The Last Stand & The New Industry

It's been said the last quarter of 2007 would be the music industry's last stand, in the record stores, at least. With such a statement up in the air, the line up of artists did not disappoint. From 50 Cent to Jay-Z to Kanye and Lupe Fiasco, to the return of Wu Tang, there were some amazing and monumental releases these past few months. Regardless, with sales constantly and surely declining, it's simply unreasonable for labels to keep pouring unbelievable amounts of money into projects and printing if the sales are just not there. These labels and artists are at odds, and the industry is definitely at a crossroads.

Major labels have been following the same format and sales routines for the last 20 years, and there are undoubtedly going to be some growing pains. Some labels are adapting though...

T-Pain recently announced that he was starting his own label, called Nappy Boy Records, which would abolish record stores completely. However, his major label is still not up, and it will be upwards of 4 years until he actually kicks this plan into action. Either way, artists and labels have to learn to change with the times...and fast. They simply cannot afford to make shitty music by artists who have no true talent or longevity.

That means no more Hurricane Chris or Lil' Boosie. But this also means a lot more Lupe Fiasco, and artists of the sort. Somehow, I think we'll survive.

Wale on the Come-Up

DC-bred Wale has recently hit the scene in a major way, with being featured on the cover of URB Magazine and being featured as the single of the week on iTunes. He first came on the scene with a feature on Lily Allen's "Smile." Mark Ronson quickly signed him on his own label, Allido Records, to join hip-hop's hottest sophomore, Rhymefest, young crooner Daniel Merriweather, and world renowned DJ's Jus Ske and Doug Grayson. 

Since the Lily Allen feature, Wale has made an amazingly acclaimed and successful mixtape, in "100 Miles and Runnin'," and has been on tour through Europe for months. After wildly successful tracks like "Nike Boots" and "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.," which he performed at the 2007 MTV VMA Awards, he is on track to make it. 

Wale is definitely a fresh and new sound amidst all the bullshit music being released nowadays. He uses amazing wordplay, intelligent banter, and his extensive knowledge of fashion to capture the listener's earlobes. The debut album truly cannot come soon enough. 

Wale ~ "Nike Boots"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Upl2n1EktIU&feature=related

And the Winner is..."The Cool"

Lupe Fiasco's new album dropped in record stores a few hours ago, and I have been losing my mind listening to this album. I feel as if I have not heard good music for decades before today. The album begins with an "Eardrum"-esque spoken word poet on the intro, leading to an inspirational chant-song in "Free Chilly." The album then quickly goes into arguably the three best tracks off the record, "Go-Go Gadget Flow," "The Coolest," and "Superstar." Lupe's flow is in deed quick, smart, creative, and so different from the shit we have been hearing. For the album, Lupe enlists a lot of features, most of whom are not exactly big-name. However, every feature is not forced, rather helps complement every song. Some people say he's the savior of hip-hop, some say he's a defamation to the old-school, but Lupe has undoubtedly made the best album of 2007 with "The Cool."

Rating: 5 Stars ~ Buy it, and Frame it!

Lupe Fiasco ~ "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilbmcUARsqY&watch_response

Here Comes Lupe

It's the final weekend of the record industry's 2007 calendar year, and one of its newest contenders will be stealing the spotlight in two days with his sophomore album. Lupe is the last heavyweight from the enormous 4th quarter to release an album, and there has been a tremendous amount of controversy and expectation leading up to this album, and everyone's bets are still on Mr. Fiasco. This year alone he has gone through Fiascogate, in which he performed at Hip Hop Honors to honor Tribe Called Quest...and forgot the lines. No one could believe that one of hip-hop's newcomers could so deeply offend the culture and such a legenday group. Regardless, Lupe's singles off the new album sound amazing, from "Dumb it Down" to "Superstar," and the recently released "The Coolest." Lupe is impressing even the nay-sayers, and I don't know about the rest, but I cannot wait for Tuesday to hear the rest.

The New Wu

So there's been a lot of acclaim for the newly released Wu-Tang album. It's been over five years since their last group effort, and die-hard fans of the Wu are definitely disappointed with the latest effort. There's been a lot of controversy surrounding the album's release, from rumors of disagreement between Wu members Raekwon and Ghostface with the Rza. Ghost and 'Kwon claimed that Rza was going his own direction with the project and didn't consult the other members when making critical production decisions. Either way, the album came out pretty good. For new listeners, it's definitely a nice segue from other mainstream hip-hop nowadays into the teachings of the Wu. However, old fans are not pleased, and even go far as to claim the rhymes sound lazy on almost all the tracks. Decide for yourself, and go pick up a copy of "8 Diagrams."

Wu-Tang ~ Heart Gently Weeps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKI8s7NDrhs

Jay-Z to Move To Sony?

So there have been rumors lately about Jay-Z's possible move from the head position over at Def Jam. He has released two solo albums with Def Jam, and has been the driving force behind some epic-selling records, from Ne-Yo to Rihanna. However, his contract is finally up, and though Jay and Def Jam have begun negotiations for a new contract, there has been a lot of action elsewhere. Sony has recently had immense layoffs, and with cohort Rick Rubin and future wife Beyonce still at Sony, there is a great possibility that he's headed there. Also, there has been talk about Apple starting a music division headed by Beyonce and Jay, which would undoubtedly make some history. Either way, no matter where Jay ends up, he will definitely keep making music and be the force behind quality music rather than some of the stuff flooding the market nowadays.

A Few More Tracks to Check Out

Lupe Fiasco - The Coolest
Wale - Nike Boots
DJ Drama - Cannon(Remix)

Throwbacks:
The Game - I'm a Soldier
Jay-Z - Dear Summer
Lil' Wayne - BM Jr.
The Clipse - Cot Damn

8 Songs You Should Be Listening to This Week

Outkast - The Art of Storytellin' Part 4
Lauryn Hill - Take Too Much(Rich Man)
Wyclef Jean - Heaven's in New York
Daft Punk - Television Rules the Nation/Crescendolls (Live)
Freeway - Baby Don't Do It
Scarface - Girl You Know
Busta Rhymes/Q-Tip/Talib Kweli - Lightworks
Ghostface Killah - Yolanda's House(feat. Method Man & Raekwon)

Bonus Older Pick ~ Eminem - I'm Back

Lil' Wayne. What's the Fuss All About?

So, Lil' Wayne aka Dwayne Carter, recently turned 25 years old, and with all the attention he's been getting recently, you'd think he was the messiah of hip-hop. The thing is: maybe he is. Wayne has released 5 studio albums to date, starting when he was just 17 years old. Only two of these have had mass critical acclaim, but in the last year he has seemingly taken over the industry and all it has to offer. He's humble, yet on every track he boasts his skills. He's a loner, that's for certain. No one sees him in videos for artists other than his adoptive father Baby, and no one seems to befriend him. He's claiming he's the best rapper alive, yet he's one year younger than Jay-Z was when he released his first album. Is he too young to make such claims? Or, is he old enough to back those claims up. With countless guest features, magazine covers, and gossip from The Carter, it seems like he is trying to plead his case and make his face familiar enough that we actually start to believe he is the best. The thing is, about two years ago, everyone was amazed by his lyricism after the first installment of the Carter series, and as soon as his second album marked his monster success, real fans started to back away. At that point, rival artists started to do the same. From 50 Cent to Jay-Z to The Clipse and Cam'Ron, a lot of artists are making threats, and perhaps it's because they're worried. One thing is not up for speculation - the extremely anticipated Carter III has to be by far Lil' Wayne's best effort in order to silence the haters and invite the die-hard fans back to the martian's side. In any case, with the assistance of Kanye's production and several artists begging to be featured on his album, he just might be able to pull it off.

Daft Punk Album Review

Now, a lot of people have jumped on the bandwagon and have come to like the French-bred duo after Kanye sampled them for "Stronger," but these guys are really much bigger than that little snippet sample. Their new album, "Alive 2007," was recorded as they performed live in hometown Paris for over 20,000 fans. They blend over twenty tracks together into about 12 CD tracks, and it's some amazing stuff. A lot of experimental sounds and the roaring of the fans make for a moving experience. Go buy this, trust me on that. I bought the album for $13, and I am pretty sure I would shell out another $100 or more to go see them live.

Rating: 5 Stars - "Buy it the second it comes out!"

Wyclef Album Review

There have been some mixed reviews and previews of the Immigrant's new album, but I am not exactly sure where that mix is coming from. Wyclef is not quite a revolutionary, but certainly qualifies as a missionary for music's cause. He's different, creative, eclectic, lyrical, hopeful, and amazingly talented. I don't want to give too much of the new album away, but I will tell you this: You should have this album in your collection. He has a lot of features, it's true, but they fit. He brings on artists on songs when necessary and makes hits. He even tacks on protege will.i.am and five other artists for a thirteen-minute track. Go to your local record store and buy this, trust me.

Rating: 4 Stars - "Buy it"

Drama Album Review

Monster Mixtape-DJ and self-proclaimed "iPod King" DJ Drama has released his newest effort today, a "Gangsta Grillz" full album. Though Drama has released over 17 mixtapes in the Gansta Grillz Mixtape Series, this is his first legitimate feature-length album. He called the project a "Gangsta Grillz mixtape on steroids," and the claim stays true. He brings along so many industry heavyweights for the album that it is almost hard to keep track of who is on which song. However, he still lets the artists stay true to their style, as seen on "Cheers," featuring The Clipse and Pharrell, in a song that could be taken from either of their own albums. On "5000 1's," Drama tacks on a laundry-list of MC's from T.I. to Twista for a Jazzy Pha-produced hit. The best track of the album is undoubtedly "The Art of Storytellin', Part 4" featuring Outkast and Marsha Ambrosius. The song is extremely reminiscent of classic Outkast and beckons to be on repeat for a long time. Overall, the album is quality, and certainly plays like a mixtape with its illustrious guest features and interludes. Definitely worth the buy.

Rating: 4 Stars - "Buy it"

Pimp C, RIP

In the latest of a slew of unfortunate news surrounding the rap industry, Pimp C was found dead in his hotel room in Los Angeles. The UGK member had just been released from prison a few years ago, and along with cohort Bun B, seemed to be climbing back to hip-hop royalty. The Texas-bred rapper was only 33. When more details are released, I will update the story. May he rest in peace and I wish condolences to his family.

Record Sales. What's going on?

So I was just on a music news website and I saw the updates of this week's record sales. Alicia Keys went platinum second week, with only one single-"No One." Fergie, after being on the top 100 charts for over a year, has sold close to 3 million albums. Kanye is barely over platinum, and Jay-Z is three weeks in and struggling at a little over 600 thousand. Freeway has sold less than 100 thousand copies so far.

I just don't get it. In the new age of the internet, it is assumed that people do not buy albums anymore. But, people are going to stores, and have been for over a year, buying Fergie albums like they are running out of stock. Alicia Keys had one single, a great one, but only one, and has had mixed reviews on the album but is still platinum after two weeks.

Meanwhile, real artists, with real quality albums, are struggling to sell a 100 thousand? Really?

I don't know what all of this says about the industry today, but it seems very discouraging to those few artists left who are making quality music. Maybe they don't have number 1 singles, and maybe they don't have a million dollars going into publicity for a project, but they are making quality art.

It's depressing, because with Scarface, Wu Tang, and Lupe coming within the next three weeks, I can't help but think they will struggle to sell, while Fergie climbs to 3 million albums.

All I can say is: thank God Soulja Boy hasn't sold as much as I thought he would.

5 songs you should be listening to this week

DJ Drama - 5000 One's
Talib Kweli - Hot Thing (Remix)
Lil Wayne - Gossip
Lupe Fiasco - Superstar
Nas - Surviving the Times

Unlikely Bonus: Freeway - Walk Wit Me

Flo-Rida Preps "Mail on Sunday"

Florida's own Flo-Rida is Miami's newest artist of note, following in the steps of Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Rick Ross, and Brisco. Flo released his first single "Birthday" early this year and grabbed the streets with an anthem that got radio play for months. Then, early this summer, T-Pain joined Flo for this year's biggest hit, "Low." This song is in heavy rotation at every nightclub on any given night, and the radio is well on its way to making it another played-out classic. With a street anthem and iTunes' #1 song in Hip-Hop/Rap in tow, Flo-Rida promises to make a name for himself beyond the nightclubs with his new album. Look out for more monster hits and features from fellow Miamians on "Mail on Sunday," due out in early '08.

More "Grey Albums" to Come

Jay-Z's new album "American Gangster" is a classic. Period. With production from the Hitmen and DJ Toomp and Just Blaze, features from Bilal, Lil Wayne, and Nas, and just Jay's lyricism alone makes this album just perfect. It's smooth, soulful, anthemic, lyrical, and creative, and Jigga's fans are so happy to see him return with such a fire under his belly. Jay has given us a gift with this album, but DJ's will be served with another present on December 4th, when Jay drops the a cappella version of the album. This will undoubtedly inspire DJ's like Dangermouse to mix and mash up the instantly classic songs with pretty much any beat or sound they can imagine. A few years back Dangermouse mixed Jay's Black Album with The Beatles' White Album to create "The Grey Album." I'm excited to hear what ideas DJ's come up with for this one.

Heavy 4th Quarter

This year has definitely been a hot one for the industry and the game's best and biggest artists, from Kanye West to Jay-Z to Common and T.I. 2007 has seen its fair share of classics, but the next 6 weeks will mark the release of several more monster albums. Let's look at a breakdown of the weeks ahead.

November 20th ~

• Freeway - Free at Last. The Philadelphia hometown hero is back with his sophomore album, with features from Busta Rhymes and Rick Ross and "big brothers" 50 Cent and Jay-Z. The rapper has shown a lot of growth since his first attempt, so this is definitely something to look forward to.

November 27th ~

• Pitbull - The Boat Lift. The Miami-bred rapper who has called himself too Latin for hip-hop and too hip-hop for Latin returns next week with his 3rd album. He claims he is ready to step out of the image he has made, and become a versatile hip-hop artist who demands respect. The album features Jim Jones and Miami mates Trina and Trick Daddy.

December 4th ~

• Drama - Gangsta Grillz: The Album. I've previewed this album in another post. Check it out.
• Ghostface Killah - The Big Doe Rehab. This is Ghost's third album in just two years, and it is obvious the former Wu-Tang member is putting in work. He's yet to release a single, but Ghost's albums and work have always been quality, he's one of the few legends left.
• Wyclef Jean - Carnival II: Memoirs of an Immigrant. Wyclef is finally releasing Part 2 to the Carnival series 10 years later, and there are certainly high hopes. The Carnival was actually the first album I ever bought, so this one is dear to my heart. The single for the album is "Sweetest Girl," an amazing collaboration with Lil Wayne and Akon. There's word that Wyclef is focusing on a lot of collabos for this album, but as always it should be a quality record.
  

December 11th ~

• Beanie Sigel - The Solution. This album's got a hot single, in yet another radio hit featuring R. Kelly, called "All the Above." The Broad Street Bully is definitely one of the best rappers to come from Philly, but he hasn't quite proved himself yet. This album is definitely an important one, but with Mr. Carter's support it just might turn out good.
• Bow Wow/Omarion - Face Off. Hip-Hop's youngest and most doubted Bow Wow is back with a Jay-Z/R. Kelly-esque album with his cohort Omarion. The single, "Hood Star," was decent, but nothing to be ecstatic about. If the cover says anything about the quality of the album, prepare yourselves.
  
• Gucci Mane - Return to the TrapHouse. Atlantic's newest star, Gucci Mane, is fresh off a lot of publicity and instant fame from his single "Freaky Gurl," which has been in heavy rotation for months now. His new single, "I Know Why" featuring Pimp C is a great follow up too. Word is this guy is already a star in his own mind, and it seems that he's definitely on his way to proving himself with his first widely released album.
  
• Nelly - Brass Knuckles. Hip-Hop's dearest misogynist is back with his fourth studio album, following the unheralded first single, "Wadsyaname." The man has simply fell off since "Country Grammar" and with each album he gets deeper and deeper into a hole. I can't expect much from this album, though sometimes when I remember his first solo effort, I wish it wasn't the case.
  
• Wu-Tang Clan - 8 Diagrams. The Wu is back after a six year break from a group effort. GZA, RZA, Method Man, Ghostface Killa, Raekwon, U-God, Inspecta Deck and Masta Killa return after ODB's death to make a classic, and with all the hype, it's hard to tell if it will live up to past albums. Every Wu fan is going nuts to hear this, but there has been word of fighting and creative differences between the members. Regardless, expect the expected-the unrivaled and unmatched Wu.
  

December 18th ~

• Lupe Fiasco - The Cool. This album is my most anticipated of the 4th quarter for sure, and it is fitting that it's the last of the heavy hitters to come out. This album is Lupe's sophomore effort, following up on his critically acclaimed yet underselling and misunderstood "Food & Liquor." His first two singles, "Dumb it Down" and "Superstar" are truly phenomenal, and are causing a lot of stir for the album. With 19 tracks and production from Chad Hugo and more tracks from "Superstar"-producer Soundtrakk, the album should have an amazing sound. With the Tribe Called Quest incident behind him, Lupe is making phenomenal music and will definitely be a contender for album of the year.
  

Albums to look forward to in 2008:

Nas - Nigger
Eve - Here I Am
Lil Wayne - Carter III
Snoop Dogg - Ego Trip
Papoose - Nacirema Dream
Saigon - Greatest Story Never Told
Wale - "Untitled"

Drama Preps New Album

DJ Drama, best known for his Gangsta Grillz Mixtape Series, is releasing his first official album, aptly titled "Gangsta Grills: The Album," on December 4th. DJ Drama became well-known after being the resident DJ for TI's Grand Hustle imprint. His new album features heavyweights Young Jeezy, Young Buck, Jim Jones, T.I., Rick Ross and Lil' Wayne. The album's first single, Jazzy Pha-produced "5000 1's" is in heavy rotation on radio stations and in clubs nationwide.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=y_w_c8RPtWs

Plies 100 Years Video

Miami rapper Plies has a new video out for his song "100 Years." The song is about the justice system's faults, and young black men getting locked up for extensive sentences while the white guys seemingly get away with it. It's questionable, but it's the man's opinion and he is undoubtedly sticking to it. However, it's a little extreme. In the video, he shows a black man getting sentenced to jail as the judge laughs and soon after a white man sneaks away from a sentence because of his skin color. These kind of songs are sure to cause controversy, if not riots, but Plies feels that it's his place to speak his mind and forget the consequences. Check it out and discuss your views on the matter.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=p-Pm3_NNFsg