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#rewindreview: Cesar Comanche ‘Squirrel And The Aces’ 2005

Posted on by Quantum Leap Radio

  For the JUSTUS League, 2002 through 2005 were the most beneficial and strongest years for the crew. With album releases from Little Brother, The Away Team, L.E.G.A.C.Y., 9th Wonder and a barrage of songs the crew provided online for free; the listening public had no choice but to understand their mission statement. If one were to compare the JUSTUS League to Wu-Tang Clan Cesar Comanche would be G.Z.A. Founding member who had an album prior to the crew’s brand. ‘Squirrel And The Aces’ is the third album from “Cesar” and takes a slightly different approach from his previous releases. The album is meant to highlight the JUSTUS League as well as a couple of outside collaborators. More along the lines of a Jazz collective or Diamond D.’s “Psychotic Neurotics.” The album is intentional and although there are features for the majority of songs, it doesn’t feel like it’s not Cesar Comanche’s album, and has a lot to do with the sound he is known for. With a production list of 9th wonder, Khrysis, Nicolay, D.J. Resident, L in Japanese and Cesar himself, ‘Squirrel And the Aces’ becomes another notch to the strong discography the JUSTUS League had created. The consistency of the album is that one will either like it and have no songs to skip or one is not going to be into the record period. There is no real in between. Cesar Comanche utilizes this moment to make a strong argument that him and the JUSTUS League were a presence to be respected and remembered for years to come. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Up & Down,’ ‘Miss you (remix)’ & ‘The Grind’ 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: Kaze & 9th Wonder ‘Spirit Of ’94’ 2005

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  In the mid-2000’s, 9th Wonder became a name that any upcoming HOP artist wanted to be attached to. In fact not only up and coming artist but veterans who also wanted to have a presence in the “truskool” Hip-Hop market. 9th Wonder was the “golden boy” during this time and if his name was attached, one had to listen. The internet had become more accessible and with that so did music. By 2004 many of the Justus League crew had their music floating around peer to peer sites like Soulseek and Limewire. This was intentional and only helped acts like Little Brother, Median and L.E.G.A.C.Y., but as the public was getting famliar with those names other acts were poppin up in these online music packages and D.J. mixtapes. Enter Kaze who was from North Carolina like much of the Justus League crew. He seemed it bit more rough around the edges and closer to street culture but his proximity to 9th Wonder motivated me to listen. A concentrated effort of his music with 9th Wonder started to float around called ‘Spirit Of 94.’ A release that would soon be made official a year later with a few more songs added from the original album. Kaze and 9th Wonder keep it simple and to the point with soulful beats and rough raps that don’t over stay the welcome of listeners ears. Kaze entertains with his boisterous content but also provides some life introspection on ‘Should’ve Been Here.’ ‘Soul Dojo (Essence Of Life Mix)’ is a letter of instruction on keeping not only the physical portion of ones life in order but the mental and spiritual too. ‘Stay A Customer’ is a street anthem for the hustlers with an immense beat from 9th Wonder while ‘Waiting To Exhale’ is for the smokers. ‘Spirit Of 94′ might not break new ground in HOP music but it is a solid listen. One will also not feel like they are listening to anything from 1994 as 9th Wonder’s sound was very specific during those mid 2000’s years. If anything the spirit of 1994 is representated on this album from it’s approach and confidence that ears will not be disappointed, or feel their time has been wasted after listening. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ’50/50 Amp’ & ‘Last Laugh’ 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: Lifesavas ‘Spirit In Stone’ 2003

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  Lifesavas were a group that functioned during the “independent Hip-Hop” movement that thrived during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. The three man members comprised of Vursatyl, Rev Shines and beat maker JUMBO The Garbageman, were from Portland Oregon, which was not a known Hip-Hop hub at the time. Where Lifesavas got a lifeline was from being apart of the Quannum Projects collective that was known for their very left of center, yet soulful execution of HOP music. Acts like Latyrx, D.J. Shadow and the flagship group Blackalicious, had set a standard of sound for Quannum Projects, so the question would be could Lifesavas carry that torch? ‘Spirit In Stone’ is it bit more grounded than their peers in the Quannun Projects. There is a brighter energy to this album with very upbeat production from JUMBO The Garbageman and Blackalicious’ Chief Xcel. The album does a great job of providing positive messages while not feeling dreary. At the time of it’s release one could still go to a “underground” Hip-Hop function and experience dancing, and ‘Spirit In Stone’ makes sure that said D.J. could apply songs in rotation for that event. Where this album could have been better is shortening songs. Over the years it was personally harder for me to have repeat listens of it in full because tracks might meander. Often times it was hard to distinguish Vursatyl from Rev Shines as well, so connecting with the individual M.C.’s was a challenge. Much like many Quannum Project artist, Lifesavas had a cult fanbase and with good reason. There is no denying that ‘Spirit In Stone’ is a solid and consistent release even if it was an acquired taste. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Head Exorcise,’ ‘What If It’s True,’ ‘Fever’ & ‘Fa Show’ 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: Larry June, Curren$y & The Alchemist ‘Spiral Staircases’ EP 2026

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  In what has been some banner years for The Alchemist, 2026 would also see his marathon continuing with ‘Spiral Staircases.’ The collaborative EP with Larry June and Curren$y is a close to twenty-five minute audio experience of getting fly, getting high, and touching the sky. This one is for the listeners who can sit down and listen to an album similar to “head” music in Jazz. Not meant to elevate ones adrenaline but elevate ones consciousness. Don’t be confused as this is not Black Star in 2026, but ironically the evolution of what the “Jiggy era” became. ‘Stars On The Roof’ starts the EP off and Larry June and Curren$y describe “the life” from the point of view of those luxury cars with this particular accessory on the roof. From there ‘Everything Allocated’ builds on those automobiles to the price and decision of living in a place like Los Angeles. With all of that success jealous ones will appear and one might have to keep their circle small as presented on ‘Drive Alone.’ This is the theme of the whole project and The Alchemist provides the perfect backdrop for “June’ and “Spitta” to showcase their talent and thoughts. Although “Uncle Alc” has been busy these last few years, much of his production was lacking a warm sound but ‘Spiral Staircases’ is an exception to that. You can feel the music on great speakers as Alchemist filters the samples used to not overtake the M.C.’s, but fit right in the pocket of their style. The Larry June and Alchemist collaborative album seem to be a theme that started with 2025’s ‘Life Is Beautiful’ album that featured 2 Chainz. The artwork and theme of these two records would suggest next year we might see someone else in this “three man weave.” My only issue is there should be some sort of group name rather than the marquee billing having all three names displayed. So many acts are doing this now and it just feels congested when mentioning the releases. That being said this project is really good and kind of a surprise given there was no real promotion leading up to it. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Everything Allocated’ & ‘Drive Alone’ 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: Big Boi ‘Speakerboxx’ 2003

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  This was probably one of the most odd or unique, depending on where one stands with Outkast, releases in HOP music. After multiple hits and platinum selling albums, Outkast returned in 2003 for their fifth album but as a sort of “two for one” release. With Andre 3000 focusing on his more abstract and R&B side, Big Boi maintained the rap portion of this release. ‘Speakerboxx’ is really the debut solo project for Big Boi. A chance for the Atlanta rapper to showcase his talent without the assistance of Andre on the microphone. Although it was his solo outing, the album feels like a house party hosted by Big Boi with invited guest. Those guest include Goodie M.O.B., Ludacris, Jay-Z, Lil’ Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Killer Mike, Slim Calhoun, Sleepy Brown, Jazzy Pha, Andre 3000 and others. If ever the audience could not figure out the difference in personalities within Outkast ‘Speakerboxx’ bluntly carves out where Big Boi stands. He’s the family member that shows up and is social with all the participants. The guy that pulls the girl on the dance floor to get the party started. The country cousin who frequents the whole in the wall spots during downtimes, but attends church every Sunday. This album doesn’t have a slew of “Hip-Hop Quotables,” throughout the album but more a vibe of the community Big Boi comes from. The first single ‘Ghettomusick’ was like a punch in the face while tracks like ‘Bowtie’ and ‘The Way You Move’ are the “batsignal” for the listener to get up groove. Big Boi does not simply stay in the “party” lane but also touches on the effect of wartime on ‘Bust’ featuring Killer Mike and ‘War,’ which the latter proves history simply repeating itself some twenty odd years later. ‘Speakerboxx’ can be looked at as a victory of circumstance or a casualty of Andre 3000’s hit ‘Hey Ya.’ For the fan of Outkast and HOP music, this album is a solid addition to one’s collection and a proper introduction to the expectation for future Big Boi solo releases. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Ghettomusick’ & ‘The Way You Move’ 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: Murs & Wiardon ‘Speak N Spell’ EP 2023

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  The rap career for Murs can be best described as idiosyncratic. From being in one of the most underground West Coast rap groups, to carving his own name, then being a pioneer in the Hip-Hop artist to artist collaboration album craze, and even touching a mainstream audience at one point. The journey has been vast for this independent rapper, but with the release of ‘Speak N Spell’ it looked to be the beginning of the end. Murs seemed to be on a mission to drop “EP’s” a few years back. Something that didn’t feel uncommon for the Los Angeles native but on ‘Speak N Spell’ he would proclaim that these releases were all leading up to a farewell from HOP music. Wiardon who is the producer and collaborator for this particular release is from Austin T.X. The meeting between Murs and Wiardon started from a cancelled Murs show in Austin when Wiardon was only twelve years old. The young fan had then reached out to meet Murs back then. Flash forward and Wiardon is now making music to which that happenstance meeting turns into a moment of familiarity, and a job for the up and coming producer. ‘Speak N Spell’ doesn’t sound like the usual production Murs fans have associated with the rapper. Wiardon seems influenced by the likes of The Alchemist and Madlib so expect “boneless beats” for the majority of this release. Still what is provided is Murs giving his signature stories of L.A. with unique execution. Larry June and ICECOLDBISHOP are the only features on this release, that might be the shortest EP ever made as it is only thirteen minutes. A length that should not deter one from listening but instead getting an À la carte before the final meal from Murs is served. 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 Flow Factory ‘SP to LP’ EP 2020

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  One thing the Pandemic did was create a sense of urgency or appreciation for music creation, depending on one’s point of view. In #HUEston there was a select few at one point that might not have fit into the “box” the city was known for. I personally only knew of about three acts by the early 2000’s but while being on “the scene” in those days, I became aware of some acts I may have missed. Flow Factory which consist of three M.C.’s Mavrek, Big Ruk and Mynus had been navigating the rap battle circuits in Houston for some years. When combined as a group one could see them out performing at certain spots and hear them as a group or separately, featured on songs throughout the years. The void they lacked was having a release everyone could get to that showcased the trio’s talent. ‘SP to LP’ is that long awaited moment for Flow Factory to enter the proper release space that many of their peers like Example and K-Otix had done years prior. Maybe the reason it took so long was as simply three M.C.’s, there needed to be a guiding force to highlight their talents with a proper audio palette. Enter The Roux who consist of Kay, King Mason and Jermaine Williams. All had plenty of hours making incredible music in their own time, with the likes of Robert Glasper, Chris “Daddy” Dave and more, but now had come together as a collective to help extract the best out of some HUEston talents. Flow Factory was able to be in the list of those talents and this EP benefitted greatly with that. The Roux made sure to keep a ruggedness that Flow Factory radiate but also a lush sound to give this EP some meat. ‘SP to LP’ is meant to give a summary of how the three member group has stood firm all these years being from South Park and La Porte (Houston). The intro provided by Andre King work as a foreword for what the audience can expect for the next twenty-five minutes. ‘Hi Haters’ and ‘Don’t Stop’ is a “roll call” for the return of Flow Factory. Then on ‘A.M. To Da P.M.’ the trio decide to show that their content be about more than battle raps but provide a little slick talk for the ladies. ‘The Technique’ is my favorite track on this album as the production from The Roux and all members of Flow Factory are completely in sync on that track. My one complaint with the release is Mavrek’s vocals sounded a bit off with the exception of ‘A.M. To Da P.M.’ but his lyrics were not to be denied. ‘SP to LP’ has relatable ability to those of us who appreciate M.C.ing and comradery. Ask yourself how many times you’ve sat around talking about rap or reminiscing on childhood memories of forgotten toys. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Hi-Haters’ 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: Outkast ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ 1994

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  This is the beginning of an era, a movement and a legacy. Outkast seemed to appear among a multitude of southern acts during the mid 1990’s. At this time the sound and interest of HOP music was reaching beyond the East and West Coast. With their first single ‘Player’s Ball,’ I personally remember just hearing it as “background noise” and not paying much attention to it. By the time the second single, which is the title track for the album dropped, the understanding was this group might be a bit more ahead of the race than their current peers. Although that was a merit for them, Outkast still was not the groundbreaking group we know them to be today. It personally took their second album ‘ATLiens’ and a couple of songs replayed from this album on college radio for me to eventually sit down with the record a few years after its release. ‘Crumblin’ Erb’ was the main catalyst for me to listen to ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.’ Growing up in the south and in particular the area I grew up in, that “audience” I never associated with the vibes ‘Crumblin’ Erb’ present. Needless to say it made me appreciate those first two singles more and as a whole this album was planting a flag for the group and the city of Atlanta. Between ‘Myintrotoletuknow’ and ‘Ain’t No Thang,’ it was clear that Outkast was providing a sound bigger than what I had ever expected from this first album. Organized Noize and Outkast were a symbiotic relationship on this record favorable to your arm and hand. Providing Outkast with music that fit their personalities and experiences, while also being a bridge to sounds the audience were married to from the East and West Coast, made this album a perfect fit for the diversity and fresh sounds HOP music birthed during 1994. Outkast do a great job of not preaching to listeners but relaying point of views that can be true learning lessons like on ‘Call Of Da Wild’ and Git Up, Git Out,’ which ironically are the introductions to the public of Goodie Mob. There is another side to the South that they display which is “Southern soul music” which they do unapologetically on ‘Funky Ride.’ In 1994 this seemed like a huge risk in the eyes of record executives, as having R&B songs on a Hip-Hop album was not yet common. It worked as well as moments like ‘Hootie Hoo’ which begins like it will be one of the more weaker tracks, until about a minute and a half in and Organized Noize start to build on the track with live instruments that gives the song a whole new life by the end of it. ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ is this hidden seed that a person like myself could not actualize at the time. Outkast was building their presence and setting a blueprint for how they would create and evolve later. The intro to ‘D.E.E.P.’ literally is the “alley op” to what would become their “benchmark release” ‘ATLiens.’ What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Player’s Ball,’ ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik’ & ‘Git Up, Git Out’ 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: ‘Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars’ 1997

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  The mark that Wu-Tang Clan left on the music industry will probably never be duplicated, in terms of ideas and themes that seemed so opposite of what Hip-Hop was. With that influence there were acts that clearly were trying to duplicate what the crew brought to listener’s ears. It was only fitting that by the time of their second album in 1997, Wu-Tang introduced their immediate family who they felt deserved to be “cuban linx” by proximity. Killarmy was a six M.C. crew with an in house producer. Killa Sin, Beretta 9, Islord, 9th Prince, P.R. Terrorist and ShoGun Assasson provided raps while 4th Disciple made his way on to the Wu-Tang chess board with his production on this album. ‘Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars’ fits the theme of Killarmy’s name and they lean heavy on it throughout this record. The book ‘Behold A Pale Horse’ was somewhat of a bible for many rappers that came up during the 1990’s to which the album name is a quote from the publishing. A lot of “theory” on how the world was operating and who was “in control,” played a huge factor in the content listeners received. Killarmy is a mashup of “strength in numbers” instituted in the Wu-Tang Clan lure, and soldiers ready for the “quiet war” that was being fought for people’s minds. The question is why this album and group never made the splash of their predecessors and it can be because they felt too “familiar.” With the six M.C.’s it was often hard to distinguish who was who but one could also pinpoint their rapping style to someone in the original nine members of Wu-Tang Clan. Also with 17 tracks the album can meander as the group tries to fit in so many bars over production that is trying to separate these songs while keeping the “DNA” of the Wu-Tang sound. For the absolute “Wu-fan” that only wanted to hear the type of music they brought, ‘Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars’ satisfies that urge. The album is not bad for what it is but at the same time it doesn’t create new fans not already down with the Wu-movement. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Camouflage Ninjas,’ ‘Wu-Renegades,’ ‘Swinging Swords,’ ‘Fair, Love & War’ & ‘Wake Up’ 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: Camp Lo ‘Short Eyes’ EP 2001

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  With a solid debut album under their belt and a certified hit, Camp Lo needed to make sure they were able to survive the “new millennium.” In comes a very rare “taste test” of a release in an EP called ‘Short Eyes.’ If one listened to the last remaining college radio shows around this time or knew D.J.’s who were in support of HOP music, a track or two from this release might have been heard like ‘Sunkiss’ or ‘Baby Mother.’ Otherwise you might have needed to be in Japan or perusing online outlets like ‘sandboxautomatic’ to own this EP. Much like the records title the listener is granted a short collection of new music from Camp Lo. The group continues their signature raps that often can seem to need a translator but still keep it as “fly” and stylish as they can be while paying homage to 1970’s black films. Although the film this references is much darker in contrast to the vibes one hears on the release. Camp Lo manages to keep the party groove throughout the twenty minutes of this EP and they seemed to assimilate easy into the “cha cha” sound that came with popular music from about 1999 to 2002. The record is consistent and gives insight into where the group was heading musically but it does not break any ground or has those obvious moments of greatness their debut album has. For the Camp Lo fan they would be satisfied, and even the fly by night listener of HOP music, if they could understand their lyrics. What did you think of the album Singles include: ‘Army’ & ‘Baby Mother’ 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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