Saturday, May 31, 2014

"Jack Yo Beatz 2", Lo Key EP review

"We jackin' yo beatz, so fuck all of y'all...
And if you got beef, then we rockin' ya jaw..."
     This is the second entry in the Jack Yo Beatz series, originally released in 2006. Apparently it was released right after SO-LO was, to help promote it. It was originally released as a free download, and then was released in a slim case in 2007 - moved up to jewel case in 2008, and became the version we all know and love in 2009 - the current one. This EP is ridiculously short, so I'm going to go ahead and get moving on it.

Graphics:
Much like the first entry in the Jack Yo Beatz series, the album art changes across the spectrum of different releases this album has seen. Below I will list the different releases it has seen and what that means for the art. In terms of music, I believe all four releases are composed of the same content.
     The first release, in 2006, has a different cover than the 2007 re-release. You'll see it below with the rest of the art.
     The second release - the slim case release (2007), actually shares the same cover art as the 2008 press which came with a jewel case.
     The final 2009 pressing shares the same skull and AK design as the first release, except that instead of red lettering, it has green lettering. The only real differences between the two are the coloring of the lettering and the track listing (Which is on the back), as far as art goes. It has the same Infectshop insert on the inside, and again the cover art is just a slip. The CD art is identical to the first Jack Yo Beatz, but with green lettering and an added "2" as a part of the title.

Content:
     This CD wasn't great. It's similar to the last one - lots of modified pop beats that Lo Key jacks and uses as the foundation for the songs on this EP. There are five tracks literally, but the intro is nine seconds long, so it's more like four tracks. The rest of the tracks are around three-and-a-half minutes long, and, this might have been the shortest CD I've ever listened to. Like, in my life. The fact that this CD is able to move itself at all - in any iota, is actually kind of surprising. Basically, I want to stress that you're paying (Unless you grab it on sale) 12.99 for four tracks of content. Not really worth it.
     Besides the tragically short length of this CD, what about the content of the CD itself? It's not terrible, but not actually good either. At its peak, it's good; but across all four tracks, it's mediocre at best. Considering that there are four tracks, the potential for greatness is rather low, and while the good tracks shine, they are dulled by the severe lack of content on the CD itself. I personally enjoy two out of the four tracks on this CD, and I'm fairly sure that they're exclusive to this CD only (Save for remixes), but that still doesn't justify the pricing. Overall, I'd say that none of these tracks stand out as amazing - even though some are pretty good. I would not recommend this CD to anyone - unless you're big on collecting and you really like Lo Key's work. In that case, there will be something here for you - just not much.
Yo ninjas: You're better off just getting the first entry in the "Jack Yo Beatz" series. Don't even waste your time or money on this one - unless Lo Key is selling it significantly cheaper or something.

JRH gives "Jack Yo Beatz 2" by Lo Key a: 1.3/5!
(I think Lo Key just broke the record for lowest JRH score...)

Good points:
- Eh, it has cool album art I guess
That's about it

Bad points:
- Who the fuck is going to to pay 12.99 for a four-track CD
- Oh wait I did. But seriously that is a pretty terrible price
- Nothing too fantastic here
- Only one or two good tracks depending on what you like
- This CD feels, looks and smells like a cash-out; it should have probably been kept free. Even as much as I love physical copies, this is probably not even worth the price of production, much less the price of purchase

And that's that ninjas. Lo Key has taken the lead for worst CD score - do you think it's possible to get any lower than a 1.3?!?! I don't know, but I'd say that it'd be really difficult to do...

Shit, it looks like someone made this image in paint and then added the bottom text in Roflbot. This is utterly terrible.

This EP is different than the first one in that the second iteration of the cover art is actually better than the first one.

Final 2009 repressing


Monday, May 26, 2014

"Jack Yo Beatz", Lo Key EP review

     If you're a fan of Lo Key, you've probably heard content from the Jack Yo Beatz EPs. As the title implies, Lo Key steals beats from other music as a foundation for his rap. The beats are mostly pop music beats edited to fit the style Lo Key wants for the track. I'm unsure whether Lo Key edits the beats themselves and just steals the general sound, or if all the beats on the CD were created by other people. Either way, the melodies/beats sound very familiar as they're from popular pop music, but you can tell there's been additional stuff done to the beat.
     This was originally released in 2005 as a free download, and was later issued from 7th Seal Entertainment with the same cover in a slim case in 2007. Skip a year, it was reissued with a different cover, skip another year, and you have the modern cover that's being used right now. These EPs are very short, and they're the kind of CD you'd hand to a friend if he wanted to know more about Lo Key. With that, I'm going to move onto the next section.

Graphics:
Each version of the album has its own cover art, more or less. In the album art section at the end of the post, I will post the art chronologically and label it.
-----
     The 2005 free download version and the 2007 slim-case version have the same cover. I'll be posting it below. I don't know what the rest of the art looks like, just the cover.
     In 2008, the art changed to a completely different cover with Lo Key, without anything on his face. This is interesting because I don't even think I'd seen Lo Key's face in full prior to this cover, except on "The Last Gathering", which I know near-nothing about. I don't have it, so I can't talk about the other aspects of its graphics - you'll see the cover below.
I do not own the 2007 or 2008 covers, so I have no ideas of the differences between them except for their covers. That is why I am not speaking much on them.
     Lastly, the 2009 cover, the current one. This is the one I have, and the one I can talk about the most. It features a skull, missing the jaw, with two AK-47s on both sides of it pointing in opposite directions. His name is at the top, in what looks like stylized spray paint, and the EP name is at the bottom, stylized in the same fashion. On the back is a track list against a white background, with the track names done in the same style as the rest of the lettering. There's a URL for Infectmusic.com (Which no longer exists, by the way) at the bottom, too.
     The EP cover is just a slip, and on the other side there's an ad for Infectshop with a litany of work I would assume was on sale at the time. This ad is interesting for a number of reasons, but I won't bore you guys with the details. The CD art is the same stuff from the cover, fit to a disc. Nothing in the CD rest. For this CD, the art isn't too elaborate, and it doesn't really need to be, either. The cover's pretty nice, but the art isn't spectacular for this version.

Content:
     This CD has some great music, but is also seven songs long and priced at 12.99 plus shipping. The intro is only seventeen seconds long, so more like six tracks long. Of those six tracks there are probably going to be songs you like and songs you aren't fawning over - that's the reality of it
      The production consists of re-engineered pop beats modified for rap, with Lo Key and some features spitting over them. I don't recognize all the beats, but I assume none are completely original. The beats are, generally speaking, very interesting to listen to and are eclectic with their vibe, they kind of spin all over the place with no particular pattern. It makes the tracks varied and fun to listen to, and is part of what makes the CD entertaining. At the same time, the tracks don't seem to have much of a flow either. It's like a bunch of files were just dropped onto a CD and that was that. Also consider the fact that some of this CD's content is featured on other releases - "2 Sick" is also on a Madd Maxxx releases entitled "Sick Hop", "Pump Pump" is featured on a bunch of different CDs and under different names, and some of these songs are also featured on The Best Of Lo Key CD. The track "Drastic" was edited and is different from the older version, and besides that the musical content of the CDs is the same.
     Overall, though, the songs that are on this album are pretty smash. Most of them, a good 4/6, I enjoy heartily. The rest are alright, and I guess they're cool to listen to if you're in the mood for them. But to be dead honest with you, while this EP has a few great songs on it, it's not an amazing EP. You don't need this EP, and if you're a broke ninja you probably don't want to be shelling out 12.99 plus shipping for a CD that's not only an EP, but will likely only have a few songs you really like. I won't tell you to avoid this EP like the plague, but considering the fact that it only has a few good songs and is expensive - especially for an EP, you might just be better off getting it on the internet or something. I'm sure you could buy it digitally for cheaper than that. I hope I've painted a good picture of what this EP is like for everyone, and I hope you've enjoyed the review.

JRH gives "Jack Yo Beatz" by Lo Key a: 2.7/5

Strong points:
- Good lyricism, good features
- Beats are very unconventional, makes the album unique
- Some pretty dope songs on this CD, songs I know I'll come back to the CD for

Weak points:
- Incredibly short, and for 12.99 too
- No particular flow with the track listing
> 12.99 price tag
- EP has some good songs, but not every song is great, which is okay for an album - but it really stands out on an EP

2005 download version and 2007 slim-case version

2008 cover, jewel case

2009 reissue - contemporary version, and the one I have

Saturday, May 24, 2014

"American Monster", Lo Key EP review

Hello ninjas! In the future, I might be dropping a considerable number of Lo Key reviews - I just got a big shipment with most of his discography in it, and there are a lot of shorter EPs I now have that I'm interested in looking into. This is one of 'em.
     Released in 2012, this album is one of Lo Key's better-recieved EPs. I will also tell you, right off the bat, that this album feel really short - even for an EP. It's seven tracks long, but it seemed shorter than that. That could be considered a good thing, but also a bad thing. Good because it could be seen that it was a good enough EP to make time fly by, bad because it could have used a bit more content. But again, it's an EP: I knew what I was getting into.
     Economically, does this make sense? All of Lo Key's CDs are usually 12.99, this album is (currently) no exception to that rule. Like other albums Lo Key has released, there are four versions of this album, and only one of them is available for purchase in his store. I doubt he will put them up again, and if he ever does, I doubt it will be soon. I will get into that more later, but for now, I will move on to the next segment of the review.

Graphics:
     Like I said before, there are four versions of this album, I'll list them all off right now:
Brainwash Blueberry
Rotten Raspberry
Cyanide Citrus
Killer Kiwi (The version I have)
     I am near positive that all four albums have the exact same track listing. I have the album art for the first last two versions, but not the two prior. As I understand and know it: Scans of the Brainwash Blueberry and Rotten Raspberry album art for American Monster DO NOT EXIST! I have been in many places in search of them, but I have not found a single scan. If a ninja has a copy of either of these albums, or a scan - PLEASE don't hesitate to hit me up with some pics!! I will greatly appreciate it, and I'll even give you an honorable mention.
     The only version I have is Killer Kiwi. I don't know if the first two were limited edition or not, but I haven't found any evidence other than notepads and listings that they exist at all. Of course, while all four have the same track listing, they don't all have the same art! The exact differences, I am unsure of. But I know that for the Cyanide Citrus and Killer Kiwi versions of AM, the cover art is only different in that they have different colors, and the background for the Cyanide Citrus version is a bit darker than the Killer Kiwi one. As far as any other art goes - interior, exterior, I am currently clueless to any differences in album art other than the front covers.
Now that we have all that out of the way, I'm going to talk about the graphics for the version of the album I have: Killer Kiwi.
     Simplistic would be an apt way to describe it. All the album art is are the words "American Monster" placed closed together, silhouetted against a dark background with blood splatter around the lettering. On the back you have your track listing for all seven tracks, and a logo in the corner. Side note: The track listing for this album is in green - the same as the album cover. This leads me to believe that perhaps with each different color of the album, the track listing may change accordingly - though I cannot confirm this!     The CD cover is just a single piece, like a lot of other Lo Key CDs. This one says, "RED RUM" in big red lettering. It is possible that in different versions of the album, the back paneling of the album cover will be different - but I'm not sure. The CD art for this version of the album pictures an ominous Lo Key, with a covered face and hat. He has a green hue to him - in theme with the green of the rest of the album art. Perhaps with different versions of the album, the CD art is different; perhaps a different color tone or something. But in any case, I again am not sure and cannot confirm anything beyond what I have. Okay, that's it for graphics. I am sorry for the ambiguity, but the solid truth is that the information is not there.

Content:
     This CD flew by me. It was like I turned it on, listened to it, and then all of a sudden if was done playing. That's not really a bad thing, but maybe it could be when you're spending 12.99 on a CD.
     American Monster comes with a spiked bat, hits you in the side of the head with some wig-splitting freshness, and then leaves the wound festering, making you yearn for something more. Anything less is an exaggeration, and anything more is glorification: this CD is short as hell.
     Contrarily, it sort of makes up for the fact that it's short by being a really good CD. Well, it would if it wasn't a 12.99 CD, but it mostly makes up for the fact. This CD has a great track list, excellent features, and unique production to make it a memorable disc.
     If you've heard anything off the album, you can probably draw a pretty solid conclusion about the nature of the album. It's a wicked shit banger in which Lo Key lays down some hard lyricism about quite a couple things, including slavery, murder, sex and high school shootings. It's not a Chamiliatic - not too personal, just an EP that'll bang hard in the whip for a while. It is in no means extraordinary, but it is a fucking solid horrorcore EP that you'll come back to every now and then. Regardless of this, it will eventually fade into the darkness as Lo Key releases more material.
     I like this EP. I like it because it's not much more than it claims to be; I like the often simple violence and madness that make this album what it is - it's almost humbling. I know I'll be coming back to this EP, but I also know that in all likelihood, I'm going to forget about it eventually. For now, however, it's pretty fucking cool.
     The production is a horrorcore sound with some electronic production and a bit of underground griminess that isn't stereotypical, but characteristically unique of Lo Key as usual. Musically speaking, American Monster is a huge success. The features are generally well-known figures in the underground scene and help to tie the album together, bringing in different styles and flavors to the CD.
     If this is at the top of your buy list - take it off, it doesn't belong there. If you have some spare cash and want something to play for a little while - yeah, it wouldn't a bad idea to throw some cash at this CD. Just remember that it's only seven tracks long.

JRH gives "American Monster" by Lo Key a: 3.5/5
(Muffled speculative chatter)

Strong points:
- Smash tracks
- Great features
- Refreshingly belligerent
- Solid production
- Simple and sweet

Weak points:
- Feels very, very short, could benefit from even one or two more tracks; ends abruptly
- Four versions, four cheesy-named colors, little difference in art, and no extra content. Lo Key, I know you gotta get paid just like the next man, but come on.
- 12.99 for a seven track CD
- Album art is not strong

That's it ninjas. I expect to have another review up on Monday, and it will likely be for another EP. Stay fucking tuned ninjas, and have a good one.

Cyanide Citrus. Looking at them side-by-side, it also appears that the cover for this version is darker than the Killer Kiwi one.

Killer Kiwi (the one I own). The other versions (Brainwash Blueberry and Rotten Raspberry) only exist as notepads indicating their existence in my folder for this album, and as I said before, I have no graphics for either one.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

"The Tempest", Insane Clown Posse album review

Alright motherfackos! Time for another album review; about time I hit you with some flavor from ICP again, yeah? I was originally going to listen to The Best of Lo Key, but I wasn't feeling very excited, so I decided to focus on something I would be more enthusiastic about doing. I've had The Tempest for some time, but I hadn't listened to it in full.
     This album was released in 2007, before the release of Bang! Pow! Boom! It's not a part in the series of Joker's Cards that Insane Clown Posse has released in the past, rather, it's just a studio album by Insane Clown Posse. Something interesting to note is that this album was made with the support of Mike E. Clark, but he didn't work directly with them, like he did on other projects such as Riddlebox and Bang! Pow! Boom! I remember Violent J saying that Mike sent him beats, so I am assuming that they collaborated over distance instead of directly. That's because this was after Mike E. Clark's near-death experience, and he had decided to reconcile with ICP because of that. Their falling out goes all the way back to Tales from the Lotus Pod, but that's a whole different story.
     In any case, this album is different. With a variety of sounds and lyricism, as well as a notable release, this album stands out in their career. Coupled with the fact that this album marks their reuniting with Mike E. Clark, and its relation relative to other releases in their career, makes this album especially unique. With that final note, I'm going to dive into the rest of the review.

Graphics:
     The cover features a rollercoaster - the Tempest, with a bunch of excited passengers lined in their seats. In the middle of all the commotion, Violent J and and Shaggy sit watching, stoically. Their facial expressions say it all: "Fun is for mere mortals. We are ascended beings and will not lower ourselves to your petty dopamine outlets." There's a little Hatchetman in the corner too. Their title is on the cover, along with the album title "The Tempest" written in stylized letters that wouldn't look out of place on an amusement park's banner. It's glossy too. Pretty to look at.
     On the back there's a track list, and an ominous rollercoaster track leading forward, while lightning zips around and clouds obscure the path ahead. On the inside there's a small ad booklet, containing an ad for Eye of the Storm (The Insane Clown Posse EP), and a very charming ad for W Fuck Off Radio, as well as an ad for Hatchet Action News (Is that even still a thing?) and Juggalo Championshit Wrestling.
     The album comes with a fairly large poster, which on one side details The Tempest rollercoaster on a larger scale, with menacing dips, lightning and all that shit. On the other side is something even more incredible, though. It has lyrics to all the songs on the album, against a pretty backdrop. This is incredibly charming and beautiful to me, the unfettered plastering of lyrics against a pretty background. It is such a nice way to represent it, and it really makes me happy, not only about the album, but about being a Juggalo. Seeing that on my wall every day would amaze and inspire Unfortunately I don't really like doing stuff like that. I'd rather keep the poster in the case with the CD, like it originally came. Maybe it's some weird collector's thing. But either way, the poster is really nice no matter what side you have it turned to.
     The back of the album cover has shoutouts on it, to various people. The CD itself is purple, with Insane Clown Posse's name and the album title on it. The CD art is very, very nice, I think. In the CD rest is another continuation of ominous tracks leading forth, but this time with a notable difference: The words "Dedicated to the butterfly" and circled around the track in a wispy, twisting stream of air. If ninjas know about the Story of the Butterfly, you'll get this, and if not it will fly over your head. That's it as far as this CDs graphics go.

Content:
     Out of all the Insane Clown Posse albums I have, I'd rank this one of my favorites. Actually, I only have three Insane Clown Posse albums (This among them), but I have a feeling that I'm going to feel the same way even after I get more ICP albums. Seriously, this is a good entry for the Wicked Clowns. It's produced by Mike E. Clark, so the beats are all set - and because of the fact this album isn't a Joker's Card, I feel like Insane Clown Posse was a little more open to just singing about whatever, you know? For example: they have a track about Violent J's weight gain around that time, and a song about that one man who climbed that tower and shot a bunch of civvies. They just have songs that cover an interesting variety of topics as opposed to all the death and punishment most Joker's Cards carry.
     But I will be honest. This CD is not amazing, no, it's not. However it is worth your money. This CD is straight up Insane Clown Posse displaying their rap skills - hell, this album isn't really even horrorcore. It's just rap. The horrorcore is only influential, being more present on a track or two, but is generally not a large part of this album. That, to me, is amazing. To take such a large step out of their norm and diverge, to just release an album for the Juggalos, and reuniting with Mike E. Clark. It humbles them as artists, and makes me see them in a different more refined light. This is heightened by the fact that this album is strictly Insane Clown Posse - there are no features or guest appearances here, aside from occasional background vocals. This is a very solid album that will have you wanting to listen to it again and again, because it's just well-produced, creative and entertaining. This CD is not legendary, and it's not a must-have. But if you like Insane Clown Posse, you'll enjoy this album a lot. It's worth your money, for sure.
Anyway, I've talked too much.

JRH gives "The Tempest" by Insane Clown Posse a: 3.5/5!!

Strong points:
- Strong production value

- Variety of topics
- Unique entry in their career
- Insane Clown Posse's theatrics are very much present here, and don't fail to disappoint.

Weak points:
- The non-emphasis on horrorcore might make some people irritated, as it could be something they expect in an Insane Clown Posse release.

Enjoy your day ninjas. Mad clown love.


Friday, May 9, 2014

"Let It Burn", Blaze Ya Dead Homie digital single review

There were limited hardcopies of this pressed up at some show at some point in time. If you missed it, you'll probably never get a copy. I don't have the disc, so this is a digital review.
     If you're a self-respecting Juggalo, you might have been wondering "Where the fuck did Blaze Ya Dead Homie('s solo career) go?" Well don't worry; the dead homie's not rotting away. In fact, he released a whole single! That's right fellas: three minutes and thirteen seconds of the dead homie! This is clearly a big, bold move in his career, and a very large release.
     Actually, I don't blame him that much. He's been grinding with Twiztid, doing his thing with them, collabing, going to shows, that kind of thing. So even if he hasn't been producing much solo stuff; he's been busy. It's actually recently been announced that he'll be touring with ABK as Drive-By, and they've got two EPs they're bringing along with them as well. Of course, it's a midwest tour, so don't expect to see me in the crowd or anything (Rhode Island gets no love). But to get back to the point; Blaze released a single a long time ago, last year actually, titled "Let It Burn". When I first heard about it, I thought it was some vapid stoner track or something, but I just assumed that because of its title. It's actually a song about destruction and burning things - not weed.
     I didn't it give it much attention when it came out, but Amazon gave me a whole free dollar, so what the hell.

Content:
     "Ay yo Blaze, yo yo, Blaze, you been out for a while man, whatchu been doin'? Oh word, tourin' with Twizitd? Oh you releasin' some solo content after all this time? And it's a single? Well since so much time has passed I bet you really gave this one your all, you really tried your hardest and this is gonna be a hit, huh Blaze? Huh?"
     Of course, I'm exaggerating. But you would at least think that if all this time has passed, the single would at least be smash as fuck, am I wrong in that assumption? I'd say that's pretty fair to expect. When I first heard it, I was confused and a little disappointed. This track isn't pivotal or memorable; it's just a song about burning stuff. Actually, it's not bad. Blaze has pretty good verses, and the production's alright. It's just not fantastic at all, in any iota, it's just a song that will likely float away and be forgotten about. But that's okay. I still love Blaze and I will support him, it's just that this track isn't that great. The break gets really repetitive too, and coupled with the inclusion of verses that don't shine too bright, there's really not much here for you besides the novelty of having some fresher content from the dead homie.
If you love the dead homie, buy it. It won't be your worst purchase. But I can guarantee it won't be your best one. At best, I'd give it a 2/5. Really not groundbreaking.

This is the art for the single. I think it might be an edited picture of Blaze meant to suit the track better; not actually a picture taken specifically for the single. Either way, I liked the art for the single, it's a nice picture.

"Let 'Em Bleed: The Mixxtape Volume 4", DJ Clay mixtape review

     This tape was released at the 2009 Gathering of the Juggalos, released a day earlier than it was supposed to be. It features similar content to rest of the tapes, and is the newest entry as well as the last included in the box set. There was also a contest to be on the CD if you won, but I'm not sure how that worked and what the criteria was. If a ninja wants to clarify what exactly went on with the contest, shoot me a contact, I'll be glad to know more.

Graphics:
     You'll see the mixtape cover below, which isn't that fantastic.
     The back of the mixtape has track listing for all the songs (17), and some licensing shit. Additionally, the color theme for this tape is brown. On the inside flap, you've got DJ Clay in a sweater, ripping it open to reveal a Superman shirt while he stands with the metropolis in the background. Again the CD is designed to look like a vinyl record, with a brown ring around it. In the CD rest are shoutouts, and that's basically it for the graphics.

Content:
     I thought the third mixtape was good - hell, it was, but this one really pales it in comparision. If you buy this mixtape just because, you might be pleasantly surprised. From front to back this tape is generally good and well-produced.
     This tape is consistently good, but that's about it. Consistently good, but not consistently amazing or mind-blowing. You might come back to this mixtape, but you probably won't listen to the whole thing more than once even though it is one of the better mixtapes in the set. Let 'Em Bleed volume 4 features a variety of sounds, topics and artists that keep the mixtape trucking, and seems to take the fallbacks from the other tapes into consideration. I'd recommend the tape to any Juggalo, but I would say to not expect a total wigflip.

*Note. This is the last mixtape in the Let 'Em Bleed set - as it stands right now. Later on, perhaps in the Summer, I will be revisiting these tapes as a boxset. Meaning, I will go in, listen to all four tapes, compare them and that, but most importantly I will review the boxset as a whole - as one item. Again, though, a Let 'Em Bleed boxset review will not be coming for some time, so don't expect it soon!

JRH gives "Let 'Em Bleed: The Mixxtape Volume 4", by DJ Clay a: 3.0/5
(Sounds of fingers snapping)


Strong points:
- Love the variety of sounds
- Awesome production
- Awesome guest appearances
- Virtually no annoying self-promotion quasi-radio shoutouts during the entire album! Seriously, that shit was pretty damn annoying, glad Clay decided to lay of a bit this time.

Weak points:
- Some tracks aren't the shiniest, but that's kind of just how it is.
- Not digging the album art

That's it! Last mixtape in the the set is done! Next time I drop a review, it'll be for some other album, I have no particular plans yet. Maybe it'll be one of the Lo Key albums I'm getting shipped to me? We'll just have to wait and see! Nice day to all my fams, keep it wicked!



Sunday, May 4, 2014

"Let 'Em Bleed: The Mixxtape Volume 3", DJ Clay mixtape review

     Released in the same year as the other tapes (2008), Let 'Em Bleed: The Mixxtape Volume" was the third tape in the Let 'Em Bleed series by DJ Clay. This mixtape is also home to "Kept Grindin'", Clay's most famous/viral/hit song, which has a video on YouTube. That's about it for the background of these tapes.

Graphics:
You'll see the cover art below, which is probably the best art for the tapes thus far.
     On the back you have your track listing and tape information. The color theme for this tape is stark white. On the inside flap of the mixtape you've got Clay staring at you, in what looks like some kind of scientist getup, complete with large black gloves, rocking a bandana and hat. Of course, on his left side you've got additional track information like guest appearances and production. There also appears to be some kind of station behind Clay, with knobs and dials to go along with his scientist getup. The CD itself is again designed to look like a vinyl record, with some information on the CD and a white ring in the center. Under the CD rest are shout-outs again, thanking various people and stuff like that. That's about it for the graphics of this mixtape.

Content:
     Let 'Em Bleed Volume 3 feels like more of the same bullshit ambivalence that the first tape suffered from: not quite street but not quite wicked shit either. The production value of the CD isn't as spotty as it can be on the other two tapes, but really there is nothing exemplary about it at all. The producers are fine but the tracks aren't very entertaining and are generally nothing to come back to. You will have a good time listening to this CD, and then after you're done, you'll probably never listen to it again. One new addition to the series is the inclusion of old school flavor among the various remixes and fresh content, which bring some slight novelty to the CD, but not enough to warrant a buy.
     Buy this tape if you want it, but don't expect to have your wig flipped.

JRH gives "Let 'Em Bleed: The Mixxtape Volume 3" by DJ Clay a: 2.9/5
(Not bad)

Strong points:
- Good production value
- Stellar performance by the Psychopathic Family and features
- Inclusion of OG tracks is a plus
- Great mixtape art
- A couple of tracks to come back for
- Less annoying shout-outs and interruptions

Weak points:
- Clay still has that nasty habit of reminding you what mixtape you're listening to
- A good tape, but not especially memorable in the grand scheme of things

Very cool art!