CRASHprez - Leave a Note ft David Lopez

Substance. 

Something that, outside of a few, artists can claim to have. If it is one thing that has become apparent in this fast twitch age of social media is that music comes and goes. The "Hot Nigga" of today can easily become the dropped nigga of tomorrow. One of the reasons why Tupac is discussed in today's music scene is because he made timeless music with real weight to it from songs like "Brenda's Got A Baby" to "Dear Mama" to "Keep Ya Head Up" etc. etc. the list goes on. He often spoke on real issues going on in the African-American communities and in the world period. He didn't need to be motivated by the death of a young black teen to call his rap "friends" together to create a tribute track, he went in the studio and lead the charge himself. I'm not even what you would call a Tupac fan but for these reasons and more I have great respect for the man.

Enter Michael Penn II bka CRASHprez, now before you get ahead of yourself, no I'm not saying he is the Tupac of our generation he is however one of the few artists in this day and age of music that can claim to have the word that began this write up. Similar to Tupac, for the two or three years that I've know him, he is always using his music and talent to express his opinions and feelings on social issues. He doesn't need to see a news story for him to speak on the difficulties of America, he does so out of pure nature that just is who he is as a person.

Over the years CRASHprez has refined and tuned his self described Prote$tWaVe style of music and his latest "Leave a Note" just might be his best effort yet, inspired by all the craziness that has been going on lately with the police and African-Americans. CRASH is one of those rare few who can present these issues to you in a musical realm without coming off as preachy or self-righteous, something that today's "conscious" artists struggle with. I won't go into detail on the song itself I'd rather you listen and take away what you will from it. I just want to say, I'm proud to know CRASHprez and of all the things he has/will accomplished.

"Don't be afraid of the darkness"

CRASH's more perfect is scheduled for release by the end of 2014 via CATCH WRECK. In the meantime do be sure to check out his previous project fear itself. with longtime collaborator *hitmayng.

CRASHprez - Thom Yorke Is Black

Although his Wikipedia states differently, CRASHprez wants you to know that "Thom Yorke Is Black" and does so over menacingly dark, brooding piano keys which set the tone for the overall melancholy mood of the track. The production crafted by *hitmayng, CRASH's partner in crime, is reminiscent of Radiohead's "Videotape" and brings the track's reference material full circle. There is a saying that "Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another" and these two exemplify that to a t. This is, in my opinion at least, their best effort and I look forward to hearing what else they've cooked up for CRASH's More Perfect which is slated to release this Summer. CATCHWRECK.

[EP] CRASHprez & *hitmayng - fear itself.

CRASHprez is back with his latest project fear itself. which is his second collaboration with producer *hitmayng. The two have become a force to be reckoned with , CRASH seems to be at his best when paired with production from his partner and this project further proves that. On fear itself. CRASH seems to be more focused then ever, his message is clear and this is the best it has been delivered since his last EP I Hate All You Rap Niggas: A Thesis. CRASH is wise beyond his years and isn't afraid to speak his mind, social commentary largely makes up the EP's subject matter, however CRASH does get very personal on this project also. This very well may be the best project CRASH has put out, it is definitely a improvement over his last collaborate effort. All in all CRASHprez is one of those few artists who actually has something important and worth while to say every time he spits, all I can do is recommend you listen and soak it up. One of the early highlights of 2014 for me.

[EP] CRASHprez & Kiazma - masters&martyrs

The Prote$tWave general himself CRASHprez linked up with Madison producer Kiazma for masters&martyrs, an EP which will have you questioning which side you're on. This is definitely one of the more odd projects I've heard this year. If you follow CRASH's music you'll know he isn't afraid to step outside the boundaries of rap and that fearlessness is what makes m&m such a unique project. While the combination of Kiazma and CRASH doesn't always work over the five track EP, when it does it is gold.

CRASHprez - Chargin ft Defcee

Who would've known that one of the hardest records of the year would have come from CRASHprez? That's exactly what "Chargin" is due in part to the hard hitting production from Joseph Chilliams and of course CRASH and Defcee deliver. Just another example of CRASH's versatility and again Defcee who brings the heat with his verse just as he did on "Dateline" from the former's excellent project CRASHvillainy. These two might've fucked around and created a new genre, Conscious Trap sounds like a good name to me. I wouldn't mind hearing a collab tape from these two in the future either but for now I'll just enjoy this track, as should you. 

[EP] CRASHprez - I Hate All You Rap Niggas: A Thesis

Future Pre(z)sident of The United States CRASHprez dropped his latest work I Hate All You Rap Niggas: A Thesis seemingly out of nowhere. CRASH sent me the intro to the project late last night "Thesis Statement" which in my opinion is one of his best joints yet. The EP itself is a more than enjoyable listen, CRASH is one of the few rappers who finds a way to entice the listener and hold their attention while always rapping about something you should care about (à la Kendrick Lamar). Other tracks such as the dark but necessary "Blasphemy For Everyone" and the hilariously "Finna Go Mainstream" make IHAYRN one of the unique joints to drop this year. Definitely a nice follow up to his last project CRASHvillainy and a better example of CRASH's true skills as an artist. Congrats to CRASH for dropping two great projects in the same year. 

Stream below or download

CRASHprez - Blasphemy for Everyone

CRASHprez drops his best and most honest single to date. All I can say is give it a listen, CRASH spits that real over fellow Grammy Family member Miles Meraki production. Also, props to CRASH on landing an opening gig for Lil' B for more information on the show check out CRASH's Tumblr. TYBG!

[Album Review] CRASHprez - CRASHvillainy

As "Safe Deposit" plays in the background, I begin this review. First of all let me start by saying that I really don't like "remix" projects. The reason for that being because a lot of the time the artist remixing tries to hard to reinvent the original or sticks to close to the original. Although with CRASHprez and his CRASHvillainy project, a remix of Madvillian's Madvillainy, this does not occur.

One of the main reasons why this project is so great is because CRASH seems to realize that. CRASH keeps his style and merges it with Madlib's instrumentals. This is some of the best spitting I've heard from him and is definitely my favorite project from him yet. You can definitely feel the effort CRASH put into this project from the verses to even remixing the audio clips replacing DOOM's with his own. I felt that was a nice touch and made the project even more of a true remix. 

Even with CRASH spitting solo for most of the 22 track project, when a feature did occur it was always dope. Defcee, Chick Gaynor and SIR E.U all do well and showcase their respective skills. With the latter getting his own track and making his "father" more than proud. 

I want to end this review by saying that, all artist who plan to do a remix of a classic Hip-Hop project should study this. Not only did CRASH find a way to pay homage to the original, he found a way to keep his own style in the process and not cop out by copying DOOM's. It is because of that, that CRASHvillainy comes off more as true remix than just an ode to Madvillainy. 

[Video] CRASHprez - Safe Deposit

Directed by mattVISTA

CRASHprez is back with the second single "Safe Deposit" a remix of "Money Folder" from his upcoming project CRASHvillainy due out August 7th. Along with releasing the single, CRASH dropped some dope visuals to go along with it as well. Super market raps are always awesome. Watch for a few subliminals through out the video both good and bad.

Available for stream and download here.

CRASHprez - Omnivore

First official single from CRASHprez's upcoming MF DOOM inspired project CRASHvilliainy which drops August 7th. 

CRASHprez - Prote$tWave

The homie CRASHprez goes in over dat PMF's Pretty Flacko and definitely ripped shit. Props to CRASH for not making the last two minutes of the track drawn out and extremely repetitive like the original. Fuck rap. Prote$tWave. S/O Miles. #TeamWeAintShitButWeHumbleHoe

CRASHprez & *hitmayng - Enjoy Your Miserable Life EP

Download: Enjoy Your Miserable Life

The latest project from the Klansmen, CRASHprez features six dope tracks with topics ranging from politics, love, and surprisely Darth Maul (trust me it works). Production is handled by Milwaukee native *hitmayng who does an excellent job complementing the lyricism and wit that CRASH has become known for.

CRASHprez & *hitmayng - Darth Maul For President

Download: Darth Maul For President



The first single from CRASHprez' upcoming project Enjoy Your Miserable Life. Great track from El Presidente, who provides some memorable quotes i.e "Bitch you wasn't with me fighting off the Force!". *hitmayng handles the production and does an awesome job. EYML dropping April 21st be sure to cop.

CRASHprez - Holden Caulfield

Download: Holden Caulfield
 

CRASH spits what's on his mind, and what he is feeling right now. Love the production on this one. #JoinTheCampaign

CRASHprez - #CivilUnrest

Words from the man himself "A song about political shit, and other random shit", check it out. The Logicism EP coming soon.