Missed it on a Monday
Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to listen or watch everything that comes out. Life is a zero sum game, and the time spent listening or watching one thing takes away from something else. So this is a place to catch up on those little blind spots where life got in the way of the important stuff.
I feel the need to preface this with the fact that I am a huge Gorillaz fan. In my mind Demon Days is about as close to the voice of God as we are going to get. They were my first favorite band and ignoring a few months, Plastic Beach was a rough time in my life, they have held that crown without too much serious competition. So it is with great shame that I admit that I hadn’t listened to D-Sides until about a week ago. Sure it is just a b-sides album, but that is like not looking at one of those DaVinci sketchbooks if you were like really into DaVinci or something just because he never finished them, I guess. All I know is that analogies are hard, and this album is sweet.
The first disc starts off with an industrial techno instrumental jam that will get you scooting around in your chair. It keeps this high energy going till it takes a more melancholy turn at “Hong Kong”, which despite it being the least Gorillazish song on the album is perhaps my favorite. While certain songs, such as “Bill Murray” and “Spitting out the Demons”, possess a bit of that distinct Gorillaz feel the album as a whole comes across more as a solo Damon Albarn album, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There is definitely some great stuff to be found on the album, including an odd version of “Don’t get Lost in Heaven” where Damon channels his inner Bob Dylan, but it is undoubtedly not a cohesive project. It lacks a single rapper or vocalist besides Albarn, which may make sense due to its status as a collection of b-sides it is very opposed to the entire concept behind the Gorillaz.
The second album is a collection of remixes which I found to be hit or miss. There are definitely some standouts, including the technofied Soulwax remix of “DARE” and “Dirty Harry” sung entirely in Mandarin, which are definitely worth a listen. Most of them are forgettable at-best, and a couple I couldn’t even make it to the end. While Disc 1 has been on rotation since I first listened to it, I haven’t gone back to Disc 2 much at all. There is definitely nothing that jams like that Ed Case remix of “Clint Eastwood”.
While it lacks the collaborative nature that defines the Gorillaz it still stands as a pretty damn good album in its own right, especially for a collection of b-sides and demos. If you’re fan of Albarn the album definitely delivers, but it doesn’t quite scratch that Gorillaz itch. We'll just have to hope for the day Damon gets his shit together and calls up Dangermouse, and I’ll be damned if that isn't a dream worth fighting for.
Sometimes there just isn’t enough time to listen or watch everything that comes out. Life is a zero sum game, and the time spent listening or watching one thing takes away from something else. So this is a place to catch up on those little blind spots where life got in the way of the important stuff.
I feel the need to preface this with the fact that I am a huge Gorillaz fan. In my mind Demon Days is about as close to the voice of God as we are going to get. They were my first favorite band and ignoring a few months, Plastic Beach was a rough time in my life, they have held that crown without too much serious competition. So it is with great shame that I admit that I hadn’t listened to D-Sides until about a week ago. Sure it is just a b-sides album, but that is like not looking at one of those DaVinci sketchbooks if you were like really into DaVinci or something just because he never finished them, I guess. All I know is that analogies are hard, and this album is sweet.
The first disc starts off with an industrial techno instrumental jam that will get you scooting around in your chair. It keeps this high energy going till it takes a more melancholy turn at “Hong Kong”, which despite it being the least Gorillazish song on the album is perhaps my favorite. While certain songs, such as “Bill Murray” and “Spitting out the Demons”, possess a bit of that distinct Gorillaz feel the album as a whole comes across more as a solo Damon Albarn album, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There is definitely some great stuff to be found on the album, including an odd version of “Don’t get Lost in Heaven” where Damon channels his inner Bob Dylan, but it is undoubtedly not a cohesive project. It lacks a single rapper or vocalist besides Albarn, which may make sense due to its status as a collection of b-sides it is very opposed to the entire concept behind the Gorillaz.
The second album is a collection of remixes which I found to be hit or miss. There are definitely some standouts, including the technofied Soulwax remix of “DARE” and “Dirty Harry” sung entirely in Mandarin, which are definitely worth a listen. Most of them are forgettable at-best, and a couple I couldn’t even make it to the end. While Disc 1 has been on rotation since I first listened to it, I haven’t gone back to Disc 2 much at all. There is definitely nothing that jams like that Ed Case remix of “Clint Eastwood”.
While it lacks the collaborative nature that defines the Gorillaz it still stands as a pretty damn good album in its own right, especially for a collection of b-sides and demos. If you’re fan of Albarn the album definitely delivers, but it doesn’t quite scratch that Gorillaz itch. We'll just have to hope for the day Damon gets his shit together and calls up Dangermouse, and I’ll be damned if that isn't a dream worth fighting for.
NehruvianDOOM A Bishop Neru Project
There are very few rappers that get me as excited as MF DOOM, and there is nothing that DOOM does that gets me more excited than a collab with a mashed up name that makes shuffling his songs near impossible. From Madlib to Danger Mouse the man has a history of collabs that stand the test of time. DOOM steps behind the board this time, providing production and hook work, while letting the 17 year old Bishop Nehru take the lion’s share of verse duty on the album. While the lack of an actual DOOM verse is a shame, I’ll be damned if Nehru didn’t deliver two super solid verses over one of the dopest beats I have heard in awhile. If every song on the album has comparable quality to this one we are in for a treat when it drops on September 23rd. DOOM clearly has serious faith in the young Bishop Nehru, and if this song is any indication that faith is well placed. Not to mention the trippy artwork has to be one of the coolest album covers in years, or at least since Pinata.
T
uesday, July 22, 2014f
Personally, if you told me last year that YG’s album would be one of the best rap albums of the year I would have thought you were crazy. C’mon YG has had some dope music in the past, but I never thought his hardcore gangsta rap would be allowed on the radio. YG’s new album entitled “My Krazy Life” tells his life story of growing up in Compton running with the gangs, robbing houses, and of course YG bickin back being bool. For those of you not in the know Bickin back bein bool is a Blood phrase in which they replace the C in words for a B instead, for example instead of Compton it would be Bompton and so on. The music video shows what being a blood is like in Compton, and personally it scares the living jeeheebies out of me. YG and his gang of bloods are always strapped and they have the possibility of being shot at anytime or day by their rival gang the Crips. Its a very real way of showing a day in the life of a Compton Blood. And for all you young kids and little girls out there blastin bickin back bein bool and trying to sound hard its not just a jam to get down too; it really is a Blood’s lifestyle of complete thuggery that most of us have no idea of what it’s really like.
Personally, if you told me last year that YG’s album would be one of the best rap albums of the year I would have thought you were crazy. C’mon YG has had some dope music in the past, but I never thought his hardcore gangsta rap would be allowed on the radio. YG’s new album entitled “My Krazy Life” tells his life story of growing up in Compton running with the gangs, robbing houses, and of course YG bickin back being bool. For those of you not in the know Bickin back bein bool is a Blood phrase in which they replace the C in words for a B instead, for example instead of Compton it would be Bompton and so on. The music video shows what being a blood is like in Compton, and personally it scares the living jeeheebies out of me. YG and his gang of bloods are always strapped and they have the possibility of being shot at anytime or day by their rival gang the Crips. Its a very real way of showing a day in the life of a Compton Blood. And for all you young kids and little girls out there blastin bickin back bein bool and trying to sound hard its not just a jam to get down too; it really is a Blood’s lifestyle of complete thuggery that most of us have no idea of what it’s really like.
Taylor Bennett
I kept hearing the name Taylor Bennett popping all over the place with people saying nothing but good things about him. So I took some time out of my busy summer schedule of working and seeing how many California burritos I can eat in a week to look into the rapper and I played the video New Chevy featuring King Louie as my first Taylor Bennett experience, check it out down below.
My first reaction was who is this rapper that looks just like Chance The Rapper, dresses like Chance, dances like Chance and even raps/sings like him. His chorus sounds just like a typical Chance chorus with his squeaky raspy voice. Being a Chance The Rapper fan I dismissed Taylor as just a poor man's Chance, but than I did some research and saw this pic of the two rappers.
Yup that's right Taylor Bennett and Chance Bennett are brothers! Who would have guessed? Taylor Bennett is the younger brother of Chance The Rapper and an up and coming rapper in his own right. It isn't very surprising that Taylor Bennett would share Chance's Style since they both grew up together, but he definitely varies his style check out his older video of Speed Racer and his Remix of Goldie by ASAP Rocky.
Those are some of his older projects which display his versatility and unique skills that give you a Taylor Bennett vibe and not just “oh that's Chance’s lil bro trying to be like him”. His newest mix tape is about two months old and is entitled Mainstream Music check it out below.
If you want more of Taylor Bennett, like I did, check out this cool little interview down below and find out more about this young gun.
I kept hearing the name Taylor Bennett popping all over the place with people saying nothing but good things about him. So I took some time out of my busy summer schedule of working and seeing how many California burritos I can eat in a week to look into the rapper and I played the video New Chevy featuring King Louie as my first Taylor Bennett experience, check it out down below.
My first reaction was who is this rapper that looks just like Chance The Rapper, dresses like Chance, dances like Chance and even raps/sings like him. His chorus sounds just like a typical Chance chorus with his squeaky raspy voice. Being a Chance The Rapper fan I dismissed Taylor as just a poor man's Chance, but than I did some research and saw this pic of the two rappers.
Yup that's right Taylor Bennett and Chance Bennett are brothers! Who would have guessed? Taylor Bennett is the younger brother of Chance The Rapper and an up and coming rapper in his own right. It isn't very surprising that Taylor Bennett would share Chance's Style since they both grew up together, but he definitely varies his style check out his older video of Speed Racer and his Remix of Goldie by ASAP Rocky.
Those are some of his older projects which display his versatility and unique skills that give you a Taylor Bennett vibe and not just “oh that's Chance’s lil bro trying to be like him”. His newest mix tape is about two months old and is entitled Mainstream Music check it out below.
If you want more of Taylor Bennett, like I did, check out this cool little interview down below and find out more about this young gun.
Long Live The New Flesh
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Jimmy Johnson
I’ll admit that at first I thought six time Nascar champion Jimmie Johnson had been signed to OVO and was about to blow us all out of the water with a gangster rap album chronicling his rise to stock car fame. I was understandably disappointed to learn otherwise. Despite my now broken expectations I gave this other Jimmy Johnson a listen and was pleasantly surprised. The Toronto native raps with an aggressive energy over laid back smokey beats. This juxtaposition provides a unique sound that could help him stand out amongst the increasingly crowded rap game. His style leads me to think that OVO is the perfect place for him to grow. That aggressive yet laid back energy can be found on his EP In God We Trust and his Sun Goes Down video. Check him out
Cozz
So apparently J Cole has his own label now. Poor Jay Z sitting there crying over photos of J Cole and Kanye standing there with their lunchboxes and backpacks on their first day of school and now they’re all grown up signing their own rappers. Dreamville has signed South Central LA rapper Cozz and for good reason. Dude can spit. He only has two songs out, I Need That and Dreams, right now. Most people grind their whole lives putting out tape after tape without any attention save for the occasional datpiff commenter, but this guy puts out two songs and gets immediately scooped up by a rising star. It sounds unbelievable until you listen to the man’s two songs. Solid beats combined with a versatile flow and raw emotion lead to a song that is infinitely bumpable. Both songs just drip with raw talent and it makes the wait for his upcoming album Cozz and Effect all the more unbearable.
Daddy knows Best
These are the jams that throw your dad back to the good ole days getting down with his homies, blasting the radio and living like a young buck. Today we celebrate the 60s in all of its amazing glory were talking back during the Woodstock days, a man on the moon, and all the hippie glory of the VW Bus, but of course we cannot forget about the shag carpet. The days were bright in the 60s and the radio was jammin playing now what we call the classics.
These are the jams that throw your dad back to the good ole days getting down with his homies, blasting the radio and living like a young buck. Today we celebrate the 60s in all of its amazing glory were talking back during the Woodstock days, a man on the moon, and all the hippie glory of the VW Bus, but of course we cannot forget about the shag carpet. The days were bright in the 60s and the radio was jammin playing now what we call the classics.
Creedence Clearwater-Down On The Corner
The Foundations-Build Me Up Buttercup Baby
One of my favorites from the 60s it was actually one of my parents wedding songs and every now and then my dad will belt at the top of his “Why do you build me up buttercup baby”
Van Morrison-Brown Eyed Girl
An all time classic right here and what makes the song even better is the “Brown Eyed Girl” Van Morrison is singing about is his daughter. If that fact doesn't just warm your heart I don't know what will.
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay
Such a great jam a timeless classic to say the very least, Otis actually died in a plane crash before the release of this soothing song.
One of my favorites from the 60s it was actually one of my parents wedding songs and every now and then my dad will belt at the top of his “Why do you build me up buttercup baby”
Van Morrison-Brown Eyed Girl
An all time classic right here and what makes the song even better is the “Brown Eyed Girl” Van Morrison is singing about is his daughter. If that fact doesn't just warm your heart I don't know what will.
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay
Such a great jam a timeless classic to say the very least, Otis actually died in a plane crash before the release of this soothing song.
Bobby Womack-California Dreaming
Last and certainly not least R.I.P to the late Bobby Womack. A great song that sum up the amazing state of California, I'm sure hippies were blasting this jam in their VW Vans on their way to California .
Last and certainly not least R.I.P to the late Bobby Womack. A great song that sum up the amazing state of California, I'm sure hippies were blasting this jam in their VW Vans on their way to California .
G-Eazy
Two years ago I was a high school grad who could not wait to enter the college atmosphere and party my gpa and scholarship away. I started listening to more college artists such as Sammy Adams, Aer, and of course G-Eazy. I fell in love with G-Eazy, first of all he definitely has the best hair in the rap game that goes perfect with his rocking wardrobe of leather jackets and tight black jeans. Of course the number one reason I admire G-Eazy is how the ladies love him. Girls flock to his concerts and shows hoping for G-Eazy to sign one or both of their breasts. On the musical side he has solid beats. mainly raps about his party lifestyle as he is constantly on tour partying like a college freshman except he doesn't have to worry about his G.P.A . G-Eazy definitely put out his best album so far and as a college student I love “These Things Happen”. All the features, such as Asap Ferg, E40, and Jay Ant, provide the album with very solid verses. E40 in particular kills his verse on Far Alone proving that age does not define the rapper, butWhere G-Eazy truly shines is his solo acts, his unique Oakland voice and smack talking lyrics, such as “Yeah, rappers try to brag about accomplishments but nothing you've been dropping yet astonishes”, come together on my personal favorite track “Been On”. “Almost Famous” (my second favorite, but hey who cares about me) shows G-Eazy’s versatile chorus skills showing off his raspy voice. Oh and did I mention his music videos are dope! Check out my favorite one by him down below.
Truth is I am a huge fan of G-Eazy because he raps about things that relate to me. Yah, I know I don’t have girls flocking to me, and the only person that asks me to sign anything is the local burrito place to pay for my carne asada fries. But I get what he raps about, I know “Tumblr Girls” and know how they act. The one thing I will say about the G-Eazy album is that the older rap crowd will not appreciate “These Things Happen” as much as the teen/college rap crowd will because the older crowd has no Idea what G-Eazy is rapping about. The older crowd does not get the fact of drinking into oblivion and living every day like its your last or lets say they tend to forget what it was like. The elder generation of rap probably have steady jobs and cannot afford to party with models and a bunch of college students. However for the typical college student this album speaks directly to you! Ok I know what your saying, I hear you. I'll shut up and let you peep the album down below if you dig it scoop it up on Itunes.
He is self proclaimed as Butterscotch Boss Rap, The Game’s Shirley Temple, Jody Highroller, The White Gucci Mane with a spray tan, and The Rap Games Cassius Clay. He is Riff Raff, and he has just released an album that could quite possibly be one of the top the albums of the summer! I know what you are saying Riff Raff? The man with crazy braided hair and the MTV, Simpsons, and BET tattoos actually makes music that we should take serious? Yes, I know you are thinking, “No way am I taking any of Riff Raff’s music seriously”. I understand,so I want you, with open ears, to peep the intro to Riff Raff’s album than you can decide whether or not to come back and keep reading as I praise Riff Raff’s crazy rap skills and silly rhyming techniques. Go ahead take a listen to the intro into a great album.
Still Here? Yup just what I thought. its a silly intro don't get me wrong, but it sets up the crazy rap ride the album takes you on. Riff Raff is a crazy artist who most fans have dismissed as a joke and tune into his music and videos for comedic entertainment, saying to themselves “Is this guy for real?”. I was that that guy when it came to Riff Raffs last year, as my brother listened to “Larry Bird” and “Dolce and Gabbana”. Riff Raff has continued to work hard and improve his rap skills you cannot deny the fact that the man has flow, his southern twang and unique lyrics “Yeah mysterious, (mysterious), my mermaids are bi-curious”, along with crazy beats from Mad Decent’s producer Diplo, make his album different from the heap of the rap albums out there. To truly understand Riff Raff’s music you need to realize who Riff Raff is. Riff Raff is a crazy rapper who loves to be silly, fool around, and party hard. Riff Raff really does not care about whether he looks ghetto or not he simply enjoys doing whatever pleases him, whether that is wearing shark teeth grills or having his side burns shaved into lightning bolts. When you listen to Riff Raff do not expect gang lyrics or how many people he has killed. Instead Riff Raff raps about how he "Pull up in the chariot with glow-in-the-dark Bart Simpson haircut.” That is who Riff Raff is, and his fans, counting myself, have come to terms with the fact that he is not your average everyday rapper. We enjoy Riff Raff because of his weird rap lyrics, crazy hair, and laugh along when he says ridiculous things like, "With tactical air-brushed golden skin, unblemished physique/ Rap game Dawson's Creek." Neon Icon is an undeniably fun album that you can bump with your friends this summer. It boasts impressive features from Mac Miller,Childish Gambino,Paul Wall,Amber Coffman,Mike Posner, and Slim Thug. Some of my favorites from the album include Cool It Down, Lava Glaciers, Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwwdinz, and Maybe You Love Me. So without further ado here is the Neon Icon.
Young Thug, Asap Ferg, and Freddie Gibbs just dropped a hot new song entitled "Old English" produced by Salva and Nick Hook. Lets be honest we all think were straight thugs when we have a forty in our hands. Now thanks to this new track we can now bump a tune while we stand against the wall of a party holding our forty's and channeling our inner hood rat. OK maybe I'm the only one who does this, needless to say "Old English" is a great song that will be coming up on Mass Appeal Compilation Vol. 1. Go ahead and listen to the track down below and if you dig it you can purchase it on Itunes.
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