Leap of Faith by Aye Sincere- A King Dice Experience (Album Review)

I won’t do this often, I’m not Anthony Fantano and I really have no desire to be. I’m an emcee, a producer, and a damn good artist.  With that comes my ability to find, analyze, and promote good music. Aye Sincere is an artist I’ve had the pleasure of watching grow. I jumped at the chance when I was invited to his album listening party for Leap of faith. I pulled up to Serious Cartoons Records in San Bernardino and settled into a nice spot on the couch. As I became one with the cushions the lights were dimmed and Sincere spoke briefly about the project. Then he hit play…

1.Leap of Faith- The album opens with a skit setting the theatrical tone of the album. The opening track is an introduction to the “live instrumentation” feel this album has. This track feels like goodbye to rapper known as Young Sincere.
2. Are you Okay- the influence of Anderson.Paak is obvious, but with a twist. On the second track we get introduced to the new persona of Aye Sincere, shedding the veneer of Young Sincere for a more mature tone and higher level of artistry.
3. Let Go- Nicklaus Grey can be heard lending his voice to the hook of Let Go. Propaganda does a great job of complimenting the voices and styles laid before us on this song. The trio really create magic on this song
4. Leap Down- This song is an upbeat one.
5. Fall Away pt. 3- Aye Sincere creates a haunting vocal intro that bleeds into another upbeat song. By this song I was craving something new, not because the songs are bad, but I began to feel the diversity in the album was lacking. Had the song adopted the identity of Nicklaus Grey’s bridge It would have been a well needed break from the 1-2-3-4 up beat songs we’ve gotten so far.
6. Glide- Ask and you shall receive. This song is a demonstration of the ability for Aye Sincere to show his ability to craft songs from tapping in with Nicklaus Grey for vocals again to utilizing CJ Wesley’s ability to blend in with the established feel of the album.
7. Earthbound- another song you could hear at Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe. There is definitely a deliberate intention to capture this specific sound. Instead of being another rapper in a sea of sound-alikes, Aye Sincere does a great job of setting himself apart in a way that I think will set him up for huge opportunities and future successes.
8. Come Back Home- if you go to buffets and like to get a little bit of everything, this song is for you. I mean, I like it, it IS a good song. I just feel like the artist I just spent 7 songs getting to know is lost on this track. Again, not a bad song but if I heard this song first and listened to the rest of the album, I feel like I would think they were two different artists.

Aye Sincere is Anderson.Paak plus Chance the Rapper times Childish Gambino circa Because the Internet with a generous helping of West Coast I.E. flavor people have come to expect from this region. This album feels like you’re sitting in on a well-polished band’s practice sets, the chemistry pours through the speaker even when guest features grace the various songs. It all just works. The growth can’t be ignored. All too often artists grow and change in name only but Young Sincere becoming Aye Sincere isn’t just a superficial transformation. The songs, the vibe, and the skill has evolved. August 30th the album drops.

RIBs: Reviews in Brief for week of 09/20/2017 featuring King Arthur & Tru Speech

Been catching up on new and not-so-new albums so I'll be bringing back RiBs for a couple weeks, let's see how it goes.

King Arthur of Thee Brown Plague’s Revenge of the Mixtape Rapper is a super fun romp through classic and modern hip-hop beats from a confident MC who speaks in crisp rhymes and fresh flows. I prefer the positive songs to the ones about sexcapades but I am becoming an old dude and ultimately think that it’s all executed very well. There’s a lot of both on this tape; I particularly enjoy how some of the beats are exact replicas while some are slightly rearranged versions of the beats the tape borrows from. Arthur’s flexibility of cadence on both old school boom-bap and nu-rap tracks is seamless. Something else I like about this tape is how Arthur’s performances makes all the production sound of one era even though these beats traverse decades. Don’t sleep on King Arthur and his squad Thee Brown Plague, a live act that has energy and cooperation unlike any other.

Tru Speech’s Forgetting Tomorrow is a nocturnal dreamy adventure soundtrack about desires, whimsy and clashing against what other people in one’s life want from you. While many albums I’ve listened to lately have smartly and gamely tackled depression holding people back from their lives, Speech’s record is about, it seems to me, how his protagonist persona’s lackadaisical way of life throws off people in it, particularly the women pursuing him. Just when you think the pressure of I.E. life (that pressure being to set yourself up economically, be a good friend to your squad, to not be so flaky with the girls you date and more) is going to get him to focus outside of himself he gets lost in another wordy daydream of tangents and fantasy. It could almost be a metaphor for the kind of diabetic that lapses into hallucinogenic realms when blood-sugar is low. Speech’s similes are delightful and amusing in their cleverness and I.E. specificity (“blow up on YouTube like super hot fire…”) but what I find even more entertaining is his tendency to play with every formulation of a word and similar sounding syllables as he tumbles through a rhyme-scheme. It’s nonchalance and baritone delivery remind me of the Herbalistic’s Greaseball but the values expressed and the instrumentals used (made by all-stars like Nabeyin, Curtiss King, OhGoshLeotus and more ) are certainly consistent with those usually expressed by members of the Over Everything crew, whose members C.J. Westley and Cam Archer, show up at various points for perfectly executed appearances. I’m aware that JooseBoxx has pretty thoroughly covered this album before but like everything on Wiggy Wednesdays, this weekly column just kind of reflects my recent ear-diet.  It’s impressive that each Over Everything project feels of one brand while exhibiting different flavors. Enjoy this throwback!

Tristan "Tanjint Wiggy" Acker is a staff writer for JooseBoxx, youth hip-hop writing instructor with CHORDS Enrichment Youth program (chordseyp.org) and member of the Inland Empire nerdcore hip-hop group the West Coast Avengers. Catch more of their work at westcoastavengers.com, follow Tristan on Twitter @Tanjint or e-mail him at tristanacker@gmail.com

Don't Judge The Boy, He Just Livin': Album Review of Cocamania by Cam Archer

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R.I.B. of N I G H T T I D E by 86 Joon

Review in Brief  of N I G H T T I D E by 86 Joon
Written by King Dice

From the streets of Pomona, California to Paris, France the globetrotting 86 Joon has delivered a composition of some of his favorite songs recorded while touring. NIGHTTIDE is an all-you-can-listen buffet of sounds ranging from experimental tempo-warping soul flows like the song Do it For The Love to live drum kit driven songs a la No ID like the song KURT (Po'Up). Most of the production is handled by GS the Genius and Maine_Beatz (with mixing by GS on most if not all of the tracks) but we do hear Soon, B.A.S.E., and HiddenVanilla lend a hand. The features on this project are sparse and I think that's a great thing although Noa James, Apollo, and RamirV make appearances that do add to the overall feel of the work. I also must mention Alone on the Moon for being one of the gret standout tracks on NIGHTTIDE. The SBTRKT sample of Sampha's voice is flame. I see you GS!

Extra: Tell Me (Ft. Apollo) (Prod. By HiddenVanilla)- Easily my favorite song on the project. The sample compliments the beat which compliments the flow which compliments the singing. I would dare to say this song epitomizes the perfect recipe. Apollo and 86 Joon killed this!

Hold the: Efflictim RMX - Kid Cudi & Joon Speaks (Prod. By @GStheGenius)-  On a project where we get to experience 86 Joon raw, the splash of Kid Cudi in the mix dilutes what otherwise would be 86 Joon uncut and unfiltered from beginning to end. With songs like Hotel in London that feel so real and personal, the last thing I want (even if it is just as pure) is the 86 Joon story as told by Kid Cudi.


 

Pot Shots w/ Tristan ( Ep. 1: Seefor Yourself- Emotional Rollercoaster Album Review) #EmotionalRollercoaster #SeeforYourself

Pot Shots is a new segment by us in which we talk about whatever we want. This episode we are talking about emcee Seefor Yourslef's latest release Emotional Rollercoaster. Tune in, share it, like it, all that jazz. Get at the links below to follow and stay involved with all the people mentioned in this episode. 

Buy Seefor Yourself's album here:

http://www.iamseeforyourself.com/

Keep up with Tristan:

http://www.WestCoastAvengers.com

Follow JooseBoxx.com on Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/TheJooseBoxx

Funny Fundamentals: a Review of Johnny Greaseball (of the Herbalistics)’s Bad Cat EP

Cover to The Bad Cat EP, designed by Joey “Johnny Greaseball” Palmerin

“You could say that Johnny GreaseBall has some character flaws.” 

Johnny Greaseball reminds me of Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk. He’s actually a really nice and rather young mild-mannered fellow but is a huge even intimidating presence when he does what he was born to do. His talking persona is unsure, humble, and human whereas his rapping persona is a beast with steel-toe boots and metal on his knuckles. This dichotomy is illustrated beautifully as the album’s opening song “Back” begins and while talking Joey Palmerin (Grease’s real name) says tentatively, “I love everything…” before Johnny Greaseball comes in and starts stompin’ shit with “I hate everybody and I hate everything…” His music is full of contradictions.

To call the Bad Cat project an EP is almost inaccurate; the album is only about 5 minutes shorter than classic hip-hop albums like “Illmatic” and Warren G’s “Regulate…G-Funk Era”. Grease’s rapping persona generally keeps topics light even as he employs incisive observations, impressive vocabulary and intelligent phrasing. His voice is low and and sonorous even as he uses a lightning quick flow that creates entertaining syncopated rhythms that remind one of a boulder rolling down a mountain. Greaseball produced most of the album’s beats himself. I am pretty smitten with the warm sounds of the drum breaks on the album. The rhythms are often simple and old school hip-hop that Greaseball makes the best of. People often say of Joey Badass that it sounds like his music was recording in the mid 90’s and I feel similarly about Greaseball.

The giveaway that it’s not is the I.E. stories he tells. He talks of Riverside or “the swamp” and his ne’er do well adventures: getting kicked out of the house by moms, being scandalous to the local girls and taking stupid risks to help friends get high. What he’s describing is a relatable Inland Empire young person’s existence. His wordy self-deprecating humor makes him an ideal representative of our lifestyle. Songs like “Hide Away”, “Back” and “On My Mind” show him spitting hard on unassuming mid-tempo tracks. “On My Mind” and “Hide Away” feature him singing over old 70s songs for the choruses.” Take a Second”, “Change Gon Come” and “Mary Jane” show he can rap fast and with concepts. “Dedicated” is a moving and honest track about young love gone wrong. “Hollow” is a Ppaacce produced banger in which Greaseball crushes almost as if to say, “look ma, my first album!”

One can’t overstate how effortless Greaseball makes his powerful poetry sound. His production is creative but for the sake of highlighting the vocals they are innovating more with rhythm than with melody. The simple melodies are part of the humor of the album. Greaseball’s MC persona insists “I’m just your everyday schlub and I happen to like rappin’.” He is a 40’s newsboy trapped in a mid-aughts Latino. He is an east coast goombah trapped in the California desert. He is a rapping hulk inside a gentle giant of a man. Be on the lookout for young Johnny Greaseball and his standout Riverside group with MC Lyfe, The Herbalistics. He’s probably the future if you little scallywags will sit down and frickin’ listen for two seconds.

The Herbalistics and the Sunny Days and Vibes comes back to Back 2 Tha Grind in Riverside on January 10th. Get Johnny Greaseball's Bad Cat EP HERE

--Tristan Acker

Tristan “Tanjint the Wiggy Woo” Acker is a San Bernardino based writer, performer and musician; he holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from California State University at San Bernardino. 

You can read his poetry at Squalorly, Inlandia, El Portal, Dead Flowers and other print and online magazines. 

Listen to his work and his work with his band the West Coast Avengers at westcoastavengers.com. 

Follow him on twitter @Wiggism or e-mail him at tristanacker@gmail.com.

Away From The Negative : Review of “Cloud ‘92” EP by Zzay; Produced by Nugget

Zzay and her producer Nugget have teamed up for a chill and funky modern R&B hip-hop
sampler platter of deliciousness called “Cloud ‘92” presumably a reference to Zzay’s birthyear. Zzay has been making some noise with her constant collaborations with local artists (full disclosure, my band the West Coast Avengers have some collabs with Zzay in the works as well) since moving to the Inland Empire from Los Angeles area in recent months so for certain crowds, her debut EP has been highly anticipated. Zzay’s strong singing is well-served by Nugget’s clean, melodic and professional production. “ 1 Up” introduces her thoughtful, tastefully angsty young sounds to us in a laid back way. Her vocal lines are gorgeous and there’s a certain sense of stream of consciousness to even her sung lines that resemble freestyle rap. “Find A Way Out” continues her relatable tales of paying bills and keeping a hold of oneself in today’s fast paced world of high rent and shaky lovers. The interludes provide a nice touch of artistry and electronica; despite their brief nature, they contribute to the relaxed feel of the album. “Transitions” nicely expounds upon what the speaker wants, “roll another because we get so high”. On this and a few other tracks Zzay raps as well as sings; her raps are earnest, loose, and often humorous. Given that it has her rapping over her own sung vocal lines, “Sun Song” is a nice track to end the record on. The Notorious B.I.G. remix outro is a nice nod to the 90s era the album pays homage too. Don’t sleep on Zzay; also catch her in Pasadena performing with Belzar on January 17th. 

Get "Cloud ‘92” EP by Zzay HERE

--Tristan Acker

Tristan “Tanjint the Wiggy Woo” Acker is a San Bernardino based writer, performer and musician; he holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from California State University at San Bernardino. 

You can read his poetry at Squalorly, Inlandia, El Portal, Dead Flowers and other print and online magazines. 

Listen to his work and his work with his band the West Coast Avengers at westcoastavengers.com. 

Follow him on twitter @Wiggism or e-mail him at tristanacker@gmail.com.

The New Nerdcore and the Desert Suburbs: a review of King Dice’s Red Mahogany Drive

The album opens with a self-titled intro that paints suburbia: moms and their kids, dads and
their bags for work. The production is tentative, hinting that this begins a journey.  The song progresses into depicting the harsher truths of urban life as well. This rings true to me. The I.E. is part suburbia and part hood, especially after 2008’s recession. Follow this link to read more...

Review of Calligraphy's "The Pessimist" Album

JooseBoxx.com brings to you another in-depth review. Calligraphy also known as D.J. Calligraphy, resident D.J. of I.E. hip-hop landmark The Common Ground, gives us his debut project The Pessimist. Produced entirely by Kill That Noise Beat Battle winner Oh Gosh Leoutus and featuring the talents of Hardwerk, D'zyl 5k1, and songstress Samantha J. Here it is after the break...

Review of Curtiss King's "Atychiphobia" Album



JooseBoxx.com brings to you our review of Black Cloud Music’s latest project. The I.E. icon known for his on stage performances and long list of production credits, drops his first album on the heels of his “Kings & Queens” short film which documents the weeks leading up to the Paid Dues Independent Hip Hop Festival. The much anticipated album "Atychiphobia" by Curtiss King is finally here…

Atychiphobia (Intro) (feat Bee Tarver) (Prod. by Villain)

The Sweeping synths that open up this song really give the joint a panoramic feel. A bigger picture swagg, if you will. Bee Tarver really holds it down on the vocals. The combination of her voice and Villain’s beat really compliment each other. The mysterious voice at the end further solidifies what I’m sure will become a debate for many years to come…. Is it A-Tik-UH-Fobia or A-TiCH-Uh-Fobia?! Curtiss definitely says it with the tick… MV (Mystery Voice) says tich. I don’t know. I’ll tell you this though, if you skipped this song, you wouldn’t be missing much and I’ll explain more about that in a second.

The Fear of Failure (feat Art Barz) (Prod. By JBizness)

To digress for a second, the songs Atychiphobia and The Fear of Failure seem redundant to me. There will be some who disagree but I think its like buying Coke and Pepsi…. Some people need one over the other while others (like me) only see cola. I prefer The Fear of Failure. The catchy hook had me the first time I heard it. Fellow Black Could Music artist Art Barz lends himself to the joint and to keep it simple… it works.

Hella Close (Prod. Villain)

This will definitely speak to anybody who dreams of being a successful musician. This reminds me a lot of how the movie 8 Mile made me feel the first time I saw it. The concept of “being close to your dreams and watching how those around you change” certainly isn’t new but its rare when that concept is tailored to a specific relatable craft like being an emcee AND is done so well. It’s hilariously ironic that the sample on the tail end of the song sums up what I’m trying to say…

“Back then hoes didn’t want me, now I’m hot, hoes all on me”

Ratchets Still Jockin’ (Prod. By Tae Beast)

Do you really have to fake it ‘til you make it? Can you pull a ratchet or two if you feeling bummy? I have always invested in the theory that you most certainly can! If you agree this song is for you. I think Curtiss King aims to make “keeping it REALLY real“ cool. Bullseye.

OhMyGod (Prod. By Jansport J)

First and foremost this beat is ILL. Mad love to Jansport J for doing the damn thing! it’s a beautiful thing when the beat and lyrics of a song come together so nicely. I could not imagine this song any other way…. In my opinion, those are the makings of a CLASSIC! I mean that in every sense of the word. This song is definitely one of my favorites! The highlight of this song comes late in the second verse, in which Curt explains how his “lady gave him balance”. This song is a MUST listen!

No Negativity Around Me (feat Jynxx) (Prod. Ayiro)

The part I enjoy most about this song is the insight into how “Life after Paid Dues” has affected Curtiss. Black Cloud Music’s Jynxx (often behind the scenes) lends his voice to this track, giving us a nice little change up from what one might expect of him. I’ve been around Jynxx more than a few times and probably have only heard him saw 5 or 6 words but you definitely get the full effect of his identity as an emcee on this track. In closing, nice song, ill solos at the end, and cool production.

The Freshest (feat Alori Joh) (Prod. By A3)

Alori Joh is vicious with the vocals… She definitely has a powerful and beautiful voice. I think the standout second verse which explains how Curtiss feels about his friend Alori who passed away in early 2012. This is a very deep and powerful verse and I probably could have done without the first verse entirely. I know putting your inner most feelings in your music for others to judge, and comment, and talk about is no easy task and I commend Curtiss King for opening up as he did with this song. The words he speaks on this joint could very well lift someone from a dark place in a time of need. May Alori Joh rest in peace.

Acrophobia (feat Mickey Taelor & David May) (Prod. By Osym)

Upon first listen I instantly felt Osym was channeling Timbaland with this track. It sounds a lot like My Love by Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.. Mickey Taelor holds her own. David May is definitely staking his claim as one of Black Cloud’s young up-and-comers. Although it is a cool song…this track is skippable. I couldn’t find anything “special” about this track.

Post It Note (Interlude) (Prod. By Jansport J)

Another standout joint by a duo I’m beginning to really become fans of; Curtiss King and Jansport J. I always find it a privilege to hear these intimate glimpses into an artist’s personal life. Especially when they feel as real as the ones on this project feel.

Loyal Mrs. (feat Noa James) (Prod. By OhGoshLeotus)

Again, Curtiss hit’s the nail on the head with a reboot of a common theme. This is the “I need a ride or die chick” mixed with reality and a dash of “smoothed out beat” provided by OhGoshLeotus and a pinch of the raw stylings of Noa James. I love the concept but I could have passed on the singing ant the end. It’s just not for me.

In My Zone (feat Phantom Thrett) (Prod. By Osym)

Osym strikes again with the type of abstract beats I live for. Listeners are treated to another cameo by a Black Cloud Music artist in Phantom Thrett. I like Phantom’s interesting dynamic as an emcee/singer and how different he sounds when he leans towards any given talent. All in all this is another standout track on the album.

The Bottom (feat Brooke Taylor) (Prod. By Hutch)

I’m not one for sad songs. This song is like getting kicked while you’re down. I’m not really feeling Brooke Taylor on this joint either. Definitely a “skip” for me.

Fvck Cancer (Prod. By Villain)

One of my favorite songs on this album. A triumphant song indeed. Whether you hear the song with the disease in mind or how people can be cancerous. The title says it all. Villain truly outdid himself with the production on this song, it captures all the emotions and feelings associated with winning. This song and it’s various messages are ULTRA-relatable. Bang Bang.

Sade.Badu.Jill (The Remedy) (Prod. By Villain)

One of the best parts of this song is during the verse when us listeners get yet another glimpse into the soul of Curtiss King. Anecdotes of being the odd kid take you to those very playgrounds. The storytelling in verse one is great.

Doorknobs (feat Faimkills) (Prod. By BK Beats)

This beat is amazing! The story, the message, the feelings this song conjures in my heart… truly a beautiful piece. Black Cloud emcee Faimkills’ lyrics gracefully meander up and through the melodies of this track. Even Mr. Mystery Voice at the end adds a certain sense of completeness to this song. I could hear this in movies or on TV shows or something. Awesome shit.

OTG (Prod. By Curtiss King)

I know I can’t be the only one surprised that we went 15 tracks deep into this album before we heard some Curtiss King production on this thang. Curtiss gets all sultry voiced with his rendition of Mokenstef’s He’s Mine. Grizzly-ass flip! On The Grind! I really enjoyed it and I think you will too!

Ratchets Still Jockin’ (Remix) (feat Glasses Malone & Hit-Boy) (Prod. By Tae Beast)

I find it gratifying that mainstream artists recognize the skill and hard work coming from this man. I love Curt’s verse on the remix, it has a lot more personality in it. I also think it was a good move to lighten up what otherwise would have been a very serious end to the album. Glasses Malone and Hit-Boy add very different and distinct dimensions to the song. I know, Glasses Malone and Hit-Boy are a strange combination but hey, it works for me.

In Closing….

The album is dope. You can’t walk into this looking for many hype songs like Sinbad, but what you will get is a peek into what makes a man like Curtiss King tick. You will hear the gears and cogs that make him who he is, though song. There is a mystery voice that makes an appearance every song or two, that’s… different. I think this is history in the making.

Grade: A-

You can purchase Atychiphobia HERE or HERE

Review of Fourteenk's "Operation Au" EP

Whats good yall! It’s Yung Miss here with another one… I first heard about Fourteenk after seeing a Music video they did for a “Make It Rain” remix they did with Theory Ole. From there I kept a wide open eye and ear for anything the group released but I missed something! In November 2011, Fourteenk released their EP “Operation Au” & I don’t think it’s too late to check it out and see what this Moreno Valley 3-man group has to offer. Let’s get it!

*To listen along or download please click HERE!*

Fame

I’m already liking the concept… The interview in the intro is original & has me ready to “expect the unexpected”. The rapper comes in with a different flow but I hear what he’s sayin’…. He has that kind of flow that makes people ignore what he’s sayin’ cause the flow is a little “sloppy”… but I keep catchin a couple lines

Need no appointment this position was appointed

By the people. Annointed. Someone get me my ointment

Genius shxt.

Honestly..I keep having to rewind this song….Let me try and focus this time. Production is simple by the way. Made to let the rapper shine I’m guessin’ but its pretty raw if you ask me. I kind of wish as the beat builds in the back something changed about the way the rapper was approaching the beat you know….I feel like I keep missin’ out on deep shxt he is saying because it gets a little cluttered. Love the concept though and from what I could understand he speaking on some real shxt.

Love how it went Kanye maybe bout 1:40 into the song….

Oh man!! Props to the producer for going into Slipknot beast mode at the end… That was sexy lol What’s next?

Dirty Thoughts

I’m diggin the beat so far. Sounds like some dubstep dark sounding type shxt. The production is so different. I enjoy it. It’s definitely “experimental”. Okay let’s see what this song is about tho:

I’m in a new room,(With what?) With some new chicks

Mostly vaginas and a few dicks

Got my niggas tho, so we livin life like stars

I’m finna turn these lights off and grab one of these white broads

I’m feelin’ how the beat changed up a little… Very reminiscent of The Neptunes but definitely different which is good. I’m sure they’ve heard that plenty of times but Fourteenk..If you are reading this..Take it as a compliment.. The Neptunes will live forever in music history.

I feel like the vocals and concept don’t stand out enough tho. The hook didn’t capture me. Lol I’m not moved! ::shrug:: Whatever… Still vibing. I heard

“I wanna see you naked. I wanna see you nude” but I should have been having “dirty thoughts” with the artist the whole time. I kind of didn’t.. I think I was too focused on the beat. Nice track tho.

Dancer

Lol I actually have a version of this song on a mix cd that plays in my car. It doesn’t have the intro tho. I like that. I love the concept of this & the sound is different. Reminds me of the Neptunes again especially with the change up. I would love to see a visual to this tho. The lyrics and production go perfectly hand in hand so I applaud Fourteenk for this track.

Wake Up (Interlude)

Lol.

Wake Up

Aww this is beautiful! Yall need to do videos to all of these. The concepts and production and vocals just go so great together that I just want to see a vision for it!. I’d also like to see how the Fourteenk guys perform these live! Man heard the 2^nd verse go Rocky Horro Picture Show for a second… on some rockstar shxt. Lol I was trying my best to not make another Neptunes comparison but then I just heard this switchup on the bridge.. …N.E.R.D!!! lol… Great song tho… Even tho.. I never kick em out.. I let em stay for breakfast! J

Imagine

I’m in love with the production on this joint. I wanna smoke a blunt and make love to it at the same time. Very creative. This is beautiful. I imagine prolly 90% of my day. Lol.

I think the vocals could’ve been a little better…. I think if yall would have shopped this to like Day26 or something like that… No disrespect to the singer…cause I’m still enjoyin this very much so.

Floatin’ on a ferris wheel

I don’t even know it’s real

This is really on some other shxt. Like yall are on some other shxt for real. You got the sound clip from that video about the girl who took LSD….Ha! Didn’t think anyone would catch that! Love it….. & I’m vibin’ with this shxt. Beautiful work. It’s like music people aren’t ready for because they don’t know how to process it correctly. Haha! Yea I fux with Fourteenk for this one!

In A Nutshell

Man! That was fun. If I had to describe Fourteek’s music…Hmmm… I’d say it’s like the sound of sex with virtual reality glasses on. Now imagine that! The group is amazing. The creativity of the tracks is what stood out most to me.

Damn… So.. I thought Imagine was over so I’m writing this final part and that shxt just came back on a nigga one time!... Ha! I love you guys for it!!....

But like I was sayin..my bad lol… Umm.. I enjoyed the project. Wish there was one more track… I’m like waiting for something else to start playing now and I feel empty. Lol. If I had any complaints it would be on the delivery of some of the lyrics on these songs. It’s like watching “genius” be ignored because it wasn’t given the right light to be seen under. It’s there but can everybody see it?

Lol. Alright I’m done. I’m thinking too much! Two thumbs up! Hope to be hearing more from Fourteenk soon!

Flow/Delivery 3/5

Beat Choice/Production 4/5

Concept/Creativity 4.5/5

Personal Enjoyment 3.5/5

Grade: 75%

Review of Stevie Crooks' " VLNSNVRDIE"

Okay so I first heard about Stevie Crooks a long ass time ago. I hink I was on UTB’s blogsite and they had put up a download link to his mixtape. I’m kinda upset with myself because I can’t remember the name but I remember it had an asian/Mexican looking chick on the cover with a bandana tied around her head. If yall been on the scene for a minute you know what I’m talkin’ about. It was so long ago that I honestly can’t even remember if I liked the mixtape or not… So I’m going to treat this like a first time listener’s experience. Since the release I’ve had the opportunity to see some live performance footage from Crooks and I’ve been impressed but let’s see what he sounds like on wax!...I’ve also been told that he did the majority if not all of the production on this joint so imma keep an ear open for that as well.. Alright.. enough of my thoughts… *presses play*

Anti Hero

Okay. Feelin’ the vibe so far… When Crooks start spittin’ I can’t help but nod my head! He on that raw shxt. I see you. Wasn’t really able to quote anything said tho cause I was enjoying the delivery. No hook on this joint? Felt kinda empty for a second. Shoutouts were a little random but shxt! I feel …Say whassup to ya boys ::shrug::… still think a hook woulda been better even with the shoutouts there. Killed that 2^nd and oh..that third.. let me quote you right quick…

Poppa Was a soul train dancer

Momz was a baby black panther

So its only right to pounce on tracks

That’s different! I like it. From listenin’ to just this track I can definitely hear a Nas-type influence…I wouldn’t be surprised if Crooks knew all the words to Illmatic. I’m feelin’ it tho. It’s that raw hip-hop! Don’t hear it too much anymore. Dope track.

Darkside ft Xavier

Hmm beat is cool….hasnt really caught me but let’s see where it goes…Intro adlibs almost made me press next on this joint but I’m patient. Oh okay! There we go…. Vocals came on and the piano did some beautiful shxt. Smooth. Delivery is killin’! Not sure if this is Crooks or Xavier tho. That can’t be good! I almost wanna go back to track 1 just to make sure it’s still Crooks. Blame my horrible memory I guess. ::shrug:: 2^nd verse delivery fell off a little bit tho. I found myself losing focus and interest quickly. Don’t know how I feel bout the little boy talkin’ bout the darkside either but that was kinda cool lol.. What’s next?

Empire Strikes Back

Okay I get the theme now.. Duh! I’m guessin’ this whole thing is gonna be dark sounding… VILLIANS! Smh.. my bad. Shoulda put two and two together…I got it now…

The black man got it hard enough

Economy make these young niggas harden up

Honestly…I don’t even think Cali ready for this shxt!! This some raw street type shxt….Beat is simple and repetitive but it allows the vocals to stand out. Hopefully the listener can focus on what’s being said. Deep shxt. I missed the point of the skit tho.. my bad…imma go head and press next

Gem Star

Whoa whoa whoa.. run that back! Got damn Crooks! My head noddin’ again…. This sound like some shxt Raekwon would spit a second verse on! Wu-Tang forever?! Lol. I hear it clear as day! Oh yea.. Just heard Crooks say “Shaolin”…I’m 100% sure that Wu-Tang is another influence for Stevie Crooks. That’s a good thing! Once again… this is some different shxt to hear in Cali. I’ve been hearing the same type of music for months now from our state’s artist. This got me feelin’ like I’m in Brooklyn or something. Enjoyin’ where it’s taking my imagination.

Grimey Couture

The hi-hat and snare choice on this joint is turnin me all the way off.. Hopin’ it switches up…. Luckily the sample did…..them drums tho!....Guess I’ll just have to deal with it..

I drop jewels when I rhyme

Can I be your Jewelist?

Uhhh…I don’t know bout that one…. Not really feelin’ the hook on this joint either. Grimey and Couture lowkey have no place in the same sentence in my opinion. I’m tryna hear the Couture part of this record too…Havin trouble.. Crooks got the “grime” down pact tho!

California raised, with that New York steeze

You ain’t never lied! That’s exactly what it is… I CALLED IT! Lol…

Grimey Coutoure ,this is rhyming greatness

Nikes on gold-plated floors with Versace floors

Okay. See I feel that. Good definition of what “Grimey Couture” is! I kinda missed that feelin’ for the rest of the track. Let’s see what’s next.

Material Girl

I’m feelin’ this…. Bouta start it over…. The beat is drawing me in and Crooks lowkey singin along which got me vibin’ even more…. Beat dropped… dope shxt!... Delivery crazy….Had trouble focusin’ on them lyrics again tho! That’s a big thing I listen for with music… I want to relate. I know Crooks is saying some deep ass shxt but I’m kinda disappointed that I can’t go on google and look up his lyrics. I guess. I think I woulda enjoyed the track a little more. Hook is the shxt tho!... I’mma rewind this shxt just to hear the hook over ::shrug::….

Glad I rewinded this,… That second verse killin’!.. Good shxt Crooks!

Newyorkafonia

Ooh! Can I have that piano for CHRISTMAS?!!! Beautiful! Them drums need a little work tho.. You got the vibe right but I can barely hear em… With that piano my nigga?.....shxt! Drums should have my neck broke by now! & I must say… the art for this track is beautiful….Shoutout to Crook’s graphic designer… Ive restarted this track like 4 times.. let me focus this time!

I’m so California, but I’ve got the soul of New York

I feel you on that! I’ve been told the same thing… Ive always felt like New York niggas wanna come here and we wanna live in NY… It’s like two different worlds tho. I hope to go one day. But anyway…First verse pretty nice…Second verse dope! Makes the track’s vibe turn into a love song to New York a little..but you still showin’ Cali love…so it’s a nice mix…Another thing… The mix on all these tracks have been clean as hell! I’m jealous and I need to meet your engineer lol Good shxt!

Outro? Naw… I’ll listen to that last…

Punishment

I heard about this track but never got the chance to check it out… lovin’ the sample…oooo even better when the beat drops…*rewinds* Hell yea… Props on the production.. I love bringin’ in beats like this so I’m so glad you did it.. Smooth shxt. The flow is reminding me of Big L meets Jay-Z meets Mobb Deep. .

It’s the dark liquor sipper ,West Coast MethodMan

Trunk jumpin’ just like KrissKross nigga

You got me backwards you KrissKross niggas

Oh shxt! Alright.. I’m impressed…The flow is honestly on some classic shxt …I mean…that’s just me being honest. I mean here and there Crooks loses me but when he on… HE ON!

Street Shark

Hmm don’t know if I feel the hook…wish a male singer woulda been singin exactly the same thing Crooks was…. Verse got my mind runnin’ wild tho. Feelin’ like Stevie bouta paint a picture with this one..& that’s exactly what he’s doing…I’m hearin’ that Jay-Z flow tho.. & this reminds me of some BluePrint type shxt too… When I close my eyes, I imagine Jay-Z rappin’ but Crooks voice comin’ out.. Ain’t that some shxt? Oh Okay.. Heard a “Reasonable Doubt” shoutout in there lol.. So this is on some Jigga type shxt.. I feel it!

Submarine

Beat sounds like some mixtape shxt….Fuck! Now I keep hearin’ Jay-Z in Crooks flow….Whatever! Cruise music? Yeaa I feel that.. I could imagine ridin’ round to this thinkin’…bout…shxt… life?! ::shrug:: I’ll save the rest of this for then… *presses next*

The Crooklyn Bridge

Sample is beautiful…Got damn Crooks… This shxt reminds me of a James Bond love scene. I’m feelin’ the spoken word. Real shxt.

The Legend of Perseus

Hmm Perseus…Perseus… sounds so familiar but I can’t remember who he is.. Hopefully Crooks tells me in this track…

Hmm guess not…lol…damn on some real shxt I just fell asleep.. NO DISS… but this shxt so chill that I relaxed all the way and dozed the fuck off my nigga.. my bad…Weird shxt is.. I woke up when you said “Hope yall still listening”.. I’M UP! … Love what you sayin’ at the end of this record tho… That’s real shxt. You be speakin’ that real and I respect it Crooks!... I usually can’t stand dudes cause they are the farthest from “real” and I can spot the weakness in them from a mile away. ::shrug::

Therapy ft Terrence F. & Jay Deboi

Okay…imma vibe with you..

Why front? I’ve been wantin to touch since jump

This shxt sexy as hell.. Oh damn.. beat just dropped and I wished you woulda made this shxt for me! Lol I’m diggin’ this shxt.

WAIT! THIS HOOK IS ASS! ….::shrug::…lol

Okay Terrence F. on verse #2(What’s good! Lol)… Hopefully he can take my mind off that hook I just heard lol Yeaa….good shxt. Got me vibin’ again. Straight ass verse Terrence!... Second hook bothered me less but still irkin’ on my subconscious mind… Jay Deboi’s turn… this is my first time hearing of him… okay okay I’m feelin’ it… flow fell off a little but Jay got the vibe still goin’… that whassup…

Cool track yall.

Tornado

Okay.. Tornado sounds. Got you. Creative…WOOOOOO!!......Ugh! the flow givin’ me chills in my back…That’s a good sign.. perfect for the beat… I gotta see this performed live… Kinda wish there was a switchup or something to keep my attention a bit more but Crooks definitely killed this shxt.

Outro

Haha you just described me! Well up until the killing niggas part. More “real” shxt from Stevie… I feel you. I live by the “higher standards” you’re speaking of. It sucks to see these young niggas out here actin’ the way they do. Like they ain’t got no fuckin’ sense! Excuse my language… But LOVE THIS OUTRO!

In A Nutshell

I enjoyed this experience. I feel like I just got back from a trip to New York. Lol. Dare I say this shxt is classic?! Maan.. might as well… this is some of the best shxt I’ve heard in the Inland Empire thus far!.... What I really love about VLNSNVRDIE is that it gives me the idea that the “Good Guy” IS the Villian! & it’s got me thinkin’ how accurate that is nowadays… When you do right and use your brain the world wants to hate you.. Shxts backwards as hell.. Stevie…I feel you on this shxt. Keep improvin’ and grindin’…. Congratz! You should be proud….You can download a copy HERE

Flow/Lyrics 5/5

Beat Choice/Production4/5

Concept/Creativity4.5/5

Personal Enjoyment4.5/5

Grade: A

xYung Miss aka Danielle Phoenix

Twitter: @YungMiss