard drive that was supposed to be a full release from a 2018 mix tape. I compare his music discography from then to now.
Knxwledge 1988
Continuing with showing love to diverse producers, DJ’s, beat makers. The Laid back creative flow of Glenn Boothe aka - Knxwledge fell into my lap with his new 2020 release while trying to find a Corona Virus groove. My introduction to Knxwledge was his 2015 release HUD Dreams so this was a welcomed surprise. Thus finally getting to talk about this creative artist that caught my attention 2 years ago.
Tek Lun - Anthology 2014 - 2019
I didn’t do a review of Tek’s highly enjoyable “allow it” released in 2018. I wasn't feeling the earlier EP release Blood, but now with the release of Dweeb. The B’more native has been moving forward with his sound so I wanted to hear what this one would sound like. He goes a different route and flavors his multi layer tracks with more vocals, trap beats and for sure his signature synthesized sound. At the same time I ran into his group NASA 8 so I had to show some love this year.
Young Thug: So Much Fun
Sean and I jumps into one of my favorite southern rappers. This new release is full of features and Sean reveals the secret sauce. J. Cole produced album. Interesting review and our different perspective.
YBN CORDAE - The Lost Boy
Sean and I finally get to YBN Cordae and we discuss where he ranks with the freshman of the year and the type of release he has out right now. With the amount of features he has on this new release. do we really get to hear his talent?
K.R.I.T. IZ HERE
2 years ago, Sean introduced me formally to Big K.R.I.T with his release "4eva is a mighty long time." Now he drops something in this weak season of releases for us to digest and see how this release refers back to his 2010 mixtape "K.R.I.T Wuz Here". My thoughts is, I'm judging it on what he is releasing now. I didn't go back but Sean has his opinion. Especially since he's a fan.
MAXO Kream - Brandon Banks
Sean introduces the new release by MAXO Kream. The Houston story teller gets personal but for some reason still sounds familiar like a Quality Control production. We jump on this 15 track release.
Revenge of the Dreamers III (Dreamville & J. Cole)
You already know we criticize Dreamville for lack of promotion and weak promotion. But mad love to a lot of their artist and the King sitting on top J.Cole. So this massive compilation release with so many surprises that I couldn't get to the end until I rewinded so many of these cuts that it too me a few days to take it all in. Any way here it is.
ERYS & Willow - Jaden & Willow Smith
Sean and I wanted to review the Smith children since they both came out around the same time. First we give our take on Willow and a style that we weren't expecting to hear. Also since she is more of a veteran than her brother. We didn't know what we would get. Then we drop in Jaden. He had a few releases after his well received debut album (for the record, those other releases I was not feeling) So for 2019 we get a listen to another one of these long ass releases with long ass 4 min. average songs.