Quick Hit: Red Cafe’s “Hell’s Kitchen” Cooks, Minus the Skits (Review & Download)

Nathan S. once compared Red Café to Fabolous in a review back in ‘07. Besides their indolent flows and them being two under-rated rappers from my hometown, I don’t really see any similarities. However, for the sake of comparing I’d like to add Young Jeezy to this equation. I’ll explain. Both rappers had oft-delayed albums. Both rappers glorify booty, drugs and money. And in lieu of their major releases, both dropped a bevy of singles to keep themselves current. Moving forward, the only noticeable difference between Mr. Arm & Hammer, Loso and Jeezy (respectively) is that the two Def Jam label mates hold gold and platinum-selling albums, while RC’s long-awaited debut is practically non-existent. In fact, if I had to agree with Nate on one thing, it’d be that I too, could do with out any skits on his tapes - they’re absolutely pointless. Additionally, IzzR’s verses are so monotonous they can be easily forgotten after a few listens, which is disappointing for an MC whose arm is capable of extending beyond the reach of his hammer. Nevertheless, Red Café’s tremendously talented to say the least.

Café’s slow-burning skills are evident on his sixth official mixtape "Hell’s Kitchen", which is now available for free ninety-nine at your favorite media outlets.I actually had an opportunity to preview HK at a private listening inside Daddy’s House on January 12th before it hit the interwebs and I was quite pleased. Those who already downloaded the tape know "HK" is nothing short of a few gunshots, horrific screams, satanic laughs, sirens and cocaine-infused verses over grimy beats for both gangsters and street pharmacists alike. (What else!)

Clearly, Red is capable of being versatile – "Can You Hear Me" finds him lightly touching on topics such as family, politics and religion, which is a refreshing break from time spent on the block. Later, he recruits Konvict brethren Ray Lavender and Trey Songz (on a number of songs) to handle the crooning with "Keep Winning" and "She Got The Title". Solid contributions from Cory Gunz and fellow Brooklynite Fabolous shine through as "Brinks Truck" makes his newer material seem Unf-ckwitable. Come to think of it, I’m beginning to see Nate’s point after all. RC’s braggadocios bars are redundant, but the dark, gritty production is fully equipped with head nodding bangers from beginning to end that will make anything sound good after a few cups of Ciroc.

What’s more interesting is amidst all the street records; Red’s female fans get introduced to a softer, actually human Jermaine Denny who happens to be a sucker for love on several occasions. It’s not on the mixtape, but IzzR premiered some stand out records including "Pretty Woman", which I’m desperately hoping makes the album. Whether it be the slick vocals from Mr. Steal Yo’ Girl or the playful synths, one thing’s for certain: it’ll sound well on radio.

Before I go, allow me to share some insight with Café directly. Since "Hell’s Kitchen" serves as a prelude to your forthcoming full-length,17 guest features need not be present hereafter. Secondly, please refrain from doing any skits whatsoever. I’m begging you. Also, if you want to divide your debut between hustler talk and radio-friendly records, making "His Story" where "Angels" can be "Fly Up In Here" is necessary. We already know you’re a self-made grind connoisseur and professional shit talker, but we’re more interested in hearing what really happened with those seven record deals that failed to catapult your career as a ghost writer-turned-respected artist these last eight years. Lastly, freestyles aren’t acceptable anymore. Rather than reflecting on how you spend your money or how many hoes you stuff your balls in, prove to us why you’re the hottest n-gga in the hood should "Shakedown" finally be released this spring.

Download "Hell's Kitchen" via