Louie P - A Dollar And A Dream (Datpiff)
So I checked my email one day and came across an email from an emcee named Louie P. I thought he was from RVA until I did my research on him and learned that he is actually from Rockland, New York--but that's OK. We don’t just talk RVA here, we talk Hip Hop nationally. I took a listen and instantly became a fan. I love to hear the new generation still hold on to the 90’s feel of Hip Hop, as he does with this mixtape, A Dollar And A Dream. He starts it off with an intro introducing the host of the tape, DJ Cashtro, then kicks into a track called “For The Record,” which lyrically proved what I was just mentioning about the younger generation. “Life Is A Prison” is very deep song talking about how life is more than what it seems. I admired how in the first verse he looked at the greats from a “what if” stand point. I am really impressed with Chelsea Davis, the female singer on this tape, who has an amazing voice and a lot of potential. She was featured on two tracks, but my favorite is “In The Light,” a track about being doubted but making it through and giving it your all. Another song, “Get It In,” is a fun and entertaining dance song about the attitude to take when approaching a female. I had a lot of fun listening to this tape, and it's nice to get another example that there is still talent outside of RVA, as well as within our city's borders. Louie P has an extensive track record; he has worked with mainstream artists such as Fred Tha Godson and even Young Money’s own Corey Gunz. Keep an eye on this up and coming talent.
Must Listen: Can’t Afford It, Food For Thought, Hate Us If You Want
Scuba - Visionary Express (Bandcamp)
I’ve been hearing about this local RVA emcee a lot recently and I finally got around to listening to his mixtape, Visonary Express. I'm highly impressed--as I scroll through the tracks I can see this kid knows his roots in the Hip Hop world. There are a couple of extensive interludes, but they definitely add to the vibe of the tape. I see this as more of an intricate introduction of himself to RVA. On the track “OURS” he takes his own flip on the phrase “The World Is Yours,” saying that the world is ours and the sky is the limit. “Swag Raps For Breakfast” is one of those songs you put on just for the 808 bass, but once you hear what he has to say, he has a lot of what they call “Swag.” At one point he says, “I call this my Schoolboy Q flow,” nicely referencing the up and coming emcee from Cali's Black Hippy crew. He has a delivery that is very interesting, and punchlines that make you chuckle as you listen. Throughout the mixtape you get the vibe of where this kid is coming from, and on “Life Lessons,” he lyrically describes just that. Overall I can see why there's a lot of buzz surrounding this kid. I hope to see him become the person he is making himself out to be with his visions.
Must Listen: Gotta Say! , We On, Intricate Interlude
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