In My Loving Memory

Here's what I promised.  A year in the making, I present to you my first full-length effort since 2009's "So Cold," my (street) album, my life, "In My Loving Memory."

N. Talekt
In My Loving Memory

Pick this up today from any of the sites below:

SoundClick.com - http://soundclick.com/ntalekt

Play and download the entire CD. Great source if you have a SoundClick.com account.

DatPiff.com - http://www.datpiff.com/N-Talekt-In-My-Loving-Memory-mixtape.284117.html

If you're on DatPiff.com, this is the link for you.  Listen and download the entire CD.

MediaFire.com - http://www.mediafire.com/?5694x9udmneu3r8

Fast, full download, with artwork included.  Add it to your music collection today!

THANK YOU and enjoy!

N. Talekt

Rah Scrilla's "Smoking in the Bathroom" hits DatPiff!

Better late than never -- Rah Scrilla, Established Dons representer, has his latest project "Smoking in the Bathroom" finally available on DatPiff, a popular mixtape hosting site.

So, why should you download it, if you haven't already?  Well, below are 11 great reason:

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Another solid outing for Scrilla with a variety of great beats from some of Richmond's hottest producers, top-notch features, and quality songs.

Download direct from Mediafire.com: http://www.mediafire.com/?u248ue134iqja4l#1

N. Talekt

New Music, Video: "So Gone"

Here's the third single and first video from my upcoming project "In My Loving Memory," releasing in two weeks (11/15/11). Check out the video and enjoy the music. Special shout outs to BC Music 1st for doing the video direction, production, and post-production, and to everyone who helped make this a success.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVdcFkpo1zA



N. Talekt

N. Talekt Presents: "Featuring... Me, Act 2"

It went so well the first time, I figured I'd do a follow up! Here's the second round, "Featuring... Me, Act 2!" With a mix of the hottest artists on Soundclick, some impressive up-and-comers, and, of course, yours truly, this is definitely a mixtape to catch. Get it from the following sites:

SoundClick.com: http://soundclick.com/NTalektFeaturingMe

Play the entire CD, learn about the artists on the mixtape, and get download links. Great source if you have a SoundClick.com account.

DatPiff.com: http://www.datpiff.com/N-Talekt-Featuring-Me-Act-2-mixtape.276639.html

If you're on DatPiff.com, this is the link for you. Listen and download the entire CD.

zShare: http://www.zshare.net/download/9518290970178a84/

Don't have a SoundClick.com or DatPiff.com account? Fine! Get all the tracks in ZIP format from zShare.

Enjoy! A lot of people worked hard to give you an enjoyable listen, make sure you support!

N. Talekt

Song Review: War Zone 2012

Song Review: "War Zone 2012 (f/ Chayse Maclair and Boss Game)" by Methodical
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11134580

In a prior review of a song by Methodical, we had a discussion about his beat selection.  I felt the beats weren't as strong as they could have been, lacking variation and dynamics needed for the style of song he was working with.  It was then that I recommended Life and Death Productions, a Soundclick-based production suite that provides just the kind of beats I felt Methodical would rock on.

This song is the first fruit of that labor.

Enlisting Chayse Maclair and Boss Game to sew up the track, Methodical chooses a somber, key-laden beat to paint the backdrop for his performance.  Although crippled by the mic and sound quality, you can tell the artist writes as is name is -- methodically.  Rhymes are placed in exact spots, and, much more importantly, the delivery here near flawless.  The emotion and energy is there, and it fits well with the beat.  It's a story of stress and struggle, and Methodical nicely walks the tightrope of being lyrical while keeping his story sensible.

Chayse is back on his hook game again, providing a great interlude between Methodical and Boss Game.  I'm not sure if the beat carries the artist or if he is just riding it that well, but either way, something about the hook just works.  I have heard a few hooks done by Chayse, and they can be hit and miss.  This one, for me, was hit.

Enter Boss Game.  Maybe it's because I'm on my laptop, but it sounds like BG's mic quality has degraded a bit since I last heard him.  Either way, Boss shows his versatility here, nailing this track lyrically, almost mimicking the style of Methodical in the beginning.  One difference here, though; Boss seems to stray in the latter part of the verse from internal struggle to external conflict.  Not sure if this was intentional or not, but it seems to work out nonetheless.

Overall, it's a somber song, one I feel you kinda need to be in the mood to hear.  I also feel like this song was hurt a bit from the poor quality of the first verse, and that's something you really can't make up for, not even with strong features.  Still, this is a pretty cool, low-key track that delivers lyrically and highlights Methodical's methodical progression.

But, of course, you won't understand what I mean unless you hear it for yourself:

N. Talekt

Song Review: No Mo

Song Review: "No Mo (f/ Ja Mar)" by Stat Boi
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10818072

Stat Boi and Ja Mar collaborate to put together "No Mo," a "no time for games" type of track.  Stat comes in first to deliver a solid introductory verse.  Confident behind the mic and down-to-earth, he turns out a verse that connects with the audience for the most part.  The biggest issue I had with this verse was the mix.  Some of the adlibs at the end of the lines were making it hard to actually hear the words.  Try panning them to the left around 20-40.  It will make a huge difference in clarity.  Also, backups are meant to be backups ... that is, they probably shouldn't be louder than your main vocals.

Still, I enjoyed this verse better than the second verse, which bring in to question, why even have a feature?  Don't get me wrong, Ja Mar doesn't have a terrible verse, it's just that it didn't blow me away.  I'm pretty greedy with verse space on my songs; I don't want a feature unless I know my feature is bringing something to the table I can't.  Maybe because of the song topic here; there's not much Stat could have said in a second verse that wasn't already said in first verse and hook.

Anyway, I digress.  The second verse was cool, but it seemed a bit low and some of the words weren't really spoken well (slurred, almost), making it hard to discern.  There's a difference in a southern accent and not speaking clearly, and having family in the Carolinas and south, I know this was a case of the latter.

One thing I must say about the hook, though.  When I first played the song, I had not actually checked for the title of the song, as I was preparing this blog entry.  The hook dropped and I could have sworn I heard a cow mooing in the background!  I later realized it was the artist harmonizing "Noo Moooo," but it didn't come out so well.  As I mentioned earlier, panning should certainly help here.

Overall, after that initial shock, the track was pretty cool, I thought.  It's not a track built with layers of thought, it's not going to stand the test of time.  But it's an enjoyable track that I'm sure people will be able to relate to and will get a sense of familiarity when they hear it.

All that said, check it out for yourself below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: "Daredevil"

Song Review: "Daredevil" by About Time & Asi Didi
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10582850

Daredevil, in short, was a song of highs and lows.

This short track had a cool vibe to it with the title really fitting the beat.  Plucked strings and strong rhythm move the beat along as artists About Time and Asi Didi lay down a bit of heat on the verses, with a short hook interluding.  Not sure if I'd call it a hook, really more of an interlude between a couple verses.  The two trade sets of bars in both verses, giving you a good taste of what both have to offer.

Honestly, the first artist (Asi Didi) is a bit of a turn-off here, an acquired taste, if you will.  This is mostly due to mixing, I believe.  The voice is a bit loud, possible near red-lining, and some of the backups are off, which really distracts.  I always advise that when mixing a track, if something doesn't enhance your track, it's hurting your track -- take it out!  You don't hear that sort of thing in a polished radio track, and it's not ok at the underground level either.  Line up your backups, or remove them.

The second artist (About Time) comes in and sounds like he has a much more polished mix, and, frankly, a more polished flow as well.  He seems much more comfortable behind the microphone and has a solid verse.  I feel like I could pay more attention to his verse than Asi's because there weren't any distractions (loudness, dueling voices, etc).  A good mix, good delivery, good verse.  Job well done.

This song sounds like it was recorded in two different studios -- that's the way of the web nowadays.  I'd recommend checking the track out to hear About Time's work; Asi needs to scrub the mix a bit before it can really be acknowledged, but otherwise, this sounds like a light, fun track with a nice beat to match.

But, as always, my words are just that -- words.  You'll have to listen to really form an opinion, so check out the song below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Music Saved My Life

Song Review: "Music Saved My Life" by Mic S.
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11143372

Right from the jump, I like the composition of the song.  The right beat, the right hook, and the right timing gave this song an all-important good first impression.  It properly sets the mood for Mic S.'s reflective song.

The story's about, predictably, how music has saved Mic's life.  Personifying music as a lady done wrong, Mic discusses how music has stayed by his side when all others have left.  Only music has kept him on the straight and narrow, when others wanted to pull him in other directions.  It was music that kept him out the streets, out a cell, and out of a grave.

A powerful message, indeed, but for some reason, there's a spark missing behind that power.  Perhaps it's in the mixing, or perhaps it's the energy level.  But, I feel thing song has the piece that it needs, it just needs a bit of a lift.  The hook is performed nearly to perfection, but it seems the verses may be performed a bit flatly.  Or, again, it could be the mix.  Either way, that takes away from what otherwise is a song well done; it's inspirational, the hook alone gives it replay value (not to mention a beat that goes hand-in-hand), and you can really feel the music and message in this one.

Overall, a track I've already played a few times now and not grown bored.  Then again, I can relate to this song very well.  However, Mic tells a truthful story about his life that you can't help but appreciate.  Simplifying the lyrics a bit to let the message shine through, this track *almost* hit's home.  Song well done.

But, as always, don't take my word for it, decide for yourself -- listen below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Are We Still Friends?

Song Review: "Are We Still Friends?" by Je2Rit
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11122247

Ok, I know this one's gonna sound cliche', but I know I won't be the only person who thinks this when the song drops -- man, you sound just like Eminem!  Now, when I say that, that means everything it looks like on the surface.  Meaning that on the good side, you have a great flow; you're on point, you've got the right energy and performance skills, your presence is great, and with a good quality mix, you sound professional and right on point.  Now, that also means you sound almost indistinguishable from a lot of other rappers who "sound like Eminem," but I guess that comes with the territory.

That said, this track is definitely worth a couple plays.  It's a bit of a story, and if you know my work, you know how I get down with those.  The story behind it is familiar and easy to relate to -- friends separated.  J does a great job with being descriptive in his lyrics, painting a great picture throughout each verse, keeping a proper timeline going through the story.

The hook here is eerie, perfect for this tough yet somber beat.  It's performed very well and certainly catchy, you'll be saying it in your head after the song ends for sure.

Overall, I can't put my finger on what's missing from this track, but I feel like the "it" factor is missing here.  I think maybe it's because the track ends on a lower note than what I was expected -- I felt like I was waiting for a climax to the story and never got one.  Whatever the case is, this is a pretty cool track that, to me, is just missing ... something ...

But hey, maybe I'm wrong.  Decide for yourself and check it out below:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Facebook Hate

Song Review: "Facebook Hate" by E.J.A.Y.
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11128306

E.J.A.Y's a guy who's been around for a while on Soundclick and, though he's been quiet for a while, he certainly hasn't been idle. Most recently releasing his "The Bald Headed Bastard" CD, E.J.A.Y. submits a song from a different project, "No Hooks, All Kicks," strangely entitled "Facebook Hate."

True to the title, this track has a strong kick to it and no hook. Not just a drum kick, it's also a high-energy track both in the beat and the strong, polished delivery from E.J.A.Y. A few scattered rants interlude a couple verses that seem to be "insider" verses, addressing situations that will be obvious to people in the know.

The lyrics here come off as more of a freestyle, but at the same time, E rides the beat with ease making it a track that's easy to listen to. All the while, he seems to have some anger and flair to him, and that commands attention throughout the entire track.

Overall, this is a fun track. It's not the standout single for the project, I'm guessing, but it is easy on the ears and really makes you want to check out the guy's Facebook page to figure out the story behind the song! Nice plug for the page, but also a well-delivered track.

Hear the story for yourself:

N.

Song Review: Backwoods Smokin'

Song Review: "Backwoods Smokin (f/ Mizz K)" by Boss Game
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11131123

Katt Williams introduces this song with a sample from one of hit sets over Yung Lotto's haunting beat. From there Mizz K features on the hook to ease us into the track.  Therein lies the first issue I had with Boss Game's track here.  I felt like I was eased into this track, then suddenly smacked without warning by BG's double-time flow.  Not that it's bad, I just think that, musically, this would have benefited from coming in a little slower, then speeding up.

The hook itself is well-done, a duet, of sorts, between Mizz K and Boss Game.  I do have one hang-up here which I'll discuss in a bit.

From there, Boss Game lays down a couple verses about, predictably, backwoods smoking.  Don't blink though, or you might miss it!  The first verse, as I mentioned, comes in with a quick flow that's performed pretty well.  One thing throughout this song noticeable about Boss Game is his demanding mic presence.  He does a good job at commanding the microphone and giving a strong, confident delivery.  That was evident in the first verse especially.  The second verse was also well done, though a little sloppy at the very beginning, it comes together well.

One of the highlights of this track is the production from Yung Lotto.  This eerie, haunting beat works very well with an almost ghastly hook performed by Mizz K, and the two in tandem are very catching.  This is another reason I would have enjoyed a slower flow here -- the haunting nature of the beat and the haunting nature of the hook combined perfectly for this song, but the delivery of the verse is also conflicting, at least to me.

Overall, this is a solid track for the smokers, but one thing that should be improved here is the mastering.  The track, even for a Soundclick.com song, is a bit hot and vocals could be lowered here to make this a little easier on the ears.  Also, Boss Game's bass could be lowered to make him more audible to the untrained ear.  Try lowering your lows / lifting your highs, and also simply taking some of the bass away in your mix.  Your voice will sound a bit more pristine, which helps when you're doing the double-time flow.

All in all, a solid, well produced track, and it looks like Boss Game simply will not slow down; hot off the heels of releasing "Grown Man Music," his next project seems to pick up right where he left off.

But don't just take my word for it, hear it here:

N. Talekt

Song Review: Boss Pimpin' 2011

Song Review: "Boss Pimpin' 2011" by Boss Game & Jo-Kane
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=11126595

Ok, so I'm not gonna lie:  "The Lady in My Life" is one of my favorite songs by Michael Jackson, so when this track dropped, I flipped out!  So I certainly appreciated not only the sample at the end of the track, but also the homage paid in the hook.

Speaking of which, the hook was actually very well done, so kudos to Boss Game here.  Boss Game transitions from singing/harmonizing to rapping just as well as anyone else I've heard.  I feel like the first verse could have been a bit longer to make the song flow a bit more naturally, but it still works.

Both Boss Game and Jo-Kane contribute with a pimpin'-themed verse with all the usual caveats covered.  Both ride the beat with ease, making the entire song an easy and smooth listen.  Jo-Kane has a smoother verse here than the first, which works here as it's a smooth way to end the song; the more excitable flow of Boss Game would have been a bit jarring if it came later in the track.

Overall, while the verses flow very well, I wouldn't say they contribute anything spectacular.  There weren't "stand-out bars," so to speak, but this wasn't that type of track.  The verses did their jobs tying the song together, staying on theme.  Neither is a let-down, and somehow actually complete the song as hook are typically used for.  In this case, though, the hooks stand out and really make the song for me.  They were performed well, and the beat had me rockin' the entire time.

So, a fun song here that's definitely worth a listen or few, and if you're a fan of Michael's version, you'll be groovin' to this in no time.

As always, don't take my word for it, hear it yourself:

N. Talekt

Behind the Scenes of "So Gone"

November 1 is the release of the music video for "So Gone," one of the singles from my upcoming project "In My Loving Memory." More info on that project coming soon, but right now, check out Part 1 & 2 of the behind the scenes footage for the video!

Behind the Scenes, Part 1

Behind the Scenes, Part 2

N. Talekt

And So It Begins...

Short and sweet post here...

Here's the first piece off of a much bigger picture called "In My Loving Memory" coming November 15th. It's called "Feelin' Good." Play, download, share, enjoy!

Week of 6/19: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

[6/19] NT's SoundClick Top 5

Yet another tough week in the world of SoundClick music.

Short and sweet, this week's difference makers came down to creativity and execution. What were you reaching for with your work, and, just as importantly, did you achieve what you set out to accomplish?

That said, here's a solid selection of songs in this week's Top 5.

Chayse Maclair - Schools out for Summer (f/ Jane G33)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10730518

Jo-Kane - Y'all Ain't Ready (f/ Boss Game)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10725981

Mdot - Intro to Bright
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10120316

Hydden Ajenda - Werewolf
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10598260

Mr Showtime - Have A Nice Day :)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10751328

Last week's #1-spot-holder Jane G33 assists Chayse Maclair, no stranger to that coveted position himself, in a creative and thought-provoking tale entitled "Schools out for Summer." Not too dissimilar from last week's #1, Chayse and Jane speak on the hardships faced, but with a twist in that the hardships are faced by a person also dealing with school, putting life into perspective and implying that maybe school isn't as important as the burden of daily life. It's a slow-building song, and I think Chayse gets saved by a growing beat on this one, as he finally kicked it up a notch as the beat drop, but dragged us to that point a bit. Still, he sets up the plot excellently and Jane comes in to crush the ending, again, from a perspective unique to her which makes the track that much more appealing.

After a short hiatus, Boss Game makes his return to the top 5 alongside Jo-Kane in the head-smashing anthem "Y'all Ain't Ready." This track definitely has the appropriate grit and bump to it, but the quality is a bit jarring at first. Looking past that, Jo-Kane kicks things off with a laid-back, confident verse, akin to Chayse's verse in that it's slow-building and a bit lulling. Perhaps Jo-Kane could have benefited from some ad-libs here. He then double-times it to finish off the verse and lead into a nice verse from Boss Game (notice how the ad-libs liven up the verse a bit, though Boss Game's delivery is commanding enough here that it's not as necessary as with the Jo-Kane verse). While the content is not as innovative, I felt like this song really fits the mood it was shooting for and reaches it's goals.

Newcomer Malcolm Lowe, AKA Mdot (no relation) enters the top 5 this week with "Intro to Bright," a cleverly put together track with an exciting delivery and some fun lines. Overall, it's a good introductory track and certainly makes you want to continue listening. The hook is interesting and the beat works with it's high-energy. Smart move with the acapella bits here, too. Major issue with this song is in terms of cleanliness. A few of the backups & ad-libs were off in an irritating way -- and yes, I know some were purposely off. Also, the beat does grind on you a bit after a while, but that said, the song is the appropriate length for that. Finally, while the hook is fun, it's not something that'll keep you coming back. Those factors keep this from the #2 spot this week, but certainly a strong, impressive showing and, to my points earlier, it does what it set out to do -- make you want to listen to the mixtape.

Hydden Ajenda enter the top 5 this week with a tale entitled "Werewolf." It's a metaphorical story about two hungry powerhouses coming together to slaughter. Maybe this could have been higher aside from the replay value effect, but I actually dig this track. The presence of the rappers here is pretty good, especially on the second verse, and it's a pretty creative song. While the delivery could use some cleanup & enunciation in places, I think, overall, this was well put together and came together to do what it attempted. While personal taste and "it" factor also keep this a little further down the list this week, this is a track that has potential to be pretty nice once polished. The story, emotion, and lyics are all there, just needs a bit of fine tuning to really get going.

Mr. Showtime and Yung Tek, familiar partners, collaborate yet again with "Have a Nice Day :)." The tough thing about this song is that it really is set up to be a banger, it just takes a swing and a miss. As I've been mentioning, setting out what you tried to accomplish is a bit part of getting your song right, and this fell a bit short. Perhaps it was the beat selection. On this, the hook was clearly important, but I could barely tell the difference between the hook and the verse. In addition, unlike past submissions, this hook was not well-written and it showed. Also, the verse and energy here are fine but they do not really build to the track, leaving the listener with a feeling of "that's it?" I felt high expectations for this song to deliver, especially with a banging beat like it had, but it fell a bit short. Still, good enough for this week's top 5, but going back to re-evaluate this song would be smart. Stick with your theme and clean up a bit, and this song is a true banger.

Hope you've enjoyed this week's top 5. Another nice set of songs to check out and a nice showcase of what SoundClick.com has to offer.

With a few major moves and holidays coming up soon, the Top 5 will be suspended indefinitely. Rest assured, it will be back, with a few changes, when things slow down a tad. In the meantime, check out any past week you missed and I'll catch you back here real soon.

N. Talekt

Week of 6/12: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

[6/12] NT's SoundClick Top 5

Awesome, awesome, awesome.

Every week's track selection seems to be getting better and better, which makes it both fun and tough to choose a top 5. That said, I think this week's top 3 could certainly be #1 contenders on any other week, but this week they're competing with each other, and only one can take the top spot. So, the criticism has to be a little tougher to decide who that is.

That said, this week came down to both execution and, most importantly, creativity & originality. For execution, it's a matter of it's not just what you say, but how you say it. A commanding presence and delivery is a must for your song to really get over. Secondly, how creative was your song? Have I heard this tune before? Is it fresh and new, either in terms of lyrics or concept? That goes a long way in terms of both enjoyment and also that critical category of replay value. That leads me to the top 5...

Jane G33 - Little Me, Big World
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10732925

Big Kannon - Karma Pt 1
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10700354

Xplicit - Life Ain't Easy
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10720430

Chayse Maclair - It's Alright, It's Okay
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10741103

Mr Showtime - I Think I Am (#1 W/ Yung Tek)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10741457

Perfect timing, eh? Last week I predicted that it was just a matter of time before Jane G33 grabbed that #1 spot, and she wasted no time snatching it with "Little Me, Big World." While this track has small flaws that I'll get to in a bit, this song is the perfect example of what I discussed above. It's fresh, original, creative, and has great presentation, both with great lyrical delivery and presence and also a smooth, dynamic beat, with a hook that grows on you. All the stars align here to deliver a hot track that finally has that replay factor, whose elusiveness has been plaguing Jane G33 for the past few weeks. That stems from the concepts and originality, especially present in the second verse. Not having heard this before makes me want to listen again. There were a few slip-ups in terms of misaligned backups and mistimed (or missing) emphasis, but overall, an excellent, powerful listen that earned a hotly-contested #1 spot.

I'm going to say the same thing about Big Kannon that I said about Jane G33 last week -- it's only a matter of time before he grabs #1. Kannon raps to near perfection with "Karma Pt 1," telling a familiar tale of a girl being taken advantage of by a stud. The quality, rapping, energy, presence, execution is spectacular, and he makes great use of lyrics to tell his story. Storytelling like this should progress naturally both in its plot and in lyrical writing, and Kannon absolutely nails it. That said, the main thing lacking here is replay value. I've heard this story time and time again, so it's hard to me to play it a third or fourth time knowing exactly how it'll end. And because it's not a lyrical track, I only have the story to look forward to. And after peeling back the surface to reveal the meat and potatoes, it's simple got a "been there, done that" feeling that doesn't take advantage of the things that make these type of tracks really stand out. Comparing this to, say R. Kelly's "Trapped in the Closet" series, his stories were fresh and original, with twists and turns. That is the element missing from this otherwise outstanding track. I think there was an opportunity to do his when Kannon mentions that the girl has her "reasons" for not wanting to be involved with the guy. Maybe those reasons are more than because he's after one thing. Maybe she's sick? Maybe she's related?! Maybe she's involved with someone else close to him? Regardless, I think that was opportunity lost. Also, a small thing in terms of completeness, I think the way the track ended wasn't good in terms of a cliffhanger. Let the song end with just the sound of the tires skidding off, no beat fading out, no extra lyrics. Just let the tires skid away and end it there. Just a thought. Again, taking nothing away from the artists clear ability here to perform and command the mic, I would have just liked a more original story here OR some original elements to make this sew up the #1 spot. As is, it's excellent.

Newcomer Xplicit continues the storytelling theme of this week's top 5 with an interesting track "Life Ain't Easy." I was digging this track from the needle drop, and when the actual beat dropped Xplicit goes in. This is actually pretty well done lyrically, and with a fun beat keeping with the theme of a "fast-paced lifestyle," this song comes off as well done and complete. A bit of "it" factor comes into play here making this track enjoyable. Finally, I like how Xplicit keeps his concepts together, like fast-paced life and work, really tying together the song as a whole, a subtle but important aspect to writing. A few missteps here, though. I felt like there was a shaky confidence in the delivery, which slightly affected how this came out. Also, the backups were conflicting at times with the front verse, making it tough to hear some of this words, which really hurts a story. Looking past that, a fun track that got a few spins from me.

Chayse Maclair moves up a slot this week with "It's Alright, It's Okay," a fresh new track off his upcoming mixtape. I would say this song is more that just alright, and okay, it's good. However, while it strives to be an uplifting track, it just misses the mark. Beat selection works here with the song, in fact, I think it's excellent. It's a dynamic beat that grows as the song does, allowing the opportunity for the story to grow with the beat. That said, I felt Chayse missed the opportunity to turn his energy and emotion up when the beat climaxed at the end of verse 1. I heard a slight attempt, but just wasn't enough. The second thing that kept bothering me was the constant interruption of the backup vocals. They are supposed to be the backups, so make them back up! Turn them down or don't use them if they are hindering your song. Obviously, some of these can be overlooked, but it's too constant with this song to get past. Finally, the hook needs a jolt of energy and literal volume to make it really work. Overall, I dig the concept, the verses were good, especially verse two, but the execution and presentation here really hurt this song from being as good as it could have been. Still, thumbs up.

Wrapping up this week's top 5 is Mr. Showtime's return to the list, back alongside Yung Tek, with "I Think I Am (#1)." This almost grabbed the #4 slot, but in the end, Chayse won me over with his creativity and lyricism. To put that into perspective against this song, this is indeed one of those song you've heard before. Still, it's very well done from both a quality & lyrical perspective. It's comparable to the #2 song in that aspect. Oddly enough, it's also comparable to the #3 song in terms of it switching the beat in the beginning. Just one of those odd things that you rarely see happen, so funny that it happens twice here. That aside, Showtime really goes in and demands your attention from the jump. Yung Tek finishes off the verse, but I was slightly disappointed with the verses. Not bad, but I've heard better from him. The hook works. Sticks in your head, but the lyricist in me doesn't like the "shine like the sun" line. Still flow and execution here over a great beat make this a fun song and well-deserving of a top 5 spot.

Great work by everyone this week. I have to applaud all the entrants this week for bringing some fantastic songs. I really have nothing to say after that, so I'll let the music speak for itself. See you back here next week!

N. Talekt

N. Talekt Presents: "Featuring... Me"

Short and sweet: the "Featuring... Me" mixtape is now available for download everywhere! Get it from the following sites:

SoundClick.com: http://soundclick.com/NTalektFeaturingMe

Play the entire CD, learn about the artists on the mixtape, and get download links. Great source if you have a SoundClick.com account.

DatPiff.com: http://www.datpiff.com/N-Talekt-Featuring-Me-mixtape.238376.html

If you're on DatPiff.com, this is the link for you. Listen and download the entire CD. Due to limitation, track #3 may not fully play/download. Working on getting that straightened out.

Mic S. Music.com: http://mic-s-music.com/n-talekt/media/blogs/music/featuringme.html

Don't have a SoundClick.com or DatPiff.com account? Fine! A special thanks to Mic S. from SoundClick.com for hosting the website for me, you can listen and download the entire CD from there. Currently, the download is sponsored by zShare, but better, faster download links and formats will be available later in the week.

Enjoy!

N. Talekt

Week of 6/5: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

[6/5] NT's SoundClick Top 5

This was easily the most frustrating top 5 yet.

For all those extra plays on your songs last night, you're welcome. This week's entrants definitely had some nice tracks, but really everyone was about on par, sharing both strengths and weaknesses. Two songs stood out to me this week, and I literally spent hours re-playing those two songs trying to figure out who should take the top spot this week, I even delayed this posting a bit!

This week's selection came down to poise and creativity. How did the artists command the track, the beat, and the attention of the audience? What dynamics were introduced by the artist to separate their song from the rest of the pack? Who took risks? One of the closest top 5's yet, here's this week's picks.

Moose - Bad News (f/ Mr. Barkley & Mo)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10198815

Big Kannon - Dreamin' (f/ Britany Monet)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10700355

Jane G33 - Jukebox Joint
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10713873

Boss Game - Goin' Hard
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10700576

Chayse Maclair - A Free Download, No Tags
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10530609

Moose enlists Mr. Barkley and Mo to help deliver the "Bad News." Similar, but different from the Kanye West version, Moose and company go in on a well-produced track firing off stories of deceit and heartbreak, interluded by a auto-tuned hook. All three artists breathe life into this beat and the composition is on point, with a bridge placed perfectly towards the end, preluding the clean-up hitter who drives the track home. Quality is not perfect, but certainly good enough. Inarguably, this is a love it or hate it song, but the energy and passion behind this song wins me over and the dynamics inherent in the fact there are three different artists telling stories combined with a perfect backdrop with a changing beat sew this song up nicely. That elusive "it" factor wins this week. I actually played this song at G-Lotto's "Session One" listening party back in April, and it hasn't lost its flair since then.

Big Kannon's "Dreamin'" is a nice stroll down memory lanes that's sure to bring smiles and laughs to the listeners. With Britany Monet delivering on the hook, Kannon delivers three solid, consistent verses speaking on days past. This song is certainly something people can relate to and, for that reason, has great replay value. I like the way the stories are told and they transition well; this song definitely had time and thought put into it, and it certainly shows. The mixing is great, the lyrics work, the song bangs. The tiny flaw here is the cadence. The rhyme scheme and tone in this song rarely changes, making this track lull after a few listens. For me, either the beat or the rappers needs to change it up, give the singer a solo bridge, something to change the cadence. Still, an excellent work that's a must-listen.

Before I continue, I want to tip my hat to the top two. Both of you composed great songs, either of which could have topped the list, but a decision had to be made and that's where my head space was this week. Excellent work.

I'm going to say the same thing I said after last week's top two -- "so, how the hell do you follow those acts?" A simple answer, not easily. For me, it was a close call between the last three, but a bit of deliberation allowed Jane G33 to clearly grasp the #3 spot with the metaphor-laden "Jukebox Joint." From the needle's drop, you've got to love the jazzy, soulful, hip-hop song infusing into the beat. Jane's confident but laid back flow commands as she figuratively and literally breathes life into her joint. While it's a head-nodding listen that you've got to appreciate from both a musical and lyrical perspective, this track does have it's flaws. For a song of this caliber, the hook is lackluster, elementary, and too long. I wish I could place my finger on why, because simple hooks can and do work, but I think more energy would be needed to pull it off. Here, it's an awkward mix of lyrical prowess in the verses and over-simplicity in the refrain, the mesh doesn't really work. Still, a great track that lets Jane G33 shine and it's only a matter of time before she drops that banger to take #1.

The #4 spot was awarded to Boss Game, fresh off the release of his highly-anticipated mixtape, Rise and Grind, with another high-energy banger, "Goin' Hard." I must tip my hat to Boss Game for putting together a pretty decent hook. That said, the mix quality here is fairly low for a Boss Game track. The verses, however, command attention with some witty lines scattered about to keep the listeners' attention and keep the track enjoyable. Like the #2 and #3 tracks, this song could benefit from a bit of variation, but overall Boss Game nails it. Still, I am looking forward to hearing a different type of track from Boss Game. At this point, they're all starting to sound the same to me; and with songs like "Without You," "Since U Left," and "Lyrically," I know there's more in store than what I'm being presented with.

To conclude this week's top 5, Chayse Maclair releases his choke-hold on the #1 spot with a creative, dedicative effort in "A Free Download, No Tags." The concept is what it sounds like, a hot artist with little financials to spare looking to hop on some hot beats without the annoying tags. Can anybody relate? While Chayse always has a unique flow, the flow on this song goes a bit too far off at times, and sometimes he loses focus, putting more emphasis on keeping a rhyme scheme than keeping the topic. Still, I love the concept, it's fresh, the quality is nice, and it stays true to his form, keeping it real. That helps me as a listener better relate and believe the rest of his work, which is huge when it comes to taking that next step. While it may not be the best track on the list, Chayse is definitely showing his talents and is one to continue to watch.

And there's your top 5. Overall, I will say I'm pretty shocked. Entries I thought were sure shots didn't make the cut, and there was much more debate and deliberation this week just to get some kind of order. That said, it just means the music is getting better and that's a problem I can't complain about.

N. Talekt

Featuring... Me Preview Trailer

With 17 tracks showcasing the skills of a variety of artists, "Featuring... Me" is bound to be a hit with something to everyone to enjoy. But don't just take my word for it -- while the mixtape drops this Tuesday, June 7, you can get your fix now with the YouTube preview trailer below. Enjoy!

Keep up to date with news and the release of the mixtape, as well as find out more about the artists on the mixtape at http://soundclick.com/NTalektFeaturingMe

N. Talekt

Week of 5/29: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

[5/29] NT's SoundClick Top 5

Hats off to everyone who successfully submitted a song to the top 5 this week. Every song offered something enjoyable and I can honestly say that it was very tough hashing out which songs would be in the top 5, let alone the order. A variety of tracks were submitted, from very heartfelt and touching to club bangers, hood style, alternative, and all in between.

With such stiff competition, this weeks competition came down to two things -- execution and replay value. Did you song do what it was set out to do? Did you perform well? Does the mix sound proper? And, more importantly, would I want to hear this song again? Again, the bar was set pretty high this week, which makes this week's top 5 selection that much more impressive:

Chayse Maclair - Always on the Outside
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10689237

picKOne - Dope
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10682378

Mr Showtime - When I Wake Up (W/ Yung Tek)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10687408

Moose - Fall in the Cracks
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10668795

Boss Game - I Be Goin' Off
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10677133

Chayse Maclair continues his stranglehold on the top spot this week with a creative and interesting track, "Always on the Outside." It's both the topic and the metaphorical foundation for this song, and a proper delivery over and exciting and dynamic beat give this song the lift it needs to earn it's spot. The storytelling lyrics here are not only on-point in the sense that they are well-written, but they also fit the beat, a tough task when a beat changes continually throughout. It begins from the perspective of a hard-working man facing a homeless beggar, then flips to the homeless man's perspective to tell an interesting tale, leaving the listener to side either way, both with compelling sides. The one misstep here I found -- I wish there was no hook in the middle, I would rather have the story continue and finish with a hook at the end. I understand why it was composed the way it was, and it works as-is, but that is an improvement I think would have made this that much better.

A close second, Jane G33 and Ackurate represent their group picKOne well with a lyrical banger, aptly named "Dope." Jane particularly bodies this track with some sharp, witty lyrics and wordplay. Ackurate complements well with great rhymes and grimy lyrics and they trade half-verses on a soulful head-bobbing beat that both takes you back and grabs you by the eardrum the second the track hits. The quality is great, though maybe the verses could have been a hair louder, but the one thing I think keeps this out the #1 spot this week is replay value. It's a fantastic listen (or three), but it's not the storytelling track that strums at your mind and conscious like the #1 track does. Overall, though, this was well put together and gives you a feel like this is what hip-hop should sound like.

So, how the hell do you follow those acts? A tough task indeed, but Mr. Showtime makes a great effort with "When I Wake Up." It's a rap about rapping (imagine that!), but it's actually well-done, with some witty lyrics and a touch of wordplay here and there. Like the #2 song, Mr. Showtime and his featured guest, Yung Tek, trade half-verses, particularly shining on the second verse (which sold me on it's top 5 spot). The quality here is good but the beat here puts a stamp on this one for me, awesome selection. The hook sounds great over it and it's got that "it" factor. It's certainly a love it or hate it or song, and you see which side I'm taking. It doesn't have the lyrical dexterity of the songs above, but it's definitely a fun listen.

A number of very personal tracks were submitted this week, and it's very hard for me to not select all of those as my top 5 because I have a personal bias toward tracks like that (though, of course, my top 5 is my top 5). That said, the one that shined the most for me this week was Moose's "Fall in the Cracks." It's got a solid hook that engages the listener and makes me somehow feel involved. The delivery needs a breath of life, but the lyrics are both solid and relate-able. I did not like how the song ended, a song like this needs a second hook to finish and a fade-out, not just a stop. Polish and presentation is key and these things can make a difference to the listener. Polish is one of those things no one really pays attention to when it's there, but when it's missing, you notice. So, while it may take more time that you care to put in at the time, it's worth it. It's the difference between great and good. Still, this song is good and earns a top 5 selection.

Probably the second-toughest pick this week (second only to choosing the #1 spot) was the #5 spot. There were a number of great songs that could have made it, but Boss Game's "I Be Goin' Off" showed the completeness, quality, and replay value necessary to make the top 5 this week. A quality, catchy hook interludes three verse with high energy and fun wordplay. It's an easy-going track, so don't expect your mind blown here, but it's quality and a good listen, and you'll be hard-pressed not to sing along. I do feel that the final verse needs a bridge before it to truly sew this song up; the beat makes it a bit difficult to get through that last one, but a solid hook eases that burden. Overall, a high-energy effort with just enough lyrical dexterity to keep me interested at a pace to match the fast-moving instrumental.

And that's my five for the week. Overall, an awesome selection to choose from and I felt the cream rose here. I was certainly impressed by every one's submissions and this was definitely one of the toughest weeks for me in terms of track selection. It's a good problem to have and I'm looking forward to more next week. Everyone upped their game this week, the quality is improving and the hard work is paying off. Once more, hats off to everyone who submitted this week.

N. Talekt

Week of 5/22: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

[5/22] NT's SoundClick Top 5

Some talented artists presented a full selection of music for me to choose the top 5 tracks for the week, and while I'm confident with my choices, there were a few close calls with the order. While I will preface by saying that there could be a bit of quality improvement in most of the tracks in terms of mixing, I thoroughly enjoyed the product after looking past these issues.

However, I hope that the mix quality continues to improve in the coming weeks. Half of delivering a solid track is in the performance, the other half is in the presentation - the mix. While I understand the struggles of the Soundclick.com artist in the department, hence I see past it, keep in mind that this will throw off some listeners and hurt you when it comes to reaching out to a broader audience.

That said, here's a very solid top 5 for the week.

Chayse MacLair - Just Breathe (f/ Boss Game)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10660166

Jonny B - Thank God I'm Me (f/ Jay Tres AKA Infinite Styles)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10661196

Jo-Kane - Up In The Club
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9790449

Valo - Honorable Mention
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=8513429

Aztek - Can You Feel Me?
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10639145

The #1 and #2 spots really came down to quality, and the W in this department goes to Chayse Maclair's "Just Breathe." While it's not a track that will wow you with lyricism, for me, it has that all-elusive "it" factor. Chayse & his guest, Boss Game, deliver a very effective collaborate hook over a gritty, string-happy backdrop. Really, the beat is the grabber here and both Chayse and Boss deliver nicely, riding the beat both flawlessly and effortlessly. Chayse starts with a nice verse to get the song going and Boss Game finishes off nicely. A solid track that's enjoyable but, most importantly, has good enough quality to make my playlist.

Following that is an introspective effort from the ever-improving Jonny B, enlisting Infinite Styles to deliver a fire middle verse. This track has a very interesting beat and nice hook, something that I'm sure anyone can relate to and can be seen as somewhat of an anthem. It works well. Jonny delivers a couple of open and honest verses here that really let you into the man behind the mic. The main flaw in this track, though, comes apparent when the second verse drops. Hearing the clean, crisp quality of the second verse & hook highlight the poor mix of Jonny's verses. I'm not sure where the extra echo is coming from, but it seems like it was intended, as opposed to a poor mic. Lose that effect to make this more bearable. Or, maybe the backup vocals are off? Either way, get rid of it and this song get even better. Storytelling lyrics here are damn solid on all verse and are worth a few listens.

The #3 song is a very surprising song by Jo-Kane, "Up In The Club." From the onset of the song, I was a bit inclined to skip it, but I let it ride and was not disappointed. The beat is interesting, laid back, and very fitting for the overall track. Once the hook drops, though, I'm a bit disappointed. I thought it was just going to be a track talking about fine chicks in the club, which I've heard too many times to count. However, it's actually a quite complete story of a man visiting a strip club for the night, detailing what happens and, most focally, how it affects his relationship with his girlfriend. It concludes with an internal debate that shows all sides of the narrator, which I won't spoil here. What I'm getting at is that it's an interesting story that makes you want to continue to listen and find out where it goes. So, two spots to improve here. First, I was hoping for a third verse to really wrap the story. While I can guess what happens by the way the second verse ends, a third would have really cleaned it up and put a bow on this track. Second, of course, is mix quality. I have heard more recent work from Jo-Kane so I know this can improve. Regardless, a surprisingly tight track.

Valo slips a spot this week to #4 with the eerie yet ugly truth presented in "Honorable Mention." While I'm not really sure what the hook was talking about (sorry, didn't get it), the verses were solid lyrically. The stories were well-written and true to life, which I can appreciate. Listening to some other Valo tracks, you can tell he's certainly a good storyteller. The quality here wasn't bad, just turn up the vocals a tad. The actually delivery of the verses, though, was a bit muffled and hard to understand. I think it was speech clarity failing here more than the mix. It took a bit of effort to hear each word and decipher what was being said. Was great when I heard the words, but I shouldn't have to work to do so. It's hard to have both emotion and good delivery on a song like this, but it has to be done.

Wrapping up the top 5 this week is "Can You Feel Me?" by Aztek. What saved this track from slipping out of the top 5 was the beat and the hook. The verse were well-written and worked well with each other. It was definitely a track that had replay value, and whomever sung the hook did a great job with this. However, I can certainly tell this was done in two different studios. The auto-tune effect on the verse is overdone and does not match the artist. Actually, I think the song would sound just fine without any auto-tune because the artist has a deep voice. Typically, higher-pitched voices sound a bit better with those effects. Getting past the mix yields an interesting story of a borderline-psycho man who refuses to let go of his woman -- at any costs. The vibe from this track is also head-nodding and the smooth delivery of the verse works. Overall, a solid track worth the listens.

And there's your top 5 for the week. Certainly some songs here for your playlists despite some missteps with the mix quality in some tracks. I think the storytelling in a few of the songs was very well done and I'm digging the thought behind the words. I'm hoping for more of the same next week.

N. Talekt

Week of 5/15: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

Have I mentioned I love hip hop lately? I think artists, myself included, spend a lot of time complaining about the state of hip hop, but what I like an appreciate about the music is that it has a lot of different aspect and sub-genres, styles and messages, all which offer something different while at the same time being enjoyable. With that, I present a very interesting top 5 for the week.

Boss Game - It's All G
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10606189

Mike Game Music - Get Down
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10649603

Valo the Inovata - Storyteller
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=8330651

Mod D - Still Ridin' Clean
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10593425

He Man Huff - Watch What U Say (f/ Thuggy Fresh)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10643355

This week, Boss Game "SLAP!"s you in the face (play the track, you'll get it) with a banging track titled "It's All G." Frankly, it's not different than anything I've heard before, but I think that the beat, lyrics, and flow actually present a *feeling* that represents what the song is talking about. The "it" factor plays a role in here garnering the #1 spot. It really reminds me of something I'd hear Paul Wall (big Paul, not skinny Paul) rapping about, and if you've listened to him, you know he's really hit or miss. This track is on the good side of that. Finally, the actual composure of the track is well done, in terms of the mixing of both the hook and the verses. This attention to details makes for not just a good track, but a complete song, which you don't always find on Soundclick, so you have to appreciate the time put into the work.

Follow that up with "Get Down," presented by Mike Game Music. This track has a nice bounce to it with some aggressive lyrics to complement. The third verse shines for me with some nice rhymes and is an overall thumbs up track. I think the hook should have had actual words over the sample, though, but it's not bad as-is. Wordplay here was also interesting, but the filler lacked a bit of substance which sort of gave off a "why am I listening to this" feel. That's where the third verse comes in and brings back some much-needed focus to the song and probably the best verse lyrically. Overall, this assault with a barrage of lyrics that stands tall in the top 5, but a slight lull in the middle & a craving for a hook has me asking for a bit more.

"StoryTeller" by Valo the Inovata is a strong track that, as the name suggests, tells a story -- or two. My first gripe here is the mix quality. This track would be a lot stronger with better quality, and I feel that attention to detail is necessary for a track like this. The second verse sounded (quality-wise) better than the first, so if you could sync that up, this would be even better. Despite that, the stories are strong and clear. One thing I noticed was the lyrics were a bit overly simple for me. I understand that with stories, clarity trumps being lyrical, but at the same time, it was a bit too "club to the head" for me. I think some details could have been fleshed out more. One thing people tend to do when telling stories when they are inexperienced with it is skip out on details that they themselves are fully aware of. Your audience at least needs some backdrop and information about these personal stories in order to become invested and relate to the track. That said, it's still a powerful track, if nothing else, for a magnificent backdrop provided by the beat, and even with the flaws, it still shines.

Mod D's "Still Ridin' Clean" was originally slated to round out the top 5 this week, but after another listen, I bumped it up to #4. For me, this was the most disappointing track in the list, but not for the obvious reasons. The song itself is pretty much (mercifully) 32 bars and a hook about getting head, not obvious from the song title. If you thought Royce da 5'9" talked about his manhood a lot, well ... you haven't heard anything yet. The disappointing thing for me here is that the lyrics and especially the flow are actually on-point, interesting rhymes and some wordplay here and there actually keep the song interesting throughout, despite the subject matter. It makes me want to hear this rapper actually rap about something. I feel like he has a talent and a chance to break out and shine based on his work here, and I challenge him to take on a broader range of topics that do more than scratch the surface and review topics we've heard a thousand times. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like he has a lot more to offer than we were shown with this outing. That said, the song, though something I've heard before, works well and has a smooth feel to it; I feel like the artist accomplished what he set out to do with the track, so that earns points. Again, this track just gives me a "tip of the iceburg" feeling that makes me demand more.

He Man Huff & Thuggy Fresh present a T.I.-esque warning with "Watch What You Say" to round out the top 5. A laconic, but fitting, hook does the warning, interluding verses going into further discussion of specifics. The first verse stands out at the best of this track but the second Thuggy Fresh hops on the mic, I kind of lose patience. Keep in mind, the mix here was distracting already, so the ice was already thin. The reason, for me, is because the lyrics were exact lines I've heard time and time again, and the mix make him sound a bit goofy; it's too offsetting against the other verse & hook for me. Regardless, while this song is not my particular cup of tea, I think that the target audience will feel it after a bit of attention to the mixing. As-is, it lacks the replay value and originality to make it bang.

Overall, as I said at the beginning, hip hop has always been about expression and diversity, and I think the top 5 delivers on that, from tracks based on lyrical assault to riding anthems, from stories to hood rap, I think there is room for it all when it is done well. The goal is really to represent and relate to your audience, and despite the flaws in some of the tracks, I think everyone does a good job in that aspect. Of course, there is room for improvement everywhere, but as a listener, I can appreciate the work and applaud the entrants.

Look forward to next week!

N. Talekt

Week of 5/8: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

This week gave some tough decisions as to the top five ordering, but for me, the final verdicts came down to replay value. What song would I play again? Here's the rather enjoyable list for the week:

He Man Huff - It's All On Me
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10608381

Boss Game - The Way I Be
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10598697

Chayse MacLair - I Aint Tossin In the Towel Remix
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10606870

Stat Boi - No Lie (f/ Jamar and Deshawanna)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10597267

Mic S. - I Am Just a Monster (f/ Boss Game & N. Talekt)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10610473

This week, He Man Huff snatches the top spot with "It's All On Me." Why? Simple: replay value. A simple track with three verses with storytelling lyrics cover personal topics for the artist in a way the listener can relate to. The hook ties the stories together well, just as a good hook should. The quality could be better mix-wise, put getting past that, the track is great. A big part of having a successful track is being able to have your audience not just enjoy your music, but feel you music. The more they can personalize their experiences with your music, the more they crave your work.

A close second this week comes with a rawkus Boss Game track, "The Way I Be." The beat drops and you can't help but nod your head. Boss rides the beat well here and the rest really takes care of itself. It's a track that sounds official, I could hear it in the car, the radio, the club. The quality is great, even the introductory ad-libs, which is typically where Boss Game's tracks falter. The single issue I had with this song was length and variation. I felt like there should have been a bridge and a third verse. That would have made this song out the park, giving it the variation it needs to be dynamic and repeat-able. As is, it's pretty cool, just missing the edge.

Right up there with the previous two is Chayse MacLair's effort. This track discusses Chayse's refusal to, well, toss in the towel. Chayse carries himself on the mic in a confident, consistent way that makes all of his tracks have potential for breakout success. This is no different. AllRounda supplies a nice backdrop and Chayse keeps the witty, interesting lyrics coming. The quality is pretty good, better than He Man Huffs but not quite as good as Boss Game. I think the bridge here, a missing link in Boss Game's track, was a swing and a miss -- good idea, wasn't feeling the execution.

Between these three tracks, it's hard to say which one shines the most. I would say pick a day, and I may give you a different answer. Today, at this moment, this order is how it shakes out. But frankly, it's a toss up. Chayse did an excellent job with his song this week, Boss Game's song had me rockin, and I was feelin' He Man's topics of discussion. Great job to the top 3 this week.

Now, the four spot is more clearly the four this week; don't get me wrong, I think it may have ranked higher on a less competitive week, but not on this occasion. Overall, the quality is ok, not bad, not perfect, from Stat Boi & company. The song is something to smoke to (which I don't, so maybe that's why I don't relate), with a well-delivered, but nonsensical hook. The verses were a bit pedestrian here, but I'm not sure if that wasn't on purpose. I was expecting a bit more from the girl, but she seemed to put her delivery on cruise control (could also be a mixing fail). Overall, the song comes out solid & I think the target audience would enjoy it, but not my cup of tea here.

For the final spot, a bias choice here rounds out the list with Mic S.'s psychotic track "I Am Just a Monster." Everyone goes in and delivers some nasty verses over a pounding, eerie beat. A fresh sound and a good outing overall.

As always, nice work this week by everyone, especially to the top three this week. Again, a tough decision that could have shaken out in a number of different variations, and I went back and forth with it for some time, but again, after listening to the track multiple times, the one that wore off the least was the one I left atop for today. I expect more of the same next week.

N. Talekt

Week of 5/1: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

A pretty low-activity week this week, but still managed to carve out five songs that you should give a spin this week on SoundClick.com:

Jonny B - Set Me Free (f/ Chayse MacLair)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10573021

The True Bonanza - Love Knocked Me Down
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10583118

Rah Scrilla - Can't Miss This Show (On In Five)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10371640

Boss Game - On Top
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10541680

Established Dons - Killing Spree (f/ G-Lotto)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10544565

This week, Jonny B moves up from #5 to #1 with "Set Me Free," a heart-felt tale about love, family, and personal demons. Piercing lyrics and a commanding beat make this song really stick out, and Chayse does what he does providing a smooth hook to bridge Jonny's tale. It's a story we all can relate to, and Jonny provides witty yet well-written lyrics with interesting rhymes to tell the story. Very nice work here; while the selection was small this week, I think regardless, this track would have been top 3 easily amongst a number of competitors.

A gem found amidst the beat promotions, open collabs, and peep my track threads was The True Bonanza's "Love Knocked Me Down." It's well-deserving of some attention, but as of this writing, hasn't gotten any. The song is very well put together, the mixing is decent, and the lyrics are nice. I think the hook is a bit cheesy and some of the rhymes are forced, and words unnatural, but the verses are pretty good, especially the second verse. A confident performance here with a well-delivered hook and great beat make this a great listen, deserving of a spot on the list.

The rest of the tracks are also good listens. Rah Scrilla's "Can't Miss This Show" is aptly named. Witty lyrics woven into a nice anthem for his fanbase make this a standout track for me. Boss Game's "On Top" kinda falls short on the hook, but the verses are smooth and the beat works. Rounding out the list is "Killing Spree", basically one of my tracks to fill the list but a good listen nonetheless and brings something different to the table in relation to the rest of this week's selection.

As always, nice work this week by everyone, happy to see the good work coming out, and I'll be back next week with more...

N. Talekt

Week of 4/24: SoundClick.com Hip-Hop Top 5

This was a tough list to whittle down. Each artist brings a completely different style, voice, production quality, energy, and perspective. It's hard to compare them against each other, so I went with the songs that I enjoyed personally. Here's this week's list...

Boss Game - Wat Tha Move Is
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10541679

Chayse Maclair - The Best Fan on the Planet
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9868611

He Man Huff - I've Changed (f/ Mr. Showtime & Kendra)
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10540897

Dirty Dollar - Hustle & Grind
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10515262

Jonny B - Dream Girl
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10408974

Boss Game has the stand out track this week, with commanding tone, presence, and energy. He utilizes a slow and double-timed flow in his verses over a pounding beat with a menacing hook playing the role of interlude. Nicely done. The rest of the tracks are also fun listens, especially Chayse Maclair's. It's a interesting story with great lyricism and a nasty Anno Domini beat. Next, despite a few miscues, "I've Changed" by He Man Huff and friends is a very nice track to bang that's enjoyable and relate-able. Similarly, Dirty Dollar's "Hustle & Grind" delivers tons of energy with relate-able, familiar music but with an unfamiliar delivery, energy, and performance.

Rounding out the list in a very hotly contested #5 slot is Jonny B's "Dream Girl." This was by far the toughest choice for the list because the final three all had great strengths and weaknesses. I ended up choosing this one because, for me, it had the most replay value. Maybe the luck of the draw for Jonny choosing a song with a great hook, or finding someone to collab with to put a great hook on there (I recall hearing a shout-out), but that plus a great, non-sappy, beat did it for me here. The other candidates actually had very strong songs but, for me, the replay value was not as high as this one.

Still, a great outing for the week, and I encourage you to check the entire list of submissions for hearing some fantastic tracks that you can tell had a lot of hard work and time put into them.

Back next week with more...

The full review rundown is here:
http://board.soundclick.com/viewtopic.php?t=362234

N. Talekt