Adrian Ruhi

Jul 20 2009

Chali 2na “Fish Outta Water” (2009)

chali2na

From the July 20, 2009 issue of The Miami Herald (web / print)

Fish Outta Water is a disappointingly accurate title for the overdue debut album from Chali 2na, the distinctly voiced Chicago rapper from two critically acclaimed Los Angeles groups: the now-defunct hip-hop sextet Jurassic 5 and Latin funk band Ozomatli. The self-described “friendly neighborhood baritone” was often the highlight of the songs he contributed to, but when left to his own devices on first solo release, the results are often monotonous. Continue reading →

Tagged Chali 2na, Fish Outta Water, Jurassic 5, Ozomatli, Talib Kweli

Jul 08 2009

1 Comment

Music

Blitz The Ambassador “Breathe” (2009)

Radio is dead. It got hit by a taxi after robbing up-and-coming, talented and artistic musicians.

At least that’s what’s depicted in “Breathe,” the breakout song and video from Ghana-born rapper/producer Blitz The Ambassador, which debuted Tuesday on MTV2. Continue reading →

Tagged Blitz The Ambassador, Breathe, Mighty Embassy Ensemble, Stereotype

Jul 06 2009

Ace Hood “Ruthless” (2009)

acehood

From the July 6, 2009 issue of The Miami Herald (web / print)

On his sophomore release, Broward County rapper Ace Hood faces the task of trying to strike it big in a hip-hop scene already flooded with Floridians. Coming less than eight months since his debut album, Ruthless does little to distinguish Ace Hood’s content from that of Rick Ross, Flo Rida, DJ Khaled and T-Pain. Continue reading →

Tagged Ace Hood, Akon, DJ Khaled, Overtime, Ruthless, T-Pain, The Runners

Jun 29 2009

2 Comments

Music, Television

Jay-Z “D.O.A.” (2009)

Vodpod videos no longer available.

Rest in peace, Auto-Tune. Just as the trend has reached its peak, Jay-Z has declared it dead. And who are we to argue?

“D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)” is the first single from Jay-Z’s highly anticipated new opus, Blueprint 3, his first since leaving Def Jam Records. Continue reading →

Tagged BET Awards, Blueprint, Blueprint 3, D.O.A., Death of Auto-Tune, DOA, Jay-Z, No I.D., Omar Edwards

Jun 29 2009

4 Comments

Music

Incubus “Monuments and Melodies” (2009)

incubus From the June 29, 2009 issue of The Miami Herald (web / print)

Oftentimes, the greatest hits compilation is a death knell for artists: A sign of withering fame, or a contractual obligation to get off a record label. But for Incubus, Monuments and Melodies is none of the above. Instead, it’s a statement of strength — a logical stopgap before the next studio release. Continue reading →

Tagged Black Heart Intertia, Brandon Boyd, Incubus, Monuments & Melodies, Monuments and Melodies