Jhene Aiko - "Snapped" Music Video

There are so many reasons to love this girl. Here is yet another. This video released today for "Snapped". I assume this leak is from her upcoming 'Soul(ed) Out' project. The video is a collection of Japanese anime images from the famed Cowboy Bebop series. Check the video and fall in love with this sinfully sultry vocalist...

JF Brooks - 'Undeniable'

 

un-de-ni-a-ble - adjective

1. incapable of being denied or disputed

2. not open to refusal

3. unquestioned as to quality, merit, etc.; indisputably good: undeniable artistic talent.

I sat down to write this "review" and I found myself at a loss for words. Not that there is nothing to say about it. I could use up every superlative I know explaining how good this album is. The problem is that it's just that good. It's a level of quality that you can't necessarily communicate with words. It's something that you hear and feel; not just talk about. I could explain how it feels to sit in a jacuzzi but if you've never experienced it, the words just sound nice. You'd be able to nod, smile and say, "I'd love to try that!" but there is no substitute for the actual experience.

There is no substitute for the 'Undeniable' experience.

I was first introduced to JF Brooks' music at the top of the year. If I remember correctly, his manager sent me a link to the video for "Seasoning". (I'd link you but it's no longer up.) A couple of leaks later, the full project is now fully expressed in the universe. I listen to Rap music and I enjoy different things for different reasons. There is not a ton of music that I absolutely relate to though. The most prominent themes in Rap music just don't fit my lifestyle. I am very happy to say that I relate to JF's music. On many different levels.

JF has guts. Again, it's not something I can easily verbalize. It's something that has to be heard. His military experience, his family experience, his ambition, his attitude....I know what he's talking about. I listen to these songs and they speak to me as a man. They speak to me as a child of Hip-Hop. To make music this personal takes true grit. One's purpose has to be much bigger than self aggrandizement. It's about pursuing excellence at every moment of every day. It's about being undeniable.

This album is a fantastic accomplishment by JF Brooks. I implore you to support this artist and album and download it. If you need "something more" in your Hip-Hop, it is contained within this project.

L.A. - "Spittin' Out Blood" Music Video

L.A. is the name. No Hollywood. If you've been following this blog for a while, you probably remember my interview with her from earlier this year. If you're new to L.A.'s music, I suggest you put a helmet on before you play this video. This is riot music. No disrespect to the serious events happening in London. Just a nod to the title of L.A.'s first wholly original solo project titled "L.A. Riots". The album is scheduled to release September 14th and this is the first video to be released.

L.A. is, of course, in top form and production by west coast duo Hippie Sabotage only adds to the savage nature of the track. This girl is ferocious on the mic. Unlike anything we've seen in Hip-Hop in many many years; if ever. Check out this great video and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Keep up with L.A. via her twitter: @UCanCallMeLA

Spitting Out Blood from L.A. on Vimeo.

Random Pics pt. 18 - "The New York Yankees"

Top 5 Independent Albums >/= "Watch the Throne"

First and foremost, I'm not hating on Jay and 'Ye! Get your collective panties unbunched and open your mind for a second. I love the work of both artists. Hell, I was singing Kanye's praises when most
of you were still screaming, "He can't rap! He should stick to production." I've followed both careers and I think they are both incredible artists.

However, this "Watch The Throne" hype isn't warranted as far as I'm concerned. The album is good. It is enjoyable. It is not as awe inspiring as people are making it seem. I've heard better from both artists and I'm confused as to why people are so bent out of shape over "Sophisticated ignorance; I write my curses in cursive."

So for those of you who also don't get what all the fuss is about, I have for you my top 5 albums that you've probably never heard that are greater than or equal to "Watch The Throne". I also have links for you to download them. I can assure these 5 selections are bangin' from start to finish.

5. Noah - "The Wonderful Struggle"

Download "The Wonderful Struggle"

Coming in at number 5 is Noah. This west coast new jack is serious with the pen and has great musical taste. He's very current. I can play this disc from start to finish without skipping anything. It's solid from top to bottom. I considered a couple of other options for this 5 spot but Noah is so right now.

4. Live Wire - "No Label"

 

Download "No Label"

At number 4 is Brooklyn boy Live Wire. If you want to talk about flow, this is a master class in flow. Delivery is just as important as content and Live certainly has both well under foot. Tracks like "Ribbon" and "Clap Your Hands" show you how he can run the gamut of topics all the while rappin' the cot damn brakes off you.

3. Ghostwridah - "American Alien"

Download "American Alien"

In the middle of the pack at number 3 is Ghostwridah's "American Alien". Beats and rhymes on this release are top notch. This is coupe music. Ghost is now living in Miami and this is the new Miami sound. This record is so good that it shouldn't be free. The production value is just bonkers. If you don't love this album, something is wrong with you.

2. Siya - "Elevator Dreams"

Just out of reach of the number 1 slot is Siya. She just beat out Ghostwridah because she's the baddest female spittin' right now. If this girl is not next on the hotlist, I don't know what the hell is wrong with Hip-Hop. She has an incredible story, sharp lyrics and her production also places her in the "Why is this free?" category. This record is a must own.

1. Skyzoo - "The Great Debater"

Download "The Great Debater"

In the top spot is Skyzoo. This is the hardest record on the streets bar none. If "Complicated Rhythm" doesn't make you want to slap the spit out of somebody when the beat drops, you're probably deaf. Sky is one of the top 5 lyricists alive. Period. When you really sink your teeth into his, as he rightfully coins it, literature....you will not be the same.On top of that, he has one of the best producers in Hip-Hop's history in his corner in 9th Wonder. I shouldn't have to tell you what that sounds like. Get this album now and try to pop a woofer.