Thursday, December 30, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
DIDDY-DIRTY MONEY/ LAST TRAIN TO PARIS/ BAD BOY/ INTERSCOPE/ RATING: 3/5
Diddy's train to Paris seems to have had a few detours since he annouced last year, that he was dropping a concept album with his girl group Dirty Money. After being stuck on the train tracks for a year, Diddy-Dirty Money's Last Train To Paris finally reaches its destination to stores, and surprisingly the wait was worth checking out. Never the one to have lyrical prowess, Diddy has managed to turn out pretty decent dance numbers, while Dirty Money's Dawn Richards and Kalenna Harper compliment the legendary mogul, by filling in the holes, that Diddy can't fill (i.e. singing). Diddy-Dirty Money doesn't go on this journey to find love alone. On an album who's guest list is as diverse, featuring the likes of Grace Jones to Wiz Khalifa, it might sound like it won't work, but DDM pull it off. Album high lights include the club ready-Swizz Beatz assisted-"Ass On The Floor"--who's concept is more about love lost rather than getting your asses on the dance floor. While Diddy's singing is not something most would like to hear, and the good thing about that is that he has equal sharing time on the mic with more seasoned crooners (i.e. Usher on "Looking For Love", Chris Brown on "Yesterday" and Justin Timberlake on "Shades"). Diddy's best crowning acheivement when he's singing comes in the form of "Loving You No More" featuring Drake. The downside to LTTP is that, Diddy sometimes plays background to his own songs, and Dirty Money could have got more mic time to showcase their talents. Production duties range from Danja, Mario Winans, Swizz Beatz, J-Lack (Usher's young brother) among others. LTTP is an upgraded version of Diddy's last effort 2006's Press Play, and Diddy feels more comfortable to push the boundries of his music. Sean Combs along with his Dirty Money crew has created an album that's equally sound and entertaining, and really that's all you need at the end of the day.
Friday, December 24, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: T.I./ NO MERCY/ GRAND HUSTLE/ ATLANTIC/ RATING: 4/5
2010 saw T.I. released from a year-and-a-day-prison-sentence early this year, only to see him sent back to prison for an additional 11 months for violating his probation on September 1st. The parole violation was yet another setback for the self-proclaimed "King of the South", but what about the music? Originally entitled King Uncaged, when the title was annouced last summer, TIP, had to do a quick title change to reflect his current situation. Finally, the much-delayed- No Mercy will be T.I.'s next shot on his road to redemption. Surprisingly, No Mercy is rather upbeat for a man who has seen more dark days than light ones. TIP only touches on his jail- time on tracks like the album's title track featuring The-Dream, the Christina Aguilea- featured "Castle Walls", and the Neptunes-produced-Chris Brown-assisted lead single "Get Back Up". The latter, finds the King coming clean, with lines like: " I admit, yeah, I done some dumb shit/ Disappointed everybody I know/ Try not to hold that against me though/ My road to redemption has no GPS/ So guess the time must be invested/ For this to be manifested." While most songs gravitate towards the clubs (i.e. "Strip" featuring Young Dro and Trey Songz and "Poppin Bottles" with Drake). T.I. is at his best when he's not jumping on furniture in VIP and takes a more retrospective route. The church organ-filled "How Life Changed" features Scarface and the orginal Queen of Hip Hop soul, Mitchelle'l, and is one of the album's strongest cuts. On "That's All She Wrote" (arguably the best song on the album) finds TIP reuniting with Eminem, as the two MC's go on a rampage and deliver some compelling verses. No Mercy at times can feel rushed, due to the time contraint when it was constructed, and it doesn't have the pizazz of his last effort Paper Trail (considered by some to be his best work next to Urban Legend), but the album does have many bright spots and is entertaining throughout, because of T.I.'s undeiable talent. Let's just hope TIP has learned from his past mistakes, so the next time around, his path towards redemption is a smoother one.
Friday, December 17, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: LLOYD BANKS/ THE HUNGER FOR MORE 2/ G-UNIT / EMI/ RATING: 4/5
Lloyd Banks is no stranger to success. Back in 2004, he released his debut album, The Hunger For More, that racked up a million in sales and added another platinum plaque to G-Unit's then-already impressive run. Though Lloyd Banks instant success made the Punch Line King a legit mention among the game's top MC's, the recognition did little to overshadow his mentor, 50 Cent. Also Banks' sophomore effort, Rotten Apple recieved underwhelming attention, and Interscope Records dropped him a few years later. Now, determined to stand outside of 50' s shadow, Blue Hefner returns with his third disc, The Hunger For More 2, the sequel to his stellar debut. Rejuvenated and refocused--the hunger is felt on the Tony Yayo-assisted "Take 'Em To War". Banks comes out firing, spitting on the hook, "Fuck talkin'/ Let's take 'em to war/ Drama after drama/ Til they layin on the floor/ What the fuck do you take me for?/ Eye for an eye/ Time to even up the score/ I rather be not here than hungry/ I'm sick when I'm not near my money/ They want me to lose/ But I'ma win/ I made it there before/ And I'ma make it there again". Unlike his mentor, Banks has extended an olive branch to artist who were once targets or associated with many of 50's battles. Case and point, Styles P (of the Lox) pops up on "Unexplainable", Juelz Santana (of Diplomats) is featured on the album's first single, "Beamer,Benz or Bentley", former Murder Inc. crooner Lloyd, lends his vocal chops to the radio friendly "Any Girl", and Kanye West can be heard on the album's posse cut "Start It Up". The latter also features Swizz Beatz, Ryan Leslie, and Fabolous. Banks is backed by relatively unknown producers, who deliver the perfect back drop to match Lloyd Banks' aggressive bars. The good thing about HFM2 is that 50's presence is almost nonexsistent (he only appears on the hook to "Big Payback (P's and Q's)") this was done intentionally to showcase Banks as his own artist. The bad thing about Banks latest disc, is the bloated guest list, but the good thing about this is that Banks holds his own, and never really gets outshined on his own song. HFM2 is above all else, a solid comeback from one of the game's best.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: CURREN$Y / PILOT TALK II / DD172/ RATING: 3.5/5
Curren$y continues to build on his JETS brand. After deciding to opt out of Lil' Wayne's Young Money label a few years back to go for dolo, the Hot Spitta has developed a cult-like following of his own. Backed by Damon Dash's DD172 imprint and Ski Beatz' (Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt) breezy production , Curren$y returns with Pilot Talk II ( his second album this year). Picking up where Pilot Talk left off, Spitta sets the mood with the eerie horns of "Airborne Aquarium", a moody number produced by the aforementioned Ski Beatz and the Senseis ( who produced eight of the album's thirteen tracks). Curren$y spits: " Rearview clear vision memories of paid dues/ Confined to a runway/ Thunderstorms came through/ But look what it came to/ Somethin that amazes you/ Soon as you quit hatin' / And hear what I gotta say to you". The vivid wordplay continues on the '80's inspired "Michael Knight", named after David Hasselhoff's character from the popular TV show Knight Rider. The JETS general puts his pimp hand down with lines like, " I fill your jacuzzi with them groupies/ Make it a bird bath/ Miss me? / No you didn't bitch/ With that bullshit 'Miss me'/ Tryna claim Spitta name/ Tryna be Mrs. Me/ All of that kicks to me/ Silly Rabbit trickery/ You only around/ Because my spot is where you wish to be/ Hope to catch me sleeping by being freaky/ But baby girl/ Let me be the first to say its not that easy / I wasn't born yesterday / Nor later on that evenin/ Just had to get that out the way/ And make the playing field even". Curren$y subject matter remains the same throughout , as: weed, money and girls dominate PTII'S topics. When Spitta does try to change things up, it comes off as forced. A clear example is "Silence" , where Curren$y's lazy flow, equipped with singer Mckenzie Eddy's boring hook can make you fall asleep at the cockpit. Luckily Curren$y regains his footing with tracks like the Monsta Beatz composition "Fashionably Late", "A Gee", and his JETS conrads , Young Roddy and Trademark make two appearances on "Flight Briefing" and "Hold On". The former finds Curren$y boasting , " Yo bitch want that vitamin D/ She lookin desperate/ Bullshit convo/ 5 minutes invested / Now she butt-naked/ Lying to you via text message". PTII doesn't do much to change the foundation its predecessor left, but more like build on it it. While we wish Curren$y would try new ways to talk his fly guy bravado, still, you can't help but love the fact that the kid from N.O.'s drive is to remain higher than 30,000 feet above the clouds. JETS...fool!
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Monday, December 6, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: NE-YO/ LIBRA SCALE / DEF JAM / RATING: 4/5
Ne-Yo is already considered to be one of this generation's most revered and talented singer/songwriters. Known for lending his pen skills to the likes of Beyonce' to Rihanna . Ne-Yo is indeed a master in the art of R&B in the conventional and traditional sense of the word. Ne-Yo returns with Libra Scale, a concept album that pays homage to Japanese culture, comic books , Sci-fi flicks and the late , great Michael Jackson. The ghost of the King of Pop can be heard throughout Libra Scale, as Ne-Yo channels the iconic ,deceased star as he takes you on a ride through the paranormal."Champagne Life" invokes MJ circa 1979 with its upbeat , and smooth vibes. Ne-Yo set out to make a movie on wax , making his production just as grand and larger than life as the lyrics that back them up. On the appropriately titled "Making A Movie" , Ne-Yo plays director as he searches for his leading-lady, singing, " Come here girl/ we making a movie/ And the director is me/ So when I yell 'cut' / We gon' leave" Ne-Yo then slows down for the chilled out , sweet horns of "Know Your Name" where we find the Ne-Yo in full gentleman mode trying to sweep a woman he discovers off her feet, "Looking at you girl, I see so much/ Like me and you/ Becoming us/ But in your eyes/ I can see why / People write love songs/ And if God allows/ I can see how / I could love you for so long". Ne-Yo then captivates on the bedroom starter "Telekinesis" as he asks a certain lady , well in this case ALL women "Have you ever had someone take the time/ To sex your body/ But also sex your mind?" As he offers the chance to touch you without touching you. On the Ryan Leslie-score and Fabolous-guest featured "Crazy Love", Ne-Yo sings about reckless love with his significant other , while Fabolous raps, "You wanna start it first / And get the last word/ You wanna lock me down / And get the password...in the bedroom I gotta few screws loose/ The head's Coo-Coo/ Backshots psycho / Hit it from the back hard/ Hope you got Geico". Other standout tracks is "One In A Million" and the album closer "What Have I Done" , both sound like tracks that Michael Jackson would have made if he was still here. The latter finds Ne-Yo telling the tale of a relationship gone wrong because of his irresponsiblity, and the aftermath it caused. He remorsefully sings, " Time on my hands/ To sit and think about what I did wrong/ ...There's blood on my hands/ Guilty party/ Aint no secret I'm the one/ I'm responsible for this/ Sure as the moon shines / Because I'm the sun/ What have I done?" Closing the song with these sentiments, " I'm to blame/ Love is privilege/ And not a game". While the album is indeed one of Ne-Yo's best work, songs like the techno- inspired "Beautiful Monster" fails, and falls in the same vain of previous records from his catalog (i.e. 2008's "Closer") While the mishaps come few and far in between, (it had to, since the album is comprised of only 10 songs) the rest of the album is about as complete as any R&B album your going to get and quite frankly speaking , one of the best R&B albums of the year.
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ALBUM REVIEW: NICKI MINAJ / PINK FRIDAY/ YOUNG MONEY /CASH MONEY/ UNIVERSAL/ RATING: 3.5/5
Over the past decade the status of the female MC has declined. The last female rapper to make any significance on the charts was Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot, to her credit her 2002 single "Work It" shot up to the top of the charts. Enter Onika Maraj (Nicki Minaj) the lone female rapper in Lil' Wayne's Young Money crew. Just like her mentor , Wayne, Nicki Minaj made a name for herself by hitting the mixtape scene , and making note-worthy guest appearances from the likes of Mariah Carey to Gucci Mane. Her buzz generated so much attention that even the Jiggaman himself, Jay-Z brought her on stage at Yankee Stadium for his historic Home and Home Tour with Eminem this past September. After watching her fellow Young Money label mate , Drake, drop his much anticipated ,successful opus, Thank Me Later over the summer , the hip hop world soon turned their eyes on Nicki to see if she could deliver another home run for her Young Money camp , while also fill the void of the missing femcees in the rap game. Nicki Minaj shoulders the pressure with the equally anticipated Pink Friday. The festivities begin with the synth -heavy album opener "I'm The Best". The song, if nothing less is an achievement in itself as Nicki Minaj brings forth her declaration, and also keeping in mind what's at stake: "I hear their coming for me/ Because the top is lonely/ What the fuck they gon' say? / I'm the best..." She belts on the hook. What makes Nicki Minaj an intriguing figure in the world of music is not just based on her style , as she is sometimes considered the Lady GaGa of rap, but her outlandish, at times bizarre delivery on the mic. The culprit for this eccentric behavior can be credited to her alter-ego Roman Zolansky. Nicki had gone on record to say she tries to keep her inner split personality hidden, but at times Roman gets the best of her, and she can't be held accountable for Roman's actions. With that being said , the album's most controversial track "Roman's Revenge" finds Roman sharing mic duties with another rapper's alter-ego , Eminem's Slim Shady. The two go on a rampage over Swizz Beatz frantic track. The track is rumored to be a subliminal diss toward reigning Queen Bee , Lil' Kim, who has recently been going back and forth with the new jack, Nicki over biting the Queen's style. Nicki--oops , I mean Roman sends warning shots to a "has-been" rapper by spitting "Is this the thanks that I get for putting you bitches on?/ Is it my fault that all you bitches gone?...'Nicki she just mad cause you took the spot'/ Word, that bitch mad cause I took the spot?/ Well bitch if you ain't shittin, then get off the pot/ Got some niggas out in Brooklyn, that'll off your top" While Slim Shady uses a female as a metaphor for life with these not so friendly bars: "I swear to God/ Life's a dumb , blond, white broad/ With fake tits /And a bad dye job/ Who just spit in my fuckin face...so I tied her arms and legs to the bed/ And set up the camera and pissed twice on her/ Look, two peas in a tripod". On the Bangladesh-number "Did It On'em" Roman pops up again stating : "She ain't a Nicki fan/ Then the bitch deaf-dumb/ You ain't my son/ You my muthafuckin step-son". When Nicki Minaj does take control of her album she displays a side we rarely see from her---vulnerability. On "Save Me" Nicki Minaj shows off her singing chops as she humbly bares her all over the sparse track, singing, " It's not your fault I'm a bitch / I'm a monster/ Yes, I'm a beast/ And I feast when I conquer/ But , I'm alone on my thrown/ All these witches / I came this way/ All this way just to say/ This time won't you save me/ Baby I can feel myself giving up". Moments like these brings more layers to Nicki Minaj that we really don't see, and its just as entertaining. Another album highlight is the Drake-feature "Moment 4 Life". Nicki and Drake reunite after Drake's "Up All Night" to deliver a stirring performance about cherishing life's most intimate moments. Drake sums it all up , closing his verse with, "Man, this one for the books/ Man, I swear this shit is as fun as it looks/ Man, I'm trying to make it more than what it is/ Cause everybody dies/ But not everybody lives". Pink Friday is not without its short-comings. The will.i.am produced and featured-"Check It Out" suffers from just being downright cheesy, and while "Your Love" was a number one hit for Nicki Minaj , the song sounds like a filler compared to the other gems that could have been better choices. Even when she teams up with Kanye West for "Blazin" the hook is stagnant and becomes annoying upon a further listen. Pink Friday still has something to offer, but its not what some may have expected with all the hype surrounded by it. What Nicki Minaj has done more than anything with Pink Friday is become a voice for female rappers who have up until this moment been silent. That is a testament to her star-power, because there hasn't been any doubt that Nicki Minaj is indeed a star, and if you beg to differ than your just deaf-dumb.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
TRACK LISTING FOR T.I.'s "NO MERCY" REVEALED!
The track listing to incarcerated rapper T.I. leaked online early last week. The album features guest appearances from Kanye West to Christina Aguilera, and production from Swizz Beatz and the Neptunes. Album hits stores December 7th.
TRACK LISTING FOR NO MERCY:
1. Welcome To The World feat. Kanye West & KiD CuDi
2. How Life Changed feat. Michelle'l & Scarface
3. Get Back Up feat. Chris Brown
4. I Can't Help It feat. Rocko
5. That's All She Wrote feat. Eminem
6. No Mercy feat. The -Dream
7. Big Picture
8. Strip feat. Young Dro & Trey Songz
9. Salute
10. Amazing feat. Pharrell
11. Everything On Me
12. Poppin' Bottles feat. Drake
13. Lay Me Down
14. Castle Walls feat. Christina Aguilera
JAY-Z DECODED IN STORES NOW!!!!
Rapper/Mogul, Jay-Z can now add author to his already impressive resume'. Jay-Z debuts with his autobiography entitled, Decoded. In the book, Hov breaks down the lyrics to more than 30 of his most revered songs, while also giving the reader a piece of his early upbringings all the way to the Hip Hop titan he has become today.
Monday, November 22, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: KID CUDI/ MAN ON THE MOON II: THE LEGEND OF MR. RAGER/ G.O.O.D. MUSIC/ RATING: 3.5/5
The trials and tribulations of Scott Mescudi a.k.a. Kid Cudi has been documented like CNN coverage. The troubled emcee has had his share of pitfalls over the past year, most recently , his arrest on possession of what reports claim was "liquid cocaine". Originally planned as a collaboration album, Kid Cudi's sophomore Man On The Moon II : The Legend Of Mr. Rager revisits those dark themes of his debut released just a year ago. The theatrical-inspired disc is set up as a sequel that finds Cudi as the main character, battling his demons that seem to be hell bent on keeping a dark cloud over his head. Backed by Emile's moody production, the Cee-Lo Green-assisted album opener "Scott Mescudi VS. The World" takes listeners on a journey that sets up the rest of the album, which just like its first installment , is divided into 5 acts. Mary J. Blige can be considered a supporting actress along side Kid Cudi, as she lends her vocals to two tracks. The first of these collaborations is "Don't Play This Song", which finds Cudi rapping about trying to get his mind right , while Mary sings on the hook: "People think they really being helpful/ By telling me to please be careful/ Yeah right!" The themes of depression, paranoia, drugs, and regret run frequently throughout. Thus this sets up the introduction to Kid Cudi's alter-ego Mr. Rager (hence the album's title). Mr. Rager takes the audience to even darker places."The End" is a stand out track that features GLC, Nicole Wray and a compelling-guest-stealing verse from Chip The Ripper. While the album is good, you get a sense that Kid Cudi still hasn't truly defeated his demons and the aforementioned themes begin to become repetitive. On "Ghost!" Cudi sums up his entire existence in a nutshell: "Gotta get it through my thick head/ I was so close to being dead/ Life, live it/ With not many help tips/ Man I'm just walkin'/ Without bein' lead...The beginning is always followed by the end/ So in between time/ I'm not running or hidin'/ Things do come around / And make sense eventually". MOTMII is a interesting journey through the eyes of a youngster ,who is still trying to find his footing in a world that sometimes can swallow you faster than quicksand. Hopefully, Kid Cudi can finish off his demons and make that happy ending before the final credits roll.
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Friday, November 19, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: KANYE WEST/ MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY / ROC-A-FELLA/ ISLAND DEF JAM/ RATING: 5/5
A year ago, Mr. West became the music industry's public enemy No.1. Just days after his infamous- Taylor Swift -incident at the VMA's, Kanye got-the-hell-out-of-country and spent the remainder of the year out of the spotlight and doing a lot of self-evaluation . When it was time for Kanye West to return to the studio to make music, he had one goal in mind: Make music that will transcend, change and push the boundaries of hip hop like never before. The ending result is an epic masterpiece on wax. Kanye West uses My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as a platform to fight his inner demons ,and cement his name as a rap Goliath. The manifesto begins with the piano-driven ,old school bass line of "Dark Fantasy" Ye' boasts, "I'm just a Chi-town nigga with a NaS flow" or dropping clever lines like, "Too many Urkels on your team/ That's why your Winslow ( wins low)". The KiD CuDi and Raekwon assisted- "Gorgeous" finds West at his most lyrical." Is hip-hop is just a euphemism for a new religion?/ The soul music of the slaves/ That the youth is missing/ But this is more than just my road to redemption / Malcolm West had the whole nation standing at attention...I thought I chose a field where they couldn't sack me/ If a nigga a shootin' a jump shot or runnin' a track meet/But this pimp is at the top of Mount Olympus/ Ready for the world's games / This is my Olympics/ We make 'em say 'ho' cause the game so pimpish/ Choke a South Park writer with a fish stick...remind me when they had Ali enlisted/ If I wasn't the greatest/ Nigga, I must've missed it". The thing that makes Fantasy a force is not really driven by lyrical wordplay , because Kanye West has shown in year's past that he is one of the game's most gifted wordsmiths. What makes Kanye's fifth opus a true gem is the instrumentation.'Ye goes for the gusto by orchestrating a musical utopia of sonic sounds , that his peers have dared not to pursue. The triumphant horns of "All Of The Lights" and its "We Are The World" like numbers in guest appearances , hands down devours anything everyone else in the music industry is making, because everyone else isn't as crazy as Kanye West - and I meant that as a compliment. From the eerie backdrop of "Monster" to the distorted sounds of "Hell Of A Life", Kanye West has created a soundtrack that would make the greatest of Rock 'n' Roll God's blush. Only a talent of the likes of Kanye could have a guest list as diverse as found on Fantasy (i.e. Jay-Z to Elton John to Chris Rock) or hold your attention for nine mintues plus on "Runaway". With Fantasy, Kanye West has raised a bar so high, that even he might find it impossible to reach. But when your mind is as twisted as Kanye's (pun intended) , reaching for the unreachable is what is expected of you. Isn't that what being a genius is all about anyway?
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Sunday, October 31, 2010
PINK FRIDAY TRACK LIST LEAKS ONLINE!!!
Hip hop's reigning queen, Nicki Minaj, is set to release one of the most anticipated rap albums from a female artist in recent memory. The track list for Nicki's Pink Friday leaked over the weekend. The guest list features the likes of will.i.am, Rihanna, Kanye West, Drake, and Eminem. Pink Friday is slated for November 22nd.
TRACK LIST FOR PINK FRIDAY:
1. I'm The Best
2. Roman's Revenge (Featuring Eminem)
3. Did It On'em
4. Right Thru Me
5. Fly (Featuring Rihanna)
6. Save Me
7. Moment 4 Life (Featuring Drake)
8. Check It Out (Featuring will.i.am)
9. Blazin' (Featuring Kanye West)
10. Here I Am
11. Dear Old Nicki
12. Your Love
13. Last Chance (Featuring Natasha Bedingfield)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
JAY-Z/ KANYE WEST ALBUM IS NOW A FULL-LENGTH PROJECT, NO LONGER EP!!!
Mr. West has now said that his first collaborative effort with big brother/ mentor Jay-Z, called Watch The Throne, is no longer an EP, as we expected it to be. "We putting out a whole album now." That's what Kanye told MTV's Sway. "We'll probably be done with the album in one day," he later added. This will be Kanye's first collaborative album, and Jay's third. Hov has worked in the past with Linkin Park, and another Chicagoan, R. Kelly, for their Best Of Both Worlds project.
Monday, October 25, 2010
KANYE WEST'S TRACK LIST FOR MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY IS REVEALED!!!
Kanye West sat down with MTV during the premiere of his short-film, Runaway to discuss his forthcoming album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. "We gotta make a decision by tomorrow (about the track list). So there's maybe 13 or 14 tracks, but they are way produced. Far from any bootleg, far from any hacker. A hacker, man, can't give you what I can give you once its the whole product."
*HERE IS THE TRACK LIST FOR MY BEAUTIFUL DARK TWISTED FANTASY:
1. Dark Fantasy
2. Gorgeous (Feat. Kid Cudi & Raekwon)
3. Power
4. All Of The Lights (Feat. Rihanna)
5. Monster (Feat. Rick Ro$$, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver)
6. So Appalled (Feat. Jay-Z, Pusha T, CyHi Da Prince, Swizz Beatz & Rza)
7. Devil In A New Dress
8. Runaway (Feat. Pusha T)
9. Hell Of A Life
10. Blame Game (Feat. John Legend & Pusha T)
11. Lost In The World
12. See Me Now (Feat. Beyonce' & Charlie Wilson) [Bonus]
13. Mama's Boy [Bonus]
*Subject to change
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
NEXT UP: STA-LO
Henry "STA-LO" Turner is a rapper hailing from Detroit, MI , by way of Milwaukee, WI. As a young upstart, STA-LO (which is an acronym for Stay True Always Live Once) developed a passion for writing rhymes. His earliest influences were the likes of Slick Rick and Ice Cube. Later stating that Biggie, 2pac , and Jay-Z have also played a role into crafting his skills. Known for his gritty storytelling abilities, worldly wordplay, and true- to-nature attitude, STA-LO has been on the grind for years. The wordsmith has released two street albums: 9-1-79 and I'm Focused, respectively. The rapper is set to release his third and most revered body of work, Street Music.
The confirmed track list for Street Music:
1. INTRO TO THE STREETS
2. MASK N HOODIE
3. NOBODY BETTER
4. GRIND N HUSTLE
5. U FEEL ME
6. THE BADDEST MUTHAFUCKA (FEAT. BLACK)
7. RIDE AND SMOKE
8. YOU WANT MY LOVE
9. CLAP FOR HIM (FEAT. J. BLAQ)
10. MY DUDE ( THE HUSTLA, THE PROM QUEEN, THE RAPPER)
11. MY WAY (FEAT. ZOE)
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Tuesday, October 19, 2010
EMINEM & RIHANNA GEARING UP FOR "LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE" SEQUEL??
Looks like Eminem is teaming up with pop singer, Rihanna again. Justjared.com has confirmed that the duo will reunite for the sequel to Eminem's number 1 single "Love The Way You Lie". The new song is said to be included on Rihanna's upcoming album, LOUD, which is slated for November 16.
Monday, October 18, 2010
KANYE BANNED IN THE USA???
Kanye West made headlines today (October 18)when he took to his Twitter account to unveil the new cover art for his highly anticipated opus, My Beautiful Twisted Fantasy, and in dong so, created a media frenzy. The controversial album cover is a panting depicting a man ( Kanye we assume) on the couch with a nude woman sitting on top of him, with wings and a tail. The piece of artwork was instantly banned by some US stores, because of the explicit images. Kanye tweeted: "BANNED IN THE USA!!! They don't want me chillin on the couch with my phoenix." Later adding: "In all honesty...I really don't be thinking about Wal-Mart when I make my music or album covers #Kanyeshrug!" My Beautiful Twisted Fantasy hits stores November 22nd
Saturday, October 16, 2010
T.I. SENTENCED TO 11 MONTHS!!
T.I. (born name, Clifford Harris) is headed back to prison Friday (October 15) after a federal Judge sentenced the rapper to 11 months. Last month T.I. and his wife, Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were arrested, when thier Maybach was pulled over in Los Angeles. The police discovered drugs in the vehicle and later reports revealed that the rapper tested positive for opiates. This comes fresh off the heals of T.I.'s recent prison sentence, Stemming from his infamous October 2007 arrest, when he had to serve a year and a day behind bars for trying to purchase illegal firearms.
DRAKE REVEALS THAT HE WROTE "UN-THINKABLE (I'M READY)" BY ALICIA KEYS FOR NICKI MINAJ
Drake has came out and finally revealed who inspired him to pen the Alicia Keys' song "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)". "It is (about Minaj), I'm not gonna lie," Drake said. "The concept came from a conversation we had...I wrote it based off two things: Number 1, based off that and two, based off Alicia and Swizz and their situation." In the latest issue of Complex magazine, Nicki Minaj also revealed that the song was about her. "You know what else he told me he wrote for me? The Alicia Keys song "I'm Ready". I happen to love that song. I never told anyone that. I hope he won't get mad that I said that." Drake has said that in a recent interview that he has always had a crush on Nicki Minaj.
ALICIA KEYS AND SWIZZ BEATZ WELCOME A BABY BOY!!!
Singer, Alicia Keys, 29, and husband/producer Swizz Beatz, 32, are the proud parents of newborn son, Egypt Daord Dean. This is Alicia's first child, while Swizz has three children from a previous relationship. The couple married on July 31 of this year.
Friday, October 15, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: GUCCI MANE/ THE APPEAL: GEORGIA'S MOST WANTED/ 1017 BRICK SQUAD/ WARNER BROS./ASYLUM
Radric Davis b.k.a. Gucci Mane, has had his fair share of being on the wrong side of the law, since he first stepped on the scene back in 2005. After beating a murder rap, dueling with fellow ATLien, Young Jeezy, and countless setbacks that could have kept his career on ice, Gucci Mane continued to push his unorthodox-coke-inspired-nasal- style-flow to the masses until his name was in bright lights. Things were looking up for Gucci last year, until he found himself in a familiar place--behind bars. Just days before his album The State vs. Radric Davis hit stores, Gucci had to sit from the sidelines and watch his peers shine for the rest of the year. Now a free man, and a new outlook on life, Gucci Mane returns with The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted. Surprisingly, the this album is Gucci Mane's best material to date. Using his new crossover appeal, Gucci expands his musical landscape and brings in the game's top producers and artists. The Swizz Beatz--produced first single, "Gucci Time" finds Gucci at his best: "Cut the fuckin' lights on/ All this ice on/ No need to cut the lights on", as the hook states. The best cut is the unlikely pairring of Gucci Mane and Skateboard P. The Neptunes' angelic cords on "Haterade" is easily the standout track on the album. Equipped with a certified number 1 hook courtesy of Pharrell, and a guest verse from Nicki Minaj, the song finds Gucci and Nicki talking about their inspirational rise to the top, while laughing at the haters who said they wouldn't succeed. "Grown Man" features another odd collaboration, Estelle, and it is another step forward in Gucci's evolving music career. For those who think Gucci has done a complete switch-up , need to not worry. Mane reunites with producer Zaytoven on the songs "Missing" and "Brand New" and both are classic Gucci. The album is not without flaws. Filler tracks like the generic "Party Animal" and "Weirdo" have no playback factor, and Gucci's sometimes lazy flow can become annoying after a number of listens. Still, The Appeal, is a positive step in the right direction for Mr. La Flare. This album proves that Gucci does have staying power, and isn't afraid to try different things, which is rare in a rap world full of copy cats. Gucci Mane continues to grow, whether you like it or not, you still gotta respect his hustle. BURRRR! I rate this 4/5
ALBUM REVIEW: WAKA FLOCKA FLAME/ FLOCKAVELI/ 1017 BRICK SQUAD/ ASYLUM/ WARNER BROS.
Sometimes all you need is the right beat, and a catchy hook to propel you to stardom. Waka Flocka Flame is a prime example of what happens when you use the correct formula to make a name for yourself, oh yeah, and being cool with Gucci Mane, doesn't hurt either. When Waka released his keyboard-driven first single "O' Lets Do It" last spring, the song got so much buzz even rap vets Diddy and Rick Ro$$ jumped aboard to add their bravado to the young upstart from Atlanta, for the remix to the catchy single. Fast forward to October and Flocka is still i the driver's seat, ready to run down any nay-sayers that think his 15 minutes is up. The Pac-inspired title to his debut, Flockaveli, has already got the industry and fans attention since the title was annouced over the summer. Unfortunately, after a few spins of Flockaveli, the listener will be hit with a barrage of filler tracks and unispired rhymes. Flocka Flame's subject matter sticks to the script (i.e. Guns, Drugs, and Women) and in return, that's what hurts this album the most. The majority of the production is helmed by up- and -coming-producer, Lex Luger (Rick Ro$$' "B.M.F." and "MC Hammer") While the 808's are sure to blow the trunk off your car, the lyrics that are placed on top of them just makes a waste of a good beat. The only gems on this ablum is the singles. The second single-"Hard In Da Paint" and the Roscoe Dash and Wale-assisted "No Hands" are the only strong points. The somber "Fuck Dis Industry" is a departure from the tough-guy-persona that Waka displays throughout, but even that song sounds forced. Hopefully next go 'round, Waka can expand his subject matter and stop being so one-dimensional when it comes to lyrics. The right beat and catchy hook maybe good enough to get your foot in the door, but the right album maybe the difference between getting one foot in the door and getting both feet in. I rate this 2.5/5
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: TREY SONGZ/ PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE/ ATLANTIC
For Tremaine Neverson, known to most as Trey Songz, the strategy has always remained the same: continue to build. After a debut album (Gotta Make It) that went unnoticed by the masses, the young talent from Virginia continued to build on his brand until listener's ears were finally glued to their radios. Last years triumph, Ready, reintroduced a more confident, Trey (sans braids) to the rest of the world. The result was nothing short of a homerun for a kid who only a few years ago, had only a year to turn his dream of singing in to a legit shot at making it big. The process of continuing to build remains a year later, as Trey Songz opting out of the taking a break route, returns with the quick follow-up to Ready, with Passion, Pain & Pleasure. Songz continues to use the same formula that help catapult Ready to platinum sales. The main agenda here is sex. The album opens up with "Love Faces", which tries to go beyond the groundwork built by "Neighbors Know My Name" ( a sensual cut from Ready). Other highlights can be found on "Massage" an ode to doing just that. "Tonight, I got your neck, shoulders, back/ Baby, I'ma touch on all that...lose the panties and the bra/ I'ma start with a massage", Trey tells the lady of his affection. Trey invokes the likes of R. Kelly, circa, 1993 or even Jodeci in their hay-day. Where Trey stumbles is when he tries too hard to recapture the magic from his last outing. The Nicki Minaj-assisted-first single, "Bottoms Up" is a cheesy copycat of his song "Say Ahh", which is the most successful single of his career. Plus Trey gets bodied on his own song by Nicki Minaj's song-stealing verse. "Unusual" features Drake, but it fails in comparison to Trigga and Drizzy's previous efforts. Mr. Steal Your Girl makes up for his shortcomings with cuts like the ballad "Please Return My Call" or the second single "Can't Be Friends". While this album will continue to build onto the much deserving- success Trey has experienced in the past year, this album seems rushed at times, probably due to the fact that Trey and co. wanted to strike while the irons still hot. You can't get mad at Trey for trying to continue his winning streak, we just wish he didn't swing so early while at bat. I rate this 3.5/5
Monday, September 6, 2010
MIXTAPE REVIEW: BIG SEAN/ FINALLY FAMOUS VOL. 3
While Big Sean has been finally been waiting to become famous, the rest of the world is starting to finally take notice of the G.O.O.D. Music signee. Already considered ahead of the young crop of MCs of his generation, Big Sean has been single-handedly been changing the face of hip-hop right under our noses. An example can be found in the new simile- rhyme- flow that many MCs have been using (i.e. Drake) to rocket to success and superstardom. Big Sean's second mixtape, UKNOWBIGSEAN, the song "Supa Dupa" is where some critics and fans say is where the new rhyme style originated from. The best examples are the lines: "When they see me on my high horse, Polo, See what I'm wearing I know those hoes will want the same thing, homo, Elton, Jojo". The world is ready to see if this young upstart, who Kanye West signed out of Detroit is really that nice on the mic or just pure hype. Big Sean sets out to make nonbelievers in to believers on his third outing on the mixtape circut, with the highly anticipated Finally Famous Vol. 3. Hosted by DJ Don Cannon, and featuring production from the likes of The Olympicks, B.I.G. comes out with guns blazing from start to finish. On the triumphant opener "The Final Hour", Sean sets the tone with clever lines like: Catch me running to the money/Until my feet lose feelin'/ Stacking wall to wall/ 'til it's leakin through the ceiling...working graveyard shifts/ Cause we trying to make a killin'". On the Don Cannon-produced "High Rise", Big Sean expresses his desire for the finer things in life, but also the downside of what being on top of the world can do to one's psyche. "Isn't it ironic that I'm in a big-body/ Paranoid because every rapper named "Big" got bodied?" What makes Big Sean so unique is not what he says, but how he says it. Yes, the theme of Money, Cash, and Hoes is prominent through out the mixtape, but the dopeness in Sean's delivery can make old, tired, and overused lines seem fresh and new. As far as features go, Chip The Ripper and Curren$y pop up on "Five Bucks (I Got 5 on It)" an ode to smoking that good kush. Borrowing the Luniz' classic beat, the young trio tell tales of the high life. The song "Made" guest starring Drake, is a punchline lover's wetdream. Big Sean handles his own while rapping along side hip-hop's newest go-to-guy spitting: "See broads over niggaz/But business over broads/ See business equals money/ And money is over all" Fans will enjoy mixtape favorites "Supa Dupa (Lemonade freestyle)" and "What U Doin? (Bullshittin')", which have been out for months, due to the routine delays the mixtape has had since it's been annouced. Above all else, this mixtape promises to be a constant repeat on many die-hard's playlist. The dope beats, and witty-wordplay make this mixtape a must have. Big Sean reps his city to the fullest, while at the same time making Kanye West look like he know what he's doing. With only a few skip-worthy tracks (very few), FF3 is what hip-hop heads need...finally! I rate this 4/5
Friday, September 3, 2010
JAY-Z AND EMINEM MAKE HISTORY IN DETROIT!!!
In what may go down as one of hip-hop's greatest crowning achievements, rap Icons Jay-Z and Eminem rocked Comerica Park, home to the Detroit Tigers, in front of 42,000 fans (September 2nd). The Historic night was one of four shows scheduled for the rap titan's Home and Home tour, which will also make a couple of stops in Jay-Z's backyard, New York's Yankee's Stadium later this month. Whatever doubts that were discussed in the early months leading up to this event were quickly forgotten, because Jay and Em put on a show that will be ranked among other great stadium concerts in music history. In doing so, the rap duo brought hip-hop to the forefront and showed that they can also sellout huge venues like Rock 'n' roll legends, Rolling Stones, U2, and Springsteen. Jay-Z displayed why he's a seasoned perfromer as he went through his monster catalog of undeniable hits, such as: "Big Pimpin", "On To The Next One", "Hard Knock Life" and "Empire State Of Mind". The Detroit crowd treated Hov as if he was one of their own, but the night clearly belonged to Detroit's native son, Eminem. The stadium almost fell off its foundation as Slim Shady emerged from the stage surrounded in smoke, screaming "Deeeeeeeeetroit!" as he went right in to his song "Won't Back Down" (a gem from his latest opus, Recovery). This night not only meant so much for hip-hop, but also, it was significant for Eminem, who has seen his comeback take him to new heights after being out of the spotlight for so long. "Got dammit, Detroit, I'm back," Em said to packed house. "Did you miss me?" Other highlights include surprises from rap's elite: Young Jeezy, Drake, 50 Cent and G-Unit, and last but not least, Dr. Dre. Who also told fans his long-delayed Detox will be coming soon. "I'm Coming", Dre said to the chants of "Detox! Detox!" from the Motor City crowd. Jay and Em left everything they had on stage--on music's biggest stage. Score another win for hip-hop.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: RICK RO$$/ TEFLON DON/ MAYBACH MUSIC/ DEF JAM
For all intents and purposes, the man born William Leonard Roberts II a.k.a. Rick Ross career was supposed to be over on July 21, 2008. That day will remain in hip hop infamy, because on that day thesmokinggun.com released photos of a 19 year old Ross wearing a correctional officer's uniform. The photos contradicted everything that Rick Ross portrayed in his mafia boss persona. That was strike 1. Then the very next year, January 2009 to be exact, he went after Rap's Favorite Bully, 50 Cent. The beef was a back and forth war on wax, and videos. People who follow rap know of 50 Cent's track record when it comes to rap fueds. In other words: Ricky's career was over, for sure. That was strike 2. Entering this year, Ross found himself again at a career road block--this time a lawsuit, as former drug boss, Freeway Ricky Ross sued Rick Ross for 10 million for using his name. The original Rick Ross also tried to block the release of this very album that I'm reviewing. That was strike 3---or was it? Rewind time, and you can see that despite the controversy, Rick Ross' thrid album Deeper Than Rap still debuted at No. 1 (his third consecutive No. 1 album), and throughout the rap beefs and lawsuits, he still is here--ready to drop his forth album, Teflon Don, in hopes it can top the charts like his previous albums. The title Teflon Don is so fitting as it was taken from real crime boss, John Gotti, who got the nickname "Teflon Don" because of his ability to escape imprisonment unscathed during the 1980's. In the rap world, Ricky Rozay is the true "Teflon Don", because all these strikes against anyone else would have been career suicide. Rick Ross' new opus features him alongside the best the music business has to offer. On the somber Cee-lo Green assisted- "Tears Of Joy" Rick Ross' state of mind can be summed up in one line: "Biggie Smalls in the flesh/ Livin life after my death." The thing that makes Rick Ross so amusing is his larger than life persona that makes you listen to him even when you don't want to listen. He grabs your attention as if he was holding your ears hostage. Jay-Z and John Legend reprise their roles from previous Ross' albums, as they appear on the controversial track "Free Mason". Jay-Z uses the song to clear the air on those Devil worshiping rumors. Jay spits: "Niggas couldn't do nothin' with me/ They put the Devil on me/ I'd perferred if niggas squeezed the metal on me/Rumors of Lucifer, I don't know who to trust/ The world want my demise..." Later stating: "Bitch, I said that 'I'm amazing'/ Not that 'I'm a Mason'..." Just like any Rick Ross album, you know that the production is top notch. The best example of this is the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced--"Maybach Music III" which uses live orchestra-like intruments that blend so well with featured artist T.I., Jadakiss, and a jazzy hook provided by non-other than Erykah Badu. When the Bawse prepares for the third and final verse--the song's mood changes to a darker tone. The once angelic cords are now replaced with heavy bass and louder drumrolls. Ricky spits agressive bars: "Shine brighter than them bitches on the other side/ Time to make a blind muthafucka recognize/Ammunition got the competition non-existent..." Another standout track is the Kayne West-produced and featured -sure to be club banger "Live Fast Die Young" Ross and 'Ye celebrate the finer things in life, while knowing it could all end in a blink of an eye. Yezzy steals the show as he claims: "I'm back by un-popular demand/ Well at least he still poppin in Japan." Also rapping: "My outfit so disrespectful/ So you can gon' head and sneeze/ Cause my presence blessed you..." The only downers about this album is the bloated guest list and aside a few filler tracks (i.e. "MC Hammer") that make this really feel like a solo project. The album should have been called Teflon Don & Friends. Diddy, Ne-Yo, Gucci Mane, Trey Songz, Drake, Raphel Saadiq, Styles P. and Chrisette Michele all pop up on other tracks on the album. The good thing though is Rick Ross still shines and rarely takes a back seat on his own song or better yet his own album. Still wish Ross would have not been so welcoming to his colleagues and decided to go for self, but above all else you can't deny great music, no matter who's involved, and that's the only thing that matters at the end of the day: the music. I rate this 4/5
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
RICK RO$$'S TEFLON DON LEAKED TRACK LIST
When Drake's highly anticipated album Thank Me Later track list was leaked, alot of fans and critics talked about the bloated guest features. Ricky Roze's Teflon Don seems to up the ante when it comes to album features. The best of the best can be found on Ro$$'s fourth effort. (sidebar: track 2 will have the blogs going crazy and people talking until the album's July 20th release comes)
1. I'm Not A Star
2. Free Mason (ft. Jay-Z & John Legend)
3. Tears Of Joy (ft. Cee-lo Green)
4. Maybach Music III (ft. T.I., Jadakiss & Erykah Badu)
5. Live Fast, Die Young (ft. Kanye West)
6. Super High (ft. Ne-Yo)
7. No. 1 (ft. Trey Songz & Diddy)
8. MC Hammer (ft. Gucci Mane)
9. B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast) (ft. Styles P.)
10. Aston Martin Music (ft. Drake & Chrisette Michele)
11. All The Money In The World (ft. Raphael Saadiq)
ALBUM REVIEW: THE DREAM/ LOVE KING/ DEF JAM
Third time is a charm, and for Terius "The-Dream" Nash, the third time maybe his chance to fully solidify his place as one of the greats of this generation. Already responsible for crafting certified bangers for the latter parts of the 2000's (i.e. 2007's "Umbrella" by Rihanna, 2008'"Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyonce, 2009's "Obsessed" by Mariah Carey) with production partner, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart. The two have become today's version of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and LA Ried. Now the American Dream returns with Love King, his third album in many years. This time Los The Mystro commands the boards and plays a major role in keeping up the formula that we have grown to expect from The-Dream, while also crafting new sounds never heard on Dream's previous two efforts. The songs are cinematic as some songs play as a story and are sequenced right in to each other. The jump-off single is the title track, and has the same catchy, fingersnap tune that has become a staple for The-Dream's songs. Other standout tracks are: "Nikki Part 2" (which continues the story of the fictional lover Nikki fom his debut) and "Sex Intelligent", where he confesses, "I make all these other niggas irrelevent/ I'm sex intelligent/ I know how to work it right..." Mr. Nash's weakness can be found in his limited vocal ability. Dream doesn't have the vocal chops to expand his range, and sometimes plays a back role to his own instrumentation. Another low point are the corny lyrics and weak similes, like the aforementioned "Sex Intelligent" ("You can't match a love like mine/ It's like trying to rob me with a B-B-Gun/ But I gets it poppin' like the Taliban"), or the break-up song "Florida University" (which in Dream's case is a "nicer" way of telling someone "F. U.") Outside these short-comings, Love King continues The-Dream's magical run of knocking out hit songs, and unescapable tunes. Maybe his next opus, Love/Affair will be his Purple Rain, but as for right now Love King manages to still be solid effort, and hopefully your soundtrack to the summer. I rate this 3.5/5
Saturday, June 19, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: EMINEM/ RECOVERY/ AFTERMATH/INTERSCOPE
The road to recovery can be a long one. One must find the inner strength, and belief to will their way back into shape, or in Eminem's case, will his way back into the limelight. Before his return to the mic with last year's Relapse, the world had waited a total of 4 years to hear any new material from the controversial Detroit MC. 4 years away from the mic, could have spelled "Career Suicide" for anyone else, but Eminem isn't just anyone. Relapse featured a Detroit rapper still suffering the effects of his much-storied drug addiction to percription meds, after the tragic death of his best friend Proof, and his divorce from his on again-off again- relationship- with the mother of his child, Kim. The man was only a shell of himself, and the ending result was an unfocused, unbalanced body of work. Knowing he let his fans down a bit, Slim Shady decided to sit back and deliver a more cohesive, more bold, more focused project. Originally entitled Relapse 2, Eminem scrapped the whole idea when the new material he was recording was taking a different turn. The finished product is perhaps, his best body of work since The Eminem Show. The road to redemption begins with the album's opening cut "Cold Wind Blows", as Em explains why there is a method to his madness , while poking fun at the likes of Michael Vick, Elton John, and his favorite target, Mariah Carey (and that's all in the first verse!). Em comes out swingging, and bites his tongue for no one, dropping devilish lines like: "I set the world on fire/ Piss on it/ Put it out/ Stick my dick in a circle/ But I ain't fuckin' around." Later adding, "I'll show you pussy footin/ I'll kick a bitch in the cunt til it makes her queef and sounds like a fuckin whoopy cushion.." With lyrics like these, it takes fans back to Eminem's Marshall Mathers LP days. The lyrical tirade continues on the sadistic "On Fire" where Slim takes his homicidal lyrics even further: "Shit dissin me is like pissin off the Wizard Of Oz/ Wrap a lizard in gauze/Beat you in the jaws with it/ Grab the scissors and saws/ And cut out your livers, gizzards, and balls/ Throw you in the middle of the ocean in the blizzard with Jaws.." The first 5 or 6 songs is a lyrical euphoria, and you can tell that Eminem really put his all into making an album that his fans can really enjoy. Em touches on that topic on the album's first single, "Not Afraid" (" And to the fans/ I'll never let you down again/ I'm back/ I promise to never go back on that promise, in fact/ Let's be honest/ that last Relapse CD was 'ehhhh' ") Things begin to get serious on the introspective track "Going Through Changes", which samples "Changes" by English rock band Black Sabbath, and argubaly-the-best-song-on-the album. Eminem recounts his dark days addicted to pills (which almost cost him his life), his fall out with ex- wife, Kim, and Proof's death. Other standout tracks are the triumphant "Cinderella Man", "Talkin' 2 Myself" featuring up and coming crooner Kobe (Fabolous' "Imma Do It") and the rap ballad "Love The Way You Lie". The latter, features Rihanna on the hook, as Em discusses the topic of domestic abuse. Rihanna sings: "Just gonna stand there and watch me burn/ But it's alright because I like the way it hurts/ Just gonna stand there and watch me cry/ But that's alright because I love the way you lie." The song is a departure from songs we're used to hearing from Eminem, and who better to have sing the hook than Rihanna, given her situation with ex- boyfriend, Chris Brown last year? While this album is great in a lot of areas, it is not with out a few minor flaws that keep this album from being a classic. The most disappointing song is the Lil' Wayne-guested "No Love". Not only does Eminem rap circles around Lil'Wayne. Just Blaze's sample of Haddaway's "What Is Love" is unispiring. Other downers are "W.T.P." and "Space Bound". The album's closer is the Proof tribute, "You're Never Over". Em sings and raps about the only person who actually believed in his skills as a rapper way before the world knew Marshall Mathers. The tribute is sincere, honest and true, and a great way to close out an album. What Eminem has done with Recovery was reintroduce the world to one of the finest talents hip hop has ever witnessed. The passion, the drive, the ambition, and the hunger is all there. Now Eminem doesn't have to walk the road to recovery alone, because now, we can all walk along with him. I rate this 4.5/5
Friday, June 4, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: DRAKE/ THANK ME LATER/ YOUNG MONEY/ CASH MONEY
For rapper Aubrey Graham a.k.a. Drake, the stakes have never been so high for a young upstart. Drake has had one of the most successful "Rookie" seasons the rap world has ever witnessed. Already being mentioned in the same breath as some of the greats--Drake's rap career is reaching LeBron James-type-proportions. In other words: The kid has to shoulder the burden of delivering nothing short of a classic or be dealt the criticism of being labeled as a "Fluke" or just "Pure hype". Not really a fair deal for a 23 year old, but when you're responsible for creating a Grammy-nominated-mixtape that has been called by fans and critics "a classic", the high expectations become inevitable. The much talked about, highly anticipated Thank Me Later is Drake's answer to the doubters that think his run on top will be shorter than Leprechauns. The album opens up with the appropriately titled-Alicia Keys--assisted "Fireworks", which covers a range of topics from his relationship with mentor Lil' Wayne, to his rumored romance with Rihanna, and dealing with fame. Drake raps the opening bars: "Money just changed everything/ I wonder how life without it would go...Lookin' down from the top and it's crowded below/ My fifteen minutes just started an hour ago..." The first half of the album features occuring themes of paranoia, fear, and doubt. Drake gives the listener the impression that his rocket success to the top is not deserving. The album seems to take a different course toward the middle part of the album as you can hear Drake's confidence grow, as he realizes that maybe his position is valid. "Over"--the album's Boi-1da-produced-first single is a celebration, and declaration as Drake takes a stand and says that his rise is "far from over". Whereas "Show Me A Good Time"-produced by Kanye West, is about leaving your troubles behind and enjoying life. The song, in a sense, is almost like an up-to-date version of the late Michael Jackson's "Off The Wall". Drake then calls up his "Bonnie" to his "Clyde" on the sinister "Up All Night", where Nicki Minaj and Drake stunt all over the dark beat, repping Young Money to the death. Nicki Minaj steals the show boasting: "I got that kinda money make a broke bitch bitter." Later adding "Which bitch you know made a million off a mixtape?" The celebration continues as T.I. and Swizz Beatz join in on "Fancy". A ode to the opposite sex who take pride in their appearance and being independent women. Drake cleverly says "Long as (his women) got a lil' class like half days, and the confidence to overlook his past ways" The album reaches its peak on the much talked-about -Jay-Z-collab-"Light Up". Drizzy and Hov drop gems over the Tone Mason and 40 track, but while Drake does shine on the song("I gross higher than these fuckin' grown man lyers/ Storytellers and they didn't even need a camp fire") he still takes a back seat to Jay's worldly wordplay. Jay plays elder statesman and gives Young Angel advice about the ills of the industry and all the hate it brings, ending his verse with: "Fuck niggas, bitches too/ All I got is this money, this'll do." The Lil Wayne-pre prison-farewell track "Miss Me" is vintage Young Angel and Young Lion rapping retarded bars over the up-tempo beat. The only problems that can be found in TML is some will grow tired of hearing Drake's lazy flow. Drake voice remains the same throughout album, to the point where it's like Drake is talking over the beat instead of rapping over it, and while Drizzy Drake does hold a nicer tune than most his peers who venture out into the realm of singing, sometimes you forget if you're listening to a rap album or an R&B album. Tracks like "Karaoke" and "Find Your Love" has Drake in full R&B singer mode. Those tracks are good, but you still would rather listen to Drake rap on a track instead of singing on the entire song Another downer is the overloaded guest list. Yes, the album features some of today's music elite, but out of 14 tracks, Drake only has the mic alone on half of the remaining songs. Though this debut album probably won't be the illMATIC that most expected from Drake, it still is a solid effort from a kid from Toronto who had dreams of making it big as a rapper, and now that his dream has materialized, I think it's better to not thank him later, but thank him now. I rate this 3.5/5
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
KANYE RETURNS WITH 'POWER'!!!!
Last week a new song from non other than the Louis Vuitton Don, Kanye West managed to pop up on internet sites every where, and the out come? Powerful. Kanye made an unofficial return to the mic when the song "Power" debuted online, creating a huge buzz for the M.I.A. MC. For those of you who follow hip hop know that Mr. West has been keeping a relatively low profile in the past few months since his infamous interruption of Taylor Swift at the MTV Music Awards last September. The track is produced by unknown Dallas-based producer The Symbolyc One, and features a sample of "21st Century Schizoid Man" by British rock group King Crimson. "Power" finds Kayne shedding in his post-808's and Heartbreak image, and getting back to his old College Dropout days. The Chicago MC uses the song as a plateau to fire off at naysayers that threw salt on his name during his hiatus, while also offering insight to why he left in the first place. The latter, Kanye raps: "I just needed time alone with my own thoughts/ Got treasures in my mind/ But couldn't open up my vaults..." The biggest target seems to be aimed at the cast of Saturday Night Live, who in the wake of Kanye's MTV Music Awards accident poked fun at the outspoken MC. "Fuck 'SNL' and the whole cast. Tell 'em Yeezy said they can kiss my whole ass/ More specifically they can kiss my asshole/ I'm a asshole? You niggas got jokes/ You short minded niggas' thoughts are Napoleon/ My furs is Mongolian/ My ice brought the goalies in..." If this song is a sign of things to come from Kanye's highly anticipated, forthcoming 5th album Good Ass Job, then the future looks promising. Kanye West has reportedly been in Hawaii working on his new disc with the likes of hip hops finest, which includes: Pete Rock, Q-Tip, Pharrell and RZA. The album is slated to drop some time in September.
Friday, May 28, 2010
ALICIA KEYS & SWIZZ BEATZ EXPECTING 1ST CHILD, ENGAGED
Reps for R&B superstar Alicia Keys and hip hop producer Swizz Beatz have comfirmed that they "are expecting a baby and are engaged to be married in a private ceremony later this year." This will be Key's first marriage and child, while Swizz Beatz has two sons from a previous relationship.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
EMINEM'S TRACK LIST FOR RECOVERY IS LEAKED
Eminem's chart-topping single "Not Afraid" already has the music industry in a frenzy. The Detroit-rapper is ready to release his highly anticipated follow up to his comeback album Relapse, with his new body of work entitled Recovery (in stores June 22). This week the album's track list was leaked online and features collaborations from artist such as Lil' Wayne to Rihanna. Check it out:
1. Cold Wind Blows
2. Talkin 2 Myself (feat. Kobe)
3. On Fire
4. Won't Back Down (feat. Pink)
5. W.T.P.
6. Going Through Changes
7. Not Afraid
8. Seduction
9. No Love (feat. Lil' Wayne)
10. Space Bound
11. Cinderella Man
12. 25 to Life
13. So Bad
14. Almost Famous
15. Love The Way You Lie (feat. Rihanna)
16. You're Never Over
Thursday, May 20, 2010
DRAKE'S "THANK ME LATER" TRACK LIST REVEALED
The most anticipated hip hop album of the year, Drake's Thank Me Later track list was revealed this week. Album in stores June 15, 2010. Check out the album's line up:
1. Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys)
2. Karaoke
3. The Resistance
4. Over
5. Show Me A Good Time
6. Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj)
7. Fancy (feat. T.I. and Swizz Beatz)
8. Shut It Down (feat. The Dream)
9. Unforgettable (feat. Young Jeezy)
10. Light Up (feat. Jay-Z)
11. Miss Me (feat. Lil' Wayne)
12. Cece's Interlude
13. Find Your Love
14. Thank Me Now
Monday, May 17, 2010
ALBUM REVIEW: NaS & DAMIAN MARLEY: DISTANT RELATIVES: UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC/ DEF JAM
When NaS and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley decided to make a collaborative album called Distant Relatives last year, they didn't set out to make a cookie-cutter album fused with hip-hop/reggae. The master plan was to create a body of work that inspires to teach, motivate, listen and learn a thing or two about Africa's rich history. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece, that transends a positive message, that can be heard from the streets of the inner-city to the dusty roads in Africa. NaS and Damian Marley bring vivid social commentary to life through song, and the album stands as a testament to both men and their stoired careers. The revolution begins with the energetic, heavy baseline opener "As We Enter". The jump off finds both been trading bars back and forth like a tennis match, with no one outshining the other. The chemistry between NaS and Marley is undeniable. Both of them seem to have found a way to coexist without getting in each others way as they merge their respected genres of music together. That chemistry can be found on "Friends" as Nasir and Damian tell tales of the true meaning of friendship, while exposing the fake impostors in the process: "Salty niggaz hate the smarter ones/ These are the doubters that sour about my run/ I barely made it out the slums/ My value high, cause I do more than rap about a gun/ I made money for niggaz/ Y'all never lookin out for none..." raps NaS. Topics such as this, and more can be found throughout the album. The somber, guitar-laced "Count Your Blessings" is a true gem, as Damian Marley and NaS lists the things in life that people should appreicate the most despite life's shortcomings. Marley sings: " I got love and assurance/ I got new health insurance/ I got strength and indurance/ So I count my blessings/ And gives thanks to the Master that throughout all the disaster/We're still here together after/ Better count your blessings." Distant Relatives never strays off course, and is enjoyable from the beginning to the end, which is rare in this music industry, because today's albums consist of one or two singles surrounded by an orgy of filler tracks. Lil' Wayne pops up on "My Generation" and delivers one of his best verses in a long time. Other standout tracks are the revolutionary "Strong Will Continue" and the infectious-in-your-face- "Nah Mean". What NaS and Damian Marley have done with Distant Relatives was exactly what Marvin Gaye did with his milestone What's Going On decades ago, and that was to create music that was a reflection of the times, and in doing so, they just created 2010's first real hip hop classic. I rate this 5/5
Monday, May 10, 2010
MIXTAPE REVIEW: JEEZY: TRAP OR DIE 2: BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY
Life is about repetition. We repeat things over and over again to improve on a certain craft or just because it's a force of habit. For Atlanta's Jeezy, repetition means both. Using the same formula that propelled him to stardom some odd years ago when he stepped on the scene with his classic mixtape Trap or Die. That same ambition and cockiness grabbed the attention of the streets and major labels as Trap or Die set the tone for his Def Jam debut, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 to rack a million in sells. The rest was history as they would say it, but over the past couple of years the climate of the game has changed. Jeezy had to sit back and watch his fellow Atlanta rival Gucci Mane garner mainstream exposure, and deal with the backlash of critics and fans alike question his position in the rap game. For those who thought the Snowman had fell off, Jeezy returns with the sequal to his monster mixtape with Trap or Die 2: By Any Means Necessary, just a couple months before his highly anticiapted TM103 hits stores. The controversial cover features a Malcolm X-inspired Jeezy (hince the "By Any Means Necessary" subtitle). DJ Don Cannon hosts the mixtape taking over for DJ Drama (who hosted the first TOD). "Damn my nigga you still here? They thought you fell off by now", says DJ Don Cannon on the mixtape opener "Introduction" Jeezy takes time to re-introduce himself and remind you what's his number one priority: money. "That money is like a movie/ Just something you have to see/ You just can't say you real/ It's just something you gotta be..." The ballistic "Trap Or Die Reloaded" is sure to damage speakers and break a few laws for disturbing the peace, while the Hov-influenced-hook on "Hood Politics" only purpose is to motivate while captivate you with it's steller production. Jeezy strentghs has always been his delivery and production choices. The mixtape contains a mixture of sonic gems. The soulful "Time" finds Jeezy taking listeners on a journey down memory lane, and the horn-driven "Greatest Trapper Alive" is classic Jeezy. The Snowman manages to entertain the bulk of the disc alone, with a few carefully-placed guest features. The Clipse ride shotgun on "Ill'in" as Pusha T leaves both his brother Malice and Jeezy in the dust with his ever impressive wordplay. Trick Daddy and Scarface make a cameo on "Ride Wit Me" and Plies pops up on the TM103 single "Lose My Mind". With a mixtape that's 22 tracks deep you're sure to bump into some filler tracks. The lackluster- Don Cannon produced- "D-Boyz" finds Jeezy covering no new grown, and "Insane" is a lazy effort. Jeezy topics stay basic (trappin', money, hoes, and clothes) and that's the only thing that hurts this disc from being another classic. You can't expect to top a classic, if you still talking about the same topics from the last go around. Where Jeezy lacks in growth, he makes up with charisma and top notch production. Trap or Die 2 proves that Jay Jenkins is still a force in the music industry, and we should think twice about saying he's washed up. Though not the classic as the first TOD, it still contains the key elements that make up Jeezy, and his relentlessness to stay ahead of the game by any means necessary. I rate this 4/5
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