Tuesday, August 19, 2008

"Cocky (Da Original 1)” by T Stuckey (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Michigan (MI))

"Cocky (Da Original 1)" is a three-track hip-hop/party EP from Detroit's own T Stuckey. This youngster comes at you with a ton of muscle. His vocals are full of energy and jump out of the speakers at you. The production behind these tracks is equally impressive, and they are club ready and flat out thump. The arrangements are diverse, well-layered and full. The choice in overall sound also compliments T Stuckey's style very well. Leading off is "I'm Cocky," a light but powerful introduction to the T Stuckey's style featuring a fantastic hook and tons of attitude. "The Playground Legend" is youthfully inspirational, incorporates the great sound into a fun and innocent story, and feautres a great flow from T Stuckey. "Do Ya Thing" wraps things up nicely with a fantastic display of production excellence. If you like well-produced hip-hop albums and want to hear this kid give the big boys a run for their money, pick this EP up.
-William & the RadioIndy.com Review Team
Check out T Stuckey Da Original 1's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, August 18, 2008

"Rap Love (Ghetto Edition)" by Eric Sean X (Hip-Hop/Rap artist from California (CA))

"Rap Love (Ghetto Edition)" is a west coast rap album brought to you by innovative emcee Eric Sean X. Eric Sean X has his own style and brings you a positive and upbeat flair as he tears through crafty verses. There is a nice variety of content on this album, as Eric Sean X deals with many different topics and emotions, both personal and political. The arrangements are quirky, consistent with the concept, and draw you in with some nice hooks. The production quality of "Rap Love (Ghetto Edition)" is good and Eric Sean X's flows are clear. Highlights include the opener, "Rap Love," with a touch of reggae, a tinkly piano line, and a good introduction to Eric's style. "Can't U C" features a crackin' beat, thick fuzz bass, and some nice breaks wrapped around the lyrics. "Little Star" has a techno/house vibe and some cool vocal effects. Overall, "Rap Love (Ghetto Edition)" presents an interesting journey through the mind of the artist. If you enjoy poetic, spiritual rap with a very unique style, give Eric Sean X a try. (WARNING - EXPLICIT LYRICS!)
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Eric Sean X 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Sunday, August 10, 2008

"Forever, Tha World" by Swolts (Hip-Hop Artist from Illinois(IL))

"Forever, Tha World" by Swolts is a true old school 90s rap album remenicent of Dr. Dre and The Notorious B.I.G. The album opens with the hook driven bass heavy track entitled "Time Keeps Slippin". The track also features a slick vocal performance and smooth female backing vocals. It's a winner all around and has all the makings of a single. The album as a whole has a big sound and is top notch as far as "G-Funk" aka Gangster funk albums go. In a genre that fuses two very creative and diverse types of music, this album will be sure to cause a buzz in the mainstream. "Eddie C Wont Stop" is another standout on the album with a infectious hook and ridiculous rhyme flow from Swolt himself. Be sure to check this one out if your a fan of 90s rap/hip hop, or music with some funky grooves and genius lyrical rhymes.
-Ross Shotland

Thursday, August 7, 2008

"Fade to Black - Blood Child" by Clev $ Linx (Hip-Hop Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

"Fade to Black - Blood Child" is a hip-hop jazz album with a heavy Afro soul element composed and remixed by Clev $ Linx. This duo is a powerful force – Lincoln T. Sax, also known as RebeLinx, is a well-touted musician who provides excellent saxophone work, as well as deep and soulful vocals, on the album; Chris Guy, or Clev, provides the excellent and eclectic production edge. Together, Clev $ Linx have crafted a definite winner, with a great blending of genres through collaboration with a variety of hip-hop artists. The sound oozes cool, and the album is creative and highly intelligent, just weird enough, and just hot enough. Highlights include the opener, "Blood Child," which immediately sets the mood by giving you a great glance at the full sound, as well as your first taste of Linx's weathered vocal style. "Fade to Black" presents the uncompromised production style of the group with a killer arrangement and great sounds. "Fat Soul" features a funked-out groove, a nasty beat, and a great, smooth vocal performance. If you enjoy innovative and intelligent hip-hop and soul artists, add this one to your collection.
-William
Check out Clev $ Linx's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Baby Girl" by Low (Hip-Hop Artist from Georgia(GA))

"Baby Girl" is the debut single from southern rap artist Low. Immediately you will be drawn to the classic crunk sound - the big beat, claps and seedy melodic organ. It all comes together with Low's gritty flow and great vocal performances by guest artists Mill and V.I.C. The track encompasses everything you would expect in a song from the "Dirty South". Aside from the big hook, nice arrangement and great performances, you will experience some top-notch production. The track sounds great and the mix highlights some of the great nuances throughout. As far as substance goes, Low's lyrics and vocal presence leave little doubt that he is the real deal. The gruffness in his voice, lyrical content and intent behind his delivery paint a true to life picture. He is a creative force and a definite master of his craft. If you enjoy the sound of the "Dirty South" created by credible artists, put the grab on this single.
-Ross Shotland
Check out Low's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

“Prairie Kid" by Abstract Artform (Hip-Hop Artist from Manitoba, Canada)

When you think of Canada, hip-hop may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but that may just change once you hear Abstract Artform's "Prairie Kid." These guys are trying to keep alive an art form many believe has already peaked and is on its way out of the mainstream. Abstract Artform is the real deal, true emcees that cannot be denied, reminiscent of Jurassic 5, The Roots, and even old school hip-hop like Fab 5 Freddy. The songs are great, with extreme danceability, and the entire album has the potential of beginning a Great Awakening of the hip-hop world. "Prairie Kid" is well-produced, the lyrics and beats crisp and ready for loud and extended play. "Hands Up" is a standout track on this album, with a head-nodding beat and a catchy hook for a chorus. "Here We Are" is another great track that criticizes the disarray of the music industry and how music as an art form is a dying breed. The chorus, "Here we are/We're gonna do something to change the way it is," is a great statement which really captures the present day culture of hip-hop and music in general. Fans of old school hip-hop should definitely pick this one up; keep the art form alive and support up-and-comers like Abstract Artform.
-Ross Shotland
Check out Abstract Artform's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Friday, August 1, 2008

"New Style, New Sound" by Armen (Rap/Hip-Hop artist from Hollywood, California (CA))

"New Style, New Sound" brought to you by "Armen" features a fresh and innovative sound that combines Hip Hop, R&B and Reggae with ethnic elements from the artists heritage: Armenian, Indian and Arabic. The result is a truly unique sound. The sheer dance-ability and high energy will immediately draw you in, as this album is a big party from start to finish. The beats are slick and the arrangements are all well layered. Armen's vocal performance is smooth and that of a legitimate emcee. He has a powerful delivery and an impressive singing voice as well. The album is very well produced and the songs are all radio ready. Highlights are "New Style, New Sound" which kicks the album off with a bang and establishes a club atmosphere right out of the gates. "High Rolla" features a quirky synth lead, a big bumpin' beat and some nice harmonies in the vocals. "Find A Way" lightens things a bit with a delicate piano lead, heart felt lyrics and a fine vocal performance. It's a nice ballad with cool 80's elements. If you enjoy Club/Hip Hop and like to explore what different ethnicities bring to the genre, pick up this creative CD.
-William and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out ARMEN's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites