What I Want From Kanye's "Waves"

If anyone knows how to draw attention to themselves, (rapper or not, although not all the attention is good attention) it's Kanye West. I don't care for the argument with Wiz Khalifa that was blown completely out of proportion, because although it is very entertaining to watch, I've taken more notice to how Kanye is promoting his slowly creeping up new album, Waves. Just a few days ago, Kanye put out an Instagram post of the supposed track list for Waves, and the internet was taken by storm. It's hard not to see it when it's all over my Twitter timeline of course, and normally I wouldn't care about a new Kanye album (send all the hate you desire, I don't care), but then I got to thinking about Kanye's old albums and what it'd be like to hear some more game changing tracks like the ones off of 808s & Heartbreaks, or some more haunting, orchestral sounds like the ones on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It seems Kanye is always one to try painstakingly hard to try to change the game; so much so that sometimes he forgets how to make a more to the point, simple (but certainly not simplistic) banger that people will want to play over and over again. Here's what I'd like to hear from Kanye's new album, taking into account what has already come out from Kanye since last year.

So since last year Kanye has released a barrage of loose tracks that live on no current project, and do not appear on the track list for his upcoming album Waves. Kanye collaborated with the great Paul McCartney on a couple of songs last year, including "FourFiveSeconds" which also featured Rihanna. Then came the song "All Day" a little bit later in 2015. These songs seemed like catchy enough songs to get radio play, but they didn't really bring more excitement towards the possibility of Kanye's album coming. Fans talking on the blogs and social media seemed to want the more ominous stuff that gave the MBDTF vibe, and it seemed like they got it when "Real Friends" and "No More Parties In L.A." featuring Kendrick dropped in the beginning of 2016.

https://soundcloud.com/kanyewest/real-friends-no-more-parties-in-la-snipped
https://soundcloud.com/kanyewest/nomorepartiesinla

Now these are the kind of songs I can vibe to. This is what Kanye should be doing all the time; his past experimenting with beats and song making strategies has gotten mixed reviews considering they range from College Dropout to Yeezus and everything in between, but with these new songs, Yeezy seems to be sticking to what works. Classic sampling, ominous tones and some subtle, yet powerful beats seem to be the perfect recipe for what Kanye is calling "the best album of all time." He was also quoted as saying on Twitter that "This is not album of the year. This is album of the life." Classic Kanye, but we'll see when that day comes 'Ye.

Kanye's never really impressed me lyrically, but he's always has that "it" factor with his music that makes you want to listen over and over again. The thing about Kanye is that he makes music with no expiration date, songs on every album of his still go to this day (especially my favorite Kanye album, 808s & Heartbreaks), and that's something that a very few can actually say (especially now). So what do I want from Kanye's new album?  I want some banging tracks. I want more songs like "Real Friends" and "No More Parties In L.A.". I want Kanye to bring this "God level rapping" that Travis Scott said lies on Waves. I want Kanye to stop fucking around with crazy sounds that mirror a screaming chimpanzee in the zoo, and stick to the classic samples that we hear on "Real Friends" and "No More Parties In L.A.". Dear Kanye; STICK TO WHAT YOU KNOW. I'll end this with one of my favorite, most perfect Kanye songs ever. (*PS*; I also think Kanye pulls off auto tune perfectly and is the only person who should be allowed to use it, ever.*)


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


            



          








   








              

Rappers Michael Jackson Should Have Collaborated With

This may be a stretch, but to me it seems hip hop has become more soulful in the 2010s. While hip hop has it's flaws, its strengths are shining through stronger than ever because of its artists that refuse to compromise. Because of this, artists are making some of the most next level music of their careers, plus simply rapping over an instrumental doesn't always do the trick anymore; people want to hear melodies, and even some singing. Which is why I dedicated a post to this topic; Michael Jackson was indeed the King of Pop. If there ever was a master entertainer, and someone to have on your song just to say you HAVE THEM ON YOUR SONG, it would have probably been Michael Jackson. I mean, the guy's added soul to pretty much any song he's been a part of. There are only a few rappers who I feel I could honestly say deserve a Michael Jackson feature, so I decided to name a few here, and (tried to) include one of their more soulful jams, so you could try to picture what it'd sound like for these rappers to collaborate with MJ. Here we go!

J. Cole - Note To Self


In terms of soul, Cole showed the most on his latest album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive. On songs like "Intro", "Apparently", and especially the outro "Note To Self", Cole showed not only a decent singing voice, but a soul that would make church goers look like sinners. Cole pours his heart out in some of these songs, and Michael Jackson would only cap off this souled out track with some angelic background vocals, or maybe even a solo (who knows, it's up to you to decide!).

Kendrick Lamar - Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst


It should come as no surprise that Kendrick made this list as a "could have been" Michael Jackson collaborator, his music drips soul and his latest album To Pimp A Butterfly is the greatest example of this statement. Michael could have thrown his two cents in on many Kendrick tracks; imagine him on "These Walls", "Kush & Corinthians" off of Section.80 instead of BJ The Chicago Kid (although BJ is amazing) or even the Good Kid Maad City extra "Now Or Never" featuring Mary J. Blige. But the ever-so-perfect collaboration would have to be Michael on Kendrick's "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst" because come on; can't you just hear it?

50 Cent - 21 Questions


So this was a tough one, but I had to include 50 Cent simply because of the (little known) fact that Michael Jackson said that he wished to collaborate with 50 Cent before his passing (it's true, look it up). It's really so tough because all of 50's songs are so tough, most include a banging beat with some hard rapping, not something you'd normally hear Michael Jackson on, so 50's classic "21 Questions" seems to be the medium. Could you imagine Michael Jackson on the hook instead of Nate Dogg (R.I.P to the true hook king as well) though?  I guess you'd never know.

Nas - Bye Baby


Nas is practically the perfect rapper for a Michael Jackson collaboration, I mean could you think of anyone more deserving?  Nas is top 5 dead or alive (debatable, although I believe he is) and quite possibly owns the longest reign at the top, with a career spanning over 20 years. Nas has got the sound for MJ too; spanning from songs like "You Wouldn't Understand", "Reach Out", and "Cherry Wine featuring the late and great Amy Winehouse (R.I.P), and those are just on his last album, Life Is Good. Nas is perfect for a Michael Jackson feature not just because he makes soulful, heartfelt jams, but because he spits the truest and most realistic stories in his rhymes; Michael Jackson would cap off the feeling of a perfect collaboration.

The idea of Michael Jackson collaborating with a rapper might sound crazy to some, but it really shouldn't, especially in 2016. The range of collaborations we've seen over the years has really skyrocketed, even if you think about strictly award show/television show performances (Grammy's or talk shows). I mean Eminem collaborated with Elton John for a performance, wouldn't that put to rest any limitations you have on other possible collaborators?  Mixing genres is a beautiful thing not just because of the great music that can come out of it, but because it shows that different kinds of people can accept each other, no matter what their tastes may be. The power of music is infinite.     



       





                     
 




         

Throwback Thursday: Jay Z's "Backstage" Documentary

Rarely nowadays do you get such an in depth behind the scenes look at rappers, whether it be tour life, studio sessions, or just an off day in the life. J. Cole's "Road To Homecoming" documentary series was so fascinating to someone like me because I crave a behind the scenes look; I love knowing how the whole process works and what it looks like. Knowing how these rappers deal with tour life, or meeting recording deadlines, I just can't get enough of it. And if you have Netflix, you could get another seriously cool look at the tour life with "Backstage".

"Backstage" is a tour documentary based on Jay Z's 1999 "Hard Knock Life" tour, and it features some legendary guests. You get to see how hood and terrifying Beanie Siegel really is (I wonder why he never turned out to be big), You get to see Ja Rule in all his du rag rocking glory, you get to see the dynamic duo Method Man and Redman smoke themselves into a coma, and of course you get to see the DOG, DMX bring his weight lifting pit bull on tour and scare people.

This doc is great; it includes Beanie beating on people for fun (because again, Beanie is pretty terrifying), Dame Dash screaming at tour managers for not promoting Roc-A-Fella enough, and quite an amazing behind the scenes look at Jay Z and DMX going bar for bar in a freestyle session backstage. Yes this documentary has it all and if you haven't seen it or don't plan to see it than I have to ask; are you a hip hop fan at all?!  Check out a snippet of the doc below, and if you don't have Netflix, I'm sure you can catch the documentary online somewhere.


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








   

Is Mos Def Retiring?

A message from Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) on Kanye's website (kanyewest.com) clarifies that The Mighty Mos is putting the mic down after his next album. That's right, Mos Def is retiring, and the hip hop world is distraught with this news, as am I. The reason for his retirement, however, is confusing.

In the message that Yasiin released on kanyewest.com, Yasiin spoke of being detained in South Africa, as well as his ongoing problems with the government. He goes on to speak about his World Passport; "Anyone can do the research about the World Passport. It is not meant to deceive or derive any benefits from any nation state. I have made no false claims. I have not misrepresented myself... I am under unnecessary state supervision and scrutiny."

It seems due to this "unnecessary state supervision and scrutiny", Mos felt it would be a good time to hang it up and bring no further unwanted attention to himself or his family. Probably a good move, Mos, but we'll miss you. You can hear the message in full below.


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

5 Awesome GTA 5 Songs

So in case I've never told y'all, I play a lot of video games. When you're sitting and doing nothing, there's really nothing better to pass the time than to rock some NBA 2K, save Gotham City, or in this case, run around Los Santos terrorizing the city and making bunches of money driving really fast expensive cars and searching for alien spaceships parts (we don't all have the same interests). I've been playing a lot of Grand Theft Auto 5 lately for some reason (I know I'm a tad late to the game, although I did end up buying it for previous and new gen consoles), and I'm just now realizing how many awesome songs Grand Theft Auto 5 has turned me on to. Here's 5 songs from GTA 5 that I never knew about until I started playing.

Life Of A Mack - 100s


I had never heard "Life Of A Mack" or of 100s before, but this beat is just too wavy not to jig to (and bump through the TV speakers sipping a little bit of some good liquor). 100s (also known as Kossisko) is a Berkeley, CA rapper who is known widely for his G-Funk style of rap, and boy is he keeping the West Coast style with his music. He released an EP in 2014 by the name of Ivry, and based on the sound of "Life Of A Mack", it might be worth a listen.

MC Eiht & Freddie Gibbs ft. Kokane - Welcome To Los Santos


I still find it amazing that Grand Theft Auto is such a big game that artists will make songs exclusively for the game itself, and MC Eiht, Freddie Gibbs and Kokane's "Welcome To Los Santos" is another perfect example of that. This song captures the feeling of riding around in the 6-4 with the bass thumpin' (not that I would know what that feels like, I'd love to though), and is one of many appearances that Freddie Gibbs makes on GTA 5's soundtrack.

Smokin' and Ridin' -BJ The Chicago Kid ft. Freddie Gibbs & Problem


Another Appearance from GTA 5 favorite Freddie Gibbs is on the hook king BJ The Chicago Kid's "Smokin' and Ridin'". There aren't many songs more smooth than this record, and BJ The Chicago Kid's angelic vocals grace this song and ride the hook like a wave (did you like that description? I wrote it myself).

Trouble ft. Gucci Mane - Everyday


This song is definitely a guilty pleasure; I've never been much of a Gucci Mane fan besides his song "Heavy" back in the day (came out around 2010 I believe), but this song has that sort of same hypnotizing beat that "Heavy" did (for me, at least). The beat is hard, the bass is heavy, and the melody screams Gucci Mane as soon as it comes on. Classic Gucci sound on this one! (Oh, and Trouble's not too bad either.)

Freddie Gibbs & Mike Dean - Sellin' Dope

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

But when it comes to hard (although Gucci is up there), it doesn't get much harder than Freddie Gibbs and Mike Dean's "Sellin' Dope." I mean this is straight up drug trafficking, speaker blaring, gun totin', gangsta music!  When I bump this I feel like I should be paranoid that the cops are coming (even though all I do is write and play video games, I got nothing to hide!).

So there's a few awesome GTA exclusives that you can only get with Grand Theft Auto 5 (although you can find them all online, obviously, they're not pulling anything like this dumb Apple Music and TIDAL war that's going on with exclusive music now). You have to love when artists can come together to put out music for a big cause like this; if this is the way to unite rappers of different coasts and areas of origin, then I say collaborate away! (I'm already excited about the idea of more collaborations for Grand Theft Auto 6)     

 


    



    












       


    

Kendrick Kills Another TV Performance (Fallon Interview + Performance)

If it isn't already safe to say that Kendrick Lamar is the King of Rap, or even the King of the New School, it's most definitely safe to say that when Kendrick is featured on some late night television, you better believe he's going to put on an unforgettable performance.

Kendrick was on The Late Show with Jimmy Fallon last night discussing his latest (almost) record for Grammy nominations (11, whereas Michael Jackson had 12), and Jimmy Fallon saw this as a big deal whereas Kendrick was the usual humble person he is. "I did a little research, Michael Jackson holds the record with 12 nominations. You almost had the same amount of nominations as Michael Jackson for Thriller." Jimmy then asked, "what if you had 13?" Kendrick replied "I wouldn't want to go past that, though. I can't fathom being as great as Michael without putting out the work. 11 is perfect." As humble as always.

But, this is not the highlight of the show. Kendrick then puts on a show, and definitely one to see, as usual (I mean at this point it's almost a given, when Kendrick is on late night television, you can almost expect a game changing performance). You can peep both the performance and the interview with Jimmy below.


     

            (*I do not own these videos, or the rights to them*)

Sorry For My Tardiness: Boogie

He got some shine last year, but it'd be unfair to say that Boogie's 2015 was even a good year (scratch that, not a good year, but it'd be wrong to say that Boogie had hit his peak in 2015). 2015 seemed like a warm up for the Long Beach, CA native (though born in Compton), getting shine from practically every hip hop blog on the net after the release of his critically acclaimed second mix tape The Reach on June 24, 2015 (exactly one year after the release of his debut mix tape, Thirst 48). In August of 2015, Boogie signed a deal with Interscope Records; I guess real recognizes real (or major labels recognize talent).



After a fair amount of listens to Boogie's second mix tape The Reach, I can truly say that a rapper with an interesting story to tell (which isn't always the case) is on the come up. The musical appeal is there based on Boogie's great use of singing melodies (featuring a not-so-terrible singing voice in which you can hear the pain of lost loved ones, and some angelic hooks from collaborator D'anna Stewart), he's got some great punch lines that will make the real rap heads' ears perk up, and great story-telling bars that keep you interested throughout an entire album, let alone a single song.

With both The Reach and Thirst 48, (which Boogie explains the meaning of both mix tape titles in the interview with Complex below) Boogie makes a story that everyone has heard so often sound interesting again. Boogie's got the "juice", and he's pretty close to drinking the rest of it. His sort of real, raw story is the type that people want and need to hear, and the kind that can inspire the next up and comer to push through the worst to become the best (and it seems that Boogie is well on his way to become one of the best in the game). Check out the interview below to learn more about Boogie, including how he got shot in his foot.


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




      





       

Hip Hop Year In Review 2015

There is a give and take in any good relationship; relationship meaning a status you hold with someone (or in this case, someTHING) in your life. There's always going to be someone or something that gives you a different perspective on life (or anything, for that matter). Variety in life means choices, such as different types of hobbies, or different kinds of people you associate yourself with, for example; there's the guy that has to make everything a competition, that guy who you could call your brother and open up to about anything, then there's those partiers that are just too fun not to hang out with, and maybe every now and then you'll encounter that person that just makes you feel cooler than the rest of the block. Such is hip hop; introducing the year of variety.

Drake owned 2015. In fact, if we name this year like people do the Chinese new year, then 2015 was the year of the owl. Despite the (not what anyone would call setbacks at all because, domination) setbacks that Drake encountered (Meek Mill beef, ghostwriting accusations, the "contract" struggle on Cash Money, and being in the middle of the battle of Lil Wayne vs. Birdman), Drake still managed to have the biggest year in hip hop (again). If You're Reading This It's Too Late was Grammy nominated, his collaborative album with Future What A Time To Be Alive was at one point the biggest album in the world, and his annoyingly catchy "Hotline Bling" became #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 list. Oh, and ever hear of a diss track becoming Grammy nominated?  Also this year, Drake's Meek Mill diss "Back To Back" was Grammy nominated for "Best Rap Performance". October's Very Own did it again; the year of the owl.


(Because I didn't want to share a Drake and Future song. Also, this song represents what 2016 could bring. For those looking for change.)

Although the Grammy's are yet to happen (not until 2/15), hip hop heads can rejoice at the notion that this year's "Best Rap Album" nominees are (arguably, not really though) some of the most deserved. To say J. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive has gotten all the attention it has deserved would be criminal, and the same goes for Kendrick's To Pimp A Butterfly and Dr. Dre's Compton; The Soundtrack (Dre could probably do without winning considering the movie's success as well) . Lupe Fiasco's Tetsuo & Youth might be the most slept on album of the year, while fans might also be angry that Mac Miller (GO:OD AM), Earl Sweatshirt (I Don't Like Shit, I Don't Go Outside), Big Sean (Dark Sky Paradise), The Game (The Documentary 2), A$AP Rocky (At. Long. Last. A$AP), and Future (DS2, 56 Nights, Beast Mode) didn't get the nods they thought they deserved. Also, Travis Scott, Rich Homie Quan, and Rae Sremmurd (as much as I hate to admit) all had huge years.


(Kendrick was one of the biggest contributors to bringing back the "music video with a concept")

What else did I miss that's worth talking about?  Marvel did an incredibly dope thing called "Marvel Hip Hop Variants" with their very own super heroes remaking classic album covers (you can see a gigantic list of those covers here http://hiphopgoldenage.com/list/35-marvels-hip-hop-variants/), and Stretch & Bobbito finally got their just due with Radio That Changed Lives!  If there is one piece on hip hop that needs to be seen from this year, the Stretch and Bobbito documentary is that piece. Old unreleased freestyles and interviews from the likes of legends such as Eminem, Jay Z, Nas, Fat Joe, and more surface in their documentary, and if you're one that likes "diggin' through the crates" as the old heads say, then this is your thing.



In terms of coming up, a lot of names could be put on this list. Michael Christmas, Boogie, and Mick Jenkins immediately come to mind, but it'd be wrong to say that there aren't several more artists that could blow up in 2016. Rap took a turn for hilarious, ridiculous fun when Run The Jewels put out their mega-cat-remix album Meow The Jewels made up of 90% cat sounds. The Game got into more beef and legal problems (surprise), and Grantland staff writer Shea Serrano also released his very successful book "The Rap Yearbook", which chronicled the biggest rap song of every year from 1979 to 2014, and also illustrates how hip hop is the product of multiple musical genres mixed with the poetic word expressing the oppression that blacks have faced throughout U.S. history.


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

Was 2015 the year of the wave riders (which Drake and Future so often got accused of being, although I can't say I disagree)?  It could be argued that this is the case, certainly. But I think 2015 turned out to be much more than that. Not just because there were too many dope projects that dropped and made us all jig in our own way, but because you created a sort of relationship with every rapper you heard this year. Some rappers pushed you to do big things because of their competitiveness and work ethic (Eminem, just because he works on his craft, Kevin Gates because he doesn't get tired), some rappers opened themselves up to the world and were accepted (Kendrick), some rappers made you want to party until the world ends (Future, Rich Homie Quan, Rae Sremmurd, etc.), and some rappers just made you feel like you were fresher than the rest of the block (Fabolous). The year of variety happened so fast because people were looking for the next thing instead of enjoying what they already had (which makes an argument for 2015 being "the year of the wave rider"), but here's to hoping 2016 stops that trend. A flood of music forces the listener to move onto the next thing faster than the brain can process, so why would artists want to ruin the impact of the music that they just put out?  Anyways, here's to an incredibly bumpy, roller coaster year for hip hop and hoping for a more consistent one, yet just as entertaining.              

                



 









          

Is Slaughterhouse Still Together? (Crooked I Addresses With New Song)

If there's any album I have been waiting on, (besides Detox, but Dre killed that off with Compton, luckily) it's Slaughterhouse's next LP Glass House, and while he didn't a give an update, Crooked I definitely addressed rumors about the group in a new song recently.

In Crooked I's new song "Gift Rap", he dropped some pretty eye raising bars about the entire situation with Slaughterhouse; "well they, ask me did Eminem drop Slaughterhouse? did y'all break up since Joe Budden dropped Slaughtermouse? Seen you on Peter Rosenberg and Ebro, your energy was zero, see bro, is there something y'all wanna talk about?"

Crook continues on; "and if it is, don't play the nice dude, just pull a Ice Cube if it's the right move, they ain't putting your album out? damn, these niggas got an attitude, thought we'd be your niggas for life, where's the gratitude? All these questions they're pointing 'em in my direction, like the business end of a Smith & Wesson but I ain't stressing, just came home I was in Detroit visiting Marshall's session, to be in the presence of the one of the goats is still a blessing."

These lines definitely raise some questions (to keep that final rhyme scheme flowing), but no real questions were answered, nor rumors put to rest with Crooked's new song. Check it out below, and form your own opinion. What's holding up the new album?  (Supposedly Just Blaze, but he denies it)

Crooked I - "Gift Rap"
https://soundcloud.com/treacherousrecords/kxng-crooked-gift-rap





     

J. Cole's "Road To Homecoming" Mini Doc Series Is Awesome

This is the type of material I've been waiting for from rappers... some truly behind the scenes action that gives a look into the life of a rap superstar. This time, it just happens to be J. Cole. Cole has been making his case for one of the best and most real ones out with his strong, and silent campaign for his amazing, and now Grammy nominated album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

In case you missed it, last week Cole put out episode 1 of his mini doc series "Road To Homecoming" on HBO, which documents the making of the album, the tour, and Cole talking about the story that went into the making of 2014 Forest Hills Drive. This is the kind of stuff I personally cannot get enough of, the behind the scenes content of my favorite rappers is stuff I live for, and in case you do too and you happened to miss both episodes, you can find both below.

Episode 1
https://vimeo.com/149018305

Episode 2
https://vimeo.com/149886205



 

 

The Lowdown On Wu Tang's "Secret" Album, and It's Buyer, Martin Shkreli

Okay so there is a butt load of confusing details surfacing about the current state of the "secret" Wu Tang album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin, so I figured it might be a decent idea to lay them out for those confused about what's going on (or report it for those that don't know, either way it's a win/win for you).

As you know (or may not know) the Wu Tang Clan announced that they would indeed be coming out with a new album (the aforementioned LP). Yaaaaay right?!  Wrong. It was reported that Wu Tang would be placing the LP in a "capsule" of sorts and not releasing it until the year 2103 (yes, 88 years from now). Now yes, it is insane that the Wu Tang decided to pull some prophecy shit and wait 88 years to release the album, but what's even weirder is that Wu Tang was reportedly going to auction off the album to the highest bidder, who turned out to be a man named Martin Shkreli, a pharmaceutical CEO who won the album for about $2 million.

Here's an update on Martin Shkreli; Shkreli got arrested on charges of fraud, but was recently released on $5 million bail as of yesterday. Here is a report from Bloomberg briefly summarizing the charges against Shkreli;

"The federal case against him has nothing to do with pharmaceutical costs, however. Prosecutors charged him with illegally taking stock from Retrophin Inc., a biotechnology firm he started in 2011, and using it pay to off debts from unrelated business dealings. He was later ousted from the company, where he’d been chief executive officer, and sued by its board."

"In the case that closely tracks that suit, federal prosecutors accused Shkreli of engaging in a complicated shell game after his defunct hedge fund, MSMB Capital Management, lost millions. He is alleged to have made secret payoffs and set up sham consulting arrangements."

It has also been reported that Shkreli had plans to bail Bobby Shmurda out of jail, though due to his recent charges, he may not be able to do so anymore. So why does this mean anything?  This guy Shkreli's got "trouble" written all over him. He reportedly raised the price of Daraprim (a life saving AIDS and Cancer drug) from $13.50 to $750 a pill because he claimed "it's a business." Douche. Apparently Wu Tang Clan also gave Bill Murray permission to steal the Wu Tang album in the contract of the Wu Tang album (it shows up in the fine print, amazingly enough), though there are no reports that Murray is going to attempt the heist (probably better off not letting people know you're about to pull off a heist anyways). The details about this album keep getting weirder and weirder, I'll keep HHU Nation informed about any further details (I just came up with that on the spot, HHU Nation, it's got a nice ring to it).      


   

      

Atlantic Records is "Suppressing" Hip Hop Artists

According to reports, Atlantic Records SUUUUUUCKS. Being an artist, obviously you should always be comfortable with who is going to be dealing around your music and how much exposure they will be trying to get you, because social media only goes so far (very incredibly immensely far nowadays, why not just stay independent anyways?). As an artist you have to be able to sell a song on the radio (have a single to push to the public), but the rest of the selling you'd think would be the label's job right?  Atlantic Records apparently does not do a very good job of giving their artists (ironically all hip hop artists, unsure if any other artists of other genres have problems) exposure. Here's 3 cases where rappers have made problems with Atlantic Records public.

Lupe Fiasco

Lupe had such issues with Atlantic Records at one point that for the release of his album Food & Liquor 2; The Great American Rap Album in 2012, Lupe used an all black album cover (above) without the stamps of the label on it to get back at Atlantic. Last year it was reported that Lupe "can't wait to get off Atlantic Records" because he "refused to sign a 360 deal." It'd be interesting to see what happens with Lupe if/when he gets off of Atlantic.

Waka Flocka

Waka Flocka has been having problems with Atlantic Records since the first half of this year, and it looks like they won't be slowing down anytime soon. Back in April, Flocka blamed Atlantic for delaying the release of his long awaited album Flockaveli 2. Reports were that Waka was getting so fed up with Atlantic that not only did he want them to buy out his contract, but Waka also sent out mass tweets telling fans to call Atlantic and demand his release from the company! Are we starting to see a trend here?

B.o.B

B.o.B is the latest rap artist to claim Atlantic Records is "suppressing" him. About a week ago (December 7th) Bob sent out some tweets ranting about Atlantic claiming that they (similar to Waka) don't attempt to get him any exposure. It makes sense seeing as B.o.B (as of late) has been talking about some conspiracy theories and using his music as a platform to question the government (normally big companies don't respond well to that kind of talk, who knows why).

So here's my question to Atlantic Records; why suppress successful artists with die hard fan bases?  How does that benefit you?  Wouldn't it make more sense to promote them more so you can make more money?  It doesn't make sense to me. If any other artists come out and boycott Atlantic, I can't say I'd be surprised at this point. Those corporate big wigs are up to some awfully fishy stuff...  


       
 

Who Should Win The Best Rap Album Grammy? (Why This Year Is Different + An In Depth Look At Each Nominee)

This has to be the most excited I have EVER been for the Grammys. Every year some bullshit rapper is nominated (and more often than not, wins) simply because they have the most exposure, they're played on the radio most, or because the "academy" feels they are fit enough to win. Just because you totally care about my opinion (actually because I felt like doing it, not necessarily the former), below I'll list each of the nominees (besides Nicki Minaj, because admittedly I haven't listened to her album, and just... no) and a case for why they have a chance to win, or not.

2014 Forest Hills Drive


Alright so if you keep in contact with me on Google+, you probably know I preach how great 2014 Forest Hills Drive is almost on the daily. But in all seriousness, FHD is Cole's best work to date. FHD really does have every type of song; the sincerity Cole showcases on FHD ("Intro", "Apparently", "Love Yourz") is only topped by his incredibly clever punch lines, his hunger to prove he's one of the best rappers out ("Fire Squad", "G.O.M.D"), and his one of a kind story telling ("Wet Dreamz", '03 Adolescence"). I hate to pick favorites, but if I had to choose, I believe next to Kendrick, Cole is the most deserving of this Grammy.

If You're Reading This It's Too Late


I have to admit that I didn't give If You're Reading This It's Too Late the real attention I initially should have. In my opinion, Drake's sudden release of an album with no given release date was a red flag (and later figuring out what the release date meant didn't help the case of the album). Drake's urge to be taken off of Cash Money due to Birdman vs. Lil Wayne forced Drake into a rough spot; making loads of music (including the not so great Future collaboration What A Time To Be Alive) to free up his contract under Birdman and Cash Money to become a free agent. It has even been said by Drake and others that this project is practically a mixtape; why else would Drake make the sign "How's my mixtape?" in order to get reception from fans?  While there are some good songs on IYRTITL, the entire project is one made up of merely party songs, and is in no way shape or form Drake's best project, let alone the "album" of the year.

To Pimp A Butterfly

       
Kendrick Lamar (besides J. Cole) might be the most deserving rapper that has yet to win a Grammy for best rap album. Let's forget that Kendrick crafted practically the anthem of 2015 (above), let's forget that Kendrick brought the jazz influence back to hip hop (George Clinton & Ronald Isley features on the album) and practically forced the rest of hip hop to do something innovative; does the message he is trying to send not hold relevance over any time period?  Were rioters not on the streets after black men and children were being shot for unjust reasons chanting Kendrick's "Alright"?  It's clear that Kendrick really doesn't care about winning that Grammy (or he probably does and is hiding it), but for once; wouldn't it be cool to see someone win that deserves to?

Compton: The Soundtrack

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

What can be said about Compton that hasn't already been deeply investigated and already said?  In terms of effort, this is the absolute best album of the year (it is the Good Doctor, after all). Dr. Dre found the best rappers, the best singers, and the best producers to collaborate with. Dre knows how to craft the perfect song, and Compton is the perfect example of him doing so. I didn't understand how someone could blatantly call an album of all original music a soundtrack, but listening to Compton, I understand. Dr. Dre doesn't just make albums, he sucks you into the world he's trying to create and doesn't let up until his story is finished. Compton not only raised the bar for rappers and pushed them to be the best rapper they could, but for musicians and pushing them to make the best music they could make. For so long Dr. Dre has had an agenda to bring hip hop into the limelight and make it respectable among other genres of music, and with Compton, Dr. Dre pushed hip hop that much further.

At the beginning of this post when I said "this has to be the most excited I have EVER been for the Grammys", that is because no matter who wins the Grammy for Best Rap Album this year, everybody wins. Hip hop wins (and hopefully Nicki doesn't win because she's not pushing the agenda as much as the aforementioned rappers). Last year hip hop became the most streamed genre of music in the world, and just about 4 days ago it was revealed by Musixmatch that hip hop is the genre with the highest vocabulary. It's unavoidable at this point hip hop haters; we're coming for that number 1 spot. Does this mean that we need to dominate the Grammy's in order for you to realize this?  Probably not, but still, keep your eyes peeled on the MOST INFLUENTIAL musical genre, and what they'll do at this year's Grammy's. Message.                          
             





     

Game's Biggest Beefs

Who in God's name would even remotely think it was a good idea to mess with Game?  I mean, don't people know at this point?  This guy Stitches is apparently living up to his name (not the giving part, mostly the getting, thanks to Game's manager according to some Instagram footage of Stitches getting knocked the FUGG OUT). I mean I suppose at this point Game's got a price on his head, it's like anybody who wants a piece and (somehow) gets one gets some sort of reward; the reward and the respect of having people not wanting to mess with you. But according to Game's history, there aren't many people who have fucked with him and succeeded. Here's 3 of Game's biggest beefs.


Stitches


I don't know if I'd say this is one of Game's biggest beefs, but it's certainly the most recent. The video above is a mash up of all the Instagram posts from rapper Stitches, who claimed that security would not let him into a club because Game said not to let him in. Stitches waited until Game came out, then walked up to Game and his crew and supposedly got knocked out by Game's manager, Wack 100. When will people learn not to mess with Game?  The only thing I have to say about this guy is that he looks like a meth'd out ICP member. If he wanted his 15 minutes of fame, they definitely started a few days ago, he better make good use of them.

40 Glocc


Game certainly has a thing for making his beefs public; the video above shows Game beating the crap out of rapper 40 Glocc. I'm not exactly sure where this beef stems from (possibly a G Unit fallout, apparently 40 Glocc is a former G Unit member), but it has been going on from 2012 all the way up to now. Game ended up losing this one ultimately though, because 40 Glocc sued Game for $4.54 million in a lawsuit and won.

Lil Durk

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

This so called "beef" is confusing; apparently it originally started out as beef between Lil Durk and Tyga (reason unknown), so Tyga PAID GAME to come out and diss Durk for him and handle his light work (of course, I mean it's Tyga, what else do you expect?). There is also video of Durk and his crew approaching Game in the club and talking something out, you can clearly hear "let's take it outside" in the video, which only leads you to believe that they fought, though Durk says that the beef was squashed.

With the reputation Game has, he's obviously not a guy you'd want to mess with, though a lot of people are saying that Game talks about a lot of things that happened that aren't true (i.e. his exaggerating beefs and the stories that go along with them). Either way Game is certainly a guy that remains in headlines, both because of his music and his making headlines due to his fights ( you'd think dude would take on Mayweather considering his confidence and the way he handles everything).





    
     








































   

3 Dope Samples On Beats

Sampling has taken over as one of the most effective forms of producing in hip hop. In fact, it might actually be safe to say that it's part of the creative process in which hip hop was created upon. Hip hop was started from producers and DJ's creating their own music from previously made music, taking older music and flipping it into a catchy drum beat that everybody can groove to in an urban form. Am I dropping knowledge now (just agree with me, it'd make me feel good)?  Anyways, I thought it'd be a good idea to go back and find 5 dope beats that include samples (which can very easily be done considering the amount of samples on beats nowadays). We'll just consider this piece "5 Dope Samples On Beats, Vol. 1".

Game ft. Kanye West - Wouldn't Get Far


I heard this song for the first time in a VERY long time last year and my God I downloaded it and played it until I couldn't anymore. The samples included in Game's 2007 hit include Creative Source's "I'd Find You Anywhere" (which makes sense considering the lyrics in the hook) and "Long Red (Live)" from Mountain. Creative Source was a big R&B group from the 70s with many funk and disco hits, so it's wouldn't be surprising to hear their samples on other big hip hop jams. In other words, you wouldn't get far without hearing them sampled by another hip hop star.

Lupe Fiasco - Mural


It's amazing the amount of songs this sample has been in, but I figured the most relevant and recent song using it would be Lupe Fiasco's near 9 minute onslaught "Mural", released from his album that came out in January of this year Tetsuo & Youth. The sample included in this song is the song "Huit Octobre 1971" by Cortex, and can be found in Wiz Khalifa's "Visions", MF DOOM's "One Beer", and many, many more.

Drake - Draft Day
https://soundcloud.com/octobersveryown/drake-draft-day
(*I do not own these videos, songs, or the rights to any of them*)

Interesting way I found out what the sample was in Drake's "Draft Day"; NBA 2K15 (and they say video games are bad for you, the nerve of old folks). Lauryn Hill's classic "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" is featured in NBA 2K15, and towards the end the familiar singing is heard that Drake puts in the beginning of "Draft Day".

So there's 3 dope samples on beats. Hip hop producers are some of the best in the world at flipping old songs into catchy or banging jams that hip hop fans love (that's probably why they do what they do). Samples can be found on nearly any and every hip hop song nowadays, it's actually harder not to hear a song that's sampled. It's definitely interesting to hear a familiar old classic in a beat, so here's Geoffrey's suggestion of the day; go out and buy some physical copies, peep the production credits and pay homage!