J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only- Letting go of the need to be popular is what has ironically propelled Cole’ s popularity to superstar status. His previous album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, is where Cole began to employ this new-found philosophy and that album is basically his autobiography in rap form as well as his most successful album to date, which really puts the pressure on his follow up to be just as if not more, great. Cole dropped 4 Your Eyez Only exactly two years after his previous album. In this album, Cole touches on topics he doesn’ t too often discuss in his music, such as mortality, the existence of God and whether or not one exist, fatherhood – his way of telling the world he has a daughter, and for once, instead of the absence of feeling love which he used to obsess over, he is Cole is excited to tell anyone who listens how happy he is to have found love … he made a song called“ Foldin’ Clothes,” which is indeed about folding clothes. 4 Your Eyez Only is a sad album. After my first listen I was thinking“ Is Cole dying!?”. After more listens, it became evident that Cole isn’ t telling his story, well not only his story. He’ s telling the story of his friend( whose name is James I think) who is now dead. Cole and his friend’ s life parallel’ s so well, but juxtaposes each other just well enough to both be depicted through the same narrative; in a way, his friend’ s life is what Cole’ s life could’ ve been if he made a few different choices, and vice versa. Think about that, that level of intricate and detailed writing is incredibly difficult for many famed Hollywood writers to pull off. Apart from that, the last record is deep. The type of deep that requires you to listen with your eyes closed. 4 Your Eyez Only. Is it a classic? It is too early to tell, but I’ d venture to guess that it is very possible. I’ d put my money on it, would you?
TP
Common: Black America Again – I am in love with this jazzy, classic hiphop, ode to blackness that this legend blessed us with. Protest art at it’ s finest, Common’ s poetically enticing lyrics promote wokeness in the chillest way possible. Each track is informative, moving, and full of substance but not overbearing at all. Unlike other conscious music of this year, Common didn’ t hide his message behind entertainment and because of that this project stands out. He was raw and effective. Not many artists can pull this off and he does so eloquently. The musicianship in each track also adds to this eloquence. This was a project much needed given how hectic 2016 has been. Common has presented himself as the voice of the people and I truly appreciate what he’ s doing. This is a most definitely a must listen.
KW
Nessly: Solo Boy Band – Atlanta auto-crooner Nessly gave us a treat this quarter with Solo Boy Band. While the enigmatic title isn’ t heavily discussed on the mixtape, Nessly does send listeners on a journey. From the weird but compelling intro to a surprisingly conscious outro, Solo Boy Band adds character to a trend that many would instantly write off. Nessly likes auto tune, and it definitely works for him. However, my only gripe about this project is that the sound is too reminiscent of Travis Scott and Nav. I understand that Nessly still hasn’ t fully settled into a style, so that is completely understandable. Nessly’ s Solo Boy Band is a treat and a worthy addition to 2016..
RJ
Lloyd: Tru EP – I was surprised to hear that Lloyd released some new music. I think this EP was a good comeback for him. My favorite songs are“ Tru” and“ Hevenly Body”. I really enjoyed the familiarity of his singing, it’ s been a while. I think that him releasing just five songs was a good idea for I took it as only a sample of what is to come. All five songs were good and he hasn’ t lost his nice voice over the years at all. I’ m interested in seeing what else Lloyd should will in the future.
AB
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