J.Cole is one of my favourite Lyricists in the Hip-Hop game right now & he does not disappoint in his latest single “Higher” which is showcased in the Tapemaster’s forthcoming mixtape. His flow alongside with his lyrics is what Hip-Hop needs right now… no more auto-tune shit
Source: Hypetrak
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I will be reminiscing about 2009 of the music that influenced me throughout the year. There were TONS of great albums that were released…BUT it was truely the year for Hip-Hop thank GOD. I will list my top albums, mix-tapes, and my favourite song of 2009.
Top Album(s):
It was hard to pick one of the two were better than each other between Q-tip’s “The Renaissance” & Kid Cudi’s “Man on the Moon: The End of Day”. These two albums had their own unique sounds and feeling when listening to them. Q-tip had more of a mellow vibe with hints of jazz and R&B notes. The instrumentals is what first sold me to this album. Then I listened more to Q-tips lyricism that enhanced the melody of the sounds along side with soulful vocals from Norah Jones, Raphael Saadiq, and Amanda Diva. This album is what all Hip-Hop lovers should listen to for the raw and positivity that Hip-Hop was build on. Kid Cudi’s album was an adventure of different emotions that were seperated in each song. The track listing was organized on the purpose of going through Kid Cudi’s dreams. The album goes from happy thoughts, “Simple As…”, to sad thoughts, “Solo Dolo”, to a place that Cudi find his happiness, “Cudi Zone”, to complete his dream. For his first album, this was hella risky BUT he succeeded. To truly appreciate this album, you need to listen to it thoroughly. These two for me were the most influential and meaningful albums of 2009.
Top Mix-Tape(s):
Every year there are SOO many mix-tapes that most people don’t even bother with them anymore…well not me! I try to seek all the new comers because usually these guys/gals are the future of music. They will always push the envelope because they really can not lose anything…BUT gain everything. In 2009 these three mix-tapes stood out to me the most because how clever each artist were to each of their genre.
First off is BJ the Chicago Kid “The New Beginning”. This soulful kat is the future of R&B…best believe! His vocals are out of this world and seriously I have not listen to R&B as much as I do once again because of him solely. In this mix-tape BJ shows his range of writing abilities from “Sky’s The Limit” to “Take It Off” to “911”; he hits every single note to keep you in the song. If your in need for good R&B…follow the link bellow to download!
Download BJ The Chicago Kid “The New Beginning” HERE!
Secondly is J.Cole “The Warm Up”. Some might know him by now because of him being signed to Rock Nation, Jay-Z’s newest label, after his completion of this mix-tape. J.Cole is breath of fresh air in Hip-Hop from his flow & lyricism to each beat thrown at him. Such a wide variety of songs from “Lights out” to “I Get Up” to “Ladies”…soo many great hits to name them all! Watch out for him in 2010. Follow the link bellow to download!
Download J.cole “The Warm Up” HERE!
Lastly is the trio that is Key-N-Krates “Re-Mixing 101”. This group was created a few years ago to “re-remixing” by adding live instrumental with turntablism for sampling. The trio consits of DJ Jr Flo, Matisse, and Tune. I have been waiting for them to actually put out their remixs for the longest time…and they FINALLY did in 2009. One listen is all you need to fall in love with these guys and what they are doing for the music community. Follow the link to download!
Download Keys-N-Krates “Re-Mixing 101” HERE!
Favourite Song of 2009:
The song that won me over for the FIRST listen was Q-tip ft. Norah Jones “Life is Better”. From the bass line, Norah lyrics being in symmetry with the beat, her soothing voice to my ear drums, Q-tips noticeable voice breaking apart from Norah’s, and his lyricism just completes the entire song for me. Take a listen and judge for yourself…
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Photo courtesy of Paul Swanson (@paul_swanson_)
The one and only Jay-Z graced our presents last night at Rexal Place for his Blueprint 3 tour. Not only Jay-Z was here… but N.E.R.D., Wale, and J.cole opened up the show & a surprise appearance of Memphis Bleek being Jiggas right hand man on stage while he performed. This was my favourite concert I went to thus far. If you missed out or was too stingy with you money…you seriously missed out on one of the best concerts Edmonton has seen.Wale & J.Cole opened it up first with Wale’s lyricism & J.Cole’s vocals. Too bad Edmonton didn’t know or cared for these two artist; though I know there are dedicated fans ,like me, who listened to their entire performance that included songs from Wale’s new album & his hit song “Chilln’”.
N.E.R.D. was next doing what they do best…making everyone get up and start SPAZ’n to their music. They are known for their performances and they did not disappoint. Pharrell also introduced their newest member Rhea, a local Canadian. After their performance people got hyped and then…
People started to chant “Hova! Hova! Hova!”…there he was.. Jigga man! From beginning to end he straight up murdered it playing tracks from Blueprint 3 to The Black Album to Blueprint to Reasonable Doubts. He also used Jackson 5’s “I want you back” beat with “H to the Izzo” lyrics which made the roof blast off. He also did the last verse of “Already Home”
