RetroHash Album Review

Early Beginnings

Asher Roth's sophomore LP came out in late April, so I've had about a month to listen to it thoroughly. This much anticipated release shows lots of growth from Roth since his 2008 party anthem I Love College and Asleep in the Bread Aisle, his debut album.  Since then, Asher has released a bevy of mixtapes and an EP with Virginia rapper/producer Nottz, which has only boosted his lyrical and song making abilities.  This earlier Asher Roth and Kid Cudi freestyle shows both artists exceptional skills when it comes to controlling the mic.

Mixtapes

Seared Foie Gras with Quince & Cranberry shows Roth freestyling over a number of classic productions including The Diplomats' I'm Ready and Cam'Ron's Down.  Pabst & Jazz has Asher taking a unique approach by flowing over heavily jazz inspired production via Chuck Inglish, Blended Babies, and others.  These two tapes are my personal favorites and RetroHash contains the best elements from both works.

RetroHash Favorites

Parties at the Disco starts this album with a smooth sound and Ash singing about feeling wishful and partying at the disco.  Dude brings the Blended Babies (they produced the majority of the album) back for another sick track with flawless worldplay also featuring Curren$y.  Spitta and Roth talk about being that dude in an industry where most people compromise themselves.  The album continues with hippy-like dance tracks Tangerine Girl and Pull It until my favorite song, Fast Life featuring Vic Mensa.  On this song, we hear Asher talk about getting caught up in the fast life and the troubles of trying to grow up too quickly.  Last of the Flohicans has Asher putting his lyricism on display with three great verses (just listen to them).  Be Right has Major Myjah on the hook where Asher spits about keys to finding happiness in life.  

Summary

RetroHash finishes up as quickly as it starts - it's only 10 songs and 41 minutes long. I may not have done the album justice with my analysis.  However, each song contains musical elements and lyrics that show Roth's growth as an artist.  Get your copy asap!

44108 Murder Zone: March Madness Mixtape Special

In the first round of March Madness Dayton represented with an impressive win over Ohio State. King Chip's latest masterpiece "44108" represents another win for the state of Ohio. The Cleveland emcee's work ethic is impeccable as he blesses us with 19 tracks on topics ranging from getting top aka "Crown" from the finest of freaks all the way to getting revenge on a corrupt police officer on "Police in the Trunk".

"I OWN MY OWN NAME"

In a bold move a couple summers ago Chip changed his moniker from Chip the Ripper to King Chip, a fitting title for the new father to son, Cash (named after Johnny Cash) and one of the best to do it from Cleveland. With this classic body of work Chip solidifies his place on the throne.  Peep my 5 picks for the most influential and dopest tracks off #44108! 

Photo Credit: http://rapgenius.com/artists/King-chip

Download 44108 from LiveMixtapes at this link: http://www.livemixtapes.com/download/23455/king-chip-44108.html

1- Best Track to Ride To: 7AM on St. Clair ft. Ray Cash

Easily one of the smoothest tracks on this project. Play this during a trip to your shorty's house, or on the way to your local hoop spot for some pickup basketball. Guaranteed to have your swagger on a hundun. Chip enlists Cleveland vet Ray Cash for the smoothest guest feature on the entire mixtape.

2- Most Creative Track: Vortex ft. Kid Cudi and Pusha T

First of all the beat is CRAZY! King Chip and Cudi may be one of the best tag team duos when it comes to mixtape bangers (just look at Chip's features on Cudi's early mixtapes). Chip and Pusha T deliver some epic verses while Cudi sings to the ladies on the hook "I want to live in your Vortex, you knowin what's comin next!"

3- Best Track to Vibe to: Action Plan ft. Lorine Chia

"My legacy is way beyond my vital signs, I am a god!" Try not to bob your head to this joint. It's impossible. Lorine Chia's vocals set Chip up perfectly for some insightful verses. You can blaze a blunt to this joint and completely zone out.

4- Best Story: Police in the Trunk

This takes NWA's fuck the police to the next level! On this track Chip exacts revenge on an officer that killed one of his homies. If you're squeamish you probably won't want to listen to this track! The imagery is astounding as Chip raps about taking the officer's body to the butcher shop on some real Sopranos type shit. Also, the rock band type break at the end is extra dope.

5- Dopest Track: BLK on BLK 

I had to save the best for last. The production on this joint is flawless. Before each hook Chip raps "Black on black like Morpheus, pills on deck like Morpheus" as he takes listeners on a ride through the realest hoods in Cleveland. "Nigga my hood so crazy man this shit just like the Gaza Strip" pretty much sums it up. JUST WATCH THE VIDEO.

You can follow King Chip on Twitter @Chip216 for word on his much anticipated #CleveLAfornia. The fans are patiently waiting!