Concrete Magazine - Issue # 13 Reviews

Issue # 13

Pastor Troy: By Choice Or By Force

Pastor Troy is back for another round and he's swinging for a TKO. This time P.T. is taking some hard shots at BME. He flat out says "fuck you" to Lil John and everybody else in his camp, one by one, on the opening song "Murda Man 2". He doesn't spare anybody. The hatin' doesn't stop there either. He continues to throw insults at BME on various tracks throughout the album. Aside from the jabs he takes at BME, Pastor Troy still puts it down in classic DSGB style. This album is loaded with the same hard hitting gangsta rhymes and trunk thumping beats that kept fans loyal from the first day. As you can expect, there area also a few club tracks on the cd too. It's definitely worth checking out.

Black Beast - Malaki Tha Movement
Black Beast is still on the grind. His latest mix tape Malaki: Tha Movement is his best yet. He is joined by a gang of other MCs like Mac Clip, Warpath, Fluid Outrage, Diablo, Roach Killa, Low Pro, Kamillian, Young Murda, Coop, VIP, Rio, Paisley Hill, Kash-K, Keana and Turmoil. It even features vocals by Greg Finley of the legendary Motown sensation, The Temptations. Malaki still brings the heat on furious tracks like none other on song's like "Load, Cock, Aim, Bust," "Gutta" and "We Getts Down. He even takes time out to drop something for the ladies on "Oh Girl." "My Story" is a more introspective song about tribulations and trials that everybody goes through. Greg Finley adds melodic vocals to the track. With his gruff voice and brash delivery, he truly shows his talent and authority on the microphone.

Cadence-Songs_Of_Vice_& Virtue
This album is some of the most innovative, self-styled hip-hop to come out this year. Hailing from Nashville, Cadence is not about the trends in today's rap scene. In fact, his song "So Original" blasts the status quo. The album takes your emotions up, then down. The roller coaster is some what like the movie Crash; it picks you up then slams you down. There is even a song about D.U.I.s and the heart ache that can come with them. The CD starts off HOT, with "I'm Back," a starlight hip-hop joint that is sure to call the b-boys to the circle. Then the string-filled, Sonny P produced track, "Falling Apart" which focuses on abuse, brings you to a totally different place. Then it's back up with the radio-friendly, shower-anthem "Squeaky Clean." The whole album plays out this, which is why it is so brilliant. Do you Cadence!

Outkast - Idlewild
Those two dope Cadillac boys are back together after much speculation of their break up. The soundtrack to the movie/musical Idlewild pushes the creative envelope even further. So far that, it might be over some people’s heads. Fans of The Love Below and Speakerboxx will be delighted to hear more of the whimsical style on this new project. It features the singles “Mighty-O”, “Morris Brown” and “Hollywood Divorce”. There are a slew of guest features including Whild Peach, Killer mike, Sleepy Brown, Lil’ Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Khujo Goodie, Macy Gray, Scar, and Janelle Monae. The album plays like a compilation. You won’t hear many collaborations between Andre and Big Boi. They only perform a couple of tracks together, but mostly have solo tracks instead. Which leaves a little more to be desired by long time fans of the Aquemini team. Everybody will find something to love about this soundtrack and the movie Idlewild.

	Shawna - Block Music Shawnna is back to show everybody who is really the hardest female MC in the game. Block Music is the second release from the queen of the Disturbing The Peace camp. Of course, you know the production is wangin'. DTP is always on point with the tracks. The album contains the smash hit song "Gettin' Some" and the remix that features Ludacris, Pharrell, Lil' Wayne and Too Short. The second single , "Candy Coated", has been picking up spins and getting heavy rotation. It features the Memphis pimp duo, 8 Ball & MJG. One bangin' track after another. Other guest artists include I-20, Smoke (of Field Mob), Avant, Bobby Valentino, Jonny P., Syleena Johnson, Buddy Guy, Shareefa and Malik Yusef. This project helps to solidify Shawnna's place among the elite minority of female MCs. As a sophomore, Shawnna shows that she can deliver hard lyrics with as much style as the male MCs and still represent for the ladies.

	Trae - Restless H-Town has been putting it down hard over the past year. Trae’s new cd is no exception. His hit single “Swang” has taken the country by storm. Trae has been a staple in the Houston movement for years with his crew A.B.N. (Assholes By Nature) and his label G Maab Entertainment. His solo album is not like the flashy, bling rap that Houston has become known for in recent times. There are introspective songs like “Restless”, “The Rain” and “No Help” that give listeners insight into Trae’s emotions. Don’t get it twisted. This album is not lacking raw hood tracks. Hardcore listeners will love songs like “So Gangsta”, featuring Bun B and “Pop Trunk Wave”, featuring Fat Pat (R.I.P.). Trae’s Latest single “Cadillac”, featuring Paul Wall, Three-6-Mafia, Jayton and Lil Boss. Trae’s deep melodic delivery will have you in a trance during the entire ride.

	Sporty O You might have heard his music on the new MTV show Blowin’ Up, with Jamie Kennedy. Maybe you heard his latest single, “You not Beyonce, bumping out of somebody's trunk next to you at a stop light. Either way, there is no denying that Sporty-O is making moves. His new mix tape features all original production and venomous lyrics to complement. Most of the beats are provided by Justin Trugman, and Kaeswole. Guest appearances include Sean Paul of the Youngbloodz, Big Floaty, Bonecrusher, Goldmouf, Tuface, La Dre, El-Dawg, Woodgrain, King Avalanche, and Kaeswole. Sporty represents southwest Atlanta with pride. It’s no wonder his

	The Issue Ishman is bringing the real issue to the forefront. Front Page News is loaded with blazing tracks and real rhymes. Producer prodigy, NYSE, contributes the knock for your trunk, so you know it’s on point. The industry kick stand is accompanied by singer extraordinaire Robin Raynell, and Cashville rap assassins Cheezy, Pot Belly, Da Animal, Pheonix, Big Juan, EJ, Ms. T and Tale. Songs like “Talk Bad”, “Karma” and “Sucka Free” bounce and bang, for the street hustlers. “Hip-Hop”, “Makin’ Money” and “Superstar” slow it down and add swagger to the album. The boys at Lil’ Brutha are hustlin’ hard. You can’t go wrong with this album.

Rick Ross - Port of Miami

There is no denying that everybody knows the boss, Ricky Ross. His hit single "Hustlin" was a chart topper and undoubtedly the thug anthem of 2006. His long awaited album, Port Of Miami , continues with the gangsta grit of his first single. It's full of dope beats that will pound your trunk like Godzilla. His new singles "Push It" and "Blow" featuring Dre, are tearing up the charts. "Push It" samples the classic Scarface soundtrack song "Push It To The Limit." A definite motivational tune for the ballers out there. Featured artists include Akon, Mario Winans, Rodney, J. Rock, Lyfe Jennings, Lloyd, Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Brisco, and Carol City Cartel. This True to life hustler ain't just shooting shit either. Rick Ross's certified street slang and name will be ringing in the ears of rap fans for a long time to come.

21 Reese - Elevated Threat Level
21 Reese is one of the hottest new lyricists emerging out of Florida. His new mix tape, Elevated Threat Level , is a display of verbal agility beyond the average Southern MC. Reese spits versatile rhymes over clever remixes of "Shoulder Lean," "Unpredictable" and "Bumpin' My Music" There's no need for guest appearances. Reese holds the entire mix tape down by himself. He is so hot that Atlantic has already signed him, so you know he's on the come up. Judging by this project, it's only a matter of time before Reese is a household name. Don't sleep on this.

Bohagon - Power Move
BME has been hyping the debut of Bohagon for some time now. You probably remember hearing him on Lil' John's Crunk Juice album. The anticipation of his long awaited solo debut has been fueled by the mix tapes that he has been murdering. This time Aphilliates put their stamp of approval on it. This installment contains features from Mr. Ward, Georgia Durt, Jody Breeze, rico Love, Jagged Edge, Crime Mob and Fabo of D4L. Some highlight tracks are "Coke In Ya Nose," featuring Lil Scrappy and "What It Is" featuring Yo Gotti. Be on the lookout for Bohagon to be the next one to blow out of the BME camp.

Don Cannon ft. Durt Mobb Clik - Kuntry Gangstaz
North Carolina has been patiently waiting it’s turn to blow up in the game. Petey Pablo brought attention to N.C., but Durt Mobb Click wants to bring it back. DJ Don Cannon is going to help them. They start off by dissin’ the hell out of Petey on “Who Am I.” A parody of Petey’s hit single “Raise Up” They even call Little Brother gay. This is real gangsta music. It’s all about stackin’ and packin’ in the tar heel state. Jody Breeze appears on “Kuntry Gangtaz.” A definite hit among the real hood cats. Gucci Mane and Mac Breezy also appear on “26’s” and “How Much?”. You can tell that these brothers are serious. They spit with that hunger that comes from grindin’ hard.

DJ Dutty Laundry - Leaders of the New South
Chattanooga’s mix tape king, DJ Dutty Laundry, continues his reign. Leaders Of The New South 6 is packed with the newest and dopest hip-hop tracks. The line up starts out with the new D-Boy anthem, “Push It” by Rick Ross. You gotta love that Scarface movie sample. Gucci Mane is all over this one with “745”, “Dope Man”, “My Chain”, “Alley Cat” and “Trap Money”. It also features Game, Juvenile, Nakia Shine, Yung Joc, Shawty Lo, Yola, The Pack, Bohagon, Fabo, Franchise, Trey Songz, Donnie Cross, Pimpzilla, Zoe, GRC, Adam Shame, and DJ Unk. Dutty Laundry is always sure to please the people. Don’t miss out.

Haystack - B.O.S.S.
The original rap white boy is back! Haystak is holding it down on his latest mix tape B.O.S.S. (Boy Observe Somethin’ Serious). Super producers Sonny P. and Jon Connor are the pilots on this trip. Tim Hill also adds his magic touch to the project, tweaking and freaking the tracks. Stak is joined by his Street Flavor comrades, but he really shines like the star. The mix is packed with lyrical freestyles over original tracks and a few industry beats. The sample from the Fox Sports Network theme on the song “A-Game Soldiers” is blazing, and Stak adds more fire to the inferno. You have got to get this! Be on the lookout for the third installment of The White Boy Trilogy.

J.R. Get Money
Moodswing Productions new artist J.R. is portrays trap life and with imagery from his A-Town upbringing on his new EP Get Money. This is a promo of his single “Cook It In The Kitchen, Let It Dry By The Fan”. It contains versions of the single in acappella, radio edit, instrumental and explicit. The disc also features four other tracks. So, DJs, get to spinning.

Los & L.P. - Hustlaz Talk
The world famous record breakers, The Legion Of Doom, present a special edition mix tape featuring the Gutter Dwellers, Los and L.P. Cashville’s native sons are bringing you twenty seven tracks of gutter goodness. From the first track, “Cashville”, it’s an assault of thugged out raps over a collage of industry beats and original production. remixes to songs by David Banner, Jeezy, Pastor Troy and Young Buck enhance the gangsta flavor of the project. There are only a few guest vocals. Los and L.P. handle the majority of the business, but they are joined by Shock Dollar, Casino Red and Levi on “Can’t Go Wrong” and “Trap Boy”. It’s going down in the Ville!

Oomp Camp Sampler
DJ Jelly is back with the Oomp Camp, premiering a sampler of Atlanta’s underground rap hits. The latest smash hit from the camp, DJ Unk’s track “Walk It Out”, has been killing the airwaves and mix tapes all over. It also features new tracks from Baby D, Loko, and Sammy Sam. fellow Oomp camp member DJ Montay also guest appears on the DJ Unk track “Don’t Make Us,” with Atlanta’s newest young rap icon, Yola the Great. Guest appearance outside of Oomp Camp include Lloyd, Bun B, Maceo and Crumb.com. Atlanta’s number one rap label never sleeps and you shouldn’t either.

DJ Scream Ft. Shawty Lo
D4L member Shawty Lo has teamed up with Scream for yet another mix tape massacre. I’m Da Man gives Shawty Lo the chance to shine, with a little help from a host of guest MCs. Rick Ross and Lil Wayne get on the remix to D4L’s “I’m Da Man.” Yola The Great is featured on “Let’s Get It”. Gucci Mane also add vocals to “Trap Money” and “Got Em For The Lo” with Stuntman. Other guest appearances include Redboi, Lil Mark, Propa Boi and Charley. A lot of the mix tape has original production. It’s a good look for Scream and the D4L camp.

DJ Sir Swift Ft Project Pat - Supply and Demand
DJ Sir Swift and Project Pat teamed up to present this lesson in hood economics. THis cd is full of new, exclusive bangers. Project Pat is joined by Young Jeezy, talking down on the snitches with his latest single “Tell, Tell, Tell.” Pat is also joined by the space age pimp duo, 8 Ball and MJG, on the street blazer “Relax & Take Notes.” The disc also contains Ludacris’ diss track about T.I., “War with God.” If you haven’t heard it, it’s some heavy shit. There are songs by Stat Quo, Jody Breeze with Freeway, Yola, Too Short with Pimp C and Rick Ross, Lil Wayne and many more. You’re guaranteed to be knoddin’ your head to this mix for a long time to come.

	Sixman - The Life and Times of P. Wilson Dr. Strange and DJ Siza of the world famous Super Friends DJ crew present Sixman: The Life & Times of P. Wilson. This mix features a star studded line up of producers and vocalists. It contains remixes with some industry heavy hitters like Brandy, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Ron C, Treja, Science Camp and the late Makaveli. Sixman and DJ Siza spit rhymes and slang over each track with finesse. It definitely has more of an East Coast feel to it, for those fans of Northern rap. Overall it is a solid project with a ot of tight beats. You won’t be disappointed.
	DJ B Lord - Trojan Man Vol 2 South Carolina’s mix tape master, DJ B-Lord and Pure Pain Records present the official “Trojan” mix tape. Trojan Man Volume 2 hosts a bangin’ line up of the Dirty South’s dopest MCs. This joint is burning hotter than gonorrhea in July. B-Lord puts down a fresh blend of exclusive tracks and remixes from all over the South. Everybody and their grand mamma are on this cd. New shit from Roam Bad Daddy, Young Joc, Rick Ross, Yo Gotti, Crime Mob, Plies, Pimp C and Young Capone, to name a few. This shit is no joke. Go out and cop it.
	Young Buck - Chronic 2006 Cashville’s most notorious ambassador is back on the mic to quell the fans hunger pains. DJ Whoo Kid and Jamie Foxx host the Chronic 2006. This is a great preview of his upcoming album Buck The World. It contains his new single “Do It Myself” featuring 50 Cent. Tony Yayo appears on “Don’t Make Me Hurt You!” and “The Projects”. M.O.P. and Mobb Deep spit murderously on “Guns Go Bang and “Project Niggas. Buck’s new G-Unit South click is drops heat on this one too. Hi-C and Lil’ Murda each appear on two tracks. As always with Young Buck, you can expect him to slay everything he’s on. go out and cop that.