This Week's New Releases (9/22)

Well, since i neglected to do the write up for last week (and many others, since this is my first week back since june), i will also include some of the notable releases from last couple weeks (only the last couple weeks though. Would take forever to go back to june). Here are some of the notable releases (your album not included? Just my opinion, No Diss!):

Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2
Produced by Rza, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Marley Marl, Alchemist, Necro, Allah Mathematics, Erick Sermon, Dr. Dre, BT, Scram Jones.

I'm not even gonna pretend to be unbiased here (i am a DIEHARD Wu Fan!), but this is my vote for album of the year! Everything is in place on this one! The beats: Raw, the flow: always on point, the kung-fu skits: check! Flows with the same purpose of the original Cuban Linx. And that's a tall order to live up to!



Jay-Z- Blueprint 3

Produced by Kanye West, No I.D., Al Shux, Inkredibles, Swizz Beatz, Neptunes, Timbaland.



I was excited about this project, way back when he released "Brooklyn (We Go Hard)" (which is INEXPLICABLY! missing from this cd). But upon hearing Timbaland's half (or 1/3) ass contributions, as well as the abysmal "Ghetto Techno" (not on disc thankfully), my excitement weaned. But i will say, that upon further listen, i would def. rate it a 7 out of 10. Definitely not worthy of the Blueprint legacy though. But Jay (lyrically) still got it like Eddie Kane.



KRS-One & Buckshot- Survival Skills

Produced by Illmind, Havoc, Black Milk, Marco Polo, Moss, DJ Mentplus, Nottz, Khrysis, Coptic, & (last but never least) 9th Wonder.



Can't Lie. In all my excitement, i haven't yet gotten to truly get into this release yet (and i was thoroughly excited by the idea of this cd). And with a production lineup like that, KRS and Buck can't fail (as if they ever would. I'm convinced that these dudes could rap on anything). Will be copping this weekend though. Give ya'll a full review soon as well!



M.O.P.- Foundation
Produced by Nottz, M-Phazes, Fizzy Womack, DJ Premier, Statik Selectah, DJ Green Lantern, D/R Period.

Now this is something i waited bout 10 years for. And they (of course) did NOT dissapoint. G-Unit & Rocafella both could have saved these cats alot of stress & let them feed their starving fans (as well as themselves)because E1's promotion for this record is shoddy at best! And this record is too dope to be sat on. It's definitely a return to form for M.O.P. (And seriously, can we light a fire under the ass of these execs & their marketing & promotions department!?)

Nicolay- City Lights 2: Shibuya
Produced by (suprise) Nicolay

Nicolay has become one of my favorite producers, someone that makes me work EXTRA hard in the studio on these beats (just trying to finish second like racing Usain Bolt). His atmospherics are out of this world! This cd has been on my radar since hearing Lose Your Way! So this one is a definite pick up! Great instrumental album!

Q-Tip- Kamaal The Abstract (FINALLY!)
Produced by Q-Tip

I can't even lie. I have had this record for quite some time. And I have been in love ever since that first (illegal) moment. But since that moment, I have purchased this album the right way. Always gotta support good music. But the music is a great combination of hip-hop & jazz, the two things that made a Tribe Called Quest, my favorite (and possibly the greatest) hip-hop group of all time. Nuff Said.

Brother Ali- Us
Produced by Ant

Brother Ali is one of the nicest out right now. And thankfully, he's not one of these artists out here dropping one album every 4 years. Never have to wait long between releases, and somehow the material he releases gets better and better with each album. With Ant on the boards, and Chuck D, & not to mention my favorite rapper out right now, Freeway, making a guest appearance, u can't fail. And be sure to check out the Bomb Squad-esque production behind "The Preacher."

Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon: The End Of the Day
Produced by Mgmt, Kanye West, Ratatat, Emile, Plain Pat

People are already trying to tell me that Cudi sucks, this and that, he can't rap, et. etc. Fuck all that! Cudi is an artist, not to mention the Kid can write his ass off (listen to the lyrics). I think most people hate the fact that he doesnt fit into a particular category of rapper or singer, & yet his style seems to mesh both rapping & singing. I say just enjoy the music. Its very well produced & well written through out. Its an album.

Next week might be a lil slim for me, besides Skyzoo, not too excited for much. But we'll see.