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Month: March 2026

#rewindreview: Cesar Comanche ‘Squirrel And The Aces’ 2005

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  For the JUSTUS League, 2002 through 2005 were the most beneficial and strongest years for the crew. With album releases from Little Brother, The Away Team, L.E.G.A.C.Y., 9th Wonder and a barrage of songs the crew provided online for free; the listening public had no choice but to understand their mission statement. If one were to compare the JUSTUS League to Wu-Tang Clan Cesar Comanche would be G.Z.A. Founding member who had an album prior to the crew’s brand. ‘Squirrel And The Aces’ is the third album from “Cesar” and takes a slightly different approach from his previous releases. The album is meant to highlight the JUSTUS League as well as a couple of outside collaborators. More along the lines of a Jazz collective or Diamond D.’s “Psychotic Neurotics.” The album is intentional and although there are features for the majority of songs, it doesn’t feel like it’s not Cesar Comanche’s album, and has a lot to do with the sound he is known for. With a production list of 9th wonder, Khrysis, Nicolay, D.J. Resident, L in Japanese and Cesar himself, ‘Squirrel And the Aces’ becomes another notch to the strong discography the JUSTUS League had created. The consistency of the album is that one will either like it and have no songs to skip or one is not going to be into the record period. There is no real in between. Cesar Comanche utilizes this moment to make a strong argument that him and the JUSTUS League were a presence to be respected and remembered for years to come. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Up & Down,’ ‘Miss you (remix)’ & ‘The Grind’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Kaze & 9th Wonder ‘Spirit Of ’94’ 2005

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  In the mid-2000’s, 9th Wonder became a name that any upcoming HOP artist wanted to be attached to. In fact not only up and coming artist but veterans who also wanted to have a presence in the “truskool” Hip-Hop market. 9th Wonder was the “golden boy” during this time and if his name was attached, one had to listen. The internet had become more accessible and with that so did music. By 2004 many of the Justus League crew had their music floating around peer to peer sites like Soulseek and Limewire. This was intentional and only helped acts like Little Brother, Median and L.E.G.A.C.Y., but as the public was getting famliar with those names other acts were poppin up in these online music packages and D.J. mixtapes. Enter Kaze who was from North Carolina like much of the Justus League crew. He seemed it bit more rough around the edges and closer to street culture but his proximity to 9th Wonder motivated me to listen. A concentrated effort of his music with 9th Wonder started to float around called ‘Spirit Of 94.’ A release that would soon be made official a year later with a few more songs added from the original album. Kaze and 9th Wonder keep it simple and to the point with soulful beats and rough raps that don’t over stay the welcome of listeners ears. Kaze entertains with his boisterous content but also provides some life introspection on ‘Should’ve Been Here.’ ‘Soul Dojo (Essence Of Life Mix)’ is a letter of instruction on keeping not only the physical portion of ones life in order but the mental and spiritual too. ‘Stay A Customer’ is a street anthem for the hustlers with an immense beat from 9th Wonder while ‘Waiting To Exhale’ is for the smokers. ‘Spirit Of 94′ might not break new ground in HOP music but it is a solid listen. One will also not feel like they are listening to anything from 1994 as 9th Wonder’s sound was very specific during those mid 2000’s years. If anything the spirit of 1994 is representated on this album from it’s approach and confidence that ears will not be disappointed, or feel their time has been wasted after listening. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ’50/50 Amp’ & ‘Last Laugh’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Lifesavas ‘Spirit In Stone’ 2003

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  Lifesavas were a group that functioned during the “independent Hip-Hop” movement that thrived during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. The three man members comprised of Vursatyl, Rev Shines and beat maker JUMBO The Garbageman, were from Portland Oregon, which was not a known Hip-Hop hub at the time. Where Lifesavas got a lifeline was from being apart of the Quannum Projects collective that was known for their very left of center, yet soulful execution of HOP music. Acts like Latyrx, D.J. Shadow and the flagship group Blackalicious, had set a standard of sound for Quannum Projects, so the question would be could Lifesavas carry that torch? ‘Spirit In Stone’ is it bit more grounded than their peers in the Quannun Projects. There is a brighter energy to this album with very upbeat production from JUMBO The Garbageman and Blackalicious’ Chief Xcel. The album does a great job of providing positive messages while not feeling dreary. At the time of it’s release one could still go to a “underground” Hip-Hop function and experience dancing, and ‘Spirit In Stone’ makes sure that said D.J. could apply songs in rotation for that event. Where this album could have been better is shortening songs. Over the years it was personally harder for me to have repeat listens of it in full because tracks might meander. Often times it was hard to distinguish Vursatyl from Rev Shines as well, so connecting with the individual M.C.’s was a challenge. Much like many Quannum Project artist, Lifesavas had a cult fanbase and with good reason. There is no denying that ‘Spirit In Stone’ is a solid and consistent release even if it was an acquired taste. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Head Exorcise,’ ‘What If It’s True,’ ‘Fever’ & ‘Fa Show’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Larry June, Curren$y & The Alchemist ‘Spiral Staircases’ EP 2026

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  In what has been some banner years for The Alchemist, 2026 would also see his marathon continuing with ‘Spiral Staircases.’ The collaborative EP with Larry June and Curren$y is a close to twenty-five minute audio experience of getting fly, getting high, and touching the sky. This one is for the listeners who can sit down and listen to an album similar to “head” music in Jazz. Not meant to elevate ones adrenaline but elevate ones consciousness. Don’t be confused as this is not Black Star in 2026, but ironically the evolution of what the “Jiggy era” became. ‘Stars On The Roof’ starts the EP off and Larry June and Curren$y describe “the life” from the point of view of those luxury cars with this particular accessory on the roof. From there ‘Everything Allocated’ builds on those automobiles to the price and decision of living in a place like Los Angeles. With all of that success jealous ones will appear and one might have to keep their circle small as presented on ‘Drive Alone.’ This is the theme of the whole project and The Alchemist provides the perfect backdrop for “June’ and “Spitta” to showcase their talent and thoughts. Although “Uncle Alc” has been busy these last few years, much of his production was lacking a warm sound but ‘Spiral Staircases’ is an exception to that. You can feel the music on great speakers as Alchemist filters the samples used to not overtake the M.C.’s, but fit right in the pocket of their style. The Larry June and Alchemist collaborative album seem to be a theme that started with 2025’s ‘Life Is Beautiful’ album that featured 2 Chainz. The artwork and theme of these two records would suggest next year we might see someone else in this “three man weave.” My only issue is there should be some sort of group name rather than the marquee billing having all three names displayed. So many acts are doing this now and it just feels congested when mentioning the releases. That being said this project is really good and kind of a surprise given there was no real promotion leading up to it. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Everything Allocated’ & ‘Drive Alone’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Big Boi ‘Speakerboxx’ 2003

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  This was probably one of the most odd or unique, depending on where one stands with Outkast, releases in HOP music. After multiple hits and platinum selling albums, Outkast returned in 2003 for their fifth album but as a sort of “two for one” release. With Andre 3000 focusing on his more abstract and R&B side, Big Boi maintained the rap portion of this release. ‘Speakerboxx’ is really the debut solo project for Big Boi. A chance for the Atlanta rapper to showcase his talent without the assistance of Andre on the microphone. Although it was his solo outing, the album feels like a house party hosted by Big Boi with invited guest. Those guest include Goodie M.O.B., Ludacris, Jay-Z, Lil’ Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Killer Mike, Slim Calhoun, Sleepy Brown, Jazzy Pha, Andre 3000 and others. If ever the audience could not figure out the difference in personalities within Outkast ‘Speakerboxx’ bluntly carves out where Big Boi stands. He’s the family member that shows up and is social with all the participants. The guy that pulls the girl on the dance floor to get the party started. The country cousin who frequents the whole in the wall spots during downtimes, but attends church every Sunday. This album doesn’t have a slew of “Hip-Hop Quotables,” throughout the album but more a vibe of the community Big Boi comes from. The first single ‘Ghettomusick’ was like a punch in the face while tracks like ‘Bowtie’ and ‘The Way You Move’ are the “batsignal” for the listener to get up groove. Big Boi does not simply stay in the “party” lane but also touches on the effect of wartime on ‘Bust’ featuring Killer Mike and ‘War,’ which the latter proves history simply repeating itself some twenty odd years later. ‘Speakerboxx’ can be looked at as a victory of circumstance or a casualty of Andre 3000’s hit ‘Hey Ya.’ For the fan of Outkast and HOP music, this album is a solid addition to one’s collection and a proper introduction to the expectation for future Big Boi solo releases. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Ghettomusick’ & ‘The Way You Move’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

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