Essential tracks (I guess)....Chicago Zoo (See Below), Jumanji
As you can see I don't have much to say about this tape.
Overall Rating: 2 out of 10
Saturday, November 14, 2015
NAH
Okay Chief is literally a hit or a miss and I am not feeling his new tape Finally Rollin 2. Idk maybe I have to give it a couple more listens but off of first response its just not official. Like most Keef tracks he has a couple songs and Zaytoven's beats are almost an instant success these days. But as far as the overall project, its just not something I want to hear.
Essential tracks (I guess)....Chicago Zoo (See Below), Jumanji
Essential tracks (I guess)....Chicago Zoo (See Below), Jumanji
Paid In Full
Whether he is going by Diddy, Puff Daddy, or simply Puffy, the name(s) have been synonymous in hip-hop for twenty plus years. The Bad Boy founder has always found ways to reinvent himself and it is no different on his new mixtape MMM. The mixtape is an acronym for Money Makin Mitch. This was one of the main characters in the 90's classic Paid in Full. MMM has 13 songs with features from Pusha T, Ty Dolla Sign, King Los, and more
The first track is titled Facts which showcases one of Diddy's many attributes, his speaking. Diddy has a way of capturing the moment through his linguistics. He speaks of how Mitch in the movie embodied the hustler spirit. That abruptly goes into Harlem (Diddy's home borrough), featuring a relatively unknown MC named Gizzle. Track 5 titled Everyday features Styles P, Jadakiss, and Pusha T. Its a gritty song which shows Pusha T absolutely stealing the show. He raps "I'm tryna find peace for the love of my brother/Who dodged the white powder, I couldn't, I'm covered/The price of bloood diamonds is killing our cousins/While high blood sugar just killing my mother. Future rears his face on the mixtape with King Los on MMM which is a collabing first for the two. The two standout tracks are Workin and Blow a Check in my opinion.
My favorite cut on the tape is Workin feat, Big Sean, and Travis Scott. Whoever wrote for Diddy; job well done, Travis Scott adds some flavor and sets up Big Sean to do what he does best. That would be boding verses.
Overall I believe this is a very solid tape and is a good lead up for Diddy's last album No Way Out 2.
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
The first track is titled Facts which showcases one of Diddy's many attributes, his speaking. Diddy has a way of capturing the moment through his linguistics. He speaks of how Mitch in the movie embodied the hustler spirit. That abruptly goes into Harlem (Diddy's home borrough), featuring a relatively unknown MC named Gizzle. Track 5 titled Everyday features Styles P, Jadakiss, and Pusha T. Its a gritty song which shows Pusha T absolutely stealing the show. He raps "I'm tryna find peace for the love of my brother/Who dodged the white powder, I couldn't, I'm covered/The price of bloood diamonds is killing our cousins/While high blood sugar just killing my mother. Future rears his face on the mixtape with King Los on MMM which is a collabing first for the two. The two standout tracks are Workin and Blow a Check in my opinion.
My favorite cut on the tape is Workin feat, Big Sean, and Travis Scott. Whoever wrote for Diddy; job well done, Travis Scott adds some flavor and sets up Big Sean to do what he does best. That would be boding verses.
Overall I believe this is a very solid tape and is a good lead up for Diddy's last album No Way Out 2.
Overall Rating: 7 out of 10
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Inspiration (M)
One thing that really motivates me is, well if you couldn't tell is music. Music really is a big part of my life. I listen to everything from old G funk, to rap, rnb, jazz,and even some rock n roll. Music is a dynamic that is like no other. You can honestly feel the raw emotion from the artist depending upon who they are. There is literally music that can relate directly to my life or depict my exact emotion. Some of my favorite artists include Kanye West, Notorious BIG, Earth Wind and Fire, Kendrick Lamar, Nate Dogg, Usher, Erykah Badu just to name a few. Peep this fun fact....
Honestly I can't imagine my life without music. I even aspire to be an audio engineer when I graduate from college.
I encourage everyone to keep alittle music in your life that you can tolerant. It makes a difference.
Honestly I can't imagine my life without music. I even aspire to be an audio engineer when I graduate from college.
I encourage everyone to keep alittle music in your life that you can tolerant. It makes a difference.
Another One?
For the better part of the 2000's you've heard or seen some form of Dj Khaled. The We The Best founder is notoriously known for his ability to assemble the best in the business and produce a multitude of tracks. Khaled in a sense is like a coach because lets face it; he doesn't rap, he barely produces and he doesn't care about quality albums. His main focus is hits. I changed a lot is laced with 13 tracks and has appearances from future, lil wayne, rick ross, ace hood, and many more.
From the beginning of this album one thing is apparent. Khaled really hasn't changed a lot. This is the same method he has implemented throughout his career. For some reason though it works for him. The Future wave is nothing short of astonishing. At this point theres not many places you can't find futch. He finds himself on the first song with Rick Ross and four additional songs. Ross also shows up on 5 songs making them the two mainstays overall. Whats interesting about ICA is not only is it an album but it doubles as free marketing. Khaled's album cover shows him in a Miami Heat jersey standing in front of a Finga Lickin wing place that he apparently owns. Furthering the point that he has his eyes set on more than album sales. But lets be real; whats a khaled album w/o its hits right. Gold Slugs (ft. Chris Brown, Fetty Wap & August Alsina), How Many Times (ft. Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, & Big Sean), and Hold You Down (ft. Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jerimih, & Future), satisfy the radio hype beasts.
My favorite song is actually the very first song on the album which is called "I Don't Play About My Paper". It features Future and Rick Ross who blend well together. Peep the video below.
So lets conclude, a plethora of French Montana hooks, occasional Meek Mill screams, Ace Hood, Chris Brown, and Future and Rick Ross as the foundation, you have a sub par Khaled album. So again nothing has really changed
Overall Rating: 2 out of 10
From the beginning of this album one thing is apparent. Khaled really hasn't changed a lot. This is the same method he has implemented throughout his career. For some reason though it works for him. The Future wave is nothing short of astonishing. At this point theres not many places you can't find futch. He finds himself on the first song with Rick Ross and four additional songs. Ross also shows up on 5 songs making them the two mainstays overall. Whats interesting about ICA is not only is it an album but it doubles as free marketing. Khaled's album cover shows him in a Miami Heat jersey standing in front of a Finga Lickin wing place that he apparently owns. Furthering the point that he has his eyes set on more than album sales. But lets be real; whats a khaled album w/o its hits right. Gold Slugs (ft. Chris Brown, Fetty Wap & August Alsina), How Many Times (ft. Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, & Big Sean), and Hold You Down (ft. Chris Brown, August Alsina, Jerimih, & Future), satisfy the radio hype beasts.
My favorite song is actually the very first song on the album which is called "I Don't Play About My Paper". It features Future and Rick Ross who blend well together. Peep the video below.
So lets conclude, a plethora of French Montana hooks, occasional Meek Mill screams, Ace Hood, Chris Brown, and Future and Rick Ross as the foundation, you have a sub par Khaled album. So again nothing has really changed
Overall Rating: 2 out of 10
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Burgh Not The Burbs
We hadn't heard from Pittsburgh Pa's own Mac Miller since signing his major deal with Warner Bros. for a whopping 10 million dollars. With former projects like "Watching Movies With The Sound Off" and "Faces", being huge successes independently, one was to wonder how his major label debut would be. GO:OD A.M. not only delivers musically but also shows Mac in a happier place personally.
As far as hip-hop goes this is a thoroughly complete album that sends GO:OD vibes. The intro is a playful instrumental followed by the song brand names which starts w/ an alarm clock and Mac starting out saying; "We in between heaven & hell/ Fuck a 9 to 5, I'd rather end up dead or in jail". Macs talents would clearly be wasted at McSlaps as he smoothly raps on rush hour and two matches. This leads into the albums lead single 100 Grand Kids where Mac absolutely rips the beat. He discusses his promise to give his mom some grand-kids while also discussing the unstoppable feeling he had when he made his first 100 thousand dollars. The next stretch of the album (Tracks 6-13) acts as the breakaway point where the high levels of artistry is utilized. Lil B provides inspiring positive words in time flies while Weekend ft. Miguel adds an out the box approach but completely works. When In Rome is an absolute banger in which Mac holds nothing back. A very interesting cut is Perfect Circle/God Speed. It is extremely personally as he discusses his low points and his maturation at the young age of 23. God Speed puts this in perspective has he spits "But white lines be numbing them dark times/Them pills that I’m popping, I need to man up/Admit it’s a problem, I need a wake up/Before one morning I don’t wake up"; "Every devil don’t got horns, and every hero ain’t got capes/Opened up my eyes, shit, I’m finally awake, Good morning". If the middle was the breakaway the back-end seemed as a victory lap. Cut the Check sees a good verse from Chief Keef which is rare nowadays. Ascension's sample from Curtis Mayfield's Never say you can't survive provides a nice touch. The outro Festival is literally the only song I would've been ok with being off the album. It just doesn't connect like the other songs to me.
I have two favorite songs which are Clubhouse and In The Bag. These two show Mac providing his brilliant lyrical wordplay over very good instrumentals. Producer Sevn Thomas gives us a Juicy J type feel on the In The Bag beat. Both videos are provided below. Sidenote: check out Rush Hour as well.
This album was well rounded and well put together. The growth is clearly apparent in Mac Miller's songwriting ability and is a nice addition to the already impressive discography from the artist. Album of the year candidate for sure.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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As far as hip-hop goes this is a thoroughly complete album that sends GO:OD vibes. The intro is a playful instrumental followed by the song brand names which starts w/ an alarm clock and Mac starting out saying; "We in between heaven & hell/ Fuck a 9 to 5, I'd rather end up dead or in jail". Macs talents would clearly be wasted at McSlaps as he smoothly raps on rush hour and two matches. This leads into the albums lead single 100 Grand Kids where Mac absolutely rips the beat. He discusses his promise to give his mom some grand-kids while also discussing the unstoppable feeling he had when he made his first 100 thousand dollars. The next stretch of the album (Tracks 6-13) acts as the breakaway point where the high levels of artistry is utilized. Lil B provides inspiring positive words in time flies while Weekend ft. Miguel adds an out the box approach but completely works. When In Rome is an absolute banger in which Mac holds nothing back. A very interesting cut is Perfect Circle/God Speed. It is extremely personally as he discusses his low points and his maturation at the young age of 23. God Speed puts this in perspective has he spits "But white lines be numbing them dark times/Them pills that I’m popping, I need to man up/Admit it’s a problem, I need a wake up/Before one morning I don’t wake up"; "Every devil don’t got horns, and every hero ain’t got capes/Opened up my eyes, shit, I’m finally awake, Good morning". If the middle was the breakaway the back-end seemed as a victory lap. Cut the Check sees a good verse from Chief Keef which is rare nowadays. Ascension's sample from Curtis Mayfield's Never say you can't survive provides a nice touch. The outro Festival is literally the only song I would've been ok with being off the album. It just doesn't connect like the other songs to me.
I have two favorite songs which are Clubhouse and In The Bag. These two show Mac providing his brilliant lyrical wordplay over very good instrumentals. Producer Sevn Thomas gives us a Juicy J type feel on the In The Bag beat. Both videos are provided below. Sidenote: check out Rush Hour as well.
This album was well rounded and well put together. The growth is clearly apparent in Mac Miller's songwriting ability and is a nice addition to the already impressive discography from the artist. Album of the year candidate for sure.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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Wednesday, October 14, 2015
Keep It On Airplane Mode
The ceiling is very high for a lot of new up and coming artists from the west coast these day. Names like YG, Dom Kennedy, Nipsey Hussle, ScHoolboy Q and more notably Kendrick Lamar have all splashed and made a lane for themselves. Ty Dolla Sign is no exception to this west coast renaissance. The rnb artist; who is signed to Wiz Khalifa's TGOD label has often got comparisons to the late great Nate Dogg. Fans have been anxiously waiting for this debut album "Free TC" to drop for the better part of 2015. Constant delays have plagued Dolla Sign so in the meantime he dropped off a ten track mixtape called Airplane Mode. The tape has no features listed but has production from Dj Mustard, Mike Will Made It, and Ty's group D.R.U.G.S..
The first track is called Airplane mode and starts off with a very nice violin and instrumental blend. This song like pretty much all the songs on here are about money, sex , and drugs. He explains that he has to put his phone on airplane mode to dodge the various females in his life. Back In The City follows this track as Ty reflects on the amazing things in his life while drinking. Some of these include his porshea, kush, and white girls with big butts. This song like others on the album are very short or cut off midway through. As a matter of fact 5 out of the ten cuts are under two minutes leading me thoroughly unsatisfied. Granted, the content overall is sub par at best. Ty doesn't seem to capitalize on the amazing productions on the songs. There are some bright points. Violent, One Thing, and All are good solid songs that showcase why Ty Dolla Sign is so popular in the first place. Dj Mustard provides another fire beat on money ruins friendships but again the song or snippet (only 1:18) just misses the mark.
My favorite track is Violent. Dj Spinz & Southside provide a club banging beat. Ty Dolla Sign swags on song and hops in his Snoop Dogg bag; "I was rolling down the street smoking endo/Sippin on that gin and juice like its 92" he sings.
Overall this one hopes that Free TC blows this tape out the water because this sincerely underachieved. Ty Dolla Sign needed to give the fans something but this will keep them happy for all but a couple days. Hopefully the production is just as good though.
Production Rating: 10 out of 10
Overall Rating: 3 out of 10
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Documentary 2
The Game has been in the rap industry for quite some now. Ten years removed from his debut classic "The Documentary", he is back with the mega project that is "The Documentary 2". The Game had recently announced that this will be a double disk album. The first installment is peppered with 19 tracks with features from everyone to Kendrick Lamar to Q-Tip.
From the jump we get the feeling we are going to get an in depth view of life in Compton California which is notoriously known for the origins of Bloods & Crips. The first track On Me features Kendrick Lamar, who also grew up in Compton but unlike the Game he was preoccupied in other endeavors. The Game explains how back in the day he was "blooding like a menstrual" (gang reference) while Kendrick on the other hand was "recording portraits in front of sirens". The biggest surprise is how well the Game lyrically bodies the song over a mesh Erykah Badu On and On beat. You see the old school influence throughout the album. You get a real 90's feel at times especially from cuts like Don't Trip (ft. Ice Cube), New York, New York, The Documentary 2, and Step Up. Standing on Ferraris continues this 90's trend, sampling from the 1997 Notorious B.I.G. track, Kick In The Door. Being that its only right that The Game recruits Bad Boy founder Diddy. The game shows off an impressive biggie flow rapping "Rick Flair phantom/All red flannel, niggas don't hit me though/Spit on models, R.Kelly, piss on the center fold/Ever since Doc showed me a billion in a envelope/Love Jimmy, fuck Interscope". Dollar and a Dream and Made in America are lyrical exercises for Game as he delivers very compelling verses. Ab-Soul also had a very good verse on DAAD. The Game mentions his gang stories and affiliations all throughout the album. He is very proud of where he came from and to be a blood.
There are low points. He stumbles in the middle w/ songs like Bitch You Ain't Shit and Circles. BYAS just completely bashes females and circles just loses me.
notable other tracks on the back stretch of album: 100, Mula
My favorite track is On Me. I just love how both the Game and Kendrick lyrically paint a picture in this song. The On and On sample tssss producer Bongo 'The Drum Gahd' outdid himself on the beat.
Check it out below...
As we wait for the second disk to come out its obvious that The Game put his all into this album and it shows. Whether through the lyrics or the beats.
Rating: 9 out of 10
From the jump we get the feeling we are going to get an in depth view of life in Compton California which is notoriously known for the origins of Bloods & Crips. The first track On Me features Kendrick Lamar, who also grew up in Compton but unlike the Game he was preoccupied in other endeavors. The Game explains how back in the day he was "blooding like a menstrual" (gang reference) while Kendrick on the other hand was "recording portraits in front of sirens". The biggest surprise is how well the Game lyrically bodies the song over a mesh Erykah Badu On and On beat. You see the old school influence throughout the album. You get a real 90's feel at times especially from cuts like Don't Trip (ft. Ice Cube), New York, New York, The Documentary 2, and Step Up. Standing on Ferraris continues this 90's trend, sampling from the 1997 Notorious B.I.G. track, Kick In The Door. Being that its only right that The Game recruits Bad Boy founder Diddy. The game shows off an impressive biggie flow rapping "Rick Flair phantom/All red flannel, niggas don't hit me though/Spit on models, R.Kelly, piss on the center fold/Ever since Doc showed me a billion in a envelope/Love Jimmy, fuck Interscope". Dollar and a Dream and Made in America are lyrical exercises for Game as he delivers very compelling verses. Ab-Soul also had a very good verse on DAAD. The Game mentions his gang stories and affiliations all throughout the album. He is very proud of where he came from and to be a blood.
There are low points. He stumbles in the middle w/ songs like Bitch You Ain't Shit and Circles. BYAS just completely bashes females and circles just loses me.
notable other tracks on the back stretch of album: 100, Mula
My favorite track is On Me. I just love how both the Game and Kendrick lyrically paint a picture in this song. The On and On sample tssss producer Bongo 'The Drum Gahd' outdid himself on the beat.
Check it out below...
As we wait for the second disk to come out its obvious that The Game put his all into this album and it shows. Whether through the lyrics or the beats.
Rating: 9 out of 10
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