Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Yeezus: Album Analysis



Yeezus: Album Analysis

I am a true Kanye fan, so when his album was set to release I was anticipating a sequel to Watch the Throne or at least some of the old Kanye from College Dropout & Late Registration. If you’re looking for a quintessential Hip-Hop album, this isn’t it.  This album is more of a sequel to 808s & Heartbreaks with a little My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy mixed in.  As a matter of fact, most of the album could have been on MBDTF. This is not a bad thing; however, I think I can safely speak for us all when I say that we’ve had enough of him whining about previous relationships.  Good thing he’s great at creating music and storytelling, which probably keeps his real fans hanging on until he comes back with a classic Kanye/Hip-Hop album, which we all know he can do. NonDescript, one half of local producing duo JM Productions, said “I feel like if Kanye wanted to he could make a classic Hip-Hop album. I hate all this extra crap he does. Until he returns to real rap I’m not messing with him. He’s corny to me at this point”.  Some may agree. Here are my thoughts of the album in a track by track breakdown:

1.  On Sight- “…and I know she like chocolate men, got more niggas off than Cochran…”

With every song on the album the production is abstract and dark. On Sight comes in with a funky synthesized type beat with raw lyrics and West’s infamous sampling.  Kanye has always been a clever words man with a touch of dry humor and it’s apparent in a few of the lines. “…chopped ‘em both down, don’t judge him Joe Brown!”

2.  Black Skinhead- “Stop all that coon shit..early morning cartoon shit...”

Very powerful cadence type beat that is fitting to the title.  For some reason Kanye decided to experiment with screaming on this album which kind of scares me... but nonetheless I thought this was a classic Kanye song; a message over a sick beat with tons of angst.  I like the “God” chants at the end that segue into the next track I Am A God. Awesome.

3.  I Am A God-“the only rapper compared to Michael…”

Again, very dark production with screaming that almost makes the track sound demonic.  But if you can get past that, there are some great bars in this song that mesh well with the beat.  I totally get that Kanye is depicting himself being chased but it really takes away from the awesome music, and I wish he would have extended the portion without his vocals.  I want more of the music! Great song even with those few irritants.  The ending line “Ain’t no way I’m giving up on my God” is very haunting but potent. I like the reggae element as well.

4.  New Slaves- “I know that we the new slaves, I see the blood on the leaves 

When I saw this title I was looking for another message to the black youth as portrayed in Murder to Excellence (Watch The Throne), and Kanye managed to impress me.  Of course he’s bringing on the anger making valid points about how the black culture is still plagued with the materialistic state of mind. Not only does he get the point across, he uses satire to mock himself. …”y’all throwin contracts at me,you  know that niggas can’t read! [throw em some Maybach keys] fuck it, C’est la vie!”  That’s the typical attitude of young Hip-Hop that’s more concerned about the material things more than the fine print; metaphorically speaking and literally.

5.  Hold My Liquor-“…5 years we been over…ask me why I came over…one mo’ hit and I can own ‘ya…”

If you don’t want to hear Kanye relive another encounter with an infamous ex then skip this one, HOWEVER, if you like the occasional chopped screwed auto tuned slooooow sizzurp track with a dash of guitar riffs, then you have that blended together perfectly, which makes for an awesome track. You’d probably want to vibe to this one when you’re alone in chill mode. (not mad at Chief Keef)

6.  I’m In It-“careless whispers…eye fuckin…biting ass”

Definitely the raunchiest track on the album, I feel like he was channeling Plies but if vulgar content doesn’t offend you, then try to absorb the beat…actually he switches the beat a few times, bringing the reggae component back in. Very dramatic and Kanye-esque but he didn’t overcomplicate it. More screaming. *sigh* but I love this one. It’s downright dirty and it’s not a bad thing to rock to such songs occasionally.

7.  Blood On the Leaves- “…now you sittin’ courtside wifey on the other side, gotta keep ‘em separated I call that apartheid…”

I can only assume the Billie Holiday sample Strange Fruit was supposed to bring symbolism to this rant to sideline chicks, meaning that there are some women who plot and scheme to literally “hang niggas” for the sake of their own foolish and selfish agendas.  Fail.  Knowing the background of the song, I was shocked by the theme in which he chose to write. The production was flawless and I find myself quoting the samples more than the verses because the content has no substance when you place it over such an emotional track.  I’m over the angry-toward-bitches songs.  I feel he’s evolving with production but not content. I love the music but not too fond of the lyrics, I just wish he would have went with a different approach for the topic. I must give him props for "taking it back to the 'Nolia" and inserting the C-Murder beat from the classic song Down 4 My Niggas.  Dope. Great track nevertheless, and probably one if not the best on the album.

8.  Guilt Trip-“I hit her with Jamaican dick, I’m the new ‘Shabba!’”

Another 808’s inspired synthesized sounding track that throws us back into the tales of the exes again while adding a taste of reggae. I am also a Kid Cudi fan and his last few guest appearances on Kanye’s albums have been singing.  And wouldn’t you know? He’s singing on this one as well. It’s appropriate for the song, but this is one I’d skip unless I’m on a road trip and the album is playing. 

9.  Send It Up- “memories don’t live like people do…”

The reggae aspect was not an unwelcome guest on this album.  I thought it added little pieces of Hip-Hop that were generally lacking.   This was a semi complicated beat but it worked.

  10. Bound 2- “…one good girl is worth a 1000 bitches…”

This is probably the one track on the album that is truly Hip-Hop.  He almost ruined it with the woman talk but the samples and Charlie Wilson saved it and it’s a classic Kanye record in my opinion.

 

In summation, Yeezus is epic work from Kanye. Out of the seven albums, I rank it #5 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Fellow music eclectic & Kanye fan  Greg Watson said “…Hip-Hop heads with no imagination hate it..but those people don’t actually like music just rap that they can directly relate to.”

 

If you heard Yeezus, what do YOU think? Comment below.
                                        

 




Sunday, June 2, 2013

Clever: 6 letters there's none better!


 
 
Typically when I get excited about an unsigned artist I tend to compare them to an established artist so that there's a sense of familiarity.  In the case with Clever, I have been unable to do that.  He's in his own lane. In addition to creating music that has taken a step back from the current status quo of Hip Hop, Clever , like Eturnal of Portsmouth, is an ambitious businessman that understands just recording good music wont cut it; there are additional components to becoming a successful artist. He has his own website, he has shot professional videos, and is the founder of Makin It Happen Ent.  Check out the excerpt below from Clever's personal website http://www.clever757.com/ :
 
     "Clever was big into Hip Hop at the early age of 9. His pops had a huge influence on him, mainly through exposing Clever to his crazy record collection which consisted of artist such as, The Ghetto Boys, Heavy D, ABC, and many of the great oldie but goodie records. His older cousins always had the latest new music, so he stayed current on the latest releases, solely because of his passion for Hip Hop at the time. His mom was a beautiful singer, who dedicated her voice to church; this accounts for Clever’s roots in the gospel and jazz genres at such an early age. Clever often found himself listening to Kenny G or just classical music, which caused him to zone out into deep thought. Not only was it soothing, but Clever testifies that classical music is a good remedy to put him to sleep.
Some of Clever’s influences are Canibus, Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony, Wu-Tang Clan, Tribe Called Quest, Da Brat, Outkast, Biggie, Jay-z, and NAS just to name a few. You can say by being an 80’s baby, during the crack era, Clever was heavily influenced by these artists during the 90’s Hip Hop era."
The musical influences are apparent in his music.  Listen to his Started From the Bottom freestyle:
https://soundcloud.com/clever757/clever-x-started-from-da
More music by Clever:
http://www.soundcloud.com/clever757
For more information about Clever & Makin It Happen Ent.:
http://instagram.com/m_i_h_ent
http://www.twitter.com/makinithappen_
 http://www.twitter.com/clever757









 

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Eturnal The Portsmouth Prophet




Please check out my ep which drops Feb 1st! The "Bad Seed" Datpiff.com upload your mixtape to 20+ websites like datpiff.com HotNewHipHop.com, Coast2CoastMixtapes.com, And check out exclusive performance and behind the scenes studio footage at YouTube.com/Eturnal757 thanks for the love soundsoftheseven.blog.com
 
 
...and much love back.  Many thanks to Eturnal, the poet of Portsmouth for taking the time out to answer the following questions:
 
Bee: Explain War Report Ent. Is this a movement? business? Crew? Break it down.
 
Eturnal:War report entertainment was a independent record label I started with some childhood friends back in 1998. Growing up I looked up to the likes of Def Jam and Russell Simmons, Dame Dash and Jay-Z with the likes of rocafella records. I liked their movement and how they put the music they wanted out without any restraints. I thought independent was the best way to go with help from a major distributor. We didnt really have a crew name just all solo artists.


Bee: Describe your style of music. Do u think it's a representation of Portsmouth, you as an individual, or both? When ppl listen, what should they take away?
 
Eturnal: I've been a student of hip hop since the beginning, so I've studied all the greats. My style is a mixture of the notorious B.I.G. with his storytelling, Nas with his lyricism and jay-z with his hustler mentality to name a few. It's pure hiphop in its rawest form. Saying that I try to incorporate my city at all times. I try not to sugarcoat my upbringing or the city I'm from. I've dealt with alot of pain in my life and hardships, setbacks, financial woes, etc so I just try to keep it real raw. No disrespect to any other artist doing their thing but I've never been a big fan of just talking about money, cars and jewels.

Bee: What are u bringing to the table that the game is missing?
 
Eturnal:Alot of energy, pain and storytelling. Lyricism is what the game is really missing right now. So I'm just trying to do my part and bring it back. Good quality music.


Bee: Explain your stage name.
 
Eturnal:That's a good question, I actually got the name from the bible. Eternal means to live forever or last forever. My lyrics will last forever, timeless. You'll be able to listen to my songs twenty years from now and still relate to them.

Bee: Where do u see yourself in the next 2 years in regards to your music career?
 Eturnal: I see myself in the position that god has set for me. Music is my passion so Whether its rapping, producing or dj-ing, ill be doing something with the music, definitely. Just stay consistent and continue to have that drive and passion for it.
 
 
 
To hear Eturnal's music, check out the links below: