By now, you all should be aware of my love for the works of Phoenix-based rapper Random. Most of us, myself included, were first exposed to his music through Mega Ran and the subsequent sequels. But as big of a Mega Man fan as I am, I will have to say that his best game-themed project is Black Materia, the Final Fantasy VII arrangement album. It's so good, I've even joked that Final Fantasy VII was only ever created so that Ran and DJ Lost Perception would join forces to produce a tribute CD.
Black Materia contained several guest artists including Ran's frequent collaborator Storyville and even brentalfloss. On January 31, a full year after the original's release, Ran will release a remix album that features old songs rearranged, completely new songs, and additional guests. If you enjoy Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy music in general, you owe it yourself to at least give these albums a shot.
You can pre-order Black Materia: The Remixes at the link below for $5. Above is a very, very, very brief sample of the new release. I don't think that's enough to help you properly understand what you are in for, which is why I've also embedded "One Winged Angel" off the original album after the jump.
Tony Ponce (aka megaStryke) is a culturally confused, Canadian-born Puerto Rican who grew up in Japan and South Florida ... yet can only speak English. He specializes in writing features and maintaining an immaculate goatee. Likes: Any and all things related to Mega Man, Contra, Castlevania, 2D, PB&J sandwiches, applesauce, and candy corn.
Meet the rest of the team
I already bought the original Black Materia, good stuff. Dunno if I'll bother with remixes, as much as I love the guy since he's the only rapper at the moment that I'm into at the moment. I'm practicing frugality. And with good stuff such as this, it's hard.
Also adding to Tony's response it may be that Random wanted to make more Final Fantasy songs, but didn't think it'll be able to make up a whole new album.
How much of it have you actually listened to? It's definitely on the higher end of the lyrical spectrum. Before he devoted himself full-time to his rap career, Random was a middle school English and Social Studies teacher. He knows his way around words. How would you think otherwise?
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Contest:
11:30 AM on 01.19.2012 | 
So sick. I want to crawl inside this mans brain and fucking live there.
Also, inb4 ignorant racist children who can't spell or come up with legitimate, original arguments.
Could possibly be one of the bonus tracks.
In before OMG RACISM
I already bought the original Black Materia, good stuff. Dunno if I'll bother with remixes, as much as I love the guy since he's the only rapper at the moment that I'm into at the moment. I'm practicing frugality. And with good stuff such as this, it's hard.
Also adding to Tony's response it may be that Random wanted to make more Final Fantasy songs, but didn't think it'll be able to make up a whole new album.
How much of it have you actually listened to? It's definitely on the higher end of the lyrical spectrum. Before he devoted himself full-time to his rap career, Random was a middle school English and Social Studies teacher. He knows his way around words. How would you think otherwise?