93' Bandits - B A E

Who would've thought a group named the 93' Bandits would put out a song called "B A E" but then again I'm pretty sure no one ever saw this coming either, especially from the same rapper who made this. So I'll let Rashad and Steezy live as I'm obviously not the demographic for this track none-the-less it works and the girls seem to like it.

93' Bandits - Hunnid Fold ft Mike of Doom

The 93' Bandits make their return with "Hunnid Fold" the third single from the duo and tab the "Mayor of 30Whop" himself Mike of Doom. The inclusion of Mike was a great choice as he changes the format for the Bandits' recent singles which have just been them and he of course brings his signature energy to the track. Steezy Grizzlies and Rashad Stark both drop great verses respectively but it's the latter who turns in what just might be his best verse yet. The 93' Bandits have quickly made a name for themselves and with all eyes on them it'll be interesting to see if they'll live up to the expectations when their upcoming project Bandit Shit drops later this year.

Re-Drop: 93' Bandits - "Got Dammit" & "One Time"

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

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. 

[Mixtape] Rashad Stark - SOAR 2

Just about a week ago and after much build up, the SNB's own Rashad Stark dropped his anticipated mixtape SOAR 2. Featuring some solid raps from Rashad and a few guest appearances from fellow DMV artists. The project also features some dope production mainly from Rashad himself, who has grown as a producer since dropping his beat tape Hybrid in June. Rashad Stark is one of those few artist who seem to improve with each project. All together a nice listen from one of the more talented artist in the DMV area. Look for Digital Drop's interview with Rashad dropping sometime November.

Stream and download below

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 - G U N D A M (Mixtape)

Download: G U N D A M

When Steezy Grizzlies dropped Punchout earlier this year I said while it shows promise, I would want to hear a ten to twelve track project for him. With G U N D A M he heard me out and delivered. The progression is what stuck out to me on G U N D A M. From lyrics, to delivery Steezy has improved. Also featured are fellow SNB members Rashad Stark, Sketch Ghouler, Johny Locus, and C.H.E.S.S. Team members Miles Meraki and Knight. With production from rMell, Jaylen!, PrXnce Hall, Miles Meraki and more. G U N D A M features growth from Steezy as an artist and I can only see him getting better with time.

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.