(Photos By Isaiah W.)
Great America (listen/download)
Milwaukee rapper PC The Real was briefly introduced to readers back in March. He recently dropped his debut mixtape and thus it seemed fitting to not only check out the project but to also share a little more about the artist with the site. PC turned to music at an early age to channel his natural energy into something productive that would keep him out of trouble. He was motivated by his mother and sister. He was taught the significance of having versatile musical tastes and as a result came to love all genres of music. This is reflected in his musical influences which include the likes of: The Fray, Maroon 5, Nas, Kanye West, etc. It was “Crossroads” by infamous Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs -N- Harmony that made the biggest impression on a young PC though. It was an unique and appealing sound to him. PC went on to form a group with two of his best friends upon hitting his teens. They dubbed themselves D Class and released their first project in 2007. It was called A Day With D Class and it brokered the single, “Yes I Believe.” The song was an inspirational hit and got the group recognized for both their skills and intellect. The group’s initial success solidified PC’s passion for making music and performing live. The fellas went on to drop two more tapes before deciding to embark on solo journeys, Clash of the Titans and Clash of the Titans 2.
PC is now ready to prove what he can do on his own. Last month, he released his first solo effort entitled Great America. The tape serves as a four part adventure through the trials and tribulations of the good old USA. The four parts of the trip are broken down within the tape as follows: Welcome Home, The American Dream, Deeper Meanings and Forgive Us. PC serves as a tour guide of sorts, providing his perspective of the world based on his experiences here in the 414. His hope is that listeners will walk away with a deeper new found perception of the place Americans call home. Join him on the excursion, after the break.
“Welcome To Great America” (Welcome Home)
This is the first track on the tape and it was also the buzz single for the project. The production here is superior. It contains a durable bass, charming rhythm, dashing components, and a savvy vibe. The hook is of an exceptional quality as well. The delivery is engaging and the lyrics are level. The verses are of a tip-top quality. PC presents a well-defined flow, cutting wordplay, and brutally honest rhymes. He puts his thoughts on a wide range of issues on the table with no filter. He spits: “My n—as fighting over J’s. All in the mall. Straight out brawl. For some too overpriced shoes. But I blame Michael Jordan. I don’t even blame you. On to the next. Obama’s back. We as a people let him down. We let the Republicans get inside the Senate, take over the House. They win again. But they always do. Before you try and change this world, you gotta change you. So I started with the man in the mirror when I wrote this song.” Powerful opinions being unleashed in those bars right there. Overall, this is a smash and was a very smart selection for the promo single.
“Answers And Stories” (Deeper Meanings)
The production here is appeasing. It is made up of refined instrumentation, a mid-tempo groove, graceful secondary ingredients, and a docile vibe. The hook is fair. The delivery is decent and the lyrics are intriguing. However, occasionally there are a set of female background vocals present that weren’t really necessary. PC could have carried things on his own. The verses are competent. PC brings a down to earth flow, orthodox wordplay, and narrative rhymes. He takes the listener through a couple of stories based off of people he’s encountered. The subjects from the tales include: a woman in an abusive relationship, a male in a gang, and an aspiring rapper. A few lines of interest are: “I saw you walking through the streets last night. I could tell by how you look that you was tired of this life. Hey, plus I heard you getting beat last night. So I asked you what happened. You said it was just a little fight. I said baby don’t deny what’s going on. I can tell by yo black eye that something must be going wrong. So tell me girl is the love that strong? That voice in yo mind telling you to hold on. You ever thought that maybe that could be the devil, trying to keep you on his level?” Rough situation being described right there. And those last lines pose some profound questions. All in all, this is a tangible offering with a lot of meaning behind it.
“The Crazies” (Forgive Us)
The production here is favorable. The delicate foundation, languid speed, domesticated elements, and conservative vibe are a harmonious mix. The hook is legit too. The delivery has a melodic tone to it and the lyrics are thoughtful. The verses are attention grabbing. PC exhibits a crystalline flow and compelling rhymes. He talks about the ills that money causes in people’s lives by breaking down how it factors into the world of: a drug user, a dealer, a stripper, a stick up kid, and the every day individual. A standout part of PC’s assessment of money includes: “It all started with a dollar the crackhead wanted to borrow. He gave it off to the dealer and said I’ll see you tomorrow. The dealer went to the strip club and gave it off to the stripper. The stripper went to the restaurant. Afterwards had to tip her, the waitress. Now this is where the story gets impatient. The waitress was counting her money and that b–ch was banking. She made about $300 in tips that night alone. Too bad that she had to walk home all alone. Cause the stick up kid saw her and plotted on how to get it. Waited til she hit the alley. Pulled out and told her get with it. She hesitated, he shot, pulled the money out her purse. Left the scene so clean like a n—a dressed for church.” One has to respect the flawless story-telling present in those bars. In the end, this was a very stimulating piece.
**My Two Cents: I really enjoyed Great America. The tape has a nimble concept and the content corresponded perfectly. PC contributed a flexible flow and well planned out rhymes. Top that off with qualified production and one has all the makings of a first-rate solo debut. Hats off to PC The Real on the great work. Readers should check this one out for sure. Especially, those who like their Hip-Hop with some purpose to it. -MinM
