Uncut Dope: Chevy Woods Feat. Mac Miller-The Drive

Chevy Woods drops another dope song in "The Drive". This is one that's perfect when you want to just vibe out and be mellow like most of his songs. Mac Miller does his thing on this too, but these two have proven that they work pretty well together in the past. Not sure of the exact date, but Chevy's "The Cookout" drops in August.

-Raul A.
Chevy Woods Feat. Mac Miller-The Drive Free Download

Uncut Dope: Drake-Headlines

You can't deny that "Marvin's Room" & "Trust Issues" have allowed Drake to remain a relevant force in music this summer. Now he's back with his first official single for his "Take Care" LP, "Headlines". This time he strays away from his recent talks about love and goes back to his shit talking nature. Is it good? It's okay, but it just feels like he's not really giving us anything new. It's not really a "single" either, more promo worthy.

This is one that's gonna have to grow on me.

-Raul A.

Drake-Headlines Free Download

Mixtape Madness: Alley Boy- Definition Of Fuck Shit

Many people didn't think much of Alley Boy until the infamous Yung La beating was released to the world. Before that, he was just  another up-and-coming rapper, so I guess you can say that video has helped to get some momentum under the Duct Tape Ent. movement. A few months later, we're given the second entry in the "Definition Of Fuck Shit" mixtape series, and I must say, It's pretty good. Some nice rhymes, as well as some features from Young Jeezy, Yo Gotti, and Jim Jones ensure a very potential-worthy project.

-Raul A.
 
Alley Boy- Definition Of Fuck Shit Free Download

Rap Atticts Review: Kendrick Lamar-Section

These days, Kendrick Lamar has been seen as a leading force in the movement of the new school of  hip-hop. His intricate lyrics and diverse flow pattern have led some to call him the best rapper alive (Sorry Wayne). Dr. Dre’s protégé has been slowly, but surely building himself a following with his rhymes. A year after the release of the critically-acclaimed “(O)verly (D)edicated” mixtape, the Compton MC is back with his first official album, “Section 80”.

The albums’ intro, Fuck Your Ethnicity, is a perfect introduction in all forms. Not only is it a great way to open up the LP, if this is your very first record in his catalogue that you hear, it’s a great way start your journey into his music. The song is basically saying that any and everyone, of all races, can listen to his music. Song number two, Hol’ Up, is a great display of how much depth Kendrick has in his lyrics. There’s no real topic in the song, but at the same time, it still speaks on things.  The soulful horns give the song a real laid back tone. The use of drugs is discussed in “A.D.H.D”. While that is usually a topic for a lot of rappers, I feel as if this is the first time in a long time that it’s been done in a creative, thought-provoking way. He also sheds some light on how drug distribution in the eighties has affected his community of Compton. We’re given a smooth transition into the  self-explanatory, next song “No Make-Up (Her Vice)”.  A woman that doesn’t really need cosmetics proceeds to always put her face on. What I love about it is that the song goes into the perspective of the girl and why she does it. We’re also given a hint that this story is going to continue when Kendrick says “To be continued, eleven”. K. Dot takes the hook from “Down For My Niggas” by C-Murder, and puts his own twist on it in “Tammy’s Song (Her Evils)”. It’s the exploration of a woman that is continuously hurt by various men in her life. The ending is a very accurate assessment for some women in this predicament.

Five songs in, and I can honestly say that so far, this album is getting better and better with each record.  “Chapter Six” is more of an interlude, but it still delivers nevertheless.  The topic of the crack-era that was briefly covered in “A.D.H.D” is given some more profoundness in the perfectly titled, “Ronald Regan Era”. Kendrick is really showing how he can speak on subjects that have been covered many times before, but still make it sound fresh and original. “Poe Mans Dreams (His Vice)” is basically an ode to his relatives that got locked up. GLC adds a nice touch to this one with a poetic verse as the song closes. The listener is given a glimpse into Kendrick’s distaste for his detractors-turned fans in the Schoolboy Q featured “The Spiteful Chant”. Schoolboy Q delivers a very hot verse on this one, and both of them get their point across. The only downside to this one is it takes two minutes to get an actual rap from these two. Another interlude is next with “Chapter Ten”. One thing that’s good is that it actually flows into the next song and isn’t a skip like most interludes on albums are. “Make-Up’s” cliff hanger is resolved in “Keisha’s Song (Her Pain)”, and I must say it’s a great display of his storytelling ability. It’s also a dedication to his eleven year-old sister on what he doesn’t want her to become (explanation of why it’s track eleven).

“Rigamortus” is a simple brag session about Kendrick killing your favorite rapper. Simple as that. The boastful song is followed by “Kush & Corinthians”; a song that goes into the mind state of many different characters. Alot of the track plays the whole angel vs. devil ordeal in a sense and it’s one of the most intense songs on the album. It’s followed up with “Blow My High”. I’d have to say it’s probably my least favorite song, not because it’s bad, but all of the songs have been so good that it’s hard to compare. I will say that I like the fact that he gives homage to Pimp C (His verse on “Big Pimpin”) and Aaliyah (“Four Page Letter”). The outro (Ab-Souls Outro), is  an amazing closer. It almost feels like poetry over the jazzy production and I love it. In a sense, it’s a recap of all the tracks so far. All of the AbSoul MC’s come correct with their rhymes as well. “HiiiPower” is the official closer, and even though I felt it didn’t top the last song, it’s still a dope one. It also makes me wonder why the producer (J. Cole) didn’t save it for himself cause this is a tight beat. Either way, it’s a good ending.

The Real Deal: Kendrick Lamar exceeds his expectations for his first LP. Every single track is good, and it proves that Kendrick Lamar is a worthy candidate for the Best Rapper Alive. The album is full of everything from materialistic shit, to drugs, to broken spirits, and it’s all done in a diverse and fresh way. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is the best rap of 2011 so far. If not, there’s no denying that it’s in the top 5. All in all, the man from Compton has a bright future ahead of him.

Rating: 4.5/5

-Raul A.

Uncut Dope: J. Cole Feat. Trey Songz- Can't Get Enough

Another leak from Jermaine Cole in "Can't Get Enough". This time he brings out the big guns in Trey Songz  (Who's been killing alot of hooks for rappers these days). Simple as put, it's a killer song. Very Ill beat (Cole's production is getting better and better), ill rhymes, and very single-worthy. "Cole World" in September.

-Raul A.

J. Cole Feat. Trey Songz- Can't Get Enough Free Download

Uncut Dope: Nas Feat. Keyshia Cole- What More Can I Say

Nas releases some old material from 06. I can honestly see why. It's not really a bad song, but it's nothing to really write home about. Either way, it's something to hold a fan over before "Life Is Good"

-Raul A.

Nas Feat. Keyshia Cole- What More Can I Say? Free Download

Uncut Dope: Levi The Jedi- Top Of The Ladder

Fresh off of "Before The Future", Levi The Jedi releases a new track called "Top Of The Ladder". The thing that I'm loving about it is he really seems to be coming into his own musically and lyrically. Look out for "The Homework Never Ends" by the end of the year.

-Raul. A

Levi The Jedi-Top The Ladder Free Download

Mixtape Madness: Pill- The Diagnosis

P I double L is back a year after "The Overdose" with "The Diagnosis". Personally, I've always admired his ability to be street, but still have a message in many of his records. The only problem that I still find in his music is his lack of ability to find his own sound and niche so he can stand out from the rest. I still give him points for being a fellow ATLien, "laughs". Anyway, with the way that Maybach Music Group is winning these days, I wouldn't be surprised if this tape fell far from that tree of success.

Pill-The Diagnosis Free Download

Uncut Dope: Soulja Boy-Aurora Borealis

New music from S.O.D's head honcho, Soulja Boy. To all the people that have something negative to say about him, this song is actually not that bad. It sounds like he's trying to go for that Jets/Wiz sound. Hmmmmmmmm.

Soulja Boy-Aurora Borealis Free Download

-Raul A.

Uncut Dope: Wiz Khalifa,Curren$y & Big Sean- Dot Dot Dot

Yo, I don't know when this joint mixtape from these three is dropping, but with tracks like this, I'm really looking forward to it. If you like the last three releases ("O.T.T.R", "Flowers", & "Weed Brownies"), you'll probably like this one too.

Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, & Big Sean-Dot Dot Dot Free Download

Uncut Dope: Jay-Z & Kanye West- Otis

Okay, this is the Kanye that I've been missing when it comes to production. Not to say he's downgraded at making beats, but I just really loved the sped up soul samples. Anyways, we get a rather killer leak from Jay & Ye's new "Watch The Throne" album.


Jay-Z & Kanye West-Otis Free Download

 
-Raul A.

Rap Atticts Review: The Cool Kids-When Fish Ride Bicycles

When you look back on 2008, you’d be reminded of how hard it was to not find The Cool Kids on an “Artist to Watch” list for the next year. The tag team of Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish were seen as the next big thing in hip-hop with their stripped down production and rhymes about their everyday lives. Despite this however, their critically acclaimed EP, “The Bake Sale”, and a few mixtape releases could not stop them from losing that title and assumption. In between this time, they still remained relevant, as Chuck became a bit of an in-demand producer, and Mikey made numerous appearances on other artists’ songs and released some solo material as well. Three years after their previous rise, and numerous push-backs the loyal fans have finally been blessed with the long awaited “When Fish Ride Bicycles”.  

We begin this three year stalled LP with two songs about how killer their cars are, “Rush Hour Traffic” & “GMC”. Both of the songs are very bass heavy and are perfect to ride to this summer. Another song about cars is up next in “Boomin”. That being said, the content doesn’t differ, but production takes a smoother, mid tempo tone. All of the slang-filled rhymes are working very well with the beats. The album moves on to the pursuit of women in “Sour Apples”. Of course we also get a little bit more conversation about cars, but we also get a surprise feature from Blink-182’s Travis Barker. All of it works nice together. More of the fly talk occurs in the Ghostface Killer featured, “Penny Hardaway”. Mikey takes this one hands down.

All of the production so far is pretty impressive. the largely Chuck Inglish-produced album showcases how he’s been able to improve as a producer, but still remain true to the formula of The Cool Kids that made them famous. Our next song, “Bundle Up”, recollects on the very cold conditions that Chicago carries in the winter. It’s not really bad, but something tells me it was a leftover song from “The Bake Sale”. It isn’t really weak, but it isn’t really strong either. Bun B shows that he still has some years in him on the stellar “Gas Station”. At this point, the narratives on regular, everyday life are gelling well with the beats, but it’s starting to become apparent that the content doesn’t really switch from song to song. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to the listener.

After another great song, we’re given our first Neptunes produced song in “Get Right”. It reminds me of a song that could’ve been on N*E*R*D’s “In Search Of” album, but it’s an okay song nevertheless. The album continues the previous song’s topic of women on “Swimsuits”. Chuck’s beachy production and Mayer Hawthorne’s awesome hook singing make this one come out pretty good. The posse cut, “Roll Call”, which also features Asher Roth, Chip Tha Ripper, & Boldy James, can probably be seen as one of the more lyrical songs on the album, as all three features come pretty hard. Our last Neptunes production comes in the final song, The Maxine Ashley & Pharrell featured “Summer Jam”. I mistook the hook for Beyonce at first listen, but the very chill song is perfect for those times that you want to feel good. The content about the vibe that the summer gives you is also true to the content we all can recognize as The Cool Kids.

The Real Deal:   No pun intended, but the album is very cool. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its problems here and there. The main problem is it doesn’t switch up in formula, but that may be a great thing to the many diehard fans of the Chicago natives. Does this album live up to its expectation? To a certain extent, but it’s not really different from the anything you haven’t heard from The Cool Kids. It’s an album that will need some growing on for some people to love, but in time, I wouldn’t be surprised if this is labeled a classic. A solid, unmoving effort from The Kids of Cool.

Rating: 3.5/5

-Raul. A

Throwback Raps- Wu Tang Clan-Triumph

So I decided to put my ipod on shuffle, and one of my absolute favorite songs from one of my absolute favorite groups starts to play. Triumph was the first song from the groups second album, "Wu-Tang Forever". Man it's just so different and beyond its time. You get all nine members, as well as Cappadonna on one song! Who was bold enough to have ten mofos one song back then? And then to add to it, all of the verses are ILL. Sometimes I miss dope shit like this in music, but the old days are only that, the old days. Anyway, if you wanna get school on something classic, peep the video.

Pipe Dreams: What If Curren$y Stayed With Young Money?

Since 2008, Curren$y has been slowly, but surely been elevating himself to being one of the most popular rappers in his era. No artist in this time period has really been able to release a consistent amount of music. His grassroots fanbase, his do it yourself approach, his understanding of himself and what he wants in his music, and his respect and understanding for hip-hop and its culture have allowed him to receive co-signs from artists of the past and present.With all of this success and wealth, it sometimes makes me wonder how different Spitta's path would be if he remained with his former label, Young Money Entertainment. You can never deny that Lil Wayne and Young Money records have more or less dominated the industry for the past three years. With a string of very successful and platinum selling artists (Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj), as well as some noteworthy up and comers (Tyga, Cory Gunz, Lil Twist), it's very hard to rival this team in regards to hit making. In a label that has very few slip ups, it's very easy to argue that their biggest mistake was letting Curren$y walk away. Many people felt that Spitta was the only artist that could keep up with Wayne when it came to rhymes (until the inclusions of Drake and Cory Gunz), and it was unfortunate that they didn't know what to do with him. With all of this being said, this is the good, and bad of what could've happened if Curren$y stayed with arguably the biggest name in rap music today.


 The Good: Curren$y would be recognized as the most lyrical (outside of Wayne) and sonically diverse member of YM. His string of mixtapes in 2008 would allow him to easily become as successful  as he did as an independent artist, only on a much larger scale. Being that Curren$y is being so consistent with albums this days, this massive success and popularity would lead to most of his albums going at least gold or platinum.  All of Curren$y's work would lead to the Jets name being a household name to the point that Cash Money decides to give him his own distribution deal (Jet Life Music). Jet Life Music would be hugely successful, maybe even to the point of surpassing Young Money.

 The Bad: Curren$y would've remained musically stagnant. He never would've found his niche and style and would become generic and lost in this bunch like many of the artist on Young Money (Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Short Dawg, T-Streets). The Jets would be just another name and Curren$y never would've gotten under the shadow of the Young Money leader Lil Wayne. He never would've released the successful How Fly with Wiz Khalifa. He wouldn't have gotten on the XXL Freshmen 10 in 2009. In short, Curren$y would just be another rapper.


All in all, my pipe dreams will not change the fact that what's done is done. Young Money's loss didn't affect the teams level of success, but it quite possibly affected their level of diversity. No offense to YM, but the only ones that are really diverse artist are the starting three (Wayne, Drizzy, Minaj). Nevertheless, Curren$y's departure from Young Money three years ago was the best thing for him. It's led to his successful, critically acclaimed, and profitable career. Even if it's on a smaller scale, his credentials add up to, and even surpass many of the artists on his former label. I guess it was really their loss.

-Raul A.

Uncut Dope: Wale Feat. J. Cole-Bad Girls Club

Before I even talk about the song, let me just say this is a killer cover "laughs". Anyway, we get a new track from Maybach Music signee, Wale, in "Bad Girls Club". This is off of his new album, Ambition, and features J. Cole. While I really loved when they teamed up on On Friday Night Lights with "You Got It", I think this song is going to have to grow on me a smidge. 

 -Raul A.

Wale Feat. J. Cole-Bad Girls Club Free Download

Rap Atticts Review: Curren$y-Weekend At Burnies

These days, it's very hard to dispute that Curren$y is the hardest working man in hip-hop. The Jetlife superstar coasted off of 2010 with the Pilot Talk album series.So far, 2011 hasn't stopped his grind either. With a mixtape (Return To The Winners Circle) and a free album (Covert Coup), Spitta continues his work filled year with Weekend At Burnies. Let's get into the meat of it.

This album wastes no time and opens with the groove and smooth of #jetsgo, and we get the Curren$y that we all know and love. We get the slick but lyrical rhymes over a very movie score like beat. If you aren't familiar with the code of the Jets, listen to that one closely. To the people that were a fan of the triple threat of Curren$y, Trademark Da Skydiver, and Young Roddy on the Pilot Talk series, you'll be glad to know their back together with the song, Still. It turns out well. If I had to come up with a winner on who takes it, it's a toss up between Spitta and Trademark. Curren$y really shows off his storytelling abilities on She Don't Wanna Man. The story of the groupies that he encounters on a regular basis is one of the shinning stars on the album. Next up is the second Monsta Beatz produced track of the album, One Life. It's not a bad song, but it isn't really memorable either. After a somewhat disposable Monsta Beatz song, we get a slightly more complex beat in I Know You See It. It's a good song to ride around to in your car while your driving. The rhymes aren't too thought provoking however. On Televised, we get a mashup with Curren$y's former No Limit labelmate and fellow Jets member, Fiend. I guess this was their way of giving tribute to Gil Scott-Herron, as the hook is "The Reeferloution will be televised". I think this is one of those songs that would sound a whole lot doper if you were under the influence. It's an ok song, but not a standout. After a very mellow track, we're given a more mid tempo song in This Is Life. This is one of the better songs on the album. Spitta drops some dope lines over a hard, piano driven beat, and it really scores. The next Trademark and Roddy feature is up next on On G's. It's very chilled and smooth, the typical traits of a Curren$y song. That doesn't mean it's bad, but it's more of the same thing. Next up is the trials and tribulations of fame in fortune in Money Machine. It's one of the better and more topic based songs that we get. What's What is the shortest song of the album, and I'm glad. I don't think the song about the women that Spitta pursues could really go to two or three verses. It's perfect at its length. We get some more information about the rules and regulations that come with being a Jet in JLC. It's nothing that you haven't heard already, but it's nice. Trademark, Roddy, and Spitta close this one out with Get Paid. It's another song about how to hustle. Good closer.


The Real Deal: All in all, we're given another solid album. There's no real form of progression in the music, but at the same time, it doesn't backtrack from his previous albums either.If you're a hard core fan of Spitta, you'll be satisfied with it. If this is the first album in his catalog that you hear, it's a nice introduction. If you were looking for any form of development and progression in the music, you will be largely disappointed. I'm not disappointed by it, just not really impressed by it either.

Rating:3/5

-Raul A.

Sick Tapes: Lil Wayne-Sorry 4 The Wait

This is Lil Wayne's way of apologizing for the long delay of Tha Carter IV. Tunchi gives his fans the 12 song mixtape, Sorry 4 The Wait. You get your freestyles over Grove St. Party, Tupac Back, and even Gucci Gucci. It really isn't one of Wayne's best tapes, but then again, can you really come close to the illness of the Drought and Dedication series? There was one plus to the tape however: Hearing a feature from Lil B. BASED GOD nigga! "laughs"

 Anyway, if you've been a fan of Wayne, this is a nice tape to add to the collection.


Lil Wayne-Sorry 4 The Wait Free Download

Word Around The Way: DMX To Stay In Jail/Will He Ever Get It Together?

And so it occurs again. The dog of Yonkers, DMX, has been arrested once again for drug possession, as well as failing a drug test, while serving out a previous sentence in prison. It gets even worse because X was supposed to be released tomorrow. These charges guarantee that he'll be locked up for at least another week, maybe even longer. In all seriousness, is it even that much of a surprise anymore? Can DMX even stay out of jail for longer than a week these days? It's just sad that an artist that was literally on top of rap years ago has drastically gone from prominence to obscurity.


When the former Ruff Riders signee jumped on the scene in 97-98, he changed the game. While everybody was trying to be like Puffy and Mase with the shiny suits and flashy ass baller rap, X was hardcore and gangsta. So much of him was so innovative and fresh. NOBODY was spittin the way that DMX was during that time, and the ones that tried (Ja Rule) weren't nearly as respected. Everything from his gruff flow, to the unapologetic harshness in his lyrics was just so g! It wasn't just the quality and critical acclaim of the music though, he was actually selling records. 5 of his 6 albums shot up to #1 in the first week. No rapper has done that. That within itself shows how much people loved the guy.

Back in the days, DMX's name was associated with all of the things that I mentioned. Nowadays, his name is only mentioned with drugs, jail, and insanity. It's very unfortunate that someone with so much of everything, from a successful music career, successful movies, and profitable endorsements, let all of it slip out of his hands. Despite all of this, it still doesn't throw the possibility of a comeback out just yet. I still think that DMX still has it, and I'm sure I'm not the only person with that belief. Yeah he hasn't made a new record since about 07, but if he could clean his shit up, he could be the prominent top dog that he once was. Maybe I'm just pipe dreaming, but could you imagine him working with some of these new guys out now? That would be epic!

All in all, I seriously hope that the Darkman X can get his shit together and continue what he started 13 years ago. It would be a shame for him to not be remembered in a positive light. Lets hope that this next stint in jail will be the last one.

- Raul A.

Uncut Dope: Chevy Woods Feat. Wiz Khalifa-Crazy

In all honesty, I've only heard one song from Chevy Woods. In the song I speak of (Mac Miller's "Paper Route) I just saw him as another Wiz Khalifa knock off. Almost a year later, I come across Crazy, and it all makes sense why I came up with that assumption: Chevy is a member of Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang. I won't even perpetrate on the song, it's real good. I still feel like he sounds like a deeper Wiz, but that can't take away the fact that it's nice. Oh and I almost forgot, Big Jerm is a KILLER producer. I've been a fan since Mac Miller's "K.I.D.S"

-Raul A.


Chevy Woods Feat. Wiz Khalifa-Crazy

Uncut Dope: Rizz Capolatti-We Ain't Stud'n Yall

Since it's Monday, that means we're getting treated with brand new music from Draft Pick's flagship, Rizz Capolatti, called We Ain't Stud'n Y'all. I'm not sure if he's releasing a new project soon, but if so, this is a must have for it. The Illness continues. Songs in the link below.

-Raul A.

Rizz Capolatti-We Ain't Stud'n Yall Free Download

Word Around The Way: Waka Flocka Flame To Retire After 2011

Yes folks, the unfortunate (or fortunate news for some) of Waka Flocka retiring after this year hit the net via Twitter last week. According to him "This game 2 fake", and he's right in many respects, but we need people like Waka Flocka in hip-hop. Now before people say "You're Crazy", let me say that I'm a pretty casual fan of Flocka's music. Despite this, I'm not gonna act like he is talented in the lyrical department. He isn't, and even he knows that. I also won't act like some of his music isn'ts very simplistic and for the lack of a better term, elementary. I just feel that his "brand" of rap is needed, just not in a mass form.

 Everything (except drugs)s is good in moderation, and I feel that he's needed in rap to help in the balance of diversity. As much as a person can think, a person also gets angry. Flocka represents those times when a person just needs to let loose and not have to be contained all the time. I said that everything is good in moderation, and I'll admit that the overflow of less lyrical, more party related rappers isn't good, but of them, Flocka is one of the flagships, so therefore he should stay. Besides, could you really imagine going to a club and the DJ only playing Lupe, Cudi, and Curren$y? That would be a slow party.

 All in all, I hope that Waka has a change of heart and decides to keep the mic in his hand. It would be a shame for him to give it up. Yeah he gets alot of hate, but don't lie, you know he brings out your inner anger and aggression. I  guess that only time will tell of what will happen.

-Raul. A

Uncut Dope:Theophilus London – I Stand Alone

Diversity in Hip-Hop has always been a favorite of mine, and I think that's why I dig Theophilus London. He's not afraid to be himself. With "Timez Are Wierd These Days" hitting July 19th, we Get I Stand Alone...Is it just me, or is Theoph starting to remind me a little of Cudi? Anyway. the link is at the bottom


Theophilus London- I Stand Alone Download

Rap Atticts Review-Big Sean-Finally Famous

With a co-sign from his boss, Kanye West, a feature on XXL's Freshmen 10 in 2010, An appearance in the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher, and a performance at this years BET Awards, G.O.O.D Music's Big Sean can finally say he's doing it big. After three successful mixtapes and numerous push-backs for three years, Big Seandon has finally released the long-awaited Finally Famous. Lets see if it's only fifteen minutes, or if it's for the long-term.

The album opens with the smooth and gentle Intro. Even though it's less than a minute and a half, it's a nice way to open up the album. The smooth and gentle tone the we begin with completely goes out of the window with the bass heavy I Do It. This is probably the closest to the mixtape Big Sean that many fans fell in love with. You get your raw beat, your arrogant boasts, and your abstract metaphors. Not much of a topic, just shit talking. Nevertheless, it's ill. The albums first single, My Last, which also features Chris Brown, is nothing short of a summer banger. Alot of it is a celebration of life and success. I'm sure we've all heard it, so I'm going to move on to the relationship-jerker, Don't Tell Me You Love Me. It's a very different side of Big Sean that most aren't accustomed to. We get a song about the destruction of a good relationship due to immaturity and wrongdoings on his part. There are those times where you wish you could take them back because you realize you love them, but to a certain extent it's a bit too late. Next, we get the ups and down of dream chasing on Wait For Me. It's some dope shit, but the songs shining star is the second verse from Mr. Lupe Fiasco, who's lines about being in the hood are very crown worthy. At this point, alot of production is reminding me of Graduation by Kanye West. It's not in the sense of copying, but you get that sound with Sean's twist on it. Single number 2, the Kayne West & Roscoe Dash assisted Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay, follows. Everything about the song is the perfect single. Ill beat, Ill rhymes from Sean & Yeezy, and a very catchy hook from Roscoe. If he keeps it up, Roscoe Dash could become the new hook man in Hip-Hop. Then there's Dance (A$$)...To me it doesn't mesh very well with the rest of the album that we've been given so far. I don't necessarily dislike it, but I can do without it. I will say however, that No I.D's sample of "You Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer is ILL! Afterwards, we're given the pleasant surprise in a Neptunes-produced track, Get It (DT). The song of hustling and money making, proves that Neptunes still have it as producers, and Pharrell can still sing a mean hook. Sean's rhyming is real slick on this one too. Overall it wins. We move on to the reminiscing on the good times and the bad times on Memories (Pt.II), which features John Legend. We learn about the loss of friends through death and disassociation, as well as being broke. The song kind of shows how what you go through are only tests in life to see if you'll pass. High (Feat. Wiz Khalifa & Chiddy Bang), has a real nice groove and vibe to it. It's something to listen to when you want to feel good. It also has the expected weed references from Sean's fellow Freshmen 10 class member, Wiz Khalifa. Chiddy does a pretty nice job closing out the song. This may sound a little biased, but I like the The-Dream less and less with each project he releases. That statement leads to the next song, Live This Life, as The-Dream takes the hook. Honestly, this song could've been left off. It's filler, and nothing different from what you haven't heard. Our albums closer, the "I'm on" anthem, So Much More, is a real nice way to end it. One thing that caught me was that he used some of the lines he rhymed in the BET Cypher. Shame on you Sean! "laughs". The song still can't be fronted on, recycled or not.

The Real Deal: Overall, Finally Famous is a strong debut effort from the Detroit native. It's fun, it's lyrical, and it's real. The only thing I would've preferred to see on this album was an actual beat from Kanye, but hey, I guess he has a life these days "laughs". With only two real slip ups, I believe this album scores. And the people that disagree will probably have a change of heart as time goes on. Byoeeeeeeee.

Rating: 4/5
  -Raul. A

Uncut Dope: Pusha T Feat. Tyler The Creator-Trouble On My Mind

Now this one is a smidge left field ,but Pusha T brings along Odd Future's mouthpiece, Tyler, The Creator, on the Neptune-Produced "Trouble On My Mind". You can't even front on the dopeness of this track. Both Pusha and Tyler put in heavy on some ill ass rhymes and lines. Hell, if there are more songs like this on Pusha's "Fear Of God 2: Let Us Pray", That tape is going to do some damage

-Raul. A

  Pusha T Feat. Tyler, The Creator- Trouble On My Mind Download

Rap Atticts Review- Levi The Jedi-Before The Future EP

After the release of a pretty buzz-worthy mixtape 13 months ago, Atlanta's own Levi The Jedi returns once again with a brand new EP, aptly titled, "Before The Future." This 10 song project tells of the several days in the thought process of a starving artist and regular person. The opener, In Amazement, sets the overall tone of BTF. Ill rhymes, soulful production, and the general subject matter that you'd find from a Levi song. Smooth Sailing follows, and it continues the vibe that the opener started. As you listen to Space Fusion & Look Up (Non-Believers), you begin to realize that Levi's lyricism and diversity in flow has upgraded from last years' "Street Lights." With lines like "Higher level thinking, my ship is never sinking, and I'm still Ben Franklin to you Lincolns." the rhymes gel very well with the production. It's  also very apparent that the production has become more cinematic and epic. This could partially be due to the inclusion of outside producers Kahzee and Dijon Styles on some on the beats. Their production is nothing less than dope. Now to the first slip up: Mestizo Eyes. The song disappoints, and it's not because it's bad or doesn't deliver like the rest, but it's just too short. The song has a great build up in it, and when it starts fading out towards the end it falls flat just a little bit. It's just an opinion, but I think it could've closed out with a third verse. Next up is the Gary Samurai assisted nerd anthem, What I Do. The long intro can make the song lag at times, but it picks up when the rhymes begin. In the only feature of the EP, Samurai edges past Levi by just a small margin. I'll admit that while Levi doesn't make the best songs in the world for the ladies, Night & Day is nice and smooth song to just vibe to with that significant other. Plus, IT SAMPLES AL. B SURE! Huge cool point. It Don't Stop  is one of the few songs that gets a little personal. With topics of college, isolation, and fickle friends and supporters, it's a song that shines. Things get a little bit more personal with Lazy Afternoon, as the tone of the EP changes effortlessly. Interesting tales of the lack of a social life and the plotting of dreams are prevalent in the shortest song in the EP. The closing song, Sunset Guitars II, reaffirms to you that Levi has a long way to go, and he won't stop until he makes it to what he believes is his destiny. Even though it's a good closer, I don't think it tops the original Sunset Guitars.




The Real Deal: There are many things that can be said about BTF. It's arrogant at times, it's lyrical, it's flashy, and it's personal in increments. The best thing that can be said about it is it's fluid and cohesive. All of the songs flow into eachother very well. Now, is it a solid EP? Yes.Is it an improvement over Street Lights? Yes. Is it a better project that many people in his current position. Yes. Is it classic? No, or at least not now. Unfortunately, EPs are often lost in an artist's catalog over their LPs, but shit I could be wrong this time. Don't get me wrong however, this project is very worthy of being up there with many of its competition and its peers, and should definitely take him on a road to bigger and better things. Now if only an LP can be just as strong

-Raul A.

Rating: This one was kinda tough. 4/5
 Levi The Jedi-Before The Future Free Download

Uncut Dope: Lil Wayne- Tunchi Back

With the remakes of "Tupac Back" by Swizz Beatz, Tyga & Chris Brown, and Joell Ortiz, it was only a matter of time before Lil Wayne put his own spin on the Maybach Music banger. This isn't a huge surprise, seeing that he's about to drop a new tape soon. Anyways, the remake is nothing really different from your typical Weezy remake, but it's a decent little appetizer before "Sorry For The Wait" hits the net.  I'm just wildin out over the fact this guy said "Stand up and eat that pussy while she on a hand stand." Hahahaha...Kinda flew over my head a smidge. Link is at the bottom yo.

 -Raul. A

Lil Wayne-Tunchi Back Download

The Introduction

What's good everybody under the sun, moon, and stars. Welcome to Rap Atticts.com, your hip-hop high for music, reviews and more. Why is it here? Shit what can I say? I love hip-hop, I love writing, and I can be rather opinionated at times, so I figured why not mesh them together? No matter what my opinions on certain artist are however, I'll try to be as unbiased as possible. If you love hip-hop, this is the spot for you. If you don't, hop off of this pages penis tip! Stay tuned for more!

 -Raul A.