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