Despite J-Love going above and beyond the orbit of false advertising by titling a mixtape largely comprised of his own rapping Most Interesting Man Alive, the bloated project is worth seeking out if only for a handful of notable guest appearances. 'Street Essence' has all the hallmarks of a vintage Cormega performance – excessive punch-ins, narcotic personification, discerning NBA metaphors, and perhaps most importantly genuinely vengeful overtones. Cory's previous full-length effort, Born and Raised, was the first instance he failed to convincingly embody a victim of treason and betrayal. Mega has a long way to go before making amends for toying with the idea of forming a streetwise adaptation of Slaughterhouse, but this is certainly a promising start.
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After seeing a bunch of footage of him live Im not so sure about his supposed reliance on punch-ins anymore, I think its more often layering for effect ala e-40 + his breathless delivery giving that illusion. Like theres a difference between purposeful multiple takes, double tracking etc and someone who just lacks the breath control, a good example of this is Show & AG's Times Up.
ReplyDeleteNerdery aside Im feeling this, J-Love needs to stick to producing cos hes capable of making a few bangers still. Im afraid to try that last 'Mega album, live bands and rap is not the move.
Interesting point.
ReplyDeleteI don't even look at Raw Forever as an album. More like a cash grab, which I'm cool with. The last real Mega album to me was Born and Raised.