New Music: Hecatomb - Hecatomb Cometh: New Blood

 

 

Hey guys, welcome back to UGF's album review day. So for this post I'm gonna have to actually keep it brief this time as, not only have I not had a chance to give this one a listen yet but considering it's a whopping 38 tracks I know I won't have time. I do however want to promote this as I have a ton of respect for this crew and I think many of you will be as excited to sample this as I was.

Hecatomb is, as you probably know already, the Midwestern crew of emcees, Dj's and producers that serves as a sort of home base for people like Carnage the Executioner, Capaciti, Concentr8 and also people who's names start with other letters like Desdamona, and the various incarnations of said folks (earlybirds., NEMNOCH, etc.) In these uncertain times it's one of the best ways to listen to that Minnesota sound we all probably grew up on while not having to feel guilty about supporting people with seriously questionable values and morality. I happen to know both Carnage and Capaciti are great folks from my few chances to correspond with them, and I truly believe that they would be unlikely to throw their support behind anyone who would, say, laugh at a sex worker for having the gall to complain about being put in the hospital.

This release is a long time coming. Following the fantastic First Blood compilation back in 2012 I knew would take something special. Hecatomb has a very unique sound that I think can best be summed up as the perfect balance between grit and positivity. There's always something for everyone on these albums, and it seems from this track listing that they've more than delivered. Not only do we have some previously released yet newer material from those folks listed above (as well as some brand new jams) but Hecatomb has expanded it's reach a bit beyond the Twin Cities with Ohio Industrial protest rap rising stars Guerrilla Ghost, and the indie rap veteran emcee Taiyamo Denku, who I haven't really delved much into but seems to be well received by most of us.

So not only does this release offer up some serious heat from the ones we all know and love, it seems like a good place to go to discover some new voices in the industry. And as if that wasn't enough, it's free /  pay what you will. I would say if you can go ahead and show these guys some support with the moneys, or maybe just wait until next year when the official Hecatomb crew album is slated to drop!

Pick up Hecatomb Cometh: New Blood, for free or $1,000,000.00 or maybe even something in between right over hur.

That's it for today friends. Stay safe and possibly send some good thoughts to those of us throughout the country battling some seriously inconvenient natural disasters, because a plague, an aspiring dictator and racist killings really isn't enough to make 2020 memorable in all the wrong ways.

Interlock Records - Table Scraps (2000)

So here's a little reminder that the Midwest is not all bad when it comes to indie rap... Interlock Records, home of not only some of the best and most sexual assault free rappers from the Twin Cities region but also home to minority rappers which allows me to continue my mission to promote more Black and other non-white indie rappers. Interlock released this little compilation on cassette 20 years ago(!) now. It's got some exclusive material from rappers like Carnage, Crescent Moon and Nomi of Oddjobs and Kill the Vultures, Muad'dib and Felix of Heiruspecs, Kanser etc, all with that tape rip quality you've come to love from our home made digital versions.

I own this on tape and did rip it myself. I think it sounds pretty good, and as far as I can tell this is not available online at the moment so enjoy. Know I did my best, it is a very old tape. I also own Table Scraps II, and plan to rip and upload that in the not too distant future. For now, I present Table Scraps the first.

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New Music: Carnage the Executioner - Ravenous

It being my week I've decided to post a sort of Part 2 to my Friday release. As stated on my previous post, Carnage is one of my oldest favorites. I remember hearing "Coaches" and "Star Destroyer" and being an instant fan, and in my humble opinion (maybe not such a popular one) he outshone Eyedea (R.I.P.) on both. Carnage possesses not just an ability to rap at speeds that are unbelievable to behold, but the mind for clever lyrics with an interesting voice. Teenage me found his DIY looking site, copped the SWEEPS albums and the Carnology Vol. 05, but was eager for more solo work from the man.

Fast forward to 2019, and after 7 years of waiting (with the undeniably dope short albums he's offered in between) Carnage is finally ready to drop the new full length solo album Ravenous, a culmination of decades of struggle, dedication and disappointment. The last word from the man himself gives us a retail release date of 4/12, but the album is done and ready and can be purchased on tour now. Trylemma and I were lucky enough to be able to hear this gem, but for the rest of you, I'm excited to bring you the low down on Ravenous.

First off, I have to say this album is probably his most accessible. If you like good rap but haven't been able to get into Carnage's style or songwriting in the past, this album may be the tipping point for you. His ability to not just display a high level of technical skill but write and perform catchy and clever tracks has improved with each release, with Ravenous being full of single worthy bangers. Check out the video for one of my personal favorite cuts, "Not Just a Name".

This album also offers the listener an intimate glimpse into the man behind the music, with frank musings on his struggles. Carnage has always been honest ("MTW Story" from Respect the Name is a heartbreaking example of this), and on Ravenous his personal battle with food is a re-occurring theme. Carnage is a big dude but he's determined to be healthy, and his references to hunger and eating are nice metaphors for the hip hop game and his attitude towards it (and it's attitude towards him).

Also featured are a dope well produced posse cut ("The Crew-Torial") and amusing anecdotes about his interactions with his famous peers ("...Prime Yet"), but every song has something to offer. Carnage has never seemed to get the attention, accolades or fans he deserves. He's a hard working DIY musician, and also a pretty chill individual who's previous work was as a social worker. Ravenous is a worthy introduction to his solo work for the new listener, and a culmination of a career spent revering the art of music and honing his skill like a true professional for the long time fans.

Ravenous is finally here! It's dope and a fun listen for sure! See y'all Friday.

Carnage the Executioner - Just in Case You Missed Them (2009)

End of the week again, and our pleasure to bring you this gem. Carnage is in my opinion one of the most underrated emcees in the entire indie world. Coming up in the same arena around the same time as the more well-known Rhymesayers affiliated rappers Slug, Eyedea and Brother Ali, Carnage distinguishes himself with a versatile (and of course fast) rhyme style, blistering beatbox ability and a live show that recruits new fans at every venue.

Just in Case You Missed Them was a mixtape style CDr put out by Fifth Element Online to bridge the gap between the sensational Booka B produced Sense of Sound and his full length solo album Worth the Weight. Twenty five tracks long, it includes never before heard collaborations with Face Candy, a few unreleased bangers such as the dope "No Leads" as well as some oldies with NEMNOCH and a handful of previously released collaborations some of you will probably have already heard.

This album is a must have for any fan of Carnage, but any fan of rap in general shouldn't be able to help being impressed with his technical skill and dope songwriting ability. Check it out!

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This post coincides with the (hopefully) imminent retail release of Ravenous, Carnage's (by my count) sixth official release. Both Trylemma and I have heard it, and I personally think it's fantastic. Stay tuned for a more in depth review of Ravenous, at this point set to drop 04/12/19 and well Worth the Wait!