HipHopDx Reviews
X Clan - Mainstream Outlawz
Without a single standout song, X Clan's latest proves to be as far from slow-cooked soul food as any of today's microwave music, putting these self-described outlawz comfortably in the company of the mainstream they claim to be apart from.
RZA Presents... - Afro Samurai: Resurrection
The album is very reminiscent of the post-Forever era when the RZA went more executive producer than producer. That isn't to say he didn't man the boards from start to finish here, it is just not as meticulous as its predecessor or his early work
Exile - Radio
Anyone whose formal introduction to Hip Hop came via the Wake Up Show or Stretch & Bobbito Garcia will appreciate the concept, this project was clearly more in line with Exile's personal interpretation of how radio influenced his musical background
DJ Signify - Of Cities
But when the time is right, when you're feeling a little off, when it's too late and you are miles from home but determined to get there by sunrise, there are few things released recently that capture that mood this well.
Deep Rooted - D.E.E.P.R.O.O.T.E.D.
There's no denying the passion that each member provides in their beats, rhymes, or vocals. With that said, what Deep Rooted seems to be missing on their self-titled album is a true sense of synergy.
Git Beats - Say Cheeze!
Git Beats has a real talent for short bursts of creative percussion and interesting samples I'd be much more attracted to a whole album of his interludes
Lord Infamous Presents Tha Club House Click - After Sics
Save for a handful of songs that can appeal to listeners outside of the 901, the latest platform for the Black Rain roster to shine will likely only serve to ensure the Club House Click doesn't reach an audience beyond their M-Town stomping grounds
Platinum Pied Pipers - Abundance
The industry's current climate probably won't reward their efforts with a plaque to match their name, but that shouldn't stop you from buying this album.
Various Artists - Notorious Soundtrack
The Notorious soundtrack only reinforces Biggie's raw creativity and unbound genius; two things that have been sorely missed since his untimely departure.
Mulatto Patriot - Sonic Visuals
Despite an incredibly strong and obvious respect for Chicago and its music scene that shines through Mulatto Patriot's music, Sonic Visuals still ends up being more of a disappointment than a triumph.
Pharcyde - Bobby Evans Mix
Although some tracks were curiously omitted and the mixtape only limited to the crew's first two efforts, Bobby Evans turns in a faithful ode to The Pharcyde that both fans and newcomers can enjoy
Count Bass D - L7 (Mid Life Crisis)
Count Bass D sings, raps, plays instruments, makes beats, and is essentially a one-man musical army. The only problem with this is that the final product doesn't always seem to make sense.
John Robinson - Who Is This Man?
New York's underground glory days return, without sounding too intentional. Thoughtful, smoky rhymes stand out over some of the dustiest production to release since Count Bass D's Dwight Spitz or Edan's Beauty & The Beat
Black ELement - A Major Minority
A Major Minority may not pop up on many heads' radar, but for those seeking an artist whose content doesn't include Mafioso-inspired delusions of grandeur, Black ELement is a refreshing new alternative.
Heavy D - Vibes
Although his newfound approach to music suffers a bit from a mild case of timidity and sexual conservativism, Heavy D sounds like he's found a good way to age gracefully. Now, that's a good Vibe to be on, no matter how you look at it.
Anthony Hamilton - The Point Of It All
Being "The Next Al Green" would be quite the achievement, but becoming the new standard would be better. Hamilton surely has more to offer us down the road, but in the meantime, The Point of it All will be a suitable placeholder
Ugly Duckling - Audacity
All in all, what UD has masterminded in the two years constructing Audacity, is an album that is non-biased to every genre, while at the same time being true to their day-one Hip Hop fans
Jamie Foxx - Intuition
Jamie Foxx is multi-talented guy, almost no one would argue that, but it takes more than a great voice to create a great record. It takes charisma, something Foxx certainly has when acting but is sorely lacking on his new album, Intuition
Keyshia Cole - A Different Me
Keyshia's latest effort uses elder executive production to attempt Mary J Blige status, but leads the R&B sensation further towards being a Pop princess.
Twin Perils - Dark Alliance
Though they manage to obtain a drive throughout the album, 39-minutes just isn't enough substance to grasp the true potential that they may have in store for the future. In the mean time, Twin Perils don't live up to their name, but have a ways to go.
