Kiddricc – Black & Yellow (Freestyle)
The Minnesota homey goes in over Wiz’s newest smash single.
The new mixtape “St. Paul’s Promise 2″ drops this fall/winter, hosted by Mr. Peter Parker.
Download: Kiddricc – Black & Yellow (Freesteyle)
Jade McKenzie – Six Feet Under
I swear this should be on the Billboard Top 100 Charts right now. If this got to radio, it would certainly burn up the charts. Jade McKenzie is a singer from here in Minnesota and I’ve thought she’s been incredible ever since hearing an acapella a few years ago.
But this record is an instant hit! I don’t know what she’s doing with it right now, but I felt it was my obligation to spread it out to everyone so more people can hear it. I definitely hope to work with her on my next album as well. We’ll see how that develops.
Young Rocky – The G Series (Mixtape)
Minnesota’s own teen-rapper in charge drops a new project for the masses. Features the new posse cut “Snapbacks” that I posted the video and download link for earlier.
First Base and Friday Wolves – Snap Backs
Minnesota-raised…
Download: First Base and Friday Wolves – SnapBacks
Ronnie Brown x Fly Talk XL Interview
The homey Ronnie sits down with the Minnesota Online Magazine “Fly Talk XL”.
Mike Dreams- “Success Is” at Soundset
I woke up this morning and this was already on YouTube! Shoutout to MrBassMan4 for uploading this! Shoutout to the KREDENTIALS, the live band collaborating with me at the show, as well as the homey DJ Advance of 3 Way Ent. on the 1s & 2s, Christina Fisher and Himes Alexander on background vocals and Hypel on the hypeman swag…lol.
Mike Dreams – Crewed Up: The Next Generation (feat. Chantz Erolin, Just Wulf, Lipset, D’Allen White, Max Haben, Mally & Bobby Richardson)
This year, I get a chance to perform in front of 1000s at the SOUNDSET FESTIVAL in Shakopee, MN at Cantebury Park. The SOUNDSET FESTIVAL is one of the biggest hip-hop outdoor festivals in the Midwest and it’s powered by the independent recording label “Rhymesayers Entertainment”. You can catch me on the FIFTH ELEMENT STAGE this year on Sunday, May 30th, 2010! In honor of that, I connected with some of my fellow up and coming emcees in Minnesota to recreate the posse cut “Crewed Up” from their 2007 free release originally by the hip-hop duo ATMOSPHERE “Strictly Leakage”. You can hear the original Crewed Up feat. Stage One, St. Paul Slim, Muja Messiah, YZ, Brother Ali, Toki Wright & Blueprint here.
(Order of verses: Chantz Erolin, Just Wulf, Lipset, D’Allen White, Max Haben, Mally, Bobby Richardson and Mike Dreams)
DOWNLOAD: Mike Dreams – Crewed Up – The Next Generation (feat. Chantz Erolin, Just Wulf, Lipset, D’Allen White, Max Haben, Mally & Bobby Richardson)
Hit the jump to read about all of the M.Cs involved in the remake….
(more…)
King Ralio – King of the Hill (Mixtape)
The Twin Cities producer/writer/artist drops new heat for the streets.
Ronnie Brown – Just The Beginning (Mixtape)
Ronnie is a homey of mines that I met while attending college in Minneapolis. He’s a hip-hop artist from out of St. Paul, MN, originally from the Chi. This is his first project he’s ever put out, so show it some love. My overall personal favorite is “Impossible”, and a few others are “Lights, Camera, Action”, “My Own Mind”, “Whispering” and “Nike Talk”.
Ronnie Brown – Just The Beginning (Mixtape)
Hit the jump for the tracklist…
See The World – Broken Cities (EP)
![My Photos | [sara f. kiesling] | See The World](http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/29/l_ed2fd750b2da4ad8aad31b10f3ddb576.png)
Earlier this year in 2010, I woke up one morning and did something I hadn’t done for a while. I searched for some non-hip hop generes of music in Minnesota. As a hip-hop artist, I’ve always been intrigued by other genres of music and highly respect actual musicians who care about their artistry. I came accross SEE THE WORLD and was blown away by their talent and extremely excited that they were based in my hometown Minneapolis, MN. It was beyond me how they weren’t more known. Their new EP “Broken Cities” is one of the most incredible bodies of work I’ve ever heard and should be enough proof that SEE THE WORLD will be able to hang with the best of ‘em in the grand scale of music when they finally get their big ticket to success. At the link below, you can purchase the EP for $6 (for the digital download) or $8 for the physical copy. It’s beyond worth it. Support independent and talented musicians!
I recently reached out to the lead singer, Jeremy, and a hip-hop/ambient rock collaboration is in the works for the future. I look forward to it and am very honored to work with such talented guys.
CONTINUE TO DREAM BIG!
![[IMG_7127sl.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k784qu6ufK0/SggC2Nz9byI/AAAAAAAAAGk/oYUiCohu6lI/s1600/IMG_7127sl.jpg)
Mally-The Passion (Album)
This will easily be one of the best albums to come out of Minnesota in Minnesota Hip Hop History. In the words of T.I. “TELL EM’ I SAID THAT”!
DOWNLOAD: Mally – The Passion (Album)
Kiddricc-Success Is… REMIX (Unreleased Verse)
So, I’m working on a megaremix for my current single from my forthcoming album DREAMER’S POETRY called ”Success Is…” with a plethora of artists. Originally, the homey Kiddricc (http://www.myspace.com/milliondollarkiddricc) dropped a sixteen bar verse. This won’t make the final remix, so I thought I’d just leak it out for you guys to check it out. Expect a new verse from Kiddricc on the joint, as well as dope verses from a plethora of rising hip hop stars. COMING SOON
YOU SHOULD KNOW BOUT: Toki Wright
New segment starting. I’ll be posting people that you might not have new about previously. Once your finished, you can say that “YOU SHOULD KNOW BOUT”
So I would hope most of you in Minnesota, especially those involved with MN Hip Hop, would know who Toki Wright is.
Let’s GET TO KNOW Toki Wright. More information and videos after the jump
Album Review: Infamous “6-Track EP”
Written by Mike Dreams (Michael A. Hannah)
If you aren’t familiar with Infamouz, he’s an up and coming Twin Cites hip hop artist, specially representing Cottage Grove, MN. He’s recorded over 300 tracks and is currently grinding daily. I had some time to sit down and check out a few tracks from his Demo EP. Overall, Infamous has a solid style and appeal that, in my opinion, reflects the swagger and presence of a Gym Class Heroes’ “Travis McCoy” with a versatile and cocky lyrical nature of Ludacris, Jay-Z and early Lupe Fiasco (in his grittier days of unreleased material from Aristia, commonly referred to as the “Coulda Been” era) Let’s get into my take on some of the songs.
What’s Good
This song comes in when some real clever “gutter” style production. It kept a slight grunge undertone while Infamouz serves up some clever, arrogant and confident lines with a smirking swagger and vocal presence. The hook and track’s feel reflects a G-Unit or Xzibit style anthem. This was probably one of the most self-assured, poised tracks I’ve heard from Infamouz.
Overall: 4/5
Spaceship
Spaceship’s production was a direct reflection of it’s title. On this collaboration with Minnesota and The Nu Twin Cities™ representing hip hop artist “Slink Proper” served up a catchy sing-songy chorus with a great 16 bar verse reflecting the usual work heard from Slink Proper’s solo work. Imfamouz serves up a styled verse as well, while the two get their Jadakiss/Styles P on the 3rd verse with repeating bridges. The song definitely is something you can just get lost in and vibe to, with the blend of the production and trance-like choruses.
Overall: 4/5
Blacklights
The production of Blacklights was nothing short of the genius of Green Lantern’s “Number One Spot” for Ludacris or Dre and Vidal’s “Oh” for Ciara. It kept a down south bouncy feel to it as it entered with a scattered disarray of strings. I more exciting delivery would have possibly served the beat better. The energy of the production is high and the some of the verse delivery brings that energy down because the tempo and feel doesn’t match. But what Infamouz lacks in tempo, he makes up for in vocal presence and delivery swagger, mixed with some clever punch lines hear and then. The hook also could have used a little more energy on the delivery as well.
Overall: 3/5
King of Hearts
King of Hearts’ production was a little more mellow and eclectic than some of the previous songs. Over some digital horns and dream-like piano riffs laced with a break beat drum sample from The Meters’ 1970 version of the theme song from Oh! Calcutta!, “Oh, Calcutta!”, written by Samuel Walden. (The same funky beat driven percussion is most famous for being used in critically acclaimed R&B and Go-Go artist Amerie’s “1 Thing”) Infamouz served up some sincere rap verses with a sing-songy romantic style Kanye West sing songy chorus while he discussed the age idea of “you reap what you sow”. He discussed how it’s all good and how he’s moving on and how she’ll be back.
Overall 4/5
Scarecrow
Infamouz gets back to the gutter-style production on the dark and mysterious “Scarecrow”. This is the first track I’ve heard from Infamouz where he serves up some rapid-fire tongue, reminiscent of the flow style of Ludacris’ first album or that ever famous delivery style of So So Def artist “Da Brat”. He serves up some solid angry and aggressive lyrics with connotations to violence and ruthless disregard for those he perceives as “weaklings”. He’ll steal your girl. LOL.
Overall: 2/5
Never Had
Never Had introduces some eclectic soulful production. You immediately can feel the sincerity in the clarity of his crispy vocals. It’s not clear how long Infamouz has been spitting, but definitely sounds like a seasoned veteran that could definitely become a real hip hop head underground favorite. The lyrics are very introspective and reflective of his reality with lines such as “I’m not a Rhymesayer, I’m a rhyme slayer, until the Rhymesayer saying sign here” The hook is quite chill and down to earth. Within this track, Infamouz gets real will and tells listeners how he has come to terms with the fact he might not receive everything he wants in life and he acknowledges that. This is one of Infamouz’ more conscious style tracks reflecting honesty. The style reminds me of another Twin Cities M.C “Poet” from the hip hop band “Hyder Ali”.
Overall: 4/5
Overall, with a little improvement in engineering and mixing, the base blend of Infamouz’ talents shows that he will be an ambient driving force for the new generation of hip hop in his city and beyond.
And that’s my two cents…and then some.
Peace Easy
Overall EP Rating: 3/5
Album Review: Chantz Erolin and Cory Grindberg’s “The Good Company E.P”
Written by Mike Dreams (Michael A. Hannah)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Chantz Erolin is a Twin Cities based, Southside Minneapolis residing hip hop/grindcore and freestyle battle M.C.
Cory Grindberg is a Southside Minneapolis based Hip Hop, Trip Hop and Grindcore producer and guitarist.
1. Good Company
The tracks comes in with a comical Soulja Boyish “Yaaah”. But that awkward oddity was the end of any option to criticize the track. The twang-led guitar instrumentation and bass by Grindberg serves as Chantz gets a laid-back Brandon Allday from Big Quarters’ type flow. The lyrical content sounded like some personal experiences and references to Chantz’s friends and stomping grounds. An awesome chill track to start the album. The track ends with another oddity, just like it started…that I couldn’t really make out. It was just
2. Gone
Chantz gets another style of delivery on. The instrumentation starts medium tempo simple, with a basic snare and also a few bongos can be heard on the underlay. The hook comes in with some loud, eclectic riffs. The lyrics “Gone” by Chantz serves as a semi-catchy hook. Overall, the song didn’t seem too perfected and could use some touching up on the clarity of lyrics within the delivery and touch ups on individual vocal track matching (both verse and ad-lib tracks corresponding, smoothness and volume.
3. Home
I was definitely digging the intro strums on the track. Chantz returns to a chill vibe and flow. The musical transition ¾ into the first verse was very weird and seemed off key, but if you’re aren’t listening closely, you might not notice (well, I guess you would now that I brought it up…lol…my bad). As the new verse comes in, the entire mode changes. A new M.C begins, which I believe is Andrew. His flow and tone on the track serves to be really smooth. He conveys some straightforward lyrics with a fresh flow. The complete change of feel from the previous verse by Chantz really compliments the experience of the song as a whole. The third M.C, which I believe is Chris delivers a different flow as well, but just as successful as the previous one. One statement I will make about “Home” is that I feel the featured artists out-shined Chantz himself.
4. Hunger (feat. Cole)
This joint might possibly be the best on the CD in my opinion. Hunger’s musical backdrop is probably my favorite productions from Grindberg on the entire EP. Chantz comes with a more belligerent and arrogant flow. He is very much on point with the delivery and lyrical selection. Cole comes in, but you have to be paying attention, because his vocal tone is very similar to Chantz’s. In the same sense, just like Chantz’s verse on the track, he comes hard with a near flawless delivery with more of a basic lyrical word choice. Overall, the track seemed very complete and solid compared to the project’s previous track.
5. Cute Asian Girl
“Cute Asian Girl” shows Chantz’s drawn-out chill flow. The beat is very simple with some interesting accents throughout, including some multi-channel panned amp riffs. It was a simple joint in itself that turned into a few thank you shout outs and the end and then pure silence for over a minute. Hmmm…..technical difficulties eh? All of a sudden, by 5:24, a song comes back in and what do you know.
Bonus Track: Gone (The Young Buttery Remix)
Chantz Erolin featuring T.Pain! No, not really. It’s Chantz with a vocoder rendition of “Gone”, which in my opinion is a completely better version than the original. The mixing/cuts and engineering we also every solid on the bonus song. I can safely say that the Gone “remix” if you will, takes Hunger’s place as my favorite joint on the EP. So I wonder if that makes “Cute Asian Girl” the best track by default because the songs were on the same track? Hmmm…I don’t know.
Overall, it was a solid sampler of Chantz and Grindberg’s musical skills. The EP is a solid representation of many young people and everyday activity in Minneapolis. I look forward to more Chantz material and production projects from Cory Grindberg in the future. You can check out Chantz Erolin and more of his music @ http://www.chantz.info. You can also peep Cory Grindberg and more of his production @ http://www.myspace.com/corygrindberg.
Album Reviews: Slink Proper “FREE SLINK PROPER 2″
Written by Mike Dreams (Michael A. Hannah)
Overall, the mixtape was very solid to be a release from an unsigned, young hip hop aritst. Aside from some heavy improvement on engineering and mixing qualities, the tracks and lyrical content itself can definitely give you a feel of what Slink Proper, the M.C, the man and the visionary, is about.
Keep Running
The synth oriented beat gets you interested as it comes in. Slink Proper takes no hesitation in coming with lyrics. You can openly hear the mix of the vocals is a tad under quality. On the ladder side, the lyrical content is pretty clear and straight forward about running towards goals. The delivery undeniably resembles the bonus track from Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool”, Blackout, which also carried a similar synth style beat. Overall, the track was a semi-solid way to begin the mixtape.
Fiya
Once again, the production on this song will definitely clobber and capture you first. The lyrics and delivery on the song are equally satisfying. Slink takes a couple shots at the government in an a la “Gangsta rap made me do it”, with lines such as “Embarrassing our race? Who started this slavery thing in the first place”. The first verse definitely defends hip hop from being blamed for every single tragic thing that happens in America. Punch lines have definitely showed up with abundance on the second verse. I would give the “dime a dozen” chorus a 3/5, just for the simple fact it’s been done before, and wasn’t delivered too well here.
River of Thought
You enter an entirely different dimension with this joint. The amped up production and hype vocals leave and in comes the melodic guitar and hi-pitched vocal samples, giving it a semi-soulful and mid-90s track feel. The lyrical content that Slink explores on this track lets you almost look into his soul as a person and his personal ideas and struggles that reflect any aspiring hip hop artists’ feelings while trying to make it in the game. The soulful and not too complicated vocals from vocalist Kenny D. were also a nice touch. Aside from mix quality issues, River of Thought served to be a solid, shop-worthy track that should turn the heads of many conscious and street heads alike.
Flip A Bad To Good
Who can deny a catchy, Al Green sample flipped perfectly? No one! The production on “Flip a Bad to Good” immediately a ear catcher. This track sticks out on the mixtape as one of the best. If mixtapes had singles, this would be the one to drop. Slink keeps the lyrics somewhat uplifting, directed to people like him trying to make it, telling them to flip negatives to positives. His flow comes off inquisitively confidence, rather than cocky, which makes the track have a very sincere feel to it.
Ambition
Unlike some of the previous tracks, this track does not clobber you immediately. Also, unlike the previous track, the flow comes very cocky, yet down to business and honest. It’s basically a statement that “I’m the hottest, so come prove me wrong”. Overall, the song is solid, but definitely not a standout track. The delivery stays pretty simple, along with the okay production.
Getaway
Here comes the catchy hook, mellow reminiscent track that get you the top of the charts and massive airplay during the summer. The mix could’ve been better, but the production and rap flow, as well as the hook from the unidentified vocalist is definitely a solid, simple track that easily can become somebody’s “jam”. This is another track where Slink shows his real human side, talking about real life events, such as a friend committing suicide and teenage life’s fun and depressing events.
Holla
Once the song comes on, you can see why this already received Top 40 Radio Station play. The production is very solid and the sample is flipped very diversely, and it catches you off guard as it drops in transition from the intro. Holla easily depicts Slink’s unique lyricism, delivery, humor and confidence all in one. Blend that with the tracks easy to remember catchy hook and you’ve got a recipe for success. His delivery switches within the verses gives the track a nice feel for the fact it’s not a straightforward monotonous technique, as previous tracks such as “Ambition” exhibited.
Uh Oooooh
Once again, Slink brings a different feel on the track, showing diversity within the mixtape. “Uh Oooooh” is the classic story of loving a woman, but simply growing tired of her bickering and ways. The track definitely reminds me of a type of track Fabalous would make, just with more skills and catchy lyricism. This definitely is a track that could potentially could get some Top 40 Radio Play.
Motion Picture
This is the type of joint that, with a good music video accompaniment from a skilled producer, wins you a Grammy for song of the year. The title says it all, because the joint is definitely on that movie tip! Slink gets his sing-song like slow, storytelling flow on for this joint. The production, with it’s high pitched vocal and piano samples from “Clear the Area” by Imogen Heap
makes the track super addictive for any music lover in general, but definitely the East Coast heads.
Goes Down
This track is actually one of my least favorite on the mixtape. I feel that the production and delivery of the entire track is unappealing, starting with the chorus. By looking at Slink’s other tracks and then this one, it sounds very amateur and locally unsigned. Now, note the fact that Slink is locally unsigned, the aim is to make joints that will get the attention of someone to make you major, without conforming integrity. This track just doesn’t do it for me. The piano loop in the background gets sort of annoying, the mix might make you want to immediately switch up. I would sum this up as a “hit or miss” or “love or hate’ type track. You are either going to feel or not. It definitely reminds me of some underground Chicago jukin/footworking music, which once again has a bittersweet appreciation.
Screaming
The production on “Screaming” definitely once again easily makes the track radio ready. I will say on this track, the mix/engineering needs a lot more work. Both the singing and rap vocals are drowned out by the music and for the most part makes hearing the actually lyrics and point of the song undoable. With a better mix, this could be a recipe for a single success. The singing vocals upon the track essentially was rudimentary and didn’t improve the track at all.
No Capitan
The soulful piano/organ roll gets you interested right away. The loud hook chanting gives the track a cheesy feel. Slink compensates a bit with the flow, but it’s nothing really special. He does switch it up a bit here and there, which will keep you attentive for a while. Overall, No Captain is not a standout track on “Free Slink Proper Pt. 2″
Hate You
The production on this track will have you going back to track 1 to see it’s the same beat. LOL. Then you’ll realize it’s not, and you’ll return to “Hate You” to hear Slink Proper’s clever approach to rap as if he was one of his haters on the first verse. The delivery doesn’t leave by verse 2, but the song begins to drop in energy. Once again, I would say that this is not a standout track, in comparison to some of the previous hits.
After Lyfe (Bonus)
After Lyfe’s production and flow comes off very old school, chill, with a mid 90s feel to it. Slink keeps an eclectic delivery on this, as he gets real sincere. Slink touches on the topics of spirituality and where we go after we decease. The singing hook and vocals on the track seem really off key and kilter to me, which heavily takes away from the track. It’s a solid track for it’s production, lyrics and Slink’s sincerity, almost reminding you of his flow on one of the previous tracks “River of Thought”.
Alpha President
In my opinion, you’re aren’t an official M.C until you freestyle over Jay-Z’s vintage Reasonable Doubt classic instrumental “Dead Presidents” Out of some of the top M.Cs I’ve heard do it, from Jay, to Lil Wayne, Currency and Lupe Fiasco, Slink definitely held his own. He adapted the old school Iceberg Slim delivery for the track like many can’t help to do when they begin rapping on the track. Punchlines and wordplay stood out very well here, including the ever so clever “You remind me of a can of pop, you not a liter (leader)”.
Album Review: Max Haben & Teddy Roxpin “THE MIND IS INFINITE”
http://www.myspace.com/maxhaben
http://www.myspace.com/teddyroxpin
Written by Mike Dreams (Michael A. Hannah)
Overall, I actually think its safe to say that this might be one of the best debuts to come out of Minnesota in in a while. Max Haben, a fresh St. Paul, Minnesota hip hop M.C, Max Haben is coming with K.O punches in the ring of rap contenders out of the Twin Cities. Aside from the possible lack of diverse content and subject matter among the album, with a mixture of confidence (or cockiness) for that matter and clever wordplays, humorous antidotes, a sincere regular-joe appeal and the underground, eclectic production by Newton, Massachusetts producer Teddy Roxpin, these LP is sure to immediately put him in the mouths of anyone in the Cities who knows anything about good hip hop.
1. Intro
Usually, I don’t review introduction tracks, so I really won’t rate this one. I will say though that it set the tone, real chill, opening up with a humorous voice message from a fellow emcee that was also featured on the CD. It’s been done plenty times in the past by artists and was a comfortable and safe idea as an intro for a debut for the first time ever
2. You Can Call Me That
Off top, Max wants to let the haters know “Go ahead and hate”. In foresight of future criticism of his skills by people, he’s letting them know already that it’s not happening. After this track is finished, there should be no question that the punch lines and confidence are right on the money and that he’s not just another toss away M.C
3. The Mind is Infinite feat. Praverb the Wyse
This joint catches your attention immediately as the bass booming beat drops in from Teddy Roxpin. The introduction verse by Max is rhythmically presented as he characterizes the attributes of his mind to the idea of driving in a car, with references such as “my ears are like 24 inch rims spinning” and “thinking too fast, I got pulled over by the cops….rhymer’s license and I got that proof”. The change of tone and flow by Praverb the Wyse on the second verse creates a great phonic contrast. Praverb’s old school flow reminds you possibly that of a Rakim featuring on a track as it comes straight forward and sincere. With the ending verse, Max goes ahead and gets the Nas “Rewind” on for the first few bars, and then goes ahead and gives two quick jabs to the game with some concluding punch lines, including a possible controversial one regarding Rosa Parks, but not used in the same context…yet, being offended will be something for the listener to decide. Myself personally regarded it as a clever line with acknowledgment that there was nothing further behind it.
4. I Bet If I Write
This is most likely my favorite track on the album. It’s a “take you away” type joint where you basically leave reality. The repetitive refrain in the chorus makes you very much able to essentially listen to the song forever. Max’s lyricism basically surrounds a lot of philosophy of his own mind mixed with a few clever lines. Some may right the song’s lyrics off as just intelligent noise, meaning it sounds good and interesting, but making no sense. I would say you would have to listen to the song a couple times before you yourself can derive and understand what he’s even talking about or if he’s even talking about something significant at all. The music playoff after the hook for about 4 bars instead of going straight into the next verse sort of makes the energy in the song drop from the suspense it has built up from the previous verse and hook. Overall, it’s one of those songs you love and don’t know why, and is also one of those trance type joints that artists such as Atmosphere or Immortal Technique are known for, especially when they let the instrumental at the end kind of take over the song to just have you in a certain mode for a period of time, just letting things soak in
5. Alcohol
Sounding like something straight out of a Rhymesayer’s production archive, Max exploits his history with alcohol. This is wear the idea of the “regular joe” appeal comes in, because the story is simply a straightforward refrain that most college students and frat boys could connect with. The approach is direct and basically, though at times distorted, talking about the negative effects of alcohol. Though this was done through comical humor and wittiness, at the end of the song, you can derive a good message and point from the song that is somewhat very serious concerning more than casual drinkers who turn into worthless drunks.
6. I’m An MC!
This is the hypest track on the album! The sample makes the song self-explanatory and Max comes straight in with the cocky flow and lines shown in “You Can Call Me That”, just a little faster on the tempo and a variation of his flow style. There was really no expansion of content of the song other than the ongoing trend throughout the CD that Max is great and anyone else needs to catch up. Style wise and tonally, the third verse feature of Twin Cities, MN rap emcee Slink Proper was the highlight of the track, with his Papoose-esque type grimy intelli-gangsta flow. Individually, the song is a hit, collectively in the album, you can notice that trend of the same subject matter among the songs.
7. Check the Strategy
Punchlines continue with left and right hooks on this well produced joint with a nice east coast feel to it. Max presents you his “strategy” with the same notion of not having tolerance for “sucka emcees”. He basically lets you know that this is nonchalant rhyming here, it’s easy, nothing to it, and it’s still better than your best effort. Expect some “over the head” lines that you might not get until your third or fourth time listening.
8. The Menace
This joint comes in as a breath of fresh air for the CD as the feeling is changed up a bit. The lack luster, jumbled intro keeps you interested for the fact it seems a tad off. The scratches are perfection and you would, just for a sec, wonder how in the world did this up and coming artist pull Primo for a track! The scratches actually turn out to be east coast disc jockey, DJ Hevan and really sets the tone for the tracks. Max comes very sincere on this track, taking a break from most of the cockiness of the rest of the album (for the most part) and comes direct with the notion that he really is putting his heart and soul into these lyrics and it’s really him, no phony personas or aliases, a lyrical presentation for the fact that he simply goes by Max Haben. Max Haben the man is the same as Max Haben the rapper.
9. 1st One 2 Show Up
This song comes in with the same jumbled lack luster as the previous track, but not as hype when it comes in. The flow on this joint came off to me sort of boring. The lyrics and clever lines made up for the monotone feel to the first verse and beginning of the second verse. By the third verse, the flow tempo and lines are both on the same page and it all picks up. He shows some variations in the flow style throughout the verse. The subject matter is the pretty much the same as about 90% of the rest of the album’s songs.
10. Kids Are Jealous of the Props
A decent outro track. The flow and production was real 1997 for me, which was good thing. This is Max’s last time to spit to the people and leave a lasting impression. This track had a correct balance of cocky sincere lyrics from Max. He vented a bit about the local Twin Cities scene and the people who are not on his level that he is ready to annihilate lyrically.
While not being too fond of the lack of subject matter content variation, there is no denying that Max Haben of the Twin Cities has major skills and will fit in nicely with some of the city’s already heavy hitters, especially those such as Slug and Brother Ali. I say a few months….give it a few months and let somebody from the Rhymesayers get a hold of this joint and you’ll be looking at it’s newest member, Max Haben.
Rating Out of 5 Stars: 3.5
The homegurl Auburn putting my hometown on the major music map!
READ THE ARTICLE on DJBOOTH.NET! Auburn outta St. Paul, Minnesota, one of my favorite artists, was just signed to KOCH RECORDS!
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW!
