#ASideBSidePodcast Episode 305 - @MarcusAriah's Mask Up Vol. 3 Review (by @RamseySaidWHAT

Episode 305 of A Side B Side is our official review of Marcus Ariah's Mask Up Vol. 3.

The EP dropped in the late summer and explores new themes like fatherhood and the transitory time that challenge brings. Cheers to the new generation! Ramsey breaks down the album track by track with extreme detail from an unreleased interview between him and the Newark emcee. Consider this the goods that'd be in the album booklet of your favorite artist's CD from back in the day.

DISCLAIMER: To ensure a perfect listening experience you should listen to Mask Up Vol. 3 on your favorite place to stream and purchase music. This review pauses between records and should be listened to straight through.

Click this link to listen to A Side B Side (and the playlists) everywhere you listen to podcasts!

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#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: Chirp - @marcusariah feat. @myoohmai

Marcus Ariah is back with that new fire. This one's called Chirp off his latest EP, Mask Up Vol. 1.

This visual took me back to 2004. While everyone else had Razors, Blackberry's, and Sidekicks, I had the chirp. Not that Boost Mobile joint you had to put minutes on. I had the Nextel plan. Humble times though, my phone had a color LED screen and could surf myspace but no camera to take photos on. Marcus goes back and forth with his lady, Myoohmai in scenes across Brick City. The phones and sound effects were a nice touch on this track. I need you to feel this. Check out Chirp after the break.

A Side B Side Podcast Episode 25: @MarcusAriah Interview

Episode 25 of the A-Side B-Side Podcast features an exclusive sit down interview with Marcus Ariah.

The Newark Native just dropped his newest project, SilkySZN. RamseySaidWHAT and Marcus break down the album in addition to family, New Jersey, his last project Making a Man, and some other things he has lined up in the new year.

This is the last interview of this season of the podcast. We'll be back in 2020 so as always binge us everywhere podcasts are available or go to WhatsTheMovement.net to find us. Thanks for rocking out with us this long, and we'll be back really soon.

I Need You To Feel This.

Album Review: SilkySZN - @MarcusAriah (words by @RamseySaidWHAT)

I've never been this out of shape in my life. Last time I was home, I caught my father trying on blazers in my old closet. I obviously asked him what he was doing. Since he retired he has more time to workout and lost about 30 pounds in the last year. He smiled and replied "I've never been able to wear slim fit and we about the same size now huh?" At that point I immediately knew it was time to get back to it.

These days my gym sessions have been to one project and you might have guessed by now which one. SilkySZN by Marcus Ariah is finally out. We got into detail during out interview on A-Side B-Side Podcast. Look out for that coming next week but for now, let's get to this album.

Get in the car before you press play. This album was made for it. When I talked to the Brick City spitter, he explained that the vibe they were going for was a long conversation in the whip with the squad. We'll get into that later. The first voice you hear is DJ 1up. He sets the tone and to be honest is a fire hype man as the beat fades in. Stars of the Roof kicks things off on a high note. If you're in the car you're speeding, if you're at the gym you're definitely going to go harder. That's just what this song does. Just like his last LP, Making A Man, we can expect his signature mix of bangers, vulnerability, soul, and street vibes.

I may have over thought it but track two, Feminine teeter-totters the line between the sexes and being sensitivity. Men aren't supposed to operate the same. That's what society says right? The best part is the response from the ladies in the skit at the end. I have no words you just have to listen yourself. To keep the ladies off his back he follows this song up with Find Peace. Melodically, Marcus is in his bag here. I like the mix too. It begins with a dope a capella harmony and the beat comes in. Find Peace is kind of a love song. He explains his experience in his relationship and how he wants to move proper because of the gem his girl is. This is incredibly vulnerable. It's important that he sang it himself rather than put a singer on the hook. Some messages just come better from the source.

Outstanding with Smoove Papito follows up. I really admire how many bars Marcus gets out before having to breathe. The flow is effortless and he still delivers a melody rather than a more monotonous tone. The same could be said for Smoove Papito. No hook and a fire feature. I have to hear this at a function soon. The backseat skit after the track really makes sense when it comes to the album. The Goodfellas crew talk about how versatile of an artist he is and how many different types of songs he makes in one body of work. They're right, there really is something for everybody.

Let's move forward a couple of tracks to the most important track of this album, Ghetto Love Song. It's a story we've heard before but not quite like this. This is the Paid in Full analogy. A lot of bars with no hook is the best kind of rap there is in my opinion.

"Man I get tired of hearing everyone passing

I love the hood but this ain't everlasting

I love the hood but this sh*t hate when you captain

I know I'm good but this aint for the caption

And if I leave the game ace would they still love me

F*ck it I'll just relax

I wish Mitch had that mentality faster"

This is the best pocket of the album. I really enjoyed Growing Pains which features Elcyna. The sample of Find Time by SWV is slick. Marcus is really introspective when it comes to relationships and the women in his life. This song he talks about his girl, his mother, and even their mutually relationship. Rap and R&B were born to be together. This is a song I could have imagined to hear on 98.7 Kiss FM growing up. It's nice to hear Elcyna back in the fold. I hope we get more from her soon but this will hold me over.

One Car is probably the culmination of the entire album. If you listened to this one by itself (you're not going to do this) you'd have the synopsis of the album. Idontquit is another song that had me going extra hard in the gym and on the track recently. With the exception of Popout; Rndd, Confessions and even the lead single Goat Talk it's more depth and introduction to Marcus as a man and as an artist. It's a great way to close out an album.

I was once critical about how some of his songs repeat similar melodies as each other. That's not as much a bad thing as I previously thought. It's not that the hook and verses sound the same as each other. Most songs don't have a hook so it's not a annoying catchy feeling while listening. You can listen to the real shit while having a bop to dance to. It's the perfect blend of lyrics and entertainment. What can I say, he bathes in milk and dresses in silk. Get SilkySZN everywhere you listen to music. You can also listen to the album below via Apple Music. Look out for our interview coming very soon.

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.

Listen: Goat Talk - @MarcusAriah

"I got a question for you n*ggas. 

Is it Growth or is it Change? 

A lot of n*ggas worry bout, whatever n*ggas talk about

So they gon' be the ones who always gon' remain the same" 

It's ironic because the first I heard Marcus Ariah was his first two projects, Growth & Changes. Fast forward to now, the Newark emcee just dropped a new single, Goat Talk following POPOUT and Big Baaa. He's been steady with the new content throughout all three quarters this year. Word on the street is he's been mixing it up with Joe College in the studio too.

Niggas don’t even kno me & @Lowcollege in the studio rn

— Lion of God (@MarcusAriah) July 28, 2019

I'm always a fan of songs without hooks. The beat is minimalist compared to the rest of the singles he's dropped this year. He vented and reflected on self, Jersey, family, and more. This is one you have to listen and run back over and over to not miss anything. Listen til the end he really starts talking his sh*t. Press play.

WTM's Nine Jersey Acts to watch in 2019

Nine Acts, All musicians from New Jersey that are about to blow. You need to keep up with them now. This list isn't in any specific order. It's genre bending and frankly these are the people making noise that go unnoticed. Eyes and ears open ladies and gentlemen

By way of Jackson and Freehold, Drew the Recluse is a budding name in music around the Jersey Shore. These days you'll catch him playing The Saint, House of Independents, and the Stone Pony. You can also catch him at the Asbury Park Music Foundation working with the kids. The Singer-Emcee is one of the more talented guys from around the way incorporating multiple styles of music expression from Rap to Pop and Blues to Metal. If you ever get the chance go see him, Miles Nxbxdy, and the rest of Black Suburbia live. He's a true showman and I'm not sure I know anyone who loves the culture more. He's even been booking shows for a plethora of artists around the way. Look out for his project dropping soon but listen to his single, Drive below.



Sadé Emoni is a vocal powerhouse. In 30 years I'd put her up with all the R&B divas you know and love. I'm talking Patti, Beyoncé, Aretha, and Chaka. Difference is with that powerful of a R&B voice she mixes in her own modern sound. You can tell when a vocalist grew up in church. Without ever asking I'm sure that's where it all started. She was even on American Idol Season 10. The Jersey City by way of Woodbridge songstress is next up. Doin' the Most is her latest single, I'm sure a project may be on the way shortly after.

Circle of Life LP is one of those projects I think will be timeless. Jon Crawford is such a storyteller and Circle of Life is such a story. It's going to be interesting to see what comes after the coming of age tale of college, parenthood, and family. The follow up is coming very very soon, and so is my sit down interview with the Camden emcee. Look out for that, I think it's going to be special.

I call Mista Encore one of the hardest working artists in Jersey for a reason. The Long Branch artist has been bubbling not just in the area but nationally as he's appeared on Shade 45's Sway in the Morning. Earlier this year he dropped his latest EP, The Cleanse but it's what he's been doing on a day to day that's really caught my eye, or ears for that matter. The rapper-producer has been been doing a daily beat challenge this year releasing a new beat every day of the year. That's what I call a grind and I'm not gonna hold you, the tracks are too hard. Even the one co-produced by his toddler daughter is fire. To keep up with the beat challenge, follow him on instagram here!

Here's an act new on WTM radar. This past fall I caught Quincy Mumford playing at Blackbird Presents during Asbury Underground. The lead singer of The Reason Why is an Asbury Park native and is a true representation of the word, crossover. His blend of funk, and jazz meets hip-hop and R&B. He's a multi-instrumentalist and labels D'Angelo and Al Green as his greatest influencers. We certainly can hear it in his music. Check out a single he dropped last month, Cruisin'.

It's been a bit since we've heard from Cin. The last I've written about her was her debut tape, Just Til I Make it back in 2016. She did drop a tape last summer titled 7/10. To this day I still she made the hardest Jersey anthem with Straight Outta Jersey respectively. Cin has the most upside of every artist on this list. Her island roots give her a chance to dabble in the Caribbean inspired sound that is trendy today without it sounding corny. We all know when it's natural. She has a great singing voice so she doesn't have to ask for many assists for hooks. At the same time she's a better emcee than most of the boys too. 2019 can be the year she breaks. Check out her last project, 7/10 on Apple Music.

Mike Sav at FEELS LIKE R&B (shot by David Alexander for We Are Jersey)

Above Art Studios, House of Independents (twice), The Brooklyn Bowl. Those are a few establishments that have been shut down courtesy Mike Sav and that's just 3 months into 2019. He's been working with cover band Remember Jones, Shiitbagg, and a bunch of artists in the shore but his versatility will be the reason he doesn't stay in the shore. Mike is a talented singer as well as a gritty emcee with an ear for production. He's probably the most seasoned artist who isn't afraid to change and adapt. Pay close attention, he's up to something.

Making a Man is going to need a follow up. Marcus Ariah has one of the most mobilized fan bases behind him and he's bringing heat. We've already got a new single with, Big Baaa. The Newark emcee has collaborated with Casanova, Shotgun Suge and more. He's ready and hungry. He describes himself as an artist that can reminisce a 90's flow and switch up to a modern sound. I say it all the time, Ariah is a expert songwriter. It comes easy.

Let me tell you something. If you like to see a show, OFFTOPKILLS will give you one. You're slippin' if you don't ever get the chance to catch them live. Parker Caexar, Ice Cream Eric, Gnarly Nonsense, and Matty Green make up the high energy rap group reppin' Monmouth County. Musically you can do a lot with them. Headbanging and Moshing meets boom-bap and trap. They're pretty versatile and frankly they can all spit. I've only got to catch these guys live twice and I hosted one of the shows. Seeing them from the front row and backstage has given me perspective. I think they hold their fate in their own hands. They're only one or two chess moves from doing something really special. Recently the members have all been dropping their own music but here's Lost Boys from the collective.

A-Side B-Side Podcast: Episode 014 - Cool Points & The Age Complex

In a little more than 15 minutes Ramsey tells a story of the H.E.R. concert he went to at Brooklyn Steel.

He then dissects how music spans across the generations and talks about Kat's father's age complex as well as attacking his own head on.

The Music in this episode is Big Baaa by Marcus Ariah.

Kat and Fred also give us a heads up on WTM upcoming event, "Feels Like R&B" happening February 9th at Above Art Studios in New Brunswick. Advance tickets are selling out quick. You don't want to miss this. Buy your tickets here at www.FeelsLikeRNBWTM.splashthat.com.

Watch: Big Baaa - @MarcusAriah

It's throwback thursday right? That's my excuse for being late but y'all don't have to be. I'm just going to say this: I'm trying to have a cameo in the next Marcus Ariah video because this one is too tough.

just watched the "big baaa" video for the third time and I’m still over here like "wowww..this dude @MarcusAriah really got real live goats in his shit" a fire song with a fire visual is always appreciated pic.twitter.com/fGx5H427ix

— scotty mescudi pimpin (@triple_ogigi) November 19, 2018

Marcus brought out all the bells and whistles for his new single Big Baaa. This is the first offering from the Newark native since his last project Making a Man.Once upon a time I said songwriting comes easy for Ariah. This holds true after listening to this song. Leer Jets, palm trees, and warmer weather lace the setting in this video. A bad jawn sold separately. Check out the Big Baaa video after the break.

Watch: Be Safe Tho - @MarcusAriah feat. @CASANOVA_2X

It's Throwback Thursday! Let's not take it back too far. Let's just go back to March when Making A Man by Marcus Ariah dropped.


I eluded and enjoyed the skits and interludes on the project, especially the one before Be Safe Tho. The original featured Steele Sev but this time the remix enlists the talents of Casanova. It's ironic because that's also the title to the Brooklyn emcee's debut project that dropped this year as well. I said it before I'll say it again. Ariah can flat out make music. The hook is fire, the verses preach truth. Not for nothing, the lyric video is flames too. This the type of song they should play at the end of a party at the club instead of Whitney Houston. Check it out below and from now on when you leaving me when you be out, "Be Safe Tho."

Editorial Review: Making A Man - @MarcusAriah

Not going to waste time on a lengthy intro let's just get to it. We already know how Marcus Ariah's story starts with Black Man, Walk featuring Neiel Israel. I briefly explained how it starts with a monologue from the Newark emcee. This is only the beginning because he does it throughout and it sets the tone for many of the songs in this project. The Neiel Israel spoken word, When A Black Man Walks serves as a hook instead of music. Although this life as a black man is met with resistance this track is kind of inspiring to go on. I think I'll listen to this personally for the rest of my life and that's real.

Sunoco paints more of a picture of his immediate reality, the setting of this story in a way. If you aren't from Essex County or know nothing of it I think this track will clarify. No hook here either. I tell people all the time that rap songs without hooks are the best. It's all bars and they don't work to put a catchy tune in your head just to sell it. These songs tend to be the most personal. Listen to this until the end.

Track three is Calm Down. It's the first time we got a hook and even it's personal. The grand piano and kick snare production is surperb. It adds an 808 but just to accompany the kick and bassline. It's minimalist but by far my favorite produced track on Making A Man. Calm Down is where Marcus Ariah even takes on some singing into his own hands. He has a nice voice and sings better than most emcees do. The verses breaks down the relationship on why he works so hard for his mother, sister, and his girl. As someone who hasn't personally met Marcus yet, I think this song is a good introduction to his character.

It's not all deep stuff, the project is a fun listen. Sheisty comes next and for sure turns up. It's funny how you could take the a capella to Sheisty and put it on any other beat on this project and you'll think the subject matter is as essential to the full scheme. It is, but what's crazy is this beat is definitely for the function. It's too tough.

"Where we from it's a lot of cities with a lot of struggles. A lot of poverty, violence and we become a product. So whenever I go out to a nice neighborhood and leave a conversation saying 'stay safe' they look at me like I got four eyes. That's normal out here cuz we mean that sh*t. Anything can happen out here."

Be Safe Tho has one of the only two features on the project. Steel Sev joins Marcus with the message in the aforementioned narration. All I Ever Had follows up and reiterates the point. I think any kid from the hood could relate. Shoot I think any kid that's ever been broke can, that includes you college kids stretching a $20 for a month. Reload has the other feature on Making A Man. Battle Rap legend Shotgun Suge comes in with the assist. The Newark duo float on this beat. People are sometimes hesitant listening to battle spitters on actual music and I think it's time to dead that rhetoric. This is pregame music. Play this one in the whip or on some speakers. It's too good for headphones. I feel the same way about Famous two spins later.



The last stretch of this project is climactic. If you didn't think it could get even deeper he does. Musically it's so grandioso, but lyrically it's so immersed in personality. Big Man, Little Man is a message from father to son and vice versa. Although their relationship is strained Marcus explains how it's helped him grow. Perhaps he hadn't always been there for him and his family he's explaining how he's mature enough to understand his father's perspective. Ladies In My Life is the same concept but directed towards his mother, sister and lover. I could break it down further but I'd rather it be heard from Marcus himself. You really need to listen to this track. The title track is on the B-Side of Pioneers and I wish it were separate because of how dope it was. Either way must listen and a great introspective culmination of the album.

Although I haven't written about Marcus that much I can tell you this: After listening to Making A Man, Marcus Ariah can flat out make good music. He describes this project as a mix of bangers, vulnerability, soul, street, and good vibes. After listening I think that's spot on. The project takes us so in depth in his own personal life as well as entertains the various music listeners. What makes this project especially interesting is you get so much from it. Turn up kids and old surly purists can play a couple songs made just for them. This project sounds like a curated playlist on Apple and it's all from one artist. That's how well the transitions are. Between songs Marcus takes us on his personal journey through manhood by use of these monologues. I think it's a nice touch and adds character to the concept. I enjoy it so much so that I think he should take all of the monologues separately and drop it as an audiobook. I apologize if I gave you more work to do but WHEN it monetizes no sweat I don't need anything haha. If I have any qualm with the project it's that a couple of the songs are presented the same. It's not the same emotional depth in lyric but musically sometimes the song structure does the same thing. What I mean by this is some songs feature a verse, hook, and bridge that have the same melody. The cadence on Calm Down, Sheisty, and Famous are repetitive throughout. I need listeners to realize tackling an LP as an unsigned act is not easy. I have the utmost respect for an artist who can who can pull off listening to the same person's voice for over a half hour. Marcus Ariah does it and does with flair. Song structure comes effortlessly for Marcus. The highs outweigh the lows and there aren't many. Marcus's upside is crazy and his beat selection is even better. Making A Man is fire, no skips. Like I said earlier it's out everywhere. Just for you, I embedded it below. I need yall to feel this.

Listen: Black Man, Walk by @MarcusAriah feat. @neielisrael

I've often wondered to myself why I haven't covered the Brick City emcee on the site yet. Marcus Ariah has the buzz and talent and I was late to the party.

Although I haven't covered him yet I was first introduced to him via his 2014 project, Growth. I remember Mac from JÄNDŌ shot me his Omari T. produced track, Driftin. Let's fast forward. Making A Man is out and kicks off with Black Man, Walk. He begins with a monologue of what it means to be a black man and more specifically his personal experience. It continues with a Neiel Isreal spoken word. Marcus jumps on the second the percussion starts and you can hear the passion behind his voice. I can try to put in into words or I can just let you listen yourself. The full review of the project drops next week. Keep a lookout for now but for now, Black Man Walk below.