A Cousin of mine heard my album and he sent me a email with a review, which was kinda cool.As he is not a hip hop writer but its original that he wrote it this way, and well I can see he’s talented.
This is his review of the record Below this line.
For nearly two years I have constantly searched for new music every semester. A wide range is found in the music that I have obtained but the genre that can certainly be found at all times is hip hop. I consistently change the music that I listen to because my life is always changing. Every semester I find myself in situations that are disparate from the situations from the prior semester. Feelings that have been absent for years return and the adversity that I once battled through earlier in my life renters the room.
Music is something not everyone can make. Through music, experiences can be told and people may find themselves with a similar type of experience. Music, wherein lies a beauty. This beauty where one can relate to the words which are disseminated. For that is the purpose of music in the first place. To express one’s inner most thoughts, feelings and others can relate to them.
Recently, this year I have been chasing good music (I do not mean the label) as I always do. I have found the music of several new up and coming rappers as well as the music of rappers who have rightfully earned their place in hip hop. Yet, there were several albums and mix tapes that I would listen to for a couple of weeks and soon after I would look for new material. Not so much because the music was not appealing but more because the music was not something similar to my experiences.
This week, seeing that I do not have as much time on my hand as I used to, I wanted to take advantage and search for a different material, but not just any music. Personally, I am fond of stories that are told through music. At times I do vibe to the crazy and hyped up beats where the lyrics are pointless and rather funny when contemplated. Songs that are exceedingly violent about others are not greatly appealing to my taste, which is why many times I prefer songs that describe females and speak about being infatuated by them. Interestingly enough I stumbled upon V, the third album by Vulkan The Krusader. I had no expectations on it as I do with everything else and decided to hear the album the first time, listen to it the second time, and familiarize myself to it the third time. Although released almost two months ago I believe that I could not have picked a better time to listen to it and finally I inhaled a fresh breath of hip hop.
Simply put, the entire album introduces you to who V is. His inspirations are captured not only through his samples but as well as his lyrics. The production reminds me of the music that I have vastly enjoyed since my junior year in high school and yet it sound so fresh. Not in a complementary sense but literally as something completely different. It is more than one could ask for on an album. The content sounds familiar because every rapper that is on the come up is attacking those who basically have shamed hip hop and expose their talent on how it is supposed to be done. V is obviously not the first to speak on love or relationships between friends or how his style is superior to that of others. Then again this is hip hop and it is not so much about who is first or who this is or who that is. Rather, it is more about how you can be different, sound different in an industry where much is similar and V excels in this department. His music speaks for itself on so many levels. The work ethic put into this album could not be more obvious. Every small detail, from the features to the hooks to the samples, contributes greatly and just works extremely well with one another to produce this “bigger, better, busier” album.
Just to give an insight of my thoughts…
King Vizzer Entrance- I felt that you should have done the whole track with either the initial sample and change it up a little bit or the follow through with the second beat all the way from beginning to end. I didn’t like the sudden change in the intro. That’s just my personal opinion. I entered a new dimension with the very beginning of this track and then I was taken into another dimension too quick. I understand what was trying to be done. Granted I favor tracks where the beat just stops or fades and comes back spontaneously or where it switches up to a new sound but considering it was the intro I just felt this was the one area that I would have changed.
Cuff- Catchy song, last verse seemed as if it followed Ab Soul’s third verse in “Double Standards”
Leaders- I have heard this Biggie sample before on Fabolous’s song “BITE” but I did not mind listening to it again as the two tracks are utterly distinct from each other.
I’m In Love With You- One of my favorite tracks that captured my attention from the first listen.
Voices Carry- Displays who V is and the tribulations he has gone through over an inspiring sample. Any individual can relate to this part of V’s life as well as the rest of the album.
What You Saying- Definition of what an outro should be most of the times. It encloses the entire album more than satisfactorily while showcasing a different side of V.
V’s style comes off in a manner that demonstrates poise. V enters hip hop with a voice that definitely is not obnoxious as most rappers. His sound makes his lyrics completely understandable and demonstrates that he is not one to hesitate at his own skill.
