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#rewindreview: Snoop Dogg ‘Missionary’ 2024

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  The long awaited full album collaboration of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, finally arrives thirty-one years later, in a year when HOP music’s veterans retained dominance. After year’s of speculation and request, the two finally locked in to a studio and provided ‘Missionary’ which is an off color sequel to Snoop Dogg’s debut album ‘Doggystyle.’ Dr. Dre enlist a new crop of production collaborators as well as a few old ones to give this album a sound that does not fall slave to current day standards while not getting lost in nostalgia. Snoop Dogg doesn’t miss a beat rhyming and sounds like he never stopped in his busy celebrity life to neglect the thing that got him that same life. Collaborations may seem like many but only a few share rapping duties on this album that include 50 Cent, Method Man, Eminem and Dr. Dre. Other collaborations are vocalist such as BJ The Chicago Kid, Cocoa Sarai and K.A.A.N. Where ‘Missionary’ gets confusing to the general public is it’s execution from two of not only Hip-Hop but the entertainment industries biggest names. There is an air of “playing it safe” on this album or better still the content and sound pertaining to the life of two megastars. This album is not dark and more upbeat with moments that do not alienate the “fair-weather” HOP music listener or the listener that only pays attention when names like “Snoop,” Eminem or 50 Cent is mentioned. This I believe is where the album gets it’s negative criticism. There will always be a level of expectation for the collaboration of “Snoop & Dre” so when the album enters territory that sounds geared toward a crowd that doesn’t care about Hip-Hop culture, it creates “eye-rolling” moments for actual HOP fans. This doesn’t happen often on ‘Missionary’ in my opinion and I think is unfair to the overall album. After the initial few tracks that establish the magic of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s return, ‘Missionary’ then ventures to moments with Tom Petty, Jelly Roll and Sting, with ‘Thank You’ in between that, which isn’t a bad song but suffers from basic hook. Although I’m not a fan, 50 Cent’s verse sounds like a garbled mess as he attempts to execute a double-time rhyme delivery while I was impressed that Eminem seemed to not out rap a song for a change. In all ‘Missionary’ is not a bad album but suffers from the success of previous records from Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre that came before it. Personally I think that it still continues the argument that HOP music is not just a “young man’s sport,” which ironically is part of the evolution of the music to show just that. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Gorgeous,’ ‘Outta Da Blue’ & ‘Fire’ 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: Torae & Marco Polo ‘Midnight Run’ 2023

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  Torae has been a name that if one has been paying attention to HOP music for the last twenty years, has at least heard of in passing. He comes from that class of rappers like Skyzoo, Supastition, Saigon etc., that had no problem showcasing skill but who never quite crossed over to the “major league.” Marco Polo is in a similar situation as he has been making HOP music about the same time but the collaboration of both has seen better results for both. With Marco Polo’s unabashed Hip-Hop beats and Torae’s brazen talent to rap, the two return for their second album since 2009’s ‘Double Barrel’ with ‘Midnight Run.’ On this the listener will need to be able to appreciate the art of rapping and traditional HOP music as a back drop. Within a quick thirty minute span Torae and Marco Polo provide a soundtrack for hardcore Hip-Hop, ripe with lyrics that often metaphorically describe Torae’s passion as a “life sentence” on ‘Life Behind Bars.’ ‘Grey Sheep’ enlist veteran Dres of Black Sheep, to plant a flag for the rap fan and artist who have aged well within Hip-Hop’s lifespan, while ‘Days Of Your Lifetime’ serves as the “blue or red pill” rappers have the responsibility to provide to an audience. ‘Midnight Run’ is a simple album with no room for extra fat but is more for die hard fans. If a crossover audience wants to hear Torae they might have to look to bigger acts as my theory is he is apart of the “ghostwriter” community, and I think we have heard Torae’s pen on some recent veterans album,s but “what happens in fight club stays in fight club.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘The Return’ & ‘Reloaded (intro)’ 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 @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Killer Mike ‘Michael’ 2023

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  After a decade of rebuilding, rebranding and establishing his presence within HOP music, Killer Mike returned back to the roots of his music with the heavy introspective ‘Michael.’ Since the release of ‘R.A.P. Music’ in 2013 Killer Mike has garnered an audience 180 degrees from the audience he came in with. There is no issue with this but an act like Killer Mike doesn’t seem the type to “forget where he came from.” ‘Michael’ is unapologetically southern in its approach, from the music, to the stories and colloquialism that help the listener understand who is Michael Render. Production is mainly handled by No I.D. with tracks from Cool & Dre, D.J. Paul, longtime Run The Jewels collaborator Little Shalimar and others. Features are plenty but fit the idea and execution of this album that include Ty Dolla $ign, Cee-Lo Green, Mozzy, Future, Currency, El-P, 2 Chainz, a bigfoot on the mic sighting from Andre 3000 and others. Killer Mike showcases his ability to keep audiences interested with his commanding voice and rapping ability while showcasing the dichotomy of his personal life. Tracks like ‘Motherless’, Something For Junkies’ and ‘Shed Tears’ provide the pain and struggle one will hear on this album while ‘Spaceship Views’ and ‘Talk’n That Sh!t!’ allow complete turn up for those complaining in the back. “I add a motherfu..er so you ignant nig..s hear me,” is a Lauryn Hill quote that best describes this album. Killer Mike understands the idea of meeting people where they are and this is why the album works. The music might not sound ideal for the messages one will hear but those tuned into this frequency of music should be able to enjoy the “medicine within the candy.” Killer Mike deserved the accolades and awards for this album as one can tell he put a lot of effort into it. Only those who continue to lose against real music complained when he was recognized for it. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Run,’ ‘Talk’n That Shit!,’ ‘Don’t Let The Devil,’ ‘Motherless,’ ‘Down By Law,’ & ‘Exit 9’ 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 @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Roc Marciano ‘Marciology’ 2024

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  Roc Marciano has created a lane that has roots in Raekwon’s ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx’ album, but takes the most raw parts of that album, mixed with an almost spoken word like tongue from a street pimp. ‘Marciology’ continues the ever growing discography from the New York rapper that gives fans exactly what they expect. Drumless beats provided by “Roc Marci” himself and lyrics equipped with so many one liners and punchlines, it challenges listeners to come back for more repeat plays. This is far from an album that will gain a crossover audience though. At times ‘Marciology’ sounds like an album that doesn’t match the “street energy” that surrounds it. In another era of HOP music this album would have been looked down on by “street cats” but in 2024 ‘Marciology’ can be ‘Art Basel’ in Miami, when the culture is trying to figure out what’s next. For me the downside to this album is that it doesn’t play well as something to drive to, and rarely has cuts that you can play out in a mix due to the drumless nature of the music. This isn’t the goal of Roc Marciano and his true fans understand this which has given the M.C. the space to create this unique lane over the years. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Gold Crossbow,’ ‘LeFlair’ & ‘BeBe’s Kids’ 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 @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Sach ‘Sach 5th Ave.’ 2004

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  Continuing in the tradition of his former group The Nonce, Sach carried out an abstract composition of words and thoughts that even twenty years later is still being deciphered. ‘Sach 5th Ave.’ is the third release from Sach as a solo artist and was produced entirely by Omid. On this album the listener hears Sach exclusively as there are no features from other rappers, but are witness to a unique listening experience. Sach has always had a simple means to his delivery but on this release he utilizes a more spoken word style which to the untrained ear may seem as though he isn’t rhyming. Instead he uses his lyrics as parables with off-kilter execution to which Omid’s ominous yet often upbeat production compliments well. With all that being said ‘Sach 5th Ave.’ still feels a bit more straightforward than its predecessor ‘Suckas Hate Me’ from 2002. Cool out one time and take in one of the West Coast unsung heroes and veteran staples in that area’s underground scene. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Joy’ 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 @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Nas ‘Magic 3’ 2023

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  Recently a post online mentioned how Outkast’s ‘Stankonia’ is now twenty-four years old and just twenty-four years prior to it’s release, the drastic change and evolution of the sound of HOP music. Can it really be said that the “music” of Hip-Hop has drastically evolved since the year 2000? It can be seriously argued that it has not but maybe the music evolving was simply the first stage of Hip-Hop’s growth. What has clearly evolved in HOP music in twenty-four years is the veterans that have continued to make the music. Since A Tribe Called Quest 2016 album ‘We Got It From Here…,’ it seems a renaissance or quite possibly an energy drink was put in rappers who had been in the game since the late 1980’s and 1990’s. In 2024 that motivation and energy has continued emphatically but the run of Nas might have been the new “energy drink.” ‘Magic 3′ marks the final album in the Nas and Hit-Boy series which started with the subtle comeback of Nas’ with the album ‘King’s Disease.’ ‘Magic 3’ serves as a send off to this collaboration and finds Nas giving himself flowers but not in an egotistical way but more as an official autobiography at times. Hit-Boy brings Nas back to what we love him for with the production and as a theme to all the ‘Magic…’ albums the one feature on this is Lil’ Wayne on the very hype ‘Never Die.’ Regardless of what many have thought about the last Nas run, what can’t be denied is how he added another stamp to his legacy. This is the second stage of Hip-Hop music’s growth and where unlike sports, you don’t need legs to keep you in shape, just ideas, a voice and a little magic. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Fever,’ ‘I Love This Feeling’ & ‘Sitting With My Thoughts’ 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 @https://linktr.ee/QLEAPRADIO

#rewindreview: Nas ‘Magic 2’ 2023

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  The fifth installment in the Nas & Hit-Boy saga was either overkill for some or a gift. ‘Magic 2’ comes off a stellar run of the ‘King’s Disease’ trilogy but even more a sequel to one of the most surprising and satisfying albums from Nas in years, ‘Magic.’ The question is was there a need for a ‘Magic 2’? The first installment played like an homage to ‘Illmatic’ with just nine tracks, one feature and a simple but effective focus of just beats and rhymes. ‘Magic 2’ plays like an apology for all those who could not accept or understand the nature of ‘Magic.’ From the opening track ‘Abracadabra,’ the Nas fan in me felt nervous that he was regressing back to playing to current and industry standards. ‘Office Hours’ brings back hope and although I initially was skeptical seeing 50 Cent featured on the track listing, I actually enjoyed his verse while many, who are fans of 50 Cent felt disappointed. The verse felt weird as it was very short and kind of reminded me of Saafir’s guest appearance on Casual’s ‘Fear Itself’ album. Almost as if the rapper could give more effort but chooses not, like he’s mere presence on the record is enough so maybe this was the 50 Cent fans’ issue. The majority of the album rides the line of keeping the traditional HOP music fans, and people who want to hear Nas over what the average beats rappers of the last 12 years have produced satisfied. Of course this to me is where the album is unnecessary and leans into the criticism of Nasir Jones over the years. When Nas sticks his landings it is GREAT but when trying to bridge gaps it just sounds like turkey without seasonings. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Motion’ & ‘Black Magic’ 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: Double A.B. & Git Beats ‘Lungs Of Mahalia’ 2024

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  If looking for a HOP album that provides lyrics, concepts and production, look to Double A.B. & Git Beats ‘Lungs Of Mahalia.’ Often times certain M.C.’s can get comfortable in just showing how well they can rap which does not exclude Double A.B., but where he makes this release more than that are the concepts. ‘Lungs Of Mahalia’ will provide just enough street bravado to satisfy those that don’t want too much “left of center” music in their Hip-Hop. It also gives a couple joints to the ladies on the stand out ‘Sashimi’ and ‘Pimps Palace.’ Double A.B. expresses his love for the “greenery” on ‘Recliner’ while taking the time to wax poetic over his view of politics on ‘Justice.’ This is a well rounded album if closely listening and Git Beats provides some production that doesn’t keep the album stagnant while not succumbing to sounding current. That same production is complementary to Double A.B. as it fits his style and doesn’t overtake the listener’s attention to the rhymes. The album is not long and boasts some guest features that fit perfectly such as Prince Po, Eto, A-Plus, Homeboy Sandman, Young Zee and The Musalini on the aforementioned ‘Pimps Palace.’ ‘Lungs Of Mahalia’ is yet another cog in the wheel of the incredible year of 2024 HOP music. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Sashimi,’ ‘On My Way’ & ‘Recliner’ 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: Rockwelz ‘LL2J’ 2023

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  On this release from Bronx, New York rapper Rockwelz, the listener will be transported to that same location with a soundtrack mirroring early 2000’s HOP music. Produced entirely by Nam Nitty with features from John Jigg$, The Bad Seed, M.O.U.F., J Waiters and The Musalini, make ‘LLJ2’ as “New York” as it gets in a modern day that seems to erase what the sound from the great Metropolis established. Rockwelz creates tracks that are not as street to where one can’t groove but don’t expect any “cookie cutter” tracks either. ‘LLJ2’ sounds like a love letter for those who love the Dipset and G-Unit era while giving a nod to L.L. Cool J’s style of hardcore lyricism with songs for the ladies. The latter part Rockwelz and Nam Nitty provide on a few tracks that go from not having enough time for the ladies on ‘Tick Tock’ to appreciating the special ones on ‘Around The Way Girl’ and the ones you can’t trust on ‘G.T.M.O.’ ‘LLJ2’ doesn’t establish itself as something that will be talked about years from now, but if one is looking for a break from standard “drill beats with doubled bass” and would like to return to a sound soon forgotten, press play. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Heavy’ & ‘Tick Tock’ 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: Talib Kweli & Madlib ‘Liberation 2’ 2023

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  The second full project offering from Talib Kweli and the elusive Madlib is a long awaited release considering the cult success of ‘Liberation.’ Kweli has been utilizing Madlib on albums dating back to 2007’s ‘Eardrum’ and a year prior to ‘Liberation 2,’ Madlib was the sole producer on the even more highly anticipated sophomore album from Black Star. ‘Liberation 2’ picks up right after that and continues a pattern of Talib Kweli records that seem to be annual releases from the M.C. Kweli will always delve into a subconscious and social awareness but there are a few new moments of awareness that address his online activity and instigators. Also this time around, Kweli’s progeny make an appearance, with his daughter Diani on ‘Air Quotes’ and son Amani on ‘After These Messages.’ Madlib provides his signature sound of dusty grooves with obscure audio clips as connecting interludes with songs. Even more satisfaction for HOP listeners is the pseudo-return of the Lootpack with Wildchild featured on ‘One For Biz.’ ‘Liberation 2’ is a solid record but does not seem to hold the same strength as the initial ‘Liberation’ album. Madlib’s album making seems to be best for rappers who are bit more simplistic in their rhymes. Madlib’s production is like free jazz and with Kweli’s more straightforward rhyming it often doesn’t seem to fit as well on this release. The first ‘Liberation’ felt more like a spur of the moment creation which is why it worked so well but this album might be a bit too calculated and ironically is why it doesn’t work as well as the first. ‘Liberation 2’ still is effective in providing another argument that age in Hip-Hop is not an “Achilles Heal” as neither Kweli or Madlib sound like they lost a step. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘After These Messages,’ ‘Best Year Ever,’ ‘Air Quotes,’ ‘Nat Turner,’ ‘Richies Part Two,’ ‘One For Biz’ & ‘The Right To Love Us’ 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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