I recently picked up two incredibly dope rap Compact discs. Since both only contain six tracks each, I have condensed their reviews into one.
"Varsity Blues" by Murs
Murs, of the Living Legends crew, has released albums yearly since 1996 and they have been progressively better. His most recent full-length "Murs Rules The World," was his best, until now. This newest release, the "Varsity Blues EP," has possibly topped that.
As his self-described "Emo Hip Hop" material and "personal therapy EP," this music is a bit more emotional. About half of the songs here are what has come to be expected from Murs, like "County Blues," a song about being arrested for something petty and calling his mother to free him.
What is a little unusual, however, is not only do these more typical Murs songs have some insight to his life, but other songs contain deeper rhymes discussing life and death and his personal reasons for rapping.
On "Writer's Blues," featuring PSC, Murs rhymes, "My pen and my pad, my only therapist, my life and I'm sharin' it with y'all."
"A Friend's Blues" conveys his thoughts on a friend's death. He also relays some of his thoughts on death with, "Some say that God takes them, and they lean on mythology, but I chose to believe that it's divine lottery. I can't believe God's lookin' down waitin' to slaughter me."
Murs' lyrics are top-notch. He rarely has a predictable rhyme scheme. Except on "Writer's Blues," where he seems a little more laid-back, his delivery is energetic, confident and polished. His voice is a perfect accompaniment to the wide variety of beat styles on the EP.
Each of the six songs has its own producer. Of them, only two have recognizable names.
There aren't necessarily club hits or anything of that nature, but that doesn't matter. This is hip hop at its best -- humorous, emotional and well written.
"The Unlimited EP" by Soul Position
The other EP I happened upon at the same time is "The Unlimited EP" by Soul Position, a collaboration of Blueprint and RJD2. While both Ohio artists are highly regarded producers in the independent hip hop scene, Blueprint is also a respected MC.
RJD2's MHz crew has made noise with their material, including the recent release of RJ's stellar solo instrumental project. He is, without a doubt, one of the best producers in the music industry.
The production is practically flawless. Individually, both make thick, soulful, sample-heavy beats and together, they are even better.
Blueprint is a highly entertaining rapper as well. His exaggerated vocal inflection is entertaining on its own. The lyrics do nothing but add to this already amusing oral display.
Humorous rhymes like, "Beef turns Print into a different man, so I might slap you into a brand new dental plan. Have me makin' co-payments on some eyewear, you got me wrong, I only act like I care," keep the listener's attention.
The non-instrumental cuts have Blueprint covering several broad topics. "Mic Control" is a general bragging type joint. Witty lines like, "Skippin' study hall so I could play ball, cheating with the answers to the test on my palm," abound in this piece.
"Night to remember," is intended as a danceable cut in which he discusses his partying.
The final vocal track, "Take Your Time," is laid-back and says street life needs to be slowed down. Of six songs, "Intro" and "Oxford, You Really Owe Me," are the only instrumentals.
Brilliantly constructed songs have overtaken this short but fulfilling CD.
Although a full album is planned, this much anticipated project has only surfaced in EP form. It has still managed to uphold all expectations and the reward has been worth the wait.hello there & you too
