#rewindreview: Teflon ‘2 Sides To Every Story’ 2023

  Teflon, the unofficial third member of M.O.P. took full advantage of the time we all “sat down” during the Pandemic, to plot a comeback. The rapper appeared on many features for M.O.P. and the Gang Starr family in the 1990’s and also put out an album of his own then. ‘2 Sides To Every Story’ is surprisingly solid and that is with all due respect. Teflon always seemed like he was a good “off the bench” player in the nineties but never had that release to show he could hold down an album. This release should not be overlooked for those wanting the simple formula of hard beats and hardcore rhymes. What makes the album so cohesive is D.J. Premier and Jazimoto produce the whole album and do a great job of blending their two styles to make it seem like it was Teflon and one producer. Teflon’s voice also play’s a critical role in why this album is good, as he has always had a unique high pitch tone and a way to play with the ups and downs of his delivery, and in 2023 he did not seem to lose that edge too much. The album also keeps features to a minimum and those bare minimum’s fit right in which is M.O.P., Benny The Butcher and I-Fresh on the hook for ‘Baby.’ The album starts off high energy on ‘Out The Gate’ and keeps that pace throughout the record. ‘Life In The Feds’ is one of the most memorable tracks as Teflon delivers his version Kool G. Raps’ ‘Ryker’s Island,’ that plays more like an audible ‘Scared Straight’ special as opposed to glamorizing the situation. ‘2 Sides To Every Story’ for me falls in line with the numerous veteran acts who in the last 8 years have evolved the idea that HOP music can only be created the best in ones prime. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘No Fake Love, ‘ ‘Life In The Feds’ & ‘Contraband’ 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 @

Five Questions with Digiwaxx – Benny The Butcher

Benny the Butcher has risen from the ranks of underground rapper from Buffalo, New York to a prominent mainstream recently. Aside from the acclaim of his part of the group Griselda, his work ethic and consistency have done the job of establishing himself as a force of his own. Many credit him as one of the MCs keeping lyricism alive; making him a go to artist for authentic street and surreal rap. As a testament to his prowess, his latest album Everybody Can’t Go is produced by HIT-BOY and the Alchemist, pretty much exclusively. Benny cements why he is held in such high regard, proving he can run with the “Big Dog” when Lil Wayne drops in and spits bars with Jadakiss on the track “Pillow Talk & Slander.” We recently caught up with him on his Everybody Can’t Go Tour as it stopped through Denver, Colorado. We just asked him 5 questions and then enjoyed the show… check out the interview below.   Fans can still catch him on few Westcoast dates this month.      

Drake vs Kendrick: Who’s Ahead on the Score Card?

A lot has happened over the weekend with Drake and Kendrick Lamar, and if rapping was boxing, both heavyweights have shown up to compete for the belt. After finally responding to Drake’s “ Drop and Give Me 50,” with the cryptic “Euphoria,” K. Dot followed up days later with “6:16 in LA,” keeping the pressure on Drake’s neck. Over an Al Green sample, Kendrick alludes to Drake having moles in his camp that are feeding him info, “ Are you finally ready to play have-you-ever? Let’s see, have you ever thought that OVO is working’ for me?… Fake bully, I hate bullies, you must be a terrible person. Everyone inside your team is whispering that you deserve it.” Kendrick honed in on the OVO team’s disloyalty and their dislike for their cash cow. K. Dot’s pressure did not last long as Drake’s “Family Matters,” dropped fourteen hours later. The track is accompanied by a video where the same minivan Kendrick’s mom drove, and he featured on the cover of good kid, m.A.A.d city album was crushed to pieces. And Drake is seen eating at the restaurant Kendrick recently brought attention to on “ Euphoria,” in Toronto, New Ho King, trolling Kendrick. The track is sonically pleasing as Drake changes rap patterns over three different fire beats from Boi-1da, Tay Keith, and Mark Ronson.  In my opinion, this is the best complete and radio-friendly song that came off the battle series this weekend. With allegations that Kendrick is abusive to the mother of his children Whitney Alford, and that one of his children may be fathered by K. Dot’s general manager Dave Free. He even adds that J Cole is losing sleep over battling K Dot but he’s stepping up to the challenge. And  he takes a shot at Rick Ross, “body after body, Ricky reading me my Miranda rights,” an assertion to Ross’s former employment in law enforcement. Drake is taunting and showcasing his dominance over K Dot and the rap universe over this 7-minute-plus track. Drake’s response did not get much time to settle. An hour later Kendrick responds with “ Meet the Grahams,”  over eerie piano chords, he recites a toxic letter to Drake, his parents, his son Adonis, and a mystery eleven-year-old daughter. The track  is  straightforward and  disrespectful  as he questions Drake’s existence and expresses that K . Dot would be a better father figure to Drake’s son than him. As Kendrick reads, “ Dear Adonis I’m sorry that that man is your father, let me be honest takes a man to be a man, your dad is not responsive I look at him and wish your grandpa would a wore a condom I’m sorry that you got to grow up and then stand behind him.” The song  has its moments of providing shock value and describes Drake as a man with several vices including gambling and pill popping.  However, Kendrick has to lose  some points if he is wrong about Drake having a hidden daughter. It shows a level of desperation or bad intel. Drake has denied hiding his daughter on an Instagram story. Less than 24 hours later, Kendrick dropped his 4th song this week “ Not Like Us, “ where he claims Drake and his OVO camp are pedophiles. One of the OVO artists Baka Not Nice, was charged with prostitution and human trafficking in 2014, the charges were later dropped. In addition, K. Dot accuses Drake of using artists from Atlanta like 21 Savage and Future for credibility and that he was not a colleague but more of a “colonizer.” This was definitely a moment for K. Dot Fans, with the personal and comedic content such as “‘scream OV HO.” With Kendrick’s output of four tracks in a week gave him advantage, but Drake has the better song with “Family Matters,”  and Kendrick may have reached with the accusations of hidden children. I had Kendrick in the lead because of all the music he’s put out the last week, as he keeps  applying the pressure, but the fact that Drake is holding his own is a win within itself, as Kendrick is more revered for his lyricism in the court of Hip Hop popular opinion. With the release of  “The Heart Part 6,” Sunday night, reactions  began to shift to Drake being up in this battle. On the song, he talks about setting Kendrick up with false information to trick him to thinking he had a daughter, and about Kendrick being sexually abused as kid.  He also reveals that the mother of children is not following him on Instagram, but is following the manager Dave Free, adding to the idea that Kendrick and her are on the outs, and her and Free may be romantically involved. At the moment it feels like Kendrick won lots of the mini battles with his heavy onslaught of content over the last week.  But Drake is currently winning the bigger contest, the one of truth. And Hip Hop fans are getting the best of this war of words.   Written By David Lopez

Will “Tale Of The Tape” be good enough to BUY OR RENT on Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video: “Tale Of The Tape” Review Written & Directed by Malik K. Buie Executive Producer; Kim Osorio Executive Producer; Rashad Casey  Producer; Joslyn Rose Lyons  Hey #MyCreatives, Whoooooooooo what a few weeks of HIP HOP. From J. Cole bowing out spiritually and respectfully, Chris Brown smoking the dust pedals off of Quavo with his bars, and DRAKE vs KENDRICK Battle getting more intense as the weeks go on. Now onto the ordeal at hand that’s rather is sparking the question, “Will This Documentary help support the DJ Community”. The documentary at hand, called “Tale Of The Tape”. The documentary is an exclusive Buy ($7.99USD) or Rent (Up To 30 days for $4.99USD) on Amazon Prime Video. I will breakdown and review the GOOD, BAD, and #ReemoApproved of this documentary. The GOOD:  I will admit this was a solid and substantially researched documentary. The testimonies from Today & Older generation DJ’s and Music artists really giving props and honoring the impact of mixtapes. I feel they meshed the emotional and intellectual tie of the documentary of the culture. Honestly, can’t see too much of a “BAD”. The BAD:  I don’t think this is a documentary for the Hip Hop Culture Purists. This is more for the Fan who was of the mid 80’s to Mid 2010’s (Where Mixtapes got pushed away due to streaming) that lived through the emergence and impactful movement during those times. The video content seems “Dated” but the stories are still epic. Also, they should’ve broke it up to a series like “Hip Hop Evolution” (Netflix) did by regions would suffice the Hip Hop purist.  The #ReemoApproved  Honestly, there shouldn’t be any complaints past breaking it up by regions instead of seemingly the North, despite the one time with DJ Drama from Atlanta(By way of Philly). Also, it was debuting on Amazon Prime so they collectively had to put the best figures that are going to draw engagement and the dollars back to profit….end all be all this is still a business. For me as a semi-historian of Hip Hop, very entertaining and pleased of what was presented. Salute to Malik K. Brie, Kim Osorio, Rashad Casey, and Joslyn Rose Lyons for putting the documentary together.    In conclusion, “Tale Of The Tape” on Amazon Prime Video delivers a gripping narrative that seamlessly intertwines the worlds of Mixtapes & Music within the Hip Hop Culture. With its compelling figures of Hip Hop, nuanced storytelling, and powerful testimonies, it immerses viewers into the impact and intensity of the movement while exploring deeper themes of business growth and resilience in Hip Hop Culture. Coupled with its high production values and authentic portrayal of the Hip Hop,          “Tale Of The Tape” emerges as a semi-must watch for both Hip Hop enthusiasts and fans who want to relive of those times. As per usual, ON TO THE NEXT #MyCreatives     Follow Me on Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/reemomeerak_/ X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/reemomeerak_ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reemomeerak_ LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemreemomeeraktyson Subscibe to The Podcast; Reemo Meerak: The C.U.T.S. https://www.youtube.com/@TheCUTS_ Subcribe To My Vlog Channel; Reemo Meerak: ReemTV: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzeBLMMZerckVQ9LJa93oZw For Interviews, Cover your event, write a review, or Features: [email protected] Shop The Merch: https://reemomeerakbrand.myshopify.com/

#rewindreview: Showbiz & A.G. ‘Runaway Slave’ 1992

  Growing up my interest in HOP music came from the benefit of cable television. This didn’t mean that I grew up in a rich home by any means but that cable was cheap enough to have during certain times in those years. A period that was missed for me was late 1992 thru about 1994, so I missed a lot of singles that might have only been shown on Rap City or Yo! MTV Raps. One single that I caught before that cable bill was overdue and it was gone again was ‘Soul Clap’ from Showbiz & A.G. For those alive or paying attention at that time, know that the single was heavy and stayed in rotation. It was the introduction to the duo and left a lasting impression on ears for years to come. This single was also one of my first CD purchases as the ‘Soul Clap/Party Groove’ maxi single I bought used at the original Soundwaves records store here in #HUEston, after returning a ‘Boys II Men’ album I got for Christmas one year. ‘Soul Clap’ and ‘Fat Pockets (remix)’ was the only songs I was familiar with from ‘Runaway Slave’ at the time. It wasn’t until about 2002 when I finally got around to this album and from then it grew on me. 1992 is not one I put in my “favorite years” of HOP music list so when I initially heard this album it sounded “suspended in time” but Showbiz’s beats were crazy and stick to one’s auditory canal like barnacle on boats. A.G.’s rough rhymes mixed with these beats just gave an energy that can’t be denied. ‘Silence The Lambs,’ ’40 Acres And My Props’ and ‘He Say, She Say’ all have this jazzy but dangerous feel to the songs. ‘Runaway Slave’ also provides interludes to each song with members of D.I.T.C. (Diggin’ In The Crates) while also introducing the world to Big L. The album is a time capsule to a world where rap music was more genuine in why it was being created which can be theorized as to why the music holds up after thirty years. Equipment had to be bought, music had to be listened to, time and money had to be scheduled for recording, and M.C.’s had to be ready when these other stars were aligned to make a mark. All this was not done with a click of a button but instead digging in crates to create a unique soul in HOP music. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Soul Clap,’ ‘Fat Pockets’ & ‘Bounce Ta 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 @

Who Are The Best Independent Hip Hop Artists Of New York From 2021 until 2Q 2024?!!!!

  Have we forgot where the “Mecca” of Hip Hop started?!!! The answer to the question above is; The Bronx but for sake of using the word “Mecca” and of course the GARDEN is pivotal of letting you know you’re in NEW YORK!!! Apologies #MyCreatives, your Neighborhood #RugerSprayyyyyer was on the IR with a major injury (Since the Tierra Whack Listening Party), and God’s way of telling “Reemo Your Wildin’ Out….RELAX!!!” So during this time off, a rather interesting topic surfaced on an Independent Hip Hop Artist’s Social Media Page asking the question   “Who’s The Big 3 of Independent Scene?”. Derived from what occurred in Hip Hop which J.Cole mentions about the “Big 3” and it lead to a butterfly effect of massive “Diss Tracks”, and the Top Tier artists coming out with massive content, and songs all over the Hip Hop scene. Now juuuuuuu’already know to even compile a list like that would take some time, and serious effort from multiple people. I’m only one man here folks and ladies. I’m in my bed pondering what type of article could I make of this. Then, it hit me “Who Are The Current Top Independent Artists of NEW YORK?!!”, as well as “How many Years are we Covering?!!!”, “What’s The Criteria?!!” and ETC. This article will display of such, and truly hope the reader understands what’s taking place here. Also, no disrespect or dismissing of anyone who is an Independent Hip Hop Artist all over the world.   Main Focus: The list was derived from a Social Media post an independent artist posted asking “Who’s The Big 3 of the Independent Scene”. I was highly intrigued of how that would be achieved, and “Who would be on that type of pedigree?”. Honestly, too many independent artists in the world to compile down to “Top 3 artists”. So I figured, “Why not speak of the Top Independent Artists of New York?!!!!!”. I’ve pretty much covered or interviewed a vast majority within my media career, and encountered of their skill set improving over the years. The list is to highlight and give flowers to the artists who’ve made it possible and represented New York to the best of their talents and abilities. Each part of NY matters, as well as putting together a list of figures whom made it their mission and passion to display their skills. I wanted to meet the challenge of putting a list together, and did due diligence to be fair, and researched the artists (Some assistance from well hardworking Media Colleagues in the New York Hip Hop Media Space is noted as well). Overall this list is of an objective view, and things that occurred for the artists named on the list within the years of 2021 until now (2nd Quarter 2024).   CRITERIA Impact the Last 3 years Since Post Pandemic (2021 to 2nd Quarter 2024) Relevance (Known and Heard Throughout the STATE) Headline or Featured on Shows (Major Festivals, Concerts, or Events) Media Publication Appearances for Music “Hot Streak” (Major Platforms, Podcast, & ETC) Multiple Plays on Radio or Network Skills (Bars, Flow, Story, & Creativity) Consistency (Not just One Year Here & there) Performance Energy Potent Music Tracks that caught a big wave, and moved heavily amongst NY. Major Features or have Collab with Mainstream Hitters on Tracks Sales, Followers, Engagement, or Friendship have nothing do to with selection **** On label, but their consistent contributions within the NY Independent Scene *** Recently Independent amongst the timeline of 2021 until 2Q 2024 (Honorary Pick) – Despite signed or recently Independent, their impact alone for the state lead to their success, or for that matter empowered many.   TOP CURRENT HIP HOP INDEPENDENT ARTISTS of NEW YORK (No Particular Order) Torae Eddie Kaine NEMS**** GRAFH She-Real (Harlem) K-Goddess 38 Spesh Lazaris The Top Don GMim$ Debonaire D.CHAMBERZ SNS ICY GANG Arnstar Kony Brooks Bakeman Global D Dave Dyce Pesos Deveye  Rome Streetz Steph G Haddy Racks Fab Tha Don Iman Nunez Cash Cobain Zeddy Will M Dot Porter Flowboy Duece Toni Steelz Molly McCoy Genny Genn UFO Fev Ron Suno Neek Bucks Kyah Baby Warren Wint Billboard Baby Jakkah J.Dollaz Timeless Biz Joe West Zay The Profit Sig Tha Trig (Signature) Johnnie Floss Diany Dior Sunny So Fancy Rich P Solo Jones TDI Muzik X-YLE Sluggo Da Don Ricky Bats Billy B (Female Artist) Maiya Tha Don Stunna Dior Nani Blanco Decapo SwaveHMG Jae Skeese Math Hoffa Oun P Cortez Chow Lee J.Sos RTM Sway Leigh Paris Nik Moody BHCG (Group): Earn Dinero, Scrilla Scambino, Sugar Hill Prophet, Well Made Choice, Mack Wyatt, and Cane Green Miah Kenzo YNVS Conan Keen Streetz JUS PLAY Nino Man Frank Knight Euro Solomon Josh Jacobs Fergie Baby Chuck Platinum (HONORARY PICK) PHRESHER**** (HONORARY PICK) Lola Brooke**** (HONORARY PICK) Benny The Butcher**** (HONORARY PICK) Westside Gunn*** (HONORARY PICK) Conway*** (HONORARY PICK) Jim Jones **** (HONORARY PICK)   Conclusion: I did my best to compile of this list, as well as being from New York for a very long time. Also, with some assistance from a few of my colleagues in the Hip Hop Media space. Highlighting the artist felt as a right thing to do, as well as accepting the challenge of putting the list together, and to really show my appreciation to figures who really made valuable contributions on the strength of their own to putting together teams to assist their success. The “Independent” moniker is not to claim as stamp of approval within Hip Hop culture but more so to be taken as an achievement of the journeys the figures mentioned have endured within it. Nonetheless, some may feel New York is losing its “footing” in the culture, but make no mistake the artists are continuing their efforts to make their presence known. End all be all, what’s considered “LOST” only means there’s opportunities to GAIN it right back again!!! As per usual, “ON TO THE NEXT!!!” #MyCreatives Follow Me on Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/reemomeerak_/ X(Twitter): https://twitter.com/reemomeerak_

#rewindreview: Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) ‘Run The Jewels’ 2013

  I could never imagine in 1998 that while listening to Company Flow’s ‘Funcrusher Plus’ and Outkast ‘Aquemini,’ that I would ever hear El-P and Big Boi rapping on the same track. This has been the legacy of Run The Jewels, which is providing the most amalgamated circumstances to all of us who were listening to HOP music prior to the 2000s. For those younger ears or one’s simply not in the know, this collaboration between El-P, Killer Mike and the features they have had is standard practice in a rap music world where that proverbial “line in the sand” is no longer existent. ‘Run The Jewels’ is the second collaboration with El-P and Killer Mike, but the first of what would make them a cultural favorite among younger ears. Unlike Killer Mike’s ‘R.A.P. Music’ album from 2012, El-P was strongly motivated to rap again by Killer Mike, thus creating this rapping duo. This album is to the point and really displays the chemistry “El & Mike” have. The content was a lot more abstract and fun, to which those aspects were really sold by the visual components of the record. The first single ’36’ Chain’ has one of the most laugh out loud moments as “RTJ” re-envision L.L. Cool J’s intro to the ‘I’m Bad’ single. More “inside joke” hilarity is found on the Prince Paul featured ‘Twin Hype Back’ where he reprises his role as “Chess Rockwell” of Handsome Boy Modeling School. ‘Run The Jewels’ for me is the easiest album to digest next to ‘RTJ4′ in the Run The Jewels catalog. El-P handles the majority of the production and keeps that “futuristic b-boy” feel which keeps this album strange in 2013 but over the years it has marinated to feel a little ahead of it’s time. If the run (no pun intended) of the duo is done, within a decade they have stamped their ticket as a solid rap group and boosted the value of Killer Mike, so run these jewels back one more time *no Diddy*. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ’36’ Chain’ & ‘A Christmas F***king Miracle,’ ‘Banana Clipper,’ ‘Run The Jewels’ & ‘Get It’ 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 @

#rewindreview: Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) ‘Run The Jewels 3’ 2016

  As a Christmas gift for a world who would now see a clown as the leader of the “free world,” Run The Jewels activated one more release before the end of the 2010’s. ‘Run The Jewels 3’ felt like a much darker album from the previous releases, if one could differentiate the music with expert ears. As collaboration albums go “RTJ” by this point felt more like an actual group than two separate entities getting together for another run. For me it was starting to feel like a burn out as by the time of this release I was still getting familiar with the first two. ‘Run The Jewels 3’ has more of an alternative rock influence which sonically is why I probably don’t find it as my favorite. The message and mission of the group remains which is providing a cynical outlook on society and more important how critical things seem to be in the election year of 2016. El-P and Killer Mike perform effortlessly through rhymes and ideas and are once again joined by Zack De La Rocha while adding a couple of more unexpected guest like Trina and Danny Brown. ‘Run The Jewels 3’ isn’t a bad record but it lacks the ability to convert “hip-hop heads” to the movement of RTJ with it’s overtly left of center/Trap music feel. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Legend Has It’ & ‘Call Ticketron’ Listen to @QUANTUM LEAP RADIO every Saturday from 4-6p.m. CST & Thursday from 3-5a.m. CST @90.1 FM KPFT Houston in HD2 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) ‘Run The Jewels 2’ 2014

  In the third collaboration for El-P and Killer Mike the duo find themselves caught in an unexpected cultural phenomenon. With the success of the first ‘Run The Jewels’ album the critical response among new fans and a younger generation looking for more than the average top 40 radio sounds, “RTJ” become the new anti-establishment group of choice. After the Mike Brown killing in St. Louis, there was a sense of reality among “twenty-something year old’s” who grew up thinking racism was in the past and the world was as “black and white” as the villains and heroes in their favorite anime. ‘Run The Jewels 2’ serves as a “truth serum” that does not come off as preachy or mild musically with a rebellious energy. El-P embraces the southern bounce that seemed to connect with more ears from the first “RTJ” record and with the help of Wilder Zoby and Shalimar, intertwine a futuristic rock element that doesn’t allow the listener to fall asleep. ‘Run The Jewels 2’ really focuses in on the dangers of corrupt governing and questioning the leaders put in place to uphold law. Although there are a couple of different moments like the raunchy ‘Love Again (Akinyele back)’ which features Gangsta Boo as all three express the dirty side of wanting that “good ol’ thing back.” Where this album fails or in some ears succeeds is it all sounds like one long song. It can be hard to really distinguish the majority of songs but then again to the “RTJ” fan this is probably the best thing about the album. ‘Run The Jewels 2’ is made for the festivals, where suburban kids can live out their dreams of going wild and crazy while thinking this is “sticking to the man.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Blockbuster Night Part.1,’ ‘Oh My Darling Don’t Cry,’ ‘Lie, Cheat, Steal,’ ‘Close Your Eyes (And Count To F**k),’ ‘Early,’ ‘Angel Duster’ 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 episode by searching and following @

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

  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 @

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