BeanStock

Stylistically eclectic, it's no surprise that Things to Do in Dorchester...When You're Dead 2.5 features the work of three producers and approximately a dozen rappers and musicians. The third installment in the Things to Do in Dorchester series, the album has tracks for every type of hip hop fan—whether you just want something fun to listen to at a party (“Wave Ya Hands”) or something that explores social and political themes (“Same Shit”), there's something for everyone here.

The intro, at nearly five minutes, although it has a cool beat, is a bit long and rambling, and the second track, “Wave Ya Hands”, with lyrics rhyming “tits” with “clit” are pretty misogynistic—but things start to take a much more interesting turn with the fourth track, “I Don't Listen.”

“I Don't Listen” has a beat reminiscent of Outkast—it's all strange sounds that come together surprisingly well. The synthesizer in the background almost sounds like the 8-bit midi music of mid-90s Nintendo games. The lyrics are about being steadfastly independent: “I don't listen to shit/I don't believe anything comin' out your lips.” It's goes on to tell a story of being both stubborn and also knowing when to trust only yourself.

“Same Shit” tells a story in the style of Nas—you listen to a song like this for the same reason you read someone's autobiography, to try to get a glimpse of how someone else lives: “From my hood to your hood/same shit.” That's the sad truth of it: Not much has changed, and the problems that many people face are often the same everywhere.

“Thing 4 Gangsters” is one of the most jarring tracks—it starts off with recordings of people saying some blatantly racist things, but then the song begins and it's a surprisingly gentle song that is almost romantic. It's a strong juxtaposition that will shock you out of your complacency.

Overall, this 20-track mix-tape is bold, unique, and consistently interesting. DJ $prigg$ and everyone he works with on this release don't pull punches—they say exactly what they are thinking, for better or for worse.

Things to Do in Dorchester...When You're Dead 2.5 dropped on August 1 and is available for stream/download below. - DOPECAUSEWESAID

The Beanstock crew are back to remind everyone of their undisputable talents with their latest tape, More Things To Do... As they follow on from their 'Things To Do' mixtape series their most recent effort is one to cement their claim as one of the best upcoming collectives to be jumping on the scene, and it's easy to see just why.

Opening with an exert from the 1995 classic film 'Things To Do In Denver When You're Dead' the track bursts into life with the crashing drums and strings. Featuring Keet Kolbang with his raw lyrics the track sets the tone for the album.

Kolbang is a regular feature throughout the album on all but two of the tracks and it's easy to see why. His powerful flow compliments each thumping beat well also combined with his eye for detail when it comes to lyricism. His talent has been showcased before with his previous impressive track Paul Shaffer.

The album then seamlessly flows into Tsunami with the heavy horns and rattling drums providing the perfect bed for Kolbang who kicks things off by calling out Nas and Jay Z.

This isn't the last time the crew name drop in the tape as Kolbang teams up with Big Trayne and Bruno Trizz for Slap Her, their ruthless Joe Budden diss. This isn't however the trios most impressive track on the tape with Health Problems taking that crown over the bold, horn infused production.

What's always been impressive about Beanstock is their ability to combine slick flows and intricate lyrics with eye-popping beats. Jump showcases this perfectly with the crashing drums and growling bassline perfectly suiting Kolbang and Trizz and allowing Mr Shoosh to let his presence be known with an electrifying verse.

It's clear to see their influences throughout with exerts from Tupac as well as an altered remix of Wiz Khalifa's On My Level on 88 (Hate Us). There are however more subtle influences with nods to the likes of Slaughterhouse and even Wu Tang to an extent.

Throughout the album certain tracks provide a refreshing change of pace with Mr Shoosh's Mentality standing out above the rest. The plucking guitars make way for the horns to underlay the effortless flow reminiscent of the likes of Ghost Face Killah.

As the album draws to an end the pace is once again lowered with the breezy beat of Is You Down.

The whole tape serves as a reminder that the talent of Beanstock is second to none. Each artist brings their own unique style as they continue to push each other to be greater. All that's left to be said it that fans will surely be on the edge of their seats eager to see just what they will come up with next.

Check out the album on AudioMack or download it on Get Right Music and follow @djayspriggs for all the latest Beanstock news. - Creative-HipHop

I’ve never heard of the music collective BEANSTOCK before – I feel so ashamed admitting this right now – but I henceforth, I shall be keeping a very close eye these Boston spitters and I’m going to tell you why…

Not only does the album cover features one of my favourite actress Betty White, their 12-track mixtape, ‘Live From District 3’ (released last month) hooks you straight in with seriously infectious basslines within the first two or so tracks.

Further along the collection, there’s a few isolated productions that doesn’t hold the same buzz created in the first half of the mixtape – but with a few listens, they could become potential favourites.

All-in-all, ‘Live From District 3’, is worthy of a place in any dedicated hip-hopper’s collection and has the ingredients to carry on the hype, created from their previous mixtape, ‘More Things To Do.’ Give a trial; check it out! - New Lease Music

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Straight out of Boston, hip-hop collective BEANSTOCK have risen with their first project of the year titled ‘Beanstock Presents U.K.K.K’, which sees the record label’s recruits adopt a different sound…

The 13-track set boasts a menacingly dope drive in which the gang describe as ‘Grit-hop’. Tracks such as ‘Big New Face’, ‘Ginger’ and ‘High Maintenance’ momentarily interrupts the mixtape flow with a joyous bounce of old-school R&B and a funky swag.

The project is a true testament that these guys have no problem at all in reinventing their sound..and this is the very reason why they set tongues continuously wagging in their hometown. See song recommendations below and head right here to listen to their latest joints. - New Lease Music