#rewindreview: Statik Selektah ‘Round Trip’ 2023

This was an album that fell a bit under the radar in 2023. Statik Selektah’s ‘Round Trip’ is an assembly of some of the most “truskool” rappers who have earned a name for ACTUAL rapping in the last ten to twelve years. From Joey Bada$$, Rome Street, The Griselda crew, Ab-Soul and Ransom to name a few, “Statik” provides his signature sound to coalesce with these voices meant to carry the torch of HOP music. Although the track listing can look intimidating with twenty songs, this record is only an hour long. Statik Selektah works hard to make sure the album is not monotonous to the listener’s ears by having such a wide variety of rappers involved but also making sure his production provides a wide range of feeling while keeping the overall frequency consistent. ‘Round Trip’ not only provides the more recent collective of wordsmiths but notable veterans as well. Expect to hear the likes of A.Z., members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Bun B., Cormega, M.O.P. and Elzhi. One of the most important veterans on ‘Round Trip’ is Posdnous of De La Soul, as this would mark the first song and feature of the legend after the passing of group member Dave a.k.a. Plug 2. It was only right and with respect that Statik Selektah starts this ‘Round Trip’ off with a dedication to one of HOP music’s most important figures, who we all lost in the year 2023. What did you think of the album? Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 3-5a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD2 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: D.J. Quik & Problem ‘Rosecrans’ EP 2016

  A small tidbit that was thrown out to the people on behalf of a West Coast legend and up and coming voice. D.J. Quik and Problem put together a solid collection of tracks that drop the listener in the middle of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Rosecrans. Without making the music sound like a throwback to the 1990’s, D.J. Quik and Problem instead showcase the nuisances that keep the region different from anywhere else in the world. Of course in terms of content that music breeds street life and telegraphed uses of words not meant for FCC regulations but a difference here is the rapping talent of Problem. D.J. Quik also gets behind the microphone for brief moments and the release also enlist the talent of some notable West Coast rappers too. Game, Bad Lucc and Wiz Khalifa are a few known acts that grace this EP giving it even more validity. For thirty minutes the audience is transported through the streets of Rosecrans and the mixing and mastering of this release does not sound rushed or cheap. “Quik” and Problem knew they had something and clearly threw the ‘Rosecrans’ EP out there as a taste test or warning as the two dropped a full length album of the same name the next year. What did you think of the album? Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 3-5a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD2 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

A&E’s James Brown “Say It Loud” Docu-Series Premiere: A Riveting Journey into the Godfather of Soul’s Legacy

The much-anticipated premiere of A&E’s docu-series, “Say It Loud: The James Brown Story,” took center stage, offering viewers an intimate and powerful exploration of the life and legacy of the legendary Godfather of Soul. The four-part series delves into the multifaceted life of James Brown, a musical icon whose influence transcended genres and left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. The premiere episode provided a compelling glimpse into Brown’s early life, showcasing the hardships he faced growing up in poverty and the profound impact that music had on him as an escape and a means of expression. The documentary skillfully weaves together archival footage, interviews with those who knew Brown intimately, and expert commentary to provide a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of the artist. Viewers were taken on a chronological journey through Brown’s career, from his humble beginnings in Augusta, Georgia, to his meteoric rise to fame with hits like “Please, Please, Please,” “I Got You (I Feel Good),” and the iconic “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” One of the series’ strengths lies in its ability to capture the essence of James Brown not only as a groundbreaking musician but also as a cultural and political force. The exploration of Brown’s role in the Civil Rights Movement and his commitment to empowering the African American community adds depth to the narrative, shedding light on the man behind the music. The premiere event itself was a star-studded affair, attended by industry insiders, celebrities, and fans alike. A red carpet adorned with flashing cameras set the stage for an evening that celebrated not only James Brown’s musical contributions but also his impact on social and political change. As the docu-series progresses, audiences can anticipate an in-depth examination of Brown’s personal life, including his struggles with fame, legal issues, and complex relationships. The series promises to humanize the Godfather of Soul, offering a nuanced perspective on the highs and lows of his career and personal journey. “Say It Loud” comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in exploring the lives of iconic musicians and their cultural significance. A&E’s approach to the James Brown story ensures that both devoted fans and those less familiar with his legacy can engage with and appreciate the complexity of this musical pioneer. Also, the panel discussion was phenomenal moderated by Nelson George with both of James Brown’s Daughters; Dr. Yamma Brown, and Dr. Deanna Brown Thomas, known hip hop legends; QuestLove (Executive Producer), and Black Thought of The Roots, Director of the docu-series; Deborah Ripley Draper, and last but not least the honorable Rev. Al Sharpton, who expressed an amazing story of how the GodFather Of Soul helped him create of his brand, and witness first of whom the legend was In conclusion, the premiere of A&E’s “Say It Loud: The James Brown Story” sets the stage for a captivating exploration of the man behind the music. With its meticulous storytelling, powerful visuals, and commitment to authenticity, the docu-series promises to be a must-watch for anyone interested in the enduring legacy of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. Premieres on Monday, February 19th!!!!, on A&E Network As per always, On To The Next #MyCreatives Follow Me on Social Media: Www.instagram.com/ReemoMeerak_ Www.TikTok.com/ReemoMeerak_ www.Twitter.com/ReemoMeerak_ Also, check out my platform;                   “Reemo Meerak: The C.U.T.S.” https://www.youtube.com/@TheCUTS_ For Features, Write-ups, Reviews, or Correspondence at your event: ReemoMeerakBrand.info@gmail.com

#rewindreview: Horror City ‘Rose From The Crypt’ EP 2020

  Superstar MC of Horror City did not allow the pandemic to stop his output of music nor from allowing the “Horror City” name to die. In 2020 he linked with the “remix king” MiLKCRATE, to produce a “headnoding” release ‘Rose Form The Crypt.’ This eight song release allows Superstar MC to get loose over some beats that don’t necessarily coincide with the very dark album cover the EP portrays. MiLKCRATE is known for his very vibrant tracks and they work well with Superstar MC’s voice. In keeping with the theme of “Horror City,” Superstar’s lyrics match the album cover and title with gritty tales and some dark themes. It is a safe release that doesn’t move the needle but also provides about thirty minutes in one’s day to vibe out. Where the release could be better is with Superstar MC, as his delivery of rhymes can seem jumbled and his vocals could have been mixed better, or a couple of takes to make sure words did not seem forced into certain bars. This can often happen to veterans who have been playing the game as long as Horror City but it’s a treat knowing there is still effort to provide “truschool” HOP music to an underserved demographic of listeners. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Vibin’ Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 3-5a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD2 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Kool G. Rap & D.J. Polo ‘Road To The Riches’ 1989

The debut album from Kool G. Rap & D.J. Polo is often forgotten when talking about the classic albums from the golden age of HOP music. Kool G. Rap has managed to stay relevant for almost 35 years among true HOP music fans and underground M.C.’s. That journey starts with the ‘Road To The Riches’ album. In a way Kool G. Rap was about six years ahead of the “pseudo-mafioso” era that ran HOP music from East to West Coast and all in between. On the only video single and title track for this album, we see “G. Rap” proclaiming street tales of a big time crime boss but at the end there is still repercussions of those actions. That song was clearly one of the later tracks recorded for this album as ‘Road To The Riches’ ironically can sound like “a demo.” The mix in quality of this album matches the time but the music on the majority of the songs are clearly before 1989 and match the mission of what producer Marley Marl has said for years. In an interview with QUANTUM LEAP RADIO in 2017 (https://www.mixcloud.com/QLRadio/quantum-leap-radio-leap-forty-two-wmarley-marl-grandmaster-dee-jun-24-2017/) “Marley” mentions how the early 80’s sounds of HOP music were not good to him and were going to phase out quickly. He in turn decided to use more sample based production for his artist and ‘Road To The Riches’ is an example of his transition in music. Kool G. Rap is the main star on this record and provides a lyrical painting of street knowledge, admiration for automobiles on ‘Cars,’ puppy love relationships and respecting the D.J. “The man with the cuts,” D.J. Polo accentuates the tracks on this album and makes songs like ‘It’s A Demo’ and ‘Poison’ stand the test of time. ‘Road To Riches’ also doesn’t get the credit it deserves for being such a hardcore record that didn’t lean on cursing to get its point across, as there are only two songs that contain vulgar words. An attribute usually awarded to only Rakim & Eric B.’s ‘Paid In Full.’ This was just the reality of rap music in it’s golden years, was to focus on a viable product that could always be one’s claim to fame when determining the acts worth. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘It’s A Demo,’ ‘Poison’ & Road To The Riches’ Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 3-5a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD2 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

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