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The Diary of El Che

Rhymefest Talks New Album

Since the release of my debut album BLUE COLLAR, I've learned a lot about the music industry and what it takes to be successful within this realm. Whether or not I will be able to apply all that I've learned will be evident upon the release of my sophomore album, EL CHE.

Although my new album may not be what many would deem as a radio-friendly, hip-pop, line-dancing release; EL CHE will, however, fill a void that true Hip-Hop enthusiasts around the world have been experiencing. We are in a time of war, high oil prices, low wages, political unrest, and the streets in almost every urban cityscape in America is on fire with violence. The dope game is dried up. The rap game is dried up. And everyone seems to be fighting over a little piece of a crumb. However, rappers are not doing a very good job at speaking up and out about these issues that affect us all.

Some of us say, "Man, kids don't wanna hear that shit."
Others of us say, "Bitches just wanna dance. You gotta make something for the hoes."
The record labels say, "Hell if we know. We're just trying to get the hottest ringtones!"
Rhymefest says, "People want substance, and true art cannot be beaten."

Exhibit A: Common debuted at # 1 for the first time in his career this year.
Exhibit B: Talib, # 2.
Exhibit C: Kanye # 1.

If these are not signs that Hip-Hop is preparing itself for its grand return, then what is? I'll tell you: EL CHE.

This album is constructed in a way that is cohesive, conceptual and relevant to the state of Hip-Hop today. I could go on and on about the producers or guest rap appearances that EL CHE has, but that's not even what's important. EL CHE represents revolution, and revolution is a complete change in how things are normally done.

Some of you may have heard already head my track with Lil Jon entitled ANGRY BLACK MAN ON A ELEVATOR or RNQ (Real Nigga Quotes) produced by Preemo. This isn't about who is on what side of Hip-Hop; this is about Hip-Hop being one for the people under the name of the modern day father of revolution, Che. Right now, my album is on schedule to be released in April. Knowing my label, anything could change. But, to anyone who is a fan of Rhymefest and my message: please be patient, and I guarantee it will be well worth the wait. Until then, I won't leave you hanging. I will release other songs that didn't quite make the album as well as my new mixtape coming in December entitled MAN IN THE MIRROR (The Michael Jackson Tribute).

Until then, stay plugged and prepare for the revolution to begin.

For those that haven't seen it, check out Lil Jon and myself working on ANGRY BLACK MAN ON A ELEVATOR:

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Little Brothers 'Getback' Review

After thoroughly reviewing Little Brother's latest album GETBACK, you know Rhymefest (El Che) got to bring you the real on where this album ranks on a scale from 1 to 5; 1 being horrible and 5 being classic.

In the intro song Sirens, Pooh and Phonte find themselves picking up where their frustrations from THE MINSTREL SHOW left off. This is evident in one of Big Pooh's lines:

"Back independent cause to kids I wouldn't cater / Go against the system you in bed with Al Qaeda"

Instantly, my mind starts to think "Uh oh! These niggaz finna start crying about the state of Hip-Hop and render themselves ineffective in being catalysts for its change." However, the group's chemistry, up-do-date wordplay, aggressive tracks and impeccable swag quickly calm some of those fears.

The GETBACK album finds itself faced with a big question mark over it: "Can Little Brother, as a group, survive without 9th Wonder?"

Can Pooh and Phonte put together a cohesive album without one producer guiding its path? One thing is for sure: the synchronization of this album flows a little better than I expected. The beats all coexist without making the album sound mundane. One of my concerns, though, was the song Breakin My Heart featuring Lil Wayne and produced by 9th Wonder. At least, before I heard it. I was like, "Awwww, here these niggaz go: another rapper with another Lil Wayne feature. How unique." However, Phonte rises to the occasion by making sense out of a man's infidelity with his verse:

"And in my day I had to turn a blind eye to cheatin / But I ain't never had to wear no black eyes from beatings"

And by staying on subject, it even forced Lil Wayne to rap about something: heartbreak.

The album does, however, have its 'skip-over-that-one' moments for me. Songs like Good Clothes and Two Step Blues make me feel a little older than I want to be right now. I mean; hell, Phonte is talking about going to the Elks Lodge to party. Gottdamn, man: how old are you? Not that these songs aren't great songs, but they seem to be tailored for a slightly older audience (gray and sexy).

I wish Mr. Porter could have come through for me with a track like Extrahard because this song really gives Little Brother the power to 'get back' at anybody whoever doubted them. Phonte nails it with the line:

"I'm a grown ass man just call it as I see it / Flow so dumb its borderline genius"

I will say, however, that this album had a tad bit too much singing for me. Singing in the samples, Phonte singing, featured guest singers; some type of singing on almost every song. I know this is music overall so it's necessary, but it's still Hip-Hop. Keep some of that shit raw. The biggest surprise in GETBACK comes from Big Pooh; he easily gets the "Most Improved Rapper of the Year" award. I know its had to be challenging for him being viewed as a background prop to Phonte's charisma. So, on GETBACK, Pooh 'gets back' and shows his ass. Until EL CHE comes out, this is probably one of the best rap purchases you can make. So, run out and get that GETBACK.

Rating: 4.5/5

Purchase GETBACK on iTunes by clicking on the following link: Little Brother - Getback

GET PLUGGED!
Peace,
Fest

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