Charles Hamilton: The Pink Phoenix Saga...

So, for those of you that care to weigh in on the subject, Charles Hamilton is back...so to speak. The often criticized, well out-spoken Harlem rapper finally made a blog entry Wednesday, through the enigmatic, yet loved, Simone. Simone expressed that CH is indeed OK, contrary to growing popular belief. Many fans had begun speculating the worst for the hedgehog, even though no word of ill fate had come from in-house producer Woody or his partners in rhyme, Show TuFli and Yung Nate of the Demevolist group.

Does this mean This Perfect Life is still dropping? That topic was left in the wind, as the importance fell on assuring 'starchasers' that their beloved rapper was well and unharmed. Whatever the case may be, we're happy that the pink lavalamp still shines in a month where far too many have been lost. You can read the blog entry at http://charleshamilton.blogspot.com/

UPDATE: Rumor has it that CH was dropped from Interscope along with Jim Jones & Bow Wow. Now, the search for credible sources begins.

RIP to all our fallen.
Michael Jackson
Farrah Fawcett
Steve McNair
Ed McMahon
Dolla
Billy Mays

L.E.G.A.C.Y. - Suicide Music

North Carolina is not often looked at as a Mecca of Hip-hop, but unknown to most of the mainstream nation, the underground and independent scene breaths deep in Raleigh/Durham. Dark humored and powerful, rapper L.E.G.A.C.Y. is just one of the doors one could take down the Hall of Justus, codename for NC’s underdog collective The Justus League. On June 16th, the Legster dropped his sophomore effort, Suicide Music. The follow up to Project M.A.Y.H.E.M., a dark LP that borrowed heavily from cult classic, Fight Club, is more of the same you expect from Leg. That, of course, means more gritty beats, which are produced wholly by Away Team member, Khyrsis, and more dark lyrics. Unapologetic defines “Leggy McGee” as he declares if ‘M.A.Y.H.E.M. was too dark, you listen too lightly,’ during the album’s opener and he doesn’t break character at all during this 11-track endeavor.

The intro describes briefly how the album got it’s title, during which Leg says that HOJ founder Big Dho tells him he can’t break into mainstream because he makes Suicide Music. Immediately, the album kicks into 5th gear with the album’s title track. “Go for a ride, close your eyes,” is just one of the clever references made during the track relating to suicide. In fact, the song seems to be over far too soon which The Age (Fish) begins next. More political in it’s message, The Age deals more with tragic worldly issues. Congo drums and synths lace lyrics about the dangers of today’s society. Just as it starts to reach a fever pitch, the album’s biggest problem becomes apparent; many of the CD’s best tracks clock in at less than 3 minutes, barely giving the listener a chance to grasp the message in the music.

Bang, a title seemingly descriptive of Khrysis’ treatment of the instrumental portion of the track is a blueprint for every rapper’s “represent” track. The lyrics don’t impress as much here, but nonetheless make for wonderful rider music. Samples from the original Lethal Weapon makes for a good segue into 4 Cornered Room. Introspective and minimalist are the keywords here, as L.E.G.A.C.Y. reminisces on the uglier parts of his past and journey into the rap game. One of the few tracks that is timed perfectly, 4 Cornered Room is definitely a repeat play. Connector Man displays that there are still new ways to rhyme about the sale and purchase of drugs and women in this industry. Grunge influenced and movie-esque, Connector Man plays more the part of a skit with its emasculated length as it leads into TKO. Featuring appearances from HOJ mates Phonte, Chaundon and Sean Price, TKO is gem that stands out amongst an already great tracklist.

Policia, probably the albums most forgettable track, is still a step above the average radio-friendly tune. The lyrics allow an in-depth look into the oppressive nature of urban police presence, even if the hook is lacking majorly. A chorus sings eerily at the opening to The Greatest, questioning “Why wait? Kill yourself now.” Suicide Music closes with Fly So High and Looking Glass, which seem to fit together better as one song than separate entities. Suicide Music is the perfect example of how to make a proper sleeper album. The short track format works like a double edged sword, not giving listeners enough time to engage in each song before it’s over, but allowing for major replay power. While it will go mostly unnoticed by major music listeners, those in the know have an ill summer album on hand with L.E.G.A.C.Y.’s Suicide Music.

9/10

Drake - So Far Gone (Mixtape)

In 2001, Aubrey Graham was Jimmy Brooks, one of the many students attending television’s favorite Canadian high school, Degrassi. In 2004, Jimmy was confined to a wheelchair, having been shot in the back. In 2006, Jimmy became Drake, the suave, multi-talented entertainer who would soon be signed to Young Money Records and become wall candy for many a young girl’s bedroom.

So Far Gone, Drake’s mixtape/album affair is not just a random collection of scattered verses over popular beats. No, in fact, So Far Gone has just about as much depth as the TV show we first saw the rapper/singer/actor in. Playing more like a musical than an album, So Far Gone tells a story, and rarely deviates from its abstract format. The spacey instrumentation and smooth delivery of this 17-track deep vignette provide easy listening that most should be able to enjoy. Oh, and don’t worry fellas, you can play this around your old lady too.

So Far Gone opens with the minimalist, fairy-tale like song Lust For Life. While Lust plays more so the role of an introduction to the next track, it stands very well on its own. The phrase verbally descriptive doesn’t do Drake’s rhymes justice here. The rapper shows that he can certainly paint a picture with his lyrics. “It’s funny when you’re comin’ in first, but you hope that you last,” is just an example of the subtlety of the metaphors displayed throughout this song as well as the entire album. Lust For Life transitions into a song that’s become something of an internet single, Houstatlantavegas. The ballad about a stripper is not as vulgar as its description suggests. Melodic and passion filled, Houstatlantavegas allows Drake to stretch his vocal muscles more than most rappers, showing off his singing voice here predominantly. In fact, it’s when Drake stops singing, and starts rapping, that this song loses its flair. The balance of rapper/singer is much better on the next track, Successful, that features veteran rapper and vocalist Trey Songz, as well as a prerequisite verse from Lil’ Wayne. Although the song’s chorus parlays on money and women, Drake’s verses tell a story laden with sorrow and hardship. Hard times with his mother, the stress of being on the road for months at a time, and even failed attempts at love lace this track’s content. Wayne is mostly forgettable here.

Let’s Call It Off is a break up ballad that samples Swedish indie pop group, Peter Bjorn & John’s 2006 single of the same name. An apparent departure from the sounds presented thus far on the album, Let’s Call It Off still manages to not feel out of place when Drake lays his words over top of it. November 18th, which samples one of The Notorious B.I.G.’s most memorable lines, is easily one of the album’s smoothest tracks. Flipping between his regular rapping voice, a screwed up variation of it, and finally showcasing his higher-end vocal skills, it’s almost as if there’s three different acts tied to this production. Ignorant Sh*t, another song that steals the beat and title from a pre-existing song, feels like it was stuck in the middle of the album randomly to add more strictly rap tracks. While the verses from both Drake and label boss, Lil Wayne, are exceptionally delivered, it doesn’t save the fact that the song’s presence breaks the flow of the CD. Word to Vince Lombardi.

Returning to it’s slower programming, A Night Off will probably be the soundtrack to this generation’s coming baby boom. Sensual, seductive and unthreatening, it doesn’t hurt that Lloyd features here. Turning the emotional dial again, Say What’s Real is a song that fans have heard many times already. Nevertheless, it is a nice rendition of Kanye West’s Say You Will and worth a listen or two. Swedish vocalist Lykke Li provides the backing for “Little Bit,” a remixed ode to puppy love. The catchy tune isn’t heavy in lyrical presence but still makes the head nod. In May, Drake’s first single, Best I Ever Had, began garnering radio play. The ringtone happy song is both radio-friendly and pleasant to the subwoofers with it’s bassy sound. Other notable songs here include Uptown, a classic “rep your city”-type track that features Bun-B and, again, Lil’ Wayne, and Sooner Than Later, a heartfelt apology track. Drake truly does have a song for every occasion. Although many of the beats and song concepts are borrowed, So Far Gone stays consistently well paced and entertaining. Drake’s major label debut, Thank Me Later, is set to drop this winter, and while he has stated that it will differ from So Far Gone, Drake has still managed to set the table and build his fanbase for his entry into commercial urban music.

9/10

You can download So Far Gone here if you haven't already...