I know I'm a little on the late freight with featuring this R&B newcomer, but I'm pretty sure many of you have not heard of him or maybe, you heard his music and didn't know his name, nor his face. Well, the wait is over! I was blown away by this guy when he performed on "Verses & Flow," a new show on TVOne that features talented spoken word artists a la Def Poetry Jam. James, originally from New Orleans, tore down the stage with his strong, yet silky smooth vocals and dynamic energy. Little did I know that he was responsible for one of my favorite R&B songs on the radio right now, "I Want You," where he declares his love for his dream girl.
Below is a video of "I Want You":
Here is a video of James' performance on "Verses & Flow":
In "Guilty Pleasure," James sings about a love that is so wrong, yet so right and I love the energy he brought to the stage. Luke James' pre-release album, "#Luke," will be released on Def Jam. Besides his musical dealings, he has been featured as the leading man in several videos, such as, Melanie Fiona's, "4 A.M.," Beyonce's, "Run The World," and has penned songs for the likes of Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and more. I'm excited to see what this vibrant newcomer will bring to the R&B scene.
I just saw this video on Centric (BET) over the weekend and was blown away by this newcomer by the name of Daley who has featured Marsha Ambrosius on his song entitled "Alone Together". If this song doesn't evoke any sensuality or sexuality in you with one listen, then, maybe its time to see a sex therapist. LOL
Daley is a British soul singer from Manchester that was signed to Polydor Records. "Alone Together" comes off his Those Who Wait mixtape released in April 2011. This song takes me back to the late 90s/early 2000s neo-soul era. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this cat.
All of my avid BornTooBlog readers know that I am totally a J. Cole fan. I've done a few features on him in the past and now I am back with the video for his 4th single off his debut album "Sideline Story". J. Cole's song "Nobody's Perfect" featuring Missy Elliot takes me back to the days when Missy was doing her thing almost about a decade ago. Elliot has for the most part remained behind the scenes working on various projects, until now, with her new feature on J. Cole's debut album. Its classic Missy and Cole truly compliments her on this track. The video is artistic and definitely not your cookie-cutter representation of popular music today.
Check out the video below:
Here are a few cool lyrics from the song:
Smokin' weed on the beach as my mind workin' like Plato
Analyzin' the world, fantasizin' bout girls
I'm handin' diamonds and pearls and vandalizin' her curls
Sweating her weave out, moans as she breathes out
Fuck I'm doin' in parties with Hov and Steve Stoute
I step over piranha, death over dishonor
They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer
Hey Cole heatin' up like that left-over lasagna
Remember when I used to be stressed over Dawana
Now a nigga only text and get stressed over Rihannas
I'm talkin' tens and better, hood bitches in Timbs and sweaters
And we always argue about the same thing
Tell me why we gotta argue about the same thing
I recently heard this song on the radio and was taken aback by the honesty and realness of the lyrics. This song is my first introduction to Don Trip, a street poet from Memphis, Tennessee, who's mission is to be the voice of the people in these difficult social and economic times. Don Trip enlisted the voice of one of my favs, soulful Cee-Lo Green. Cee-Lo is known for bringing deep emotions out of songs and elevating them to a platform that speaks of the struggle in a way that is not only socially conscious, but also pleasing to one's ears.
The song entitled A Letter To My Son displays a father speaking to his only son, expressing the difficulties of raising the son, when all his mother wants to do is use him as a bargaining tool due to their failed relationship. I spoke about this occurrence when I initially started my blog in the post Where's Daddy? Too often, young fathers find themselves struggling to build relationships with their children due to the mother being difficult, caddy, messy and down right selfish. I never understood why a mother would want to keep her children from their father. Most children in urban neighborhoods barely get a chance to see their fathers, let alone see them at all. Naturally, when I see mothers keeping their children away from their fathers who want to be in their lives, it makes me angry and confused.
There are so many fathers out there that are going through this, which is why I wanted to highlight this song to give a voice to the proud fathers who will have to wait until their children get older in to explain their misunderstood absence. Mothers might think they have all the power, but ultimately, once the children realize what's going on, they will now be subject to the inquiries and judgement of their children. Who really is winning in this situation anyway?
I appreciate Don Trip for bringing this occurrence to the forefront, in the hopes that some mothers will recognize the error in their ways and finally put the child first. As I said in my previous post on this subject, if the father is violent or a detriment to the child, by all means, restrict his access to his children. However, I will never justify keeping a man from his children due to their lack of funds or even further, a failed relationship between the child's parents. It is no excuse and these women need to stop it immediately before they ruin their relationship with their children altogether.
Take a listen to the song and check out the video:
WEIGH IN
What do you think about the song and video?
Did Cee-Lo make a nice addition to the song?
Do you relate to the issue Don Trip is addressing in this video?
Have you experienced a jealous/hurtful/selfish baby mother who won't let you see your children?
How does this song make you feel as a father in this situation?
We all recall that beautiful chocolate specimen singing on the bus on the Coca-Cola commercial many years ago. That beautiful black skin and those pearly whites exposing a raspy, yet strong vocal ability that no one had expected. Although Tyrese first came on the scene singing, he is now more well known for his acting gigs on Hollywood blockbuster sequels like Fast & Furious and Transformers. Fortunately, Tyrese is now getting back to his roots...R&B!
Tyrese has a few albums under his belt and some of his most noteworthy tracks like Sweet Lady and One have always been geared toward the ladies, whether it be apologizing for what he's done or saying he will do better. I wanted to feature Tyrese's Signs Of Love Making for the Throwback Tuesday video for because it is definitely one of my favs from his body of work...check it out:
He gives a special shoutout to Scorpio females at the 1:34 mark:
"I met a Scorpio. *PAUSE* Damn!
She had no limit to where she'd go.
And she was so damn sexual.
She said, "Tyrese, are you ready for me?"
I'll do anything to fulfill your needs.
Tell me what you want, and I got you baby.
Whisper in my ear, while I'm driving you crazy".
I'll smack it from the side.
While I'm grabbin' them thighs.
Now I know, what zodiac signs are all about"
Sorry...Its November, so you KNOW I had to do it!
Tyrese's new album Open Invitation hit stores and iTunes today and boasts some of his best work to date, according to the man himself. I already love his new track Stay, which automatically takes me back to the ol' school vibe of R&B when a man would beg his woman to stay with him after he had done her wrong. Tyrese has captured that ol' school feel and combined it with a new and fresh perspective, which I love. He and his favorite co-star, Taraji Henson, are featured in the video for Stay. Check it out below:
Here is the album cover and track listing for his new album Open Invitation:
1. I’m Home (feat. Jay Rock)
2. I Gotta Chick (feat. Rick Ross)
3. Stay
4. Best of Me
5. Nothing On You
6. One Night
7. It’s All On Me
8. Too Easy (feat. Ludacris)
9. Takeover
10. I Miss That Girl
11. Interlude
12. Make Love
13. Angel (feat. Candice)
14. Walk
15. What Took You So Long
16. Do It
TIME TO WEIGH IN
Are you a fan of Tyrese's?
Do you plan on purchasing the album?
How do you like the video for the first single Stay?
Do you think Tyrese can make a comeback?
You all know I L-O-V-E J. Cole and his new album Cole World: The Sideline Story which debuted at #1 in its first week of release selling 217,000 copies. Not bad for the North Carolina native who started this all off with a "dollar and a dream". I'm very impressed by the subject matter, metaphors and lyrical content on the new album, especially on songs like Lights Please where he discusses a women's preoccupation with sex while he is only trying to get to know her, Breakdown where he talks about the pain of not having his father in his life, and Dollar And A Dream when he speaks of the hard times he experienced in his life.
He keeps the balance with dance/club tracks like Can't Get Enough and Workout, but Lost Ones speaks to the experience that both a young man and women who are in love undergo once the girl finds out she is pregnant. Cole personifies the thoughts and fears of a young man encountering this situation, as well as the abandonment a women feels when left to make the decision whether to keep their baby.
I've been pumping J. Cole for awhile so I'm happy to see the success that he is receiving after his debut release. If you haven't heard the whole album yet I highly urge that you go out and get it and see what all the hype is about. People are always saying that Hip Hop needs more diversity and intelligent topics, well here you go Hip Hip critics! Hopefully, this talented lyricist is here to stay.
Check out the emotional and profound Video Spotlight for Lost Ones:
WEIGH IN
Did you enjoy watching the video?
Was the subject matter on point and current with today's times?
Would you like to hear more music like this?
What are your thoughts on J. Cole as an artist?
Have you listened to the album, and if so, what are your thoughts?
What are your thoughts on abortion?
I was just recently put on to this R&B newcomer from Baltimore, MD who notes his musical influences as Usher, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder & Marvin Gaye. One listen to this song and you will see why. The song has an upbeat tempo with a nice groove and Hip Hop vibe. While R&B lovers are curious about the current state of R&B, you have newcomers like CJ Hilton, who is signed to J Records, answering the call. CJ is 21, but has already worked with the likes of Raphael Saadiq and Marsha Ambrosius and is a talented musician and writer, writing most of his own material. His voice is unique and I am excited to see/hear more from this cat.
Check out the video:
For the life of me I cannot place where I have seen the main chick in the video, but I will figure it out sooner or later. But until then, I want to know...Are you feeling this song? Can you hear his musical influences in the track? Do you think he can make a name for himself? Share your thoughts!
More pics of CJ Hilton so you all can get better acquainted:
I recently made a post entitled Who Is Frank Ocean? because I felt that not everyone knew this kid's name and he is definitely an artist that I would like to see get some major shine. Well, over the weekend, my younger sis exposed me to some more of his work off of his Nostalgia, Ultra mixtape. The first track I heard was Love Crime and I was immediately transported to a foreign realm with a new sound and style that I had never heard before. I was drawn in by his melodic rhythms and socio-political subject matter discussing topics pertaining to drug use, love, broken hearts, bereavement, abortion, the institution of marriage in America, and human nature.
I was amazed at Frank Ocean's maturity in sharing his insights in regards to the topics listed above. To be so young, he really has a lot of deep thoughts to share. Not only is the production spot on on this mixtape, but the music has a way of drawing you in and capturing your senses. Although I cannot pinpoint his specific influences at this time, when I listen to Ocean's music, I hear a multitude of musical influences ranging from Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, all the way to Coldplay and Nirvana. I could go on and on for days about how much I love Frank Ocean and what a great addition he could make to the music industry right now. However, I would love for you to hear for yourself and become a fan on your own.
Here are some of my fav pics from the nostalgia, Ultra mixtape:
American Wedding
We All Try
Nature Feels
Track listing
No.
Title
Length
1.
"StreetFighter"
0:22
2.
"Strawberry Swing"
3:55
3.
"Novacane"
5:03
4.
"We All Try"
2:52
5.
"Bitches Talkin' (Metal Gear Solid)"
0:22
6.
"Songs 4 Women"
4:13
7.
"Love Crimes"
4:00
8.
"GoldenEye"
0:18
9.
"There Will Be Tears"
3:15
10.
"Swim Good"
4:17
11.
"Dust"
2:31
12.
"American Wedding"
7:01
13.
"Soul Calibur"
0:18
14.
"Nature Feels"
3:14
I'm really looking forward to hearing new music from this cat. Def Jam plans to re-release some of the tracks from Nostalgia, Ultra that will be called Nostalgia, Lite. Please keep an eye out for Mr. Ocean because I'm predicting he's one of the NEXT TO BLOW!!!
More pics to get you better acquainted with this musical visionary:
WEIGH IN
What do you think of the tracks from Nostalgia, Ultra?
Are you surprised by the subject matter?
Who do you think are his musical influences?
Are you looking forward to hearing more material from Frank Ocean?
Some of you may have heard of him. Some may be reading his name for the first time, but very shortly, I'm predicting he will be a household name. Frank Ocean is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, but later moved to LA once Katrina hit in 2005. While in LA, Frank pursued music and joined the Los Angeles based hip hop collective OFWGKTA. He is a writer and R&B artist that has worked with big names like Pharrell, Jay-Z, Kanye and Beyoncé, just to name a few and is also signed to Def Jam. He has collaborated with Odd Future's Tyler the Creator, who recently won the 2011 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist and is also a member of OFWGKTA.
You might have also heard of the drama that ensued when Chris Brown mentioned Ocean on Twitter saying "I fucks with @Frank_Ocean. He reminds me of a young James Fauntleroy." While I'm not really sure if Breezy meant it as a diss, Ocean replied by saying "I fucks with @chrisbrown. He reminds me of a young Ike Turner. *side eye* I watched online as the drama ensued, and even spilled into the real world as both artists' camps began to engage in street beef. All has since calmed down and both men met and agreed to squash it, but I'm sure it helped Ocean's twitter following *wink*
Beef aside, Frank Ocean dropped his first single on iTunes, Novacane, on Def Jam Records on May 31, 2011, which was greeted with critical acclaim. On the surface, the song chronicles his journey after meeting a smart chick at Coachella, who is starring in porn movies to pay for school and has also turned him onto a new drug. Once the drug is in his system, his face becomes numb and he likes the feeling it gives him. I would venture to say that on the flip side, Ocean is speaking of the affects of drugs on music, entertainment and relationships. The facade of Hollywood and the inability to make real connections due to drugs, partying and bullshit. But don't take my word for it, check the lyrics yourself and watch the video below:
I think I started something
I got what I wanted
Did-didn't I
Can't feel nothing
Superhuman
Even when I'm fucking
Viagra popping
Every single record
Auto tuning
Zero emotion
Muted emotion
Pitch corrected
Computed emotion
I blame it on the
Model broad with the Hollywood smile
Stripper booty and a rack like wow
Brain like Berkeley
Met her at Coachella
I went to see Jigga
She went to see Z-trip
Perfect
I took a seat on the ice cold lawn
She handed me a ice blue bong
Whatever
She said she wanna be a dentist really badly
She's in school paying
For tuition doing porn in the valley
At least you working
But girl I can't feel my face
What are we smoking anyway
She said don't let the high go to waste
But can you taste a little taste of
Novacane
Baby baby
Novacane baby I want you
Fuck me good
Fuck me long
Fuck me numb
Love me now when I'm gone love me none
Love me none love me none
Numb numb numb numb
Sink full of dishes
Pacing in the kitchen
Cocaine for breakfast
Yikes
Bed full of women
Flip on a tripod
Little red light on shooting
I'm feeling like
Stanley kubrick
This is some visionary shit
Been tryna film pleasure with my eyes wide shut
But it keeps on moving
I blame it on the
Model broad with the Hollywood smile
Stripper booty with the rack like wow
I'll never forget ya
You put me on a feeling I never had
Never had never had
And ever since
I've been tryna get it back and pick it up and put it back
Now I'm something like the chemist on campus
But there's no drug around
I like what I found in you
I still can't feel my face
What am I smoking anyway
She said don't let the high go to waste
But can you taste a little taste of
Novacane
Baby baby
Novacane baby I want you
Fuck me good
Fuck me long
Fuck me numb
Love me now when I'm gone love me none
Love me none love me none
Numb numb numb numb
Novacane novacane novacane novacane novacane
For the pain for the pain for the pain for the pain for the pain
Novacane novacane novacane novacane novacane
For the pain for the pain
Novacane novacane
Pretty girls involved with me
Making pretty love to me pretty
Pity pity
All the pretty girls involved with me
Making pretty love to me pretty
Pity pity
I can't feel a thing
I can't feel
Can't feel a thing
I can't feel a thing
Can't feel feel feel feel her
I can't feel feel her
Novacane novacane novacane
I can't feel feel her
For the pain
For the pain
For the pain
I can't feel feel her
Feel her feel her oh
Novacane novacane-cane
Now, on to the new single entitled Swim Good. My sister put me on to this song and like Novacane, I fell in love instantly with the lyrics and the sound, which is different from anything I've ever heard. I appreciate Ocean's unique style and his ability to mash up genres and influences to make a sound all his own. Swim Good is another deep, multi-dimensional song that will probably elicit many interpretations from the listener. What I think all can agree on is the song is fresh and new and DOPE!
Here are some of my favorite lyrics from the song:
That's a pretty big trunk on my Lincoln Town Car Aint It?
Big enough to take these broken hearts and put 'em in it
Now I'm driving round on the boulevard trunk bleeding
And every time the cops pull me over
The don't ever see them
They never see them
I'm about to drive in the ocean
Imma try to swim from something bigger than me
Kick off my shoes
And swim good
And swim good
Take off this suit
And swim good
And swim good
Got some pretty good beats on this 808CC beatin'
Memory seats I'm sitting on stay heated
I would've put tints on my windows
But what's the difference
When I feel like a ghost, no Swayze
Ever since I lost my baby
Frank Ocean is speaking of broken hearts and swimming away from something bigger than he. Again, MY interpretation of the lyrics is he is speaking of swimming away from a broken heart and a love lost. He is wearing all black like he's going to a funeral because he is depressed, or the love is dead. Needless to say, you might want to think critically when trying to figure out what he is speaking of exactly, but that's the fun part, right? HipHopDX just posted the video to their site and I would love for you all to watch it and let me know what you think. Both of his videos are very artistic and leave much to the imagination, so take a look with your critical/artistic eye and enjoy!
I am excited to see what his new project will bring and how it will change the face of Hip Hop. His contribution to Jay-Z and Kanye's Watch The Throne album is ever present on Made In America and No Church In The Wild (I love both), as well as Beyoncé's track on 4 called I Miss You.
Ever since I first heard this guy I was in love with his voice, style, delivery and mature subject matter. I later discovered he was signed to Roc Nation, by head honcho Jay-Z, and this kid was the next to blow. After hearing several mixtapes like The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights, as well as, tracks with featured artists like Drake and Big Sean, I knew it was only a matter of time before everyone knew his name.
The North Carolina native's first track released off his upcoming debut LP Cole World: The Sideline Story was Who Dat, which featured a school band drum line beat equipped with horns to create a new sound that I had never heard before. J. Cole is known for ghost writing Diddy's Coming Home track off the Last Train To Paris and is also known for his appearance on Jay-Z's A Star Is Born from TheBlueprint 3.
Cole has a degree from St. John's University, which he attended on an academic scholarship studying communication and minoring in business, graduating magna cum laude. Cole explains that he only sought highter education as a path to get a record deal. However, after years of no record deal, he obtained his degree and continued to pursue his dream to be a rap superstar. After sitting outside of Jay-Z's offices for hours in an attempt to have him listen to his beat, he was ignored, but later called by an associate explaining Jay wanted to meet him after hearing his track Lights Please, from one of his mixtapes. Lights Please is a cool and mellow track where Cole is speaking to a young lady whom he is fond of, but is perplexed by her preoccupation with sex, instead of getting to know him better or talking about things with more substance. Check some of the lyrics:
So I tried to show her
About the world and about just who we really are
And where we've come and how we still have to go really far
Like baby look at how we live broke on the boulevard
But all she ever want me to do is unhook her bra
Then all I really want is for her to go down low
Before you know it she wet enough to get drowned slow
And all that deep shit I was previously down for
Replaced by freak shit I am currently down for
...
So now we in the hotel
Mirrors on the ceilin'
She say she wanna blow L's
I hear her and I'm willin'
But everytime I smoke well a nigga mind gone
So that every word I spoke well I'm tryin' to put her on
But she couldn't hear me
I told her all about how we been livin' a lie
And that they'd love to see us all go to prison or die
Like baby look at how they show us on the TV screen
But all she ever want me to do is unzip her jeans
Then all I really want is for her to get on top
Before you know it she workin' jerkin' it non stop
And all that next shit I was previously talkin'
Is now that wet shit that I'm currently lost in
...
I'm findin' the more I grow the more y'all stay the same
Don't even know the rules but yet y'all tryin' to play the game
And ain't it shameful how niggas blame hoes for givin' birth
To a baby that took two to make
Coward nigga you a fake
How gon' look in your sons face and turn your back
Then go start another family dog what type of shit is that?
She said it's okay
Rubbed my head and told me to relax
Laid a nigga down proper like she was recordin' tracks
Said I know you wanna change the world
But for the night please
Just reach over and hit the lights please
DEEP RIGHT?
J. Cole has been patiently waiting for his time to blow; Watching peers like Drake and Big Sean hit pay dirt with their debut albums. I've been waiting on him to drop a track that would capture the ears of the diverse Hip Hop community and would showcase his talent and staying power. I think he's finally done it with his new single and video Work Out. But don't take my word for it, see for yourself.
Here is my fav! His video for Who Dat:
Here is his video for the song he did with Drake, In The Morning:
The debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story hits stores September 27th. Cole has been on tour all summer with Rihanna and Cee-Lo Green for the Loud Tour and just released the dates for his world tour Cole World and will be performing with Tini Tempah in the UK:
COLE WORLD…WORLD TOUR
August 23rd Vancouver, BC (Vogue)
August 25th Edmonton, AB (Edmonton Events Centre)
August 27th Calgary, AB (Flames Central)
August 30th Saskatoon, SK (Odeon Theatre)
August 31st Winnipeg, MB (Garrick Center)
September 3rd Toronto, ON (Sound Academy)
September 6th London, ON (Music Hall London)
September 7th Montreal, QC (Club Soda)
September 10th Orlando, FL (The Beacham Theatre)
September 11th Miami, FL (Revolutions)
September 14th Houston, TX (Warehouse Live)
September 15th New Orleans, LA (House of Blues)
September 16th Dallas, TX (Southside Music Hall)
September 17th Austin, TX (Emos)
September 19th Denver, CO (The Ogden)
September 20th Albuquerque, NM (Sunshine Theater)
September 21st Phoenix, AZ (The Venue)
September 22nd Los Angeles, CA (Club Nokia)
September 23rd San Francisco, CA (Regency)
September 29th Winston Salem, NC (Winston Salem State University)
October 2nd Atlanta, GA (Tabernacle)
October 4th Cleveland, OH (House of Blues)
October 6th Kalamazoo, MI (Kalamazoo State Theatre)
October 7th Detroit, MI (Royal Oak)
October 8th Milwaukee, WI (The Rave)
October 9th Chicago, IL (House of Blues)
October 12th Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory)
October 13th Charlotte, NC (Fillmore)
October 14th Norfolk, VA (Old Dominion University)
October 15th Elizabeth City, NC (Elizabeth City State University)
October 16th Myrtle Beach, SC (House of Blues)
October 19th Washington, DC (Fillmore)
October 20th Baltimore, MD (Sound Stage)
October 21st Albany, NY (Armory)
October 22nd Worcester, MA (Palladium)
October 23rd Providence, RI (Lupo’s)
October 25th New York, NY (Best Buy Theatre)
October 31st Liverpool, UK (Echo Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 1st New Castle, UK (Metro Radio Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 2nd Glasgow, UK (SECC/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 4th London, UK (O2 Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 5th Bournemouth, UK (BIC/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 6th Birmingham, UK (LG Arena/TinieTempah UK Arena Tour)
November 7th Manchester, UK (MEN Arena/Tinie Tempah UK Arena Tour)
November 8th Cardiff, UK (Motorpoint Arena/ Tinie Tempah UK Arena Tour)
November 11th London, UK (Electric Ballroom)
November 12th Birmingham, UK (Institute)
November 13th Cardiff, UK (Solus)
November 14th South Hampton, UK (University)
November 17th Glasgow, UK (ABC)
November 18th Liverpool, UK (Academy)
November 19th Sheffield, UK (Academy)
November 20th Manchester, UK (Academy 2)
November 22nd Cambridge, UK (Junction)
November 24th Bristol, UK (Academy)
November 26th Norway (Waterfront / UEA)
November 30th Brussels, Belgium (VK*)
December 1st Amsterdam, Holland (Melkweg)
December 2nd Germany (TBD)
December 3rd Copenhagen, Denmark (VEGA)
December 4th Malmo, Sweden (Babel)
December 6th Gothenburg, Sweden (Parken)
December 7th Stockholm, Sweden (Nalen)
December 8th Oslo, Norway (Rockefeller)
December 10th Berlin, Germany (TBD)
December 12th Paris, France (La Cigale)
MORE PICS!
I'm excited to see what this newcomer has to bring to the Hip Hop table and hopes he can continue keeping things fresh and new as he has for the past 3+ years. You all should definitely keep your eye on this guy. I'm sure the album will be worth the wait.
In typical fashion, Jay-Z and Kanye West managed to break the iTunes sells record for the most downloads in one week, ousting Coldplay's 2008 record with their album Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends which sold 282,000 in its first week. Kanye and Jay's physical release of the album on Friday, August 12th in stores and its electronic release online on August 8th had the Internets ablaze with talks of it either being dope or wack. Many people were complaining saying that in this time of economic downturn, Jay and 'Ye shouldn't be flaunting their wealth in the faces of the poor and marginalized Americans that purchase their albums.
Once I listened to the album and saw the video, it was much more clear that Jay-Z and Kanye were not throwing their money in our faces, but more so celebrating the lifestyle and riches that their hard work has afforded them. When I take a look at the new video for the Otis track, with the American flag prominently displayed in the background, I see two kids from the inner city, elated and relieved, celebrating making something out of nothing. I see the hard work, blood, sweat and tears; the let downs, denials and doors closed in their faces, which only propelled them to greater heights, why? Because they never gave up.
Thinking back to the day when Jay-Z was trying to get a major label deal. All of the then top music labels denied him. When Kanye was trying to sell more than just beats, in an effort to rhyme, he was shut down by his fair share of naysayers. Looking at them now, it seems like they have it all. But the best is yet to come. I am anxious for the Watch The Throne tour and who will be the surprise guests tagging along.
To get an idea of what I'm referring to, take a look at the video for Otis, the debut track off the Watch The Throne album:
Selling 290,000 units on iTunes is a admirable task. One which I am sure Jay-Z and Kanye are very proud of. But I want to get back to the negative comments I've heard people spew in reference to the tone and message on the album. Jay said it best when he inquired, "Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?" I now understand what Mr. Carter meant when he uttered the aforementioned line on a previous song. How could someone listen to tracks like No Church In The Wild where Kanye and Jay address topics like God, priests, the church, etc. and think it has no depth? Or how could they hear them talk about their unborn children and how they would right their wrongs through the birth of their seeds on New Day and proclaim that they are merely shallow and self-absorbed?
Hov and Martin Louis The King, Jr. also blast off on a track called Welcome To The Jungle where they speak of sadness and loss. I don't know about ya'll, but that material sure sounds deep and thought-provoking to me. But I will let you be the judge.
ITS TIME TO WEIGH IN:
Did you buy the new Watch The Throne album?
If so, do you like the subject matter of the tracks?
Which track are you feeling the most?
Are you disappointed with Jay-Z's and Kanye's braggadocious rhymes?
How would you rate the album on a scale of 1-10?
The highly anticipated album Watch The Throne recorded by Hip Hop mega artists Jay-Z and Kanye West was dropped today, Tuesday, August 8th, the day the Watch The Throne concert tour tickets went on sale. The release has left the Internet, blogs, Facebook and Twitter all buzzing with talks of the new material, the tour, whether the two will get along and what the outcome will be of this mega-collaboration. We've already seen how quick the shit can hit the fan when Jay-Z collaborates with a music great (ie. R. Kelly and the Best of Both Worlds/Unfinished Business album/tour). So lets just hope the two can keep it together until December 12th when they perform in LA (and yes I got tickets!!!!)
Jay-Z and Kanye were able to hold off the release without any leaks, which in this day and age is damn near a mission impossible, but if anyone could do it, Jay and 'Ye could. Tickets for the Los Angeles concert are already sold out, but if you're in or around the LA area, you still might have a chance with Las Vegas so go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/watchthethrone asap before its too late. The first single to drop from the album, Otis, boasts a popular sample by Otis Redding, Try A Little Tenderness, which comes at the hands of soul-sample and talented musical producer, Kanye West.This song has such a strong popular cultural existence, it only makes sense that the two used it for the first single to spark the fire to the release of the album and the tour. The song recorded by Otis Redding was featured in Pretty in Pink with Molly Ringwald in 1986 in one of my favorite scenes from the whole movie (see the video below):
Watch The Throne Album cover & Track Listing
1. No Church in The Wild (Feat. Frank Ocean)
2. Lift Off (Feat. Beyoncé)
3. Niggas in Paris
4. Otis (Feat. Otis Redding)
5. Gotta Have It
6. New Day
7. Prime Time
8. Who Gon Stop Me
9. Murder to Excellence
10. Welcome to The Jungle
11. Sweet Baby Jesus (Feat. Frank Ocean)
12. Love You So (Feat. Mr Hudson)
Bonus13. Illest Motherfucker Alive
14. H*A*M
15. That’s My Bitch 16. The Joy (Feat. Curtis Mayfield)
As you can see, the album has guest appearances by R&B/Hip Hop newcomer Frank Ocean, on two tracks and Beyonce on one. As well as, repeat collaborator Mr. Hudson who was featured on Jay's "Forever Young" track. Below are a few pics from the studio where Jay and Kanye have been creating the masterpiece.
To my Jay-Z and Kanye fans:
Have you been anticipating this high profile album?
Would you like to see Jay-Z and Kanye on tour?
Do you think the album will perform to all of the hype?
Welp! Today is the big day. All of Kelly Rowland's hard work including appearances, performances, photo shoots and more all boils down to this day, this week, this moment in time. You all know how I love my girl Kelly, but what I want to know is, who is going to go buy it?
Kelly's first VIBE Juice cover
TRACK LISTING 1. I’m Dat Chick
2. Work It Man (Feat. Lil Playy)
3. Motivation (Feat. Lil. Wayne)
4. Lay It On Me (Feat. Big Sean)
5. Feelin’ Me Right Now
6. Turn It Up
7. All of the Night (Feat. Rico Love)
8. Keep It Between Us
9. Commander (Feat. David Guetta)
10. Down for Whatever (Feat. The WAV.s)
Deluxe:
11. Heaven & Earth
12. Each Other
13. Motivation (Rebel Rock Remix) [Feat. Lil Wayne]
14. Commander (Urban Remix) [Feat. Nelly]
You guys know from previous posts that I am a big Kelly Rowland fan. I've always followed her career, but I'm even more interested lately with her new found success. I posted the video to Motivation, her first single off the Here I Am album, which is slated to be in stores on July 26th. I was thinking that she needs something really good to follow up the #1 Billboard hit she achieved with Motivation.
Her next single features G.O.O.D. Music artist Big Sean and its called Lay It On Me. The video has yet to be released, but the track is ready, so take a listen below and let me know if it moves you or if she needs to go back to the drawing board.
