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BAY AREA REVIEW
Artist: Errelevent
Label: Relevent Music
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Album: Redefinition

First off, I have never heard of Errelevent prior to listening to Redefinition. Rap fans if you’re tired of listing to the same content on all your rap CD’s then take a listen to Redefinition. I was really impressed with this release from Errelevent. He took time and thought out what he wanted on this album and it shows. When listening to this album I noticed that Errelevent stayed away from the norm of money, cash and hoes!

I also noticed that he surrounded himself with some bay legends such as Yaboy, San Quinn, and Keak Da Sneak. Sometimes having features of that magnitude it could backfire; however, in this kids case it worked! Errelevent more than held his own verse for verse and hook for hook. Beside the songs with features, I really liked “Sittin Sippin”. I liked that he opened up and told us his pain.

Another song that stood out was “In the Bay”.  I like how the song kinda reminds me of the classic “Ain’t No Future In Yo Frontin”! But my shit’s “The Formula” and “I Can’t Wait”. First the formula just has great energy, lyrics, a good hook and the beat just hypes me up! Second, “I Can’t Wait”…come on, everyone liked the rnb group from back in the day “Troop!” Some of the things the album could have done without are the party tracks.

I’m not to big of a fan of going dumb, and the party tracks sound a little too hyphy. Overall the album “Redefinition” is a solid piece of work and I ain’t mad if I spent ten! Website: www.myspace.com/releventmusic

3.5 INC Stamps - Reviewed by: East Bay Jay

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LOCAL REVIEW
Artist: Silence
Dj: Worldwise
Label: Silence Music / Mixtape Mobb
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Album: Tank Bizness Mixtape

For those people that are new to the San Jose music scene and are looking to find artists that stand out and have been around making an impact, look no further. Silence has been in the San Jose rap scene for a long time. Some people might remember him from features on Gangsta Reese’s “Full Metal Jacket” album and countless other projects. Silence brings together a young group of up and coming artists from San Jose for his Tank Bizness mixtape. The mixtape brings together some of the music industry’s hottest beats as well as some original production from Faded Monk, Wreckandize, Nicar, Traxamillion & Sam 7.

3.5 INC Stamps - Reviewed by: Ant Dawg

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CLASSIC REVIEW
Artist: Various
Label: C.T.I. Records
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Album: All Haters Beware Compilation

All haters beware is a classic album that dropped during the era of mob music. The album was handled by two of San Jose’s most successful producers Greg G (Produced for Baby Beesh, Assassin, G-Pack) and Larry K (produced for San Quinn, E-40, The Mob Figaz, Young Droop ect.). Many people probably don’t know this but this was actually Larry K’s first real effort at putting together any type of album. All Haters Beware featured one of the best groups to come out the South Bay, G-Pack featuring the late great D-Mac (R.I.P.). Chicano Conspiracy now known as Brown Factor are also some notable features along with Assassin, Aggravated Assault, & L.O.C..

The album started off with a track from Harvest called “Where You At?”. The track was a perfect mob beat to go along with the mobbed out lyrics. My favorite track off this album is “West Coast G’z”. The track basically showcased what bay area music in general was like back during this era. From tracks like “Ghetto Life”, “Realer Than Real” and “Who Ride”, there’s no way this album could disappoint rap fans. For an album that was originally only pressed on cassette tape, it sure left its mark in the San Jose music scene.

Beginning to end, the album has non stop classics from then up and coming artist’s who were just trying to break into the rap game. Tracks from Young Life and Young 2-11(Now Known as “Tha Critic”) really showcase the amount of talent these artist’s had back then to remain factors in today’s music scene. There has been plenty of compilations to have come out through the years in San Jose and some people may have different opinions on which was their favorite. I believe there is no question the impact this album had for our area. It gave the formula to other labels on how to put out quality music that appeals to more then just our area. It paved the way for other classic albums such as Killa Sharks, West Coast Gold, Criminal Grind and countless others. Like your copy? You can purchase the digital download by [clicking here]

4.5 INC Stamps - Reviewed by: Ant Dawg

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STREET ALBUM REVIEW
Artist: Komatoze
Label: Money Tree Ent.
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Album: Trunk Music

I was listening to this Cd from Komatoze in my car while I was driving, but before I put the Cd in the player I like to look at the art work. I also like to read the inside of the Cd, but there wasn’t much to read and the art work looked mediocre. I know the artists that are reviewed are mostly independent but in my opinion you have to appeal to the eyes if you are not on a major or on TV if you want new fans. Another thing that I don’t get is why artist don’t use the inside of their Cd’s to let fans know more about them, I understand that they fans could just Google you but give the fans more when they purchase your Cd’s. Now for the music there were hits and misses I felt that the Cd was strong from Gettin it all the way to Bankroll when I started listening to the Cd I expected a lot.

After hearing the first five songs I was hyped, I was feelin Gettin It and Huh-What then I got to one of my favorite song on the Cd Ain’t Feelin You I thought that Komatoze came strong lyrically and held his own with the others. One other thing I would like to mention is that Komatoze has a strong voice but on some of the songs I feel like he should have came a little harder. For me the CD slowed down a little towards the middle, I felt that Komatoze could have been a little more creative with some of the songs. As much as I love Kat Williams I’m getting tired of the usage of his stand up show. When listening to the song smoker’s paradise I noticed that Kat Williams is on the song majority of the time something I felt was not needed. One song that I surprisingly liked was Replay I thought the production was good and Komatoze came hard sounds like a club banger! Now my favorite song on the Cd is I’m a beast man there is a lot of energy on this song, and the lyrics are crazy, when listening to this song I get hyped up! Komatoze did a good job of putting this project together and I think he is on the right track. A little less features next time as I don’t think he needed them and I think he’s good! San Jose is well represented on this Cd!

You can buy this album on digital download from 408INC here: http://www.408inc.com/shop/index.php?target=products&product_id=337

Reviewed by: East Bay Jay
Score: 3 1/2 INC Stamps

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CLASSIC SOUTHBAY ALBUM REVIEW
Artist: Young Heat
Label: No Mercy Records
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Album: The Heat Season

Since doing these reviews for 408inc I have come to the conclusion that music in the south bay has change substantialy through the years. When I review classic albums like this review here on No Mercy’s release of Young Heat’s “The Heat Season”; I find my self missing that mob sound that was so influential in the early and late 90’s. Today’s music is more of just gimmicks and lack of real substance in rappers lyrics. The fact that people in our own city choose to trend hop and do what they think is the next hot thing hurts the real artists that been making music for years. The reason I say that is because our region looks more and more like a joke as we have clowns jumping out of cars going hyphy and dumb. Young Heat brings that real rough and rugged street lyrics that make you remember what music was about in the south bay years back.

After the into to the album Young Heat jumps into a hard mob beat on the track Big Chef. It’s a great song to get into the song with a dope baseline its sure to rattle and system you got in your ride. Next we get into my favorite song off the album; Thourougbred Hoggs. This song is just a dope rider song that will get you pumped up. Its definetly a track you’re going to have on repeat and at full volume in your ride. Young Heat brings the heat on every track on the album, you will not hear one track you aren’t feeling. Tracks like Act’n and Gone really show give you a feel for what Young Heat was trying to do with his album. The beats that were chosen for this album is the perfect blend of mob type sound. Young Heats brings dope lyrics that everyone can feel and just shake there head to the beat.

Its coming up to the 10 year anniversary of The Heat Season and I can honestly say this album will be in my rotation for another 10 years. Dope classic album that is still timeless in my eyes. You can buy this album on digital download from 408INC here: http://www.408inc.com/shop/index.php?target=products&product_id=223

Reviewed by: Ant Dawg
Score: 4 1/2 INC Stamps

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NEW ALBUM REVIEW
Artist: Gangsta Reese & Convic
Label: C Blocc Entertainment
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Album: Enemigos “Agony & Ecstasy”

First off if you never heard of Gangsta Reese slap yourself now for sleeping on a San Jose VET. With that out of the way Reese teams up with long time friend Convic who has been featured on plenty of San Jose albums throughout the years. These two veterans bring you an album that takes it back to what made rap of the 90’s so popular that gangsta street music. With dope production handle by Filth Rich, Reese and Convic were able to do what they do best.  Agony & Ecstasy holds nothing back if you’re that SJ hyphy rapper you will have your feelings hurt plain and simple. Enemigos put this project out to prove a point, that real street music is still much alive. 

After the intro the album kicks off with a Reese solo track, Hard Inda Paint. That track is basically a message to all rappers with gimmicks to step out the way because Reese Loc is coming through.  Lil Slice is my next favorite track; the beat is just ridicules Convic and Reese just rip the track from the first verse to the last verse. One track that I would like to see a video for would be So Sweet feat. Shea Sav & Tha Critic. This album had a lot of stand out tracks that just made you want to hit the repeat button. I like how they kept the features local, didn’t have to pay someone from another city to look like they really doing it. The album was long overdue but it did not disappoint, I hope that a follow up to this album will be in the works down the line.

I gave the album 4 stamps it is a classic in the making but in my opinion classics albums are timeless. Over time the people in the streets will make this album a 5 stamp album. To check out more on the Enemigos add them on mypace here: http://www.myspace.com/enemigos408

 
Reviewed by: Ant Dawg
Score: 4 INC Stamps

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MIXTAPE REVIEW
Artist: $krilla Sam
Label: Unsigned
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Album: Please Listen (Hosted By: Tito Bell)

When I got the mixtape “Please Listen” by $krilla Sam I was expecting something totally different than what I got. From the cover to the name of the album, I was expecting some underground hardcore hip-hop; some might refer to as “backpack rap”. What $krilla Sam gives you is a variety of different feels and moods for the mixtape. He gives you some playa type tracks along with some down south ATL vibes. With all the different types of tracks on the CD, $krilla Sam brings confidence and good word play to every track.

The tracks I liked the most were “Diamond Ring”, which contained a sample of Ray Charles. One of my other favorites was “So Sexy”. That is they type of sound I think $krilla should stick too.  For his next project I would like to see more of a theme throughout the album for listeners to vibe off of.

The only problem I have with the mixtape is that I don’t know what type of rapper $krilla Sam is? With the variety of different beats and style of flow I wouldn’t know what to expect with his next album. I do feel that the laid back beats fit him perfectly and he should do more tracks like those where he shines the most.

Over all I enjoyed this album! As long as $krilla Sam stays consistent on putting albums out he can only get better. And as he does, I will continue to support and look for future projects.  I would like to see him network with other artist from our region to help bring more exposure his way as well. If you’d like to check out more on $krilla Sam, you can add him on myspace here: www.myspace.com/408skrilla

3 INC Stamps – Reviewed by: Ant Dawg

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MIXTAPE REVIEW
Artist: Various
Label: Core Dj’s/Bum Squad Dj’s
Hometown: Seaside, CA
Album: Back N Da Bay Lesson One (Befor Hyphy - Pre Thizz)

Its a breath a fresh air to listen to a mixtape that pays respect to the architects of the bay area!!!!!! I think DJ E-Z CUTT did a great job at picking the trax that represent lesson 1. Lets start with one of my all time favorite albums 5150. I loved that he put “Bump A Bitch” on here, I haven’t heard that song in days. For those who don’t know, that song came off their album “Crazy Has Struck Again”. If you don’t have it pick it up!

I like how DJ E-Z CUTT put a lot of good classics on Lesson 1. 415 “Richie Rich”, 2PAC “Pour Out A Little Liquor”, The Mac “The Game Is Thick”, Totally Insane “The Insane”, I could go on and on. I know its hard to find some of these Classics. One thing that stood out about the mixtape is he used a lot of clean versions, and when your used to hearing a song a certain way its hard to listen to it any other way. Please remember almost all these songs never got the radio play they deserved when they were released.

I don’t listen to the music on some fancy stereo system so when I listened to lesson 1, I notice messing with the bass and treble a little bit it got to be a little irritating.  All in all I really enjoyed lesson 1. I definitely would recommend this mixtape to the fans of Classic Bay music. I give it 3 1/2 stamps. Since the mixtape is a lesson on “Back N Da Bay”, I hope lesson 2 will include the artist such as Brotha Lynch, Chunk, X Raided, GLP, Cougnut & IMP, Rappin 4Tay and more! Like your copy? You can purchase that in the shop by [clicking here]

3.5 INC Stamps - Reviewed by: Jay
 

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