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.

Mixtape Monday ... You Ain't Know?

This week, Mixtape Monday returns with our first "fem-cee" feature. This was not the piece I originally planned on bringing to you, however, I was introduced to the following artist at a show I had the privilege of attending and I felt the need to bring you the new music on my mind. Peep the piece to get acquainted.


EmSHE - Ni Taylor

Take No Prisoners



The game has a handful of female emcees who have been significant contributors to the music filtered through the airwaves this year. However, if I'm being honest, we've yet to see the resurgence of a femcee who can keep your attention while relying more on her lyrics and less on her ability to be a freak. Pause. Shrug.

With a mainstream flow that is rooted in Christ (Ni began as a Gospel rapper in 2000), Ms. Taylor has earned the praise of such hip-hop royalty as: MC Lyte, Monie Love, DJ Scratch and the one and only, DJ Spinderella.

With Take No Prisoners, Ni Taylor gives us a glimpse into her lyrical precision and a delivery that would put most male rappers to shame. As a member of the 80's Baby Ent. camp, Ni Taylor is backed by production and lyrical extraordinaire, J. Rhodes who has landed on some pretty dope features with Ms. Taylor. Both "80's Baby" and "Munsta" (featured on Take No Prisoners) are certified nod-worthy and most definitely download necessary.



I look forward to hearing more of the same intricate lyrics on more versatile beats. Ms. Ni Taylor is definitely one to watch. Now you know.

Business Worthy Tracks:

"Flyyyyyaaaaa" - This is one sweet introduction. Listen to every word and say hello.
"Munsta" feat. J. Rhodes - Two words: On repeat.
"Don't Have Wings" feat. Dondria - Sweet retrospective piece featuring another Dallas standout.
"Made Your Bed"
"I'm Here"
"Scientist" - This is a surprising sample. I love it.

Check out the Take No Prisoners HERE
Be sure to follow Ms. Ni Taylor on Twitter @Ni_Taylor

Happy Downloading!


Peace. Love. Music.


XoXo


Chan.Lo.

Mixtape Monday...On The Come Up.

We've received lots of love for the Mixtape Monday posts on both SBNP and Underground Appeal. I chose to do something a bit different for this week's post so, as always, feedback is always appreciated. Keep showing love and please continue to send me your mixtape links! Follow me on twitter @Chan_Lo and I'll make sure to download your links!

Corey Simon aka C.O. "Tell Me" and "365"

Good music tends to find me in the oddest of places. I had the pleasure of meeting one of this week's featured artists a few weeks ago. We were chill-axin at a mutual friends barbecue and he played a few tracks off of his upcoming LP. I was intrigued. Corey Simon, aka C.O. originally from the Lower 9th in New Orleans, Louisiana has been putting in work. His industry experience is impressive, working in Los Angeles under Mike Lynn and Interscope as well as with the super lab ID labs out of PA, C.O. is currently working with Playa Will out of the N.O. and the super-producer, DJ Don Cannon on his first LP due to be released in September 2010.

Two songs featured are "365" produced by Playa Will and "Tell Me" produced by Don Cannon. "365" is a clever play on words and shows a bit more of C.O.'s ability than the feel-good summer jam, "Tell Me". Reminiscent of an early Kanye joint pre-College Drop Out, "365" is nod-worthy however, I would have liked to see more bars from C.O.

The first few chords in "Tell Me" sound incredibly close to Mario's "How Do I Breathe" and then, the beat drops. C.O. has potential with this song, his first single. However, I think the chorus could be stronger. As it is, the song is a 2010 version of "Sunshine" by Lil Flip featuring Lea. I think if C.O. were to find a stronger voice to accompany the track, it would definitely make this Cannon smash a hit.

To download "Tell Me" on limelinx, click HERE
Download "365" by clicking HERE

Follow C.O. on Twitter @C_O_

The Understanding - Shareefa
The Misunderstanding of Shareefa
Its pointless to even try to put a mixtape up worth two cents without it having some sort of stamp from Don Cannon. Dude is working. Much respect. Nonetheless, our second feature for this week comes from former DTP standout, Shareefa. When Shareefa hit the scene in 2005 (she was rocking that shaved side before all y'all. Haha!) with her hit "Need A Boss" I was definitely looking for her to make a significant name for herself. With a powerful voice, and a strong camp, Shareefa was poised to be the new R&B ride or die chick. Instead, Keyshia Cole picked up the title and Monica took it back.

Shareefa is back with a mixtape hosted by DJ Don Cannon entitled, The Misunderstanding of Shareefa. Much like former MTM feature, Asia'h, Shareefa is capitalizing on the Cannon seal of approval and I ain't mad at her. This joint BANGS. All capital letters. If you love music and you love artists who make songs cry, you'll appreciate this download. It is worth your time. I would've done without the skits and interludes but, the musical content is undeniably personal and the lyrics are poignant. Also, the addition of Raheem Devaughn on track 10 entitled: "Ya Love" is additional icing on the cake.

This mixtape tells a love story that never gets old. Make sure you read it.

Business Worthy Tracks:
"My Life" - Shareefa samples Weezy on this remake. It's very raw and touches on her struggle. You'll love.

"By My Side" Produced by Bangladesh, this joint is an ode to the Good Men. "Black Brutha..." :)

"Home Wrecker" ...the title speaks for itself. Check the chorus below:

"...I done had enough/trick be gone/All up on my n&%a/need to get your own/Home Wrecker/See its h&%s like you that give a bad name to women/got your legs open/tryin to steal my happy-ending/Home, Home, Homewrecker."

"Ya Love" featuring Raheem Devaughn - Pretty and poetic.

Download The Misunderstanding of Shareefa on DatPiff by clicking HERE

Make sure to follow Shareefa on Twitter @gotreefa


Till Next Week...Peace. Love. Music.

XoXo.

Chan.Lo.