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#rewindreview: Apollo Brown ‘Sincerely, Detroit’ 2019

Posted on July 16, 2025July 16, 2025 by

I have said on record (you can see old Late Nite Snax radio shows) that “there was something in the water” in Detroit. For many Eminem is the reference point for the city. Others might be older and M.C. Breed is that origin point. For me it was Slum Village and anyone that was affiliated with them. That unit clearly had a certain sound and type of rhyming that might be in total contrast to an Eminem. What was undeniable was there was a diverse Hip-Hop scene in Detroit that any listener could choose from. Enter Apollo Brown, who’s name I started to see around 2010. Initially I had no idea where he was from but the music was enough to keep me interested. In 2014 he did a collaboration album with Ras Kass called ‘Blasphemy’ which I personally think is one of Ras Kass’ best albums. Now there is no denying Apollo Brown which come to find out is from that city with that “…something in the water.” In 2019 the beat maker put out ‘Sincerely, Detroit’ which is truly a thank you letter to the cities most effective and talented M.C.’s and gives somewhat of a “crash course” to those not in the know of these acts. This is a compilation record with Apollo Brown exclusively on the beats while he also had the daunting task of gathering Detroit’s best for an almost hour and a half album. The audience will recognize names like Royce Da 5’9, Slum Village, Elzhi, Melanie Rutherford and Kinuva; but Apollo digs deeper and highlights those acts that have been effective not just on the Detroit underground scene but across the world like Boog Brown, Boldy James, Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Leaf Erikson and Ty Farris just to name a few. This is a hefty album that I have to warn is strictly Hip-Hop with no room for trying to fit in or cookie cutter material. If there is an issue listeners might have, is the amount of time one would have to sit with the record. It can be argued that it is too long but at the same time this “love letter” of Detroit HOP music might not mean the same if all these acts could not be represented on one project. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘The Backbone,’ ‘Deception & Woes, ‘365’ 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

STILL SHINING TWENTY YEARS LATER: A TRIBUTE TO J-DILLA

Posted on February 9, 2026February 13, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

“The artist’s role is to raise the consciousness of the people. To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely.” —Amiri Baraka Did Jay Dee a.k.a James Yancy complete this goal? I mean in 2026 one might say that he absolutely did but could that same point of view apply twenty years ago? To an audience that waited for B.E.T.’s ‘106 & Park,’ the nightlife they frequented, or local terrestrial radio to guide their ears, absolutely not. For this is why Jay Dee a.k.a. James Yancy was truly a “genius.” It took reading credits on albums from The Pharcyde, Keith Murray, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes and more to continue to see this “Jay Dee” name and think there was maybe a spelling correction. At the time the only “J D” known was Jermaine Dupri, but clearly the ‘So So Def’ figure head was not making these types of beats, but had access to those same acts who were big in the industry. If Not Jermaine Dupri, who is this Jay Dee…? By the end of the 1990’s an “underground jewel,” which has gone on to be a cult classic was released in 2000. This was ‘Fantastic Vol.2 by Slum Village out of Detroit Michigan, and what a way for the audience to now understand who this “Jay Dee” was. Slum Village was beyond the method and audience this group was intended for. Had one major label took a chance with them for this particular album, I can only imagine the course T3, Baatin and Jay Dee would have been on. Here lies the paradox because Jay Dee never seemed to want the spotlight or cared for the accolades. His mission, for those of us who were paying attention at this time seemed to simply provide new ways of making music. Raising that “consciousness” which would influence so many over the years, unintentionally and intentionally, known and unknown. His mark on music was getting too massive to not recognize. This recognition didn’t come from millions of listeners but from those names in the industry like Pharrell Williams, Questlove and Kanye West, who understood that a juggernaut was operating behind the scenes. Well flash forward to third quarter of 2005 when a modest radio show in Houston T.X. called ‘Late Nite Snax,’ reported on a clip of a live show appearance from Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla where he performed on stage in a wheel chair. This was odd by all means because Jay Dee was rarely ever seen so to find out he was dealing with some sort of ailment, but still wanting to perform was heartbreaking but also inspiring. Of course during those years the Hip-Hop audience was not losing figures left and right as we are today, so the thought was that he would power through whatever sickness this was. By December of 2005 “J-Dilla” had credits on a few albums and talk started about a new album from the Detroit native coming in the following year. As a host on ‘Late Nite Snax’ I remember even having talks about “J-Dilla” appearing on the show through a phone interview as we usually received guest. This never happened but we figured in 2006 we would finally have our “Captain Ahab” moment and catch the ‘Moby Dick’ of ‘Late Nite Snax.’ See this radio show had favorites and was never scared to make sure that whoever choose to tune in would hear those favorites while they could live and breath. After leaving work on February tenth of 2006, I received a text from one of Houston’s best M.C.’s, Snap (a.k.a Dirty Red), to which it read “did you hear about Dilla.” Automatically my mind went to his performance in a wheelchair from the year prior and thought the worst, but again in 2006 that feeling is foreign as Hip-Hop acts didn’t die. Upon further text messages and calling others, my worst fear was confirmed. It was surreal because Jay Dee wasn’t running around in the streets and killed by his enviroment. He wasn’t abusing illegal substances (at least to my knowledge). He was simply a young hip-hop act whose trajectory was heading upwards in the most genuine and natural way. Plus he had just dropped the incredible and defining album ‘Donuts’ on his birthday so this had to simply be rumor right, how can he be… gone? ‘Late Nite Snax’ never caught our ‘Moby Dick’ but best believe we did everything we could to speak as loud as we could for Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla at the time. We were able to reach out to friend of the show Drake Phifer from Detroit, who put us in contact with D.J. House Shoes and Roc C., as we got their perspective on the man the myth and the legend. We also took this night out as a collective to just provide two hours of pure “Dilla.” A masterclass and only a slight percentage of his music up to that point. No posthumous remixes or unofficial blends, just a hefty catalog of the foundation laid by James Yancy, to justify why he has had such a legacy twenty years later. Rest in the most HEAVY BEATS James Yancy a.k.a. Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla (Feb. 7, 1974 – Feb. 10, 2006) Take a QUANTUM LEAP back to the LATE NITE SNAX ‘J-Dilla Tribute Show’ February 23, 2006 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: Elzhi ‘Seven Times Down Eight Times Up’ 2020

Posted on May 27, 2025 by

This Detroit rapper is often forgotten when talking about the best M.C.’s from that city. It could be due to his content not being about negativity all these years. It could be to the fact that he actually raps. It could be due to the amount of music he has(n’t) put out over the years. Regardless of the reason, on ‘Seven Times Down Eight Times Up,’ Elzhi gives one of his most consistent musical offerings yet. This album only features two acts in the vocalist Monica Blaire and rapper Fes Roc. All beats are provided by JR Swiftz who gives Elzhi the right production that fits and reminds listeners of the wheelhouse Elzhi comes from, that include producers like Waajeed and Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla. All while not allowing the production to out shine Elzhi which makes for a “good combination” and satisfying listen. Elzhi has been an urban legend throughout the years due to his talent but lack of albums released; even with this record often forgotten due to it being released during the Pandemic. Although he has had critical acclaim for previous “mixtapes” in the past, ‘Seven Times Down Eight Times Up’ is the album release I have expected from the former Slum Village member all these years. What did you think of the album? 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

GiGi Unleashes Soulful Sounds with Debut EP “Waves of It”

Posted on April 9, 2025April 9, 2025 by

GiGi, the Detroit-born singer-songwriter, discusses her debut EP “Waves of It,” exploring love, heartbreak, and empowerment themes. Watch GiGi’s Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays live interview after the recap! A New Wave in R&B Rising R&B artist GiGi brings her vibrant energy and soulful sounds to the forefront of the music scene with her debut EP, Waves of It. In a candid conversation with Digiwaxx, GiGi opened up about her journey from Detroit to Atlanta, her creative process, and the emotional depth of her music. This relentless spirit and innovative songwriting have positioned her as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary R&B, capturing the hearts of fans and critics alike. From Detroit to Atlanta: A Journey of Growth GiGi’s musical journey began in her hometown of Detroit, where the Motown legacy deeply influenced her artistic identity. “Detroit has a natural song in them,” she reflected, attributing her love for music to the oldies played in her household growing up. This foundation set the stage for her eventual move to Atlanta four years ago—a move that marked a significant turning point in her career. “Atlanta has been great for me. It’s where I found my voice and my identity as an artist,” she said. Living in Atlanta exposed GiGi to a diverse array of musical influences, which she seamlessly weaves into her sound. Combining elements of traditional R&B, modern pop, and her personal experiences, she aims to create a sound that resonates with all listeners. The Making of Waves of It The EP, Waves of It, features a collection of tracks that delve into various aspects of relationships, love, and self-empowerment. GiGi describes it as a journey through both heartbreak and healing: “It’s not purely about heartbreak; it’s also about finding yourself and celebrating your strength.” Songwriting plays a vital role in GiGi’s music. “Writing these songs felt like therapy for me,” she explained. Each track stems from her life experiences, allowing her to connect deeply with her audience. This authenticity shines through, particularly in standout tracks like “Diamonds Dancing” and “Fumbled Me,” both designed to evoke relatable emotions and affirmations of self-worth. Track-by-Track: A Deep Dive Into the Music “Diamonds Dancing” serves as a confidence anthem for anyone who has gone through a rough breakup. GiGi describes it as capturing that newfound strength and outlook that comes after healing. The upbeat production complements her assertive lyrics, making it impossible not to dance along. Next up is “Fumbled Me,” a reflective and soulful ballad that examines the pain of trusting the wrong person. GiGi’s vulnerable vocal delivery resonates with listeners, offering a sense of companionship to those who have experienced similar disappointments. “This song is for all the ladies who have felt let down,” she shares, making it clear that her music aims to empower. Lastly, “My Muse” reflects GiGi’s softer side, showcasing her vocal range and ability to craft poignant melodies. This track captures the feeling of genuine love, contrasting the previous themes of heartbreak with warmth and tenderness. “I want this to be a song that lovers can relate to,” she states. The R&B Renaissance: A Return to Roots GiGi believes that R&B is experiencing a renaissance, with a newfound appreciation for artists who prioritize songwriting and vocal talent. “It feels like music is finally paying attention to real singers again,” she remarked. This is evident in her music, which pays homage to the greats of the genre while infusing her flavor. She credits the rise of contemporary R&B artists who challenge the status quo, paving the way for future generations. “Artists like Cleo Soul are killing it right now, and it’s inspiring to see,” GiGi added. Looking Ahead: Gigi’s Vision for the Future As the release of Waves of It approaches, GiGi is eager to connect with her audience. She plans to embark on a promotional tour to showcase her music live, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face connections. “It’s all about building relationships. I want people to feel the energy I bring to my performances,” she stated. GiGi also hinted at potential collaborations and remixes, stating, “We are talking about getting someone to remix one of the songs to bring it to a wider audience.” With her undeniable talent and passion for music, it’s clear that this rising star has only just begun to make waves. Catch the Wave With her debut EP, Waves of It, GiGi is poised to make an indelible mark on the R&B landscape. Her blend of authentic storytelling, emotional depth, and captivating vocals speaks to the heart of modern music lovers. GiGi invites everyone to join her on this journey, celebrating the power of love and empowerment through her art. This is just the beginning; fans can expect even more magic from this gifted artist. GiGi Joins Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays Live https://t.co/6NGRC9jJT8 — Digiwaxx Media (@Digiwaxx) April 8, 2025 Stay and catch GiGi’s infectious energy as she continues her rise in the music industry. For more updates, follow her on social media @ciaogigif.

M City JR – “Rollin Roaches”

Posted on March 14, 2025March 14, 2025 by

M City JR just dropped his new video for his single “Rollin Roaches”. The new single features production from #YAK and an accompanying music video, The Detroit native released this after a 3-year hiatus from music. M City JR burst on the national scene years ago with his viral smash hit “Addicted to My Ex”. The single has consistently been used in viral videos on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and more. The single hit #15 on Billboard when it debuted and later achieved RIAA Gold Status. However, recently, the single crossed the 100 Million Streams milestone. As he prepares for new releases, including an EP, M City JR continues to record and focus on other business ventures. Follow him on Social Media: Instagram | IG Fan Pag | Twitter

#rewindreview: Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla ‘Ruff Draft’ EP 2003

Posted on April 2, 2024April 2, 2024 by

During the days of Jay Dee’s life, when he was still under utilized by the music industry and the “Dilla changed my life” audience thought “Jay Dee” was a misspelling of Jermaine Dupri, the Detroit native was dropping solo music that barely saw the light of day. ‘Ruff Draft’ was an EP that was originally only released on vinyl after “J-Dilla’s” solo debut ‘Welcome 2 Detroit’ and the shelved MCA Records debut album ‘Pay Jay.’ ‘Ruff Draft’ like it’s namesake was a collection of tracks which sounded like Jay Dee was in practice and still better than most beat makers at the time. “Dilla” has this genius way of making the most calm and vibing tracks feel like a build up of energy that keeps one’s neck and constant motion. ‘Let’s Take It Back’ is a grand example of this as it starts off the release. ‘Make’em NV’ is another banger where Jay Dee utilizes Fame of M.O.P.’s voice to bring this track’s energy over a “ruff” drum loop. It’s been said by Jay Dee’s family members and close friends that he liked to sing and on this release the audience gets to hear a bit of that on the hypnotic track ‘Nothing Like This.’ With ‘Ruff Draft’ falling under the radar in 2003 it was only right that it was re-released in 2007 after the passing of James Dewitt Yancy in 2006. ‘Ruff Draft’ further shows the world what they took for granted as while Jay Dee was alive, his modus oparandi was to constantly create and elevate his music no matter who was listening. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Nothing Like This’ 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 @

#ReemoApproved 2023 Review Recap: AllStar JR Brings Organized Crime 2 DELUXE to NYC!!!

Posted on December 30, 2023 by

You had to be there, to understand the moment. AllStar JR “Organized Crime 2 Deluxe” Release was a Two-night event on that tilt of a wave. Also, the preview to his documentary was spot on of whom the artist is and has become after his trials and tribulations in LIFE. All in all, an artist that’s well deserving of his name, and his continuing success within the Hip Hop Culture. I had an interview with the Detroit native via THE C.U.T.S. PODCAST on Night 1, and we had a well detailed conversation about his career, growth as an artist, as well as why he only cares for his craft, and music he creates: Organized Crime 2 was released in 1Q of January 2023, and now he’s released a Deluxe Version of the album that dropped in 2Q (April 2023, and OUT NOW!!!). You can catch the Recap of the event on my YouTube Channel, as well as on my Instagram. Very dope to meet an artist like him for a first time in back to back days. On To The Next #MyCreatives #ReemoApproved Follow Me On Social Media: www.instagram.com/reemomeerak_ www.twitter.com/reemomeerak_ WEBSITE: ⁠ReemoMeerak.com⁠ Merch Store: https://reemomeerakbrand.myshopify.com/ For a feature, want me to do coverage, and a write-up on your event: [email protected]

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