Tag: Kanye West

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Winter Warmers Playlist Picks… Part 1…

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Happy Sunday everyone! I hope everyone has had a productive week and a relaxing weekend! The weather is definitely getting colder and gloomier now so it’s the perfect time to bring out the winter vibes playlist. This is the kind of weather I usually listen to even more R&B, slow jams, softer music in general. As always, I’ve created a playlist reflecting this season and will be adding more and more music as the days go on. Here are some of the songs I’ve added to the playlist recently.

Pardison Fontaine – By Myself

This is one of my favourite Pardison Fontaine songs! Before being known as Meg Thee Stallion’s boyfriend, Pardi already established himself as a successful writer and artist. If you haven’t heard his music before, I suggest starting with this song and working your way backwards! He’s very talented.

Yung Bleu Ft. Kehlani – Beautiful Lies

I can never seem to get tired of this song! Such a beautiful combination of voices! Kehlani never misses on features and Yung Bleu just has the perfect voice for songs.

Drake Ft. Lil Durk & Giveon – In the Bible

I feel CLB was one of those albums that you had to sit on. My feelings on the album now to when it first came out have changed dramatically! I really think a lot of the songs on the album have massive replay value, even more so than on his previous album. This particular song is one of my favourites on the album and for me, I liked the range of Drake’s voice on this. You hear rapping Drake, deep sounding Drake and high notes Drake. Durk and Giveon made the perfect pairing on this song however, Durk’s verse was extremely disappointing.

Young Thug Ft. Future & Bslime – Peepin out the Window

Thug and Future always make bangers and this song is no different. Perfect song for the playlist!

Ladipoe Ft. Fireboy DML – Running

Ladipoe is one of my favourite artists at the moment! He has a very unique sound. This song is one of my favourites from the EP.

Kanye West Ft. Jay – Z – Jail

You already know any song featuring Hov will be on one of my playlists. I like the slow-paced feel of this song and how Hov switches his flow to accommodate the laid back theme. It’s also great to hear Kanye and Hov on music again. Hopefully, as Jay Z says, it is the “return of the throne” and we will hear more music from the pair.

Have a listen to the ‘Winter Warmers” playlist below:

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Revisiting Time: Chance The Rapper: Coloring Book (Mixtape) – #throwbackthursday

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Okay! It’s been over 3 whole years (13 May 2016) since Chance The Rapper dropped his mixtape ‘Coloring Book’ and I figured I would do a post talking about that EP in honor of #ThrowbackThursday. Here are some songs from the tape that I still love and play today.

Chance the Rapper – All We Got Ft. Chicago Children’s Choir & Kanye West

Intro tracks are so important because it is the artist’s chance to showcase a preview of what is to come. Chance even states “Hey, this ain’t no intro, this the entree“. This intro did exactly that. The fact Chance features with one of his musical heroes and use of the choir and the instruments that were used in this song are a reflection of how much work Chance puts into his music and production. The theme “Music is all we got” sits well with me as I believe it is a strong and quite realistic truth.

Chance the Rapper – No Problem Ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz

“You don’t want zero problems, big fella“! Love the intro to this song. This song is dedicated to the record labels that all rejected Chance. One of my favourite lines from the song is when Chance says “Milly rockin’, scoopin’ all the blessings out my lap” as he is now the one that is winning and has the last laugh. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne fit the song so well too and yet again the production on this song is unique. The background vocals sound like a choir .

Chance the Rapper – Blessings Ft. Jamila Woods

I absolutely love this song. There’s something about Chance singing and singing with a stripped back vibe that is beautiful. Not to mention, the song is very religious as Chance sings about the glory of God. The song seems personal as Chance raves about how since giving his life to the Lord, he has received nothing but blessings and success. Jamila sings “I’m gon’ praise Him, praise Him till I’m gone, when the praises go up, (Good God) the blessings come down“.

Chance the Rapper – Same Drugs

This song is quite relatable for many people. Despite the title, the song has no affiliation or relation to drugs. The song is based on the concept that Chance and the woman in question no longer have the same interests anymore. Chance uses the analogy of Peter Pan in this song to describe the situation; “When did you change? Wendy, you’ve aged…I thought you’d never grow up“. The idea that like in Peter Pan, Wendy got on with life and changed/grew up. The song basically focuses on the reality that that with some people, you both move on and take different paths and it is just a part of life. I like that Chance mostly sings in this song as I genuinely believe his singing voice is so unique.

Chance the Rapper – Juke Jam Ft. Justin Bieber & Towkio

This is one of my favourite songs ever from Chance. The flow, the feeling I get listening to this song is unmatched. The song is basically Chance reminiscing about the past and a relationship. Apparently “Juking” is a Chicago term for a form a dance similar to grinding. Justin Bieber’s feature on this song was sensual too, his voice when he sings “We got so much history baby” was perfect for the theme of the song. The song is the type of song you could have on in the background and vibe to as it feels very chilled and laid back.

Chance the Rapper – How Great Ft. Jay Electronica & Nicole Steen

Not much to say on this song but Chance follows the religious theme and delivers this beautiful worship song featuring his very own cousin Nicole. The song gave me chills when I first heard it and the feeling has not gone away. Please have a listen and prepare to be inspired.

Chance the Rapper – Smoke Break Ft. Future

Another one of my favourites from the tape. I like the sound from Future on this song and the way they both compliment eachother. The song is Chance saying how much more free time him and his girlfriend need to make for eachother since the arrival of their baby. One of the most memorable lines is when he sings “We way too young to get old“, words to live by! Future’s verse sounds very shady but one of my favourite lines has to be “Please don’t get lost in the sauce, please don’t get lost in the sauce“. Typical Future lyrics!!!! The production on this song is amazing too!

Chance the Rapper – Finish Line/ Drown Ft. Noname, Eryn Allen Kane, T-Pain & Kirk Franklin

This is the longest song on the tape but is split into two. Part 1; Finish Line is based on the success and blessings Chance has received as he sings; “But who would think the raps would turn into racks? don’t matter, matter fact, it could happen to you”. Chance tries to show that his blessings can happen to anyone with faith. The flow switches up in the second verse where he speeds up while still maintaining his joy at his blessings. all demonstrating his versatility. Part 2; Drown is where Noname talks about how God has been there for her despite the fact she is going through a tough and horrible time. The common phrase repeated in this part of the song is “The water may be deeper than it’s ever been. Never drown“. This is the idea that no matter how hard life gets, never give up and always have faith because God is real and he is all powerful. He will always find a way to get you out the water.

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5 Songs to start off your Week… #MusicMonday

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Can you believe we are already halfway through January!? Before you know it, this week will be over just as it’s beginning! I’ve made a list of 5 songs (old and new) to start off your week. Look out for more posts this week too. Enjoy!

1. Headie One Ft. Dave – 18 HUNNA  (Rap)

UK rappers Headie One and Dave unite on their first collaboration to create a new song for the streets. I personally think Dave makes this song and his feature is definitely one of my favourites from him. Have a listen below.

2. Bhad Bhabie Ft Tory Lanez – Babyface Savage (Rap)

I know… I cannot believe I am suggesting a song from Bhad Bhabie either. Surprisingly, this song is hard! I was very very surprised at her flow on this track and the feature from Tory in my opinion has to be one of his best rap features. Opinions for her aside, the song is worth a listen.

3. Benny Blanco Ft. Halsey & Khalid (Dance-Pop)

I’ve been playing this song for a few days. The fuse of voices from Halsey & Khalid is just magic. The song is focused on two people falling in love and reminiscing on their memories together. I like in particular how Halsey and Khalid provide different perspectives but with the same agenda. The song starts off with Khalid singing the verse and chorus before Halsey songs her verse and chorus. The song eventually finalises with both of them singing the chorus together. This demonstrates the narrative that while they both have their own versions, the main idea is that they come together. Such a beautiful song with beautiful voices.

Check out the song below;

4. Trey Songz Ft Ty Dolla & Tory Lanez  – Shootin Shots (R&B)

If you’re looking for a nice r&b melody this is the one for you. I mentioned this song on the Instagram page last week but I just want to elaborate on it. Trey Songz is arguably one of the best male r&b singers we have at the moment and this song is one of those that are pleasing to the ear.

5. Rick Ross Ft. Kanye West & Big Sean – Sanctified (Rap)

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this song in the past but I gotta mention it again! One of my favorite songs from Ricky Rozay and the features were spot on. There is no way you wouldn’t know all the words after a few listens.

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30Day Music Challenge – Day 9

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As today is the 9th…I will include 12 different songs that make me happy & explain my reasoning behind the choices.

1. Notorious B.I.G – Juicy (1994)

Okkkkkkkk!!! I am a HUGE Biggie fan but this song does things to me! Whatever my mood, as long as I hear “IT’S ALL GOOD BABY BABY. IT WAS ALL A DREAM”, I’m sold! This song is probably already in the hall of fame for one of the most iconic songs of the past few decades.

2. Notorious B.I.G – Mo Money Mo Problems Ft.Mase & Diddy (1997)

Another Biggie entry!!! The video in particular for this song was released after his death and is probably why people have a sense of love for this song! The nostalgic feel of Diana Ross’ song “I’m coming Out” also provides the track with a unique feel. “B.I.G. P.O.P.P.A”….another legendary and memorable intro to a Biggie verse! Eugh! This song to me is the definition of happiness!

3. Blue – U make Me Wanna (2002)

My music preference is very wild I’m aware. I was a huge fan of Blue when I was younger and this song in particular has such a positive feel. The video is of them on a yacht and it used to make me so happy to watch when I was younger.

4. Westlife – World of Our Own. (2001)

Another pop classic! Another song I remember memorising when I was younger! The lyrics are beautiful and I love how pop music was just about happiness and love in those days. The harmonies in this song were also way ahead of their time! Even listening now, I am amazed! Have a listen below!

5. S Club 7 – Bring it all Back (1999)

I was also a huge fan of S Club 7 when I was younger & even now listening to this song I believe the message is relevant. “Don’t stop, never give up
Hold your head high and reach the top”…such an inspirational song.

6. Cam’Ron Ft Juelz Santana – Hey Ma (2002)

A CLASSIC! How can you NOT be happy listening to this song!? Even the beat makes me smile! Reminds me of simpler times when rappers were polite….when bandannas were in fashion, people used to crip walk, when men used to wear oversized clothes! Good times.

7. Bow Wow Ft Chris Brown – Shortie Like Mine (2006)

I was a huge Bow Wow fan for a very long time. I have all of his old albums and this particular song was huge when it came out! Chris Brown was just becoming big and this collaboration definitely had every girl in love! This song definitely makes me happy.

8. Ja Rule Ft Ashanti – Mesmerize (2002)

The video for this was a parody of Grease and I will never forget it! The blending of Ja Rule and Ashanti’s voices will always sound beautiful. They always has hits but listening to this song again makes me feel nostalgic and that will always bring out my happiness.

9. Drake Ft Young Thug – Ice Melts (2017)

A more recent song from Drake featuring Young Thug. This song makes me happy due to the fact the beats is wonderful, the drop is wonderful and Drake’s harmonies are a wonderful sound. The lyrics are also pretty sweet and all in all, this song definitely makes me feel a sense of happiness when listening.

10. Kanye West Ft. Chris Brown – Waves (2016)

“Sun don’t shine in the shade….A bird can’t fly in the cage”. Those intro lines resonate with me. This is definitely a song that needs to be played out loud to appreciate the beat!

11. Jay Z Ft. J Cole – A Star is Born (2009)

This song is so amazing to listen to now because Jay Z really predicted a lot of greats. “Drake’s up next…see what he do with it”…amazing to hear.

12. Keri Hilson Ft Kanye West – Knock You Down (2009)

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New Music (Part 2)

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Kanye West – ye

Another new release in the past few days is Kanye West’s eighth studio album. Kanye has been very controversial recently due to his comments on many important and sensitive matters. His wild antics aside, this album can be argued to be the Kanye we all know and love. The album is definitely very personal with references to real life events and real life situations happening at the moment. The album had many features and as usual, the production on the album is great and compliment all the songs.

My favourite song would have to be the song “Wouldn’t Leave“. This song displays the sensitive side of Kanye with vocals from PARTYNEXTDOOR. The song gives a shout out at the end to women and all the women who have to deal with their men’s choices. Ye even references his controversial outburst to Sway as well as his “Slavery” comment; “They say, “Build your own”—I said, “How, Sway?”. I said, “Slavery a choice”—they said, “How, ‘Ye”. Kanye further on states that he is capable of doing far controversial things.

The album is a mixture. Some emotional songs mixed with some usual Kanye club hits. The common thing on all songs is the great production. Overall, it is a good album and it’s great for us to listen to Kanye’s music rather than his rants.

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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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Kanye West released “Only One” as the first single after his album Yeezus. Paul McCartney co-produced it and it is definitely one of Kanye’s more emotional songs. The concept is based on the fact the song is sung from the perspective of Kanye’s late mother Donda West as she looks down from heaven at her son and granddaughter. The ultimate line in this song is “No you’re not perfect but you’re not your mistakes”. Those lines are lessons to live by.