By shelz.
I could easily do 2000 words on how shitty life can seem when something you have been looking forward to slowly crumbles right before your eyes. It was bad enough the slave gig decided my going to A3C wasn’t imperative enough to let me have some time off, but then after I decided not even sleep could keep me from it, my car wanted to. Thanks to some nifty jerry rigging I made it there, but my escort/slash camera bag holder dipped to go to some nerd convention. Then there was still that funny thing that happened with the cameras; both of them.
I did go. I was there for hours and hours and hours. The only thing that survived the great camera fiasco of 2010 is a handful of blurry pictures and Ritz’ verse from Yelawolf’s “My Box Chevy.” Maybe he really is White Jesus. Enjoy.
[pro-player width=’455′ height=’323′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXFEgGtGs8c[/pro-player]
I could tell you Homeboy Sandman is the truth, Senor Kaos is one hell of a trooper and skinny jeans have truly turned into a Hip Hop way of life, but you wouldn’t believe me because well… I have no proof. However, what I do have peeps is a pretty tall stack of promotional CD’s that were handed to the festival crowd from wide eyed upstarts who I guess were hopping we would actually listen to them.
So since management around these parts is demanding something A3C related I decided to play pin the tail on the rapper. I reached into my bag and picked out a few CD’s so I can offer a little praise/constructive criticism. I’m sure what you wanted was a full video of Camp Lo or Young Chris, but it just wasn’t in the cards. Who knows, maybe these are the Eric Sermon’s or Rhymefest’s of tomorrow. Then you can say you hopped on the bandwagon early thanks to yours truly.
First up is KD.
There isn’t much information about this dude floating around. He’s from Alabama which I always find interesting because they are sitting in the middle of Georgia, Florida and Tennessee but haven’t been able to turn out one rapper that I know anything about; well except this guy.
[pro-player width=’455′ height=’323′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juT9i9LyU6M[/pro-player]
Oh, and this guy.
[pro-player width=’455′ height=’323′ type=’video’]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjjwLwYa6yU&feature=related[/pro-player]
KD’s best of cd is a lot of synth and snare and has a generic southern sound that rarely works for emcees who can’t differentiate themselves by standing head and shoulders over everyone else lyrically. Plus, I still laugh when dudes call their listeners bitches before paying the dues to be able to do that comfortably. I don’t even know you like that. Anyway, there is a definite homage to Pimp C in his style, but he lacks the personality. Bottom line is there are monstrously talented emcees doing the same thing. Mr. KD needs to offer up something besides a less interesting take on what we already have.
KD – “I Know U C Me”
Next is Skinny-C
He’s another rapper from below the Mason Dixon representing Atlanta. The production on his 110 EP finds its roots in old soul. Horns and buried guitar licks mix with digital strings and haunting vocal samples to bring old meets new to the table and it’s nicely balanced. Head nod to Nobody Famous. Skinny C brings a healthy dose of Atlanta twang without losing his articulation, but every once in a while gets a little 3 Stacks-ish with his delivery. The narrative is about doing what you do with all you have. You don’t give 100%, you give 110%. It’s all pretty positive until he goes in on his baby moma. It’s a bit random and well.. mean, but okay. Skinny-C isn’t the next awesome headliner, but he’s solid.
Skinny-C – “110”
Last but not least is Kooley High.
Yeah, you’ve heard of them already. And you should have. This 6 person crew (I say “person” because they have a girl.. and she’s dope) from NC State has created quite a buzz with their music. It’s not just beats and rhymes; there are intricacies involved that showcase each member and their skill sets. Which in all 6 cases appear to be pretty high. The only thing this crew may have to worry about is having a bit too much homage to Hip-Hop’s past sounds even though they pull them off wonderfully. If eveyone’s taste was as great as mine, these folks would be headed for the big time.
Kooley High – “Ya Times Up”
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