NEW VIDEO: I'm Iller, By: M.e.Z

Been waiting for this one, one of my favorite tracks from #SomethingSpecialNothingExtra gets the visual treatment. Ill video from @ItsM_E_Z. Directed by Khalif Guiden.

Let me know what you think on Twitter (@djayare), or in the comments section.

SONG REVIEW: Kanye West & Jay-Z- H.A.M.

Earlier today Kanye leaked the lead single from him and Jay-Z's collaboration album, Watch The Throne, which is set to release on March 1st. He leaked the album artwork sometime last week and had a lot of the online world thinking that the whole album was set to drop on the 11th. I figured it wouldn't, and it didn't, but instead we got the first single and the actual release date so I still feel like we won. I was kind of surprised to see Ye and Jay pick up a Lex Luger beat, so it was interesting to hear the way that they would handle it.

I think a lot of Lex Luger beats sound the same, and this one doesn't really stand out from the rest of his collection, but I do like the way it drops during the chorus. I like Kanye's portion, he drops a typical cocky verse. Some rappers have some of their best verses while gloating, and I think he's one of those rappers. With lines like "Just forget it, you talk it, I live it.", you could tell that Ye was feeling himself on this one. The verse was solid, but I like his part of the chorus a little more. I think he would be a good featured artist for someone rapping over a Lex Luger beat. Jay's verse is in the same context as Kanye's, a lot of gloating and different ways to say that he's living how a lot of rappers just talk. I also like the way he closed it to lead into the chorus similar to how Kanye did. I like the way both of them handled the beat and rapped over it, Lex is known more for working with southern artists so it was good to see two big artists from different regions get a beat from him.

Overall I think this is a good lead single for their album, they both sound good on it and it has big commercial appeal. We'll definitely be hearing it on the radios in the oncoming days/weeks. I can only speak for myself but I'm really looking forward to the release of the rest of the collaboration. How about y'all? Any other producers you'd like to see them work with? Let me know....

TOP 10 MIXTAPES OF 2010

I've been looking forward to this post for a while now. The hip hop end of the music business has gone over a lot of changes these past few years, and with labels so worried about declining album sales they are controlling which songs artists are putting on their albums. In a lot of cases, if the label executives don't think a song is marketable to the general public, they won't put it on the album, no matter how good the song may be. So a lot of rappers are putting some of their best music on their mixtapes these days. There were a lot of great mixtapes this year and picking a top ten was difficult of course. Just like I did with the top top albums I asked a couple of friends to form a panel and give me their top ten lists so I could sort of "combine" them with mine. The panel included Ced (@dinkawatkins), Josh (@TheJoshOquendo), and JR (@jayAREra). My only qualification for my list is to be a signed artist, because I know a couple artists that you all aren't quite familiar with (but will be soon) that would shake this whole list up. With all of that said, I hope you enjoy yoDJaintnoDJ's top ten mixtapes of the year....

10) Big Sean- Finally Famous 3

I'm not going to lie, I wasn't too big on Big Sean, and I'm still not completely sold. But this was a solid mixtape so here he is opening up the top 10. With clever punch lines and a co sign from Kanye West, Sean had a big year. Looking forward to his debut album in 2011.

Favorite Songs: Memories, Love Song

9) Young Jeezy- Trap or Die 2

Snowman hops in at #9. A strong follow up to his classic tape "Trap or Die". This was the highlight of Jeezy's lackluster year that's got us wondering of TM103 is ever going to drop.

Favorite Songs: Ill'n, Insane

8) Rick Ross- Ashes to Ashes

By now it's no secret that I'm not the biggest Officer Ricky fan, but once again I can't deny that he makes good music. He shows off his ear for music on this one with great beat selection. A great for him to end 2010 which was a big year for him.

Favorite Songs: 9 Piece, Retrosuperfuture

7) Fabolous- TINC2

Funeral Fab comes in at number 7 with his first quarter mixtape. A lot of good material on this one, sadly I kind of feel like Fab has fallen off since then. We hear too much of the same weak punchlines from him these days.

Favorite Songs: The Wake, Love Come Down

6) Joe Budden- Mood Muzik 4

Who I think is the most underrated rapper of all time comes in at number 6 with his latest offering. Say what you want about Joey, but if you're basing his career off of "Pump It Up".....you're in imbecile.

Favorite Songs: Inseperable, Dessert 4 Thought

5) Vado- Slime Flu

SLiiiiiiiiiiiiiME! Harlem's Vado breaks into the top 5 with his debut solo mixtape. With rap up north slowly fading, we can look for Vado to change that in the upcoming years.

Favorite Songs: The Greatest, Snapped

4) Wiz Khalifa- Kush & Orange Juice

Representing my hometown Pittsburgh, PA...Wiz comes in at #4 with KushXOJ. When I first heard Wiz back in 06 I knew he would break out eventually, and this was the tape that did it for him. With party anthems from start to finish you can't help but fuck with Wiz.

Favorite Songs: Mezmorized,  Glass House

3) Wale- More About Nothing

Mr. Folarin opens up the top 3 with his follow up to the critically acclaimed "Mixtape About Nothing". Wale kind of dropped this on us as a surprise during the summer and I've been riding to it ever since. With ill sample and ill lyrics as usual, this is definitely deserving of a top 3 position.

Favorite Songs: The Trip, The War, The Cloud, The EVERYTHING.

2) J. Cole- Friday Night Lights

North Carolina's own J. Cole slides in at number 2. I really don't think I've ever heard a bad verse from Cole, and he ALWAYS has the best verse when he's a featured artist. He plays both sides of the ball (production and rapping) and is doing his thing at both of them. It wasn't too long ago that people in his own state were bashing him, and now everyone is on. Can't say I'm surprised.

Favorite Songs: 2Face, See World

1) Big K.R.I.T.- K.R.I.T. WUZ HERE

Man I could literally sit here and talk to you all day about what this mixtape has done for me. I feel like he took shit I was going through in my life and wrote a mixtape about it. I think this is the best album/mixtape of the year by far and I don't ever see it getting old. K.R.I.T. shows that southern dudes aren't all about dumbass dances, gold teeth and other stereotypical shit that the south gets. Lyrics aren't dead down here and as long as he's rapping I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Favorite Songs: Something, Children of the World, They Got Us, Good Enough, Country Shit....everything start to finish.

Honorable Mention: M.e.Z- Something Special Nothing Extra

I believe this tape is actually better than a lot of the tapes I did include in my top ten, I just decided to keep it as signed artists only so that the playing field would be even. But I feel like M.e.Z. can rap with anybody on this list and I expect big things from dude in the future. Do yourself a favor and click the link that follows this sentence to download this tape, you have my word you won't be disappointed by any means. #SomethingSpecialNothingExtra Follow his Twitter while you're at it, I've got a special post coming when he hits 500 followers. @ItsM_E_Z

There we are, after a long 2010 and 12 months worth or music, you have my top 10 mixtape list. I appreciate Ced, Josh and JR for their suggestions and input into my list and I hope you all enjoyed it. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Hit me up in the comments section and/or Twitter (@djayare) to let me know what I did right or wrong. Thanks, til next time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

On behalf of Ced and I, I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Christmas! Look forward to our "Top 10 Mixtapes of 2010" post coming Sunday or Monday. I'm thankful for all of you all that have been checking me out, and trust me...this is only the beginning!! I hope to continue to help you out with your music needs and giving you an honest opinion at all times! Thank you!


-D.J.

ALBUM REVIEW: Best Night of My Life, by Jamie Foxx

One of the most talented men in the whole entertainment industry is back at again with a fresh album just in time for the new year. Whether he's making us laugh, winning Oscar's, or hitting high notes, Jamie rarely disappoints. Let's see if he can stay on that right track with this latest effort.

1) This Will Be (Intro)

Just a light intro to start the album, has a little gospel feel to it. Not the message he's trying to portray with this album I'm sure. Not the best start.

2) Best Night of My Life (Feat. Wiz Khalifa)

The title track featuring Pittsburgh's own Wiz Khalifa. Pretty much what you expect it to be, typical radio anthem for a good night. Tricking on women and trying to get em home with you. Wiz is my dude but he drops a lack luster verse.

3) Living Better Now (Feat. Rick Ross)

This makes two tricking anthems to start off the album. Bink laces him up with ill production, I like the Biggie sample on the chorus. Officer Ricky slides through with a solid verse and kind of saves the song.

4) Winner (Feat. Justin Timberlake & T.I.)

The first single featuring N*Sync's front man and Clifford. Came out around April and has been on airwaves ever since. Not the best first single but it will suffice. T.I. drops a solid verse. Ironically he talks about just getting released from prison....now look at him.

5) Freak (Feat. Rico Love)

Production by Timbaland's right hand man Danja. A straight techno sounding joint, pretty much what you expect it to be due to the song title. I like Jamie's parts and the chorus, but I can do without Rico Love's verse.

6) Hit It Like This

I could see this getting some spins in the club. Seems like one of those catchy songs you can dance to easily. I fuck with this one other than the random rambling in the background throughout the chorus.

7) Yep Dat's Me (Feat. Ludacris & Soulja Boy)

The catchy swag song for the radio. Sounds like it would have been better off as "Soulja Boy f/Jamie Foxx" instead of the other way around. Catchy as hell though, it will be in my head all day. Ludacris drops a weak "Battle of the Sexes" type verse on this one.

8) Fall For Your Type (Feat. Drake)

First heard as a reference track by Drake sometime early this year/late last year. Now Jamie hits us with the official version. This has been one of my favorite songs for a minute, most people can relate to it. Jamie's vocals are on point, as well as the lyrics. Rihanna's side bitch comes through and drops a hot verse.

9) Gorgeous

Jamie's ode to a beautiful woman. Yet another tricking anthem, that's 3 now. I like this one though, smooth production and an ill vibe. I'll be keeping this one on the iPod.

10) Let Me Get You on Your Toes (Interlude)

Sounds just like Ron Browz' "Pop Champagne". Quick little minute and a half joint for the bed room, not really necessary but it doesn't hurt either.

11) 15 Minutes

Another ill joint for the bedroom. Throughout the song he sings about how all he needs is that 15 minutes to get his woman right. Similar to a track off of one of his other CDs, just a different title this go around.

12) Sleeping Pill

I listened to the first minute of this song and busted out laughing, he compares a woman's VAG to a sleeping pill throughout the song. Remember when all the basics were all of a sudden "Ambitious Girls" because of Wale? Or "Fancy" because of Drake? Now we get to see them claim they've got that "Sleeping Pill". Thanks Jamie. 

13) Rejoice

Another slow joint for the bedroom. Singing about how his love is going to make his woman rejoice....again.

14) All Said and Done

A more up tempo song for the most part. More talk about pulling a woman in the club and getting her home with you. Best part is when he slows it up in the last minute and a half, good showcase of vocal ability and versatility.

15) Sex on the Beach

A song about Sex on the Beach, the actual drink. Throws in a couple lines to boast about how good he's smoking. Also has a little techno sound, not feeling it.

SUMMARY:

Jamie Foxx is one of my favorite people in the entertainment industry. He's funny, can act his ass off, and is also capable of making great music....but he let me down with this one. The album's title is "Best Night of My Life", and he definitely did a good job of painting a picture of just that with this album. From beautiful women, to expensive liquor and lots of money...sounds like a good night to me. The problem is that minus a couple songs, the whole entire album sounds exactly the same. Not exactly a BAD album, but a bad album for Jamie Foxx. He fulfilled his concept, but didn't really deliver with the good music that we're used to. There were a couple bright spots, but for the most part the album is dim. I still know what Jamie is capable of though and won't lose faith on him bouncing back with a great compilation next time around.

BEST SONGS: Fall For Your Type, Best Night Of My Life, Gorgeous

WORST SONGS: Sex on the Beach, Rejoice

SPINS: 3

ALBUM REVIEW: Death of a Pop Star, by David Banner & 9th Wonder.

I've been waiting on this album for a whiiiiiile, and it's only fit for me to review it on it's official release date. Death of a Pop star was originally supposed to just be a mixtape, but with two high profile acts such as Banner and 9th I'm glad that they decided to make it an album. David Banner has always been highly underrated to me and hopefully this effort will show that southern rappers can be lyricists too. 9th Wonder on the other hand has been my favorite producer since the early 2000s.

By the way, my partner on this website Ced, (@dinkawatkins), came up with a good way to rate albums. We're going to be doing it on based off spins, 5 being classic, 4 being great, 3, being average, 2 being poor, and 1 being "Nigga I should have never reviewed this", so look out for that at the bottom, as well as in future posts. Death of a Pop star ladies and gentlemen....

1) Diamonds on My Pinky

Great way to begin the album. Banner kills it with crazy punch lines and touching on all sorts of different issues  from Obama, to slavery, to things in Mississippi...all in one verse! Ill beat to go along with it.

2) No Denying (Channel 4)

"The richer you get the more you stray away from God, the poorer you are the more you steal cuz it's hard." Enough said. Good, but not great production from 9th.

3) Mas 4

Crazy beat from 9th, I could see a lot of different rappers hopping on this one. Light one minute rant from Banner, a few hot one lines, but nothing too impressive or worth noting.

4) The Light

Banner touches more on issues in the hood and all through society. He makes GREAT points on how a lot of black people lost focus after Obama was elected and simply thought that everything was going to fix itself after that. I like the concept that listening to conscious music can lead listeners to "The Light" and show what's REALLY going on in the world. 9th KILLS this beat.

5) Slow Down (Feat. Heather Victoria)

The first single. Heard this song for the first time about a year ago and I've been playing it ever since. The beat is different than the version that was previously released as just a single, but I don't believe it takes away from the song at all.. Banner talks about how a lot of young women in society need to slow it down and live a little better, then the young lady singing explains that sometimes they don't have a choice. Kind of like a new "What Would You Do" by City High.

6) Be With You (Feat. Marsha Ambrosius & Ludacris)

The second single. Definitely one of my favorite songs receiving radio play. Marsha's one of my favorite to hear on hooks so I'm happy to see her getting some mainstream spins. Ludacris drops some ill bars on this one, showed flashes of his old self and not that "Battle of the Sexes" bullshit he's been putting out as of late. Banner doesn't disappoint of course.

7) Stutter (Feat. Anthony Hamilton)

The NC to NC connect from 9th Wonder and Anthony Hamilton. Smoooooth beat from 9th, smooooth hook from Hamilton. Banner raps about how this particular woman makes him lose his words and makes it hard for him to say things. We've all seen a woman or two like that.

8) Silly (Feat. Erykah Badu)

9th drops a rare verse as his alter ego '9thmatic', says some ill shit too. Mrs. Jay Electronica drops a ill little bridge. No stand out lines or anything....but definitely a smooth track.

9) Something is Wrong (Feat. Lisa Ivey)

Back to touching on the issues, such as homosexuality, name brands, and racism. Also talks about how it's not too late and big changes can be made around the world for the better. I don't really like the hook on this one, but you can't let that take away from the message of the song. The last verse is one of the stronger ones on the album. He raps about a convo he had with a gay man and how he became that way. Shows that you can't judge every book by it's cover because you never know what that person may have been through.

10) Strange (Feat. Big Remo)

I've fucked with this song for a minute. 9th murdered this one. Banner and Remo rap about a few different topics with the big message being that they want rappers to be known for the art that lies in their music, and not clothes, gold teeth or other materialistic things. Don't we all?

SUMMARY: 

After the long wait, I really enjoyed listening to this joint. It's a great work from start to finish, hopefully people will go out and do the right thing and purchase this one. Their goal when they first thought of this album was to show that real music still exists, and they damn sure accomplished it with this one. With every single song having a strong message and a meaning behind it, David Banner shows that southern rappers aren't all about cars, chains, hoes, etc. My only peeve with this one is how short it is (30 minutes) and how it has a lot of old, but great, material on it. Other than that minor concern, I can't complain too much about. Shout out to David Banner and North Carolina's own 9th Wonder.

BEST SONGS: Stutter, Diamonds On My Pinky, The Light.

WORST SONGS: Silly

SPINS: 4.5

New Spitta

Curren$y - Daze of Thunder from Creative Control on Vimeo.

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After just dropping Pilot Talk 2, Curren$y is back on his grind with visuals to the first single of his new mixtape, Return to the Winner's Circle,coming soon!

*Peep the Cement 4s Curren$y rocking too smh*