hiphop Archives - DigiWaxx

#rewindreview: Organized Konfusion ‘Stress: The Extinction Agenda’ 1994

Posted on September 1, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The second album from the Queens New York duo, Organized Konfusion has been considered a classic over the years and with good reason. It was Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po establishing their rightful footing in rap music. Having released their debut album three years prior, it did not seem to make the impact that ‘Stress: The Extinction Agenda’ made. For on this album the group seemed to be hitting on all cylinders and did with limited resources. I was first introduced to Organized Konfusion in the summer of 1994 through the Video Jukebox. A program that ran videos all day everyday, but the caveat was the playlist was controlled by how many people called in to pay and request the videos shown. In rotation at one point was the first and only single from this album ‘Stress.’ What made the video and song unique was how chaotic it felt. The hook for the song is like a build up to something cataclysmic while the video expressed this same feeling by how it edits the two M.C.’s on the streets of New York, to hiking in borrowed snow in the woods. For me this was all new and a bump in evolution of rap music back then. The album continues this theme while not going too far off the deep end. ‘Stress…’ is produced mainly by Organized Konfusion and Buckwild, with Rockwilder closing the album with the emotion felt ‘Maintain.’ O.C. and Q-Tip show up on ‘Let’s Organize,’ which gives the listener a full on experience of Organized Konfusion. Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po utilize their voices as distinct instruments while providing some vivid moments in storytelling and rhyming abilities. ‘Why’ is that moment every man has to face concerning trusting the opposite sex while ‘Black Sunday’ gives a dark origin of the two coming together to “organize” and create the brand audiences know today. ‘Stray Bullet’ is the track that truly shines the light on the talent of the duo as they take the listener on a journey of a single bullet, and the consequences it creates within inner city neighborhoods. This album is a jewel that has aged extremely well over the years. My biggest issue has always been the stretch from ‘Black Sunday’ to ‘Bring it On.’ It’s the only moment in the album where there is a bit of a lull; and ‘Drop Bombs’ and ‘Bring It On’ are tracks that feel “suspended in time.” There is also a remix to ‘Bring it On’ that I wish could have been the original on this album. Nevertheless Organized Konfusion created a piece of art that is solidified among HOP music listeners. A timeless album cover created by “Matt Doo” who also created Company Flow’s ‘Funcrusher Plus’ cover art, classic moments that are embedded in listener’s ears, and music that sparks universal familiarity when played. All this while having simply one single for the release. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Stress’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: KRS-One ‘Streel Light: First Edition’ 2019

Posted on August 25, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The solo projects for KRS-One officially start in 1993 with ‘Return Of The Boom Bap;’ considered to be a classic and one of the best albums in KRS’ discography. It was KRS’ third solo album ‘I Got Next,’ which would be the start of the downside of his albums but ironically it went Gold. For the majority of the 2000’s KRS’ albums were not very appealing. Persistence has been the attribute that the legendary M.C. has been able to survive and maintain his celebrity. 2007’s ‘Hip-Hop Lives’ produced by Marley Marl, gave KRS-One another stipe on his catalog. It also was a time for fans of “Tha Teacha” to realize we might get a good one every five albums. By 2019 KRS had put out 15 albums since 1993. 2017 he was able to break through the internet with a bit of a buzz about an album called ‘The World is MIND.’ The album might not have lived up to the bit of chatter that it created and unfortunately that harmed ‘Street Light: First Edition’ in my opinion. ‘Street Light…’ is a twelve track project that really gets to the point and does not have much filler tracks. It features vocalist such as his wife GSimone, M.A.D. Mike and Jade Hendricks. Production is handled by Mlody, D.J. B. Original, Ollie, D.J. Static, KPrymeTheJäger and Enrico Wolf, who are all virtually unknown. However Jesse West and Mad Lion provide a couple of beats giving this album music that mainly fits KRS’ rhyming style. “Tha Teacha” is going to beat you over the head with maintaining the integrity of Hip-Hop culture but a track like ‘Invader (2019 version) stand out with it’s very descriptive tale of the consequence of colonization. ‘GOD’ is another track that is unique on this album as the spirituality of KRS is brought forth, but more importantly his rhyming pattern on the song just shows KRS’ strives to never get rusty on the mic. ‘Street Light: First Edition’ deserves more credit but unfortunately it proceeds some less than stellar releases. The album cover is not appealing and as I have stated many times, the title of albums can harm releases if it feels like there is some sort of “part 1” to it. I feel if this album had been a comeback record after not hearing from KRS-One in about a decade, it would have been better received. 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Royce 5’9″ ‘Street Hop’ 2009

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

First hearing him on the track ‘Bad Meets Evil’ with Eminem during the days when Eminem sounded hungry, had me ready to hear more from Royce Da 5’9.” When the DJ Premier produced ‘Boom’ started showing up on mixtapes and college radio I figured the Detroit M.C. was on his way to being the next up. Then the video for ‘Boom’ dropped and things got a little nervous… 1999 into the 2000’s was a critical time for HOP music. The “invisible line in the sand” was starting to get a lot more blurry and those acts you could always depend on had to make a choice in the direction of their careers. Some stayed the path while others rolled the dice to gain a larger audience in a shorter amount of time. It seemed with the video for ‘Boom,’ and the slightly amended version of the song attached to it, Royce Da 5’9″ rolled those dice. I became uninterested in “Royce” for the majority of the 2000’s. There was no denying his talent and skill but many have talent and skill, although that is rarely translated to albums, which for me is the true litmus test. Whether Royce Da 5’9″ started to feel this reaction in the ether, or times just got better musically in the 2000’s, by the end of that decade “Royce” seem to get something right. I saw the single ‘Shake This’ on a video show and was impressed by a couple of things. For one Royce Da 5’9″ linking up with D.J. Premier again, and D.J. Premier providing beats that were not sounding so “Preemo” post Gang Starr’s ‘Moment Of Truth.’ Both seemed to be in a zone on this track that had me looking at “Royce” again. Although when ‘Street Hop’ dropped I was hesitant to listen, because nineteen tracks after almost a decade of not really being into songs he created, might be a “herculean effort.” I listened and was proud that the M.C. had delivered an album of growth and more importantly a project that makes one want to return for multiple listens. ‘Street Hop’ gives room for “Royce” to maneuver between displaying his very gifted rhyme abilities, telling stories, and experimenting with different styles. ‘Dinner Time’ featuring Busta Rhymes and ‘Mine In Thiz’ featuring Denaun Porter, specifically stand out as Royce switches styles while still maintaining his incredible wordplay. His ability to tell stories being in the category of a “battle rapper” is another reason he has maintained a career over the years too. The final act of ‘Street Hop’ is where he puts those storytelling abilities to proper use on tracks like ‘On The Run’ and ‘Murder’ that serve as companion tracks. The most descriptive track on this album is ‘Part Of Me,’ which I personally have not been as stunned by a song since Boogiemonsters ‘Old Man Jacob’s Well.’ A story about a guy meeting two women and in the end regretting what he wished for. ‘Street Hop’ is a massive undertaking in making an independent record label album. With production from Nottz, Streetrunners, Emile, Denaun Porter and others, while featuring Busta Rhymes, Phonte, Melanie Rutherford, Trick Trick and Royce’s group Slaughterhouse, respect has to be given to the effort Royce provided. ‘Street Hop’ gave me a reason to start checking for Royce Da 5’9″ again and since it’s release Royce has made many good projects. Sometimes the formula to success just takes slightly longer than expected. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Shake This’ & ‘Part Of Me’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Black Thought ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3: Cane & Able’ 2020

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

Just when you thought (no pun intended) that it was over, Black Thought returned to his ‘Streams Of Thought…’ series for a third installment. By now the audience realized that each release would be Black Thought teaming with one producer, and this time it was Sean C. Veteran producer, former affiliate with The Hitmen production team of Bad Boy records, and one half of Sean C. & LV, would turn the third and maybe final ‘Streams Of Thought…’ into a large sounding record. One thing that each volume had done was set a stage but the next one would seem bigger musically than the last. Sean C provided a sound for Black Thought that grants an opportunity for crossover audiences to connect with. However this doesn’t mean that ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3’ abandons what Black Thought has built in this series and throughout his career. This album has the elements that gave The Roots a larger audience by the early 2000’s. It is more acoustic driven, upbeat, and darker at times. Features were something that the listeners had not heard since the first ‘Streams Of Thought…’ and Black Thought enlist the rapping skills of ScHoolboy Q, Ohshun, Pusha T. and Killer Mike. This helps ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3’ feel more like an album as opposed to an EP or series. What was becoming apparent was that Black Thought was getting very comfortable creating these releases and almost making the audience forget to look for a new Roots album. ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.3’ was released during the first COVID which inadvertently caused listeners to sit with music, as there was nothing else to do. Black Thought delivered what again could have simply been a brand new solo album as this collaboration with Sean C. stood out slightly more than the first two volumes. The Philadelphia M.C. has also stated that it’s not over and a volume four is on the way. It will be interesting to see how the next volume separates itself from the previous three, but I’m personally ready for a new Roots record. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Thought vs. Everybody’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Black Thought ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.2’ 2018

Posted on August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

The year of 2018 presented a treat to all Black Thought fans. Not only did the elite rapper provide one release but also injected one more of his ‘Streams Of Thought…’ series into the year. On the first volume, Black Thought connected with 9th Wonder and gave a quick but hefty 5 song project. On volume two the Philadelphia M.C. links with Salaam Remi for ten tracks and more “Roots” adjacent music. Salaam Remi understands the assignment on ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.2,’ and from the opening track ‘Fentanyl,’ let’s the listener know that these surprise releases are not just throwaway songs but that care was created behind them. ‘Vol.2’ uses more live band instrumentation for Black Thought to rhyme on. This puts the M.C. in a familiar pocket that almost feels like a wake up call for The Roots to come back outside for an album. Black Thought once again uses this release to get out thoughts and keep his skills sharp. While reminding, or exposing to the general public he is not just a performer on a late night talk show or lead vocalist in a house band. ‘Long Liveth’ is a hard hitting song that puts Black Thought in his rapping bag with no hooks but tough bars. ‘Conception’ on the other hand is Black Thought showing off his crooning skills as him and Salaam Remi create a melo cut that is perfect for coffee shops and black pearls. The issue I have with this release is that it’s a series. Between 9th Wonder’s music on volume one and Salaam Remi’s vibes on this release, a full album would have served a better purpose. As a series the value of the music seems to diminish and does not create the impact that it deserves. For many this won’t matter, and in world of short attention spans the “sugar rush” feeling of getting new Black Thought music is all most care about. Will the success of these releases create more? Find out next week. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Conception’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Black Thought ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.1’ EP 2018

Posted on July 28, 2026August 4, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

One of the most elite M.C.’s in HOP music has been challenged over the years by public perception. Black Thought has been one of the common denominators of The Roots for over thirty years. With multiple classic albums and hits, the question still remained about a solo album form the Philadelphia rapper. The majority who ask these questions are commonly not initial fans of The Roots before their popularity so it SHOULD be a moot point. The rapper in Black Thought accepted the challenge regardless. Twenty-Five years ago Black Thought was working on a solo album which never came to fruition but did produce a couple of twelve inch singles that ended up on The Roots’ ‘Phrenology’ album. The Roots however have been on an album making hiatus for over a decade and although metaphorically speaking Black Thought “stayed in the gym,” the time was now ripe for presenting a solo offering. ‘Streams Of Thought Vol.1’ serves as a sign that more would be coming. In 2018 music was well past the stage of having to go through a drawn out process to get the art to the masses. Black Thought gathered those “streams of thought,” and got with 9th Wonder for an EP that was an “eargasm,” at least on paper for any true Hip-Hop Head. I personally looked forward to a collaboration between Black Thought and 9th Wonder but there was a bittersweet feel as a “volume” was attached to this EP. Series releases in music tend to cheapen the product, and unless it undeniably works, the project can often be forgotten over time. Black Thought has no problem lyrically with this EP, and takes the time to exercise his abilities as he and the public await a new Roots album. With an incredible feature from Rapsody on ‘Dostoyevsky,’ and continuing the chemistry started a decade prior with Styles P. on ‘Making a Murderer,’ features remain limited on this five song EP. 9th Wonder also makes a case for contributing to a Roots album with music he provides on ‘Streams Of Thought…,’ as they seem way more instrument heavy and less sample driven. Will this be enough to satisfy the listeners wanting to simply hear Black Thought rhyme? Will the “volume” be abandoned or more “streams of thought be provided? These questions and more will be revealed in the coming weeks. 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Kev Brown & J Scienide ‘Stray From The Pack’ 2021

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

Kev Brown and J Scienide proved they were “two peas in a pod” on 2019’s ‘Drum Machine Tape Cassette’ album. They epitomize the idea of grassroots HOP music. Beats and rhymes with no room for filler material. All songs are made with purpose but that purpose is not deep. The outcome of the music seems like practice while Kev Brown and J Scienide sound casual over the beats the two provide. ‘Stray From The Pack’ easily describes the music and it’s position to popular culture. There are no “trap beats” or 808’s that will slightly resemble the common trend in rap music for the past fifteen years. Kev Brown and J Scienide have figured out a way to make rap music sound as grimey and authentic as possible in a digital era of music. Thumping drums and a few heavy piano keys like on ‘Out The Safari’ and ‘Leave It To The Pros,’ catch the audiences ear early on this project. In fact the only time this album “tries” to get mellow is on ‘High Standards,’ and ‘Cutless Supreme’ which simply feels like moments to sit on the bench and rest. This album to me is slightly better than their first effort because songs seem to stand out more. Kev Brown and J Scienide take turns on production, similar to how Madlib and Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla did on 2003’s ‘Champion Sound.’ What also adds attraction to ‘Stray From The Pack’ is the precise cuts from D.J. Jon Doe. He provides the “period (and often exclamation) on the end” of songs like the ultra hype ‘Grand Prize Winners’ and ‘The Set Up.’ It’s really not a complicated decision to make with this album. One is either here for this type of HOP music or they or not. Albums like these are so necessary in a time where the sound of HOP music seems to be getting erased and reshaped to this hybrid form of a genre. Kev Brown and J Scienide remind listeners that it is “ok” to still make rap music even if it means “staying form the pack.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Out The Safari’ & ‘Orange Julius Landover Mall’

#rewindreview: Jourden ‘Straight, No Chase’ EP 2024

Posted on July 14, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

This “Brooklynite” rapper is one to look out for in the future. It always warms my heart to know that there are generations far removed from mine that still respect making real HOP music. Jourden is in her early twenties and given the vibe of ‘Straight, No Chase,’ one can only imagine where she can take her music from here. I was introduced to Jourden through Digiwaxx New Music Wednesdays. A video of her rapping on a set of Brownstone steps, I saw in passing but did not really pay attention. While she was on Digiwaxx that video was played again and slowly I was beginning to realize at the least, she should be in my ear shot. At the time she was promoting this EP and the song ‘Flow’ was played, to which I was now completely invested. ‘Straight, No Chase’ is a quick introduction of Jourden that displays her unique voice, rapping and singing abilities. She has a delivery that seems effortless while providing a vibe that is reminiscent of Simple E’s ‘Play My Funk’ or Bahamadia’s ‘True Honey Buns.’ It’s a breathe of fresh air and adds on to the number of women rappers that can be added to the rogue’s gallery of M.C.’s that deserve respect, dating back to Roxanne Shante. This EP won’t be a waste of your time if you like good HOP music with a little R&B infusion. Jourden keeps the frequency consistent throughout this release and by the end one will more than likely yearn for more. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Flow’ & ‘Minerals’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: N.W.A. ‘Straight Outta Compton’ 1989

Posted on July 7, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

‘Straight Outta Compton’ could quite possibly the most polarizing HOP music album to date. From the idea that music industry standards needed more negative images to sell rap, to pushing the envelope on “freedom of speech,” has been some of the narratives around this album over the years. What it did do without question is create a benchmark in music whether one sees this as good or bad. The roots of this album have sprouted many a career, which in hindsight one has to respect the humble beginnings of a simple twelve track album that was looked at with such skepticism. Admittedly it was until 2014 that I listened to this whole album. Contrary to popular belief not all “youth” is attracted to the most vile music and imagery of their time. This is simply a narrative to often excuse low brow entertainment for the sake of non-accountability but I digress… Over time I had heard the majority of this album in different situations, so by 2014 ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was the equivalent of a “PG-13” film compared to what had come through the pipeline of rap music. N.W.A. was the next step in a blossoming new genre that challenged the term “rebel music” by the late 1980’s. Eazy-E who’s independent label Ruthless Records, took Dr. Dre, M.C. Ren, Ice Cube and D.J. Yella to the height of stardom with this album that could not have been imagined nor prepared for given the lifespan of the group. The imagery of this collective overpowered the actual music. For the most part N.W.A. is simply freestyling many of the tracks with the exception of Ice Cube’s excellent storytelling on ‘I Ain’t Tha 1’ or Eazy-E’s ‘Dopeman (remix).’ The same might also be said for ‘8 Ball (remix)’ which sounds much like a track from Ice Cube’s former group C.I.A. The dichotomy of this album can often lie right next to each other which is a further tale in why this album has been so polarizing. On ‘Express Yourself’ Dr. Dre’s claim of not “smoking weed or ces” has a quote within the same song that states rappers being fake by claiming they don’t do drugs but then go “looking for the dopeman.’ A testament to how fast HOP music was evolving as the next big thing Dr. Dre would do is his own album centered around substance use entitled ‘The Chronic,’ just a mere three years later. ‘Straight Outta Compton’ is a “classic” record that I can honestly say is not a favorite of mine but I’m okay with this. I give my younger self credit that my “audio filter” was working just fine and I heard things when I needed to and thus was able to appreciate and understand albums like this with a more mature ear and mind. To this day I’m not a fan of “cursing” in lyrics for the sake of overcompensating for less rhyme writing or simply trying to engage an audience with “shock value.” It helped that when I did finally lock into this album it was a clean version and I could value the fact that N.W.A. were still simply rappers making solid HOP music at the time, just with an extra layer of “sauce” to gain the world’s attention. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Gangsta Gangsta,’ ‘Express Yourself’ & ‘Straight Outta Compton’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Jungle Brothers ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ 1988

Posted on June 30, 2026 by Quantum Leap Radio

This is the beginning of a movement that would go one to create offspring and sub-genre’s within music for generations to come. ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ is often forgotten as the “lead-off runner” in the Native Tongue legacy because the Jungle Brothers had a more subtle debut. This album is sort of the “experiment” or “T-Model Ford” to what members of a Native Tongue would expand and improve on within a years time. Sammy B, Mike G. and Africa Baby Bam made up the Jungle Brothers, who one could here the influences of the The Furious Five, The Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron to name a few. They were a different animal in a time of HOP music that was still very gold chain, leather jacket and name brand sports shoe driven. Jungle Brothers represented a real part of Hip-hop Culture that was more grounded, fun and left of center. ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ is a consolidation of those attributes on wax, while keeping the content simple, and a groove ripe for those late high-schoolers and early college attendees. The album is produced by the Jungle Brothers with Africa Baby Bam and Mike G. providing the lyrics. An early Q-Tip is the only feature on this album to make ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ a cohesive product of whatever the Jungle Brothers were set to provide. The title track of the album which was the lead single starts this album off with a sort of familiarity. Jungle Brothers had been dropping singles and making music for this album since 1987 so songs can sound dated if one was introduced to the group through their video singles like myself. The magic of this release as it plays repeatedly you tend to not hear that dated distinction. If anything the issue with the album is that it is mixed low and the quality of how they recorded this release was definitely limited. This quality also gives the album character as the Jungle Brothers don’t take themselves too seriously on the album and the songs have provided memorable quotes that have been used throughout the lifetime of HOP music afterwards. ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ has grown in popularity over the almost forty years since it’s debut. ‘I’ll House You’ was one of the first crossover hits of House music and rap, that would dominate HOP music’s more popular sound as “Hip-House,” for at least the next three years. Jungle Brothers have never been the biggest hit makers but were able to garner the respect of what has made this genre of music exceptional since it’s inception, which is individuality. A testament to how music and movements can fertilize seeds of creativity that might have been looked down on or looked over. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Jimbrowski,’ ‘Because I Got It Like That,’ ‘I’ll House You,’ ‘On The Run’ & ‘Straight Out The Jungle’ 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”) or get the KPFT APP in your playstore!!! Catch past episodes by searching and following @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

Tag: hiphop