Malik Yusef of Def Poetry Jam fame (as a spoken word artist) releases his sophomore effort (his first LP was called classic by The Source) with the help of Kanye West & friends. I believe there’s supposed to be two discs one titled Dusk and the other titled Dawn (each disc has 12 tracks, each track represents one hour of a day in Malik Yusef’s life). Interesting concept, for a sample peep the first track with Ye, Common, & John Legend. I’m not raving about it myself, but I suppose his spoken word delivery is alright on wax in moderation.
Dropping some more promotional material, us heads must give back to the community from time to time. Here’s a new joint from SoulStice featuring Kidz in the Hall’s Naledge & GLC from Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. music label (BTW did any of you see that video that just leaked for Space Ship off the College Dropout?). I have heard of SoulStice before, but never peeped more than two or three features up until this point, that is until I just realized he’s one half of Wade Waters (Return of the Kings was dope). Have never heard the original version of this this track, but it’s got a nice Chi-Town (obviously) feel to it. Check on it.
So what, he has a music video on MTV/BET… so the fuck does Atmosphere, The Roots, Kidz in the Hall, Brother Ali, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli and the list goes on… props to Kirby (be on the lookout for his new CTR affiliated blog) for this one.
Kid Cudi released his first mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi, in collaboration with New York street wear brand 10.Deep as a free download.[5] The mixtape caught the attention of Kanye West, which spawned his signing to GOOD Music.
In early September 2008, he performed at the 2008 VMA’s alongside Travis Barker and DJ AM. Kid Cudi is featured on Kanye West’s 2008 album, 808s & Heartbreak, singing with him on the track “Welcome to Heartbreak”, providing additional vocals on “Paranoid” and helping with songwriting on “Heartless”. “Welcome to Heartbreak” peaked at #87 on the Pop 100,[6] and a music video for the song has been released.
Kid Cudi was featured in both XXL and BBC News’s Sound of 2009 poll of up-and-coming acts.[7] He has also been featured in VIBE, Complex Magazine, The Source, Rolling Stone, and Interview magazine.
He is finishing up his debut album Man on the Moon: The Guardians for a Summer 2009 release on Universal Motown Records [8].
I’ve been meaning to do this one for forever, finally got around to it. Like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Dead Prez, Common, Kanye West, The Fugees, Jill Scott, The Roots, Dave Chappelle, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane, Bilal, Cody ChestnuTT, and John Legened? Well this movie is for you (if you don’t you probably shouldn’t even be looking at this blog). When I first saw this movie back when it came out on DVD I was expecting something completely comical and although the movie does have it’s many funny moments, it’s more for the music lover (it’s dedicated to J Dilla). A hip-hop classic, by a comedic genius (directed by Michael Gondry). Peep the trailer if you haven’t seen it before.
I wasn’t sure what to think of BHV’s request of “College Registration” so I played it safe. I really do love both these CDs, is that Kanye gone for good? I sure hope not, it’s not promising though.
Yes, Kanye West’s debut album The College Dropoutis proof that you can be one of hip-hop’s hottest producers and still be proficient at writing and delivering rhymes, that not all producers sink a track when they get on the mic. Yes, The College Dropoutis an example of a much-hyped, long-delayed, heavily bootlegged album that is worth every second of the wait, that is just as good as you expected it to be. Yes, the track that so much of that attention has been focused on — “Through the Wire”, Kanye’s confessional rap about his horrific car accident, capably rhymed while his jaw was still wired shut — is as riveting and moving as everyone says it is. Yes, the beats on this album are at least as hot as those he’s grown famous for. And yes, as a link between Jay-Z and Talib Kweli (or the “first nigga with a Benz and a backpack”, as he puts it on one song) he is likely to win over hip-hop fans of all stripes; when critics refer to him as “hip-hop’s savior”, you understand what they’re getting at, even as you think “Does hip-hop need to be saved?” But all of that is only half the story. That’s just the beginning of what The College Dropout is all about, only the first in the long list of reasons why the album is so unique, and so powerful.
A college dropout himself, West uses the cover art and a serious of skits to frame the album as a commentary on the educational system, a criticism of what people expect to gain from school and of the tenuous connection which that often has to what is taught and learned. That idea holds the album together as an extended look at the choices people make in life, and the reasons behind them. On song after song he uses his own life to rap about growing up and trying to survive in a harsh world, about the things we do just to get by. “Through the Wire” may be the album’s most startling personal horror story (though it’s also a song of hope and gratitude), but many of the other songs use autobiography in a more fluid and casual way. It’s like you’re listening to one of your neighbors tell you about his life — not because Kanye’s talents as an MC are pedestrian (by no means), but because he crosses subjects and contradicts himself in a very real way. His style of rapping is both self-boosting and self-deprecating; he expresses from-the-heart feelings about the world and where it’s gone wrong, then makes fun of himself for feeling like he has any right to judge others. He rhymes with conviction, and then steps back and laughs at himself… but instead of cutting against what he’s saying, that style makes the songs feel more honest. Kanye’s a Whitmanesque everyman figure who stands out in a genre where even the most “complicated” MCs — the sensitive gangstas — still all too often feel like they’ve built themselves personas to sell. On The College Dropout, Kanye West feels not like a persona but a person, and one who’s remarkably gifted at putting his worldview into a song, even when it’s messy and contradictory.
The more you listen to The College Dropout the harder Kanye becomes to define. In one moment he’s a street journalist who dissects the low expectations America has for young black teenagers and who understands the mechanics behind crime and the criminal justice system all too well; on the first track “We Don’t Care” he offers this wry chorus as a graduation anthem, and gets a kid’s choir to joyously sing it: “All you people that’s drug dealing just to get by/ Stack your money till it gets sky high/ We wasn’t supposed to make it past 25/ Jokes on you we still alive.” Then in another moment all he cares about is shiny car and women’s bra sizes. But lest you think that scholar/player is the only dichotomy here, check out the variety of ideas and complexities displayed across even just three of the album’s tracks:
On “All Falls Down” he criticizes consumerism as an expression of self-hatred rooted in history (”We shine because they hate us/ Floss cause they degrade us/ We tryin to buy back our 40 acres”), and then implicates himself in the same process.
The gospel hymn “I’ll Fly Away” leads into “Spaceship”, a low-key funk track about wishing you could get away from the working world via a spaceship; with help from GLC and Consequence, Kanye effectively links the legacy of slavery to modern-day corporate enslavement, while using the spaceship image to make evident the often invisible line between the “free us from the burdens of this world” theme of gospel music and the Afro-futurism of Sun Ra and P-Funk. Take into account the doo-wop style in which “I’ll Fly Away” is sung, and the Marvin Gaye sample the song uses, and you have a rich study of themes in the history of black music as well as a working man’s anthem.
On “Jesus Walks” Kanye proclaims his devotion to Jesus as seriously as the most devotional hymn singer would, while illustrating the way he falls in and out of what he perceives as the good path to follow. “I wanna talk to God but I’m afraid cause we aint spoke in so long,” he confesses, but then he goes ahead and asks us all to join him in that conversation, to push the song onto radio and push the divine into the heart of public dialogue. Extra dimensions are added to the song by the intense, cinematic presence it has, with all of the drama of a gangster film’s climactic scenes, and by a Curtis Mayfield drop that makes the song ripe for a study of intertextuality.Add to those the over-the-top “New Workout Plan”, both a hilarious parody of an aerobics routine and a platform for Kanye to wrap his words around weird shifts in tempo and style; “Never Let Me Down”, where Jay-Z rhymes about attaining status and power, Kanye one-ups him with a show-stopping attack on racism and meditation on death, and J Ivy offers words of spiritual upliftment; “Slow Jamz”, both an ode to quiet-storm R&B and a goof on it; “Two Words”, a deafening mix of social critique and bragging with Mos Def, Freeway and the Harlem Boys Choir; “Family Business”, a sweet, soulful tribute to family; and a few tracks with him boasting and goofing over slamming funk-n-soul tracks, and you have an album that’s complicated in exactly the right ways.Call The College Dropout over-ambitious, if you will, but every single one of these songs comes off like a genuine extension of Kanye’s personality and experiences. And all of them are musically engaging — an instrumental version of this album would rock the house. The album’s focus on old-school soul, gospel and funk sounds, with classic R&B hooks often processed and looped at a song’s center, fits thematically with the album’s look at survival, struggle, and community. Kanye uses samples and beats in a highly emotional way that feels entirely authentic even in the album’s most heart-on-sleeve moments, like “Family Business”. Here what would be hokey in another musician’s hands makes you feel real shivers, maybe even cry real tears. That level of “realness”, the way that the songs ring true whether he’s bragging or self-criticizing, joking or praying, is what makesThe College Dropout more than worthy of all of the attention that it’s getting. Even the 12-minute autobiographical monologue that closes the album is off-the-cuff and honest, against the odds.(Via PopMatters.com)
Tracklist and Late Registration after the jump. Cop themhere.
Supposed to be Common’s attempt at a especially mainstream friendly album. I’m not going to say I don’t want to hear it just because of the concept, ’cause Com usually doesn’t disappoint, but I just can’t seem to get excited about this release. Don’t care to give the rundown of who Com is either ’cause if you don’t know who he is, you need to go back under the rock you just came out of…
*yawn*.
Somebody write a review of this or something. Info after the jump.
This leaked a while ago, here’s the proper grouprip for you GLC fans. Whoa, these dudes got a Dre beat? A bit of info from XXL.com:
The first time I heard GLC it was on Kanye’s debut album (College Dropout) and the dude killed it on “Spaceship.” “Lost my momma / lost my mind.” That line was genius to me. But since then he’s been relatively quiet. Son dropped joints here and there, but ain’t been trying to flood the streets with his crazy ass flow and deep impact voice (pause?).
But here we have It Ain’t Even On Yet, and sure enough GLC puts the love on these tracks. From getting down on Tupac’s “My Ambitionz As A Ridah” track to getting it in with the slow down south flow on “Represent The South Side,” GLC shows he’s an MC with more than one tool. Though his rhymes often seem simple, their lyrical value can be seen as priceless. On “Heaven” my man was like, “Dude’s got us all confused, that ain’t cool/my neighbor joined the service to try to go to school, but instead lost his leg last June (damn)/and I pray that tomorrow a better day, but somehow it never came/it was always a day away… Kramer say hang us that just frustrates the anger/go insane, man, how can you blame us? When most of our fathers ain’t claim us/and most of us die ‘fore we famous…” How real is that? Simple but speaks volumes about the struggle.
Unfortunately there was no sign of Kanye on this mixtape at all, but it was still a banger. For those old heads with that OG’d up swagger that these youngn’s in tight hip huggers and one size fits all blouses don’t seem to understand, this is the mixtape that you need to listen to. It’ll take you back to when hip-hop music had something to say that made you feel that you weren’t alone in the struggle. At least that what I got from it. GLC that nucca. -The Infamous O
Hottest Joint: “In The Mist”
Weakest Joint: “That’s That Shit” (I just can’t co-sign Kells anymore)
So here’s the info on Kanye’s latest garbage ass album. Please don’t get me wrong. I like Kanye West. I loved The College Dropout & Late Registration. Graduation was nice and I love all of his previous production efforts and a good many of his collaborations but this is just garbage. I know, I know. He’s being creative and artsy and blah blah blah it’s a pop album blah blah blah. It’s still garbage. I’m not a hip-hop elitist or anything like that. I mean yes, hip-hop is my genre of choice, but like pop. I own Mariah Carey, Maroon 5 and Destiny child records. I have Coldplay, Daft Punk, Gorrillaz and Jamiroquai CDs. I just don’t like this shit. I don’t think I can find the words to explain how disappointed I am in this effort. I mean I knew I wasn’t going to get a “classic” album after hearing a few singles, but good GAWD. I wouldn’t use this piece of shit as a coaster if somebody left it on my doorstep. I don’t mean to knock you if this it the kind of garbage you’re into, but all I’m saying is I wouldn’t recommend anybody listen to this ever period is all. On a post I made on WGTJ about his latest video somebody told me to open my fucking mind or some shit like that, but I’m afraid if I do it anymore I might start acting like a cracked out Duran Duran fan… sorry.
So here’s the info on Kanye’s latest garbage ass album. Please don’t get me wrong. I like Kanye West. I loved The College Dropout & Late Registration. Graduation was nice and I love all of his previous production efforts and a good many of his collaborations but this is just garbage. I know, I know. He’s being creative and artsy and blah blah blah it’s a pop album blah blah blah. It’s still garbage. I’m not a hip-hop elitist or anything like that. I mean yes, hip-hop is my genre of choice, but like pop. I own Mariah Carey, Maroon 5 and Destiny child records. I have Coldplay, Daft Punk, Gorrillaz and Jamiroquai CDs. I just don’t like this shit. I don’t think I can find the words to explain how disappointed I am in this effort. I mean I knew I wasn’t going to get a “classic” album after hearing a few singles, but good GAWD. I wouldn’t use this piece of shit as a coaster if somebody left it on my doorstep. I don’t mean to knock you if this it the kind of garbage you’re into, but all I’m saying is I wouldn’t recommend anybody listen to this ever period is all. On a post I made on WGTJ about his latest video somebody told me to open my fucking mind or some shit like that, but I’m afraid if I do it anymore I might start acting like a cracked out Duran Duran fan… sorry.
Bumped a bit, ’cause niggas need not sleep on this one.
Great, great, great album. Top 3 of 2008 hands down. Dropped a review of this joint on WGTJ:
The story of Adam plays out like a movie from the first track Morning Wood until we reach his untimely death on the finale Another Victim. 88 Keys tells the well crafted story of Adam, a sex hungry young cat who’s original goal of getting a certain dime into bed turns out to be more than what he bargained for. After initially wining and dining this particular female, Adam is told he’s more like “a big brother, like a best friend” than a lover and his sexual advances are rejected. Pissed and disgruntled Adam meets a new girl at a nightclub, yet after getting her to agree to go home with him he finds he’s having a hard time keeping his errr… his soldier at attention. On the Kanye West assisted track Stay Up (Viagra) & There’s Pleasure In It things begin to take a toll for the worse when Adam is unable to please his new cutty buddy after one round of sex (lol). Track seven( Awww Man (Round 2)) finds Adam arguing with the girl and thus, in the morning Adam decides to pretend as if he doesn’t know the girl in order to get her to leave at which she hilariously replies “Oh, so you’re trying to play me? You don’t know me? So you raped me?”
A nice mixtape to hold you over till Univeral Mind Control drops, DJ Unexpected always comes correct. Cop this for a measly 6 bucks here.
Hevehitta DJ Unexpected Common - Something In Common-Bootleg CD
Hevehitta DJ Unexpected Common Artist
Something In Common-Bootleg CD Album
Hip-Hop Genre
check.scans Label
BbH Edition Morgoth Mp3 Releaser Ripper
Nov-08-2008 Rip Date
000-00-0000 Street Release
67,9 MB Size
Lame 3.97 Final -V2 --vbr-new %s %d Encoder
EAC Secure Mode Grabber
CDDA Source
VBRkbit - 44.1kHz - Joint-Stereo Bitrate
79:16 min Playing Time
read.nfo Website Link
28 Tracks Total
Kid Cudi (aka The Man On The Moon) has been getting a lot of buzz lately for his unique blend of hip-hop and bit of electronica as well as his co-sign from big named cats like Kanye West & Pharell. If you like acts like The Cool Kids, Wale, & Jay Electronica you’ll probably love dude and if you’re into acts like Santogold & MIA you’ll be able to appreciate what this cat does as well. Peep the mixtape (if you’re late enough to not have downloaded it until now), and when his debut LP drops, cop it.
Straight of Illadelphia Rawkus artist Hezekiah (aka Mister Conscious Porn) puts it down as a mic controller as well as a producer. From listening to his last LP (Hurry Up and Wait) I imagine Hezekiah is best described as an MC who the conscious and mainstream crowds alike can relate with. That’s not to say he like a sort of Kanye West/Common , because his overall neo-soul influenced sound is what one expects out of a Philly native. Still he makes songs the everyman can relate to without being too dumb or too high and mighty. Big shouts to LeBlunt Flames for hitting us this one (as well as a shit load more which we’ll feature in the future). Listen to it and if you like it, buy it here.
The above album/mixtape is one of the many reasons that I became a fan of Mr. West. Some of these still remain some of my favorite Kanye tracks. Full tracklist and download links are after the jump, but i threw up my 2 favorite tracks off this album for people to get a taste of what to expect, kind of.
A Tribe Called Quest protégé, Kanye West label signee, Consequence is the type of MC who easily appeals to fans who appreciate the new and old school Native Tongues appeal. He’s recently gained a bit of attention and mainstream play for his latest record, Don’t Quit Your Day Job, but he never waters his material down with filler or bubblegum.
A Tribe Called Quest protégé, Kanye West label signee, Consequence is the type of MC who easily appeals to fans who appreciate the new and old school Native Tongues appeal. He’s recently gained a bit of attention and mainstream play for his latest record, Don’t Quit Your Day Job, but he never waters his material down with filler or bubblegum.
A Tribe Called Quest protégé, Kanye West label signee, Consequence is the type of MC who easily appeals to fans who appreciate the new and old school Native Tongues appeal. He’s recently gained a bit of attention and mainstream play for his latest record, Don’t Quit Your Day Job, but he never waters his material down with filler or bubblegum.
A Tribe Called Quest protégé, Kanye West label signee, Consequence is the type of MC who easily appeals to fans who appreciate the new and old school Native Tongues appeal. He’s recently gained a bit of attention and mainstream play for his latest record, Don’t Quit Your Day Job, but he never waters his material down with filler or bubblegum.
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