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Agallah – “Exclusive Fly Sh*t” (feat. Termanology, Rasco & Big Tac)

Pizzo — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:14:19 +0000

Another one from Agallah’s The Red V mixtape, out today on iTunes.

Agallah – “Coat Of Arms” (feat. Planet Asia , Tristate and Rasco) (Video)

Pizzo — Thu, 29 Aug 2013 00:26:58 +0000

Produced by Oh No. Off Agallah’s Red V Mixtape scheduled to drop on Empire Distribution October 1st .

Knightstalker – “The Seriousness” (feat. Rasco)

Pizzo — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:32:11 +0000

Rasco – "Home" (Video)

Pizzo — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 10:53:29 +0000

New lead single from Rasco’s brand new album Yesterday Is Not Tomorrow, due Sept 6th 2011. Produced by Cache. Video Directed by Knocademus. Edited by Darren Patton.

Kyo Itachi – “It’s On Again” (feat. Rasco) (MP3)

Pizzo — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:30:02 +0000

Another one courtesy of Digi Crates Records, taken from Kyo Itachi’s Musikyo LP, Digital now available @ iTunes , CD version @ www.digicrates.com.

LISTEN: Kyo Itachi – “It’s On Again” (feat. Rasco) (MP3)

Kyo Itachi – “It’s On Again” (feat. Rasco) (MP3)

Rasco – "Global Threat (Japan Release)" – @@@@

Darin Gloe — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 19:48:56 +0000

Backed by the outstanding production of Peanut Butter Wolf and braggadocios rhymes to boot, since his 1998 debut Time Waits For No Man, Rasco has been emcee to watch. Not only does he have a voice, flow and cadence unlike any other emcee, he has that uncompromising attitude that is so lacking in today’s hip-hop landscape. Time Waits for No Man helped launch the beginning of the Stones Throw era that still reigns supreme in hip-hop today. Though he has never matched the raw, soulful vibe of Time Waits…, he still has put out reletively solid LPs over the years. However, in this writer’s humble opinion Global Threat is the best album so far this year…and you can quote that.

The version of the album reviewed here is the Japanese release, while the US retail version is still unreleased. At review time, we did not have production credits, but frankly it doesn’t matter. The album’s production is so strong that the producer’s names are irrelevant. It starts with the title track, “Global Threat”, where Rasco picks up right where Time Waits left off over an eerie violin sample and simple handclaps. Production takes a backseat to Rasco who states quite simply “this here’s a classic”. Speaking of which, “Classic”, is arguably the best track on the album - a DJ Premier-esque track that pays great homage to the man who made chopping an art form. From the scratched chorus to the ill bass line Rasco flows effortlessly over the track.

The album isn’t short on quality collaborations either. Underground staple Supastition trades verses with Ras on “Southwest” calling out fake emcees in true battle style. “Eyes Wide Shut” featuring soulstress Mary Jayne has that Beatnuts feel behind the boards, while Ras goes into storytelling mode and shows a different side. Planet Asia comes through for “That’s That Shit” reminiscent of “Likwidation”, while Royce Da 5’9 blesses “Who’s the Enemy”. Relatively unknown Concise Kilgore was mistaken for Defari on “No Time” and rounding out the album is an ill rendition of “Classic” jacking the same sample Clark Kent used for “Guess Who’s Back” by Rakim 12 years earlier.

The album is slightly more keyboarded out on the production side of things, but not enough to turn fans of more sample-based beats off. The only major drawback is the length, 21 tracks including interludes is a bit long to try to hold this A.D.D. generations attention, but if there is one underground album thus far that can do it’s Global Threat. Rasco doesn’t deviate from his subject matter, but that’s why he continues to remain relevant 11 years after his debut. Consistency pays off and this album will be one of the best albums most will never hear. – DG

Cali Agents – Fire and Ice

JusHH — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 07:00:00 +0000

When you hear West Coast music, what pops into your head first? 90% of fans probably said something either to do with Dr. Dre or perhaps the Hyphy movement. The truth is, there’s more to West Coast Hip-Hop than what you’re used to, and for nearly two decades, Cali rappers have been trying to break out of those stereotypes. Planet Asia and Rasco, the duo that make up Cali Agents, are just that group to do it. With dope lyrics and incredible production, their album Fire & Ice is bound to turn some heads and alter some opinions.

There’s a difference between two guys rapping on the same song and two guys doing a song together. Without question these two artists have chemistry – Rasco’s raspy voice effortlessly compliments Planet Asia’s smooth delivery. They trade off each others words and flow on “Something New” and provide each other’s ad-libs on the title track. Many of the hooks are spit simultaneously for a more harmonious sound. Their rhymes are very punchline driven and are built for battles and ciphers anywhere in the country. “You need 100 years to hop in these Nike Airs/ to fight fair is a nightmare/ straight up eliminate you in your square”, Planet Asia raps on “Something New”.

The real eye openers however, are the beats. Soul Professa, who is responsible for all but three tracks, brilliantly blends drums and heavy metal guitar rifts with traditional basslines and scratching. Soul Professa captures that “live show” feeling when he spontaneously adjusts the tempo, pattern and volume to fit Asia and Rasco’s rhymes. Even the intro and interludes have an infectious rhythm that maintains the pace and intensity of the album. His style definitely gives the album an energy level that turns your iPod headphones into a 60 minute concert.

A few blemishes hold this album back. Some songs simply fall short of the bar. “Baby Girl” is an attempt to rap to the ladies but they approach it with the same tone as if they were battling her. There are also some rhymes that should have been reconsidered… “We keep feet to the street like Fred and Barney.” Rasco and Planet Asia are talented emcees, but they aren’t good enough to set them apart from the pack. However, when you combine their skills with Soul Professa’s beats, you’ve got yourself a solid album that provides you with a “G-Funk” alternative when you want to take a trip to the West.

Rasco – The Dick Swanson Theory Pt. 1

Andreas Hale — Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:00:00 +0000

   Sure as the sunrise, you know that Rasco will drop an album. It’s like clockwork. So as Rasco continues his foray into the hip hop game one has to wonder “will things be different this time around?” For most Rasco fans, they already rely on Rasco to give them consistency. But sometimes consistency just isn’t enough for the listener. Sometimes progression is all they ask for. But how hard is it for someone who is as dead on each time as Rasco. The flow is the same, the beats are there so how much different can it be. Well all of that is put to the test with The Dick Swanson Theory.

    Well kids, I must let you know that The Dick Swanson Theory does not provide any dramatic fireworks that would stretch it too far beyond the Rasco fan base’s imagination. But that does not mean that this album is wack, not by any means. Rasco immediately puts his style to the test on “Pressures of Life” and clues the listener in on the fact that ain’t shit really changed since his last album. Planet Asia rolls thru for a little mic manipulation (Cali Agents style) on “Backdown” and once again proves that ain’t shit really changed but the calendar date. Rasco still administers the same lyrical arsenal and content but with a tad different flavor. So if you are asking, yes Rasco is from the Bay and will crush a wack emcee in a heartbeat.

    Rasco does try his hand at some different combinations of guests as Aesop Rock causes lyrical bedlam on the aptly titled “World’s Collide.” He also dials up the self proclaimed “King of the West Coast”, Ras Kass, for a little rhyme trading on “Making the Rounds.” Both collabs come up solid while Rasco holds steady alongside his rhyming counterparts.

    What about the beats you ask? That has been the one inconsistency that Rasco hasn’t quite overcome as of yet. The Dick Swanson Theory avoids any question for his ear with some extremely solid production. Asamov’s resident beatmaker, Willie Evans Jr, drops off two gems. “No Love” is beautifully crafted for Rasco to release an unrelenting lyrical arsenal. “This Is How It Goes Down” pits Rasco and Opio together for what can be considered the album’s strongest cut. Opio steals the show on this one but the duo, combined with Willie’s production, prove to be lethal. Oh No even drops off a jewel with “Chances” and Polyhedron completely blesses “Lightin It Up” with a beautiful touch of production. Even “Emotions” bangs although it is just an instrumental interlude.

    So what have we learned today kids? Well as much as we’d like to see Rasco switch up his flow the fact is that he won’t. But does that mean that he’s a bad emcee? No. Just a solid “I-Know-What-I’m-Getting-Every-Time-Out” emcee that, as long as you are a fan, is reliable to put out a concrete piece of work

Rasco – Escape From Alcatraz

Joseph Mandat — Wed, 03 Sep 2003 07:00:00 +0000

The music business is not for the weak and the tempted—Rasco can vouch for this. After releasing his critically acclaimed solo debut, Time Waits For No Man, in 1998, Rasco found himself quickly moving up the Indy food chain. Since, Rasco has not only had to deal with a crash course in “Industry Rule #4080″ (he even dedicates a scathing diss track to a former label owner on “Snakes In The Grass (The Jon Sexton Story)”) but his respective follow-up’s (excluding his alignment with Planet Asia on Cali Agents’ How The West Was One) have left much to be desired and he has really failed to capitalize on the buzz his debut generated.

Now aligned with Coup D’e Tat, Rasco returns with Escape From Alcatraz, which opens with the obvious voice samples detailing the difficulties of pulling a Clint Eastwood off the now closed prison—these sound bytes also just happen to draw parallels with Rasco’s own past label troubles. While the agitated tone of Escape threatens to transform it into another rendition of Industry Shakedown, Rasco gets grounded on the guitar tinged “U Got The Time”, lets loose on a certain industry acquaintance on “Get Free” and trades verses with Charli 2na (where’s the solo jawn?) on the grimier “Sweet Science”.

While Rasco displays his mic prowess on the introspective “All I Wanna Be” and “My Life” and hits harder with stand outs such as the aforementioned “Snakes In The Grass (The Jon Sexton Story)” and “Making U Move”. A slew of under-developed hooks zap the strength of “Real Hot”, “Lets Get Down Tonight” and “Put Your Hands Up.”

Though conceptually engaging, Escape From Alcatraz would have benefited from some quality control and stronger hooks. Yet, Rasco does accomplish enough to at the very least keep us intrigued for his next endeavor.

Rasco – Hostile Environment

Peter Agoston — Mon, 01 Jan 2001 07:00:00 +0000

Rasco has become a sort of an elder statesmen in hip-hop; he’s not much older than a lot of his contemporaries, but commands a regal-like demeanor when on track. He’s earned his stripes with presence. Various Blendz had joints, but it was the Soulfather’s voice that turned heads – enough to carry himself over a stellar debut and what has proved to be a fruitful career thus far. He evokes a response with Rakim-esque proportions, yet unlike his undoubtable influence, the Soulfather hasn’t been as capable in reinventing himself as The (other) R. The head-nodder is his forte, his specialty, but sometimes, regretfully, also the only trick up his sleeve.
Hostle Environment finds Rasco in usual flare with tracks like “Rockin It” and “The Jamm” making for exemplary joints. Solid, sturdy, durable and capable of the club, radio or walkman. Though the project gets weighed down with a handfull of interchangeable songs devoid of much innovation (more behind the boards than behind the mic). Perhaps the enlistment of different producers makes for the occasional yawns; trade the likes of Evidence, Kutmasta Kurt, and Fanatik (Time Waits For No Man alumni) for Protest, The Molemen and Roddy Rod, and soundscapes definitely alter. With no discredit towards the production roster, there are flames here and there (DJ Khalil makes good with “Sunshine” and “Thin Line” while The Molemen add their respected sizzle on a good portion of the LP) but overall, the standouts don’t stand too far out.

Conceptually, Ras proves surely capable with engaging joints like “Message In A Bottle” and “Sunshine (Ayanna)”, it’s just a shame there aren’t more. But then again, have we ever came to the Soulfather for stories? Naw, that’s the man we know to find when it’s time too pump something, time to spark up the party, time to shake up the environment a bit. He’s still in the game, swinging and hitting, maybe next time he’ll knock one out of the park again.

Cali Agents – How The West Was Won

Matt Conaway — Sat, 01 Jan 2000 07:00:00 +0000

Rumors of an impending Rasco /Planet Asia collaboration have been floating ever since these two united to flip “Take It Back Home” from Rasco’s stellar debut. While that track gave us the first glimpse of what was too come, Rasco and Asia have been nearly inseparable since, spending the better part of the last year solidifying their ties on a number of Cali underground projects. However, with How The West Was One, two of the left coasts most promising emcees make it official, as the Cali Agents have finally brought their bond to fruition.

Though Rasco and Asia attack with contrasting styles, their undeniable chemistry is multifaceted, as it transforms into a subtle underlying balance, which in turn gives both the maneuverability needed to shine in their own distinct fashion. While there are not a wealth of topics explored here, there is certainly a statement made, as the whole concept of this LP revolves around reppin the coast they call home, and represent they do; highlighted by “This Is My Life” “Up Close and Personal” and “Neva Forget” all of which stress the importance of staying true to your roots. Staying true to your roots, the CA?s relay a bevy of mixed signals regarding that topic, as there are numerous references, which suggest that the group is ready to explore commercial avenues. Rasco uses his venomous solo-track “Talking Smack”, too chastise all the Internet naysayers, and he lets everyone know that there are higher stakes involved— “you can just save your little praise and accolades, I’m more concerned with my bills getting paid, I’m not in the game to break my neck, my baby girl can’t eat your respect, and that’s real, and I don’t care how you feel”. Yet, all of that talk seems to be nothing more then posturing. There is very little evidence of the CA’s compromising their artistic integrity, and with the exception of the oddly-placed clunker “Real Talk”, How The West Was One is a solid underground LP that will strike a chord with the backpacking populous.

Although Rasco and Asia prove to be a formidable, oft-times spectacular duo, their highly anticipated union is soured by bland production, as the minimalist grooves of “Faces Of Death”, and “Just When You Thought It Was Safe “, plow a monotonous course. While the West was founded on dope beats, and rhymes, the Cali Agents only bring one part of that equation (lyrics in abundance) to the table with their debut.

Rasco – The Birth

Matt Conaway — Fri, 01 Jan 1999 07:00:00 +0000

After delivering one of 1998′s strongest underground releases Rasco returns with a teasing 6 track EP, one which finds the Soulfather truly in a stage of infancy. You see Rasco is back at step one, as The Birth is not only the name of Rasco’s latest brain child, but it also the birth of his creative independence and the first release of his newly founded label.

Rasco’s commanding rhyme style is unleashed with the precision of a drill sergeant commando, as his granite delivery and bone-jarring vocals leave a lasting impression. The aptly-titled opener “Back On The Scene” and “Return Of The M.C.” re-establishes Rasco’s insatiable quest to rid the planet of spineless emcees. But this EP’s most fruitful moments come courtesy of the Cali Agents (Rasco & Planet Asia), as Asia’s complicated rhyme schemes, and Rasco’s braggadocios lyrics are a combustible, and well-rounded combination. Each display their dominance, as Fresno’s crown-jewel Asia catches ungodly wreck on “Final Destination”. While Rasco blazes the stabbing piano chords of the EP’s undisputed champ, “Blood Brothaz”.

Rasco is in every sense of the word a throwback - a no frills, all skills battlerhymer who moves forward incessantly, willing to take a flurry of his adversary’s best punches in order to land that one textbook KO right. But Rasco’s main strength and Achilles’ heel remains one in the same, as the extent of his probing focuses on pulling the skirt of every perpetrating emcee in the business. However, Rasco’s personality is compelling enough to keep his limited topic matter from wearing thin, and while his methodical formula is unspectacular, it is sufficient enough to keep Rasco’s labor pains to a minimum.