Monday, May 23, 2011

Music Video: Evenodds - "Like My Style"

Evenodds "Like My Style"


My big brother D.E.O. and M-A put out another great video "Like My Style." Support these two San Francisco Hip-Hop artists who continue to do everything official.


Mix
OB
All City

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Dregs1 "The Wake Up Call"


8/10

Lyrics:
Dregs1 one is a San Francisco MC, who really captivates lyricism that is not always recognized in the Bay Area. Dregs1's flow is real smooth, not too complex, but easy to understand and listen to. He is able to draw an image in the listeners head by being so descriptive and touches on emotions that make the listener feel like they are apart of Dregs1's music. A perfect example of this is heard on his song "All The Hommies," where you feel like you are Dregs1's hommie. Another interesting thing this young MC does is, he touches on topics not many other artists are touching on- as heard on songs like "Wake Up" and "Symbolism." You can tell that there has been time, effort, but most importantly– thought, has been put into his music and lyrics. 

Production:
Not only does Dregs write his own lyrics, he also produces his own music. Dregs1 keeps it real raw, and knows how to use samples as an instrument instead as the main focus of the production. I was really excited to see that Dregs1 collaborated with Bay Area producer Dex Beats on "It's All On You" because it was interesting to hear him on a different type of production from his own stuff. The production is really solid and it helps maintain the mood of the album stay conscious. My favorite production has to be "The One" because the string sample is really inviting, and just makes me want to bob my head. 

Overall:
This is a solid album made by Dregs1, and I think the Bay Area needs more artists like this. This album sounds like thought and effort has been put into it, and it discusses important issues that go on in our communities and everyday lives. Not only is this an enjoyable album to listen to, but it is also motivating. It is time to make a change about issues in our communities, in our relationships, education, government, and in our lives. For those who like good Hip Hop music and those who are new listeners, it's time to WAKE UP!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Music Video: "Heart & Soul" - Equipto

"Heart & Soul" Equipto feat. Mike Marshall


This is my big breh Equipto holding it down for San Francisco. Directed by my good friend Dregs1, who is also another city native. I wanted to share this video because it has a lot of history and love for my place of birth. Also it's good seeing SF come together. All City.

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Frank Ocean "Nostalgia, Ultra."



8/10

Lyrics:
Frank Ocean is one of a few that has done his homework about music and praises other great artists through his lyrics. In "Lovecrimes" he incorporates lines from Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus & Pliers, but adds his own originality and twist to them. I like that he is able to add some originality to old lyrics. A lot of times Frank Ocean's lyrics are not very clear, and it may take multiple listens to understand what he is trying to say. But for the most part, the lyrics are pretty catchy and he has a good voice.   

Production:
The production of this project has a big role to making the sound of this album be dream-like and mind-expanding. A perfect example would be "American Wedding" which is a sample from the Eagle's Hotel California song. I think Frank Ocean did a good job capturing a psychedelic experience. "Swim Good" is one of my favorite songs, specially from the production aspect– the organ and piano chords over the claps and 808's; make a good mix. 

Overall:
This is a great first mixtape/album that is available for free from Frank Ocean, an Odd Future member. It is very laid back with topics ranging from love to his abstract feelings and emotions. The songwriting is very polished and refined, with easy melodies to remember. What I really like the most is the introduction to the album (and the skits) which sounds like someone clicking buttons of an old boom box or tape recorder. I find it unique because it is 2011, the youth of this generation are so acquainted with ipods and new technological devices, that they probably wouldn't recognize those sounds. It feels like history is repeating itself, so support this artist and make sure you include Nostalgia, Ultra. onto your playlist. 

Download this mixtape on Datpiff:

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Music Video: 2Eleven Feat. Mac Lucci "Champion"





2Eleven Featuring Mac Lucci- Champion (OFFICIAL VIDEO)





Video Directed By: Cente Media
Song Recorded/Mixed By: Mix


Just thought you guys would enjoy this video.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Naod "The Opening Act"



6/10

Lyrics:
You get a taste of how it was growing up in San Jose and going to USC for Naod, as he gets very personal with his lyrics. Most of the album consist of storytelling songs such as "I Cried" featuring Nate Poetics (from The Beat Advocate) and Zig, and one of my favorite's from the album "Cross Your Mind." Although the very personal lyrics allow the listener to understand Naod's life, some songs lack appeal to keep the listener interested. Many times the songs were too personal, which made it hard for a listener to relate. For the most part, I like the smooth delivery, and Naod's ability to ride his own beats.

Production:
The majority of the project was produced by Naod, using a lot of samples and 808's. The production that consisted samples were probably Naod's best songs such as "Be Together Soon." I like the samples, but I felt like this sound is a little outdated since it was very popular over 10 years ago. There are others songs such as "Haters" featuring That Fool Al and Marc Payne, which don't consist samples which show another side of Naod's production. Again, since it is Naod's first project I think it is great he can produce his own music, but I think with time he can get comfortable with his production and create music that can remain appealing and still have it's own originality.  

Overall:
I think this is a good start for Naod, and he has the advantage by being able to produce his own music. I think that if he continues working hard he can become a successful producer/artist. I think overall the project lacked by not having a strong single, and not much appeal to the consumer. It expresses a lot of personal experience and emotion from Naod which I like a lot. He is still a young artist who has a lot of potential to continue to grow, so support this Bay Area Native who is pursuing an education at USC and maintains true to his music.  

To purchase album:

Music Video: "Gassin" feat. Young Mix and OMG (Ice Cube's Son)