I am so tired of the bling bling and the booty shaking hip hop that has taken prominence over the last several year. I want originality. Like Puff said in Making the Band II, “Don't give me something I have heard before. Give me something that blows me away, that is different, and that is unique.” So, how does a fan get to this music, when all the radio plays are songs fit to stimulate nothing but your libido? Well the truth is that it is very hard, and damn near impossible. But at least I can nod my head sufficiently knowing that there are rappers out there who at least try to make the tired formula sound enjoyable and new.

     I am a big admirer of the hip hop duo Tez and Tajiee, have proven themselves as admirable hip hop stars over and over again. I was fortunate to get my hands on Tez’s single venture, which was nothing short of enjoyable. Tez really shines on his own with this endeavor, he has a great flow that is both smooth and quick and is without a doubt radio friendly. In fact, Tez seems ready for radio right now with great production; a tight package of awesome beats, cool hooks and consistency. Tez is ready for mainstream audiences, maybe too mainstream, but how else can you make a living these days. I have a feeling when he does make it, he'll leave a unique stamp on the rap game.

     About the only thing that annoys me with Tez is his crutch-like use of metaphors:

I go through hoes like assorted chocolate.
They call me fast foods for the way I hold chickens.
I’m like a lunchroom supplier, I shit meals.
I’m Like Damon Dash…plus many more just like it.

     It's funny only so often before it gets repetitive and unoriginal. You don't need to use metaphors all the time; just use your natural ability to rap.

     It is that natural ability that makes a sex song like Oochie Coochie work. I'm in the game for the oochie coochie/I say your name for the oochie coochie/I'm in the house/first I put it in your mouth/then I take it down south to the oochie coochie.

     The same can be said for the hot party track, Bounce, produced by DJ Rek, with the 80's old school froggy sound pumping in the background or Let My Body Go featuring Jaq and produced by DJ Fingaz with the hot hook (by a girl of course) stating Let My Body Go (so hot) and the hot beat that just adds to the styling and profiling ways of the future rap heavy hitter.

     Tez raps like he knows he is going to make it big. There is no ifs ands or buts about it. That is the way you make it on the streets, in the industry and through life and Tez is a prodigal student of the game. I would like something a little less bling bling, but from what I have heard, there is no doubt in my mind that I will turn on the radio one day and hear Tez talking about some Oochie Coochie in the near future. This is a future star right here.

     Send your questions and comments about this article to Blackhart@ybfree.com.

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