CD REVIEWS

KAMIKAZE
“2 BROKE 2 BALL”
OUR GLASS ENT.

Kamikaze begins by introducing his alter ego Mr. Sho-Nuff on the intro, then wastes no time hitting listeners with “U Ain’t Hard,” the club banger that’s been causing riots in Mississippi clubs for the past year or so. Even so, the surprise hit off this album might turn out to be the next track, “Same Old Clothes,” a catchy ode to the day-to-day grind produced by and featuring fellow Jackson rapper Godson Royal. While Kamikaze reps the ‘Sip proudly, he doesn’t possess the typical thick drawl that the industry has come to expect from Southern rappers. Lyrically, he can easily compete with NY rappers, and even jokes, “I’ll catch a red-eye to the N-Y, set up shop in BedStuy / It’s mad real in the city, son, I’ve come to get these heads high.” Even though the tracks have a Southern vibe, they’ve got the potential for a wider appeal than just one region. The upbeat “Round Here” conjures visions of outdoor barbeques and a live-ass party out in the country. My personal favorite, “Loser,” is a self-depreciating but amusing laid-back joint where Kamikaze sings at a mock open-mic night. His Crooked Lettaz partner, David Banner, produced the bouncy “Bonified Pros” and the introspective “I Apologize,” effectively squashing any rumors of beef between the two. “Hustlin’” and the title track, “2 Broke 2 Ball” with Tony B, express Kamikaze’s overall mindstate: this isn’t an album about money, cars, clothes, and hoes. This is an album for anybody who’s struggling to make it day to day, whether it’s hustling on the street or suffering through a 9-to-5. Kamikaze speaks from the heart on “Change,” touching on political and spiritual issues with lyrics like “Most y’all rappers are like false prophets / Pluggin’ your albums, tellin’ us we need to cop it and thankin’ God? You need to stop it.” He proceeds to spit a fast-paced blur of profound thoughts that’ll have you hitting the replay button a few times. “I Apologize” provides more insight into Kamikaze’s mindset as a man, as he reflects on a past relationship. Of course, along with the positive there’s a few negatives. The only major features (“Get ‘em Back” featuring the Nappy Roots and “Bonified Pros” featuring Bonecrusher) aren’t impressive. “Hee Haw,” featuring Rell, sounds like it’s trying too hard to be a club record, and the hook gets irritating. The skits are a little longer than necessary. While Kamikaze’s sound is clearly diverse, the album feels a little unbalanced. It starts off with the strongest tracks and loses steam towards the end with tracks like “So Cool,” which sounds a little out of place. But, by the end of the album, just in case you haven’t realized that Kamikaze is a grade-A lyricist, the acapella introduction to “Shine” should convince you. Overall, it’s clear that this is a well-organized project. While many major artists are forced to rush an album of mediocre songs to back up one single, Kamikaze has presented us with a complete quality album on a limited budget, with no samples, mostly unknown producers, and only a few guest appearances. Still, there’s something intangible that’s lacking. Like it or not, Kamikaze’s work will always be compared to his former rhyme partner, and the project doesn’t exude the intensity or energy of Banner’s Mississippi. Still, what Kamikaze lacks in flair, he makes up for with profound and witty lyrics that effectively capture the mentality of the everyday working man. With this release, Kamikaze proves that he’s more than capable of holding down a solo project. – Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

GRANDADDY SOUF
THE BOOTLEG
PARRA MO

Since creating a major buzz with his record “Savage Journey (Fuck da Law)” Grandaddy Souf has been languishing at SRC, frustrated by label politics and slowly watching his buzz die out, searching for that elusive hit single to break him into the mainstream. To cure his creative blues, he’s released the “unauthorized” bootleg album. We begin with the reggae-infused “Streets of Parramore,” a tribute to the Orlando ‘hood where he was born and raised. Fellow Parra Mo artists Joe Grind and Jango Fresh also appear on this song. “My Gameroom,” featuring BloodRaw, is Grandaddy’s plea to the haters. “It ain’t your business who I fuck,” he growls. The popular club DJ anthem, “Everybody lay it down, come on and represent your town,” is turned into a hook on “Where You From,” where Grandaddy is joined by Petey Pablo affiliate JD Hawg. “Crabs in a Bucket” seems to be Grandaddy’s motto, condeming those who try to hold back other people from being successful. Throughout the album it’s clear that Grandaddy has grown as an artist, but sometimes it seems that he’s trying too hard to make a commerical record instead of just letting loose and making good music. Some artists, like Twista and Lil’ Flip for example, seem to be plagued by some ailment that causes them to perform better on other people’s songs then on their own. Sometimes this seems to be the case with Grandaddy. If this was his official album, I would be a little disappointed, but it seems that he’s left off a few of his best tracks for the upcoming major release. The re-release of “Savage Journey (Fuck da Law)” is still a classic. - Julia Beverly, jb@ozonemag.com

TRIPLE SEIS
TIME’LL TELL

Years after leaving Terror Squad due to the untimely death of rap legend Big Pun, Triple Seis has finally released his debut solo album. The years of exposure to Pun are undeniably present from the get-go. Time’ll Tell opens with “Harsh Reality,” featuring Pun himself. Over a beat reminiscent of RZA, Pun and Seis come with lyrics that clearly serve as a translation of Seis’ real life experiences into music. The posthumous verses by Pun aren’t simply verses that Seis haphazardly found; they’re arguably some of the most emotional and heartfelt verses Pun ever recorded. Seis can’t match his mentor’s vigor on this track but brings his own share of insight with tracks like, “Remember me, that same cat that you let sleep in his crib / The same cat that keep you deep in his rib / Put it all together and see what I did / Made it family first, let me show you what my family’s worth.” As is the case with the bulk of the production on the album, the lead single “Krazy” lacks solid production and Seis doesn’t sound completely comfortable. His lyrics drop in terms of content and depth, but Veronica adds a hook that’s the highlight of the song. The only break from the monotonous production comes from Les of the Beatnuts on “Drinks Up.” He uses an Indian sitar sample which makes for a hot track, but it seems to throw off Seis’ flow. The hook is simple and the track doesn’t share Seis’ wisdom. Another solid production effort comes from Cochese on “Love Put Me.” On this track, a piano melody and vocal sample offer Seis the canvas on which to examine his career, the sacrifices he’s made, and the mistakes he’s made. Other MC appearances include Cuban Link on “Be About It.” Seis delivers a decent verse but it’s Link who shines on this track. Ice-T shows face on “Coast 2 Coast,” bringing one of the strongest verses on the album. This album is notable for the truth Seis shares on many of the tracks, but with mediocre production, the album falls short of a must-have. The “Skully Remix,” produced by Just Blaze, is really the only commendable production effort and it comes way too late in the album to save it. There are several tracks on this album which are skippable. Seems like only Time’ll Tell if this talented MC’s luck will ever turn in his favor. – Rohit Loomba, poombster@yahoo.com

TJ’s DJ’s 3rd QUARTER TASTEMAKERS ONLY XCLUSIVES

PSYCHO & KASH f. LIL BOOSIE / SINCE I’MA HUSTLA – LONG TERM SOUTH
Contact: L Kash – 904.708.1575
Psycho & Kash team with Lil Boosie to create a track highlighting both the bright and dark sides of being a "h-u-s-t-l-e-r." Lil Boosie states, "I gotta provide/So I’mma hit this nigga with the 4-5…Somebody’s gotta get it cuz, my f*ckin’ children’ hungry." Psycho & Kash do a good job painting a picture of the gritty street life, showing Jacksonville is more than Jaguars and Super Bowls.

FIEND / GET BUCKED – FIEND ENT.
Contact: Fiend – 504.243.1422
Fiend has returned with a master plan to get this money and maintain the love he receives from his fans from the N.O. to Ohio. If you don’t rep those areas, don’t worry, Fiend wants you to know that "for the folks in the middle feeling me a lot or a little, so what as long as you get bucked now." But, what is getting bucked? It is making your ends the best way you know how and celebrating with your people.

THE THOM JAMEZ BOYZ f. KADILLAK BOYZ / PUSH & SHOVE – STREETWIZE
Contact: Big T – 404.522.4577
The Thom Jamez Boyz linked with the Kadillak Boyz to form a congregation of pain against all of their enemies. With "Push & Shove" they combine forces to announce to the world that a new order is being served. If you push, they’re going to shove and stomp your ass out.

SUAVE SMOOTH / BACK UP (REMIX) – HEADQUARTER
Contact: Jermaine – 561.389.5525
This reincarnation of the original breathes new life into the project. The main differences are new versions of the verses, more inclusive regional shout outs, as well as a more direct hook. The production for "Back Up (Remix)" still provides for a feeling of bucking the system through a sound system and simply energizes your emotions.

EVE’NIN RIDAHZ / MY CLICK – 2-4-1
Contact: Ski – 813.294.1160
2-4-1 Records reemerges after riding a successful wave with Rated R’s "In Here Tonight." This time around they have the Eve’nin Ridahz claiming Tampa as their own. With a click that is never quick to back down, few will challenge their turf. This tune announces "I pack pistols like a renegade/Attack like a hurricane/Representin’ Tampa Bay…/Fuck with me, you’ll be running like a track meet." Get the point?

LIL UNFUFU / YOU AIN’T REALLY READY – BANG ‘EM
Contact: Fufu King – 904.866.0159
Jacksonville’s Lil Unfufu is testing his foes and challenges them to get ready. When somebody presses Fufu, be prepared because he’s ready to knock their ass out! More specifically, "tell me what would you do if a hater pressed your crew? I don’t know about you, but I’d clap that fool. I’d have his neighbors saying, ‘what happened to that boy?’ Round here, niggas don’t play with toys." If you’re not ready, you’d better get ready cuz Fufu is headed your way.

YOUNG SNEAD f. CRUCIAL, SKINO, C DAWG / KNOCK ‘EM DOWN – BIG CAT
Contact: Mel Man – 404.603.8229
Young Snead and his gangsta nation from the A are on the scene to deliver a message. You had better move out of the way or get knocked down! The production paints a picture of these guys on the block handling business. If there was a definition of a gangster, compared with these guys most would fail because they wouldn’t be tough enough.

T. MOSES & JR. / READY TO DIE – GOODFELLAZ
Contact: T. Moses – 561.856.4350
The industry is filled with artists who cavalierly throw phrases about how not afraid of death they are, but when faced with it would probably cave like a spot in Afghanistan. But, what would you do if facing someone who has nothing to lose? T. Moses poses this question to those looking to take his "scrilla."

MISTA DUNN f. PASTOR TROY / HIT DA FLOE – BLACK ICE
Contact: Eric Brown – 404.246.6842
Mista Dunn and Pastor Troy combine to lay down some A-T-L funk. "Hit Da Floe" sounds eerily like a classic UGK track. So, off the rip, the production sucks you in with no remorse. PT Cruiser drops a good verse and Mista Dunn is "trying to turn maydays into paydays."

KEY II LIFE f. BIG BUB & CARLA BOSTON / BLOWED – BLACK ICE
Contact: Eric Brown – 404.246.6842
This song is strictly for the smokers who’ve got the dough, dro, or reefer. Key II Life grabs some good talent in Big Bub and Carla Boston to sprinkle their skills over a mid-tempo track. The combination rolled tightly together makes a song that should get some good burn.

TIFFANI f. TIGAH / LOVE ON MY MIND – RUFF WORLD
Contact: Mickey Rallens – 786.586.4653
Tiffani’s voice melds well with this unique beat to make a song that is both catchy and thoughtful. When she belts her melodies you can feel the joy she has for finding that special someone to love. Tigah and Tiffani play well off of each other and do very well to express their feelings without the clichés.

EE-DE / LET’S GET IT LOW (THE KRUNK LOVE SONG) – NME
Contact: Renee Wilson – 404.885.5754
Ee-De is one of the rare breed that is able to pull off having a smooth voice while maintaining his appeal. With "Let’s Get It Low," the mood of the track is playful, but still allows Ee-De to display his vocal range.

STEPHEN HALL / I WANNA KNOW – DA LUV CIRCUIT
Contact: Junell – 954.993.5220
It is not often where the man exposes his feelings for a woman. But, Stephen Hall puts everything on the line and needs to know if the object of his desires is reciprocating the love he’s trying to give. Stephen Hall pulls it off with grace and a style reminiscent of the mid 80s R&B explosion.

LIL STICKS / PIMP SUIT – TEFLON
Contact: Tarvoria Russ – 386.527.9627
In Sticks’ neighborhood, even while doing dirt, you gotta stay clean in your pimp suit. To be fashionably bland is a painful state of affairs. It says that you have nothing of value. But, if you come clean as Sticks does, you won’t be overhyping the deepness of your pockets or lyrical ability.

HEAT, DINO, & FLEM BLAK / YA GITT SKEETED ON – DARK HEART
Contact: Slim Black – 813.784.5956
"Ya Gitt Skeeted On" is one of the rare tracks that is self-explanatory. Heat, Dino, and Flem Blak got together to make a song that lists all of the people they have issues with that would provoke them to skeet. For instance, if a girl thinks she’s too cute, "ya gitt skeeted on." The heavy use of horns in the production is Slip-N-Slide-esque and creates a South Florida feel.

HUMBLE THUGS / HOLLA – IJ
Contact: Jeff Johnson – 305.620.0001
The Humble Thugs hail from the mighty M-I-A. They have dropped another set that has the quintessential Miami sound. In fact, you’d be able to City Boy slide to this jam as you "holla" at your favorite shorty. Look for the group’s lead mistress Boss Lady to light up stages in the near future.

KIMILLION / NAILS DID (REMIX) – RUFF WORLD
Contact: Mickey Rallens – 786.586.4653
Kimillion opens with the old jigalo cadence (you know the one, "I’ve got my hands up high, my feet down low, that’s the way we jigalo") to get your head bobbing to the understated musical tones. Then she throws you for a loop with the reggae break down. This song will keep your attention with the sudden changes and familiarity working well together.

THE XTREMISTS / T.H.U.G. – HARSH REALITY
Contact: Mass – 561.541.9131
Much like Public Enemy, The Xtremists attempt to raise the conscious level of the populace with each creation. As long as there is racial injustice in this country, expect to see The Xtremists in the midst of the battle.

904 CLICK f. MIKE JONES / THE STREETS IS REAL – M.O.E.
Contact: Vic – 904.545.0385
The 904 Click recruited the hottest mix CD vet in the game, Mike Jones, to show how they live in the streets of Jacksonville. 904 Click knows that when you "look at my face, I’m an African-American. White folks see me and they think I’m slangin’ heroin." Some things never change.