Mr. West On Ellen
Jay-Z On Ellen
Justin Timberlake
Beyonce
Nelly, Ashanti, Akon
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
The Meaning In Music
Some of us need a discrete reminder that conscious hip-hop is not dead. It's up to us to revive it.
Right now, I need a break from some of the newer BS rap. So I'm reverting back to the artists from the '90s.
If you placed a picture of a newer artist beside picture of one of these heavyweights, do you think any one of them could outshine 2Pac or Biggie?
Think about it.
Listen: 2PAC - The Passion of Tupac (featuring various artists)
Right now, I need a break from some of the newer BS rap. So I'm reverting back to the artists from the '90s.
If you placed a picture of a newer artist beside picture of one of these heavyweights, do you think any one of them could outshine 2Pac or Biggie?
Think about it.
Listen: 2PAC - The Passion of Tupac (featuring various artists)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Positive Portrayal of Women In Hip-Hop
I'm going to shine a spotlight on an artist who showcases the elegance, sophistication, triumphs and tribulations of women.
Lauryn Hill
She tackles many important issues that women experience on a daily basis, and also discusses these conflictions with relevant points and eloquence. I have the highest respect for her because of her integrity and consistency. There is a lot to admire about Lauryn Hill.
She actually disappeared from the spotlight for 4 years after her solo album's success due to her distaste of fame and the industry.
But I appreciate her scarcity and will definitely go out and buy the "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill".
In a perfect world, the children in our modern age would have Lauryn to look up to rather than a bullshit female MC such as Nicki Minaj.
Take Big Sean feat. Nicki's "Dance A$$" lyrics as a perfect example before you tell me otherwise.
As a listener who actively LISTENS to a track as an ensemble - the beat, lyrics, voice dynamics, delivery - I value lyricism in addiction to everything as a whole. I want to be positively affected by a verse, rather than have it fly over my head with a catchy melodic gimmick to cover up the irrelevance of what the artist is saying.
"Showing off your ass because you thinking it's a trend,
Girlfriend let me break it down for you again
You know I only say it because I'm truly genuwine
Don't be a hard rock when you really are a gem." - Doo Wop, Lauryn Hill
Check out the documentary below (shown on BET).
"Tell me who I have to be to get some reciprocity." - Ex-Factor, Lauryn Hill
You need FCHW - @SpokenReasons
"Success, everybody want it but most don't want it bad enough.
I see people all the time pick up books on how to be successful.
All you need is... FCHW.
Check him out - http://youtube.com/spokenreasons
Spotlight: Frank Ocean
Christopher Francis Ocean (born October 28 1987), singer and member of Odd Future, has made quite the wave in the hip-hop industry this past year.
His success definitely did not come overnight. He's written songs for artists such as John Legend, Beyonce, and Brandy - and was also signed to Def Jam back in '09.
Get ready for his album set to debut next year, but for now;
I'll listen to his entire mixtape (play the tracks consectively back to back), gather my thoughts and check back.
P.S. 50 Cent wants to work with Ocean for his next album?
That's funny. I'd like to see what happens with that.
LISTEN: Frank Ocean "The Wonder Years"
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tyler, The Creator - Rookie of the Year
Tyler Okonma (March 6 1991), leader of OFWGKTA.
Controversial, and perhaps a little sadistic - Tyler, the Creator is fascinating nonetheless.
He's expressing himself in all facets - this is what music is meant for.
Each one of us has a bit of a dark, rebellious side that we repress because of society.
Odd Future would be that group saying the things we want to say, doing what we want to do.
He's one of those characters who's intention is to be of entertainment.
Anything he says in an interview is simple and honest.
He's definitely not hiding anything in comparison to other artists - the ones withdrawn and sheltered behind a PR team (hahahaha).
=)
" I was taught to act my shoe-size, never my age
I always judge a book by its cover, never the page
I never judge a murder by weapons, only the rage
That he felt when he dealt with physiological phase
They say that I will never cease to amaze
While half my mental belongs in a cage"
- Pigs Fly, Tyler & Domo Genesis
LISTEN: Best of Earlwolf, and Tyler Fucks Cows
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