Editorial: @VannDigital Reviews ‘Scattered Thoughts Of An American Poet’ By @BuggsThaRocka

Buggs Tha Rocka

Scattered Thoughts Of An American Poet

Cinicinnati kid Buggs Tha Rocka may be an unfamiliar name to many, but his new album ‘Scattered Thoughts Of An American Poet‘ reinforces his reputation as one of the most gifted hip hop lyricists to emerge from Ohio in the past few years.

Recently voted as “Best Hip Hop Artist 2014” by the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards, the MC released his first mixtape ‘Hip Hop Supa Hero’ (hosted by Mick Boogie) in 2009, quickly followed by his debut album ‘Mutant Level 5’ in 2010 which featured Freeway, Tanya Morgan, London’s S.A.S., &  Little Brother who appeared on the single “Get Away”.

Influenced by some of the greatest names of hip hop’s “Golden Era”, his style incorporates the best traditions of conscious rhymes, intelligent wordplay, & creative flow. A strong live performer, the quality of his early shows created the kind of buzz on the streets which brought him to the attention of local heavyweight artists Donte (of MOOD) and Hi Tek (of the legendary Reflection Eternal). Impressed by their new protege’s approach, talent, & knowledge of hip hop, both have continued to assist with his development to this day.

In 2011, Buggs released his second mixtape ‘Lost Luggage’ hosted by another of the city’s luminaries DJ Clockwork. He joined forces again with Mac Miller’s official tour DJ as the pair followed up with the ‘Wrath of Zeus’ mixtape, sponsored by All Hip Hop & Live Mixtapes.

Buggs’ own diverse musical tastes found an outlet when he formed the group Gold Shoes. Their mix of rock, jazz, & rhythmic beats gained their ‘Gold Shoes’ LP the title “Best Hip Hop Album of 2013” at the Cincinnati Music Awards while they opened shows for John Mayer, Wiz Khalifa, & The Black Keys.

Monitoring progress had been another of hip hop’s leading figures, Talib Kweli. A phone call set up a meeting in Cincinnati and the pair have enjoyed a close bond ever since.  Talib has provided further assistance via his Javotti organization while regularly bringing Buggs on stage, performing to packed audiences throughout the United States.

They appeared together again at this year’s A3C festival in Atlanta, and at a special Reflection Eternal reunion in Cincinnati’s Rhinegeist Brewery on 30th October joined by DJ Clockwork & MOOD.

Freestyling on street corners & in venues during a visit to Amsterdam in the summer of 2013 re-focused Buggs on his solo career, and he cites this as the inspiration for the new album.  Cincinnati is heavily represented with many of the tracks produced by the city’s Sal Dali and Hop Trax and features Phoenix Aphrodite, MOOD, Tanya Morgan and Aida Chakra.

New Jersey’s producer !llmind weighs in with five “neck breakers” while Seattle’s Jake One provides the backdrop for MOOD, Ianigma, & Buggs on “Thirsty”. Chicago’s Pappadon & Chuck Inglish (of The Cool Kids) also bring the heat on “OuterXSpaceXLove” & “Phantom of the Opera” respectively.

Available as a free download on 12.10.2014, ‘Scattered Thoughts Of An American Poet‘ is a pre-cursor for a new EP & album due for commercial release in 2015. It represents Buggs Tha Rocka as a lyrical marksman, adopting a fresh & contemporary style for a modern age with the soul of a classic era. One of the most impressive new names in the world of hip hop – get to know….