Post #10 Kanye West Presents...G.O.O.D. Music-Cruel Summer

Feels good to be back...Thank You for your patience and continued support...Ok..Enough of the formalities, lets get into the album.


     For the past couple of months many of us have been clamoring over the concept of a Kanye and Co. album. If we were able to take any cues from past efforts like all "All of the Lights", "So Appalled, and even this LP's lead single "Mercy", then one could safely assume that when this album finally touched down, it would be nothing short of classic right? 
     The first track "To the World" features R. Kelly and Kanye....THAT'S IT!.. Where's Big Sean, Pusha T, or even Kid Cudi for that matter..Not what I expected at all. I ASSUMED every song would have a "Mercy" like roster of artist at the very least. My first lesson learned from this album...Expect the unexpected. Duly Noted.
     The next three songs are smartly coupled together considering they are all singles..."Clique", The aforementioned "Mercy" and "New God Flow". I remember back in July when I first heard New God Flow, I thought to myself it would be cool if Ghostface made an lyrical appearance instead of hearing his sampled voice. The "Album Version" actually has Ghostface spitting like only The G.O.D. can...great addition here.The next song "The Morning" proceeds to give me hope, thats because the roster looks absolutely ANIMAL. Continuing with this Wu Influence is a stellar performance from Raekwon The Chef, and a surprisingly up to par verse from Cyhi The Prince. Common and Pusha T share 16 bars while 2 Chainz spits something forgettable and Ye's literally phones it in...Yuck.
     The song formally known as  "Theraflu" which then became formally known as Way Too Cold is now simply known as "Cold". You can skip this one if you want....there is nothing new added to this song."Higher" fares a bit better because its definitely aimed at the the club goers out there...Its way to rauchy and laced with F' Bombs to ever make it to radio...Oh yeah M-A Dollar Sign E makes a cameo appearance and decides to use that fleeting opportunity to throw a little dart at former comrade Loon..oh well.this song is saved by its lengthy hook and its cringe-worthy but hilarious bridge...but you'll be to drunk or high to really care.
     Things get a little trippy with "Sin City".... again this song is all about the Hook and bridges and what not...another forgettable futuristic club song. "The One" enlist the vocal talents of Marsha Ambrosius....Ye, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz show up and give rousing performances and this song actually works with this combination..not bad at all. At this point this album becomes something else...Kid Cudi decides to hi-jack this album and premiers his own lead single. I'm sure he didnt intend that but hell, "Creepers" is a definite winner and should have been saved for HIS album..."I'm Just Saying" The Cudi faithful will love this song..I should know.
     After replaying that song 24 times I forced myslelf to listen to the final two songs. "Bliss" is dope if you ask me..it really has that live band feel to it and this song is better for it. Teyana Taylor and John Legend sound awesome together and I wouldn't mind hearing 4 or 5 more songs from that duo. Honestly my only knock on this song is that it needed Lupe Fiasco and it was way too short..The final song is the "Don't Like" remix...Many of you know my feelings about this kind of music and children so I won't get into that here.
    And just like that the album is over...No mention of The Mighty Mos Def or Mr. Hudson..One can only conclude that they didn't meet the deadlines, which is a shame because I would have love to hear them. All in all this compilaton serves its purpose as it is able to cater to most crowds...The Hip-Hoppers, Club Hoppers, Singers, and Experimental Alternatives should all find something worth listening too for how ever many days are left in this summer. This is Kanye's version of "The Dynasty" and should have a pretty decent shelf life.

Post #9 Wiz Khalifa-Taylor Allderdice

     I must admit that Wiz Khalifa has finally grown on me. Now to be clear I was a never a Wiz "Hater",but I will say that he wasn't on my list of artist that I had to listen to on a daily basis. It wasn't until one day when I was at my job and two my coworkers kept badgering me to listen to his new joint and to fully dismiss his  "Rolling Papers" LP because that wasn't an accurate depiction of how he truly got down. I'm not easily swayed but after 3 hours of hearing this I finally decided to to oblige their requests and listen to this new mixtape and let them know what I thought.
      The first chimes of smoothness open up this set as Wiz begins to croon about the fact "Getting paid is a regular thing to him". When you look at Wiz you cant help but think that he has to be the most chill dude you've met in a long time. "Amber Ice" is a perfect example of that chill attitude and it's a pervading theme throughout the mixtape. The first three tracks roll by so smoothly that by the time that its get to Track 4 it almost jars you out of your comfort zone and puts you in directly into club mode.
      "Guilty Conscience" is definitely a 20 something club banger and is guaranteed to get you hopping around like you're angry at someone. The next song "Mary 3x" automatically kills that mood and lulls you right back onto that couch to light one up and proceed to "Play a 82 Game Season" of NBA 2Kwhatever. Trust me it doesn't kill the mood at all. It just seems that the purpose was to break the ice and and almost reintroduce you to his style of music.
       "O.N.I.F.C." and "Nameless" continue to carry that chill vibe and really started to make me think that I missed something entirely about this dude. Decent hooks,above average lyrics and a certain style really makes these songs work. Another club banger pops up as Rick Ross and his bride to be and Amber Rose show up on "Never Been Part II" and dammit Wiz Khalifa maybe, just a little bit, perhaps, UPSTAGED Rozay. I mean he didn't totally demolish Ross because they both came in and did what they had to do. Amber Rose surprisingly sounds GREAT on this song...although I don't wanna hear an entire song or album of her...She'll  be fine her on the hooks for awhile until she fully develops.
     Halfway through the album and my feeling about it hasn't changed yet..I actually think its kinda dope. "The Cruise" helps his case because its not really a traditional rap song. I think its one of his more experimental songs here, but like I said before...It works. The 2nd half of this mixtape doesn't trail off as he continues with the central themes which are Smoke, Ride, Chill. That's his winning combination and I realize that is the same feeling of many others.
     My main mayne Juicy J shows up on "My Favorite Song" and as as cliche as that title is, I still ran that song back 12 times. The 2nd half also gets a bit more aggressive with the production but its still chill music, so and it doesn't take Wiz out of his comfort zone. The production is really the key to Khalifa's success. Not to say that he's only as good as his beats but they definitely enhance his flow. He also let's his crew gets shine. Juicy J, Lola Munroe and Chevy Woods are all competent rappers (Chevy Woods more so than the former) but as a crew they are pretty decent.
    "The Grinder" and "Brainstorm" are without a doubt my two favorite songs thus far and its doesn't hurt that they are 14 and 15 respectively. But then again every song is play worthy even you if you were to shuffle the tracklist. The last two tracks "Number 16" and "Blindfolds" close out this mixtape with precision and requires instant playback.
     "Taylor Allderdice" as a whole was a lesson on how to MAKE a mixtape. The was a certain  cohesion about the entire project and it felt effortless. The way it was executed was nothing short of flawless and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My only complaint if I had to really choose one would have to be the length of the songs. Clocking in at about an hour, every song felt too short and felt like they were unfinished thoughts. I'm only speaking for myself however, others may love the brevity of each song. At the end of the day I'm pleased with the outcome of this mixtape and I'm hoping that his next album ,"O.N.I.F.C" (Only Nigga In First Class) is what "Rolling Papers was supposed to be.



http://www.livemixtapes.com/download/16475/wiz_khalifa_taylor_allderdice.html

Post #8 Big K.R.I.T.- 4eva N A Day

     "What a difference a day makes..." True words spoken by a man who seemingly understands the value of time and truly understands that time in itself should be one of our most cherished commodities. Most however take days for granted and do not realize that one day could indeed make all the difference in the world, You ever heard the phrase "Here Today...Gone Tomorrow"? I thought so. With that being said, Big K.R.I.T.  decided use his time wisely and drop "4Eva N A Day" to many a bated breath around the world, shoot I know I was anticipating this release since "Return of 4Eva" dropped a year ago. The aforementioned 4Eva album even made number 3 on my "Top 10 Albums of 2011" list back in December. Saying that I'm a fan of his music is a severe understatement. The question remains however, does this album contain the same flare and cohesion that his previous efforts did, or will he decide to rest on his laurels and assume that people will like it any way simply because of who he is at this point?
    "8:04" is a spoken intro that sets off this album and lets you know that he not resting, but in fact he is waking up and trying to drop some jewels on you before you start your morning. The production on  "Wake Up" is ALWAYS on point and is something you would WANT to listen to while you walk or drive to go get your coffee and donuts. "Yesterday" is a 2 and a half minute ode to his dearly departed Grandmother.  This song is so heartfelt that you feel every word...and you completely empathize with the notion of waking up with a heavy heart while you're thinking about your loved ones that have passed on. "Boobie Miles" is more jewel dropping from Krit, he's basically telling you to seize the day and don't take any crap from any one thats trying to detract from that. By the time "4evaNaDay Theme" comes on you realize that you're only 5 songs deep and you haven't skipped a track yet...It's a great feeling when you can do that... trust me.
     When the next song starst Krit gets all selfish and goes "Me and My Old School" on everybody and just rides around the hood in his "1986". Both songs are ride worthy and you can't help but realize that its Midday and its sunny. While you ride however you definitely need those "Country Rap Tunes" while you enjoy that day. "Sky Club" is the "cook out" part of the album and you made it to about 3pm and you're with your homies eating, drinking, and playing spades or dominoes and contemplating or whether or you not you want to go to club. Before that happens, you see that you have 3 miss calls and a voice message.
     "Red Eye" deals with the relationship aspect of your day. Your girl is calling and wondering where your relationship is headed and why you wont make more of an effort to be together...It's more serious than its sounds but you not trying to let anything slow you down on this day, you'll get back to her later. "Down & Out" is the part of the cook out when you come back from the bathroom phone call and get real quiet and your friends start to notice. While you go on that liquor run at the " Package Store" you run into the Pastor buying some spirits, Wine-O's gossiping and the jack boys trying to get that 200 you have in your pocket. You make it through all of that and get back to the backyard and all of your friends decide to go to the shake joint for some grub and some legs.
     "Temptation" is a bitch however, you know you have your girl back home but for some reason you feel the need to go there and relieve the stress that she placed on your head a few hours ago. "Handwriting" brings the listener back in to Krit's reality and lets you know what he's dealing with mentally while all we all just sit back and enjoy the music. It's certainly not sunny on his side but he's going to take everything in stride and keep making music for him and the underground.
     When you get to the end of this album, hopefully you realized that this was a well conceived project. What's so genius about this project is that it literally took you through a day in the life of one of hip-hop's most promising artist. Def Jam signed him a few months back and hopefully they don't water down what he's been offering. This album is without a doubt stellar and I hope that by the time his "mainstream" album drops, his talent will be undeniable. Long live a King Remembered In Time.


http://www.livemixtapes.com/mixtapes/16042/big_krit_4eva_n_a_day.html

Post # 7 T.I.-F**K Da City Up, January 16 2012

 

                                                         



     5...4...3...2...1...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! AHhhHhHhhHhHhH!!! After kissing my wife and being thankful to see another year, I realized that T.I.P. The Trouble Man decided to drop a mixtape at the TOP of  the new year. 01-01-12 REALLY TIP?! How many people did you expect to be surfing the net at 12am on New Years Morning? Definitely not me, A few hours AFTER I Woke up, I decided to download this project..I hope its worth all the Ruckus.
     The mixtape starts off with T.I. pretty much ordering all the listeners to "FUCK DA CITY UP BEYOND REPAIR!" Now hold on TIP you know those "People" are listening and are still on you right? Those fools will find any reason to blame you for anything..Inciting riots across the country wouldn't be a good idea lol. Meanwhile the title track sets off the the mixtape nicely with his apparent partner in rhyme Jeezy. I can't even begin to front on this song, They complement each other perfectly, It really hammers home that A-Town unity that they all talk about.
     That banger is followed by "Hot Wheels" which is ANOTHER banger featuring Travis Porter and Dro. Honestly this song should get the Chevy Executives back in his pockets if they were smart. 2 Chainz drops by on "Loud Mouth" which is the Third straight banger. I'm hoping this is a Trend for the mixtape and doesn't trail off with Filler songs and corny B-sides. For my sake the Thump rides on with  "Stunt'n Like a Fool" and my fears are starting to be laid to rest
       A posthumous Pimp C shows up on "Pimp" and that is exactly what it is.."PIMP ISH" Man I miss the Pimp. Too Short didn't really add anything to it but he didn't detract from it either.This song works as well.
There are two filler songs on this project however featuring Nelly and Lady G and Spodee respectively. They are listed 8 and 9 so you know what can do with those.
     "Who What When" features the artist of the month Meek Mill, and again this song works and DJ Toomp really produced a fuel injected heat rock. That song is immediately followed by "The One" produced by long time South stalwart  Manny Fresh...I don't care who is rapping, Manny Fresh makes everyone sounds awesome.
       While listening to this, I realized that this project is literally a Hood/ATL New Year's Party. I would expect to hear every song whether it be in the club or the parking lot. The mixtape closes out with none other than the Dr. Dre produced "Popped Off". Eminem needs to stop ghostwriting  for Dre because he sounds JUST like him..that's only a minor gripe because the song is still dope. All in all this project receives "Free Album" status and I expect it to get much burn until "Trouble Man" drops....Happy New Year!

Post # 6 Sah Ril Art, Fear, & Loathing: Back Where the Pain Is -Vol. III December 26th 2011

     First things first, I must say that I am LATE when it comes to this brother's extensive body of work. There are six albums prior to this one. However, through some weird twist of fate, I've managed to get my hands on this latest offering and I've decided to jump on board and see what this is all about. Time to crack this LP open.

     Art, Fear, & Loathing opens with a couple of salutations and then we're off to the races. There is something about that opener that really sets off the overall mood of this record. The production is lush and 100% infectious. It's not entirely a new sound here but its done with such precision and love that it feels fresh and new. I literally took me 30 minutes to get past the 1st track...Promising

     Once I managed to get my +FINAL FAREWELL FULFILLED+ I was able to move on to the rest of the album and much to my delight there were more treats in store. While listening to this LP I got the vibe that this was yours,mine,his mind and work. Meaning that the songs were the confessionals and the interludes/song breaks were literally thoughts that glued everything together.

     Every song included here serves its purpose justly and it never feels out of place. It's like all the songs are NEEDED to paint the complete picture and be presented in a way it was intended. Whats ironic about that last sentence is the fact that AS SOON as I finished writing it Sah Ril quipped "I'm Basquiat of this Body-Rock". That may not mean much to you right now but that line alone defines the album in its entirety.

     The lyrics are more or less an added piece of this presentation here, They don't detract from the overall project because they are used solely to catch the listener in a three pronged attack....Lyrics, Music, Concept. Let me be clear though, the lyrics ARE dope and when combined with the sound scape, its down right scary.

     The production my gosh! Its the main reason why it took me so long to get through this album. Each song is like a dang on Easter egg hunt, I know its gonna take me months to unearth the many jewels that are buried within each track.

      Let me be clear once more, This album is not for everybody. If you're looking for the next "RAPPER" out of Jersey to finally put us on the map you might not like where this album will take you. On the other hand if you're the kind of person that loves abstract music and well used samples that give you the chills.....Come take this ride.

    

  

The Top 10 of 2011.....5 Thru 1

5. 9th Wonder "The Wonder Years"- More than your just your usual compilation, This LP pulled out some of my my underground heroes. Murs, Raekwon, and Fashawn just to name a few.... plus 9th's lush production....."This Sh*t Be Kickin!"

4. Game "The R.E.D. Album"- While everyone was Watching the Throne and helping Tha Carter IV go platinum. Game dropped one of his most cohesive albums to date. Hard Beats, Hard Bars...This got much play in my ride this summer...Although I could have done without the constant name dropping and rhyming like the guests that were featured. This album still bumps. Not better than The Documentary but wayyyyy better than The Doctors' Advocate and L.A.X...This was the hardest album this year.

3. Big K.R.I.T "ReturnOf4Eva"- What happens when you mix the backwoods mysticism of say a Outkast or Goodie Mob, The Slick Pimpery of UGK or 8ball and MJG and self produced gems? You get this MASTERPIECE...trust me on this, if you like any of the aforementioned artist you'll understand that this dude is definitely a student. This was the front runner for my album year but something happened lol.

2. Kendrick Lamar "Section.80"- Sheesh! what can I say about this dude. There are way to many superlatives so I'm just going to say this...Dude is dope,sick,nasty,beast...etc...its really true..Easily of the illest guys I've heard in a long time...I really hope he stays the course with Dr.Dre and they put that project out soon..If this album was this dope..WITHOUT Dre..The rap world is in trouble.

1. Phonte "Charity Starts At Home"- Every album in my top 10 was dope and I enjoyed listening to every one of them..BUT..they ALL had one glaring flaw...They all had skipped tracks..well except for this one...Honestly I wasn't initially interested in this album and went around it for a while...Once I pressed play one afternoon...it was curtains...Track after track was listenable...EVEN The boo-loving songs where Phonte decides to croon. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF THIS LP! I even ran it back instantly and let the ENTIRE album rock once more...That to me my friends is the definition of a CLASSIC!

The Top 10 of 2011.....10 thru 6

10. Rapper Big Pooh "Dirty Pretty Things"- Big Pooh SHOWED THE EFF UP! with this release...I was impressed with this album....he definitely stayed true to the mantra "Dope Beats,Dope Rhymes". It really wasn't that hard for Mr. Pooh.

9. Jay Rock "Follow Me Home"- This album gave me chills. I felt like I went back to 98 with this one. This is what DMX should have sounded like had he been relevant in 2011. Grim portrayals of street life mixed with hood party bangers sprinkled with cautionary tales..check this album out when you get the chance.

8. Tech N9ne "All 6's and 7'S"- STRAAAAAAAANGE Music! Another triple time album from Mr. Techa Nina...Nothing has really changed from the last album..But one thing remains apparent, He's consistent. He also released "Welcome To Strangeland" showcasing the other artist on his imprint..You can couple both those albums together for the ultimate STRAAAANGE Experience.

7. Juicy J "Rubba Band Business 2"- "PLAY ME SOME PIMPIN MANE!" whenever you hear that tag before the song starts, you know you're about to here some crack! Combined with the Producer of the Minute Lex Luger, This Mixtape/Album sure was fire.

6. Jay Z/Kanye West "Watch The Throne"- There was much hype surrounding this collaboration. Too much if you ask me BUT! I'm not here to hate. I will say this though, This was Kanye West's album, Jay was merely featured on it...but that was just my opinion.