Michael Bakalis' album cover reminds me of a 1930's America in Washington, DC. In fact . .you see and old car driving from the congressional building in Washington, DC, circa 1930 - The picture looks desolate. No one was around  . .or the grounds had been protected from the public. In Michael's soundcloud . .you see both the present day Washington DC memorial and the old pic from the past. His title track from the album is Vain Capitol - which starts off with a female artist discussing music production in the studio. The song starts with horns from a 1920's theme song . .. but quickly switches to a fat beat . .and instantly  . . .we are transferred to a rap album of Michael Bakalis' own design . .

   All in all . .the whole concept is real nice . . .I mean . .I checked out his video . .and he must have spent some cash . .because the direction and filming looks great. I mean . . .video production can be filmed with a basic HD camera . . but if you know what you're doing . . .you can get great shots. In Michael's case . . .I can see $1000 camera movements with accurate editing to set the pace. I thought I was watching BET or MTV - which brings us to the middle of Michael's first track, Vain Capitol. You can hear a change in accent - from a mid western Eminem type vocal to a New York rap style. I was confused on the 4th track . . .A Day In the Life - which reminded me more of Ice Cube than Eminem. His vocals change through out the album (which can be found on soundcloud at soundcloud.com/bakalis ) yet remains familiar. I know I'm listening to Michael Bakalis when I hear Eminem flow into Ice Cube . .It's the same guy . .but with a vocal flucuation. The whole recipie sounds great. It's a nice concept for a rap album and you'll find on the 2nd track - Ain't A Break Up Song . . .a melody or practically an anthem most radio stations would commercialize for crowds of people to mimic and recite. It's that good . .and I can see . .with a little more backing from a decent record company . . . Michael could get big.

   Now, Eminem is unique in his own way . ..but I can see a path layed out for Michael Bakalis. I mean . .other groups like 3rd Bass held down the beat and made their rap concept look professional during a time when we were use to seeing certain groups rise up. things have changed . .yet the formula remains the same . . .come up with catchy lyrics and you'll score a home run.

   So . . .it's hard to say where Michael has gone for label support.  He might be financing the whole thing on his own. His video concepts are oustanding . ..all he needs, now, is backing on the radio and before we'll know it . .Ain't A Break Up Song will be a familiar hit. What's separating Michael from mainstream rap, right now? If he gets bigger, within the year . .I'll keep you guys up to date on where Micahel Bakalis is going . .and he seems to be going places. If he can produce two more excellent youtubes . .I'm sure people will start streaming his brand. I'll link the video, Let Go to this article . . .and you be the judge. If you'd like to see more of Michael Bakalis . .. let us know. I think he might have a record deal by the end of next year. We shall see . . . . 

 

(click on a title to watch a video . . .)

Let Go