Tag: throwback Thursday

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Songs I’ve been playing this week.

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Here are some songs I’ve been listening to over the past weekend, some new and some old. Have a listen below;

1. Normani & Calvin Harris Ft. WizKid – Checklist:

I’m beginning to enjoy a lot of the music Normani has been featuring in recently. I like her R&B tone of voice and this particular song is another catchy banger. Have a listen below.

2. Papoose Ft. Remy Ma & Angelica Villa – The Golden Child

Pap & Remy are soon due to have their first child together (they both have kids from different relationships). They have always been honest with the struggles they have faced trying to concieve so it is no surprise they are celebrating this pregnancy. I like the honesty in the song and you may notice the babys heartbeat in the song which is a very personal touch.

3. Big Tobz – Black Girls

UK rapper Big Tobz is back with another one of his songs. This time this song is about uplifting black women at a time that maybe being black can be challenging. It is refreshing to see a Black man uplifting his own and it is reminiscent of a song by Bashy called “Black Boys”. The beat is great and Tobz maintains a good flow throughout the song, even singing the chorus! Check it out below.

4. Young Greatness – Moolah

There was sad news that US rapper Young Greatness unfortunately was killed. ‘Moolah’ is probably considered one of his most popular songs and I just wanted to bring it to light again. Such a shame when such a talent is taken away like this, but may he rest in Peace. Have a listen below.

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Throwback Thursday!

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Hey everyone! So today is Thursday which means it’s the perfect day to reminisce on some older songs. Today’s feature contains three songs that are oldies but still goodies and all seem to have one thing in common…New York!

1. Jay- Z – Anything (2000)

I mentioned this song earlier in the week on my instagram story and I have been playing it repeatedly since. I love this song because it is living proof that music can be made from any sample. It also shows how and why Hov is considered one of the greatests with the ability to make a great rap song with a sample from the musical ‘Oliver‘. This was the second time Hov sampled a song featured in a musical after using “Hard Knock Life” from the musical Annie in his 1998 hit “Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)”. The song could be considered quite motivational as Hov regularly spits words of wisdom throughout the song. It seems as if Hov is reminiscing on the lessons he has learnt from people in his life; “Strive for what you believe in, set goals and you can achieve them”, this one from his mother. The standout lines for me in this song and the words that resonate are; “Don’t listen to your crew, do what works for you”…Standing back from situations gives you the perfect view”. The song feels like Hov is writing an open letter to young people teaching them all the things he has ekarnt from growing up. Have a listen below!

2. Lil Kim – No Matter What They Say (2000)

Following on the theme of life lessons, the second throwback song is by the Queen Lil Kim. The song is song expressing that in life you have to ignore what others may say “Who cares about what they think” and live your own life. The song alone has three different switches in the song. The beginning, the verses Kim provides us with her hard hitting taps while the chorus sounds more playful. The third switch up (my favourite bit) is after the second verse when the song changes tone and Diddy has a small interlude. Kim has a little freestyle where she states that she is “highest, your highest title, numero uno”. There is even a reference in the third verse to “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang. Another rap song using references in such an amazing way. Have a listen to the classic Kim below.

3. The Notorious B.I.G. – Would You Die For Me Ft. Lil Kim & Diddy (1999)

Following on the theme of Kim & Diddy features, this song by one of my favourite rappers is an old school vibe. The beat of this song, Biggies unique flow and wordplay, Kim’s signature voice, & Diddy’s calm but catchy hook all make a match in heaven. I don’t know many other pairings other than Biggie and Kim that can consistently make hits. Check out the song below and get that nostalgic feel!

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Songs to Start your week;

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It’s Monday again! & the weather in London is miserable so I’ve made a list of 5 songs, new and old to listen to and set you up for the week. Have a listen below;

1. Quavo – Swing Ft. Normani & Davido

It’s nice to hear Quavo on a different kind of beat & the features from Normani & Davido fit so well. The soothing voice from Normani provides the song with a feminine touch. The vocals and broken English from Nigerian artist Davido provide the song with an afrobeats vibe. Definitely a song you’ll be doing a little shimmy to.

2. WSTRN – Round Here Ft. Skrapz.

I will provide an album review of the new Wstrn album shortly but for now this song is a good pick to start your week! The mix of Louis Rei spitting his usual talented bars, the sensual voice of Haile & the ‘rough’ sound of UK rapper Skrapz is a great match. Definitely a song I’ll be playing all week.

3. Shakka – Long Ting (Produced by Jae5)

OK, I’ve mentioned before Shakka is one of my favourite UK artists & Jae5 is also one of my favourite producers. Together they have already made the 2018 hit “Man Down”. Shakka has a regular event called “Tribe Tuesdays” where he collaborates with someone or himself to create a song within the hour. A few weeks ago he did with Jae5 & this is the song they created. I wish it was longer but hopefully these two work again in the future.

4. Octavian – 54321 Ft. Swift.

British rapper Octavian brought out a really cool tape earlier this year called ‘Spaceman‘ & this is one of the stand out tracks. His unique singing style is a nice song to have in the background when chilling or relaxing. Have a listen below.

5. Ella Mai – Whatchamacallit Ft. Chris Brown

Ella Mai album review coming shortly but in the meantime, have a listen to this beauty. R&B royalty Chris Brown features in a song with R&B newbie Ella and the song is great! It will definitely have you singing “it’s a Whatchamacallit” all day. Both Ella and Chris suit this song and I hope this is the beginning of more joint music from them.

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Throwback Thursday (US Style)

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Today’s throwback entry is from the legendary Destiny’s Child called ‘Emotion’. The song released in 2001 explores song of the emotions associated with a breakup; betrayal, loss and loneliness to name a few. The first line of the song “Its over and done but the heart ache lives on inside”, reminds us that even though the relationship is over, the pain is just getting started. Anyone who has gone through a breakup or had their heart broken will relate to this song unfortunately. The idea that when you break up with someone you love, you can never find better 8/ expressed; “Don’t you know there’s no (no body left in this world to hold me tight)”. One of my favourite lines is “Cry me a river that leads to your ocean” The symbolism in that line is overlooked. The idea that she wants him to be as sad as she is as long as it means they can be together again one day.

Overall although the song is not written by the girls or originally sang by them, I love the emotion (No pun intended, haha) they exude from the song. It also reminds us that sometimes our emotions are out of our control. The song is a beautifully presented song about the negative symptoms of the drug we call love.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0v1FiNbsrogBpgITmV9qTG?si=BcJgyqM3Sc2Lsx352H9u6w

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30Day Music Challenge – Day 13; (One of my favourite 70s songs)

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The 70’s was way before my time but really music is timeless! My entry for one of my favourite 70’s song is from the wonderful Gladys Knight & the Pips.

The song has lines that stick with me; “I’d rather live in his world than live without him in mine”. Such powerful words demonstrating the love she has got her man. To her, life isn’t worth living without him. Beautiful.

Gladys Knight & the Pips – Midnight Train to Georgia (1973)

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30Day Music Challenge – Day 12; (Songs that I love from 2011)

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2011 was an incredible year for Hip-Hop and music as a whole. As you can probably tell by now I can never seem to stick to one song for these challenges so here’s a few songs released in 2011 that I love;

1. Big Sean Ft Chris Brown – My Last (2011)

Wow! I remember exactly where I was when I first heard this song! It was being premiered on the old BET hit show ‘106 & Park’. I remember it being the day I fell in love with Big Sean and his music. The song definitely was the song that propelled Sean into stardom. We can’t forget the impact Chris Brown’s vocals have in this song, I’m sure Chris Brown can slay every feature.

2. Drake – Headlines (2011)

This was the first song to be released from Drake’s legendary “Take Care” album. To be honest, the whole album could be in this post but I’ll stick to one for now. The song gave us the impression that Drake was developing a lot of confidence from his success and was ready to share it with the world. The song was produced by ‘Boi-1da’ and ‘Noah “40″ Shebib’ and the production is incredible especially towards the end of the song. Favourite line has to be ; “I guess it really is just me, myself and all my millions”! What a line!!!

3. Wretch 32 Ft Josh Kumra – Don’t Go (2011)

UK music was big in 2011 and this song in particular was a popular one. Wretch 32 could be argued to be one of the country’s great rappers. Wretch 32’s clever wordplay and Josh Kumra’s soothing voice make a match made in heaven.

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30Day Music Challenge – Day 10; (Sad)

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Today is the 10th which means it’s time for Day 10 of the challenge! As I gave 12 songs that make me happy it’s only right I give a few songs that make me sad.

1. Jennifer Lopez Ft. LL Cool J – All I have (2002)

Something about this song that can just put you in your feelings. “Be easy don’t make decisions when you’re mad”…that quote stuck with me throughout the song. The video is memorable too with the snow and the fur and the pinkness!

2. Fantasia – Lose to Win (2013)

“if it makes you cry, cry, cry”, Fantasia has the ability to demonstrate her emotions perfectly in a song. This song implies that in life sometimes you have to take a loss in order to win / be happy again. The song also shows how no matter how hard you try with someone, sometimes it’s not enough for them & you have to accept it.

3. Chris Brown – The Breakup (2015)

This song wasn’t released officially but it was on Chris Brown’s “Before the Party” Mixtape. The song resonates with me because I believe it’s a vulnerable side to Chris. He talks about how he was stuck between being happy about the fact he was due to be a father but also sad about the fact he has hurt his girlfriend at the time. The song reminds me of Usher – Confessions to an extent.

4. Rihanna Ft. Ne-Yo- Hate that I Love you (2007)

Love this song but the content gives me an element of sadness. That feeling when you can’t let go of something and you hate that you don’t have that control!

5. Diddy Ft Faith Evans & 112 – I’ll Be Missing You (1997)

This song was released as a tribute to the late Notirious B.I.G & is such a beautiful tribute at that. The blending of Faith Evans and Diddy with 112 makes this song the perfect classic. The song will have you missing people yourself.

6. Brandy & Ray J – Another Day in Paradise (2002)

7. Aretha Franklin – Bridge over troubled water (1971)

8. K-Ci & JoJo – All My Life (1997)

9. Nas – Dance (2002)

10. Maxwell – This Woman’s Work (2001)

This song was originally by Kate Bush but Maxwell’s version was featured in the classic film “Love & Basketball“. The high notes in this song are enough to pull at your heartstrings.

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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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“They don’t make them like this anymore”. (Album) – Mario

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I have always been an avid music lover and every month I will try and give you a review from an old album that I still love. Back in the days when physical copies of CDs were the only way to play music and albums were really important.

This month’s entry is from US R&B singer Mario and his album “Turning Point” which was released in 2004.

Mario became well known for his 2002 song “Just a Friend” featured on his first album and which is also added here.

My favourite tracks on this album have to be:

18: This is the first track on the album and I feel it was very necessary to start off the project. Most people would still see Mario as the young boy in his “Just a Friend” song and so this intro track reminds us that’s he’s “grown up”.

Stand out Line: “Next time y’all underestimate me (Don’t do that)”

Let Me Love You: Classic throwback. This song was so big when it came out and rightly so and is still probably Mario’s biggest hit. The song, which was written by Ne-Yo had a beautiful sentiment behind it and I’m sure everyone remembers the baggy clothes Mario wore in the video! The song is based in Mario pleading with a woman to leave her unhappy relationship and be with him as he would treat her like the Queen she is.

Stand out Line: “You’re a dime plus 99 and it’s a shame, don’t even know what you’re worth”

Couldn’t say No: The tone of the album changes with this song as we start to see Mario isn’t as innocent as we think. This song is Mario asking for forgiveness and trying to explain why he cheated on his girl (“Couldn’t say No”). The production on this song is really good too.

Stand out Line: “I got bad news that I gotta break to you. I know you gonna act a fool but I gotta let her know”.

Boom: This song features Juvenile and from the first few seconds you can tell how upbeat the song is going to be. This song for me embodies a classic early 00’s song. Listening to it now, you can’t help but feel a little nostalgic. There are many references to lyrics from old 90s songs too which help.

Stand out Line: “Represent yo town” (When the beat changes and he names some places)

How Could You: This song is like the opposite of “Couldn’t Say No”. We get the impression his girl has cheated on him and here he sings about hurt. The songs feels like a typical R&B song with the slow melody, the frequent harmonies and Mario singing his heart out.

Stand out Line: “How could you put him on to the Ghetto Kama Sutra??”

Girl I Need: The song featuring Cham has a reggae feel that fits so well. Mario sings about the qualities he wants in a potential girl and with his harmonies make this song one of my favourites. Cham’s verse is also a great addition.

Stand out Line: “I need a girl that smart (and really intelligent) a girl with heart somebody who dont take no shit”

Here I Go Again: This song is about Mario who keeps going back to an ex despite the negative things she does. He begins to question his strength seeing as he keeps going back to the stress and aggro. Probably a very relatable situation with some people.

Stand out Line: “Am I crazy? Have I lost myself? Is this a sin?”

Nikes Fresh Out The Box: Here Mario compares his woman to a fresh pair of Nike Air Forces! Sneakerheads will see the connection..the idea that he will treat her as something precious like he does with his trainers. I’ve yet to hear an analogy like this and it is quite a compliment to compare a woman to something he cares about the most. The sentiment reminds me of a different version of metaphysical poetry where lovers are compared to unusual objects.

Stand out Line: “I see her, I want her, Got to have her like (Nikes fresh out the box)”

Like Me Real Hard: I love the vulnerability in this song. Mario is singing as a man who has suffered heartbreak in the past and is trying to convince a woman he likes, who also has suffered, that she should take a risk with him. He encourages her to take it slow explains that he does not want to rush into anything serious. I like how he sings about reassuring the woman who is obviously having doubts.

Stand out Line: “We’ve been broken by love and we both need time to heal”

C’Mon: This song is such a feel good song from the beginning to the end. The production is also great.

Stand out Line: “Where did you come from, I wanna thank your moms for bringin’ u into this life, and makin u my type”

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Throwback Thursday (US Style)

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Today’s throwback track is by the one and only Lauryn Hill. Her 1998 single “Ex Factor ” was released from her critically acclaimed album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”.

Cardi B sampled this song on her 2018 song “Be Careful” and most recently Drake sampled this song on his 2018 hit “Nice for What” & reaffirmed people’s love for the original. The song is mostly Lauryn pouring out her love and pain to this ex which is why it is considered a song that people associate with breakups. The first line of the song “It could all be so simple but you’d rather make it hard” could be argued to relate to the end of a relationship. Sometimes there will always be that person that is willing to hold on while the other is not cooperating. There a few songs that the first line when played captures people’s ears and is enough to make them sing in unison, this is one of the songs.

A line that sticks out to me and highlights the desperation one may feel towards the breakdown of a relationship; “Tell me, who I have to be to get some reciprocity”… When you love someone so much you want to do anything you can to make it work. In addition you want them to be on the same page and to feel the exact same way you do about them. The common theme in this song is the fact Lauryn’s love is not mirrored in this partner.

One of the most famous lines and a line that Drake himself sampled in his song is “I keep letting you back in, how can I explain myself “. Some point in everyone’s life there is that one person we may keep running back to. No matter how hard you try to move on, it may be too hard to let them go. The success of this song definitely has something to do with the relatability we all may feel to the situation.

The final verses and the outro are a repetition of lines such as; “Care for me, care for me, I know you care for me…There for me, there for me! Said you’d be there for me“. The repetition reminds me of questions you may ask yourself when thinking back to the relationship and the reminder of the empty promises.

Overall this song can be considered a classic. What makes a song a classic in my opinion is a song that can relate to you everytime you hear it.

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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.