Grade A (formerly known as A Blaze) has recently released his highly anticipated Beat Tape ‘My Journey’. The tape stays very true to its name, and is a definite show of progression and growth.
Maybe I’m getting more openminded in my old age, but I was never really a huge fan of sitting through a whole tape without vocals, until I began to soften in the last 6 months; and will happily jam away regardless of vocals or not. However for those of you that are still on the fence about beat tapes, this serves as a perfect gateway. Grade A never outstays his welcome, and where other DJs and producers might try to stretch a song out past it’s sell-by-date to their detriment, Grade A has a fantastic knack of giving you just enough to spike your interest. There’s nothing worse than an artists that believes their own hype, and ‘My Journey’ is a well crafted piece of music that was obviously made because it was fun, not something lazily thrown together because you’ll buy anything he creates.
If you’re still missing the rappers or singers, the vocal hook on ‘Be With You’ and the only guest MCs Naza Da Great and Rob Nitti should on ‘Weary Nights’ should tide you over. Although if I’m honest, I really didn’t mess the rappers’ presence, and it almost came as a surprise when the two MCs appeared; not to say they didn’t add to the record because both verses are solid and really showcase their individuals styles nicely.
Back to the beats, and I know I’ve said this a few times, but I there really is something for everyone on this record. There’s a few more ‘poppy’ joints, which I can personally never be mad at, although they’re always mixed so well with other heavier elements that even the musics snobs amongst you can’t fault it.
There’s a huge soul influence, which to to be honest it wouldn’t be a hip-hop beat tape if it didn’t-along with some more left field ideas and loop progression thrown in there for good measure too.
The more I listen the more I hear Ant from Atmosphere’s similar style, especially in ‘Hit You’. That’s not to say that it’s biten, more that if you went to a show, if these guys both played you wouldn’t be surprised, nor disappointed.
All in all, the more I listen to this album, the more I love it-and if we did a star system I’d give it a 5 that’s how much I back it. Now don’t be a square, and go cop a copy for yourself.
Words: Aimee
For fans of Apathy, Ant of Atmosphere, Develop.
Datpiff Grade A free download link.
http://youtu.be/myobyhS60v4
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