Mix tape Review: Passport to Success 2 By: Euro Flo

                Passport to Success 2 by Euro Flo is a mix tape by rap recording artist Euro Flo. The young Brooklynite has put together a project that has a group of cohesive upbeat tracks that will grab the attention of listeners in the underground community. Euro Flo has a knack for putting together solid tracks that consists of trap beats and up tempo club bangers.  

               The intro track titled Panoramic Dreams is a dizzying track that consists of a dark trap beat produced by Digital Beatz. Tayo the featured artist adds to the track by singing a syrupy catchy hook and chorus that is seamlessly made for club scenes. Euroflo holds his end of the bargain by rapping about his pursuit to greatness. Euro Flo keeps the same formula for the next mix tape track which is the sequel to passport to success 1. The next track titled Deebo is a braggadocio track about his chain being compared to the film Friday’s character Deebo. This is another catchy chorus and beat produced by Beat Majors. The third track of the album Euro Flo digs a little deeper and raps about the hardships of love and relationships. As the song progresses he talks about the struggles of a young rapper trying to make it in the game, and the temptations that come with it. On this standout track Euroflo spits ‘’Sometimes I wonder does God really see us, betrayal a lone act testified to believe us.” This is one of the few times that Euro Flo steps outside of the box and talks to listeners about his beliefs, hardships and pains. Round Of Applause is one of the brighter highlights of this mix tape’s list of tracks.

              
               As the mix tape progresses Euro Flo goes back to his calling card which is trap beats, and club cuts. Cosmopolitan is a hard hitting triumphant track that showcases Euro Flo’s ability to rap over lavish trap beats. He’s clearly in his comfort zone as he raps ‘’I’m a born star top back foreign car rolling with a red bone something like a porn star.’’ His tongue twisting rhymes shine best on Cosmopolitan.  The following track titled So Gutta is a sophisticated laid back beat reminiscent of a Dj Premier produced track. This track is produced by C.J. beatz. The featured artist on this track E.Z. steals the spotlight on this song with his charming lines as he spits ‘’You little ni**as couldn’t afford my farts Yves Saint Laurent to Avant-Gardes.” Both artists take turns weaving in and out of the relaxed beat.

               
          The latter part of the album consists of some promising tracks. The ode to beautiful females in High Heels is a sped up soul Marvin Gaye sample that has a versatile sound. It is versatile because of Marvin Gaye’s legendary soulful voice on the hook. It can also be played at parties because of the up beat drums behind the sample. The piling up of hooks upon sound effects upon melodic twist, give this track a groovy feel that never stops throughout the duration of the cut. While listening to this song you can imagine young females everywhere signing this hook ‘’High Heels high hopes she got on her new freakum dress” while getting ready to enjoy the nights festivities. The outro ends the sequel mix tape in a very positive progressive way. This track is titled Passport to Success is a heartfelt track in which he paints his ideas of being a Brooklyn born rapper into a vibrant picture. Euro Flo raps about the death of one of his closest friends, and how it motivates him to keep working hard until he accomplishes his goals. You can’t help but wonder why Euro Flo doesn’t use more insightful and discerning lyrics more often. He even talks to his mother and tells her not to worry about him being hurt in the streets, ‘’I told my mother im good I shed my tear for the loss im surrounded by kings  feeling like im right on course.’’  

         
        Passport to Success is a good collection of upbeat songs that have a wide array of different tempos sonically. The use of trap beats mixed with soul samples, and laid back classic beats make it a good listen. At times the mix tape seemed repetitive, and sometimes lacks cohesion. For the most part it is an solid effort that demands a listen. Euro Flo’s appeal and charisma and lyrical dexterity on top of extravagant beats will interest all hip-hop lovers. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXkA0pyegLs

STRATOSPHERE MIX TAPE REVIEW 

    Nova November’s debut mix tape titled Stratosphere is an action packed 20 track adventure. Stratosphere is filled with fun beats, charismatic lyrics and superior production. These strengths are clearly evident from start to finish. Nova November is a rapper who carries on the tradition of charismatic artists raised in Harlem. The young rapper displays a undeniable ability to make feel good music mixed with lyrics good enough to hold up to grandiose beats. 

   

    The intro is a soulful beat produced by Jay Beats titled Superman.  Nova November's flow over this beat grabs the listeners instantly, and has billboard entry written all over it. The fresh soulful sample is a beat that old school music lovers would appreciate. November reflects in his rhymes ‘’same dude in high school they never mentioned tried to get all the girls but got no attention.’’ It is very obvious that November’s main strength is his honesty while rhyming. He is not afraid to point out his flaws or weaknesses, which shows maturity for such a young artist.

  Nova November switches the mood drastically on the mix tape’s second track titled Deep in Love. The love ballad by featured artist Scotty B. gives the track a very charming and suave feel. November explains how he falls in love for a girl that’s in a relationship. He paints the picture vividly in each verse over the smooth Majors produced beat. He keeps the mood going with more laid back beats like Show up Wild out, Nova Life and Bad Girls. This segment of the mix tape is the most cohesive portion of the mix tape, and has a L.P. feel to it. His first single Bad Girls is an ode to all the attractive girls out there in the world. The catchy beat produced by B.13 is a radio friendly cut that can possibly catapult Nova November to the top. 

                                                                   

              As the mix tape wears on November delves deeper into his personal life. The insightful track Castle in the Sky produced by Dizzy is the deepest track on the mix tape. November talks about many different issues that have plagued him in his life. His hard hitting lyrics are felt especially when he discusses his relationship with his deadbeat father; and growing up in poverty. These events led to November being teased in school. November angrily spits lyrics towards his father “I guess he seen greater cause he told me and my fam I see you later. How you don’t know my name but you made me.’’ He then talks about his lack of designer clothes that caused him to be an outcast throughout his life. ‘’Look at the world we live in, remember having to do stuff to fit in trying to keep up with life is like a dead end; wishing for some money some fly sh*t some linen. The level of honesty and intuitive lyrics mixed with the great beat give the Castle in the Sky track a lot of potential. Nova Novembers track Better off also has potential to become a smash hit. The Obi 1 produced track is a sped up sample of Maroon 5’s song Better that we break. The song introduces Hip-hop fans to another genre, and has a fresh and unique feel to it. The juxtaposition of a pop song mixed with hip-hop lyrics is a recipe for success in this instance. He keeps the same theme Maroon 5 had of being heart broken, and having to break up with a loved one. He puts his own twist to the track by talking about having a girlfriend of his who had  an abortion. He raps guiltily ‘’I told you lose the baby a ni**a so ungrateful, I could have been a father with a whole lot of gifts at the baby shower. “This track Better off showcases Nova Novembers level of creative abilities mixed with solid content.

              
           Tracks toward the latter part of the album go back to more fun up beat tracks that are made for the club. Turn Me On produced by The Majors is a summery beat with a feverish feel to it. A solid contribution by Floetic gives the track a throwback feel.  The syrupy hook compliments the song well as both M.C.’s take turns spitting over the track. He keeps the up-tempo pace going with subsequent tracks like Top Again, Headache, and The King.

                The Stratosphere mix tape is action packed and filled with grandiose beats and solid lyrics. Nova Novembers debut project is a solid effort. This Harlem born artists displays his charismatic personality and taste for great beats throughout this mix tape. Only problem is he should have released this good effort as a LP and not a mix tape, just because it has so much to offer. 

Standout Tracks: Bad Girls, Castle in the Sky, Superman, Better off, Turn me on

Latest Video: Bad girls http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8K_9MaRlo8&feature=youtu.be

over the script

OVER THE SCRIPT: MIX TAPE REVIEW

                                 Malik Champloo’s debut mix tape titled Over the Script is a very cohesive and unique piece of work. It shouldn’t come as a surprise because of this kids interests.  Growing up Champloo became a die-hard fan anime cartoons, Japanese rap groups and Japanese artwork. The name Champloo is inspired from a Japanese Cartoon titled Samurai and Champloo which is a unique combination of Japanese music, graffiti styles, hip hop soundtracks and different jazz samples. All of these ingredients are applied to the mix tape and is very effective. The intro track is a smooth blues inspired track titled Average which perfectly sets the stage for what’s to come. Champloo talks about how he’s an average kid from the inner cities of Brooklyn; just trying to do something positive with his life. Champloos potent rhymes along with vocals by singers  Jacqua Cooper and Narissa on top of the jazzy track is a breath of fresh air. The catchy chorus is tailor made for the radio. Cooper and Narissa sing angelically ‘’I aint a pimp, I aint a Crip I aint a blood or a hustler just an average Motherf***er. This infectious track is what hip-hop should be all about. Honest lyrics mixed with a smooth beat which is very reminiscent of a Tribe Called Quest track.

            

The 23 year old Brooklynite keeps the listeners attention on the second track titled Luv Sic. Champloo touches on another recurring theme on his mix tape ; which is women. On this song he raps fiercely about a beautiful female who has his nose in the air. On his opening verse he spits ‘’Last time these women had me gutted like some fishes, you came along and keep me together like some stitches.’’ He showcases his ability to rhyme over smooth beats, and his versatility as well. The old saying is if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Malik Champloo sticks to the script with another smooth beat titled Lost in Translation.  On this standout track Champloo weaves in and out of the beat with great lyrics, and constructive content which is rare in today’s hip-hop. The theme of a kid from the inner city lost in the world, lost in relationships is very common for any kid from any ghetto in the world. Hard hitting lyricism is on full display as he raps on the opening verse ‘’See im just a ni**a who grew up fatherless I’m coming from the hood but not a fan of its politics, I’m in to art while others are into hollow tips.’’ Track after track you get the feeling that this artist has a good feel for the art of hip hop ,and just flat out knows how to make good music.

At the halfway point Champloo gets very personal with his track Babel.  This is his most insightful cut off the mix tape as he delves into his thoughts and beliefs. He discusses the hardships of his life which is the core theme of this song. Champloo somberly raps ‘’Father was a sailor he didn’t bother to harbor others left scars on my back I’m anticipating their departure.’’ His approach to this record has to be lauded, because it’s rare that a rapper lets fans into their respective worlds in such a candid way. While talking about his past demons and weaknesses he also shows these past shortcomings made him the strong determined person he is today. Hip-hop purists feel that content is very lacking in the genre today, but without a doubt Champloo’s Over the Script project would make them proud. Champloo uses this project as a party-starter, a spirit-raiser, and a consciousness-transformer.  A great hip-hop record can be all those things, especially when the beats, lyrics and content Is right.

Malik Champloo’s propensity to mix great content on rap tracks are effectively showcased on his track People Say. He raps about the brainwashed youth, racism, and religion some unusual themes used in hip hop. The slow beat is the perfect backdrop for Champloos hard hitting lyrics. In the opening verse he spits ‘’Lord please look out for these generations t.v. dreams eyes glued to every station. Don’t know the meaning of black but always racist, don’t know the meaning of work but paper chasing.’’

 From top to bottom this project has a little something for every kind of hip-hop fan to admire. Also the up and coming rappers use of Blues, jazz, Japanese rock, r&b, pop and hip –hop  is are fused together to make great music. It also lets other fans in that are outside of the hip-hop community. “Over The Script” Malik Champloo’s first project is a solid effort that showcases the up and coming rappers many different talents and bright future. He was awarded Reverbnation artist of the month in November which shows that underground rap fans still have a deep appreciation for rap with a purpose.

STANDOUT TRACKS: LOST IN TRANSLATION 

AVERAGE, LUV SIC 

AVERAGE VIDEO: http://www.reverbnation.com/artist/artist_videos/1314644

                                                     

 

 

AUNT LINDA

 

 

 



 

I can remember it like it was yesterday, even though it happened 12 years ago. This is my first time revisiting this tragic moment in my life. Personally I rarely talk about it because I’m still in denial. My Aunt Linda was my second mother. In many ways she was my best friend, and my biggest supporter. March 23rd 2000 at 10:33pm I remember waking up to the horrific news. At the tender age of 10 I had an early bedtime so I was sound asleep. Something woke me up, and until this day I believe it was an evil spirit.

 

Growing up as a basketball fan I always had espn on my 17 inch television. The Kings vs. the Jazz game was on. As I woke up to my small cube shaped room I remember asking myself, what’s the weather for tomorrow? Tomorrow was in fact a big day. My class was going on a trip to ''The Empire State Building". Maybe the excitement of the trip uncharacteristically woke me up that rainy Wednesday night in March. As I turned to Ny1 I remember seeing an african-american male reporter right outside Aunt Linda’s building. I remember getting so excited. He stood adjacent to the playground that I often played on when I visited Auntie. Visuals popped up in my head of Aunt Linda's failed attempt to teach me how to ride a bike. Heck she probably didn’t know how to ride one herself. It didn’t matter because most importantly we had fun together. Ny1 then reported a murder of an African American female in the park hill houses in Staten Island. All of my excitement rapidly diminished. They then showed a picture of my Aunt Linda’s Fire escape where she was murdered. The image they showed of Auntie hit me extremely hard. Was this reality or am I jus hallucinating. I remember checking to see if I was really awake. This had to be a bad dream. It just had to be. My heart wouldn’t stop racing, and I took a deep breath. As the host at the news desk moved on to the next story I remember just seeing her lips move, but I couldn’t hear anything. Tears ran down my cheek as I ran into the living room to find my mom and dad. They were poised and firm as ever like nothing happened. They broke the news to me even though they saw me crying. Till this day I don’t even know if my parents knew that I heard the tragic news on the television.

 

 

My whole family jumped in the car en route to Staten Island to investigate the scene. Soon as we hit the Verrazano Bridge my mother broke down. Now I understand the saying that it’s nothing worse than seeing your mother cry. Her only sister life has been taking away, and it was nothing we can do about it. The tragedy was too overwhelming for all of us as we all wept the rest of the ride. Usually when we came to Staten Island as a family it was the best of times. Majority of the time it was a family event, and we were all on cloud nine. Al green, Marvin Gaye or Michael Jackson was playing as we all sung and pre gamed for the family’s activities. This ride was so surreal because this ride too Staten Island wasn’t so pleasant. There wasn’t any music playing, and instead of singing to the same rhythm we cried in unison. Soon as we arrived to Aunt Linda's apartment the scene was reminiscent of a movie out of Hollywood. Cops were all over the place, and yellow tape blocked everything off.

 

 

As we got off the elevator on Aunties floor the smell was unbearable. In my 23 year life I have never smelled anything so foul. My mother held my hand and explained to me the stench was in fact Aunt Linda’s body. She was missing for around a week, and no one knew where to find her. She was killed in her apartment, and her roommate was murdered as well. The detectives explained the tragic events to my mother as I stood in shock. Auntie was killed on the fire escape by the murderers. She tried to escape but to no avail. Later on we found out my aunt roommate owed a drug dealer some money. The drug dealer entered the apartment killed the roommate, and then went to the back room to kill my aunt. She was a witness so he decided to stab her to death. Blood tracks show that my auntie got out the window and ran on the fire escape to get away from the killer. He just kept on stabbing her until she died. Life is very harsh, and some things you will never come to grips with. My life will never be the same. Nothing fazes me any more after seeing such a tragic event. I miss her dearly. R.I.P. to my Auntie, best friend, idol Linda Coleman.  I will forever be your Jello. That was her nickname for me.



 

 PHONY PEOPLE, REAL MUSIC

 

     “Phony Ppl” are cut from a different cloth. Yeah. That’s the best way to describe this 9 member group from Brooklyn, New York. These guys are a collective of talents who all contribute to make some great music.  Their genre of music cannot be defined for the simple reason they are just too versatile to place in one box. Their fusion of rap, jazz, pop, and rock is unprecedented in music today. The group consists of a bassist, composer, guitarist, saxophonist, and many more.  This new generation group found a way to effectively incorporate the doo wop sound of Etta James, the smooth but urban melodies of a Tribe Called Quest, and the drums of the Roots.  

It is a pleasant breath of fresh air in music today for true music lovers. Their ability to create catchy melodies combined with great songwriting, and great instrumentation is one of a kind. Their popularity in the music world is beginning to grow by the minute. Phony Ppl has ripped down stages all over the country; most recently Afro Punk festival in their hometown Brooklyn, N.Y. They label their music as “Brooklyn” soul. Phony’s infectious sound reaches all age groups from young to old. Their dedication to making quality music demonstrates how much this group is ahead of its time. Phony Ppl's debut mix-tape Phonyland took three years to create. Lead rapper of the group Dyme a Duzin explains in a phone call with M.T.V. that Phony Ppl isn’t a nine person group, but it’s Phony Ppl a physical body. Chemistry from 1 to 9 is what this group prides themselves off of. This is very evident in their cohesive tracks on their rookie project.

With Phony People’s level of talent, maturity and humility they are destined for greatness. Every couple decades a group or artist revolutionizes music.  It isn’t far-fetched for most fans and experts to believe this Brooklyn group will do just that.

 

 

.................................... UP AND COMING BAND ''PHONY PPL''

Individual  contacts on twitter: @elbeethriebeats @imsheriffpj @dymeaduzin @temieuro @bariphony @maffyuu @ajagrantpurple @elijahrawk @bakerwomanbakes 

Phony Ppl official twitter: @Phonyppl

For bookings email: phonyppl@gmail.com  official website: phonyppl.com

 TOURE DESIGNS STEALS THE SHOW #NYFW

New York fashion Week has come to a close, but it definitely went out with a bang.  September 12th Toure Design’s fashion show was held in the elegant Limelight Marketplace in the Flatiron District. The all-white scenery gave the show a very artistic ambiance, and Toure’s upcoming fall collection matched it perfectly. The designer’s models ripped the runway with a wide range of pieces that were to die for. The first piece introduced was a motorcycle leather. This leather was also detailed with alligator arms, and a variety zippers that wowed the crowd. Standout pieces that showed Toure’s versatility as well were cheetah print body suits for females, wool trenches with leather patches and fur vests among others.

The Ghanaian born designer showcased his ability to appeal to urban and high end designer consumers at the same time. Celebs Swizz beats, rap group A.s.a.p., Lola Monroe, Cassidy, and Debra Atney were some of the many celebs that filled the front rows in support for the celeb designer. Both levels were filled to capacity as a very fashionable crowed watched an impressive array of clothing that will make noise this fall season.

 



 

 Click on this link to view footage from Toure's fashion show brought to you by: Respect The Next TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O05a_1SOxs&feature=share

Hosted by: Marlon Morgan

Directed By: David Williams

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SKIN DEEP

 

She is a natural beauty that’s envied from the outside looking in.

Professional thief of hearts by any means, soul unclean.

A real life mermaid swimming in male companionship, sponsorship and the finest clothing.

Disingenuous relationships and insincere love keeps her afloat.

Drowning in the shallow expectations the world expects from her.

Her Qualities are skin deep not an inch more to offer.

 

Penetrating through her soul you find unpleasant aromas.

The stench of her unforgiving past seeps through her reeking pores.

Relentless use of men as her ventriloquist; she controls their insensible actions.

How beautiful is she?

A special gift from god; an exceptional gift she does possess

Her spirit remains with the devil so she will continue to oppress.

 

Irrational; unethical moves are the themes that plague her.

She uses the world’s kings as pawns to move nowhere fast in the game of life.

 A female’s interior beauty is immortal, undefeated and crowned queen.

Eventually her exterior splendor will fade, and dissipate

Hopefully she will learn before it is all too late.