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The Big Layoff - Homeboy Industries
“The Big Lay-Off” hit hard in the underground this year, and it's still
hot in the streets! Originality makes the album hard to categorize. The personal
experiences of a group of people during these hard economic times are set to
music and expressed on beats. Not just any group of people, the artists involved
with the good things going on at Homeboy Industries. Real people that motivate
positivity in their own communities, true go-getters that have found ways to
cope with life's frustrations and help others do the same. Indeed, "Happy is the
person aware of their spiritual needs..."
QDub, Rahten 5 Star, D-Low and
Young 9 put it down on the title track “The Big Lay-Off”. Fact is: they've
broken the chains of mental slavery by making it a point of not getting caught
up into street politics. Instead they "hit the streets, hit the blocks, and them
corners..." with a good word, and inspiration for people who could relate to
dealing with the same problems. And now that they've started, they're not gonna
stop pushing 'til they make it happen. Hustling and making it back again. This
time the product is Good Music. Once the word gets out about the dope sounds,
customers are gonna keep coming back for more! Big Will Rahten5star has his
album fresh out, called “Mr. Sag N My Jeans”. It’s some of the most illest
smooth rhymin’, pimp playeristic wordplays that just reaffirms Rahten has
mastered the style. Wait 'till you see the A10 project with AaRon...
The
homeboy D-Low got down on several tracks (which is no surprise, because I have
certainly seen him shoot-the-gift). He has a sick shot, hair-pin-trigger-finger,
and an expansive vocab that makes him a good ally inna-rhyme-battle. Also known
as King Darius, he's always keepin’ it real and has hot mixtapes out. So be on
the lookout- the MiSol and nuAi Tribes don't stop! It’s All For You featuring
D-Low & V. Rok spreadin’ them good vibrations and letting the energy flow
smoothly. You hear that song and say, "One Day we will make it to the Sunshine!"
Another thing I liked about this album is that the women added necessary
elements to complete the musical picture. Much like in life itself, the female
perspective is what makes the world go round. Aside from us all having been
borne from a woman, a positive lady could be the most uplifting person to listen
to. Sara Shine's sweet vocals remind us to ignore the haters, and focus on
accomplishing our dreams. And when these tough times make us stronger, the last
thing we'll do is get distracted or give up... "My heart knows better". The home
girl Doll-E-Girl reassures her man with some comforting lyrics- that
everything's gonna be alright. She's got his back, and a reliable woman is a
blessing to her husband... a rest unto his soul. When a man loves a woman, there
isn't anything he would not do to prove his love for her; even to the point of
changing into a better person.
In Better Days Y.G., Baby Boy, Young 9,
and Q Dubblez dedicate a message of hope to the countless thousands crowding
jailhouses and prison mansions. It was unselfish of them to not become engulfed
with overcoming their own problems, but considered also those that are enduring
worse situations. It is clear to see that they yearn, not only for personal
improvement, but for the healing of a people. It is this kind of thinking that
changes paradigms. It is in this spirit that Robert Juarez gave his spoken-word
tribute in loving memory of Smiley R.I.P. on the bonus track. This fire also
moved Baby Jokes, Kred I.B., Matre and Seth to contribute their marvelous works
to this project. Honestly, this is the very reason my kindred publishes these
pieces and reviews albums that actually benefit the listener- instead of
corrupting them. There aren't many outlets out there that care about that. As
always, we thank you for taking the time to read this and pray that you got
something good out it...
May the Lord be with you!
Eskribe Uno /
Los Angeles
For
cD orders or interviews contact:
Quentin "Q Dub" Moore
Homeboy Music Group
Coordinator
quentinm@homeboy-industries.org
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