TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW: Kanye West @kanyewest - #Yeezus

You see there are leaders and followers. Kanye West is a dick not a swallower and his new album Yeezus proves he is still an individual in an industry of followers. Recorded in Paris, New York and Malibu Ca. Kanye West sixth studio album Yeezus isn't his best work, but is most definitely kicking the ass of whatever competition there is left. Not wasting any time I felt obligated to write a review for Yeezus by release date, considering I have listened to the album well over 20 times since its unofficial leak Saturday morning. Sources say Kanye's camp or a member of DONDA purposely leaked this project to cause mass hysteria. DONDA is a creative team that created the album artwork for Yeezus, which portrays a blank cdr inside of a plastic case, with a blank piece of red tape that holds it together. Very simple yet so attractive. Kanye announced that he would be doing no promotion for the album nor presale. A string of impromptu performances including musical guest on Saturday night live and innovative ways to share his music all concluded to today, the release day. What I mean by innovative ways is kanye projecting his music videos throughout the world at premeditated locations. The first to do something like that in music ( correct me if I'm wrong). So Yeezus is a first of its kind in the fact that it was almost entirely produced by Daft Punk. Yes, the duo who brought you Stronger rekindled their flame with Kanye and produced half of Yeezus. The other half is equally as interesting with production from a lot of amazing producers and newcomers like Hudson Mohawke and TNGHT. More of them later. Yeezus opens up with On Sight a Daft Punk produced jam that resembles the classic Stronger at times. Trippy synth manipulation turns into a legit head bumper. GOOD Music member Travi$ Scott and friend/coworker Mike Dean co produce the introduction with interpolations from Holy Name of Mary Choral Family "He'll Give Us What We Really Need". Very different in such a good way. "No sports bra, lets keep it bouncin'".

Black Skinhead arranged by the same production team, Daft Punk, Travi$ Scott and cool guy, Mike Dean was great but not of my taste. A little too political, not enough party. Nevertheless different in a good way.

Track 3 or I Am A God featuring Justin Vernon (Bon Iver frontman) is progressive and political at the same damn time. Production by Daft Punk and new to most Hudson Mohawke give new meaning to hip hop. Screams throughout the song mimic Jesus, as Kanye speaks on talking to God in song. You wouldn't know it, but an all star lineup of producers makes this next song possible. New Slaves was the first piece of the album that was given to the public via projections on walls throughout the world. Daft Punk step out of their comfort zone with this and collaborated with Travi$ Scott, Mike Dean and Kanye himself. This is the first time it seems Kanye has stepped back somewhat from production and found amazing artists to help mold Yeezus. I think Hudson Mohawke is the reason why this song sounds so ridiculously fresh. My opinion of course but if you listen to his team TNGHT self titled EP, which is trap infused you will get an idea of where I'm coming from.

Hold My Liquor is a great record with massive appeal over time. A lot of people say why Chief Keef for the feature? Simply because he fits perfectly for the part on this particular Young Chop classic. Actually Mike Dean, Arca and even Rick Rubin assist with production on Hold My liquor. Justin Vernon adds classic Bon Iver vocals to perfect this song, no retraction. I'm In It is produced by RZA and raunchy as hell. Also Justin Vernon has vocals that make me reminisce of that late 80s/ early 90s vibe. Co production again from Mike Dean and Travi$ Scott. Travi$ Scott will be remembered as a producer not a rapper, then again that's what they said about Kanye. Blood On The Leaves opens with a Nina Simone and progresses alongside Kanye's sung words into a trapped out triumph of trumpets. Similar to New Slaves this record is produced by TNGHT or Hudson Mohawke. If you recognize the epicness of the beat it was featured on a popular Adidas commercial recently. Power producer Symbolyc One produced one of my favorite records on Yeezus called Guilt Trip featuring Kid Cudi. This song is particularly ironic since Kid Cudi left Good Music earlier this year. Also the fact that Cudi repeatedly only sings " If you loved me so much then why'd you let me go". Ironic right? New to my ear are co production by Arca and AckeeJuice. Rockers. Mike Dean and Travi$ Scott were clearly in the room at every studio session, but it was a good choice whatever their specific contribution was. Traces of a Blocka Remix sample are found if you listen. Send It Up features Chicago local King L and Iamsu!(California artist) with new sounds from Gessafelstein, a French DJ that adds new perspective to the album. Interesting sounds fill this record in particular. Maybe it's due partially to co producers Daft Punk, Arca and Hudson Mohawke. A dope visual for this would be nice. I have read that Bound 2 is the greatest record of all time from the album. Though Charlie Wilson's haunting singing sooths the mind, I wish there were more elements to it.this record honestly scares the shit out of me thanks to samples from the Ponderosa Twins Plus One. Yeezus is ahead of it's time and will flourish. Like wine, it will get much better with time. 10 songs is the exact perfect length for any person to stand. Like I said I easily listened to the album 20 times over this past weekend with friends. Good times and good tunes. Or could this be some sick game like Justin Timberlake announcing a part 2 to The 20/20 Experience? whatever the outcome I'm there for the ride. Oh yeah and Late Registration will forever be my all time favorite Kanye West album.

Buy the album out now.

*Check out the short film (American Psycho Inspired) promo for YEEZUS*

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The Game + Jesus Piece + Deluxe Edition [REVIEW]

The Game puts a serious body of work together this time around on his fifth studio album Jesus Piece. Never judge a book by its previous cover I guess you could say. The RED album seemed unorganized and rushed. I wasn't expecting such a strong comeback from that, and that is exactly what happened on this album Jesus Piece. The features and production work so well together. Some people will say Game has changed his style yet again, calling him unoriginal. The new sounds and wordplays come with growth and maturity. The suggestive title is not to be neccessarily taken for religious significance, but it would have a Gangster theme of enjoying life, while also believing in God, Game says. Aside from all this the album is dedicated to his fallen brother Jevon Danell Taylor.

The intro Scared Now is an anthem, which gets the album started right with a end feature from Maybach Music rookie Meek Mill. Another Maybach Music feature comes from Rick Ross on the next record Ali Bomaye, another infectious anthem. Of course 2 Chainz co signs the song. The title track Jesus Piece is produced by Boi 1da and will be a movie if chosen as a single. Kanye West provides the hook, while Common goes head to head with Game. Flowing on Pray produced by Cool & Dre has to be my favorite track at the moment. A new artist that is taking the industry by surprise is JMSN who sings the hook of the song. The track is then blessed by J Cole who raps truth like always. Church from the look of it would be more soulful, but the complete opposite happens with a trapped out strip club anthem. Trey Songz caresses the hook and King Chip adds his two cents too. I think Kevin Hart runs his mouth a bit at end. All That (Lady) has soul that sounds like a young D Angelo, but is in fact Jeremih. This has potential to be a hit single. Features are ridiculous with a small infantry including Fabolous, Big Sean and Lil Wayne. Heavens Arms soudns like a 90s New York  Nas state of mind and that is exactly what it ends up being. Game transforms into Nas swaggin as Escobar would talking about parting the red sea in red loubittons. Name Me King starts off with Pusha T spitting a few bars. 

Subconciously Game seems to be portraying the artists featured on each song. See No Evil has a ghostly sample, but the features are heavenly. Tank lends smooth vocals and Kendrick Lamar yet again impresses my mind. Shoutout to amazing songwriter Sam Hook for his work on this album including this record Celebration and others.Cant Get Right features Los Angeles local K Roosevelt on production and vocals. Always great talent coming out of Los Angeles. Game confesses his views of Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre getting together. Right off the bat Game pays homage to George Jefferson, while shouting out Lil Wayne at the same time. Superstar Jamie Foxx offers soul, where soul is needed produced by Jake One. Who is Elijah Blake. Mentor of No ID and Def Jam writer/artist. More references to Nas. In the middle of the Freedom record, Game answers a call from Birdman. He chats about how this is his last album before you signs a contract with Young Money Cash Money Records. He even shouts out James Harden LA representative. Again Kevin Hart appears and ends the album with a slap of sermon for the masses. The first single to surface with a visual Celebration ends the album. The deluxe edition includes what sounds like a MIKEWILLMADEIT beat, which features southern slayers Future and Young Jeezy. I imagine a hott unofficial visual for this. Blood Diamonds concludes Jesus Piece. This is another surprise project from 2012 that needs to be appreciated by purchase. Go out and support December 11, 2012.

-@ihate_chris

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Rihanna - Unapologetic [REVIEW]

It seems like since Rihanna first began her career in 2005, she has released a multi-platinum project and each time she surprises the world with her radio hits and infectious classics. Now Rihanna releases her seventh studio album via Roc Nation, Unapologetic, and at such a young age of 24, life looks extra bright for her career. To promote the album, herself has conceived the idea of a 777 tour. This includes a 7 date tour across 7 different countries. A most intimate experience, with shows in smaller venues and she is only traveling with journalists and friends.

This album Unapologetic has much depth and versatility from her previous albums. By now she is comfortable with herself as an artist to indulge in new styles and step outside her comfort zone. It works in her favor, with tracks like a Mike Will Made It produced track Power It Up, Rihanna spits a blazing flow with a chorus like,  "all I see is signs, all i see is dollar signs...throw it up throw it up, watch it all fall out". No doubt there will be an official remix for this record. Another record that was different in a good way was Numb which featured Eminem. The feeling when I first heard the record is indescribable  Oak and Pop Wansel, who are known as the team who produced Big Sean's Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay record, produce the Kanye and Connie Mitchell sampled hit. I didn't understand it until I heard several times. Her wordplay is impeccable on this one. A Kanye West sample from the Graduation album, Can't Tell Me Nothin' haunts the chorus. Eminem, of course rips apart the end of the track with a hypnotic story line. 

The albums first single Diamonds is not only a fresh sound, but an easy multi-platinum single. Lets forget the fact that Rihanna is singing, but when you involve Benny Blanco with 13 number 1 singles at only 24 and So Sick producer Stargate, it becomes revolutionary. Sia lends her beautiful poetry to Rihanna and makes this an easy stand out record. Kanye West showed up on the official remix too. An interesting combination of producers involved on Unapologetic, but found David Guetta and Terius Nash (The-Dream) on two records together subliminally. 

Both artists show up under the writing and production credits for the opening track Phresh Out The Runway and Right Now. The-Dream also co produces two separate records with Los Da Mystro, Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary and the media spectacle record featuring ex boyfriend Chris Brown. Both take on the portrayal and style of the late Michael Jackson throughout the song. "Ain't nobodies business, ain't nobodies business..." Jump explores the dubstep lifestyle, while borrowing the classic Ginuwine hook, written by Timbaland and Static Major, "Come on and lets do it, ride it, my pony, my saddle is waiting, come and jump on it." After comes a explosion of dirty dubstep and bass. Produced by Chase & Status, an English electronic production team and a surprise few bars from KY. What happens to be my favorite record from the album at the moment, is the Future featured Loveeeee Song. Future sings the thug out of him and autotunes just right. Powerful song produced by new producer to my knowledge Blue June. Unapologetic offers an emotional insight into Rihanna's, but shows more vulnerability on records like What Now and Lost In Paradise. 

I think Rihanna is a very talented entertainer and artist and will always have support from her 26 million twitter fans and real life fans in the world. Go buy Unapologetic November 19, 2012.

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New Music +++ Rihanna x Kanye West - Diamonds Remix [LISTEN]

While on her #777 tour to promote the upcoming album Unapologetic, Rihanna gets cabin fever and releases the official Diamonds Remix featuring labelmate and friend Kanye West. Tonight she stops in Sweden. Rumors started that the remix will be performed by the two later.

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Cruel Summer Is Cutting Edge Music [REVIEW]

I feel we are just breaking the tip of the iceberg in the future of music today and Cruel Summer begins to expose this progression. Kanye West presents his G.O.O.D. Music & friends compilation. Records like Creepers (Kid Cudi) and the opening track To The World (Kanye West, R. Kelly) are shedding light on a more ambient sounding vibe. Creepers was in fact produced by a member from the euro group The Servant, Dan Smith. Other records such as Bliss (John Legend, Teyana Taylor) give us a better look at what the future holds by bringing back that classic 80's sound then twisting it up with hints progressive hints of dubstep. Rumors are already suggesting that Kanye West's official single from his next album will feature Skrillex, a dirty dubstep dj who has paved the way for up and coming artists today. To those of you who don't know, a new producer/DJ was introduced on Cruel Summer. Hudson Mohawke from Glasgow, Scotland I feel is a direct influence on why this album has a much different sound than expected. Hudson Mohawke aka HudMo aka DJ Itchy who also is involved in a trap group called TNGHT produces as well as co-produces upwards of 4 tracks on Cruel Summer, including the smashbox hit Mercy. I'm getting too excited about this guy, lets not forget the other superstar hit makers, which include Hit-Boy, Mike Dean, Noah "40" Shebib and even Mannie Fresh features his co-production. Eventhough unnecessary fillers like New God Flow and the Chicago anthem I Don't Like Remix are on the tracklist, I think overall Cruel Summer is a breath of fresh air in the creativity realm.

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2 Chainz x Kanye West - Birthday Song [WATCH]

What we have right here is important to hip hop right now. Instead of another "in the strip club" visual, 2 Chainz and Kanye West went the complete opposite route with straight slapstick awkward at times comedy. As portrayed in a single shot, the visual for Birthday Song is an interesting look into the minds of these two great artists. Everything you would expect to find at a birthday party and a lot more.

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DJ Khaled x Kanye West - I Wish You Would / Cold [WATCH]

DJ Khaled brings friends Kanye West and Rick Ross together for the release of the hottest rap visual out now I Wish You Would. DJ Khaled has an album called Kiss The Ring releasing 8/21. This is the first single. The video then interludes to Kanye West's latest scandal single Cold. KimYe West makes an appearance.

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2 Chainz x Kanye West - Birthday Song Produced by Kanye West & Sonny Digital [Listen]

Now that the G.O.O.D. Music compilation originally scheduled for August has been delayed, that leaves an opening to put a new jam on blast. 2 Chainz celebrates his birthday early with Kanye West on the record Birthday Song produced by 'Ye and Sonny Digital. It sure will be a Cruel Summer.

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Kanye West x Big Sean x Pusha T x 2 Chainz | Mercy [Official Video]

Summer start early with this official visual for Kanye West's diamond record Mercy. Kid Cudi makes a special appearance and the video is directed by creative genius Nabil. I am so turnt up right now and motivated by this video right now. Today has endless possibilites. Thats all it takes sometimes. Get ready, its going to be a Cruel Summer coming soon.

Follow @ihate_chris

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The Throne x Frank Ocean x The-Dream - No Church In The Wild [Official Video]

Kanye West and Jay Z, better known as The Throne releases a monumental motion picture for their smash record No Church In The Wild. The track features Frank Ocean and The-Dream on the hook. Directing this next level event is Romain Gavras better known for directing MIA's Born Free and Bad Girls, as well as the controversial video for Justice's Stress. The video depicts the recent London Riots of 2011 #art

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Kanye West Donates A Verse To Already Popular I Don't Like Remix

Chief Keef's banger I Don't Like has been on repeat since the moment I downloaded it.  Well a few weeks ago I came across the cover art for the follow up to Kanye's Way Too Cold (previously Theraflu) and Mercy, I Don't Like remix ft. Pusha T, Chief Keef, Jadakiss and Big Sean.  I was filled with anticipation when I saw it but was confused as to how it would turn out.

Listen: 
Chief Keef x Kanye West x Pusha T x Jadakiss x Big Sean - I Don't Like (Remix)


Based on Kanye's most recent singles and style changes I was confident that this would be another banger notched under his belt and with the help of fellow G.O.O.D. music artists Pusha T and Big Sean, not to mention veteran Jadakiss, my confidence was rewarded.  Check out Yeezy's new remix and stay tuned for more of this to come!

Written By @AngusQuarterlb

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KANYE WEST RELEASES 'WAY TOO COLD' [AUDIO]

Photo www.KanyeWest.com

Wow. So after the world laughed at Kris Humphries after Kanye clowned him on Theraflu. We now get to laugh at him again when we re-listen to the re-titled same track Way Too Cold. Nothing different but it helps the iTunes collection. Enjoy

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Kanye West x Big Sean x Pusha T x 2 Chainz - MERCY [Listen]

With all the nonsense of todays paparazzi stunts surrounding Kanye West and Kim Kardashian, there was still some good to come out of the day. The new G.O.O.D. Music single from the labels upcoming compilation dropped tonight. The song features fellow label members Big Sean and Pusha T as well as the Rookie of The Year 2 Chainz. Listen Below.

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Funkmaster Flex Releases New Kanye West x DJ Khaled Music [Listen]

Here is a new song Funkmaster Flex leaked on his radio show earlier tonight. A mysterious Kanye track that features DJ Khaled. Could be a possible track from Khaled's upcoming Kiss The Ring album.

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Kanye West Leaks Album Artwork For MERCY Coming Friday

Today Kanye West leaked the artwork for the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music single MERCY. The song features Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz.  Releasing this Friday.

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Kanye West In The Studio With Frank Ocean & Tyler, The Creator

This past weekend was Grammy Weekend and everybody who was anybody was out here in Los Angeles. Some serious meetings and collaborations went down, including Kanye West linking up with Tyler The Creator and Frank Ocean in the studio. Last thursday Tyler tweeted a picture of himself and Kanye in front of a computer. Expect good things from Odd Future and G.O.O.D. Music.

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Bon Iver Announces Secret Show With Kanye West

This morning I woke up to a ridiculous email from the music platform SongKick. It said that Bon Iver, infamous for his haunting features on Kanye West's last album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, will be playing a show next week at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles, CA. This news threw me off, and what's more is no one knows how to get tickets yet. Next In Show will find a way. Another strange thing is under Additional Details all it says is Tour Name: Awesome Awesomeness Either way, something amazing is going down Thursday February 16, 2012. Stay Tuned...

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Domo Genesis ft. Wiz Khalifa - Ground Up Prod. Cardo [Audio]

Last night was a big night for the Odd Future Wolf Gang. It seemed like Tyler was kicking it with Kanye, Earl Sweatshirt mysteriously appeared in Los Angeles and Domo recorded a new track with young Wiz Khalifa. Production is courtesy of Taylor Gang house producer Cardo. Check out the very recently recorded track below.

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The Throne Release Ni**as In Paris [Official Live Visual]

Back in December when Kanye West & Jay Z aka The Throne brought their WTT masterpiece to the Staples Center in Los Angeles CA, no one was sure why the song Ni**as In Paris was repeated upwards of 10 times in a row. A couple months later we come to realize that all of those live performances were eventually edited together to make one epic epileptic visual. Sorry no actual Paris footage was used. Check it out below.

Stay Safe?

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Odd Future Week: Frank Ocean @frank_ocean

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