Writer: Kanika S Moor (The Pretty Hustler)
Title: No More Cookie Cutter Music
Date: March 23, 2023
Aight so Boom. I only come out of my house on my day off for two reasons that are Hip Hop and food. There was no food in the SoundHouse building on that Tuesday night but Hip Hop was definitely in the building. It didn’t take long for the well-known and connected members of the Hip Hop scene to make it into the room. Everyone that is a fan of the culture and respects the lyrical craft was there to experience Cortez Bodega’s & Crisis's “Filthy Karma” album. At that moment to have experienced the project live you would have received nothing but good karma coming your way.
Cortez Bodega a Latino Brooklyn native was influenced by the Hip Hop culture at a young age. From the music, the food, and the iconic moments in time, the Hip Hop culture has always had a special place in his heart. Throughout the entire “Filthy Karma” project Cortez speaks on the struggles he and his team have overcome and why the recognition he receives is just due. Whoever started the stigma that battle rappers don’t make good projects couldn’t have had lyricist Cortez in mind.
Being that Cortez Bodega is known for his legendary battle-rapping skills it’s only right that the project starts with straight bars. You know a Brooklyn native when you hear but Cortez made it known by titling the first song on the project “The Stuy” featuring Crisis. The overall theme of the project has to do with Cortez feeling a sense of accomplishment and overdue recognition from his peers all while staying true to himself. In addition to the producers of the “Filthy Karma” project, there was also a lot of love and support from members of the battle-rapping world. “My Expert Opinion” podcast host, MC, battle rapper, and entrepreneur Math Hoffa came through to support Cortez as well. Sidebar, he’s a lot taller than I expected and blocked my view. Lol. While Dj Trase of Simms Movement continued to set the tone for the night heads bopped to every bar as if they’d lived every moment with Cortez, line for line.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for some lyrically hard-hitting hits this is the album for you. The Boom Bap style of rap made a comeback on this night and like Dj Trase said “We ain’t playing no Cookie Monster music tonight”.
"Filthy Karma"
Cortez Bodega Website:
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