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When my man Kyle, then going by the name "Ill Eagle," sent me his first album back in 2007 I had two immediate reactions: (1) the kid had the sort of charisma, not to mention actual talent, that future superstars are made of but (2) hip hop fans weren't yet ready to hear the type of subject matter that Kyle was dealing with, nor ready to accept the type of beats that Kyle often rapped over. Framing his lyrics within the viewpoint of an outsider, using the music to deal with his own personal issues like depression, I initially referred to his brand of hip hop as "emo rap." It wasn't meant to be dismissive - from day one I've been a big fan of his - but simply that up to that point, well before the likes of Kid Cudi and Drake came along (two rappers that tread similar ground as Ludovico, though with significantly less panache or humor), there was nothing else to compare Kyle's music to. Fast forward to 2010, when a song like Day 'N Nite can get three Grammy nominations and significant attention from the mainstream, and the time might just be right for Kyle, now performing as "Alex Ludovico," to make some big moves with his career.
At some point later this month, Ludovico will be releasing his latest mixtape, Winning/Losing, with blogger/producer/5 O'Clock Shadowboxers member Blurry Drones aka Douglas Martin. The mixtape will feature a mix of original beats from Martin as well as some classic beats like Dilla's intro to Donuts:
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]
Alex Ludovico - Donuts Freestyle
Here's one more freestyle from the mixtape:
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Alex Ludovico - Liquid Swords Freestyle
Be sure to check Ludovico's site, The Comfort In Being Sad, for more updates on his upcoming mixtape Winning/Losing.
Further Listening:
Alex Ludovico - The Reawakening (Album)
Ill Eagle on 33Jones
2/10/2010 8:30:51 PM posted by Fresh