Freestyle Friday (10/29)

Friday means freestyles. And that's just the long and short of it on Dear Whoever. Let's not mince words. Today we've got two very, very different ciphers on the schedule. The first one is with Big Sean, Cory Gunz and Mickey Factz. Let me tell you this before you even hit play: CORY GUNZ KILLS IT. I don't understand why this man is not one of the best in the game, though his signing to Young Money might have something to do with it. Mickey and Big Sean both spit okay verses, but it's clear who's shining in that video. The second one is an old freestyle (I'm guessing) circa 1995 featuring Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, both draped in the finest of apparel from that time. And, as one would expect they spit bars about what else but things only people with Cuban Linx would be able to relate to. Regardless, the cipher is FIRE, and I know a few of you older hip-hop heads will dig it. Check out both the young and older eras of hip-hop for this Freestyle Friday and keep it locked to Dear Whoever...

Freestyle Friday (11/13)

Today's my first Freestyle Friday on my new computer, and I'm glad I could listen to both of these freestyles to christen this thing. Cory Gunz and Joell Ortiz need to be on your radar for next year. Both of these dudes went IN. Cory raps over 'Forever' and 'On to the Next One' and Joell raps over 'Brooklyn's Finest' (he should be up there soon). Do yourself a favor if you like lyrics...

Freestyle Friday (10/2)

Hey people!! You know what time it is.. Freestyle Friday. Today we have somebody I've slept on for a minute (I've been saying that a lot; time to get back on my music grind). Skyzoo, who's been shouted out by damn near all of my favorite rappers goes in on True Stories Radio. At first he doesn't wow you with the flow, but he has such consistency in his lyrics that he has to be nice. The second one is from a hometown hero of mine. Cory Gunz, who just dropped his latest mixtape last week (check here) has a cipher at Adolessence Radio (can somebody put these blog/radio station/magazine names in check?). I have to say, and I continue to stand by this, that Cory Gunz is a MONSTER. Do not let the lack of mainstream success fool you. If you want a lyrical onslaught, look no further...

Cory Gunz & DJ Drama - Heir to the Throne

This cover looks like it was straight from Ca$h Money, circa 1999...

Cory Gunz & DJ Drama - Heir to the Throne

Cory Gunz is a monster. I will wholeheartedly endorse that statement. However, the people he entrusts with his career are not so hot. Believe that. That's the only way that such a good lyricist could collaborate for such a disappointing mixtape. When I found out that Cory Gunz was releasing a Gangsta Grillz mixtape, I was excited because I knew it would be a legitimate cosign. Now, I feel like he's going to be relegated to the battle / hood rapper lane, when he should be going in with the rest of the Freshman class (who's up for 2010, by the way? I'm curious). Now, that's not a bad thing. But why limit yourself Cory? For someone as talented as Cory, there should be a plethora of beats. This whole mixtape sounds the same. Cory spits battle raps, shoot-em-up lyrics over hard-ass beats. The last time I checked, repetition doesn't get you anywhere (ask Wale's old flow). Versatility is what makes an artist blow.

No, Cory will never be Drake, the industry golden boy, but some fine-tuning on his versatility would do the man some good. Even with all of the DJ Drama drops and lack of content on the mixtape, lyrically and flow-wise, Cory Gunz is bounds ahead of where he used to be. He officially has one of the best vocabularies in hip-hop and is always showing the most subtle humor ever in his punchlines. And, NEWSFLASH: he now knows how to turn off his rapid-fire flow and ride a beat. That, in and of itself warrants some praise on his part. I just wish he would have extended that change to his beat selection. Check my picks, some loosies and videos for your viewing pleasure...

Cream of the Crop:
Let's Move
Plenty Money Freestyle
A New Day
Drug Raps (ironically)
Big Noise

Cream of the Crap:
Crew in the Spot
Bomb Day
Bust a Nigga Head

Loosies:
Cory Gunz-How We Set Em Straight
Cory Gunz-Stick Up