This is one tight ass group. G-Da Man says, "This is straight up Hip Hop" when asked if he considered this Rap or Hip Hop. I like the female vocals in this 18 cut selection. I also like the way this extended family sings together as a whole. They represent the Midwest, Champaign Illinois and Chicago (South-Side).
The lyrics are clever as is the symbolism. They sing violently but they will also tell you that it ain't always about all that. The first half of the CD is almost sour. Sour as in sweet and sour and most of us like that flavor. The best song is "Clubbin'-N-Thuggin'" (#4 and edited for radio, #18).
Song # 6 "Showdown" reminds me of a Charlie Daniels country song. The tempo is much faster than the flow of the 1st half. This collection isn't like anything you ever heard, if you like this stuff. It's refreshing. These folks and / or peoples have some good voices and mix the beat very well.
The tongue contractions say it like it is. Edward Gene "G-da Man" Hicks is the master of this collection. Gene loves music and his community, I really like the quality and sound of what is here. I could do without some of the violence and drugs, but we have all had our share of bad days. They have written some real good songs about em'.
Song # 12, "Get Rich", almost reminds me of a Chinese Christmas Song and everybody gets rich. Much of this collection is about making money. The backbeat reminds us that we are new to this sound. Something about it is very different and refreshing from the current reign.
Song #16, "Keep the Scenario", is very cool and I hear a bit of the Beatles in it. This song tells the ballad of a gangster rapper as he might be facing down the barrel of a gun. The tales of misunderstanding and truth, but you are on the end of his site. The next to last one starts out jazzy and reminds you of the illusion of music, rhythm, beat and lyrics. Congratulations on their new child. Maybe he'll be the next King!.
The last one "Clubin'-N- Thugin'" (radio edit) reminds you of what you like about this tight group. This song is going to be a big hit. The whole collection is worth listening to if you like Rap, Hip Hop, Gansta rock or just want to hear something different.
I like this group and look forward to hearing more of their stuff. I like that they say it exactly like it is. They don't make things politically correct, they make things politically real and the last thing it's about is politics. The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin have influenced The Paign Family music. You can reach Gene "G-da Man" Hicks at (630) 209-1556 or by e-mail: Paignfamily@comcast.net . (Congrats on a baby Girl)
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