Pedro 'DJ Complejo' HernandezRADIx is a group hailing out of Boston and consists of emcees Seek and Quite Nyce. Though this reviewer hadn’t heard of the duo before this mixtape, it’s obvious the crew is well-respected. Aside from getting Mr. Eon and Breez Evahflowin to guest spot on two of their songs, the crew also got their mixtape hosted by Shadyville DJ, DJ Opal. For those not entirely familiar with Shadyville, it is DJ Whoo Kid’s company and one that holds plenty of clout in the game. “Prelude to The Staple” is the set-up mixtape for the release of their official album and is actually one of the better mixtapes to be dropped by any artist. What separates RADIx’s mixtape from others is the dope mix of songs and genuine interviews/insight from the group. Controversial interviews have found a way to make it onto mixtapes lately, but rarely has a group used interviews to help the listener get to know them past the music. Mixed in between songs are interviews from the group where they address everything from the origin of their name, their influences, and their thoughts on hip-hop. The interviews are especially helpful to those not familiar with the group and are short enough to not hinder the enjoyment of the music.
Musically, the group shows they are plenty capable on “Prelude.” On “Rush” the group teams up with Mr. Eon to deliver a soulful tribute to hip-hop. “DJ/Emcee Live” is a dope track as Seek and Quite Nyce spit their song live on the radio. The impressive thing is how on point their flow and ad libs are even live. “Buildin” features a jazzy beat and finds Quite and Seek metaphorically describing the creation process of artists both musically and career-wise. “Best of Me” is an attempt at a ladies track that falls flat as the beat is lacking and the lyrics are generic. The crew picks things back up on “Forgotten” as they drop an uplifting track relating their struggles through life. Seek follows this up by going solo on a self-titled track and tears into it with a quick flow and sharp lyrics. This solo track is followed by “R.A.D.I.x.” where the duo reps their group properly over a subdued track. The mixtape then takes a break as the group talks about what type of music they aim to make, referring to the boom-bap rap of days past. This interlude is followed by a generic track dedicated to old school hip-hop. It’s not a horrible effort, just a concept that has been done to death by every emcee who doesn’t consider himself commercial. The mixtape continues with a track dedicated to the fall season entitled “Autumn.” The track is original only to the point it addresses fall and not summer, but it’s not a bad effort. Breez Evahflowin teams up with RADIx on “Peel” for a head-nodding track dealing with not judging people. The album ends with “Overseas” and the original version of “Rush.” “Overseas” is actually the album’s strongest cut as the soulful beat is ridden nicely by both emcees.
RADIx is a group with a lot of promise. This mixtape is a perfect introduction for those unfamiliar with the group. Aside from using their music to convey their message to people, the interviews included on the mixtape give rare insight. The tracks included range from dope to a bit generic and boring. Being this is only a mixtape I assume some of the group’s strongest tracks are being saved for the album. As a prelude to their album this mixtape does an excellent job of giving the listener just enough to want to peep the full length.