Dax – “Pain Paints Paintings” review

Dax is a 27 year old rapper, singer/songwriter & janitor from St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada who originally worked as a janitor before blowing up after dropping the single “YourWorthIt.org” with Hopsin in the summer of 2018. This was followed up with his debut EP It’s Different Now shortly after & now after dropping his 2nd EP I’ll Say It For You under the Strange Music subsidiary It Goes Up Entertainment a year & a half ago, all of that has been leading up to the man’s very first full-length album.

“Suffocating” begins things by melodramatically whining about the pressure of fame on top of some pianos whereas “The Devil’s Calling” gets on the Detroit trap sound saying his music gives off Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, MLK, Harriet Tubman & Emmett Till energy in such a delusional fashion. Like why listen to this when you have “Pig Feet” or even “The Bigger Picture” for God’s sake? Then there’s “40 Days 40 Nights”, which has a bland instrumental & a wack Nasty C feature talking about “getting right”.

Meanwhile on “Searching for a Reason”, we get a hideously sung diatribe about how “people hate me because I’m real” when in reality: he takes a very surface level approach to conscious hip hop with his music. “Battles with Faith” is a lot like the opener in terms of the sound except he’s telling his critics “Hey I’m not perfect, man” & his flow on here is just so hilariously bad every time I hear it.

“Eternity” tries to pull at the heart-strings by reminding us that “eternity has no end” even though it’s common fucking knowledge, but then “Does God Cry?” tries to say that “rain is actually God’s tears” & it makes ME wanna cry myself because of how corny it sounds. If you thought that wasn’t enough, Tom MacDonald tags along for the hypocritical “Propaganda” trying to edgily “call out” the bullshit in “Nightmerica” & not really exposing anything.

The title track tries to blandly take the atmospheric route saying he has no regrets while “Stadiums” serves as an air-headed temper tantrum to his haters by telling them “I hit like hail, man”. Snow tha Product has one of the better features on the album with “A Lot at Stake” addressing the theme of betrayal as does Lecrae with “Bad Things Happen to Good People”, except on here Dax is just saying “Hey we’re all equal guys”.

“PTSD” has little to nothing to do with the actual disorder itself, but rather him talking about how “I’m not looking forward to anything in my life because it never liked me” with a cavernous beat. Yelawolf’s verse on the guitar-driven “Fame” is cool, but Dax’s just seems flat to me in comparison. The penultimate track “Wounded” with Clever instrumentally is similar to “Fame” except it’s about “the pin deep inside”, but “My Eyes Bleed” ends the album with poorly sung ballad praying that “the pain will stay inside these songs”.

Now that we’re at the concluding paragraph of this review, let me start off by saying I have absolutely nothing against Dax as a person whatsoever & I’m happy for the success he’s seen in recent years. However, I had a really hard time sitting through this album & didn’t enjoy it at all. A few features are decent, but it’s not enough to make me wanna go back to hear the melodramatic tone in a majority of Dax’s verses or the cut-rate production.

Score: 0.5/5

Jae Skeese – “Revolver Ocelot” review

Jae Skeese is a 31 year old MC from Buffalo, New York who first emerged in 2010 off his debut mixtape W.A.C.K. (Women, Alcohol, Cash & Kicks). However, it wasn’t until a decade later where he & 7xvethegenius got their biggest break thus far after the very first signees to Conway the Machine’s very own EMPIRE Distribution imprint Drumwork Music Group. But with only a few dates left on the Love Will Get You Killed Tour, he’s dropping a precursor to his upcoming sophomore effort Abolished Uncertainties in the form of his 7th mixtape.

“Seek/Find” is a soulful, jazzy boom bap opener about how he translates what he sees into music whereas “No Bricks, No Airs, No Rimmys” works in some vibraphones & harmonizing to look for the perfect shot on his opponents. Conway the Machine & OG Sole come into the picture for the vibrant, shit-talking trap banger “Chessmen” leading into the Loveboat Luciano-assisted “Calm Bapes” which Cartune Beatz helps make feel like something out of a perfect crime flick.

Meanwhile on “Stolen Benz”, we have Toney Boi joining Jae Skeese on top of a smooth instrumental to call out those who weren’t there for them when they needed it just before “EKIN” brings in a bare vocal loop from EYEKETYSON to flex his lyrical prowess for a minute & a half. “Grindin’” serves as an ode to his dedication with a psychedelic Camoflauge Monk beat while the song “She Threw Her 4’s Up” tells the story of a woman he met & I love the enticing sample throughout.

The penultimate track “Mandarin Manuscript” has a bit of a futuristic boom bap sound with the help of none other than JR Swiftz as Jae comparing his music to that of fine art & “All In” with 7xvethegenius is a jazzy finisher to the tape motivating the listener by reminding them it’s either all or nothing. Conway only pops up at the end delivering a spoken word bit about Drumwork taking over the industry which I wasn’t expecting, but it’s still really cool.

If you loved his verses on “Crack in the 90’s” & “Sister Abigail”, then I think you’re really gonna dig this tape. It’s a proper way to reintroduce himself to the new fans as he basically guides you through as to who he is personally & artistically. At this rate, Abolished Uncertainties is destined to be the crown jewel of Jae Skeese’s discography.

Score: 3.5/5

Day Parkay – “Boss Pains” review

Day Parkay is a 31 year old rapper from Englewood, New Jersey who started out playing for the Lincoln University Lions basketball team in the NCAA during his senior year. He then broke out in the underground a couple summers back by dropping his full-length debut Achieving While Bleeding & celebrated his born day by dropping this sophomore effort of his.

“Things Changed” kicks off the album by symphonically telling his story whereas “She Can’t Get It” with Juelz Santana is a soulful ladies jam. Vado tags along for “Due Time” to lavishly talk about running it up sooner than later, but then Cory Gunz tags along for “Gunz & Buttuh” showcasing a great back & forth chemistry with one another over some strings.

Meanwhile on “Save All My Wishes”, we have Stargiela joining Day in classily talking about keeping the money coming just before “Across the Bridge” drearily speaks on being turned into a soldier. “The Black Man” of course provides some incredible social commentary with the hi-hats sounding off like machine guns leading into “Top Tier” serving as a spacey boom bap banger flexing his lyrical prowess. “Why They Mad?” works in yet another soul sample calling out those who’re bitter towards him whereas the Shan Shizzy-assisted “Ju Burger” angelically talks about spitting that spice whenever they’re on the mic.

Showly pops up for “On My Block”, which is basically a cool rendition of one of my favorite Scarface cuts & “Level Headed” is much more calmer venting what’s on his mind. The song “Jay & B” sadly tells the story of someone he fell in love with in the basement while the penultimate track “Dream Girl” is a decent little R&B-infused tune about the perfect woman. Lastly, “Still Eating” finishes the album with an emotional piano ballad.

Although Achieving While Bleeding is a solid debut, he’s really stepping his game up on Boss Pains. The production’s better, the features are a bit more consistent & he really continues to take you through as to who he is both artistically & personally.

Score: 3.5/5

Oh! The Horror & Blaze Ya Dead Homie – “Oh! The Horror Meets Blaze” review

This is the brand new collaborative EP between Oh! The Horror & Blaze Ya Dead Homie. One is a rap metal trio from Sacramento, California & the other being a Detroit, Michigan household name in the juggalo scene for a little over 20 years with the help of his childhood friends Twiztid & their mentors the Insane Clown Posse. They’ve only worked with each other a few times in the last couple years but to kick off Majik Ninja Entertainment’s favorite time of the year, they’re taking things to new hights for Oh! The Horror Meets Blaze.

After the “This is a Breakdown” intro, the first song “I.D.G.A.F. (I Don’t Give A Fuck)” is a cool little rock/gangsta rap fusion to kick the EP off whereas “D.R.E.A.M. (Death Rules Everything Around Me)” follows it up with a cavernous take on the iconic Wu-Tang cut “C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me)” with some guitars sprinkled in the mix. After the “Meeting Blaze the Dead Caretaker” skit, we get right back into the music with “Can’t Fuck with Us!” fusing together electronica & metal talking about being top dogs.

After the “Smoked Out” skit, we have “Listen Up!” serving as a straight up rap rock crowd energizer while the penultimate song “Chop Shop” aggressively gets on their murder shit just before the “Level 1: Horde Swarm” skit comes into effect. “Blood, Sex & Violence” then ends the EP by manically detailing the only 3 things they give a fuck about.

Although I think 1692 is Oh! The Horror’s best work yet & being a big Blaze fan, I was admittedly a bit skeptical going into this EP because there are collabs on MNE’s latest Attack of the Ninjas compilation that felt forced. That being said: It’s not bad, but it feels more like an Oh! The Horror project & I mean that in terms of the overall sound of the EP.

Score: 3/5

Guilty Simpson – “Ego” review

Guilty Simpson is a 47 year old MC from Detroit, Michigan who came up as a member of the Almighty Dreadnaughtz collective & a frequent collaborator of the late J Dilla. However, it wasn’t until late March of 2008 where he officially branched out on a solo career by having Stones Throw Records back his incredible full-length debut Ode to the Ghetto. He has since followed it up with a handful of equally great projects including his Madlib-produced sophomore album O.J. Simpson, the Apollo Brown-produced Dice Game & the Oh No-produced Simpson Tape just to name a few. But with the 2 year anniversary of his 5th EP Actus Reus approaching in a little over a couple weeks, Guilty is having Mello Music Group help put out his 6th full-length album & is enlisting Gensu Dean to produce it in it’s entirety.

The title track starts off the album with a guitar loop getting on his battle shit whereas “Don’t Pull” is a much more confrontational boom bap cut. “Break’em Off” passionately throws shots at those who’ve betrayed him, but then the piano-laced “Could’ve Been” confesses that he’s only here for his people.

Meanwhile on “Deep Breath”, we have Marv Won & Black Milk tagging along to aggressively continue to go at their opposition’s throats just before “Talk to Me” spookily details how people will kill you for $1K. “Hating” takes a chipmunk soul route as Guilt & Skyzoo address their doubters leading into the gruesomely vile “Dead Breathing”.

“Only” introspectively expresses his desire to have good vibes around him from hereon out while the song “You’re the One” takes a more soulful approach getting romantic. The penultimate track “Right Mind” with Yarbrough brings in some dusty drums talking about taking their people out of their sanity & the organ-laced “Cohiba Smoke” ends the album by attacking his enemies.

Guilty has always been amongst the illest MCs to emerge out of this reviewer’s hometown & Ego has to be one of the best albums he’s out out yet. His ever so sharp pen-game & Gensu Dean’s signature boom bap production coming together as a whole is just as satisfying as PB&J.

Score: 4/5

Bronze Nazareth – “Ekphrasis” review

This is the 4th full-length album from Grand Rapids emcee/producer Bronze Nazareth. Coming up as a member of the group Wisemen alongside his late brother Kevlaar 7 & eventually the Wu-Tang Clan’s in-house production team the Wu-Elements, he would also go on to build a solo career for himself beginning with The Great Migration in ‘06 & then School for the Blindman only 5 years later. But after returning from a decade-long hiatus at the end of January by enlisting The 4 Owls’ very own Leaf Dog to produce Bundle Raps from front to back, Bronze is already kicking off the 4th quarter of 2021 by dropping a follow-up produced entirely by New York titan Roc Marciano.

After the “Proem” intro, the first song “Crazy Horse” starts the album off with a little bit of a jazzy quality to it speaking of something in his spirit burning whereas “The Precipice” takes a grimier route saying you can bet them on the cliff. Skyzoo tags along with Brizz Rawsteen & Termanology on the synth-laced “Brass Jehova” to get on their battle shit but after the “Refocus” skit, the vocal sample that “Survivor’s Vow” is entrancing as fuck saying he has to live it up.

After the “Kevlaar” interlude, Fashawn comes into the picture for the bluesy “Fanta 6” to impressively spit back & forth with Bronze while the track “Kettle Black” with Lord Jessiah brings in a violin addressing elevation. The penultimate song “Papayas ’21” with Roc Marciano & Killah Priest finds the trio on some dusty hardcore shit & just before the “Epilogue” outro, I think “Nosebleeds” with Boldy James serves as the true closer opening up about growing up in Detroit with it’s folksy sample.

As much as I fucked with Bundle Raps, I think it’s safe to say that Ekphrasis is just a tad bit better. Marci’s sample-based production is ever so pleasing to the ear & lyrically, this could very well be the best that Bronze has ever sounded.

Score: 4/5

Don Toliver – “Life of a Don” review

This is the sophomore album from Houston, Texas rapper & singer/songwriter Don Toliver. Emerging in 2018 after quietly signing to Cactus Jack Records & Atlantic Records, his name truly wouldn’t be first known to the masses until he out his debut mixtape Donny Womack & then being featured on “Can’t Say” off his mentor Travis Scott’s latest album at the time ASTROWORLD literally the very next day. Fast forward a year & a half later right when the COVID-19 pandemic started, his full-length debut Heaven or Hell revealed himself as the most talented that Cactus Jack has to offer. But now that he started hitting the road again very recently, Don is dropping Life of a Don in the midst of it.

“Xscape” starts it off with a horn-infused R&B cut produced by DJ Chase B & Mike Dean about needing the love to keep his woman whereas “5X” almost has a bit of a West Coast feeling from the Cardo instrumental with Don detailing how fine this stripper is. “Way Bigger” gets boastful with the help of a psychedelic Sonny Digital beat leading into the woozy “Flocky Flocky” with Travis Scott talking about their blessings.

Meanwhile on “What You Need”, we have Don on top of a cloudy Hit-Boy instrumental saying he’ll do anything for his bitch just before “Double Standards” works in a Three 6 sample opening up about how it’s hard to be human. “Swangin’ on Westheimer” has some slick production from Metro Boomin’ getting charismatic, but then “Drugs n Hella Melodies” nocturnally pays homage to the 2 things he loves the most.

“2AM” hazily gets in his late night lust bag while “Get Throwed” works in some keyboards with the help of Murda Beatz & DJ Mustard talking about a rich hoe. “Company, Pt. 2” is an incredibly fun sequel to one of my favorites off Heaven or Hell whereas “Outerspace” with Baby Keem is an exhilarating 2-parter getting flirtatious.

On the other hand, HVN & SoFaygo tag along for “Smoke” for an entrancing party anthem while the song “You” finds Travis returning to playfully talk about what comes with their bitches. The penultimate track “Crossfaded” is a mind-altering ode to smoking weed & getting drunk but lastly, “Bogus” ends the album with a more glossier note saying he don’t go for bullshit.

Heaven or Hell was one of the most underrated albums of last year & for a follow-up, I think fans are gonna like Life of a Don just as much or possibly even more than the debut. The lyrics are bit more personal this time around & the lack of features throughout kinda exemplifies that in a sense.

Score: 3.5/5

The Alchemist – “This Thing of Ours 2” review

The Alchemist is a 43 year old producer, DJ & rapper from Beverly Hills, California who started out as 1/2 of the duo The Whooliganz in 1993 with Scott Caan. They would only disband a year later after recording a debut album that eventually got shelved & Scott went onto acting like his father, but Mudfoot on other end quickly established himself as one of the greatest producers in hip hop history with a resume including ranging names from Mobb Deep to even Eminem. Over this past spring, he produced the latest Armand Hammer album Haram to universal acclaim & followed it up his 9th EP This Thing of Ours a month later. But now in light of the confirmation that he’ll be producing the next Earl Sweatshirt album, Uncle Al dropping a sequel to his latest EP hopefully as a little warm up.

“Miracle Baby” by MAVI is a heavenly opener proclaiming himself as such whereas “Lossless” by MIKE serves as a jazzy boom bap follow-up talking about never losing. The song “Flying Spirit” by the Bruiser Brigade works in a drumless loop for the group to proclaim their work isn’t done while the penultimate track “Wildstyle” by ZelooperZ has a more ominous sound showcasing his wordplay. “6 5 Heartbeats” by Vince Staples ends the EP by somberly recalling his youth.

Uncle Al has made it known that he’s one of the most consistent producers in the game & it’s no surprise that This Thing of Ours 2 wound up being a little bit more enjoyable than the predecessor. Another notable factor of it is that he brings in some less-bigger names into the fold & give them the exposure they truly deserve.

Score: 4/5

Tech N9ne – “Asin9ne” review

This is the 23rd full-length album from Kansas City icon Tech N9ne. Getting his footing in 3 decades back as a member of the groups Black Mafia as well as the 57th Street Rogue Dog Villians & Nnutthowze, his profile began to increase in the late 90’s after landing a spot on the Gang Related soundtrack & becoming among the first to join Yukmouth’s then-newly formed collective The Regime. But after having issues with Interscope Records & Universal Music Group following the release of his iconic 3rd album Anghellic, that’s when Tech decided to form his own label with the help of a man at Paradise Originals named Travis O’Guin. Together, they would call it Strange Music & solidified itself as one of if not the biggest indie label in the world. Tech has made it a tradition to drop an album every year since Everready (The Religion) back in ‘06 & given that’s been going on at Strange throughout 2021, I was very curious to hear how Asin9ne would address it all.

“The Herder” kicks the album off with Tech villainously proclaiming himself as just that with production from Wyshmaster whereas the King Iso & Seuss Mace-assisted “I Don’t Fit” has a symphonic trap vibe with the help of N4 talking about not fitting in even though they’re the shit. “Kickiter” has a bit of an EDM flare encouraging the crowds to riot leading into the spacious “Too Good” produced by Ervin Pope & featuring Lil Wayne tackles the idea of being too good for their own good.

Meanwhile on “No See Umz”, we Snow Tha Product tagging along with a poorly sung Russ hook for an anthem going at their doubters just before King Iso returns alongside Joey Cool & even former 10-time WWE world champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion and 5-time WWE tag team champion The Rock (although you can definitely tell Tech wrote his verse) with the combative “Face Off” serving as MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7’s only production credit on the album with Joey referencing Reality of Wrestling (RoW) founder, 2-time WWE Hall of Famer, former 6-time WWE world champion, 14-time WWE world tag team champion, 4-time WWE United States Champion, WWE Intercontinental Champion, 6-time WCW World Television Champion, ROW Tag Team Champion & TNA World Tag Team Champion Booker T during his verse. E-40 comes into the picture for the explosive strip club anthem “Clydesdale”, but then “Still Right Here” with X-Raided serves as an emotional ballad about loyalty.

“Take Your Halo” reveals itself as an angry response to those who’ve been talking shit on Strange Music as of late while “Knock That Noodle” speaks on the violence in KC over a cavernous beat. “Heightened” despite it’s brevity feels like something you’d hear in the trailer of a good horror movie just before the horribly produced dubstep/rap fusion that is “What Rhymes With Threat’ll Kill Ya?” by the Nnutthowze despite the subject matter of dissing all the sick fucks out there.

If you couldn’t tell by the title, “I Been Thru a Lot” delivers one of the more vulnerable moments on the entire album & “Dial It Back” has a more cloudier sound talking about how he ain’t bragging. The song “Zaza” with Oobergeek meditatively gets sensual while the penultimate track “Close Yours Eyes” is a more boom bap-tinged pleading to keep faith in him. “Special” finishes it off with a powerful, feel-good guitar ballad.

I’ve been a huge fan of Tech N9ne since my senior year of high school & his music has helped me through some dark times, but I’m kinda indifferent towards Asin9ne. He definitely proves that he can hold an album without 7 but much like ENTERFEAR, he overdid it on the features & their contributions are either hit or miss.

Score: 3/5

Atmosphere – “Word?” review

This is the 12th full-length album from renown Minneapolis, Minnesota duo Atmosphere. Coming up as a trio in the late 90’s off at their critically acclaimed debut Overcast!, they would later go on to build an independent empire with their Rhymesayers Entertainment label whether that be signing acts from Brother Ali to the late Eyedea or putting out their best bodies of work like God Loves Ugly or Sad Clown Bad Dub 9. But for the last 3 years now, Slug & Ant have been treating their fans to a new album every year starting out with Mi Vida Local. Now with the 1 year anniversary of The Day Before Halloween coming at the end of the month, Atmosphere is continuing their new tradition by dropping Word?.

“Fleetwood” is a rich boom bap opener saying he’s glad he’s not the same person as he once was whereas “Something” thunderously encourages listeners to get back up when pushed down. Evidence & Muja Messiah both come into the picture for the bass guitar-infused “Crumbs” speaking on their obsessive compulsions, but then “Woes” glisteningly details that you can’t love without misery.

Meanwhile on “Strung”, we have Musab accompanying Atmosphere on top of a melodic vocal sample expressing that they’re feeling tense just before “Clocked” is a misty declaration that time is killing us. “Sleepless” works in some keys & hi-hats as Nino Bless tags along to tackle the theme of insomnia leading into the eerie “Distances” pleads to leave him & his family alone.

“Carousel” mesmerizingly talks about wanting to protect myself from his lover’s sting while “Vanish” is a short yet vibrant & funky little freestyle. “Pressed” serves as a tribal posse cut with Anwar HighSign, Lateef the Truthspeaker & Sa-Roc being amongst the best of the 6 while the song “Skull” hauntingly details a night where he or Ant was supposed to die.

The penultimate track “Nekst” works in some acoustics & handclaps airing out someone he loved ending up betraying him, but then “Barcade” with Aesop Rock & the late MF DOOM ends the album with a complete lyrical annihilation with the Hellish beat fitting into the mix ever so flawlessly.

As much as I liked The Day Before Halloween for it’s experimentations, I think the hardcore fans are gonna dig Word? a bit more. Ant takes it back to the duo’s signature sound & Slug’s lyricism is as lighthearted as it was back in their prime almost 2 decades ago.

Score: 3.5/5