Disclaimer: I rate each song from 1.0 – 5.0; each rating iz my own opinion! I only please myself wit my ratings! I don’t care how lyrical you are, as long as it’s jammin’ enough for me to like it! I look for beats, then vocals, and then lyrics. To determine my favorites, I will differ tha 4.0 ratings. If a song gets at least a 4.0 rating from me, I love it already. If at least a 4.6 rating, I pretty much really love it, as it’s considered mindblowin’ when I hear it! Any song can earn up to a maximum of a 5.0 rating. Anything I type before “ >>> ” iz what I’m sayin’ before I listen to tha song; anything after I type “ >>> ” iz what I think of tha song while I’m listening to it. If you sound like anything too mainstream for me or have auto-tune in your vocals, I’m not buyin’ it!
© 2008 CD Review (Review #80)
reviewed on 3.31.2008 by FrankieThaLuckyDog.
01.
"Intro"
DEFINITELY LOOKIN’ FORWARD TO THA INTRO!!!!! >>> I didn’t expect tha rappin’ on tha intro. I like tha "rappin’ in heaven" line. Tha "pen in my gat" line I hear. I see that that line was taken from tha "One Man Army" joint. I like that lil’ synth beat a lot. Real talk at tha end about tha "not sure if I’m gonna wake up tomorrow." Sometimes I don’t like rating intros, but here goes anything: My Rating: 3.9
Quick Reminder: Dee-1, I think you’re a REAL GREAT person. However, when it comes to reviewing something, I’m gonna try and be as personal as I can. I really would HATE to give anything of yours a "not high" rating, but I gotta try and be myself as much as I can. I’m gonna try and relate to any song as much as I can.
02. "Fly Boys"
Yeah you and Jimmy The DJ are DEFINITELY some "fly boys", lol. Yeah definitely really feelin’ Louisiana, especially tha music scene. I see this iz also produced by Flight School. Lemme hear another hot synth! High AL (anticipation level)! >>> Okay good beat (diggin’ it). Good hook. Yeah Dee-1, "mind on your money, your brain on tha ceiling" gotta feel like you’re on top! I see how you said "throw some d’s on it / throw some bad grades on." That line (especially wit tha "bad grades") was real. GOOD deep thinkin’! Sometimes I think I’m slowly losing interest in tha beat, but I still gotta give this joint tha thumbs up. My Rating: 4.0
03. "Topic: Why I Rap"
I predicted a really fast freestyle, but I definitely wanna hear this interlude. Gimme tha COMPLETE definition of "why you rap" Dee-1! >>> Yeah you have tha same thoughts as me: "I don’t want to create a fad" I DEFINITELY feel ya on that homie! Why do you think I’m coming out wit a dance/techno song called "Driver’s Test Anthem" (based on my driver’s test that I have on audio)? Because I’m lookin’ outside tha box, ya dig! And on tha rappin’ tip, why do you think I’m makin’ my 64 year old grandma rap? To do somethin’ that no one has done before. Shit, I’m actually almost done producing that, so alls I have to do iz mix her vocals wit tha beat, make a music video, and it gon be out there! Look out for it Dee-1 ’cause she gon shout you out! I see that "One Man Army" iz up next! My Rating: N/A
04. "One Man Army"
Yeah I definitely liked (or should I say "loved") tha lil’ video you did to this. I think a better way for me to review this mixtape iz by you rappin’ each of these jointz on Youtube. I might have higher ratings, but for now, I finna just review them str8 from tha mixtape on a first listen (excluding songs like this one that I’ve heard before). Lemme give it an official review this time: >>> Yeah it’s a positive beat, but it really reminds me of tha "Good Life" beat a lot. Once again, I really like tha "pen iz my gat" line. I like tha "like I’m spittin’ bars behind bars" line too. I guess this gon be a habit for Dee-1 songs as well: quote those TIGHT lines! But yeah, this iz gonna come str8 from me: I know I don’t go for these extremely lyrical songs wit an aight beat (sometimes), but for you, I’m gonna give you an Actual Song Rating, which iz gonna be what I think it should be rated for a song (mainly by lyrics and storytelling). I’m gonna keep my personal rating tho. So yeah, a lil’ difference in tha rules. I did this first wit Soulja Boy Tell’em to prove how bad his album "Souljaboytellem.com" was. Actual Song Rating: 4.9 | My Rating: 4.2
05. "Priceless Intro"
What’s this eleven seconds thing? >>> Oh a lil’ intro! I dig it. Now I have a high quality version of tha remix ’cause I originally ripped it from your Myspace. Tha remix iz featured on my "Favorite Rap and R&B Songs of March 2008" video. My Rating: N/A
06. "Priceless (Remix)" Feat. Zella & La La
Oh so NOW I see tha featured artists! I should’ve looked at this before I made tha video, but don’t worry, I will add them to tha tracklisting on tha video (but not in tha video ’cause I can’t re-edit a video once it’s made). I guess Flight School iz real cool wit you, as he (or they) have/has produced a bunch of jointz for you. And between this vs. tha original, tha original was HOT single material (wit tha lyrics), and this remix iz definitely HOT lyrical/song style material (wit tha lyrics). I’m REAL GLAD you turned it into this!! I can’t believe I gave tha original only a 3.5 rating on a first listen and said "I’m losing interest in this for some reason." Shit, good thing I PICKed this song (tha original) for January 2008 ’cause it BLEW UP wit me by gettin’ like 200 spins!! I knew on my 2nd listen that I REALLY wanted to play tha original after hearin’ tha "but tha look on they face…" line in tha hook. That REALLY caught my attention for some reason, and it became tha FIRST OFFICIAL Rap song I PICKed exclusively (as an "Unleashed Song") for tha beginning of tha month (which I started wit this song in January 2008). I can’t call it tha best underground Rap song of tha year (due to I have a bunch others that are competing as much as "Priceless"), but it’s DEFINITELY one of tha BEST underground Rap songs of 2008! That 3rd verse "I see, he don’t like me, she don’t like me…" and tha "I’m P-R-I-C, nah I ain’t gon spell it, I’m priceless" lines were REAL nice!! Actual Song Rating: 4.7 | My Current Rating: 4.8 (Current Rating this time ’cause I’ve been playing tha song)
07. "Faith" Feat. Frank
Featuring me huh? Lol… Nah I’m just playin’. Didn’t expect that, lol. Different people on tha beat so let’s see… >>> Okay Frank’s a singer. Not my type of start, but gonna make sure that Actual Song Rating gets nice and high! Beat iz okay/pretty good for me. Yeah "cover your whole room wit inspirational quotes" I feel ya Dee-1. I like tha "keep grindin’" part in tha hook. Gotta have that lil’ street mix in tha singin’. Yeah you brought up "Jackie Robinson" in tha 2nd verse. Yeah I been learnin’ about Jackie in my Sports in Society and Intro to Sport Management classes this semester. I’ll give this a real nice Actual Song Rating, but I’m not sure about my own rating. Actual Song Rating: 4.8 | My Rating: 3.6
08. "Just In Case"
Okay back to tha Flight School productions. What will this one turn out to be? >>> A better beat. Tha lil’ samplin’ throughout tha song reminds me of a Diplomats type of song. Yeah it iz sad that "where we’re from, being smart ain’t cool" I can understand this. I’m toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo smart for a lot of people, and they know it!! Okay I feel tha 1st verse a lot better than tha 2nd verse. Yeah I feel you on this line "when you still busy, you still take tha time out to do you" I have a non-stop busy-ness, but looka here, I’m doin’ this review for you, stayin’ up and not goin’ to sleep early for college tomorrow at 9:30 AM. Actual Song Rating: 4.1 | My Rating: 3.5
09. "Topic: Money"
Time to embrace myself for tha 58 seconds of Dee-1 talkin’ about "money". >>> I guess I can see what you’re saying. I love money, but I am nowhere near greedy for it. My Rating: N/A
10. "I Hate Money"
Okay, I guess this iz tha sequel to tha lil’ interlude then. I’m really interested in hearin’ what you gotta say about this topic! High AL! >>> I hear them "yeah"s in tha background again (like in "Priceless"). I like this beat more than most of tha beats on here. It reminds me of somethin’ strange in a good way. Really liked tha lyrics in tha 1st verse. Definitely feelin’ your lyrics a lot. And I didn’t wanna do this, but I can’t help it. It’s an "auto-drug" effect on me. A quick *INTERMISSION* (like 4 minutes). On Music Choice Dance, they have older songs they play once every (close to) 2 months at tha top of tha hour, every 2 hours. Tha one on right now, Dannii Minogue "Come And Get It", iz on right now, so I must listen to it, and importantly, look @ her hot pics on tha screen! Good thing for tha lil’ break ’cause I got a lil’ stuck in tha video game I’m playin’ right now (Super Mario RPG for Super Nintendo), and I didn’t want tha lil’ "gettin’ stuck"ness makin’ me change my view for this song’s opinion. Anyway, time to get back into tha song! … Yeah definitely interesting song! Love when artists/songs are outside tha box! Actual Song Rating: 4.7 | My Rating: 4.3
11. "The Man That Never Smiles"
This one should be another interesting one. Iz it gonna make me feel sad? I dunno. Wanna hear it tho! >>> I feel it, and have lots of interest, even tho it sounds like a New York / Ghostface Killah type of flowin’ speed type of song. Yeah Dee-1, I felt what you were sayin’ in tha beginnin’ of this song. Just think… 10 dayz until… well you figure it out *wink*. But you might not expect somethin’ special… Just wait tha 10 dayz, and you’ll find out. Anyway, yeah, I’m SO dedicated to people. I wish people were just as dedicated to me too (I’m talkin’ ’bout friends). I don’t really have any physical friends outside of my college (but I have a lot of people that are my friends online). I just REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY appreciate all tha thingz Jimmy The DJ does for me. I wrote on my Myspace page that he’s tha best fuckin’ person in tha music business! I’d fuckin’ die for that dude. He’s definitely tha best! I’m also glad that you guys (you, A-Mar & Dyl that are affiliated wit him) really appreciate tha things I do for you guys too. Shit, I can’t wait ’til I get to Louisiana! I REALLY hope my future job starts there!! And now back to tha song: That sample on tha hook iz pretty good. Oh yeah, I see you been rhymin’ since 18 (7+11). I’ve been rhymin’ since May 28, 2003 (Age 14). Oh shit, if you really doin’ songs explainin’ stories, you should make a song in tha future about Autistic people. Even throw me in tha "Autistic" song ’cause I’m prolly tha BEST/MOST DEDICATED Autistic person in tha Rap game! Wow I like tha "can I" parts in tha 3rd verse a lot. I definitely felt that song for a combination of lyrics/flow/beat/hook. Actual Song Rating: 4.6 | My Rating: 4.2
12. "Rebirth" Feat. Tyrel & Mal
Saw this on tha Myspace player, and I thought this was a "Still We Rise" type of song (a song that would be on there). Neva got to hear it, so lemme hear it. Trust me Dee-1, you’ll NEVA die, and if you were to eva get sick/get hurt or whateva (which will NEVA FUCKIN’ HAPPEN), you will DEFINITELY "rebirth" yourself quicker than a car goin’ 150 miles per hour! >>> I see that Quack produced it. It even sounded like "quacking" in tha beginning, lol. Oh I remember this from somewhere. Oh I actually remember now: it was from "Still We Rise". That lil’ preview I had (wit 3 songs on it). This was on there, and even Jimmy The DJ said that this song was on here too. I LOVE that hook, and I like that girbauds line. Oh and speaking of Jimmy The DJ, what do ya know: on Music Choice Electronica, now playing: M.I.A. "Jimmy (Dean Coleman Remix)". Lol. Because you sound younger on this joint, you sound more like a Lil’ Wayne from like 2002 (like how he was rappin’ on tha "Way Of Life" joint). But wow, just like wit "Priceless"’s hook, this hook iz TOO FUCKIN’ HOT!!! Actual Song Rating: 4.2 | My Rating: 4.5
Oh yeah and here’s what I said when I was reviewin’ this originally on "Still We Rise" (tha preview):
Yeah I figured Dee-1 sounded younger. Nice line that your grandpa "has a pair of girbauds." That hook sounds pretty good for a singin’. Yeah "ya’ll ain’t ready for that 5-0-4." Tha 5-0-4 takin’ ova! Gotta LOVE music from Louisiana!! Ewe it sounded like tha 3rd verse was edited or somethin’… Either way, this joint sounds nice and hot. Sounds like somethin’ older than 2 years. Feelin’ it. Dee-1’s rhymes sound REAL good. This sounded like somethin’ that was played on a Louisiana radio staton (Jimmy told me a few of your songs made it to stations in Louisiana). My Rating: 4.2
^ So My Rating increase by 0.3 since I reviewed it on "Still We Rise" (preview).
13. "Just Go"
And will it be lucky No. 13 or unlucky? I have a feelin’ lucky ’cause it’s Dee-1! >>> Not really anything catchin’ on at all in tha beginning, but I’m catchin’ onto tha 2nd verse. Felt it better towards tha end. Definitely love Dee-1’s rhymes! Actual Song Rating: 4.0 | My Rating: 3.6
14. "Heavenly Bounce"
I can tell it gon be interesting, but I have a feelin’ it won’t be my type… >>> Oh it’s more on tha "harder" side. Didn’t expect that. Did you really have a gun pointed at you? If so, that sux. I still can’t picture that Louisiana got effected by Katrina. It feels like it was so long ago/somethin’ that didn’t exist. I can’t picture how TERRIBLE it was when it hit! Decent hook, but definitely still feelin’ tha lyrics. Actual Song Rating: 4.2 | My Rating: 3.5
15. "Topic: Teaching"
And how iz it bein’ a teacher Dee-1? I wanted to be one ’round my middle school/early high school dayz, but then I switched to playlists, and now it’s mainly charting and especially videos (directing & editing videos). Definitely wanna hear this interlude on teaching! >>> Yeah that was definitely some good interlude. Thanx 4 that experienced info. My Rating: N/A
½time: I started at 10:10 PM, and it’s now 11:43 PM. It took me 93 minutes to get through ½ of this (and I didn’t do no long breaks). But yeah, as far as tha storytellin’, it’s CRAZY. As far as my personal opinion, it’s REAL GOOD at some points, even tho some songs aren’t for me exactly, but I still feel them.
16. "Jay & Diddy"
Okay it’s about 2 people… Might be lucky ’cause it’s No. 16 (which I always have a good feeling for No. 16 on CDs). Let’s see… >>> Oh tha title iz refering to Jay-Z & Diddy. I definitely like all these motivating songs. Glad that you’re a REAL STRONG motivator Dee-1! There izn’t much special on this joint from me, but I do like that beat and that hook. Actual Song Rating: 4.3 | My Rating: 3.6
17. "Graduation"
Mines iz comin’ up May 18, 2008 (from my 2 year college, Lackawanna College). I wish I could go to Louisiana for a good portion of tha Summer ’cause I’m gonna have no friends to hang out wit for like 4 months! At least Louisiana there’s you, Jimmy, and tons others! Anyway, lemme hear what you sayin’ to tha world on this one! >>> ’Preciate tha graduation shout out. Yeah a REAL long journey for me. I definitely got through college in a REAL good way! I DEFINITELY gotta give it up for my black friendz. I’m not racist at all, but due to my Autism and common interests, black people (mainly from tha hood) made me socialize a lot more! I’m really glad people at my college really love Rap music ’cause in my high school, not a single soul liked Rap music as much as me. They only liked that mainstream bullshit. Rap music and tha Rap business gets me really interested when it comes to topics. I could talk all day when people talk to me about shit! Anyway, oh nice line "let your head bob like Marley" REAL NICE! I REALLY like all that history of your school dayz. Actual Song Rating: 4.9 | My Rating: 4.4
18. "Topic: Dee-1"
And yes Dee-1…? >>> Props on tha contact info (even tho I had it already), and good outro. What’s tha remaining 13 jointz then? Which part was this, tha album or tha mixtape? I gotta check again. My Rating: N/A
EDIT: Okay I see now, this was tha street album part. I don’t look at tha tracklisting at first when I’m first listenin’ to/reviewing CDs/mixtapes. I slowly reveal it.
19. "For The Fans"
So this iz tha start of tha mixtape side I see. I like this double set here (street album + mixtape). Let’s see… Wait lemme check tha length first real quick… 44 seconds, so it must just be an intro. Definitely wanna hear it tho! >>> Yeah good intro to tha mixtape part. Lemme re-hear that part about tha posting videos… So you’re shootin’ a video for each song on tha mixtape side I see. That’s what’s up. My Rating: N/A
Note: Just to tell you, I’m slowly gettin’ tired, and almost 2 hours into this, but I don’t give a shit! I’m FINISHIN’ THIS!! No need to post-pone it to a future time!!
20. "Gotta Represent" Feat. Dee Zee
Looks familiar, but it can’t be… But it looks tight too! High AL for this joint! >>> Oh now I remember what Jimmy said also: ½ original beats, ½ jacked beats. Let’s see how you handle these jacked beats… It’s over tha "Get Crunk" beat, but yeah, you sound RAW on this joint!! Tha hook iz kinda repetitive until it gets to tha "I gotta get paid" part. That’s hot. Yeah, they "won’t catch you unless they show endurance" A tight line. Pretty tight lines on this lil’ rework of this joint. My Rating: 3.8
^ These aren’t original beats, so I’m not gonna do tha Actual Song Ratings for this one ’til No. 31.
21. "By Myself"
I hope this iz over Foxx’s beat, but I doubt it… >>> It iz!! Feelin’ it so far. Keep tha verses comin’ dawg! Yeah "make it rain on your people in tha N.O." Not just a good line, but a good choice too! My Rating: 3.9
22. "Mannie Fresh"
Couldn’t find a title, lol? What Mannie Fresh beat (I’m guessin’) iz this gonna be… lemme take a guess… uh… how about "Move Around" by B.G. & Mannie Fresh. >>> Oh wrong, wrong, WRONG for me, lol. It’s tha "International Players Anthem (I Choose You)" beat. This iz you talkin’ about you meetin’ up wit Mannie Fresh. I really like it. DEFINITELY feelin’ tha message on this!! And what’s up wit tha ending? Fresh neva called you? But yeah, good experience. I hope this whole thing you were talkin’ about was true. I can’t wait to meet certain rappers/producers in tha game!! My Rating: 4.6
23. "Memory Lane (Remix)"
Looks familiar… >>> I don’t recognize tha beat. Iz it old school? I guess you’re sayin’ it iz an old Nas beat from tha "Illmatic" album. Definitely good shit to listen to randomly, but I just thought that was decent. Nothin’ really stood out for me on this one, but if this was to come up randomly from somewhere and play, I’d enjoy it. My Rating: 3.4
24. "D.E.E.1.W.I.L.L.N.O.T.L.O.S.E."
Lol @ all them letters + your "No. 1" all together. This iz prolly on tha "Independent" beat, and if that’s tha case, when people go on that beat and do tha letter spelling, it comes out REAL great, so definitely a High AL for you and your "D.E.E.1.W.I.L.L.N.O.T.L.O.S.E."!! >>> Lol it’s tha "Dey Know" beat. That was CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know tha idea came from Papoose’s flowin’ on DJ Kayslay & Papoose "Alphabetical Slaughter". REAL NICE for somethin’ under 2 minutes long! You’re a FUCKIN’ BEAST wit tha rhymes!! I also liked your Shawty Lo renditions at tha end! This took tha crown as my favorite so far unexpectically! My Rating: 4.9
25. "Queens"
You were just near there, and so was I. We almost had tha chance to meet each other. Damn, why couldn’t I have more dayz off? But either way, I’m still glad to be back in college, especially seein’ my click again. I’m almost 20 years old, so I feel that I’m too old to miss a day of college. So far this semester, I didn’t miss ONE DAY. However, I’m gonna miss 4 dayz and tha whole finals week too ’cause on April 29th, my dad iz pickin’ me up to get settled on Long Island, New York, and on April 30th, we’re flying to Orlando, Florida (1st time I’m gonna be flying)!! REAL EXCITING!! We’re staying ’til tha 11th of May. Anyway, gotta get back to gettin’ ready to hear this. I’m guessin’ an LL beat? >>> Nope tha "Thugz Mansion (Acoustic Version)" beat. Lol… I thought tha "Queens" title was gonna be dedicated to Queens, NY, but it’s to tha gurlz out there. Pretty good tho. My Rating: 3.8
26. "Dumb Out"
Heard tha "Naw Mean" (Baby Boy Da Prince Feat. Mannie Fresh) beat on accident. So you gon do it "jigg" style and do it "tha dumb way" for this one, lol? >>> Yeah I thought you cursed for a second, but you said "got damage" or somethin’ like that. Yeah "G** damn" iz tha only curse I do NOT say (haven’t said it for 8 years now). I feel as tho it’s goin’ against God, and it’s tha ONLY curse I censor in ANY case! Sometimes I say "shit damn" in replace. I also like tha "bomb like I spit grenades" line. I definitely really like all this consistantness without stoppin’! Yeah, "hip-hop and bein’ broke don’t make sense to me" TRUE! My Rating: 4.1
27. "I Do It 4…."
Can’t picture what this gon sound like… >>> An even older beat. It’s tha "We Gon Make It" beat by Jadakiss. 2001 style. That’s REAL good that you "do it 4" all those people. This does sound familiar tho… Heard it somewhere… Hey didn’t you rap this on *Mariah Carey "Touch My Body" voice* Youtube, ah Youtube? Yeah you did it without this beat. LOVED those freestyles, so this gets tha BIG plus from me again! I really liked tha end of that last verse! My Rating: 4.4
28. "1 Minute"
…And 8 seconds, lol. >>> Sounds like a Pitbull flow. I thought I was gonna give it a "nothin’ special" type of rating, but this gets tha props from me. My Rating: 3.5
29. "Doin’ My Job"
I think this was another Myspace player song. Yeah Dee-1, you’re DEFINITELY "doin’ your job!" >>> Ewe @ that sample. Keep motivating yourself Dee-1! These rhymes’ll DEFINITELY pay off in a REAL GOOD way for ya in tha future!! Not bad tho. My Rating: 3.6
30. "Welcome Back"
Okay this iz on here too. I saw this video on Youtube, and it was REAL good as well! >>> Yeah you did a nice job on this. Hearin’ this (tha Mase beat and sample he used) brings back tha ’04 dayz. My Rating: 4.2
31. "Barack Obama"
As tired as I am, I was thinkin’ tha outro was gon be about a minute long. It’s only 6 seconds… lol? What can you tell me in 6 seconds that gon catch my ears?? >>> Oh a lil’ on tha voting side. I don’t know too much about that stuff, so I’m not saying much. My Rating: N/A
Overall: End Time: 12:53 AM. Okay how long did this take… 10:10 PM – 12:53 AM… that’s… 2 hours, 43 minutes (163 minutes). Who cares. All I care about iz that this was a VERY GOOD CD to target a bunch of different people! I actually liked tha 1st ½ better. I REALLY love your storytelling (you’re like tha male version of Amanda Diva, only BETTER)!! Time for me to hit tha bed tho. Tomorrow, or sometime this week, I’ll upload and post this mixtape everywhere (along wit my review). You keep doin’ you, and I REALLY HOPE one day in tha future we get to meet/hang out!!
Rankings (according to My Ratings):
24. "Memory Lane (Remix)" 3.4
23. "1 Minute" 3.5
22. "Heavenly Bounce" 3.5
21. "Just In Case" 3.5
20. "Jay & Diddy" 3.6
19. "Just Go" 3.6
18. "Doin’ My Job" 3.6
17. "Faith" Feat. Frank 3.6
16. "Gotta Represent" Feat. Dee Zee 3.8
15. "Queens" 3.8
14. "Intro" 3.9
13. "By Myself" 3.9
12. "Fly Boys" 4.0
11. "Dumb Out" 4.1
10. "Welcome Back" 4.2
09. "One Man Army" 4.2
08. "The Man That Never Smiles" 4.2
07. "I Hate Money" 4.3
06. "I Do It 4…." 4.4
05. "Graduation" 4.4
04. "Rebirth" Feat. Tyrel & Mal 4.5
03. "Mannie Fresh" 4.6
02. "Priceless (Remix)" Feat. Zella & La La 4.8
01. "D.E.E.1.W.I.L.L.N.O.T.L.O.S.E." 4.9
^^ 11 and a ½ pages on Word!!! That’s a ** NEW RECORD!! **
Tha previous record was 9 pages in Word when I reviewed tha "Swag Season" mixtape from DJ Scream & Rocko.
DEFINITELY LOOKIN’ FORWARD TO THA INTRO!!!!! >>> I didn’t expect tha rappin’ on tha intro. I like tha "rappin’ in heaven" line. Tha "pen in my gat" line I hear. I see that that line was taken from tha "One Man Army" joint. I like that lil’ synth beat a lot. Real talk at tha end about tha "not sure if I’m gonna wake up tomorrow." Sometimes I don’t like rating intros, but here goes anything: My Rating: 3.9
Quick Reminder: Dee-1, I think you’re a REAL GREAT person. However, when it comes to reviewing something, I’m gonna try and be as personal as I can. I really would HATE to give anything of yours a "not high" rating, but I gotta try and be myself as much as I can. I’m gonna try and relate to any song as much as I can.
02. "Fly Boys"
Yeah you and Jimmy The DJ are DEFINITELY some "fly boys", lol. Yeah definitely really feelin’ Louisiana, especially tha music scene. I see this iz also produced by Flight School. Lemme hear another hot synth! High AL (anticipation level)! >>> Okay good beat (diggin’ it). Good hook. Yeah Dee-1, "mind on your money, your brain on tha ceiling" gotta feel like you’re on top! I see how you said "throw some d’s on it / throw some bad grades on." That line (especially wit tha "bad grades") was real. GOOD deep thinkin’! Sometimes I think I’m slowly losing interest in tha beat, but I still gotta give this joint tha thumbs up. My Rating: 4.0
03. "Topic: Why I Rap"
I predicted a really fast freestyle, but I definitely wanna hear this interlude. Gimme tha COMPLETE definition of "why you rap" Dee-1! >>> Yeah you have tha same thoughts as me: "I don’t want to create a fad" I DEFINITELY feel ya on that homie! Why do you think I’m coming out wit a dance/techno song called "Driver’s Test Anthem" (based on my driver’s test that I have on audio)? Because I’m lookin’ outside tha box, ya dig! And on tha rappin’ tip, why do you think I’m makin’ my 64 year old grandma rap? To do somethin’ that no one has done before. Shit, I’m actually almost done producing that, so alls I have to do iz mix her vocals wit tha beat, make a music video, and it gon be out there! Look out for it Dee-1 ’cause she gon shout you out! I see that "One Man Army" iz up next! My Rating: N/A
04. "One Man Army"
Yeah I definitely liked (or should I say "loved") tha lil’ video you did to this. I think a better way for me to review this mixtape iz by you rappin’ each of these jointz on Youtube. I might have higher ratings, but for now, I finna just review them str8 from tha mixtape on a first listen (excluding songs like this one that I’ve heard before). Lemme give it an official review this time: >>> Yeah it’s a positive beat, but it really reminds me of tha "Good Life" beat a lot. Once again, I really like tha "pen iz my gat" line. I like tha "like I’m spittin’ bars behind bars" line too. I guess this gon be a habit for Dee-1 songs as well: quote those TIGHT lines! But yeah, this iz gonna come str8 from me: I know I don’t go for these extremely lyrical songs wit an aight beat (sometimes), but for you, I’m gonna give you an Actual Song Rating, which iz gonna be what I think it should be rated for a song (mainly by lyrics and storytelling). I’m gonna keep my personal rating tho. So yeah, a lil’ difference in tha rules. I did this first wit Soulja Boy Tell’em to prove how bad his album "Souljaboytellem.com" was. Actual Song Rating: 4.9 | My Rating: 4.2
05. "Priceless Intro"
What’s this eleven seconds thing? >>> Oh a lil’ intro! I dig it. Now I have a high quality version of tha remix ’cause I originally ripped it from your Myspace. Tha remix iz featured on my "Favorite Rap and R&B Songs of March 2008" video. My Rating: N/A
06. "Priceless (Remix)" Feat. Zella & La La
Oh so NOW I see tha featured artists! I should’ve looked at this before I made tha video, but don’t worry, I will add them to tha tracklisting on tha video (but not in tha video ’cause I can’t re-edit a video once it’s made). I guess Flight School iz real cool wit you, as he (or they) have/has produced a bunch of jointz for you. And between this vs. tha original, tha original was HOT single material (wit tha lyrics), and this remix iz definitely HOT lyrical/song style material (wit tha lyrics). I’m REAL GLAD you turned it into this!! I can’t believe I gave tha original only a 3.5 rating on a first listen and said "I’m losing interest in this for some reason." Shit, good thing I PICKed this song (tha original) for January 2008 ’cause it BLEW UP wit me by gettin’ like 200 spins!! I knew on my 2nd listen that I REALLY wanted to play tha original after hearin’ tha "but tha look on they face…" line in tha hook. That REALLY caught my attention for some reason, and it became tha FIRST OFFICIAL Rap song I PICKed exclusively (as an "Unleashed Song") for tha beginning of tha month (which I started wit this song in January 2008). I can’t call it tha best underground Rap song of tha year (due to I have a bunch others that are competing as much as "Priceless"), but it’s DEFINITELY one of tha BEST underground Rap songs of 2008! That 3rd verse "I see, he don’t like me, she don’t like me…" and tha "I’m P-R-I-C, nah I ain’t gon spell it, I’m priceless" lines were REAL nice!! Actual Song Rating: 4.7 | My Current Rating: 4.8 (Current Rating this time ’cause I’ve been playing tha song)
07. "Faith" Feat. Frank
Featuring me huh? Lol… Nah I’m just playin’. Didn’t expect that, lol. Different people on tha beat so let’s see… >>> Okay Frank’s a singer. Not my type of start, but gonna make sure that Actual Song Rating gets nice and high! Beat iz okay/pretty good for me. Yeah "cover your whole room wit inspirational quotes" I feel ya Dee-1. I like tha "keep grindin’" part in tha hook. Gotta have that lil’ street mix in tha singin’. Yeah you brought up "Jackie Robinson" in tha 2nd verse. Yeah I been learnin’ about Jackie in my Sports in Society and Intro to Sport Management classes this semester. I’ll give this a real nice Actual Song Rating, but I’m not sure about my own rating. Actual Song Rating: 4.8 | My Rating: 3.6
08. "Just In Case"
Okay back to tha Flight School productions. What will this one turn out to be? >>> A better beat. Tha lil’ samplin’ throughout tha song reminds me of a Diplomats type of song. Yeah it iz sad that "where we’re from, being smart ain’t cool" I can understand this. I’m toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo smart for a lot of people, and they know it!! Okay I feel tha 1st verse a lot better than tha 2nd verse. Yeah I feel you on this line "when you still busy, you still take tha time out to do you" I have a non-stop busy-ness, but looka here, I’m doin’ this review for you, stayin’ up and not goin’ to sleep early for college tomorrow at 9:30 AM. Actual Song Rating: 4.1 | My Rating: 3.5
09. "Topic: Money"
Time to embrace myself for tha 58 seconds of Dee-1 talkin’ about "money". >>> I guess I can see what you’re saying. I love money, but I am nowhere near greedy for it. My Rating: N/A
10. "I Hate Money"
Okay, I guess this iz tha sequel to tha lil’ interlude then. I’m really interested in hearin’ what you gotta say about this topic! High AL! >>> I hear them "yeah"s in tha background again (like in "Priceless"). I like this beat more than most of tha beats on here. It reminds me of somethin’ strange in a good way. Really liked tha lyrics in tha 1st verse. Definitely feelin’ your lyrics a lot. And I didn’t wanna do this, but I can’t help it. It’s an "auto-drug" effect on me. A quick *INTERMISSION* (like 4 minutes). On Music Choice Dance, they have older songs they play once every (close to) 2 months at tha top of tha hour, every 2 hours. Tha one on right now, Dannii Minogue "Come And Get It", iz on right now, so I must listen to it, and importantly, look @ her hot pics on tha screen! Good thing for tha lil’ break ’cause I got a lil’ stuck in tha video game I’m playin’ right now (Super Mario RPG for Super Nintendo), and I didn’t want tha lil’ "gettin’ stuck"ness makin’ me change my view for this song’s opinion. Anyway, time to get back into tha song! … Yeah definitely interesting song! Love when artists/songs are outside tha box! Actual Song Rating: 4.7 | My Rating: 4.3
11. "The Man That Never Smiles"
This one should be another interesting one. Iz it gonna make me feel sad? I dunno. Wanna hear it tho! >>> I feel it, and have lots of interest, even tho it sounds like a New York / Ghostface Killah type of flowin’ speed type of song. Yeah Dee-1, I felt what you were sayin’ in tha beginnin’ of this song. Just think… 10 dayz until… well you figure it out *wink*. But you might not expect somethin’ special… Just wait tha 10 dayz, and you’ll find out. Anyway, yeah, I’m SO dedicated to people. I wish people were just as dedicated to me too (I’m talkin’ ’bout friends). I don’t really have any physical friends outside of my college (but I have a lot of people that are my friends online). I just REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, REALLY appreciate all tha thingz Jimmy The DJ does for me. I wrote on my Myspace page that he’s tha best fuckin’ person in tha music business! I’d fuckin’ die for that dude. He’s definitely tha best! I’m also glad that you guys (you, A-Mar & Dyl that are affiliated wit him) really appreciate tha things I do for you guys too. Shit, I can’t wait ’til I get to Louisiana! I REALLY hope my future job starts there!! And now back to tha song: That sample on tha hook iz pretty good. Oh yeah, I see you been rhymin’ since 18 (7+11). I’ve been rhymin’ since May 28, 2003 (Age 14). Oh shit, if you really doin’ songs explainin’ stories, you should make a song in tha future about Autistic people. Even throw me in tha "Autistic" song ’cause I’m prolly tha BEST/MOST DEDICATED Autistic person in tha Rap game! Wow I like tha "can I" parts in tha 3rd verse a lot. I definitely felt that song for a combination of lyrics/flow/beat/hook. Actual Song Rating: 4.6 | My Rating: 4.2
12. "Rebirth" Feat. Tyrel & Mal
Saw this on tha Myspace player, and I thought this was a "Still We Rise" type of song (a song that would be on there). Neva got to hear it, so lemme hear it. Trust me Dee-1, you’ll NEVA die, and if you were to eva get sick/get hurt or whateva (which will NEVA FUCKIN’ HAPPEN), you will DEFINITELY "rebirth" yourself quicker than a car goin’ 150 miles per hour! >>> I see that Quack produced it. It even sounded like "quacking" in tha beginning, lol. Oh I remember this from somewhere. Oh I actually remember now: it was from "Still We Rise". That lil’ preview I had (wit 3 songs on it). This was on there, and even Jimmy The DJ said that this song was on here too. I LOVE that hook, and I like that girbauds line. Oh and speaking of Jimmy The DJ, what do ya know: on Music Choice Electronica, now playing: M.I.A. "Jimmy (Dean Coleman Remix)". Lol. Because you sound younger on this joint, you sound more like a Lil’ Wayne from like 2002 (like how he was rappin’ on tha "Way Of Life" joint). But wow, just like wit "Priceless"’s hook, this hook iz TOO FUCKIN’ HOT!!! Actual Song Rating: 4.2 | My Rating: 4.5
Oh yeah and here’s what I said when I was reviewin’ this originally on "Still We Rise" (tha preview):
Yeah I figured Dee-1 sounded younger. Nice line that your grandpa "has a pair of girbauds." That hook sounds pretty good for a singin’. Yeah "ya’ll ain’t ready for that 5-0-4." Tha 5-0-4 takin’ ova! Gotta LOVE music from Louisiana!! Ewe it sounded like tha 3rd verse was edited or somethin’… Either way, this joint sounds nice and hot. Sounds like somethin’ older than 2 years. Feelin’ it. Dee-1’s rhymes sound REAL good. This sounded like somethin’ that was played on a Louisiana radio staton (Jimmy told me a few of your songs made it to stations in Louisiana). My Rating: 4.2
^ So My Rating increase by 0.3 since I reviewed it on "Still We Rise" (preview).
13. "Just Go"
And will it be lucky No. 13 or unlucky? I have a feelin’ lucky ’cause it’s Dee-1! >>> Not really anything catchin’ on at all in tha beginning, but I’m catchin’ onto tha 2nd verse. Felt it better towards tha end. Definitely love Dee-1’s rhymes! Actual Song Rating: 4.0 | My Rating: 3.6
14. "Heavenly Bounce"
I can tell it gon be interesting, but I have a feelin’ it won’t be my type… >>> Oh it’s more on tha "harder" side. Didn’t expect that. Did you really have a gun pointed at you? If so, that sux. I still can’t picture that Louisiana got effected by Katrina. It feels like it was so long ago/somethin’ that didn’t exist. I can’t picture how TERRIBLE it was when it hit! Decent hook, but definitely still feelin’ tha lyrics. Actual Song Rating: 4.2 | My Rating: 3.5
15. "Topic: Teaching"
And how iz it bein’ a teacher Dee-1? I wanted to be one ’round my middle school/early high school dayz, but then I switched to playlists, and now it’s mainly charting and especially videos (directing & editing videos). Definitely wanna hear this interlude on teaching! >>> Yeah that was definitely some good interlude. Thanx 4 that experienced info. My Rating: N/A
½time: I started at 10:10 PM, and it’s now 11:43 PM. It took me 93 minutes to get through ½ of this (and I didn’t do no long breaks). But yeah, as far as tha storytellin’, it’s CRAZY. As far as my personal opinion, it’s REAL GOOD at some points, even tho some songs aren’t for me exactly, but I still feel them.
16. "Jay & Diddy"
Okay it’s about 2 people… Might be lucky ’cause it’s No. 16 (which I always have a good feeling for No. 16 on CDs). Let’s see… >>> Oh tha title iz refering to Jay-Z & Diddy. I definitely like all these motivating songs. Glad that you’re a REAL STRONG motivator Dee-1! There izn’t much special on this joint from me, but I do like that beat and that hook. Actual Song Rating: 4.3 | My Rating: 3.6
17. "Graduation"
Mines iz comin’ up May 18, 2008 (from my 2 year college, Lackawanna College). I wish I could go to Louisiana for a good portion of tha Summer ’cause I’m gonna have no friends to hang out wit for like 4 months! At least Louisiana there’s you, Jimmy, and tons others! Anyway, lemme hear what you sayin’ to tha world on this one! >>> ’Preciate tha graduation shout out. Yeah a REAL long journey for me. I definitely got through college in a REAL good way! I DEFINITELY gotta give it up for my black friendz. I’m not racist at all, but due to my Autism and common interests, black people (mainly from tha hood) made me socialize a lot more! I’m really glad people at my college really love Rap music ’cause in my high school, not a single soul liked Rap music as much as me. They only liked that mainstream bullshit. Rap music and tha Rap business gets me really interested when it comes to topics. I could talk all day when people talk to me about shit! Anyway, oh nice line "let your head bob like Marley" REAL NICE! I REALLY like all that history of your school dayz. Actual Song Rating: 4.9 | My Rating: 4.4
18. "Topic: Dee-1"
And yes Dee-1…? >>> Props on tha contact info (even tho I had it already), and good outro. What’s tha remaining 13 jointz then? Which part was this, tha album or tha mixtape? I gotta check again. My Rating: N/A
EDIT: Okay I see now, this was tha street album part. I don’t look at tha tracklisting at first when I’m first listenin’ to/reviewing CDs/mixtapes. I slowly reveal it.
19. "For The Fans"
So this iz tha start of tha mixtape side I see. I like this double set here (street album + mixtape). Let’s see… Wait lemme check tha length first real quick… 44 seconds, so it must just be an intro. Definitely wanna hear it tho! >>> Yeah good intro to tha mixtape part. Lemme re-hear that part about tha posting videos… So you’re shootin’ a video for each song on tha mixtape side I see. That’s what’s up. My Rating: N/A
Note: Just to tell you, I’m slowly gettin’ tired, and almost 2 hours into this, but I don’t give a shit! I’m FINISHIN’ THIS!! No need to post-pone it to a future time!!
20. "Gotta Represent" Feat. Dee Zee
Looks familiar, but it can’t be… But it looks tight too! High AL for this joint! >>> Oh now I remember what Jimmy said also: ½ original beats, ½ jacked beats. Let’s see how you handle these jacked beats… It’s over tha "Get Crunk" beat, but yeah, you sound RAW on this joint!! Tha hook iz kinda repetitive until it gets to tha "I gotta get paid" part. That’s hot. Yeah, they "won’t catch you unless they show endurance" A tight line. Pretty tight lines on this lil’ rework of this joint. My Rating: 3.8
^ These aren’t original beats, so I’m not gonna do tha Actual Song Ratings for this one ’til No. 31.
21. "By Myself"
I hope this iz over Foxx’s beat, but I doubt it… >>> It iz!! Feelin’ it so far. Keep tha verses comin’ dawg! Yeah "make it rain on your people in tha N.O." Not just a good line, but a good choice too! My Rating: 3.9
22. "Mannie Fresh"
Couldn’t find a title, lol? What Mannie Fresh beat (I’m guessin’) iz this gonna be… lemme take a guess… uh… how about "Move Around" by B.G. & Mannie Fresh. >>> Oh wrong, wrong, WRONG for me, lol. It’s tha "International Players Anthem (I Choose You)" beat. This iz you talkin’ about you meetin’ up wit Mannie Fresh. I really like it. DEFINITELY feelin’ tha message on this!! And what’s up wit tha ending? Fresh neva called you? But yeah, good experience. I hope this whole thing you were talkin’ about was true. I can’t wait to meet certain rappers/producers in tha game!! My Rating: 4.6
23. "Memory Lane (Remix)"
Looks familiar… >>> I don’t recognize tha beat. Iz it old school? I guess you’re sayin’ it iz an old Nas beat from tha "Illmatic" album. Definitely good shit to listen to randomly, but I just thought that was decent. Nothin’ really stood out for me on this one, but if this was to come up randomly from somewhere and play, I’d enjoy it. My Rating: 3.4
24. "D.E.E.1.W.I.L.L.N.O.T.L.O.S.E."
Lol @ all them letters + your "No. 1" all together. This iz prolly on tha "Independent" beat, and if that’s tha case, when people go on that beat and do tha letter spelling, it comes out REAL great, so definitely a High AL for you and your "D.E.E.1.W.I.L.L.N.O.T.L.O.S.E."!! >>> Lol it’s tha "Dey Know" beat. That was CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know tha idea came from Papoose’s flowin’ on DJ Kayslay & Papoose "Alphabetical Slaughter". REAL NICE for somethin’ under 2 minutes long! You’re a FUCKIN’ BEAST wit tha rhymes!! I also liked your Shawty Lo renditions at tha end! This took tha crown as my favorite so far unexpectically! My Rating: 4.9
25. "Queens"
You were just near there, and so was I. We almost had tha chance to meet each other. Damn, why couldn’t I have more dayz off? But either way, I’m still glad to be back in college, especially seein’ my click again. I’m almost 20 years old, so I feel that I’m too old to miss a day of college. So far this semester, I didn’t miss ONE DAY. However, I’m gonna miss 4 dayz and tha whole finals week too ’cause on April 29th, my dad iz pickin’ me up to get settled on Long Island, New York, and on April 30th, we’re flying to Orlando, Florida (1st time I’m gonna be flying)!! REAL EXCITING!! We’re staying ’til tha 11th of May. Anyway, gotta get back to gettin’ ready to hear this. I’m guessin’ an LL beat? >>> Nope tha "Thugz Mansion (Acoustic Version)" beat. Lol… I thought tha "Queens" title was gonna be dedicated to Queens, NY, but it’s to tha gurlz out there. Pretty good tho. My Rating: 3.8
26. "Dumb Out"
Heard tha "Naw Mean" (Baby Boy Da Prince Feat. Mannie Fresh) beat on accident. So you gon do it "jigg" style and do it "tha dumb way" for this one, lol? >>> Yeah I thought you cursed for a second, but you said "got damage" or somethin’ like that. Yeah "G** damn" iz tha only curse I do NOT say (haven’t said it for 8 years now). I feel as tho it’s goin’ against God, and it’s tha ONLY curse I censor in ANY case! Sometimes I say "shit damn" in replace. I also like tha "bomb like I spit grenades" line. I definitely really like all this consistantness without stoppin’! Yeah, "hip-hop and bein’ broke don’t make sense to me" TRUE! My Rating: 4.1
27. "I Do It 4…."
Can’t picture what this gon sound like… >>> An even older beat. It’s tha "We Gon Make It" beat by Jadakiss. 2001 style. That’s REAL good that you "do it 4" all those people. This does sound familiar tho… Heard it somewhere… Hey didn’t you rap this on *Mariah Carey "Touch My Body" voice* Youtube, ah Youtube? Yeah you did it without this beat. LOVED those freestyles, so this gets tha BIG plus from me again! I really liked tha end of that last verse! My Rating: 4.4
28. "1 Minute"
…And 8 seconds, lol. >>> Sounds like a Pitbull flow. I thought I was gonna give it a "nothin’ special" type of rating, but this gets tha props from me. My Rating: 3.5
29. "Doin’ My Job"
I think this was another Myspace player song. Yeah Dee-1, you’re DEFINITELY "doin’ your job!" >>> Ewe @ that sample. Keep motivating yourself Dee-1! These rhymes’ll DEFINITELY pay off in a REAL GOOD way for ya in tha future!! Not bad tho. My Rating: 3.6
30. "Welcome Back"
Okay this iz on here too. I saw this video on Youtube, and it was REAL good as well! >>> Yeah you did a nice job on this. Hearin’ this (tha Mase beat and sample he used) brings back tha ’04 dayz. My Rating: 4.2
31. "Barack Obama"
As tired as I am, I was thinkin’ tha outro was gon be about a minute long. It’s only 6 seconds… lol? What can you tell me in 6 seconds that gon catch my ears?? >>> Oh a lil’ on tha voting side. I don’t know too much about that stuff, so I’m not saying much. My Rating: N/A
Overall: End Time: 12:53 AM. Okay how long did this take… 10:10 PM – 12:53 AM… that’s… 2 hours, 43 minutes (163 minutes). Who cares. All I care about iz that this was a VERY GOOD CD to target a bunch of different people! I actually liked tha 1st ½ better. I REALLY love your storytelling (you’re like tha male version of Amanda Diva, only BETTER)!! Time for me to hit tha bed tho. Tomorrow, or sometime this week, I’ll upload and post this mixtape everywhere (along wit my review). You keep doin’ you, and I REALLY HOPE one day in tha future we get to meet/hang out!!
Rankings (according to My Ratings):
24. "Memory Lane (Remix)" 3.4
23. "1 Minute" 3.5
22. "Heavenly Bounce" 3.5
21. "Just In Case" 3.5
20. "Jay & Diddy" 3.6
19. "Just Go" 3.6
18. "Doin’ My Job" 3.6
17. "Faith" Feat. Frank 3.6
16. "Gotta Represent" Feat. Dee Zee 3.8
15. "Queens" 3.8
14. "Intro" 3.9
13. "By Myself" 3.9
12. "Fly Boys" 4.0
11. "Dumb Out" 4.1
10. "Welcome Back" 4.2
09. "One Man Army" 4.2
08. "The Man That Never Smiles" 4.2
07. "I Hate Money" 4.3
06. "I Do It 4…." 4.4
05. "Graduation" 4.4
04. "Rebirth" Feat. Tyrel & Mal 4.5
03. "Mannie Fresh" 4.6
02. "Priceless (Remix)" Feat. Zella & La La 4.8
01. "D.E.E.1.W.I.L.L.N.O.T.L.O.S.E." 4.9
^^ 11 and a ½ pages on Word!!! That’s a ** NEW RECORD!! **
Tha previous record was 9 pages in Word when I reviewed tha "Swag Season" mixtape from DJ Scream & Rocko.
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