Creating a noteworthy producer-centric Hip Hop album is never an easy task: even the most talented and well-intentioned of beat makers/musicians have failed to fit the bill in making a solid body of work that is listenable from start to finish. A producer has to find and keep that fine balance between ensuring their music stands strong and is powerful enough to be recognized by the most fickle of Hip Hop fans and critics, while also making sure not to overpower the emcees featured over their beats or having their music outshined by said emcees rhymes. And when your album is filled with some of the most respected lyricists in the industry like Action Bronson, Guilty Simpson, Jon Connor, Joe Budden, Skyzoo and more, the task can become that much more daunting.
But Chicago producer A-Villa is clearly unphased by these potential pitfalls on his debut solo album, Carry On Tradition. Having taught himself how to produce and being armed with a slew of classic samples, pounding, raw drums and intricate, carefully chosen loops and instruments, Villa’s first solo joint is highly listenable and time-honored without being stale or watered-down.
Boom Bap-heavy and filled to capacity with both hard-hitting soul samples and some of the most talented emcees in Hip Hop today from the very first track, Carry On Tradition isn’t merely an album that pines for the old school. “Raw Wraps” has to be one of the most obvious standout tracks. Containing a haunting, creeping piano loop, eerie string arrangements and menacing lyricism from Chance The Rapper, Martin Sky, Michael Christmas and MC Tree G, the song adds a dose of clever darkness and weed rap to an album dominated by traditional East Coast Hip Hop. And the Roc Marciano-featured “A Hustler’s Soliloquy” is possibly the watershed moment in the albums’ production and beats: deep and touching, horn-heavy and warmly complimented by Roc Marci’s lyricism.
Adding to Carry On Tradition’s mystique are interludes within songs featuring snippets of hood classic films and television like Belly, Paid In Full and The Wire, samples some of the most legendary living and posthumous emcees like Nas, Jay Z, Big Pun and Big L, as well as the instrumentals found at a similar level. Clearly a nod to the cinematic leanings of 90s East Coast Hip Hop albums, A-Villa nonetheless manages to make these interludes sound far from used and recycled as each one flows effortlessly into the next track. This also isn’t an easy thing to do, seeing as these interludes made for lots of overkill after a while. But Villa’s talent for choosing the right musical moment is evident as his production never stalls or gets stagnant on tracks like “The Colosseum” and “Mega Trifle.”
Without question, A-Villa takes the idea of carrying on the torch and breathing new life into Hip Hop production extremely seriously. His craft is one that is deep-seated in the tradition of the Bomb Squad, parsing together different elements, snippets, cuts and scratches of music to make a stomping, forceful whole. His production throughout Carry On Tradition is heavily influenced by the styles of legends like Pete Rock, DJ Premier and Large Professor, but refuses to stay boxed squarely into a boom-bap corner, as evidenced by the way emcees from a wide array of regions beyond New York (Killer Mike, Chance The Rapper, Freddie Gibbs, Jon Connor, Rapsody, Elzhi, Big K.R.I.T. and Ras Kass) can effortlessly ride his beats.
The only true slippage comes in an unexpected drawback: many of the emcees on the album don’t always bring their A-game lyrically. Combined with a waning momentum towards the end on tracks like “Sucker Free” and “A Day In The Life,” A-Villa’s debut leaves at least a little more to be desired. But in the end, Carry On Tradition is a heroic album from a producer that has created his own way and created a project worthy of praise from both fans and fellow producers alike.
My favorite album of the year! A bit disappointed in the rating seeing that the review is very positive. A Day In The Life might be the best song on the album and definitely not a weak point. But dude has a great story and an even better album. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
This site is really starting to become a joke with the ratings. You give this gem a 3.5 put the new Nicky Minaj 4/5 and Yeezus 4.5/5?
To any hip hop heads out there this album is fire. I’d give it a 4.5/5. I do agree some MCs could of come harder (Elzhi who is one of the GOAT from a technical super dope MC perspective was only avg for him for example).
Fire 4.5/5 but will vote 5 b-c this site which gives a ton of garbage-to avg rap 3-4.5 gave THIS 3.5?
This album is incredible and deserving of 5/5. The word “classic” gets thrown around too often with new music so I’ll just call this a “new classic”. Fire beats, dope rhymes, ill concepts, and complete songs. What more do you want? It’s a play thru with no skips and that’s rare for any producer complication. It’s like the reviewer wanted to give this a higher rating but their editor said “it’s not a commercial album, we just can’t”. I see this album getting props everywhere else tho. Step it up DX! You dropped the ball here. Great album!
My thoughts exactly. A masterpiece album right here.
One of the best albums I’ve heard in awhile! I think most, if not all the MCs shined on A-Villa’s fantastic production. It’s not a bunch of random features on a bunch of beats. It’s a fully realized and consistantly stellar piece of work. The story of how he made this album is great too.
Still bumping this album. Got a lot replay and that’s rare with most rap album.
Some of the best songs of ’14. A masterpiece.
Yup! Loving Dynamate Soul still. Great project
Was late getting this on wax but copped it off iTunes. 1/5 stars.
shout out to the big homie on this one, did his thing. top ten hip hop album of 2014 IMO
Co-sign! Definite album highlight in 2014
My #3 album of 2014. Lot of bangers on here.
A-Villa came into the game in a major way with this album. I don’t buy too many albums nowadays but this is a MUST OWN. The reviewer said Sucker Free and A Day In The Life are the only misfires and still said 3.5. What a joke! Especially when they’re both standout songs. 5 STARS for Carry On Tradition
A fantastic project with great beats and a eclectic array of features. Killer Mike with MOP, KRIT with Inspectah Deck, and so on. WOW!
Amazing.
LOL @ the editor giving it 3.5 you fucking moron.
One of the best producer albums of all-time.
Co-sign. A very cohesive producer compilation. I love how each track flows into the next.
Serious? Greasy throwback production that sounds forced.
I bought A-Villa’s about after reading his interview and about his story. And the music doesn’t disappoint at all. A really terrific album and worthy of all the praise.
5 out of 5 for Carry On Tradition!
5 MIC STATUS
Son must be tripping. Only the beatmaker hobo himself would give this 5 stars. LOL get back to reality rich kiddoe…
Best of the year? The guy looped get out of my life woman 3 times on this shit. It’s clearly a paid for album with amateur “throw back” production
Not the best album of 2014. That goes to Prhyme. But a damn good album nonetheless. That joint with Blu is fire but way too short.
Cosign
Been playing this album non-stop since I heard about it. 90s influenced beats but doesn’t sound outdated and great pairing of artists on each song. I read he replayed a lot of samples live like on “Elmatic”. That’s dope
Yeah, like one of the reviewers said, this is clearly a paid for album from Adrian Villagomez. Son must have paid a boatload of money to get verses from these MC’s. That’s how you keep it REAL, A-Villa style! LOL.
@Riddle: you sound like your trying to win “Hater of the Year” early. LOL! Calling out dude by name. You clearly know him and your coming off butt hurt. Get off your mother’s computer and step your life game up. Who gives a damn if he paid or not, the album is slamming!
no need to hide in the closet my g…i guess thats how the music industry works nowadays for the rich and privileged like this youngsta… the only way to get verses is to pay for them like you pay for a piece of hookers ass… a-hole clearly understands this business structure, at the same time, keepin it real on tha (wall)street…
Why haven’t I heard about this before. Incredible album
The biggest surprise album of 2014. Came out of nowhere and killed sh*t!
I get the idea of carrying on the torch but in the end, these beats ain’t bringing nothing new to the table. Dude must have spent like 30k to get these MCs rap on an unknown beatmakers’ shit!!
wow…thats some serious money my g! back in tha 90s that kinda shit would’ve gotten u tons of street credit….or not
I read some articles on it and he networked in the industry for years and hustled these songs together. Said the studio time cost more than anything. Don’t hate. Good for him. I think its great
Album is bonkers! Him and Roc Marci gotta mean connection and should do a whole project together.
Only feelin’ one song on this one but can’t take any project seriously if the guy be fake as hell, a rich banker and acting like he from the fuckin’ streets. That’s a joke to me, homie.
ROTFLMAO, word up brotha!
@MGI: dudes a banker?? seems nobody aint give a damn about “real” no more… fakes takin over the game!! and i aint tryina be a hater here, just represent the real..
Why would you care if a producer works at a bank?
@Bulletproof Wallets: Because REAL PRODUCERS work in their studio, not in a BANK. Dude’s a JOKE.
@At-P @MGI @Hus @Rf @AndSoOn…hello butt hurt lame. Your creep trolling stalker comments were entertaining at first. Months later, now they’re sort of sad. I pray you get help and find a life for yourself. HAHAA
Caught some songs on Shade45 and got the album. This shit knocks! The one with Guilty Simpson, Fashawn, Ras Kass, and Skyzoo is absolute fire
One of the best new producers out and he’s from Chitown! I met him at a show and he’s super humble too. His success is well deserved and his album is official.
YUP! GOOD DUDE. THE CD SOLD OUT, I TOLD HIM ON TWITTER, AND HE SENT ME ONE FROM HIS OWN STASH. SIGNED IT TOO. GREAT PIECE OF WORK.
I got a couple LP’s from him, now I’ve sold them both since I thought the beats real weak. Gotta love easy money!
Congrats to A-Villa! No doubt one of the best releases of last year and that album cover is iconic. Looking foward to what he comes with next.
Pretty nice lineup for a paid-for album – a bedroom beatmaker with absolutely no earlier credit… lol.
@RF: What will the troll post next? LOL! You really have nothing else better to do than to keep changing your name on here and posting the same lame shit cause your a bitter hating ass fanboy. GTFOH! He must have banged out your girl or something.
@Tic Toc: Chill out bro, this is a public page for the whole world to see and Google search. I don’t see anything wrong w/ RF’s comments. You can always feel free and prove him wrong: Is A-Villa NOT “a bedroom beatmaker with absolutely no earlier credit”? And is this album NOT “a paid-for album”?
Hey look! It’s “RF” again now calling himself “Dahmer”. Hate, jealousy, and wasting your time posting wack comments will get you nowhere in life. And what does “street credibility” have to do with music. And who cares if it’s a supposedly “paid for album”. All albums are dummy. Get your life & money up and maybe you can become more than a professional basement critic. Let me guess…you’re a rapper and make beats too and they’re so good that no one will ever know who you are in life. GTFOH
Just got this dopness off itunes! This is the hip hop I remember. Big up from the UK
Most of the MCs on the album don’t bring their A-game lyrically.
Feel u bro. Clearly hear the difference between these emcees’ solo sh*t and these “paid” verses… Glad there’s still producers who keeps it real and work hard, instead of paying people to climb the ladder…
Thats whassup Z. Keep it up
This project is 5 star worthy. A nice combination of throwback production and all my favorite artists. And that cover with his daughter is beyond precious. I love it!
Yeah dat A-Wifey! LOL. This is definitely NOT 5-star worthy.
A 5-star album? Hell no dawg, more like 3. There’s a few dope tracks but about half of the album lacks in true lyricism. That’s the case when a totally unknown beatmaker like A-Villa pays for famous MC’s to spit on his bedroom beats… True MC’s never write their best bars for unknown cats, that’s a fact! And why would they? Only mediocre shit as we all can hear from half of these joints. So 3 stars, at most – since there’s absolutely zero street credibility on his ‘Carry On Tradition’.
I see ya point my g and agree…If there ain’t no real relationship between the producer and emcee, somethings DEF missing…Only the producer cares about the songs, the rappers just care about the money he pays them……
It’s too hard to keep it real, for some … That’s when money comes to the picture …
4/5 (I’m a tough critic) but one of the better hip hop albums out now. I enjoy the flow of the album with the cool interludes. And I disagree. I think the emcees kill it throughout (Killer Mike and Fashawn just off top). Also the DJ scratches are hella nice. Not a lot of projects showcase the DJ anymore.
Yeah, you don’t hear scratching anymore on albums, that was a definite plus
A really solid album. I ordered the yellow wax from the Europe. It took forever to arrive but it was well worth it. And the review missed the mark on A Day In The Life. Thats might be my favorite track on here.
I got the black LP version. Any difference between the two versions?
Ain´t a shit´s difference son. Wanna cop mine? No use for it anymore.
Villa been putting in work in the Chi for years and its inspiring to seem him go from beat battles to his success with this incredible album. Chicago is proud of this dude. Much respect!
You speak on behalf of the whole Chicago? You’re the sole voice? Exactly. Didn’t think so. I know for a fact that the realest OG’s here don’t have a clue who this boy is. He been putting in work for years? Tell us more. I tried to find which artists he has produced before this solo album and found nothing. Nada??
You’re obviously not on the Chicago scene and are just an outsider. Homie been a part of beat battles for years, is at all the local Hip Hop functions, and supports. He also did songs with EC, Mikkey Halsted, Vic Spencer, Reks, Roc Marci, Willie The Kid, Tony Touch. Folks like you give our city a bad name. Keep the hate up tho.
I’m a fan of these producer complications and this album is one of the better ones. I enjoy it more that Statik’s last album and I look forward to A-Villa’s next release. Highly Recommended for the heads!
Just got put on to this and immediately got it off iTunes. This album is sick! Can’t find a LP copy tho. All the sites are saying it’s sold out. Anyone know where I can get one?
Also got this on vinyl, though not feelin the newer cats, but the Deck joint ill tho… and a couple others.
shit sold out now
@dlo: u wanna cop my lp? not feeling the beats at all, can sell it for 10 dollars??
Album is super ill! I 1st heard of this from the ‘Live From The Villa’ track (Willie The Kid spazzed on that!). Then I went back and heard the other singles. All fire! But this album tho..gems thru & thru
I purchased the CD and I don’t buy many albums. Totally worth it tho! The bonus track with Chance should have been a single and sounds like a hit. And the last song about his daughter is beautiful and reminded me of my own daughter. Well done!
Funny, I thought tha last song was the wackest… Tha album is a great example of what you get when you pay an MC to rhyme, with no real relationship = no chemistry… You get only what the dollar gives you.
that’s the truth right there my g
A top notch project with a very stellar line-up of MCs from all over. Mixing these artists together on each track and making it all sound cohesive is a major achievement. The beats compliment everyone nicely too and the dope interludes tie it all together. One of the better albums out now.
You don’t agree with the HipHopDX reviewer that many of the emcees on the album don’t always bring their A-game?
I heard DJ Premier and Statik play some songs from this album on their radio show and didn’t know what it was. Then I seen House Shoes post about it and co-sign it the other day. I had to peep myself and very impressed. Mad it’s too late to get it on wax tho.
Definitely an impressive debut.
Ain’t shit impressive on these greasy newbie beats yo.
Dynamite Soul with Guity Simpson, Ras Kass, Fashawn, and Skyzoo is a classic posse cut. This album gotta a few of those. Gunning For The Throne comes to mind too but wish Vic Spencer got a verse off. Mega Trifle is the only ok track to me. Otherwise it’s a play thru.
ehh
This lame again?! Honestly…dude must’ve banged your girl, sister, and mother. Bwaaahaaahaa! Seriously! Get a life and stop posting the same negative comments over and over “Drew” “RF” “The Listener” “-P-“. Your are the same fuckboy and the times of your posts expose you even more. Pathetic! You sound like a bitter fat boy typing from your parents basement and who keeps failing in life.
I felt like this album was something that I’m supposed to like but it feels generic. I think it lacked cohesion and kind of plays like a greatest hits is supposed to play, except there were not any great hits. I also think putting out a producer record before having a fan base is a bad move. I dunno, these days its kind of hard to buy your way in.
This lame again?! Honestly…dude must’ve banged your girl, sister, and mother. Bwaaahaaahaa! Seriously! Get a life and stop posting the same negative comments over and over “Drew” “RF” “The Listener” “-P-“. Your are the same fuckboy and the times of your posts expose you even more. Pathetic! You sound like a bitter fat boy typing from your parents basement and who keeps failing in life.
Are you insinuating that there could not possibly be more than one person that visits this site and listens to the music they post up, that dislikes this album? I have no personal beef with this guy, I never even heard of him one time before this article. I didn’t say it was trash either. In my opinion it is just FAR from good. I don’t understand why you would put most of these guys on songs with each other. To me it just sounded like a bunch of verses over some beats… not songs. To each their own I guess, but I’m sure A-Villa is a big boy who doesn’t need people to defend him.
Please! Stop the foolery. I wish this site would post the IP addresses to expose lames like you who go on message boards to hate on people’s work. It’s fine to have an opinion and like or dislike something. But when you’re posting the same bullshit everyday another different names, that screams of a fuckboy with way too much time on their hands. Even the way you type/write is similar. I’m sure we’ll see another post from you again in another day or so. LAME! And I don’t need to defend anyone. I’m speaking for most heads who are tired of you hating ass basement critics. Get off the computer and go make something better. Let the work show. Oh wait, you’re terrible at life.
The review is very positive for a 3.5. That should be updated to at least a 4.5. I think this album is tremendous. Old school flavored but not gimmicky. A great mix of my favorite rappers from past and present over some fire beats. Can’t go wrong.
Not gimmicky? He got the WEAKEST verses from these emcees yo, only what his $$$ bought him. Most of the sh*t is NOT “tremendous”. Real chemistry is missing. Any intelligent hip-hop head can hear this.
Shout out to DX on this recommendation. This has been my go to workout music as of late. A lot of bangers on this. The Coloseum with Big Krit, Term, and Inspectah Deck is ridiculous! I also enjoy the gritty vibe of the production. Very nice album.
Good to see a dope Latino producer shine. There’s not many out there making quality Hip Hop on this level. Fantastic project! ‘A Hustler’s Soliloquy’ with Roc Marciano is a classic.
That track was the only one I was feelin… For me, the beats are really simple-minded, the dude doesn’t have skills to really craft long-lasting songs. U know. He just a beginner beatmaker, doesn’t know how to actually “produce” songs. U can hear that.
I feel when u say “simple-minded”. That’s what the whole project sound like. Like u can smell the money put into this, but the outcome falls short.
This album right here is so thoro! This and Pinata are the only CDs I purchased last year.
Tru! Cole had a nice album too. But COT gets much play.
Incredible record right here! Super salty I missed out on this but I’m up on it now. Rapper Big Pooh set it off crazy and sounds rejuvenated. But the heat rock with Ras Kass and Skyzoo is my favorite. The beats tho. Wooooo!
I almost jizzed upon hearing these heatrocks!! Greasy. I’m doing the Dougie on these A-Villa beats with my neighbourhood geeks.
This album hasn’t left my ride since last December. 10 years from now, heads are gonna go back and see this as a underground classic. It’s that great.
lyrically? the mc’s ain’t even close to their real level on this one. maybe the beats got something to do with it.
I thought the beats are the weak link on this, not the raps as much.
Thats what I thought too, it was the beatz that was weak.
The Hip Hop gods blessed us with this gem! Peace from Switzerland
Chuuch!! Need more blessings in the form of paid-for albums.
^^^AND THIS LOSER THAT POSTS THE SAME COMMENTS EVERY WEEK IS BACK EVERYONE!!! “The beats are weak, the raps are weak, it’s paid for”…wah wah…SHUT UP LAME! I swear, A-Villa must have bullied you something serious back in High School. BWAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
I hear a part 2 follow up may be in the works. If it’s anything like this album, we are in for another treat. Carry On Tradition reminds me of the reason I fell in love with Hip Hop.
Villa is super humble, a talented dude, and the album is worthy of all the praise it’s getting. Church!
copped this after release but after a short while noticed that you get bored with the beats really easily. with real classic albums, that doesn’t happen.
Was about 2 cop this shite too my nggah but after 1st listen thought tha beatz was shite so put it back ‘n copped sum authentik BIG L ya feel me
This is a really dope album! And I agree. The only negative comments on here appear to be from the same person posting the same thing over and over. Like who is that hurting idiot? That’s some weird Stan type creep behavior.
The only positive comments on here appear to be from the same person posting the same thing over and over. Like who is that hurting idiot? That’s some weird Stan type creep behavior.
You are the definition of “loser”. Keep replying to your own comments f*ckboy!
Yo A.V. calm down fatso, get some more porkchops or sumthin’ – The good brotha Preacher got a point there. You got something brown in ya pants…
Homie looks like a DJ Khaled on roids, but way more talented. This LP is slamming! The cut with Oh No, Roc Marci, and Sean P is stupid nice.
LOL you got it right Cezar, they like gay twins or some sh!t… ROFLMAO.
This album, Barrel Brothers, and Pinata were my favorites from last year. Serious fire all over Carry On Tradition
Just seen DJ Premier co-signed this album. That’s BIG! Congrats to A-Villa. His album is still getting much burn in my system.
I thought this cd was nothing fabulous but not total trash either. However, I gotta wonder what’s this dissing toward the not-so-positive commentators here, AS IF all comments SHOULD BE “POSITIVE”? 5 stars? Like, really? You serious? The only explanation is that the 5-star posters are A-Villa himself, and his close ones. Now how RIDICULOUS is that?
Real talk my G
Met A-Villa at the PRHYME concert over the weekend. Homie was super cool, took pics with us, and bought us drinks. I’m a big fan of his album and I’m glad he’s not big headed like a lot of rappers and producers I’ve met.
This album is a play thru session. DOPENESS
It’s no classic like some are claiming but a damn good album nonetheless. He got my attention and I’m curious as to what he makes next.
He uses different nicknames to claim his album “classic”. What a humble kid, LOL. He thought he can fukk with tha realest, but the reality be different.
^^Take that dumb sh!t elsewhere. I like the album.
finally got off itunes and its a banger thru and thru. heatrocks all on it
Big up! This is a large record in Germany. We welcome A-Villas music.
ドープ Dopu record!
A disappointing project from a first-timer. Is this the best he can do? With all the money the kid put into this?
Helluva project with ill beats from a new jack and some of the best rappers in the game now. Sh!t fire!
Fantastic album! My only gripe is the NORE record, cause its a bit too slow for my taste. The rest is killer tho.
A definitive passion project & I’m glad it’s getting the attention it deserves. I’m getting whatever AVilla drops next.
FIVE OUT OF FIVE
I rock with all the singles I’ve heard. Still gotta get the album. I hear really good things.
I put this album up there with some of the best of this past year. And Villa’s chemistry with Roc Marci is undeniable. Would kill for a joint album with them two.
Carry On Tradition is BONKERS! Definite highlight from ’14.
This album is still getting spins. Crazy relay value.
^Agree! I find myself coming back to this album more & more after I first heard it. Quality album
Big up to A-Villa for creating this great piece of work. Finally a Hip Hop album I can play thru with no skips. A must cop!
Not bad
Still the best album to drop in the last year or so. I still play this more than anything released recently.