#ICYMIMonday: Feelin It - @SamadSavage; A Niles P. Joint

Samad Savage has become one of New Jersey’s most prolific rappers. Already having released at least two loosies, a freestyle mixtape, some guest verses, and a popular hometown glory music video, he just keeps on pushing. This time, he’s back with his new single Feelin’ It. The catchy and synthesized affair damn near perfectly encapsulates the feeling of having a crush on a woman. Partially inspired by Kanye West’s Stronger (lyrically speaking) it expresses yearning to build with her and simultaneously prove yourself, but much more fun than whiny. Samad Savage looks to be on the cusp of blowing up and this song in particular really exhibits his star potential. Take a listen to Feelin’ It for yourself after the break.

#ICYMIMonday: Whole Food - @gensudean & @DenmarkVes {Written by: @Natural_Nation}

On July 29th producer Gensu Dean and rapper Denmark Vessey released an album called Whole Food. These two came together and through Mello Music Group collaborated to make their first debut project as a unit. Although the two are not a group, Whole Food manages to escape sounding like something that was thrown together by two separate artists. Instead the artists manage to find a cohesive sound that compliment each other rather well. Denmark Vessey is an MC who hails from Detroit; still managing to escape the public ear of the masses but talented nonetheless. This MC does not shy away from social issues or feel too far removed to speak on political opinion. He was rightfully paired with Gensu's style, a producer who is known to  do some serious crate searching through his extensive collection of music to find the right sound. A sound that typically embodies hip-hop in its truest and most classic form.

After making my way through the entire album several times there were some songs that I took to and others I did not. There were three songs off the album that I tended to gravitate to and those were Ode to XX Chromosome, Saturday, and Black Love. I am sure that it is not a coincidence that in some shape or form they all seemed to have an old school feel to them. Ode to XX Chromosome jumped out at me from the rip with its blatantly funky sound. It's as if it was pulled directly out of the 70's. I'm not too mad at the theme either; it feels great to be appreciated. The song has a soap boxy echo and call sound to it. The track also feels more like a long interlude than a song, lacking the classic composition you would tend to hear in a song. Hints of the 70's style sound carries over into Saturday, the next track on the album, giving it that old school feel. It really does have all the vibes of a great Saturday so I'm all about that. It feels like waking up on a Saturday morning at 11:00am without any obligations.

Black Love is a love song with soul, good vibes, and simplicity with a drop of social justice trickled in between the lines. There's an electric guitar playing throughout the sound with a grainy filter overlaying the track. These simple features give the song a texture and character not heard anywhere else on the album.

 "My ego was bruised like/ I don't wanna fight, I just want you to feel the way I feel right now" - Denmark Venssey (Black Love)

Whole Food most certainly has some promise. Albums with this type of sound aren't for everyone and its not something I would go out of my way to listen to on a regular basis multiple times a week. For listeners who are in love with that early hip-hop sound this will be another album geared more towards you. I felt the album to be a bit slow and monotonous. No, it was not because the lack of up beat songs or drill beats. There are plenty of albums that do not posses these qualities which manage to keep hold my attention through the entire album. Overall Gensu put together some real gems and Denmark followed up with lyricism to match. You can find Whole Food on bandcamp.
Rating 2.5 out of 5

#ICYMIMonday: blackSUMMERS'night by @_MAXWELL_ {Written by: @Natural_Nation}

Not too long ago, Maxwell released the second album in a three part trilogy called  blackSUMMERS'night. The artist seems to be highlighting various parts of the same title for each album. The first album which debuted Pretty Wings and Bad Habits was titled BLACKsummers'night and the last we presume will be call blacksummers'NIGHT. But, we're here to talk about his current album.

Although I do not think there is a person alive that could honestly say that they dislike Maxwell, a Maxwell album is not for everyone. He has a very specific sound and for the most part a fairly similar approach to most of his music. So, it would not surprise me if I passed this album to my sister or someone even my age and received a general reaction of boredom from them both. Millennial opinion aside, this album is a collection of soothing melodies only Maxwell knows how to put together. This is not the type of artist that dazzles listeners with crazy riffs and dope instrumentals. Maxwell has a subtle approach with a natural build up in almost all of his music. His genius is in his lyrics. The time he puts into the arrangements he develops with his voice as well as with instruments really shows.

In this latest twelve track album, Maxwell pulls out the same stops you would expect to hear from an artist of his caliber. He has a strong mixture of superb lyrical content and a range of different instruments that show up in each song. It was also clear he attempted to put a range of different sounds on this album. All The Ways Love Can Feel is the first album on the song and a smooth introduction into the album. Maxwell carries his falsetto almost through the entire song giving it that light and airy sound. Whereas III has more of a rock and roll feel to it, this is one of the more uptempo tracks on the cd and lyrically more mainstream than any other song on the album. Primarily because it is the only dance song on the album.

Three of my favorite songs on this album were actually all promoted as singles. Lake By The Ocean is one of the most beautiful songs on the album. The guitar gives the song that hint of summer romance. From the melody to the lyrics it strongly reminds me of how I felt the first time I heard Pretty Wings. I don't think this single has or will have as much success but it is most definitely on the same plane for me.

1990x is another one of my favorite songs off the album. From the second the song starts it demands your attention and is arguably one of the best songs on the CD. The track has a great melody and an aesthetically pleasing composition. It is followed immediately by Gods. Reviewed by myself earlier, my favorite thing about this particular song is the arrangement. I love the contrast of the vocal melody against the rhythm of the accompaniment.

The rest of the album is filled with beautiful lyrical structure and creative instrumentation. For instance the horn section heard in Fingers Crossed is immaculate and the percussion and brass in The Fall are perfectly blended. One of the most intriguing songs on the album is called Lost; it gives us a sultry sound of the blues. It has the feel of singing on stage at a jazz club late at night to a crowd of three; the bartender, the local drunk, and the waitress wiping down tables. The song contains the tears of everyone who has been dumped by someone they are still in love with. It bleeds heartache and jealousy but it makes a great song. Overall it seems that this is an album of love, loss, and regret. blackSUMMERS'night is a great second installment to the black summers' trilogy if you are patient enough to give it a try.

Rating 3.8 out of 5

#ICYMIMonday: Emily’s D+ Evolution - @EspeSpalding

Esperanza Spalding’s new album Emily’s D+ Evolution has shown us how Spalding herself has evolved. While it has jazz and blues, it does it with a contemporary twist. By the way, she does all the  herself. She did the whole album without any featured artists. And to be honest, she doesn't need it. It may be something you could play for your Jazz-loving grandmother or share it with a friend who appreciates creative sounds and good artistry.

Good Lava: This one of my favorite songs of the album. Check out my write up on this song here. 

Unconditional Love: This is not a typical love song. It's more of a song about the superficial love songs, and it takes a stand against false romanticism. Not an anthem, but also not happy indie either. It's sort of a happy medium.

Judas: “He’s not evil” is what she calls the most hated man in biblical history. In this track, Esperanza points out the sins that people commit out of desperation.  Sometimes the choice isn’t easy.

Earth To Heaven: Spalding shows more of her vocal range here. The song changes tempo frequently though, which makes it less catchy. Not a song that will get stuck in your head.

One: A groovy track that every girl can relate to, and the first single from the album that I covered here. 

Rest in Pleasure: This is one for the hipsters. Spalding has found her “long last bliss."  Her tone reminds me of Florence and the Machine, with an alternative sound resembling their track We Were Promised Jetpacks.

Ebony and Ivy:  The intro here is in the style of spoken word. Kind of. It sounds like slam poets speaking inaudibly fast. The rest of the song calms down and is hauntingly slow.

Noble Nobles: This one combines the lightness of the acoustic with the heaviness of the bass

Farewell Dolly: A short song, but not an interlude. Very mellow and steady music in the background. Her voice and the lyrics are salient here.

Elevate or Operate: This is a contrast to the previous track. She tells her audience “don’t interrupt me,” clearly a woman who has a message. The message seems to be aimed at girls like her.

Funk The Fear: An electric guitar intro accompanied with a chant of people saying “funk the fear.” This seems like a continuation of previous track. It’s a track that you can jam out to, whether in your car or bedroom.

I Want It Now: The final song on her album resembles a four year old's birthday wish. She admits that if she doesn’t get what she wants she's “gonna scream.”

Artistry like this isn’t enjoyed by everyone. Yes, Spalding’s sound is different and definitely an acquired taste, but it can still be appreciated. I love that Esperanza stays in her own lane, but at the same time uses other sounds that influence her. She pays tribute to funk and blues and rock without trying to recreate it. A lot of people try to do that, but you can't copy the greats, you can only thank
them by making something else that’s great on your own terms.

Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0

#ICYMIMonday: Can't Knock the Hustle Freestyle - @Perreli_ feat. @Soulfullnjn

Perreli is a new name arriving on the WTM radar.

I really like this production and boom bap beat. On a single song this is a great way for us to get to know this Irvington emcee. You can get a great gist of the kind of guy Perreli is without having to listen to a project in it's entirety. It kind of leaves us waiting for more which is always dope. SoUlFULL drops in and adds two quick 16s of his own. His second verse flaunts his signature punchline flow while at the same time lets us in to a more personal time of his life with his girl, grandma, and mom. After listening to this we all need to keep tabs on these guys. I need yall to feel this. Can't Knock the Hustle Freestyle after the break.

#ICYMIMonday: @wondaland; @JanelleMonae @StBeautyband @DeepCotton @Jidenna @RomanGianArthur , Written By @Natural_Nation

Today I come to you with words of the future, tales of Wondaland. For those not quite in tune let me be your guide for what's to come. One of my favorite artists of all time, award winning musical artist Janelle Monae, has her own record label: Wondaland Records also known as Wondaland Arts Society. Wondaland Records is partnering with Epic records, a division on Sony Music Entertainment to create this unique combination of musical artists. Currently this musical collective consists of four other artists; Jidenna, St. Beauty, Roman GianArthur and Deep Cotton. All different artists with their own sound. As an introduction to the collaborative Wondaland released a collective EP called Wondaland Presents: The Eephus this past summer. 

Meet Jidenna: The Swankiest Master of Ceremony

Most of the world already knows about Jidenna. With his single Classic Man catching on quickly and being a hit from the gate this platinum record was a classy introduction to this "swanky" artist. Jidenna brings enjoyment back to the world of cool. I really appreciate artists who utilize their position and influence in a good way. From his attire to his music to his involvement in the community Jidenna is conscious and deliberate about the messages he's sending.

Check out his Eephus single: Classic Man

Meet St. Beauty: The Wild Children:Healer and Inspire

I first heard St. Beauty, a band made of Alexe Belle and Isis Valentino, a couple summers ago while spending some time in Atlanta. I came across a poor quality video of one of their performances on YouTube. Yet, despite the quality of the video it was quite hard to ignore their sound. I knew if i could find a clear recording somewhere that I would have found one of my new favorite groups. But I never did,so I waited. They had to come out with something eventually, right? 

Check out their Eephus single:Going Nowhere

Meet Roman GianArthur: A Certain Kind of Sol

Roman is a man of many talents: composer, singer, instrumentalist. I recently learned that before joining Wondaland records he actually had a hand in both The Arch Android and Electric Lady, Janelle Monae's first and second studio album. Roman helped compose the suite overtures on each album, which happen to be my favorite part of each album.  Brother to Nate Wonder, Roman is someone everyone needs to keep their eye on.

Check out his Eephus single: iKnow

Meet Deep Cotton: A Band of Brothers Who Like To Act Up

Chuck Lighting and Nate Wonder make up the funk duo Deep Cotton. The first time I heard Deep Cotton was actually about three years ago. Janelle had a commercial for Sonos electronic company and We're Far Enough From Heaven Now We Can Freak Out was playing as the track in the background. And actually, going back to watch the video I realize that everyone but Alexe and Jidenna we're in the commercial so this collaboration has been in tact longer than I had realized. The energy in this groups music is amazing and their overall message of freedom isn't hard to miss as long as you are not afraid to be open.

Check out their single: Let's Get Caught

I had to take the time to spotlight these incredible group of individuals. When Janelle Monae first came out it was like a breath of fresh air. I was able to look at someone who seemed similar to myself and as an artist watch her embrace that it was okay to sound and look different. People would laugh at me when I played her music in the car or call it weird. Or ask me why she always wore the same suit, like I knew. And then overtime I watched the climate shift. Now people started dressing like her for Halloween, now she was people's "women crush Wednesday" on Instagram. People began to embrace what they previously flipped their hair at. So, now I look at these other four artists who are all strikingly different but amazing just as she was and I can't help but feel hopeful about the future of music and culture. You can click on each name above to find out a little bit more about each artist. Best believe I will keep you updated.

#ICYMIMonday: Dudley Boyz - @WESTSIDEGUNN feat. @ActionBronson, prod. @Alchemist; A Niles P. Joint

Westside Gunn is a hard rapper to keep up with.  Dude’s been in high demand it seems, as he’s featured on a new song damn near every week.  Last week, he released Dudley Boyz featuring Action Bronson.  It was so good I had to revisit it.  Named after the popular wrestling tag team, Bronsolino bullies the track before tagging Gunn for the knockout.  It clocks in at a hair over two minutes, it feels more grand than that.  This can be attributed to the symphonic string section which powers the song.  The Alchemist adds to his impressive production resume with this one.  Dude could probably score a major motion picture or conduct an orchestra at this point.  The juxtaposition of two hard NY rappers over such beautiful production is why I love this genre.  Listen to Dudley Boyz after the break and look out for my review of Westside Gunn’s forthcoming album FLYGOD coming soon.  

#ICYMIMonday: Carrollton Heist - @CurrenSy_Spitta & @Alchemist; A Niles P. Joint

Curren$y is equal parts prolific and cool.  Over the years he’s had nearly fifty projects released, between solo albums, EPs, mixtapes, and collaborative projects.  And each one displays an unwavering confidence in each syllable he writes.  Carrollton Heist is his second collabo project with super producer The Alchemist, the first being the superb Covert Coup.  Five years later, they reconvened for another free EP/mixtape, this time with no warning.  While most fans would be happy with whatever these two put out, they managed to surpass the last joint with a project that’s even more cohesive and plays like a vintage Hollywood flick set in New Orleans.  Long story short: it’s cinematic in scope, despite still qualifying as an EP.

Cartridge feels like it’s tailor made for the opening titles of a movie.  Spitta has his usual understated bravado bars present, but the drum decrescendo Alchemist slides in is brilliant. The film noire vibe is heavy in Black Rally Stripes, especially in lines like “Man/ Bourbon St. secrets & avenue scams/ Shit get deeper/ The more you know, you prolly wish you didn’t know.”  This is a setup that pays off at the end of the next track Vibrations.  But first, we’re treated to an interpolation of the chorus of N.O. classic Ha.  With the help of a prominent saxophone, Curren$y puts his foot down lyrically.  It can’t be undersold: duke sounds like a rap Humphrey Bogart in his poise.  The final quarter of the track is a dialogue sample from an old-timey film that features dudes discussing a heist, hence the EP title.

The Alchemist has always had a heavy element of spookiness in his production, and Disappearing Ink featuring Styles P. is a prime example.  It’s dark without the cliché of feeling like a gritty reboot.  Inspiration has the electric piano wheezing along as Spitta shows you how he’s “cooler than a polar bear’s toenails.”  Action Bronson, also a frequent Alchemist collaborator, makes an appearance and spits some bars straight out of a classic mob flick.  The dialogue sampling  returns, but this time it’s at the beginning of 500 Pounds of Gas.  The sample talks about chemical warfare, the lyrics are more so about large quantities of herb.  Spitta will always find clever ways to talk about weed.  At the end the characters talk about dividing up money.  More clever wordplay is abound in The Mack Book, which goes with a more Blaxploitation-type route but nonetheless fits into the overall scheme.  

93 AMG is more grim & melancholy fare in its tone.  It only has one verse and serves as a set up to a discussion where the characters in the sample talk about doing a dry run of their heist.  The tone goes full New Orleans in the penultimate Fat Albert.  Curren$y opens the track, but Lil Wayne dominates the last two thirds of the track with uninterrupted rapping.  The veteran still has a little something in the tank.  Smoking in the Rain is the pensive conclusion as Curren$y waxes nostalgic about a woman while still maintaining a quiet tenacity.

The most incredible thing about this album is that it was created in a literal day.  The mastery of both rapper & producer on this project is apparent.  What’s also impressive is the fact that both dudes had enough clout to get three high-profile guest appearances despite it being created on short notice.  The greedy ass fan in me wishes that it was a little bit longer.  At under half an hour it falls into EP range, with three of the ten tracks being just over two minutes each.  But at the end of the day, it served its purpose and had more range and creativity than most other projects that may be longer in running time.  There’s no filler or wasted motion.  Carrollton Heist shows that when Curren$y and The Alchemist link up musically, it’s a championship combination every time.

Rating: 4.80 out of 5

Download Carrollton Heist via DatPiff here.

#ICYMIMonday: Dice Game - @MaffewRagazino (produced by @Kil889)

A couple of weeks ago, Brownsville emcee Maffew Ragazino dropped off Dice Game via SoundCloud.  Produced by Kil, he delivers lyrics about life being nothing but a dice game.  You get what you roll, so you better work with it. The sound of dice being rattled can be heard in the background, along with a Chuck D vocal sample. It’s all about “doing” instead of just dreaming about what you want to be. Instead of wondering why you don’t have those fresh kicks you want, or the job you want you need to “get off your ass and do something besides hoping and wishing.”  It’s a timeless message, and was worthy of an #ICYMIMonday feature.  Check it out after the break.