Phil Ade releases his latest mixtape #PhilAdeFriday2. Listen and download below:
3 women on a mission to bring you real hip hop news, photos, fashion, videos, interviews, music and reviews from a female perspective.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
So Live Saturday - XXL The Breaks Showcase
XXL presented their The Breaks showcase at SOB's in New York which featured performances from Kendrick Lamar, King Mez, Phil Ade, Emilio Rojas and Mr. MFN eXquire.
-Mixtape Chic
Rockie Fresh - Fly High (Audio)
Rockie Fresh - "Fly High" (Prod. Thelonius Martin) by Rockie Fresh
-Mixtape Chic
Friday, December 30, 2011
Elite-Dreamer (audio)
Elite drops off a new track for the dreamers looking ahead to 2012.
-Photo Chic
Signif-Vandal (music video)
Some new visuals from Signif! If you don't already know, you better do her name search on our website! ;-)
-Photo Chic
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Dee-1 - Standing Ovation (Tribute to 2012 XXL Freshman Nominees) (Video)
Dee-1 hits the web with his "Standing Ovation (Tribute to 2012 XXL Freshman Nominees)" video. In this video, Dee goes from coast to coast shouting out all of the nominees. Shout out to him for this!
-Mixtape Chic
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
RoQ'y TyRaiD - Preach! (Audio)
-Mixtape Chic
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Reks - Autographs (Audio)
"Autographs" is the first single from Reks' upcoming album Straight, No Chaser. This track was produced by Statik Selektah, who is said to be producing the entire album. The album is set to drop early 2012.
-Mixtape Chic
T.I. -F*ck The City Up (Trailer 2)
T.I. releases another trailer for his New Year's day mixtape release. Not only do we see a cameo from Dr Dre, but we also see a very familiar face. Dee-1 is in there with the big timers...as he should be. :-) Check it out!
-Photo Chic
Monday, December 26, 2011
Common - The Dreamer, The Believer (Album Review)
Mixtape Chic gives it 4.3 out of 5 sneaks
Common is one of those emcees whose flows will never get old. The Dreamer, The Believer is probably one of the most anticipated albums of the year. From the day of its announcement to the day of its release, nothing but great expectations has been expressed by the masses.
“The Dreamer” is one of the title tracks and is one that I enjoyed for its content. With three verses from Common on this track, his wordplay shines in every verse.
“It’s Common, I’m high above standard. Fly ni**a, I keep my feet planted.” “Ni**as with no heart, I’m the pace maker. Get the beat from No I, feel the pulse of the Chi.”
Maya Angelou original words were a nice touch at the end. The title of “Ghetto Dreams” was not so literal. Common and Nas both describe their ideal women on this track; both describing classy women with some hood tendencies. So basically,
“Cinderella fancy, but she still look hood. . .She know shoes like she know survival.” – Common.
“Half hood, half class.” – Nas
“Blue Sky” plays on dreams fulfilled and God being the reason. No matter where Common came from he’s still the man he is today. One line is repeated at the end of each verse:
“Immortal view of a star doing what I’m born to do. I see the blue sky; see the Lord’s coming through.”
There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. He made it! When “So Sweet” first hit my ears I’m damn near fell out of my seat. Common went in on this track. He wasn’t holding back anything for anyone. The Drake diss: “Singing all around me man, la la la. You ain’t mfing Frank Sinatra…Sweet mf.” It’s funny how the lyrics of the song are not sweet AT ALL! A few lines stood out:
“No I said give ‘em that 80s cocaine. Somethin’ raw, somethin’ pure, so I stayed in that vein.”
He definitely gave us the ‘raw business’. Common talks about why he does what he does on “Gold.” He was told to do it by the ‘three wise men’ through their gifts. In the second verse, he plays on the fact that his skills are masterful:
“My dad said it rained on my arrival. Now a storm of the brain make these guys drive slow, like I was 5-0…Lyrical genius, you set the bar low…”
Common has so much to “Celebrate” in his life, which he flows about on that track.
“We come from porches and alleyways. I’m the big ticket, don’t need no one to validate.”
It has been said that the ‘eyes are the windows to your soul’ which Common reiterates in one of my favorite tracks from the album, properly titled “Windows.” The story is of a girl longing for her father and also Common speaking about how he is for his own. The hook stuck out to me the most.
“If your eyes are the windows to your soul, open eyes when you’re cold. If your dreams keep you warm in night, baby just keep ‘em closed. If your eyes are the window, I can sneak in at night. In your eyes I can see your soul staring back into mine.”
It gives you the entire concept of the track. The second title track of the album, “The Believer,” plays on overcoming and believing that it is possible to do so. Common has overcome many obstacles, as he points out in his music. With John Legend on the hook, this track screams masterpiece. It’s hard not to listen to the words that Common spits; hard not to “Believe.” “Pops Belief” stands as the outro with Common’s father reading a spoken word piece.
“Truthful dreams, truthful dreams become life. Life becomes belief, belief becomes live! Live the life you believe.”
I love how his dad sings the last line “See you next lifetime,” the way Erykah Badu does on her song “Next Lifetime.”
I also enjoyed “Raw (How You Like It),” “Cloth,” and “Lovin’ I Lost.” I felt it was a cool groove. It is pretty literal lyrically with Com is telling a story about a past relationship. The Curtis Mayfield sample is crazy. The chemistry between Common and No I.D. is enormously apparent on this album. Common’s flows and No I.D.’s beats are a match made in heaven. It was well worth the wait.
Photo Chic gives it 5 out of 5 Sneaks
Common ends the year for hip hop by releasing The Dreamer, The Believer. For all of you that complained about how Watch the Throne was insensitive to our economic times (which I disagreed with), this album is the complete opposite (although I doubt those of you who bought WTT would even listen to Common). Common seeks to inspire with this album and boy, DOES HE DO HIS JOB! I think Common put out the best album of 2011. I haven’t stopped listening to it and it is definitely a “straight through” banger.
Common opens the album with “The Dreamer,” a No ID produced track that has the influence of Dilla shining through. This is my favorite beat on the album produced entirely by No ID. Maya Angelou ends the track with some inspiring spoken word. Beautiful. Next we go right into “Ghetto Dreams” ft NAS, Common’s only emcee feature on the album. I love that. These two fuse together to make a stellar track reminiscent of the Golden Age of Hip Hop. “Blue Sky” follows with some more lyrical inspiration from Common. “Aston Martin king, Luther with dreams, The young Denzel the way I move through scenes. I’m like a preacher that once was a fiend. A story of change that came with wings.” Common takes us through his rise to the top from what started as a dream and turned into reality. Next up, the controversial “Sweet” which takes alleged shots at Drake. Besides that, this track is so raw. Hip hop at it’s finest. The often humble and reserved Common goes off on why he’s the best. Common reminds everyone that he’s from Chicago on this one. Not one to be played with, in case people needed a reminder. Things lighten up a bit as we get into “Gold.” “Truth inside flow, I stand like Em did with Dido.” There’s so many lines in this track that make me have to go back and listen twice. Common displays why he is one of the best, while paying homage to those that came before him and opened the way. “Lovin’ I Lost” is one of those songs that, although I love it, I feel like I shouldn’t be listening to. This song seems to be about Serena Williams and what it’s like for him post-break up. Very deep, but relatable for a lot of people who’ve lost the one they love. “Raw (How You Like It)” follows and changes the mood up a bit. On this track Common shows off his story-telling capabilities with a song about pursuing a woman in a club. Lots of crazy word-play going on in this track. “Cloth” is my favorite song (alongside “The Believer”) on this album. The story-telling continues on this track. I can’t help, but think this is another song about Serena. Seems to fit again. “Celebrate” is a light-hearted song that fits the end of the year release of this album perfectly. I love it. Makes me want to dance and ring in 2012 the right way. Celebrating new beginnings with those closest to you. “My guys I used to hoop with, is now who I ball with.” “Windows” takes a look into a father’s influence on his daughter and how she may perceive men based on her experiences. “The Believer” is another favorite of mine. It’s definitely in my top 5 favorite songs of 2011. This song does make me believe I can do anything. John Legend sings the powerful hook beautifully. “I walk where money talks and love stutters.” Truth. Message! The album wouldn’t be complete without some words from Pops and Common ends this excellent album with “Pop’s Belief.”
Please go out and buy this album if you haven’t already. Common really did his thing on this one. I haven’t been able to stop listening. Excellent work!
Drake, Lil Wayne and Tyga-The Motto (video)
There's a lot of stuff wrong with this video. Moon boots, nike gloves, jeggings, animal print for males. I just can't! Young men...this is not okay!
-Photo Chic
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Smoke DZA-Christmas in the Trap (video)
Keeping up with the Christmas theme. Definitely not diggin this song though. Lol.
-Photo Chic
It's The Most F*ing Wonderful Time-Hellpit Faeries
It's The Most Fucking Wonderful Time - Hellpit Faeries from W.A.R. Media on Vimeo.
I have no other words than, you need to check out this video and download the EP! Like now! :-)
Jingle F*ing Bells, A Hellpit Faeries Christmas EP
-Photo Chic
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Omen-Before It Turns Nightfall (audio)
Omen helps us get in the Christmas spirit with a new joint just for the occasion. Love it! Thank you Omen.
-Photo Chic
Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Stevie Wonder Hits The Stage With Common!!!
Wow...if you still haven't bought Common's The Dreamer, The Believer then slap yourself please. This was from Common's sold out show at the House of Blues in L.A. last night. I'm always down for a good Common freestyle with some Stevie Wonder attached. :-)
-Photo Chic
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
J. Cole Performs on David Letterman
21112223224 by YardieGoals
J. Cole performs "Work Out" on The Late Show with David Letterman.
-Photo Chic
XV Announces Midwest State of Mind Tour
This guy puts on a GREAT live performance, so if you are anywhere near by, get yourself some tickets and go to the show!!!
-Photo Chic
XV-Learn to Fly (audio)
Lots of new XV coming out lately. I'm not mad at all. Loving it!!!
-Photo Chic
Big Sean ft 2 Chainz-Keep it Gee (audio)
DOWNLOAD HERE
Sounds a little Wiz-like to me. I haven't liked a lot of Big Sean lately, but this has potential to grow on me. Doubt it though.
-Photo Chic
Rapsody-All Black Everything (Music Video)
New video from Rapsody off of her latest project For Everything. If you don't have it yet, you better get familiar. Download: RapSody-For Everything. Lots of great tracks on this one!!!
-Photo Chic
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Omen-Forever (music video)
Omen "FOREVER" Music Video Directed Impakt Studio's Chris & Blaq from IMPAKT STUDIO/Chris & Blaq on Vimeo.
It seems to be Dreamville premier day. Here is the first video off of Omen's awesome mixtape entitled Afraid of Heights. Check it out and if you haven't downloaded the mixtape yet, here is the link: Afraid of Heights Get on that asap. :-)
-Photo Chic
Voli-Blood Sweat and Tears
And The Wall is on its way with every brick I try to lay
And this song right here is just a buzz cut so I don't fade
DOWNLOAD HERE
While Voli is busy working on The Wall, he takes some time out to give us a hold over track and video for a new song called "Blood, Sweat and Tears." I'm definitely feeling the track produced by Voli himself. He has his own unique sound. Not just in the music, but his vocals as well. I love him as an artist! Make sure you watch out for him in 2012!!! I'm sure he's going to be doing some great things.
-Photo Chic
And this song right here is just a buzz cut so I don't fade
DOWNLOAD HERE
While Voli is busy working on The Wall, he takes some time out to give us a hold over track and video for a new song called "Blood, Sweat and Tears." I'm definitely feeling the track produced by Voli himself. He has his own unique sound. Not just in the music, but his vocals as well. I love him as an artist! Make sure you watch out for him in 2012!!! I'm sure he's going to be doing some great things.
-Photo Chic
The Kid Daytona - The Interlude 2 (Mixtape)
The Kid Daytona has released The Interlude 2. This mixtape includes features from Melanie Fiona, Goapele, Action Bronson as well as others. Listen & download below:
Monday, December 19, 2011
MURS-67 Cutlass (music video)
This is one of my favorite tracks from Love and Rockets and the video is great!!!! I love the art of story-telling and then seeing it come to life in a music video. Illy!!!
-Photo Chic
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Common-Celebrate (music video)
We'll start Music Video Monday off a little early. :-) On another note, AMC premiered the video after Common's series "Hell on Wheels." Hip hop on AMC!!! That's a first. :-)
-Photo Chic
Studio Sunday: Is that Red Velvet?!!!
Tree Sound Studio has to be the best studio to record in. Dudes get cupcakes and cookies!!! Gotta love it. Another original video by 3 Little Digs. Watch as J. Cole, Omen, Cyhi and Big Sean get hype over some sugar.
-Photo Chic
Machine Gun Kelly ft Ester Dean-Invincible (audio)
DOWNLOAD HERE
This sounds radio ready. I'm digging it right now, but maybe not if I listen to it a lot.
-Photo Chic
Studio Sunday-J.Cole Breaks Down Some Songs
Agreed...not every song needs to be deep and meaningful. Lol. Y'all need to cool out on Cole for having fun.
-Photo Chic
Saturday, December 17, 2011
So Live Saturday-Finally Famous in Atlanta
3 Little Digs was obviously in the building when the Big Sean's Finally Famous Tour wrapped up in Atlanta. In case you were unaware, the tour included Shawn Chrystopher, Cyhi da Prynce and Big Sean. Cameos from B.o.B, Roscoe Dash, and The Mad Violinist. Check out their footage below:
Also, check out their new series called "Swapped & Screwed." 3 Little Digs has done it again. Love it!
Swapped & Screwed: Big Sean from 3 Little Digs on Vimeo.
-Photo Chic
Also, check out their new series called "Swapped & Screwed." 3 Little Digs has done it again. Love it!
Swapped & Screwed: Big Sean from 3 Little Digs on Vimeo.
-Photo Chic
So Live Saturday-Big Sean at Cali Christmas
BSCC by YardieGoals
Big Sean (or should I say friends of Big Sean) performs at Power 106 Cali Christmas. The best part of this is Common's performance. :-)
-Photo Chic
So Live Saturday: Ski Beatz and Locksmith
Open University presents: Ski Beatz and Locksmith give Arman (Strong Arm) Mahmoudi an exclusive interview before performing at Murs' "Hip Hop & Love" tour for 90.5 KSJS "Fresh to Death" radio show. In the interview Ski Beatz discusses his production style, current and future projects, and how he hooked up with Locksmith. In the second part of the interview Locksmith discusses Embedded, his influences, and his growth as an artist on new projects. Concert footage filmed at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, CA at Murs' "Hip Hop & Love" tour.
Filmed and edited by @AmadeuzChrist
ivleaguefilms.com
iamlock.com
This is great live footage and a good interview with Ski Beatz. Definitely worth your time. Well done.
-Photo Chic
Filmed and edited by @AmadeuzChrist
ivleaguefilms.com
iamlock.com
This is great live footage and a good interview with Ski Beatz. Definitely worth your time. Well done.
-Photo Chic
So Live Saturday-J. Cole at Cali Christmas
JCCC by YardieGoals
In case you missed the livestream of Power 106's Cali Christmas last night, here is J. Cole's full set. I like that J. Cole stands alone when performing. No hype men, no DJs with a mic, and no accessory crews jumping around on stage. Respect! Enjoy!
-Photo Chic
Friday, December 16, 2011
Common's L.A. Album Release Party
Hip Hop ChicZ was in the building last night at Common's album release party. Stay tuned for Network Chic's review of the evening. For now check out DJ Reflex's video summary. :-)
-Photo Chic
Blu and Exile-Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them (Album)
Wooo hoooo! This is beautifully dope, but then again, I wouldn't expect anything less when Blu and Exile get together. Go ahead and buy it too. $15 bucks. Definitely worth it!
-Photo Chic
SigNif is Spittin in Da Wip!
I love SigNif. I can listen to her music all day. She is super ill! Check her out freestyling in the wip! She did that! Rate her performance RIGHT HERE!
-Photo Chic
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Talib Kweli-Distractions (audio)
Chuuuuuurrrrrrccccchhhhhh!!!! This song speaks the truth. Love it. The first leak off of Kweli's next album Prisoner of Conscious. I can't wait!
-Photo Chic
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
XV - 27 Club (Audio)
-Mixtape Chic
The Roots - Undun (Short Film)
The Roots - UNDUN from The Ghettonerd Company, LLC on Vimeo.
The Roots have released this short film that ties with their latest album undun. The album is an amazing piece of work and it is nice to see a visual to accompany the project.
Also, take a gander at what we (ChicZ) thought of the album here...
-Mixtape Chic
Asher Roth - Pabst & Jazz ft. Hassani Kwess & Kenny Keys (Audio)
-Mixtape Chic
The Kid Daytona - Love Is Love ft Melanie Fiona (Audio)
-Mixtape Chic
medafORACLE x Beatsofreen - Global Soul (EP)
-Mixtape Chic
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Roots - undun (Album Review)
Mixtape Chic gives it 4.25 out of 5 sneaks
Concept albums are one in a million. If anyone could put together a concept album that is well versed and thought provoking, it is The Roots. The Roots’ 10th album Undun brings the life of Redford Stephens to light. This album tells his story including his demise. The album’s concept is evident in all aspects of features and premises.
As the intro to the album, “Dun” starts it sounds like someone is flat lining but then the music slowly creeps in. The sounds are distinct yet are all mixed up to where you cannot decipher where it is going. As the music gets louder you can hear heavy breathing (Redford) that eventually leads to a loud scream. “Sleep” plays on facing death. Things that Redford had formerly done have now caught up with him. Redford is coming to terms with his fate which is death. “Oh. There I go, from a man to a memory.”
Big K.R.I.T. definitely holds his own on “Make My.” He and Black Thought (aka Redford) come with different emotions in their verses but they both make them fit with the premise of the track. This song plays on suicide.
“I’m contemplating a special dedication. To whoever it concerns, my letter of resignation” - Black Thought
It also touches on the fact that the road to greatness is rough and even when you make it; it’s not as great as hoped for.
Phonte, Dice Raw and Black Thought all come through in their own ways on “One Time.” As Phonte comes in first with his tough, “right at you” flow, you cannot help but hear the dismay he has towards those “fake rappers”.
“If too much money talking, we make ‘em economize. Real rap, no tale spinning…” - Phonte.
Next, Black Thought comes with his powerful delivery. Touching on reaching but never actually making it to that prosperous point in life.
“Man, I guess if I were actually lucky it was one time. Then I went missing looking for the sublime. A n**** stayed low, left the latter unclimbed. Time after time, verse blank, the line unrhymed.”- Black Thought
Lastly, Dice Raw comes through flowing about facets of crime and how even though some try and try to advance in the game, it doesn’t usually work that way.
“Tales from the streets. A life of high crime. To make it to the bottom. Such a high climb.” – Dice Raw
The two featured artists on did their thing on “Kool On.” Both set up storylines that you could picture from beginning to end. Showing us how it is to live the high life. As always, Black Thought shows his skills. I love “The Otherside!” Bilal is the perfect addition on the hook when it comes to Black Thought’s rhymes. Greg Porn is featured on the 3rd verse. While Greg talks about how being on the top is not enough, “I’m sitting on top of the world ready to jump off,” Black Thought talks about the necessity of money. I love the fact that there is no hook being sung on “Stomp.” Just Blaze’s near screaming dialogue adds to the core of the track. Black Thought emphasizes murder in his verse while Greg Porn reverts to crime talk including not feeling himself because of what he has done but also being good at what he does. Dice Raw dominates “Lighthouse,” spitting a rhyme before the hook and a verse as well as singing the hook. He and Black Thought evoke the fight of self. Each emcee questions their own existence making the track seem more of a question of suicide than just hatred for oneself. “I Remember” is a song of reflection. Redford is reflecting on what his life has become as well as how he came to be where and who he is.
“It’s pain living against the grain. I’m looking back and y’all look the same. Troy, Mark and little what’s his name. Memory is rerunning it all. It’s the flight of my fall.” – Black Thought
On “Tip the Scale,” Redford is still contemplating suicide but at the same time still living the life of crime so that he can be “living well.” The last few tracks on the album can represent different aspects of Redford’s existence. “Redford” has a peaceful/hopeful sound as if Redford is calm and content at some point. “Possibility” provides a since of contemplating and Redford thinking “well maybe.” “Will To Power” is all over the place. Its presentation, a disarray of drums and piano, represent the disordered mindset that at some point plagued Redford. On “Finality” Redford is back to being content.
Overall, this album was done well in all aspects. It was well thought conceptually and raises the bar for those that will come after. I can only wish there was a book to accompany it.
Network Chic gives it 4.5 out of 5 sneaks
Network Chic gives it 4.5 out of 5 sneaks
The Roots new album undun is whimsical artistry. In fact, one should not use a flatiron or any other heated appliances while listening (I burned my arm cause I was doting on a particular song on this album). Now, I sit here typing with one hand in an effort to capture the capricious nature of The Roots latest quest. This concept album weaves a reverse narrative of Redford Stephens and the range of free will that impacts this fictional character’s life.
It’s hard to break up the tracks because they are a parallel syntax of each other as they unravel the life of Redford. However, I will take you through a few arrangements that leap out to me. “Sleep” starts us off with Redford’s death and his thoughts catching that which took him down this path and who would remember his memory. Next, we go into one of my favorite tracks off of undun featuring Big K.R.I.T. “Make My” where Redford is reflecting on the choices he has made bringing him here today. The fluidity of this track from instruments to lyrics are wondrous.
We then continue to “One Time” and “Kool On” followed by another one of my favorites, “The Otherside.” This track shows Redford’s exploration of his choice into a life of crime and essentially performing a cost benefit analysis of his decision and whether the grass is greener on the other side as shown by the line, “that hindsight 20/20.” In reverse, we next end up at “Stomp” and then “Lighthouse.” The latter is another standout to me on this conceptual album. Everyone has felt like they are all alone at some point in time and there is no one there who cares enough that you are drowning (whether self-inflicted or by circumstance). In and of itself, this song is a song that people can relate to across cultures, ethnic backgrounds, economic circumstance and gender.
We start winding down the album with “I Remember” and “Tip the Scale.” Both are great songs that give us the concept of Redford’s decisions, particularly in “Tip the Scale.” It showcases the struggles that many face in determining how they are going to make it day to day with the many obstacles put in front of us. Fact of the matter, as so eloquently put is, “The scales of justice ain’t equally weighed out; only two way outs, digging tunnels or digging graves out.” The former, “I remember” shows the first indicia of when Redford sees the path he chose and reflecting on what his life was before.
undun closes us out with beautiful instrumental melodies that allow us time to create our own beginnings and reflect on choices to make better decisions tomorrow.
As a whole, I love this thought-provoking, well-articulated story of a character that is reminiscent of someone we know.
peAce,
Network Chic
Photo Chic gives it 5 out of 5 sneaks
The Roots are my favorite group of all time. I’ve come of age to their music. I purchased their first album and every one there-after. For me to write an album review on their work is extremely hard for me and yes, I am bias, and I don’t really care. Do know that I only give albums a 5 if I can listen to them straight through without skipping and this is one of those albums and so much more. My brain actually hurts. I want to get people together and have intellectual conversations about this album and what is happening with the storyline. The album is extremely dark, but definitely one of the top albums of 2011 in my opinion.
In case you didn’t notice, undun is a concept album. It tells the story of a man (merely 25 years of age), Redford Stephens, plagued by drugs and violence. The album takes you through his story in one fluid, multi-dimensional, musical composition. There’s no skipping around for me. I listen to it from beginning to end, each time. The music matches the lyricism. We don’t only hear the words of Stephens through Black Thought’s rhyme, we here it through the music, often times strictly instrumental. My favorite tracks on the album are actually just that, the instrumentals. With the opening track “Dun” we seem to come upon Stephen’s heart beat (in my interpretation), leading into a scream that implicates his reflection on what has happened to his life during his impending death. I picture him (as a ghost) screaming as he hovers over his limp body. The album starts with his death which we can imply from “Sleep” and opens up with the stories of how he got to that point. At the end of the album with “Redford,” “Possibility,” “Will to Power,” and “Finality” we get taken through a series of events. I feel like on “Redford” and “Possibility” we get the slightest glimmer of hope from this dreary and sad story. Redford reflects and the music sounds like he is seeing a tiny ray of light or promise (possibly even “the light” said to be seen while dying). “Will to Power” takes us right back to reality and struggle. I feel like this instrumental actually plays out Redford’s physical death. Struggling during a scuffle and getting shot or stabbed. “Finality” gives us the relief in knowing Redford his finally passed on to the light. The dreadful life he has lived is over. Again, just my interpretation, which makes this album so deep. It can be interpreted many different ways, which is why I won’t even get into the actual lyrics of the album. Just know the guest features flow perfectly in this dismal story of Stephen’s demise. Told through the voice of one of the best emcees in hip hop EVER, Black Thought.
Take in each song and elaborate on the story. This isn’t an album you can grasp on one listen. As I write, I’ve listened to this album everyday for a week (and even over a week through free streaming) and I still discover something new in the tale every day. I even struggled trying to write a review. I wanted to just say, “Buy this album. It is really good. The end.” I really had no other words to describe it, initially. Everyone can interpret the words differently and form a story of what they think is going on, which I love about this album. It’s like a classic poem. In fact, if I was a high-school AP teacher, we’d be breaking this one down in class over several weeks. The Roots have really out done themselves with this concept album. You just have to listen to it and see for yourself. Now go!
Common - Raw (Audio)
Here's Common's latest release from his upcoming album The Dreamer, The Believer which is will drop Dec 20! Take a listen to "Raw":
Common - "Raw" by ThinkCommon
Also, check out the behind the scenes from the video shoot:
This album is going to be amazing!!
-Mixtape Chic
Homeboy Sandman - New York Nights (Audio)
Homeboy Sandman - New York Nights by stonesthrow
-Mixtape Chic
Stalley - Stay Charged ft. Apollo The Great (Audio)
-Mixtape Chic
Hip Hop and Love Tour Episode 7
This episode features backstage clips of the Hip-Hop & Love Tour featuring Ski Beatz and the Senseis, Murs, Tabi Bonney, McKenzie Eddy, Da$h and Sean O’Connell as they journey through the state Texas. Stay tuned for more commercial episodes of the Hip Hop and Love Tour Documentary.
-Photo Chic
Monday, December 12, 2011
XV-Chaka Shao Kahn (audio)
XV - Chaka Shao Khan (prod. by DJ Tech-Neek) by XtotheV
This beat is crazy. Digging the new joint from XV, but is it really a surprise to you? Ha ha.
-Photo Chic
McKenzie Eddy ft MURS-Ice Cream Mountain (video)
McKenzie Eddy returns with her second single off of her upcoming album, Slow Your Horse Down, Son featuring fellow BluRoc artist Murs. For more info about the upcoming release of Slow Your Horse Down, Son please visit mckenzieeddy.com.
Shout out to MURS for the tuxedo shirt!!!
-Photo Chic
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Studio Sunday-9th Wonder's Stankonia Session
Grooveshark Presents...Stankonia Sessions: "Part of the Game" (Behind The Scenes) from Grooveshark on Vimeo.
Watch 9th Wonder work on the beat for "Part of the Game" featuring Rapsody, Dee-1 and Thurz. Very dope track, but then again, look who all is involved in it. I would expect nothing less. :-)
-Photo Chic
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Lupe Fiasco-American Terrorist III (audio)
So Live Saturday-Common Freestyle
This is a REAL freestyle. Off the top folks! This written verse spitting stuff needs to be called something else. Please and thank you.
-Photo Chic
So Live Saturday-Tyga and Drake
Tyga brings out Drake during his show in Toronto to perform "The Motto." I can't hear Drake though, can you?
-Photo Chic
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Thoughtful Thursday: XV-The Kick
This song came out about 3 months ago. It's in my "good music" playlist on my iTunes and it came on yesterday while I was in random mode. I decided this is definitely a song that more people need to get familiar with. The production alone is solid and has so much feeling. DJ Tech-Neek did his thing. Then, in comes XV with his deep lyricism on this track. I included the lyrics since there's so much of it that I like. I can definitely listen to this song over and over again. Not everyone has the ability to make music that you can feel deep inside of you. This is one of those type of tracks to me. I still can't believe this kind of heat comes out of Wichita, Kansas. I'm definitely looking forward to an album from him in 2012. :-) For now, you can check out his lastest mixtape, Zero Heroes. Don't sleep on XV y'all!
[XV - Verse 1]
Countin' my blessing watching Inception
But I'm living one of those scenes
Where everyone knows it aint real except him
They can't convince him to believe
I know this life with all the lights and how it aint true
But f-ck it, I don't wanna leave
Cause you can never have deja vu
If you don't ever dream
Uh, successful stories never told to us
Tryna make ends cause we never got what was owed to us
School never grown on us, Pops never shown on us
Open sesame, see the street never closed on us
Moved white, and didn't see much green like a ski slope
Now I see so much green that I could be Hulk
And people think I relocated on the East Coast
But I still hold it down in the town I speak for
Towing my city behind me like it was repoed
In a game full of sharks but there aint no cheat codes
XV can take a hike, I'm Tim Tebow
Matrix Reload, face it, he cold
Rep the 316 I'm 7 30 in the mind
I'm that dude hands down, 6 30 when I rhyme
I'm a 235, always in my prime
And it's 4.15, meaning it's my time
Was I a nerd cause niggas acted like dim wits
Or was I truly just gifted in academics
To get that with these lyrics that I was rapping like christmas?
I could number 2 on all of the doubters up on my shitlist
Pissed my little brother has to miss this
Told my momma she'll never watch from the sofa
Tell my haters, hit record on they remote controllers
Until til my totem falls over
[Hook]
This is the life that I never will forget
Im inside a dream that I never wanna quit
So I'm just sittin back, waiting for the kick
I'm just sittin back, waiting for the kick
This is the life that I never will forget
Im inside a dream that I never wanna quit
So I'm just sittin back, waiting for the kick
I'm just sittin back, waiting for the kick
Wait for it...
[Verse 2]
Lord can I change my life with these sentences
When I got boys doing life cause of sentencing
I'm dealing with it every night, thats what penance is
Barred like Bruce Willis but Die Hard With A Vengeance kid
And I'm in this party where all these women is
Tryna find where niggas with dollar bills and Benzes is
Finally left what I wanted for what I needed
Can't be the girl of my dreams if you don't close your eyes to see it
The road less travelled, where both of us were headed
Said it would kill us, I told you I wont let it
When my life was plain, most bitches jetted
You said boy I've been down like toe touch stretches
I even set expectations and you never ever met it
But I gave you my heart you aint even call a medic
Now she telling me to leave her alone
But I can't like she got bad credit
I guess its deaded with me and you both have left it
In eternal sunshine but my spotless mind wont forget it
So I accept it and pray no-one intercept it
Given the globe my soul and hope everybody accept it
Making it is never what you expected
I told my girl she'll never watch from the sofa
Tell my haters hit record on they remote controllers
Until my totem falls over.
[Hook]
-Photo Chic
Thoughtful Thursday: Wale - Illest B*tch
Whenever I mention this song, people always go straight to the fact that Wale used the word “b*tch” instead of something else. There are so many different ways to use this word but it is almost always thought to be mean or cruel. It personally did not bother me due to the fact that he was not using it in a malicious context. This song was meant to be uplifting and praising of the amazing women that he may have come across. In the first verse he flows about the working mom struggling to do what she needs to do for her kid(s); then goes to the bliss of pregnancy. His second verse initially touches on the absent father. His wordplay is creative and masterful in this verse: “Ain’t seen his seed in 14 days, that n**** too weak.” The words “too weak” can also be construed as “two weeks” which equals 14 days. He then goes on to speak about double standards on women, the unbelievable self-consciousness women have about their body. There is nothing demeaning about this song. This song is deeper than the title that was put on it. If you didn't care for it the first time, it wouldn't hurt to listen again.
-Mixtape Chic
-Mixtape Chic
Thoughtful Thursday: GQ ft HaLo-Blueberry Lemonade (Fa Sho)
If ever there was a song that you could just label as insanely sexy, then this would be the one. Introducing Eric G on the beat. This beat instantly drew me to this track off of GQ's latest release Trouble Man. I haven't really stopped playing it. So, I had to share and put you all on. GQ and HaLo show their nasty side on this track. I love GQ's delivery, especially when he gets hi-pitched with it. It's just a clever track. If they ever played this in the club, I could get myself into some TROUBLE MAN (lol...I don't even go to clubs, though). ;-) Check it out and tell me it's not HOT...tell me. I'll wait. It's definitely hotness though. "I know ya need it fa sho!"
"When the collars get to poppin, boppers get to boppin, panties get to droppin, doors get to lockin!"
Make sure you download GQ's Trouble Man in it's entirety, because there are lots of great tracks on this tape.
Download Here
-Photo Chic
"When the collars get to poppin, boppers get to boppin, panties get to droppin, doors get to lockin!"
Make sure you download GQ's Trouble Man in it's entirety, because there are lots of great tracks on this tape.
Download Here
-Photo Chic
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
XXL (alleged) Freshman for 2012
This surfaced on the internets today. Of course, this could be anyone writing some stuff on paper, but let's just entertain the thought of this being the actual list. If this is the list...I'm never buying another copy of XXL ever in life. No disrespect to some of the artists on there, but it's missing some serious movers and shakers in hip hop such as (this is just off the top of my head, so calm down if I missed someone):
Dee-1
Rapsody
Nitty Scott, MC
Childish Gambino
Phil Ade
LAWS
Skyzoo
And someone explain to me why Say It Aint Tone is on here?! Really?! All I'm going to say is...this can't be real. So who do you all like for some 2012 XXL Freshman candidates?
-Photo Chic
Slick Rick-Need Some Bad (audio)
The Sitter soundtrack is probably going to be super ill (let's not forget "Ante Up" is the music that the preview is set too). Here is a track produced by DJ Premier from Slick Rick to get things started. Check it out! I'm diggin this track. Gotta love Slick Rick!!!
DOWNLOAD HERE
-Photo Chic
DOWNLOAD HERE
-Photo Chic
Blu - The Clean Hand (Audio)
Blu has dropped "The Clean Hand" produced by Pete Rock. The word is that these two individuals may be linking up for a full-length project. Take a listen:
-Mixtape Chic
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