Curtis Mayfield 3000 (by Omar)

Rating (3/5)

DC artist, Ankh Amen Ra blesses internet users with the free digital download, "Curtis Mayfield 3000". The 8 track mixtape is produced by Judah except for the Dirty Yella bonus cut, "Aviator's Theme". The album starts off very soulful with a woman crooning in the background as Ra anoints himself as, "smooth as Curtis Mayfield". Ankh spits of embodying legendary entertainer luminaries with the lines, "put on my dark shades I call them Isaacs and the Donny Hathaway brown leather fly as a pilot, Aretha Violet hanging from my pocket." Suddenly and surprisingly the soulful vibe dissipates with "I am Inspiration" featuring Ra The Mc. A self reflective journey of triumph over life's adversities. The poignant quotable, "so many cursed by the blues, thirst to live life is the worst thing to lose" is one of the many highlights on this metaphysical song. Ra The Mc, softly and sensually massages, "I am Inspiration" with her sweet melodic vocals. "The Vices" and "Hope" is a continuation of Ra's quest to raise society's consciousness with his introspective and extrospective lyrical awareness. The album's only miscues are "Digital Girl", "Low Frequency" and the T-Pain influenced "Aviator's theme" which suffer from suspect production and exiguous lyrics.

Download "Curtis Mayfield 3000" @ http://www.myspace.com/ankhamenramusic

"Why Not 3" Mixtape Review(by Omar)

Rating (3/5)

Poughkeepsie rapper, Arnold Nathan Tz uses the "gravitational pull" of disappointment and success to reel listeners into "Why Not 3". On the skit, "The Listening Session", A.N.T. celebrates with friends at his album release party. They give praises and advice to the fledgling artist. His euphoric attitude dissipates with a phone call from record label executive, G Whiz. Dramatic piano keys play in the background as Whiz relays the company's decision to sever ties with Arnold. This moment engages the audience by showing the pain and struggle in obtaining a recording deal. Nothing is promised as the young artist discovers, even, if it satiates an exec's appetite. As Whiz continues, A.N.T. says "You said everything was all good".

The subsequent track, "Poor Mr. Tz" featuring DJ Ra-Vee shows Arnold releasing anger with the lines, "ain't no sympathy for me, poor Mr. Tazinsky." A.N.T. focuses on the reality of struggling towards success. He's torn between grousing over setbacks in life and visions of accomplishing his dreams. The sampling of Group Home and Special Ed gives the song range by further expressing his conflicting state.

"Why not 3" contains quality production which keeps your head bobbing. You can definitely bump it while riding down the expressway on a summer day. An example is "Gravity Pull" produced by Clarkwork, featuring Cans. The hypnotic, relaxing beat pulls you into a state of peace and tranquility. On the intro, A.N.T. reminisces of "how his mama told him the ocean's waves are controlled by the moon's gravitational pull." This track definitely needs a video to accompany it. Rik Cordero are you listening?

"Say It", is too short. 1:55, c'mon we need more. J Dilla beat thumps hard and M. Wettah complements the song with style and confidence. A.N.T completes "Why Not 3" with the psychotic, paranoia inducing "I F*cked Up". The beat is crazy. At the beginning of the track, a female calls an unavailable A.N.T. and vows to go to his house. In the end we witness, the Poughkeepsie emcee vomiting from excessive alcohol. His female friend enters and finds the young emcee in a state of helplessness. She urges him to regain his falling consciousness.

"Why Not 3", is a decent mixtape effort. A.N.T gives glimpses of his potential with varied rhyme styles and honest lyrics throughout the album. By continuing to sharpen his musical gifts , he can excel in this game called Hip Hop.

Mixtape Download

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