by: Brian Mitchell (B Leafs)
As a producer myself, I wanted to take a dive into some projects that I think don't get talked about enough when it comes to how well they are produced. Check out my selections!
The Game - LAX
Producers: 1500 Or Nothin, Cool & Dre, Dahoud Darien, DK Quik, DJ Toomp, Hi-Tek, Irv Gotti, J.R. Rotem, JellyRoll, Kanye West, Knobody, Nottz, Scott Storch, Trackmasters, Tre Beatz
From the first single “Big Dreams” Prod by Cool & Dre, it was clear that Game was not letting up after Doctor’s Advocate. It’s a shame that this album isn’t mention in the same conversation as his previous two. This album was one of my biggest influences growing up.
3 Favorite Beats: "Let Us Live", "My Life" & "Money"
Curren$y & Harry Fraud - The OutRunners
Producer: Harry Fraud
The most consistent artist in music continues to impress. Another perfect project to roll up to from the laid back New Orleans artist. The beats have an old school tropic beachfront vibe - as always Harry Fraud’s sonics are on another level. Like the Marina EP and Cigarette Boats before this, we see why Spitta and Fraud are one of the greatest duo’s out there.
3 Favorite Beats: "Mugello Red", "Pounds of Paper", "Gold & Chrome"
The Underachievers - Indigoism
Producers: Mr. Bristol, Rich Flyer, The Entreproducers, Bruce Leekixs, Dreamrite, Lou Chapo, Blacktophero, Eff Dope, Roca Beats, Taleil Brown & Marcasso.
This album changed the landscape of music. The Underachievers caused a shift by pushing boom bap into more of a psychedelic/conscious realm. This project was well ahead of it’s time - as nothing could be compared at the time of it’s release back in 2013. It was impressive that they were able to craft such a diverse album with relatively unheard of producers at the time.
3 Favorite Beats: "Land of Lords", "Leopard Shepherd" & "The Mahdi"
Joell Ortiz & Apollo Brown - Mona Lisa
Producer: Apollo Brown
Joell has been a staple in Hip-Hop - always coming correct on anything you hear him rhyme over. He always picks great beats on his project, but I think Apollo was able to bring out the best of him on this project. These beats are super soulful but still have a gritty bounce to them.
Apollo has solidified himself as one of the greats with his full length albums with legends such as Joell, Ras Kass, Skyzoo, Ghostface Killah, Planet Asia, Rapper Big Pooh, Guilty Simpson & many more.
3 Favorite Beats: "Reflection", "Mona Lisa" & "That Place"
Honorary Mentions
Directors Cut Scene 3 by Ransom
Kaos by Roc Marciano & DJ Muggs
New Crack Era by Eto & Vinyl Villain
A Breukelen Story by Masta Ace & Marco Polo
The Carrollton Heist by Curren$y & The Alchemist
Tana Talk 3 by Benny The Butcher
Comments