Rich Mans World (1%) - Immortal Technique

As we enter the conscious side of hip-hop...

              First request track being done! Kinda excited for this one. First time I listened to Immortal was Dance with the Devil and I have heard a few others. But I couldn't pass up a request, so I was told to check out "The Martyr". Having just briefly skimmed it I realize, and was aware beforehand that Immortal is a very conscious MC, and is really in a league of his own when it comes to the themes he raps to. Obviously, "Dance with the Devil" highlights his ability as a story teller, and that he has incredible talent, and "Rich Mans World" brings a lot of politics into this, specifically the dealing with head leaders that run corporations, which today has turned into a sick evil. The very beginning is very thought provoking:

You get up, and howl, about American and democracy, there is no America, there is no democracy

We no longer live in a world of nations and ideologies

The world is a college of corporations inexorably determined by the... immutable bylaws of business. 

The world is a business.

This is a very sad truth. Many people today want to believe in these liberties we have, but sometimes they just lie to themselves because they don't want to face the reality of how fucked up the world really is. While some of us have our daily concerns, such as homework, we may be doing all of this just because a few men run the world that way that forces everyone to adopt his corporate modus operandi. 

              Right off the bat we can tell Immortal is taking the persona of a rich man, while he is obviously being more direct about it than say, a business leader in an interview. And let me just add how much I hate the censorship you can see in interviews with these powerful people, and how they hold this "political correctness" that just pisses me off. Playing this role, Immortal points out all the injustices he makes as a rich person, but more blatant, but not at all exaggerated, the degree to which he rhymes is angry but true. And on a rap level, he kills it, on that conscious style, hell that too can be checked off your list of dope qualities. Here and since they requested me for my interpretations, here are a couple lines I'll continue to dive into.

            

I spend my day repping america overseas 

Pensions for the workers? nigga please 

Embezzlement etiquette private settlement 

I'm better with confederate rhetoric from my mansion in connecticut

And how true this is as well. Many ways the rich men get rich is from foreign lands that haven't fully developed. In this countries adolescence they are easily manipulated and used by the greater powers, which are mostly these evil leaders that have too much power over the 1st world countries. And does this man care about the workers conditions? You can answer that for yourself.

Plus I own a building for each one of my children's children 

That's the shit, snort coke in the wet mist USA sucking my dick 

Yea what fuck the law 'cus real jail is for suckas 

I go to country club prison you dumb mother fuckers

These bars exemplify a rich man's invulnerability as they have so much power, which Immortal demonstrates with the "children's children" line. You hardly hear of major leaders actually going to jail, they usually get scolded and lose a little something. So really they are just on the down low, as their country clubs. It is sick really.

80% to the staff and company 

And 20% to the homeless and hungry 

The country gotta pay the fed reserve 

Kick back to the banksters haven't you learned 

You protest cops or patrols on the street 

But I bought city hall so I own the police 

Just more reasons as to why these men have so much power, we just can't touch them. Revolution is possible no doubt, but it is just so hard to believe in something that major working, so we stay oppressed and suffer, knowing everyday that someone could stand up and make that difference.

                As for the music, wooo, lots of thoughts ha ha. Nice beat, almost has that goofy playful vibe from the main sounds. Then we have that nice sample, "It's a rich man's world!!" Sadly it is true. But life goes on, and we just appreciate that someone is out there spreading the message. 

               Highly recommend getting this little album/mixtape, sick stuff. If you like conscious hip-hop you will love Immortal Technique. As for older fans, hoped you enjoyed my views on this, might do some more tracks from The Martyr, so watch out now! And be sure to share your views on this, would love to hear from anyone out there.

Download Link for "The Martyr":

http://viperrecords.com/index.php/artists/immortal-technique

More Than - Lorisoul

"Part of me stands for a generation, to prove the existence of elevation."

         
             Lorisoul brings out the first features on the album, No Regrets. The trio brings a lot of killer rhymes that go along with this sick beat. Once again Rythmatical brings the heat! Simple melodic piano loop and drums, damn he does that good! This track was a bit deeper than the others thus far, the beat has a sadder tone however, but not by much.
             Basically the 3 MCs talk of their dreams, their lives, and what they need, as there is more than weed, cash, fame, ass, cars, bling, and sex. Those things that go beyond material, are what is not to be forgotten. Lorisoul explains that he is taking things slow and that where he has come may just get him by in life, but that it is more than anything he ever wanted. He explains the consequences of fame expressing his views on labels to say, "fuck a label I don't need a judge to contradict my sound." And that is just it, we don't need the fame as it crushed our ability to express ourselves, and it goes on... Pyrospoken picks up! He states all objects are materialistic and that life must certainly be difficult, yeah that is a simple truth. He uses a cool simile to get his point across. "Never lose your surface like a dimple". We should always stay with our roots no matter how else we change, respect our past. Then perhaps my favorite verse comes up. Strategy E.S. comes on killer! The beat stops and he just spits with the piano! He brings up a lot of inspiration with very straight to the point rhymes and his voice just feels powerful. With lines like, "We talkin' survival, more than just your rifle". Which is really a stab at materialism, he feels there is more to survival than just being alive, which in this case a rifle keeps you alive, as does financial stability, but, "happiness is vital". While some may challenge him, he makes no mistakes as he mentions Socrates, and Socrates idea of self-development. He explains he will always be a part of hip-hop and this generation, and changes are okay. Very wise words from this man today, listen carefully.

ALBUM REVIEW: Day & Night EP - Ta-ku

         

Well a fantastic beat tape, and one of the first that is going into my now massive collection of instrumentals. Ta-Ku brings a concept to this EP as it may be apparent, yes! the theme is indeed following the schedule of a day. Going from the wake up, or perhaps intro to the EP all the way to "Late Night Lurk" this beautiful little project is filled with an array of beats all suited to the concept but branching out in there own direction, having just the right place in your life for that song. What I mean by that is that any mood you are in the song or beat is just there for whatever you need. While I am still figuring out Ta-Ku's style, he makes very elaborate beats in several instances on this tape. Just listen to "Night", so many sick elements. A lot of the beats lean towards a more electronic feel, which is welcomed in my library of hip-hop instrumentals. Didn't know how else to cover this beat album, so I guess I'll break down the tracks for you. There is a lot of messages to me between the tracks so bear with me as I make connections between the beat and the titles they bring.

DAY:: This starts out real classy. Others may be swayed by this opening, but I love that classy instrumentation that is so perfectly matched to the vocals, and the distortion at some points is great!

Wake Up: Gives us that feeling of just coming back from sleep. Then we start to open our eyes to everything, and then we start our day.

Breakfast: We are on a roll now. Ta-Ku gives breakfast a little more flavor (pun most certainly intended) than the previous one. That is because we are more awake for breakfast than having just woken up. Still a nice smooth vibe, and I would also like to add that everytime a song mentions breakfast/food I am always tempted to cook to those songs. See “Ham n’ Eggs – A Tribe Called Quest” ha ha.

Great Start: I can’t for the life of me comprehend the sample, but whatever it is just makes me feel good. Funny enough, that is how some great starts work. Do we always know why we have those good morning? Of course not, we just know we feel great and that is all. Same thing with this beat, don’t know the words, but I cherish the music without question!

Daydream: Oh I could daydream to this track all day. It is the ish, at first the loop doesn’t really strike me. While I do appreciate the strings and the saxophone, when the bass drops and those synths continue to play those extended notes it is awesome. Then you get that hit of vocals, so chill indeed.

Kill Time: Some may daydream during our 9-5, or what have you, but Ta-Ku says we already have enough time before that. So we Kill Time, and just vibe to this beat while doing so.

Nine to Five: This one has a very slow feel to it, despite the pace of the drums. Dragging out the vocals just gives us that affect, which perfectly describes some people’s 9-5s, sadly. And this instrumental is longer than most. Although interestingly enough, Kill Time is longer but seems to go by faster, because of the musical alterations. Which is how we feel, time flies when you are having fun right?


NIGHT:: This is when you work day is over, and these are the beats you rock to when you wanna listen up to something blared way high, not just to daydream or kill time, or even make breakfast to. And this does just that. We already get that mystical electronic feel as soon as the drums hit, and then those vocals! OOOH soul baby! Then it gets really sick as soon as the bass comes in, the vocals and guitar riffs exchange a couple times. Then hot damn, another sick element. The piano is thrown in and damn! They that looping of more piano and guitar compliment everything so well! Before you know it, the beautiful peace cuts out and yet the night has only just started.

Fanfare: This is one is just plain loud instrumental as it should be, the title is nothing more than perfect, as its definition is the music exactly! A loud display indeed.

 House Party: Get ready to have some fun. This is the 1st one I stumbled upon when looking for Rythmatical beats! This one is light upbeat and soulful, just what you want at a house party, good fun! The drums are just addicting, then you here that roll on what I think is the bass guitar? The strings and all are amazing. A nice breakdown into the “movin’ on up!”.

Get Together: After the party you are excited to meet up with people and just go roaming finding something to do, which is kinda when you feel the world is yours. That is why the brass is so suiting, gives that triumph to the beat.

Wild Out: Hu! Ha! This one says it all. You feel Wild, and the instrumentation is sick. Just a good loop right there!

Ladies Night: This one might be the most intense on the whole EP. The exchange of vocals and brass make this beat ridiculous! Then Ta-Ku cuts it up occasionally, with perfect timing. I can’t tell if this was just mastered magically, or the way he cut up the original just fell into place!

Late Night Lurk: After going crazy, the day is over. And now…the strings give it more of a creep feel ha ha but yes lurking is the right word. You just wander and perhaps return to your home, and it gives us that feeling of stayin’ on the d-low and waitin’ for dawn again…

Here you are: 

Bandcamp:

http://ta-ku.me/

Day & Night EP, Download:

http://dayandnight.bandcamp.com/ 

Ta-Ku's Soundcloud:

http://soundcloud.com/takugotbeats 

Enjoy, this guy has some sick projects, and he communicates well with his fans! So you'll never skip a beat (another pun very much intended)

           

Don't Need - Wax

             Another sick track from Wax, with more production from EOM that I thoroughly enjoy. I like the approach that Wax took on this song, not focused on rapping fast, but when he brings his flow down slow with the sample echoing in the background, you can just space out and concentrate more on the imagery, as it isn't in a blur of words like other songs.
             Wax kills it again with the lyrics adding a sadder tone with more negative connatation than say, Limousine. But both bring that smooth vibe you can just glide on, until before you know it the song is already over. He brings more of that wonderful imagery and clever little anecdotes, the cat fish one being my favorite one! While the stories he may tell all seem weird, they work so well. He introduces himself with a obviously melancholy tone, we all have those times when we just sit back and ponder life, you can just hear the sadness in his voice. However, he claims he feels like Clark Kent's alter-ego, which of course is Superman. So when sometimes we aren't enthusiastic as we often times are, inside we could be on top of the world. He expresses the stress he feels when he doesn't have another loaf around to feed the pigeons, that can be looked at as the financial struggle some have. We ask, "who would appreciate me if I didn't have something to flaunt or give up?", this often times brings up the subject of materialism. On the subject of pondering life, he has no rush to get back to the shore which is oh so very true, when we relax for the longest time, do we want to go back out to our usual routine? Hell no, far from it, sometimes I wish I was in a canoe with no paddle, just so I couldn't be blamed for not returning to the world. The chorus picks up to bring a lot more happiness to what first seemed like a depressing song, but we'll talk about the vocals in a bit. And he goes on... that he doesn't care if people view him as weird, because if he could he would fly to a special seat. I often find myself thinking that, if my situation was easier, I could have a much easier time dealing with my usual troubles, and I'd have my chance to really shine. For example, if you wish to make music but things like school and work hold you back, but you can never strive to reach that true potential you have yearned for. Wax puts a lot of interesting thoughts through my head on this one. Although my favorite line, just because of the image it puts in my head is this...

Loneliness is a mountain, a massive climb, I'm on the other side, happy, just passing time. 

...And the thought we sometimes feel, that thought when you feel everyone else is having the time of your life, here you stand with all your problems. But Wax motivates us, yeah life can be hard as fuck. But through many mindsets you too can be on the other side of that mountain, spending your days the ways you most wish to.

             The beat on this is well, a beat. It is simply drums and that sample, whether voiced on the hook, or suppressed during the verses. My possible thoughts on what the chorus might actually be seeing:

Don't need no palace paved with gold.
Don't need more cash than banks can hold.


Or what I usually hear myself:
Don't need no better place to go. Or
Don't need no better place at all.


Whatever it may be, it is beautiful. I find myself singing along with the chorus everytime because it is so catchy! Then you hear the chorus put in every now and then as Wax spits. EOM does a good job to make the words hard to comprehend, which I think always makes it fun, even if it is harder to sing along. So yes a nice simple beat, with only 2 elements really.


             This track is similar to Limousine in a few regards.

• It has a very laid back beat that is very simple, letting us ride along with Wax's words.
• Don't Need starts similar to Limousine, "feelin' like Clark Kent's alter-ego" "felt like I just found a huge treasure chest". But both branch to address struggles we have, and that sometimes the going certainly gets rough.
• I might also add that the chorus' are quite similar as well. Giving us the idea we don't need much but that we instead must look at what we have and power through things. Palaces paved with gold, can be juxtaposed with a flying limousine. 
• And Wax does a good job in both tracks to give us advice, that we must power through loneliness and that only through rough moments to we get "the highest highs".

That is all I have to say for this one, very cool indeed! 

And in case you still want to:

Download the Scrublife Mixtape:

http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/wax-scrublife-mixtape/

And the "Don't Need Video

Revolutionary Warfare - Nas - Cookin' Soul Remix

           
               This track really pumps you up. Cookin' Soul does an incredible job on this, bringing Nas' voice to a higher level, the music and his rap really come together on this little project. While the subject has a lot of war like imagery, but the theme isn't all about guns and beef you have with people. The song gives us insight and motivates us, elevating the level of awesome this song can attain. Quite sick indeed.
              Nas' rap? On point of course. Here we are again with this incredible lyrics, using an incredible flow to blend all those big words together, what is not to like for a hip-hop head? And then he drops some nice thought-provoking lines.

Look dumb, but massively notice the weakness, in all them

Gotta shoot only if necessary 

Homey vest is very real if enemies carrying heavy steal

Beware the thugs who ain't scared of blood or jail time

While people may present a violent image they may not be that strong at all, but then Nas' warns us, beware those who aren't afraid of consequences. Which can be relatable with more than just blood or jail time, crazy people you deal with everyday! That idea is certainly nice to consider as we can't all relate to thugs or guns.

The beauty of life, was when my mom said nigga you could be Christ

I wasn't old enough to hold my dick and pee right, "Jesus"!

What is he like? I picture him standing with diamonds on him

Little different from the way my mommy saw him

This is notably the most interesting line, in the remix version anyways. Many people consider Jesus something to look up to, and we all have those symbols in our lives, whatever those may be. But it shows how twisted things can be in the eyes of a man that can't hold his dick and pee right, which cleverly used by Nas, shows us that it is a young boy, someone who is easily manipulated and couldn't really decide what Jesus does look like! As we all should have our own image of him, and be free to choose that image, it should be some time before we can draw ourselves a proper picture. Also given the idea that other things are looked up to as positive, that means other things can be misinterpreted. Role models for instance, may be looked up to for the wrong reason, it is all what the child feels is good.

               The beat is simply awesome on this track! Like I said, Cookin' Soul brings Nas to a new level. The drums carry that 9th Wonder style, that BOOM. BIP. just the snares are so recognizable at this point, considering how much of the man I listen to. And I am pretty sure there is a nice blending of the main instrumentation on this song. A touch of flutes, then the element of strings, they flow back and forth and create a sound that is quite illmatic! Then that nice sample, with the, "wheeeee" or however you choose to pronounce it. The whole Lost Tapes 1.5 project was really quite awesome. When you put an old song Nas song to a different beat that you like, you appreciate Nas much more. 

As is now almost standard, here are some links!

The Lost Tapes 1.5 Download:

http://www.datpiff.com/Nas-The-Lost-Tapes-15-mixtape.181494.html

Get Started with Cookin' Soul:
http://www.cookinsoul.com/
That'll give you updates, and should get you all the sick remixes you want, even if you didn't know you were looking for them!

Limousine - Wax

              I now introduce you to Wax ladies and gentleman. I first heard of him, back along while back, this was the song. Some classy real shit right here. Funny, as I first heard this song on Ascience's blog and fell in love with it, also the best way to get attention as I searched through the blog. But before I digress, I wanna talk about this track. This track blends several amazing qualities together. A sick beat, thought-provoking rhymes, and some down to earth talent that you just can't ignore. It is such an amazing track that eases your mind, and takes the pain away. Good track to introduce Wax in my opinion.
              Ha yep, I'll be posting my favorite lyrics as usual, this one needs that typical breakdown, so many clever lines that stand as essential principles in our lives.

I'm by the fire Hugh Hefner-esk 

Feeling like I just found a huge treasure chest.

Nice we get a taste of the chorus, we are warmed up the beat, and receive warm imagery. But Wax is here to teach us something today.

I use to never sweat death now I trip about it 

this lifes to good for me to even live without it 

Shows you how crazy life gets, but when you look at what you have, you would be dead without it. Giving is a line that might throw us off at first.

it's so surreal

and it aint about the doe or the deal

it's about the feelin in ya soul that ya feel

when that little feelin in ya soul becomes real 

My thoughts exactly, it IS NOT about having it made, but when you get that feeling it makes you feel great, you know? Those moments when you hit something you strived towards for so long, and never even knew you were looking for it.

lady luck creep'd up on me like a crazy fuck

tapped me with her wand on the shoulder as a way of makin up-

for the tears that have poured 

the years I've endoured

when anxiety and fear left me floor'd 

Wax expresses how lucky he feels, because sometimes life works out so well you wonder why? Then you look back and realize the hardships you have dealt with has done something do you, but we'll get to that just a few bars down.

the stress will creep from down under like koala bears

havin me grinnin my teeth and pullin out my noggin hairs

but now through some type of dumb luck 

I've come up and I'm awestruck by my surroundings 

After such luck or whatever experience saves you, everything seems beautiful, and how true that is.

so never say never

the pain from the past makes the pleasure way better 

you gotta feel the lowest lows to get the highest highs

blow ya noses/ dry ya eyes/ open roads waitin n it's time to drive 

This is the line about hardships. When people sometimes ask you, "if life was always good you'd never appreciate it". Exactly, we become so joyous of events even more so, because we remember those times when we almost gave up. Then he drops that line about open roads, which inspires us to free ourselves and discover our dreams.

isn't it scenic after 

all the worlds small while you tryina see it faster

beautiful woman hitchhiking while you speedin past her

pick her up and take a visit into greener pastures 

I feel we do want to see the world faster, we simply want those results we have been waiting for, so we stumble upon the beautiful woman, viewed to others as a job, house, career, that goal that means something to us, no matter who you are, there is a greener pasture out there, a better opportunity for you.

the road to life's bumpy like cobble stone

pot hole problem prone seatbelt diggin in ya collarbone

but you are not alone

stand still traffic even in the no stopping zone 

Yes life has its problems. But the most reassuring thing for some people, to know others are in the same pain, or a similar situation. And that he knows what it feels like to have a life that doesn't seem to move, and we are dying to go, and that we shouldn't worry about those speedin' past us on to those greener pastures.

the slow lane will never be your own lane

merge left and get the fuck up off the road man

me and EOM are in your own plane 

look directly up and see us at the window sayin

Again, find your path, you are not alone, perhaps you should just leave the road, the idea that a symbol of roads and paths can be broken so simply gives us incredible freedom, we come to a beautiful realization.

Wax does a wonderful job with the chorus. If you don't want to leave heaven in a flying limousine. I consider the following. One, perhaps you hate flying, you are too modest and limousine aren't your style, and maybe heaven goes against your belief system. Or two, something or perhaps this very track has opened your eyes to appreciate life. Some moment that drills the idea into your head, the idea that everything can work out, and just to relax, no matter what circumstances. These moments of relaxation give us the time we need to plan out our future decisions and ease yourself, giving you the reassurance you need to survive in this crazy world.

              The beat really is something, EOM works with Wax a lot and the elegance he brings to us is unparalled. Really with the right notes you can make something wonderful, as Rythmatical has already shown us with his instrumentals and beats he has used for the artists he works with. The piano keeps my fingers rolling, and the drums keep my heat tapping, and my head bobbin. I keep tellin my music friends that if I keep listenin to these awesome beats I'll have some serious neck injury by the time I'm 30. But hey, life is too beautiful for me to even live without it, so an injury won't stop me. 

I'll be sure to hit you guys up with more Wax sometime, but with talent like this, he isn't that hard to find anymore. 

Download the Scrublife Mixtape:

http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/wax-scrublife-mixtape/

And the Acoustic Version is dope!