Billy Danze

“As an artist I understand the frustration.  There are so many artists out there that possess the talent of being able to produce and record good music,” says hip-hop vet Billy Danze (of M.O.P fame), continuing: “My aim is to get every talented artist a deal.  Support on a globalized scale is all an artist really needs or can ask for.”

Danze, who was a member of the duo M.O.P, understands the concept of artists needing exposure.  In a world where illegal downloads, the blogosphere and iTunes control the wave of music, there exists a huge segment of artists who despite being talented, will never get the exposure they need. For the project, First Wave, Danze allowed interested artists to be featured by visiting the official website www.rapunitednations.com.  What listeners get from the project are over 30 tracks featuring mainly unfamiliar artists as well as some well known artists like XL, Haasan Mackey, Rapper Big Pooh, Torae, Skyzoo and Serius Jones to just name a few.

The project, which provides listeners with over two hours of music is a decent effort, however, it is a little long-winded. 

The concept of the project is to promote MCs from all over the world. One might wish that the global aspect should also relate to the themes explored on the album but, aside from the desire to get exposure,  R.U.N. lacks any connecting theme. All of the artists rap well, but the album lacks structure and overall is a little ambitious.  With a few exceptions like: Silicone’s “Your Life’s a Lie,” featuring Hassan Mackey, LI and Rapper Pooh as well as “So Wonderful,” by Rel The Chosen and “Dreams,” by T. Parris, there is not a sense of global ideas.  What is shown throughout is the global reach of stereotypical “rapper principles,” glorifying money and flashy possessions.

The project has standout tracks like: Kyle Hubbard’s “Around The Way,” “Wheels Up,” from Donnybrocs, Nanno’s “Money, Cars, Clothes,” featuring Low Lanski, and Dro Pesci’s “Real in the Field.” First Wave, is an interesting effort and great concept on behalf of Danze as he gave artists a platform to get their craft exposed.  However, the length is just a little ambitious for the first project as most people would not be interested in listening to over two hours of music from people who they are unfamiliar with.

-Erin Duncan