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.

Listen: T I M E (Remember the Time Cover) - @PartyxMichael

60 years and one day ago the King of Pop, Michael Jackson was born.

Yesterday in memory, Party Michael remixed a cover to one of my favorite joints from him, Remember the Time. I'm actually pretty surprised by this. Let me explain why. Party has a history with New Jack Swing as a genre. Instead of redoing the cover as written he gave it the Party treatment. It reminds me of the way The Weeknd did Dirty Diana on Echoes of Silence (Trilogy) some years back. It's unique. Make your own opinion. Listen to T I M E by Party Michael after the break.
 

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.

A-Side B-Side Podcast Episode 009: @partyxmichael Interview

Party Michael is probably one of the hardest working music industry cats in Jersey. Time and time again I talk about how he's produced or worked with all of my favorite acts (mainstream or otherwise).


I'm glad he made it in to talk to us about what he's up to these days. In this episode we talked about his new single, Letter. We also talked about how he got involved in music in the church, NVR WRY, playing for Tinashe on Good Morning America, and as much as I could get out of him about his forthcoming album. Press play and listen below.

Music in this episode is River Road by Jon Crawford.

A-Side B-Side Podcast Episode 008: Let's Talk Business

THIS PODCAST IS NOT ABOUT KANYE WEST.

THIS PODCAST IS NOT ABOUT KANYE WEST.

THIS PODCAST IS NOT ABOUT KANYE WEST.

Now that that's out of the way, season one of A-Side B-Side Podcast continues with Episode 8. In this show K-Razy and I break down the metrics of the major music streaming platforms, being truly independent, and the pros and cons of being signed. Did you know people still use Napster? I thought that died with Limewire but hey what do I know? On a lighter note we are trying to get an invite to Kyle's wedding and I share an old strip club story. Do yourself a favor and learn something. Press play below.

The music in this episode is Letter by Party Michael.

Listen: Letter - @partyxmichael

The newest Party Michael installment is coming. Letter is the first track he's offered since NVR WRY.

In fact this is the first track he's dropped all year. We've included him in Acts to Watch This Year for a reason. I think this is probably one of his best tracks to date. I really enjoy the music and synths that kind of solo and fade out at the end of the track. Here's what I know (and I'm actually allowed to share): Party has been busy on everyone else's stuff but you can't afford to forget about his own music coming. I do have more details on that but instead of writing it why don't you just wait until our A-Side B-Side Podcast interview coming very very soon. I'd rather you hear it out of his own mouth. In the meantime bump Letter after the break. I need you to feel this.

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: Thanks for Nothing - @MaccMcCray

Maybe about a month back I finally woke up and realized Macc McCray is responsible for a lot of songs I like, especially around these parts. Some of my favorites are Make Me Say by Kärma and the work he did on Reason by Hardaway.

A few weeks ago Macc released a project of his own, Thanks For Nothing. The project was a thousand flame emojis. Seriously, braggadocio flows meet a plethora of beats. Thanks is an excellent grand sounding way to kick things off. Some of my favorites include a couple of features from Kärma with You Already Know and Say Amen which features a dope live electric guitar solo towards the end. That production is especially great because it basically loops the Jersey City songstress's own vocals in a super original and unique way. No samples, all talent and plug in. The skits are well placed and include stuff like viral video clips, interviews, and more. I also enjoyed Don't Call My Phone with Party Michael. Respect is fire and honest to God so is the Jersey Club remix. To sum up the project I think Respect could tell you what to expect here. Trust me, in due time the respect will come Macc. Keep up at this rate and they won't have a choice but to respect it.

We’ve never formally met, why not for the record?

— Jonathan C. (@RamseySaidWHAT) January 18, 2018

Macc McCray is too talented as a spitter and producer alike. There's no reason you guys haven't listened to this yet. It's on every platform you can get music and it's embedded below. If you need another reason to listen maybe we can get him on A-Side B-Side before Season One is over. Until then, Thanks For Nothing below. I need you to feel this.

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.

Sub-R&B: The Fall Edition by @RamseySaidWHAT

It's my birthday be nice to me. I've decided to give a gift from me out.

If you haven't been under a rock I curated a playlist series entitled Sub-R&B. It encompasses and covers the sub genres and crossover music that I love to talk about (and shamelessly sing in the shower). The inaugural playlist dropped this summer and it's only right I released a Fall Edition. What better day than today?

Enough people asked so the Sub-R&B playlist is available on @Spotify: https://t.co/OtdSP7yTIo@AppleMusic: https://t.co/YGzq8lBNBs pic.twitter.com/wK3Ww8KHql

— Jonathan C. Ramsey (@RamseySaidWHAT) August 3, 2017

The leaves are changing colors. The sun goes down earlier. The soundtrack to your life should change too. This is the Fall 2017 Edition of your favorite playlist: Sub-R&B. We're still giving you the same crossover vibes with tracks from some new artists, some old favorites, and some people you may have never heard of.

Listen to this and play mental chess with that special someone. Don't risk saying anything stupid. Just keep eye contact and let the lyrics speak for you. See you again when the weather drops below freezing. When cuffing season is in full effect, you'll need new tunes. Until then...Sub R&B: The Fall 2017 Edition right here on What's The Movement. You can click the links for the playlists below or you can stream the playlist after the break.

Apple Music: goo.gl/hdegrB

Spotify: goo.gl/G6Xacp

Review: #NVRWRY - @Partyxmichael

If you were under a rock on Saturday I got you covered. We took a unorthodox method to review Party Michael's new project, NVR WRY.

Instead of the traditional written review we went live on Facebook and played the album. All the critique was said in between tracks and we were lucky enough to have Party himself in the building to explain the things we didn't understand. You need to like us on facebook for the next time we do this. If you missed it we got you covered. We did a live thread on twitter as well. You can peep that below. Enjoy.

@partyxmichael #NVRWRY Live Review in a thread and on FB LIVE TUNE IN! https://t.co/n5OulSkODX pic.twitter.com/eF5FSS5Nmo

— #WTM (@WatsTheMovement) September 24, 2017

Listen: Actress - @partyxmichael

I feel like being as braggadocios as the people I write about. I've had this song in my clutches for probably a month now.

After interviewing him on Pass The Aux, Party Michael gave me his new project NVR WRY. Of the 13 tracks, Actress is one of my favorite offerings. I think it's cool for every setting. Sit in your bed and close your eyes you could definitely picture a music video in your head. I enjoy songs that paint the picture this vivid. Play this one softly and let it be the soundtrack to your night. Oh, and lookout for the live review of the entire project. More details later, listen to Actress after the break.

Watch: Stay/Need It - @partyxmichael

Aside from AOTY this is the first article back since the hiatus. I'm not going to talk about WTM but I'd rather just give you a double shot of who's review I'm releasing tomorrow.

Today's sample is PartyMichael. The follow up to Gone so Far, TrapSwing CXII is a few months old now but probably new to you guys. The Long Branch native have made a bit of a name for himself and got to collab with some really awesome folks in his time. He also has seen a bit of success on the iTunes charts. More on that later. Below is the official video for Stay. There's scenes from Seaside Heights and what happens after the sun goes down. At the 1:07 mark you might see someone familiar.

Also below is the first track I heard off TrapSwing CXII, Need It. Straight fire. Samples my favorite song of all time, Poison by Bell Biv Devoe. The drums and syths take over your headphones and you can't help but find yourself dancing. Before the summer every DJ will have this in their rotation I promise. Press play.