Review « IMF Mag – Hip Hop x Electronic Music, Style, Girls x Lifestyle

DAILY 06/18

18Jun2013

J. Cole – Born Sinner (Album Review)

Roc Nation, LLC
Released 6/18/2013

J. Cole’s not gonna take this underdog shit laying down. Period.

His debut, “Cole World: The Sideline Story” was good, but not good enough. It left some of his fans disappointed, but they still supported him because he gave them so much great music via his first mixtapes that you couldn’t help but support the guy. At the same time, what’s a young Jermaine to do? Fall back and lick his wounds, or fall back and sharpen his sword?

By the sounds of Born Sinner, Cole did the latter. Returning with a much darker album than the last. The set takes us through Cole’s mind as he tackles the typical topics: Love/sex, money, self-esteem, & acceptance as an artist. He comes out swinging with the gospel choir powered “Villematic.” and after jacking Outkast’s “The Art of Storytelling, Pt 1″ for the excellent “Land of the Snakes,” he hits a comfortable stride. The lead single, “Power Move (feat. Miguel) still sounds fresh. The first of several interludes, “Mo Money” should have been one more verse. Here, like elsewhere, Cole spits like a man determined to make an impact. The same goes for “Ain’t That Some Shit,” which finds Cole going in double time. “Trouble” brings the choir back to help with the backdrop. “Forbidden Fruit” samples the same track as Tribe’s “Electric Relaxation.” Kendrick Lamar bodies the hook, which is an exclamation point on Cole’s ability to put the right artists in the right place, and not just have them on a track for the hell of it. Other standouts include the TLC (yes, you read that right) featured “Crooked Smile.” In what I would guess should be an obvious single choice, Cole points out his own imperfections, but urges folks to embrace who they are and love themselves. The most talked about track here is “Let Nas Down,” penned after NO I.D. hit up Cole to tell him that Nas hated the single from his last album. Honest and candid, it’s easily the best track on the album. The title track comes at the end of the standard edition’s sequence, and it closes the opus on the right note.

Truth is, Cole is improving by leaps and bounds, and it shows on Born Sinner. He didn’t rely on a bunch of super-producers and a collaborators to fill his set with dope material. He pretty much went at it alone, and he actually kicks ass throughout. He’s slowly but surely carving out a lane that’s all his. That’s definitely commendable.

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18Jun2013

Kanye West – Yeezus (Album Review)

Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
Released 6/18/2013

Kanye West’s entire career has been about challenging the status quo of the moment. Since The College Dropout, The quality of his solo material has been consistently high. He would pride himself on pushing the envelope and made sure the world understood that. By the time 808s and Heartbreak came along, the curveball was his standard pitch. You just cannot predict what he’s gonna do next. That was well evidenced with the release of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, in which the flawless opus received an unconventional rollout via a 33 minute short film.

However, none of that could have prepared you for his sixth album, Yeezus. A month ago, he took to random buildings around the world to premiere the sparse, 808 driven “New Slaves.” What the world got was a different Kanye…one that seemed to be against the commercial appeal he had worked so hard to achieve over the years. Perhaps, because it was this same visibility that came back to bite him in the ass whenever he decided to spaz out. That’s neither here or there.

Despite the robust list of collaborators (from Daft Punk to RZA on production, to Chief Keef, Bon Iver and King L turning in guest appearances), the album is an exercise in minimalism. “On Sight” opens the LP. With buzzing synths and bottomless distorted drums, Ye announces that “Yeezy Season’s approaching.” The song is dark, and pretty much sets the tone for the entire 10 song set. “Black Skinhead” is a triumph that provides a cinematic, thumping backdrop that Hans Zimmer and Lalo Schifrin would applaud. “I Am A God” showcases an obviously frustrated ‘Ye, but the random primal screams against the worldly backdrop may be too much for some to digest. “New Slaves,” is probably the most lyrically dense Ye’s been in years, but the song’s ending is some of the strangest stuff to ever make it onto a Kanye album…a pure WTF moment.

“Hold My Liquor” features Chief Keef and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. Unfortunately, it looks better on paper than it actually sounds. “I’m In It” is a sleeper until about a minute and a half into it, then it picks up. “Blood On The Leaves” is also a standout…and the “Down 4 My Ns” reference in the middle of the joint made this listener go nuts. The Kid Cudi laced “Guilt Trip” will bring a smile to Cudi fans, as this song is more enjoyable than anything on “Indicud.” Chicago gets a chance to stand up again as King L represents for his crib on “Send It Up,” clearly the strongest cut on the second half of the record. “Bound 2” closes it out, and ‘Ye does something he didn’t really do on most of the set: rap his ass off.

All in all, Yeezus is a good LP, but it’s not for everybody. It’s got plenty of WTF moments that you’ll have to get over to really enjoy the gems. I imagine there’s a method to Ye’s madness. One thing for sure, is that he continues to live outside of the box, like a true artist should. That will always be applauded.

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DAILY 05/31

31May2013

French Montana – Excuse My French (Album Review)

Bad Boy/MMG/Interscope

Released 5/21/2013

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

French Montana is an interesting dude. Along with the wavy Max B, they made a name for them slangin coke rap all over the streets of New York. Unfortunately, Max B got knocked and is stuck doing a bid that will more than likely have him in jail for a few more years, leaving French to fend for himself. However, things started to look up after inking with Bad Boy and MMG and hitting the streets with “Shot Caller” and the star-studded remix. Then came “Pop That” which made just as many asses shake as Luke’s “I Wanna Rock,” which the vocal sample in the hook comes from. That started to prep the streets for French’s retail debut, Excuse My French.

The set leads in with “Once In a While,” and the first voice you hear is Max B, who phones in from prison, and this is easily the hardest track we’ve heard from French in a while. The LP traps ahead with the Jahlil Beats laced “Trap House” and Rick Ross and Birdman stop by to trade verses about the usual stuff they trade verses about. “Ain’t Worried About Nothin’” is unique, if for nothing else, because French goes it alone, which doesn’t happen often on the album. Case in point? “Fuck What Happens Tonight” features DJ Khaled, Mavado, Ace Hood, Snoop and Scarface. Ace Hood kills it. Sheesh closes it out nicely. Everybody else is just there.

The album drags until “Pop That” comes on, and things perk up a bit. Fortunately, the weather got nice around the time of this release and this joint is the perfect good weather joint. “Freaks” and “Bust It Open” was created to have the same impact, but falls flat because they’re both kind of corny. Had it not been for Raekwon, the Ice Cream “We Go Where Ever We Want” would have been a complete failure. The other standout would be “Marble Floors,” as Ross, Wayne and 2 Chainz turn in some decent verses.

To be honest, there isn’t anything special about this LP. Aside from the promotional muscle that was put behind it, there’s nothing on this set that will stand out over the course of the year. The beats are par for the course, and French’s lyrics and delivery leave much to be desired. Not saying that he should be Nas, but when 2Chainz and Birdman are murdering you on your own shit, you’ve got a bit of a problem.

-Reg Young

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DAILY 04/09

09Apr2013

Tyga – Hotel California (Album Review)

Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic

Released April 9, 2013

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

When you think of Young Money, you think of three names: Wayne, Nicki, Drake…and in no particular order. Sure, you have at least 5 more artists that are legitimately signed to the label. However, you get the feeling that they won’t see the light of day, and if they do, the sun may or may not shine in their direction. Enter Compton rapper Tyga, who, actually, had one of the more promising YMCMB releases last year with his Careless World LP. With “Rack City” being one of the biggest hip-hop hits of the year, it only made sense for the lil homie to go back into the lab and cook up another joint. his third overall release (and second for Young Money), Hotel California, is an obvious nod to his homestate, as Tyga attempts to capitalize on his momentum.

The album starts off with the decent “500 Degrees,” which features Lil Wayne, who offers a verse more cohesive than 90 percent of IANAHB2. The song’s also a throwback to Lil Wayne’s landmark LP of the same name, which took a cue from Juvenile’s landmark CM album 400 Degrees. The cues don’t stop there. The single “Dope” follows, and EVERYBODY should know what that bassline is. But, I’ll digress. The song plays like a more hardcore version of “Rack City.” Officer William Roberts checks in for his typical guest 16. The song’s not bad, it just doesn’t break any new ground.

Unfortunately, you’ll find yourself saying that a lot throughout this LP. Save for the exceptional verses on “Diss Song,” and the Jadakiss featured “Hit Em Up,” there aren’t a whole lot of standout moments here. “Molly” suffers from a lack of a good hook, “For The Road” is a breakup song that’s cool. “Show You” couldn’t be saved by the Future hook. “It Neva Rains” is a formula that should have worked, but for some reason, it didn’t. The beats are good: most of the songs have good production behind them. Truth is, Tyga didn’t grow much as an artist from the first LP to the next. Beats can’t save you if you’re the problem. Unfortunately, the stakes are a little too high for him not to do so at this point. Let’s hope he gets an opportunity to focus on his songwriting a little more before his 2014 LP hits.

- Reg

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DAILY 04/03

03Apr2013

Tyler, The Creator – Wolf (Album Review)

Odd Future Records

Released April 2, 2013

Rating: 4 out of 5

It’s pretty safe to say that you won’t find an stranger crew than Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. Shit, that name alone puts them in a class by themselves. Aside from the obvious, they really are a talented group of kids. Grammy Award winner Frank Ocean made headlines last year when his “Channel Orange” was named among the best albums of 2012. Frontman Tyler, The Creator looks to keep the collective’s momentum going with his latest release, “Wolf.”

The intro is typical Tyler, as he disses us all, but the “Wolf” character is introduced. The LP immediately goes for the throat; “Jamba” is a lyrical torture session with Hodgy Beats joining Tyler as they beat up the synth driven beat. “Awkward” is a strange love tale, or not, because it seems like someone fell in love way too quick.

There are some standouts here: “Slater” is one, with Dave Matthews and Frank Ocean, but it’s hilarious to find out that he’s talking about a bike. “48″ is another, probably one of the best tracks on the first half of the set. The three part opus “PartyIsntOver/Campfire/

Bimmer”is a lot to take in as one track, but it’s more cohesive than it seems. The Pharrell featured “IFHY” is as emo as it comes. The real surprise is “Treehome95,” a jazz-laced number that features Coco Owino and (wait for it…) Erykah Badu. There’s no rapping here, which might have been the best decision, because the song is enjoyable as-is.

To anyone outside of Odd Future’s surprise, this is, for the most part, an enjoyable LP. It’s diverse in sound, but cohesive in concept. The production overall is above average, and uncompromising, just like anything else Tyler has done this far.

-Reg Young

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03Apr2013

Lil’ Wayne – I Am Not A Human Being II (Album Review)

Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic

Release Date: March 26, 2013

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Lil Wayne can’t be stopped. He can’t stop, so he won’t…he has a work ethic that is unmatched by most rap artists today, and his output proves it. Whether it’s a new project of his own, or his countless guest appearances within a calendar year, Weezy ain’t slowing down for anything or anyone. The pace at which he goes can seem not human. At all.

Enter “I Am Not A Human Being II,” the sequel to its to the moderately successful predecessor and follow up to the enormously successful Carter IV. This is solo album number ten for Weezy, believe it or not. Surprisingly enough, he’s still got hits in him. “No Worries” has been running amok for months now. “Bitches Love Me” with Future and Drake has also gained steam on radio as well. Surely “Rich As Fuck,” with the show stealing verse from 2 Chainz, will be a follow up to keep the momentum going during the promotional cycle. The production here is good, but par for the course for the most part, with the exception of the piano-laden intro. Gunplay’s appearance on “Beat That Shit” is great as well, and fuels the fiery anticipation for his upcoming Medellin LP. “Trippy” is another decent cut, as Juicy J provides the assist. There are some joints that sound like they were better suited for the next “Rebirth” installment, such as and “Back to You” and “Hello,” with the former faring much better than the latter.

The good news is that most of the songs are consistent with the rest of the music that Wayne has put out since his release from prison a couple of years ago. The bad news is that none of that output shows any growth from anything he did before that. This LP is run of the mill Weezy, almost to the point that he feels like he’s going through the motions, unless it’s one of the rock tracks. In that case, he just sounds uncomfortable. The tracks aren’t really an issue, but his rhymes are lazy and stale. Perhaps taking a step back from while and hitting the reset button would be a good for him in the long run.

-Reg Young

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DAILY 03/03

03Mar2013

IMFMag Editorial: Sol Republic’s “Master Tracks (Gun Metal) Headphones” + Giveaway

sol4 Photography by Brianna Graham, model K. Mekonen

When industry masterminds, Scott Hix and Kevin Lee, put their tech savvy brains together for the Sol Republic headphones, one couldn’t imagine the remarkable progression the line would take—well, ever since swimming Olympian Michael Phelps became the face of Sol, as he bared the customized patriotic headphones throughout the Summer of 2012 in London—and all throughout his record breaking medal run. But what made the line stand out amongst its competitors wasn’t only it’s uniquely aspects as to detach parts at ease, or the consumers’ opportunity to rearrange any color headband they please (for which can be easily replaced too upon being damaged), it was an affordable price (ranging from sets of $99, to $129, and $179) that has made Sol an instant hit with the masses, and sent them in droves to the retail stores. Of course, within the past few months we’ve seen an immense number of fans take a liking to the Tracks, Tracks HD earphones, to the Tracks Ultra, but as if the brand couldn’t already outdo them-selves, earlier this year, they’ve launched the first ever over-the-ear headphones from their collection called, “Master Tracks: Gun Metal.”

Highly stylish as its former “Tracks” predecessors, this newest component comes with somewhat a special kick to it—a bass thumping one that is—simply destined to blow away the pristine ears of whom never dawned a headphones before. In comparison to the former, the latter, is slightly more of a comfortable fit for long hours of listening, and is well equipped to even be utilized in settings such as a state-of-the-art studio. Yes, others were well capable for that, but certainly look-wise; this is suitable for this sort of occasions. Intertwining its relatively distinctive design, consisting of soft cushiony speakers set to deliver incredible sound, the Master Tracks, which now comes with a light-weight water resistant carrying case, is definitely a sure bet for what listeners yearn and want to feel upon bumping an earphone/headset—and if noise isolation is your cup of tea, the music control feature will not only assist you to maximize or minimize the sound levels, (precisely at your own convenience), but it also supplies you with a fantastic dosage of clarity for your ears, or more specifically, any audio device known to man. Here are a few in-depth/hi-res looks at the Master Tracks “GunMetal” headphones, as seen on models Ayanna Whitmore and K. Mekonen, with photography by Brianna Graham. Follow through below for more goodies.

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DAILY 02/28

28Feb2013

Tony Stanza – Blaxphemy (Mixtape)

BlaxphemyFront

Artwork By Justyn

Formerly known to the world as Voyce G.I. Go, the Chicago (by way of Gary, Indiana, hence the G.I. in the former pseudonym), Tony Stanza, is dropping his first project of the year with Blaxphemy. Out the gate, the Raw Power laced “Sounds Nice” is a dope intro to the album, and sonically sets the tone for the rest of the project. As he almost seamlessly slides right into “Alert,” Stanza drops bar after bar, However, I speak my piece as if I talk with a gun/hotter than the devil when he walk in the sun/Go get it, get the money if he walking the run/don’t matter, long as outcome brung income/get it done, what need to be done, go do it…” It doesn’t take long to figure out that Tony is sick with the pen.

Among the standouts are the emotional “Pour Out My Heart,” as Stanza does just that over the throwback feel of the Doc Da Mindbenda beat. Things pick up with “King’s Speech,” as the typically laid back MC blacks out over the 2 minute jam. No worries, as things get more chill with “Under The Act” & “Watchin4daCops.” The title track closes the LP out on a rather high note, and this is sure to be a joint to get any crowd going…it would have been dope to get at least one more verse on this joint. Production-wise, the project is very cohesive. The producers involved (Proceed, D.A.N. Ryan, Chicago Loop, Doc, Raw Power, Mr. Williams, J-Rell, Chris ILL, S.C.,) all provide a blaxploitation-esque backdrop to Tony Stanza to go in over. Additionally, there’s a grimy feel to each beat that adds a bit of depth to Tony’s lyrical content, and complements his delivery almost perfectly.

Overall, Blaxphemy is solid throughout, and it’s worth checking out. There’s a shortage of cohesive albums with substance, so StayHumble Entertainment’s kicking the year off right. Peep the tracklisting and Download Link after the jump!

-Reg Young

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IMFmag

J. Cole – Born Sinner (Album Review)

Kanye West – Yeezus (Album Review)

French Montana – Excuse My French (Album Review)

Tyga – Hotel California (Album Review)

Tyler, The Creator – Wolf (Album Review)

Lil’ Wayne – I Am Not A Human Being II (Album Review)

IMFMag Editorial: Sol Republic’s “Master Tracks (Gun Metal) Headphones” + Giveaway

Tony Stanza – Blaxphemy (Mixtape)

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