The Lighthouse

THE D.M.V: Who's Next?

2009-07-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Peace.

What uuuuuuup? What's happeninnnn? Lol. What's good people? I'm not in the best mood today as I received some extremely disturbing news this morning upon waking up but I'll be alright. Anyway, it's been awhile since I've graced you bastards with my words.

So there's this buzz surrounding Wale from the DC area and that's all to the G-O-O-D. But I wanna holla at y'all about somebody else from the DMV (DC, Maryland, VA area). He goes by K-Beta from Inner Loop Records. He's got a new mixtape out - "89 to 09" and you can check out the promo here. Feel free to purchase his album "Nigger" from here!

Lol aight that's enough pluggin for one paragraph. K-Beta is CRACK. His shit had me hooked instantly. I think my favorite track is Dismember (that beat is SICK!!). His flow is hot, the beats are slick and he reminds me of a mixture between Beanie Sigel and NaS. Yeah I said it. NaS. He's very honest but he has a sharp tongue that cuts right through you. He made the songs cry like a thug. I really dig'em y'all.

Buy his album, hit him up on MySpace and support this man y'all. He's got a true sense of what hip-hop needs.

Just Listen - Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Summer Reign

2009-06-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

Peace.

Everyone knows the summer brings about 2 things. HEAT & HEAT. When the sun is up it will make you sweat. When it goes down -- so will Pacino's new track.

Lick Her Box is the new track that's bound to make some niggas lose their girls this summer. The title speaks for itself....

Pacino will NOT let that record outta his hands until June 5th....but until then....

(I managed to get my hands on a snippet!!!!)

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Lucky Seven

2009-05-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

First I need to rant for a second. So now that everyone is aware that I'm a female -- what the fuck makes you (yeah you) think that as a woman my opinions or feelings on hip-hop, scratch that, music in general is compromised or suspect? Ya know, if it's one thing I can't stand it's fake people. And it's funny...I know more fake dudes than chicks. If I don't like you, you'll know it. I'll come right out and tell you. And just because I don't like you doesn't always mean I won't respect you. I know how to be civil and respectful. If I choose not to be it's because you flipped the bitch switch. Bitch, this is my blog. It's how I feel and what I think. You don't matter. Fuck you.

-hops off soapbox-

Now. So last night I went to a show at G Daddy's BBC. It isn't your TYPICAL hip-hop venue but it works. Of course my favorites were in attendance. (Proph I'm stealin that shirt!) I missed the first two acts but I'm sure I didn't miss much. The crowd was diverse and I saw some new faces. That's ALWAYS a good thing. (Especially when they don't leave mid-show)

Now one group on particular caught my attention. I'd heard some of their stuff previously but I'd never seen them perform. They blew me away. They had N.E.R.D.-like energy with the boastfulness of a new-age Beastie Boys. They also aren't the typical Milwaukee rapper. Ya know...Blah blah blahing about money they haven't made, clothes they've never worn, cars they don't have, weed they don't smoke and broads they've never smashed let alone smelled her perfume. The flow was ill. The beats were some of the best I've heard in awhile. And everybody who isn't a hater was feelin it.

They are The Cranberry Show. They do not leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Just Listen. ~Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop : Part Six

2009-03-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Peace.

It's 2009 and celebrities, politicians, and regular joes like you and me are becoming more and more concerned with the environment. I recently heard an exclusive track from 1/3 of KHB that made me feel like such a loser. DNA personally sent me a copy of B.I.G. (Born In Gluttony). I've been listening to it for about a week now and trying to think of something to write. I. AM. WASTEFUL. This song made me feel like a low-class citizen.

DNA got real heartfelt on this track ya'll. He discussed how damn near eveything we do these days is done in excess. So I broke down my own life. When I go to the grocery store I only need a quart of milk but I buy a whole gallon and waste more than half of it. When I go to the gas station for a slushie (oh how I love slushies!) I get the biggest one I can find and only drink half of it. Okay I'm going to stop there because I'm stating to feel bad again.

He talks about how we all do it "BIG". We're so concerned with "doin it big" and our obsession with size. The biggest buildings, the biggest desks, the biggest jets, the biggest SUV, the biggest rims, the biggest sums of money. He even goes hard on the gubment ya'll. What happened to the days of pure necessity?

My favorite line of the whole track: "Big tits, big dicks/All big, big, big/And we live in big cribs cuz we're just big kids"

It reminds me of the Murs track "And This Is For...". In it he says "I don't care about ya rims/kids ride big wheels/That's until they learn balance and it's obvious you haven't." TRUE STORY. This song makes me feel even more conscious of how much we waste and our blatant disregard for our money, our Earth and our self-consciousness.

KHB is a force to be reckoned with. I honestly feel that they have a sense of what people want to hear. They aren't for everybody though. If you wanna talk about hustlin, hoes, rims and clothes they probably aren't for you (unless you like to get made fun of). But if you're like me and you enjoy intellectual stimulation, clever lyrics gifted nicely over a sick beat and playful yet intelligent lyrics that give you something to think about besides your audition tape for Making The Band 5 then KHB is all for you!

Just Listen. ~Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop : NOVember Reign

2009-02-27T15:04:00.000-08:00

Peace.

So, for weeks now the anticipation has been building around Young Nova's 'Gone Til NOVember' mixtape. The release party took place last night at one of Milwaukee's favorite venues for local music, Stonefly Brewery, on the Eastside.

Let me start by saying I REALLY wish Stonefly had a better sound system. 808's don't come off very well in there, it ends up sounding distorted and crackled. But it's spacious, easy to get to, there's plenty of sitting AND standing room and the drinks are well made. Moving on...

So I thought the show didn't start out very well. It was a tad unorganized and the crowd was just sitting idle for quite awhile listening to the most hood music possible. Every fat girl in Milwaukee with oodles of self-confidence was in attendance wearing the smallest clothes they could find shaking EVERYTHING that KFC, God, McDonalds and Taco Bell gave them. The hood niggas were also in full effect dressed to their nines with leather coats and crisp linings.

Why on Earth am I mentioning this? Because it simply solidifies a prior statement I made concerning The A-Team and their loyalty to the hood. Most of the local artists I prefer are sick with the word play, have extremely extensive vocabularies, and tend to come off as more intelligent individuals who are looking to advance in life not just in hip-hop. A-Team is more in tune with the hood, with the block. Folks that are more accustomed to repetitive beats, catchy hooks and playful lyrics, and let's not forget the customary AYE! thrown in several random spots.

Now to breakdown the show itself:

Once it started the crowd became energized, upbeat and ready to be amazed. The first act was a young man named Major. I had never heard of him, never heard his music or anything. I am astonished. He projected his voice perfectly and I understood every word that left his mouth [and truth be told Stonefly does NOT have the best sound set-up]. The beats were exceptional and his stage presence was commandeering. He owned that stage and I'm proud of him. I look forward to seeing more of him. Next up was a very random and unexpected performance (as far as I know) by our very own Ray Nitti. He has a single out right now that isn't worth writing about but catchy just the same. It's called "Bow" and I've hated it since I first heard it a few weeks ago. I'm still not interested in learning all the words but GOT DAMN if it didn't get the crowd out of their seats and hype as hell! Kudos. Now...when Young Nova took the stage I had no choice but to be completely still and watch carefully since it's my job to critque him. First of all, SHOUTOUT to his wife, Stacey J. for being super pregnant (but still gorgeous!) and rockin the fuck outta some sick ass black stilettos. Sure she sat down most of the night but still.... :)
Once Nov decided to take the stage and do his thing I was impressed. His flow was very clear, he appeared very comfortable and the songs were genuinely impressive. But - (there's always a but) he got tired quickly. He sat down on the stage where no one could see him and it became harder to hear him. I think he had WAY too many people on the stage and when you put girls on the stage, make sure they serve a purpose. His did not. They just stood there staring out into the crowd like they were mentally preparing themselves to stage dive. His overall performance was mediocre at best. He has loads of potential to put on an amazing performance but I'm a strong believer in practice makes perfect. I had fun and enjoyed myself. Good job.

Just Listen. ~ Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Part Five

2009-02-19T11:10:00.001-08:00

Peace.

WHO THE FUCK IS MELISSA CZARNIK? I had no idea until she added me as a friend on Facebook. Her profile pic was interesting so I clicked on it and found out that -drum roll- she's a rapper!!!! ??? WTF!? She recently released her very first album, Strawberry Cadillac. I don't know her as a person as I do many people I write about. I have never met her, never spoken to her, and I JUST found out wtf she looked like. From her appearance, she looks like your very,very average white girl from the 'burbs. She sounds like a "normal" and very average Midwestern dweller. But when you hear her music.....holy cowtails Batman!

I am floored. That's not a normal occurence for me. The beats are heavy on the jazz/funk/soul tip but they hold some very modern 808's. The live band definitely doesn't hurt!!! Her lyrics are poetic and very storyteller-ish. She talks about sex, pain, love, growing up. She even talks a little bit about her mother (not negatively by the way). Listening to her music, I almost felt like I was in a cafe listening to spoken word while sippin a latte. Her sound is organic and sincere.

I hope whole-heartedly that her life as an emcee is long and prosperous. Buy here CD here. And contact her here.

Melissa Czarnik is hip hop ya'll.

Just Listen. ~ Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Part Four

2009-02-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

Peace.

Raze is a nasty ass nigga. His music is the epitome of (using one of his favorite terms) debauchery. His new mixtape, lust love HATE, is something to be proud of. The production is different. It's catchy and easy to nod your head to. I'm diggin it like a muhfuckin shovel. The 3rd track entitled "Rude" is probably my favorite. It's an audio autobiography of Raze. His unapologetic way of telling people to either accept his brutal honesty of STFU is infectious. He's also not afraid to talk about sex. He's man enough to tell women straight out that there are no holes barred when it comes to him. Track 8? Hilarious!!!!! It's basically his take on Milwaukee and how every night there's a Ladies Night SOMEwhere. (It's true.) Track 15...c'mon. Ya'll KNOW how I feel about J Dilla. He did the beat justice. I ain't even mad. Normally I would talk shit about somebody ridin on Jay Dee's shit.

Someone asked me recently if I was serious when I said I was diggin Raze's mixtape. I can't believe they'd actually say that. Hell yeah I like it. Shit, I love it. He's honest. I can't dislike that. His flow may not be what we're used to hearing but it sounds very genuine. He speaks to the mic...he doesn't spit on it.

I can't help but respect that. Go download that shit bitch.

Just Listen. ~Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Part Three.5ive (The Explanation)

2009-02-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

Peace.

Guess what? For those of you who have yet to figure it out. I. AM. A. WOMAN. Tah-dah! Surprise, surprise. Yes, you know me from Bitchin For The Masses, The INS, kthxbi.com, Mochacity, etc etc.....

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Now the last time I wrote a blog about Milwaukee Hip-Hop it caused a few feathers to ruffle. Personally, I found it hilarious as hell. My very first entry in this particular blog states that anything you read here is most likely my opinion (unless otherwise stated of course). I don't do plagiarism. If I didn't write then I'll cite it.

Anyhoo...
To all the rappers/artists/lyricists/wordsmiths/performers/-insert whatever the fuck you like to be referred to as here- when I state something about your music I don't mean it to make you cry or to hurt your feelings. If the beats, lyrics, etc are wack to ME I will say so. I'm not saying you don't have followers or fans, I'm simply saying I don't dig it. The only negative blog I've written thusfar is Young Nova and A-Team. If you are in a group or are identified by an entire group then own that shit. Don't whine to the masses when one member ain't good enough. Kick him out, fix him, or.....shut the fuck up. Shutting the fuck up is always an option but it's also the road less traveled for those that should commute on it regularly.

This is the main reason I stay objective and sit in the corner during shows. I don't want how I feel about you as a person to interfere with how I feel about your music. If I did that then I would say A-Team is great. In my honest opinion any group that runs around screaming their name with an obscenity attached to the end of it is obviously wack as fuck. Every now and then, fine go ahead. But as a staple? Unoriginal, unprofessional, uncreative, unattractive and a myriad of other un's.

If you attend shows or perform in them then you'd know that one purpose for that is to gain an extended fan base outside of your neighborhood and off your block. When they give you a negative review...yo don't bash them and boast about the 35 fans you have from the projects where you grew up. You do better, work harder, to gain that fan. You might be rappin for your future, but your future depends on your fans. If you only had 35 - you aint' gettin a car, house, or a chain. Keep that shit in mind the mext time I pull your card.

Just Listen. ~ Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Part Three

2009-01-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

Peace.

So, there is ALWAYS a negative. Always a don't, a can't, a shouldn't or some other negative term of not being able. Although I like him as a person, Young Nova and his "A-Team" are getting some rants from me. I'm normally raving about hometown talent. I feel they deserve it. Nova and his buddies are not on that list. Sorry boys. His newest single, "The Man In My Town", is nothing more than a local Shawty Lo track. Here is my break down on it.

The flow is sing-songy.

You are not from the islands.
You are not Shawty Lo, D4L, or Nelly.
This is not a "song for da ladies".

The beat is simple.

Anyone with garageband on a Mac can throw this together in less than an hour.
I don't see much effort in the bass line or the melody.

The lyrics:

Simple with not much use of colorful vocabulary.
The song doesn't really tell me why you should be "the man in your town".

Now. I tried to be as objective as possible. I even let several people who've NEVER heard of Young Nova or A-Team hear it. And I was right. The song sucks. It lacks creativity. Originality. Cleverness. Wit. And intelligent use of metaphors or punchlines. I'm all for respecting someone gettin right to the point but damn...can I get a little teaser? And I'm sure the song is dumbed down for one of two reasons. They're either not that smart, the target audience isn't that smart....or both.

Listen to "Man In My Town" here.

Honestly....I think they should try again. Give people something new. Stand out.

Just Listen. ~ Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop: Part Two

2009-01-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

So I talk about UMG (Umbrella Music Group) quite often. Mostly because I think they are becoming a benchmark in Milwaukee's hip hop scene. They are all so different but aren't the best without each other. They're like our Roc-a-Fella, our Dynasty. Previously I introduced you to Prophetic. Today I'm talkin about Yo Dot. He's street. He's hood. He's gritty. He's dirty (not literally). He is the epitome of what America sees in a "Nigga". You know that type. They started off all wrong. Getting into trouble. Not taking care of business by "The Mans" standards. Having children at a young age. You know the story. Well a while back, Yo ran into some problems with his son's mother and ended up doin a bid. He'll be released from probation in 2010. In the meantime, he's went back to school so he won't be labeled a college dropout. And making music and raising his son are his top priorites.

His style is unlike any other I've ever heard. Take Joe Budden, Jay-Z, and Stack Bundles. Now fuse them together into one body. Physically that may not be too appealing. Lyrically. It's sick. His flow is smooth yet gritty. He's got a Jigga swagger with the honesty of Budden and the grit of Bundles. It's ridiculous. You can check out his music (along with the rest of UMG) here. Yo Dot has been rappin for quite a long time and it's his goal to make it. I asked Yo Dot,"Why do you rap?"

This is what he told me:

"I rap because:

1. To provide financial stability 4 my son & my families generations to come.

2. To provide an vocal outlet to the misguided youth who seem to think that indulging in negative activities is necessary when living amongst poverty & unfortunate surroundings.

3. To be a prominent figure that Milwaukee's younger generation hasn't had since forever...... Most African American celebrities who originated from the city never seem to reach back to the youth on a consistent basics to ensure hope for the future for the youth in the community.

4. B/c I would like to share with the world my story about the trials & tribulations & mistakes I've been through in life.... & for people all over the world who relate to my struggle can identify with their personal problems & issues & use my music hopefully to solve or bring a resolution to the obstacles that make their day 2 day lives difficult."

And look at that, he has good grammar and spelling skills. I'm so proud.

Just Listen. ~Soul

Detroit Rappers part 2 - Guilty Simpson

2009-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Peace.

So...I was listening to J Dilla's [R.I.P] 'The Shining' and I was pickin out my favorite joints. I came across this one joint called 'Baby'. The beat was sick, the hook was addictive and the lyrical content fed my insatiable appetite for true hip-hop skills. This was back in like....06, I think. Anyway. That became my JAM. That whole album was...but that isn't the point. I heard this cat spittin and it was absolutely ridiculous. Time went by and I was reintroduced to him through J Dilla's 'Ruff Draft'. I was hooked. His flow is so calm and I usually don't like when I can't hear obvious emotion in a lyricists voice. But Guilty Simpson has emotion....lots of it. And it's obvious. Just in a different way. The manner in which his flow unrolls is calm, cool, and almost sensual. He sounds so serious that you can't help but take him seriously.

Now he's got this new album out. I've been rockin to it the past couple of months and it's dope. 'I Must Love You' has got to be the anthem of all young urban relationships. Check him out ASAP.

Just Listen. ~Soul

Hip Hop and The Grammys

2009-01-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

Peace.

The Grammy Awards.....does it really solidify you as an artist once you're given one? I don't think so. I think it's hit or miss. But if you look back at history...most artists fell the fuck off after they won a Grammy.

Nelly, Lauryn Hill,LL Cool J, and even T.I. haven't had the same impact on hip hop since they won Grammys. Lauryn went nuts and no one's really seen her since. Nelly, no comment. LL Cool J is trying to make moves in the fashion world and he recently released Exit 13. Both are lost causes in my opinion. And T.I. hasn't made major waves since he released King.

They either fall off or become extremely hip-pop. I think it's sad in a way. They start off hungry. They want fame, attention, gratification, money, respect, and a voice that carries through history. But instead they become mainstays on Top 40 radio stations across the country. Their fans are no longer graf artists with backpacks, or hood niggas with 45's in their waistbands. Their new fan base is teenage White America. Is that really success? Or is that sellin out?

Just Listen. ~Soul

Milwaukee Hip-Hop - Part One

2008-12-21T14:32:00.000-08:00

Wait. Milwaukee, WI has a hip-hop scene? They have Black people? C'mon people you KNEW it had to happen.

Milwaukee does, in fact, have black people AND hip hop. But not all the artist are black. Some of them are white. Most of them are wack...but the ones I pay attention to are not.

Today I need to put you on to Prophetic. Proph is not only a rapper, he is an artist. There's a difference between the two. I'm not the only one who thinks so. He is truthful when he spits. His vocabulary is insatiable, every track just gets smarter.When I attended the album release for Mo Profit Mo Progress I had never viewed Prophetic in the flesh. I had heard him on a Royal Fam mixtape prior and I wasn't diggin him that much. Watching him shed verbal tears on the mic was enlightening and I am genuinely impressed with what I saw. His connection with the audience is impressive for someone that's not signed to a major label. His album has become a serious staple in my daily rotation simply because he is an honest rapper. I don't see him rappin about a bunch of mess that he knows absolutely nothing about. Rappers are supposed to tell a story and not become one. I love what I hear when he opens his mouth and he's uber-intelligent to boot. The beats are sick. The lyrics are hypnotic. The vibe is irresistible. I can't wait to hear more from him and the rest of Royal Fam.

Take his song 'Entrepreneur" for instance. It's gritty hood shit but he keeps it so dignified. He gives those who don't know the hood a chance to experience it for a few minutes. After all, you don't gotta be from the hood to embrace to it.

Just Listen. ~ Soul

JOE BUDDEN - GIMMICK OR TRUTH?

2008-12-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

Peace. I have been WAITING to do a blog on Mouse. I think he is one of the most prolific and amazing lyricists to ever blow his breath on a microphone. He is so emotional (not in a feminine way either). He talks to us through his music. He isn't afraid to be vulnerable and admit his shortcomings. He is honest when it comes to talk about everything from money, women, relationships, drugs, addiction, his musical style and everything in between. Now when his debut album dropped in 2003 the first single was "Pump It Up". People listened to the catchy beat and the sing-song hook. They didn't really listen to the lyrics. For instance:

"Hold up she want work that twerk that
Then again let me hurt that murk that
Til you gotta hurt back
Can't spit it out, boo you gotta slurp that
Can't cuddle after we done, it wasn't worth that
Joey I'm responsible for bringin Jersey back (And we bad huh)
She at the bar stylin' she throwing it up
She drink a little hypno, throwing it up
But I'm only dealing with freaks that wanna cut
Ma if you agree I want nut
Camcorder, get it played late night on BET Uncut (uhh)"

I'm sure most people have no idea the song is so sexual. This single was NOT a good representation for what Joe Budden is all about. In order to get a good introductory feel for Joey you gotta listen to 10Mins., Focus, and all the other tracks on this album.I was hooked from the moment I heard his first album. I didn't need to hear the mixtapes. But of course, I did.Mood Muzik? Sick. That shit is crack. All three of them. My current favorite though, is Mood Muzik 3. I can relate to a lot of the tracks on there simply because I'm a little older now and I have experienced more. 'Secrets' is a song that I think the world should hear because it's just so real! We as an urban culture don't discuss being safe enough. And all the talking that we do about it doesn't come with enough action afterwards.

Anyway. Joe's highly anticipated new album 'Padded Room' will be crack. I already know. Halfway House is in serious rotation already.'Sidetracked' is like the story of my fuckin life. And on another note. Have you ever paid attention to his samples? They're almost always from a rock song of some sort. I can't love that anymore if I tried.

Just Listen. ~Soul

Detroit Rappers Part 1 - Black Milk

2008-12-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

Peace. In the past few years I've noticed quite a buzz coming from the other side of the lake. I am from Milwaukee,WI. Detroit artists have caught my attention somethin serious lately. I have always had a deep rooted love for Eminem and his crew of nutcases (R.I.P. Proof), J Dilla, Slum Village, Dwele, Guilty Simpson, Royce Da 5'9'', etc. Their lyrics and beats are always gritty, humorous, and honest. Honesty in the music always draws me in because it's less commercial and you have to have an emotional connection to that music in order to FEEL it.

A few months ago I was turned on to a cat named "Black Milk". Now I couldn't dig the name because it made me envision a porn star or some shit. So I got his albums and it took me a minute to actually listen to them because his name was so off-putting. Eventually though, I picked up Popular Demand and pressed play. When it was done...I put in Tronic...and then Broken Wax. I am way beyond impressed. The beats are sick. They have an old head feel to them with a new school flavor. The baselines are incredible. The lyrics are full of a young man's diary entries. He reminds me of a Joe Budden in a way because he's just so vulnerable on some tracks that you can't help but feel it in your gut. If you haven't checked him out yet...please do. Check the video in the meantime. Black Milk & Royca Da 5'9'' - Losing Out. This shit is SICK....he switched up the production a little bit on the Tronic album, but it works out great.

Find Black Milk on Myspace.

Just listen. ~Soul

WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS

2008-12-11T16:00:00.000-08:00

Peace. I'm Soul and this is my blog on hip-hop. I don't have a whole lot to say on introducing myself since I'm not that good at it. Talking about myself is not one of my strong points. However, I could talk about music all day long. I love all types of music from rock to jazz, blues, r&b, and so on. Hip-hop is my love though. To me, it's not just a music genre. It is a lifestyle. The clothes, the hairstyles, the music, the lyrics, the beats, the rhymes, the looks, the attitude...all the way down to the food. I don't know very many (hardcore) hip hop fans that don't immerse themselves in the lifestyle. They even have jobs that allow them to fully live their lives.

Moving on...

This blog is not meant to offend anyone and the view and opinions expressed here are merely my own and are not meant to be taken too seriously...or too lightly. Basically the flavor of this blog will be strictly my opinion on hip hop and it's players.

Come back soon and enjoy.

Just listen. ~Soul