Scars & Stripes by The Away Team
The partnership between Sean Boog and Khrysis as The Away Team has always been an underappreciated constant within Hip Hop, and Scars & Stripes fittingly plays as such for the North Carolina duo. Sean Boog doesn’t necessarily possess the lyrical adeptness that some of the guests (Talib Kweli on “Take Air”
and “Set It Off,” Phonte on “See U Later,” and Evidence on “What Is This”) have, but he earns every verse on this album with relevant material (“Happenin’ Today,” “The Road To Redemption”) that many can relate to. Khrysis’ commendable production keeps the flow of the album going, though he and few other features detract from the overall quality when handed the microphone. Even if it goes unnoticed to the masses at large, The Away Team are more dedicated than ever to their craft on this album, and they got the scars to prove it.
Mykology by Myka 9
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As expected, there’s nothing conventional about Mykology, Myka 9’s latest project outside of his much-acclaimed crew the Freestyle Fellowship. In one instance he’s making a passionate case for the inclusion of immigrants in America (“I Must Cross”), the next he’s toking up to some good Cali ganja on “Trimming.” And yet, this varietal mix of topics simmer well together, with Myka’s baritone voice inviting you into his world of unity. The soulful vocals behind “Hey” and “Tell Me” also bring up a reasonable point that needs to be addressed; had Myka never joined Project Blowed, he could have easily made his way into music as an R&B singer. Add in the cypher-like cut “Oh Yeah…Alright,” and it’s no wonder “Microphone Mike” is going on 20 years strong.
Preserved by Young Bleed
It’s hard to identify if Young Bleeds’ new album Preserved should be considered a welcome throwback or a project lost in time. A former No Limit soldier who this year joined Tech N9ne’s band of Strange brothers, Bleed confidently carries himself amid slightly-daunting 808 beats and a 90’s mentality that feels, simply put, outdated. In the process, gems like “Papa Papa” and “Uh’ Gangstas Gangsta” reveal themselves, though nothing on this new project can touch the original version of “How Ya Do Dat” (not even “How Ya Do Dat Again”). On the flipside, a Louisiana reunion is squandered on “Boot Up” when Young Bleed and Juvenile wearily trade bars about their block reputation. Similar execution is found on “Husle’ Ball” and “Walk Like Uh’ Husala’” as Bleed’s sluggish delivery almost feels burdensome to get through. Preserved may not expand the reach of Young Bleed, but if My Balls And My Word was the go-to disc in high school, consider this a Southern treat from the past.
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Choppin Change II: A Westside Story by Kola Mac
It’s evident that Kola Mac is an ambitious individual with a microphone in his hand. However, his latest project Choppin Change II: A Westside Story does little to dispel him from the typical rap act that relies heavily on a boastful demeanor without a firm purpose. His focus rarely deviates from street money, women, and street money, as tracks like “I’m Just Sayin’” and “What They Talkin Bout?!!” run the listener down with cumbersome lyricism. Production-wise, Choppin Change II teeters between tolerable (“We Got One”) to skip-worthy (“Bang Ya Head Harder”). Attempting to take a rugged approach, the distorted guitar synth on “Who Does That?” just doesn’t satisfy when most beat makers these days have implemented live instruments into their production arsenal. It’s unfortunate that the most engaging elements of the Los Angeles rappers’ album come in the form of interlude sound bites from Goodfellas. Needless to say, Martin Scorsese is shaking his head somewhere.
