Skill Trade's flagship artist, 3-D has finally released part one of his EP Trilogy.  The 3-D EP, Vol. 1: The Hunger tells a shortened story of his experiences leading up to, and during what he calls his "death."  "In my heart and mind," he says,  "prison IS death."

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The Intro represents "the beginning of the end," in 2007, or "the 2-Bond."  When he was originally approached by police investigating illegal activities which he had been a part of. Fast forward to his sentence of eight years prison time, which leads into "I'd Rather Be Dead," a semi-suicidal opus set to the music of Onyx's classic "Last Dayz."

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During "Mail Call," he discovers the disgusting truth about the person he once regarded as "father."  "Hellspawn's Song" is broken into two parts. "Look At My Life" is a bit of internal reflection, along with self disgust at mirroring his "father's" sickness.  "Just Like You" is 3-D's "Cleanin' Out My Closet," exposing everything he knows about "Mr. Holy Roller" and his hoe/housewife.

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The "Lisa" interlude leads into "Reachin'," an emotional song about his only escape in the world of death and hate, his dreams of life and love.  Pulling a trick from the Dilla playbook, he morphs the Jones Girls' chorus of "Nights Over Egypt" into "I'm Always Reachin'" by singing and harmonizing with them.

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The gears switch drastically with "F. E. O."  Along with being Spanish for "ugly," it's an anagram for more things, which are shouted out on the chorus.  The first verse is aimed at everyone who tried to bully him in prison, and anyone attempting to shut him down now.  The second verse is dedicated to industry sweetheart rappers posing as gangsters.

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"The Rebirth" takes you to the day he is released from prison, saying goodbye to his "Road Dog" and hello to DJ Funky Fingers, who is ready to have a full "Welcome Home" party.  3-D simply tells him, quoting Xzibit, "Take me to the muthafuckin' studio."

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"The Hunger" turns the soulful intro of "Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart)" into a triumphant anthem marking his return, and declaring why things that others think should matter, don't.  "Re-Focused" continues the sentiment of returning with a purpose, and staying focused on things that do matter.

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As promised on the I'm Still Here, Asshole!! mixtape, just in time for your Halloween parties, The 3-D EP, Vol. 1: The Hunger is available on Skill Trade Entertainment's Bandcamp page.

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