Posts Tagged "Rap"

  • Jay-Z and Kanye West: Watch the Throne

    // August 13th, 2011 // No Comments » // Music


    There’s something familiar about the latest co-album, “Watch the Throne,” by Kanye West and Jay-Z. It’s as though I’ve already heard this style of rap, this tone of voice, before; but never arranged in that sort of way. The first song off it comes out the gate running, though not bucking. It’s the combination of a heady bass riff with a trumpet-like synth which makes it original. Both retro and crisp, the song’s movement is like something you would hear in a movie – a car driving off into a sunset.


    To be sure, most of those moments of ingenuity suspended over the album are captured in the lyrics of “No Church in the Wild.” Like a crystal shining under moonlight the song exhibits a kind of sympathy, a vibrant display, at first; its mechanization notwithstanding. And yet the rapper returns with a bleak reminder, a provocative blending of nostalgia with irony, that where desire rules, God is irrelevant; and the sympathy quickly flutters away. Hence, there is no church in the wild.


    What’s a mob to a king?
    What’s a king to a God?
    What’s a God to a non-believer
    Who don’t believe in anything?


    Certainly the notion of being in the wild could relate to the way human beings are thought to desire. But can it explain the force of a desire of the non-believer? The answer becomes clear, I think, should we take that force to vary with the rungs of a ladder. To be a non-believer is, simply, to sit atop a ladder. Neither fighting dragons, defending Gods, nor enticing women; but protecting oneself, impiously, with an air of indifference – the anti-warrior à la Nasir Jones. Are Kanye West and Jay-Z ushering in a new style to the hip-hop scene? Check out the song “Who Gon Stop Me” and tell us what you think.



  • Priceless

    // June 28th, 2010 // No Comments » // Music


    Tired of hearing about drugs, stealing, and violence? Priceless can relate. Born Terrence Rowe, Priceless is stirring up some new hype in the game with a fresh take on the New York rap scene. That is to say, he connects his music with his own experiences and emotions. Priceless, however, understands a need for bouncy, fun songs. His newest single “Wonder Womanz,” featuring Bobby V, is just that. “Wonder Womanz” and “Believe It,” another song from Priceless’ latest mixtape, are available for download here. To download the mixtape in its entirety, check out PricelessAllDay.com.



  • Artist of the Week: Sam Adams

    // February 9th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // Music


    The founding father you ask? Or do we mean the beverage? Tasty, but wrong. We’re talking about Samuel Adams the up-n-coming rap sensation from Boston. His name, no doubt,  carries the essence of a great beverage. But his music goes down just as smooth as the lager. His rhymes are fresh. His beats are an eclectic mix of new and old. Mind you, it’s possible his big break came from a catchy remix of Asher Roth’s “I Love College,” but he certainly doesn’t lack creativity.



    Upon listening to “I Hate College“ you may be immediately inclined to jump upon your desk and rage. Nevertheless we urge you to first give the name – Sam Adams the musician, not the drink, got it? – a place in your memory. He’s performed with the likes of 3OH!3, Shwayze, Big Sean and Mike Posner. He’s constantly making new music. White rappers, let’s not forget, are a dime a dozen nowadays.


    To better understand Samuel Adams the musician, you might consider directing your attention to the short video below. It’s a behind the scenes look at his studio and how he goes about making beats. You can stay up to date with the Boston kid on both his Facebook page and his new Twitter account.






    Mr. Adams has been generous enough to provide us with a couple of songs to get you started. Download “Brand New” and “Better Than You” here.

  • Kid Cudi: Cudderisback

    // December 2nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Music


    kid-cudi-cudderisbackKid Cudi’s latest single “Cudderisback” has us scratching our heads. It seems to beg the question, “Cudi was gone?” Notwithstanding confusing terminology, Cudi’s smooth vocals blend well with a refined aura of relaxation. But don’t worry, Cudder maintains his typical verbal antics. Though the satisfying song is short, its title might precursor something bigger from the young upcoming artist.


    We suggest readers of all musical tastes give the refreshing song a listen.

  • Curt@!n$: Mode

    // September 18th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music


    l_a707b2b47fbd4d6b906c87d330416155Six months past its debut on Levi Maestro’s web show, Maestro Knows, Curt@!n$’s “Mode” has finally been released! During the episode, Curt@!n$  plays a snippet of the song for Levi. While Maestro bops his head, Curt@!n$ sings along and flashes his Air Yeezys to the rhyme: “I rock things that aren’t out yet, cant find this at no outlet…”


    “Mode” is different then most of Curt@!n$’s other work, but the entertaining song will no doubt receive its fair share of plays from speakers of Curt@!n$ fans across the globe. Purchase the song on iTunes or, instead, download it here via 2dopeboyz. For the enthusiasts out there, check out the original Maestro Knows episode below.