Rick Ross - God Forgives I Don't

Five albums deep in the game are you a clear veteran, at this point in their career artist are usually trying to solidify their place in hip hop history, define their style and refine their skills and make albums that are sonically better each time out. This is where Rick Ross stands as he gears up for another highly anticipated album.

He has made huge improvements since his first album, he has stepped it up majorly on the lyric side.

Consistency is Rick Ross strength and weakness. He’s good but has made not made continued improvements, nothing new, nothing undone, nothing creatively different to set him apart from just being an above average trap rapper. He’s been living by if it aint broke don’t fix it by giving more of the same, in both quantity and quality.

Consistently however he’s popular, anticipated, in the public eye and relevant, and his album sales have been consistent.

I don’t like to box artist in, Rozay may have boxed himself in creatively however. He’s spent so much time building the mob boss, drug king pin persona that you don’t expect anything else from him, and he doesn’t sound as confident, skilled or comfortable delivering a diverse array of songs or subjects. Give him respect for trying to use a diverse array of beats and subjects and be versatile in his types of songs, but when he’s not doing typical stereotypical Rick Ross songs, he sounds clearly out of his lane.

God Forgives I Don’t is heavy on collaborations, which can be a gift or a curse depending on the artist. On this album the collaborations sound forced though, rather than him making his type of song and using a track that best suits him, he seems as if he’s trying to make the guest artist type of song and adjust to them, rather than let them adjust to him.  Most of the collabos should have been highlights but end up being the holes in the album in stead.  3 Kings ft. Jay-z and Dr. Dre, instead of being a possible classic, features below average bars form all 3 artist. An Awkward verse from Jay, and a verse from Dre that sounds just like Ross in flow, style and delivery. It comes out sounding and looking like a power move just to show his industry connections.  

The woes continue for Ross, though not as bad on Sixteen ft. Andre 3000. Sixteen sound like an Andre 3000 song that Ross invades and sounds out of place on. The same can be said for Diced Pineapples ft. Wale and Drake, the track and concept is perfect for Wale and Drake, but its not Ross’ lane.  All tracks that should have been highlights but fall slightly short; if it weren’t for the features they’d be complete failures.

Although he has made a successful R&B/ Hiphop songs, (Aston Martin Music, Here I am) he fails to come close to matching those, or even seeming to have much needed chemistry on songs with Neyo, Usher or Omarion. "On Touch ‘N You" it sounds awkward to hear Ross attempt to be gangsta and borderline erotic at the same time. He gets close to form on a bonus track Rich Forever with John Legend.

The strong parts of the album are when Ross operates in his normal territory, with movie scen sounding beats, check Pirates, Amsterdam, and Triple Beam Dreams ft Nas

Overall it’s a solid album; it just didn’t live up to hype surrounding but worth checking. Lyrically its average for Rick Ross, he doesn’t show anything new, make any improvements, he just maintains current level. The production is good, just at times it’s too musical, experimental and complex for Rick Ross’ lane, comfort and success.  Originality, and subject range get low marks, as its standard operating procedure, and expected. No new ground broke. Versatility is medium, mostly due to feature performances, no new techniques or different flows from Ross himself, and diversity he doesn’t quite excel at. Replay value med, while far from classic, or best of the year you’ll find a few songs you’ll like and few others depending on your mood worth listening too. I give God Forgives, I Don’t 3 ½ stars out of 6 .

 Slin_K

@slin_k_polymath

Nas Life Is Good

When you have close to twenty years in the game, you’re considered one of the greatest Mc’s of all time, you have classic songs, albums, features and collaborations, its proven that you can stand the test of time, its proven you can make hits and albums, and sale and sustain a fan base. So when you have done it all, what left do you have to prove, who do you have things to prove to?  Well Nas seems like he was trying to prove to hip hop that age has no effect on his skills, the current climate in hip hop (sales, radio play, ringtone rap, fake fans and short attention spans), and he’s out to prove that he can make a masterpiece and that he’s only getting better with time. Without a lot of fan fare, hype, mix tape appearances or radio play Nas delivers what will arguably be another classic, but also one of his best albums of his career, Life is Good. 

Lyrically its classic NAS, and he is in rare form, at the top of his game, the best he’s been for a whole album since It was Written. . Check the whole album, its too good to really highlight one particular song because their are so many good ones.

Sonically – It’s a throwback feeling, it reminds you of that Golden era hip-hop between 86-96.

The Production is top notch, No I.D, and Salaam Remi (who brings the best out of  Nas), and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League  put it down

It has high entertainment value, its actually quite addictive

Its original NAS, old school throwback Nas, it’s not what’s hot on pop charts, video, or music stations. But pure artistry

Versatility in every form, different types of songs, beats, flows, styles, artist you name it.

Subject range once again diverse, cuts about some of everything ad something for everyone

Replay value – addictive

Rating – Although it’s what pure hip-hop, pure artistry, and it should change the game, it falls just short of classic.  Its genius masterpiece work, but not simply genius, because of todays days and times, this album will probably never get the recognition, airplay or credit it deserves. It will probably never gain the fan base to cross over to have the impact for it to change the game, as a classic should. Upon first listen you usually know a classic, I’m not sure this is, but a great album, I’m not sure this entire album is timeless, but its definitely a highlight for hip hop and Nas. Its going to be hotly debated, over rather this is classic, and I wont be upset with anybody that feels it should be, and I hope it stands the test of time and I have to write that I was wrong. Its damn near flawless, the chemistry is great, the beats on point, and not a single out of place collaboration or verse.  I give the album a 5 ½ out of 6 stars, not because the album falls short, but because of the space hip hop it self is in, I don’t think this album will change the landscape and the rules of hip hop. It doesn’t break complete new ground and change everything we know. I m not sure its going to inspire cats to step it up, no knock on Nas, but a knock on the culture. Cats are not going to hear this and want to work harder. God I hope I’m wrong tho.

Big K.R.I.T. - Live from the Underground

Big K.R.I.T. - Live from the Underground

If you haven’t heard of Big K.R.I.T, Id have to question what rock you’ve been under and insist that you don’t keep your ear tuned to the underground, nor do you search out quality music.  The young rapper /producer from Mississippi, has been on a tear musically putting it down for not only the South but taking us back to hip hop with substance, creativity, and concepts.  With a string of critically acclaimed, slept on and highly anticipated tracks and mix-tapes, he has garnered a lot of attention and respect, including a number major features and collaborations. Bringing back serious hip hop that’s reminiscent of some of Hiphops Legendary acts   (i.e. Outkast, 8ball & MJG, UGK, Scarface). Honored as one of XXL’s Freshman of the year in 2011. He finally delivers the much anticipated, major label debut “Live from the Underground.

Lyrically and poetically he’s dope, no denying that. He has flow, command over his beats and knows how to make a song and stick to a concept completely.  He’s versatile in a number of skill sets (flow, delivery, etc.) and cant be boxed into any particular style i.e. punch line, club or conscious rapper. He has a vast subject range and has an old soul about him, check  “ Praying Man” f/ B.B. King. He has the ability to carry a song by himself or share the spotlight check for “I Got This” and “Money on the Floor” f/ 8Ball &MJG, & 2Chainz. Production wise the beats are very bluesy and soulful, think of early outkast, you can hear the influence but it’s till original. Just from his mix tapes and right up into his this album he has proves that he doesn’t make or thrive on a particular type of song, he has a brand of music that he makes, and that at least will solidify him a solid following of loyal fans. He has something for everybody and every part of the country. His music has that all important head nod factor check for “If I fall” f/ Melanie Fiona.  Its definitely original, it’s not like anything or anyone out. I sadly don’t expect much video or radio play, but live shows will be on point. If you looking for commercialism and materialism stereotypes, this is not the album, this album is about the music not the gimmick, the steak not the sizzle, honestly it really has a Dungeon Family fee, check for “Rich Dad Poor Dad”.

Its an album that will grow on you, the replay value at first wont be high but each time you listen you’ll like it and appreciate more and more. I don’t promise you’ll love every song, but every song is listenable, and no skipping is required.  It could honestly end up being very slept on and not be appreciated until years later

There’s no doubt

It’s a good album, consistent with all of his other works, but I don’t think it will get him any new fans or convert any none believers. The mix tapes so far have been better, the album seem to be missing that signature track that sets it off. And I can appreciate the fact that he didn’t use one of the major mix tape releases as expected.  For those in the middle, the jury will still be out on Big K.R.I.T. I give it a strong 3 ½ stars out of 6, definitely worth checking though.  I expect a lot of growth and development in years to come.

Album and Mixtape reviews, tale of the tapes

I know its been a lil while since I posted, I figured since I listen to and review so many albums/ mix tapes, it’s a waste of knowledge to only give you  reviews for major releases and stuff I have to write a review for for the collective, so Ill start giving you everything  I listen too,  a rating and short description. You may find some new music you into and worth checking out.

Albums

Obie Trice –  Bottoms Up – 3 out of 6 stars – consistent for Obie Trice, has strong and weak points but worth checking for.

Planet Asia – Black Belt theatre – 3 out f 6 stars –

Immortal Technique –strong 3 ½  out of 6 stars -  Very good concept, a lot of dept and knowledge. Serious album, people need to listen, definitely worth checking for.

Kid Cuddi – WZRD – 2 out of 6 stars – I just  wasn’t feeling it , but judge for your self

Tech n9ne – Klusterfuk EP – 4 out of 6 mics – Stays on top of his game and picks up right where he left off from the last albums

Ja Rule – Pain is Love 2 –  A weak 3 out of 6 - He still has flow, lyrics, delivery and song making ability, but the chemistry  between producers and magic between the crew  of collabosthat made for success is noticeably missing. Can hear songs and figure out who is missing from it.

Diggy Simmons – 3 ½ out of 6 – was so not what I expected. An adult worthy listen , not kiddy or pop. Shows great potential.

Mixtapes

Teyana Taylor -  The Miseducation of Teyana Taylor – 4 ½ out of 6  - Was good enough to be an album, if she keeps it up the future is very bright for her.

The Game – California Republic – 4 out of 6 stars Another solid release form game, lots of features, it’s a good set up for an album, does a lil experimenting with Rick Ross style, but overall good mixtape and worth checking for.

Torch of Triple C’s – UFO vol 2 – 3out of 6 stars – was better than expected, some classic hip hop samples, pretty decent.

Plies - Plies on Trial – 1 out of 6.  needs improvement, work and focus. But fans of Plies should check for it.

Paul Wall – No sleep Till Houston – 3 ½  out of 6 – Stereotypically Paul Wall and Houston, but in a good way, no surprises, hope he goes a lil more in dept and chooses differnet types of beats for the album.  Good collaborations.

Obie Trice -Watch the Chrome – 3 out of 6 stars – Consistent Obie Trice, good set up for the album

Nipsey Hustle- The Marathon Continues  : X-Tra  Laps – 3 ½ out of 6 stars  Nipsey continues to do hs thing, building his brand and fan base. Stays consistent and well rounded, worth checking .

Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire – Lost in Translation – 3 out of 6  I got put on to this and told to check it out – Dudes creative and has concepts and vision, look forward to his growth.

Mac miller – Macadelic – 3 out of 6 – was alright, picks up where his album left off, look forward to his growth.

Gorilla Zoe – Gorilla Zoe world – 2out of 6 – expected more, doesn’t live up to his potential

Gillie da Kid – King of Philly – strong 2 ½  out of 6 – Hit or miss on a lot of  tracks, very like it or love it.

Fiend – Life behind limo glass – 3 out of 6. Worth checking for

Big K.R.I.T – 4Eva N A Day – 4 out of 6 – setting up major expectations for his album release, staying very consistent, delivered to expectations and anticipation.

8 Ball – Premro  - 3 ½ out of 6 – consistent and expect 8 Ball, good return for him. 

Just my perspective of whats out, check or not for your self and make your own determinations

slin_k

@slin_k_polymath

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Nicki Minaj , hate her or love her, but you have an opinion on her, good or bad and very seldom indifferent. After a breakout and explosive debut to stardom, a number of criticism, and a few beefs, she has definitely stayed in the headlines becoming a household name, and definitely lives up to the as long as people are talking about you mantra.

Enter the second album, usually the album that defines which road your career is headed down, usually comes at a time when all eyes are on you for either having major success as is the case or for not quite living up to the hype the first time out. Either way people want to see can you do it again, can you intrigue us into sticking with you for the long haul or build on what initially made fans. With words like sellout, pop star( used as a diss and a compliment, depending on perspective), and biter, or as the new generations calls them swagger jackers, words that in Hip-hop can be death sentences, all eyes are definitely on Nicki and her sophomore album Roman Reloaded.  

A lot of hope and trust has been placed in Nicki Minaj as a representative of female Mc’s everywhere, because for years there has been no recognizable face really holding it down for the ladies, proving that they can no only sell, but exhibit skills also. Nicki once showed promise and skill as a lyricist , but as of late has taken a very pop music route, and not hip-hop’s version of pop. POP music’s version of pop. The first controversial single “Stupid Hoe” gave many a peak into what to expect, but you could never be sure and could still hope.  For those hoping to hear the hip hop lyricist many fell in love with, after the first two songs on the album “Roman Holiday“ a bonafide pop song, and “Come on a Cone” my only thoughts WTF, its clear that the pop version of Nicki is going to be around a lot longer than some may want.

The best track on the album is “I am Your Leader” ft/ Rick Ross and Camron, who not only save the song but also really make it.  Another notable track is “Champion” ft/ Drake, Young Jeezy and Nas. Drake delivers a petty good verse, and decent verses from Nas and Jeezy help make the song listenable.  But, other than those two the album is pretty much a pop and dance music album, not party, but dance as in that techno house music vibe that’s taking everyone is playing with these days.  If that’s what you’re into check “Starship” and “Pound the Alarm”

Lyrically , its very simple, watered down, bubble gum. A track like  “Beez in the Trap” couldn’t even be saved by 2 Chainz. Most of the lyrics require no intricacy at all, it’s dumb down and borderline stupid, for people who don’t take music serious, don’t really know about music or hip-hop. Purely dumb down and watered down for any and everybody to understand, it aint for music purist or people with advanced taste or older people. If you’re in the club bouncing around and not listening to lyrics its perfect.

Sonically it’s a pop dance music album, the production is tailored to that sound. Song making wise its very catchy, radio friendly, stuff you’ll hear in certain types of clubs and some fashion shows etc.  Entertainment wise, its not something that most will listen to religiously, its not something your going to keep getting something new from every time you listen to it, its not timeless. Most people wont be riding around with it on repeat in their car, but you’ll hear it because in the state of radio today , you can expect to not be able to avoid hearing this album against your will. Originality, I don’t think any new ground is being broken hip-hop wise, but considering I’m not an expert in pop, house or dance, I’m unsure if it’s groundbreaking in those areas.  From a versatility stand point, its that because it shows she can make music in various genres, she covers all her bases,  pop, dance, house, the sing songy R&B hybrid joint, check “Right by my Side” and even island flavor with “Gun Shot” ft/ Beenie Man. Even a seasonal track, a song like Starships  a dance track, made for the house crowd, it’ll be played on pop radio especially around spring break and summer time for years to come.

Most of the subject range is very light hearted stuff, if there is depth on the album most will miss it because the song structure and production doesn’t allow you to focus in on what’s being said, the beats and hooks are what’s being sold here If all you care about is money and sales, then cool. But creativity and artistry, soulful, inspiring and credibility none.  I expect the album to play large with the pop audience and at the Kids Choice awards, but with adults,  it depends on what they’re buying into these days.

For the most part Roman Reloaded is not a hip-hop album, a pop for sure. Just because you use hip hop slang, inspired by hip hop and call yourself an MC don’t make you one. We currently need the female MCS to step up because Nicki is not holding it down for them, at all.  This album proves nothing. A very hard to listen to and take serious album, waste of cd's and studio time in my opinion, I wouldn’t buy it.

 I don’t want to see her on any list for MCing, unless people like Madonna,  J-Lo, Jordan sparks, Chris brown, etc. are gone be on the list also, because they rap just as much and sometimes better than Nicki. 

Make money however you want, just don’t false advertise to the people and undercut the culture.

I give the album as a hip hop album 1 and half stars  out of 6 or if you want 6 stars out of 6, a classic rating, but not classically good, classically bad as an example of what not to do and label it hip hop. Nicki fans, worshiper and fanatics will disagree and they are entitled to. I know hip-hop has evolved and can’t be put in a box, but you know it when you hear it and you know what it isn’t, and this isn’t. I still expect phenomenal album sales and it to rack up at award shows and set records, but in the state of the music business today, how many of those actually have much credibility anyway.

slin_k
@slin_k_polymath

Maino - The Day After Tomorrow

Maino. The name and face are familiar but many of the masses have yet to really listen to him enough to have an accurate opinion on him. Despite the success of three singles off the first album, most notably “All the Above”, Maino remains under the radar, and highly underrated.  With a good first album and a noticeable singles under his belt, Maino set to take on the sophomore album. A make or break, because its been known to either prove you have it or you don’t, peak fans interest or make them doubt. And with 3 years in between albums, one EP a few mixtapes, but not a lot of radio or video presence, and not a lot of features, the deck is kind of stacked against Maino. And to ratchet the pressure up a little more, Maino called his last mixtape I am who I am, the album before the album, and considering the mixtape was good, it adds pressure to not let the mixtape be better than the album.

But one listen to Maino’s music proves that he’s a fighter, a survivor and focused.

Ready to show and prove, Maino steps up to prove he belongs, and delivers The Day After Tomorrow an album about the trials and tribulations, goods and bads of having success.

If the I am who I am, mixtape was the album before the album, then Maino definitely just dropped two good albums, because it lives up to it in every way.

The album shows so much growth, this is grown man music, its balanced, extremely soulful, and most importantly focused.

The production is soulful and cinematic, but tailor fitted for him and his style and make a perfect combo.  If you want to know how good a rapper, is slow down the beat, and don’t overproduce the track.  Put him on a soulful, introspective track

bare bones, drums bass, them the booth and their lyrics. No gimmicks, no extra fast pace or beat that hides what’s being said or beat that makes everyone sound good, on this album Maino’s beat selection is such that it focuses on letting you hear what he has to say and he excels on the soulful tracks. Check for “Heaven for a G” as a standout over the Emotions sample of “I Could Never be Happy”.  

The song making is on point.

There are a lot of mid tempo and slow songs, but there is something for everyone and every occasion, check “Cream” ft./ T.I and Meek Mills for you club fix.

The album probably wont get a lot of radio play, as I don’t hear a watered down enough radio single, its very street, very honest. “Unstoppable” may have the best shot for crossover success or “Let it Fly” f/ Roscoe Dash

Lyrically, its not intricate lyricism, complex rhyme schemes, but it heart felt and real.  Check for tracks like “Messiah” and “Day after tomorrow”.

The features are well placed, and not over shadowing, they compliment but don’t make the album, not in overabundance and honestly not needed, but don’t take away form the album either.  Maino clearly proves that he can hold an album down by himself.  The features are honest, not forced or gimmicks.

I rate the album 4 stars out of 6. Its good, ride out, chill, and smoke music.

Tyga - Careless World: Rise of the Last King.

It seems as if YMCMB has been building a team, versatile, balance and prepped for every situation. , They have stars, icons,  veterans, they seem to have a little something for everyone.

            As always on every team there is always one young cat that is endorsed by the Superstar that is yet to get their shine.  As Jay-Z used to say of Memphis Bleek, one hit away. For Young Money, that artist is Tyga.

After a 4-year between albums, a relative eternity in the music world, people know of Tyga but are still waiting for him to solidify a spot in their hearts and minds.  His first album was lack luster, and the single “Coconut Juice” received mixed luke warm reception. A slew of mix tapes most noticeably Fan of Fan with Chris Brown, garnered a slight buzz, but garnered no major attention or set up any great anticipation. Two consecutive years in BET’s Hip Hop Awards show cyphers, fail to leave a lasting impression of what Tyga could do. With the Sophomore album often being the proving ground, make or break album for artist who haven’t popped, and stumbling block for artist who came out hot, Tyga has a lot to prove with his back against the wall.  Tyga steps to the proving grounds with Careless World: Rise of the Last King.  

With the full Power and blessing of the Young Money machine behind him the album has a slew of features, both in house and a who’s who of who is hot in hip-hop right now.  The Lead single “Rack City” is pretty misleading as the rest of the album is not very club like at all, maybe with the exception of Faded f/ Lil Wayne. And to be honest I’m not sure if there is another single that will get wide spread appeal. The album contains a few solid album cuts, but a large majority of the firepower and stellar verses come from the feature artist. Check “Kings and Queens” f/ Wale, and Nas and Let it Show f/ J.Cole

For many, this will be a first true introduction to Tyga, and I feel it’ll be a slightly disappointing. Tyga still has room for growth and development, he may need to work on his craft a lil more before the masses are ready to receive him.

Lyrically, Careless World is very simple, not unintelligent, but it could use more time, work, creativity, and intricacy. The average poet, writer and rapper are going to feel like they can match or beat it, and the average fan of lyrics is not going to be very impressed.  Even people that don’t really listen to lyrics wont be very impressed.  He’s not one dimensional subject range wise, but he may want to dig a little deeper. To often Tyga is outshined by the feature artist, the feature artist are carrying the songs. The production could be better, he may need to spend time searching for a producer that can help him tailor a sound because he has yet to find a sound or type of music that fits his style and is signature to him, so that when it starts you know it’s a Tyga album. He has versatility, and is able to make different types of songs, but because its not fine tuned yet it sounds kind of all over the place, or simply just a song about something else, rather than versatile.  Entertainment wise, there are a few nice cuts, but nothing stellar or classic. It maybe an album that has to grow on you, but it doesn’t jump out and grab your attention right away, and for most people it will lack replay value. What ever that it factor, or the intangibles are that put an album over the hump, are missing.  I rate the album a 2-½ stars out of 6.

                                                                                                                                Slin-K

                                                                                                                               @slin_k_polymath on Twitter