Call It Valedictorian

Domo Genesis - Under The Influence (2011)

Where Tyler stagnated on Goblin and displayed little personal innovation to his style that is already becoming cliche, Domo improves markedly on his second release in every single facet: flow, lyrics, beats, production... even the album cover is better.  This is miles ahead of Rolling Papers.  Domo has matured and it shows - smooth classy beats, clever quick-witted verses... as far as style goes, Domo Genesis kills it.  He finds a way to maintain Odd Future's humorous trademark while having a tone that is less gimmicky and more mature.  Until Earl comes back, Domo, to me, is the most exciting Wolf Gang member.  Seriously, if you haven't given the "lesser known" members of OFWGKTA a look, check this out.
Standout Track(s) - 
Guess Who's Back

The original mixtape that I downloaded didn't list the features on each track --  when I realized that it was Cassie Veggies on this track, I was shocked.  I'd listened to a few of his songs, stopping them way before they were over, and didn't like him at all... but I love this guest spot - he starts off fresh from his first verse, and he keeps his charisma at a peak in spite of (or maybe supported by) his ridiculous voice.  Going to check more of his stuff out now...

More Clouds

I'm a little thrown off by his fabricated descriptions of how good his weed is... Really Domo?  Seeing colors in tie-dye?  I guess that really is some goku shit.  Whatever - lovely song.  I still dig it.

Interesting Info -
Odd Future is headlining Sunday of Fun Fun Fun Fest here in Austin.  I recommend you be there.

Snatchin' hip-hop from the light & bringing it back into dark

Planet Asia - EP (1998)

Usually when I write about music, I tend to write things and thoughts down while I'm listening to the album.  Though I had many thoughts formulate in my head while listening to the Planet Asia EP, I had to stop myself.  I didn't want to miss a single verse.  Plus,  I had a minor fear that I would lose the beat that PA got me bouncing my head too.  These beats are so simple and smooth, and Planet Asia has a great flow with incredible lyricism to go on top of it.  Seriously, some of these beats just seem way ahead of their time in terms of style.  Don't get me wrong, this stuff has a classic sound to it - just not in the way that you feel like your listening to a throwback rap mix - no, this sounds like something that was made today but with old-school emceeing and simple beats only to make you feel like this stuff is old.  But oh no, it actually is old. Released 1998.

Some beats are stronger than others, but they all share a similar dark-toned style.  Luckily, the EP is only 8 songs long, just short enough to prevent you from getting sick of it.  And when the beats aren't as strong, Asia makes up for it with even stronger raps.  So... yeah.  Check this out; or just ride with me, because I feel it will be in my rotation for awhile.


Standout Track(s) -
On The Corner Part 2
Quite a smoker's anthem.  Love it - gimme Asia over Wiz any day. (Note - I normally embed the youtube players, but they were defaulting to lower quality, and I think these benefit a bit from you playing it in the higher qualities, even though they are only like 480.)

Kalidascope
Probably my favorite beat on the whole thing.  It's just so smooth, and the whole thing has a classic feel.

Interesting Note(s) -
Found Planet Asia after he guested on MED's new Classic album.  I'm not emphasizing the word, that is the name of the album.  It's an alright album - but it mostly just has some very solid guest spots.

Check it