K-Dub & TC1 - Escape From Newburgh
Unless you haven’t read my blog about the Top 5 rappers in NB (which needs SERIOUS revision now that time is passed), you’d know that TC1 is one of the best MCs out here. While K-Dub is a bit newer to me, I’ve heard about him via other artists and the reports were all good. So, when these two forces got together I had very high hopes for this project, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s a little over 30 minutes, short and sweet. Whether you're an MC; a resident of this Upstate city notorious for its debauchery; or just a fan of good music, you can appreciate the skills, sincerity, and the overall sentiment of “Escape from Newburgh”.
1 – Steve Jobs
A mighty fine K-Dub production. TC1 is back at the singing thing, still not quite there yet. K-Dub opens up with a very passionate verse. He details his interactions with shady businessmen, his goals for the future, and gives a shoutout to his fallen Grandmother (RIP), very strong start. H.E.R.O.’s verse is bland, while he keeps in line with the tracks theme, he doesn’t add anything to it. TC1’s verse makes up for it, though. His punchlines and passion are all there, letting it be known early that he is going to be the better MC on this project. We’re off to a good start.
2 – Nostalgia
K-Dub beat & solo. From what it looks like, TC is the better rapper but Mr. Dub is the better artist. The beat is a bit more noteworthy than the rhymes, but that’s not to the say rhymes were bad (I could draw a map with the ground I’m covering / & if you stick around you’ll see a real kid hustling). The beat sounds like it was ripped straight out of a SNES game by K-Dub who then made it a banger. Lyrically, it’s a braggadocios effort mixed in with a few memories of the past and Dubs various ambitions. A good track, all is well so far!
3 – Clubness Monster
This is one of the mixtapes high points. The video for it is crazy, too. This beat could make K-Dub one of the best producers in the 845 (list coming soon). The chorus perfectly sampled Wale’s “Slight Work” (the only song from Wale I enjoy). The lyrics are on point as well, with TC1 spitting a verse rivaling Lil Wayne in his prime. I personally wrote a verse or two after hearing what he did to it. This joint is a BANGER, point blank.
1 – Steve Jobs
A mighty fine K-Dub production. TC1 is back at the singing thing, still not quite there yet. K-Dub opens up with a very passionate verse. He details his interactions with shady businessmen, his goals for the future, and gives a shoutout to his fallen Grandmother (RIP), very strong start. H.E.R.O.’s verse is bland, while he keeps in line with the tracks theme, he doesn’t add anything to it. TC1’s verse makes up for it, though. His punchlines and passion are all there, letting it be known early that he is going to be the better MC on this project. We’re off to a good start.
2 – Nostalgia
K-Dub beat & solo. From what it looks like, TC is the better rapper but Mr. Dub is the better artist. The beat is a bit more noteworthy than the rhymes, but that’s not to the say rhymes were bad (I could draw a map with the ground I’m covering / & if you stick around you’ll see a real kid hustling). The beat sounds like it was ripped straight out of a SNES game by K-Dub who then made it a banger. Lyrically, it’s a braggadocios effort mixed in with a few memories of the past and Dubs various ambitions. A good track, all is well so far!
3 – Clubness Monster
This is one of the mixtapes high points. The video for it is crazy, too. This beat could make K-Dub one of the best producers in the 845 (list coming soon). The chorus perfectly sampled Wale’s “Slight Work” (the only song from Wale I enjoy). The lyrics are on point as well, with TC1 spitting a verse rivaling Lil Wayne in his prime. I personally wrote a verse or two after hearing what he did to it. This joint is a BANGER, point blank.
4 – Rollin’
The first unoriginal beat on the project sampling Adele. TC1 spits some realness about relationships that most of us can relate to either being a witness or a victim of. “Now you sitting here singing songs, whining with it / making me play the bad roll for the critics / and when it’s negative they always listen / got me looking like a fulltime asshole for a living.” How many of us can recall seeing some girl blast their Ex on twitter or Facebook? TC still needs a little bit of work in structuring songs, at times forgoing themes to get a hot punchline in. All in all a dope track, and the first that was substance over style song on the project, although TC didn’t waste any time getting his style on. Good work!
5 – Green Goblin (Freestyle)
Although it’s reasonably clear by now TC is the better rapper, K-Dub lets it be known with his second solo that he is not to be slept on. “I’ma clown ya, Barnum – Bailey / Stun and kill man, y’all don’t phase me / I’m a ghost kid, call me Swayze / Can’t be me, so you hate me?”. He also brings the fast rapping skills out after that. Although his delivery could’ve been a bit clearer, it’s obvious he takes his rhymes seriously. I was gonna do this beat, but I don’t know anymore. Haha.
6 – Nasty (Freestyle)
A dope take on Nas' "comeback track". While he doesn't body it, he embodies it. By that I mean he makes the track his own instead of attempting to outdo Nas. Not only did his bars go in, but he was also able to defend his generation for a lot of the things we catch flack on. “I’m sick and tired of these old men crying / bout tight pants, I’m a man, man, what you implying?”. I don’t wear tight pants (not that I could), but TC is dope enough to get a pass, he held it down for his people! Some of the bars here may go over your head, but this is pure fire from start to finish.
7 – Gold
“Your up but I can see that your Rushing it” aka “Europe but I can see that you Russian it”. K-Dub bodied the track with that line, and then followed it up with “act cool but your swag doesn’t pay the rent”. This time TC1 took the L and Dub got his shine on! The beat is by TC, obviously going for something chill instead of the hype that’s occupied the mixtape thus far. A nice change of pace and a stand out in its own right.
8 – Lost Their Mind
Back to the K-Dub beats! Very cinematic instrumental, well produced. The bars aren’t bad, but the message is one echoed throughout the tape so they won’t attract any attention I don’t think. K-Dub is once again speaking on the uninspired MCs who depend on other people for their luxuries and necessities while “goin’ off”. Mixing could be better. TC’s hook isn’t too good either. Not a bad song, but could be better based on what they have to offer.
9 – Jump (Freestyle)
This put us back where we need to be! TC ripped this joint from start to finish. Too many quotables, over a 90s beat. You know I’m loving this one! Not too much to say, listen for yourself and you’ll be somewhat speechless as well.
10 – Foolish Flow [REMIX] ft. A-Game
Not a bad ending to a great project, all 3 guys are having fun over another stellar K-Dub beat. TC’s punchlines are in, K-Dub’s swagger is on a high, and A-Game brings it to a smooth close. Great track.
I’ve always stressed that in music if you’re not doing something different, you must do it better. And this project was both. With an miniscule amount of shortcomings, “Escape From Newburgh” is a ten track pack that portrays the attitudes and ideals of two inner city youths who refuse to be kept in line by the stereotypes their location has presented them with, while all the while having fun. Great original production, catchy yet potent lyrics, and a nod to the old school, these boys have created a prime work of art that can be appreciated by all. You guys have me sharpening up my blade for my release, great work!
8.5/10
DOWNLOAD ESCAPE FROM NEWBURGH
The first unoriginal beat on the project sampling Adele. TC1 spits some realness about relationships that most of us can relate to either being a witness or a victim of. “Now you sitting here singing songs, whining with it / making me play the bad roll for the critics / and when it’s negative they always listen / got me looking like a fulltime asshole for a living.” How many of us can recall seeing some girl blast their Ex on twitter or Facebook? TC still needs a little bit of work in structuring songs, at times forgoing themes to get a hot punchline in. All in all a dope track, and the first that was substance over style song on the project, although TC didn’t waste any time getting his style on. Good work!
5 – Green Goblin (Freestyle)
Although it’s reasonably clear by now TC is the better rapper, K-Dub lets it be known with his second solo that he is not to be slept on. “I’ma clown ya, Barnum – Bailey / Stun and kill man, y’all don’t phase me / I’m a ghost kid, call me Swayze / Can’t be me, so you hate me?”. He also brings the fast rapping skills out after that. Although his delivery could’ve been a bit clearer, it’s obvious he takes his rhymes seriously. I was gonna do this beat, but I don’t know anymore. Haha.
6 – Nasty (Freestyle)
A dope take on Nas' "comeback track". While he doesn't body it, he embodies it. By that I mean he makes the track his own instead of attempting to outdo Nas. Not only did his bars go in, but he was also able to defend his generation for a lot of the things we catch flack on. “I’m sick and tired of these old men crying / bout tight pants, I’m a man, man, what you implying?”. I don’t wear tight pants (not that I could), but TC is dope enough to get a pass, he held it down for his people! Some of the bars here may go over your head, but this is pure fire from start to finish.
7 – Gold
“Your up but I can see that your Rushing it” aka “Europe but I can see that you Russian it”. K-Dub bodied the track with that line, and then followed it up with “act cool but your swag doesn’t pay the rent”. This time TC1 took the L and Dub got his shine on! The beat is by TC, obviously going for something chill instead of the hype that’s occupied the mixtape thus far. A nice change of pace and a stand out in its own right.
8 – Lost Their Mind
Back to the K-Dub beats! Very cinematic instrumental, well produced. The bars aren’t bad, but the message is one echoed throughout the tape so they won’t attract any attention I don’t think. K-Dub is once again speaking on the uninspired MCs who depend on other people for their luxuries and necessities while “goin’ off”. Mixing could be better. TC’s hook isn’t too good either. Not a bad song, but could be better based on what they have to offer.
9 – Jump (Freestyle)
This put us back where we need to be! TC ripped this joint from start to finish. Too many quotables, over a 90s beat. You know I’m loving this one! Not too much to say, listen for yourself and you’ll be somewhat speechless as well.
10 – Foolish Flow [REMIX] ft. A-Game
Not a bad ending to a great project, all 3 guys are having fun over another stellar K-Dub beat. TC’s punchlines are in, K-Dub’s swagger is on a high, and A-Game brings it to a smooth close. Great track.
I’ve always stressed that in music if you’re not doing something different, you must do it better. And this project was both. With an miniscule amount of shortcomings, “Escape From Newburgh” is a ten track pack that portrays the attitudes and ideals of two inner city youths who refuse to be kept in line by the stereotypes their location has presented them with, while all the while having fun. Great original production, catchy yet potent lyrics, and a nod to the old school, these boys have created a prime work of art that can be appreciated by all. You guys have me sharpening up my blade for my release, great work!
8.5/10
DOWNLOAD ESCAPE FROM NEWBURGH
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