Stalley "Reflection of Self: The Head Trip" Album Review

Stalley

“Reflection of Self: The Head Trip”

Album Review

By Bonds

@OneBond007

https://open.spotify.com/album/1qaH4ywpZPHtwyfOGVEmrp

And to bring in November, Stalley is back to bless us with his new album: Reflection Of Self: The Head Trip. The album is a smooth 32 minute -- nine track album of strictly hip-hop bars, beats/samples and inspiring monologues that don’t disappoint … all produced by Jansport J!

Stalley is back sporting a new look: a tatuaje en la cabeza (head tattoo), a new album, but still pushing out that same intelligent trunk music we’ve grown accustomed to hearing over the years. This album follows up his previous project, a three part series called “Tell The Truth Shame The Devil”. Fans of Stalley seem split between pre, during and post eras of his time with MMG (Maybach Music Group) and it shows between his last few projects. Whether you’re a fan of him on new age beats or soulful samples the fact remains that Stalley is still giving us his raw uncut version of his journey and it’s refreshing to see his growth in this industry as he’s moved independent. Now let's get to it!

I’ve let this album play on repeat for a few days now and it’s definitely one that’s going to age well as each time I find myself rewinding and playing back tracks to extract and dissect all the music and content that he’s jam packed in this project. Stalley out here really dropping gems in his rhymes so it’s only right to give that man his flowers he deserves. My favorite tracks right now are “Don’t Get Involved” and "Hold It Up". This just goes to show how he can compete with any heavyweight in the game when he’s throwing his punchlines. “You know the nameless types/ tigers without the stripes/ Can’t do the knowledge or think for self caught up in all the hype/ The way I pattern my moves is something different/ The way I cross over, usually creates the distance” The flow comes effortlessly and I think that's why I gravitate to it so much. I've never known Stalley to speak on something he doesn't believe in and even at his most vulnerable moments on tracks like "Hold It Up" he still maintains his honesty and consistency to let you know that he's still human. "Supreme wisdom, add knowledge, subtract nonsense cause that's the power of not knowing/ my head in the clouds, imagine me not growing"

"A MAIN"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp9Dsj2r-WY

Listening to this album it becomes evident why he named the album what he did. He speaks from experience and gives you full insight of his journey. No exaggerations, no amplifying details, no nonsense.  Just straight facts on how he views it … a reflection of self. You can see how comfortable he has come in this journey listening to “All So New”. He still displays a thirst for knowledge, but he’s developed a passion to pass that knowledge on as well. The vibe brings me back to 2Pac’s record “Starin’ Through My Rear view”. Where you get to a point in life you are able to view things from a different perspective and start to figure out answers for yourself.

“Life is a high cost, but can also end cheap/ Pass knowledge along, but also let friends speak”.

"ALL SO NEW"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwfCxOGlrpQ

In a society where we’re over exploited and obsessed with vanity and fake love, Stalley goes against the grain to let us know that it’s still okay to still be human, make bad decisions, learn and keep it growing. “Reflection of Self: The Head Trip” is a very well done produced album, but give it a listen for yourself and let me know how you feel about! As always, Stay Focused & Grind Hard and holla at me @ONEBOND007 https://twitter.com/onebond007.

Future "Save Me" Ablum Review

Future

“Save Me”

Album Review

By Bonds

@OneBond007

https://open.spotify.com/album/65hRa80KDworqyE8242rLN

Future recently dropped an album/ E.P. called “Save Me” last week and it’s been getting mixed feelings from fans all around, so like a calm evening with a low tide Ima do my best to clear up the waves and give you an honest review, but you should check it out for yourself and see what the hype is about.

So for the past week I've had this album on rotation making sure I carefully hear and digest every element of it so I can get the full experience I think Future intended. Let me give you a lil background leading up to the project.  “Save me” is the follow up E.P. to the recent album “The Wizrd” which was released in January of this year 2019. Much like “The Wizrd” this project is a vibe and most definitely riding music. Prior to the release of the project Future went to Instagram, but instead of flooding our timeline with a barrage of randumb promotion, he cleared his Instagram of all material in classic Future style and instead serenaded us with a strategic layout of posts that would suggest that he would be dropping soon…. AND THE DROP WAS HOT! Now let's get to it.

“Save me” is an easy listen that compiles of seven songs spanning about 20 minuets which makes it perfect for any occasion weather passing time or just something to vibe to. Future really went all out on giving us a vibe with this one as it’s blessed with some heavy hitting producers and songwriters, such as Eduardo Earle & Fuse (808 mafia), Noel Fisher, Seth Firkins, Dre Moon, Andre Proctor whose credentials combine an impressive list with the likes of; Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Young Thug, Ciara, Ray J, and Lil Wayne to name a few.

Now this is where I feel this project gives fans mixed feelings. If you’re looking for an album of seven straight club bangers (that we know Future is effortlessly capable of doing) this ain't it chief! 💢💢💢Spoiler Alert💢💢💢 (If you’re looking for the bangers start with 3. Please Tell Me and 5. Government Official.) Future is back up to his lavish gift giving ways on "Please Tell Me" and honestly this shit is hot . We all know his obsession with Chanel perfume and he doesn't hesitate to put it on display with this one letting us know if you play your cards right you too could receive that mysterious no. 9 👀. If you're complaining about the lack of bangers on this album then "Government Official" clearly picks up the slack and then some. You're not doing the song any justice if you aren't playing this at high volume. Do yourself a favor and go ahead and throw it on your next playlist. "Don't get the squirt squirt, on the shirt shit, be a fool" and this is why we f**k with Future. He recently dropped a visual for "Government Official" and much like "XanaX Damage" it has similar artistic vibe to it as well.

"GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tR2q-L_XZkE

Naw, Future really dug into his bag and maybe opened up emotionally more than ever with this project and that's coming from an artist who usually likes to keep his audience at bay, just enough to leave us wanting more. From the jump you could confuse this project as a cry for help starting with the intro “Xanax Damage” where he’s confessing his prior addictions and depression to someone who holds significance in his life, but he’s conflicted because those are the only times that he talks to this certain someone. Is this metaphorical? Who could it be?

"XANAX DAMAGE"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVl2m8h6a0

Going straight into the next track “St. Lucia” really gives you an insight of the rich shit that Future ventures into, but it’s not in the form of boasting. No, it’s much more deeper than that as the background vocals are laced with “Save Me” like he’s tired of this life but not ready to give it up. It makes me feel like he’s trapped in deep water looking for help and as soon as someone throws out a life jacket he looks at it and throws it back. By far my personal favorite… this week.

"ST. LUCIA"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbxGAtxfs14

All of the tracks are nicely constructed mixed and mastered and laced with complementary background vocals on top of smooth 808s and a spectrum of ambient sounds to set it off. You can tell that he put an emphasis more on layering his voice and analogies. This is on full display on the track “Shotgun” where he refers to a female performer he takes a particular interest in whose bag is so full of money it keeps raining out of her purse.

It’s no secret Future likes the finer things in life and partake in exuberant extracurricular activities outside of music.  This makes the track “Extra” that much more enjoyable as he lets you know just how much drip is obtainable.

Future closes out the E.P. with “Love Thy Enemies” and this may be the biggest indication of a cry for help. His choice of words are interesting and heavy with phrases like “I’ve been possessed” “How am I going to explain this to my children” and “I need angels”.

"LOVE THY ENEMIES"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkjgmkP4c9Q

Does he really want saved? Is he going to get help? Is he tired of this life? I believe these are all questions that he will address soon enough, but give it a listen for yourself and let me know how you feel about it in the comments. As always, Stay Focused & Grind Hard and holla at me at @ONEBOND007 https://twitter.com/onebond007.

Top 10 Rap Albums That Impacted Me Growing Up

This is my top 10 list of albums that had an influence on my music experience growing up. THIS IS NOT a top 10 list of my favorite albums by no means, that’s for a later discussion. This list basically signifies different stages in my life where rap and hip hop had exposed me to something different. I DID NOT include albums I listened to in my mid/ late teens because by then you’re already put on game on so many things. Just albums that changed my listening experience growing up young.

 

With that being said here we go in descending order...

10. Ma$e "Harlem World"

     ~ Hands down Puff and Ma$e had the most swag before it became a household phrase in upper suburban homes. Ma$e was the young'n of badboy and had flow. He even had brandy sprung at the time. http://youtu.be/oCdE_bl0q1g

9. Eminem "The Slim Shady LP"

     ~ Eminem hit the scene with a whole new crazy stupid wild style when I was growing up. Not to mention being white and co signed by Dr. Dre. His over the top overkill subject matter set him apart of other rappers a that time. http://youtu.be/Xbw_BxDwdjk

8. NAS "I Am..."

     ~ Nas and his grimy rhymes will get you for at least one album. For me, it just so happened to be "I am..." that put me on to him. I didn't catch his flow when he first came out, why? probably my age, but after hearing "Hate me now" and peeping he video of the whole crucifixion it was a done deal for me. http://youtu.be/dKSJN3WWR3E
7. Jay-Z "Vol. 2 Hard Knock Life"

     ~ What's a list without a Jigga man album. This was the first Hov album I listened to, Stole it from my sister and never gave it back, for good reason too. After the first listen it was evident he was gonna be that nigga for life. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x10ji2_jay-z-nigga-what-nigga-who_music

6. Kanye West "College Dropout"

     ~ "If this is your first time hearing this you are about to experience something so cold man". He was right this was straight dope and soulfully original that when I first heard it, it changed the way I listen to music. Not to mention the cameos by the late great Bearnnie Mac. http://youtu.be/uvb-1wjAtk4

5. Joe Budden "Joe Budden"

     ~ I know what yall are thinking. Joe Buddn? The pump pump pump pump it up guy?? Yes, that guy Joe Budden Mr. Pump it up and don't front that track was hot. But I probably bumped this album everyday for a year when I first got it. It was one of those albums that just clicked with me. If you get a chance check out the track 10 mins. In the meantime though>>> http://youtu.be/ySfwW_xSRU4
4. The Notorious B.I.G. "Life After Death"

     ~ Big came at an interesting time for me, I was too young to fully appreciate his art at the time, but listening to this album was something serious, it had the whole world jumping. Even today you can go into a club and hear at least one track from this album being played. Words cant describe the inspiration Big gave you. This album help me introduce me to a different side of rap baby baaabbbyyy! http://youtu.be/ktDeFS8KZPs

3. 2Pac "All Eyez on Me"

     ~ Like Big, I was still young at the height of his career, but if there was one thing you needed to know back then it was 2Pac songs. If you didn't know your Pac songs it was a sad day for you a school even elementary school. Pac single handily shaped the way I would act, walk, talk, speak after hearing this album. He had so much love and influence over a culture. http://youtu.be/BL6dWDfs5x8
2. Juvenile "400 Degreez"

     ~ So this was like a whole new rap to me and all my friends. This album was borrowed and bough by every person in the hood. This album was more than an album, it was a movement that if you were in the right age group you were able to experience it. This album got banged in my crib all year when it dropped in my headphones so my mom couldn't hear. I bumped this so hard I use to make multiple cassette tapes for my Walkman just in case I couldn't barrow a cd player from my friends. Being from the Midwest this opened the door to all types of music I was never exposed to. http://youtu.be/Ww9VlmXKYgs

1. Master P " Ghetto Dope"

 

     ~ So This album dropped when I was about in 5th grade! This was around the same time that Pac and Big had both passed and even though there were still a lo of artist in the game killing, I cant remember anything bigger than "Ghetto D". The most common phrase was "bout it bout it" you had to make sure you bout it bout it about anything or someone would pull your card. The hard hitting bass was stupid before that even meant a good thing. Straight classics up and down the track listing. They took over with the music they had, their clothing, and their jewelry. This was the album that had the biggest impact on me growing up considering culture, peers, and music. http://youtu.be/d5ZvzIOO6aU

Thanks for checking it out. Stay tuned in for more music reviews on the way! more Top 10 list on the way!

 

Kevin Gates "Stranger Than Fiction"

 

http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/22829/kevin-gates-stranger-than-fiction.html

 

 In case you've been under a rock since the turn of the new year Baton Rouge's own Kevin Gates drops another solid mixtape for us to rock to. He's recently gained attention from the the the hiphop audience with his last mixtape,"The Luca Brasi Story" that gained respectable reviews and exceeding 60,000 downloads (datpiff). He's arguably the hottest rapper from Louisiana since Lil Boosie, and there has been a bidding battle to sign him between Young Money and Atlantic Records with Atlantic edging out the competitors. He's been quoted of saying many different generes have had an influence on his music including listening to country, soft rock, reggaeton,  and even punk rock. After serving time for possession of a firearm and drugs  with prior felony convictions Kevin Gates picked the rap game up right where he left it and has big plans to be the first platinum artist out of Baton Rouge.


It's refreshing to hear someones uncut story stacked like legos articulately on top of heavy hitting 808 beats, and feel nothing but honesty through your speakers. Kevin Gates gives the kind of honesty through his music that you probably only share with the person you face in the mirror in a clandestine room with a locked door. With his raspy voice accompanied by his thick southern slang fits perfectly with the heavy drum patterns and looping melodies on the album. He shows just how versatile his style is with the merit most songs hold from his story telling to his fluent flow and delivery. He's quickly making a name for himself in the rap game holding down the boot state. His flow distinctly identifiable, but to paint a better picture he reminds me of his own version of Gorilla Zoe or the great Zero from Texas. No doubt he has talent and rarely exercises overly repetitive choruses and sparingly uses childish lullabies for an annoyingly amount of time. Nahhhhh...... Not Kevin Gates. This is the kind of music that you throw on in the morning while you do your daily routine and play at all kinds of type of obnoxious levels. This is the kind of music that you can let ride and look at your partner sideways if they dare put their finger on that next button. The only track that had a downside for me was "Patrick Swazy," which had an excessively tiresome simple chorus, but even with that lack of substance downer of a hook, he still makes up for in the word play of the verses. I expect that this mixtape will demand the attention of many listeners and shed light back on Louisiana rappers as artists.

With that being said on to the Ratings.


Flow: 4/5 His flow is distinct and brings something new and not just another recycled one we've been accustomed to hearing.

Lyrical Content: 3.5/5 This is probably the hardest to judge because he isn't a trap rapper, but wouldn't consider him strictly a conscious rapper either. Whatever you want to label him he does it well.

Consistency: 4/5 Yes, if your looking for consistency hear it is. Straight forward story telling from a first hand experience. The final couple tracks seem to go in a different direction though.

Subject: 3/5 The subject matter will get the lowest score because it doesn't open me up to anything new but his side of the story. Don't let that take away from mixtape though because for the theme of the album he hits the hammer on the head.

Beat/Music: 4/5 Maaannnn each track rides and helps bring out the most of the lyrics please show the tape the respect it deserves and play with the proper headphones or speakers that allow the bass to bang.

Score: 18.5/25

Favorite Tracks; 2. Get Em, 3. MYB, 4. White Tan, 5. 4:30am, 7. Strokin', 8. Thinking With My D, 14. Careful, 17. Angels

https://twitter.com/OneBond007

TeeFLii "Firewoks"

http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/23031/dj-mustard-teeflii-fireworks.html

Christian Jones better known for his stage name TeeFLii is a singer/ recoding artist out of the South Central Los Angeles area bringing a new risky, west coast luscious avenue to the R&B scene. He's teamed up with DJ Mustard again for another sexy boarder line raunchy album, that is sure to contribute to late night, after club specials. TeeFLii may be a newcomer to the R&B scene, but he's no stranger to the hiphop culture as he grew up dancing and being a part of the whole krump movement along side of Tommy the Clown and David LaChapelle. He has an impressive background including dancing with Chris Brown in his first three videos and along side of Omarion as well.

The mixtape is entitled "Fireworks" and that's exactly what this album brings; hard hitting west coast music with an explosive feature roster that includes west coast legends such as Dom Kennedy and E-40 for starters. Since the more recent decline of Ray J's Career, California has birthed another up and coming R&B star to take the crown. There's nothing forced on this mixtape and the message is clear with every song, sex, sex, sex, and more SEX. This album isn't for the innocent listeners as he dives in head first with the fist track "Better Know" to set the tone for this sexual roller coaster filled with vulgar turns, and openly acceptable lewd twists. This artist gives me a feeling of a cross between The Dream and Jeremih with his own distinct voice, but similar content and subject matter. The music and beats go hard, as it sounds like a blend of bass lines being lead by guitar and piano/key harmonies that can be played in the club or the after After party. Each track is as sexy as LisaRaye McCoy when she played Diamond in 'The Players Club" and as ratchet as her co-workers as well, at the same damn time. He also drops the name "Annie" throughout the whole mixtape, which is his way of calling a woman and alternate name like shorty, boo, lady etc... The mixtape is overall impressing and I will be having a few tracks on my play list while I chill out by the pool this summer to catch me a few Annies.

With that being said on to the Ratings.

Flow: 4/5 He has a distinct flow to his R&B that easily separates him from other artists.

Lyrical Content: 2/5 The content has a unique spin that he puts on it but still room for improvement.

Consistency: 5/5 Every track is consistent no doubt. SEX.

Subject: 2/5 This where the tape lacks at I would've never guessed he grew up singing gospel, so that should tell ya.

Beat/Music: 4/5 The beats ride from beginning to end and can be played in multiple settings just no variation.

Score: 17/25

 

 

Favorite Tracks: 1. Better Know, 2. So Good, 3. U Can Get It, 6. Neva Turn down, 8 Put It on U

 

 

https://twitter.com/OneBond007

PartyNextDoor "PartyNextDoor"

http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/22951/partynextdoor-partynextdoor.html

Never heard of this guy before, until he dropped a 10 track mixtape a few days before Independence Day. After doing brief research on him soon found out he is apart of the OVO movement with Drake and his crew. I found it surprising that I haven't heard of him and that he is directly connected with arguably the hottest artists out right now. Inevitably being associated with Drake automatically puts some type of unprecedented expectation in every ones mind. So going into this mixtape I tried to give him the fair listen without pre judging or comparing him (still knowing that hes associated with Drake).

Right off the bat like Barry Bond's 756th Home run I cant' help but notice the striking similarities that I hear between The Weekend and himself, so I can already predict what the rest of the tape might feel like and what I should expect. The mixtape is layered with deep soothing bass lines accompanied by synth horns and trumpets as leads and add ons to contribute to the feel good music vibe I get. The beats sound simple, but strategic the way they blend with the high and low filter effects that are popular in Drake and The Weekends music. With the music being similar if not identical to his crew it doesn't help that his style seems to be of a R&B singer that resembles The Weekend, but none the less still decent enough to keep me listening. His music doesn't give me the sense of the more traditional R&B singers like R. Kelly, Usher, and Trey Songz, but Its more vibe R&B with lyrics you can relate to woven throughout the beat. The kind music that you find yourself pre gaming and getting ready to before you go out, the kind of music that if you cant find anything to play at the party, you can never go wrong having it on your play list. I find it relaxing to vibe to, because its not meshed with overriding fractions of half stepped hi hat leads followed by identical hard kick breakdowns. It gives you the chance to enjoy all instruments and vocals and appreciate the quality of the music. Most of the tape subject matter is directed towards more everyday situations (relationships, partying, chilling with friends, etc..) something that you can't argue with and can relate to, so that's definitely a good move to connect with the audience.

With that being said on to the Ratings.

Flow: 3/5 He rides each beat with the blend of singing and rhyming. Could stand to find away to separate from sounding too similar to others in his camp though.

Lyrical Content: 2/5 The content sounds similar from beginning to end and doesn't stray too far off from the party scene the music gives you. (When in doubt throw Drake on the track).

Consistency: 3/5 He stays consistent through the whole tape. No curve balls all vibe music.

Subject: 3/5 All lot is about the party scene and talking about situation with girls. Would like to see him expand more on subject, but he makes it work still.

Beat/Music: 4/5 The music is probably the best party of the tape. From start to finish if nothing else does it for ya, he'll have your head nodding to beat.

Score: 15/25

Favorite Tracks; 2. Wild Bitches, 9. Over Here, 10. Ballin
https://twitter.com/OneBond007

Joey Bada$$ "Summer Knights"

 

This mixtape is a step out of the popular hard hitting, electro, 808 bass, and a step back into the uncut, raw, Brooklyn rap. At first listen you recognize instantly that this mixtape isn't that of the typical dumb down, lullaby, repetitive chorus filled anthems that we've come accustomed to "turning up" to. Joey BadA$$ mixtape takes you back to early Brooklyn New York rap where substance is more important than catchy hooks. It gives you that "Crooklyn" flow all over again reminding you of the times when it wasn't required to wake up in a new Bugatti to enjoy the unique rhythm of the vinyl scratch laced with raw fumbling lyrics. Joey BadA$$ gives me the feeling of past great upstate Emcees such as Rakim, Big L, Busta Rhymes, Wu-Tang Clan, etc....

This is my first time listening to Joey BadA$$ as a whole project and overall I wasn't let down. Although, I was expecting him to be more lyrical because of surrounding hype, I was still impressed by his substance to match his raspy straight forward delivery. After only a few tracks I found myself forgetting that he is only 18 by the subject matter that he touches on giving a feeling of stepping out of the normal and back into the natural. The mixtape isn't overly filled with famous features, He holds his own on this project. Another thing that impressed me was the production and mixdown of the entire project. Each track complements the next and doesn't compete with the next to win the attention of your ears. His ad libs are used sparingly if any, which is a relief given the overly used and exaggerated ad libs that control club anthems. "Summer Knights" has an impressive list of beat makers/producers as well. Topping the list the more notable names; Kirk Knight, Lee Bannon, Alchemist, and not to mention the great DJ Premier.

With that being said on to the Ratings.

Flow: 4/5 He rides the beat well. Sounds forced on some tracks, but overall smooth

Lyrical Content: 3.5/5 Each track gives you something new he expresses. With years vocab will improve. Impressed nonetheless

Consistency: 4/5 You know what your getting with each track lyrics and beats. There are no surprises after listening to the first few tracks it sets the tone for the rest.

Subject: 4/5 I praise him for not talking about money, hoes, or drugs. Especially at his age growing up in the game now.

Beat/Music: 3/5 I love the that he kept it straight Brooklyn, but at times it can be too much at one time. Not much variety, but it doesn't take away from the mixtape, Just similar feeling for most tracks.

Score: 18.5/25

Favorite Tracks; 10. Trap door, 11. Satellite, 12. 95 Til' Infinity, 14. Reign, 17. Unorthodox

Twitter: @Onebond007