I had to post this video. It is the unmistakable Lyfe Jennings, who has gone from strength to strength, maturing through his music. I love his music for the simple reason that everything he makes, every single track has a deep soul to it, and his voice really conveys such emotion. He choses the right beats (or they chose him) and the results are stunning everytime. I for one, cannot wait for his new album, "Change" to drop next year. Here is Lyfe Jennings - "Cops Up", enjoy :)
Wednesday 12 December 2007
Lyfe Jennings
Monday 10 December 2007
Wu-Tang 8 Diagrams Ad
Here is a look at the commercial made for Wu-Tangs '8 Diagrams' album, released today in the UK:
Tuesday 13 November 2007
Donda West...
Donda West...
My heart goes out to Kanye and his family, on hearing the news that his mother, Donda West, whom he was very close to passed away on Saturday. May she rest in peace.
Monday 12 November 2007
Hip Hop on the up...?
Here are a few tracks which have received positive responses from Hip Hop fans and critics alike. See what you think, perhaps Hip Hop isn’t dead after all….not that it ever was…. :)
These tracks are from various artists. The first is from the infamous Jay Z, making a comeback (again!). His last studio effort “Kingdom Come” was just plain bad, there was no raw soul in it. But this time around, he may win round his critics with the eagerly anticipated release of his “American Gangster” album. This tracks called ‘Roc Boyz’, welcome back Hov:
Next up is a track from Hell Razah. He is a rapper, originally a member of the Wu-tang affiliate group Sunz of Man, and Black Market Militia. Here Razah has collaborated with Hip Hop production duo Blue Sky Black Death to bring you a very dope album, which is also slept on: “Blue Sky Black Death Presents: Razah’s Ladder”. Definitely worth a listen. Here is the single “Razah’s Ladder” from the album:
This track is from rapper Royce da 5′9″. Some people say the worst thing he could have done is break away from Eminem, mmm perhaps they are right. From time to time though, he does release some good stuff, here is his single “Promise Land”, check it out:
Finally we have a single from the great, great Lupe Fiasco! The single is “Dumb It Down”, taken from his upcoming album “The Cool”, and I cannot wait for this album:
Enjoy!
Thursday 1 November 2007
8 Diagrams coming soon!!
I've managed to hear a couple of tracks from the upcoming 8 Diagrams album from the legendary Wu-tang Clan! I have heard, 'Take it back', 'Kids With Words', 'Watch Your Mouth' and 'The Heart Gently Weeps', and all I can say is they are bangin!!
I cannot wait for the album!!
Also, here is some of the artwork for the album floating around,
I'm not sure which is the official though. All feature the infamous 'W' which represents Wu, and now they have an octagon, symbolizing the eight members of the group remaining.
1st:
2nd:
3rd:
This one is simple, but sweet:
Friday 26 October 2007
Been away for a while...
I have been away for a while, and I am in the process of getting the net...so things are a bit slow on my blog just now! But I shall return sooon :)
Tuesday 9 October 2007
Hip Hop impersonations
This is a video I was sent. The guy doing the impressions is Aries Spears on a radio show, and I have to say his impersonations are amazing!! Check it out...
Tuesday 18 September 2007
New...
I've been out for a couple of weeks due to family matters. I will however be updating soon, in the meantime here is a track that I've been loving recently.
It's completely an RnB tune, this guy is called Taio Cruz He is a writer/producer/performer from the UK who has worked with the likes of Usher, Britney, Mya, and Dallas Austin. He also wrote Will Young's single "Your Game" if anyone remembers it. Taio has been compared to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Boyz II Men, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Prince...but you can make your own mind up. Personally I think it's nice to see some good talent coming from the UK. I haven't heard much of his stuff, but this track is ridiculously catchy though...
Thursday 16 August 2007
Sick ODB track for the Wu fans
Check out this track...
The great ODB, man how he is missed. But here is a track I was sent, and it's produced the sickest producer himself, RZA. I love this tune, it's called 'Thirsty' featuring singer Black Keith.......holla!
Kano tracks...
Here are some tracks from Kano's album "London Town" to check out...
London Town:
Buss It Up feat. Vybz Kartel
Feel Free feat. Damon Albarn
Monday 6 August 2007
Kano
Kano
East London's Kane Robinson...returns. He rose from the underground scene to the mainstream with the release of his single 'Typical Me' back in 2005 and there was massive hype around this hot London MC back then. In September Kano drops his latest offering, 'London Town'. Now, I have to say I was a big fan of his last release, 'Home Sweet Home', and it was so encouraging to see a UK MC producing tracks like "P's & Q's" and 'Typical Me".
"London Town" is a very mixed album on first listening. Kano describes the sound as 'Like grime, just a little slower', but that's only true of some of the tracks. The album has alot of different flavours to it. You've got your Hip Hop tune with a big splash of poppy RnB in "This Is The Girl". The track is a straight pop track, but Kano flows well, and yes Craig David appears with a new look, but same dulcet tones. It's funny, I don't hate it as much as I thought I would, not quite what I expected from a Kano album, but it's decent enough.
Then you have a big slice of dancehall/bashment/garage in 'Buss It Up' featuring Vybz Kartel. *sigh* How I miss this stuff man. This is what I love, there is nothing better than dancing like crazy to some good heavy bashment! When that beat comes on, you can't help but move. Kano does his thing well here, and it's spiced up with Vybz who most definitely does buss it up buss it up BUSS IT UP! Vybz and Kano just wreck the beat, I love it. Kano keeps his flow tight throughout, a really energetic track.
There are a couple of slower serious tracks on the album, one being 'The Production of my environment". As the hook says 'it was the streets that raised me, streets that paid me, streets that made me a product of my environment'. The beat is dark, and serious. Kano recognises he is an influential figure to the youth right now, and knows where he came from, and that gives him the determination and hunger for what he does now. His flow is sharp, hot on the beat. At the end of the track, Kano eases up saying he makes 'Tunes you'd say braap to.' Ahh, most definitely a product of London then!
The other more serious track is "London Town ". Another raw beat, I love this one too. London Town, sees Kano 'still hustling, cos the struggle ain't over now'. His sound proves he still has his ear to the street. Speaking on London Town, and how things are run there, 'n****'s, don't f**k around'. The track manages to paint an image for you of London, with guns in the hands of the youth, and tells of how you have to be tough and not give a f**k, etc. The beat switches up near the end, and Kano lets you check out his oldskool flow. Dope stuff, still coming with the clever wordplay.
The track "Bad Boy" is an addictive track. 'Bad boys inna London, rude boys inna England!' The track's about Kano, and him being a bad boy...as so so many boys are there in London....! Bad boys treating their women mean, and keeping them keen. The track tells of how a bad boy is out to 'get get get', and how they don't need any girls that won't give it up ....for champagne, or just want to mess their flow....hmm. As the chorus goes 'I know you ain't easy, but you know that you dealing with a bad boy'. Despite this, I still like this track purely because of the samples and in particular the influence from Shy FX's drum and bass collabo with UK Apache, the massive club hit 'Original Nuttah'. A testosterone fueled track for sure, but then I suppose Hip Hop is. Status, what you are, what a player is; if your a bad boy, this track is for you. Still, a pretty sick track.
"Fight The Nation" is an mellow acoustic track, which sees Kano don his singers hat. A solid effort, which I guess has been done in a way that would appeal to fans across the board. It also goes to show that Kano can branch out, which is always a good thing. This track is like Kano's testament to his thoughts on the world surrounding him, from kids to 'guns and ammunition'. Packed with real lyrics like: 'If I ain't using my status to make a change, I ain't ever making kids.' Shows you that he wants to make a difference. Also this line: 'A wise man told me, Kane listen, if you want to fly like an eagle, you can't fly with pigeons', has that subtlety inspiring feel.
"Feel Free" is another collaboration on the album bringing a lil alternative feel. This time it features Damon Albarn, and the beat feels like it could have been lifted straight from the Gorillaz last album. Keeping the Gorillaz theme mixes with Kano's style well. In fact..the more I listen to this track, the more it grows on you. Albarn lays down some sweet vocals too.
"Sleep Tight" is a piano ballad. At first, I thought that the album wouldn't miss this track, but after several listens, I can see that 'Sleep Tight' does have a place on it. The vocals, although whiny work well. Still not an immediate favourite of mine, it made it on the album, and it works.
"Me & My Micropohone" On first hearing Miss Nash singing on this track, all I hear is Lily Allen...I'm not sure I'm really feeling Lily or Kate, but I'd give them a chance. Kate does a good job fitting her vocals into the crazy beat. Kano's lively, and flows well on this track, biting a few lines here and there, the track reminisces about the old days in style.
The track "Over and Over" is similar to 'The Prodution of My Environment'. Nice looped beat, this is Kano spitting tight words, words from his life, and smart lyrics, this is why we like the London boy. It also has the guy who was on the Street's "Dry Your Eyes", I forget his name. Finally, "This is My Life" I like this track alot. Again, Kano is on point with his frank lyrics about his life in the music industry. A touch of soul added to make the sound complete. A fine way to end the album.
The album goes through a few styles from start to finish, which makes it a change from his past releases. Beginning with Hip Hop and eventually ending with a little soul, and passing alot of styles in between. With a fair few collabo's on this album, Kano shows that he is a versatile artist and is capable of producing good music whatever the flavour, which is sure to benefit him in the future. London Town shows a growth in his lyricism and flow. In every track you can hear the passion and hunger that was there from the start, and that's what makes this album great. Kano certainly does deliver.
You can listen to some of the tracks in the post above :)
Friday 3 August 2007
London Town returns...
London's fine MC Kano now makes a welcome return to the game. His debut album 'Home Sweet Home' was released back in 2005 and rapidly received rave reviews. This is the first single to be taken from his forthcoming album 'London Town'. It is an obvious poppy track which features the vocal talents of R'n'B sensation, Craig David, clearly aimed to get Kano noticed again by the commercial crowd. Early reviews of Kano's new album are already deeming it as his best effort yet. I will be bringing you my thoughts on Kano soon. For now, here is the video...
Video Check:
Sunday 22 July 2007
Mocean Worker
Mocean Worker
Mocean Worker, (pronounced "motion worker") is a one man electronic music DJ, Adam Dorn. He also happens to be the son of famous jazz and R'n'B producer Joel Dorn. Since the release of his first album, 'Home Movies from the Brain Forest', his style has varied from a drum 'n' bass sound to a jazz-oriented dance sound, incorporating elements of funk, big-band and swing. This explains why he has been referred to as an eclectic musician.
Adam is also a bass player and vocalist, and has worked in depth with many artists, including Chaka Khan. The Mocean Worker project is the result of several half-serious recording sessions. Once Dorn had realised the potential of the music he was making, he released his first Mocean Worker album, "Home Movies from the Brain Forest" in 1998.
It is so exciting to discover an artist who has dabbled in various genres and produced different albums with different sounds. Each album Dorn has dropped has been focussed on different elements, and the merging of several makes his music so fresh. Mocean Worker has been praised for his clever ability to bring sounds from the past and blend them with sounds of the present.
My favourite album of his right now is "Enter the MoWo!" Simply because I can't get enough of the smooth sounds produced when Dorn mixes the old with the new; the samples used are taken from the heart of soul and jazz. Even though it's a laid back album it still makes you want to move, and it has that electro, jazzstep feel. For another electronic sounding album, check out "Mixed Emotional Features". Here you will find electronic mixes with d'n'b tones, sik!
Dorn has just finished his fifth album, entitled "Cinco de Mowo", and early reviews of this album indicate that it could be his best work to date. Check out the video for "Shake Ya Boogie" (taken from this album) at the bottom of the page. After five albums Mocean Worker has managed to settle into a comfortable artistic groove, whilst still ensuring that he produces an original sound to his work, which is a rare trait for artists these days.
If you like Mocean Worker, check out similar artists:
Breakybeat Era, Photek, Thievery Corporation.
Video Check:
Check Mocean Worker!
Thursday 5 July 2007
Splitsville
Splitsville
The album "Splitsville" is a collection of drunk love songs for broken hearts. It features two EP's brought together in order to create the feeling of two broken men who are brought to their knees by the trials of love and life. The album features three of the best.
First up; AWOL one, who is best known for his work with seminal Los Angeles underground group The Shape Shifters. He is recognised most notably for his trademark raspy flow, which he can adapt to fit any beat. He has worked with artists by the likes of KRS-One, Kool Keith, Common, Cypress Hill and Jurassic 5, among countless others. Next up is; Josh Martinez. He is a rapper, record producer and record label exec in one. His label features his fellow rap artist, Moka Only. Martinez was once named one of the 'Next 100 Rising Stars'. He is most recognised for his engaging wordplay and smooth melodies. Lastly, there is DJ Moves. He is a Canadian rap veteran of 15 years. He has produced tracks for a number of Canadian rap legends, such as Moka Only, Mindbender and Buck 65. The most important thing to note about Moves is that he can make some seriously tight beats!
Listen:
Video Check:
Blue Scholars
Blue Scholars
Blue Scholars are a hip hop duo based in Seattle. The duo was created in 2002 when the two members, Geologic and Sabzi were part of the SHOW (Student Hip Hop Organization of Washington) at the University of Washington. Blue Scholars is made up of one very talented DJ, Sabzi, and another very talented MC, Geologic. The chemistry between the two is electric and consistent, this is a beautiful partnership right here.
Geologic delivers poetic, hard vocals, his flow is relaxed and he is able to paint an image with every lyric he spits. The beats produced compliment the lyrics well, resulting in a laid-back feel to the album, perfect for summer. Blue Scholars have come up with a sound that everyone can relate to and appreciate. Tracks to look out for on the album "Bayani" are, "Still Got Love", "Ordinary Guys", "Loyalty" and "Joe Metro". If you like Hieroglyphics, or Cunninlynguists, you should check them out!
Check Blue Scholars!
Beautiful Mind
Dudley Perkins & Georgia Muldrow - Beautiful Mind
A beautiful video for a beautiful track, check it out...
Wednesday 4 July 2007
Theory Hazit
Theory Hazit - Extra Credit
Theory Hazit may be a name that you are not familiar with. Hopefully we can change that! His name is Thearthur Washington and he hails from Kentucky, but lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. His lyrics are hard, and thought-provoking yet he still manages to keep the listener entertained. He has been compared to Kanye, and Little Brother, so if you like them, chances are you will love Theory Hazit!
Theory has worked with Masta Ace, as well as the God RZA. HE has also performed with one of my favourite groups, Cunninlynguists. I have checked his latest offering, 'Extra Credit'. Theory Hazit is a Christian, and this shines through as he rejoices in his faith in "Lesson in Power". Even if you're not religious, you will be able to hear the passion in Theory's voice. Theory Hazit takes you through his life openly and explains how finding God helped him to straighten up and focus on the positives. This man has knowledge, and you can feel it through his flow. Every track, every beat and every lyric is saying something. The album is full of truthful, meaningful tracks, but Theory makes it fun too, which helps make it playable from start to finish. His music is full of positive messages, and that is just what is needed in a world full of negatives. I was listening to this album whilst walking back home, with the sun shining, and it seemed so appropriate. I'm not a Christian myself, but this album really made me feel uplifted, it's just great. I urge you to check this album out, I'm sure you will find something you like about it. This album is all about giving more, going the extra mile, and pushing higher, and that is exactly what Theory Hazit does. Keep your eye on this guy!
Video Check:
Check Theory Hazit!
Polyrhythm Addicts
Polyrhythm Addicts - Break Glass
The Polyrhythm Addicts are, DJ Spinna, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Mr. Complex and the lady of the group, Tiye Phoenix. Their music manages to take hip hop back to the simpler days, when it wasn’t so much to do with the bling bling, but more to do with the four elements. The three MC’s of the group stay focussed on what they know how to do best, and that doesn’t include preaching how hip hop is dead in one form or another, which suits me fine!
Break Glass is an album which promises raw beats together with mature artistic lyrics. What more could you expect from such a talented bunch of artists! Sahdeeq, who is recently released from prison brings his deep knowledge from his experiences inside and delivers with a thug style. Mr. Complex brings lyrics packed with wit and metaphors, whilst DJ Spinna brings his refined production to the table. Lastly, Tiye Phoenix is a lady of many talents. As a producer she won the 2006 Meet the Producers Beat Battle, thus proving her remarkable ability to make solid music. She also sings, and has featured on Reflection Eternal’s debut. Phoenix also plays keyboard as part of her group Soulful Symphony who have played with credible artists such as Nas. However, what we are interested in here is how she fares as an MC. Let me tell you, she does not disappoint. Like Jean Grae and Lauryn Hill, Phoenix is able to bring attitude, dexterity and sik flows to the groups line up. She is a lady to watch for sure, and she truly shines on this album, it is a perfect showcase of her raw talent.
Tracks that are worth checking out on “Break Glass” are, “Zonin”, “Thoughts of You” and “ Reachin’ “ which features the talents of Pharoahe Monch.
Video Check:
Check Polyrhythm Addicts!
Move.meant
Move.meant - The Scope Of Things To Come
This album is some of the freshest work I have heard in a lil while now. I'm constantly looking for new hip hop, at the moment I can't get enough, so this was perfect for me. Move.meant are DJ Spider, MC Champ and Just Beats. Spider and Champ first met in University, but their hiphop group Move.meant wasn’t complete until producer Just Beats was added to the line up, and thus great music was made.
Move.meant’s single “Problems” from The Good Money EP was used on the soundtrack to the oscar-winning film Crash. After Move.meant made their debut, “The Scope of Things”. This album impressed me a lot, mainly because it’s been a while since I really heard and appreciated new hip hop. The flow is solid and smooth, deep with rhyming that challenges even the best MC’s. The best part about Move.meant lyrically is that not only do they deliver skilfully crafted wordplays, but they also deliver a message; everything from poverty in society, to maintaining healthy relationships, to pushing higher for your goals. When it comes to beats, Just lays it down tight, with flexible production that is up their with the best of them. Move.meant really manage to create music that anyone can relate to, and that makes a difference. If this is the future of hip hop, then the future is bright. The album is definitely worth checking out, and my personal favourite is "Miracle" which you can hear here:
Video Check:
Check Move.meant!
Talib Kweli
Talib Kweli - Eardrum
Talib Kweli is one of the most talented MC's out there right now. Not only has he successfully established himself in the rap game as a solo artist, but he has also collaborated with numerous talents such as Mos Def, Hi-Tek, Kanye, Just Blaze and the late J Dilla.
Eardrum is Kweli's third solo album, after Quality and The Beautiful Struggle. Talib's last solo effort, The Beautiful Struggle, had widely been viewed as a step down from Quality.
However, Eardrum sees Talib step his game back up for real. He has always been an artist who works better around solid production, and this album delivers.
The first single to open the album is "Everything Man", which is one of my personal favourites and it boasts dope smooth production from Madlib. Talib’s voice suits the beat completely. This single track seems to serve as an overall summary of the album. It sees Talib admitting that he can’t be everything to everyone, he can only be him. On this album Talib is simply doing Talib.
My favourite track off the album has to be “Hostile Gospel”. You can tell immediately that it is another of Just Blaze’s gems. Talib’s flow is really on spot, and he brings his knowledge here speaking on society and he brings that borderline celestial talk, which I love. I love this beat! Definitely worth checking out!
Eardrum has a few collab’s on it, and one of them is “Say Something” which features one of the most respected female MC’s out there, Jean Grae. It seems that Nas’ Hip Hop is Dead has ruffled a few feathers. I remember when it came about, a lot of hip hop heads were talking about it and debating it. You had the passionate ones who strongly denied that Hip Hop will ever die, and then those who had given up on it, and those who simply saw it as changing forms. “Say Something” hears Jean and Talib explain, yet again, that Hip Hop was ‘on vacation’ but is now back. It’s a tired debate, but as a track, Jean performs well, her verse is simple, but that’s just what this track requires, it is simple, but nice.
Another track which sees Talib collaborating is “Country Cousins” with UGK. For me, this track is speedy and sparkles….! Take a listen and see what I mean. Another track I have to mention is “More or Less” simply because it sees Kweli join forces with one of my favourite producers, Hi-Tek, and once more they manage to produce a sweet complete sound.
This year has been a funny one for solo albums, for me anyway. It seems that many have been overshadowed by seriously sik mixtapes, like in the case of Prodigy, and Kanye. Yet, amidst all of this, Talib goes and drops this on us, and how thankful we are he has! He hooked up with an incredible crew of producers, and they really came through for him here. They each provide a beautiful background for Talib to spit raw heat. He speaks on a whole variety of topics, making this album both political and human at the same time, that right there is beautiful.
Eardrum is well thought out, and successfully shows Talib’s different sides. Not only has he noticeably progressed himself, but the album benefits from what each collaborator has brought to it. The beats are consistent with some freshness thrown in, and lyrically Talib spits truthfully with substance and directly to you, a very nice job. Hip Hop at it’s finest.
Video Check:
Check Talib!
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