The Hip Hop Thread

[phonics]

Friend just picked up tickets so I'm going to do Anderson Paak in Dublin.

[Alex Ferguson]

Friend just picked up tickets so I'm going to do Anderson Paak in Dublin.

Nice! Saw him in 2017 supporting for Bruno Mars and he was amazing.

[Baz]

Nice! Saw him in 2017 supporting for Bruno Mars and he was amazing.You still making beats?

Post some.

[Alex Ferguson]

You still making beats?

Post some.

Quite a few since I last posted here.

This is my latest release: https://strrchildluke.bandcamp.com/album/boas-festas

[Offshore Toon]

I saw Noname's album was top of the Metacritic list for 2018 so I've revisited it. Its grown on me a lot. I do feel like being a woman adds a few points to your score these days, though. What does everybody else make of the album? Quite similar to TPAB imo.

[Alex Ferguson]

I saw Noname's album was top of the Metacritic list for 2018 so I've revisited it. Its grown on me a lot. I do feel like being a woman adds a few points to your score these days, though. What does everybody else make of the album? Quite similar to TPAB imo.

I thought the album was great and worthy of its place at the top regardless of her being a woman.

[Offshore Toon]

That's good to hear. I actually feel like a twat typing the bit out about her being a woman, but its just something I've thought whilst reading top 2018 lists. I'm aware that it sounds sexist and I guess I'm sticking it out there because if I am sexist I should at least be aware of it to try and deal with it.

[Alex Ferguson]

That's good to hear. I actually feel like a twat typing the bit out about her being a woman, but its just something I've thought whilst reading top 2018 lists. I'm aware that it sounds sexist and I guess I'm sticking it out there because if I am sexist I should at least be aware of it to try and deal with it.

I don't think it's "positive discrimination" but more women getting their dues and being more visible in spaces that otherwise ignored them for the most part. Still a lot of work to do but it's a start. I just hope for continued progression and consistency in that visibility. And death to the idea of "femcees" (hate that terminology).

[Offshore Toon]

Hmm, yeah maybe it just feels like there are more women (in comparison to men) simply because there are more women than there used to be as now, like you say, it is just more even.

[Baz]

I don’t get the appeal of NoName personally. Not really into spoken word stuff, it feels like any of the vocals could be on any beat.

Apparently this was Kim K’a IG Story:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzFPcKu1_BM

[Alex Ferguson]

I love Aminé's new track https://soundcloud.com/heyamine/hunnybee-remix

[phonics]

I do not understand that mans popularity and I'm constantly reading it as 'Anime' to get double annoyed every time a track of his pops up.

I've been going through old albums I used to enjoy and realizing how much of it was a time and place thing. Like for example I used to adore Foreign Exchange but listening to it, it's so fucking boring.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbiHjxfz1xY&list=PLF2EDCD724B4081BE&index=2

[Shindig]

The evidence is really mounting up to Drake being a paedo.

[phonics]

The evidence is really mounting up to Drake being a paedo.

How so?

[Shindig]

Invites a 17 year old on stage, fiddles her, finds out she's 17, fiddles her some more. Whilst the crowd boos.

[phonics]

Invites a 17 year old on stage, fiddles her, finds out she's 17, fiddles her some more. Whilst the crowd boos.

Wasn't he like 23 at the time? If that kicks off the pedo alarm have I got some groupie stories for you.

[Shindig]

Shit, it's just that 8 year old video resurfacing. Nevermind.

[Baz]

“17? Why do you look like that?!” :D

[phonics]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sq4hPOwdjhk

New Gibbs & Madlib.

[Offshore Toon]

Czarface have got to be one of the best groups around at the moment.

[Bernanke]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huaE85-V8u4

Idris. :cool:

[phonics]

Sean Paul got Idris Elba on the joint just so he didn't have to be the featuring artist.

[Shindig]

Was Wycleff Jean not picking up?

[phonics]

Was Wycleff Jean not picking up?

We don't talk about Wyclef now. He ran one of the big international fund raisers after the earthquake in Haiti and ran off with most of the money. I've barely seen him peep since his media tour to tell everyone is innocent went badly.

[Offshore Toon]

Really liking the new Dave album PSYCHODRAMA. Nice concept of a therapy session throughout, which suits his style. The wordplay is pretty ridiculous at times. For me, it gets to a point where its just not really impressive and you're taking away from the overarching message. Anyway:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCEVqzW4_to

:cool:

[phonics]

Listening back to The Grey Album. That really was quite a banger. Might go listen to Ghetto Pop Life after.

[SincereTheRebel]

Tech and Nipsey both passed on in the space of a week. Does not seem related to April 1st.

[Spikey M]

I've never heard of Nipsey, but the pictures on the BBC article are enough to tell me that his thug lyfe is almost certainly an attempt to distract others from his ridiculously feminine jaw line. Even that beard - probably a chin wig, the tart - didn't manage it.

[bruhnaldo]

Tech and Nipsey both passed on in the space of a week. Does not seem related to April 1st.

fwiw it was a different Tech 9 that is a battle rapper not the Tech N9ne everyone (from a certain age) is familiar with.

[Spikey M]

I've never heard of him either then. What's his chin like?

[phonics]

He's a battle rapper so no-ones ever seen/heard of him. If he didn't have the same name as someone way more famous, you'll never have heard about his passing.

[Offshore Toon]

Can't say I listened much to Nipsey. I think I remember watching a video of him talking about racial issues in America and he seemed like a smart guy. Do we know why he got shot yet?

[phonics]

LAPD are claiming they have a suspect but considering they don't identify one in the majority of homicides in LA I'm going to presume it's not all above board.

I tried to find a song of his that I'd heard of and failed. I'd been confusing him with Chingy.

[bruhnaldo]

I'd been confusing him with Chingy.

fuck.

[phonics]

Is Jay Rock actually secretly the best Black Hippy member?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrO46CJd9ns

So much of it is throw open the windows and annoy the neighbours with it level of hype.

[Bob Sacamano]

New Lowkey and PNL :happycry:

and this is the best Nipsey


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Ns2IZtouk

[phonics]

I guess it's impressive how boring and generic it is?

It's a god-awful beat with bad-Drake delivery and no hook.

[Bob Sacamano]

I guess it's impressive how boring and generic it is?

It's a god-awful beat with bad-Drake delivery and no hook.

True. This is as good as it get's


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwBFOuCrdr4

[phonics]

I hate how every hip hop video has an 8 minute intro now.

[Bob Sacamano]

I hate how every hip hop video has an 8 minute intro now.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtyHYIpykN0

Making the Eiffel Tower their bitch :happycry:

[phonics]

Those guys are huge over here and I don't understand why.

[Alex]

I don’t think I’ve posted in this thread all year. :(

I can’t tell whether Hip-Hop has slowed down a bit or I’m just getting older and don’t have my finger on the pulse as much anymore. Probably the latter, which is a bit gutting because I always used to tell myself I would never let that happen. Regardless, I’ve definitely not “felt” it as much in the last year or two.

I do feel like I’ve had a bit of a renewed interest in the last couple of weeks though. So, in the spirit of newfound enthusiasm, here is a rundown of the (admittedly limited) selection of Hip-Hop that I’ve listened to this year. It’s still a pretty piss poor effort though, so obviously recommend me any and all recent albums that might be worth a listen!

Malibu Ken - Malibu Ken

Aesop Rock rhyming over a selection of beats by some bloke called Tobacco, who I wasn’t aware of up until this point. He's an electronic artist, so it's a bit of a different vibe. But Aesop has always been willing to push the boundaries a little bit anyway, so it's not so different that it's abrasive. It actually works really well. Nice, short album. Aesop is predictably very good on the mic. I don’t think he’s ever let me down on that front. I would definitely recomend this.

Czarface & Ghostface Killah - Czarface Meets Ghostface

I don’t know, I mean, I just get the impression that neither party is trying particularly hard, you know what I mean? That’s probably not fair on the Czarface guys actually. I feel like Ghost will just attach his name to any old shit in the name of a quick pay cheque now though. I reckon he’s basically done at this point. I don’t even know to what extent he was actually involved, it’s probably just all leftover snippets from old projects. So yeah, not great. I wouldn't bother.

Smif-n-Wessun - The All

Surprisingly decent effort. Way better than I expected from Smif-n-Wessun in 2019. It’s produced by “The Soul Council” (AKA 9th Wonder and his mates) and they blend together quite well. It suffers a bit in places where it sounds like they’re trying to make songs that might cross over and get radio play or something, which seems a little bit redundant at this point in their career. Worth it if you're a fan I suppose.

Blu & Oh No - A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night

It’s not Oh No’s best work. It’s a little bit in the pocket, I prefer the more out-there shit he would produce in his younger days. I get what they’re trying to do in terms of going for a classic, LA vibe though. Hearing a properly mastered Blu album is also something of an enjoyable novelty. Worth a shot. Will probably play better now that it actually is the summer, too.

Billy Woods & Kenny Segal - Hiding Places

The best album I’ve heard all year. Better than any rap album I heard in the entirely of last year too. Essentially the reason for my renewed enthusiasm and the reason I’m writing this post. I would very strongly recommend listening to this! Possibly the best Billy Woods album to date. Which, considering how much I love the guy, is saying a lot.

Quelle Chris - Guns

I like this one. I find Quelle, generally, to be a bit hit and miss. I’ve generally not cared for some of his more recent work. I thought the record with Jean Grae (who I think might be his wife now?) from last year was very overrated, for example. This is really interesting though. It’s kind of a concept record too, I guess. About gun ownership, peoples relationship with guns and how their background/community relates to that. Something like that. I need to listen to it a lot more to digest it a bit. Which is a good sign. Interesting production throughout too. Sort of flits between jazz rap and more experimental vibes, but mixes together well. Definitely worth checking out.

[Offshore Toon]

I think it's just gone very trappy. There's obviously still the purer hip hop about, but there's less of it. Czarface are so good, though. I think I posted about them being one of the best groups around.

A Blu track came up on Spotify last week which was really good, so I'll check that album and the new Billy Woods.

[Baz]

+1 for Malibu Ken

[Offshore Toon]

Dunno why Tyler hyped up the album with pretentious bollocks as much as he did. It's fine, but nothing special.

Liking the Injury Reserve album, though.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7w0YG5qn9w8LYA4tHpQe0o?si=A7DE6uCsQfKqaHDgiPhCCA

Slowthai album is pretty good, but I've got some gripes with him that ruin it for me. Too many artists think they're the voice of a generation without coming anywhere to backing it up. Drug Dealer is a major standout track, but an album called Nothing Great About Britain with a tour called Brexit Bandit should offer a lot more in terms of social/political commentary.

[Offshore Toon]

New Wu took me by surprise, but it's a bit of a pointless release.

[Baz]

I'm On One dropped 8 years ago today; classic.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z09lYqdxqzo

[Manc]

Fully back Igor.

[SincereTheRebel]

Give me new music

[Baz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X01nwNL13k

[Bernanke]

Give me new music

ZUU - Denzel Curry
Ignorance Is Bliss - Skepta
Gran Turismo - Curren$y + Statik Selektah
Sli'merre - Young Nudy + Pi'erre Bourne
Anger Management - Rico Nasty

Edit: Also Megan Thee Stallions album that Baz just linked from.

[Alex]

Bushwick Bill is dead. :(

It seems like it's been on the cards for a while, I don't think stage four pancreatic cancer is ever an easy thing to come back from. It's still sad though.

The Geto Boys were one of those groups that really clicked me with around the time I was I starting to seriously get into Hip-Hop and just really eating up as much of the classic material as I could, they stood out from the pack. I remember going in to a HMV or somewhere to just rifle through the rap section, seeing the CD of We Can't Be Stopped, with that fucking cover, and just thinking "What the fuck is going on here? I NEED to have that.....".

[SincereTheRebel]

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byk-XCIg8wP/?hl=en

[Baz]

A fire at Universal Music Group led to the loss of over 700 artists' masters. ('https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/25/magazine/universal-music-fire-bands-list-umg.html')

These included the loss of masters or unused recordings belonging to Common, Mos Def, Eric B. and Rakim, Eminem, Tupac, and more.

[Mike]

https://youtu.be/7QFObKXJE8M

Hope they do another album.

[Baz]

Bandana. http://tinyurl.com/kttcoliwhew

[Reg]

Thoughts on Chance's new album?

I'm quite liking it, while disliking a few tracks. Let's Go On The Run is so joyful.

[SincereTheRebel]

Bandana. http://tinyurl.com/kttcoliwhew

Listened to it over the weekend and it is special.

[SincereTheRebel]

Thoughts on Chance's new album?

I'm quite liking it, while disliking a few tracks. Let's Go On The Run is so joyful.

Ive never given Chance any time of day. I dont think ive got one tracked saved in my playlist. Ill give him a chance this time though.

[Alex]

It's weird with Chance, I just sort of stopped caring about him. I loved Acid Rap and Colouring Book too, and I also though Surf was pretty good. He just fucked around and left it too long to release the album though. I doesn’t seem to be getting very well received either, so I might just not bother with it.

This might sound a bit fucked up, because I know a lot of the work he involves himself in is towards helping things like the Chicago schools system, but I find him to have a very smarmy quality about him, and he actually annoys me quite lot. I just think he tries to occupy this role of Hip-Hop's goodwill ambassador to the fucking world or something, that nobody asked him to take on, and which he hasn't really earned the relevant stripes to hold. Just drop the fucking album already mate, then try and right all that's wrong with the world.

I honestly feel like, as talented as he can be, the kid sees his entire music career as a launch pad for the world of politics. There's just something very contrived about a lot of the decisions he makes. I'm pretty sure his Dad was/is a pretty major political player, I want to say he was an aide to Obama at some point? I would honestly be surprised if he's not run for some kind of office by the time he turns 30.

[Alex]

Bandana. http://tinyurl.com/kttcoliwhew


Listened to it over the weekend and it is special.

This, on the other hand, is a sentiment I can full get on board with. I only picked it up at the weekend so I haven't played it through that many times, but I immediately thought that it might actually be better than the first one.

"Giannis" in particular is something else.

[Offshore Toon]

The Big Day is awful. Its worth listening to just for Hot Shower, though, which is a stark reminder of how bad things can get. It is laughably terrible. I didn't care for Coloring Book, but I've lost any remaining faith I had in Chance.

[Bernanke]

So a Drake B-sides collection is somehow his best total project in years?

[Offshore Toon]

I've found myself listening to more hip hop recently through Denzel, Injury Reserve, Sampa The Great, Gibbs, mostly because its the only genre me and my mate agree on at work. I've been revisiting a lot of the greats too. Have I missed any underground gems in the last couple years?

[Waffdon]

The Weeknd has split with his partner?

My body is ready for his Album

[bruhnaldo]

I even saw some post where he said "album mode engaged" welllllllllllllllll ok then.

[Offshore Toon]

Not sure he belongs in here.

[Baz]

I was gonna say it depends on the features, but then Ed Sheeran would be in here. :thbdn:

[Waffdon]

Not sure he belongs in here.

He can be where he wants

[Mazuuurk]

He belongs inside of Waffdon, by the sounds of it.

[Bernanke]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1okqvhq7ZaI

New album is gonna be amazing.

[Offshore Toon]

Love the new EARTHGANG album. Seeing them in a couple of weeks which will be amazing. The new Sampa the Great album is very good and she's touring also. Then there's Injury Reserve, Gibbs & Madlib and Pharoahe Monch shows over the new couple months too. :drool:

Listened to the first half of the Ghostface album and was impressed with that, but apparently it fades in the second half.

[phonics]

I've had enough drinks before 9PM that it's that time again.

Clipse are top 3 all time right? It's just classic after classic after classic.

[Offshore Toon]

EARTHGANG were great last night. UP is possibly song of the year after that euphoric finale, though.

[Offshore Toon]

I wanted to dive into some Das Racist the other day but Relax has been taken off Spotify. Its probably for the best as I can listen to their mixtapes on my laptop instead.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drxmFBf8B-A

So much fun.

[Offshore Toon]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5sEVhHbEFw

Love that beat. So many forgotten albums on my laptop. :drool:

[Baz]

6ix9ine has signed a new $10m record deal.

There aren't enough emojis in the world to convey my happiness. :)

[Shindig]

It'll be like when Joe Pesci gets made in Goodfellas.

[phonics]

6ix9ine has signed a new $10m record deal.

There aren't enough emojis in the world to convey my happiness. :)

Meanwhile Bobby Shmurda who actually had a good song once upon a time is doing 17 years. I wonder what the difference between the two is.

[Baz]

Meanwhile Bobby Shmurda who actually had a good song once upon a time is doing 17 years. I wonder what the difference between the two is.You don’t rate DUMMY BOY?http://tinyurl.com/kttcoliwtf

[Shindig]

Meanwhile Bobby Shmurda who actually had a good song once upon a time is doing 17 years. I wonder what the difference between the two is.

Did Bobby snitch?

[Spikey M]

6ix9ine has signed a new $10m record deal.

There aren't enough emojis in the world to convey my happiness. :)

He'll be dead within a year of release.

[Baz]

Did Bobby snitch?Nah, but Bobby Shmurda is a genuine bad egg. Like the whole GS9 gang thing was his idea and he’s been responsible for a lot of bad stuff. Whereas 6ix9ine is some naive dummy who craved fame so much he joined a gang who let him believe he was important but really they just kept him around for the money, and let him pose with their guns as toys. 6ix9ine has saved his own life by snitching. He could have spent 47 years in prison and probably died in there or he could have snitched on the gang that he was in, and has done, and be out hopefully next year. Sure he’ll be on a lot of people’s naughty list, and a lot of people will want him dead, but at least he’s not in prison so he can be out living his dream and making money for himself and his family.

Besides, Shmurda will be out in a couple years anyway, unless he keeps doing dumb stuff while inside to extend his sentence. I just don’t think the two are comparable in their crimes, just that they’re both musicians and are both in jail.

[Shindig]

The smart money would be for Bobby to get out on good behaviour and then make a living off 6ix9ine diss tracks. But he'll probably get out, ice him and go back inside.

[Offshore Toon]

Just managed to nab tickets for Gibbs and Madlib on Saturday. Supported by The Heliocentrics too.

[phonics]

Gibbs is a great show. I saw in a room of about 100 people was so good.

[Waffdon]

My body is ready for Kanye

[Alex]

My body is ready for Kanye

Thoughts?

I'm not even sure what to think, to be honest. My initial impression was that is was kind of terrible, but it's grown on me a bit after a few listens. If nothing else, the fact that it's Kanye and the very short run time will guarantee it repeated listens.

It's definitely his worst lyrical performance to date though. He hasn't been good on the mic for quite a while now, but the decision to only rap about religion has really exacerbated the problem. "Everybody wanted Yahdi, and then Jesus Chris did the laundry". :face:

I think some of the musical ideas are quite interesting but, a lot like Ye, they quite often feel very underdeveloped and sometimes just end really abruptly. But I don't want to rip on it completely. I do applaud his bravery for committing to make an album like this. Even if I feel it might be a little bit stunted artistically, and I still wouldn't consider him a particularly well man at the moment, I do respect him for following through on it.

I will say this too, the song with the Clipse and Kenny G (never a passage of text I thought I would type out in my lifetime) is fucking legit. That's my favourite track on the album.

[Reg]

I feel similarly, Alex. Much like with 'ye' there are parts of songs which I like quite a lot but as whole pieces never quite match his great stuff. Kind of makes you wish he spent another six months on it, or maybe got another producer in to help and bounce ideas off. That's three albums in a row now which feel underdeveloped (imo).

[Offshore Toon]

Yeah, it's brilliant in parts, but as an album it's definitely lacking. That can be said for ye and TLOP as well, although the more I think about it the more I feel like he's only made one truly cohesive album. The sad truth is that having kids always ruins musicians.

Also, Gibbs is a good performer but he and Madlib were a mess. Madlib couldn't find his headphones so had to DJ with earphones and Gibbs kept recycling the same few phrases between every song. It felt like he had dementia.

[CJay]

I will say this too, the song with the Clipse and Kenny G (never a passage of text I thought I would type out in my lifetime) is fucking legit. That's my favourite track on the album.

So true. I spend my days humming it.

I love Selah, Use This Gospel, and the production on On God is unbelievable - I actually think that's his best sample in years. It's reassuring to know he still has the ear for it, but yeah his lyrics are just so meh.

Most of the tracks have something redeemable about them, but hearing him ask Jesus for wealth in one of the songs, and hearing him talk in his Zane Lowe interview about being the "greatest artist alive period" just makes me doubt his whole outlook at the minute, which then makes me doubt the sincerity of the album.

Wouldn't be surprised if there's another meltdown down the line.

Hey guys. :)

[Offshore Toon]

The criticisms are all valid and I do think there's sincerity there, but ultimately it's still Kanye so while he wants to do a lot of good, it has to be his way and he has to have full control. I do kinda agree with him, though. The man may well have me attending a church service on his next tour. That's some effort.

I've also noticed he's getting a lot more attention this time around. Perhaps the consistent Sunday Services have provided some hype, but even Janet Street-Porter has been getting involved on behalf of the Daily Mail. I imagine it's more the religious aspect that has piqued interest, though.

[CJay]

I’m nearly more interested in what he’s planning for his older tracks when he tours. He said he’s going to sanitise them. The subject matter for a lot them surely makes them out of bounds for him now though?

DJ Premier is dropping a new Gang Starr album tomorrow. :drool: Very excited. It’s reviewing quite well.

[Offshore Toon]

He can rewrite whatever lines he wants, though. The choir doing Jesus Walks on Sunday was crazy. Streetlights was on the film, and I'd more than welcome plenty of 808s stuff, so all-in-all if its anything like the most recent Sunday Service its going to be another insane tour.

Also, now illegally uploaded to Spotify, here's a taste of what Yandhi could have been:

https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4kmMa0HTej7mGgQXVUAN?si=dVZtOaEWSi6Sl0dRIDH9Aw

Can't make it a hyperlink on mobile for some reason.

[Offshore Toon]

https://open.spotify.com/show/3n4kmMa0HTej7mGgQXVUAN?si=dVZtOaEWSi6Sl0dRIDH9Aw

[Waffdon]

Hero x

[Waffdon]

Also, I can’t stop listening to Jesus is King. It’s not anything outrageous but I have had it on repeat for a week solid.

[Offshore Toon]

You might be keen on this as well then: https://www.reddit.com/r/YandhiLeaks/comments/dp88p8/kanye_unreleased_library_updated_20191030_demos/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

[Offshore Toon]

Those Yandhi leaks were so good. I feel like he was very close to another masterpiece. Such a shame it got shelved.

Anyway, Injury Reserve gig tonight was insane. I did not expect them to go full industrial and just blow our nuts off. It was half what you'd expect from an Injury Reserve gig and half what you'd expect from Aphex Twin. I need to collect my thoughts because I'm considering calling it the best gig ever. Fucking hell.

[Mazuuurk]

I reckon Kanye is just trying to game the streaming-system by releasing short albums with short tracks as often as possible to get a boost of streams because it's a new release which will then die out and then he just focuses on the next one. It's a bit sad, feels like he doesn't really care about making good music anymore.

[Mazuuurk]

That said, Follow God is one of the better things he's done since life of pablo.

[Offshore Toon]

I reckon Kanye is just trying to game the streaming-system by releasing short albums with short tracks as often as possible to get a boost of streams because it's a new release which will then die out and then he just focuses on the next one. It's a bit sad, feels like he doesn't really care about making good music anymore.
I'm pretty sure his streaming numbers are hurt by shorter albums, but probably boosted by shorter songs. If you look at something like Kids See Ghosts, though, it was a short album but the songs weren't all short. In fact, iirc they're generally on the longer side for hip hop. I think it's to do with people having shorter attention spans these days, so it's important to get your point across in a more digestible time frame. It could also be quality control as he has less time to make music.

[bruhnaldo]

not exactly hip hop but if ya'll haven't heard the Burna Boy record "African Giant" please go do so, I think it's my AOTY tbh.

[phonics]

I reckon Kanye is just trying to game the streaming-system by releasing short albums with short tracks as often as possible to get a boost of streams because it's a new release which will then die out and then he just focuses on the next one. It's a bit sad, feels like he doesn't really care about making good music anymore.

This is the issue with Kanye now. People ascribe method to someone who's mentally unwell and, evermore so, completely disconnected from reality. All he ever wanted was to be famous, not because he wanted celebrity but because he's incredibly insecure and needs the reinforcement celebrity gives his ego. The man is lost and doesn't have his mother to put him back on the right path. So now he searches for ways to get people to pay attention/live in his shadow. The gospel sermons aren't about him finding god. It's about people finding him their preacher.

[Offshore Toon]

There's probably some truth to every theory about Kanye, which is why he's so fascinating. He's an incredibly creative and talented bloke that, whilst unstable, seems to find success at every turn. We don't know where he'll go next, but it'll be interesting and most importantly it'll probably sound good. I dunno how somebody can't love him.

[Alex]

This is the issue with Kanye now. People ascribe method to someone who's mentally unwell and, evermore so, completely disconnected from reality. All he ever wanted was to be famous, not because he wanted celebrity but because he's incredibly insecure and needs the reinforcement celebrity gives his ego. The man is lost and doesn't have his mother to put him back on the right path. So now he searches for ways to get people to pay attention/live in his shadow. The gospel sermons aren't about him finding god. It's about people finding him their preacher.

While I do agree that he's not a particularly well man at the moment, I also agree with what Offshore says about his natural talent and musical ability generally shining through.

I would argue that in the twelve years since his mother hasn't been around to "put him back on the right track" he has managed to separately make both the most influential (808's & Heartbreaks) and most impressive (MBDTF) album's of the modern era. For that reason alone it's very difficult to ever write him off.

[phonics]

While I do agree that he's not a particularly well man at the moment, I also agree with what Offshore says about his natural talent and musical ability generally shining through.

We all agree here, it's not what I'm talking about. People can't separate the art from the artist. Constantly ascribing deeper meaning to stuff like him just fucking up the mix of a track or this move or that.

[Mazuuurk]

While I do agree that he's not a particularly well man at the moment, I also agree with what Offshore says about his natural talent and musical ability generally shining through.

I would argue that in the twelve years since his mother hasn't been around to "put him back on the right track" he has managed to separately make both the most influential (808's & Heartbreaks) and most impressive (MBDTF) album's of the modern era. For that reason alone it's very difficult to ever write him off.


To be fair, those albums are 8 and 10 years old. In terms of pure timeframes it's a bit like comparing Run DMC with Nas or Snoop Dogg or something.

[Offshore Toon]

To be fair, those albums are 8 and 10 years old. In terms of pure timeframes it's a bit like comparing Run DMC with Nas or Snoop Dogg or something.
Yeezus and KSG are both classics. TLOP would be too if he cut out 4/5 songs.

[phonics]

Yeezus is absolute fucking garbage which makes the rest of the opinion moot.

[Mazuuurk]

Yeezus and KSG are both classics. TLOP would be too if he cut out 4/5 songs.


I disagree with that. On those two albums only Famous is a really good song (how can you go wrong if you sample Bam Bam tho). No Parties in LA is decent but no more IMO.
And yeah what phonics said on Yeezus.

But that wasn't my point really, I'm just saying he's been operating for a really really long time so it's hard to say what he did 10 years ago compares to what happens now.

In fairness, Hip Hop has gone down the absolute drain these days. Drake is the only one who ever does anything really good. Eminem gets away with it maybe. Joe Cole A$AP rocky and Joey Bada$$ also do OK stuff but nothing amazing.

[Baz]

^ Nonsense.

[Waffdon]

Drake. Hahahahahah

[Bernanke]

I disagree with that. On those two albums only Famous is a really good song (how can you go wrong if you sample Bam Bam tho). No Parties in LA is decent but no more IMO.
And yeah what phonics said on Yeezus.

But that wasn't my point really, I'm just saying he's been operating for a really really long time so it's hard to say what he did 10 years ago compares to what happens now.

In fairness, Hip Hop has gone down the absolute drain these days. Drake is the only one who ever does anything really good. Eminem gets away with it maybe. Joe Cole A$AP rocky and Joey Bada$$ also do OK stuff but nothing amazing.

What the hell is this post.

TLOP has 10-11 top tier Kanye-tracks, it's just a bit bloated and doesn't flow that well as an album, but on pure track quality it's among his best work bar MBDTF.

Oh, and KSG is a perfect project.

[Offshore Toon]

What Bern said. Wolves and 30 Hours are some of his best work imo. Yeezus isn't for everyone, but to dismiss it is absurd. It's a classic in the eyes of many, including a shitload of critics.

Also, Maz, please check out guys like EARTHGANG, Injury Reserve, Denzel Curry, Freddie Gibbs and many others who can show you that hip hop, if anything, is enjoying a resurgence.

[CJay]

I don’t listen to a lot of hip hop anymore, but is Maz’s opinion stuck in like 2012 or something? I didn’t think Asap or Joey Badass (hate even typing that name. So lame.) were doing anything interesting anymore.

Chance’s latest album was beyond disappointing for me. How can you go from making Coloring Book to that in the space of two years?

[Mazuuurk]

2012 is pushing it.
My opinion that Hip Hop firmly peaked in mid-90's, the best albums ever are The Message, The Score and All Eyez on Me and since 2pac & Biggie died it's basically slowly gone downhill.

@Offy - thanks for the suggestions! :) Please send anything more that you know of that isn't a fucking shitfest of autotuned mumblerap bollocks. I'm struggling so much finding good music these days.

That said, I did give all of those a quick listen and didn't really like any of them. Freddie Gibbs was the best of the bunch and he's not terrible really! At least no mumblerap. But I dunno, it's like he's not rapping in tune with his beats. Kind of feels like Jay Electronica or The Roots should be rapping instead of him.

[Mazuuurk]

But you know what, amongst all of this whinging Follow God is really growing on me so at least that wasn't too bad from Kanyes new album.

Shame it's only 2 minutes.

[Baz]

Do you like DUMMY BOY?

[Offshore Toon]

2012 is pushing it.
My opinion that Hip Hop firmly peaked in mid-90's, the best albums ever are The Message, The Score and All Eyez on Me and since 2pac & Biggie died it's basically slowly gone downhill.

@Offy - thanks for the suggestions! :) Please send anything more that you know of that isn't a fucking shitfest of autotuned mumblerap bollocks. I'm struggling so much finding good music these days.

That said, I did give all of those a quick listen and didn't really like any of them. Freddie Gibbs was the best of the bunch and he's not terrible really! At least no mumblerap. But I dunno, it's like he's not rapping in tune with his beats. Kind of feels like Jay Electronica or The Roots should be rapping instead of him.
Did you do your thing where you listen to 20-30 seconds of the middle of a track? To be fair, I do that as well.

I'd recommend these songs:

EARTHGANG - UP
Denzel Curry - Speedboat
Freddie Gibbs - Half Manne Half Cocaine
Injury Reserve - Eenie Meenie Miney Moe
Kojey Radical - Can't Go Back
Dave - Disaster
Slowthai - Drug Dealer
Headie One - Both
Little Simz - Venom
Sampa the Great - Final Form
JPEGMAFIA - Jesus Forgive Me, I Am A Thot
Pusha T - I'm Coming Home
BROCKHAMPTON - JUNKY
Rapsody - Ibtihaj

Think that list shows how well he UK has been doing in recent times. If you don't like any of them then I'd suggest finding another genre

That reminded me that JPEGMAFIA is performing for free at House of Vans on Monday. I got tickets for me and my mate this morning. It's free because he's shooting a video, so you'll probably have to get there early to make sure you get in (although it didn't say anything about overselling, they'd be stupid not to).

Also, did anybody listen to the new Brother Ali? I felt like Red Light Zone was the only decent track. Shame. Came across an interesting project featuring Shabazz Palace that came out last year too. Knife Knights - 1 Time Mirage.

[Mazuuurk]

Yeah I mean I always do that when getting the feel for anything new, even if it's from someone I usually like. But then if I seem to find some sounds that I like, I'll delve deeper into those tracks, so to say.

Thanks a lot for the suggestions, I'll listen a little more closer to all those tracks later today.

[Mazuuurk]

Did you do your thing where you listen to 20-30 seconds of the middle of a track? To be fair, I do that as well.

I'd recommend these songs:

EARTHGANG - UP
Denzel Curry - Speedboat
Freddie Gibbs - Half Manne Half Cocaine
Injury Reserve - Eenie Meenie Miney Moe
Kojey Radical - Can't Go Back
Dave - Disaster
Slowthai - Drug Dealer
Headie One - Both
Little Simz - Venom
Sampa the Great - Final Form
JPEGMAFIA - Jesus Forgive Me, I Am A Thot
Pusha T - I'm Coming Home
BROCKHAMPTON - JUNKY
Rapsody - Ibtihaj

Think that list shows how well he UK has been doing in recent times. If you don't like any of them then I'd suggest finding another genre



OK i've now listened through all of those properly. I'm positively surprises, because there was one track I really actually enjoyed, the Pusha T one (but it has Lauryn Hill in it, and you can't go wrong with Lauryn she's one of my heroes). I kind of like Santeria by Pusha T as well. The track is a proper hip hop track without autotune and mumblerap.

Apart from that - Ibtihaj, Both, Final Form and Can't Go Back were all decent and ranked in that order. Not something I'd stick on my playlists, but it also wouldn't make me leave the Bar if it was playing, so to say.


The rest - sorry, it's just not for me :sorry:

[Mazuuurk]

Thoughts on the "new" Gang Starr album? The thing is a bit weird but it's refreshingly old school at least.

Glad to see Nitty Scott on there.

[Offshore Toon]

Few interesting album releases today from PlayThatBoiZay, Pan Amsterdam and DJ Shadow.

Zay seems to take Denzel's heavy metal style that bit further. It can get a bit dark at times, but I am a fan. Metal is always a genre that I've never been able to get into, which I think is mostly because of the screaming as I do like acts from hip hop and techno that start to cross over.

The more I listen to Pan Amsterdam, the more I like him. I can't really think of another rapper like him. Nice jazzy production and a very unique flow but it definitely isn't for everyone. I'm not sure what he's on about most of the time, but it works.

As for Shadow's album, he has the likes of Nas, Pusha T, Pharoahe Monch, Ghostface, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Run The Jewels, De La Soul etc. so he's pushed the boat out. I only listened to it at work so it didn't have that much of my attention, but I'm going to listen through again tomorrow. There's an interesting concept there so it probably deserves full attention.

[Mazuuurk]

Drawn by those features I gave the DJ Shadow album a listen (only bothered with the second part with rapping on it). It's so weird. But quite good. It's actually some really decent rapping on there, and the beats are mostly all really nice as well I think. But there's this weird disconnect between vocals and beats that I can't get over.

The music itself mostly sounds like the Soundtrack from a Blade Runner film or something. Or in the case of JoJo's World for instance, it strictly sounds like it could be part of the soundtrack of Final Fantasy 7 (Mako reaktor or Forgotten City ish).

The exceptions are maybe Drone Warfare (though it seems a little unfinished) and Urgent, Important, Please Read. Specially in the latter there's some congruence between beat and rapping which is neat.

[Waffdon]

Kanye and Dre. ������

[Offshore Toon]

Maybe give J.I.D. a shot, Maz. Signed to J Cole's label but not quite as dull.

[Mazuuurk]

Gave it a listen cheers. But actually prefer J Cole out of the two. Though really J. Cole has only done 4-5 really good songs (I like No Role Modelz for instance).

[Mazuuurk]

FUCK, IAM released a new one today :drool:

[phonics]

with Psy4 de la Rime as well. Nostalgia overflow.

[Mazuuurk]

Yeah. It's quite good as well. A tad monotonous maybe.

[phonics]

I'd never watched the music video for Freddie Gibbs- Crime Pays.

I've timestamped a bit of the verse, a bit of the chorus, and the skit that happens in between. Freddie Gibbs might just be the most charismatic guy alive.


https://youtu.be/u8R7fmLYgi4?t=60

Monday. Monday.

[bruhnaldo]

Juice WRLD died of a seizure.

https://www.tmz.com/2019/12/08/juice-wrld-dead-dies-seizure-chicago-midway-airport-hospital/

[Spikey M]

Not so lucid these days huh.

[bruhnaldo]

At least be funny.

[Spikey M]

It's the only song of his I know, so I can only be as funny as he was good.

[bruhnaldo]

Is it exhausting to try so hard?

[Spikey M]

Not as exhausting as auto-tuning and stealing music it turns out.

[bruhnaldo]

This man really did a google search just to find other things to talk shit about someone who literally just died.

You're a strange guy, man.

[Spikey M]

Google search? I already said it's the only song I know. Did you think the auto-tuning and music theft weren't apparent?

[Baz]

Juice WRLD died of a seizure.

https://www.tmz.com/2019/12/08/juice-wrld-dead-dies-seizure-chicago-midway-airport-hospital/

Shame, that.

[phonics]

https://youtu.be/2v9Ywy-yUFY

Only JUICE I care about.

[Manc]

Goodbye and good riddance.

[SincereTheRebel]

https://youtu.be/2v9Ywy-yUFY

Only JUICE I care about.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-MBmt02U6c

[Baz]

6ix9ine got off light, huh? :jayjay:

Will be out by November at the latest.

[Shindig]

Unless someone shivs him.

[SincereTheRebel]

I was listening to Purple Haze 2 this morning, and it sounded OK. Typical Cam sound.

[phonics]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWXwSg9Oe4c

:drool:

[Offshore Toon]

https://youtu.be/Sl9a5sLDq3Q

I like most of Future's songs but very few stand out. This is definitely one of them that do. I feel like it should get more recognition because it feels like a classic.

[phonics]

I hate future but thats a banger. I was obsessed with it in 2018 and then put it on with a bunch of female colleagues who didn't take well to the ho/bitch theme. I tried to explain to them that the hoe/bitch was about fighting superficiality and concentrating on being the best you can be instead but I got my bluetooth speaker rights revoked.

[Bernanke]

Future is legitimately my favourite rapper. He handily beat out Kanye in that Spotify decade thing.

That's one of 3Ks best recent features imo

[Alex]

Great tune. That was the first song where Future completely "clicked" with me, actually. That whole album really. 3 Stacks in his prime "guest verse show stealer" mode. Future hung out with him and all the Dungeon Family when he was a kid I think. He's Rico Wade's cousin or something.

[phonics]

Future is legitimately my favourite rapper. He handily beat out Kanye in that Spotify decade thing.

That's one of 3Ks best recent features imo

Nah. Winner is the 3k track on Blonde that was the only thing that saved that album.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXMHQ410P-c

"After 20 years in, I'm so naïve I was under the impression
That everyone wrote they own verses
It's comin' back different and, yeah, that shit hurts me
I'm hummin' and whistlin' to those not deserving
I've stumbled and lived every word
Was I working just way too hard?"

Those last few lines were better than anything that came out of the ghostwriting drama around drake/kendrick

[phonics]

Slightly outside the genre but I swear I could listen to Sampha sing the telephone book. I thought it was weird that no-one bit his style but at this point I have to assume that people have found it impossible to sound like him. He manages to hit a low and a high note at the same time. Man creates melody with a reverb.

edit: On the subject of biting, I've enjoyed Phonte getting mad at music journalists saying that he's a knock-off Drake when Drake openly admits he copied him.

[Baz]

Badmouthing Blonde. :nono:

[bruhnaldo]

my main man phonics played the world's #1 most misogynist rapper to a group of females lol

[Baz]

Thoughts on Eminem’s new album? And Mac Miller’s?

[Offshore Toon]

DMX alongside Nas and The LOX in Manchester, London and Birmingham in April. If there was a guarantee of DMX turning up and being amazing then it'd be a no brainer.

[bruhnaldo]

I mean shit Nas, Styles P, Sheek Louch, and Jadakiss would be enough for me !

[Offshore Toon]

I've seen Nas enough times now that he's not much of a draw anymore, but The LOX would be fun. The previous event with Wu-Tang, Public Enemy and De La Soul was pretty expensive so if it's the same price I'll probably avoid.

[Baz]

No chance DMX turns up to all 3.

[bruhnaldo]

I mean I thought he was doing a lot better these days tho

[Offshore Toon]

Pop Smoke dead. Shot during a home invasion.

[bruhnaldo]

When I first heard Pop Smoke it was on my buddy's Sirius XM.... I said "wow, they playing UK garage on the radio now?"

Turned out he was from NY but ya. Damn shame.

[Offshore Toon]

Which song was that? He has been using UK drill production which is what made him stand out.

[bruhnaldo]

"Welcome to the Party" i'm pretty sure it was like a year ago

[phonics]

More like Poop Smoke lol

[Offshore Toon]

You really think that sounds like garage?

[bruhnaldo]

I should rephrase, when I heard it first it had very specific elements of songs from the UK I used to listen to in the early 2000s like Lethal Bizzle, More Fire Crew, Oxide & Neutrino, So Solid, etc. so I thought he was a UK artist.

I apologize for the offense.

[Offshore Toon]

It's okay, you've given an adequate explanation.

[Bernanke]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5LWsc-qCdA

:drool:

[Offshore Toon]

Just seen Jay Electronica released an album yesterday. What happened there?

[Bernanke]

Just seen Jay Electronica released an album yesterday. What happened there?

He's staying on brand by finally appearing when the world is about to end.

[Max Power]

Got some good stuff on it, mostly from Jay-Z. Who it seems literally took a load of unfinished songs and wrote a verse or hook or bridge where needed and got it made into a song and then released the album.

Still definitely end of days coming though. We’ll get the Ghost/Doom album as well tomorrow.

[Baz]

6ix9ine released early due to Coronavirus :baz:

[Shindig]

Man, Beastie Boys are really good. Tearing through their back catalogue at the minute.

[Alex]

An almost flawless catalogue. I'm not saying it's all classic material, but there's certainly nothing that could be described as a mis-step. I even really liked the weird, instrumental, funk rock one.

[Baz]

What’s their best song?

My favourite is Rock Hard:


https://youtu.be/L1HO2UU3Plo

[Offshore Toon]

Headie One's new album really took me by surprise. Very experimental with some great features from FKA, Jimmy xx and Sampha. Loved it.

[Revolution]

I reccomend Ben Beals new album. Also Ovrkast debut album is great, and Navy Blue.

[Spikey M]

Lil Dicky has some kind of comedy show starting on BBC.

[bruhnaldo]

I heard it's hilarious but I haven't watched.

[Revolution]

It sounds fucking horseshit

[Baz]

Lil Dicky has some kind of comedy show starting on BBC.


https://youtu.be/YbDkWQKF_fY

[Offshore Toon]

Westside Gunn album has some good stuff. Song with Tyler and Joey is worth a spin.

[Baz]

Anyone watched Beastie Boys Story yet?

[Baz]

May 8th (next Friday) for new 6ix9ine. :youpi: :drool: :nod: :jayjay:

His 24th birthday.

[Baz]

Whew, new Drake. :cool:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6OQ9gBfg5EXeNAEwGSs6jK?si=ERLL6GlgQXSRx-gMS40gtQ

[Baz]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPw_izFr5PA

:happycry:

[Revolution]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPw_izFr5PA

:happycry:

Man people who hate him click his links as quick as people who love him. Dudes a fucking genius apparently.

[Spikey M]

I just don't understand how a gang would admit him it the first place? The fella looks more like a trans/vegan activist than a gang banger.

[Baz]

I just don't understand how a gang would admit him it the first place? The fella looks more like a trans/vegan activist than a gang banger.Because he has lots of money and actively wanted to be in a gang to get clout.

[Spikey M]

He'd probably get more clout by not looking like a My Little Pony.

[Baz]

He'd probably get more clout by not looking like a My Little Pony.:saywhat:

He’s one of the most recognisable people on the planet. It’s some commitment to get that many tattoos, most of them on your face, and have long rainbow hair, but he’s certainly doing something right to be a millionaire at 24.

[Spikey M]

Joey Essex is also a millionaire. Lots of idiots are very rich. Some of them even become president.

[Don]

Lil Dicky has some kind of comedy show starting on BBC.

Juat caught a bit of this thinking it could give me an inch of the joy I got from randomly falling onto Atlanta in the same way. I then went to watch his Chris Brown Freaky Friday track to know who tf he is. Wall-to-wall shite.

[Spikey M]

Juat caught a bit of this thinking it could give me an inch of the joy I got from randomly falling onto Atlanta in the same way. I then went to watch his Chris Brown Freaky Friday track to know who tf he is. Wall-to-wall shite.

This is my fault. I watched it, it was awful and I didn't let you know.

Sorry lads.

[Offshore Toon]

You took a Spikey post in this thread seriously? :harold:

[Baz]

Run The Jewels 4 (https://uk-preorder.runthejewels.com/products/rtj4-download) is out early.

[SincereTheRebel]

That Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist is good

[Shindig]

RTJ4 is pretty good. Zach de la Rocha was a bit underused, mind.

[Baz]

I know I’m a major stan but 6ix9ine’s recent IG live with Akademiks was so funny.


6ix9ine did another Instagram live and invited fans on with him, like on split screen, as he was asking them to help him write a verse cos he doesn’t write his own songs. First fan got his brother in and he started rapping. Second line was “sucking on my dads dick” and his brother cut him off with whoaaaaa and then they stopped the split screen. No more fans came on. It was really funny.

Go to 1:10 here: https://youtu.be/rOUoo9QS8f8

[Revolution]

That Freddie Gibbs and Alchemist is good

I struggle with Freddie a little bit. I dont dislike him but hes never in my rotation generally. Take the albums hes done with madlib, I would always rather listen to the instrumentals.

[Offshore Toon]

RTJ4 is pretty good. Zach de la Rocha was a bit underused, mind.
JU$T was so cringe. Adding "get it?" after a line has never been okay, and hammering home an 'I'm 14 and this is deep' line with Pharrell of all people asking "get it?" over and over was pathetic. It was clearly El-P's idea as he has previous with this, but I can't believe this collective of artists allowed such a shitshow.

[Shindig]

Just listened to it again. Yeah. :D Nevermind. We'll always have Reagan. EDIT: That song could've done without 666 at the end of it. :D

[Waffdon]

Kanye doesn’t miss :drool:

[SincereTheRebel]

So many songs i forgot they were responsible for. Fab and that song with Dream. Jadakiss on Can I live with Black Rob and Run with Ghost.

Jadakiss was twisted throughout, and it made it even better


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntZ6kYds1Pw

[Reg]

I dunno what you guys think of The Streets generally, but did anyone listen to his new mixtape? (Album with less pressure attached I guess?) It has some pretty good songs along with plenty of terrible lines about phones. If I hadn't heard The Streets previously I'd have guessed Phone Is Always In My Hand was an attempt at making the most boring song ever recorded. But the singles are pretty cool and the Jimothy Lacoste feature is surprising and kind of works.

[Offshore Toon]

A lot of good tracks about at the moment.

Ego Death getting a proper release maybe the highlight from Kanye, but also Wash Us In The Blood
Mozambique by Ghetts
Daily duppies by Shaybo and Unknown T
Back by Trim

[Don]

Mozambique is naughty. Was introduced to it amidst a sesh on Friday and it's had daily plays since.

[Baz]

Gonna make a playlist for my big drive tomorrow so that’s good timing.

Anymore? Songs, not albums.

Also Reg what’s the best song on the new Streets thingy?

edit_ MADE IT. (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3BGzEoHXuFycMzI3VJu5Fq?si=3LkCskyrQP-YVtAbXTd4oQ)

[Reg]

Baz Maybe ‘Call My Phone Thinking I’m Doing Nothing Better’ or ‘I Know Something You Did’.

[Offshore Toon]

Gonna make a playlist for my big drive tomorrow so that’s good timing.

Anymore? Songs, not albums.

Also Reg what’s the best song on the new Streets thingy?

edit_ MADE IT. (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3BGzEoHXuFycMzI3VJu5Fq?si=3LkCskyrQP-YVtAbXTd4oQ)
Shaybo - Anger
FFSYTHO - Mad
Drillary - Trillary Banks
Rumours - Ivorian Doll
The Jungle - Nolay
Bullseye - Silly & Jamakabi

Really feeling female MCs at the moment, especially on drill.

Been smashing out Frank Ocean again too. Think it's time to get the ipod classic out for nostalgia, ultra.

[Shindig]

I'm giving Niggaz 4 Life a shot. The production is so good but, damn, the second half of the album is battering / raping skanks. And Eazy-E singing.

[Offshore Toon]

Distant Relatives wasn't on Spotify the last I checked, but it is now. It's easy to forget Lil Wayne and Joss Stone shared a track. Great album, though.

[Don]

Yep, great memories to that.

[bruhnaldo]

Damn Joss Stone is only 33?

[Offshore Toon]

I remember seeing them at Wembley and at certain points you could barely see the stage for all the smoke. Hip hop met reggae in the most predictable fashion possible.

[Alex]

Distant Relatives wasn't on Spotify the last I checked, but it is now. It's easy to forget Lil Wayne and Joss Stone shared a track. Great album, though.

It is a cracking album. One of those where I wasn't overly taken with it at first, but it grew on my a lot over time.

On a related note, Nas has a new one out on Friday, I believe I'm right in saying?


Damn Joss Stone is only 33?

Yeah. I think she was only something stupid like 15 when she first got famous, so you forget how young she is.

[Offshore Toon]

Yeah, Nas has a new album out. I wasn't impressed by that song with Hit-Boy so I'm not expecting much.

[Alex]

I haven't heard it to be honest. Him and Hit-Boy seems like an unusual combination though. Are we not about five to ten years late on the Hit-Boy bandwagon there? We know what his fucking beat selection can be like too.

But, fingers crossed for something good. It's a shame with Nas, because Life Is Good had all the promise of a great career third act on the way. Some proper "grown up" Hip-Hop from the older, wiser emcee. But that was eight years ago now, and all we've had since is the album (glorified EP really) with Kanye, which I didn't think was very good if I'm completely honest. It's very frustrating, because Nas has undoubtedly still got "it" on the mic.

[Offshore Toon]

I think NASIR had some really good stuff which was overshadowed by a lot of conspiracy bollocks that really spoiled any potential third act of maturity.

It's looking like it'll be very BLM focused, but I bet he'll spoil any powerful messages he has with bad beats and more conspiracy stuff.

[Bernanke]

The Nas album is fine. I won't go back to it I think, but a few tracks are keepers and he's having fun on the beats, like a 6-7/10.

[Offshore Toon]

I tried listening yesterday but it wasn't the right time for it so I moved on quickly. It seemed like a very chill album, but nothing special. As time goes on, 4:44 stands out more and more as the benchmark for the 'matured rapper' album.

[Offshore Toon]

I didn't take On Deck seriously at first, but fuck me is it good. It'll take something better to beat it for track of the year. Makes me wish I was back in Tottenham just to hear it blaring out of a different German car every five minutes.

The remix last week really upped the levels.


https://youtu.be/qOJM_fNzkfw

[Offshore Toon]

This is also a contender. :drool:


https://youtu.be/w3NPhQjjZB0

[Don]

Good vibes, and by that I obv mean the sort that make me want to shank up the next man I see :cool:

[Offshore Toon]

https://youtu.be/w59XrUeKwng

The evolution of UK drill is truly beautiful.

[SincereTheRebel]

That Frisco flow


https://youtu.be/Ey5uynrMyOE

[Offshore Toon]

Big track. That beat is disgusting plus Shorty and Jammer weren't terrible.

[Offshore Toon]

https://youtu.be/D2BeCt0FEpw

If we're doing grime, this is a recent gem.

[Offshore Toon]

https://youtu.be/Gkr8WH5cAtg

Beat is smooth af.

[Baz]

6ix9ine’s new album is out today, TattleTales. I was hoping for lots of loud shouty angry tracks but apparently it’s mostly auto tuned singing and even the devoted fans on Reddit are saying it’s rubbish. :( Not listened yet but will give it a few spins today and see what’s worth keeping as a playlist, if anything.

Weird he’s gone down that route, considering his shouting was the thing that made him standout from other rappers (and how he looks) but will judge it properly once I’ve listened.

He’s also done an interview with NYTimes (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/02/arts/music/6ix9ine-interview.html) where’s he’s claimed the difference between him and Tupac is he hasn’t caught a rape charge. Except he has a far worse charge against him. :cab:

I did like this part though:


“How would you feel if I go out there on the ledge and jump off that building and kill myself?” 6ix9ine asked. “That’s what society wants me to do.” Instead, he planned to “just keep dominating,” he said.:cool:

[Baz]

Not gonna lie, LOCKED UP 2 is great.


https://youtu.be/5HI70dAwEYA

[Shindig]

Ah, Akon. Another suspected paedophile.

[Offshore Toon]

https://youtu.be/6LQqqEDfIWU

This remix. :drool:

[phonics]

How are ‘Kanye is a Genius you just don’t get him’ people handling his current persona?

[Offshore Toon]

He doesn't seem much different tbh.

[phonics]

Kind of my point.

[Offshore Toon]

Regardless of what's gone down today, this is one of the best tweets of all time (ALL TIME).

1306280073209589760

[Bernanke]

427850263844900864

[Bob Sacamano]

https://youtu.be/YuhGHMzB9lA


https://youtu.be/21Xi7x2kIsU

These aussie dudes are the only thing keeping me listening to hip hop at the moment :drool:

[Offshore Toon]

So, so, so Australian. Fascinating cultural insight but not for me.

[Offshore Toon]

https://youtu.be/Khenvzw4mHE

Apologies to the boys in lockdown.

[Offshore Toon]

DOOM's dead.

Never got into him as much as a lot of people, but there are fewer deaths that will hit harder than that in hip hop right now. Not sure how old he was but I'd have expected another few albums.

King Geedorah my favourite album, and I'll always remember his awful performances at Bestival 2012.

[Baz]

Fucking hell.

[Offshore Toon]

Apparently died (or "transitioned" according to the Facebook post) on October 31st too.

[Shindig]

That ... is a choice of words. Male to Female DOOM.

[Offshore Toon]

Maybe we're one step closer to his final form MFLGBTQ DOOM.

[Alex]

Just awful news. I know the whole "2020 can fuck off" thing is a cliche at this point, but it was a genuine blow to me reading that before the year finally ended last night. I haven't been as bothered by the death of a musician since Prince. I don't want to get too specifically into lists and things, but he was number two on mine. All time.

I almost looked at him as a legacy artist at this point, as I don't think his heart had really been in music for quite some time. But his catalogue is undeniable. He had this sort of two and a half year run between '03 and '05 that was just mind boggling. He was the absolute man to me at that point, and always will be really. There are very few true originals in rap, and he was one of them.