MUSIC THEORY RECORDS

It's always a plus in my book when an MC decides to follow their heart and make music that resonates with them on a personal level whether it be directly or indirectly. There's so much floss (no pun intended) music flooding the airwaves these days, that introspective songs with substance get lost in the shuffle. Raleigh MC Flauce is trying to cut through the muck with his latest video Tears, which is produced by BILHH alum SmilesTF1 and featured on their currently untitled EP set to be released early this Fall. Sexual abuse is a serious topic that often times does not receive the amount of attention as it should. Since Hip Hop is more influential than parents and teachers these days, what better vehicle to use to get the word out about serious topics. Check out, what I would say, is THE most serious video that we've ever featured.Oh, and don't get too caught up in the message and forget that it's still a pretty dope record. I know I almost did the first few times I listened...Jones - WriterJones (via) BILHH

In the spirit of feel good Hip Hop that held fast in the 80s and early 90s, similar to the story telling appeal of The Fresh Prince (umm Will Smith for the under 25) but with a more underground tone to his work similar to Dres from Black Sheep, Maestro (@maesforshort) hits us with his answer to all the hype surrounding the so called lovers holiday. Stupid Cupid is not just some watered down novelty EP designed to spark up controversy, but a quick, in-depth look into a world of an mc who’s been there, done that, and HAD IT with trying to be the man in his woman’s life.

This concept EP is only 7 tracks, so in an effort to give the overall feel, I think I can squeeze in a little something about each track without giving away all the magic.

Getting us started is the Neil Sedaka sample laced track Stupid Cupid, a song about how Maes would like to take Cupid and flick him like a gnat in the summer because the little fat winged fellow keeps sending him women who clearly are not “the one”. With that as the starter track, you can already see where this EP is about to take you. Following the cinematic tone setter is I Just Don’t Know which drops in and brings us down from our whimsical high with a laid back bass line heavy track where Maestro rightly breaks down how women can sometimes confuse the hell out of a man by throwing mixed signals. I guess not even Cupid can figure out a woman or what she wants. Transitioning from the smoothness of I Just Don’t Know, Maes and SmilesTF1 show us that even with concept projects there has to be a banger and Tryin’ To Hold On is just that…A BANGER! Progressive and almost Kanye-ish, this track is a head nodder from start to finish with Maestro again displaying a lyrical playfulness and ability to have you visualize his words without losing focus in trying too hard. In other words, it’s evident that this cat is no
“run of the mill 15 words in a 16 bar verse MC like the ones that populate Top 40 radio nowadays. Next up Heart Screaming, this track doesn’t really jump out as one of the more rewind worthy tracks on the CD, but it’s definitely tolerable. There is also an Interlude(aptly titled) that probably could’ve been left off, because it seems a bit like reaching in order to fill space in my opinion. Following the interlude, If I Try serves as the beginning of the light shining through the curtain, if you will, as Maestro finally wakes up and realizes that Cupid is indeed one of the worst love prognosticators there is. He wastes no words in letting this lady know exactly how he feels and that he’s comfortable with the immediate subtraction of her from his life. The final track Be My Girl sports an infectious guitar riff that FORCES you listen to what Maes is shooting for, as he speaks on the current “Buss It Baby” types that now want to ride with him since he’s got some status. It’s definitely a proper way to end an EP dedicated to all non-V Day supporters.

All in all, Stupid Cupid is a much needed twist on love and all of its ills. With so much “icy chain I got money” rap out right now, coming across a hidden gem like this, once again, reminds us that there are still plenty of us left that need and want that good dose of true Hip Hop on the daily. With that being said, check out Stupid Cupid and let me know how it touched your ears. Until the culture calls y’all, WriterJones…Out. - WriterJones (via) BILHH

Feeling this joint. Check it out. #UKNODACREW - WriterJones (via) BILHH