Comments on: Torae & Marco Polo: Double Barrel http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/ We run deeper than the underground Sun, 21 Mar 2010 02:53:13 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Rev http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-40021 Rev Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:06:33 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-40021 I copped this shit first day. Dude just speaks what he sees and his shit is relatable to everyday people.Dope album, dope beats, dope rhymes. Party Crashers is my shit! I copped this shit first day. Dude just speaks what he sees and his shit is relatable to everyday people.Dope album, dope beats, dope rhymes. Party Crashers is my shit!

]]> By: J. Rizzle http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-39307 J. Rizzle Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:22:20 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-39307 This cd bangz out...money spent wisely..this is a mus' cop cd of the year... This cd bangz out…money spent wisely..this is a mus’ cop cd of the year…

]]> By: MDD http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38922 MDD Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:07:09 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38922 We need more shit like this! As I said before I only skip the intro and this hasnt left the car stereo, I live 20 miles from work and I listened to Hold Up on repeat on the way home yesterday, this just makes me miss the mid 90's era even more. After listening to this album I was thinking that a collabo with Reef The Lost cauze from Philly would be dope, and I need to head out and find myself a physical copy of Daily Conversation. We need more shit like this! As I said before I only skip the intro and this hasnt left the car stereo, I live 20 miles from work and I listened to Hold Up on repeat on the way home yesterday, this just makes me miss the mid 90’s era even more.

After listening to this album I was thinking that a collabo with Reef The Lost cauze from Philly would be dope, and I need to head out and find myself a physical copy of Daily Conversation.

]]> By: Cyclops http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38772 Cyclops Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:12:55 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38772 Def one of the best of this year. I thought it deserved at least an 80 but the score also seemed well thought out here and was also backed up so it's all good. Def one of the best of this year. I thought it deserved at least an 80 but the score also seemed well thought out here and was also backed up so it’s all good.

]]> By: Justin the Intern http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38751 Justin the Intern Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:57:14 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38751 gotta love Torae coming on here and responding, props Tor. Again I love this album, one of my favs of the year so far. gotta love Torae coming on here and responding, props Tor. Again I love this album, one of my favs of the year so far.

]]> By: skeme http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38746 skeme Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:57:08 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38746 @addi..SAAFIR "boxcar sessions" is a classic..he also kills "that bullsh**t" on CASUALS "feat itself" @addi..SAAFIR “boxcar sessions” is a classic..he also kills “that bullsh**t” on CASUALS “feat itself”

]]> By: Jon baxter http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38622 Jon baxter Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:09:17 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38622 This is a dope ass album, keep doin what your doin Torae! easily in my top 5 albums so far in 09 This is a dope ass album, keep doin what your doin Torae!

easily in my top 5 albums so far in 09

]]> By: Mighty Rhino http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38600 Mighty Rhino Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:01:19 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38600 Aiyyo Deez I gotta agree with the brother Torae on this one. There are lyricists working nowadays who I'm feeling even more than him but I think he comes off on this whole album, and I wasn't necessarily digging everything I heard before then (he'd been outshined on some joints by Skyzoo) so I wasn't expecting greatness but he blew me away. Especially on "Word Play", which is one of the ones my mellow my man Mindbender wasn't feeling. In fact, there are so many joints that blew my brain on this record that I have trouble picking a favourite. There are 11 joints on this shit that I've been banging every single fuckin' day since I first heard it. Out of what, 14? That's sen-fuckin'-sational. The shit knocks. Point blank. Lyrically speaking, do I feel Torae coulda brought it <i>even harder</i>? Yeah. But his work on this joint is straight up illy all the same. From what I've heard so far, there are certain things my favourite emcees do that he doesn't do. He doesn't kick street knowledge as smoothly as Raekwon or AZ, flip random weird flow styles like Freeway or E-40, bring the emotional weight like Scarface or Beanie Sigel, come with crazy-insane punchlines like Royce or Elzhi, or go crazy with bizarre fascinating ideas like Aesop Rock or Ghostface, which are all directions I might prefer to see a lyricist go in. But Torae doesn't match any of those archetypes I just mentioned. He's one of them old school hed bussaz like Freddie Foxxx or Blaq Poet, and he's better at it than damn near anybody else out there. Guilty is one of the only dudes that can keep pace, and M.O.P and Heltah Skeltah on the cameo tip are a perfect match. And besides, if he <i>wants</i> to do those things, to try to achieve something similar to what the motherfuckers I just mentioned have achieved, nothing's to say he won't be able to do it on later projects. There is room for improvement, but that's only to suggest that I expect his <i>next</i> shit to be even <i>better</i>. I expect him to grow and improve over time, and I'll be there to support him as long as that happens. Listening to this record I can hear the sound of a motherfucker who's gonna be burning things in this rap shit for the next long time. And that's something more than I can say for some of these skinny-jeans new jacks, no doubt. Peace to Mindbender for talking it how he sees it and Torae for being a righteous motherfucker and taking criticism in stride. And co-sign brothermack about Saafir, "Light Sleeper" is one of the best rap songs of all time and <i>Boxcar Sessions</i> is a stone cold classic. Saafir is one of the most brilliant rap cats ever to do it. Straight up, no chaser. Aiyyo Deez I gotta agree with the brother Torae on this one. There are lyricists working nowadays who I’m feeling even more than him but I think he comes off on this whole album, and I wasn’t necessarily digging everything I heard before then (he’d been outshined on some joints by Skyzoo) so I wasn’t expecting greatness but he blew me away. Especially on “Word Play”, which is one of the ones my mellow my man Mindbender wasn’t feeling. In fact, there are so many joints that blew my brain on this record that I have trouble picking a favourite. There are 11 joints on this shit that I’ve been banging every single fuckin’ day since I first heard it. Out of what, 14? That’s sen-fuckin’-sational. The shit knocks. Point blank.

Lyrically speaking, do I feel Torae coulda brought it even harder? Yeah. But his work on this joint is straight up illy all the same. From what I’ve heard so far, there are certain things my favourite emcees do that he doesn’t do. He doesn’t kick street knowledge as smoothly as Raekwon or AZ, flip random weird flow styles like Freeway or E-40, bring the emotional weight like Scarface or Beanie Sigel, come with crazy-insane punchlines like Royce or Elzhi, or go crazy with bizarre fascinating ideas like Aesop Rock or Ghostface, which are all directions I might prefer to see a lyricist go in. But Torae doesn’t match any of those archetypes I just mentioned. He’s one of them old school hed bussaz like Freddie Foxxx or Blaq Poet, and he’s better at it than damn near anybody else out there. Guilty is one of the only dudes that can keep pace, and M.O.P and Heltah Skeltah on the cameo tip are a perfect match.

And besides, if he wants to do those things, to try to achieve something similar to what the motherfuckers I just mentioned have achieved, nothing’s to say he won’t be able to do it on later projects. There is room for improvement, but that’s only to suggest that I expect his next shit to be even better. I expect him to grow and improve over time, and I’ll be there to support him as long as that happens. Listening to this record I can hear the sound of a motherfucker who’s gonna be burning things in this rap shit for the next long time. And that’s something more than I can say for some of these skinny-jeans new jacks, no doubt.

Peace to Mindbender for talking it how he sees it and Torae for being a righteous motherfucker and taking criticism in stride. And co-sign brothermack about Saafir, “Light Sleeper” is one of the best rap songs of all time and Boxcar Sessions is a stone cold classic. Saafir is one of the most brilliant rap cats ever to do it. Straight up, no chaser.

]]> By: Sean Deez http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38582 Sean Deez Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:15:44 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38582 Interesting. I have a feeling you won't like my OKP review. Interesting.
I have a feeling you won’t like my OKP review.

]]> By: Torae http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38477 Torae Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:54:18 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38477 Sean Deez watch this FULLY and tell me I'm not nice http://tinyurl.com/car8g8 Then watch this http://tinyurl.com/lcj32p I start at 2:15 & tell me I'm not nice again. Then listen to "Click", then listen to "Lyrics is back" & "Merchant of Dreams". I might not be your fav, or you might not like me but you can't say I'm not nice... - Tor p.s. Addi I'm not afraid of some criticism. I knew going in some people would like it & some wouldn't... Sean Deez watch this FULLY and tell me I’m not nice http://tinyurl.com/car8g8 Then watch this http://tinyurl.com/lcj32p I start at 2:15 & tell me I’m not nice again. Then listen to “Click”, then listen to “Lyrics is back” & “Merchant of Dreams”. I might not be your fav, or you might not like me but you can’t say I’m not nice…

- Tor

p.s. Addi I’m not afraid of some criticism. I knew going in some people would like it & some wouldn’t…

]]> By: Sean Deez http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38417 Sean Deez Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:11:21 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38417 I duno.. as a writer, I only can appreciate a critic's perspective even more, especially when it comes to movies... Not because I will only do what critics told me to do, but more times than not, I'd go and watch a movie, come back and read (particular) critics and agree with them. You have to find your niche with the people you read. Addi is a great writer who has definitely heard his fair share of hip hop in the last few years... this is a fine review, and frankly, as I said, I totally agree with it. It's not like this is joe smoochie coochie off the street. This is a well educated listener and fan... plays both ends of the field and is a great judge of sound and character. I think the fact that the beats bang so hard on this, most listeners will jade away from any negativity about the album. I duno.. as a writer, I only can appreciate a critic’s perspective even more, especially when it comes to movies… Not because I will only do what critics told me to do, but more times than not, I’d go and watch a movie, come back and read (particular) critics and agree with them. You have to find your niche with the people you read.

Addi is a great writer who has definitely heard his fair share of hip hop in the last few years…

this is a fine review, and frankly, as I said, I totally agree with it. It’s not like this is joe smoochie coochie off the street. This is a well educated listener and fan… plays both ends of the field and is a great judge of sound and character.

I think the fact that the beats bang so hard on this, most listeners will jade away from any negativity about the album.

]]> By: Addi "Mindbender" Stewart http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38408 Addi "Mindbender" Stewart Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:12:02 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38408 ha ha ha ha ha... honestly, I pretty much feel the same way too, homie. I mean, I often get PAID for my album reviews, and I tell people (especially about movies) "man, FUCK what the critics and the reviews say! Make up your own mind!" Cause I've seen tons of movies that I love and think are awesome, and the "educated critics" and the masses hated on them. Albums too, of course. And especially particular rappers. Most people don't like Saafir the Saucy Nomad. Me? I would eat shit-covered babies to see him perform songs from his debut album, LOL! Critics who act like know-it-all haters are the WORST thing on the internet. I'm not saying I don't know my hip hop, LOL... but yeah. My review is just one man's thoughts. Which is why I put in the detail I do, cause I love it... but really, I also try to often say "THIS kind of person will enjoy it, and THAT kind of person won't", if it applies. Cause I can see bigger than just my own opinion. I knew that some heads would LOVE some ol' 2009 east coast boom-bap shit. of course. I can't hate on that. Even if it's not blowing my head off with 'Stankonia'-like innovation. real recognize real, no matter what. peace to everyone here love your music Mindbender ha ha ha ha ha… honestly, I pretty much feel the same way too, homie.

I mean, I often get PAID for my album reviews, and I tell people (especially about movies) “man, FUCK what the critics and the reviews say! Make up your own mind!” Cause I’ve seen tons of movies that I love and think are awesome, and the “educated critics” and the masses hated on them. Albums too, of course. And especially particular rappers. Most people don’t like Saafir the Saucy Nomad. Me? I would eat shit-covered babies to see him perform songs from his debut album, LOL!

Critics who act like know-it-all haters are the WORST thing on the internet. I’m not saying I don’t know my hip hop, LOL… but yeah. My review is just one man’s thoughts. Which is why I put in the detail I do, cause I love it… but really, I also try to often say “THIS kind of person will enjoy it, and THAT kind of person won’t”, if it applies. Cause I can see bigger than just my own opinion.

I knew that some heads would LOVE some ol’ 2009 east coast boom-bap shit. of course.
I can’t hate on that. Even if it’s not blowing my head off with ‘Stankonia’-like innovation.

real recognize real, no matter what.
peace to everyone here
love your music
Mindbender

]]> By: drew j http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38407 drew j Tue, 16 Jun 2009 05:52:45 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38407 I HAVE A LOVE/HATE THING WHEN IT COMES TO ALBUM REVIEWS. THEY'RE GREAT BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU INSIGHT AS TO WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC'S OPINION MIGHT BE. THEY'RE NOT SO GREAT BECAUSE IT KIND OF TAINTS YOUR PERCEPTION OF WHAT THE ALBUM MIGHT BE AND YOU ALREADY HAVE A PARTIALLY FORMED OPINION BEFORE YOU EVEN LISTEN TO THE FIRST BAR OF THE FIRST RHYME. MAN I LOVE HIP-HOP. FROM THE DIRTY, GRIMEY BOOM BAP, TO THE SPACEY EMO SHIT, TO THE DAMN NEAR POP SHIT(SOMETIMES). AIN'T NO NEED TO GET TECHNICAL WITH THIS SHIT. THE WAY I WAS BROUGHT UP WE JUST DROPPED THE NEEDLE ON THE FUCKIN' RECORD AND LET THE MUSIC SPEAK FOR ITSELF. I HAVE A LOVE/HATE THING WHEN IT COMES TO ALBUM REVIEWS. THEY’RE GREAT BECAUSE IT GIVES YOU INSIGHT AS TO WHAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC’S OPINION MIGHT BE. THEY’RE NOT SO GREAT BECAUSE IT KIND OF TAINTS YOUR PERCEPTION OF WHAT THE ALBUM MIGHT BE AND YOU ALREADY HAVE A PARTIALLY FORMED OPINION BEFORE YOU EVEN LISTEN TO THE FIRST BAR OF THE FIRST RHYME. MAN I LOVE HIP-HOP. FROM THE DIRTY, GRIMEY BOOM BAP, TO THE SPACEY EMO SHIT, TO THE DAMN NEAR POP SHIT(SOMETIMES). AIN’T NO NEED TO GET TECHNICAL WITH THIS SHIT. THE WAY I WAS BROUGHT UP WE JUST DROPPED THE NEEDLE ON THE FUCKIN’ RECORD AND LET THE MUSIC SPEAK FOR ITSELF.

]]> By: MDD http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38396 MDD Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:45:27 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38396 It didnt really bother reading the review since I made my own judegement on the album after a few listens. It didnt really bother reading the review since I made my own judegement on the album after a few listens.

]]> By: Sean Deez http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38390 Sean Deez Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:13:11 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38390 and in fact... I believe most people are scrolling right down to the score and commenting. which is unfortunate because Addi actually gives the album loads of praise... where it falters, it falters... Torae ain't that damn nice... and in fact… I believe most people are scrolling right down to the score and commenting.

which is unfortunate because Addi actually gives the album loads of praise… where it falters, it falters… Torae ain’t that damn nice…

]]> By: Addi "Mindbender" Stewart http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38389 Addi "Mindbender" Stewart Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:11:50 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38389 to be honest, I should have given it a 75. to be honest, I should have given it a 75.

]]> By: Sean Deez http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38387 Sean Deez Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:09:23 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38387 I actually agree with this review totally. The score might've been a little harsh, but I mean, Torae really deteriorates and limits the album to where it could succeed I actually agree with this review totally. The score might’ve been a little harsh, but I mean, Torae really deteriorates and limits the album to where it could succeed

]]> By: Addi "Mindbender" Stewart http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38385 Addi "Mindbender" Stewart Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:53:04 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38385 respect to being able to take constructive criticism properly, Torae. A lotta MCs can't. I didn't disrespect it at all. I gave my opinion, and balanced it well, I feel. Like I said "I know some heads will feel absolutely assassinated by awesomeness listening to this album," and those people have posted right above here. I didn't say I didn't like it, I just said the pros and cons of going with 90's boom-bap blueprint. I said it's needed (cause it is), but also, there's a price to pay. Same with me and my crazy ass space raps. Some people love it, some can't stand it. Gotta respect both sides. Torae, like I said, I know you got it in you. I hear it. "Coney Island" is MY SHIT. I'ma memorize that shit, and most rap nowadays isn't worth listening to twice. Knowing you went to match the beats moreso than write up the fiercest album of quotables will make me check for your next project more eagerly. Thanks for not losing your minds disagreeing with me, people. Maturity is the 11th element of hip hop, but a large majority of people don't act like they know that, LOL. keep it true. love, Mindbender p.s. I'll probably see you when you come to Toronto in August with Smif n Wessun and Buckshot, Torae. Tear it up, homie! respect to being able to take constructive criticism properly, Torae. A lotta MCs can’t. I didn’t disrespect it at all. I gave my opinion, and balanced it well, I feel. Like I said “I know some heads will feel absolutely assassinated by awesomeness listening to this album,” and those people have posted right above here. I didn’t say I didn’t like it, I just said the pros and cons of going with 90’s boom-bap blueprint. I said it’s needed (cause it is), but also, there’s a price to pay.
Same with me and my crazy ass space raps. Some people love it, some can’t stand it. Gotta respect both sides.
Torae, like I said, I know you got it in you. I hear it. “Coney Island” is MY SHIT. I’ma memorize that shit, and most rap nowadays isn’t worth listening to twice. Knowing you went to match the beats moreso than write up the fiercest album of quotables will make me check for your next project more eagerly.
Thanks for not losing your minds disagreeing with me, people.
Maturity is the 11th element of hip hop, but a large majority of people don’t act like they know that, LOL.
keep it true.
love,
Mindbender

p.s. I’ll probably see you when you come to Toronto in August with Smif n Wessun and Buckshot, Torae. Tear it up, homie!

]]> By: chris http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38379 chris Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:05:37 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38379 90/100. top 5 of 2009. no question. thanks for reviewing. 90/100. top 5 of 2009. no question. thanks for reviewing.

]]> By: Edwin http://kevinnottingham.com/2009/06/15/torae-marco-polo-double-barrel/#comment-38364 Edwin Mon, 15 Jun 2009 22:22:54 +0000 http://kevinnottingham.com/?p=13629#comment-38364 Great album. Great album.

]]>