Tag: music

Review: Jeru The Damaja – Wrath of The Math

Jeru The Damaja – Wrath of The Math has to be the most underrated album in Hip Hop/Rap history! In fact, Wrath of The Math was more overlooked than Jeru’s debut album from 1995. DJ Premiere’s dope production skills are all over this album from start to finish as he was on Jeru’s debut album. DJ Premiere was at a high point in the 90s and early 00s. It has that dope 90s sound to it because nearly all the tracks are sample crazy as a lot Hip Hop/Rap albums were in the 80s and 90s. Unsurprisingly the album is sample crazy as lot were during that era. Wrath of The Math picks up where Jeru left off on his first album. This album was blazing hot as the last one was as there are no filler tracks and no filler material. You don’t get albums like this anymore!

The title track discusses the power and influence the mind has on you or the power and influence you have over it. Let us now discuss the mental attitude. The mental state must always stay calm. You must let nothing move you be it good or bad. You have the power to form and shape. So now witness the wrath of the math.

In the song Scientifical Madness, Jeru uses scientific comparisons and metaphors to twist the meaning of this line into a double entendre talking both about songwriting ability and literal science. Jeru’s lyrical ability is so intellectual to the point of being considered scientific. The song can be described as being self-scientific.

Jeru explains how he is not your average nigga on Average Nigga. He is not your average nigga when it comes to dealing with these chicks. He explained his experiences in dealing with different women and his experiences of being in different types of relationships. Yo these honeys be on some shit for real.

Jeru met this honey named Yolanda. You would not believe the things that he told her. She had potential. People would usually see Jeru and Yolanda around town. She had this way that was so sexy. Her rear end was just so nice and juicy. Every time he think about it makes him woozy. Plus a mind that you would not believe.

Jeru and Yolanda dragged their feet on the concept of them both dating together and being on a date together. They waited and waited. Jeru started to wonder if he would ever get in with the invitation. Finally the invitation was extended. With that, he said “Mi casa es su casa” and “Meet me at my pad tomorrow about six o’clock”. There was no question by the next day they were kissing and caressing each other.

Before long, they start to undress. With that he pulls out a pack of condoms. She looks him dead in the eye and says “What’s that?” Jeru said, “Don’t tell me you don’t know what condoms is for.” She says, “Yeah, but the average nigga’ll love to hit it raw.” Jeru tells Yolanda, “I’m not your average nigga.”

Jeru met this honey named Tamika at The Tunnel in New York City, New York. He got her name and number. His intentions were more than just to fuck her. He said, “Girlfriend, I just wonder. Could you come home with me?” She responded with the quickness by saying yes and complying with his demand. He said, “Girlfriend, I just wonder. Could you come home with me?” She responded with the quickness by saying yes and complying with his demand.

They discussed the place of their meeting when they planned to hook up the following weekend. Tamika said, “Come to my projects. Sometimes niggas be buggin. But I got mad respect.” So like a dummy, he went to scoop up this young honey. Gassed up by the fat ass and flat tummy.

But when he rolled up, it started to look just like a set-up. Now he is mad hot. But he played it cool this time. He recognized one nigga he used to run with in high school. Jeru asked he knew the whereabouts of Tamika. He said, “Yeah I know the whore.” Jeru got on the elevator with him and he led Jeru to her door. When he rung the bell, she was mad surprised. She flung the door wide open with a wild look in her eyes. Then Jeru told Tamika, “Girlfriend, I’m not your average nigga.”

Jeru met this honey named Sabrina. He thought that this time this one would be the Queen of his dreams. But you know how that goes.

One day he was outside her door and they were talking about how her ex-boyfriend was stalking her. She said she thought she saw him when they were walking. Jeru told her, “Don’t worry about it. Put that shit on the side and slide up in the crib. Don’t sweat it, he’s probably just rappin’.” She’s still shook up about what happened. She said, “Little do you know. Last week he threw a brick threw my bedroom window.” Jeru downplays the situation and doubts her by telling her, “Whatever, I don’t think he’s that crazy.” She said, “You never, know where he may be.”

Then all of a sudden out of nowhere, the crazy motherfucker jumped out on Jeru. Jeru made him melt with a blow to the head. Before he bounced, this is what he said, “Yo, I’m not your average nigga.”

I rate this album 4/5****!

Review: Club Des Belugas – Forward

Club Des Belugas – Forward is a beautiful modern electro swing album where jazz meets electronic music. A old fashioned pinch of swing jazz can be heard on songs such as Desperately Trying – Swing Mix and Glorious Beach Livin’. You also have jazzy romantic love songs such as Sweet Lovin’.

Glorious Beach Livin’ is about wanting a glorious beach living which is a relaxing life on the beach while living in paradise. Glorious Beach Livin’ is an upbeat swing jazz song which follows an uptempo pace.

Hand in hand, we walk along our sandy path to the glorious beach while humming a song in tune and harmony. Hearing the waves crash against the shore. Yes, we have come home for a glorious beach living. A glorious beach living is something that would be marvelous. That is what I’ve been waiting for.

I have no words to explain how much I hate that bloody rain and the nasty wind that creeps under my skin I want to live right by the sea with our children playing under old pine trees on the beach. So that is where we would be staying.

It’s the same each year and the years to come despite global warming and climate change. When the sun burns the leaves, it’s time to go home.The autumn is such a ruthless thief. Let’s save the tears and keep the bliss. This could be home.

Sweet Lovin’ is an upbeat swing jazz song which is obviously a love song about divine love. The song tells us there are so many different ways to love.

There are so many different ways to love. As many as the stars above but you love me just the right way. I feel it in every word that you say. Baby, we’ve got somethin’ fine. I can’t believe I’ve found such a divine love.

Now I know you feel the same way too because no one’s loving is as sweet as is loving you. Sweet love is sweet loving. There are so many different ways to love. I just need you here right by my side. Waiting with my arms open wide.

Each day is a gift. Our love so true. I’m just ashamed of my self without you. Sometimes it’s hard to love some. But there are so many different ways to show love. I already found my other half and I’ll never give it back. After every dark night there will be a dawn. And we’ll find that we have grown in the morning light.

There are so many different ways to leave. There are so many ways to grieve Oh babe, I couldn’t live without you. So let nothing come between us two.

Desperately Trying – Swing Mix is about a couple trying to move on and doing what’s best for them in their relationship.

It never feels at home when he’s with her. That is what he told her when he left her. Leaving her desperately trying to understand what went wrong.

She is desperately trying to find a home for him to move to. They are desperately trying to find a place for them to stay. He said he never really got through to her and that she never opened up emotionally. This is the truth.

She lost her trust on the way. Since he’s gone, she is sinking deeper into who she really is. Now she is brave enough to show what’s inside but it’s too late. He said he never loved her. That he always stopped for his feelings to grow. She went on hoping for things to change.

Since he is gone, she keeps on finding out all these little things about him. Realizing that he was always there with us. Looking back she has to admit that things went wrong long ago. She is desperately trying to cleanse myself of all these lies. However she is scared that she is going to love him until the day she dies.

I shouldn’t I wouldn’t (Club Des Belugas Remix) is about wanting material things you really want but don’t really need. Material things such as clothing and food.

This lady is walking down the street. She sees a great dress in the shop window. She goes into the clothing store to try on the great dress that is displayed in the shop window. The great dress that is displayed in the shop window fits like a glove. An entertaining jacket is on a hanger too.

She spots ice cream shoppe with the best source of ice. One more shouldn’t matter. But which one shall she take? Strawberry colour black and just a lil bit of cream? She shouldn’t. Now this lady wants 3 glasses of wine. The 4th glass of wine smiles at her. Jeff’s car lies on the street. She sees his brand new car which brightly sparkles and gleams without any scratch.

I rate this album 4/5****!!

Review: Clare Fader – The Elephant’s Baby

Clare Fader – The Elephant’s Baby is a smooth soothing jazz album perfect for a cabaret or a dance performance. The songs follow a dance routine based on how the instrumentation is programmed and arranged. Much of her album uses live big band jazz instrumentation and music from the Vaudeville era. That is where that Vaudeville sound comes from. However some of the songs have a slow tempo such as Queen and The Wine. A bit of electro swing is used on the album.

The song Queen is about a beauty queen who life is a drag even though she is a seductress that sleeps with many men. The song Queen is a slow paced slow tempo electro swing song with a jazzy soundscape and sophisticated instrumentation.

This beauty queen is sitting in a coffee shop sucking on a lemon drop waiting for her watch to stop while days are dragging on. She draws her own apocalypse between her blood-red ruby lips and holds it in her fingertips. She calls her life a drag. Her slip begins to show. Do you suppose she knows that her colorful clothing clashes? Do you suppose she knows that her cigarette’s dripping its ashes?

She’s all Claire longs to be. She’s lost amid the smoke filled air. Her life’s a game of solitaire staring though there’s nothing there in a smoke ring of thorns. But lady luck don’t linger long. Throw your ace before she’s gone. Before you reach your denouement. Your final curtain call.

She hums a tune that haunts her head. She wanders why she left her bed because tomorrow’s just a day to dread as pipe dreams fade away as she lights another cigarette. Is she ready to cash in on a life long debt yet and kiss this world goodbye?

Isle Of Summer is a fantasy based jazz song with a charming cast of characters such as the maiden with tornado curls who is quite mischievous and seductive.

Come and buy illusions on the isle of delusions. Place your faith and all your trust in the gods of wanderlust. Your paper money won’t get you far. Neither will your tin can car. Pack your tireless bag of tricks. Pawn your books and candle sticks. Come as you are in your tin can car. Leave with the money from your old jam jar.

Come if you dare to the lovely Isle of Summer. There’s a charming cast of characters. All castaways and scavengers are so faithful to their island queen who doles them out a daily dream. Her hands are adorned with gypsy jewels. Her golden words are adored by fools bearing gifts from dollar stores. She welcomes you upon her shores.

The maiden with tornado curls is more beautiful than other girls. She lives at the end of hairpin bend and knows how to blow your fears away with potions spun of alchemy. She calls you from her balcony. Her laughter lingers in your ear. Her smile is the sweetest souvenir. The maiden with tornado curls is a part of the charming cast of characters in this song along with the queen.

The Wine explained how Clare immersed herself in the sin of drinking alcoholic beverage which she has developed a dependency on. Her whole life has been a torrid affair because she’s had too many bottles of gin.

There are three hundred steps to Clare’s bed. Clare has had too many bottles of wine. Maybe she’ll sit here and rest for a while. And then she’ll be fine for her climb. Don’t blame the wine. Blame the man who sleeps in her bed.

Tonight Clare will sleep on the beach because she has had too many bottles of rum. Maybe she’ll sit here and rest for a while. And wait for the dawn of the sun to arrive.

Her whole life has been a torrid affair because she’s had too many bottles of gin. Marriage and babies were never for her. But neither is living in sin. She says to not blame the gin that has forsaken her. But instead to blame the man who sleeps in her bed.

What’s interesting about this electro swing song is that there are portions of the lyrics that are sung in the German language. That is quite rare and unique given how there are not many electro swing songs sung in the German language on an international scale.

These were the lyrics sung in the German language.

Es gibt dreihundert Stufen zu meinem Bett
Und ich hatte zu viele Flaschen Wein
Vielleicht sitze ich hier und ruhe mich eine Weile aus
Und dann geht es mir gut für meinen Aufstieg

Heute Nacht werde ich am Strand schlafen
Weil ich zu viele Flaschen Rum hatte
Vielleicht sitze ich hier und ruhe mich eine Weile aus
Und warte auf den Sonnenaufgang

Mein ganzes Leben war eine toride Angelegenheit
Weil ich zu viele Flaschen Gin hatte
Ehe und Babys waren nie für mich
Aber keiner lebt in Sünde

Here is an English translation from the German lyrics from a German to English translation.

Es gibt dreihundert Stufen zu meinem Bett
Und ich hatte zu viele Flaschen Wein
Vielleicht sitze ich hier und ruhe mich eine Weile aus
Und dann geht es mir gut für meinen Aufstieg

There are three hundred steps to my bed
And I’ve had too many bottles of wine
Maybe I’ll sit here and rest for a while
And then I’ll be fine for my climb

Heute Nacht werde ich am Strand schlafen
Weil ich zu viele Flaschen Rum hatte
Vielleicht sitze ich hier und ruhe mich eine Weile aus
Und warte auf den Sonnenaufgang

Tonight I will sleep on the beach
‘Cause I’ve had too many bottles of rum
Maybe I’ll sit here and rest for a while
And wait for the dawn of the sun

Mein ganzes Leben war eine toride Angelegenheit
Weil ich zu viele Flaschen Gin hatte
Ehe und Babys waren nie für mich
Aber keiner lebt in Sünde

My whole life’s been a torid affair
‘Cause I’ve had too many bottles of gin
Marriage and babies were never for me
But neither is living in sin

I rate this album 5/5*****!

Review: Ellen Pels – From A To B

Ellen Pels – From A To B is a heartfelt profound vocal jazz album with smooth jazz melodies and unusual harmonies which she calls Spiri-Jazz. Her album has a significant touch of spiritual jazz with a rich spirit. Blend in the musical styles of spiritual jazz, acid jazz, smooth jazz, big band, pop, and piano jazz, and you have this great album. This collection of vocal jazz includes every dimension of her voice. There are also live recordings sprinkled here and there.

Lullaby is a slow tempo soothing spiritual jazz song with smooth jazz melodies provided by a violin. This song is intended to ease the spirit and soul. Future generations will come to appreciate this song. Her soothing vocals slowly sedate you into a state of sleep. Her song Lullaby was recorded live at Odeon Theatre with the Red Limo String Quartet.

Ellen sings this lullaby for you to ease you into sleep. To pave the way for happy dreams instead of counting sheep. Beneath these quilts in this bed you rest instead of staring at the wall with copper posts and all. Her soothing hand slowly sedates and quietens your mind. Just leave all those burdens and those weights behind. Trust that you are cared for. Know you are secure in your sleepy hollow. Relax your body and your soul. Let go of all your hurt. Let grace replenish your soul and heart.

Notre Dame (Live at Wedgeview Studios) is a song about the tragic event which a fire that occurred during the restoration of the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris, France on the date of April 15, 2019.

The Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral collapsed in ruins after she went down in flames. People held their breath she went down in flames. The treasures were burnt and the relics were destroyed. The museum rang to ask for some help. So money was generously donated by generous and caring people. This was the right thing to be doing. And receive well-deserved reverence.

A Hundred Thousand Questions is one of the more environmentally conscious songs on the album where Ellen question what we will do to tackle issues such as air pollution for instance.

Overwrought and overwhelmed, Ellen often lays awake at night. She has a hundred thousand questions for the world about industrial revolution and air pollution.

If we don’t take action now, mass extinction will be our plight. Overheating will be the trend. That is what will happen if we continue this befouling. Tomorrow brings another day and she will struggle through. She’ll persist in finding promise. A guiding light to hold on to. She has a hundred thousand questions for the world about how we can make changes for this Earth that you love too. The changes and renewal. Trust the force within you. Nothing is too strange. Believe that it can happen. Know that things can change.

Leader of My Band is about Ellen taking control of her life and knowing every step is new, unknown, and scary. The song combats dealing with the unknown. Dealing with the unknown is the theme of the song Leader of My Band. Beautiful melodies fill the air with delight. The saxophone makes the song very jazzy.

Ellen is wondering about her life and how things go. She finds a few facts and surprises along the way. She casually learning how to go with the flow and stand in awe of she is today. Ellen may not be a success overnight, but every step feels like her playground. Ellen is the leader of the band. Child of the king. Every moment of this adventure is wild. Every step is new, unknown, and scary.

When Ellen looks back, she is proud of what she has achieved with her accomplishments. She would never have believed that she could ever have summoned a crowd. She feels pleased because of this.

Walking is a typical slice of life song about daily life that was written by Ellen herself. This is quite a refreshing smooth jazz song. The song use a soothing flute solo at the beginning that is so soothing.

Walking along this quiet path, Ellen looks around and sees the trees, bees, and lovely flowers. In the distance very far away, there’s a summit for her to visit. Walking along this busy road, there’s so much going on. The people, the buildings, and the many cars. That summit seems out of sight. She nearly loses her way. Thankfully help comes from the stars. It sure has been an adventure walking along this rocky path. Honestly it was quite a pleasure.

Ellen shows us how she stands her ground and is fearless on her live recording of Eye of the Storm which was recorded live at Wisseloord Studios with the Stageband Jazz Orchestra. She fights her fate during the song. The song is a self-fulfilling prophecy created by her mind.

Ellen is standing in the eye of the storm while the world around her rages violently as she have done for many ages. Her feet rooted in the ground and her head is held high. Feeling the love that surrounds her while she watches the rubble fly. As she watches the anger feel the loathing and hate. Ellen can see the colours fading as she fights her fate. The self-fulfilling prophecy created by her mind seems to be reflected in the future of mankind.

I rate this album 5/5*****!

Review: Ellen Pels – Late Bloomer

Ellen Pels – Late Bloomer was the debut album for Netherlands-based jazz singer Ellen Pels that was released in the year 2015. Late Bloomer is a heartfelt profound vocal jazz album with smooth jazz melodies and unusual harmonies which she calls Spiri-Jazz. Her album has a significant touch of spiritual jazz with a rich spirit. Blend in the musical styles of spiritual jazz, acid jazz, smooth jazz, big band, pop, and piano jazz, and you have this great album. This collection of vocal jazz includes every dimension of her voice. Who knew that Dutch jazz had such spiritual value and sound?

This album is full of tips for spiritual living. Over half of the album revolves around spiritual living which is unusual for vocal jazz albums and smooth jazz albums. Now there are some love songs on the album such as Dragonflies, Song For My Love, If I Were Bebel, Every Inch and Wounded Heart. But those are few and far in between in comparison to the spiritual living songs.

Late Bloomer explained how Ellen was a late bloomer who had talents, techniques, and capabilities there were not visible to others until later than usual in her lifetime. She explained why she remained doubtful throughout a majority of her lifetime. Late Bloomer is dedicated to the late bloomers in life who do things later on in their lifetimes. Listen to the voice inside. That is where the message of the song is located.

Ellen feared she would not fit in with what societal standards would expect out of her as a woman. She is not young and gorgeous. She just could not make it. One ought to be flawless.

But somewhere inside her there is this desire. Ellen has tested and tried herself to the best of her capabilities and talent. But she cannot put out the fire and desire inside of her. Ellen is a late bloomer. She took time to display her talents, techniques, and capabilities. This is because her talents, techniques, and capabilities were not visible to others until later than usual in her lifetime. But now she is sublime.

Ellen was doubtful and uncertain about her talents, techniques, and capabilities because she was afraid of rejection and the unknown. But she eventually dropped the fire curtain and followed the lure which led her to the fire and desire inside of her.

Not all of us get a wake up call. Not all of us get the opportunity to grab our chance. You don’t have to become 10 feet tall or have a whirlwind romance. Listen to the voice inside. Just know it isn’t all fantasy. If you haven’t truly tried, it will all be a fallacy.

These lyrics explain how people should just listen to the voice inside of them.

Not all of us get a wake up call
Not all of us grab our chance
You don’t have to become 10 feet tall
Or have a whirlwind romance
Listen to the voice inside
Know it isn’t all fantasy
If you haven’t truly tried
It will all be a fallacy

Ellen explains all the things she would do for her husband if she was Ferdinand August Bebel, German socialist politician, writer, and orator on the song If I Were Bebel.

These showcased how much deep affection, admiration, and compassion they both have for each other. “I am your friend, I am your lover/That’s why we hold one another” That’s why they hold one another. This is certainly the most romantic part of the song.

Dragonflies is a song where Ellen sings about reuniting with her husband that is her lover. The song is a mixture of spiritual jazz and romance.

Some day when the dragonflies fly. Some day when her time has gone by. Leaving the lake behind. That’s when their souls will dance forever around the fire together. That’s when their souls will dance forever. They will colour the stars around the fire together. That day will be filled with light and love is when they both will reunite.

Spiritual Life is one of the more spiritual songs on the album. This song has a significant touch of spiritual jazz with a rich spirit. Blend in the musical styles of spiritual jazz, acid jazz, smooth jazz, big band, pop, and piano jazz, and you have this great song. The song explains why Ellen wants to lead and live a spiritual life.

If Ellen performs Yoga, read all the health books written by wise people, eat healthy food, forget about her looks, will she become enlightened? She wonders if she will become enlightened by doing all this. Ellen wants to lead a spiritual life. She wants to lead a meaningful life.

If she starts healing and meditate every day, will she stop feeling like a victim? If she sees a Shaman for her dreams and asks for angels to come her way, will she stop feeling like a victim? Ellen went to a famous guru’s workshop hoping he would fix things for her. But he’s really not that good because the pain is still here. She wants to lead a spiritual life. She wants to lead a meaningful life.

Song For My Love is a love song Ellen wrote for her husband telling him how much she really needs him in her life not only just for emotional support. The song shows deep admiration and compassion over how much they care for each other.

Ellen is the sailboat. This man who belongs to her is her jetty. The man who is the husband of Ellen is her gigolo when he makes love to her. That’s why Ellen loves him. He makes her happy. He is the one for her.

Sorrow is no stranger in their life. They know all there is to know bout losing and letting go. But because Ellen is his wife and he is her lover, they could and did recover. They are together through fire and rain. They carry each other when they are in pain. Both of them need one another like bubbles and champagne. It’s simple and it’s true.

Ellen encourages people to be themselves and fake their personalities and image by trying to be like someone else on The Real You. Ellen wants you to show her the true “you”. The song is about just being yourself and not being like no one else.

Ellen doesn’t care for chatter for which she doesn’t give a hoot. No one is that shallow. There must be more to you. There is a deeper meaning. Please give her a clue. Show Ellen the real “you”. She promises to be careful. She is trying to be mindful. Just keep trying to be mindful. Ellen wants depth of meaning. She wants to feel your soul. She needs to get to know you. All of you.

Please show Ellen the real you. Tell Ellen who you truly are. Let her see inside your heart. Let go of acts, masks, and all of that other stuff. Stop playing a fake part. Stop playing the role.

On The Way is one of the longer songs on the album where Ellen encourages people to be all they set out to be and make every day a melody. As you move on in life, let there be happiness in your life.Make every day a melody. Be all that you set out to be.

Now the song uses a huge touch of tropical jazz and harmonious choral singing that follows a jazz melody. The song uses a beautiful spectacular mixture of tropical jazz, vocal jazz, lounge music, easy listening, spiritual jazz, and smooth jazz. The song uses more than a combination of just spiritual jazz and vocal jazz.

Every Inch is a love song about how Ellen misses every inch of her husband as he is very distant from her sometimes. Or at least it seems to her.

Ellen misses every inch of her husband. The look behind his eyes is very distant sometimes. The way her seemed so wise and light-footed at times. She misses the beauty of his hair and the sunshine in his smile. The way he always cared often could beguile. It is clear Ellen misses every inch of her him.

Sister Dear Sister was a song Ellen had written for her elder sister. The song showed how much Ellen dearly loved her elder sister.

The song uses a guitar instrumental solo which is played in the form of ABA in the A key which is the ternary form. The standard aba is often described as a simple ternary form. The guitar solo is simply phenomenal and fits in appropriately with the song.

From the start they were a pair. Ellen would be where her older sister used to hang out at. Ellen always wore her hand me down clothing that she outgrew. They were naughty kids sneaking out after dark. Secretly playing with their buddies in the park. Lighting fires, roasting marshmallows, and having a lark. They could take on the world. Side by side wherever they would be. They were besties. BFF’s by decree.

Ellen standing up to her elder has taught her a lot. She was there if Ellen got herself in a knot. How she stuck by her is something Ellen never forgot.

Have they lost one another? Are they worlds apart? Sister dear sister. She will never fall short. Always this connection straight from the heart. Ellen wonders if she has lost connection with her elder sister and if they are worlds apart.

Step Into The Light is a spiritual jazz song where Ellen encourages people to think for themselves and have a mind of their own. She also encourages people to be brave. She also tells people to mind their manners. Ellen Pels gives audiences her words of wisdom and helpful advice in terms of life skills. These are the wise words of advice from Ellen Pels that everyone should listen to and not ignore. You can really tell Ellen gave her all in just a 3 and a half minute song.

Your mind is your own. Don’t believe all that you are told. Be good, be quiet, and well behaved. Do not cry or scream. Be brave. Be tactful always when you speak. Be kind, reserved, restrain yourself. Put your emotions on a shelf. No acting out. Don’t be extreme. When frustrated, never scream. These are the wise words of advice from Ellen Pels that everyone should listen to and not ignore.

The world is bigger than you think. You just may find your missing link. Open your mind to other thoughts. You may find space and freedom. It may be safe not to be heard. Simply following the herd won’t do. Step into the light. These are some of the wise words of advice from Ellen Pels that everyone should listen to and not ignore. She encourage people to find the freedom to think for themselves and to have an open mind. That is what she wants.

These lyrics encourage people to find the freedom to think for themselves and to have an open mind.

To other thoughts open your mind
Space and freedom you may find

The world is bigger than you think
You just may find your missing link

It may be safe not to be heard
Simply following the herd
Step into the light

Wounded Heart explained the story of a woman with a broken heart who would not let anyone in as she would keep them away.

This woman leads a hard life all on her own. She feels so lost as she feels very alone. She is a woman with a broken heart who would not let anyone in as she would keep them away concerning love. She cannot trust anyone. Yet she cannot be alone. She will know the hurting so that no one can tell.

Ellen encourages people to live life with no regrets and sorrows on the song No Regrets. She encouraged people to face their fears.

Time is running out. Why are you waiting? Stop playing and laying about. Your days are abating. You’ve got to move. You’ve got to make your dreams come true. There is time to waste as there is much to look forward to in life. There is much to look forward to in your life. Don’t be afraid. Just face your fears. Your heart’s desire will grow. Your soul will know.

Late Bloomer explained how Ellen was a late bloomer who had talents, techniques, and capabilities there were not visible to others until later than usual in her lifetime. She explained why she remained doubtful throughout a majority of her lifetime. Late Bloomer is dedicated to the late bloomers in life who do things later on in their lifetimes. Listen to the voice inside. That is where the message of the song is located.

Ellen feared she would not fit in with what societal standards would expect out of her as a woman. She is not young and gorgeous. She just could not make it. One ought to be flawless.

But somewhere inside her there is this desire. Ellen has tested and tried herself to the best of her capabilities and talent. But she cannot put out the fire and desire inside of her. Ellen is a late bloomer. She took time to display her talents, techniques, and capabilities. This is because her talents, techniques, and capabilities were not visible to others until later than usual in her lifetime. But now she is sublime.

Ellen was doubtful and uncertain about her talents, techniques, and capabilities because she was afraid of rejection and the unknown. But she eventually dropped the fire curtain and followed the lure which led her to the fire and desire inside of her.

Not all of us get a wake up call. Not all of us get the opportunity to grab our chance. You don’t have to become 10 feet tall or have a whirlwind romance. Listen to the voice inside. Just know it isn’t all fantasy. If you haven’t truly tried, it will all be a fallacy.

These lyrics explain how people should just listen to the voice inside of them.

Not all of us get a wake up call
Not all of us grab our chance
You don’t have to become 10 feet tall
Or have a whirlwind romance
Listen to the voice inside
Know it isn’t all fantasy
If you haven’t truly tried
It will all be a fallacy

I rate this album 5/5*****!!

Review: Alice Francis – St. James Ballroom

Alice Francis – St. James Ballroom is an overlooked gem of an electro swing album which has vintage jazz sound. Not many people knew about this album which flew under the music radar. The album has eloquently produced jazz compositions such as St. James Ballroom and French Affair. You also have your upbeat jazz numbers to dance to such as Get A Wiggle On, A Flapper’s Diary, and I Pimp You.

The title track St. James Ballroom is one of the more elegant songs with sophisticated eloquent production.

Daba down at St. James Dogtown. It was almost after day. Alice Francis did the hotty-hot tap all night until she was almost freakin’ out. Then he stepped into the room. And then he grabbed her arm and pulled her keenly by his side. Things were becoming real in the middle of the ballroom’s dance floor as the crazy was bouncing around loudly. The girls were shakin’ their fans. Guys doing the tap dance by moving their feet and waving their hands.

She likes everything about him. His smile, face, body, and his moves. The way how he tips and taps his shoes. Alice asks the man who’s dancing with her to kiss her at St. James Ballroom. She tells the man dancing with her, “I know what you do to me. Mister, you make me crazy. Now kiss me at St. James Ballroom.”

He knows that Alice don’t want to know his name, but he don’t seem to care. Alice thinks that she in love with the man she is currently dancing with. He makes her feel so good. Oh what a crazy man. It’s in the air tonight. Alice tells the man dancing with her that he is to kiss her if he can handle her. She tells him, “Now you’re free to do it. You can kiss me if you like. But I hope you can handle me. Give me everything you got.”

Get A Wiggle On is one of those upbeat jazz numbers to dance to. This song makes you move. So get a wiggle on, baby!

Get a wiggle on! I said it makes you move. So come on. Alice Francis is gonna catch you when you slip down. Tell me. You think that you can play her for a fool? Every time you talk about the money that you make.

During the middle of the song where things take a slight graphic turn but not too grotesquely or morbid though.

You think that you do
Play me baby – for a fool?
Every time you talk about the money that you make
Say who you gonna take down, use the dudes, get there, eat blood

Gangsterlove explains the story of Alice falling in love with a gangster.

He caught Alice with the sweetest lullaby. He made her feel glorious and divine. The man invited Alice for a drink. They danced to the blues and danced by performing a tender swing. And then he caught her by his sweet lies. It started out that they were gonna be friends and even more when he popped the question. He gave her roses while clicking his chapeau. But finally one day the roses fade away and butterflies got their wings so deeply. Sweetness has its price. He went out at night and left Alice with her broken wing. When he went away, Alice could not save her aching heart. She was blinded by the blueness of night and could not get enough of gangster love.

She started having vertigo at night. Instead of him by her side, a pillow was by her side. He left her with a ring, memories of swing dancing together, and painful agony inside. When he came she washed his bloody shirts, took care of his cats, and she had to vet his foods. Instead of roses, he gave her doses of lies.

But finally one day he had to go away. And even though Alice begged him here to stay, he left with squeaking wheels. Careless of what she felt at the time. I guess this wound of hers will never heal.

Alice thought this man was the one for her. He got Alice caught with a lullaby. She can’t run even if she tries harder to forget that her left her with dimes and rings. As well as other assorted jewelry. She was blinded by the blueness of night. She couldn’t get enough of gangster love.

Shoot Him Down! about how Alice will shoot the man that betrayed her because he slept with another woman.

This man Alice is dating is a ticket for a ghost train. Alice believed what he said, but she’ll never do it once again. Her mother told her to resist her heartache, but nothing can stop her from goin’ insane. Alice will shoot the man that betrayed her because he slept with another woman. He was in bed with another chick in his rose colored world. Alice wants to choke him, maltreat him, squeeze him, and break his neck.

She’s got nothing but a heartache. Alice just wants to let you know that she is about to go insane. You know that she will soon take her gun to shoot him down. This man is a ticket for a heartache. She wants to break him bone for bone. She wants to stab him all night long with a needle. Nothing but her heart aches.

I rate this album 4/5****!

Review: Mac Dre – Thizzelle Washington (2004 version)

The album Mac Dre – Thizzelle Washington is filled with the tongue-in-cheek humor with a certain degree of attitude in happy-go-lucky humor. This album is quite brehsive! Every track is a banger and worthy of playing. No song is worth skipping. This album will leave an everlasting effect into your life. Bay Area legends such as Yukmouth, Rydah J. Klyde, Dubee, and Chuck Beez make guest appearances. Thizzelle Washington was released in 2004 on Thizz of course. Now the 2004 version of this album has additional bonus tracks.

Monday thru Sunday is about how Mac Dre promotes the Thizz lifestyle of prostitution, paraphernalia, music, and unemployment. All that good shit! What could be more gangsta than smoking reefer during the morning in the Bay Area in Vallejo, Cali? Now that’s Thizz!

You can catch the almighty versatile mack Andre Hicks at doing everything from fly fishing to badminton when he is hitting that ass from here to Hong Kong. Floss too hard a nigga might pull up on ya.

Here is what Mac Dre does from Monday thru Sunday. On Monday, Mac Dre is politicking through the ghetto. On Tuesday, he is sitting backseat with mommies and Amaretto. On Wednesday, it’s pimping hookers in stilettos. On Thursday, he will probably swoop looking for that hello. On Friday, he is at a throwback with his fellows. On Saturday, he is off in the club spending dinero. On Sunday, he is out in traffic to the pedal. He spends 7 days a week out on these streets. He just can’t let go.

Mac Dre is fresh dressed like a skrillion bucks as he comes through mashing and dipping an old school car with mouth full of jewels. He lives the life of a Northern California rap star. Many concert house parties in the backyard.

Mac Dre’s rhyming is on point like always. Just read these lyrics. “I eat a nigga like jello/Play a bitch like cello/I’m the kind of fellow that will “yee” instead of “hello”/I do it acapello, or in the mix”

And these lyrics also.

When I’m ass hitting, I’m in it like a thong
Old school like pong, sav like Donkey Kong
Eat a thing long, a crustacean
Grew up with Sisters, heinas, Asians and Caucasians
I stay blazing, nothing but the best
Oh, where I’m from? Bitch, the Crest
The wild wild west, California

Thizzle Dance is one of the many original dances created and developed by Mac Dre when he was living the thizz lifestyle. Thizzle Dance is an example of a song from the Bay Area’s hyphy movement.

Hello everybody. Hi. I’d like to introduce you to the Thizzle Dance? Thizzle Dance I said. Can you do the Thizzle Dance? Fuck the Harlem Shake, this is the Thizzle Dance! Come on everybody! Now’s the chance! Bounce to the beat until it starts to hurt. Dip to the ground as you catch the bass. You can’t do the Thizz Dance unless you’re pillin it.

The song Stuart Littles is about gaining monetary profits from drug distributing on the mean streets while trying to make it out the hood without getting killed or indicted in the process. The twangy outlaw country guitar adds to that Wild West sound of this track. The song is a little bit of country rap mixed with that hyphy sound. Stuart Littles is dedicated to the freaks, females, hustlers, and drug distributors out there in the Bay Area.

Professionals on the roll start acting like amateurs. War in the street is the only way the beef is settled. Young monsters with no guilty conscience. You better watch it and proceed with caution. Mac Dre is never seen talking to 5-0 or giving away clues. That is why you can read about him running from 5-0 on the news. Since little league ball days that bitches would call Dre.

Boss Tycoon is about how Mac Dre ran the Thizz scene like a boss. Money is no object for him. He’s a boss with it. He was known as a cut-throat hustler to the underground. This is a pure gangsta track. Let me put it that way.

The Mac named Dre is autobiographical track that needs no long explanation as the song is pretty much self-explanatory itself. It’s about why Mac Dre is The Mac. Let me put it that way. This track was a dedication to long deceased Bay Area rapper The Mac.

I rate this album 5/5*****!!

Review: The Green Eyes – War in Heaven

For those who don’t know, KING DAV$D was once known as The Green Eyes. The same The Green Eyes who dropped Planet of The Southeast and Something To Bop To in the 1980s and 1990s. The Green Eyes is a well reputed and respected OG from Southeast San Diego, California. KING DAV$D has witnessed first hand the horrors of the gang lifestyle from being shot to serving a stint in prison. He has witnessed driveby’s, genocide, homicide, and drugs. The former Lincoln Park Blood gang member is now on a mission to bring peace to the inner cities of United States of America.

After serving a stint in prison for living that life, he found Jesus Christ. The Green Eyes (KING DAV$D) has been working with Rebel Genius in a leadership position as he has been holding weekly bible studies for the Rebel Genius team. He is now signed to Rebel Genius Records. The Green Eyes has returned as KING DAV$D!

The Green Eyes (KING DAV$D) is known for his uncut authenticity and his passion for people. War in Heaven is a breath of fresh air to the Christian Rap community for 2016. This album is from a renewed perspective of KING DAV$D as he has found his calling. War In Heaven is an album designed to uplift, challenge, inspire, praise, and encourage the listener.

KING DAV$D touches perspective on spiritual warfare with his first single “War & Heaven”. Spiritual warfare is a real topic that is rarely talked about. That’s why KING DAV$D calls to attention the listeners. War & Heaven brings discernment to the reality concerning the biblical spiritual civil war fought between angels and demons and his majestic majesty King Jesus Christ Vs. Satan. This war spills into this world. Where the prize on both sides is the human soul.

Youth Soldier is about lifestyles that are prevalent in gangs. This is where pastors get it wrong when they say gangs don’t love you … there is a love in Satan’s kingdom. There’s even an order. This militant order is what attracted him to become a first generation Lincoln Park Blood member.

I rate this album 5/5*****!!

Review: Mistery – Rollin Wit Tha Funk

Funk meets rap on Mistery – Rollin Wit Tha Funk. That is why you can hear that raw uncut Dago Funk in this single. San Diego, California producer Frank Z was responsible for the raw Dago Funk you hear on this single. Mistery co produced this single as well. Mistery and Frank Z produced a huge majority of this single for the record. George Clinton and Zapp samples can be heard throughout the single. Executive producers for this single were Cisum Records A & R Al Thornton, Howard Lynch, Aaron Clark, and John Ferguson. DJ GLE mixed the single.

Funk meets rap on Rollin Wit Tha Funk. That is why you can hear that raw uncut Dago Funk in the track as Rollin Wit Tha Funk samples George Clinton – Atomic Dog and Zapp – More Bounce To The Ounce. By incorporating these songs into this track, they procreated a funk rap melody. Of course anyone can sample More Bounce To The Ounce by Zapp and Atomic Dog by George Clinton. A vocoder is used on Rollin Wit Tha Funk.

Executive producers for this song were Cisum Records A & R Al Thornton, Howard Lynch, Aaron Clark, and John Ferguson. DJ GLE mixed the song. Mistery and Frank Z produced a huge majority of this song for the record. The bass is so loud it puts humps in the sidewalk.

A music video for Rollin Wit Tha Funk was aired on Rap City and BET Television back in 1993. Radio station Z90 played this all day back in the day.

Frank Z brings out the funk at the very beginning of Rollin Wit Tha Funk. It’s a trunk jam. Mistery is driving all the fly girls nuts. Mistery is nothing but a player. He’s hanging out with the homies so he is protected by carrying a strap (gun weapon). Mistery explains he’s unreadable and harder to kill than Steven Segal.

Freaks want to sit in his lap as he writes/composes raps. When Mistery lets off a round of bullets, no one runs up on him. He stays true to the homies. Mistery came with an OG flow for 1993. He dedicated to the streets with a funky sound. He claims Rollin Wit Tha Funk is a perfect jam to play in the park.

Mistery and Frank Z produced 9MM. Executive producers for this song were Cisum Records A & R Al Thornton, Howard Lynch, Aaron Clark, and John Ferguson. Gangsta rap meets funk rap on 9MM. 9MM samples George Clinton – Atomic Dog and Zapp – More Bounce To The Ounce.

9MM takes shots the underground. It’s a gangsta rap freestyle at that. When Mistery lets off a round of bullets, no one runs up on him. He was a young nigga fucked up from the bud and from the gin. He stays protected by carrying a strap (gun weapon).

An auto theft is committed here. Mistery sees someone get out of their vehicle. So now he is creeping on a come up. He is strapped with a 9MM. Without a gun, you’ll get baffled every time. Get yourself a glock and you’ll be fine. That is what Mistery wants you to do. Mistery breaks them off something funky. Especially with a couple of shots from a 9MM handgun! If anyone runs up he’ll put a round of bullets in them.

On verse 3 Mistery talks about a couple of motherfuckers from his city. When he is around they are on his dick trying to fake it, but behind his back they talk negative about him. Mistery ain’t going out a like a punk. At all! They’ve been all on his dick since Rollin Wit Tha Funk came out.

I rate this single 5/5*****!!

Review: Beryl Moreland & Darryl Kennedy – Last Call

Beryl Moreland & Darryl Kennedy – Last Call is a smooth subtle jazz hop album where the sounds of hip hop and jazz both each other in a blended nature. The sounds of jazz hop are always perfect for a lone cold night. Who knew that such a wonderful smooth jazz album would from Milwaukee, Wisconsin?

The upright bass on On The Edge gives the song an upbeat swing jazz vibe. Layered on top are multiple layers of instruments such as a saxophone ensemble, small bongo selection, a quadruple-layered horn selection, and some acoustics. An electric guitar is used in various places.

Black Ice driven by a heavy kick drum and relaxing melodic chimes over a G-Funk sound. Jazz and hip hop meet the sound of G-Funk on Black Ice. A powerful horn selection is used in the song.

Reggae meets the sounds of hip hop and jazz on the song Reggae Machine. The choice using an element of reggae was truly different and unique on a jazz hop album. It’s not too often you get to hear a reggae song on a jazz hop album. Reggae Machine uses a mean saxophone selection over melodic grooves. The melodic grooves are what stand out.

I rate this album 5/5*****!!