Eventually I’d like to turn this into something a bit more regular…but I need to work on my writing skills as far as reviewing music goes. On top of that, these reviews are to serve multiple purposes.

First, I would like to broaden my own horizons, especially in the world of unsigned music. There is so much unsigned music out there that is absolutely amazing and worthy of a record deal…sometimes it seems these local acts completely blow some of the currently mainstream acts out of the water.

Second, I want to give these artists some well deserved exposure. They all put their heart and soul into their work and without people like us who are willing to listen to their album and recommend it to others, their music may never make it to those who’s opinions matter most (record producers).

Lastly, I need something regular on my blog to keep my readers coming back and enjoying what they’re reading. Eventually you all will get bored of my rants and raves…and I don’t blame you for that.

If you are in a band and want to get me to write a review for you or you have a band to recommend to me, drop me an email at josh@blackshireserver.net. I’m not gonna lie, I will be more inclined to review UNSIGNED bands who provide me with an album to listen to as opposed to a link to their MySpace profile. This way I provide my recommendation as to whether the album is worth paying for or not. Of course, if I really like a band, I will provide a review of whatever music I’ve got from that band as long as I hear enough songs to make an accurate judgement. I also feel it’s important to say that my primary genres are country, rock, and lighter metal, but I do touch in a little rap/hip-hop every now and then.

I will  also do my best to refrain from leaving negative reviews on my blog…the last thing I want to do is try to trash your reputation and start a war with your fans. If you submit your album and you never see a review, it may simply be because I wasn’t impressed. I may try to offer up a little constructive criticism based on my personal opinions, but just keep in mind that these are solely based on my opinions and may not reflect the views of any other potential fans out there.

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Mojo/Decatur, IL

The first ever artist review from The Blackshire Chronicles goes out to the rap/hip-hop artist, Mojo, out of my hometown, Decatur, Illinois. Mojo is a traditional rap/hip-hop artist…nothing all THAT unique compared to many other rap/hip-hop artists go, but just listening to the eight songs on his MySpace profile, you would never realize that he’s just another Decatur, IL local and not some signed artist making millions of dollars each year. Not to mention a lot of mainstream rap may start out about real events based on real experiences, but eventually it’s just a bunch of rich guys rapping with no first-hand experience. With Mojo, you’re getting the real deal.

As far as sound quality/production goes, he sounds just as good as any mainstream rappers sitting on major labels out there right now. The sound is clean and clear and the recording is about as professional as you can get without owning commercial audio production equipment. His flows are smooth, not forced and his beats are catchy and unique.

I’ll be the first person to admit I that I love to have fun poking fun at rappers who say “nigga” frequently, rap about drugs, gangs, banging hoes, and so on, and while most of his songs involve all of the above, you’ll find that it doesn’t matter a single bit. By the end of the song, you’ll be bobbing your head to the beat and rapping right along with him [insert picture of me with my hat on sideways, flashing the closest thing to a gang symbol I know while bobbing my head]. Seriously though, this guy is talented as all get out, he has a professional sound, and chooses just the right people to do collaborations with. If he sticks with his dreams, he will go far.

As far as favorite songs go, I’d have to say that my top three favorite songs would have to be:

1.) I Choose the Life of a Thug – The beat isn’t anything too special, but the flow in this song is outstanding…I don’t think I heard a single stutter or forced rhyme and the song tells the story pretty well.

2.) Stay Fly – Another great flow, a little more upbeat and one of those you just can’t stop bobbing your head to.

3.) Pushin – This one’s got a unique sound to it that just catches your attention right from the beginning. The voice distortion caught my ear right away and sold me.

If you’re interested in checking out Mojo’s music, you can find him on MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/mojothanyoucanhandle07

If you’d like to purchase his album, he has his contact information on his page and he will personally make sure you receive a copy of his album.

Special thanks to my lil bro, Coady, for getting me hooked on this one. Comments are welcome on all these entries, especially the artist reviews as I’m sure they’d love to read other’s thoughts. For new users, your first comment will have to be approved by me to prevent spam attacks, but once you’re approved, your comments will show up immediately. Keep in mind, overly negative comments will be deleted.