Definition. The Hip-Hop Compilation

Various Artists (Artist, Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 2, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Neblina Records
• ASIN: B00064BPUO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #560,397 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hip Hop Is Back, November 1, 2004

By 

L. Hill (baltimore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Definition. The Hip-Hop Compilation (Audio CD)

If you really have a heartfelt love for hip hop, you will love this compilation. Packed with high caliber production and well-seasoned verses, this project serves as a hard-hitting debut from NeblinaRecords.com, an internet based indy. Includes production by industry newcomers Khrysis, K-Hill, and DJ Doc Strange. Also featured are songs by Edgar Allen Floe and L.E.G.A.C.Y., members of North Carolina-based crew The Justus League (the crew claimed by Little Brother). If you are really into some serious hip hop, pick this up. Otherwise you are missing out.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Neblina: The Definition of Hip-Hop, December 14, 2004

By 

Fizzstar "Spitkicker" (The Planet Lovetron) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Definition. The Hip-Hop Compilation (Audio CD)

Admittedly, I was a little skeptical when I first heard of Neblina Records. Thousands of little independent record labels pop up every year with mediocre material. What would make this label any different? However, after seeing they had producer 9th Wonder on board for the album, my interest was piqued, and once finding that Justus League members Edgar Allen Floe & L.E.G.A.C.Y., as well as frequent 9th collaborators Spectac & Splash were on the project, my curiosity turned into anticipation. Yet it was the compilation's first single "Da Instigator" by K-Hill that changed my anticipation to full-out support. On the song, the promising emcee takes to task rappers for biting styles, gimmicks, and just plain being wack, that turned me from a fan to a supporter. Instead of relying on the better known artists to get them over, the label heads exhibited an acute ear for talent that is reminiscent of indie labels Rawkus & Loud's early days.

With the majority of the album made up of little-known, unheard-of emcees and producers, it is easy to be leery of the project. Still, those who are looking for Hip-Hop evocative of the mid-90's will certainly enjoy this album. The album stands for the era of pre-divisive Hip-Hop as songs that are "conscious" are placed alongside those considered more "street."

However, it is not solely the juxtaposition of styles on the CD that separates it from the crop of other indie compilations, but rather the high caliber performances turned in by the artists. Moreover, while bangers like Spectac's 40-Immortal-produced "Get Ready" were expected, other lesser known artists exceeded all expectations. Over a skillful flip of a Deele sample, "Gunshots" finds Baltimore emcee/producer Mercury Waters reminiscing about his early memories of Hip-Hop and how much the culture has changed. Duo Chapter 13 provide two bright spots on the CD with their songs "Watchin' My Moves" & "Demons." The lyrics on "Demons" are relatable to everyone overcoming a struggle. Other strong points come from Medinah General's crime tale "Dreams" with its Premier-esque editing, Italy's Giuann Shadai's groove-inducing "Pui Fuoco," and "Cry Like A Baby" from straight-forward lyricist Panama Gat. Yet lyrically, amongst the unknowns, it is perhaps Manov War who is most notable. On "Horizon" he drops bars like "All I need is a reason to amp `em/provide the martyrs and it's sayonara/the all season champion rhyme author/Manov War you see/I rhyme with authority/the moon shines off of the sun/ the shines off me."

Still, like any young upstart label's first release, there are some minor weaknesses. The most detrimental being the sequencing. Most of the better known artists are regulated too much later in the disc instead of being interspersed throughout the disc. Chapter 13's songs are cropped to close together and Manov War's "Bubbles (freestyle)" clearly should not be the 3rd cut on the CD with many stronger songs. Also, there are the occasional cuts like the off-kilter "Peep The Status" and Eternia's "Forward" that will have some fans hitting the next button.

Despite these hiccups, Definition is a solid contribution to this year's Hip-Hop landscape. Don't be surprised if you hear a lot from these artists in the next few years, moreover don't be shocked when Neblina becomes a major player in the Hip-Hop scene.

5.0 out of 5 stars The title Definition says it all., July 13, 2007

By 

K. J. Mosely "DATGUY" (L-TOWN, FLA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Definition. The Hip-Hop Compilation (Audio CD)

This album, like many other J-League albums, needs to be heard on the radio & in the clubs because it's NOTHING BUT REAL HIP-HOP MUSIC, THE WAY IT'S SUPPOSE TO SOUND LIKE!!!!