Rodes

I bought this album cause my man told me about it. This is a gem glad I creeped up on this one. Number 9 is really creative overall the album is pretty tight.
- Polk

Good to see you did'nt forget where you come from an you reppin it right my nigga.This is good music it's different from what's going on today. - Squirell

This album is well put together; I like Whats Da Business an Flix,as well as, The Streets,this is storytelling at it's best.
- Tone

This album is good. I like it a bunch; but since I've heard your new material stop playin man. If you liked this 1 folks you're gonna love the next 1.
- Will Smith

Rodo I copped the cd and I can't even listen to it because she confiscated it. All she plays is What's Da Business; it's other bangers but I can't even get it. I gotta cop another 1 from you. Peace

- Johnny

You can put this album write up there with the rest of the other mainstream artist from Chicago.Rodes is different he's going against the grain but his stuff is on point!
- One Mic Magazine

1 of the best underground cds in my collection;I was gonna buy it on some support shit. Can't judge a book by its cover this albums full of hidden gems.
- T-Fly

My man Rodes spit nuthing but flames;I did'nt even know Changa was on the album.If you haven't heard it check it out. It's a variety of things on this album right here;I'm lovin the Promise and Shut'em Down!
- Deontae

This is a well rounded album. My man touching on a lot of things that definately go down in the hood one way or another.The concepts an tracks are tight check out Flix & The Streets. Rodes keep doing your thang boy somebody coming to sign you.

- Bid Los

ARTIST: Rodes
Title: “Bang Out”
Review by Jason Randall Smith

It’s been five years since Rodes released new material, but “Bang Out” signals a defiant return. It’s the first single from his upcoming album Focus Or Fold and it sounds as if his hiatus has given him plenty of time to stew over the current state of the music industry. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Rodes already has two full-length albums and an E.P. under his belt, with much more material waiting in the wings. “Bang Out” is a testament to retaining control of his music and keeping his independent hustle intact while taking the industry to task for shady business practices.
Frank Lito’s production creeps underneath Rodes, whose voice is a full-bodied baritone that commands attention. Breaking down what happens behind the scenes for “people misled about what hip-hop is,” his commentary is a timely reminder of what can happen when art and commerce occupy the same space. “Songs played all day to sway your way,” Rodes explains. “Real hip-hop artists get turned away.” The beat is stark and gloomy with eerie synthesizer hits throughout the track. It features a thunderous bass line, so much so that it slightly distorts the final mix. Along with a monotone drone that drags through the chorus, it all adds up to a basic background for an engaging subject.
Things are far from ideal within the music industry, but the words of advice within “Bang Out” could have benefited from more enticing production. As a rapper, it seems that Rodes relies more on the intensity of his voice than the intricacy of his lyrical flow. It will take more than straying from the usual lines about money, girls, cars, and clothes to be able to truly stand out in the rap game. However, the first single doesn’t necessarily dictate the flow of an entire album, so we’ll have to wait and see what hidden gems Focus Or Fold has in store.

Reviewed by Jason Randall Smith
Rating: 3 stars (out of 5) - Jason Randall Smith

Rodes started his craft as an emcee seriously in 1994.The Chicago born lyricist is from the Wild Hunneds neighborhood which is known for it's strong pedigree of emcees. Big Nastee, Shawnna, 211, Litature & Mikkey Halsted to name a few.

Rodes is no rookie in the industry; releasing C&R Wall-2Wall the EP. The album was a underground success. The 9 track album included classics like Suv's, Tanite, and Kicking Back. Production was held down by Big Stevo, Lawrence Mahone and the 7thson. Rodes and his partner in rhyme Changa Jawari (The Liqour Store Rapper). held it down creating a massive buzz in 2002 selling 5k independently.

2005 came and Rodes released his first solo offering "The Huntside". The 14 track album was received as an instant classic. The albums production included beats from Lit of Lit1 productions, The 7thson, Big-O and Lawrence Mahone.The album had vivid street tales and excellent storytelling along with outstanding hip-hop. Flix, Wild 100's, The Promise and The Streets featuring Clarence Jones and Changa Jawari really stand out. Rodes did not disappoint fans or critics with the release. The album is available on Itunes if you missed out. Waisting no time Rodes was working on his Sophmore effort "Self Preservation" 14 tracks including two bonus tracks which total 16 all together. Some of the hottest up in coming producers show up on "Self Preservation". Lit, Haz, Buffet Boy, 7th son and Lawrence Mahone.Only two features on this feast. Moet & Trilla of AMN and Maintain, Litature, Phron and Sonny Batts come through on Hit'em and Infamous Shots. Rodes decided to hold down his album for dolo spitting on 95% of his joint. The Chicago native stepped it up for his hometown.
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After taking a five year hiatus. Rodes is back with another album which is yet untitled. With over three albums worth of material Rodes is focused. The album host production from long time croney Frank Lito, The 7th Son, and others. Be on the look out for guest appearances from Crystal Lajeune, Changa Jawari, Shell Shock. The 1st single is called "Bang Out" produced by Frank Lito. The album is almost done but has to be right. Quality over quanity.Be on the look out for a 4th quarter early 1st quarter release.Stay tuned for news and updates. - Jason Randall Smith