Leakin’ It; Rap on Rep: 2Ugli’s Newest Release, “The Free E.P.”

2Ugli
“The Free E.P.”

By Annie Jay

2Ugli, by way of San Diego, CA’s first track, “The Exorcism” I heard is mixed very well.  Nice overall finished feeling.  In other words professional and ready for radio. Nice beats and rhyme flow with just a touch of grime.  It sounds like he has a story to rap about unlike so many of these square-ass rappers out here. Square meaning they fit in the fast money bling-bling box that is so popular on the pop charts surprisingly.

2Ugli in his photo shoot for his newest releases. - Photo by Vana Damlong

Leakin’ It; Rap on Rep: Mahtie Bush’s New Release “BACKPACKRAMENTO”

Mahtie Bush
“BACKPACKRAMENTO”

By Annie Jay

The beat in “BACKPACRAMENTO” takes me back to the bus stop with my green Jansport, a transfer slip in my pocket, enough money to get home and of course my headphones.  Puff coat on in Downtown Berkeley trying to get to Oakland, tagging along memories of back in the day when I was 16-years-old, just listening and dreaming; a true hip-hop head.  A classic drum line sets the tone and Bush’s semi-Q-Tip-like voice plays well.   Bush should focus on developing his erythematic style yet when he wants to verbally sound hard he comes through.

Mahtie Bush performing at KBMB 103.5's 80West Launch Party. -- Photo By Kendaru Photography

Album Review: Cesar Comanche’s Newest Album, “Die In Your Lap”

By Marie Carmeli Hocson
Staff Writer

After listening to Cesar Comanche’s new album, “Die in Your Lap,” it is apparent that the organic arrangement of beats and lyrics are authentic to its title.  Cesar Comanche says the album title comes from Shakespeare’s, “Much Ado About Nothing” in which the meaning “die in your lap” becomes an analogy of a man’s process and the finality of having an orgasm. Comanche’s has taken this Shakespearian line as a paradox to the process and growth of his rap career the last 10 years.  Innovative lyrics and soulful samples in combination with laid back beats produced by 9th Wonder, Lord Quest, Krhysis, Marvelous Beats and Apple Juice Kid.

Image Contributed by Cesar Comanche

A Flurry of Underground Artists Make Up The Mighty Underdogs, “The Prelude” Independently Produced E.P.

Album: The Prelude EP
By: The Mighty Underdogs
Produced: The Mighty Underdogs

 

The Mighty Underdogs, made up of Gift of Gab, Lateef The Truthspeaker and Headnotic are at it again, bringing DJ Shadow on track “UFC” and MF Doom on “Gunfight” among others together on their EP, “The Prelude,” released winter ’07.

This album brings old school anthems, almost southern-sounding, funky 80s beats, wonderful melodic music; even party beats together creating this 6-song EP.  Not as clean as Gab’s “Supreme Lyricism, Volume I,” this EP seems an attempt to create positive, poppy-sounding feel-good music to life.

The Mighty Underdogs Album Cover

Mic Jordan is Analytical and Persuasive in Hip-Hop

Album: Leviathan
By: Mic Jordan of Tribe of Levi
Produced: Independent

By Aaris A. Schroeder

Tribe of Levi has always been about their emceeing skills and word play, bringing the attention to local and universal politics and life’s daily dealings, so it is no wonder that Mic Jordan’s mind aimed in the same direction with his second solo album represents the same appeal.

With songs produced by Daddy Longlegs, 26hrz, Agustus thElefant, Ospis and more; a diversified, non-complex set of beats sets Mic Jordan’s lyrics on fire.  Probably the most controversial song, “TPR,” featuring Carlos Lopez [Cawzlos], Old Ghost, NON [of Tribe of Levi] and Buddhachild all on the notion of community change in Sacramento, politics and the streets. 

Bru Lei, Mahtie Bush, 5^th Ave [Neighborhood Watch], Rogue Scholars, Random Abiladeze [Neighborhood Watch], Rick Tognotti, Glassfire [Forms In Flux] are all featured on Mic Jordan’s underground lyrical masterpiece. 

 

Mic Jordan Makin' It Happen

Stuck in a Rut? Check Out Middle Class Rut

Album: Middle Class Rut
By: Middle Class Rut
Produced: Independent

By Aaris A. Schroeder

Finally, something different – Cawzlos was shopping me this album for a month or so and I finally picked up Middle Class Rut’s self-titled album.  Straight anthem-style modern rock, this band has a touch of Offspring and Oasis but a little darker.

M-C Rut; for short, includes Jack Lopez and Sean Stockham who bring a mid-90s sound back to life without sounding too indie.  This is going to be a hot band for Northern CA.  Check them out at www.myspace.com/mcrut

Tokin’ it Up with L-Toka, Laughin’ my Ass Off

Album: Sense of Humor Not Included
By: L Toka
Produced: Self-Produced

By Aaris A. Schroeder
Editor-In-Chief

L Toka isn’t known for his beats as much as he is known for his punchy lyrics in his album, “Sense of Humor Not Included.”

American Marijuana Music Award [AMMA] nominee for his song, “Highly Addictive” shows the true side of the ‘special’ green herb.  “Welcome To The Jungle” has a folk beat set to an electric guitar, fashioned strange enough.  “She’s My Woman” shows the more sappy side of L Toka: “This is my serenade / My serenade to you / I know I can’t sing.”  “Stripper Song” has got to be the funniest song on the entire album as L Toka emcees about incest, thongs and sleeping around.

L Toka Seen here on his album cover, "Sense of Humor Not Included"

 

 

True to the Culture: Kahlee Brings It

Album: Man of Many Hats
By Kahlee
Produced: Self-Produced

By Aaris A. Schroeder

Kahlee is known for his fresh beats with the bounce of Los Angeles and conscious lyrics, blending hip-hop culture into its true form on his album, “Man of Many Hats.”

 

The DJ cuts are clean on “Hatred To Greatness” and “I used to Love Her,” is a sweet love song dedicated to the green herb, Mary Jane, nominated for an American Marijuana Music Award [AMMA].

With songs such as “Hats and Beatboxin,’” featuring beatboxer Bee Hive and “Rockin’ The Mic,” Kahlee covers all four corners of hip-hop plus one.  Kahlee will be releasing his next album, “Roots and Culture” with Uptown Swuite of The City Lights Crew.  He will also be on tour spring ‘09.  Check this LA cat out at www.myspace.com/kahlee.  

Kahlee's Album, "Man of Many Hats" AVAILABLE NOW! -Photo Courtesy of Kahlee

 

 

 

“Even If The Record Skips” Franco Can Keep Up

Album: Even If The Record Skips
By: Franco of Dirty Rats
Produced: Dirty Rats

By Aaris A. Schroeder

Tight, story-telling lyrics and sweet indie beats; Franco of Dirty Rats does it again for his fans.  Franco’s first song is sped up and formed into track two, showing his ‘path as an emcee,’ bringing wisdom to the stage.

“Good Morning,” is a positive track about getting your business done: “Good Morning / The rest of the neighborhood’s snoring / but I’m wide awake today to put my best foot forward,” says Franco.

If you want to feel a new hip-hop consciousness-high with fun beats, Franco has what it takes.

Franco of The Dirty Rats, Presents: "Even if The Record Skips." - Photo Courtesy of Franco

 

 

 

Spit Shine Those Dirty Rats then Mix ‘Em Up

Album: Spit Shine
By: The Dirty Rats
Produced: Dirty Rat Records

By Aaris A. Schroeder

Bringing clean, old school samples and beats, tight lyrics and a fresh appeal, Franco, Kush, Callous, Stir Fry Willie, GMG, D-Rize, Mr. Ocean, Karina and DJ Saursaus, making up The Dirty Rats trick you with their sneakiness on their album entitled, “Spit Shine.”

“Ratz Den” is a lyrical storm as the beats run around an emcee hurricane.  “Thought You Were Ready,” brings what many underground cats are doing now, echoing their beats, quickly fading them off and bringing them back as the emcees rap over this flawlessly – offers a more distinct sound to the emcee skills rather than the beat.

Kush, Callous and Franco all have equally inspiring solo albums – learn more about Dirty Rats at www.dirtyratrecords.com 

 

The Dirty Rats Present, "Spit Shine." -- Photo Courtesy of The Dirty Rats