Fear No Mob - Conversation (Rules The World) album review
Fear No Mob - Conversation (Rules The World) is a forgotten classic rap album from Cleveland, Ohio that many people slept on. The album has tight G-Funk rap sound and production from Stoney Burke Recordings and 90 Deep Records. Their debut album is filled with creative lyrics, sophisticated ideas, and groovy hip-hop instrumentals. This album was the duo’s breakthrough album that was sold nationally in 1996. They hit the talent shows and festivals with a vengeance for this album.
Do U Like It is an underrated classic that came from the good era of Cleveland rap during the 90s. This was the shit and still is! However people were sleeping on the Cleveland sound though. The song is about getting high on marijuana. The whole song is a soulful trip.
This song has the most memorable lyrics. For example:
I got weed on my mind
my mind is on weed
that's the shit I need
tryna slang these Oz's
I’m having big dreams loc
the motherfuckin’ honey spokes
Bloodsport uses explosive words to define life in the streets and hoods of Cleveland. They have served a wakeup call to all the players.
Anticipation has a reggae feel and vibe to it due to the type of keyboard being used. Its slow tempo matches the beat perfectly.
Conversation (Rules The World) is a “conversation rules the nation” type of song. It is where rap meets hip hop. Conversation (Rules The World) uses explosive words to define life in the streets and hoods of Cleveland. The duo gained momentum nationwide with this song.
5/5*****!
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Cochise – Cochise EP EP review
Cochise – Cochise EP is one of the earliest examples of Cleveland hip hop and rap. Not too many people know that. Yes he put a record album before MC Chill. The EP is filled with retro electro sounds and old school beats. His raps are pure and clean for an EP released in 1985. Doc T produced a majority of this album which was all written by Cochise himself.
Freeze Defrost (Radio Mix) has a touch of rock mixed with old school hip hop. Cochise likes it hard as a rock. The song is notable for its heavy hitting beats and fast vinyl scratches. Freeze Defrost is about partying and having a good time.
Dr. Tee & Me (“Rockin’ It”) is a duo cut with DJ Terry and Cochise. Doc T produced the cut while Cochise rapped and performed. A Cochise is a basic instrumental. Cochise DJ’ed his own instrumental as he did with his songs on this EP.
4/5****!
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MC Chill - MC Chill album review
MC Chill - MC Chill is one of the earliest examples of Cleveland hip hop and rap. Not too many people know that. The album is filled with retro electro sounds, old school hip hop, and old school beats. His raps are pure and clean for an album released in 1986. MC Chill is telling the tales with no swearing. This album was released during a time where it actually was about “where you’re from”. MC Chill is a classic old school hip hop album highly recommended for any hip hop heads out there.
The album released as a vinyl on electronic label Fever Records in 1986. Pre-production was done in Cleveland, Ohio and MC Chill recorded it at Quad Studios in New York City, New York. Mike Chapman was the main producer for this album.
MC Chill made history as a recording artist. As many people do not know, MC Chill is the first rapper from Cleveland, Ohio to have ever been signed to a New York record label and to get a national record deal. This was before Bone Thugs N Harmony, M.C. Brains, Mr. Money Loc, Ray Cash, Charles Hamilton, and Kid Cudi along with a handful of others. Back in the 1980s, MC Chill brought his own signature sound to the streets of New York with a Cleveland killer touch. (Or killer Cleveland touch depending on how you look at it.)
MC Story is one of those songs that stands the test of time. The lyrics were bangin’ and so were the beats. MC Chill is telling the tales with no swearing. This is real hip hop and not that stuff you hear on the radio. The song solidified him down the path of becoming Cleveland’s first national rap act. The song also features New York legend Melle Mel on vocals.
MC Story samples Freddie’s Dead by Curtis Mayfield. The song was produced by MC Chill and the in-house producers at Fever Records.
Nightmare On Chill Street was the Cleveland answer to DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - There’s A Nightmare On My Street. A fresh piano solo is played at the very end. The raps are clean and the bears are dope! Now the song is not too filler.
Nightmare On Chill Street samples Freddie’s Dead by Curtis Mayfield and God Made Me Funky by The Headhunters feat. Pointer Sisters.
Bust This Rhyme was produced using beats from an 808 drum machine hence the 808 beats. Fever Records always had the best in-house producers and production teams. They were on point in terms with production for this MC Chill song. The cut features Beatmaster T and Kid Finesse. Bust This Rhyme is just pure MCing, DJing and beatboxing. Many scratch breaks are performed throughout the song.
Mike Chapman produced Bust This Rhyme. Bust This Rhyme uses the samples of Earle Hagen - The Andy Griffith Theme and The Wellingtons - The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle.
Chill-drens Rhymes is just pure MCing, DJing and beatboxing. Chill-drens Rhymes is the MC Chill answer to Slick Rick - Children’s Story.
5/5*****!!
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Coming Of Age - Demo album review
The Coming Of Age Demo was a demo for TQ (Terrance Quaites) and his quartet Coming Of Age that was recorded for Sony in 1994. All of these songs would later appear on their second and last album Comin' Correct in 1995 on HDH Records. This R&B/soul demo was issued on cassette. So some of the instrumentation, vocals, delays, and loops are all over the place making the songs unbalanced at times.
The version of Back In The Hood included on this demo is much different then the album version. This version does not use breakbeats and samples. This version uses a xylophone while the album version does not. The song was recorded in 1994. Back In The Hood is a smooth and funky R&B song.
TQ got his top down as he is dippin down the 105 (Interstate 105). He now exits off Crenshaw Boulevard. Now he is flossin down Slauson Avenue. A proper fly cutie from the Crenshaw click. The homies say she’s a trip. He doesn’t love her so it don’t mean sh... Ain’t nobody tripping. Now TQ rides through the eastside in a ragtop.
Take A Ride is a short, sweet love ballad. The song Take A Ride remained unreleased and was not used on their second and last album Comin' Correct.
Ivan has been sitting by the telephone. Every time he calls nobody answers. What’s wrong? He wants it like it used to be. Him and her in the backseat of his jeep. He wants to sit back and converse about their future plans. Now a conversation is hard to get or gain. Now let’s take a ride so we can take about it.
Running Out Of Love is another love ballad that remained unreleased and was not used on their second and last album Comin' Correct.
Forever For The Rest Of My Life is a song that is very nostalgic and will bring back memories. Such as a high school dance or your college days.
4/5****
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Drack – Bustin Loose album review
Drack – Bustin Loose is a byproduct of early Cincinnati rap and hip hop. The album is filled with electro rap and bass music sure enough to rattle your speakers. Bustin Loose was inspired by SpinMasters - Bustin Loose. When I'm On The Mic, Calm And Bold, and Camouflage are the other tracks included. The album was released on vinyl by Fresh Artist Records in 1990.
4/5****!
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Opious Project – Cessation EP EP review
The Opious Project – Cessation EP is a product from the Toronto underground filled with electronic music perfect for the club. This record will want to make you get up and dance. In fact, this EP is very much similar to Ron Trent – Altered States, Temperance, or the Z-Formation EPs.
Jazz Party is an upbeat mixture of electronic and jazz music. This is the type of song you find playing in the club. Overall the song has such a heavenly feel. The instrumentation is appropriately arranged. Instruments used in this song are a jazz piano, xylophone, cymbals, and glockenspiel.
Ko-egzistance uses an electronic reverb to match the electronic sound. Notice the delays. The song is more percussion heavy than the others included on this EP. It uses more of the cymbal kit.
The Rhythm has a more tropic jungle house feel to it due to the live percussion used. The Rhythm is backed by a violin and a piano. A woodwind selection is used as well. What a fresh mixture.
5/5*****!!
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Mystic Phases - Mirage EP EP review
Mystic Phases - Mirage EP is a product from the Toronto underground filled with electronic music perfect for the club. Electronic meets lounge and jazz music on this EP. This Mystic Phases EP is more jazz oriented than all of their other EPs released so far. The vibe is both laid back and upbeat. In fact, this EP is very much similar to Temperance or the Z-Formation EPs.
Native Calling is a clean classic cut by Mystic Phases which is a mixture of electronic, lounge, and jazz music. Native Calling begins with a looped bass guitar and maracas. The saxophone is used next. Cymbals come last. The drum selection used on Native Calling is quite processed.
Jungle Chant uses a more tropical sound similar to world music or Latin music. Jungle Chant is similar to Native Calling in terms of sound and production.
Hearts Of Fever is a saxophone driven song with a rhythmic percussion selection. The drum selection used on Hearts Of Fever is not quite as processed as it was on Native Calling as it uses a rhythmic selection of bongos. Vocal samples can be heard throughout the duration of the song.
Erotic Illusions is very much similar to a Lil Louis song due to its deep house sound. The title along would make you and me think the song was Lil Louis influenced. The production has such high fidelity used to mix within the sound. Vocals used are looped samples.
5/5*****!!
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Mystic Phases - Equal Boundaries EP EP review
Mystic Phases - Equal Boundaries EP is a much more freestyle oriented EP than the Mirage EP. Mystic Phases seems to have gone a different musical route for this EP. This EP is more house oriented than jazz oriented. The vibe is both laid back and upbeat.
The song Equal Boundaries proves to us music has no boundaries. Mystic Phases uses all types of instruments throughout the entire song. The electronic keyboard notes are quite repetitive. At times the track can seem to be a bit annoying as with many electronic songs. Faint breathing can be heard in the background adding to the mixture of house music.
Papa uses looped vocal samples similar to what you would hear in songs from electronic music. The song has a deep house sound that will put you into a trance.
3/5***
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The Sugarhill Gang - 8th Wonder album review
8th Wonder by The Sugarhill Gangs is an example of what hip hop/rap should be. 80s rap was all about the party scene, beatboxing, freestyles, lyrical showdowns, having fun, and funk. 8th Wonder paved way for a lot of hip hop and rap albums that are out there today.
The album is a golden classic masterpiece in its own right. You can listen to this album back and forth without having to skip any tracks. It's that good! 8th Wonder is a classic old school hip hop album highly recommended for any hip hop heads out there. Memorable tracks such as Funk Box, Showdown, Apache, and 8th Wonder are on this album.
8th Wonder is an interesting track. 8th Wonder is a classic rap track from the golden era of hip hop that many old heads remember to this very day. The track charted at #82 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1981 and 1982. The track itself proves to be iconic as 8th Wonder is the hit single off the 8th Wonder album. 8th Wonder is New York hip hop
Showdown features Sugar Hill Records bandmates Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and The Sugarhill Gang go up against each other in a freestyle rap battle while having fun.
Funk Box is a funk meets hip hop melody. Funk Box is also somewhat memorable as well as Funk Box is where The Sugarhill Gang gets funky!
5/5*****!!
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Lil Louis & The World – Journey With The Lonely EP EP review
Lil Louis & The World – Journey With The Lonely EP was an EP that was issued on vinyl only in 1991 which wholeheartedly was used to promote his then and upcoming album called Journey With The Lonely which was released on Epic Records in 1992. This Lil Louis EP is a collection of deep house music mixed with electronic sound that was prevalent around Chicago, Illinois throughout the late 80s and early 90s. Although this Lil Louis EP is more jazz and electronic oriented in terms of sound. Its sophisticated production stands the test of time.
These days this Lil Louis EP goes for hefty prices. Sometimes the EP sells for more than $100 dollars on Discogs, GEMM, or eBay. But this EP is worth the purchase for any Lil Louis collectors willing to buy this vinyl EP. Many underground house classics are included on this vinyl such as Dancing In My Sleep, You’re My Reason, Blackout, and Funny How U Luv.
Dancing In My Sleep came from the 1992 album Journey With The Lonely. Joi Cardwell was the lead vocalist who wrote this song. Lil Louis himself did not write this song. Her vocals are sung in perfect harmony. Lil Louis produced the beats himself. Dancing In My Sleep is one of the lesser known songs from Lil Louis.
Dancing In My Sleep is about awakening to a new world with eyes wide in search of something new.Reaching for our dreams. The first verse highlights this at the very beginning. Take a look.:
[Verse 1]
Once upon a time
When things were new
Our eyes wide
We saw the world anew
We sang our songs and we danced along
Reaching for our dreams
Now its been so long since our view was clear
And our dance we walk through like sleep
Imagine dancing in your sleep. You toss and turn trying to break the mold. Someone lovingly reaches out to you. Pushing you to grow. Others tell you not to change and to stay the way you are. Now it’s time to ignore them and shake to a different dance or groove. Verse 2 highlights the encouragement of growth. Take a look.:
[Verse 2]
Oh
Fitfully
I toss and turn trying to break the mold
Lovingly you reach out to me
Pushing me to grow
Others tell me not to change
to stay the way I am
But im itching to move
Time to groove
Time to shake to a different dance
Now the chorus explains how to shake this mood by watching for something new. Read the chorus to find exact details.:
[Chorus]
Im dancing in my sleep
Waiting for something new
Im dancing in my sleep
Waiting for just for you
Im dancing in my sleep
Waiting for something new
Im dancing in my sleep
Waiting for just for you
I’m just dancing
Trying to shake this
Mood
Do U Love Me is the bonus track for this EP that can also be found on the album Journey With The Lonely. Do U Love Me samples Taana Gardner - HeartBeat and Freedom - Get Up And Dance. Joi Caldwell’s vocals were sublime on this song.
This is a wonderful piece of house music which can be considered a classic deep house song with a bass line that will get you every time you listen to this song. The kick drum kicks in after the first verse and the snare drum that kicks in after the second verse. The bass and drums will have you bounce around. It is both hypnotic and melodic. The song is nothing short of emotionally tugging.
The song explores regret in seeking confidence from a friend. Read Verse 2.:
[Verse 2]
In my soul I always knew
That I dared to ask of you
Who’s a friend, I would regret
So I live with my secret
Somewhere singing signs of spring
Whispering a melody
But before I’ll spread my wings
Will you answer candidly
[Chorus]
If you love me
Take me higher and higher (x2)
The fifth verse seeks for truthfulness. Read Verse 5.:
[Verse 5]
Hold me baby
Here’s what I say to you
From my soul (From your soul)
I’m asking you (Just be true)
Blackout came from the 1989 album From The Mind Of Lil Louis. The song Blackout has a deep house sound mixed with electronic music and dance. Back in 1989, the song was played around the world in nearly every club and at every party. Its uplifting vocals are what really energize the song. The song Blackout utilizes a time signature of 4|4.
However Lil Louis gets in touch with his religious side by quoting some scriptures from the Christian Old Testament book. Such as mentioning The Lord is my shepherd from Psalm 23. Psalm 23 is the 23rd psalm of the Book of Psalms.
The first verse quotes the beginning of from the Christian Old Testament and Book of Psalms.
[Verse 1]
The Lord is my shepperd, I shall not want
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures
He leaded me beside the still waters
He restoreth my soul
He leaded me in a path of righteousness
For His name's sake
Yeah
Though I walk to the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me
Thy rod and thy staff comfort me
Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of my enemies
Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup's runneth over
Surely goodness and loving kindness
Shall follow me all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the House of the Lord
Forverer
In the middle of the song is where Genesis 1:1-10 is quoted. Revelation 6:12 is quoted as well. These are the scriptures listed below.
[Genesis 1:1-10]
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth
And the earth was without form and void
And darkness was above the face of the deep
And the spirits of God moved upon the face of the waters
And God said "let there be light", and there was light
[Revelation 6:12]
And I beheld when he opened the sixth seal
And Lord there was a great earthquake
And the sun became black a sackcloth of hair
And the moon became as blood
And the stars of heaven fell to the earth even as
A fig tree casts her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind
And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together
And every mountain and island were moved out of their place
The message at the end of the song tells us to seek out the truth. The message at the end of the song is “The truth is now, don't wait, too late to wake up” .
You’re My Reason came from the 1992 album Journey With The Lonely. The song is a mellow tune since the pace is very mid tempo. The song is Chicago house music at its finest. You’re My Reason is one of the lesser known songs from Lil Louis.
Funny How U Luv came from the 1992 album Journey With The Lonely. Funny How U Luv is one of the lesser known songs from Lil Louis.
Clap Your Hands (Heads Radio Mix Main R&B Extended) can also be found on this vinyl EP. Clap Your Hands samples Freedom - Get Up And Dance. The song utilizes a time signature of 3|4.
5/5*****!!
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