Another week nearly done! Stay tuned for more posts in the next few days but for now it’s time for #ThrowbackThursday. Here are 3 songs that will have you reminiscing about the past.
Mario – How Do I Breathe (2007)
I’m a big fan of Mario and his older music. I’ve previously talked about his hit album “Turning Point”. This particular song is the first single released from his third studio album “Go” (2007) Mario’s voice is sensational in this song as he hits the high notes throughout. The song gives us the impression he has just gone through a breakup and is struggling to adjust to his life without his woman in it. I liked the pre chorus where he sounds like he is playing two people. He also plays the role of main singer and backup singer in the same verse. Overall this song is reminiscent of old school R&B and honestly the high notes are so beautiful to hear. Have a listen below!
Tion Wayne Ft Afro B – Bae (2015)
“Throw away your man he’s dispersable” is how this song starts and what a line! UK rapper Tion Wayne uses his cheekiness and sauce to deliver a bar! At the time of this release Afro B was getting more recognition for songs as well as his mixes. Fast forward to now and he has one of the biggest songs and Tion Wayne is also flourishing and shining. For me the harmonies from Afro B mixed with Tion’s pronunciation of certain words make this song unforgettable. Have a listen below;
Plies Ft Ne-Yo – Bust it Baby Pt 2 (2008)
I used to love this song when it first came out. At the time, I remember at the time, the video debuted on the BET show 106 and Park and stayed on the countdown for over a month! As a fan of Ne-Yo, I think his contribution to the song made it a hit. His verse for me was the best part of the song as it slowed it down a bit in contrast to Plies’ active style of rapping. The song is definitely not for those under the age of 16, that is for sure! Have a listen below;
Jhene Aiko Ft Kurupt – Never Call Me (2017)
This is one of those songs that if you know, you know! The song is based on Jhene’s broken relationship with her ex-husband. I’m assuming due to the title, miscommunication was a major factor in the breakup. The song also contains a snippet from American rapper, actor and former Executive Vice President of Death Row Records, Kurupt, who is also a close friend of Jhene and gave her advice while she was going through the breakup. In the song she addresses the fact that they both knew they had nothing in common “We never shared anything but the drugs, we were both numb, never had anything real between us” which is quite a sad revelation. Another fact is that Jhene actually has two video versions for this song. One is the Slauson version which explores her African American roots and upbringing. Slauson is the area in America she grew up in and the video features the late Nipsey Hussle who of course is the King of Slauson. The second video focuses more on her Asian side as she dresses up. Have a listen below;
In honor of Throwback Thursday, today’s theme is dedicated to hits from the Bad Boy franchise! The Label was founded by Diddy in 1993 and is one of the most known African American labels. The label is the home for so many greats including Biggie, Mase, Lil Kim, 112 and many more. During the 90s, it’s safe to say this label dominated many of the charts and even in 2019 are still consistent!! When you think about some of the hits released from Bad Boy, they were pioneers in the rap and hip hop scene. Even till today, their songs are being used as samples . I have left out songs originally by Biggie as I have previously written a post just for him and wanted to focus on some of the other Bad Boy artists.
Here are just a few classic hits from the Baaaaaaaaad Boooooooooyyyyy franchise!
Craig Mack – Flava In Ya Ear Ft. Biggie, LL Cool J, Rampage and Busta Rhymes. (1994)
The original of this song was actually the first song released from the Bad Boy label. The remix is my favourite version. The song contains a sample of “We’ve Only Just Begun” by O’Donel Levy. However, this song was also sampled in the Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule single, “Ain’t It Funny (Murder Remix),” as well as the song “Don’t Leave Me” from the Backstreet Boys. R.I.P Craig Mack!!
Mase – Lookin’ at Me Ft. Puff Daddy (Diddy) (1998)
‘Lookin at Me’ was the 3rd and final single released from Mase’s debut album ‘Harlem World’. The song was produced and features Diddy (he was known as Puff Daddy at the time). The song is based on the idea that when these men go to the club with their ladies, their “ops” always stare not realising that the woman is just as fierce. It’s funny because I always felt like Mase sounded a lot like Diddy so hearing this song it takes me a while to realise who is rapping in the verse. The infamous first verse contains “Now what the hell is you lookin’ for? Can’t a young man get money anymore?” which has been referenced in so many modern songs including Kanye West’s song ‘Theraflu’. Have a listen below;
Diddy – Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down Ft. Mase (1997)
Can you believe this the first single from Diddy?! The song is possibly one of the most important Bad Boys songs as it signalled the beginning of dominance for this record label. If you’ve heard Drake’s song ‘4PM in Calabasas’, you’ll recognise that Drake uses the Diddy sample in some of the song. He also sings “They look at me like the golden child…Can’t nobody hold me down” (in the same tune as Diddy did). This is further proof that Bad Boy records were the starting point for many of the songs released nowadays. Have a listen to both songs below;
112 – Peaches & Cream Ft. Diddy (2001)
Peaches and Cream!!!! What a classic song! This is one of those songs that can never get old in my opinion. As soon as you hear “From the car to the bar, from the bar to the telly, your neck to your bra, your bra to your belly”, you know what time it is!!!. I prefer the remix with Diddy but the original song is also great! Have a listen to both below;
Original Song
Remix with Diddy
112 -Only You Ft. Biggie & Mase (1996)
I feel like this is one of those songs that most people my have heard and not known who sang it. This was the debut song for group 112 and what a song to burst onto the scene with!! For me, growing up this song was played a lot and I loved the video which was filmed in Times Square. The infamous line “Bad Boy get more money than you can count” still gets me today.
Mase – Feel So Good Ft. Diddy & Kelly Price (1997)
“Bad, bad, bad, bad boy (Yeah), you make me feel so good (Bad boy)”…This song could be argued to be one of the most popular Bad Boy songs! This is Mase’s first single from his debut album Harlem World. Honestly Mase sounds exactly like Diddy, this is another song I had to double check who was rapping. Mase’s style of rapping was so chilled and laid back which is a big difference from some of the rappers today. He had one of the cleanest and smoothest flows I’ve heard from a rapper.
Hey everyone! Time for me to review all the new music I’ve been listening to!
Mo Stack – Wild
UK rapper Mo Stack is back with the first single from his upcoming debut album. The song uses the sample from Cam’ron & Juelz Santana’s song ‘Hey Ma’. That song even takes the sample from the absolute original song ‘Easy’ released by The Commodores. Mo Stack has a fun visual to accompany the song and I’m pretty sure this is going to be a future summer hit. Mo Stack also successfully adds his own spin to the song which is great as when using a sample, it’s very easy to be lazy with originality. Have a watch of the video below as well as the Cam’ron favourite.
DJ Big N Ft Mr Eazi – Jowo
It’s nice to hear some new Afrobeats and this collaboration sounds fresh! Mavins Group DJ, DJ Big N enlists Afrobeats singer Mr Eazi and producer Dil. I’ve been singing “Oya baby oohh jowo” since I first heard the song. Have a listen below;
Logic Ft Eminem – Homicide
Ok so I am a big fan of Logic and of course Eminem.! It’s funny because I was just reading an interview where Logic was talking about his love for his idol Eminem. It’s great when an artists features with their idol. Logic absolutely delivered on this track and Eminem of course went hard. The song showcases both artists’ ability to rap extremely fast. The best part of the song comes at the end of the second verse, going into the third with Em’s verse. The “chika chika slim shady” reference is effortless and the transition into Eminem’s verse is perfect!! I can’t even pick out specific lyrics from this song because the speed and flow is so consistent and incredible throughout that it would almost be insulting to pick it out.
P!nk Ft Khalid – Hurts 2B Human
P!nk recently released this song featuring Khalid and I really like it. For some reason I feel this song brings out emotions and I could listen to P!nk sing all day. Her voice is so powerful. Have a listen below;
Hello everyone! We’re halfway through the week and nearly at the end of March. I wanted to say a big thank you to everyone tuning into the site and reading my posts this month. I appreciate you all. Today’s post is based a few songs I’ve been playing this week that you should check out!
Kiana Lede;
So I’ve recently stumbled on Kiana Lede and wow her voice is beautiful! Her style is very R&B and she has an EP that was released last year called ‘Selfless (2018)’ which is great! There’s a few songs from it that I’ve had on repeat;
Show Love; In this song, Kiana tells the man in question to show how much he wants to be with her rather than just by words. She sings; “Fight for me baby…if you want time with me baby, got to do more than enough”. This is another way of saying “Actions speak louder than words”.
EX; I think this is one of her more popular songs. The song is based on the idea that she wants to remain friends with her ex despite the break up. She sings in the chorus; “I don’t wanna be your ex, we way too good at being friends” emphasising the fact she didn’t wanna lose her friendship with him after the breakup. Have a listen;
Wicked Games; This is one of my favourite songs on the EP. The song plays on the idea that Kiana is in a relationship with someone who takes advantage of her and her nature; “It’s always later, later, later, later & I let you come back ’cause sticking ’round is in my nature”. She sings throughout the song how the man in question knows that he is her weakness and acts on that. I like the simple production on this song too. Have a listen;
Take It All; This song gives me acoustic vibes. In this song Kiana is singing about a lover that accepts every part of her. She sings; “You be so good to me, even when I don’t say sorry”. Check it out below;
Burna Boy & DJDS- Darko (2019)
Nigerian Prince Burna Boy has returned with a newly released EP with DJDS entitled ‘Steel & Copper’ with 4 songs. ‘Darko’ is my favourite on the project. The song is a chilled, relaxed Burna track and if you a fan of his previous song ‘ Don Gorgon’, you may hear a few references to it! Check out the song below;
Rich The Kid Ft Big Sean & Offset – Two Cups (2019)
Rich The Kid has just released his new album called ‘The World is Yours 2″ and this is one of the songs I like from the album. I’m glad for the return of Big Sean as he’s one of my favourite rappers. I liked his part of his verse where he raps “I go off, go in, go up, but never go back, I know we in a league of our own, bitch, I’m pro-black”. Hopefully we will hear more new music from Big Sean soon. Have a listen to the song below
The Rara – Elegance (2018)
A little bit of bashment for your ears. This song has actually been out a while but recently I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Have a listen below;
Oritse Femi Ft. Burna Boy & Konshens – Play Am (2019
This is what happens when Afrobeats fuses with Bashment! A match made in heaven. All genres compliment eachother so well. Have a listen below;
DC – No Manners (2018)
I mentioned this song on the Instagram account, but I’ve had it on repeat this week. I like the use of wordplays in this song, DC is releasing a new EP this week, so I’ll be sure to check that out. This freestyle sounds like it is played over the Fat Joe “What’s Luv” song so provides a sense of nostalgia for me. Check out the video below.
Music has so much meaning for me and so many memories can be attached with songs, so I’ve decided to do posts dedicated to important years for me. Aside from the usual Throwback Thursday post I do, I will focus on specific years (in random order) and songs that I have enjoyed or have meaning to me from that year. The first year in ‘Through the Years” is 2015. I chose this year because personally 2015 was one of the most important years of my life. I graduated from University, which was one of the big events and had some of the highest highs of my life as well as some of the lowest lows. I look back at 2015 as a year of many lessons. I believe it was one of the most important years of my life because due to all these experiences I think this was the year I grew up the fastest. I hope you enjoy this series and feel free to follow the Instagram account where I have daily songs of the day too. (www.instagram.com/musicandlifeblog). Here are some of the songs that remind me of 2015:
Chris Brown & Tyga – Ayo (January 6 2015)
This is one of my favourite songs of 2015. The song was officially released in January but we had all heard it towards the end of 2014. The collaboration is taken from the duo’s joint ‘Fan of a Fan’ album also released in 2015. The song was produced by Nic Nac who produced most of the songs on their joint album as well as Chris Brown’s 2014 hit “Loyal”. This song gives me memories of the last outings in University and gives me summer vibes. The best and only way to listen to this song is with the speaker on full blast.
AYOOOOOOOOO
Fetty Wap – Again (August 13 2015)
Fetty Wap was the man of the moment in 2015! He became popular with his hits “Trap Queen” and “My Way” which was released from his debut self titled album. For me, I will always love his song ‘Again’ released from the same album. Fetty was one of the first rappers from this new wave of music that sang so blatantly on a song. The song is based on Fetty trying to win back someone he had broke up with. He sings “I cannot see myself without you” serenading his mystery woman. The song is just one of many songs Fetty released this year and each one was a hit. Have a listen below:
Big Sean – Play No Games Ft. Chris Brown & Ty Dolla $ign (February 24 2015)
Ok, so in 2015 Big Sean released his third studio album titled ‘Dark Sky Paradise’. This was one of my favourite albums from Big Sean and although this isn’t my favourite from the album, it has the most meaning for me. This is because the video which was released on June 28th features my cousin Chidi Ajufo (see him clearly on the 21 seconds mark as well as throughout the video!). The video which is inspired by and pays homage to the hit sitcom ‘Martin’ is one of the most creative videos Sean has done. Have a watch below:
Rich Homie Quan – Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh) – February 10, 2015
I remember this song became really popular in the summer of 2015 but I remember playing it repeatedly. The song will always remind me of bright colours due to the extremely colourful video that accompanies the song. The video also contains Rich doing his infamous “hittin’ the Quan” dance. The extremely catchy chorus is a feel good song that came out around a time where “mumble” rappers like Rich Homie and Young Thug were being discovered and embraced before groups such as Migos were as big as they are now. One could argue artists like Rich Homie are pioneers for this kind of genre. Have a listen and watch below
WSTRN – In2 (6 November 2015)
UK time! Okay so WSTRN will always have a small spot in my heart for many reasons. 1, the group originate from West London (hence the name), also my home town. 2, the group release consistent hits and 3, they are quite unproblematic as far as groups go. The group also contains a guy by the name of Louis Rei who happened to go to the same primary school as me..even though he was a couple years above me. I find his verse in this song on of my favourites too; “Menacin’, men have seen all the crud that I’m steppin’ with, celibate, what are these words? not comprehendin’ it”. The song was huge in 2015, propelled WSTRN into the limelight and was played pretty much everywhere you went. The video gives you a tour of certain places in West London such as the infamous Trellick Tower. Have a watch and listen below! The remix is also great too.
J Hus – Lean & Bop (October 2015)
This song is different from many of J Hus’ other songs as it does not contain any swear words. Hus has stated that that was the aim as he wanted a song that his younger brother or his younger fans could play without the worry of hearing explicit words. I remember being able to play this song at work knowing I didn’t have to worry about anything inappropriate being said! The song became a viral sensation especially with the dance move accompanied with it. Have a watch below, there’s no way you won’t be smiling and doing the dance by the end.
Chris Brown – Back to Sleep (November 5th 2015) & Little Bit (2015)
The songs taken from Chris Brown’s 7th studio album ‘Royalty’ are two of my favourite songs on the album. ‘Back to Sleep’, which is very explicit feels like a serenade while ‘Little Bit’ also explicit, is a nice bop to vibe to. The beat in ‘Little Bit’ is sensational and with the right speakers, you could easily get lost in the music. Have a listen to both below:
Stormzy – Shut Up/WickedSkengMan 4
Stormzy is one of the UK’s best. These songs in particular opened the gates to the future and progression of UK rap. ‘Shut Up’ was originally a freestyle Stormzy recorded and put on youtube but ended up being the first freestyle (recorded in a car park haha) to chart independently. For the culture, this proved that we had so much power than we originally thought and it was possible for someone like an unsigned rapper to chart in the UK charts, let alone the top 10. WickedSkengMan 4 is the B-Side to ‘Shut up’ and the fourth edition to is WickedSkengMan phase. I remember how everyone joined together to get Stormzy this top 10 single and this is a moment that showed how powerful we can be when we all support one another.
Justin Bieber – Sorry (October 23, 2015)
Lat but not least, this song reminds me of the end of 2015 which was a very hectic time for me. However, when the song was released I genuinely loved it. It felt like a new and improved Justin Bieber debuting a new sound. The song from his fourth studio album ‘Purpose’, was seen as an apology song to his ex Selena Gomez however Justin stated many times that it was an apology to the world as well as about Selena. I love how the beat changes in this song when it gets to the chorus. Have a listen below.
Unfortunately over the weekend we were presented with sad news that UK rapper Cadet had sadly passed away. I have previously written posts on Cadet and talked about his amazing lyrical ability. It’s a sad time for the UK music scene as I believe we have truly lost a talent. Part of the reason I love music so much is because of how lyrics can make you feel. Cadet was one of those people that I knew with any song he was part of, I would want to hear what he had to say. He always referenced real life events which I loved and found very original.
An amazing thing I noticed with Cadet was that he always let people know how much they meant to him. All of the messages I have seen written by his loved ones show he always told them he loved them. I love that. Unfortunately we never know God’s plan for us on this earth but i’m pretty sure his was to spread love and inspire those after him. Life can be taken away from us at any moment so one thing we should take from this…to always express how we feel. Never give up on something you can’t go a day without thinking about and ALWAYS be gracious. He will be truly missed by the music scene but I am sure he’s resting in peace and somewhere up there spitting his bars and spreading even more love and positivity. 🙏🏾
1.Cadet – Slut freestyle (2015)
So! This was the freestyle that actually made people see him as a potential lyricist. The raw emotion and storytelling in this freestyle is possibly one of the best I’ve seen. We were shown his vulnerable side from the very beginning and I admire that from a rapper.
2.Tinie Tempah Ft Cadet & Youngs Teflon -Might Flip (2015)
Cadet has the first verse in this song from Tinie’s mixtape. This was probably one of the first songs he featured in after his success with his freestyle. At the time there was a lot of controversy over the nightclub DSTRKT, which Cadet cheekily mentioned in his verse. Starting his verse with his usual catchphrase “Cadet, Cadet” he raps “me and my heart we been moving like DSTRKT, so baby girl we ain’t letting you in”. I remember hearing that for the first time and thinking ha! This guy is clever!
I’ve written about my love for this song before. This is definitely one of my favourite songs from both Cadet and Shakka. The song is such a feel good song and extremely catchy. The song is taken from Cadet’s second mixtape.
This is a typical Cadet song. A stripped back piece of work where he spits his soul with no gimmicks or unnecessary extras. A song that will have you thinking about life and experiences. Similarly to his “Slut” freestyle, Cadet speaks about his life and his weaknesses.
The reason I think alot of people fell in love with this song was because it really explained the struggles Cadet faced. Again, another record where he wasn’t scared to tell the truth and be seen as vulnerable. He openly apologises to his cousin and fellow rapper Krept and grips onto your emotions.
6. Da Beatfreakz Ft AJ x Deno, Swarmz & Cadet – Pumpy (2018)
Cadet’s verse on this was the best verse from the whole song in my opinion. He really owned this song “want your ball like she Pele”…”I got asthma, lemme pump that” two examples of the puns he used. He was definitely very inventive with his use of them.
7. Cadet Ft. Ay EM X Tion Wayne – Trendy (2018)
This will be one of my favourite songs from Cadet. One of his most recent ones and in his words “Can’t talk trending without talking CADET!! CADET!!”. Have a read one of one of my earlier posts on this song.
This song originally started off as one of his signature freestyles. After the million views and increased interest, he made it into a released song. This was Cadet’s first song to turn silver and was his highest entry in the charts. Cadet shows his versatility by sticking with his signature comedic bars but making a song that can be on commercial radio. My favourite thing about the song was the fact he incorporated social news inside the song. He referenced the Dele Ali challenge, Shiro’s Story, his old songs as well as the Tion Wayne picture incident.
Cadet was infamous for his freestyle raps, here are a few of my favourite freestyle / battles;
Drake has recently announced his European tour dates & it got me reminiscing on his incredible discography. Here are my personal favourite top 10 Drake songs (in no particular order) released before 2013. I will be releasing a list for more favourites further down the years. A big shout out to some people that gave me their suggestions, it’s easy to forget some of the great songs Drake has released when there’s such a big library.
Drake – Closer/ Closer To My Dreams (Comeback Season Mixtape) – 2007
This is one of his earliest tracks and boy isit good! The feature from Andrea is beautiful too. For me my favourite thing about this song is the rawness you get. There are no gimmicks on this song, just a lyrically great song. Drake before he became Drake.
2. Drake – Over My Dead Body (Take Care Album) – 2011
The first verse on this song is personally one of my favourite Drake verses. I’ve mentioned my love for this song before but everything about this song to me is spot on. The beat behind the track, Drake’s flow, the background vocals…everything! Despite the background vocals and amazing simple beat, there is a stripped back feel to this song. This is the kind of song you just close your eyes and feel.
3. Drake – Best I Ever Had – (So Far Gone) – 2009
This is a classic Drake song and one of his biggest hits. The reason I personally love this song is because it demonstrates his vocal range. Drake hits the high notes and lowest of notes in the same line. This song feels like Drake verses Drake. Throughout the song it genuinely feels like you hear every version of Drake and to me that proves his versatility.
4. Drake – The Real Her Ft. Andre 3000 (Take Care Album) – 2011
Even though Andre 3000 has possibly one of the best feature verses of all time…the song wouldn’t be what it was without Drake.
5. Drake – Shut It Down Ft. The Dream
Singing Drake will always be a pleasure to listen to. Drake has the ability to have different sounds depending on your mood. This song is best when you’re relaxing or chilling. Drake & The Dream’s voices blend so beautifully on this track too. “I feel like when she moves, the time doesn’t” is one of my favourite lines in the song.
6. Drake – Shot For Me (Take Care Album) – 2011
“I can see it in your eyes, you’re angry”…those lines are legendary. Another song from my favourite Drake album.The outro for this song is one of the best. “May your neighbours respect you, trouble neglect you, angels protect you & heaven accept you”. The instruments used in this are perfect for the moodespecially as it leads into Headlines…..
7. Drake – Headlines (Take Care Album) – 2011
Pure rap. This song is just filled with bars. A hit every-time you listen.One of my favourite lines is “I guess it really is just me, myself and all my millions”, simply because it shows a different side of a Drake, a more confident side. Drake is known for being sensitive and making songs for women stereotypically. This song reminded everyone that he can do both; slow and sensual songs but also rap hits filled with bars.
8. Drake – The Motto – (Take Care Album) – 2011
I picked this song mostly for the impact it had. This song had everyone learning the lyrics word for word. His line “25 sitting on 25 mill” were iconic at the time as well as the term “YOLO” (you only live once). Listening to this song you can hear the growth in Drake over the years. His confidence has grown and it provided his raps with a different perspective.
9. Drake – Replacement Girl Ft. Trey Songz – (Comeback Season Mixtape) – 2007
For this song, Drake was the first unsigned Canadian rapper to have a video premiered on BET. This song despite being released over 10 years ago and from his second mixtape, is still a hit. Drake’s little freestyle he drops towards the end of the song is my favourite verse.
10. Drake – Uptown (So Far Gone Album) – 2009
I hear a lot of this song in Drake’s later song from his “We’ll be Fine” on his “Take Care” album. I like the slow pace in this song. Drake has the ability to slow a song down without ruining the flow. There is a line that sticks out for me which is “And when they call you the answer, you are hardly questioned”. The idea that no one is really questioning Drake because he is “the answer” to what is missing. This is so fitting because honestly I don’t think we have a better artist in terms of consistency and versatility about. I like the feature from Bun B & Lil Wayne too.
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.
Happy New Year everyone! Hope you’ve all had a great break!
Thank you all again for your continued support last year and I promise to try and be more regular with my posts.
Here are a list of songs I’ve had on replay this week.
1. Kaytranada Ft. Ty Dolla $ign -Nothin Like You;
You may have seen or heard this song in my Instagram stories (if you don’t, follow http://www.instagram.com/musiclifeblog18). Ty Dolla is infamous for his memorable features and this song does not disappoint. Kaytranada is Haitian-Canadian DJ and record producer meaning he produced the beat while Ty offers his vocals. The track provides me with a 80s/90s r&b nostalgic feel. In the song Ty sings about a woman who is unique; “They don’t make ’em like you”, he repeats throughout the song.
2. Memphis Depay – No Love;
Dutch International and Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) footballer Memphis Depay has released his first official single. Rapping over a strong beat and melody, Memphis spits in Dutch and English. I think he is a talent on and off the pitch to be honest and I’m sure we will hear more great music from him. Have a listen below!
3. Cadet X Tion Wayne X Ay Em;
UK artists collaborate here to create a catchy song that will have you singing that you are “Trendy” without a doubt. Clever wordplay from Cadet (as usual) with the addition of Ay Em singing the hook and Tion Wayne adding his distinctive feature verse. Have a listen below ;
4. Russ Splash – Gun Lean
Another fellow UK artist comes in the form of Drill Rapper Russ. This song and dance has been taking the UK by storm. The song will have you wanted to do the “Gun Lean” dance wherever you hear it. The song reminds me of the huge impact from US songs such as “Crank That” (Soulja Boy, 2007) and “Teach me how to Dougie” (Cali Swag District, 2010) had on the comparison between dance moves and rap. Have a watch below.
Hey everyone! I know I’ve been gone a while and apologies for the lack of content recently. I am back with more reviews for you. I will be reviewing some new albums for you shortly but for now it’s all about the latest tracks! Here are a few songs I’ve had on repeat this week.
1. Reeko Squeeze Ft. Br3yna – Tracksuit Maf
UK music has been amazing this year and gets more and more versatile each time. This song is by UK rapper Reeko with the amazing feature from UK female rapper Br3yna. The song will have you singing “all white party, I came in black” after hearing it. My favourite part of the song is Br3yna’s feature verse. Have a listen below.
2. 6ix9ine Ft Tory Lanez – KIKA
By now we all have heard the news that 6ix9ine has been put in jail awaiting his trial next year. Unfortunately for him, it came at the time he was due to release his debut album. A leak meant that his team had to release the album a lot earlier than they would have liked to. Personally I have never really liked his music or his projects so granted I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I genuinely enjoyed the songs and the features on the album all made sense. This particular song is my favourite on it and features feature champion Tory Lanez. The beat on this song and steel pan sounds sold it to me from the first few seconds. The song is definitely a club banger and it’s good to see 6ix9ine prove some of his doubters (like me) a bit wrong.
3. NSG Ft. Tion Wayne – Options
This song is produced by JAE5 so you all already know it’s a hit and I’m going to love it!! In all seriousness, this song is great! NSG seem to have a habit of making such great songs & Tion Wayne always delivers with his bars. This was a match made in heaven. It seems every member in the group all give different styles and sounds. NSG have been working for a while now and they consistently bring out hits so I hope they get a lot more recognition.
I’ve been slacking with my usual throwback reviews or new music reviews. Content will be back to normal very soon. In the meantime, I have a few songs on repeat on my Spotify atm and think you guys should check them out.
1. Professor Green Ft Rag’n’Bone Man – Photographs
I am a fan of Pro Green & love his deeper songs. Similarly to “Never be a right time”, this is another personal and relatable song with a beautiful message. I read somewhere that he said the track is “all about wishing for the photos we can no longer take”. The song is also a tribute to his dad who sadly commuted suicide. The lyrics are so touching and Pro Green is ultimately saying that photographs help when thinking of those we have lost, as he states “Just a memory of you is not enough”. The collaboration from Rag’n’Bone Man is perfect as the song has a great balance. One of the most memorable lines for me is when Pro Green raps “We all thought that the moments would last but the moments don’t last, the moments pass & the only thing that lasts is the photograph”. Hopefully this song inspires people to take more photos of and with their loved ones!
2. Ariana Grande – thank u, next
This song has gained so much attention for obvious reasons. I am beginning to really enjoy Ariana Grande songs. It may be due to the fact I feel she is maturing alot more in her song content and even her voice. The vocal ability in this song is overlooked. The great thing about this song is that it had the potential to become a very bitter song with a bad message but she has turned it in such a positive way. The message being sometimes in life we go through highs and lows, we fall in love and get hurt. The main thing to remember is each lesson you learn from each experience. Song content aside, the music production and Ariana’s angelic voice are amazing in this track. Only bad thing is that it’s so catchy that you will be saying “next” after every “thank you” now! Haha!
3. Mr Eazi – Yard & Chill
Mr Eazi has just released a new mixtaoe entitled “Lagos to London”. The EP contains a collection of great songs but this is one of the ones I’ve been playing since the release. The song is produced by one of my favourite producers Jae5. It’s a feel good song with incredible music production that would make you think you are listening to a live rendition in your earphones. “Give me love baby, don’t be wicked”, you will be screaming this line in a Nigerian accent after hearing this song. The song reminds me of an African themed Orchestra or Highlife music. I recommend you play this song on the loudest volume to appreciate the sound at its best!
OK so UK rapper One Acen has released his highly anticipated debut EP. Up to now, he’s been gaining more and more recognition for his catchy singles and classic collaborations with fellow UK rapper Hardy Caprio. One thing I’ve noticed about One Acen is that all of his songs have the replay factor. Every song on this EP could do well as an individual single and that is amazing for any artist let alone a debut EP!
My favourite tracks are:
1. NewwMachine Ft. CallMeTheKidd & Avelino:
Avelino is one of my favourite UK Rappers. Similarly to Wretch 32, he’s one of the few UK rappers that makes you think about what they say. In his verse he says things like “The money’s Dublin, I’m Irish… Take a tour de France we’re not cyclists”, The wordplay he exhibits is so fun to hear. The collaboration on this track is great and it is definitely a song I will be replaying.
2. Piña Colada Xperience/ 3. EIO Ft. Hardy Caprio
OK! These songs are special because firstly both are hits but secondly the transition between them. The transition after “Piña Colada” leading into “EIO” is genius! The sound reminds me of an old console game back in the day. The transition is so smooth that you forget they are two different songs. Nice to mention that “Piña Colada” contains references from Justin Timberlakes hit “Señorita” which probably explains the Spanish theme.
