Black Boy- Richard Wright

Black Boy is the auto-biography of Richard Wright who is also the author of the ground-breaking,  an critically acclaimed novel , "Native Son".  Wright tells the story of his rough-upbringing, his early age of being intelligent, and questions that not only involve his life but blacks, society, an even God.

Richard's father leaves the family while he is still young and prior to him leaving  his father would abuse him, his mother, and he often endured starvation a throughout his life.  His father eventually abandons his family and lives with another women and refuses to pay child support or even see his sons. his mother eventually take him to court and that does not work. Forces his mother to work extremely hard to raise her sons, and at times barely could get by. His mother eventually becomes very ill and is forced to move in with his grandmother, aunts, and uncles.

Because of his inquisitive nature , Richard constantly questions life, examines it, and is very introspective. At times he faces abuse, harassment from family members and is often labeled a misfit or troublemaker.  Due to his mother sickness he moves with uncle and his aunt whom he dislikes much.  He eventually learns how to read and becomes an avid reader and learns if he does not stand up for himself no one else will.  He begins working after leaving school, and constantly  deals with racism, prejudice, and discrimination. This continues until adulthood and goes on for the rest of his life. Wright often questions God and views Christianity as pointless mainly because how his family are Christians yet treat him horribly. There are times when Wright even hides the fact that he can read very well, write well, and is intelligent. His Principal even asks his to read a copy of speech that he had not written which greatly offends him before he graduates. In his eyes the man is bought and is trying to buy him out. Richard maintains his individualism and unique views and learns it is better to be yourself and lead your own life often than trying to be what everyone else wants you too. Wright  even witnesses how other blacks views negatively him at point is as hurtful.

When he joins the Communist he first sees them as people like him but learns that even the Communist party has their own unique agenda that is not a part of their  ideas presented him. He evens learns members can also  view him as a threat. While he eventually settles down and starts a family . Richard sees how black life, poverty, social injustice is a horrible thing that exists in the world.

Richard shows how many blacks are victims in a variety of ways, poverty and no resources causes them to drink, use narcotics, and lose themselves in whoring or  other activities that  can be detrimental. He even gets drunk severely before he was 9 years old and it was encouraged by his own community.  Wright illustrates how poverty, and social inequality is what  causes many issues in life. Like his gran father who was a war veteran who is illiterate so was unable to mitigate his veterans  check. Causing to be angry and gruff man. He even seems to show signs of Post Traumatic Stress.

From reading the book  I leaned how it is often the smart person is challenged by the ignorant and it  is often good to question and try to see life for what it is. From then you can handle obstacles much better.

Black Like Me

Is a memoir about a John Howard Griffin experiences of Racism in the deep south of  Louisiana .  Griffin is well to do white man who wants to know what it is like to be black in the south. So he undergoes an experiment that gives him the appearance of an African-American. So his doctor gives him treatments and he shaves his head bald. The process an transformation gives the author a different look  at life. When he was white, life seems much easier, but know he constantly faces obstacles because he is simple black.  Simple things like walking down a street a night become events that stressful. He has to sit behind the bus and experiences of the tight-nit community of blacks. How they all seem to look out for each other.

At one point  he is even asked crude sexual questions from a white guy about blacks.  He find s Black life much more harder, jobs that he obtains are labor and not well paying. H e also sees how America at the time hides or runs away from race relations and discrimination.  Griffin  realizes that being black was already one strike, now add being poor or unable to get a quality education hold them back. then he goes on to state even if a black does make to college and graduate he is still viewed as a second-class citizen.  He mentions how can anyone expect to use a degree in a world where they are judged by their appearance rather than their character. He is told that darker Negroes are more prone to criminality, scheming, and other bad characteristics. While lighter ones are more docile, intelligent,and trustful.


Griffin experiences as a black greatly forces him to evaluate how can race issues be stopped, and the rest of the book he criticizes how racism was a serious issue. That it is not just the "North is good and the South is Bad" and that blacks and whites live in totally different worlds.

 I think its is a good book and just about anyone can gain something from it.

A Hero Ain't Nothing But A Sandwhich

By far one of the greatest books I have read all summer, this book describes the life of a 13 year old boy in the ghetto dealing with heroin addiction through  the perspective of himself, family, friends, and teachers.  Benji's addiction causes his best friend Jimmy-Lee have a fallout because of him being an addict. His family does not know how to reach him, his grandmother an mother even try to go to a voodoo lady to help find a way to get him off dope. His father is absent in his life and his Step-father tries to reach which he does at the end of the story.  His teacher Nigeria Greene talks about while he is educated and better off than many poor blacks , he understands their plight but  does not know how to solve the problem or help kids like Benji.
 Other characters including a white teacher , who often cannot relate to his students, and at times does not understand completely race relations an his place in trying to help end racism and poverty.  Benji's Grandmother is a poor old lady who is scared to leave the House because the neighborhood is flooded with drugs and crime, an her only way to cope is by using Christianity.  Benji's mother is distruaght over having a drug addicted child and  her husband Benji' stepfather is a great man but also has other problems in his life.
 By the end of the story the reader understands that benji is like many poor, misunderstood, emotionally vulnerable children , and needs more than just people yelling at him.  While his stepfather gets him into rehab and is hoping he will recover the answer is still left uncertain. The book examine not just the user of drugs but the seller, the family, the friends, and his community. It shows a  bigger picture that drug abuse is not usually just the person but the environment.  That everyone has problems despite their appearance and for others it is much more difficult on  how to deal with them.

Bottom Line it is a great book and anyone should read it!!

Just Blaze Interview

Just Blaze is a legendary producers who has worked with legends and is one of the most prolific producers of the last 12 years. while we often do not  hear of him on recent tracks but the guy is very talented and offers unique insight on musics and production in the interview
Follow the LINK BELOW



http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blogs/just-blaze-talks-kanye-west-choosing-to-go-w-jay-z-over-dame-dash

9th Wonder the Beatmaster!!

I caught on to 9th Wonder while I was in college. I first went back and began listening to the Little Brother albums, and other projects. Including the Back To The Feature Tape he had done with Wale which was a masterpiece. After learning more about him I got to hear his last album he did with Murs and began rlooking through his catalogue. I eventually discovered he is a great producer , similiar to J. Dilla  with picking samples and making them audio art. I learned later on that  the guy was incredibly talaented and definityl one of the best producers I have heard so far.   When I found  an interview with him online, I had to  go read it ASAP.   So ny thoughts is to share it with you.

Follow the link....
http://theimcmagazine.com/sampling-soul-9th-wonder-talks-jay-z-being-a-sir-little-brother-jamla-records/

Stalley The Honest CowBoy

While this week Stalley will be releasing his newest project, The Honest Cowboy , I am looking forward to his debut album. Stalley has still remianed one of the best underground and hopefully mainstream artist in the last few years. His last project,  Savage Journey To The american Dream is still in heavy rotation . The guy is very talented and I cannot wait to hear his tape. After hearing the Swangin track he did with Southern Legend Scarface, I was  immediatly satisfied. Overall, I hope his project is a hoem run and I cannot wait to download it. Meanwhile check out an in-depth interview he did with HipHop Dx and  lets wait until When his project drops on the 8th .

Follow The Link.....
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2153/title.stalley-reflects-on-paying-homage-to-swangin-culture-with-scarface

Part 2 to Dom Kennedy Interview

Here part 2 to Dom Kennedy's  interview. He gives some insightful ideas talks about his upcoming album and just speaks his mind. definitely one of the best artist to come out of the West and  the underground rap scene.

Follow the Link.....
http://www.freeonsmash.com/news/2013/07/25/dom-kennedy-homegrown-part-2/

7 Tips for Music Production

I found this online , while it seems simple and common sense, I still was able to  find a few ideas that resonated with me.

Follow the link to  read the 7 tips


http://www.beatsmakinghelp.com/beats/7-tips-to-become-beat-creator/

An Interview with Dom Kennedy

I was introduced to Dom Kennedy's music a few years back, and I got to say it is good , while also unique.  In this interview he talks about his last project, upcoming ones, and his views on how he sees everything in life. While also talking about how he never received support from the music industry.

Follow the link!!

http://www.freeonsmash.com/news/2013/07/23/dom-kennedy-interview-with-thestashed-part-1-homegrown/

Interesting article on mixing sounds

Here is an article that discusses different  techniques that could be used for mixing a  record.


http://www.beattips.com/beattips/recording-mixing-and-mastering/

All of Me

Another good introspective track

Get No younger

One of my favorite tracks from Joe Budden

5 Key Tips To beat Making

 5 Keys To Beat making...... Check out The Link
http://ezinearticles.com/?Hip-Hop-Beat-Making-101---5-Key-Tips-to-Beat-Making&id=2293180

The difference between a beat-maker and a music producer

The difference between a beat-maker and a music producer.....http://traumahdrums.com/paramore%E2%80%99s-sound-is-a-more-danceable/

HOW COOL IS LEGO

A young man who is a college graduate was able to land his dream job with Lego after all. When he was a child he wrote the company about having a job there and when he  became an adult he was eventually offered one. It also helps that he is a   huge Lego fan.
FOLLOW THE LINK BELOW


















http://www.uber-facts.com/2013/07/8-year-old-boy-becomes-lego-designer-15-years-later/?utm_content=bufferbe061&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer

The Art of Sampling

xmen cover

Nothing New Ab-Soul

Great Advice From Roc Marciano

SLAPP

  MAKE IT SLAPP

The XMEN

FUNNY FACT

COUPLES WHO CUDDLE MORE ARE 8 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE HAPPY IN THEIR RELATIONSHIP THAN THOSE WHO DON'T

JUST TO GET BY

I  was listening to this track while I was on the bus. I am fan J.Cole and this track definitely hits home.

Funny FACT

You Would have to consume about 15,00 pounds of marijuana within 15 minutes to overdose.

Poor Decisons

Many people argue that Rick Ross is a one-sided type of rapper but after listening to this song it reveals that he is not a one-dimensional person. While verses from Lupe and Wale are both insightful and interesting, I found this song to be very emotional and honest. If this a preview for the next MMG album it sounds great , each year he continues to add on to a stable if great musicians  and stalley album will probably be great too.

WALE-THE GIFTED- DOCUMENTARY

Wale's latest album The Gifted was very impressive and has proven that he is one of the best artist around during this era. I thought the album was great and next to Attention Deficit this is probably his best album so far. The link leads to a documentary on the artist and his trials and tribulations.


http://www.freeonsmash.com/videos/watch/p7gzl3yt4fbi3vcz/

HOW TO COUNT BARS IN RAP

FUNNY FACTS

• After spending 17 years underground, 2013 is the year the Cicada Bug is expected to emerge by the billions on the East-Coast  of the United States. Some  estimate trillions will arrive.
• Twelve People Have Walked the Moon.
• Cool Weather makes Fingernails grow faster.
• When water Freezes it expands by 10%.
• The Eye of an Ostrich is larger than its brain.
• A bee has five eyelids.
• A jelly fish is 95% composed of water
• A duck's Quack doesn't echo
• Mosquito's have 47 teeth.
• Abraham Lincoln died at age 76.
• Fish can drown.
• Rubber Bands last longer when refrigerated.

SOURCES:http://www.snapple.com/real-facts/list-view/9

                  http://www.interestingfacts.net/

LeBron REPEATS!

I had a chance to watch this final series and I thought how awesome it was to  watch him win another championship. While there is always going to be haters or people who dislike him. But it is totally stupid, and ignorant  to deny that he is a great player. This series he proved himself even more and show many critics that he is actually clutch.  I think he is great and he makes watching the NBA more entertaining. Now that he has two championships, I wonder if he can continue to win more.  Analysts are already talking about a 3-peat is possible, but for now I am happy he won another chip. I also think this series proved that Tim Duncan is getting older and is not the same player he used to be. The Spurs are a great team and I think Tony Parker is a great player also. 7 games that proved the Heat is a great team after-all despite the criticism. James definitely steppe up in the final game and played his heart -out.

MORE FREESTYLES

SOME MORE DOPE FREESTYLES

SOME DOPE FREESTYLES

While I miss RapCity and I miss hearing the their freestyle segment , BET has put out the backroom with some impressive rappers. CHECK EM OUT

I got a chance to read Manchild In The Promise Land and I thought the book was a great read. Next to The Auto-Biography of Malcolm X it has turned into one of my favorite books/biographies. I like how the author is honest about his upbringing and how as he gets older he observes his surroundings differently. The author analyzes how drugs destroy communities and can affect any family, including his own. He also describes his transformation from a  Juvenile Delinquent to a person who works and values education. I think it is a must-read for anyone interested in looking in to the life of a man who endured poverty, incarceration , but was able to turn his life around. He even begins the book with him getting shot as a youth. I thought it was a great book and anyone could get valuable lessons from the book.

Another Interesting Quote(s)

I thought it was interesting


"In Order to be extraodinary, you have to what others to do"-  Machiavelli


"Success is not what about what happens to you, it's about what you can do with what's happened. How you react and what you do to respond to your circumstances determine it all. You can't pick the weather, but you can choose what clothes to wear".


Courtsey-

http://make-me-successful.com/

Jhene Aiko

 I heard her mix tape and listened to her sing hooks on TDE and Black Hippy's songs. I think she is great and and a amazing artist. I wonder when she is going to drop her next album. I think she great and can't wait to hear some more of her music. She has an amazing voice and is very talented.

Action Bronson...Best Rapper that I heard was a chef.

Who ever thought a chef from Queens, would become one of the fastest rising rappers with acclaim in music. While his songs are not on the radio, he has released several good mix-tapes and  independent albums. And another coming up in the future with Harry Fraud. I like how he can rap about the most funniest/silliest ideas yet remain entertaining and lyrical. He raps about food , women, sex,  his ideas, and often exaggerated details of what he does and can do to people. He made the XXL Freshmen cover and continues to amaze me with his videos.  For a while i thought he reminded me of Ghsotface Killah, but after hearing him say his favorite rapper was Kool G Rap, I realized he was a true artist. I love his music and I think he is a great artist I heard  him collaborate with Smoke DZA, Chance The Rapper, The Alchemist,  Roc Marciano, and others.  I love listening to his music and I think he's dope.

KIND OF BLUE

Today I was in the gym, and I listened to Miles Davis  , while exercising. I heard a song from him before and I thought he was amazing. But While I was lifting I got to listen to an entire album(Kind OF Blue) an d I thought this guy was amazing. Because of this , I am definitely going to start listening to Jazz and learning more about the Genre. Why was I listening to Jazz while bench pressing? I Don't know! But I do know he was a great artist and has definitely sparked my interest in Jazz. I found a video on his life , which seemed interesting too.

Some advice I got from a great author

“For all their bitching about what’s holding them back, most people have a lot of trouble coming up with the defined dreams they’re being held from.”


“What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do.”

A person’s success in life can usually be measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations he or she is willing to have.”

Focus on being productive instead of busy.”

“Tomorrow becomes never. No matter how small the task, take the first step now!”

-Tim Ferris

I realized today if I want to be great I have to learn how to eliminate those small fears abnd doubts. While I understand that I am not perfect, but to be great you don't have to be perfect.  Instead of Doubting, believe it took me a while to finnally understand that If I anyone is holding em back it was myself. My thoughts have power because they can change my reality. How does this relate to music? Simple If I want to be the greatest artist have to think Like one, So I can act Like one, To be Like one.  Nothing happens overnight mostly unless its the lottery and usually that turns out to be bad. Hard work, persistence , and faith is what cause people to do great things. While I am not a self-help guru, but I think what i got from Feris was great advice  that anyone can use.

An Interesting Day...

 Today I listened to GhostFace Killah's new album, 12 Reason's To Die. I thought the album was great and it was good to listen to a new album. As usual his free-associative, multi-syllable rhymes are on the album and the production is great. 12 amazing tracks, that feature his unique wordplay, storytelling, and one of the best flows to a song.   While I am not surprise about his album ,because while he may not sell the most records he still remains a great emcee.   This is the same guy who made, Iron Man, Supreme Clientele,  and FishScale,  which are classics in my opinion.

I also Listened to  Styles P latest album, Float which was produced by Scram Jones. As usual, Styles brings his hard-hitting, gritty rhymes, and Scram Jones helps make his rhymes  sound awesome. 12 Tracks of a hard-hitting rhymes, and a skit with Jadakiss about their favorite weed. I thought the album was better than his last effort Hardest MC project and is on the same level as the Master of Ceremonies album. Styles always sticks to his sound which switches between introspective, honest, funny, wordplay, and being a tough guy. I thought it was great a album overall.

And finally, I had listened to  Chaka Kahn's song Through The Fire and realized how great of a song it was. while many know of Kanye West sampling , the song for his first album but I remembered how talented Chaka Kahn is.  It made me think about considering sampling a, when making a track.


TIL THE NEXT DAY!

Excuse My French.... HAAAAANNN!!

French Montana's debut album has gotten mixed reviews from certain critics, but in my opinion I liked the album. While it had many features and , was mostly an album about partying and having a good time. I found it good and I think he has found his niche as a rapper. I thought the production was good, I liked how he featured Scarface  and Raekwon on the album.  He also paid homage to his incarcerated friend Max B  on the intro track, which I thought was cool. While it is not a classic debut but it  is still a good lsiten. French does not attempt to be the most visual, he tries to draw listeners in with his flow which I think is unique.  He raps about street life, accomplishing his dreams, partying, and  simply his love for the music. I though it was cool album and it was a fun listen.

RANDOM ACCES MEMORIES

 Today I listened to Daft Punk's new album, Random Access Memories and I thought it was a great  piece of work.  The group often takes extended  periods of time before releasing an album, but when they release it is definitely worth the wait. It was 13 tracks with very great sound. While I do not listen to House music often, I will make an exception for the group. I came to know the group by Kanye West sampling them in his hit song"Stronger" and since then I did research on the group. I began listening to their albums and began to appreciate their work more. The album features skits with other artists talking about their goals and dreams, Pharell makes appearances on the album. Throughout the album I did not find a track , I did  not like. I thought the album was great and one of the best albums I have heard this year so far.  Daft Punk is definitely one of the greatest duos in music currently  and  I hope they continue to put out music. If they tour and are near my area I will try to get a ticket to see them

SOME MORE QUOTES I THOUGHT WERE INSIGHTFUL

1.  THE BEST REVENGE IS MASSIVE  SUCCESS.-- FRANK SINATRA

2. LOSERS ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE AFRAID OF LOSING.- ROBERT KIYOSAKI

3. GREAT SPIRITS HAVE ALWAYS ENCOUNTERED OPPOSITION FROM MEDIOCRE MINDS.-- ALBERT EINSTEIN

4. WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR THINK YOU CAN'T, YOUR RIGHT.- HENRY FORD

5. DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT, NOT A HOPE, NOT A WISH, BUT A KEEN PULSATING DESIRE WHICH TRANSCEND EVERYTHING.  - NAPOLEON HILL

Roc Marciano( The Return of 90's East-Coast Sound)

Roc Marciano has to be one of the most slept-on and under-appreciated artist that has emerged within the last few years. he has released two great albums, Marcberg and Reloaded.  He also self -produces his tracks and has a triple syllable rhyme-scheme that is very vivid and descriptive. I first heard of him through Action Bronson's Blue Chip's mix-tape and since then I have become a fan. While I heard Reloaded before Marcberg, I have to say he is an amazing producer and great rapper. His narratives  are great  and his choice of samples he uses are also well picked.  I am anxious to hear his next  album and  I think Roc could definitely help push lyricism back in hip-hp. he reminds me of a Wu-Tang  rapper , yet he appears like he is from the present.  Roc does not often put features on his albums , which is also refreshing because many artist put  other artist on their album and it takes away at times their own uniqueness. Overall, I respect and enjoy what Roc Marciano is doing in hip-hop. I will definitely keep checking to hear his music.

AN INTERESTING QUOTE

DON'T LET LIFE DISCOURAGE YOU; EVERYONE WHO GOT TO WHERE HE IS  HAD TO BEGIN SOMEWHERE- RICHARD L. EVANS

Life Is GOOD...NAS

While Nas's latest album was put out months ago, I still find myself listening to his album constantly throughout the week. I like he returned to his  internal rhyme scheme and the themes he raps about are very genuine and honest. There is no Nas Escobar persona or  other dismissive  topics. Its just him being an artist, rapping about his life mostly and his opinion. I think if many veteran artist tried to take the same approach and just be themselves instead of trying to be young they would find more success.  I loved the albums production and each track was great, I did not find myself skipping through any songs. Nas describes his problems with a failed marriage, his upbringing, enjoying himself, and  simply trying to stay happy despite several other problems in his life.  Production wise,  the sound is very good,  and I also enjoy some of the old school hip-hop that was sampled, Tracks like "You Wouldn't Understand This" and "Bye Baby" both feature  sample of artists Rakim and Guy.  Lyrically like I mentioned earlier he is as strong as ever and Nas has proven again why he is one of the greatest. After hearing the album I am looking forward to the net one he releases.

Stalley... Savage Journey To The American Dream

Last Saturday while I was coming back to the city, I listened to Stalley's latest mix-tape... Savage Journey To The American Dream.  I heard the tape a few times, but this time I listened to it fully, and saw that he is also one of the best artists coming from the mid-west.  I heard him on the MMG album, Ski Beatz album , and his other mix-tapes. I like the  production on the tape, and my favorite track was "Hammers and Vogues".   Each track is unique and offers the artist own unique ideas  towards  his thoughts on  life. He does not uses complex rhymes schemes , yet remains very lyrical. In a way he uses simplicity to express very intricate and complex themes.   Now that he is signed to Rick Ross's MMG  label , I think his album will be very worthy. I also heard his Lincoln Nights, and the Mad Stalley mix tape. I think all of his work has been very good and his choice of music production has also been great. I think he is definitely a rapper that will continue to put out great music.

What's The 411 ? Mary's Classic Debut

 I have recently been listening to R&B both old and new this week, I stumbled upon Mary J. Blige debut album. While I heard it a long time ago, I forgot how amazing the album is. It is soulful, emotional, and  very enjoyable. I always understood why she was regarded as a great singer but this CD has now become heavy in my rotation this week.  It is only 12 tracks , without any filler. My favorite track had to be " My Love", because the hook was very catchy and simple, but conveyed many emotions.   Mary's music focuses on her own problems or situations that anyone can face in a relationship, while some are upbeat . often her lyrics or sound are filled with sadness similar to Billie Holiday.  While I haven't heard any new material  from her recently ,  with a catalogue like hers.  What else is there for her to do. In my opinion she easily one of the best singers of all time. Other tracks that stood out were "Slow Down", "Real Love", and " I Don't Want To Do Anything". While the intro was a little annoying just for having many popular rappers of that era giving her a shout-out on the song, it doesn't take anything away from this masterpiece!  I think every singer or r&b singer can gain something out of listening to her . Til the next time!

MY TOP TEN MUSIC PRODUCERS IN HIP-HOP/RAP

MY LIST OF TOP TEN MUSIC PRODUCERS(In Any Order)

1 .9th Wonder
2. DJ Premier
3. Dr. Dre
4. J. Dilla
5. Kanye West
6.TimbaLand
7.Scott Storch
8.The Neptunes
9. Pete Rock
10.RZA

J. COLE .... TRULY YOURS

I am a big J. Cole fan, I admire how he is a great producer/rapper and stays true to himself. He incorporates his own life into his music and what he views in his day-to-day life. I got a chance to listen to both The Truly Yours EPs and I really enjoyed both.  I appreciate him being introspective , while also being honest and adding  humour. While  this is nothing new because he style or the topics he raps about are very unique, the EP's makes me excited to actually buy the album.  I have been a fan since he did The first Come Up mix-tape, so I will definitely show support.  Why he decided to come out the same day as Kany?, but I will still buy both albums. I think the EPs is the perfect appetizer until the album finally drops. I enjoyed his debut album and I think he will eventually be recognized as one of the greats.  He is a great example of how not every rapper can be tough, molly-popping, in the trap, he is actually a regular dude who happened to even go to college. I think he is a great artist  and I am looking forward to the album.

WHO IS AB-SOUL

Ab-Soul has become one of my favorite artist to listen to. I got a chance to hear his Long-Term series and got to hear  Control system. His music focuses on several types of themes and is a great lyricist, and He is not afraid to be himself. Whether he is rapping about being broke, fighting illness, or loss of love. he seems like a genuine person and his music has a message. He is not afraid to be himself and also has a unique approach to   rapping over a beat. His videos are often odd or even trippy at times. My personal favorite tracks are Empathy, rebellion,  book of soul, still regular, track two, a day in the life, and  pineal gland. I ave enjoyed listening to Kendrick Lamar and the whole TDE/Black Hippy team but like everyone in the group Soul is cool and different.  I definitely look forward to hearing more music from him, and I am excited to learn he is doing a project with JMSN. He stated he is not rushing to throw a project out soon but after discovering his  sound, I  am eager to hear more.

My Review of Nas' Illmatic & It Was Written

In my opinion , It Was Written is a classic album. I enjoyed the album straight through.  People  often compare it Illmatic but in my opinion you can never replicate another album like that.  My favorite tracks, Take It In Blood, Live Nigga Rap, Black Girl Lost, If I Ruled The World, and Watch Dem Niggas.  Instead of the diverse sound of Illmatics' beats, this album feature a more polished up-beat sound which was great. The lyricism was even better,  he began telling narratives that were very good, he also used metaphors and similes that were also very creative. For example, "Life's A bitch but God Forbid if the divorce me" or "You will be aite like blood money in a pimp's cum".

While Illmatic is probably the greatest rap album ever created, I still prefer the latter , mainly because lyricism improves. While every track is Gold on Illmatic,  I did not not like he only had 10 in total. My favorite tracks were Life's A Bitch and  One Love.   I also thought New York State of Mind was an incredible track, which I found out he did in one take.

I will Probably get a flack for saying I like his second album more but personally both albums are great.  I think he definitely matured as a artist and decided to create very good  and well though narratives. It is funny because after putting out two great albums he went through a slump until he returned with Stillmatic. recently he put out the Life is Good album which is also another classic in my opinion.  I wish more often he put out album like his first two albums out, because he would be held in a higher regard. Nas does not give you an album every year or often.  It usually takes a few years for him to drop an album.  So, i usually get excited when I hear he is working on a new project. But hopefully his next project will be as good as his last. Even though he is a legend now, I think his second album really is what showed the world , that when he is focused his lyricism is second to none. His first album established him as a powerful force, the second I think cemented the fact that he was a great musician.

My Review Lap Of Lux 1& 1.5

This past summer I got a chance to listen to Sir Michael Rocks. Of Course I heard of  The Cool Kids and listened to their music, but I didn't really tune  in deeply to their music. In the summer I heard Lap of Lux and after hearing the tape, I decided I was a fan of his music. Because of the project I was also introduced to Casey Veggies, who I am also a fan of now. I think Sir Michael is good mc  and I am waiting for him to  drop his Banco EP.  The Lap of Lux  series I think is great, I also like premier politics.  I wonder if he will ever maintain mainstream success or brought into a  much wider audience. I also hope one day the Cool Kids do decide to get back together , I am saying because I do not hear much about Chuck Inlgish now. Anyway I think he is a great artist and look forward to hearing his music.

Is Pusha -T New Song Worthy

I got chance to hear Pusha-T's new single, Numbers on The Boards.  I was not that impressed with the  single, I am a huge fan of The Clipse and I enjoyed his last few mixtapes he put out. While the song was not horrible , it wasn't great either. I did appreciate the Jay-Z sample he through in the song. I am still looking towards hearing his album. I would also hope the Neptunes, and Kanye West contribute significant production on his album.  I also want him and his brother to put out another album. It would be interesting to hear another Clipse album too.

Another List of My Favorite Rap Albums

1. Black Album (Jay-Z)

2. Makeveli The Don- The 7 Day Theory (2pac)

3. Come Home With Me (Cam’ron)

4. Diplomatic Immunity Vol. 1 (The Diplomats)

5. The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill (Lauryn Hill)

6. Wut Thee Album (Redman)

7. Hell Hath No Fury (The Clipse)

8.  Strictly Bussiness (EPMD)

9. A Ganngster And A Gentleman(Styles P)

10. Mr. Smith(LL Cool J)

11. Only Built For Cuban Linx (Raekwon)

12.  Tica l(Method Man)

13. Liquid Swordz (Thr GZA)

14.  3 Feet high and Rising (De La Soul)

15.  People Instinctive Travels (A Tribe Called Quest)

16.  Be (Common)

17. It’s Dark and Hell is Hot (DMX)

18. Picture This (Do or Die)

19. King (T.I.)

20. Wanted Dead or Alive (Kool G. Rap)

21. IronMan                            (Ghostface)

22. Follow The Leader (  Eric B and Rakim)

23. The Score (The Fugees)

24. Stillmatic ( Nas)

25. Doe or Die (AZ)

Which Is Better The BluePrint or Reasonable Doubt

While both albums are considered classic which is necessarily the better of the two.  The Blueprint features a soulful sound , while Reasonable Doubt features a different sound ranging from upbeat to sad.  Both albums feature introspective lyrics,  Regrets, D'Evils, Can't Knock The Hustle(Reasonable Doubt), While the Blueprint  features Never Change, Song Cry, Heart of The City, Renegade.
                                                        

I like Reasonable simply because the flow and the over-the-top slang and metaphors used throughout the album. If you are not listening carefully it would go as simple slang , but he is conveying a message in a deeper way.  Reasonable Doubt also had more tracks and featured a much wider use of different producers. Ski adds soulful or a Jazzy feel to his tracks, Clark Kent produces anthem-like tracks, DJ Premier  offers boom -bap or sounds that tell the rapper to simply display their lyrical abilities. The other producers simply craft beats that Jay-Z can easily rhyme too, but then again I think he can do it with any track.

                                                           

The Blueprint on the other hand features a  solid sound that uses focuses mostly on Soul Samples,  while there a few exceptions of upbeat tracks, most of the beats  are  soulful.  Despite the Takeover,  the album features Jay-z addressing many personal things he endured through his life. Lost love, poverty, drug- dealing, and even promiscuity.

 Both albums are classic and I could listen to any of them throughout the week, they are good albums mainly
because the musician gives the listner a glimpse into his life. While many rappers rap about things they probbaly did not expereince or  do not know much about. Jigga does the opposite  he is not bragging or bigging himself up, but being confident in who he is.  Each album  he has a clever way of describing topics he has said before in a new, unique way. I personally prefer Reasonable Doubt simply because I don't think he could ever replicate another album like it. But the Blueprint is just as good.  The BluePrint was done in a week, while Reasnable Doubt was done in 26 yeas. The BluePrint he is established , while Reasonable Doubt  features a much  more lyrical and hungrier Sean Carter. Regardless both are great, but Reasonable Doubt is an album that set many trends. Regarding flow, lyricism, and overall quality of work.

Top 25 Rap Albums(In any particular order)

5052013

1. The College Dropout (Kanye West)

2.  Illmatic(Nas)

3. Resurrection(Common)

4. Me Against The World(2pac)

5.Reasonable Doubt(Jay-Z)

6.All Eyez On Me(2pac)

7.It Was Written(Nas)

8. Food & Liquor(Lupe Fiasco)

9. (Scarface) The Fix

10. The Blueprint(Jay-Z)

11. The Marshall Mathers LP(Eminem)

12. Mama Said Knock You Out(LL Cool J)

13. The Chronic( Dr. Dre)

14. Trap Muzik (T.I.)

15. Ready To Die( Notorious BIG)

16. Life After Death (Notorious BIG)

17.Get Rich Or Die Trying(50 Cent)

18.  DoggyStyle (Snoop Dogg) 

19. Radio (LL Cool J)

20. ATLiens (OutKast)

21.  Good Kid Maad City (Kendrick Lamar)

22. Paid In Full (Eric B and Rakim)

23. Road To The Riches (Kool G Rap)

24. Run DMC

25. Straight Outta Compton(N.W.A.)

My Review Of The 50'th Law

Yesterday i had the chance to read 50th law by Robert Green and 50 Cent, I found that I greatly enjoyed the book. It was short, succinct, but was very descriptive and had examples to support its ideas. While I found the 48 Laws of Power to be interesting, this book was held my attention , an many of the ideas resonated. The theme of the book is mostly on becoming self-reliant,  overcoming fears, and the importance of Individuality. Other topics include how other people became successful throughout history and methods that other great people in history used to set a goal and accomplish it. I highly suggest for anyone to read the book, My favorite chapters was Intense Realism and Self-Reliance,  those chapters focus on being able to provide for self, working for self, and turning to others out of strength. It also mentions that those who are self-reliant are able to interact with others and not to say “F### U”! be  only for self.  

Intense Realism is observing an environment for what it is and understanding situations for what they are. Taking an opportunity that  would feel negative and using it as a learning experience.  He used  50 Cent’s  shooting as an example, instead of giving up on his goals , it pushed him further to want to accomplish them.  The author states, “The greatest fear people have is being themselves”. Which I thought was very true, instead of embracing their individuality people often conform to fit in or to be accepted even when it does not fit them.

Greene also discusses how throughout any-ones life people will doubt someone’s abilities or their talent. But that should cause anyone to discontinue their goals or dreams. He mentions how if you elevate your self-image, less judgments and opinions will hurt you. It is important to belief in self because often others won’t.

Lastly, I appreciate the book for its in-depth look at characteristics that all great leaders have.  Greene states, “The fearless type in history inevitably display in their lives a higher tolerance than most of us for repetive, boring tasks. This allows them to excel in their field and master their craft”.   He goes on to say,”What kept them going was the power they quickly discovered through mastery of certain steps”. In other words, often those who are leaders are willing to go the extra-mile, make sacrifices, and put their all into their goals.That is the  recipe for being a leader /success.  Many people often are in awe at  the people who are successful but don’t realize that they work very hard and were very passionate. They also had a positive mind state, which allowed them to see opportunities early.

I got plenty out of reading the  book and I plan to read some more of his work.  I would also like to know when he  is going to publish his next body of work. I think Greene is smart, insightful, and overall a great author.