Review: "Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two"

Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two

With Reality Check Records' third official mixtape nearing completion for its February 2008 release, we decided to take a trip back to its previously released mixtape Realize Reality in viewing the project's review.

Reality Check Records, Inc.
Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two
Reality Check Records, Inc.

Mixtape Review

Author: SPF

In a day and age where the word ‘Reality’ can be anything from celebrity tabloids to television shows on CBS and MTV, making the distinction between what’s substantial and what’s not can almost seem like an impossible task. The great photographer Michael Nolan once said, "There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart…pursue those." When a small group of artists from the independent record label Reality Check Records, Inc. jumped on the music scene in January of 2006, they were instantly recognized for their genuine message and soulful music.

"The message of Reality Check Records, Inc. is that we’re bringing "real" music to the industry with a "real" message. Seeing as how much of the music industry, in particular the genre of Hip-Hop/Rap, has conformed to the commercialism just to succeed, we thought it was time for a change to be brought about," stated Reality Check Records, Inc.’s multi-talented Chris Thurston (Sean Billz). Thurston, who has a different identity for each musical task he conquers, prefers to go by the name Sean Billz for rapping, Sean B. for producing, and DJ Triple Threat for DJ’ing. Billz also handles the business side of the label, serving as mentor and friend to the label’s three other artists: Jeremy Kennebrew (Midnight), Rydell Covington (Young Ché), and Charice Rodgers (Charice).

"I love and support all of my label mates to the fullest potential. We’re all one big family, and if one makes it then we’re all making it together," Billz added about his fellow colleagues. The Chicago foursome has only been making music for less then a year, yet they’re already making noise all around Illinois. "Rap music and the rap game has gotten so far from its roots and what made it a unique genre of music that was different from any other. Nowadays most artists are just focused on the material things in life, and therefore that is what the basis of most of their songs. All you hear about as far as song topics go is: wealth, lust, and prosperity. You never really hear a lot of artists tackling the major issues that are focused with our world, and I think that is because they are afraid to tread into those waters with the fear of not being accepted by the public." What Reality Check Records, Inc. isn’t afraid of, is testing those waters, and that is clearly demonstrated on their second mixtape, Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two.

The mixtape’s first song is S. Billz, "Inaugural Address", which features a light piano and bass riff that fits perfectly with Billz’ soft, but intense voice echoing lyrics in the background. Shifting between spitting rhymes and addressing his message to the people, Billz states what Reality Check Records, Inc. stands for. Billz cleverly spits into the mic:

"To make a difference for the slums, when they only want your funds

And advance loot, to upgrade clothes and tattered guns

Known to scatters funds where it doesn't help the nation

The rap game's turning into the Bush administration"

The mixtape then switches to the dark and eerie "Rise", which showcases the talents of Midnight, Young Ché, and Sean Billz. The trio aggressively exchange verses on one of the most intense tracks on the mixtape. Billz assertive voice pounds into your ear drums with lyrics like: 

"Stand back and watch the days unfold

I changed the globe with my words, vision, and sight

If you can't understand my message, you ain't listening right"

The next track is the dynamically lyrical "Motivational Music" by Sean Billz, which shifts effortlessly between verse and hook. The uplifting beat fits perfectly with Billz positive rhymes:

"Can't another soul contest

Best advice just to confess, never claim that you're the best

Position yourself lower just puts pressure on your shoulders

To the point you want it over and give out on your dreams

Success, a seven letter word I know what it means"

Young Ché’s solo track, "A Story In Rewind", presents Ché’s talented storytelling skills despite being only 16 years old. The track is based off Nas’ "Rewind", in which he takes the same concept by telling a story from the ending back to the beginning. S. Billz, "What Type Of Artist Are You?", acquaints listeners with maybe the best message on the entire mixtape. Billz sets up the track in question format, as he relentlessly grills the music industry’s identity and challenges the industry to take a "reality check." Bars like,

"Do you grab the pen and paper when beginning to write

Or spend countless nights in booths making sure the beat is right"

[...]

"Do you treat your artists right and reward them for their loyalty 

Or let greed take over and rob them of their royalties"

cleverly make the track a huge hit while maintaining Reality Check Records, Inc.'s musical agenda. The beat features a smooth blend of jazz and swing, which is a rarity in rap music these days. The hard hitting "Rap ’N Rhyme" follows next, with Young Ché giving a brief historical chronological of hip-hop’s past decade, 

"And then in ’99 a rumor goes around about a man that’s still alive

That supposedly died in ’96,  but talks about his death in ’95"

which transitions into Sean Billz announcing his "eleven favorite emcees of all-time with a modern day twist" (he unfolds his favorite emcees by albums instead of stating their names directly).

"Signs of Success" is Sean Billz next track which might possibly showcase his strongest flow on the entire album. Billz smoothly flows from bar to bar with little resistance, as he spits about the negative effects money can have on people, "It’s okay to make the money/ but don’t let it make you". "Back to the Basics & Basis" is another Billz song that once again features the swing sound that brings you back to the 1930’s. The old school sound is fitting for this track, as Billz’ soulful lyrics claim that the past is better then the present:

"I hate to say it, but what happened to this culture and art

It seems like since ‘98 it's been falling apart"

"The Story" is a great collaboration between Midnight and Young Ché, which uses great storytelling to rhyme over the heavy dissonant beat. Midnight’s special flow and voice can be compared to a young Kayne West. The song ends with a creative touch as Midnight’s lengthy acapella continues to tell the story.

The gracious sampled voice is a great addition on the hook of "When I Die", which is Midnight’s depressing tribute to death,

"All the people dying around me, starting to wonder if I’m next

Knowing that this world ain't nothing but a big test

I confess, I did wrong, and I’m scared to die alone"

The mixtape then proceeds to feature three S. Billz tracks including, "Dream Chasers", the Chicago street anthem "Chi-City (City Limits)", and the uplifting "A Purpose Driven Life". Charice makes her debut on the track "All I Need", which links strong vocals with an appealing guest performance by S. Billz, similar to a Beyonce/Jay-Z duet. The final song on the mixtape is a remix of the ever popular "In Memory Of" that was featured on the label’s first mixtape. This time, Charice joins Sean Billz and Young Ché to make another memorable tribute to those that have fallen:

"Nowadays days death ain't just a cousin of slumber

living to wonder our day of being six feet under"

The gloomy vocals of Charice on the hook, blend perfectly with Young Ché and S. Billz’ melancholy lyrics.

While mainstream rap continues to push heavily towards a materialistic and degrading message, Reality Check Records, Inc. begs to go in a different direction. "Personally, I think the world will come to accept and adopt the change and positive message that we are trying to push to the forefront. Some people have questioned our motive and ways of focusing on positive rap and said that we won’t make it very far since we are going against the grain of what is popular in today’s music terms. But when I hear this I don’t get discouraged, I use it as motivation to prove those people wrong in their thinking," Billz lectures. "In five years Reality Check Records, Inc. will be at the forefront of the music industry and a known figure for bringing a much needed change to the music scene." In a time where the music industry appears to be shouting (almost crying) out for something fresh, Reality Check Records, Inc.’s talented lineup appears to be the most logical solution. Doubt that? It hasn’t been the first time.


"Do you live life focused on what others think about you
Or gather motivation to succeed when they just doubt you"

-S. Billz ("What Type of Artist Are You?")

Realize Reality: Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter Two

Track Listings
1. Intro – Eazy
2. Inaugural Address – Sean Billz
3. Rise – Midnight ft. Young Ché & Sean Billz
4. Motivation Muzik – Sean Billz
5. A Story In Rewind – Young Ché
6. What Type Of Artist Are You? – Sean Billz
7. Rap ‘N Rhyme – Young Ché & Sean Billz
8. Signs Of Success – Sean Billz
9. Interlude – COO/CFO
10. Back To The Basics & Basis – Sean Billz
11. The Story – Midnight ft. Young Ché
12. When I Die – Midnight
13. Dream Chasers – Sean Billz
14. Chi-City (City Limits) – Sean Billz
15. A Purpose Driven Life – Sean Billz
16. All I Need – Charice ft. Sean Billz
17. In Memory Of…(Remix) – Sean Billz, Young Ché, & Charice
18. Outro – Eazy

Reality Check Records, Inc.’s MySpace page
www.myspace.com/realitycheckrecordsinc