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So anyone that knows me or my taste in music knows that I have a wide
pallet, especially when it comes to Hip-Hop. I love my old school shit
(if you don’t, you should get the fuck out of Hip-Hop right now),
traditional B-Boy manifestos and obviously my left field progressive
shit (shout out Uncommon Records). But, I enjoy when an MC can
incorporate different elements of different styles and make them his own.

Which brings me to “Style Like Mind” by Steddy P. A Kansas City (MO)
native, Steddy P brings a unique energy to the table. The album opens
with a super dope intro called, “Ready With The One Two”, a bangin’ track
accompanied by some ill cuts. The next joint is a song called, “Won’t
Lay Down”, a head nodder of a track laced with a catchy chorus and
semi-sarcastic lyrics. The album really kicks off for me though with the
song, “No Matter How”, a song about reflection and overcoming obstacles.
Lines like “Everybody’s tattlin’, actin’ like they hot to def/I’m trying
to change the city that booted out DJ Jazzy Jeff/it’s that new Midwest
style like none other/whether its school or jail you need a six digit
number.” I really liked the production and chorus on this song.

Then on “Format”, Steddy P enlists the help of Approach and Reach, where
all three MC’s equally bring something fire to the table. Approach
brings the cockiness and swagger, Steddy P brings braggadocio and
sarcasm while Reach breaks down the ills that shady A&R’s bring to the
music that we love so much. This is definitely one of the standouts on
album.

And then I heard “Style Like Mind”. Hands down my favorite song on the album.
Backed by a spacey, double time up-tempo track, this where Steddy P was
at his best. Lines like: “Looking for a style like mine you can’t find
it/dirty promoter with my money, he better find it,” and, “Independent
ladder ’bout to change the game and climb it/got a lot to say so I guess
I better rhyme it/but never measure my flow by how many people buy it.”

The consistency of Steddy P’s lyrics, delivery, flow and the album’s
production really hold this project together. I’ll confess, I haven’t
heard of Steddy P until last week. But, I’m glad there’s more to KCMO
then Mac Lethal and Tech N9ne (not that those two are weak, I love Tech
N9ne). There were a couple tracks I wasn’t feeling but, this album was
packed full of highlights. You (the reader and listener) need to check
this cat out; you won’t be disappointed, I promise. Thanks to Steddy P
for being a dope MC from the Midwest, we need more of you.

Popularity: 1% [?]



3 Responses

1. Tweets that mention aboveGround Magazine | Steddy P: Style Like Mind -- Topsy.com Says:
   October 20th, 2009 at 4:16 pm

   [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by aboveGround Magazine, Short Fuze. Short Fuze said: Check it: Steddy P: Style Like Mind http://bit.ly/AtiRU (Album Review) [...]

2. 

   Will Says:
   October 20th, 2009 at 5:25 pm

   Dope review! I’m glad you’re blogging about more rappers from KC. Also check out Stik Figa and XV. You won’t be disappointed. I’m going to review this album too. Stay tuned.

   Reply
3. Steddy P – Kenneth Arnold | aboveGround Magazine Says:
   February 23rd, 2010 at 9:41 am

   [...] This cut is off of Steddy’s Style Like Mind that dropped in ‘09. We reviewed Style Like Mind last Winter, it’s a dope album, this is a nice joint off of the album, finishes with a bit of [...]

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• Features
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• Culture
• Fashion
• Photos
• News
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DC released the 7th edition of their Admiral series. These red and black (or, violet/fire) high tops are just one of four available colorways, all inspired by a cross-country road trip, according the DC.

Other combinations include: Brown/wheat, Martime and Grey.

You can cop them directly from DC for $130. Check their site for more information.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Here’s a sneak peek at the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day-themed Supra Vaiders set to drop this month. The kicks will be available exclusively from Factory413, Supra’s Hollywood concept store, according to High Snobriety.

Photo copped from HS.

Popularity: 5% [?]

1. Decon Presents: Never Not Fresh

In their latest compilation mix, the burgeoning NYC-based label known as Decon Records drops a limited edition soundtrack titled Never Not Fresh to kick off their upcoming line of lifestyle-branded releases that are set for 2010. Powered by names like Jay Electronica, Jurassic 5 and Zion I this collection of music goes hand in hand with Decon’s ultra hip steez.

2. Eric Lau – Kilawatt V2

London production wiz Eric Lau see’s his soulful and rich beats get a release on Kilawatt Music for the label’s 2nd of 3 music’s producer series themed drops, hence the album’s title Kilawatt: V2. Lau recruits American soul/sample based producers Muhsinah and Oddisee along for the gripping ride that is his knack fo combining live sounds with sample lifted ones. Be sure to be on your toes if you wanna purchase this new collection of Lau’s laid back and conducive instrumentals, only a limited amount of copies are being pressed.

3. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

4. U.N.I. & Ro Blvd – Love Supreme 2.0

New school left coast rhymers U-N-I re-release their captivating 2006 debut A Love Supreme in a special deluxe “2.0″ edition package for the kids who slept. Re-released in part to help kickoff the duo’s 30-city Spring tour, Y-O and Thurzday include 5 brand new songs as well as a bonus DVD (“A Love Supreme: U-N-I & Ro Blvd”) that details their meteoric rise in the game without much major label backing.

5. Broken Bells – Broken Bells

American Indie Rock meets Hip-Hop production sensibilities as James Mercer of The Shins teams up with famed musician and remix artist Danger Mouse for their collaborative duo named — and album titled — Broken Bells. The pair divides the musical workload as Mercer handles the guitar plucking and vocals while Mouse takes care of the organ, drums, piano, synths and bass. A must have for any Danger Mouse fan who was always curious about how he got down on the Alt. Rock tip or a Shins fan seeking a more bubbly, rhythmic sound from Mercer.

Popularity: 8% [?]

MURS and 9th Wonder have released the first segment in their Fornever movie. The duo is steadily building hype for their third (studio) collaborative effort that is set to drop on March 30.

No record label ties have been announced thus far.

With the announcement of both MURS’ falling out with his major-label home, Warner Brothers, as well as the (temporary) hiatus of his independent backer, Definitive Jux, there is still a question as to what label will serve as the base for this release, if one will be used at all.

Regardless, this collaboration will mark the fourth time that 9th and MURS have worked together on an album-length project including their 2008 pay-what-you-wish release, Sweet Lord, along with their retail efforts MURS 3:16 (2004) and Murray’s Revenge (2006).

Stream the first part of Fornever below:

Untitled from LowKey on Vimeo.

Popularity: 9% [?]

Diamond Supply Co. and Western Edition Skateboards latest collaboration is a skate deck which features a hand-drawn sketch of female artist Sade.

The Ian Johnson-created piece will be accompanied by a matching tee and available both via Diamond Supply’s Los Angeles shop and FTC locations in San Fran, Sacramento and Tokyo.

This release comes, of course, on the heels of Sade’s long-awaited release of Soldier of Love, her 6th studio album. This latest cut will be added to her discography spanning back to 1984 when her debut, Diamond Life, was released via Epic Records (UK).

Photo via Hypebeast.

Popularity: 8% [?]