Third Time's The Charm

Are you feeling pretty healthy right now? Well I'm not cause, " my watch sick, yeah my drop sick, yeah my glock sick."

Sorry. Bad joke, I know. Just couldn't resist.

Now down to the serious stuff. Contrary to popular belief, Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr doesn't just rap about sex, drugs and money, though those things do come up, and often. Hidden underneath, Mr. Carter has a couple different messages racing through his head and his lyrics, and that makes his music pretty damn good.

If you haven't caught on by now, I'm talking about infamous rapper Lil Wayne, who's sixth album Tha Carter III came to be under my perspective eyes and ears. First, a little background. How are we ever to understand the often misunderstood Wayne if we know nothing about him?

Wayne grew up in New Orleans and his parents divorced when he was only two. Wayne was enrolled in a gifted program at school in his youth and by the age of eight had written his first rap song. Originally involved in drama and plays, Wayne accidentally shot himself at age thirteen and shortly afterwards decided drop out of school to focus on pursuing a career in music, even though he was an honor student.



Wayne was in a group called The Hot Boys until 2001, though he put out his first solo album in 1999. That album went over well, but his next two didn't quite have the success of his debut. It was the Tha Carter series that brought Wayne back into the spotlight.

Tha Carter III was released in 2008 and is Wayne's sixth solo album, making him a well-seasoned rapper, something you can hear in the music. The first song "3 Peat", like a lot of rap songs, has message sandwiched between sexual innuendos and cursing. Most of it's ego-centrical, but some of it's about Wanye's "being back and in business."

The second song, "Mr. Carter" was strangely good, in a not-so-obvious way. Wayne speaks on how far he's come and Jay-Z's collab only makes the song that much better.

Speaking of collaborations, Weezy (as he's often referred to as) has a boatload of them in this album. Jay-Z, T-Pain, Babyface and Robin Thicke are just a few of the many artists to add their style to Wayne's sound. Wayne seems to have picked up this habit from a man mentioned several times in the album, especially in the song "Dr. Carter", by the name of Mr. Kanye West. West produces some of Wayne's songs on this album, and it looks like Wayne's happy to have West there. But back to the songs!



"A Milli" is the second single from this album and if anything else, it's catchy as hell. Out of the four singles released from this album, this is the only one I really liked. "Got Money" wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceedingly spectacular. I have always held the opinion that "Lollipop" is a nasty song and I still have that opinion. The song, to me, doesn't seem to fit in with Wayne's style and has that feel of a "record company encouraged" hit. Lastly, I also didn't enjoy "Ms. Officer", which felt forced in it's sexuality and just poorly done.

"Dr. Carter" was one of three songs on the album that really blew my mind. The lyrics, "Where is your originality? You are so fake" basically describe this genius song. Wayne, essentially, is giving advice to young aspiring rappers through the song, posing as a kind of rap doctor. Lyrically solid and addictive, this is one of the best songs on the album.

The other two songs that really made this album for me were "Tie My Hands", an ode to post-Katrina New Orleans and a dive into Weezy's soul as he calls out to the city that nurtured him and has been through hell and back, and "Dontgetit", which is more or less a song/monologue where Wayne just talks about life, African-Americans in today's society and people hating on him.



There isn't too much or enough I could say about Wayne, he's a complicated kind of guy. He seems to truly express himself through his music and from what I can tell, he's a smart guy who seems to live in two different worlds, but they somehow blend.

If you're a rap lover, this album is a must. If you're a rap like, this album is a must. If you're not big on rap, listen to a couple songs, and not just the singles, and decide for yourself. As Weezy would say, "You have to do you."

-Whitni

The Winner Is... New Music Monday!

Lovely beings, welcome to another Monday! Last week I featured a song so new, I couldn't even find it on Grooveshark. Well, this week belongs to an artist a bit more known that Noah and The Whale, but in an completely different genre. Wiz Khalifa's single, "Black and Yellow", gave him a solid start in the rap industry, though I should note that I can't stand that song. This one, however, is right on the money.



"The Race" by Wiz Khalifa is the latest single off his new album Rolling Papers. I'm not of fan of rappers, or anyone for that matter, saying the n-word, but Khalifa is an artist and artists don't always color within the lines. This song speaks for itself and Khalifa is clearly telling the world he's doing his own thing.

-Whitni

The Music Above, The Talent Below

Outkast is a name pretty known in the R&B world, but not only because they make great music. The duo is made up of two very talented artists- Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They had four albums before the one I'm reviewing today- Speakerboxx/ The Love Below. To give you an idea of their music, every album Outkast has put out has been received well and Rolling Stone has never given an album of theirs anything less than three stars.

Speakerboxx/The Love Below is actually a double album. The side Speakerboxx is solely by Big Boi and The Love Below is the solo side of Andre 3000. Together, there are a whopping forty songs on this album and it last almost two hours, though for the record, many of the tracks are short interludes. Either way, the two side have some obvious differences.


Before I review the album though, I need to speak on something. I don't know if you guys remember, but I did a post a long while back about rap, and I still stand by that post. However, I don't hate rap in anyway. I just hate the way it's going, the way rappers and listeners are treating it. Rap is, truly, an art form. It really is poetry with music and if you treat it right, it can make your day. Well, treat it right and try to read between the lines sometimes. Rappers are smarter than we like to think, and often put positive messages between not-as positive lyrics. They often seem to mix the stupid-ness that is expected of them with actual meaningful lyrics, in a cliche parade of song. Rap, all together, is kind of a misunderstood art.

Speakerboxxx takes on the rap, head first. Big Boi starts the album with a forgettable intro, and rampages into the fast paced and mind blurring "Ghetto Musick", a good choice to begin the album by the rapper. It's a catchy mix of chill R&B and fast-paced hip hop. After that, it's just a slew of music. From the well-known single, "The Way You Move", which has slick lyrics and an infectious melody, to lesser known songs like "Unhappy", "Bowtie" and "The Rooster", which were good, but not especially memorable. "Bamboo" was probably one of the cutest "songs" I've ever heard. This little duet with Big Boi's son Bamboo (what a name!) is nothing short of adorable.


One of the best songs on this side of the album was "War", a lyrical pot of deep meanings. It's obvious Big Boi put a lot work into creating great lyrics, but he could have afforded a bit more creativity. Though he infuses R&B and soul sounds as well as other rappers styles, his beat stays the same, especially in the second half of his side of the album.

The second half of this album, The Love Below, is all Andre 3000, who does a fucking great job, excuse my French. Personally, this was the better side of the double album. The album begins with "Love Hater", a cooky mix of 20s jazz bar music and great lyrics. "Happy Valentine's Day" was one of Raivynn's favorites. True to it's name this is an anthem of this love-filled day.

Other greats on this album include "Prototype", a groovy little number, and two popular singles (though Prototype is also a single). "Hey Ya!" is clever, catchy (like many songs from this album), and just plain fun. It's gotten a significant amount of radio play, hitting number one in the US, as well as Norway, Australia, Canada and Sweden.


"Roses" is both Raivynn's and my favorite song on the album. It's almost indescribable, and if you choose to listen to one song from the whooping forty on the album, choose this one. It's arguably the best song on the album.

Since the album is so long, it's hard to really fit it all into one review. There are so many different sounds and it's an activity all in itself just listening to it. But Big Boi and Andre 3000 poured a lot into this baby, and it grew up to be great.

-Whitni

The Comeback Kid

Have you ever heard of miracles? Maybe you've had one happen to you or someone you love. Well, in 2000, a young rapper by the name of 50 Cent was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home in Queens. Not only did he survive, he continued to make records. You gotta give him respect for that.

Now, a lot of people love 50. And a lot of people don't ('I'd give him a dollar to shut up' is a popular slogan). Personally, I had only heard his singles on the radio, but I had never ventured out to listen to his albums before now. His album Get Rich Or Die Trying, the first album after the shooting, and his debut album, was listed by Allmusic as "probably the most hyped debut album by a rap artist in about a decade". So, the real question is, did 50 Cent actually have enough talent and skills to change the game?

Well, yes, and no. I know, we say that for a lot of reviews. That's because music isn't black and white, its usually a gray area for most musicians. For 50, there are definite bright spots in his music, but there's a black hole that could easily suck him up if he doesn't change his ways.

When you listen to the album, there is no denying the fact that the man is creative. He can rap and he can definitely spin some words. For example:

D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard I'm on the next level, Breitling Baguette Bezel Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood

I wouldn't get in a battle with this cat. And the album isn't bad. I like how it's pure 50, even when he raps with other people like Eminem and Nate Dogg. He speaks his mind, but doesn't droll during a song. I enjoyed the first couple of songs, the middle of the album, and the end. Of course, though, I have a problem with this album...

I understand how, sadly, 50 Cent's shooting kind of fueled his career. However, that doesn't mean that that's all he has to rap about. We got it 50, you got shot. And I understand how you have to call out the haters and everything, but please don't base your whole album on that fact. Well, I guess you can (he did), but I have to admit, I got bored after a while. Like, oh, another die haters! I'm still alive song. I can even understand the 'ho's' and stuff like that, maybe because I'm used to that in rap, but, at this point in time, I would have told 50 to expand after this album, cause you can't ride on a shooting for the rest if your career. Well, I guess you can, but you really shouldn't want to. All musicians should strive to get better with each album, not stay the status quo.


Anyways, off Get Rich Or Die Trying, there were a couple of singles I'm sure you all would be able to sing at any given time. 'In da Club', '21 Questions', 'Many Men (Wish Death)' 'P.I.M.P'. If you don't know, you can look them up on YouTube. My favoirte of this album was the second track, 'What Up Gangsta'. I can't speak too much for Whitni, because you know how she feels about rap (if you don't, look up her post 'The Slow And Sad Degeneration Of Rap Music'). However, I like she would like 'Wanksta', which was featured in the 8 Mile album.

50 Cent has gone on to release other albums (this one was released in 2003), so I can't say much about how he is now musically. Otherwise, he looks as if he's doing okay, although seems to be having a lot of legal troubles. I also couldn't help but notice the fact that he has a large number of feuds going on, as well as a son. I just gotta say to 50, regardless of the music, stay safe man. These streets ain't as safe as they used to be, and I'm sure you know this better than anybody. And, if you have something you have to say, something worthwhile, then keep rapping.

I guess 50 Cent will always be rap's little miracle.

-Raivynn

(Bang!) New Music Monday

Happy Monday, my musical friends! Today is looking to be a good day (I don't know about you guys, but it's a beautiful 70 degrees here in Cincinnati)!

Today's New Music Monday pick is one of international proportion! The young man who made this song is originally from Somalia. He's a rising rapper in the music world and you probably know him from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His song, "Wavin' Flag" was remixed and chosen as the Coca-Cola anthem for the football (as soccer's called in the rest of the world) championship.



This song is off his new album Troubadour; the song is "Bang Bang" by K'naan feat. Adam Levine. Yeah, you read that right- Adam Levine. As in lead singer of Maroon 5, hits songs like "This Love", "Wake Up Call" and "Misery" Adam Levine. This duo makes making music look easy, and I wouldn't be surprised if this song took off early 2011. In fact, I'd put money on it.

Oh, and, just so you know, the video's a little risque, but nothing to bad. It's the times, you know, the times. What can you do?

Whitni

N.I.C.E. (New, Intense, Cool, Exciting)

Just like Raivynn posted about new music, I thought I should do so too. I mean, who doesn't like new music???

I happened to be on Youtube the other day, listening to Kanye West while writing about Kanye West (it helps set the mood), when one of those Vevo ads came up on the bottom telling me to check out Asher Roth's new single "G.R.I.N.D. (Get Ready It's a New Day)."

Now, in case you don't already know, Asher Roth is the rapper who made the mini-hit "I Love College." So, for some reason, I watched that one first, and that gave me a good idea of what this new song was probably about (I mean, it is called "G.R.I.N.D."). But, seeing as I am a curious being I checked it out and it is quite a different song than I imagined. I looked up Asher Roth and he's this college aged rapper who makes, well, typical rap music. But this isn't typical rap music.



So, again, the song is called "G.R.I.N.D. (Get Ready It's a New Day)" by Asher Roth. Don't be fooled by the name, Roth's actually got something good this time.

Better Late Than Never

Kanye West's second album, "Late Registration", sent some ripples into the ocean of music. This album debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and ultimately sold three million copies in the U.S alone. In case you've lost count, it's forty on our little countdown.

"Late Registration" is the second of Kanye's education themed albums, the first being "The College Dropout" and the last being "Graduation." The album is truly Kanye, with double-meaning lyrics, tight beats and an array of artists featured. It's no joke when I say there's an array- everyone from T.I, Brandy and Cam'ron to Jamie Foxx, Lupe Fiasco and Adam Levine of the acclaimed band "Maroon 5" is on this album.

My favorite song on this album had to be "Drive Slow", a song that features Paul Wall and GLC. The song is slower and the lyrics focus on the idea that our generation shouldn't be so quick to grow up. Of course, Kanye doesn't just up and say this. But listening to him say, "Ya need to pump your brakes and drive slow homie", you get the point.

Two other favorites were "Roses", a touching anthem to Kanye's grandmother, who went through surgery before he was famous and almost didn't make it, and "Hey Ma" a song, aptly named for Kanye's mother, Donda West, who sadly passed away in November 2007.

Of course, they are the singles "Gold Digger" and "Touch the Sky", which many know and love. Seeing as Raivynn isn't here I can't be sure of what her favorites were, but I am about 85% sure she really likes "Heard Em' Say", the second song on the album that features Adam Levine. I also think she'd like "Celebration", another Kanye specialty on this album.

There was one notable thing I didn't like about this album- the fact that there were twenty-one songs in this album! I understand having to make your music and get it out there, but twenty-one!

Rai already gone on about what makes Kanye so good, but I'm going to go ahead and tell you guys why I love Kanye's music.

Kanye West has something the world is lacking these days- originality. Now, that's not to say he doesn't have influences, he does. But Kanye is his own man. He makes and produces his own music and he raps about everything- not just sex, drugs and money. Listening to his music, you'd probably think most of it's about him and his ego, but if you take the time to really listen to the words, Kanye's actually got a little bit of soul. He talks about everything from family to society to race in America today. What don't I like about Kanye? Well, he's a jackass. He really is. He says and does stupid stuff he knows he shouldn't, much like another gifted musician we know (cough cough, John Mayer, cough cough). But, as much of a jackass as he is, the man makes good music.

I know I'm not the only one to think this too, because Kanye has won forty-seven awards, fourteen of them being Grammys. So, the brotha can't be too bad. Try it yourself, look up one of these songs or others from our older post on Kanye West on Youtube, or whatever you use for music. Keep listening kiddies.

-Whitni

Beats, Lyrics, Ego, Kanye

Warning: This album had been listened to before this project, and may create some unintended bias, though I doubt that will happen.

Graduation was the third studio album to be released by Kanye West, and I believe it was one of his best. It's the third in his 'schooling' chronicles, the first being The College Dropout, and the second Late Registration. Before I talk about the album though, I'm going to pull a Whitni, and talk about Kanye himself.

I actually like Kanye West (for the most part). I'm personally not a big fan of ego, but that's not why I listen to his music. I listen to Kanye West because he is an original. He has been since he started back in 1996, and hasn't stopped for anybody. Since the latter part of the 2000s, rap music started sounding a lot different. You would a hear a great beat one month, and three months later, hear that exact same beat being spun by a different artist. Or, rappers started taking old songs and "re-vamping" them. This is great sometimes, but shouldn't be overdone, like it is now. West has his own distinct sound, he creates his own beats. He brings in sounds from other genres like techno, r&b, pop, and even rock. He experiments, he goes outside his comfort zone. Another thing about Kanye. He is a great rapper and an excellent musician. And he knows this. So many Kanye songs have been attributed to the fact that he talks about how great he is, how all the girls want him, how the haters hate him (and why they shouldn't). And even though you initially roll your eyes and say 'Yeah right', after a few listens you realize one of these two things:

1) He's telling the truth. I mean, honestly, how many other rappers out there are really like Kanye? I would put him right up there with Jay-Z; this guy has talent for spinning records, and he knows it. So shouldn't you know it too? Or...

2) He's knows it, but he's messing around. Remember that previous post by Whit talking about rap music (if you don't, check it out. It's very good). Remember the part where she talked about Luda, and how he used to poke fun at himself and his music? I think that Kanye does this too. Example? I was listening to track eight, 'Drunk and Hot Girls'. The whole song is silly, not worth a listen. So, I skipped it. Maybe Kanye is saying, 'Yeah, this shit is pretty stupid, but the real question is, are you gonna dance your ass off to it anyways?' Maybe I'm wrong, but I like to say that he is a mix between Luda and Common. Why? Because he possess the silliness of Luda, but, also, the seriousness of Common. A lot of his songs talk about real problems, concerns, or just thank somebody (track 13, 'Big Brother'). Those songs make more sense than some of his others, and show a side of Kanye many people don't ever see. Now, back to the music!!

No two songs sound alike, and if you listen to Graduation you'll hear that. The first song, the intro, is aptly named 'Good Morning'. The next five songs of the album really illuminate Kanye's talent, with songs like 'Stronger', 'Can't Tell Me Nothing', 'Good Life', and, my personally favorite, 'I Wonder'. Whitni's favorite song was 'Homecoming', which was a kind of duet with Chris Martin of Coldplay. That's another aspect of young Kanye, he makes songs with all kinds of musicians, from Lil Wayne, to John Mayer, to Dwele. He uses inspiration from musicians like U2, Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Public Enemy, and has said his favorite musical groups include The Killers and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This guy has been around the block a few times.

Anyway, back to Graduation. It's a great album, placed well on the Rolling Stone's chart (40 something?). I didn't like tracks seven (Barry Bonds), eight, and eleven (The Glory). Tracks you might overlook include 'Everything I Am' and 'Champion', but overall, this album in definitely one of a kind. Like...a bright light in a dark hole of crap. Eww.

-Rai

P.S- No, I will not talk about any of Kanye's controversial outbursts or recent actions involving two young, talented women, a music video, and an badly abused microphone.

The Slow and Sad Degeneration Of Rap Music

Let me first say this- this has been a long time coming for me. I have long since noticed what is going on in the rap industry and thanks to that, my frustration with the artists, producers, parents and fans only continues to grow.

Anyone who really knows me knows I am no stranger to rap music. I hear it almost daily, but after a while I have to stop listening. Hip hop has transitioned since it first became mainstream in the eighties. Old school hip hop (think The Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and The Fat Boys) inspired the new school hip hop (think Run DMC, Public Enemy, LL Cool J). But this generation of artists, I don't who's inspiring them.

Well, okay, that's a little harsh. There are some artists who have clearly inhibit the talent of their forefathers, artists like Jay-Z, Common, Eminem, Outkast, Kid Cudi, and yes, even Kanye. They bring back real hip hop back in bits and pieces, just enough to give this generation an idea of what hip hop really used to be.

And then, dear God, there are the others. Artists like Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Trey Songz (yes, your beloved Trey Songz is on this list), Snoop Dog (shudder), even Usher is starting to join the legion of young male rappers who seem to only rap about sex, making money, and big egos.

But I feel I should give specific examples of this, so let's take the top five r&b songs by male artists and look at some of the lyrics:

Usher's "There Goes My Baby"- In this single, Usher gives his audience a bit of both worlds, not losing his gentle, sweet side- "I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands around your waist and kiss your face. Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing not even for a minute." Yet,at the same time, Usher's still speaking to what the record companies seem to think the world wants to hear- "I swear your body's so perfect baby, how you work it baby yeah...so please believe we gone be twerking it out by the end of the night baby."

Drake's "Find Your Love"- Now this kid, in the charts, this kid is hot. His song is a prime example of a kind of softer alternative hip hop beginning to make it's way across the charts. This is a truly, genuine love song though and Drake's voice is perfect for it. I'm proud of this kid for sticking to his guts and putting out there what he sees fit to be heard. "I bet if I give all my love, then nothings gonna tear us apart."



Usher's "OMG"- Usher, Usher, Usher, what happened? Surely he realizes that though this song is infinitely catchy, seeing a girl drop it low at the club does not equal falling in love with her. That's falling in love with her body. Sigh. "I fell in love with shawty when I seen her on the dance floor. She was dancing sexy, pop, pop, popping, dropping, dropping low."

Young Jeezy's "Lose My Mind"- Wow, Jeezy, wow. I didn't know it was possible to make a whole song about getting drunk and having reckless sex, but you've proved me wrong. I get partying, I do, but this song is just one in a common parade of songs almost exactly like this, and I don't just mean the theme. Everyone in the industry is copying after one another; originality is a thing of the past. "Security,I need help cuz the bitch stalkin'. A half fucking mill,that's what the whip cost me. One-hundred dollars,that's what the pussy cost me."



Ludacris's "Sex Room"- Do I really need to explain? I actually used to have respect for Ludacris as a rapper because even though what he was saying wasn't always that positive, I got the feeling he was going for a 'I know what I'm rapping about, isn't it stupid, maybe you should turn this shit off' influence, if that makes any sense. I don't know what happened; I guess the record industry got a hold of him, or the idea of making more money overshadowed making the best music he could make. "Damn right imma get that thang & imma put my name on it. All night imma whip dat thang, allstate better put a claim on it. I claim my territory, my tongue finna mark you up."

I said earlier in this post that the record companies seem to think this is all the people want to hear, and maybe they're right. The more this kind of degrading and just down right stupid music is produced and released, the more people buy it. Although record sales have been going down for the last couple of years, and I cannot remember another time in my life that I turned on the radio and heard song after song tell me to "drop it low and take it all off."

So what is the point of this blog entry? We can't stop the record companies and artists from putting on the music they want, and why should we? That's the freedom that comes with living in America. But it's not okay to let kids sing and dance to this, most of whom don't even know what they're really talking about. You wouldn't let your two-year watch X-rated porn, so why should you let them pop and lock it to a song filled with cuss words and extremely vivid sexual imagery ("Change Positions" by Pleasure P...need I say more?)

Hip hop is slowly dying, no doubt, and I can see why some people would take offense at what's being said here, but the hard truth is it's true.We can bring it back, but it will take people facing the truth and, even more than that, changing the circumstances for the better.

-Whitni