Mega Philosophy by Cormega Review

Overlooked Emcee #4. Cormega

Who is Cormega?

Cormega is a Queens MC who was once locked up for an armed robbery, he received a shout out on Illmatic by Nas. This would later come into play as upon release 'Mega was made part of the Firm crew including Nas, AZ, and Foxy Brown. However due to record deal issues, Cormega was dropped and was replaced with Nature. He released a "Fuck Nas and Nature" diss record, causing heavy damage on his popularity. This launched Cormega into a underground mainstay, however with some beef squashed he released Mega Philosophy only a week ago with guest features from Nature and AZ. Better yet, the entire album is produced by Nas's mentor, Large Professor. is this leading to a reunion? Perhaps. But let's get into the album.

A New Day Begins

The intro starts with a speech about Hip Hop's survival and Cormega starts rapping. It's a slow intro, but the short time on it makes it a solid way to begin. The "let's save hip hop" gimmick is rather overdone, but let's see where he takes it.

MARS (The Dream Team) feat. AZ, Redman, and Styles P

If this isn't an all star line up, nothing is. Know what this is...? It's a posse cut!!! Rate time baby.

Cormega

Though I walk through the Valley of Death, I never got lost or took cowardice steps

Oh this was a sexy opening verse, i can't even fight it doe. Cormega establishes who he is for you and lays it out simply. It's short but damn sweet, can't say it's a "Oh mah god! what did he say?" repeat type of thing but dope. B

AZ the Visualiza

Choose carefully, use vernacular accurately, None after me, number four’s factually

I’m the core conquistador of the faculty

Did AZ Visualize a dope verse? Yes he did. But did it come out dope? Why yes, it did. The verse is also rather short which is a bit of a disappointment on the track. A-

Redman

Introducing the 11th member of the Wu-Tang, Liu Kang hops on the track. Reggie does his thing for sure, but i was hoping for a little more when i know he can bang a dope ass verse out. B

Styles P

P brought it doe, i was not expecting him to outshine Redman, not like he muthafuckin blew me away but it's dope. The odd thing about this cut is unlike most it's pretty chill, and that works in it's favor. B+

Industry

Instead of talkin' bout Lauryn Hill talk about Lauryn skill, truth be told there may never be a girl as ill With a flash back to the old days of Hip Hop industry Mega shouts out Lauryn Hill, Dame Dash, and Q-Tip it creates a pretty mellow song. It's very enjoyable and nostalgic. In a non-played out way. Pro's production is on point.

More

Speaking of there's a Lauryn Hill like singer on this entry, it fits in nice. Cormega gets a tad more serious here without fucking up the album's tone, that's a very dope quality. Also pretty sure i heard a Big L shout, that's a +1.

Reflection

Maybe I'm stubborn, I refuse to be a grown man rapping about money, clothes and jewelry

Cormega acapella spits rather slowly for about 45 seconds to get a clear point across. I can't say I love it, but it's hella better than a skit.

D.U. (Divine Unity) feat. Nature

This is a change up in beats and a good change up. Bangs. Now, the unity here would be Nature and Cormega actually teaming up, how's it work? Well given i dont even like Nature at all, he's pretty good here. They mesh well together, wonder what could've been if The Firm worked like a real team.

Honorable feat. Raekwon

Political prisoner, check the chain, Out the country with my dame

You got the Chef too!? Who else is on this album? Kane and Rakim? No..they're not but anyhow this is a very solid team up. I can't say too much bad about it.

Rap Basquiat

Mega comes out spitting like i woulda anticipated on this album, can't say there's any real aggression to it. However it is a well done follow up. Every verse is good in it's own right.

Rise feat. Maya Azucena

Maya opens us up very nicely and our host comes out and does his job. He puts in work, a bit of a inspirational track I suppose. It's decent in that right.

Home feat. Black Rob

If you unaware, Black Rob is an older cat who had a hit song "Woah!" back in the day. Shit was okay and sounded dope but it wasn't nothing to give a shit bout aside from a few radio listens know what i mean? I think dude even got some charges on him, anyhow the Mix King back from the Big Picture pops in again. Did not expect that shit. Rob comes in cool on that Shaft behavior. They work well in one track.

Valuable Lessons feat. Jarell Perry

Cormega goes over some trials and tribulations of life in a reflective nature. It's a pleasant ending to a mellowed out album.

The Highlights:

MARS (The Dream Team)

Honorable

Valuable Lessons

The Lowlight:

Reflection (explained below)

The Gem:

Rise

Is it Worth a Purchase?

Cormega is a dope emcee, and he's solid on the mic in and out here. However the album has issues with being short as all hell. It's shorter than Illmatic at about 32 minutes. I feel things like Reflection could've used some time better. It's a very chill listen, I feel like 'Mega is attempting to celebrate Hip Hop more than save it, if so it's very nice in that nature. However if you wanted an underground 'Mega spitting type of album, not for you.

Overall Grade: B+

Does He Deserve Better?

Cormega isn't a guy who can excel in popularity in today's world. However I do feel he could've at least been to AZ's level, and i would've liked to have seen him as that. The album might not wow you, but it is a good listen.

Maybe the squash can lead to some dope features and projects in the future. Until Next Time, One Love.