Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Mars Ill
Sound Methods 2.0



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 16 tracks: 57 minutes, 16 seconds
Street Date: December, 2004


Like many artists, one has to begin at the bottom and work his way towards the top. Before making waves with their breakthrough hit "Breathe Slow," Mars Ill was just another rap group fighting to gain exposure in the hip-hop industry. Composed of emcee Manchild and DJ Dust, this duo was on a mission to bring the Gospel to their peers. Their indepentently released Sound Methods 2.0 (a re-release of their 2002 indie project Sound Methods with added bonus tracks) is aptly titled because this project covers a diverse range of musical rhythms and beat patterns. For starters, many of the tracks contain acoustic guitar riffs laid over a smooth and crisp beat.

An introduction from DJ Dust kicks off the album followed by "Chain Gang," which has good lyrics but includes a semi-distorted bass riff and, at times, sounds like the beat is skipping in the middle of the song. Fortunately, the music and rhythm improve two tracks later with "Mona Lisa," while featuring guest lyricists, one of them being Playdough of Ill Harmonics. Cultural stereotypes are addressed in "Backwater," accompanied by various percussion instruments, while "Souled Separately" features an old school backdrop with a jazz-like baseline that fits well with Manchild's lyrical flow. After a couple more acoustic guitar-laden tracks ("Tales From Cloud 7" and "My Life"), a phat freestyle is dropped from guest DJ Essence. More 70's style grooves enter the mix on "Another" and "Shuck and Jive" and finally a radio freestyle done to a Notorious B.I.G. sample, among others, closes out the album.

Even though it's not a solid effort and sounds like quite a few of the tracks were recorded in a garage, Sound Methods 2.0 is only a stepping stone in the growing maturity of Mars Ill. In the world of white-boy rap, Mars Ill is sure to join the elite of popular acts such as John Reuben, KJ-52, Ill Harmonics, and TobyMac in creating a hip-hop revolution for a new generation of fans.

- Review date: 3/10/05, written by Paul Portell



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: (Independent)
. Album length: 16 tracks, 57 minutes and 16 seconds
. Street Date: December, 2004

  1. A Sound Method
  2. Chain Gang
  3. Spellbound
  4. Stand Still
  5. Mona Lisa
  6. Backwater
  7. It's O.K.
  8. Souled Separately
  9. Tales From Cloud 7
  10. My Life
  11. Our Song
  12. DJ Essence Freestyle
  13. Another
  14. Shuck and Jive
  15. Lip Service
  16. 88.5 Freestyle
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images