Review: Fat Joe & Remy Ma "Plata O Plomo" Album

It's been a long time since Fat Joe and Remy Ma gave us a project. There was even a time where we didn't know if Fat Joe and Remy Ma would ever record or be cool again. The Plata O Plomo album is the return. The return of Remy and Joe. The return of the Terror Squad and the return of Bronx hip-hop. It's been a minute, but they haven't lost a step.

Plata O Plomo is an album of two rap vets understanding the new landscape of rap music, but still proving track for track they're the team to beat. "All The Way Up" was regarded as the song 0f 2016 for most. "Money Showers" is also getting spins on the radio. It's no need to discuss those songs. We already know what time it is when those come on.

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The stand out track on this album for me? "Go Crazy" featuring Sevyn Streeter and BJ Chicago Kid. The Blackstreet "Don't Leave Me" interpolation over the Floetry "Say Yes" sample is gold! You're going to run this track back twice.

"How Long" "Spaghetti" and "Warning" with Kat Dahlia are also highlights on the album. Kent Jones makes a few appearances on this album. I must admit. I'm curious to see what he has coming up.

Fat Joe and Remy Ma display solid and interesting emceeing on every track. Plata O Plomo is a great reintroduction of Remy Ma. Some don't know and some may have forgotten. Everyone will be aware of what time it is once this album gets played. This album is also a great confirmation for legacy of Fat Joe. Joe is one of the very few vets that now has a hit record in 3 decades. Fat Joe also has one of the most solid and consistent catalogs in hip-hop. This album is a great addition to that catalog.

Plata O Plomo is complete. Fat Joe and Remy Ma are a tandem to be feared by everyone in rap in and out of the booth. It's been 13 years since "Lean Back", but trust me when I tell you. Fat Joe and Remy Ma haven't lost a step. You want a rap album? You want to hear some bars? Street anthems? Something to ride to with your lady? Then cop the Plata O Plomo album.

Put eyes on another review here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Review: Are The Migos Doing It for The Culture?

The majority of the hip-hop community loves Migos. They are one of the few constants in rap music. Take Off, Offset and Quavo have dropped their official 2nd album, Culture and it's definitely more than I expected.

Are Migos albums and mixtapes that different? No. However, I will say that the labeling of the "Mumble Rap Era" has forced some of your most hated artist to step up to a level that has made their music infectious and undeniable. The beats are hard. The words are clear; and there are even a few clever lines throughout Culture.

There are some true bangers on this album. "T-Shirt" "Get Right Witcha" and "Deadz" featuring 2 Chainz will stay on repeat. I expect all of these songs to be in every DJ's playlist. We're at the point where any DJ could do a 30 minute Migos set and that would be the highlight of the night. I'm sure "All Ass" is going to ring off in a lot of strip clubs this year. "Call Casting" is a dope joint. They bring the bars out on this one. Definitely in my top 3 on this project.

All the above  added with the Childish Gambino stamped "Bad and Boujee" equals the Migos running the clubs for another summer. It's not a fluke. These guys are the "Turnt Gawds" of the game.

I was expecting DJ Khaled to say too much, but he gives just enough on the "Culture" intro. Guccie Mane makes a solid appearance on "Slippery". It's always good when Gucci works with the young guys he inspires.

We went from thinking "Versace" was pure trash to loving "Bad and Boujee". Like it or not, Migos will be around for as long as they want to be. Quavo is becoming the front man, but to be honest, they will always be the ultimate example of strength in numbers. Migos are some of the prominent culture creators of this era. They talk the street life and the dope game like hundreds of our other favorite rappers. They also bring the turn up and hip-hop has been about rocking the party since Kool Herc was in the park. That is what hip-hop has always been about. Respect to Migos. Give Culture a chance.

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by @ImCamQuotes

Kevin Garrett

Review: Kevin Garrett Triumph's Through The False Hope

There is a new voice that's preparing to take the R&B and Pop world by storm. It belongs to Pittsburg's own, Kevin Garrett. His new EP False Hope was dropped following his sold out show in Chicago and it's everything your heart needs while you're on loves rollercoaster.

False Hope is a strong 5 song EP that tackles love, pain and the anxieties that come with that. The production is ill  and Kevin's voice is gold every track.

"Pulling Me Under" is sure to be a favorite amongst Kevin Garrett's day one and new fans. This song was a big hit at his sold out show at Lincoln Hall. Another instant crowd pleaser was "A Little Bit of You". I expect to hear on the next big chick flick or love story to hit theaters. The EP opens with "A Heart Like Yours". It's a ballad that transitions in and out of a crazy bounce, but doesn't mess up the chill vibe it carries till the end.

False Hope may be the project you listen to and decide it's time to make forever happen with your significant other. It also could be the project you listen to as you prepare your teary-eyed goodbye. No matter which side of the spectrum you sit on, you will thoroughly enjoy this from beginning to end. If you need a selling point beyond the above. He contributed to Beyonce's "Pray You Catch Me". You love Bey right? Well, listen to a great artist she's worked with. She's not sleep on Kevin and you shouldn't be either.

After meeting Kevin Garrett. I can assure you, he's more than the pain filled soul on this EP. He has a very rich, sultry sound and a great positive vibe. We got a singer that wants to sing about love. Let's do all we can to make sure he stays winning. I expect great things from him in the very near future. Respect to Kevin Garrett and his smooth and musically layered EP, False Hope.

Get False Hope here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Review: Big Sean's "I Decided" Album Solidifies His Spot

Off Top, I'm a Big Sean fan. I've been waiting for a new project from the guy I call "The 1A Emcee of this era". The "I Decided" album is here and I'm glad Sean took his time with this one.

I Decided is not the always working and bragging on his girl, Sean. This is the deep thought and caring evolution of Sean Anderson. With the expansion of the subject matter he doesn't slack on the bars. All the above makes this album a must listen.

Even though I didn't know what to expect. I been waiting for a Big Sean and Eminem track. We finally get that with No Favors. Eminem is in a class of his own lyrically. Sean did right by just letting him do whatever and you already know you have to play this a few times to catch every bar crafted. Spoiler Alert. Ann Coulter gets Marshall Mathers LP level venom on this song.

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Light is a great way to kick off the album. Moves is my favorite joint on the album and Sean's flow on Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan is crazy!

Inspire Me is an ode to Big Sean's mother. It's refreshing content to hear at a time where the Black Woman is tired of being the most disrespected being on the planet. Especially, in the majority of rap songs.

To my Surprise, Sacrifices with the Migos was very underwhelming. I really expected much more from this combination, but maybe it will grow on me.

I Decided is Big Sean at his artistic best. He hasn't lost a step since we first heard him. He's grown as an artist and as a man and he doesn't mind sharing his journey with the world. With I Decided, Big Sean has solidified why his name should be in "who runs rap" conversations.

In Close, I'm not really sure why Big Sean has to fight for so much "rap respect" in this era. Every 2 years he delivers something worth our ears. He's literally one of the few transparent, talented consistencies in the game. Hit Singles, Street Anthems, Self Crafted Bars that stand up with the greats and the rising stars. That's what y'all ask for right?

I decided Big Sean is one of the best doing it. Salute to Sean Don for dropping another dope album. Listen to the album here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Listen: Jermaine Dupri x Da Brat ft Mishon - "Level Up"

One of the greatest tandems in hip-hop ever is back! They have a brand new joint out now that you may probably want to add to your playlist, ASAP! Legendary producer, writer and mogul, Jermaine Dupri and the first female rapper to go platinum, from Chicago, Da Brat are back together again! Hip-Hop and 90's teens rejoice! The new song is called "Level Up". It features the vocals of up and coming artist and dancer, Mishon.

Historically, JD and Brat make timeless hit records. On Level Up, they take it back and hit us with the back and forth flow, like on the classic, "Funkdafied" from Da Brats debut album. This could be the warm up for an album from JD or Brat or both. Either way, I only see the game benefitting from it.

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I shouldn't have to sell you on listening to legends in the game. Check out their new joint above!

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by @ImCamQuotes

KD young cocky

Listen: KD Young Cocky - "Take A Hit"

The Str8Drop Entertainment team closed out the 4th quarter with a little something to heat up your winter. He's a Chicago artist that goes by the name KD Young Cocky. He has a new project titled Take A Hit ready for your ears on Soundcloud right now!

Take A Hit has features from Chicago's rising star and 2016 Freshman Lister, G Herbo on "Nervous". KD also has Atlanta's YFN Lucci on "Lifestyle". YFN had one of the more notable songs of 2016, "Key To The Streets" featuring Migos and later got a remix featuring 2 Chainz.

KD Young Cocky has also gotten the attention of tastemaker, Karen Civil. You can check him out on the Civil Scope on her website.

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Take A Hit is full of 808, bounce and KD's reflections of his road to riches. The project is full of lyrics with "Got to make something shake" emotions and affirmations. "Hustler In Me", "Make It" "Goals" and "Lifestyle" are great examples of that.

I really dig the combination of KD and XODB of Hyrdox. This tandem has some of the brightest spots on the project. "Goals" is my hands down favorite.

Chicago music keeps moving forward and KD Young Cocky is part of that movement. Get your ears around this and show him you're down with the movement.

Peep another review here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Jeff K%nz "Type"

There is a brand new artist trying to make a name for himself in the rap game. He's coming from all the way down in Champaign, IL and his name is Jeff K%nz. That was not a typo. You pronounce the name as "Jeff Koonz". Now since you know the name, so you can check out "Type", his new video shot and edited by "Flyshotz" Williams.

"Type" is a joint that showing off Jeff's lyrical ability as well as let's you know what type of guy he is. This is a pretty good visual. It looks horror flick trailer worthy and it keeps you waiting for a plot twist or dramatic moment. Spoiler alert. There may be a plot twist.

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The video starts off with flashes of K%nz and a young lady who is in a pair of pink sweats you won't be mad at. Then, you see a woman who seems to be having a normal day and ready for shower time. Next, you see K%nz is positioned in a dark and secluded area going out of his mind. That can be taken literally as well as metaphorically if you feel the lyrics of the song.

I know what you're thinking. Is he in her closet? What is he doing in the closet? Does she hear him? Well, you just got to watch the video and draw answers for the questions I'm not going to answer.

Peep another review here.

by @ImCamQuotes

Nick Grant "Return of The Cool"

You don't really notice that "cool" is missing until someone makes an effort to show you what it is or bring it back. Nick Grant is on a mission to bring back "the cool". His attempt was successful with his latest release Return of The Cool.

Return of The Cool is an infectious, soulful and lyrical display of music that is in a class of it's own. While many ride the wave of "what's hot?", Nick widens the degree of separation and proves what he does can't be done by just anybody.

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Album highlights:

"All of You" feat B Hess: He says this one is for the radio. Radio better act right and play this one. Something lyrically clever and cool, but also for the ladies

"Sing Along" feat Rico Barrino: a clever introspection on the game, and all the negative messages that always seem to win big.

"Gotta Be More" feat BJ The Chicago Kid: A breakdown of real people stories and occurrences that all lead to a perfectly placed chorus. There truly has to be more than what we see and what we have right now.

"Get Up" feat Watch the Duck: This one got my mom rocking in the kitchen. This a party starter right here.

"Return of The Cool": The album title track should be fire and it is definitely that. This got a get fly and step out for no reason vibe.

You can't highlight certain songs as a great display of lyrical ability, because every single song is a great display of lyrical ability. You will hear a dope bar every few seconds. Then when you listen again, you will realize you missed something just as dope, if not better than the first one you heard. Nick Grant has the ability to amaze with bars. That's something that isn't done regularly by rappers in this era.

Nick Grant makes the type of music that should silence all complaining about hip-hop. Whether you a "trap in the 90's ni**a" or a "young cat that wants the old heads to get out the way" you should be saluting Nick Grant and appreciating the work he's putting in.

Check out another Ruby Hornet review here.

by @ImCamQuotes