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Lyriciss - The Balance EP: Heart / "My Life" (Video)

(Photo By Lyriciss.Com)

The Balance EP: Heart (listen/download)

"My Life" (previous review)

DMV emcee Lyriciss just released the third project in his The Balance series titled The Balance EP: Heart. As usual the EP is presented by The DJBooth and Inner Loop Media Group. This EP follows the same format as the previous ones. Meaning it has four brand new tracks and a clean version for each track. Also, there is guest appearances by artists like K-Beta and production from familiar names like J-$crilla. Lyriciss has a special message to accompany The Balance EP: Heart too. He states: "To every single fan and supporter that stood by my side and kept rocking with me for the 7 months it’s been since the last EP…thank you. I’m not going to turn this into a sob story…just know a lot went on in my personal life AND my career that had me in a zone that wasn’t prepared to put out new music…now that I am…I want you to enjoy it all. Much love. I represent y’all, so let’s all represent us (#HAVENOTS)!" On that note click the jump for a break down of a single and set of visuals off of the EP.

Lyriciss – “My Life”

(Photo By Sound Cloud)

“My Life” (listen/download)

DMV artist Lyriciss is setting out to release a new project in August. The project will be the third in his The Balance EP series. It has been named The Balance EP: Heart and will be exclusively available through www.djbooth.net. A few weeks ago he dropped the first single off of the upcoming EP titled, “My Life.” The track was produced by Slimkat78. It features a sample of the classic Mary J. Blige cut by the same name.

The track opens with a clip of Mary’s soulful vocals. Then the production kicks in. The production is on point. It features a bit of the sample with an original modern twist to it. The hook is solid. The delivery is inventive and the lyrics have meaning to them. The verses are good. Lyriciss comes with a down to earth flow, choice wordplay, and sharp rhymes. He allows the listener into his world via a straightforward discussion of his: career, personal views, and more. Prominent lines include: “But I use words to show YOU where my heart is. Couldn’t be heartless cause that’s where God lives. If I die who would really give a f–k? N—as a wish me well while wishing I give it up. Wishing death on me while telling me live it up. Smiling while I drown in liquor, my mental and liver f–ked. They know a n—a much stronger when he sober. And they biggest fear is me taking over. So it’s over.” Heavy stuff being shared right there. Overall, this song is a hit. The sample was well utilized and Lyriciss came with grade A material as usual. Mary would be proud. The Balance EP: Heart drops August 21, 2012. So be on the lookout.

This is a cool record. The spin on the Mary track was creatively done and Lyriciss spit some deep content. But then again, he is pretty good about putting out real quality music. Looking forward to the EP dropping. Readers can keep up with Lyriciss via his website. -MinM

Signif – “Afternoon Jazz” (Video)

(Photo By Signif)

Femcee Signif has been a little on the quiet end lately. Her latest effort Embracing Rejection was well received by both fans and media alike. She has dubbed it a success and has moved on to begin the planning stages for her next project. She will once again be working with producer Gee Wiz and has labeled the album Significant Wizdom II. There is not a set release date for the LP at the moment. So Signif decided to bless fans with an unreleased video based on a  throwback single titled ‘Afternoon Jazz.” Discover what visuals she’s been hiding below.

 

This single is from Signif’s first full length LP, The Transition. The video was directed by Darren Cole. It features Sig spitting her favorite portion of the track for viewers. The part she chose is the last verse on the song. She rhymes why chilling on a set of stairs with a clever sign on the side of her that reads “will rap for food.” Additionally, the lyrics to the selected verse pop up on the screen. They are done in a variety of different: fonts, colors, sizes, etc. The piece ends with Signif collecting her sign and walking off into the night. All in all, this was a fresh number. Signif is a very animated performer, so she is always interesting to watch. And the song itself is one of the best on The Transition.

I liked this video. It was short and simple but I think the set up gave the viewer a chance to appreciate Signif and her rhymes. And I love that sign. Definitely looking forward to the new project. Catch Signif via her: Website, BandCamp, Facebook, and YouTube. -MinM

Lil Wyte – Still Doubted? (Album Review)

Still Doubted? (iTunes)

Since his 2003 debut, Lil Wyte has become one of the most popular and successful underground/indie Southern rappers in the game. He has released five studio albums, a large number of mixtapes, and built a loyal following of supporters. Not too long ago he even launched his own label, Wyte Music Records. And he did it all independently without any of the perks afforded a more mainstream artist. So love him or hate him, one has to respect his grind. Earlier this week he dropped his sixth studio album titled Still Doubted?. It features production from the likes of Lex Luger, Big Boi Beats, and more. The guest appearances range from fellow veteran indie rapper Pastor Troy to Wyte Music’s own $hamrock. The album has been extremely well received, making it into the top 10 on the iTunes Hip-Hop charts on the first day. Let’s break down some tracks and see what all the hype is about.

Kidd – The Process (EP Review)

(Photo By Isaiah W.)

The Process

Kidd is a previously featured artist from Milwaukee, WI. He’s representing entertainment group Music Done Right. Music Done Right is all about making quality tunes and helping to contribute to Milwaukee’s already flourishing Hip-Hop scene. Their latest offering for that purpose is Kidd’s The Process EP. The Process contains five total tracks and this review will take a closer look at two of them. Click the jump to dig in.

Fuze The MC F/ Ayanna – “Angel In A Blue Dress” (Video)

(Photo By FuzeTheMC.Com)

Fuze The MC is a buzzed about artist holding it down for the peach state. The Georgia native got his start in the game through poetry while in high school. From there he grew fond of Rap music and decided to start investing in his career while attending Howard University. Since then he has gone on to build an impressive list of accomplishments. He founded the Noble Black Society. He’s received high praise from Big Boi of Outkast. He won the MTVU Freshman Award and has had videos on the channel, as well as on MTV2. He’s been featured in respected Hip-Hop publication XXL And the list could go on. It should be noted that he’s only 21 years old. Mind blowing, right? Recently, he shared the visuals for his track “Angel In A Blue Dress.” Take a glance after the jump.

Jevy – Fahrenheit 2K12 (Mixtape Review)

(Photo By I AM PR Agency)

Fahrenheit 2K12

Jevy was born in Seattle, WA but is currently residing in San Diego, CA. He is well traveled though which reflects in his flexible style and sound. Jevy began to get serious about music once he entered college. He studied the arts and also joined a Hip-Hop group called The Alliance. The group saw a lot of success, achieving things such as opening for major artists, working with Grammy nominated producers, and more. However, the group eventually parted ways. In 2011 Jevy and some close friends formed a company called the Take Off Movement Entertainment Group. After two mixtape ventures and a favorable tour, Jevy and his Take Off Movement Entertainment Group began to make a buzz in the music scene. Their current goal is to land  tour opportunities where Jevy will be able to share his craft via his new album with both new and old fans. The title of the new album is Fahrenheit 2K12 and the scoop on a few tracks off of the project can be found after the jump.

Amerikas Addiction – “Lights”

(Photo By Enliten Clothing)

“Lights” (Presented By Amerikas Addiction & Enliten Clothing)

Milwaukee’s (WI) favorite eclectic duo Amerikas Addiction is officially back in the music game. They dropped a brand new stand alone single to increase the excitement for their new upcoming album The Key. The single is entitled “Lights” and has been dubbed stand alone because it will NOT appear on the new project. Which is a little sad because it’s a great single. The production here is hot. Sonically, it has a street cutting edge sound going on. The various musical elements fuse together nicely and create a fierce vibe. It’s a different style for the duo but it works. The hook is fair. The delivery is catchy and the lyrics are direct. It would have been nice if the lyrics had just a little bit more content to them. The verses are a tad explicit but still skillfully put together. The flow is unique and engaging with a cool varying cadence. The rhymes are choice and do a flawless job of illustrating the themes of the song. The themes being women and intimacy with or without lights. Highlight lines include: “Red mohawk, n—a I don’t give f–k. True Religion swag, feeling like a million bucks. I’m doing what I want. N—as doing what they can. Got a bad ass broad,. Foreign, came straight from Japan.” Those are only a few lines but they are very boss. Overall, this song is a smash. It was a different and daring move for the duo but that’s why everyone loves Amerikas Addiction. They are not afraid to go there. Read what else they have going on after the jump.

Versatile Excell F/ Yung Joka – “F**k The Game Up”

(Photo By I AM PR Agency)

“F–k The Game Up” F/ Yung Joka

Versatile Excell is an artist representing Brooklyn, New York who also spent some time in Australia growing up. He dabbled a little bit with music in his younger years during his time out of the country but his first love was film writing and acting. However in 2008, he gained a new appreciation for rapping after tackling a freestyle to rapper Shawty Lo‘s hit single, “Dey Know.” Following the freestyle, he made his debut performance at a nightclub in Brooklyn called Djumbala and his career started to pick up speed from there. He went on to conquer many more shows, release successful videos, develop a production team, and much more. He has even managed to secure two mixtapes under his belt. His goal is to continue getting his name out there and make his movement known worldwide.

Ja-Wan Cool – “Bout To Shine”

(Photo By I AM PR Agency)

“Bout To Shine”

Ja-Wan Cool hails from Baltimore. He began his journey as an emcee at age 15, drawing inspiration from both his local peers and mainstream heavyweights like LL Cool J. Since he picked up the mic, Ja-Wan has spent numerous hours sharpening his skills and sound. His goal is to bring listeners into his world by rapping about his personal experiences and things that the average person can relate to.  His first invitation into his life comes from his debut single, “Bout To Shine” off of his upcoming mixtape Persona.

This track was produced by Shino and engineered by Jones Shorty.  The production here is great. It contains a smooth low toned bass, a mid-tempo rhythm, and a chill vibe. The hook is solid. The delivery is clean and the lyrics are sufficient. However, things could have been a little more lively. As is, Cool doesn’t seem very committed to what he’s saying. If he doesn’t appear to believe in his lyrics, neither will the listeners. The verses are on point. Cool has distinction in his flow and his rhymes are decent. He does a respectable job of sharing some of his personal journey with the listener. With that said, the verses could have been a little more creative. That extra edge to make them really pop is missing. And since this is a debut track it should standout in every aspect. Overall, this was a good first effort. It needs to be touched up a tad but is still a quality song.

I thought this cut was okay. I think Cool needs to find a way to bring more energy and character to his delivery/flow. Also, he needs to take his wordplay up just a notch. But since this is his debut single, he has a lot of room to continue to grow and develop. I’d be curious to hear what he sounds like a few years from now. Persona is scheduled to drop later this year. In the mean time, readers can catch Ja-Wan Cool on Twitter. -MinM