Posted on 07/14/2009
There is something to be said for the Snakes On a Plane school of title selection. When done well, such titles are literal, direct and concise, letting perspective audiences know exactly what they are signing up for. But imagine if Snakes On a Plane was, in fact, not set on a plane, and didn’t even really have all that many snakes. That’s pretty much what you get from Toronto MC, P.A.’s latest. Melodically Vibrant. Far from vibrant, and not particularly melodic, the pristinely sedate beats and technically proficient, but lackadaisical delivery result in a pleasant, but ultimately uninspiring collection of backpacker elevator music (not a very profitable niche, since the prototypical backpacker would likely live in a walk-up.)

Posted on 07/14/2009
Sona has an interesting background. An African-born artist, Sona’s first time rapping was when he and his brother beat Streets of Rage on Sega Genesis. They freestyled over the ending theme, rapping about anything that came to mind. His life was typical of many rappers: poverty stricken and crime filled. He eventually moved to the U.S., completed his college education, and started a record label. A background like this would seemingly make for an interesting album; unfortunately, things don’t always happen the way they should

Posted on 07/06/2009
Kinny is quite frankly an intriguing prospect. For starters, she’s a half Native Canadian, half Jamaican, classically trained opera singer who describes herself as a “freestyle improv vocalist”. But all you really need to know about her is that she’s blessed with an amazingly rich and sultry voice that flows deliciously over the loping, soulful music found within the Idle Forest Of Chit Chat.

Posted on 07/06/2009
Tha Blaqprint is one of those albums that you really want to love. Blaq Poet, an underground staple to some and a fresh face to others, is an emcee capable of holding your interest even as he spits that grimy street-talk we have all heard before. Like other rappers of his breed, Blaq isn't waxing poetic on anything new or revolutionary. But it's his delivery, flow, and hood-addled voice that keeps your ear glued to the speaker.