ODoubleF Records and KevinNottingham.com present the follow-up to rapper Malicious' "Life's Not Sample" mixtape. Appropriately titled "Life's Not So Sample 2" (LNSS2), Malish's newest music project is indeed chockfull of samples, both vocal and musical.

Although he could have done it all himself, Malish decided to collaborate with other producers (Gee Whix, G.C., Duo Tang Productions) and artists (Signif, Lisa Marie) for LNSS2. Opening with an Intro that tries to get you to "Open your eyes", the tape goes into Sleepwalker (a bit ironic, no? - think about it) followed by All and Put Em To Bed, a track that lyrically popped out of nowhere for me - wasn't expecting a "sex" track at all!!

After a short break (Tracy (skit)), comes Knock It Off a smoother head-bopping vibe to lead into the mixtape's lead single Fade Out. The tape slows down a bit and then BAM!! here come Camoflauge and Trust.

[Excuse me but I need to take a real time out and talk about these songs. A lot of people talk about haters this and haters that. Believe me these songs will make you think even more about what a hater really is and where they are. Listen and pay attention. Now back to the review.]

After giving your brain a break, New Style Dawg kicks in; I'll call this the "banger" of the tape because it really is the most up-tempo song on LNSS2. I appreciate the sampling of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" on If You're Not Her not because of the original song itself but because of what it stands for. (think.) Last song, Hip Hop remix featuring Lisa Marie, is an ode to what Malicious stands for regarding hip-hop music.


My Personal Opinion:

Life's Not So Sample 2 is a tape you have to LISTEN to and I mean REALLY listen to. Malicious is part of that group of rappers I call "thinking rappers". Whether the songs are socially or politically conscious, this breed of rappers makes you have to listen and think about what's being said rather than just spewing out random lyrics about coochie, cash and kush...

I'm not a fan of obvious vocal and instrumental samples in music but Malish worked it well. I had to give this tape about three listens to really get it; wasn't paying attention the first two times - third time's a charm. I must admit that nothing really jumped out at me upon first listen but when I got into it, I could really respect the tape. It's not something I'll have on repeat for all of eternity but the messages expressed both subtly and directly made my mind tick. Don't you remember when music made you think and feel rather than give you ways to destroy, distract and disrespect?

Anyway, overall Life's Not So Sample 2 is an easy listen; the track's flowed well one into another and so did the mini-interludes before and after certain tracks. It's something to vibe to but I was looking for more energy in the songs and delivery (but! It's not that kind of tape). If you're the type who just wants to listen and not learn, this is not the tape for you. But if you like substance and obvious thought put into your lyrics. please download this.

A few laughs, smiles and deep thoughts sprinkled throughout meaningful lyrics and voila. LNSS2

Review by,
Karen Jonze
www.karenjonze.com

(Other music reviews: Ghettosocks - Treat of the Day, Real Citys Finest Mixtape Vol. 2)