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By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

4

MIXTAPE REVIEW: DJ Khaled and DJ Frosty present: Freddie Gz "This Thing of Ours"




Freddie Gz. South Carolina’s rapidly emerging flagship artist is providing his fans a look into a life, rarely exposed, by way of “This Thing of Ours”.  A life grounded on principles, loyalty, and a work hard/party harder ethic system that fuels an unstoppable organization.  Hosted by DJ Khaled and DJ Frosty, this is the fourth project from Freddie Gz to be made widely available through the viral market, and the biggest debut, alongside recent major radio play, a short movie soon to premiere, and a show schedule that’s losing room every day.  Freddie Gz is no doubt a polished artist, and the attention is not without warrant. He sounds very confident on a track, with no direct resemblance to any other artist in particular. The compact flows constantly switch, but the clear annunciations keep the listener grounded, alongside innovative adlibs that seem to carry a melody of their own behind the lyrics, a melody that always complements the flow of the bars, as an easy on the ears delivery wrestles with commanding presence on the track. At this point, the only questions that remain are “Can he beat the traffic in his lane? Can he remain different? And is his style too easy on the ears?”

As the journey begins, DJ Frosty begins with a toast to Freddie Gz, the mission statement, and the allied organizations.  Very simply setting up the stomp-on-the-beat approach Gz takes in “What Up”, an up-tempo record, introducing Gz, what he’s about, and giving you a look into where it goes down.  Showcasing his composure skills, Gz gives you all the miscellaneous ad-libs you can handle while shouting out relevant cities and associates, by way of a cool flow over heavy drums and eerie whistles.  Simple by nature, he opens by showing that he doesn’t need to jump through hoops to make a great record. “36 Oz” showcases more lyricism, without straying from his easy on the ears flow. The tempo of the instrumental is slower than the last, but Gz responds with a faster flow that still rides. These signs of a veteran are only sidetracked by ad-libs that walk the line of being overpowering, says DJ PM. Still, as he delivers “Interstates & 4-Ways/Chrip Phones & Throwaways”, you can’t help but run with it, if this content grabs your ear, and the ad-libs aren’t going to knock anybody out of their cloud, especially with what Gz follows up with.

            In a day that mix tapes are being flooded with features, it’s notable that Gz only went for a couple, and that they were good choices, obviously incorporated into tracks that suited the styles depicted in their previous works.  On “Gangsta”, Gz brings out OJ the Juiceman for a classic street anthem that sounds like it could have the craziest crowd rockin’ together.  Quick flow switches, great drops and an infectious hook match the intense energy, as Gz and Juiceman jump on the track like they’ve been feeding off of each other’s energy in the studio for years.



One single after another, Frosty decides to jump right into the popular record, “Quagmire”. Based on everyone’s favorite animated sex addict, Freddie Gz can thank “Shadow” of Quiet Room Studios for a drum-heavy, but smooth slow-tempo party record, as they can be rare, in good quality. The track is finessed by a easy going flow, but battered by technicality and punches, as Freddie Gz states he didn’t want lyricism to be lost to a funny concept. “Long pine/ Beat it up/ I Dog mine/ I quagmire dat ho, and them I’m gone slime!” Gz raps, appreciating the mass appeal of the record. Rapidly gaining momentum, “Quagmire” is a record to anticipate impressive growth from.  SDM’s Charlemagne the God makes an appearance for the skit that provides the album’s one intermission, by way of a satire of the typical hater, dodging his opportunity to act on the jealousy that eats him alive every day. Hilarity ensues, as the second half of the project doesn't disappoint. 

Gz jumps out of the intermission with “Work”. This record didn’t do too much for me, but it didn’t down my mood either, a safe record to come out of the intermission, but I did expect a little more. Frosty responds to this with “City Goin Ham”, arguably the best record on the mix tape, and currently the lead single of the project. This is what you call “A” game. Gz brings the perfect mix of lyricism, delivery and ad-libs, while still being easy on the ears. This sounds like the “car, party, or crib” record that every artist talks about making one day. Gz showcases all of his skills, along with his charisma, as he stunts on all outsiders. “I know you don’t like it/ but your bitch love it/ so tell me why ya wifey is callin me her husband.” What’s not to like? “Trap Talk” follows the lead single like the Pippen to a Jordan, with content carrying NY trap appeal and memorable chants, meant to motivate soldiers in the streets. “Body Language” steps out of the trap to speak to the ladies, and it sounds like it. The content switch might have been a little too rapid, as the approach to the track is technically sound, but the actual presence of Gz on the track doesn’t hold the same weight I’m accustomed to, at this point in the LP. Further out of the shoes of the trap’s ambassador, Gz gives us a vivid look into a date with Mary Jane with “Who Got It”, the beat doesn’t ask for much, but the expectations are met and exceeded. “Lose my cool/ Lose my mind/ Listen up here don’t blow my high/ we’ll flip-out das F-Y-I/ Cuz I’m far from a Hippie no kum-ba-ya”, he raps, as the presence of a gangster never leaves the project. It’s not the first time I’ve heard the beat, but its absolutely a lesson on what to do with it.

The project is concluded with a slew of solid records. The legendary Bun B makes an appearance on “Money Don’t Lie” with some semi-memorable bars, and Gz laces this and “We gettin’ it” with heavy bars, and high energy, before closing it out with “Drippin Wet”, just in case “Body Language” wasn’t enough to convince you not to question his versatility. “Drippin Wet” provides a completely different experience from the previous female focused record, with no current references and a top-notch hook, sure to produce some baby trapsters. In all, “This Thing of Ours” is more than a solid record, offering consistent good vibes, and playing easily from start to finish. In an era that provides so much accessibility to independent artists, its nice to see another that’s still doing it like a major, in terms of quality. Freddie Gz is definitely here to stay, just in case DJ Khaled’s screaming wasn’t enough to get it through your head.

You KNOW you gotta PASS THAT to the LEFT! WAhh!

Vibe Reading: 8.25 out of 10 (Not only one to twist up to, but a great soundtrack to any cipher, any ride to one, or any party before or after one!)
   




DOWNLOAD "This Thing of Ours" Here: 
http://tinyurl.com/23th253

Follow Freddie Gz on twitter @FreddieGz
 

All "Flyest Vibe Mixtape Review" inquiries, contact Cly.
Cly.LIT@gmail.com
Legends In Traning Music Group



 We LIT! 

By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

2

The Opressive Defense

Gotta make this a good one since I've been a little busy.

We live in a society that sees the success of marriages in an unflattering light. A society that commonly disputes the less than favorable chances of maintaining an honest long-term relationship with someone, before getting acquainted, nevermind an attempt at getting through the more strenuous struggles.

You may assume I'm referring to the urban Hip-Hop culture that typically propels a machine whose function is to constantly bash women, as if it was a (those who allow the culture to define their identity) defense mechanism against the dangers of trusting them. Furthermore, a positive independent woman movement, typically prominent in female hip hop and r&b subject matter, is also accompanied by an anti-committment sentiment, to match. Or, one may want to say this is more of the impact of the inner city culture that is plagued by broken homes for various reasons, some justifiable others unacceptable. The fact remains, there is an issue. One that can't be ignored.

Rather than outline all the issues in relationships and the statistics that back them, I think this blog is built around the comments and driven by feedback...What do you think are the top recent phenomena that hinder relationship success, because when cuffin became regulated by the seasons, I don't think i was the first to figure that it was hinting a cultural issue! We live in a 'grind time' era but where does 'family time' go, in a society that can't bother to build with each other.

Once a commodity.
Now, a danger with benefits...
Some say it's Twitter and Facebook causing the issues. I say the Social Networking Boom only gave a clear view to a situation that already existed, while inventing a distraction from it, which will untimately prolong it, hopefully not to the point that none of us trust each other ever again.

Please speak your piece, as I've probably already caught you in my news feed venting on the topic, and remember to Pass that to the left! Waahh!


Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

3

As the People catch on, the Junior Mafia 2 Wave continues...


Hopefully you can take a few minutes from imitating the latest imitation Biggie “Unh” that Ricky Rozay has been sporting while he continues to think he’s Big Meech, Larry Hoover, MC Hammer, Albert Anastasia, Biggie Smalls to give your opinion on what’s going on here in the Hip-Hop scene…

Ross’ momentum is already impressive and increasing at an outlandish pace, respect is due. Nicki Minaj has solidified herself as the first and biggest heavyweight female representative on the Hip-Hop scene, since Lil Kim had everybody reciting her verse from All About the Benjamins. Furthermore, Diddy’s Dirty Money is quietly becoming a big contender in the market of dynamic artists to feature on a track. All this while a beef with 50 Cent slowly grows in popularity, after that “…hatin-ass crab” remark from Diddy on the post-show for the BET awards. All that’s left is for Ross to have a romance with Nicki to complete the “New Junior Mafia” picture I mentioned in May.

However, there are roadblocks to be considered. While 50 may not be the juggernaut he was in 2006, he’s still making moves quietly, and Diddy especially can’t ignore that, as he is a fellow NY mogul.

Ross has apparently stirred up Jeezy with the BMF record, but I’d even venture to say the success of the record is what has Jeezy feeling salty, while I’m still a fan. I could see Jeezy being the source of a potential downfall for Rick Ross, as the subject matter is similar, but Jeezy is ‘the snowman’ and having the official street stamp behind him is going to play a role that could put him over the top in battle, as long as he delivers when he gets in the booth to let these records go, and takes advantage of the residual damage 50 Cent left behind. Nobody forgot about the lie Ricky! Trying to hide the correctional job is bound to come back in the worst way, as this battle with Jeezy runs its course.

Nicki has The Game taking stabs at her, along with every female that aspires to be in her position, along with claims that she hasn’t graciously accepted her position. Personally, with verses like the one she put down on Kanye West’s “Monster”, I don’t think it matters what people say, she has her lane on lock and her fan base is growing in multiples. She just needs to deliver a classic on that first album, since Drake’s collaboration fest still left many skeptics with a voice against the Young Money camp. Other than that, I don’t see many ways to derail Nicki on her path to the throne, as the next queen of Hip Hop.

Diddy has the machine clicking on all cylinders for the moment. However, If I saw this Junior Mafia repeat coming, back in May, I would assume those who compete on that level saw it coming too. Jay-Z signing Lil Kim is going to be an impact move sooner or later. Ross’ battle with Jeezy is going to pose a threat to his progress. Finally, I wouldn’t see it as a surprise if 50 cent makes his first relatively successful moves in a while, off of this ensuing battle with Diddy.


All in love, but we gotta speak on what goes on, you know you gotta pass that one on! Wahh!

By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

0

Technorati Writer

Posted in
Progress is always appreciated...I've made it to technorati. The Ground Zero Mosque blog ended up hitting there first. Its a good look. 4EV27DTTGRC8

By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

0

Mosque at Ground Zero: A War in Itself

As the 9th Anniversary of 9/11 quickly approaches amongst civil unrest in NY...


This is a hot-topic to talk about in many ciphers. Why not talk about it in the best one of all!

The term “Ground Zero” has taken an entirely new meaning since 2001, when the horrifying events of 9/11 occurred. That being said, the idea of a Mosque being built 100 feet away from the site of the attack on the United States has raised some eyebrows, along with some allegations, as the hate for Islam is manifesting in demonstrations and violent acts throughout the city.

Mayor Bloomberg has made it clear that he feels the opposition of a mosque near ground zero would go against the grain that makes up the dynamic fabric of the United States. Especially, in the diverse demographic that makes up the city of New York’s population.  That being said, it looks like the mosque will be built to represent the good people of the city that live under the Muslim faith, and follow the same ideals, and not to represent the extremist fiends that were willing to sacrifice so many lives for their own agenda, under a religious umbrella.

I feel like I understand the concerns of those who are angry at the idea of a structure that represents the faith of those we are at war with, as a result of those events. I’ve even heard some express ideas that the mosque would subliminally represent a ‘victory’, for the extremists, but the likelihood of that idea not being rooted to some kind of propaganda against the construction of the mosque is barely existent.

All things considered, we are still a nation at war with the insurgents that chose to attack us.  If we allow their actions to change our ways of life, take freedoms away from others, and hate our own citizens that they have commonality with, then they win. They’ll have succeeded in separating a large body of people from the rest of America, as they’ll feel like their rights have been trampled, if suddenly a mosque can’t be constructed on public grounds in the Land of the Free. The general consensus will be “what’s next to be taken from us?” This will result in more racism, terrorism, and confusion among the American people. That’s the last thing we need, everything but the unity it will take to get past what’s been going on for the last 10 years.

Bottom line, this wouldn’t be a problem in the city if the events preceding it didn’t take place, so we can’t allow it to be a problem now.  The terrorists don’t run things, we do (to the extent that we even are made aware of them)! So, we can’t let what they do change how we live and treat each other. These are the same freedoms I’m sure everybody reading has at least one friend or family member fighting for. Shouts to everyone in the Armed Forces, hold your heads high while we keep things in order, so you have something to come back to that you can say was truly worth fighting for.

Whether you’re in a 420 kinda mood or not, this would definitely be something to “pass to the left”…Wahh!

Article first published as Mosque at Ground Zero: A War in Itself on Technorati.

By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

7

The New Black Panthers? Not quite...




Black Power, A beautiful statement and a symbol of the ultimate result of the Black community operating under a unified front.  This is the propaganda used to fuel the voices that make up one of the more recent powerful factions, that is The New Black Panther Party.

The Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation has already denounced the New Black Panther Party, as a “small band of African Americans” that’s found no legitimacy of their own, even in the black community, many blacks see it as a hate group. No better than the Ku Klux Klan.  The foundation also condemns the association of The New Black Panther Party to the original Black Panthers. The foundation goes as far as to imply that The New Black Panther Party actually incites hate, rather than resolve it.

This combined with the assault from the media, as a result of their own public miscues result in the world overlooking the actual mission statement of this movement, protecting and strengthening the black community. I feel the intentions should shine in as much light as the faults.

With that being said, I think it The New Black Panthers needs to undergo serious reform and organization if the organization expects to gain legitimacy among any community.  The media has a seemingly endless supply of representatives of the NBPP harboring constant displays of bigotry. Whether it was at the polling station back in 2008 at the time Barack Obama was elected, rap songs talking about all types of racism -why the political faction rap to be a good outlet is beyond me-, or inarticulate outbursts demonizing other races and groups, the NBPP has yet to find a way to balance the scales with regard to their blunders and successes. This serves as an obstacle to any group hoping to gain a following, as they can so easily be demonized.

I’m sure there’s a lot more to this situation than what the media has allowed to gain attention, but in the society we live in, unity holds precedence in power. A ten-point program that basically asks for segregation to be reestablished won’t really do the trick of putting the black community where it needs to be. While there’s obvious need for reform in the black community, these kinds of uncoordinated, hateful, aggressive methods of expression will only give those in control the necessary leverage to keep the imbalances that plague our people in tact.

In short, If you’re going to fight the injustices of America, don’t’ say anything that can’t be proven or backed up, and If you’re going to go with the ill-advised approach, make sure the world can’t see and negatively judge you for it. A hate group has yet to win in this country, and I don’t see it happening now. No room to get caught slippin...Waaahh!!

By Cly! Host of "The 4/20 Lounge"!

11

KING James? Not in WADE County!


Classic NY SOUR -no pun intended- Upper Clouds.

From a shunned Knick fan perspective:

What can I say? You promise the man the support, in Stoudemire and Lee, a chance to bring a championship to the biggest city you can play for, and the opportunity to make up to $1,000,000,000 by taking advantage of the NY market, as the face of basketball on the biggest stage. He didn’t want it, and who can say he’s wrong for that, nobody. At the end of the day, this argument isn’t about whether or not he made the best decision to get a championship, as he obviously did, theoretically. Wanting to see Lebron James on the Knicks brings a lot of bias to the criticism of the decision to play in Miami with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. However, you can’t lie, the Knicks had a championship contender situation built for Lebron James. The chance to play with Amare Stoudemire, David Lee, and another presence to come, would have been a better SUPPORTING cast than Cleveland was ever able to provide. While I would have loved to see D-Wade and Lebron on the Knicks, I wouldn’t be able to argue against the idea that it was a kind of surrender for them to team up, nonetheless.


From an NBA fan perspective:

I grew up watching basketball. Like many, dreamed to one day play in the league, and came to the realization that it wasn’t my calling, and settled for being a fan of the Pros that dedicate their lives to doing something that provides so many nights of entertainment and memories. Lebron James and Dwayne Wade shouldn’t be playing on the same team. If anything, they should be battling it out for supremacy of the east coast. This move to Miami says “if you can’t beat em’ join em”, with regards to these super-teams that are being built, like the Lakers and Celtics. All this will become in the NBA is total imbalance. The juggernaut teams will be few, but dominant, and it will bring about the end of other franchises, as there are only so many Hall of Fame worthy superstars to go around, save this shit for the Olympics. I couldn’t even put this team together in a Fantasy Draft in NBA2k10! The gripes can only concern the presence of the heart of a champion. If Lebron went to the Bulls, Knicks, Nets, or even stayed in Cleveland, there would still be the consistency of him being the LEADER Instead you go play for Wade County…as a member of the SUPPORTING cast, regardless of how much they pay you to keep you quiet.


Finally, from a Lebron “fan” perspective:

Maybe I’m just upset because I didn’t expect to see Lebron James playin’ “Pippen” after all these Jordan comparisons. When the man-child was dunking on his peers in the 9th grade, I didn’t view him as a role-player. When he gave me reason to actually take the Cleveland Cavaliers seriously, as a championship contender franchise, it didn’t remind me of Robin, it reminded me of Batman. Needless to say, D-Wade’s “Batman Status” is only being solidified, as the BEST Robin he could have ever found, is now his right-hand-man, as long as he STAYS IN HIS PLACE. As a “Lebron Fan” when I see the GM of the Orlando Magic saying “I thought he was, I guess, more of a competitor”, and I couldn’t possibly have a sensible argument to rebuttal that comment, I find it to be annoying. Yet, I can’t argue with Mr. Otis Smith, after proving time and time again that you can’t handle the pressure it takes to make it to the top, you’ve shown that you aren’t the leader you were hyped up to be, and shown a lot of character by having the courage to put your pride to the side and step down. It wouldn’t be me speaking, if I didn’t take the time to respect this factor of the situation, but when I’m reading “Lebron James, more Prince than King” in the headlines, I just don’t think it makes up for these consequences. Point blank, anybody trying to be the next Jordan can't do so like this...As a fan, it looks like he gave up on the iconic path I'd planned to see him run through. 

In conclusion:

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a fan of Lebron James anymore, as I’m still impressed by his ability, but not enough to watch that stupid-ass ESPN special on his decision to be a sidekick. Knick fan first, but he’s a great player, one I thought fit to be a King, among the best in the world. However, he’s no Jordan, and never will be, after this, as much as I hate to say it. D-wade may have the chance to claim those kinds of similarities down the road, as I expect them to get it together and win it all, at least once. I also commend D-wade’s expert executive skills, for the “pay-cut strategy” put in play to bring this together. I’m sure that move will pay off on his business resume after his retirement from actually playing in the NBA, might even land him a GM position. Lebron’s made his position clear, win a ring at all costs, even if you have to put the game on “easy”…Pass that to a Miami Heat fan…Wahh!
<--Suddenly this picture doesn't mean as much...Maybe when you step back in the boss seat. We know this isn't how u wanted to make it happen, and no amount of fakes in the bandwagon talking that "its all about the ring" nonsense can change that. Period - Cly

Ps. I say this ends in a trade, within 3 years. Hopefully this soft ass move doesn't resonate through the NBA for any longer than that. O iight

Click here --> for Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith comments: "Kobe's proven he can do it alone."