I Was Herbin' Them In The Home Of The Terrapins

Thanks, Brooks! This review's been long-coming and is for an excellent album. Enjoy, you guys.



Jay-Z - The Blueprint (2001)

The Blueprint, Jay-Z’s definitive release, and one of hip-hop’s best, revolutionized the entire hip-hop world upon its release in 2001. During production, Jay-Z was held up by two separate court cases and ended up only spending two days recording. But it is through this brevity that the album finds its strength. Simple, brooding beats and powerful soul samples by producers Timbaland and, particularly, Kanye West compliment Jay’s smooth flow, creating a menacing atmosphere for the record.

On the first real track, the Kanye produced diss-track “Takeover," Jay takes out his rival Nas (Nas' album is available here) backed by pummeling Doors and David Bowie samples. He then flows flawlessly into “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)”, the hit single that threw West into the spotlight. Kanye returns later in the album to provide more haunting backing tracks, flanking the Timbaland street party highlight “Hola Hovito." On the latter, Jay-Z’s braggadocio never quite gets the best of him, brimming with deserved confidence throughout the album, despite his claim that while he “ain’t better than Big, I’m the closest one." But hey, maybe he is, maybe he’s not. It’s not a fair argument given their bodies of work—but I am positive that this is great album, something his old mentor would’ve been proud of.

Recommended Tracks: Izzo, All I Need, Renegade
Genres: Rap, Hip-Hop
Link: http://www.mediafire.com(SLASH)?wzcwyqtltw3

Bust A Nut Inside Your Eye To Show You Where I Come From

I've been following the download rates on the albums I've uploaded and noted that a huge amount of people got Nas' Illmatic (huge meaning it's the 4th most downloaded album on Hallelujah), so this one is for you guys:


A Tribe Called Quest - The Low-End Theory (1991)

The Tribe are pioneers of the jazz-rap that groups like The Roots are currently edging forth. The album starts off with a kickin' upright bass line, letting you know that you're about to hear the jazziest hip hop to come out of the early 90s this side of De La Soul. The album features upright bassist, Ron Carter, and he is absolutely incredible. His basslines fit the songs perfectly and are so understated that they're nearly lost. Lead MC Q-Tip's vocals are smooth, they glide over the words as effortlessly as you'd expect with such slick beats.

Speaking of the beats, this album takes samples from the ultimate masters. Listening closely, you'll hear bits of Art Blakey, Jimi Hendrix, Weather Report, James Brown, Grant Green (as posted below!), Cannonball Adderley, Steve Miller Band, Funkadelic, and plenty of others. The other MC, Phife Dawg appears almost as often as Q-Tip, but it's when they rap together that is the most powerful. His voice is less smooth, but just as powerful and exciting. Together, they're unstoppable.

Overall, this album is just incredible. Listening to it transports you back to the 90's in a good way. Right before music was polluted for the rest of the decade, this is what was popping up. The Tribe feels just as powerful today, with their political and social lyrics that outline an environment we still combat today.

Recommended tracks: Excursions, Check The Rhime, Scenario (is holy shit one of the best best best songs ever written)
Genres: Rap, Hip Hop, Jazz
Link: http://www.mediafire.com(SLASH)?z0onezloudr

Tuesday Guest Post: Nas - Illmatic

Nas - Illmatic (2004)

Nas’ debut album, recognized as being one of the greatest in East Coast hip-hop history, still hits as hard as it did in 1994. His poignant description of inner-city life in Queensbridge, New York, includes desperation, violence, and, of course, a touch of arrogance.

Aside from the catchy wordplay, Illmatic also has quite a bit to offer musically. Produced by such legends as Q-Tip, Illmatic underscores its rough message with a good mixture of sharp beats and mellow sounds, for when the album slides into its more contemplative segments. Illmatic has something to offer everyone interested in rap music: a true insight into a pioneering work, a great listen, and it's definitely one of the best places to start, if you're considering checking out the genre.

Genres: Rap, Hip-Hop
Recommended Tracks: N.Y. State of Mind, Life's A Bitch, The World Is Yours
Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?mgwjnnojnzg



Thanks for the review, Jean Luc! Yo guys, I just want to direct your attention to Okkervil River's The Stage Names, which has gotten the least downloads out of anything else. It's pretty much one of the best cds I have ever heard and I so highly recommend it that I'd say it get it now if you don't already own it!! Also, this cd is SO GREAT, it's an ESSENTIAL listening for anyone into rap, for sure.