The Cherish EP- Free Download
Black 1- The Cherish EP (Free Download and Stream)
The Cherish EP by Black One Arizona
Click Here for the free download link.
Black One- City Lights Music Video
Murs “67 Cutlass” Produced by Ski Beats- “Love & Rockets Vol 1 OUT NOW!!!!
Filmed and edited by Hobo Stew Marcoso Oliva, William Olguin and Thomas Haskins. Show some love.
Boy, Talk Fly has quite the interesting story behind it, that i feel needs to be mentioned. The instrumental of this song was orignally recorded on by fellow AZ emcees Phal Kilmer and Floyd Write YEARS before the track was even thought of.However, after a series of events, miscommunications and crossed lines the track ended up in my hands and “Boy, Talk Fly” was created. Both emcees are exceptional in their own right and i have the utmost repsect for them both, be sure to keep an eye out for DFS along with the Assualt and Battling League in 2012 and beyond.
On the artistic side of things, I needed a hard hitting single and this track did the trick. It also plays into the storyline as well: It’s the song that “He” performs and the girl mentions in “Turn by Turn” when she see him on stage….it’s the catalyst. The Artwork features a picture of Jeff Goldblum during his younger years as a 80’s sex symbol especially with his film “The Fly”, a favorite of mine. I figure i give him the nod since he helped shape my childhood with Jurassic Park and Independence Day roles.
Anyways….Check out the Single below and be sure to cop Black Sun Rising On Itunes on Dec.22nd
Big Ups.
Greg Sacks “Release Papers” (The Black Review)
3.5 Out of 5.0
For whatever reason, Greg Sacks has labeled himself “The most hated rapper in the 520” and while that’s not entirely true, he has been on a quite the tumultuous path leading up to the release of his debut album “Release Papers”, including label/crew issues, Jail Time, and many other hardships. These issues are addressed whole-heartedly through the album and encompass the entire theme of the project. By doing this, Greg Sacks provides an accurate, if dark, depiction of his world, which makes for a decent, well put together debut for the up and coming Arizona Emcee.
Immediately, Greg Sacks attacks the current state of hip hop, as well as the socio-political state of a black man in America with a spoken word/prose on the intro track, all while centering around his recent stint in county jail. The intro does a great job of summarizing the general vibe of “Release Papers”, which features a darker, more brooding vibe. Greg Sacks excels when he is being insightful and thought provoking. Tracks like “Always in Play” and “Passing By” feature great melodic beats and soulful lyrics. “Ain’t No Sunshine” features the over-used Bill Withers sample of the same name, as Sacks spits marijuana laden bars over knocking boom-bap drums. Greg Sacks sounds the most comfortable on “Abyss”, which features a sped-up soul sample for the chorus, a hypnotizing guitar riff, and potent bars. This track is one of the best on the project, as Greg Sacks goes deep into his psyche to pull out some conscious wordplay to help compliment the excellent production.
When Greg Sacks gets more aggressive on the project, it is a hit or miss. The infectious “KAOS”, which is also one of the theme songs of the Voicebox Battle League, where Sacks is a co-owner, features a heavy electric guitar riff, hard drums and a catchy hook. The track goes hard and displays Sacks ability to “Go In” on a track when necessary. However, Sacks’ Gun talk on “Claymores” is just played out; couple that with the yawn worthy production and this easily the worst track on the album. While “Don’t Stop” features stronger verses and slightly better production, the chorus is lackluster. The Radio Friendly “Take Me Home” is a decent ode to the City of Tucson but fails to be anything more than that, as the track comes off as slightly gimmicky. “Take Me Home” sounds forced, as if though he realized that his album was too dark so he threw that on the album to compensate. The track would have better fit and brighter album, perhaps his follow up.
Overall, Greg Sacks debut album is solid effort. By showcasing his life through music, Sacks is able to dispel any demons that are keeping him from reaching his goals, music wise. I feel like this album was some more of a “therapy session” for the young emcee more than anything else. In my opinion, a darker Greg Sacks is a better Greg Sacks, and as he expands on his mainstream sound I hope that he is able to bring the more though provoking version of him along for the ride. If Greg Sacks can expand on his inner most thoughts, while maintaining his “harder” image, he will be on the path of very big things in the future.
You can Judge for yourself by checking out the album at http://www.reverbnation.com/classicsacks
Postcards To Tucson now Available! Cop it HERE