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

Myztik - The Alligator Alley Mixtape

If you listen to the media you’d believe that Southern Hip hop is responsible for ruining hip hop music, and you’d believe that Southern hip hop is only about beats and a certain type of music, but none the less a group of young emcees continually push through determined to break that stereotype. Now I usually don’t take mixtapes and albums  given to me randomly and unsolicited, but after earing this one I felt it was my responsibility to not only report on what’s new but also to possibly introduce new talent with this column.

So I introduce to you, from South Florida , Myztik, dropping the Alligator Alley Mixtape.  

Lyrically its good, it can use a little work. Some of the punch lines are hit or miss, but he’s not just a punch line rapper and has the ability to rap in between the punchlines. Versatility and Originality are kind of lacking, the subject ranges are expected, representing, the street life, haters, success, etc, not original or new but definitely done his own way.  Expect that rhyme schemes and complexity will increasingly become deeper with time but he does show promise and opportunity for growth with flashes of brilliance at certain moments. The flow and ability to adapt over different beats is the greatest strength, coupled with a strong delivery.

The production is pretty good. It leaves some to be desired and makes you wonder what he could do with stronger beats, but he does seem to have chemistry with the producer(s) and seems comfortable over the beat selection. Only problem is  so far Sonically it doesn’t have a signature sound overall. No one beat stands out or is instantly memorable.

Myztik does however posses strong song making ability, that should garner him some attention from Dj’s for parties, clubs and possibly radio or mix shows.  “Hating on Me” f / Guerilla Zoe,  Pound of Purple f/ Gucci Mane ,  and Wire are perfect for that format.

Entertainment value is pretty high, and so is the replay value , you’ll get a few spins off the project. Overall I give it a strong 3 and ½ stars out of 6. Good job, look forward to hearing growth because he'll get better with time and experience. Its worth checking out , if you’d like to check it for yourself you can download it at  http://www.datpiff.com/Myztik-Alligator-Alley-mixtape.291374.html  and judge for your self.

                                                                                     Slin-K

                                                                                    @slin_k_polymath on twitter

Common - The Dreamer / The Believer

What can be said about Common that hasn’t already said, he’s a living legend, a true representative and representation of hip hop, he’s been at and has stayed consistently fire for going on 20 years now. He’s not afraid to succeed nor fail, he stays true to himself at all cost doing what he wants to do and making music from his heart they way he wants to hear it regardless of album sales or any ones opinion. Based on his track record you really truly don’t know what to expect from Common because he is not afraid to take a large risk and go completely left and experiment with a new sound, never one to paint himself into a box or corner or to stereotype himself, he’s a true artist that pushes boundaries.

After mixed reviews and the somewhat experimental Universal Mind Control , you always have to wonder what to expect from Common next. Well with The Dreamer / The Believer, Common brings it back, closer to the middle of expectations and desires of his music, and brings back typical but not  stereotypical Common music. With all songs being produced by No I.D. you know some good hiphop is to be served and that chemistry be on point.

Lyrically it’s the dope you expect . If you’re a fan of lyrics you know and expect better than average from Common. The subject range is great, there is no one prevailing theme or subject, its life in all its forms.

On the scale of originality it’s not anything that has never been done, but more on the side of what is rarely done anymore. And its Common being him self not any body else or following any trends other than the recent trend of having on producer take on the whole load.

No I.D lays it down on the production, it’s a good selection of beats and overall sonically its well rounded.  Not necessarily any instant classics or beats that will change history but definitely some jams.

 The strength is in the song making ability . Each song has a feel and depending on what mood you’re in when listening may determine which song you want to hear and what’s your favorite that day. I don’t think there is any wasted tracks, collabos or beats.  The collabo are very poignant and he does the majority of work himself.  All of the tracks fit and flow, there is no significant drop off, its consistent song to song as expected from a vet.  Definitely check the Intro track “The Dreamer” f/ Maya Angelou, Ghetto Dreams f/ Nas ,  “Lovin I lost” , “Celebrate” , and The Believer f/ John Legend.

If you’re a fan of real music, authentic hip hop and lyrics, the entertainment value will be relatively high, and the replay value also. Its not his best album but should be well received. I give The Dreamer / The Believer  a strong 4 out of 6 stars

Young Jeezy -TM103 Hustlerz Ambition

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.

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.

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

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