Hip Hop Reacts To The Passing Of Prince (R.I.P)



 

It's a sad day in music history, as the one and only Prince has unfortunately passed. The singing icon was found unresponsive in an elevator at Paisley Park Studios in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was 57 years old. This massive news of course stirred up many in the social media world, including some of hip hop's biggest acts. Here's how a few of them reacted.

Charlamagne Tha God

BJ The Chicago Kid

 

Big Sean

Joe Budden



Joe Budden honored Prince by changing his Twitter avi to a picture of the "Purple Rain" singer.

Scarface

Bow Wow

 

 

R.I.P. Prince.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jhene Aiko & Big Sean Announce "Twenty88" EP

The biggest news of the last 24 hours seems to be the announcement that R&B Goddess Jhene Aiko and Detroit rapper Big Sean are dropping an EP this Friday, April 1st titled Twenty88, which is a spin on both artist's birth years (1988) and ages (28). Now there is some speculation on the release date being April Fools, but if you know Jhene, she definitely has a heart enough to not pull a fast one on her fans. Because then she knows I'd cry and... never mind. Check out the 2 promo videos below. You can also check out their Twitter for any updates @twenty88.

Promo 1
https://twitter.com/twenty88/status/714270814925787136

Promo 2
https://twitter.com/twenty88/status/714273461862969344















  

Artist To Look Out For: Cyhi The Prynce

So how many people have heard of the gawd (don't judge me, I'm on this saying now, I feel hip saying it) Cyhi The Prynce?  Nobody?  A lot of people?  Well he is just so awesome sauce that you almost want to dip beats in him and let him flow like water. He's all natural baby. I know all of these food references are pretty corny but you get the picture. Anyways, if you haven't heard of Cyhi you're about to get a nice introduction. Cyhi The Prynce is the best emcee you've never given the light of day. Being signed to Kanye's GOOD Music label, it's pretty easy to get outshined by names like Kanye, Big Sean, Pusha T, 2 Chainz, and others to name, but if you're Cyhi the Prynce, you're going in the right direction for sure, and let me tell you why.

Cyhi The Prynce, born Cydel Young in Stone Mountain, Georgia, is a conscious rapping, thought provoking sleeper pick for one of the hottest up and comers in rap right now. If you haven't heard about him, he's certainly done good things with tracks on his mix tapes, such good things in fact that Kanye felt the need to sign him to his GOOD Music label, and he has featured on a multitude of GOOD Music artists' projects, such as Kanye's highly acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album and even made some appearances on GOOD Music's compilation album Cruel Summer. I didn't know this until I did some research, but a funny story about Cyhi is that Beyoncé herself actually recommended Cyhi to Kanye to sign him to his label. That's quite a cosign and certainly puts pressure on Cyhi to be great, but if anyone can handle pressure (besides Logic, get it? Never mind) it's Cyhi.

Cyhi's solo projects have been practically albums, and his Ivy League mix tape series has proven to be some of his best work as an up and comer. Ivy League Club and Ivy League Kick Back are arguably Cyhi's best projects as a whole, with some exciting features like Big K.R.I.T, Big Sean, Chris Brown, Schoolboy Q, Yelawolf and more. His flow and lyricism is one of a kind, his clever bars are matched by very few in the game today, but his ability to make great songs of all kinds is what gets the people's attention the most. Check out his song "Bachelor" below.

Cyhi is certainly dope and he makes great music, but the most interesting thing about him is that he hasn't yet put out a debut album, and being under Kanye's GOOD Music label you'd expect him to get some creative control. Cyhi has a lot of fans that are dying for his next project, whether it be another mix tape or an album, though an album is what fans have been waiting for from him for quite some time. It's hard to think that people will get bored with him before he starts to really build a buzz (that is if he already hasn't), but his lack of putting out music as of late isn't helping the case. Check out Cyhi and his mix tapes if you get a chance, and you can find his latest release "Credit 'i' Deserve" below.

                                    (*I do not own any of these songs, or the rights to them*)





        

Songs You Didn't Know Had Different Versions (Not Remixes)

The music industry is something a lot of people will never understand. While some constantly wonder about the dynamic behind it all, and how albums are narrowed down to which songs make the album, which songs are made the single, and how artists determine what songs fit and don't fit the concept of an album (or maybe that's just my crazy ass), the fans are usually stuck in the dark about the behind the scenes aspect of it. I've always been interested in how things come about in the making of an album or the recording of different songs, and a lot of that is the fact that there is so much evidence that some ideas don't pan out how rappers (or artists in general) originally planned them to. So to show my interest (and hopefully have you express yours as well) I put together a small list of songs that have other lesser known versions.

Royce Da 5'9 ft. Big Sean - My Own Planet (other version features Joe Budden, Royce's Success Is Certain album)

This version of Royce Da 5'9's "My Own Planet" you would know if you listened to his The Bar Exam 3 mix tape. The Success Is Certain album version of this song features Royce's fellow Slaughterhouse group member Joe Budden. It's hard to distinguish why Royce would choose to switch out Sean's verse with Joe's, or even why he would want to put the song on his album, but both are great mixes. Royce has made it known in the past that he doesn't appreciate Sean's getting big and forgetting to show other Detroit rappers love (though the new Shady XV leaks would say differently), but you wouldn't be able to tell from this jam.

Eminem ft. Royce Da 5'9 - Renegade (original is a Jay-Z song featured on Jay's The Blueprint album)

Bad Meets Evil fans are sure to love this one (if you don't know about it already). Eminem's Renegade verse is already hailed as one of the best guest verses ever (and one of the first and only cases of someone outshining Jay-Z on his own song), but did you know that Bad Meets Evil did the original version to the now Jay-Z claimed song?  Yep it's true, I couldn't tell you how I stumbled across this, but while Eminem keeps the same verses he had in the Jay-Z version, it's very interesting to hear Royce's approach to his first verse because he keeps almost the exact same rhyme scheme that Eminem used for his guest verse on Notorious B.I.G's "Dead Wrong", listen to them both and compare if you don't believe me!  Little facts and gems like this are what make me love what I do that much more, and they certainly display the conceptual talents of Royce and Eminem.

Drake ft. Bun B - Miss Me (original version features Lil Wayne and makes Drake's Thank Me Later album)

This is certainly a sweet mix if you're a Bun B fan (which you should be, check out my Bun B's influence article if you haven't yet), and it makes sense to include a Bun verse since he was already featured in the song, even in the Lil Wayne version (29 second mark). It's no surprise that Drake felt it was right to have a Bun B feature at some point, considering his being featured twice on Bun's Trill O.G. album, and especially considering Drake's praise of Houston and it's part in shaping him.

Knowing there are little known different versions of songs out there just makes you feel so special doesn't it?  I know it makes me feel good, shit I feel like I work for Interscope. Of course the label doesn't leak music, that's certainly the last thing they would want to happen, but still. Having access to these little known tracks is a pretty cool and special thing, and really puts that thought in your mind: "what other versions of songs have been made that haven't been put out?" The thought of it all is too much to process right now, but be sure to let me know if you know any more little known alternate versions of songs that didn't end up on albums/mixtapes on Google+ or Twitter (@SuperNovaRover).



 














 

Logic is "Under Pressure": What Do YOU Expect?

Logic has to be my newest favorite rapper in the game. When you talk about young rappers coming up who like to carry on the tradition of hard hitting hippity hoppity rhymes with a good blend of new sounds mixed in with it, Logic HAS to be the first one that comes to mind, other than maybe Joey Bada$$ (at least that I currently know of). I was introduced to Logic at the beginning of this year and have to say I was impressed immediately. I mean, how can you NOT like Logic? 

Logic will be releasing his debut album Under Pressure this October 21st under Def Jam and his Visionary Music Group label. He has already given fans a nice amount of free songs this year, some of those include "Driving Ms. Daisy" featuring Childish Gambino, "Everything I Am" ft. Hit-Boy & Audio Push, "Alright" ft. Big Sean, "Finding Forever freestyle", "While You Wait", and "Now" just to name a few. A couple of these songs were rumored to be on an EP titled "While You Wait" that he planned to release before the album, but he reportedly scrapped the project to get the album promotion started. If you can say anything up to this point about Logic, it's that he's a hard worker who enjoys making music not only for himself, but for his fans as well. The album's leading single "Under Pressure" is the first song that he has ever put on iTunes to this day, and that includes 4 other entire mix tapes.

So how can you not love someone who appreciates what he does as much as this guy?  If you love his music it's almost as if you'd never get bored of it. A lot of hating listeners (who I'm not sure why you'd listen anyways) like to say that all of his music sounds the same and he "recycles" lyrics, but as Shakespeare said, "let thy haters hate". Not to mention the fact that the production for his debut will be quite stand out as well. These producers include Hit-Boy, 6ix, C-Sick, and the producer I put in the "5 producers you should know" article last week, No I.D., who will be executive producing the debut.

Yesterday the VMG rapper put out the first single for the album of the same name "Under Pressure" and if I could use one word to describe it, it'd probably just be, oh, I don't know... LISTEN. The song is supposedly self-produced and will actually be over 9 minutes long once the album drops, but it is an incredibly dope song even not being able to hear the finished product. That's all I can say. I have a feeling this album will be a game changer. This kid is the truth and if you aren't going to jump on the Logic bandwagon right now, then it's going to be a long road to the top. Not for Logic, he's practically there once the album drops, but if you aren't there for the ride then all I can say is sorry. Check out "Under Pressure" below.

                                               (*I do not own this song, or the rights to it*)


      

      

Detroit vs. Everybody: Is Revenge A Bad Move?

Detroit is a city that people travel to with caution. Not only celebrities, but every day civilians certainly stay alert and keep an eye out as well. Detroit has always been known as a city to demand its respect, and take it from people when its not given to them. The motor city has bred its fair share of established artists, whether hip hop or any other genre such as Eminem, Royce Da 5'9, Big Sean, and many more. It seems Rick Ross hasn't earned the respect of the city yet, but is it possible that one song could make the city act as brash as it has been acting?

In case you haven't heard, Rick Ross was turned away from HIS OWN concert recently in Detroit. Supposedly, Ross shows up to a crowd of over 100 Detroit residents standing outside of the venue blocking his entrance. Ross had this to say on twitter about the matter: "Luv #Detroit I wuz ready to killm 2nite, heard it wuz a peace protest wit picket signs and locked gates haa." Doesn't seem to be a very disappointed man to me, but you have to question if he had already gotten paid before the actual concert occurred. It's a win/win situation if he does, not only getting paid but not having to worry about jumping around and saving your energy for a whole performance (just kidding about the jumping around part, come on, it's Rick Ross).

But I believe there is definitely more to this, if you've seen any more extended news on this, another fellow Detroit rapper Trick Trick has made a song called "No Fly Zone" featuring Royce Da 5'9. This song basically states the anger Detroit and its artists have towards artists from other areas who have not given Detroit the respect they feel it deserves. So what does this mean for the city?  What does this mean for other big time rappers?  I question this method. If you aren't making your city available or welcome to artists originating from other areas, how do you expect to get positive recognition or better the city?

This whole situation confuses me simply due to the fact that Big Sean, a known Detroit resident and representative of Detroit rap, has collaborated with Ross multiple times on his own and Ross' songs. Big Sean has also been called out on his collaborations though, most recently by Royce Da 5'9 for not calling him or showing him any love on guest verses, as Royce says in one of his latest songs "Keep It 100" off of Slaughterhouse's "House Rules" mix tape. So maybe its safe to say Sean is doing his own thing.

I've also wondered what Eminem has to do with this whole situation or if he has any say in it. We all know he is a known affiliate of Royce Da 5'9, most notably from their rap duo Bad Meets Evil. And I hope I wouldn't have to say Eminem is rather fond of Detroit. Anyways, its not in Eminem's nature to not be involved in something that includes Detroit, or really any sort of beef or diss records. Eminem built his reputation on hard hitting diss songs, but has he grown out of making them?  Or does he really just not want to be associated with the Ross incident?  Your guess is as good as mine.

Eminem or not, it seems Detroit is still laying down the law with this "No Fly Zone" policy. Trick Trick had this to say on the incident involving Ross: "All I did was teach brothers how to stand for something without being violent. What's the problem with that?  Nobody got arrested, no bloodshed, nothing wrong happened other than some people getting disappointed in not seeing what they wanted to see. For that, I apologize. But me and that man's business, is me and that man's business."

So hopefully this doesn't turn into anything bigger than what it is. Beef in hip hop has always existed, we can go back to east coast vs. west coast, Tupac vs. Biggie in that matter, but we all know how that ended. Beef can be entertaining yes, and get loads of media coverage and recognition, but Detroit is already known too well for its problems. In the long run, Detroit bettering itself and making its city available for more collaborations and things involving the community is what's going to bring this city up to its pinnacle. Its not only the artists job, but the residents, and the fans job as well to focus on the positive, and take away the possibility of any negativity directed toward it. So its safe to say we all have things we can improve on. It doesn't take being Tupac to attempt to better your area yourself, and once we realize this, we're all in for a better tomorrow.

 



           

Slaughterhouse's House Rules: The Review

In a genre of music which we call a game; a genre of music that others call a fad or "trendy" for the time being; and a genre of music that is judged constantly on its cockiness, flair, and its ways of expression, maybe a change of pace can show people what it's really all about. In the current state of true hip hop, many would argue it's not anywhere near its peak. What some grew up on...the story-telling brand, and the fun, lyrical, bouncy sort of vibe we got listening to it seems to have changed into something so braggadocios. Then along comes this group.....Slaughterhouse.

Maybe I'm a bit biased due to them being my favorites in the game, but it's very hard to argue that any other single rapper or group brings to the table what these guys do. TDE, Young Money, argue who you will, but there aren't many others who can make you feel through music like these guys. They remind you with the introspective "Offshore," in which each member continues the trend of venting in songs like we're so used to hearing. Ortiz discusses the first time meeting Crooked I and the times they've had together, Crooked talks about his grandmother passing and the hardships of coming up in the game, Royce discusses coming up and his family, and Joe goes back to his "mood muzik" self while talking about his drug addiction.

One of the most lyrical, if not the most lyrical rapper out right now, Crooked I says what is on his mind, no matter what it is. He has no problem venting about the passing of his grandmother, label issues, and growing up in the hood of LBC as he continues to show his hunger in every song. In songs like "SayDatThen," "Offshore," and "Struggle," Crook's drive has never been more evident as he is rapping like his life depends on it. And I'm pretty sure if you asked him, he'd say it was.

Royce Da 5'9 raps on this tape like there's no competition visible, and is not afraid to point out those who have shunned him as a serious emcee. In his very own track "Keep It 100," he discusses the industry, and his growth in maturity along with his still keeping it real like attitude. With both being from Detroit, he certainly shows his frustration as he singles out Big Sean as not giving him any love on songs or verses. Royce certainly does "keep it 100" on this whole tape as usual, and my personal favorite verse of his is on the intro track "House Rules," where he just goes off in proper Royce fashion while showing us a hint of a singing voice in the build up, right in the middle of his verse.

Joell Ortiz has definitely stepped up his rapping, in my opinion the difference has been evident since the release of "On The House," the mix tape pre "Welcome To: Our House." In his own choice cut, "Life In The City," Joell goes in over some hard production courtesy of Heatmakerz, discussing exactly that. Guns, drugs, hard acting gangstas in the hood-type rhymes are all accompanied by some confident rhymes and great lines like "just because you write rhymes don't mean you rhyme write, you a light high, don't jump and become a highlight." Ortiz has never always been the stand out of the group, but he's certainly one to watch with sleeper lines like the aforementioned.

 Joe Budden, the mood muzik king of course, is certainly no slouch on this project either. Besides his missing verses on some songs for some odd reason, the man himself never gives us a bad verse. He's back to his reminiscent, venting ways on songs like "I Don't Know," where he talks about growing up in the streets, how to survive, and how he is where he is now. It's hard to determine whether or not he still struggles with drug abuse, as he has in the past, as he has said. From the sounds of this project he might still be overcoming the process. Despite any issues he might have, Budden is always entertaining and I am certainly looking forward to what he has to say on the album.

Are Slaughterhouse just diss heads whose only goals are to point out the real against the fake in hip hop?  That saying may be partially right, depending on your perspective. I believe that Slaughterhouse's true goal is to just continue the culture of real, fun, lyrical hip-hop. Some would argue they still have work to do even coming up on their second major label album. I still wonder why they have so many individual songs aimed for just one member, or why they have so many songs out that exclude one member's verse. A possible aim to release material some time in the future?  Who knows. Their production value has always been a bit of a lack to me, but with one of the greatest to ever do it at the executive spot for this album, Just Blaze, maybe they'll finally get the production they deserve. We shall certainly see, look out for their album "Glass House" set for release before the end of the year.