A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3
A few weeks ago we announced that our good friend SPF was hard at work on the official review for Reality Check Records, Inc.'s recently released A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) mixtape. Well the anticipation is over and we can proudly say that the official review is HERE! Check out the excellent review that SPF did for the mixtape and be sure to drop some feedback about it. Also, go out and pick up a copy of the A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) mixtape NOW! Don't delay or be a sleeper of a great compilation.
Reality Check Records, Inc. :: A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3 :: Reality Check Records, Inc.
Reviewed by SPF
The other day I was shuffling through the channels on my pitiful 15-inch screen I call my television. My thumb began to throb after repeatedly pressing down on the ‘next channel’ button. Half of the hour had passed, yet my dilemma remained the same. I finally rested my weak thumb. Something seemed out of place. The television was stuck on MTV. Soulja Boy’s Crank That music video was on the airwaves (surprisingly a rarity for a station that stands for ‘music television’). I stopped and pondered for a second. Sure, Soulja Boy’s extraordinary successful hit was catchy with a club-banging beat that anybody could bob their head to. It had that well choreographed dance that every white boy in America was sadly trying to master. Even suburban mothers recognized the tune. I thought to myself, is this really how far the rap industry has collapsed? Has the music industry as a whole completely sold out? Now of days, everybody is afraid to speak their mind. Where’s the substance?
In 2006, Sean Billz requested that a marginally talented writer compose a review for his independent label’s second mixtape. I gladly accepted the offer. Not only do I regard Sean as a very intelligent and creative human being, but I also clearly support his message. Finally, a throwback hip-hop artist who puts the street poetry back into rap. America might call me crazy, but we could use far less of Soulja Boy and far more of Sean Billz and Reality Check Records. Achieving Our Ambitions (A.O.A.) marks the third official release from the small Chicago indie. The label was envisioned and created by Billz, a master of his craft, who excels not only on the mic but also behind the scenes producing and running the label as its CEO. Billz mentors three young and talented artists, who equally shine on the third compilation. Midnight, the wise and lyrical emcee, with a voice some might compare to a young Kayne West, Charice, the soulful singer with a God-given set of pipes, and the youngest of the group, Ché Calhoun, with his laid back flow. “I have made it a personal assignment of mine to become the best businessman that I can be,” Billz bluntly states, wise beyond his 20 years of life. “I feel that RC Records has grown in several areas since the previous mixtape's release in 2006. In those two years spent without releasing a project the label focused on growing and further developing on the business side. We also focused more on the development of our artists in allowing them to see growth in their skills and abilities as artists.”
“Back To Business” kicks the third mixtape off, featuring the talented flow of Ché Calhoun. The hard hitting beat sets the tone for the rest of the mixtape, which presents a much smoother and cleaner sound than the past two compilations. “Top Of The World”, can be compared to the Kayne West productions that were born from the heart of Chicago. Billz wisely brings that sound back home, spitting into the mic.
“Reality Check gaining ample respect
And we did it without no words degrading women with techs”
“Top Of The World” can be described as a label anthem. Billz continues to rep RC stating
“Motivated, driven are the words that describe me
And still to this day while the evils ain’t surprise me
Large livin’ wisely, my crew beside me”
Midnight first appears on “Get At Me”, a very hard-hitting, pulse-pounding track, which works well with Midnight’s flow and delivery. The hook goes south, featuring the popular chopped and screwed style. “Get At Me” is another popular label anthem, and features a surprise twist halfway through. Hint: Humorous voicemails are involved. “Get Live”, is about as “commercial” as you’ll see Reality Check swing. A popular club banger, Billz showcases a fast and intense delivery, in contrary to his normally laid-back and easygoing style. The hook is very catchy, one of those one-liners that will be stuck in your head for days. The first collaboration on the mixtape features Midnight and Sean Billz, in the anti-materialism, “You Will Lose”. One of the strongest instrumentals on the mixtape, Billz blends a violin that fits the mood perfectly. Midnight hits it dead on, rapping
“Because your brain’s abused
By the rap pack because all they talk is trash
Ain’t never lived in the hood
They don’t know the half
Instead they glorify”
Billz along with Midnight adds
Billz: "Is that really hip-hop, man that shit is just a circus"
Midnight: "Full of niggas talking shit, making money off of beats"
Billz: "They ain’t dying from no bullets, it’s from mad cow disease"
“Movin’ On (Through With You)”, is the first time Charice appears on the mixtape with Sean Billz collaborating. The duel always finds a way to make a good song, this time in the form of a club banger. Charice sways from her casual soul, switching to street cred, with a very catchy hook
“Listen boy, I’m movin’ on cause I’m through with you
Stop callin’ my phone, cause I’m through with you”
Billz changes up the tempo on “Straight To The Top”, a fresh sound that reminds me of a performance with a big jazz band circa 1920. The RC hype track, displays Sean Billz unique, but often-unheard rapid-fire delivery and flow. “Get Money”, features one of the craziest instrumentals on the compilation. Fans will love the innovative sound, presenting RC’s ever expanding production department. Midnight, Ché Calhoun, and Sean Billz all drop verses, each holding their own. “G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World)”, uses much of the same formula that made “What Type Of Artist?” on the second mixtape the most popular hit. The laid-back beat gives Billz plenty of room to drop verse after verse backing the song’s strong message. Tackling the addicting issue of greed is perfect timing, considering the large amounts of cash and materialistic items often flaunted in current hip-hop videos.
“Performances unrehearsed, lack substance and skill
I can scream on stage too, but won’t get 100 mil
Being whack must pay the bills”
But nothing is protected
“Controversial magazines never printed behind scenes
They just give you what they’d rather read like ignorant teens”
Midnight and Sean Billz once again collaborate on “Signs”, the heartfelt tune about poverty and inner city crime. The two provide perfect chemistry, touching the hearts of many
“I wish my brother start thinking, put down that gun
Cause for every man we kill, there’s a fatherless son
Think back, a little bit, to Tupac and Biggie
Even though not physical, they still live in me”
Charice’s returns to her true harmonic vibe, with the soft but effective “More Than Infatuation”. Her vocals really shine, with the catchy hook adding additional appeal. Hip-Hop fans will love RC’s rendition of “On My Own”, over the very popular “Thug’s Cry” instrumental. Billz and Midnight really hit it off on this mixtape, clearly being the biggest highlight of Achieving Our Ambitions. The two quickly exchange verses and lines in the chorus, never missing a beat
Midnight:
“Man I feel so alone, I just want to give up
I put this metal to my dome, but my finger was stuck”
Billz:
“Don’t worry about mama, cause now we can’t afford to
Just keep doing God’s work, and he’ll reward you”
“Sincerely”, is the melodic slow jam dedicated to Billz’s mother. Charice adds a nice touch on the chorus. She really stands out on these tracks, bringing a tear or two to some. “Sincerely” is one of more touching and personal tracks on the mixtape. The compilation switches gears on “What Are We Doing?”, a creative and innovative track that is half hip-hop, half def poetry. Midnight really shows off his talent and brilliance, as the production wisely steps aside and gives him room to speak his mind (something that was lacking a bit on the last mixtape). Strong and bold, his words plead for a better black community. “What Are We Doing?” was one of my favorite tracks on Achieving Our Ambitions. “Only For So Long”, is yet another solid collaboration between Charice and Sean Billz. An ear grabbing slow jam, with a message that carries its own weight. “In Circles”, completes Achieving Our Ambitions in perfect fashion. Billz, Midnight, and Ché Calhoun work together as a great trio, rapping over that true Chicago sound. The beat is outstanding and the vibe even better. Billz finds RC’s message terrifically in four lines
“It was 4 years ago, I remember the day well
Started out as a dream, people thought we would fail
Talkin’ about we wouldn’t sale, cause we spoke against the grain
No platinum or gold chains, wasn’t focused on the fame”
Midnight adds
“Had to chose between insanity or going to college
Papa said to leave, truth is the knowledge
So I had to give it up at the price it gets
My little cousin is a thug, so the circle never ends”
The circle will never end for Reality Check Records either. At least that’s the mentality from these four driven young adults, looking to bring hip-hop back to its golden age. “When this year started I said to myself that I wanted to make 2008 our year and I wanted it to be the year that we really break out in the music industry,” Billz proclaims. The leader of Reality Check Records plans to focus his attention now on his own solo album, a project he has anticipated since he was a young teen. “I have been well prepared for my debut album as it’s something that I have been working on and planning on the side for some years now.” Billz solo album has a tentative release date for 2009, though it should be mentioned he’s not in a hurry and wants to perfect the album has much as possible. Positive and innovative. Real music with a conscience. A few of the ways to describe Reality Check’s music. The label’s final mixtape ended with a bang. Now the artists look to further their own careers with solo albums. Seeing the progress this foursome has made in three short years, one can only wonder what’s in store for the next three. It’s a very bright future. The circle continues.
A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3
Official Track Listings:
01 Back To Business – Ché Calhoun
02 Top Of The World – Sean Billz
03 Get At Me - Midnight
04 Get Live – Sean Billz
05 You Will Lose – Midnight & Sean Billz
06 Movin’ On (Through With You) – Charice ft. Sean Billz
07 Straight To The Top – Sean Billz
08 Get Money - Ché Calhoun ft. Midnight & Sean Billz
09 G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World) – Sean Billz
10 Signs – Midnight ft. Sean Billz
11 More Than Infatuation – Charice ft. Sean Billz
12 On My Own – Midnight ft. Sean Billz
13 Sincerely – Sean Billz ft. Charice
14 What Are We Doing? – Midnight
15 Only For So Long – Charice ft. Sean Billz
16 In Circles – Sean Billz, Ché Calhoun, & Midnight
In April, A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) will be available at a few online distributors (U.S. iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon) through a relationship developed with the online company TuneCore. Visit the RC Records Myspace page for more information.
Reality Check Records, Inc. Official Myspace Page
Listen to all the A.O.A. tracks on Sean Billz YouTube profile
Reviewed by SPF
The other day I was shuffling through the channels on my pitiful 15-inch screen I call my television. My thumb began to throb after repeatedly pressing down on the ‘next channel’ button. Half of the hour had passed, yet my dilemma remained the same. I finally rested my weak thumb. Something seemed out of place. The television was stuck on MTV. Soulja Boy’s Crank That music video was on the airwaves (surprisingly a rarity for a station that stands for ‘music television’). I stopped and pondered for a second. Sure, Soulja Boy’s extraordinary successful hit was catchy with a club-banging beat that anybody could bob their head to. It had that well choreographed dance that every white boy in America was sadly trying to master. Even suburban mothers recognized the tune. I thought to myself, is this really how far the rap industry has collapsed? Has the music industry as a whole completely sold out? Now of days, everybody is afraid to speak their mind. Where’s the substance?
In 2006, Sean Billz requested that a marginally talented writer compose a review for his independent label’s second mixtape. I gladly accepted the offer. Not only do I regard Sean as a very intelligent and creative human being, but I also clearly support his message. Finally, a throwback hip-hop artist who puts the street poetry back into rap. America might call me crazy, but we could use far less of Soulja Boy and far more of Sean Billz and Reality Check Records. Achieving Our Ambitions (A.O.A.) marks the third official release from the small Chicago indie. The label was envisioned and created by Billz, a master of his craft, who excels not only on the mic but also behind the scenes producing and running the label as its CEO. Billz mentors three young and talented artists, who equally shine on the third compilation. Midnight, the wise and lyrical emcee, with a voice some might compare to a young Kayne West, Charice, the soulful singer with a God-given set of pipes, and the youngest of the group, Ché Calhoun, with his laid back flow. “I have made it a personal assignment of mine to become the best businessman that I can be,” Billz bluntly states, wise beyond his 20 years of life. “I feel that RC Records has grown in several areas since the previous mixtape's release in 2006. In those two years spent without releasing a project the label focused on growing and further developing on the business side. We also focused more on the development of our artists in allowing them to see growth in their skills and abilities as artists.”
“Back To Business” kicks the third mixtape off, featuring the talented flow of Ché Calhoun. The hard hitting beat sets the tone for the rest of the mixtape, which presents a much smoother and cleaner sound than the past two compilations. “Top Of The World”, can be compared to the Kayne West productions that were born from the heart of Chicago. Billz wisely brings that sound back home, spitting into the mic.
“Reality Check gaining ample respect
And we did it without no words degrading women with techs”
“Top Of The World” can be described as a label anthem. Billz continues to rep RC stating
“Motivated, driven are the words that describe me
And still to this day while the evils ain’t surprise me
Large livin’ wisely, my crew beside me”
Midnight first appears on “Get At Me”, a very hard-hitting, pulse-pounding track, which works well with Midnight’s flow and delivery. The hook goes south, featuring the popular chopped and screwed style. “Get At Me” is another popular label anthem, and features a surprise twist halfway through. Hint: Humorous voicemails are involved. “Get Live”, is about as “commercial” as you’ll see Reality Check swing. A popular club banger, Billz showcases a fast and intense delivery, in contrary to his normally laid-back and easygoing style. The hook is very catchy, one of those one-liners that will be stuck in your head for days. The first collaboration on the mixtape features Midnight and Sean Billz, in the anti-materialism, “You Will Lose”. One of the strongest instrumentals on the mixtape, Billz blends a violin that fits the mood perfectly. Midnight hits it dead on, rapping
“Because your brain’s abused
By the rap pack because all they talk is trash
Ain’t never lived in the hood
They don’t know the half
Instead they glorify”
Billz along with Midnight adds
Billz: "Is that really hip-hop, man that shit is just a circus"
Midnight: "Full of niggas talking shit, making money off of beats"
Billz: "They ain’t dying from no bullets, it’s from mad cow disease"
“Movin’ On (Through With You)”, is the first time Charice appears on the mixtape with Sean Billz collaborating. The duel always finds a way to make a good song, this time in the form of a club banger. Charice sways from her casual soul, switching to street cred, with a very catchy hook
“Listen boy, I’m movin’ on cause I’m through with you
Stop callin’ my phone, cause I’m through with you”
Billz changes up the tempo on “Straight To The Top”, a fresh sound that reminds me of a performance with a big jazz band circa 1920. The RC hype track, displays Sean Billz unique, but often-unheard rapid-fire delivery and flow. “Get Money”, features one of the craziest instrumentals on the compilation. Fans will love the innovative sound, presenting RC’s ever expanding production department. Midnight, Ché Calhoun, and Sean Billz all drop verses, each holding their own. “G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World)”, uses much of the same formula that made “What Type Of Artist?” on the second mixtape the most popular hit. The laid-back beat gives Billz plenty of room to drop verse after verse backing the song’s strong message. Tackling the addicting issue of greed is perfect timing, considering the large amounts of cash and materialistic items often flaunted in current hip-hop videos.
“Performances unrehearsed, lack substance and skill
I can scream on stage too, but won’t get 100 mil
Being whack must pay the bills”
But nothing is protected
“Controversial magazines never printed behind scenes
They just give you what they’d rather read like ignorant teens”
Midnight and Sean Billz once again collaborate on “Signs”, the heartfelt tune about poverty and inner city crime. The two provide perfect chemistry, touching the hearts of many
“I wish my brother start thinking, put down that gun
Cause for every man we kill, there’s a fatherless son
Think back, a little bit, to Tupac and Biggie
Even though not physical, they still live in me”
Charice’s returns to her true harmonic vibe, with the soft but effective “More Than Infatuation”. Her vocals really shine, with the catchy hook adding additional appeal. Hip-Hop fans will love RC’s rendition of “On My Own”, over the very popular “Thug’s Cry” instrumental. Billz and Midnight really hit it off on this mixtape, clearly being the biggest highlight of Achieving Our Ambitions. The two quickly exchange verses and lines in the chorus, never missing a beat
Midnight:
“Man I feel so alone, I just want to give up
I put this metal to my dome, but my finger was stuck”
Billz:
“Don’t worry about mama, cause now we can’t afford to
Just keep doing God’s work, and he’ll reward you”
“Sincerely”, is the melodic slow jam dedicated to Billz’s mother. Charice adds a nice touch on the chorus. She really stands out on these tracks, bringing a tear or two to some. “Sincerely” is one of more touching and personal tracks on the mixtape. The compilation switches gears on “What Are We Doing?”, a creative and innovative track that is half hip-hop, half def poetry. Midnight really shows off his talent and brilliance, as the production wisely steps aside and gives him room to speak his mind (something that was lacking a bit on the last mixtape). Strong and bold, his words plead for a better black community. “What Are We Doing?” was one of my favorite tracks on Achieving Our Ambitions. “Only For So Long”, is yet another solid collaboration between Charice and Sean Billz. An ear grabbing slow jam, with a message that carries its own weight. “In Circles”, completes Achieving Our Ambitions in perfect fashion. Billz, Midnight, and Ché Calhoun work together as a great trio, rapping over that true Chicago sound. The beat is outstanding and the vibe even better. Billz finds RC’s message terrifically in four lines
“It was 4 years ago, I remember the day well
Started out as a dream, people thought we would fail
Talkin’ about we wouldn’t sale, cause we spoke against the grain
No platinum or gold chains, wasn’t focused on the fame”
Midnight adds
“Had to chose between insanity or going to college
Papa said to leave, truth is the knowledge
So I had to give it up at the price it gets
My little cousin is a thug, so the circle never ends”
The circle will never end for Reality Check Records either. At least that’s the mentality from these four driven young adults, looking to bring hip-hop back to its golden age. “When this year started I said to myself that I wanted to make 2008 our year and I wanted it to be the year that we really break out in the music industry,” Billz proclaims. The leader of Reality Check Records plans to focus his attention now on his own solo album, a project he has anticipated since he was a young teen. “I have been well prepared for my debut album as it’s something that I have been working on and planning on the side for some years now.” Billz solo album has a tentative release date for 2009, though it should be mentioned he’s not in a hurry and wants to perfect the album has much as possible. Positive and innovative. Real music with a conscience. A few of the ways to describe Reality Check’s music. The label’s final mixtape ended with a bang. Now the artists look to further their own careers with solo albums. Seeing the progress this foursome has made in three short years, one can only wonder what’s in store for the next three. It’s a very bright future. The circle continues.
A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions): Official Reality Check Records Mixtape, Chapter 3
Official Track Listings:
01 Back To Business – Ché Calhoun
02 Top Of The World – Sean Billz
03 Get At Me - Midnight
04 Get Live – Sean Billz
05 You Will Lose – Midnight & Sean Billz
06 Movin’ On (Through With You) – Charice ft. Sean Billz
07 Straight To The Top – Sean Billz
08 Get Money - Ché Calhoun ft. Midnight & Sean Billz
09 G.R.O.W. (Greed Raising Our World) – Sean Billz
10 Signs – Midnight ft. Sean Billz
11 More Than Infatuation – Charice ft. Sean Billz
12 On My Own – Midnight ft. Sean Billz
13 Sincerely – Sean Billz ft. Charice
14 What Are We Doing? – Midnight
15 Only For So Long – Charice ft. Sean Billz
16 In Circles – Sean Billz, Ché Calhoun, & Midnight
In April, A.O.A. (Achieving Our Ambitions) will be available at a few online distributors (U.S. iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon) through a relationship developed with the online company TuneCore. Visit the RC Records Myspace page for more information.
Reality Check Records, Inc. Official Myspace Page
Listen to all the A.O.A. tracks on Sean Billz YouTube profile
SPF recently sat down with Sean Billz, discussing the third mixtape and the label’s future plans. Check out the complete interview here.
