Quantum Leap Radio, Author at DigiWaxx

#rewindreview: Darkside Preme ‘Stuck In 1995’ 2026

Posted on September 22, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

This release by Darkside Preme is seemingly a love letter to the year of 1995, on face value. One would think it is about the sounds and moments that the year had for HOP music. The importance of a time that birthed a benchmark in where the culture turned. This release however is just as the title states which is a perspective that simply will not leave that specific year. Darkside Preme uses ‘Stuck In 1995’ as a way to either live out a reality that has passed, or act out a movie he wished to star in from that time. The album might start off a bit curmudgeonly with the very catchy ‘This Can’t Be New York.’ A track that poses the obvious question of what happened to the sound and appearance of what outsiders thought of the city that birthed Hip-Hop culture. While ‘One Time For The 90’s’ presents the perfect opportunity for those to claim “old heads” don’t want to acknowledge later era’s in HOP music. This project isn’t just about chastising what things evolved to. Darkside Preme focuses on telling stories that range from trust in the streets, betrayal, and the influence those things can have on even the kid who didn’t grow up in the worst conditions. Fullblast Muzik provides the beats for the entire project and gives Darkside Preme the “New York” sound one might recognize from the 2000’s. Often Fullblast Muzik will insert samples that bring the listener back to Jay-Z’s ‘Reasonable Doubt.’ An album that this release seems heavily influenced by. Although there are twenty tracks, this album is only about forty minutes long. The reason for this is due to the skits on this record; which tries to tell a story of a character, recently released from prison that is catching up on what has been happening in the neighborhood. Depending on how one likes to take in music, these skits can enhance the story of ‘Stuck In 1995’ like Organized Konfusion’s ‘Equinox’ album, or keep the pace of the record sedated. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘This Can’t Be New York’ & ‘One Time For The 90’s’ 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: String Theory (Hex One & BBZ Darney) ‘String Theory’ 2014

Posted on September 15, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The deep underground of HOP music had it’s best years in the mid to late 1990’s. As the new millennium began, that underground scene was bittersweet because there was more exposure to acts that didn’t have huge media exposure, but it was also hard to keep up with the emerging scene. By the end of the 2000’s, the term “underground hip-hop” did not mean the same as it once did and due to the internet audiences just broke off into “tribes.” The deep underground scene remains to this day, and during the 2010’s some names entered that category who had a good buzz within the culture of underground HOP listeners. Epidemic was a two rapper group I was put on to during the last decade. consisting of Hex One and Tek-nition. They represented Florida which only showed how far along the “underground Hip-Hop” scene expanded. Ironically I was put on to them when they dropped their last album ‘4 Dimensions On A Paper’ in 2016. This release was enough to have me interested in the crew which lead me to Hex One’s collaboration with beatmaker BBZ Darney. ‘String Theory’ is the name of the album and group with Hex One and BBZ Darney. This 12 track, forty minute album is HOP music that reminds me of the early 2000’s in terms of its execution. One M.C. with one producer, and a few features from their close crew that the public are then put on to. Hex One has a style of rapping that is syllable heavy while BBZ Darney’s beats compliment Hex’s style with a nice balance of mellow with slightly dark textures for the more serious content on the album. Where this album could have been better is making sure that songs sound more distinguished. At times Hex One’s style can seem like it is one dimensional, so if listening for the first time one might think they heard a song twice from the vibe created. The listening of this album is not a failure as it is often “edutainment” with songs like ‘Used To Be,’ ‘Realities’ and others. String Theory might operate from a small cog in HOP music’s atmosphere but that has a relation to the ears that want to hear the fundamentals to what makes this music last. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Currents,’ ‘Reminisce’ & ‘Art Of Rap’ 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: E.P.M.D. ‘Strictly Business’ 1988

Posted on September 8, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

It’s the debut album from the legendary duo from Long Island, New York, who carved their own lane with hard hitting beats and their signature “slow flow” delivery. E.P.M.D. which stands for Erick and Parrish Making Dollars, was seemingly a perfect combination for a time in HOP music where not only the aesthetics were changing but the music as well. Comparatively to a Run D.M.C., Erick and Parrish were more stripped down with less resources for distributing music but this also made them a bit more relatable. ‘Strictly Business’ is an album that not only sets a standard for the group but allowed for some of the most memorable quotes and songs in HOP music. From the b-boy anthem of ‘It’s My Thing,’ the infectious ‘You’re A Customer,’ and the inception of what would become a theme on their later albums ‘Jane.’ Even turning comedic actor Steve Martin into a dance; E.P.M.D. marked their territory for what was at the time an “underground audience” but the music would soon reach a worldwide fever pitch. My earliest memory of the group were the videos for ‘You Gots To Chill’ and ‘Strictly Business.’ At the time my only method of hearing HOP music was through video shows so seeing the dancers in ‘You Gots To Chill’ was an overstimulating factor in me wanting to dance just like them. To this day I still quote the passive aggressive introduction of the “M.C. Sherriff, the best in town” from the ‘Strictly Business’ video. However I did not get around to hearing this album in full until 2007. Ironically enough (and I promise not planned) I finally bought this album the day Little Brother’s ‘Get Back’ released. That album’s cover art paying homage to E.P.M.D.’s debut. E.P.M.D. would have a bit of a roller-coaster ride in their careers as a group and solo acts. At current date they are still a group and tour, but best believe when performing songs from an album almost 40 years old, the crowd, whether new or old still have the same exhilaration. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘It’s My Thing,’ ‘You Gots to Chill,’ ‘Strictly Business’ & ‘I’m Housin’ 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: Organized Konfusion ‘Stress: The Extinction Agenda’ 1994

Posted on September 1, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The second album from the Queens New York duo, Organized Konfusion has been considered a classic over the years and with good reason. It was Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po establishing their rightful footing in rap music. Having released their debut album three years prior, it did not seem to make the impact that ‘Stress: The Extinction Agenda’ made. For on this album the group seemed to be hitting on all cylinders and did with limited resources. I was first introduced to Organized Konfusion in the summer of 1994 through the Video Jukebox. A program that ran videos all day everyday, but the caveat was the playlist was controlled by how many people called in to pay and request the videos shown. In rotation at one point was the first and only single from this album ‘Stress.’ What made the video and song unique was how chaotic it felt. The hook for the song is like a build up to something cataclysmic while the video expressed this same feeling by how it edits the two M.C.’s on the streets of New York, to hiking in borrowed snow in the woods. For me this was all new and a bump in evolution of rap music back then. The album continues this theme while not going too far off the deep end. ‘Stress…’ is produced mainly by Organized Konfusion and Buckwild, with Rockwilder closing the album with the emotion felt ‘Maintain.’ O.C. and Q-Tip show up on ‘Let’s Organize,’ which gives the listener a full on experience of Organized Konfusion. Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po utilize their voices as distinct instruments while providing some vivid moments in storytelling and rhyming abilities. ‘Why’ is that moment every man has to face concerning trusting the opposite sex while ‘Black Sunday’ gives a dark origin of the two coming together to “organize” and create the brand audiences know today. ‘Stray Bullet’ is the track that truly shines the light on the talent of the duo as they take the listener on a journey of a single bullet, and the consequences it creates within inner city neighborhoods. This album is a jewel that has aged extremely well over the years. My biggest issue has always been the stretch from ‘Black Sunday’ to ‘Bring it On.’ It’s the only moment in the album where there is a bit of a lull; and ‘Drop Bombs’ and ‘Bring It On’ are tracks that feel “suspended in time.” There is also a remix to ‘Bring it On’ that I wish could have been the original on this album. Nevertheless Organized Konfusion created a piece of art that is solidified among HOP music listeners. A timeless album cover created by “Matt Doo” who also created Company Flow’s ‘Funcrusher Plus’ cover art, classic moments that are embedded in listener’s ears, and music that sparks universal familiarity when played. All this while having simply one single for the release. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Stress’ 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: KRS-One ‘Streel Light: First Edition’ 2019

Posted on August 25, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The solo projects for KRS-One officially start in 1993 with ‘Return Of The Boom Bap;’ considered to be a classic and one of the best albums in KRS’ discography. It was KRS’ third solo album ‘I Got Next,’ which would be the start of the downside of his albums but ironically it went Gold. For the majority of the 2000’s KRS’ albums were not very appealing. Persistence has been the attribute that the legendary M.C. has been able to survive and maintain his celebrity. 2007’s ‘Hip-Hop Lives’ produced by Marley Marl, gave KRS-One another stipe on his catalog. It also was a time for fans of “Tha Teacha” to realize we might get a good one every five albums. By 2019 KRS had put out 15 albums since 1993. 2017 he was able to break through the internet with a bit of a buzz about an album called ‘The World is MIND.’ The album might not have lived up to the bit of chatter that it created and unfortunately that harmed ‘Street Light: First Edition’ in my opinion. ‘Street Light…’ is a twelve track project that really gets to the point and does not have much filler tracks. It features vocalist such as his wife GSimone, M.A.D. Mike and Jade Hendricks. Production is handled by Mlody, D.J. B. Original, Ollie, D.J. Static, KPrymeTheJäger and Enrico Wolf, who are all virtually unknown. However Jesse West and Mad Lion provide a couple of beats giving this album music that mainly fits KRS’ rhyming style. “Tha Teacha” is going to beat you over the head with maintaining the integrity of Hip-Hop culture but a track like ‘Invader (2019 version) stand out with it’s very descriptive tale of the consequence of colonization. ‘GOD’ is another track that is unique on this album as the spirituality of KRS is brought forth, but more importantly his rhyming pattern on the song just shows KRS’ strives to never get rusty on the mic. ‘Street Light: First Edition’ deserves more credit but unfortunately it proceeds some less than stellar releases. The album cover is not appealing and as I have stated many times, the title of albums can harm releases if it feels like there is some sort of “part 1” to it. I feel if this album had been a comeback record after not hearing from KRS-One in about a decade, it would have been better received. 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Royce 5’9″ ‘Street Hop’ 2009

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

First hearing him on the track ‘Bad Meets Evil’ with Eminem during the days when Eminem sounded hungry, had me ready to hear more from Royce Da 5’9.” When the DJ Premier produced ‘Boom’ started showing up on mixtapes and college radio I figured the Detroit M.C. was on his way to being the next up. Then the video for ‘Boom’ dropped and things got a little nervous… 1999 into the 2000’s was a critical time for HOP music. The “invisible line in the sand” was starting to get a lot more blurry and those acts you could always depend on had to make a choice in the direction of their careers. Some stayed the path while others rolled the dice to gain a larger audience in a shorter amount of time. It seemed with the video for ‘Boom,’ and the slightly amended version of the song attached to it, Royce Da 5’9″ rolled those dice. I became uninterested in “Royce” for the majority of the 2000’s. There was no denying his talent and skill but many have talent and skill, although that is rarely translated to albums, which for me is the true litmus test. Whether Royce Da 5’9″ started to feel this reaction in the ether, or times just got better musically in the 2000’s, by the end of that decade “Royce” seem to get something right. I saw the single ‘Shake This’ on a video show and was impressed by a couple of things. For one Royce Da 5’9″ linking up with D.J. Premier again, and D.J. Premier providing beats that were not sounding so “Preemo” post Gang Starr’s ‘Moment Of Truth.’ Both seemed to be in a zone on this track that had me looking at “Royce” again. Although when ‘Street Hop’ dropped I was hesitant to listen, because nineteen tracks after almost a decade of not really being into songs he created, might be a “herculean effort.” I listened and was proud that the M.C. had delivered an album of growth and more importantly a project that makes one want to return for multiple listens. ‘Street Hop’ gives room for “Royce” to maneuver between displaying his very gifted rhyme abilities, telling stories, and experimenting with different styles. ‘Dinner Time’ featuring Busta Rhymes and ‘Mine In Thiz’ featuring Denaun Porter, specifically stand out as Royce switches styles while still maintaining his incredible wordplay. His ability to tell stories being in the category of a “battle rapper” is another reason he has maintained a career over the years too. The final act of ‘Street Hop’ is where he puts those storytelling abilities to proper use on tracks like ‘On The Run’ and ‘Murder’ that serve as companion tracks. The most descriptive track on this album is ‘Part Of Me,’ which I personally have not been as stunned by a song since Boogiemonsters ‘Old Man Jacob’s Well.’ A story about a guy meeting two women and in the end regretting what he wished for. ‘Street Hop’ is a massive undertaking in making an independent record label album. With production from Nottz, Streetrunners, Emile, Denaun Porter and others, while featuring Busta Rhymes, Phonte, Melanie Rutherford, Trick Trick and Royce’s group Slaughterhouse, respect has to be given to the effort Royce provided. ‘Street Hop’ gave me a reason to start checking for Royce Da 5’9″ again and since it’s release Royce has made many good projects. Sometimes the formula to success just takes slightly longer than expected. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Shake This’ & ‘Part Of Me’ 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: Black Thought ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3: Cane & Able’ 2020

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

Just when you thought (no pun intended) that it was over, Black Thought returned to his ‘Streams Of Thought…’ series for a third installment. By now the audience realized that each release would be Black Thought teaming with one producer, and this time it was Sean C. Veteran producer, former affiliate with The Hitmen production team of Bad Boy records, and one half of Sean C. & LV, would turn the third and maybe final ‘Streams Of Thought…’ into a large sounding record. One thing that each volume had done was set a stage but the next one would seem bigger musically than the last. Sean C provided a sound for Black Thought that grants an opportunity for crossover audiences to connect with. However this doesn’t mean that ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3’ abandons what Black Thought has built in this series and throughout his career. This album has the elements that gave The Roots a larger audience by the early 2000’s. It is more acoustic driven, upbeat, and darker at times. Features were something that the listeners had not heard since the first ‘Streams Of Thought…’ and Black Thought enlist the rapping skills of ScHoolboy Q, Ohshun, Pusha T. and Killer Mike. This helps ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3’ feel more like an album as opposed to an EP or series. What was becoming apparent was that Black Thought was getting very comfortable creating these releases and almost making the audience forget to look for a new Roots album. ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3’ was released during the first COVID which inadvertently caused listeners to sit with music, as there was nothing else to do. Black Thought delivered what again could have simply been a brand new solo album as this collaboration with Sean C. stood out slightly more than the first two volumes. The Philadelphia M.C. has also stated that it’s not over and a volume four is on the way. It will be interesting to see how the next volume separates itself from the previous three, but I’m personally ready for a new Roots record. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Thought vs. Everybody’ 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: Black Thought ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.2’ 2018

Posted on August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The year of 2018 presented a treat to all Black Thought fans. Not only did the elite rapper provide one release but also injected one more of his ‘Streams Of Thought…’ series into the year. On the first volume, Black Thought connected with 9th Wonder and gave a quick but hefty 5 song project. On volume two the Philadelphia M.C. links with Salaam Remi for ten tracks and more “Roots” adjacent music. Salaam Remi understands the assignment on ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.2,’ and from the opening track ‘Fentanyl,’ let’s the listener know that these surprise releases are not just throwaway songs but that care was created behind them. ‘Vol.2’ uses more live band instrumentation for Black Thought to rhyme on. This puts the M.C. in a familiar pocket that almost feels like a wake up call for The Roots to come back outside for an album. Black Thought once again uses this release to get out thoughts and keep his skills sharp. While reminding, or exposing to the general public he is not just a performer on a late night talk show or lead vocalist in a house band. ‘Long Liveth’ is a hard hitting song that puts Black Thought in his rapping bag with no hooks but tough bars. ‘Conception’ on the other hand is Black Thought showing off his crooning skills as him and Salaam Remi create a melo cut that is perfect for coffee shops and black pearls. The issue I have with this release is that it’s a series. Between 9th Wonder’s music on volume one and Salaam Remi’s vibes on this release, a full album would have served a better purpose. As a series the value of the music seems to diminish and does not create the impact that it deserves. For many this won’t matter, and in world of short attention spans the “sugar rush” feeling of getting new Black Thought music is all most care about. Will the success of these releases create more? Find out next week. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Conception’ 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: Black Thought ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.1’ EP 2018

Posted on July 28, 2026August 4, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

One of the most elite M.C.’s in HOP music has been challenged over the years by public perception. Black Thought has been one of the common denominators of The Roots for over thirty years. With multiple classic albums and hits, the question still remained about a solo album form the Philadelphia rapper. The majority who ask these questions are commonly not initial fans of The Roots before their popularity so it SHOULD be a moot point. The rapper in Black Thought accepted the challenge regardless. Twenty-Five years ago Black Thought was working on a solo album which never came to fruition but did produce a couple of twelve inch singles that ended up on The Roots’ ‘Phrenology’ album. The Roots however have been on an album making hiatus for over a decade and although metaphorically speaking Black Thought “stayed in the gym,” the time was now ripe for presenting a solo offering. ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.1’ serves as a sign that more would be coming. In 2018 music was well past the stage of having to go through a drawn out process to get the art to the masses. Black Thought gathered those “streams of thought,” and got with 9th Wonder for an EP that was an “eargasm,” at least on paper for any true Hip-Hop Head. I personally looked forward to a collaboration between Black Thought and 9th Wonder but there was a bittersweet feel as a “volume” was attached to this EP. Series releases in music tend to cheapen the product, and unless it undeniably works, the project can often be forgotten over time. Black Thought has no problem lyrically with this EP, and takes the time to exercise his abilities as he and the public await a new Roots album. With an incredible feature from Rapsody on ‘Dostoyevsky,’ and continuing the chemistry started a decade prior with Styles P. on ‘Making a Murderer,’ features remain limited on this five song EP. 9th Wonder also makes a case for contributing to a Roots album with music he provides on ‘Streams Of Thought…,’ as they seem way more instrument heavy and less sample driven. Will this be enough to satisfy the listeners wanting to simply hear Black Thought rhyme? Will the “volume” be abandoned or more “streams of thought be provided? These questions and more will be revealed in the coming weeks. 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Kev Brown & J Scienide ‘Stray From The Pack’ 2021

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

Kev Brown and J Scienide proved they were “two peas in a pod” on 2019’s ‘Drum Machine Tape Cassette’ album. They epitomize the idea of grassroots HOP music. Beats and rhymes with no room for filler material. All songs are made with purpose but that purpose is not deep. The outcome of the music seems like practice while Kev Brown and J Scienide sound casual over the beats the two provide. ‘Stray From The Pack’ easily describes the music and it’s position to popular culture. There are no “trap beats” or 808’s that will slightly resemble the common trend in rap music for the past fifteen years. Kev Brown and J Scienide have figured out a way to make rap music sound as grimey and authentic as possible in a digital era of music. Thumping drums and a few heavy piano keys like on ‘Out The Safari’ and ‘Leave It To The Pros,’ catch the audiences ear early on this project. In fact the only time this album “tries” to get mellow is on ‘High Standards,’ and ‘Cutless Supreme’ which simply feels like moments to sit on the bench and rest. This album to me is slightly better than their first effort because songs seem to stand out more. Kev Brown and J Scienide take turns on production, similar to how Madlib and Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla did on 2003’s ‘Champion Sound.’ What also adds attraction to ‘Stray From The Pack’ is the precise cuts from D.J. Jon Doe. He provides the “period (and often exclamation) on the end” of songs like the ultra hype ‘Grand Prize Winners’ and ‘The Set Up.’ It’s really not a complicated decision to make with this album. One is either here for this type of HOP music or they or not. Albums like these are so necessary in a time where the sound of HOP music seems to be getting erased and reshaped to this hybrid form of a genre. Kev Brown and J Scienide remind listeners that it is “ok” to still make rap music even if it means “staying form the pack.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Out The Safari’ & ‘Orange Julius Landover Mall’

Author: Quantum Leap Radio