So everyone knows that I LOVE supporting local music and sometimes "local-ish" music as well, but I am VERY selective about who I'm hyping up. If you see them here its because I see something that I feel needs to be shared with everyone. Now I know I'm not the all knowing OZ and that not everyone will agree with me because we all have differing opinions, but usually I tend to have a common ground with most music listeners out there. That being said most people know that I am a "MUSIC SNOB" especially when it comes to Hip-Hop. I used to listen to a lot of "Crap-Rap" & "Gangsta-Rap" when I was in high school, which actually have more in common than they might think. Allow me to explain..
"GANGSTA-RAP":
Gangsta rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths.Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts.... more
"CRAP-RAP":
music which "tries" very hard to become real rap, but sadly it doesnt make the grade. many new "Rap Songs" seem to be landing into this category, songs such as "Crank Dat", "King Kong" and "Chicken Noodle Soup" have landed in the thick of the Crap Rap Action... also noted are the TERRIBLE dances which tend to be associated with the songs..more...
Thank you Wikipedia...
A lot of the "artists" now a days fall into both of these horrible genres of "music". Some of them even made tracks that defined times in our lives, but as a whole they have no staying power. This is why over the last 10 years, with the help of my wife, I have found myself stepping farther and farther away from the "main stream" music scene and relying more my "Underground" and local musicians to keep me groovin'. This brings me to the title of this post. Far From Ya Average of FFYA is a San Diego based "Hip-Hop" group, that I want all my true COOL BIRDS to give a listen to and show some love!
Their debut CD "Introducing...The LP" from Hyperbomb Records/ Def Jam Digital/2011 Raw Gully Entertainment is almost like a trip down the "Memory Lane" of Hip-Hop. The beats alone are like a time machine back to a time when Hip-Hop was good, back to a time when it took 2 to make a thing go right and Rappers where Delighted to bring you dope party tracks. Back to a time when "sampling" wasn't so common placed, and when it was used they were paying homage to the original artists not adding an extra "half beat" to claim it as original (see Vanilla Ice). Now that's not to say that FFYA didn't sample on the album, but they DID do it with RESPECT and it WASN'T 90% of their album. As a matter of fact, most of the album has original beats....BIG PLUS IN MY BOOK!!! There are few things I hate more when it comes to music, than an over produced and sample packed album. BE ORIGINAL!!!
Before I let you hear some of their music let me give you a bit of info about FFYA..a bio if you will, straight from their own words. I give you FFYA...
Far From Ya Average was created with the sole purpose of bringing a
new and exciting form of hip hop to the world. They refuse to stay
inside the box and their style fully represents that statement. Fans
of any genre of music, from jazz to metal, can find something to love
in the sound created by these San Diego, California residents. Created
in 2008 by K-Rock and Stryve, F.F.Y.A. has set out to become a hip hop
collective of sorts...boasting collaborations with a truly eclectic
mix of MC's and recording artists. After bringing Hypebomb's own
Defshon into the fold, they truly have become an unstoppable force.
They have been consistently rocking shows with truly unforgettable
performances in many different Southern California venues and clubs
and are in the process of finishing their debut album. K-Rock and
Defshon handle most of the production duties bringing elements of
their own unique influences so that the music stays as eclectic as the
lyricism. They are a part of the NO CEO: I'm My Own Boss hip hop
movement born in San Diego and currently spreading across the US so
look for F.F.Y.A. to rock a venue near you soon!
These guys have a little something for everyone, weather its the party crowd with tracks like "FIRE" or something a little deeper like "DARK ALLEY", FFYA will make your head bob. I will admit that I'm always real sketchy about a lot of San Diego "Hip-Hop" because I get it pushed on me everywhere from the local burger joint to the streets of downtown, and most of it really sucks. I was however surprised at how well this album was put together. It has a good mix of songs ranging from the West Coast "sign tossers" to grimey "battle tracks" that can almost put you in a fight mode. Overall I would give this album a strong 8 out of 10, based on beats, album flow, and lyrics. Each song was stronger than the next and if you get a chance to see them you should, and if you don't find yourself grooving...well then you might want to get your pulse checked.
If you want to look them up and do more listening here are the links to all their work so far as well as Facebook and Twitter info and booking info too..
Our artist page is at: www.reverbnation.com/
farfromyaaverage
Soundcloud page: www.soundcloud.com/
farfromyaaverage
Twitter: @FantomRock
Find us on Facebook at "Far From Ya Average"
Artist email: Ken Erwin/ alecempire999@gmail.com
Label email: Shontaye Lucas/ shoshot77@yahoo.com
Management email: VS Promotions/ vic2dao@yahoo.com
Well there you have it, my latest artist review. PLEASE support local artists everywhere!!! Until next time...
Editor & Chief of The Penguin Gazette,
Rudy
So I have to admit my general lack of knowledge for the hip-hop scene, in either mainstream or underground capacities. The only real "rap" I listen to is the Wu-Tang guys. Red and Meth are longtime favorites.
ReplyDeleteChicken Noodle Soup may have been crap, but it sure was adorable.
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