Due to the whole Corrections Officer scandal, Ricky Rozay has been taking a major hit since the release of Deeper Than Rap; and, as a result, he has not been given the credit he deserves as a rapper and for his ability to find ridiculous beats. His collaborative relationship with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League is legendary and has spawned major hits like “Maybach Music (I, II, III)”, “Luxury Tax”, “Magnificent”, and “Yacht Club”. However, “AMM” presents the largest diversity between clashing beat and rhyming styles. While Chrisette Michele lays down smooth, soulful vocals and the chorus, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League alternates between the gritty, street style and sound of a traditional Rick Ross track and the slowed down nature of Drake’s contribution to the end of the chorus in which he displays his (autotuned) vocal skills that we have come to be accustomed to from both So Far Gone and Thank Me Later. Rick Ross delivers a powerful performance on the track, laying down gritty bars that we haven’t seen since Trilla and showing he’s back on the grind and that he “gotta keep ballin”. His delivery and flow hit hard and perfectly time and mesh with the overall tempo and feel to the track, showing why he is The Bo$$.
Listen and Download Here
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - Car Service
One of my favorites from both artists, an overall great collaboration. Comes off their How Fly collabo mixtape and it contains one of the best mixtures of sample and original beat I have heard in a long time. From the deafening bassdrop to the open snares, the beat sets the tone for a great track. Then Wiz and Curren$y both absolutely kill their bars; and while they continue with their dominant rhyme scheme centered on smokin weed, it works for both of them and for the overall nature of the track. I wish they would both diversify the theme of their rhymes as it would make them more well-rounded artists; however, even despite this, I consider them two of the best up-and-coming artists in the game and I see them becoming heavyweights in the near future (especially after their solo efforts have garnered critical acclaim).
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
What I Am Listening To
Rick Ross - Teflon Don: Ricky Rozay's album just dropped today and it is insane. The Bo$$ continues to kill it on the mic while working with some of the best producers in the game to create a complete package track: great beat, great bars, great song. My favorites so far are the lead singles "Super High" and "BMF" (solid tracks that show a contrast in his style and vast range, from the classy instrumental smooth style and flow to gritty, hard, Triple C styled "BMF"); then "Aston Martin Music" (great Drake collabo track on a dope assssssssss beat) as well as "All the Money In the World", and "Maybach Music III".
Nas & Damian Marley-Distant Relatives: A classic, and fairly non descript after that. The chemistry between Nasty Nas and Junior Gong is legendary and the product is indicative of their talent and the blending of two unbelievable talents. More classic than progressive but a MUST have nonetheless.
Twista-"I Do": a great Trackstar beat and Twista uncharacteristically slows down his delivery but creates a new flow that showcases his hidden skill of speeding up his rhyming scheme while keeping the pace of the song steady. He hits hard with crazy bars that drop on a deafening beat and bass drop. Check it out.
Birdman-"Loyalty": I have never really been a Birdman fan (mostly because I think he's fairly talentless); however, he uses an insane sample along with a heavy bass drop to shadow his lack of skill on the mic. He also enlists the help of fellow Cash Money artist Tyga who lays down some of his best bars to date (really commands the mic the way he should due to his high skill level) and also provides the chorus, which is smooth and much like his work on his collabo mixtape Fan of a Fan with Chris Brown. Birdman Junior also makes a cameo on the track, and does his usual thing, nothin real special. But a dope track nonetheless.
Big Boi-Sir Lucious Left Foot...Son of Chico Dusty: If you haven't gotten it already, GET IT NOW. A dope album by a rap heavyweight. Big uses his classical, fast delivery style that made him famous and renowned as a member of OutKast. "Daddy Fat Stax" is a dope ass track, along with "Be Still", "The Train, Pt. 2", "General Patton", "Fo Yo Sorrows", and "Shine Blockas". LEGGGGIIIIITTTTT Shit.
Curren$y-Pilot Talk: One of my favorite albums. Must Download. Listen to "Seat Change", "Breakfast", "The Hangover", "Skybourne", "Roasted", "King Kong", "The Day". Just listen to it and you will see that Curren$y is everything I have been praising. O yeah and Ski Beatz is crazy. Enough Said.
Sho Baraka-"We Can Be More": a sick beat for a good lyricist. Check it out.
Nas & Damian Marley-Distant Relatives: A classic, and fairly non descript after that. The chemistry between Nasty Nas and Junior Gong is legendary and the product is indicative of their talent and the blending of two unbelievable talents. More classic than progressive but a MUST have nonetheless.
Twista-"I Do": a great Trackstar beat and Twista uncharacteristically slows down his delivery but creates a new flow that showcases his hidden skill of speeding up his rhyming scheme while keeping the pace of the song steady. He hits hard with crazy bars that drop on a deafening beat and bass drop. Check it out.
Birdman-"Loyalty": I have never really been a Birdman fan (mostly because I think he's fairly talentless); however, he uses an insane sample along with a heavy bass drop to shadow his lack of skill on the mic. He also enlists the help of fellow Cash Money artist Tyga who lays down some of his best bars to date (really commands the mic the way he should due to his high skill level) and also provides the chorus, which is smooth and much like his work on his collabo mixtape Fan of a Fan with Chris Brown. Birdman Junior also makes a cameo on the track, and does his usual thing, nothin real special. But a dope track nonetheless.
Big Boi-Sir Lucious Left Foot...Son of Chico Dusty: If you haven't gotten it already, GET IT NOW. A dope album by a rap heavyweight. Big uses his classical, fast delivery style that made him famous and renowned as a member of OutKast. "Daddy Fat Stax" is a dope ass track, along with "Be Still", "The Train, Pt. 2", "General Patton", "Fo Yo Sorrows", and "Shine Blockas". LEGGGGIIIIITTTTT Shit.
Curren$y-Pilot Talk: One of my favorite albums. Must Download. Listen to "Seat Change", "Breakfast", "The Hangover", "Skybourne", "Roasted", "King Kong", "The Day". Just listen to it and you will see that Curren$y is everything I have been praising. O yeah and Ski Beatz is crazy. Enough Said.
Sho Baraka-"We Can Be More": a sick beat for a good lyricist. Check it out.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Big L vs. Papoose- The Legend Lives On
The legendary Big L, one of the most well known rappers to come out of Harlem, commanded the mic with a specific demeanor that was unmatched and unreplicated. From his Harlem slang and droll, he only dropped two albums in a career that was cut way too short after passing due to gunshot wounds suffered from a drive by shooting; however, it was not before the world was blessed with the fruits of L's labor. "Ebonics", L's biggest and most well known hit, struck the public hard with a "Yah I talk like a thug from the ghetto, but that's who I am" kind of mentality. It offered a brief education of the direction, mindset, and upbringing of dudes in the ghetto. Through hits like "Flamboyant", "Size Em Up" and "Now or Never", Big L reached superstardom and his influence on keeping the old school in the new school is evident and lives on today.
In the early '00s, Papoose had the rap world goin crazy with his bevy of underground hits and countless mixtape releases. Take the bidding war between record labels for Drake last summer and multiply that by atleast 100 and you've got Papoose. Majors were fighting for well over a year for the ability to distribute Paps much anticipated and inevitably high selling debut. Pap eventually signed with Jive/Sony after they gave him, essentially, a $1.5 million signing bonus. However, four months later, Papoose, along with his mentor DJ Kay Slay, left Jive, siting major A&R control issues. Since remaining independent on Streetsweepers (Kay Slay's camp), Pap has released atleast two mixtapes a season and each to much critical aclaim; and while he may never sign to a major again, he has stayed relevant in the game.
But back to the point... Papoose came up as a rapper who didn't care about who he went at or who challenged him; like Big L, he knew he was coming out in front... And it was true (on both accounts). While they hail from different burroughs in the rotten apple, they come at you with the same intensity and, if you listen side by side, with the same NY droll and slang. In L's footsteps, Pap turned a seemingly juvenile and elementary concept into his biggest hit. While "Ebonics" brought L into the limelight as one of the perenial champs of the game, Pap's "Alphabetical Slaughter" gained him national mainstream attention (if anyone was still apprehensive about his previous releases). In "Alphabetical Slaughter", Pap uses a style of delivery and flow ridiculoiusly similar to that of Big L on "Ebonics", and enlists his inner New Yorker to provide slang commentary that hits at the heart of the streets and takes it for a ride. I am not saying Papoose is on par with the legendary Big L as it is simply not true. While Papoose is a good talent he must refine his skills and prove to the world he can control the mic like Big L and all rap legends have done. All I am saying is that Papoose seems to continue and remind us of Big L's style and contribution to the game through his abilities and skills as a rapper himself. I hope he continues to grow into his rap persona because if he can harness the skills that propelled Big L to stardom, I do believe we will be able to make the comparison in the future.
In the early '00s, Papoose had the rap world goin crazy with his bevy of underground hits and countless mixtape releases. Take the bidding war between record labels for Drake last summer and multiply that by atleast 100 and you've got Papoose. Majors were fighting for well over a year for the ability to distribute Paps much anticipated and inevitably high selling debut. Pap eventually signed with Jive/Sony after they gave him, essentially, a $1.5 million signing bonus. However, four months later, Papoose, along with his mentor DJ Kay Slay, left Jive, siting major A&R control issues. Since remaining independent on Streetsweepers (Kay Slay's camp), Pap has released atleast two mixtapes a season and each to much critical aclaim; and while he may never sign to a major again, he has stayed relevant in the game.
But back to the point... Papoose came up as a rapper who didn't care about who he went at or who challenged him; like Big L, he knew he was coming out in front... And it was true (on both accounts). While they hail from different burroughs in the rotten apple, they come at you with the same intensity and, if you listen side by side, with the same NY droll and slang. In L's footsteps, Pap turned a seemingly juvenile and elementary concept into his biggest hit. While "Ebonics" brought L into the limelight as one of the perenial champs of the game, Pap's "Alphabetical Slaughter" gained him national mainstream attention (if anyone was still apprehensive about his previous releases). In "Alphabetical Slaughter", Pap uses a style of delivery and flow ridiculoiusly similar to that of Big L on "Ebonics", and enlists his inner New Yorker to provide slang commentary that hits at the heart of the streets and takes it for a ride. I am not saying Papoose is on par with the legendary Big L as it is simply not true. While Papoose is a good talent he must refine his skills and prove to the world he can control the mic like Big L and all rap legends have done. All I am saying is that Papoose seems to continue and remind us of Big L's style and contribution to the game through his abilities and skills as a rapper himself. I hope he continues to grow into his rap persona because if he can harness the skills that propelled Big L to stardom, I do believe we will be able to make the comparison in the future.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Hot Stuff
The-Dream's "final" studio solo album dropped on tuesday called Love King. I love the two singles, "Love King" and "Make Up Bag", two classic Dream tracks. After these two tracks though, not much to be excited about on the album. "Nikki, Pt. 2" is alright and same with "F.I.L.A."; but without a doubt the first two tracks on the album are the best and the most consistent with the Dream style we all know and love. Still in the review stage so I haven't given the entire album the attention it deserves; but I'm guessing it's gonna be about the same as previous Dream albums, a couple of absolute hits and then a lot of filler.
If I haven't said it before, Curren$y is the shit. Check out "Brand New", "Roasted", and "The Hangover". They all have the traditional Curren$y sound and lyrical content, but I feel like he is bringing back the age of instrument laden beats that have a melodic sound and laid back tone backed with a chilled out flow that reps $y's laid back nature, something Mos Def made famous in the mid to late 90's (shout out to Gokul Krish). Can't wait for Pilot Talk and to listen to his much anticipated collabo with Wiz Khalifa, it's gonna be dope; and interestingly Mos (the master) is rumored to have produced a couple of tracks on the album.
Ordered Rick Ross's new album, Teflon Don, today. "Super High" was a decent single, but "B.M.F." shows why Rick Ross is the Bo$$.
Check out Lil Boosie "Top Notch", a dope track with a techno style Mouse beat. Lil Boosie is a guy who grows on you with his squeaky immature sounding voice; but this is the best I have heard from him in a while and it might be the last thing we hear from him as he might be facing the death penalty after being charged with 6 murders while already in prison. Tough break
If I haven't said it before, Curren$y is the shit. Check out "Brand New", "Roasted", and "The Hangover". They all have the traditional Curren$y sound and lyrical content, but I feel like he is bringing back the age of instrument laden beats that have a melodic sound and laid back tone backed with a chilled out flow that reps $y's laid back nature, something Mos Def made famous in the mid to late 90's (shout out to Gokul Krish). Can't wait for Pilot Talk and to listen to his much anticipated collabo with Wiz Khalifa, it's gonna be dope; and interestingly Mos (the master) is rumored to have produced a couple of tracks on the album.
Ordered Rick Ross's new album, Teflon Don, today. "Super High" was a decent single, but "B.M.F." shows why Rick Ross is the Bo$$.
Check out Lil Boosie "Top Notch", a dope track with a techno style Mouse beat. Lil Boosie is a guy who grows on you with his squeaky immature sounding voice; but this is the best I have heard from him in a while and it might be the last thing we hear from him as he might be facing the death penalty after being charged with 6 murders while already in prison. Tough break
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Drake-Thank Me Later
This is the most complete album I have heard in at least 10 years. I can play it from start to finish without skipping a track. I even like the Interlude, which never happens. I have put this album on repeat for the past 2 days and have yet to get sick of it and I don' see that happening in the near future. Plays a lot like So Far Gone, but it is evident through his lyrics, style, delivery, and flow that Drake is more mature on this album. There is legit not one beat I don't like on the track, well actually I'm not that fond of "Miss Me" (I'll explain).
"Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)" - A great, laid-back track that has a great combo of Alicia's heavenly soul voice and Drake's auto-tune enhanced, but awesome voice on the chorus, that along with Drake's rhymes and a legit, drum dominant yet wistful beat, it can't be stopped. It's also funny that this track, if you listen to the lyrics/rhymes, rip Rihanna a new ass hole haha.
"Karaoke" - One of my favorites on the album. Somewhat depressing for its somber message of the pressures of being in the industry's spotlight, but the heavily auto-tuned track still plays well for its graceful transition from singing to cold hard rhyme.
"The Resistance" - The first track that is predominantly rapped. This track shows Drake's true colors as a rapper and a lyricist, but also shows the great contrast between his ability as a rapper and singer, which ultimately reveals him as a true double threat in the game.'
"Over" - Obviously a great track. The first single for the album has proven to be a mainstay on the airwaves and will continue to get substantial play because the track was killed on too many levels to count. Drake comes in with a calming, sung (yet auto-tuned) chorus then just executes a flurry of ridiculous rhymes that just cut at the throat of all his previous adversaries and doubters (major labels that passed on him before Universal Motown/Cash Money/Young Money). This track also brought producer Boi-Ida into the stratisphere after people did not believe he could replicate his work on So Far Gone.
"How Me a Good Time" - A decent track (not much for the chorus), but a good (typical) Kanye beat, and Drake literally sets the mic on fire with bars that reference both the old school and his indie past. Absolutely kills it.
"Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj)" - Hands down the best track on the album, game over. Drake kills the Boi-1da beat with ridiculous bar that just rip all the haters a new one and Nicki Minaj has shown me something I never new she had on this track (ability to command the mic, something she shows in glimpses on "Your Love").
"Fancy" - The best Swizzy beat I have heard in years (fuck "On to the Next One", doesn't even hold a candle to this). Drake, like usual, lays down bars that would make Eminem want to quit rap again (the first time being when he heard 50 Cent's mixtape/demo Guess Who's Back?). T.I. provides a great guest performance and Drake's ability to move from a up-beat quick snare beat to the slowed down synth only beat half way through the track shows his talents as a musician as a whole.
"Shut It Down" - The-Dream is the man. Without a doubt the best predominantly sung song on the album.
"Unforgettable" - Young Jeezy begins the slaughter, but Drake comes in and completes the massacre.
"Light Up" - Not a Jay-Z fan anymore (he has completely sold out and changed his music/flow) but Drake can carry any track. End of story.
"Miss Me" - A solid track, and no auto-tune from Wayne... a good sign.
"Cece's Interlude" - Sung but a cross between the usual Drake beat and a rock sounding outro.
"Find Your Love" - Sounds like any other Kanye beat, but Drake sings his way into a hit that has been exhausting radio stations everywhere.
"Thank Me Now" - A great track that could count as an outro, except for the fact that he provides his audience with rhymes that motivate the listeners and make them want to come back for more.
"9AM In Dallas" - An exclusive that I can't figure out whether it was supposed to be a bonus track or a prequel for his next album. But it is a crazy track nevertheless.
"Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)" - A great, laid-back track that has a great combo of Alicia's heavenly soul voice and Drake's auto-tune enhanced, but awesome voice on the chorus, that along with Drake's rhymes and a legit, drum dominant yet wistful beat, it can't be stopped. It's also funny that this track, if you listen to the lyrics/rhymes, rip Rihanna a new ass hole haha.
"Karaoke" - One of my favorites on the album. Somewhat depressing for its somber message of the pressures of being in the industry's spotlight, but the heavily auto-tuned track still plays well for its graceful transition from singing to cold hard rhyme.
"The Resistance" - The first track that is predominantly rapped. This track shows Drake's true colors as a rapper and a lyricist, but also shows the great contrast between his ability as a rapper and singer, which ultimately reveals him as a true double threat in the game.'
"Over" - Obviously a great track. The first single for the album has proven to be a mainstay on the airwaves and will continue to get substantial play because the track was killed on too many levels to count. Drake comes in with a calming, sung (yet auto-tuned) chorus then just executes a flurry of ridiculous rhymes that just cut at the throat of all his previous adversaries and doubters (major labels that passed on him before Universal Motown/Cash Money/Young Money). This track also brought producer Boi-Ida into the stratisphere after people did not believe he could replicate his work on So Far Gone.
"How Me a Good Time" - A decent track (not much for the chorus), but a good (typical) Kanye beat, and Drake literally sets the mic on fire with bars that reference both the old school and his indie past. Absolutely kills it.
"Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj)" - Hands down the best track on the album, game over. Drake kills the Boi-1da beat with ridiculous bar that just rip all the haters a new one and Nicki Minaj has shown me something I never new she had on this track (ability to command the mic, something she shows in glimpses on "Your Love").
"Fancy" - The best Swizzy beat I have heard in years (fuck "On to the Next One", doesn't even hold a candle to this). Drake, like usual, lays down bars that would make Eminem want to quit rap again (the first time being when he heard 50 Cent's mixtape/demo Guess Who's Back?). T.I. provides a great guest performance and Drake's ability to move from a up-beat quick snare beat to the slowed down synth only beat half way through the track shows his talents as a musician as a whole.
"Shut It Down" - The-Dream is the man. Without a doubt the best predominantly sung song on the album.
"Unforgettable" - Young Jeezy begins the slaughter, but Drake comes in and completes the massacre.
"Light Up" - Not a Jay-Z fan anymore (he has completely sold out and changed his music/flow) but Drake can carry any track. End of story.
"Miss Me" - A solid track, and no auto-tune from Wayne... a good sign.
"Cece's Interlude" - Sung but a cross between the usual Drake beat and a rock sounding outro.
"Find Your Love" - Sounds like any other Kanye beat, but Drake sings his way into a hit that has been exhausting radio stations everywhere.
"Thank Me Now" - A great track that could count as an outro, except for the fact that he provides his audience with rhymes that motivate the listeners and make them want to come back for more.
"9AM In Dallas" - An exclusive that I can't figure out whether it was supposed to be a bonus track or a prequel for his next album. But it is a crazy track nevertheless.
The Best Week In Hip Hop
Thank Me Later dropped this week, the craziest release thus far this year, and truthfully unless Eminem pulls something incredible or Detox actually comes out this year, it probably won't be eclipsed. Check out my full track-by-track review of the album.
Finally got Shad's TSOL in the mail. iTunes blows, if they continue to boycott certain releases I will boycott it. Shad is one of the truest and original/traditional mc's in the game and the fact that you can't get up to date releases on iTunes is ludicrous (not to mention get it months late if it ends up getting released). Had to wait two and a half weeks for TSOL to be flown in from Canada but it was well worth the wait. Check out my full track-by-track review of the album. Stream at
Just found a Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y collabo mixtape called How Fly. It came out as somewhat of a prequel to Wiz Khalifa's Deal or No Deal and Curren$y's This Ain't No Mixtape, but it is nonetheless DOPE. The intro track, "Car Service" is set to the usual Wiz and $y style, but it is the best I have heard from either of them yet. They use a great sample (I am not totally sure what they use) and has the traditional instrument laden background (lots of flutes) topped off with the usual heavy bassdrop; and while they both resort to their traditonal thematic concepts (smokin weed like its their job), it actually works on this track. I don't know why, but it just does believe me. "Friendly" is found on Deal or No Deal and is actually my favorite track on Wiz's album, but truthfully "Car Service" still rains supreme on the tape. Another bone to pick with iTunes, they market Gucci's Burrrprint 2 HD but don't even have either of Wiz's best, Kush & OJ or Burn After Rolling. WTF, something is very wrong. Download at
Listen to Buck$- Been a Long Time (feat. Bobby Valentino). I found this track months ago (Kevin Miller can vouch for that) and absolutely loved it for the ridiculous beat and Bobby V.'s smooth background and chorus. Buck$ was the super producer behind Dem Franchize Boyz's major hits and recently made the crossover to the other side of the mic, and it has certainly worked out. "Been a Long Time" is finally getting heavy airplay on 93.7, which is great but also causes a great deal of frustration seeing as great tracks and unknown talent can't get the exposure they deserve in the industry. Complete BS. Stream and download at
Goon Affiliated came out. Major flop, and the first of Plies' short but prosperous career. Best songs are "Becky", "Medicine (feat. Keri Hilson)", "She Got It Made", "Chirpin (feat. Fella)", and "Bricks On Me" (feat. Fella)".
Big Boi's "General Patton" is straight fire, check it out. Stream and download
Finally got Shad's TSOL in the mail. iTunes blows, if they continue to boycott certain releases I will boycott it. Shad is one of the truest and original/traditional mc's in the game and the fact that you can't get up to date releases on iTunes is ludicrous (not to mention get it months late if it ends up getting released). Had to wait two and a half weeks for TSOL to be flown in from Canada but it was well worth the wait. Check out my full track-by-track review of the album. Stream at
Just found a Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y collabo mixtape called How Fly. It came out as somewhat of a prequel to Wiz Khalifa's Deal or No Deal and Curren$y's This Ain't No Mixtape, but it is nonetheless DOPE. The intro track, "Car Service" is set to the usual Wiz and $y style, but it is the best I have heard from either of them yet. They use a great sample (I am not totally sure what they use) and has the traditional instrument laden background (lots of flutes) topped off with the usual heavy bassdrop; and while they both resort to their traditonal thematic concepts (smokin weed like its their job), it actually works on this track. I don't know why, but it just does believe me. "Friendly" is found on Deal or No Deal and is actually my favorite track on Wiz's album, but truthfully "Car Service" still rains supreme on the tape. Another bone to pick with iTunes, they market Gucci's Burrrprint 2 HD but don't even have either of Wiz's best, Kush & OJ or Burn After Rolling. WTF, something is very wrong. Download at
Listen to Buck$- Been a Long Time (feat. Bobby Valentino). I found this track months ago (Kevin Miller can vouch for that) and absolutely loved it for the ridiculous beat and Bobby V.'s smooth background and chorus. Buck$ was the super producer behind Dem Franchize Boyz's major hits and recently made the crossover to the other side of the mic, and it has certainly worked out. "Been a Long Time" is finally getting heavy airplay on 93.7, which is great but also causes a great deal of frustration seeing as great tracks and unknown talent can't get the exposure they deserve in the industry. Complete BS. Stream and download at
Goon Affiliated came out. Major flop, and the first of Plies' short but prosperous career. Best songs are "Becky", "Medicine (feat. Keri Hilson)", "She Got It Made", "Chirpin (feat. Fella)", and "Bricks On Me" (feat. Fella)".
Big Boi's "General Patton" is straight fire, check it out. Stream and download
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Hot Releases
Lil Jon - Crunk Rock: If you're into techno styled hip-hop, club-bangers, check out the album. Not bad. Check out "Get In Get Out", "Outta Your Mind (feat LMFAO)", "Work It Out (feat. Pitbull)".
Nicki Minaj - "Your Love": I previously hated Barbie for trying to act hard in Young Money and then calling herself Barbie. Thats just ridiculous. I absolutely hated Beam Me Up Scotty and Barbie's World (save a track or two) and thought "Massive Attack" was pure trash. Her contribution to We Are Young Money were pretty poor as well, especially on "Roger That", and thought her delivery was just bullshit. She started to grow on me though when she was featured on Ludacris's hit "My Chick Bad", cus truthfully any female rapper (even Lil' Kim or Diamond for that matter) could screw their bars up so bad that it sounded bad against the crazy string instrument oriented beat. Then I heard "Your Love", and her use of autotune on the chorus is genius and interestingly her rhymes were fairly legit (although still very elementary), but much improved. The beat is crazy, almost a heavenly feeling. The shit.
Wiz Khalifa - "Ink My Whole Body": A little old, but Wiz Khalifa is the fuckin man, and, just as he says, "I don't give a motherfuck" haha.
The-Dream - "Make Up Bag (feat. TI)": Ive always been a Dream fan but this is by far (mild exaggeration) my favorite track he has released (with "Playin In Her Hair", "I Luv Your Girl", and "Falsetto" close behind). The Tricky Stewart/Dream collabo beat is the best I have heard on one of his tracks. It's the same production package (heavy snare and snaps) but the wind organ and awesome bass usage are much different than he has ever incorporated on a single track. The lyrics are also not as redundant as usual and with the soothing nature and pure dopeness of Dream's voice on the track, there is no way this track can lose.
CHECK OUT SUPER PRODUCER ARRABMUZIK - the best freestyle beatmaker/producer I have ever seen. His use of an MPC is not human. Listen to "Spend the Night" and "Rick Flair" especially. For a non-instrumental, try "Gorilla Muzick" featuring fello Diplomat JR Writer.
Nicki Minaj - "Your Love": I previously hated Barbie for trying to act hard in Young Money and then calling herself Barbie. Thats just ridiculous. I absolutely hated Beam Me Up Scotty and Barbie's World (save a track or two) and thought "Massive Attack" was pure trash. Her contribution to We Are Young Money were pretty poor as well, especially on "Roger That", and thought her delivery was just bullshit. She started to grow on me though when she was featured on Ludacris's hit "My Chick Bad", cus truthfully any female rapper (even Lil' Kim or Diamond for that matter) could screw their bars up so bad that it sounded bad against the crazy string instrument oriented beat. Then I heard "Your Love", and her use of autotune on the chorus is genius and interestingly her rhymes were fairly legit (although still very elementary), but much improved. The beat is crazy, almost a heavenly feeling. The shit.
Wiz Khalifa - "Ink My Whole Body": A little old, but Wiz Khalifa is the fuckin man, and, just as he says, "I don't give a motherfuck" haha.
The-Dream - "Make Up Bag (feat. TI)": Ive always been a Dream fan but this is by far (mild exaggeration) my favorite track he has released (with "Playin In Her Hair", "I Luv Your Girl", and "Falsetto" close behind). The Tricky Stewart/Dream collabo beat is the best I have heard on one of his tracks. It's the same production package (heavy snare and snaps) but the wind organ and awesome bass usage are much different than he has ever incorporated on a single track. The lyrics are also not as redundant as usual and with the soothing nature and pure dopeness of Dream's voice on the track, there is no way this track can lose.
CHECK OUT SUPER PRODUCER ARRABMUZIK - the best freestyle beatmaker/producer I have ever seen. His use of an MPC is not human. Listen to "Spend the Night" and "Rick Flair" especially. For a non-instrumental, try "Gorilla Muzick" featuring fello Diplomat JR Writer.
LLoyd Banks Is Back
Lloyd Banks, the once prevalent member of GGGGGG-G-Unit, is prevalent once again. Banks cooled off considerably after the release of his second LP Rotten Apple which was a major flop (only selling 300,000ish copies) compared to his platinum selling debut The Hunger for More. After losing the confidence of Jimmy Iovine, CEO of Interscope, Banks left the label and decided to test the indie market under the G-Unit imprint. GREAT MOVE.....
Since leaving Interscope, Banks has become one of the most sought after, listened too, and played rap artists this year. From his steady flow of quality mixtapes (V.5 being the best of the bunch) to the release of smash hit "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley", Banks is Hungry for (even) More. "BBB" is the most remixed song of the year, along with "Over", but the deafening bass of "BBB" is unparalleled. While people might try to match or surpass it, Banks' silky smooth flow just sets the laid back tone of the song- i'm rich, i'm back, i ain't going anywhere, get at me- but also has an underlying feeling like he doesn't give a shit and literally just woke up and decided to yawn straight fire on the mic.
His newest release "Any Girl (feat. Lloyd)" is hitting the airwaves with a vengeance over previous lackluster sales and is a small step behind "BBB" for king of Hot 93.7. The beats are similar in construction and package, with the same deafening bass tone (which I LOVE), but the mixup of snare and light piano is soothing. Banks delivers his usual performance on the mic, and while it seems like I would be bored by his monotony, i'm not. Banks is the man and he's gonna keep makin these hits. Luckily Hunger for More II is coming out this month, and with his imminent re-signing with Interscope (with a pending apology from Iovine), Banks is gonna kill on the charts. Mad props to him, finally someone in the camp not riding 50's coattails.
Other G-Unit News, Beanie Sigel, former Roc-a-Fella artist turned Hova hater, is near a deal with G-Unit. This time for real though. Great signing by 50.
Since leaving Interscope, Banks has become one of the most sought after, listened too, and played rap artists this year. From his steady flow of quality mixtapes (V.5 being the best of the bunch) to the release of smash hit "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley", Banks is Hungry for (even) More. "BBB" is the most remixed song of the year, along with "Over", but the deafening bass of "BBB" is unparalleled. While people might try to match or surpass it, Banks' silky smooth flow just sets the laid back tone of the song- i'm rich, i'm back, i ain't going anywhere, get at me- but also has an underlying feeling like he doesn't give a shit and literally just woke up and decided to yawn straight fire on the mic.
His newest release "Any Girl (feat. Lloyd)" is hitting the airwaves with a vengeance over previous lackluster sales and is a small step behind "BBB" for king of Hot 93.7. The beats are similar in construction and package, with the same deafening bass tone (which I LOVE), but the mixup of snare and light piano is soothing. Banks delivers his usual performance on the mic, and while it seems like I would be bored by his monotony, i'm not. Banks is the man and he's gonna keep makin these hits. Luckily Hunger for More II is coming out this month, and with his imminent re-signing with Interscope (with a pending apology from Iovine), Banks is gonna kill on the charts. Mad props to him, finally someone in the camp not riding 50's coattails.
Other G-Unit News, Beanie Sigel, former Roc-a-Fella artist turned Hova hater, is near a deal with G-Unit. This time for real though. Great signing by 50.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
One Week Left...
In one week, June 15th, Drake's debut LP, Thank Me Later, will finally drop. The best up and coming rapper the game has seen in (atleast) the past five years has generated more buzz in the game than I have seen from any other rapper, comparable to the hype surrounding 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin or Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III. Drake is one of the best rappers in the game right now, straight up, for his lyrical skills as well as his silky smooth flow and his multifaceted musical arsenal, whether singing (like most recently on "Find Your Love" and the chorus on his mega-hit "Over") or rapping (like most recently on "Miss Me"). I also accredit Drake for bringing up and coming super-producer Boi-1da to the world stage and broadening Trey Songz's fanbase nearly overnight.
Previous to signing with Young Money/Cash Money/Universal (and post Degrassi days), Drake was peddling mixtapes that (excluding his first attempt, Room for Improvement) I believe could have been full-blown albums (and number 1 albums to boot). So Far Gone was crazy and showed Drake's full range of talents with tracks like "Best I Ever Had" (which really marked Drake's explosion into the limelight), "Lust for Life", "Houstalantavegas", and "Successful". Comeback Season is one of the most crazy and complete mixtapes/albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to and I believe represents Drake's best work as of yet. His work with Little Brother (with 9th Wonder) on "Don't You Have a Man" and "Think Good Thoughts" reminds me of why I fell in love with Hip Hop, and with the addition of Trey Songz as his accompanied background Drake created a formula that could not lose. Tracks like "Closer", "Replacement Girl", "Going In for Life", "Give Ya", "Missin You (Remix)", and "Man of the Year" are ridiculous, represent what rap should be, and are bangers that can constantly be on replay without becoming old. Drake's got something for everyone, the "rap aficionado" to the crossover, occasional listener to the club rats (with "City Is Mine").
As for Thank Me Later, I love "Over", but mixed on "Miss Me" and "Find Your Love"; however October's Finest has said himself that Thank Me Later will be a classic, and I believe him; especially after I heard some of the leaked tracks. Look out for "Shut It Down", "Fireworks" and "Up All Night" to make a major splash on the airwaves (just like "Best I Ever Had" did last summer) and look for these tracks (amongst others) to propel Thank Me Later to sales well in excess of a million within the first two days of release (what Tha Carter III did). I mean Relapse pushed 650,000 first week so it should be very do-able. Needless to say, this is the year of Drake and he's gonna be around for a long time.
Previous to signing with Young Money/Cash Money/Universal (and post Degrassi days), Drake was peddling mixtapes that (excluding his first attempt, Room for Improvement) I believe could have been full-blown albums (and number 1 albums to boot). So Far Gone was crazy and showed Drake's full range of talents with tracks like "Best I Ever Had" (which really marked Drake's explosion into the limelight), "Lust for Life", "Houstalantavegas", and "Successful". Comeback Season is one of the most crazy and complete mixtapes/albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to and I believe represents Drake's best work as of yet. His work with Little Brother (with 9th Wonder) on "Don't You Have a Man" and "Think Good Thoughts" reminds me of why I fell in love with Hip Hop, and with the addition of Trey Songz as his accompanied background Drake created a formula that could not lose. Tracks like "Closer", "Replacement Girl", "Going In for Life", "Give Ya", "Missin You (Remix)", and "Man of the Year" are ridiculous, represent what rap should be, and are bangers that can constantly be on replay without becoming old. Drake's got something for everyone, the "rap aficionado" to the crossover, occasional listener to the club rats (with "City Is Mine").
As for Thank Me Later, I love "Over", but mixed on "Miss Me" and "Find Your Love"; however October's Finest has said himself that Thank Me Later will be a classic, and I believe him; especially after I heard some of the leaked tracks. Look out for "Shut It Down", "Fireworks" and "Up All Night" to make a major splash on the airwaves (just like "Best I Ever Had" did last summer) and look for these tracks (amongst others) to propel Thank Me Later to sales well in excess of a million within the first two days of release (what Tha Carter III did). I mean Relapse pushed 650,000 first week so it should be very do-able. Needless to say, this is the year of Drake and he's gonna be around for a long time.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
New This Week
Shad- TSOL : The SECOND best Canadian rapper (behind Drake of course) brings his newest and arguably greatest. His previous album, The Old Prince, is one of my favorites and I continue to listen to it daily because of its crazy beats and Shad's unparalleled lyrical and rhyming ability. A must listen. Free Stream at:
http://www.spinner.ca/2010/05/04/shad-tsol-new-album/
Drake- "Miss Me": I think this is the last single before the release of Thank Me Later and while this was just released on iTunes, this track has been out, in unfinished form feat. Bun B, for a while as part of Far From Over. It is a decent track but "Fireworks" and definitely "Shut It Down" are much better. Get ready for the album though, it is gonna be crazy. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmT1cSJ0B8
T.I.- "Yeah Ya Know": A solid track and his best since his release. T.I. brings his usual gritty BANKHEAD performance and presence to the mic. He has a crazy flow and super fast delivery and his rhyming skills are to be commended. Pretty good beat; however, he keeps comin out with the same style beats on all his tracks and hopefully for King Uncaged he'll mix it up a little. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuTt3Ts4qH8
Rocko- "Maybe": I don't know why but I like it. The beat is good with a great bass backdrop, I mean Rocko with autotune is not great but the beat makes up for it. This was just released on iTunes, although it was also released on his mixtape Into the Wild. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFMN3IW76oM
Bun B- "Just Like That": Great track. Bun B is a rap king and with the help of Young Jeezy (I will never call him just Jeezy in an intro, thats some bullshit) the lyrical ability on the track is off the charts. The Jeezy-style beat is crazy and Bun kills it. Trill OG should be rediculous. Free Stream at:
http://www.hiphopmusicdotcom.com/bun-b-feat-young-jeezy-just-like-that.html/comment-page-1
Blaqstarr- "Oh My Darling": Not really new but crazy nonetheless (like a new-style Diddy track). Just listen and watch the video and don't tell me it isn't dope. Just try. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbDc71Rwih8
T.I.- "Got Your Back": Not a fan. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOI7ISiJZUw
Janelle Monae- "Tightrope": Not new, but this video is too good to go unnoticed, just watch. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc
http://www.spinner.ca/2010/05/04/shad-tsol-new-album/
Drake- "Miss Me": I think this is the last single before the release of Thank Me Later and while this was just released on iTunes, this track has been out, in unfinished form feat. Bun B, for a while as part of Far From Over. It is a decent track but "Fireworks" and definitely "Shut It Down" are much better. Get ready for the album though, it is gonna be crazy. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmT1cSJ0B8
T.I.- "Yeah Ya Know": A solid track and his best since his release. T.I. brings his usual gritty BANKHEAD performance and presence to the mic. He has a crazy flow and super fast delivery and his rhyming skills are to be commended. Pretty good beat; however, he keeps comin out with the same style beats on all his tracks and hopefully for King Uncaged he'll mix it up a little. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuTt3Ts4qH8
Rocko- "Maybe": I don't know why but I like it. The beat is good with a great bass backdrop, I mean Rocko with autotune is not great but the beat makes up for it. This was just released on iTunes, although it was also released on his mixtape Into the Wild. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFMN3IW76oM
Bun B- "Just Like That": Great track. Bun B is a rap king and with the help of Young Jeezy (I will never call him just Jeezy in an intro, thats some bullshit) the lyrical ability on the track is off the charts. The Jeezy-style beat is crazy and Bun kills it. Trill OG should be rediculous. Free Stream at:
http://www.hiphopmusicdotcom.com/bun-b-feat-young-jeezy-just-like-that.html/comment-page-1
Blaqstarr- "Oh My Darling": Not really new but crazy nonetheless (like a new-style Diddy track). Just listen and watch the video and don't tell me it isn't dope. Just try. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbDc71Rwih8
T.I.- "Got Your Back": Not a fan. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOI7ISiJZUw
Janelle Monae- "Tightrope": Not new, but this video is too good to go unnoticed, just watch. Free Stream at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc
The Up & Comers, Vol. 1 - Curren$y
Curren$y is certainly no rookie to the mic, but he continues to reinvent himself with each passing release. With the first installment of what I hope to be a long lasting, ongoing post-subject, I think its fitting to bring up Curren$y because he is someone not many occasional listeners or even fans know but someone all rap lovers/aficionados praise. While Drake is definitely the best and most anticipated new-comer (and not to mention one of my favorite rappers in the game), I think Curren$y has the edge as this past month he signed onto Def Jam and is ready to drop his major label debut, Pilot Talk, in two weeks.
Curren$y is a personal favorite of mine and I definitely admire him for his perseverance and strength throughout his young career. He was first signed to Master P's No Limit Records back in 2000 when he was 18 but failed to release a record, or a single even, over the five years he was signed to the label. Next he caught the eye of Lil Wayne who praised his silky smooth flow and his NOIA droll. You may remember the Cash Money anthem and the often remixed single "Where da Cash At"; and while many remember Lil Wayne's guest spot and Remy Ma's equally forgettable contribution to the track, this hood dream anthem was dominated by Curren$y's crazy rhymes and quick delivery. If you haven't heard it, I would recommend it; but anyways, his Cash Money debut, Music to Fly to, was oft-delayed and was eventually shelved which led to Curren$y leaving the label.
Instead of giving up, he persevered and released mixtapes and indie albums on Amalgam Digital, including This Ain't No Mixtape and Jet Files which both faired well for indies and produced strong singles in "Power Button" and "The Pledge (In and Out)" which (along with his work with Wiz Khalifa) brought Curren$y back into the public eye. While on Amalgam, his style transitioned from the heavy synth, Mannie Fresh-style keyboard beats from both No Limit and Cash Money to a heavily instrument laden (using both light keyboards and even flutes) beat package that perfectly complimented his natural skill as a rapper and silky smooth flow. While his rhymes have recently been heavily geared towards his smoking skills much like and through his relationship with fellow newcomer heavyweight Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y began to once again gain the attention of major labels and signed to the newly resurrected Roc-a-fella Records and Def Jam two months ago. Finally Def Jam makes a sensible signing (maybe an attempt to offset and shade the stupidity of signing Shyne to a seven figure deal?). WIth that said, Curren$y has been back in the lab and has released the first single off of Pilot Talk, "King Kong" which is both lyrically diverse (uncharacteristic of $y of late), which is great to see, and well produced by Ski Beatz. The beat is crazy and Curren$y delivers a great performance with his traditional silky smooth flow but also adds gritty rhymes that scream out to the public ear "Im here, Im stayin, get at me." Plus, it has a dope ass video. I am real excited for Pilot Talk, just behind Thank Me Later for my most anticipated albums of this month, and I will definitely keep everyone posted on my review of the album.
Heres the link to the King Kong video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaBBMNgGDw4
Curren$y is a personal favorite of mine and I definitely admire him for his perseverance and strength throughout his young career. He was first signed to Master P's No Limit Records back in 2000 when he was 18 but failed to release a record, or a single even, over the five years he was signed to the label. Next he caught the eye of Lil Wayne who praised his silky smooth flow and his NOIA droll. You may remember the Cash Money anthem and the often remixed single "Where da Cash At"; and while many remember Lil Wayne's guest spot and Remy Ma's equally forgettable contribution to the track, this hood dream anthem was dominated by Curren$y's crazy rhymes and quick delivery. If you haven't heard it, I would recommend it; but anyways, his Cash Money debut, Music to Fly to, was oft-delayed and was eventually shelved which led to Curren$y leaving the label.
Instead of giving up, he persevered and released mixtapes and indie albums on Amalgam Digital, including This Ain't No Mixtape and Jet Files which both faired well for indies and produced strong singles in "Power Button" and "The Pledge (In and Out)" which (along with his work with Wiz Khalifa) brought Curren$y back into the public eye. While on Amalgam, his style transitioned from the heavy synth, Mannie Fresh-style keyboard beats from both No Limit and Cash Money to a heavily instrument laden (using both light keyboards and even flutes) beat package that perfectly complimented his natural skill as a rapper and silky smooth flow. While his rhymes have recently been heavily geared towards his smoking skills much like and through his relationship with fellow newcomer heavyweight Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y began to once again gain the attention of major labels and signed to the newly resurrected Roc-a-fella Records and Def Jam two months ago. Finally Def Jam makes a sensible signing (maybe an attempt to offset and shade the stupidity of signing Shyne to a seven figure deal?). WIth that said, Curren$y has been back in the lab and has released the first single off of Pilot Talk, "King Kong" which is both lyrically diverse (uncharacteristic of $y of late), which is great to see, and well produced by Ski Beatz. The beat is crazy and Curren$y delivers a great performance with his traditional silky smooth flow but also adds gritty rhymes that scream out to the public ear "Im here, Im stayin, get at me." Plus, it has a dope ass video. I am real excited for Pilot Talk, just behind Thank Me Later for my most anticipated albums of this month, and I will definitely keep everyone posted on my review of the album.
Heres the link to the King Kong video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaBBMNgGDw4
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 5 - OutKast and Beyond
After signing to Def Jam, Big Boi has been on a rampage, releasing acclaimed singles such as "Shine Blockas (feat. Gucci Mane [who actually did a fairly good guest job on the track])" and "Shutterbug (feat. Cutty Cartel)", along with enjoying the success and heavy remix of his hit "Royal Flush". With these releases, it gives fans hope that the rap superstar will finally release his long awaited and oft-delayed album Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty this summer. I am a huge Big Boi fan for his fast delivery and his insane and hilarious rhymes which are definitely on display especially in "Shutterbug" which was officially released this past week. Big Boi definitely went back to his bread and butter with this most recent single. The track has the traditional OutKast beat package full of a mixture of interesting, some would say weird, sounds with a major synth background. The beat has an old school funk feel to it with the guitar and bass rifts as well as the synths that you would find in Bootsy Collins tracks. With the addition of Cutty Cartel using a voice box, its like Big is goin back to the wild wild west and channeling Roger Troutman and his work of 2Pac's anthem "California Love". Look for the full LP to drop sometime in early to mid July.
Andre 3000 has also stated he will be releasing a solo project within the year; however, he has not released new material (the last being "Green Light" with John Legend that I can recall) in the past year. While I consider Big Boi to be the superior rapper, Andre definitely is the most musically talented and can command the mic and stage as good as anyone. I enjoyed The Love Below (his dual LP as part of OutKast, but largely considered to be his first solo album); but I would love to see 3-Stacks get back to his old style that he displayed on the first couple of OutKast LPs. His performance on "Ms. Jackson", which I consider to be their best track of all time, eclipsed Big Boi's by lightyears just because he had shown a much matured rhyming style and commanded the mic like the rap heavyweight that everyone knew he was but hadn't seen yet. I am anxious to see what he does with his solo effort and hopefully it will drop this year (but mostly because both 3K and Big have stated a new OutKast album will not be released until both solo albums are released).
OutKast is one of my favorite groups of all time for the simple fact that they are different than anyone else but are still raw, and because of this, have become one of the most successful groups in rap history. Listening to "Ms. Jackson" and "So Fresh, So Clean" was what made me fall in love with hip-hop and Stankonia and Aquemini remain two of my favorite albums of all time. I was ridiculously hyped when both Big and 3-Stacks said they are back in the lab together workin on a new album after their last album, Idelwild, was subpar in my view, mostly because it was designed as a soundtrack for their movie of the same name (which was also subpar in itself). It is hard to follow the huge success of an album like Speakerboxxx/The Love Below but I thought seasoned vets like OutKast could have done a little better than Idlewild. And what was worse was both Big and Andre said they were taking an indefinite hiatus after its release and that it was unclear if they would ever release an album again. While we have to wait for their solo projects to come out, I'm just happy that they have started to go back to the studio. It would be great if they got back to the style that made them famous, like in Stankonia, but anything they release together would be better than the stuff we are listening to today, especially (of course) Gucci and the Brick Squad and all the other wannabe stars (GS Boyz, V.I.C., etc.). If they make anything like the stuff Big Boi has been putting out I think we have a lot to look forward to for this year.
Andre 3000 has also stated he will be releasing a solo project within the year; however, he has not released new material (the last being "Green Light" with John Legend that I can recall) in the past year. While I consider Big Boi to be the superior rapper, Andre definitely is the most musically talented and can command the mic and stage as good as anyone. I enjoyed The Love Below (his dual LP as part of OutKast, but largely considered to be his first solo album); but I would love to see 3-Stacks get back to his old style that he displayed on the first couple of OutKast LPs. His performance on "Ms. Jackson", which I consider to be their best track of all time, eclipsed Big Boi's by lightyears just because he had shown a much matured rhyming style and commanded the mic like the rap heavyweight that everyone knew he was but hadn't seen yet. I am anxious to see what he does with his solo effort and hopefully it will drop this year (but mostly because both 3K and Big have stated a new OutKast album will not be released until both solo albums are released).
OutKast is one of my favorite groups of all time for the simple fact that they are different than anyone else but are still raw, and because of this, have become one of the most successful groups in rap history. Listening to "Ms. Jackson" and "So Fresh, So Clean" was what made me fall in love with hip-hop and Stankonia and Aquemini remain two of my favorite albums of all time. I was ridiculously hyped when both Big and 3-Stacks said they are back in the lab together workin on a new album after their last album, Idelwild, was subpar in my view, mostly because it was designed as a soundtrack for their movie of the same name (which was also subpar in itself). It is hard to follow the huge success of an album like Speakerboxxx/The Love Below but I thought seasoned vets like OutKast could have done a little better than Idlewild. And what was worse was both Big and Andre said they were taking an indefinite hiatus after its release and that it was unclear if they would ever release an album again. While we have to wait for their solo projects to come out, I'm just happy that they have started to go back to the studio. It would be great if they got back to the style that made them famous, like in Stankonia, but anything they release together would be better than the stuff we are listening to today, especially (of course) Gucci and the Brick Squad and all the other wannabe stars (GS Boyz, V.I.C., etc.). If they make anything like the stuff Big Boi has been putting out I think we have a lot to look forward to for this year.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 4.5 - Quick Look at the Summer
Hunger for More 2 should be decent and "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley" was a great track that showcased in a year of rap disappointment; but I think Lloyd Banks has to team back up with Interscope and get back into the lab because he can't ride the success train for much longer, as we saw earlier in his career. Hunger for More was a good debut, with tracks like "Karma", "Playboy", "Warrior, Pt. 2", and "On Fire", but Rotten Apple was poor; and with Yayo essentially out of the limelight entirely with one of the worst sophomore performances I have seen, with Gunpowder Guru, someone's gotta pick up the slack on the end of the G-Unit/Aftermath camp.
The R.E.D. Album should be decent, hopefully, as my patience with The Game is running out. Like his former mentor, 50 Cent, The Game's debut The Documentary is one of the best in history, and I would love to see The Game return to the skill and flow that he displayed; however, LAX was one of the biggest flops I have had the misfortune of listening to (except for "Dope Boys" and "Camera Phone").
Watch for Young Buck to make big moves and try to salvage his rep (after the embarrassing, emotional phone message/breakup left on 50's answering machine last year) this year after leaving G-Unit, and watch him showcase the skill that made him the undisputed number two on G-Unit and with a vengeance. Ca$his may drop his much awaited and delayed LP this year, but I highly doubt it; however, he will always be remembered for his crazy guest spot on "You Don't Know" which is one of the best tracks I have heard produced by any Interscope artist(s).
Look for Drake's debut Thank Me Later as it WILL be one of the craziest releases of the year, which I will blog about more extensively in the future. Three 6 Mafia's Laws of Power comes out in late May, but don't expect too much as Last 2 Walk was subpar. Lupe Fiasco may release Lasers this year, but with the amount of leaks, he might delay it until next year. Reflection Eternal will make their long awaited return and Redman will see if he can return to prominence with Reggie. Juelz Santana will drop Born to Lose, Built to Win in June, and it has high expectations, especially the success of "Back to the Crib" and "Homerun". More classic albums are The Roots' How I Got Over and Nas & Damian Marley's Distant Relatives.
The R.E.D. Album should be decent, hopefully, as my patience with The Game is running out. Like his former mentor, 50 Cent, The Game's debut The Documentary is one of the best in history, and I would love to see The Game return to the skill and flow that he displayed; however, LAX was one of the biggest flops I have had the misfortune of listening to (except for "Dope Boys" and "Camera Phone").
Watch for Young Buck to make big moves and try to salvage his rep (after the embarrassing, emotional phone message/breakup left on 50's answering machine last year) this year after leaving G-Unit, and watch him showcase the skill that made him the undisputed number two on G-Unit and with a vengeance. Ca$his may drop his much awaited and delayed LP this year, but I highly doubt it; however, he will always be remembered for his crazy guest spot on "You Don't Know" which is one of the best tracks I have heard produced by any Interscope artist(s).
Look for Drake's debut Thank Me Later as it WILL be one of the craziest releases of the year, which I will blog about more extensively in the future. Three 6 Mafia's Laws of Power comes out in late May, but don't expect too much as Last 2 Walk was subpar. Lupe Fiasco may release Lasers this year, but with the amount of leaks, he might delay it until next year. Reflection Eternal will make their long awaited return and Redman will see if he can return to prominence with Reggie. Juelz Santana will drop Born to Lose, Built to Win in June, and it has high expectations, especially the success of "Back to the Crib" and "Homerun". More classic albums are The Roots' How I Got Over and Nas & Damian Marley's Distant Relatives.
Day 4 - The Mixtape Circuit
With rapper's taking to the internet to gain exposure and fans, mixtapes are coming out daily with new or remastered material. While rappers like Drake (Room For Improvement, Comeback Season, and So Far Gone), Wiz Khalifa (Burn After Rolling and Kush & OJ) and Fabolous (back in the day) are making their name with the mixtape, rappers like Lil Wayne are solidifying their name in the game with releases like No Ceilings, and the Dedication trilogy. Chamillionaire is the self proclaimed "Mixtape Messiah" and DJ Drama has built an entire career (and was locked up) for being the King of the mixtape, but is it all worth it? Is the mixtape ruining hip-hop?
Mixtapes were the canvas that fueled rap feuds, especially right after The Game left G-Unit and released Ghost Unit and You Know What It Is, Vol. 3, it has become a new outlet for pirating music, pushing back release dates, and leaking album singles. I enjoyed No Ceilings and the Dedications, but I am getting tired of Lil Wayne material flooding the airways on DatPiff.com with useless, redundant, and pre-released material. Just recently, Wayne released Blue Martian, which was full of horrible Young Money tracks that couldn't make it on any other Young Money releases and were hoping to ride on Wayne's success to gain more exposure for the crew.
On the other hand, I get to find new artists that are hot and follow them as they grow in the industry. I mean, Drake is one of my favorite rappers out right now just because of So Far Gone and Comeback Season, which in my mind could have easily been albums/main releases in themselves. Plus, you get to listen to underground stuff that record labels wouldn't ordinarily release, especially collaborations. Just release is Fan of a Fan, a collabo mixtape by Tyga and Chris Brown. Chris Brown is a great young talent even though his career is catching a lot of flaq and has hit a major roadblock with the whole Rihanna issue and Tyga is one of the more promising members of Young Money (other than Wayne, Drake and Jae Millz) and he always comes with straight fire. Tracks like "Ain't Thinkin About You" (a possible hit at Rihanna), "I'm So Raw", "Holla @ Me", and "G Shit" make the mixtape worthy of a good listen will definitely get your car bumpin. Truthfully, this mixtape was more well-put together than Bow Wow and Omarion's collabo album, Face Off. Mixtapes turned me onto new acts as well, especially Trey Songz with Anticipation. Tracks like "Famous", "Scratchin Me Up", "Does She Know", "Infidelity", "You Belong to Me", "More Than That", and "It Would Be You" got me into Trey and really feelin his collabos with Drake.
Mixtapes were the canvas that fueled rap feuds, especially right after The Game left G-Unit and released Ghost Unit and You Know What It Is, Vol. 3, it has become a new outlet for pirating music, pushing back release dates, and leaking album singles. I enjoyed No Ceilings and the Dedications, but I am getting tired of Lil Wayne material flooding the airways on DatPiff.com with useless, redundant, and pre-released material. Just recently, Wayne released Blue Martian, which was full of horrible Young Money tracks that couldn't make it on any other Young Money releases and were hoping to ride on Wayne's success to gain more exposure for the crew.
On the other hand, I get to find new artists that are hot and follow them as they grow in the industry. I mean, Drake is one of my favorite rappers out right now just because of So Far Gone and Comeback Season, which in my mind could have easily been albums/main releases in themselves. Plus, you get to listen to underground stuff that record labels wouldn't ordinarily release, especially collaborations. Just release is Fan of a Fan, a collabo mixtape by Tyga and Chris Brown. Chris Brown is a great young talent even though his career is catching a lot of flaq and has hit a major roadblock with the whole Rihanna issue and Tyga is one of the more promising members of Young Money (other than Wayne, Drake and Jae Millz) and he always comes with straight fire. Tracks like "Ain't Thinkin About You" (a possible hit at Rihanna), "I'm So Raw", "Holla @ Me", and "G Shit" make the mixtape worthy of a good listen will definitely get your car bumpin. Truthfully, this mixtape was more well-put together than Bow Wow and Omarion's collabo album, Face Off. Mixtapes turned me onto new acts as well, especially Trey Songz with Anticipation. Tracks like "Famous", "Scratchin Me Up", "Does She Know", "Infidelity", "You Belong to Me", "More Than That", and "It Would Be You" got me into Trey and really feelin his collabos with Drake.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 3 - Summer of the Aftermath?
In the age of speculation over release dates, could this finally be the summer of Aftermath?
Eminem is making quick work of moving on from his scrapped Relapse 2 project and putting out new material for Recovery, his new LP tentatively set to be released June 18. With the release of "Despicable" (his best freestyle since the hilarious hit back at Mariah Carey in "Warning" and the best rhymes I have heard over two of the biggest beats of the year, "Over" and "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley") and the album's first (promo?) single, "Not Afraid" (over a ridiculous Boi-1da beat), Em brings back his gritty and hard flow and rhyme scheme that made him famous. A lot of fans and critics praised Relapse, but, personally, I thought it was trash. Relapse was predominantly made of filler tracks, which is uncharacteristic of an artist of Em's caliber, with only arguably three tracks ("Beautiful", "Must Be the Ganja", and "Crack a Bottle" [which won him a Grammy]) that I could put on replay and listen to without cringing. I don't care what anyone says, "3 a.m." is not good. While Dre provides a decent beat and production package on the track, it simply sounds like Em was confused when layin down his rhymes as his delivery is uncharacteristically and unpleasantly slow. His depression seeps through the lyrics and I feel worse after listening to the song (and after "My Mom" as well). Relapse was simply too depressing and serious from start to finish to be considered a "real" Em album. He's to get back to the fast flow and quick wit, wise cracking lyrics that everyone loves and that brought him fame, especially in "My Name Is", "Superman" and "Real Slim Shady", which were upbeat, comedic, and good (unlike his comedy attempt on Relapse, "We Made You", which was one of the worst tracks I have heard). Even the depressing songs on previous albums were enjoyable because he found an equal medium between seriousness and playfulness, especially "Cleanin Out My Closet", "When I'm Gone", "Like Toy Soldiers", and "Stan". With that said, I like Eminem, and while I don't necessarily agree that he is the Best Rapper Alive, I think he is one of the most able and willing to claim the throne, but he will have to impress me with Recovery to earn it.
After 10 years of ongoing speculation over the status of Detox, Dr. Dre has finally stated that the "most anticipated album of the decade" will be released this summer. Yah Yah, how many times have we heard that? People are definitely waiting for and definitely anticipating Dre pulling, well, a Dre and push the album back another decade; but this is the first time that he has ever stated he will be releasing a single within the next two weeks. I know he said that 3 weeks ago but I mean, it is Dre, we can't expect too much. Rest assured, the leaked beat is crazy; I can't wait to see what he does to fill out the beat with the help of super (and recently sobered up) producer Scott Storch as well as see how his lyrical skills have withstood the ultimate test of time. I'm not a huge Jay-Z fan as I feel he has too big of an ego and has sold out since In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (which I consider to be one of the best rap albums of all time) and I feel like his flow has suffered due to this, but I feel like Dre would not come out with something that wasn't up to his usual, and ridiculously high standards (the same standards that drove the likes of legendary rappers like Rakim, Busta Rhymes, and, even the (unlegendary) first lady of Ruff Ryders, Eve away from Aftermath). Detox's impending release is certainly something to hope for, but I've waited for 10 years, I think I can wait another month or two.
50 Cent delivered with a noteworthy release in Before I Self Destruct; however, I will admit it was way overhyped. Despite containing tracks such as "The Invitation", "Psycho", "Baby By Me", "Do You Think About Me", "Could've Been You", it cannot compare to Get Rich or Die Tryin', which is one of the best debut albums by any musician in history. "Psycho" is, I feel, a better Eminem collaborative track than "Patiently Waiting"; but the lead singles are not even close ("Baby By Me" vs. "In da Club", come on?). The album had a few forgettable tracks that were poor alternatives to the early released tracks, like the club banger "Get Up" and, my personal favorite, "I Get It In", which was one of the best Dre beats I had heard in a while. None the less, 50 is one of my favorites for his gritty style, flow, and voice that screams the pain of his upbringing and path to fame; and I fullheartedly agree with Ice-T that 50 is the last of a dying breed of Gangster Rappers, and coming from one of the pioneers of Gangster Rap (and his work with the King of gangster rap, Dr. Dre) that is saying something. With that said, the latest reports on Fif's direction for his next album, Black Magic, are troubling. Throughout his European tour, 50 has been tampering with techno beats since visiting European night clubs and sampling the DJ music. Fif is the next of a long line of today's rap stars to resort to techno beats to open up to a new market and attract more fans and I don't think its the best idea he's had. He states Black Magic will be a classic 50 Cent album, but just the mere thought of techno beats on the Prince of Gangster Rap's album is repulsive. I won't be able to judge until I hear the final product, but "Ayo Technology" was about the most synth I can take on a "classic" 50 album. Nonetheless, 50 ambitiously states the album will be ready by the summer.
New On iTunes:
B.o.B.- The Adventures of Bobby Ray
Bone Thugs n Harmony- Uni5: The World's Enemy
8Ball & MJG- Ten Toes Down
Trina- Amazin
Listen To:
Drake- Shut It Down (feat. The-Dream)
Jeezy- Lose My Mind (feat. Plies)
Eminem- Not Afraid
Shawty Lo- Atlanta, GA
Eminem is making quick work of moving on from his scrapped Relapse 2 project and putting out new material for Recovery, his new LP tentatively set to be released June 18. With the release of "Despicable" (his best freestyle since the hilarious hit back at Mariah Carey in "Warning" and the best rhymes I have heard over two of the biggest beats of the year, "Over" and "Beamer, Benz, or Bentley") and the album's first (promo?) single, "Not Afraid" (over a ridiculous Boi-1da beat), Em brings back his gritty and hard flow and rhyme scheme that made him famous. A lot of fans and critics praised Relapse, but, personally, I thought it was trash. Relapse was predominantly made of filler tracks, which is uncharacteristic of an artist of Em's caliber, with only arguably three tracks ("Beautiful", "Must Be the Ganja", and "Crack a Bottle" [which won him a Grammy]) that I could put on replay and listen to without cringing. I don't care what anyone says, "3 a.m." is not good. While Dre provides a decent beat and production package on the track, it simply sounds like Em was confused when layin down his rhymes as his delivery is uncharacteristically and unpleasantly slow. His depression seeps through the lyrics and I feel worse after listening to the song (and after "My Mom" as well). Relapse was simply too depressing and serious from start to finish to be considered a "real" Em album. He's to get back to the fast flow and quick wit, wise cracking lyrics that everyone loves and that brought him fame, especially in "My Name Is", "Superman" and "Real Slim Shady", which were upbeat, comedic, and good (unlike his comedy attempt on Relapse, "We Made You", which was one of the worst tracks I have heard). Even the depressing songs on previous albums were enjoyable because he found an equal medium between seriousness and playfulness, especially "Cleanin Out My Closet", "When I'm Gone", "Like Toy Soldiers", and "Stan". With that said, I like Eminem, and while I don't necessarily agree that he is the Best Rapper Alive, I think he is one of the most able and willing to claim the throne, but he will have to impress me with Recovery to earn it.
After 10 years of ongoing speculation over the status of Detox, Dr. Dre has finally stated that the "most anticipated album of the decade" will be released this summer. Yah Yah, how many times have we heard that? People are definitely waiting for and definitely anticipating Dre pulling, well, a Dre and push the album back another decade; but this is the first time that he has ever stated he will be releasing a single within the next two weeks. I know he said that 3 weeks ago but I mean, it is Dre, we can't expect too much. Rest assured, the leaked beat is crazy; I can't wait to see what he does to fill out the beat with the help of super (and recently sobered up) producer Scott Storch as well as see how his lyrical skills have withstood the ultimate test of time. I'm not a huge Jay-Z fan as I feel he has too big of an ego and has sold out since In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (which I consider to be one of the best rap albums of all time) and I feel like his flow has suffered due to this, but I feel like Dre would not come out with something that wasn't up to his usual, and ridiculously high standards (the same standards that drove the likes of legendary rappers like Rakim, Busta Rhymes, and, even the (unlegendary) first lady of Ruff Ryders, Eve away from Aftermath). Detox's impending release is certainly something to hope for, but I've waited for 10 years, I think I can wait another month or two.
50 Cent delivered with a noteworthy release in Before I Self Destruct; however, I will admit it was way overhyped. Despite containing tracks such as "The Invitation", "Psycho", "Baby By Me", "Do You Think About Me", "Could've Been You", it cannot compare to Get Rich or Die Tryin', which is one of the best debut albums by any musician in history. "Psycho" is, I feel, a better Eminem collaborative track than "Patiently Waiting"; but the lead singles are not even close ("Baby By Me" vs. "In da Club", come on?). The album had a few forgettable tracks that were poor alternatives to the early released tracks, like the club banger "Get Up" and, my personal favorite, "I Get It In", which was one of the best Dre beats I had heard in a while. None the less, 50 is one of my favorites for his gritty style, flow, and voice that screams the pain of his upbringing and path to fame; and I fullheartedly agree with Ice-T that 50 is the last of a dying breed of Gangster Rappers, and coming from one of the pioneers of Gangster Rap (and his work with the King of gangster rap, Dr. Dre) that is saying something. With that said, the latest reports on Fif's direction for his next album, Black Magic, are troubling. Throughout his European tour, 50 has been tampering with techno beats since visiting European night clubs and sampling the DJ music. Fif is the next of a long line of today's rap stars to resort to techno beats to open up to a new market and attract more fans and I don't think its the best idea he's had. He states Black Magic will be a classic 50 Cent album, but just the mere thought of techno beats on the Prince of Gangster Rap's album is repulsive. I won't be able to judge until I hear the final product, but "Ayo Technology" was about the most synth I can take on a "classic" 50 album. Nonetheless, 50 ambitiously states the album will be ready by the summer.
New On iTunes:
B.o.B.- The Adventures of Bobby Ray
Bone Thugs n Harmony- Uni5: The World's Enemy
8Ball & MJG- Ten Toes Down
Trina- Amazin
Listen To:
Drake- Shut It Down (feat. The-Dream)
Jeezy- Lose My Mind (feat. Plies)
Eminem- Not Afraid
Shawty Lo- Atlanta, GA
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Day 2 - April 27th, 2010: Kush & OJ
A bit off topic but the first time I heard about the concept of Kush & OJ as a mixtape a couple of months before its release, I thought it would be a collabo album between OJ da Juiceman and Wiz Khalifa as they were both on the XXL Magazine Top 10 Freshmen List for this year, which I was a little sceptical about. I don’t care what people say, OJ da Juiceman and the whole Brick Squad crew is trash. Gucci Mane is the most overhyped rapper this year bar none. He relies too heavily on dope beats and production by heavy hitters in the game, like Bangladesh, Scott Storch, Polow da Don, and up-and-comer FATBOI, but it is not enough to hide his lackluster lyrical performance. Everything from his flow to his word play is mediocre at best. His delivery is slowed by stupid sounds like “burrr” and “uhhhh”. His rhymes are elementary and his voice, in many instances, is annoying. Gucci is also known as one of the worst freestylers in the game. XXL Magazine was way off in naming Gucci the next best rapper. With that said, I have liked him in a couple of Collabos, especially “Shine Blockers” by Big Boi off of his debut solo album Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty. Next is Wacka Flocka Flame who is arguably the worst in the crew. ”O Let’s Do It” is one of the worst songs I have heard this year and the only reason he became famous is because his mom is Gucci’s manager and she, most likely, insisted on Gucci signing him to Brick Squad despite little hype surrounding Waka in the underground. To round it out, OJ was mediocre on Jadakiss’s “Who’s Real” but his lyricism has fallen into the trap of rapping about the most meaningless topics, for example “Silver Hummer on 8’s”, who cares. ”Make tha Trap Say Aye”, the song that made OJ famous, is one of the most underproduced songs, along with “You’re a Jerk” by New Boyz, with what sounds like static interference in the background and a lowered master volume on both the keys and the mic; and, to boot, the beat was not even good, it actually sounded like organs. Second, what does making the “Trap Say Aye” even mean. OJ continues with a chorus that is typical of today’s southern snap-rap generation of “Quarter brick, half a brick, whole brick (Aay)…..”, just horrible. XXL Magazine named him a Top 10 Freshman for 2010, so who knows maybe they see something I don’t, and plus he has a dope ass chain.
I am really feelin Wiz right now. On the downside, his flow/voice is monotonous, which I believe takes away from his true skill because people just get bored listening to it due to the lack of energy coming through the mic; and his lyrical message is too repetitive: “I love weed and I smoke all day, you should too”. It gets a bit repetitive. In my opinion, many tracks (especially “Pedal to the Medal”) on Kush & OJ had the potential of being a meaningful track that showed his true potential as a lyricist and a “mic-commanding” rapper but he decided to fall back into his comfort zone, and even began to stray from the party rap style that got him “widescale” national recognition for example in “Say Yeah”. Wiz did not come into the game known as the “weed” rapper, like a Devin the Dude type. He started out with tracks like “Youngin On His Grind” and “All In My Blood” (off of Show and Prove, which I think waspretty legit and mature for afirst attempt, especially for an 18 year old [I think he was 18]), which talked about his adolescence in Pittsburgh (and some of the stereotypical “money” talk). While his lyrics, as well as song and mixtape titles, don’t vary much nor stray far from the underlying message and energy of the song of smoking a ton of weed, I still love it because of his dope beats and his ridiculous, silky-smooth as well as krisp flow. I was a big fan of Burn After Rolling as well as the majority of Deal or No Deal. Some tracks to watch out for and give a good listen to are: “Mesmorized”, “Visions”, “Still Blazin”, “The Kid Frankie” (which has an old west coast retro beat, almost a morph between Roger Troutman, Snoop Dogg, and Eazy E/NWA beats), “Pedal to the Medal”, “Never Been”, “Glass House”, and “In the Cut”.
Other rappers to look out for on the underground circuit are:
Tabi Bonney
Shad
Murs & 9th Wonder
Blu
Fashawn
Curren$y
Little Brother
Take a Listen (Unreleased):
Drake- Shut It Down (feat. The-Dream)
Nipsey Hussle- Army All By Myself (feat. Jay Rock & 2Pac)
Both great heavy hitters on the west coast
Latest Releases on iTunes:
B.o.B.- Adventures of Bobby Ray
Cypress Hill- Rise Up
Rap Aficionado Day 1
This is to commemorate the start of Tim Bautz rap blogging. Tim himself is THE rap aficionado, and soon the world will know why. Tim will rant about topics concerning, rap/hip-hop history, current events, news, songs, albums, the industry, ect. Enjoy!
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