D12

Global rating of the product:4.5 stars

Deshaun Holton aka Big Proof wrote Time A Tell, a whole hip hop album, within 24 hours, just a few months before being savagely murdered at the CCC club in Detroit. Despite fame and his huge popularity in Detroit City and all over the world, Proof knew how to keep down to earth.With his simplicity and his full dedication to hip hop, his hard work, Proof has become the mere symbol of artistic integrity. With this very complete piece of work, Proof hasn’t left his auditors orphans: he is sharing his wonderful musical genius with his hometown and the rest of the world.

Each time I am tempted to give up on my passion, I look up to Proof. Then I know I have to keep doing my thing with the same flame, because we have to invest in our God-given gifts and allow the world to enjoy them as well.

Time A Tell is rich of many musical collaborations. We need to underline the participation of some skilled Detroit talents like Killa Kaunn, First Borne, Supa Emcee of Iron Fist, J-Hill, Mudd and Thyme of 5 ELA, Moe Dirdee and TY Farris, just to name a few.

The album is rhythmic, inventive with its numerous musical compositions, rich of atitute punchlines. Proof’s raspy voice stands out in the whole album. The Detroit legend is giving you some insight about the Detroit scene.

After a theatrical intro, you will be introduced into a touchy subject, Friends Ain’t Really Friends. The musical background has a rhythmic jazzy-soul touch. The listener will be reminded of Tupac and Biggie’s stories. Fakeness gets exposed in a genuine Proof lyrical rapping style. Thumbs up!

You Heard Of Us featuring Killa Kaunn and First Born is a swinging, offensive track in which the emcees’ skills are fully enlightened. The track gets grimy andd murderous. Enjoy the Detroit style!

Whole New Beginning features the brilliant Supa Emcee. The song is quite nostalgic. Words do matter in this one too.

Priceless combines trumpet and siren background sounds. Feel the dangerosity of hood life. I love the icy cold steel spirit put into his song.

I Think Of You is built on a soft musical background. There, Proof really excels in verbal fluency.

Most of you aready know Sincerly Proof, a track that had been leaked on the internet a short time after Proof passed away.

Pill Pop is written in a sarcastic style. I love the lyrics, Proof’s sense of humor.

Among the songs I really liked, I recommend you the Time A Tell track.
It is beautifully made and reeinforces the Detroit emcee’s know how. That’s how they do it…and they are really good at it!You go, Purple Gang.

You like it lyrical? Go listen to Verbal Spar where you will enjoy Woof Pac’s verbal storm.

Nearly 4 years have gone by since Proof passed away. But his music is pretty much alive. Time will tell you about Proof’s legacy. The emcee is one of hip hop’s most valuable jewels.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

seems to be out…somebody posted a link on facebook…I want that album to be my next review at The Eminem Blog…stay tuned, folks:)

You will be able to listen to Big Proof’s album here.
The album is hotter than hot! Enjoy:)

Isabelle

Global rating of the product:3.75 stars

There’s a little bit of some Westcoast spirit in our Detroiters’ mind. Bizarre of D12 and the King Of Horrorcore King Gordy are inviting you for a chillout ride into their weed smoking universe. Whether you smoke it, inhale and exhale it, there is a relaxing mood in this video. Follow King Gordy and Bizarre on a very soft instrumental tune. just sit back and relax…because there is nothing better in life than a relaxed body and mind.

Let your sorrows and worries be, at the time being…close your eyes…then open them again, let a high Bizarre show you the clouds…

Vocally, Bizarre’s voice contrasts with the darker, grittier King Gordy voice. The soft melody guides you viewers to cloud 9…what a nice feeling of freedom. This song is truly the perfect Summer chillout hit. Fine girls are part of the feature too.

You will be able to find Bizarre’s new video on his official website.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

In memory of the wonderful artist and person Big Proof actually was, I am posting an exclusive photo taken with permission of DJ Butter of Crazy Noise Productions.

Many thanks to Barry ” Butter” Yett for this photo that recalls Deshaun Holton’s nice smile:)

Please don’t take this pic, as it is subject to copyright. PS:this is serious: you are exposing yourself to a lawsuit by the owner of the picture

I have been quite busy, but I haven’t forgotten that yesterday was RIP Big Proof’s third death anniversary. Sad anniversary, maybe, but also a celebration of all Big Proof stood for: his hometown, Detroit, Detroit underground hip hop and being true to oneself:)

So let’s not be sad, but rather celebrate the musical heritage Proof left us all:)

RIP Big Proof.

Isabelle

As Proof’s third death anniversary approaches, the CEO of NBG Records contacted me and sent me an unreleased track that I will have the pleasure to review for all of you before its public and official release date, on April the 11th, 2009.

NBG Records wanted to present an emotional tribute to D12’s Proof, not a sad one, though, but rather a celebration of Proof’s short presence on planet earth.

As the song opens on flute sounds that recall some ancient Asian melodies, the strong spirit of the NBG emcees will break the wall of hidden memories, unveil Proof’s lifeand character.

“I am the living definition of the visual proof”, that’s actually how one could define Deshaun Holton, one of Detroit’s finest syllables architect.

Deshaun Holton was a man who lived for hip hop and who managed to communicate his passion and pride for Detroit, his hometown.

God loves the D, He gave us Proof, He gave us Dilla, He gave us Blade: how many gifted fallen soldiers has Detroit lost during the last years?
NBG Records will pay tribute to their memories.

In their song, Proof’s personality and dedication come to shine. Gossipers and haters’ words are ruined by the evidence of the visual proof.

Whoever witnessed Big Proof in concert, heard him address to the crowd would barely doubt the emcee’s sincerity and dedication. Proof lived for hip hop-literally. He put music above all.

Therefore, we will not focus on the tragic circumstances of his death, but embrace NBG Records’ vision of a charismatic man who incarnated Detroit hip hop like no other.

Moreover, and more than any other Detroit rapper, Big Proof aimed at reassembling all Detroit emcees despite their differences and make them work together. He symbolized unity, love and dedication to the genuine art of hip hop.

NBG’s Living Proof song is like an open book, a celebration of a genuine artist’s life. Things did not end on April the 11th, 2006: it was just the beginning. Proof’s music is meant to stay forever, let’s celebrate its perennity.

Admire the instrumental composition, the emotional voices and the truth that is revealead through this very emotional song.

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Global rating of the product: 4.5 stars

Overshadowed by Eminem’s success, vaguely melted into the D12 group in many people’s minds, Swifty Mc Vay has probably been underestimated by many. But those who know his work in depth perfectly know that Swifty allies an impressing explosive lyrical craft with a powerful instrumental creativity.

On his official website, Swifty will reveal some of his tracks out of his Underestimated CD. If you listen to D12’s lyrical bomber, you sure are gonna remember him. Let’s explore Swifty’s brand new work.

Violin and piano sounds corroborate in 2 Late in a very symphonic way. Swifty exposes wankstas in a very merciless manner. Vengeance is his: observe how he tears fake emcees off lyrically.
Scared is an invite to follow men on the run. Its dark vocal tones, its lyrical slugs will slaughter D Twizzy’s opponents.
I Don’t Care features King Gordy. A harsh instrumental background is the key to Swifty’s nightmarish lyrical composition. He told you that he doesn’t care, so watch your backs. Nobody’s safe in front of the Detroit ghetto player haters.
You Ant Hard enlightens Swifty’s various instrumental compositions that unleash an incredible lyrical power too. It’s an explosion of words, metaphorically speaking it is like the artist’s pen got outta control. Swifty will smash your brains in consciously and mercilessly.

Blow Up is fulfilled with filthy details accompanied by some hot scratches sounds. Amazingly, the club song totally fits into the context, unlike many other club songs.

Crazy exposes loads of insane details. Swifty Mc Vay’s lyrical creativity and speedy flow delivery need to be underlined in any case.
Hood Legend is built on a dramatic chord and symphonic background.
The incredible rhymer Swifty is comes to shine in Diamonds. The rhythmic, musical background reveals tension and danger.
Life features King Gordy again. Toughness and softness alternate.

Don’t ignore the talented emcee, rather check his music here.

Copyright by ©Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Check out the hot tracks from Underestimated here. Hopefully I’ll be able to review them soon:)