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!
