tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57414287626050155632024-03-05T22:02:52.227-06:00Bask_n_Robbins31 Flavors For Your Listening PleasureBask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-66435874969498452802010-05-03T22:19:00.011-05:002010-05-03T23:56:24.676-05:00Greatness Opens DoorsSorry for the break, but I told you guys, I only bother writing when I hear something worth talking about. Soooo on today’s menu we have the HIGHLY anticipated second mixtape from another great Chicago artist, Mr. G.o.D Jewels himself: Greatness Opens Doors. <A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0r9LQdQW0nNSUXFRb_iH3nccAUxMf_IuLfxEw3fZhuJ_-tDK2qWrF9LglJI1BWbA1bNPN-Df9CXwBX-EDfnW3mVjTElrVzTkTg8FCtbWWefoDT4htm4vMGN3FN02sWYW0ayhKGslZUeX/s1600/jewels.bmp"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467252683510215090 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy0r9LQdQW0nNSUXFRb_iH3nccAUxMf_IuLfxEw3fZhuJ_-tDK2qWrF9LglJI1BWbA1bNPN-Df9CXwBX-EDfnW3mVjTElrVzTkTg8FCtbWWefoDT4htm4vMGN3FN02sWYW0ayhKGslZUeX/s400/jewels.bmp"></A> Word of warning: the tape is DOPE! I really like the direction he took this time around. I liked the last mixtape<A href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=B6NASCQL"> Glory or Death</A> he released summer of '09, but this definitely is “greatness”. Every beat on the tape is catchy, I found myself nodding my head along with every one. Producers include, but are not limited to: Flu, Plan, TIME, The Baron Boys, Hero George, etc. Chicago rapper The Boy Illinois, singer Jelisa Nicole and commentary on <strong>Under the Act</strong> by Tommy Mitchell are all featured on Greatness Opens Doors. Topics on the tape include songs ranging from racism; the track entitled <STRONG>R.A.C.E (Respect All Colors & Ethnicities)</STRONG>...very creative acronym by the way, to growing up in the city of Chicago in <STRONG>All Things ‘Go</STRONG> and even he even tells us about the people who don’t show love until after he’s made it in <STRONG>Keep Us Runnin’</STRONG> and <STRONG>The Cusp</STRONG>. You all need to know my favorites right?! <STRONG>Louboutin Blues </STRONG>is one of my favorites(love the Jay Z sample), <STRONG>The Frozen Moment</STRONG> although it’s only an interlude, it goes awfully hard. I also like <STRONG>Make It Look Good</STRONG> ft The Boy Illinois. I like how Billy takes the third verse instead of them going with the ever so popular “sandwich effect” (main artist, feature, main artist). But my favorite song is definitely <STRONG>All Things ‘Go</STRONG>. The song is uber dope and extremely catchy. Not to mention the video is one of the best I’ve seen in 2010 thus far. <br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/f3qdG8wQMsA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/f3qdG8wQMsA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />I know Jewels personally and must say, I am very impressed and very much proud of him. This tape really encompasses him as an artist and I like that he can get his point across and still be so articulate while doing so. He is a very, very talented artist and it won’t be long at all until you see him on one of those mainstream music channels(even if they don’t really play music anymore) Don’t wait to hop on the bandwagon months down the line. Download the tape now. Watch the video now and SUPPORT GOOD MUSIC!!!! <br /><br /><A href="http://www.godjewels.com"> Check out more from G.o.D Jewels </A><br /><br /><A href="http://usershare.net/gowherehiphop/ol9i20j7dpsr">Download "Greatness Opens Doors" </A><A href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51_vtdwiRInu8NP5I5tJ5y2pKF_H9a-EbeNGqUyix2wJzi5b_Dj1_oDZLBcEYnbmMtjKKnQFape9qtmOMeQmSFNKZUxjMruf2rVnJ9mwcAVeR3ggVvJCUiHsqfDXoNXo7IuVOpbH6g5si/s1600/jewels2.bmp"><IMG style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id=BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467252971017286754 border=0 alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51_vtdwiRInu8NP5I5tJ5y2pKF_H9a-EbeNGqUyix2wJzi5b_Dj1_oDZLBcEYnbmMtjKKnQFape9qtmOMeQmSFNKZUxjMruf2rVnJ9mwcAVeR3ggVvJCUiHsqfDXoNXo7IuVOpbH6g5si/s400/jewels2.bmp"></A> <br /><br />01. Open The Door (Prod. By Flu) <br />02. All Things 'Go (Prod. By Plan) <br />03. Old Folks (Prod. By Flu) <br />04. Keeps You Running (Prod. By TIME) <br />05. The Frozen Moment Interlude (Prod. By TIME) <br />06. The Cusp Ft. Jelisa Nicole (Prod. By E&J) <br />07. Jesus Piece (Prod. By TIME) <br />08. Aqua Flow (Courant D'eau Turquoise) (Prod. By Plan x TIME) <br />09. Make It Look Good Ft. The Boy Illinois (Prod. By E&J x Ms. Polka Dot) <br />10. R.A.C.E. (Respect All Colors & Ethnicities) (Prod. By Mez One) <br />11. Under The Act Ft. Tommy Mitchell (Prod. By Hero George) <br />12. Louboutin Blues (Prod. By The Baron Boys) <br />13. Perfect Man (Prod. By Flu) <br />14. Close The Door Ft. Jelisa Nicole (Prod. By E&J x The Baron Boys)Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-59611659446823621272010-03-25T21:38:00.015-05:002010-03-30T01:55:03.543-05:00Talk About It [Tuesday]I'm really excited about this post because I get a chance to introduce, or reintroduce for those of you who are familiar, you to a few [new] artists that I feel are worth taking a listen to. Both of them have been out for some time now, but both are incredibly talented and deserve a little spotlight from someone who appreciates the craft; yours truly. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpt6DmWYHR_6NTeUJcvn4oE3W9xu9rZpI5U1SqZsD8Kd62UORMQXIYNSM4NtaEpj3pDun7VWUg87_LuXGuXFcA7IkBWVVwH1ESSihEj81_pzIHom-CGPavL_h6LgJWxMJLBVN3s12_6WP/s1600/bob-rapper.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpt6DmWYHR_6NTeUJcvn4oE3W9xu9rZpI5U1SqZsD8Kd62UORMQXIYNSM4NtaEpj3pDun7VWUg87_LuXGuXFcA7IkBWVVwH1ESSihEj81_pzIHom-CGPavL_h6LgJWxMJLBVN3s12_6WP/s320/bob-rapper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454307309364013890" /></a>The first artist is my man Bobby Ray aka B.O.B. I was first introduced to B.O.B watching MTV Jams this summer when I saw his video "Put Me On." Immediately I was drawn in by his flow and the beat of the song. Downloaded the song and never even thought to further research the cat. A few months back, someone sent me his mixtape B.O.B Vs. Bobby Ray. That tape has definitely been in rotation since I got it. I was extremely shocked to find out that he is only 21. Dude is crazy talented and I love his retro style flow; it's pretty different from a lot of the music that's out right now and I commend him for coming with a fresh, new style. His single "Put Me On" didn't get as big as I had expected it to but with the release of his new single "Nothin' On You" ft Bruno Mars(another EXTREMELY talented artist, whom will probably have a feature on here shortly) has definitely started to get him the publicity that he needs. He's actually signed under Grand Hustle and Atlantic Records. He has released previous mixtapes, but I'll only include the link for his most recent, and my favorite, <a href="http://www.zshare.net/download/61703787b0fcac77/"> B.O.B Vs. Bobby Ray. </a><br />He will be releasing his debut album B.o.B Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray, supposedly on April 27. So be on the lookout for that because you'll definitely need that in your collection. Youtube him, Google him, however you do it, find out more about this guy. He's got BIG things going for his future.<br /><br />Actually, both B.O.B and this next artist, Blu(without the "e"), have been featured on XXL's cover for their Top 10 2009 Freshman issue. Blu is a rapper/producer from California who is one of the most talented and lyrical artists I've heard and liked in quite some time. Typically, I'm not too fond of west coast rappers, something about their flow bothers me, so I was really relieved when I heard Blu's music and then found out he was from Cali; he gave me hope. I hadn't heard anything from him until recently, but I constantly saw people quoting lyrics from him on Twitter. My friend introduced me to him and I immediately fell in love. I have yet to find a song that I dislike, and this is after hearing most, if not all of his mixtapes/albums. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfnAgKjKVncu_QfPL5PtOQi2szfaygsCPohcCOCDnj6JvQVqeRO0rGv2TvK7EvyvSFxUfwAGHoVskACQOyGTvW1HVLJAuK9eaN_mkqsu8EfVpHeJOwwo0D-GzGwDBA8UIiUEChI7vVxDG/s1600/blu.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfnAgKjKVncu_QfPL5PtOQi2szfaygsCPohcCOCDnj6JvQVqeRO0rGv2TvK7EvyvSFxUfwAGHoVskACQOyGTvW1HVLJAuK9eaN_mkqsu8EfVpHeJOwwo0D-GzGwDBA8UIiUEChI7vVxDG/s320/blu.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454314491430160818" /></a>I love the fact that his music has such an old school feel to it. He samples a lot from the classics such as Billie Holiday, but samples from a wide variety of styles and beats. "A lot of my influences now come from older music. I got into stuff while growing up like Curtis Mayfield, Al Green and Marvin Gaye. I listened to a lot of Jazz that my grandparents were listening to like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Dorothy Ashby. My musical approach even more so right now is influenced by the scene in L.A. like Sa-Ra, Flying Lotus, J. Davey, Ta’Raach, Madlib. The L.A. scene is kind of smashing cats. It’s not street or Hip Hop but it’s all rooted from both. It’s kind of like people say Hip Hop is dead but it’s not. It’s true but only in the sense of that original feeling or sound not being replicated well. But if you open up your ears you can see where Hip Hop is going. It’s just branched off. A lot of new artists are merging many different genres of music." -Blu <br />He speaks what's in his heart and on his mind, not thoughts from the fantasy world full of women, liquor and money that most of our artists today speak from. His lyrics are poetic, thoughful, and thought provoking. "As I was coming up, the rapper that made me want to rap was DMX...[T]hen I got into Common. I actually heard “I Used to Love H.E.R.” after missing the first album. When I heard it, it really changed my life. I felt like I had heard Hip Hop for the first time. It made me change my content and my whole approach. It made me serious about writing and wanting to say something." -Blu<br />If you've never heard anything from Blu, check out one his mixtape <a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4UPAVPIQ"> HerFavoriteColo(u)r </a> and his album <a href="http://uploading.com/files/32mfd882/Blu%2B%2526amp%253B."> Blu & Exile-Below the Heavens </a><br />Enjoy :)Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-59988459533734591192010-03-01T19:27:00.008-06:002010-03-01T21:12:28.020-06:00Mixtape MondayGood day my lovely people.<br /> I come bearing great news today...Mateo has dropped his third mixtape today which I am completely overjoyed about because I didn't have to wait long at all!!! I have to say I love the mixtape. I was very happy in the song choices he made to redo.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX92rJhD4w67kiS6aG-LwPBzLwBWDhHK588P4xxVk4_2WvkhaXqLDzGrnzqASAvvv9mvZDAXL6uVn78a-0nPo_VtpEd6yRLoVDYGfLfy5u4ibLjlUXKbpI6QkLTLiuxnTjALI7-JMHKkXI/s1600-h/Underneath-The-Sky-Mixtape-Ch_-3-Cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX92rJhD4w67kiS6aG-LwPBzLwBWDhHK588P4xxVk4_2WvkhaXqLDzGrnzqASAvvv9mvZDAXL6uVn78a-0nPo_VtpEd6yRLoVDYGfLfy5u4ibLjlUXKbpI6QkLTLiuxnTjALI7-JMHKkXI/s200/Underneath-The-Sky-Mixtape-Ch_-3-Cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443846053170240802" /></a> My favorite, of course, Empire State of Mind, but I'm extremely happy that he also reworked Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance"(for personal reasons I will not get into) and I also loved the rendition of Drake's "Forever". His rearrangements of all of the pieces were beyond creative and of course beautiful. The other two songs, "Doubt" and "Reign of Love/Paris" were also very beautiful. All in all, I was definitely impressed. My only complaint is that I wished the songs were longer only because I can't get enough of that voice. But you can <a href="http://mateoonline.com"> download Underneath the Sky Chapter 3 here.</a> DEEEWWWWWW IIITTTTTT NOOOOWWWWW!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Also worth mentioning is the release of LouBlood: The Album from Chicago rapper Louchiano. I had been hearing a lot of buzz about the album via Twitter and the fact that Lou and I have many mutual friends, so I was completely anticipating this album. From reading his tweets, and from what I know about him, Lou is a very dedicated and hard working man. He has put in so much time and effort into this album and so I couldn't wait until it dropped(Feb 27) so I could check out what he had to offer. I hadn't previously heard any of Lou's music so I was looking to LouBlood to be my introduction to Louchiano. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZgyDC6uEZPQ4xmMTb-SGetp8DAnMbRRM7en1iGcC8C_NqOTpSyB83ybGRaeiKiWwnlRq9epS7t6GlcTjdQVz30oYq062HO3tQnFvpLkyedItxjzj2894pSQS0oolbnwRL-OYFybClBsB/s1600-h/lou.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZgyDC6uEZPQ4xmMTb-SGetp8DAnMbRRM7en1iGcC8C_NqOTpSyB83ybGRaeiKiWwnlRq9epS7t6GlcTjdQVz30oYq062HO3tQnFvpLkyedItxjzj2894pSQS0oolbnwRL-OYFybClBsB/s320/lou.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443865138896706866" /></a><br />I listened all the way through the tape and I must say, Lou is a great rapper but for some reason I didn't really start really getting into the tape until the latter of the album. It has a very...mellow I guess would be a good word to use, feel to it, which I figured is due to the vampire/dark theme the album has. If this was the effect he was going for, then he certainly achieved that. It's clear that Lou has a lot to say and a lot of potential. Personally, if he wasn't so lyrical and if I didn't know better, he could almost pass for a down south rapper. He has almost a southern twang to his voice and the beats/production on the album paired well with that. All in all, the album is solid. <br />After hearing it, I was interested in hearing more from him so I visited his <a href="http://www.myspace.com/louchitown"> Myspace page.</a> There, I found more music(duh), but he had some freestyles on his page, and I love hearing freestyles because to me it proves the type of artist you are and shows your true ability. But I listened and I liked what I heard. So go check that out. Also, <a href="http://www.loublood.com"> download LouBlood</a> asap. Lou also has a really informative and awesome(for lack of a better word, which I'm sure there are plenty) blog in which he keeps you in the know about a lot of quality music and entertainment. <a href="http://www.louchiblog.com/"> Check it out.</a> <br />But definitely make sure you show him some love and download the album if nothing else. Support our unsigned talent.Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-64725436602441930082010-02-28T18:02:00.003-06:002010-02-28T20:09:47.066-06:00Get To Know HimWell Happy New Year!! :^P Yeah I know, I'm only almost three months late, which I truly apologize for. Not only have I not been coming across impressive enough music, but there was some confusion about me writing for another blog with the same "theme" and I didn't want to do both. But for now, I'm here, back to give you music you NEED to hear. <br /><br /> Normally, I don't post on the weekends, but I came across something special and I couldn't keep this to myself. Back in Novemeber, I was searching my favorite blog, ConcreteLoop.com and they had a short section about a new artist named Mateo. They had a video posted and I decided to click and listen. The song was entitled "Get To Know Me" and immediately I fell in love with it. Not only the song and it's lyrics, but the voice of the man singing it. The song was so completely beautiful. I downloaded it, but after listening, didn't bother to look for any more music from him or do any background research on the artist. A few days ago, searching ConcreteLoop again, I came across another song by Mateo; <a href="http://concreteloop.com/2010/02/new-music-mateos-take-on-empire-state-of-mind"> his rendetion of Empire State of Mind.</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwadz-t0uneBoKNDC9jYI5J0nBG7U38R3HV58sWlmZh8JoLB43fx8QLKZNSwj0y49eGMx5afcNZimdX0e8dMX1rRD4vtbvrjrezwp42F_2wNNipmb49Vj-ixab-c7iIN6HqCAr_zuRjAuJ/s1600-h/mateo.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwadz-t0uneBoKNDC9jYI5J0nBG7U38R3HV58sWlmZh8JoLB43fx8QLKZNSwj0y49eGMx5afcNZimdX0e8dMX1rRD4vtbvrjrezwp42F_2wNNipmb49Vj-ixab-c7iIN6HqCAr_zuRjAuJ/s320/mateo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443438608973508898" /></a> After I listened to the song for about fifteen times back to back, I figured I needed to find out more about him. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/mateoonline"> I checked out his YouTube page</a> which you should do as well and listened to more of his music. I was and am extremely impressed. Something about the way his voice sounds so perfectly paired with the music, the lyrics, which Mateo writes himself, and the feeling I get when I listen to his music, makes this artist something extremely special and someone everyone should be on the lookout for. <br /><br /> He's so extremely talented and so young which proves that he has so much potential yet to show us. He is currently signed to Myspace Records label and is set to be releasing his third installment of his "Underneath the Sky Mixtape." He has a preview on his website where you can also <a href="http://www.mateoonline.com"> download his other mixtapes, learn more about the artist and find out upcoming events where he'll be.</a> He also has more music posted on <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mateo"> his myspace page.</a> If I had to classify Mateo into a certain genre, I would have to say R&B, but he's not your typical R&B singer. The guy has loads of talent, creativity and something different to offer to this generation of music and I respect artists that are not afraid to step off of the stage which holds the majority and be the minority; in this case, that minority being a raw and genuine talent. In this day in age, we get caught up more on the way an artist is presented than the actual content of what's being presented and I think when people see and hear this artist, they will realize that he is the "real deal" both inside and out. <br /> <br /> "R&B music has turned more into head-bop music; hip-hop beats over hip-hop loops. I want to bring R&B music back to where people actually have some type of emotion when they listen to my music. I want them to feel that not only is it my story, but their story as well; that they identify with it, and will be able to recall the song ten years from now.” -Mateo<br /><br />Please take the time out to listen to some of his music and be on the lookout for him to take over R&B in the future. I'd hate to be the one to rub it in and say "I told you so."Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-56916918729512518622009-12-21T17:15:00.021-06:002009-12-21T19:07:19.663-06:00Mixtape Monday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALwvlZyKp8ICpnjOBr7skxmWHugl8qmI2WBbSxtWucjX2GivHNZrZ4L0kt555Awxlnrbal7mhjKQ9loIw8cX240bUa7MbE9G3TpQHRg6LnaQA6cDVq6fh9bLD1ltiiilXk6FKJzOyBHf1/s1600-h/l_06897b650aa61a15ee0d44f7b19960b5.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALwvlZyKp8ICpnjOBr7skxmWHugl8qmI2WBbSxtWucjX2GivHNZrZ4L0kt555Awxlnrbal7mhjKQ9loIw8cX240bUa7MbE9G3TpQHRg6LnaQA6cDVq6fh9bLD1ltiiilXk6FKJzOyBHf1/s200/l_06897b650aa61a15ee0d44f7b19960b5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417859846649251010" /></a><br />Well hello there folks! It's been a little bit but I have some good stuff for you all. So my friend Ronnie introduced me to this guy a few weeks ago. It's actually his cousin. So he's tellin me about him and I ask what he does and he told me he's a rapper. My inital response, "Oh great, a rapper! Who isn't one these days?!" But he was quick to assure me that he wasn't like most of the rappers out and had more of a "a Q-Tip style, 90's golden era rap" feel about him. So as I usually do, I took his word for it. So I hung out with this guy, who's name is AD by the way, short for Adalesson. He's a Chicago native and is very passionate about music, which is always a good thing. He played a few of his tracks for me. I was rather impressed. I didn't expect for his voice to be so smooth and seamless over the tracks he played for me, so of course I wanted to hear more. He gave me a copy of his first mixtape[Room for Growth] which I thouroughly enjoyed and then sent me a link a few days ago to download his second mixtape [Listenin' for Breaks] which I'm listening to as I type and loving it. I'm a sucker for lyrical and "chill" music. Music that you can just sit in the house, have a glass of wine to and this tape has defintely done that for me. First of all, I love the fact that he appreciates so many different types of music as I do. All of the beats on this tape are so classic and most of them have a jazz inspired feel to them. Much different than most rappers you hear when they create a mixtape. And again, his voice goes so well with the beats he chose for the tape. I would definitely have to agree with Ronnie's original assessment in that he does remind me a lot of a lot of the music that came out of the early 90's. I love the intro's to some of the songs he has ("Royal Wit Cheese", "Karma Sutra"), very creative. He has a few other local rappers featured on the tape(Illuminate Mics, Trilogy, Drunken Monkee, Pro Wonder, Bullet, and Cos G) Anyhoo, I'm going to include a link on here so you guys can download the tape. WHEN you do, leave a comment and tell me what you thought about it. I'm sure he would enjoy feedback. <br /><br />Straigh from the horse's mouth: "Track listing is composed of 27 songs, 6 emcee features , 3 producers and 1 DJ (SYZYGY) and lovely instrumentals by Khrysis, Madlib, J Dilla, Black Milk, J-zone, D' Angelo, charles hamilton, Dj Premier, Big Daddy Kane , Samiyam, Roy Ayers, 9th Wonder, Nujabes Dwele and Peter Rock" <br /> I can't name my favorites, because the beats alone make me like all of the songs. But some of my favs are Laidback Desperado, World Change, Ex 2 Next. Ok that's all you're gettin!! Check out the tape(s)!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=Z473B3E0">Download Adalesson(1st tape): Room for Growth</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KH1EV4Z5">Download Adalesson(2nd tape): Listenin' for Breaks</a>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-66725711679010038832009-12-15T13:43:00.005-06:002009-12-21T22:47:15.325-06:00Get Ready to CuddleSo after talking with some people and getting some constructive criticism about the blog, I’ve decided to make a few changes. (I just have to make sure to stay on top of them). So instead of doing the album reviews on the day the album’s released, I’ll be doing them before hand so you guys can actually know what to expect before you grab the album. Secondly, I’ll be adding more of a breakdown of the albums and not just my personal opinion. You’ll see the difference in the next few posts. And lastly I will choose certain days of the week to run “trending topics” ©Twitter. Ie: Throwback Thursday’s, where I’ll review a throwback album that I like. And although I love my R&B, I’m gonna work to try to do more on the hip hop scene and expose those underground and “slept on” artists like I said I would in the first place. So get excited for the changes and any other things you would like to see happen, feel free to leave comments. I’m always open for suggestions! (btw, Thanks Kevo for the advice) Now on to the task at hand….<br /><br /><br /><br />Alicia Keys is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is how I felt when I first heard the news that she was soon to release another album. I heard “Doesn’t Mean Anything “ and I liked it. Although it did sound a lot like other songs she had done in the past (Unbreakable) I liked some of the runs she did on the track. Then she released “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart” and I dug it. It was a little different from things she previously released. Anyone who knows me, knows that Alicia Keys is and has always been #1 in my book. So needless to say I was extra amped for the release of “The Element of Freedom”. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGxt0KHEB8fbn1-Vj7kzwtbyRCjy-B3qJvdSVM7c3aM-B7g7g1w3UQO3uXwWvb4p0BunO0gxN0fB4VyWGj-mCKi7gjqiEoZfuAlTaQKAuF7JaBcAVY8-IWfnPAqqfcTnl1kfxfNmykXft/s1600-h/alicia-keys-the-element-of-freedom-cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGxt0KHEB8fbn1-Vj7kzwtbyRCjy-B3qJvdSVM7c3aM-B7g7g1w3UQO3uXwWvb4p0BunO0gxN0fB4VyWGj-mCKi7gjqiEoZfuAlTaQKAuF7JaBcAVY8-IWfnPAqqfcTnl1kfxfNmykXft/s200/alicia-keys-the-element-of-freedom-cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415551216785070978" /></a><br />BUT when I heard it, I was really UNimpressed. There were probably a total of 4 songs that I really liked besides the two singles she released. NOT GOOD. I have NEVER NOT been able to listen to one of her albums all the way through, this one is completely different. The songs I like, stay in constant rotation and are really good, but the rest, I am not impressed in the least bit. I’ve been trying to figure out what it is but I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I feel like she tried to go for a different sound this time around and it didn’t quite work out for her. The songs I do like, are typical, classic Alicia tracks but songs like “Like the Sea “ “Put it in a Love Song” ft Beyonce, “Wait til You See My Smile” and “Love is Blind” are horrible to me. I’m really disappointed because with all I’ve been going through lately, I was hoping Alicia could be the one, as she always has, to make things better, but she didn’t. “That’s How Strong My Love Is” “Unthinkable” “Distance and Time” “Love is My Disease” “How it Feels to Fly” are probably the best songs on the album, along with the two singles she’s already released. “Empire State of Mind pt 2” gets honorable mention. The album includes production by Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Jeff Bhasker and others. Although the CD wasn’t that great in my personal opinion, I would still advise you to grab a copy, as I will be doing, to support her. Love her, love her music. This was not her strongest album, but she’s Alicia Keys and we know what she’s capable of. You can’t bat 1000 100% of the time. Element of Freedom in stores Dec 15 <br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />On the other hand, Robin Thicke will be releasing his new album “Sex Therapy” on Dec. 15. I didn’t know what to expect from Robin this time around because although I liked his last album, there were songs on there that I could do without. But I should’ve known the album would be dope based on the fact that I can’t go a day without playing “Sex Therapy.” That song is so sexy and classy and just amazing all around. BUT the album, is almost just as great. I listened all the way through and never once got the urge to skip a song until I got to the very last song(only because I heard The Game’s voice). Very very solid album. Producers include Thicke himself, Polow Da Don, Teddy Riley and more. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbdvUpsyHuZ0bk8A6gX4YUvSg075jS3W1tSAhvGecavMcD1-5ue_KHTN0e0wqxFUfBzOZGpA-dgoYJk8rf7O0DJal3sy6iLajTGRoc3pRFGk3zbR75kp6EbNtQ1z7HbxbYa-pjOVgqyH5/s1600-h/robin-thicke-sex-therapy.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbdvUpsyHuZ0bk8A6gX4YUvSg075jS3W1tSAhvGecavMcD1-5ue_KHTN0e0wqxFUfBzOZGpA-dgoYJk8rf7O0DJal3sy6iLajTGRoc3pRFGk3zbR75kp6EbNtQ1z7HbxbYa-pjOVgqyH5/s200/robin-thicke-sex-therapy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415551399946590914" /></a> All the songs are beautiful, even the faster tempos. He had pretty good features on the album also: Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, Jazmine Sullivan, Estelle, Snoop Dogg, and Nicki Manaj and The Game get honorable mention because they made the album, not necessarily because they’re “good features”. I will say, the song he did with Nicki Manaj (Shakin it 4 Daddy) actually made me like her a little bit more. But that’s neither here nor there. I think this might be my favorite album from Mr. Thicke with The Evolution taking a close second. Of course you’ll need to know my favorites: Sex Therapy, It’s in the Morning ft. Snoop, Start with a Kiss(interlude) is really cute and sexy, Rollacoster ft. Estelle, Million Dolla Baby ft. Jazmine Sullivan, 3 Luv Birds, I Got You, Just Right, Mona Lisa, Brand New Love….yeah I pretty much just named almost every track on the album…so make sure you go cop a copy of Sex Therapy. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s probably NOT a good idea to have the CD unless you have a boo because it will make you want to cuddle up quick! :) But I do advise you to check it out…thoroughly impressed with Mr. Thicke. It will definitely be in constant rotation in any musical device I have!Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-75931049666007285772009-12-10T19:37:00.005-06:002009-12-10T19:57:02.485-06:00Late, but worth the mention<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC-e-v0dfasrd8FESxxfuzZvhQQGHHxOrXxnCJ5feVY9JnaAFS9Fs4fo7Otn70AYLPQb8f0DWVwoENPNlKbu6P4jXHG_u82knv-rbrh1ENOSEXBgPO8888WOREDwOV3Yy17LKXFciE_F8/s1600-h/jcole.bmp"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC-e-v0dfasrd8FESxxfuzZvhQQGHHxOrXxnCJ5feVY9JnaAFS9Fs4fo7Otn70AYLPQb8f0DWVwoENPNlKbu6P4jXHG_u82knv-rbrh1ENOSEXBgPO8888WOREDwOV3Yy17LKXFciE_F8/s200/jcole.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413790930368745906" /></a><br />So awhile back, my friend put me on this artist by the name of J. Cole. She had mentioned him before and went on and on about how good he was and how she feels he is the next Drake. A few weeks later, I finally decided to check him out. I must admit, I was pretty darn impressed and found myself with one of his songs [Dreams ft. Brandon Hines] in constant rotation. I'm not sure if I can say he's the next Drake, or even if that's a correct comparison to make seeing that as of late(since he joined Young Money) Drake is becoming rather ordinary. I'm no longer seeing much of the lyricism I once respected him for. He, like many of the artists under Wayne are becoming too parrot-like in their delivery; metaphors every other bar just like Wayne. ANYHOO, I would put J. Cole in a seperate categorty. I like his flow and his delivery and he's pretty lyrical, and with that, he got my attention. I'm interested to see mor work from him and an album(not a mixtape) possibly. He has potential to do big things I just hope he gets there. I'll include a link so you can go download his mixtape "The Warm Up" and a link so you can check out his feature on Wale's Beautiful Bliss, which is one of the best features I've heard in a while. Anyway, keep your ears to the street fo J. Cole. He's doing his thing and personally, I think he can only go upward from here. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.filestube.com/d73462fab42b3f3203ea,g/J-Cole-The-Warm-Up-IS.html">Download J. Cole's "The Warm Up" mixtape</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?2enzr2zmmmm">Download Wale-Beautiful Bliss ft. J. Cole & Melanie Fiona</a>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-50719253059319498132009-12-08T17:55:00.015-06:002009-12-08T19:38:46.466-06:00Catch Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SxWn2yjky35qLSeGOJ8a_cUMwsGWbRYUw7sxOJkL0SJUYTM4ArH33FFtlhxe9iPhYffeMP9b_MzTJt_MmLH-ArcQvj2MBdkMPr7Igtw_TkzeZKBYXWF5UwqNjykfnCPlAWYLYNTJdPHx/s1600-h/chris-brown-graffiti-album-cover.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0SxWn2yjky35qLSeGOJ8a_cUMwsGWbRYUw7sxOJkL0SJUYTM4ArH33FFtlhxe9iPhYffeMP9b_MzTJt_MmLH-ArcQvj2MBdkMPr7Igtw_TkzeZKBYXWF5UwqNjykfnCPlAWYLYNTJdPHx/s200/chris-brown-graffiti-album-cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413028094041910658" /></a><br />ALLLLLLRIIIIGGGGHHHHTTT!!! SO, today Chris Brown released his 3rd studio album, "Graffiti" Although Rolling Stone gave it a bad review, I think it's decent. Is it as good as I expected it to be? No, but I think it's a pretty solid album for his comeback. Some of my favs off the album are of course, I Can Trasform Ya ft. Swizz Beats and Lil Wayne, What I Do, Lucky Me, So Cold, and Crawl(my top song!)<br /><br />I support Chris and I would advise anyone who does the same to go out and support him by BUYING his album. He messed up, he admitted to it, served(ing) his time for it and is sincerely apologetic about it. The fact that he has messed up does not take away from the fact that he is an extremely talented artist and is still young, therefore has a ton of potential left to grow. Don't allow his mistakes to overshadow his talent. I'm sure he's learned his lesson and is indeed, a "changed man" (pun intended)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8lGgZICun74oEZPdwYgN5BfszKAQ91BRagk44Fz46j0ZLhEBUpyOopv0wfms-0JCBrJo_dLnxzzKs_NBzpTtOR6oLJ2U63A76SJPR86Qb4WwE9fh9oIw6tHBbUFIccniNIRFPvfH0ICY/s1600-h/61102OgEzEL__SS500_.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8lGgZICun74oEZPdwYgN5BfszKAQ91BRagk44Fz46j0ZLhEBUpyOopv0wfms-0JCBrJo_dLnxzzKs_NBzpTtOR6oLJ2U63A76SJPR86Qb4WwE9fh9oIw6tHBbUFIccniNIRFPvfH0ICY/s200/61102OgEzEL__SS500_.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413027856793159794" /></a><br />Next on the list, is Mr. Timbaland. He has also dropped his album Shock Value today. I've heard a lot of people say that they didn't like the album, but of course, I'm not everybody so of course I enjoyed it! It's different, I think that's what I like about it. I thought I would be hearing more from Timbaland but it's more so a smörgåsbord of artists. Features from Keri Hilson and Drake to Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry. It's like he took all of the artists he was interested in and gave them a beat and put it on his album, but I like it for that reason. The features make the album and very interesting and diverse one. I haven't really paid too much attention to Timb since his earlier days but I dig Shock Value<br />Of course I have to tell you some of my favs: Lose Control ft. JoJo, Say Something ft. Drake, Tomorrow In The Bottle ft. Chad Kroeger & Sebastian, Undertow ft. The Fray & Esthero, Timothy Where You Been ft. Jet<br />I would give a link to go and download the album, but it's the day of release so I won't do it. Go sample it on youtube and if you like it, go grab it.<br /><br /><br />Also released today is Clipse's "Til the Casket Drops" I can say I've been a Clipse fan...well maybe "fan" is not the right word. I've always enjoyed their music, but I can say I've never heard much from them besides the singles and features they've had. BUT I was hearing so much buzz about this album via Twitter that I had no choice but to check it out. Now I am not really a fan of rap, but I CAN be if the message, beat and delivery are all solid. And I can honestly say this Clipse album meets my checklist. I was pleasantly surprised. I would definitely recommend picking this album up. It's such a complete piece. Not to mention, I felt extremely relaxed while I was listening to it, but that's neither here nor there. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbhqDUKoaNz-MKp4P94tqzlklseLKZxGSyQ_O3X2HzyxBTPV7R-OR2kbEZcJwpLslv3XlSssOxA3kdiWcq2xNU2kkb5Ia-niCD26pK4CXs35KDAgOMWbt_ND1x3FReX6HSl54rFgj6zCE/s1600-h/clipse-til-the-casket-drops-hq-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkbhqDUKoaNz-MKp4P94tqzlklseLKZxGSyQ_O3X2HzyxBTPV7R-OR2kbEZcJwpLslv3XlSssOxA3kdiWcq2xNU2kkb5Ia-niCD26pK4CXs35KDAgOMWbt_ND1x3FReX6HSl54rFgj6zCE/s200/clipse-til-the-casket-drops-hq-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413042574005552834" /></a><br />"Champion" is definitely my favorite track off the album, but Freedom, Door Man, Life Change, Footsteps and of course I'm Good. I pretty much just named every song on the album so that should tell you it's a little more than decent. It will definitely be on heavy rotation over here. Make sure you grab that<br /><br /><br />Stay tuned, I think I'm going to start doing my posts how I did today and profile the albums released on the days I post. Keep checkin' back. I'm tryin' to stay on top of it yall!! ;)Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-56539628623704441612009-12-02T16:37:00.001-06:002009-12-02T16:38:58.990-06:00Coming SoonJust wanted to assure everyone that I am not slacking off. I have three new albums that I will be posting before the end of the week. I just want to have a chance to listen to them and make sure I'm not misleading you with the information that will be presented. Until then...enjoy the rest of your week!Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-86678601698161872422009-12-01T14:49:00.013-06:002009-12-01T19:14:18.307-06:00Chicago Stand Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VLyc4-AesNxzkkBQQxcdR-TpA7C6Q42rgRmATJwupPXRY8G9Z1mOsTQi-b1aIShrk3uU4s3JEx1rbo5McZy3MNXq8DN5G24gXdF4dNQhWbgvqeUhoS8JQImTEK1Q6oS68sxhT9L8XX2V/s1600/lupe-alt.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VLyc4-AesNxzkkBQQxcdR-TpA7C6Q42rgRmATJwupPXRY8G9Z1mOsTQi-b1aIShrk3uU4s3JEx1rbo5McZy3MNXq8DN5G24gXdF4dNQhWbgvqeUhoS8JQImTEK1Q6oS68sxhT9L8XX2V/s320/lupe-alt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410374489088993794" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Mr. Lupe Fiasco is back. He dropped a quick little mixtape a few days ago- Enemy of the State. Now I'll say, I've always loved Lupe, granted I haven't heard much of his music but the songs I have heard, I'm always impressed. A true lyricist, I respect his grind. Anyhoo, the mixtape is nice. I've added a link so you can download it and check it out. There are two different versions of the tape. There's one that splits the songs into different tracks and then one that the tracks flow back to back. I've included links for both versions. Enjoy <br /><a href="http://usershare.net/2DopeBoyz/rpe30ry7ebeo">One track version</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://usershare.net/gowherehiphop/y3i9hk8w6kj9">Multi track version</a>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-50801748514584109872009-11-30T17:32:00.008-06:002009-11-30T18:36:43.044-06:00Back like Jordan, wearin the 4-5I do apologize, I have neglected my duties as a writer. But I am going to make a conscious effort to do better. Actually, I'm really trying to figure out what I want this blog to be about. I KNOW for sure I want music as the main feature, but I feel like that has the potential to become boring, so I'm thinking of adding more entertainment and commentary about some things going on in this lovely world we live in. But for this post, we'll keep it strictly music<br /><br />I'm a few weeks late, but Wale's Attention Deficit...GOOD music. I'm not a big Wale fan personally, but the CD is very very good. For once I felt like I was listening to music that had meaning. I feel like Wale is hated on a lot personally, but all that aside, the music is great. Some of my favorites are Beautiful Bliss(where J. Cole decided to just murder his entire verse) 90210, Diary ft. Marsha Ambrosius, Prescription(he goes off in the last minute or so of the song). If you haven't checked it out, you should definitely do so. This is actually an album I would say you need to BUY as opposed to download. Support real music<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 241px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410047065792374642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheoZdFQ4QjIlXzaizYSmN071SysEqtl8-mxcWMKC_7RmmeKvPshVqhLk5GDcrIUWvXopdfltXaFVYHLKPQp9MNJfqYIw6dmO_F27ua_CpNBT6BHVY2_5dBqnP_u-0C6HHZ7Dc1EalQrmB-/s320/wale-attentiondeficit.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p>Also, late again, Lil Wayne has dropped a mixtape, "No Ceilings." I am really not much of a Wayne fan. Granted, I like his music, but I feel like lyrically, he's not the best. Mos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi1_l0nuDGUNtAR8O8VJVzPqnYsze8bMD39lC1on6F6VLAgDJ57x0oZKQ9k42gOsOL9TViJsXCfjpkcBYRL58MwfCS5kQCaxv5-Mut8twRIG4xC1JjC5tZHPgVj1UTT5nb_qx7u8keugm/s1600/no-ceilings.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410053083635329154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixi1_l0nuDGUNtAR8O8VJVzPqnYsze8bMD39lC1on6F6VLAgDJ57x0oZKQ9k42gOsOL9TViJsXCfjpkcBYRL58MwfCS5kQCaxv5-Mut8twRIG4xC1JjC5tZHPgVj1UTT5nb_qx7u8keugm/s320/no-ceilings.jpg" /></a>t of everything he talks about are metaphors, and if you listen to most of his songs, the same metaphors switched up, with different nouns replacing what was in the last rhyme. I just feel he's overrated. But everybody else seems to love him so why not?! But the mixtape is decent. It's been quite a while since he did one so it's good to know he's still got it. Here's the link if you wanna download it(even though you probably already have it, as I am like two weeks late) <a href="http://rapidshare.com/files/312373402/Lil_Wayne_No_Ceilings.rar"> Download No Ceilings here</a><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p>And last but not least, Ms. Rihanna herself. Finally out with her new album Rated R. I told myself I would not BUY her album. I have ALWAYS been a Rihanna supporter, bought every one of her a<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL_8MPkFB6BOP0_ytRND5lEiVdB-qdicLHOQHHgjJ7yygt7rmTDzaeEKDoBdbrro-GH3wQwq_VtA9H2P9oM38-1WeLWkO_sAc7Z8TP9uVsZbBzcOwoLug9fyUYEIUtasfLUg1bl82hzjN/s1600/rihanna-rated-r-album-cover_410x406.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 234px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410052622524560242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibL_8MPkFB6BOP0_ytRND5lEiVdB-qdicLHOQHHgjJ7yygt7rmTDzaeEKDoBdbrro-GH3wQwq_VtA9H2P9oM38-1WeLWkO_sAc7Z8TP9uVsZbBzcOwoLug9fyUYEIUtasfLUg1bl82hzjN/s320/rihanna-rated-r-album-cover_410x406.jpg" /></a>lbums, found myself dressing like her, cutting my hair like hers, the works. I supported her up until she did that interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, only because I feel like she tried extra hard to throw Chris Brown under the bus. I DO NOT SUPPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, but I also believe there is more to the story, but we won't get into that. Back to the album. Rated R. Veyr dark album, BUT I really do enjoy it. Some of the songs that stand out Fire Bomb(my personal favorite) Hard ft. Jeezy, Te Amo, Rude Boy, G4L. But collectively, the CD is pretty good. I just wish she would get out of this whole dark stage she's going through, but to each his own. I will say, I was shocked at how much she cursed on the CD. I would say it's not an album for her younger fans. (I was pretty upset when I heard my 9 year old niece singing the lyrics to Russian Roulette) But sample the album, if you like it, go grab a copy. Now, I won't be purchasing the album, but if you like it, you definitely should. </p><br /><br /><p></p>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-38630216118661896682009-09-10T17:25:00.007-05:002009-09-10T18:20:00.395-05:00Inhale Pt 2: Loyaly Before the Love<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwj8WNTIf-tp1Es8rL_IfakLZiQb7XVLvyGsmo9iYMgfsPduxbx5Sdl-cZyHq7G1kZRWRoPdEVKsg1Xjw6mDS9VACzihGDMlx5hocfv1433eUzEd6SUtDaNtKTOU_KWzqUisW0-bMh6jm/s1600-h/The_Boy_Illinois_Loyalty_Before_The_Love__Cover_.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379980197568936610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwj8WNTIf-tp1Es8rL_IfakLZiQb7XVLvyGsmo9iYMgfsPduxbx5Sdl-cZyHq7G1kZRWRoPdEVKsg1Xjw6mDS9VACzihGDMlx5hocfv1433eUzEd6SUtDaNtKTOU_KWzqUisW0-bMh6jm/s320/The_Boy_Illinois_Loyalty_Before_The_Love__Cover_.jpg" /></a><br /><div>If you love good music make sure you listen up! The much anticipated tape Loyalty Before the Love was released this past Tuesday and was well worth the wait. The artist goes by the name The Boy Illinois hailing from good ol' Chicago and this is his second <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">mixtape</span>. Personally, I am a huge fan. I think this guy has talent out of this world, not to mention the angle from which he goes at his lyrics. He's not your typical 22 year old rapper, his lyrics actually have meaning(I know, a stretch for today's music!) I heard the first tape and it was good, but Inhale Pt. 2 is a huge step up, and this is only the second tape. So if he improves this much with every tape...WOW! Every song on the tape, in my opinion has radio potential. He has a few features from some other up and coming artists such as GoD Jewels, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">YP</span>, 3<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tre</span> and more. All of them, very talented <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">kats</span>. If you haven't gotten a chance to hear it, I suggest you do so as soon as possible. The beats are great, lyrics <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">impeccable</span> and it's downright good music. I know how much work he put into this tape and it paid off in the form of a very well put together <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">mixtape</span>. I'm anxious to see what the future holds for this kid. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/theboyillinois">Check out his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Myspace</span> Page</a> or <a href="http://theboyillinois.blogspot.com/">follow his blog</a>. Word of warning: the songs are very much addictive. I've woken up too many times with them stuck in my head. You've been warned!<br /><br />Some of my personal favorites off the tape: Take It Off, White <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Sox</span> ft. GoD Jewels, A Lil Bit Off, My College Chick...apparently I'm listing off all of the songs...JUST GO DOWNLOAD THE TAPE!<br /><a href="http://sharebee.com/dea6610f">Download Inhale Pt. 2: Loyalty Before the Love</a></div>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-5593925240122259362009-08-06T18:00:00.011-05:002009-09-10T17:38:07.797-05:00She's Baaaccckkk!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygLxRs983H9C3WDpc-3fATQh9ZaSW6P816AObU8qk8rwlObVVXpGL3LTeTZd38SF89kJBLhUrCIdxL4B-VNbGYefwRcLYZ3CvzAmiI0F3PBXKawEVlNxEtpqy7U3sCnZ-2x1xw24dmhxS/s1600-h/whitney_houston_mdb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygLxRs983H9C3WDpc-3fATQh9ZaSW6P816AObU8qk8rwlObVVXpGL3LTeTZd38SF89kJBLhUrCIdxL4B-VNbGYefwRcLYZ3CvzAmiI0F3PBXKawEVlNxEtpqy7U3sCnZ-2x1xw24dmhxS/s320/whitney_houston_mdb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366990201158746370" /></a><br />
Hey guys! <br />
I just checked out one of Whitney Houston's new songs: "Million Dollar Bill". The song sounds great. Written by Ms. A Keys herself and produced by none other than Swizz Beatz, the song has a very uplifting tone about it. Her voice sounds as strong as it did before she...well you know! and she looks great! Her album drops September 1 entitled <i>I Look to You</i> and it may be something to look out for. Sounds like she's makin her comeback a strong one. Go Whitney! <br />
<a href="http://www.sinternet.com/blast/whitney/whitney.million.blast.html"> Click to hear Million Dollar Bill</a>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-7405590308258450732009-08-05T01:25:00.022-05:002009-09-10T18:13:02.644-05:00Take 2<div>I ran across two new artists in the past two days that I feel deserve some recognition. The first artist is 22 year old, Josh Xantus. At first glance, he reminds you of Big Mike from Day 26. He has a sort of "thug" look about him but it's clear he's really a teddy bear. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ0yJyEUYXWQR3JBJIgBGqvjk41ABPK9l9EwbG1tmZU-PU7XOJYl49ntJXn-PkueEASgjgy4RCVpU51vgORGjGpmoimNTIK2qyB0BcJp8M1q_xLEWFV7BHfpTUJV58ot7Hxwqo6-xthJx/s1600-h/JoshXantus-01-big.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 309px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379975777593271922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJ0yJyEUYXWQR3JBJIgBGqvjk41ABPK9l9EwbG1tmZU-PU7XOJYl49ntJXn-PkueEASgjgy4RCVpU51vgORGjGpmoimNTIK2qyB0BcJp8M1q_xLEWFV7BHfpTUJV58ot7Hxwqo6-xthJx/s320/JoshXantus-01-big.jpg" /></a> As soon as you hear the first note, you immediately fall in love. I can't quite put my finger on who he sounds like, which is a good thing because it means it's something unique. His video "First Time" premiered on 106th and Park yesterday and the song is beautiful. He has a few other songs on<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/JOSHXANTUSTV"> his Youtube page</a> which are also nice. His debut album is called "Can I Live." Make sure to look out for him.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The second artist is Barbados native Hal Linton. He is signed to Universal Motown and is a very soulful singer. He reminds me of a new-age Maxwell mixed with a little Al Green and a hint of Prince.. His song "Lock My Heart Down" has a sort of 70s feel to it while some of his other music "Abandoned Heart" and "Press Play" give him the chance to really showcase hi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rCcftAKC_1L4RetGCX1igO6E9rQuyC-mBcPT-1ikY0MUWE9qV1asmwqcItXmTrlcHBioz1FlkTVoXjvSTz7_hQBOn1lijmg7HmCgKufHUQ9X9o916v1GgDMtsJ07pplfrWb3ph3xQYk-/s1600-h/Hal-Linton.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 227px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 265px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379980606984194882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rCcftAKC_1L4RetGCX1igO6E9rQuyC-mBcPT-1ikY0MUWE9qV1asmwqcItXmTrlcHBioz1FlkTVoXjvSTz7_hQBOn1lijmg7HmCgKufHUQ9X9o916v1GgDMtsJ07pplfrWb3ph3xQYk-/s320/Hal-Linton.jpg" /></a>s vocal ability over a slower track. Make sure to check out <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hallinton">Hal Linton's Myspace Page</a> I'm anxious to hear what the album sounds like when it drops. It will definitely be one to take a listen to. Make sure to be on the lookout for these two in the future. They're sure to do somethin big. </div>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741428762605015563.post-12185117249557666912009-08-04T16:08:00.000-05:002009-08-04T16:15:14.033-05:00First Day on the Job<span style="font-family:georgia;">Well Hello There! </span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's about time. I've said I was going to start a blog for the past 6 months but I finally did today! Yay me! Purpose of this blog: the first being, writing always relieves stress and two, I feel like I have a lot to say. It will mainly focus around music, as most of my life centers around it, but there will be plenty of other topics that I touch on. But mainly, I want to expose the meaningful songs and artists out there; the music that may not have as many sells as the mainstream music, but the feeling is definitely there. This will be the "blueprint" to my magazine.(more info soon to come). So I hope you enjoy, feel free to comment or contact me with anything you feel neccessary. I'll be back soon with the official first post</span>Bask_N_Robbinshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11711527265384247225noreply@blogger.com0