Nio Tha Gift - H.i.p.h.o.p.

Nio Tha Gift - H.i.p.h.o.p.

Im a little late in reviewing this album even though I had put it in my top 5 rap cds of 2009. Sometimes reviews get done very fast and sometimes they take awhile to do, this was one of those cases. Overall this is one of last years best cds and a breath of fresh air for bay area rap music. There isnt many features, the beats are solid and Nio showcases his skills and talent on the mic with every track.

The album starts off with HIPHOP which is a great track to start this album off with. The production has a rock influence to it, some well done drums and overall a very dope beat. Nio does his thang over the beat as his flow is flawless and kicks some great lyrics aswell.

Unstoppable is a more laid back and chill track that has a real slapper of a beat. Dope bass and a dope voice sample bring the beat together and the hook is also very well made and a delight to listen to. Nio does a great job on this song as he speaks his mind and shows us his underated lyrics and delivery.

Dreamer is yet another banger, as Nio rocks a little faster of a flow and it works very well. The production once again is top notch as Nio rocks a beat that sounds like Kanye West jumped on the beat. Nio takes us on a ride with his lyrics on this song and shows us hes got a great ability at story telling and telling us about his life.

Flyin High is one of my personal favorite tracks on the album as Nio rocks another great chorus and displays his perfect flow and lyrics that are worth listening to. Nio destroys this track with lines like:
"Rappers take they note book/Fill em with alot of lies/live it then I write about it", this is a track that ive had on repeat since the day this album came out, great stuff!

Grateful is ridicolously dope, if you aint seen the video for this on Youtube then go check it out, its black and white and really fits the lyrics from this song. Nio yet again rocks another good hook here, and spits nothing
but amazing lines about life and whats going on right now. This is a real life track that really anyone can relate to, weither you from the USA, Canada, UK, Brazil or anywhere, this is feel good inspirational music right here on this song.

Angels and Demons is another one of my favorites as it features more uplifting lyrics, a great beat and Nios fantastic flow. You can really feel Nios energy and love that he phas put into this song and the whole album.
Yet another great beat aswell, and really proves you dont need million dollar producers to make a superb track.

"This is for the golden state, this is for the bay bridge, this is for the golden gate, this is for my weed smokers, choking on that grade A/ Light it up for 2pac, EazyE and Mac Dre!"
and
"My parents made a man, the streets made me a monster/ Got my ghetto on lock like a rasta" is just a taste of Nio on this song.

The Coldest has a excellent old school sounding beat that will bring you back no doubt. This track also continues the consistantly dope hooks that this album offers aswell. Alot of the time a hook or chorus can make or break a track if its to annoying or more of the usual bullshit that we get alot these days.
This track is a party track done right and has a old school "Put ya hands in the air!" type of feel for it. I can picture this track being a great track to play at a house party for the ladies, but at the same time is a track that the homeboys can appreciate aswell!

Amen is a track more for the hustlers, but is still a dope track. Nio sounds very confident on this track, as he spits some great lyrics and rocks a flow that could be compared to Jayz somewhat.

Paper Talkin features one of the albums best beats and once again Nio Murders the production as hes done for this whole album. Dont get the wrong idea from the name of this song, Nio spits bar after bar of exceptional lines with a flow that sounds like hes battling someone on the corner. As he spits on the hook "I got mine now get yours.. stop hating pussy nigga, get ya weight up/My paper talking and I aint got to say much"

Day And Night is a very chill and relaxing song which features Jimmie Reign on the hook and another well made beat that fits the lyrics in the song perfectly. Once again Nio shows his ability to do all kinds of tracks, as this one is accessible for the ladies but at the same time the playas can get down with it aswell.

You Are Everything is one of 2009's best tracks, the beat is crazy hot and the lyrics and flow from Nio are very nice. Once again its rare that a track will put shivers down my spine when I listen to it but this is a track that I can really feel and enjoy, this is heart felt shit right here. Nio shows how mature he is with lyrics like "Shoutout to independant ladies and the single mothers/ I wanna be your lover, your friend and your brother/ Beside every good man stands a good women, you are the guardian angels nothings above you"


This is hiphop at its best right here, fantastic lyrics, versatility, good beats and every hook on the album done well. If you have never heard of Nio then go onto Itunes and cop this ASAP, this is a very special album and one of the best of last year. Its rare that you get an album with so many meaningful and thought provoking tracks for people of all walks of life. Weither you are a hustler, a gangster, a single parent, a beautiful young lady at college, someone struggling with health issues or a 9-5 working man you can appreciate this album.

I look forward to Nios next album as he really shows alot of qualities for an up and coming rapper. He is hungry, has a breat flow, amazing lyrics and swag aswell. Nio proves that you dont need a millio big name features, big name producers or catchy radio tracks to make a great album, this is westcoast music at its best that I have a feeling people from each coast and every country can vibe with. I enjoyed all the songs on this album alot, there are no terrible tracks on this whole album and when I listen to this I dont skip any tracks, that is rare in this day and age.

9.5/10

Krypto and S.B. - Covering Grounds

Westcoast rap fans use to get slappin mob albums all the time it seemed. You could walk into a store and cop the new project from Spice1, RBL Posse, B-Legit or E40 and you didnt even have to worry about is being wack. But lately it seems like you really gotta do your research and what not before you cop an album. Covering Grounds brings back that feeling I would get as a youngster while first listening to albums like Spice1 - 187 He Wrote and E-40 - In A Major Way. Slappin production and raps that where on point for the whole cd, when mob music is done right its some of the best around.


Tell me What You See starts the album off perfectly with the reggae sample (barrington Levvy?), hard drums and S.B.(Baby Coughnut from UNLV) and Krypto doing a great job on the mic. Light up some of your favorite blueberry, kush or what ever you got and enjoy this headknocker. Both mcs do a great job on this track as they sound very confident together, as SB spits with a flawless flow "Growin up I stayed in fights like the UFC/The streets is the octagon now who wanna see me/ I shut the block down so fast, we burn this mothafucka up with propane gas" and "We rock boys like coldplay/I keep a bad bitch ridin shotgun holding my yay".

Come With Us is another great track that also has a video done for it already. Once again its a slapper of a beat and both rappers rep the mic with tons of confidence and chemistry. Some rappers just dont sound right together or sound like they are each rapping on differnt topics, but Krypto and SB really come together nicely with this track.

All I Got On My Mind is one of my favorite tracks on the album and has had me putting it on repeat non stop. You know music is top notch when you get shivers while listening to it, feel good music that makes you feel glad to be alive and enjoying great music. Miles Davis, BB King, Scarface and 2pac (among others) are artists whos music always makes me feel good, and so far SB and Krypto are doing the same thing.

Breaking News is a track about whats going on in the world right now, basically the nightly news but with SB & Krypto speaking on whats going on around the world and in there community. Not the best production on the album but still well done, but its defiantly the lyrics on this song that steal the show.

We Mushh is my favorite song on the album and is an instant classic. The first time I heard this my head was nodding and shaking like crazy. The production is ridicolously hot and these dudes just tear into the mic perfectly. I dont know what there next video will be but this song here would be my pick. The hook is also done very well and will have you rapping along in no time. Did I mention these two sound perfect together??

Most of the songs on this album have both Krypto and SB rocking together but there also are a few solo tracks. On TURN IT UP Krypto does a great job of keeping the flow of the album on course, as he raps over another well made beat.

With Someone Else is a track that I wasnt really feeling the first few times I heard it, but it grew on me after awhile. Most of this album is on some mob shit, but this song is a track that females can really enjoy aswell. Both rappers speak on relationships and women and comes together really well.

This is a track that really anyone who has been in a relationship can relate to. Oleisha Brown sings on the hook and really does a good job. Like I said before, at first I felt like this song was out of place but after more listens I can relate to this track and had me thinking about past relationships, weither it was me messing around on them or being faithful. Instead of feeling out of place, this song just shows the versatility of these two mcs. The beat is also a knocker aswell and perfect for this kind of song.

Trust Me is a ladi back track with the talented, underrated and beautiful Deltrice on the hook. Is it just me or does homegirl have as much talent of say a Mary J Blige? The beat is also very good with some nice kicks and some nice keys being played.

Take Somethin Down is another of my favorite songs on the album and has a down south kind of beat on it that is hard as fuck. The lyrics are more on the club side to go with the beat but its a radio/club track done right. A good hook, a blapper of a beat and the rappers rippin it up without selling out or doing some lame trendy bullshit. Did I mention this album has a good variety of tracks and that the mcs show alot of versatility? If you aint up on SB or Krypto then get on ITUNES and cop this ASAP.

Hard Line has a slappin eastcoast type of beat to it and is a solo song from SB. The hook is addicting as hell and SB shows hes got flows for days on here. As SB spits "I go hard in the paint like Chris Bosh, Transport snow from Toronto" and "Cocksuckers want to rest me, put me in them shackles/ I leave em shook like West Brooks, Im hard to tackle/ Hard to guard like OJ MAYO".

Block Lit is a good way to finish the album as its got a ridicolous beat from Indecent the will shake your house or car if you got a good system. The hook is also dope and as they did for the whole album, SB and Krypto do a great job rapping together.

In all honestly I cant find a bad thing to say about this cd, other then it had to end. If you are fiending for some good westcoast music that is solid the whole way thru then definatly cop this. The bay area/westcoast has started 2010 off very well so far as Covering Grounds joins J.Stalins latest cd as my two favorite cds so far in 2010. I will be listening to this album for years to come and is a great addition to any hiphop fans music collection. With a new E40 double cd and Brotha Lynch's debut on Tech9nes Strange Music, is the westcoast looking to get back on top of the rap game? Lets hope so!

SCORE = 9.5/10

The Critic - LOST & UNMIXED

The Critic - LOST & UNMIXED

So much talent right here, The Critic is ridicolously underrated and a beast on the mic. Hailing from San Jose, The Critic has spits for days and days. On this little street album he shows his versatility and talent for those that dont know.

"Fresh" is an addicting song that has The Critic spittin dope lyrics and putting his flawless flow on show. The chorus is well done on this song and the beat, while not amazing, is good enough.

"Do Me" is straight slap and will have you bumpin it as loud as you system will go. A slappin beat with The Critic doing a fantastic job on the lyrics and especailyl the hook, very addicting song that has been on repeat for a minute.

"Good Girl" is my least favorite song on the album but its not a bad song by any means.

"If You Aint Talkin" is hot as a mothafucka, scorchin hot! The beat is nice and The Critic shows that hes got skills galore and one of the westcoast most slept on. Is it just me or does The Critic make near perfect hooks? This track is on some gangsta shit with dope lyrics, a godo hook and a slappin beat, what more do you need?

"On My Shit" is slappin aswell and had me wishing it was a little longer in length. The Critic once again displays his flow, lyrics and confidence on this song.

"So Wit It" has been out for a minute and is still dope as fuck to me. It would be nice to see a video for this song or another one on here. The Critic shows his versatility on this track as he rocks a more radio/club friendly track that works very well. The Critic shows that you dont have to water your shit down to some bullshit to make a good radio/party track.

"Wait A Min" is some hard ass shit that The Critic rips to peices. The beat sounds like some Dr.Dre type of beat and fits Critics raps perfectly. On top of the good lyrics and slappin beat, The Critic once again shows that he can do a great job on hooks. Yet another slappin track on this street album!

"What You Do" is another track more geared towards the radio/club but once again its not some watered down crap, its well made and slappin the whole way thru.

Overall this little street album from The Critic shows that he is one of the most slept on rappers in the game at the moment. He also rocked out on one of my favorite tracks of 2009, So Sweet on the Enemigos cd, showing once again he has tons of talent and potential.

Someone needs to sign The Critic to a deal ASAP, dude can rock a chorus very well, has a great flow and has lyrics for days. Not to mention that hes got a good variety of stuff that he can rock.

I hope 2010 or 2011 brings a full album from The Critic, as this is a very good mc here that seems to have alot to offer this rap game if given the chance. Get some good beats behind him (Indo, Goblin,etc..) and some features (Stik Gilatine, Gangsta Reese and some other San Jose cats) and I think you would have a slappin ass album.

Nobe - Going Up Vol.1

Nobe - Going Up Vol.1

Going Up Vol.1 is a dope little mixtape from Infantry member Nobe and has some real heaters on it.

"Back Up In This Bitch" Is a decent track that has a dope beat on it from Johny Juliano and Nobe rapping aswell.

"The Truth" is a dope track with Nobe at his best, spittin good lyrics with confidence and energy for the whole track. Nobe spittin some real lyrics on this song with some real meaning, he gotta do more tracks like this.

"Jaw Drop" features the underrated Julio Tha Kydd and has a dope ass beat produced from Epik The Dawn and will have you rewinding or putting it on repeat. The lyrics and flow on the track are good but its definatly the beat that steals the show on this track. Keep an ear our for Julio Tha Kydd in the future,dude has alot of talent.

"Feet On The Ground" is another dope beat that would be right at home on an atmosphere or Murs album in my opinion, super dope production right here. Mr.Legit and G-Mo join Nobe on the mic and each mc does a good job rapping over this ridicolous beat. One of the best tracks on this mixtape for me personally.

"What The Fuck You Do" has been out for awhile and has a good beat made by Nobe. Young Crowda also does a good job on the mic with his slow delivery. Nobe also does a nice job rapping on here aswell and the hook he did for the track is dope.

"Boss Me Up" is a track that I could do without to be honest. The beat is nice but the rapping n shit im not feeling at all. Nobe is at his best when hes rapping on some lyrical shit or some harder shit, instead of the watered down tracks for the women like Boss Me Up and Momma In A Mansion.

"Seize The Moment" is another slapper and has Zioni and San Quinn lending a helping hand. The beat from King Of Spadez slap hard as fuck and Nobe starts the song off with a dope verse. You already know how Quinn and Zioni do so no need to talk on that, dudes always do a great job.

"Wanna Be" is a very entertaining track and has Nobe at his best, spittin some lyrical shit. The beat is another slapper from Epik The Dawn, which features some dope claps and overall is just real dope.

"Ponder On" is a hot beat produced by Nobe and has a nice voice sample in it that works really well. Nobe once again is at his best as hes spittin with energy and meaning in his lyrics, once again thisis when dude is at his best on the mic, with tracks like this. Katz joins Nobe on the track and does a
decent job on the mic, his voice is good but his flow and lyrics could be better. Still overall this is another good track.

"Cocky Wit It" is another one of the better tracks on the mixtape and is non stop slap. King Cydal and Roach Gigz join the party over a dope party/hyphy type beat from Nobe. As far as the rapping goes each person who touches the mic does a great job. This is a track that I could hear on the radio or
in the clubs, its got that up tempo feel to.

"Sitting On Top Of The World" has a nice beat but Im not really feeling Nobes hook on this track at all, his rapping is good, but the hook just ruins it for me. Flash Beats did a nice job on the beat though, would like to hear more production from him.

"Gas Session" is a lyrical cypher with non stop lyrics from G-Mo, Young Rebz, Nobe and G-Eazy. Not the best beat on the album, but it still slap and is a good setting for the mcs to gas over.

"Put It Up" shows Nobes talent on the beats, aswell as his talent on hooks and his rapping skills. The production is on some Neptunes type shit and slaps all the way thru if you got a nice system.

"Shut It Down" is the last song on the album and has Nobe spitting more uptempo over a a godo beat from nobe that features some slappin bass. The hook is well made aswell, and makes the track more accessible to the ladies. Not my favorite track on the album, but to be honest it just shows Nobes versatility.

Overall this mixtape is extremely solid and has some real slappers on it. There is the odd track that isnt up to par with the best tracks on the album, but in the end this mixtape is well worth checking out.

The original production from every producer on here is very good and the recording quality is also good aswell. Keep an ear to the streets for Nobe in the future, his beats are really getting better and he shows that he can rock a mic aswell as making slaps. The cover is also well made, shoutout to Tony Lo on that cover work, simple but dope.

SCORE = 7.5/10

Smigg Dirtee - Cross Em Out & Put A K

Smigg Dirtee - Cross Em Out & Put A K

Just like the Errelevant free album that dropped, I cant belive this one is not being sold and instead being given away for free download. You know you are doing something right when you drop an album for free and its better then alot of albums that are charging money for.

Smigg Dirtee has always been enjoyable to listen to for me because he has a perfect mix of lyrical skills and that hard gangster raps. Alot of people outside of the westcoast are sleeping on Smigg Dirtee and I honestly have no idea why, he brings alot to the table and has a good variety of songs.

"Bloc Move" starts this off and its a slapper the whole way thru. Hard ass beat that is perfect for Smigg Dirtee to rap on and he doesnt dissapoint. The only thing I would have loved to see on this song would be an appearance from Mitchy Slick, as this sounds like his type of beat. Smig Dirtee spits nothing but Ether on here though and will have your rewinding parts of the song and putting the song on repeat no doubt. His line about him not being hiphop because he didnt like Illmatic is something I can relate to aswell as I thought the cd was amazingly produced but that the lyrics where not up there to be BEST RAP ALBUM OF ALL TIME like we hear so often.

"Did it on the streets" has a good beat which has a dope voice sample on it and some slappin drums aswell. Smigg Dirtee does his thang on the track and also features Mack Twon spittin hood tales aswell. Smigg Dirtee might not be the hardest or most gangster rapper around but dude has bars for days.

"Fuc Them Other Niggas" is dope as fuck and features the underrated IRocc who Smigg Dirtee has always worked very well with in the past on tracks together. The hook is basic but done well, each mc destroys the mic (Nuttz, Smigg, IRocc and Mack Twon) and the beat is on some hard mob/gangster shit and very dope.

"Posse Up Remix" is another awesome track and is on some hard shit with its slappin drums from Vince V. Dope rapping, blappin production and slick hook all add to this track to make it another quality song on this solid album.

"Rep Yo Hood" has Techniec joining up with Smigg Dirtee and is one of the albums best cuts, as each mc ride the beatperfectly and seem right at home doing a track together. Hopefully we hear more from these two together in the future, because this track is dope as fuck!

Stand Tall is another dope track with I-Rocc and once again is a slapper from begining to end. The beat has another dope voice sample in it and some dope horns. The rapping is very good as usual with these two and made me fiend for another colab album from Smigg and I-Rocc, they both just work and sound really well together.

You know how alot of albums start off dope and then slow down towards the end? Not this one, there are some great tracks to start the album off and here at the end there two of my favorite tracks on the album.

"Im A Gangsta" is a straight up classic to me and has Smigg Dirtee speaking from the heard and spitting that gangster shit with some great word play and swag. The hook from Smigg is also very well done and Im feeling the beat aswell right here. Its tracks like this from Smigg Dirtee that really make me appreciate his flow, lyrics and charizma.

Some will disagree with me but "Come Home" is my personal favorite song on the album and that is saying alot as there are a bunch of tracks that I really enjoyed on this one. The lyrics, flow and especially the feeling Smigg Dirtee puts into this song is fantastic. The song is basically Smigg spitting lyrics to his homeboys who are away behind bars and you can really feel what dude is saying, along with a perfect flow on this track. He ends the song with his last verse being to X-Raided who is one of the best to do this from the westcoast and has been locked up for way to long. This is a really heartfelt song that alot of people can relate to and Smigg doesnt hesitate to spill his heart and soul on this song. The hook is also very good to and made me wonder who did it!

In This Life is another track produced by Vince V and has a ridicolously hot beat and maybe the albums best production. The lyrics are some real life shit again from Smigg Dirtee and once again is another enjoyable track and a great way to finish this very solid release!

The only tracks I wasnt really feeling were Tell Yo Bitch 2 Come Here and Rap Sheet. The tracks really are not that bad but when compared to the rest of the top notch tracks, just not as good in my opinion. Also Ridin Out could have been mixed a bit better, its still a dope track, but the mixdown to me doesnt sound as good as on the other songs.

Overall this album is extremely enjoyable, tracks like Im A Gangsta, Come Home, Bloc Move and Fuc Them Other Niggas are great and are songs I will be listening to years down the road. There are really no real bad songs on here, just a few that are not as great as the other tracks.

Do yourself a favor and go download this album and then cop some of Smigg Dirtees other albums, this is a very solid release and for free you really cant go wrong.

[B]SCORE = 8/10[/B]

Stik Gilatine - The Fly Guy

Stik Gilatine - The Fly Guy

San Jose rap music is very underrated and has had a pretty big year so far in 2009. The Enemigos cd surprised the hell out of me and was slappin from front to back, The Teal Town album was solid and Stik Gilatine aswell with The Fly Guy.

Stik Gilatine has a ton of talent and to me is up there with Nio Tha Gift, Danked Out, Homewrecka, Turf Talk and The Livewire crew as the best of the up and coming westcoast rappers

The Fly Guy starts off with Aviator Light Speed which features G-Owens and is a nice way to start the album off and introduce those who are new to Stik. The beat is dope and the hook is addicting as hell, a very smooth and laid back track.

My Cool is a slappin ass track that has a hot beat and Stik Gilatine spittin some great raps with a steady flow. This is one of those tracks that I could see on the radio or in the club, but at the same time its not watered down bullshit, its a good track that just happens to be club friendly. The hook is also good and should have alot of people looking to get G-Ownes on a hook or two for there album.

Dippen UFO's is one of my favorite tracks on the album as its got a real soulfull feel to it. The production is on point with some great drums, nice bass and a perfect voice sample. Stik sounds right at home over this type of laid back, soulfull beat as he pulls you into his world and will have you putting this track on repeat. Such a ridicolous track this one with its smooth beat, a hot chorus and Stik doin the damn thang on the mic aswell.

Lois Lane is on some pimp shit and has a dope beat, aswell as a well done hook to. Not my favorite track on the album or something I would listen to alot, but it does its job perfectly and the women are bound to love this
track.

Life's A Movie is on some outter space type shit, but works very well. The beat is nice and Stik rides the hard kicks extremely well. The production is something new and differnt on this song and continues the solid beats
so far on this album.

Destination Moon has G-Owens featured on it and he does a great job with his singing right here. Once again its a track that both women and men can listen to, its not just a gangster track for the men or just a party track strictly for the women. This isnt my favorite type of song, but I cant front at all on it, Stik shows his versatility so far on this album with a good mix of differnt types of songs for everyone.

Go For Mine is on some real hiphop shit with some scratches, dope lyrics and a beat that you can bump loud as fuck while you smokin and really vibe with it. Stik sounds his best when hes on production like this in my opinion as he really rides this track perfectly.

Starship is some outterspace, experimental type shit and is fantastic. It reminds me of a combination of someold Outkast and Devin The Dude type of shit, but with that bay area swag. Really dope beat that is one of the best ones on the album and will have you putting it on repeat.

Ready To Go is the first (and only) track on the album that im not feeling, there is just to much auto-tune and im not really feelin the beat that much to be honest. Its not a really bad song, its just a little annoying after multiple listens and when compared to the rest of the album, it just doesnt compete with the other slappers.

Swimming In The Sky is some dope shit and had me thinking Husalah from the Mob Figgaz was gonna start spitting at some point. Lasro is on this track aswell and does a awesome job on the hook, with some real smooth shit and
is someone I would like to hear on more hooks, hes got a great voice.

Sweet Hangover is hot as fuck and has a crazy slappin beat that has some great voice samples and could be on a old school soundtrack like Shaft or something like that. This track right here is my shit though, super addicting beat and Stik, 2 Left Feet and Brycen10ial all do a good job on the mic.

Off The Roof is another dope track, the beat is sick and sounds like its got some kind of chinese or japanese samples or instruments in it. Very unique beat right here and is one of my favorite beats on this album if not the best, straight slappin! The chorus is also well done and Stik does a really good job on his raps for this song. Not sure who did the beat for this song, but this is when Stik is at his best in my opinion, over some unique production that he can rip to shreds.

Celebrate features San Jose vet Playa Rae, Jesse L and G-Ownes and is a great way to finish the album off. The production is smooth and very well done, and everyone who grabs the mic does the song justice. The hook is also very dope and once again on some soulful shit.

This is a dope album here from Stik, its got alot of variety and overall has some fantastic production. But dont get it twisted, its not just great beats on here, the rapping from Stik Gilatine and everyone else is very well done and there is honestly only one song that I skip when I listen to this album.

Another good album from San Jose, do yourself a favor and go cop this new Stik Gilatine, The Enemigos and that Teal Town Boyz album. Its time that San Jose got there shine and the props they deserve, there are alot of very talented people in San Jose rap and they seem to not be slowing down at all.

This album right here is very unique and really a breath of fresh air, its good to have some mcs that dont mind doing something new or differnt. As a fan of not just rap music, but Jazz, Blues and Reggae, I can safely say that this album is accesible for everyone. I dont consider this westcoast rap or just rap music, this is music for the whole world to vibe with. For me the highlights of this album are Off The Roof, Celebrate, Aviator Light Speed and Dippen UFO's for me personally.

SCORE = 9/10

Souls Of Mischief - Montezuma's Revenge

Souls Of Mischief - Montezuma's Revenge


Hieroglyphics have been one of the best underground groups of all time in my opinion. They put on amazing live shows, drop solid albums and have been trend setters in this independent rap game for many moons.

Souls Of Mischief are back at it again with there new album and have Prince Paul with them on the beats. From what I've heard everyone who worked on this project lived in the same house and all worked on the full album together and you can really tell by listening to this album, it really feels like everyone was there and working hard together.

I enjoyed 93 Till Infinity and I also thought No Mans Land was a fantastic aswell, even though others hated on it. After those two slappin albums though it seemed to me like Souls Of Mischief had lost a step and just coudlnt put together another complete album that was great from front to back.

With Montezumas Revenge, A-plus and the crew show that they are back at it and as good
as ever! I dont know if its the fact that they all lived in the same house and worked on
the whole album together with Prince Paul or what, but the album comes together perfectly
and you can really feel the effort and love that Prince Paul put into the production on here.

Everyone knows that Souls Of Mischief can spit lyrics with the best of em and that
they all have great flows, but its there beats that ususally decide how good one of there
albums is in my opinion, this is where Prince Paul comes in and does his thang.

"One" is a dope track that features some slappin drums and some slick guitar aswell,
overall its a very well made beat and each MC rips the mic apart. This song really sets
the tone for the whole album and gets you hooked right off the bat.

"Postal" is an amazing track that has one of the years best beats as Prince Paul supplies
a perfect beat that cant really be described in a review, you really have to hear it.
The lyrics are also great to as each member of Souls spils there heart and soul into this
song. Its very rare that I get goose bumps from a beat but this is one of those few beats
that really sticks in my head, go smoke a fatty and get pulled into Prince Pauls amazing
proudction on this song. Not only the best song from Hieroglyphics since Peploves
Pacific Heights, but one of this years best tracks.

"Tour Stories" is about Souls of Mischief touring around the world and little stories from
there adventures. The production is also top notch on this song aswell, as Prince Paul
keeps pulling you in from all directions with an intoxicating beat. This is when Souls are
at there best in my opinion, when they are telling stories and talking about stuff that has
happened in the past. Nothing groundbreaking as far as the lyrics go, but everything fits
together very well here, from the production to the raps.

"Proper Aim" has some crazy bass and is pretty basic compared to the other beats on here
but that doesnt mean it doesnt slap. Bump this beat up loud and you can really feel the bass
on here and each mc rides the bass extremely well, with Aplus stealing the show.

"You Got It" is another fantastic track and up there with Postal and Poets as my favorite
on the album. The production has a a dope little voice sample that says "YOU GOT IT!" that
comes in from time to time and its just addicting as hell. There is also a well placed flute
in there aswell and the drums are well doen aswell.

"Poets" is super slappin and is tied with Postal as my favorite song on the album. I dont
know where to start with this song really, the beat is amazing with another voice sample that
is really genius and each mc spits with alot of confidence on the mic. After hearing this song
you will be saying the hook with the voice sample over and over, Prince Paul really has outdone
himself on this album. You will hear one rapper talking about trying to get some weed and another rapping about women giving him head in the car and "head docters" as some call em in the bay.

"Morgan Freeman" is a short track that is cool, but more of a funny skit to me, that Prince Paul is known for with his albums. Some might think its out of place, but if you know of Prince Pauls other albums then you will understand this little random skit.


"Dead Man Walking" is blappin all the way thru as Prince Paul once again cooks up a crazy beat that each member of Souls Of Mischief rips to peices. The drums are top notch and the whole beat is well done and continues Prince Pauls extremely solid production on this album.

"For Real Yall" is the one song I wasnt feeling that much as it just feels boring to me when compared to the other songs on the album. Its not terrible by anymeans, but just seems out of place to me after all the other fantastic tracks that this album has to offer

"Lickety Slip" knocks the whole way thru and is a great song about beign sick of your girl and wanting to get rid of her for the shit she does. Production has some hard hitting snares and overall is another heater from the legendary Prince Paul. Each mc does there job well on this song to as each seem right at home with the topic of the song and the great beat from Prince Paul. Im pretty sure that every guy on the earth can appreciate or relate to this song aswell, as everyone has had some issues with there girl at some point or another and wanted to get rid of the bitch like Lickety Split!

"Home Game" is classic Souls Of Mischief, as its on some laid back party shit! After listening to this song it made me think back to the sun and time spent in Brazil with beautiful women around. This really is Souls at there best, making the party rock with good quality music and making that FEEL GOOD MUSIC. Some songs are perfect for certain times and this song is perfect for a summertime BBQ, the beat has a perfect guitar in it, dope drums and each verse is on point.

This album is the best Hiero related album in ages and definatly the best souls of mischief album since the underrated No Mans Land. I cant give enough props to Prince Paul though for this album, sometimes it seems like Souls Of Mischief have a hard time picking good beats for a full album but Prince Paul has made some amazing beats and really put together perfect beats for the boys to rock on. The album cover here is also one of the best ive seen in years to be honest, its a fantastic painting and really dope.

I dont know how much Prince Paul had to do with the overall feel of this album, to me his beats and the organization of this album is something very special. Its great to hear Souls Of Mischef back on top again and rocking over some to notch beats! One of the top 5 albums fo 2009 for me personally as Prince Paul has once again made some ridicolous beats and Souls Of Mischief have proven that they are not done yet and are as good as they have ever been at ripping a mic apart.

SCORE = 9/10

Zeno Clash

Zeno Clash

Its rare that we get a videogame as unique as Zeno Clash these days. The art direction is simply amazing and really a thing of beauty. There are so many moments where I would just stare at the game world and the characters and be blown away. Amazing colours, beautiful clay looking buildings, weapons and characters.

The music is also top notch and really adds to the already fantastic atmosphere. Crank up the volume, turn off all the lights and get ready for a freaky ride.

The gameplay is not the best around, but its not that bad either. Its a combination of First Person Fighting and First Person Shooting, mixed with some puzzle elements aswell.



I also liked the voice acting for the most part, as they really add to the freaky atmosphere and the unique game world. I have seen some reviews that say the game has bad voice work but for me it fits this type of game perfectly.

The story here is also good aswell and will keep you wanting to see what comes up next. I dont want to spoil anything for those who have not played the game yet, so I wont talk much about the story, other then its very interesting and well done.

The only negative things in Zeno Clash is its short length and that the gameplay could have been
better. I really cant think of anything else that could be better in this title. The controls are tight, the art direction is top notch, the characters are very interesting and the game world is one of the best ive ever witnessed.

It really is great to see a developer take as many chances and go for as unique a look as Team ACE has with Zeno Clash, instead of going for flashy technical graphics. Zeno Clash is a game that
everyone should try at least once, if only to witness this amazing gameworld and the great effort
done on the art direction. Its not the longest game around, but what is there is simply a thing of
beauty, lets just hope that more people take chances like Ace has in the future, instead of
copying what everyone else does in the videogame world.

If Ace Team can make part 2 longer in length, along with adding some exploration and more interaction with characters I think we could have a masterpeice. This is not only one of the most unique game ive ever played, its also one of the best indie games aswell. If you want to try something new and unique then do yourself a favor and buy this game off of Steam or D2D right away, at its current price its a real steal.

SCORE = 8.5/10

CoopDVill & Siccness.net Presents:Community Service Vol.2

CoopDVill & Siccness.net Presents:Community Service Vol.2


Siccness.net has been the place for fans of westcoast gangster rap for years, with great interviews from Coop, the best bay area messageboard on the net and some solid cd releases of there own.

Community Service Part2 starts off with a bang as Mac Dre and Skiem Hiem slap you across the face with a slappin track called "Good Game".

"Is That You" is up next and has The Jacka, Doja and R.O Reepa rocking the mic over a chill ass beat, with The Jacka rocking the chorus with his laid back entertaining flow.

"Keep Twistin" is probably my favorite track on the album, as Devin The Dude and 12 Gauge Shotie hit us up with a great smoking track. Devin the Dude steals the show as he spits some great lines such as:
"Man its cool to come out to San Diego/I can get use to it cuz man they stay blowed/They got some of the best weed, some of the finest hoes/ Bout to step to one of em and see if she bout it though/But bitches try to pick ya brain before they lick ya thang/Fuck all that smoke some weed and hit the drank, I keep the good killa indeed, you know I got to have weed, my brotha want me to bring back some seeds/He be growin that shit to, but we be tryin to do that shit legally like yall do man/Yall got purple and orange, blueberry and green and some other shit I aint never seen!".

"Juiced Up" has Mistah Fab, Beta Bossalini, Macnificent and Juice Lee on the mic rock a dope beat from Batkave. Its the prince of the bay Mistah Fab who steals the show though over this Batkave slapper.

Nif Nasty and Smac100 show up on "Community Service" and do a good job spittin over a bass heavy beat.

"We Be Functioning" has Bossman Hogg and Marty Macphly spittin game over a more up tempo track and has a down south type of hook on it.

"Model Top" for me is the first skippable track on the album, mainly because of a horrible hook. The rappers do a decent job and the beat isnt the worst ive heard, but could have been better.

Willie Joe, Jesse L and Balance bring straight heat with "Life In Tha Sky", as each mc does a great job on the mic.

Stevie Joe and E-40 rock a great beat from Traxx from the Rich on "Ghetto Meatloaf". This is probably my second favorite track on the album and has been on repeat for awhile now, E-40 and Stevie Joe both do a great job over this slappin ass beat.

I Rocc, Raw Deal, Smigg Dirtee and Big June drop by for "You Got It", which is another great track and another one of my favorites. The beat is hard as fuck and is on some grimey shit, along with a well doen hook. Each mc does a good job on the mic here, as I-Rocc and Smigg Dirtee always sound dope as fuck on a track together and this track doesnt change that. This track is nothing but that gangsta shit and is a track I think Ill be playing for awhile. By the way, can we get another I-Rocc/Smigg Dirtee album some time? Please?

Kuzzo Fly, Keak Da Sneak, The Cor and B-Luv drop some hyphy shit on "Some Otha Shiat", as Keak Da Sneak rocks a dope hook and a good verse. Definatly not my favorite track on the album, but not that bad either.

Livewire member J-Stalin hooks up with Kaz Kyzah from The Team for "Paper Route" and both mcs do a great job spittin fire. The beat could be alot better, but each mc really rips the mic apart and makes up for the average production here.'

Mac & AK along with Macs A Million do a good job on "Shinnin", even with a below average hook. The rapping here is top notch on this track though, and the beat from Waz slap to.

Killa Tay drops in for "Lawz Of Nature" and provides one of the cds best cuts as he spits that real shit that Tay is known for. The beat is on some smooth shit and is perfect for Killa Tays flow and lyrics on here.

"Everythang" is on some mob shit and is another enjoyable track which features a whole gang of mcs on it, including Guce and Baby Bandit.

I could have done without the last two tracks called Hell N A Day and Suppose To Be, but with all the other slappin tracks on here, its hardly an issue.

Overall this is a solid release from Siccness.net and Coop, as DJ Ambidekstres does a good job making the album come together, some good features and some solid beats. Not perfect, but for the most part its worth checking out and pretty enjoyable.

Lawz Of Nature, Keep Twistin, Ghetto Meatloaf and You Got It are my personal favorites on the cd, stop by siccness.net and pick up a copy. DJ Ambidekstres really has impressed me as of late, he doesnt add a bunch of sounds and crap over every song like alot of Dj's and keeps it basic and slappin.

SCORE = 7/10

Killa Tay & Laroo - Fuc*in Wit The Mob Is A Privilege

Killa Tay & Laroo-Fuc*in Wit The Mob Is A Privilege

Laroo been on the grind lately, doing some really high quality music with each appearance and release. Killa Tay been around for many years and is one of the first names that comes up when you think of westcoast gangster music and bay area mob music. Tay's solo work and Moment of Truth with C-bo are some of the hardest, most rugged mob albums that have ever been recorded.

With this new album I was interested to see if it was on the old mob shit or if it was on some new aged shit. The good news is that its got a good variety of tracks, which include some gangsta ass mob music that we ahve come to enjoy from Killa Tay and Laroo. On top of that mob sound, there is also a few laid tracks that work pretty good aswell.

"Like A Gangsta" is one of the years best tracks as it has that intense, high energy mob sound that really brought me back to the 90's sound from that era. Slappin ass beat, aggressive street tales from Killa Tay and Laroo. After hearing this song I was really curious to see if the rest of the album could be as good as this first track was.

"Face In My Lap" has another slappin beat and is a track I can hear bumpin at a strip club. The beat is once again on some mob shit, with some nice kicks and snares that Killa Tya and Laroo do a great job over.

"Im Da Man" is more laid back then the first two tracks and has a summertime vibe to it with a really well done hook. The track features mob vet C-bo, Pizzo and Mississipi joining Tay and Laroo for some laid back playa shit that surprisingly works extremely well after the mob tracks.

"Lock It" is right back to that gangster shit that I've come to expect from Killa Tay and Laroo over the years, its got a dope beat and a hard ass hook. This track will have the d-boys all around the world vibing with this shit and putting it on repeat. Mob Figgaz member Rydah J.Klyde drops by for a fantastic verse that really shows us that the Rydah still has that heat on the mic. Grab what ever green or purple you smoke and bump this track as loud as your system will go.

"Like A Ryder" has C-bo making another appearance and is on some grimey, eiry mob shit. The beat is more up beat and has some very good keys on it, along with some deep bass that brings the beat together nicely. Laroo and C-bo both sound right at home together over this kind of beat and will have the listener begging for a C-bo/Laroo album!

Ive enjoyed the first 5 tracks so far a hell of alot and I cant help but wonder if there is a average or bad track coming sometime soon. But as I paused the cd and sparked up some blueberry, "Dosia" hit me upside the head with its
enjoyable production and Killa Tays raps and recognizable background vocals. Luni Coleone is on this track and sounds as good as ive heard him in a hot second, as he spits a hot verse.

"Take Over" is a meeting of the bosses, as you have Larro, Killa Tay,C-Bo, Marvaless, Luni Coleone and Pizzo all appearing on this song. 4 minutes of that gangster shit right here and its another great track on this album
right here.

"Got Knock" has Marvaless stealing the show as she destroys the mic and takes no prisoners with a flawless flow and solid lyrics. Another knocking beat on this album right here, so far there have been no bad beats for me
personally, lets hope they rest of the album continues this. Its also worth mentioning that Marvaless also does a good job on the chorus aswell with this song.

"Jack Like Dat" has some crazy bass that will have your speaks shaking like crazy, straight slap! Killa tay gets some help from Luni Coleone again and also KJ. But without a doubt its definatly Killa Tay who steals the show on this track as he rides the bass perfect.

"Smash Down" is my least favorite track on the album, as the beat just doesnt cut it for me, especailyl after all the slappin beats that came before this one. The rapping is good here but the production just seems to bring the
song down a bit.

"The Pain" is a Killa Tay solo track and has a good beat which Tay spits some great raps and tales that will have you looking forward to a Killa Tay solo album. The beat isnt the best on the album, but it does a good job
of not going overboard and keeping it basic which works very well.
Here is a little taste of Tay on this track:
"Sometimes I wish I had a private plane and I could fly till I die/Marry Jane kill my stress so im high till I die/Take a look in my eyes you see the spirit of a prince".


"Mafia Life" is more laid back but is still a great track, as the song features a well done hook and a nice chill beat. This song shows that this album isnt just mob/gangster shit, that Laroo and Tay can rock a smooth track like this
aswell. Its Laroo who steals the show on this song with his usual addicting flow and charizma that we have come to expect from Laroo over the years. This is a track that I could see a video for and on tv to be honest, if it had the right director and with a warm climate like Hawaii or Brazil it would be perfect. This song really did remind me of 5 years back, chillin in Brazil with a few beautiful women, get a video for this!

"Westcoast Outro" is a great way to finish the album, as we get Killa Tay on another solo track spittin game over a hard beat that 2pac would have ripped to shreds. This is that mob street shit that Tay helped bring to the westcoast years ago.

Overall this album is even better then I expected it to be. Laroo is working harder then anyone in the rap game the last few years and Killa Tay shows that he still has what it takes to make great music. The beats are solid as hell, the rapping is topnotch and the features are perfectly done aswell. I enjoyed 14 out of the 15 tracks on this album and definatly reccomend it to any fan of mob music. Killa Tay and Laroo keep is gangster, but also do a few smooth/laid back tracks aswell that make the album even more well rounded.


The only negative things I can say about this album are that
1)its not on amazon.com or ITUNES yet, which are two big outlets for people outside the bay
2) One of the tracks wasnt up to par with the other tracks (production wise).
Two very small issues, with an otherwise nearly perfect bay area album.

Go cop this album, Roll one up (or grab your Bong/Vaporizor) spark your green up and enjoy this well made mobsta music!!

Left4Dead 2

LEFT4DEAD 2

Do you enjoy zombie video games? Did you have a blast seeing the movie Zombieland? Did you like the original Left4Dead? Do you love co-op video games? If you answered, yes, to any of those questions, then please go cop Left4Dead 2 immediately. The developer here, Valve, has been known as one of the best in video games for years, with classics like Counterstrike, Half Life, Team Fortress 2, The Orange Box and Left4Dead under their belt. If you play this game just by yourself, then you might not see what all the hype is about. It was made to be played with others, whether you are doing co-op campaign missions or you are playing Versus Mode.

This time there are four survivor characters, they include:
- Coach, who looks like Shaq and is a high school football coach with a bad knee (voiced by Chad Coleman)
- Rochelle, an assistant reporting on the evacuation for a local TV station (voiced Rochelle Aytes)
- Ellis, a mechanic who makes hick remarks (voiced by Eric Ladin)
- Nick, who looks like a young Italian gangster (voiced by Hugh Dillon)

Left4Dead 2 has upped the ante in every single way possible. The game is also much harder this time around. There are now melee weapons (which provide very gruesome deaths for the zombies), more guns in general, as well as new add-ons for guns and new kinds of ammo (incediary, etc). On top of all that, there are new modes for online play, improved graphics, and some aweswome death animations! Another HUGE addition is the weather engine that brings some crazy rain and storms that make it hard to see and move.

In this sequel there are five campaigns (one more than in the original) and they feature some awesome locations. My favorite is the Carnival Level where you find yourself fighting zombies in an amusement park and even on a rollercoaster track. Did you watch Zombieland and say to yourself, "I would love to play a video game where you're fighting zombies in an amusement park!" I sure did, and this is like a dream come true. There is also one level that has you running across this huge damaged bridge and there are hundreds of zombies chasing you...loads of fun.

The action is intense and teamwork is a must to survive the zombie apocalypse. Some games you can just do everything solo, but that is not the case here. A lot of people where pissed off that Valve made another Left4Dead a year after the first one came out, but that's not an issue for me at all. They have improved on the original by listening to the issues that people had with it. There is not much of a storyline here, but that didn't really matter. I need a good plot in an RPG game or a drama film, but this is a zombie game where you are the last people alive...not much of a story is needed.

You can get Left4Dead 2 for Xbox 360 or PC. Both versions have the same gameplay and the same content. But if you have the choice, I would suggest the PC version, as it runs better, has better graphics, and has the ability to make and play your own missions like the first Left4Dead.

My only complaint about Left4Dead 2 really has more to do more with the online community than the game itself. A lot of people seem to quit Versus Mode if they start to get their ass whooped. It would be nice if somehow Valve could punish people for quitting, instead of just showing how many times someone has quit. Make the quitters lose access to a weapon or something like that. If you are going to quit whenever you get beat, then just play the co-op campaigns and don't come online.

Need some excitement during the holidays? How about stopping the zombie apocalypse?

Errelevant and Equivalent Exchange - Destroy and Rebuild

Errelevant and Equivalent Exchange - Destroy and Rebuild

When you hear about a free album the first thing I usually think about is low quality, because they are giving it away. Errelevent and Equivalent Exchange look to change that with this album right here as they both bring there A game to the table.

First off let me tell you this right off the bat, the beats are fantastic on this album and are better then alot of albums production that you gotta pay money for. Equivalent Exchange did all of the beats if im not mistaken and he does a great job on here, as every beat is slap worthy and not one bad or annoying beat on here.

The album starts off with Take You Higher which features Errelevant doing a great job on the hook as his flow is on point and his verses are nicely done aswell. Equivalent Exchange cooked up a hot beat that will have you nodding your head the whole way thru to.

Pull Up To The Front is crazy hot, with a ridicolous beat from Equivalent Exchange, that features some crazy voice samples that work really well. But its Livewire all star J-Stalin that steals the show on this song as he sounds right at home over the up tempo Equivalent Exchange production. Errelevant does a good job on the song aswell, as he seems to share the swagger and confidence that J-Stalin brought to the track. Not only one of my favorite songs on the album but this is one of my favorite tracks of the year and has been on repeat for awhile. Can we get a J-Stalin album produced by Equivalent Exchange please? Stalin rips this beat to peices on this song and leaves you asking for me.

Back At It has some good bass on the production and also has some hard hitting snares aswell. Errelevant once again does a very good job on the hook and you can really hear the chemistry between him and Equivalent Exchange. The change up on this beat is another highlight aswell, as Nick Pro continues his onslaught of hot beats.

Goin For Mine is one of the only tracks on this album that im not really feeling that much. The beat is well made and quality stuff but Errelevant seems to be forcing things a bit on the mic with this song. Not a terrible track at all, but just not up to par with the other tracks on this album in my honest opinion. Beat is still very good, but the rapping and hook im just not feelin.

Show Me What You Got has Errelevent spittin with a faster flow and pulls it off no questions asked. The beat is on some differnt shit from the rest of the album, but its still slappin as hell. Equivalent Exchange really shows his versatility with this beat as it sounds like some Grouch or Prince Paul type of producion, very unique and completely differnt then the other beats on this album. Errelevent also rocks another great hook on this song, hes very consistant with his hooks so far on this album.

Up In Here is another one of my favorite tracks on the album as San Jose mc Stik Gilatine jumps in and continues to show everyone that he is an mc to keep an eye on in the future. Another great beat from Equivalent Exchange and is also one of personal favorite beats on this album. I could see a video for this song aswell, as its got that party vibe but isnt on some watered down shit either. The song is dope as fuck and on top of that is a track that the ladies will enjoy aswell.

What Its Come To features a crazy beat that has a violin in it, along with a well done voice sample aswell. This beat is seriously some ill shit, one of the years best beats to me personally. Errelevent kicks some fantastic lyrics on this song and for some reason reminds me of a more confident version of Slug from Atmosphere on this track. This track is in my top 3 favorites for this album aswell, from the beat to the lyrics and flow of Errelevent.

On Me has an addicting beat, especially when the hook comes on, straight slap! Errelevent brings us along for a day in his life and is another track that could be very party/radio friendly, but also has good lyrics and is enjoyable aswell. Its nice to have a radio friendly track that also has good lyrics to.

I Dont Mind is another one of my favorite tracks on the album as we get yet another slappin beat that is on some Dr.Dre type shit and is dope as fuck from start to finish. Errelevent also does a great job on the mic here and might be his best rapping on the whole album.

Differnt Days is a fantastic way to finish the album and is a track that ive been putting on durign smoke sessions alot aswell. The way Errelevent does the chorus is perfect and dont get me started on the beat, shit is perfection. It might not be a track just about smoking grapes but it is a song that sounds even better when you are high as fuck. The beat is really slick and I found myself adding this song to my smoke sessions, along side Luniz-5 On It, Ziggy Marley-One Good Spliff, The Jacka-Barney and Scarface-Mary Jane.

About a quarter of the way thru the album I was wondering if Errelevent could keep up with these amazing beats. But as the album moves along he continues to do a very good job with each track. He might not be the best lyricist around or be the best mc, but he proves on this shit that he can hold his own and that he knows how to make a song work. Its also worth to mention that dude does a GREAT job on the hooks on this album, to many times a chorus or hook will ruin a track for me, but Errelevent makes sure that each one that he has control over is up to par.

This album's order of tracks is also very well done and an underrated part of making an album. Some albums will have all the great songs at the begining or all at the end, but with this cd you get all the best tracks spread out and not all together.

Differnt Days, Pull Up To The Front, Up In here and I Dont Mind are all amazing tracks and my favorite on the album. The other tracks are good aswell, and while I wasnt feeling one or two songs (Polished and Goin For Mine), it doesnt take away from the overall consistency of this album right here.

Destroy and Rebuild has a good variety of underground, lyrical, party and slappin tracks that it really should have something for every kind of hiphop fan. I woudlnt go as far as saying this is the best album of the year, or top 3 for that matter, but its defiantly in my top 10 albums for all genres of this year... and its FREE!

You can download the album for free right here = http://www.spitzunlimited.com

SCORE = 8/10

Krypto and S.B. - Run Wit Us

Krypto and S.B. - Run Wit Us


Got an early taste of the new work from Krypto and S.B. this weekend and if RUN WIT US is any indication of how this album will be, then this could be a greatway to start off 2010 for the bay area.

Two of the more consistant and underrated rappers out of the bay join forces and dont dissapoint over a hot beat from Snack Pack. The production is on some mob shit and is just what the docter ordered for SB and Krypto to spit over, dope drums and a sick westcoast synth that reminds me of the synth on Ice Cube's Ghetto Bird to some degree.

This is the first ive heard from Snack Pack on the boards and if he can continue to bring heat like this then I defiantly look forward to hearing more from him. Its not the most complex beat, but sometimes less is more when it comes to production, as is the case here as dude keeps it slappin and doesnt try to do to much or go overboard with the beat.

Now to the bosses on the mic, Krypto and SB are two mcs that can bring that mob/gangster shit as good as anyone on the mic. But at the same time both mcs are very versatile aswell. They can also do some deep and meaningful tracks to go along with that hard mob music.

Both mcs ride the beat on this song perfectly with great flow and good lyrics, as both SB and Krypto sound extremely confident and sure of the music they are putting forward here. The track is also mixed extremely well and sounds very professional which is always great to hear.

It seems like when you have high expectations for an album,movie or videogame its easy for it to be dissapointing and not live up to the high expectations you had for it. But from hearing this song, Im extremely confident that this album that Krypto and S.B. are working on will be top notch and well worth copping.

Vallejo vet Krypto and UNLV member S.B. are looking to keep the bay area rap scene moving foward in 2010 after a great finish to 2009.

SCORE = 9/10

Homewrecka - Jefe De Jefes

Homewrecka - Jefe De Jefes

Homewrecka of The Click Clack Gang drops his album titled Jefe De Jefes and doesnt dissapoint.

The Intro has good production and features Silo reporting in from the Pen, but also has Homewrecka rapping on the song later on and he does a good job over this chill ass beat, spittin about his life.

I'm Eatin has a super dope beat that features some nicely placed keys and good drums. Homewrecka spits some great story telling shit on this song and also does a nice job on the chorus aswell. Nothing but Street tales on this song and it works perfectly over this kind of production.

Confetti features Lucci and Screl and is on some more intense mob shit then the first few songs. The beat is decent enough, but its the rapping of all 3 mc's that really shines on this track.

You's A Bad features Boo and Willie Hen on the mic and Messy Marv on the hook. The beat is slower paced and is about bad bitches and definatly works. I can see this song getting play in the strip clubs all around the world, the only thing missing is a cameo from Too $hort! A differnt type of vibe on this song then the rest of the album has but it also works.

Pay The Price is a Homewrecka solo track and features one of the better beats on the album. Homewrecka really rips this track apart with his rapping and his flow as he spits mob tales that honestly would be great on a soundtrack for something like Menace II Society or The Wire Its tracks like this that got me hooked on bay area music years ago, that real life music with dope lyrics and a slappin ass beat. Homewrecka on the hook almost reminds me of a hungry and young Cormega from back in the day. Are we seeing the rise of the bay areas version of Cormega? With his street life storytelling and versatility only time will tell. A fantatsic track that ive had on repeat since I got this album, worth copping the album just for this song in my honest opinion.

Nothin is another crazy hot track! It starts off with the great production and also features Mac Mall who rips the chorus apart and really makes the track come together nicely. Homewrecka and Boo both do a great job on the mic as they do the mic and hook from Mac Mall justice. Is it just me or does this kind of Mac Mall make me want to put Untouchable on and shake the house? Why coudlnt we get this kind of slap from Mac Mall on his last solo album? Probably my second favorite track on the album and a real heater!

Livin To The Max is a more up tempo type of track and features San Quinn lending a hand to Homewrecka. The hook is well done and perfect for this kind of song. Here is a sample of Homewrecka on this song:
"Never hesitate to put a punk in his place/If he dont run everything Im a shoot him in his face/
I murder like Mase, Rob like Bass, 6's felt small so now I ride on 8's/Club gone crack when ever Wreck in place/reach for my chain put the pepa to your face".

I dont know About You is some hard ass shit and features mob figgas member The Jacka who has been on fire lately. Blappin beat and one of my favorite tracks on the album because it really reminds me of some old school bay area mob shit or some 2pac shit. The hook is awesome and each rapper rips the mic apart, as the Jacka spits with energy:
"20 bricks on my hands, I cant juggle with that/I fuck around and get smothered for that/Yeah Block shit, something like Pac shit/You got the 9 but I doubt you ever rocked shit".

Stuntin is one of the few tracks on the album that I wasnt really into for what ever reason. The beat just doesnt do anything for me as it seems to basic and half done. Homewrecka does his part on the mic, but he production just is extremely average, especially when compared to the other beats on this album. Its a shame that the beat wasnt better either, becuse the hook is dope and the rapping and lyrics are on point. The beat really does ruin this song though in my honest opinion.

Feels So Good has a dope voice sample, some hot kicks and overall very good production. Messy Marv is also on this song as he joins Boo and Homewrecka on this hot beat. The hook also works aswell and will have you pressing the repeat button more then likely aswell. Another good thing about this song is that not only the homeboys will be bumpin this song but the women can rock to this song to. As 2pac said, you gotta have a few tracks on your album that the women can bump aswell, the hard part to do it still make the song top notch and not sell out to some watered down crap. Messy Marv drops a great verse and makes me wish that The Click Clack Gang and Messy Marv would settle there differences and get back to doing songs together, because this song is a great track!

Run is crazy hot and features D-Lo, Animosity and Marvaless rapping over a hot ass beat. What a great way to finish an album, with this crazy beat and each mc spit extremely hard. Marvaless she shows that shes still one of the top female rappers in the rap game (if not the best) as she steals the show on this song with nothing but heat, can we get another solo Marvaless album? D-lo does a great job alongside Homewrecka on this song aswell. Another highlight on a very good album, this song is on some straight mob shit right here!

Homewrecka has dropped a gem of an independent album here, with great street tales and for the most part good production. Overall its an extremely good listen and worth your money if you enjoy that Mob shit like I do. Homewrecka not only spits that gangster shit extremely well, but he also shows that he can spit some deep/meaningful lyrics on top of the mob shit.

I cant front, dude really shows his versatility on this album, going from street anthems and gangster tales, to a few radio friendly tracks and also some deep/thoughtful tracks. He also shows that he doesnt need Messy Marv on every track to make a quality album, the features on here do a good job, but Homewrecka also holds his own on his solo tracks.

I really hope that this album gets the push it deserves and that all this beef with Messy Marv is worked out. I would hate to see this album not make it to stores because of some legal bullshit.
Besides a few beats I could do without, this album is excellent and has cracked my top 5 bay area albums of 2009.

SCORE = 8.5/10

Telly Mac - Project Celebrity

Telly Mac - Project Celebrity

Its always great when an album really surprises you, weither its great production or
top notch lyrics. Telly Mac drops a very solid album with Project Celebrity and is well worth your money, no questions asked.

Pistol In The Club features bay area boss San Quinn and the hard workign Matt Blaque,
and features a slapper of a beat. This song really is a perfect way to start the album
off, good hook, both mcs rip the mic apart and the beat is enjoyable.


8 Times 3 is on some gangster shit and features Daz and Nefew over an uptempo beat that
has that down south feel to it and has some crazy hot snares on it. Telly Mac shines on
this track, as he spits hard gangster lyrics for the whole song.

Do Dat For Dre is a dedication to Mac Dre and features the always entertaining Dubee
and features another up tempo beat that im sure Mac Dre would have sounded great on
aswell. If you where a big Mac Dre fan like myself then this song will have you
pressing the repeat button a bunch of times.

Flawless is my second favorite song on the album and is hot as fuck. First off the hook
is on some Reggae type shit and it really fits perfectly right here on this song.
The name of the song is perfect really, as this song is nearly flawless to me personally.
Mac Mall joins Telly Mac and doesnt dissapoint as he sounds hungry and on point like he
did in his Untouchable days. The beat is also very well done to and is a perfect backbone
for the hot chorus and Telly Mac and Mac Mall's verses. I honestly really wish that more
westcoast/bay area mcs would use more Reggae type shit on there songs, especially for the
hooks. If you havnt heard this song and enjoy reggae music then please go cop this, straight
slappin song.

Trappin is back to that mobb/trappin music that got me into the bay area rap scene
back in the day. Click Clack Gang join Telly Mac on this song and do a fantastic job
over another hot beat. Here are some of the lyrics from this heater
"I make the Dowe move, my out of town dudes know that when I touch we gonna make
the snowplows move/I show em how to whip it, not today, I been watching DEA and the First 48/
Mothafuckas snitchin like the shit is ok". So much soft rap music these days, its a breath of
fresh air to hear this Telly Mac/Click Clack Gang shit right here. Can We get a Telly Mac/Click CLack gang album already?

Im So Real is my shit at the moment, not only the best song on this album but one of the
best songs ive heard this year, period. I listen to alot of rap music, jazz music and reggae music
and this song is one of the best out of any genre in 09. The hook has so much soul in it that it really makes me shake my head at alot of other hooks that are on rap songs these days. The song is basically on some real life shit that anyone can feel and relate to. I know there is a video for this song, but can we please get some push for this song and the video? How this song hasnt blown up on the air waves is beyond me. Radio Stations in the bay area need to stop playing non stop Jay-z and 50 cent songs and play a track like this. Dudes on the air waves complain that the bay doesnt have any hot or radio friednly songs, well here is a song that should be played!

Mow To The Crest is the first song on the album that im not feeling to be honest. Coolio and Reek Daddy are two of my favorite mcs, but this song just doesnt have the kind of production that I was hoping for. Each mc does a godo job on the mic, thats not the problem here, its the average beat and the annoying chorus that really doesnt cut it for me. When I saw that Coolio and Reek Daddy and Miami where on this song with Telly mac I was real excited, but the song kind of dissapointed me. Decent song but not on par with the other tracks on the album and with the heavy hitters featured on this song, I was hoping for more.
Pay The Price has some hot horns and sounds like it could be on a soundtrack for Fightnight or Fight Club. San Quinn and Seff Tha Gaffla hop on the track and do not dissapoint. San Quinn does a great job on the chorus with his deep voice, along with Seff and Telly Mac rapping with confidence and charizma. Another very good track on a very solid album.

Hardline features JT Tha Bigga Figga and D-Moe and is another hard ass track with an entertaining beat and nothing but that real life mobb talk. The way this song comes together is great, gangster story's over a dope beat, what more can you ask for if your a fan of mob music?

Other Side has a real soulfull beat to it and features a really well palced voice sample aswell. One of the better beats on this album in my opinion as its extremely smooth and full of soul for days. Telly Mac really does a great job on the mic on this song to as he spits powerful lyrics the whole song. I would like to hear Telly Mac rock more beats like this in the future.

I could have done without One Way Flight To Boston, mainly because of the average beat that is on the song. The lyrics and hook are good, but its the production that just doesnt do anything for me on this song. After so many great beats that this album has, the beat on this song just seems out of place to me personally.

Knockin At Yo Face is another slapper with great production, that features San Quinn and Boo Banga on the mic. The beat really is addicting on this track, after the song is done playing I wanted to hear the shit again right away. Here is a little taste of some of the lyrics from Telly Mac and Boo Banga:
"I got a swagger baby, with or without the bling/I wont stagger baby its really in my genes"
and
"Mona Lisa flow with that picture getting painted/My niggas got money and no sense/"

Pistol In The Club Remix features one of my favorite old school bay area rappers, Rappin 4-Tay showing that hes still got it with that classic flow. Mac Mall, Homewrecka, Matt Blaque,San Quinn and the underrated Spice1 also show up on the track aswell.

Telly Mac has dropped a very good album with Project Celebrity, it features a good amount of slappin beats, excellent appearances and Telly Mac does a great job on the mic aswell. This album really surprised me to be 100% honest, its very consistant the whole way thru the cd, not many bad or skippable tracks on this album at all. Looking for an album that has great variety in its production and has tons of mob/gangster tales? Then do yourself a favor and cop a copy of this album right now.

I really enjoyed 14 out of 16 of the songs on this album, with Im So Real, Flawless, Knockin At Yo Face, Other Side and Trappin being my personal favorites. Another great album from the bay in the last few months of 09, this is a wonderful thing to hear so many quality albums towards the end of the year. Not the best album out of the bay this year, but a great addition to anyones cd collection.

SCORE = 8/10

Indecent The Slapmaster - Slapsinatra Vol.4

Indecent The Slapmaster - Slapsinatra Vol4 (Mixed by:DJ AMBIDEKSTRES)

Indecent has been one of the hardest working Bay Area producers for awhile now and is now releasing a 4 disc release. Each disc has a differnt bay area dj on it aswell which should give each disc a unique sound and feel.

Every song on all 4 of the albums is produced by Indecent The Slapmaster himself.
Volume 4 is mixed by DJ AMBIDEKSTRES and is the one I will be reviewing below.

Dragons is the first song after the intro and feautres bay area boss Yukmouth, The underrated Young Dru, Monsta Ganja and features a CRAZY beat from Indecent. Yukmouth and Young Dru both sound right at home over this slappin beat from Indo. Fantastic way to start off this cd, with two of the better rappers in the bay area, over a fantastic
head nodding/gangster beat.

What You Here For has a nice beat and Krypto steals the show with his confident flow and show that he has lyrics for days and day.

Rock Star is a harder beat from Indo that features youngster and freestyle animal Taj He Spits and Krypto on the mic. The production has some nicely placed drums on it along with some rock influence in there that works well also.

Dose Of The Real is really the only track im not feeling on the album, I dont really know what it is about it, I just have a need to skip the song when this song comes around each time I listen to this cd. The beat is pretty good, but its the rapping and hook that might be throwing me off.

How Far Will This Go really shows Indecent's versatility as a producer as female artist Maryann is on the R+b tip and it works extremely well over this chill, somewhat pop beat from Indecent.

Just Another Day is a crazy beat from Indecent and one of my favorite productions on the album. Enormus Tha Ox and Tony Streetz do a good job of rapping on this track aswell. The hook is also done really well aswell that will have you singing the hook over and over in your head after hearing it.

M.O.E is one of the best tracks on the album as it is on some real intense Mobsta shit. Indecent cooks up a real slapper here for Lee Majors and Young Dre, with some ridicolously hot Synths and some hard hitting drums and sick hi hats aswell.

No More Left is the best track on the album as Livewire kingpin Jstalin joins the late Mac Dre, Slim Face and Indecents right hand man the underappreciated Krypto. The beat is classic Indo, as he laces a dope beat that Mac Dre rides perfectly with lines like "You got no heart and dont want no parts of a real nigga, chump I kill niggas!" and "Beat niggas up like prince nazim/When the funk jump bet he gone hide/Scared he gone die, when we gone ride". I wish Mac Dre would have rocked over more beats from Indecent because this is a banging ass track right here that Mac Dre and J-Stalin both tear apart.

Get Off Me is on some high tempo Hyphy shit and features the up and coming mc Acktup. This is hyphy shit at its best in my opinion, a slappin ass beat with slappin drums and an mc that spits with high energy. The hook is great to "GET OFF ME GET OFF ME! IM TO SAUCY!". Im not a huge fan of Hyphy tracks, but this song is Hyphy done right no doubt.

Shill Mac is one of the better rappers on the come up in the bay area and he gets a fantastic beat from Indo on this one. Nice bass and some slick keys produced by Indecent which equal a great track. Not to mention the chorus is also done very well by Shill Macc, here are a few line from Shill Macc "Pull Lime, sip henesey, lie is what I dont do/You can look a nigga in his eye and see he on to/Riding in an old school, feelin like im fresh and new"

Deltrice is a nice layed back track from Deltrice, who always blows me away with her chill and beautiful voice. She really deserves to blow up, she has as good a voice as any other female singer and has a very unique style to her, no watered down shit from her, period. The beat is a nice layed back chill ebat from Indo that has some fantastic synths or keys in it and some nice quick kicks in there aswell.

The album ends with a slappin track that has ridicolous bass in it and is on some gangster/mob shit to the fullest. Willie Joe, Krypto and Slim Face do a good job on the mic and do this slappin beat from Indo justice.

Overall its a very good listen this album with only one song that I wasnt feeling. Volume 4 realy shows Indecents versatility as a producer and a taste of what hes done over the years in the bay. In my opinion there is not manyproducer in the bay at the moment with Indecent the Slapmaster's work ethic. Indecent's best beats are the mob/gangster beats in my opinion, but he shows that he can make any kind of beat really.

DJ AMBIDEKSTRES also does a solid job as the dj on this aswell, he doesnt toss a whole bunch of annoying gun shots or police sirens playing over the music and keeps it basic and enjoyable.

Looking forward to hearing Volumes 1,2 and 3! You can get this set on cdbaby and soon ITUNES and Amazon.com

SCORE: 8/10

Boss Hogg - King Creepa

Boss Hogg - King Creepa

First off let me say that Ive always enjoyed Boss Hogg as far as his flow and lyrics go. With this album "King Creepa" Boss Hogg tries his hardest to make a good album with below average production, which is usually a dman near impossible thing to do.

"He Dumb" features Lil Cuddie and has a decent beat, but nothing special or that will have you putting it on repeat. This song is that hyphy shit that alot of the Thizz Ent artists do, which I dont mind when Keak Da Sneak and others are doing it, but this song here is a very average hyphy track, it just doesn't have that energy or production needed to make a good hyphy track in my opinion.

"Cant See Me But Can Hear Me" Is much better, the beat is good and the lyrics are better aswell. Boss Hogg brings his creative flow and charizma on this track. The difference between the first song on this album and this 2nd song is crazy, as far as quality goes. In the end, this song works, and the first one didnt.

"Shut Up" Is one of my favorite songs on the album, which features Mac Mall on the track and has an addicting beat that has some nice bass on it. Both Boss Hogg and Mac Mall spit with energy and style over one of the better beats on the album. Not the best beat, but for what they are doing on this song, it does a very good job. Song reminds me of something Mac Dre would spit on if he was still around.

"Keep it Lit" Is a boring track with a beat that sounds like it was made by someone who has never made a beat in there life and is trying an mpc or a keyboard for the first time. Hate to say it but this song
was giving me a headache while I was listening to it.

"In My Eyes" Is another good track on this album, which features Vallejo boss J-Diggs and a slappin slower paced beat that does Boss Hogg and J-Diggs justice. This is when hyphy music is at its best, good beat, enjoyable hook, with lyrics and slang that fits the track. J-Diggs steals the show on this song with his deep voice and gangster lyrics that hes been doing for many a moons as he spits "Rare breed with a need for speed/ and i gotta have weed like I need to breath"

"Ay Bitch" Is annoying as hell, the song features Holly Roc and has a beat that will have you shaking your head in discust. Not much more to say other then I hated this song, period.

"Cutthoat World" has Boss Hogg spittin some dope lines with a very nice flow, but the hook and beat once again dont do his verses justice at all. The beat sounds like some playgorund, lulaby type shit, very boring.

"I Go" is a up tempo track that sounds like Keak Da Sneak would rip apart. Boss Hogg flows very well over this beat that sounds like some Down South type production. Shigady joins the song and doesnt dissapoint with a nice appearance. Another song on this album that really works, hyphy music done the right way.

"Twist" is lame as hell, dont get me started on this song, on to the next song, period.

"Knock in the trunk" is a slapper and one of the better tracks on the album, with a slappin beat
and a great hook. This is the type of song that you want to hear from Boss Hogg. As you listen to this song you cant help but think that Too $hort should be on this song, sounds like his type of song. This song had me saying the chorus over and over long after the song was done, very enjoyable hyphy track.

"Gorgeous" is nothing special at all and is another skippable track on this un-even album.

"Untouchable 09" is the last track on the album and one of the best aswell. Once again it features Mac Mall, who sounds better then he did on his whole last album. The beat is not that great, but the two mcs rip the mic to peices on this track, along with Mac Mall coming thru with a fantastic hook!

Overall the album is hard to rate because there are some horrible songs but then some good enjoyable tracks aswell. Its not like the album is all bad or all good, its pretty much even with slappin songs and terrible songs. The problem on this album isnt the lyrics or flow of Boss Hogg, its just that he didnt get very good production on this cd. If there was better beats the cd woulda been ALOT better.

RATING = 6/10