Black Panther Soundtrack Review written by @Best_ofda_Worst

What's up family! I am so excited for this new Black Panther movie to finally premiere. Not only is Black Panther a dope superhero, but he means so much to my little brothers out there who don’t see much of themselves in fiction. After all, representation is important. At long last, they have someone to pretend to be. They can use his ideals of courage, bravery, and honor (you know all that good stuff) to be heroes themselves, or at least have fun. They can image being someone cool or for Halloween.

I already plan on seeing this movie this entire weekend from Friday to Sunday. Had I been alive for the premiere of Coming to America, I would have done the same. I know this movie is going to be great but I'm not here to talk about my movie expectations when we already have the album. To be honest, from start to finish this is the bomb. For whatever reason this soundtrack sounds better when you listen to it for the first time.

For instance, I wanted to skip the first two songs. At first listen the self-titled track was just okay to me. All the Stars with SZA and Kendrick Lamar  was the lead single before the album released. At this point I wasn’t impressed. Sidebar the video is amazing (Go ahead and check it out. Your melanin will thank you for it). From here, we go to X. It was at this point is where the project turns up.

The Ways isn’t my favorite song on the album. After a couple listens I usually skip it. This time I  gave it another listen and it's not bad. It grew on me but still not something to run home about. Maybe after I see the movie, I'll appreciate this song more. Otherwise, it's meh song on an otherwise great album. The rest of the movie soundtrack is  🔥🔥🔥. My favorite songs are Paramedic! and Seasons but that can easily switch up to Bloody Waters or King’s Dead. Speaking of King’s Dead, you know the song with Kendrick, Jay Rock, and Future? I think Future out rapped Jay Rock….Hear me out.



I'm not one of those hip-hop purists. You know the ones who think that every song needs to be super lyrical or all have that same boom bap percussion. I prefer my music to be fun. This song in particular is not one of those tracks where we focus on the lyrics because honestly listening to the song you will get lost in the beat and the hook. Back to why I think Jay Rock was out rapped by a “mumble rapper.” Recently BET started doing this thing where the have different rappers read lyrics and not list the name or artist who wrote it. And on a scale of 1-5, they have to rate the lyrics. If they read Jay-Rock’s if you read Jay-Rock’s lyrics what would you give it?

I've been ready, my whip been ready

My b*tch been ready, my clique been ready

My sh*t's been ready, my check's been ready

My shot's on full, that's Armageddon

I got pull, I hope y'all ready

With that being said, King’s Dead is one of the best on this album. Jay Rock’s verse is the most mediocre and yet is still dope. This fact proves to me that nowadays, lyrics aren’t everything in a rap track anymore. It is possible to make an amazing song and not really say anything. Keep that in mind someone disses a so-called mumble rapper. Especially if that rapper is making classic music. Shoutouts to the genius behind the song Freak Hoes and March Madness.

Long story short, this is an amazing album. With the exception of one song that's okay, I love all of the tracks. My only wish is that there were more AfroBeat songs. I mean this movie is about an African Nation, why not have African music? Seasons does have Sjava singing in Zulu, but I feel like there should be more. All in all, I give this album an 8.5 of 9. This album is dope. Go ahead and give it a listen @ me if you want to debate me. That comment section below is just for you too.

If You're Reading this I Just Listened to @SZA (A Letter to My Younger Self)

Dear 22 year old Jonathan,

I listened to SZA's Ctrl today. Like really listened to her for more than just a review or for sonic pleasure. I got a tip that the themes and messages were worth ingesting. With that being said, I learned something and decided I was going to write you in a failed attempt in teaching you something that only experience can. I want to say I have no regrets except that I hadn't gotten this letter to you sooner. Let me explain. I swear, SZA has got to be pissed that her entire album didn't get the respect it deserved for such clarity, concise thoughts and concepts put into audible form. Ctrl takes us on the emotional roller-coaster that is a twenty something. You my friend are about to embark on that as we speak. The project got an unfair stigma and side chick vibe just because of one song. The song is a bop though and who knows one day maybe you'll get lucky here or there because of it hehe. It's called The Weekend. It explores some Jezebel tendencies that most of us have experienced on either end whether we want to speak on it aloud or hide in the facades that are our social lives. In other songs she explains being under appreciated in a misogynistic and patriarchal world. Doves In The Wind with Kendrick Lamar touches base on how entitled men feel. I mean really think about it, some of us really think we deserve some action just off strength of being a "Real N*gga." Really dude?

You're probably sitting here now wondering how in just under four years time you grew up to be such a pussy. I'm not I promise. I guess this project hit close and I wasn't prepared to get knowledge from a different woman from Maplewood than the one I planned for. SZA isn't just the girl you'd be proud to take home to your mom. She is a woman who'll make you question yourself. No matter if you treat them with respect or like a trophy, women like this make you think "Am I really willing to risk losing her forever over my nonsense? Do I really want to see what happens when you hurt someone so transparent and understanding?" Jonathan you'll ruin her if you do and yes I will give you that much credit you manipulative punk. You're capable if she loves you enough. Not only could you bring her to moms but she's not ever going to be someone you need to brag about. Spend five minutes with her and her magic and allure is infectious. She will demand the room's attention the moment she opens her mouth. As much as I'd like to say it though, SZA isn't one in a million. There are plenty of wonderful transparent women like her. We as a society have just become so accustomed to replacing each other at any sign of conflict. If we continue that thought and keep hurting each other there will be less and less SZA's out there thus continuing a endless cycle of pain we all bring each other and pass to the next generation. Okay maybe you did grow up to be a little fake deep so what? You'll watch this show called Insecure by Issa Rae and completely get it in a few years.

Like my letter to you, SZA's Ctrl is a letter to the young ladies like her. She's saying don't give it all up because someone has things going for them however don't be afraid to give altogether. Just be cautious that it's not only to one deserving but appreciates you in addition to that impressive resume. SZA ends the project with a song, Twenty Something. She with all the advice in the world doesn't claim to be an authority and have all the answers. She just gives you a piece of her and a few stories and experiences. Like her, I unfortunately do not know anything either. It's okay I've seen some things in this little bit of time and you can look forward to not being an idiot forever. As much as you'll beat yourself up for how things ended with AJ, it's okay. I can tell you that you've learned at least enough that you guys won't be damaged goods forever. It was just a rainy season. Learn grow and don't compare her to any other woman you may meet. You'll live longer and they will too if you just continue to do the right thing as difficult as that is. Besides you're autobiography would have been bland if you didn't have any conflict on your way to the top. This story does end with a happily ever after. Be sure to be the catalyst and not the product of your environment. This story will end with a happily ever after, I promise.

One twenty something to another,
25 y/o Jonathan C. Ramsey

P.S. Just have fun writing this story. We'll all be watching.

Watch: Free Lunch - @isaiahrashad

Before I could even post about the song TDE's Isaiah Rashad drops a video for his new track.

Since his signing and discovery I've been really interested in the Chattanooga artist and his progression. Even though he's not a vocalist I think he has complete control over everything he sings whether it's a hook, background for himself, his labelmates, or whoever. Not to mention he's a pure spitter. He flexes all of these tools in his newest offering Free Lunch. New single, new video wasn't good enough for you? Well he's confirmed a release date for the follow up to Cilvia Demo. September 2nd, not too long of a wait. In the meantime you can catch that visual for Free Lunch after the break.

Editorial Review: Blank Face LP - @ScHoolBoyQ

Since Oxymoron, the announcement of Blank Face LP, and an amazing trailer I've been excited about this release. ScHoolBoy Q has grown and polished his sound. The trailer sets up like for a short film or movie. Question, did he entertain us in the theater? Is the follow up to Oxymoron going to hold enough water? Let's get to it.

The story begins with TorcH. Although not on the tracklist, it features recent XXL Freshman, Anderson .Paak. We'll hear more about him later. Lord Have Mercy is as it sounds. It's a prayer asking for forgiveness sharing his soul in being a rapper, gangster, father, son, and everything that makes Quincy himself. Swizz Beatz adds his signature sound and vocals throughout. Although an amazing producer, I've never liked his sound. It always sounds like there's way too much going on and I could say the same with this track as well. The lead single, THat Part grew on me like I predicted. I still don't like Kanye's verse. I don't know what it is but he's really been struggling recently with his flow. His first bar is trash, flat out. "Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay, OKAY!" Sounds like my silly attempts at rapping in forth grade. I'm curious on why the Black Hippy Remix didn't make the final cut, but oh well. It's not all bad & I really like the beat. It's West Coast G-Funk meets modernity. The beat changes like how it does in Mercy and a lot of other G.O.O.D Music productions. Then Kanye freestyles again in the end and it sounds silly, if anyone else recorded that they'd consider it an outtake and never leave it in. Maybe it's arrogance, maybe it's art but I'm not feeling it.

Hip-Hop is unique because the rappers are the reporters of their time and era. Groovy Tony is Q's journalistic report of the hood sh*t goes through on a daily. Jadakiss takes it from the 323 to Yonkers and tells his New York tale. This track is a two part combined with Eddie Kane. Same BPM but different beat makes for an awesome audio crossfade. Ali mixed the hell out of this project and it shows. I also love the choral vocals in the back of the second verse.

Know Ya Wrong features TDE's most recent signee, Lance Skiiiwalker whom we heard a lot from on Jay Rock's last project. Most of the tracks on the project do duel sided sounds and production. This is the same. Ride Out is one of my favorites. It really speaks to the crip in all of us and even features Vince Staples. Gritty, gangsta, everything you'd expect from this song just reading the tracklist cuz.

WHatever You Want with Candice Pillay takes an unusual dance, EDM feel. It's definitely the most pop sounding song on the project. Not really much cup of tea but someone will drink it. By Any Means changes back to a darker mood. Although not listed in the tracklist or producer credits it sounds like Isaiah Rashaad and Kendrick lent their talents to sing background. I really like the bounce in this. Q gonna do what he needs to do by any means. 

"Get yours, get yours get yours, by any means. you can f*ck my b*tch you can have my heaux."  

Dope Dealer features west coast OG E-40 and is produced by Metro Boomin. Doesn't sound like anything he's ever made before. It's as if he left Atlanta trap to west coast funk and it's clearly catered and crafted for the Cali duo. JoHn Muir and Big Body with Tha Dogg Pound gives ScHoolboy a chance to show off his emcee flows on a more core hip-hop sound. Big Body was produced by Tyler the Creator and has the quirky sound you'd expect from him. Neva CHange is another fan favorite for me. SZA comes in assisting with vocals on the hook and DJ Dahi flatters us with simplicity over the beat and mix.

Str8 Ballin pays homage to 2Pac's THug life and All Eyez on Me. This is the climactic part of the album where we really really see the most of Q. Black THougHts is where Quincy addresses the black community in what's wrong. This song has the most content and holds the most sentimental value to me. That's to be expected when Kendrick, Q, George Clinton and Terrace Martin get together. I would have loved to hear a verse from Ab-Soul here. I think he would have something awesome to say here, even if it's a wild conspiracy theory. I side-eyed the "All Lives Matter" line until I realized he was talking about the unity of Bloods and Crips. Anderson .Paak returns like he never left in the self-titled track. It almost serves as a remix to TorcH. Miguel and Justine Skye join forces with Q on Overtime. The mood is slow and calm and I recommend the thugs to compromise and add this to their playlist for their shorty, she'll appreciate it. Overtime is to Blank Face as Studio with BJ the Chicago Kid is to Oxymoron. Blank Face concludes with piano keys and 16's from Traffic, TF, and Q on Tookie Knows II. 

Blank Face is one of the more musical rap albums I've heard recently. The production uses a lot of instruments over artificial synthesizers and other electronically produced sounds. I think this will make his live sets awesome. It will sound like a more intimate experience than a studio crafted listen. I don't know if this was the plan but it seems like every member of Black Hippy is dropping albums kind of telling their Day in the Life or Coming of Age kind of story. Good Kid Maad City, 90059, These Days and now Blank Face are all their perspective Californication Chronicle from different parts of the Los Angeles county area. Ride Out, By Any Means,Neva CHange, Black THoughts, and Overtime will be in rotation for a long time for me. Blank Face LP gets a 4.25 of 5 Stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale. Listen to Blank Face after the break.

Listen: twoAM - @sza {Written by @Natural_Nation}

Last week, to my wonderful surprise, SZA released a track called twoAM. The song seems to be in no way related to her third up and coming project A. Posting the link for the song on her twitter this past Thursday she simply added "Lol Just for shits and gigs." The track is a remake of PARTYNEXTDOOR's March track Come and See Me featuring Drake. SZA seems to be speaking from the side of the female, similar to the way Jojo did in her rendition of Marvin's Room (Drake) back in who ever the hell remembers 2000 and something. I'm just really ready for this, anybody else?   

Listen: THat Part - @ScHoolBoyQ feat @kanyewest

After Oxymoron, the world hasn't heard much but a few guest pieces from ScHoolboy Q.

TDE confirmed that his project is already finished and they are just waiting on the go. If that wasn't good enough he dropped his first song since then last week titled THat Part. The song features Kanye West. Not my cup of tea first listen but it's definitely that signature bounce from Q and Ye. Maybe it'll grow on me, Listen for yourself after the break.

Review: untitled unmastered. - @kendricklamar; A Niles P. Joint.

I feel like after you drop one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the last few years, you get a grace period and don’t have to release anything for at least three years if you choose.  Kendrick Lamar begs to differ.  After LeBron James took to Twitter to ask the TDE brass (Top Dawg specifically) about releasing some of Kendrick’s hidden catalogue, untitled unmastered. dropped as a surprise release late last Thursday.  When I say “hidden catalogue” I’m referring to songs that were performed at the Grammys and on the late nite talk show circuit that had no official releases.  While every rapper has loads of gems locked in a vault somewhere that are usually only speculated about, Kendrick & TDE turned the drafts from the seminal To Pimp a Butterfly into a cohesive project.  

The first thing you’ll notice about this album is that none of the songs have any actual titles, instead using numbers and dates of when they were made.  So on untitled 01 the first voice you actually hear is Bilal’s, being lusty on the intro as the instrumentation builds.  Over a simple yet prominent bassline courtesy of Terrace Martin, Kendrick visualizes judgement day and pleads his case to God as to why he should see the pearly gates.  The chant “Pimp pimp, hooray!” is first used on untitled 02, in which K Dot struggles with his Compton upbringing clashing with his newfound success over a wailing saxophone riff and a rattling piano.  The lengthy second verse is very much a celebration of his team’s prosperity.

untitled 03 was originally on The Colbert Report and has Kendrick getting advice from an Asian, Indian, and Black man.  In the end a white record exec rolls through and declares his intention to capitalize on Lamar’s rap talents anyway.  Bilal shows up again and provides the hook.  It isn’t as good as the live version but is still compelling.  The shortest track on the album is untitled 04 but is still well-layered and features sultry vocals from SZA and somewhat surprisingly, Jay Rock in a rare singing appearance.  Despite being under two minutes, it packs a punch and is still satisfying.

For what it’s worth, untitled 05 is my favorite track on the album.  Every time you listen to it, you’ll find another intricacy in the music that stands out but still melts into the song as a whole.  Anna Wise’s buttery vocals on the hook really make the song for me, but a rumbling bassline and theatrical horns can’t be overlooked, especially the wily saxophone by Terrace Martin.  Pianists will also be able to appreciate this one as Robert Glasper tickles the ivory.  Lyrically Kendrick is at his most ravenous and rambunctious on the first verse.  Punch and Jay Rock round out the song nicely with their guest spots.  Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad form a dynamic producer duo for untitled 06.  It’s got an easily accessible topic (self confidence) and gives off a smooth jazz vibe that sounds like an Esperanza Spalding joint, which is dope.  Cee-Lo drops by and infuses the song with his signature falsetto.  

You get a three for one deal with untitled 07.  In the first part, Kendrick declares that the material possessions of the world are meaningless and urges the listener to “Levitate.”  While I generally hate modern percussion trends in hip hop, I have to admit that Kendrick makes it work here.  On the second part, he throws down the gauntlet and sends thinly veiled shots at rival rappers over uncomplicated production.  The third and final part is a recording of him arranging the vocals in untitled 04 in the studio with producer Taz Arnold.  It’s a great example of K Dot’s talent in the song making process.  The album ends on an upbeat note with untitled 08. Even though the song talks about the Black community’s fiscal struggles.  The subject matter is serious, but the beat is certified funk and would fit in at any cookout this summer.

Usually when an artist or group releases a collection of rarities or songs that didn’t make the album, it’s more of a niche type of thing meant only for the diehard fans.  But Kendrick Lamar and TDE’s “scraps” are better than a lot of albums you’ll here.  This speaks volumes of how talented Kendrick and his camp are.  It’s an all star effort, with big name producers stopping through to play a single instrument on songs.  All of these songs came from the TPAB and while they don’t have the same cultural impact as last year’s instant classic, they still form a cohesive and concise album of their own.  It’s good enough to earn the same end of year accolades and Grammys as its predecessor.  This is nothing short of remarkable.  While it’s too early to claim this as Album of the Year, it makes a strong case in its artistry and craftsmanship.  Kendrick Lamar came in on his day off and dropped a gem.  untitled unmastered. earns him an even longer grace period. I doubt he takes it though.

Rating: 4.9 out of 5.

Purchase untitled unmastered. on iTunes here

#TBT Section.80 - @KendrickLamar

Let me tell a story, It's 2011. My ex-gf had a twin sister who was super into the hip-hop scene like I was. I'm tuned into her podcast because she was always listening to mine when it was that time of the week. We went to institutions separated by 300 or so miles. Anyways, her show is winding down and she rants and raves about a song that just so happened to be produced by J. Cole. It was titled Hiiipower. This is how I was introduced to Kendrick Lamar and Section.80.

I never would have imagined what Kendrick would grow into. After listening to this eclectic collection of sounds that would create this LP I figured here's another guy who's clearly conscious and not afraid to tackles issues like institutional racism and generational differences. Just another conscious rapper who would eventually sign to Interscope where they don't dabble in the sounds of their artists. One would make comparisons to Joe Budden. Clearly a clever guy with a lot to say. Boy was I wrong.

Section.80 was the beginning of K. Dot's takeover of hip-hop. Songs like Blow My High, No Make Up (Her Vice), and Hol' Up are jams, all easy to listen to.

The aforementioned Hiiipower is preceded by Ab-Soul's Outro where Soulo takes complete control of the verses. Terrance Mart laces the song with elements of jazz via alto-saxophone solos. Kendrick enters the end of the song with a spoken word poem leading into the next song. Deep stuff. Earlier in the album he does the same with Poe Mans Dreams where GLC finishes it off with words of wisdom. Kush and Corinthians also gets deep. The song features BJ the Chicago Kid who is probably one of the most underrated singers in today's industry.

Section.80 in all complexity is one of Kendrick's best bodies of work. Perhaps not the best but it's even worth the argument.

Listen: Black Friday - @JColeNC & @KendrickLamar

With all the chaos that was the music industry this past weekend J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar still found a way to steal the show.

The duo's mixtape together have been rumors for a long time now. To be perfectly honest I figured they did more work together than Hiiipower, the Jig is Up, and Forbidden Fruit. I just never thought it'd actually see the light of day. Kendrick freestyled a remix to J. Cole's A Tale of Two Citez and Cole adds his own twist to Alright by the former. So the union of Dreamville and TDE is actually happening, when is the real question. J. Cole might have leaked the answer...

"But this February, bet shit get scary when I fuck around and drop…" bleep*

I guess we'll have to wait and see. Until then we've been blessed with enough music to last us til then. Listen to the Black Friday remixes by J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar after the break.

#IME Editor's Picks Week of 11-29

Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving weekends. Mine was full of food, a little bit of overtime at the job, family, and massively overwhelmed with music. I swear everyone and their mother dropped a mixtape either Thanksgiving day or black friday (more on that later). I guess I have to push back my album to another time. I joke, I joke; I kid, I kid. Anyways I have to inform you that I spend no time listening to these projects from the heavy hitters in their entirety this weekend. Let me show you what I have had in the space between my ears.

song on repeat: Soliloquy - Isaiah Rashad

For the longest time I sat patiently waiting for Jay Rock's TDE release. We got that a little while back where I had the pleasure to review it. Rashad offered his vocals on Wanna Ride for his elder statesman.  If I were in charge of the batting order I'd say Isaiah Rashad is on deck to bat next. Been a little bit and I went to listen to Cilvia Demo the project that made me like him in the first place. Although it was short Soliloquy is the hardest track on the project and still has replay value to this day. Listen to Soliloquy below.



Throwback: Funny How Time Flies - Intro 

Thanksgiving with family is always a fun time to reminisce. Whenever I'm with Nick, cuz always passes me the stuff from the barber shop CD's that we haven't heard since we were kids. Today's throwback is courtesy one of those tapes we found in his mom's glove box. Funny How Time Flies by Intro was what I used to listen to before track meets to calm myself down pre-race. I'm surpised this never made the Yam Crammer playlist. Anyways lets go back to 1995 and listen below.



Under the Radar: Da Rocinha 3 - Sango

Okay, my favorite producer dropped the third installment to the Da Rocinha series. It pains me that Sango is someone I would call under the radar. Dude is too talented and all your favorite artists have probably begged him for beats, I'm serious. Doesn't ever let himself succumb to anything but the sound he wants and I really admire that. I always wanted to review a producer tape but that's something we'll tackle in 2016. For now just vibe out to Da Rocinha 3 below and remember where you heard him first. Sidebar: If you ever get the chance to see one of his sets live, please do. His time at Trillectro '14 was lit.



Album of the Week: All Love Lost - Joe Budden

Joe Budden is far from conservative and maybe that's left a bad taste in a lot of fans mouth (or ears for that matter). Frankly, you all are sleeping on the man, just like I have for a long time. The Jersey City spitter dropped All Love Lost a few months back. Didn't have much time to review the project but I must say Joe Budden is such an artist. He unlike many others really gives you a piece of himself. Sure you might be able to catch his antics with his women on reality television but you won't really begin to fathom how deep he is without listening to his albums. Joe Budden is a little sarcastic and funny sometimes but he abandoned Helmet jokes on All Love Lost. Listen to Love I'm Good of that album and see for yourself after the break.

Editorial Review: 90059 - @JayRock

First and foremost I must say I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed that Top Dawg didn't release Jay Rock's sophomore album, 90059, much sooner.

WE RAN 2013 WITH OUT DROPPING 1 ALBUM. I WONDER WUTS GONE HAPPEN IN 2014 WHEN I DROP 6.. THEY NOT READY 4 THIS #TDE #HiiiPoWeR TAKE OVER

— dangeroo kipawaa TDE (@dangerookipawaa) December 22, 2013

I remember when they first announced the tweet above. Unfortunately it never came through as we had to wait til this year to get Kendrick and Rock's projects. Fortunately for the fans, the wait was well worth it. 90059 begins with Necessary. Super west coast sounding introduction to the album that takes the first 40 seconds before Rock commences by the dropping of bars. The project as a whole is basically the story of Rock and where he's from if you didn't get that from the title. I think his story telling abilities is above average and the first track is a great example.

Easy Bake is next up. It leaked in late August. The song has a A side/B side feel. Side A Rock trades bars with Kendrick Lamar on the same verse after they each did one solo. I like how Jay Rock changes his the tone of his voice depending on the mood of the song throughout the album. Part two is interluded with Rock the radio personality as DJ Turn-Up on WTOP Radio. You can tell that was influenced by the WBallz Interlude from the classic Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg (or Lion whatever he calls himself these days). The beat drops and SZA joins the gents caressing the music with her lovely voice. Rock returns to the song with slick wordplay and witty punchlines.

"Show you why they hate more niggas than Uncle Ruckus. Rollin' up that boondock, some call it moon rock..."

Track three is Gumbo and my favorite on the entire album. The production was laid down nicely and Rock is articulate. Gumbo was the second single the released before the album dropped. I especially liked verse two and how he shows us where he's is coming from. It ends on a less serious note where one of the homies was singing the catchy hook in the whip. That leads into a funny conversation about Mrs. Johnson and her gumbo (not sure if that was an innuendo). Wanna Ride features Isaiah Rashad. Isaiah does well singing a catchy hook. It just hurts my soul he didn't bless us with a verse himself. Jay Rock does more than enough to hold the song together perfectly. Rock plays Captain Save-A-Hoe in The Ways. This features Sir, the first of three assists from non-TDE artists (we'll get into that later). He raps about a young woman hanging around her peers who engage in the activities a harlot would (I laughed so hard typing that), and how it's rubbed off on her. Now that's the Art of Peer Pressure huh? No matter, Sir and Rock still gonna have fun when shawty and her friends roll through. Telegram (Going Krazy) follows up. This is probably the most boring track here. Not a skip entirely because the hook sang by Lance Skiiiwalker was catchy. Lance Skiiiwalker in this project serves opposite Jay Rock like an alter ego. The brother is multifaceted and talented. This precedes the self titled 90059. That was the third single released about a month before the album. Lance Skiiiwalker makes another appearance. This time belligerent and drunk. Sound familiar? 

Painted by John Wallace

Vice City is the Black Hippy posse cut we've been waiting for since pressing play. They focus their verses on their vices as these guys like to talk about. The growing wealth, fame, and women have an effect on how their life is now. Kenny's hook between verses from ScHoolboy Q and Ab-Soul is tough. This is easily another fan favorite and I'm surprised it's not on the radio. Ab-Soul hangs around singing the Intro to the next song, Fly on the Wall. The mood changes again and Jay Rock is joined by Rap Legend Busta Rhymes. If Kendrick is the caterpillar turned butterfly, Jay Rock's analogy is the fly on the wall. I could explain but this is a really introspective song you should hear for yourself. Busta really sheds light on the simile and mentors Rock. Where throughout the album Rock spilled his guts on multiple trials of his life, his mentor provides a different perspective on morality. I was really impressed with the delivery. He even talks about how they met and found a way to make it rhyme. He even adds another jab on the ongoing discussion about rappers writing their own lyrics.

The second to last song is Money Trees Deuce. This was the first single and I was so excited to hear it when it first released as the original was my favorite song on GKMC where Jay Rock stole the show. If I could compare it with the original I'd conclude that like all things the sequel is never as good as the original. Let me explain. As far as content and verses from Rock, this one far surpassed the first. The hook sang by Anna Wise and Kendrick on the original was catchier and the beat by DJ Dahi was waaaay better than the sequel. That's not to take away from Flippa and JProof's production, because this wasn't supposed to be super produced where you'd lose focus of the lyrics unless you were really paying attention. The song fades out with Rock giving words of encouragement we all could use. The flow and story are very similar and Money Trees Deuce still impressed and retains that ever important replay value. Winding down, the album ends with The Message. This definitely wasn't Grandmaster Flash or Melly Mel. He could have ended the album with Money Trees Deuce and the way it faded out would have been perfect. The Message isn't horrible but wouldn't be missed if left off. It raps up everything he said in the last ten tracks like the conclusion of a fourth grader's public speaking assignment. Vic Smitty sings the hook where I'm also unimpressed. It sounds more harsh than it is; however it's still not good or bad, just wouldn't be otherwise missed.

Although a bit annoying as a fan the promotion was great for the TDE vet. For the most part I think he's the most slept on act out of their stable. The pre-order and release of his album was the most interesting I've ever seen. There literally wasn't a projected date. Just after a certain number of fans ordered, they'd release it in it's entirety. He didn't have too many singles out which is important when you are trying to bless the public with new material. The album was 11 tracks. Fairly short in time but he doesn't waste it. Aside from the outro everything he said  needed to be heard. I was duly surprised to see Parental Advisory and Pay For It featuring K. Dot and Chantal didn't make the final cut. Who knows, maybe that will be on a deluxe version. All in all 90059 is the zip. It's the story of where he's from. I'd to call it the middle ground of Kendrick's Good Kid Maad City and YG's My Krazy Life. I guess that's what it is to be Jay Rock, the blood from Watts, Los Angeles. The question used to be where is Jay Rock? Now it's where's he going? 90059 gets 4.4 of 5 stars on the Ramsey Rating Scale. You can listen to 90059 in it's entirety below after the break.

Listen: Nelly - @IsaiahRashad

Been a year plus since Cilvia Demo dropped. That was the last offering we got from Isaiah Rashad until now. 

This new track from the TDE emcee is titled Nelly. You can tell the St. Louis rapper definitely influenced the vibe on the Chatanooga spitter. We're used to hearing more gritty and serious bars from Rashad so it's nice to get this happy-go-lucky rap paying tribute to his elderstatemen. I wonder what's next for Isaiah Rashad but for now listen fto Nelly after the break.

Listen: Easy Bake - @JayRock featuring @kendricklamar & @Sza

Jay Rock season is fast approaching. Per Top Dawg, the more preorders the faster the date for his upcoming album 90059.

Jay Rock debuted his new track, Easy Bake on Shade 45 with Sway. The song features labelmates Kendrick Lamar and Sza per the tracklisting. Below is the radio ripped version. Enjoy.

Listen: Fear - @IAmStillPunch

To be perfectly honest I had no idea he rapped.

If you're anything like me you're surprised to hear a new track by TDE's co-president Terrence Punch Henderson. You usually see or hear of him on the other side of the game (no badu). Punch opens up on his fears and plans in his new track. I guess that's why it's called Fear. Not overproduced with heavy bass and instrumentals so it really showcases his skills as an emcee. Listen to Fear below.
 

To Pimp a Butterfly - @Kendrick Lamar album review by @Niles_C

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Listen: The Blacker the Berry - @KendrickLamar

So the Walmart rumors were false. No January album.

Kendrick Lamar is fresh off dropping what some call one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. It's definitely one of the greatest of our time. Anyways with that kind of adoration, it's safe to say we are anxious for the sequel. Top Dawg promised us this and a few other albums in 2014 and it's clearly been pushed back. That's cool but we're still excited. A few days ago K. Dot gave us a taste of what's to come by releasing a new track The Blacker the Berry. I'd get into it myself but I promised Issah the write up. Until he gets to it, you can stream for yourself after the break. Be on the lookout for what Issah gotta say very soon.

Watch: Parental Advisory - @JayRock

TDE's Older brother Jay Rock dropped a new visual for Parental Advisory.

As per his style you know it was really really gritty just like the single was. "Out here" in the front yard drinking, smoking, and lifting weights in his hometown of Watts, CA. You can watch the video for yourself below, Enjoy.

Listen: Pay for It - @JayRock featuring @kendricklamar & Chantal

How much do you know about Jay Rock?

"He's the other guy on TDE. His verse on Money Trees was ill. He was on that whatchamacallit song right?" My point exactly. He's been in the game for awhile now formerly part of Strange Music founded by Tech N9ne. "Oh Yeah" you all say huh? Well Top Dawg is keeping their promise when they say all 6 of their artists are dropping an album in 2014.

WE RAN 2013 WITH OUT DROPPING 1 ALBUM. I WONDER WUTS GONE HAPPEN IN 2014 WHEN I DROP 6.. THEY NOT READY 4 THIS #TDE #HiiiPoWeR TAKE OVER
— dangeroo kipawaa TDE (@dangerookipawaa) December 22, 2013

Anyways, this is Jay Rock's second single released in the past couple weeks (Parental Advisory being the first). The track is titled Pay for It which features labelmate and hip-hop's King Kendrick Lamar and the hook is sang by Chantal. Preaches a good story. I suggest you listen, and for Pete's sake please pay attention to Jay Rock. Enjoy after the break.

Watch: Hunnid Stax featuing ScHoolboy Q - Ab-Soul (Official Video)

How convenient is that???

Just a half hour after staff writer Niles C drops the review to These Days... TDE releases the official video to Hunnid Stax featuring ScHoolboy Q. What are the odds of that? You can check Ab-Soul's visual below, hope you enjoy.

Ab Soul - "These Days" album review by Niles Cavanaugh

So this is how I had an existential crisis while attempting to review Ab-Soul's newest album These Days... for the past couple of weeks.

Going even further back, I was always intrigued by the idea of Ab-Soul as an MC. I caught onto him around the time his second independent album Control System was released. That had a number of good songs, but my mind was blown at the lyrical dexterity he showed on the track ILLuminate. I was slightly disappointed when I didn't get that same feeling with the rest of the album. It was solid, but not captivating. It's also worth mentioning that the four members of TDE supergroup Black Hippy each have their own shtick of sorts. Kendrick Lamar is the regular kid in a violent environment. ScHoolboy Q is the former gangster turned party animal. Jay Rock is the (still active?) gangbanger that can be found in all red. Soulo's thing is apparently conspiracy theories and skepticism heightened by marijuanna and DMT. I personally aren't into conspiracy theories so some of the themes used in his lyrics generally won't connect with me. I also wanted to hear him over more varied beats, as he falls into the modern-day hip-hop pit of using trap beats (almost think dark synths and that ever-present snare drum) but with much more lyrical skill and varied content than your average trap rapper.

So coming into These Days... I was cautiously expecting progression and grown from the Carson, CA spitter. Maybe turn down the almost paranoid theories in his lyrics while simultaneously turning up a more varied beat selection. And it started off well enough. It opened with God's Reign featuring TDE's first lady SZA on a hook that's hauntingly lovely. Soul was very introspective lyrically and clearly wanted to set the tone early. This was easily one of my favorite tracks.

Then we run into a conundrum that has been brought into the world by the advent of social media and new promotion tactics. The next three songs Tree of Life, Hunnid Stax and Dub Sac had already been released via TDE's SoundCloud in previous months. Hunnid Stax featuring label mate ScHoolboy Q, was released fairly recently as a way to get people hyped for the album. The other two were posted months ago. While still all solid tracks, it just feels like they copied and pasted songs onto the album in a rush to get it out. I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you hear too many songs on an album before it drops, it changes how you process the overall project. So even if these three songs were all good, I still got a "been here before" type of vibe.

The next song is actually new and one of the best of the album. World Runners has Soulo channeling his inner Kid Cudi with a spacey vibe, albeit with more rapping. It also features a surprising Lupe Fiasco and his frequent collaborator Nikki Jean on backup vocals. Unfortunately the next three songs are lame. Nevermind That features some dope guitar work on the beat but also is very MMG-centric, even featuring the disgustingly over saturated Rick Ross. TWACT is a party jam featuring a DJ Mustard beat that I think is mediocre. Just Have Fun is the best of the three, a trippy drug journey, but it's still underwhelming. It's like we had to pay for the quality of World Runners with three subpar tracks in a row, as is the industry. Kendrick Lamar's Interlude features a similar jazzy beat by Terrace Martin which is bogarted by K Dot, hence the title. It's companion piece to Ab-Soul's Outro on Kendrick's Section 80 a few years back. THIS IS THE TYPE OF BEAT I WANT TO HEAR SOULO ON!!! It's outside the box and old school. I feel he could have a West Coast rakim-lite type of career if he went more down this route. This is one of my favorites. It's followed by the somber yet spectacular Closure which has Soulo singing for the most part and assisted by Jhene Aiko. I'm not mad at this instance of rapper singing at all. A very necessary change of pace type of track which is followed by Sapiosexual produced by J. Cole. This song was made for the clubs and radio and it shows. Hard. Not amazing. It then flows into another exceptional yet previously heard track Stigmata that has one of my new favorite MC's Action Bronson and also Asaad. It's heavily influenced by The Cross by Nas, although more layered instrumentally. I almost don't care that this song was released already, I still love it. Feelin' Us includes a very smooth vibe and a Jay Rock sighting (or hearing for that matter), which is always welcome. RaVaughn (Ne-Yo's latest Motown and Compound Ent. Signee) sings the hook which adds to the cooled out ambiance of the song. Easily one of the tops songs on the album and also a candidate for a single & video. Ride Slow is the penultimate song, a "spooky," as Soul puts it, song that also includes Danny Brown and Delusional Thomas. At over seven minutes long, it's bloated but still solid if you can sit through it. Speaking of bloated, the album concludes with W.R.O.H. which clocks in at 23 minutes. It's actually a misleading time since it contains a song of regular length that serves as a good finale. it then goes silent and leads to a recorded battle of sorts against Daylyt. This could have easily been a bonus track on a deluxe version or something and doesn't serve much purpose here. I wasn't all that interested in it in the grand scheme of things but it was kinda cool.

So, Ab-Soul delivered a solid album. One thing you'll notice is this album has A LOT of features. I feel like Soulo is good to the point where he doesn't really need that many guest artists. That seems to come with the territory of most modern-day hip-hop albums on major labels. My main conflict is this: Ab-Soul is extremely skilled and talented. Some say he's the best on his label, but around 60% of the time when I hear his own songs, I can't help but want more. I kinda got what I wished for on this album lyrically at least. He stepped away from the conspiracy theories a little bit and made an album that was lighter on terms of lyrical content at least by his standards. I couldn't help but feel sometimes he was trying to somewhat replicate ScHoolboy Q's vibe in hopes of reaching the same (commercial) success. That doesn't necessarliy work because like I said before. These are two different MCs with two different personalities, but what if this was just another side of Ab-Soul that we haven't seen previously? Additionally, I always griped about his selection of the same type of trap-ish beats. I hoped to hear him on more jazz-inspired or sample-heavy beats, but what if that's not him? What if he's doing exactly what is right for his skill set and abilities as an artist and I'm constantly wanting Soulo to fit into my criteria for what a dope MC is? Yeesh. Anyway this is a good album. Not spectacular, and too many cooks can spoil the broth sometimes in terms of guest appearances, but this is a good step forward and knowing Ab-Soul, he can build from this and continue to grow.

Rating: 3.85 out of 5.