Alright, so I know that I blogged about Kendrick before, but I can't help but do another Kendrick track since his album just dropped today (Just incase anyone wants a little sneak peek or wants to purchase the album :). I had no problem spending the $13 and actually buying it to support this artist. The whole thing is simply amazing, all his songs elicit different tones, emotions, and lyrical styles. I think there's a little bit of something for anyone who listens to this.
In particular the one song that really stood out to me is called Now or Never. Supporting Kendrick on this song is renown R&B singer Mary J. Blige. The song is just so soulful, the second I heard the crashing of those piano keys along with the kick and snare of the drum I was automatically enticed. And overall the song is just so uplifting. You don't need to nitpick the lyrics, or overly analyze the song just to get those feel good vibes and a sense of positiveness. Also, I was surprised by Kendrick, this is the first time I've ever heard him do anything R&B like, and I have to admit that Mary J. Blige complimented him and he complimented her perfectly. Kendrick's lyrics definitely took a sweeter approach in this song, but still keep their edge. His wordplay is top notch as always, but I don't need to convince you. You can be the judge of that yourself!
Kendrick Lamar feat. Mary J. Blidge - Now or Never
As of late, I've been on a nostalgic spree with music. Among one of those artists who I have been listening to is Washington D.C. native, Wale. Wale started gaining some prominence ever since he signed to Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group. Sadly, since his major record label deal, I don't think he's been anything like what he once was. Not to say he's bad, but just the overall content of his music and delivery was more refreshing then than now.
I re-downloaded Wale's mixtape, More About Nothing, which revolves around a Seinfeld theme. The songs in the mixtape have small little cuts and bits of dialogue from the actual show which more or less coincide with the songs. Wale is not only an amazing mc, but he's also quite the poet as well. His story telling in his songs is also duly noted, which is quite clear in his transitioning from verse to verse in this song. The subject matter of the song ranges from friendship to relationships and just the trial and tribulations that all people face throughout their different relationships in life. From girlfriends, to fake friends, to enemies, and everything in between, Wale puts everything in perspective from his point of view, but also makes it something that most people can definitely relate to. Relationships are without a doubt some of the biggest uphill battles people must endure, and by relationships I take into account friends, bosses, girlfriends, family, and so forth.
Here's Wale's song The Friends Stranger. Great lyrics, great production. Enjoy!
All right, so I'm totally stoked to write this blog post in particular. I recently, by recently I mean a few hours ago, managed to peek a listen to one of the songs off Kendrick Lamar's upcoming album Good kid, m.A.A.d city coming out later this month. I've been listening to Kendrick Lamar, a rapper straight out of Compton, California for about two years now. From the second I heard one of his songs, I knew he had it in him; he was special. His charisma, intelligence, the delivery of his flow, his technicality, he had it all. His selection in production was also above par. For me, if the beat of a song can captivate me in the first three seconds, there's probably an 80% chance that I will like it. Not only that, but he was versatile being able to capture the ears of many listeners. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendrick_Lamar, here's a little more information about Kendrick for anyone wishing to know more.
Recently, he signed to a major record label. Which record label you may ask? None other than Interscope/Aftermath, Dr. Dre's label, a well known west coast legend. This also came to no major surprise considering that Kendrick and Dr. Dre previously released a track entitled The Recipe a few months ago which garnered success ranking well among some of the different billboard rankings http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Recipe_(song). Personally, I have a westcoast bias, I have a tendency to take a strong liking to artists that come out of the westcoast, notably Los Angeles and the Bay Area. There's a certain aesthetic that some of these artists give me that is just that complete Westcoast or California feel. Cruising around with the sun beaming down on your face, laid back and relaxed.
In this song, Kendrick and Dr. Dre both pay homage to their hometown of Compton, which is also the name of the track. The song is produced by Just Blaze, a well known producer in the realm of hip-hop known for producing for artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, P.Diddy, Memphis Bleek, and a bunch more. Two points this song highlighted for me. First, Dr. Dre's rapping ability is still going strong. Second, Kendrick is on an inevitable road to success. Without further ado, I present everyone with Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre's song, Compton.
If anyone could think of any artist that could outdo Kendrick Lamar, please tell me because right now, he's number one in the game, in my personal opinion. Hope you guys enjoy, peace!
