Think Factory released this soundtrack album called Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le as a digital download online via SoundCloud in 2016 and on YouTube in 2019. Michel’le had some input on what songs she wanted to use on the soundtrack for her autobiography/biopic film called Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le. A copule of songs from her debut album were re-recorded and included on this soundtrack album. The first 3 songs are remakes from her debut album and the last 2 songs are new songs. Think musical theater.
Her beautiful R&B voice gives life to these great songs. The soundtrack has a bit of that old school late 80s New Jack Swing sound with a touch of R&B/soul. However on ta songs that were re-recorded, Dr. Dre’s vocals were removed. Michel'le flipped the script on Dr. Dre because when Straight Out of Compton came out she was not included the movie. She was left out. So Michel’le had re-recorded the songs with a new male voice instead of using Dr. Dre’s vocals. Plus there was more than high possibility of rights issues when songs were being chosen for the soundtrack.
The soundtrack is about a woman who held on to her dream through poverty, domestic violence, and drugs. In with it came the fame and betrayal from men she loved, dated, “married”, and trusted. These songs are filled with such passion.
The soundtrack for Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le is absolutely amazing but too short to be considered a full album. Only 5 songs are included on this soundtrack album. Think Factory could have used more songs from Michel’le’s catalogue to make this soundtrack into a full album. But then again, there is always a “rights” issue. Nevertheless Michel’le did a great job performing on all of these songs. She truly deserves more fame than this. She is one of the really under appreciated singers out there.
Nicety was re-recorded and rearranged with a slightly different sound yet some of the percussion was left intact. The song is an uptempo song with that late 80s New Jack Swing style. The song was a included in the theatrical release of the movie Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le. Nicety came from her debut album that was released on Ruthless Records in 1989.
However Dr. Dre’s vocals were left out of this version of Nicety. Michel'le flipped the script on Dr. Dre because when Straight Out of Compton came out, Michel'le was not included the movie. She was left out. So Michel’le had recorded the songs with a new male voice. This could have been a “rights issue” or just Michel’le herself. Who knows?
The song is about how Michel’le is not like every other girl. She tells men to not get their hopes too high and don't be like other guys assuming that every girl is just like that type. The way she appears to you may not be true to you. Michel’le is not like your girl. She wants to be treated right. Michel’le says men will try anything just to take women home. She gets snide, sardonic, and sarcastic on various parts of the song.
The hook clearly explains what type of girl Michel’le is which sums it all up. Read below.
[Hook]
Some people think I'm nice
Some people think I'm nasty
But if you really want to know
Just ask me...
And I'll say I'm nicety
Hooooo-hoooo-hoooo say I'm nicety
No More Lies was re-recorded and rearranged with a slightly different sound but with Dr. Dre’s vocals removed. This could have been a “rights issue” or just Michel’le herself. Who knows? Her then-boyfriend Dr. Dre produced No More Lies of course. Her unique Minnie Mouse voice can be heard on this song.
The song No More Lies has a bit of that old school late 80s New Jack Swing sound with a slight touch of hard rock. R&B/soul meets rock music on this song. No More Lies came from her debut album that was released on Ruthless Records in 1989.
No More Lies is a song aimed at men who are abusive and unfaithful to their lovers. However this song is aimed more at unfaithful men then it is abusive men it seems. Men exaggerate, lie, and are unfaithful at times. Michel’le states there's a little exaggeration in almost every man. She gets snide, sardonic, and sarcastic on various parts of the song.
Something in My Heart was re-recorded and rearranged with a slightly different sound. Her beautiful R&B voice prospers through out the song. Percussion and woodwinds are still the same. This song came from her debut album that was released on Ruthless Records in 1989.
The song was basically about the feelings she had towards Dr. Dre. Michel'le was truly in love with Dre. She had no limit to the love for him. Her love for him during that time was unconditional. Dr. Dre knew that he had all of her love. That feeling is reserved for him of course.
So Glad I'm Standing Here is a new song that was recorded in 2015 by Michel’le for the Surviving Compton: Dre, Suge & Michel'le soundtrack. This song is a Michel’le solo and a piano solo. Her vocals are still on point.
So Glad I'm Standing Here is an inspirational song of life and love. Michel’le encourages people to come together and raise up their voices in this song of hers. It is very refreshing to hear Michel'le sing about positivity. Overall So Glad I'm Standing Here is a powerful song!
There were times Michel’le remembered where she had to fight just to hold her head up. There were times when her friends tried to make a fool of her. Things her heart attack that people just couldn’t see. Some said she was hopeless. Strong willed she was. That’s why she is still standing here today. Michel'le is finally at a happy point in her life.
Michel’le encourages people to come together and raise up their voices close to the middle of the song. If you’re lost in your troubles, this song is perfect for you. It will uplift your spirits.
Her voice is just as powerful was ever on Moonlight. The song has a bright cheerful mood. An angelic chorus backs up her vocals.
Sometimes she wish the world would spin slow. But she can’t decide. The fast life is the only life Michel’le knows. Time knows no limitations. She knows theres more to life than this. We were born to live. Tonight’s a full moon. Let the light shine through. Michel’le says all you have to do is let the light find you.
Her past life is nothing like the one she knows. She hopes for a bright future. Michel’le is just trying to make something out of her life. There is no easy answer for that. She has to keep moving on in life.
5/5*****!!
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Mic Fox & Ya Boy Wild Wayne – Queing With Q93 single review
Mic Fox & Ya Boy Wild Wayne – Queing With Q93 is one of the rarer Cash Money Records that has been forgotten overtime. Many New Orleans residents will remember this single being played on a local radio station called Q93 back in 1993. The cassette single featured two songs which were Queing With Q93 and Alright, Here We Go!. The entire single is laced with that classic New Orleans bounce. Today this Cash Money classic single is regarded as a rare cassette single sells anywhere from $80-$200 dollars online.
Queing With Q93 was a song where Cash Money artists were freestyling about the radio station Q93. Lil Ya, Ms. Tee, UNLV, Pimp Daddy, Lil Slim, and PxMxWx are the ones who freestyled on Queing With Q93. Ya Boy Wild Wayne can be heard all over the song also. Queing With Q93 is also a Local 580 freestyle. Every Local 580 songs were freestyles.
Mannie Fresh produced Queing With Q93 in 1993 and had the radio station Q93 play the song in constant rotation every day. Mannie Fresh knows how to make songs fun. Queing With Q93 is laced with that classic New Orleans bounce over a soulful guitar and a sample of Sade - Nothing Can Come In Between Us. The beauty is in the beats and lyrics. The freestyle song Queing With Q93 is a Cash Money classic to this day.
Alright, Here We Go! was on the B Side of the cassette single and was produced by Mannie Fresh. The song Alright, Here We Go! is also a Local 580 freestyle.
5/5*****!!
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Maroon Town – One World album review
Maroon Town – One World is another reggae album everyone can relate to. The album includes positive motivational songs to party themes about having fun. The sound is similar to artists Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Loafers, The Wailers, Aswad, and Third World. This release is as monumental as their last release but has a more greasy dub sound that’s just as rambunctious. The band is concise with their sound.
Fix The Future is an uplifting positive song how we as humans can improve ourselves to become better in life. Maroon Town tells we need to learn and grow as we proceed to move forward in life. Fix The Future is also about how we as humans can fix our future so the planet Earth can be a better place for all life forms to inhabit.
The song gives us a ray of hope for personal freedom and political freedom. This is one of their positive motivational songs. This song is also one of their triumphant songs. Of course that is understated as this song has been very much overlooked.
Gather round there's a story in the making. Doors are unlocking chains are breaking. Fixing the future may seem like the impossible dream but it’s not. If you work together and put aside our differences then we can become better as people. We can improve our lives this way. We know our faults and it’s time to make the repairs. It's only the beginning of a flowing stream in a moment of triumph the walls came down. To fix the future, we need to stay on the right track. Maroon Town says optimism is life.
The lyrics expose the hidden agenda people have when it comes to choosing not to fix their problems and others. People choose to be stubborn and do things their own ways most of the time. “Wherever you go people they are stating/The right to know end of dictating/To take what is rightfully theirs”
These lyrics explain to us that we were never meant to be held back or held down by political oppressions from the system (government).
Fix the future now
State of shock and a state of emergency
Surely that's how it wasn't meant to be
Being held down in our own territory
Bound to cause a major catastrophe
In the life of the majority controlled by a power
That’s stepping out totally
Yes it's dead and gone
Put the people up where they belong
Fix the future, stay on the track
Pack your things no looking back
Chameleon is a colorful funky reggae ska song that has a funky rhythm and riddim. This song will make you feel wiggly. Dance represents the expressions and feelings of this song.
You know the feeling reggae music sends to your soul. You start to loose control and begin dancing. Music is a habit and a rhythm is to hold. I lose control too. So release the vibe and release the tension. You have the funkiest sound in town. A funky rhythm is something you can depend on. Release the vibe then you'll be reeling to the sound getting down.
Pound to the Dollar discusses the issues of greed and how there is not enough money to go around for everyone in the world. Rocksteady and dub meet the sounds of ska reggae on Pound to the Dollar. There are a lot of rhythms and rhymes that can be heard inside of this song.
From the Pound to the Dollar there is lots of money in the world but not enough to go around for everyone. This is due to greed. Many countries are in a lot of debt. A lot of greed goes on even in third world countries where a lot people are in a lot of need. Who will win this human race?
Lyrics to the first part of the song sum up the subject in a nutshell an amicable manner.
From the Pound to the Dollar
From the Dollar to the Pound
Lots of money in the world
Not enough to go around
Every Little Step is the third and final song on this cassette. The song includes an upbeat reggae rhythm about dancing and having fun. Ralph Lamb plays a mean but funky trumpet on the song. The song follows a dance beat which is actually a ska beat. Dance represents the expressions and feelings of this song.
Don't you ever underestimate the band that's rocking the beat! Every little step and move they make is never going to be fake. They are here rocking it straight grooving it straight down the line. It's time to celebrate. Tomorrow will be too late. Find the perfect mix and get the perfect blend to the music. The band wants you to dance and have a good time.
The song encourages people to move forward in life. Now is the time. So there is no need for hesitation. Go forth and reach your destination. Step in the right direction. It's now and it won't wait.
Maroon Town explains to the listener(s) on the song World that we live on one planet and we need to get along with each other. They tell us we need (to) love. What good is a world without unity? What good can it be without unity? Those are the questions that need answers and to be answered.
The world spinning up commotion while moving in a circular motion. Everyone’s hearts are filled up with mixed emotions and feelings. To some life is a tragedy. For others it's a pure fantasy.
Tell me this. What good is a world without unity? What good can it be without unity? A world without unity is truly sad. Everybody needs somebody and wants somebody. We need love. Stick together with love. Join together and help mankind. It’s one world and we need to stick together.
From barren lands to luscious demands, the ultimate feelings will always remain. Stick together with love. Somebody come up with a notion.
4/5****
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Marques Callaway – Wut Da Hell U Lookin At album review
Marques Callaway – Wut Da Hell U Lookin At is the most overlooked soul rap album from San Antonio to date. Soul meets rap on this album with a smooth sound, vibe, and nature. While not a full length album, his serves as a good starting point for a debut album. However the duration of this album is only 30 minutes long. What Marques lacks in longevity he makes up for in his smooth soulful vocals on these songs of his. The album has a cosmopolitan sound.
Ricé arranged and produced the beats to the songs on his album. Marques Callaway’s debut album was one of many projects Ricé had his hands at the time. He was producing for Lil Sin, Mojoe, Mr. Joshay, and Underground Committee at the time as well as producing so many other albums for San Antonio rap artists and soul artists also. You can feel Ricé’s presence in the production and sound. Matt Damon of San Antonio’s famous Rhapsody Street Studios mixed and engineered some of the album. Marques Callaway’s debut album was one of many projects Matt Damon had his hands in during this time as he was working with Ear Food Orchestra, Mojoe, PKO, and A-Gee.
Soul rap from San Antonio, Texas during the 2000s decade was often overlooked, overshadowed, and often under appreciated by most people. This album is no exception. Marques Callaway has always been overlooked by many.
The song Pimp S**T has that laid back smooth pimp vibe and slick tone. The sound of this song is smooth and sultry in nature. Ricé plays a guitar which follows a rhythm on the song. The beat is slow and simple. The song was mixed by Ricé and Matt Damon.
Marques spits game like Too Short and UGK on the business of pimping. Marques Callaway explains to that pimping ain’t no illusion as it’s real. Pimping is how he pays his bills. These hoes don’t understand but that doesn’t matter to a player like Marques Callaway. Hoes play games in the business of pimping day in and day out. Marques doesn’t have time for any games. He needs to pay his bills. Pimping ain’t no illusion like UGK said.
Wut da Hell U Lookin At was the song and single that helped Marques Callaway get respect and recognition among his peers in the San Antonio rap scene and in soul music too. The song was popular in San Antonio and Austin back in 2000. The song was played on radio stations in San Antonio and Austin.
This song was aimed at the haters and hoes who doubted he would be successful in music. People always want to test his patience and start drama everywhere he goes. He would often be seen riding in a drop top Convertible on the roads of San Antonio. This made some people jealous of him. Marques lets the listener(s) know that he is not playing. You know what they say. They don’t play in San Antonio.
The Chewin’ features legendary rap artists Lil Sin and Mr. Joshay. Local rap artists Big B and K9 appear on the song also. This song is not as sprightly as the others. The sound is sort of brittle.
Marques Callaway is rolling down 410 (I 410) sipping Hennessy. He is looking for some shit to get into. So he calls his nigga Dell. He asks him, “Hey. What are you doing? Meet me at the corner store.” He tells him this is urgent. Suddenly this fine ass female rolls up in a Mercedes Benz. She has hella friends. They exchanged numbers. She’s frontin’ like she ain’t gonna call him.
So he is on his way to meet this fine ass female who is totally fresh. He ends up knocking the boots with her for the night. He knows that she’s the one for him.
The On Da Grind Version of Wut da Hell U Lookin At is similar to a Billy Cook song due to the mellow tone, sound, and vibe. Rice was striding for something better with this version. This version is more tuneful and more soulful.
4/5****!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dick Smith - Initial Thrust (Remastered Version)
Now naming an album Dick Smith - Initial Thrust ultimately is considered cheesy, corny, provocative, and sexually suggestive by today’s standards. The title “Dick Smith - Initial Thrust” sounds very much similar to a hot steamy pornographic film you would watch at an adult theatre or stream online through the internet. But the 1980s were a simpler time of innocence so to speak. Sexuality was not as heavily promoted back then as it is today but Dick Smith - Initial Thrust was released in 1983. Those who are insular to soul music might not understand why.
Although the title itself is rousing, Dick Smith - Initial Thrust is a funky modern sound album from the Zapp era that was one of the many side projects of Roger Troutman which is why the Zapp sound can be heard on this album. While not a theatrical release, this release has Roger Troutman’s signature production all over the place. You can feel his connection through any form through computer or stereo.
For some reason, 66% of this album is cover songs and remakes of older soul hits. 4 out of 6 songs on this album are cover songs. If you were looking for originality or original material from Dick Smith, you will surely but solely be disappointed. All the songs, however, have that Zapp sound and Roger Troutman sound in both production, musical style, percussion selection, and sound.
Warner Brothers, Epic, and Roger Troutman dropped the ball on promoting this album properly and one can see why. No one is going to buy an album filled with covers of rehashed soul songs from old soul hits of yesteryear. People want originality and flavor when they buy soul albums. Not just cover songs of other artists songs from yesteryear. One can see why this album did not gain any further promotion or limelight.
Roger Troutman produced to the kick drum sounds heard on Tobacco Road which is why you can hear his signature production sound on this Dick Smith song. Dick Smith’s Tobacco Road is a jazz remake of the blues song Tobacco Road by John D. Loudermilk. It was not a hit for either one of them though.
Sunny has that bouncy boom-clap sound you expect to hear from both Roger Troutman and Zapp. Sunny has that Zapp sound also. This is one of those tracks that will make you get up and want to dance to this funky song. The song Sunny is very similar to Funky Bounce by Zapp. As a matter of fact, Sunny is a highlight for Dick Smith’s solo album.
The Long And Winding Road is a tune of mournful sadness. The title alone gives away a mixture of feelings such as sadness and mournful. Despite the sadness in this song, the beats are really fast. Not surprising since Roger Troutman produced this song with his brother Larry Troutman at the time of recording Dick Smith’s first and only album to date. Larry Troutman had his hands on this song.
By The Time I Get To Phoenix has a smooth modern soul vibe laced on top of a smooth mellow R&B vibe comfortable to your ears.
3/5***
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R2M – Harder In 2003 EP review
R2M – Harder In 2003 is some dope astounding electronic house music from Dallas, Texas. You’ve got the hard acid sound mixed in with occasional breaks which are collected samples of different sound bits. The EP is perfect for the nightclub or dance floor. Electronic music from Dallas often gets overlooked due to presence of other electronic music powerhouses such as Chicago, New York City, Miami, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Detroit.
Ong Diggi is an upbeat acid track which uses heavy hitting beats over bitcrushed synths. A pair of bongos are added to the mix during the middle of the song. In a way this song is similar to Darude - Sandstorm. Ong Diggi was recorded and mastered at Silver Sun Studios in Flint, Michigan.
We Shall Overcome uses much heavier bass than Ong Diggi does. The bass notes are bitcrushed and are overlapped by electric synths with the occasional breaks. The occasional breaks are vocal samples. The track uses vocal samples of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s declamatory speech “We Shall Overcome” in an austere manner.
At Night is a beat driven electronic song backed by an ensemble of live drums and electronic beats over heavy bass. The beats are on point and not too filtered. The break is a warped electronic synth which starts playing during the 1:27.
To Love uses some intense electric synths and breaks over heavy bass. A tambourine helps make this song rhythmic. The beats are on point. Every fan of electronic music will love this song as it is perfect for the dance floor or a nightclub. The song is also a perfect DJ tool.
5/5*****!!
Mic Fox & Ya Boy Wild Wayne – Queing With Q93 is one of the rarer Cash Money Records that has been forgotten overtime. Many New Orleans residents will remember this single being played on a local radio station called Q93 back in 1993. The cassette single featured two songs which were Queing With Q93 and Alright, Here We Go!. The entire single is laced with that classic New Orleans bounce. Today this Cash Money classic single is regarded as a rare cassette single sells anywhere from $80-$200 dollars online.
Queing With Q93 was a song where Cash Money artists were freestyling about the radio station Q93. Lil Ya, Ms. Tee, UNLV, Pimp Daddy, Lil Slim, and PxMxWx are the ones who freestyled on Queing With Q93. Ya Boy Wild Wayne can be heard all over the song also. Queing With Q93 is also a Local 580 freestyle. Every Local 580 songs were freestyles.
Mannie Fresh produced Queing With Q93 in 1993 and had the radio station Q93 play the song in constant rotation every day. Mannie Fresh knows how to make songs fun. Queing With Q93 is laced with that classic New Orleans bounce over a soulful guitar and a sample of Sade - Nothing Can Come In Between Us. The beauty is in the beats and lyrics. The freestyle song Queing With Q93 is a Cash Money classic to this day.
Alright, Here We Go! was on the B Side of the cassette single and was produced by Mannie Fresh. The song Alright, Here We Go! is also a Local 580 freestyle.
5/5*****!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maroon Town – One World album review
Maroon Town – One World is another reggae album everyone can relate to. The album includes positive motivational songs to party themes about having fun. The sound is similar to artists Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, The Loafers, The Wailers, Aswad, and Third World. This release is as monumental as their last release but has a more greasy dub sound that’s just as rambunctious. The band is concise with their sound.
Fix The Future is an uplifting positive song how we as humans can improve ourselves to become better in life. Maroon Town tells we need to learn and grow as we proceed to move forward in life. Fix The Future is also about how we as humans can fix our future so the planet Earth can be a better place for all life forms to inhabit.
The song gives us a ray of hope for personal freedom and political freedom. This is one of their positive motivational songs. This song is also one of their triumphant songs. Of course that is understated as this song has been very much overlooked.
Gather round there's a story in the making. Doors are unlocking chains are breaking. Fixing the future may seem like the impossible dream but it’s not. If you work together and put aside our differences then we can become better as people. We can improve our lives this way. We know our faults and it’s time to make the repairs. It's only the beginning of a flowing stream in a moment of triumph the walls came down. To fix the future, we need to stay on the right track. Maroon Town says optimism is life.
The lyrics expose the hidden agenda people have when it comes to choosing not to fix their problems and others. People choose to be stubborn and do things their own ways most of the time. “Wherever you go people they are stating/The right to know end of dictating/To take what is rightfully theirs”
These lyrics explain to us that we were never meant to be held back or held down by political oppressions from the system (government).
Fix the future now
State of shock and a state of emergency
Surely that's how it wasn't meant to be
Being held down in our own territory
Bound to cause a major catastrophe
In the life of the majority controlled by a power
That’s stepping out totally
Yes it's dead and gone
Put the people up where they belong
Fix the future, stay on the track
Pack your things no looking back
Chameleon is a colorful funky reggae ska song that has a funky rhythm and riddim. This song will make you feel wiggly. Dance represents the expressions and feelings of this song.
You know the feeling reggae music sends to your soul. You start to loose control and begin dancing. Music is a habit and a rhythm is to hold. I lose control too. So release the vibe and release the tension. You have the funkiest sound in town. A funky rhythm is something you can depend on. Release the vibe then you'll be reeling to the sound getting down.
Pound to the Dollar discusses the issues of greed and how there is not enough money to go around for everyone in the world. Rocksteady and dub meet the sounds of ska reggae on Pound to the Dollar. There are a lot of rhythms and rhymes that can be heard inside of this song.
From the Pound to the Dollar there is lots of money in the world but not enough to go around for everyone. This is due to greed. Many countries are in a lot of debt. A lot of greed goes on even in third world countries where a lot people are in a lot of need. Who will win this human race?
Lyrics to the first part of the song sum up the subject in a nutshell an amicable manner.
From the Pound to the Dollar
From the Dollar to the Pound
Lots of money in the world
Not enough to go around
Every Little Step is the third and final song on this cassette. The song includes an upbeat reggae rhythm about dancing and having fun. Ralph Lamb plays a mean but funky trumpet on the song. The song follows a dance beat which is actually a ska beat. Dance represents the expressions and feelings of this song.
Don't you ever underestimate the band that's rocking the beat! Every little step and move they make is never going to be fake. They are here rocking it straight grooving it straight down the line. It's time to celebrate. Tomorrow will be too late. Find the perfect mix and get the perfect blend to the music. The band wants you to dance and have a good time.
The song encourages people to move forward in life. Now is the time. So there is no need for hesitation. Go forth and reach your destination. Step in the right direction. It's now and it won't wait.
Maroon Town explains to the listener(s) on the song World that we live on one planet and we need to get along with each other. They tell us we need (to) love. What good is a world without unity? What good can it be without unity? Those are the questions that need answers and to be answered.
The world spinning up commotion while moving in a circular motion. Everyone’s hearts are filled up with mixed emotions and feelings. To some life is a tragedy. For others it's a pure fantasy.
Tell me this. What good is a world without unity? What good can it be without unity? A world without unity is truly sad. Everybody needs somebody and wants somebody. We need love. Stick together with love. Join together and help mankind. It’s one world and we need to stick together.
From barren lands to luscious demands, the ultimate feelings will always remain. Stick together with love. Somebody come up with a notion.
4/5****
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marques Callaway – Wut Da Hell U Lookin At album review
Marques Callaway – Wut Da Hell U Lookin At is the most overlooked soul rap album from San Antonio to date. Soul meets rap on this album with a smooth sound, vibe, and nature. While not a full length album, his serves as a good starting point for a debut album. However the duration of this album is only 30 minutes long. What Marques lacks in longevity he makes up for in his smooth soulful vocals on these songs of his. The album has a cosmopolitan sound.
Ricé arranged and produced the beats to the songs on his album. Marques Callaway’s debut album was one of many projects Ricé had his hands at the time. He was producing for Lil Sin, Mojoe, Mr. Joshay, and Underground Committee at the time as well as producing so many other albums for San Antonio rap artists and soul artists also. You can feel Ricé’s presence in the production and sound. Matt Damon of San Antonio’s famous Rhapsody Street Studios mixed and engineered some of the album. Marques Callaway’s debut album was one of many projects Matt Damon had his hands in during this time as he was working with Ear Food Orchestra, Mojoe, PKO, and A-Gee.
Soul rap from San Antonio, Texas during the 2000s decade was often overlooked, overshadowed, and often under appreciated by most people. This album is no exception. Marques Callaway has always been overlooked by many.
The song Pimp S**T has that laid back smooth pimp vibe and slick tone. The sound of this song is smooth and sultry in nature. Ricé plays a guitar which follows a rhythm on the song. The beat is slow and simple. The song was mixed by Ricé and Matt Damon.
Marques spits game like Too Short and UGK on the business of pimping. Marques Callaway explains to that pimping ain’t no illusion as it’s real. Pimping is how he pays his bills. These hoes don’t understand but that doesn’t matter to a player like Marques Callaway. Hoes play games in the business of pimping day in and day out. Marques doesn’t have time for any games. He needs to pay his bills. Pimping ain’t no illusion like UGK said.
Wut da Hell U Lookin At was the song and single that helped Marques Callaway get respect and recognition among his peers in the San Antonio rap scene and in soul music too. The song was popular in San Antonio and Austin back in 2000. The song was played on radio stations in San Antonio and Austin.
This song was aimed at the haters and hoes who doubted he would be successful in music. People always want to test his patience and start drama everywhere he goes. He would often be seen riding in a drop top Convertible on the roads of San Antonio. This made some people jealous of him. Marques lets the listener(s) know that he is not playing. You know what they say. They don’t play in San Antonio.
The Chewin’ features legendary rap artists Lil Sin and Mr. Joshay. Local rap artists Big B and K9 appear on the song also. This song is not as sprightly as the others. The sound is sort of brittle.
Marques Callaway is rolling down 410 (I 410) sipping Hennessy. He is looking for some shit to get into. So he calls his nigga Dell. He asks him, “Hey. What are you doing? Meet me at the corner store.” He tells him this is urgent. Suddenly this fine ass female rolls up in a Mercedes Benz. She has hella friends. They exchanged numbers. She’s frontin’ like she ain’t gonna call him.
So he is on his way to meet this fine ass female who is totally fresh. He ends up knocking the boots with her for the night. He knows that she’s the one for him.
The On Da Grind Version of Wut da Hell U Lookin At is similar to a Billy Cook song due to the mellow tone, sound, and vibe. Rice was striding for something better with this version. This version is more tuneful and more soulful.
4/5****!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dick Smith - Initial Thrust (Remastered Version)
Now naming an album Dick Smith - Initial Thrust ultimately is considered cheesy, corny, provocative, and sexually suggestive by today’s standards. The title “Dick Smith - Initial Thrust” sounds very much similar to a hot steamy pornographic film you would watch at an adult theatre or stream online through the internet. But the 1980s were a simpler time of innocence so to speak. Sexuality was not as heavily promoted back then as it is today but Dick Smith - Initial Thrust was released in 1983. Those who are insular to soul music might not understand why.
Although the title itself is rousing, Dick Smith - Initial Thrust is a funky modern sound album from the Zapp era that was one of the many side projects of Roger Troutman which is why the Zapp sound can be heard on this album. While not a theatrical release, this release has Roger Troutman’s signature production all over the place. You can feel his connection through any form through computer or stereo.
For some reason, 66% of this album is cover songs and remakes of older soul hits. 4 out of 6 songs on this album are cover songs. If you were looking for originality or original material from Dick Smith, you will surely but solely be disappointed. All the songs, however, have that Zapp sound and Roger Troutman sound in both production, musical style, percussion selection, and sound.
Warner Brothers, Epic, and Roger Troutman dropped the ball on promoting this album properly and one can see why. No one is going to buy an album filled with covers of rehashed soul songs from old soul hits of yesteryear. People want originality and flavor when they buy soul albums. Not just cover songs of other artists songs from yesteryear. One can see why this album did not gain any further promotion or limelight.
Roger Troutman produced to the kick drum sounds heard on Tobacco Road which is why you can hear his signature production sound on this Dick Smith song. Dick Smith’s Tobacco Road is a jazz remake of the blues song Tobacco Road by John D. Loudermilk. It was not a hit for either one of them though.
Sunny has that bouncy boom-clap sound you expect to hear from both Roger Troutman and Zapp. Sunny has that Zapp sound also. This is one of those tracks that will make you get up and want to dance to this funky song. The song Sunny is very similar to Funky Bounce by Zapp. As a matter of fact, Sunny is a highlight for Dick Smith’s solo album.
The Long And Winding Road is a tune of mournful sadness. The title alone gives away a mixture of feelings such as sadness and mournful. Despite the sadness in this song, the beats are really fast. Not surprising since Roger Troutman produced this song with his brother Larry Troutman at the time of recording Dick Smith’s first and only album to date. Larry Troutman had his hands on this song.
By The Time I Get To Phoenix has a smooth modern soul vibe laced on top of a smooth mellow R&B vibe comfortable to your ears.
3/5***
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R2M – Harder In 2003 EP review
R2M – Harder In 2003 is some dope astounding electronic house music from Dallas, Texas. You’ve got the hard acid sound mixed in with occasional breaks which are collected samples of different sound bits. The EP is perfect for the nightclub or dance floor. Electronic music from Dallas often gets overlooked due to presence of other electronic music powerhouses such as Chicago, New York City, Miami, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Detroit.
Ong Diggi is an upbeat acid track which uses heavy hitting beats over bitcrushed synths. A pair of bongos are added to the mix during the middle of the song. In a way this song is similar to Darude - Sandstorm. Ong Diggi was recorded and mastered at Silver Sun Studios in Flint, Michigan.
We Shall Overcome uses much heavier bass than Ong Diggi does. The bass notes are bitcrushed and are overlapped by electric synths with the occasional breaks. The occasional breaks are vocal samples. The track uses vocal samples of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s declamatory speech “We Shall Overcome” in an austere manner.
At Night is a beat driven electronic song backed by an ensemble of live drums and electronic beats over heavy bass. The beats are on point and not too filtered. The break is a warped electronic synth which starts playing during the 1:27.
To Love uses some intense electric synths and breaks over heavy bass. A tambourine helps make this song rhythmic. The beats are on point. Every fan of electronic music will love this song as it is perfect for the dance floor or a nightclub. The song is also a perfect DJ tool.
5/5*****!!
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