Showing posts with label new album. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new album. Show all posts
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Music Review: Asher Roth: Asleep In The Bread Aisle
Asher Roth: Asleep InThe Bread Aisle
7/10
He's no Eminem, he's definitely not Vanilla Ice, and he isn't conscious enough to be a part of 3rd Bass, but Pennsylvania born MC Asher Roth has made his mark in creating what could be best described as "rascal rap."
"Asleep In The Bread" aisle makes no qualms about it's subject matter and listening to the first song, the infectious "Lark On My Go-Kart" has Roth name dropping Teddy Rumpkin and exclaiming that his "Mario Kart skills are outrageous." The album is knee deep in marijuana and alcohol fueled fun. "Blunt Cruisin" has Roth and some buddies doing just what the song says ("who got the munchies? I got the dutches"), while they crash into trees. Innocent fun.
Perhaps the most standout track on the album is undoubtedly the eye-opening "As I Em," where Roth speaks on his elephant in the room--the comparison to Eminem. Asher manages to thank Em, and also forsake the naysayers who say he sounds a little too much like him.
Roth will probably always be known for the ballad to education institutions; "I Love College." Asher's close friend and producer Oren Yoel produces this (and most of the album) Weezer sampling ode to women,drinking and parties (but not learning! that's so passe right?).
The problem with "Asleep" is that Roth isn't yet strong enough of an MC to carry an album by himself (listen to him get lyrically eviscerated by Busta Rhymes on "Lion's Roar"). His flow on some songs is sometimes questionable, and the lyrics are above average at best. Asher has a long way to go, but his debut album is at least a step in the right direction, he has the tools to possibly be just as good as the other blonde haired rapper people compare him to.
Eminem: Relapse (Album Cover)
I'm sensing a T.I./Paper Trail vibe. I'm sure im not the only one, but it's kinda cool.
Relapse is in stores May 19th
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Music Review: Rick Ross: Deeper Than Rap
Rick Ross: Deeper Than Rap
9/10
Miami native Rick Ross has his feet firmly imprinted in the sand, facing a major beef with 50 Cent (the Goliath to his David if Ross tells it) and a possibly street- cred threatening discovery of his past as a Corrections Officer. Ross, who has built his brand under the character of "The Boss", is in a dilemma that most rappers would crumble under--does the person you used to be overshadow what you are capable of doing? What ever the case may be, "Deeper Than Rap" will surely silence those who doubt his musical prowess, and stand as one of the standout albums of 2009.
The album's sound is more in the vein of Brian de Palma's "The Untouchables" than Ross's previous two LP's and this is mostly in part due to super producers J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League who lace the album with some of the most sonically pleasing beats of the last few years. "Maybach Music II" features Kanye West and Lil' Wayne spitting memorable sometimes hilarious (see: Wayne rapping "all black maybach i'm sitting in the a**hole) lines over a beat that sounds like it could be the beginning of an epic symphony, and the Jamaican influenced "Yacht Club" has crossover potential with Ross exclaiming himself as "the fat Tommy Lee."
"Deeper" also shows Ross' lyrical progression as well, as tracks like "Mafia Music" and "Usual Suspects" (which features a seemingly rejuvenated Nas) can attest. Ross even services hit single friendly tunes such as "All I Really Want" (featuring The-Dream) and Lay Back (where Robin Thicke steals the show, doing his best Justin Timberlake impression) impressively.
Opponent 50 Cent isn't spared on tracks such as "In Cold Blood" ("Got about 50 and keep 50 in my pocket) and "Valley of Death" ("you aint a G and unit means together), as Ross outs 50 as a megalomaniac who is essentially breaking the unity in hip hop. Ross is as self depreciating as he is accusatory, shedding his image in order to detail his past ("I'll shovel s***/I'll C.O./just so my family can bow over the meat loaf).
"Deeper Than Rap" is not only one of the best LP's of the year, but it's also a shining example of not counting someone out when he's down. Time will tell if the Boss will gain the credibility he so desperately looks for, but as long as the music is great, who cares?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Curren$y "This Aint No Mixtape" Interview
Curren$y very often speaks, much less showing how long he's been in the game and what he's been through. That being said, this interview is very informative and I respect him for this decision (to leave Young Money)..This Aint No Mixtape...4/21
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Music Review: Jadakiss: The Last Kiss
Jadakiss: The Last Kiss
7/10
Raspy voiced MC Jadakiss has a lot to live up to on his third offering "The Last Kiss", his first on Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella records. Jada has gained a following as being the most underrated rapper of the last decade, and this LP is his chance to prove his worth in the game, and besides a couple of setbacks he manages to deliver his strongest work yet.
His signature style of gangster rap mixed with razor sharp lyricism is not lost on tracks like "Pain & Torture" where he offers his opinion of the state of the industry ("I' take the responsibility for bringing it back/They rappin' with hostility, meanin' they whack"), and the dream team collabo with Lil' Wayne on "Death Wish".
"Smoking Gun" has Jada in familiar territory, lyrically approaching a story about an emotionally abused girl while ending every verse with a reference to a gun ("Inside that was crushing her/I got something to discuss with her/I'm coming with the tech/
With the ear holes and the mufflers"). "What If" is like a sequel to his 2004 hit "Why", as he teams with Nas to pose their own intuitive (if not impossible) questions about society.
The album's biggest problem is that it feels bloated. of the 18 tracks there is at least one featured artist and a new producer with a completely different sound. While some collaborations fit excellently (see "Cartel Gathering" with Ghostface Killah & Raekwon), some are "WTF" worthy (who invited OJ Da Juiceman?). The album has no real feel like his other albums have, making it feel like a big budget soundtrack.
"The Last Kiss" has it's ups and downs, but this should finally solidify Jadakiss as a real contender in the ever changing landscape of hip hop.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Cam'ron: "Crime Pays" Album Cover
Spotted @ Miss Info.tv
From her twitter:
this Cam'ron Crime Pays album cover is more subtle than expected. (imagined him shoveling crack @ Robert Taylor Homes)
So true.
happy april fools niggas, KILLA!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Music Review: Jim Jones: Pray IV Reign
Jim Jones: Pray IV Reign
6/10
Ex-Diplomats hypeman and tough talker, Jim Jones has done seemingly the impossible. He's come from under his boss and mentor and managed to carve his own niche, parlaying the fate of similar "right hand man" artist failures. However with all of his accomplishments, his 4th album "Pray IV Reign" is ultimately a disappointing album that does little to show his growth.
"Reign" is a bit heavier on the more mainstream side than the thug posturing of his earlier efforts, but Jim is more comfortable in this spot. "Pop Champagne" has run the charts for a while with its infectious hook and braggadocios claims of wealth, and the Ryan Leslie assisted "Precious" is strictly for the females and is classy without being corny.
Jones waxes nostalgic on tracks like "My, My, My" dedicated to slain rapper Stack Bundles, and "Let It Out", two of the strongest tracks on the disc, that will honestly surprise the most jaded Jim Jones nonbeliever.
While Jones' strength has never been his lyrical delivery, he usually has great production on his albums. "Reign" has half-baked and derivative production by Chink Santana and Ron Brownz (who should really know better). "How To Be A Boss" features Ludacris and Busta Rhymes over a Swizz Beatz soundalike track created by Brownz, "Frenemies" is ripped straight from Jay-Z's "A Week Ago" (Jay is ironically Jones' enemy on wax). The biggest offender of the album is the juvenile "Medicine" which manages to rip off (surprise surprise) "Jigga What, Jigga Who", and be lyrically terrible as well.
"Reign" sounds like an extended Byrdgang album, bookmarked by the many appearances by the (unimpressive) group on the album. "Reign" had good intentions, but maybe next time Jim should Pray for a more cohesive album.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
The-Dream + The Def Jam Roster: Rockin That Thang Remix (Video)
Love Vs Money in stores TOMORROW!!! Support that!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Rick Ross + John Legend: Magnificent (Video)
Horse Racing is BAUUCE.
This is actually a pretty dope video lol. props to WSHH, and THE BAUCE for the exclusive
Monday, March 2, 2009
Jim Jones: Na Na NaNa Na Na
x
I shudder typing the title to this track, but it actually isnt that bad. Props to OS for the exclusive
I shudder typing the title to this track, but it actually isnt that bad. Props to OS for the exclusive
Sunday, March 1, 2009
GLC + Kanye work on "Money, Hoes, Cars, Clothes"
Off of GLC's "Love, Life, Loyalty" coming this summer
Monday, February 2, 2009
Curren$y: "This Aint A Mixtape" Snippets
Curren$y: "This Aint A Mixtape" Snippets
From Onsmash:
We’ve been steady giving you preview after preview, and now we have some snippets from the This Aint No Mixtape album for everyone anticipating this as much as we are. The release date is tentatively set for March so stayed tuned for that. And yes, the “Blown Away” snippet is in there too (more like, the whole song). Enjoy it.. Monsta Beatz and the planes got it..
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
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