In case you some how missed the talk of hip hop for the past 24 hours, Eminem appeared on the 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards last night, and absolutely went IN on Trump with a standalone freestyle that ran for roughly 4 and a half minutes. Em addressed the Donald's Twitter antics, his lack of effort into helping Puerto Rico, gun reform and many other topics, but it seemed Em was not done promoting new things.
Earlier today, Shady Records announced on Twitter and on their website (Shadyrecords.com) that they had just signed up and coming Compton talent Boogie, who has been an HHU favorite since his project The Reach was released in 2015. Shady Records and Boogie even celebrated their new deal with a freestyle that is only watchable online, and which you can view in the link below.
As far as the rumors for what to expect from Eminem's upcoming album, this cypher verse might be just a small preview of what to expect; will we be getting more political bars from the Detroit legend? The album is reportedly set for a November 17th release date, though nothing has been confirmed. You can check out Em's cypher verse below, as well as Boogie's cypher verse here.
(*I do not own these videos, or the rights to them*)
Admittedly... I've been sleeping on new releases, BIG TIME. Albums worth checking out this year seem to have been scarce. Though Jay dropped, Kendrick dropped, and Eminem is (rumored to be) releasing right around the corner, hip hop has been a little bit dry this year in terms of the big established names dropping, but one up and comer from Portland, Oregon is attempting to change that "up and comer" title to household name fairly quickly. His album Good For You had seemingly dropped out of nowhere and suddenly grabbed blogs by the throats with fun and vigorous enjoyment (kind of ironic how that works, isn't it?). The album's lead single "Caroline" has already been certified 3 times platinum by the RIAA, peaked on Billboard's Hot 100 at number 12, and even found Amine a record deal with Republic Records. See the damage a song can do nowadays? Oh, the age of the single. However, single success does not impress me anymore seeing as anyone and their mother can do it nowadays... So what does this mean for Anime's Good For You? Was it indeed Good For You? I'll be breaking down a few of the high points of the project, below.
Hip Pop - It's Okay To Have Fun!
For so long I've bashed the one-track-minded (quite literally) artists of today that all sound the same and seemed to promote the same goals; platinum singles, auto-tuned filth and enough syrup to give Aunt Jemima a heart attack WITHOUT sipping any of it. But Anime's Good For You is a gasp of fresh air, almost completely drowning in the syrup before I'm able to sneak a nostril up and above the Codeine infested waters that are today's hip hop climate. Anime puts fun in every lyric, bouncing around on beats as if he'd just invaded a rich kid's birthday party and claimed first dibs on the bouncy house ("Hero", "Yellow", "Wedding Crashers", etc.). The "Wedding Crashers"' instrumental feels like you're dancing with Elmo and Big Bird all down Sesame Street with the rest of the kids off the block, and even Oscar's grouchy ass joins in (oh yes, it's that mood-inducing). His ode to the Spice Girls ("Spice Girl") is another fun one to reminisce to 90's pop to; the pure piano keys in the bridge build up to a gleeful flute followed by some lively drums that add the extra pop needed to round out the record.
Serious Undertones Darkly Shadow A Fun Loving Amine
On the surface, Good For You is a dancing field of daisies, an album that you'd pop in while wandering through a field of flowers with no worry of tomorrow. The lightheartedness and delightful weirdness of Amine is showcased in an ultimately stress-free environment that sets it's goal from the absolute jump of the record. The pop of each musical styling Amine offers properly backs him enough for you to understand that not every song on the album offers happiness, and that's okay. On "Turf", a sobering, somber number that is Two-Face to the rest of Good For You (Harvey Dent), Amine finds himself reflecting on his past, and realizing that home isn't for him, ultimately leading to his "moving out" moment. Just listening to the atmospheric pads surround the track sound eerily like finally taking a look around an empty house that you once called home, and finally walking out for good; like the last episode of Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. "Beach Boy" is catchy in it's upbeat piano and spacey background "Oooooo's", but deceiving in it's message, like making your final thought a good one, reflective and subtractive of regrets, most notably in the end ("I don't know when I'm gonna die, my watch can't tell the time, hopefully there's some hope in me, I won't trip if it's meant to be").
(*I do not own these videos, songs, or the rights to them*)
Overall, Good For You is indeed... Good For You! Amine brings funk, positivity, realization, fun, and uniqueness in a heavily watered down genre. Amine's musical prowess is proven more in the fact that he wishes to use vocal tones and funk instruments to provoke more of a response rather than auto-tune and drug talk. His light-hearted attitude throughout the album (minus a couple of songs) isn't enough to make you want it to stop, using strictly positivity, but in different ways, and different places, different shades, and different spaces. His sense of humor, vocal range, and cool attitude shine throughout the album, and they make Good For You a must listen. Anime gives his very own take on girls, drugs, fun, money, deep thoughts, and much, much more; all of it being very good... and Good For You.
I never thought that something so lighthearted and beautiful could hit me so heavy and ugly. This particular day, August 10th of 2017, I woke up in a much more peaceful environment mentally than I'm normally accustomed to. It could have been the great sleep I got, which is a rarity nowadays, it could have been the woman lying next to me, it could have been not waking up still drunk (for once), or it could have been the endless possibilities of what to do on a day off of work. Either way, I rubbed her stomach and kissed her cheek with a smile on my face, preparing her for her day, and ultimately preparing me for mine. I knew the moment was going to end, but I grabbed that moment by the balls like I was checking it for torsion. I felt an embarrassingly similar feeling, as she walked out to her car and gave me a kiss on the cheek as she said goodbye, to what Joe Budden feels like; every... single... morning... on Everyday Struggle. Such an ironic show title for a man who appears to have it all, or better yet, appears to have exactly the riches he needs, and making the most out of every last cent of it.
If you know Joe Budden, the rapper, you already know Joe Budden, the man. There hasn't been any single instance of separation between the two since Joe's career launched with his self-titled debut a whopping 14 years ago, in June of 2003. Joe's honesty and uncut recording of his entire life through Joe Budden TV on YouTube created a whole new subgenre in rap that many artists still use effectively today; the "every day life" video series. Whether it was fighting with his girlfriend, arguing with old racist guys in fast food restaurants, or receiving support from old friends, Joe has laid out every delicate detail on who he hangs out with, how his brain works, and what he's done. Joe Budden the man so easily gets confused and misconstrued because Joe Budden the Twitter personality's antics do not always dictate or reflect how Joe Budden the man feels; because Joe Budden the rapper, the YouTube personality, and the man, is a (fun-loving) troll.
Too often in life (if I'm allowing Joe to be another example of a point), people take every last word that somebody says and every last action they make to heart; for too many reasons we won't get into. One person's nightmare is another person's dream, and in merely the last 6 months alone (we won't even get into his well documented past), Joe Budden has been on a very well documented highway through hell; but to whom is it considered hell? That is a question I won't even begin to answer right now, but in short, Joe has finally done what he has been attempting to do for merely 14 years... successfully separate, and in turn come to grips, with being a media personality, yet also being completely happy in your own space at home. Being happy with who you are is a "Black Cloud" that has hovered over Budden for half of his life, and now, with the success of hip hop's favorite YouTube show, all Joe had left to do was piss off some die hard Budden Stans and stop rapping, find the love of his life (a love that people immediately doubted due to his turbulent history with women), and start a podcast that best showcases the mind of Joe Budden. Oh, and this little bit of news that hit today is probably another step in the right direction, too.
Via Joe Budden's Instagram;
Also, a video from Joe Budden's YouTube channel.
(*I do not own these pictures, videos, or the rights to them*)
What a use of one of the most prolific instrumentals --nah, fuck that-- songs I have ever heard from anybody, period (which I have previously expressed my love for here).
Happiness, as they say, is a warm gun. People take what they can from happiness, because it strikes so swiftly and quickly that not to live in the moment of it all would be an insult to memories. I remember waking up today and trying to compare and contrast with past mornings, what was different and what was the same, what was joy and what was pain, but I didn't do any comparing at all. I found it strange, seeing as this is my most common comfort zone; being able to sit back and process it all at once. But doing so as often as possible can be dangerous. Just live. The reoccurring theme of this (I don't want to call it a diary entry) post seems to be an example being set by one of the most historically unhappy rappers ever, making the best of his relationship, his situation, and his life. So am I sitting back and telling you to track Joe Budden's every movement and conversation? No, but you do need to understand that somebody with a past as eventful, as depression-filled, as drug riddled, and at times seemingly hopeless as Budden's... makes this news that much more satisfying to see. What I really want to try to do for others, and maybe even myself, is realize that happiness can be found in the most unexpected of places. And though you can't always plan or anticipate how to react to these things, you have every single right to enjoy every last waking moment that you have, even if you're a budding socially awkward writer who looks for inspiration in the most deep, even sometimes unhealthy of places. I woke up today --though still an anxiety filled mess who overthinks every waking moment-- with the world ahead of me, and tomorrow I'm going to do the same damn thing. Well, at least until I go back to work.
Read Budden's beautiful description to his Instagram posts below, and maybe even have a box of tissues on standby.
I Never…. I never knew we’d get here, it’s funny… I never saw you in that light. Now I never see light without you. I never courted you, an if I did I never acknowledged it. I never had a friend in romance. I never thought that was possible. I never have laughed this much or hard. I never knew you or your energy were so radiant, enigmatic even…. but I never knew you………. I never could’ve been more deprived. I never felt this way before. I never not thank God for every intricate detail that make you whole. It makes me whole. I never imagined you would be as beautiful as you are today, it’s beautiful to be a part of. Thank you for it all. Thank you for not only making me stronger, but for being strong enough for us both most times. Thank you for carrying my child. Thank you for helping me rectify some generational issues, thank you for helping me get it right. Thank you for making that important to you as well. Thank you for every I never Thank you for changing my forever, forever Thank you for hope, joy & acceptance… Because if there’s one thing you’ve taught me is that what tomorrow holds, thank GOD, I never know. I love you. I love y’all. PS – ITS FUCKING LIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another year blows by, and more "best of" lists are bound to happen. 2016 brought the people a lot of laughs, a lot of tears, and a lot of good music (but mostly a lot of tears, see Prince fans). A lot of top tier rappers proved why they are top tier rappers (unless you're a Drake fan), and a lot of not-so-top-tier rappers made their case as to why they should be considered top tier. Now if you're coming to the site thinking the list is going to include the Lil Yachty's, the D.R.A.M's and the Young Thug's, then you've come to the wrong place. For those that know me, I'm about more than just the hot-for-the-minute artists who do it without any certain goal or message to get across. I'm all about a good time and some hot beats (it seems I haven't had any time to acknowledge that Rae Sremmurd were practically knighted by Sir Paul McCartney himself with his Mannequin Challenge earlier this year) but this list is more than that. Now before I get slammed for any of the songs included in my list, I'm going to start by saying this is MY list, and nobody's views but my own. With that being said, here are my picks for the best single songs of 2016.
Big Gigantic - All Of Me (ft. Logic & Rozes)
If there is one song that I had simply played nonstop since it's release about 4 months ago, it has to be electronic production group Big Gigantic's "All Of Me" featuring Maryland spitter Logic and Philadelphia bred singer Rozes (who has collaborated with the Chainsmokers and also had an EP come out in February of 2016 by the name of Burn Wild), and appeared on Gigantic's Brighter Future album which released in late August of 2016. The beat sounds like something you would play to get that much needed musical pump up boost right before your game (or like most kids my age, right before that final exam you need to knock out of the park). The drums thump and pound so hard that if you had anything less than subs or some beats headphones, you wouldn't be doing this song justice. In fact, if you listened to this in your Wal-Mart ass Sony knock off headphones, then shame on you. I expect better from musical connoisseurs such as yourselves. Only kidding of course to the fans out there (I only do it because I love you).
Royce Da 5'9 - Tabernacle
Another emcee that really pushed the agenda this year lyrically, visually, and of course musically was one half of Bad Meets Evil, Royce Da 5'9. His entire Layers album (which was released in April of 2016) has made a case to be the best roll out and promo run of the year, and for good reason; it was a great album with no drama surrounding the music, or the man making it. "Tabernacle" proved to be one of the most unique and entertaining songs of the year, especially if you're a lyrical head and like the picture to be painted, such as myself. "Tabernacle" details the most important day in Royce's life, which includes his grandmother dying, his son being born, and also meeting Eminem for the first time, in vivid detail. Truly written like a writer, and rapped like an emcee, and who better to detail such a story than Royce Da 5'9.
Bas - Methylone
Though it came out in February, Bas' Too High To Riot still holds a strong case to be the best album of the year (I posted about J. Cole's protégé shortly after the album came out here). Lots of drug talk does not drown out the substance (HA) of the album, and a Cole feature on "Night Job" and an Ab-Soul-featured remix of "Housewives" kept this album buzzing for awhile, but "Methylone" is the song that makes Too High To Riot appealing to practically every type of hip hop fan. The bouncy drums and catchy hook draw you in, and even if you wouldn't know the verses, you'd damn sure be reciting the hook as soon as you learned it. "Methylone" gets my vote for most underrated party cut.
Kenneth Whalum ft. Big K.R.I.T - Might Not Be Ok
In what is undoubtedly the most powerful song of 2016, Big K.R.I.T poured his heart and soul out in a verse on Kenneth Whalum's soulful message, "Might Not Be Okay". Shining light on police brutality and wrongful deaths that have occurred over the last couple of years, K.R.I.T turns a truly remorseful verse start into a fiery, angry protest to the point of view of a police officer. "Mommas' been cryin' and they gone keep cryin', black folk been dyin' and they gone keep dyin', police been firin' and they gone keep firin', the government been lyin and they gone keep lyin'" isonly the start to this incredibly powerful realization. This song isn't necessarily a favorite song of the year for me simply due to the circumstances of which it had been released (K.R.I.T discussed with Genius that he and Whalum had a discussion after the death of Alton Sterling), but the power of the song still holds weight and holds true, and I could never deny music with a message, or an attempt at peace.
Joe Budden - Idols
Now if you've heard the song then you know why "Idols" appears here on my list, if you get stuck on the fact that Joe Budden appears on the list, however, then you probably can't get past his Twitter antics enough to give his music a chance. Budden put out one of the more solid projects of 2016 in Rage & The Machine with his producer counterpart (who would be The Machine) AraabMuzik, and it shows a nice maturation process of Budden (which if you know Budden then you know maturing isn't exactly number one on his to-do list). Though it's hard to see Budden maturing, Rage & The Machine more so depicts Budden being his immature, yet reflective self as usual, and finally coming to terms with it. Now for the song itself; "Idols" sees Budden following the "Let Nas Down" narrative that J. Cole creates on his song in the beginning with paying homage to the many emcees that have brought Budden up (he even gives props to Jay-Z for TIDAL's launch and accomplishments), but in the second half of the song, he flips that on it's ear; Budden goes from being a student of the game to the teacher. Over spiritual "I've-found-Jesus" types of production and phenomenal sampling by AraabMuzik, Budden explains why he could never be an idol; or could he? If Budden ever had one, this would be his swan song; something to ride out in the sunset to while people finally realize what he really meant; in his lyrics, and what he's meant to hip hop.
Now there's a butt-ton of songs that I clearly could have featured and might have forgotten, but as I said earlier, this is MY personal list and strictly my picks. With that being said, I'd love to hear what the people think! Comment below, on my Google+ page, my Twitter, or on my Facebook page what songs you think I left out that could have made the best of the year list (I only included 5 to keep it short). A small point to this article was to stray away from the every day droll you hear in hip hop. The difference is... the different. Sometimes that may be trying something completely new, it could be staying with something that works, or it could be going all the way back to square 1 and starting from scratch. As a self proclaimed hip hop enthusiast, at this point I almost would rather hear something that sounded a little nostalgic as opposed to what's being put out now. Not because I don't like what's out now, but because sometimes taking a risk is okay. Here's to hoping 2017 brings out the big guns, and by guns I mean good, competitive rappers trying to make the best possible music.
It's been a pretty crazy 2 years here at HHU, and it's even crazier to think that it's been that long. From album reviews to insane conspiracy theories, I like to think I'm not afraid to tackle any subject having to do with hip hop, or anything having to do with any one person or group of people involved in it. I love this here, it's what I do, and it's what I'm going to do, but sometimes to realize what needs to be done you have to take a step back and get some other things done before you can conquer the world of hip hop writing.
I can't thank my loyal readers enough for the support they've given me, through every crappy article and every decent one that I could only hope gets people conversing, you guys are my rock through everything, and know that I wouldn't be anything without you guys, literally. With every time you guys read or share something I've done, know that you've lifted me up in a very important way that not many other things I do can do for me anymore.
With all of this being said, I will be taking a short intermission from Hip Hop Unlimited, and will not be posting for an amount of time that I am unsure of at the moment. Life happens to all of us, and a couple of things have come up that I have to deal with. But not to worry, because life is just one big checklist of tackling obstacles, and this is just another obstacle that I'll conquer in time. And once time passes, I'll be back, because time waits for no man.
This is Geoffrey Guy signing out, but only for now. Don't get used to me being gone too quickly.
