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A very slow week for R&B/pop music this week (those new Chris Brown/Rihanna collaborations don’t count as music), and as a result it’s a pretty short, and stream-heavy, episode this week.
I’ve made this statement before, but R&B really is in a bad spot at the minute, with a serious lack of both quantity and quality as many of its stars are either inactive or pursuing pop careers. It’s a sad state of affairs, but I retain hope that the likes of The-Dream will be back soon to restore the natural order.
Click below for this week’s relatively diverse edition.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 139
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This all star cast ensemble to bring us visuals for their recent remix of Tyga’s Rack City. Nothing really special to see, fairly basic hip hop video, but for a song like this, that’s all it needs. It’s just good to see such names get together and do something like this; as you all know, I love my collabos.
Originally I said my favourite verse of mine on this strangely addictive track is T.I.’s, but I’ve really warmed to Wale’s opening verse.
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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.
Tyga ft. Wale, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Young Jeezy & T.I. – Rack City (remix)
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Merry Christmas to you all! Fabolous has a present for us, the third (and final?) mixtape of his There Is No Competition series.
Given the quality of his recent mixtapes I expect this to be good too. Also, must add I really love the artwork for this! Download below.
Fabolous – There Is No Competition III: Death Comes In 3′s [Mixtape Hosted by DJ Drama]
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A quiet week on the R&B/pop scene (or rather, the ‘worth checking out’ section), with no posts of note to catch up on aside from the album review of Drake’s Take Care.
Pretty much exclusively fresh, upcoming artists this week though regular readers will be familiar with almost all those involved. Click below for this week’s handcrafted, lovingly-selected musical provisions.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 126
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A shorter episode than usual, but still packed full of big names in the current R&B/pop/hip-hop scene, including a couple of unexpected collaborations. Similarly, only a small recap is required from this week’s posts, with the official relese of Skylar Grey’s second set of solo visuals, and a very promising new mixtape from Jay Sean.
Click below for this week’s injection of harmonic, overly-emotional goodness.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 117
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Is R&B currently suffering from one of its worst recessions? Outside of a few upcoming stars (Frank Ocean, The Weeknd and others) there hasn’t been much in terms of consistent quality, and outside of the aforementioned two artists, it’s increasingly difficult to see where the recovery will come from.
However, one of the few artists in recent years to really come away with credit recently released a free album, as The-Dream dropped off a new project, and even if R&B is struggling, soul season is underway with debut visuals from John West and the latest single from Goapele.
Click below for this week’s six pack, and see if an R&B comeback is on the cards.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 116
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New video drop from Fabolous for a collaboration with the unmistakable Red Cafe. These two generally display great chemistry together and this track doesn’t disappoint.
Though the visuals itself aren’t anything special, the switches between colour and monochrome do show us the type of mood his latest mixtape offering gives us, as it’s certainly more chilled than his usual mainstream goodness.
This is originally taken from Fabolous’ recent project The Soul Tape mixtape, which is pretty darn good, and available over here.
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This picture represents Banks turning his back on what he’s good at: the mixtape scene. I’m talking specifically about cancelling his Cold Corner 2 project in favour of another subpar album. I know I’m a little late on this, but it’s hard scrutinizing every tweet of each emcee you follow. Trust me, I feel just as cheated as you. I had been ignoring the following four tracks as they dropped earlier (around April/May) this year as I often do with projects I want to keep fresh from start to finish. Anyway, Banks comes heavy on each joint as he always does with his mixtape material and recaptures that gritty sound which went a little missing on HFM2. Getting To It Mandatory is gutter.
Getting To It Mandatory
Misery
Spread My Wings
Money Chase ft. Fabolous
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The last 48 hours are a bit of a rapid blur, so to me it’s still Friday. Very solid new material this week, with some of the bigger names in the R&B, pop and even hip-hop world making appearances.
Only the three relevant posts to recap on, with the announcement of the Future Hits Live tour, solid new music from Drake, and a brand new EP from the talented Rocki Evans which is probably going to be worth a listen.
Click, read, download, enjoy.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 104
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As far as mainstream hip-hop goes, this is one of the better tracks to have been released in recent months. It’s got an enormously addictive quality that I just can’t put my finger on, though I’d hazard a guess that its probably down to Roscoe’s ridiculously infectious hook.
Pretty standard mainstream hip-hop video in terms of theme, with lots of naked girls and plenty of disposable income being casually utilised. It a generally busy and active video, which plays off the natural energy and intensity of the song, and adds that little bit of #swag to each verse. Nothing special otherwise, but nice to have some visuals to the song regardless.
This track knocks pretty damn hard when cranked loud (brotip: put it in your car), and can be grabbed from here.
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As Indi put it recently, Loso’s been on a decade-long run of good form and every project of his tends to be met with high expectations, with Fab generally delivering the goods. This is no exception, and having heard a few tracks from the tape (including this), I’m hopeful that this one will live up to its inevitable hype.
Supposedly, true to its title this is largely comprised of soul-influenced productions, which will certainly make for something a little different in Loso’s back catalogue, as well as potentially being an enjoyable listen irrespective of that: soul and hip-hop blends are always nice, you can never have too many! Click below to grab the project.
Fabolous-The Soul Tape
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From Fabolous’ upcoming mixtape The Soul Tape, Loso lets loose of the lead single. You Be Killin’ Em was quite the smash for Fab, and despite being ‘part 2′, this has a markedly different style and vibe to its predecessor. The beat is far less bouncy, but has a thicker, more punchy hip-hop style that probably makes it more versatile in so far as being able to enjoy it outside of a club environment.
Ne-Yo comes through with a very empassioned delivery on the hook, though that emotion bleeds into the structure a little bit and makes the hook a little difficult to actually distinguish at times. Solid work from Loso as usual, and a decent if unspectacular contribution from R-Les. Not as good as the original for me, but maybe one that’ll be easier to listen to at home/on the headphones.
Fabolous-Look At Her (Killin’ Em pt. 2) ft. Ne-Yo and Ryan Leslie
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Didn’t mind this track at all when it first came out, and whilst the video is extremely delayed, it’s certainly a single worth pushing for these relative newcomers.
Video fits the song fairly well, and seems to play off the emotional nature of Nikki’s vocals more than the night-time vibe of the production and lyrics. I’d have probably preferred a video that did the latter, as the dramatic images of cityscapes and dark skies always makes for quite compelling and generally digestable videos.
Not to say the video is totally disappointing, as it does the job for sure, but could have been a whole lot better. Can’t disagree with the audio though, which still stands up as a solid R&B/pop piece. Grab the track here.
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Another cracking track for the car: new single from DJ Drama, off his forthcoming Gangstz Grillz 3. Production is as you’d expect from a Drama track – full of bass!
Has Fabolous ever dropped a lame verse on a feature? He continues his decade-long good form with his opening verse. Roscoe Dash brings a catchy auto-tuned chorus, which is something he’s becoming famed for doing now (I hope he doesn’t over-use this), and man of the moment Wiz Khalifa also adds a verse. Definitely worth getting a hold of below for those who like a slice of mainstream hip hop.
DJ Drama – Oh My ft. Fabolous, Roscoe Dash & Wiz Khalifa
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Much anticipated mixtape from Game, one that’s been talked about all day today. Really looking forward to this, especially as a few tracks leaked earlier that were of a very good standard. Check out the tracklist below, which contains some huge features and producers. You can preview and download (click the artwork) the mixtape in the widget here.
1. L.A. Times (Prod. By Ervin “EP” Pope)
2. In My ’64 Feat. Pharrell & Snoop Dogg (Prod. By The Neptunes)
3. Soo Woo Feat. Lil Wayne (Prod. By Bink)
4. Living Better Now Feat. Detail & Tools (Prod. By DJ shake)
5. R.I.P. Story (Prod. By Nottz)
6. Purp & Patron (Prod. By DJ Shake)
7. I’m The King (Remix) Feat. Mistah FAB & The Jacka (Prod. By 1500 Or Nothin)
8. Taylor Made Feat. Wiz Khalifa (Prod. By Che Vicious)
9. Childrens Story (Prod. By Ervin “EP” Pope)
10. Dead (Prod. By 1500 Or Nothin)
11. Ferrari Lifestyle Feat. Fabolous (Prod. By D.A.Dorman)
12. The Kill (Prod. By Cool N Dre)
13. Heart Breaker Feat. Rev Burke (Prod. By The RZA)
14. Purp & Yellow (Skeetox Remix) Feat. Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa
15. Burn NY Feat. Mysonne (Prod. By Mike City)
16. Bad Intentions (Prod. By DJ Shake)
17. Khaki Suit Feat. T-Pain (Prod. By T-Pain)
18 Wonderful World (Prod. By DJ Shake)
19. Ashes To Ashes Feat. Rick Ross
20. Dedicated Feat. Pharrell (Prod. By The Neptunes)
21. Soft Rhodes Feat. Ashanti (Prod. By Dr. Dre)
22. I Just Want To Fuck (Prod. By Denaun Porter)
23. 187 Feat. Lil Boosie
24. Whip It Feat. Fabolous (Prod. By DJ Haze)
25. Favorite DJ Remix Feat. Clinton Sparks & Jim Jones (Prod. By Green Lantern)
26. Supastar Feat. Ashley Cole & Mike Epps (Prod. By Ervin “EP” Pope)
27. Can A Drummer Get Some Feat. Travis Barker, Swizz Beatz, Lil Wayne & Rick Ross
28. History Feat. Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane & KRS One (Prod. By Ervin “EP” Pope)
29. The Ocean Feat. Dr. Dre (Prod. By Dr. Dre & Che Vicious)
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Again, I’m aware it’s a Sunday…it is (or was) Christmas though, so finding a few hours to throw this together wasn’t really going to happen. I’m surprised there is enough material, given that the industry usually shuts down a little around this time of year, but it seems most artists are intent on continuing success they’ve found this year.
The week’s recap: Taio Cruz’s latest video, Chipmunk and Chris Brown’s much anticipated video, UK upcomer Talay Riley’s latest single, the mixtape debut of the highly-rated UK singer Bluey Robinson, and finally the official remix for Dirty Money’s Loving You No More. You know where to look and where to click for this week’s episode.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 80
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Fab is next up on J. Cole’s In The Morning (Omarion was the most recent act on the beat), and comes through with a fantastic remix that really makes the track his own.
Loso’s laidback flow suits this mellow production superbly, and he packs the flow with his ever-confident and braggadcios rhymes to stamp his own original seal onto the beat. Nice little additions with the intro and outro too, as they give the track a more ‘realistic’ feel. It’ll be difficult to better this remix.
Fabolous-In The Morning Remix
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Loso takes some time out to remix Lil’ Wayne’s Bill Gates, amusingly retitling the track to Gates’ Apple counterpart. To be honest, I don’t even remember the original as it was from the wholly unremarkable I Am Not A Human Being album, but I’m a big fan of this version.
The dramatic nature of the beat is perfect for Loso, as he comes through with a likeable verse that fits the production style nicely. I’ve not heard much by Paul Cain but I’m enjoying his verse as much as Fab’s, with some strong imagery in his raps accompanied by a nice, clear delivery. Better than the original by virtue of actually being memorable.
Fabolous-Steve Jobs ft. Paul Cain
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Fab is the latest act to tackle Wiz Khalifa’s single, and does a nice job in this short freestyle, changing Wiz’s ‘colour scheme’ to that of Loso’s hometown team, the New York Yankees. It’s only the first verse of his version, and it definitely sounds decent as he takes on this beat surprisingly well: I (wrongly) suspected the beat may have been too uptempo for Loso’s style, but he pulls it off and comes through with a very likeable verse. Looking forward to the full version.
Fabolous-White & Navy (1st verse)
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Trey’s latest from #Lemmeholdatbeat, he remixes one of Wayne’s recent (ish) singles with the help of Fabolous.
Not a big fan of the original to be honest, and this remix is OK. The production is incredibly generic, and the attempts at adding a triumphant feel with the horns don’t really come off. Whilst it’s interesting to hear Trey rapping, it’s only good in small doses: all of the releases from this mixtape have had Trey on his rapping style, which is more than is necessary for me. He’s not too bad, don’t get me wrong, but when you know the real gifts he possesses the tracks never quite match the expectations you have prior to listening to them.
Trey Songz-Right Above It Remix ft. Fabolous
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Stacked episode this week, with some huge mainstream singles alongside great material from underappreciated artists. Quality wise, it’s one of the strongest R&B Fridays of recent months for sure: one of those where you could easily grab everything on offer.
The recap: Mastered version of Lloyd’s latest, Willow Smith’s debut video, Ne-Yo covering an MJ classic, Rihanna’s newest video, and finally the anticipated video for Chris Brown’s new single.
Click on for the longest running weekly episodic in the history of the universe.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 71
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This Budden material just keeps on coming! This was probably the most anticipated track from MM4, and it’s as big a track as the lineup suggests.
J. Cardim serves up a solid hip-hop beat, full of thick percussion lines and unobtrustive melodic layers to allow the heavy-hitters on this track to bring their lyrics to the forefront. It’s a good move when the lineup is this good, and each rapper brings some good rhymes to the table. Royce definitely takes the victory here, coming through as aggressive as I’ve ever heard him, and with great content.
Joe Budden-Remember The Titans ft. Lloyd Banks, Fabolous and Royce Da 5’9″
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This always seems to be the case. The versions we originally get sound alright, so the audiophiles like myself get all annoyed when we have to (yes, have to!) replace the original with the mastered. Oh well. It does improve all three tracks though, especially the Budden and Banks tracks. Fact about the CRS track: Lupe revealed its a couple of years old.
CRS-Don’t Stop! (original review here)
Joe Budden-Black Cloud (original review here)
Lloyd Banks-Start It Up ft. Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, Fabolous and Ryan Leslie (original review here)
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Hopefully, this reaches you on time this week!
New singles from Keri and Rihanna headline this episode, along with plenty of other tracks from a range of talented artists. Before that, the customary recap: a great track from UK newcomer Talay Riley, Drake’s lead track from his upcoming mixtape, plenty of R&B-related artwork, and finally the official video for Keri Hilson’s Breaking Point.
Click on to get involved in this week’s episode.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 69
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Looks like the mega-collabos aren’t just reserved for G.O.O.D. Fridays! Expected to be on Banks’ upcoming album, his resurgence is verified with this huge line-up. Lacing a thick, strong percussion line with some futuristic melodies, the beat is an interesting hybrid of different hip-hop styles that makes for addictive listening.
Good verses throughout, with Ye probably just shading it by virtue of having what seems like a longer verse. R-Les only seems to contribute some backing vocals towards the end, though it does sound like his production. Sadly, the novelty of these all-star tracks is wearing off though, as we’re being hit with them at least once a week, and this one may suffer as a result. Would have been much more special in isolation, as opposed to being just another track with roughly the same group of artists.
Lloyd Banks-Start It Up ft. Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Fabolous and Ryan Leslie
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I’m sure you can forgive me for this being a couple of days late: having no laptop sort of makes things a little difficult! Hence, I’ll not keep you too long out here in the cold and away from the R&B.
Whilst I’m told the pre-episode recaps are going down well, in the interests of time you can take care of it yourself for this week by clicking the R&B category at the top of this page, which should fill you in appropriately. Click on for this week’s episode.
→ Continue Reading R&B Fridays: Episode 68
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First off, a notice from me: I don’t have a laptop any more as mine pretty much gave up on life today, so don’t expect to hear much from me until a permanent solution is found. On the occasions I do get to one (now), I’ll try and pop in!
Right, so let’s get this remix out there. I’ve been hugely looking forward to this since the news was broken, specifically that Andre verse. That’s all I’ve got for you sadly, as my laptop issues have obvious curtailed my access to music somewhat!
Edit (Indi): Thought I’d give some of my thoughts (due to previously mentioned laptop issues, Ajay was unable to finish this post!). Drake kicks off this track by flipping it with something that sounds lifted straight from his classic So Far Gone mixtape, the rest of them pick up the original beat with their raps. Always exciting to hear a new Andre 3000 verse, I’m not sure who I’d credit with the best verse though, possibly Kanye, need to listen to this some more still. Clean version (just below) for you now folks.
Chris Brown-Deuces Remix ft. Drake, Kanye, Andre 3000, T.I. and Fabolous
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