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

Posted on 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

#rewindreview: Little Brother ‘Separate But Equal’ 2008

Posted on 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

Stephanie Mills Shines at Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays Live

Posted on by Terrence "Tee Recx" Bennett

Stephanie Mills’ infectious energy and new music captivated fans at Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays Live, kicking off her highly anticipated tour. Watch Mills’ Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays Live interview after the recap! A Night of Joy and Music Stephanie Mills, the unmatched queen of R&B and Broadway, left an indelible mark at the recent Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays Live event. The evening started with a heartfelt greeting from Mills, who radiated warmth and joy despite her busy schedule. As she took the virtual stage, her vibrant personality and soulful voice uplifted everyone tuning in. Mills captivated the audience with her contagious smile and engaging conversation as she shared valuable insights about her upcoming projects. In particular, she highlighted the highly anticipated “The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage” tour. The tour kicks off in Las Vegas on May 9th, featuring musical legends like Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan. Mills, the youngest performer in the lineup, expressed gratitude for the honor of sharing the stage with these iconic artists. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience filled with remarkable performances. Reflecting on a Legendary Career The night revisited Mills’ career, highlighting her early days singing at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn. She recalled her role as Dorothy in The Wiz and described her return to theater with Hadestown as a homecoming.”It was like going home,” she said, reminiscing on the welcoming atmosphere and support from fans. During her conversation, Mills gave recognition to the late Frankie Beverly, reflecting on their performances together. “He could do no wrong and sold out everywhere he went,” Stephanie Mills noted. This tribute blended seamlessly with her excitement for the upcoming tour, emphasizing her dedication to honoring musical legacy while continuing to innovate. Bridging Generations of Artists As the conversation progressed, Mills emphasized the importance of longevity in her career. “Believing in yourself, not listening to the noise, and staying focused” has been paramount, she stated. Reflecting on the current music landscape, she observed, “I don’t think young artists today have the same grounding as we did.” This candid admission sparked discussions about the realities faced by emerging artists in a rapidly changing industry. Mills humorously mentioned that the one item she can’t leave home without on tour is her son, highlighting her joy in balancing career and motherhood. She offered valuable advice for working mothers, stressing the importance of connection and love as Mother’s Day approaches. Furthermore, her insights highlight the significance of nurturing relationships, which can enhance both personal and family well-being. In addition, she encourages mothers to foster a supportive environment that strengthens these bonds; consequently, this creates a positive impact on their children’s lives. Moreover, it is essential to recognize that these relationships not only benefit families but also contribute to overall community health. Therefore, taking the time to build and maintain these connections can lead to profound and lasting effects on future generations. New Music and Collaborations The highlight of the evening was Mills’ introduction of her new single, a reimagined version of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” produced by Antoine Qua Richardson. The infectious energy of her new track demonstrates her adeptness at blending classic R&B with modern sounds. Mills expressed excitement about joining “the new wave of dance music,” honoring her roots while connecting with new generations. Artists praised her unmatched voice and inspiring presence at the event.”I grew up with your music,” one fan shared, a testament to Mills’ enduring influence across generations. She engaged warmly with the audience, returning love and gratitude as they shared personal stories. The Future Looks Bright As Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays Live wrapped up, Mills inspired attendees with hope and excitement for the future. The event set the stage for her tour, “The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage,” promising a performance filled with love and nostalgia. With multiple dates lined up across the country, Mills is set to bring her energy to fans old and new. The evening stood as a reminder of Mills’ rich legacy and bright future in music. As she prepares to hit the road, her profound impact continues to inspire, excite, and unite audiences around the world. Fans eagerly await her performances, excited to celebrate not just the music but the queen herself. In a world craving authenticity, Stephanie Mills shines as a symbol of resilience and artistry. Her new chapter promises an extraordinary display of talent that transcends genres and highlights her versatility and passion. Fans can eagerly anticipate a compelling narrative that weaves her experiences into her artistic evolution, creating an unforgettable experience. This transformation enhances her performances and deepens the connection with her audience, showcasing her enduring impact on the industry. Ultimately, her journey emphasizes the remarkable influence she has made. For more updates, check out Digiwaxx and follow Stephanie Mills on Instagram @iamstephaniemills.

#rewindreview: Big Mon ‘Senses’ EP 2018

Posted on 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

#rewindreview: Animal Gang ‘Sen City’ EP 2022

Posted on 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

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

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  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

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  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

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  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

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  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

Posted on by QUANTUM LEAP RADIO

  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

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