iCrate Diggers: Week #015  Sample: Joann Newsom - The Book of Right On – Released: March 2004
On Geffen the grouped dropped 3 back to back to back classics, defying the mainstream and creating their own nitch. Their sound is signature and really what has kept the roots afloat for so many years while others have come and gone. When you buy a Roots album, you buy it because you want to hear that “live” hip hop sound. Their reign didn’t always receive as much exposure and or publicity from mainstream as they do today. Even so, I’ve always felt that they still haven’t gotten the props they deserve and after a successful run throughout the 2000 era, the Roots are still working, and currently are rocking a nightly gig at the Jimmy Fallon show.
A cohesive project none the less, definitely check out the full length Roots album “How I Got Over”. So far The Roots have released 2 great videos for their project and hopefully a third for “Right On”. If you haven’t be sure to check out “FIRE” featuring John Legend. Check back in a few weeks when we bring you another sample from an up and coming release. Until then, p-p….peace! Questions or comments @KoolPapaiLL |
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Posts Tagged ‘medik’
iCrate Diggers: Week #015 by DJ IllSkill
Tuesday, August 24th, 2010
Track-By-Track Review Of Fat Joe’s – ‘The DarkSide’
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Track-by-Track
Fat Joe – The Darkside
Review by: Blackgyver
If you are reading your first Track by Track, here on iStandardProducers.com, then there are a few things you must know:
#1 The writers here at iStandardProducers.com focus mostly on the beats … obviously – hence the name “PRODUCERS” in iStandardProducers.com… however we are still reviewing the record as a whole.
#2 EVERY track gets equal shine…
#3 You know how we do it…we don’t check the credits until the album is heard in its entirety.
1. Intro (Produced by Scram Jones)
Joe Crack is back and from the jump, he’s showing that he’s not thinking about retiring anytime soon. Scram did his thing on the beat. Classic feel, 2010 appeal. And yes… He’s still throwing heat at 50cent.
2. Valley of Death (Produced by Cool and Dre)
Cool and Dre blessed Joey with a heater. This track is ridiculous. Joe’s flow is consistent. Nothing to run down the street screaming about, but Joe is a vet. He know’s how to ride the beat.
3. I Am Crack (Produced by Just Blaze)
Sounds like a beat that Just Blaze did for Jay-Z’s “Kingdom Come” that didn’t make the cut. The beat is serious. Same drums from “Show Me What You Got.” I can’t front on good production though. Two thumbs up.
4. Kilo feat. Clipse and Cam’ron ( Produced byDJ Infamous,)
We’re talkin’ ‘bout cocaine? Call the Clipse and get Killa on the party line. Ready? Go. I was actually not feeling this one. The Clipse were just “o.k.” and the hook left something to be desired. The beat was nothing special. Typical 2010 gangsta beat but things took a turn for the worse with the old school sample. Crack and Cam saved this track.
5. Rappers Are In Danger (Produced by DJ Infamous)
Infamous redeems himself with this beat. Yeah, it sounds like “old Toomp”, but it’s still very solid production. Crack goes back and forth between what was and what now is in the rap industry. Seems like a lot of dead air when the hook comes in. You hear Joey killin’ the verse, then… You can tell that he told his producers for this project that he was looking for a classic hip-hop feel. Well, he got it – I just don’t think it fits.
6. (Ha Ha) Slow Down feat. Young Jeezy (Produced by Scoop Deville)
Scoop samples SoulIISoul for the track. This is what we’ve grown accustomed to hearing from “Cooked Coke.” This has been on the web for months and I think it set the standards higher than this album can reach. Jeezy did what Jeezy does for his contribution, but to me, this track doesn’t really fit the “Darkside” concept.
7. If It Ain’t About Money feat. Trey Songz (Produced by Cool and Dre)
“Joey ‘VanGundy’, watch me work the Magic…” Again, this is what we love about Joey. He makes those bangers for the club and hot radio joints (Miami heat). “MR.” Trey Songz on the hook. Swagg Up! Cool and Dre produced this heater – who else? Best joint on the album.
8. No Problems feat. Rico Love (Produced by Scoop Deville)
Classic Crack, from the beat to the hook. Great metaphors and Rico giving love on the hook. Scoop on the beat.
9. How Did We Get Here feat. R.Kelly (Produced by Raw Uncut)
Tribute song for those we’ve lost from Big and Pac to Easy E. Joe tells the stories of street dreams and chasing paper as Kells adlibs over sped-up samples. Joe channels the spirit of his lost homie Pun as he goes into the 2nd verse, borrowing his signature flow. This was another solid track. Then again, when has R.Kelly been on a hip-hop track and it NOT been hot?
10. Heavenly Father feat. Lil Wayne (Produced by Street Runner)
The only song that appears to fit the concept of the album. Joe goes in on the widow of Big Pun, explaining that he’s gone above and beyond since the passing of his brother. “I don’t owe nobody nothin’, man I gave that b*tch a mill(ion). I ain’t beating ‘round the bush, I’m just speaking on what’s real…” Street Runner offers a production canvas perfectly suited for this “real” work of art. Weezy on the hook.
11. I’m Gone (Produced by DJ Premier)
Perfect classic beat from Premier. The change-up in this beat is ker-ray-zee. Crack rides the beat perectly. One (1), count’em, ONE (1) verse. The last four minutes, Joe just vents about the issues he’s faced over the last few years in the game, while providing a mini discography of his most notable hits. HIStory and advice. This should have been the last song on the album for a couple of reasons. I was disappointed that he didn’t do more with this one.
12. At Last Supremacy feat. Busta Rhymes (Produced by Cool and Dre)
Cool and Dre again with that Miami heat. Busta on the hook. You won’t hear this one on anybody’s radio station, but I’d love to see the video. Solid b-side from the “D-side.”
Overall, this is a very good album. However, I don’t think that the title and concept fit the production. This a tale of two perpectives. I’d be curious as to which came first. I was expecting darker beats – something almost sinister. The first half of the album was a classic hip-hop feel. The second half was more of what we’re accustomed to from the “Don Cartegena.” Lyrically, Joe C is a beast. He turns good beats into party anthems. But from someone who’s in a conversation with “greats”, you just expect more.
3 out of 5
iStandard iNterview With BlackaDinMe [Chicago Winner]
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
What’s your production name and where are you from?
Well my name is BlackaDinMe I’m originally from Elgin, IL (30 mins from Chicago) but now living in Lexington, KY
How would you describe your sound and or production style?
Well I think I have a soulful sound, neo-soul like, I can do it all though!!! Pop, Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B but if I had my preference I love doing Gospel and Neo-Soul.
What do you use in the studio to create?
I use nothing but LOGIC PRO 9!!!! (place endorsement here!!) LOL!! I love using logic! I love all the sounds, the sequencer is really easy to use, and I like mixing on there too. I love all the live sounds as well, guitars, basses, organs, rhodes……….they sound incredibly real. I like using battery three and sampletank 2, there is also a plug-in called vanguard, very sweet.
Are you currently working with any new artists?
Currently I’m not working with any artist yet, I haven’t made it to that level yet like most of the producers on the site, but hopefully I will
Congrats on winning the iStandard Producer Showcase in Chicago. Describe the overall experience and how it feels to be recognized as someone with next level talent?
WOW is all I can say!!! I’m still in unbelief because I would’ve never thought I would have made it in the showcase or even win for that matter. I sit on my computer every day and watch the competitions online and I be like “Man, them dudes on there are serious!!!” And to be onstage with all those great producers, judges, and “the world famous” J HATCH, OMG!!!! I never been apart of something of this magnitude or even won anything ever. It’s almost like a dream come true to me. THANK YOU ISTANDARD!!!!
What type of advice did the judges give you? Do you feel it was accurate?
First gotta shout out to the judges, Buckwild, Scram Jones, and Prolifyk!!!! They showed a lot of love toward me and I truly appreciate them. Buckwild and Scram Jones said,which still blows me away, I should already be in the industry and to get with some songwriters and shop some songs. Prolifyk said “Dude, where are you from again? You should’ve been on already!!!!”
I was so very surprised at what the judges had to say. I was speechless. But, I felt that it was accurate because I’ve been producing for about 10 years but never had the chance to get my music heard. But, now things have really changed since being a part of the iStandard movement.
What’s next on your agenda?
What’s next on the agenda……I don’t really know because God is in charge of my destiny. However, I know that being a part of this movement was not a coincidence. I know it’s a part of my destiny. But ya’ll will hear more from me because I’ve paid my dues in this music game so now I believe it’s my time. Also it’s time for producers to have an example on how to promote positive images in this music industry. For those to know it’s ok to be in this industry and represent the Lord, and to be a shining light for those to see. I wanna be that light. To God Be The GLORY!!!!
iStandard iNterview With VohnBeatz [Texas Winner]
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
What’s your production name and where are you from?
I go by the name of VohnBeatz and I was born in Waco,TX, but raised in Dallas,TX.
How would you describe your sound and or production style
I would describe my sound as dark most of the time and big anthem type joints. Usually my tempo ranges from 82 to 85 but every once and a while its 92 or up.
What do you use in the studio to create?
I use Reason 4.0, Recycle and a Motif 6 keyboard. Now I’m trying to incorporate the new equipment that I have received from the iStandard Producer Showcase. The equipment includes an Ableton Launchpad, along with program Ableton Live, Total Studio 2 Bundle and a Novation 25 MIDI Controller.
Are you currently working with any new artists?
Currently I’m not working with any specific artists. So far, there has been a lot of people wanting to work with me, but nothing written in stone.
Congrats on winning the iStandard Producer Showcase in Dallas. Describe the overall experience and how it feels to be recognized as someone with next level talent?
Thank you, it was a blessing and a huge surprise. This was one of the most amazing experiences for me, especially since this was my first producer competition. It’s a great feeling knowing that people believe in me and my talent. It also motivates me to perfect my craft even more.
What type of advice did the judges give you? Do you feel it was accurate?
The judges gave some awesome feedback. Drumma Boy told me to just work on my mixing, sound and quality. I really appreciate feedback because it helps me know what areas I can improve in.
J Hatch also gave me some advice to make more happy music and to get some songwriters.
I feel that all the feedback was accurate and I know there is always room for improvement. I am only 12 years old, so I am taking all the notes I can.
What’s next on your agenda?
First off I start the 7th grade in 2 weeks.
I plan to use the new equipment that I won and create more music. I plan on learning how to play more instruments in order to better my craft.
Once again, thanks for all the love, support and just giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent.
iStandard Member i.D. Features The DeadBeatz
Monday, August 23rd, 2010
When did you start making beats?
Well, we produced off and on for a couple years in the beginning but I guess we really got grinding in about ‘05. So we been hard at it for 5 years solid now.
Who are your musical influences?
Anyone and everyone, anything that makes noise…. each other as well…..way too many to really mention but to name a few: Trent Reznor, Organized Noize, Timbaland, Pink Floyd, Outkast, Dungeon Family, Gorillaz, Classic Rock -N- Roll, Everything out of the 80’s, Marilyn Manson, Wu Tang, Metallica, Dire Straits, Dr. Dre, Just Blaze, DJ Premier, Stevie J, Royal Flush, Needlz, Havoc, and many many more…
Describe your style?
That’s a tough one, It’s hard to pinpoint on any certain style. I guess our style really depends on the mood we’re in and what we’re feeling at the time. We’re such fans of all walks of music it’s hard to stick to a certain style beyond a track to track basis.
What are you using to make your tracks.
Not going to be specific here LOL…….. Everything we can get our hands on, let’s put it that way.
If you could work with one artist who would it be and why?
Very VERY tough question here, of course we would want to work with ALL of our influences but if we had to choose one individual it would have to be Eminem or Kanye West. We feel these two artists are truly conquering new territory with every track and we would love to be a part of the process.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully neck deep in the industry LOL…. nah, I can’t say where we’ll be in 5 years, but I can tell you where we’ll be tomorrow…. “GRINDING” and hopefully when that 5 years rolls around, it will be well worth it!
