TREY C & PLAYA RAE "I.L.A.M. INDEPENDENT LIKE A M#FUKA Music Review

I was given a great opportunity by Monstaville CEO to review a band I have never done a review for before. I was pleasantly surprised by the work that was sent to me and the skill on the tracks.
I get tracks, demos, and songs sent to me all the time. Some are good, some are not so good. I try and review only the ones I really like as I am trying to keep the negativity out of my work and bring a positive support to Hip Hop today.
So when I received their EP and information I was hoping for the best, but maybe not expecting  it. I was greatly surprised at what I found. I.L.A.M is an amazing album that talks about the industry as seen from the eyes of the independent artists, underdogs, and those struggling to keep up their dreams and lives at the same time. The music was well done, well produced, and did not have that repetitive bar structure that so many artists will cling to as the protocol for music today. I love to hear something outside the rest with a taste and flavor all its own. 

The first song on the album is called Freedom. I felt this was appropriate with the theme of the EP as it was talking about living independently of large record labels and staying true to who you are.  I really enjoyed this song because it talked about the freedom of doing things on their own and how the music industry is now.
Lyrics I found interesting and refreshing on the album included,  “Don’t it feel like independence day, only every day, " and "You remain a slave to the industry game while we get paid on the stage.” When working with a major label you are not as free to make your own choices in music. This is why more and more artists are choosing to remain independent even if offered spots on record labels. This gives them the right to produce what they feel and not what is just popular at the time. 

The next song is called Independent grind. The song talks about the struggles and the freedom from being independent. It discusses that music is about being who your are, not able selling out all you can to get radio play. Some lyrics I found intriguing were, “Hands in the air for the independent grind," and "Fuck the industry, " which was first brought around by Tech N9nes Anghellic CD but everyone’s being feeling it since the industry came about. People are starting to decline the cooperate agenda of music labels and choose to make their own rules. Though the independent grind may be harder, the hard work is worth keeping yourself true to the end. 

The next song on the album, Lies, talks about how many artists in Hip Hop  today are faking who they are for fame. They play the part but do not live what Hip Hop is truly about. Some lyrics I found amusing were, "No Mug behind their words cause they’re jeans too tight." Part of me hopes this is a comment about Lil Wayne, cause man his pants are way to tight and someone needs to say it haha. Also "They might rock a shiny chain but they actually broke.” I see this so often in hip hop and I liked that they brought it out. So many people are going into debt and really trying to sell the imagine of Hip Hop lifestyle, so others don’t know they aren't making it big. I have always heard "fake it until you make it"..or people could be like the song says, be yourself, and you're more likely to appeal to the people. 

Next we have the song Stay. This song has a good message, but I didn't mark it as my favorite. I think the song would have been improved if the echo effect had been left out. I think a good melody in its place would have pushed that track above level without needing to fill that space. It takes away from the good message of the song. But all in all still a great song!

In our next track, Living Today, the group discusses how living a life of a star can be, the good and the bad and why it's important to live for today. Some of the lyrics I found humorous and fun were, “She’s telling me I’m one hell of a guy, must have told this chick one hell of a lie.” This line made me laugh. Rappers have a suaveness built into their DNA and after years of watching this while on the road with the guys, I couldn't help but remember those moments. 

Which brings us to another amazing track that really hit home. As a college drop out at 18 to emerge myself in music and partying at the time, I really felt Don’t Wanna go back. Most of us out there that work a day job to make ends meet and continue to fund our dreams can relate to this song and its message. Lyrics like, “ I didn't drop out of college cause I thought I was too cool, but I wish that I hadn't  cause I’m glued to this YouTube tutorial trying to learn how to tie a tie tight and make it online right and make it to this interview on time.

This line hits so many entertainers. School didn't teach most of the musicians I know the knowledge needed for their creativity and the way their minds worked. Most of the time they seemed distracted and there was no one there to fuel their fire. So they would drop off and then struggle to bring in the bread while pursuing the dream.  Crazy life when your balling at night  and answering the customer service calls during the day. This track would be my favorite of the album.

Our last album on the track talks about how life changes after you start to change with your music. We evolve and we grow, new friends come and old friends may go. This track is called Damn Thang. A few of the lyrics that stood out to me where,  “Some of my old enemies are now friends with me,” and “People see it for the glitz and glamour, think your puffing purple kush when your really smoking bammer.”

But the lyric that stands out the most is one that most of us can relate to. “Lost a lot of friends and that’s a damn shame, but honestly I wouldn't change a damn thing.”

This album stayed in my CD player for days as I contemplated it and really immersed myself in it. I truly like this album and I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 stars, cause we all have room to grow don't ya know? Keep pushing your dreams and keep righting those songs from the heart, and you can stay Independent like a M#fuka for life. 

Full Moon in Sept. Brings Out Yelawolf!!

Yelawolf Slaughters The Music Scene in Portland on 9/7/12.

Yelawolf came through town during NW Music Fest, slyly like a a wolf in sheep's clothing, blended in with many local artists and without much publicity. For those of you who were lucky enough to catch it, you were in for a real treat. Yelawolf gave a performance to be remembered and shook the house to the ground.

Yelawolf is an Alabama native, bringing with him a Southern Style like no other can. His down roots and his ability to charm the masses with amazing songs like "Daddy's Lambo" and "Pop The Trunk". He can also be found in a feature spot on Stevie Stone's song, and a favorite video of mine, "Dollar General".  Yelawolf has the ability to jump from musical genres to different styles with ease. “I can go any direction – arena rap or even the bluegrass hip-hop shit. I would never sign myself down to any style,” Yelawolf said (Facebook insert).

For those of you lucky enough to get a ticket before the show, Yelawolf graced the stages of the Roseland Theater on Sept 7th 2012. The feed back from the show has been amazing. Fans are saying he was at his best ever and that his sound is maturing and growing. Many times when a group goes from poverty to fame, their message can be lost and their song content can change, due to the struggles that most of us can relate to, being no more. I am hoping that with the music I hear in the future that is not what is in store for Yelawolf. With a past that is as tramatic and yet adventurous as "Joe Dirt" you would hope that he keeps those times at heart and keeps his music centered on those who need it most.

What does Yelawolf have in store for us next you may ask? Yelawolf has a new project coming up with Travis Barker called Psycho White. The new artwork for that is amazing and I feel a lot of talent went into it. Check it out. You can find out more about the projects he has coming out and Yelawolf blogs here.

Yelawolf has fans and haters alike, just like anyone else does. I feel that if you really take the time to open up to his music and see that even in his simplistic ideals he is quite talented and can catch you with just a few words in a song. I got a chance to see Yelawolf really shine at a show he did with Tech N9ne at a Eugene outside venue last year, and I was blown away with his set and how great he was with the crowd, how he was able to keep my attention throughout the whole set, and that he seemed truly humbled by the respect and admiration he was getting from his fans. Merax also got a chance to meet him and get a quick pic. He was great with his fans and took the time to show them he really appreciated their time and the love they showed him.

I will always have a soft spot for the amazingly tattooed, handsome, and strangly familiar southern man, Yelawolf and his first album "Trunk Muzik 0-60". I have so many fond memories of haning with my friends and listening to that album. I hope to continue to write great things about Yelawolf and to only have good reviews. Only time will tell and I look forward to what he has coming in the future. So for all you haters out there I say, watch out for the full moon, when man becomes beast and Yelawolf comes looking for you. Baaahhhh!

Don't Assume you Know Kutt Calhoun-from the Green Room

Many people may think they know all there is to know about Kutt Calhoun, but don't presume you know anything about this talented artist till after you read this. Kutt Calhoun sat down with me before the Taking 'Em Back To School show in Salem, OR on 9/6/12 and gave me some insight into who he is as an artist, a man, and a performer. 

The crowd was anxious in anticipation of this event, lining up outside hours before the doors were to open. I couldn't wait to get off work and head to Salem to see what was in store for us that night. We had worked so hard on promotions and I knew the event would be worth the drive (an hour each way, by the way). I caught a ride with some good friends and we headed out to the event. When Kutt arrived, Tragedy and I whisked him away to a private room were he could relax and prepare for the nights show. But before I could let him start to prepare, I had to ask for an interview, being we all have so many questions that needed to be answered. Kutt Calhoun is an artist, that I believe, is way underestimated on Strange Music's label. The talent that Kutt Calhoun emanates from his person, his lyrics, and the mesmorizing way he brings forth his message in his songs,  makes him a talent that will not be lost in the side lines of the many other talented acts on his label. Kutt stands out in a way that demands attention and will not be left wanting. 

When I sat down with Kutt, I will admi,t I was a bit nervous. I have done one on one interviews with many members of Strange Music (Big Krizz, Big Scoob, Irv Da Phenom, Tech) while working for the Strange Music blogs, but I have never done an interview with Kutty. I wasn't sure what to expect. Kutty, being the handsome lady killer he is, just oozes a kind of sex appeal and style that could make the most hard core business women ( like me) blush and stumble on her words. I found Kutty to be very kind and easy to talk to and the interview that he gave left me feeling like there is another side of Kutty most don't get to tap into, as is true with most artists, and I hope I can give you a glimpse of that tonight. 

One of the first things I asked Kutty, was what was the inspiration for his new EP Kelvin. Its been 2 years since the last release of Raw and Unkutt and we have all been waiting to see what Kutt had to offer us next. Kutt said to me " I think I had to prove something, to myself. I (wanted to prove) I didn't have to depend on songs like "Callin My Name" to get notoriety from my fans." People were going to like him or not, so Kutt said "I'm just gonn do Kutt and to squash the rumors that I had left Strange Music or had a falling out or anything like that." Kutt said he was going to do something that was just what he wanted to do no matter what anyone else thought of it and was coming back tenfold. 

I asked Kutty, "What influenced you to do music?" Kutt got a grin on his face like most artist do when I ask this question. With most artists its something that is deep down in their being and the question was never what made them do it, but what brought it out of them at the right time. Kutt said "It just kind of happened. I was in the right place at the right time. I was hanging around people  years ago who were rapping and free styling. So I went home and I decided to write my own rap to the best of my ability and what I thought was good. I took it to them and they loved it. They said I had a lot of talent. I remember listening to artists when I was a kid like Spice 1, NWA, and Too Short and rapping along with them (on the radio)." I asked Kutt then , "Well, what made you go with Strange Music?" Kutt said, "I was again in the right place at the right time." He said that he was in the studio recording some music and the producer happen to have been in a group with Tech N9ne and that Tech recorded at that studio. The producer liked what Kutt was doing and Tech was quite the big time around the area, at that time. Everyone was really into him. "So I got him on a song on my album for free and Tech liked what he heard and it just went from there." Well I can say I am so glad he was in that studio at the right time. I think the dynamic from Tech and Kutty is one that is unmatched in many groups that are touring at this time. The energy that they give while on stage and the way they feed off each others energy brings a whole new level to their tours that pack the house night after night. 

I am always curious to know what songs and albums are the artists favorite. I usually know what ones are the fans favorites by reaction when the song plays at the show, at a party, or buzz online, but what do the artists think about their own songs? Which ones do they like the best? So I asked Kutty, "What was your favorite album to make?" He seemed excited to hear that question and maybe no one has ever asked him. He thought for a moment and said, " B.L.E.V.E. would have to be my favorite album. It was my first and I was so excited to be doing it. It was like the being a virgin. You never forget your first or the best sex you have ever had, you just don't forget it. B.L.E.V.E. was like my de-virginizing." I believe all Kutty's albums have there own reason for being great, and I have my fan favorite of course (Feature Presentation), but nothing will ever replace the feeling an artist gets with their first. The ability to finally put their thoughts and their ideas from their paper to the CD and share it with everyone. It's gotta be like having your first child and watching it grow up and mature into an amazing musical career. 

So then I asked Kutty, "What are your favorite songs to perform live?" Kutty smiled and thought again for a moment. If anyone has a million dollar smile, it would have to be that man. You can see such happiness in his face and realize that he really enjoys what he does and that each song must have a place in his heart for different reasons. Kutty said, " Well it would have to be a three way tie between Bunk Rock Bitch, Smiling Faces, and Colors." I was happy to hear that because those are two of my own favorite songs. Bunk Rock Bitch was one song I really enjoyed after years of seeing girls back stage do just what the song describes. I love smiling faces, like most of America does, because the song really gets to the heart of how people treat each other anymore. How people will smile at you while the rob you blind, stab you in the back, and sign your death certificate. I think today that most people know you can't trust anyone anymore, not even your family or your friends. We all have to watch our backs and the world has become very much, " I gotta get mine no matter what it does to you." I feel that song, as I listen to it now, really explains how no one really knows what is underneath that person's smile except that person. 

Well Kutty, what do you have planned for the future for us? We are all fans and feel that you have so far to go. What does the future hold? Kutty said, " Well I plan to put out more albums. I want to reach a success level to MY standards and I want to be the CEO of my own label. I want to A&R other talent and help them to be successful and grow in the industry." We all look forward to more albums, as Kutty gets better with each release and shows a level of lyrical genius that is hard to top. With so many songs out there that talk about nothing in general, its a breath of fresh air to hear Kutty slip in so much music that speaks to much more then just money and sex, but also to how we should view the world and open our eyes. 

Soon after, Kutty hit the stage and put on a show that was amazing, full of new music, and lyrically superior to  many acts I have seen in the last few months. He was decked out in a lot of blue. Tragedy asked Kutty, " How can you get away with wearing so much blue?" Kutty replied, " It's okay to wear blue, if you outline it in all red."  We all shared a good laugh. 

Kutty presented many new songs from his upcoming EP, he wooed the chicks and even gave everyone a show that will never be forgotten, but if you weren't there, then you will never know. Kutt even performed my favorite, Colors, while dancing to the Michael Jackson beat in the background. That is always my favorite part of the show. Few artists are quite as talented in the art of dancing as Kutty.  Kutt Calhoun even gave us a snip-it of information on the new EP. Contrary to popular belief, Kelvin is not short for Kutt  + Melvin, but is a gauge of temperature. The night ended on a good note and fans were able to get pictures and autographs from Kutty. Then off they went to Spokane to rock another great show for an amazing crowd.  Kutty, thank you for the interview and I hope you enjoy reading this some day. We at Bullette Music will always be a fan and our readers feel the same, K U T T Y ain't nothing to fuck with.