Sell Out Records - A Music Review Blog

K9 Kev is an interesting musician that brings about a whole new balance of hip hop and production with his latest record. “The Dear Diary EP” is a collection of 5 tracks coming straight out of the coastal town of Oban, Scotland. This unassuming EP is quite strong, and you'll get hit hard if you pay attention, as there's some great honesty in the songs, and excellent timing with the rhythm that is set forth in this release. The lyrical measurements that K9 Kev has on this record are nothing short of epic. The rhymes are good, but it’s the story telling that really takes center stage. I love when emcees focus on telling you more than just how great they are, and that’s something nice about this record. This is a story book that is quite personal, and while it’s deeply rooted in hip hop, there’s so much more to it. The character of the music speaks volumes about the artist, and the ear he has to production. The production is spot on here, with vocals soaring over the melodie...

10K comes out swinging with the latest catchy hip hop song you’re going to absolutely love. I’ve heard a lot of rap and hip hop tracks this year already, but a lot of it is just boring. The rhymes are just repetition, or the words just get slurred across some mediocre beats. But this, this is pretty cool, 10K drops a story rhyme that is all out catchy, and fun. 10K goes across several different thoughts in just 2 minutes and 58 seconds of music, never letting up and continually processing consciousness with rhyming ability. You’ll get hit hard up front, and by the first chorus, you’re going to be singing along. This is the type of song that really showcases a good ear for beats, rhyme schematics, and professional flow. 10K is no slacker here, he throws down as many adjectives and ideas as he can without losing the audience. Often time’s when rappers have a lot to say, they speed it up and try too hard to spit out as many sentences as possible, but not here. Here it’s a bit laid...

King Saylee brought out two tracks of absolute fire with “Keep Going”, and “No Regrets”. These two tracks hit me like a ton of bricks, and they don’t let up. The lyrical elements of “Keep Going” alone are stuck in my head. King Saylee has found a way to bridge the gap between hip hop and rhythm and blues on these two tracks. First up, “Keep Going” gives a positive spin on the daily grind. The message of hope for a brighter future is definitely showcased here. The point is to keep on moving forward, and just don’t give up. No matter what comes your way, keep it moving, because you’ll get to the greater good that awaits ahead of you. “No Regrets” comes through with another slice of positivity, giving the listener a sense of empowerment. These tracks are not too unlike the positivity that artists like Bob Marley put out in his prime. You’re going to find that there are moments here that get you singing along with ease. Overall King Saylee’s two latest tracks truly give you a sense...

The year is ending, and that means that we once again will unlock the vault and pick out 10 of the best records of 2015. A ton of music was released this year, and a lot of it I covered, and a lot of it I didn’t. There was so much that you may find yourself wondering what was the best. Then again, you may not even know that I exist, and that’s fine too. Whatever the case is, here are the top 10 records in no particular order of 2015. These are chosen by popularity, frequency of play, and my criteria of randomness. Murs “Have a Nice Life” The first major record I recommend as the best, is none other than this one from Murs. Murs signed to Strange Music and dropped what very well may be the best hip hop record that Murs has put out in a long time. Every track on this one is a banger, and the music videos are absolutely grand. If you have yet to listen, go for it, it’s an incredible record with a lot of attention to lyricism, unique beats, and high quality production. Order it her...

A Tribe Called Quest People’s Instinctive Travels and Pathsof Rhythm (25th Anniversary Edition)  “Can I Kick It?” is the stand out song that I recall from Tribe. It has been 25 years since the hip hop group threw this out to the masses. With the anniversary here, the group has decided to re-release the record and has been received very well. You may already have this record, as I have purchased it several times time in my day. However, today, it just feels like a new day, because the recording is a bit crisper than I remember. Perhaps it’s due in large part to the fact that A Tribe Called Quest has grown up , or my audio recording devices are light years away from where it was in 1990 when I first got a hold of this record on cassette tape. With the release of this special edition, you are going to get the original release, plus a few remixes, new artwork and more. There are 17 tracks found on this record, with over an hour of samples, rhymes, and the thing that you expect ...

I’m always on the lookout for new music, and if you follow my blog, you know that I’m all over the map reviewing records that I find hitting my ear. This includes a lot of music that most people skip over. Malichi is one of those artists that you may not know about, yet, but here I am to say that the music he’s putting out is quite good, and deserves more attention. With the release of “Real Life”, the MC puts on a showcase of relevance, with a touch of spiritual prowess as well. It’s rare to hear from Christian hip hop the type of flow that Malichi pushes with this recording. He isn’t emulating someone, he’s not trying to be the second coming of a secular rapper, he’s just himself here. With every track you hear a mix of fluid beats, and his lyrical points that come through with honesty, and fresh air. He focuses on a mix of rhymes, special guest singers, and a touch of reggae to mix things up. There’s so much here, 20 tracks to navigate through, and each one has a special flow to...

The only artist that I know with the name Thelonious is Monk. You know, the jazz pianist and composer that is one of the most recognizable artists of our time. But if you were to ask people to name another person with the name, you’re most likely going to hear them say Thelonious Martin . This is a rapper that has a lot going for him, especially amidst a lot of terrible rappers. I was recently in Los Angeles and my sister put on the radio, the only thing she listens to is hip hop radio from Los Angeles. Every channel was playing the most terrible and contrived rap songs, with the occasional mix of NWA, Warren G, Tupac, Biggie, and the rest of the classics. Other than that, people trying to sing, people trying to rap, and nonsense spilling from choruses of being drunk, high, or having sex. I’m not knocking that, but I need more than just the same old tropes in hip hop, and that’s where Thelonious Martin starts to come into frame. The rapper doesn’t shy away from topics that you’...

I first heard of Matisyahu long ago. I was in college and found out about his reggae and rap stylings, and was absolutely floored. I picked up the original set of records, before anyone else was into him, and then he got into rock radio in Los Angeles. When KROQ started playing his records nonstop on the hour, every hour, I saw a huge influx of fans go his way. That meant that I was not going to be able to see him live because the ticket prices started to get absolutely insane. I ended up selling the out of print recordings of his initial records on a Jewish record label, and kept tabs on the rapper, reggae artist. I noticed a stylistic change in the records that he was putting out, and while I admired some of the songs, and the lyrical elements, there was a point of disconnect with the original works and the new updates. He also wasn’t the same Jewish icon that he was, and well, I moved on, like many others. However, with the release of “Live At Stubb’s Volume 3” , the artist comes ...

I discovered Murs thanks to John Cena. John Cena and DEF JUX were something new I discovered a while back. Murs did a video for his track “HUSTLE” and it featured Cena in the video. It was from that point forward that I wanted to listen to everything that MURS ever put out. I did and have been blessed by some of the lyrics that he’s pushed out. Through the affiliate with DEF JUX that MURS and others had, I was able to discover all sorts of hip hop heavyweights. The creation of lyrical elements has always fascinated me, and though I’m not a rapper, I would like to think of myself as a fan of poetry. I mean, I am in a master’s program for Humanities. With the release of “Have a Nice Life” , the rapper from Los Angeles has created a kaleidoscope of music released through Strange Music. From the starting line of “Have a Nice Life”, you get into a car with the famed rapper. He presents a slice of life that is somewhat autobiographical, but so much more. It’s a fascinating trip through t...

Vero snuck up on me. “Passed Grass Education” starts simple enough, with a smooth flow, and good beats. But while you’re slowly melting into the nuance that Vero brings through, you get taken into the real crux of this record, and something happens. A sonic boom of cool starts to drop through focused beats. There’s relaxation here, don't get me wrong, but there's a control element that only the best MC's in the game have, and that's what you get here. Controlled lyrical elements over smooth beats. Vero has a flow that is laid back, he’s not attacking you, he’s talking through the clouds of smoke and peace he’s bringing. You’re going to be bobbing your head, as the beats come through simply.This is the type of record you want to cruise through a skatepark with, no crazy tricks, just cruising along, hitting some hips, dropping in and mellowing out. “Just Trust” is just the beginning, as you flow through the rest of the tracks, you start to get a slow moving painting ...

Ditch the Drake, and Kendrick Lamar for a moment, and get your speakers turned up as loud as possible to hear 3 hip hop tracks that are absolutely grand. They are conscious hip hop songs that are going to talk about more than just drugs, women, sex. I know that many people won’t see this, but if you love hip hop and you want new music, here are 3 tracks that are going to absolutely floor you, because they floored me absolutely. Wow, where are these tracks when you need them in the mainstream? These are solid, listen to them, buy them, share them, let someone know! Murs “Surprises” My man Murs knocks it out of the park with this incredible offering. The chorus is amazing, and you’re going to be introspective upon hearing it. Murs delivers his signature rhymes, and “Ryan “Myagi” Evans drop some knowledge about this. Tedashii “Dark Days, Darker Nights” A man looking back at the heart break and lows that come with excess drinking, sex, and more. It’s rare to find rappers that flo...

Word to the wise, don’t blast your speakers too loud, because you’ll fly into the speaker’s ala “Back to the Future”. I learned the hard way, but that’s not here nor there. XT Dream comes through with his latest release entitled “Future’s Future”. I’m always up to listen to new hip hop, rock, or just about any genre, and this caught off guard a little. I’ve been drenched in a lot of metal lately, with a lot of artists hitting me with the same old chugga, chugga, roar, so when I started to listen to “Future’s Future”, I was glad to finally get out of the old and into something new. XT Dream pulls you through a variety of moods through the beats that are layered into an ethereal transmission. His words are tied together with a spiritual message, but not a preaching message. It’s more of a positive tutelage, which focuses on the positive rather than the bravado that you get from other hip hop artists. The goal here is prominently displayed, with words that uplift rather than just poin...

P.O.D. sat down with Rapzilla to discuss Christian music, art and their faith. It's an interesting video that shines light on what I've said about artists for a long time. It's nice to see them come out and talk about this openly again. Even though there are some pundits that want to knock them down a peg.

He's better than your favorite rapper, he's the man, the myth, the legend, MURS! He just dropped a new record, I haven't reviewed it yet but will. He performed live for SKEE TV and this live video just dropped yesterday, but I forgot to post it up first. The following is MURS doing a track from "Murray's Revenge" the anthem, "L.A.", check his work out he's one of the best rappers in the game, and NO he's not talking money, women, and chains. - Get More Music - If you're going to buy music, and listen to the records I mention, please do so by checking out Amazon below. It helps me continue to build my collection, and it's much appreciated. Thanks. Amazon.com Widgets

Violent Ground is no joke. They have found a way to tap into a sector of hip hop that is usually seen in major hubs of the United States. These two brothers from Quebec and Labrador present a lyrical giant of a record that blew me away upon first listen. The beats are strong, and the lyrical presentation has a duality that is definitely going to take them far. I was very impressed with the track “Born With Tha Mic”, before the guys championed a set of tracks that absolutely will blow you way. “Reborn”, “Never Fade Away”, “Rap”, “Nuthin’ On Me”, all stand out amidst a solid 13 tracks, but this is a whole record to be consumed and listened to as a whole, not just singles. I appreciated the way that things work so well together, flowing through various themes, topics, and ideas. From love, loss, politics, and so much more, the duo paints a picture so well that it feels so complex and yet they make it seem so simple. The flow goes slow, fast, and through various stages, creating a kaleid...

T.Lee throws out a hard hitting record that starts with one heavy handed mix of beats and lyricism. “Before The Overpower” builds on an empty canvas and gives you a deep look into a versatile rap game that T.Lee is overthrowing. “The Crash Part.2” is a provocative track that speaks volumes with raw power and a beat that drives the point the rapper is trying to make as an opening. It’s like a kick to a locked door before rushing in and taking no prisoners, solid in the approach, and smooth through the ending, a well-placed starting point for a hip hop record that truly goes through several defining lines. It’s not all harsh and heavy handed, T.Lee knows how to flow through various moods, beats, and rap styles. You’ll be surprised how he a story can unfold from introspection to commentary on love, life, and so much more. Just when you think you figured out everything, the record takes a left turn and a new picture is painted for you, which is usually reserved for the best rappers. It...

“Conformity is Over Rated…” the first track ends with a serious note as to what’s to come and it most certainly comes through on this record of great importance. Hip hop has been sewn up with a lot of mediocre rappers, and the mainstream seems to have lost the ethos of the past yet again. Then rappers come out like you hear on this record and you get a whole new hope for the future. It’s with that in mind that “Tears In Your Eyes” opens up, the storytelling that you’ve heard in the past gets a new twist with rhymes and beats that showcase the harsh realities of life, love, and more. A.S.H.E.S The Chosen comes through with rhymes that matter, paint a picture, and beats that are connective tissue to the body of “ID, Ego, Superego”, and it’s expertly done. Every track has been carefully chosen, words presented as more than just rhymes, and something that hits you right in your mind’s eye. At times it’s bouncing, others it’s raw, but overall the words are put together to show you a lar...

I previously reviewed a track from Shid Latta here , and was impressed with his delivery and lyricism. This time around he’s got a new record out, and a single that smashes together some incredible beats, in order to create a whole new track of epic proportions. This track, “High” produced by Hippie Sabotage drops serious lyrical elements. Shid Latta bounces through serious emotional heart felt lyrics about loss and the honesty is up front. It hits you hard with reality, and if you’ve ever loved and lost you know exactly what he’s talking about with this track. I’ve heard a lot of remixes and productions, but this is one that is done right. Right when you think you’ve figured out where this is going, Shid Latta comes through with a different take, a new verse, and rolls it into the beats with relative ease. It’s the craft that really works here, and promotes the right elements of hip hop with a far more diverse range of ideas than you would normally expect. By the time you hit th...

During my days, I listen to a lot of fast, hard, and obnoxious music. But every now and again I will slow things down and listen to some slower tunes. DigMarie came on my playlist and completely turned my day upside down. The vocal presentation mixed with the lyrical elements all play so well together. They put my cats at ease (I have 4), and got me daydreaming. There is a sweetness to the vocals that you get when you hear this talented singers voice. There’s a gentle spirit that comes forth on tracks like “Lost In You” and it’s sincerity that tugs at your heart, and whispers in your ear. It’s a seduction that is played with such a compelling elemental design. As you move forward with more tracks from DigMarie, you start to realize that there’s a lot more talent than you may have first realized. There’s depth to the tracks, and as you traverse the different layers of the music, you get that same vibe that you received when you first learned about many other mainstays in the music i...

Shid Latta is coming out strong from Baltimore and brings about one of the most compelling tracks that I’ve heard in a long time. It not only hits you hard with the beats and production by EVOLUTION MS, it comes through with a lyricism that hits you like a prized fighter to the face. The delivery of the lyrics is hard, delivered within words and ideas that are filled with dreams. The writing brings about a swagger that comes over the top and brings you to the experience that the rapper is trying to present like a painting. If you close your eyes you will start to bounce a bit as the delivery showcases a lot of different elements moving forward. This is the type of song that you are going to hear playing as loud at a stop light because it’s full of incredible timing and influence. It makes you want to throw a fist up in the air at times, it makes you want to listen carefully to the lyrics, and it’s the sign of a rapper that knows how to divide the beats and inspire within the words, b...