From the forthcoming album Mansa Musa due 8/26 Via iTunes.

Off of JR&PH’s third studio album, The Good Life, out now on Soulspazm Records/Foundation Media/Jakarta Records. Features include Saigon, Freeway, Sean Price, Roc Marciano, Skyzoo, Torae, Chuuwee, Guilty Simpson, Fly Union and many more.

This may be the first time bike-riding Mormon missionaries have appeared in a rap video. Directed by Kenneth Price. From Charity Starts At Home.

The NC by way of Cincinnati emcee Fluent drops “Wild & Free,” the first leak off his forthcoming lp, Retro Future. This Khrysis produced single features verses from the Justus League affiliate Median & KAZE a/k/a 4 Letters. Light on features, the album includes a guest feature from El da Sensei and boasts production from both Khrysis and The Returners. Retro Future is just one of two projects that Fluent will drop this year, the follow-up being a full length produced entirely by heavyweight beatsmith J. Cardim (Lil Wayne, Akon, Wale, Talib Kweli).

North Carolina-based emcee Median knows how to alleviate the drama. His first two projects; The Path to Relief EP and Median’s Relief appear to be named in that spirit, and The Sender is no exception. Brought to you by Jamla and +FE Music, the full length sophomore offering of this Hall of Justus comrade actualizes a breath of fresh air.

From the start it is difficult to select standout songs; the August 2011 release delivers the sentiments promised in the Kev Brown produced intro. That toast to the gift of giving, the pleasure of pleasing and receiving was the perfect salutation to “Take A Chance,” where Phonte lends his first of a trio of scintillating verses on the album. But for as smooth as the opening track is, the second goes hard. The Khrysis composed “Bright Individual” almost blasts though your speakers. Heavy drums skip playfully but knock over a bass line worthy of your ugliest ugly face, as Median in contrast casually surfs the beat.

Completing the trifecta is the 9th Wonder’s “Open My Thoughts” as Median attests “you’re only funky as your last cut.” It seems he’s taking heed to his own mantra; not focusing on past efforts but bringing us fresh music with a renewed vigor. Gliding in next the seductive S1 concocted “Change Your Life;” featuring Rappin’ Tay along with Big Remo, and Singin’ Tay on the hook, sustains the groove.

The first eight tracks of The Sender are damn near flawless with carefully selected assists, complementary melodies and a commanding performance by Median. A couplet of Khrysis jams secure mid-album, and the gruff voiced producer even blesses the mic on the Tyrone Davis diced “Okie Dokers.” King Mez steals the show on “Fresh Breath” which also features Sundown of Actual Proof, showcasing some first-rate Carolina talent.

After a slight lull, things pick back up with Fatin’s “Sizzlin.” B-girl incarnate Rapsody lends her syrupy rasp for four bars of the hook. It’s just enough, but we almost wish she’d have stuck around for a few more. Toward the end there’s another drop in mood, but the suitably named “Special” featuring Phonte and YahZarah’s pitch-perfect harmonies more than makes up for it. “Kiss The Sky” boasting ethereal vocals from Sy Smith, and title cut “The Sender” finish up steady.

The Sender is a gem in 2011 hip hop. Median continues to show his breadth as a lyricist; rhyming the intricacies of his mind with fluidity from Only Built 4 Cuban Links references to meditative musings on life. While it may not have had the mainstream appeal it deserves, his gift will stand the test of time. We’re sure as he predicted, ten years later the world will still listen.
]]> http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/12/26/median-the-sender-review/feed/ 2 http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/09/02/9th-wonder-band-practice-pt-2-feat-phonte-median/ http://www.hiphopsite.com/2011/09/02/9th-wonder-band-practice-pt-2-feat-phonte-median/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:13:00 +0000 http://www.hiphopsite.com/?p=37912

Not quite a full-on Little Brother reunion, but 2/3 ain’t bad. Taken from 9th’s September 27th release, The Wonder Years.

LISTEN: 9th Wonder – “Band Practice Pt. 2″ (feat. Phonte + Median)

9th Wonder – “Band Practice Pt. 2″ (feat. Phonte + Median)

New single taken from Median’s upcoming album, The Sender, hitting 8/16 on +FE Music/Jamla.

LISTEN: Median – “Bright Individual” (prod. Khrysis)

Median – “Bright Individual” (prod. Khrysis)

However, this doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone. Median’s Relief, the new album by Justus League affiliated rapper Median, serves as proof. You may have heard the young, quick-tongued emcee grace the microphone with his presence before. Before releasing his first solo album Median had been featured on Little Brother’s The Listening, and put out a few of his own 12″ singles of his own.

Median’s Relief is a breath of fresh air for those hip-hop heads that have stopped acknowledging the American south as a hip-hop Mecca. The album is studded with tracks by producer-extraordinaire 9th Wonder, and features rappers as Chaundon and Joe Scudda.  Aside from the two HOJ family members and a few singers providing harmonies, Median deserves most of the credit, vocally, for making this a great album. All too often solo emcees’ albums have other artists featured on every other track, making it difficult to get a feel for his or her style.

One of the more refreshing aspects to the album is Median’s ever-changing flow. Unlike a lot of emcees trying to make a name these days, Median doesn’t stick to flat 16-bar verses and the usual know-what-I’m-sayin’ rhymes. On “Personified,” he spits about waking up and showering as if it were a sexual affair and taking care of an old automobile like it was his best girl:

She was runnin for this white guy / Way out in the country, / He had to let her go because he needed extra money, / Found him a replacement, / Had her lookin’ dusty, / I seen her in the paper and I had to go and claim her, / Gave her some oil and she drank it, / Copped her a CD player / And now when I’m inside her she be singin’.

On the album’s single “Rize,” Median unfurls a blend of background information about where he came from and how he got to where he is today. The semi-personal verses are complimented by Khrysis’ production, highlighted by soft horns and a groovy bass guitar riff, and a hook sung by Median and female vocalist Lahedra.

The most introspective track on the album would be “How Big is Your World.” One the first verse Median makes a connection between analysis of both pop and political culture. On the second verse he relates the latter to problems and stresses of his own life, ultimately summing up how and where his thoughts travel.

Overall, Median’s Relief is a sort of compensation when compared to not-so-amazing solo hip-hop albums of 2007. Be on the lookout for Median, may be the most talented emcee to come out of North Carolina since Big Pooh and Phonte. He surely has the talent to do some big things in the near future. – Esam “Sergy” El-Morshedy