So we all know Yeezus was due to drop June 18th, however I think even more of us know that Yeezus leaked on Friday 18th June. Fortunately for Kanye I'm an avid CD Collector so me among many others will still be going out to buy the album from the stores, just doing our part for the music industry!
Now in the last few days I've seen and heard more debate about this one album than I have heard about any other this year. I'm not saying it's all been good, but it's nice to see that there is still some excitement and buzz around the music industry, enough of it to get us all talking! Wheather it's for good music, bad music, dance music or rap music. Whatever it is.
So I heard a lot of rumours about this album, but I was glad to find out they where all wrong. Kanye has done what he's done best over the last couple of years - Freaked us the fuck out. Just like 808 and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, this album does not follow any rules. It completely unique and cutting edge. I'm not talking about if the tracks are going to go to number one, but if I was, I'd say they weren't. I'm talking about the new, the new pathway and doors that Kanye is opening into the Hip Hop and Rap industry. It's the kind of engineering which is needed to keep the industry exciting, and to keep artist on their toes.
Let's face, Kanye has lost his mind, he hasn't made the kind of music that made him famous back in 2004 - 2007 with the likes of Graduation ad College dropout etc. and a lot of people are hating for that? Don't get me wrong, I'd love to hear another 'Good Life' or 'Stronger' or whatever, but I'd hate to see Kanye getting sucked into a Tempa T route and just release the exact same songs over different pitched beats for the rest of his career.
ultimately, the tracks won't go number one, but that isn't what he has made the album for, it isn't about music or chart toppers. It's about 2 things. One is shock value (standard Kanye now) and Two is about pushing the limits. And to me, he kills them both.
My recommendations are Blood On The Leaves, New Slaves and Send It up.
And hold tight for the Jay Z solo album dropping July 4th!
Monday, 17 June 2013
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Tygas California
When Tyga released 'Cali Love' back in 09, it was then when I new he was going to make it big. However I never could have predicted just how big he has gotten in the time space. That's not just due to his talent though, if you believe that then you're naive to say the least. Another factor that has played a massive part in his success is his label and in turn the people he has surrounded his self with.
Being signed by the famous Young Money Records label couldn't have been more perfect for him.
Dwayne Carter a.k.a lil Wayne, the CEO of Young Money records is known for letting his artist pretty much do whatever they like as long as they stay true to who they are, and in my opinion it is for that exact reason that pretty much every artist he has signed has become world wide icons e.g Tyga, Nicki Ninaj and Drake. By Tyga having this freedom he has had the space to really find the right music for himself. As much as it may have taken a couple years longer than Wayne expected, now in 2013 with the release of Hotel California, it is undeniable that Tyga is in his element.
Let's take any of his biggest hits: Faded, Rack City, Make It Nasty and Dope to name but a few. In terms of format, they are all pretty much the same. The combination of Tygas untouchable lyrical deliverance and the shear brilliance from his producers, his songs are just one hit after another. In terms of instrumentals alot of these tracks are very similar, the beat/sound stays pretty much exactly the same through the entire song, they are always different and particualr catchy noises making them instantly recognisable. When you have someone who can consistently lay down raps ontop of this tracks that make the audience want to listen, then you can't go wrong.
Check the album out for yourself. Peace!
Being signed by the famous Young Money Records label couldn't have been more perfect for him.
Dwayne Carter a.k.a lil Wayne, the CEO of Young Money records is known for letting his artist pretty much do whatever they like as long as they stay true to who they are, and in my opinion it is for that exact reason that pretty much every artist he has signed has become world wide icons e.g Tyga, Nicki Ninaj and Drake. By Tyga having this freedom he has had the space to really find the right music for himself. As much as it may have taken a couple years longer than Wayne expected, now in 2013 with the release of Hotel California, it is undeniable that Tyga is in his element.
Let's take any of his biggest hits: Faded, Rack City, Make It Nasty and Dope to name but a few. In terms of format, they are all pretty much the same. The combination of Tygas untouchable lyrical deliverance and the shear brilliance from his producers, his songs are just one hit after another. In terms of instrumentals alot of these tracks are very similar, the beat/sound stays pretty much exactly the same through the entire song, they are always different and particualr catchy noises making them instantly recognisable. When you have someone who can consistently lay down raps ontop of this tracks that make the audience want to listen, then you can't go wrong.
Check the album out for yourself. Peace!
Monday, 12 November 2012
Dreams to Nightmares
I've been waiting a long time for Meek Mills debut solo Album 'Dreams To Nightmares' to drop and last week it finally did and believe me we'll be getting to that madness is a second but let me give you a catch up on Meek. Nearly 2 years ago Rick Ross signed him to the Untouchable Maybach Music Empire, a fast track ticket to potential rap history in today's industry, but let's be fair he has since earnt / proved his place.
I never really took great interest in his freestyles or features until he dropped 'Ima Boss' a track that is already a classic, not only have I blogged about it but I still play it daily on my drives too and from work. For any of you who swept that track aside for any reason, take another listen now and rethink
After that he wen't from one success to another with Dreamchasers and DC2. It's evident in his lyrics and his life story that he's been grinding every day to not only succeed but to live, which is what I think have given him the ability to rap about deeper emotions that just guns and money. Something like a Drake from the hood. There examples off this on 4 tracks on Dreams to Nightmares, but I think it's most evident on my favorite song from all his mix tapes, this one is called Big Dreams. His flow and lyrics are completely on point through out the track, painting a picture with every line with enough words to make to feel completely inside his head... Inspirational and Motivational are the two words whihc spring to mind every time I hear this track
Dreams to Night Mares not only does this, but does it on the very first track, the intro blew my mind. It just shows how far he has came already as an artist, taking everything he has already achieved and pushing it to another level and connecting with his audience like I've never heard a rapper do before. He completely dominates the instrumental with his flow, yet you can hear and appreciate very beat. It's just lyrical and instrumental clarity through and through. Take a listen now...
Monday, 22 October 2012
Kanyes Introduces His Clique
Since the release of his third studio album 'The Graduation' back in 2007, featuring hits such as Good Life, Stronger, Flashing Lights and many more. He fell off. Yes he released a few 'good' songs over the next couple years but nothing serious, he had the classic rags to riches meltdown. However after he found his feet again and Master Jay Z took him under his wing in 2011 they released 'Watch The Throne' as a collaboration album with hits that I don't even have too name, but I do have to say Niggers In Paris has been one of my most played tracks of the year...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_dA32oH44
That track blew up world wide, not only on the streets but in clubs too. Nuts!
A year passes by and slowly 'Watch The Throne' starts to die down, then Kanye Releases his solo album 'Cruel Summer' which leads me on to 'Clique'.
Now I'm not gonna lie and say yea yea yea Kanye Is Back Babey! Because that is far from it, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that he is well on his way... Majority of the album is nothing special, but there are two tracks on which are good enough to make is a 'Good' album. Nothing to write home about, but certainly one for the collection.
One of them is a solo track called 'Cold' produced by DJ Khaled. As I said before Khaled is the David Guetta of Hip Hop. By that I mean every single track he produces is a hit, my theory is proved again and again, this track just being one of a very long list. Check it out now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRvGK6zYXAE
The other track being 'Clique'. Seriousssssssss. Features from Jay Z and man of the moment Big Sean who is everywhere we look in the game right now. As always Big Sean does his thing in the first verse a hook, would you expect anything less? Jay as we all know has reached the level where he can say whatever he wants and its good real cool shit. Nothing terribly deep or thought provoking, just real cool shit. However Kanye kills it! Like he grabs the song and literally stabs it 30 times until it is deader than dead. He verse is just short 2 minutes long, and never once does a single line vary in quality, its just consistently sick and if you don't already know it then it's pointless trying to explain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVYOhV24Zuk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG_dA32oH44
That track blew up world wide, not only on the streets but in clubs too. Nuts!
A year passes by and slowly 'Watch The Throne' starts to die down, then Kanye Releases his solo album 'Cruel Summer' which leads me on to 'Clique'.
Now I'm not gonna lie and say yea yea yea Kanye Is Back Babey! Because that is far from it, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that he is well on his way... Majority of the album is nothing special, but there are two tracks on which are good enough to make is a 'Good' album. Nothing to write home about, but certainly one for the collection.
One of them is a solo track called 'Cold' produced by DJ Khaled. As I said before Khaled is the David Guetta of Hip Hop. By that I mean every single track he produces is a hit, my theory is proved again and again, this track just being one of a very long list. Check it out now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRvGK6zYXAE
The other track being 'Clique'. Seriousssssssss. Features from Jay Z and man of the moment Big Sean who is everywhere we look in the game right now. As always Big Sean does his thing in the first verse a hook, would you expect anything less? Jay as we all know has reached the level where he can say whatever he wants and its good real cool shit. Nothing terribly deep or thought provoking, just real cool shit. However Kanye kills it! Like he grabs the song and literally stabs it 30 times until it is deader than dead. He verse is just short 2 minutes long, and never once does a single line vary in quality, its just consistently sick and if you don't already know it then it's pointless trying to explain.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVYOhV24Zuk
Friday, 31 August 2012
Well Done Round 3
Tyga really put his prints on the Hip Hop game back in 2010 when he released the Mixtape Well Done. Follow the success of it he realsed Well Done 2, now nearly 3 years since the first mixtape Well Done 3 has now been dropped. Once again he has gone in! Every good mixtape has one or 2 hits on it, 3 good tracks and the rest of just material, but 2 of the songs on this are more than just a hit.
Produced by the same guy who made 'Rack City' the track 'Ratchet' has a sick instruemental on it, good enough that almost anyone could spit on it and it'll still be a big one. Fortunately it found its way to Tyga who tore it appart. It's a cross between Hip Hop and R&B, a real good early club track. Check it out now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IscY2dRQHlw
The biggest song on the mixtape has to be 'Switchin Lanes' Featuring The Game. So what happens when you combine a rap veteran and a Young MOngey Legend in the making? This does! The long bass and street lyrics really take you back to the days of 50 Cent, this song is just a re-born version of something like 'How We Do' and when I say that I mena it has the potentional to become a real Rap classic no lie. Listen and tell me different...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTd5HqtO4tk
Produced by the same guy who made 'Rack City' the track 'Ratchet' has a sick instruemental on it, good enough that almost anyone could spit on it and it'll still be a big one. Fortunately it found its way to Tyga who tore it appart. It's a cross between Hip Hop and R&B, a real good early club track. Check it out now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IscY2dRQHlw
The biggest song on the mixtape has to be 'Switchin Lanes' Featuring The Game. So what happens when you combine a rap veteran and a Young MOngey Legend in the making? This does! The long bass and street lyrics really take you back to the days of 50 Cent, this song is just a re-born version of something like 'How We Do' and when I say that I mena it has the potentional to become a real Rap classic no lie. Listen and tell me different...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTd5HqtO4tk
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Krept & Konan Go In Real
Fire In The Booth has been going on now for a long long time now, and every once in a while I hear one which just makes me stop everything I'm doing and just turn the world off as I put it on replay for hours on end. It's has been a good few months now since I've heard one which has really jumped at me, but not to my surprise Krept & Konans feature on it earlier this weekend set me off. Absolute madness. No boasting. No bragging. No talk about swag. No talk about girls. Just straight up real talk about their lifes. My kind of music. If you've missed it then watch it now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcNgj-IjUEU
Krept & Konan are notorious for their crazy metaphors, two of pretty much the only lyricist that every time I hear the spit I get hyped too see what hidden messages and complexed metaphors they have to put down. Like honestly their verse's and lyrics are not straight forward and it takes a trained ear to really hear what they are saying and see the picture they are painting. Normally they are funny, but in this they deep and thought provoking. And I love music that makes you think.
They tell their story throughout the freestyle, and it's good too see the real inside story of what it is like for them, and for most of black rappers. Coming up from ends and hitting the big time. Giving a real insight into what we all see as the life of our dreams. Krept & Konan lay out the dream life, leaving you thinking it sounds like some what of a night mare. A night mare that anyone reading this would kill to live out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcNgj-IjUEU
Krept & Konan are notorious for their crazy metaphors, two of pretty much the only lyricist that every time I hear the spit I get hyped too see what hidden messages and complexed metaphors they have to put down. Like honestly their verse's and lyrics are not straight forward and it takes a trained ear to really hear what they are saying and see the picture they are painting. Normally they are funny, but in this they deep and thought provoking. And I love music that makes you think.
They tell their story throughout the freestyle, and it's good too see the real inside story of what it is like for them, and for most of black rappers. Coming up from ends and hitting the big time. Giving a real insight into what we all see as the life of our dreams. Krept & Konan lay out the dream life, leaving you thinking it sounds like some what of a night mare. A night mare that anyone reading this would kill to live out...
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Mic Has Gone And Done It
It's been a long time coming that some one called a spade a spade with Tim Westwood and who better to do it than our man Mic Righteous. After years of hearing this old man talking like he is some American Hood Star, Mic finally said all of the things that we have all been thinking from a long time and not out of hate but more out of spite and I respect him for that.
Lets face the facts, yes Tim Westwood is a veteran on the music industry but what has he actually done? Nothing! His time has been an gone. Charlie Sloth has taken over his role as the face of TeamUK radio. Westwood is dead and gone. But what really shocked me is that out of every artist in the UK he could of made a dig at, he picked Mic Righteous. Who in my eyes, hand on heart is the greatest lyricist that I have ever heard. No lie. No exaggeration. Just real talk. If you're going to pick a fight you don't pick the biggest guy in the street do you. So why is you're going to start a verbal war with someone, how stupid would you have to be to do it with Mic?! Madness.
Personally I'm not one for backing rap beef, but to me this isn't beef. It is simply Mic responding to a bitter remark from some has been in denial. Normally this would backfire and people would hate on that artist but you can see from the response that people are backing the artist for the first time, just putting to show how dead Tim Westwood really is.
Team UK
Catch the video here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C7RLClbHiU&list=UU5rHM_PxzJbdFNXM2n7NrYw&index=1&feature=plcp
Lets face the facts, yes Tim Westwood is a veteran on the music industry but what has he actually done? Nothing! His time has been an gone. Charlie Sloth has taken over his role as the face of TeamUK radio. Westwood is dead and gone. But what really shocked me is that out of every artist in the UK he could of made a dig at, he picked Mic Righteous. Who in my eyes, hand on heart is the greatest lyricist that I have ever heard. No lie. No exaggeration. Just real talk. If you're going to pick a fight you don't pick the biggest guy in the street do you. So why is you're going to start a verbal war with someone, how stupid would you have to be to do it with Mic?! Madness.
Personally I'm not one for backing rap beef, but to me this isn't beef. It is simply Mic responding to a bitter remark from some has been in denial. Normally this would backfire and people would hate on that artist but you can see from the response that people are backing the artist for the first time, just putting to show how dead Tim Westwood really is.
Team UK
Catch the video here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C7RLClbHiU&list=UU5rHM_PxzJbdFNXM2n7NrYw&index=1&feature=plcp
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