After what could have been their possible and very unfortunate demise, Paramore harmoniously comes together to show us that there really is a calm after the storm. The appropriately titled Brand New Eyes showcases a more mature side of the band than listeners have heard in the past. Perhaps the most notable point of growth lies not only within the musical composition itself, but also in Hayley's soaring vocals. Hayley literally gave me goosebumps with her voice on tracks such as "Careful" and "All I Wanted." An amazing work of music in itself, this is their best album yet, hands down.
The production on Jigga Man's latest project is out of this world, thanks to Timbaland and many others. Blueprint 3 did take some time to grow on me, however. Upon first listen, it almost seems as if Jay is lacking. A homeboy of mine described it as being "lazy." While it appears that Jay has gotten comfortable on top and fallen back on his name, there is a lot more than initially meets the ear. Take "Venus Vs. Mars," for example - the metaphors are slick and may go over your head the first time around. It'll most-likely take a couple rotations for an understanding and full appreciation to be met, but the majority will easily call this one of the best in a while. Jay does it again.
When "Day 'n' Nite" first came out, I admittedly did not understand the hype, but Kid Cudi did more than a great job changing my mind with his latest drop, Man on the Moon: The End of the Day; he made me fall in love. Each song dibbles and dabbles in elements of multiple genres, creating one of the most exuberant and innovative hip-hop albums I've heard in a while. Kudos goes out to him and his team for mind-blowing instrumentals and not being afraid to explore. Noteworthy tracks include "Alive," "CuDi Zone," and "Enter Galactic (Love Connection Part 1)."Those Chosen - MTV2 Performing "SOUNDCLASH" from Those Chosen on Vimeo.
If you've been following me for a while, then you probably remember Those Chosen. I logged into my MySpace account for the first time in months not too long ago and saw that they left this video on my wall. Check out my dudes performing "Soundclash," on MTV2. Seems like it hasn't been that long since I first came across their name and now they're already getting big-name network recognition. -Wipes tear- I feel like a proud momma.
The three of them were actually kind enough to come on WRGP Radiate FM's The Dosage for a phone interview this past Monday. That was definitely a good look.
I don't know if I've been asleep and am just now waking up to smell the coffee or what, but for the past few days, I haven't been able to stop listening The Ecstatic. I want to say I listened to The New Danger on repeat for about four hours straight on Tuesday before I switched to this; since then, it hasn't come off. Like I texted to a special someone not too long ago, I really think this album is becoming one of my favorite works of hip-hop of all time. This stuff is like therapy.
All right - top tracks. Ready? Here it go:
"Priority" - "Peace before eveyrthing; God before anything." Mos speaks about something that I take very seriously these days.
"No Hay Nada Mas" - I'm not even gonna front; I haven't the slightest CLUE what Mos is saying here, but whatever it is sounds beautiful and this instrumental just takes me to a completely different world. I should probably do some research and report my findings later. -Takes note-
"The Embassy" - This is how you experiment, and the intro? Haha. Wow.
"Pretty Danger" - The quality of this track possesses a sort of delicate grit, for a lack of better words.
"Casa Bey" - As a writer, I can appreciate his way with words on this one. To be able to deliver them all with such an immaculately precise and fluent flow is something that blows my mind. I bow to thee.
"History" - Two words: Black Star.
Now back to my music...
"Have I seen this video before?" Nah, you haven't, but don't be surprised if you start seeing it all over the place real soon. My dude André doesn't play games. Take it from the Jamaica/Queens native himself:
"I REFUSE to make music that isn't true to myself. I seem to see artists fall into that trap alot in order to branch out and gain a wider range of fans. As much as I would appreciate a ton of listeners, my 'artistic integrity' comes first (lol, shouts to Wale)."
"Illin'" possesses everything a hip-hop head looks for these days: dope rhymes, a tight a beat, killer video production... The only thing kid seems to be missing is a record deal. Move over, Cool Kids.
You can head on over to http://www.myspace.com/listentoandre for more.
I was browsing iTunes a couple of weeks ago when I came across this. Words cannot express the excitement felt when I discovered that Miss Larrieux had released some new material and was getting ready to release a new album.
For those who may be unfamiliar, you probably remember Amel Larrieux from the 90s duo Theory who established their name with singles such as "Tell Me" and "Keep Tryin'." After leaving the group in 1999, Amel pursued a solo career and has since released four albums.
Now she's about to unveil yet another, and the songstress says that the album should be coming out sometime later this year. For now, Amel takes a break from jazz and returns to her funkier roots with "Orange Glow." You can listen to it here along with "Don't Let Me Down" now.
Milk and Honey - Goapele from goapele on Vimeo.
Warm, smooth, sensual, and sweet - I am so glad to see my girl coming out with some new material! Goapele (whose name means "to go forward" in Setswana), is such an underrated musical gem. Listen to her melodies soar as Goapele shows us a different side of herself in her latest video for "Milk and Honey." This new project should be a good one.
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