Overlooked: From Durag Dynasty to GQ, the Mega-Edition (Album Reviews) Posted by Dharmic X on 04/01/13 | Filed under Opinion, Album Reviews, Overlooked

Last week, there was no installment of "Overlooked". Part of the problem was that I was traveling, making it extremely difficult to write up a review on anything (try typing out extra long paragraphs on your iPhone). But the other problem was that there really was not a release from the previous week that stood out. At least not one that had not already received attention on RefinedHype.

(Note: It is quite possible that I executed severe oversight in not seeing a release. I was traveling. If you thought that two weeks ago there was something worth covering, please leave a comment below).

This week, however, was quite the opposite. I counted at least four projects with limited coverage on RefinedHype that were definitely worthy of some attention. Below are shorter reviews on each of the releases. And remember, this is definitely an exception to the rule I plan on following; its sort of my way of me playing make up.

Durag Dynasty "360 Waves"


Planet Asia, TriState, and Killer Ben came together to form the Durag Dynasty, with the “durag” serving as a motif for their latest album, titled "360 Waves". It is a motif that pretty much ties the album together, an inside joke that the listener does not totally understand but ultimately appreciates the music that spawns.

Produced entirely by the Alchemist, this might be his best project since that Yacht Rock EP he put out last summer. The gritty canvas is perfect for the deep, guttural voices and street lyricism that follows. The chemistry between the three emcees is incredible, and the features fit right into the aesthetic, especially the unheralded Imam Thug, Phil the Agony, and Big Twinz.

This has not received the type of attention from a certain spectrum of hip-hop fans, unlike Alchemist’s most recent works, but there has been high praise from artists ranging from Action Bronson to Just Blaze. This has the potential to be an underground classic.

Jasiri X & Religion "Ascension"


It has been a few months since the hip-hop has received some solid political content to absorb and vibe to; the last album to fit this criteria was likely Brother Ali’s Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color. Much like Ali, Pittsburgh’s community crusader Jasiri X crafts his Ascension album with the help of one producer, Vancouver’s Religion. While sample-free, the project’s semi-experimental sound retains a serious hip-hop vibe, especially with tracks like “Crooked Cops” and “Pillars.”

The songs are highly conceptual (“21 Forever”) and overtly political (“By Any Means”), but Jasiri moves beyond that with songs like “42 Bar Thesis” and “Warrior,” the latter serving as a track anyone can relate to. Features are limited to two, but both are excellent additions to the project: Chicago’s Rhymefest and Ali himself.

"Ascension" is a stellar project, which should be the first step on a long journey for Jasiri X.

The Antiheroes "Modern Day Riot"


The Antiheroes is a Toronto-based duo who relies on a lush musical sound to get the message across. Last week, they released "Modern Day Riot", a project that showcased this richness. Guided by producer MMac, with assists from Jay Emess, Junia-T, and Rich Kidd, it is the small touches that strike the listener, such as the horns on “Cloud 9,” which considerably aid in elevating the track.

Meanwhile, lyrically, the two friends bounce off each other with solid chemistry, each one adding to the concept of the song and adding their own flair and viewpoint. The two are able to convey strong emotion in their songs, most notably on “Understand,” by far my favorite song on the album and one of my favorite songs of 2013. With added features from STS, Thurz, and Rich Kidd, the project comes together very well, another gem from the slept-on Canadian hip-hop scene.

GQ "Death Threats & Love Notes: The Prelude"


GQ is a member of 9th Wonder’s Jamla Records squad. Leading up to the release of "Death Threats & Love Notes", the Bay Area native and former Division I college basketball player has dropped a "Prelude" of sorts. What is notable for this project is how personal it is. Songs like “Last Breath” reveal insight into the psyche of the young artist, and the fact that there is really just one rap feature (from Rapsody) aids this, as the project is carried by GQ himself.

The Soul Council comes correct as they always do, with 9th Wonder, Fatin, Amp all contributing several tracks. However, one-third of the project is helmed by Eric G, who shines on tracks like “I’m Gone” and “Back Here,” songs that show a twinge of Bay Area influence mixed into the soulful styling of the North Carolina based production group. The album has the feel of an audio diary, and is very easy to relate to.