LISTEN/DOWNLOAD TRINIDAD JAMES - 10PC MILD MIXTAPE
Trinindad James gives us his latest .....
Continue Reading
LISTEN AND DOWNLOAD: KIRKO BANGZ - PROGRESSION III (MIXTAPE)
KIRKO BANGZ hits us in 2013 with his latest tape Progression III. Take a listen after the jump.
Continue Reading
REVIEW: Z-RO - TRIPOLAR EP
zro the mo city don hits us in 2013 with this EP TRIPOLAR....
straight out the gates ro hits us with I'M ALIVE .... "the reverent is a gangster we got witnesses in the choir" over an organ induced beat ro flows and whips haters.
LOOK GOOD is typical ro, with his singsongy style he whips this track into mission...."if you dont look good and i dont look good, you better bring me my cheese"
STALKER is a smooth ass track which staunch ro fans will really like, it reminds you of tracks like haters got me wrong etc. it features a janet jackson beat sample. dope! thi one goes real smooth!
JOY starts of like some old ass rnb track , ro does on here what he does best. some dope dope ass singing here. interspersed with his raspy raps!
fellow TEXAN kirko bangz features on the last track PORCUPINE. take a listen ... its about woman and shaving down there ......
here is the stream .....
Continue Reading
MIXTAPE REVIEW: MASTER P - FAMOUS AGAIN
master p tries to make a comback again like he did last year.
each of his previous mixtapes have had noteworthy songs on them. p has not lost his touch at all. he still got it and fans of is no limit empire will enjoy this mixtape.
with the great 90s in the past and behind him p flexes his money and experience and brings us FAMOUS AGAIN.
with a slew of producers and a handful of features he doesn't come short, he pulls no punches and goes for the rap jugular.
standout tracks include: YEAH IM RICH feat: rome, HEAVEN FOR A GANGSTA feat: the game, I NEED AN ARMOURED TRUCK feat: rome and
check the video out here for WOKE UP A MILLIONARE.
listen/download this mixtape here
Continue Reading
BIG SEAN - HALL OF FAME (TRACKLIST AND ALBUM COVER)
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Continue Reading
JAY - Z BREAKS DOWN #MCHG WITH ZANE LOWE PART FOUR
Jay - Z talks family and the future ....
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
JAY - Z BREAKS DOWN #MCHG WITH ZANE LOWE PART THREE
Jay - Z talks business and politics with Zayne Lowe ...
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
JAY - Z BREAKS DOWN #MCHG WITH ZANE LOWE PART TWO
Part two of a four part series Jay - Z and Zayne Lowe.
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
JAY - Z TALKS TO ZANE LOWE ABOUT #MCHG PART ONE.
Jay - Z reveals more about the recording sessions of Magna Carta Holy Grail. This is part 1
Continue Reading
Continue Reading
REVIEW: JAY - Z - MAGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL
| 1. | HOLY GRAIL (featuring Justin Timberlake) prod by: Timbaland jt starts of with an almost unrecognizable singing here, over a piano. jay doing what he does best, rhyming off the top of his head. he is the goat. just an intro track here. a nice full track when jt sings the hook further, one can see why why jt is so soulful. the dreams name is written all over the hook though, sounds like something he would write. | ||
| 2. | PICASSO BABY prod by: Timbaland timbo whips this track. whip it just like he can, one can hear he is a track whipper! he a known track whipper! he makes tracks with whip aPpeal, jay feels right at home here. drums sound a bit like they could be live and not programmed or just sampled live drums. | ||
| 3. | TOM FORD prod by: Timbaland a futuristic bare bones jolt on your ears is TOM FORD. orgasmic at times which gives you that similar feeling when richard gere put a gerbil up his anus. yes its that good. jay completes the track with his witty lineS as per usual. songs like this make you wanna play with your private parts. | ||
| 4 | FUCKWITHMEYOUKNOWIGOTIT (featuring Rick Ross) prod by: boi 1da/Timbaland/Vinylz ross rips this track, as only he can he starts off boasting even mentioning reeboks. jay just, just keeps up with ricky, this is one of those classic ross/jay combos. boi 1da has these cool background sounds on his track which is ILL! | ||
| 5. | OCEANS (featuring Frank Ocean) prod by: pharrell williams/timbaland A RIP ROARING BOUNCING TRACK RIGHT HERE! FRANK OCEAN STARTS OFF THE PROCEEDINGS BEFORE JAY SETS THE PACE. " ONLY CHRISTOPHER WE ACKNOWLEDGE IS WALLACE!" PERCUSSION IS REALY REAL ON HERE AND FITS LIKE A GLOVE. frank ocean only can deliver on a track like this. his voice is bi-vocal. YES FRANK OCEAN ON OCEANS. | ||
| 6. | "F.U.T.W." prod by: timbaland "dont be good my man be great" another gem from hov, a roving rumbling booming bass-line by timbaland. jay here displays why he is deemed by many as the goat. you pick up that this beat was made for hove to spit over like just he can do. | ||
| 7. | SOMEWHERE IN AMERICA prod by: hit boy/mike dean a change up for producer hit boy , not trademark but gotta love the paino sample he used by johnny guitar watson. laidback yellow lambo in the driveway. | ||
| 8. | CROWN prod by: wondagurl/mike dean this one comes at you like mike tyson blow to the nose. hard and suddenly. this track alone will give you nose bleeds. | ||
| 9. | HEAVEN prod by: timbaland when you hear this track you wont believe timbaland produced it. is amazing. second time jay mentions a yellow lambo. whats up with that? its got that heavy new york thump to it. the chnge up towards the end is amazing. | ||
| 10. | VERSUS prod by: swizz beats the first of two less than a minute tracks. swizz slams this ditty, which interpolates sucka nigga by a tribe called quest. this is more like an interlude. | ||
| 11. | "PART II (ON THE RUN) (featuring Beyoncé) prod by: Timbaland album filler? some say this is bonnie and clyde part two. | ||
| 12. | BEACH IS BETTER prod by: mike will made it trap beat king mike will whipped up this 52 second track which is really disappointing as the track is dope but we only get to hear so little of it. | ||
| 13. | BBC (featuring Nas, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Swizz Beatz, Pharrell and Timbaland) prod by: Pharrell Williams NAS MAKES AN APPEARANCE ON THE FIRST VERSE, HE DOESN'T DISAPPOINT, A POSSE CUT OF SORTS, YES YES IT SOUNDS LIKE BLURRED LINES . YOU WILL PICK IT UP IMMEDIATELY. | ||
| 14. | JAY-Z BLUE (DADDY DEAREST) prod by: timbaland the more you listen to this album you realize how much timbaland has grown as a producer. some great sounds coming from him and also on this track. an ode to his daughter blue ivy, also sampling vocals of the greatest rapper to ever live. | ||
| 15. | LA FAMILIA prod by: Timbaland closing the album down jay flips on some topics that is well known to all. a closing down track | ||
| 16. | NICKELS AND DIMES prod by: kyambo "hip-hop" joshua/mike dean ending off finally jays a&r in charge at roc-a-fella concocts this one here. its the album kanye should have made. |
SONIC BOOM: 4/5
DELIVERY:5/5
- remember its all about the beat!
Continue Reading
- remember its all about the beat!
REVIEW: ACTION BRONSON - SAAB STORIES
one of the 'it' producers of the moment harry fraud connects with action bronson to produce this project called SAAAB STORIES/
action has been around for a minute and before he started rapping he was a fire-flame gourmet chef. don't let his big body fool ya he comes forward with some dope rhymes. he was also included in the xxl magazines 2013 freshman class. many also compare him to ghostface killah when it comes to his delivery.
the ep starts off with 72 VIRGINS featuring big body bes. just an intro track nothing major here.
THE ROCKERS featuring wiz khalifa displays actions amazing lyrical delivery and producer harry fraud's talent for creating them oh so orgasmic sound back drops. wiz adds his trademark flow to a complete track.
NO TIME reminds of a das efx track ... anyway it as all the elements of a good hip-hop track which you can bob your head to. action has punchlines for days.
the first single is the witty and funny STRICTLY FOR MY JEEPS.
one of the standout tracks must be the dope ALLIGATOR. braggadocios rhymes over a trap beat, you ned to listen this loud.
prodigy and raekwon help action finish off the ep on SEVEN SERIES TRIPLETS. harry frauds production is growing in leaps and bounds. he samples a lot which is good in a time where every beat you hear has its origins from the laptop.
a must listen. action bronson has got it!
- it is all about the beat Continue Reading
REVIEW: J.COLE - BORN SINNER
... with more traditional beats and rhymes, j.cole hits us with his sophomore, Born Sinner.
j.cole has a lot resting on his shoulders. i would freak out if i was signed to roc nation and had to come up with an album that will be able to go head to head with one of my mentors.from the outset on tracks like VILLUMINATI cole comes straight at you and lets you know that he aint here to play around. and that he means business.
cole has definitely stepped up his production skills up a notch. giving us a fuller sound. since the beginning of the album i caught myself nodding to coles beats n rhymes.
what can be said about POWER TRIP. but that its indeed a powerful song. production stands out among other trap laden tracks you will hear on your local radio. i like this one just for that baseline.
RICH NIGGAZ is on some other shiz. laid back with a harp sample, this one is cool. we can deal with it.
FORBIDDEN FRUIT features Kendrick Lamar over a electric relaxation sampled beat. which brings back memories, nostalgic at times.
some funny moments on CHAINING DAY. TLC or what is left of them features on the radio destined CROOKED SMILE. it is good hey i can deal with it. love the beat though.
jermaine cole still has a long way to go if he wants to take the big boys on. i like what he is doing its amazing.
- remember its all about the beat!!!
Continue Reading
REVIEW: KANYE WEST - YEEZUS
ON SIGHT [Prod. Daft Punk]
with daft punk helping kanye out on production here, it sounds a lot more futuristic than anything i have heard before, sans dre 2001. ON SIGHT
displays kanyes genuis as a producer. the beat sounds like something that your up and coming bedroom producer brother would do. you can hear that he went crazy whilst playing the mpc towards the end of this track. kanyes usual
braggadocious delivery comes acorss here.
BLACK SKINHEAD [Prod. Daft Punk, Travi$ Scott (co.), Mike Dean (add.)]
starting off with and eerie voice sample in the background over heavy bass 808's provided by uber producer mike dean this track means business.
a likable track that will get the head nodding.
I AM A GOD (feat. Justin Vernon) [Prod. Daft Punk, Hudson Mohawke (co.), Kanye West (co.), Travi$ Scott (co.), Mike Dean (add.), Rick Rubin (add.)]
starting off with a rumbling deep speaker breaking 808 base and a capleton sample. i am a god is an insane exploration of crazy and insane. def jam founder rick rubin was brought
in because the initial album was dark.
NEW SLAVES (feat. Frank Ocean) [Prod. Daft Punk, Travi$ Scott (co.), Hudson Mohawke (co.), Mike Dean (co.), Kanye West (add.)]
a track that takes one back to the eighties/nineties when public enemy, x-clan, bdp etc ruled hip hop.an eerie track. you can say that this was
the lead single of the album.
HOLD MY LIQUOR (feat. Chief Keef & Justin Vernon) [Prod. Young Chop, Mike Dean (co.), Arca (add.), Rick Rubin (add.)]
fellow chicago natives young chop and chief keef joins ye on this ditty. track has this recurring horn that sounds like an alarm in it. not the
the sort of track that one would expect from young chop. but be rest assured he just layed down the basics here.
I'M IN IT (feat. Justin Vernon) [Prod. RZA, Travi$ Scott (add.), Mike Dean (add.)]
robert diggs aka rza whips up this track that has a change of tempo almost 1 minute into the track. justin vernon once again adds his vocals to this
one. a lil' dubstep over here, here.
BLOOD ON THE LEAVES (feat. Tony Williams) [Prod. TNGHT, Kanye West (co.), Mike Dean (add.)]
autotune makes a comeback! just when you thought ye ditched it, it makes a comeback here. vocal a nina simone sample added and chopped for good effect.
with some hectic end of days horns coming in at about 1:34 minutes
it makes the track bounce at ya from the speakers. a little c-murder/no lmit influence here.
GUILT TRIP (feat. Kid Cudi) [Prod. Symbolyc One, Arca (co.), Travi$ Scott (co.), Mike Dean (co.), Ackeejuice Rockers (co.)]
power producer s1 is on this one. it samples the hook and other elements of pusha t's blocka for this songs hook. some head nodding beat here.
kid cudi adding his melancholy trademarked vocals.
SEND IT UP (feat. King L & Iamsu) [Prod. Gesaffelstein, Arca (co.), Daft Punk (co.), Hudson Mohawke (add.)]
when daft punk's name is in the production credits, best believe its some crazy sounds you are about to hear. send it up is no exception. crazy sounds
that will make your mom evict you. warning: dont pop a molly to this! king l is rumoured to have dropped a freestyle verse on here.
BOUND (feat. Charlie Wilson) [Prod. Kanye West, No I.D., Symbolyc One (co.) The Heatmakerz (co.), Rick Rubin (add.)]
a typical kanye produced track that contains a soulful sample. this one takes you back to college drop out.a brilliant beat with charlie wilson
on here. lots of samples up in here.
Kanye's most experimental work to date. it will take a few more spins to get used to it. typical kanye braggadociary. a musical masterpiece.
- Remember its allabout the beat!
Continue Reading
JAY-Z NEW ALBUM JULY 4TH.
Jay -Z announced the release of his new album entitled MAGNA CARTA HOLY GRAIL. Which is to be released on July 4th in conjunction with Samsung mobile. Producers featured in the launch video was Rick Rubin, Timbaland and Pharrell.
Continue Reading
REVIEW: FRENCH MONTANA - EXCUSE MY FRENCH
For Moroccan born Karim Kharbouch aka French Montana it has been a long hustle. First selling street DVD's of interviews he did with Hip Hop stars to featuring on today's top rap artists tracks French Montana has carved a little place in the music industry for himself.
He first came to the mainstreams attention on Rick Ross' 2012 STAY SCHEMIN' which he featured on.
Now in 2013 French with his trademark "Haan" blurp on his songs. French Montana releases his debut album EXCUSE MY FRENCH.
Trap beat master and Roc Nation managed Jahlil Beats starts of the proceedings with the riot inciting TRAP HOUSE featuring Birdman and Rick Ross. Very melodic with a haunting string running through the track. And kick ass kick drum. Love this one right here. French shows on here that he can hold his own.
On FUCK WHAT HAPPENS French is joined by Dj Khaled, Mavado, Ace Hood, Snoop Dogg and Scarface. Over a laidback hard ass slamming beat the veterans of Snoop and Scarface trade verses with new bucks Ace Hood and French. Aight track.
Cardiak provides the soundscape for the Jeremih and Diddy assisted BALLIN' OUT.
I TOLD EM is also an outstanding track with French going straight bananas. Produced by it has a great future to be a hit.
POP THAT features and was produced by Lee On The Beat. This one has had much radio and TV play and has been all over the place. It still bangs.
FREAKS which features Nicki Minaj is one those mad for radio and strip club cuts. you heard before the track interpolates Murder She Wrote by Chaka Demus Pliers.
The quality of the production is top notch. Can't go wrong here.
- Remember It's All About The Beat!
(Please note some videos might not play on certain mobile devices.)
Continue Reading
ALBUM REVIEW: N.O.R.E aka P.A.P.I. - STUDENT OF THE GAME
Queens Lefrak City native Victor Santiago aka Noreaga aka N.O.R.E aka P.A.P.I has been in the rap game for quite some time now. With hits like SUPERTHUG and OH NO he has previously released stellar albums that has brough him gold plaques.
With a veteran like N.O.R.E it is difficult to fit in with todays trends in music. So N.O.R.E tries to please both older fans and trying to get some new ones.
In 2013 he brings us his latest project Student Of The Game.
Pharrell produces and appears on the rawkus THE PROBLEM (LAWWWDDD). N.O.R.E seems comfortable here but the track sounds a bit out of place for both artists.
The chocolate boy wonder Pete Rock produces and appears on the dark VITAMINS, complete with Pete's trademark "whoo" adlib in the beginning. A track that reminds me a lot of most 90's beats coming out of New York.
Check out the video below for TADOW featuring: French Montana, 2 Chainz and Pusha T
Lil Wayne appears on the predictable SHE TRIED. This is not the first time Wayne did a track with N.O.R.E incidentally. Predictable because Wayne does the singing in the hook.
CAMOUFLAGE UNICORNS features a slamming drum track and some tinkly keys that runs through the song which makes it a real pleasure to listen to. Havoc does the hook taking a you to the days of old and Tragedy Khadafi sparring verses with N.O.R.E over a nice beat provided by DJ Thoro and Scram Jones.
Extra P aka Large Professor hooked up the bouncy and funky BUILD PYRAMIDS. He also appears on this track which is different to all the other tracks on this project. A true Queens, New York anthem right here.
FACES OF DEATH is a remake of N.O.R.E.'s BANNED FROM TV. Produced by Jahlil Beats, the track does not come close to the original. The original tracks producer Swizz Beats appears on here with other guests, French Montana, Busta Rhymes and Raekwon.
With filler tracks and sub par tracks this one is a miss for N.O.R.E. This one is a disappointment.
- Remember its all about the beat! Continue Reading
ALBUM REVIEW: KID CUDI - INDICUD
One of the most talented artists out today has to be Kid Cudi, he can sing, dance, rap and produce.
Just before releasing this project it has been reported that Kid Cudi left his GOOD music home. Will his sound change after this project! His previous works has been critically acclaimed and this one has a lot to live up to.
JUST WHAT I AM is a stroke of genius, with a magnificent soundscape featuring regular Cudi collaborator King Chip. You will catch yourself singing to the hook. It's that dope!
Scott Mescudi aka Kid Cudi starts of this offering with the mellow hard beaty UNFUCKWITTABLE which makes for an intro to a dope smokable album.
Things get rough and loud on YOUNG LADY with guitars and drums. With Father John Misty doing the hook, given it that end of the world feel. Has a bit of rock swing to it.
Indicud makes for an easy and laidback listen which I am sure the smokers will like.
On KING WIZARD Cudi flips some rhymes over an electro beat that is not to in your face but cool to listen to. Another catchy tune.
Another track that I caught myself humming to is the lovely IMMORTAL. With a snippet taken from BILLY MADISON "...I'm the smartest man alive..." Over a staccato beat and haunting strings Cudi easily slides his vocals over this gem of a track!
SOLO DOLO, PART II features Kendrick Lamar and K.Dot spits his trademark fire over a magnificent drum track. Very versatile this guy from Compton.
Hit-Boy knocks the beat for RED EYE featuring the ladies of HAIM. But then again Cudi did mention that this is like his Chronic 2001, where he features other artists.
GIRLS is so damn amazing! Melodies galore and a triggerman vocal sample and a subtle drum track make it a must listen. It features the original Oakland pimp Too $hort.
Musically Indicud is a solid project that can hang with many others that is out there in the market today and its a real pleasure to listen to. Cudi's hooks are infectious and makes you wanna sing along.
- Remember its all about the beat! Continue Reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Tyler The Creator - Wolf
The Odd Future collective is known for the off centre music and music videos. Also jumping into the crowd moshing and breaking stage equipment has made them a must see act live. Not going mainstream like other rap acts they have cut themselves a little piece into the this Hip Hop game that we all love so much.
WOLF is Tyler's much awaited third solo outing which was supposed to drop late in 2012 and now its finally here.
JAMBA featuring Hodgy Beats starts of proceedings with a brash beat and moogish baseline with Tylers off beat on beat rhyming and also complimented with his trademark baritone voice.
His voice is hella deep for a guy in his early twenties. COWBOY is another track that has a drum pattern that sounds plain off beat, but it works and with an accompanying piano stabs it makes for a fantastic audio ride into the world of Tyler.
COWBOY nicely flows into AWKWARD and you will be forgiven if you thought that it was still the same song.
DOMO 23 is my favourite on here, which incidentally is also the first single. Quirky instruments drawing an almost eerie track with a beat that slams hard. I can already see The Roots band doing this live. Tyler murders DOMO 23 to pieces. It just makes me want to act spastic like a 12 year old.
.jpg)
Fellow Odd Future member Frank Ocean appears on SLATER. Appearing towards the end of the track. A nice smooth track I love it.
Pharrell Williams lends his trademark vocals on IFHY. Another notable track is the rambling TRASHWANG. Upon listening to the track, it reminded me a bit of that old Wu-Tang that we all loved.
All the production on Wolf is handled by Tyler, so you can expect hard drums and eerie sounds. No trap beats on here. Not really for top 40 radio or Mtv mainstream, this album might be difficult to consume for most listeners.
Hard Hip Hop beats and eerie sounds makes this one a reasonable project for Tyler!
- Remember Its All About The Beat!
.jpg)
Continue Reading
Review: Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience
Third time around and JT has made a name as an actor for himself. Married and well established as a celebrity he has still got fans clamouring for more music. He has got the moves and he has got some soul. Only reason I'm reviewing this is because of the beats and because at the end of the day its all about the beat!
The 20/20 Experience continues where Future Sounds stopped. With funky and innovative experimentation's with the beats. Long 6 minute plus tracks are the norm like the opening cut PUSHER LOVE GIRL. A lovely staccato beat with a tad of southern old school jazz/funk flavour to it. Vocals compliment and finish the track to the fullest. Towards the end as with most tracks on this offering, there is a ± 2 minute breakdown of beats. Making your listening experience more pleasurable. SUIT & TIE has been playing all over radio the last few months and has become the staple of top 40 radio programmers.
Dance ... DON'T HOLD THE WALL is a favourite of mine just because of the magnitude of sounds and percussion that is being used in this track. A mid tempo beat with Timbaland displaying his trademark and somewhat old adlibs. Some real crazy production going on here. I catch myself moving to this at times.
I think as a beat connoisseur I only will look forward to the last few sections of all the tracks on here. The way beats get switched up almost on every track is on point. One of those tracks that has some weird 50's ending is STRAWBERRY BUBBLEGUM. Sounds more like lounge music if you ask me, with a Jazz twist!
SPACESHIP COUPE comes at you complete with Dre-sque type "Chronic" bass line. It does add a touch of uniqueness to the track.
So far this album does not use modern RnB formulas. It definitely has a 50's, 60's and 70's influences, which makes for a real refreshing listen. Such a track to back me up on that must be THAT GIRL.
LET THE GROOVE GET IN steps up the pace and sounds like a latin american conga beat. Should go down good in the clubs.
MIRRORS the second single is the tour de force on here. Very similar to CRY ME A RIVER it features Timbalands familiar ad libs etc. And JT's vocals and charisma on the hook ensures that this can do well on radio.
All in all I looked forward to a classic album, but it misses the mark.
Its All The About Beat!
REVIEW: MC EIHT - KEEP IT HOOD EP
Eiht has not lost his charm and his trademark "geah" which makes for a great recording.
Produced in its entirety by Austrian producer Brenk Sinatra. And features turntable scratches by Dj Premier.
THE REIGN has Eiht flowing over the track like he has not been gone for that long, it feels like he has been her forever. Dj Premiers scratching adds a dope feeling to the track.
BIGG has got a bit of that west cost bounce to it. Very soulful production with vocal snippets in the hook and scratches makes for a Wow moment when u listen to this track. Mc Eiht is the rappers, rapper.
811 is that head nodding track that you just bump when you just chilling with some brews and bud. Love the add libs. This is so 90's - gotta love it man!
The tracks are good so no need to press the skip or fast forward button here.
Producer Brenk Sinatra beats are diverse and not all sounding the same.
Yes I love it and I am sure you will too.
Avid fans of Mc Eiht and C.M.W would enjoy this abum. So for now we just have to be content with these dope 7 tracks till we get to hear Which Way Is West?
Remember Its All About The beat! Continue Reading
E-40 AND TOO $HORT - HISTORY FUNCTION MUSIC
Where do I start? E-40 and Too $hort on the same album together for 17 tracks and more? This is heaven! The two bay area legends came together for this project, after working together on songs on each others projects for the last 10 years and more.
History: Function Music starts of with the quirky THIS SHIT POUND.
SLIDE THROUGH is straight gutter funky. It has that trademark bay hyphy sound ready to make you bob your head. 40 is such a skillful rhymer, you can't mess with dude. Always entertaining the listener. Too $hort on the other does not dissapoint at all. Tyga rips the final verse to pieces just like he can.
For two dudes over 40 years of age they are really giving the young guns a run for the money when it comes to good quality rap music. When it comes to 808's and deep bone rattling bass, SMOKE THAT SHIT does the job. A constant bass makes the dick hard right here! Insane I tell ya.
$hort just parlays and shows us why he was born to mack. On LET'S HAVE A PARTY 40 shows why he is such a great storyteller. Attention to detail is king here.
Veteran producer Rick Rock whips up the riot inciting BOUT MY MONEY. With a simple moog sounding baseline and chanting it will surely make your party get out of hand, R&B crooner Jeremih Spits a verse on here.
E-40's son Droop E provides the soundscape for the haunting SAY I with its funny hook. The beat slams and repeat playing is a must. This track is all about driving drunk (DUI). It features Wiz Khalifa who surprisingly murders the track pieces. A must listen!
WEST COAST SHIT (featuring Ice Cube) is another quirky sounding beat by Tone Bone of League of Starz gets the party knocking. Quirky is good, not a too serious track. Don't forget the west coast throws the best parties.
Pure bouncing snares and dirty bass over here. Music strictly for the trunk.
Producer Decadez gets featured prominently on this project, TOASTED is one of them. Thumping bass again and again. To some it will take some time to get used to the bare bones production but its does the job.
On the final track CALI the two pay homage to the golden state. Reminds me a little of California Love with the vocoder in the hook.
All in all this is a go!
Remember its all about the beat!
Continue Reading
Kendrick Lamar - good kid m.A.A.d city - Review
Kendrick Lamar follows in the footsteps of great rappers like Ice Cube, Mc Ren, Eazy- E, Snoop Lion(Dogg), Eminem and 50 Cent of having the opportunity to have Dr. Dre co-produce and executive produce their albums. Keep in mind the good Doctor has the midas touch.
Good Kid m.A.A.D City (GKMC) is a very dark and sinister rap/Hip Hop album, taking you deep into the streets of urban America, Compton to be exact.
No gang affiliation here. But the stories Kendrick Lamar aka K.dot relays via his rhymes comes across straight forward. A very mature rapper and his topics are not ignorant as most of todays new artists out there.
GKMC continues where NWA left us with Niggaz4life.
Topics are grim and dark. No party jams. You can see that Dre put this album together. All the tracks flows seamlessly together with skits just like a mini audio movie.
Although Dr. Dre did not produce a single track on the album one can clearly hear Dre's influence on the album. Each track is crisp and clear. The snares hit spot like a good whisky shot. Despite so many producers contributing to the album its cohesive.
Tha Bizness whips up the first track SHERANE a.k.a MASTER SPLINTER’S Daughter, which starts of with Kendrick's amazing ability to tell a story, which is missing today in much of today's braggadocious Hip Hop.
BITCH, DON'T KILL MY VIBE is a definite favourite with the hook, "I'm a sinner, whose probably gonna sin again, lord forgive me, lord forgive me, things I don't understand, sometimes I need to be alone, bitch, don't kill my vibe ... ". Sounwave cooks up a somber track that fits K.Dots flow like a glove.
BACKSEAT FREESTYLE is an absolute stunner. It producer Hit-Boy smacks you with a right hand jab across your face with a beat that's made for the clubs. Dr. Dre features on COMPTON and THE RECIPE. The veteran producer doesn't feel out of place as he holds his own with Kendrick.
MONEY TREES featuring fellow Black Hippy member Jay-Rock is so smooth like butter with a thumping snare conjured up by DJ Dahi. Head nodding and sing-along shit right here. "...Money trees is the perfect place for shade..."
The sample of Roy Ayers "We live in Brooklyn, baby" is instantly recognisable when GOOD KID begins, with Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams on the hook.
A stroke of sheer genius ala The Thrones "Murder To Excellence" must be the feisty M.A.A.D CITY which is basically two tracks in one. As the hook goes "... where you from nigga, fuck who you know, where you from my nigga, where your grandma stay, huh my nigga?, this is maad city ..." Fellow veteran and CMW frontman MC Eiht lends a verse on the second part of the track. This track takes you back to the days when the west ruled rap.
Canadian rapper Drake pops up on the Janet Jackson vocal sampled POETIC JUSTICE. Just Blaze's trademark over the top production bodies COMPTON. The magnum opus on this album. The before mentioned THE RECIPE appears on the deluxe version of GKMC, produced by Scoop De Ville it had heads nodding a few months back and still sounds good.
Kendrick is the D.O.C of the digital age. Continue Reading
Are Producers Becoming The New Superstars?
Since the beginning of Hip Hop the beat has always been an essential part of a song. There wasn't much attention given as to who produced the songs. It wasn't that important. It was always the MC and the DJ commanding your attention.
Today I personally check for what producer is producing an album or track. I am a beat fundi and I give every new track for the most a 15 second listen before I decide if I am gonna listen to it further or not.
But I'm not at a point where I'm not gonna give new producers a listen because I'm all for giving new talent a chance.
As of late producers have become the focus point in Hip-hop. With producers having a signature "blurb" in the beginning of all tracks that they produce. In the early days of Hip-hop a lot of producers were doing "ghost" producing, ie. Large Professor did tracks for Eric B & Rakim. But he was not credited for it.
Today big name producers will get in other younger talented guys to produce for them and then pass it off as there own or just get added in the credits as a co- or additional producer.
One should also not get confused between a producer and a beatmaker. Today we have more beatmakers than producers.
A beatmaker will sit with his laptop and knock out tracks and send them to his or her respective clients and they will then take it further. Whereas a producer will take full control of the song from creating the bare track right through to sequencing and vocal arrangement.
With the breakneck speed that technology is moving at nowadays it has produced a host of beatmakers and producers. So competition is really stiff with everybody looking for that mew sound and producers/beatmakers imitating existing sounds.
Music producers like Timbaland and Swizz Beats have stepped up from behind the boards to the forefront and claimed the spotlight also for themselves.
So are today's music producers the new super stars?
Remember it's all about the beat! Continue Reading
G.O.O.D Music - Cruel Summer - Review
And as with all projects that Kanye West touches it turns to gold and sold.
TO THE WORLD
- Kanye West & R. Kelly
R. Kelly has been making a lot of appearances on rap records as of late. With rolling snares, heavy percussion and deep down bottom ends Kanye drops one verse where he mentions Mitt Romney and shares his views on the current political climate. Just an intro track here to set you up for what's coming up ahead.
CLIQUE
- Big Sean, Jay-Z & Kanye West
A track which Big Sean recorded first and then Jay-Z and Kanye joined him later. A very catchy and head nodding beat crafted by producer of the moment Hit Boy.
MERCY
- Big Sean, Pusha T, Kanye West & 2 Chainz
The #1 US summer anthem features a vocal sample from the reggae song
Dust A Soundboy by Super Beagle which no one really knows what is being said but still gets the club jumping. Each of the featured rappers display there own unique trademark flows.
NEW GOD FLOW
- Pusha T, Kanye West & Ghostface Killah
The album features the extended version. Over a rolling drum pattern and piano loop, Pusha T makes this track his own. Stepping up his game Pusha Ton murders fellow rappers making him a contender for great things to come.
THE MORNING
- Raekwon, Pusha T, Common, 2 Chainz, CyHi Da Prynce, Kid Cudi & D’Banj
A brilliant cut with D'Banj rocking an awesome hook. Raekwon flips the first verse as only he can do best. Make no mistake he does his thing. Love this one, makes for pleasurable listening. Reminds me of So Appalled on My Black Dark Twisted Fantasy.
COLD
- Kanye West
The track formerly known as Theraflu, which begun the whole Kanye - Kim public relationship.
HIGHER
- The-Dream, Pusha T & Ma$e
I love this jam, its so Cruel and smooth. Featuring The Dream on the hook it has an Eastern flavour to it. Eerie and scary it just shows the genius of Kanye West and what he is capable of putting together. The breakdowns in the track really compliment rappers Pusha - T and Ma$e.
SIN CITY
- John Legend, Travi$ Scott, Teyana Taylor, CyHi Da Prynce & Malik Yusef
This sounds and feel like it should have been on My Black Dark Twisted Fantasy. It has all the elements of that album. End of the world type of feel right here.
THE ONE
- Kanye West, Big Sean, 2 Chainz & Marsha Ambrosius
A laidback track this one. Very nice I must say, percussion and rums all over with a great vocal from Marsha Ambrosius.
CREEPERS
- Kid Cudi
Creepers is a real feel good track. Dan Black long time Kid Cudi collaborator knocks out the beat on this one, a busy track that has Cudi rapping and singing over a staccato beat. Some great things Cudi is doing here just love it!
BLISS
- John Legend & Teyana Taylor
The only non rap track on here. Has a bit of a little 80s movies feel to it. Teyana Taylor give a bit of a lacklustre performance, but when John Legend gets his turn, it will be his soulful vocals that will make you take note.
DON'T LIKE (REMIX)
- Kanye West, Chief Keef, Pusha T, Big Sean & Jadakiss
Chief Keef can count his blessing that this track made it on her giving him much needed exposure after all his woes on twitter. A solid track right here that put producer Young Chop on the map. Sing a long material right here. The G.O.O.D music collective murders this lyrically to pieces.
From what one can pick up from this project is that Kanye made sure his protege Big Sean is featured prominently on all the big songs on here. He has grown as an artist and he will take it far in the feature.
The way certain track just flow into each other is amazing. Makes for a perfect listen, i.e. The Morning into Cold and Higher into Sin City.
I expected to see Perfect Bitch on here but maybe it will surface later.
In closing I would have to say a solid performance from the G.O.O.D Music team. Continue Reading
After all the wait he finally steps out and brings us Based On A T.R.U. Story.
YUCK!
(feat. Lil Wayne)
Starting this debut solo outing off is a track done by Street Runner. Some heavy strings and a so stupid kick drum sprinkled with a dash of 808 makes for a perfect start to this debut. Lil Wayne pops up here to assist 2 Chainz with the hook. Lyrics so far on point.
CRACK
Go to trap beat maker Drumma Boy lays down this one. Above average track.
DOPE PEDDLER
This track features a vocal sample by Tom Lehrer song The Old Dope Peddlar. This is one of my favorites. A surprise track right here. Not a typical Zaytoven beat but it does the job quite well. The bottom ends (808) and drum track here is disgustingly good. A bit irritating in the beginning but you will love it later. Tauheed has punchlines for days.
NO LIE
(feat. Drake)
The #1 Gold selling first single of the album features Mike Will from the Eardrummas on the beat. Drake adds a verse and the catchy hook. This is one of Drakes memorable sing-songy choruses.
BIRTHDAY SONG
(feat. Kanye West)
2 Chainz has this thing to do songs for strip clubs and trunks of cars. This one is no stranger either. This second single features a beat by fellow Atlanta native Sonny Digital. Also features a co-production credit for featured rapper Kanye West.
I’M DIFFERENT
Another favorite of mine is this one. DJ Mustard who did Tyga's RACK CITY, did this one. Some familiar sounds here but it works for me. With a bare bones track and piano loop running through, 2 Chainz goes in hard and fast and rides the track like a pro. Dude sounds hungry right here.
EXTREMELY BLESSED
(feat. The-Dream)
This one surprised me. With The Dream on the hook and Lex Luger on the beat its a 360 degree turn from your usual Lex Luger sounding tracks. You can hear Luger's trademark 808 bottoms making noise here. Lovely drum track.
I LUV DEM STRIPPERS
(feat. Nicki Minaj)
Third single and video feature Nicki Minaj you can call this one Beez In The Trap prat II. This one sounds like its for the strip clubs/shake junts. Predictable.
STOP ME NOW
(feat. Dolla Boy)
Tauheed teams up with former Playaz Circle partner Dolla Boy on here. Besides this track they still work together managing a studio in Atlanta. A lil break from the "trapesque" beats this track is good to go.
MONEY MACHINE
The 2nd Drumma Boy cut. Laidback one here giving Chainz the chance to flip his flow about his riches and coming up in the rap/trap game.
IN TOWN
(feat. Mike Posner)
With so much trap beats you wanna take a break from it all. Mike Posner adds a beat and vocals to this right here. I love it, its this projects "sex jam" raunchy and hot. This starts of like a love ballad, but I love it though.
GHETTO DREAMS
(feat. Scarface & John Legend)
John Legend adds his vocals here while Houston legend Scarface lend his vocals on here.
WUT WE DOIN?
(feat. Cap1)
It producer of the moment and longtime 2 Chainz collaborator Mike Will delivers a solid track here. 2 Chainz truly feels at home here. Lol this song reminds me of Bands Make Her Dance. Solid track, make no mistake.
COUNTDOWN
(feat. Chris Brown)
A bonus track this one is for the dubstep lovers featuring Chris Brown. Not to bad.
At times this album reminds one of Lil Wayne's Carter III when it comes to lyrics and the overall concepts. This album also features bonus tracks on the deluxe version which have been previuosly released before ie. LIKE ME and RIOT.
In closing this offering is the ultimate trap album.
RICK ROSS - GOD FORGIVES I DONT (REVIEW)
With only 3 "trap" sounding beats this album is well rounded. Here are my thoughts:
PIRATES
Straight of the bad Ricky flows like a fat mack over this produced track. Kinda a great change from the trap beats we have been fed for the last 2 years and so on.
3 KINGS FT. Dr. Dre & Jay - Z
Just having Dre on your track already says a lot. And on top of that you have Jay - Z also on that. At first rumoured to feature production by Dre but Jake One steps to deliver a solid offering. Debates are still abound who wrote the verse for the good Dr.
ASHAMED
70's funk gangster soundscape here. I love it. Love the vocal sample used on this one. Ricky flows ever comfortably over here like he has not a care in the world.
MAYBACH MUSIC IV FT. Ne-Yo
The J.U.S.T.I.C.E league comes back with the fourth installment of Maybach Music. One can immediately pick up that the production team have added a heap of live instrumentation to their production. It ups the game in the muddled world of producers. This track basically sets the tone for thus album. Very funky and so jazzy. LA Reid makes an appearance at the end.
SIXTEEN FT. Andre 3000
Another J.U.S.T.I.C.E league beat! This is clearly my favorite on GFID. With 3 stacks oodling comfortably over this laid-back smoothie of a jam. "When sixteen ain't enough" he croons the hook. Clocking in at 8 mins its worth a listen. The best track on the album over here.
AMSTERDAM
A total 360 degree turn from his normal production style. Cardiak delivers a mid-tempo song with Ricky feeling right at home here.
HOLD ME BACK
When this track out it garnered criticism from every where. Trap logic/fruity loop sounding this track comes across very mediocre for an artist of Ross' stature. This track sort of grows on you the more you listen to it.
911
I love the 808 on this one. Riot inciting. Surprising that 2 Chainz didn't pop up on here. First Ross rapped about his Maybach, then his Aston Martin now he is on his 911. Not as smooth as the others. A lil sinister but good enough for me.
SO SOPHISTICATED FT. Meek Mill
When I heard this track I thought Jahlil Beats had a hand in producing this beat. But The Beat Bully did this one.
PRESIDENTIAL FT. Elijah Blake
Pharrel pops up here with this one. As you take listen further with this album you can see Ross had an idea of having a unified sound in mind for all the tracks.
ICE COLD FT. Omarion
MMG newcomer Omarion adds his vocals to this ditty. The beat here slams and bounces.
TOUCH N YOU FT. Usher
This one you all should have heard before. Something for the radio and MTV.
Production I have to say is good, not to much just right.
DICED PINEAPPLES FT. Wale & Drake
A piano loop runs through here as Wale flows his trademark style Assisting Ross. Drake does the hook - singing. This is more album filler to be frank.
TEN JESUS PIECES FT. Stalley
The JUSTICE League pops up again on the last track on Rickys 5th album. With drum rolls and great live instrumentation this track makes it a great ending to this album.
In closing 3.5/5 is what I think about this offering. A pity Mike Will didn't contribute to this offering. Its good. Continue Reading
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Designed By: Blogger Templates | Templatelib