Ghostface Killah

Now I'm not the most avid Wu-Tang listener. But I am a fan of Ghostface. His wordplay is crazy. Combine that with great production and samples you are used to hearing on a Wu-Tang member CD, and you've got a killer combination. I am also impressed by the consistency of which he puts out music. He has been around a long time and I can still rely on him to put out a CD (or two) every year. It shows in his work. Particularly impressive because of Def Jam's track record of promoting their artists, especially after sophomore efforts. I need to re-familiarize myself with more Wu-Tang. You should as well.

Apollo Kids in stores now.

Talib Kweli New Track

When I listen to Talib Kweli, I am pulled in two different directions. On one hand, I am faithful fan waiting for new material because I respect his lyricism. But I am equally frustrated in the inconsistency of his albums and his ability to put out a cohesive body of work. I can't say that I have sat down and listened to a recent album all the way through without skipping a track. Kweli is dropping Gutter Rainbows this month and I just watched the video for the single and it seems we're back to the same okey doke. I like the energy and confidence but the beat just doesn't flow with the content. That frustrates even the most dedicated fan of lyrical content.

And it got me thinking......

There are a lot of artists that befall the fate of poor production drowning out their music. Common has had problems with this too. He hasn't had a great album over all since Be. I only listened to Universal Mind Control through once and I bought it! And don't get me started on Finding Forever. There was nothing to look for. I will never waste money on another one of his albums....ever again.

I think he is still trying to find that balance between commercial success and maintaining his underground appeal. I am sure a lot artists face this. You work on an album and when putting it together it sounds great but, it doesn't translate well to the fans. It's part of the creative process I suppose. I know there are plenty more I could give examples of but I wanna hear from you. Are there any artists you listen to with the same problem? Maybe an incredible beat is just that important to a good song. Do you listen past the beat when switching the radio station or that CD? I mean, I love 6 foot 7 foot and I have never listened to whole Lil Wayne album (I'll explain that another day) I think a lot of hip hop today is based on that very principle. Is there anything wrong with that?

Is H.A.M Worth Eating?

Hey everyone. After a long break and some refreshing conversation with some fellow hip hop heads, I feel refreshed.

Well the first single of the collaboration LP Watch The Throne is finally here. With Jay-Z coming off a great 2010 and Kanye's incredible album in stores, there is a lot of excitement around this project. Unfortunately, when you have a vision of a sound for an artist, sometimes it doesn't quite come out the way you thought. And it could lead to disappointment. When I listened to the track, I was a little bummed because I was expecting something bigger, more amazing than what I heard. Don't get me wrong. It doesn't suck it's just....average. The beat is ok but both artists are struggling to match the speed of the drums. Not to mention when Jay-Z sings the refrain, he sounds stuffy. If you are gonna go H.A.M, you gotta come harder than that son. You'll see what I mean.

Here it is.........

Usually I would dismiss this as a 'filler track' but, it's an LP people. That means 4 more tracks to bring it and I'm a little worried. Maybe this is just a bunch of extra material for the masses like G.O.O.D Friday. Speaking of, why are so many artists riding Kanye's coattails? Timberland Thursdays? Snoop has his own as well coming. I guess it's a testament to Kanye being a trendsetter.

Is H.A.M really that average? Are my standards too high? Will Timberland's neck ever return? Let me know.

New Year's Wishes

Hello world. 2010 is finally dead and I am ready to begin a new year with a fresh start. Thanks to all those who are reading my blogs. I really appreciate it.

So the last couple of days I have been listening to Rick Ross' Live Fast Die Young. Its a great song. Until he says, "Uh" the track. It just doesn't fit. Why is this important you say? Well aside from the bad visual, he's obviously trying to make people believe that he is the next Biggie, with Diddy's help of course. It just sounds rather effeminate when he does it. I don't think its a good idea. It's a bad omen to put yourself in that space. Shyne sounded like B.I.G., did 10 years and got deported.

Oh and never let Diddy put his fangs into you. Once there in, he will suck the talent out of you and end your career. Look at the Bad Boy roster and you tell me different.

The song is good because its Ross doing what he does best, bragging about what he has and Kanye backs him up perfectly. He's being himself. I think that it's key to good music.  Stick to what you know. That's always going to be original. I want to see more of that this year.

I also want to see projects that come out on time. It really kills the anticipation for me. I know a lot of it is not the artist's fault but its annoying nonetheless. I am very excited about the new music that is dropping this year. (Gutter Rainbows, Lasers, Cake or Die, Lost Tapes 2 possibly etc)

SN-I need some new music. New artists. Any suggestions?

As for my personal aspirations, I want to continue to be true to myself and my creativity. I have a lot of ideas I want to see happen for myself and the blog.  I would also like to help others get their ideas and talents out any way I can. Speaking of that, check out D.I. Snipes new blog, dischematic.blogspot.com. He's an amazing artist.

I hope that 2011 will be a year where we all get closer to our goals. God's Blessings.