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#rewindreview: Smoke DZA & Benny The Butcher ‘Statue Of Limitations’ EP 2019

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  This marks the first time I listened to a whole release involving Benny The Butcher. At this time the Griselda crew was making heavy noise that was starting to be undeniable. Smoke DZA was another name that had been buzzing in my ear for at least a decade prior to this release, although I finally got around to hearing him on the Pete Rock produced ‘Don’t Smoke Rock’ album. The collaboration of the two rappers might seem arbitrary but the pairing was so in sync one would have thought they were a veteran group. ‘Statue Of Limitations’ is a quick twenty minute EP that gives the HOP listener a exhibition in rapping with a street edge, over undeniable “truskool” beats. Benny The Butcher and Smoke DZA trade rhymes like Jadakiss and Styles P., with such effortless style. The EP also features Styles P. and the remaining Griselda members, West Side Gunn and Conway The Machine. The glue to ‘Statue Of Limitations’ is the legend Pete Rock who handles all the production on the EP. In the past decade Pete Rock has shown up and kept his name and skill relevant, for many rappers old and new. However this release often gets forgotten in the discography of “Pete.” Possibly because of how short the release is or being that both “Benny” and “DZA” drop so many releases themselves that this EP has not had the chance to “breathe” the way it deserves. It can be argued that this should have been a full album, regardless of the fantasy street themes it relies on. The pairing of Benny The Butcher, Smoke DZA and Pete Rock might be something that needs revisiting soon. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘By Any Means’ 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: Maspyke ‘Static’ 2005

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  In my close to 40 years of listening to HOP music, there have been albums deemed classic, good, great, and their opposite. What I find even more rare are those albums that are one’s “favorites,” but if only more people knew of said album it would be in the classic, good, great category. For example Slum Village’s ‘Fantastic Vol.2’ was fortunate enough to be heard by the right people and right amount of ears, or it would be in that unsung greatness category. Maspyke’s ‘Static’ falls into this lane for me. In 2005 while on 90.1 F.M.’s ‘Late Nite Snax,’ we were able to get a promo copy of this album and I personally could not put it down. I had heard this group briefly before 2005 on a mix CD presented by Echo Unlimited, called ‘Underground Airplay.’ Their voices I was familiar with but the idea that they possessed the ability to put together such a unique piece of music was lost on me. Maspyke is a three man group comprised of rappers Tableek Hanif Jamiyl a.k.a. “H-Bomb,” and producer Roddy Rod. Tableek and Hanif glide over the production with a free flowing style that turns their voices into added instruments on this record. However it is Roddy Rod who turns ‘Static’ into one hell of a listening experience. These beats are heavy and abstract while not going too left of center. The production is infectious and no one’s ears are safe from being caught in a constant state of headnodding and an often “scrunchy face.” ‘Static’ does not let up from start to finish and I believe is one of the most underrated releases that came out in the 2000’s. The worst part about this album is that it feels like a wasted effort because Maspyke seemed to put their best foot forward on ‘Static,’ when it didn’t seem like a burden to them, but yet fun, original and genuine. There was never a follow up to this album and I hope it wasn’t due to fatigue of creating and not a large enough audience hearing. I can say that without a doubt I heard, and to this day ‘Static’ is a hidden gem that so few have been privileged to bear witness. What di you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Step’ & ‘Lightly Anxious’ 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: Paul Wall & Termanology ‘Start Finish Repeat’ 2023

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  This collaboration seems so arbitrary but fit right into the random partnerships that have appeared in HOP music for the last 15 years. I always likened it to internet access creating no borders among music. Still I am always fascinated by some of the alliances that have been formed to make music. Paul Wall and Termanology are from two separate corners in my world. Hearing this collaboration brought me back to the days of ‘Late Nite Snax.’ A radio show I was apart of between 2004 and 2006, where we would play Termanology on this listener sponsored station, while Paul Wall was still getting rotation on terrestrial radio. I wasn’t a listener of Paul Wall and so hearing about a collaboration with “Term” seemed like it would be an “oil and water” mix, but something happened in 2022 that caught my full attention. A track called ‘Recognize My Car’ dropped from “Wall” and “Term,” that was over an old but not as known Pete Rock beat. This particular track from Pete Rock is an underground favorite of mine that was not used for any other song outside of one Pete Rock’s many instrumental albums. I respected this move from Paul Wall and Termanolgy. For “Term” this didn’t seem to “out of the box” but to hear Paul Wall on this was almost surreal. In late 2023 the two rappers release ‘Start Finish Repeat.’ It still took me a minute to get to this record because in the back of my mind I thought it would feel “forced” and out of place. Well as a man I can admit I was COMPLETELY off. Literally from start to finish of this album, one will want to immediately put it on repeat. Paul Wall and Termanology created a project that is worthy of the days of buying physical records. There is “meat on the bone” with ‘Start Finish Repeat.’ Their contrasting styles keeps this album from being monotonous while also having some of the best production any HOP head would want to hear. One can’t really go wrong when Statik Selektah is mainly producing your album, but when he is not Large Professor, Diamond D., JR Swiftz, Cartune Beatz and Buckwild pick up the baton. A.Z., Big K.R.I.T., Sheek Louch, C.L. Smooth, Bun B., Nems and Peedi Crakk all show up to share microphone duties as well. This album is a recipe for success and they sequence the songs to grab you early on. The pace doesn’t let up until about the “final act” but the album closes out strong with the title track. There is simply a sense of respect for HOP music throughout this record which is maybe why I was so drawn to it when I got around to listening. It was my favorite album 2023 and goes to show that surprises can come in varieties when it comes to HOP music. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Talk About It,’ ‘Do It For The Ghetto,’ ‘Houston BBQ’ & ‘Wall Paper’ 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: Shad ‘Start Anew’ 2025

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  I got a taste of this album with ‘Bars & BBQs’ (no pun intended). A laid back track that found rapper Shad showing off his wordplay ability, with the first verse rhyming only words that start with the letter “B.” To me this was a new act who respected the art of rhyme, which these days is starting to appear a bit more as opposed to just a decade ago. I came across Shad on social media and he looked familiar, like someone you know, but just haven’t seen in a while. Before this album released, two more singles dropped in ‘Islands’ and ‘K.I.S.S.’ At this point I was interested and felt that Shad not only was talented but was intentional about the type of sound he was providing. Still where have I seen this guy…? ‘Start Anew’ releases and although I did not get to it on the first day, when I finally locked into the album it was satisfying. With only thirteen tracks and about thirty-five minutes long, Shad manages to put together an album ripe for spring season. Production is handled by many with names like Theory Hazit and sndtrk but it all manages to fit the theme of the album. Shad makes this album a journal on his perspective of life through ‘Happiness’ regardless of the obstacles and ‘Sacrifice,’ where him and Homeboy Sandman look back at the challenges that made them stronger. Features also include Rax Fresco, Jon Kobongo, Chantae Cann and pHoenix Pagliacci. An album with so much ingredients that fit within a short period of time could not be made by someone just getting on the scene. Who is this Shad guy, and why with every listen and look at him, he seems familiar…? It then hit me that this is the same person who hosted a thorough look at Hip-Hop music and the different regions it expanded to, on Netflix’s ‘Hip-Hop Evolution.’ Not only that but apparently Shad is one of Canada’s most popular rappers, who has been putting out music for the last twenty years. Everything began to make since to me as the collaborations, content and decisions on ‘Start Anew’ was made by a seasoned veteran. Canada has had some of the most respected M.C.s who have been respectful of HOP music throughout the years, such as Moka Only, Kardinal Offishall, K-OS, Ghetto Concept, Saukrates and Choclair. Shad ads to this incredible group of individuals and ‘Start Anew’ is a reflection of this. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Slanted’ & ‘Rain’ 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: Outkast ‘Stankonia’ 2000

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  The fourth album from Outkast might not be the first album people mention in their discography but it was their most experimental. The anticipation for ‘Stankonia’ was high but also one of intrigue. The first single ‘B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)’ took a bit of getting used to. The high energy, 153 beats per minute single was not something terrestrial urban radio was used to. One could argue that Outkast single handedly changed the course of mainstream sound at the time because of it. The evidence was clear that like their previous albums, Outkast was still on a mission to make each album radically different from the last. I remember hearing this album for the first time after getting an advanced promotional copy (hence the album cover. Thanks Margaret). By this time ‘B.O.B.’ is the only single out so hearing songs like ‘So Fresh, So Clean’ and ‘Ms. Jackson’ almost provided a sense of normalcy while listening. ‘Stankonia’ did however offer more of that unexpected bounce and energy ‘B.O.B.’ prepared us for. ‘Snappin’ & Trappin’ sounds like Hip-Hop on speed and ‘Gangsta Sh*t’ is like the hardcore street version of ‘Spottieottiedopaliscious’ from their previous album. What makes ‘Stankonia’ great is on paper these songs and features might seem all over the place but the sequencing of this album might be what made it work all these years. The listener is taken on a rollercoaster ride with exactly the right “turns” and “speeds.” When ‘We Luv Deez Hoez’ seem like the album could be headed towards a down fall, ‘Humble Mumble’ comes in to save the day. This for me made songs that I didn’t initially think were strong fit right into the album and give the overall project a win. Outkast understood their sound by the year 2000 and although Organized Noize did a few tracks on this album, what the people heard musically was overwhelmingly of Big Boi and Andre 3000 as Earthtone III. Features also included Goodie Mob, B-Real, Erykah Badu, Sleepy Brown, Slimm Calhoune, Backbone and the introduction of Killer Mike. An amazing feat of Outkast was getting me to enjoy a track with guest Gangsta Boo. I was never in a headspace to hear her but Outkast once again created magic, as well as a clever song that we ALL can relate to in ‘I’ll Call Before I Come.’ ‘Stankonia’ has always been a fun listen throughout the years. It’s an album that although has had success, there is this silent lack of respect for it but quite possibly because it was light years ahead of it’s time. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad),’ ‘Ms. Jackson’ & ‘So Fresh, So Clean’ 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: De La Soul ‘Stakes Is High’ 1996

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  Where were you when you heard ‘Stakes Is High?’ A challenging question but a memory that has to bring nothing but joy when recalling hearing this album for the first time. This was a summer release that was highly anticipated and could have been a “make or break” for the now veteran group. ‘Stakes Is High’ is the fourth album from De La Soul, who were coming off of their first two incredible and genre changing albums; and a third album that was not as experimental but serviced fans. It was also the first time that the group would be without Prince Paul who seemingly was a huge reason why their first three albums worked in such an abstract way. Could “The Plugs” pull off an amazing feat after a three year hiatus, and the sound of HOP music changing drastically within that time? The first single which tackles the album name and a myriad of issues as well as the overall theme of the album was an automatic hit for Hip-Hop listeners. The songs purpose was clear and one understood which side of Hip-Hop’s “imaginary line drawn in the sand” De La Soul stood on. The next test would be the album, which given its subtle cover art displaying children and the album title, presents a new more mature look for the trio. ‘Stakes Is High’ is not as “quirky” as their first album or “anti” as their second album or “directionless” as their third album. This is an effort that utilizes pieces of all the previous albums and executes a perfect collage of Posdnuos, Dave and Maseo’s growth of making music. There is too much good on this album, from the opening intro asking that serendipitous question about Boogie Down Productions’ debut release, to the feel good opening of ‘Dinninit,’ and the massive weight of ‘Big Brother Beat.’ There is so much good on this album that it was almost the fault of the record. Songs like ‘Baby, Baby…,’ ‘Down Syndrome’ and ‘Itzsoweezee’ sounded out of place but these songs actually created the best outcome for the album to not fall into one groove, no matter how great that groove was. ‘Stakes Is High’ creates a moment for a newer generation to experience De La Soul. Time was either moving slower back then or our younger minds processed the world longer but by 1996, De La was considered “old school.” I can say personally that title was thrown out the window when the ‘Itzsoweezee’ video released. Not only did the video make me love the song after initially not caring for it, but also teleported me to those last days of school before summer break. Only in this particular day of school your peers were a rogue’s gallery of everyone you listened to in HOP music. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Stakes Is High,’ ‘Itzsoweezee (hot)’ ‘The Bizness’ & ‘4 More’ 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: 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: 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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