The NYC emcee drops his Rob Deniro produced single “Unordinary Love Song” today.
Deniro laces the track with some elegant harp strings over deep booming bass and subtle kicks. Madhattan pays homage to the city he grew up in and deconstructs how he came up in the big city that never sleeps. The “love song” takes us thru the ups and downs of coming up in NYC. Madhattan navigates the everyday activities, thoughts, and emotions of grinding in the big apple.
Check the single here:
By Alex P80 Parks
Team Frozen presents Don Ophiuchus’ new EP The Last Don. Capturing a vintage sound, Don O delivers 5 tracks of timeless NY gems.
Don O reps the “classic NY sound” well in 2018, employing solid sample-based beats as the background for his articulate flow and smooth delivery. Echoing the feel of icons like Pete Rock and Premier, the beats all bring a late golden-era/2nd golden era vibe for Don to bless with his lyrical prowess.
I chopped it up a bit with Don, Flashius Clayton and Lou Minoti of Team Frozen about how the album and the connections with all came about.
Don: “The project is actually a shortened version of the real deal. The full length I wrote shortly after my father’s passing. It was a high that helped me get thru a rough time… Then times got worse for me with the mother of my kids and also my health wasn’t all that either and I had a lengthy stay in the hospital that racked up a nice tab. Meanwhile, Schott Free had Lou Minoti search for me. I had no idea this was going on, i had moved out the crib, changed my number etc. So one day my mom told me people kept calling her crib asking for me. I thought it was bill collectors because of when I was in the hospital. One day I decided to sign into social media again, seen a few dms from Schott Free urging me to hit him up and we gotta do a project, he saw big potential in me. That’s how the God’s of Gravitation and me being part of Team Frozen came about and we been rocking since. Flash and I linked earlier so it was all organic for that to continue. Basically the music came about thru a really rough spot in life.
“Dangerous Times” produced by Don O. Don describes the multitude of issues plaguing our everyday lives over a thunderous boom and a repetitive piano loop. The horns blare triumphantly while Don drops gems about the society we are all victims to.
“Effortless” producer Lou Minoti creates 70’s action flick hype energy for Don to spit smooth rhymes, making it sound easy. The tempo and vibe correspond with Don’s slick cadence.
“Gods of Gravitation” feat JD Renoir produced by Flashius Clayton with an assist from the legendary Schott Free featuring a blues guitar with some crisp drums. Regarding the Schott Free collaboration on this track Flash stated: “We sampled one note from the bass guitar and 16 leveled it (tuning). Schott played the bassline straight into the DAW. He had it so on point all we had to was loop his performance. True story.”
Don spits in alliterative fashion:
“Double dragon deli dope dealer,
Devious deliver diligent dose denote D’s and dip.
Cali connect, click, collect chips contra caliber cheat code,
collusion to clap, control calendars”
I had to hit up Flash about this collaborative effort between he and Don:
Flashius Clayton: “I sent Don an old(er) batch of beats and he sent me On The Regular back the next day. I put it on BandCamp, it was actually an official Money Makin Monday’s drop. Don is the truth. He was one of the Deli’s biggest, most genuine supporters on Twitter while Dro and I were building steam and one day he just started posting fire.. Lou Minoti was the one who told me to send the batch that On The Regular came out of. Lou was the one who really brought to my attention how ill Don is.”
“On The Regular” produced by Flashius Clayton features chopped piano and organ loops with punchy snares and booming bass. On the hook:
“Dumpin on the regular,
No relation to lacklusters
Who be callin u custy’s
Trust me,
This legit 96 algorithm
Sumthin ugly for ya sound system.”
Flash:
“When Don posted that first mix of Dangerous Times I think Lou started working with him tough. Don recorded damn near an album on Lou’s beats. Ribbon is one of those songs if I’m not mistaken.”
“RNTS (Ribbons N The Sky)” produced by Lou Minoti. The track is a frantic frenzy of chopped vocal samples and loops. Don O creatively shoutouts so many important and influential artists on the track.
The entire Team Frozen ensures that they carry on tradition in their music. No cheap and easy rap here. Truly crafted beats and well-thought lyrics.
Don O and all of Team frozen deliver on this EP. No slow tempo or drumless loops here. Straight NY HipHop in its purest form. Look out for Don O and all of Team Frozen to close out 2018 in strong fashion.
check The Last Don EP on SoundCloud here:
By Alex P80 Parks
Magno Garcia delivers his new LP, Monastery Monk Methods with production handled entirely by long-time friend and frequent collaborator Evilldewer.
Following up his early summer EP Element of Surprise, Mag takes a different route on the beats, utilizing the home-town homie, Evilldewer, to produce all of the tracks on MMM.
Mag himself describes the project as “A glimpse of all aspects of Magno. The vulnerable, the strong, the street side, the faith side, the past, present, and future. Everything from the cover to the track titles was all calculated. The goal is to make the album an experience for the listener and make sure they get the most quality out of Magno as they can. How i rap on this project is how i wanna continue rapping for the foreseeable future, at least content wise. I’ll give you depth with the fly ish mixed in.”
For the beats, Mag turned to the artistic mastermind Evilldewer to handle production on the project. It’s difficult to classify the immense talent of the ‘Waveform Scientician.’ Constantly pushing the envelope sonically, Evilldewer creates unique canvases for Magno to spray his in-depth lyricism on. Together they are an imposing pair.
Mag hits hard with his fiery delivery and confident vocals. The Chelsea, Massachusetts emcee pours his heart and soul into every bar, never sounding weak or soft in the process. His lyrical content is often centered on philosophical enlightenment and the evolution of his intellect. In his rhymes he maintains a level of awareness, continually contemplating the desire for fame and material goods versus his strong commitment to staying true to the craft.
“Acclimations of Science” Evilldewer crafts a tense beat full of dusty drums. Magno spits:
“the rhyme given was a ritual, miracle.
Given to the lowest of residuals
Pitiful.
Shine from the dullest moment poppin.
I’m locked in,
Shorty seemed promising to talk with.”
“Fast Money” Feat Ralphiie Reese is a standout track. Evilldewer creates a somber tone with a jazzy solo trumpet on the chorus. Ralphiie tosses in an ill rhyme with his gruff vocals to complement Magno’s sharp delivery.
“Pyramid Scheme” Evilldewer lays a chopped orchestral sample with a stutter effect. Mag deconstructs the fallacies that many in life fall victim to. The content poses Magno as precise and methodical throughout. He continues to eye the crown while maintaining a safe distance in order to calculate his next moves.
“Open Prayer” Evilldewer develops that jazzy sound again with a chopped sax sample and background synth organs. Mag opens up on this track, not straying from the concept, while denouncing the false prophets spewing propaganda.
“Blu Mags” feat Blu another standout track, Magno recruits an unlikely ally for this track to great results. West Coast emcee Blu offers up his smooth-yet-consciously clever rhymes to pair with Magno’s commanding mic presence on this successful collab. Evilldewer flips all types of crazy samples on this joint, keeping heads on their toes. The beat on the second verse is peak-form dark Evilldewer, with a brooding and menacing sample.
“Nefertiti” Evilldewer creates a triumphant sound with chopped up samples that breathe in and out every few bars. Magno illustrates failed relationships, and the importance of kings(men) relying on their queens to keep them afloat. He opens his heart and bares his soul to tell of a woman he waited for.. only for the love to not be reciprocated. The track shows Magno vulnerable, but never too soft or compromised.
“Robe of Scars” Magno Garcia spits thoughtful bars over subtle chimes and flutes in the background. The beat is gentle and delicate to contrast with Magno’s firm delivery.
Magno:
“The rolls Royce get hit with 5 nines,
vehicular homicide, grated like
Parmesan at Ramadan
You dress like you visiting Comicon
You not a don.
Draining from the battle scars
Try to calm,
the agent orange
Feelin Like it’s ether
this Vietnam
But not really
Bad boy living, but not Biggie.”
Mag has become an extremely focused emcee, crediting Chandelier Shining as the work he’s most proud of, leading up to this project. He states that the work he did prior to CS was important in his development but the emcee he’s become is evident starting with that album.
“Liberation” another standout track on this album gets a psychedelic intro and Evilldewer lays the beat out, sounding like a vintage Nintendo RPG game. Magno describes of the freedom (or lack of) through the ages and also of the need to be liberated from the shackles of this brainwashed culture we’re all living in. He continually touches on technology controlling our lives, and becoming slaves to entertainment as opposed to evolving our intellects.
“Fly Foreign Affairs” feat King Author and Da Flyy Hooligan the track utilizes one of Evilldewer’s sonically creative soundscapes for all 3 emcees to lay some top notch rhymes over.
“Meditating Monk” Layering chopped-up piano loops with a low frequency blast, the dark 80’s deep synth vibe suits Mag’s pointed delivery.
Mag definitely delivers on this album full of contemplation and reflection. He spares no wasted verse to inject his personal views on life, culture and society taking over our minds and spirits. Evilldewer brings some of his more refined and focused beats on this album, while continuing to craft some of the most unique and avant-garde sounds from any producer. Magno Garcia and Evilldewer certainly create a dynamic duo on this project. Cop the album, and listen real close to the truly unique beats and intelligent lyrics on Monastery Monk Methods.
Cop the album here:
http://magnogarcia.bandcamp.com/album/monastery-monk-methods
Teller Bank$ and Blaq Knight combine to deliver Hellfire & Brimstone. Over 9 tracks, the emcee/producer duo take us on a journey of impending doom, powered by a tsunami of hard-hitting beats and rich loops. Their aim on this project is to bring war to all who stand in their way. And just when it seems the most dark and bleak, the ominously-titled project provides a couple of uplifting moments to allow the sunshine to seep through all the dark clouds and billowing smoke.
The ever-energetic Teller Bank$ delivers his high-pitched, lighting staccato flow with confidence. For this project, Teller sought out a producer who remains a bit more subversive yet stays true to their personal style. Bank$’ singular skills requires an equally-unique talent on the beats to provide the sonic landscapes that can allow his frenetic flow to shine.
Enter Blaq Knight. The North Carolina-based producer draws much of his inspiration from late 90’s hip hop icon, Wu-Tang’s The RZA, amongst others. Blaq Knight has always expressed his affinity for The RZA’s Beats. While Blaq has certainly developed a sound all his own, RZA’s influence can be seen in Blaq’s style, without a doubt.
“Get Ready” Grab your inhaler on this intro joint because Teller gives listeners an asthma attack just trying to catch the quick rhymes on the opener. Bank$ goes in at light speed, spitting assault rifle raps for a min straight over a soul loop.
Teller Bank$ comes in slightly slower on “G Code.” Blaq Knight chops a beautiful vocal sample into 2 parts and let’s it build over a couple bars and then releases. It’s a whirlwind of a track with Teller straight rapping for over a min, no hook. Blaq Knight creates a rush of energy with the strings sample and thunderous drums.
“Rigged” Blaq gives Bank$ a futuristic mood and an echoing synth guitar. Teller is more calculated, breaking down his rhymes and showing some unique vocal range as well as his usual quick-tongued delivery.
“No Mercy” Strings create a mood of impending doom. Bank$ voice is particularly strained in this number, emphasizing his passion and energy. He’s not holding back, coming out swinging, taking no prisoners.
“Drink the codeine straight cuz Ion’t really fuck with soda
I don’t really fuck with sober
All my nuggets look like yoda”
Teller comes so hype and lively on tracks like this that it’s clear he pours his all into his work.
Teller Bank$ brings a unique voice and cadence along with his most obvious asset, his extremely fast delivery. Teller’s got levels of speed in his rhymes. His lyrics don’t have to be the most profound or thought-provoking. Bank$’ lyrics are visceral and playful, with plenty of spots for fans to chuckle at. The intensity is never lacking though. Teller Bank$ has his moments where he’s having fun and enjoying life, but he’s ready to scrap and bring the thunder throughout this album.
“Eulogies” Blaq Knight layers strings and guitar chords in an arrangement to make the track feel like an epic warning for emcees stepping to test Bank$.
“Snatch ya purse quick, be the perennial outcome
That’s why I fly solo like millennium falcons.
He say he did it, I doubt it, but
Note how his mouth run.
Wonder why I do my dirt by my dolo
Well, that’s how come.”
His timing often seems like it’s off until he delivers his last bar to match his rhyme pulling his verse together.
“Ecclesiastics” Bank$ is hype over a repetitive guitar riff and bouncy bass. Blaq melodically chops a vocal sample to layer on the Asian-inspired beat.
“Geometry” ft Rome Streetz is a standout burner on this album. With the only feature on the project Blaq and Bank$ chose one 2018’s underground all-stars, Brooklyn’s Rome Streetz. Naturally, he comes as sharp as ever.
Teller:
“Y’all n***as lookin like bargains,
Too worried bout fashion week,
Dawg ya fashion weak,
Ion’t respect n***as that rock purses without packing heat
I’m snatching shit
In public too
So all that hard shit you been talkin need an asterisk.
I’m an astronaut,
Twisting up a massive knot.”
The beat gently builds with subtle crackling strings, a droning synth and sped up vocal sample. Blaq Knight creates the perfect space for Rome and Teller’s calculated moves, to just creep across the track, like assassins sneaking up on their target. Rome absolutely kills his verse as expected.
“Crazy” Blaq Knight lays some chopped soul vocals and piano loops for Teller to display a sawing flow where he drones on in a monotone style then switches it up to his more typical uptempo flow, all the while stacking rhymes on top of rhymes.
“Thellin” This soulful joint showcases Teller Bank$’ energetic flow over some gorgeous vocal loops by Blaq Knight.
Check the video here:
Blaq knight shows the prowess of a seasoned vet on the boards, creating some well-crafted arrangements. He builds tension and allows the track to breathe, not cluttering the bars. His beats ebb and flow, build and release to create a rush. His use of vocal samples, types of instrumental samples, and his drum patterns give his beats that “middle-period RZA” feel. Regardless, It’s safe to say Bob Digi would certainly enjoy Blaq Knight’s Beats on this album.
Together Blaq Knight and Teller Bank$ create an imposing album with enough punch and substance to pull listeners into their world of hard beats and fiery lyrics. A sonic experience with thunderous hard beats sandwiched between exquisite soulful touches. This project is certainly one of the more unique sounding hip hop projects this year. Cop Hellfire & Brimstone here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hellfire-brimstone/1437165636
By Alex P80 Parks
Trying to give some shine to artists that you may not be familiar with yet. These cats should be on your radar if they aren’t already. If they are on your radar, salute them and support their growth and contribution to underground hip hop.
Won87: The Cali-based producer has teamed up with an emcee on 3 incredible projects this year; Lord Juco on Clockwork, with SageInfinite on Sleeper Cell, and also with John Creasy on At All Costs. Won87’s production stays minimal but delivers the appropriate mood to fit the theme of the project and the style of the artists he works with.
Check my review of Sleeper Cell here:
https://deeplyrootedhiphop.com/2018/09/11/sageinfinite-x-won87-sleeper-cell/
Onaje Akbar Jordan: The Chicago producer has had placements on some of the biggest albums of the year including projects from Recognize Ali, Supreme Cerebral, Asun Eastwood and more. His beats hit hard and reflect his no nonsense style of producing bangers.
Check Asun Eastwood’s dope video for Verified Account here:
Check his latest track Dirtee Def Jordan w/ Fade: https://soundcloud.com/zemene-mesafint/dirtee-def-jordan-w-fade
Normal Regular:The Baltimore emcee garnered some attention earlier this year when he dropped the Alchemist produced joint “Lorraine.” He has since given heads a few dope singles and most recently the heater “Power.” Norm Lord is set to make some big noise in the near future, so keep watching.
Check Power here:
Don Carrera: The “God of the ‘Sipp” has blessed heads with his dope beat tape CRRA. Chock- full of widely varied beats, Don brings a mix of styles with sample-based sounds and adds some southern Mississippi flavor for good measure. Don continues to push his creative talents and crafts more refined beats each step of the way.
Check out CRRA here:
http://doncarrera.bandcamp.com/album/crra
Uncle John: Set to drop the EP Lyrical Assassin fully produced by Farma, the Long Island native brings his drawl and smooth flows over dope production. He’s sure to bring an element of his own individual personality on every track he drops. Check his video for “The Light” off Lyrical Assassin here:
Check out his other new video for YooWoo. The track is produced by Escada, who provides a bouncy joint for Tio Juan to ride to. Uncle John recently signed to Promisd Land Records. Check it below and look for Uncle John’s EP with Farma coming soon!
Primo Jab: The Chicago area rapper enlists the talents of some heavy emcees like Ras Kass, Daniel Son and IceLord as features for his latest album, Book of Jab. Keep your ears open for Primo as he’s set to keep rising with this and his future releases.
Available on iTunes here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-book-of-jab/1401355906
Cocareef: The New Jersey native just released his album It’s that Cocareef, with a grimy East Coat sound. A great supporter of the underground HipHop renaissance, Cocareef shouts out all the dope artists doing their thing for the culture.
Available on iTunes here:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/its-that-cocareef/1340699215
Or cop his limited edition cassette w/ OBI strip at:
"Limited Edition" Cassette (Only 50)
Deuce Hennessy and Charlie Chan: Hailing from the increasingly deep upstate/West New York area, these 2 have been dropping loosies regularly, catching the attention of fans and hip hop artists alike with gritty rhymes and hardcore East coast boom bap beats.
Check out Chuck Chan’s latest Heavy Moves on SoundCloud here:
https://m.soundcloud.com/chuck-chan/sets/heavy-moves
Check out Deuce Hennessy’s SoundCloud:
Killyshoot: the Worcester MA emcee brings a tough as nails persona to couple with his hard and grimy rhymes. His beat selection continues to show a more sophisticated taste in the golden eras style. Check his latest album The Killing Time here:
https://m.soundcloud.com/killyshoot/sets/the-killing-time-vol-i
And his latest single, the DJ manipulator produced “The Wor”:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-wor-single/1436002378
Stay up on these cats, as their stock will surely rise…
By Alex P80 Parks
Set to drop at 8:46 am on 9/11 (the exact time the first plane hit the World Trade Center in 2001), SageInfinite clearly has a message and some thoughts to share. The “rhyme terrorist” has returned to infiltrate the Sleeper Cell to give us a glimpse into the skewed visions and ideology of America as we now know it. This project links SageInfinite and producer Won87 for some thoughtful and charged lyrics over minimal, yet solid beats.
Sage: At the start, Won87 came with the idea since I’ve called myself the rhyme terrorist and we were both slept on heavily, he said, let’s call it Sleeper Cell. So he put the idea in my head, and I executed to the best of my ability.
Won87 creates a smoky jazz feel on “The American way.” The tone is like a psychedelic precaution for the listener. There’s almost an unsolved mysteries vibe to the beat. Sage outlines many issues and weaknesses in our culture that continue to plague our country. Sage spits:
“God Damn it, you darker then you a Terrorist.
Troubled youth,
shootin up schools throughout
America’s recent history
It’s a mystery.
I think I got it figured out,
Come on and sit with me,
I got answers..”
“False Flaggin (Mass Shootings)” Won87 flips what sounds like an obscure Japanese sample with a slick bass groove to keep Sage’s lyrics bouncing off the beat.
SageInf hits with the hook:
“Can’t even send my babies to school
Without worryin if classmates is carryin the tools.
Can’t even hit the mall just to ball,
active shooter on the scene,
people duck behind the wall.”
DRHH: You had a clear intention about the content of this album and the messages involved, but you don’t force a political agenda.
Sage: My goal is always to provide imagery through my music. Just to paint vivid pictures. As far as this album goes, I definitely don’t try to push my thoughts or views on listeners, but just to give them a glimpse into what goes on in my head. Im just displaying alternate thoughts and ideas.. Especially in a space that isn’t covered much nowadays in hiphop.
“The Football” has nothing to do with the NFL as Sage warns at the start. The reference is to the briefcase that is held by personnel near the President at all times, containing crucial information and potentially, the fate of nations. SageInf rhymes of the power and responsibilities inherent with lingering questions of legitimate justifications of such power.
“Nine Eleven” organs and drum fills lay the groundwork for Sage to deconstruct shoe bombers and twin towers. The beat comes at you like triumphant American pride, contrasting with Sage’s lyrics about in-flight terrorists.
Sage: 9/11 definitely had a huge impact on this country and the world and I feel like we’ve sort of been invaded due to the fear of not being safe and having security. I feel like hiphop has sort of been invaded the same way. Big business invaded under the guise of securing a future for artists and I think that a lot of the purity of the art was lost.
“Lockerbie” The title refers to the 1988 crash of Pan Am flight 103 into the Scottish town after a bomb exploded onboard. Won87 creates a foreboding mood, perfect for Sage to unleash some dope rhymes. His flow is smooth and crisp on this and he shows off his elevated rhyme schemes on this creeping beat that rises just enough.
The intro and interludes bind the tracks together with the underlying themes of corruption, terrorism and false propaganda along with the fears and paranoia associated. The entire project is handled by producer Won87 who provides no-frills beats for SageInfinite to delve into his doubts of American society and its myriad flaws.
Both of the bonus tracks, “Illuminati” and “NSA” make the physical release a must-cop. Won87 continues to establish the skeptical air and unsettled mood on both of these joints, which are as solid as the rest. The Art by Trevor Lang always increases the aesthetic value of the very-limited physical releases, and this is no exception.
This EP showcases Sage’s lyrical abilities in storytelling, connecting concepts and also staying in character at times. SageInfinite comes sharp with his rhymes, pairing quite nicely with Won87’s straightforward beats.
Cop the super limited cassette out on 9/11 here:
Iamtrevorlang.bandcamp.com
By Alex P80 Parks
The ever-expanding Team Fame Gvng attacks with their latest project. Produced by Eddie Word, Fetty and K.Burns connect on this 6 track EP. Sporting audio clips from old Gangster flicks, this EP sets the stage for what K.Burns describes as “that signature Bity Boys sound.”
While K.Burns has been steadily dropping projects all year long, Fetty has been prolific in his recording, despite not releasing much new material this year. Choosing to stay out of the spotlight and away from social media to instead focus on honing his craft to give fans a new taste.
“New Crew in Town” Eddie Word lays a smooth and mellow beat with skittering percussion and a chill vibe. Eddie brings his left coast flavor on this joint, perfect for the gritty Fetty and the adaptable Burnie.
Fetty spits to open the track:
“Lightin up sour,
talkin bout cultivation.
Seein the fam good is motivation.
I started out with a dime, turned to ten bands,
had me goin out my mind.”
“Vintage Flow” picks up where the tone of Infamous Villains left off. The mood is murky like a scene from a detective movie. References to crime flicks from both emcees ride over the beat. Fetty’s deep growl and vicious flow complements KBurns unique voice and quick rhyme patterns on this track.
“Dreams of a Hustler” brings the 80’s synth vibe with some fast rock drums to create a quick-talking, slick vibe for those on the grind. Both emcees rhyme about pushing their craft to keep the stacks up.
“Living is Fast” The beat is elegant and subtle with light piano loops and and a smooth jazzy bass line. Fetty even comes smooth on this track, as if the 2 are celebrating after years of living the good life, sipping champagne, reflecting on how it all went by so quickly.
Check out the track here:
https://kburns.bandcamp.com/album/bity-boys
“Gvngxrz Style” a standout track and a great finish to the EP. Eddie develops a well-paced joint with a dusty piano and light percussive loop coupled with a tumbling bass line. Eddie found the sweet spot on this sample as it builds just enough and keeps the emcees floating on the beat.
K.Burns rhymes:
“Extra, extra, tell em, make em read about it.
Cuz the life I live, most you n***as only dream about it.
MCM post a pic, misses cream about it
Slidin in my DM, take em home, have em scream and shoutin.
Heartbreak kid, hoes call me Shawn Mike.”
Certainly reflecting a refined sound on this project, Fetty, K.Burns and Eddie Word combine to provide a dope excursion into their world of night endeavors, cruising through the city. The project remains cohesive with the gangster movie elements and sound bites scattered throughout. The choice of beats are overall on-point, as Eddie Word creates a mood with several of the tracks.
Cop the new EP on 9/11 here:
https://kburns.bandcamp.com/album/bity-boys
Team Fame Gvng’s K.Burns, Fetty and producer Eddie Word deliver the first single “Living Is Fast” off their upcoming EP Bity Boys. This track feature a lavish and regal sound provided by Eddie Word for Fetty and K.Burns to establish their signature Bity Boys sound.
Check it out here:
https://kburns.bandcamp.com/album/bity-boys
look out for the EP on 9/11
By Alex P80 Parks
Los Angeles DJ and Producer Tone Spliff drops his full length LP Ardore Melodico (roughly translating to ‘blazing melody’). Grounded in an east coast sound and steeped in tradition with an ever present emphasis on the DJ, Tone links up with some talented emcees to deliver a solid album. Sounding like a beast on the drum machine and the 1’s and 2’s, it’s apparent Tone Spliff has some skills to flex on his latest project.
The beat-creator, originally from Utica, NY, said he made around 70 beats between February and April of 2017. He then started hitting up emcees he’s worked with in the past and new emcees he wanted to work with for the album. Tone details that “All of these tracks were made in 2018, so some of them have only been stashed for a few months maybe.”
The subtlety of his samples may not always create an element of tension, but his beats aren’t necessarily meant to be ominous or dark. The intention is fun and nostalgic or almost sentimental. Do not confuse fun and nostalgia with soft or cute, though. These are pure east coast beats with a heavy emphasis on dope lyrics and some serious scratching. The old heads will, no doubt, get a kick out of trying to name the joints that Tone pulls from for his vocal scratches.
Tone shows he can slice and scratch dope vocal samples and also produce bangers with some of the game’s biggest talents and brightest young spitters. The album is full of sharp cuts and scratches. I had to ask Tone about his thoughts on DJ’s doing their thing on tracks and about that 2nd golden era sound.
DRHH: In my opinion, Hip hop needs more dope Dj’s adding on to tracks. How essential is scratching?
Tone: I wouldn’t say it’s essential for scratches to be on every song an artist makes. Really depends on the vibe of the track. However for me, when I would hear a scratch hook on a song, the song would become 100x better. So being a DJ first, It’s a huge part of my production to have scratches on everything. But I have some songs without cuts too.
DRHH: It’s definitely an east coast/2nd golden era/ boom bap kinda style. Can You talk about that specific type and how it’s been a huge part of your “sound”?
Tone:When I first started DJing (in the early/mid 90s), thats when the 2nd golden era was getting started. So I was studying Nas “Illmatic”, Wu Tang “36 Chambers”, Big “Ready to Die” etc. It was a sample heavy, hard drums/boom bap style that stuck with me til this current day. To me, it never gets old. It just keeps getting better with age.
Tone carries that tradition in his own style of production. It’s evident on this album full of hard-hitting drums, plenty of bass and short samples/loops and of course, some sick slices everywhere. With 18 joints and clocking in at over an hour, Tone comes with plenty of ‘blazing melodies’ on this album.
Big Shug “Fe Fi Foe Fum” The Gangstarr Foundation members struts tough on the album opener. Shug is one of those cats whose presence is enough to make anybody shook, whether in-person or through the speakers.
GCM and PRR affiliate Realio Sparkzwell brings his slick rhymes and shit-talking game over a crackling piano loop on “Sun Dial.” Sparkzwell is able to balance some thoughtful rhymes and entertaining bars from the first single off the album.
Check the video here:
Baltimore’s Ill Conscious showcases his intelligent lyrics on “Ill Flows.” IC spits some sharp, rapid fire rhymes, seeming to barely take a breath. A quick, yet precise emcee for fans to check for.
Ren Thomas, Supreme Cerebral and Zagnif Nori “High Potent.” The 2nd single off Ardore Melodico brought the heat with chopped keyboards, digi-sounds and the appropriate slices for a standout track. All three emcees come correct on the track. Supreme Cerebral has been extremely consistent of late and this track shows off his skills on the mic. Ren and Zagnif are not to be overlooked either as they come equally ‘potent.’
Check it out here:
Recognize Ali “Recreational Rec” is another heater with a rhythmic piano loop allowing Rec Ali to go off with his usual hard and raspy flow. The scratch hook is quick and crisp and bound to engage hip hop heads. Recognize Ali continues to work with the best in the game and creates some of the hardest hip hop around.
Check the dope animated video here:
C Rayz Walz “Oxygen” C Rayz gives us his unusual but unique flow over a vocal sample with Tone slicing up the track. Always seeming to have fun with his rhymes, C Rayz Walz varies his cadence and twists his flow adding his inimitable vocals.
Sadat X “Got Wise” One of the standout tracks on Ardore Melodico, Sadat X is ageless on this one. Bringing memories of his Brand Nubian flows, Sadat is singular with his voice. His flow is distinctly odd, yet always successful in his rhyme schemes. This joint has a throwback feel, hearing Sadat X, even if the vet hasn’t ever stopped recording.
Kool Taj The Great “What Glitters Ain’t Gold” with a measured delivery, Kool Taj brings a signature grimy NYC flow over strings and vocal samples.
LocalBlac provides a smooth flow over a couple of slick guitar chords chopped up on “Streets.” LocalBlac gives some distinct vocals on this upbeat end-of-summer track. The Los Angeles emcee’s rhymes tumble into one another creating a refreshing sound.
On “Mental Perfection,” Shabaam Sahdeeq sounds as sharp as ever, reminiscent of his early Rawkus days. Shabaam has always had his own slang and creative wordplay which he provides on this futuristic-industrial sounding background.
Suezar delivers quick-tongued lyrics over a melodic sample on “Rhyme With The Finest.” Playful with his words, Suezar stretches his rhymes across the bars on this track. Tone’s cuts are especially quick on this joint.
Tha God Fahim and Daniel Son “Real Az it Getz” Fahim and Daniel trade verses over piano chords. Fahim doesn’t mince his words here, admitting his paranoia and skeptical thoughts. Daniel Son keeps it real, telling how he lives with his brand of creative rhyme patterns and unique swagger.
Boston legend, Ed OG connects with Born Talent on “Appreciation” showing their contrasting yet complimentary styles. Ed OG carries his slow husky flow while Born Talent picks up the pace. Tone uses a beautiful vocal sample, creating a nostalgic soulful feel.
New Jersey’s Pace Won is sure to make some heads chuckle with his witty punchlines on “The Craft.” The legendary Outsidaz co-founder provides his brand of amusing lines and in-ya face grimy rhymes. Tone provides a dope foundation of chopped horns and vocal cuts along with more sick cuts on the hook.
Solomon Childs “Better Days” The Wu affiliate gives both a poignant and ordinary look into life when things go his way. Tone creates a hopeful mood with his arrangement of samples and punching drums for Solomon Child to rhyme of being fortunate and appreciative.
Illa Ghee’s grimy flow contrasts with the soft flute chops and subtle guitar riffs in “No Way Out.” Illa Ghee provides heads with some introspective rhymes but never too far from that brand of Brooklyn bully-rap that he does so well.
Kool Sphere and Young Lo connect to deliver “Hollywood Life.” With unique vocals and dope chopped piano samples, this joint has a great balance in the beat and lyrics. Well-paced and evenhanded, this joint shows off both emcees with different yet compatible styles
Rustee Juxx “Get Paid” is a fitting way to end the album with Tone Spliff creating a subdued mood with slow, chopped single piano notes and plenty of ill slices on the hook. Juxx comes tough with his hard as nails lyrics. Rustee Juxx has been a consistent emcee since his early days as Sean Price’s protege. His flow hasn’t slowed down and his energy and aggressive demeanor on the mic are as focused as ever.
Tone mentioned that his influences include DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Alchemist, J Zone, Marco Polo, Nottz, Q-Tip and more. I think they’d appreciate his vision and the feeling that he has brought with his own production, certainly with this latest release. To completely immerse fans in that throwback 2nd golden era feeling, the album will not be available on streaming services (iTunes, Spotify, etc.). Tone Spliff is fittingly releasing Ardore Melodico ONLY on CD.
Tone never really pushes his beats out of his comfort zone, which some may see as too derivative or unimaginative, however, these are the type of east coast beats that fans always complain they don’t hear enough of. The constant on the album is the solid production from Tone Spliff, creating a consistent LP. Ardore Melodico is a project worth checking out.
Cop the album here:
By Alex P80 Parks
Straight off their new 9-track project Hellfire & Brimstone, producer Blaq Knight and emcee Teller Bank$ deliver some dope visuals to accompany the first single, “Thellin.” This soulful joint showcases Teller Bank$’ singular rapid-fire, energetic flow over some gorgeous vocal loops by Blaq Knight.
check the video here:
Get hype for Hellfire & Brimstone dropping very soon!
Deeply Rooted HipHop 