Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Sample Set #173
I've written in the past about my adoration for Fiona Apple's music. As I see it, there's a connection to be drawn between the debut and sophomore albums of Fiona Apple (Tidal and When the Pawn...) and Kanye West (College Dropout and Late Registration), namely in terms of production and experimentation. It's not uncommon for a musician to aspire to "grow" on their second album. More often than not - or so it seems - an artist will get criticized for this and thus be hit by the "sophomore slump" stamp of disapproval. Not the case for Fiona or Kanye, both of whom released albums which were arguably as good as their predecessor - if not better - despite shifting gears and trying new sounds. One key ingredient in both of these follow-up records was the production wizardry of Jon Brion, a talented multi-instrumentalist who is known to dazzle crowds at Los Angeles' Largo nightclub (highly recommended!). On Fiona Apple's debut, Jon Brion played various instruments including guitar, vibraphone, marimba and piano. For When the Pawn..., his role was upgraded to producer, experimenting with new sounds including the Chamberlin and intricate drum loops. When the Pawn... had a decisively more fluid, active sound and pace than Tidal.
Image via Passion of the Weiss
On Late Registration, Brion is credited as a co-producer alongside Kanye West. People often point to the "lush" sounds on the album - a change of scenery from the organic, dustier feel of College Dropout. Providing string and brass arrangements for the album, it's evident that credit for Late Registration's lavish soundbeds are owed to Jon Brion. Of course, props are due to Kanye West as well, who effectively showed on Late Registration that he was more than just a "beatmaker"; he was proclaiming himself a full-fledged producer. The album's liner notes provide a thorough justification for this claim, outlining the instrumentalists and vocalists enlisted for the project - not to mention the dug-up gems sampled on Late Registration! I had a blast compiling this set (which has admittedly been a long time coming). 'til the next one, enjoy... and turn it up!!
Image via Passion of the Weiss
On Late Registration, Brion is credited as a co-producer alongside Kanye West. People often point to the "lush" sounds on the album - a change of scenery from the organic, dustier feel of College Dropout. Providing string and brass arrangements for the album, it's evident that credit for Late Registration's lavish soundbeds are owed to Jon Brion. Of course, props are due to Kanye West as well, who effectively showed on Late Registration that he was more than just a "beatmaker"; he was proclaiming himself a full-fledged producer. The album's liner notes provide a thorough justification for this claim, outlining the instrumentalists and vocalists enlisted for the project - not to mention the dug-up gems sampled on Late Registration! I had a blast compiling this set (which has admittedly been a long time coming). 'til the next one, enjoy... and turn it up!!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Cam'ron & Kanye West - That 1970s Heroin Flow
Cam'ron and Kanye West have only given us a glimpse of what they'd be capable of creating as a full-fledged duo. Tracks like "Down and Out", "Dead or Alive" and "Champions" are emblematic of what was so great about Roc-A-Fella Records in the first half of the aughts. I really miss those days. This pairing of the finest from Chi-Town and Harlem - both signed to the same label at the time - demonstrated one of the great, oft-overlooked emcee/producer chemistries in recent memory. That 1970s Heroin Flow highlights the magic we can only dream of getting back again one day. Keep hope alive. Enjoy... and turn it up!!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Scarface & Beanie Sigel Are... Mac & Brad
I don't want the throne or the crown, I ain't sell enough/
You can have the jail or the ground, you ain't in hell enough/
- Styles P; "Shot Down"
The fun and games of Watch the Throne lasted for about a week - tops! As they say in Brooklyn the galaxy where Jay-Z resides: "we off that". A Jay-Z/Kanye West pairing is great for the charts, but what about the streets? A recent article posted on TheWellVersed.com - featured on the Rap Round Table, of course - listed "ten hip hop collaboration albums we wish would happen". They missed an important duo however: Scarface and Beanie Sigel. With Face coming home and Sigel going back in, it's a shame that the chemistry and timing for a project of this magnitude will require nothing short of a miracle for it to come to fruition. In the meantime, enjoy this little compilation I put together, aptly named Mac & Brad (the working title was Fuck the Throne, go figure...). It features some Roc-A-Fella era classics, deep cuts and three remixes/blends flipped by yours truly. Hold your head, Beans. Enjoy... and turn it up!!
Rap Round Table, Week Ending 8/26/2011
Music Analysis & Reporting:
The Gender Politics of Aaliyah by James B. Golden
Remembering Aaliyah 10 Years Later by Akoto Ofori-Atta
I Miss You: Aaliyah's Indelible Influence on a Generation of Male Artists by Jozen Cummings
Live: Danny Brown Seizes the Moment at the Rap Yard by Benjamin Lozovsky
The 'Complete Mythology' of Syl Johnson by Ed Ward
Jay-Z & Kanye West Facing “Watch The Throne” Sample Lawsuit? by John Gotty
A History of Beef, Part 1 of ? by Oliver Wang
The 100 Best Wu-Tang Clan Songs by Gabriel Alvarez
The 5 Greatest Label Runs In Rap History by J to the Aap
Live from Rock the Bells by Oliver Wang
Review: Rock the Bells Gazes Back While Looking Ahead by Jeff Weiss
Kendrick Lamar @ Music Box (8/19/11) by Ian Cohen
There Are No More “Cassette Tapes”? by TC
Top Five Compton Rap Anthems by Phillip Mlynar
Shabazz Palaces’ Sounds and Symbols by Sasha Frere-Jones
The Outsidaz' Idea of "Radio Friendly" by Werner von Wallenrod
Pole Position: The Curiously Anti-Stripper Message of Lil Wayne's "How to Love" Video by Bubbles Burbujas
Rappers I Once Swore By, Part Two by David Dennis, Jr.
One Beat, One Rhyme, and Some Peace of Mind by Amir "Sa'id" Said
While You Guys Were Focused on Jay Disses, Andre 3000 Snuck in and Destroyed the Entire Carter 4 and No One Told Me by Ericka Simone
Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Game Pass Torch to Kendrick Lamar by Jeff Weiss
Snoop Dogg Passes the Torch to Kendrick Lamar by John Gotty
The Outlawz Claim They Smoked Tupac’s Ashes by TC
Curren$y - Verde Terrace by Jeff Weiss
10 Hip Hop Collaborations Albums We Wish Would Happen by Andreas Hale
The Definitive Guide to Lil’ Rappers by Aaron M.
Reasons Why I Love YouTube #13 by The Great Gats, B
The Magic Number: N.Y. Edition by The Great Gats, B
Lil Wayne On His Jay-Z Diss: “I Know There Won’t Be Any Repercussions” by John Gotty
Dhani Harrison's thenewno2 Reemerges, with Help from RZA by Todd Martens
Remembering Ashford and Leiber by Oliver Wang
Album Reviews:
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Aaron M.
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Kathy Iandoli
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Mikael Wood
Jay Rock - Follow Me Home by TC
Danny Brown - XXX by William E. Ketchum III
Wu-Tang - Legendary Weapons by Craig Monts
Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame - Ferrari Boyz by Jordan Sargent
Apathy - Honkey Kong by William E. Ketchum III
Ace Hood - Blood Sweat & Tears by Slava Kuperstein
MellowHype - BlackenedWhite by Craig Jenkins
Wale - The Eleven One Eleven Theory by Edwin Ortiz
The Weeknd - Thursday by Brandon Soderberg
Fool's Gold - Leave No Trace by Ian Cohen
Hudson Mohawke - Satin Panthers by Emma Butterfield
Wooden Shjips - West by Tom Breihan
Profiles & Interviews:
Game Sees R.E.D. by Noz
Game's 25 Favorite Albums by Insanul Ahmed
Question in the Form of An Answer: Del the Funkee Homosapien by Matt Shea
?uestlove: 15 Years by Ryan Dombal
Damon Dash Talks Losing Aaliyah: 'Nothing Prepares You for That' by Erika Ramirez
El-P's Clattering, Sprawling "Drones Over BKLYN" by Christopher Weingarten
K-Def – The Most Underrated
Kendrick Lamar Says "Section.80" Is Just A Warm-Up, Analyzes Work With Game & Dr. Dre by Andres Vasquez
Pusha T on Kanye’s Recording Habits and the Appeal of Diddy’s Screaming by Alex Chapman
Q&A: Pusha T On Working With Tyler, The Creator, His Neptunes Bias, And The Virginia Melting Pot by Phillip Mlynar
Lex Luger Recalls Working with Game on "R.E.D.," Says His Sound Comes from Pain by Nadine Graham
WTF/LOL/SMH:
Elliott Wilson Can't Use Twitter to Promote Music Piracy? I Thought This Was America! by Byron "Fuck Boy" Crawford
Top 50 Hip Hop Accessories of All Time: 10-1 by Tony Grands
Top 50 Hip Hop Accessories of All Time: 30-11 by Tony Grands
Top 50 Hip Hop Accessories of All Time: 50-31 by Tony Grands
Things Wrong with This New Erick Sermon Video by Byron Crawford
5 Reasons Why Lil Wayne Should Kidnap Beyoncé by Tony Grands
It May Be Time for Jay-Z to Deploy J. Cole by Tony Grands
Wine of the Day: 9/11 Memorial by Byron Crawford
The Gender Politics of Aaliyah by James B. Golden
Remembering Aaliyah 10 Years Later by Akoto Ofori-Atta
I Miss You: Aaliyah's Indelible Influence on a Generation of Male Artists by Jozen Cummings
Live: Danny Brown Seizes the Moment at the Rap Yard by Benjamin Lozovsky
The 'Complete Mythology' of Syl Johnson by Ed Ward
Jay-Z & Kanye West Facing “Watch The Throne” Sample Lawsuit? by John Gotty
A History of Beef, Part 1 of ? by Oliver Wang
The 100 Best Wu-Tang Clan Songs by Gabriel Alvarez
The 5 Greatest Label Runs In Rap History by J to the Aap
Live from Rock the Bells by Oliver Wang
Review: Rock the Bells Gazes Back While Looking Ahead by Jeff Weiss
Kendrick Lamar @ Music Box (8/19/11) by Ian Cohen
There Are No More “Cassette Tapes”? by TC
Top Five Compton Rap Anthems by Phillip Mlynar
Shabazz Palaces’ Sounds and Symbols by Sasha Frere-Jones
The Outsidaz' Idea of "Radio Friendly" by Werner von Wallenrod
Pole Position: The Curiously Anti-Stripper Message of Lil Wayne's "How to Love" Video by Bubbles Burbujas
Rappers I Once Swore By, Part Two by David Dennis, Jr.
One Beat, One Rhyme, and Some Peace of Mind by Amir "Sa'id" Said
While You Guys Were Focused on Jay Disses, Andre 3000 Snuck in and Destroyed the Entire Carter 4 and No One Told Me by Ericka Simone
Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Game Pass Torch to Kendrick Lamar by Jeff Weiss
Snoop Dogg Passes the Torch to Kendrick Lamar by John Gotty
The Outlawz Claim They Smoked Tupac’s Ashes by TC
Curren$y - Verde Terrace by Jeff Weiss
10 Hip Hop Collaborations Albums We Wish Would Happen by Andreas Hale
The Definitive Guide to Lil’ Rappers by Aaron M.
Reasons Why I Love YouTube #13 by The Great Gats, B
The Magic Number: N.Y. Edition by The Great Gats, B
Lil Wayne On His Jay-Z Diss: “I Know There Won’t Be Any Repercussions” by John Gotty
Dhani Harrison's thenewno2 Reemerges, with Help from RZA by Todd Martens
Remembering Ashford and Leiber by Oliver Wang
Album Reviews:
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Aaron M.
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Kathy Iandoli
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Mikael Wood
Jay Rock - Follow Me Home by TC
Danny Brown - XXX by William E. Ketchum III
Wu-Tang - Legendary Weapons by Craig Monts
Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame - Ferrari Boyz by Jordan Sargent
Apathy - Honkey Kong by William E. Ketchum III
Ace Hood - Blood Sweat & Tears by Slava Kuperstein
MellowHype - BlackenedWhite by Craig Jenkins
Wale - The Eleven One Eleven Theory by Edwin Ortiz
The Weeknd - Thursday by Brandon Soderberg
Fool's Gold - Leave No Trace by Ian Cohen
Hudson Mohawke - Satin Panthers by Emma Butterfield
Wooden Shjips - West by Tom Breihan
Profiles & Interviews:
Game Sees R.E.D. by Noz
Game's 25 Favorite Albums by Insanul Ahmed
Question in the Form of An Answer: Del the Funkee Homosapien by Matt Shea
?uestlove: 15 Years by Ryan Dombal
Damon Dash Talks Losing Aaliyah: 'Nothing Prepares You for That' by Erika Ramirez
El-P's Clattering, Sprawling "Drones Over BKLYN" by Christopher Weingarten
K-Def – The Most Underrated
Kendrick Lamar Says "Section.80" Is Just A Warm-Up, Analyzes Work With Game & Dr. Dre by Andres Vasquez
Pusha T on Kanye’s Recording Habits and the Appeal of Diddy’s Screaming by Alex Chapman
Q&A: Pusha T On Working With Tyler, The Creator, His Neptunes Bias, And The Virginia Melting Pot by Phillip Mlynar
Lex Luger Recalls Working with Game on "R.E.D.," Says His Sound Comes from Pain by Nadine Graham
WTF/LOL/SMH:
Elliott Wilson Can't Use Twitter to Promote Music Piracy? I Thought This Was America! by Byron "Fuck Boy" Crawford
Top 50 Hip Hop Accessories of All Time: 10-1 by Tony Grands
Top 50 Hip Hop Accessories of All Time: 30-11 by Tony Grands
Top 50 Hip Hop Accessories of All Time: 50-31 by Tony Grands
Things Wrong with This New Erick Sermon Video by Byron Crawford
5 Reasons Why Lil Wayne Should Kidnap Beyoncé by Tony Grands
It May Be Time for Jay-Z to Deploy J. Cole by Tony Grands
Wine of the Day: 9/11 Memorial by Byron Crawford
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sample Set #172
Leading the strike against the West Coast’s domination of the early ‘90s, Black Moon’s Enta Da Stage is one of the earliest examples of NYC hip hop’s mid-‘90s resurgence. Prior to the release of earth shattering debut albums by the Wu-Tang Clan (and its members going for dolo), Nas and Biggie Smalls, there was Enta Da Stage – an aggressive, gritty LP fueled by guns, weed and nihilistic braggadocio. Also known as “Brothers who Lyrically Act and Combine Kickin Music Out On Nations”, Black Moon is comprised of emcees 5 Ft. Excellerator and Duck Down visionary Buckshot – both of whom provide cold-hearted verses and rowdy, posse-targeting hooks delivered with forceful ease. Don’t let their heights fool you! I mean, shit… On “Powaful Impak!”, a then-eighteen-year-old Buckshot kicked this poisonous dart: “Get on my skateboard and do a motherfuckin' driveby/”. A drive-by? On a skateboard? What’s fucking with that? Enta Da Stage’s no holds barred mentality is best described by producer DJ Evil Dee, who in the album’s liner notes wrote: “This album was done on blunted terms. Anyone who is offended by the contents of the album, FUCK YOU. Nuff said.” Evil Dee laced the majority of the album’s beats, with older brother (and subsequent Beatminerz partner) Mr. Walt providing some additional bangers such as the album’s title track, along with the classic “I Got Cha Opin”.
Contributions by Buckshot and 5 Ft. notwithstanding, what stands out most to me about this record has got to be the production. Recorded at NYC’s famed D&D Studios, Enta Da Stage’s soundscape is basement rap at its finest. The album epitomizes the aesthetic of raw boom bap, with DJ Evil Dee (and Mr. Walt) truly mastering the art of hard drums, snapping snares and low, deep basslines which can only be described as “subterranean”. Enta Da Stage was Da Beatminerz’ introduction to the world – and what a great first impression they made! The brothers’ crate digging skills are hoisted up for display, well represented by some impressive gems provided by the likes of Lee Michaels, Ten Wheel Drive, John Klemmer, The 9th Creation, Donald Byrd and Ronnie Laws – just to name a few. You can imagine it was quite a pleasure scooping these tracks up for Sample Set #172. What’s the occasion for showcasing Black Moon’s opus? Well, the group’s still around and they’ve been making the rounds, performing the album in its entirety, backed by a live band (check out this rehearsal video). Buck ‘Em Down!!! Enjoy… and turn it up!
P.S. Check out those liner notes. Notice the black and white inlay (on the bottom right side of my scans above) which specifies (a tiny portion of) the samples on the album. Notice that every Enta Da Stage track listed is spelled differently than how it should be (i.e. “Shit Is Real” instead of “Shit Iz Real”; “Into the Stage” instead of “Enta Da Stage”; “How Many MC’s” instead of “How Many MC’s…”). That can’t just be a coincidence… Or can it…?…
Contributions by Buckshot and 5 Ft. notwithstanding, what stands out most to me about this record has got to be the production. Recorded at NYC’s famed D&D Studios, Enta Da Stage’s soundscape is basement rap at its finest. The album epitomizes the aesthetic of raw boom bap, with DJ Evil Dee (and Mr. Walt) truly mastering the art of hard drums, snapping snares and low, deep basslines which can only be described as “subterranean”. Enta Da Stage was Da Beatminerz’ introduction to the world – and what a great first impression they made! The brothers’ crate digging skills are hoisted up for display, well represented by some impressive gems provided by the likes of Lee Michaels, Ten Wheel Drive, John Klemmer, The 9th Creation, Donald Byrd and Ronnie Laws – just to name a few. You can imagine it was quite a pleasure scooping these tracks up for Sample Set #172. What’s the occasion for showcasing Black Moon’s opus? Well, the group’s still around and they’ve been making the rounds, performing the album in its entirety, backed by a live band (check out this rehearsal video). Buck ‘Em Down!!! Enjoy… and turn it up!
P.S. Check out those liner notes. Notice the black and white inlay (on the bottom right side of my scans above) which specifies (a tiny portion of) the samples on the album. Notice that every Enta Da Stage track listed is spelled differently than how it should be (i.e. “Shit Is Real” instead of “Shit Iz Real”; “Into the Stage” instead of “Enta Da Stage”; “How Many MC’s” instead of “How Many MC’s…”). That can’t just be a coincidence… Or can it…?…
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Everyday We Fiend for the Night... | Insomniacs Club
Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun - "Night Time" (feat. Buckshot) (Duck Down, 2011)
Just over halfway through 2011, Duckdown Records has managed to unleash a handful of under-the-radar gems (Pharaohe Monch, Black Rob, Random Axe) including Monumental: a collaborative effort between BK rhymeslingers Smif-N-Wessun and producer extraordinaire Pete Rock. The LP's latest music video, "Night Time" (above), follows previous premieres like "That's Hard" (featuring Sean Price and Styles P) and "Monumental" (with Tyler Woods).
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Rap Round Table, Week Ending 8/19/2011
h/t Byron Crawford
Music Analysis & Reporting:
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (1-20) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (21-40) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (41-60) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (61-80) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (81-100) by Dart Adams
Why Is Bill O'Reilly Not Calling Out Mike Huckabee's Gangster Glorification? by Jeff Rosenthal
Message from T.I. ... by T.I.
Crate Digging With Z-Trip by Drew Fortune
Say It Loud!: Top 5 Pro-Black Albums by John Gotty
Baybach Musik by The Great Gats, B
Rappin' Is Cretaceous by Werner von Wallenrod
The Throne - "Primetime" by HL
David Banner “Swag” by Abortatron
Terror Danjah Demands Your Full Attention by Sach O
Suge Knight Disses Diddy…In 2011 by TC
The First Name In Milwaukee Hip-Hop Returns by Werner von Wallenrod
The iPod Shuffle: G-Unit’s “Bad News” by J. Tinsley
A Dangerous Diss by Werner von Wallenrod
Amy Winehouse and 27 Club by Vigilant Citizen
Rock the Bells' Classic Fixation by Oliver Wang
BeatTips Tutorial: Modifying the ADSR Sound Envelope Pattern by Amir "Sa'id" Said
The Return of No Limit Records Is Upon Us by J. Tinsley
Even Hybrids Hit 30: Danny Brown’s “XXX” by Jeff Weiss
Danny Brown "Monopoly" by Ian Cohen
A Recipe for Hip Hop Beef Stew by Tony Grands
Ice-T vs. Soulja Boy: Who Won? by Ben Westhoff
It Takes Two: A History on the Excitement of Hip Hop Collaboration Albums by J-23
Nas & Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World (Live Performance)… by Mobb Deen
Everybody (Should Definitely) Hate Chris Brown’s Mixtape by Doc Zeus
Notable Quotable: Tyler, The Creator On “Martians Vs. Goblins” by TC
Wooping With E-40 at the Gathering of the Juggalos by Christopher R. Weingarten
Insane Clown Posse's Violent J Talks Religion, the Civil War by Margaret Lyons
Kreayshawn Tries to Pull a Jedi Mind Trick on Rick Ross by Byron Crawford
Live: Hoodie Allen Fills Webster Hall to the Brim, Drinks It In by Jeff Rosenthal
Live: Black Moon Bring Enta Da Stage to Southpaw by Jonah Flicker
Live: J. Cole Outlines His Game Plan For Cole World by Sowmya Krishnamurthy
15 New Rappers To Watch Out For (LOL) by Julian Pereira
Live: Kreayshawn Lets V-Nasty Steal Her Show At The Highline Ballroom by Jeff Rosenthal
Album Reviews:
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Big Ghostface
The Throne - Watch the Throne by Fred Castano
Slaine - A World With No Skies 2.0 by Luke Gibson
Ski Beatz - 24 Hour Karate School, Pt. 2 by The Company Man
Meek Mill - Dream Chasers by Edwin Star
Theophilus London - Timez Are Weird These Days by Marcus J. Moore
Thurz - L.A. Riot by Jake Paine
Profiles & Interviews:
Mobb Deep Explains "The Infamous'" Affect On Rap, Havoc Crowns Prodigy "The Best" by Jake Paine
Kendrick Lamar Talks Indie Success, West Coast Rap and Dr. Dre by Gerrick D. Kennedy
Lenny Kravitz Talks Album Inspired By Race Relations, Chemistry With Jay-Z by Jake Paine
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (1-20) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (21-40) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (41-60) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (61-80) by Dart Adams
100 Hip Hop Jawns That Changed My Life Part Five (81-100) by Dart Adams
Why Is Bill O'Reilly Not Calling Out Mike Huckabee's Gangster Glorification? by Jeff Rosenthal
Message from T.I. ... by T.I.
Crate Digging With Z-Trip by Drew Fortune
Say It Loud!: Top 5 Pro-Black Albums by John Gotty
Baybach Musik by The Great Gats, B
Rappin' Is Cretaceous by Werner von Wallenrod
The Throne - "Primetime" by HL
David Banner “Swag” by Abortatron
Terror Danjah Demands Your Full Attention by Sach O
Suge Knight Disses Diddy…In 2011 by TC
The First Name In Milwaukee Hip-Hop Returns by Werner von Wallenrod
The iPod Shuffle: G-Unit’s “Bad News” by J. Tinsley
A Dangerous Diss by Werner von Wallenrod
Amy Winehouse and 27 Club by Vigilant Citizen
Rock the Bells' Classic Fixation by Oliver Wang
BeatTips Tutorial: Modifying the ADSR Sound Envelope Pattern by Amir "Sa'id" Said
The Return of No Limit Records Is Upon Us by J. Tinsley
Even Hybrids Hit 30: Danny Brown’s “XXX” by Jeff Weiss
Danny Brown "Monopoly" by Ian Cohen
A Recipe for Hip Hop Beef Stew by Tony Grands
Ice-T vs. Soulja Boy: Who Won? by Ben Westhoff
It Takes Two: A History on the Excitement of Hip Hop Collaboration Albums by J-23
Nas & Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World (Live Performance)… by Mobb Deen
Everybody (Should Definitely) Hate Chris Brown’s Mixtape by Doc Zeus
Notable Quotable: Tyler, The Creator On “Martians Vs. Goblins” by TC
Wooping With E-40 at the Gathering of the Juggalos by Christopher R. Weingarten
Insane Clown Posse's Violent J Talks Religion, the Civil War by Margaret Lyons
Kreayshawn Tries to Pull a Jedi Mind Trick on Rick Ross by Byron Crawford
Live: Hoodie Allen Fills Webster Hall to the Brim, Drinks It In by Jeff Rosenthal
Live: Black Moon Bring Enta Da Stage to Southpaw by Jonah Flicker
Live: J. Cole Outlines His Game Plan For Cole World by Sowmya Krishnamurthy
15 New Rappers To Watch Out For (LOL) by Julian Pereira
Live: Kreayshawn Lets V-Nasty Steal Her Show At The Highline Ballroom by Jeff Rosenthal
Album Reviews:
Game - The R.E.D. Album by Big Ghostface
The Throne - Watch the Throne by Fred Castano
Slaine - A World With No Skies 2.0 by Luke Gibson
Ski Beatz - 24 Hour Karate School, Pt. 2 by The Company Man
Meek Mill - Dream Chasers by Edwin Star
Theophilus London - Timez Are Weird These Days by Marcus J. Moore
Thurz - L.A. Riot by Jake Paine
Profiles & Interviews:
Mobb Deep Explains "The Infamous'" Affect On Rap, Havoc Crowns Prodigy "The Best" by Jake Paine
Kendrick Lamar Talks Indie Success, West Coast Rap and Dr. Dre by Gerrick D. Kennedy
Lenny Kravitz Talks Album Inspired By Race Relations, Chemistry With Jay-Z by Jake Paine
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Combat Jack Show: August 17, 2011
The Combat Jack Show (1 Year Anniversary Edition) 8-17-11 by PNCRadio
Previous episodes:
August 10, 2011 (w/Alvin Blanco, Mr. Mecc & Aryana Starr)
August 3, 2011 (Watch the Throne Edition)
July 27, 2011 (w/Don Will)
July 20, 2011 (w/BossLady, Statik Selektah & Action Bronson)
July 13, 2011 (w/D-Dot & Wais P)
July 6 (The Announcement)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Career Retrospective: Dennis Rodman
He's one of my all-time favorite players... The man who could dominate the game of basketball without even having to shoot. Check out the video above and then head on over to SLAM Magazine to read Maurice Bobb's interview. Salute to The Worm...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Wu-Tang & Jimi Hendrix - Black Gold | Download
How can rock be dead if Hendrix is forever? Peace to Tom Caruana for doubling up on his Beatles/Wu-Tang project and dropping yet another mash-up monstrosity to bridge the gap between the Wu-heads and the baby boomers. Turn it up!!
Friday, August 12, 2011
Rap Round Table, Week Ending 8/12/2011
Music Analysis & Reporting:
Does Watch the Throne Suffer from Ego Fatigue? by Noz
Seriously, Bro: Frat Rap Needs to Stop by Danny Gold
DJ Premier’s 10 Greatest Hits of the Naughts by J to the Aap
D.O.C.'s Top Five D.O.C. Ghostwritten Songs by Ben Westhoff
Nostalgia Fact-Check: How Does Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise Hold Up? by Amos Barshad
Watch the Lien: Dame Dash & Beanie Sigel Vs. The IRS by J. Tinsley
Dame Dash on His Tax Woes: "I'm F*cked Up" by Maurice Garland
Em and Them: Hip Hop's New Generation of Teen Angst by Omar Burgess
Flowmotion: 33 Rapid-Fire Rap Songs by Beware
Watch The Throne But Mind The Gap… by Dart Adams
Rubbing Fans' Noses in Rappers' Riches by Jozen Cummings
Did Kanye & Jay-Z Defeat The Watch The Throne Album Leak? by Raj
Still Watching The Throne: How Did It Manage to Stay Leak-Free? by J to the Aap
Leaked: Take a Deep Breath, Everyone — Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne Is Here Now by Amos Barshad
Wrestling with Watch the Throne by Ann Powers & Frannie Kelley
Leaving the Throne Behind by Oliver Wang
It's Good to Be Kings by Seth Colter Walls
Live: J. Cole Brings His Stardust to the Bowery Ballroom by Jeff Rosenthal
The Danger Zone by Jeff Weiss
In Too Deep: 50 Cent And Young Buck's Dilemma by Luke Gibson
Snap Judgment: Lil Wayne Ft. Drake – She Will by J to the Aap
Song of the Day: El Prez - UAINTUPONTHIS! (feat. U-N-I & Danja) by Mobb Deen
Song of the Day: Heatwave - Star of the Story by Mobb Deen
Violent J Breaks Down the Gathering of the Juggalos by Noz
Kritics Choice: Big K.R.I.T. Gets Prolific by Evan Nabavian
Freestyle Fellowship Signs with Decon, Releases 'We Are' by Jeff Weiss
Brief Thoughts on Watch the Throne by The Great Gats, B
Not A Blogger Redux: Hey! Remember The Cool Kids?! by Doc Zeus
Machine Gun Kelly Is Quick with the Tongue by Phillip Mlynar
Meet OverDoz: L.A.'s Freakiest, Cheekiest Collective by Rebecca Haithcoat
Sequencing and Structure Exercise is a Steady Beat Block Neutralizer by Amir "Sa'id" Said
Beat Trap: The Bad Vibes of Shlohmo by Chris Daly
Marley Marl Meets Kurtis Blow by Werner von Wallenrod
Can We Please Declare A Moratorium On Covering Famous Kids' Rap "Careers" Until They Actually Drop A Decent Record? by Maura Johnston
DJ Quik, the Gaslamp Killer, and more hit the Do-Over by Jeff Weiss
A Blogger Tryna Play Me, I'ma Blow Him Off the Map by The Great Gats, B
El-P: “Drones over BKLYN” by Jeff Weiss
Live Review: Cypress Hill at the Troubadour by Mikael Wood
More Rarities by Werner von Wallenrod
Dart’s Next 50 Favorite Cult Films of the Internet Age (1996-) by Dart Adams
Album Reviews:
Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame - Ferrari Boyz by Amanda Bassa
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by The TRU Brain Trust
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Henry Adaso
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Renato Pagnani
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Oliver Wang
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Max
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Abortatron
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Randall Roberts
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Edwin Ortiz
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Skylar B.
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Tom Breihan
Royce Da 5'9″ - Success Is Certain by Aaron M.
Royce Da 5'9″ - Success Is Certain by Amanda Bassa
Greneberg - Greneberg EP by Tom Breihan
AraabMuzik - Electronic Dream by Francisco McCurry
Game - Hoodmorning [No Typo]: Candy Coronas by Slava Kuperstein
Jay Rock - Follow Me Home by Fred Castano
Wiley - Chill Out Zone by Jess Harvell
Dom - Family of Love EP by Larry Fitzmaurice
Serge Gainsbourg - Gainsbourg Percussions by Joe Tangari
Profiles & Interviews:
Ice Cube Talks Art, Boyz n the Hood, and Why He Makes Comedies by Jeff Weiss
Royce Da 5'9 Acknowledges Personal Growth, Trend-Setting, Ignoring Canibus by Will Lavin
Ski Beatz Breaks Down Improvisational Approach, Avoiding Roc-A-Fella Breakup by Jake Paine
Author Alvin Blanco Breaks Down the Wu-Tang Clan by Gedi Dabakaeri
Author Alvin Blanco: Dissecting the Wu-Tang by Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur
Producer's Corner: Mr. Porter by Melanie Cornish
The Road to Success With Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller by Nadine Graham
WTF/LOL/SMH:
“Look At Me”: An Oral History of Watch the Throne by Abe Beame
Tyler the Juggalo responds to Steve Albini by Byron Crawford
Steve Albini Hates On Odd Future While Also Sort of Defending Them by Amos Barshad
This Week in White Rapping by Blockhead
Tweet by The Game Jams L.A. Sheriff's Phone Lines, Delays Deputies by Andrew Blankstein
Does Watch the Throne Suffer from Ego Fatigue? by Noz
Seriously, Bro: Frat Rap Needs to Stop by Danny Gold
DJ Premier’s 10 Greatest Hits of the Naughts by J to the Aap
D.O.C.'s Top Five D.O.C. Ghostwritten Songs by Ben Westhoff
Nostalgia Fact-Check: How Does Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise Hold Up? by Amos Barshad
Watch the Lien: Dame Dash & Beanie Sigel Vs. The IRS by J. Tinsley
Dame Dash on His Tax Woes: "I'm F*cked Up" by Maurice Garland
Em and Them: Hip Hop's New Generation of Teen Angst by Omar Burgess
Flowmotion: 33 Rapid-Fire Rap Songs by Beware
Watch The Throne But Mind The Gap… by Dart Adams
Rubbing Fans' Noses in Rappers' Riches by Jozen Cummings
Did Kanye & Jay-Z Defeat The Watch The Throne Album Leak? by Raj
Still Watching The Throne: How Did It Manage to Stay Leak-Free? by J to the Aap
Leaked: Take a Deep Breath, Everyone — Kanye West and Jay-Z’s Watch the Throne Is Here Now by Amos Barshad
Wrestling with Watch the Throne by Ann Powers & Frannie Kelley
Leaving the Throne Behind by Oliver Wang
It's Good to Be Kings by Seth Colter Walls
Live: J. Cole Brings His Stardust to the Bowery Ballroom by Jeff Rosenthal
The Danger Zone by Jeff Weiss
In Too Deep: 50 Cent And Young Buck's Dilemma by Luke Gibson
Snap Judgment: Lil Wayne Ft. Drake – She Will by J to the Aap
Song of the Day: El Prez - UAINTUPONTHIS! (feat. U-N-I & Danja) by Mobb Deen
Song of the Day: Heatwave - Star of the Story by Mobb Deen
Violent J Breaks Down the Gathering of the Juggalos by Noz
Kritics Choice: Big K.R.I.T. Gets Prolific by Evan Nabavian
Freestyle Fellowship Signs with Decon, Releases 'We Are' by Jeff Weiss
Brief Thoughts on Watch the Throne by The Great Gats, B
Not A Blogger Redux: Hey! Remember The Cool Kids?! by Doc Zeus
Machine Gun Kelly Is Quick with the Tongue by Phillip Mlynar
Meet OverDoz: L.A.'s Freakiest, Cheekiest Collective by Rebecca Haithcoat
Sequencing and Structure Exercise is a Steady Beat Block Neutralizer by Amir "Sa'id" Said
Beat Trap: The Bad Vibes of Shlohmo by Chris Daly
Marley Marl Meets Kurtis Blow by Werner von Wallenrod
Can We Please Declare A Moratorium On Covering Famous Kids' Rap "Careers" Until They Actually Drop A Decent Record? by Maura Johnston
DJ Quik, the Gaslamp Killer, and more hit the Do-Over by Jeff Weiss
A Blogger Tryna Play Me, I'ma Blow Him Off the Map by The Great Gats, B
El-P: “Drones over BKLYN” by Jeff Weiss
Live Review: Cypress Hill at the Troubadour by Mikael Wood
More Rarities by Werner von Wallenrod
Dart’s Next 50 Favorite Cult Films of the Internet Age (1996-) by Dart Adams
Album Reviews:
Gucci Mane & Waka Flocka Flame - Ferrari Boyz by Amanda Bassa
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by The TRU Brain Trust
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Henry Adaso
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Renato Pagnani
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Oliver Wang
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Max
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Abortatron
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Randall Roberts
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Edwin Ortiz
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Skylar B.
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) – Watch the Throne by Tom Breihan
Royce Da 5'9″ - Success Is Certain by Aaron M.
Royce Da 5'9″ - Success Is Certain by Amanda Bassa
Greneberg - Greneberg EP by Tom Breihan
AraabMuzik - Electronic Dream by Francisco McCurry
Game - Hoodmorning [No Typo]: Candy Coronas by Slava Kuperstein
Jay Rock - Follow Me Home by Fred Castano
Wiley - Chill Out Zone by Jess Harvell
Dom - Family of Love EP by Larry Fitzmaurice
Serge Gainsbourg - Gainsbourg Percussions by Joe Tangari
Profiles & Interviews:
Ice Cube Talks Art, Boyz n the Hood, and Why He Makes Comedies by Jeff Weiss
Royce Da 5'9 Acknowledges Personal Growth, Trend-Setting, Ignoring Canibus by Will Lavin
Ski Beatz Breaks Down Improvisational Approach, Avoiding Roc-A-Fella Breakup by Jake Paine
Author Alvin Blanco Breaks Down the Wu-Tang Clan by Gedi Dabakaeri
Author Alvin Blanco: Dissecting the Wu-Tang by Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur
Producer's Corner: Mr. Porter by Melanie Cornish
The Road to Success With Wiz Khalifa & Mac Miller by Nadine Graham
WTF/LOL/SMH:
“Look At Me”: An Oral History of Watch the Throne by Abe Beame
Tyler the Juggalo responds to Steve Albini by Byron Crawford
Steve Albini Hates On Odd Future While Also Sort of Defending Them by Amos Barshad
This Week in White Rapping by Blockhead
Tweet by The Game Jams L.A. Sheriff's Phone Lines, Delays Deputies by Andrew Blankstein
Jim Guthrie & Lil Wayne | Sample & Example
Sample: "The Cloud" by Jim Guthrie
Example: "She Will" by Lil Wayne featuring Drake (Prod. by T-Minus)
Update:
Shit just got real...
#WatchTheLawsuit
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Watch the Memes
Image via BX's Andrefrbk, who also uncovered this (humorous) bombshell:
Who is that guy?
Kobe Bryant: When I Was 17
Not to be confused with the classic Simpsons song, Kobe Bryant sheds some light on his years at Lower Merion High in Philly. This video was uploaded a few months back and for all I know could be a few years old, but whatever. What I enjoyed most about this interview was hearing Kobe list off his three favorite mid-90s emcees (at the 1:21 mark; Biggie, Jay-Z and Nas!), as well as discovering the origin of the "taking my talents to..." line (4:38).
NBA 2K12 Soundtrack Revealed
Bold emphasis mine:
1. Eminem & Royce Da 5’9” – Fast Lanevia BusinessWire
2. Travis Barker featuring Yelawolf, Twista, Busta Rhymes and Lil Jon - Let's Go
3. CyHi Da Prynce – Sideways (2K Remix)
4. Kurtis Blow - Basketball
5. Friendly Fires - Skeleton Boy
6. Machine Drum - Let It (edIT Remix)
7. Aceyalone featuring Cee-Lo - Workin' Man's Blues
8. Freddie Gibbs - Look Easy (2K Original)
9. Chiddy Bang featuring Q-Tip - Here We Go
10. Zion I featuring Rebelution- Many Stylez
11. Duck Down All -Stars 2 - Shout The Winners Out (2K Original)
12. Middle Class Rut - New Low
13. Bassnectar - Cozza Frenzy
14. Ancient Astronauts - Still a Soldier
15. Alex K. and D.J.I.G. - Now's My Time (2K Original)
16. See-I - Haterz
17. James Pants - We're Through
18. Shinobi Ninja - Rock Hood
19. DELS - Shapeshift
20. Hudson Mohawke - Thunder Bay (instrumental)
21. Mr. Chop - Intermezzo 2 (instrumental)
22. Kid Mac featuring Mat McHugh - Hear You Calling
23. Thunderball - Make Your Move
24. The Freeze Tag - The Shuffle (instrumental)
25. The Death Set - It's Another Day
26. Project Lionheart -They Come Back
27. Jamaica - By The Numbers
28. XV – Awesome
The Combat Jack Show: August 10, 2011
w/Alvin Blanco, Mr. Mecc & Aryana Starr
Previous episodes:
August 3, 2011 (Watch the Throne Edition)
July 27, 2011 (w/Don Will)
July 20, 2011 (w/BossLady, Statik Selektah & Action Bronson)
July 13, 2011 (w/D-Dot & Wais P)
July 6 (The Announcement)
June 29, 2011 (The Random Edition)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jay-Z & Kanye West - Watch the Throne | Album Review
The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West)Watch the Throne
Release Date: August 8, 2011
Roc-A-Fella/Roc Nation/Def Jam
It’s no coincidence that an album of such epic magnitude would arrive at a time when douchebaggery and swag are at an all-time high; the year that was ushered in by the ramblings of Charlie “Winning” Sheen; the year the Jersey Shore invaded Europe; the year the Miami Heat won the NBA Fi- …never mind. The buildup to the record was nuts. The anticipation for the
1. No Church in the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean)
If your speakers aren’t turned way up when you start listening to this album, you’ve already fucked up. As soon as those submerged guitar string samples courtesy of Phil Manzanera kick in, you realize that this album is monumental, whether it’s a flawless project or not (psst… it’s not, but that doesn’t matter just yet). Odd Future’s own Frank Ocean provides a compelling hook, which adds an intriguing layer to the Darwinian existentialism of Jay and ‘Ye’s raps. In both sound and execution, this reminds me of The Blueprint 3’s intro track “What We Talkin' About”. These tracks may not feature Pain in da Ass, but they effectively set the tone and delineate the overarching thesis for the project. In Watch the Throne’s case, I perceive that the message throughout is a passive aggressive one. In ‘Ye-Z’s deliveries, you can hear the instigation, the war cry for some competition; at the same time, they demonstrate the boastfulness of knowing full well that no other emcee(s) can go toe to toe with their pedigree. To highlight Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “braggadocio” has long-been a journalistic cliché, but it’s as vivid as ever on “No Church in the Wild” and throughout Watch the Throne.
2. Lift Off (feat. Beyoncé)
Pardon me for sounding like a chauvinistic pig, but wifey Beyoncé shoulda had no part on this track, let alone the album. On her Yoko Ono shit, Bey crashes the party early on what should’ve otherwise been a gentlemen’s affair – a musical bachelor party of sorts. Exaggerating a bit – okay, more than a bit – this track is comparable to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. Crash and burn. Auto-Tune? Really? Aside from the fact that it’s terrible as a standalone track, “Lift Off” does itself even more harm than good by following the dark “No Church in the Wild”. It’s like mixing vodka and milk © Prodigy
3. Niggas in Paris
After the abortion that is “Lift Off”, we’re treated with the levity of Will Ferrell’s antics on Blades of Glory and a rambunctious instrumental which more than earns a spot on the sequel to Khal’s Niggas Is A Beautiful Thang mix, should he ever choose to drop one (fingers crossed). The collar-popping swagnificance (ugh!) of “Niggas in Paris” doubles up on the duo’s ’09 track “Hate”, shedding the droning vocal loop from that The Blueprint 3 track, and opting instead for some fun-paced, southern-ish production. This shit so cra’ it’s essentially a permission slip to act as retarded as possible. Watch the Throne boasts some tracks addressing serious subject matter, but levity, as I mentioned earlier, is what this track’s all about. Fucking. Cra’.
4. Otis
You already know. “Otis” is not what I expected it to be, nor what I wanted it to be, but in the context of Watch the Throne as a whole? It fits right in, perfectly. Nonetheless, it will most likely get skipped since I’ve already heard it three billion times (so far) – and I’ve only heard the other tracks on the album two billion times (so far). Despite its nonsensical soul aesthetic – which may look good on paper – “Otis” is still one of the weaker tracks on the album, in terms of both sound and artistic merit.
5. Gotta Have It
Lyrically, Jay and ‘Ye sound poised and really hit their stride on this track. However, “Gotta Have It” falls way short from a production standpoint. I expected more from The Neptunes, I really did. The beat doesn’t knock nearly as hard as it should and that eerie, uninspired vocal sample is so snooze-worthy and bland it’d make a nymphomaniac sigh and say “not tonight.” It’s a good thing this is the shortest track on the album!
6. New Day
The chemistry on “New Day” is pure bliss, clicking on all cylinders as Kanye “and the RZA connect.” The Nina Simone sample is perfection. The tempo is just right. Best of all, the beauty of the instrumental isn’t marred by ill-fitted raps. (It’s always a travesty when a great beat is defiled by unworthy penmanship.) Kanye and Jay do this composition justice, with Yeezy unquestionably outshining his Big Brother with his poignant lyrics. The party/radio-geared tracks are fun, sure, but this is the brand of hip hop I value most from Kanye West, ‘cause he usually comes correct with it.
7. That’s My Bitch
When the incomplete version of this track hit the internets a year ago, I was bobbing my head to it. I still am. The beat itself sounds way too muffled for my liking – I prefer something more crisp – but it makes up for that with its undeniably great bounce. Elly Jackson’s presence on the tracks adds a nice touch as well.
8. Welcome to the Jungle
My reaction to this track bares a resemblance to what I experienced in 2009 when The Blueprint 3 dropped. It took me a while to appreciate the Justice-chopping madness of “On to the Next One”, but I finally did after a few spins. “Welcome to the Jungle” is far less innovative as Swizz’s previous joint with Jay, but it possesses a charm to it nonetheless. Regardless, the beat is really too sparse for me to get into, and I’d certainly see myself skipping this track on front-to-back album spins.
9. Who Gon Stop Me
This track begins with the drum box simplicity of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing”, just before revealing its true behemoth self. Upon repeated listens, I couldn’t help but pick up on the stark difference between the two emcee’s take on this Flux Pavilion-fueled banger: Kanye sounds like he’s altering his delivery to keep up with the beat. Jay makes the track work for him, commanding his way through like a double-speed pro. No question, Jay absolutely murks the bejeezus out of “Who Gon Stop Me”, navigating through its dubstep pacings and beat switch-ups with high proficiency. Funny enough, as controversial as Kanye is trying to sound on this track, his words kinda fall flat for me.
10. Murder to Excellence
So which do you prefer, “Murder” or “Excellence”? If you hadn’t noticed, “Murder to Excellence” is comprised of two separate tracks (the first produced by Swizz Beats; the latter by S1) which manage to go well together, if not in sound then in content. Kanye casually – though effectively – delivers like-minded messages throughout, addressing black on black crime, the juxtaposition of deaths in Chicago and Iraq, and the quip “ain't nothin’ on the news but the blues/”. #iFuxwit “Murder” more though…
11. Made in America (feat. Frank Ocean)
The trifecta of “Made in America” works quite well, with each emcee providing an autobiographical verse describing their rise to fame and the influences along the way – all supplemented by a stirring performance by Frank Ocean, the neo-D’Angelo. The mere mentions of spiritual figures and political leaders breathe life and light into this phenomenal track. All three artists really give it their all, but it’s the atmospheric soundscape – which adds a nearly dream-like serenity to it all – that really pushes this one to the top.
12. Why I Love You (feat. Mr Hudson)
The cascading blares and triumphant synths on “Why I Love You” offer a climactic, damn near-cinematic feel to this closer track. Sonically, it reminds me of “Beach Chair”, a standout from Jay’s otherwise “meh” “comeback album”, Kingdom Come. Kanye and Mike Dean could’ve stuck with the original Cassius vocals from “I Love You So”, but Mr Hudson was wisely brought in – I never thought I’d be writing this – to take the track to newer, greater heights. The chorus is thrilling – but so are the verses. Ah, the verses. Jay may be a pro at subliminal diss tracks, but he ain’t fooling us with these shots fired. We all know the target(s) he’s aiming at. The wig push-backer got his wig pushed back on this one. It was all good just a decade ago…
13. Illest Motherfucker Alive
Really? I gotta wait three full minutes to hear this track? Hol’ up, lemme move my bowels… “Illest Motherfucker Alive” really steps it up from “Why I Love You” on the cinematic tip, with Jay breezing through, alluding to Pacino and De Niro flicks. That aside, this track wins on the sole merit of Kanye’s Naomi Russell (JILF!) reference. That and the beat. I love those minimalistically perfect keys sprinkled throughout. “I.L.M.” blends in nicely with the orchestral sounds of the apocalyptic “H•A•M”…
14. H•A•M
Been there, done that. #iStillFuxWit this.
15. Primetime
This track has potential but it just goes nowhere. No I.D. provides a pleasant, key-driven soundbed with a quirky vocal chop, but Jay and ‘Ye fail to impress. Nothing more to say about this one, sadly.
16. The Joy
One of my favorite tracks from 2010, if this isn’t evidence enough that Pete Rock and Jay-Z need to collab on a full-length, I don’t know what is!
Verdict:
To help me compose my final thoughts on Watch the Throne, I re-read my review for The Blueprint 3. In my verdict for that album, I complained about Jay-Z sounding out of touch from the common man. That complaint is alive and well in 2011 as it was in 2009. Is it really worth bickering over anymore though? The proverb “time heals all wounds” comes to mind immediately. I suppose I’ve grown to accept Jay-Z’s interstellar supremacy, far removed from the headband-wearing Jigga of a decade past. That era is dead, and I’ve begrudgingly grown accustomed to that. (Somehow it didn’t take me nearly as long to accept Kanye’s similar ascent to omnipotence. I wonder why. Oh yeah, maybe ‘cause he was always an asshole. Ha!) Furthermore, The Blueprint 3 was just that: a Blueprint album. Erroneously, I associated it with the previous two records, released during a simpler time when Roc-A-Fella was still a family and the lyrics hit closer to heart. Again, that era is dead. Gone.
Watch the Throne was, is, the beginning of a new chapter. Despite some early cynicism and Twitter shit-talking, I still walked into this one with an open mind. I'm glad that I did because in spite of the little shoulder devil amping me up to hate this record, I can't. I like it. A lot. Unrivaled, Watch the Throne is a beast of its own and it might just be my favorite record of the year.
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