Scatz – “F.T.O.S. II (Fuck the Other Side II)” review

This is the 8th EP from Flint, Michigan rapper Scatz. Introducing himself 3 years ago with his debut EP Kyriee Krazy followed by the debut mixtape Yung N***a World, his next 5 EPs SharkLoto, Gift of Gab, Yung Dirty Bastard, The Biggest & Yung Dirty Bastard all the following year caught the attention of Rio da Yung O.G. & signed the 6 Ward Lord to M.I.N.E. Entertainment behind bars. F.T.O.S. (Fuck the Other Side) celebrated its 1-year anniversary last month, so it makes sense for him to drop a sequel on Halloween.

“Talkin’ Dumb” featuring Rio da Yung O.G. starts with both them over a Flint trap instrumental spitting a whole bunch of gang shit whereas “Jog” works in some 808s & pianos referencing the Endeavor-owned TKO Group Holdings division WWE’s secondary flagship program Friday Night SmackDown. “1 of 1” flexes that the body he hit with the switch has become unique in it’s own way just before “Can’t Forget” featuring 2800 Twin decently trades verses with one another.

We have Scatz understandably representing his squad on “It’s M.I.N.E.” for a good 2 minutes while “Cheddar Bob” references DJ Rec, who inspired the popular 8 Mile character of the same name. “Fluffy” featuring Baby TR delves deeper into the gangsta lifestyle taking 2 blocks & keeping only 1 while “Lulu” featuring Doonie talks about both of them having more stripes than the British luxury fashion house Burberry.

“Make a Bet” featuring FTOS Swan promises to walk victims down in Rick Owens instead of wearing Prada while “King of the Hill” give a nod to the Hulu serves of the same name set to premiere season 15 in 2026 in light of seasons 16 & 17 being ordered. “Facts” wraps up F.T.O.S. II (Fuck the Other Side) II with him talking about shooting up a crib every single week with the sole purpose of testing his groove.

Gotta be honest: As much as I enjoy the original F.T.O.S. (Fuck the Other Side) last fall, its spiritual successor feels a bit mediocre in comparison. I don’t mind the production nor do I have any criticisms with Scatz’ own performances, but the guest list is more inconsistent with only 1 of the 5 sticking out & that being none other than Rio.

Score: 3/5

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3200 Tre – “Real Mitten Baby” review

Lansing, Michigan rapper 3200 Tre surprise-releasing his 3rd studio LP. Introducing himself on wax during the fall of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic had completely shut the world down, he has since built up his last dozen EPs along with the full-length debut Michigan Music & of course the sophomore effort 30ville all during the first half of this ongoing decade. Signing to Rio da Yung O.G.’s very own EMPIRE Distribution imprint M.I.N.E. Entertainment last summer, coming off the Spin the Block EP to tell the story of a Real Mitten Baby.

“Thug n Savage” was a cloudy trap intro suggesting to keep a switch on you at all times since a lot of people have betrayed him & knowing they’ll do it again to others whereas “Chrome Case” taps into the Detroit sound responding to those saying he ain’t rich. “GTA VI” makes witty references to Rockstar Games’ flagship franchise while “Bounce Back” confesses he’s nowhere near where he’s supposed to be.

Jakesand produces my personal favorite track here “Snapchat” talking about flying to the paper regardless of how far it is leading into “Pamper” ignoring any incoming calls unless money’s involved. Project X” featuring Babyfxce E moderately finds the pair spitting gangsta-themed lyrics over a Detroit trap instrumental while the superiorly entertaining “Pep Rally” featuring RMC Mike trades verses with each other for 2 & a half minutes.

“4 Weeks” featuring Head Osama marks the my the only guest appearance I could’ve done without despite wanting to change the whole game by pressing 1 button just before “Good Day” featuring Rio da Yung O.G. makes up for it with both of them talking about making $1M in a single day. “New Number” discusses standing on business because he’s well-known gun tucker while “The People’s Champ” heavily samples “The Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani.

The penultimate track “Left 4 Dead” gives a nod to the cooperative first-person shooter survival horror video game franchise that the Valve Corporation publishes, which put a smile in my face because the 2009 sequel’s amongst the greatest games of all-time. Of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention “Hold the Cheers”, which is the official Real Mitten Baby outro posing the question of how the fuck this cornball got motion when Tre’s nowhere near it & taking Ws.

Spin the Block was a fun Flint/Detroit sound EP to officially ring in the summer & now with Halloween approaching at the end of the month, 3200 Tre once again makes another example as to why he & his Real Money Counters brethren RMC Mike or fellow labelmates Scatz & the incarcerated Baby Ghost make M.I.N.E. Entertainment an interesting label telling the story of what it’s been like for Tre growing up as a Real Mitten Baby.

Score: 3.5/5

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RMC Mike – “Like Mike” review

This is the 3rd studio LP from Flint, Michigan recording artist RMC Mike. Signing a joint deal with Rio da Yung O.G. & Peezy’s own labels M.I.N.E. Entertainment & #Boyz Entertainment alongside EMPIRE Distribution, his first couple EPs Rookie Season & Sophomore Season established himself as in the Detroit trap scene until his full-length studio debut Junior Season elevated it further. His last EP Ghetto Season was good & the sophomore effort Senior Season left me on the fence, coming off a trip to The 6 to brag that nobody can do it Like Mike.

“Devil’s Lake” opens with a Detroit trap intro with strings & bells giving his music career everything in his might whereas “Neat Freak” shows off some secondary Mobb influences to the instrumental detailing his lifestyle. “Duck Hunting” featuring 3200 Tre finds both M.I.N.E. signees teaming up to figure out what those who say they ain’t in for the money are really doing it for leading into YTB Fatt poppin’ out for the underwhelming gangsta rap collab “Drug Bust” despite the Jakesand beat.

Baby Money, Rio da Yung O.G., VonOff1700 & YN Jay all join Mike on the boastful single “Braggin’ Rights” although I can do without Von’s verse right in the middle of it just before “Chicken Box” produced by Danny G talks about not wanting to hear of the things you couldn’t have, wouldn’t have or shouldn’t have done. “Slam Cam” featuring Rio da Yung O.G. references WWE Hall of Famer, former 2-time WWE world champion, ECW World Television Champion, 6-time WWE Intercontinental Champion, 5-time WWE Tag Team Champion, 4-time & the final WWE Hardcore Champion, TNA World Champion & TNA X Division Champion Rob Van Dam while “Keep It Honest” by admitting he feels alone even if he’s not the only one in the ride.

“Brody crazy with the chopper like he autistic” makes for one of the wildest bars ever during the last 30 seconds or so of “Authentic” wanting to talk business with anyone who has a plug prior to “Music Is Never Ending” creating a brand new acronym for the 1 of the 2 labels he’s signed to. “We the Ones” brings the bells back in the equation laughing off the wankstas who ain’t ever dropped a body except “Damn Baby” as a finisher felt like a mediocre look at his preference in women who get lit.

Wouldn’t have thought that we would get Like Mike this quickly after The 6 since it’s been a couple months tops, but I still consider it to be a worthy album & probably my favorite of Mike’s. Regardless if I prefer The World Famous D-Boy’s production on the most recent EP, there are some striking similarities both projects share with the biggest one being that there are only a couple guest performances I could do without. A key difference however is Mike speaking his truth the whole time rather than taking us around The 6.

Score: 3.5/5

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3200 Tre – “Spin the Block” review

This is the 13th EP from Lansing, Michigan rapper 3200 Tre. Introducing himself on wax during the fall of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic had completely shut the world down, he has since built up his last dozen EPs along with the full-length debut Michigan Music & of course the sophomore effort 30ville all during the first half of this ongoing decade. Signing to Rio da Yung O.G.’s very own EMPIRE Distribution imprint M.I.N.E. Entertainment last summer however, Tre’s ready to Spin the Block only a couple months since 30ville.

“Mindset” hooks up a piano-based Detroit trap instrumental referencing the Warner Bros.-owned Mortal Kombat franchise & talking about becoming his niece’s backup after her dad was tragically taken too soon whereas “No Attention” expresses his love for bustin’ bricks to serve crackheads. “1 Man Army” blends these keys & 808s together talking about the off topic shit he says being sidebars until “Sound of Love” flips some strings to detail his love for hearing CashApp notifications.

The song “Mix It Up” incorporates a Detroit trap beat with prominent bass & pianos occasional talking about his preference of standing on shit because he’s a grown ass man while “Bigger Goals” discusses the importance of making his kids rich because of his heart being broken as it already is. “Navy Seal” ends the EP by hopping over a bell-woven Detroit trap instrumental talking about liking fiends because they helped him change is life.

Not even a month after his latest album, 3200 Tre continues this personal comeback he’s been on since January with what could possibly be my favorite of the 4 projects he’s done since Rio made him a part of the M.I.N.E roster & serving as another example of why he’s one of the hardest working artists in the city today. He’s carrying the verses by himself rather than having a few guests with him, which I’m fine with since it makes more room for him to get wittier with the pen than he has previously.

Score: 3.5/5

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RMC Mike – “The 6” review

Flint, Michigan recording artist RMC Mike enlisting The World Famous D-Boy to fully produce his 4th EP. Signing a joint deal with Rio da Yung O.G. & Peezy’s own labels M.I.N.E. Entertainment & #Boyz Entertainment alongside EMPIRE Distribution, his first couple EPs Rookie Season & Sophomore Season established himself as in the Detroit trap scene until his full-length studio debut Junior Season elevated it further. His last EP Ghetto Season was good & his 2nd album it preluded Senior Season was ok, returning to embark on a trip to The 6.

After the “Walk a Mile” intro, the first song “I Remember” is this trippy Detroit trap intro shrugging off those calling him a rapper insisting he’s an artist whereas “Venting” talks about selling out every show because he’s a main attraction. “5am on Fenton Road” featuring Louie Ray vividly takes us to the Flint streets in the early hours of the morning while “U Never” cloudily shouts out his late grandfather who recently passed.

“Radric Davis (Get It)” featuring Bossileni Jagg goes for a darker Detroit trap vibe instrumentally paying homage to one of the big 3 trap pioneers Gucci Mane & prior to the “Walk a Mile” outro, the final song “Get Yo Roll On” featuring Iced Up Records signee Krispylife Kidd officially closes out the EP with them fucking up the whole zone.

Can’t necessarily blame RMC Mike for taking 2 years off because having Sophomore Season & Ghetto Season as my favorite EPs of his respectively, The 6 will most certainly accommodate for the primarily moderate reception Senior Season got. I found myself enjoying The World Famous D-Boy’s production for giving the Detroit trap style that can feel repetitive to some a refreshing take & of course Mike maintaining his signature mix of savagery, humor & rampant trash talk.

Score: 3.5/5

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Rio da Yung O.G. – “Rio Free” review

This is the sophomore full-length studio LP from Flint, Michigan rapper & M.I.N.E. Entertainment founder Rio da Yung O.G. home from behind bars. Breaking through the local trap scene during the latter portion of the previous decade under the mentorship of Peezy signing to #Boyz Entertainment in tandem with EMPIRE Distribution, he has since put out his last 9 EPs as well as a full-length debut album & a handful of collaborative projects under his belt all over the duration of 7 years. Rio Circa 2020 was a solid EP celebrating his 30th birthday & we’re here 8 months to celebrate Rio Free.

“Yung O.G.” happens to be this synth-driven Detroit trap intro demanding everyone brings their cheddar out now that he’s in the streets again whereas “Shake Back” comes through with a club banger clarifying his only concern being getting his weight back. “Do Dat” tears down his competition mixing Detroit trap & Mobb music leading into “Me & Marc” talking about going from sitting incarcerated to a Maybach.

Moving on from there, “Uncle Sam” warns that he might pull up with a strap & everything he says ain’t cap at all just before “Off-Rap” wanting to know how he got indicted when he ain’t ever cooked powder. The title track makes a clear statement that it’s his time now while “We Dem Niggas” reps M.I.N.E. & #Boyz Entertainment while “W.Y.D.T. (What You Do Today?) asks a question for the broke. “Rap War” concludes Rio Free by daring everyone to bring their dogs out.

“Something Happen” kicks off the deluxe run with some bells gearing up to a start a fire up in this muhfucka while “4 Minutes of Hell” holds it down for that exact length of time rappin’ without a hook. “Coincidence” asks how the fuck y’all became broke when he was in jail & him being rich soon as he came home while “Booked Summer” talks about his son loving money as much as he does never wanting any toys.

As for “Make a Way”, we have Rio assuring that he still has the wheel except he can’t steer straight these days getting by with 25 racks while “We Need a Pilot” talks about needing to sit down for a minute due to him consuming too many pills. “2:52am in Atlanta” lays a trap out in order to catch a mouse while “Cousin Killed” talks about slime shit resulting in his cousin’s death. “Crash Dummy” admits that he cries even with his gangsta status & the final bonus track “Claressa Shields” gives his flowers to the Flint boxer & MMA fighter.

For only a 54 minute follow-up to the full-length debut turning 5 this spring, Rio da Yung O.G. gears up for his homecoming show at the Masonic Temple tomorrow by dropping one of the most pivotal offerings in his discography yet. He refrains from having any guests join him in contrast to Rio Circa 2020 containing features half of the time letting the Detroit trap scene that he’s a key figure of know that he’s returned as if he was never locked up.

Score: 4/5

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Scatz – “F.T.O.S. (Fuck the Other Side)” review

Flint, Michigan rapper Scatz with his 7th EP & his 2nd project since signing to M.I.N.E. Entertainment. Introducing himself Halloween 2022 with his debut EP Kyriee Krazy followed by the debut mixtape Yung N***a World, his next 5 EPs SharkLoto, Gift of Gab, Yung Dirty Bastard, The Biggest & Yung Dirty Bastard all the following year caught the attention of Rio da Yung O.G. & signed the 6 Ward Lord to M.I.N.E. behind bars. Almost 3 months later, Scatz is looking to apply further pressure by giving a finger & saying F.T.O.S. (Fuck the Other Side).

“Soul Searchin’” was a nearly 2 minute Detroit trap intro talking about riding around with 2 switches taking lives whereas “Free the Innocent” calls for those who’re incarcerated for crimes they never committed to come home over 808s & an airy backdrop. The title track heavily incorporates some bells to speak on the gangsta lifestyle he endures himself into until “Fully” reflects on being young & dumb tryna get a kill.

Moving on from there, “Go Dumb” comes out the gate by telling a bitch to prove her love for him when she told him only for the relationship to completely dissolve & his twin never missing with the glock prior to “W.B.Y.I. (What Bag You In?)” tryna figure out the deal with this guy runnin’ up tellin’ on others. “$50K” featuring Lil Nook marks the first of 2 collabs on the EP ruining a dark Detroit trap instrumental asking what your momma would do if she was sent that much.

“Topside on a Sunday” kicks off the final leg of F.T.O.S. (Fuck the Other Side) by telling people to question his legitimacy in the hood to know if he really drills anyone like that poppin’ 10s while “1 Click” pulls off some Mobb undertones talking about keeping no bitches around him. “Spike” featuring Ducko & PaidLife Zar closes the EP with 1 last Detroit trap collaboration that I like a little less than the other despite the piano-heavy beat.

6 War Lord was a complete step up from Scatz’ early EPs & mixtape sounding hungrier than he did compared to when he started out & that same hunger transitions onto F.T.O.S. (Fuck the Other Side). His production choices keep getting better & I preferred the guest list on the predecessor a few months ago, but the Flint native continues to feel right at home realizing Money Is Not Everything or Music Is Never Ending speaking of his upbringings.

Score: 3.5/5

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Rio da Yung O.G. – “Rio Circa 2020” review

Flint, Michigan rapper Rio da Yung O.G. celebrating his 30th born day by releasing his 10th EP. Breaking through the local trap scene during the latter portion of the previous decade under the mentorship of Peezy, he has since put out his last 9 EPs as well as a full-length debut album & a handful of collaborative projects under his belt all over the duration of 6 years. Rio’s previous EP The F Tape celebrated its 1-year anniversary several days ago, I can totally see why his estate unearthed Rio Circa 2020.

“Warm Up” has a rubbery, atmospheric Detroit trap flare instrumentally to get us started thanking God for allowing this rap shit to change his life whereas “Grease” bouncily talks about having the grease as opposed to the fire. “Grizzly Flow” pays homage to fellow Detroit artist Tee Grizzley over pianos & fingersnaps detailing the gangsta lifestyle prior to “Me & Mike” featuring follow M.I.N.E. Entertainment/#Boyz Entertainment artist RMC Mike demonstrating a back & forth chemistry between the 2 that gave us the Dumb & Dumber trilogy.

Mike sticks around for “Mike Voice” bringing a Bay Area vibe to the beat referencing former 11-time WWE Tag Team Champions, 2-time TNA World Tag Team Champions, ROH World Tag Team Champions, HOG World Tag Team Champions & ΩCW Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz that is until Louie Ray joins Rio & Mike on “Flint Boyz” representing Vehicle City over a bell-laced instrumental. “Brother Flow” featuring Louie Ray brings in more bells, keys, strings & 808s laying out braggadocio for a few minutes preferring to shoot people than watching the WWE division of the Endeavor-owned TKO Group Holdings just before “Primo Beat” keeps the bells in tact throwing the hi-hats into the fold once again continues to flex dissing those who ain’t doing shit.

“Collective Nights” produced by Danny G nears the EP’s final moments calling himself Dr. Seuss since he sold a green egg to a ham on top of having a money fight & doing a drive-by in the Hellcat coming out from up the roof of the demon over a grisly Detroit trap beat that is until the closer “DD4” finishes Rio Circa 2020 teaming up with RMC Mike for 1 more time so they can prelude an upcoming 4th installment of their standout Dumb & Dumb3r trilogy.

Rio been incarcerated for 3 years already & although only has 2 more until he finally comes home, he’s still been able to keep the streets hot in the form of both Fiend Lives Matter & The F Tape. And nevertheless of the material on this new EP being made during the COVID-19 pandemic, I happen to enjoy it more than the last one The F Tape from over a year ago. The guest are boiled down to a couple & his status in the 313 is firmly reminded.

Score: 3.5/5

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Baby Ghost – “Free da Yung O.G.” review

Flint, Michigan rapper Baby Ghost hitting us with his 4th EP. Notable for being one of the earliest signings under Rio da Yung O.G.’s independent M.I.N.E. Entertainment, he made his full-length debut in the summer of 2020 with Emotionless & the debut mixtape Cut the Light Off a couple months later. Other than his well praised sophomore effort Gho Krazy & its sequel, he also has a couple EPs under his belt in the Mislead series with a trilogy chapter on the way. We only got Gho Krazy II a few months ago & looks to make the call for his mentor’s freedom even louder.

“3Hunna Blackout” brings the 808s in for Ghost to talk about fanning out those who run up on his block whereas “Wham!” breaks down his lifestyle recalling not hesitating the first time he ever shot somebody. “Fa Fa Fa” has a general Detroit trap sound showing off his gang ties for almost 2 & a half minutes while the title track blends synthesizers & 808s to talk about him wanting Rio home as much as the rest of us do too.

We get some bells & more 808s on “Circle Pink 10’s” warning to keep his name out your mouth unless you want your brother’s head tapped just before “Wyg Gang??” asks to stop advocating for his bitch made opps to be freed & killing someone who tried to slide on him. “Smoking Her Brother”  brings the synths back in the fold letting his bitch do whatever because he don’t give a fuck leading into “He Know He Smoked” featuring Homi Michel marked the only collab of the 3 I didn’t care for in my respectful opinion.

“Gang Baby” cautions that you’ll catch a headshot tryna creep up on him while “EBK” featuring Babytron finds the duo trading verses with each other excellently for 102 seconds. “WWI” poses the question of why he should trust you when his big cousin snitched & “Blitz” featuring Babytron ends by finishing what they started on “EBK” except they both share 2 verses each instead of the back-&-forth execution of the previously mentioned collab.

Mislead 2.5 was massively disappointing considering that the first 2 entries of the series are on par with the Gho Krazy saga, but Free da Yung O.G. makes up for the last EP with one that joins Mislead & of course the sequel in being the finest. Aside from both crossovers with Tron making up for “He Know He Smoked”, I love that he dedicated to his mentor similarly to what Peezy did on Free Rio a few years back.

Score: 4/5

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