Gemstar is an American Hip Hop artist and co-founder / CEO of the Dubplanet Group from the streets of New York with a solid commitment to music. He was born and raised in Roosevelt, NY, where music has been the air he breathes from day one. He has done numerous live performances, even opening for multi-platinum recording artist, Busta Rhymes. Gemstar is well travelled from the streets of New York and North Carolina to the beaches of Miami to international cities like Prague in Czech Republic.
I think it’s safe to say that rap has gone downhill recently, apart from the odd good release. There isn’t any depth to any of the mainstream hip songs anymore, they just seem like they’re all club songs. Gemstar is putting rap back on the map. He has complex beats that are amazing, and lyrics to go on top of them that actually have a message in them.
It’s very obvious that Gemstar took time putting detail into the beats on this album. You can tell that he listened to the classic albums not from just rap but from all genres of music and incorporated them into this album. “Open Skies” is not an album that strives to fit in, following the shallow footsteps of lower quality hiphop artists. This album has that on top of the world artistic feeling. It strives to be different. And lyrically Gemstar has defined his own style there is no other artist out that sounds like him right now.
I gave this album a straight breeze through, and let me say, with all confidence; this is without a doubt one of the best Hiphop albums of 2013 so far. Sure, there have been other albums this year that were great, but they’re just nowhere as balanced and chock full of quality songs on every track.
“Open Skies” hosts fourteen tracks of diversified beats ready to thrill you. Every track is fully fleshed out, with flourishing musical arrangements and choral harmonies. Gemstar has crafted something that is eclectic, emotional, and sonically huge. Standout tracks for me include: “Perfect”, “Life’s Been Good”, “It’s A Party”, “Vortex”, “Push”, “Tell Me”, “Over”, “Troublegang” and “Bars”.
Throughout the album, Gemstar demonstrates the type of lyrical ability that makes you think that he’s as good as he thinks he is and when you combine great lyrics with exceptional beats, you’ve got an excellent album on your hands.
Gemstar certainly upped his game for this album. The songs are catchy and melodic, where every track hits the mark. It is indeed a very solid showing. I recommend “Open Skies” which is set for release on 11/29/2013, to anyone and everyone, because no matter who you are, you will take something positive away from it.
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