Mr. Cliffnote – “Note to Self” review

Mr. Cliffnote is a 42 year old MC from Detroit, Michigan who came up in ‘06 off his eponymous debut mixtape. He would then form the duo Sidenotes with the homie B-Side a little bit after that & went on to drop the sophomore tape Path to Notification only a few summers back. But with his born day coming & going almost a month ago, Cliff is dropping a debut EP to warn listeners up for Path to Notification 2.

“Godspeed” is a soulful opener going at the throats of wack rappers whereas “The Dirty Bomb” goes into boom bap territory about letting you hear some crazy shit. “Hello Nurse” incorporates some vocals harmonies awkwardly trying to get sensual just before “The Melody” weaves in an organ talking about being given the strength he needs.

Meanwhile on “When We’re Together”, we have Cliff taking another jab at a love joint except this one’s much better down to the DJ Dez instrumental while the song “Visit the D” smoothly talks about a bitch coming to Detroit just to kick it with him even though I’m not too crazy about the hook. The penultimate track “Live On” goes back into boom bap territory to get optimistic & “Gunz” rounds it out with a trap banger about gun control.

Coming away from Note to Self, it’s a solid prelude to Path to Notification 2. The more romantic cuts are either hit or miss but when he’s on his battle rap shit or speaking on real life, it’s actually really compelling. I also think range of sounds throughout the production is a pretty nice touch as well.

Score: 3.5/5

Big Sean – “What You Expect?” review

This is the debut EP from Detroit rapper & singer/songwriter Big Sean. Coming up as a protege of Chicago icon Kanye West & signing to his Def Jam Recordings imprint G.O.O.D. Music, he generated some buzz in the late 2000s by dropping the Finally Famous mixtape trilogy, but it wouldn’t be until 2011 when his profile significantly increased when Sean dropped a 4th installment as his full-length debut. This was followed up the next year with the highly acclaimed Detroit mixtape & then a sophomore album the year after that entitled Hall of Fame. However, his next 2 full-lengths Dark Sky Paradise & I Decided. were both mediocre in comparison to all those past efforts. Now the last time Big Sean dropped a project was in late 2017 with Double or Nothing which had INCREDIBLE production from Metro Boomin’ top to bottom, but Sean himself was SEVERELY lacking. He just fulfilled his G.O.O.D. contract last fall by dropping the surprisingly mature Detroit II & is re-enlisting Hit-Boy for What You Expect?, except he’s actually producing the whole thing rather than overseeing it.

“Chaos” is a shrilling yet triumphant opener co-produced by Rogét Chahayed about catching them Ws whereas “Into It” follows it up with an airy backdrop & some fast-paced snares boasting. “The One” appropriately samples the SWV joint “You’re the One” admitting he doesn’t know what it’s like for girls to not want him while the song “Loyal to a Fault” with Bryson Tiller & Lil Durk vibrantly speaks on betrayal. The penultimate track “Offense” with Babyface Ray & 42 Dugg finds the trio on their Detroit trap shit talking about being on top, but then “What a Life” ends the EP by picking up where the previous joint left off sonically & recapping on his life up to this point.

If you enjoy Detroit II like I did, then you’re gonna love What You Expect? just as much if not even more because dude is continuing to impress me more & more as of late. Sean’s songwriting is continuing to level up at an unbelievable rate & Hit-Boy’s production suits him like it did Nas on his last 2 albums.

Score: 3.5/5

Detroit YB – “4Closure” review

This is the 4th EP from Detroit emcee Detroit YB. Breaking out in 2017 after dropping his first 2 EPs 3:13 & The Heart of My City back to back. This was followed up by a full-length debut the following year entitled Hustle SZN & now after returning last fall with the sophomore effort Beauty in the Struggle, it’s only right for YB to re-emerge in the form of 4Closure.

“Keep It Real” starts off the EP on some trap shit talking about staying true to yourself while the song “Knock da Feelings” gets on some stripped back shit admitting to his ex that he misses her & probably pushed the limits. The penultimate track “For a Minute” somberly speaks on something he’s been waiting to say even though he’s still preparing for it while “Lost in Love” is a jazzy boom bap finisher talking about rising up & defeating every obstacle.

For those who enjoyed Beauty in the Struggle as much as I did, I think you’re gonna enjoy 4Closure for what it is & I’ll even say YB is becoming one of my favorites from The D right now. The introspective lyrical topics are as captivating as they were last time on that previous album & the production sounds a bit more crisper.

Score: 4/5

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

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

King Klick – Self-Titled review

The King Klick is a West Coast supergroup consisting of Chucky Chuck, Johnny Richter & Obnoxious. 2 of the members have already made themselves household names with the Malibu-based independent powerhouse Suburban Noize Records by lending their hands in founding the groups DG@F & Kottonmouth Kings respectively, but the other is a bit of a fresh face to the label after signing to them about a year & a half ago. However with a few well received singles under their belts so far, the Klick’s finally dropping their eponymous debut EP after much anticipation.

“Throne of Spades” is a soulful boom bap opener reminding listeners how they do whereas “Subnoize O.G.’s” rightfully proclaims themselves as a such on top of a g-funk instrumental. “Everyday” is a epic 7 & a half minute posse cut showcasing a majority of the current Suburban Noize roster while the song “Who’s Next?” apocalyptically talks about slaughtering shit. The penultimate track “Spaceships” with Lil Saint & Underrated has a bit of a robotic beat getting on their weed shit, but then “We Want It All” with Madchild & M.C.U.D. ends the EP with a grimy trap banger getting at their enemies.

I’ve been looking forward to this EP from the very first time I heard that closer when they dropped it as the lead single over the spring & my God, did they deliver. The chemistry between the trio comes off as natural than forced, each member stands out in their own unique way & the production has a little something for everyone. Suburban Noize really gave their fans a true celebration of their legacy with this one.

Score: 4.5/5

Lucky 7 – “Lucky & the Laser Gun” review

Lucky 7 is a 35 year old MC/producer from Buffalo, New York who I first started noticing after he laced what I personally believe is one of the mort underrated Conway the Machine singles ever: “Temple”. But he’s dropped a total 2 albums, a mixtape & 3 EPs since then before signing to Drumwork Music Group over the spring of this year. And now with only 8 dates left on the Love Will Get You Killed Tour, it’s only right for Lucky to prelude his upcoming debut on Con’s very own EMPIRE imprint with his 4th EP.

After the intro, the first song “Nuke Dropper” works in a blaring boom bap instrumental to tell his opposition to get the fuck out of his way whereas “You Gotta Make It” has a more uptempo vibe encouraging listeners to getting theirs. “Motorbike Music” takes a more luscious turn with Luck & Elcamino proclaiming themselves as rebels, but then Flee Lord tags along for the morbid “Orange Soda” talking about their young shooters.

Meanwhile on “Metal Arm Tesuo”, we have Luck & Jae Skeese wickedly bragging about their extraordinary skills leading into “Kaneda Loves Kei” soulfully pays tribute to his lady. The song “Snoopy’s Penthouse” smoothly details the lavish lifestyle while the penultimate track “Playgrounds” has a more grimier sound with the help of Stu Bangas & Elcamino returning to help shoutout those who’ve been there since the beginning. “Goodbye to Your Life” ends with some strings & lyrics about getting the millions if you follow him.

Coming away from Lucky & the Laser Gun, it’s definitely a solid precursor to Lasertron Arcade. I think the anime concept is well executed, I fuck with the wide range of emotions throughout it’s 24 minute run & how Lucky brought in some fresh faces behind the boards for him to showcase his penmanship to new listeners.

Score: 4/5

maticulous – “no caps” review

maticulous is a 40 year old producer from Brooklyn, New York who originally broke out a decade ago off his eponymous debut EP & then a self-titled debut a few years later. This was followed up with The Chrome Tape in 2016 but after producing a couple albums for Justo the MC More recently, he’s dropping a sophomore EP with a jam-packed cast of MCs coming along for the ride.

“Shouts To…” by Homeboy Sandman starts off the EP with an alluring boom bap propping up those who got him out of a bind whereas “Everything” by Justo the MC & Skyzoo finds the pair putting all on the line on top of some strings. “Close Range” by J Scienide & Kev Brown takes a more soulful route getting at their competition, but then “Home Goin’” by Guilty Simpson is an airy boom bap cut detailing going to a funeral with the killers in the room.

Meanwhile on “Take Heed”, we have Breeze Brewin’ & Al Skratch coming together over a harp-laced instrumental advising to watch your surroundings just before “Bein’ This Nice” by Uptown XO & yU gets in that grimy shit talking bag. The penultimate track “Keep ‘Em High” by Beedie, Justo the MC & Rim has a more smoother vibe encouraging listeners to move with them & the closer “Survival Mode” by Ill Conscious & M.A.V. has some slick guitar melodies speaking on how it’s normal for them trying not to get killed in the hood.

Between this & the self-titled joints, I think no caps has to my favorite solo projects that maticulous has dropped so far. Some of the best beats he’s ever made pop up on here & the guests are a bit more consistent in terms of their performances.

Score: 4/5

Stanwill – “Full Auto” review

Here is the 3rd solo EP from Detroit, Michigan rapper Stanwill. Coming up as 1/3 of the ShittyBoyz with Babytron & TR Dee signing to Lando Bando’s own The Hip Hop Lab Records, he eventually branched out on his own during the COVID-19 pandemic off last summer the debut EP $camwill as well as it’s successor Gifted turning 1 this winter & the debut mixtape Van Gundy earlier this year. However, he’s looking to completely go Full Auto in preparation for a full-length debut studio album.

The self-produced “Slime Ball” starts by talking a whole lot of gang shit whereas “Ándale” flexes that he & the rest of the Dog $hit Militia collective will slide in ア・ベイシング・エイプ, which is one of my favorite clothing brands personally. “Max Payne” references the Rockstar Games-owned franchise of the same name & promising a mugger he’ll get his ass beat if he tries him while “Fast Lane” talks about living in the fast lane.

“Been That” gives a shoutout to Louis Vuitton men’s creator, Off-White founder & RSVP Gallery founder Virgil Abloh for the fit leading into “8 Phones” talking about not giving a fuck regarding the little guns or petty stacks because they got bigger sticks & longer money. “Kick Ass” finishes the Full Auto experience by talking about receiving slow head because the whip’s too fast, spending a total of $400 on 2 steaks.

I wouldn’t rank Full Auto above $camwill or Chosen, but it’s still a worthy Detroit trap solo EP from Stanwill displaying what he’s capable of doing by himself ahead of his inaugural LP whenever he decides to put it out. Production isn’t as interesting as the Van Gundy tape or his first couple EPs, except I like that he holds down the mic by himself as opposed to the guests on Full Auto’s predecessors.

Score: 3.5/5

Larry June – “Into the Late Night” review

Larry June is a 30 year old MC from Vallejo, California who’s been grinding his ass off for the last 15 years. My favorites of his ever-growing discography include the Lex Luger-produced Trap Larry, the Cardo-produced Cruise USA, the Harry Fraud-produced Keep Going & even his last album Orange Print got some notable buzz over the summer. But now that he has a Griselda Records-backed collab tape with Jay Worthy on the way, Cardo & Larry are getting back together for the latter’s 14th EP.

“Gas Station Run” is a flawless late night cruiser with a g-funk flare to it whereas “Either Way” works in a synth-heavy instrumental talking about a lot of shit going down in the late night. “Don’t Try It” has a more hypnotizing sound advising not to fuck with him just before “Friday Activities” serves as a slick party starter for the weekends.

The song “Bigger Risk” has some jazz undertones to the production saying he’s thinking a decade ahead while the penultimate track “Red Book Chronicles” gets back into that vintage west coast sound asking where his boys were when he was taking a lot of risks. “Saturday Night Interview” is an odd choice for a closer, but it’s still a decent romance ballad nonetheless.

Although it’s only an EP, I’d actually say that Into the Late Night is a bit better than Orange Print. Cardo’s production style on here is a lot similar to that of Payroll Giovanni’s latest album Another Day Another Dollar which is perfect given Larry’s geographical background & his chilled out flow.

Score: 4/5