Concrete Magazine - Issue # 10 Reviews

Issue # 11

Da Back Wudz - Wood Work

Da Backwudz debut cd album is a good look for the dynamic duo. You would think that these cats have had five albums under their belts. Their sound is different and distinct from what is already out. They have a few big of rap’s notorious lyricists and some newcomers guest appearing with them. Their smash single, “You Gonna Luv Me”, features newcomer Milwaukee Black and another rising hip hop rookie, Caz Clay appears on their new single, “I Don’t Like The Look Of It”. The remix to the first single features hip hop heavyweights Nas and Slim Thug. Bohagen and Jeff B appear on the laid back track “Fantastic”. Big Gipp and Bud appear on “Whatcha Know About My Life”. Purple Ribbon all-stars Killer Mike and Sleepy Brown jump on “Gettin 2 It” and “Mama Always Told Me,” respectively. Even Dr Funkenstein himself, George Clinton, gets down on “Smoke N Ride”. This is good music.

B.G. - The Heart Of The Street Vol. 2

B. Gizzle is back with his biggest solo release ever. The Heart Of The Streets vol. 2 debuted at number one on the Billboard’s Top 100 independent charts and number six on Billboard’s top 200 album chart. Simply put, B.G. is slaying the streets. This album is packed with a ton of tight beats. As always, you can expect B.G. to ride the tracks like only he can. The all star features include Mannie Fresh on “Move Around,” Paul Wall on “Dueces Up,” and Webbie on “Ain’t No B****”. There are also a number of up and coming rappers that lend vocals various tracks. From the first track on the album, “Real Nigga,” it is apparent why this B.G. is The Heart Of The Streets. Don;t be the last one to know about this hot album.

Bubba Sparxxx - The Charm

Ms. New Booty had everybody bouncing in the clubs but there is more to Bubba Sparxx than just booty rockin’ everywhere. This is his first release on Purple Ribbon. The Charm features hot production by Organized Noize, Timbaland, Mr. Collipark and Big Boi among others. Bubba kicks some really thoughtful, introspective lyrics on the melodic tune, “Ain’t Life Grand.” He also rides bass heavy, beat driven tracks on songs like “Represent”, “Hey” and “Claremont Lounge.” Bubba is as lyrical as ever on this new album. The second radio single from this project, “Heat It Up”, is another one for the clubs. For everybody out there that loved the first single, you’ll like this one too. Sleepy Brown and Duddy Ken join Bubba on the smoothed out, pimp track “That Man”. If you liked the first two albums, this will be another great one for you collection. If you don’t have the earlier albums, it’s a good time to become a Bubba Sparxx fan.

Flameable - Anything Can Happen

From the mountains of Chattanooga, Tennessee comes Flameable. This is the first cd that we’ve heard from this young lyricist but it may not be the last. Flameable rides the beats well and he has features from some of the volunteer state’s most notorious underground legends. Pistol spits venom on “Take It Outside” and Haystak kicks introspective street wisdom with his country drawl, on “All My People.” The underground freestyle King Kong of Cashville, Jelly Roll slays the track on “We Don’t Play Dat.” Charlie P and Dyverse also appear on the album. Untouchable production is provided by Tennessee track stars Jody “J-Scott” Stevens and Sonny Paradise. Flameable mixes it up and comes with a wide variety of tracks. You’re bound to like something on this album.

	Heiron - Laugh Now Cry Later Hei-Ron’s latest release, Laugh Now, Cry Later, shows that he can ride any track with versatility. This Chicago breed, Nashville resident brings a little Mid West flavor to the Dirty Dirty. He is accompanied by a number of other talented lyricists. Plaiboy Dray appears on the energetic, bouncy tune, “Turn It Up,” and with Ebonee on “Summatime.” His ode to his new home, “Welcome To Cashville,” features, Petey, Nina Ross, Reckless and Cormat. Sky appears on “No Drama.” It’s a song about relationships. Rob Dee is featured on “Tell Da Truth” and T-Mik guest appears on “Speakin’ To Yall.” Mr. Hightower, Reckless, Deluxe, Juan and Marcus add produce tracks on the album. All of the other songs were produced by Hei-Ron himself. There is such a wide range of tracks on the album, there is something for everybody.

	Pastor Troy - Stay Tru The dirty South Georgia boy is back in action with a brand new solo album titled Stay Tru. As the opening track states, “I’ma stay true/ One man crew,” Pastor Troy does just that. You won’t find any big name guest appearances on this cd. It’s all P.T. Cruiser on this one. All by himself from start to finish. He spits hard over the beats on songs like “Attitude Adjuster” and “Stay Tru”, with his signature gruff, ATL dialect. P.T. gives a nod to his favorite designers on the apparel anthem “Polos and Lacoste” He also addresses those scandalous chicken heads that lie about their boyfriends and baby daddy’s on “”Lyin About Her Crib”. You know the ones who hide all of his pictures and clothes before they invite you over the house that he owns. That’s a set up. The pastor is back in the pulpit and he is giving you the truth. Don’t sleep on this.
	T.I. - King If you haven’t heard T.I.’s latest album, King, you must be living under a rock. He’s back and to show everybody why he wears the crown. His ATL soundtrack single, “What You Know,” has been killing the charts and getting spins on radio everywhere. T.I. gets vicious over the Just Blaze produced track, “I’m Talkin’ To You.” He lashes out at anyone who dares to challenge his reign at the top. If your feelings are hurt, he’s probably talking to you. T.I. even takes time out for the ladies on “Why You Wanna.” A song that is sure to be the jam of the summer in 2006. Cop the album. It’s a no brainer.
	Phantom - The Interview Forty miles North of Nashville, a place called Clarksville, Tennessee is known as “the gateway to the new South.” This is an up close and personal look into the new way of life in the country. Interview With Phantom has a wide variety of music and a showcase of underground artists from a his hood. Phantom doesn’t only rap on every track. He is also the exclusive producer on the album. He is joined on this lyrical voyage by M.C. Millz, Ms. Duncan, Rossi, I.R., Kristian, D,B, and Big Nut and Young Fresh, who was recently nominated for a Southern entertainment Award.
	South Streets DVD Magazine Volume four of the South Streets DVD is the rawest edition yet. It is full of footage from the Southern Entertainment Awards and exclusive interviews with a truck load of artists on the come up. Artists like DJ Lil Larry, Track Kings, Thorobred Hustlaz, Screwface, Cool Breeze, Non Fiction, Young Cash and Polo Caprioti, to name a few. If you like pit fights, it’s got that too. There is also a ton disturbing of clips that may even make the hardest thug flinch. Not to mention lots of fights and strippers, shakin’ what their mommas gave ‘em. What more could could you ask for? Part one of the DVD is the street segment. It focuses on the real gritty underground elements of the game. Part two is the industry segment. It has interviews and editorial from people on the corporate side of the game. This DVD is as hood as it gets and it’s great entertainment.
	Chapters - The Movie K-Cutta presents Chapters. The story of a teenager name Alphonzo and his struggle to stay away from the enticing life of the Memphis streets. Alphonzo, also known as Zo, is faced with all sorts of problems at home. A deadbeat dad with a drinking problem and a mother who commits suicide. He is forced to live with his grandmother after his mother’s death. Bagging groceries for minimum wage isn’t cutting it, so Zo finds a ways to make fast money hustling with a childhood friend. Things take a crazy turn when Zo does some bad business with the wrong people. It’s a story of friendship, betrayal, greed, lust and corruption. There is an exciting, unexpected ending in store. It’s a well produced film and a story about growing up that a lot of us can relate to.

Pimpilation - Return of the Tril

For all of the fiends out there that have been tickin’ for more of Sweet James Jones, the wait is over. Pimpilation is a video that chronicles Pimp C’s triumphant return to the rap game. It has interviews with Bun B, J. Prince and commentary from almost everybody you can name. All of them give praise to the Southern rap legend. There is exclusive footage of Pimp C being released form prison to a homecoming fit for a king. You’ll see Pimp C in studio sessions, working on new songs with Smoke D of Field Mob, Lil’ Flip, E-40, Trae and Swisha House. It includes videos for “Wood Wheel” by UGK, “Freaky Deaky” by Willie D, and “Swang” by Trae. There is also footage of Pimp C on the set of the video for “Get Throwed” by Young Jeezy and “Front Back” by T.I. If you are a fan of U.G.K., this is a must have DVD.

Squad Up - We Are The Squad

You might remember the group that Lil’ Wayne was pushing real hard a little more than a year ago. Squad up was supposed to be the next hot thing out of New Orleans under the new CEO of Cash Money. Then all sorts of things went wrong and the group became adversaries of their long time friend and business partner. Now, you get to hear their side of the story. The Squad has been working hard to keep their buzz in the streets, despite their woes with the label. They claim that Wayne made false promises and held out on their show money for his own personal use. They really roast him. They make him look like a real simp and sucker for love. It also features show footage of Squad Up doing shows all over the country and interviews about the future of the Squad Up movement.

Ill Dose - Down Under
It would be an understatement if I said that Ill Dose is a good rapper. This cat has skills. He has a bit of an East Coast sound to him, but he is definitely reppin the 6-1-5. I guess that‘s why he raps over mostly East Coast beats too. Whatever the case, Ill Dose verbally batters the beats, on every track. We would like to hear him on some dirty South instrumentals. If there are any producers out there who are looking for an artist to do your beats some justice, look no further.

DJ Dollar Bill & DJ Hotsauce - 2 Crunk 4 Germany Hosted by David Banner

This hard hitting mix comes correct. It is hosted by Mr. Mississippi himself David Banner. Everything you need in a dirty south tape is here and fitted nice and tight with smooth and flawless blends. What this tape lacks in exclusives it makes up in fresh mashups and remixes you cant catch anywhere but right here. The Franchize Boys "Trapstar" mix is a classic example of how to smash 2 great songs into something original. Tracks hot off the presses include heaters from Short Dogg, Rasheeda ft. Jody Breeze, Young Dro, and 2 Crunk.

DJ Chuck T - Planet of the Apes

MBK is the hot new clique out of Clarksville and they come full force to show ya'll about the northern tip of Cashville. Deadly Boy Roots The Buckest, MDG The Paper Boy, Yung Beatz AKA YBZ The Yung Mastermind, Get Rich, and Phil D's Beatz are the top players in this major league game of hard hitting dirty south beats and thugged out street fire rhymes. There's a track for all the ballers and hustlers, even a weed smokers anthem that slides down smooth and flips into a chopped and screwed burner giving you the Cashville flavor of that Texas sound flooding the airwaves. There's an APB out on the MBK camp cuz these cats are wanted for murder all over these original tracks.

DJ Chief Rocka - Street Heat 6
DJ Chief Rocka is known for bringing the heat, and things haven’t changed one bit. Volume six if Chief’s mix tape series, Street Heat, is jam packed with the exclusive remixes and new music from the best in the industry and the underground. A freshly cut Busta Rhymes appears, minus the dreadlocks, to host this one. You’ll find new remixes to songs like “Hustlin” by Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes, the Deckamade remix to Three-6-Mafia’s “Stay Fly”, and the remix to “Gettin’ Some” by Shawnna with Busta Rhymes and Labba. Check out what’s heating the streets this summer

DJ Chuck T - Hood Superstar
South Carolina’s mix tape messiah, DJ Chuck T, is back with the 22nd installment of Down South Slangin’. The Trigga Man, a.k.a. B.G., hosts this new one. It starts off with B.G. taking shots at Lil’ Wayne on the track “I Got Mine”. He’s joined by Young Buck.. The CD also wraps up with another diss against Lil’ Wayne by B.G. on “What I’m Doin, Who I’m Signed Wit.” It makes us wonder if the beef will ever end between those two. In between all of the heat there are a lot of tight songs and freestyles.

Stackhouse Recordings - Smackin & Stackin the DVD Mixtape
This cd is a DJ extravaganza. Smackin & Stackin is basically a soundtrack to the DVD that is soon to be released by Stackhouse Recordings. It features four DJs reppin for a quarter of the mix each. DJ LRM, Brandi Garcia, DJ L and DJ Chuck T teamed up to bring you this twenty seven track mix of new heaters and a few of well k own hits. It features new music from Nas, Mobb Deep, Paul Wall, All Star, J.R Writer, Rick Ross, Triple J and Webbie. There is a lot of hot material on this one, so pick it up.

C-Wiz - Actin Bad, Lookin Hard
C-Muphukkin Wiz has got the real exclusive with Sweet James Jones. The Trill edition of his latest rerlease, Actin Bad Lookin Hard, features all original freestyles by Pim C that have never been heard anywhere else. That’s just where the fun begins. This mix tape is loaded with exclusive, never before heard flows by Paul Wall, Boosie, Webbie, Archie Lee and Coota Bang. Pim C also hosts the mix tape. As always, C-Wiz takes all the blazin tracks he touches and make the remixes explode. No other DJ has this much fresh material on one mix. This cd will definitely be in heavy rotation. Don’t play yourself. Get this cd.

DJ Drama & Little Brother - Separate but Equal
DJ Drama has hooked up with the most slept on cats in the South. Little Brother is one of the truest hip-hop groups in the game today. These brothers do shows all over the world but have been brushed aside by radio stations that think the South is all crunk music and gansta rap. Pooh and Fonte have their own rhyme style and lyrical fitness for all of the real heads out there that appreciate versatility and originality. Having one of today’s hottest producers, 9th Wonder, in house only adds to the strength of their group. These cats are way past due for their props. If you don’t know Little Brother, pay attention.

DJ Drama & Pharrell - BBCICECREAM.COM In My Mind The Prequel
Drama is at it again. The public half of the super producer team, the Neptunes spits over some of the hottest classics in hip hop and takes newjacks on a history lesson of what a good beat should sound like. These two bring some modern club bangers with Pharrell's unique sing-song flow cooling down Drama's fiery cuts. Most of the lyrics revolve around Pharrell's massive wealth and jet set lifestyle, but he still brings some Virginia grime. Hearing the Clipse over "Incarcerated Scarfaces" is not something you want to sleep on.

DJ GQ - Let Em Know 17
Miami’s mix tape king, DJ GQ it is here to Let ‘Em Know who’s runnin’ it. GQ come strong with the seventeenth installment of his blazin’ mix tape series. It’s hosted by Cash Money’s CEO, Baby a.k.a. Birdman. It features world premiers by Kanye West and Sizzla, plus an exclusive by Stat Quo and Mr. Vegas. There is also remixes to “Gettin’ Some Some Head” by Ludacris, “Tell Me” featuring Biggy and Game, and “Ridin’ Dirty” featuring Chamillionaire and Aliyah. Other guest artists include E-40 with T-Pain, Dirte Red with Akon and Paperview, and P.M. with Pit Bull. This mix tape is hotter than Miami in July.

	DJ Mars - Superfriends are the Future The Superfriends show you why they are the future. DJ Mars, Bobby Black and DJ Siza have teamed up to hit you with part three of this series. It’s hosted by 8Ball & MJG. There are some superfriends exclusives like 8Ball & MJG featuring LIl’ John and Freeway on “Rep Ya Hood.” Jody Breeze and Freeway team up for another exclusive with “Fast Forward.” 8Ball & MJG drop a brand new banger called “Drinking Rossi.” Chingy even comes out of the wood work with an exclusive track, “Nike Airs & Crisp Tee’s.” Other features include YoungBloodz, Ludacris and DTP, 50 Cent with Paul Wall, Trillville, T.I. Playaz Circle and Red Cafe.
	DJ Smallz & Pimp C - Southern Smoke 25 Pimp C is home and free at last. This installment of Southern Smoke is a big welcome home for the king of the underground. There are a ton of hits from artists all over the South and exclusive tracks and freestyles by Sweet James Jones. Thirty two monster track featuring Lil’ Flip, Young Jeezy, Juvenile, Bubba Sparxxx, T.I., B.G. 8Ball & MJG and a lot more. There are a lot of hot remixes too. Like remixes to “Ridin' Dirty” by Chamillionaire with Trae and Krayzie Bone, and “Tell Me When To Go” by E-40 with The Game and Lil’ Jon. Pimp C also discusses his future plans throughout mix tape on different interludes.
	DJ Spade & Youngbloodz Cashville’s mix tape aficionado is back with his latest edition of his DMS series. This time Spade has teamed up with Atlanta’s rap duo Youngbloodz to host it. This mix is packed with new hits and exclusives from the industry’s best artists and new comers. Features include new tracks from Yo Gotti with Bun B, Young Dro, Roam Bad Daddy, 8 Ball & MJG, Dre featuring Rick Ross, Bohagon with Fabo, Ice Cube and Snoop, Jody Breeze with Freeway and a slew of others. Spade slams thirty seven tacks of heat into one CD. You can expect quality from this turntable veteran. It’s worth every penny.
	Hoodlyfe Ent. Presents DSR Volume 1 Hoodlyfe Entertainment’s debut mix tape showcases some of the best that the sun sphere city has to offer. DJ K-Swift and DJ Irv Beano show off their mixing skills with remixes of “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It”, “Fireman”, “Widow Shopper”, and “Presidential.” Most of the mix tape features the four Knoxville rappers rhyming their own renditions to familiar jacked beats. The original tracks on show promise for the future of K-Town. Big Yella, Shorty Lokey, Snakeyes and 5ive Ft. Giant kick raw raps on crunk fight tracks like “Tuk Ya Chain” and “Let Em Kno.” Other noteworthy songs include “Real Recognize Real” and “Sound It Off.”
	Dutty Laundry - Hood Classics Vol. 9 Chattanooga’s mix tape monster is back on the grind with volume 9 of Hood Classics. Pure Pain’s golden boy, Roam Bad Daddy, and the north Memphis full time hustla, Yo Gotti, host this scorching mix of exclusive heat. There are brand new tracks by Yo Gotti, Juvenile, Cam’ron featuring Lil’ Wayne, Bonecrusher with Lil Jon and Chamillionaire, E-40 with Lil Jon, Donnie Cross and Macboney. There is also a ton of hot songs by Roam Bad Daddy, 8Ball and MJG and Young Dro. This cd is definitely a banger. You will not be disappointed. Put that in your stereo playa .
	Jay Exclusive - Down Bottom 25 Jay Exclusive is turnin’ up the heat with the newest edition of Down Bottom. Volume 25 is off the rip. It features collaborations, remixes and new music by some of the dirty South’s hottest artists. It features Lil Scrappy’s new banger “Money In The Bank,” featuring Young Buck. If you haven’t heard it yet, that shit is going hard. The Clipse new single “Mr. Me Too,” featuring Pharell, is another one of the tracks that add to the ghetto fabulous lineup on this lethal injection of dope music. Other collaborations include, Too $hort with 50 Cent and UGK, Magno featuring Fabolous and Paul Cain, Daz Dillinger with Rick Ross and many more.
	DJ Khaled - The Carter 2 Cash Money CEOs Baby and Lil’ Wayne host The Carter 2: Like Father, Like Son. Terror Squad spin master DJ Khaled conducts this exclusive compilation of blazing tracks. As you can probably expect from the title, this is a Lil Wayne spotlight. Baby jumps on a few songs but only four songs have features from outside of the family. The other fourteen is pure Wayne straight to the vein. The Guest list includes Paul Wall, Scarface, Rick Ross, Pit Bull, Remy Ma, Currency and Nikki. DJ Khaled even spits a few bars on “Holla At Me Baby.” This mix tape is street certified. Make sure you pick it up at a hood record store near you.
	King P - King of the Game The boys in the M-Town have that purple fever and it’s contagious. King P and Sweetback The Mack got together to create this Screw Shop sponsored mix tape King Of The Game. It’s not all chopped and screwed. There are some songs at regular speed too. It’s all King P though. He flows over a slew of familiar beats, slow and fast. Songs He raps over instrumentals to “Laffy Taffy,” “Presidential,” “Draped Up” and “Full Time.” There are also some original songs with King P and some of his comrades. You know how the boys at the Screw Shop lean. So grab a cup, some Jolly Ranchers, and some Tahitian Treat and pour it up to this
	P. Moses - Pimpin Pretty Vol. 1 Some of you MTV heads out there may remember a female MC from Making The Band 3, who represented Memphis, Tennessee in the early episodes. P. Moses is still on her grind. Her latest mix tape is a display of her versatility over industry beats from some of your favorite dirty South artists. This joint is hosted by the North Memphis gorilla pimp, Freddie Hydro. Guest features include Da Illest Na Na, Maal Da Pimp, Reggie Loc, Radio Rasheed, Lady Dolla, Nina Ross, Jon Doe and a host of others from Tennessee to New Orleans. This mix tape is a prequel to her upcoming album Straight Fro m Da Heart. So, keep your ears open for more of her in the future.