Featured Song: The Dream – “That’s My Shit” (Ft. T.I & Trev Rich)

Since the immense success of arguably his best mixtape to date, “Rain In The Summer“, Trev Rich has not been as present as we’ve grown accustomed to in the run up to 2015. Turns out, the Squizzy Gang spitter has simply been making moves that ensure that 2015 tops the past three years, which have improved from the one before it consecutively. In the biggest collaboration in his career to have been released, since his “Dreams” were realised on Joe Budden’s “A Loose Quarter”, Trev’s back on a remix of TheDream’s T.I assisted “That’s My Shit.”

The Colorado emcee was rumored to be feature on the official version, but for an unknown reason, his verse wound up on the official remix instead. The decision for the “Heights” rapper to not be on the original is particularly surprising given the phenomenal quality of his contribution. Whilst I’m sure Trev is sick to death of comparisons to Budden, it’s hard considering the theme of the track is so similar to SLV’s “Tell Him Something” sideman anthem, only with The Dream and co. addressing the sideman themselves as opposed to the woman they’re fighting over.

Trev’s verse itself is most reminiscent of the SLV equivalent as consequence to the binary opposition comparatives that shows the Denver native’s deft ability to denounce a competitor in a fashion that he set the standard for himself with “Talk My Shit.” Alongside the lyrical potency that portrays an unparalleled ability to articulate a braggadocios brilliance without coming across as arrogant, Colorado’s hometown hero brings a swarve delivery that could add a spark to the most platonic of statements. And as such, 2015 comes to a captivating start for fans of Squizzy’s head honcho.

When he’s renegading a Hip Hop vet such as T.I, even if the Hustle Gang emcee isn’t in the prime of his career, on tracks with The Dream and we’re not even a week in, imagine what the rest of 2015 could have in store for us.

January 8, 2014March 31, 2014

Adam Duncan – Ga’Damn (Single Review)

“Sex is incredible, body’s amazing still, there’s only one way that could describe the way that you make me feel…Ga’damn.”

One of Colorado’s hottest pop artists is following the trend of turning to R&B much like Justin Bieber has done so – to many plaudits – recently. Adam Duncan is planning on releasing an R&B album after the impressive “Don’t Wanna Go Home Vol. 1” project presented his phenomenal capabilities when it comes to pop – and we even seen a little Hip Hop in there too. The lead single from the as-yet untitled project is produced by Nite (Well known for his production for Trev Rich) and the drum-heavy beat provides a brilliant foundation for a fantastic track.

Shades of Drake circa “Take Care” shine through on “Ga’Damn” as Duncan verges on rapping in one part of the R&B song in similar style as the “Nothing Was The Same” rapper/singer. If “Ga’Damn” is a true representation of the upcoming project we can expect a blend of Drake and Justin Timberlake with a lot of focus on the female figure and of course the desire to regain an ex’s affections. Duncan’s giving Jimmie Murphy a run for his money here, but their styles of R&B differentiate in that “Ga’damn” is much more radio-ready than anything from “Descendre”.

I can’t help but feel this is an amazing opportunity that Adam Duncan has opened up and I for one am looking forward to hearing a full project of his take on the R&B genre – so long as he doesn’t completely stray away from his pop side either. What do you think? Do you like the record? Or would you prefer Adam Duncan to remain in his current lane? Let us know in the comments below!

December 22, 2013December 22, 2013

One Republic: Counting Stars (Single Review)

“No More Counting Dollars, We’ll Be Counting Stars”

“Counting Stars” is just one highlight of an understated album amassed with an array of awesome tracks. A few fillers here and there, but on a whole “Native” is a must-buy. The chart-topping single’s opening chorus – using an acoustic guitar backdrop – acts as a gravitational pull to a listeners ear, luring them into a false feeling of melancholy as Tedder croons lyrics laden with love references before a beat of a drum brings the track to life. A catchy repeat of the chorus follows which is probably a key component in why listeners have been captivated by the track enough to make it the groups most successful single yet.

The lyricism in each verse is luxurious, proof of why One Republic are such a well-loved, world-renowned band with a bright future ahead of them. Although I can’t comprehend why the Colorado five-piece have never sustained success, “Counting Stars” is surely a step in the right direction and a few more releases off of “Native” could hardly harm either. What do you think of “Counting Stars”? Let us know in the comments below.

November 16, 2013November 20, 2013

Trev Rich: Pain (Single Review)

“This Whole Fucking Year, I’ve Been Suffering From Depression; A Lot Of First Impressions And A Lot Of Second Guessing”

Trev back – now more than ever – according to my recent interview with one of the hottest rappers coming out of Colorado right now. In an attempt to reinforce that statement, the Squizzy Gang artist dropped a second single from the third instalment of his highly praised “Heights” series. Produced by BrinkyBeats, “Pain” is a track in which Trev projected that his fans would love most due to its introspective, emotionally resonating nature which seen him suit Joe Budden’s MME group perfectly. As I’m sure is evident by now, after a plethora of positive reviews, I’m a big fan of the “Dreams” rapper but there is a reason I’ve never written a review for the first single – “Go Get It”. Trev Rich is an artist I have often applauded for his consistency in his entire catalogue. Even before “Heights”, Trev was making marvellous music in under the pseudonym of Rockie G5 in the “Gold Dreams” project. Unfortunately, “Go Get It” just wasn’t for me. I was reliant upon “Pride” to reinstore my faith for “Heights 3“, and thankfully I was not disappointed.

BrinkyBeats is becoming a producer that Trev Rich fans are fast becoming used to, he has created a vast array of amazing instrumentals for the rapper including “Numbers To Letters” and “L.A Interlude”. It appears that Brinky will be a regular name on the “Heights 3” project as he has a produced both singles from the highly anticipated mixtape – to be released on the 19th of November. The “Pain” beat is beautifully pieced together with a blend of delightful drum patterns, captivating piano chords and a sampled voice which isn’t dissimilar to the Ellie Goulding sample on Drizzy and Hov’s “Pound Cake”.

The brilliant production provides a phenomenal foundation fit for Trev’s fantastic ability to rip his heart out and lay it in a verse. The layout of the track seems scattered, and that might be the one downfall. I was convinced the sections in which T spits “You don’t wanna be sober, don’t want be hopeless, don’t wanna be lonely no more” was the hook, but turns out a segment saying “I smoke, I drink, I’m supposed to stop but I can’t” might be more appropriate for that title and the former is more of a bridge. Aside from that confusion, Trev’s lyrical contribution throughout the track isn’t far from flawless.

Trev’s built a name for himself for his frank honesty in his verses and is more aware than most artists as to why his fans love him so much. So when he spits “truth of the matter is the pain got us here” I’m curious as to whether this entire song is another about his career cleverly concealed as a love song – of sorts – similar to Eminem’s “25 To Life”. This could be backed up by the bars in which he essentially – arguably egotistically – crowns himself king of the city (Lets be honest, could anyone else claim the throne?) as he raps:

“City up for grabs, everybody wanna claim; like I didn’t have a six year reign.”

The problem with that perception of Trev’s wonderful words is that why would he be “addicted to anything that make the pain go away”? For the record, despite the mention of “you”, I understand that Trev is talking about himself. Is this a case of Trev wishing his career way? I doubt it. So maybe the song is purely a twisted love song, and the “Heights” artist wishes he could make the pain go away for his loved one rather than they turn to drugs and alcohol. But then, isn’t that the beauty of Trev’s music? It’s open to interpretation, and anyone can relate. TREV BACK!

What do you think? What is your interpretation of the meaning of the song? Do you like it? Are you excited for “Heights 3”? Let us know in the comments below!

November 8, 2013

Trev Rich: Heights 3 Interview

“When I say Trev’s back I mean it now more than ever.”

Every other one of my posts on this site – and my own blog for that matter – seems to focus on or mention Trev Rich. It can hardly be considered a bad thing, bearing in mind that milehimusic.com was created to give spotlight on Colorado’s hottest talents because as far as I’m concerned Trev epitomises that very goal. Not only do I believe he is the hottest musician coming out of Colorado right now, he’s a permanent name in any of my top five lists – dead or alive. So it is an absolute honour that since taking up blogging almost a year ago, that I now have the chance to consistently conversate with someone I consider an inspiration; In the latest of our formal interviews, I interrogated Trev about his upcoming mixtape, “Heights 3“, his newly found relationship with Atlantic Records and what ever happened to “New Forever” which was followed by a couple of fan questions which were submitted through Twitter.

Hello Trev, thanks for agreeing to another interview with me. How are you and what have you been up to over the summer?

Trev Rich: All work no play type of summer. It’s been pretty wild musically a lot has happened in my life in which I don’t want to spoil for the tape. I’ve been great though. Couple ups and downs but that’s life.

The big news is that this month, you’re releasing the third edition of Heights 3. Is the recording finished?

Trev: Yes my portion of the recording is done! Finally it didn’t take that long to get back in a zone after a little while so the process was a lot easier this time.

You claim Heights 3 to be project of the year, what makes it so much better than others?

Trev: I’ve heard some pretty dope projects this year. A lot of dope production as well as substance but when I say Trev’s back I mean it now more than ever. I risked it all with this project.

November has produced some brilliant tapes already (including my own – Class President) and it’s only 5 days in. What have you been vibing to recently?

Trev: H3 getting everything ready I’ve skimmed through a couple other projects that dropped as well. I’m confident in 3. Very.

You’ve also stated that Heights 3 has a different style to the other two, what makes H3 different to your other projects?

Trev: I feel like a lot of my fans love the emo style I offer. The poetic Trev. They haven’t really got to see another side of me that much. This project shows my versatility more than any other. I talk about it all.

I’ve spoken to you before about my love for Dear Ma, what track do you expect to be a fan favourite from the new tape?

Trev: Going back to the last question I know what my loyal fans want and I expect “Pain” and “Migraines” to make a lot of noise this time around. Also “Old Thing” which has a familiar twist to it.

What is your favourite track and why? Do you tend you like tracks you enjoy recording more than those you don’t?

Trev: I love them all! I can’t pick a favorite they all mean something different to me but equally special. I didn’t want any fillers so I went the extra mile to make sure none of the tracks could be considered such.

@igot_theblunt got in contact on twitter and asked if we’ll ever hear a collaboration project between you and Jimmie Murphy?

Trev: Me and Bro are always hard at work I’ve been working on 3 and he’s been working on Descendre 2, so somewhere in the middle we’ll meet and make magic. Like always.

Does he feature on Heights 3?

Trev: Yes, on a track called “Cocaine.” Which is geared towards the women but the fellas will understand just as much. I tend to do this a lot but always different and better than the last in my opinion.

What other features can we look forward to? Who’s got the best featured verse in your opinion?

Trev: I’m not telling yet. When the official track list drops you’ll see. There are a couple features still in the works so depending on those I’ll put it out there very soon.

I’ve not seen the full tracklist yet, any chance of you sharing the full thing with us now?

Trev: Not a chance. We got two weeks left and when we start to push all the dominoes will fall around the same time. You’ll see very soon.

Outside of recording the mixtape, you’ve been writing for Atlantic Records, how did that come about?

Trev: It’s still in the beginning stages so I can’t really discuss too much but much love to the entire Atlantic and APG staff. I look at them like family now.

As I imagine you can’t disclose who you’ve written for. Who would you like to work with from that label?

Trev: If I said that you’d know who I’ve written for [Laughs]. Having absolutely nothing to do with my writing opportunity I’d love to work with Kanye West. And a close second Adele.

Before H3 was even mentioned, you were promoting New Forever..what happened there?

Trev: I’m still a new artist. A lot goes into an album that I just wasn’t ready for yet. I’m getting to that point though. The album is still in the works as well.

@beatinodds got in touch via Twitter to ask if Heights 3 follows a story line?

Trev: You guys are ruining all of the surprises. You can say that but, I won’t tell you the story I’ll see if you guys can catch on to it first.

@2_eazzi asked a question which asks how you have such bars. What advice would you give to aspiring rappers when it comes to lyricism?

Trev: Be very observant. Then think of a second way to look at everything. Then a third. From people to words to situations. Then the bars will surface.

Thank you for the interview, any last words?

Trev: Trev Back!