The first single from Wiz’s upcoming O.N.I.F.C. album, and he’s started things off pretty well with this one. The general vibe and tone of the track is considerably more driven and mature than the lighthearted nature of his previous album’s work, and certainly more in line with the recent Taylor Allderdice mixtape, with a thumping instrumental that boasts a speaker-rattling low end, alongside a couple of lighter elements to retain some appeal to his core mainstream fans. In that vein, the hook is rather pop-oriented, so much so that it almost feels out of place amongst the more serious style that his verses emanate, though again that’s clearly to ensure his majority fanbase are catered to. Generally, it’s a pretty solid effort that will surely rack up some airplay.
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Enough of the self-appreciation. Click on below for another diversity-laden edition of SYFA, featuring a trio of prominent current mainstream names, alongside a couple of acts that have slipped away somewhat.
Quick! Stop reading this! (One to catch up on: newcomer Jade Alston’s excellent Searching)
The previous releases from this tape have generally been received well, and it appears some of the ill-feeling he bred for his ‘pop sellout’ Rolling Papers album is being clawed away with a return to a more hip-hop friendly style. Of course, there’s bound to be enough material to satisfy his new mainstream followers too, and I’d expect this to be a solid, well-rounded tape with some enjoyable chillout efforts that have become Wiz’s trademark in recent months. Free grab below.
Four posts to catch up on from the last week: Usher hooked up with Diplo for an enjoyable return to the spotlight, Ed Sheeran and Yelawolf came together for a free 4-track EP, Raheem DeVaughn made many folks’ Valentine’s Day with a new mixtape, and finally we were treated to an excellent slowed-down remix of Drake and The Weeknd’s Crew Love. Below. Click.
This is the second line that recaps on any relevant posts. This is the third line that is often filler. This is the final line that leads you into the click below.
It’s difficult for anyone to claim to be a true Good Charlotte fan with a straight face, but they’ve occassionally shown flashes of quality, with The River in particular being an excellent song. It is on the quality of that track I hold hope that the project might be decent, and features from the likes of The Cool Kids, Wiz Khalifa, Kreayshawn, Casey Veggies and many more are also encouraging signs that this could be worth a listen. The 12-track tape is available to both stream and download for free below.
Click below for this week’s injection of harmonic, overly-emotional goodness.
Proceed comes through very differently, but will likely be the majority’s favourite track from the trio thus far. A more modern, upbeat production, the synths burst into life from the off and are met by a smooth drum loop to combine into a beat that would have slid in nicely on either Wiz or Sean’s recent albums. The raps certainly suggest comfortability too, with a vigour evident in each verse that makes for refreshing listening after the raft of laidback tracks we’ve had from the triumverate. Enjoying Sean’s verse in particular (again), with a more personal touch giving it a more distinguishable quality. Both very likeable efforts, and certainly worth a listen.
Another relaxed, lazy day sort of track from the trio, with an easygoing percussion accompanied by soft melodies that work well as part of this ‘stoner anthem’. Lyrically, the title rightfully suggests its nothing surprising or particularly unique, though it makes for easy listening and compliments should be reserved once again for Big Sean who attacks the beat with a slightly better flow than the others.
Flowers boasts another laidback production, though with less of the vintage aspect of the previous track, instead offering a more traditional hip-hop flavour with hard-hitting percussion and softer samples. The result is a stronger focus on the vocal work, and whilst each rapper coming through with solid verses, Big Sean stands out here with a good verse that foregoes his more relaxed delivery for a more exaggerated vocal style. The smoothed-out hook closes this one off nicely, and this is again very solid material that will undoubtedly build expectations for the trio’s mixtape.
The track kicks off with some laidback percussion hits with a lounge music feel, and builds into a hypnotising, jazz-sampling production: there’s a heavy retro vibe coarsing through this, with real charm to be found in its evocation of a film noir vibe. The verses slide in with the production nicely, with each rapper’s relaxed, easygoing deliveries being a suitable fit for this production. In truth, I’ve partly ignored the verses on my first few listens as I’ve been thoroughly mesmerised by this production, so forgive me if I’ve been somewhat disrespectful of the raps here! When the original version of this track was released, it was undeniably a great listen and whilst it’s been hideously overplayed since, this video certainly offers a welcome refresh of the song. This remix was originally premiered in a lyric video a few months back, whilst the original video was released months prior to that. This video is essentially the same as the original, with lots of bright cityscapes and nighttime scenery, though there are a few extra espionage-style scenes thrown in to this version. Of course, the Wiz appearance is a new addition too, though it’s done fairly unremarkably with his section being rather generic and somewhat uninspired. Can’t fault his actual verse too much though, as whilst it’s nothing groundbreaking, it slides onto the tricky production well enough. Worth a watch if you’re a fan of the original.
Lupe grabs the opening verse with a couple of neat lines (including an All Saints Spitalfields reference which caught me off-guard!), though it’s the kind of production that his double-time flow would have suited. Trae hops in next a solid verse in those trademark husky tones, doing himself justice with these hip-hop heavyweights. He’s followed by the best verses on the track though: a short, speedy verse from Big Boi that probably steals the track, Wale doing himself justice with a very enjoyable verse, and Wiz closing with a surprisingly well-delivered verse (and follows Lupe with another British reference!) that closes the track in style. Very enjoyable collaborative effort, and a pretty big look for Trae. Trae Tha Truth-I’m On ft. Lupe Fiasco, Big Boi, Wale, Wiz Khalifa and MDMA 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.
14 of them join YC here, some having released remixes prior to this official all-star compliation, with most being very well known names. It’s hard to pick a winning verse from the bunch, though B.o.B, Trae Tha Truth and Nelly (surprisingly) made enjoyable contributions.
As the title would suggest this is pretty much centered around Wiz’s favourite drug, and hence isn’t going to fry your mind with metaphorical intricacy, but it will probably knock nicely for a few head-nodding plays in the car. Simple mainstream hip-hop, which does its job well enough. Bit of a nothing video to be honest. Originally found on his Cabin Fever mixtape (and subsequently tacked on as a bonus track on his recent album), this is highly unlikely to be his next actual single so it’s likely just a video for a bit of hyype. The nature of the video almost reflects the audio, but that’s not a good thing. The audio is built on yet another boring Lex Luger beat, and the lyrics/vocals get pretty repetitive, with the track really feeling like its dragging on. The video is equally aimless, with it being comprised primarily of Wiz and his Taylor Gang buddies smoking in various dimly lit scenes. The highlight is unquestionably Wiz’s ridiculous hat/wig, which is Snoop Dogg levels of superb. Bit disappointed here, especially as I’ve been giving The Race some serious playtime in my life. Hopefully, we’ll see a solid video for that track, and all will be forgiven.
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. Not a classic by any means, but on a lovely sunny day like today you could do a whole lot worse when it comes to some easy listening hip-hop. Boasting a production that feels fresh out of the early-mid 90′s, the retro vibe coarses throughout this one thanks to both that beat and the grainy, relaxed nature of the video. Nothing complicated at all, and hence it’s a very mellow and easy-on-the-eye set of visuals. The raps are probably better than most of Snoop’s recent material, even if that particular statement is somewhat obscured by the simple synergy between the simple raps of Snoop and the head-nodding production. Again, nothing spectacular but a very enjoyable, simple summer track.
You essentially get what you’d expect too. It’s one of those loungey, laidback productions that Ross favours, and has hence overused, but hearing Wiz and Wale on the production allows for a proper appreciation of its quality. Wiz is confined to the hook, which is a little disappointing as it means we’re stuck with one too many Ross verses, and hence that Wale verse comes through at the right time to freshen the track up. Same old Ross verses, decent Wale verse and solid Wiz hook. Nothing revolutionary, but one of those that could easily become quite popular.
Catch-up: delayed visuals for Usher’s More, the video for Yasmin’s Finish Line and an official remix, very enjoyable video for Musiq and Swizzy’s single, XV’s remix of Erin Christine’s Naked, and finally Wiz Khalifa jumps on a remix with Cee-Lo. Lots of features and guest spots in this week’s episode, so get your mice at the ready and get clicking below.
This new drop from his upcoming album, Rolling Papers, is a return to form and a return to the type of music I think Wiz excels in making. The production is far nicer and a lot less generic than the previous single, with Wiz vibing to it in a reflective manner that no-one else seems to really nail as well as he does. A track that would not sound out of place on his excellent previous album, Deal Or No Deal. Click this glorious piece of red text to get your hands on this track, and click on below to check out the tracklisting for his major label début, Rolling Papers (out March 29th). → Continue Reading Wiz Khalifa-The Race + Rolling Papers Tracklist One of those songs that’ll always put a smile on your face. Mainstream hip-hop is certainly in good hands right now with Wiz, as he comes through with another head-nodder that’s ridiculously infectious: it’s perfect driving material, and has been in my car for weeks! The video keeps that feelgood, happy-go-lucky vibe with bright, warm imagery and lots of positivity. Wiz’s beaming smile is about as infectious as the song itself, and plenty of emphasis is on his childish happy face! It makes a really nice change of pace from the moody, ‘pretend to be angry, no matter what’ faces in most (hip-hop) videos, and as strange as it sounds it really does make a difference. Whilst we’re talking about faces, it’s hard to be mad at Cassie making an appearance in the video and whilst she’s probably looked better, she’s always easy on the eye. Good track, and has every chance of being another big hit for Wiz. Audio is here.
Not sure whether this is from their upcoming High School film or Wiz’s upcoming Rolling Papers album (I suspect it’ll be the former), but either way these two have great chemistry on their tracks and that trend is continued here with another head-nodder. A playful piano makes for a jovial melody, and is complimented nicely by midtempo drum work, an uplifting hook and typically laidback verses from Wiz and Snoop. One of those that’s pretty perfect for a warm Spring day (not long left!), and a very easy, uncomplicated listen.
Whilst I’m not sure ‘Gettin’ Paid‘ was the best subject matter for the vibe of the production, it’s considerably better than hearing this subject matter over another Lex Luger production, and Trae in particular does add a more ‘realistic’ feel to the subject matter with some decent work on the lyrics and flows. Wiz’s flow is commendable too, toning down his usual bouncier stye for a more deliberate pace that adds a little more diversity to his skillset. Definitely worth a listen, and makes a change from the usual stuff doing the rounds.
Already garnered a fair bit of buzz for himself in recent months; we’ve been on the Wiz bandwagon for over a year and a half now! He’s finished his début major label album, so expect to hear a lot more from him on the radio/tv/internets/everywhere. I expect the tracks on this mixtape to be throwaways from the album, but I’m sure they’ll be decent enough (especially seeing as Big Sean features on two of the tracks). Click here to get hold of the mixtape, click below to check out the mixtape’s tracklist.
I copped this, for you of course, for the Wiz feature (Up until I heard Black & Yellow on Radio 1 I couldn’t even tell you how he rhymed). First drop from Ya Boy’s Kalifornia Konvict album and how does it sound? Production is forgettable and since starting this review the track has looped 3/4 times and I’m not totally convinced by the subject matter. Ya Boy can do better than this and I’m hoping this was purely a shot at the mainstream with the Wiz feature. EDIT: *Ouch* There’s even a piercing, albeit brief, moment of autotune. Not usually a fan of trailers for music videos (I don’t really get the point of them unless they’re for a very anticipated massive hit), but this trailer is looking very dope indeed. Probably my favourite rendition of Wiz Khalifa’s hit song, and looking forward to checking out the visuals in full, (the guitar smash at the end of this trailer actually nearly cost Game his fingers!). You can grab the audio for this by clicking here. |
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