[powerpress]
The Album Effect episode 29 reviews “Dummy Boy” by 6ix9ine, and special submissions including “The American Egypt” by the Grammy-nominated producer, and singer-songwriter, Mike Viola, “Mirror” by electronic artist MAMOKAMA, and the 70’s rock and roll inspired – “Live Steady, Die Ready” by Brooklyn-based band, Frayed Moon, and more. Hosted by Manny, Nick, Dave, and Britt.
Check out and listen to Mike Viola’s The American Egypt, available on all major streaming platforms.
Mirror by MAMOKAMA, listen on Bandcamp, also available on major streaming platforms.
Hear Live Steady, Die Ready by Frayed Moon, listen on Bandcamp, also available on major streaming platforms.
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Episode 29 Albums:
Dummy Boy (2018)
6ix9ine
Controversial rapper 6ix9ine first gained national attention in 2017, when a photo featuring his trademark rainbow hair and 69 tattoos went viral as a meme on Reddit and Twitter. Prior to this, the Brooklyn native began rapping in 2014, becoming known as one of the “Soundcloud rappers” – a group of hip-hop artists who used the streaming platform to make their way into the public consciousness. 6ix9ine achieved some chart success with his debut mixtape in February 2018; however, he became equally well known for a number of feuds with other rappers and an escalating series of legal issues.
6ix9ine’s first studio album, Dummy Boy, was released in November 2018 while the rapper was in prison awaiting trial for racketeering and firearms charges. The album debuted on the Billboard chart at number two and features appearances from Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and Gunna, among many others. Viewed as 6ix9ine’s attempt at mainstream pop crossover success, the album was mostly panned by critics, who felt that it was over-reliant on guests, as well as musically formulaic.
The American Egypt (2018)
Mike Viola
Producer, singer and songwriter Mike Viola has been a professional musician since his teenage years, when he played in Boston band Snap. He later became the frontman of The Candy Butchers, releasing several albums in the 90s before choosing to focus mainly on music production. Viola has since co-written and produced music for artists such as Mandy Moore, Ryan Adams, Jenny Lewis and Fall Out Boy, as well as working on a number of soundtracks, including the Oscar-nominated title song for That Thing You Do. Along with his behind the scenes work, Viola has been releasing his own music independently since 2005.
Recorded completely at his home studio, The American Egypt is the latest solo album from Mike Viola. Originally scheduled to come out in Winter 2018, he decided to release it to streaming platforms several months early. Featuring an indie sound with elements of glam rock, 80s synths and acoustic guitar melodies, the album was generally well-reviewed by critics, who praised it for its multi-layered composition and harmonies.
