Artist: Pac 10
Song: “You Could Be Next” (from the CD Franchise Players)
Heard By: Jason Kjolsing, Mira Mesa

I thought it was interesting subject matter. It was about how George Bush messed up the country and how politicians just want your vote. It was very political. It was a nice change from the party and club type of rap music — which I’m more into, but I can appreciate this music because I hate George Bush. The beats were of decent quality. There was a breakdown during one part that was pretty well done. I think there was a hook, but I can’t remember it. It wasn’t a super-catchy hook. I don’t know if it’s something people will be into since George Bush is no longer president. It’s good anti-Republican voting music. I’d give it a seven and a half out of ten.

Artist: Jodi V
Song: “Seed of Love” (from the CD Seed of Love)
Heard By: Mark Lewis, Alpine

I thought it was a soulful blend of R&B and hard-hitting Southern California gangsta beats. It’s a little bit of the new school, a little bit of the old school. I would compare it to Destiny’s Child, Danity Kane, TLC, Carrie Underwood, and Shania Twain. The song was about planting a seed, and I can relate to that because sometimes you plant an idea and you have trouble with it and then it grows and it’s all good. That would be a good song for lovemaking…or gardening. I hope this young lady does well in her artistic endeavors, and I think she has a bright future in front of her.

Artist: Elijah Emanuel
Song: “Tres Sangres” (from the CD Tres Sangres)
Heard By: Parker, Portland, OR

As a nonnative Spanish speaker, it was hard to understand the lyrics. It was clearly reggae. The title track was “Tres Sangres,” which I believe means “three bloods.” I thought it was really propulsive. I would compare it to Bob Marley. [Emanuel] would do this thing where he would trill his vocals and roll his r’s. He would do that every ten seconds, and that was probably the best part. I was reading the liner notes and there was something called a “sticky guitar.” That might be a reference to marijuana — “sticky” as in someone using weed. Like maybe playing strings made of long strips of resin.