Listen: This Bitter Land - @fatbellybella & @Nas {Written by: @Natural_Nation}

The Land, a motion picture connecting the likes of Nas. Erykah Badu, and Machine Gun Kelly, is set to release on July 29th across parts of the country. The film has made an appearance at the critically acclaimed Sundance Film  Festival and has already received outstanding reviews. The film is a story of brotherhood tied together by a skateboarding set against a troubled scene in Cleveland.

Recently released is a song from the motion picture soundtrack called This Bitter Land.  It is produced by Nas and JB Bontemps. The track is a flawless collaboration between Nas and Erykah Badu, a beautiful slow building song with derelict undertones and emotion hanging on every word. The album is also set to release this Friday, July 29th with a list of featured artists including Kanye West, Machine Gun Kelly, Pusha-T, Dave East, and Jeremih to name a few.  This Bitter Land is currently streaming on Soundcloud, Take a listen below.

Review: Everything's Beautiful by @robertglasper & @milesdavis {Written by: @Natural_Nation}

Miles Davis. A name that stands on it's very own. An icon, a musical visionary, and possibly one of most literal definitions of 'one a kind'. I believe if you look very closely at the fine print in the bible you may actually see the 11th commandment: thou shalt know the name Miles Davis and put some 'respek' on his name. Well, musical pianist, Robert Glasper has put 'respek' on his name in the freshest way possible. Everything's Beautiful pays homage to Mile's but not in the typical delivery of a traditional tribute project. What we very often see is the collaboration of various artists delivering the same version of songs we have heard from the original artist. What's the difference? Most often just the voice. Glasper, however has put together a project that pays tribute in a more creative way. He has essentially created new material from small samples and themes of Mile's old music and it works, beautifully.

Everything's Beautiful is a musical pair to the movie Miles Ahead. This past April Don Cheadle directed and starred in a biopic about the life of Miles Davis. I have yet to see the movie but so far I continue to hear a mix of reviews, particularly about the way the story was portrayed. It seems as though Don Cheadle took a more unconventional approach to the making of the movie. Critics and fans seem to either take a liking to his viewpoint or find it a bit much. Either way it seems that the addition of Glasper to score the movie as well as develop his own project was creatively a great idea.

Although I haven't seen the entire movie I have had a chance to listen to some of the scores and it is very apparent that Glasper took a different approach with the LP. It's safe to say that Everything's Beautiful is still a jazzy affair. A 2 AM walk down the foggy streets of New York with a strange filter of indigo. It's smooth and consistently mellow, something I could listen to to wind down for the day. Glasper takes a giant step back on this project. He only performs solo's on two of the tracks: Maiysha and Milestones. It seems he takes a metaphorical birds eye's view to the LP and acts more as a producer and composer. Glasper pulls from various artist's, many of which worked on his Grammy-nominated Black Radio album, to contribute their unique talents to each song.

        List of LP Features:       

Miles Davis

Bilal

Illa J

Erykah Badu

Phonte

Hiatus Kaiyote

Laura Mvula

King

Georgia Ann Muldrow

John Scofield 

Ledisi

Stevie Wonder

Some of the songs feature Miles on the horn and some of the songs find another way to incorporate his artistry. For instance the very first track called Talkin Shit you can hear Miles talking to one his band members by the name of Joe. It seem as though Joe is one of the drummers and Miles is talking to him about trying to find a different beat. It's a really cool way to introduce the project because Miles' voice alone is jazz and it sets the tone for what's to come. Majority of the songs has a very cohesive sound. Throughout the LP, oddly enough, I was constantly being reminded of Janelle Monae's ArchAndroid. Violet and Song for Selim in particular reminded me of something I had heard off of her album. The hook being sung on Violet could have easily been replaced with Janelle's vocals and flowed seamlessly, while the composition and metronome rhythm in Song for Selim has a likeness to a song featured on her album called Babopbye Ya. I can only imagine that the parallels I hear are less about Glasper's likeness to Janelle and more about the influence of Miles Davis on the masses.

Maiysha featuring Erykah Badu was one of the few songs that really jumped out at me. It was just completely different from the rest of the project but still managed to fit logically with the rest of the songs. When I made it to this track it did not surprise me that I eventually heard her voice.  If anyone was going to fly in on this Lp with the wind of Bossa nova beneath their wings it would be Ms. Badu. The album closes out with a track called Right on Brotha. The song does not feature any vocals but brings in the multi-talented legend Stevie Wonder to accompany with the harmonica. The last song and the entire project are a great reminder of how many layers and faces these artists have, not being solely defined by one thing. Everything's Beautiful certainly holds true to its name.

Rating 4.3 out of 5

Listen: Come and See Badu - @fatbellybella, @Partyomo & @Drake

I've never been on that wave of watching and listening to song covers, but Erykah Badu surprises us all with this twist on Come and See Me by PARTYNEXTDOOR featuring Drake.

This ballad was already dope but I love what she did with her verse. The problem is people sing the song exactly how it was in the original but she made the song fit her more than it already did. I guess that's why She ILL is and will forever be an R&B legend. I love her background vocals she put under PARTY's verses and hooks. Listen to the cover after the break.

Editor's Picks: Week of 1-17-15

Album of the Week: Perfectly Imperfect - Elle Varner

This weeks album of the week for me serves as a slight throwback. It's funny what you find when you click shuffle on your phone. Perfectly Imperfect by Elle Varner was number five on my R&B AOTY 2012 if you've been riding with us that far back. I know everyone is wondering where Frank Ocean is but I could use a little Elle Varner. Songs like Refill and Only Wanna Give it To You featuring J. Cole will do that to you.



Song on Repeat: Father Figure - Omen

It's Lit! I think I've been saying that everyday for the past week. I'm still on a high of excitement because my God-daughter was born last week. I've been prepping for an Elephant Eyes review in the next coming week and this song just came on for me, and again, and again. I don't relate but my boy grew up without his pops so this is a song I've heard him spit without ever once going to the studio. Deep stuff. Look out for the review next week.


Throwback Jawn: You got me - The Roots & Erykah Badu

On the way to Philly for some business earlier this week Things Fall Apart was the playlist. When in Rome right? Sometimes it's good to listen to the classics and remind yourself why you listen to hip-hop in the first place. The Legendary Roots band, legendary spitter Black Thought, and legendary vocalist Erykah Badu on the same song. Music really was amazing back in the day. Take a trip with me.



 Underground: Seduction - Samad SaVage

Issah passed this young brother to me. I heard the instrumental to Electric Relaxation but slightly adjusted in the percussion. After that he immediately had my ear. The Montclair emcee shows great song structure, originality, and just sheer bars. Dude's got talent. "You know what this song is about bro?" Issah asks me. "Nah I missed it wassup?" "Abstinence." I'm impressed because he spits about his lifestyle instead of the trend of today: Money, Cars, Clothes, Hoes. There's more to the world than that huh? Listen for yourself below.

Review: But You Caint Use My Phone - @FatBellyBella (Written By: @Natural_Nation)

Listening to But You Caint Use My Phone was like getting a chance to sneak in to the studio and eavesdrop on an Erykah Badu jam session. It's one of those projects where less is more. It's creative, eccentric, gives us everything we love about Ms. Badu, and it's simple, in a great way. Not the way trap music is simple but the way dance music in the 70's was simple. They could repeat one word on a nine minute track and for nine straight minutes people would take their time sweating their hair out. It didn't need much to be good, it just was. There was a thought process put into the listening experience.

In general But You Caint Use My Phone is a compilation of tributes to songs that revolve around phones. The very first track is an homage to one of Erykah's most recognizable singles Call on Tyrone. The song carries the same melody adjusted with different lyrics. Hi, one of my favorite tracks is barely long enough to be anything more than an interlude. It immediately reminded me of how angry I was listening to Fertilizer on channel Orange. So perfect, yet so short.

Now, I have to be completely honest when I first heard Cell U Lar Device as a stand alone single I didn't make it to the second verse. I initially didn't give it the time of day and this is coming from a hardcore Erykah fan. On first impression I summed it up to be a poor remake. Boy was I salty when I actually made it through the whole track. It's now one of my favorite songs on the mixtape. Lesson learned, never doubt the Mother.

Phone Down is probably my least favorite song but the concept is interesting. Honestly it's embarrassing how relevant the premise is. Throughout the song Erykah repeats the words "I can make you put your phone down." It's an effortless but meaningful statement. Do you know the kind of power you would have in this day and age if you could make someone put their phone down? From now on I'm using it as a pick up line. U Use to Call Me is similar to Hi in that it feels like an interlude. But there is a rapper featured on this track that sounds like a perfect version of Drake, with the sniffles. Who are you!? The people want to know!

Mr. Telephone Man (track six) and U Don't Have to Call (track seven) are both tributes to previously made songs. The former is New Edition's 1984 hit Mr. Telephone Man and the latter is Usher's 2001 hit U Don't Have To Call. Track 7 made my favorite list easily. I love the eclectic sound and thanks to my pops caught the Parliament style bird call in the beginning of the song. Drake with a cold makes another appearance on Whats yo phone number. This track has a modern sound, generally attributed to the snares in the background. It wouldn't surprise me if this was a mixtape favorite.

Listening to Dial'Afreaq immediately brought me to Looking for the Perfect Beat by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force. AKA' 1980's breaking anthem. It has a very 80's hip-hop, breakdancing vibe which I will admit didn't fully connect with the opening segment about our complete disregard for the life of bee's but still very cool none the less. I'll Call You Back has an uncanny resemblance to Post Malone's White Iverson. Another smooth transition to Hello.

Hello is the closing song on this 11 part mixtape. I mean what is there to really say about this song. It's Andre 3000! It's the ultimate collaboration. These are two people I used to wish would get married when I was younger. Neither of them can do wrong in my eyes, but it really is a lovely collaboration. They also bring along their son Seven for the ride. Everything from the melody to the tone of their voice's is a perfect combination. It's just a bonus that it happens to be a great song and a reminder of what happens when two artists get together and blend seamlessly; like Toni Braxton and BabyFace. Bleh, it couldn't have ended on a better note. I'm done. Make sure to listen to my favorite tracks, as listed below. But You Can't Use My Phone is available on iTunes.

Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Favorite Tracks 

2. Hi

 3. Cel U Lar Device 

7. U Don't Have to Call

11. Hello 

iTunes download

Listen: Hello - @Fatbellybella featuring Andre 3000 & Seven

Regardless of whatever is going on, Erykah Badu has always found a way to stay classy (except when you cross her ask Raven Symone).

Part of the Thanksgiving mixtape releases, Erykah dropped her newest mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone. Hello has definitely been viewed as a fan favorite. It closes out the project and features her former lover, Andre 3000 and their son Seven. I was surprised when I originally heard his voice as he really draws a lot of influence from the champagne papi, Drake. Super talented just like his parents. Listen to that below and look out, Zuri has the scoop on the whole project soon.

#TBT: Out My Mind, Just In Time by @fatbellybella (Erykah Badu,) Written by: @Natural_Nation

In honor of her new mixtape: But You Caint Use My Phone dropping Thanksgiving weekend, I dedicated this here Throwback Thursday to Ms. Erykah Badu; my mother from another lifetime. 

 As a whole Erykah’s music has shaped my taste in music from a fairly young age. She was the reason everyone called me an old soul. She is the reason, still to this day, that people acknowledge my likeness to her. I always admired her eccentricity. I loved everything about her, from her voice down to her hair. She embodied a part of me that I didn’t know was there yet and she helped me realize that not only was it cool to be different but that it was beautiful. I came across this particular song Out My Mind, Just In Time much later in life. I can still remember lying n my room watching the ceiling fan turn as I sang under my breath.

“ I’m a recovering under cover over lover”

                                     “…..recovering from a love I can’t get over"

The lyrics were and still are so relatable. It was like she was singing for me. In the song, Erykah tells a story of a relationship we have seen so many times before: a woman who would do anything for a man.  She takes you through her range of emotions and thoughts during her experience. She’s a woman engulfed in a love that is no longer present. Her other half wants to move on to someone new. After time passes there are many moments of pain and self reflection. She knows she is smarter than the way her actions portrayed her. Love made her blind and naïve but she realizes that was only a moment in time and she has the ability to correct herself. By the end of the song she acknowledges the part she took in her own downfall and refuses to make the same mistakes again.  

 The song is and emotional combination of jazz, blues, and soul; something for an overcast day in the middle of autumn. I have an affinity for long/two part songs. They always seem to tell a great story and I am a sucker for a good story. This track tries to give Parliament’s Knee Deep (seriously the longest song I have ever heard in my life) a run for its money but falls short at ten minutes and forty-eight seconds long. If you're a lover of  jazz or just a Badu fan who hasn't made their way to the New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh  album yet, this is a MUST LISTEN in her arsenal. It's a tale of a love lost...who hasn't been there?

Listen: Hotling Bling (cover) - Erykah Badu (@fatbellybella)

Last week Erykah Badu joined countless others making a cover of Hotline Bling made famous by Drake.

Haven't heard much new material from the soul queen recently so it's always nice to get that. To be perfectly honest she did an awesome job making the song sound like her and of all the covers this was better than the original. Listen to the Medulla cover of Hotline Bling after the break.

Editorial Review: #Surf - @DonnieTrumpet & @ChancetheRapper (by @RamseySaidWHAT)

It took a lot out of me to write this, I know how much Queen loves Chance but I had to review this one. Maybe next time honey.

Alright how do I even begin? Surf as of right this moment is number one in my AOTY rankings. We're a little more than halfway through the year. I know it might indeed be too soon but it's just something about this one. Through and through the mesh of Donnie Trumpet, Social Experiment, and Chance the Rapper bless our ears with sheer greatness. It's like a combination of live band like The Roots and Chance's quirky uniqueness. I would make a different comparison but his voice, spoken word, and flow style is so unique. Although the project is feature heavy it is near perfection. No artist upstaged another. Besides features aren't always too bad, word to Niles and Statik Seletktah They spoke their two cents and got too it. Speaking of two cents, they released it for free on iTunes. Let's get to it.

Track one, Miracle. Choral vocals fade in from the back to the foreground. I can't think of a different word than eerie to describe the melody sang by Raury. Don't get used to it because the beat stops and Chance enters with spoken word. The beat follows soon and turns it to a rap. We can expect more surprise as the album takes off. All in all, nice introduction.

Slip Slide follows up next. The song begins with noise as we band nerds call it. The trumpet takes over the melody. Busta Rhymes surprises everyone thanking Chance for giving him the opportunity to spit and stand up (or try to, I had to make a pun). No diss at all because Busta delivers and reminds us why he's a legend and far from past his prime. There is no plateau for this man. B.O.B also makes an appearance. They spit about trying not to slip and slide and fall into the tendencies of the rest of the industry. I was ultimately surprised it wasn't Akon on the hook but Macea of the O'My's serenading us all. Slip Slide ends really smooth and transitions nicely into Warm Enough. Noname Gypsy and Chance the Rapper trade back and forth with bars about love. "Who are you to love me and not call me by my name." Gypsy blesses us with vocals on the hook and then it happened.

"Is that J. Cole?!" yell me and my cousin during our first listen on an Atlantic City road trip. He follows suit with the love rant and if I had to crown a winner it'd have to be the lady. Maybe they just love better than we. Debatable but back to the topic. Nothing Came to Me serves as an interlude of sorts. Donnie Trumpet keeps it simple. I guess no title for the track came to name and he reminded us that this is indeed a jazz album first, then hip-hop. Beautiful trumpet solo.

Nothing Came To Me. A new Silent Film from Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment https://t.co/DnnTMuUuJE

— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) January 29, 2015

Surf returns to a joyful mood with the next track, Wanna Be Cool. Chancellor is joined by Jeremih singing. "I don't wanna be cool. I just wanna be me." The next surprise is Big Sean and Super Duper Kyle rapping about staying true to themselves. Fun but importantly preached by the singer/rapper quartet. The album feel takes another turn when Windows begins. Chance the Rapper is joined by BJ the Chicago Kid and Raury. They croon not to look up to them. I still swear I hear Mali Music and his singing habits in this song. I could be wrong but I swear it's him even if he's not listed in the credits. Nonetheless, it's easily my favorite song that is still on repeat as I type. Caretaker has another interlude feeling. Not too lengthy as D.R.A.M sings about taking good care of his lover, even if she is a groupie. The song samples Find My Way Back, the old Jaheim jam. I even hear hints of Can You Handle it by Usher. At least that's what it suggests. Gents you can put this in your "Get the drawers" mix, thank me later.

Just Wait begins with Donnie and Social Experiment just going ham for no reason at all. Eff it that's why. After their jam session ends, Chance the "singer" returns preaching patience. Familiar provides the biggest surprise feature on the album. Musically the song is so funky and Chance paves the way with a really dope flow and hook. Fellow Chicago native King Louie makes an appearance but what baffled the hell out of me was Quavo from Migos laying a verse down. It doesn't matter if you don't like jazz this album is really for everyone. Trust me, I hit the Whip, Cook, and Nay-Nay, a lot to this jam. Crossover music at it's finest. Following Familiar is SMTHNTHTIWNT which features Saba. This project has shown Chicago a lot of love indeed. The production is really distorted where the chi-town emcee spits a nice little verse. Not exactly whack but in comparison with the rest of the project this song can be overlooked. Go which features Jesse Boykins III, Mike Golden, and Joey Purp. The mood drastically changes back upbeat. Jesse Boykins III joins singers from Social Experiment to sing a fun hook. Mike Golden lays down vocals with the first verse. Joey Purp follows up with some bars of his own. Hook, verse, hook, bridge, verse hook, outro. The format to this song is perfect, point blank. Questions featuring Jamila Woods is next. I originally thought this was actually Dej Loaf. I love the percussion and jam session. The song is short but sweet. Not much else to say.

Something Came to Me seems like a response to the earlier song, Nothing Came to Me. Donnie lends his horn with another trumpet solo. It leads into Rememory with finesse. Chance the Rapper takes the role of the man in a bad divorce. He tells his regret and worry for the children. Ady Suleiman assists with a falsetto of sorts on the hook. Really dramatic groaning voice fits the mood of the song perfect, when out of nowhere Sara Bellum appears. Yes that's right the queen, Erykah Badu herself lends her jazzy motherly vocals to console the hurting Chancellor. Jamila Woods makes another appearance on the next song, Sunday Candy. She really gets her chance to show her own talent this time around. So many gospel characteristics blend well with the live band sound. The hook is reminiscent to Genesis chapter six if you have a bible handy. Chance's verse added hip-hop to the crossover. Fuego. The projects wraps up with Pass the Vibes. Eric Butler sings over a catchy instrumental. It's very touristy. Maybe I created that word but it's like you could hear that tune on a Caribbean vacation commercial if you catch my drift (get it? Drift? Surf? It's my last chance at a pun).

All jokes aside Surf is a great project. As of now this might be my favorite thus far this year. As Niles said in his Statik Selektah review, this year is quite the competition for album of the year. We've seen strong showings from hip-hop and the year is only half over. This year I think the staff will have a much more diverse showing than the previous year. It's albums like Surf that make this possible. Perhaps it was really feature heavy but the surprises made the album that much sweeter. Chance the Rapper served as Social Experiment's Black Thought. Assists from heavy hitters, legends, and up-and-comers made this sweeter than your high school sweetheart's cute bestie. Donnie Trumpet, Social Experiment, and Chance the Rapper's Surf gets 4.7 of 5 stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale. You can stream the project below via DatPiff. Enjoy the vibes. I need yall to feel this.