Black Messiah - D'Angelo and The Vanguard album review by Niles Cavanaugh

Christmas came early for many people when the ever mysterious and reclusive R&B crooner D’Angelo released his long-awaited album Black Messiah with a backing band known as The Vanguard.  This is his first album in 14 years since his 2000 classic Voodoo was released.  After many years of inactivity and personal turmoil D’Angelo started to re-emerge in 2012 with concert and tour appearances, a GQ magazine cover story, an appearance on the BET Awards, and a lecture at the Red Bull Music Academy.  The entire 14 year hiatus was peppered with rumors, promises, and updates from his label and friend/collaborator Questlove (of the band no one can actively dislike, The Roots.)  After some teasing and the streaming release of its first single “Sugah Daddy”, Black Messiah was finally released at the stroke of midnight on December 15th on iTunes.

Choosing a handful of favorite tracks is a chore because this is one of those albums that can be played from start to finish.  And what’s really amazing is that each of the album’s twelve tracks has a distinct sound that simultaneously finds an overall common ground in cohesiveness.  “1000 Deaths” has a distinct rock vibe with distorted vocals and a pulsating baseline.  The aforementioned “Sugah Daddy” oozes with sultry and simmering funk, reminiscent of D’Angelo’s previous offering Voodoo. “Prayer” sees him channel his inner Prince and combine superior synths and some of the most savory guitar licks you’ve heard along with D’s trademark falsetto.  Keep in mind that these are my three favorite tracks right now.  This list will be permanently interchangeable, which really works because there’s a song for every mood 

Even with the seemingly insurmountable anticipation and hype, Black Messiah completely delivers.  I immersed myself in the album since its release and haven’t gotten tired of it at all.  Like I said before, there’s something for everyone and every situation on Black Messiah.  D’Angelo exceeded expectations.  Even though some of these tracks were written and recorded up to 10 years ago, nothing feels dated or even trendy.  Everything has vintage influence yet still maintains a timeless appeal.  In an age of instant gratification in music, Black Messiah has been slow cooked to perfection for 14 years (the wait between D’Angelo albums is older than my students.)  This is the best album of 2014 beyond the shadow of a doubt and completely worth buying.  As for the title and overall theme of the album, peep what D’Angelo himself had to say: 

“Black Messiah is a hell of a name for an album. It can be easily misunderstood. Many will think it’s about religion. Some will jump to the conclusion that I’m calling myself a Black Messiah. For me, the title is about all of us. It’s about the world. It’s about an idea we can all aspire to. We should all aspire to be a Black Messiah.

It’s about people rising up in Ferguson and in Egypt and in Occupy Wall Street and in every place where a community has had enough and decides to make change happen. It’s not about praising one charismatic leader but celebrating thousands of them. Not every song on this album is politically charged (though many are), but calling this album Black Messiah creates a landscape where these songs can live to the fullest. Black Messiah is not one man. It’s a feeling that, collectively, we are all that leader.”

This was very needed with everything going on in the world today.  While many people are nobly and understandingly going through painstaking lengths to remind the seemingly disinterested other half that #BlackLivesMatter, it’s both timely and fitting that D’Angelo (and The Vanguard) musically delivered to us Black Messiah.  Just in time for Christmas, too.

Rating: 5 out of 5

To check out the album lyrics, click here.

@TeyanaTaylor VII Preview

It's been awhile since we've heard from G.O.O.D Music's first lady.

Last time was on Cruel Summer with a few assists on hooks and a great track with John Legend called Bliss. Teyana Taylor is gearing up for her debut album VII set to release on November 11th. Her most recent move was a brand new single, Do Not Disturb which features Chris Brown. This steamy track is bound to be on every club DJ's sex set. This track and some of her other singles like Business, Request, and Broken Hearted Girl featuring Fabolous are clearly bedroom bangers. You can stream watch her video snippets these songs in the Youtube playlist below. Pre-order VII on iTunes now! Enjoy, stay woke.

@Tinashe Preview

Just yesterday you could stream Tinashe's new album, Aquarius.

Since that opportunity is over you're just gonna have to wait until October 7th when it's actually released. The 2 On songstress has been pretty occupied as far as releases since the summer. As of recently she's released a visual for Pretend which features A$AP Rocky. She also dropped a new single Bet featuring Devonte Hynes. The video can be viewed below. Enjoy, and look out for Aquarius dropping next week.

#AOTY 2013 Number One Magna Carta Holy Grail by Jay-Z

What you've all been waiting for.

Magna Carta Holy Grail was a dime. The production was particularly amazing. It helps when your name is Sean Carter and you have the likes of Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Kanye West, & Pharell in your back pocket. Believe it or not Mike Will, Jahlil Beats, and Rick Rubin were also involved with the production of this album as well. All of that basically equals the #AOTY and probably a trip to the grammys.

Lots of reviews had mixed feelings about this album. Some even saw it as Jay-Z's attempt to transition to pop. Although that may be a bit extreme I did get a little bored with the album midway through. Don't get it twisted, there are ZERO skips on this record. On the editor's picks this album finished third. As a result of the show's panel, we see MCHG here at number one.

MCHG provided humongous radio hits like Holy Grail featuring Justin Timberlake and F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit with the boss, Rick Ross (that was interesting to type). Oceans with Frank Ocean, Tom Ford and Part II (On The Run) with Mrs. Knowles-Carter herself (Beyonce) were also nice cuts on this album.

It's been a busy year for Hov, he's had his hand in just about everything. This includes selling his portion of ownership of the Nets and starting a sports agency signing athletes like Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Victor Cruz, and Robinson Cano (and that $240 million deal for Cano). Between that and constant publicity behind a marriage anniversary trip to Cuba that even gave the president some grief 
(on top of his 99 problems) and the fact that he has the most important two year old in pop culture. He still found the time to drop an art short film for his single Picasso Baby as seen below.


Busy indeed but he has WTM's #AOTY and the platinum selling album that is Magna Carta Holy Grail. Congrats Jigga Man, You've worked hard and earned it. MCHG earns 4.4 on the Ramsey Rating Scale. It's been fun. I always enjoy writing this review no matter how stressful it becomes. I'm interested to see what music comes out in the next 12 months and what makes our list. Best believe, WTM is going to continue and grow to become something bigger and I'm excited to see what twists I have up my sleeve to make this review different from previous years. See you.

Your Editor,

#AOTY 2013 Number Three Long Live A$AP by A$AP Rocky

Remember this album? It's been all the way since January when A$AP Rocky released it, and even longer when it leaked in December 2012.

Long live A$AP was the album I compared every work next too while making the list. There weren't many skips on this one. Prettyboy Flacko did his thing and helped put A$AP Mob on the commercial map. Although he's from Harlem the album had a Southern/Midwestern feel to it but NYC is still evident in his flows.

Let's get to it. It all starts with the Grammy nominated lead single F*ckin Problems featuring 2 Chainz, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. This cut is arguably Song of the Year and is still in most major radio rotations. Other singles on this album include Fashion Killa, Goldie, and Wild for the Night with his high school classmate Skrillex. I also liked the self titled track Long. Live A$AP and PMW (All I Really Need). Opinionated, but the best track (and most played on the radio show) on this album is 1Train featuring Kendrick Lamar, Joey Bada$$, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson, & Big K.R.I.T. Its a traditional cypher beat, not overwhelming with electro sounds and heavy drums but just a boom bap track where the rappers got to show their own skill. Over and over people are still debating who had the best verse. The X-Factor track on this album that kept me listening was Ghetto Symphony with fellow Mob member A$AP Ferg and Gunplay who surprised me with a good feature.Long. Live. A$AP. was dope through and through and very difficult to leave at a number three spot on the countdown. Ramsey's Rating Scale Rates this with 4.5 of 5 stars.

#AOTY 2013 Number Four The Marshall Mathers LP 2 by Eminem

 Another emcee returning to the microphone was the Rap God himself, Eminem. I must admit at first I really wasn't feeling this project. I even fell asleep the first time through prematurely deeming this album Nap-Time music joining a host of artists that include Toni Braxton and Jill Scott (don't murder me I just don't feel their music like the rest of you all, doesn't take away from their talent though). Anyways, the second, third, and eighth listen had me hooked. The LP didn't make my personal list for previously mentioned reasons but the panel couldn't refuse the album. My bias opinion still doesn't take away from the judging categories by lyricism, uniqueness, production, popularity, and album sales. With that said, The Marshall Mathers LP 2 was one of three hip-hop albums that went platinum in 2013 (The number one and two albums on the list were the other two respectively). In an age where record sales are declining going platinum is more than impressive, especially when he hasn't dropped a solo album in almost two years.

The singles on this record were solid. Lots of listeners couldn't wait for this record to release. The Monster with Rihanna and Survival featuring Liz Rodrigues were nice radio friendly cuts. Over all the years he still keeps the same angry but conversational flow crossed with a catchy hook. Bezerk and Rap God were good but not great songs.Many people also enjoyed his song with Kendrick Lamar, Love Game. Both had solid verses that kept in context with the song title and story. What I respected most about this album was the features. Unlike many artists this year, he didn't overdue the amount of tracks with featured artists; he showcased his own skills.

People say the sequel is never better than the original. In this case I agree but it was still the third best album this year. Marshall Mathers II got 4 out of 5 stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale.

#AOTY 2013 Number Five: Born Sinner by J. Cole

Without a shadow of a doubt Born Sinner was my favorite album of the year 2013. Hurts my soul it only got enough votes to be Number Five on WTM's list.

J. Cole's sophomore LP was in high anticipation. He pushed it back two times and was bold enough to drop it the same day as Yesu Christo and Mac Miller. Power Trip feat. Miguel was arguably the song of the year. Forbidden Fruit with Kendrick Lamar was cool. Many people expected a verse from his featured guest but a sample from A Tribe Called Quest's classic Electric Relaxtion made the song worthwile. I also anticipated Crooked Smile featuring TLC as a single. Long before the album dropped, he spit the first verse at a show the same way he did for Chaining Day.

Another song that stood out to me was Let Nas Down. During a listening party before the drop date he broke down the meaning behind this cut. He went on about how the label wanted a single for the radio and "He was striking out for months." He finally got the green light when he dropped Work Out for Sideline Story. Unfortunately for him, his idol didn't approve as the track abandoning lyricism. Nas then responds by hopping on the remix, Made Nas Proud. Nuff Said.

This album was one of few that could be played start to finish. Cole kicked it off upbeat with Villuminati. He gave you real substance with LAnd of the Snakes and even a strong verse on his Mo Money (Interlude). Born Sinner was overall better than solid; the world is ready for a new story now. No more mulatto, out for Hov spot, I went to college, chip on his shoulder rap. You made it Cole, and the world is watching and ready. Cole World No Snuggie (shugs*). Born Sinner got 4.3 out of 5 Stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale.

#AOTY 2013 Honorable Mentions

This year's voting was so difficult we had to include a list of Honorable Mentions that were not far off from making the countdown. In fact some of them missed out by one or two deciding votes from the panel. This group includes some of my favorites but favorites doesn't make the list now does it (sorry to Pusha T Mac Miller & Big Sean). Here's a list of the albums in no particular order:

Childish Gambino's Because the Internet:
Perhaps this album could have gotten a higher spot on the list if it had dropped earlier in the year. The December 10th date gave him just about two weeks of time to listen and review it. He put more feeling into this album and it shows. He dropped the chip on his shoulder rap and just gave you everything he had. Less geeky but same clever punchline rapping with the accompaniment of his own singing. Possibly my favorite album this past year, Ramsey Rating Scale gives this 3.6 of 5 Stars.

Jean Grae's Gotham Down:
This album is without a doubt the most underrated project that is and will be mentioned on all of these lists point blank. Because I'm sure you didn't listen its on her bandcamp. Maybe one day female emcees will just be known as emcees, especially when they have the skills she does. I enjoyed listening to Kill Screen and Before the Summer Broke. This was one of the best projects in all of music this year and thats word to Niles Cavanaugh. Ramsey Rating Scale gives The Phoenix 3.2 of 5 Stars.

Earl Sweatshirt's Doris:
I understand that many people aren't into his monotone flow or the fact that he is plain odd. Regardless this album was pure dopeness (Yes it is a word, because I added it to the dictionary of Microsoft Word on my cpu). Hive with Vince Staples and Chum were my favorite cuts on this album. I had a hard time keeping it off the top 5. The Odd Future member got 3 out of 5 stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale.

Kid Cudi's Indicud:
He drops an album then a week later leaves G.O.O.D Music. This was one of my favorite albums this year. I've always admired how musical the production on Kid Cudi's albums were. That didn't cease on this album. Unf*ckwittable, Solo Dolo Part II feat. Kendrick Lamar, and Girls feat. Too Short. Indicud received 3.4 stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale.

Wale's The Gifted:
Before I start I would like to apologize to the emcee personally in hopes he doesn't spazz on me the same way he did to Complex Magazine on their Top 50 album of 2013 list (You have to listen to this) (All jokes, look forward to interviewing you one day and enjoyed when you came to WPUNJ). The Gifted was awesome, I enjoyed it personally but it was a Top 10 album this year, not top five. His choice of singles were great with LoveHate Thing with Sam Drew and Bad feat. Tiara Thomas. I also enjoyed the remix with Rihanna and Tired of Dreaming featuring Ne-Yo & Rick Ross. This album got 3.8 of 5 stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale.

Third Annual #AOTY 2013 Review

Third time's the charm huh?

A little later than expected but we've been busy at WTM creating this list of the Top Hip-Hop Albums of the Year 2013 Anno Domini. Every year the race for number one has been close but none as close as this year. Every year I try to do something special and distinct about this review. Last year not only did we have Hip-Hop but R&B as well on the blog. This year we did the review On-Air at WPSC 88.7 FM Brave New Radio as a round table discussion board.

The event was dope due to the contrasting opinions on hip-hop as a genre and had diverse picks that made things interesting. Some panelists enjoy nitty-gritty four core elements hip-hop while others enjoy the new radio friendly turn-up music artists like Juicy J, 2 Chainz, A$AP Ferg, French Montana and Tyga.

A host of artists dropped albums this year. Some acts include Talib Kweli, Lil Wayne, Tyler the Creator,  Action Bronson, Kanye West, Mac Miller, Slum Village, Joe Budden, Ace Hood, Big Sean,  MMG,  Dom Kennedy, DJ Khaled, Angel Haze, Danny Brown, and Pusha T. Other artists like LL Cool J, Eve, Snoop Dogg, Goodie Mob, and Nelly all returned to the mic from brief hiatuses.

Unlike the previous years it is not my own personal list. This project was made by a team and shall continue this way as long as WTM lives. Without further adieu, What's the Movement presents our 3rd Annual Hip-Hop Album of the Year Review and Honorable Mention lists.

Honorable Mentions

Top 5 AOTY 2013
1. MCHG
2. NWTS
3. Long Live A$ap
4. The Marshall Mathers LP II
5. Born Sinner

Previous Years

2011 #AOTY List
2012 #AOTY List

Your Editor,

Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover aka Kanye’s Son

Is set to be release his sophomore album “Because of the Internet" on December 10^th.  To prepare for this Childish is making his rounds on the media circuit. Doing several interviews with The Breakfast Club, Sway in the Morning, and going on the Arsenio Hall  Show. He did a killer freestyle to Drakes Cake on Sway in the Morning, which you can listen to here, as well as his other interviews. 

Interview for 105.1 breakfast club

http://youtu.be/sLA8L_VzG_o

Aresenio Hall

http://bcove.me/q5c37ybe

People may assume that Gambino from his “suicidal” instagram rant that he is coming from a dark place. But he is only telling the truth about the world and his fears. Life is a dark and scary place its understandable to feel like he was feeling.

“We are all going to die, so why live life doing something you don’t like.”

He also released a couple songs that may be on the album tracks like 3005, WorldStar, and debuted Shadows by performing it on the Aersio Hall show alongside Thunder Cat.

Childish Gambino did a couple on impromptu album listening parties. Only alerting the fans, and anyone that wanted to come where via his twitter.He tells you where plans to be, asks for someone to bring speakers and he will play the album. So far he has done one in London and New York (which I would have gone to if I didn’t have school)

He also was having random mansion parties around the US, playing his album. He invited the Internet through tumblr couple of weeks ago. To get invited you had to leave your name, address, and phone number. Of course I submitted my name and waited by my phone but unfortunately I wasn’t invited.

If you asked me what this album is going sound like I could tell you I have no clue.

You wonder if it will sound like the almost hard-core rap that came out of his pervious mixtape Royalty. Or we could get the sweet singing Gambino from his Camp days. Just looking at the songs 3005 and WorldStar they are two opposites, But I have a feeling the album is going to be something unexpected and really exciting. 

Because the Internet is now available in stores and on iTunes