Kasey Jones - Haze (prod. Matt McGhee)

After taking some time off the air Matt McGhee's SHOW is back from hiatus and to welcome you back is the up-and-coming young star Kasey Jones. Now if you're a fan of the series you'll be sure to know that this isn't Mr. Jones first time on the SHOW, he had a supporting role in the previous episode "Dark". However, this time around for "Haze", star Matt McGhee stays behind the scenes and handles the production/direction of the episode while Kasey showcases his full talents for the episodes duration.

The two young stars make for the most exciting duo since Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio's reign over the industry. As Scorsese said himself "The young people today are the 21st century." and who knows what the future holds for Kasey Jones but you can bet he'll soon have everyone's eye. As for Matt, rumors are buzzing that the next episode is the best one yet...guess we'll just have to stay tuned in and hope we don't have to wait as long for episode five as we did with four but if it truly is the best that won't really matter in the end.

Matt McGhee - Dark ft Al Hostile & Kasey Jones

Over brooding and ominous production from JohnnyJon who brilliantly flips Portishead's "Mourning Air" Matt McGhee attacks the track right off bat with a verse full of warning shots and bravado, sounding more confident than ever. It seems he is slowly but surely getting to a place where he feels Gram Fam and himself are untouchable and that isn't him being cocky but just the assurance that comes with knowing you put your best effort into your craft. Think 07' Wayne or even Drake right now; example. However, to get back to the track 3rdiiiUth's Al Hostile joins in providing his brash energy, spitting one of if not thee best verse I've heard from him and more then delivers for his moment on "screen". Assisting the two on the hook is Kasey Jones with a little help from Matt himself. 

If we're following the TV show theme then the appropriately titled "Dark" would be the mid-season finale with just two more episodes left. Matt has definitely upped the ante for himself with episode three, although every episode has been unique the drastic change in direction made this one stand out even more. We'll see what else the season holds for us in the coming weeks, I just hope Matt doesn't do like the Soprano's series finale and end the shit mid sce...

Matt McGhee - Premium ft rMell & Ponch Royyel

"Premium" is the latest "episode" in Matt McGhee's SHOW and for it he tabs rMell and CHESS' Poncho Royyel who in turn do great in their respective "scenes". The episode is split into two incredible halves thanks to Panama Red with the later half featuring an uncredited special surprise guest. Overall I would say this is the best episode of the season so far and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one and the rest of the series.

I have to admit I was initially confused by the whole show/episode theme due to a lack of visuals but with Matt previewing this track with a video it all made more sense. Credit to him and Gram Fam for always coming up with creative roll outs for their songs, videos, projects etc. even going as far as to change or create a website around whatever their promoting, instead of the same ol' "Yo at midnight I'ma spam a link on Twitter" that most of these indie artists do. I'm actually surprised a lot of their peers haven't adopted or at least attempted to try and do something similar. It not only draws up more interest but it also more professional and is less annoying then posting a link but hey I'ma let you silly niggas cook.

Lastly, Matt decided to let the fans choose what the next joint would be and it seems like a track entitled "Dark" won so be on the look out for that and the "La Familia" montage footage soon.

Sidenote: this dude Matt mixed/mastered the shit outta of this track...and the streak is still alive. Props.

Matt McGhee - Chainzzz

"Chainzzz" is the first single "episode" from series creator Matt McGhee who impresses (once again) backed by "executive" producer Drew Beats who sets the foundation that Matt builds upon throughout the episode's duration. Interesting to hear the Rubba's "Way Star" flipped the way it was, props to Drew for coming up with a unique approach to a sample heard in another producer's work. I won't go into detail (best to hear this one yourself) on the track other than to say it is one of Matt's best yet and a helluva "pilot". 

Hopefully this is a good start to a greater series til than stay tuned to the next episode...

Judging by the series preview it will be just that. Spoiler alert! GRAMFAM S/S 14

rMell - SPBM

The dynamic duo of Grammy Family's rMell and Matt McGhee have done it once again. It's almost becoming redundant to speak on, which is why I initially threw this up on the blog with no write up...well that and a little bit of laziness. However, I chose to write my wrong and try to give this joint its proper due.

"SPBM" which stands for Something Produced By Matt, who again is highly underrated in that category, dude can spit but lets start to give him his credit for his production skills. As for rMell, ever since GramFam's 25 I've found myself continuously impressed with his rhymes, he has come along way from the dude who once said "Oh you mad cuz I'm styling on you? Zip it. If you feeling froggy, go ahead ribbit" and the other corny punchlines which I criticized him for in the past. With the rate he is evolving, I just might have to make a part two of my The Evolution of rMell article and I'm no fool but I am definitely ready to hear his "catalog of new shit".

GRAMFAM S/S 14

Double Feature: rMell - Action Meezi | Silent Library ft Nomad

Late last night the homie rMell took to Twitter to drop something that he recently recorded "Action Meezi", returning a few moments later and feeling generous he released a throwback joint "Silent Library" featuring Nomad. Both of the tracks are pretty short and will definitely leave you wanting more, although it seems as if rMell has plans to release another project in the Summertime so the wait won't be that long. I've really enjoyed the past few weeks of these random drops from rMell, who has plenty of unfinished demos and hidden gems stashed away in the vault, it's been fun hearing what he's working/worked on.

Sidenote: I want more rMell x Nomad joints. Dammit. 

rMell - Gran Turismo

A short demo track from rMell, hopefully he'll get around to finishing it. I'll let him explain it further:

"Something I made when I was playing Gran Turismo 3 heavy. I don't know if I'll finish it, but I want you to hear this."

The album doesn't really sound like this, but this is an indicator of me being on some completely new shit https://t.co/BMkUvW59X5
— Meezi (@whoizrmell) February 6, 2014

[Video] Cal Rips - Flashing ft rMell (directed by Helena Bank$)

Cal Rips and Helena Bank$ finally released the long awaited visuals for "Flashing" which just might be the best of her career, featuring production and a verse from Grammy Family's rMell, this track is one of the standout cuts from Cal's last project BELIEVE. Which I highly recommend you check out if you haven't already. I expect Cal to make big strides in 2014, he seems more focused and hungry than ever. As always and forever R.I.P. AV 1032.

Grammy Family - Stony Creek Lane (G-Mix)

Grammy Family (rMell, Miles Meraki & Matt McGhee) looks to build upon their success from 2013 and they definitely start the new year off strong with the remix g-mix to Jaylen!'s "Stony Creek Lane". With their buzz growing with each release look for 2014 to be a big year for the collective. #GRAMFAM2K14

Jaylen! - Stony Creek Lane ft Matt McGhee

Grammy Family's Jaylen! and Matt McGhee, two of my favorite artists right now, link up for something sinister in "Stony Creek Lane" don't let the innocent track name fool you. That's all I'm going to say. Press play and enjoy...oh and be sure to look out for Crumbs.

Re-Drop: Jaylen! x Miles Meraki - Trippin'

Miles Meraki - High Definition

Hailing from one of the strongest collectives in music right now, Miles Meraki is definitely the Grammy Family's secret weapon. He has been quite secretive when it comes to his upcoming album Perfect becoming a bit enigmatic and dropping his music in an interesting way (see mxmeraki.us ). It seems to be all apart of a grander scheme and whether intentional or not, it is building my interest for the album. 

Getting to the track itself, Miles crafts something very unique with "High Definition" sampling Yuna's beautifully sung "Coffee" and if you know the track well, than the title of Miles' track resonates a bit more. The sample is definitely what makes the track. Miles masterfully constructs the production showing that you can make an "original" sound out of sampling. This is easily the best track from Miles yet, topping his previous "Imperfect". It may be a bit early to call but I'm confident that Perfect will be one of the best albums in 2014, from all the drops so far and just his verses on various GF tracks, I'm sure it will not disappoint. I haven't heard a song in a long time that had me excited for an artists' whole project but Miles did it with this one. Here's hoping the wait for Perfect isn't too long...

Matt McGhee - Whatever ft rMell

GramFam's Matt McGhee and rMell want you dance or bailo in this case, either way with the catchy bossa nova-esque production it's hard not to. While Matt and rMell prove once again that their chemistry is unmatched when it comes to duos, the most impressive thing about the track in my opinion is the production. I don't think Matt gets enough credit for just how great of a producer he is. I'm not sure if this is from Matt's upcoming 1920 project but with this and his recent tracks "Good Luck" and "IDK" his stock is quickly rising. Quality music and Matt McGhee are becoming synonymous and I can't say that for a lot of artists out here. 

Be sure to support Matt's "IDK" by purchasing it from iTunes. Also, checkout rMell's "Bape Kondumu". 

Sidenote: This is probably my favorite verse from rMell ever, clever wordplay throughout. Props for that.

[Video] Miles Meraki - Trippin' (prod. by Jaylen!)

While we all await the next project in the Grammy Family trilogy Perfect from Miles Meraki, he and GRAMFAM producer Jaylen! dropped some visuals for their collaboration "Trippin'" from the latter's upcoming project CRUMBS.

[Video] Matt McGhee - Good Luck

Maryland's Matt McGhee is back with "Good Luck" the first single from his upcoming project 1920. It all comes down to execution and Matt proves you don't have to have a major label backing you to have a well shot/edited video. Props to the director/editor Thomas Smith. I wish the indie rap game had more artists like Matt and the rest of the GRAMFAM.

Download available here.

Miles Meraki - Imperfect ft Matt McGhee & Maya Mitchell

Over the last few months the collective known as Grammy Family has been establishing a name for themselves by consistently releasing great projects. Miles Meraki is often over looked when it comes to the GramFam but has recently been standing out, making his presence known on tracks such as "Autumn" and "At The Top". 

With his latest track "Imperfect", Miles once again proves why he is not to be over looked. Starting with an great guest verse from Matt (who still has his streak intact) Miles builds that into an excellent verse of his own and props to Maya Mitchell who does well on the hook. Kudos to Miles on the production as well, which he handled himself, from the Toro Y Moi sample to the little nuances of the synth patterns in he and Matt verses. All together a great track and start from Miles, with rMell's NEOGEO and Matt McGhee's AWARD setting an high bar in terms of quality, he seems posed to follow in his fellow group members steps with Perfect. 

[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.

[Video] rMell - INVITATION

Here's your invitation, NEOGEO.

[Album] Matt McGhee - AWARD

AWARD (Always Working At Reaching Destiny) by Matt McGhee dropped back in February and while I loafed on a review for it, I definitely did listen and I suggest you do so also. I won't write an entire review for it (sorry Matt) but I will share Dave Caldwell's of Back2Pluto excellent review. Dave pretty much sums up my exact sentiments on the album with his review and does it more well than I possibly could've. While I won't be writing a review, I do however want to share this album with you. It is one of the best, if not the best, indie projects to drop this year and it deserves all the shine and praise it gets. Without further ado AWARD...

Matt McGhee - Get A Grip ft rMell (prod. Jaylen!)

Indie standout Matt McGhee recently released "Get A Grip" the second single from his upcoming album AWARD, which finally received a release date of February 19th. Matt decides to keep it in house once again grabbing fellow Grammy Family members rMell and Jaylen! respectively, to join him on the track. Backed by the smooth and soulful production from Jaylen!, Matt and rMell do their usual and spit that cool shit "that unfortunately you not used to" word to rMell. Another great track from Matt McGhee and expect to hear more from him as the release of AWARD is coming up. 

[Album Review] rMell - NEOGEO

Although it has been more than a week since the release of rMell's NEOGEO the support for it hasn't stopped. The young artist even trended on Twitter in the Washington area for more than a day and the feedback has been amazing. One of the main reasons I held off on reviewing it or even posting it was because I felt I needed more than just a day or two to critique an album that has been in the works for two years. I didn't want to give a stereotypical "Yo this album is dope be sure to download" type of review. So after listening to it multiple times and contemplating what to say about it, I finally feel confident in my ability to deliver the best review possible for NEOGEO.