Really anticipated release here!  I have been waiting for this for ages.  Freddie Gibbs is a rapper out of Gary Indiana and he is ridiculously dope.  Got an amazing flow, great lyrics and can really paint a picture with his story telling tracks.

I have heard rumours of an Alchmeist produced EP which would be epic, this EP features a number of producers, but most notably the Blockbeataz out of Alabama.

I think Gibbs is my favorite up and comer.  He is right three with J. Cole IMO.  Hopefully this EP lives up to my high expectations.

1. Str8 Killa No Filla feat. Big Kill: Yeah Blockbeataz!  This beat goes hard.  This song in general is hard as hell.  Pretty much what I expected from Gibbs and Blockbeataz.  This would be insane on a good system. Dunno if I am feeling this Big Kill dude….yeah not at all.

2. Rep 2 Tha Fullest feat. Jay Rock: Another solid beat, and another unneeded guest appearance.  Jay Rock is better than Big Kill but when you have 8 tracks I want to hear Freddie Gibbs.

3. National Anthem: I have herd this before and it is amazing.  Great song.  Freddie does a great job of painting a picture of his life in Gary.  Man he can FLOW!  He owns this beat, which is very good in it’s own right.

4. The Coldest feat. BJ The Coldest Kid: Really unique beat, and it allows Freddie to showcase his flow nicely. I like the hook too – some people won’t like the RnB feel of the hook – but it reminds me of some old Snoop hook.

5. Personal OG: This has got to be Blockbeataz production.  They have mastered these smoked out style beats.  Plus I just heard a female “blockbeataz” voice as I typed the above.  This is a great Ep so far.

6. Live By The Game: Another Blockbeatz beat and it sounds like fire so far. Yes!  Sorry the beat just kicked in and this is great.  This beat just puts me in a good mood – a great example of how sick Blockbeataz can be.  This will make the front page of my blog next update.  Gibbs kills it – just like he kills everything.

7. Rock Bottom feat Bun B: Another great beat.  Freddie also kills it and adds a nice hook.  I like that he does a song with Bun B because that is who Gibbs reminds me of sometimes – a vintage top of the game Bun B.  Speaking of Bun B, he drops a great verse. I think Bun slipped lyrically for a while, but lately he has been back!

8. Oil Money feat. Chip Da Ripper, Chuck English, Bun B & Dan Auerbach: Cool song – again I’d be happier with just Gibbs and maybe Bun B on this EP.  A lot of guests for such a short release.  That said another solid song – like every single one on this.  This song gets a huge boost because Gibbs shouted out the Saints owning Peyton manning in the Super Bowl

Great release!  I wonder if the people who said CNN was too street for me even know about Gibbs?  He is about 50x more street than CNN and *gasp* he actually produces sick music and can really rap. This is a very solid  EP, this has me highly anticipating his next full length release, or hell even the rumored Alchemist produced EP.  If you haven’t heard of Gibbs then check him out.  He is a breath of fresh air in the rap game.

You Can Check Out More Gibbs: Here

I wasn’t even going to download this album but I had a couple friends telling me it was good.  I used to love CNN but I was completely done with Nore. Can’t believe I liked him so much at one time – wack flow and some horrible lyrics.

That said I will take a look at this because it was reccommnded by people i trust…no expectation here if this is anything other than crap I will be happy.

1. Pain: If this isn’t an alchemist beat I will eat my hat.  So dope though, mane that guy is consistent.  This one beat already makes the album better than I expected.  Nore is not a good rapper tho. Def the kind of beat these guys need though.  Capone is a guilty pleasure, love that voice.  Regardless of Nore not being great, this track go hard!

2. Bodega Stories feat. Lox: OMG Nore sucks I’m sorry – he just had some constipation rap that made me cringe. Beat is OK though – typical dunny rap beat – no complaints.  Jadakiss sounds good – makes Nore look worse because of it.  I hope they have lots of guests on this.

3. Dutches vs. Phillies vs. Bamboo feat. Raekwon: Doooope beat – remindsme of Alchmeist again.  Would have fit well on Raekwons last album which was great.  Really solid production 3 songs in.  I wonder if they can keep it up.

4. My Attribute: Beat sounds dated and too much going on.  Not feeling this.  Also hate the spelling of the names every couple bars.

5. Favor for a Favor: Back to the nice production.  Reminds me of a hard version of Oochie Wally.  This isn’t too bad – nothing mind blowing though.  The beat kind of wears on you by the time the song is over.

6. Hood Pride feat. Faith Evans: Another hard beat that is not bad at all.  I don’t think this will have a ton of replay value.  Faith Evans hook sounds dated and lame IMO.  Good beat though, once again I like the Capone verse a ton more than Nore’s.

7. The Reserves feat. Raekwon: Another beat I think that tries to be too hard and comes off too noisy IMO.  These beats are cool for the gym but they lose their replay value quick.  LMAO @ Nore’s line about the mountain – shit doesn’t even rhyme.  Although I have complained a lot this is still better than I expected.

8. With Me feat. Nas: I am sure this is an old Nas verse – just sounds old to me.  Nas comes correct – always.  Decent if unremarkable beat.

9. Live On, Live Long Part II: Anytime these guys talk before the song they come off as cornballs.  Nore continues his recent history of sucking.  I like this beat a lot though. Cool song.

10. The Oath feat. Raekwon & Busta: A movie vocal clip that sounds familiar to me.  Can’t place it though. Again Nore feels like he has to talk before going into his lame verse.  I can’t be the only one hearing how bad he is now am I?  Cool beat again though.  Haven’t heard Busta in a minute..he sounds vintage when compared to Nore.

11. Brother From Another: I like the production – seems like a recurring theme.  I don’t actually mind Nore on this actually.  I think the first time I can say that on this album.

12. Thug Planet feat. Iman THUG & Mualini: I don’t like this beat at all.  Horrible in my opinion.  Sounds cheap as hell.  LMAO @ the start of Nore’s verse – this guy is just fucking around I swear. he is not being serious right now.  Sad thing is this is better than most of his work on this album. A couple features who add nothing..meh.

13. Scarface: LMAO original song title – a bad beat too IMO.  Too noisey.  I don’t know why producers thing to sound hard they have to add a bunch of abrasive noises.  Call up Alchemist and learn how to properly sound hard.

14. The Corner feat Avery Storm: The production has dropped the second half of this album.  This is pretty generic – better than the last songs though.  The singing on this is out of place and LAME.  A clear attempt at trying to sound current and an epic fail.

15. Obituary: Great some more Nore rambling to start the song. I don’t mind the beat- kind of like it actually.  Can’t deal with all the rambling though.

Well I now know a couple people I will never trust again when it comes to music.  This albums best song is far and away the first one.  In fact I might only keep that song from this and delete the rest.

Nore was horrible throughout the album – I will never check for him in my life again.  Production started out great..but tailed near end.  Just too many generic and cheap sounding beats.  Too bad they couldn’t afford Alchemist for a whole album.

I guess it is better than I thought it would be but still pretty bad compared to a lot of music that has come out lately.  I am sure I will get a lot of ‘MAN THIS GO HARD, YER GAY” comments but let them fly…I am sure I won’t have to listen to this too many more times  before I decide it is recycle bin material.

Pilot Talk is the latest project from Curren$y.  There was a time I would not check for this guy at all – wasn’t feeling him.  The past 2 years though he has dropped some great music.  You can always count on him to drop a great mixtape, or a good single.

This is going to be my first look at the new album, my very first skim through it so don’t expect a full review. These are just my first impressions.  Some songs will grow on me, some won’t stand up to repeated listens. So don’t cry too hard if I don’t like your favorite songs.

1. Example – Love the beat as it starts, some cool guitar licks but the beat is real laid back.  Curren$y has a laid back flow that I like – dude is kind of like the new Devin the Dude…with better beats these days.

2. Audio Dope II – This beat starts off a bit weird, but falls into something pretty cool.  I think there are some distorted steel drums.  I hope people can get over his laid back flow because he is really improving as a rapper.  This beat reminds me of some boomb bap actually…not fully but it def has some elements of that 90′s NY sound.

3. King Kong – A more current beat for sure – that spaced out stuff “the kids love”.  This just in – Curren$y likes weed.  If you like the new generation of production (and I do) you should be feeling this.  The hook plays off the famous Denzel King Kong line.

4. Seat Change feat. Snoop - I can tell this might be a track I skip a bit.  It is OK but the beat seems a bit too laid back.  I like it as of now though and it is growing on me as I listen to the song.  I am a sucker for Snoop tho so I am cool with his verse.

5. Breakfast – Guess what Curren$y likes for breakfast…weed!  Another beat I am not feeling that much – I like it but it doesn’t stand out.  A bit cheesy to be honest – Curren$y is doing his thing though.  Love the start of his verse.  As I listen it begins to grow on me but more due to Curren$y than the beat.

6. Roasted – I love this beat so far though.  Is MonstaBeatz a Ski Beats protege, or another name for him?  I just ask because Ski produces most of this, but Monstabeatz handles this track.  I like the laid back beat with the horns and synths here better than the ones with the guitar samples.  Personal preference.

7. Skybourne feat. Smoke DZA & Big KRIT – I gotta give credit to Ski Beatz he is definitely making this a cohesive album.  Real laid back beats that really work for Curren$y.  Smoke DZA kind of bores me…but Big KRIT does his thing.

8. The Hangover - More laid back beats which really makes sense considering the subject matter.  Sometimes the album kind of slips into lounge music territory to me.  I think maybe breaking up the album with more tracks like Audio Dope II would have been a good move.  I like these beats, but I dunno if they will have much replay value…hope I am wrong.

9. The Day feat. Mos Def and Jay Elec - Really shows you the respect Curren$y has now to get a couple dudes like this on his track.  This beat really wakes me up too – just what I was thinking of in the comments of my last song.  Jay Elec kills this of course…when doesn’t he?

10. Prioritize – Not a bad beat, I didn’t like it at first but both MCs flow really well on it – by the end of the song I was feeling the beat.  I think a song like this will stand up to repeated spins.  We’ll see.

11. Chilled Coughee feat. Devin The Dude - I am a huge Devin The Dude fan and am appalled at his recent albums.  They have really lacked any good production. It is too bad because his first 3 albums are personal classics to me.  I bring that up because for some damn reason he is on the worst produced song on the album.  Gah, I don’t know what is going on.  Not feeling this beat.

12. Address - I am feeling this.  This is the beat he should have got Devin on.  Much more current sounding.  Laid back again but that is Curren$ys style.  Dude has really improved as an MC.  This is one of my fav tracks.

13. Life Under The Scope - I dunno – good beat I guess.  Curren$y sounds great on it, the beat definitely grows on me as the song goes.  If you like this laid back style, you should love this album.

I am on a pretty good streak of LOVING the recent albums I review. That streak ends now.  I definitely like this album and can respect Curren$y’s continued growth as a rapper.  There has just been so much great music lately that this doesn’t really stand out to me.  In fact there has been a similar album released this year that is a significantly better version of this:  Wiz’s Kush and Orange Juice.

I will still be checking for Curren$y and I am sure I will give this some more spins.  Maybe it will grow on me.  It is certainly solid, just happened to drop at a time when some truly great music has been in my rotation.  I think an album like this works great when you are sitting back and relaxing. Maybe listening to it at 8 in the morning effected my enjoyment.

Two of my favorite albums this year have been RnB records. Although they share a genre, they are just about as different as you can get.  One album is something most of my friends would expect me to like.  The other album completely baffles all of my friends.  They can’t believe I like it.  I can’t either!

At one time I used to actually care what other people thought of what I listened to.  Luckily with as I grew older I realized I don’t care.  While commercial pop records would have me scoffing in cynicism in high school, now I can appreciate it for what it is.  Basically now I just listen to whatever sounds good to me.

So without further ado here are my two favourite RnB albums of 2010 (so far..)

What People Expect me To Like: Janelle Monae: The ArchAndroid

One time back up singer for Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae has been making quite a name for herself.  Yeah she is a bit out there, and her hair is even more so, but who cares?  The girl can sing and she is making some amazing music.  This album might be my fav album of the year period.

Monae manages to create a conceptual album with cohesive theme.  The amazing part is that the album seems so cohesive but it has wild variety in style of songs. It is like you are listening to a different person on some songs, but it all somehow fits the album and makes sense.

Stand Out Tracks:

Cold War: This pumps me up, reminds me a bit of older Outkast.  Almost has a Bombs Over Baghdad feel.  Very upbeat and it comes on after Sir Greendown which is a very laid back song so it almost feels like you are waking up when it starts.

Come Alive: This is completely different than the last song and it is just indicative of how varied this album is.  This song has almost a horror like sound to it – which is only more apparent when Monae is wailing on the chorus.  This song kind of reminds me of Blister in The Sun for some reason.  A definite rock feel to it.

Mushrooms and Roses: Love the vocal filter here, the guitars remind me of something you would hear on a Prince record.  Once again this song sounds nothing like the above two.

Wondaland: This is a spaced out pop tune that showcases the higher registers of Monae’s voice.  She sounds great on this actually.  It really jumps out as well.  The sequencing on this album is perfect.

This album will go down as one of my top 5 for the year.  I can’t see 5 more albums dropping this year that I like more than this.  It might not be your taste since it is kind of weird and can be a bit of a challenge to get into.  I think this will get serious Grammy consideration this year.  Hopefully she will sell more records if that happens – she deserves it.

What People Won’t Believe I Like: The Dream: Love King

I would have hated this album in high school.  I would have mocked any guy that listened to it.  I would have had big time arguments with the girls I knew. This was never my style of music.  For some reason though this album has hooked me in. I dunno how The Dream did it, but he did.  I find The Dream to be one of the biggest cornballs in music, but their is no denying his hit making ability. He was the man behind the scenes for such hits as Rihanna’s “Umbrella” and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”.

Considering those are two songs I could easily never listen to again…what the hell do I like about this album?  It is pretty commercial sounding, it is pretty soft and The Dream says some of the most cringe worthy things ever recorded. The problem is he does it in such a catchy way!  Some of his production is amazing as well.  I guess the best way is to look at some of the strong points on this album:

Make Up Bag: Totally built for the radio – this is a transparent shot at the radio.  It is super catchy though and is actually kind of tongue in cheek funny. Before I heard this I was thinking “What kidn of man would sing about a makeup bag?”  The Dream would, that’s who!  Once I listened to the song I learned that he wasn’t actually singing about a “makeup bag”.  You’ll have to check it out to see what he means.

Abyss: Some great production on this.  Kind of reminiscent of Cry Me A River by Timberlake.  In fact this would probably be a huge hit with Timberlake on it.  As it is – it is still a great song.  It is also the end of a three song stretch that is a particularly strong part of the record.  The Dream does a great job making Yamaha – Nikki Pt. 2 and Abyss flow together.

Florida University: This is probably the last song people would think I would like.  I just find it completely catchy.  I don’t even know how this isn’t a hit yet.  It is also super clever in my opinion.  I can easily picture people in the club screaming along to the chorus.  If you aren’t going to listen to this  but want to picture the chorus, just remember that Florida University can also be known as F.U.

If you are looking for deep meaning in your music this album might not be for you.  It is a great example of cleverly crafted pop music  Great sequencing and mixing on this as well.  The Dream is a total cornball, but the refreshing part is that he seems to know that.  He plays that angle well, and this album is full of humorous moments.  I find myself laughing along with The Dream rather than laughing at him.  I like this more than I should – but I don’t care.

Full album name is: Big Boi: Sir Lucious Left Foot The Son of Chico Dusty

Today is bittersweet.  On one hand Big Boi’s new album has leaked – on the other hand it is kind of sad because it isn’t a traditonal Outkast album.  Will we ever get to hear Big Boi and Andre spitting verses over a whole album together again? Even worse, due to some record label BS, Andre doesn’t even have a verse on here.  Oh well, Big Boi can carry an album IMO so let’s see if he does that…

Again my normal warnings are in place – this is my first spin…my opinion is bound to change on repeated listens.  Also this is a pretty early webrip – great sound quality but I am not sure if the track listing will be 100% the same when it finally drops.

1. Feel Me: I dunno why but this intro just sounds like Big Boi LOL I believe the term he would use is FONKY!  “Damn that weren’t nothing but the intro!”

2. Daddy Fat Sex: GYEAH great to hear Big Boi rapping…it makes me a bit sad that I won’t hear Andre jump in on this album.  This beat is incredible! Big Boi rips this!  Great start.

3. Turns Me On feat. Sleepy Brown & Joi: I love Sleepy Brown so I expect greatness.  Cool acapella start…here comes the beat and this is sounding great.  Big Boi sounds great so far on this album…only 3 songs in I know – I get excited easily.

4. Follow US feat. Vonnegutt: Kind of a reggae feel to the start of this beat.  Big Boi is beasting on this album. WTF the beat just got fleshed out and it is cool.  I dunno much about this Vonnegutt dude – hooks is OK though.  I think Sleepy Brown would have been better on the hook – but that’s pure opinion.

5. Shutterbug feat. Cutty: I could see this being a popular song – I think it has some commercial appeal – has a current feel.  I like it for sure though. On this first skim Big Boi is batting 1.000 so far.

6. General Patton: One of the songs I have previously heard.  The beat with the horns and vocal choir is pretty epic.  Like it has an anthemic feel to it.  I think a beat like this can almsot overpower the song – but it doesn’t seem to here.  This is perfect for the gym playlist on your ipod.

7. Tangerine feat. T.I & Khujo: When I saw the rappers on this for some reason I didn’t expect the electric guitar opening.  This beat is realllly good though.  Khujo is OK – TI is great on this.  Anyone else wish Andre 3k jumped on this?  I think the uniqueness of this beat really makes me nostalgic for Outkast.

8. You Aint No DJ feat. Yelawolf: Good to see Yelawolf get some shine – he has done some work with my underground favs – G-Side.  Dude has reminded me of Big Boi in past so this should be a good combination.  Probably the most unique beat so far. ..makes sense since I think Andre 3k produced this.

9. Hustle Blood feat. Jamie Foxx:  This might piss people off but Jamie Foxx annoys the hell out of me – as an actor, singer or whatever.  I can live with him on the hook though I guess.  Cool contrast on this song – soft singing with kind of an airy beat but it has those angry electric guitar strings in the background.  Another solid song – and even Jamie sounds great on this.

10. Be Still feat. Janelle Monae: Janelle already dropped a strong album of the year candidate so I am pumped to listen.  This beat sounds like it would fit on her album.  I am not sure i love it on this album though.  This might end up a song I skip sometimes.  Would have fit better on her album.

11. Fo Yo Sorrows feat. George Clinton, Too Short & Sam Chris: The opening bass is just so George Clinton. Love the hook on this and the beat is kind of crazy.  Cool track really fits the album vibe.

12. Night Night feat. B.o.B & Joi: I gave the BoB album a positive review but I hate it now…a transparent shot at commercial appeal that just didn’t hit the mark on repeated listens.  These are the kind of beats BoB should have had IMO. This reminds me of an old western for some reason.  I know people will be like WTF at that – but the start of the beat instantly made me think of that.  Now of course the beat has morphed into something else completely.  Cool track I think I will get sick of it after a couple listens though.

13. Shine Blockas feat. Guccie Mane: Is this Jay’s “This Can’t be Life” sample?  Also I hate Gucci Mane so hopefully the beat can drown out that mumbling fool. Cool beat…good flip on this sample.  Gucci doesn’t ruin this song – beat and Big Boi are too good but I can’t help but think it would have been better if Gucci was just on the hook.

14. The Train Part II feat. Sam Chris: Cool guitar effect to start the beat that morphs into some outer space ATLiens type beat.  Sam Chris is nice on the hooks – IMO though Sleepy Brown could have done all the hooks on this.  Weird vocal effect on Big Boi but it matches the beat.  Def reminds me of ATLiens..wish Andre would jump on it.

15. Back Up Plan: A party track for sure.  Although I am loving this album so far I don’t know if this is one of my favs..it is still pretty damn good though.  It is actually growing on me as I type here.  Good track, not my fav but real soild.  15 songs in and this album is pretty ridiculous on first listen.

16. Theme Song: This album has so many beats that tart off with organic strings of guitars, pianos etc…then it morphs into something completely different.  Not my style of song really. It sucks for me that autotune has kind of also killed the voicebox for me.  Could grow on me.

17. Shine Blockas (remix) feat. Guccie Mane, Bun B and Project Pat: Same beat and it is still great.  I can’t see this being bad at all.  You take a great song and add a couple great southern MCs.  Bun B sounds great and once again continues his maddening pattern of rapping way better on other peoples tracks than his solo work.  Project Pat also sounds good on this beat.  This song is great…I’ll probably just replace the original with this.  Get Andre on here!!!!

Alright this year is getting crazy – good albums continue to drop!  This is another great album on the first spin anyways.  Unlike the B.O.B album I don’t think repeated listens will hurt this as much.

Another great album and a possible album of the year candidate?  I don’t want to say it is yet since I have only listened to it once. If it lives up to further spins and the lyrics are on point – this will be assuredly be in my top ten albums of the year.

Possible Production Credits:

2. “Daddy Fat Sax” Mr. DJ
3. “Turns Me On” Organized Noize
4. “Follow Us” Salaam Remi
5. “Shutterbugg” Scott Storch
6. “General Patton” J. Beats
7. “Tangerine” Knightheat
8. “You Ain’t No DJ” André 3000
9. “Hustle Blood” Lil Jon
10. “Be Still” Mel V
11. “Fo Yo Sorrows” Organized Noize
12. “Night Night” DJ Speedy
13. “Shine Blockas” Cut Master Swift
14. “The Train Part. II ???
15. “Back Up Plan” ???
16. “Theme Song” Organized Noize

Ron Ron promised y’all!  He was promoting his single as soon as he was named a champion.  He used his interview time to express genuine delight and promote his new single!

Without further ado here is the new NBA Champion RON ARTEST…bringing you the single: “Champions”

Crazy thing is – this really isn’t that bad.  Good song.

Relatively unpromoted and seemingly out of nowhere the Roots are dropping there next album: How I Got Over.

What can you say about the Roots that hasn’t been said?  Amazing live show, consistently great and Black Thought is one of the most underrated MCs in the game.  He is close to being on my personal top ten.

I haven’t loved everything Roots have done lately (although their instro tribute to Dilla is great work music) but I am still looking forward to this album.  Lets check it out for the first time.

***NOTE***
Shouldn’t have to always say this but this is my first listen of the album.  Sure my ratings on songs will change – and if I didn’t love your favorite – chill out, give me time.  If I miss some metaphor or deeper meaning – trust me I will catch it on a later listen.  These are my first thoughts.

Before I start – a lot of guests on this – the regulars like Dice Raw, John  Legend and Peedi of course.  A ton of other people too – a bit worriesome…but lets find out

1. A Peace of Light – Very cool intro – you know instantly this is a Roots album. Great lives instruments with some cleverly used vocals makes for a nice Jazzy intro.

2. Walk Alone – Loving the piano on this already – kind of a hard beat.  Great drums on this…live drums can add a lot – I mean a snare actually sounds like a snare.  A couple cats I don’t know on this track along with Thought and Dice Raw – no one really stood out besides Thought – but no one ruined it.  Good first track.

3. Dear God 2.0 – I’m guess dude singing at start is from Monsters of Folk (awesome name btw)…he has a Chris Martin thing going on.  Cool start…when Black Thought starts rapping and the beat drops – this turns great!

4. Radio Daze - This beat reminds me a lot of the second song…I actually had to look at itunes for a second.  Cool beat – typical Roots if you like the live instrument, jazzy, funky feel – you’ll like this.  Blu kicks it off – this dude can SPIT period.  Look up his work with Exile.

5. Now Or Never – This reminds me of a Sade beat to start for some reason.  Is that Phonte singing the hook?  This song is definitly cool – it doesn’t jump out at me – but I can’t see myself ever skipping it.

6. How I Got Over - Some nice drums on this to start.  Good throwback singing on the start as well.  Typical Roots really – I mean they do what they do better than anyone.  This is their sound – and they sound good.  I know some people find Black Thought boring – sorry I don’t see it – dude consistently spits great bars.

7. DillaTude – I usually hate skits – but I loved the Dilla tribute Roots did – this is cool – just the sound of the beat makes you think of Dilla right away.

8. The Day – I guess this is Patty Crash singing at the start?  I hadn’t heard her before – she has a cool voice though, very interesting.  She fits the beat nicely – and so does Blu who raps first – y’all know how I feel about him.

9. Right On – This is a bit different than the rest of the album so far – its actually a little jarring at first but then it settles into a nice change of pace.  Some nice scratching in the background of the beat.  This is really smooth – this is great.  Might be my fav track thus far.

10. Doin It Again – Starts off with a great John Legend sample – one of my favourite John Legend tracks actually.  The drums really transform the sample – adds head nodding aspect.  Black Thought sounds great on this – I dunno why the hell people think this guy is boring.  That burns me.

11. The Fire – Now some live John Legend – I was expecting a more laid back beat when I saw his name – but this goes hard (for A Roots track that is).  This hook is pumping me up LOL

12. Tunnel Vision – Cool little interlude – its that feel good music

13. Web 20/20 – I was waiting for Peedi Crack – say what you will about him but he is usually great on Roots tracks.  This beat is weird though.  This is why I always warn people this is my first listen – this isn’t a song I will like instantly…it might grow on me though.

14. Hustla (bonus) – I can’t be sure but I think these dudes got a beat made out of autotuned babies…No for real. Again maybe a song that will grow on me – not instantly a fav…but even by the end of the song it is growing on me.  Lets wait and see on this one.

Overall, another solid performance from The Roots.  Another solid performance from rap in General lately.  I have liked everything dropping recently.
Anyways, you can usually count on the Roots and in most instances they deliver – this is one of those times.  Black Thought again sounds great – and no matter where the music goes with the Roots (they do like to experiment, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t) you can always count on Black Thought to be great.

Back in March I put together a top 10 songs of 2010 mix.  It got quite a few views, and since it is about halfway through the year I thought I would put together another 2010 mix.  I will put together one more Best Of the Year mix at the end of the year – but doing these ones helps me remember the hot songs from early in the year.

I will not put any of the same songs that were on my last mix even though they still might be top ten of the year.  For example B.o.B feat. J. Cole – Gladiators would definitely still be on my list, but since it made the first mix I will leave it off this one.

These lists aren’t definitive – I am sure I am forgetting some – but hopefully by making these mid year lists I will be able to make a much better end of year mix.  If you take the list as Ten Great Songs in 2010 and not “the best” you won’t be so quick to disagree.

TRACKLISTING

1. Untamed – Country: This might be a guilty pleasure – but I love the way this beat just SOUNDS country.  Untamed are affiliated with Paper Route Gangstaz and I have talked about this “collective” quite a bit.  The Alabama rap game is slowly getting some notice.  A lot of talented dudes out there.  This beat might come off as corny to some people – but I think it is a great summer song.

2. Big Boi – General Patton: Well, if people ever wonder what someone means when they say a beat is epic – this is it.  The vocal sample along with the bass driven beat give this a definite epic feel.  The beat might be a bit overpowering to listen to on a quiet summer evening….but if you are pumping yourself up before the club – this might do the trick.  Big Boi sounds great – the only thing that would make this better is a verse from Andre.  Also listen to the end of the song to find out about the newest in sex moves…The David Blaine.

3. Scarface – Ghetto Report: Man how can you not like Scarface?  Dude is a legend.  Been rapping for YEARS – and as a lot of his luminaries drop off – this dude stays consistent.   His latest mixtape is one of the best I have heard all year.  This song is classic Scarface to me…soulful beat, and Scarface kicking the street stories.  This dude is top ten dead or alive.

4. Wiz Khalifa – Never Been: I had to throw a cut off Wiz’s latest mixtape…it was fire.  Seemed a lot of people liked it too, because enough people whined about me not liking EVERY track.  Well this track was my favorite off it. The beat stands out to me – it might be the use of a Chrono Trigger sample…I also think I hear a sample of a song from the Blood Sport movie – but that is a guess.

5. Nas and Damien Marley – Nah Mean: I did not love this album – it was OK and it grew on me a bit, but in general I found it too soft.  This is the one song that had production I was expecting. Great song – and unfortunately it is probably Nas’s weakest performance on the album.  That said – a weak Nas performance destroys most rappers.

6. Vado – Large on The Streets: Gonna be honest, don’t know a lot about Vado.  I haven’t ever heard one of his mixtapes – but I saw he did one with Cam’Ron that got pretty good feedback.  Anyways he sounds great on this song – even if he kind of does a Big L – Ebonics impression on the third verse.  The beat reminded me of something – and finally I figured out the same sample (almost flipped the same way) was on a Blue Sky Black Death instrumental album.

7. Reflection Eternal – Ballad of the Black Gold: I loved the first Reflection Eternal and was eagerly anticipating their release this year.  The album was alright to me – I liked it.  This was probably my favourite song off the album.  I am not a huge Talib fan *gasp* I know it is crazy but he does a great job here.  The beat is great – Hi-Tek was the star of this song IMO.

8. Freddie Gibbs – The Ghetto: Outside of J. Cole this is my fav up and coming rapper.  There are rumours of a Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist EP dropping – that has no option besides being CLASSIC!  This song is great and really showcases Gibbs – he kills it.  If the beat is familiar that is probably because you know it from the 7-MInute freestyle that Big L and Jay-Z did back in the day (which I believe was Milkbone- Keep It Real beat).

9. Big KRIT – Viktorious: I want to take every chance I get to mention Big KRIT – this dude deserves a lot of shine.  I think he recently signed with Def Jam – I hope he doesn’t get shelved.  He dropped an album this year (KRIT Wuz Here) and it is still Album of the Year so far IMO.  This was one of my favorite tracks on the album.  KRIT wants some respect and he deserves it!

10. Eminem – Talking To Myself: I had to put an Eminem song on here.  Although I find a lot of the hooks and his singing on his newest album annoying…he still needs at least one song on here because it was a HUGE surprise that his album was so good.  It should get some Album of the Year mentions.  I chose this song because I love the honesty of Eminem.  He admits to thinking about dissing Kanye and Weezy for no reason, he admits at the time they would have roasted him even.  He also takes the time to announce he is back – and apologize for his last two albums:

Them last two albums didn’t count
Encore I was on drugs, Relapse I was flushing them out
Ive come to make it up to you now, no more fucking around
Ive got something to prove to fans because I feel like I let them down

So there are another ten songs that are fire this year.  there has been a lot of good music released this year and the majority of it has been within the past month or so!  I know I missed songs I wanted to include on this but with the high volume of music lately that is just teh nature of the beast!  I hope you enjoy!

You can check out the songs below – the tracklisting is weird but you can tell what song you are listening to from the title.

I guess Drake is pretty big these days.  I was talking about Drake on this blog AGES before he blew up.  I am not bragging either – I lived in Toronto at the time and had my ear to the streets…and by streets I mean the internets.  So I heard and was following this guy before So Far Gone really launched him into the “next best thing”

I probably played So Far Gone more than any album last year.  I know it was  just a mixtape but it still got played more than any actual retail album I heard.

Here is my concern about Thank Me Later – I don’t care what people say – Drake can spit.  Period.  But will he? Will this album be introspective like his song Fear?  Will he kill the raps like he did on Comeback Season?  Will he reach a healthy balance between spitting fire and singing like on So Far Gone?  Or is this just a complete stab at commercial success and it will be full of 14 “Best I Ever Had’s”?

Let’s find out…

***Disclaimer***:  This is literally my first impressions of the album…very first.  I come back in a years time and update my thoughts after having let the album listen – so please don’t lose your mind if I dislike your fav track..it may grow on me.  This is also a pretty early leak – I wonder since it is so early if he will change it up at all before the retail drops.

1. Fireworks (feat. Alicia Keys) - Hmm Alicia had hook of the year on that Jay-Z joint last year – she starts the song off and sounds good.  Production has a real So Far Gone feel.  This is good.

2. Karaoke – Started out cool – there is a weird sound that could have been left off the beat – the one that sounds like an 8 Bit video game explosion.  Did someone just throw an enemy into a garbage can in Streets of Rage II.

3. The Resistance – This has the same vibe as So Far Gone thus far – album has a lot of Kanye influence. I don’t have the production list but I bet this is a Kanye beat…maybe Boi 1da.

4. Over – I have actually heard this song and like it already.  I know some people complained about the hook – while I find it a bit long I actually like it.  Seems honest to m, a good look at how Drake is viewing things these days. This song reminds me a bit of that Forever joint.

5. Show Me A Good Time – Annoying vocal sample…some deep 808′s come in – queue Drakes singing.  I am not sure this will be one of my fav songs on the album.  Wait a sec, the annoying vocal sample drops during his actual verses – this is pretty dope actually.

6. Up All Night (feat. Nicki Minaj) - This beat is a bit darker – still right in the So Far Gone vein though. This is a good “F You” to all of the people that hate on Drake.  Un-apologetically waiving his success in peoples faces…is it cocky?  yeah.  But if you have ever dealt with a bunch of people doubting you – you would feel this way too IMO.  I would rather Nicki Minaj not be on this track.

7. Fancy (feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz) – Is this a Swizz beats beat?  Sometimes he just does hooks (which is stupid because dude is ANNOYING).  If he did this beat – good job.  It is more of his soulish production and less like his beep boop Im a lame robot shit beats.  This is dope so far – TI sounds great on this.  Welcome back Tip!

8. Shut It Down (feat. The Dream) – I thought of So Far Gone instantly – this beat definitely has that feel.  I thought I would find this a bit soft for my tastes.  But the end of this song is already getting stuck in my head.  At least with tracks like this you and your girlfriend can both enjoy the album. I know this will grow on me.

9. Unforgettable (feat. Young Jeezy) - This caught me off guard – when I saw Jeezy was on it, I thought this would go HARD.  That said I love the production on this.  Cool laid back beat, with the airy female vocals. Im still tripping at Jeezy on a “love song” but it works.

10. Light Up (feat. Jay-Z) - My favourite rapper with the guest appearance – I hope this is fire. This is good too – so far not a song I don’t like.  If you liked/loved So Far Gone there is no reason you won’t like this.  Best Jay-Z verse in a minute too.

11. Miss Me (feat. Lil Wayne) – Another song I had heard – well a snippet of…dope.  This is a good song – kind of song you play when you wake up – energizes you.  Love the line “DRAKE means do right, and kill everything”.  The 4 or so bars dedicated to the Niki Minaj proposal – weird Drake.  I hadn’t heard Lil Wayne verse before – though I caught some Slick Rick lines there but I’ll know more when I go back and listen more.

12. Cece’s Interlude – Not for me

13. Find Your Love – On very first listen uhhhhhh I dunno about this.  Kind of sounds like a throw away beat from that Kanyes 808s joint.  I was scared the whole album might sound like this so I can handle one or two tracks like this.  I have no prob with Drakes singing – wish he would sing hooks and still rap on the verses – but that is personal preference.

14. Thank Me Now – Nothing new here – if you like Drake you like this song.  If you like Drake you like this album.

Well Drake had no problem getting some great guests.  You get some Kanye and Timbo tracks…AND he gets Jay-Z, TI, Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and Miss Keyes for guest appearances!  Not bad for a debut – someone wants this kid to succeed.

Overall on a first listen this is solid and will probably grow on me a lot.  This will get a lot of burn from me.  So Far Gone was so well accepted this should be the same. The only downside I can see is if you are sick of Drakes style – he doesn’t bring a lot new to the table since So Far gone.  For me it is no problem – I love it.

The Man The Myth The Legend

Anyways he sent me a link to his mixtape and asked me to check it out. I am kind of a sucker for under the radar artists – love to get the inside scoop. I have broken a lot of artists to my friends (no one ever remembers when I do) so I thought I would check it out. I was cynical going into it – just assuming it wouldn’t be great.  I once bought a CD off some random dude going door to door – it was horrible…so every time I get some unsolicited music I think the worst. However, I went into this album with an open mind.  First I read his bio – and he has an interesting story…

“My pops was murdered when I was 14, thoughout my childhood I was poor and livin in the ghetto on almost every government program, my mom dukes had cancer, we got kicked out of our home, all my boys were gettin’ killed or locked up…it was a crazy enviroment, but instead of succumbin’ to it, I picked up my pen & pad and started WRITING about it…”

“I started rappin’ when I was 10. I was always that lil’ shorty rappin’ for his boys, or rappin’ for the older people, hell I was battlin’ people twice my age and givin’ them the business!”

“I started producing when I was 13 and man I was TERRIBLE!!! So bad, but I never stopped practicing and each day I got a lil’ better to the point where I am today.”

Dude has definitely been able to survive and thrive some humble beginnings.  After I read that I sat down and gave the album my full attention

Highlights

• This dude produces his own shit! I love that.
• More importantly – his beats are hot! Dude can really produce! The high majority of beats on here are good-great. Beats have a boom-bap feel to them – and you gotta love the boomb bap.
• He can definitely spit too – I like him the best when he is introspective which he is quite a bit.
• He somewhat reminds me of Young Chris – which from my standpoint is a great thing.
• Great flow – sounds comfortable rapping quick or slow – rides the beat nicely

I think dude has skills – and he seems like a guy who has accomplished a lot through a lot of hard times.  That makes me believe he is only gonna get better – because he is dedicated and persistent. Dedication and persistence are how people make their dreams a reality.

My Fav Songs from the Album…

• Introduce Myself
• A Song for Diana
• 88 MPH
• In The Zone
• Ride Around Grinding (Not his beat, a RIDICULOUS great Neptunes beat off Clipse’s criminally underrated sophomore album)
• Reflection is The Water

I will def keep an ear out for this guy and let you all know if he continues to drop that fire.

Download Here

His Dr Jays Feature