 SHELLBE RAW - DO YOU LIKE IT RAW?
Shellbe Raw's first official release on the newly formed A.R.S. Entertainment label, Do You Like It Raw proved to be a very good. Not that I was doubting her skills.....its just that there was a whole lot of hype surrounding this project and many an artist has set a bar to high for even him or herself only to have to eat crow later. Well.....all ye among us who wished her failure.....will have to wait a lil while longer. She did good...real good. * I think she has a great voice and while I wish that she told a story once in a while (I love MCs that can make me get into their song)....I think she has a tremendous amount of potential and can only refine with time. Plus...she is a hustla! The girl's erewhere - it's got to work! I can't wait to see what we are in for NEXT. * Hosted by the incomparable STREETSWEEPER DJ Radio, the mixtape's credits ALONE are enough to make an educated consumer pick it up. It features approx. 20 tracks .....with several great collaborations . * Just a few thoughts: What Yall Waitin For - Great Into. * Give It To Me Raw - On my MYSPACE page now! Shout Out to A.R.S.....the production was tight. * Drop My Shit f/ Ogun - definitely a club banger! Great contributions from both Ogun and Shellbe. * Most Che collaborations end up being the "joint" REGARDLESS!!! but this one ranks up there with one of the best. Only thing I would say....I think the verses could have been stronger. I also think that it would have been slick if they Che could have adlibed some of her words ....so that it would have sounded more like it was a song instead of his voice just providing the hook. I am totally not knocking the approach that was taken,but I could do without the movie dialogue. You couldn't use that on a album anyway for free (I don't think). * In Big Business SR holds her own next to D.O.G and EJ, two of our city's most widely respected mcs. EJ was doing his best Hip Hop Sammy Davis jr. impression...LOL! I can imagine what he looked like in the booth recording that...LOL! * "The bullsh*t's nothing when compared to my blessings every struggle i survive through I learn a lesson....." S. Raw * Great song! - One of my faves! * Get That Money Interlude - Love it! Wierd, but true moment: I swear.....when I was listening to SR/you talk...I kept thinking about New York from Flava of Love in the confessional...LOL! Don't ask why. That chick was psycho, but could make you believe anything she said because she really believed it. * Get That Money produced by Banga Bill. Shellbe's full of braggadocio on this one. I enjoyed the way that SR's voice was blended on the 2nd verse. Again...there are some things that I think could be done to make this one a better song. I can say: It's not the verses themselves.....I need to listen to it a few more times. * What It Do f/ Talal...its always funny when you know the artist that your listening to.....LOL! Most of the artists treat me with the utmost respect. I never get to hear their game...LOL! Some people surprise me more than others. I loved the track and yall voices (especially) but I didnt get the point of the song. Ima give it a chance and see if it grows on me. * Down For My Nigga f/ Tony Bosco - "Street Cut" All the down azz chicks will be able to relate. Staying up late waiting for him to come in....going to the jail to visit...."hold his gun in the fendi bag" kinda gal. Been dere! I love Bosco. He needs to get something in the streetz. * Phone Bonin' f/ Rockwell ((CLASSIC)) - This song was featured on the 360 mixtape. I am glad to see that this gem survived. Rockwell is too funny! * CR is featured on the joint called Crack. Pretty cool filler track! * BMORE LOVE - Great display of wit. Appropriately titled - through out the song Shellbe Raw is shouting out all the Baltimore artists she respects. A real testament to the love that most artists in baltimore genuinely feel towards one another. * This Shit Right Here f/ XO - the sample is from the Money Mike ("Ima boy Damon") special (not sure which cable network it originally aired on because I saw it on DVD)....LOL! funny as hell. Overall....the song's great (SR really surprised me with a few of them bars....the lyrical dexterity was refreshing).....but its not one that I would listen to over and over again......the beat gets kinda irritating after a while. * They Don't Like Me f/ Skarr Akbar - This did not sound like a song at all. It sounded like SR recorded a verse over the track, Skarr recorded over the track and both were combined and added to this mixtape. The whole "Everybody Hates Skarr............Except ME" sentiment has been around for a while...I am surprised that he didn't come a lil different. I felt everything both artists were saying....I just wanted a little more from this dynamic combination. * Damn Shellz f/ XO (Featured on the RESPECT Mixtape) - great feel!!! From personal experience......I know...this is a great highway song. * Daddy's Song - This song is a great tribute to her father. I watched SR perform this song for her father at her mixtape release. This is one of the most introspective songs on the mixtape. In addition, it effectively proves that this first release only scratched the surface (outer shell) of Shellbe Raw. I'll be glad when she feels comfortable enough to show this side a little more. * Just as Radio says.... "This is how it all started" RAW - (( ALREADY CLASSIC)). Great party track and it always looks alot of fun to perform. * Sorry for the delay Ms. Raw....I hope this helps! * |
Thanks for such an in-depth review. I can't lie, you were right on the money with a lot of your points and observations.
I love how you point out the strengths, AND where things could have been a little stronger.....it can only help an artist improve.
Thanks again, glad you enjoyed the cd, and thanks for showcasing my song on your page!