If you weren’t sold on the samurai metaphor, the compilation tape also has some label affiliated star power behind it. Legendary producer The Alchemist, and MC’s like B-Real, Joelle Ortiz, and Murs all contribute amongst many others.
Bushido opens with The Alchemist produced track “Iron Steel Samurai” and the listener will quickly be able to surmise that MMG is comfortable making music that runs against the grain of radio rap. The scorching guitar that runs through the whole track is so blaring and crunchy that you can hardly pick out the drums in the mix. This non-traditional approach to beat crafting allows rapper Quelle Chris to work in a flow that is off-kilter and unpredictable but always controlled and articulate.
If you’re looking for something a little more party-friendly, the third track “One of the Last” will fit the bill. It was my favorite song on my first listen through the project, and it’s probably still in my top 5 but new details strike me and different songs grow on me with each subsequent listen.
One such song that has grown on me with every re-listen is the Posse cut “Black Rock.” The beat is minimal and spacey but has enough bounce in it that it’s hard to not rock your head. Then Joell Ortiz, Namir Blade, Stalley, and Solemn Brigham take turns riding the instrumental with speedy and engaging flows. Solemn Brigham in particular delivers some deeply catchy melodies in his verse and puts the whole final leg of the song into high gear.
“Turnt Garveyite” with Murs is a thought-provoking cut. Murs and Georgia Anne Muldrow take turns going back and forth, delivering bars of rap and spoken word quotes. The celebrities quoted in the song hail from all different manners of pop culture, from Mace Windu and Mike Tyson to Marcus Garvey and Kendrick Lamar. The instrumental is also a winner for me, you can hear a lug nut drill mixed in with a bright, shrill lead line. I felt a little clipping vibes on this one, and if you’ve seen our review of their latest project you’ll know I mean that as a compliment.
The project closes with “Banners” an anthemic calling card that invites all who share MMG’s view on what hip hop is, to “raise their banners up.” As a classical music fanatic, I appreciate and admire how well the cello sample is recorded and how well it fits in with the beat as a whole.
Overall this is a really solid project, a very strong showing from the MMG roster. Very excited to see what the label and its artists have in store for the future.
