Eric Turner’s Youtube channel mentions Turner’s “stadium sound“, and that’s a rather accurate description. I’ve had this song on repeat ever since it was released a short while ago, and it’s stadium pop style is a big reason for that, making for an uplifting and engaging listen that feels suited to any listening environment.
Eric’s been involved in some big tracks with both artists in the past, as Indi’s already covered in the audio review, and their inclusion makes for a big duo of co-signs. I’m a fan of Lupe’s verse on this, with his speed and timing sliding in nicely with the production, whilst Tinie’s contribution is surprisingly enjoyable, alongside the huge Eric Turner vocals which are an excellent listen that really anchor the track.
The video has a likeable spray paint effect throughout, as the respective performers are visualised in an exciting, perpetually-moving art style that adds an unpredictability and uniqueness to the visual, in a relatively simple manner. Decent watch that brings the audio to life.
Whenever Mick pops up in my inbox, it’s always a source of excitement at what the gifted DJ has in store for us. Today, it’s a very intriguing project, as he pulls together an enticing collection of tracks from the vault, in addition to some unique reworks of popular tracks from both acts.
A huge 36-track lineup awaits those who give this one a go, as Mick excavates some interesting material from both Nas and The Roots that features the likes of Q-Tip, Slick Rick and more, in addition to a few collaborative Nas/The Roots tracks. The mixtape is ‘for Madden Bowl 2012–part of this year’s Superbowl events–which takes place Thursday in Indianapolis. Madden Bowl 2012 features live performances from Nas and The (Legendary) Roots Crew and Mick‘. Check it out below.
I wasn’t particularly enamoured with the original version of this track when it first dropped, but the addition of Young Jeezy has certainly made me pay attention. Production wise it’s almost tailor-made for Jeezy, who has been in a rich vein of form as of late, whilst the visuals themselves make this video a decent watch.
I can’t say I’m that excited about B.o.B’s next album (given the pop-styled nature of his last effort), but if he returns to his more innovative style of his early career then it should get some positive shine.
The news that these two were collaborating on an EP together still hasn’t sunk in yet for me; Yelawolf is one of my favourite emcees at the moment! Not sure how this came about, but I’m sure these two will deliver the goods.
On the left here you can check out the trailer for their upcoming EP, The Slumdon Bridge, which features some behind the scenes footage of them working together (always refreshing to see!). The track being played in the video is different to the one that was released (click here to get the one they did let loose), and it has a more self-reflective vibe to it, which is precisely what I like. No release date for the EP as of yet, but it’s definitely one I’m looking forward to.
The remix to the massive hit that was Rack City sees Tyga, Wale, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Young Jeezy and T.I. all team up; what a lineup. Along with this official remix a video has been shot too. Best verse? For me it goes to T.I. who is really starting to come back into form after his latest jail stint. Download below.
I wanted to open this week’s episode with a breakdown of why the number 135 was special. Turns out, nothing of any significance is tied to the number, so that’s that.
All caught up? Good. Feel free to resume your browsing by clicking below for this week’s instalment. There’s also a surprise new feature included in this episode that we’ve been requested to add for some time. Mysterious. → Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 135
MeLo-X is a name you often come across (mostly in association with Mickey Factz and Jesse Boykins III), and you probably have a few of his songs and/or remixes but have never really quite known who he is. I certainly fall into that category, so hopefully this track from his upcoming Fewture album will help us all get more familiar.
I’ll not lie here: it was the title that made me initially give this a go, but the quality of the track is what’s kept me repeating it over the last 24 hours. Genre-wise, it’s mostly grounded in a chillout electronic style, with light lashings of other genres mixed in, and Melo proves himself as an excellent producer of progressive, ambient instrumental music full of intrigue and atmosphere at every turn. Opening with soft electronic samples and airy synths, the track slowly reveals itself with more lively elements thrown into the mix, with the final third of the track having a real epic film score feel about it, and credit goes to mellow for producing a track with such a wonderful depth of layers. An unmissable slice of instrumental excellence.
ScHoolboy Q has been attracting many new fans recently, as the critics lap up his new album, Habits & Contradictions. Having heard it, it’s not hard to realise why; the production is top-notch and he offers a rather sombre yet gritty style to his peers, like Kendrick Lamar.
NigHtmare On Figg St. is a wonderful reworking of Jay-Z and Kanye’s flamboyant Ni**as in Paris, the production is great and the video rather haunting.
Fresh from the mixtape comes a video; Maino does not mess about!
One reason why I’ve always kept my ear out for Maino’s music is because he is, without any doubt, credible. If he says he’ll punch you in the face, you know he’ll do it. Last of the Mohicans echoes that sentiment, where he and Push Montana tell us they’re part of a dying breed, which I can certainly agree with (looking at the types of rappers that currently get all the plaudits!).
Push Montana is fast becoming one of my favourite ‘unknown’ rappers about too. Get the mixtape here.
Brand new material from one of music’s most popular rising stars, ‘recorded for the MUGLER Mens FW 2012 runway show‘, which speaks volumes about her status right now.
There’s certainly a ‘runway’ feel about this for the first half, with a light electro backdrop combining with whispery, intermittent vocals and spoken word additions for a relatively eccentric yet sonically consistent effort that suits its intended environment. Things turn more ‘song-like’ in the second half, as the synth gets a little bassier and Azealia’s allowed a little more time and frequency in the vocal department, bringing some much-needed energy to the whole affair. An enjoyable listen that offers something a little different.
The tagline to this mixtape reads ‘the album before the album’ and boy is that the truth. After recent impressive mixtapes from Rick Ross and Saigon, where the quality of material was as high/higher than most rapper’s albums, Maino follows up with an equally as impressive mixtape. 21 tracks and feature-heavy (Maino’s upcoming sophomore album will only have a couple features at the most!) there’s something for everyone here.
Great use of sampling of some classic lines from the epic TV series, The Wire. Real nice touch which gives the mixtape a concept feel. Visit the link below to go stream and download the mixtape!
Though it’s only from the soundtrack of the upcoming Think Like A Man film, it’s always great to get some new John Legend, and it certainly helps when it’s one of his better tracks in a long time.
Opening with in an atmospheric and drifty manner, there’s an instantly smooth vibe pouring out of this one, and whilst the song does shift into a more pop/R&B realm with the percussion and additional elements, it retains enough of that initial airy quality to give it a distinctive flavour. Legend’s vocals are never in doubt, and here he actually does a good job of stifling his natural passion and intensity, instead opting for a more structurally sound effort that still showcases his wonderful talent. Definitely worth a listen, and look out for it on iTunes on Tuesday.
A one-off track with these two would be enough of a surprise, but when accompanied by the news they’re working on a full EP together, the level of surprise escalates quite considerably! Some are reporting the rest of the EP isn’t with Yela-as far as I’m aware that’s not the case, and this is from an upcoming Ed/Yela free EP, Slumdon Bridge.
The track is a good all-rounder, with Ed once again utilising his rap-esque delivery, blending his naturally smooth voice with a speedy delivery that both works in tandem with and in contrast to Yela’s own pacey, but more shrill style. The production has a magnetising minimalism, made up mostly of a light percussion and soft synth, and the combination works to spotlight the lyrical work of both artists. Worth a listen for sure.
A gem found in my inbox, this laidback slice of acoustically-driven hip-hop will win fans of a huge variety of genres.
J.O.T.T. picks an excellent production here, and goes for that rarely-touched but ever-effective blend of acoustic guitar and rapping, which offers a relaxed vibe that allows the natural emotion in Jitta’s raps to come to the fore. It’s not the sort of backdrop that lends itself to complex, multisyllabic rhymes, and instead is one that calls out for a softer, more melodic approach that Jitta brings in spades with some solid introspection in the raps, and a nice harmony on the hook.
The video offers a good range of natural scenes, in a few senses of the word, as much of it takes place in a forest or around a campfire, with additional scenes of warming interactions with friends and spouses interspersed throughout. It’s an excellent range of selections for the style of music created, resisting the temptation to become too alternative or too hip-hop. Instead, it’s an easy-to-watch effort that cruises along with the audio nicely. Good all-round effort, and you can grab this track on iTunes right now.
Something new from the strangely quiet Joe Budden. A much welcomed lyrical affair implemented on a great instrumental from Jay-Z and Kanye’s Watch the Throne, with nothing particularly controversial rapped about by Joey, which is unusually refreshing. Definitely prefer this to the verses on the original; download below.
The four-man collective that Joey’s a part of, Slaughterhouse, have announced that their major label début album will be released on May the 15th! With a nationwide American tour also scheduled around the time. We need Slaughterhouse to perform in the UK soon!
Hosted by the venerable Terry Urban, Gilbere comes through with an unexpected mixtape, composed of unreleased songs, freestyles and remixes over the course of his short career thus far.
Gilbere is certainly one of OTU’s favourite upcoming rappers, and hopefully his consistency will carry over to this collection of rarities, whilst providing a good platform for him to really excel and break that glass ceiling this year. He’s joined by an excellent line-up of supporting artists, including established acts such as Pusha T and Lloyd Banks alongside frequent collaborators Sean Rose and Selina Carrera. Free grab of the 18-track project is available below.
19 (that’s right, nineteen!) new tracks from Saigon with the latest instalment of his Warning Shots mixtapes (I remember buying Warning Shots 1 in HMV back in 2003!).
Hosted by Just Blaze and a feature from ex-enemy Joe Budden, I anticipate this’ll be a good mixtape. Especially as the blogs have been praising the quality of the singles that Saigon had put out there from this tape. Grab it below.
One of the more durable tracks on Rocky’s debut mixtape, with it still grabbing plays on my iTunes to this day. Warning: not suitable for viewing by minors!
A trippy blend of psychedelic colours and dimly-lit environments captures the essence of the audio excellently, whilst there’s certainly a general vibe around this video that has a real throwback feel. There’s a little sprinkling of opulence too, as Rocky flaunts his new-found fame and success, without overshadowing his natural style and charisma throughout the video. Of course, the rest of the A$AP mob are featured throughout the video, and I’m sure we’ll hear more from them soon.
Thematically, the video isn’t going to throw you any surprises, but makes for an easygoing, fitting accompaniment to a very enjoyable track. Grab it for yourself on the LiveLoveA$AP mixtape now.
Eric Turner’s worked with both Tinie Tempah and Lupe Fiasco on separate tracks in the past, so it’s only natural these three come together for a big collaboration (keeping with the theme of transatlantic-ism!).
If you’ve heard any of Eric Turner’s collabos with urban artists from both sides of the Atlantic, then you’ll know what to expect: Very addictive vocals from Eric with a banger of a beat to match. Lupe and Tinie both come through with decent verses, but would it be fair to say that Tinie’s verse is the better of the two? These are controversial times we live in. Download below.
Saigon comes through with some animated visuals for a track off his brilliant Greatest Story Never Told album.
A good song to introduce yourself to what Saigon’s about, if you’ve never really heard his stuff before (here’s another good example). Here he lets loose his feelings about greed of certain churches and preachers in America…
Fun video to watch! You can buy the album from iTunes by clicking here.
Jeezy’s album TM103 was a long time in the making and it was finally released at the back end of last year; it did not disappoint.
Supa Freak being one of those classic Jeezy records which has an incredibly hyped up beat and a hook that’ll stay in your head for ages, if you like this then you’ll love his album! Typical club video which is certainly suited to a track like this.
It still confuses me why Theophilus isn’t a mainstream favourite already. He’s signed to a major, has a very diverse, mainstream-friendly sound, is a little eclectic with his fashion, and generally has a good knack of making catchy, easy-to-digest music.
This one is from the upcoming Lovers Holiday II project, and combines an upbeat core with a laidback sensibility that makes for a very replayable alternative/R&B/hip-hop hybrid. Thick and bassy electro synths create a thumping backdrop, whilst the soft vocal mellows things slightly, and an ever-changing percussion keeps the track a little unpredictable. The combination is effective, and the progressive nature underpinning the whole thing gives the track a feelgood vibe that will find favour with many mainstream fans. A very good hybrid effort from an underrated talent.
Easily my favourite remix to date of this track, and arguably just as good as (if not better than) the original, Nipsey and YG throw some visuals together for their unofficial West Coast remix of Drake and Lil’ Wayne’s The Motto.
YG opens with his laidback, magnetising verse that doesn’t boast any head-bending wordplay but has a nice flow and easy rhyme scheme, blending excellently with the production, whilst the video has some nice flashes of charisma from YG, as he takes things to the club to inject a little energy into the track.
Nipsey Snoop Dogg Jr. follows up with his very likeable verse (I find myself repeating the first two lines in my head continuously!), and maintains the momentum with more activity and vibrancy in the visuals. Sidenote: It’s definitely a good move leaving the Drake hook on the track, and it’s certainly where most of the other remixes have fallen short. Grab the audio (which also includes a Snoop Dogg verse) for this here.
Certainly the man of the moment in the hip-hop world for his recent venom towards Drake, and we’re not to forget that ‘beef’ comes on the back of the release of his very enjoyable The Dreamer, The Believer album, with this visual being the 5th video from the album.
I thoroughly enjoyed the audio on its release almost exactly a month ago, and the relatively simple video works with the track nicely. Two main settings are found here, as a dimly-lit card game between Common and his cronies provides the canvas for his retelling of the lyrics, with that story taking place in the other scenes set in a lively club environment. It’s nothing complicated, but is a good, easy-to-watch visual that’s accompanied by an excellent head-nodder of a track.
Just a day after the world’s most famous baby was born, the proud father took to the studio to record an ode to his newborn daughter.
The lyricism is heartwarmingly simple, as Jay expresses his sheer delight and awe, whilst also once again (assumedly) mentioning to the miscarriage he referred to in This Can’t Be Life. It’s not a track you’ll get for any complex wordplay or multi-layered production, but certainly a raw, honest track from Jay that strips away the bravado and gives listeners a look into what’s probably the most emotional moment of his life. Oh, and it officially lists ‘B.I.C.’ as a feature (her cries and wails are included towards the end)-she’s 2 days old and already getting royalties!
And Common responds! Not sure how or why this beef actually started (I don’t really care much either), but it’s starting to entertain me. After recent back and forth subliminals from both Common and Drake, Common decides enough is enough and straight out disses Drake, mocking him for many a thing that hip hop fans have been mocking Drake for in recent times. He also addresses the recent ‘trend’ in subliminal diss tracks and has called an end for it. About time, I say. Some funny lines in this one, at the end of this track he’s basically taunting Drake to say his name with a particular Destiny’s Child sample! Definitely worth a download below.
When Rick Ross is in work mode there’s probably not a lot of rappers who work as hard as him. His recent mixtape was filled with such quality tracks and production that it’d be easy to mistake it for an actual album!
These visuals are for a track off that tape, a track of high topic featuring Drake and French Montana. Why are people talking about this track? Aside from it sounding good, Drake fires off some alleged subliminals at Common. Given that French Montana confirmed that Drake had done the verse just a few weeks ago, it’s pretty likely that it is. Peep the track and the visuals on the left here.
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