Watch: Jet Black - @lowcollege

Coming off a quiet 2022 Joe College breathes new life into John Blaze.

As far as rollouts go for the CivXSav emcee, it's been mostly quiet but what would you expect coming off a car accident. Fast forward a year and change and Jet Black gets a visual treatment. When John Blaze dropped and you typed in Jet Black on Tiktok or the gram you got blessed with a plethora of beautiful women in asymmetrical bobs, braids, and more lip-syncing the lyrics. College starts the tune with a flow from Prodigy of Mobb Deep but more smooth than rugged this time. This one is for the ladies. Check it out after the break.

#ASideBSidePodcast 218 LBI Vol. 2 Album Commentary

Instead of a written review RamseySaidWHAT invites 2/3 of LBI, Dru & Kile over to talk about their latest offering, Volume 2, Everybody's Favorite Cousins. 

They break down the production and placement process in addition to some skits including one from the other member of LBI, Nyles. If you keep up with WTM music discovery or even this podcast you'll hear some familiar names and voices. Press play.

Disclaimer: You won't hear entire tracks from the album. If you want a complete listening experience, listen to it in full by clicking this link.

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Watch: The Difference - @lowcollege & @marcusariah

After the record went off for our A Side B Side Interview Joe College & Marcus Ariah, I watched them chop up the schematics of some of the album rollout. They debated what songs were getting video treatments and how the idea of Time's Up was to make it a "spectacle." 

It's only right that the concept behind, The Difference was a let out after the function. You know that 2 AM last minute trying to holla at the girl you made eyes with at the party. Hungry as hell so we go to the chicken spot and the whole place is full up with people with the same ideas as you. Sure your late night cravings are the same, but Marcus and Joe tell us why you're not cut from the same cloth. At least until you get to track ten. In the meantime, check out the FLEXX FILMS directed visual for The Difference below.

Album Review: Time's Up by @MarcusAriah & @LowCollege (words by @natalee_federal)

New Jersey-based musical veterans Marcus Ariah and Joe College have teamed up to deliver an unbeatable, charged-up project titled Times Up. 

Flexing their lyrical muscles throughout the ten track album, the duo uses transparent wordplay to reminisce on their childhood and past experiences. Additionally, they’re open about their opinions on dating, inner thoughts, the steps they take to garner success, and what happens when a person speaks too freely. Not to mention, they talk about the importance of loyalty. The only thing that Marcus Ariah and Joe College need more in this world is respect, as stated in their song One Of Us.

Oftentimes, they switch cadences, delivering their bars with storytelling, braggadocious, or energetic flows. 

Sound-wise, Times Up remains rooted in boom-bap yet blends with jazz, R&B, and other hip-hop instrumentals. This project is perfect in times of reflection or decision-making. It’s also good to stream on any occasion, whether you’re taking a late-night cruise or at a lit function. To learn more about their project, listen to their episode on A Side B Side Podcast.

Standout tracks include The Difference and Grease.

The Difference:

Garnering inspiration from boom-bap, jazz, and west coast arrangements, “The Difference” sees the two rappers explaining what makes them unique from most men. Because of their authenticity, Marcus Ariah and Joe College, women happen to fall into their laps. But, their primary focus is on their careers and making money. They don’t entertain women who are looking to settle down or are already committed to another. As the song continues, we hear lyrics that are aimed towards men who try to throw punches. Regardless of whatever chaos is coming their way, the two remain unfazed. 

Notable lyrics include:

"Shawty recognize a real one/What it do lover/I ain’t got to talk about bread, I’m too butter."

"We the hardest out ’cause I’m the same dude past present."

"Why would I lose my ground when I know that she floating?"

Grease:

Grease is an ambient-led hip-hop offering with transparent lyrics from Marcus Ariah and Joe College. Throughout the song, we hear stories about haters attempting to defame them and gain more insight into their past and mental state. Both emcees showcase their undying grind and explain how fighting through the pain has only made them stronger. 

Notable lyrics include: 

"If I’m talking to myself, I ain’t got no one against me."

"N*ggas said if it ain’t percocets, then you ain’t hurting yet/And my response if you ain’t dying yet then you been working less."

Songs like Ladies Free, One Of Us, Bernie, and MNCF hold the same theme. Within these four songs, listeners can expect to hear words about riding for their day ones, staying on their P’s and Q’s, their lavish lifestyle, wealth, and ways with women. Overall, this project is an effortless masterpiece that’s rave-worthy and deserves hella spins. 

Listen to Times Up by Marcus Ariah and Joe College below:

written by: Natalee Gilbert

#ASideBSidePodcast Episode 214 - Time's Up (w/ @lowcollege & @MarcusAriah)

Photo by: Nick Westbrooks

Joe College & Marcus Ariah return to A Side B Side with RamseySaidWHAT to talk about their new joint album, Time's Up.

Essex County meets Central Jersey (more specifically the shore) with a collaboration between two New Jersey heavyweights. The trio talks about the new album, their styles, and how this entire thing came together. 

Ramsey is slated to host a virtual concert, Bless the Mic by Garden State Hip Hop and Alpha Code on March 7th. You can also catch him on Me and My Cousins Podcast hosted by Angelo Gingerelli and on the new episode of VS Mike History talking season four of Snowfall.

The Music in this Episode is Difference by Marcus Ariah & Joe College.

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Watch: Alma Mater - @lowcollege

"I ain't never had a bad song, I ain't never had a bad track."

Bold words but that's whats expected from Joe College. "He's back," as it said in a CivXSav press release a few weeks back. College returns with his signature braggadocious greasy talk. We haven't had a track from him in almost two years with his last offering, Pay the Man. In the last seven days not only have we gotten new music but a double shot of visuals. The first of which is the video below for Alma Mater. I need you to feel this. Press play.

Listen: Revenge - @TragedyMonroeRN feat. @lowcollege & Abe Baby

New to the WTM radar is Tragedy Monroe.

He's not completely new to us. You may remember the 732 native when sat down with Ramsey and Krazy on episode 11 of A Side B Side Podcast. On his latest single, Revenge, Tragedy teams up with Joe College and Abe Baby. This track tells the age all tale of not to pocket watch the next person. I really enjoyed Abe's verse whom I was blessed to catch live during Bulletproof Belv's set at Garden State Hip Hop's NJ Live 3 which I got the pleasure of hosting last year. Listen for yourself. Press play after the break.

Listen: Hometown Hero - @mostdopemusic_ feat. @lowcollege

MostDope kicked off the year with a brand new album, No Pressure.

Since P.O.M.E through Hood Gospel, MostDope has played with his melodics and tonality creating the signature sound we now know on No Pressure. It's only right that the heavy hitters from Asbury Park and Neptune link up on a track called Hometown Hero, with Most and Joe College respectfully. Along with Rugged But Smooth spitter College, their contrasting styles make for a pretty dope party record. It's chilly now but once the weather breaks this is sure to shake the city live for the summer. Check it out for yourself after the break.

Watch: Bernie - @MarcusAriah & @LowCollege

For a few months I hinted at the impending collaboration from Marcus Ariah and Joe College.

It's finally come into fruition. Two of Jersey's heavyweights hailing from the city of the bricks and Poseidon's hometown at the shore came together for Bernie. The song has a snippet from an old kings of comedy stand up from Bernie Mac himself. College comes through with that signature braggadocious smooth flow and Marcus proves again why he's one of the best songwriters around. The visual treatment features studio cameos from CivXSav & Goodfellas respectfully. It's only right. Marcus's Silky SZN just dropped and we're waiting on more from College. In the meantime, Feel This.

A-Side B-Side Podcast Episode 021: @AsToldByGabb Interview (of @JDoeMag)

Episode 21 of A-Side B-Side Podcast features an exclusive interview with Gabrielle Overbey.

She serves as the founder and chief editor of J. Doe Magazine. In this interview they talk about her 3rd quarter issue and some of her favorite interviews this year. RamseySaidWHAT asks her how she feels about the state of media and why it's important we document our own culture. They also go on tangents about college, the state of New Jersey, and the finance book she's writing.

Subscribe, Rate, Review and tell a friend to do the same. A-Side B-Side is currently trending on Audiomack and you can listen to all of season one on your favorite streaming service by CLICKING HERE.

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The Music in this episode is Who Da Man? by Joe College and produced by Qdottdavis who was featured in J. Doe's latest issue.

Listen: Who Da Man? - @lowcollege (prod. @qdottdavis)

Time for the re-up.

It was about time for the return of the CivXSav artist. Joe College already told us to Pay the Man. If you didn't know before you definitely know now who the man is. In fact that's the title of his new single produced by frequent collaborator, Qdottdavis.

"Joe a chill nigga, but he spazzin this year."

You can definitely hear it too. No more mister slick talk. It's still smooth but definitely more rugged than ever before and just in time for the summer. Q starts his production with a dark and somber pipe flute and brings in contrasting percussion. That kick is nice for the car speakers trust me. Look out, I think this may be the year he gets over the hump, whatever the hump is. Watch out and throw on Who Da Man? after the break.

Review: Pay the Man - @lowcollege (words by: @RamseySaidWHAT)

"Everybody can't go where we going."

Joe College speaks truth about the journey. This was the only recurring theme in this project considering it rang off before every song crescendos in. Perhaps it's not as deep and figurative as I'm making it out to be but I felt it. You could also take it literally considering they just switched coasts on us and he's out in LA these days. It's been awhile since I reviewed a College project but I wasn't expecting another one this year given the success of CivXSav Forever.

This won't take long as listening these seven tracks only takes 24 minutes of your time. These days that's been the trend of these EPs or Albums (whatever you want to call it). When I asked him he chalked it up to coincidence.

"It ain't an EP, it ain't a mixtape, it ain't an album. It's just Pay the Man lol"
Joe College

I sat in a studio session with College and Party about two months ago. There was a beat with a particular 90's R&B sample that I have to keep under wraps that they were working on. The &Drew produced beat didn't make the project; however I attended a recent show at the Saint in Asbury Park, Drew informed me that it might make the cut on the album we can expect next year, a homecoming of sorts. Let's rap about Pay the Man.

The lead single, Right Back, got a visual treatment the day it dropped.When Right Back came out I should have expected a project but I wasn't sure considering CivXSav Forever dropped last winter. It sounds a little different opening up this listening session, but it still holds weight. Ya N***a Could Never which features Luv Child follows up. I thought this verse sounded familiar. Per College that was the verse he originally had planned for that aforementioned 90's sample produced by Drew. Good thing he went with this one because it fits nicely to the smoothness of the beat. He flexes his signature braggadocio flow while Luv Child cosigns with a less than arrogant more than humble outro of his own. Drew and Party collab on a production tip for this one.

For Mom (Sunset) is next up and features some background vocals and production from Party. Joe College is a clever fellow. The title of this track is lowkey a double entendre. It's a message for his mom that her son is set (Sun-Set, get it?). Maybe I'm thinking too far into it but the song is dope. It's a beautiful conversation between mother and son. It's interesting to look at parent child relationships from retrospect as we age and this is penned wonderfully.

Remember Day Sut? She got the feature on the next track Shame on Us. Wesley and Spike Lee strike again (Joe College and Party Michael). The addition of Long Branch native, Day Sut helps make this some real life mood music. Pay this in the whip with your shorty windows down on Ocean Ave on a warm day. Speaking of music for the whip, In My Jeep is the only track solely produced by Qdottdavis. After listening to this I must say Q is one of the most slept on producers in Jersey. The problem with a lot of artists is they don't know who they are and follow whatever trendy sound is the new thing. Q has their identity figured out. The CivXSav Music clan is one of the most complete in that aspect.

All put two tracks had features on them but none of them were from another rapper. All of them were R&B singers. The blend of R&B and Hip Hop on a whole project make for a great mesh. We are seeing College mature sonically and in wordplay. Without Me is so mature. Sure he brags but what rapper doesn't. The track is about a breakup that didn't end in toxicity but because the timing was off. Who in their mid-20s has that figured out (and also raps)? Just saying. Although this wasn't meant to be listened in any particular order the sequencing was still pretty good. It almost sounds like a beginning middle and end as far as as story goes. College and Qwik took off for the City of Angels so this is gonna have to hold us til they make it back home. Godspeed. You can grab Pay the Man anywhere you stream your music but I've made it easy and embedded it below. Press play.

Listen: Distraction (Kehlani Cover) - @Day__Sut (prod. by @partyxmichael)

I always love getting the early scoop on new music and artists. With that being said new on the WTM Radar is Day Sut.

If you haven't heard of her she was featured on Joe College's Shame on Us from his most recent offering, Pay the Man. More on that next week but Day Sut also got a production assist from Party Michael for this cover of Kehlani's hit, Distraction. Since I've had this in my headphones for a few weeks now I've had ample time to listen. She's dope and I enjoy that the production and engineering help give this song some character. It isn't done traditionally as the studio version of the song. She really makes the song her own, and I like that. Now that it's mixed and mastered it sounds wonderful. At times, Day Sut should have taken some more chances vocally, because she's definitely capable. Having more control of her breathing is something that could help improve her sound moving forward. All in all this sounds better than a rookie effort. The only direction is up from here for the Dallas native. Check out the Distraction Cover from Day Sut and keep an eye on her around these parts.

Watch: Right Back - @lowcollege (prod. by @partyxmichael) shot by: @officialbaejing

Let's take a stroll down Myrtle Ave, Turn left past Alpha's, down the ave to the waterfront where Ocean Grove meets Downtown Asbury.

Joe College is back! In my A-Side B-Side Interview with the Neptune emcee he told me the crew was back to work following his most recent project, Civ X Sav Forever that dropped earlier in the year. I guess the title to this single sounds accurate. Right Back produced by Party Michael continues the same signature slick talk flow that we're used to hearing from College. If you follow they've been enjoying the summer all over the east coast between parties and shows. Word on the street is he got a collab joint coming out with HD Picasso whom we heard on Like That from his aforementioned album. More on that later. For now, check out the latest from the Rugged But Smooth spitter, Joe College.

Watch: Heart Drop - @Lowcollege Prod. by @qdottdavis (Shot by @dmffilms)

Dom P and Vueve Cliquot at the dinner table. It's the CivXSav way.

Joe College's Civ X Sav Forever is probably the biggest releases in Jersey this year. He told me it would be in our A-Side B-Side interview. Since it dropped so early in the year. How do you keep the foot on the pedal? Easy. Drop a video. Heart Drop is the first song from the project to get a visual treatment. As expected CivXSav's in house producer, qdotdavis lays down the tunes for College to float on. What y'all may not know about me is I'm a trained wine sommelier. To keep it funky, a fish fry and champagne is a damn good wine pairing I'm just saying. I gotta figure out how to get an invite to the next shoot if they keep cooking like this. Check out the video below.

A-Side B-Side Episode 005: @RodGSHH of @GStateHipHop Interview

Rodney Coursey of Garden State Hip Hop dropped in on this week's edition of A-Side B-Side.

Before the interview we have a small recap and backstage interviews with Joe College, Qdotdavis, &Drew, and Party Michael  during their sold out Joe College & Friends show organized by today's guest. We talked about breaking down barriers in the local music scene, the evolution of the genre, and more. Press play below.

Nine Jersey Musicians You Need to Know in 2018

We're a little more than a month into the year. I know how you guys get with lists. If you feel you or an artist you know should have made the list, prove me wrong this year. Or just @ me on twitter I can take the heat. Some of the acts on this list are really well kept secrets. The others, you already know about. Either way these guys and gals are due for a huge 2018.

Ty Jackson - The New Jeru Native has been quiet as of late. In fact Ty hasn't dropped a project since 2016 with his collab with SoULFULL on Boulevard Blues. I know first hand he's been working. When I covered Motion a month back I mentioned another unreleased track that should stir some pots. Coffee in the Morning is the name and I'm sure it'll be coupled with some more heat. Just wait for it.

Joe College - You're not living under a rock right? CivXSav Forever dropped and the reception has been bananas. The whole crew is clicking on all cylinders right now! In fact he sold out House of Independents in Asbury last week. You read correctly, SOLD OUT! No easy task to fill up a 500+ venue for an independent Jersey act of any genre. We got to talk to Rodney from Garden State Hip Hop in tomorrow's podcast episode about the event. I even chopped it up with College the day of the album release. Check that out here.

David Michael Jonze - Dave Made Time. No really, that's even the name of his forthcoming project. Let's just say a birdie gives me the inside scoop. Dude is probably one of the most hardworking cats out here and hasn't ever rapped over a song he didn't personally produce. Take a second to grasp that. I just caught his performance at The Showcase Tour and he has a new single, Shea Butter on the way. You'll have to wait til later on this season of the podcast for that rest. Just know, the wait will definitely be worth it.

Shaqeyah- Unfortunately I've only gotten to cover the South Jersey songstress just once. What I do know about her is she's a hell of a talent. Solar System produced by Kenif Muse dropped in November. Enough of a gap that you could probably expect more material soon. If you're a fan of these new eerie subgenres of R&B I think you'll like her. I intend of covering her stuff more and maybe even getting her down to the lab soon. She just dropped a new track, Classic Love last week. Check it out below.


Macc McCray - Thanks for Nothing is out! I'm really intrigued by Macc's music. There's some buzz surrounding the West Orange artist. He's probably produced some stuff for artists you like too. Dude has a plethora of vibes and sounds he can catch you with from hip hop to R&B. Between this album and whatever else he cooks up, Macc McCray will have a breakout year.

MostDope - Simply put, I think he's next up out of the 732. Thus far in his discography, MostDope hasn't missed. P.O.M.E., Feb 14th, and Pressure have all be easy on the ears. I'd be silly not to include him on this list. He's one or two moves away from going next level, and the same goes for the rest of the A1 crew. Quote me if you like.

Khalil Jibran - Remember what I said a few months back: "Khalil Jibran is by far in my opinion the
best live performing emcee in Jersey right now." Time went on and I still stand by it. His energy is crazy. If you go to a show and see him on the bill there is no way you fools can keep your arms folded. Some talent just can't be denied. F*ck 12 has won awards, and he's started his own record label. Keep a lookout on A-Side B-Side for our interview with the Newark upstart.

Party Michael - Badside off NVR WRY is one of the best kept secrets of 2017. I even put it in the Sub-R&B playlist. I had the luxury of interviewing him on Non Fiction Radio and doing a live review on FB and Twitter live with him at The Lab at WTM. Let me say this. Party is brilliant. As a producer he is above average. As a vocalist I'll let you make your own opinion especially considering he knows mine. Oh did I mention he did features on Macc McCray & Joe College's projects. He also opened up the Joe College and Friends Sold Out show. How do you get so much done without dropping any music of his own this year? I feel it coming, 2018 is going to be special for Party, just watch.

Samad Savage - Things have been fairly quiet for the Montclair emcee recently. Enough to make me ask, Where's Samad Savage? Quiet as it's kept I imagine he's in the studio working or already done with a project. Last time I caught him was opening last summer at Starland for PNB Rock and being interviewed on the show right after Pass the Aux this summer at Nonfiction Radio. His soundcloud boasts a couple remixes and covers as well as OMG a few months back. Must mean a project is on the way. It is only February right?

Listen: Around the Way (EP) - @RickyJReyes

It's not even lowkey anymore. Deleware has some dope artists. Ricky J. Reyes is one of them. Last week he dropped his Around the Way EP. Only three tracks so this one is an easy listen and a perfect way to kick off the year.

It opens up with Plenty Ways. This is how you open up a project. This beat is too wavy. Ride down the Deleware turnpike on a summer day with a J. After that he follows up with Everything. This track has that boom bap classic hip-hop feel. Ricky wants what sounds like the American Dream with some extra. Think Simba: "I Just Can't Wait to be King," but rap. The project closes out with a Joe College assist on AWNL, meaning All Work Never Lazy. The two of them trade braggadocios verses separating themselves from the lazy common folk. This project was a great listen. For someone who hadn't heard of Reyes to this point, this would be an awesome introduction. Get hip, I need y'all to feel this. Around the Way after the break.

A-Side B-Side Episode 004: @LowCollege Interview

In Episode 4 of A-Side B-Side, Ramsey sits down with Joe College.

We talked about the state of hip hop today, staying organic, and how confidence helped him tap into his full potential. We even took it back to the early beginnings of his discography, his self-titled mixtape all the way to his new offering, CivXSav Forever. This Friday he's headlining House of Independents in Asbury Park. A collaboration between Garden State Hip Hop & CivXSav present: A Night For Forever. Everything you need to know is in this podcast. Stop Complaining. All you need to do is press play below.



P.S. Audiomack followed & verified us yesterday. We're kind of a big deal. They know what's up, why don't you? Get with the program and follow us too.

Listen: 4 Piece - @LowCollege (prod by @QdottDavis @AAWAESTHETICS & @partyxmichael)

4 Piece? Try four point play.

Album sooner than soon too

— Joe college (@Lowcollege) November 18, 2017

I really gotta learn how to work corporate and stay up past 2AM. According to PartyMichael that's when the magic happens as he's invited me to the studio more than a few times. After our live review a couple months back he stayed in the lab with me and played me a few new beats he was working on. Then he revealed Fan wasn't the only thing he had cooked up with Joe College.

A couple days ago he dropped a four track EP in preparation for the forthcoming album, CivXSav Forever. College hasn't really been one for projects in the past as this is the first since Rugged but Smooth a few years back. I'm not going to go in depth about this EP you can listen below for yourself. College keeps it in house per usual with production from &Drew and Qdotdavis respectively. Party lends a hand in a couple of joints as well. I think we can expect the same for the full length. As for a full review, you'll have to wait for the album just like me. Something tells me their formula is complete and after this it'll cost a pretty penny to catch College. 4 Piece after the break.