For awhile, I was trying to figure out what I would do with this section of the site. Instead of showcasing all of the weekly reviews over on RapReviews [link], I’ll just highlight mine every couple weeks or so. They’ll only be in snippet form, since my new agreement prohibits me from posting full length reviews of new releases. I will still continue to post my Back To The Lab reviews in their entirety. This entry will be a bit longer that future ones since I’m going to go back a few months.

December:

Blee :: The Black Lion Chronicles Chapter 2: Respect Your Legacy :: Cross Seas Entertainment
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

“The press release included with this album addressed my initial question of “Who the hell is Blee?” As it turns out, Blee is actually an acronym for Black Lion of Eternal Excellence. The name was bestowed upon him by his father and it has stuck with him. He’s lived in a few places that range from the Caribbean to Canada to the UK, and as a result, Blee’s music is a mixture of Caribbean swagger, the passion of the American hustle, and a slight touch of the British die-hard attitude…or at least that’s what the press kit says.”

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_blacklionchapter2.html

Kottonmouth Kings :: Hidden Stash 420 :: Suburban Noize Records
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

“For over ten years, the Kottonmouth Kings have been ignored by most mainstream media outlets while continuing to release album after album. In the process, their fan base has continued to flourish and grow, much like the pot and mushrooms they openly indulging in. A common belief is that marijuana usage expands the mind and allows for more creativity. With the Kings, I’ll take that as the truth due to the fact that it has been quite a while since the Kings released an album that didn’t have at least twenty tracks on it. Just a year after the release of “The Green Album”, the Kings return with the fourth installment of their popular “Hidden Stash” compilations. This particular joint (pun intended) consists of forty tracks, split between two discs, and features guest appearances from the likes of Tech N9ne, X-Clan and Potluck.”

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12_hiddenstash420.html

BeatMonstas :: Bomb ‘Til We Hit ‘Em
BeatMonstas Entertainment
Author: Emanuel Wallace

“The Chicago-based act joined forces in 2003 and released their first album, “The 3rd Weapon” in 2005. The reviewer of that album made it a point to mention that the BeatMonstas are at their best when diving head first into the murky waters of social and political issues. Upon reading that and the press mailer that pointed out the fact that most of their latest album, “Bomb ‘Til We Hit ‘Em, was recorded during the later years of the Bush Administration, made me think that every song was going to be a “Fuck George Bush” rally cry. To my surprise, they really aren’t.”

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_12F_bombtilwehitem.html

November:

iLL-Literacy :: iB4the1.1 :: digit.ILL.funk
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

“A couple of weeks ago, I thought I had received an extremely oversized packet of tropical punch flavored Kool-Aid. Even more weird was the fact that I had actually purchased the traditional sized packet earlier in the day. However, to my surprise (and slight disappointment), it was the first release from Oakland trio, iLL-Literacy. The group consists of Dahlak, Drizzletron and N.I.C., and seems to draw influences from any and everything, ranging from afrobeat to X-Men. The self-proclaimed Ritalin babies have decided to release their album in three separate chapters, for the benefit of any others like themselves who lack the ability to sit still long enough to listen to an entire release at one time.”

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_11_ib411.html

50 Cent :: Before I Self Destruct :: G-Unit/Shady/Interscope
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

“Everyone knows that Curtis Jackson handles the business side of things. He does shows like “Power Lunch” on CNBC, he co-authors books with authors like Robert Greene, he makes investments with unknown companies that in turn, pay off big, However 50 Cent is the gun toting, crime committing ignorant bastard that will start a beef with anyone and in some cases, destroys careers. 50 is also the one responsible for 2003′s “Get Rich Or Die Trying”, the breakout album that was the perfect combination of beats, hardcore rhymes and the often-overlooked element of success…timing.”

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_11_beforeiselfdestruct.html

Swollen Members :: Armed to the Teeth :: Suburban Noize Records
as reviewed by Emanuel Wallace

“I suppose it is apropos as such because the group Swollen Members is no joke. They’ve been on the scene for over a decade, their first studio album, “Balance” was released in 1999. From that point on, SM established themselves as one of Canada’s premier hip-hop acts. With all of that exposure, you would think that I have heard more of their material, but just like the reviewer of their last effort, “Black Magic”, my familiarity was minimal at best. I knew the name, but that was about all. Between the three years that have passed, the crew has persevered Mad Child’s drug addiction, the collapse of their former label, and a handful of legal problems.”

http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2009_11_armedtotheteeth.html

Older posts have already been  listed here in my previous (W)rap Up posts, but from now on this will be the format that I use. Feel free to check out the reviews and subscribe to the RapReviews newsfeed [link] to stay up to date!