#rewindreview: Slum Village ‘F.U.N.’ 2024

  Slum Village, a name that has been synonymous with truskool Hip-Hop, musicality and feel good music in Hip-Hop for the last 25 years, continues their mission on ‘F.U.N.’ With so many changes due to members passing over the years, one would think that Slum Village is just a shell of it’s former self at this point. What ‘F.U.N.’ does is establish that the name is bigger than the personnel and that as long as the mission is still the same, the out come will remain or “FUc& ya’ll Ni&&as.” The album features a slew of guest like Cordae, Eric Roberson, The Dramatics and Larry June but it does not sound all over the place. In fact what ‘F.U.N.’ manages to do is treat the guest like they are a symbiosis called Slum Village. Production is mainly handled by Young RJ who has been an official member of “SV” for at least the last decade, along with Karriem Riggins, Co Producer Mason and Abstract Orchestra. They all manage to keep this album cohesive and not stagnant in the music, while keeping the energy and sounds the audience has come to love from ‘Fantastic Vol.2 to the self titled album of 2005 but with a 2024 flavor. The biggest issue with this album is awareness. Slum Village has created a piece of art music that should be heard by not only their core audience but wider. It doesn’t seem to be enough promotion of this album for the caliber of music provided. ‘F.U.N.’ has only been out for a couple of months at the time of this typing and hopefully their will be more promotions before the end of the year. Slum Village has delivered once again and with a the year of 2024 providing some of the best HOP music from our veterans it would be criminal for this release to not be celebrated along with them. 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 @

#rewindreview: Bhramabull ‘Evolution 5’ EP 2024

  Enter Bhramabull a beat maker, producer from Los Angeles California who QUANTUM LEAP RADIO was introduced to though Digiwaxx’s ‘New Music Wednesday’s.’ His production has a vibe for those cruising down highways but also ready for the ear that loves music from the Griselda camp but with drums for that thumping feeling. To display his production, Bhramabull has a series of EP’s called ‘Evolution…’ On Part 5 of these releases the audience can get a true feeling of Bhramabull’s style along with some current heavy hitters in HOP’s underground. Expect to find verses from Big Twin, Raz Fresco, WateRR and The Musalini who is featured on ‘Fly,’ a song indicative of cruising down said highway mentioned earlier. Bhramabull is building his stock up and one should be ready to see his name featured on future releases from a myriad of artist in the HOP. Check out ‘Evolution 5’ and ponder who you would think he should collaborate with. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Rents Due’ & ‘Dust’ 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 @

#rewindreview: Mitchy Slick & Sir Veterano ‘Everybody Hates Mitch’ 2023

  If you don’t know who Mitchy Slick is, it’s ok. He’s only been doing this “rap thing” for over twenty years now and among some of the biggest and most impactful names in the industry. I first heard the San Diego M.C. with Strong Arm Steady who also consisted of Krondon, Phil Da Agony and original member Xzibit. Mitchy Slick was clearly West Coast no matter what type of beat was on and it sounded like someone you would literally meet on the streets as opposed to just another “rapper.” In 2023 he linked up with Sir Veterano, a producer from the West Coast as well, who is very versatile in the production he creates. On ‘Everybody Hates Mitch’ it is clearly a West Coast affair with lush kicks and snares from Sir Veterano while Mitchy Slick takes listeners thru some “Dago nights” with narratives of street activities, partying and pimping. This might sound like standard “rap ideas” but the two create an audio atmosphere that puts listeners on the “left coast” of the country and not feeling overwhelmed with content. This is a straight forward album that is clearly not preachy, has catchy songs and a simplicity that keeps it in the same range as predecessor tracks like Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us.’ It was one of my favorite albums for 2023 so listen up and understand why ‘Everybody Hates Mitch’ because he is not like the rest of them. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘In My El Co,’ ‘Dago Nights,’ & ‘Keep Gettin’ Money’ 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 @

#rewindreview: Black Milk ‘Everybody Good?’ 2023

  It is crazy to think that Black Milk is a veteran at this point, as he has always had a young spirit since he’s debut album ‘Popular Demand’ in 2007. Before that I first heard him on 2002’s ‘Dirty District’ compilation presented by Slum Village. In 2023 the rapper/producer provided ‘Everybody’s Good?’ which if one was just hearing Black milk for the first time would think he sounds like a new upcoming act. In the past my biggest issue with Black Milk was his obvious influence by Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla on production and even rhyme style. This latest album truly finds Black Milk in his own bag and providing a refresher course on how HOP music can sound innovative and take risk with music. As a concept the album title asks is “everybody good” while tracks like ‘Yeah Really’ examine how often people might seem like everything is good but going through struggles. The genius of this record is how in totality it is a dark album but the music masks that somber tone, giving it a reason to initially be intrigued by the sounds but on repeated listens understanding through the lyrics why the album ask the question. Black Milk really establishes his production strength on ‘Everybody Good’ and keeps the features smart and to a minimum. You will only find Mick Jenkins, Quelle Chris and one of the most talked about lyrics from Phonte on this album on ‘No Wish. As well as vocal harmonizing from Rapheal Saadiq and Brandom Myster. This was my personal favorite album of 2023 and really had me asking what if Black Milk did an album for “…insert whoever’s name here.” ‘Everybody Good?’ is a new beginning for Black Milk in my opinion, that will possibly put him in higher regard for bigger acts in the future as well as recognition. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Yeah Really’ 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 @

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

  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 @

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

  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 @

Rap star Wacotron co.signs Austin Texas emerging artist LilJayFromDaO

LilJayFromDaO, a prominent figure in the world of Hip-Hop, is captivating the music scene with an unorthodox work ethic. Continuously releasing a rich profusion of astounding chants gaining the attention of some reputable industry tastemakers, One being the Texas superstar Wacotron which instantly grew fond of LilJayFromDaO gaining him a spot on his “This Is Texas” Tour followed by the renowned Reality Rap Anthem titled “Where I’m From” where both artist trade vivid picture painting lyrics of their upbringing experiences & the overcoming of their coerced poverty life manners. Checkout the video below. “Where I’m From” LilJayFromDaO x Wacotron shot by Dan2TheL Powered by Major Gains Music Agency  

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

  ‘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 @

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

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 @

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