FLEET DJ WORLD: DJ AMES PRESENTS: ANTAGONIST "INTERNATIONAL"

Thursday, April 9, 2009

DJ AMES PRESENTS: ANTAGONIST "INTERNATIONAL"

Fresh off his "Mixtape Host of the Year" award at the Southern Entertainment awards, UK's DJ Ames has joined forces with rising superstar Antagonist to create "International". A mere two months from the release of Antagonist's critically acclaimed mixtape "Blood Diamondz", these two gentlemen have created a classic. "International" is a poignant tale of struggle, of a man destined to take over the industry by any means possible. Starting off with a bang, "Benjamin Lipz" is vintage Antagonist at his best. Spitting over a "Cake" reminiscent track, by French producer JacoJack, Ant rides the beat with the greatest of ease. He exhales many memorable punch-lines, and begins this sermon by proving his flows are beyond legit. "C'est La Vie" comes next, and is an Antagonist produced Lo-Fi banger. Ant delivers a unique commentary on the necessity to remain optimistic, even in these times of extreme duress. The chorus oozes emotion, and will have folks everywhere saying "Ooooh Yeah" in that old Bob Marley type fashion. Can you say, "summer-time anthem"?. Two of the disks best chances at platinum single success come quickly after. Production team Stevie K and Courtez Banks aka The Hook provide a choppy backdrop for "Caught Up", a perfect tale of club love turned real. Antagonist often finds himself at best when speaking to the female's, and this is one of his finest sonnets. At the same quality, yet very different, "Rock Star" is like something you've never heard before. Ant's blend of rock and hip hop has finally succeeded where so many have failed before. Not only is this track a pop mega-hit in the making, but it's pure song-writing bravado. Antagonist produced this track as well, and played the guitar parts. The authenticity of both the hip hop, and rock genre's shines through, and proves the depth of Antagonist's artistry. Pounding on harder, the further it goes, "International" provides a wealth of wonderful music, and a welcome escape from today's monotony. From the block burner's "In the Streets", "Movin Forward", and "I'm Right Herrrrrrre" to the out-there tangents of "Dulce Como El Azucar", and "Crazy", Antagonist proves he's comfortable on a variety of instrumentals, and absolutely shines on every track he touches. The best part about this CD is the growth Antagonist is showing in such a short period of time. Confidence leads to expression, and no punches are held back here. Elevating beyond the street themes permeating his last several offerings, Antagonist shows a very deep side of his character on "Alone", "Take Me Away", and "Crazy". All of these tracks are Antagonist produced, and they all share a similar stripped-down, raw appeal. It's as if Ant has tapped into the collective conscious of the world, and is regurgitating it back to the masses from his own unique perspectives. That's the sign of a star, and that is exactly what Antagonist has risen to with "International". Although we believe International, is exactly where Antagonist is going, it's apparent he hasn't forgotten his roots. Ant steps back into a pair of chucks and gives Cali a fine nod on the Maro produced "LoLo", and the self-produced "My Life". As a whole, this the type of project that comes along every 10 years. This a CD that will propel a rising artist into a worldwide phenomenon. It's amazing that this is simply a mixtape, for it could outlast many albums. Adios, goodbye, we see you're about to go on an adventure Anthony, and it's going to take you to the top!

TRACK LISTING:

1. Chuuuuch (Intro) Produced by: Antagonist

2. Benjamin Lipz - Produced by: JacoJack

3. C'est La Vie - Produced by: Antagonist

4. Caught Up - Produced by: The Hook

5. Lock on the Doors Ft. Real Life - Produced by: Slayer

6. Rock Star - Produced by: Antagonist

7. 48 Days (Interlude) - Produced by: Nikki Nitro

8. In The Streets - Produced by: Antagonist

9. My Life - Produced by: Antagonist

10. LoLo - Produced by: Maro

11. I'm Right Herrrrrre - Produced by: Cam Bodia