Fresh off of tour, and busy collaborating with pretty much everyone in the music business, Gilbere Forte doesn't seem like he slowing down anytime soon.
Polica's music is hauntingly smooth. Their debut album Give You The Ghost is something you must experience. The group is formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota and members include founders Ryan Olson + Channy Leaneagh as well as Chris Bierden, Ben Ivascu and Drew Christopherson. Pitchork filmed a Documentary on the american indie band.
You read it right! The once upon a time boy band juggernaut Justin Timberlake made a bold statement a few days ago saying, "I think I'm ready." The new record, song, next single (whatever it may be) features CEO of Rap Jay Z as well as production from Timbaland. This is most likely from an upcoming album from J Timberlake, which is rumored to be entirely co-produced by Timbaland. Look out for possible James Fauntleroy credits too among other suprises. Get ready because the King Of Pop is back, reincarnated.
It was only a matter of time before young Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was recognized for his unique style. His earlier street mixtapes including the Flamerz series were some of his most outstanding work. At the time Meek and his partner (producer Jahlil Beats) had a certain chemistry together that eventually would help influence this generations style. Known for his instantly gratifying, fast paced flows Meek Mill landed on boss man Rick Ross's radar and eventually would become signed to his new label Maybach Music Group. From there young Meek released his Dreamchasers series under the double M umbrella. What caught everyone off guard and most likely solidified his presence was his most recent mixtape was the sequel to Dreamchasers. Album included anthems like A1 featuring Kendrick Lamar and my personal favorite Racked Up Shawty featuring French Montana. For several days following its release Twitter was completely silent and in awe from the project.
Now Meek finally releases his debut project on Maybach Records, Dreams and Nightmares. Album is almost a year in the making, back in February when the album title was revealed via a vlog. Dreams and Nightmares is the title track for the intro to the album. Pleasant dreams are rapped for about the first 2 minutes, but from there Beat Bully pulls a 180 for the Nightmares portion of the record. Get ready to slowly break your neck. What it took for Meek to get to this point in his life was clearly a struggle and you can feel his pain throughout the song.
Black Metaphor laces the track In God We Trust, which is nothing special. Consistant record where Meek goes all the way with no feature. He can do that. His energy zones you. Young And Gettin It is the third single from the album and features Texas hook prince Kirko Bangz with the auto tune influence. Even Meek gets juicy with the sound. Jahlil Beats shows versatility in his production. Traumatized immediately sounds of something different and shows promise. Come to find the beat is composed by grammy award winning producer Boi-1da. Have to replay this one real quick.
Rick Ross makes a few appearances on his young proteges debut album. Believe It would be the first of three. Nothing less of a grunge street album produced by Young Shun. This next song feels like some serious power moves were made. Maybach Curtains produced by DJ Infamous features Nas, John Legend and Rick Ross. I almost want to say this record originally owned by Rick Ross, but was maybe passed down the legacy. Nas stands out like always. Amen was the first single released back in June. Frito Lay seems to be a hot line amongst the crew by the way. Drake lends his super star shine and Jeremiah completes the song with background vocals. Key Wane and Jahlil Beats bring us to church with this one.
Young Kings points out all of Meek Mill's latest riches. His life has changed drastically in a public sense since he signed on with music and business mogul Rick Ross. Its only right for him to write about and expand on his luxurious lifestyle. Lee Major fits the beat with the flow perfect. High pitched sounds from Trey Songz speak on Lay Up. Songz has always stood out with his different sound and flow and its prominent on this future single produced by another award winning producer Kane Beatz. Maybach Music is in the building with another feature from Rick Ross as well as Wale. Tony Story Pt. 2 leaked over the summer and was overlooked, but second time around this Boi-1da beat resonates with me instantly.
Who Your Around is another potential single. Somehow Mary J Blige keeps making the cut on all of these young and hungry artist debut projects ergo Kendrick Lamar good kid m.A.A.d city. I am not mad at her. She is already in the hip hop hall of fame. Throughout Dreams and NightmaresMeek Mill contrasts the positive dreams and strengths that he has with his hardest times in life. Polo And Shell Tops is the Nightmare part of the previous song. At times the album blends together well, but is rudely interrupted with radio jams and fillers. Cardiak is a hot producer with a hot beat on Polo And Shell Tops.
Another Jahlil Beats production featuring artist Louie V. This tempo of the track is something different from what a Jahlil beat sounds like. Interesting piano riffs and eerie echoes keep me interested. To end the album Real Niggas Come First recognizes what is really important to Meek Mill. That is being true to himself and the music. The album Dreams And Nightmares is an easy listen. I feel like the idea and image of the album are perfect, but wasn't necessarily executed as well as it could have been. For being a mainstream rap album it serves the community well.
-Burn is included on the Deluxe Version of the album-
RadiokillaThe-Dream goes for the gold with his new record Dope Bitch. It features Pusha T whereas last week Pusha put out a record, Exodus 23:1 featuring The-Dream. Confusing, but there must be a bigger picture for this madness. Rumor has it Terius Nash (Dream) is heavily working with Pusha T in the studio for his debut solo album.
Juice and Meech better known as Flatbush Zombies are here to stay with a new visual for the record Face Off (L.S. Darko). The inspiration of the song comes directly from the recent debauchery where a naked man, high on bath salts, chewed a man's face off. Real life Zombie shit. Produced by Erick Arc Elliot. Camera: TONE & Vinny Picone Edited by: Vinny Picone #flatbush #2012yearofthezombie
It's Friday, and at Next In Show that means a brand new freestyle from Kid Boogie. He goes in over the Yayo / Montana record Ballin. Look out for Boogies upcoming mixtape So Under Rated Presented by Next In Show.
Some of you adventurers out there are familiar with the crazy insane tough man and women competitions out there like Tough Mudder and Spartan Race. Well the Spartan race has gotten an official song and to go along with it an official video. Be A Spartan by CT artist Con-Man takes us through the course of the Spartan Race as he reminds us of what it takes to be a Spartan. All the while reminding us 'This Is Sparta'. The idea is crazy original and the fact that he probably made some coin off of this from the promoted brand makes this a great niche' for those who can be as crafty and creative. Enjoy!
If you haven't heard of Justin Bieber this is a great song to be introduced to him with. The new track is Boyfriend where he is stepping his vocals up and dabbling with a bit of rapperswag. Not so young and whiny anymore. Sound like he getting more creative freedom with his career. Congratulations. I Beliebe.Swaggy.lol
Super producer, Timbaland just aired the news out that himself and Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliot will both simultaneously be releasing brand new solo albums this June. They are respectively preparing their first singles and music videos together now, that will also be released at the same time this summer. Timbaland stresses that these albums are carefully calculated projects, and no rushing to finish in time will happen.
I received this submission on Tuesday from a rapper named J.C.I.T.Y who rises out of Boston. This is the visual for Those Who R Dead, which is featured on J's latest album Sky Writing. Check it out.
I was just your every day kid. I enjoyed hanging with my friends, playing sports and always had an interest in language, poetry and music, you know.. Nothing great as such.. My love for music has kept growing over the years. I've always been big on sports too.
Any family involved with music?
Nope. My dad's just a music enthusiast/collector and that's it.. He loves Blues music of years gone by.. Other than that, the closest I come is a cousin who plays bass for an amateur band so ummm yeah.. Haha
Who inspires you?
Man.. Ummm.. If you were to ask me 'what' my inspiration was, it'd be plain and simple one word - life. But as for who inspires me.. Well.. The first name that strikes me is my Grandfather.. Spiritual, strong and able, at 80. Other than that, just generally people who try to help and/or uplift society or their fellow man in whatever way they can, with no selfish motives. As well as musicians and authors.
What music motivates you to make music? Ahh.. Well.. I almost tend to have phases.. Sometimes it's timeless music that inspires me to make music that will reach that next level and you know, never get old.. And sometimes its just straight raw spitting! I'm a fan of all genres.. As long as the music is good that's all I care about.. In terms of rap, artists that motivate and inspire me range from Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Blu, Classified Muneshine, Jay Elec, Gang Starr, Common, Rakim and Saigon to Kanye West, J. Cole, Jay-Z, Drake, Game, Eminem.. Loads of artistes, but I should stop now cuz I might just go overboard (if I haven't already haha!)
Have you been to the states?
Nope! I haven't ever been there. I hope to some time soon though. It seems like a wonderful place and everyone I know who's been there says the same!
What is the music scene like out there in India?
The music scene here is pretty much determined by our film industry, viz. Bollywood. Whatever's the hottest new thing in the movies is what's gonna fetch you the dough. And while underground music, especially rock and off late hip-hop, are slowly but steadily taking strides, it's still a huge risk financially to pool all your resources and time into music if it's not for Bollywood.
Where do you record? Well, I have a tie-up with a couple of studios, the closest being about 10 km from where I live. And so I get to use the facilities there for a comparatively cheaper rate than elsewhere here in Mumbai. The average rate here is around $40 per hour. I'm saving up right now and will hopefully invest in setting up a home studio soon.
What was the last show you performed? The last show I performed was at this college fest.. 3 weeks back. I'm part of a crew called Munky Rhymz so it was my only crew mate - D'evil - and me. It was pretty dope as we tend to perform stuff that all kinds of listeners will enjoy at one point or another and here the audience seemed more receptive than usual so it was great. Also got to distribute nearly 40 copies of my mixtape This Is Me and have already got some pretty amazing feedback about the show and mixtape both!
You mention a mixtape? Tell us more about it Yeah, well, This Is Me was my first mixtape. I released it a few months back but never really promoted it much as I was trying to focus on my academics immediately after completing it. But anyway, whoever's heard it has really really liked it and it's a blessing. It feels great to get the kind of feedback I've been getting for This Is Me, especially considering the hurry I finished it in and the sudden-ness with which the whole thing came about. Feels great.
