5 Albums Should Already Be Listening To
Rating: OOOOO
Damn, Jay-Z has done it again. He can add another classic album to his already impressive resume. He can safely retire now. I’m thrilled that Kingdom Come wasn’t his swansong. Right from the beginning Jay-Z flexes his lyrical muscle on “Pray” and “American Dreamin’.” The Marvin Gaye flip on that track is insane!
I hope the population is listening. The more I listen to this album, the more I love it. He really put his foot into this album. Unlike 50, Jay-Z balances his business and art without compromising his craft and I appreciate that. The sequencing of the album is crazy. If you watched the VH1 special, you already dig me. I really hope he does a video for “Pray.” American Gangster was Jay-Z’s opportunity to revisit the crack game and focus on hustling. Just like Resonable Doubt, American Gangster highlights the duality of the Gangster Mentality. “Created by the White and Mastered by the Black.” Even if your not a Jay-Z fan, I’m sure this album will impress you; forces you to listen AND think.
Sa-Ra-The Hollywood Recordings (Babygrande) Experimental
Rating: OOOOO
Yeah, I know this album came out some months ago, but like the title says, ‘you should already be listening’ to it. So what makes this album so smashing? We’ll for one, it was released on the greatest day on the planet. Secondly, Sa-Ra’s sound blends elements of funk, hip-hop, soul and rock in a way that makes them peerless among their contemporaries. How could you hear the bassline of “Glorious” and NOT be moved? How can you listen to “Fish Fillet” and not love Pharaohe Monch a little bit more for making a song about eating vajaja?
Is it possible to listen to “Thrilla” without bobbing your head, putting your hands in the air or ‘turning it up?” Plus, “Ladies Sing” is the Leather anthem. This is an album that will never get old. If you already own it, then you smell me. If you don’t then you’re playing games. The Hollywood Recordings is a must have for any music aficionado and is a purchase you won’t regret.
Kanye West-Graduation (Def Jam/Roc-a-fella) Hip-Hop
Rating: OOOO
I won’t front. I was a little hesitant to purchase this album at first. I’ve never been disappointed by a Kanye West album, but all the hype around his and 50’s first week sales left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Once the album leaked everyone was talking about how dope the album was, I was still a bit stubborn. Finally after hearing someone bump “Flashing Lights” on LaBrea I had to end my mental boycott.
Graduation shows an evolution in Kanye’s flow and production. He’s helping to make the synth hip-hop again. Other standout tracks include “Champion” and the emotive, “I Wonder.” I wonder if Kanye does all his digging on his own. If so, that’s some stash he’s got there. I can see why Kanye West would be cocky. He’s got production chops and whether or not you an stomach Kanye’s arrogance, you’ll definitely find his music pleasing to your palette. As for me, the only thing I regret about this album is not getting it earlier.
Talib Kweli-Eardrum (Blacksmith) Hip-Hop
Rating: OOOO
I was floored when I checked Billboard.com and saw that Talib Kweli had debuted at #2 on the charts. Not the hip-hop or indie charts, but he actually had the #2 album in the country and #1 hip-hop album. This was a follow up to the blow I received when Common debuted at #1 weeks earlier. I think this is a telltale sign that the people really want to hear something else. Eardum more than makes up for the The Beautiful Struggle’s musical hiccup; with appearances from Norah Jones, UGK, Roy Ayers and KRS-One, this album lyrically and sonically delivers. It also features production from Madlib, Pete Rock, Hi-Tek and Kanye West among others. “Give em Hell” featuring Lyfe Jennings and newcomer Coi Mattison forces you to open your ears and mind.
“Oh My Stars” feat. Musiq Soulchild gives you the obligatory Kweli dedication to his offspring and “Deliver Us” incites your inner Black Panther. I know hip-hop loves to hate Talib Kweli, but you can’t ignore the chemistry and musical cohesion on this album. It’s undeniable.
Musiq-Luvanmusiq (Atlantic/WEA) Soul
Rating: OOO1/2
What I like most about this album is that it gives you a myriad of melodies to love. On tracks like “Ms. Philadelphia” and “Betterman,” you get the signature Musiq Soulchild sound.
Tracks like “Today” and “Ridiculous” seem to embody a late 90s R&B essence that I was totally into. “Makeyouhappy” kind of bored me, but I understood his intention to minister to the masses. I’m still trying to figure out why “Millionaire” wasn’t a single, but I guess there’s still time. I’ll be patient. It has crazy crossover appeal.
Lastly, “Take You There” is a perfect ballad for cupcaking or grooving. There’s so much to choose from. If you’re looking for familiar sound or something new, Luvanmusiq has something to satisfy your needs. I guarantee.
