Fun Hip Hop That Even Your Momma Will Love.

12 MP3 Songs
HIP-HOP/RAP: Hip Hop, URBAN/R&B: R&B Rap mix



Details:
T.H.E. Vega Tigarrius

Cuidado: Sixty Days to Live

Self-released

On one of the later tracks on his new album, T.H.E. Vega Tigarrius bemoans the tricky technicalities of his college's financial aid program. But even if there've been some snags on his path to a degree, it's clear that this Nashville-based rapper has gotten an education somewhere, as Cuidado showcases a lyricist with an often thoughtful, topical and eager delivery.

The college woes can't help but remind you of rap's most famous dropout, Kanye West. Vega's playful, smart-alecky approach, left-field metaphors and quirky plays on words (listen to him link Pope Benedict XVI back to President Bush) all help strengthen that comparison. But unlike West's work, Cuidado's production preserves the crawling 808 beats endlessly popular in Vega's native Memphis, livened up with real bass and guitar tracks.

Vega's effort to smarten up the "Dirty South" is admirable, but when the tempo creeps up to a more standard hip-hop bounce on "The New Black National Anthem," his flow reaches a markedly higher level of confidence and charm. Vega seems to notice the difference, too â after "Anthem," Southern tracks like "Parking Lot Pimpin'" stick to well-trodden premises, although on "Red Dixie Cup" Vega is able to apply some sharp, playful lyrics to what could have been a samey club/party joint. The distinctly twangy guitar tracks help, too.

www.myspace.com/vegasmusicpage, www.hotwatercornbread.com