Hip-Hop Went Underground

Artist Lookout- Dizzy Wright

2012-03-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

Dizzy Wright, the new cat signed to Funk Volume. Its no big secret that I am a huge fan of Funk Volume, I saw Hopsin and SwizZz live on my birthday, and got to meet them. Dizzy Wright is the newest member signed to FV, and it was definitely a good call on Hopsin and SwizZz's part. Dizzy Wright is like a cross-breed of Tupac and Wiz Khalifa. He resembles Wiz Khalifa, but his lyrical content is very similar to Tupac, and he even raps over the beat for "Changes." His songs are on the inspirational side, but raps on a range of topics. Dizzy does not have much music out right now, but I am sure that because he is signed to FV now, he will produce much more and better music.

Artist Lookout- Wax and Herbal T

2012-02-24T20:48:00.000-08:00

Even though they do solo work mainly, I decided to review them as a duo because I think they are super dope together, and they are brothers. Honestly, these two brothers are extremely talented, they play just about any instrument you could think of, and they are some of the most lyrically talented emcees I have heard in a very long time. This video should convince you, watch the whole video, the end is extremely lyrically insane and complex.

If you aren't convinced that they are amazing, Wax recently was signed to Def Jam Records, check these dudes out, crazy talented.

Group Rating- 9.9/10 seriously

Why Lil Wayne Is One Of The Worst Rappers Ever

2012-02-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

I don't mean to offend anyone, i'm just calling it how I see it. I don't care if you are a fan of Lil Wayne or if you listen to him, but to say that he is the "best rapper of all time" or to even say that he is any good at all is preposterous. Again, I don't care if you are a fan, but he simply does not have any skill or talent, here is why.

1. Lil Wayne cannot stay on any topic at all. His raps are filled with pointless metaphors, he literally jumps from one metaphor to another, without staying on one topic at all. His metaphors are generally sub-par anyway, they are hit and miss. Sometimes he will have some average metaphors, but most of the time they are so bad it is embarrassing. i.e "i'm hot like dogs" Although I personally am not a fan of metaphors in rap music, I find the occasional metaphor to be tolerable. However I cannot stand an artist like Lil Wayne, who is entirely dependent on metaphors, puns, similies and punchlines. Lil Wayne has never met a bad pun that he did not like.

2. He is completely stuck on the big four: hoes, cars, money, drugs. I almost forgot, he also really likes to remind everyone how he is the best.

3. Most of his lines are either regurgitated from his earlier work, or from some other rapper. I cannot count how many times I have heard the same line with a slight variation on a Lil Wayne song. Not just that, but really Lil Wayne, how many things does "F" stand for in your name? If you have to keep using the same lines, and have to steal lines from other rappers, then you don't have any inherent talent of your own.

4. He kissed Birdman (haha this is a joke, I have absolutely nothing wrong with homosexuality)

5. Most Lil Wayne fans I talk to end up confessing that his beats the best part. Beats are made by producers, not Lil Wayne.

6. He cannot freestyle at all. This one is funny, because people tell me all the time "Lil Wayne can freestyle, look up the videos on YouTube!" I have seen the videos on YouTube, and when I see Lil Wayne freestyle, here is what I see: A radio host tells Lil Wayne to come on the air, he writes a "freestyle" and then raps his "freestyle." (Most of these freestyles use the same lyrics as his songs also) How do I know this, you may ask? Watch this video of Lil Wayne being surprised with a request to freestyle. When he does not have a chance to prepare, he chokes hard. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsyEjQ8a8XI

7. Lil Wayne most likely has ghost writers. I'm not trying to say he definitely does, but when you rap for long enough, you develop some freestyle skills, and as demonstrated in the video above, Lil Wayne does not. His ghostwriters are most likely Ghillie Da Kid or Drake.

There are far more reasons, but I feel this will suffice. If you are still not convinced Lil Wayne is not talented, and you want more proof, comment and let me know, I will write another article.

If Lil Wayne is the best at anything, he is the best at not making sense, rapping about the same stuff, using the same lines, and not having any change in style for the better. Again, I do not care if you like Lil Wayne, but don't ever tell me he is a good rapper, it just is not true.

Artist Review: Kid Cudi

2012-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Kid Cudi is not the best lyricist, and he is not the most talented rapper, but he makes deep music with messages that he truly believes in, and I can totally respect that. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of Kid Cudi, not a huge fan, but I really respect his music and his message. He truly is a beautiful person with a beautiful message that mos t underground rappers are not able to deliver to the masses. He has a very unique sound that has progressed thoroughly through the years. I personally really enjoy his sound, style, and his music. Some of my favorite songs include Soundtrack 2 My Life, Day N Nite, Make Her Say, Pursuit of Happiness, Hyyer, Up Up & Away, Mr. Rager, All Along, and my favorite song, Solo Dolo.

To summarize, if you are looking for some music with some great deep messages, listen to some Kid Cudi, and he is definitely not a one hit wonder, because I am positive I have heard Pursuit Of Happiness on the radio numerous times as well. He is dropping his new album, "WZRD" sometime late February, so be on the lookout for that.

Although Kid Cudi is not my favorite rapper, this tweet from him summarizes my opinion on the rapper. "U can argue who's the best mc, who's the freshest, who sales the most, but it is no contest when I say I am the ONLY one who can do what I do."

Rapper Rating: 9.1/10

Artist Lookout: The Palmer Squares

2012-02-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

I have been following these two promising young rappers for about three months now, and I am very impressed. At first glance you see two pot-heads, but after listening to just one of their tracks, you realize that they are two pot-heads with a Webster's Dictionary vocabulary, and insane lyrics.

The Palmer Squares is comprised of rappers Acumental and Terminal Knowledge. In my opinion, Acumental has the crazy flow, and Terminal Knowledge has the amazingly complex lyrics. Acumental has complex lyrics as well, but not as much as Terminal Knowledge, and Terminal Knowledge has flow, but not as much as Acumental. These two young cats are still extremely under the radar, but I can very well see them rising to prominence in the near future. Here is one of Terminal Knowledge's best line.

"Yo once the Philly sparks up, we get really bonkers,
I got a million bars and they sweeter than Willy Wonkas."
And here is one of Acumental's best lines.

"When I regurgitate an apothegm it circulates a pathogen,
I'm terminating rappers high on purple haze and acumen.
The murder rate is staggering so pearly gates ain't happenin,
these perpetrating cats will grab the birdies cage and rattle it,
I'm accurate,
Perforate your sternum and your abdomen.
The fury of a graduate,
cursing the establishment."

In conclusion, you will probably be hearing from these two young, very talented rappers, a lot in the future. Keep your eye out on them, and check them out for sure. They may not be the best rappers, but not many rappers spit so well this early in their careers. Keep an eye out on these guys.

Group Rating: 9.2/10

People Under The Stairs- Acid Raindrops

2012-02-07T12:14:00.000-08:00

A couple days ago I reviewed a group called People Under The Stairs. Well here is one of my favorite songs by them right now. It is pretty much what hip-hop should sound like, good stuff. Take a gander.

Artist Review- Mac Miller

2012-02-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

It used to be Mac Miller, but these days I just refer to him as Whack Miller, because that is exactly what he has become. Mac Miller started out very promising for me, creating great hip-hop songs such as "Kool-Aid and Frozen Pizza" and "Nikes On My Feet." But his first studio album Blue Slide Park, has an entirely mainstream sound, which made me lose all respect for him. Considering the fact that he was still quite popular while making true hip-hop songs, he could have done a lot for the current state of rap in mainstream music, but instead he decided to make terrible mainstream music just to make a few extra bucks, and that dissapoints me very much. I hope he will realize that he should be making true hip-hop, and hopefully incorporate that into his next album or single, but it is unlikely.

K.I.D.S Mixtape Rating- 8.5/10
Best Day Ever Mixtape Rating- 8.3/10
Blue Slide Park Rating- 5/10

People Under The Stairs

2012-02-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

This is a group that has just recently been playing on my iPod, believe it or not. I have hundreds of gigabytes of underground rap and hip-hop on my computer, and I have had people tell me to check out People Under The Stairs, but I just recently got around to it. I cannot believe I have not heard these guys before, they are simply amazing and talented rappers. People Under The Stairs is a hip-hop group from L.A. formed in 1997 by rappers Double K and Thes One. They are the most successful fully independent hip-hop duo ever. They have self-managed and produced 7 full-length albums and countless singles and side projects. They boast a dead on hip-hop sound and vibe, along with talented lyricism and relevant topics.

Some tracks to check out would be "Acid Raindrops", "Los Angeles Daze", "Youth Explosion", "San Francisco Knights", and"Montego Slay." I would tell you to download a specific album, but they are each equally amazing in their own unique way, download them all if you can. This group is very talented and are really at the core of what hip-hop is about. Check these dudes out.

Artist Review: Eminem

2012-02-05T12:24:00.000-08:00

Let me start off by saying that I have a great deal of respect for Eminem. He is one of the most talented lyricists ever. Now that I have said that, Eminem is softer than a jelly doughnut these days. Plain and simple, he is not the artist he used to be. So I am going to literally ignore his work today, and review him as the artist who created The Slim Shady LP, not the artist who created "Love The Way You Lie."

Okay, The Slim Shady LP is one of the best rap albums put out to date, and can not be touched by most rappers dead or alive. The lyrical skill and flow on this album almost cannot be matched.

"I feel like i'm walking a tightrope without a circus net,
I'm poppin percocet,
imma nervous wreck,
I deserve respect,
but I work a sweat for this worthless check,
about to burst this tech at somebody to reverse this debt.
Minimum wage, got my adrenaline caged,
full of venom and rage,
ecspecially when I'm engaged,
and my daughter is down to her last diaper,
that's got my ass hyper.
I pray that God answers,
maybe i'll ask nicer."
-Rock Bottom

Those lyrics are pretty hard to touch, and most rappers cannot even come close. The Slim Shady LP is crude and hilarious, and at the same time, filled with some of the best lines to ever grace the face of Hip-Hop. Eminem writes about problems from his childhood and adult life, that many people can relate to. At the same time, he manages to make hilarious tracks about subjects ranging from drugs to spousal abuse. The album went quadruple platinum, and although record sales are not always indicative of skill, this album is an exception.

Then Eminem came out with The Marshall Mathers LP. Which is honestly just as great as his first album. This album is filled with more aggression and storytelling, which is not necessarily bad or good, it just depends on your preferences. Eminem has definitely evolved as an artist on this one, and many songs are very dark and personal (Kim and Stan.) This album will pull you in and make you shiver all night, this is definitely Eminem in his prime.

Those are the only two albums that I am going to judge Eminem by. I am not trying to say that The Eminem Show and Encore were not great albums, but once you have created two of the best rap albums ever, it is hard to live up to them, and his intensity gradually faded after The Marshall Mathers LP in my opinion.

In conclusion, Eminem is one of the best rappers ever, period. He has the ability to create really deep tracks, really funny tracks, really dark tracks, and everything in between. At the same time he still possesses a certain lyrical talent and flow that only a few rappers have and only a few rappers will ever have. Even though I personnally feel that Eminem is losing his intensity, I also understand that he is maturing, and maybe does not want to keep his Slim Shady Era persona. I completely agree with him on that, but I really wish he would not sell his soul to the devil and do tracks with Rihanna and Nikki Minaj.

Rapper Rating- 10/10
My recommendation, go out and buy/download his albums Infinite, The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP

My Review of Hopsin- Raw

2012-02-04T14:47:00.000-08:00

First things first, if you like Eminem from the Slim Shady era then you should buy this album. If there was one word to describe the album, then it would have to be "raw." When Hopsin was asked his opinion of the word raw, he gave this answer.I think raw is always just, raw. The definition will never change. It means raw talent. You’re not scared to say what you feel. A lot of rappers today aren’t raw. The ones that are don’t get the proper shine. Raw is shredding emcees up, how Canibus was back in the day. The old Slim Shady, that’s raw. DMX. That raw aggression, the I-don’t-give-a-fuck style. Tupac had it. A lot of rappers had it. In their opinion a new definition of raw has evolved but it’s not really raw though. I don’t really know anybody in the commercial world that’s raw anymore.” That is exactly what this album is, and it is very refreshing.

A lot of people say he sounds like a black Eminem, and a lot of people say he doesn't, that he sounds like Hopsin. Well I agree with both sides of the story, he has a undeniable Eminem-like flow that just stands out. He disses rappers in a similar manner, and likes to clown just like Slim Shady. But he also has his own style that sticks out from Eminem. On this album he very much resembles Eminem, but he also has his own style that is also very evident on this very well-crafted album. Hopsin dropped this little underground gem of an album in November of 2010, but unfortunately, it did not receive any mainstream success. It really is a great album, and Hopsin really could do what he says, bring rap out of its slump (everything on the radio.)

Hot Songs
Sag My Pants
Trampoline
Nocturnal Rainbows
I'm Not Crazy
Baby's Daddy

Album Rating: 9.7/10

Atmosphere- Sunshine

2012-02-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

First Atmosphere song I ever heard, and I've been hooked ever since. This used to be the first song I would listen to in the morning as I walked to the bus stop. I also used to bump this all summer long, good times. This song perfectly depicts summer for me, and I think Atmosphere's ability to do that is what makes him so great.

Artist Review: Aesop Rock

2012-02-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

A lot of people think that Aesop Rock just makes up sentences that sound cool. I think it is entirely the opposite, if you closely examine all of his lyrics, you can find deep meaning in every sentence of every song. Aesop Rock is quite the lyrical genius, and it is sad to see that people think he is fake, because those people are sadly just not intelligent enough to see the beauty in his words. Although Aesop may not be the best rapper, he is a beautiful lyricist and has some brilliant lines in all of his songs. I recommend you check this dude out if you haven't heard of him, because he is mad dope. Here is my favorite Aesop Rock quote.

"If the Jesus piece around your neck is bigger than your pistol,
it makes homicide okey dokey and your God will forgive you.
Just show the saints at heaven's gate you should be on the list,
I hear he overlooks manslaughter for a tattooed crucifix"

Damn......

Artist Rating: 9.5/10

My Review of Grieves- Irreversible

2012-02-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

If you are a fan of the rapper Atmosphere, then I recommend you go buy this album. Grieves is quite possibly one of the best rookie indie Rap/Hip-Hop artists in the game right now. He is signed to Rhymesayers, which I think is an indication of how good he must be. Everyone of his songs is very powerful, and you can feel very powerful emotions in his words. The lyrics are pretty amazing, and the instrumentals are very unique to a rap album, but they are not entirely original or groundbreaking. Everything about this album feels natural, and I think this album is Grieves best work to date. Grieves is the best rapper at expressing emotions in my opinion. If you like Atmosphere or anyone from Rhymesayers, check this dude out, and buy this album.

Rapper Rating: 9.8/10
Album Rating:10/10

Artist Lookout: Homeboy Sandman

2012-02-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

This dude is amazing, if you really like abstract and unusual hip-hop, then check this guy out. He was featured on MTV's Made and is slowly becoming known by people, but he is still very unknown. He boasts a nasty flow, and abstract beats and lyrics. Definitely a true artist. Check him out yo.
Rapper Rating: 9.5/10

Masta Ace- Beautiful

2012-02-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

"I see a black man aiming his gun,
but i'd rather see a black man claiming his son"

We need more rap like this around, it's so real. Why anyone would listen to Lil Wayne when this exists is beyond me.

Eyedea Rapper Rating

2012-02-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

I cannot give enough praise to the skill and talent of rapper Michael Larson. He is a great rapper, and a very well-rounded one. He can kill in a freestyle or rap battle. Check it.

He can also make the most deep and profound songs you may ever hear. This is one of my favorite songs off my favorite hip-hop album ever.

Eyedea has unlimited lyrical talent, but sometimes his beats don't live up to his lyrics. He is one of the best rappers ever in my opinion, his songs are literally beautiful works of art. If you do not own his album "First Born," then I highly recommend you get it, most of the songs will blow you away. All in all, Eyedea is a very well-rounded rapper, and he has insane talent and flow, check him out if you are interested, but you will be hearing much more about him on this blog.
Rapper Rating: 10/10 for sure

Grieves

2012-01-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

"Cause in the morning I don't see the right reflection,
that foggy mirror after my shower I see rejection.
And i'm not saying i'm depressed
seems to be a common theme today

these children try to hate themselves
but don't know why they feel that way."

Grieves is just a great rapper. He is one of the newer members on Rhymesayers, and he invokes the same emotions that Slug does for me. He really is a great rapper, and is in my personal top ten favorite rappers. Check out some of his music if you never have.
Rapper Rating. 9.8/10

Jedi Mind Tricks

2012-01-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

Jedi Mind Tricks feat. R.A. The Rugged Man- Uncommon Valor (A Vietnam Story)
One of the most powerful hip-hop songs to ever surf my earwax. Jedi Mind Tricks did a great job on this song, but R.A. The Rugged Man definately took the spotlight on this song with great lyrical content, nice flow, and a very descriptive picture of what the Vietnam War was like to some people. In my opinion this is what hip-hop is all about, music that can tell a story and invoke powerful emotion. Just a great song.
Song Rating: 9.8/10

Atmosphere

2012-01-28T17:23:00.000-08:00

When Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold- Atmosphere
Atmosphere is one of the best Indie rappers in my opinion, if not the best.
Rapper Rating 10/10

Aesop Rock, Daylight

2012-01-27T17:49:00.000-08:00

"Life's not a bitch, life is a beautiful woman. You only call her a bitch cause she won't let you get that pussy. Maybe she didn't feel y'all shared any similar interests, or maybe you're just an asshole who couldn't sweet talk the princess." -Aesop Rock

MF DOOM- Doomsday

2012-01-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

MF DOOM
Doomsday
Great Song, MF DOOM is one of my favorite rappers, and with this song, it's easy to see why. Nice and easy flow, pretty good lyrics, nice beat.
Song Rating: 9.5/10
Album Rating: 9.5/10