Talented Beats...Meet Mr. Rhodes.

The Talented Mr. Rhodes

If you aren't familiar with the Dallas music scene, or, if your stuck in the land of party music and screw, I'd like you to take a moment, clear your ears, and listen to a star in the making.  J. Rhodes, born, Justin Rhodes, is a Dallas bred producer, writer, rapper, engineer and creator of 80's Baby Ent.  Rhodes sets himself apart from the mainstream Dallas movement by not only creating for himself but, maximizing his production and vocal talents and implementing them with his artists.  An example of this can be seen in his latest mixtape release, The Talented Mr. Rhodes.  Collaborations with 80's Baby phenoms Ni Taylor ("King and Queen") and Braysonic ("Don't Stop") only provide more proof that this growing company is producing hits like no other in the Metroplex.

The Talented Mr. Rhodes is the third individual release from J. Rhodes this year, with the first being the  Gloria's Son sicktape release in January 2010 and the second, a compilation of J. Rhodes beats entitled,  Vintage Rhodes Productions  released in August 2010.  The fourteen track release of Talented provides listeners with insight into the mind of J. Rhodes, the artist, as opposed to J. Rhodes, the beat beast.  Tracks like "#Team Rhodes", "King and Queen" feat. Ni Taylor, "UBER" feat. Klyrik, "Invincible" feat. D'Andre, and "The Logo" feat. Sharece all combine Rhodes' unique flow with a one-two lyrical punch. 

While, the mixtape is a nice combination of artistic creativity and lyrical insight, I would have liked to see J. Rhodes go at a few more tracks by his lonesome.  Out of fourteen tracks, ten are loaded with features, lucky for us, the additions are complimentary to Rhodes's verses without overshadowing. 

Nonetheless, Rhodes provides good music for your listening pleasure and only creates more hype for the ever growing music scene in Dallas, Texas.  Artists like Rhodes, and members of his camp, are shattering stereo-types built by the mainstream embrace of the Dallas boogie.  Look to see big things from the very talented, Mr. Rhodes.

Business Worthy Tracks:

"King and Queen" featuring Ni Taylor

"UBER" featuring Klyrik

"Closer" featuring Taronica

"Invincible" featuring D'Andre

"Don't Stop" featuring Braysonic

Journey into J. Rhodes world with CRAZY concert footage from his monster show at the HOB in Dallas by clicking HERE.

Download The Talented Mr. Rhodes and get familiar with the 80's Baby Family at: www.jrhodes.bandcamp.com

Mixtape Monday...The Eyes Reveal - Spotlight: Dallas, TX.

Chan.Lo. Note: None of the experiences I've had in the Lone Star State have led me to a more eclectic form of expression than with all the new music (and artists) coming out of Dallas, Texas.  The national perception is that joints coming out of this part of the country are strictly limited to candy paint infused party music or chopped and screwed tracks with bass that blows out even the sturdiest of sound systems.  However, I've noticed a very prevalent underground music community that engages in art that in unrestricted, undefined, and under appreciated.  I've decided to utilize Mixtape Monday for the next few weeks to spotlight a few of Dallas's local artists who are not only embracing the differences in their sound but, attempting to break away from unwarranted stereotypes.  Have your headphones handy.

The Eyes Reveal - IC3

Revelations

IC3 (EyeSee3) is a Billboard Award winning Artist/Songwriter who just happens to be a staple in the Dallas music scene.  His original vocals (Imagine 'The Dream' if he could actually rap) and the content he produces set his work apart from the party music free-flowing on radio.  Music with a message is the prevalent theme in his latest mixtape, Revelations.  Tying musical mediocrity to biblical end times, IC3 utilizes his voice to challenge others to stop "living to end" and prepare for "judgement day."  Though some of the tracks seem to become slightly repetitive, the message is clear and positive.  Check the list of Business Worthy tracks.  With twenty-two songs to choose from, you won't be disappointed.

Business Worthy

#2: "Revelations" - Don't be confused by the gamer-esqe beat.  Listen to the lyrics and you'll hear  the confessions of a studio junkie.  Check IC3's singing skills on the hook. 

#3: "Lookin Ass" - This joint grows on you.  The chorus is simple.  You'll find the real meat in verses one and two.

#6: "I'm Dying" - The theme of this particular mixtape can all be tied to this particular piece.  Please take note of the lyrics.  It applies to us all.  Check the first verse below:

"...what I portray to them/I'm disobeying Him/Oooh she bad/I need it in my life/What MJ?/I need to think twice/I'm living my life like I have no jury/But, I want all of the jewelry in the world/...We get as far as we want by who we know/...I wonder if we get as far the day that we die."

#13: "Limelight" - If your a person who listens more for beats than for content, check out this joint.  The beat is sick.  Sounds like it would've fit right into Kanye West's classic College Dropout LP.

#19: "The Future" - Spitting truth in this song. Simple beat combines with strings and guitar riffs.  IC3 dominates this particular track with metaphors and examples of life's struggles.  Quote worthy music right here.

Honorable Mentions

#4: "4Eva"

#7: "Dreamgirl"

#7 & 12: "Get Right (Freestyle)" & "Hip Hop (Freestyle)" - Anyone who knows me knows I have every respect for MC's who can flow off the top of the dome.  It's a talent that is rarely recognized as a rarity.  The 1st freestyle isn't the greatest I've heard but, its nice.  Check out #12 for more meat.  Take a listen.

#20: "Choices"

To listen to tracks and download Revelations, click HERE

Visit http://www.eyesee3.com/ for more information and additional songs and make sure you follow on Twitter @ic3

In addition, make sure you click the link to check out IC3's music video for "Losing My Mind".

"Losing My Mind" Video on YouTube

Peace. Love. Music.

XoXo

Chan.Lo.