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"Militia" is a unique
continuing project that will produce an ongoing
continuum of music. "Militia" was formed by Oakland
music mogul Shawn "FMB" Bellups and producer Emanuel
Dean. Dean made a name for himself on hits such as, "Gin
& Juice" and "What's My Name" by Snoop, and
"Reality" by The Dogg Pound. The two visionaries
met when Tupac Shakur was killed. At that time the idea
was born to form a rap crew that blended the raw hard core sound
of the East and the laid back bounce of the West. Through
Dean's production a group of MC's would be able to mix their
independent styles together to initiate a balance upon which
Militia was born. The most unique quality is that the rappers
are only named when they are featured on a song. Followers
will never know the names of every member until the last song
has been released. The Militia crew is composed of many
revolving members that have gathered to compose a more far reaching
sound as East and West come together to send messages nationwide.
Mr. Dean was schooled by Dr. Dre within the
Death Row camp from which he gained incredible experience.
The talents of Diz and Deviuz, Mr. Tan, Ms. Toi and Lord G are
represented also.
Diz is a hip hop gypsy raised
in Oklahoma City who now resides in
California. Deviuz born and raised in Los Angeles is stereotyped
as East
coast style, but from the West. Mr Tan is a Long Island,
NY native who
formed Da Phatpak based in LA. Ms. Toi, a LA native gets
down and dirty with the boys, holding her own with her down home
skills. Lord G is Detroit bred and made his name on the
Above The Rim soundtrack, also known for his insightful messages.
Militia begins its assault on many issues facing society in this
era.
The album opens with a screenplay,
composed by Mr. Dean. It seems that a man's reputation
is worth more than his life. Is it all so far gone that
the goal is to be a highroller, yet even then the "Streetlife"
can take its toll? Diz and Deviuz begin with the first
track, a dark lethal representation of growing up and surviving
on the streets, not knowing who to trust. D&D, Mr.
Tan, and Lord G present "Eight Million Wayz,"
a verbal assault by verbal crosstrainers poppin' those skills,
seasoned rappers separating themselves from others because, "if
you walk in my territory, it might get gory!"
There's eight million stories
in the naked city and it's a matter of who has
the lyrical skills and metaphors that come straight from living
amongst the
element. "Way Out" has vocals by D&D, with
lyrics about the insane criminal mind, and a funky beat pushing
the outer limits. Diz has a smooth motif and his rap techniques
are clear as he speaks of "Playa Status" "Niggas
movin' up in status/ But the paranoia will destroy ya'/ And if
you're not on top of your game/ You may be lookin' at chalk lines."
"Make Noise" is also a lyric slammin' track about the
boys that make noise and a lifestyle that's created around the
mission to chase paper by selling lives and taking drugs.
The
beat picks up with "Paper Chase," as only the crafty
MC's survive and keep chasin' the almighty dollar. A smooth
bumpin' hit with common metaphors surrounding the motivation
to make mo' money. D&D get down and nasty, clean off
the top of their heads with the lethal lyrical wisdom in "Fuck
A Title" - a funky rhythm with hip hop flavor and bounce,
straight up, "no additives, no preservatives, fuck that!"
Glide home with "Who's
The Next," 'cause if you ain't got game, you're
goin' home in pain. Battle rhymes that are kickin' and
violatin'. Any MC
that wants a shot better come loaded, or you'll be annihilated.
Who's the
next MC to crumble due to Militia's fresh off the hook violent
tendencies?
Ms. Toi shows the boys her method of madness with some hip hop
flavor and raw pumpin' rap showers. Diz and Mr. Tan put
in their percent in "From The Gate," upbeat and
moving quick, just like a hustler, live bass and drums by "Money"
Green.
My personal favorite is "Doin'
Thangz." No man is untouchable or
trustable. A sad story about living amongst the evil and
stressing about
gettin' the next meal, because the man eating across from you
may be behind the gate tomorrow lookin' at that same plate.
Yet everyday someone's talkin' about, "Doin' Thangz,"
when they need to worry about getting through today.
Ms. Toi gets sassy and sexy
in "Let's Get It On," with a smooth soulful
beat as she gets you wrapped around her finger. Then it's time
to "Burn," a laid back West Coast vibe, rapped
up in a slow ride with a slow clip. The album debut that's
hittin' the streets, pumpin' in the jeeps, and popular with the
peeps.
Now let's get downright nasty
with "Fuck What You're Goin' Through,"
a track dripping with sex, because every woman has a little ho'
in them, and the boys seem to think they can whip it out as they
please - literally.
Hardcore fuck, I mean funk that's hard hittin' and slanky.
On yhe last track everybody
gets busy. Militia is sure that "Money Makes The World
Go Round." Lord G, Ms. Toi, and Diz and Deviuz knock
out their version of the rags to riches story. Many lyrics
are distorted by paper seekin' MC's, and each individual knows
their own limits. "Militia" describes how to
bring their version with quality and authority.
"Militia" is indeed
a unique idea with an incredible mix of MC styles and
lyrical personnas. Emanuel Dean and Mr. Billups blend East
with West
prophetically, as they collaborate different perspectives, sounds
and flavors into a mission based on survival with attitude.
An assault on the issues and the issues within the issues.
It seems true that no matter what color, we're killing our own
as our blood runs green, chasin' the paper and puttin' priorties
off for later. The mystery will continue as more artists
will contribute to the neverending mission of making everyone
more aware of who we are and what we're doing to ourselves and
our world. There is so much to hear, so take a listen and
learn to break. |
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