Post by dj on Dec 2, 2008 12:33:14 GMT -5
www.beetcafe.com/cdreviewsfeaturesdisplay.cfm?id=10071&c=1
Date: 09/15/2008
Major League Ent - Mixtape Volume I - Straight Out Tha Dugout
Independent © 2008
Reviewed by Gary Hill
gary@beetcafe.com
www.musicstreetjournal.com
Rating:
out of
If you’ve read some of the other hip hop articles I’ve done here at Beet Café, you’ll know that there is a thriving hip hop scene in the Rockford area that seems to be bigger than the size of the Forest City would warrant. Well, this group is technically not part of that scene because most of them hail from our bigger cousin Chicago. However, one member of the outfit (Chris Style) does reside right here in Rockford, and that means this one has a tie to the Rockford scene.
This CD is the first from the group and it rates pretty high. Beet Café’s “Beet” scale doesn’t include fractionals. If it did I’d probably put this along the four and a quarter to four and a half mark, but dealing with the system as it is, they rate “four beets’ in my opinion. There are only a couple negative points to the disc, so let’s get them out of the way right off the bat.
First off, I think that the second song on the disc, “48 Bars,” is the one clunker on the CD. It’s not that the rap is bad, but frankly, the music on the song is too stripped down and seriously bass heavy – to the point of being a bit hard to listen to. It actually seems to clip a bit from the overly low toned sounds. It’s a shame because it seems like it could be a strong song with a different arrangement.
The next negative is that the disc seems to run a bit long after a while. I guess this is a mixed one. If you are really in the groove and enjoying it, it’s probably a bonus, but if you are perhaps not as tuned in at the moment it just feels a bit tedious towards the end. It’s minor though, because other than the track listed in the last paragraph, there are no “bad” songs here.
Finally the packaging is a mixed bag. I love the CD cover. It’s got a great “classic” look to it and the tie in’s to baseball are great. The real issue, though is that (at least my copy) comes in a DVD sized case. That means that it’s a unique presentation. The downside, though, comes in the fact that it won’t be easy to store it with the rest of your CD’s. Perhaps they should have a couple different packagings for it and you could choose the one you want.
OK, now that we’ve gotten the downside out of the way, let’s look at what makes this CD great. There are a lot of strong raps. It’s not a one man show in that aspect either. We get to hear the rhymes in somewhat equal measure from each of the rappers. These guys are all quite good. I can hear some Dr. Dre on the flow at times, but there are other elements, as well.
Other than the song mentioned earlier, the music on the whole disc is quite strong. While there are few weak points, there are some serious highlights, though. “Money Right” has a great musical texture to it and some strong raps. I love the “string” section on “Before” and the chorus is very catchy. The string type sounds on “Movement” and the killer rap (and message) all lead to making it another standout. “Spaceship” is extremely catchy.
One track that might be ready to bring in some controversy is “In the Mind.” The song takes us on a look inside the head of some school shooter. I’m sure there are those out there who will accuse this song of “glorifying” violence – there is even a mention of NIU. The truth is, though, I hear it more as trying to shine a light on the type of thought process and emotional scars that lead to this type of violence. In truth, only by understanding what causes someone to do something like that can you work at the root issues to prevent further incidents of that nature.
If you are interested in checking out the group there are a number of myspace sites where the music is being played. I don’t think they have one central site, but each member of the group has their own. I’ve found that there seem to be links at the myspace sites to get the CD, but the links are all dead – they lead to a blank page. Two myspace sites are listed as sources for the disc, though – Stax (www.myspace.com/blazintraksproductions) and Chris Style (myspace.com/chrisstylemajorleague). Alternately they say that you can email Stax at blazintraks@yahoo.com or Style at 1stso0maj0r@gmail.com. It might be a little hard to get (well at least take a little work) but the disc is worth it. Although, it should be noted that (like much rap) if you have a problem with vulgar language or strong themes it would probably be best to pick up something else.
Post a Comment | (10) Comments
Comments
11/30/0002
Stax
thanks for taking the time to review our mixtape...just to let you know we do have cd sized packaging and all your points were well taken thanks again for the review and we will send you the next album for you to check out
11/30/0002
Kevin S
You can also get a copy from me. I'm in JHS in 7th Hour lunch.
11/30/0002
Dirk Matthews
Anybody in the Rockford area, or for that matter anywhere, that has not heard this CD, you have no idea what you are missing. If your into hip-hop be prepared to leave the rest of your cd's in the house cause this one isn't leaving your deck. I can't wait to hear what else this group of artist's come up with, I'm sure it will be sick though. One little side note about the article. It says that one member is out of Rockford, but to clearify and help put the Rock on the map. Stax who co-produced this cd and I beleive did the beats for almost all of the songs except for maybe one that the article praises is also from Rockford. Just to put it out there. In close if you ain't got, get it. E-mail blazintraks@yahoo.com for your copy of this cd. Putin the Rocktown on the map. Dirk
11/30/0002
Gary Hill
Thanks for the clarification's, guys. I was a little in the dark on a couple of points. Appreciated.
11/30/0002
Stax
just to clearify scottie pimpin did 7 beats on this mixtape just wanted to add that because he deserves his credit
11/30/0002
Killa Clint
Thanks for reviewing our CD and we will take all tha criticism highly, and use it as motivation 2 make our next one 10 times gretaer!!! But anybody who dnt got that CD needs 2 go cop that real talk, support tha League, cuz u go wish u did!!! Killa
11/30/0002
Brandi
The CD is very good! You guys should apply for a rami award... Here's the link: www.ramiawards.com/ Brandi
11/30/0002
cory
just to clearify Stax produced the album chris Style co-produced the album just to clearify what dirk matthews said thanks and i love the cd cant wait for the next album from these artist...the cd is well produced professional quaility beats are bangin and the lyrics are amazing i support the Major League to the fullest
11/30/0002
Scottie Pimpin
Thanks for the review on our mixtape and thank you Stax for clarifying that i am a part of this team, and yes i am born and raised in the Rock please believe it. Other than that i'm happy wit the review and anybody who doesn't have the mixtape please go get it, you do not know what you are missing out on. If you want a copy hit me up on the myspace, www.myspace.com/scottiepimpin815. SUPPORT THE MAJOR LEAGUE.
11/30/0002
anthony
What up Major League.....the mixtape is fire all 18 tracks i just let it play from start to finish....cant wait to hear what's next these guys are blowin up the rockford rap seen....but whats up wit the live shows? anyways mixtape is hot keep doin ya thang!!!!!
Date: 09/15/2008
Major League Ent - Mixtape Volume I - Straight Out Tha Dugout
Independent © 2008
Reviewed by Gary Hill
gary@beetcafe.com
www.musicstreetjournal.com
Rating:
out of
If you’ve read some of the other hip hop articles I’ve done here at Beet Café, you’ll know that there is a thriving hip hop scene in the Rockford area that seems to be bigger than the size of the Forest City would warrant. Well, this group is technically not part of that scene because most of them hail from our bigger cousin Chicago. However, one member of the outfit (Chris Style) does reside right here in Rockford, and that means this one has a tie to the Rockford scene.
This CD is the first from the group and it rates pretty high. Beet Café’s “Beet” scale doesn’t include fractionals. If it did I’d probably put this along the four and a quarter to four and a half mark, but dealing with the system as it is, they rate “four beets’ in my opinion. There are only a couple negative points to the disc, so let’s get them out of the way right off the bat.
First off, I think that the second song on the disc, “48 Bars,” is the one clunker on the CD. It’s not that the rap is bad, but frankly, the music on the song is too stripped down and seriously bass heavy – to the point of being a bit hard to listen to. It actually seems to clip a bit from the overly low toned sounds. It’s a shame because it seems like it could be a strong song with a different arrangement.
The next negative is that the disc seems to run a bit long after a while. I guess this is a mixed one. If you are really in the groove and enjoying it, it’s probably a bonus, but if you are perhaps not as tuned in at the moment it just feels a bit tedious towards the end. It’s minor though, because other than the track listed in the last paragraph, there are no “bad” songs here.
Finally the packaging is a mixed bag. I love the CD cover. It’s got a great “classic” look to it and the tie in’s to baseball are great. The real issue, though is that (at least my copy) comes in a DVD sized case. That means that it’s a unique presentation. The downside, though, comes in the fact that it won’t be easy to store it with the rest of your CD’s. Perhaps they should have a couple different packagings for it and you could choose the one you want.
OK, now that we’ve gotten the downside out of the way, let’s look at what makes this CD great. There are a lot of strong raps. It’s not a one man show in that aspect either. We get to hear the rhymes in somewhat equal measure from each of the rappers. These guys are all quite good. I can hear some Dr. Dre on the flow at times, but there are other elements, as well.
Other than the song mentioned earlier, the music on the whole disc is quite strong. While there are few weak points, there are some serious highlights, though. “Money Right” has a great musical texture to it and some strong raps. I love the “string” section on “Before” and the chorus is very catchy. The string type sounds on “Movement” and the killer rap (and message) all lead to making it another standout. “Spaceship” is extremely catchy.
One track that might be ready to bring in some controversy is “In the Mind.” The song takes us on a look inside the head of some school shooter. I’m sure there are those out there who will accuse this song of “glorifying” violence – there is even a mention of NIU. The truth is, though, I hear it more as trying to shine a light on the type of thought process and emotional scars that lead to this type of violence. In truth, only by understanding what causes someone to do something like that can you work at the root issues to prevent further incidents of that nature.
If you are interested in checking out the group there are a number of myspace sites where the music is being played. I don’t think they have one central site, but each member of the group has their own. I’ve found that there seem to be links at the myspace sites to get the CD, but the links are all dead – they lead to a blank page. Two myspace sites are listed as sources for the disc, though – Stax (www.myspace.com/blazintraksproductions) and Chris Style (myspace.com/chrisstylemajorleague). Alternately they say that you can email Stax at blazintraks@yahoo.com or Style at 1stso0maj0r@gmail.com. It might be a little hard to get (well at least take a little work) but the disc is worth it. Although, it should be noted that (like much rap) if you have a problem with vulgar language or strong themes it would probably be best to pick up something else.
Post a Comment | (10) Comments
Comments
11/30/0002
Stax
thanks for taking the time to review our mixtape...just to let you know we do have cd sized packaging and all your points were well taken thanks again for the review and we will send you the next album for you to check out
11/30/0002
Kevin S
You can also get a copy from me. I'm in JHS in 7th Hour lunch.
11/30/0002
Dirk Matthews
Anybody in the Rockford area, or for that matter anywhere, that has not heard this CD, you have no idea what you are missing. If your into hip-hop be prepared to leave the rest of your cd's in the house cause this one isn't leaving your deck. I can't wait to hear what else this group of artist's come up with, I'm sure it will be sick though. One little side note about the article. It says that one member is out of Rockford, but to clearify and help put the Rock on the map. Stax who co-produced this cd and I beleive did the beats for almost all of the songs except for maybe one that the article praises is also from Rockford. Just to put it out there. In close if you ain't got, get it. E-mail blazintraks@yahoo.com for your copy of this cd. Putin the Rocktown on the map. Dirk
11/30/0002
Gary Hill
Thanks for the clarification's, guys. I was a little in the dark on a couple of points. Appreciated.
11/30/0002
Stax
just to clearify scottie pimpin did 7 beats on this mixtape just wanted to add that because he deserves his credit
11/30/0002
Killa Clint
Thanks for reviewing our CD and we will take all tha criticism highly, and use it as motivation 2 make our next one 10 times gretaer!!! But anybody who dnt got that CD needs 2 go cop that real talk, support tha League, cuz u go wish u did!!! Killa
11/30/0002
Brandi
The CD is very good! You guys should apply for a rami award... Here's the link: www.ramiawards.com/ Brandi
11/30/0002
cory
just to clearify Stax produced the album chris Style co-produced the album just to clearify what dirk matthews said thanks and i love the cd cant wait for the next album from these artist...the cd is well produced professional quaility beats are bangin and the lyrics are amazing i support the Major League to the fullest
11/30/0002
Scottie Pimpin
Thanks for the review on our mixtape and thank you Stax for clarifying that i am a part of this team, and yes i am born and raised in the Rock please believe it. Other than that i'm happy wit the review and anybody who doesn't have the mixtape please go get it, you do not know what you are missing out on. If you want a copy hit me up on the myspace, www.myspace.com/scottiepimpin815. SUPPORT THE MAJOR LEAGUE.
11/30/0002
anthony
What up Major League.....the mixtape is fire all 18 tracks i just let it play from start to finish....cant wait to hear what's next these guys are blowin up the rockford rap seen....but whats up wit the live shows? anyways mixtape is hot keep doin ya thang!!!!!