If intially judged off of this mixtape alone one would have to determine Stevie Crooks to be mid 90's Rap music throwback of rare proportions. Not to seem as though there's a sub-genre of said rappers, but with his decidely raw, jazzy beat selection and rhyme style how could you argue the idea. Though sometimes over-styled, his rap persona fits seemlessly to classic instrumentals such as Luchini by Camp Lo (one of my personal favorites) and Shook Ones by Mobb Deep. And enough cannot be made of the bravery it takes to tackle any track from Illmatic let alone It Ain't Hard to Tell and The World is Yours. In addition to having an obvious admiration for the past he shows signs of creative songwriting. The chorus writing and post-production need a little tidying up but just the passion more than makes up for it. If graded:

Lyrics: 8.5

Flow/Rhyme scheme - 9

Style - 8.5

Beat selection - 10(based on the context of the mixtape)

Listenability - 8

Overall = A

This gem of a throwback mixtape is a definite fix for all you Hip Hop junkies out there.

LA Scene part 2: another  into Diz Gibran, this time by some of those who know him...
Don't forget to peep our 1st Ep of LA Stereo with the dude himself.
Pics: Stokes UP, Video: M Boogie, Beat: Moonshine
Shout out to Val the Vandle

Diz Gibran - Soon You'll Understand Review

Precise lyrical timing and mature rap bravado make Diz Gibran the perfect combination between a 90's MC and new millenium business savvy rapper. With Soon You'll Understand, solely produced by one of the best (albeit relatively unknown) producers, Moonshine, he's put forth what is to date the most lush sounding polished mixtape/ street album I've heard. The mixtape is promotionally backed by the clothing line Crooks & Castles and has garnered an abundance of respect throughout the streets. Diz's flow and timing are virtually immpecable and even where he doesn't seem to posess much range his consitency still captivates. Probably the most noticeable downfall, which likely has more to do with the purpose of the mixtape than skill, was the absence of a viable, uptempo, "radio-friendly" song. Something not necessary but welcomed. And if thats the only "flaw"... I'd say he's doing pretty well. From the dark ominous sound of songs like Run Around which features Moonshine on the chorus, and the classy, late 60's Standards sound in songs like Exactly, to the exotic vivid tones of Calypso Flow, and the powerful dramatic blare of tracks like Truly Yours featuring BJ The Chicago Kid, this mixtape is very close to a street masterpiece. Graded:

Lyrics: 10

Flow/Rhyme scheme - 9

Style - 10

Beat selection - 10

Listenability - 9

Overall = A +

Soon You'll Understand is a definite can't miss mixtape for casual listeners and rap-heads alike.

So we interviewed artist Wale yesterday on behalf of MyCypher. This video is the start of Belvi's own series of interviews where he positions himself as an upcoming artist, talking from peer to peer to other artists. All the team was on board, including our new contributor Rebecca Haithcoat who writes about hiphop. Picture by el Maestro Kasey Stokes.
Good times ahead, video to drop soon.

Sirah
Sirah is not new to rap... or music... or most things for that matter. And while statements like that are debatable, her survival is not. A rehabilitated drug abuser, Sirah actively participates in guiding the misguided using her stories for navigation. Possibly her best medium to do so is her music. Experimental isn't a fair word to describe it. And no she's not a freak-straight-out-of-comic-books-Lady-Gaga-out-there. But she's neither tame or talentless. She's been a regular on the hip hop and poetry scene, attending and participating in such events as the Spliff and Da' Poetry Lounge. And she as recently as this year had a record release party at the Knitting Factory for her album "Smile, You Have Teeth." Sirah may be a native New Yorker but she is distinguishable and inseparable from the L.A. scene.