Childish Gambino-Unnecessary featuring Schoolboy Q
Self produced first single from Donald Glover’s upcoming (and unnamed) mixtape.
March Madness: Best NEW Rapper Alive Tournament
Before I start, yes I know it’s not march.
In my opinion, Hip-Hop is on its 3rd Generation. 1st Generation greats include: Rakim, Kool G. Rap, Big Daddy Kane. 2nd Generation Greats: Jay-Z, Biggie, Tupac, Nas, Eminem. Now who will be this generation’s best rapper?
Top 4 Seeds:
1. Lupe Fiasco (let’s forget about Lasers ok?)
3. Drake
4. J. Cole
Those trying to get in the tournament:
5. Blu
6. Skyzoo
7. Big K.R.I.T.
8. Curren$y
9. Schoolboy Q
10. Wale
11. Killa Kyleon
12. Alley Boy
13. Danny Brown
15. King Mez
17. Tiron
18. Iggy Azalea
19. Azealia Banks
20. Smoke DZA
21. Dom Kennedy
22. Nipsey Hu$$le
23. Chuuwee
24. Stalley
25. Fashawn
26. The Kid Daytona
27. Gilbere Forte
28. Vic Mensa
30. Casey Veggies
31. Logic
32. Earl Sweatshirt
33. Childish Gambino
34. Cyhi the Prince
35. Spaceghostpurrp
36. A$AP Rocky
37. Action Bronson
38. Yelawolf
Out of these 38, will come 32. Feel free to comment or add any names you feel that should be included (trust me, most of these names are suggestions, I don’t agree but added them for the sake of debate). Final bracket is coming in the last week of the month.
Schoolboy Q-Habits & Contradictions [review]
Habits & Contradictions is a fitting title for this sophomore album from Schoolboy Q.
Habits because it could be classified as a “smoker’s” album. The overall pace is slow, with repetitive and catch hooks.
Contradictions because unlike most “smoker’s albums”, he still finds a way to sneak in real topics and themes not typically associated with this type of album.
The album opens on the slowly drawn out “Sacrilegious” and pretty much follows this same vibe the entire album. Although the content changes throughout the album, I think this was important to get the listener in a certain “zone” while listening.
The Habits of this album can be divided into tracks such as “2 Raw”, “Oxy Music”, “Hands on the Wheel” featuring ASAP Rocky (and a very clever use of a Kid Cudi hook as a sample).
The Contradictions are “Grooveline Pt. 1″, “Blessed featuring Kendrick Lamar” and the antithesis of Drake’s “Marvin Room”, “My Hatin’ Joint”.
What’s impressive about this album though is how Schoolboy weaves in and out of these topics while maintaining the constant vibe in the album. The songs all flow well, and although he speaks on several issues there is nothing worth leaving out. He does this with his slowly drawn out choruses, changing of flows and deceptive lyricism. Deceptive as in he knows when to be lyrical and when to just flow over the beat, a skill that most rappers don’t possess. Production on this album was key also. Outside of his usual TDE in-house producers, he gets assistance from DJ Dahi, Best Kept Secret, The Alchemist, ASAP Ty Beats, and southern up and comer Mike Will. Using several producers when the concept is already set in mind may usually be difficult, but Schoolboy Q found the right combination for this album.
If Kendrick Lamar’s Section.80 was too heavy for you, then I definitely think you would enjoy this album. It’s easy going, entertaining, but still carries a message.
Overall grade: 4.0-5.0
Schoolboy Q-Grooveline pt. 1 featuring Dom Kennedy & Curren$y (prod. Lex Luger)
This album is shaping up to be reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally nice. #HnC at midnight
Top Albums of 2011 (40-31)
Debut album from 9th Wonder’s female MC
39. Spaceghostpurrp-Blackland Radio*
Definitely one of the more…”interesting” albums of the year. Spaceghost combine sounds of classic southern hip hop with futuristic beats
38. Jet Life-Jet World Order
Curren$y’s Jet Life Recordings drop their first compilation.
37. Ab-Soul-Long Term Mentality
36. Curren$y-Weekend at Burnie’s
35. Boldy James-Trapper’s Alley*
34. Action Bronson-Well Done
32. Stalley-Lincoln Way Nights*
31. Mr. Exquire-Lost in Translation*
*free downloads, click title for links
