Saadiq Keeps Stone Rollin

In an industry of artists trying their best to emulate past decades in their music, Raphael Saadiq is doing the best rendition while pushing r&b and soul into places never imagined. Stone Rollin feels like a sequel to The Way I See It with another decade themed album with relatable subject matter. The project wastes no time propelling the listener into the 70s with 'Heart Attack' supported by subtle guitar riffs and simple drums over Saadiq's powerful declaration. Though the tracks don't flow as smoothly as its predecessor, you barely notice thanks to top notch songwriting and catchy beats. The album really finds its groove in the second half thanks to the blues-inspired contribution 'Day Dreams' and 'Good Man'. Saadiq saves the best for last on 'The Answer' which feels a lot like 'Sometimes' from the last album in its storytelling demeanor. Though short, the album will leave you wanting the keep the repeat button on.  I give it a 9/10.

Album in stores now.

-Hit me up at hiphoppolitician@gmail.com. Follow me @HipHopPoli

Writer's Block

Honestly there was nothing I felt like writing about today in the world of hip hop. So rather than do that, I thought I would share some of my poetry with you guys. Yeah I have emotions too.

Death of A Dream

I wasn't meant to be under this long

The silence has begun to set in

And all the color has seeped out of my perspective

How beautifully eerie the sound of a dying dream

As it struggles for hope to survive

Fighting against all doors closed

Crawling over obstacles as if swimming through an ocean

With no current to fight against

Ignoring the unspeakable pain

Gnashing against all predators who wait patiently for it to die

What keeps it going?

What gives it the strength to traverse impossible odds to survive?

It's chance.

The chance to be realized.

The chance to become an accomplished goal.

As long as this thought is alive,

A dream will continue to live

And ignore how utterly destroyed it truly is

A dream never dies quietly...

Sidenote: Wale is going to have a great 2011. Two albums this year? You're gonna see a lot more than Attention Deficit eluded too. More About Nothing is available for free at Datpiff.com.

Thanks for taking your time to read. More to come depending on the feedback. As always, you can reach me at hiphoppolitician@gmail.com. You can also follow me @HipHopPoli.

Osama Bin Dead?

     
I know I'm not the first or last person to comment on Bin Laden being dead. I'm honestly still in shock about the whole thing. It seems almost too real. But rather than revel in the moment my conspiracy wheels are turning.

I do believe he's gone but there are so many other questions unanswered. Personally I want to see a photo because there has been so much controversy over him being alive or not in the last couple years. I would feel better about it. I have heard many inconsistencies in the events surrounding his death. First the mansion blew up, then then ran in the house and shot him in the head, then he died during a gun fight. Which one is it?

Then there's the obvious question that most are considering: what happens next? If Bin laden was still running Al Quaeda at the time of his death, don't you think there would have been some orders for retaliation or putting someone else in charge? I can't escape the feeling that something else is coming. Maybe not on American soil but somewhere.

All in all, I am glad that the families of the 9/11 victims can have some peace. But there are so many questions unanswered. Many may say he's dead and that's all that matters. What 9/11 taught me is to question all that is in front of you and search past what is fed to you for the truth....your truth.

Oh yeah and Obama has solidified his second term. teapartytrumpublicans...give up.

Now back to the music....

Theophilus London

Video is great. Like his style. Sounds a lot like Kid Kudi, especially on this track. Despite his name and sound, he's actually from Brooklyn, NY. I love the 80s and this definitely gives you that vibe. And this only scratches the surface of his music. This Charming Mixtape and I Want You are both available for free on Datpiff.com.

-Questions or Comments? Hiphoppolictician@gmail.com. Follow me on twitter @HipHopPoli.