DJ Rick/ Brand New Season 07/ mixtape review

Global rating of the product: 4 stars

DJ Rick is to Detroit hip hop what a warm ray of sunshine is to an icy day of winter: the emcee of Puerto Rican origins flavors the Detroit scene with some spicy Latino accents. With a unique, rhythmic style of his own, DJ Rick strikes backs with some brand new sounds for the brand new season 07. The Cd offers some interesting collaborations like B-Fatal, J-Raided and G-Money for instance and a track produced by Detroit beat maker Stir Crazy.
DJ Rick is not only here for party amusement; he also has some insightful messages to deliver, to his haters and to the kids in particular.
DJ Rick s Hate Me All You Want song stands out as far as I am concerned. Moreover, it is a song I can easily relate to.
Whatever you say, whatever you do on a public scale, there will always be haters. There is no such a prolific and boiling scene as the Detroit scene: it is fulfilled with the most amazing and original talents. However, it is spoilt by greed, personal ambitions and hatred, as most of the artists I have interviewed stated it.
Since I started writing, haters of all kinds have used the meanest tricks to attack me. I’ve been dissected, misquoted and laughed at. But the funny thing in the story is that I am feeling grateful towards my haters, because they truly increased my motivation to perfect my craft.
Intense violin and piano sounds introduce the dramatic dimension of the song. Rhythmic drums leave place to a determined person who will spread his wings, regardless of his haters. You’re not gonna break him; he ain’t no quitter. The song truly unlashes motivation and power.
We Gone Rock is a swinging invitation to party. Enthusiastic lyrics invite the listener to the dance. Unfortunately, the track’s sound quality is rather poor.
Hustle & Flow proudly reps the 313 in a dark gangsta style that is enhanced by the keyboard sounds. Picture yourself walking through the dangerous Detroit hood. I liked the dark tone of the song that features B-Fatal.
Ain’t Nobody will allow you to discover a brand new freestyle during which the Detroit emcee flows like crazy on a synthesizer background.
Let’s underline Stir Crazy’s good production on the Basement Tape song. Intense drum beats introduce DJ Rick’s incisive rhymes.
Maybe the best way to protect teenagers is to advice them to attend to their school. Today’s youths certainly need more guidance. While some conceited teachers might think « good riddance » of bad pupils dropping out of school, education is a form of protection for the kids against our society’s illness.
DJ Rick’s CD is rich of 24 tracks, including some bonuses. Globally speaking the Detroit emcees comes up with a new, refreshing energy for 2007. Good worked on instrumentals, a few energizing tracks, a nice flow delivery will allow the listener to fully appreciate DJ Rick’s original style.
Meet DJ Rick here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Qwesh, a young Detroit writing talent who will catch your eye…

N.B: all the writings exposed on the Eminem Blog are subject to copyright© . They have been published with the author’s consent. So, please don’t steal them!

‘Dru aka Qwesh of Detroit crossed my road on a hip hop board three years ago or so. We sympathized quite immediately, sharing our common passion for hip hop. Although he is very passionate about anything hip hop related, the music isn’t the only thing that makes Qwesh tick.
The young 18 year old man (who will be 19 soon) has kept a fruitful effort in developing his amazing writing skills since he was 12.
Growing up in the harsh context of the Detroit hood, raised by a single mom of five kids, Qwesh is no stranger to the word “struggle”. The tough D-Town and its hip hop sounds have deeply shaped Qwesh’s unique expression style.
Qwesh is a passionate poet, who isn’t afraid to talk about a diverse range of subjects such as interracial relationships, landscape descriptions, beauty, personal dramas…No matter what he is talking about Qwesh’s pen explodes, inviting you to delve into a scented, colorful garden of emotions and impressions.
I’d like to invite you readers for a discovery of his poems.
“I… of the Storm” is the example of a well mastered use of the words, in which Qwesh manages to draw a realistic and poetic image of a scary storm, mixing up imagination with the angry elements of nature…have a look:
…straining; I sat with a pen in my hand concentrating
I only had the idea down and it’d already began raining
Painting a picture with words; nouns, adjectives and verbs
I ain’t even started the verse and the storms immersed
Weather’s changing for the worse; thundering and wind-blows
Power flashing on and off while rain poured down the window
I sat at my desk in the middle of the room; writing
to escape reality; the sound of lightning is frightening
Storms were my biggest fear; tightened the pen in my palm
Papers blowing around the room, but I tried to stay calm
The more I concentrate; the more words spawn to write-down
But if I think too much I might-drown (that’s deep!) and right-now
I must be struggling because the room is flooding
The imagery is budding, but slowly I’m thinking of something
Words flow with the rain and the story begins to un-fold
My foot rests’ in a puddle while words spin like tornado funnel
…kaboom! Lightening strikes as the idea had sparked
Added knowledge with my smarts and emotion with my heart
The page was written; finally my masterpiece was finished
The electricity came back and the rain diminished
The weather’s back to normal and it remains-warm
Because a beautiful mind brings sunshine to enlighten a brainstorm”
Another beautiful, fresh poem is “Black Princess”. It will allow you to step into a world of deep emotions. The descriptive poem is also the background to incomprehension and jealousy from a white man’s fellows who can hardly accept the black girlfriend.
Interracial relationships might be easier than they used to be in Detroit in the early 90’s, but it will probably take time to educate some closed minded and deep rooted mentalities.
Discover a white man’s burning heart for a black lady who is the beauty personnified:
She’s black and beautiful with caramel skin and eyes almond-shape
The girl is drop-dead gorgeous… coffin-raised
She’s more than everything he’d been hoping-for
So now she’s got the key to his heart; she opened-doors
Cut the red-tape! On a stroll thru the park they met-fate
Drinks on me, this the type of love you gotta celebrate
When he showed her to his friends, yeah, they played-the-role
Hesitant to compliment her but the attention is paid-in-full
Behind his back they talk foul, probably calling him a nigger-lover
But play it cool when he’s around… they’re snakes undercover
It’s all good ’cause him and her… what’s the word; the word-is-bond
She’s influenced his daily life; his own history he’s learned-beyond
Because of her he understands other peoples-culture
and they joke about how the media makes ’em out as evil-vultures
His boys don’t come around no more; they claiming that he act-different
But deep-down we all know they just can’t accept his black-princess
If you liked what you read, discover more about the talented Qwesh here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Dirty Red interview!

If you haven’t heard about Dirty Red yet, you will be able to discover an artist of exceptional talent. I feel truly honored this fantastic emcee accepted an interview with me. Dirty Red used to hang out with Eazy E and has collaborated with Compton’s greatest.
Moreover, Dirty Red is a true Ruthless artist who brings you to the very hardcore hip hop that reflects the streets of LA in their whole, rough dimension.
If you’re fond of gangsta rap, this amazing artist should definitely please your hip hop loving ears…

1. How did you come up with the nickname Dirty Red?
I was in the studio with EAZY-E and we were about to record the promo commercial for the RUTHLESS RADIO SHOW and I was doing the intro for it. The name “RED” I had since I was a little kid because of the light skin and the hair color…The “DIRTY” part came along in my late teen years when I was doin alot of things in the streets to get ahead…so I decided to put the 2 nic names together and I introduced myself as DIRTY RED for the RUTHLESS RADIO SHOW.
2. What motivated you to become a rapper?
My motivation came along in the mid 1980’s when RUN DMC and THE FAT BOYS and L.L. COOL J did the movie “KRUSH GROOVE”…after I watched that movie I decided that’s what I wanted to do.
3. A few words about Compton legend Eazy E you knew personally…
EAZY -E was a real down to earth person…He always said what he felt and didn’t care if you liked him or didn’t like him for it…he is and was a true friend and he deserves to be called a legend.
4. Define your music within a few words…
My music is hardcore street rap…nothing more nothing less.
5. According to you, did NWA’s musical revolution change ethnic minorities ‘ conditions in the ghetto? At least, did it increase people’s awareness of the discrimination black men and other minorities were facing there?
N.W.A definitely paved the way for West Coast rap and street rappers to have an open door to express the experiences we face everyday in the hood…they definitely talked about things that had never been talked about on records before…they are the real pioneers on the West Coast.
6. What is the biggest challenge you had to face since you started rapping?
The biggest challenge I’ve had to face I would say is the learning of the industry…very few people in this industry will tell you how to be successful and how to conduct your business…alot of the learning comes from paying dues.
7 Which artists have you collaborated with already?
Ive done music with EAZY-E , ABOVE THE LAW , KOKANE , B.G. KNOCC OUT AND DRESTA THE GANGSTA…IVE WORKED WITH MADNESS 4 REAL…JULIO G AND TONY G…RHYTHM D…D.J UNEEK AND IM COLABORATING WITH A FEW ARTISTS ON MY NEW MIXTAPE “STREET HEAT vol. 2”.
8. Which artist(s) (underground or mainstream) have earned your full respect-and why?
I have a certain respect for artists that carry themselves for who they are…I can’t seem to get into any artist that acts or pretends to be like somebody else…example…when fat gold chains were the thing…all rappers wanted to wear a fat gold chain…now its the “bling” watches…I’m not into following what everybody else does or says…just be you!…so to answer your question…right now on the Westcoast ICE CUBE and SNOOP DOGG hold it down as far as the mic…DR. DRE with the production….on the East Coast I’d say JZ holds it down on the mic.
9. Old School or new school- where goes your preference?
I’m down with the old school 4 sho.
10. Your music is rich of that unique Ruthless flavor…according to you, is it an advantage to be from LA? If so, why?
I wouldn’t say its an advantage…but here in L.A we have a real thing in the streets…Im not sure where it was born or when…but its definitely a code in the streets of SOUTHERN CALI.
11. What inspires you most to write your music?
I get inspired by alot of different things…but mostly just life and the different events, past and present.
12. . A few words about your Street Heat CDs…
STREET HEAT vol. 1 was recorded in SAN BERNADINO in 2004 after I had put the mic down after Eazy died…I hadn’t recorded in years…so I just wanted to get back into the studio and record some songs to get that feeling again…I released a few copies just to the homies in the hood…people started hearing that I had recorded some stuff and they wanted to hear it so I re-released it in 2006…Now I am just finishing up STREET HEAT vol.2 so I can give people the real DIRTY RED and REAL RUTHLESS music.
13. From a personal point of view, gangsta rap is truly one of my fave genres inside of rap music.
Do you think that gangsta rap can and will help people understand better the living conditions of the ghetto, and even change some stereotypes?
I don’t think gangster rap will change anything in the ghetto’s. Things will always be the same in the hoods…that’s just the way the world is set up…but I do believe that gangster rap sheds a light on situations in the ghetto so people will look at it a little closer and people do listen to the stories and experiences that we face in the hoods.
14. The Westcoast seems to be boiling at the moment with the return of dope rappers such as BG Knocc Out, his brother Dresta and the participation of Lil Eazy, Hood Surgeon and others to the Westcoast’s revival…what or who was the detonator that motivated people to work together for a strong return of Westcoast sounds?
I dont know who set it off for the Westcoast to reunite…in my opinion the West Coast was always united…EAZY-E and DR. DRE had a beef at some point but as men they worked things out and dealt with it…THE WESTCOAST HAS NEVER GONE AWAY…I DONT KNOW WHY PEOPLE SAY “BRING THE WEST BACK”…THE WEST HAS BEEN HERE ALL THE TIME.
Dirty Red’s my space account.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Nas/ Surviving The Times video review

This song is taken out of Nas’ upcoming “Nigger” album. I hope you all enjoy the video as much as I did:)
Global rating:5 stars
I guess no other emcee in the world writes black history as well as Nas does. With the poignant stories he tells, always true to his African roots, street disciple of America’s black ghettos, Nas is one of the most brilliant emcees hip hop can be proud of.
Nas’ music doesn’t always please ears who are used to more commercial tracks, but it contains treasures of black music influences and brilliant literacy.
When Nas describes himself as hip hop’s greatest poet, it is certainly not because he is too full of himself, like many of his contemporary fellow emcees. No. Nas is simply telling you avid listeners the truth. Since Illmatic, he has inspired the greatest, including Eminem…
Based on a beautiful rhythmic piano and keyboard background, Surviving The Times will bring your eye back to the dog years, in which Nas was starting to rap. Welcome to the NYC ghetto…let the piano notes unveil a world in which the main preoccupation is survival. Meet Nas and his fellows. Nas’ warm voice will lead you into a jazzy gospel rap atmosphere that raises faith in each man’s spirit. He recalls the times of struggle and offers the viewers some flashbacks about his story. Get musically hit by the drama on the block, Nas manages to make it feel real in your mind.
Meet a young man with a passion while he is writing his first rhyme.Yes, hear it from his mouth: he was only 9 and yet, a lyrical genius. Let the notes guide you into the harsh world of the music industry.
Watch a young artist who is always grinding on a negro spiritual intense background. Times of sweat, a pursued effort to get a record deal, a determined spirit to make it.
Meeting Mc Serch…getting signed…money slowly coming in like drops of rain…Nas recalls the times and the major diffulties he had to face.
Trumpet sounds fusion with the piano/ keyboard background in order to accentuate this fighting spirit that made the man Nas is now: a wonderful story teller and an emcee of great experience whose musical maturity should be a source of inspiration for many upcoming emcees.
In short, this video is a must see! Be on the lookout for Nas’ next album. It promises to be great!
Open your ears and eyes and watch it here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Exclusive Celph Centered interview…

What up Doe, this is Detroit’s Voice, Celph Centered aka Clutch Dolla of Gogettaz Inc, Destined For Fame/ The Academy

1. What motivated you to become a rapper?
-It’s in the blood! I been doin this since the hip hop shop. I was a young boy trying to sneak in. Don’t believe me ask Phal Fly & DJ Prime Minister…I’m kind of a vet.
2. How did you come up with the nickname Celph Centered? Doesn’t that sound a little bit “selfish”?
-It’s me… I got a certain arrogance about myself when I’m on the mic. So I always wanted something that would describe that side.
3. What are the accomplishments you are the most proud of since you started rapping?
-Ummm, Shit I did the Detroit vs Cleveland battle and repped the city a couple years ago. that was a good look! First time I did St. Andrews and The Shelter since the history is so rich there. (that’s local shit but its big for a kid from the city)
4. What are the biggest challenges you had to face as an emcee?
I was in a group Nu Tez and we were building steam. Had St. Clair Shores, Roseville, and everything neighboring lovin us. And then we split. Hard thing about it is my manager had to give it up too. So the group went from 4, to 2 emcees and a manager, to me. Regaining contacts and guidance has been a big issue… Lost a lot of homeboys. LIKE 5 last year and a good 4 this year.. That makes you wanna give it up. But when the labels started saying I was TOO versatile and didn’t have a market that took the cake. Kinda hurts to know that a n*gg@ wit talent cant thrive in today’s game… YET
5. Define your music within a few words?
-Honest, Personal, and soulful.
6. What are your thoughts about the Detroit scene?
– Hater central… but thats neither here or there. WE ARE FULL OF TALENT, shit we house the best MC’s on the planet. But we lack a sound. We’re a city of followers; we blend into whatever is hot instead of innovating. We don’t support each other at all. And this is the biggest thing of um all… JEALOUSY! That’s why we got our cats wit promise not making it. They cant survive long enough to make it. There’s beef all over the city right now instead of building. Cats have tried to change it like Trick Trick, but at the end of the day it’s the same way.
7. According to you is it an advantage to come from Detroit and why?
-DISADVANTAGE! We are called battle rappers, thats how we are looked at. Every A&R, Every Exec, the see Detroit as comedy rappers. We get no respect here. Plus the supports not here, nobody wants to fuck wit the local niggas, but if I wanted I could sell a hundred Wayne mixtapes today… Ass backwards and wonder why the jobs are non existent. LET ONE OF YOUR OWN GET ON PROPERLY and watch what happens.
8. Which artists have you collaborated with already?
– Not many, like I said my music is more personal. And when I do collab it’s rarely wit Detroit cats… NO DISRESPECT, but why? I mean most of Detroit artist sound the same. “Talking about shit the normal n*gg@ never tried to do, lying to the people got um thinking that they suppose to do dirt to get a mill or two”. But yeah, I got my Gogettaz I do songs with, I did a DOPE joint wit Kendrick Hardaway. Sides that nobody in the D yet. Couple cats that I gotta work wit here like Quest, Marv, PL, Big sis Karona, Yakknus etc. The collabs are comin! But for now its more wit the up and coming producers; DjayCas, Nova, Chase Cashe, Dion Primo, Hit N Move, Ozone and many more.
9. Among all hip hop artists (mainstream or underground), who has earned your respect, and why?
– I fuck wit Marv Won hard no homo. I mean, he to me is the picture of Detroit Hip Hop from his attitude to his style… Niggas nice. Guilty Simpson is that dude easy as that. One of the best in the city. Elzhi, Royce Da 5’9 are the best in the city hands down. And big influences. Em, Quest Mcody, IMAC, is the same as Marv.. just give you that feelin when you hear um… Black Milk, DILLA IS THE GREATEST PRODUCER EVER (RIP). Mz Karona, Iron Fist Records (RIP Proof and waddup to everybody over there. Famous n Flame are my comp lol. outside the city… Jay Z is the greatest breathing, Joe Budden is better than him but dont have the accolades, Jadakiss, Freeway is a big influence, Beans, Lil Wayne’s hunger n consistancy is crazy… plus he’s dope. Juelz, Andre3000, Luda, Scarface, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Lloyd banks. I fuck wit n*gg@s that can rap.
10. What inspires you most to write your music?
-Detroit, MI (My Inspiration) – Coming 2nd/3rd Quarter 08
11. Your CD is entitled Detroit’s Voice. Do you consider yourself as Detroit’s hip hop scene’s true spokesman? If so, why?
-Yes! but lemme explain. Its mad talent here. Dudes that could be better fit for the job as far as the name game. But. what are they talkin about? When you pop in a Celph disc you feel me. I’m talking life. Im that dude that brings that image of a broke city to life. Other cats could but choose not too. I’ma step and take that initiative. I’m the Voice because I’m using that voice… PLUS I’m dumb young. Just turned 23… you gotta deal wit my young ass for a long time. And the intentions won’t change none. I want cats to see the big pic, Life is bigger than the block… And it seem like I’m the only one left not glorifying it (Aside from some cats mentioned earlier).
12. Old school or new school, where goes your preference?
-old School, 90’s… best era of hip hop music
13. Besides hip hop, which other musical genre(s) do you listen to?
-Shit I listen to everything from Rock, to alternative, to R&B, and alotta Soul
14. Which artists (mainstream or underground) would you envision a collaboration with in a close future?
Elzhi, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5’9″, Jill Scott, Lupe Fiasco, Andre3000, dream collab is somehow bringing bad meets evil back… WHOA that would be crazy. I’d have to step my shit up haha.
15. According to you, what are the main assets an emcee needs to possess in order to be credible?
-Honesty. If I cant believe you I cant believe u. If I say I’m fly its because I’ve done shows in Mauri’s. throwbacks and expensive denim. if ya story don’t add up the people wont read it.
AWF – always fly its not a click its a way of life. watch out for the shirts coming soon!
Listen to Celph Centered ‘s music here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Nas explains controversial album title; denies reports of label opposition (MTV.com)

Nas recently raised some controversy when he announced the title of his upcoming album…here is an MTV article in which the skilled artists speaks out about his choice. Read the original article here.
NEW YORK — Nas says you shouldn’t believe anything you’ve heard about Def Jam putting the kibosh on his next studio album. In fact, he insists he hasn’t come across any resistance from the label.
The name of the LP has changed slightly, though. He’s going all the way there: It’s now called Nigger, and it is set to hit stores December 11.
“I don’t know where that [report] came from and neither does Def Jam,” Nas said early Thursday morning (October 18) in a Manhattan recording studio when asked about a Fox News article published earlier this week. The story quoted a “source close to” label head L.A. Reid, who scoffed at the thought of the company supporting an album with such a title, and also claimed the album was not on the label’s release schedule. “None of us knows where that came from.”
(At press time, Def Jam representatives had not responded to MTV News’ requests for comment.)
The MC said he’s just two weeks from completing the LP and has done most of the work with his friend and constant collaborator, Salaam Remi. Diddy, Jermaine Dupri and DJ Toomp are also expected to get in the lab with Nas before he closes out production.
“Salaam — me and him have some real chemistry,” Nas explained. “He can go from Amy Winehouse to Spragga Benz to come f— with Nas. The other cats, some of us have somewhat of chemistry, some of us don’t. … [People] shouldn’t trip off the [album’s] title; the songs are crazier than the title.”
Nigger has caused some strong reaction from civil-rights activists since news of the name hit the masses. The Fox News Web sitesite quoted the Rev. Jesse Jackson and representatives from the NAACP, who admonished Nas for using the N-word as his LP’s name.
“I’m a street disciple,” Nas responded, quoting one of his earlier album titles. “I’m talking to the streets. Stay out of our business. You ain’t got no business worrying about what the word ‘nigger’ is or acting like you know what my album is about without talking to me. Whether you in the NAACP or you Jesse Jackson. I respect all of them … I just want them to know: Never fall victim to Fox. Never fall victim to the sh– they do. What they do is try to hurry up and get you on the phone and try to get you to talk about something you might not know about yet.
“If Cornel West was making an album called Nigger, they would know he’s got something intellectual to say,” Nas continued. “To think I’m gonna say something that’s not intellectual is calling me a nigger, and to be called a nigger by Jesse Jackson and the NAACP is counterproductive, counter-revolutionary.”
Nas said he hasn’t talked to anyone outside his camp about the title, so he was upset to see that people are up in arms without knowing the story behind him choosing the name.
“I wanna make the word easy on mutha—-as’ ears,” he explained. “You see how white boys ain’t mad at ‘cracker’ ’cause it don’t have the same [sting] as ‘nigger’? I want ‘nigger’ to have less meaning [than] ‘cracker.’ With all the bullsh– that’s going on in the world, racism is at its peak. I wanna do the sh– that’s not being done. I wanna be the artist who ain’t out. I wanna make the music I wanna hear.
“We’re taking power [away] from the word,” he added. “No disrespect to none of them who were part of the civil-rights movement, but some of my n—as in the streets don’t know who [civil-rights activist] Medgar Evers was. I love Medgar Evers, but some of the n—as in the streets don’t know Medgar Evers, they know who Nas is. And to my older people who don’t now who Nas is and who don’t know what a street disciple is, stay outta this mutha—-in’ conversation. We’ll talk to you when we’re ready. Right now, we’re on a whole new movement. We’re taking power [away] from that word.”
Earlier this year, Nas told MTV News that he wanted to “have fun with the radio” while making his next LP. That was before he settled on the title, though. The album includes ideas and feelings he wanted to express for years that aren’t exactly meant to make you dance or sing along in the club.
“Every time I get in the studio, I feel like I wanna have some fun,” he said. “My fun is not doing the easy work. My fun is doing what’s me. [Radio-friendly songs], that’s easy work. My daughter could do that. My daughter could do the sh– that’s out. I wanna do me and hopefully some mutha—-as would like it. At this point, I’m looking at the whole world differently. I’m looking at how politics could really be effective for people today, how me as an artist could be more effective. … I listen to the radio sometime and I like the vibe of that. I go to a club, and my favorite sh– is Soulja Boy [‘Crank That’]. I wanna get down with them joints, but … [my records] do not come out like that.”
On November 6, Nas releases his Greatest Hits LP, and he plans to put out Nigger’s first single a day or two after that. Despite the absence of a strong marketing push for the upcoming album (you can partially explain that because he’s been working on his own and under the radar), Nas isn’t stressing. He said he can’t wait for some big plans to sell the album. He just wants to get it out there.
“If you feel like doing a record,” he started to say about the freedom he has in his career right now, “you can’t wait till everybody is ready. I used to wait. Now I have that sh– in me — where it is, what it is, buy it or don’t buy it, it’s cool. Whoever likes it, cool. Whoever don’t like it, cool — but it’s gotta come out now.
“Everybody is caught up on that first-week thing,” he continued. “That was cool. In the beginning, you want n—as to know what time it is on the beginning of your sh–. I’m past that. I had humongous first weeks before, gold in the first week, that’s not important with me. When you have a record that’s out there, people are going to gravitate towards it at some point in time if they like that type of music. My albums will move units, but it ain’t based on what type of units they move. I’m thankful I sell records, but it’s not about that.
“This Nigger album is bigger than an album. This is for my daughter, when she looks back and sees all the chump n—as in the game, she’ll say, ‘My pops was a man.’ When I have more kids, they’ll see, ‘He was a man.’ That will inspire them to be real in their life. Some people say I’m conscious, some say I’m a gangsta rapper — it’s just me doing me. I’m stomping in my own lane. I’m doing what I do.”

Celph Centered/ Detroit's Voice CD review

Rating of the product: 4 stars
Less known from the mainstream public’s eye, Detroit underground emcee Celph Centered is nevertheless a lyrical master whose brilliance is undeniable.
His Detroit’s Voice CD carries the image of the City: cold, full of darkness, crime related and beautiful at the same. With his specific instrumental knowledge, Celph centered astutely uses the contrasting dark bass sounds to ally them to lighter keyboard notes, creating a walking contradiction effect into the listeners ears.
With an amazing sense of reality, a confident tone in his voice, Celph Centered tells you the Detroit hood how it is, in its whole scary dimension. Hear about Detroit’s crude reality from a ghetto child’s mouth: this is what Child Of The Ghetto is all about.
Get Dat Bread: on a lighter musical background, Celph Centered introduces his listeners into a constant daily struggle: you gotta get that bread.
A few catchy beats combined with some soft vocal and a lyrical master who flows with ease make that track very much enjoyable.
Cadenced drum beats, astute wordplays, a nice flow delivery: here comes Celph Centered imposing his craft to the crowd with a true OG spirit.
What You Know about It has a Southern musical flavor. Maybe this track has a bigger mainstream appeal.
Drama totally defines the constant drama-mostly due to jealousy- that reigns as a devilish master on the Detroit Scene. With a tough spirit, Celph Centered stomps them out-lyrically speaking.
Detroit’s Voice: Celph Centered wants to be a spokesman for a city in which so many people die by the gun. Travelling through his rough life experiences, the emcee wants to be a messenger for the place he comes from.
Different is dedicated to Detroit’s deceased and talented emcees Jay Dilla, Big Proof and Blade Icewood.
Celph Centered poignant words combined with the piano/ violin background make that song a moving tribute to emcees who had a major impact on their cities.
Move Something is a rhythmic track in which a complex instrumental background opens the curtain to a real life theater in which Celph Centered s dexterity in handling words is really amazing.
While repping his city with pride, the wordsmith s talent totally comes to shine.
Harp notes dropping in the background, hammering drum beats will plunge the listener into Detroit s reality. A lot of people pose as gangstas. Celph Centered totally ridicules thug wannabes as the true OG who has the guts to assume his actions.
Xylophone and keyboards working together, creating a floating and euphoric sensation. I’m Hood is beautifully written. Celph Centered evolves in the hood ; the artist manages to offer very precise and colorful descriptions to his listeners. Life might be a gamble, but Celph Centered is damn good at it.
Hate In Ya Eyes: the dark musical background is enhanced with handclaps. It will allow you to appreciate Celph Centered’s invincible flow. With a smashing spirit, Celph Centered punches his opponents with an iron fist made of sharp vocal weapons.
Globally speaking, the artist has done some good and original work. Proudly representing Motown, Celph Centered is the reflection of his city. However, one major weakness needs to be underlined: on many tracks, the loud instrumental background overshadows Celph Centered ‘s voice. The artist will probably have to improve that element in the future.
But besides the technical obstacle mentioned above, Celph Centered is a Detroit artist who certainly deserves to get known better from a larger audience.
Discover the Detroit talent here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved