In a rush, so here’s one to warm you up for what should be a stellar episode of R&B Fridays.
Audio can be accquired 10 R&B Fridays ago.
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Surprised at how much this track has taken off. Apparently, it’s already charted in the US Top 10 before this video was released, so congratulations on that one! I do like this track, and it was one of the better ones from the album: the positive, summer spin on the track definitely makes this one to perk up any playlist.
1. The Good Life
The beat is really well put together, and instead of coming across as a standalone beat that these guys have just laid vocals over, the way in which it weaves and blends with the lyrics and vocals is a highlight of the track. It’s toned down for lyrical focus points in the verses, and switched up to full effect with a live drum compliment for the hook, emphasising a catchy and upbeat chorus that gives this track a distinct flavour. Vocals are great as you’d expect from Trey, and Drake’s verse is alright, although I’d hoped he’d do better as this sort of beat normally fits his style well. One to check out for sure, another strong track from the album. Trey Songz-The Usual ft. Drake Great to see Yelawolf getting these big name co-signs, and even better that he’s getting screen time for one of them. No audio for you, as you should already have Big Boi’s album by now. If you don’t, get your head checked! The Five One’s first official single gets the video treatment, and builds upon the memorable foundations laid by the audio. The key to knowing if a video fits the audio is when the descriptions for both are eerily similar: the video is nothing short of genuine, with no unnecessary effects or storylines, and instead gives you a personal and captivating look at the band in their element. The relaxed, easygoing nature of the video makes it very easy to rewatch too, much like the audio. Overall, a strong video for a strong track that will hopefully elevate The Five One to new heights.
In early 1990 Lord Finesse brought together some of the most talented producers, DJ’s and MC’s in the game who would later become one of the most respected hip-hop group’s of all time. Diamond D, Showbiz, A.G., O.C., Buckwild, Fat Joe and finally Big L one-by-one eventually teamed up to form the legendary D.I.T.C. Heads, you know what to do. Click that red. → Continue Reading Throwback Thursdays Vol 38 We all know now that Fat Joe’s centrepiece to his Darkside Vol 1 is the modern-day classic, DJ Premier cut: I’m Gone. Quick video here of the two breaking down exactly how the record came about. I know Joey dedicated his joint to Guru, but doesn’t it seem a bit insensitive he made Premo send over not one, but two beats even though Premo’s man had just passed?! Joe speaks a lot shit (especially lately), but can’t hate on his closing words. This is odd because J-Love/Meyhem’s Acknowledge Greatness is a few years old but hey, can’t hate on some free visual action now can we? Cormega looks like he’s on some K’naan shit huh?
Onto business, first up is Crooked I’s part 4 of his “swagger jacked” hip-hop weekly series (aimed no doubt at Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Fridays). Here he spits over Fat Joe’s summer hit If It Ain’t About Money. Not his best verses, but certainly does a better job than Joey Crack. Hip-Hop Weekly Reloaded: Part 4 (If It Ain’t About Money) Catch up with the series here.
This track picks up from where the aforementioned album left off, delivering a slow, contemplative and easygoing production that allows Phonte’s ever-versatile vocals to cross those R&B/soul/hip-hop boundaries seamlessly. Lyrically, the track has a frank honesty that is admirable, highlighted by the insecurity and vulnerability of the hopeful hook. The key of their music that keeps me coming back is the knack for making music that is uniquely seasonal: it tends to evoke images of autumn (fall) and winter, which comfortably lets you drift away with your thoughts, and all without being remotely depressive. A rare blend that is nothing short of a great experience. The Foreign Exchange-Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me
I wanted to leave this for R&B Friday, but caved in. Understandably, Jesse Boykins III may not be a familiar name: my only exposure to him was through Mickey Factz mixtapes, as they’ve collaborated several times to good effect. He takes a swing at this track, and does a monumentally good job in not only retaining the beauty of the original, but stamping his own indelible mark on the song. Vocally, the work is very different to the original, being a lot more relaxed and rooted in vintage soul, whilst the production follows suit and drops the sharp guitar notes of the original in favour of a lighter, vocal-boosting sound. They’re differences that allow this version to stand alongside the original without being hindered by direct comparisons due to the nature of the changes: it’s not about which ones better, but being able to enjoy them both for their respective merits. For me this absolutely consitutes unmissable music, and makes you truly appreciate how there are very few things better than a perfect soul track. Skepta and Preeya Kalidas, riding on the positive feedback their collaboration has received, have made a video for this track. Edit: Bringing this back to the top as we do have a CDQ of this track now! Click here to get that.
Maino keeps his ‘comeback’ on track with a nice verse on this great track. It’s only a clean version sadly, which means even Chris Brown’s vocals are heavily edited, but it’s still worth grabbing for sure. Chris Brown-Deuces Remix ft. Maino Mangaliso asi, remember the name? Refer back to Ajay’s review of Jay Electronica’s show in London earlier this year, “Showing incredible adaptability, he proceeded to brilliantly deliver a lyrical onslaught. With genuine confidence and charisma, anyone who was in attendance won’t forget Mangaliso Asi any time soon.” Well he’s back with a new mixtape for your ears, you can preview it to the left here: and if you like it, you can also download it for free. The press release sums up this guy’s talent pretty well: Influenced by the music of his spiritual home South Africa, Mangaliso asi’s sound is reminiscent of the golden era of hip hop with an afro-jazz infused twist. His verses and beats are a rich melodic tapestry, capable of transcending the streets of London to Soweto. Sit up, take note and prepare for the thought provoking, introspective journey that is Mangaliso asi – the true heartbeat and voice of the street. Underground hip-hop fans will be sure to love this.
T.I. – Pledge Allegiance To The Swag ft. Rick Ross
Really feeling this acoustic nature of Ant’s recent production and Slug delivers those memorable verses which make him one of the best to ever do it. Make sure you get your hands on their last leak. Hotly-anticipated visuals for Cee-Lo’s very popular track. In a bit of a rush, so you’ll have to play reviewer and check this one out for yourself! Audio can be found here.
Wiz Khalifa – Black And Yellow
A great track to kick things off with, with the production being a raw, gritty beat that clearly has its roots in the old-school style and helps to dispel some misconceptions about Asher’s rapping: he takes this beat on superbly, delivering a nicely-paced and fitting verse with some great lines. I’d never heard Nottz rap before this and he does a decent job too, bringing a more aggressive, Royce Da 5’9″-esque style to the track. Hip-hop heads should definitely be checking for this one. Nottz Raw and Asher Roth-Enforce The Law
Mickey Factz-New Campus Kingpin
From DJ Green Lantern’s Invasion Radio 2k10 Mixtape, but this is a tagless version for you. Nas – Last Real Nigga Alive Pt. 2
Click here to check out the leaks etc. previously mentioned, and please do yourselves a favour and grab this mixtape. I can’t stress enough how much quality Sean possesses, and if you’re a new-school fan of hip-hop you really need to be appreciating talents like his. Big Sean-Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG R&B’s (better, more tolerable) version of Justin Bieber lets loose a video for his decent debut single. As previously stated, this was originally a Sean Garrett track but Def Jam obviously felt it was better suited for Khalil. It’s a good track either way though, and be sure to give the audio a go here.
One thing that has to be said, despite my previous insistence on not reviewing the track: Kanye’s done a great job with this beat. It’s a bit of a shame it was used for a Justin Bieber collab (no offense, it’s just a beat better suited for a real hip-hop track). As I said before, this track will definitely intrigue almost every visitor of this site so click below and prepare to listen to the Wu-Tang and Justin Bieber together Justin Bieber-Runaway Love Remix ft. Raekwon and Kanye West |
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