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#rewindreview: Big Mon ‘Senses’ EP 2018

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  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 

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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: [email protected] OR [email protected]

#rewindreview: Animal Gang ‘Sen City’ EP 2022

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  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

#rewindreview: Mountain Brothers ‘Self: Volume 1’ 1998

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  When I first recognized Mountain Brothers was my second year in college with a track called ‘Galaxies: Next Level.’ I saw the video on Canada’s Much Music television station that was airing here in the states in 1999 (Ohh how I miss that station). When listening to this track I realized I had already heard this group on a couple college radio tapes I had. ‘5 Elements’ was actually my introduction to them but I just never put a name to the voices and then ‘Paperchase’ which was a Summer 1999 FAVORITE of mine was on a tape I had during that time. ‘Self Volume 1’ is actually one of the first albums I purchased over the internet during my stint in college at Mississippi Valley State University. I mention my location specifically because there was irony of being at MVSU and discovering more music than I ever would have realized being in that location. Of course it was more due to my access to the internet but memories are still created from those days. Mountain Brothers were out of Philadelphia P.A. but what made them stand out at the time was these were Asian rappers which was not too common. Chops, Peril-L and Styles Infinite made “the triad golden crew” that rapped and produced this hour long collection of songs that give the listening public a clear view of who the Mountain Brothers are. The trio make it known they can rap but also have conceptual tracks like ‘Day Job,’ ‘Things To Do’ and ‘Oh-Oh-Oh.’ The latter track being a parody of the Miami Bass music that was popular at the time but also it left a stain on this album as instead of it being an interlude of levity, it was a 5 minute song to close out the album. The issue with ‘Self: Volume 1’ is the good moments are extremely good while other moments don’t live up to those very high points on the album. With the record being in my collection all of these years the music grows on you and the lower moments have become more acceptable but this album really could have made a mark if there were more ‘Paperchase’ and ‘Galaxies..’ on it. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Paperchase’ & ‘Galaxies: The Next Level’ 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: Encore ‘Self Preservation’ 2000

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  This is a deep cut right here. For those who were listening to the independent movement of the late 1990’s and purchased the fruit of those labors in the early 2000’s, you know that the West Coast was cornering a market. With acts like Dilated Peoples, Lootpack, Jurassic 5, People Under The Stairs and so on, it was getting to a point that if you were looking for “truskool” HOP music at the turn of the millennium, look West. Encore was able to sneak in under this umbrella with a couple of previous 12″ inch singles that were collaborations with Peanut Butter Wolf and Evidence, prior to this album which created an anticipation for it’s release. ‘Self Preservation’ is the debut album from Encore that was produced by Architect and one track by Joey Chavez. What Architect and Encore provided was an album that compliments the two’s addition to the core of HOP music. Encore has a tone and execution of rhymes similar to Rakim while the simple but hardcore production of Architect drives the album home for listeners who appreciate the stylings of D.J. Premier. Features included some names that were buzzing at the time of this release like Dave Dub, Kedar, The Bishop and a couple that had made a name for themselves by then like Pep Love of the Hieroglyphics Crew and Grand The Vis of Homeliss Derelicts. I remember first buying this album on the same day that I purchased Common’s ‘Like Water For Chocolate,’ so unfortunately my focus at the time, simply stated was… elsewhere. Over the years the album has remained solid and although it never had the impact of the albums from names mentioned earlier, it added to an era of consistent and trustworthy HOP music releases that were made to get your ACTUAL money’s worth. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘For You,’ ‘Sporadic,’ & ‘Love & Hate (the mellow drama)’ 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: L.M.N.O. & Kev Brown ‘Selective Hearing 2’ 2010

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  Two underground HOP music staples got together to bring a not so subtle collection of songs honoring the great James Brown. L.M.N.O. of the Visionaries and Kev Brown of the Low Budget crew present ‘Selective Hearing 2,’ where the two select to chop up some of the best James Brown quotes and samples for a head nodding adventure. This is thirty-five minutes of pure HOP music that does not leave listener’s feeling overwhelmed from rapping as L.M.N.O. and Kev Brown compliment the vibe and beats on this project like jazz musicians. They are not alone on the mic and incorporate the talents of Mr. Brady, Hassan Mackey, Declaime, Kaimbr, Trek Life, Kenn Starr and Charlie 2na. All voices fitting extremely well among Kev Brown’s beats and the precise scratches by D.J. LD. ‘Selective Hearing 2’ reminds those who appreciate HOP music of why we took to it during those mid to late 1980’s and 1990’s, which was the DNA of James Brown and the soul he provided for black music. “It’s spring again,” so pull this album out for a repeat or dig in for the first time while touching some grass today! What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Ya Know’ 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: Kendrick Lamar ‘Section 80’ 2011

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  At the end of the 2000’s and beginning of the 2010’s, my filter for new acts in HOP music was fully active. Not many if any new acts was I giving a chance. This was mainly due to the overkill of acts that were springing up from the internet. It all felt too easy and a lot of it did not feel genuine but more like folks wanting to have “rap” on their resume when someone asks those individuals about themselves. Hip-Hop music at that time was like SXSW once it became corporate and everyone was just handing out CD’s on 6th street but didn’t even know how to perform on stage. Like a lot of those individuals I either turned them down or took an album and never listened. In 2011 a group I managed, H.I.S.D. was on the same ‘Beats, Arts + Lyrics’ show as Kendrick Lamar who headlined that show. Because of the co-sign of EQuality from H.I.S.D. (The HUE) I finally gave “K. Dot” a chance but needless to say this was only year before he would skyrocket as a HOP music force, and many at that event left by the time his set started. ‘Section 80’ was the album he was performing at the time and I stayed for a bit but was unfamiliar with the music so I couldn’t relate. Flash forward about a year later and I sat with ‘Section 80’ to see if I could understand the accolades he was receiving. From the first listen I was impressed with the production, although at the time the first half of the album I felt was not necessarily geared toward my ears but more toward the target generation he was in. Essentially the album felt like a better sounding effort of those CD’s that would be handed out at SXSW. Where this album has grown with me over the years is the projects after it giving me a better understanding of how ahead of his time and mature Kendrick Lamar was when ‘Section 80’ released. If ‘A.D.H.D’ is a summary of the youth and ignorance of his generation, ‘HiiiPower,’ ‘Kush & Corinthians’ are that medicine on this album that speaks to my generation. Kendrick Lamar was “bridging the gap” through teaching, giving his own life perspective and rapping at a high level. Day one fans often herald this as his best offering and I would never challenge their perspective because like Nas’ ‘Illmatic,’ sometimes you simply had “to be there” to understand. ‘Section 80’ is another example as to why I often compare “Kendrick’s” run to Outkast, as from their debut albums, the next and so on and so forth would sound so much different from the last. This will often cause discourse among listeners initially but when the dust settles and we all listen back, the greatness of the art is rarely ever challenged when looking at the landscape the art was created in. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘HiiiPower,’ ‘Tammy’s Song,’ ‘A.D.H.D.,’ & ‘Rigamortis’ 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: All Natural ‘Second Nature’ 2001

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  One would not know it by the album cover but All Natural’s sophomore album ‘Second Nature’ is one of the rawest and realest HOP albums to come from the early 2000’s era. The Chicago duo consisting of Capital D. and Tone B. Nimble made sure that their second offering lived or at least tried to honor, what fans expected of them since their debut album in 1998. From the out set of the album ‘The Stick Up,’ listeners understand that the calming nature of the album cover is as mild as this journey will be. Capital D. upholds that “truskool” style of rhyme he has with a voice Rakim listeners would relate to. More importantly “Cap D.” uses his voice to not only show his talent but a beacon for providing truth to rhyme. ‘Uncle Sam’ featuring Slug is a point of view take on America and given current events can easily be applied to 2025. Same can be said for ‘Future Is Now’ as Capital D. prophesizes the importance of not waiting until the worst has happened to activate and mobilize. Other tracks like ‘Mr. Sexy’ go back to the days where the “line was drawn in the sand” between mainstream and underground while ‘Queens Get The Money’ adapts that popular Mobb Deep quote to talk about the women who deserve the spoils of men. Production is all in house, which is the Family Tree who on this album was G(R)iot, Memo, His-Panik, All Natural themselves and J. Rawls who produced one of the most banging tracks on this album, ‘The Renaissance’ featuring Lone Catalysts. New listeners will not hear this album and think that it was a monumental benchmark in HOP music but for me it is one of my favorite albums to listen to, due to how simple the approach is. My issue with the album over the years has been how it was mixed. Certain songs like ‘Ill Advisory,’ ‘Queens Get The Money’ and ‘The Renaissance’ sound great but the majority of the tracks have always sounded like there was an “amateur” engineer on the mix. Again this is balanced by how fresh and raw the songs are on ‘Second Nature.’ What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Stellar,’ ‘Elements Of Style’ & ‘Queens Get The Money’ 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: K. Sparks ‘Seasons Theme’ 2016

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  In the first years of QUANTUM LEAP RADIO, we were introduced to many new M.C.’s, that due to how loud the internet was by 2016, the “underground rapper” title held even less weight than ever. It was too easy to make music and even if it wasn’t easy the amount of acts to discover was overwhelming to the public. The advantage QUANTUM LEAP RADIO has is a benefit to the listener because we can be the conduit to filter these many acts that dwell in this newer age of the underground. K. Sparks sent his music to us at some point in 2016 and it was a satisfactory submission. The New York rapper upholds the attributes one would suspect is synonymous with that area but by 2016 I personally was thinking he was from the mid-west or a region not always associated with having a Hip-Hop scene. K. Sparks can rhyme without question. Has an active and engaging delivery, speaks on issues, intentional with his lyrics and chooses production that keeps heads nodding. All those things seem to be fleeting for New York rappers in this era. ‘Seasons Theme’ gives K. Sparks a means to plant the flag back in that corner of HOP music, if not for a moment. The album is a full record as it is close to an hour and K. Sparks handles all the rhymes with no features. Production remains consistent as Es-K, Moe Productions and Kurser take care of the release. K. Sparks guides listeners through all four seasons and the good and bad that can come with each one. A stand out track ‘#TRENDY’ is made during one of the last moments humanity had to listen, when so many warnings about the effects of social engineering were being actualized a decade ago. ‘Him vs Her’ is a soundtrack to the ever growing misunderstandings of men and women and the struggle to find common ground. Where ‘Seasons Change’ could have been better is K. Sparks himself. He raps a lot and at times the songs can be a bit long and one might lose their focus because he can be very bar heavy. That being said, if this is the weakest link it is a strong link to have and gives this album foundation and purpose. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Black Caesar’ & ‘#TRENDY’ 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

Harlemite and Hip-Hop Veteran G Dep Performs New Album “Lessons Never Losses,” at I9ine Bistro in the South Bronx

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(Photos by @Rawnyc) On Friday, February 28th, Harlem-born hip-hop artist and veteran G Dep performed his new album, Lessons Never Losses, at I9ine Bistro in the South Bronx. This marks G Dep’s first album since being released from prison, where he served 14 years of a 15-year sentence for a robbery that tragically resulted in the death of John Henkel who was shot in chest in 1993. G Dep, whose real name is Trevell Coleman, turned himself in for the crime in 2010, seeking to clear his conscience. In 2024, he was granted clemency by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, allowing him to return to society and his music career earlier than expected. The listening party for Lessons Never Losses was a celebratory event, attended by a mix of influencers, family, friends, and longtime supporters. G Dep, also known as “The Deputy,” performed the entire album live, showcasing his resilience and growth as an artist and individual. The album’s intro, “Exodus,” sets the tone for the project, focusing on overcoming obstacles and embracing a brighter future. This theme of redemption and personal evolution resonates throughout the album. Some standout tracks include: “How Can I”: A soulful track that samples Lisa Fischer’s 1991 classic “How Can I Ease the Pain,” G Dep reimagines the song to convey how he provides comfort despite his own sorrow and struggles. “That’s the Old Me”: A reflective and catchy tune where G Dep sings on the hook, emphasizing his personal growth and transformation. “Highly Motivated”: A track that highlights his faith and determination, produced by G Dep himself. “Put That on a Shirt” : A creative and entrepreneurial anthem where he shares his hard-earned wisdom and lessons through merchandise-inspired lyrics. The album’s production is cohesive featuring contributions from various producers. Despite being incarcerated for over a decade, G Dep’s cadence, and delivery remain sharp. The event was a triumph, with attendees getting an exclusive first listen to the album before its official release on all major streaming platforms on March 4th. G Dep’s gratitude and faith were palpable as he raised a glass of champagne to celebrate the occasion, embodying the lessons he’s learned through his losses. As he often says, “Praise the Creator,” a testament to his spiritual journey and newfound freedom. Lessons Never Losses is another special delivery for G Dep.      G Dep performing music off his album Lessons Never Losses.  ( Photos by @Rawnyc).  

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