This Is Book's Music

Big Willie Green has been making music for a few years now, and he has released a new album that works as a beat tape. For those not in the know, a “beat tape” in hip-hop is the equivalent of what I call a resume tape, where someone will create something that is similar to a highlight reel, as a way to let fans and potential clients know what you’re capable of. Considering the amount of beat tapes that are circulating, I tend to avoid them because most are lackluster. But I’ve seen Willie Green’s name around the interwebs a lot, and the album is available for free so there was no harm in giving him a shot.

I’m glad I did.

…Of Heroes And Villains (Backwoodz Studioz) shows him to be an adventurer, where he’s not about putting together ten generic beats only to slap a title on it, and then to hear him say “there you go”. The tracks range from a minute in length to about 2:15, so while they obviously are in search of a voice, what I am hearing is someone who isn’t afraid to mix up different sampling techniques and sources to create a very elaborate sound, fitting for adventurous wordsmiths or traditional boom bap dwellers. I think if he were to create a proper instrumental album where each track has well written out concepts and dialogue, he could easily surpass someone like Cut Chemist.

Sadly this isn’t out on vinyl, for the cover art of a cave would be perfect to see in 12 inch form. It reminds me a bit of Grand Funk‘s Survival, but maybe that’s just me. Some of the sounds are sourced from vinyl, so for people who enjoy their music with a bit of crispiness and hot sauce thrown in, take a listen. Kermit The Frog may have said it’s not easy being Green, but Willie Green doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.

(Free MP3 download, 74.4mb)