Month: May 2018

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Throwback Thursday! Pusha V Drake?

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So! Its nearly the end of the week even though with the bank holiday, this has been a quick one! Today’s features for throwbacks are based on current events happening in the hip hop community. I’m sure we’ve all heard the “rap beef” happening between Drake & Pusha T…& if you haven’t, you better update yourself! In the spirit of it, I’ve selected two throwback songs that feature Drake and Pusha!!!

1. Future Ft Pharrell, Pusha T & Casino – Move That Dope

Pusha T is famous for his references to drug dealing or drug taking as previously stated and this song by Future released in 2014 contains a very memorable Pusha T verse. His verse contains famous puns such as “Young enough to still sell dope but old enough that I knows better” in reference to what you do with the drug Cocaine. Additionally in the verse he raps “Pablo, Versace way before Migos” which is a clever reference to the famous drug dealer Pablo Escobar as well as a reference to the famous “Versace” song by Migos. It can be argued that because Pusha T only raps about the same thing that he can not be considered versatile but it could be argued he raps about what is his reality and that could mean he is not fake.

2. Dj Khaled Ft Drake & Rick Ross – I’m on One

Drake has many features on songs and his verses are usually always memorable just like the one in this song by DJ Khaled, realeased in 2011. The first line from the song is classic & is well known; “Uhh, I’m getting so throwed, I ain’t went this hard since I was 18”. Pretty sure everyone that knows this song gets excited just from hearing those words!

3. Rick Ross Ft Drake & French Montana – Stay Schemin

I had to add this song very quickly because Drake’s verse on this song has to be one of his bests. Just gonna add the infamous lines; “Kobe ’bout to lose a hundred fifty M’s. Kobe my nigga, I hate it had to be him. Bitch, you wasn’t with me shootin’ in the gym”. Hands down one of the most memorable Drake lines!

Overall both artists are great in their own right & both have excellent features and individual songs. ‘Rap Beef’ is great for fans but should not be taken seriously as it really just showcases the talents of the respective artists.

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Tune Tuesday.

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Today’s entry is from English singer Jess Glynne called “I’ll be there”. The song was released earlier this month and is the lead single from her unreleased new album.

I think the concept of the song is to let the person in question know how much she’ll be there for them. In the song Jess sings about all the times the person may be weak or alone or in pain & each time she will always be there for them. She frequently sings “You’ll never be alone, I’ll be there for you” reiterating the point that the person can lean on her. I like that even though it could be considered a “sad song”, the tempo uplifts the beat which could be a representation of what she is saying she will do for that person.

Have a listen below.

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New Music Friday

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Pusha T has finally released his newly anticipated album ‘Daytona’. This particular song features Kanye West and is called “What would Meek do”.

Despite all the controversy surrounding Kanye, he was able to deliver a very solid feature on the track addressing a number of issues. On one of the lines he raps “Everything Ye say cause a new debate”, Kanye touches on the fact he knows how controversial he is. One of the standout lines in the song will definitely have to be “If you ain’t drivin’ while Black, do they stop you?”. Subtle reference but that’s the reality of America at the moment. Regardless of Kanye’s “outlandish” behaviour, you cannot argue he has a talent when it comes to music.

Another controversial topic of this album is the album cover. It is rumoured to be Whitney Houston’s hotel bathroom that she stayed in before she tragically passed. The picture shows the chaos left behind with the drugs everywhere. It can be argued that Pusha T who is open about the fact he has made his millions by selling drugs is trying to highlight the juxtaposition of the effects of drugs. On one hand, someone is profiting and the other, some may not even survive.

Take a listen to the song below…

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Throwback Thursday (US Style)

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The second Throwback Thursday extract is from US rapper Trina featuring Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland. The song is called “Here We Go” and is about a woman confronting her cheating partner. It is quite interesting to hear the dynamics of the song as Trina provides an angry and loud element to the song as she is mad about the situation however Kelly’s soft voice provides an element of calmness. The dynamic can be compared to an actual argument between a woman and a man in this situation, the woman is angry and hyped while the man is calm and repetitive.

Take a watch below as the song is not on Spotify.

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Throwback Thursday (Afrobeats Special)

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Today’s feature is from Nigerian legend D’Banj. The song is called “Fall In Love” and was released in 2008. The song is based on D’Banj telling a lady that she is the love of his life and she has made him a different person.

The first line always gets me; “Don’t get it twisted, love is a beautiful thing!” which is a warning before he proceeds to tell us how the woman he is directing the song at has changed his life. Personally this song is a great example of the way Nigerians compliment; “My sweet potato i wanna tel u my mind….Wanna tell u my mind o i no understand o”. Nigerians have a way of using dramatic metaphors that will have you smiling or certainly laughing! Before “Afrobeats” became popular and a mainstream market, D’Banj used to be the King of the genre. This song is definitely considered one of his classics.

Have a look below:

 

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Sunday Song.

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Today’s song of the day is called Back to Life” by American rapper Russ.

The track contains the the theme of Russ resisting his haters and persevering through all obstacles and criticism. The song is very motivational and can be seen as an uplifting song to anyone feeling like they have a lot of people against them. It is filled with useful , positive phrases such as “To get through it I go through it. No losing, just learning”. Those are definitely words to live by.

Having recently discovered Russ , I feel he is quite unique in the sense his music has a habit of captivating you with a certain message. In the second verse he says “My rival is my reflection
When I pursue perfection…I’m using your negativity, Channeling my aggression”. The song is evidently filled with great quotes and the positivity really does resonate throughout the whole song.

Take a listen below

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New Music Friday

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Tyga used to be infamous for his catchy club bangers but I’ll argue that hasn’t been the case for a while. However! It seems he has heard my prayers as he’s released a new song featuring Migos member Offset. The song is called “Taste”, produced by d.a. doman and is definitely one for the summer.

Tyga makes a comeback with some catchy punchlines such as ; “Why you claiming you rich? That’s a false claim” & “It’s all the same, like Mary-Kate”.

The “Taste” adlibs will have you singing this song for day!

Take a listen below!

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Throwback Thursday

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Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill are arguably and respectably considered two of the some of the greatest musicians of all time.

‘Turn your lights down Low’ featuring Lauryn Hill, released in 1999 is a remix of Bob’s original song. The song almost sounds like it was made for a voice like Lauryn. The song is marinated with so many harmonies as Lauryn repeatedly sings “I wanna give you some love…I wanna give you some good, good lovin'”. Lauryn even provides a rap voice to expand her already talented range. The song is definitely one of the greats and if you haven’t had a listen, please do.

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Music Monday

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I love listening to old school music because the messages are always timeless. A song to start your week is an old song by artist Donell Jones. The song was part of his 2006 studio album entitled ‘Journey of a Gemini’.

The song is a serenade to a mystery women where Donell sings that he is willing to go anything she wishes. “I dont want you to think about none of the problems you got going on baby”. The song features Bun B and he provides a nice rap balance to the soft song.

It’s a great song to start your week so take a listen below!

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New Music Friday.

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British duo Krept and Konan have recently advertised the fact they are about to open a restaurant called ‘Crepes & Cones’. The restaurant is a food and dessert place based in Croydon (the hometown of the duo) and is due to be opened on Saturday the 12th May 2018. In anticipation for the release, they have released a song also with the same title featuring Mo Stack and Steel Banglez of the production. The opening is tainted a hit with the sad news that the manager and the duo’s close friend ‘Nash’ had died. The duo have announced the proceeds of the song will be given to his family.

Krept opens the song; “Who’d ever thought I’d move food again? Man’s some serious guys….Don’t waffle ’bout crepe”. The song features the duo’s usual clever wordplays and is a great promotional song for their new venture!

RIP NASH!

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Throwback Thursday (US Style)

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Today’s entry is Meek Mill’s beautiful song “Save Me”. The song was originally released as the opening song on “Meekend Music II” but Meek re released on his 2017 album ‘Wins & Losses’. The song is quite personal as it focuses on Meek finding himself again after all the drama that had been happening in his life such as fame and prison.

Certain lyrics depict Meek’s state of mind as he frequently sings “Somebody save me, save me” demonstrating his need for guidance. Meek is arguably most known for his hyped up songs and club bangers but the song has a vulnerability to it that really suits him. It probes the versatility to Meek and the evidence that he is here to stay. The ending is quite sad too as he sings “In a cell all alone, can’t let it phase me. I just wanna make it home to see my baby”.

Check out the track below.

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Songs to start your Week.

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1. Dua Lipa Ft Saweetie – IDGAF.

‘IDGAF’ was one of the hit songs of 2017 and now Dua Lipa has remixed it with the help of woman of the moment Saweetie. I’ve mentioned Saweetie before and I really believe she is going to go very far in the music industry. She provides a new angle to female rap and is quite unique. This song is such a female empowerment song and I love the fact Saweetie brings her sassisness to an already sassy song. My favourite lines are: “Glowing up and blowing up, that’s what I’m about to do. When it’s all been happening since I left you”.<<<<(How can you not love her?)

2. Professor Green Ft Dutch – Mercedes Riddim

Professor Green is back!!! It’s been quite a while since he’s released a song & he definitely came back with a bang. It’s no secret that Professor Green is a big fan of Mercedes-Benz cars so this song was inevitable. The song features Steff Lon Don’s brother ‘Dutch’ who is fairly new to the scene. His unique tone of voice (quite husky) balances with Pro Green’s distinctive voice. The beat on this song is amazing too and is a song you’d want to play with a loud volume. Pro Green is definitely famous for his funny punchlines and he did not disappoint on this song. One of my favourites: “My skin colour ain’t nothing to make light of, we’re all the same colour when you turn the light off”

3. Post Malone – Taking Shots

Post Malone recently released his debut album “beerpongs and Bentley” The album is filled with great songs that have amazing vibes to it. This song is one of my favourites on the album. The song started with: “Drinkin’ all night, but we ain’t done yet” and straight away you find yourself bopping your head. Honestly this song is the kind of song you’d want playing in the background when you’re trying to chill. Take a listen below.