Northern California rappers Luni Coleone (formerly Lunasicc) and Cool Nutz cross paths in one of the frequent collaborative albums from street runners in the 2000s. Like so many in this niche, can this duo break out of the local and cult markets and gain recognition as storytellers, or is Every Single Day (RBC) the sort of album that lives up to its title?One bold point about this duo is their overt gang affiliation. Just as Lil’ Wayne does so on the mainstream, Luni continuously refers back to his rag colors—blue. This subject matter lends itself to accounts of drug sales, turf talk and money counting. “That Doe” is one of the album’s better tracks. With a slow, hard-hitting keyboard creation, Luni and Cool Nutz both present their raspy verses, chronicling the dog-eat-dog pursuit of gwap. Unlike much of the album, a strong chorus bridges the verses nicely. A softer side, found in “Cop a Room” reveals a weakness in the album. Although both rappers have the street credibility to go where some can’t, their romantic efforts are dismal. Luni even rhymes that he’s been sexually active since seven years old. True or not, why should anybody care?Although Luni may have the recognition, Cool Nutz has the talent. Beyond just collaborating, Nutz’ faster, more sophisticated delivery helps cover up Luni’s weaknesses in cadence and timing. Still, both rappers run out of things to say. Without bragging or getting competition to back down on “Love for Slugs” and “Ya’ll Don’t Know,” there’s no message here. The beats are as thrifty as the creativity. Simple keyboard experimentations and choppy basslines weigh down an album that boldly defies any public playing appeal.From 1997-2004, the Pacific Northwest was boxed out of the mainstream. Some can argue the reason was black balling, 2Pac’s death, or pooor label management. While those irritated with Hyphy will appreciate the grimy, simplistic street effort of Every Single Day, the album’s failure to break any new ground amidst its senseless promotion of street violence and greed speaks as case-in-point proof to why the old way wasn’t workin’.
