Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Axis Summer Tour 2011 with Cherry Royale and The Sixteen Bars Hip Hop Orchestra

   Damn that is a long title, we are definitely going to have to find a way to shorten that for the future. Right now though, we are going to introduce the crew setting off on this fantastic-like journey. First off we can't forget my main man Slappy Goodman, who by pure force of will has put this whole thing together. Bless his little heart. He is also the lead guitarist and driver extraordinaire. The one and only Mrs. Alvetta Newby-Jones with her beautiful voice and constant mothering. Her patient husband, Mr. Richard Jones, the human drum machine. He is the best thing to happen to drumsticks since hands. Solomon Wright on bass, trumpet and all the women. My homeboy MJ straight outta Greenville, who handles the keys for us, but I'm pretty sure he can play anything. Rob Robinson a master percussionist and Honorary Funkateer, who will not like the fact that I will be calling him "Smoove Lips" from here on out. The lovely Ally Stevens of Goodfoot Promotions bringing extra love and much needed assistance. And me, MCSubZero, a b-boy that is just happy to be here. Together we form the funk/r&b/jazz/hip-hop collective Cherry Royale and The Sixteen Bars Hip Hop Orchestra, and for the record those ARE two different bands with the same members. We have set off on a multi-city tour across America from Atlanta to California and many places in-between. Everyday we will be posting more and more content including pictures, video and blogs about our Scooby-Doo-like adventures. So if you know us check us out and if you don't know us, get to know us. Spread the Word.

Zero



Some people keep telling me that the city is blurred in this picture.
To that I say "pay your tab sir and catch a cab home"

Monday, June 13, 2011

Bad Meets Evil: The Review

   I have been an Eminem fan since the very beginning. Ever since his national debut in 1997, I along with the rest of world watched his meteoric rise to well deserved super-stardom. Right from the start of The Slim Shady LP you know that you are witnessing something one of a kind. Along with Eminem we are introduced to Royce da 5'9, Em's partner in rhyme in more ways than one. With the popularity of Em's album, it was baffling that Royce did not share in a larger part of his fame. While gaining tremendous underground respect as one of the most lyrically dangerous emcees around, true mainstream success has eluded the Detroit wordsmith. But after squashing an old beef, the Motor City's sons of anarchy are back with a vengeance and Hip-Hop is better for it.



 From the opening bars you will find yourself upset that they didn't do this sooner. They compliment each other so well it's hard to believe they ever disagreed on anything. With Em's razor sharp wit and Royce's equally over top sense of humor, this EP puts to rest any discussions on whether lyrics truly matter anymore. The first single Fastlane is a lighting fast display of both rappers mastery of the mic and comfort with each other. Royce never lets Eminem to truly outshine him, although Em definitely tries. Songs like I'm On Everything feat. Mike Epps and The Reunion take you back to a more humorous Em, who has taking a more serious turn recently "Tell Lady Gaga/ if she quits her job at the post office/ she's still a male lady" While Royce takes this opportunity to address any doubts of his his ability and fortitude with lines like "These weak rappers wanna set us up/ They never tough/ They ask me for a hook/ I say left or right, head or gut. The pair effortlessly tackle subjects from drugs to bootlegging, while also indulging in their trademark back and forth storytelling. With few guest appearances, pop wunderkind Bruno Mars and label-mates Slaughterhouse,  this EP does fantastic job of showcasing the skills of both emcees while not giving in to the childish demands of current Hip-Hop. All in all this is a great contribution to to the summer and has me looking  forward to more from this duo and Slaughterhouse's next project.

4.5 out of 5

Stand Outs

I'm On Everything feat. Mike Epps 
A Kiss
Living Proof (Bonus Track)