D’Allie-The Cooperative
Local cat from Ferndale, D’Allie of Cooperative Opposites drops his official debut and is a great premier to his talents.  D’Allie is a hip-hop purist, but not in the preachy, boring type;  there’s a lot this album has to offer in terms of both lyrics and music.  I credit most of this to his solid ear for production enlisting Eddie Logix (Midcoast Most), Chad Wilner (Who I’ve never heard of, but has solid shit), and Detroit legend D.L. Jones doing most of the work.  Guests are minimal,  although “Let It Knock” featuring P.L. is a knocker D’Allie holds his own throught the album.  D’Allie’s not the best lyricist, but his vibe is worth every penny.

Favorite shit:  “The Co-Op” “Let It Knock (F/P.L.)” “Remedy” & “Bang”

Jimmy Eat World:  “Chase This Light”
J.E.W. is one of my favorite bands in general.  I think they’ve been in my top 5 since I’ve heard “Clarity” which was back in 1999.  If you’re into the punk/emo sound they’re great.  I hate even categorizing them because they just make good shit.  Great songs with harmonies and good hooks, while being just heavy enough.

Favorite shit:  “Let It Happen” “Electable (Give It Up)” & “Chase This Light”

Freeway-Free At Last
It took four long years for Free to finally drop this and it’s almost as good as “PHILADELPHIA FREEWAY” without the help of Kanye or Just Blaze.  Free’s emotion, lyrics, & original flow put him to the forefront of my commercial rapper favorites.  Production is similar to what you’re used to hearing from Freeway, but he knows his pocket and expands on it.  Only bad thing is the J.R. Rotem song with 50 Cent on the hook.  Yuck Free, you’re too hood for that.  The only bad thing is that “FREE AT LAST” is lacking a song with Skillz that I’ve heard, and saw a video on MTV but is a no show on the release.

Favorite shit:  “Can’t Be Real” “Still Got Love” & “Walk With Me (F/Busta Rhymes & Jadakiss)”

Saves The Day:  Under The Boards
Saves The Day stepped Emo’s game up with their 2001 release “STAY WHAT YOU ARE.”  This album is front to back good.  A little more down-tempo than I expected, as well as a few more listens than I planned to enjoy “UNDER THE BOARDS” but now I’m hooked.  The album is great because it’s catchy and quick.

Favorite shit:  “Radio” “Get Fucked Up” & “Stay”

Consequence:  Don’t Quit Your Day Job
He’s most known for his multiple appearances on A Tribe Called Quest’s “Beats, Rhymes, & Life” but Consequence is the original Kanye West let’s keep it real.  Hailing from Chi-Town just like Ye’ and his flow and content couldn’t be more similar to him except for his humble attitude and blue collar lyrics.  “Grammy Family” is also on this album.  Even though it’s old, it’s the shit.  You can bump this album (for the most part) front to back and relate to the entire thing.  Do you hate your job?  If so, this record is for you.

Favorite shit:  “Job Song” “Uptown” & “Uncle Raheem”

J Dilla:  Ruff Draft
Detroit legend.  Best ever?  Debateable for real.  Dilla is the shit and he’s keeping it raw and grimey on this release.  “The $” is one of my favorite songs on this album, and it’s nice to hear Dilla rapping over his own shit for an entire album.  I love his style and delivery when he’s on the mic.  His production is amazing;  he’s one of the few producers where I can listen to instrumentals of his work for the music.  With that being said, Ruff Draft comes with an instrumental cd also.  If you like Dilla and raw hip-hop, this is your jam.  It’s quick (less than 30 min) but that to me is why it’s so fly.  This is a re-release I believe it was originally released Overseas only in 2002.

Favorite shit:  “Reckless Driving” “The $” & “Wild”

This entry was posted on Friday, January 11th, 2008 at 1:44 am and is filed under A.M. News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.