An overview of opinions and observations for the month.
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
Review - D0dge: Freedom On A Leash
Artist: Dodge (Batman)
Album: Freedom On A Leash Mixtape
Year: 2008
Overall View
Well, that was an experience.
First thing to mention is the accent/voice. Whoa. With Dodge being Swedish, you would imagine he would sound strange rapping, I mean, Sven Goran Eriksson and ABBA aren't exactly desirable frames of reference. His voice is raw, raspy and real, very easy to listen to.
Delivery for this mixtape was varied, with some drops noticably weaker than others. Emotion is delivered in varying degrees, though Dodge avoids monotony throughout with above par spits on every track. Tracks such as "On The Eve Of War" really demonstrate his ability and swag.
The beat choices for this mixtape were for the better part flawless. Some of the over-commercial tracks such as "Hypnotize" and "Straight To The Bank" seem very blase, when compared to creative beats such as "Stalkin","Me and You" and "Something You Forgot" which are all beautifully produced. "I'm Me" is worth a mention because this beat really compliments Dodge's style of delivery. Overall, this a real nice selection of cuts.
Lyrically I was kinda worried because Dodge generally writes on played topics or with really basic vocabulary, though the narratives in some tracks were sick, such as "Bin Laden Freestyle" and "In The Gravel" which was so refreshing with the Spanish collaboration.
There were no real issues with the mixtape besides the quality on some of the tracks, particularly "And The Winner Is..." and "On The Grind", which regretably ends the tape on a sour note. Length was a little short, but this was only ever supposed to be a sample of potential and ability so it serves it's purpose. A few of the tracks have very little replay value, though others are really nicely made, such as "RIP", "I'm Me", "Stalkin'", "Me and You", "on The Eve Of War", "Something You Forgot" and "In The Gravel". The cover is a little sketchy, but it's only a hype release and sometimes it's better to make it off your own back. Good lookin fam.
This mixtape contains some really sick material. I'll be keeping it on my iPod for sure. Keep up the good music Dodge.
Track Views
Track 01: RIP
Beat choice is very hyped and compliments the tempo of the flow nicely- it gets a little repetative but it switches pretty nicely to save it. The delivery is sick as fuck and this track has been on my iPod for a long time already. Very nice opening track choice.
Track 02: Bin Laden Freestyle
Beat is from the Immortal Technique & Mos Def political masterpiece "Bin Laden", which suits the lyrical content and narrative perfectly. Track is a little short, but the flow is nice and the emotion is fiery. A little short but still nice.
Track 03: Fallin'
Beat is a little monotonous especially mid verses, but the lyrics are on point, nice strong narratology and a tight hook. The delivery is consistent and the multies are real heat in some places. Nothing tyo write home about, but still easy listening.
Track 04: Hypnotize RMX
I'm not a big fan of recycled mainstream beats so this was already off on a bad foot. The first verse was tight, flow on point and effortless. Starburst on the hook sounds really mellow and harmoniiiious , and Solo's verse has nice delivery but the lyrics are a little played. Still a nice track, just a little hard to appreciate with Biggie's lyrics running through my head.
Track 05: Make Me Better Freestyle
Fabolous "Make Me Better" is a nice beat selection to spit some playful lyrics over for a freestyle so I'm glad this wasn't a full length track. Lyrics are cool, some nice punches like the "Lee Harvey Oswald" reference, made me smile. Acceptable as a freestyle.
Track 06: Stalkin'
Heat. The beat is dope as fuck, very fitting for use with "Autotuned" vocals. It's worth mentioning that this is the cleanest usage of Autotune I have heard outside of T-Pain, definitely the best on Anotha.com. Lyrics are cool, the hook sounds real nice and the delivery and flow are on point. Quite easily one of the best tracks on the mixtape.
Track 07: Me and You
The beat is beautiful. With Cutting Crew still on the hook, this is an instant classic. The emotion in the opening is echoed in Dodge's opening vocals, and the lyrics are perfect- potentially the best I've heard from him. Delivery and flow is effortless and this is a really nice track. One of the best on the mixtape.
Track 08: On The Eve Of War
The orchestra on the beat is very dramatic, the violins dance sensationally beneath energetic and powerful lyrics. The delivery is very hype, and the flow hugs the beat closely producing a very clear cut sound. This is a very nice track.
Track 09: Speedin' Freestyle
Beat is suitable for the track, but the vocal quality is really poor. At times they become barely audible, so it is difficult to assess the flow and lyrics. Far from good promotion and the tape may have benefitted from having this omitted.
Track 10: MC Comicz
The beat of "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" is so played, it featured on D-CoE's mixtape, as well as being remixed sensationally by The Game and V/A. That said, this is still a cool beat and the Godfather ad-libs are a very nice addition. The vocals are a little meh, but the lyrics are okay and the flow is alright. Solo opens it nicely and there are some nice double up vocals, but nothing spectacular unfortunately..
Track 11: Ring The Alarm
This track is old, damn haha. This has already been on my iPod for some time, a nice strong collab over a nice tidy commercial beat. Kurse kills his section, and Dodge pushes the right buttons with a deep raspy opening verse. Syk flows nicely, but her outro is shameful. Still a nice track for filler material- mediocre, but pales compared to others inclusions.
Track 12: I'm Me (Batman)
Little Wayne is everywhere so I can excuse the usage and sampling, even if I personally dislike him. The flow over this is perfect, and the delivery is siick. The hook, though similar to Weezy's is still dope- the emotion and delivery is top shelf. The lyrics are pretty consistent throughout and this is reluctantly one of my favourite tracks on the mixtape.
Track 13: Something You Forgot
The beat is so hauntingly beautiful and again this emotion is mirrored in Dodge's delivery with such pain and anguish in his vocals. The flow fits nicely and the lyrics are very appropriate and straight. This track is one of my favourites because the narrative is very powerful. The "Apollo" lines are dope as fuck. And the ad-libs are so heartfelt. Deep, deep track.
Track 14: Moment Of Clarity Freestyle
Jay-Z killed this beat so again it becomes awkward for me to appreciate. The flow is tight, lyrics are angry but the delivery is a little too forced- it gets very plain very quick. Alright filler, but nothing more.
Track 15: Straight To The Pocket
I disliked 50 Cent when he laughted to the bank, so this beat taints the song. The flow is cool, and the lyrics are alright. Delivery is okay, but the hook is trash. Not feelin' this track so I'm glad it is only 2mins long.
Track 16: In The Gravel
Very original beat choice, but the vocal quality is poor with "crackling" evident throughout. The hook and the female vocals are very unique, like damn, how he rap to this track?! The length is short but this track is only really only let down by the vocal quality.
Track 17: Bad Side Freestyle
Beat is very punchy, very hyped and the vocal tempo suits it. Very short, but the lyrics are cool, "Streamlyne" punch was felt haha. Flow and delivery alright. Nothing stands out though.
Track 18: And The Winner Is...
"PREACH" haha. Beat is cool, guess you like Jay-Z- very bouncy beat. Paying dues to Solo is nice, and the rest of the vocals are okay, but not very ingenious. Delivery and flow are okay. Vocal quality a bit poor. Not a very powerful track.
Track 19: On The Grind (Bonus Track)
Beat is annoying. I really don't like it. The quality is a bit poor, but the lyrics are okay. Again flow and delivery were fine but nothing spectacular. Not the best closing tune, but better than some of the other lesser tracks on the mixtape.
Album: Freedom On A Leash Mixtape
Year: 2008
Overall View
Well, that was an experience.
First thing to mention is the accent/voice. Whoa. With Dodge being Swedish, you would imagine he would sound strange rapping, I mean, Sven Goran Eriksson and ABBA aren't exactly desirable frames of reference. His voice is raw, raspy and real, very easy to listen to.
Delivery for this mixtape was varied, with some drops noticably weaker than others. Emotion is delivered in varying degrees, though Dodge avoids monotony throughout with above par spits on every track. Tracks such as "On The Eve Of War" really demonstrate his ability and swag.
The beat choices for this mixtape were for the better part flawless. Some of the over-commercial tracks such as "Hypnotize" and "Straight To The Bank" seem very blase, when compared to creative beats such as "Stalkin","Me and You" and "Something You Forgot" which are all beautifully produced. "I'm Me" is worth a mention because this beat really compliments Dodge's style of delivery. Overall, this a real nice selection of cuts.
Lyrically I was kinda worried because Dodge generally writes on played topics or with really basic vocabulary, though the narratives in some tracks were sick, such as "Bin Laden Freestyle" and "In The Gravel" which was so refreshing with the Spanish collaboration.
There were no real issues with the mixtape besides the quality on some of the tracks, particularly "And The Winner Is..." and "On The Grind", which regretably ends the tape on a sour note. Length was a little short, but this was only ever supposed to be a sample of potential and ability so it serves it's purpose. A few of the tracks have very little replay value, though others are really nicely made, such as "RIP", "I'm Me", "Stalkin'", "Me and You", "on The Eve Of War", "Something You Forgot" and "In The Gravel". The cover is a little sketchy, but it's only a hype release and sometimes it's better to make it off your own back. Good lookin fam.
This mixtape contains some really sick material. I'll be keeping it on my iPod for sure. Keep up the good music Dodge.
Track Views
Track 01: RIP
Beat choice is very hyped and compliments the tempo of the flow nicely- it gets a little repetative but it switches pretty nicely to save it. The delivery is sick as fuck and this track has been on my iPod for a long time already. Very nice opening track choice.
Track 02: Bin Laden Freestyle
Beat is from the Immortal Technique & Mos Def political masterpiece "Bin Laden", which suits the lyrical content and narrative perfectly. Track is a little short, but the flow is nice and the emotion is fiery. A little short but still nice.
Track 03: Fallin'
Beat is a little monotonous especially mid verses, but the lyrics are on point, nice strong narratology and a tight hook. The delivery is consistent and the multies are real heat in some places. Nothing tyo write home about, but still easy listening.
Track 04: Hypnotize RMX
I'm not a big fan of recycled mainstream beats so this was already off on a bad foot. The first verse was tight, flow on point and effortless. Starburst on the hook sounds really mellow and harmoniiiious , and Solo's verse has nice delivery but the lyrics are a little played. Still a nice track, just a little hard to appreciate with Biggie's lyrics running through my head.
Track 05: Make Me Better Freestyle
Fabolous "Make Me Better" is a nice beat selection to spit some playful lyrics over for a freestyle so I'm glad this wasn't a full length track. Lyrics are cool, some nice punches like the "Lee Harvey Oswald" reference, made me smile. Acceptable as a freestyle.
Track 06: Stalkin'
Heat. The beat is dope as fuck, very fitting for use with "Autotuned" vocals. It's worth mentioning that this is the cleanest usage of Autotune I have heard outside of T-Pain, definitely the best on Anotha.com. Lyrics are cool, the hook sounds real nice and the delivery and flow are on point. Quite easily one of the best tracks on the mixtape.
Track 07: Me and You
The beat is beautiful. With Cutting Crew still on the hook, this is an instant classic. The emotion in the opening is echoed in Dodge's opening vocals, and the lyrics are perfect- potentially the best I've heard from him. Delivery and flow is effortless and this is a really nice track. One of the best on the mixtape.
Track 08: On The Eve Of War
The orchestra on the beat is very dramatic, the violins dance sensationally beneath energetic and powerful lyrics. The delivery is very hype, and the flow hugs the beat closely producing a very clear cut sound. This is a very nice track.
Track 09: Speedin' Freestyle
Beat is suitable for the track, but the vocal quality is really poor. At times they become barely audible, so it is difficult to assess the flow and lyrics. Far from good promotion and the tape may have benefitted from having this omitted.
Track 10: MC Comicz
The beat of "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" is so played, it featured on D-CoE's mixtape, as well as being remixed sensationally by The Game and V/A. That said, this is still a cool beat and the Godfather ad-libs are a very nice addition. The vocals are a little meh, but the lyrics are okay and the flow is alright. Solo opens it nicely and there are some nice double up vocals, but nothing spectacular unfortunately..
Track 11: Ring The Alarm
This track is old, damn haha. This has already been on my iPod for some time, a nice strong collab over a nice tidy commercial beat. Kurse kills his section, and Dodge pushes the right buttons with a deep raspy opening verse. Syk flows nicely, but her outro is shameful. Still a nice track for filler material- mediocre, but pales compared to others inclusions.
Track 12: I'm Me (Batman)
Little Wayne is everywhere so I can excuse the usage and sampling, even if I personally dislike him. The flow over this is perfect, and the delivery is siick. The hook, though similar to Weezy's is still dope- the emotion and delivery is top shelf. The lyrics are pretty consistent throughout and this is reluctantly one of my favourite tracks on the mixtape.
Track 13: Something You Forgot
The beat is so hauntingly beautiful and again this emotion is mirrored in Dodge's delivery with such pain and anguish in his vocals. The flow fits nicely and the lyrics are very appropriate and straight. This track is one of my favourites because the narrative is very powerful. The "Apollo" lines are dope as fuck. And the ad-libs are so heartfelt. Deep, deep track.
Track 14: Moment Of Clarity Freestyle
Jay-Z killed this beat so again it becomes awkward for me to appreciate. The flow is tight, lyrics are angry but the delivery is a little too forced- it gets very plain very quick. Alright filler, but nothing more.
Track 15: Straight To The Pocket
I disliked 50 Cent when he laughted to the bank, so this beat taints the song. The flow is cool, and the lyrics are alright. Delivery is okay, but the hook is trash. Not feelin' this track so I'm glad it is only 2mins long.
Track 16: In The Gravel
Very original beat choice, but the vocal quality is poor with "crackling" evident throughout. The hook and the female vocals are very unique, like damn, how he rap to this track?! The length is short but this track is only really only let down by the vocal quality.
Track 17: Bad Side Freestyle
Beat is very punchy, very hyped and the vocal tempo suits it. Very short, but the lyrics are cool, "Streamlyne" punch was felt haha. Flow and delivery alright. Nothing stands out though.
Track 18: And The Winner Is...
"PREACH" haha. Beat is cool, guess you like Jay-Z- very bouncy beat. Paying dues to Solo is nice, and the rest of the vocals are okay, but not very ingenious. Delivery and flow are okay. Vocal quality a bit poor. Not a very powerful track.
Track 19: On The Grind (Bonus Track)
Beat is annoying. I really don't like it. The quality is a bit poor, but the lyrics are okay. Again flow and delivery were fine but nothing spectacular. Not the best closing tune, but better than some of the other lesser tracks on the mixtape.
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