Kleph Dollaz – Any Given Sunday EP (iTunes)
Kleph Dollaz is a legend to anyone in the know about Richmond’s hip hop history, and it’s a shame he passed away so early in life. However, that has not stopped his legacy, his music, or his message.
Kleph Dollaz – Any Given Sunday EP (iTunes)
Kleph Dollaz is a legend to anyone in the know about Richmond’s hip hop history, and it’s a shame he passed away so early in life. However, that has not stopped his legacy, his music, or his message. Kleph had a spiritual reawakening, he was reborn as a man of God, and this posthumous release is a tribute through and through. A lot of work went into finishing what he started, and I know right now that he is very proud of all the work his family has done–both with this project and the foundation set up in his name, God’s Morning Foundation, which proceeds from this release actually benefit. What we have here are four new records, and the title track from his previous release, Square In The Circle. You know I’m not a romantic, singing kind of guy so track 3, “Wisdom,” wasn’t my favorite, but it was still solid and I liked its old-school, honest feel. Kleph always kept it real, and though he is physically absent from this world, the quality of his spiritual presence is felt from beginning to end on this EP. It proves yet again that legends never die–they just keep releasing good music.
Mutant Academy – Open House (Bandcamp)
Fly Anakin & Henny L.O. are a team known as Mutant Academy. Surprisingly, I don’t think I have ever heard of these guys. That being said, “Open House” is a good introduction, and I’m gonna keep this one simple. They sound young to me, rhyme about bitches, sneakers, chains, etc, but I must say they do it well. Sure the content bores me, but the delivery is strong, and the production and beat selection is great, with contributions from Ski Beatz and others. This isn’t a turn up joint either; it’s in that 90’s lane without sounding overly derivative. The project’s highlight is easily track 5, “Grooving High,” featuring Nickelus F on his Peety thing. Everyone comes off on this one. If you endeavor to listen to any of this project’s 17 tracks, it is definitely the one to double click. On the negative, I walked away from my time with this project still not knowing much about these guys as people. But I respect that they have rhymes, and on the positive, I would like to know more. Check em out.
