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
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
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
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