Hustler on the Move

Carson gave this album on2011-11-02.

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A couple of weeks ago, Mia Mind Music sent me a review copy of Gauge's new release Hustler on the Move.

Going into this review, I was not very familiar with Gauge. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he has an excellent voice. He also enunciates well even on the faster paced tracks, which allows his messages to come through clearly.

And, while on the subject of the messages on the album, the themes stick to the traditions of the style. Most of the tracks deal with money (and the lack thereof), sex, love, and problems with urban life. While one could argue that this is cliche, these are definitely concepts that many in our society can relate to. Without a common ground between musician and listener, there is not much point in music; in this regard, it is hard to fault Gauge for not straying far from the norm.

There seems to be a dichotomy in the messages that, when taken together, show two sides to many issues for a more complete picture. For instance, "Chunk A Stack" talks about having success and money ("I throw money like I got a money leak") while "Rain" talks about being poor ("its hard being broke, 'specially when you're poor"). Likewise, "Shake It (Make It Bounce)" details a loveless one night stand ("drinks on me as long as I'm on you", "invade your body like cancer") while "I Got You" deals with a long-term relationship ("a day-to-day provider", "every time I'm down, down, down he bring me up").

As with many albums in the genre, there are numerous guest appearances. Hustler on the Move includes the additional talents of Bun B, E 40, Eyez Lo, Joy, Kee$, Lil KeKe, Miss. Myke, Mr. Lee, Q, Scarface, Slim Thug, Young Chill, and Zeal Truce. And, as can be expected due to the number of artists, each track has its own unique feel depending on what other musicians' influence is present.

For example, the counterpoint between Gauge and Miss. Myke on "I Got You", and her vocals in general, really make this song work. "Rain" by comparison feels like the urban version of a Country song; with its twangy music, description of a life of poverty, and feelings of isolation, it really only seems to be a dog and a semi away from being the other side of the music coin from Country and Western. On the other end of the spectrum, "Wish 4 This" illustrates Gauge's skill in rapping and he proceeds at an impressive speed for a good portion of the track.

Having a good mix of Rap and R&B, well-rounded perspective, and quality vocals, Hustler on the Move" is definitely worth checking out.

Track	Name		Carson	Katherine		Track	Name		Carson	Katherine
1	Wish 4 This					10	Lone Star Dime Feat. Zeal Truce
2	Hot Love Feat. Scarface					11	Test Of Time Feat. Bun B
3	Shake It (Make It Bounce) Mr. Lee Mixx					12	I Got You Feat. Miss. Myke
4	Beat It Up Feat. Young Chill, Miss. Myke					13	Can You Feel It Feat. Slim Thug, Mr. Lee
5	Dat Weight Feat. E 40					14	Touch The Sky
6	Push It					15	Rain
7	Get It Girl Feat. Young Chill					16	The Message
8	Chunk A Stack Feat. Slim Thug, Mr. Lee					17	Lean In My Cup Feat. Lil KeKe, Eyez Lo, Q, Kee$
9	Lights, Camera, Action Feat. Joy