G-Mo Skee – “The Toast Tape” review

Richmond, California lyricist G-Mo Skee remembering his dog Toast on the 1-year anniversary of his death with his 4th EP. Emerging as a member of the trio Stampede & later the Inf Gang. He would drop 2 official mixtapes Got Filth & Got Filth II: The Great Adventures of G-Mo independently before Twiztid signed him to Majik Ninja Entertainment in 2016. His full-length debut My Filthy Spirit Bomb coming out that same winter to significant acclaim, but I personally think G’s sophomore effort Chaly & the Filth Factory is his best work so far because of it’s incredible concept & the instrumentals accompanying it (mostly handled by former Strange Music in-house producer MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7). The Filth Element commemorated his 30th birthday by proving that he didn’t need MNE, but is returning to The Dojo for 8 Bit Filth II: Hero Hunter & Filth City produced by Stu Bangas. Ahead of Huckleberry Filth however, The Toast Tape gives a taste of what to expect from it as Astronomicon approaches in a couple months.

“The Story of Toast” talks about the untimely death of his dog Toast turning him into a whole new person over a lo-fi boom bap instrumental whereas “Ghost Dog” samples the “Song of Healing from The Legend of Zelda games Majora’s Mask & Twilight Princess telling Toast his sprit lives on in his heart & mind. “Slide 4 Toast” flips Twinrova’s theme from the iconic Ocarina in Time game getting in his gangsta rap bag looking for smoke & sliding for his beloved dog, but then “The Gates” ends the EP opening up about sneaking off to cry & mourn Toast’s passing a month after his death.

G-Mo is known to be a huge fan of The Legend of Zelda franchise & sampled video games numerous times on both installments of the 8 Bit Filth series of EPs, but I actually enjoy The Toast Tape more than either entries in the 8 Bit Filth saga since the lyrics in only 14 minutes recaps the past year since Toast was taken way too soon remembering & mourning his best friend only days after his 10th birthday. Huckleberry Filth is said to be G at his most personal & if anything, The Toast Tape is only an appetizer.

Score: 4.5/5

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G-Mo Skee – “Filth City” review

Richmond, California lyricist G-Mo Skee enlisting Boston producer Stu Bangas for his 4th full-length LP & the first since returning to Majik Ninja Entertainment. Emerging as a member of the trio Stampede & later the Inf Gang. He would drop 2 official mixtapes Got Filth & Got Filth II: The Great Adventures of G-Mo independently before Twiztid signed him to Majik Ninja Entertainment in 2016. His full-length debut My Filthy Spirit Bomb coming out that same winter to significant acclaim, but I personally think G’s sophomore effort Chaly & the Filth Factory is his best work so far because of it’s incredible concept & the instrumentals accompanying it (mostly handled by former Strange Music in-house producer MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7). The previous album The Filth Element commemorated his 30th birthday by proving that he didn’t need MNE until returning to The Dojo on 8 Bit Filth II: Hero Hunter last fall & is now turning Filth City from an EP to an actual album ahead of his upcoming Astronomicon appearance.

After the soulful intro, the title track starts us off by advising not to come to Filth City since shit can go left over a boom bap instrumental whereas the grimy ass single “Work Magic” references WWE Hall of Famer, former 3-time WWE Champion, 11-time WWE tag team champion, the inaugural WWE Hardcore Champion, CWA World Tag Team Champion & TNA World Champion Mick Foley. “Jumped” hauntingly incorporates more kicks & snares obviously talking about not fighting fair with people who run up on him while “Evil Plans” sounds like something out of a horror flick keeping it dusty at the same time advising that you’re gonna see him act like an animal cleverly referencing The Animal.

After the interlude, “Diamond in the Dirt” links up with his Inf Gang brethren Jae Harmony & Nobe saying you’d have to time travel to beat them in a rhyme battle & to find them lurkin’ in the underground along with it being time for them to show ‘em what it’s worth on top of this eerie ass boom bap beat while “All in Your Head” featuring Linzy & Jaylin Skee on the intro & TheArtLawd on the outro brings these colorful vibraphones into the picture discussing fatherhood, worrying about shit that might happen & making good out of the bad he represents. “Autistic” featuring Kvng Moses has these sick ass synthesizers mixed with kicks & snares flexing that he eats more rappers than the ASTROWORLD Travis Scott entrance when they walk in it, but then the synths on “G-Mo University” feel like something out of a Sega Genesis game since it’s no secret that G’s a gamer talking about coming down to get a Filthication.

“Story to Tell” instrumentally goes for a dejecting approach telling a true story although he can’t say their names & that it gets messy while the rugged lead single “Postcards from Hell” talks about how he was raised with all the killers & dope fiends being on the frontline with everyone else in the nosebleeds. “2 the Side” featuring Young Zee of the Outsidaz aptly advises everyone to fall to the side over some Atari-like synths, kicks & snares calling your rap style more outdated than a payphone & that they’re more stuck-up than bitches are these days. And before the futuristic “Credits” outro, the final song on the album “Escape” serves as a climatic finish talking about the city to the point of no return & understandably looking to get the fuck outta there.

8 Bit Filth 2: Hero Hunter was a fun return to MNE for G, but I already knew Filth City would be a standout in his discography since his lyricism is unmatched & Stu Bangas is simply one of the absolute greatest underground producers ever. However after hearing that it wound up being an actual full-length after initially set to be an EP, my expectations increased immensely & we sure enough got one of the best albums of 2024 joining The Chainsmoker II from over a couple weeks ago in being a Hell of a way for Majik Ninja to start the year. Conceptually, the filthiest of them all takes us through what it’s like in Filth City as Stu gives G-Mo some of the coldest production he’s EVER murdered. I know it’s been a hard time for his family right now & I’d like to offer him my DEEPEST condolences, but this album is a special moment for him & I couldn’t be more proud of him. Be sure to catch him on tour with Rittz right now & at Attack of the Ninjas shortly after. I’m most certainly looking forward to the latter.

Score: 4.5/5

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G-Mo Skee – “8 Bit Filth 2: Hero Hunter” review

This is the 3rd EP from Richmond, California lyricist G-Mo Skee. Emerging as a member of the trio Stampede & later the Inf Gang. He would drop 2 official mixtapes Got Filth & Got Filth II: The Great Adventures of G-Mo independently before Twiztid signed him to Majik Ninja Entertainment in 2016. His full-length debut My Filthy Spirit Bomb coming out that same winter to significant acclaim, but I personally think G’s sophomore effort Chaly & the Filth Factory is his best work so far because of it’s incredible concept & the instrumentals accompanying it (mostly handled by former Strange Music in-house producer MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7). His last LP The Filth Element commemorated his 30th birthday by proving that he didn’t need MNE, but is returning to The Dojo for 8 Bit Filth II: Hero Hunter ahead of his upcoming 4th album album Huckleberry Filth & the next EP Filth City produced by Stu Bangas following his Astronomicon 6.5 return.

Things start off with the 3rd & final installment of the “Final Boss” trilogy sampling Super Mario World adding some kicks & snares into the fold reminding that he’s the final boss off this rap shit whereas “Filthbound” is my favorite on the EP putting a unique spin on Earthbound & former Majik Ninja in-house producer Godsynth cooking up the phattest beat on the entire project. “Inf Kong Country” featuring Cell & Jae Harmony of the Inf Gang finds all 3 members of their respective Richmond crew flipping Donkey Kong Country referencing AAA Mundial Crucero Campeon, IWGPジュニアヘビー級王座, 5-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion & WCW World Tag Team Champion Juventud Guerrera alongside WWE Hall of Famer Paul Bearer

“That Ain’t Falco” goes into trap turf sampling Starfox prior to “Heart Pieces” going for a dreamy boom bap quality instrumentally dedicating this the love of his life that is hip hop just before “Falcon Punch” featuring Seuss Mace & Ubiquitous references Captain Falcon’s neutral special move in the Smash Bros. series over a triumphant instrumental. “Skull Kid” angelically talks about what the road & show business did to him leading into the wavy boom bap closer “Hero Hunter” telling everyone to drop their coins.

A reference to Twisted Metal was made on the latter cut that I enjoy in light of it getting a TV adaption last summer on the Comcast Corporation subsidiary NBCUniversal-owned peacock with the franchise’s mascot being played by the current ROH World Television Champion, former 2-time AEW TNT Champion, GHCタッグ王座, inaugural ROH Hall of Fame inductee, the longest reigning ROH World Champion, ROH Pure Champion, TNA World Champion, 2-time TNA World Tag Team Champion, 5-time TNA X Division Champion, record 3-time NXT Champion & 2-time WWE United States Champion Samoa Joe.

The original 8 Bit Filth contains some of G’s best material & this sequel here is an equally fun return to Majik Ninja for the Richmond emcee. The video game samples are as creative as they were last time mainly grounding them into his signature boom bap sound & his ear-grabbing bars always entertain. Here’s to Huckleberry Filth & Filth City.

Score: 4/5

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G-Mo Skee – “The Filth Element” review

G-Mo Skee is a 30 year old MC from Richmond, California coming up as a member of the Inf Gang. He would drop 2 mixtapes Got Filth & Got Filth II: The Great Adventures of G-Mo independently before Twiztid signed him to Majik Ninja Entertainment in 2016, his full-length debut My Filthy Spirit Bomb coming out that same winter. But I personally think G’s sophomore effort Chaly & the Filth Factory is his best work so far because of it’s incredible concept & the instrumentals accompanying it (mostly handled by former Strange Music in-house producer MIKE SUMMERS a.k.a. 7). But to celebrate his 30th born day & amicably leaving MNE to do his own thing, G-Mo is back on the scene for his highly anticipated 3rd album.

“Hate to Love” kicks things off with some plinky keys going at the throats of everyone who despises him whereas “Kick Rocks” shoots for somber boom bap sound referencing 2-time WWE tag team champion Scotty 2 Hotty. “Return of the Filth” has these heinous organ harmonies with the title speaking for itself in terms of content just before the eerie Stu Bangas joint “Geeloo” explains why the culture needs him.

Meanwhile on “B.A.M.F. (Badass Muthafucka)” we have Blind Fury assisting G-Mo over a somewhat Middle Eastern-tinged instrumental to reference WWE Hall of Famer, former 6-time WWE Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 2-time WWE United States Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion & NWA World Tag Team Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin leading into him proclaiming himself as the “Underdog” with a beat that sounds just like the one from “Bully” by Eminem.

I can definitely see “Smash” being a moshpit starter whenever he starts performing live again given that everything about it makes you wanna punch someone in the face while “Pinkies Up” serves as an violin-induced ode to his team. “Take 2 Puffs” is a more depressive cut saying he’s afraid of the future & might need counseling, but then the Jae Harmony-assisted “Rich City” is a cinematic tribute to their hometown.

“You Know Who” compares himself to Voldermort with some hypnotic background vocals that C-Lance throws in the mix whereas “Prolapse” is a trap banger basically saying “fuck the world” & the Half Baked tribute at the beginning is hilarious. The title track has a bit of a horror flick vibe in terms of sound with G telling y’all haven’t heard anything like this, but then Tech N9ne & Trizz aggressively come in on “Fuck It All Up” to talk about taking over the game.

The song “Brody” is easily the most heart-wrenching on the entire album with G detailing the story of his brudda’s downward spiral & the perfect beat to kick the emotions up to over 9,000 while the penultimate track “Can’t Fuck With It” has a bit of a Bay Area sound opening up about the things he doesn’t like. Lastly, the Nobe/produced closer “Flying Cars” goes back into trap territory addressing his departure from MNE & almost quitting a couple Christmases back.

A lot of people (including myself) waited 3 long years for this day to come & it was absolutely worth it. This dude exemplifies why I truly believe he’s one of the best lyricists I’ve heard in the last decade & for it being the first time mixing his own shit, he did a fantastic job.

Score: 4.5/5

G-Mo Skee – “Chaly & the Filth Factory” review

This is the sophomore effort from Richmond, California lyricist G-Mo Skee. Emerging as a member of the trio Stampede & later the Inf Gang. He would drop 2 official mixtapes Got Filth & Got Filth II: The Great Adventures of G-Mo independently before Twiztid signed him to Majik Ninja Entertainment in 2016. His full-length debut My Filthy Spirit Bomb coming out that same winter to significant acclaim & coming off the 8 Bit Filth EP that dropped after the first annual Astronomicon, it’s time for Chaly & the Filth Factory.

After the “Moldy Ticket” intro that parodies, the first song “Ocarina of Crime” sees G spitting some gritty battle bars on here over an eerie instrumental from 7 (who produced a bulk of the album). I also love the g-funk synthesizers that pop up during the hook. The next track “Filth Factory” takes the listener inside of his head over a punchy instrumental with some keyboards while the song “Filthy Wonka” has a flute-tinged boom bap beat as well as hilarious bars like a wack rapper’s album going triple styrofoam & getting jumped if you’re hating on him front row at his concerts. Coincidentally, G was on tour with the CES Cru earlier this year & there was an incident where a hater made it past the security gate in front of the stage & G literally kicked him in the face.

The track “Ninja Money” is about his filthy style referencing 2-time IWGPタッグ王座, inaugural 2-time TNA World Tag Team Champion, NWA World Tag Team Champion, WWE Hall of Famer & 18-time WWE tag team champion D-Von Dudley while the song “Mad Hatter” is a jab at all of those biting him over an instrumental with a more vintage West Coast feel to it. The track “Ghost Town” sees him cursing out those who doubted him & did him wrong throughout his career over a somber beat while the song “Front Seat” gets murderous over an eerie instrumental.

After the hilarious Oompa Loompa song parody during the “Midget Army” skit, we go into the track “Laughin’ At You”. Here, G-Mo hooks up with the album’s mixer The Jokerr alongside the legendary Vinnie Paz talks how they don’t take you seriously over a killer rap rock beat. The song “Grouch” talks about how he woke up mad over some bass & a Latin guitar including a reference to WWE Hall of Famer, former 6-time WWE Champion, 2-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 2-time WWE United States Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion & NWA World Tag Team Champion Stone Cold Steve Austin while the track “Bring It On” is an Inf Gang posse cut that’s just overall nasty & in-your-face.

“Wavedash” with Kevin MacLane sees the 2 talking about enjoying the better days over a smooth instrumental while the track “Don’t Wait” compellingly advises the listener not to let their dreams go to waste over a booming instrumental with some gloomy keys with some synthesizers added during the hook. The song “I’m Underground” tells you how filthy he is over a sinister piano-boom bap beat from C-Lance & before things finish with a 40 second outro, the final song “Filthy Imagination” is about how insane he is with a hilarious hook parodying the “Pure Imagination” song.

I’ve been very open about Majik Ninja Entertainment being one of the hottest labels out right now & not only is this one of my favorite albums from them, but I’ll even say it’s WAY better than Violent J’s Wizard of the Hood EP from 2003 as much of a classic that is in it’s own rights. G-Mo Skee truly crafts his magnum opus with a humorous concept parodying the classic 1973 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory with selected fans portraying the 5 ticket winners & refining the hard-hitting production & sharp lyricism that were present on his last album

Score: 4.5/5

G-Mo Skee – “8 Bit Filth” review

In front of us is the 2nd EP from Richmond, California lyricist G-Mo Skee. Emerging as a member of the trio Stampede & later the Inf Gang. He would drop 2 official mixtapes Got Filth & Got Filth II: The Great Adventures of G-Mo independently before Twiztid signed him to Majik Ninja Entertainment in 2016. His full-length debut My Filthy Spirit Bomb coming out that same winter to significant acclaim, teasing Chaly & the Filth Factory with 8 Bit Filth after making an appearance at the first annual Astronomicon.

The opener “Final Boss 2” is a sequel to the song on his 2012 sophomore mixtape Got Filth 2: The Great Adventures of G-Mo & I think this is a lot more grimier than the original from the production to the lyricism. The next song “Skate” is filled with confrontational battle bars over an Atari-esque boom bap beat while the track “Glitch” sees G getting with the Inf Gang to talk about about making it over a spacious beat.

The song “Trouble” is an angry reminder that you don’t wanna fuck with G-Mo over a sinister beat from Godsynth while the title track is basically about his haters & his longevity over a boom bap beat. The song “Fade Up” with Crowda, Jamie Madrox & King Gordy is about weed over a murky beat while the penultimate track “Can’t Lose” is a triumphant ode to G’s success. The EP then finishes with “Final Stage”, where G spits battle bars over a sinister beat.

As a whole, this is a fantastic prelude to his next album. His filthy confrontational bars are raw as ever & the video game samples (which is why you can only get the EP exclusively at Twiztid Shop) are flawless.

Score: 4.5/5

Majik Ninja Entertainment – “Twiztid Presents: Year of the Sword” review

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Majik Ninja Entertainment is an underground hip hop label that was founded in 2014 by Detroit hip hop duo Twiztid. The roster has been immensely growing since it’s inception of this year specifically, they’ve dropped 1 great release after another. And now to close out such a great year for them, they’re now giving the fans a compilation featuring new songs from every artist on the label. After a 90 second intro, we then get into the first song “Heads Will Roll” by Gorilla Voltage & Jamie Madrox. Here, they‘re bragging about how their skills will amaze you over a sinister instrumental. The next track “Turn It Up” by Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Bonez Dubb & Lex the Hex Master sees the 3 MCs aggressively getting in your face over a chaotic beat while the track “Fucked” by Boondox, Gorilla Voltage & The R.O.C. talks about how crazy they all are over a haunting instrumental. After a 15 second skit with “Level Up!”, we then get into the next song “Their Fault” by Jamie Madrox & Young Wicked. Here, they’re predominantly singing about those who never gave them a chance & while the vocals during the first half seem nasal, it definitely picks up on the second half. The song “Ignite” by King Gordy, Mr. Grey & Zodiac MPrint talks about how they’re never gonna fall over a killer rap rock instrumental & then “Cut ‘Em Up” by Twiztid & Young Wicked rapidly talk about killing their competition over an abrasive yet eerie instrumental. The song “Lights Out” by G-Mo Skee, Mr. Grey & Twiztid angrily talks about getting murderous on their last day alive & the rap metal instrumental on here fits the vibe like a glove. After the 30-second “Harassment” skit, we then dive into “Don’t Fuck wit Us” by ClocworC, the House of Krazees & Lex the Hex Master. The lyrics are self explanatory, but they’re delivered fantastically over this menacing yet thumping instrumental. The song “Better Than Ever B4” by the Axe Murder Boyz, G-Mo Skee, Lex the Hex Master & Triple Threat talk knowing now than ever before about over some twinkling piano keys & an organ while “Flix ‘n Chill” by ClocworC, Triple Threat & Young Wicked is a predictably decent love song with a wavy instrumental. The song “Get High” by the Axe Murder Boyz, L.A.R.S., Mr. Grey & Triple Threat is self-explanatory weed anthem with a druggy beat while “Galaxy” by G-Mo Skee, Jamie Madrox & King Gordy sees the 3 looking for a challenge over a synthesizer-heavy instrumental. The song “Don’t Tell Me” by Boondox, Gordy & Twiztid tells the haters they’ll never listen to them over a grimy yet thunderous beat & then after the 20 second “Summon the Majik Ninja” skit, we then get into the final song in the standard edition “B.N.U.” (an acronym for Brand New Underground). It’s an explosive posse cut where everyone on the label all talk about their prowess. The “Did You Unplug It?” skit is the final track on here, but there is a bonus disc with 9 tracks. All of which are new solo cuts from each signee on the label, with the exception of Lex the Hex Master’s being previously released on his latest album Beyond Redemption. As a whole, this was a great way for Majik Ninja to end their 2017 & it’s just another example of why they’re one of my favorite labels out right now. The production is gritty as usual & everyone compliments each other fantastically. Can’t wait to see them continue their string of successfully raw releases in 2018

Score: 4/5