Billy Conahan is a man on a mission. 2012 saw the release of his 1st mixtape, Episode I; and now jump forward just a mere 6 months later, and he is already releasing his 2nd mixtape, Episode II: Smoke. This guy is determined to be the best at his craft, and it shows in the quality of his work. Through his lyrical ability, we’re witnessing the evolution of Billy growing from a boy to a man. This latest album gives listeners just a small glimpse of all the thoughts that are going on in his head at once. He proves that he is not only a rapper, but also a poet, a thinker….one who tends to think outside the box, and dares to imagine the way things could be, rather than just settling for the status quo.
The album opens with the track, "Feel It All Around," an honest commentary of his observations about the status of today's music industry. He challenges the messages that other rappers are giving to their listeners.
He speaks about how TV and Media seek to brainwash the public, making them feel as though they have to be "accepted" in order to be cool. The 2nd track, "You Will See" speaks to the younger generation...the rebels....the kids who listen to Hip-Hop against their parents' approval. He's providing a voice for his generation...but a voice very much unlike many of the other rappers his age (and even several those who are slightly older). He spits messages that have substance and meaning, but does it so effortlessly and so fluently that you listen to every single word as he's saying it.
“Why did man turn his back on man. When did his life become less than the cash in his hand? ”
With the production headed by Raj Chrome and DJ Grumble, this album contains some of the tightest beats I've heard yet on an independent mixtape. The way the sound draws you in, you wouldn't know that this wasn't the release of a major label artist. Take for instance, Track 4, "Stand Strong," which opens with a smooth jazz sample and is an anthem for people all over the world, who maybe facing the pressure to conform to the "norms" of society. He says "There is no cure for the madness of heart, the internal struggle is the magic of art."....Coming from a songwriter/musician myself, I can tell you "truer words have never been spoken."
Through this mixtape, we see the many different sides of Billy Conahan, and all the forces that drive him. On "Seven O'Clock," Conahan shows his romantic side, expressing his affections for the girl of his fancy. Track 6 "IDGAF" (featuring J-Craze), speaks of the struggle of working the 9-5 everyday just to survive, while pursuing your dreams. It's about not letting your image overshadow your craft....But instead, letting your commitment to your craft speak for you. It's about striving to be the best....no matter where you come from, or what your circumstances are.
Track 8, "Sound is God" is a point of view that needs to be heard. It speaks to the issues going on in the world today and encourages people to seek the truth, instead of taking things for face value. You don't need a degree to prove that you're educated. You don't need to be in college to further your education. You just need the initiative to continue learning everyday.
Track 9, "Can I Kick It" is a remix of the 1991 Tribe Called Quest tune, this time featuring Conahan and KB Jones putting their own twist on it for a new generation. This remix showcases the versatile lyrical stylings of both rappers, while still managing to keep it true to the original. I believe that Q-Tip and Phife Dawg would be proud....
Track 10, "What's That Funny Smell" is the 1st single off the album, and is gaining momentum by the day via YouTube and Facebook. Check it out below:
Episode II is the lyrical evolution of Billy as a rapper and as a poet. He is setting the stage for the next chapter in Hip-Hop. It is not these talent-less clowns out here trying to be something that they're not, only in it for the money. It is rappers who have as much common sense as they do lyrical sense, and that actually try to use their voice and their message to promote creativity and individuality.
In short, "This is his moment. This is his time. Right now, we’re going along on the ride to bigger and better things for this kid. I'm just glad to say that I was here to witness it as it was happening."
Until Next Time.....
Download out "Episode II: Smoke" TODAY at:
http://www.datpiff.com/Billy-Conahan-Episode-II-SMOKE-mixtape.459504.html
If you’re looking to hear more from this talented artist, please visit the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/billyconahan
http://soundcloud.com/billyconahan
For Press and Booking info, go to: http://billyconahan.com/contact/