A good song from a good album, been waiting for a while since I found out that this was the next single to be taken from 808’s & Heartbreaks.
Kanye West has been raising the bar in terms of standard for music videos of late, his video for Welcome To Heartbreak ft. Kid Cudi had people in a frenzy (and confusion until they realized that it was meant to distorted). This video, far different from the last, but just as much of an impact, it perfectly represents the track, with dark shots, exotic locations, basic effects yet the end product is a joy to watch.
Visually, it speaks more and uses minimal shots, the jungle theme fits the sound effects in the song, with both Kanye and Young Jeezy at their best. Not much has to be said as the video speaks for itself but it is just as inspirational as the song and undoubtedly another classic by Mr West.
I reviewed this track a while back (with a little snippet) and have been waiting impatiently for the video, well here it is and what can I say?..if Lady Ny does not get the recognition and success that someone of her talent deserves after this then there is definitely something wrong!!
Like the song itself the video is dark yet sexy with a lot of impact, the song possess a certain spark and in the video that is provided by Lady Ny herself. I always a imagined a club scene video simply because of the feel that the song provides, usually a good song ends up having an average video but in this case, the director did Dangerous justice, maintaining a good balance between the audio and visual, certain shots show a deliberate push for sex appeal, however, they fit with the video well, whilst the special effects help emphasize the scene complimented by Ny’s acting.
It is no secret that I really like the song, now though, I like the video as well. Lady Ny has a voice that matches her outer beauty and with Dangerous must surely have a hit on her hands.
Fáris’ Rating:
8/10
I’m feeling generous today, or maybe I just think that you all should see this because it is that good!
I’m a big fan of both Kid Cudi and DC’s own Wale, so I was excited to hear this and they did not dissapoint.
Look Up In The Stars, produced by Breez (A producer to keep an ear out for), the beat offers that synth-based outer space sound, futuristic and perfect for two diverse artists heralded as the future, the drum pattern reminds me of old neptunes beats, fairly simple in practice but the cleverly executed fusion of drum and keyboard sounds have a big effect, the melody is a spaceship in flight and Kid Cudi and Wale are the passengers. Kid Cudi sings the chorus (with autotune, but pulls it off nicely) and provides a verse, the verse seems standard from Cudi whilst Wale had me remembering Nas, lyrical and a flow to match that just grabs your attention as you listen to every word.
This new wave of artists have a lot to compete against but are fortunate to be allowed to be diverse and free in terms of creativity and concepts, it is refreshing to see and shows you how far Hip-Hop and music in general has come, the likes of 50 cent or Jay-Z would be laughed at if they came out singing talking about stars, Rappers like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Lil’ Wayne have held the door (a door that I believe Pharrell Williams opened) for people like Kid Cudi, Asher Roth and Wale, allowing them to come through and be themselves, be creative and break out of stereotypes that come with a genre.
Look Up In The Stars, although may just end up as a mixtape record, is a good offering from the two bright prospects and I look forward to hearing more like this.
The Marvell boys return with the much anticipated video for their single ‘Make Noise’ (Out 1st June).
Marvell have been making a name for themselves within the underground scene for a while now individually and as a collective with mixtapes such as Late Arrival, Moneys Da Motive and the latest offering Marvell FM, each one receiving high praises for it’s combination of innovation, creativity and entertainment values.
Make Noise is the first single to be released, and the single itself is making a lot of noise as they rise further up in the game. The video is already a regular on TV, with many requesting the video proving they have a strong following.
The track is compiled with a beat that makes it’s presence known, a synth that brings pace into the track, perfectly complimented by the flow from all three emcees, Shocka leads and delivers another metaphorically driven verse, full of lyrical ability and wit, Vertex then steps up and delivers on point, obviously the fasted out of the three (if not the fastest in the scene) Double S runs side by side of the melody with the third verse adding heavily to keeping the impact of the song consistent from start to finish. I really feel that it has the same attributes as Kano – P’s & Q’s in terms of cross-over appeal, Marvell manage to come across aggressive whilst maintaining an ear-friendly sound.
Visually, directed by Vertex himself (who notably also directed the video for The Noisettes – Don’t Upset the Rhythm), it is a combination of professionalism and a youthful mind, it provides the same enjoyable feel as the track and therefore the two compliment each other, complete with effects and an Eddie Kadi cameo, Vertex is certainly making noise as one of the best prospects in the direction field.
Overall, Make Noise will is set to elevate the fly boys to further heights, they certainly deserve it with the hard work and determination that they put in but more with the talent they possess and the quality material that Marvell is delivering.
For those who need more persuasion of how good Marvell are, here you go:
Hopefully you have all managed to keep up to date and read all the previous reviews, I am pleased to say that there will be a lot more to come, more reviews, new interviews and if there is anything else you would like to read or be informed about like only I can then feel free to comment and let me know, other than that, I hope you enjoy and stay safe people.
Hello world, for those that have been checking the site regularly, you will notice that there has not been many if any new updates and reviews, this is simply to give everyone else a chance to catch up, read through all the reviews before the new wave hits!
Hope you’re all good and seriously appreciate the support, I do this for you!
The UK urban scene continues to rise to new heights with both music and movies.
This is the trailer for the new British movie ‘Shifty’:
Shifty, looks different and past the stereotypical movies in past, a good cast and direction offers what looks certain to be a quality movie.
Here is the video for Riz MC (who is also the lead actor in the film) featuring Sway & Plan B (Plan B goes hard on this one) with the title song from the official movie soundtrack.
A good track to accompany the movie, British cinema and music is currently witnessing a wave dominated with Urban acts, many doors are being opened for the quality that we possess to no longer be looked over.
A little while back, an image of British artist Bashy emerged, he appeared to have cuts and bruises, awareness was initially made when a Facebook message from Bashy’s fan page was sent, the message was apparently from an angry Bashy who had been attacked, the name Terry Ambrose was mentioned heavily, many believed that Bashy had indeed been attacked.
The image appeared again, courtesy of Urban entertainment’s finest duo, Ace & Vis, who posted the picture on their blog but with a less worrying caption.
Not much was said about this image for a while, Bashy’s blog continued as normal, a new post showing an image of an equation featuring ‘Bashy, Wretch 32, Scorcher + A black van’. Bashy then posted the image of his with the cuts and bruises, many now believed that this a real incident that took place.
Now, a new song and accompanying video has been posted for a track titled Ransom, featuring Scorcher & Wretch 32. This shows that the alledged attack was really a hoax and more so publicity for this new song, talk was always there as many fans have felt that Bashy would lose respect if it is indeed a publicity stunt, but after watching the video, I really cannot say anything but WELL DONE to Bashy, he has put out probably one of the best track and video I have seen in a while, subject wise it is as real and gripping as Kidulthood to Adulthood, even better to be honset.
‘Ransom’ is a display of three of the UK’s premier artists, both as emcees and actors even, Scorcher and Wretch 32 are suprisingly as natural as actors as the are rappers, the fact that is a Part One (it is part of a feature film) has me eager to see more, the three put in one hell of a performance, Scorcher is a highlight on this song, for some reason his tone and persona dominates over the beat, Bashy and Wretch 32 match it well, the video visualises the song to it’s best ability.
As a movie, the earlier message and images of Bashy’s alledged attack unfold as Ashley ‘Bashy’ Thomas actually plays the character of Terry Ambrose, featuring Tayo ‘Scorcher’ Jarret as ‘Junior’, Jermaine ‘Wretch 32’ Scott has a double role as ‘Frankie’ and Terry Ambrose’s Co-D ‘Terry’. As a movie ‘Ransom’ delivers a hard-hitting storyline with great detail, great performers with great delivery, a certified ‘one to watch’ as it is captivating and will undoubtly amaze audiences when seen.
Pharell Williams is obviously associated with big beats and hit records, however, along with Chad Hugo, The Neptunes have always had a special relationship with Miami rapper Pitbull, proof of this special collaboration comes along as they team up once again this time for the Fast & Furious 4 soundtrack with the song Blanco.
The track is a lively party song, it has a fast flowing feel-good factor to it, Pharrell providing the hook, Blanco looks set to bubble up nicely to surface in many clubs and house parties alike.
Blanco has been given a boost with the ‘fly on the wall’ style video, an almost ‘life in the day of’ concept, as we follow Pitbull through a crazy night, filled with hot woman and plenty of drinks. Fitting the high lifestyle shown in scenes during the new Fast & Furious movie, this song compliments those moments in the movie extremely well, almost perfectly.
The video has a mix of excitement and humour to it, which only emphasises the feeling that the song puts across, Blanco will most likely be on many people’s summer playlists.
After claiming 2008 as his own, The phenomenon that is Lil’ Wayne returns, this time to put his Young Money affiliates under that constant spotlight that the Carter III has helped place upon him.
Introducing Drake (a serious contender for future superstar), Jae Millz (reaping the benefits of his grind), Gudda and Wayne’s long-standing friend and business partner Mack Maine.
The song itself is created to gain attention, to help the transition of these artists under Lil’ Waynes Young Money label, the use of auto tune is higher among the other artists in a bid to have them stand out and have identity of their own, it is more a feel good, light-hearted track which no doubt is the ear opener for some realness that will follow as a Young Money group album is said to be on the way (to be released the same day as Wayne’s rock album ‘Rebirth’).
I think this is a good track for the reason it was made, every artist is given a chance to shine and they all did the job, it will most definitely promote Young Money as more than just what Lil’ Wayne says before a track, the label possesses a talented roster and will not get the same attention anywhere else but with Young Money.
ONE Fáris 