BruceSmith

61 items
review

Maybach Music Group - Self Made Vol. 3

"Self Made 3" is a good introduction for Rockie Fresh, but lazy features and forgettable production keep the album from living up to the standard set by MMG.

96  
news

Common Promises EP & Details Vince Staples Collaboration

Exclusive: Common explains how Vince Staples has impressed and influenced him. The Chicago, Illinois rapper also talks about his upcoming EP.

20  
interview

Crooked I Shares Hopes For A Slaughterhouse/Black Hippy Collaboration

Exclusive: Crooked I tells how the Trayvon Martin verdict impacts class warfare & why Joe Budden & Joell Ortiz can still be on a track with Kendrick Lamar after their "Control" responses.

18  
review

Vado - Slime Flu 4 (Mixtape Review)

"Slime Flu 4" does a good job of representing New York with Big Apple cameos and remakes of classics, but it's a step down from Vado's previous mixtapes.

11  
review

Trinidad Jame$ - 10 PC Mild (Mixtape Review)

If you seek high energy vocals and heavy 808s, Trinidad Jame$' "10 PC Mild," has what you want, however, that alone doesn't make for a great mixtape.

20  
review

Crooked I - Apex Predator

A few lackluster moments behind the boards and on the mic taint "Apex Predator," yet it still offers a glimpse of what Crooked I can accomplish on a full album.

56  
review

Tony Touch - Piece Maker Vol. 3: Return Of The 50 MCs

"Piecemaker Vol. 3: Return of the 50 MCs" is a mixtape in its truest form, for better or worse-showcasing both great collaborations at times and some filler.

32  
interview

SpaceGhostPurrp Laments Trayvon Martin's Death; Calls Himself "Zimmerman Killa"

Exclusive: On the heels of another possible retirement announcement, SpaceGhostPurrp explains his love of Kemetic culture and why the media's perception of Miami is wrong.

41  
news

Snoop Lion & T.I. Participate in BET's "No Guns Allowed" Roundtable Discussion

Exclusive: Snoop Lion and T.I. participate in BET's round-table discussion speaking against gun violence, and searching for possible solutions.

11  
review

Wrekonize [Mayday] - The War Within

Though not without its flaws, "The War Within" finds Wrekonize successfully showcasing a nimble flow, an introspective side and a willingness to experiment.

82  
interview

Gunplay Calls His 2012 Arrest "A Blessing In Disguise"

Exclusive: Maybach Music Group's Gunplay explains the difference between old Miami and new Miami, and why he's branching out on his own with Bilderberg Brand.

2  
review

Wale - The Gifted

While not without its flaws, those questioning the direction Wale was going post-"Ambition" will more than likely be pleased with "The Gifted."

review

French Montana - Excuse My French

While some of the singles from "Excuse My French" either have or will make their run in the clubs, the album is repetitive and lacks an overall direction.

interview

Rockie Fresh Says Rick Ross Gave Him Confidence To Be Around Anybody

Exclusive: Chicago's Rockie Fresh speaks on his partnership with Puma and how he went from listening to Rick Ross in school to rapping with him on tracks.

10  
interview

Mitchy Slick Talks Uniting Warring Gang Sets & Being Mentored By Sir Jinx

Exclusive: On the heels of "Feet Match The Paint," Mitchly Slick details his relationship with Talib Kweli and his regrets over an episode of "Gangland."

6  
interview

Killer Mike Says Black People Should "Demand Reciprocity" From The Democratic Party

Exclusive: The always outspoken Killer Mike sounds off on his Grammy Award snub and why he's not mad at blacks that vote for the Republican National Party.

55  
review

Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - Live In Concert

Wiz and Curren$y aren't present for most of "Live In Concert," and when they are, it's not their best showing.

34  
review

N.O.R.E. (aka P.A.P.I.) - Student Of The Game

N.O.R.E. attempts to court new fans and cater to his original CNN base. But filler and poor production create a mixed bag that won't fully satisfy either crowd.

52  
review

ANTHM & Blu (as GODleeBarnes) - Handful Of Dust

Those checking for this project based on the appearance of Blu's name on production will be pleasantly surprised that ANTHM clearly shines on "Handful of Dust."

25