With Sean’s fourth studio-album ‘I Decided’ on the way, the latest offering shows more insight into what we can expect on the 3rd of February.
Initially, the hook is catchy, and we’re well aware of Big Sean’s capabilities with words, however, to be able to pen such a record, where he is ultimately venting yet the narrative of the song is nothing short of motivational, is no easy feat. Often an artist’s success and the change of lifestyle naturally pouring into their music, can distance them from the listener, yet with Halfway Off The Balcony, he manages to contain the authenticity and is able to stunt, whilst maintaining the balance with the overall emotive. Emphasising his hunger, drive, vulnerability and morals, producer Amaire Johnson and the Sean Don are able to really play upon the concept of the album.
If this track is anything to go by, and hoping the project stays true to the concept, then Big Sean has a very solid project that obviously will be well-received, but truly embraced, further establishing him amongst Rap’s elite.
If you thought LA’s current run was slowing, guess again. Ladies & Gentlemen, introducing, Polyester The Saint.
Now, this is by no way, his actual introduction, I’ve heard him prior, courtesy of collaborations with some of my favourite artists (Dom Kennedy, Freddie Gibbs), and (like his name) his verses stood out, leading on to hearing some of his own material, and initially it was evident potential, until last year, when I came across the wavy project, entitled ‘Pop, an acronym for “Passion • Obsession • Profession”. It featured this song, which was an instant hit as I had a pair, so it became a sort of anthem, Pop also featured another personal favourite 5-hunnid Benz. Throughout the project, he tackled the production with such originality whilst paying homage to the classic West Coast theme, I was impressed with the structure, and the overall wave.
Fast forward to now, I’m about to step outside, slipped my grey Fila ’96s on, happen to peer online and saw this new video, leading to me rinsing the internet on my phone, watching the video at every opportunity (Thus this review being written now, as I’ve just got back in, Filas still on). Directed by Andre 4k, he gives us a good balance with the artist being the focal point, whilst keeping the theme and vibe of the record accentuated.
“I’m yellin’ Thug Life..”
The record itself has such a southern flavour to it, Pimp C would be proud, with Pac feeling as satisfied with the West Coast soul that flows through. As usual, I have a remix in mind, I think musically it would work, if it were to feature Chase N Cashe, and the reasoning behind it, isn’t just that he’s also a dope musician on the rise, but because he too reps Fila, it would be a good look for the brand, for sure. There are a lot of people standing with their surfboards, hoping to catch onto a wave, then you have a player like Poleyster The Saint, who happens to have his own. If you like this, then definitely check out ‘Pop’, and be ready for the new project, due soon.
With production on Troy Ave – Your Style, Mr Cha-Ching himself, Chase N Cash has the summer (as they say), but showing no signs of slowing down, we get this ode to Detroit, in the form of visuals for the motivational Prozac.
Even in those ’94 Nike Zoom Turfs, you could not mirror his steps, as the young producer, transitioned into an artist & movement, with Crown Bearer records rightfully represented. I like the D town love, many relate to the struggle, and in such a city, there is still so much beauty and spirit, nicely displayed. The beat is catchy, with the choice of sounds used, especially with the drums, they’re soft yet impactful, it’s well composed. The flow is wavy, this track is quality, cool personified, and there is a sense of proudness as I watch the video, knowing how far Chase has come.
Prozac is one scale of the spectrum for the Surf Club alumni, when it comes to his versatility and ability even, until his next project however, you can check out his previous mixtape, HeirWaves.
What is probably my favourite track off Q’s incredible offering of an album, OxyMoron, receives the green light as the next single, with the cool monotone visuals to match.
Studio, featuring (the equally talented) vocalist, BJ The Chicago Kid (who for Q fans, is no stranger to the TDE camp) is another example of how the Groovy Gangster has really managed to take great strides towards the top without compromising in the slightest (even as I write this, it’s hard not to think about how great the album is). Not many expected the impact he has had, whilst those that religiously listened to Habits & Contradictions (and even further down the catalogue) would beg to differ. He has remained himself, and that is how you get an honest song that is in no way a desperate crossover attempt, it just flows well. Similarly, this transitions through the video, with the Jerome D visuals capturing classic Q in a more sensually-lit, promiscuous theme. Much like the song, the representation and clarity is captured & edited nicely, it’s less of a staged event and more personal, also realistic. Such qualities can be associated to the artist himself, and it just allows enough space for the record to be the main focus, rather than overcasting it with effects, the video merely compliments the record, further emphasising how good the song actually is.
OxyMoron continues to get spins, with a new favourite track depending on how I’m feeling, the album is ‘that’ versatile (ended up talking about the album didn’t I?!), oh well, fuck it, it’s one of the best albums in recent, definitely this year, out of any genre.
Trust it to be G that brought me back out the hiatus. Truth is, substance has lacked heavily in today’s scene, with only a handful of music that stands out (those reviews are on the way). I have been wanting to review this from when the audio was uploaded to Soundcloud, but this is G-FrSH we’re talking about, so it was only right to wait for the video.
G’s emergence was down to quality music, his respect as a lyricist can be attributed to various freestyles and features, but in a ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ industry, it was his passion for the craft that kept him consistent. His talent, evident as always, at times was overshadowed by some of the more commercial outlets, and their choice of content, meaning there was a detachment between artist and audience. However, hustler by nature, he supplied to the demand that Legoman created, with a handful of projects, and there are still records in the vault that would sound just as frsh.
“Floating, I’m Floating On A Dream, ‘Cos I’m Falling High, I’m Falling High..”
The smooth vocals of newcomer Sonny Reeves, may not be the generic uptempo club smash chorus that seems to be the trend, but rather takes you to a more closer and personal world, without sounding like a reach or a crossover attempt, a great example of the versatility that G (so effortlessly) brings to the game. Falling High, reminds me (in feeling) of his track Tears (ft. Bluey Robinson & Tania Foster), it has that honest essence, a more introspective portrayal of his current position and mindset within his career thus far. “I Swear I Got It, I Don’t Get Why They Don’t Get It, I Been Goin’ In For So Long..Maybe I Should Find An Exit”. The song can be interpreted in many ways, which allows it to resonate with people individually (a sign of a good record). It’s easy listening at it’s finest, with a strong core of substance, it does not need an overflow of metaphors & punchlines, “..Where Alcohol And Endo, See Us Through Our Pane (Pain) Like Windows”. It is self-expressive, and genuinely refreshing to hear.
It’s almost as if it is a behind the scenes record, even the visual, again..not a reach or out of his comfort zone, with James Partridge brilliantly executing the mood of the song, it fits within his previous work, yet like the record, it’s own authenticity projects through, in an almost minimalist concept. With his forthcoming Alfie EP on the way, it certainly seems set up for a more mature feel, especially with Falling High being the first release, which is great for music, and really shows his artistry, further separating him from the average rapper.
With the current dominance of Urban artists and music in general within the charts, it is safe to say that the scene is being recognized, regardless of who or how, the fact that so many artists are able to crossover into mainstream status and be considered household names is a big accomplishment for an ever-growing industry.
So no greater way to celebrate such an achievement than with a track like this.
GAME OVER:
As Tinchy Stryder prepares to release his new album Third Strike, he brings us this monstrous anthem, featuring a plethora of talent, the best thing about this line-up is its range of diversity.
1. Giggs, the elite rapper kicks it off with his distinct raw style & sound, cementing his authority on the track as well as the industry (despite their efforts to restrict his movement),
2. Pro Green, the quirky wordsmith is finally reaping rewards for all his hard work and takes this in his stride with a cocky yet clever lyrical combination,
3. Tinie Tempah, the two-time number 1 star is on a successful role and his delivery on this is a testament to his growth from chart newcomer to a resident member of that premier section of artists.
4. Devlin has made a huge impact in the scene, having been a dominant name within the Grime scene for years, the youngster makes the leap into chart status and he does not hold back on this, definitely one of the better verses.
5. Example, this verse was a complete surprise to many, he deserves his place but he really takes this opportunity and puts it in a headlock, merging a new and old school style with his own delivery, it strangely reminds me of Roots Manuva at times, it is without doubt a really good effort.
6. Chipmunk, i think everybody expected more from the young mainstream phenom, however it a bad verse, its cocky, confident and raw, reminds me of Dubz at one point, which can’t be a bad thing. Munk’s offering definitely takes time to grow in comparison to the others but good none the less.
7. Tinchy Stryder, Cloud 9 Strydes steps up to platform and truly delivers, considered my most as one of the best verses we have heard from him in a while, he definitely switches the level for this one and stamps his mark within the game.
Together, these seven artists really take a stand for the scene, showing variety as well as unity among artists in every tier of the charts.
Here is the Mobo performance:
[Youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCnpQcWSods]
To me this appeared like the TV series Heroes, at one point you have each artist on one stage with their own “power”, an immense occasion in the scene’s history.
Bonus: there is no way i could leave this out..
Sway really delivering something spectacular as he promotes his new mixtape The Delivery 2
Also: Giggs – Hustle On OUT NOW! Devlin – Runaway OUT NOW!
Since the release of the Flight Of The Navigator, Bigz has found himself in new heights as far as his credibility, FOTN was justification that the rapper deserved all the praise he receives (if not more).
Continuing on that success, his “royal flyness” brings you, STARMAN (EP).
10 solid tracks to further cement his place among the best.
STARMAN:
An emphatic intro to the EP, Starman has Bigz displaying the wordplay and flow with variety, switching up the flow beyond expectations as the verses progress, definitely a stand out on the project.
I JUST WANT THE PAPER:
This track has been receiving a lot of love from the listeners, the kind of beat that you cannot help but nod your head along to (or even get up and 2-step), with the Flygerian leader back on his fly talk, using an aptly chosen Biggie sample, this track creates a certain vibe that only the flyest will feel.
SLEEPING SATELLITES ft. WRETCH32 & SWAY:
Another stand out track, Sleeping Satellites is where Bigz holds his own against two of the best rappers in the country, on a deeper and more personal tone, the three artists add a contrast with their unique styles.
This track adds diversity and allows Bigz to show his ability via a different retrospective.
STARMAN is quite the offering as it is a FREE download, featuring G-FrSH, Wretch32, Sway, Selah, Baby Blue & more, consider this a Thank You for all the support he has been getting of late. Many people can argue all they want..but when it comes to ability and craft in regards to music, Bigz is one of the best.
With the first two cyphers being a proven success, bringing together a nexus of talent, we now bring you Cypher 3, featuring the previously reviewed Dream Mclean (I told you he was one to watch!), Random Impulse, Griminal and Lioness.
I’ll forever cosign Dream Mclean as he is a raw talent with lyrical ability, flow plus a voice with a presence, more so he is himself and always trying to improve, which in my opinion are traits of a quality artist in this field. Random Impulse really took this opportunity to shine, with his charisma fuelled wordplay, definitely throwing a few standout bars, setting up Griminal, an artist who needs no introduction, he has been a prominent name within the scene for many years and we’re still far from seeing the best from him, potential is high as he spazzes out. Last but not least, Lioness represents for the strong minded ladies, proving some of the best emcees are not just males, controlling the tempo with added confidence, she rounds off yet another impressive cypher.
Dot Rotten kicked it off flawlessly, portraying his mind through lyrics effortlessly,
Calibar, one of the most underrated rappers in the UK, made no mistakes with this effort, balancing reality and his style with a smooth delivery,
Black The Ripper, considered by many a “potential legend in the game”, delivers another reality check with the upmost of confidence.
Mz Bratt took a stride over a lot of the male emcees with this cypher, personally i expected it, this leading lady spun a few heads with the content easily.
What i like about this cypher is that i don’t believe this was anybody’s best, but then i know their potentials, but without a doubt a great effort from each artist.
ONE Fáris 