ARTIST: MarkQue (Pronounced: Mar Key)
MIXTAPE: 1000
LABEL: B.M.F. Entertainment
RELEASED: 3rd Q 2013
Let me first say this, I honestly had an idea in my head of what I should expect from an artist on BMF Entertainment (all due respect), meaning, knowing BMF is “based” out of Atlanta and knowing the southern style I expected a nonstop crunkfest with flashes of brilliance… with all of that being said, let me follow by saying I was a damn fool for jumping to those conclusions in regards to this project.
It is a short mixtape with only 10 tracks but it has every flavor you could ask for from an artist and/or project. I was extremely impressed and gained a new respect for not only MarkQue as an artist but B.M.F. Entertainment as a collective for allowing each artist to remain true to their roots and not have to all conform to the same style.
As the mixtapes starts with Track 1 (Transition) you will understand very quickly this is a serious project with outstanding production and lyrical content. “I wanna change my life” rings throughout the bridge as MarkQue raps about his life and the changes he has experienced offering a very vivid picture at times yet still inspiring, definitely a great start to the mixtape.
Track 2 (Weight) offers the familiar “trap” sound but with the BX flow of MarQue it will have you bopping your head and paying attention to what he is saying, another winner.
Track 3 (Didn’t I) “The truth’ll die if you live a lie” is one of the many clever punchlines that fill this song rapped over a sampled record. I liked this song but wasn’t exactly blown away. Worth a listen.
Track 4 (Work Hard) MarQue showcases his ability to paint pictures with words on this track. “No way imma make it to retirement” he says as he goes deep into explaining how he sees life, the music business and his relationship with family. Emotional track.
Track 5 (Hallelujah) This being the lead single from this mixtape I understood very quickly why this was chosen to be just that. Despite the blasphemous and seemingly over used sexual references this track is one that will have you playing it over and over again. Featuring BMF labelmates Bleu daVinci, Tabius Tate, Calico Jonez & FlyBoyPat “Hallelujah” offers a club ready hit song for mainstream media and the underground scene as well.
Track 6 (Skull & Crossbones) Using a sample from Bel Biv Devoe’s single “Poison” this track is in my opinion the most well thought out song offered on this mixtape. MarkQue proclaims “I know I love her, I know I shouldn’t” as he exposes gold digging deceitful women from his point of view. Great concept and overall effort.
Track 7 (People Told Me) Sticking to conceptual based songs, this track offers a tale of a young man growing up and still growing in a world where everyone has an opinion about how he should live his life, and his response. Another great track.
Track 8 (EXIT) This is the only song on the mixtape I personally didn’t care for. It was hard for me to stay interested with a beat that seemed all over the place and content that has been recycled far too many times. I just wasn’t impressed.
Track 9 (Cloud 9) Going back to his ability to create a vision with words, MarkQue speaks about being comfortable. From production to lyrical content this track reminds you that sometimes we all need to just sit back and enjoy life. Well done.
Track 10 (1000) This is the title track and doesn’t disappoint. With “I keep it 1000″ chants and a beat that snatches your attention lacing the hook, this offers what todays listeners as well as yesteryears listeners look for, quality production and witty lyrics.
Overall I would give this mixtape a a thumbs up.
Great production, great sound, great concepts and great presentation.
Mark Matthews
97TheBeatFM.com
