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

  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

  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

  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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Double A.B. & Git Beats ‘Lungs Of Mahalia’ 2024

  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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Rockwelz ‘LL2J’ 2023

  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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Talib Kweli & Madlib ‘Liberation 2’ 2023

  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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Configa & Tommy Evans ‘Jolicoeur’ 2024

  Configa and Tommy Evans are two acts from the United Kingdom who came together for an uplifting of frequencies on ‘Jolicoeur.’ This thirty minute album is tailor made for the summertime as Configa provides production that makes listeners dance while Tommy Evans uses his voice as an instrument with a free flowing style to it. If one is a fan of the Native Tongues then ‘Jolicoeur’ will satisfy the auditory canal as the release’s title is also paying homage to De La Soul’s fallen member Dave a.k.a. Plug 2. This album is “vibes and stuff” so do not expect to hear complex rhyme styles or deep lyrical thought. Tommy Evans makes more of a case for his own life experiences and the joy from that with a fun delivery that almost speaks to the inner child in the listener. There are a few features with mainly vocal artist like Doella, Matthew Allman, VVN and others while expect to hear rhymes from Kyza and Speech from Arrested Development. Run ‘Jolicoeur’ for a spin or two and decide if Configa & Tommy Evans are in their own “Buhloone Mindstate.” What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Summertime’ & ‘The Water’ 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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: K-Rec, Checkmate & Moka Only ‘Inference And Hearsay’ EP 2024

  This is a Canadian takeover with Vancouver British Columbia’s Moka Only and Checkmate free flowing over a diverse amount of beats from K-Rec. ‘Inference And Hearsay’ is a fifteen minute EP of showing HOP music ages like fine wine. Moka Only still sounds as fresh as when one first heard him throughout his storied career. K-Rec provides some standout moments with this release like the infectious title track and a sort of “180” moment of the sounds you expect to here from the D.J./producer with ‘Way2Lit.’ I initially thought Checkmate was a newer act, yet I began to realize his name was associated with Canadian Hip-Hop but could not quite put my finger as to where. Then low and behold the track that most Americans became introduced to Canadian rap artist was ‘Northern Touch,’ a posse cut of acts from Canada that got some lengthy rotation on B.E.T.’s ‘Rap City.’ Checkmate was on that track and now this EP comes full circle (no pun). With the length of this release, one will not waste their time, but the initial two tracks are a personal favorite while the last three are a bit darker in tone. K-Rec gives the tracks added flavor with cuts and scratches making ‘Inference And Hearsay’ in “fact” a solid addition to an incredible year of HOP music from it’s veterans. What did you think of the album? Singles include: ‘Love Keep pt.2’ & ‘Inference And Hearsay’ 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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Thonio & D.J. Kefran ‘In My Dreams’ EP 2023

  QUANTUM LEAP RADIO was new to this duo when we received a promo of ‘In My Dreams’ EP. Thonio, who is from Buffalo, New York and D.J. Kefran from Paris, France provide a short twenty-five minute release compatible to Spring and Summer seasons. On this release Thonio raps about relationships, be it with women, social circles or himself. Rhymes are not too complicated and although this would be an underground release, it fits a more mainstream rap music audience. Thonio’s influences seem to be that of Young Jeezy, Lupe Fiasco etc., while D.J. Kefran provides a more basic music palette that fits the style and content provided by Thonio. ‘In My Dreams’ might not have the appeal to the “super-rap” fan but could garner some spins at the neighborhood backyard barbeque or kickback event. 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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

#rewindreview: Moka Only ‘In And Of Itself’ 2023

  The Canadian “Energizer Bunny” never stops even when one thinks he is over rap music. Moka Only has… a lot of albums and it seemed that during and post COVID, the Vancouver BC, M.C. might have slowed down production of music. In 2023 he popped up again with ‘In And Of Itself,’ which for those who have been fans of Moka Only for the past 25 years, got that signature sound and feel that compliments him and listener’s ears. Moka Only always finds that balance between vibes and head nodding sounds that seems to uplift the frequency within one’s self, if not for a moment of euphoria, that never seems to get old. This album’s consistency tracks with what Moka Only does for his projects where there are not many moments you might feel one part of the album is better than the other. Although ‘I Do Rap’ is one of those merry moments Moka Only traps listener’s with snares, drums and subtle sounds, while using his own voice as an instrument to make one rewind the track multiple times. ‘In And Of Itself’ can be added to the pantheon of “Moke’s” albums but it really is a standout release among his latter chapter of projects. 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 @fanlink.tv/QuantumLeapRadio

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