Artist: DJ Green Lantern/ DJ Kay SlayTitle: On My NY S**t (Mixtape)Rating: 3 StarsReviewed by: Dr. Zero
When it comes to Hip-Hop, it is a no-brainer that New York is its capital. But, instead of fans reflecting on the legends that the boroughs have birthed, many focus on jealous artists that are unwilling to accept New York’s current role. From Ghostface Killah’s comments about D4L to Nas entitling his next studio release Hip Hop is Dead to various MCs commenting about the game, one can assume that the bulk of New York rappers are not too thrilled with the direction the culture is moving in musically. This issue has sparked discussions everywhere from messageboards to magazines about New York’s place in Hip-Hop. DJ Green Lantern and DJ Kay Slay’s mixtape On My New York S**t could not have come at a better time. The mixtape basically shows that while New York is still a long way away from the leadership and dominance it once exhibited in rap, they still exist.
On My New York S**t is the epitome of a mixtape that has a song for every sort of Hip-Hop fan. The song “Rough Around the Edges” by Busta Rhymes and Nas was targeted for those listeners keen on storytelling as the song is primarily about confessions and explanations. The slow, dark, soulful Hi-Tek produced beat features light piano keys and choir voices in the background that add to the overall tone of remorse showcased by the MCS. If you have a taste for excellent lyrical skill, then “Five Deadly Venoms” will satisfy your appetite. “The Way We Get Down” is also a very good song for fans of introspective Hip-Hop. The somber, heavy beat riddled with piano riffs by Green Lantern adds to this overall theme of questioning and reflection.
Conceptually this mixtape could have been better. Even with great diversity, a mixtape can still be redundant. Lloyd Banks’ “My House” is basically “Put You on the Game” part 2. Jim Jones and Hell Rell discuss the same gun-talk and bragging on their freestyles. While Remy Ma showcases her excellent flow on “Banned in NY”, she really isn’t saying much of anything while the interludes are unnecessary and serve no purpose.
Despite its flaws, On My New York S**t is still worth a listen. The fat lady isn’t singing NYC’s Hip-Hop swan song just yet.
