F.E.A.R.

I've been consumed by it.
I know what it looks like,
what it smells like,
what it tastes like.

I've had it stop me,
I've used it to stop others -
I've been fear.

Right here, right now,
I'm not afraid of anything...
I am free.

I've seen lives derailed, buzzing
on some Fuck Everything And Run;
supposedly grown men,
their inner children crying inside
and crying out into the world,
sublimated into rage.

Yeah, I've been that rage.

But right now,
right here,
thank G.O.D.,
I'm free.

Review/Shout-Outs from the UK for That's What She Said

Big ups to the man Andy Carrington from the UK for posting about the new single, That's What She Said, and giving a brief review:

http://www.andycarrington.co.uk/#/mc-fubb-thats-what-she-said/4555651914

Album Review: Adam Bomb – Wasted Talent

            Up until recently, Toronto hip hop MC Adam Bomb (aka “The Legend”) was known mostly for his work in collaboration with the group Empire. His contributions of hard-hitting punch-lines, witty lyricism, and raw delivery have garnered him a reputable name for himself, standing out even among his talented peers. With what seems to be a break-off from his involvement with Empire and joining the ranks of the newly form T-Dot super-group Freedom Writers, it’s no wonder that Bomb touches on his career struggles and transitions in outlook and focus on his solo album, Wasted Talent.

            The Legend sets the tone of this album – heavy, deep, and self-reflective – with the first track (and my personal favourite on the entire record), Wouldn’t Understand. Touching on his views of stardom, staying true to his craft, and ultimately the fallout with Empire, Adam Bomb elegantly paints a picture of the mental landscape in which he finds himself. The second verse of this track particularly stands out as it reveals the reasoning behind his recent career choices: “This one-man route’s new to me/ wasn’t planned out yet it panned out beautifully/ hold up – before fans shout mutiny/ and ask about the band, ask the band about unity.” It seems from these lines that while Bomb didn’t want to separate from the group, he found it hard to find agreement in career choices from his peers. He confirms his reluctance and reasons for leaving as he spits: “hate to see the day when an ‘A’ substitutes an ‘E’ on the jewellery/ but I refuse to keep waiting patient ‘till dudes agree.” Adam Bomb is clearly hungry and ambitious to pursue his career as an artist and push himself musically, and it seems he feels he wasn’t getting the same kind of dedication from the rest of the rest of the Empire crew. In the last verse, the artist reveals the underlying motivation and the need he has to push himself forward in life, as he writes: “The problem is depression/ the solution is constant positive progression.” Adam Bomb is an artist with an internal hunger and need to achieve and push his music out into the world, and it’s clear from the way he’s spitting on Wasted Talent that he’s ready to take on the world.

            Cue to track #3, the title track of the album, where Bomb ferociously spits one of his first tracks released under the Freedom Writers banner, laced over intense percussions and samples supplied by Big Sproxx. While always one to inject a healthy dose of socially-conscious lyrics amidst his rugged and raw content, Legend has definitely taken his new affiliation seriously, delivering some intelligent and harsh criticism of the powers that be in capitalist society: “Unless you into serving they need/ I suggest you second-guess every word that you read/ they ain’t concerned if you bleed, they ain’t concerned if you breathe/ they’re only concerned tryna feed their own personal greed/ and the succeed…” He also explains his rationale behind remaining an independent artist and not signing to a label (as they are part of the same corrupt system that he’s criticizing): “I stay independent and get paid independent/ ‘cause if I’m broke, ain’t nobody walking away with a check.” Bomb absolutely murders this track, and if anybody needed evidence that The Legend hasn’t lost his touch – this track is it (video below):

            Wasted Talent is a not a conceptually limited album, touching on a variety of topics that Adam Bomb gives a proper treatment to. On track #4, Not Me, the MC puts a final nail in the coffin of those trying to portray the façade of being “gangsters and killers” in their music despite having no street credibility. He dispels the illusions of young lust feigning as love in track #6, Running Scared, addressing the issue of pregnancies out of wedlock and taking runaway fathers down a notch with his insightful anecdotes. Let Me Down Easy (track #5), a song about the complications of relationships and the heartaches of breakups, has some banging production provided by Phat Tony. Hearing Bomb switch up from his regular delivery over a smooth rhythmic beat to a rough, accusational tone over a busy, trumpet-filled instrumental, and back again, makes for a very entertaining listen. Adam Bomb sums his cynical view on relationships well when he spits: “you only get left tryna treat a chick right.”

            There’s no shortage of features and collaborations on this album (tracks #7, #8, #10, #11, and #13). It’s nice to see that Bomb still chose to include his Empire crew on the album, with Tekman on track #7, The Balance, and more crew members on track #10, Silly Rabbits (the second track on the album criticising the “tricks” that women can play on men in relationships). Freedom Writers features definitely stand out on the album as well. Track #8, No More, is a homage to Biggie Smalls with dope production supplied by Rich Kidd, a well-crafted verse by Freedom Writers member Tona, and a great attack on rappers not holding their own weight in the game. Wake Up (track #13), featuring Freedom Writers members Frankie Payne and Theo3 and produced by Big Sproxx, is another socially-conscious track, and is a great teaser for upcoming FW projects, leaving the listener wanting to hear more. Anyone who works somewhat of a dead-end job or simply is working just to pay the bills and is looking for an uplifting track and some motivation should put track #12, My People, on repeat (shout-outs to Big Sproxx for the lovely production). Video:

            As the title of the album suggests, Adam Bomb likely wasn’t thinking too highly of himself at the time he put out Wasted Talent. The album cover shows The Legend passed out/leaning on a toilet drunk with a bottle in his hand, and he touches on his struggles with alcohol addiction a couple times throughout the album. While seeming to be down on himself and having a cynical and morose attitude throughout the record, there is also a tone of determination and a bit of a paradigm shift occurring in the artists’ psyche. On Black Limoz (track #11, complete with hypnotic vocals by Monique), Bomb talks about the various factors in his life that he thinks are keeping him down (lack of money, too much drinking, women, lack of professional appreciation for his music, family issues, etc.). It’s clear that he’s hard on himself and reached a point of being fed up with the state of his life as he spits: “I guess I’m not the man I’m supposed to be/ man, I’m supposed to be THE MAN!” Bomb even goes as far as expressing thoughts of being ready to die in the second verse. Even within this track, however, the shift in Bomb’s perspective from downtrodden to focused and determined is evident, as he starts off saying he’s “giving up” and flips the script after the second verse, recalling all the people he knows who refuse to give up living despite their own struggles. The artist seems to find some much needed inspiration in the strength of the people in his life, and as a result finds the strength in himself to keep on going: “I guess it ain’t as bad as it seems/ and I ain’t ready for these black limousines/ please – I’m not giving up.”

            There’s no doubt that Adam Bomb is an all-around powerhouse of an MC. His vocal presence on tracks is booming and his voice is distinct. His flows are on point and his delivery is powerful. He’s lyrically witty, with both socially conscious insights and punch-lines and wordplay that rank him with some of the best on the mic. After listening to Wasted Talent several times, I really started rooting for the artist – he’s got an honest charisma, despite his sometimes blatant negativity, that makes the listener want him to win. If anything is lacking on this album, it’s perhaps a bit more of an explanation on the artist’s part as to how he can overcome the struggle’s and adversity he’s facing, which would give the listener a bit of hope as well. Adam Bomb is clearly intelligent and keen enough to see the problems in the world around him and express them eloquently on wax. It’s my hope that The Legend can begin to articulate his perspective on the solutions to the problems he perceives in the world around him and in his own life on future releases. Keep on moving Bomb – we’re glad you’re not giving up.

The Cypher on CBC Radio1

The Cypher on CBC Radio by mcfubb

MC FÜBB - Interview on CBC Radio 1 (Here and Now)

MC FÜBB - Interview on CBC Radio 1 (Here and Now) by mcfubb

"What a thoughtful, intelligent young man!" -CBC Radio Host

Album Review: Promise - Awakening

Get the album HERE.

            For those who are thus far unfamiliar with Promise, Awakening is a good time to get familiar. Originally from Toronto, Promise moved to the US in recent years and is currently being managed by Duck Down Music. Released in 2011, Promise’s most recent album, Awakening, is a musically rich and lyrically engaging listening experience.

            Right from the get-go, the first track on the album, The Wake, engulfs the listener into the context in which Promise writes and pursues his life and a career as a rapper. Promise is a devout Christian, and he isn’t shy about making this fact known in his lyrics. Throughout the album, P touches on his internal conversations with God and how his spiritual connection and religious upbringing influence his life and the message in his songs. While Christian themes and religious overtones may turn off some listeners, Promise is committed to stay true to himself and his convictions and makes no apologies for keeping it real to his core values. More astute listeners won’t be taken back by Promise’s lyrics – he manages to walk the fine line between delivering a conscious-minded message and being preachy very well. Most of the time, he’s able to infuse his spiritual beliefs into his music in an empowering and uplifting manner, encouraging his listeners to look at themselves, their lives, and encourage them to be better people in the world. For those who are averse to hearing about promises of a better afterlife/heaven, you may want to avoid track #4 (Hereafter).

            Being a rapper and at the same time being religiously oriented makes for an interesting dichotomy that can be heard in Promise’s lyrics throughout the album. It’s often the case that rappers/MCs are expected to be egotistical and self-aggrandizing in their content, which Promise does delicately at times, while at the same time striving to be humble and giving the credit for his talents, skills, and blessings up to God (check track #2, Clark Kent). And make no mistake – Promise is not lacking in talent and rapping ability on the mic. His vocal presence is strong and melodic, while his vocal tone and cadences come across as sincere and heart-felt. When it comes to flows, P definitely doesn’t follow the cookie-cutter approach that is all too prevalent in the world of rap music, and he isn’t afraid to change up his rhyme patterns quickly between bars. Having seen some of his live performances as well, I can safely say he’s an all-around great MC, and holds it down just as properly live as he does in the booth.

            Lovers of Tupac Shakur’s song Changes should enjoy track #3 (Something Better), which melodically and lyrically seems to be a bit of a tribute to the late artist (albeit with a more religious and less “thug life” message). There are an abundance of talented vocalists on Awakening, which makes for a very rich listening experience, and it would be hard to simply classify the album as a “hip hop” record. Awakening definitely fits into the “soul” category and, some may say, the “holy hip hop” category. I encourage listeners to give up their labels for this one, however, and simply sit back and take in the album (suffice it to say that it fits into the category of “good music”). For those looking for straight lyricism, punch-lines, and creative flows, check out track #7, Against the Odds. With a contagious hook by Jhene Aiko and an in-depth look into the mind of the artist, this is easily one of the best tracks on the album (close second/possibly a tie goes to track #5, Everyone Knows feat. Tony Williams). Check some of the lyrics from Gonna Make It:

“Labels that I wanted to sign, would want to me shine, they don’t want me to rhyme, they want me to lie and sign posters/ I was like, “you outta your mind?” so I had to decline, and now I’m just rapping to find closure/ I know, when the sun shines it’s over/ compromise my art? no sir/ if the sky don’t part, my hopes will help me to smile in the Dark Knight – Joker” –Promise

            Another personal favourite track on the album is #9, Somebody Else. Featuring Slakah the Beatchild, this song has an excellent crowd-sing-along type chorus with a positive “be yourself” message and smooth production with some nice organ/piano sounds. Followed up by another great track with heavy organ-laden instrumentation, Don’t is a powerful song about the dangers of making bad choices and the fallacy of victimhood (in this case by blaming God) in such scenarios. The track’s hook and bridge, saturated which distortion and synthetized sounds effects (reminiscent of Kanye West), can be a bit overly abrasive at times, but works quite well in the song overall. After this track, the album’s theme shifts focus into the empowerment of women (tracks #11, 12, 13), which is clearly a cause that Promise is passionate about. Men trying to run game on women everywhere will probably dislike track #10, Down, because Promise comes straight with the type of advice that cuts through all the bullshit that can often encapsulate dysfunctional relationships: “Just because he’s in you doesn’t mean he’s into you” and “When’s the last time your man said he loved you and in return wanted nothing from you? huh? huh? huh?” "Huh? huh? huh?" indeed! Kudos Promise.

            While there are some definite gems on Awakening, there are also some tracks on this album that aren’t nearly as strong as the others. There are times when Promise falls into the trap of spitting recycled clichés, which wouldn’t be so glaring if his lyricism didn’t shine so brilliantly at other times. The quality of the all the tracks in terms of production, mixing/mastering, and vocal performances is solid throughout the album. It’s just that a few of the tracks on their own seem to be a bit weaker in terms of their overall vibe and the messages behind them. When taken as a cohesive whole, however, the vast majority of the album flows quite well and the tracks fit together nicely.

            The final track on the album, Skin Deep, which has a beautiful guitar-based melody, does a good job of summing up Promise’s mission in life and the overall theme of the album: “But why me?/ I guess in a world that seems Godless it’s hard to be Godly/ so God please, give me words when I speak to help fix the worst that I see.” It’s clear that Promise is an artist who puts his heart and soul into his music, which is probably the main reason why he resounds so well with his listeners. In an industry where most rappers seem to be out just for the green, not to mention a world that seems to run on much less than values and principles, it’s refreshing and hopeful to know that there’s an artist like Promise out there, working, building, and creating art for the promise of a better tomorrow. 

All lovers of GOOD MUSIC are encouraged to check out Promise's entire discography.
And read up on the artists HERE.

That's What She Said

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 18, 2011

FREE STREAM + DOWNLOAD: http://mcfubb.bandcamp.com/track/thats-what-she-said

DJ PACK: http://www.mcfubb.com/djs.php

"You spend too much time with your rhymes"

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!

"You don’t give me enough of your time"

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID!

"And you ain’t really destined to shine"

THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID...

It’s hard to follow your dreams when people around you are trying their best to bring down and hold you back. That’s What She Said, the new single from NewBreedMC and MC FÜBB (Hip Hop Headz/H3, The Cypher, Revolutionary Times Records/RTR), addresses the challenge of staying true to yourself and committed to achieving your dreams despite what people around you might be saying. Over deep and engaging production by NTG (aka The Fresh Water Monster), NewBreed and FÜBB spit ferocious flows with honest lyrics touching on the internal struggles they face as artists and the inspiration they find within themselves to continue on their paths in the world. That’s What She Said is a new single off of NewBeedMC’s upcoming EP,The Fresh Water Playlist.


The Fresh Water Playlist EP


What's more satisfying that a tall glass of Fresh Water when you're thirsty? NewBreedMC understands that and is back with his second release, The Fresh Water Playlist, to quench the thirst of those deprived of real Hip Hop. Working exclusively with producer NTG Productions (The Fresh Water Monster), NewBreedMC has created the musical equivalent of osmosis, inspired by the miraculous life bearing powers that water holds in all its characteristics. NewBreedMC and NTG provide a thirst quenching brand of freshness that is essential to the survival of the true essence of Hip Hop. The project includes hit singles Blue Lights and Rubix Cubez and features guest appearances from the likes of MC FÜBB, Roach Uno, SeAn Prominent, and Relic. The Fresh Water Playlist is set to be released in October, 2011 is nothing short of pure hydrations for all who seek refreshment.


MC FÜBB


Rapping since the age of 15, MC FÜBB (pronounced "emcee foob") began taking his career as a hip hop MC seriously after graduating from the University of Toronto in the spring of 2009. In Sept. 2009 he dropped his debut EP Foundations and followed up with his Blue Collar Worker mixtape in May 2010. He is the founder of the Hip Hop Headz (H3) community with which he started the event THE CYPHER, where MCs/rappers come out to showcase their talents and skills. His first full length LP In the Face of No Agreement, a collaboration with Brampton producer Noyz, was released in April 2011 under his self-owned label Revolutionary Times Records (RTR). Whether laying down his poetic, intelligent, and intricate verses in the booth or just freestyling in a cypher, MC FÜBB brings a level of intensity and skill to be reckoned with in the world of hip hop.



That's What She Said FREE STREAM + DOWNLOAD: http://mcfubb.bandcamp.com/track/thats-what-she-said
That's What She Said DJ PACK: http://www.mcfubb.com/djs.php

NewBreedMC (@NewBreedMC): http://www.newbreedmcmusic.com/
MC FÜBB (@MCFUBB): http://www.mcfubb.com
NTG Productions (@NTGProductions): http://www.reverbnation.com/freshwaterMonster




For all media/booking inquiries, please contact: mcfubb@gmail.com

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