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#rewindreview: Benny The Butcher ‘Everybody Can’t Go’ 2024

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  Leading up to the latest album from Benny The Butcher was the anticipation of this being his first Def Jam release and only beats by The Alchemist and Hit-Boy. On paper this looks to be a classic in any year where “record labels” matter. The Alchemist has a specific sound and crowd that he pleases while Hit-Boy’s stock has grown exponentially as a premier beatmaker in the last few years among multiple genres of HOP listeners. While ‘Everybody Can’t Go’ is a solid release and doesn’t leave much room for folks to complain about “Benny” being stuck in one sound, it does not create the effect previous albums have had for the rapper. Benny The Butcher keeps the album to the point and straightforward like he is known to do which is an asset for the M.C. On this album he has a bit more features but they do not feel like they invade the record. Snoop Dogg, Stove God Cook$, Lil’ Wayne, Jadakiss and new comers like Babyface Ray and Peezy make appearances. While also leaving slots to Benny The Butcher’s Griselda and Black Soprano Family members Westside Gunn, Rick Hyde, Armani Caesar and Conway The Machine. Benny provides energetic tracks like ‘BRON,’ ‘Back Again’ and ‘How To Rap’ but there seems to be an underlying feel of something holding this release back. It’s probably just me and still living off the effect of his 2020 album ‘Burden Of Proof,’ cause ‘Everybody Can’t Go’ is not a bad album at all, especially if you are just wanting HOP music with no additives or preservatives. It reminds me of albums released in the year 1997 where many were solid releases but lacked a certain energy but at the same time a few of those albums ended up aging much better over time. Hopefully within that time we all “can go” and appreciate the album more. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Big Dog,’ ‘One Foot In,’ ‘BRON’ & ‘Back Again’ 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

The C.U.T.S. Podcast Welcomes Ray Daniels: A Deep Dive into the Music Industry

Posted on by Reemo Meerak

  In an electrifying new episode of The C.U.T.S. Podcast, host Reemo Meerak 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️chopp’d it 🆙🆙🆙🆙🆙 with music and entertainment industry titan; Ray Daniels, a visionary music executive known for his uncanny ability to spot and cultivate talent. The conversation was an impactful experience about music industry insights, with Daniels sharing anecdotes from his storied career and offering advice to aspiring artists and executives. A Journey Through Music Ray Daniels’ career is a testament to perseverance and vision. From his early days navigating the complexities of the music industry to his current status as a top mogul, and a successful Podcaster (The Gauds Show). Daniels’ journey is marked by a series of bold moves and strategic decisions. In the podcast, he recounted his beginnings, emphasizing the importance of resilience and learning from failures. Here’s a clip with Episode 142 of The C.U.T.S. Podcast: Unveiling Industry Secrets One of the highlights of the interview was Daniels’ deep dive into the mechanics of the music industry. He broke down the intricacies of artist development, the evolution of music consumption, and the pivotal role of digital platforms. His insights into the changing landscape of the industry were both enlightening and practical. Also, have some intriguing insights upon the Hip Hop Purists continuing and contracting gripes within the Hip Hop Culture. “Today’s artists need to be more than just talented,” Daniels explained. “They need to understand the business side of things, how to market themselves, and how to leverage social media to build a loyal fanbase.” Stories from the Trenches Daniels regaled listeners with stories of his time working with some of the biggest names in music. From navigating high-stakes negotiations to managing creative differences, his tales offered a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the industry. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some incredible artists,” Daniels said. “Each experience has taught me something new about the power of music and the importance of staying true to one’s vision.” Advice for Aspiring Professionals Throughout the podcast, Daniels sprinkled valuable advice for those looking to break into the music industry. He stressed the importance of building a strong network, staying adaptable, and always being willing to learn. His words were particularly resonant for young professionals eager to make their mark. “Surround yourself with people who challenge you and push you to be better,” Daniels advised. “And never stop learning. The moment you think you know it all, you’re done.” Looking Ahead As the interview drew to a close, Daniels reflected on the future of the music industry. He expressed optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead, especially with the continued growth of digital platforms and the democratization of music production. “The future is bright for those who are willing to innovate and adapt,” Daniels concluded. The episode with Ray Daniels is a must-listen for anyone interested in the inner workings of the music industry. His wisdom, experience, and passion for music shine through, making for an engaging and informative conversation. The C.U.T.S. Podcast continues to deliver high-quality content, and this episode is no exception. For those looking to glean insights from one of the best in the business, this episode is an invaluable resource. Ray Daniels’ journey, stories, and advice offer a roadmap to success in an ever-evolving industry. If you want the full EPISODE 142 w/ Ray Daniels, then click here and {{SUBSCRIBE}}: As per usual, ON TO THE NEXT…#MyCreatives  

#rewindreview: Rawkus presents ‘Ego Trip’s The Big Playback’ 2000

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  Leave it up to one the most authentic labels and movements during the turn of the millennium, to curate a compilation of forgotten and underground HOP music from the 1980’s. ‘Ego Trip’s The Big Playback’ served as a soundtrack to Sasha Jenkins’ popular ‘Book Of Rap Lists’ that was published a year before. In that book Hip-Hop music was given a benchmark as to it’s origins and most influential acts and songs up to that point. Where this compilation album works is not only providing some HOP jams but also connecting the origins of names, who by the year 2000 were known but not so known for what they did on wax during the 1980’s. M.C. EZ & Troop’s ‘Get Retarded’ would sound familiar around this time as L.L. Cool J. had released a track called ‘Zoom’ a couple of years before which borrowed from this jam but not only that, M.C. EZ was in fact Craig Mack. Divine Force’s ‘Holy War’ had been slightly resurrected by Ghostface Killah’s ‘Mighty Healthy’ on ‘Supreme Clientele’ earlier that year. Also producer/rappers like Diamond D. and Ski have their earlier groups displayed in The Bizzie Boyz and Ultimate Force. Personally this album was a jewel that only added on to my knowledge at the time seeing as how I was slowly beginning to respect and appreciate HOP music pre-1988. A perfect combination of the popularity of “80’s Hip-Hop” that was being celebrated at the time thru various remakes and other compilation albums and the genuine effect Rawkus records was providing to their audience. The artwork and selection of music on ‘Ego Trip’s The Big Playback’ is one of the last Rawkus releases that displayed the initial and true reason that label was so necessary and a breath of fresh air for a lot of us. Almost like a ‘Lyricist Lounge Vol.0’ in the Rawkus discography. What did you think of the album? 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

The Impact Kendrick’s “Not Like Us,” has had on Pop Culture

Posted on by David Lopez

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” and its references have appeared in TikTok dances for middle school proms, marching bands, and even utilized  by a weatherman. The  hysteria has consumed popular culture, creating a line in the sand on what’s authentic and what’s disingenuous . With Kendrick’s “The Pop Out,” concert in Los Angeles on Juneteenth, the entire West came out to support and give resistance to Drake’s claim that he got more love than K. Dot in his own city. When Doctor Dre whispered “ I see Dead People,” over the DJ Mustard produced hit, and NBA Basketball star Russell Westbrook and YG danced all over the “ Not Like Us,” set which he performed five times for good measure. Hip-Hop fans understood we were witnessing Drake’s public crucifixion and funeral. In an article I published on May 5th for Diggiwaxx,https://digiwaxx.com/drake-vs-kendrick-whos-ahead-on-the-score-card/ I had this mega battle with Drake and Kendrick Lamar being close. At the time I had Drake’s “Family Matters,” as the best song in the combat exchange. And though I knew K. Dot came on strong with four songs in one week. I felt like Drake won points for seeming more truthful. Kendrick’s accusation of Drake having a daughter and being a pedophile had no supporting evidence and I felt at the time it came across as a desperate attempt to defame Drake. My article  did not age as well as I anticipated.   The  public and internet declared  Kendrick as the decisive winner. The impact of “Not Like Us,” changed everything for Drake and the outcome of this battle. So the question is what is it about “Not Like Us” that made it such an anthem and viral sensation? Here are 10 reasons I mustered up, get it ( DJ Mustard). Ha Ha, I crack myself up sometimes, lol.  DJ Mustard gifted Kendrick a taunting piano chord that was the perfect backdrop for Kendrick’s expose of Drake’s fraudulent ways.  Kendrick picked Drake apart by highlighting his close proximity to Atlanta rappers for cultural acceptance, even going so far to call him a “colonizer.” The “Ov Ho”side to side dance is hilarious. The clever connections to Karl Malone, Tekashi 69, and Bill Cosby all either guilty or accused of inappropriate sexual assaults on women is genius. The line about beating Drake and hiding the Bible if God was watching has shock value that only elite emcees can bring to the table . He lived up to certified boogeyman mystique, Kendrick is not one to play with. “Not like Us, “becomes an anthem, at a perfect time while people are outside, the summer. It felt like we got more music from K. dot in a week than we got all of 2024. Just when Drake was looking like Thanos, K.Dot not only stole his thunder he sent him to Hip- Hop exile for the foreseeable future. K. Dot utilized the diss moment at ” The Pop Out” to unite the West Coast gangs in a sign of celebration and  unity. It feels good to finally admit my wrongs, and to see what the majority saw quite early on. Kendrick  created a significant hip hop moment, highlighting Drake for clout chasing artists when beneficial, and unified what seems like the entire world in ensuring the rapper who created the song “God’s Plan,” was instead destined to be exposed as a “liar.” Drake is as quiet as a church mouse these days with music right now, let’s see if he can reincarnate out of the  pet cemetery Kendrick Lamar buried the For All The Dogs  pop Star in.   By David Lopez Follow on Instagram @DLopez_718

#rewindreview: Blackliq & Mopes ‘Change Is A Choice’ 2023

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  ‘Choice Is A Chance’ plays like a personal journal with highs and lows of life as the main theme. The Richmond V.A. rapper Blackliq, teams with beatmaker Mopes on a therapeutic journey with a “bop” to it. Although a short album ‘Choice Is A Chance’ is heavy in recognizing the importance of family foundation, no matter the social circumstances. Blackliq opens up about his own dark times on ‘Therapy’ and also coming to terms with his responsibility to live life. Other moments Blackliq provides very relatable thoughts like we have all had concerning wanting to bring children into this world. On ‘Little Me’ the Richmond V.A. rapper looks at his own childhood and ponders if he could put up with that child and how hard it could be to raise him. He extends his thoughts of growing up with the descriptive track ‘Tooth’ which conveys a story of why his mother would hide her missing one, while only realizing in Blackliq’s adult life it was due to domestic violence. ‘Choice Is A Chance’ is a reflective album that might not be for the summer barbeque get together but a way for one to sit with the record and know that being human is not always so “black and white.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Strange Famous,’ ‘Therapy’ & ‘Little Me’ 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Eleven & Jason D ‘Carefully Crafted’ 2022

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

The idea of “Hip-Hop is dead” comes from a place of despair, with a bit of warning but many subconsciously are still waiting on mainstream avenues to correct their capitalistic model. That last part being the most hypocritical mindstate, a person who wants to hear the grassroots of HOP music could have. Reason being, there’s always a place to find what you are looking for but one has to not depend on everyone else’s attention span matching theirs to support or give a chance to lesser known acts in rap music. ‘Carefully Crafted’ from the M.C. Eleven and D.J./producer Jason D is a natural callback to the basics of HOP music. For those old enough to remember first hearing Jurassic 5 in the late 1990’s, it was apparent that their mission was to carry on traditional rap music but also was a huge part of the character and identity of the group. Eleven & Jason D do not seem as though this is their “gimmick” as oppose to just the type of music they make. Eleven’s style of rap is reminiscent of the early 1990’s while Jason D’s beats have the DNA of what made D.J. Premier so successful over the years. The two have “crafted” a time capsule that might not impress many younger ears or even older ears who feel this isn’t something they haven’t heard before. It is however more proof that those who came through a time when HOP music felt more authentic, are still able to service listeners who want to at least feel that authenticity for their listening pleasure. What did you think of the album? 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 (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

Can Rapsody’s New Album; “Please Don’t Cry” have Grammy Nods in 2025?

Posted on by Reemo Meerak

In this day, and age of Hip-Hop, we’ve come to the terms of either we accept Hip-Hop Artists giving us fluff for the music, or we truly respect the volume of authenticity, and talent within a project. For Rapsody; a very lyrical and talented Hip Hop artist from North Carolina has really come into her own stardom with her latest project; “Please Don’t Cry”. The project has the most complete, highly diverse in terms of beats productions, and ov erall music that has ever been in a Hip-Hop album in a very long time. Also, she has definitely went on a verge of giving us 22 (YES, 22!!!!) tracks of fantastic music to a point where you the listener will have no choice, but to respect who Rapsody is. During this review, I will express the GOOD, BAD, & #ReemoApproved. Also, you will take a look at the exclusive interview that I did with Rapsody, and truly watch, as well as her our converstion that the Hip Hop Culture would definitely love to admire, be inspired, and share amongst the Hip-Hop Community. The Good: I must say as a fan and contributor within the Hip Hop Culture. I was highly impressed of the 22 Track Album with No Skips (Yes, I’ve said it….NO SKIPS!!!!) and on a 3 day span listened to the album 5 times. Also, the features are legendary; Eryka Badu (3:AM), HitBoy (Asteroids), Niko Brim (Raw, Niko’s Interlude), Alex Isley (Loose Rocks), and last but not least the incomparable, sensational, and highly talented; Phylicia Rashad on the track, as well as throughout the album speaking to the artist. The productions on the album are phenomenal, and the beat selections for the album blend perfectly. If you are a fan of her music, she definitely did not disappoint. The Bad: Added more pressure to the playing field, and landscape of Hip Hop. The #ReemoApproved: Honestly, made me an omega stan of her. I really see the magnitude, and value of the album as like Nispey Hussle’s “Victory Lap” , Kendrick Lemar’s “Damn”, Jay-Z’s Hard Knock Life: Volume 2, or Dare I say what DMX did in 1998 combined with “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot” along with “Flesh Of my Flesh, Blood Of My Blood” in retrospect of it sparking their STARDOM within their careers. #TrustTheReemo on this one #MyCreatives this album is definitely the one for 2024. As per usual #MyCreatives, ON TO THE NEXT!!!!! 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: ReemoMeerakBrand.info@gmail.com Shop The Merch: https://reemomeerakbrand.myshopify.com

#rewindreview: B.U.K.A. Entertainment presents ‘Bringing It Home: Volume One’ 2001

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

There was a moment when the HOP music compilation was a thing and extremely effective. An album that would introduce or expose a myriad of rappers to new audiences. Soundtracks were a great example of this, in particular ‘High School High, ‘The Show,’ ‘Rhyme & Reason’ and ‘Soul In The Hole’ were mainly HOP music but had more known acts attached to those albums. When ‘Lyricists Lounge Vol.1’ released it set a strong precedent in providing unknown rappers a space to be heard on a smaller label but larger platform. After that release many compilations were provided and were successful in their own right like the ‘Supperappin’ series, ‘Beats & Lyrics’ by D.J. Kool EQ, D.J. Spinna’s ‘Beyond Real’ compilations and more. Needless to say these albums caused mass stimulus to my brain and I was on the lookout for any compilations adjacent to them at the time. With Rawkus records giving me an introduction to D.J. Hi-Tek by way of Black Star and hearing Lone Catalysts on a couple of mixtapes, I became aware of a “Mid-West” movement that could have easily gone unnoticed outside of the region had it not been for those acts. There was another compilation called ‘Mission Control…’ that highlighted those same acts along with a group Mood that took me down the Ohio path, which lead to me discovering ‘Bringing It Home Volume One.’ This album highlights many of the acts who were connected to Lone Catalysts and their label B.U.K.A. which stood for (Brothers United Keeping It Afficial). An extremely independent label that once again gave space for more unknown acts to be heard. On this album a few names were familiar like Verbal Kent and Usef Dinero but even for an “underground Hip-hop head” at the time these were all new acts. The songs that truly stand out on this album really do like the B.J. Bigby heater ‘Surrender,’ K-Mos ‘High Noon,’ Afaliah Afelyone ‘In/Exhale’ and Usef Dinero’s ‘Misc.’ The problem is a majority of the record has tracks from artist that just don’t stand up to the best offerings here, and with nineteen tracks and album art that is not to enthusiastic it doesn’t create the best replay value. As a collector of the independent Hip-Hop music scene at the time it’s not a bad album to own and displays the street and traditional sounding HOP music of that era. What did you think of the album? 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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

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