Review: Blaze Ya Dead Homie – The Casket Factory
Artist: Blaze Ya Dead Homie
Album: The Casket Factory
Rating: 10/10
Chris Rouleau, better known by his stage persona Blaze Ya Dead Homie, has been bringing his unique flavor of Horrorcore-infused gangsta rap for well over a decade. With each release, the Deadman finds a way to impress the Juggalos and new-found fans alike. On the same token, he finds ways to piss the rest of the world off, but that’s part of who he is and he’s unapologetic about it. Since the release of his self-titled EP in 2000, he’s brought something different and fresh to the table with each release. Being the first signing to Twiztid’s Majik Ninja Entertainment, he quickly proved that MNE is the best place for him. Together with Jamie Madrox, he created The Casket Factory, the latest chapter in the Deadman’s saga. The album centers around the aptly named Casket Factory, which has been passed down from the Grundy family for many generations but Blaze, albeit a casket maker by trade, seems to be more interested in filling caskets than building them. The name and location of his newly-opened Casket Factory have been a mystery, spoken in whispers on the lips of those who have claimed to see it for themselves. Since he was raised from the dead, he’s had a fascination with death and all that comes with it. This time, though, he becomes death incarnate, taking the Juggalos and anyone with the stomach to listen, along for the ride!
In true Blaze fashion, we hear the doors of the Casket Factory open and Blaze welcomes everyone in with “2 Middle Fingers,” whether you’re with him or against him. He knows the Juggalos have remained loyal and awaited his triumphant return with bated breath, while his enemies and haters have waited for a chance to put him back into the ground. As your head nods and your speakers bump to the “old skool” beats we’re introduced to, Blaze condemns those who stand in his way with his precision flow. He lets you know that he’s always going to do his own thing, you’ll either love it or hate it… but never cross him!
When “Ghost” begins, you’ll probably be thinking “what the hell is this?!” until you start noddin’ your head along with it. Undoubtedly, this track features one of the strangest beats I’ve heard from Blaze in years but, as always, it works! Just when you thought it couldn’t get any stranger, we’re introduced to a verse from Kung Fu Vampire, bringing his unique flavor to every lyric. Honestly, as much as we see KFV around Twiztid, on different releases from MNE, etc, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits their roster next! Shortly after this track ends, we’re treated to a small infomercial, advertising Blaze’s unique “one-size-fits-all” casket.
Of course, without a couple of “love songs” for the ladies, right? He’s got you covered with “Ratchet” which features our homies ABK and Jamie Madrox. This is an ode to the girls from the hood who are just beggin’ for it. They’re promiscuous, they know what they want and they’re constantly giving it up to any man who will give it to them. They aren’t the girls you wanna take home to your momma, they’re the girls you kick to the curb as soon as you’ve done the deed. As Madrox sings “She ain’t a runaway bitch from off the block, she’s a ratchet from the hood.” These girls are one in a million to men like Blaze and his homies.
Perhaps one of my favorite tracks on the album is “Eternal.” This track has the type of beat I’ve always loved in rap and reminds our listeners that Blaze is not, in fact, alive. He’s too evil for Shangri-La and too dangerous for Hell’s Pit, so he’s been blessed to bring his flavor to your ears and terrorize his enemies. This is definitely a track I could see listening to in a pitch black room and just bumpin’ along. I would definitely say that, if you don’t listen to any other track on this album, this would be my go to.
Ever wanted to hear what a beat on a Coolio track would sound like these days? Well, Blaze got to it first and it’s that of “They Call That Gangsta” which features some lyrical nukes from Lex the Hex Master and The R.O.C. This track is just what the title suggests, it reminds the listener exactly what it is to be a gangsta. The most appealing thing about what Blaze and his many homies do in the rap genre is that they keep gangsta rap alive. They don’t care about what the world thinks of them and they keep it real, rapping about real things through a compelling storyline, filled with characters you can’t help but find connecting with on some level. This is an ode to those who tear up the streets, hold it down for the hood and keep the gangsta life alive. Check out the video for it below.
It’s undeniable that Blaze has created his magnum opus with The Casket Factory. The amazing production value on this album, the expanded concept that he’s managed to carry over through the years, his lyrical prowess, his ability to work with the homies to bring you some insane guest spots or his ability to stay true to who he is as an artist will keep you coming back for more. The only question that remains is how can he top it? That’s a question that only Blaze can answer but you can bet that it’ll be sooner than later! Pick up The Casket Factory out now on Majik Ninja Entertainment and keep your eye out for details on his Casket Maker EP to drop tomorrow! Check out the dates for his album release tour, featuring Lex the Hex Master and Tr:logy below, as well!
“They Call That Gangsta (feat. Lex the Hex Master & The R.O.C)” (Official Music Video)
Buy The Casket Factory
Twiztid Shop | Amazon | iTunes | Best Buy (3 Exclusive tracks)
Blaze on Social Media
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
