14 Sep

Posted at 04:35h in Music
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I’m generally not interested in Eminem’s music, so this video is my introduction to “Lucky You.” It features Joyner Lucas, whose verses provided a stark reminder that Eminem is not that good of a rapper. If you’re wondering who Joyner Lucas is, you probably aren’t alone, but I’m sure you might have come across his work: He made that raggedy-ass “I’m Not Racist” song and video that delved into the topic of race in the most laughably basic way you can imagine.

I feel like anyone who saw the “I’m Not Racist” video and actually thought it was profound is probably an Eminem fan, so this collaboration was meant to be. Watch the video below.

14 Sep

Posted at 04:07h in Music
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Ciara just dropped “Dose,” a Darkchild production that lowkey reminds me of one of those Keri Hilson songs from 2009. The song isn’t spectacular in any way, but it isn’t terrible either. I’m more concerned with the fact that Ciara neglected to give us a music video for “Freak Me.” Like…what’s really good? Anyway, listen to “Dose” below.

14 Sep

Posted at 03:52h in Music
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Mariah Carey dropped the video for “GTFO” at midnight as promised and it is exactly what I thought it would be.

First, the good: Mariah looks AMAZING. She has never looked better.

Now, the bad: She has become totally and completely unimaginative when it comes to music videos, and at a time where video streams count towards chart success, she is doing herself a disservice by putting out dry visuals like this. She has essentially been making the same video for the last five years or so, where she bats her eyelids at the camera and does half-ass twirls all while lipping the words to the song off-sync. In slow motion, no less.

But I keep hanging on. Because I love Mariah and because I think she has gotten a bad rap throughout her career. She is one of the biggest victims of rockism, and one day, I will dedicate a blog post to the matter. In the meantime, watch the “GTFO” video below.

14 Sep

Posted at 03:26h in Music
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Gucci Mane, Bruno Mars and Kodak Black have come together to give us one of the more random collabos you will come across, and oddly enough, it actually kinda works. Bruno Mars had posted pics of himself and Bill K. Kapri in the studio, so I knew they had something cooking, but I didn’t know we’d hear it this soon nor was I expecting Guwop to be on the track.

“Wake up in the Sky” is what I’d call a trap slow jam. I’m not crazy about it, but I’m definitely partial to all three artists on the track and can already tell that it will grown on me because it got better with each listen. I’m hoping we get a video for this one. Listen to the track below.

13 Sep

Posted at 13:31h in Music, Throwback
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Today in 1996, we lost one of the greatest rappers the world we ever know. 2Pac had a short life and career, but he made every year count and left an indelible impact. Today is Thursday, so you already know what type of time I’m on.

“Dear Mama” has always been one of my favorite songs. It takes me back to simpler times — I was only 8 when this song was released — and, generally speaking, I just love an ode to mama. 2pac’s “Dear Mama” is particularly special because unlike most songs like this, he touches on his mother’s shortcomings, showing that she — like all mothers — is imperfect.

The song, which sample’s the Spinners’ “Sadie” and Joe Sample’s “In All My Wildest Dreams,” was Pac’s biggest hit at the time, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Join me in celebrating the memory of the legendary Tupac Shakur.

13 Sep

Posted at 07:27h in Music
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Mariah Carey is asking an ex-lover to get the fuck out on her new song, aptly titled “GTFO.” The track, which dropped just under 30 minutes ago, has Mimi singing in a whisper for the most part, but it actually works. She sings in full voice in certain parts, but nothing too extravagant. Overall, the track definitely sounds fresher than anything she’s released in a long time, so I think she might have a hit on her hands.

Production-wise, “GTFO” will remind you of Drake’s “Passionfruit” — it was actually produced by frequent Drake collaborator Nineteen85, but both songs don’t have any credited composers in common. The song is the first single from Mariah’s upcoming album (her 15th studio LP), which is expected to drop before the year’s over. Check it out below.

10 Sep

Posted at 22:54h in Music
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Nicki Minaj just dropped a video for “Barbie Dreams.” The song is one of the best on Queen, and while I generally don’t expect to be blown away by music videos, I had high hopes for this one because the lyrics are so clever. Not to mention, it was directed by Hype Williams.

Conceptually, I think they got it right; some of the rappers that Nicki mentions — including Lil Wayne, 6ix9ine and DJ Khaled — appear as muppets while Nicki spits bars in a variety of outfits. Khaled isn’t a rapper, but you get my point.

With Nicki sporting a variety of colorful wigs, the video gives me slight “Crush on You” vibes, especially in the frames where she’s rocking fur coats. But that’s not where the Lil’ Kim similarities end — Nicki is starting to look more plastic than ever before and I’m not sure why. Her implants look like they hurt when she moves. Peep the clip below.

10 Sep

Posted at 21:22h in Music
1 Like

The 6 God has done it again. With “In My Feelings” spending a ninth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Drake has now accrued 28 weeks at No. 1 this year, which ties Usher’s record for the most weeks at No. 1 in a calendar year. And with a career total of 48 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, Drizzy pushes past Usher as the leader among all male solo acts — only Mariah Carey (79), Rihanna (60), the Beatles (59) and Boyz II Men (50) have spent more weeks at No. 1. That being said, it is worth noting that all 47 weeks of Usher’s Hot 100 reigns were as a leading artist, while Drake has only spent 38 weeks as a leading artist.

Bonus factoid: This week marks the 33rd consecutive week of the Billboard Hot 100 being ruled by a rap song.