Let’s just face it. Music will never be what it was, but I don’t necessarily attribute that to what’s being released currently. I believe that with age you develop an experienced ear that knows what it likes. Does that mean you can’t like current tunes? Not at all. I dig contemporary rap. I just like what I like. When listening to a new artist I automatically pull out the yardstick and measure it against the gold medalist in whatever relevant category. Probably not the best thing to do.
When I first heard of Maffew Ragazino Sr. it was on a stern recommendation from DJ Clark Kent. Anyone that calls Clark a friend understands the pressure of his recommendation. It weighs a ton. Now Clark hails from Brooklyn, which is the same borough that has nurtured the lyricist Maff so off jump the scale was tipped. The difference between supporting an artist from home and celebrating the work of one of the best currently is the factor in which makes your word worth its weight.
Ragazino’s debut effort “Rhymes Pays” is a showcase in bare-knuckle word play without sacrificing production selections. It is rare when the quality of the words and beats line up. It’s that simple – and when they do, magic. Maff is a rare breed of emcee that channel the golden age without sounding dated. Be clear, he is not a throw back rapper who relies on 90’s mojo and haircuts to stand out. Maff is a beast living in 2011 that could hang with your 90’s fav but mangle your man who is on the front page on Nah Right today.
With all that said– ‘Rhyme Pays’ is an amazing debut that has Ragazino on the way to defining what NYC hip-hop once stood for and it’s unapologetic in its delivery.
On a side note – The Butcher’s Block own Paul Mighty mastered the album and took something that was amazing and made it that much more special.
Shouts to Maff, Sha & Paul.
Download Maffew Ragazino’s ‘Rhymes Pays’ HERE
