Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How To Reclaim Space on an iDevice

Okay, if your like me and have a lot of music (I'm talking 3-4,ooo+) you may be running our of space on an iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, ect. (even though I had the 32GB model). I found a check box within iTunes that can turn 25 GB into 13GB easily. Plug in your iDevice and open iTunes, navigate to where you can see your iDevice and under the summary tab check the box that says "Convert Higher Bit rate songs to 128 kbps AAC". What does this do exactly? Well, I get most of my music from HQ CD-rips (my own) as well as iTunes and official mixtapes, which are some of the highest quality music files, and while this is nice on my computer, it takes up a lot of space on my phone. To most listeners, you won't hear a difference, the only time I do is when I plug my iPhone into my BeatBox by Dre and really listen for it. All in all this is a very helpful find so far.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Ahmir (Feat. D-Pryde, Chilla Jones, J.Reyez & Mr. Jones) REVIEW


I prefer this hook to the original, phenomenal voices & harmonies. D-Pryde doesn't let up, a strong verse. Chilla Jones however takes the ball here, his lyricism is what I love in hip-hop, its poetry with an amazing delivery to speak it. J.Reyez's verse just keeps the quality coming. Mr. Jones is a great rap finishing, and summing it up with some of the best voices I've ever heard is the bow on the present that is the best cover of this track. Hip-Hop ain't dead, it just ain't on the radio.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Other parts of the site kicked back into action!

After being inactive for a bit we are coming back full throttle. We launched "The Neon Void" official forum which can be seen after clicking within the forum tab. We have also recruited a new contributor, Spencer or lileasyanna, to the blog who will be posting mainly about iOS applications. The other tabs of this site are being jump started once again, including my "Song of the Day" which just recently started Vol. 2, "Underground Artist Spotlight" where an interview with Spit Ink was added and "App of the Week" where Spencer has reviewed the iPhone application Tiny Tower. Matt's Video Game of the Week should soon see revival as well, so stay tuned for the onslaught of The Neon Void 2.0

Monday, July 11, 2011

Tech N9ne, Bad Meets Evil Track by track reviews

Posted on the forum first!

BAD MEETS EVIL: HELL THE SEQUEL
Track 1: Welcome 2 Hell [Production by Havoc]
Eminem sounds like Recovery Eminem, I dislike the delivery/angry sound. Royce's rhymescheme sounds amazing, as does Em, lyric-wise they do bring out the best in each other. The theme...is non existent, it's just them proving they can rhyme and are dope, and they do. Holding both of them up to their standards, nothing amazing, just average.

Track 2: Fast Lane [Production by Supa Dups]
I like the beat, it's not amazing, I just really like the sound of it. Royce sounds really good hear, Eminem is WAYYYYY more listenable here than on Welcome 2 Hell. Comedic song, "Nicki Minaj I wanna stick my penis in your anus" -Eminen. Em & Royce's switching off sounds really good. Sly sounds great on hook, he's no Nate Dogg but he is pretty good. slightly above average song.

Track 3: The Reunion [Production by Sid Roams]
One of the best songs on the EP. One of the best songs Eminems done in the last 2-3 years. Comedic story-telling track with some great lyricism. The beat is perfect for the type of song, the hook matches amazingly. Royce stays great here, this song is the closest to the original Bad Meets Evil song. The concept it great, Eminem & Royce as evil twins, messing with girls/each other.

Track 4: Above The Law [Production by Mr. Porter]
Hook doesn't fit, beat is annoying to me. Eminem has the Recovery flow again (which I don't like). Bad punchlines "I don't like the water so why would I like the hose(hoes)". Atleast Royce tries to fit with the hook, but it's still off topic. I enjoy Royce's flow must better, and his punchlines are more interesting (the FUBAR line is pretty good).

Track 5: I'm On Everything (Featuring Mike Epps) [Production by Mr. Porter]
Hook is hilarious, thanks to Mike Epps. This is definitely a goofing off track, you can tell with Royce's first verse, lyrically weak compared to his other stuff, just messing around. Same with Em. Interesting beat, I enjoy it. Eminem's punchlines...jeez...barf...fart...not good. His isn't as jokey as Royce's, a skippable track. "Im the real macaroni, I'm demonic with the craft (Kraft)". Royce's second verse is great, Eminem's is alright, from then it sounds pretty great. Other than the first verse, above average track.

Track 6: A Kiss [Production by Bangladesh]
Beat is awesome, the beginning "a kiss, a kiss, a kiss, a kiss" annoying, but Royce starts the track off very nice, lyrics and flow. Eminem's first verse sounds really good, no yelling-flow, pretty good lyricism. Somewhat honest song about one night stands? If you take it like that, it comes off as a track where they wanted to talk about hoes & crazy bitches. "Gaga, she can quit her job at the post office and she'll still be a MALE LADY" as well as a Katy Perry & Justin Bieber 'diss'.

Track 7: Lighters (Featuring Bruno Mars) [Production by Eminem, The SmeeZingtons & Battle Roy]
Least looking forward to this track, mainly cause the last popstar that Eminem worked with was Rihanna and we got the horrid "Love The Way You Lie" (Not counting I Need A Doctor, cause Skylar Grey can sing) But BRUNO MARS DOES AMAZING HERE. Him & Eminem did the production (beat) here and it is awesome. Eminem & Royce sound great here, lyrics here are awesome, very lyrical "Had a dream I was king, woke up still king, strap kings, nipples are mine for the milking (M.L. King)" & "Who you dicks trying to kid, you opposite, cause you the same, flip cock is still cock (kcoc) you pricks". The calmest I've heard Royce in a while and with an amazing flow and it sounds really good. Another above average track.

Track 8: Take From Me [Production by Mr. Porter]
Don't like the hook, or the beat really. Royce sounds good here with lyrics & flow. He sounds pissed of here, mainly because off people "leaking my shit", and it just sounds really good and he flows perfect throughout his entire verse. Also Eminem fits with what Royce was saying, and is he saying he's done? "They'll appreciate me when I'm gone/They'll say it was ill right? the way I kill mics/The way I feel right now/just feels like I'm so done with this shit, I may as well wipe/I have nothing else to give you/nothing left to contribute/farewell I bid you/but before I go, my last gift to you, ladies and gentlemen, Slaughterhouse I give to you" and it kinda makes sense seeing Slaughterhouse is on the final track of the last song on the basic EP, with the last 4 verse being them.

Track 9: Loud Noises (Featuring Slaughterhouse) [Production by Mr. Porter]
Beat is awesome, Eminem's verse is pretty good, a good verse for him to end his part of the EP (normal version at least). Crooked I on the second verse, is AMAZING. dude is mad lyrical and his flow is amazing. Royce is a great, but doesn't hold up to the bar Crooked made with the last verse. He switches up his flow and that works well. Joell Ortiz is closer to Crooked than Royce, but still doesn't quite stand up to Crooked. Joe Budden rivals Crooked for best verse, his flow doesn't sound quite as fluid, but is definitely just as lyrical, this track is all around an amazing send off track.

Track 10: Living Proof (Bonus Track) [Production by Mr. Porter]
Both rappers do well here, the beat sounds nice & their flows are both decent. Nothing really special, but theres nothing really wrong with this track either.

Track 11: Echo (Featuring Liz Rodriguez) (Bonus Track) [Production by Dj Khalil]
I like this track, all though do to the leak of the original a couple months back, I as well as others no, T.I. was originally meant to be on this track "originally Eminem said I'm go get TIP and try to rip it wider" whereas here he changed it to "Im go get Nickel and try to rip it wider". They both sound alright here, but I'd like to here T.I. on here.

Fav Tracks:
The Reunion
Lighters
Take From me
Loud Noises
Living Proof

Least Favorite:
Welcome 2 Hell
Above The Law

TECH N9NE ALL 6'S & 7'S
Track 1: The Pledge [Skit] [Production by Ben Cybulsky]

Track 2: Technicians [Production by Soleternity]
While the pledge had voices reciting the pledge Tech's fans (called technicians) know. This song, over a dubstep like beat, is Tech explaining, thanking, and reaching out to his fans. Tech's lyricism is unmatchable here. Not my favorite flow here, but is still superb. Plus for people who are Technicians, can understand some of the "inside-jokes" he talks about here. You can really hear Tech's love for his fans. A great opening song, Tech explains how "you wouldn't believe when I said I'd make the mainstream go me".

Track 3: Military [Skit] [Production by Ben Cybulsky]

Track 4: Am I A Psycho? (Feat. Hopsin & B.o.B) [Production by B.o.B]
Great, simple hook by B.o.B. Tech's verse is one of his weakest, although compared to most other rappers, his weakest holds up to most others best. I've been following Hopsin for a while now, and he does very good here. His flow is perfectly on point, lyrics fit the song very well & are lyrical and hold up to Tech. B.o.B definitely surprised me here, because while I'm a huge B.o.B fan, I did not expect him to hold up to Hopsin & Tech on a song like this, but he does very well and I would even say he has the best verse. It's also obvious B.o.B's verse is a diss to the group Odd Future, more directly to Tyler, The Creator. B.o.B needs to rap like this way more often.

Track 5: He's A Mental Giant [Production by Seven]
Nice beat, Tech starts off and holds his amazing lyricism throughout the entire track. His flow switching throughout the song, but stays on point throughout the whole thing. The hook is just there to break up the verses, and it doesn't disappoint, because it's not annoying at all. Coming into the second verse he steps his lyricism even more after you thought he was doing as good as he possibly could be.

Track 6: Worldwide Choppers (Feat. Ceza, JL B.Hood, Uso, Yelawolf, Twista, Busta Rhymes, D-Loc & Twisted Insane) [Production by Seven]
sequel to Tech's other 'Chopper' songs. Basically a bunch of speed rappers on one song going as fast as they can. Opening up with Ceza, who is rapping in Turkish? Tech comes in next with a quick, lyrical and flow switching verse. The hook works, enjoyable to listen to. Next is JL B. Hood (I believe), he's a fast rapper, nice lyrics. Uso is rapping in (whatever language they speak in Denmark). Yelawolf, while he sounds alright, I personally don't think he belongs on a choppers song, there are much better choppers out there. Twista's next, and while he may be the fastest, he's boring here. His flow is monotonous, and his lyrics sound awkward. After the hook Busta comes in with what is probably the only verse that holds up to Tech. He doesn't focus on being as fast as possibly, but has a very interesting flow & lyrics, while stuttering in his verse for effect. D-Loc & Twisted Insane are both pretty good and great ways to end the song.

Track 7: We Miss You Man [Skit] [Production by Ben Cybulsky]

Track 8: I Love Music (Feat. Kendrick Lamar & Oobergeek) [Production by EM80]
Starts off with Tech, very lyrically, rapping over an odd beat, not really liking this one (the production). Tech impresses once again. The song fits together, the hook and verses, no one really gets off topic. Second verse is good, but doesn't hold up to Tech. Third verse, same as second, good, but doesn't hold up to Tech. This song just kinda downward spirals into from amazing to average by the end.

Track 9: Strangeland [Production by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League]
My favorite song on the album. His lyrics here are some of the most lyrical I've ever heard any rapper, and his flow is on point throughout the whole track. The beat fits perfectly. Nothing wrong at all with this song.

Track 10: Call From Richie [Skit] [Production by Ben Cybulsky]

Track 11: The Boogieman (Feat. Stockley of Mint Condition & First Degree the D.E.) [Production by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League]
Ominous opening sounds good. I really like the beat here. Tech starts his rapping with a deeper flow and the same lyrical lyrics he's been delivering, no disappointment there. The hook is nice, nice singing (from Stockley?). Again, no disappointment in the second verse, interesting bridge after. I kinda wish Tech didn't use the deeper flow the whole way through however.

Track 12: Cult Leader (Feat. Liz Suwandi) [Production by Seven]
Opens with someone calling Tech a cult leader, because of his dedicated fan base while Tech responds that he is for the greater good. Liz can sing, very good hook. Beat sounds very good as well. Tech starts with a quick, lyrical flow. Song has a dark sound, and it works, the verses, lyrics, hook, everything works well together.

Track 13: Call From KC Poet Camile [Skit] [Production by Ben Cybulsky]

Track 14: Fuck Food (Feat. T-Pain, Lil Wayne & Krizz Kaliko) [Production by Seven]
This is the song Technicians feared, because it could've been a sign Tech was going to start to give up his original sound to be more mainstream, but this song does the exact opposite, much like B.o.B did T-Pain & Lil Wayne step into Tech's world. Pain's hook sounds great, and Wayne is very listenable here (I can't usually say that about Wayne). Tech starts the song off setting a high bar lyrically. Wayne starts off very iffy flow-wise but once he gets on a roll, doesn't disappoint. Krizz has an alternate hook near the end.

Track 15: Overtime (Feat. Stevie Stone) [Production by Koko]
Stevie can sing, and makes the hook sound very good. Tech delivers great lyrics and flow once again. And while it is just a sex song, they make sure to deliver lyrically to make up for the content.

Track 16: Pornographic (Feat. Snoop Dogg, E-40 & Krizz Kaliko) [Production by Seven]
Another Tech song with mainstream artist (Snoop & E-40). Tech starts off lyrically about porn stars and sex. Interesting hook to listen to. E-40 has his extremely interesting flow, average lyrics, fun to listen to. Snoop is alright, nothing special, weakest feature so far.

Track 17: You Owe Like Pookie (Feat. Jay Rock & Kutt Calhoun) [Production by Seven]
Interesting beat, starts with the hook, which is alright, slightly annoying. Tech's first verse has him switching flows all over, lyrics aren't up to his high standard however. The hook gets annoying to me by the second one. 2nd verse is fun to listen to, and is better than the first. The beat gets annoying.

Track 18: Delusional (Feat. Nikkiya Brooks) [Production by WillPower]
Tech starts it off very good, ominous sounding beat. Tech's changing flow works very well on this song, keeps it interesting. Lyrics are alright (technical-wise). Interesting concept. Nikkiya fits in well, adds a bit of diversity into the song. Above average track, came out good.

Track 19: So Lonely (Feat. Blind Fury & Mackenzie O'Guin) [Production by Wyshmaster]
Dark/sad piano starts this off, muffled (somewhat), female hook. Tech comes in strong over a interesting drum pattern. Guitars chime in a couple bars in, making this beat overall very nice sounding. Tech stays strong throughout the verse. 2nd verse is even better. Blind fury comes in halfway through the second verse and holds his own next to Tech.

Track 20: If I Could (Feat. Stephen Carpenter & Chino Moreno) [Production by Seven]
Slower Tech flow, more vulnerable sounding lyrics, works well over the mellow like production. Rock like beat, with a fitting rock-like hook. Tech's second verse follows the same type as his first.

Track 21: Angry Caller [Skit] [Production by Ben Cybulsky]

Track 22: Love Me Tomorrow (Feat. Big Scoob) [Production by Seven]
Chill sounding beat at first, Tech talks real talk in the beginning. Quickly goes into his lyrical quick flow, switching it up throughout the first verse. Big Scoob sounds good here, some more talent from Strange Music (Tech's label, which Scoob is signed to).

Track 23: Mama Nem [Production by David Sanders]
An ode to his Mom, deep track. But even through this kind of track, he doesn't disappoint flow or lyrics-wise. Touching song.

Track 24: Promiseland (Feat. Nikkiya Brooks) [Production by Wyshmaster]
A good send-off track. Simple, but effective beat, with some great lyrics and Tech's signature flow. Nikkiya sound pretty good (almost like 'Do It Like A Dude' Jessie J)

Sunday, July 10, 2011

New Contributer

Hi, my name is Spencer and I will be doing a new "app of the week" every week. I will also throw in some other post here and there.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 4th!

That is all... and I wanted to say that WE AREN'T DEAD. We've just been busy on the forum. link: http://z15.invisionfree.com/The_Neon_Void/index.php?