This is Michael Mixerr. Today I will review The Next Level - Da Real. The Next Level was the Flint version of Public Enemy similar to how Kaos & Mystro were the Detroit version of Boogie Down Productions. The Next Level was mid 90s rap duo from Flint, Michigan from 1993 to 1996. Mad Maggie Mag was their executive producer. This album was released in 1994 on cassette on AMPA Records outta Flint. The Next Level is strong in following the Faith of Islam.
The sound is similar to that Bangtown sound that was popular in Flint at that time. Deep heavy bass with garage drum beats on a Roland SPC from the basement similar to acid rap. Think Esham and Natas for example! Not sure if Bangtown produced this or not. Either way this tape is very positive and inspirational.
Da Real is Descriptive Accurate Recordings Evolving Attitudes Language is about how The Next Level is trying to change the attitudes of people and their languages to overcome their problems that they are facing. The Next Level decided that the people wanted actual news rather than the crap media being displayed on Fox News or whatever news channel outlets out there display/shoot out propaganda. They're trying to change the youth attitudes on their warped outlooks of life. They want the youth to be political activists and be a community volunteer. That's what I think so far.
*(Descriptive Accurate Recordings Evolving Attitudes & Language if you want to get technical with me.)
The Headknocka sounds in the form a freestyle track. It basically is a freestyle track. From the looks of the title of the track that is. The beats are so dope. Dope lyrics with dark brooding voices. Rest in Peace is a dedication to the deceased loved ones out there in the world. To all deceased mothers, fathers, siblings, children, grandparents, and mutual friends. Just anyone.
Men of Respect is about how and why The Next Level is well respected by intellectuals. The Next Level is strong in following the Faith of Islam. It's all in the family. They think of Islam as a clan family. "Much respect to our people who submitted our bosses. We overcame all of our losses." is a well memorable inspirational moving quote by The Next Level. The bass is super heavy as it is on Da Real and the beats sound very garage made. Which is very formidable to my tastes.
Smacking 'Em Back a diss track with a freestyle flow aimed at all enemies and haters out there. Reminds me of Mack Attack and Craig Mack. There Are No Children Here reminds me of MC Overlord's Where are the Children? song. It's about children being kidnapped and not knowing how to handle all that stress. It's mostly about child endangerment. Mo Money seems to be a track about greed. The A cappella outro is very good.
This album was a more different from the average EPs/albums that most Flint rap groups were putting out on cassettes at that time in the mid 1990s. This album has positive uplifting messages rather than the negative downbeat raps filled with negativity from gangsta rap that don't add any solutions to the problems people were facing. I just wish Brotha Brotha and One Million Strong were on this album. With that said…
I rate this album, Da Real, 5/5*****!
No comments:
Post a Comment