Review: Genesis by @DamierGenesis {Written by @Natural_Nation}

Around this time last week Domo Genesis released his first studio album Genesis. Domo Genesis is a Los Angeles rapper who is currently a part of the Odd Future record label. For those that are not familiar with Odd Future Records, the independent record label was founded by rapper Tyler The Creator and is home to a number of artists as well as one of my favorite groups The Internet.
Genesis has had a number of other musical pieces before dropping his first album. Rolling Papers and Under the Influence are two of his earlier mixtapes. He followed both of these up by releasing Mellow High (a collaboration with group Mellow Hype, which he was a part of) and Under the Influence 2. Then, finally, Genesis was released. This is an album filled with boom bap influenced beats. I can easily say that it is different then any of the other rap albums I have heard so far this year. So, let's get into the album.

The collective is 12 tracks long featuring two previously released singles and some house hold names like Juicy J, Tyler The Creator, and Mac Miller. The album opens with Awkward Groove, the title being the only awkward thing about it. This groove is accompanied by light hearted vocals and provides a smooth entry into the album. Followed by One Below, this track begins with words of inspiration. Domo Genesis's mother is heard talking about feeling joy and pride when she thinks about her son. His mother seems to be confident in his musical abilities as well as his ability to stay true to himself. Utilizing the flute as part of the instrumental, track two continues with the warm theme.

I really enjoyed the vocals and the vibe of Wanderer. The song is just as the title suggests. His lyrics are similar to a steady flow of consciousness. He seamlessly moves from one thought to the other leading up to a hook by Tay Walker. Questions, track four, features vocals by Ms. Kendra Foster with rapper Da$h on the second verse. The whole ambiance of the song including Kendra's vocals give the track an erie and spooky feel. Genesis questions the path he is on in life as well as his place in the world. He wants to know our purpose and to know whether or not we're doing the right thing. I believe that is a universal struggle for us all. We are able to get a glimpse of Domo's vulnerability through this song.

My Own features singer JMSN. It's a classic come up story. Genesis expresses his thoughts on having to do things on his own with little support. He had to go through struggles and pay his dues to get to where he is now and continue to get to where he wants to be in the future. In all this he stresses the importance of being aware and knowledgeable. Go (gas) comes in at track number five. The song features Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, and Tyler The Creator , and was the second single to drop from earlier this March. The instrumental has a subdued clapping beating with a tambourine and what sounds like a retro children's keyboard. The kind your parents used to get for you to put in your toy box. The one with only 16 keys and the C sharp that you can't push in anymore. Wiz takes the first verse followed by Genesis and the single closes with Juicy J. With the addition of Juicy J it's easy to see why this song made it's way to becoming a single with his commercial appeal. Just about any song with Juicy J on it seems to automatically make itself in to a feature.

Coming Back features rapper Mac Miller who brings his fluid delivery to yet another track. This song shows Genesis in a place of confidence. He knows that he is where he is supposed to be, doing the thing that he is supposed to be doing, and no one can convince him differently. Dapper, track nine, features jack of all trades Anderson Paak. Dapper was actually the first song to be released from the Genesis project. I'm not sure how much of a hand Anderson had in the production of the song but it sounds much more similar to his style than Domo Genesis. The beat is funky, similar to the r&b/neo-soul style of music we were hearing in the early 2000's late 90's from artists like Musiq Soulchild.

The album closes with All Night featuring King Chip, produced by Left Brain. Domo Genesis decides to leave on a more jazzy note, which is quite alright with me. Genesis lets his listeners know that it's his time and he's not going to waste it. You can tell that he really believes this is his calling and he plans to utilize his time and his talent in a positive way. There is no doubt in my mind that this man is determined and any other listener will get the same message. Genesis is available now for download on iTunes. Enjoy.
Rating: 3 out of 5

Listen: Dapper - @DamierGenesis feat. @AndersonPaak

Word on the street is Domo Genesis has an album on the way. Now that you can pre-order it on iTunes the first song you get is this funky single, Dapper. The song features the talents of Anderson .Paak. Genesis drops March 25th, until then you can stream Dapper below.

Review: Lucky 7 - Statik Selektah (@StatikSelekt); A Niles P. Joint

Statik Selektah has been putting in work for years whether you know it or not. He’s produced countless songs for a plethora of artists, DJ’d on eight radio stations, put out three EPs, 16 collaboration albums, and now is releasing his third and final (more on that later) studio album. Lucky 7. This is specifically his third album in three years, yet the Boston beatsmith hasn’t become the least bit stagnant or stale musically. This is remarkable because he doesn’t deviate too much from his signature production style and has many of the same familiar faces spit bars over his beats. Statik Selektah’s music still remains fresh in spite of his symphonic idiosyncrasies. On an album full of features it makes sense to go track by track, so get excited.

Intro (feat. Hannibal Buress) - Since the album is called Lucky 7, we have a monologue pondering what it means to be lucky by comedian Hannibal Buress. It instills the casino type of theme and adds levity to the proceedings.
The piano keys on here are perfect for a monologue.

Another Level (feat. Rapsody) - Rapsody is the Keith Thurman of the rap game: she’s an intelligent and exciting contender not only in her division but for the pound for pound crown. This triumphant beat is a perfect showcase for Rap’s lyrical acrobatics and punchlines. Take note of Statik’s use of horns, they’re a trademark that will return. Expect Rapsody to take home a few championship belts soon.

Beautiful Life (feat. Action Bronson & Joey Bada$$) - I spoke about this song here. It still holds up and will wind up being one of the best songs of the summer.  

Hood Boogers (feat. Your Old Droog & Chauncy Sherod) - The percussion on this track is wonderful and the bassline is underrated. Droog still warrants Nas comparisons but is starting to come into his own. Sherod brings the funk on his portion of the song.

The Locker Room (feat. Dave East) - Speaking of Nas, his latest signee to his Mass Appeal imprint Dave East shows his ever improving lyrical chops on this track.  He’s good enough to star on his own track after being relegated to posse cuts on the previous Statik album.

In The Wind (feat. Joey Bada$$, Big K.R.I.T., and Chauncy Sherod) - Joey and Sherod make their second appearance on the album while southern heir K.R.I.T. lends a hand. This song has a breezy vibe with positive & inspiring lyrics. The guitar riff is understated but still steals the show. It should also be noted that this entire beat was created in the lab with no sample.

Crystal Clear (feat. Royce Da 5’9”) - This may be my favorite beat on the album. It’s reminiscent of a 1940’s film noir soundtrack. Royce brings his usual bravado while opening up about his past struggles with alcoholism. His flow is essentially a crescendo and picks up as the song goes on.  Very impressive song overall.

How You Feel (feat. Mick Jenkins) - The combination of idyllic strings and keys is crisp like fresh linen. Mick Jenkins solidifies his spot as one of Chicago’s best and brightest in their alternative rap hemisphere. I wish this was longer but they get the job done here.

Murder Game (feat. Smiff N Wessun, Young M.A, & Buckshot) - As much as I love the Duck Down veterans, this song sticks out like a sore thumb and doesn’t fit with the rest of the album. Young M.A is from the new school of Chiraq style rap despite being from BK. It’s like the veterans altered their style to fit the new jack and it doesn’t fit the flow of the album. The trumpet is a nice touch to the only mediocre and cookie cutter beat on the album.  

Gentlemen (feat Illa Ghee, Sean Price, and Fame) - This track more than makes up for the last and has become one of my favorites.  The Brownsville rap veterans take turns dropping their trademark gritty bars over a minimalistic beat. No flash, just a grimy aura that is perfect for all involved.  

Bodega! (feat. Bodega Bamz) - I always was intrigued by the potential of Bodega Bamz but wished he would select better beats.  This is exactly the type of instrumental I had in mind.  The Tchaikovsky-like violins fit his expressive flow like a glove.  Here’s hoping he works with Statik Selektah a lot more in the future.

The Trophy Room (feat. Skyzoo, Ea$y Money, Domo Genesis, & Masspike Miles) - A posse cut featuring some of the most underrated in the game over a swanky beat is always welcome. It’s a chore to pick who got off the best, but if forced to choose I’d have to go with OFWGKTA alumnus Domo. Either way, it’s a quality song from top to bottom.

Sucker Free (feat. JFK) - I loved the first half of the track as JFK makes good use over a marvelous beat featuring the most graceful saxophone you ever heard.  Then the beat switches to a bass-heavy tale about going to the can.  It’s humorous but gross, works as an interlude I guess.

Wallflowers (feat. Your Old Droog, Termanology, & Lord Sear) - Droog continues to come out of his shell and bodies this track.  Any comparisons (referenced on here) will soon go away as people appreciate Droog for Droog. Don’t sleep on Termanology either.

Top Tier (feat. Sean Price, Bun B, & Styles P) - The opening of this song sounds like a retro video game soundtrack, which is appropriate enough because this feels like the ultimate boss battle. Statik has the ability to seamlessly integrate two NYC legends with the de facto mayor of Houston and make it work, even without a hook. This is a timeless track.

Silver Lining (feat. A$AP Twelvyy, Kirk Knight, and Chauncy Sherod) - I’ve admittedly never been a fan of A$AP anything but Twelvyy isn’t bad at all on here. Kirk Knight is going to blow soon, as he’s the latest in a line of young emcees/producers to rise up. The song feels like something that would play during the climax of a great movie.

Cold (feat. Wais P & Jared Evan) - The thing is this song gives the exact same vibe as the previous one. It’s not a bad song, but it just sounds almost identical to the last one. If you played this album in the car as background music you wouldn’t notice the song changed. I prefer the former, but it’s a coin flip since they’re so similar.

All You Need (feat. Action Bronson, Ab-Soul, and Elle Varner) - Bronsolino and Soulo speak on the intricacies of love on a track that’s light enough to give AM radio vibes without being lame at all.  Bronson talks about settling down while Ab-Soul talks about letting go. Elle Varner lends her hazy vocals, which put the finishing touches on this easygoing song.

Scratch Off (feat. CJ Fly, Talib Kweli, & Cane) - This song wonderfully builds on the underlying luck/gambling theme of the album. CJ Fly continues his upward trajectory and even shows his crooning abilities on the hook. Kweli is still one of the game’s most consistent emcees. Cane more than holds his own despite being not as well known as the Brooklyn upstart and OG.  

Alone (feat. Joey Bada$$) - Statik Selektah is great at getting the best out of mostly everyone he works with. This is the case here as Joey finds a laser-sharp focus in his own solitude. He’s at his best when he’s contemplative and deep. The drums on here are magnificent while being nuanced.  

Harley’s Blues - This is an instrumental track named for Statik’s upcoming daughter. It flows nicely from the previous song. The saxophone solo towards the end is one of the best things I’ve heard all year.  

As I alluded to before, this is Statik Selektah’s final solo/compilation album. Seeing as Lucky 7 is his third album in as many years and was created in less than two months, it’s safe to say that he’s mastered this format. Aside from the one song I wasn’t a fan of and the odd sequencing of two songs (both minor qualms,) this album is damn near perfect. There’s something here for everyone. Additionally, Statik Selektah has established himself as arguably the best producer in hip hop. It threw a wrench into the Joey/Kendrick/Bronson stranglehold on the Album of the Year debate because it’s that excellent. Since it’s his last album I’m surprised a couple of the regulars didn’t make it (Freddie Gibbs, Nore, and especially Black Thought) but for an album that came together in less than a couple of months there’s still an incredible and diverse abundance of talent. I have a hard time picking a handful of favorite songs because they're almost uniformly excellent. This was the album I anticipated more than any other all year and Lucky 7 did not disappoint.  Lucky 7 by Statik Selektah is available on iTunes but after the break.

Rating: 4.85 out of 5.

Listen: Where I'm From - @ALaSOLE_ ft. @DamierGenesis

If you want to be successful in baseball, you need to have a deep pitching rotation. This principle can be applied to rap crews, in this case Pro Era and Odd Future.

Both have their well known stars (Joey Bada$$/CJ Fly & Tyler, The Creator and Earl Sweatshirt respectively) but now some of their emcees deeper in the rotation are getting more shine. This is the case with Pro Era's A La $ole, who puts out a smooth banger in Where I'm From. Assisted by Odd Future's criminally slept on wordsmith Domo Genesis, the track sees these young dudes from two of rap's best crews speak on where they're from.

A is from Flatbush, Brooklyn and Domo is from Inglewood, California. This easygoing track shows that despite their geographical differences, they can find common ground in shared experiences and how they manifest in their artistic talent. Not sure if this song is a loose or off of A La $ole's upcoming project Elixir but either way it's perfect for warm weather and riding out.