Rapped Gifts

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:30:00 -0700

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles:

Playlist #5

Check out my latest playlist. NYC inspired! (Click The Link Above)

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:28:00 -0700

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles:

Playlist # 4

In this playlist I break down songs by Biggie, Jay, and Nas! (Click The Link Above)

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:02:50 -0700

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles:

Playlist #3

Click the link above to check it out!

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:00:03 -0700

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles:

Playlist #2 on MettaChronicles.com

Click the link above!

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 09:43:00 -0800

Rapped Gifts x Metta Chronicles:

Look for Rapped Gifts weekly playlist every Friday on MettaChronicles.com!

Click the link above to check the list for Feb 8th!

They never thought that Hip-Hop would take it this far!-...

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 14:26:36 -0700

They never thought that Hip-Hop would take it this far!- Biggie

RappedGifts x VIBE

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 07:12:00 -0700

RappedGifts x VIBE:

The Jets Land In LA

Click the link above to read my review of the Curren$y concert at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles!

War of...

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 20:47:00 -0700

War of Attrition

Murda Mook vs. Iron Solomon….See who you think wins but all im going to say is….ONLY IN HIP-HOP!

Had some nerve to say its Jordan vs. Bird…are you kiddin me??…this is practice…this is Jordan vs. Kerr

RappedGifts x VIBE

Sat, 09 Jun 2012 09:56:00 -0700

RappedGifts x VIBE:

I got the chance to interview the QUEEN of R&B, Mary J. Blige! Check out what Mary had to say about her latest film Rock of Ages, her acting career, and whats next in her career. You don’t want to miss this!

(click the link above)

RappedGifts x VIBE

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:32:00 -0700

RappedGifts x VIBE:

Check out my review of Stalley’s latest show in LA. My most successful review on VIBE so far. Stalley showed love and posted the link on his twitter and the BO$$ Ricky Rozay also posted it to his 2 mil followers!

(click the link above)

Hello...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:54:00 -0700

Hello Brooklyn

You have to love the originality and diversity that new artists have been bringing to the hip-hop game lately. For the longest it seemed like everyone was being cloned, whether it was subject matter, style, or even slang. Somehow the mold was broken and new artists have been bringing originality and substance back to the game. One of the artists helping to diversify hip-hop is a Brooklyn MC by the name of Josh Baze.

Music took me to a place id thought id never see…I had no choice to seize…like the letter 3 (Concrete Rose)

Before I even ripped the plastic off the cover I could tell that this was not going to be a “typical” hip-hop album. The album title is Hi-Heels & Low Lifes and the album cover is a black and white image of a woman (wearing neon high heels) in an alley. The title of the album is in the bottom corner but there is no mention of Josh at all. I understood why the picture was taken (given the title of the album) but I thought it was weird that he chose this to be the cover because the debut cover is a BIG deal in the world of hip-hop. Think about Nas and Big and how iconic their debut covers were (opting to use their baby pictures) or Jay-Z with his brim tilted on the Reasonable Doubt cover. These are images that are forever ingrained in my memory. It was also different because in the ego-driven world of hip-hop, Josh Baze chose not to be on his own debut cover. I was very confused UNTIL I found out that the woman crouching in high heels was Victoria’s Secret Angel, former Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl and international super model, Marisa Miller. (Then the cover made a lot more sense)

She can be one of the baddest like Marisa (She’s Gold)

Josh Baze jumps right in and shows his listeners that they are in for something unique. The first song is titled One More Chance, a song about a broken relationship with a pretty catchy (pop-like) hook. Starting the album with this song and even naming the track One More Chance was a statement in itself. I’m used to hip-hop intros being a rapper (or their crew) talking over a beat that you wish they would of chosen to rap on. I don’t remember the last time I put a rap c.d. in and it immediately went right into a song about relationships and topics of that matter. I was also thrown me off because with Josh being from Brooklyn and the opening track being titled One More Chance…of course I was thinking more along the lines of a Biggie sample/tribute/something! He proved that this album was going to be something different and that made me want to listen further to hear what he had to say.

After listening to Hi-Heels & Low Lifes I feel like I have a real understanding of who Josh Baze is as an artist. There is not one track on the album without a message. In a hip-hop climate lacking the substance of old, it was refreshing to listen to an artist put out what he felt his audience needed to hear and wasn’t afraid to break the mold. Josh spoke about everything from politics, fame, and even how his dad stayed and supported his family instead of leaving. Although I wouldn’t say that there was a track that he destroyed lyrically in terms of delivery or flow and the album had moments where it felt slow. I would say that every track was carefully crafted and served its purpose in making Hi-Heels & Low-Lifes a solid listen. If you are looking for something new and unique in hip-hop then Josh Baze’s debut Hi-Heels and Low Lifes is for you.

Illmatic Feel

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:16:00 -0700

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=”http://hughthemc.bandcamp.com/album/word-is-bond-lp” data-mce-href=”http://hughthemc.bandcamp.com/album/word-is-bond-lp”&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Word Is Bond LP by Hugh Augustine The MC &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Al B Smoov&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

When was the last time you heard a UGK and Jackson 5 sample on the same track? Now when was the last time you heard a UGK and Jackson 5 sample on the same track for a west coast rapper?? Il wait because your hard pressed to find anything more original/creative than that……Youl find musical gems like this over and over and over on Hugh Augustine and Al B Smoov’s latest project project entitled Word is Bond .The LP had me scratching my head because I honestly could say that I hadnt heard anything this original in a LONG time. It reminded me of the first time I was able to fully comprehend Nas’ classic Illmatic. Now dont get me wrong, Im not saying that Word Is Bond is Illmatic (the best rap album of all time in my opinion) but I feel that it has a lot of similarities.

The pen eruption, similar to condom malfunction…..flow like a museum, you can see but wont touch….who is that? the master I hit you with the truest rap (In Ya Face)

The reason I draw comparisons to Illmatic is because each track honestly is too much to digest with just one or even two listens. As a person that prides themselves on memorizing tracks entirely (the lyrics, hooks, ad libs, bass lines, sample snippets,etc), it was frustrating how complicated each track was and right when i thought i had a track down I would hear a different sound or catch a new line. It was hard to even get a good grasp of what would come next and thats awesome. Al B Smoov really shows that he can compete with the best of the producers out there. Listen to the kick on KushWeedMadnessOGnoSativa and you might draw a lex Lugar comparison just on how hard it hits but its even better because the beat doesnt dominate and overshadow the lyrics like most of Lex’s beats do. Next, listen to the sample on In Ya Face. You might compare it to Kanye’s Let The Build Build beat, but In Ya Face! sounds way more organic and just gives you that classic hip-hop feeling that you just cant explain. Each track was getting to me and this is even before i began to REALLY delve into the lyrics.This is exactly what happened to me the first time I decided to really study Illmatic.

What made Illmatic so great lyrically?….I feel like it was the combination of complicated rhyme patterns mixed with deep rooted stories of personal struggle, success, and uncertainties (authentic life stories and emotions). After I listened and could comprehend Illmatic, I felt like you knew exactly what was going through the young 19 year old in Queens Bridge’s eyes. I think that is what Hugh delivers on Word Is Bond. Authentic life stories and emotion from his life put into music. Everything from family, friends, and even the physical struggle after being shot.

Bleeding in the street I was asking God, “why?”…..then i got up of my ass continuing my job (OGM)

Rapping is similar to martial arts. They say that the ability to control and channel aggression makes for the best fighter rather than the fighter who fights purely out of anger. Rap is the same way, you can have a rapper who emphasizes every bar and forces every line but a great MC knows when to turn on that aggression and Hugh definitely has that. Something that Nas obviously posses as well.

To me, In Ya Face ft. Gibby is to Word Is Bond what Life’s A Bitch ft. AZ was Illmatic. 2 MC’s on the same track with seamless chemistry.Its to the point where you wouldnt dare to even stop and think about which MC had the best verse. You just completely appreciate the track as a whole. On both Life’s A Bitch and In Ya Face the MC’s on the track discuss…LIFE! It sounds so simple but yet its far more complicated, how do you begin to put your life struggles, experiences, and lessons into words?…now try to make it rhyme.

Hugh- “I dunno son, i feel different…every days a blessing, a chance to grow with it” (In Ya Face!)

Nas-“I switched my motto instead of sayin fuck tomorrow” (Life’s A Bitch)

We dont even need to get into the track 3 Shot Hughie….Al B Smoov even threw a Nas sample on it to make it even more apparent. The final song il mention is one of my favorite songs on the entire project, True To Dat ft Ray Wright. I cant help but think of Halftime when i listen to this song.

Hugh- “My mind continues to focus perpetual motion” (True To Dat)

Nas- “Not a bisexual, im an intellectual…of rap, im a professional” (Halftime)

(Play the two tracks back to back)

In the end, once again im not saying Word Is Bond is Illmatic but one cant help but draw comparisons. Whether its the masterful production, organic feel, or the amazing flow and realness in the lyrics. The most important thing that I can say about Word Is Bond is that although you can draw comparisons to other albums, I havent ever heard ANYTHING quite like this. The west coast vibe over these beats is a perfect fit. I really feel that both of these guys will continue to get better and its going to be crazy to watch. Stay on the look out and make sure that you download Word Is Bond here —> http://hughthemc.bandcamp.com/album/word-is-bond-lp & you can also listen in the player at the top of the post.

Follow: @Al_B_Smoov & @HUGHaugustineMC

Poll Question:

Bars &...

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 20:13:00 -0700

Bars & Polls

Since hip-hop is constantly in the forefront of trends and “what’s cool” in pop culture, it makes hip-hop the hardest genre to stay relevant in. You really have to constantly reinvent yourself and this goes for everything from your subject matter, clothes, and even slang. Not a lot of rappers have been able to constantly reinvent themselves like Lil Wayne has been able to. He has made the transition from being arguably one weaker members of The Hot Boys to being considered the best rapper alive by many.

And me and Juve never really got along but you still would let a nigga come get on your hottest song- Lil Wayne (All Alone)

I dont think many listeners out there thought that Wayne would become what he has today. He is a bonafide rockstar and could put out a blank disc and it would go platinum at this point. He also is considered by many as the mixtape king and rightfully so, but I wouldn’t say (at this point) that he has a standout album that everyone would agree is their favorite from him. So what do you think??

Tyler...

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:35:00 -0700

Tyler The…….Rapper

I remember first hearing Tyler Thomas about a year ago by (being bored in class) clicking on a video someone posted in my mini-feed. I sat in the classroom kind of half listening until one of the punch lines slapped me in the face and made me rewind the whole track over. After listening and basically memorizing that song, I wasnt like “oh this guy went to my high school and can rap” …it was more like “THIS GUY CAN RAP………oh and he went to my high school”. The rap ability had to be mentioned first because it was that serious.

“This rappin shit is something special i cant live without….matter of fact my heart is stoppin every chorus”

Tyler reminds me a bit of J.Cole but with a west coast feel and more. I draw the J.Cole comparison not because they are light skinned rappers but because they both have the ability to cover such a wide range of music. J.Cole has the ability to go bar for bar with most rappers (if it ever came to that) but can also make a track like Nobody’s Perfect with Missy or Lost Ones. I think that Tyler has that same kind of versatility and ability to throw unique unpredictable punchlines.

“if the sky holds the ribbon im rippin right through my gifts and…..showin em off, lately im blowin em off…but a nigga gets some shine they be flockin like moths”

Tyler’s mixtape entitled 95’ Til Infinity is droppin soon, so everyone make sure to check that out. With so much garbage gettin played nowadays, its really important to support hardworking artists out there with talent and a passion for the art. I think the future is bright for Tyler and we will all have to wait on the tape.

Never (the first single off his mixtape 95 Til Infinity) is posted above and check out this rap as well: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJoWPCI41t8

Bars & Polls

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:22:00 -0700

Bars & Polls:

Make sure you check out the latest poll...The topic this week is:“What will be the best album of 2012?“….Right now Rick Ross’ God Forgives I Dont and Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid In A Mad City are pulling away from the pack..Make sure you voice your opinion before the poll is closed!

You can also vote here ——> http://www.facebook.com/RappedGifts

What Means The World To You?

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:09:00 -0800

The What Means The World To You segment is back! In case you didnt catch the first installment, in WMTWTY I interview hip-hop fans with all sorts of unique backgrounds, professions, and personalities. The goal is to show the diversity of the hip-hop’s fans and to show that hip-hop really does have something for everyonei. Everyone listens differently and there is no wrong answer to “why do you love it?”.So without further adieu, I present the latest installment of What Means The World To You?

Shane Vereen, RB for the New England Patriots

Ive known Shane for a while and we’ve had many hip-hop discussions over the years. So when this segment came about I knew we HAD to get him on to talk about his hip-hop preferences.

SV: Shane RG:Rapped Gifts

RG: So let me start out by asking…What Means The World To You? (Why do you love hip-hop)

SV: Man…id have to say I love hip-hop because its creative and it really just has a way of getting stuck in your head

RG:What is your favorite song of all time?

SV: hahaha id have to say Ride Wit Me by Nelly. He used to be my favorite rapper years ago.

RG: Who is your favorite rapper now?

SV: Kanye

RG: Give me your top 5 in no order right now

SV: Kanye, Jay, Wayne, Ross, and uhhh id say Wiz

RG:Ok so what do you listen to during pregame?

SV: Id have to say Ross and Wayne. I listen to The Sky Is The Limit by Wayne before every game.

“Dont worry about mine, imma grind till i get it….and tell all my niggas that the sky is the limit!”- Lil Wayne (Sky Is The Limit)

RG: Ok thats solid but what about when you are just riding?

SV:Uhh if im just riding id say my favorite artist to listen to is Drake. I liked Take Care and I even still listen to a few off the first one.

RG: Nice, so there is a lot of discussion lately about whether or not hip-hop music has digressed. Are you happy with the direction hip-hop is headed?

SV: I think any direction is good because rap is constantly changing. So to say that one version of rap is better or worse than, i dunno lets say 10 years ago is a slap in the face. Rap is rap because its ability to constantly evolve.

RG: Give us a hip-hop moment that stands out to you?

SV: Id say the Roc break up. That sticks out to me, maybe because Kanye is my favorite rapper.

“People askin me was im gon give my chain back…that’l be the same day i give the game back…You know the next question dog “yo, where Dame at?” ..This track the Indian dance to bring our reign back“-Kanye West (Diamonds Are Forever Remix)

RG: Yea definitely a big event in hip-hop. Are there any dream battles that you would like to see?

SV: Wayne vs Jay and Common vs Drake

RG: So you know I have to ask, who would win the Jay/Wayne battle?

SV: aww well…its depends, are you from the South or are you from NY? hahaha

RG: Hahahah fair enough…If you could see any 2 artists do a “Watch The Throne” style album and tour, who would they be?

SV: Id say Nas and Wayne because lyrically they are the best but they also have 2 completely different styles. I think with those 2 great minds the album would be ridic.

RG: Man that album would be nuts!…last question man, give me a hip-hop song and a quote from it that sums up where you are in life right now.

SV: Give me a second….Id have to say My First Song by Jay-Z.

“and then you..take advantage of the luck you handed or the talent, you was given…aint no half steppin, aint no, no slippin”

RG: Yep, that line is classic! Actually that album is a classic. Well, that wraps it up man...appreciate your time!

————————————————————————————————————-

A huge THANK YOU to Shane for sharing his hip-hop insights. There are so many elements of hip-hop, it really is impossible to master. I think its important to listen to the music and study on your own but i think you gain the most by sharing opinions and perspectives. What Shane said about hip-hop evolving is exactly true. That is why it is the best genre of music.

Make sure to keep up with Shane on twitter: @ShaneVereen34

Bars & Polls

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:21:00 -0800

Bars & Polls:

Introducing the newest segment to Rapped Gifts entitled Bars & Polls. In this segment, I will host interactive polls through the Rapped Gifts FB page. Each week I will provide a new hip-hop poll topic in an effort to create a week long discussion that ultimately your vote decides! This is your turn to say what you feel! So make sure to click the link above to vote and also check out the FB page!! http://www.facebook.com/RappedGifts?ref=tn_tnmn

Check Out The Latest Poll Question!

What Is Kanye’s Greatest Body Of Work? Why?

MIXed Feelings

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 22:21:00 -0800

There is an issue in hip-hop that has been angering fans for at least the past 5 years. WHY ARE ARTIST’S MIXTAPES BETTER THAN THEIR ALBUMS?!..i hate to sound like a greedy or unappreciative fan but this theory of creating a fan base off mixtapes and then changing the style of music for the album is annoying for any hip-hop fan. It seems that hip-hop artists today develop 2 different personas.

1.The Mixtape Persona- This is the persona that true enthusiasts of hip-hop identify with. An artist’s mixtape persona will display their full arsenal of rhyme skills, creativity, and all else in between. This persona is the artist’s purest form because a mixtape is the material that they put out with no compensation. No pressure to sell, the only pressure is the musical quality.

2. The Album Persona- This is the persona for mainstream fans who skim the surface of the music and dont listen in depth. The album persona makes songs to have a catchy melody and to be played in clubs or on pop radio stations.

(To Be Fair) Its common sense, the goal of an artist is to become as big as they can in order to generate as much revenue as they can. How do they do this? By not limiting themselves to one specific audience and reaching as many people as possible…and to be honest, most hip-hop fans (that i know) still download albums illegally anyway. The problem I have is now there are 2 different artists walking around in the same body.

I listen to hip-hop everyday, study it, and honestly couldnt imagine what I would do without it. So i cant help but feel a certain way when the truly talented artists in hip-hop dont deliver the same caliber of music on their albums that they deliver on their mixtapes.

I might send this to the mixtape Weezy- Jay-Z (Death of Autotune)

This theory applies to over 90% of rappers nowadays but Wiz and Wayne are who il use as examples. Both artists are ridiculously talented and they both really utilized the mixtape circuit to build their fan base. But i think anybody who truly listens and follows these artists would say that the material on their latest albums was not up to par with previous material they delivered on mixtapes. I think Wayne is an amazing artist but no one would say that he has put out a classic hip-hop album. Now when the topic of mixtapes comes up, Lil Wayne is probably the best to ever do it. You can also look at Wiz and compare the material on Kush and OJ and Flight School to his album Rolling Papers and see a pretty dramatic difference.

The most frustrating part of being a die hard hip-hop fan is having to share these artists with the mainstream. I feel like hip-hop artists often sell their rhyming talents short for mass appeal. There are one set of fans that know and love Wayne for No Ceilings and Dedication 2. Then there is another set that know and love Wayne for singles like Lollipop and How To Love. The part that i dont like is the second set of fans have no idea that Wayne can flat out SPIT. They dont understand just how good he can be. The same can be said for Wiz as well.

In the end, i love that hip-hop has become such an important part of pop culture. Im also glad that hip-hop artists have been able to top the charts through efforts of broadening their audiences, but i wish artists would still display their talents to their full potential in the process.

Careless...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:01:00 -0800

Careless World

I recently had the amazing opportunity to attend Tyga’s album review session. It was held in a small board room filled with members of Tyga’s camp, record executives, and a few media outlets. Tyga began this session by simply pulling out his Mac, hooking up the audio cord for surround sound, and pressing play. I loved how informal it was because It felt like what my friends and I do when one of us stumbles across a track we really like. Someone grabs their computer and we all huddle in front of the computer, sit there, and zone out with no interruptions. (Except for maybe an occasional pause or restart for a gem one of us may not of caught).

Tyga began to blast the intro to the album and immediately put his head down and started to bob to the beat. About 5 seconds later everyone in the room was doing the same. In between each track Tyga would explain his vision and even commented on some of the tracks he felt were the strongest. That was the best part of the whole event to me because that is what hip-hop heads sit and try to figure out by ourselves at home. So to have the opportunity to hear the aim or focus of a track directly from the artist himself was unreal. Listening to Tyga speak in detail about his material, i was able to see that he definitely cares deeply about his art and really wants to shake the common criticism that he only makes tracks for partying. For those who have only heard his party tracks, this album will definitely show you he is far more versatile.

The album has over 20 tracks on it and boast a wide range of features. The list includes Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Robin Thicke, Nas, Wale, and Big Sean (just to name a few). Im excited to see the public’s opinion of the album. I think it is going to surprise a lot of people who might of underrated him as an artist. Everyone was wondering when (and if) his Young Money debut would come. Well, its finally here and it was worth the wait.

Tyga’s Careless Word: The Rise Of The Last King drops on the 21st…Go check it out!

Skilled...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:26:00 -0800

Skilled Craftsmen

I guess its safe to say the west coast is back. Every single track ive heard Hugh Augustine The MC on has been murdered. Further destroying the rumor that their arent any real lyricists on the west coast. Hugh has a great delivery and real gift to make you feel every line with the aggression. You can tell that he feels and means everything in his rhymes. Its that passion that makes his music stand out and then you throw in the fact that he has a real story to tell….its becomes a crazy combo.

never felt this aray of emotions explodin flowin from within…i need a moment to focus, hard to coach when you aint winnin…tried to cope with my condition

I played the video to Hugh’s OGM (Out Gettin Mine) about 7 times before i could actually begin to pay attention to the visuals. His flow is just that good on this song and not to mention the production on the track is just as good. Al B Smoov produced the track and also appears in the video. The beat just fits seamlessly with the lyrics.I couldnt really imagine this beat being used for anything else but this song. Hugh and Al B Smoov just have great chemistry and that is why the beat seems tailor made.

put my life in this music….sacrificin to do this

Once i was finally able to pay close attention to the video, i noticed that the whole video was done with no cuts, just one take! The director of the video is Nick Tatone, another young talented west coast dude. So when you put this video in perspective you have 3 different incredibly talented individuals all displayin their abilities in their craft in an effort to produce 1 work of art. When it comes together like this a hip-hop fan cant ask for anything more….great rhymes, amazin production, and a unique video.

Take a look! OGM by Hugh Augustine The MC (Prod. by Al B Smoov) posted above.