ALBUM REVIEW: Neckbreakers Beat Tape: The Expert

         Well before the month passes, I'd just like to get a post up, maybe for the sake of a post getting up. I'd like to put something up before October, and I finally went back to one of my requests, if you can call it one of those. A couple months back, the Expert sent me his tape through e-mail, and I wasn't sure what to do at first. However, through all the corny twitter rappers that follow me, countless video shares of the "hottest" underground rapper, and other artists that e-mail me, this and a few others have surprised me. Not only because this guy actually knows what I like, I of course only assuming that because of the enjoyment I got from this tape, but because it is really the first good submission I have ever gotten. I have gotten some others submissions that might be good, but those haven't been revisited yet. This is the one I have come to revisit and have had in my library for a few weeks now.

       The actual beat tape? Yes it is great. 7 seven solid instrumental tracks, with a consistent sound that makes the album a pleasant listen. Drums have that light shaky feel to it, which is always a good area in hip-hop. Through the samples, the Expert shows you he knows what to do funk and soul. A lot of that good down-to-earth soul feel. Unlike most of my instrumental albums, most being of the hip-hop genre, this one doesn't feel too chopped. Where as listening to artists such as 9th Wonder, Foner, Ta-ku, you know everything has been rearranged. Don't quote me on that ha ha, but when listening to, "another journey" there is no pause, no nothing. Very easy to zone out to.

And of course some blurbs for the beats!

1. Apollo - Starting off with that big band sound. Then oooh it slips right into that late night lurk vibe. With that chop in the background adding a nice touch, you become immersed into the night. And then that elegant night club kinda piano slips in there to take things up another notch. You can tell the beats from here on out are going to have many surprises and change ups.

2. What's Going On Today - Very familiar tune at the start. Then picks right up with that dirty boom-bap, of a fast pace. I really like the vocals on this one, nice to sing along to as you bob your head. Just-- just-- just-- don't understand. Ooh very easy to roll to. Then that ba ba ba takes you out with the sax, a successful jam concluded.

3. Alan Alda - This one is killer. Perhaps the heaviest beat on here. Then a nice melody is constructed with the strings and that slippery feel of the keys. The bass line in the back is just so damn good too. Really one of those beats that works so well at night time, when passing the streets under the yellow street lights. Paints an eery feel that would gladly join other late night instrumentals.

4. Dynamite - Solid loop right off the bat. The little vocal and the change ups of the guitar are quite nice. A pretty simple song working well with just a few different patterns.

5. Another Journey- Swear I have heard that guitar tune somewhere before, in fact I have, but I can't place it. This one is quite relaxing despite the stress I have of not placing the sample. And with some pretty keys attached he throws in some soulful oohs. And I believe that cut is from Common, but I can't be a 100% sure. Another favorite bit is right in the middle when it breaks down for a split second, man that part had me like, oh wow!

6. Buttery Gold - Same start as Apollo. Big band sound again! However, leading in a new direction to give us something powerful and boastful. The brass arrangement samples is very nicely used.

7. Acting the Maggot - Yet another tune I can't place. I have almost definitely heard this. This one is probably my favorite beat off the album though, it is so good. The cutoffs are so hip-hop, and I imagine off an MPC, and are just so great! The tune from Frankie on the guitar is just amazing, as well as Moschops on the cuts. Everything is fused so perfectly and the multiple breakdowns has me looking for something every second on this beat! In the back with the Twiddler you hear that slick bass. OOOH and that end breakdown is so good. Man I just feel every note so much. Woo I absolutely am in love with the whole piece. While at first the cuts seemed to break things too much, I came to absolutely love them. Then the Mr. Pollard just carries you on the home-coming stretch.

I absolutely have come to love this beat tape since taking the time to listen to it. In fact when he sent that e-mail he told me how big a fan he was of the page, I owe it to the guy. And as avid listeners of music that my followers are, you owe it to yourself to try out this tape.

Here is the link!
http://theexpert.bandcamp.com/album/the-expert-neckbreakers-beat-tape

He tells me he has worked with R2 although I am not sure on what, I'll be hitting up Kid Abstrakt about that, I am sure he could tell me. I am now really excited to see what other projects he has coming for me!

EML Update: Summer Absence

            Alright, I have been missing this page far too much. Busy with a lot of summer myself. But that is not to say I haven't had many musical experiences. I guess this could count for July as well, maybe Summer as a whole. But I will be back as I start school again, as ridiculous as that sounds. I hope that I can update a couple times a week. But let me just evaluate where I have gotten musically.

            Right around the start of summer I had gotten really comfortable with the swing of the underground. For a long time now I have been finding so many artists using the outlets that I have listed on this page. Downloading albums regularly maybe 1 a week on average. But I made sure I would make some serious advances in music this summer. I guess I'll list some goals/achievements I made whilst enduring my summer fun.

• There was that trip I took early in July where I bought a ton of records. First time digging through the crates, it was very exciting.
• Several times this summer I hung out with one of my good friends, who has basically taken on the role to tutor me. He has helped me a lot with the fundamentals of making music electronically. Each time I learn a lot and there is always fun had between us. Then usually by the end of the evening, we'll show each other a bunch of dope tunes, which I guess is where we stand equal. We love each others music! 
• I myself have had a lot of fun working to make music. Between the purchase of a DAW and MPD early this year I had learned a lot all by myself. Through my hours of practice I get slightly better and better each time. Whether practicing patterns with drums, messing around with samples, or watching, "hella youtube videos" I always find myself motivated the next time. As frustrating and mind boggling it is to just step into the world of producing with nothing but my passion and love for the art, I have done a good job not giving up. Just this summer I have learned so much! I am grateful for all those who have helped me, supported me, no matter how direct or indirect. 
• I went out to another record store when camping with my family in Vermont, and I was a bit smarter that time and I found the soul section and really made sure I knew I'd be buying some promising stuff. A lot of nice rhythms are now sitting in my box of records, box will become plural as the years go on! 
• I made a purchase of headphones early august. Some Sennheiser 380s. Which has just made my experience with music more incredible. Hearing things I have never heard in songs before, everything is just more beautiful. Especially when I go out at night, looking over the lights is just even better.
• My tumblr is now where I regularly upload music, just about everyday so if you wanna skip to just the raw music that is fine. If you like the music I post here, then you should have an even better time over there, link provided in contacts!
• And of course I have gotten tons of new updates with my library. Plenty of new and interesting sounds, now that I am comfortable with the underground, I have looked at other genres, even more diverse stuff when it comes to hip-hop and hip-hop instrumentals. I just love expanding everything. Much like the Catacombkid and Neat Beats I have, that really helped me build a grip on ambient music. So really the only gap in my music life has been my longest self project, EML.

Here is to another good summer, and hopefully things go into another good swing and I start posting regularly. Although this absence doesn't come as a shock, as I discovered last year I really wasn't hear much during the summer despite the abundance of time I had. I might just take Summers off and never  have the expectation to post, and perhaps resume things as regular life picks up. So if you tl:dr then just know I'll have some stuff up once September rolls in tomorrow! Peace and much love to you all out there, hope summer was great for all of you. I know I made many improvements to myself which in turn has done much for those around me.

ALBUM REVIEW: Synth You've Been Gone - Ta-ku & Roughsoul: Love Child

            When first getting this album I didn't think it was my style. But I always gotta ask myself, 'what is your style?' Well it consists of many: genres, sounds, vibes, and talents. If all the music I listen to is good, then I should like this album! After all, I already knew who Ta-ku was at the time so I knew there would be some definite talent flooding my speakers. Getting comfortable with the idea of this album, I soon embarked upon something epic.
            As the album's title fully suggests, we are hear to enjoy synthesizers!

Every track on hear does something magical, having a library neglect of synthesizers I knew this work would be special to me. The experience would be that much more powerful.

1. We Are - This one starts it off slow and starts that sparking. Then you get that dancing sound of the keys. More elements are slowly introduced, which is an absolute blessing for instrumental music. You get to see how all the pieces blend themselves together, almost as if watching the two producers making it in front of you. An elegant soundscape that pulled me in to the rest of the album!

2. Go! - More boom bip than the last track. This track you can really appreciate the work on the drums! Just a lot of elements that blend together!

4. Here - This one has a slow start much like "We Are". Then it just explodes, crazy fan fare! A real banger on the album.

5. Dip Lower - Carries this incredibly dark vibe in the beginning. Then dropping into a nice tasty jam.

6. Waves - This is another track that holds a dark and creepy tone. The reason I love this one definitely has to be that feel of the rain and those creepy chimes, going perfectly with that dark tone of the piano. Quite the smash!

7. Digital Spit - Titled perfectly, this track picks the album back up and lets us roll on a fast soundscape, that is so flavorful. Packed with various tunes, the main segment has two perfectly working synths, complementing another oh so nicely.

8. Robin Fly - I really like this song that other synth comes in around midway. So perfect, I absolutely love that track, turns so beautiful after starting out to sound like another dark track.

9. Faster - All about going faster, different pieces come back and forth through the song. The segment of keys midway add such a light touch to the song, and their is so much going on. The stuff is quite magical.

12. Ladies - An amazing song to go out on, the synths carry that boastful brass sound, and that bass is way down low and funky. Woo, what a ride this was.

Money for Belly - Flow Patrol

Someone it just takes a special touch to create that crate-digging sound

Off the wax, and then burning candles on the tracks

Flow Patrol Rawdrafts

Introduced excellently...

            A perfect track for Summer. This one has us soaked in the vibes of summer, easy living, and of course that delicious rhythm of classy subject matter. Flow Patrol once again has a top notch beat from one of the many producers he has worked with. The beat is quite simple, an exchange of piano loops that sounds so damn good, laced with some drums and you are ready for Flow Patrol.
           Another killer set of bars. He definitely keeps it classy on this one, using words and rhymes of a true gentleman. Some of my favorite rhymes on this track immerse you in the world of summer, putting me at ease.

And the love birds movin to the suburbs

Smother one another with Southern summers

In search of runnin (butter?) with the (cover?)

Have (recover/her cover?) in the hummer 

Updated as of 7/27/12 it is actually, "head for cover in the hummer". 
Did I stutter?

This is a fabulous piece of rap right here. Now, as is usual with Flow Patrol, not all can be deciphered. I have tried my best. This really sets the stage for the rest of his content on this track. When we think love birds, obviously a young couple, married perhaps. If they are young and moving to the suburbs they are most likely quite a successful couple. A typical upper middle class family. When he mentions the hummer that is another hint at wealth. And yet there is some tragedy behind the recover/her cover line. If recover, then perhaps there is too much stress in the characters life, perhaps this marriage, life, situation in the suburbs isn't what he wanted. If it is her cover, perhaps he protects his daughter/wife through wealth, another thought. So not everything is perfect, but that question at the end is put so confidently and has such power behind that. 

12 shots its a rock and drop to the curb

It ain't soft when its served

That line is quite clever. 

But the reservations gracious 

and the conversations spacious

the lobster's superb

Those lines put you into that classy summer feel, thoughts of fancy restaurants, elegance encompasses all attending, and the sophistication can be seen heard, and just felt. 

Righteous, you might just entice us with your license

to kill beats and cheap thrills.

Phony entertainment is all I can think of on this one. The fact that someone can just scam so many people, and when Flow uses the term license, he paints the idea that this person is allowed to entertain regardless of their skill. Hence he mentions cheap thrills. Could be wrong about all this, but these are just the thoughts that flow.
           Also it should not go unmentioned to Rawdrafts for producing this beautiful melody. Another classic feel good beat for my collection.

You & Me - Potatohead People

           A nice jam for some more relaxing today. Really love how this one came together, covered Snow Problem some months back and this was also another 5 star track. A nice light tune with an easy sing-a-long quality. A strong boom-bip going into it. Then some not so decipherable vocals, but they sound so nice. Then that great touch of keys, and synths for a little more flavor. Through some more background noise and a little more variety you got a perfect little tune. Just a short post, hoping you could use some more instrumentals.

Dreamy - J Dilla

           J Dilla. Not gonna lie, I don't really listen to him. It should also be noted I haven't had many good opportunities to pick up any of his works. This album I got off some site, and have loved. I will be honest I hated Donuts, none of it made sense to me. I also recently got Ruff Draft, which I also felt wasn't very good, but then again probably just me. However, Vintage, a collection of unreleased instrumentals is awesome. I remember stumbling on this specific track through YouTube, I must have played that for several hours, it is mesmerizing. This and a bunch of his beats are superb, as everyone knows.



         SO I finally took the time to download some of his work, and I knew I would want this instrumental. It is perfect in just about every way. I believe somebody summed up their love for beats something like this, "hard and soft at the same time". Which is a perfect way to put some of my favorite songs together. Light music, backed with a hard beat, makes for something perfect. That is how this song becomes a masterpiece. Those notes carry you ever so easily. The drums are just oh my goodness, then you hear that little wobble every now and then. I lose myself so easily in this song, if I just lie down put some headphones on, I am gone. Perfect track for enjoying the summer, enjoy it to its fullest. 

Gimme Your's - AZ

            Well I can say I finally went to a record store, and got about 25 records, as well as about 8 albums on CDs. It was quite the adventure getting there, but me and a couple of friends had a ball. Went to a couple stores, and the last one was right out of heaven. Before heading down there, I always imagined record stores with dollar bins with all sorts of old dusty vinyl. The cardboard stands that categorized everything, man we found a store with all that. The whole first experience was quite awesome. Anyhow, I found some AZ, and as a matter of fact Doe or Die. My first AZ album in fact. Usually I would already have all his stuff, but to me I always buy the physical album if their is one. Few stores around me, so I finally got it down in Noho. Got lucky with a couple other albums I don't have up in my area too. Anyhow, let's get to a track.

           When it comes to material lyrics, I am very picky. However, when you are one of the most underrated rappers and spit some of the greatest wordplay ever I can dig it. And that is what AZ holds under his belt, that and he has kept it real for well over a decade. His wordplay and style of rhyming is ridiculous. First time I heard him was off of Illmatic on, "Life's A Bitch" which you can read the post on how much that song changed me. However, this song is much darker than the latter, but no less lyrically golden.

           I'll post a couple bars I specifically dig, even though it is another case of great flow that seems to blend all his words together. Regardless I'll try and pick some stuff out.

I fucked with those beyond my age bracket

'cause they analyse and mack to get the papers and stack it

Leavin no trace to track it, keep on thinkin tappers is accurate

That mack shit, living the lifestyle, we filled with black wit

Kinda interesting. Shows us that AZ was clever enough to work with those older because they were smarter, which is a huge advantage in life. I notice myself, being the youngest in the family, I always had to shut up and listen, but man that has taught me to think before I speak, an underrated gift for certain.

Life's a performance so players play wit endurance

'cause from war sense, any villain's willing to get more intense

Another clever thought. Note that not only villains are willing to get more intense. In all aspects of life someone will always have more drive, you have to decide what is worth chasing, thus his mentioning of endurance. Man you can learn a lot with the words staring you down.

         And of course that beat is quite amazing, with Pete Rock on the track of course it is. Classic boom bip, where the drums carry the whole song. Little elements thrown into there to add some variety and that deep eery vibe. Something to bump late night in the city. And Nas singing on the hook, I love it. If you don't know I love when Nas sings, because when he sings off-key or whatever you wanna call it, everything is made easy. You can sing along so well, because anyone has that range ha ha. A nice sing-a-long. Woo, man what a great collaboration of efforts right here.

The Basics - Epik High feat. Unknown DJs

       This is a stand out track on, "Vol. 2 High Society", a stand out track in Epik High's discography, and a stand out in hip-hop bounce and of course scratches. This instrumental piece on the LP is so sick. Nodding my dome was my immediate reaction, then I started lip syncing vocals, imitating the scratches. The cuts come so clean too. Really amazed me how hidden some of these jams are. I mean when listening to Epik High's 4 album collection of these different volumes you can't really expect something like this. I fell in love with their style and then this came on once I got this album. Hot damn,   I mean that is just crack coming through your speakers, sweet Jesus.
       Cutting that first classic record; which I still don't know all together; with that signature, "I am", almost becoming as popular in my library as that, "Louder!". Ha you know what I'm talking about. Then jumping to all those ewah ewahs or whatever lol. Then my favorite part that is so in rhythm. That, "check it out" piece goes perfectly. The way it is scratched the 2nd time is so perfectly in sync with the snare isn't even funny. Everytime I am like, "woooh damn". Then I start lip-syncing that, "funky fresh" piece. Damn man. Too much fun.



That is one of the shorter pieces on the album, and doesn't have much to do with Epik High actually, but it is not doubt dope. If you wanna hear some raps and other nice beats from these guys search for some Rar files over the net. Unless you are blessed enough to find a physical CD of Epik High; which in that case I highly envy you; just download it. 

Check Me Out 1.5 - Waju

Just a couple of dope kids living it up in the underground. 

          Been meaning to do a write up on a Waju Wednesday for some time now. And now that the time is finally here I got one of my favorite tracks from him. Coming with a chill summer vibe this track is perfect when you cool out on a hot day. Sitting in the shade with some cold drinks and this bumpin' is the way to go.
          The beat really blows me away on this. I haven't figured out the producer, but they get my respects for sure. Digging that under-water aquarium feel, with that steady boom-bip. A simple loop to keep your mind at ease, and it just sounds so chilll. One of those tracks that holds some magnificent aura.
          As for Waju? Damn dude is synced with the beat. Flowing as watery as this beat, delivering so many good lines. Overall a stellar performance. These rhymes were made for this track. Yet Waju gets more dope points across.

Word to the 1st amendment I'm speakin' what I'm believin' 

Givin my speeches' freedom a reason to be completed

I find different ways to handle my beefs

No hand on my piece when I stand on the streets

Just rap over beats cause its natural to me

Like sand to a beach or an ass to a seat

Promoting non-violence through music never sounded harder man. Woo, guy just blows right past us. When you keep things real and hold good behaviors you get a lot of respect from me, and killing it doesn't make it any easier to turn the speakers off.

Most cats are about as real as prosthetics and cosmetic

They whole style is authentically augmented

Simply fraudulent but I'm the opposite

Confident examine my growth like a botanist

Born in 91' that's where I get my rhymin' from

And everyday I rise above like the shining sun 

And Imma keep climbing up till my time is done

Till then I'm on the run keeping iron lungs

And I'm diamond tough that means your pressure doesn't break me down

Just play my tape and now you know how greatness sounds

Verses been mean servin' MCs

So you better check it like the 1st and 15th

Blown away every time with my mind blown and my head noddin' all the way. Excellent wordplay from Waju. In fact we got another release today. So a nice Waju Wednesday for sure.

Make sure to check out his upcoming release, "Soul Child". Peace and good vibing.

And also this dope video, most certainly agree with some of those top comments. 

Cereal - SLik D

The round Cookie Crisp sounds good so I got it, glad that it's chocolate...

           Good morning! Got the perfect track for anyone in the mood for happy get up and go vibes. SLik performs great over this beat. Another one of those missing tracks, not found on an album. Anything not officially released has a trend of being absolutely magical, or on the other spectrum of good things, we can tell where this falls on the scale just by those first few seconds.
           SLik D being a supporter of, "Good Vibes", we get nothing less on this track. Many vibes of childhood, innocence, and old treasures we may never have again. He gets us off to a great start:

The dream in my head just ended cause its mornin' 

body transformin, sticky breath yep I'm yawnin' 

Bones pop lock as I'm headed downstairs

It's the weekend didn't make my bed who cares

Man I got all this in my head, pictured perfectly. All these things you know so well from past mornings. The only reason I'm not doing it this morning, is when I rolled out of bed I wanted to cover this track. Anyhow, SLik makes us carefree already. He has shifted us out of the bed and down the stairs...

Sunrise shine, birds chirp this feelin'

It is somethin' never worth killin, and if you do man you're a villain

Gotta watch out for those that can kill that vibe, even if unintentionally. Always surround yourself with the people that are healthiest for you, and by that I mean ones that compliment you and don't conflict negatively with your beliefs and philosophies. 

Open up the fridge got a fresh case of milk

Started on the floor with my socks smooth as silk

Lookin' at my cereal which should I pick?

Then he goes on to describe all his love for cereals, and all the flavors he has, explaining to us how essential it is. Funny how much the idea of morning kid's cereals can draw out of me. I picture myself on Saturday morning running downstairs grabbing a bowl of cereal. Although I am pretty weird about my cereal, ha, wouldn't eat it with a spoon, and no milk. Growing up I never had much for kid's cereals those, maybe some Berry Berry Kix, Corn Chex, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios. I even remember mom treating Cocoa Puffs as a rare treat, mention the idea of Lucky Charms and you were crazy. Yet, she always bought them for Dad, around Christmas, and he was the only one to eat them, but I made sure I got my share. Ha man, you really do think a lot when reminded of childhood simplicities. 

         The chorus give us a nice slow break from things before we get back into it, panning vocals about cereal and other mutterings. 

Waited two minutes till my cereal is moist

Star Wars spoon. Boy oh boy!

Got a big scoop heard a bloop from the splash

Took it back in the days of my age in the past 

When I was just a kid just diggin' for the prize

Thinkin' 98' brings a tear to my eyes

He starts to express what the cereal is doing to him, opening up and exploring what exactly does cereal make him remember. 

See thats the best part when I eat and reminisce

Make me wonder how I be if I didn't have this

Time for myself, time for tranquility

Saturday toons, afternoon it was meant to be

Even though I grew Imma do what I got to do

And he sets himself a goal, even though he wishes so much to have those times again, he reflects to discover all the time he has to be himself, and the freedom he has to make life what it is. 

           And I haven't even covered the tune yet. Well hot damn it is awesome. Those guitar riffs are absolutely tuned perfectly, and bring us the best sound possible, something about those notes is just killer. Then you have that touch of piano and then the introduction to soft keys. Everything about that and those boom-bip drums. This tune exponentially increases the value to this song. And as each piece is taken in and out from the beat, it compliments SLik's rapping so perfectly! Woo, they need more beats like these nowadays. Sampling Black Box's, "Fall Into My Love", they looped it perfectly. And hot damn that song itself has a killer beat, usually I don't like samples too quickly, but this one is just as good. Like woo, that song has more boom-bip that this one. Woo 2 treats in one today.

Hope you all have had a great start to your morning, make the best of the afternoon, enjoy your Father's day. And if that isn't your focus for the day, enjoy it how you intended to. Hell if you hadn't had your cereal today, go for it! Don't fall victim to ethics, enjoy your food when you want to. Lol that is enough for the day. See ya guys around. And I appreciate it if you made it this far reading. 

Hold On Soul - 9th Wonder

          This has got to be one of my favorite loops ever. The way the samples are so in touch with the drums, giving us that light feel with that boom-bap that hip-hop beat-heads love. Those high keys are so damn soulful and just put a smile on my face. The vocal sample of course is just as beautiful. There is not much you can say. Visions of sun sets, clear skies, beautiful light coming through my windows on a long summer day. This beat is so feel good not much tops it, you are just lifted from it. An unexplainable feel good vibe makes my mind and body instantly loosen. Another one of those hip-hop beats that helps you fall in love with just about anything. Lacing this with many experiences in life can increase its potential, unearthing good memories to blend with dreams you have in the future. The more I listen to it the more I remember in the past, and it is great. The older my music library gets, the more it will preserve for me. Damn, I love beats.

 And there you have it! A quick soul loop from one of the master's. 9th has an awesome touch, and if you like this, and aren't familiar with 9th's work, I got like over 200 hundred of these in my library. 1 from a mass download, the rest hand picked and dug for in the dusty bottom of Youtube. So if you want any you know how to reach me!

в ожидании - MorFiy

           This has to be one of my favorite love songs. While for all I know he could be rapping about pineapple, you feel a lot of heart from the chorus and the beat. Hip-Hop that is light tends to be quite high in my library, in terms of plays. I love stuff that makes you reminisce and dream of all sorts of fantasies. And while all this foreign hip-hop I am getting into is incomprehensible, it doesn't lose its power. I feel so much through the words, as music and perhaps even vocals stand as a universal language that can enlighten us all.
           I can't speak much on the rap of course, I'd say it flows nicely, but I can't be 100% sure. There is definitely a rhythm that he maintains, so nothing feels out of place, at least for one who doesn't speak Russian. His tone is perfect on this track, he blends with the bittersweet feel on the track. The Russian language just sounds cool when rapped. Not to say all is good, in fact I have trouble finding more beautiful sounds like this. Finding rap in another language gets quite complicated on the internet, but I have a few songs. If you know any foreign acts, feel free to let me know!
           The beat is absolutely incredible. It carries so much heart, and the chorus only amplifies the feeling I get from this song. It is carried lightly by samples of piano and guitar. Both are tuned perfectly and sound great with the beat. The drums don't over power these instruments either, which helps us focus more on the elegance and soul of the track, rather than the boom bap, which is no doubt neck breaking. The sample used over the chorus is absolutely perfect! Another thing I have loved about the artists in Russia I know, they typically use American soul samples. It sounds absolutely perfect, as I'm sure they know the English language and are good at picking the right vocals. The singer sampled does a beautiful job and really belts it out. What little of the song is actually sampled is quite heartbreaking. He sings of a love that is frowned upon by others. However, he feels strongly and is willing to protect his partner. To him, nothing matters except that he loves that person. I could picture all of this and it just tears me up every time, it is so tragic yet so sweet. To be misunderstood by what feels like everyone, is one of the worst pains ever. Yet this song teaches us to fight through all the pressure from your peers, no one knows how much you truly love something, except yourself.

Man what a beautiful piece of music this is. I really hope to see more works like this in the future, from any artist really. Songs of tragic love have got to be one of the best tools to show my softer side.
Thanks to MorFiy, and whoever produced this. Which I believe was actually MorFiy himself, as I have seen him around the web making some soulful melodies. 

Me Myself And I - De La Soul

           This song is a classic from the spectrum of alternative hip-hop. As is this album, hip-hop was a hell of a lot different back then. Except usually you hear about all those gangster rappers from the 90's, back when gangster rap was good. When you look at acts like this, or A Tribe Called Quest, you know it is gonna be light feel good jams. Released in 1989, 3 Feet High And Rising feels different right from the start, but we'll stick to this track today.
           The beat is definitely the first thing that you notice, it is funky is so many ways. The keyboard and other raw sounds make the chorus stand out. That classic cut, "can you count?", and those sweet vocals are cut up perfectly! The drums are fanastic as well, if you haven't heard a good boom-bip in a while, this is a track for head bobbing. I can only imagine how many people have danced to this. Then it gets down to the piano tune and that sweet piece of funk you hear in the background. Man! Beautiful track, and some great samples flipped! The scratches were absolutely ill!
           The raps are wonderfully written, they flow perfectly with the music and give off the perfect vibe! The three MC's are gonna bring a different style than anyone is used to at this point. They speak with positive words, no violence, no guns, just no struggle. We are here to have fun. Instead of saying something vulgar they'd rather say, "that is pure plug bull!" And much like the Tribe we aren't hear to see who kills it either. That is what I love about alternative hip-hop, which is very much different from today's alternative section. The elements of music felt more similar across hip-hop back in the day. As for certain the difference between good and bad hip-hop is ridiculous these days. You switch from the underground to the radio and my goodness I don't even know what I'm listening to. And with jams like these, that stay fun even till today, we won't have to return to the radio till we're ready! 

Everything for Nothing - The Slakadeliqs feat. Tanika Charles

          This is may be the perfect soundtrack for one of those sunny drives. While I have developed a nice playlist for that mood, this one captures every essence of it. A sweet acoustic rhythm. It carries that bounce and sweetness that makes the song addicting. Obviously it is for those with a softer side, you can't exactly say, "I bump this". While I suppose you still can, however you enjoy it is the important part. There are so many beautiful elements that go into this song.
           The vocal exchange between Slakah and Tanika is absolutely perfect. The words they sing captured images in my head so perfectly. Filling my head with the easy days of summer, which to anyone should be enjoyable. And that simple hook of humming, just feeds the soul right. Those little breaks whether between other instruments, or oh my goodness that whistling!! It is so light and relaxing. When Slakah sings about the kids having fun, it fits for everyone. A lot of times as younger children we don't understand the stress we put our parents through, and those words put everyone at ease. So this song can certainly fit more a more mature crowd, not every kid is gonna love this song. Tanika sings of darker days, yet still reminding the listener that these happenings are natural. When we learn some of those bumps in the road are natural, they don't shake us up as much.

These two made a wonderful composition, and be sure to check out Slakah's BandCamp page! This is part of his, "The Other Side of Tomorrow" album! A definite download if you enjoyed this song.

http://theslakadeliqs.bandcamp.com/album/the-other-side-of-tomorrow

Jet Lag - Flow Patrol & Dirty Def

           The Jet Lag EP was released not long ago, just on the 20th. I finally hit up Flow Patrol's page on SC, and finally saw the project out for myself and the world to enjoy. This track was one of my favorites. When Flow Patrol is paired with a dark classy beat much like "Realism", or "VB Rasb3rry", you get this magical vibe, I'll get into that in a second however. Flow Patrol and Dirty Def made a small masterpiece right here. Painting a black-and-white image of society's wealth, evils, class, and elegance, these two men do work to bring you a real movie through sound.
           Flow Patrol always has a lot of words to absorb so often times it may be hard to discover a topic or theme. However, he always picks some beautiful words to fit the vibe of the music. When he picks the words, "I be on air France", it just sounds classy. One of my favorite qualities of Flow Patrol, if he talks about wealth or success he does it: with skill, behind a good beat, and with class. And as always, he has no trouble staying on beat with the drums. A smooth ride that I would gladly enjoy, "on air France".
           Dirty Def made a beat perfect for this MC. Giving the general vibe sound old and grim. That sweet sincere loop of strings that carries very well. And those vocals that murmur creepily in the background, are a wonderful touch to the mood of the music. Something about this instrumental sounds elegant, and serious. It sounds very much like something you would hear in the James Bond Films. A year back I reviewed Ye's "Diamonds", and that sample and "Jet Lag" would go hand in hand through a 007 film. A very nice touch to the EP, and that is just a sixth of it.

With all this said, hope you find this song suited somewhere on a nighttime playlist. I know I have!
As for the EP, check it out here: http://dirtydef.bandcamp.com/album/flow-patrol-dirtydef-jet-lag-ep
           

Only Sixteen - Sam Cooke

            I have recently become fascinated with Sam Cooke's work. The guy just amazes me, with such lovely rhythms, and sweet old time melodies. Thanks to Rob Fel, who samples him in several of his beat videos and who helped me to find this guy. Sam Cooke is just incredible. He really brings you back in time with those themes of young love and classic grooves. You simply gotta love the feel of those background singers, you don't hear them to often these days. Those "Oooohhhss" are just sweet butter on the track. "Then why did you give your heart so fast?", it just sounds beautiful.
             A typical topic of young love and affairs that under the circumstances, just wouldn't work out. It is bittersweet. Without the music you could interpret the lyrics as a tragic tale, and while that may be true. The soul brought to this piece makes things optimistic, and just lovely. Those backup singers make all the difference in this piece. The guitar and drums got your hands dancing, your head swaying, and your neck bobbing. This piece is just an undeniable masterpiece and there are so many other works from this wonderful man.

So by now much of his music is on YouTube!

Also Rob Fel's channel: If you like beat videos this man has got you covered! Samples a few of Cooke's work as I mentioned.
Here watch him flip Cooke's, "I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)"

Machine Gun Funk - The Notorious B.I.G.

           Well hello again, thought I'd return with some good classics, and go back to some official stuff, taking a break from the underground, or at least for a few minutes. We already know the deal with Mr. Smalls. He was a legend. A raw creative MC that you don't see everyday. And you certainly don't see anything like him today. I listen to him when I wanna hear some sick flows and bob my head to some classic beats. This is one of those tracks.
            He reaches you with words on multiple levels, certainly not everyone can relate to this kinda style. With certainly a more gangster appeal, you can't always say you live every word he spits. Which is why you come for that head bobbing sound. Not that I don't love reciting some parts of this song. Me and one friend will always go out on that, "what's love got to do!" that piece is pure classic. And I always get goose bumps when he spits that helicopter lawn. You came to hear an MC tear up the mic and just glide on his superb flows. And that is exactly what this song is about. The beat makes that even easier.
            Boom bip, boom-boom bip. That is all my head tells me. Another neck snapping beat. And the song is appropriately titled. You got many images of gun violence and other forms of conflict. But that bass line is the perfect amount of funk. And that loop through the chorus is just fun to lip-sync and full out yell. Ha man, just a fun song. This is just one of Easy Mo Bee's works that helps make Ready to Die a classic. I'd say check out that album, but who hasn't? 

Shine - Revolutionary Rhythm

They all chasin' dollars cause they too scared to chase dreams

          Another sick track from Revolutionary Rhythm, I have no idea as to when they are coming out with another album/mixtape. So they drop a random song here and there and this is one of them.
         A nice exchange between these two. All about finding inspiration, chasing dreams, and making all that into a solid reality. There is just a lot of nice real messages spread on this one. And I absolutely love the way Predom carries on this track. He probably holds my favorite verse on this track. Of course when you hear the first couple bars on Abstrakt's verse that is just as crazy. These guys really are a revolutionary rhythm. One of my favorite lines:

Givin more of what you askin find the same passion in rappin', providin different answers

This is what a lot of people need to realize with music. Everyone has a passion about something and you need not put others down simply because your definitions contrast. Appreciate what people love, and be happy they care about something as much as you do.
        The production is also exquisite. Right when I heard the drop with those strings I just fell in love with that loop. And that hint of soul under the music, that nice humming. And this another drum beat that kicks hard and adds that bounce in your step. Nice work to Suhnraw.

Keep track of their soundcloud, as I myself often miss when they put up a new song. Support something this real, peace!

Realism - Flow Patrol

         Track was perfect for another rainy run today. The combination on this is perfect, two young artists collaborating to make something ill! This really gives me that classy boom bip feel to it, the sampled dialogue is pretty nice, and that killer piano tune is quite nice. This jazzy feel gives you a good way to picture everything Flow Patrol says, which is quite a damn lot.
          Flow Patrol absolutely destroys it. When I first heard him I was blown away. All you can do to appreciate his style is just listen more, which is a favor to yourself. It is quite the treat we have been given all this free music, and then you look at the shit hop you have to pay for today. Not that all is good or bad in either scene of hip-hop. The jumps he makes are great, and he does a good job of using some solid vocabulary to take us on some journey. The fact that he spits out so many words and most rhyme in some way gets him a lot of respect from him. I'd like to focus on the 2nd verse's first couple of bars.

My flows opposed to the orthodox I'm on top of the box

And that shows I show off? Of course it's not.

No long talks at talk shop I'm on the inbox blocking

The whole flock won't stop till I'm forced to drop stocks

I ain't a pop rock star no shock jock riddling gridlock with Hitchock

This shit from the birds is fist full of bitches to list off

I'm drinking spritzer with the twist off tops

And liberal with shit talk lock in Fort Knox

And caught with a box of gold blocks 

I'm at a spot under which I've fought and lost

But it costs not another dollar that I've got

They chose us so pop off I'm lost real talk

Like the prism divised I'm torn as a divisor thought

No cross, the ones we lost dictate the rise in cost

No hate but lives is lost reinstate your pride in talk

Of the late and greatness I have fought

Absolutely incredible, still can't even decipher that very last line. Regardless of comprehension, this is a masterpiece the whole damn thing rhymes, he makes excellently broad arguments, putting his 2 cents into everything. He cleverly gives us images of success, and he puts good meaning into all of this. There are so many good things to look at in this verse. Whether it be the "drop stocks" line in which he establishes himself as an honest successor to the "flock" which pokes fun at other successful artists, as they listen to their recording companies. This is much better delivered than just saying you are better and have more power. In this manner Flow Patrol shines as he shares his views in a truly unorthodox manner, as not many could deliver a verse like this today. Man, this verse holds the skill that Life's A Bitch material would, and that is not downing the value of that classic song of a classic LP. While maybe "Life's A Bitch" is more nostalgic, sentimental, and possesses a more proper tune to reminisce to, both works contain high lyrical value. 

          Jamie made a really nice beat as I said. That horn sample is incorporated perfectly, and the vocal sample is some really addicting loop that I can't comprehend. Perfect for walking through the town on a dark night, gives you that serious feel, track carries a lot of power with it. As soon as the drums come in your step gets heavier and man you just feel badass. Man, what a trip dude. 

Faithful to the End - DJ Rogers

        Can't think of a the last time I reviewed a track that wasn't hip-hop. Funny enough, I discovered this track thanks to just that very art, right off Common's "Be". That album is just damn good, but I'll get to that some other day. From the original to Common's "Faithful", it only makes sense you hear those similarities. Last time I did a soul post was probably the Whatnauts, and man since my instrumental dig I just love soul more and more every time. What can I say, it just gives you that ultimate feeling, appropriately-titled genre I suppose. DJ Rogers is a nice addition to my small collection. His voice is a bit more powerful than some of the singers in the Whatnauts, but they get me goin' either way.
        Of course the topic is quite clear. A man needs his woman, he'll do anything he can to keep her and show his love to her. Another good thing about soul, it just sorta lifts your spirits with the heart that holds a positive message always. This one holds a very smooth groovy rhythm, nothing too corny however. Of course today if I am listening to soul you get weird looks, especially in my age, but the music is too good I don't care. With that said, the singing on this is absolutely killer, you can really feel how much the man gets lost in this music, losing all control definitely shows how deep the artist's passion runs into his music. And knowing how sincere and truthful it is just adds that much more power to every word.
         Other elements to look forward to are in the very middle and end of the song. Their is a sick solo, which you will probably hear on several hip-hop records, especially Common's "Faithful". This adds that funk I was talking about, which gives you time away from the vocals, before you are sucked back in. One particular note I'd like to make is how loose the song becomes. When I say this I speak of the shattering of the song's pattern; that being the song's structure of verse and chorus. When Mr. Rogers here goes out at the end with soul-shaking cries. That quality is just so liberating when taken out of the song's structure, I just get lost in it. Damn how I love soul.

So yeah, if you think you like soul, go for it. Some might not be my taste, but that is what exploration is for. After all, why am I writing this? Ha I won't even try to answer that, I'll keep this short.
Album is It's Good To Be Alive, released in '76. I can't find the thing anywhere, but once I take a trip to the record store, maybe I'll get some success.

ALBUM REVIEW: Beattape vol.1 - Foner

           I downloaded this about a week ago. And this is one of my all time favorite beat tapes now. I absolutely love Foner, and I only had Lost and Found for awhile, I got One Love, and then this. This was by far my favorite, although I am not sure why. This tape has absolutely got me in its grip, from its mellow grooves to its goose-bump samples, everything about this is simply epic.
           I won't lie, I can't really tell too much difference in style from producer to producer, yet there are some things I can sorta pick out. With Foner he just uses some awesome samples. All his beats hardly feel like loops, as I may have mentioned before, that is the problem I have with getting 9th beats. When I get those they are usually looped by some guy and uploaded to YouTube, but life goes on. Foner is from the motherland, and he samples Russian commentaries and throws them onto his songs. I don't know why but I just love the Russian language. However, he usually samples American music, which may seem weird, but in terms of soul I think it all happened in the USA, but I can't say I am certain of it.
           I can't really get over how much I am in love with this tape. Every damn song got a 5 star rating within a couple of days, which I usually don't go about doing till I know I really think the song is that good. This has been listened straight through all week, about 17 times. Every beat brings absolute beauty and we got some tear-jerkers in their. You know, that hit of soul you get that is just so powerful it just shakes you up. I'll cover some of my favorites, which is hard to decide. And I might be doing some beats justice with an entire post.

Hi!:  Possesses that very smooth rhythm with that taste of funk, absolutely amazing to listen to!

Roads: This one is near perfect, it starts so slow and elegantly. Then as your progress through the music, you are just brought into something more intense.

Open Up Your Heart: The first very prominent vocal sample we listen to. Just a nice rhythm to it, with that loop of guitar notes and keys laying the background. Then oooh! We get that outro of jazz that I will always love. It holds the same useful jazz tone that "Life's a Bitch" cornet piece held.

Not Over: Great intro from a source that remains still unidentified to me. Nice loop of jazz and wandering vocals. The affect of rain and a couple arguing, and they may have mended their problems right after the music starts, but we'll never know. Those elements sorta set the mood for the piece. It really is nice to listen to on a rainy day, as you might imagine.

Dreams Come True: I really love this one, simply because I know I have heard that tune before. Whether the original sample or another song I don't know where I have heard it, but damn it is nice. Has those sincere strings paired with some soulful lyrics. Very  nice.

Cuz I Luv U: This tune has no vocals, so it is solely for vibing, and damn you can do that. The bass line is ill, and that piano loop does magic to the beat. This song holds a nice uplifting rhythm for the whole time. Then that sharp section of piano just adds to it, a little variation goes a long way.

There's Nothing...: Boy if you don't recognize this sample you are crazy. You almost instantly pick it up from Jay-Z's "Girls, Girls, Girls" right when the beat drops and that beautiful humming comes pouring through the speakers. Before long you break out into a touching song, with those strings again, paired just right to the sample. Then the sampled singer really let's it rip and man do I fall in love with it! Sweet song, Foner really kills it, bringing a new sound to a sample already well known.

Distance: Oh this one is just a loop that I can't resist. Dropping right into the beat with that elegant touch of strings. And the sample is chopped so perfectly, what can I say I am a sucker for soul samples. I just can't help love that singing.

Bye?!: When I mentioned tear-jerkers. This one did it. My god that tune just pulls all the beauty from my head, and the only way it can flow is from my eyes. This one makes me reminisce of all the beautiful things I have ever known in life. This one brings me back to my childhood, while I may be young, there is already so much behind me. It is hard not to like this track, no matter what I am doing, I just get so lost in thought and have an incredible attack of nostalgia, the memories flow on this one, what more can I say. Foner places this track perfectly, leaving me with maybe my favorite just because of how much it affects me. Then I am just left as the beat breaks out, all those memories dug up fade out with the music.

Your link:
http://foner.bandcamp.com/album/beattape-vol-1

Motivators - A Tribe Called Quest

         Loves this track since the first time I heard it. A good reason to like Beats, Rhymes, & Life, a really cool album with interesting production, often overlooked, but not seen as a disappointment like The Love Movement. One of the best directions they took was adopting Consequence onto this LP. He works well with the Tribe, staying strong on the tracks. This is also when The Ummah was formed, and the late and great J-Dilla joined the Tribe with production. This track is simply a nice vibe, with a bit more boastful lyrics than we might have seen on People's. However, you come to recognize style differences through their discography, but only you can decide to experience that, so we'll get to the track.
         Now for anyone who read my very first posts, which would be concerning Late Registration, a lot of qualities I stressed where Kanye's emotions and tones he used to add more to the music. Well in this song you see Consequence very effectively changing his pitch which just makes his verses so much more powerful than ever. His voice is just such a unique tool, and when you are considering the vocals of the Tribe you know how original this track will sound. The reason I love this track is mostly because of Consequence. He basically steals the show with his rhymes and brings the energy to the track! With great wordplay as well!
          You will notice the production is much different from other albums. It leans a bit more away from the jazz and rawer sounds, they keep it fresh with some funky sounds, and amp things up with some less natural sounds. You hear that gentle flow of the keyboard in the background. And I don't know much about drums specifically, however in the wise words of Waju, "but I'm trying to learn!". My point being, J Dilla is a god of a producer, but I really don't know how hard that stuff is. All I know is the drums sounds great, never heard bad drums really. The cutting on the track is mad ill, along with that small taste of guitar riff! As you can see, while their style has changed, the Tribe has definitely not fallen back. Go for a taste of Beats, Rhymes, & Life. It is a damn good album! 

EML Update: 2 Years of Hip-Hop

            Not sure if I actually shared this or not. But when I said I bought Late Registration and The Black Album it was on this day, that refers to my 1st post. March 20th would forever change who I was as a person, and completely move my life. A lot might say, "why celebrate a day you picked up some CDs?" But to me there is so much to it. My first post was very personal and was some style of introduction that gave people an idea of where I was musically. I called it "the real start to my musical life." Which is another reason I find this day so important, it wasn't the day I discovered music, that sorta goes unmarked. We all discover it when we are very young, but it is not till we are older do we find something we love.
            When I think of it music completely reshaped my life. It became my growing passion, to love and live with music in my life. I was fascinated with analyzing and thinking about the sounds and words I heard. It has taken up huge parts of my life, and a lot of time in life. I made suggestions to people, argued my thought across the web, and found myself never without music. I continued to even make friends through my passion as we connected through the sounds we cherished. Hell this is why you are reading this right now. EML is simply a great way of extending my passion and getting thoughts out.
            I like to reflect on all that has happened musically as I think about all the music magic that has become relevant in my life. Since last year, I have gotten all sorts of good music, and in the summer I started to get it by the ton! It was ridiculous my library has more than quadrupled since August. However, I already spoke about it in my update in October. But I have gone from official LPs from only a few artists, into the underground and have unearthed many hidden projects. It is insane how much good music  there is when you just start to look. It sorta became a talent, I did enough browsing and make the correct amount of jumps to find an artist's music. I am much wiser when I discuss music and think about it with other people, I understand more slang and recognize sounds across songs, from simple instruments, to dusty samples, the connections I make are incredible. Then I started getting my music out to people through CDs, and making some mixes that people really liked! My blog started to pick up some months back and I enjoy getting the feedback I do, hell, I love any feedback period! And now I have aspired to become a producer, and wanna have some fun learning to make hip-hop. It will be a long journey, but I hope to make something dope in the years to come.

So a day of celebration that I often look forward to, because I love to see how far I have come and enjoy thinking how far I may go. If you make music, love music, or want to make music, thank you for supporting my favorite art in whatever way you have!

Just Begun - Waju

A little something to kick off your Waju Wednesday.

           This is one hell of a song. If you haven't heard of Waju, or you haven't got Carpe Diem, you just gotta! He is a real soulful guy, and just brings a smooth jam. Bringing some good punchlines, and some new perspectives on issues. With lines that I most often times find quite quotable. With a quick introduction, let me say this isn't a track to look for repairing your life. Him and Yung-V are here to slay a track and drop a little knowledge as well.
           Another thing I look forward to on any Waju track I haven't heard yet is the beat! Waju has great taste in beats and he always creates a hit when the beat is relaxed, as he isn't on that violent gritty shit. That is the beautiful reality to underground hip-hop, no one fakes their shit so they know where they excel and build from their! Of course not everyone finds their niche, explaining whack artists, but I don't dwell on that. So the beat yes! It is very jazzy, which is what some of my favorite instrumentals are structured with. You get that hit of jazz, then it dwells into that loop. The keys are really just background till they change up the tune. At one point a pause it put on the brass, then you focus on keys and xylophones which just brings a nice funk to it. It is perfect to nod your head to vibing, of course what we came for? 2 young MCs here to show their skills, and man they do my ears well!
           I don't want to go into anything to in depth, no elaborate philosophies, just arguments they make that are in good musical taste. That typical stuff, you know, fuck the fakes, money, and who needs a record deal. Same to some of my Illmatic posts, I'll just put up some of my favorite bars, or set of bars in some cases.

Verse 1: Yung-V

No time to sit and chill I keep it moving like Jamaican feet

Coming from that town where its looking like those Haitian trees

No I'm just kidding but these niggas hardly rappin

And I'm on the track and then you seein how I'm actin'

Composin new lyrics and they feel it in they spiritual

Niggas think they hard I hardly ever hearing you

Verse 1: Waju

I'm chillin at the top spot sittin comfortably

Chasity belt flow you couldn't fuck with me

I'm spittin flames man I torch mikes

These dudes' flow is too weak like a fort night

Use your forsights still couldn't see me though

Call themselves dope but they skills is (remedio?)

Youda thought I was sleeping the way I lay it down

Verse 2: Yung-V

My journey just began

But been seasoned like veterans

So no neglecting it better start respecting it

And recognize that I'm a force not to be reckoned with

Loyalty thats the motta that we livin with

Niggas say they real until they put in that predicament

Never feel you safe if you be comin with that simple shit

Verse2:Waju

And gettin rid me pardon me as I intervene

'Bout to make history spittin clean with no listerine

How many times I gotta say it man the flow is ill

And I'm just trying to make the green like chlorophyll

I'm goin in just like a dent and

If you think you are gifted then I'm something like the grinch

Couldn't hang if they were lynched

Me lose man you must have me confused

Because my flow is the bomb and it cannot be defused.

Damn fun song if you ask me. As for the album, cop that shit as his bandcamp! More dopeness like this to come to EML. Should be more fun jams comin for the hot weather, littered through the weeks as I enter my next full album review!
http://waju.bandcamp.com/album/carpe-diem 

No Regrets Closing

            Another album reviewed. And this one stands out from the few I have already looked at. Where Fellowship was my first entrance into the underground hip-hop scene, No Regrets was the first underground rap album I would hear. And this wasn't even more than 4 months ago. It really did blow me away, the concept of the underground that is. Now a couple years back when this all started with hip-hop I had no idea what the underground was. When I first heard of the term, I imagined crowds rocking the stage in like old subway stations and out in the projects ha ha, you know it sounded like it would be so raw and hardcore. Strange what a little ignorance will paint in your head. The underground is certainly raw I can tell you that, but this album separates itself from others.
             This album really brought me to chiller rap than I had heard before, I had a few hits and I would vibe to some stuff. But in terms of ill piano loops and young rappers with very relatable messages, that I couldn't say I had a taste of beforehand. And with such large amounts of tranquil sounds I fell in love with all this excitement around it. I mean I had discovered the underground, a style that I liked, and some of the best guys in that area. I got lucky and I have had an irresistible urge for more. Early last summer I was stilling getting mainstream albums slowly. I would get something, at first only 1 album every couple months. Then a few every couple months, then that shit just picked up. I was at a library of 400 songs before August in 2011. Now as of today I am at 1845 songs and I am still picking up new albums like every week. The underground has brought me many great things! However, let me get back to the album.
              This is Lorisoul's first album, there is nothing to really compare to, even though I know there might be something out there, as he hints on the end of verse 2 on "Lay My Head To Sleep". Lorisoul is so damn positive, I can't help but love him. His voice is unique and he shows you don't have to necessarily be tough even in the underground to make good music. So many lines inspire me daily and they give me advice I use everyday, and I am forever grateful for this guys work.
             And I am also forever grateful of Rythmatical's production. It makes me so inspired when I see how amazing his music is. It has even made me try to start making beats, and I can't wait to get learning, as I understand it will be a long way before I get something I love. He has such a classy style that I seem to have fallen in love with when it comes to the genre of hip-hop, or perhaps other musical spectrums as well.

The album has really done this for me:

• Introduce me to underground rap, making me understand the possibilities for anyone, in terms of both aspiring rappers and producers.

• Gave me a new sound that hadn't been as numerous before, in my personal library anyways.

• Opened my world to several other artists, which helped me really discover the world of hip-hop which has since led me to help others find dope music they can feel, and make me learn more about the culture. I learned how much beautiful music is out there, if you just start searching.

And this was the first work on EML that got recognized by the artist itself. I pretty much had a heart attack the night Lorisoul shouted out my blog on his Facebook page. And just a few days ago Rythmatical thanked me for all the love I have shown my pleasure. So if you guys are in fact reading this, I just wanna thank you from the bottom of my heart, you guys have done so much to music, which has become the largest aspect of my life, good work you guys, you changed a kid.

As for now, I finish another album and this one was very special to review. Lorisoul's new project should be coming out this summer, and you best expect I'll be all over that one. If you have been making music out there, keep it up! If you have been learning, don't give it up! And for those who have been reading this shit, which is really for my personal entertainment; I wanna thank you as well. It has been quite a fun couple months, looking back at the life of the blog spring up, thinking about life events outside this blog it has been special. 

See you guys tomorrow, and goodnight!