What To Expect In 2013: Albums
This time last year I was here talking about wanting to see Detox in 2012. One year later, I’m still at it after-mathematics. Although, Detox is probably the album I’m anticipating the most, this year still has lots and lots of dope albums coming out. Weezy F. will try to correct himself after a disappointing effort on Carter IV. J. Cole will try to write in his ballot into the hip-hop hall of fame, and Big Sean will prove to everybody that he’s more than a GOOD rapper. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, so chill out G. There’s more after the break.
CNN Names Nas the “Greatest Lyricist of All Time.”
CNN has announced Nas as “the greatest lyricist of all time.”
Eliott C. McLaughlin of CNN says, “The words were carefully chosen. “‘Lyricist” over “rapper” or “hip-hop artist;” “greatest” instead of “most successful;” “all time” rather than “today.”
The article places the 40 year old rapper up against other artists such as Jay Z, Eminem, Andre 3000, along with the late Pac and Biggie.
What do you think? Is Nas really the greatest lyricist of all time? If not, who would you say is more deserving of the crown, and why?
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Top 15 Albums/Mixtapes Of 2012
Another year down, another solid year for hip hop and R&B. It’s always great to be able to go into your iTunes, hit the “Date Added” tab and just relive your year through music from January-December. Memories being brought up with each mixtape and album you listen to. Well, we all have our personal favorites that we preferred over the other. I started this whole Top Albums/Mixtapes thing last year, and of course it stirred controversy. It’s expected anytime you broadcast your opinion all over the world. Somebody I never heard of on your list? Cool, leave it in the comment section and enlighten me. Other than that, I enjoy giving my opinion and see who agrees/disagrees. A lot of good projects this year, but here is what I ended up with for my top 15 projects of the year. Read more
Rihanna donates 1.75 Million to hospital in Barbados
This June the internet exploded with people reaching out to Rihanna, offering their condolences after news broke about a death in her family. It was during this time that Rih used her Instagram account to introduce the world to the magnificent woman she knew as, “Gran Gran Dolly.”
Rihanna has now donated a whopping 1.75 million dollars to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown, Barbados in honor of her late grandmother. The contribution will help the Queen Elizabeth Hospital upgrade and modernize their facilities. Rihanna later told a representative from E! News, “This was my way of giving back to Barbados, in a form of philanthropy by assisting the QEH in its continued modernization program.”
The hospital has since then renamed their radiotherapy department to the “Clara Braithwaite Centre for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine.”
Gran Gran Dolly would be proud!
By: Rick Roman
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You’re Killin’ It: Macklemore
When “Thrift Shop” dropped, YKI wasn’t even born. So this baby is a bit overdue. But YKI is about giving credit where credit is due, so overdue or not, it’s time to pay “Thrift Shop” its dues. A 2012 rap song talking about poppin’ tags at the thrift shop is beyond rare, kind of like a grown man rockin’ a onesie. Like that wasn’t amazing enough, the hip-hop community embraced the track’s message. “Thrift Shop” is currently the 7th hottest rap song on Billboard. Honestly, I think “this is fuckin’ awesome.” Macklemore, you’re killin’ it.
1 Verse, 1 Hearse #23, J. Cole – Miss America
Who remembers “Work Out?” Yeah, well that was J. Cole’s first single for his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. At the time, Cole was trying to change the conversation. He wanted to show people that he had the diversity to become a mainstream rapper all while staying true to his core. Now Cole is trying to change the conversation once again. This time, he doesn’t care so much about radio airplay or whether people think that he can drop a million in a week. This time, Cole is in control and he’s driving the conversation instead of reacting to it. I’m talking about the first single from his sophomore album titled Born Sinner. Cole dropped “Miss America” to change the conversation, to change the way the industry is run. Instead of leading with a radio single like last time, Cole lead with a single commenting on the current state of affairs.
You’re Killin’ It: Nardwuar
Nardwuar The Human Serviette, as he’s officially known, is one of hip-hop’s most over-looked figures. Nardwuar is one of the few people with the mic’ in hand that deserves recognition. Video after video, he stuns, not only the artist, but the entire world with his knowledge. There’s not one person that has never said, “oh crap, how did he know that?” I’m convinced that Nardwuar is really Santa Clause. He’s the omniscient figure in the north (Canada), that looks over the hip-hop world and its kids. It’s really the only explanation. No one man should know that much. Nardwuar, you’re killin’ it.
Deaf•initions No•3
I don’t write these rhymes. I just write about them. So before you hit the break, let me warn you that both Jay-Z and Childish Gambino are featured in this installment of Deaf•initions. As always, this space includes some of hip-hop’s most illogical and stupid lyrics. Point and laugh after the break.
You’re Killin’ Me: Features
Features used to be cool. I used to get excited when I saw different rappers working together. Some of my favorite hip-hop tracks have had features. “Amerikaz Most Wanted” featuring Snoop, the countless Nate Dogg features, Game’s work with 50, and Jay’s collabos with Pharrell are all great features. Recently, features have gotten straight boring and repetitive. Not that authentic features don’t exist anymore, but most tracks nowadays are a bunch of verses glued to a beat. Then to get attention, rappers always feature a mix of what seems to be the same cast. French Montana, Lil Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, and A$AP Rocky are currently hot feature commodities. Rappers need to switch it up. You’re killin’ me.
1 Verse, 1 Hearse #22, Kendrick Lamar – Black Boy Fly
Kendrick have a dream! Last week his dreams came true when he dropped his debut album, Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City. Like expected, it got hip-hop talking, but it was surprisingly polarizing. If it wasn’t a classic, it was “trash.” You either felt it or you didn’t. Part of the blame lies in the album’s concept. GKMC is Kendrick spitting his story on the mic’. If you’ve never been in a “Sherane” situation or if you aren’t a good kid in a m.A.A.d. city, the album might’ve been trash. However, one thing that is indisputable is the album’s lyrical presentation. The flows, rhyme structures, and concepts are rock solid, and one of the best that hip-hop has seen over the last few years. Kendrick revolutionized the new West Coast with his introspective raps, alternating voices, and thug-less-ness. Of course we don’t know yet, but Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City might go down as something special. Right now, we should just soak it in and enjoy it. One of the most introspective tracks off the album was “Black Boy Fly” from the deluxe version. Momma Lamar’s mini van is m.A.A.d. cool, but nothing is more killer than our own hearse. So jump in the backseat, read, and don’t let anyone kill your vibe ya bish.
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