DigiWaxx

#rewindreview: Kool Keith ‘Sex Style’ 1997

Posted on June 10, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

This Bronx M.C. has had one of the most interesting careers in HOP music that he has been in complete control of. From Ultramagnetic M.C.’s to a spaced out horrorcore act as Dr. Octagon, Kool Keith created a lane for an acquired listener, while paving a path for the “alias” within the existing character, music acts already portray. ‘Sex Style’ is the debut solo album for “Kool Keith” and if one is not familiar with the rapper EVERYTHING about this album, from it’s cover art to the content will feel confusing or cheap. How do I know this, because I was that outsider at one point. I would constantly see this album in stores and look past it as around this time the era of “bad cover art” (certain record labels shall remain nameless) was in full effect along with horrible rappers on those albums. Kool Keith’s name I knew of in passing but did not KNOW him like that. At the time a college radio show I listened to was playing tracks like ‘Sly We Fly,’ ‘Lovely Lady’ and ‘Plastic World.’ These songs all seemed strange and I could not wrap my head around their purpose. Ironically around this time is when “Keith” was appearing on different projects and it was almost destined for me to delve into his back catalog up to this point. I finally get around to ‘Sex Style’ and between understanding the Kool Keith brand and hearing those songs I initially heard on college radio, I can appreciate the album for what it is. The record is an “anti-underground Hip-Hop” album that plays (or jokes depending one’s point of view) on the over sexualized corner of HOP music. In the many personas of Kool Keith we get the pimp that controls all the prostitutes of the industry (rappers) and has them doing the wildest acts while also getting songs of comedic filth that goes against the grain of any “truskool” HOP music listener. Kool Keith has always been about disruption and destroying barriers within HOP music while also being one of the most abstract acts in the genre. ‘Sex Style’ creates the sound of Kool Keith and his many personas from the Kut Master Kurt and T.R. Love production but beware when “soundbombing” this album while driving in your car or in your residence. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Don’t Crush It,’ ‘Wanna Be A Star,’ & ‘Plastic World’ 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

#rewindreview: Boogie Down Productions ‘Sex & Violence’ 1992

Posted on June 3, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

Around the age of twenty I began to go back and dig into the Boogie Down Production catalog. I was always a fan of the singles that were released and KRS-One as a rapper but by the year 2000 certain HOP music sounded outdated, or so I thought. Finding the BDP ‘Live Hardcore Worldwide’ release, sparked my motivation to go down the rabbits hole to which I eventually got to ‘Sex & Violence.’ Upon my initial listens back then I didn’t think it held much weight, especially among the previous albums. Like music should do though, ‘Sex & Violence’ appreciated over time. This is due to it’s very raw approach but also the sound was the biggest it had been for a Boogie Down Production album. Pal Joey, Kenny Parker, D-Square, Prince Paul and KRS-One himself, provided music that could compete with a new hardcore era of HOP music in the early 1990’s. More importantly the songs on this album were like a time capsule for anyone who forgot or did not live through 1992. From the conversation of Mike Tyson’s assault case, to the Gulf War, “KRS” pinned some incredible songs with parallels to reality. ‘Drug Dealer,’ posing a question or solution to the ever growing street pharmacist about how to invest in the community if you are going to sell to that community. ‘Questions & Answers’ is one of KRS’ most creatively executed songs as he interviews himself on why his music takes the stance it does. Nas who has been known to look up to ‘Tha Teacha,’ took a page from this album with his track ‘Destroy & Rebuild,’ attacking his rap antagonist as on ‘Sex & Violence’ ‘Build & Destroy’ is KRS-One’s response to X Clan’s criticism about his ideology and being “pro-black.’ enough. The album as I initially stated is one that can not simply be glossed over as I might have done on my first listens. It deserves more credit and to be understood as a real examination of an era. Over the last decade narratives have been made about the song ’13 & Good’ which were not present when this album was released and years after it’s release; causing the song to get lost in context possibly due to a generation who was not there or have an agenda against KRS-One. The track clearly does not promote predatory actions toward minors but instead the issue of adult establishments, at that time allowing for minors to frequent these venues and the consequences that were attached with it. Another form of storytelling from ‘Tha Teacha’ in congruent with tracks like ‘Loves Gonna Getcha.’ With this being the last Boogie Down Productions album and KRS-One’s first solo outing coming the next year, ‘Sex & Violence’ almost gets lost in the overall discography. It is however one of the most conscious rap albums in the genre from the cover artwork to the content. What did you think about the album? Singles include: ’13 & Good,’ ‘Duck Down’ & ‘We In There’ 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

#rewindreview: Elzhi ‘Seven Times Down Eight Times Up’ 2020

Posted on May 27, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

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

#rewindreview: Sir Menelik a.k.a. Scaramanga ‘Seven Eyes, Seven Horns’ 1998

Posted on May 20, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

The entity known as Sir Menelik was an understudy of The Great Kool Keith. With that comes the propensity for stream of thought rhyming and multiple personalities when releasing music. ‘Seven Eyes, Seven Horns’ is Sir Menelik’s debut album but under the moniker of “Scaramanga,” a character loosely based on the James Bond villain that owned his own island and “the man with the golden gun.” My interest for this album peaked after numerous features he had with Kool Keith and 12″ inch singles that were released through Rawkus records. Listeners should expect that with “Scaramanga” one will hear the talent of polysyllabic rhyming but if trying to hone in on the meaning of these lyrics, you might be decoding them for years. The title of the album is steeped in the idea of perfect power and perfect vision as God would see it on earth. If one can cut through the abstract lyrics on this album they might be able to hear how Scaramanga describes his vision of lyrical perfection and insight as well. Again a challenge that can only be offered… Sir Menelik was often known to be more “sci-fi” in his content but under “Scaramanga” this album leans into the “streets” and “underworld” aspect one might compare to Raekwon’s ‘Only Built For Cuban Linx’ album or Nas’ “Escobar” era. What makes the album work is the combination of beats provided by Showbiz, Godfather Don, Scholarwise and Scaramanga’s delivery. Tracks like ‘Special EFX,’ ‘Alphabetic Hammer,’ ‘Shallah Magnetic’ and the title track are a reminder of how the independent, underground sound was at it’s best in the late 1990’s. My issue with this album, even still to this day, was more about the sequencing of songs, mainly toward the end of the project. ‘Death Letter’ has the original and remix added and the original’s production doesn’t hold up with the songs surrounding it while the remix might be better but should have been the last track on the album as a “bonus.” With all the time that has past this album gets better simply because of how rare it is and also how unabashed it was in it’s approach. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Special EFX’ & ‘Mind I.C. Mine’ 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

#rewindreview: Sach ‘Seven Days To Engineer’ EP 1998

Posted on May 13, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

During the “file sharing era” I came across many hard to find or never officially released albums. For me that was the purpose of those days, to not simply pilfer off of rapper’s works but to find those gems that might have been lost but now found and digitized, to last forever. The Nonce was a west coast group who in my opinion never got the attention they deserved. Even with a cultural hit song called ‘Mixtapes” and an incredible debut album that song was attached to with ‘World Ultimate,’ Sach & Yusef Afloat were still limited to an “underground” fanbase. This meant if you were not in the general vicinity of the group, one might have missed releases they had. In 1998 Sach put out an EP ‘Seven Days To Engineer’ which by my own account seems to have been a slight “testing of the waters” on how he would a approach a solo release. This EP is about twenty minutes long and has a “demo tape” feel to it as songs don’t sound properly mixed with vocals often not matching the volume level of the music. What is enjoyable about this release is the obscure and often improvisational jazz style of beats that Sach really gets to display here. It would be another 4 years and an unfortunate passing of Yusef Afloat for audiences to get a proper presentation of the sound of Sach but for those who might have got this street tape or took advantage of the “file sharing era,” we were prepared to hear the continuation and genesis of a sound that took seven days to engineer. 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

Get in tune for Zeddy Will’s “Set The Tone”: Your Backstage Pass to the May 2025 Album Drop

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Reemo Meerak

What’s it dew #MyCreatives, and hip hop music fans! Ready to add some tracks to your playlist for 2025?!!!! Zeddy Will has his much-awaited album, “Set The Tone.” out now!!!! We got a sneak peek into his creative process, and trust us, it’s straight fire! Zeddy shares what inspired him and gives a hint of what each track might bring. His mix of raw energy and storytelling is something only he can pull off. Are you ready to peek into the mind of one of hip-hop’s rising talents? Let’s dive into this musical journey! Don’t forget to hit him up on Instagram. Creative Process Behind “Set The Tone” “Set The Tone” isn’t just another album for Zeddy Will — it’s a deep dive into his world. Let’s unwrap how he crafted his unique sound and storytelling vibe. Unveiling Artistic Inspirations Zeddy’s got influences from the legends of classic hip-hop to the fresh beats of today. His music is powered by personal stories and cultural moments. It’s like patching together a quilt made of hustle, success, and deep-thinking vibes for the Queensbridge Native. A major influence for Zeddy is the street’s pulse and city’s life, fueling his every beat and line. The live show buzz really gets his creativity flowing, powering a back-and-forth between him and his fans that makes his tracks hit home. According to Zeddy when asked about tracks he would perform at Rolling Loud? He replied, “Twerkin’, Back Back w/ French Montana, and Joe Budden Freestyle.” Also, what drives him to push limits and try out new sounds. For the #RugerSprayyyyyer, I feel: Back Back w/ French Montana Twerkin’ Want That, Need That Twisted I Got You feat Lil TJay Check out his Spotify page for more of his musical journey. Here’s the sitdown one on one interview: Musical Evolution and Themes Reflecting his journey, Zeddy’s taken his music to the next level with “Set The Tone.” This album shows off his big style evolution, blending old-school with new-school vibes. Diverse Soundscapes: From trap beats to soulful grooves, the album covers it all. Lyrical Depth: He tackles themes like identity, strength, and personal growth in his songs. Innovative Production: Cool new production tricks bump up the listening experience. Zeddy’s fearless in pushing his creative limits, making “Set The Tone” a must-listen for both loyal fans and new listeners. This album is about his growth as an artist, showcasing a rich sonic adventure. Already the buzz around town is Zeddy Will’s new album is off the charts. Fans are highly appreciated of the release. Press Runs: Zeddy’s keeping the hype alive with media days, as wellas appearances on major publications, and platforms. A couple of tracks released: Some lucky fans got to hear snippets of unreleased tracks on DSPs. Launch Events: Media Days, Meet & Greets, as well as guest appearances on media platforms. The anticipation was at an all-time high as the release date was near. Zeddy’s drive for going above and beyond hints that “Set The Tone” will meet the expectations. As per usual #MyCreatives, ON TO THE NEXT!!!! Author, Reemo Meerak 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 Subscribe to The Podcast; Reemo Meerak: The C.U.T.S. https://www.youtube.com/@TheCUTS_ For Interviews, Cover your event, write a review, or Features: ReemoMeerak1@reemomeerakbrand.com OR ReemoMeerakBrand.info@gmail.com

#rewindreview: Little Brother ‘Separate But Equal’ 2008

Posted on May 6, 2025May 6, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

Initially released in 2006 for D.J. Drama’s ‘Gangsta Grillz’ mixtapes, is another project from the North Carolina team that was holding their ground during the mid 2000’s. After a critically acclaimed debut with ‘The Listening’ and a controversial but beneficial follow up album with ‘The Minstrel Show,’ Little Brother needed to keep their brand alive. They no longer had the hope of assistance with a major label and as a group they did not rely on drug raps are artificial street narratives to appeal to the masses. Having a ‘Gangsta Grillz’ tape was a huge thing for them as it put them in front of a crowd that needed (although they will never admit) the co-sign of a major label and want to hear that “ignorant sh!t” (c)Jay-Z. ‘Separate But Equal’ provides a different sound for “LB” that further closes the gap for an audience not keen on “truskool” HOP music. A good thing for that crowd but maybe not as good for day one fans. Hearing D.J. Drama scream his name through the transitions of these tracks was a personal turn off for me so it was a pleasure when the “Drama free” version was available a couple of years later. This release felt more like an album and I could appreciate the songs more but there was still an air of thinking this is not the best “LB,” in terms off songs one could get from the group. Production was provided by 9th Wonder and Khrysis with tracks from Illmind, D.R., The Kreators and Young Cee. All managed to give this release a more rugged vibe to suit the D.J. Drama crowd. Little Brother fans were familiar with featured acts like L.E.G.A.C.Y., Joe Scudda, Chaundon, Skyzoo, Supastition and Darien Brockington but there were a couple of shocking features like Bun B. and Mos Def. My personal issue with this release is the very apparent content and lyrics which saw Big Pooh being even more aggressive in his approach, which feels more like overcompensating for a certain audience than being authentic. For many who discovered Little Brother due to ‘The Minstrel Show’ or later, will probably appreciate this project more as it doesn’t do much in progressing the creativity Little Brother is known for. 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 HD11 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Big Mon ‘Senses’ EP 2018

Posted on April 29, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

The other side of Houston T.X.’s Hip-Hop music scene has yet to be truly recognized around the world. The images and sounds that people know the city for are as necessary as the images and sounds that gave cities like Los Angeles an identity. Like Los Angeles who have had a plethora of HOP music acts that did not fit in those narrow borders, as a music scene they have thrived over the years by recognizing and cultivating what made their scene great in totality. Houston is still waiting to not “box out” those who provided a different color of paint to an audience not from the city and one of those acts was a group called K-Otix, who consist of Damien, The ARE and Big Mon. After several releases since 1997, multiple features and even a controversial song that broke through to B.E.T. news, member Big Mon tried his hand at a solo release in 2018. Under the Da King & I Records which was Kay (of The Foundation) and bass player King Mason’s label, ‘Senses’ is blessed with a sound of funk, Jazz and hardcore rap that feels like one jam session. Big Mon takes the opportunity to enhance this fact among listeners, he has always been a premiere M.C. that can take immediate control of ones attention with his commanding voice. From the intro with Dungeon Family’s Big Rube to the last track with the vocal harmonies of PZ, Big Mon along with Kay & King Mason control one’s “senses” with the right frequencies, to add another piece of art to that often neglected sector of #HUEston Hip-Hop music. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Crown/Fear’ 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 HD11 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

Get Ready for Laughs, Legacy, and Lyrics: Ep 155 of C.U.T.S. Podcast with Chey and Weather Park

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Reemo Meerak

Hey there, #MyCreatives, and hip-hop heads!!! You won’t wanna miss the next-level vibes on Reemo Meerak’s C.U.T.S. Podcast. Buckle up for Episode 155, where we chop it up with two rising stars, Chey and Weather Park. These two are bringing that fresh spice and those throwback feels, keeping the Wu-Tang vibes alive and kickin’. This ain’t just any convo — it’s a journey through humor, deep chats, and those rhymes that’ll keep you coming back for more. This episode got enough laughs, legacy, and lyrics to go around. Ready to hear the future of hip-hop? Dive into the stories and beats we’re about to unleash. Tune in here! Get to Know the New Kids on the Block Say what up to Chey and Weather Park, two rising talents making their mark on hip-hop like it ain’t no thing. Each brings their own flavor to the mix, blending dope beats with some killer backgrounds to blaze their own trails. Chey: She’s Got Words to Say! 🎤 Chey’s not just grabbing attention; she’s running the show with her unique flair and hard-hitting lyrics. Her sound? A seamless stampede of classic vibes and new-gen beats that leaves both old and new fans vibin’. Wanna catch her fire performances? Hit up YouTube. Chey flicks it up with host; Reemo Meerak Weather Park: Making Waves on His Way 🌊 Weather Park’s not just another name — you feel me? He’s that real deal, packing raw energy and truth in every line. Riding a creative wave, he’s proof that art and angst mix perfectly. Kick it with Weather’s growth and groove over at the Latest Weather Report. Weather Park with tha flcik’it up The Wu-Tang Clan Legacy: Still Running the Game 👐 Let’s take a sec to shout out the Wu-Tang Clan! These legends are the blueprint for the game, with a legacy that’s still shaping today’s artists like Chey and Weather Park. As they rise, they echo Wu-Tang’s creativity and authenticity. Those intricate bars and bada** beats are setting the stage for others to bust boundaries! Wanna dig deeper into their epic journey? Check ’em out on Spotify — “Yah-Yah”. Latest Single out now!!!!! Behind The Scenes of Episode 155 🎧✨ Peek behind the curtains of Episode 155, where laughs and music blend for a podcast experience like no other. On deck w/ Episode 155 Laughs & Lyrics with Your Guy; Reemo Meerak!!!! Reemo threads the needle like no one else. Episode 155 serves a mix of soul-stirring stories and comedic gold with Chey and Weather Park in the spotlight. Ready to go on this rollercoaster of feels and fun? Jump into the convo on Apple Podcasts and get lost in Reemo’s storytelling heat. Why should C.U.T.S. Podcast be Your New Fave 🏆? For all you hip-hop culture vultures and music scene explorers out there, C.U.T.S. Podcast is your go-to. Reemo’s not just hosting; he’s throwing down with the artists who’s gonna shape tomorrow’s soundscape. Hungry for more? Find those dope and insightful convos you crave on Spotify. Here’s a Clip of the new segment; “BARS or CAP”: Spotlight on “Yah-Yah”: The Latest Music Video Drop 🎬🎶 As if Chey and Weather Park weren’t already turning heads, their latest music video “Yah-Yah” is here to blow minds and shake the scene. With visuals as dynamic as the duo themselves, “Yah-Yah” delivers a compelling narrative paired with an electric vibe. Picture a blend of raw talent and slick production — a feast for the eyes and ears. The video is a testament to their craft, weaving storytelling into an irresistible track that captures the energy of the streets while paying homage to the legends that paved the way. With each beat, “Yah-Yah” invites you to dive into its layered rhythms and lyrical prowess, a perfect extension of the vibes we explored in Episode 155. Can’t get enough of that fresh content? Check out the “Yah-Yah” music video and get ready to hit replay. 🎥👀 Watch “Yah-Yah” Now on YouTube! Keep your eyes peeled — because Chey and Weather Park are just getting started, and “Yah-Yah” is only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the world of hip-hop music videos! As per usual, ON TO THE NEXT #MyCreatives Author, Reemo Meerak 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 Subscribe to The Podcast; Reemo Meerak: The C.U.T.S. https://www.youtube.com/@TheCUTS_ Subscribe To My Vlog Channel — Reemo Meerak: ReemTV: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzeBLMMZerckVQ9LJa93oZw For Interviews, Cover your event, write a review, or Features: ReemoMeerak1@reemomeerakbrand.com OR ReemoMeerakBrand.info@gmail.com

#rewindreview: Animal Gang ‘Sen City’ EP 2022

Posted on April 22, 2025 by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

What is Animal Gang? A collective of M.C.’s with a mission to out rap your favorite or best M.C. at the drop of a dime. If you are a fan of crews like Stronghold or Slaughterhouse, Animal Gang is there to carry on the tradition. Mic Handz, Jamil Honesty, Unreal, Cayoz Da Beast, O*Zee, Don Streat, Dready Krueger and Senica Da Misfit (may he rest in peace), are the Animal Gang with D.J. Grasshoppa. ‘Sen City’ EP is a release from 2022 but a bit rare in it’s existence as one might not find it on any streaming apps, so allow us to give you a slight breakdown of what one would hear. In this twenty-five minute EP, Animal Gang makes it feel longer as from tracks one through six it’s a lot of punchlines and metaphors to process. Don’t expect much in conceptual songs but more the auditory experience of hardcore raps and beats. Production is provided by D.J. Grasshoppa, Neckbrace Productions, Cool FD and Hobgoblin who provide some dark frequencies under the boisterous raps of Animal Gang. This won’t be a project for everyone as the M.C.’s don’t provide much in substance or really distinguishing themselves but for those who just like to hear “bars,” ‘Sen City’ will scratch that itch. 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 HD11 Worldwide @kpft.org/listen (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

Category: Music