SINGLE: Jidenna ft. Kendrick Lamar - Classic Man (Remix)

The final track from Wondaland Presents: The Eephus has been released. Back in February, Janelle Monae and one of her Wondaland artists Jidenna were making their rounds in the interview circuit promoting this new six-track EP finally putting Monae's awe-inspiring collective in the forefront. So far three singles have emerged from this project, "Yoga," and the two versions of "Classic Man." Those who praised Cindi Mayweather's previous work have been somewhat turned off by these offerings though, and are saying that Janelle Monae is selling out her squad before they are even established. The problem is, we live in an age where the second you make a catchy tune, it's considered mainstream and fans instantly revolt via social media. At the end of the day though, these are fun records, and the remix to Jidenna's "Classic Man" is no different. I'm sure this song doesn't even begin to skim the surface of what this artist is capable of, but I'm sure the plan for Wondaland is to draw everyone in with this catchy watered-down EP, only to hit them over the head with the real shit once their official album drops. We have seen it happen time and time again in recent years, and it's a formula that seems to work well despite the times we live in. Kendrick Lamar fucking the track up soon as the song starts doesn't hurt either.

My biggest issues with this shit is that once the beat drops all I seem to hear in my head is "First thing's first, I'm the realest..."

Oh IGGz...why do you haunt me so?

 

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REVIEW: Dom Kennedy - By Dom Kennedy

Finding artists that sincerely care about the quality of their music has been on a decline over the years. The quantity and flooding the market has been a trend that has become more and popular. For artists that are concerned with quantity, taking almost two years to release their next project would be completely out of the question for them. But if your name is Dom Kennedy, this would not be a problem doing. Since dropping his last project in October of 2013, Dom has returned from his hiatus and blessed us with his third studio album. By Dom Kennedy has been what fans have absolutely been dying to hear from the Leimert park native.

By Dom Kennedy caught me off guard when I first listened to it. I was so excited to hear a project from one of my favorite artists that hasn’t released a project in so long I put his work on a pedestal. I compared it to all of his previous projects that got him to the stature that he is currently at. Projects like the timeless Yellow Album, From The Westside With Love II, or Get Home Safely set the bar high for Dom; and initially I was disappointed with this newest album. I then played this album without even thinking about it and found myself nodding my head. It ended up growing on me when I didn’t force myself and had the patience to clear my head of my expectations. By Dom Kennedy has a much more calmer and relaxed pace to it than any of Dom’s other projects, but definitely easy to vibe to. 

With production by the Futuristics, LDB, J. LBS and more this album comes together to mesh very well that aligns with Dom’s signature sound. As a fan I don’t think this album is his best work but I think this album is about growth. Dom stated in his album booklet that he rediscovered his purpose and apologizes if he is absent for anything else. Even being a fan I have a major issue with this project, it’s length. By Dom Kennedy is a studio album and yet it just breaks a half of an hour. Not to explicitly limit an artists creativity or define how long a project should be, I think this could have just been released as an EP. I know I will continue to revisit this album as I have done religiously with all of his projects but If you haven’t listened to him before, I don’t think this would be a strong introduction. This album is something that wouldn't be appreciated unless you are a fan.

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VIDEO: Wale featuring Usher - The Matrimony

Following up on a absolutely great album to add on the About Nothing series, Wale drops a visual for the fan favorite track "The Matrimony." A very touchy song on his relationship with one particular ex, the DMV rapper shows part of his good and bad side when dealing with the issues at the tme they happened. Definitely a good video that is actually relevant to the song. Enjoy!

Get More: Wale, The Matrimony feat. Usher, Music, More Music Videos

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SINGLE: Method Man - 88 Coupes

Method Man planned to drop The Meth Lab as a mixtape earlier this year, but with the delay we will now get a proper LP at the end of August (the previous plan was to release the mixtape to promote the LP Crystal Meth). No word on if The Meth Lab will replace Crystal Meth, but what we do know is that we will at least got some new Method Man at the end of the summer. This week Meth dropped some bars over the Harry Fraud instrumental, 88 Coupes. The original French Montana track features Jadakiss over another banger from the NY producer. French delivers an adequate verse (that's probably the best compliment I can give dude), but the track goes into another realm when Jada drops his lyrics. Harry Fraud delivers another smooth top shelf instrumental that requires top shelf emcees to compliment it best. I would have loved to hear a Meth/Jada team up. But at least you can hear Meth do his thing on the track and go back to Jada's verse on the French track.

Peep Meth track and original below. As well as trailer for The Meth Lab.

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VIDEO: Sheek Louch - Gangstar Flow

The LOX are one of the most lyrical groups in hip hop history. And if you ask around, most hip hop heads consider Jadakiss or Styles P the alpha emcee in the group. While Sheek Louch has had less commercial success then his Yonkers brethren, he is by no means a weak link. Sheek seams to be content with playing the background and letting his D-Block counterparts get more of the limelight. His style is probably less versatile than Jada and Styles (he doesn't have the back and forth bars like said emcees), but he can take the title for the rawest/hardest spitter in the trio. Sheek rarely deviates from his hood/street opuses. The detail and emotion poured into his verses come across as genuine and unpolished (in a good way). Sheek is gearing up to release a follow up to his 3rd solo studio album, Silverback Gorilla. Silverback Gorilla 2 is set to drop in the fall and Sheek provides some visuals to the freestyle Gangstar Flow. Classic instrumental with super hard bars.

Peep video below.

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