The Roots Are Back Like it's 1987

The Roots are hip-hop’s most musical group, there’s no doubt about that. With influences from Jazz, neo-soul, and old school hip-hop, they're one of the most "alternative" groups in or out of hip hop. From their first days almost two decades ago to their most recent album, Rising Down, The Roots have been among hip-hop’s premiere cult groups. Anyone that truly loves music and feels that there are elements of hip-hop that are bigger than the current sound has to appreciate the Philadelphia-bred group.

The Roots are comprised of Black Thought, the official MC of the group, ?uestlove on Drums, Kamal Gray on Keyboard, F. Knuckles on Percussion, Captain Kirk Douglas on guitar, Owen Biddle on Bass, and Tuba Gooding Jr. on the sousaphone. The lineup of The Legendary Roots Crew sounds more like Benny Goodman’s big band half a century ago than that of a hip-hop group.

Nowadays, with no more musical talent needed than some knowledge of Garage Band and Pro Tools, basically any artist can call themselves a “musician.” However, The Roots have combined raw and underrated MC’ing by the genius that is Black Thought with ?uestlove’s virtuosity on drums and a whole slew of other instruments.

....... Read the rest at:
http://www.thecampusword.com/content/view/2794/589/

Nas' "Nigger"

Nigger.

The most negatively charged, racist and hateful word a person can actually say in public. A word that marks the struggle and hatred that millions of African-Americans have seen for hundreds of years. A word that is so inconsequentially and thoughtlessly tossed around in conversation and recitation of lyrics by white boys who love rap music. A word that can cause an argument, a fight, or even a riot. And now, that word is the title of Nas’ new album.

For more, go to: http://www.thecampusword.com/content/view/2306/589/

Missy Elliot Coming Back!

It's true! Missy Elliot is making a comeback! She has been in the studio, and has recently released two new singles for her upcoming album, including "Ching A Ling." The single will be featured on the soundtrack for the Step Up 2 Movie. It will also be featured on her new album due to release in May under Atlantic. Keep an ear out for new music!

B.o.B .on the Come-Up

So, as I ran a feature on Wale a few months ago and how he's been coming up in the game in a big way, I'm doing the same on a very eclectic and creative sounding artist named B.o.B.

The Atlanta-bred rapper started his rise in the game when he was just 15, as he started producing tracks for local Atlanta acts. Eventually, he caught the eye of some label heads, and the rest, they say, is history. He is currently working on his debut album which is due out this spring, and he has produced and written the majority of the songs off the album. He has a really different sound, an extremely creative flow matched with smart lyrics and a southern drawl. He has a new single out with songstress Amy Winehouse. Keep an eye out for B.o.B.!

http://www.myspace.com/bobatl

New Estelle Track!!

So there's this new singer/rapper/songstress Estelle from across the pond, and she is the first signee to John Legend's record label, Homeschool Records. She has an amazing sound, she's very soulful, original, and extremely funky. She has the support of Kanye, which is definitely going to be huge for her career. Her first song out actually features the recent Graduate, and it's called "American Boy." Kanye sports his newly acquired British accent for the jam, check it out!

http://concreteloop.com/2008/01/new-music-estelle-ft-kanye-west-american-boy

Long-Overdue Ghostface Review

The one and only Ghostface Killah released his latest album, "The Big Doe Rehab" on the first week in December, and I apologize for not yet reviewing it. I also bought the Scarface, Wyclef, and Daft Punk that week, and just haven't quite gotten around to listening to Ghost until this week. Anyway, the album is crazy. I have always been a Ghostface and Wu fan, but Ghost killed his latest album while Wu was definitely lacking with "8 Diagrams."

Ghost is in a league of his own as far as gangsta rappers go, because it's said that only conscious rappers can be amazing lyricists, but Ghost disproves the theory. He definitely follows the subject matter of a lot of others, and repeats his own style a bit, but he does it oh so gracefully. He's funny and entertaining, and listening to each song is like your ear watching a masterpiece film. He enlists Kid Capri for the very jubilant "We Celebrate," where he boasts: 

"'What's that in your pocket Ghost?'/

A dill pickle. 'Not that'/

Oh that's the 45 Stainless Nickel/

I'm pullin the green/

Got a G for the fattest ass  on the floor/

Who look right in them jeans"

On "Yolanda's House," Meth and Raekwon join Ghost and describe a hilarious scene at a female's house during a drug bust. Finally, on "Slow Down," Chrisette Michele joins Ghost in a very soulful and jazzy jam.

Ghost definitely proves he's the only gangsta rapper worth mentioning nowadays with "The Big Doe Rehab."

Rating: Go Buy it, and Frame it!

 

Year in Review

Hey everyone! First off, happy new year to everyone reading this, I hope that everyone got to celebrate and bring in an amazing 2008. So, before there's anything coming out and we start to get excited about new acts and releases, we can look back at an active and abundant 2007.

2007 saw some phenomenal releases and projects, so let's break it down.

Best Albums of 2007 ~

Lupe Fiasco - The Cool This album was definitely the best album of the year. Amazing production and features-mostly all by underground artists. Lupe proves he's the smartest rapper out there and created a classic.

Jay-Z - American Gangster Jay came out of retirement for the second time to create a concept album based on Ridley Scott's "American Gangster." It has a classic old school feel, with production from The Hitmen and JD. Features are perfect and necessary, and he's definitely making a case for himself to never retire.

Kanye West - Graduation Kanye uses his brilliant mind yet again to capture strange, obscure, and electronic sounds from artists around the world. But...it works. He used electronica heroes Daft Punk for his epic single "Stronger" to make one of the biggest hits in a long time. He even overcame 50 Cent who released his album the same week and outsold him by nearly double.

Talib Kweli - Eardrum Most people compare this album to Common's "Finding Forever" because they're both of the conscious side. However, I pick this album over Comm's any day. It's longer, includes great and diverse features, and Kweli goes back to his old days and kills every single track.

Best Artists of 2007 ~

Kanye - He's taking over the world. Quickly. No setbacks could slow him down, and the next few years are definitely his.

Daft Punk - Performers of the year, hands down. Held Alive 2007 tour a decade after their last Alive tour to hundreds of thousands of dancing Americans.

Wale - Went from obscure rapper on Mark Ronson's Allido Records, to a huge name in the industry featured on the cover of URB Magazine.

Lupe Fiasco - Featured in what seems like thousands of publications throughout the year following up on his epic first album with a sophomore effort that outshines every album of the year.

T-Pain - Followed in label-mate Akon's footsteps and got features on the biggest songs of the year. Anywhere you turned, you heard his animated and electronic voice, and you danced to it. 2008 promises to be even bigger.

Biggest Songs of 2007 ~

I'm So Hood (feat. Just about every rapper in the game) - DJ Khaled

Crank That - Soulja Boy

I Get money - 50 Cent

Rehab - Amy Winehouse

D.A.N.C.E. - Justice (Which Wale remixed, quite amazingly, if I may say so)

Low - Flo-Rida

Good Life - Kanye West

There's been some amazing things done in music in 2007. I hope that 2008 can promise to be even better.

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.