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!

 

Sunny Days (Live it up) - Mosaek

   It is days like this...

These are days I'll miss

           This is one of those undeniably feel good tracks. From the beat, title, and subject matter this is one to blast cruisin' through wherever you may reside. And I have noticed a trend since acquiring some of Mosey's music, a track with him and Pyrospoken; which becomes quite a few since they like to collab a lot; is no doubt gonna be a dope hit!
            Track opens perfectly, easing stress and putting us at ease, surrendering all our concentration to this song. Got Mosey and Pyro planning their day, with a nice relaxed vibe, cause they don't have much to do. The slight whirring in the background, which could remind you of an airplane. With a few jumps that can make you think of travel and vacation and giving you the feel of sunshine even on a cloud day. That's how I see it anyways, and then you get engulfed by Pyro's spray of rhymes, and we get more good vibes going!

As the sunny ways ventilate into my frame and loosin' it

Break the boring day's feeling great 

with the rhymes I disintegrate

Into ashes and dust

Bust the rhymes and then crush

Ride a board up in the boulevard you know it's a must

He has the right idea with this one. When you aren't out with the sunshine all the time, you realize how much you need it. The sunshine just energizes your body and makes you feel ridiculously awesome, pretty cool I'd say. And since I am so far away from sunny CA, I don't exactly get all my sunshine. And as the area exits winter, which you will know how well that season went if you read the "Snow Problem" post. When you got when of those cloud days I absolutely love when the sunshine breaks out, it really does break the boring. And of course, when he mentions boarding, you just think of all the fun activities you suddenly want to do once Mr. Sun comes along. 

            I really like Mosey's direction with this verse. Describes how uplifting the sun can be when starting the day and basically expands on the idea of how motivating that ball of light can be, and how irresistible it makes being outside. 

Wake up to a day so gorgeous

The weather's mad beautiful the singing of chorus

Uplifting, so I'm up quickly to upshift my day upshift my way

Spitting cause the sunrays kissing through the blinds

Shower Time! 

I know I'm movin when the shampoo is in my eyes

A bittersweet luxury the warm water's huggin' me

The good day has got me under custody.

When I wake up on a beautiful day I am more motivated to get up early, because the longer I can experience a good day the better. And as he goes on he mentions all the good feeling of the sunny day, it really does just put a spell on you that you can't seem to shake of. So yeah, the sun is definitely a nice way to get your day going!

           Mosey and Pyro finish up the track with 2 quick verses. Where they take time to spit some good punchlines and boost each other as the track comes to a close. Then we get that hit of ill scratching in the background. That, "day day d-d-da-day" one of my favorites parts about hip-hop music. And again that constant whirring of that airplane, and all the other elements! The tune is just illmatic, with every piece of sound a drug to my ears. Opening with that little loop of, "ah ahhh ah ah ah ahh ahh", and then those little guitar riffs. Then the tune changes a little when the verses begins, that tune is just pure bliss! Then that pitch changes into another riff and you rock your head to the beat. I wish I know the producer, it could be Pyrospoken, but I can't be sure. I do know he does a lot of self-producing, but I can't be sure. Either way, whoever produced gets mad props! So many sick melodies on this one! Famous beat in my library, for years to come! 

Here is part 2 that is on one of his mixtapes. Just as dope! 

And of course the download link for Part 1! I wouldn't leave without it, especially for a dope track like this!

http://www.mediafire.com/?jqrxjjy3s67nag6

Also thanks to the onlykevin14. He has helped me find a lot of my underground music, especially the groups that work together over in CA. He has got quite a collection and good links that got me started. Check out his channel on Youtube, and happy digging! 

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.

Snow Problem - Potatohead People

           Today I type from the same location I always write my stories, but today this one will feel more in celebration to an event. This year's winter has been pretty much non-existent, it has made a season for a skier hard as hell. And there have been no snow days, making the term harder as a student. However, today I awake for my inevitable snow day, excitement started earlier this week and on Wednesday night I found myself planning for school, but oh how bad I wanted this one. But this morning, on the 1st of March 2012 in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, we got our day off for once. After going to bed then awaking at a nice 10 o'clock I am ready to enjoy my day. Noticing I haven't blogged for a minute, I thought of this track I recently started loving. And how perfect this jam suits the situation.

Snow Problems for once!

         

           Anyways about the music. This in an instrumental, in fact the first instrumental I'll be reviewing by itself in a single post, cause the occasion is oh so glorious. This is pulled from a little album called Tomatos, produced by the Potatohead People. Which if you don't know is the marvelous duo of Nick Wisdom and Astrological.
            Right from the start the track just pulls me in, heavily synthesized on the keyboards! Then after a few notes that little ringing comes in and the drums come down, and the claps sound superb! That hit of jazz is also perfect timing, coming right in for a pleasant surprise each moment. Then you have a slower tune also carried out by a keyboard that adds another layer to this super-sonic super-smooth rhythm. And then they add one last sick thing! The nice vocal sample carried out through a low murmur that fits right in. These guys know what they are doing!
            And while it is an instrumental, this does give me some thoughts. I find it interesting how changed a track becomes just through a simple title. This always makes me think of snow, and having a slow morning vibing, just getting ready to work, plowing the driveway, eatin' yo breakfast, what have you ha ha. And this just fits the soft rhythm we set ourselves in everyday with the winter, everything around is just dead and silent and nature, but we keep on with our lives, and this tune was made to keep us going. Something about it just fits into snow days, once you give it the title "Snow Problem". An illmatic beat today, and I hope to bring you more in the future.

Check out Jellyfish Recordings for more details/downloads/dopeness.
http://jellyfishrecordings.com/
And this specific album will get you started!
http://jellyfishrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/tomatos

I am off to enjoy my day, and I hope only the same for you!