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#rewindreview: Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) ‘Run The Jewels 2’ 2014

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  In the third collaboration for El-P and Killer Mike the duo find themselves caught in an unexpected cultural phenomenon. With the success of the first ‘Run The Jewels’ album the critical response among new fans and a younger generation looking for more than the average top 40 radio sounds, “RTJ” become the new anti-establishment group of choice. After the Mike Brown killing in St. Louis, there was a sense of reality among “twenty-something year old’s” who grew up thinking racism was in the past and the world was as “black and white” as the villains and heroes in their favorite anime. ‘Run The Jewels 2’ serves as a “truth serum” that does not come off as preachy or mild musically with a rebellious energy. El-P embraces the southern bounce that seemed to connect with more ears from the first “RTJ” record and with the help of Wilder Zoby and Shalimar, intertwine a futuristic rock element that doesn’t allow the listener to fall asleep. ‘Run The Jewels 2’ really focuses in on the dangers of corrupt governing and questioning the leaders put in place to uphold law. Although there are a couple of different moments like the raunchy ‘Love Again (Akinyele back)’ which features Gangsta Boo as all three express the dirty side of wanting that “good ol’ thing back.” Where this album fails or in some ears succeeds is it all sounds like one long song. It can be hard to really distinguish the majority of songs but then again to the “RTJ” fan this is probably the best thing about the album. ‘Run The Jewels 2’ is made for the festivals, where suburban kids can live out their dreams of going wild and crazy while thinking this is “sticking to the man.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Blockbuster Night Part.1,’ ‘Oh My Darling Don’t Cry,’ ‘Lie, Cheat, Steal,’ ‘Close Your Eyes (And Count To F**k),’ ‘Early,’ ‘Angel Duster’ 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episode by searching and following @

#rewindreview: Jay Dee a.k.a. J-Dilla ‘Ruff Draft’ EP 2003

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  During the days of Jay Dee’s life, when he was still under utilized by the music industry and the “Dilla changed my life” audience thought “Jay Dee” was a misspelling of Jermaine Dupri, the Detroit native was dropping solo music that barely saw the light of day. ‘Ruff Draft’ was an EP that was originally only released on vinyl after “J-Dilla’s” solo debut ‘Welcome 2 Detroit’ and the shelved MCA Records debut album ‘Pay Jay.’ ‘Ruff Draft’ like it’s namesake was a collection of tracks which sounded like Jay Dee was in practice and still better than most beat makers at the time. “Dilla” has this genius way of making the most calm and vibing tracks feel like a build up of energy that keeps one’s neck and constant motion. ‘Let’s Take It Back’ is a grand example of this as it starts off the release. ‘Make’em NV’ is another banger where Jay Dee utilizes Fame of M.O.P.’s voice to bring this track’s energy over a “ruff” drum loop. It’s been said by Jay Dee’s family members and close friends that he liked to sing and on this release the audience gets to hear a bit of that on the hypnotic track ‘Nothing Like This.’ With ‘Ruff Draft’ falling under the radar in 2003 it was only right that it was re-released in 2007 after the passing of James Dewitt Yancy in 2006. ‘Ruff Draft’ further shows the world what they took for granted as while Jay Dee was alive, his modus oparandi was to constantly create and elevate his music no matter who was listening. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Nothing Like This’ 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @

#rewindreview: Run The Jewels (Killer Mike & El-P) ‘RTJ4’ 2020

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  Since 2012’s ‘R.A.P. Music’ from Killer Mike, his collaboration with El-P has always been a prime example of the “odd couple” in HOP music. ‘RTJ4’ marks the fifth collaboration album the two have done and for me personally is a favorite out of their Run The Jewels series. What makes this album stand out for me is how it’s a lot easier to separate from the previous Run the Jewels records. ‘RTJ4’ sounds more like a return to Killer Mike’s ‘R.A.P. Music’ where songs within the album sounded more discernible. The album feels more like the HOP music production one will hear from an El-P produced record, with a sort of futuristic “boom bap” sound he has been known for since 2001’s ‘Fantastic Damage.’ El-P had help on the production side with Wilder Zoby and Little Shalimar who provide more live music to the already left of center “trap sound” often displayed by Run The Jewels records. In theme with the odd and unlikely pairing of Killer Mike and El-P, the album features just as unlikely guest that include Pharrell Williams, Gangsta Boo, Zach De La Rocha and Greg Nice. Run The Jewels turn a concoction of musicians into a solid piece of an audible meal, complete with challenges to capitalism, revolutionary lyrics and fighting the system while under the guise of upbeat production in a “hipster” atmosphere. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Ooh LA LA,’ ‘Out Of Sight’ & ‘Walking In The Snow’ 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @

#rewindreview: Big Pooh ‘RPM’ 2018

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Since Little Brother’s ‘The Listening’ from 2002, it was always a narrative that Big Pooh was the weaker M.C. out of the group and some that believed he never should have been behind a microphone. These narratives tend to shut people down while others, it only provides fuel to prove those narratives wrong. Over the years “Pooh’s” skill have not only gotten better but if one is really paying attention can hear more confidence in his delivery. On ‘RPM’ Big Pooh delivers a consistent set of HOP tracks that showcase just how comfortable the rapper is in his abilities. Produced entirely by Focus and featuring a few guest like Chaundon, Akilz Amari, C.S. Armstrong, Blakk Soul and Ab Liva. Focus manages not to over produce the record while Big Pooh experiments with some different cadences like on ‘Follow The Leader’ featuring Thurz and ‘Prey/Pray’ featuring Cocoa Sarai. Big Pooh and Focus do an excellent job of making sure songs go in many directions while also keeping the tracks and album shorter as to not lose ears in a drowning of “filler” tracks. ‘RPM’ doesn’t sound like an album where Big Pooh is trying to say to the public “I told you so” but rather “this is just what I do.” 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @

#rewindreview: EarthGang ‘Royalty’ EP 2018

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    This was my first time giving the Atlanta G.A. duo a chance as their name had been buzzing for a few years leading up to this release. With co-signs from a few respectable veterans in HOP music as well as being apart of J. Cole’s Dreamville crew, the red carpet was laid for EarthGang. ‘Royalty’ is a twenty-five minute sample taste of the duo’s talent’s as rappers but even more importantly showing that even though they are from the land of “trap,” they provide more music than just the same drumkit and basic 808’s. The comparison was made early on that this was the closest to Outkast for a new generation. A description that I can easily understand people would make as a track like ‘Off The Lot’ featuring Mereba, feels like something birthed from Outkast’s third album ‘Aquemini.’ I believe the comparison’s do EarthGang more a disservice due to such big shoes to fill. Most acts post Outkast, that meant for their art to last have always instituted more live music and vibrant sounds. This is where this release truly shines as the music created by EarthGang along with, Like, Childish Major and Jones T provide a sonic atmosphere that leave listeners wanting more but indulging in a bit of nostalgia due to so much “basic” music associated with younger acts. EarthGang is different and I believe once their actual rapping voices are found and strengthened, they can truly create a lasting legacy. 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @

#rewindreview: Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs ‘Roxbury 02119’ 1993

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You might often wonder to yourself, who was the rapper that introduced a city to you. Some might say Common for Chicago, The Geto Boys for Houston or Too $hort for Oakland. For me the city of Boston was introduced by Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs after their smash hit ‘I Gots Ta Have It’ off the debut ‘Life Of A Kid In The Ghetto’ from 1991. A solid album that introduced the crew with some real themes and light hearted tracks. The sophomore release ‘Roxbury 02119’ is a lot more rougher and musically a lot more consistent. Unlike their debut, it’s not a smash hit on ‘Roxbury…’ but as a whole album it jams with limited songs that could be considered “filler.” From the opening track ‘Streets Of The Ghetto,’ Ed O.G. sets the tone of this release for the 1993 ears. ‘Bug-A-Boo’ is in the past and it’s time to feel the streets of Roxbury. This is not to be seen as a complete 180 degree turn from the lessons ‘Life Of A Kid…’ provided as tracks like ‘Love Comes And Goes’ remember those lives taken unexpectedly and ‘Less Than Zero’ touches on the mistrust of Police within inner-ctiy boundaries. Ed O.G. was always a good storyteller when it was time although on this album there is more “streams of thought” lyrics which could possibly be the reason it is often slept on over the years. Beats were provided by Joe Mansfield and Diamond D. to which both producers made such a cohesive record. This was at a time when Diamond D. was in a zone so much so that the beat for ‘Busted’ ended up being the same beat with a slight change in music for Tha Alkaholiks’ track ‘Next Level,’ off their ‘Coast II Coast’ album a couple of years later. Even “The Great Diamond” himself didn’t realize this when QUANTUM LEAP RADIO interviewed him a couple of years ago (https://fanlink.to/QLLEAP311/) This goes back to the mystery of why is ‘Roxbury 02119’ often forgotten and was it just an album that was caught in such a good year of HOP music releases or did the record label simply neglect a hidden gem? What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Skinny Dip (got it goin’ on)’ & ‘Love Comes And Goes’ 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Statik Selektah ‘Round Trip’ 2023

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This was an album that fell a bit under the radar in 2023. Statik Selektah’s ‘Round Trip’ is an assembly of some of the most “truskool” rappers who have earned a name for ACTUAL rapping in the last ten to twelve years. From Joey Bada$$, Rome Street, The Griselda crew, Ab-Soul and Ransom to name a few, “Statik” provides his signature sound to coalesce with these voices meant to carry the torch of HOP music. Although the track listing can look intimidating with twenty songs, this record is only an hour long. Statik Selektah works hard to make sure the album is not monotonous to the listener’s ears by having such a wide variety of rappers involved but also making sure his production provides a wide range of feeling while keeping the overall frequency consistent. ‘Round Trip’ not only provides the more recent collective of wordsmiths but notable veterans as well. Expect to hear the likes of A.Z., members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Bun B., Cormega, M.O.P. and Elzhi. One of the most important veterans on ‘Round Trip’ is Posdnous of De La Soul, as this would mark the first song and feature of the legend after the passing of group member Dave a.k.a. Plug 2. It was only right and with respect that Statik Selektah starts this ‘Round Trip’ off with a dedication to one of HOP music’s most important figures, who we all lost in the year 2023. 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: D.J. Quik & Problem ‘Rosecrans’ EP 2016

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  A small tidbit that was thrown out to the people on behalf of a West Coast legend and up and coming voice. D.J. Quik and Problem put together a solid collection of tracks that drop the listener in the middle of the Los Angeles neighborhood of Rosecrans. Without making the music sound like a throwback to the 1990’s, D.J. Quik and Problem instead showcase the nuisances that keep the region different from anywhere else in the world. Of course in terms of content that music breeds street life and telegraphed uses of words not meant for FCC regulations but a difference here is the rapping talent of Problem. D.J. Quik also gets behind the microphone for brief moments and the release also enlist the talent of some notable West Coast rappers too. Game, Bad Lucc and Wiz Khalifa are a few known acts that grace this EP giving it even more validity. For thirty minutes the audience is transported through the streets of Rosecrans and the mixing and mastering of this release does not sound rushed or cheap. “Quik” and Problem knew they had something and clearly threw the ‘Rosecrans’ EP out there as a taste test or warning as the two dropped a full length album of the same name the next year. 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Horror City ‘Rose From The Crypt’ EP 2020

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  Superstar MC of Horror City did not allow the pandemic to stop his output of music nor from allowing the “Horror City” name to die. In 2020 he linked with the “remix king” MiLKCRATE, to produce a “headnoding” release ‘Rose Form The Crypt.’ This eight song release allows Superstar MC to get loose over some beats that don’t necessarily coincide with the very dark album cover the EP portrays. MiLKCRATE is known for his very vibrant tracks and they work well with Superstar MC’s voice. In keeping with the theme of “Horror City,” Superstar’s lyrics match the album cover and title with gritty tales and some dark themes. It is a safe release that doesn’t move the needle but also provides about thirty minutes in one’s day to vibe out. Where the release could be better is with Superstar MC, as his delivery of rhymes can seem jumbled and his vocals could have been mixed better, or a couple of takes to make sure words did not seem forced into certain bars. This can often happen to veterans who have been playing the game as long as Horror City but it’s a treat knowing there is still effort to provide “truschool” HOP music to an underserved demographic of listeners. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Vibin’ 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Kool G. Rap & D.J. Polo ‘Road To The Riches’ 1989

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The debut album from Kool G. Rap & D.J. Polo is often forgotten when talking about the classic albums from the golden age of HOP music. Kool G. Rap has managed to stay relevant for almost 35 years among true HOP music fans and underground M.C.’s. That journey starts with the ‘Road To The Riches’ album. In a way Kool G. Rap was about six years ahead of the “pseudo-mafioso” era that ran HOP music from East to West Coast and all in between. On the only video single and title track for this album, we see “G. Rap” proclaiming street tales of a big time crime boss but at the end there is still repercussions of those actions. That song was clearly one of the later tracks recorded for this album as ‘Road To The Riches’ ironically can sound like “a demo.” The mix in quality of this album matches the time but the music on the majority of the songs are clearly before 1989 and match the mission of what producer Marley Marl has said for years. In an interview with QUANTUM LEAP RADIO in 2017 (https://www.mixcloud.com/QLRadio/quantum-leap-radio-leap-forty-two-wmarley-marl-grandmaster-dee-jun-24-2017/) “Marley” mentions how the early 80’s sounds of HOP music were not good to him and were going to phase out quickly. He in turn decided to use more sample based production for his artist and ‘Road To The Riches’ is an example of his transition in music. Kool G. Rap is the main star on this record and provides a lyrical painting of street knowledge, admiration for automobiles on ‘Cars,’ puppy love relationships and respecting the D.J. “The man with the cuts,” D.J. Polo accentuates the tracks on this album and makes songs like ‘It’s A Demo’ and ‘Poison’ stand the test of time. ‘Road To Riches’ also doesn’t get the credit it deserves for being such a hardcore record that didn’t lean on cursing to get its point across, as there are only two songs that contain vulgar words. An attribute usually awarded to only Rakim & Eric B.’s ‘Paid In Full.’ This was just the reality of rap music in it’s golden years, was to focus on a viable product that could always be one’s claim to fame when determining the acts worth. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘It’s A Demo,’ ‘Poison’ & Road To The Riches’ 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/ & TuneIn app (under “kpft in HD2”) Catch past episodes by searching and following @fanlink.to/QuantumLeapRadio

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