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Wale – “Ambition”

December 26, 2012 in Featured, Music, Reviews


Artist: Wale
Album: Ambition
Release Date: November 1st, 2011

Wale starts off his second solo album “Ambition,” with a track properly titled “Don’t Hold Your Applause.” As the song fades into a soft go go influenced beat produced by Tone P, the first thing we hear is the trademark “Maybach Music” sample. Off the bat, we know what we’re getting ourselves into. To someone unfamiliar with Wale, the initial response to the album might be overwhelming. But to a fan listening to his lyrics, “Tired of making money, I’m on to making history,” paints a vivid picture of what Wale means by “Ambition.”

Wale is much more then your “average rapper.” It’s not about the flashy Maybachs or the heavy gold chains (which I’m sure he doesn’t mind), it’s about making a statement and an impact on the world. To Wale his statement is his life, which he is bringing to us via his album. He has grown exponentially as an artist, working with everything he has to get to his level. Listening to tracks such as “Double M Genius” and “Legendary,” one might get the impression of a cocky rapper. Look past the initial appearance and into the heart of the music. “GQ man of the year,” Wale says, referencing his GQ cover with fellow rappers Kid Cudi and Drake. “Went away for a little, let my wisdom increase,” meaning that even after making a name for himself, Wale stayed away from the limelight to grow even more. Staying humble, he brings back his “Ambition” motto saying, “underrated that’s temporarily for the moment.”

Throughout this album Wale lyrically plays with his words, describing his success but at the same time addressing the fact the he is far from where he wants to be. This is a #GOLDen way of thinking because he will always be determined to work hard with “no days off.” “Ambition” is more then the album title, it’s a way of life. No one other then Wale himself, can say that he hasn’t made it. His passion, talent and determination already sets him apart from others. Even though his debut album “Attention Deficit” was amazing, I think when the time comes, “Ambition” will be the album that defines Wale – that is of course, until his next album drops.

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J. Cole – “The Sideline Story”

September 27, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: J. Cole
Album: The Sideline Story
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Star Rating: 4.5

“The Sideline Story,” the debut album of the first artist to sign onto Jay – Z’s Roc Nation record label. I think it’s safe to say that many people were waiting for this album to release and i’m right there with each of them. As always, I’m going to write this album review as unbiased as possible.

As the intro track begins, those familiar with Cole find themselves at the beginning of yet another wonderful adventure. Those that are listening to J. Cole for the first time will find themselves feeling like they’re about to listen to the story of a legend. Soft piano melodies fade in and crescendo as Cole talks and jumps into an inspirational flow about how he got to his present status in life.

Appropriately, the intro track ends and leads right into the next song titled “A Dollar and a Dream.” (The third version of a song featured on his previous mixtapes) Each song on the album has deep lyrics and meanings that not every artist can offer. Talking about being an unique artist, Cole is in a different league with more then lyrics in his music.

Although there aren’t many features on the album, the ones that do appear are powerful artists. J. Cole teams up with Drake for the first single off the album that released early on. Also present is the man that can be considered as J. Cole’s mentor. Jay -Z and Cole collaborate and create a song with a sick beat and lyrics that compliment their swag. Their song “Mr. Nice Watch” is definitely a song that will be blasting in the clubs all year. Last but not least, Cole brings back someone that hasn’t been heard of in a while. Missy Elliot gets on the track with J. Cole for the song “Nobody’s Perfect.” Although its been years since I’ve personally heard Missy Elliot, her appearance on the song gave it different flow that Cole still seemed to master.

No matter who your favorite artist is, I recommended you buy and listen to this album because this “new” artist is definitely turning heads. I’m sure his name will be listed as features on other albums soon to hit the shelves as well. I can’t wait for whatever is in store next. #COLEWORLD

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Big Sean – “Finally Famous”

June 28, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: Big Sean
Album: Finally Famous
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Star Rating: 4

Big Sean is an artist that I took a long time to come and accept. As much hype as there was around his name, I only paid attention to his music because he was signed to Kanye West’s GOOD Music record label. Because of his huge fan base, I felt forced to listen to his debut album and write a review for it. As the intro track started playing, I began to think to myself exactly how a fairly new artist had as many fans as he did. I didn’t need to look far for an answer because he explains it right in the intro track. “I never made the crowd fans, I made them all fam.”

I treated Big Sean with the same respect I do with every artist that I come across. No matter who the artist is, I believe everyone is working hard to make it some place in the world. Because I gave Big Sean a try, his album “Finally Famous” really opened my eyes. His flow and style is something that most people will need time to accept. But listening to this album gave me an insight to what his fans see in him. Every song starting with “I Do It” has the effect to get you moving and nodding your head. His song “My Last” featuring Chris Brown became an instant hit with his fans and anyone else that listens to the radio or goes to the club.

But Sean didn’t make just any old club banger with this song, he made a song that had a message. Although we might not be able to relate to his lavish lifestyles and parties, we can relate by having a day in our lives which almost seemed perfect. Keeping up with the same theme, Big Sean creates songs that we all somehow relate to. His love songs about people we’ve lost and missed out on contain images that have flashed by our own eyes at one point or another. To drive the point a little further, he invites other great artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West and John Legend to accompany him in telling his life stories.

Even though his songs relate with his fans, most of the music that Big Sean makes is directed towards the younger college crowd. I don’t think that’s a negative aspect because that’s the group he can most associate with and that just makes his lyrics more genuine. Being a fairly new artist, I expect to see much more great work coming from Big Sean. Having a mentor like Kanye West is only gonna make things better. Sean has had the opportunity to work with great talents and I hope he uses his life lessons to his advantage.

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Maybach Music Group – “Self Made”

May 23, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: Maybach Music Group
Album: Self Made
Release Date: May 23, 2011
Star Rating: 4

- “What is this?”
- “Maybach Music”
- “I like this Maybach Music”
- “Sweet!”

Maybach Music has been Rick Ross’s theme for sometime now, but the creation of the Maybach Music Group record company sparked something something completely different. The collaboration of different artists and styles is something that would only sound nice if Rick Ross did it. The harsh loud beats paired with the rebellious lyrics give this album that “wake up and smell the coffee” feeling.
Ive been a big Wale fan for many years now and Ross has always been the boss in my mind. But after listening to this album, I have new found appreciation for other artists like Meek Mill and Pill. They all bring whatever they have to the table and leave nothing behind. As always, Wale brings his poetic style and rich background to complement tracks regarding just about anything. His appreciation of Rick Ross and enjoyment of being part of the record label can be seen as he raps every word. But this is obviously no one man show and the group does an amazing job of smoothly bringing together all different styles into every song.

The good thing about having a group like this is that many different fans come together with their different tastes and experience the same music. The overall theme is the same throughout the album. The title being “Self Made,” every song talks about making it in the world and living the cash filled extravagant life. Songs like “Ima Boss” bring those images to life and are vividly painted by each artist present on the track.As Meek Mill says “I be riding through my old hood, but I’m in my new whip,” the big picture can easily be seen. The past is still present in their lives reminding them and showing us where they came from. At the same time the “new whip” signifies the new lifestyle they are now a part of, and how it differs from what they used to experience.

Im not a fan of dissecting an artists’ lyrics because different people might see different things in the same line. But I wanted to point out that this album is more the what some label as “dumb music.” I agree that this might not be an album about intellectual topics other artists talk about, but it is definitely an album worth a second look. At first listen it might sound like something that DJs chop up at parties. But if you listen to the words, you’ll understand that there is more to learn about what each artist has to say.

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Wiz Khalifa – “Rolling Papers”

March 29, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: Wiz Khalifa
Album: Rolling Papers
Release Date: March 29, 2011
Star Rating: 4

Wiz khalifa had a great year last year that peaked because of his highly successful single, “Black & Yellow.” This year he finally releases his anticipated major studio debut album titled “Rolling Papers.” Wiz has created a reputation as a cool, party guy, artist that is always having fun. Because of that, many young college and high school kids are addicted to the music that he puts out.

This album has a laid back feeling throughout every track that Wiz creates. The record starts off with a track titled “When I’m Gone” which begins with a long, soft piano intro. Synthesizers and drums fade and kick in giving light to the beat as Kalifa begins his lyrical journey. His first few lines in this song gives the listeners a feel for what his album will sound like. Champagne and girls.

Wiz Khalifa has a unique style that he uses to gain his growing fan base. He incorporates the “new boy” style with his Pittsburgh swag that produces laid back and smooth beats with calm, deep feeling lyrics. This album is comparably short on the list of famous features. Instead, the whole album consists of Wiz Khalifa style party themes.

Wiz does a good job staying consistent throughout the album in keeping every song the same style. This debut album is as expected and not much extraordinary from other new hip-hop/rap albums being released nowadays. But being similar to other albums, Wiz definitely did an amazing job in creating an album that is still going to be loved by many. I’m predicting a lot of songs from this album are going to turn into radio singles that are going to be on repeat all through summer.

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Travis Barker – “Give The Drummer Some”

March 15, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: Travis Barker
Album: Give The Drummer Some
Release Date: March 15, 2011
Star Rating: 4

The first track on the album does an amazing job of giving an intro to what to expect from there on out. This is an exceptional debut solo album by Travis Barker. Every song incorporates the theme associated with the name Travis Barker. The album has a punk rock mixed with a hip-hop and rap feel with the obvious amazing drums present in every song.

Travis does an extremely great job collaborating with many different styled artists and producers. Every track on the album has a new and unique feel that is sure to gain the approval of a wide variety of audiences. Even though Travis Barker doesn’t touch the mic, his drums give the beats life so all the other featured artists can perfect each track with their lyrics and flow.

This album gives the listeners something that they can’t always come by. Some people might not know what goes on behind the scenes of producing a studio album. These fans, along with everyone else, listen to the music because it is what they love. But hip-hop and rap albums produced nowadays are created using computerized beats and instruments. Comparing those sounds to the sounds found in Travis Barker’s live recorded drum beats, the quality is understandably different. Even though the computer produced beats don’t sound bad, they don’t sound nearly as good as a live band does. Listening to this album is like going to a concert with an extremely talented live band backing a long list of equally talented rappers and singers. Music is ment to be enjoyed and this album will be enjoyed by many.

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Lupe Fiasco – “LASERS”

March 4, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Album: LASERS
Release Date: March 4, 2011
Star Rating: 4.5

The highly anticipated 3rd album by Lupe Fiasco was released to the world on March 8th, 2011. After much delay from Atlantic Records, Lupe’s fans were finally able to enjoy great music once again. Even though certain singles like “The Show Goes On” and “Words I Never Said” was released earlier, every track on the album was worth the long wait.

The main thing that sets Lupe apart from other artists is the same thing that makes him the unbelievable artist he is. It’s the fact that he raps with intelligence. Using his knowledge, Lupe takes it a step further by not being afraid to say whatever he pleases. As evident in “Words I Never Said” featuring the talented Skylar Grey, Lupe covers a broad set of topics that are considered extremely controversial. He talks about his the economy, war, politicians like Obama, and even his Muslim religion.

His flow and style is also unmatched because he strives to be different from everyone else out there. Listening to his album, the audience can get the feeling that Lupe enjoys what he’s doing and that in turn makes the listeners get attached to every song he creates. But even the fact that he’s different from all other artists doesn’t stop him from creating amazing collaborations like “Out Of My Life” with Trey Songz and “Never Forget You” with John Legend.

Overall the album “LASERS” is everything it should be and everything that someone can except from a Lupe album. Its melodious beats filled with pianos and strings as well as upbeat tracks to get anyone hype. Each song, whether it’s slow or fast, has a deep meaning that many people can relate to and enjoy.

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Talib Kweli – “Gutter Rainbow”

January 25, 2011 in Reviews


Artist: Talib Kweli
Album: Gutter Rainbow
Release Date: January 25, 2011
Star Rating: 4.5

Talib Kweli is an artist that has continuously created albums with his old school influence and style. His album Gutter Rainbows, is no different in the sense that he is still staying consistent even though times are dramatically changing. Talib possesses an unique voice that can be easily recognized by many people. But if you look deeper then his voice, you’ll find an unmatched and unmistakable flow. Now if you take it one step further, you will also notice that the topics Talib Kweli raps about are not like most songs we are used to hearing.

With all of that combined into one artist, we get a gutsy, under appreciated and underrated rapper. Talib understands that he will be hated, but wont change his style because he loves doing what he does. As he says at the beginning of “Waiting For You,” “who are you to be talking about what I’m doing man?….How would you like it if I came to your job and evaluated your performance?” In the same song he goes on to talk about how different he is from other artists. “Commercial artist so relatable. Consumer appetite is insatiable. I could do what they could do easily. But then they say Kweli be seeming fake to you. Record sales ain’t making you, money is motivating you. The artist gotta lead I hope the fan base stay with you.”

But even though Kweli is different then many people around, he makes songs that are relevant and classy. If you give him a chance, this album is something that many people can vibe to and understand.

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Dirty Money – “Last Train to Paris”

December 14, 2010 in Reviews


Artist: Dirty Money
Album: Last Train to Paris
Release Date: December 14, 2010
Star Rating: 4.5

Diddy is back again with an amazing album like none other. The album “Last Train to Paris” is created by the group Dirty Money which consists of P. Diddy, Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper. Together, this group creates a collaborative album that is filled with unique sounds.

The genre is rightfully categorized in a group of its own. The track list consists of club, dance beats, alongside with hip hop and trance sounds. Songs like “Hello Good Morning” and “Ass on the Floor” are definite bangers to get parties goings. But party or not, tracks like “Coming Home” and “Angels” can be lyrical and meaningful, and still keep up with the amazing production style that Diddy has to offer. “Last Train to Paris” varies in style and lyrics with every track that everyone is sure to find at least one song that they can relate to.

Ever since the rise of Bad Boy, Diddy has been known for his famous remixes because of features from other famous big timers. This album is no different in that sense. If the amazing trio is not enough for your ears, Diddy brings in other favorites like Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Usher, and Swizz Beatz to name a few.

This album is going to be one of the favorites of 2010 even though it was released only weeks before the end of the year. Keep at it Diddy and the whole Dirty Money crew!

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