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!

 

Choppy Celebration - Lorisoul

           Last track I'll be reviewing for the No Regrets album, for now anyways. And this is a truly fun track off the album. Lorisoul brings another guest to the project, a miss Phoebe Racca. I admit when I first heard her I was kinda skeptical. After awhile I didn't mind her voice at much, and she spits ill on this track! This song gives you a good idea of how each artist feels about their music, perhaps where the passion originated and how they progressed as a rapper. Of course we know how Rythmatical speaks to us about his passion, with a beat this ill, you know how passionate the guy is about his work, a sick flute loop that that really brings the power out of the two MCs.
          The chorus gives us a good preview of what to expect and I just love it!

On the music mission to help me stay alive

Eliminate the hype bringing sense as we flow by

Inspirations connect with creations 

Choppy, this choppy, this choppy celebration

Then Lorisoul goes right into it! Speaking of his style, and once again how music is the remedy to his life.  It is nice to know he does this for himself, his soul, and sends a message to others that hip-hop has really lost its touch over the decade, in the mainstream anyways. A couple of my favorite lines:

Instrumentals, various examples

choppin up the loops but my voice is never sampled

To the other people, hip-hop is loosin' essence 

Fame, the Cash ain't the only method

Hits the nail on the head with this one! He has got the right idea, one thing that many people complain about, many of whom don't listen to hip-hop, hate the idea of sampling. Really that is how hip-hop works, and Lorisoul lets us know it is the voice that is in fact important, if you make some good music use your own words and thoughts, nobody appreciates a biter. I would go into the beauty and benefits of sampling, but maybe some other day, let's get to Phoebe now.

           Like I said, I was at first skeptical of her, but once you listen, you learn to appreciate the realness she brings. She also has some good wordplay as well. Phoebe speaks of her love for hip-hop:

Since I was a kid I had a passion for hip-hop

Time is just a passin' and class is a tip-top

Everywhere I go there's a notepad with me

Paper, PC, or phone I gotta write my feelings

So why you be askin' I have such a passion?

Cause art is my fashion and music is my action

When I'm feeling for writin' and rappin is my ration

So she expresses how hip-hop has filled her life, and it is relevant wherever she goes. Which is great for a hip-hop head like me to here. While I am working on starting the art myself, it is always around me! She really does bring something unique to this album, holdin' it down for real!

          The beat is something I really like. The basis of it is so ill! A sick loop of flute and the kick comes in perfectly as both MCs flow on point! Then the break right into the chorus is pretty cool as well! A hit of guitar right before the vocal sample comes it! Sounding something like "I'm feelin' it" and the way Rythmat just chops it up is too good! One of the reasons it becomes my favorite beat is because of the bounce it has. Becoming one of the more suitable songs to blast out of the 9 we get. So definitely a good choice to include, I have been loving this for months!

I'll do my best to find some more music by Phoebe, see if she has some dope projects or not, who knows what I'll uncover!

Last Summer - Lorisoul

It is always an off day to see the summer go.

Its the ways of the summer that burns into the end

The way you and I have created a trend

The suttle way you hinter out of my eyes

But the summer is gone into the winter I stride...

                                                

             This is my favorite song of No Regrets. This track is just so real and very sentimental, all about the love we have during the summer. And in general, it is a sad song that we listen to when dismissing summer, and moving on with our lives. Or this song is perfect when anything good is coming to an end, it just gives you that feel. There is something so perfect about this song, so let me get to it!
            Mosaek and Lorisoul are both here to rap about a certain girl they fell in love with, and for reasons provided, it just didn't work out. So yes, a love story with a mellow tone, that gives us that vibe that can't be described. All the words they utter are very thought provoking.

A little dining mixed with conversation not like Billy Stewart just sitting there waiting

And so Lorisoul's little story starts. Telling us to take action, even mentioning Rythmatical's "Sitting Lonely" which samples a Billy Stewart song - "Sitting in the Park".  He goes on with various details of how their thing just didn't work out, that is one she tried to see his real side. But he would just like to thank her for the time they had, even if it came to an end, it would become their Last Summer.
           Mosaek shares his story after the break. He raps of his initial sight of her, falling in love, and the memories they shared. Speaking of hot summer weather, picnics, and the pictures they took. Whatever the bond was that they shared, it wasn't enough.

I gave her good lovin' and she still actin' like Pixar givin' it up

Another slight tragedy, but he says he is now coastin', looking forward to the summertime, where he will reminisce on good times, because if you are gonna be stuck on the past, at least enjoy your reflections. 

               Perhaps the reason this song in the number-one played song in my library, is because of the memories that is uncovers. It is the perfect song to reminisce to, whether it be of past relationships, fantastic summers, or anything else. Personally, it brings up lots of memories as a kid, I reflect on my days as just a tiny kid going to elementary school. Man how I miss those times, shit was simple, and it seems like I saw my family come home everyday. Although I am glad I have done much to improve my life, and lead a great one as I come closer to adulthood. This track just brings it all out and that is what made me fall in love with it, unlike other relationships, I don't the one I have with this song will ever proceed to stop working. 

           The beat is absolutely fantastic. This is my favorite piano tune on No Regrets. The loop is so somber and elegant and it adds a sad tone to the song not quite seen before on the album yet. The leading of breaks that continues makes it even more enjoyable, it is just an incredible tune. It takes what Lorisoul and Mosaek did to a higher level. Can't express the love I feel for this song, I could list all the thousands of memories this creates, but I'll let you enjoy the track as well.

ALBUM REVIEW: Beats, Weed, & Coffee EP - Rhyme Crusaders

              If you don't know who the Rhyme Crusaders are, all you need to know is that it is basically Rythmatical and friends. Him, Illoquence, and Lorisoul teamed up to make a sick EP! This is a very short work, and the project feels very focused, and doesn't stray to far between the tracks. All are very relaxed beats, ha do I really need to say keys? Lorisoul and Illoquence bring us some smooth deliveries. The vibe is very much: beats, weed, & coffee. All sorta fall into the category of relaxing/waking up. While I am not a coffee  drinker, I do love starting my day to some "jazz-hop", if you will. You can't feel bad listening to this.

The album covers themes of:

•  Falling in love, and what we may tend to do in those situations.
•  Finding your path in life, learning to survive, and more philosophy that inspires us to be greater.
•  Appreciating our friends, and all the times shared with them.
• A lot of references to weed, supporting the relaxing aura that is emitted from this EP.
• Typical rap themes of course: keeping it real, how they have grown with their styles, and so on.

I'll just break down the tracks quickly.

1. We Burn - Starts the EP off lightly, perfect! Lorisoul and Illoquence drop knowledge of life, and they ponder some of life's common mysteries. Each do a good job to get you thinking and think about what to appreciate. And of course, why do they smoke? Well just listen to the chorus when you get to it, should be explained quite well. It is an escape, supporting their dreams as they go on.

2. Man With A Plan - 1st and only vocal sample on the album. Used to good affect. The duo give us the advice they were once given, and how to get through life. After all, how will life run, if you don't have plan. What if you aren't, "buckled and fastened"? Illoquence says the way to go is to just ignore those that put you down, and a lot of it is really in your mind set. Confidence kids! Confidence!

3. Stinky Whores - Okay, the title is really ironic in some ways, when compared to the beat, as the title has negative aspects, but the beat is classy! Mind you it is certainly relevant to the lyrics, because Lorisoul hates his exes. This is a song about a woman he meets, and how this relationship progresses. And when she got to know him, Lorisoul's real side; as he mentions, they didn't meet eye to eye. A very thought provoking track, stirs up a lot of memories for me.

4. Litto Elf Boy - Interlude - This is my favorite track on the EP. Yet it isn't even a song. When I first heard it I didn't know what to expect, but it is so uplifting. The beat is very playful when meshed with the keys. Then you get a bunch of guys dicking around. And my god do I love it. When I listen to this, every time I feel just enlightened, as if I have been given some great opportunity and I leave the track feeling refreshed. Then you just picture the events as they are spoken by these kids. It brings a smile to my face, because you become immersed in the track. The more listens I give it, the more you learn about the story, and what is actually happening. While the context may never be fully understood, it is certainly a joy to listen to these guys have a great time. This one is also the longest on the EP, and it provides a long break before the last track brings it all together. Listening to these guys are just hilarious I'd explain the story, but hey just listen up and have some fun to that track. It is truly delightful.

5. What The Fuck Do We Name This - A nice closing track, with more of that chill jazz-hop. They part with their final words. Listen up, smart messages given!

Tired of reading this post, start listening now! And be sure to check out the other projects on the BC page. All dope masterpieces!
http://rythmatical.bandcamp.com/album/beats-weed-coffee

I highly recommend downloading this, as it is free and too good to pass up in my eyes. It is awesome, I have had it for months, and it is too sick!

Don't Wanna Dream - Lorisoul

A picture to dream on.

Hoping I can find your style in another smile. 

             An extremely lovely opening to this track, a sample of utmost elegance. Lorisoul expresses how his song making helps him release the pain. He is on the theme of a woman with this one, using lots of clever imagery to express his feelings. He mentions how free he feels when rapping of listening to music, releasing the stress on his verses. A simple outlet, that many of us share in one way or another. He says he writes as he is afraid to talk to her. And he continues to mention that often times, in more situations than love, we just stand there with our hands in our pockets. A lot of clever lines spit on this one, props Lorisoul!
            The production was stellar on this track. The introduction as I mentioned before is just beautiful, something about foreign vocals are just addicting. When you just love the sound, even if you can't comprehend the words being spoken, and to be honest I can't even tell what language she is singing. Rythmatical brings some more elements onto this song, during which the instruments fit perfectly. If you listen closely during the vocals, there are elements of piano put right in there! Killin it with those keys once again, god damn! And the build up before the bass drops in quite uplifting. The strings only supply to the increasing beauty and elegance. And then they start to loop, Lorisoul spits, and the bass drops. A very effective way to give power to the song, so definitely another stellar song.

Lay My Head to Sleep - Lorisoul

Fuck a sad song cause I know that my life'll move on.
Man I love that line, quite powerful, gives you that I-can-do-anything attitude.

              Another sick track on No Regrets. A lot of what Lorisoul says on this track is quite motivating and how he has made himself happy, whether it be his mindset or his daily routine. And an interesting sample that is quite fun to sing along to. Another beat to ride along to, and more thoughts to soak in.

A lot of things have happened that I can't accept 
but I've learned to deal with problems without the help of cigarettes
With the weed maybe so, but that's because I think of more creative shit
High up in the studio

Again, that motivation that Lorisoul gives us is awesome! Teaching us to take things and do what is best for is, like knockin' those bad habits!

Now I lay my head to sleep with the beat on repeat the melodies my company.

Ha, I am sure we have all done that, just fall asleep to the music. Great way to go out on the day.

Zonin' bumpin' my head on cloud 9
 livin' without a damn because I barely realize
flippin' the script not givin' a shit
has made me motivated to make feel good hits

A lazy mentality sure. But if it gives us music like this, then I love 'em for it. Because I know this album was no simple task.

And don't be surprised that I came with a dope new thing that my past couldn't bring.

This line makes me very intrigued. What exactly was Lorisoul like before No Regrets? We all have roots, and most of us don't know the half of others. If Lorisoul does have some kind of music out there from back in the day, I would love to hear it.
            A much more motivation song, that puts as ease. Lorisoul gives us that feel good vibe once again, and reassures us in many ways. Fuck the sadness, chill out and listen to the music that helps bring out the good within!

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.

Matter of Time - Lorisoul

               This track really brings up the mood in this album. Pure dopeness from this instrumental. Rythmatical shows up why he is so awesome, once again ha ha! This starts out nice and relaxed, then BAM! This track is so amazingly feel good it isn't even funny. Everything Lorisoul spits on this is positive and uplifting. Some of my favorite rhymes right here.

And with that said I am just trying to make a change

I don't ever wanna risk something bad to be arranged.

Precious as it seems days past by fast.

Good and the bad I don't really need a contrast.

Lorisoul tells us he wants to make an impact, which I feel we all strive to do. He doesn't wanna make some crazy risk and maybe he wants to play it fast. And he is right time flies by, so you should have no regrets as sometimes you should just learn to make a choice. And by now Lorisoul has learned the difference between good and bad.

In the end of it all I'm still here

17 years and my goal is quite clear.

I myself am only 17, and I don't quite know my goal, but when we look back at all we went through we can only imagine ourselves stronger and through this we alleviate the stress and nervousness we have for new challenges.

I'm livin' up the moments like the minutes were my last ones.

Kickin' back everyday bump beats and have fun.

A good combination of words right here! Live it up, relax, and focus on the better things.

                Then the hook comes on and I absolutely adore it. I appreciate every word in the chorus. As I have been taking mental notes in my head with all the music I have been working on , and have become addicted to instrumentals. Which by the way I will mention there is an instrumental version of this album! He then takes a nice block to his haters, as he just says things will happen as times go by, and you just need to chill. Lorisoul is wise.

In the night I feel my best cause I feel so alive

I'm tired from the day but the music is my reviver.

This right here is how I feel so much! I have a long day but at night I am relaxed and I have been saved once again by smooth tunes.

Beautiful and blissful keep it short and simple

I don't need the items that I always tried to wish for.

Keeping it pure, and I give props to him for saying that. Takes heart to admit you don't really need the material things in your life.

Get lost when I am in the zone chillin

I appreciate everything so give me criticism.

What every artist should use to there advantage. I am sure through is 5 years before the album, he had plenty of times where criticism really helped him out. Regardless of how much he got, it shows he has done well even though I have heard nothing older before this album.

He just kills the song with so many wise things said, spitting hard and just making my day. Big inspiration from this track right here! The beat then glides away into the 3rd track. Rythmatical shows his versatility as he used a similar method in the previous track, simply with different notes and a higher pitch and different drums. And now they are ready to rock and they sure as hell dude. 

Another smooth jam to add to my collection, and Rythmat got me loving those keys! 

No Regrets - Intro - Lorisoul

              I recently mentioned I had been exposed to the underground. Well this is one of my favorite albums since the instrumental dig I had earlier in the fall. Lorisoul is a very interesting rapper to me, and I love him and this album for many reasons. I said A Tribe Called Quest had taught me to appreciate everything in music, and Lorisoul brought me the next step up. At first since he was underground, I had my doubts and worries. However, he didn't fail me in any way. Here's why.
               What I love about Lorisoul is that he is so real and down to earth, and in every track he brings more and more inspirational lines that connect to me on a personal level that I had never reached before hand. They are just more direct than other messages in the deep emotional tracks I have listened to. While I at first thought his actual rhyme skills were half decent, he is on point all the time! You just gotta stop comparing everybody to your number one rapper. Which after the message I get, means the song will have even more value. He flows nice and ride with the beats, never feels off to me, and his rhymes can be simple or complex, but much like the Tribe he keeps it light and never comes off with swag rap, which is something I never hope to hear in my continued mining of the hip-hop that is underground.
                The album brings a lot but I'll get to that in the closing. The beats are always amazing, produced by Fellowship contributor, Rythmatical! A lot of sick beats that are jazzed up and mellowed down, perfect for Lorisoul's style, and the keys! My god this guy is a sick nasty motherfucker on the keys. He can do any simple loop tune it right with the drums and Lorisoul is ready to go. Truly inspiring stuff for a young guy like me to listen to, seeing as how these guys are around 20 by now, or so I believe.

No Regrets (Intro)

               

                  And for the intro track we get a nice feeling for Lorisoul. Rythmatical catches my ear with the keys and that boom bip beat you can really feel. From there I am hooked, and I love every second of it. Lorisoul introduces himself, his album, and Rythmatical, and all his friends. And I am proud to say I am now a reporter.

                   

Jazz, Doo-wops, Soul

And from there we are kicking it. Lorisoul explains what he is about. He has been focusing on his techniques, trying to finally "work on being dope now". And be resurrected as a "Lorisoul", and perhaps my favorite line.

We got the realness, everybody bump this

Like Jay-Z in his prime, they be feelin' it

Pure bliss right there. Of course they have the realness! And that comment about Jay-Z was 100% truth. Lorisoul continues to explain his story and where he has come, how he finally found his flow, which is a message of hope to others who aspire for greatness. As Lorisoul may have been in the game 5 years, he just found his sound, finding himself, "call it finding nemo". It shows that not everyone can chase there dreams so quickly and not have persistence. As I know that if I want to chase something it could be years before it goes anywhere, and Lorisoul shows proof in perseverance which gives us all a beam of hope into the skies. It tells us to stick with it. Who knows, that one bar may have saved thousands of dreams.

                  And Rythmatical kills it with this simple tune. Changing it up at the very end, with that high strings of notes at the very end. Gives it a feel of class, jazz, and oh such great soul. He brings simplicity in music to a higher elevation in beauty, one such height I have never witnessed with my own to ears. Simply amazing right here, at this point I was excited to hear the rest of the album.

Get to Know: Revolutionary Rhythm

           After Fellowship I started exploring the producers work, and Rythmatical really led me in many directions. From the works of Lorisoul, to Rhyme Crusaders, as well as the cast of Behind the People. Revolutionary Rhythm was one of those featured on the BtP project. And the opening track of the album, "1 Step Ahead" really got my attention once I became familiar with the album. So I watched there video on YouTube, and what do you know! They possessed a Bandcamp page, and kept checking out there work, till I was convinced to download "Just Listen" there big mixtape. I have really loved it, so now they I have explained how I discovered them, let me give you a little of what they are about.

         Being part of the underground these two MCs, out of Cali, they make one hell of a duo. Using the tight production that Rhythmatical used to spark my interest in all these artists, I already knew I would be digging the style of R2. Several things I love about these guys. They really pay respect to the golden age of hip-hop, and are representers of that old-school style. But keeping it unique at the same time. There are tracks like, "Only a Song" where they just master a deep track that is very smooth. Another track, "Burning Tongue", showcases Pre-Dom's skills and his flexibility in styles, where he came hard on a raw beat, classic old style! The rap was reminiscent of say, Jaz-o and Jay-z back when they were both starting out. When it was just that rush of words comin' at yeah. While not only referencing these old school folks, "we listenin' to Tribe and some Gang Starr", but they bring something totally unique. These guys are quite modest and are very respectful of women, which is always nice when bumpin' shit with a lady friend. But they really do make those good love tracks, without any corny or otherwise disrespectful lyrics. Certainly you will see this on tracks like, "There She Goes Again", "Smooth" and funkier tracks like, "She Said". Just good tracks where they just spill there soul about girls, not bad at all. And when you wanna play a track to your friends and impress them, you can blast jams like "Return" and "Raw Rhythm", the latter showcasing there skills to just bounce off one another ripping up a beat. Also using great techniques in production: sampling movies/songs, and bringing the scratches back. Then there is just smooth tracks. My favorite being "Los Angeles Times". Mind you, I have just this one mixtape, and I only hope they make more. And of course I'll be doing some in-depth reviews of the tracks as well.

There bandcamp page:
http://revolutionaryrhythm.bandcamp.com/
Here you can get all there music. Only so much now, but Kid Abstrakt has released his own album just a month back. So I have hopes of more music in the near future.

Also Rhythmatical's Bandcamp:
http://rythmatical.bandcamp.com/
Start where all my exploration began, pretty soon you will be listening to like 8 other artists. Here Lorisoul's work is hosted, as well as Fellowship, and some other projects. Remember City Lights Beat Tape 12/24/11.

Happy music hunting!