Music Blogger, Ms. Street Cred gives an in-depth critique of the world of music directly from her own observation. Ear 2 The Streets is open to any genre of music and appreciates true artistry and originality. Ms. Street Cred supplies music lovers with a dose of culture,trends, and opinionated takes on the current and up and coming music artist.
What better way to breathe life back into E2TS than to make a short but simple post to get back into the swing of things For readers that are familiar on how I do my post you guys know that I typically do "Top 10 with 5 below", which may feature old or new music and videos, with that being said I am again adding something else to the mix. I have been watching videos as of lately that have either made me question everything I ever knew or the entire song captivated me. Here are the best and worst videos that I checked out this week and in the past few weeks. Check them out do you guys agree or disagree? -M$C
So this specific video bomb is near and dear to me because my camp is responsible for this production, Special thanks to 12/12 Production for their awesome videography skills. This video features WeBandz artist Cea$ar Christian and fellow St.Petersburg rapper Paublo Patrick. When the two collabed on this track I don't think any of us fathomed exactly what this video was going to convey all we knew was that we needed it to be " Poppin ". The beat is produced by our in house lead producer Tango who is also featured in the video along side Cea$ar and Paublo. With the larger than life lyrics from Cea$ar Christian, Paublo Patrick adds his real life lyrics to create a perfect combination. While this is my camp I felt the need to give an unbiased critique of something I had a role into bringing to fruition. While overall I am happy with the quality of the finished product, I felt that the girl chosen as the video girl should have been better selected. She lacked the visual presence we needed and she lacked the dance moves. Ironically as a collective we shared a few laughs about her moves and even named them. I thought Cea$ar Christian has a presence about him that assist his rapping style. His style is like none other and his usual swag went well with the concept. Paublo Patrick's delivery was a direct reflection of him as an artist, although some people who had the opportunity to check out the visuals prior to the release did not like his energy it is my knowledge of his artistry that allows me to appreciate his calm never over the top demeanor. Cea$ar Christian took a more materialistic approach to "Poppin" while Paublo touched on real life scenarios in his usual prophet delivery manner. The visuals showcased a closed set scene, scenes from MLK 2017, and an outdoor scene featuring a dope Chevy with switches. For this to be our first video it is perfect, but it is a pivotal example for future visuals from Cheddar Gang. I am proud to be apart of a great concept and I pray we continue to help artist evolve as we embark on our musical journey as a whole. Please check out the visuals for "Poppin" below and be sure to connect with the artist as well. My full rate is below and any and all criticism is appreciated and wanted. The song will be available on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and all other outlets on 2/1. --M$C
RATING:
Lyrics:3.5
Instrumental: 5
Visuals: 3.5
Star Potential:3.5
Overall:4
Favorite Line(s):
Cea$ar Christian:"Gucci all on my waist, look of success in my face, Tango gone go heavy Diddy, I'm gone go heavy Mase, get some matching rollies, probably throw them in your face, love an educated ratchet that will put you in your place. "
Paublo Patrick: "Was paul paul back then, now I'm Paublo the King ,that 3921 got these n*ggas convening, with ten bands on the body, got these bitches on E, defiant she getting nasty yea she cuffin her teeth."
If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times. I am not a big fan of cover's or remixes unless you really take it there. I wasn't too impressed with the cover, given I don't really care for that particular Future song. It has it's moments but it's not a personal favorite to me. The only thing that set this apart from the original was the fact that I could make out what he was saying unlike Future he wasn't mumbling out his lyrics. He did hit on apparent memories and life woes and that made the content relatable. If artist were on original beats I believe they could actually hook their audience with everything they offer. I must admit I love when St. Pete artist showcase the beautiful sights and people that reside here. I am still getting familiar with Fast Money Ferrari and pin pointing exactly his caliber of rapper.I do not think he is just a cover rapper and I am excited to see this young man further build his craft. The video was shot by Aone Lenz Productions and while I'm not to familiar with the videographer's work yet, I am hopeful of what they have to come as far as visuals are concerned. Please take the time to check out my official rate as well as the visuals for "Charge it to the Game" below. --MSC
RATING:
Lyrics: 3.5
Instrumental:N/A
Visuals: 4
Star Potential:3.5
Overall:3
Favorite Line(s): " That's why I play'em close, that's why I do the most. I'm too hot to keep the bread, so I'm riding with the toast.
Born in Chicago,Illinois in the Englewood area. Brattnae has always been determined. Bratt uses her imagination and life experiences to write her music even though she is really quiet, her mind has so much built up where it is really easy for her to write music. Being a target of bullies started something much more. "I was the type of girl that got bullied. Why I really dont know but now I look back and realize why." Brattnae went on to further elaborate that she wasn't really good at anything except receiving good grades, especially in English. " I was an awesome writer and still am." Brattnae started writing music at a young age and had always had a passion for rhyming words and performing but never knew that she would one day rap. When she first began rapping it was something she used to escape reality. "It was just me rhyming words and writing out lyrics of industry songs. As I got older I realized it had become an addiction and a passion. It made me feel good." Being the only child for so long deeply impacted her personality. At the age of 13 is when she really started getting involved with music. Brattnae would type the "Do or Die" lyrics on her computer and repeat them multiple times until it was memorized. At this same age is when Brattnae dreamed of recording her own music and doing features but she knew she had to go to a studio. Even though she had grown up with a father who was a former musician himself that had stopped pursuing his dreams Brattnae thought maybe he would have tried to help her pursue hers but instead it was the complete opposite. Her mother, who isn't a fan of rap music wasn't supportive either so it was so hard for her to actually do what she loved. When Brattnae was 17 she was finally able to really pursue her dreams. Her mother had recently moved back to Chicago and upon graduating Brattnae, who was preparing for college had started working a summer job. This job finally allowed her access to fund her dreams of recording in a studio. "When I turned 17 I started paying for my own studio time.I would catch the CTA to the studio." When she initially started recording it made her feel weird. She recalls being nervous and shy but those feelings quickly wore off. She made her first song which was called " Metaphorically Speaking" Brattnae described the song as "Lyrically hot and very hip hoppy" She started writing to actual beats that she had found on sound click. She would record it and then upload it to YouTube. Though it may sound easy she admits those years were tough and challenging. "But I wouldn't trade those days for nothing in the world." She went off to college after that initial work but had no idea what she want to be and after just one semester she realized being two hours away from home with no car, money, and family that she no longer wanted to be there. Bratt went back home, found a full time job and enrolled into community college full time. She was still able to record when she wanted. From that continuous work came her song "Another Girl" which got numerous plays on Power 92.3. When she turned 20 she actually got to do an interview at 92.3 and drop her song "Gucci" she also started performing at clubs and bars.In 2015 she dropped her first mixtape #RapCrush, which dropped on Valentine's Day that year and is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Spinrilla. "That mixtape was special to me. I made it because I wanted to express the term "love" to my listeners with nice mellow tracks such as "Tonight" "Ride Out" and "For Her". After dropping her first mixtape she followed up with #CrazyCuteCool which is available on SpinrillaMost of her early songs like Brattysheez, Another Girl, and Gucci have all be played on the radio. In present times Brattnae is just working on her catalog, doing more videos, new mix tapes and more promotional avenues. She is also embracing modeling and working on an online Talk show. She is also interested in writing for artist. She is focused on the music, especially the business side, her new mixtape #50ShadesofPink slated to drop later this year and growing her fan base. Being a female rapper is just the tip of the iceberg but you guys will have to keep an eye out for Brattnae as she continues to grind for her craft. I hope to see growth and a lot of empowering songs from her. Check Out some of her content below and be sure to connect with her. --M$C
Q & A with Brattnae
[M$C]:Which female artist influences you?
[Brattnae]:I can say Trina, Lil' Kim and definitely Missy Elliot. Missy Elliot influenced my music a lot as a child she was who I listened to the most . She's so creative and cool her music was just different .
[M$C]:How has being bullying shaped your music?
[Brattnae]:Bullying shaped my music because as a child I never understood why kids didn't like me or why they used to talk about me . It hurt and it made me feel like I had no worth in the world especially when I was a pre teen and a teenager. When I started writing music it made me feel worthy and actually good it brought light to my world and the bullying only made me go harder with my music. Now I see why I was bullied. You know they saw something in me that they was envious of.
[M$C]: I saw you want to write for artist? Any particular artist?
[Brattnae]: I would love to write for a singer. I can sing but not really good. I can't do high notes so I would love to write for someone who could sing . As far as artist no one in particular just independent artist who have problems with writing.
[M$C]:Which lane of rapping for a femcee do you ride? The sexual or the aggressive?
[Brattnae]:I think I'm still stuck on the sexual side as a female artist I'm not the aggressive type but I'm trying to get in the middle when I could be hardcore and still sexy at the same time.
If you don't hear Young Huli do a Huli Mix then you know it ain't official. Lacing his own spin on Drake and Future's "Live From The Gutter" Young Huli starts 2017 "Live From 3rd". Anyone that wants to debate that Huli don't be speaking straight facts is most likely still hung up on 2016 feelings. I can always depend on Huli to make me get more into a beat that a mainstream artist popularize. Real rap in the era of mumble rappers is hard to pinpoint or even find. I appreciate the lyrical content, that reflects real life content that is designed to make you relate. I'm glad that he was one of the first to drop some new music. "Live From 3rd" is from Huli's latest mixtape "I'm A Fool" which dropped June of 2016. The visuals were shot by Mike Brooks Productions and have all the elements of a good developing story. While it seems the story may be building we will all have to wait it out an see what Young Huli does next. Get into the dope storyline below in the newest visuals from St. Pete native, Young Huli. --M$C
RATING:
Lyrics: 4.5
Instrumental:N/A
Visuals: 4.5
Star Potential:4
Overall:4
Favorite Line(s): " I learned a valuable lesson that taught me to save my cash, cause people do strange things when they get mad."
