Hip Hop Heroes [Import]

Product Description
One of the Most Representative Chilean Hip Hop Groups who have Made an Impact on the International Scene. They Did the Same with their Previous Group Makiza, Where They Conquered the Charts. Nemesis Return to Impress with this 22 Track Album of Quality Hip Hop. Includes a Bonus Track "Explota", Where Makiza and Doshermanos Join Forces to Unite Latin Hip Hop.

Hip Hop Heroes,Nemesis,Estao Chungo,Latin

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Average customer rating: Musical breath of fresh air!! Took a chance and was well rewarded Good radio rap never hurt anyone??? What's the big deal about these guys anyway? Not what you hear on the radio....but much better

As Cruel as School Children Gym Class Heroes Manufacturer: Fueled By Ramen ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Infinity on High It Won't Be Soon Before Long Back to Black Don't You Fake It Timbaland Presents Shock Value ASIN: B000FUF80W Release Date: 2006-11-04

Tracks:

1. 1st period: The Queen and I
2. 2nd period: Shoot Down the Stars
3. 3rd Period: New Friend Request
4. 4th period: Clothes Off!!
5. Lunch: Sloppy Love Jingle Pt. 1
6. 6th period: Viva La White
7. 7th Period: 7 Weeks
8. 8th period: It's Ok, But Just This Once!
9. Study Hall: Sloppy Love Jingle Pt. 2
10. 10th Period: Biters Block
11. Yearbook Club: Boys In Bands Interlude
12. 12th period: Scandalous Scholastics
13. 13th period: On My Own Time (Write On!)
14. Intramurals: Cupid's Chokehold
15. Detention: Sloppy Love Jingle Pt. 3

Amazon.com

The Roots aren't the only hip-hop group to build their sound around live instrumentation. Yet this Upstate New York quartet doesn't sound much like Philly's finest. Further, As Cruel as School Children is more radio-ready than previous efforts, especially "Cupid's Chokehold," which appropriates Supertramp's "Breakfast in America" to fine effect, i.e. "Take a look at my girlfriend / She's the only one I got." (A different mix appears on The Papercut Chronicles.) Not many indie-pop artists can freestyle, though, as frontman Travis McCoy proves on "Sloppy Love Jingle, Pts. 1-3," a trio of a cappella raps. Aside from dividing these tracks into "periods," "study halls," and the like, in fitting with the high school theme, McCoy's narratives touch on teachers, cheerleaders, and lunch room chatter. Guests include William Beckett (The Academy Is...) on "7 Weeks" and Speech (Arrested Development) on "Biter's Block." Cruel as School Children was co-produced by Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy) and released by band mate Pete Wentz's Decaydance imprint. Stump, who pops up in the "Cupid" video, also provides programming and backing vocals. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Album Description

This upstate NY 4-piece hip-hop band fuse crisp guitar rhythms, deep melodic bass lines, head cracking beats, and conscious lyrics to create a sound truly their own. Their debut full-length, "The Papercut Chronicles", has sold over 32,000 copies, converting anyone within ear shot into fans. This, their follow-up, is surely going to launch the band to the next level.

Customer Reviews:

Musical breath of fresh air!!.......2007-07-24

I'm just in love this album is great all the way through. Young music of today minus the deg ration, ignorance and profanity. Plus I met them in person and their wonderful and down to earth!!

Took a chance and was well rewarded.......2007-07-09

I hadn't really heard much of Gym Class Heroes when I bought this CD. I saw/heard Cupid's Chokehold on Fuse once and that was about it. I bought it based on Amazon's recommendation system. I'm a big fan of hip-hop like Jurassic 5 & A Tribe Called Quest and I have to say, based on my preferences, this CD was excellent. I don't think I've taken this CD out of my car's CD player since I bought it a month ago. It's just really darn good.

Good radio rap never hurt anyone???.......2007-06-22

Trading on their live status and their need to bring back the fun element of hip-hop which has indefinately been missing, this is like being stuck in a wacky-coloured room with four hyperactive but unimaginative goons desperate for you to like them. "Hey cheer up! It might never happen! Watch me bust a move," were the last words they uttered as I clubbed them unconscious with Public Enemy albums...but hey I really like Public Enemy for the record..

Smoothed out and mellow is the modus operandi of this four man crew from Geneva, New York. For those who are seeking a hip hop revival like Common's "Be" last year or the wonderful delight that helped pioneered MF Doom's to greater heights (I'm talking 2004's brilliant Madvillain - Madvillainy) you might want to look elsewhere. Friends this is hip hop for the Hollister/Abercrombie/Lacoste crowd.

To put it into a pop cultural perspective, this is the type of rap you'd expect to catch Dawson or one of the Gilmore Girls listening to, or if we still even cared about him, Seth from the OC. You'd never hear it bumping out of the trunk of any of the thugs on The Shield, that's for sure.

But before you get this impression that I am totally dismissing this album, let me preface back and say that I actually very much so like this work. The Queen And I tells of a drunk girlfriend who's 'only one more swallow from being oh so hollow' (and you're complaining?) over an acoustic strum and a 'hey-hey' chorus. Shoot Down The Stars contrasts a grim verse with a positive chorus of sunshine harmonies.

Their one track which could be redeeming, the of-its-moment track New Friend Request, plays on the desperate need to be liked on the MySpace website, is actually quite clever even if the pieces are a bit taken from Jurassic 5. I mean really the lyrics can appeal to anyone who has used Myspace - 'I didn't take it personal when you ignored my request to be your friend. I spilled my guts and hit send; I waited two weeks for a response and got nothing. Honestly, it only made me want you more.'

Particularly nasty are covers of Jermaine Jackson's We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off (To Have a Good Time) which ticks a smug '80s referencing box with no tongue in no cheek.

Talking of musical cross-pollination, Gym Class Heroes may apparently be able to 'put the f u back into fun' but on this evidence they could put something into country music (without the r). Putting the fun back into hip-hop isn't too challenging, but their need to show the breadth of their musical styles when they can't even master one isn't ambition, its truly arrested development.

As Cruel as School Children is a great feel good summer album but with quirky tunes and tongue-in-cheek raps which possibly border a little too much on pop culture, I can't see it surviving much past this year when the scene and pop culture take a new shape in 2008. Still regardless I have to say again I think it's a really fun RAP album to listen to care free, and really in a genre bending so much over hos, bling and pimpin' rides it's a nice diversion from the norm.

What's the big deal about these guys anyway?.......2007-05-06

Gym Class Heroes are an alternative hip-hop band that I discovered on MTV Hits last year when their video "The Queen and I" was playing. I didn't really know what to make of that song, but I still decided to check out the band's latest album, As Cruel As School Children.

I really don't see what all the hype is about these guys. I'm not saying they don't have talent, because the production is definitely on point, and leader Travis McCoy does have a nice flow. It's what he SAYS that's his downfall. If you really listen to the lyrics, you'll find that most of these songs have the stupidest concepts in the world. I realize that the album is following a high school theme, but missteps still can't be ignored, like the statutory "Scandalous Scholastics", a tale about a 15-year-old Travis having relations with one of his teachers (even though that kind of thing isn't really news any more, but...). And there is a series of a cappella raps called "Sloppy Love Jingle" that are all skippable.

If people are wondering where "Cupid's Chokehold" is, the thing is, that's actually a song from the band's previous album The Papercut Chronicles, and the fact that it's being re-released NOW suggests that the guys were getting really desperate for a hit single. And as you know, the song features Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump, and although he sounds fine there, he sounds ridiculous on "Clothes Off", an already horrendous reworking of Jermaine Stewart's "We Don't Have to Take Our Clothes Off", this time stating "We HAVE to take our clothes off."

Lame ideas continue, as "New Friend Request" is a dry story about meeting a girl on MySpace; and although I'm married to a white girl, "Viva la White Girl" didn't do anything for me (probably because it doesn't make much sense). Basically, if Travis rapped more like the way he does on "Shoot Down the Stars", then maybe the band would be more accessible. I'm all for silly music, but As Cruel As School Children is a little too experimental for my taste.

Anthony Rupert

Not what you hear on the radio....but much better.......2007-04-14

This album when I first saw the cover and the songs they play on the radio I thought it would be just another pop album but I love how they mix pop and rap together to come up with their own style. I especially like the sloppy love jingles especially the last one because that's how most women feel after a night out.

Average customer rating: Good album... Heroes In The City of Dope? They should run for mayor. Good cd I'm very dissappointed. It's basic. buy it.

Zion I & the Grouch Are Heroes in the City of Dope Zion I & the Grouch Manufacturer: Om Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mind over Matter Legendary Music Vol. 1 Break a Dawn The Healing True & Livin' ASIN: B000I2IS04 Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

1. Noon Time
2. Hit Em
3. Lift Me Up
4. Trains And Planes
5. Current Affairs
6. Too Much
7. The Faint Of Heart
8. Make U Fly
9. Smack
10. Open The Door
11. Trigger
12. Digital Dirt
13. 10 Fingers 10 Toes 10lbs 10oz
14. Hero
15. Bad Lands

Album Description

Zion I & The Grouch come together to make a classic album transcending the traditional West coast sound. "Heroes In The City Of Dope" tells the story of two individuals' lives in one of the most drug and poverty infested regions in the world (Oakland, CA) as they rise above the violence and temptations of the 'hood. One of the most refreshing hip-hop albums to emerge in years. For fans of Living Legends, Hieroglyphics, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Mistah Fab, Martin Luther, Blackalicious, Lyrics Born, Jurassic Five, Aceyalone, Freestyle Fellowship, and Project Blowed.

Customer Reviews:

Good album..........2007-04-28

Big Zion I fan... but this is probably the least favorite album of mine. The more i listened to it... the more it grew on me.. but... its nothing compared to their earliest albums. PLUS... i'm not to fond of the GROUCH. oh well, still a good cd... recommend it for true zion i fans.

Heroes In The City of Dope? They should run for mayor........2007-04-26

This is my first taste of both Zion I and The Grouch. I'd always heard good things about them, especially the former, but never really gave either a chance. I'll be honest in admitting that I've never been big on most West Coast emcees; there's a handful of exceptions(Murs, Game, Snoop, Kurupt, E-40, Del, Cube, Dre, Asia), but beyond that, the West has never really presented me with some of my favorite hip-hop cuts. While I know that there's three very different, and prominent styles in the West(Gangsta rap artists like Snoop, Bay Area/Hyphy artists like Mr. F.A.B., and the 'different' emcees like Del), I wasn't sure what to expect from either Zion or The Grouch. What I got was Heroes In The City of Dope; an album that certainly puts the emphasis on dope.

The production on this album is magnificient. Flawless from start to finish. The majority of it was produced by the producer half of Zion I, Amp Live, who has a great range of diversity in his sounds. Getting soulful like Chi-town's best on tracks like Make You Fly, and bringing it to the Bay with Bad Lands, Amp Live constructs an album behind the boards that is sonically pleasing no matter what region you represent.

Zion is an amazing rapper. I'll state that now. While The Grouch is quite an ill emcee in his own right, Zion is in a league of his own. Borrowing social consciousness that is similar in vein to fellow California emcee, MUrs, Zion manages to craft together a string of songs with a positive message, while also being able to shed some light on the topics he chooses, providing some humor in between. His vocal tone is very smooth, akin to Q-Tip in range, and his flow almost seems effortless in execution. The Grouch has a bit more raspy of a tone, but still sounds right at home alongside Zion's. A member of the Living Legends crew which includes the aforementioned Murs, The Grouch is a bit more cynical than Zion, but still presents a positive message, even when criticizing something such as the Hyphy movement.

As a pair, the two share some incredible chemistry, something that is rare for two emcees who seem randomly placed together. This is best displayed in tracks like Current Affairs and Bad Lands, where both emcees go back and forth without missing a step. While every single track on here is certifiably dope, the stand-out tracks are still evident; lead single Hit 'Em features tight production that sounds like it could crossover given exposure, as well as an ill guest spot by Mistah F.A.B. Make You Fly features the elegant Esthero, who croons a beautiful chorus for the track; equally gorgeous is the beat Amp Live provides to it, and the pair of dope verses from both Grouch and Zion. Smack is another great track that shows the duo's chemistry, while Digital Dirt is a track that blames technology for some of society's current ills.

Heroes In The City of Dope is an excellent album that any hip-hop head should have in their collection. There are absolutely no complaints to be made, and it's certainly recommended, to new-comers and fans alike.

Good cd.......2007-01-27

Takes some time to get use to, but after a phew listens. You really start to appreciate the music immensely. Track 2, 11, 15 are my 3 favorite songs. The rest of the songs are really well written and produced well. How ever those three songs are my favorite. Number, 11 is my new favorite song out of my whole collection of music, so far.

I'm very dissappointed........2007-01-02

I am a long time fan of the Grouch's material. This album does not feature any production by the Grouch, and it is far inferior to his unique production style. The one song I heard from this duo from grouch's my baddest btchs cd, was very dope, far better than anything on this album. There is far too much singing and pop appeal to this album for my taste. Although this album is far better than any mainstream hip hop, buy any other grouch album, the first CMA album, or either G&E album before this release. It has one really good track, the 2nd track. The rest is truely forgettable. I'm not familiar with Zion I's material, but this is really unimpressive stuff from him. Grouch is the only reason i give this album even 2 stars. Production lacks, singing ruins otherwise good songs, and Zion I is really just boring to hear.

It's basic. buy it........2006-10-24

I have been down with Zion I from Mind Over Matter, and basically they have evolved into one of the most diverse and intelligent hip hop groups to come out in the past couple of years. Fans of old Talib Kweli (reflections eternal) and blackstar should get this album. Two of the best MCs out there and you'll know it after hearing this album. Just check it thats it.

Average customer rating: History is so kind Best Album of All Time sensationally underrated rap album Oh enough already! Buy this now

Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy Manufacturer: Fontana Island ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Home Chocolate Supa Highway Songs From the Front Porch: An Acoustic Collection Everyone Deserves Music Stay Human ASIN: B000005HST Release Date: 1992-03-03

Tracks:

1. Satanic Reverses
2. Famous And Dandy (Like Amos 'n' Andy)
3. Television, The Drug Of The Nation
4. Language Of Violence
5. The Winter Of The Long Hot Summer
6. Hypocrisy Is The Greatest Luxury
7. Everyday Life Has Become A Health Risk
8. INS Greencard 1-19 191 500
9. Socio-Genetic Experiment
10. Music And Politics
11. Financial Leprosy
12. California Uber Alles
13. Water Pistol Man

Amazon.com

Although this group is long defunct, its one major recording will be fondly remembered for years--if not decades--to come. The Heroes consisted of rapper Michael Franti and percussionist Ron Tse; together, the San Francisco Bay area-based duo created a biting, politically savvy record that touched on both personal vulnerability and governmental venality. Franti used the microphone to preach about injustice, homophobia, materialism, and apathy. Although Public Enemy had long before established hip-hop's political potential, they never quite attained Franti's ability to translate black rage into universal themes. In the Heroes' best number, "Television, the Drug of the Nation," Franti raps, "Imagination is sucked out of our children by a cathode ray nipple / Television is the only wet-nurse that would create a cripple." Unfortunately, after extensive touring, the pair went their separate ways, Tse to a variety of solo projects and Franti to Spearhead. --Martin Johnson

Customer Reviews:

History is so kind.......2007-03-17

This is, objectively, a pretty bad album. The only reason people could possibly be mistaken about that is the general nostalgic quality of history. People look back at this ridiculous album and for some reason see it as a cornerstone of 'conscious' rap. In reality it's nothing of the sort.

Largely ignored on its release, treated as an oddity by those who knew about it, this album is not the great political or artistic statement some reviewers would have you believe. It's certainly different, and if you're one of those tiresome people who believe anything different is 'better', you'll probably enjoy it. At the time of its release the only real hype around the album was based around its odd percussive elements, which turned out to be much more interesting conceptually than sonically.

Really this isn't even a rap album. It's spoken word, a form of performance art that I find incredibly difficult to tolerate even on good days. It's Franti rambling - strangely without passion or any real cleverness - over admittedly bizarre beats. But that's really it. And although I'd probably agree with you if you started lecturing me about how profanity is too rampant in entertainment, etc, it's just odd - almost Raffi-esque - to hear an entertainer use the word 'poop' in a song.

Franti moved on to more structured songwriting with Spearhead, whose work is much easier to listen to and somewhat more mature. Nostalgia aside, this album is probably best forgotten along with Me Phi Me and the Fu-Schnikens.

Best Album of All Time.......2007-02-27

Today more than ever I find the messages contained in this album are spot on. And I am not joking that this is my favorite album of all time. The music itself is wonderful as well. I really do wish that DH could again saddle up to do another album.

sensationally underrated rap album.......2006-10-18

I got this record back when it first came out, me being a fan of stuff like Nine Inch Nails, Public enemy, Tackhead etc. That there probably defines the sound of the record which is something like an industrial rap album.

It's brilliant. What it does is give a great rap vocalist a platform to preach on - Franti has quite a heavy voice - a good one - and it needs a heavy soundtrack behind it. The music is clever, catchy and powerful, the lyrics are well thought through but it's a very good mix of sounds right through the album. 'television' stands out a bit, 'socio genetic experiment' is another but it's top shelf right through.

Only failing of the record is that it's not going to fit a lot of people's tastes. Is a 100% different thing to any of Michael Franti's Spearhead stuff, which I like also but it's nothing like that. And because of that it may be hard for many people to conceptualise. It's not a classic rap album and nor is it a classic 'industrial' album.

Is definitely worth a listen - at least to Television and Socio... just to get a feel if you're interested or not - it is really clever and enjoyable.

Oh enough already!.......2006-06-29

I linked to this CD after checking out what the talented Micheal Franti is up to. With Speaheard, Franti has made some good stuff, but this....I bought it back when it came out and it fell right off my stereo. It is wack Wack WACK! The overwrought name of this group alone should indicate to all that these guys take themselves WAAAAY too seriously.

They have plenty to say, of course, but that doesn't make their music good. On the contrary, the lyrics are so preachy that it's like having a sledgehammer hitting you over the head. Not that the lyrics have the force hip hop lyrics should. These guys drone out their whiny manifestos without a trace of rhythm or passion. And, on top of that, the beats are among the worst I've ever heard on a rap album.

I have no idea what the Amazon.com reviewer above is talking about (and clearly neither does he). I was into hip-hop back when this thing was released. It sank without a ripple because there were plenty of excellent hip hop artists speaking their minds AND making great music (try Public Enemy, Ice Cube, or even Arrested Development). This CD was not important back when it was released, and it had no impact at all on the development of hip hop or rap.

Buy this now.......2006-02-12

I bought this album in 1992 on the strength of one song(Television...) that I heard once on the radio. I had been a fan of Public Enemy for a couple of years at that stage. After one listen it became an immediate favourite of mine( rare.... only radiohead OK Computer has had similar success since). My sisters, then heavy metal buffs( metallica, megadeth, sepultura, etc..) simillarly took only one hearing to become hooked. It was unusual to have the same taste, as they were metal and I was rap but there you go, who knows....
The album was a socially aware rant at society back in the day, using spot on lyrics, fantastic beats, scratches and instruments such as angle grinders and chains, but it hasn't lost relevance because we still have so much to learn.
I realise that it's now 2006, but this is still one of my favourite albums of all time. While some of the songs have dated slightly others (esp. Winter of the Long Hot Summer about Gulf War 1991) are all the more significant.
There is not a bad song (lyrically or musically) on the album and if I could give it 6 stars I would.

Average customer rating:

TV: The Drug of the Nation The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy Manufacturer: Fourth & Bway / Pgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music West Coast | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury Beatnigs Spare Ass Annie and Other Tales ASIN: B000000FYR Release Date: 1991-10-01

Average customer rating: Unsung heroes need their praises sung! Excellent hip hop record

Unleashed Unsung Heroes Manufacturer: 75 Ark Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Trip-Hop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: One Never Say Never Infectious ASIN: B00004XSMV Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. Magnificent
2. Ken Boogaloo Freestyle
3. Crushed Velvet
4. A Brief Case (Interlude)
5. Amateurs Get Hung
6. Transatlantic
7. Never Underestimate
8. What Would You Do?
9. The Norm
10. Wjam (Interruption)
11. The Next Degree
12. Dummy
13. A Word From Roy (Interlude)
14. Work It Out
15. The Path Is Narrow
16. A Changed Man
17. Here To Make A Difference
18. Divine Gifts
19. Universal
20. Daily Intake
21. Just Relax (Interlude)
22. High On Nothing

Customer Reviews:

Unsung heroes need their praises sung!.......2001-12-04

GREAT album! Creative, intelligent lyrics, pimp guitar sampling, this is a must have if you are into hip-hop.

Excellent hip hop record.......2000-10-18

this album is an example of excellent UK production. Outstanding guest appearances from J-Live, Mr Complex, L-Fudge and other US MC's. Recommended to rock a blockk party, or perfect for just chillin in the crib...awesome!

Average customer rating: So I've heard... Let's Talk Great Escape is a solid effort from a more talented artist review from the Synthesis

The Great Escape Hot Karl Manufacturer: Headless Heroes ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B0007US7OE Release Date: 2005-07-12

Tracks:

1. Lets Talk Feat. MC Serch
2. Suburban Superstar
3. Ready for the Booth Feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man (Skit)
4. Kerk Gybson
5. Butterface Feat. Ali Abnormal
6. Everything Sounds Good Feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man (Skit)
7. Home Sweet Home Feat. Reggie Watts
8. Back/Forth Feat. Boobie Poquito
9. Still There Feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man (Skit)
10. Just Like Me & You (Betty Elms)
11. Dreamin (Diane Selwyn)
12. Could've Been Huge Feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man (Skit)
13. Ive Heard
14. The Afterparty

Product Description

1. Let’s Talk feat. MC Serch
2. Suburban Superstar
3. Ready For The Booth feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man
4. Kerk Gibson
5. Butterface feat. Ali Abnormal
6. Everything Sounds Good feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man
7. Home Sweet Home feat. Reggie Watts
8. Back-Forth feat. Boobie Poquito
9. Still There feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man
10. Lonely Girl (Betty Elms)
11. Dreamin’ (Diane Selwyn)
12. Could’ve Been Huge feat. Dave Gossett the A&R Man
13. I’ve Heard
14. Can
15. You
16. Find
17. My Mom Skit

Format: CD

Customer Reviews:

So I've heard..........2006-12-30

Well Hot Karl once upon a time was billed as the next great white hype (does it even matter?) by a few sources as a by product of MC Serch's discovery. However as fate would have it, probably for better of industry, his career never took off. I read a review on this album as cleverly labeling Karl as the bridge between "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and and hip hop, not that it had anything to do with his sexual orientation but rather his presence. The skits in this album reveal all, Karl is being begged to come out from his stage room but instead is having a star hissy fit about not being good enough, with his angry manager yelling at him. Maybe Karl is making some sort of analogy of being forced on stage as some larger statement as an artist he's rejecting the pressures of the industry and to do the same song and dance, but whatever the case... its not doing him any good. The album cover is even more the more telling, Karl rejects the bling hip hop (As many of us do) but with a strangely feminine subtext, with the pink sky, exploding champaign in a an almost phallic sense dousing a women, him clutching a small dog looking somewhat awestruck. The source of awe, fear and whatever else comes from the overly virile representation of hip hop and masculinity, and perhaps attacking his own lack of such.

So after you get around Karl's whole, "Hey I'm white and OMG I rap!" something we're finally getting beyond, as any hip hop head can probably name 10 white rappers and good ones at that, and pretty much any other pointless ethnic divides we're left Karl's discontent with his career and struggle. We all love plight and struggle but its been done so much better by others like RA The Rugged Man or Royce the 5' 9". Karl whines and sounds rather uninspired except one shining moment. Somehow Karl weaseled (paid the money for) one of the better beats out of 9th Wonder, as well as raps with vigor and heart. Its contradictory to his album skit theme but welcomed and being the highlight of the album besides the verse from Serch. However, I've Heard is free for download at some music sites negating the reason any sane person might be compelled to pay for this album. I'd probably been angry had I bought this but instead I've heard remains the one and only Hot Karl song on iPod.

Sorry Karl, time to go back and run and hide.

Let's Talk.......2006-04-05

Karl possesses a certain Intelligence that is rarely seen in Hip-Hop. Not that there aren't other "smart" emcees out there. But, Karl doesn't get spacey and scientific on us like let's say, Canibus. Without really listening, the first impression one might get of HK is he's pretty dumb. Lots of punchlines and metaphores make up his style. I'm sure people could argue all day about his voice, which I happen to not mind. But, I really find him to have a great flow. His intelligence is very low-key. He makes references to all kinds of things you probably won't catch on the first listen. I'm a huge fan of battle rappers, and while not as fierce as Chino-XL, HK really holds his own, and on a level unlike any other rapper. He's not hardcore (I'm going to kill you) he's white, goofy and proud of it. And for some reason, two of his biggest lyrical targets are Queen Latifah & Tyrese. Don't ask cos I don't know, but his punchlines make me laugh. The album starts with "Let's Talk" an old track, which was supposed to be on his Interscope debuet. Absolutely one of the best tracks I've heard in years. And not just because one of my biggest influences in Serch is on it. The concept is kind of played out, but the story telling, and song just work. Serch has skills, and no issues with being an ass. This is the best back and forth conversation song ever maybe. "Home Sweet Home" is pulled off his scraped debuet too. I've heard the song in 3 forms, all sounding totally different. This one's alright but either of the other 2 versions would have been much better. Some of the beats here I ain't feeling, and some of the old tracks should have been included on here. HK carries the album threw with his humor and wit on the mic. There's a reason he won 8'oclock battles for like 44 nights straight, he has massive presence on the m-i-c. This album could have been a lot better, but it's good to see HK doing his thing. I hope he never stops emceeing, we don't have anyone like him out. He's nerdy, without all the text book big word rhymes.

Great Escape is a solid effort from a more talented artist.......2005-10-16

Hot karl as an artist creates well-thought, interestingly written lyrics. His ability to rap is uncanny in that he brings excellent pronunciation. I have followed hot karl's music since i first heard a song called "caliente Karlito," which is one of the most creative rap songs i've ever heard. There do exist some similarities to Eminem such as Karl's fast-pace and multi-syllabic rhyming. Though to Karl's defense, his choice of topics, song structure, dedication to his own style, and overall ability put him in a far different group of rappers from eminem. As a fan the release of the great escape was very exciting for me.
Unfortunately, the music was not quite up to par with karl's capabilities. there was a very good track with mc serch in which karl argues about his creative differences with the rap industry. Also a track call Back/Forth that really showcases what karl fun side that did not quite translate from his first (unreleased) album to the great escape. he adds a version of my favorite hot karl song " the burbs" called "Home Sweet Home" which gives some creative and compelling arguments about the questionable Happiness in the suburbs( though i think the song is half a joke). unfortunately the remake isn't as good( it lacks the emotion from the original).
He also adds some of the funniest skits in the industry. I enjoy the one about the Ten White Commandments and i laughed quite a while when his mother called him a loser. However, i was really looking for the music. i wish there could have been less skits and more music. it would have been a nice plus if he had added some older songs like: armand assante, his hotness, or sumpn changed for the newcomers.
Overall hot karl is an intensely talented and fun rapper. Unlike artists like Kanye West who get undeserved credit for breaking down racial and social barriers. Hot Karl actually works towards such things by embracing that he is a big white nerd and not acting like a thug or a drug dealer.
I give this 4 out of five.
too many skits
not enough songs
only a couple really great songs
this is a solid buy for anyone looking for something creative and different

review from the Synthesis.......2005-09-08

So the rip is this dude was signed and was supposed to be that next great white rapper, but then he got dropped. Thank God, but unfortunately he persisted and now we have The Great Escape. If anything, Hot Karl doesn't front: he sounds and raps like the white nerd he is, or appears to be on the cover art. His lyrics touch on beat topics like why is rap so materialistic and commercial, reminiscent songs ("Kerk Gybson") and how the suburbs are a hard place to live ("Home Sweet Home"). The production is overly polished with a pop feel, making the album even more unbearable. Maybe I don't get the joke, but for real, this is up there with Paul Barman.

- Corey Bloom
Synthesis.net

Average customer rating:

Language of Violence The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy Manufacturer: Fourth & Bway / Pgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00008F2SQ Release Date: 1992-02-11

Average customer rating:

Unleashed Unsung Heroes Manufacturer: Crown ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005NNW4 Release Date: 2001-09-21

Album Details

Japanese Version featuring a Three Track Bonus Remix CD

Average customer rating: great album

Blast Action Heroes Beginner Manufacturer: Motor ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000AQVRW Release Date: 2003-09-08

Tracks:

1. Back in Town
2. Wer Bistn Du - Beginner,
3. Scheinwerfer
4. Gustav Gans
5. City Blues
6. Schiss
7. Stift Her
8. St. Anger
9. Chili-Chil B B
10. Heg
11. Fe
12. God Is a Music - Beginner,
13. Wundersch
14. Kake Is at the Dampf

Customer Reviews:

great album.......2004-03-02

I like this Album very much, i love to hear the tracks while I'm cycling but I think the older Albums like "bambule" especially the track "fuechse" are much better!
If you want to listen then search on www.amazon.de

Average customer rating:

Unleashed Unsung Heroes Manufacturer: Scenario ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Experimental Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004YYYS Release Date: 2000-09-25

Tracks:

1. Magnificent
2. Ken Boogaloo Freestyle
3. Crushed Velvet
4. Brief Case (Interlude)
5. Amateurs Get Hung
6. Transatlantic
7. Never Underestimate
8. What Would You Do?
9. Norm
10. Wjam [Interruption]
11. Next Degree
12. Dummy
13. Word From Roy (Interlude)
14. Work It Out
15. Path Is Narrow
16. Changed Man
17. Here to Make a Difference
18. Divine Gifts
19. Universal
20. Daily Intake
21. Just Relax (Interlude)
22. High on Nothing

Latin Music:

1. Historia De Romance
2. I Nada En Comun [Import]
3. Intacto
4. Jovenes Pordioseros [Import]
5. La Hystoria [Explicit Lyrics]
6. La Muerte Del Jefe [Enhanced]
7. La Selva [Import]
8. La Vida de Mi Porbenir [Enhanced]
9. Latin Mix USA
10. Laura

Latin Music

latin music

Latin Music

Brazilian Beat: Remixes [CD-single] [Import]

Italian Solo Cantatas

Messe Agatange

Music: Cool Jazz Cats

Howie Beck [Import]

Jene's Reign

Hello Mama

Henry's Dream

High Mileage [Enhanced]

Exitos

Hawk in Paris

I Didn't Know About You

Goa Head V.1 [Import]

Austrian Images

Wall: Live in Berlin