Long anticipated , patiently and anxiously awaited after being noticeably missing in action Young Jeezy finally releases TM103- Hustlerz Ambition. When you’ve been away for a minute and your three albums deep in the game, people often wonder what more your going to do, and rather you’ll still have it when you get back. On top of that it can be argued that Jeezy’s albums have progressively regressed rather than progressed, especially since he has yet to match the showing that gained him many of his followers. So many have large expectations for TM103, since he has proven that he has staying power and is still relevant , for album #4 fans want to see what you got left, what you have new, and what experience has taught you about making music.
Well Jeezy waste no tim in answering all doubts and all questions, by delivering arguably his best release so far.
The strongest parts of the album are unquestionably the chemistry with the featured artist and the song making ability. While there are plenty of features and collaborations, almost every song has one, and all of the best songs have one, it still stays distinctly Young Jeezy. The only drawbacks of having so many guest appearances is that it seems as if Jeezy wasn’t able to quite carry this album by himself and needed some other energies to help him get through it. He doesn’t shine on his own quite enough. It doesn’t seem like a compilation album and it doesn’t seem like any of the collaborations are just for hype, or just to prove status of who he can get a verse from.
Without a doubt the song making ability and quality has gone way up, it easily noticeable that its his biggest improvement and strongest attribute for this album. Its the type of quality that only experience and working on your craft can provide, its what you get when you start to really understand your music and how to make it. Young Jeezy proves with this album, that he is indeed starting to become not just a rapper but an artist, he ‘s starting to craft a sound, and make a type of music ,not just make a type of song. Good luck picking a favorite with so many but in particular “OJ” f/ Fabolous and Jadakiss, “Leave you Alone” f/ Ne-Yo , F.A.M.E. f/ T.I. , “I Do” f/ Jay-Z and Andre 3000 and “Higher Learning” f/ Snoop, Devin the Dude and Mitchellel are significant standouts, although for most of the songs there is no significant drop off. Their is a noticeable drop off but not ridiculous, for the most part the album is pretty consistent.
Lyrically its not very strong or creative, Jeezy pretty much is in the that Master P lane, he has more flow than P, but he doesn’t really dig deep or get very creative with lyrics. the subject range is pretty run of the mill and expected for Jeezy. Their are no super high notes for originality or versatility and the subject range is as expected.
The production is good, but sonically the album is awesome. Overall how all the beats compliment each other without sounding the same and how they all fit together is exceptional.
The entertainment value is high, I guarantee you find a few songs you like and you can easily listen to the album from beginning to end multiple times, with little or no skipping, because even the lesser songs are listenable, and there are definitely a few songs worthy of repeats
All in All I give the Young Jezzy TM103 , 4 stars out of 6.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Drake - Take Care
The sophomore album, traditionally has been the prove you can do it again album, especially for artist that were successful right out the gate. The sophomore jinx has plagued many of your favorite artist and legends, said to be extremely hard because its the first time you have time away from music with your new found busyness and fame, great distractions for focus. And, its said that the sophomore album is extremely hard because your first album contains all of the best work you had over the years, and what ever you have left is your second best set and new stuff and you basically have to relive life all over again. The sophomore album can be a huge test, especially when you’re highly anticipated, and people have been waiting on the follow up since you dropped the initial offering. Next to take on the challenge of a career, Drake, YMCM’s own that exploded on the scene in a way not seen before and rapidly shot to the top of everybody’s radar, hate or love it.
After a successful first run out and a number of features, Drake finally releases Take Care.
Multi talented, different and creative are what made Drake a phenomenon to start with, so as expected the album is very alternative as opposed to what usually can be found in the mainstream, as expected Drake shows his rap and crooning skills and as expected his flow is his greatest strength. His flow is strength of his arsenal, his delivery f nothing else will pull you in and that hasn’t changed a bit.
Production wise its ok, but it could be a little more diverse, its different but sonically its the same sound consistently from track to track. Sonically its a real jazzy , real musical sound,no real big heavy drums or kicks, very smooth very mellow. So when that sound changes even if for a little bit it ver noticeable. Check “Headlines” for nod factor and “Underground Kings” for Ride Out music and Just Blaze laces him with one of those take’m to church beats with “ Lord Knows” which all serve as nice changes of pace.
The song making, as far as taking everything into account, is very good, but some of the hooks could be better. A few of the hooks are very simple and pop feeling, more care could have went into them
Lyrically solid from beginning to end as expected, but no monsters that stand way out, a few quotables here and there. Most of the quotables come form guest who blow up the verses in comparison to Drake who takes a backseat to his guest rather than challeneges them and be pushed by them. “Check Make me Proud” f/ Nicki Minaj “Lord Knows” f/ Rick Ross and “The Real Her” f/ Lil Wayne & Andre 3000.
He has a vast subject range and its greatly appreciated , but there doesn’t seem to be a great emphasis on focusing in on one particular subject and at times it appreciated, but considering the album has a concept album feel almost, you’d like to see him zone in on something and make it memorable. The albums versatility as far as delivery and style wise, doesn’t deliver much, its pretty stereotypical Drake
As far as originality, its different, its original . The album has some entertaining moments and it depends on how big of a Drake fan you are rather it will have a high replay value. Just as a person listening to an album its good but its not high replay for the entire album.
Overall, I think the album will do well sales wise, but its gone have mixed reviews. Its not a pop album but it seems to have some very pop elements about it. Its different but it seems like contrived different, as if they went in the studio like how can we make this different rather than just letting it come naturally. It sometimes seems forced and overdone. The flows are tight but lyrically it seems like there were creative problems, or some forcing. WSometimes he doesn’t sound inspired on this album, it doesn’t sound like he had fun writing and recording this album, like the pressure was on and it was all work. Seems as he was to busy focusing on the sound and trying to live up to being different and living up to last album to have fun. There are a few songs that probably should have been reworked or not on the album, most notably “ Practice”. Depending on which edition you have you may get a few extra songs but none that absolutely make or break the album. The album falls below expectation, I don’t expect it to change the culture, it doesn’t show any great risk or development, it picks up where Thank Me Later left off. I think a weakness is his trying to do both sing and rap, he's good at both but not a master at either. He doesnt write supremely or have masterful technique as a singer. As an Mc he doesnt always bring it and his hooks are off . So its difficult for him to do a rap sing recording on one track. He should focus on mastering one completely or he'll be a jack of all trades and master of none. No big surprises, or unexpected events, techniques or styles. Ill give the album a rating of 3 out of 6 stars.
After a successful first run out and a number of features, Drake finally releases Take Care.
Multi talented, different and creative are what made Drake a phenomenon to start with, so as expected the album is very alternative as opposed to what usually can be found in the mainstream, as expected Drake shows his rap and crooning skills and as expected his flow is his greatest strength. His flow is strength of his arsenal, his delivery f nothing else will pull you in and that hasn’t changed a bit.
Production wise its ok, but it could be a little more diverse, its different but sonically its the same sound consistently from track to track. Sonically its a real jazzy , real musical sound,no real big heavy drums or kicks, very smooth very mellow. So when that sound changes even if for a little bit it ver noticeable. Check “Headlines” for nod factor and “Underground Kings” for Ride Out music and Just Blaze laces him with one of those take’m to church beats with “ Lord Knows” which all serve as nice changes of pace.
The song making, as far as taking everything into account, is very good, but some of the hooks could be better. A few of the hooks are very simple and pop feeling, more care could have went into them
Lyrically solid from beginning to end as expected, but no monsters that stand way out, a few quotables here and there. Most of the quotables come form guest who blow up the verses in comparison to Drake who takes a backseat to his guest rather than challeneges them and be pushed by them. “Check Make me Proud” f/ Nicki Minaj “Lord Knows” f/ Rick Ross and “The Real Her” f/ Lil Wayne & Andre 3000.
He has a vast subject range and its greatly appreciated , but there doesn’t seem to be a great emphasis on focusing in on one particular subject and at times it appreciated, but considering the album has a concept album feel almost, you’d like to see him zone in on something and make it memorable. The albums versatility as far as delivery and style wise, doesn’t deliver much, its pretty stereotypical Drake
As far as originality, its different, its original . The album has some entertaining moments and it depends on how big of a Drake fan you are rather it will have a high replay value. Just as a person listening to an album its good but its not high replay for the entire album.
Overall, I think the album will do well sales wise, but its gone have mixed reviews. Its not a pop album but it seems to have some very pop elements about it. Its different but it seems like contrived different, as if they went in the studio like how can we make this different rather than just letting it come naturally. It sometimes seems forced and overdone. The flows are tight but lyrically it seems like there were creative problems, or some forcing. WSometimes he doesn’t sound inspired on this album, it doesn’t sound like he had fun writing and recording this album, like the pressure was on and it was all work. Seems as he was to busy focusing on the sound and trying to live up to being different and living up to last album to have fun. There are a few songs that probably should have been reworked or not on the album, most notably “ Practice”. Depending on which edition you have you may get a few extra songs but none that absolutely make or break the album. The album falls below expectation, I don’t expect it to change the culture, it doesn’t show any great risk or development, it picks up where Thank Me Later left off. I think a weakness is his trying to do both sing and rap, he's good at both but not a master at either. He doesnt write supremely or have masterful technique as a singer. As an Mc he doesnt always bring it and his hooks are off . So its difficult for him to do a rap sing recording on one track. He should focus on mastering one completely or he'll be a jack of all trades and master of none. No big surprises, or unexpected events, techniques or styles. Ill give the album a rating of 3 out of 6 stars.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Pusha T - Fear of God II album review
Every Pusha T signed with Good Music people have been wondering how its was going to work out. Good Music is a good look from a creative control aspect, and people instantly expected major beats , ill collaboration, and a much needed push.
But questions would circle , how would Pusha do on a solo effort without Malice ? And after the Good Music cypher on the BET Awards, slew of radio verses , a well received mix tape, the answers would come back wait and see.
Pusha - T finally delivers Fear of God II to answer the questions.
There is no denying that Pusha can rap, and has flow, lyrically its good, but its not very very creative, its average for him, knowing he could do better. He could have dug a lil deeper for for some of the lines or tightened up in between the punch lines. He doesn’t really show a variety of techniques for the album, its usually the same type of flow, and delivery that we’re accustomed to from him and the same goes for versatility and subject range, its a lot of braggadocios and street talk as usual, not a really a problem but we could do to hear a little something different. But he does show a little difference in approach on “Alone in Vegas” and “What Dreams are Made of” is bragging on a new level, using a sample of Ric Flair in the background ranting, its major league cool.
Production wise, the beats work, but was expecting bigger beats, considering its a Good Music release. Sonically there isn’t a real over all sound, its not a very musical album, there basic good street beats, a few head nodders, but nothing that really really stands out. Honestly I think he would benefit from working predominantly with one producer to craft a solo sound.
On the song making side of things, as stated earlier, lyrically its straight, but the hooks need work, some of the songs don’t seem fully developed. So sometimes it seems more like a mix tape than an album.
The album is pretty good, it suffers because there are good songs but no one song stands far out and beyond. Pusha doesn’t seem comfortable yet creating by himself, it seems as if something is missing, he does much better on the tracks with features, so the album is feature heavy. He doesn't seem as if he can yet carry an album by himself. The good things about the album are the consistency, there is not really much fall off song to song, line to line, lyric for lyric. The collabs work, Check “Amen” the best song on the album, featuring Kanye and Jeezy. “Trouble” f/ Tyler the Creator, “Raid” f/ 50 Cent and Pharell and “I still Wanna” f/ Rick Ross who delivers a stellar verse and Ab Liva. and “Body Work” f/ Juicy J, Meek Mill and French Montana. As far as collabo go he’s definitely getting the push.
I don't know how it will sale, I can see “Amen” possibly getting some radio play hopefully. Pusha’s calm cool delivery almost hold him back a little, because there is not much change up and very little enthusiasm in his voice and its hard to pull off the monotone on every track. Its very consistent, he stays in his lane and does what he is comfortable with and thats a little bit of a fault. I wish he would have taken a few risk, tried something new, given a surprise or two, because the album doesn’t show any growth as an artist, depth or development. The Album is not bad however, its a better second listen than first, it may grow on you, maybe a cult favorite. I expect it to be a very polarizing album among critic and fans. I give it 3 1/2 stars out of 6
But questions would circle , how would Pusha do on a solo effort without Malice ? And after the Good Music cypher on the BET Awards, slew of radio verses , a well received mix tape, the answers would come back wait and see.
Pusha - T finally delivers Fear of God II to answer the questions.
There is no denying that Pusha can rap, and has flow, lyrically its good, but its not very very creative, its average for him, knowing he could do better. He could have dug a lil deeper for for some of the lines or tightened up in between the punch lines. He doesn’t really show a variety of techniques for the album, its usually the same type of flow, and delivery that we’re accustomed to from him and the same goes for versatility and subject range, its a lot of braggadocios and street talk as usual, not a really a problem but we could do to hear a little something different. But he does show a little difference in approach on “Alone in Vegas” and “What Dreams are Made of” is bragging on a new level, using a sample of Ric Flair in the background ranting, its major league cool.
Production wise, the beats work, but was expecting bigger beats, considering its a Good Music release. Sonically there isn’t a real over all sound, its not a very musical album, there basic good street beats, a few head nodders, but nothing that really really stands out. Honestly I think he would benefit from working predominantly with one producer to craft a solo sound.
On the song making side of things, as stated earlier, lyrically its straight, but the hooks need work, some of the songs don’t seem fully developed. So sometimes it seems more like a mix tape than an album.
The album is pretty good, it suffers because there are good songs but no one song stands far out and beyond. Pusha doesn’t seem comfortable yet creating by himself, it seems as if something is missing, he does much better on the tracks with features, so the album is feature heavy. He doesn't seem as if he can yet carry an album by himself. The good things about the album are the consistency, there is not really much fall off song to song, line to line, lyric for lyric. The collabs work, Check “Amen” the best song on the album, featuring Kanye and Jeezy. “Trouble” f/ Tyler the Creator, “Raid” f/ 50 Cent and Pharell and “I still Wanna” f/ Rick Ross who delivers a stellar verse and Ab Liva. and “Body Work” f/ Juicy J, Meek Mill and French Montana. As far as collabo go he’s definitely getting the push.
I don't know how it will sale, I can see “Amen” possibly getting some radio play hopefully. Pusha’s calm cool delivery almost hold him back a little, because there is not much change up and very little enthusiasm in his voice and its hard to pull off the monotone on every track. Its very consistent, he stays in his lane and does what he is comfortable with and thats a little bit of a fault. I wish he would have taken a few risk, tried something new, given a surprise or two, because the album doesn’t show any growth as an artist, depth or development. The Album is not bad however, its a better second listen than first, it may grow on you, maybe a cult favorite. I expect it to be a very polarizing album among critic and fans. I give it 3 1/2 stars out of 6
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Why a classic album is not always a good thing
Alright I been catching a lot of heat about my ranking of Wales album and I read this morning he was like lobbying for 5 Mics in the Source. Now I don't think my personal reviews are as influential as the Source or anything, but The Source is where I learned how to evaluate an album in the first place. They were extremely tough and would rather underrate and album than overrate one, and I do the same
Lets review what 5 Mics is supposed to be, its not an album that can be played from song to son without skipping, its not just good or lyrical, its not just popular, or expected to sell crazy, its not just new or different, etc. Its a classic, it changes the rules of hip hop as we know them, we automatically know that everyone will adjust and be influenced and try to do something like it for a while to come.
The copy and change formats are most important, because honestly a 4 1/2 mic is harder and really a true barometer of how good an album is. 4 1/2 mics tells you its damn near flawless, people just aren't going to try and copy it or the industry is not going to push that style, and honestly thats better, its more hip hop, its more original.
Classic doesn’t mean good, an album can be classically good or classically horrible, and both change the direction of hip hop. So be careful when you ask for classic ratings , and make sure it qualifies to be classic. But I think it should be told what type of classic it is , because honestly a few albums should have been considered classic even though they were wack as hell, but they changed music for years to come, some form which Hip Hp is still trying to recover from, Im just saying think about it because I’ve never seen a one mic rating.
Now I stand by my Wale rating full force, it was a good rating, I like him he's lyrical, but I needed to get that off my chest about what classic is and what it isn’t. If you disagree that seriously, do your own ranking and tell why your perspective and opinion. My perspective at least whats yours ? Sound off
Lets review what 5 Mics is supposed to be, its not an album that can be played from song to son without skipping, its not just good or lyrical, its not just popular, or expected to sell crazy, its not just new or different, etc. Its a classic, it changes the rules of hip hop as we know them, we automatically know that everyone will adjust and be influenced and try to do something like it for a while to come.
The copy and change formats are most important, because honestly a 4 1/2 mic is harder and really a true barometer of how good an album is. 4 1/2 mics tells you its damn near flawless, people just aren't going to try and copy it or the industry is not going to push that style, and honestly thats better, its more hip hop, its more original.
Classic doesn’t mean good, an album can be classically good or classically horrible, and both change the direction of hip hop. So be careful when you ask for classic ratings , and make sure it qualifies to be classic. But I think it should be told what type of classic it is , because honestly a few albums should have been considered classic even though they were wack as hell, but they changed music for years to come, some form which Hip Hp is still trying to recover from, Im just saying think about it because I’ve never seen a one mic rating.
Now I stand by my Wale rating full force, it was a good rating, I like him he's lyrical, but I needed to get that off my chest about what classic is and what it isn’t. If you disagree that seriously, do your own ranking and tell why your perspective and opinion. My perspective at least whats yours ? Sound off
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wale - Ambition
Considering this is Wale’s second album it almost has the feel of a first, considering the hype and anticipation around it and the extra attention in Wales’s direction thanks to signing with Maybach Music.
In a way it kind of is a debut album, because many of Wales fans are new to his music and slept on the first album, and only recently since the move to Maybach hot Wale on their radar. The move to Maybach stunned a few people and left many with questions about what may become of Wale and his type of music at the very street oriented Maybach Music.
Ambition immediately answers all questions about rather or not Maybach music would turn Wale into a thug rapper or would he stay true to his self and stay in the musical alternative rap lane.
For those concerned with any change and not being true to his self, Wale dismisses such claims immediately from the jump on Ambition. Wale proves that he is still him, and still does his brand of music. Its musical, grownup, alternative, two step, go-go influenced Wale music.
Lyrically ,tight, meaningful, heartfelt, versatile, and witty. You can tell someone that takes time with their craft, because his lines are crisp and well put together. His subject range, endless, he talks about some of everything so everyone can relate at some level, he never boxes himself or his listeners in with his verses and thats appreciated. He gets his highest marks for showing a variety of skills from poetic to street and for having a flow that demands attention. Wale literally proves he can rap over anything check "Slight Work" f/ Big Sean.
Sonically its very different, very musical as expected. But its not Kanye type of musical, its a good deal further left than even that. Overall its a niche market style of music, and his core fans will love it and its gone confuse newcomers and take some getting used to for the mainstream.But it gets high points for originality, because its so different from what you expect from a hip hop album, its no where near stereotypical or mundane.
Now on a smaller level the individual production of each song is alright, but it seems like too much of the same types of beats. So beats like the jazzy and poetic "Illest Bitch" and the street cinematic "Ambition" f/ Rick Ross, Meek Millz or the the very simple but effective "Legendary" serve as nice change ups and things a larger audience will gravitate to. If you are a big beat, heavy bass person, or funk type of person, you gone be hard pressed to find that type of production, the production goes in a different direction.
The entertainment level his high, but its the lyrics and the flow that do the shining, not so much the entire package. If you love listening to lyrics and flow you may run quite a few songs back a few times, but for just casual listening I don’t know how many times you’ll listen to it, Ambition is more like mood music. I hope it sells and I hope it encourages others to be more different and take risk with music and explore other options and styles. Its worth checking out even if just to be exposed to something out of the ordinary. It showed growth as an artist but it lacked a certain necessary balance, I give it 3 out of 6 stars.
In a way it kind of is a debut album, because many of Wales fans are new to his music and slept on the first album, and only recently since the move to Maybach hot Wale on their radar. The move to Maybach stunned a few people and left many with questions about what may become of Wale and his type of music at the very street oriented Maybach Music.
Ambition immediately answers all questions about rather or not Maybach music would turn Wale into a thug rapper or would he stay true to his self and stay in the musical alternative rap lane.
For those concerned with any change and not being true to his self, Wale dismisses such claims immediately from the jump on Ambition. Wale proves that he is still him, and still does his brand of music. Its musical, grownup, alternative, two step, go-go influenced Wale music.
Lyrically ,tight, meaningful, heartfelt, versatile, and witty. You can tell someone that takes time with their craft, because his lines are crisp and well put together. His subject range, endless, he talks about some of everything so everyone can relate at some level, he never boxes himself or his listeners in with his verses and thats appreciated. He gets his highest marks for showing a variety of skills from poetic to street and for having a flow that demands attention. Wale literally proves he can rap over anything check "Slight Work" f/ Big Sean.
Sonically its very different, very musical as expected. But its not Kanye type of musical, its a good deal further left than even that. Overall its a niche market style of music, and his core fans will love it and its gone confuse newcomers and take some getting used to for the mainstream.But it gets high points for originality, because its so different from what you expect from a hip hop album, its no where near stereotypical or mundane.
Now on a smaller level the individual production of each song is alright, but it seems like too much of the same types of beats. So beats like the jazzy and poetic "Illest Bitch" and the street cinematic "Ambition" f/ Rick Ross, Meek Millz or the the very simple but effective "Legendary" serve as nice change ups and things a larger audience will gravitate to. If you are a big beat, heavy bass person, or funk type of person, you gone be hard pressed to find that type of production, the production goes in a different direction.
The entertainment level his high, but its the lyrics and the flow that do the shining, not so much the entire package. If you love listening to lyrics and flow you may run quite a few songs back a few times, but for just casual listening I don’t know how many times you’ll listen to it, Ambition is more like mood music. I hope it sells and I hope it encourages others to be more different and take risk with music and explore other options and styles. Its worth checking out even if just to be exposed to something out of the ordinary. It showed growth as an artist but it lacked a certain necessary balance, I give it 3 out of 6 stars.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Styles P - Master of Ceremonies
Styles P , the ghost, respect out the ass, ill rhymer, often underrated. Out of the LOX trio he is usually the one that digs deeper, get a little more personal and tackles the social issues . Known for dropping consistency through a slew of mix tapes and occasional appearances never really taking time off, but his first official studio album in almost four years. Styles drops the new Master of Ceremonies.
His fourth studio album and true to form, its a grown up street album, no funny or pop ish. Styles’ consistency is the strongest part of the album, there is no huge drop off from song to song.
Lyrically its nice, but very straightforward, serious and monotone. Don't expect a lot of wordplay and metaphors or a lot of emotion. Which for some may be a draw back.
The production is the weakness of the album, there aren't a lot of standout beats, and many could have been better, even though there are top notch producers on the project. “Harsh” and “Who Loves you More" are bangers though, the production is kind of mellow and leaves more to be desired.
The song making is average, its not a very musical album or concept riddled album, and most of the hooks are basic.
The album gets points for versatility, because there are different kinds of beats, and its sort of different from whats you normally expect for Styles P. He also gets points for his subject range, dealing with everything from braggadocios to conscious , to street . Its life all around.
Harsh featuring Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes is unquestionably the best song on the album. “We don't play” featuring Lloyd Banks, and “uh Ohh” featuring Sheek are all worth checking for.
Entertainment wise the album kind of disappoints, you’ll get a few spins out of it, but for the most part, one would expect more, more creativity, bigger verses and harder lines. One would also expect a better output from styles as a solo artist, because most of the tracks he goes hard on are the ones with features where the other person raps also. On this album he’s at his best when he’s doing typical and stereotypical Lox stuff, like the back and forth that he and Jada do so well, check “Its Ok”. All in all nothing new, unexpected or challenging and it doesn't show a lot of growth as an artist. But it is a solid release worth checking, with no completely wack cuts. I give it 3 out of 6 stars
His fourth studio album and true to form, its a grown up street album, no funny or pop ish. Styles’ consistency is the strongest part of the album, there is no huge drop off from song to song.
Lyrically its nice, but very straightforward, serious and monotone. Don't expect a lot of wordplay and metaphors or a lot of emotion. Which for some may be a draw back.
The production is the weakness of the album, there aren't a lot of standout beats, and many could have been better, even though there are top notch producers on the project. “Harsh” and “Who Loves you More" are bangers though, the production is kind of mellow and leaves more to be desired.
The song making is average, its not a very musical album or concept riddled album, and most of the hooks are basic.
The album gets points for versatility, because there are different kinds of beats, and its sort of different from whats you normally expect for Styles P. He also gets points for his subject range, dealing with everything from braggadocios to conscious , to street . Its life all around.
Harsh featuring Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes is unquestionably the best song on the album. “We don't play” featuring Lloyd Banks, and “uh Ohh” featuring Sheek are all worth checking for.
Entertainment wise the album kind of disappoints, you’ll get a few spins out of it, but for the most part, one would expect more, more creativity, bigger verses and harder lines. One would also expect a better output from styles as a solo artist, because most of the tracks he goes hard on are the ones with features where the other person raps also. On this album he’s at his best when he’s doing typical and stereotypical Lox stuff, like the back and forth that he and Jada do so well, check “Its Ok”. All in all nothing new, unexpected or challenging and it doesn't show a lot of growth as an artist. But it is a solid release worth checking, with no completely wack cuts. I give it 3 out of 6 stars
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Phonte - Chatity Starts at Home
No build up necessary, Phonte multi talented as a singer and MC, one of the best at crafting a lyric by far. On his solo tip, Phonte blesses the Hip hop world with Charity Starts at Home. No Gimmicks, dope beats, dope rhymes, what more do ya’ll want and it will probably be slept on despite being easily one of the best releases all year and all summer and quarter. Better than most of the high profile releases and a hip hop fans wish. And from the intro you can tell that it was going to be major, the intro sets the bar high and expectations even higher.
Lyrically Phonte is a beast and on every track he goes in, you can hear not only the creativity and attention to detail in each and every bar, but all of the focus that goes into be a powerful wordsmith. The best lyric on the album, they all dope good luck picking a favorite. The best guest spot is Elzhi who shows up big on “Not Here anymore”.
Sonically its incredible its just good music, good soulful hip hop, with head nod beats, powerful kicks, ill samples. Its not over produced to where the beats outshine the concept or the lyrics
The Production team does there things. Its good not great, so if you the type that's looking for a whole bunch beats not necessarily. The beats are ill, but with the exception of the 9th wonder produced Not here anymore , they are not radio beats, party beats and not big car stereo beats. Never the less put it in the car, jam on the house stereo and mellow out. I think that Not here anymore is also the most balanced song and best all around song on the album. Gave a lot of props to that song but every song is hitting.
The song making is also incredible . Phonte pays attention to every aspect of the songs, the hooks, thumbs up for no lame hooks, the beats are perfectly set to his style and what the concept of the songs are, no weird moments. The lyrics speak for themselves and even the guess appearances are perfect for the song and the chemistry and respect between he and each artist matches. No forced collabo.
Its highly entertaining, especially if you require a lot from your music, if you’re intelligent and really check for and demand talent. You’ll listen to it over and over. Its original, its doesn’t sound like the last Little Brother album or Foreign Exchange Album, but its still signature Phonte.
Of course the versatility is on high as he flips flows, rhyme schemes and techniques and handles the singing part and backgrounds. If you a fan of Phonte you know he’s versatile, sometimes to a fault of ours, because we love his verses so much we forget that there is room for both his singing and rhyming and try to box him in. But you got to respect a man for doing what he has in his heart and the talent to do. So he offers a nice balance with the r&b and rap, he gives us quality bars on the R&b tracks, which also should not be slept on.
Lastly range, he hits real life, so every subject is touched, money, women, the business, grinding, grown man stuff we all can relate to, nothing shameful or stereotypical. On top of that he’s hilarious.
If you a fan get it, if you not fake it and try it out any way, I promise you’ll like it, its impossible to not. I give it 5 stars out of 6. There are no wasted tracks, no wasted collabos
Lyrically Phonte is a beast and on every track he goes in, you can hear not only the creativity and attention to detail in each and every bar, but all of the focus that goes into be a powerful wordsmith. The best lyric on the album, they all dope good luck picking a favorite. The best guest spot is Elzhi who shows up big on “Not Here anymore”.
Sonically its incredible its just good music, good soulful hip hop, with head nod beats, powerful kicks, ill samples. Its not over produced to where the beats outshine the concept or the lyrics
The Production team does there things. Its good not great, so if you the type that's looking for a whole bunch beats not necessarily. The beats are ill, but with the exception of the 9th wonder produced Not here anymore , they are not radio beats, party beats and not big car stereo beats. Never the less put it in the car, jam on the house stereo and mellow out. I think that Not here anymore is also the most balanced song and best all around song on the album. Gave a lot of props to that song but every song is hitting.
The song making is also incredible . Phonte pays attention to every aspect of the songs, the hooks, thumbs up for no lame hooks, the beats are perfectly set to his style and what the concept of the songs are, no weird moments. The lyrics speak for themselves and even the guess appearances are perfect for the song and the chemistry and respect between he and each artist matches. No forced collabo.
Its highly entertaining, especially if you require a lot from your music, if you’re intelligent and really check for and demand talent. You’ll listen to it over and over. Its original, its doesn’t sound like the last Little Brother album or Foreign Exchange Album, but its still signature Phonte.
Of course the versatility is on high as he flips flows, rhyme schemes and techniques and handles the singing part and backgrounds. If you a fan of Phonte you know he’s versatile, sometimes to a fault of ours, because we love his verses so much we forget that there is room for both his singing and rhyming and try to box him in. But you got to respect a man for doing what he has in his heart and the talent to do. So he offers a nice balance with the r&b and rap, he gives us quality bars on the R&b tracks, which also should not be slept on.
Lastly range, he hits real life, so every subject is touched, money, women, the business, grinding, grown man stuff we all can relate to, nothing shameful or stereotypical. On top of that he’s hilarious.
If you a fan get it, if you not fake it and try it out any way, I promise you’ll like it, its impossible to not. I give it 5 stars out of 6. There are no wasted tracks, no wasted collabos
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