[Mixtape] Nomad - The Royal House of Thebes

Maryland wordsmith Nomad had been crafting The Royal House of Thebes for almost two years, dropping off the radar to begin work on it after releasing his Nocebo project in late 2012. Coming back to the scene this year with his Unsung Collectiv, what once was an idea now fully realized, the crew dropping its first official project Bucket Boys back in May. In the biggest example of irony The Nomadic One finally found a crew of similar minded individuals to run with and he has become all the better for it. The polish of taking his time with TRHoT is very apparent this is the best you'll hear from him lyrics, production, technical-wise as well the mixing/mastering is better then past projects.

No' has found a nice balance in duration TRHoT isn't too short (Think Again) and isn't overwhelmingly long (Nocebo) with 14 tracks and around 45 minutes in length. It seems as if he has tried to appeal to a wider audience with this project and that isn't to say he has "sold out" or changed his style he just has took past critiques from others into consideration and applied changes where they were needed. Even the production is more versatile then his past works, tracks such as "Theban Alphabet" featuring EZ Gustow and the Ciscero assisted "Royal House" (which is produced by Grammy Family's rMell) deviate from his traditional sound but don't come across as attempts to leave what has made him behind.

These small and simple tweaks give the project great replayability something that has been a weak point in the past. Even with the various styles in production that make up the project the cohesiveness is still there and the interludes (a Nomad signature). I could go on and on about how great this project is but I told myself I would no longer do reviews so before this turns into one (too late?) I'll just recommended you listen for yourself as this is definitely the strongest outing from a great and very under appreciated artist. I'd even go as far to say that it is his magnum opus. With that being said welcome to The Royal House of Thebes...

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[Mixtape] Plue Starfox - GoodBye, For Now

This was initially going to be just a post for "Sugg Manor Savage Island" until I noticed that it was apart of a new tape called GoodBye, For Now from Plue Starfox, which I found out is actually a good listen after I finally made it past the first track. The project composed of one track and seven instrumentals features a very  relaxed and melancholy sound. Honestly one of my personal favorites from the numerous of projects that Plue has put out. Kudos to the awesome Sugg Savage and AccentedSounds for their incredible contributions to the tape. I want a Sugg x Plue EP right now dammit! Make it happen you two.

[Mixtape] Mac Miller - FACES

Happy Mother's Day, have a sammich.

[Mixtape] Unsung Collectiv - Bucket Boys

Bucket Boys is the first project from the Unsung Colletctiv (and if you see the E, drop em') comprised of emcees Nomad and EZ Gustow, producers Eric Barry and DJ 69 among others such as T.Brown. Even with its short duration the tape serves its purpose as a nice introduction to the group and their particular sound. No' and EZ flow well together and have great track chemistry throughout the tape, both have similar rhyming styles but their distinctively different voices set them apart from each other, everyone else and draw you in as a listener. Hopefully a follow up tape is in the works I would love to hear more.  

UGLYFRANK - BOBBY HILL EP

Tacoma, Washington's UGLYFRANK from the ILLFIGHTYOU collective recently dropped his solo debut project BOBBY HILL EP with the duration coming in a little bit under 30 minutes it's a nice introduction to Frank and a solid debut all together. Check it out below: 

[Mixtape] Al Hostile - The Finer Thangz

Al Hostile from Maryland based rap group 3rdiiiUth sent me his debut mixtape The Finer Thangz sometime last month and I finally got around to listening to it today. Just when I think I've found all of the talented artists from the DMV area I always end up hearing another. I'll admit I haven't heard too much of Al or 3rdiiiUth's material aside from a few tracks on SoundCloud but I'll definitely check them out in the future. 

I said I'd stop doing reviews a couple of months ago but I do want to go into detail a bit more on why I like this project. First off I enjoyed the laid back vibe of the tape it makes for an easy listen and in my opinion increases the replay value, I feel like I could throw this on in the crib, car or even at a kickback. Secondly, the production which plays into the whole vibe I was talking about is nice, Al sounds right at home on every track. Lastly, Al himself, as far as rhymes go his is one of the most polished I've heard from the area and I don't know exactly how long he has been rapping but this is a great start for establishing an identity out of his group. 

To wrap this up I highly recommend you check out The Finer Thangz, with the duration of the tape being right under 40 minutes it isn't too long or too short. It's a cool listen the whole way through, props to Al for being to create a cohesive project that doesn't drag on unnecessarily (unlike this write up) and standing out in an area so rich with talent. 

On a related note here is another track Al sent me yesterday entitled "(In)Sight" featuring Kasey Jones and some ill production from the homie Steezy Grizzlies.

[Mixtape] Iceburg Jettson - The People's Champ

The People's Champ the first official project from Iceburg Jettson since adopting his new moniker is full of growth and change but if one thing remains since his Willie Jetts days, is that the dude can make some good music. TPC is one of those rare projects that has a track for everyone, whether you wanna chill, ride around, get hype, smoke or even something for your lady, you'll find it on here. The production is excellent from swanky-bounce to slow and screwed to soulful samples it all works. Credit to all the producers. Jettson not only uses the production but his rhymes to paint a lifestyle of a luxury and riches on most tracks. However, TPC is also very personal something his last tape Commercial Free did well. Touching on his home situation, mother and thoughts, it's easy to hear tracks like "92' Ric Flair" and "Million Dollar Championship" and write off TPC as another braggadocio rap project but it's not. 

Continuing his improvement from CF, lyrically this is Jettson's strongest outing not only having tight verses but flow and concept wise everything is done well. With TPC Iceburg has successfully reinvented himself as an artist, whether intentional or not. He has traded in his violent/weird flows found on "Freaky Friday" and "Facebook Kill" for "93' Lexus" and "All I Do" both which feature a more laid back approachable sound. Personally both work, although I find TPC has more replayability because of that and due in part to the catchy hooks/rhymes something that I've said Jettson is underrated in the past for. Few artists in the game, especially indie wise can match him in that category. All together The People's Champ marks a career best for an artist I feel has yet to even reach his peak, I'm definitely excited to see and hear how Iceburg improves in the future.

Standout Tracks: Intro, 92' Ric Flair. 93' Lexus, Million Dollar Championship, Elder Toguro & Spend Da Night

FINAL VERDICT

+ Great replayabilty

+ Cohesive sound

+ Great production

+ Improvement shown

- Two or three lacking tracks

- Mundane sound towards end of tape

8.5/10  [A Recommend Listen & Download]

Da Mafia 6ix - Murder On My Mind ft SpaceGhostPurrp, Bizzy Bone & Krayzie Bone

Da Mafia 6ix (DJ Paul, Gangsta Boo, Koopsta Knicca on this track) recently released their mixtape 6ix Commandments, which serves as the first full reunion of the group in years. One of the standout cuts from the tape is "Murder On My Mind" which features former Three Six Mafia rivals Bizzy & Krayzie from Bone Thugs N Harmony and SpaceGhostPurrp, who provides the dark instrumentation and hook for the track. Straight murder.

[Mixtape Review] Marki$ Apollo - ChapterXX

Marki$ Apollo is a problem. He is definitely one of the best lyricist in the indie game right now, few can match dude. However, I've known that since listening to his self described "lyrical exhibition" XIII with his project ChapterXX I wanted to know how he stacked up as an artist and I feel CXX proves that Apollo is just more than lyricist. 

The inevitable comparison to Kendrick Lamar is going to come up when discussing Marki$, I don't know he himself has heard them but his flow at times is reminiscent of King Kendrick. It's ironic that the first track "Blvkkk Godz" is over Lamar's "Sherane" but over the course of my listen I found myself moving away from my initial comparison. If anything he is a product of Kendrick's lyricism combined with Pusha T's raw delivery, which is a deadly combination. 

I have to give credit to Apollo for creating one of the most cohesive tapes I've heard since Section.80 and ChapterXX is very reminiscent of it with it's soul sound something that is a trademark of young Apollo. The comparison ends at the production however, the two are very different content wise if Section.80 is for the 80's babies than CXX speaks for the 90's generation. 

Now with most lyrical artist projects can tend to get boring mainly due to weak production (Nas and Lupe come to mind) or due to preachy lyrics/over-the-top lyricism (Cannibus and Jay Electronica i.e.) Apollo keeps it interesting with the production featured on the tape which never bores for the most part. CXX features a nice mixture of highly lyrical tracks and smooth bangers, I definitely recommend listening to it in your car or if you have good headphones or a nice speaker system. The lyrics never outshine the production and vice-versa, the perfect balance. 

I can not praise Apollo's lyricism enough and again the production featured is top notch, a mixture of some familiar industry beats with a enough twist on them to make them Apollo's own and some original. Cohesive sound throughout, it sounds like Marki$ took his time and crafted every track as perfect as possible. Another improvement over his previous effort, HOOKS!!! for a while Apollo didn't have any tracks with a hook or chorus and while it didn't take away from his music I couldn't let him off the hook (no pun intended seriously) when he sent me his various tracks.

Marki$ Apollo is one of the many artist I know personally but he is one of the few I actually can see having what it takes to succeed in the music business. Only time will tell what will be written about him at the end of his time but I honestly believe if he continues on the path he is on, he'll eventually become the success I already see him as. 

FINAL VERDICT

+ High lyrical ability 

+ Cohesive sound

+ Excellent production

+ Clear vision 

- Messing up that Tekken reference (lol)

9.5/10

[Mixtape] Plue Starfox - 3 HEARTS

After revealing his hidden rap skills with "Ada Wong" Plue Starfox has been putting in work on the mic, culminating that into his debut 3 HEARTS. Plue has always been one of the most creative artist I know, with him basically being a nomad of music moving from one sound to the next. Now with a full length mixtape under his belt as a rapper it's even more evidence. 

Beginning with "Welcome To The Velvet Room" which is awesome for its Persona references, the rest of the tape plays out like your going on a trip through the mind of Starfox. Plue's knowledge of anime, video game and Japanese culture is definitely on display for the duration of the project. It's both a plus and minus, if you're a fan of those you'll catch many of the references and lines Plue and guests spit along the way. However, if you just the average rap fan you might end up feeling lost as Plue flexs his mighty Otaku knowledge. 

3 HEARTS production wise is strong, Plue sounds right at home over the dark and gloomy, spacey beats provided mostly by himself aside from two tracks from inf.zero. Along the way Plue grabs some friends for guest appearances with credit to all featured. 

Lupe Fiasco once said "I am American mentally with Japanese tendencies" and I think that one line can sum up 3 HEARTS and Plue himself in essence. It is basically a Toonami block of programming in audio form with each track being a different show and Plue being your host. All together a very solid debut project.

[EP] Nomad - Mythos

The Nomadic One is creating something special with his next full length project The Royal House of Thebes, so in the meantime he dropped an EP called Mythos a rough draft of a concept that will be fully explored and fleshed out on RYoT. Below is just a small taste of what to expect from it. #GodRap

[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] Amber London - Tru 2 Tha Phonk

Recently Raider Klan's first lady Amber London dropped her massive 26 track project Tru 2 Tha Phonk and aside from the length issue I thoroughly enjoyed the tape. It's apparent that London has been influenced by her homestate of Texas and her mentor SGP. Over the course of the tape, Amber London proves she isn't your average female rapper coming through with some of the hardest bars I've heard this year. 

Her true talent shines on tracks such as "Back Bussin $$$" "Servin Fiendz" "Swangin & Bangin 95'" "Get Respect" "Smokin x Chokin" and the hardest track of 2013 by far "Choppa Got Dat Ass Shakin Like A Hoe On Da Flo Nigga". You can essentially listen to these few tracks and grasp the vibe from the whole project but if you like what you hear I'd definitely recommend a full listen. 

[EP] Aceology - #LOSTGEMS VOL.1: EVOLUTIIION

In celebration of his recent birthday AceGawd dropped a project full of unheard/unreleased material and even two sample tracks from his upcoming tape FREEDOM check it out.

[Mixtape] Problem - The Separation

Compton's own Problem drops the No DJ version of his mixtape The Separation. If you haven't heard it yet, Problem expands his sound while still keeping that signature hyphy sound he is known for. One of my favorite tapes of 2013 so far. Check it out. 

[Mixtape] SOPHISTICATED - VXXIXCIII

Recently D.C. artist SOPHISTICATED sent me his VXXIXCII (5/21/93) project it was my first time hearing him and I have to say I'm impressed. One thing that I learned from my listen is that SOPHISTICATED can rap and damn well at that. I would describe VXXIXCII as an lyrical exhibition, the tape both benefits and hurts from that. While it is impressive to hear such lyrical skill in this day and age of commercial rap, an hour plus is extreme. The main issue I had with VXXIXCII was the length of it, one hour and four minutes is waaaay too long. At the half way mark I thought I was coming towards the end of the tape only to realize I had 35 more minutes of listening time. I would've came away with the same feelings I had about the tape if it ended right there, I heard nothing more in the latter half that swayed my already formed opinion. 

If you can get past the long duration there is definitely something special to be heard here, from the production featured on the tape to SOPHISTICATED's lyrical ability and fluid flow, VXXIXCII is honestly one of the best submissions I have ever received and a recommended listen.

[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.

[Mixtape Review] Che - TIT

Back in 2006, Jay-Z referred to Lupe Fiasco as a "breath of fresh air" what Jay was referring to was the fact that Lupe was bringing something new to the rap game which at the time lacked creativity and was stale. If I was asked to describe Che I would use the same exact words. Besides a few artist like Iggy Azalea, Nicki Minaj (depends on who you ask), Angel Haze and Nitty Scott not too many female artist are noticeable. In my opinion Nitty Scott is the best female rapper to come out in the last fives years mainly due to her ability to actually rap and her ear for production. I see the same exact qualities in Che.

TIT benefits mainly from two things, Che's ability to rap well and intelligently and the production. Throughout the entire tape both of these hold true. Not during any point did I think she or the production was slacking. It is also one of the better tapes I've heard mixing wise, most indie releases lack in sound quality but TIT sounds clean. 

Another thing I noticed was Che's versatility not only can she rap but she can sing pretty well too. It added another level to her tracks and kept them personal, as many of her tracks are, by not having to rely on a singer trying to capture her emotions/lyrics. Songs such as "Hard Knock", "Blindz" and "My Rooster" are a few examples. 

One thing rap is missing right now is creative and real subject matter, especially female rap. One of the highlights of TIT is Che's ability to creatively share her personal stories. On TIT she describes her issues/experiences with her father, sexuality, relationships, drugs and life in general. Not one track sounds the same but it all comes together to tell a story and by the end of the tape you'll feel like you've known Che for all her life. Few artist these days can make a tape telling their personal stories and make you care and that was what Che was able to do much like Kendrick Lamar did with good kid, m.A.A.d city. 

Speaking of Kendrick Lamar you can hear a lot of him in Che, his influence is definitely there. However, it never comes off as her emulating him, simply just an admiration for his craft. TIT even features many samples that can be found on Kendrick's tracks, such as Relaspe. It was nice to see how both Che and the producers could use the same sample but flip it into something totally unique and dope. 

To wrap this up, Che dropped what is easily one of my favorite tapes so far in 2013. I can only see things going up for her. With her unique style, fluid flow and lyrical skill Che stands out in an age of clones. Hopefully she can gain the recognition she deserves, she already has gained the eye of Juicy J recently joining him on stage at his show in Pontiac at the Crofoot. I expect to see many more great things from her in the future and this is only the beginning.

Standout Tracks: O.T.A.F.O., GERMZ, Sniper$ and Diaper$, Relapse & Annoying Hippy.

FINAL VERDICT

+ Lyrical skill

+ Great production from the beats to the mixing

+ Subject matter

+ Sharp flow and wordplay

- A bit too long

9.5/10

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[EP] Mann - L.I.S.A.

West L.A. rapper Mann recently released his latest EP L.I.S.A., which just so happens to be one of the best indie releases of the year. Admittedly I was draw to this project because of the cover but I stayed for the music. Mann definitely has his own sound, especially for an California artist, he isn't on that TDE, OF, Bay Area production wave, which is always refreshing. Lyrically L.I.S.A. is strong but the highlight for me was the production. With only seven tracks L.I.S.A. may seem short but the actual length of the tracks prolong the listen, which was my only problem with the project itself. A few tracks could've benefited from being a bit shorter but all in all everything sounds great. 

Stream below or download here