CHICAN’S CHOICE SHARP SKILLS “ANNO REBELIO” ALBUM REVIEW

Posted on May 18, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

I am usually a faithful person. When I’m a fan of your work, I continue to stay a fan of your work. I remember finding Sharp Skills on Myspace (yea, do you remember Myspace?). I instantly became a fan. His track “The Mountain Movement” got placement on the movie ”Takers“. I actually watched the movie, because of his track. He collabed with Murs and made some dope tracks. I was waiting on a follow-up, but we lost touch. We reconnected on Twitter (don’t worry, we’re still friends on Myspace) and got word of his new project “Anno Rebelio“. Anno Rebelio means “the year of our r.e.b.e.l.“. RE.B.E.L. is an acronym for Redeemed Entirely By Elohim’s Love. Now that I’ve broken down the background of Sharp Skills and the idea behind his project, let’s break down this album.

ANNO REBELIO-FAVORITE BAR:” YOU ARE SET APART FOR GREATNESS/DEPART FROM THE VAGUENESS”  Sharp Skills gets his Warren G on as he “regulates” on the track. He speaks on bringing people from behind prison bars (physically and mentally). This track is really motivational and the beat draws you in. Sharp Skills wordplay is great as he teaches us to stop settling for the “crumbs” in our life. This is really a great track to start the album off on.  He is ” a million miles and running” on this REPEAT OFFENDER!

BUISNESS IS GOOD-FAVORITE BAR (2 WAY TIE):” TOP SEED ON THE MIC IS WHAT I GRAB” “BEEN IN THE LAB SO MUCH THEY CALL ME CHEMISTRY” I’m really feeling this track. This is his response to his fans/haters who have been wondering about Sharp Skills. This is his first single (and first video) off of the album. The production has a twist of west coast with a touch of “eastern” (no, not east coast, further east) to it. Sharp Skills is going for the “top seed” as he continues to grow in the hip hop game. We find out that the passing of his father, only fueled his determination. Sharp Skills is “a fish swimming in a different pond” than other rappers on this REPEAT OFFENDER!

LAY MY LIFE DOWN-FAVORITE BAR:”I LAY MY LIFE DOWN, BECAUSE HE WILL PICK IT UP AGAIN”  This is s a great track that expresses his love for Christ and understanding his sacrifice! Sharp Skills is a businessman and to see that he is about his father’s business is great. This track is intense and Sharp Skills speaks on how he wants to please God and not minding the beating he receives for it. He kills pride and promotes humility on this REPEAT OFFENDER!

STRENGTH-FAVORITE BAR:”CAN’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, WHEN YOUR MOVING BIG” This track leaves your jaw dropped as you hear the passion that Sharp Skills brings on this track. The production really touches your soul.I love the “strong” bridge/verse that he spits. This track not only motivates me, but convicts me. Sometimes, we stop going for our purpose over something small or irrelevant. This track made me feel like a punk after listening to it. This is a great single and Sharp Skills already has a video for the track.  This song shows that you need to be tough and have strength. This is my favorite track off of the album and is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

Overall, this is a dope mixtape. Sharp Skills has a particular sound that sounds great on him. Some may feel that the flow and sound/production may not have that much diversity, but he is great in his lane on this project. Sharp Skills puts me in the mind of Mickey Factz with his wordplay and unique style. You can check out the album at Sharp Skills site http://www.annorebelio.com/ or keep up with him on Twitter at @sharpskills24 . As for Anno Rebelio goes, this is definitely Sharp Skills year! Spread The Soup!


 

 

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THE WAY YOU THINK IS THE WAY YOU WILL REACT (CHICAN’S CHALLENGE)

Posted on May 14, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

 

Have you done actions that you regretted? Have you wondered “How did I get myself into this?” or “Why am I even hanging out with this person?”. Well, remember…the way you THINK is the way you will REACT. Your thought comes first, then your actions. So-If you want to stop being broke, get out of a bad relationship or move forward in life…you MUST change the way you think. I challenge you to UPGRADE  your thinking for seven days. Don’t react/think about the outcome of things today, but for the future. Start thinking more positive and stop limiting God. If you feel like cursing that person out, if you feel like talking/gossiping about that person, if you feel like your not going to be able to pay your bills, if you feel like giving up…stop it for seven days and increase you faith and character. If you seem lazy or can’t finish your goals…stop thinking like that for seven days. Start making goals and plans and balance better. The problem won’t change until you change. Spread The Soup!


 

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CHICAN’S CHOICE LECRAE “CHURCH CLOTHES” MIXTAPE REVIEW

Posted on May 11, 2012 by chicangeorge

May 10, 2012 will go down in history. This was a day that would define the very culture of holy hip hop (or christian rap or “sacrifice” music or whatever you want to call the genre). This day was so important, that many christian artists didn’t even drop their own projects/singles/videos, because of one artist…Lecrae. The reason why “Church Clothes” is so important, is the platform that Lecrae is delivering it from. He’s stepping out of the “norm” of “holy hip hop standards” and using a secular (yet, highly known) DJ, Don Cannon, and various secular producers. I don’t normally review bigger name artist on the site, but this project couldn’t be overlooked.

CO-SIGN-FAVORITE BAR:”ME AND CHRIST DON’T MATCH, BUT WE COORDINATE” Lecrae begins the mixtape off by validating his relationship with Hip Hop (sharing the same mother) and how they work together. I really enjoy how he deduces double standards of religion in hip hop. If Wu-Tang can spit 5 % gems, then how come christian artists can’t rap about the hyms of Jesus? Lecrae definitely goes out of the box and shows who he is really “co-signed” by on this REPEAT OFFENDER!

APB (FEATURING THI’SL)-FAVORITE BAR:”I’M MILK CART STATUS” I really enjoyed the concept behind this track. When you truly change your life, many of your “old friends” will try to put a APB out on you. Thi’sl’s verse was on point as he passionately tells us about the “blocks” he was building as we were playing with our legos. Lecrae’s verse puts me in mind of Jay-Z’s “99 problems” second verse. This track isn’t crazy, it’s crae!

CHURCH CLOTHES-FAVORITE BAR:”BUT I’M GONNA SWALLOW THIS PILL LIKE PAC MAN” I love the atheist/free-thinker/middle of the fence viewpoint that Lecrae raps from on this track. So many people feel this way (saved and unsaved) and are afraid to speak it. This track gives a sense of peace to those seeking the truth through a world of lies and opinions. This track is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

RISE-FAVORITE BAR:”WE BOTH ON THE SAME PAGE LIKE PARAGRAPHS” I had heard that Lecrae was going to be working with 9th wonder and I was very interested in hearing their tracks together. Neither one of them disappointed me on this gansta culture ride that they take us on. It’s very nostalgic. I remember looking up to the same “role models” that Lecrae talks about in this song. I love how he connects pop culture with influencing the future of the youth. 9th wonder delivers a classic beat as Lecrae speaks some of the best bars on the mixtape on this REPEAT OFFENDER!

THE PRICE OF LIFE (FEATURING ANDY MINEO & CO CAMPBELL)-FAVORITE BAR:”WENT TO BED TO FIND LOVE, BUT WOKE UP WITH REGRETS” S1 delivers one of the best beats that I’ve heard from him on this banger. It’s really jazzy and soulful as Lecrae, Andy Mineo and Co Campbell break down  relationships and self-esteem. This has radio appeal. It has a great story and needs a video to show the full concept. This is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

GIMMIE A SECOND-FAVORITE BAR:”THE REASON I SOUND THE SAME/ CAUSE THE TRUTH DON’T CHANGE” Truth talk-this is my favorite track off of the mixtape. Boi-1da brings one of best beats as Lecrae delivers the reality of his life. This isn’t a diss track, but Lecrae really just tells it like it is.This track explains growth and maturity that Lecrae has received over the years. Once again, Lecrae speaks on double standards and the hypocrisy in hip hop.  This is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

MISCONCEPTION (FEATURING PROPAGANDA, BRAILLE & ODD THOMAS)-FAVORITE BAR:”IT’S NOTHING MORE THAN A POWER TRIP/THEY DON’T WANT TO GET PLUGGED INTO IT, THEY WOULD RATHER SEE THAT POWER STRIP” It was really cool to see Lecrae working with Humble Beast. Dealing with this concept, Braille’s wordplay was amazing! This track feels like a cypher and is full of great messages. This is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

Overall, this is a classic mixtape! This is one of my top projects for the year. The production was great and the content was beyond my expectation. Don Cannon and Lecrae meshed well together. Don Cannon has a ear for real hip hop and coming artists. There were so many tracks to pick from to review (make sure you check out Cold World, Darkest Hour, Black Rose, Spazz and Sacrifice, Rejects) and that shows me that it kept my attention all the way through. The “message” was never watered down or compromised. I can honestly say this is not a great holy hip hop mixtape, but a great hip hop mixtape. You can keep up with Lecrae on Twitter at @lecrae . After hearing this mixtape, Church Clothes is always going to be my dress code. Spread The Soup!

 

 

 

 

 

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CHICAN’S CHOICE TEAM ZOE “BRAVEHEART” ALBUM REVIEW

Posted on May 10, 2012 by chicangeorge

Team Zoe is one of the most unusual and best kept secrets from Oakland, California. I’ve been following them for a while and have been impressed with everything that they have dropped. With all of the work that they have been putting into “Braveheart“, I knew I was going to have to review it. Let’s see if Team Zoe was prepared for war.

NO WORDS-FAVORITE BAR:”TALK TO MUCH EVEN I START BELIEVING LIES” “I’M NO VEGAN, I’M GONNA FEED YOU WITH THIS  MEAT TILL YOU SEE HIM” I love the theme of this track. It’s a very creative way of saying “don’t talk it, live it“. This track teaches us to allow people to read our life by our work and not our words. The production has a mixture of old school hip hop with a little west coast feel. The hook and scratches really make the hook. This is a dope track.

BRAVEHEART-FAVORITE BAR: ”I DON’T HAVE A HEART BEAT, I HAVE A HEART ROAR” First off, the intro of Pastor Eric on this track and the production makes this song sound epic! Team Zoe just puts the icing on the cake on this track. B.C. the marksman does a great job bringing in the track in reminding us of “Mel Gibson in 95“. Todd encourages us to get our “water bottles” as he delivers a hot double time verse that is one of the best that I’ve heard from him. Dom gives us the “proof in the pages” as he gives us a history lesson of all the Bravehearts before Team Zoe. This is one of my favorite tracks off of the album and is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

JERICHO-FAVORITE BAR:”WE THE GIANTS, THEY SMALL FRIES”  This track embodies the whole concept of this album. The picture that Team Zoe paints is so vivid that this deserves a video. B.C. the marksman gives his best verse off of the album on this track. This track is a paradox of dark and grim to glory and victory! This is the best song off of this album and is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

PUSH-FAVORITE BAR:”TRY TO HOLD ME TO THEIR STANDARDS, I CAN’T STAND IT”  This is a great track to end the album on. B.C. the marksman kills the hook and encourages us to continue to push in life. Dom tells us to put our trust in God as he stays the same (statue). Todd’s takes us on a lyrical roller coaster as he deals with his internal demons as he spits in perfect machine gun cadence. I love how they give us a little extra from the production at the end. This should be a single and is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

First off, this is one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. This is definitely the best group album I’ve heard this year. The chemistry that Team Zoe has is great. They do a great job of feeding off of each other. The production is top notch and is best suited for the group.This is one of the few albums that I can say stuck with the concept of the album and I give Team Zoe mad props for that. You can keep up with Team Zoe on twitter at @team_zoe and peep www.reverbnation.com/teamzoe . Also, you can download “Braveheart” off of itunes here. As far as this album goes, Team Zoe came courageous and ready for battle. Spread The Soup!

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3 WAYS TO INSPECT WHAT YOU EXPECT

Posted on May 9, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

 

 

There are many reasons why you may be having a hard time completing a certain goal. One big reason why we have so many problems, is because we don’t “inspect what we expect“. The word “inspect” means “to observe carefully, closely and critically“. If you’re not careful with your goals, you can be caught doing the same thing over and never reaching an effective conclusion. Here are three things to consider when “inspecting what you’re expecting“.

1. Have a specific and clear plan- Remember, faith without works is dead. Therefore, if you’re trying to “expect” something and not do anything….then your just teasing yourself. Make a plan from beginning to finish and stick with it. Remember…if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail.

2. Communicate with Everyone involved- Assumption is deadly, when dealing with accomplishing goals with people. Don’t assume people know what you need. You have to talk to people. No one is a mind reader. Also, don’t allow pride to get in the way of you communicating with people involved with your goals.

3. Hold Everyone Accountable that is involved- This is key in “inspecting“. I see so many people complaining about things when a job isn’t done right or effectively. However, if you don’t hold anyone accountable…then the vicious cycle will continue to happen. Write the vision, make it plain and allow people to run with it. If people don’t run with it, then cut them loose. If people don’t respect, understand or agree with your goals/decisions, then they will not give you their 100%. It’s not personal, it’s business.

Hopefully, this will allow you to reach your goals faster. If you’re a parent, pastor, manager/supervisor or individual that is trying to reach a better place in life…these tips will help you. If you’re looking for a miracle, change or trying to accomplish a goal, then add “inspector” to your job title. Spread The Soup!


 

 

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CHICAN’S CHOICE SHAMARR ALLEN “TYPICAL ROCK STAR” VIDEO REVIEW

Posted on May 1, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

 

 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: 0:09-0:11, 0:25, 0:54, 1:37, 2:16-2:25,

CHICAN CAUGHT IT:0:09-0:11-THE GREEDY LABEL REP WASHING HIS HANDS AFTER SHAKING HANDS WITH SHAMARR ALLEN INDICATING THE BATTLE OF RACISM THAT STILL EXISTS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, 0:54-AS THE TRACK BEGINS WE SEE SHAMARR ALLEN STANDING OVER A EXIT SIGN SYMBOLIZING HIS “EXIT” FROM THE NORMAL PATH THAT ARTIST ARE TAKING COMPROMISING THEIR CRAFT. 5:18- THE CONTRACT ACTUALLY SAYS HE WILL BE SIGNING HIS LIFE AWAY AND GIVES A EXAMPLE OF A ACTUAL RECORDING CONTRACT.

I became a fan of Shamarr Allen after reviewing his video he did with Dee-1 “I’m on it“. When I saw that Tyler Dixon, the director of the Shamarr’s video, posted it on Facebook…I had to review it. Let’s see if this is a “typical rock star”  video or something unique.

The concept of this video is great. I love the intro and outro of the video. Even though the intro was comical, it was very serious and realistic. So many artists are pressured into situations like this and compromise their careers for success. This intro reminds me of a parody mixture of Dr. Dre’s “Dre Day“ and Slum Village’s “Tainted” video. The outro shows that artists should stand up for what they believe and understand the rap industry a little better.

The video has a lot of creativity.  Aside from the intro and outro parts, the video shows the ups and downs of being an artist, being on a label and how real artists create real fans. We see how the label was trying to change Shamarr Allen’s “image“. We also see Shamarr’s grind as he’s doing his shows in the streets (shout out to the French Quarters) and doing what most fans don’t do…mingle with their fans.  

Tyler Dixon did an excellent job with the quality of this video. The lighting is on point and picked great places to film. The color schemes jump out at you throughout the video. I also love the catchy way of putting Shamarr Allen’s number on the screen throughout the last verse of the video. I think I may call it after this review to see if he’ll answer?

Overall, this was a great and refreshing video. As an artist, this video gives me hope and encourages me to pursue my dreams…my way and not by industry standards. You can keep up with Shamarr Allen on Twitter at @shamarrallen . As far as this video goes, it delivers a powerful message to artists and fans of music…and there’s nothing typical about that. Spread The Soup!

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KEEP YOUR GLASS HALF FULL CHICAN CHALLENGE

Posted on April 30, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

 

 

What’s brewing soup troopers? This week’s “soup” is a Chican’s Challenge. This is where I’m going to challenge you (the readers) and myself to a challenge. As I stated in last week’s soup ” The Lebron James Jones“, there seems to be a lot of negativity going on in the world. So, my challenge for just a week, is to have a “glass half full mentality“. Reguardless if someone comes to you with any negative news, you look for the positive in it. Reguardless of who talks about you or how you feel about someone, you will say something good about them. Post nothing but positive posts on your Facebook, Twitter and other social media  pages. Let me know that you will take this challenge with me by reposting it, so I can hold you accountable. Whatever day you read this article, you go seven days doing this.  If you see me personally or read anything that I put on Facebook or Twitter contrary to the challenge, hold me accountable and I’ll do the same for you. Please help by reposting. You never know who this challenge could affect. Remember your cup is half full and God can make it overflow. Spread The Soup!

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CHICAN’S CHOICE KING WES “THE KINGDOM” ALBUM REVIEW

Posted on April 25, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

 

 

 

King Wes is a special artist to me for a couple of reasons. First off, he was one of the first (actually second) artists that I opened up for when I began rapping. Secondly, he introduced me to the “grimy gospel” style within hip hop. As he moved from Birmingham to Arizona, I didn’t hear too much from him musically…until now. He sent me over his new ep “The Kingdom“ and I had to review it. So, let’s see if he is as raw as I remember him. 

YOU DON’T KNOW (FEATURING KEVIE KEYS)-FAVORITE BAR:” DEATH DIDN’T LIVE AROUND THE CORNER, BOY HE STAYED ON MY BLOCK”  First off, the hook done by Kevie Keys and guitar (the guitar really brings out the vocals and emotion on the track) draw you in from the beginning of the track! This is classic King Wes letting us into his past. This track clearly shows fans his great storytelling skills. This is one of my favorite King Wes songs. This track is a REPEAT OFFENDER!

 MY HERO (FEATURING T-REAL D.HALL)-FAVORITE BAR: “DEAD MEN DON’T WALK, DEAD MEN DON’T TALK, SO YOU GOTTA MURDER THAT FLESH” This track is definitely the club banger/performance track from the EP. T-Real, D.Hall and King Wes have a great relationship and great chemistry on the track. It’s somewhat of a “divine purpose” when they all get on a track together. I would have liked to hear more D.Hall on the track, but overall it was a banger.

THE KINGDOM (FEATURING JESSICA MARTIN)-FAVORITE BAR:”SEEKING THE KINGDOM FIRST, WE ABOUT TO CHANGE THE EARTH” Jessica Martin does a great job on the hook and really helps make this track have a commercial feel.King Wes did a great job picking this for his single. It works well and shows the fans who and what King Wes stands for. This is a real dope track and has a real epic “kingdom“ feel.

WITHOUT YOU (FEATURING KEVIE KEYS)-FAVORITE BAR:”I’AM NOTHING WITHOUT YOU JESUS”  I can truly see this track having a video or on radio. It’s real catchy and has a universal feel. Kevie Keys once again does a great job on the hook and brings the song home. This is a great track to end the EP on. It’s like a happy altar call/realization of knowing who God is. It brings the whole “The Kingdom” concept full circle.

Overall, this is a good project. I can see a lot of growth within King Wes. He brings something different in every song on the EP. It takes a lot of talent to bring so much into a 4 track EP and King Wes did so successfully. You can keep up with King Wes on twitter at @kingwes78 and check out the album at  http://www.reverbnation.com/kingwestha1 . As for “The Kingdom“, that’s a place I would like to go. Spread The Soup!


 

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THE LEBRON JAMES JONES

Posted on April 23, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

Lately, I have had a lot of “Lebron James Jones” conversations with people (mainly artists) around me, so I decided to share my “Lebron James Jones“ theory with you. I will give you a disclaimer first though. This really isn’t about a debate about him, but if you want to leave a comment on what you think about his playing abilities in the comments or his move to the Miami Heat then feel free.

Let’s face it…society and social networks have gotten really good at being really bad. You see more negative comments and hateful “trolling” on Facebook, Twitter, websites and Youtube comments and it seems as though no one has love in their hearts. Anytime someone says anything about politics, entertainment, sports, church or anything vital to life…someone is hating. It seems as though many people are suffering from the “Lebron James Jones“.  

A “jones” is a strong craving or desire. It’s similar to drug withdrawals. With that being said, it seems as though everyone has a jones to put everyone in the Lebron James boat. The symptoms of having this jones is you only focus on people’s negatives. Let’s take it back to Lebron James now for a example. They/the media didn’t focus on all of the great things he did for Cleveland, the Cavs or his basketball skills (broke records, MVPs,etc)…they only focus on one thing…he has no ring. Some people say he’s a traitor for leaving the Cavs (but I don’t think many of us know a big reason why he left-because the media didn’t really cover it and it was “supposedly rumors” with a problem with a fellow team-mate) and turned their back on him. The very people who praised him, turned around and crucified him. Sounds like anyone you know?

I’m not saying that Lebron James is a modern-day Jesus Christ or even saying that he is a saint, but I am saying that we have to stop having a “Lebron James Jones” with people. Stop only bringing up the negative things about people. Stop getting jealous of people, because they are doing what you aren’t doing. The best prescription for a “Lebron James Jones” is two tablespoons of “If  you don’t have something good to say about someone, the don’t say nothing at all“, prayer, your purpose and plenty of rest. Spread The Soup!


 

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LEARN TO SAY YES TO NO

Posted on April 16, 2012 by chicangeorge

 

You may be asking yourself, “What does say yes to no mean?”. Well, this was taught to me a couple of years ago. I would (and sadly sometimes still do)  put more on myself then I could handle. See, we love to use the saying that “God won’t put more on us then we can handle“, but truth talk…WE WILL do that to ourselves if we’re not careful. With that being said, we have to say no to some people and things in life.

By saying ”Yes” to everything, not only could you be jeopardizing your sanity, but also the project or relationship that you are committing to. There comes a time in your life, where you have to learn to put your foot down. Sometimes, you want to be nice and not offend or hurt people. However, you may be hurting yourself in the process when you don’t learn to say “yes” to no. You don’t want to get into people bondage.

Take time, pray and really evaluate every decision that you make. Don’t allow your decisions to be made from what you can gain (W.I.F.M. “what’s in it for me“) but what God wants you to do. Don’t make anyone pressure you into making a decision. Don’t put so much on yourself and learn to say no to some people and things. Spread The Soup!

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