Review: Melo-X (@MeLoXTRA) – GOD: LoFi (Free EP)

Brooklyn rapper/singer Melo-X just dropped his ambient Free EP GOD: LoFi on Live Mixtapes today. This is definitely an interesting project, think Flying Lotus meets The Weeknd and with metaphoric rapping mixed with singing. I hear a possible Kendrick Lamar influence as well, but it isn’t noticeably unoriginal like a lot of music inspired by the Compton artist. Unbeknownst to me, Melo-X has been a part of the New York indie scene, he even put out a song with Kendrick Lamar back in 2010.  His maturity in music shows in the EP, which sounds polished and has re-occurring themes of family, love and responsibility that show through even in Melo’s cover of female inde-pop artist Laurel Halo’s song “Light + Space”.  His vocal’s echo perfectly over the smooth, Jazz and R&B influenced and Drum & Bass influenced beats. Some of the lyrics became a little boring after multiple listens, but the songs were satisfying overall and Melo’s singing really kept the project enjoyable. Although I enjoyed all 5 tracks on this project, the standout seems to be “Handle It”, produced by frequent Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monche collaborate M-Phazes.  Melo-X’s GOD: LoFi is definitely one of the more original projects I’ve heard this year, its worth a listen.  7.5/10

Stream and download below

 

Don’t Flop Rap Battle: @MATHHOFFA Vs @ShottyHorroh

This one was for the books: Math Hoffa from the States (New York to be specific) battled heavy against Manchester’s Shotty Horroh in the Don’t Flop “arena”. Don’t believe me, just watch.

The main event from STS VI now featuring two of the biggest faces in battle rap in 2013. A legend worldwide, famous for his punches for more than one reason, Math Hoffa going up against the rising star of 2012 and DF Battler of the Year, Shotty Horroh. This had classic written all over it.