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Author Archives: plugoneboss
Video: Exile, “Population Control”
Here’s another clip from Exile’s Radio: AM/FM project. It features three remixes of “Population Control” by Samiyam, Dibiase and Free the Robots, as well as the original track. Directed and edited by Greg “The Dude” Ponstingl. Co-directed by Exile and … Continue reading
Video: Pigeon John, “The Bomb”
Pigeon John is so freaking earnest it’s hard to get into his music sometimes. But this one’s worth the effort. Directed by Matt Hobbs. Taken from Dragon Slayer, which is in stores now.
Video: Seu Jorge & Almaz, “The Model”
Here is a two-part short film, The Model. It’s based on Seu Jorge & Almaz’s cover of the Kraftwerk classic “The Model.” The film incorporates footage of an incredible home in the Hollywood Hills and dream-like images of the beautiful … Continue reading
Video: Zion I, “Always”
Here’s another great track from Oakland’s Zion I. Directed by Paul Bradley and Robin Twomey. Taken from Atomic Clock, in stores now.
Review: Guilty Simpson, “OJ Simpson”
Guilty Simpson, OJ Simpson Stones Throw It’s not easy rapping over a Madlib Invazion. The Los Angeles producer is infamous for layering his beats with all sorts of nonsense that can turn an MC’s performance into a mere sideshow. However, … Continue reading
Review: Sage Francis, “Li(f)e”
Sage Francis, Li(f)e Anti- Sage Francis’ fourth solo album finds him collaborating with Chicago indie-rock band Califone. The resulting songs, most of which address hypocrisy (or “lieâ€) in modern society, wed Francis’ densely lyrical rap style with complex textural instrumentation. … Continue reading
Review: B.o.B, “The Adventures of Bobby Ray”
B.o.B, The Adventures of Bobby Ray Atlantic On his long-awaited debut album, B.o.B’s “Bobby Ray†persona – the pop half of his rapper/singer personality – emerges with a vengeance. He bookends rhymes with earnest, dreamy vocals like “Let Me Fall†… Continue reading
Review: Murs & 9th Wonder, “Fornever”
Murs & 9th Wonder, Fornever SMC Recordings Murs and 9th Wonder’s third album together (not counting the Internet-only My Sweet Lord) has a distinctly L.A. vibe, with guest spots from Sick Jacken, Kurupt and Suga Free. The beats are slightly … Continue reading
Review: Meth, Ghost and Rae, “Wu-Massacre”
Meth, Ghost and Rae, Wu-Massacre Def Jam Okay, so the thirty-minute mini-album Wu-Massacre is something of a rush job, with few developed concepts and no memorable hooks. But who cares? The Wu-Tang triumvirate sticks to what it does best and … Continue reading
Review: GonjaSufi, “A Sufi and a Killer”
GonjaSufi, A Sufi and a Killer Warp A Sufi and a Killer opens with “Rebirth,†an extended loop of a Native American ceremony, with totem drums pounding as voices cry to its rhythm. GonjaSufi dreams of being a “Sheep†and … Continue reading
Review: Kidz in the Hall, “Land of Make Believe”
Kidz in the Hall, Land of Make Believe Duck Down Records After two charming, playful albums and a minor indie hit (“Drivin’ Down the Blockâ€), new rap gen stars Kidz in the Hall sound world-weary. Their cynicism weighs heavily on … Continue reading
Review: Strong Arm Steady, “In Search Of Stoney Jackson”
Strong Arm Steady, In Search of Stoney Jackson Stones Throw Madlib has promised to release at least twelve albums in 2010, along with several Yesterdays New Quintet adventures and collaborations such as this production gig for Los Angeles hard knock … Continue reading
Review: K-os, “Yes!”
K-os, Yes! Last Gang Records Canadian rap star K-os remains a cult figure in the States, but standout singles such as 2004’s “Love Song†have had an impact, influencing artists like K’naan and Drake (who is taking K-os on his … Continue reading
A flood of reviews from 2010
This weekend, I’ll post the rest of my Rhapsody reviews from 2010. Why did I wait until the end? I originally planned to write new reviews for these albums but, unfortunately, I’ve run out of time. Last April, I announced … Continue reading
Review: Redman, “Redman Presents…Reggie”
Redman, Redman Presents…Reggie Def Jam “Some rappers say they had it/ I feel I’m getting started,†argues Redman on his seventh album, Reggie. To prove his point, the Brick City veteran abandons the distinctive funk beats of his earlier classics … Continue reading
Review: T.I., “No Mercy”
T.I., No Mercy Atlantic No Mercy, much of which was recorded after T.I. earned yet another prison stint for probation violations, finds our ATL hero angrily defiant. He calls himself a “convict with a conscience†on the militaristic “Salute,†and … Continue reading
Review: Kanye West, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”
Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Def Jam To understand why My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy earns its title, sounds both sensuously epic and a bit of a dick joke, and manages to combine deep melancholy and triumphant hubris … Continue reading
Review: Curren$y, “Pilot Talk II”
Curren$y, Pilot Talk DD172 For anyone who thrilled to Curren$y’s excellent major label debut, Pilot Talk II, released a mere five months after Pilot Talk, offers more of the same. This sequel may sound overly familiar since the New Orleans … Continue reading
Review: Yelawolf, “Trunk Muzik 0-60”
Yelawolf, Trunk Muzik 0-60 Ghet-O-Vision/DGC/Interscope Yelawolf’s Trunk Muzik 0-60 may only be an expanded version of his popular Internet mixtape Trunk Muzik, but it’s a vastly improved one. The Alabama rapper has added a handful of new tracks – including … Continue reading
Kid Cudi, Eminem and the Perils of Addiction
Rap Is Not Pop: Kid Cudi, Eminem and the Perils of Addiction This post is inspired by a commenter on my recent piece about Eminem and his album Recovery. “Somebody’s finally on the radio talking about NOT doing drugs. That’s … Continue reading