This week I am eager, because I’m reviewing albums. Not just any albums, but underground albums that have incredible potential. So let me put it down. Brooknam!! The first stop (a little bias) ‘Stay Enterprises‘ releases a compilation album, full of talented artists no question (or I would not review it) the stand out songs, “World Trade Center Memorial“, “Rattle The Battle“, “I Apologize“, and what should be a video single, “Better Ways“. Originality and creativity gets a three of five scratches. For more information www.stayenterprises.com just remember to tell them that Rhythm shout them out.
My Q-York Entertainment people, KL, Knowa Lazarus, readies, his album ‘The Opening Statement‘ while last touches are being added, the advance CD, boasts four strong tracks, “All In The Mind“, “Translations (rm)“, “Shadiness” and my personal rewinder, “F–k Them“. I can possibly see a video in play for “Translations” intricate lyrics, as he assist you to learn his Asian heritage (dare I say love song). Keeping in mind that no drastic last minute changes will give Knowa a full three scratches for originality and consistency, if you need to hear him yourself, checkout www.knowalazarus.com.
Motown Records sees Journalist debut release ‘Scribes of Life‘ album, as a Good album it is not well balanced, with participation or call and response songs. The upside if you are down for street appealing rap, “Self Explanatory“, “Extended Family” feat. M.O.P., “Throwing It All Away“, “Getting The Game Confused“, “When It Comes To This Sh-t“, “The Way It Used To Be” feat. Floetry are enough to keep any music buyer satisfy, see Journalist on his site, www.journalistmusic.com.
Crazy Noise Production made a mix-tape album unlike any other ‘Sh-t Happens‘. (That is a compliment from one DJ to another) I have to give due props to the array of talent found on his recording. DJ Butter, this one from Oak Park, MI originally put out this album last year without much coverage. So here is what I liked about this album, a lot of his own production, smooth transitions from song to song, standout rappers, from Eminem, D-12, KonArtis, Funkaroma and especially form the only female MC on the project Miz Korona. Too many songs to even start naming them just go to www.crazynoise.com and peep what they have.
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Strange Brew, (yes, that’s the group name) hails from Milwaukee, bringing us a taste of Milwaukee hip-hop. Down side!! Strange Brew are not as cohesive a mic duo, so do not look for easy transitions between them. Nevertheless they were intelligent enough to incorporate some note worthy appearances, J.U.I.C.E. , Strict & Wordsworth, some of their own people, One Man-Army, O-Type Star and Nova Cain. The two man show compiled an eleven song album titled “The First Round“. Not only did the artist do a good job, they presented edgy music styles, but incorporated some nostalgic production feel. Some like “Introduction“, “Take Heed“, “We Love This“, and “Back To Hip-Hop” is enough to give this project a full three scratches. See more on them if you visit, www.wmse.org
Now for some albums that are searching for distribution/record deals, (again without quest!! worth the review) Off the Truck Productions and Brooklyn Funk productions combined to deliver BK-Hi, (yes!!! you see my bias ways) the album ‘Life, Decisions, Choices‘, which is tight both in style and music for labels looking to expand and interested in giving this project a go, hit Ysae ( E-say) via office, 718-636-4038 or email Brooklynfunk@yahoo.com.
Bomb and Hype, residing out of Atlanta, bangs out a 14 track burner of their own production. The music is very versatile and a well balanced creation, club hits, radio playable, and street credible songs, songs!! The album titled simply 117 gets a high rating of 3 3/4 scratches, Sony/Loud, Universal need to jump on this band wagon, hit them on the ear-set 912-681-2742, via email, one17@frontiernet.net.
Now we go all the way to Alaska to check out Artic Flow Records as they debuts AKREAM, more retro style production, but well balance topics, radio ready material and street suave tracks such as, “Take it Back“, “Way Too Cold” (also the album title), and “Breathe On You“. Everything was done by their in-house crew, this rating may seem low but it picks up a 2 3/4 scratches. I can be wrong, you tell me www.articflowrecords.com can assist in giving you a sneak peek.
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This is not surprising, nevertheless a gospel rapper enters the arena with his fully blown album titled ‘Child Of God‘, we have the artist Vizunari hailing from Connecticut. Some highlight songs to look out for “Not for The Dough“, “Child Of God“, “Where Your Hands At“, “Tragedy” and “R.A.W.“. I must say if you are not listening to lyrics it can be mistaken that he is a very credible street rapper, feel the lyrics. 3 1/4 scratch rating, check it out at www.mp3.com/vizunari or email him here vizunari3@aol.com.
Back to the five boroughs, 2 O.G Entertainment on the official jump off Queens, native son, Johnny Blanco, releases his next installment “Y’all About To See” and currently has another banger on the market. I don’t have to speak about it, hit up their site www.2og.com go Johnny Blanco check it for yourself. (they even have a hot summer madness joint with Petey Pablo, N.Y. to N.C. walk with me).
Last but one of the best, we take the iron horse back into Brooklyn, (yeah!! what that’s right BK) and check with the joint venture between Kingz Kounty, Rancore and DnD Records to release Jaz-O and Immobilarie’s self titled ‘Kingz Kounty‘. Talk about official straight four scratch rating, versatile styles, fresh vocal tones so you are not bored, spectacular guest appearances, M.O.P, Cold Crush Bros. Grand Master Caz, Mr.Cheeks, Hoodfellaz, etc, etc Oh Yeah Jay-Z. Songs to look out for; “718” “This Be Him“, “Slut” “Love is Gone” current single, “Pledge Allegiance“. You need more, read this very carefully “go to the stores in on the shelves right now. Pick up a copy, put it in your CD player!!!” or maybe check out www.rummonline.com possibly to see more.
Guess what people that is it for this edition. U want it U ask for it, hell U got it. Rhythm damn sure delivers!
