The Other Side

Copywrite - God Save the King
Released: February 28, 2012
Label: Man Bites Dog

Copywrite is no newbie to the rap game. Being prominent in underground hip-hop since the late 90’s with his Columbus rap crew MegaHertz (MHz), Copywrite has come back stronger than ever with his latest solo release God Save the King which landed a spot on Billboard’s top 100 rap albums chart.

Throughout the album faith is a common theme, such as in “Post-Apocalyptic Request Box” where Copywrite spits, “I was birthed one night to worship Christ / Devil, my soul’s not for sale, no purchase price / I’m a rebel, a wordsmith, nice, my mom’s angel sing / Keep my baby in your prayers, God save the King,”. Copywrite seems to let his guard down as he explores his faith and channels his pain from losing loved ones into his music. There is a lot more to God Save the King though other than spirituality. Copywrite lets his rap-battle roots shine in tracks like “White Democrats” where he continues his beef with Asher Roth as well as “Swaggot Killaz”, and “G$K”. Samples throughout the album range from a vocal sample of Biggie in “Swaggot Killaz”, to “Western Girl” by Dragon in “Got to Make It” and a Dive Strait cover of “Money for Nothing” in “Yo MTV Raps”.  God Save the King is proof of Copywrite’s raw lyricism which is complimented by its production, mostly contributed by Bronz Nazareth, Jason Rose, and Stu Bangas. 

While the 17 song album is a bit lengthy, it is full of detail and is packed with punch line after punch line as Copywrite makes every word count which won’t come as a surprise to veteran Copywrite fans. But even God Save the King shows furtherance in his poetic writing and has provided him with some momentum that is much deserved,  leaving fans curious and optimistic to see where he goes from here.

-Rory Burbeck

Odd Future- The Odd Future Tape Volume 2

They have been called “repulsive,” “irresponsible,” and “juvenile.” They’ve been called “genius,” and “the future of hip hop.” Love them or hate them, the meteoric rise of rap collective Odd Future is something truly astounding. This group of young, 20-something rappers has gone from self releasing tracks on their website to selling out national tours and performing on MTV. And the release of their debut album, The Odd Future Tape Volume 2, will only help in their journey to the top of the hip hop world.

            Although they have released mixtapes as a collective, this is their first proper album. It is also the first taste of the members other than Tyler, The Creator for many fans. As the group’s leader, Tyler has a hand in most of the tracks, either by contributing a verse or by making the beats. But the other members really shine when they are called upon. Hodgy Beats, who recently released his own mixtape, displays his skills throughout, especially on “50” and “Snow White”. The former is as close to a punk rock song as rap can get, with Hodgy chaotically rhyming over a pulsating beat as Tyler provides a ridiculously catchy hook. The latter sees Hodgy taking a much more relaxed flow, with Frank Ocean’s soulful voice providing a stark contrast. Ocean, who’s currently opening for Coldplay on their world tour, represents the best chance of any Odd Future artist to cross over to the radio. His laid back R&B style is a far departure from his peers, as shown on his lone solo track on the album, “White”. The other two rappers in the collective, Domo Genesis and Mike G, get chances to display their talent as well, and don’t disappoint. Mike G is one of the least known of the group, but really shines on his solo track, “Forest Green”, an album highlight. He drawls over a simple synth line and hand claps, even contributing his own chorus, making it the best of the solo tracks on the album. Then there’s Domo Genesis, arguably the most talented rapper in the collective. His cocky rhymes steal the show on each of the six tracks that he is a part of. Domo has a more reserved style of rapping, meticulously weaving his lines together while always staying calm and collected. The real highlight, however, comes at the end of the album, with closer “Oldie”. The 10 minute song features each of the members providing a verse over a simple drum beat. It lets each of the members put their strengths and skills on display, and the video they made to accompany it shows how much fun they have while performing together. It also features the triumphant return of Earl Sweatshirt, the 18-year-old prodigy who had been kept away from the group for much of the last 2 years. Sweatshirt’s incredible verse combines his clever wordplay with tongue twisting rhymes, and is the high point of a great song, ended with one final verse by Tyler, looking back on their journey to this point.

            The Odd Future Tape Volume 2 is one of the best hip hop albums I have heard in quite a while. The combination of Tyler’s minimalist electronic beats and all the different styles the members bring to the table creates a truly special sound. You can hear in the songs that they are enjoying themselves and legitimately care about the music they make, something refreshing in the hip hop scene. Odd Future has come a long way to get to this point, and they will continue to grow. As Tyler puts it on the track “Sam”, “It’s really awkward to know that a bunch of kids do adore me….I’m still a kid in my heart so I have a problem maturing, but it’ll come from experiences…” It will be interesting to see where the group goes from here, but they will most certainly not go quietly. 

- Nick Niedzielski

Here Lies the Hero

Here Lies the Hero, an up and coming talent hailing from Midland, Odessa, has already begun making its mark in music history. These small town boys are spreading their powerful sound throughout Texas and taking us by storm. The band was brought together in ’08, when its first two members, Aaron Chaney (vocalist), and Jaxon Moore (vocalist and guitarist), met in their high school choir class. Not long after they were joined by their drummer Dylan Koen, 2nd guitarist Brandon Chavez, and bass player James Tuppen. Some of their main musical influences included; Saosin, August Burns Red, and Taking Back Sunday. Their first EP called “Tides to Sky” (whose name actually came from lyrics in their song “Anchors and Airplanes”) was produced by Bryan David, who is also producing their new EP set to record in March. One of their most popular hits on the first EP is the song “Sirens”. It was written by Jaxon Moore and Aaron Chaney after Moore had recorded the beginning of a tune that had been running through his mind one evening in Dallas. He had been playing with the idea of sirens as a metaphor for falling into a trap and wanted to incorporate that message into the lyrics. One of the main things that set Here Lies the Hero apart from a lot of the music we have today is their positive message. The band does not specifically classify themselves as “Christian”, but they promote the Christian ideals and do not endorse anything negative or use any profanity in their music. Moore says that this outlook keeps the quality in their sound. This band has already played over 200 shows and has a very bright future ahead of them. They will soon be re-locating to Dallas in order to promote their music and have more opportunity to get their message out. Here Lies the Hero has a dynamic sound and are definitely worth checking out!!!

-Emily Burns

Paralytic Stalks –of Montreal
Released: February 7, 2012
Label: Polyvinyl

The release of the critically acclaimed Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? perhaps have inspired and will continue to garner strict scrutiny over any of Montreal record that follows this pinnacle epic. One can appreciate any pop artist who takes musical and aesthetic risks, but the post-Hissing Fauna albums proved lackluster and generally did not enjoy positive reception from critics or fans. The funky sex-drenched Skeletal Lamping and False Priest were difficult to listen to.

While still remaining sonically experimental, Kevin Barnes (who is of Montreal) also alludes to the band’s older sounds and styles in Paralytic Stalks. In this concise yet dense album, Barnes’ aptitude for melody and harmony and his use of confessional, dark lyrics remain consistent. Listeners will notice the eclectic nature of of Montreal’s 11^th release—ranging from progressive space rock (of the striking opening track) to colorful (yet still subtly melancholy) pop to even pseudo-country. And then there’s the last 20 minutes of the record: “Exorcismic Bleeding Knife” is some kind of strange, disorienting sound collage that makes one think of the Beatles’ “Revolution 9.” The 13-minute closing “Authentic Pyrrhic Remission” begins with  Princey poppy funk and spirals into a mad, atonal soundscape. The finale then shifts into Barnes’ fragile voice singing sadly and simply, accompanied by an equally sad and simple piano.

Yes, one could deem this album “ambitious.” However, Paralytic Stalks is not entirely overwhelming to listen to. It’s actually a fascinating and enjoyable listen. Clearly, Kevin Barnes is one of the most brilliant musical minds of our time. But you can detect a hint of exhaustion in this record that has been accumulating since Hissing Fauna; after being incredibly prolific since 1997, perhaps this man needs a restful hiatus, and inspiration will then find him again.

-Michelle Le

Hit The Lights- Invicta 

Invicta: unvanquished, unconquerable, invincible.

The title of Hit The Lights’ newest album perfectly encapsulates the band’s rocky past couple of years. After releasing 2008’s pop punk gem Skip School, Start Fights, Hit The Lights’ was signed to Universal Republic, a major record label. The band immediately met resistance while working on the follow up and was stuck in limbo for a year. After being dropped, they signed with Razor and Tie and released Invicta, the album they wanted to make all along.

When the first epic drum beats kick in on the album opener “Invincible”, it is clear that Hit The Lights wanted to take their sound to the next level with this release. The first three tracks, “Invincible”, “Gravity”, and “Earthquake”, have huge, anthemic choruses, and vocalist Nick Thompson’s voice shines, showing a huge improvement since Skip School.

The band shows their biggest growth in the slower tracks, such as “So Guilty”, “Faster Now”, and most impressively, “Should’ve Known”. The latter is one of the highlights of the album, with haunting vocals and eerie guitars driven by a rolling snare. These songs provide a refreshing change of pace by showing a more emotional side of the band.

That’s not to say the band has lost all there edge though. “All The Weight” sounds like it could have been a b- side from Skip School, and the roaring guitars in “Float Through Me” bring back some of the bite from the band’s past.

Invicta is a huge step forward for Hit The Lights, showing that the band has far more ambitious plans than toiling in the ever growing pop punk scene. The band has shown that they are something special with this release, and will only continue to grow in the future.

-Nick Niezielski

Mike G

Award Tour EP

Released: November 25, 2011

Label: Self-released

             Mike G made his debut into the rap game in early 2010 on the infamous Odd Future’s mix tape Radical. His smooth vocals over a Mos Def beat left fans wanting more. Shortly after this, Mike G released his own mixtape ALI and has been releasing a series of chopped and screwed versions of Odd Future songs along with other popular hip-hop tunes. By the time Award Tour was due to be released in November of last year, the bar had been set quite high for this hyped Odd Future member. However this seven-track mix tape could be considered a disappointment after its long awaited arrival.

            It is clear after listening to these tracks that making beats is Mike G’s strong point but however there are not many “stand out” areas to the listener otherwise. The first track featured in this EP “Moracular World” was previously featured on ALI as well, which is confusing considering there are only seven tracks on Award Tour; leaving in question whether or not this was a rushed project for this rising artist. The lyrics used throughout this mix tape are consistent to those of other Odd Future member’s: violence, drugs, weapons, and the rise to fame.

            Vince Staples is a treat though, being featured on five of the seven tracks. The title track “Award Tour” and “Michael Douglas” both including extensive vocals from Vince Staples are by far the best songs on the mix tape. Unfortunately for Mike G this release has probably sent his followers in different directions and pushed him back out of the Odd Future spotlight. For Vince Staples’ unique voice and impressive rhymes, he may be sticking around for a bit longer.

-Melissa Bond

Kendrick Lamar - Section.80 

When in talks of the top hip-hop albums of last year, Section.80 is sure to be argued. 2011 XXL Freshman Kendrick Lamar claims to be the voice of his generation and Section.80 is a reflection of that and one in which he succeeds tremendously.

In Section.80 Kendrick focuses on what he sees as the flaws of his generation with emphasis on the problem of his generations dependency on drugs. He does so with deep lyrical content proving himself as an intellectual and quite the wordsmith. With piano melodies, brass horns,  and drums heard in a majority of the songs, the album has a jazz vibe going that flows seamlessly with his sincere and passionate lyrics.
Favorite songs on the album include “A.D.H.D.”, “Blow My High (Members Only)”, and “HiiiPower”. “A.D.H.D.”, which samples Jet Age of Tomorrow’s “Knighthawk”,  shows off his story telling ability in his tale of a girl choosing drugs over love. “Blow My High (Members Only)” is Kendrick’s track in honor of Aaliyah that includes a Pimp C hook as well as a sample from Aaliyah’s own “4 Page Letter”. And then there is “HiiiPower” which is produced by J. Cole and is the climax of Section.80. The song talks of self-enlightenment, hard work, and the concept of HiiiPower (The I’s represent Heart, Honor, and Respect) that Kendrick describes as ” a way of thinking with higher expectations, and achieving richness in body and mind. Essentially a quest for knowledge and wisdom of the body, mind and spirit.”

Kendrick is quickly growing in popularity and with his words of peace and desires for a more humane society he has received a cult - like following from many of his fans . Within the 16 track album it’s hard to find a significant down side. Lamar captures you with his words and puts you in a trance with the instrumentals.  Listen and see if you agree.

-Tatiana Watson

I just need to start out by saying that this album is a must have for any Hendrix fan. Valleys of Neptune was released on March 9, 2010 and is an album comprised of previously unreleased material by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. This album offers everything that can be offered by the late and amazing Jimi Hendrix. On this album you will find different versions of a few classic Hendrix songs, a couple covers, and brand new tracks that have never been released before. The overall feel of Valleys of Neptune is that of a jam/practice session by the band. Don’t get me wrong, this is one of the greatest jam bands of all time, perhaps the most influential band of all time. You really get the feel that the band decided to jam out in the studio, and they also happened to decide to record the session as well. Jimi shows his skills as a blues guitarist in multiple bluesy songs, as he adds that classic Hendrix twist that no one else can seem to reproduce. Hendrix was a musician who played in the moment, by that I mean he played what he felt like playing when he felt like playing it. He didn’t care what anyone thought. That really shows here on the album as he expresses his sole through the guitar. The few alternate versions of classic songs like Stone Free, Fire, and Red House show what Jimi is capable of; how he can invent an entire new song out of the same song. It sounds confusing but it’s something your ears have to hear for themselves. I also have to give recognition to the late and phenomenal drummer Mitch Mitchell who bangs away on those drums with unsurpassed skill as only Mitch can do. Also, we can’t forget the man who completed the lineup, the also late and wonderful bassist Noel Redding. It’s hard to fathom that every member of The Experience has passed, but they live on forever in the Valleys of Neptune. Like I have said, this is an amazing album that any fan of Jimi Hendrix or 60s music in general definitely needs to have in their collection. This review can only be concluded with one simple question: Are you experienced?

-Jeff Goldblatt

Yelawolf - RADIOACTIVE

Gadsden, Alabama native Yelawolf (formally known as Michael Wayne Atha) has teamed up with Slaughterhouse and has put forth his debut album RADIOACTIVE. After being labeled as the “Joe Dirt” to the music industry by his own manager he is now on the rise to being labeled as a top dog in the Hip Hop music community.

RADIOACTIVE is a 15 track album with a southern twang and a variety of artist features. RADIOACTIVE features artists: Shawty Fatt, Mystikal, Kid Rock, Lil Jon, Ritz, Gangsta Boo, Eminem, Poo Bear, Priscilla Renea, Fefe Dobson, Mona Mona, & Killer Mike. Although RADIOACTIVE’s artist features may seem random they managed to fit right in. If you have listened to Yelawolf’s previous work and mixapes the content on RADIOACTIVE may first appear predictable but when you really listen to the album you eventually start to appreciate the story Yelawolf tells.

RADIOACTIVE definitely differs from other recent Hip Hop album releases such as  Take Care & Camp, because it contains hard knock life content and a southern edge. Yelawolf is a great addition to the radio waves and it’s not because Hip Hop great Eminem is backing him up along the way. I personally believe Yelawolf is creating a rap lane of his own and shouldn’t be labeled as just a great white rapper but a great rapper period.
Overall RADIOACTIVE is worth the listen and receives a respectable 2 thumbs up.

Top 5 songs on the album:
Get Away
Lets Roll
Hard White
Good Girl
The Last Song

-Tami J

Despite her less than impressive appearance on Saturday Night Live in January that apparently caused her to cancel her tour, Lana Del Rey’s debut album Born to Die deemed successful. The 24-year-old New Yorker released her first single, “Video Games,” back in October and since then has been topping music charts across the board. According to one of Lana Del Rey’s recent tweets, her album reached No. 1 in eleven countries prior to it’s debut.

Don’t let her collagen-plumped pout fool you, her lyrics are full of sexual innuendos and a ‘bad girl’ attitude.  From the sassiness of “Off to the Races” to the ballad-like tune “Born to Die,” Lana Del Rey presents a variety of emotions in her album.  It’s no surprise if Born to Die instantly reminds listeners of Lady Gaga with sporadic mentions of money, sex, fame, and all the glamour that comes with. She’s got as much girl power as a majority of many other female pop artists, but with more genuity and charm.

Overall, “Born to Die” is catchy and expressive, and after playing the album on repeat since it’s release, I’ve yet to grow tired of it. If the girl can clean up her on-stage performance reputation, she’ll have it all.

-Andrea Carr

Big Deal - Lights Out

After listening to Lights Out, it’s likely you’ll either be reminded of how much love bites, or how truly innocent and blissful love can be. Alice Costelloe and Kacey Underwood, the lovelorn Pop duo known as Big Deal released Lights Out back in September 2011 and since then have been gaining some serious Indie street cred. Maybe it’s their undeniable chemistry, their simplistic yet painfully personal approach to music, or perhaps, it’s their sweet, sentimental lyrics that make Big Deal’s music so desirable. Whatever it is, they’ve got it.

Working with only an electric and acoustic guitar, the 13 tracks on the album are filled with a dueling hum and strum like sound. The lack of variation in instruments may seem less appealing, but the minimalistic nature of the musical arrangement on Lights Out only allows more spotlight for the duo’s honest, heartbreaking lyrics, an element which can make or break an album, and definitely makes this one. On “Cool Like Kurt”, Costelloe and Underwood harmonize beautifully over and over again “Take me to your bed/Don’t take me home/I wanna be old/I wanna be older”, a line that displays so accurately the angst that comes along with being a teenager in love. In the more explicit “Talk”, the duo exclaim “It’s okay, I’m just a kid/It’s okay, I’ll get over it.” This harmony and naïve romanticism is a theme which is present throughout the album.  Amidst the soft strumming and faint, yet noticeable electric guitar on the track “Swoon”, true poeticism takes shape within the lyric “So come and find me dizzy with the spell of our chemistry/You are a diamond that fits into my heart so perfectly.”  And in the case of the more complex “Locked Up”, a song that could very well be one of the heaviest lyrical love songs of 2011, Big Deal so tenderly proclaims “You don’t have to be alone/Maybe you’re not, I wouldn’t know/Cause’ you keep it all locked up.” Along with providing an album to makeup or breakup to, Big Deal truly lives up to their name on Lights Out.

Review by: Allison Johnson

Common - The Dreamer/Believer Review

Legendary MC, Common, comes thru with another great to add to his collection. The Dreamer/believer is the ninth studio album from Common. Don’t call it a comeback album because he has been working on it since 2009, but had to put it on hold to focus on acting. Even though he has been acting, his lyricism and delivery is still on point. And a line he said on “raw (how u like it)” personifies who he really is,  “You Hollywood.” Nah n@gga, I’m Chicago so I cracked his head with a motherfucking bottle.” The record is a bit commercial but still is conscious hip hop to the fullest. It gives off a positive vibe and raises spirits, unlike a lot of new era hip hop we hear on our radios. It may have taken 2 year to create, but the quality of the album is impeccable. Well thought out and masterfully put together. Mostly produced and co-written by NO ID, A legendary producer that has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Big Sean, and Jay Z. The strength of the album is common’s word play, lyrics, delivery and the hunger he has on the tracks. Com is com and there’s no acting on this one.

              The “Dreamer” and “Ghetto dreams,” the two initial tracks on the record, are exceptionally good songs which are highlighted by the guest appearances of Maya Angelou and Nas. If you have Maya Angelou are your album then that’s an accomplishment in itself.  “Blue Sky” the second single off the album is one of the most notable tracks on it, and that’s saying a lot. Common spits bars such as “Aston Martin king, Luther with dreams, the young Denzel the way I move through scenes .” His message in the song is that the sky is the limit and anyone can reach it. The “Sweet” track is notorious for supposedly being a diss track towards Drake. Common seems a little too angry on the track, and that’s not him to be beefing with others, especially Drake for being a lil to sweet (even though common has always been one of the sweeter rappers in the game since 93’). The lyrics on the song are tough and have a very menacing vibe to it.  “Lovin’ I lost” which is sampled from Curtis Mayfield’s “I love and I lost,” seemed to be Common’s ballad to a beauty, possible talking about Serena Williams. In the song “Cloth” he talks again of a girl. I feel that common is over shadowed by the hook on the track. In all it’s still a lovely track, some would say it’s a filler track, but I see it as a tasty appetizer before the main entre. The album hits a climax when the latest single, “celebrate,” comes on. A song talking about partying and celebrating while all the homies are in town. The track is nice and fun and probably could be played at parties of all ages.  The “Believer,” track with John Legend, Common speak as the voice of the voiceless in Chicago and for people across the nation. It’s a powerful message and when he raps ,”That seems beyond us, even through the unseen I know that God watches From one king’s dream, he was able to Barack us The prophets, nothing can stop us Believe!” you understand that Common is trying to progress all African American folks. Common’s flow throughout is spazmatic and shows why he’s one of the greatest at his craft.

              Overall from the cover, the case, to the content, the album is really good. This album is kind of underappreciated.  A hip hop classic I don’t know, but a Common classic, most definitely. I’d give it an 8 1/2. If worth spending your dollars to get some of common’s sense.

-Charlie Inim

Cults - Self Titled

Cults is an indie pop band from Manhattan,  New York that formed in 2010 that is made up of Madeline Follin, who is on vocals and Brian Oblivion, who is on both vocals and guitar. Together, they blasts out pop songs that infuses elements of blues, soul, and of course, rock and in their self-titled album, Cults, which released in 2011, you can definitely hear it.

In tracks, such as “Abducted” and “You Know What I Mean”, they incorporate crunchy guitar and effects, along with powerful vocals from Follin, it creates something groovy, to be honest. The band altogether possesses a blue rock feel, however can also be categorized as an indie, pop, rock band, as well. It is hard to put them in a box because they are so versatile and unique.

If you are a fan of Sleigh Bells and Girls, I would definitely give Cults a listen.
-Jessica Edwards

Main Attrazionz - 808s & Dark Grapes II

               Oakland rappers Mondre M.A.N. and Squadda B make up the rap duo Main Attrakionz who, last summer, dropped 808s & Dark Grapes II, their eighth album released in the last year and their first of which that was recorded in a studio. Their music has been labeled as “cloud Rap” , a new sub genre consisting of other rappers such as Danny Brown , Lil B, and A$AP Rocky, which the pair loosely accepts.

                   Although lyrically this album is lackluster,  that’s to be expected judging from previous releases by the duo. While 808s & Dark Grapes II did show a major improvement in their lyrical development, the main appeal of the album is the production. And If there’s one thing Main Attrakzionz can agree with homie Shady Blaze on, it’s that “rappers ain’t $#!% with out a producer” , which is more than evident in  808s & Dark Grapes II. With collaborations from some of the biggest underground producers right now such as Friendzone, AHYVE, and Squadda B himself, the instrumentals will keep you tuned in and jamming the whole time despite the lack of depth in the subjects.

                  There are a lot of high points to make known in  808s & Dark Grapes II. For example, the Glasser sample of “Treasure of we”  on “Bossalinis & Fooliyones pt. 2” (hipsters eat your heart out) that sets the vibe for the rest of the album.  Or “Vegetables” that includes a chorus with a  heavily chopped robotic female voice repeating “Vegetables, Broccoli, and Lettuce” in a quick hitting beat, in comparison to other things that are green…  Then there is “Perfect Skies”, with it’s lush, soulful beat and verses that expose a different dynamic from Main Attrakionz that can be much appreciated. The track to talk about though is “Take 1” which features Harlem rapper A$AP Rocky and producer extrodinar, Clams Casino. With its personal flows of exhaustion, a hypnotizing and seriously eerie instrumental, and even a shout out from Squadda B of an album coming in November, it is arguably the best track on the album.

                  The album, which also contains a solo track from each half of the duo, will take you on a 15 song journey through life growing up in Oakland, girls, drugs, and self doubt. Though there are some tracks that were below par ( see: Rap Junkies and Incredible) 808s & Dark Grapes II shows progression and maturation in their work. My suggestion, download the album (it’s free!), give it a few listens, and you’ll come away with a few favorites to add to your playlist.

- Tatiana Watson