Hitt of McM

The Summer EP is the fourth studio release from Producer/Writer/Engineer HittofMCM comprised of seven carefully crafted tracks featuring selectively chosen artists intended to exhibit Hitt’s first rate talent as a producer and engineer. On it (The Summer EP) Hitt lets loose his ever evolving lyrical prowess along with the likes of powerhouse indie artists B-Brixx, Franchise of The Come Up, Chicken of P.O.P, Scoot of Wonder Hitz, Young Roe and Yung Bru; all emcees worth their weight in platinum. The Summer EP is being offered to the public via free download on SummerEP.com less than six months after the sound wave redefining DATA RECOVERY.

Why another project release so soon after a YouTube and Download sensation like DATA RECOVERY? Simple…Hitt’s well of creative genius knows no pause and no bounds. Neither haste nor waste are ever a matter of concern for Hitt as each project is carefully planned and executed with precision and intent. Quality only improves at each play, shuffle, repeat. So…open browser, go to url www.TheSummerEP.com download, upload to your favorite media device and…play…shuffle…repeat. - See more at: http://premierehiphop.com/2012/08/02/hittofmcm-the-summer-ep/#sthash.DbASCBRX.dpuf - Premiere HipHop

The Summer EP is the fourth studio release from Producer/Writer/Engineer HittofMCM comprised of seven carefully crafted tracks featuring selectively chosen artists intended to exhibit Hitt’s first rate talent as a producer and engineer. On it (The Summer EP) Hitt lets loose his ever evolving lyrical prowess along with the likes of powerhouse indie artists B-Brixx, Franchise of The Come Up, Chicken of P.O.P, Scoot of Wonder Hitz, Young Roe and Yung Bru; all emcees worth their weight in platinum. The Summer EP is being offered to the public via free download on SummerEP.com less than six months after the sound wave redefining DATA RECOVERY.

Why another project release so soon after a YouTube and Download sensation like DATA RECOVERY? Simple…Hitt’s well of creative genius knows no pause and no bounds. Neither haste nor waste are ever a matter of concern for Hitt as each project is carefully planned and executed with precision and intent. Quality only improves at each play, shuffle, repeat. So…open browser, go to url www.TheSummerEP.com download, upload to your favorite media device and…play…shuffle…repeat. - See more at: http://premierehiphop.com/2012/08/02/hittofmcm-the-summer-ep/#sthash.DbASCBRX.dpuf - Premiere HipHop

About to release his Summer EP, nicely title, the Summer EP and available at where else but www.TheSummerEp.com, we got a chance to catch up with the very busy,

Hitt of MCM. Hitt isn’t your normal spit 16 bar rapper. He is a studio engineer and a very dope producer. His bar game is steady and his song writing pretty cool as well

as evident on his new single, Ice Cream Road. Peep the questions and download the single!

1. What is up with Hitt right now?
Hitt is ALWAYS busy and doing something. With of course The Summer EP up on the horizon, I am also over seeing the next phase of IMSOBURGH.COM, building up MCM Studios and the MCM brand and also trying to just balance both personal and business for a smooth outcome.

2. You are listed as a producer, writer, and engineer, which one of those is your favorite craft?
I would have to kinda cheat and say producer, only because I know writing and engineering can fall under the producers tasks.

3. As a producer, do you use an MPC, a DAW, both or something else?
This is something I have to make clear, as a producer I work the feeling of the record, as the beat maker I use anything that helps convey the emotion of the record. On The Summer EP alone i have used the MPC, hardware synths, plug-ins and live instruments, but the one thing that never changes in all of that is the use of Pro Tools. No matter what I do, as long as my platter is pro tools, the actual dish will be satisfying.

4. The Summer EP is getting some buzz, can you tell us about it?
So The Summer EP is really the direction of my individual sound. I do a lot of work with artists at MCM Studios in Pittsburgh helping them craft records and really bring out there sound, but on here I wanted to really give a piece of myself personally while matching it musically.

5. Can you tell us about MCM?
MCM stands for Middle Class Millionaire, it is the umbrella to everything that falls underneath it. We established back in 2008 with our first product the IM SO BURGH shirt. From there I had a single for it and did small touring. The next was MCM Studios, a popular local studio in Pittsburgh gaining some speed, that also of course under the MCM tree. The Summer EP will be another product of that family. You can find out a lot more at MiddleClassMillionaire.com

6. Switching gears to the NBA, do you have an all time favorite NBA player?
Ya know, getting to see him really come into himself long before the shoe was popular, I would have to say Jordan. I know it seems cliche, but the man was the best at what he did, the same as I aim for every day.

7. Do you have an all time favorite sneaker?
The Air Force 1, The one and Only

8. What can the people expect from you at a live show?
My live show is usually a complete release of built up energy. I am more a studio rat lately and my stage has become the actual project you receive due to the many hats worn through out. I do look forward to now adding shows back into my agenda. If only I could make more of myself! lol

9. When can we see you on tour?
That is still up for debate, but don’t erase it from the picture. With the new age of music, We would like to build a strong relationship online and really get steam behind this next outing.

10. Do you have any last shout outs or links you would like to share?
First off, Thank YOU for having me here, this was a great interview. I also want to Thank all of Middle Class Millionaire, my team, my lifeline for the work they do. All the MCM Fans who understand the deeper meaning behind all of it. Follow me on Twitter @HITTofMCM and especially Instagram @HITTofMCM (my new favorite hang out) and be sure to go to www.MiddleClassMillionaire.com to see all the stuff I spoke about in this interview and so much more. - Hot16'sand1

About to release his Summer EP, nicely title, the Summer EP and available at where else but www.TheSummerEp.com, we got a chance to catch up with the very busy,

Hitt of MCM. Hitt isn’t your normal spit 16 bar rapper. He is a studio engineer and a very dope producer. His bar game is steady and his song writing pretty cool as well

as evident on his new single, Ice Cream Road. Peep the questions and download the single!

1. What is up with Hitt right now?
Hitt is ALWAYS busy and doing something. With of course The Summer EP up on the horizon, I am also over seeing the next phase of IMSOBURGH.COM, building up MCM Studios and the MCM brand and also trying to just balance both personal and business for a smooth outcome.

2. You are listed as a producer, writer, and engineer, which one of those is your favorite craft?
I would have to kinda cheat and say producer, only because I know writing and engineering can fall under the producers tasks.

3. As a producer, do you use an MPC, a DAW, both or something else?
This is something I have to make clear, as a producer I work the feeling of the record, as the beat maker I use anything that helps convey the emotion of the record. On The Summer EP alone i have used the MPC, hardware synths, plug-ins and live instruments, but the one thing that never changes in all of that is the use of Pro Tools. No matter what I do, as long as my platter is pro tools, the actual dish will be satisfying.

4. The Summer EP is getting some buzz, can you tell us about it?
So The Summer EP is really the direction of my individual sound. I do a lot of work with artists at MCM Studios in Pittsburgh helping them craft records and really bring out there sound, but on here I wanted to really give a piece of myself personally while matching it musically.

5. Can you tell us about MCM?
MCM stands for Middle Class Millionaire, it is the umbrella to everything that falls underneath it. We established back in 2008 with our first product the IM SO BURGH shirt. From there I had a single for it and did small touring. The next was MCM Studios, a popular local studio in Pittsburgh gaining some speed, that also of course under the MCM tree. The Summer EP will be another product of that family. You can find out a lot more at MiddleClassMillionaire.com

6. Switching gears to the NBA, do you have an all time favorite NBA player?
Ya know, getting to see him really come into himself long before the shoe was popular, I would have to say Jordan. I know it seems cliche, but the man was the best at what he did, the same as I aim for every day.

7. Do you have an all time favorite sneaker?
The Air Force 1, The one and Only

8. What can the people expect from you at a live show?
My live show is usually a complete release of built up energy. I am more a studio rat lately and my stage has become the actual project you receive due to the many hats worn through out. I do look forward to now adding shows back into my agenda. If only I could make more of myself! lol

9. When can we see you on tour?
That is still up for debate, but don’t erase it from the picture. With the new age of music, We would like to build a strong relationship online and really get steam behind this next outing.

10. Do you have any last shout outs or links you would like to share?
First off, Thank YOU for having me here, this was a great interview. I also want to Thank all of Middle Class Millionaire, my team, my lifeline for the work they do. All the MCM Fans who understand the deeper meaning behind all of it. Follow me on Twitter @HITTofMCM and especially Instagram @HITTofMCM (my new favorite hang out) and be sure to go to www.MiddleClassMillionaire.com to see all the stuff I spoke about in this interview and so much more. - Hot16'sand1

One of the biggest, most frequent and most legitimate criticisms of hip hop is the specialization of people involved in creating the music. More often than not, if you're a rapper, you're only a rapper. Likewise, if you're a producer, you're only a producer. This creates potential for a glaring lack of artistry and musical cohesiveness between the vocals on a song and its underlying instrumental. Very rarely do individuals emerge who can successfully piece together an album from scratch entirely on their own, and when it does happen, these artists are usually hailed as greats of their time and are credited with not only being a hip hop artist, but a talented musician overall (see Kanye West, J. Cole, and Big K.R.I.T. for recent notables).

Enter Hitt of Middle Class Millionaire (MCM) and his third studio album, Data Recovery. Not only is Hitt responsible for the majority of the vocals on Data Recovery, but he also took the reigns for writing, recording, producing and engineering the entire album. A man who wears many hats (literally and figuratively), it's clear after seeing Hitt work in the studio on other artists' songs that he has the ear and talent to create some quality music on the spot. But can he use his gifts to bring the world a standout project of his own?

Data Recovery is unique for many reasons, most notably because it comes with a miniseries of three videos that is a must-watch in order to understand the album's message. But Data Recovery also includes an array of different sounds and production styles that will suit just about any listener, which serves as the perfect testament to Hitt's skill set on the production boards. Songs such as the eerie "Feeling," Southern-influenced "I'm Straight," dark "Bad Man" and reflective "Loud" all appeal to different ears, yet each seems well within Hitt's creative comfort range. Additionally, each featuring artist served as a compliment to the track they appear on, the prime example of which can be found in Hubbs' cameo on the motivational "No Turnin' Back."

However, Hitt's comfort range seems to get considerably smaller once he gets behind the mic. As a writer, the majority of Hitt's verses are tight, intricate and to-the-point, but as a rapper, he struggles when his production calls for more varied delivery. Though his hooks are catchy and simple, they also walk the dangerous line of sounding too similar and repetitive. His flow seems rigid and forced at times, a minor flaw that is unfortunately highlighted by some exceptional features, and it's only when he rides more free-flowing tracks ("Just Chill") that he finds his feet and can share his wisdom, such as on the highlight "Empire" where he raps: "Now everyday I take a look at what the hard work brought / I'm referring to my network, not just only things I bought."

To evaluate Data Recovery as a rapper's album would be doing it an injustice. On the other hand, to treat it as a producer's album would be inflated praise. The only way to digest this project is to treat it as an entire body of work by one man, which is an impressive accomplishment in itself. Listeners can give some slack to Hitt's vocal shortcomings due partly to the fact that they are carried by excellent features and partly to the amount of quality he put in other areas. That is not to say that listeners aren't within their rights to expect improvements, but where Hitt falters as a rapper, he more than makes up for it as a producer, writer and engineer. Where other rappers falter as rappers, they generally don't have that saving grace. - Examiner

One of the biggest, most frequent and most legitimate criticisms of hip hop is the specialization of people involved in creating the music. More often than not, if you're a rapper, you're only a rapper. Likewise, if you're a producer, you're only a producer. This creates potential for a glaring lack of artistry and musical cohesiveness between the vocals on a song and its underlying instrumental. Very rarely do individuals emerge who can successfully piece together an album from scratch entirely on their own, and when it does happen, these artists are usually hailed as greats of their time and are credited with not only being a hip hop artist, but a talented musician overall (see Kanye West, J. Cole, and Big K.R.I.T. for recent notables).

Enter Hitt of Middle Class Millionaire (MCM) and his third studio album, Data Recovery. Not only is Hitt responsible for the majority of the vocals on Data Recovery, but he also took the reigns for writing, recording, producing and engineering the entire album. A man who wears many hats (literally and figuratively), it's clear after seeing Hitt work in the studio on other artists' songs that he has the ear and talent to create some quality music on the spot. But can he use his gifts to bring the world a standout project of his own?

Data Recovery is unique for many reasons, most notably because it comes with a miniseries of three videos that is a must-watch in order to understand the album's message. But Data Recovery also includes an array of different sounds and production styles that will suit just about any listener, which serves as the perfect testament to Hitt's skill set on the production boards. Songs such as the eerie "Feeling," Southern-influenced "I'm Straight," dark "Bad Man" and reflective "Loud" all appeal to different ears, yet each seems well within Hitt's creative comfort range. Additionally, each featuring artist served as a compliment to the track they appear on, the prime example of which can be found in Hubbs' cameo on the motivational "No Turnin' Back."

However, Hitt's comfort range seems to get considerably smaller once he gets behind the mic. As a writer, the majority of Hitt's verses are tight, intricate and to-the-point, but as a rapper, he struggles when his production calls for more varied delivery. Though his hooks are catchy and simple, they also walk the dangerous line of sounding too similar and repetitive. His flow seems rigid and forced at times, a minor flaw that is unfortunately highlighted by some exceptional features, and it's only when he rides more free-flowing tracks ("Just Chill") that he finds his feet and can share his wisdom, such as on the highlight "Empire" where he raps: "Now everyday I take a look at what the hard work brought / I'm referring to my network, not just only things I bought."

To evaluate Data Recovery as a rapper's album would be doing it an injustice. On the other hand, to treat it as a producer's album would be inflated praise. The only way to digest this project is to treat it as an entire body of work by one man, which is an impressive accomplishment in itself. Listeners can give some slack to Hitt's vocal shortcomings due partly to the fact that they are carried by excellent features and partly to the amount of quality he put in other areas. That is not to say that listeners aren't within their rights to expect improvements, but where Hitt falters as a rapper, he more than makes up for it as a producer, writer and engineer. Where other rappers falter as rappers, they generally don't have that saving grace. - Examiner

What is IM SO BURGH ?
Me and my friends always talk about this. I woke up one morning about 8:30am, and was listening to some music in 2007 going into 2008. I was trying to draw inspiration for a song I thought would respectfully represent Pittsburgh while also expressing my view and opinion. I created the song “IM SO BURGH” and from that came the IM SO BURGH shirt. I wanted the shirt to be high enough quality and have enough of its own character that it could stand alone even without the song, reason being I knew at some point, when it had became successful enough, we would associate it with positive events in the community and for the city. You can find out a lot more at www.IMSOBURGH.com. We are based in Pittsburgh, PA and available WorldWide.

[BMW]
How’d you begin? What sparked the interest in designing?
I created a song called “IM SO BURGH” in 2007 (Available on iTunes “Plug-Plug”) and from there came the IM SO BURGH shirt.

[BMW]
From where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I like clothing that catches your eye and makes a statement.

[BMW]
Is your line for everyone? What products do you carry?
It’s for everyone who is from or loves Pittsburgh. We have people who buy babies tees and we have granddaughters who buy themselves one, AND one for their grandfather. We have many different colors of IM SO BURGH shirts dependent on your specific interest in Pittsburgh events.

[BMW]
Any plans for expanding the line? If so what will be added?
Our line expands with the time and happenings of Pittsburgh. Right now we are expanding in different ways. We recently sponsored Kids Little League Baseball to play the season and currently looking for more positive events that will have a long lasting ripple to be involved in. We want to show our character, and in turn, they will see the true intentions behind the shirt. Its bigger than a tee.

[BMW]
Is your line available anywhere in any stores? If so where?
No, we are strictly online based at IMSOBURGH.COM. We hand make every shirt and personally check and ship every shirt to every new member of the “IM SO BURGH” “CLUB”

[BMW]
What separates you from the other clothing lines? How is IM SO BURGH unique?
Here is something else….I wouldn’t say this is a CLOTHING LINE, but more of a CLUB. Our exclusivity is what ensures our consistent growth because our members are a part of something bigger. We give back to the community and city and how we conduct business as individuals inside the Middle Class Millionaire structure that, promotes and encourages a certain level of integrity and respect and it shows in our day to day actions and through our product. Look, nothing is new under the sun, it’s the PEOPLE themselves that paint the unique picture.
Trend Setter Tuesday IM SO BURGH
[BMW]
It seems as though the Music and Fashion industries go hand and hand. We see plenty of recording artists release clothing lines and many brands using artists to promote their product. Is this something you are looking to do?
We are open to many options.

[BMW]
Do you think technology has had an effect on the fashion industry? If so what?
Of course! Technology has had a effect on EVERYTHING. The ACCESS people have to knowledge and products and assistance holds true for everything including fashion.

[BMW]
Beyond the obvious goal of gaining financially, what is the biggest goal for your line this year? What about long-term?
Let me tell you…I always say money is a by product of what you are doing as long as its what you love doing or something you stand for. But our goal is to continue to grow and stay with our long time members and as there family grows, so will the IM SO BURGH family. Our long term goal is for this shirt to have the same impact on Pittsburgh as a WHOLE, as the Terrible Towel did for Steelers football.

[BMW]
Is there any piece of clothing that you’re excited for the world to see?
We have a LOT of exciting new products at Middle Class Millionaire, but you will just have to wait to see.

[BMW]
Every line has a signature piece Polo & Nautica’s bread and butter has been their 2 button short sleeve oxford shirt. What do you believe yours will be?
It is and ALWAYS will be the BLACK or WHITE IM SO BURGH shirt. Members who own them often get themselves a new one every 3 moths.

[BMW]
More than anything else how do you want the line to be remembered?
As a quality product from Middle Class Millionaire - BrainofBMW

What is IM SO BURGH ?
Me and my friends always talk about this. I woke up one morning about 8:30am, and was listening to some music in 2007 going into 2008. I was trying to draw inspiration for a song I thought would respectfully represent Pittsburgh while also expressing my view and opinion. I created the song “IM SO BURGH” and from that came the IM SO BURGH shirt. I wanted the shirt to be high enough quality and have enough of its own character that it could stand alone even without the song, reason being I knew at some point, when it had became successful enough, we would associate it with positive events in the community and for the city. You can find out a lot more at www.IMSOBURGH.com. We are based in Pittsburgh, PA and available WorldWide.

[BMW]
How’d you begin? What sparked the interest in designing?
I created a song called “IM SO BURGH” in 2007 (Available on iTunes “Plug-Plug”) and from there came the IM SO BURGH shirt.

[BMW]
From where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I like clothing that catches your eye and makes a statement.

[BMW]
Is your line for everyone? What products do you carry?
It’s for everyone who is from or loves Pittsburgh. We have people who buy babies tees and we have granddaughters who buy themselves one, AND one for their grandfather. We have many different colors of IM SO BURGH shirts dependent on your specific interest in Pittsburgh events.

[BMW]
Any plans for expanding the line? If so what will be added?
Our line expands with the time and happenings of Pittsburgh. Right now we are expanding in different ways. We recently sponsored Kids Little League Baseball to play the season and currently looking for more positive events that will have a long lasting ripple to be involved in. We want to show our character, and in turn, they will see the true intentions behind the shirt. Its bigger than a tee.

[BMW]
Is your line available anywhere in any stores? If so where?
No, we are strictly online based at IMSOBURGH.COM. We hand make every shirt and personally check and ship every shirt to every new member of the “IM SO BURGH” “CLUB”

[BMW]
What separates you from the other clothing lines? How is IM SO BURGH unique?
Here is something else….I wouldn’t say this is a CLOTHING LINE, but more of a CLUB. Our exclusivity is what ensures our consistent growth because our members are a part of something bigger. We give back to the community and city and how we conduct business as individuals inside the Middle Class Millionaire structure that, promotes and encourages a certain level of integrity and respect and it shows in our day to day actions and through our product. Look, nothing is new under the sun, it’s the PEOPLE themselves that paint the unique picture.
Trend Setter Tuesday IM SO BURGH
[BMW]
It seems as though the Music and Fashion industries go hand and hand. We see plenty of recording artists release clothing lines and many brands using artists to promote their product. Is this something you are looking to do?
We are open to many options.

[BMW]
Do you think technology has had an effect on the fashion industry? If so what?
Of course! Technology has had a effect on EVERYTHING. The ACCESS people have to knowledge and products and assistance holds true for everything including fashion.

[BMW]
Beyond the obvious goal of gaining financially, what is the biggest goal for your line this year? What about long-term?
Let me tell you…I always say money is a by product of what you are doing as long as its what you love doing or something you stand for. But our goal is to continue to grow and stay with our long time members and as there family grows, so will the IM SO BURGH family. Our long term goal is for this shirt to have the same impact on Pittsburgh as a WHOLE, as the Terrible Towel did for Steelers football.

[BMW]
Is there any piece of clothing that you’re excited for the world to see?
We have a LOT of exciting new products at Middle Class Millionaire, but you will just have to wait to see.

[BMW]
Every line has a signature piece Polo & Nautica’s bread and butter has been their 2 button short sleeve oxford shirt. What do you believe yours will be?
It is and ALWAYS will be the BLACK or WHITE IM SO BURGH shirt. Members who own them often get themselves a new one every 3 moths.

[BMW]
More than anything else how do you want the line to be remembered?
As a quality product from Middle Class Millionaire - BrainofBMW

As a self-described “80s baby grinding in the new millennium,” HITT of MCM exudes an entrepreneurial spirit. While music production is his main calling, he seems just as comfortable taking on the responsibilities of promotion and engineering, covering all aspects of an album’s creation and release. MCM is an acronym for Middle Class Millionaire, which serves as a marketing brand for HITT’s entertainment outlet, its interests spilling over into producing events and securing sponsorship for others. With this type of multitasking, money is definitely on HITT’s mind, but don’t be fooled. Middle Class Millionaire The Album isn’t solely about the Benjamins.

The motto for MCM is summed up in the album’s lynchpin track, “3LR.” Standing for “Love Life Live Rich,” its sentiments go beyond capitalistic tendencies to emphasize the never-say-die attitude that HITT of MCM embodies. “It’s always forward motion,” he affirms, “even when I’m set back.” His production shies away from soul samples, opting instead for synthesizer-drenched melodies and electronic drums. Some cuts hit harder than others, such as “One day at a time,” where the percussion feels like kung fu punches and kicks took up residence where bass and snare hits normally hang out. The keyboard swells and twinkling harmonies throughout the song add color to HITT’s grounded perspectives. The drum rolls and staunch chords of “No place like home” are offset by brass blasts and billowing harps as HITT reflects on how much you can miss the place you couldn’t wait to get out of when you were younger. “Wild,” however, seeks out the ladies with naughty sides, and the female vocal hook adds fuel to the fire supplied by seductive drum pads and static slaps.

While HITT has no problems holding down rapper and production duties simultaneously, there are numerous featured artists that add their own flavor to the album. “Green Light” alternates between fast tempos during the verses and offering a breather during the hook (“Yellow light, slow it down”). Nova absolutely destroys the second verse with his fast rap approach, ripping through bars at speeds that hit Guinness Book records. Basick Sickness squares off with HITT on “Stereotype,” resulting in one of the best collaborations on the album. Their jagged barbs take aim at each other over a backing track that incorporates abrasive frequencies over a head-banging rhythm sequence. On the more contemplative side of things, “Emotions” features the tender guitar work of Evan Thorsen, adding a sensitive aura to HITT’s musings on working through life before delivering an emotionally stirring axe solo.

“HotBox” concludes the album with a staggering 20-minute exercise in freestyle thought. Equally captivating and infuriating, a pair of subtle chords ride a slow jam beat pattern as HITT spits from the top of the head and the heart on everything and nothing at the same time. While most will echo the question of “Man, what you talkin’ ‘bout?” right back at him, there is something undeniably heartfelt and likeable about the track. As he thinks back to his humble beginnings, dedication to his craft, and artists the rap world has lost along the way, while it may not be lyrically intricate, the song does provide a peek into what HITT thinks about during his private moments. This one just happens to be caught on record. It’s a surprisingly modest ending to an album that sidesteps preconceptions about its supposed obsessions with the almighty dollar. Middle Class Millionaire The Album is less about the joys of materialism and more about doing what you have to do in order to be able to do what you love to do.

Get your copy on iTunes–> http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/middle-class-millionaire/id450323729

Review by Jason Randall Smith

ABOUT the Reviewer: Based in Mount Vernon, New York, Jason Randall Smith is a contributing writer for Impose Magazine. In addition, he maintains his own website, Both Sides Of The Surface, and is also the creator of Radio BSOTS, a podcast featuring independent hip-hop, soul, funk, and electronic music. Jason was also a World Music Community Blogger for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Under the pseudonym Macedonia, he served as a member of WCDB Albany 90.9 FM, hosting shows and producing promo spots during the 1990s. Jason collects vinyl, treats liner notes like canonized literature, and still equates the term “mixtape” with actual cassettes. - Ariel-Jason Randall Smith

As a self-described “80s baby grinding in the new millennium,” HITT of MCM exudes an entrepreneurial spirit. While music production is his main calling, he seems just as comfortable taking on the responsibilities of promotion and engineering, covering all aspects of an album’s creation and release. MCM is an acronym for Middle Class Millionaire, which serves as a marketing brand for HITT’s entertainment outlet, its interests spilling over into producing events and securing sponsorship for others. With this type of multitasking, money is definitely on HITT’s mind, but don’t be fooled. Middle Class Millionaire The Album isn’t solely about the Benjamins.

The motto for MCM is summed up in the album’s lynchpin track, “3LR.” Standing for “Love Life Live Rich,” its sentiments go beyond capitalistic tendencies to emphasize the never-say-die attitude that HITT of MCM embodies. “It’s always forward motion,” he affirms, “even when I’m set back.” His production shies away from soul samples, opting instead for synthesizer-drenched melodies and electronic drums. Some cuts hit harder than others, such as “One day at a time,” where the percussion feels like kung fu punches and kicks took up residence where bass and snare hits normally hang out. The keyboard swells and twinkling harmonies throughout the song add color to HITT’s grounded perspectives. The drum rolls and staunch chords of “No place like home” are offset by brass blasts and billowing harps as HITT reflects on how much you can miss the place you couldn’t wait to get out of when you were younger. “Wild,” however, seeks out the ladies with naughty sides, and the female vocal hook adds fuel to the fire supplied by seductive drum pads and static slaps.

While HITT has no problems holding down rapper and production duties simultaneously, there are numerous featured artists that add their own flavor to the album. “Green Light” alternates between fast tempos during the verses and offering a breather during the hook (“Yellow light, slow it down”). Nova absolutely destroys the second verse with his fast rap approach, ripping through bars at speeds that hit Guinness Book records. Basick Sickness squares off with HITT on “Stereotype,” resulting in one of the best collaborations on the album. Their jagged barbs take aim at each other over a backing track that incorporates abrasive frequencies over a head-banging rhythm sequence. On the more contemplative side of things, “Emotions” features the tender guitar work of Evan Thorsen, adding a sensitive aura to HITT’s musings on working through life before delivering an emotionally stirring axe solo.

“HotBox” concludes the album with a staggering 20-minute exercise in freestyle thought. Equally captivating and infuriating, a pair of subtle chords ride a slow jam beat pattern as HITT spits from the top of the head and the heart on everything and nothing at the same time. While most will echo the question of “Man, what you talkin’ ‘bout?” right back at him, there is something undeniably heartfelt and likeable about the track. As he thinks back to his humble beginnings, dedication to his craft, and artists the rap world has lost along the way, while it may not be lyrically intricate, the song does provide a peek into what HITT thinks about during his private moments. This one just happens to be caught on record. It’s a surprisingly modest ending to an album that sidesteps preconceptions about its supposed obsessions with the almighty dollar. Middle Class Millionaire The Album is less about the joys of materialism and more about doing what you have to do in order to be able to do what you love to do.

Get your copy on iTunes–> http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/middle-class-millionaire/id450323729

Review by Jason Randall Smith

ABOUT the Reviewer: Based in Mount Vernon, New York, Jason Randall Smith is a contributing writer for Impose Magazine. In addition, he maintains his own website, Both Sides Of The Surface, and is also the creator of Radio BSOTS, a podcast featuring independent hip-hop, soul, funk, and electronic music. Jason was also a World Music Community Blogger for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY® Awards. Under the pseudonym Macedonia, he served as a member of WCDB Albany 90.9 FM, hosting shows and producing promo spots during the 1990s. Jason collects vinyl, treats liner notes like canonized literature, and still equates the term “mixtape” with actual cassettes. - Ariel-Jason Randall Smith