DJ Mark LuvRequired Audio
Straight from the pages of Import Tuner Magazine comes this CD full of dope beats and sick rhymes. This is basically a soundtrack to the import lifestyle. Featuring underground artists such as The Visionaries, The Beatnuts, Ras Kass, AWOL One, and many others, this CD definitely drops all the real hip-hop artists on you. If you want to hear some lyrical skills check out all three "Live Rhymes" tracks. Track #9 has some artists from O.M.D., Shape Shifters, and also features Ras Kass. Then after that make sure you check out track #17, featuring Key Kool, 2Mex, AWOL One, and a few others. Straight out, the entire disc is dope. If you're into underground hip-hop then chances are, you know the artists I just mentioned. When I first saw this CD I didn't know what to think. Don't get me wrong, Import Tuner is a cool mag, but I just figured that since they're owned by a big corporation (and having big name sponsors on the cover), they would probably have to censor every word; and if that were the case then no artist would want to work with them. One more thing that's quite impressive is the fact that, "Required Audio" is not just some DJ mixing a bunch of records. He's a DJ with real hip-hop skills, mixing songs that were made just for this CD. Trust me, it's all good. Check out www.importtuner.com for more info. -chux
A Music Box SerenadeColors
First of all I must say this band has one of the better names I've heard in a long time. These guys are from Orange County and are pretty much doing it all on their own. They record their own songs, handle all their own marketing and promotions, as well as their own distribution and bookings. They sound like they've been together for ten years and are signed to a huge record label. Their musical talent and their attention to detail make this band one of the most popular acts right now in the their local area's music scene. The band consists of four guys, Mr. Timothy Andrew Gogue, Mr. David Anthony Rodriquez, Mr. Christopher Alan Warner, and Mr. Keith Michael Sully (and sometimes a fifth member, Mr. Anthony Joseph Sully). For all you music fans out there who are always looking for something new or something that doesn't suck, check these guys out. I am offering a challenge to all of you... I guarantee if you listen to "Nonentity" you will find yourself singing along or humming it to yourself. It'll stay with you, like the rest of the album. I was fortunate enough to see these guys play at a backyard benefit concert and they put on one of the best shows I've ever seen. The lead singer climbed up on top of a house, and did a backflip off the roof straight into the mosh pit where the crowd caught him. And he did all this with microphone in hand while never missing a beat. I know your curious, so check out: www.amusicboxserenade.com, or e-mail them at: samuelweller@yahoo.com. -chux
P.O.D.Satellite
First impression - WOW! As you listen to this CD just keep the liner notes in front of you and read the lyrics as you listen to each song. Then you'll understand my enthusiasm. Especially "Thinking About Forever." From beginning to end "Satellite" definitely gets my highest recommendation. Yes, their style is the whole rap/rock movement that some people are tiring of, but these guys have musical talent that far exceeds any trend that may be going on right now. For those of you who are not familiar with P.O.D., they are a group of four guys from San Diego, with a sound that somewhat resembles the band, 311. P.O.D. is on a spiritual level and they are not afraid to let it show. Many people say they are a Christian band and some claim they are just a bunch of "holy rollers" trying to be cool or whatever. Hey it doesn't matter to me what religion they are. What it all comes down to is that these guys are musically talented, and their lyrics are inspiring, uplifting (regardless of what religion you may be or what you believe in). Guest musicians include Eek-A-Mouse, Christian Lindskog and H.R. Trust me, buy this one! Check out: www.payableondeath.com. -chux