Music Review: YP @RAYISYP "A CLEVELAND STORY: HEART OF THE CITY"

YP is an artist with a knack for telling stories and he illustrates that very well with his project, "A CLEVELAND STORY: HEART OF THE CITY".  “A CLEVELAND STORY: HEART OF THE CITY” gives you a look into YP’s life starting with the intro that features a news clip that sets the stage for YP, and the overall message seems to be, that it’s a jungle out there. “The Life I Lead” is a very revealing look into YP’s life and his struggles from being a father to being a hustler and how the end justifies the means of it all.  I absolutely love the flow YP delivers on “SoufSide” and how serious it can get in Cleveland.  The most notable tracks on the project in my opinion are “Just Sayin” Featuring Flyy And Big O because of it’s high energy and the chemistry between all of the artists, “Where The Playas Go” (Prod. Big O) because of the laid back feel and how YP just seems so comfortable and on his pimp shit with this one.  “Follow Me” takes you on a journey or at least a walk through YP’s stomping grounds and the one thing I will say about this track is that YP is not just rapping to hear himself rap, he puts his heart into it.  “The Lover’s Feel”, “Run To“,  and “Reflections I II”, show a more present YP who sounds sure of himself, but the one thing that I don’t really care for throughout the whole project is the inconsistency of YP’s delivery and I’m not talking about the cadences, but more or less his confidence level which makes him sound a little unsure of himself on tracks like “Hold Me Down” and “Flashbacks”.  On the track, “Obituaries”, YP puts us in our feelings with lines like “You help us cus you love us, sisters and brothas, and where you going can be viewed as scary, but we gon meet again, that time apart is only temporary”, and sometimes we need to hear music that makes us feel and YP has succeeded at it.  I think YP is a standout artist and he needs to accept the fact that he can be confident on the tracks because when he attacks a beat that seems to really fit him, he absolutely kills it.  Definitely worth the download!     What I loved: I Love YP’s dedication to Cleveland and the talent that he has when it comes to putting together songs that make you think and his stellar storytelling skills. What I hated:  The inconsistent confidence level in some of the songs.  I would love to hear a more aggressive YP and more soulful sampled beats because that is where YP seems to shine the brightest. About the Artist: Raised on the east side of Cleveland, Ohio, Raymond “YP” Simpson came up around the roughest of conditions. Though he endured harsh surroundings, trials and tribulations, YP never foresaw music as being an outlet to escape from it all. “I always liked to listen to music or whatever, but I never looked at it as something to do or get into. My focus was life and the struggle my family was going through.” he answered in an interview. Survival was the motto of his upbringing. However, these early years would eventually lay the foundation for YP the man, as well as the artist. An artist of many talents and unable to find adequate help musically at the onset of his career, YP took it upon himself to learn everything on his known. He is now known as an accomplished producer/rapper/songwriter/engineer. YP has always been a lover of music and hip hop in particular but did not discover his talent for creating music until the age of 18. In 2005, during his sophomore year at the University of Toledo, YP would form a strong bond with his newly met roommate “J. Keyes” and the group/company Young Hustlas was formed. The Young Hustlas quickly built a following on campus, releasing three street albums in a two year period to feed their growing fan base. Feeling the need to expand musically, YP began work on what would be his individual introduction to the world titled: A Cleveland Story. The album would serve as a musical autobiography that detailed his life experiences. To further expand the YHE brand, YP has spent the last couple years producing and writing for other artists in Cleveland and many other areas. His first solo mixtape, “IT’S ON ME” was released in May of 2010. Also a collaborative EP with Cleveland based producer Big O was released later that year, aptly titled, “Soul of The Streets.” However, feeling burnt out and stressed from the rigors of the fledgling music scene he took at break from everything dealing with me music in 2011. A four year hiatus that included an engagement and 2 kids followed. Something about starting a family seemed to have sparked his creative juices. “Man I could not write anything for like 3-4 years. It was crazy. I couldn't create. Then it seemed out of nowhere the bars, the hooks, the melodies just starting flowing.” In early 2015 YP reconnected with long time collaborator Big O and began to finish what he started 4 years ago. Then a major setback hit in April 2015. While leaving his fiancée’s house, he was robbed and shot in the back, thus putting the music on hold for about two months. Once released from the hospital and fully recovered, his debut single “Where The Playas Go” Prod. by Big O was released on July 20, 2015. The follow up single “I’m Just Sayin” was released in August 2015. His debut album A Cleveland Story: Heart of The City was released October 13, 2015 to nothing but positive reviews. “I’m just working man. I’m just really trying to take this thing to the next level. Once I’m done, the whole world is gonna remember me. Thats the goal.” YP’s follow up album Joyous Pain is scheduled for a summer 2016 release. Debut album from Cleveland artist YP, A Cleveland Story: Heart of the City. The album is a journey of the highs and lows of coming of age in Cleveland.

Music Review: Jimmy Jax Pinchak Band ( @JimmyJPBand )

 

Jimmy Jax Pinchak Band has sent me possibly the best songs of the summer to review so I won't waste anytime time getting to it! The first song that I want to review is "There is More".  The feel of the song is mellow but very energetic.  I love Jimmy's rough around the edges voice which fits perfectly with the sharp groove of the lead guitar.  This comes off as a lead track possibly on a soundtrack of a summer film.  This is one of those tracks that would make you buy the whole album.   The second song up for review is "On The Run".  Been listening to this one over and over trying to get my voice like Jimmy's but yeah, no luck. The piano work here is bluesy and heaven sent.  The guitar riffs makes me want to see the band live JUST to get that hard themed vibe and to feel the rumbling bass.  The song has some bite to it and it's edgy, just what I like! It gets chaotic on the breaks but I feel that that is what truly makes the song so damn good! The last song here up for review is "Tell Me". Beautiful crashing cymbals over a jagged, strong, electric guitar all work magically together. The songwriting on the track brings in a story that seems to ask for the "WHYS" of life. I Really dig the flavor and icy feel that transforms into a blazing inferno of real music.

About the Music and Artist:

"Blues/Rock That Jams" Jimmy is a professional actor (Peter Wiggin in Ender's Game, released in November, 2013) who is seriously pursuing his music career. Martha Troup (former manager of INXS) discovered Jimmy on the internet, checked out one of gigs and became his music manager. Jimmy has recorded his cd at Westlake Studios in Los Angeles and Stagg Street Studio in Van Nuys with his original guitar driven rockers. Currently, the Jimmy Jax Pinchak Band consists of: Jacob Delott on bass, Lael Eccard on drums, Nathan Leigh on keyboards, Stan Nirenberg on guitar and Jimmy Jax Pinchak on lead guitar and vocals. Jimmy's band is a late 60s influenced blues/rock band with a contemporary feel. He has been influenced by Freddie King, Hendrix, The Doors, The Beatles, The Allman Brothers and his favorite Eric Clapton. He also follows the Black Keyes and Gary Clark Jr. Jimmy's band performs classic blues such as "Trouble No More" "Going Down" and "Crossroads." His original, "Tell Me" is a rocker which includes a sizzling jam using his Vox Wah Wah pedal. Jimmy also demonstrates his abilities on slide with his original "Free Your Mind." His song "Into the Fire" has a slight country rock feel to it which Jimmy co-wrote with Wally Brandt from "Whiskey Falls." The more recent originals include: "There Is More" which is the leadoff track on the cd. His killer wah wah leads on the guitar solo fits perfectly with arguably Jimmy's strongest song. "On the Run" was written with Stan Nirenberg. It's a outlaw song which demonstrates Jimmy's strong deep raspy voice at it's finest. "Make It Better" further demonstates Jimmy's abilities as a songwriter, selling his lyrics with passion. Jimmy's cover of Tommy James' "Draggin the Line" makes the original feel good song more of a rocker with heavy guitar rythyms and a guitar solo not found in the original. A bonus track, "Soul Sacrifice" shows the talent of the band performing live. Each member shows their chops on Carlos Santana's classic. Josh Mosser (co-wrote and engineered Imagine Dragons' Radioactive) mixed down the tracks and Grammy award winner Erick Labson mastered it. Jimmy is also a professional actor (Peter Wiggin from Ender's Game) Website Link: http://jimmyjaxpinchakband.com Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Jax-Pinchak-Band/574079205954563 Streaming Link: https://soundcloud.com/pinchakjim Twitter link: https://twitter.com/JimmyJPBand Contact Phone: Jersey Jim (818) 635-4814 Contact e-mail: jimmyjaxpinchakband@gmail.com Artist: Jimmy Jax Pinchak Band Album: "Make It Better" (8 songs total, 6 originals) Single: "There Is More" Release Date: February 2014 Genre: Blues-Rock Location: Los Angeles, CA Members: Jacob Delott, Lael Eccard, Nathan Leigh, Stan Nirenberg and Jimmy Jax Pinchak Credits: http://jimmyjaxpinchakband.com/cd-credits.html Label: Self Released Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/user/JimmyJaxPinchakBand Website Link: http://jimmyjaxpinchakband.com Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Jax-Pinchak-Band/574079205954563 Streaming Link: https://soundcloud.com/pinchakjim Dropbox Link mp3: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iqo41h2p2ms85nw/nQFlxrhlLS Contact Phone: Jersey Jim (818) 635-4814 Contact e-mail: jimmyjaxpinchakband@gmail.com

Song Review and Critique: "If I Should Die" by Rogizz @rogizz

I like the artist for his creativity and authentic style.  Rogizz has some gems all throughout his catalogue. Rogizz has a potential classic. I love the sound straight out of the gate. Rogizz has a veteran flow and an authentic delivery that brings you back to the early days of Rap City/ The Basement Freestyles. Confidence is the most prominent theme throughout the track. Fearless rhymes, just real g shit. The beat is a bit laid back with heavy strings and a sample chopped up in the center that gives you an old school feel. The features from Dubb,Tree, and Fatboi Fre$h rounded out the solid sound.  https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/ if-i-should-die-ft-dubb-tree [soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/ if-i-should-die-ft-dubb-tree[/soundcloud] "Think That I'm a Joke" is raw and uncut. Rogizz delivered on this track, you have to replay this one a few times. The replay factor is that hypnotic bassline and true life lyrics that brings out that IDGAF feel. If you have people that hate on you because you shine brighter, this is your theme song. https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/think-that-im-a-joke-feat [soundcloud] https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/think-that-im-a-joke-feat[/soundcloud] "Sign Me In" is one of the most creative tracks. If you are a fan of pussy tales on wax, RoGizz will supply you. RoGizz gives you Too $hort mixed with Uncle Luke, but with better lyrics. If you aren't saying "Sign Me In" by the end of the song, something is broken on your music tastemeter. https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/sign-me-in [soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/sign-me-in[/soundcloud] About the Music and The Artist:  RoGizz aka Black Blago "da Gov" promises to deliver the greatest edition to his mixtape catalog thus far. Tentatively titled, "Interview with a Skitzo 2: Perception Is Reality" (IWAS2), this project features a WHO's who of the NEWEST FrontRunners in the Hip-Hop Game: Vinny Cha$e, DUBB, Jose Guapo, TREE, Sean Falyon, Caleb James, St. Millie, Fatboi Fre$h and Big Hus. Production duties by SC, The Avengerz (YMCMB), Keyzz, DC, Chris Melrose, Toast-187 and Danny Rocktown. Songs mixed and engineered by DC. The first leak is "If I Should Die"...a verbal discourse of the perils from living life on da edge..sound-track designed by SC tha Great. The Struggle between Good vs. Evil, Virtue vs Vice, Love vs. Hate RETURNS... https://soundcloud.com/rogizz/if-i-should-die-ft-dubb-tree RoGizz Web: http://www.rogizz.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rogizz Youtube: http://youtube.com/rogizztv

"Born Ready" - @mohflowmusic Moh Flow : Mixtape

 

Story behind 'Born Ready': 

Against to what mainstream music sounds like today Moh Flow

wanted to revisit some classic HipHop

beats and revamp them to bring back that missing element

in today's music and give them a new school touch. 

facebook.com/mohflowmusic

http://www.twitter.com/mohflowmusic

Online Music Marketing with a Limited or No Budget for Artists

In today's world, you don't always need a major label to get a buzz, its all about doing a few things and being consistent in doing so. 1.) Drop links inside of forums, don't just go and leave a link to your music, but listen to someone elses music in return. 2.) Collaborating with new artists or producers whether its in your city or not. People remember names,thats why it is always good to get your name out there and work with different people you aren't accustomed to working with. 3.) Biggest one is be different, today as I look online, a lot of artists are doing the same thing, from FREE industry beat mixtapes, to free tagged beats in general. Why would anyone want to listen to a million remixes of the hottest song on the radio from an un-established artist? Thats the difference between a major artist doing a remix opposed to someone trying to get a buzz doing a remix. One other thing and I personally don't know where this comes from, but a lot of artists have a problem or feel they don't have to pay for beats. A lot of producers make it affordable for artists to buy beats some for 99 cents others sell beat specials like 5 for $20 and some artists still have problems doing that. I know you heard me say it time and time again as producers we didn't walk into guitar center asking for free merchandise, so why is it a lot of artists feel they don't have to pay for beats? I can't speak for other producers, but I will promote any artist that supports me, if you've seen my twitter or facebook time line or listen to my radio show then you know I'm not lying. 4. Last piece, get your own website and keep it fresh with content daily or weekly. Make your website a place fans can come to hang out and listen to music or see something interesting.