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Month: December 2024

#rewindreview: Cam Gnarly ‘Northend Gnarly’ 2023

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  It can be hard to give new artist a chance these days due to the repetitive nature of music, rhyme styles and content. Ever so often there are individuals who have a subtle understanding of what it takes to stand out, and although their influences might not be one’s cup of tea, the combination of those influences can create a solid artist. Enter Cam Gnarly, a San Bernardino rapper who takes pride in putting his locale on the map metaphorically with the album ‘Northend Gnarly.’ Cam Gnarly provides an audio tour of the feel of California and the youthfulness of a new generation. What keeps that youthful expression unique is not focusing on the negative which is almost a prerequisite to rap in this social media era. The rapper does not preach to ones ears but relies on the exercise of chanting and response to where songs like ‘More To Do’ and ‘That’s’ Life’ help provide a positive frequency for the inner soul. Cam Gnarly is assisted by Asend Beats, Du Noise, Skywalker and others providing production while vocal features are rightly limited to Rae, Gold Ro$e and Geebose. These names might be unfamiliar but get to know them as they all contributed to a feel good release ready for listening in any season of the year. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Space & Opportunity,’ ‘I Don’t Play About You,’ ‘Blessed With Stressed With,’ ‘DINO USA’ & ‘More To Do’ Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 1-3a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD11 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Snoop Dogg ‘Missionary’ 2024

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  The long awaited full album collaboration of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, finally arrives thirty-one years later, in a year when HOP music’s veterans retained dominance. After year’s of speculation and request, the two finally locked in to a studio and provided ‘Missionary’ which is an off color sequel to Snoop Dogg’s debut album ‘Doggystyle.’ Dr. Dre enlist a new crop of production collaborators as well as a few old ones to give this album a sound that does not fall slave to current day standards while not getting lost in nostalgia. Snoop Dogg doesn’t miss a beat rhyming and sounds like he never stopped in his busy celebrity life to neglect the thing that got him that same life. Collaborations may seem like many but only a few share rapping duties on this album that include 50 Cent, Method Man, Eminem and Dr. Dre. Other collaborations are vocalist such as BJ The Chicago Kid, Cocoa Sarai and K.A.A.N. Where ‘Missionary’ gets confusing to the general public is it’s execution from two of not only Hip-Hop but the entertainment industries biggest names. There is an air of “playing it safe” on this album or better still the content and sound pertaining to the life of two megastars. This album is not dark and more upbeat with moments that do not alienate the “fair-weather” HOP music listener or the listener that only pays attention when names like “Snoop,” Eminem or 50 Cent is mentioned. This I believe is where the album gets it’s negative criticism. There will always be a level of expectation for the collaboration of “Snoop & Dre” so when the album enters territory that sounds geared toward a crowd that doesn’t care about Hip-Hop culture, it creates “eye-rolling” moments for actual HOP fans. This doesn’t happen often on ‘Missionary’ in my opinion and I think is unfair to the overall album. After the initial few tracks that establish the magic of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s return, ‘Missionary’ then ventures to moments with Tom Petty, Jelly Roll and Sting, with ‘Thank You’ in between that, which isn’t a bad song but suffers from basic hook. Although I’m not a fan, 50 Cent’s verse sounds like a garbled mess as he attempts to execute a double-time rhyme delivery while I was impressed that Eminem seemed to not out rap a song for a change. In all ‘Missionary’ is not a bad album but suffers from the success of previous records from Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre that came before it. Personally I think that it still continues the argument that HOP music is not just a “young man’s sport,” which ironically is part of the evolution of the music to show just that. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Gorgeous,’ ‘Outta Da Blue’ & ‘Fire’ Listen to QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 1-3a.m. CST on 90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD2 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Torae & Marco Polo ‘Midnight Run’ 2023

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  Torae has been a name that if one has been paying attention to HOP music for the last twenty years, has at least heard of in passing. He comes from that class of rappers like Skyzoo, Supastition, Saigon etc., that had no problem showcasing skill but who never quite crossed over to the “major league.” Marco Polo is in a similar situation as he has been making HOP music about the same time but the collaboration of both has seen better results for both. With Marco Polo’s unabashed Hip-Hop beats and Torae’s brazen talent to rap, the two return for their second album since 2009’s ‘Double Barrel’ with ‘Midnight Run.’ On this the listener will need to be able to appreciate the art of rapping and traditional HOP music as a back drop. Within a quick thirty minute span Torae and Marco Polo provide a soundtrack for hardcore Hip-Hop, ripe with lyrics that often metaphorically describe Torae’s passion as a “life sentence” on ‘Life Behind Bars.’ ‘Grey Sheep’ enlist veteran Dres of Black Sheep, to plant a flag for the rap fan and artist who have aged well within Hip-Hop’s lifespan, while ‘Days Of Your Lifetime’ serves as the “blue or red pill” rappers have the responsibility to provide to an audience. ‘Midnight Run’ is a simple album with no room for extra fat but is more for die hard fans. If a crossover audience wants to hear Torae they might have to look to bigger acts as my theory is he is apart of the “ghostwriter” community, and I think we have heard Torae’s pen on some recent veterans album,s but “what happens in fight club stays in fight club.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘The Return’ & ‘Reloaded (intro)’ 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

Reunited: Snoop Dogg’s  “Missionary,” Album Review

Posted on by David Lopez

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre will forever be figuratively attached to the hip. The success of Dre’s epic 1992 LP(Long Play), The Chronic, showcased the then-young Snoop’s distinct and stylish flow, with stand out verses on “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang,” and “F*ck Wit Dre Day.” The following year, Snoop’s debut Doggystyle helped solidify the West Coast’s emergence on the national hip-hop scene. Over 30 years later, Snoop’s Missionary LP,  is the closest fans will get to Dre’s signature stadium sound on an entire album. While this LP does not have the mystique of the long-anticipated and unreleased Detox, and has its moments of braggadocios commercialism, overall it’s sonically pleasing, and experiments with various genres while keeping Snoop’s signature sound intact. The thumping “Outta Da Blue” highlights Snoop and Dre exchanging bars over invigorating production. On “Hard Knocks,” Snoop describes his penchant for defying the odds and overcoming hurdles to reach the finish line and remain in the winner’s circle. The Tom Petty and Jelly Roll-assisted “Last Dance with Mary Jane,” presents a refreshing merger of country and hip-hop. While this might not be what hip-hop purists expected, it’s a delightful fusion. And “Another Part of Me,” featuring British rock star Sting, is a feel-good track that makes you appreciate the present, especially with Sting’s lyrics, “There’s no better time than today.”   Snoop and Dre together on an album is exactly what fans wanted and what hip-hop needed. It shows that some brotherly bonds are unbreakable, and the people you started your career with will always have an influence on you. If you’re fortunate enough, you can come back years later with a more worldly and mature perspective and do it all over again. The album title is a clever play on words, as Missionary refers to both a sexual position (a nod to Snoop’s Doggystyle) and the idea of a missionary—a charitable hero, whose mission is accomplished. And there you have it—mission accomplished, fellas! In a world of ever-changing sounds, Missionary reminds us that some musical bonds are timeless, and Dre and Snoop are still at the top of their game.   Words By David Lopez

#rewindreview: Killer Mike ‘Michael’ 2023

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  After a decade of rebuilding, rebranding and establishing his presence within HOP music, Killer Mike returned back to the roots of his music with the heavy introspective ‘Michael.’ Since the release of ‘R.A.P. Music’ in 2013 Killer Mike has garnered an audience 180 degrees from the audience he came in with. There is no issue with this but an act like Killer Mike doesn’t seem the type to “forget where he came from.” ‘Michael’ is unapologetically southern in its approach, from the music, to the stories and colloquialism that help the listener understand who is Michael Render. Production is mainly handled by No I.D. with tracks from Cool & Dre, D.J. Paul, longtime Run The Jewels collaborator Little Shalimar and others. Features are plenty but fit the idea and execution of this album that include Ty Dolla $ign, Cee-Lo Green, Mozzy, Future, Currency, El-P, 2 Chainz, a bigfoot on the mic sighting from Andre 3000 and others. Killer Mike showcases his ability to keep audiences interested with his commanding voice and rapping ability while showcasing the dichotomy of his personal life. Tracks like ‘Motherless’, Something For Junkies’ and ‘Shed Tears’ provide the pain and struggle one will hear on this album while ‘Spaceship Views’ and ‘Talk’n That Sh!t!’ allow complete turn up for those complaining in the back. “I add a motherfu..er so you ignant nig..s hear me,” is a Lauryn Hill quote that best describes this album. Killer Mike understands the idea of meeting people where they are and this is why the album works. The music might not sound ideal for the messages one will hear but those tuned into this frequency of music should be able to enjoy the “medicine within the candy.” Killer Mike deserved the accolades and awards for this album as one can tell he put a lot of effort into it. Only those who continue to lose against real music complained when he was recognized for it. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Run,’ ‘Talk’n That Shit!,’ ‘Don’t Let The Devil,’ ‘Motherless,’ ‘Down By Law,’ & ‘Exit 9’ 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Roc Marciano ‘Marciology’ 2024

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  Roc Marciano has created a lane that has roots in Raekwon’s ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ album, but takes the most raw parts of that album, mixed with an almost spoken word like tongue from a street pimp. ‘Marciology’ continues the ever growing discography from the New York rapper that gives fans exactly what they expect. Drumless beats provided by “Roc Marci” himself and lyrics equipped with so many one liners and punchlines, it challenges listeners to come back for more repeat plays. This is far from an album that will gain a crossover audience though. At times ‘Marciology’ sounds like an album that doesn’t match the “street energy” that surrounds it. In another era of HOP music this album would have been looked down on by “street cats” but in 2024 ‘Marciology’ can be ‘Art Basel’ in Miami, when the culture is trying to figure out what’s next. For me the downside to this album is that it doesn’t play well as something to drive to, and rarely has cuts that you can play out in a mix due to the drumless nature of the music. This isn’t the goal of Roc Marciano and his true fans understand this which has given the M.C. the space to create this unique lane over the years. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Gold Crossbow,’ ‘LeFlair’ & ‘BeBe’s Kids’ 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

How TU Savant is Using Hip-Hop to Amplify Disability Voices

Posted on by essince

TU Savant is proving that hip-hop is more than just music; it’s a platform for change. Born and raised in Brooklyn, this talented rapper has taken his life’s challenges and turned them into a powerful mission. Diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at a young age, TU Savant understands the struggles of living with a developmental disability firsthand. Rather than letting these challenges hold him back, he’s using his music to amplify voices that have long been overlooked. “[We] are gonna finally have a voice, and it’s gonna be through the hip-hop community,” TU Savant says. For decades, individuals with developmental disabilities like Autism, Down syndrome, and Tourette’s syndrome have been left out of conversations about representation. TU Savant is determined to change that narrative by making space for them within the music industry. His journey hasn’t been easy. Despite early interest from industry professionals, TU Savant faced rejection. “I wasn’t ready yet, and that was the harsh reality,” he shares. But instead of giving up, he doubled down on his craft, turning what he describes as his “minor retardation” into what he now says give him “genius-level bars.” This resilience has paid off. Today, TU Savant is a rising star under the PSR label, blending hip-hop with a purpose. His music is raw, authentic, and unapologetically personal, reflecting both his struggles and triumphs. Inspired by Jay-Z, TU Savant combines sharp lyricism with a unique twist that sets him apart from the crowd. But his mission goes beyond making hits. TU Savant envisions a future where the hip-hop community becomes a home for individuals with disabilities—a space where their talents, stories, and voices are celebrated. “I see me in all of them,” he explains, emphasizing his deep connection to the people he advocates for. Currently, TU Savant is focused on propelling his debut album, which recently was in the Top 10 on iTunes, with aspirations of performing internationally and collaborating with top-tier artists. He sees these goals not just as personal milestones but as a way to bring visibility to the community he represents. “I remember when I had no voice; it was the worst feeling,” TU Savant reflects. “I want no kid or adult with a developmental disability to be left out of that conversation no more.” In TU Savant’s hands, hip-hop becomes a tool for empowerment, inclusion, and change. He’s not just creating music; he’s creating a movement, ensuring that no one with a developmental disability ever feels unseen or unheard again. Follow T.U. Savant on Social Media Website | Instagram | Facebook Click here to listen to “Special Needs: the Deluxe Edition”

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