Johny Locus - Room 209

It's been a minute since we've heard from SNB's Johny Locus who has been in the cut since dropping his last project Point Blank but today marks his return. On "Room 209" Locus paints a picture of a live function and may have inadvertently created the unofficial anthem for Delaware State. I've stated it before but I think it's necessary to again, Johny is almost untouchable when it comes to his flow, few rappers I know can do what homie does.  

93' Bandits - Got Dammit

Got Dammit! Got Dammit! It's the 93' Bandits, the newly formed sub group of SNB members Steezy Grizzlies and Rashad Stark. The duo makes their presence known with the debut single "Got Dammit" which features production from ATF's Quazar Makeinu. Both Steezy and Rashad flow well and their great track chemistry is noticeable but the star of the show has to be the infectious hook, this is definitely a joint that would make a crowd rock at a show. Expect the duo's first project Bandit Shit sometime later this year.

[Mixtape Review] Johny Locus - Point Blank

If it's one thing I like in music it is honesty, I'm always impressed when artists are able to be real with themselves in their music. Just about 40 seconds into Point Blank Johny Locus did just that "Me style on that second tape, my third tape a mistake". Since we're being honest I feel just like that. I was introduced to Johny through his second tape Something To Listen To at that point he had only been rapping a few months but he showed real promise. After sometime he dropped the follow up Music Speaks Louder Than Lyrics and if you read the write up for STLT I was excited to see how Johny would progress. To my disappointment it was as if he abandoned everything that worked on his first tape and regressed in skill. I didn't even bother posting it, don't get me wrong Johny is the homie but I couldn't support that. I'm just glad that Johny himself realized that long before it was too late.

Getting to Point Blank itself I'll start off by simply stating it is one of my personal favorite indie tapes this year. Johny likes to call himself "SNB's Finest" but he is more like SNB's Best Kept Secret. Steezy and Rashad tend to receive the most shine but Johny is definitely the most talented rapper out of the entire SNB. No disrespect intended. Throughout the entire tape he continually impressed me with his improved lyricism,  delivery and subject matter. Which is a bit more mature than his SNB counterparts as well and a welcomed addition to his repertoire. For the most part all the tracks worked for me aside from lacking guest verses/poor sound quality but that is mostly due to the guest and not Johny. The only track I didn't care for is "Comparisons" which felt unneeded and overly aggressive compared to the rest of the tape's mellow sound.

Another strong point was the production featured on the tape. Johny did well in picking beats that fit him and his style well. The sound clips spread throughout the tape also did well in breaking up the monogamy that a lot of projects suffer from just going from song to song without a pause or interlude. 

All together Point Blank is a good start at getting back on the right track for Johny. I feel like if he can prove to be consistent and delivers with his next project, he'll start to get some of the shine he deserves. After showing that initial promise and then the unfortunate decline, it seems Johny is back and on the way up. 

FINAL VERDICT

+ Sharp lyricism & wordplay

+ Good production

+ Subject matter 

+ Improvement over last projects

- Hit or miss features

- "Comparisons" 

- Sound quality lacking on certain tracks 

 8/10

[Mixtape Review] Rashad Stark - VIGILANTE

Since dropping his project SOAR 2 last October, Rashad Stark made it clear that he was not a stagnant artist. Showing major improvement in his rap and especially production skills, it set him apart from being known as Steezy's sidekick to being his own artist. With VIGILANTE Rashad set out not only to improve once again but establish his own sound and for the most part he does. 

VIGILANTE is definitely an improvement over last year's SOAR 2, overall better rapping, production and little nuances such as track placement set it ahead of his previous effort. VIGILANTE feels like a more complete project due to all of these reasons, while I felt SOAR 2 had more of a mixtape feel. Rashad made strides in improving his subject matter with a much mature and dark sound featured on this tape think "Carnage II" from SOAR 2. Which was probably the best track on SOAR 2 due to its subject matter that dealt with Rashad's various personal issues. VIGILANTE does have it's "Bxtch I Think I'm Yeezy" moments but they are far and few compared to the much more personal material.

When I spoke with Rashad during our interview last year, he spoke about VIGILANTE and how he wanted to find his sound. I don't necessarily think he does on this project but he comes damn near close. Due in part to better production choices to fit his voice and flow and an overall more consistent quality verse wise. Over the 12 track project you'll learn about Rashad the man and the artist. I think with his next project if he continues on the path he established with this and SOAR 2 he'll definitely find his niche. 

One of the main highlights of the tape is the various artists featured on the tracks. All do an excellent job in not only contributing to the track but improving it as well. However, I definitely think we can all agree that Akoko's Sugg Savage stole the show on many of her appearances on the project. Kudos to her. Also, gotta give credit to Rashad for putting together a nice list of guest artists. A few of my favorites being "GODS" the spiritual successor to "Chrono Triggers", both which feature MiggFAM and Mike of Doom to "All Black Susanoo'" featuring EZITO and the aforementioned Sugg Savage. Credit to all who were featured really.

Overall VIGILANTE impresses for the most part, there was little I could find wrong with it. I could do without the 12 track one hour duration and the sometimes over the top anime references and lines but those are more of personal issues than actual detriments to the project. As of now VIGILANTE is a career best for Rashad, who continues to improve with each tape and come closer to finding that sound that he can call his own. 

Standout Tracks: GODS, All Black Susanoo', Just Hold Me, & Real Nigga Anthem 

FINAL VERDICT

+ More mature/personal subject matter

+ Excellent features

+ Coehisive sound

+ Improved lyrical and production skill

- Over the top lines/references 

- Short track list, long duration

- No track featuring me

8/10

[EP] Day X - DON'T WORRY

I was recently introduced to The SNB's own Day X, after hearing his production on various DMV artists projects I decided to see if the man himself had a project. That is when I discovered DON'T WORRY released back in June it is Day's most recent work to date. Initially I only knew of his production skills and that's what I mostly expected a instrumental tape, little did I know Day actually raps and does it quite well.

One of the things I noticed of the course of my listen was that his subject matter was rather mature compared to the other SNB members I know of. It was a nice change and helped to set him apart from his fellow group members. The production is the main highlight of the tape for sure as Day is already ahead of most in that category. Lyrically he does well as I stated earlier, a high point being "TheDayIShine" where I found him most impressive. Only thing I can knock is that the vocals could've been mixed better but I understand the quality issue that most indie artists have, it definitely doesn't take away from the project itself though. Other than that DON'T WORRY is another impressive project in the growing catalog of the SNB.

Check out the tape below.

[Mixtape Review] Steezy Grizzlies - Green

Right from the very start of Green, the latest project from Steezy Grizzlies, it's apparent that Steezy is on a different plane than that of his previous works. Beginning with "Yawns" Steezy drops some real lines "In this rap circle, everyone wants to be rMell or Trill. That's why it's kinda hard to tell, who is original still" something which is quite true. Rap has become a carbon copy genre, with every rapper wanting to be someone else or sound like something else. This introspectiveness is what sets Steezy apart, not only is he aware of his own faults, he is willing to point them out. That is one of the reasons why the intro to Green is so great, it's Steezy finally being himself and not caring about pleasing fans or the opinion of others. 

Next is the high energy "SNB Anthem II" featuring Rashad Stark with excellent production from Plue Starfox. It's simply Steezy and Rashad having fun and rapping well, the former is something that I noticed over the course of my listen. I get the sense that Steezy had fun during the recording process of Green, something that I didn't get from past projects. 

Green does well to show off Steezy's versatility from his softer side, "Paradise Falls" and "My B.R.I.A. (Simp Song II)" which are definite highlights of the project with the former featuring not only a dope verse from Grammy Family's rMell but also production, which samples Yuji Ohno's "Love Theme" from Lupin III. To his more "street" side with "Gangsta Minded Gohan"  and the Johny Locus assisted "dmGOTHAM" both featuring some braggadocious rhymes. Lastly, "Neega The 2nd." with the lyrical monster Surp God who drops a show stealing verse but Steezy holds his own against Surp and avoids being outclassed. Steezy closes out the tape with the last two tracks featuring his SNB family, although I wish he would've ended it with a solo track, the whole SNB does well and shows off their individual talents which I suppose was the purpose. 

All together Green is the best project from Steezy Grizzlies by far, it is more polished and feels more organic than his previous drops. The only thing I can say negative about it was that it was too short but that doesn't take away from the project itself, plus I believe it was intended to be short in duration. Steezy has shown that he can hold his own against some of the best in his area with his last three projects, hopefully an album is in the works. I think that is the last step in his evolution as an artist, I'd like to see what he could do over a full length 45-55 minute project. However, until that time, just enjoy Green.

Standout Tracks: Yawns, Paradise Falls, My B.R.I.A. (Simp Song II), dmGOTHAM, & Neega The 2nd. 

FINAL VERDICT

+ Steezy's best work yet

+ Great production

+ Good features

+ Versatile sound

- Unnecessary interludes

- Short track length 

8.5/10

Johny Locus - Geronimo (Prod. Rashad Stark)

Johny Locus is back with a new track "Geronimo" after a small hiatus, besides a few singles here and there, since dropping his last project Music Speaks Louder Than Lyrics in July. Johny seems more focused and intent on making excellent music and this track is a perfect example. 

Digital Drop Presents: The Rap Up With Rashad Stark

Digital Drop recently chatted it up with the SNB's own Rashad Stark about his project SOAR 2, his upcoming project Vigilante, his goals and artistry, past projects and more. 

Steezy Grizzlies - Pow ft Johny Locus

Digital Drop's favorite coon Steezy Grizzlies dropped a new track for his birthday earlier this week. Listen as he and fellow SNB member Johny Locus flow over Busta's classic "Woo Hah!! (Got You All In Check)". Be sure to look for Steezy's upcoming project Nineteen when it drops and belated birthday wishes to the God of Grizzlies. 

Rashad Stark - Bxtch I'm Yeezy ft Matt McGhee, Johny Locus & Miles Meraki

In preparation for his upcoming project SOAR 2, Rashad Stark drops the first single "Bxtch I'm Yeezy" featuring Grammy Family members Matt McGhee (JD) and Miles Meraki and SNB member Johny Locus. All artist do well and live up to the title, with each spitting bars full of braggadocio raps. Look for SOAR 2 to drop October 20th and Rashad's next single "Kings of Wylin'" to drop next week.

Steezy Grizzlies - Kogome

Steezy Grizzlies returns to the blogosphere with "Kogome" it's been a while since his last drop GUNDAM but this makes up for the time. It's good to hear some new material from Steezy, it's definitely the first time I've heard Inuyasha referenced in Rap and to make a full track based around it is pretty dope. Props to the young coon for that even if he does hate the show.

PrXnce Hall - Summer Daze

As Summertime begins to near it's end, DMV artist and SNB member PrXnce Hall releases "Summer Daze". I love how the bass comes in during the chorus a nice transition from the laid back sound you hear during the verses. Also, be sure to grab his latest mixtape PARADIGM, it's a pretty dope listen.

Johny Locus - Something To Listen To (Mixtape + Mini Review)

Download:  Something To Listen To

Let's start with a small introduction. Johny Locus is a rapper from D.C. and apart of the SNB, he has only been rapping for seven months and this is his second mixtape. I just want to say that's pretty impressive, now to the tape itself. Something To Listen To is just that, something to listen to while the production and the rhymes don't disappoint they also don't necessarily impress. Let me be clear Johny Locus is a great rapper to have only been rapping for a couple of months, and I do believe he has a bright future. I feel that if he takes sometime to hone his skill, and find his sound his next tape will be great. That being said, STLT is still a awesome listen and one of the best submissions I've ever got. I would definitely recommend you check it out, and I look forward to seeing how Johny progresses with his next project.

Production: 7.5/10
Lyrics: 7.5/10
Replayability: 7/10

Steezy Grizzlies - 500

Download: 500


While we await for G.U.N.D.A.M.'s release, Steezy Grizzlies drops a Punchout "throwaway". First off, great track from the homie Steezy, definitely a different sound from him. rMell did a awesome job with the production, and Steezy does his thing also. I actually prefer this kind of track from the Grizzly God, it fits him well.

Rashad Stark - SNB Anthem ft Steezy Grizzlies

Download: SNB Anthem


Making his debut on the blog is DMV rapper and SNB member Rashad Stark. Rashad reps his team with this joint and is joined by fellow SNB member/co-founder and the homie Steezy Grizzlies. His upcoming project Finally A Hero will be out sometime in March. The track is pretty dope, be sure to check the rest of his music over at his SoundCloud and hit him up on Twitter @RashadStark.