Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly (ALBUM REVIEW)

Compton's lyrical prodigy Kendrick Lamar has been relatively quiet over the past couple of years, since his masterpiece, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, came out.  In an age where constant presence keeps one's relevance alive, this would be less than beneficial if Kendrick was simply average, or above average.  However, when Kendrick has popped up in between then and now, he continued to shock the world. Case in point, his earth-shattering verse on a song that was actually a leftover from arguably Big Sean's weakest album. When he followed it up on the BET Hip Hop Awards in the Top Dawg Entertainment cypher, it was essentially his "I came, I saw, I conquered" moment. The world was watching. And Kendrick knew it. The only question is, would he put out another album worthy of his self-proclaimed nickname "King Kendrick"?

Well... yes. But not in the way you'd expect.

After a year (including an infamous Grammys snub) of relative silence, Kendrick put out a new single, entitled "i."  The song, while arguably the epitome of a "feel-good anthem," was surprisingly polarizing, and got somewhat mixed reviews, while not getting the radio play it deserved. (It did get him that Grammy though, so there's that.) As 2014 came to a close, Kendrick showed up to perform on TV shows like Saturday Night Live and The Colbert Report (where he was the final musical guest, performing a song he wrote SPECIFICALLY for that night. Pretty awesome, right?) With his new unkempt hairstyle and gritty-looking beard, you could tell that he was focused on this project. Coupled with adopting more of a funk influence in his live performances, including acting pretty James Brown-esque on SNL, you could see he was up to something.

In February 2015, he struck back more ferocious than ever with the in-your-face "The Blacker the Berry," proclaiming himself "the biggest hypocrite of 2015," with the same fuck-you attitude as on "Control," and fans ate it up. This is what they were waiting for.

But Kendrick wasn't here to give the people what they wanted. More what they needed. And when he dropped TPAB, that's what he gave.

Previously announced to drop on March 23rd, it instead showed up on iTunes a week earlier, with fans scrambling to hear what Kendrick would provide to the world.

From the beginning, it became evident that this album would have quite the vintage funk influence throughout, from the sample at the start of "Wesley's Theory," the intro, to when Kendrick screams "HIT ME!" and, with the help of P-funk pioneer George Clinton, made the hip hop world feel the FUNK.

The vintage feel continues on the next song, "For Free?", as he seems to channel Gil Scott-Heron in this spoken-word piece about how he sees racism in America now that he's a star. Personifying the country as a stuck-up woman, Kendrick repeatedly says, "This. Dick. Ain't. FREEEE!" This only elevates the message of the album as a whole, while making it clear that what should be expected here is simply the unexpected.

The next song is the extremely addictive "King Kunta," a song that makes you want to dance and riot at the same damn time. No other explanation is needed.

As the album continues, we get brought into the song "u," a song that was billed as the flip side to "i."  Here, instead of self-love, Kendrick vents about some of the things that he has been stressing out about, as he eventually falls victim to the same vice (alcohol) that he shunned on his first commercial hit.

A few more songs in, the album comes to another turning point, the brutally honest "Hood Politics," in which he talks about the "Democrips and Rebloodicans" in Congress, showing them as what they are: the real American gangsters. He follows it up with the Ron Isley-featuring "How Much a Dollar Cost," in which he personifies God as a homeless man, and is shown exploring his own religious beliefs internally. The next song, and the final one before "The Blacker the Berry" kicks in, is "Complexion," a smooth jam with the message "complexion don't mean a thing."  It's also the sole track with a rapper feature, in the form of underrated femcee Rapsody, who fits the song extremely well.

Later, we come to the Grammy-winning single "i." Only it's way different than the version we heard. This version is made to sound live, and as he is performing this, there is more of a sense of tension surrounding the song, as the people in the audience begin to break out into a fight mid-song. In response, Kendrick stops the song short and begins to speak directly to the people about the need for self-love. It's a powerful plot twist in the narrative of the album, and speaks volumes to the rest of the album. It's almost like the single was the trailer, and this was the movie.

The album's closer, "Mortal Man," is especially poignant not only in its message on its own, but how its epilogue brings the whole album full circle. He recites two poems, one of which he had been teasing throughout the album, and speaks to his main influence, Tupac Shakur, about various topics which were as relevant in Pac's time as they are in Kendrick's. With his explanation of the album's title at the end, Kendrick's message is made evident. He is no longer the kid living in Compton. He made it out of the hood, and he wants to show those still in there that there's another way to live than one of poor decisions. The message is clear, and it is beautiful. And with this song, the album finishes. There are no bonus tracks, nothing.

In short, this album is beyond phenomenal. It has Kendrick doing the impossible; not only surpassing GKMC, but building on the themes of that album. It's meaningful, but not preachy. It's happy and it's angry. And its perfection lies within these dichotomies. Kendrick could have easily made an album like his last, or one full of songs like "Fuckin' Problems" or "Control." We think that's what we would want, but in the end, we know it isn't. That wouldn't be anything close to what this is.

The one question that remains, like with his previous album, is, "What will Kendrick do next?" This time, we seem to know the answer. Whatever the hell he wants.

Score: 10/10 (duh)

Top 10: Best Albums of 2014

Well, it's that time of year again... the time when it all ends and we start a whole new one. A new year, new opportunities, new things to come to light and revolutionize the way we all look at music, culture, and/or life in general.

With that said, and since this is a music blog, I've decided to compile the ten albums that I feel like deserve to be given recognition. If there's one or two you think I missed, let me know in the comments, but I feel like my explanations will be quite clear.

Sidenote: I didn't put Return of the Weirdo on here because I made that motherfucker and I feel like putting that on here is kind of cheating. With that said, let's begin.

Honorable Mentions (no order):

- Days Before Rodeo - Travi$ Scott
- PRhyme - PRhyme (Royce da 5'9" & DJ Premier)
- 2014 Forest Hills Drive - J. Cole
- 11:11 - Puff Daddy & Guy Gerber
- Tha Tour, Pt. 1 - Rich Gang (Young Thug & Rich Homie Quan)

10. Art Official Age/Plectrum Electrum - Prince

Released: September 30

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called... life.

The Purple One himself blessed music lovers with not one, but TWO new albums on the same day this year.  Now, he's not the first one to do this; artists like Nelly and E-40 have famously done this in the past but this is fucking PRINCE we're talking about. A music GOD. So we knew we would get something special. The question is, would he come out with the groovy, funky melodies that made him so revered, would he showcase his new band 3rdEyeGirl to the best of their abilities? Or would he do some weird shit that no one understood but himself (like that awful The Rainbow Children album)?

Thank every deity that has ever existed in the consciousness of people's minds that it wasn't the latter of the three.

These two albums were definitely sort of a "back to basics" for Prince, particularly his solo album Art Official Age, which seems to call back to the 80's Prince sound, ranging from slower song "The Breakdown," to more funkier pieces like "What it Feels Like" and standout song "Clouds."  With that song, Prince shows the listener that if age comes wisdom, then he is old as hell because he said some real stuff on there ("In this brand new age, we do everything quick fast in a hurry/All of our life's a stage, everybody's stars, reality's so blurry"), but then he shows the world that he still can pull off the moves of the youngsters like Trey Songz, Chris Brown, etc. with sensual jams like "Breakfast Can Wait."

Plectrum Electrum, however, is much more bold and rock-oriented.  With 3rdEyeGirl, he showcases that he can still both rock a crowd and showcase some thought-provoking lyrics in songs like "Marz" and "Fixurlifeup", and do a smoother, yet still in-your-face song with the breakup tune "Anotherlove."

At the end of the day, both albums are great in their own right, but work better as companions to one another.  They also show that if nothing else, Prince has still got it after all these years.

9. Michael Jackson - Xscape

Released: May 13

OK, here we go, another album made trying to capitalize off of a musical icon's death. This'll probably have some unfinished songs modernized and remixed to have contemporary music styles, features and things of that nature, right?

Wait, it doesn't? It sounds like a real MJ album? Like one he would actually approve of? SAY IT AIN'T SO!

Well, that's what we got. Yes, the songs were unfinished. And it does show a few times. But it captures the timeless vibe of so many of Jackson's timeless hits, especially the more danceable ones like "Love Never Felt So Good," "Slave to the Rhythm," and the title track, that it deserves at least some recognition. Kudos to those involved for not making this album sound like a cash-in (unlike that other posthumous MJ album that came out in 2010.)

8. ScHoolboy Q - Oxymoron

Released: February 25

Dubbed the next to blow out of Top Dawg Entertainment after Kendrick Lamar dropped his phenomenal major label debut in 2012 might put a bit (well, more than that) on a guy, right? Especially if you're already probably the most entertaining of the crew, right? Well, Groovy Q certainly felt the pressure with this.  Luckily for him and the listeners, he was able to build off that pressure instead of letting it get to him.

This album plays out like a more drugged-out, cripped out version of "Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City," as it features on the gangsta lifestyle of Q's home of Hoover Street in Los Angeles, on songs like "Los Awesome" (featuring TDE's own Jay Rock), "Gangsta", "Break the Bank", and others, while also making it personal, as it also discusses his past addictions and love for his daughter on songs like "Prescription/Oxymoron."  Coupled with excellent party songs like "Man of the Year" and the Kendrick-assisted "Collard Greens," this album feels like it shows all the sides of Q, while never going overboard with any of them, making this one of the more interesting rap releases this year to listen to.

7. Rick Ross - Mastermind

Released: March 4

Rick Ross is one of hip hop's biggest bosses.  This is known.  He also has one of the best ears for beats that sound either hard as hell or lush as heaven.  This is also known.  So, on album number six, how well can he keep this up?

Pretty damn well.

This album is actually one of Ross's strongest, showing him at both his most extravagant ("Rich is Gangsta," "War Ready," "The Devil is a Lie," "Sanctified") and at his most vulnerable ("Thug Cry," "Nobody," "BLK & WHT").  Telling his street stories with more intricacies than he has delivered in a while, Ross definitely made sure everything was right with this album, from the lyrics to the sound down to the features (ranging from Jay-Z to the Weeknd to Lil Wayne to the ever-reclusive Yeezus himself showing he still is a force to be reckoned with.)

All in all, Mastermind shows that Ross is just that when it comes to constructing a project.  He seems to know what the hell he's doing. (Shame he didn't put this much time into the underwhelming Hood Billionaire, though...)

6. YG - My Krazy Life

Released: March 18

If Schoolboy Q put out the drugged out version of GKMC, YG put out the gangsta version.  This plays out closer to Kendrick's opus though, in the "day in the life" reins.  However, here he brings back his frequent collaborator, DJ Mustard, to make some more of the magic that they have so often made in the past.

This album really shows their chemistry at its most apparent on songs like "My N***a" (I'm white, that's why it's censored... just saying, lol), "Who Do You Love," "Do it to Ya," and "Bicken Back Bein' Bool."  What separates this from just being another album full of club songs is the narrative that it carries throughout.  No spoilers here, but I will say that it ends with a song with Ty Dolla Sign, another of his partners in rhyme, although it isn't the banger one would expect, "Sorry Momma" is more of a heartfelt, apologetic song that leaves the audience understanding where YG is coming from as a kid in the streets of "Bompton," as he calls it.

All in all, so-called "hip hop heads" probably won't appreciate this album too much, but it is precisely what rap music has been missing for the past who knows how long: a solid album oozing the classic West Coast gangsta rap sound.

5. RiFF RAFF - Neon Icon

Released: June 24

When you're in a position like Riff Raff, where no one really takes you seriously as a rapper, and just like you for a laugh, you have two options for your debut album: show them why they should take you seriously or just say the most absurd stuff over some even crazier beats.

Basically, what Jody Highroller did was up the ante for his brand of absurd rap music.  The humor is still there, as are the catchy hooks, but this time a lot of them sound like they could actually be enjoyed on the radio or just in the car by those not in on the joke ("Maybe You Love Me," "Tip Toe Wing in My Jawwdinz).  For example, he intro has one of the most banging beats he's ever spit over, one that could make even the strictest music critic would bob their head to.

In addition, RiFF calls on his fellow rap weirdos such as Mac Miller ("Aquaberry Dolphin") and Childish Gambino ("Lava Glaciers") to assist his assertion in being the icon he claims to be.  At some point, at first glance, the persona the man keeps up may seem forced, but when the album is listened to, you realize this is all what's genuinely in Jody's unique brain.  It's Riff's neon world, we're just honored to be living in it.

4. Taylor Swift - 1989

Released: October 27

She's been a huge star for years, but there's no denying it: 2014 was the year of T-Swizzle. The year she finally stopped pretending to be country, the year that she stopped writing solely about breakups in the veins that she had done in the past, the year that she not only put out a good album, but a STUNNING pop album. She's improved so much musically that SNL parodied the unexpectedness of it all.

In two years, Taylor's persona did a complete 180 from the girl who always had a new celebrity boyfriend who was amazed by every little thing that happened to a more confident, grown woman who, for lack of a better term, "don't need no man."

In short, it became all about the music.  And it shows.

Taylor Swift not only switched up genres, but also created the most timeless pop album since who the hell knows when.  Without relying on any dubstep, rapper features, electro beats or anything like that, she brought back a feel-good vibe that had long been missing from pop music.  Her musical palette seems to have expanded, ranging from the confident "Welcome to New York" and "Shake it Off" to the pounding "Out of the Woods," "Style" and "Blank Space," to even drawing a bit of influence from 808's and Heartbreak-era Kanye West on "Wildest Dreams."  (Sidenote: Now would be a great time for Yeezy and Taylor to come together and make the world explode.)

In addition, the songwriting became more potent with each song here.  Even some of the weaker songs like "This Love" are so many lightyears ahead of both her younger self and her pop contemporaries that it's almost embarrassing comparing.

In short, pop works out well for Taylor.  And, if she continues her streak of improvement, we will definitely see some more classic albums from her.  Miss Swift, color me impressed. (Also, Taylor, you are insanely beautiful, and if you're interested in dating, then.... I assume you know the rest. #NoShameInTheGame)

3. "Weird Al" Yankovic - Mandatory Fun

Released: July 15

Weird Al has been the king of musical comedy, and of parody as a whole, since he broke out in the mid-1980s.  However, since about 1999, with a few songs serving as exceptions, he mostly had been cruising off his existing legacy without much need to expand.  And, in the age where anyone can make and upload a parody song, it seems like we were no longer in need of this man.

Turns out, we needed him more than ever.  And he knew that.

Weird Al struck our funny bones harder than ever this summer, both with his parodies of Blurred Lines ("Word Crimes"), Royals ("Foil"), Happy ("Tacky"), and others, and even crafting his funniest original songs ever, he seemed like he had something to prove with this one, mostly that he still had it in him to do what he was known for. If I could mirror this to anyone, it'd probably be when LL Cool J put out "Mama Said Knock You Out" or when Nas put out his album Stillmatic.

All in all, Weird Al is back and bigger than ever.  And if this really is his last album, and if he does therefore choose to go the route of strictly singles, I hope the quality and quantity only improve from here.  Bottom line, if you want to laugh, look no further than the weirdest of the weird.

2. Pharrell - G  I  R  L

Released: March 3

Pharrell made a comeback in a BIG way in 2013 and 2014, culminating in an Oscar nomination for a song he wrote for a family film.  The song, "Happy," became the quintessential feel-good song of the past decade or so. (And for good reason. It's an amazing song.)

With the release of his corresponding album, G  I  R  L, Pharrell continued to go the pop-R&B-funk route that cemented his comeback, although he chose not to just throw a bunch of songs together, but he instead chose to use this album to convey his love, admiration and respect for women all around the world.  He sung to women ("Gust of Wind," "Lost Queen," "It Girl," "Gush," "Brand New"), about women ("Marilyn Monroe"), with women ("Come Get It Bae," "Know Who You Are") and from the perspective of women ("Hunter").

Not only are all these songs just plain old feel-good jams, they also convey the same wit that Pharrell became so famous for as a songwriter in the first place.  They remind us why Pharrell was everywhere ten years ago, and why he's back now.  And with the negativity that a lot of music has been giving off recently, who better than Pharrell to lift our collective spirits.  If you want a feel-good album from an all around feel-good guy, this is definitely for you.

1. D'Angelo & The Vanguard - Black Messiah

Released: December 15

Had you told me two months ago that D'Angelo would come out of hiding, I wouldn't have paid it any mind.  The man is definitely the king of neo-soul, and both of his albums Brown Sugar and Voodoo are classics, but we've been teased so much about new music that it almost seemed unrealistic to get our hopes up.  But, unlike some people (I'm looking at you, Dr. Dre), D'Angelo finally released Black Messiah, his third album, and first with his band, The Vanguard.  And the best part was: IT ACTUALLY DIDN'T DISAPPOINT AT ALL.

The funky riffs! The vocals! The message in his songs! The vintage feel! It all felt so right! First time I heard this I thought, THIS IS WHAT WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR! I didn't know what to expect, but it soon became apparent that this was it.

Every once in a while, an album comes along that just wows all around. Last time it was Kendrick, now it's from D'Angelo, showing us all that, like Prince but more so, that he's still got it.

I urge everyone reading this to check this album out. I don't say this about every album, but this is what music needs. D'Angelo is proof that real soulful music will NEVER die.

NEW TAPE: GamerSwag, Pt. 1: Super Mario Edition

Here's the new tape from yours truly... the first part of the "GamerSwag" series, which will have more dropping in the coming weeks... this installment focuses on the Super Mario series, with songs sampling the series. Check it out here, and look out for part 2 this time next week!

Top 5: Best Jay-Z/Rick Ross Collaborations

Ever since Jay-Z first signed Rick Ross to Def Jam in the mid-2000's, the two have worked on many great works, which the world was recently reminded of with the release of Ross's new song "Movin' Bass," off of his upcoming Hood Billionaire album.  In that spirit, I present the 5 of those songs that most signified their greatness as collaborators.  That said, let's look at the top 5 songs from two of the biggest bosses in rap.

5. Free Mason - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z & John Legend (2010)

Teflon Don is arguably Ross's best work so far.  While all of his albums since have been highly anticipated, and events in their own right, none hit as hard as this one.  A big part of that is this soulful jam, using the sound that would define Ross's best songs to create an anthem that critics and fans alike can enjoy.  With John Legend providing additional vocals, and Rozay and Hov complimenting each other's flow nicely, this is definitely a highlight in their works they have done together.

4. FuckWithMeYouKnowIGotIt - Jay-Z feat. Rick Ross (2013)

If "Free Mason" is an excellent example of the two bringing the lush, soulful sound they can both do so well, this is more of one of the street bangers in the lines of Ross's songs like "BMF," "Hold Me Back," "MC Hammer," and his recent "Elvis Presley BLVD."  Jay may seem to step into somewhat unusual territory for him, but he does a great job of owning what would otherwise seem to be Rick Ross's song.

3. The Devil is a Lie - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z (2014)

This song is one that Ross classified as "soulful" before it dropped, but it's not only way harder than that, but it also meshes both the sounds of "Free Mason" and "FWMYKIGI" into something unique for both of them.  And, as usual, they both make the listener want to constantly rewind the song to hear it again.  It's a song fit for hustlers, written by bosses.

2. Maybach Music - Rick Ross feat. Jay-Z (2008)

True, there are songs in the "Maybach Music" series that are better than this (at least in my opinion), but this is undoubtedly the song that definitively changed Ross's career.  After this, Maybach Music Group was formed, and for the next couple of years, Rozay and his camp would run the rap game.  It doesn't hurt that Jay-Z has probably his best verse of the bunch on here.

That is, except for.............

1. 3 Kings - Rick Ross feat. Dr. Dre & Jay-Z (2012)

The title describes the song in a nutshell. 3 kings, one song. The beat is amazing, Dre makes an appearance (with a verse obviously penned by Ross, but it's all good.)  The three of them all tackle this beat in their respective ways, but Jay's verse at the end..... DAMN.  He hands down stole the show here.  No question.  That isn't to say it isn't the only good part of the song, but Jay killed the beat so bad it tapped out at the end, and left the audience wanting even more.  It's a song by bosses, for bosses, and definitely the best collaboration Rozay and Jay have done so far.  (Let's hope Dre gets in the mix again in the future, though.)

NEW EP: Jedi Training Camp (prod. Miles G2G)

12 days after Working 9 to 5, Pt. 2: The Paper Quest dropped, here's a new EP from me and producer Miles G2G, with a Star Wars/boom bap feel throughout. Listen to the story told throughout the seven tracks, and the songs done with Grim (who's featured on the single, which dropped here prior to the release.) and Anevay on the bonus tracks, and vibe out and do whatever else you do. This one's particularly a must for those who are Star Wars fans, although people who aren't will enjoy this as well.

You can stream/download here.

Top 5 Drake Songs of 2014 (so far)

Let's face it: Drake has kind of been running rap for the past couple of years. Regardless of whatever people think of his music, whenever he puts something out, whether it's a single, an album, or even a freebie for the people, everything he drops gets people talking.  And, in that spirit, I thought I'd share my top 5 favorite Drake songs to drop this year.  (Note: This does not count features, so you won't see songs like "Believe Me," "DnF," "Only," or whatever else on here.)

5. 6 God

This song just dropped recently, but it has the ability to become the next "0 to 100."  Not only are people starting to remix this song, but the original represents the same thing "0 to 100" did; that Drake is confident in his craft and he's not afraid to show it.  And really, when you've garnered the ability to grab the attention of pretty much EVERYONE whenever you drop something new, why shouldn't you have that confidence?

4. How About Now

Built around a Jodeci sample, this song shows how Drake's ability to show versatility in his cadences, and to say more with less, has evolved since his inception in the mainstream world.  It also was the first song to drop (well, leak) in a while, which kind of revived interest in what Drizzy's cooking up for next year.

3. Days in the East

"Draft Day" may have dropped a few days prior, but this song stole the attention away from that song (at least to me) with it not only being the most R&B song on this list, but it not being as solemn (and thus, more confident in himself) as his previous songs that fall in that category.  The song represents a transition in Drake from an emotional singer/rapper to an overall artist who is confident in himself and in his music.

2. 2 On/Thotful (ft. OB O'Brien)

Tinashe's original "2 On" was already a banger, but when Drizzy got a hold of it, he gave it a complete 180 degree makeover, doing what only Drake can do for a song like this.  His OVO cohort OB O'Brien is credited as the lead artist, but let's be real here: this is Drake's song.  In fact, it may have even helped the original gain traction. (A cosign from Drizzy Drake never hurts, that much is certain.)

1. 0 to 100/The Catch Up

Would you expect any other song at #1? This song not only got the most recognition, but it is the most deserving of it, combining the braggadocio of his newer material with his more heartfelt stuff of the days of yore, and providing appropriate instrumental accompaniments for each one.  Also, the timing of this song dropping (i.e. during Nicki Minaj's Summer Jam set) shows Drake's capability for knowing just when to catch the attention of the people.)  The transition of the two halves is nearly flawless, and there are plenty of quotables throughout this 6 and a half minute ride.  Plus, as the icing on the cake, he pretty much announced his next album was dropping in spring 2015.

NEW MIXTAPE: Working 9 to 5, Pt. 2: The Paper Quest

Just dropped my new mixtape, "Working 9 to 5, Pt. 2: The Paper Quest"... listen to this body of work in the link below, with some dope ass music for every mood and feel, but given the title, the project as a whole conveys the worker's mentality from start to finish, building on the theme from the first installment, released back in 2011.

Tracklist is as follows:

1. Paper Quest
2. Vantage Point
3. Office Space (feat. Diezel)
4. Technologic
5. How I Figured
6. Timeout
7. Look at Me Go
8. 1996 (feat. Jarell)
9. Drink Real Life Away
10. Beast (feat. C-Town)
11. No More Games (feat. Anevay & K.R.A.F.T.)
12. Disappointed You
13. Suicide Watch (Shit Got Worse)
14. We Don't Do What You Do (feat. Ghetto-T)
15. Phantasm (feat. MilesG2G) (BONUS)
16. Day One (BONUS)
17. Nightmares & Dreams (feat. Grim) (BONUS)
18. 2K (Bonus)

You can stream and download the project here.