Everyone has been waiting, the hype has been high about this Kid called Kid Cudi, even Kanye is on it as well and has gone as far as naming him best new artiste. Not really sure about that Ye, forgetting Wale aren't we?...anyway Kid Cudi is quite the rapper... Here is the mixtape. I am still bumping through but its been good so far. Presented by 10 Deep.
Download
Kid Cudi - A Kid Named Cudi (The Mixtape)
Best Nigerian Artiste
Friday, 18 July 2008
Finally: A Kid Named Cudi - The Mixtape
A Tribe Called Quest returns
A clip of ATCQ performing courtesy of The Cons TV.
Don't Quit Your Day Job by Consequence in stores. Go cop if you haven't for real.
Exclusive Video : KEX - Kaltume
Today, we get an exclusive for the new KEX song Kaltume which I posted sometime ago. Here is a first look at the video for the hot song which is basically about love between two people of different ethnicities. As we all know this is a common occurrence in Nigeria and other parts of the world. The is a beautiful song and he paints the situation beautifully with his lyrics. I hope you enjoy the video and leave comments. K.E.X is also a member of the Ashthomas group and featured heavily on the latest Ashthomas offering called the Ashthomas Project Volume 2.
Kaltume (Like A Soldier)
Artiste Watch: Praiz - Sunshine
On artiste watch today, I present to you Praiz. Born Praise Adejoh, he is a singer, songwriter, and producer who is based mainly in Kaduna and Abuja. He is currently being represented by Freestyle Ent and his next album would be released under Freestyle Ent. Freestyle Ent is a Canadian/ Nigerian based events management and promotions agency. The album is going to be released simultaneously in Canada and Nigeria. Praiz has worked with artistes such as Timi, Terry The Rapman, Rikky Bent etc. Abuja cats might be familiar with his as he currently has two songs on Abuja charts (Paradise and Sunshine).
I checked out his Sunshine song and the first thing that struck me apart from the sparse production on his track was how he sounded like John Legend. In terms of the production, the sparse production of the Sunshine track is actually good as it brings out the quality of his voice which he uses well to convey the emotions of the catchy song and something the ladies would undoubtedly love. It took me a minute to like the video as I feel he could have done more with the video to support the simplicity and beauty of the song. Praiz is also featured on Rolake's "Have Just One " song which is a nice ballad between the two. Looking forward to hearing more from Praiz.
Sunshine
Download
Praiz - Sunshine
Find out more about Freestyle ent here and listen to more artistes they representing
End of the New Dawn Show
I never really watched a full episode of this show but was able to catch lil 5 - 10 minutes clips of the show every now and then on Youtube (where else????) and was very impressed with the show. It is obvious Funmi Iyanda has a huge following in Nigeria and people love her show. Sad it is ending. I loved her diverse range of guests. I have posted various clips of her interviewing Wande Coal, Banky W, Sauce Kid, Olu Maintain, D'Banj and 9ice. I loved the way she interviewed the guests irrespective of their stance and position in life and always made their points come through unlike some music shows out there that are not capable of capturing 5 minutes with an artiste and making it stand out (...but that is another post). Anyway in this clip posted below, she explains the history of the show and what she has been trying to accomplish with the show. She also takes questions about her show from her audience. I for one think she achieved her goal with the show from the little clips I have seen. Enjoy it.
Dare Art Alade - With This Woman
I have met a lot of people who seem to not like Dare as an artiste and I would never understand why. i believe he has something to contribute as his music is not that bad. Anyway, this song has always been a good mood setter with me *cough cough*. Its a nice video. Judging by the dark backgrounds of the videos and camera movement, I would guess this guess this video is from Clarence Peters...I could be wrong. If you know who directed this video, let us know via the comment section.
Dare Art Alade - With This Woman
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
The Re-Up Gang - Fast Life (Video)
Video for the hot song form the Re-Up Gang. Album out 5th of August. Loving the Man u shirt Pusha T is sporting in the video. Song produced by Scott Storch
Soulja Boy Vs The Dream
I know this kid's mouth had no brakes but I did not know he got really greasy like this. I am not the biggest Dream fan, but I have to admit that dude is a pretty amazing artiste so he winning the BET award for best new artiste did not faze me. Soulja Boy in this video reels off some stupid accolades like 5 time platinum ringtone crap,WTF???? Is this really what Hip Hop is coming to? Somebody get this boy a chair to sit and STFU!
Whose side are you on. Soulja Boy or The Dream?
Throwback Moment 3:Carl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting
Today I finally saw Kung Fu Panda which thankfully lived up to my expectations. Really cool and funny movie. There choosing the classic for today was easy. This song was stuck in my head for some strange reason when I was on my way to the cinema. I could not shake it so I thought why not use it as the Throwback moment for today. Enjoy people.
Westwood interviews Common
Westwood speaks to Common. Talks about carrying Alicia Keys in his arms in Smoking Aces. Talks about his movie Wanted (that movie was fun darn, AJ still one of the hottest ladies in Hollywood), Terminator:Salvation and his album Invincinble Summer. Says album droppin in September. Enjoy it.
EDIT: I have added the part 2 and part 3 of the interview.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Jay Z performing in Abuja / Rihanna
I was wondering when one of these clips from Thisday would hit the net.
...And Jay Z says damn near the same things at most concerts...aprt from his songs that is...don't get smart
And another one but shorter and includes Ri ri
Fonzworth Bentley - Everybody
Cool Outrageous Lovers Of Uniquely Raw Sounds (COLOURS) is the name of his album.I thought this was frozen but thankfully its back on. Enlists the help of Andre 3 stacks, Kanye West, Sa-ra.
Love this video.
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
NERD - Spazz
The video for Spazz which was shot during the NERD concert I attened at Carling Academy is out. I finally make a music video but I cannot find myself in it lol. I just have console myself with the fact that I was there hehehe. I am definitely making the next NERD concert.
Gym Class Heroes - Peace Sign/Index Down (feat. Busta Rhymes)
Dem heroes back at it with a new album due September 9. Love this song, fun fun fun like that special woman says on big bro-her. Ummhs, sometimes I wonder why that show gets addictive....I digress. Busta without no Spliff...weird but he still came with the bars. I thought the previous GCH album was aight.
Some changes to the blog
Now I am pretty sure some of you have noticed the changes made to the commenting system of the blog. I had to switch it up as the comment system was dry. It also was not working well with the "Recent Comment" application I installed. I received complaints that sometimes the recent comments did not show up when the blog loads. So I looked for different alternatives and settled for intense debate system. It is working well so far but it has resulted in some comments getting lost while importing. Now that is annoying and I have tried rectifying it. But some people have used the new commenting system and it worked well. We'll stick to it for a while and see how it goes. Let me know if you like it.
Peace
Ryan Leslie - Diamond Girls (The Movie)
Here is a short film by Ryan Leslie. I guess the term multi talented music producer was an understatement. I actually enjoyed it once I got used to the camera blurring in and out. Pretty cool, gave it a dark edge. The beat used for the credits is banging. I hope he puts up a making the beat video. Here is what he had to say about the story line:
A Military Intelligence Agency has been assigned to recover a diamond that's been stolen from a very powerful Russian family. They suspect that a notorious dealer has been hired to sell the diamond on the black market. After shadowing her for a few weeks, the agency finds that she's very close to a certain music producer. They decide to recruit him into their service, and this is the story of how he manages to help them recover the precious stone.
What do you think, more movies with The Talented Mr Leslie...get it. I should be a rapper.
2face Idibia - Enter The Place (Promo Album)
I finally got my hands on 2face's promo album. I have scanned the pic for y'all. Its hard to still imagine that album covers are still printed the way the back of the album was printed. Its actually double printed like that the way it looks in the picture. I am still running through it. The tracklist is quite parse. Find it hard to believe this was actually being sold, how cheeky of 2face. It literally has 3 tracks. the first track is an intro so does not count. The rest comprise of a remix of Pako and the usual Nigerian artiste album staple which is the instrumental. With the amount of instrumentals included on majority of Nigerian albums, it is surprising we Nigerians do not love karaoke as much as the Chinese peeps.
Verdict
To be totally honest, the 3 songs on the album do not sound half bad. Like most 2face tracks, they are an absolute grower. I very rarely take to a 2face track almost immediately. After several spins of the "Enter the place" track featuring Sound Sultan, it has grown on me and would not be surprised if i hear in a club. Got a move for it already. The Pako track sounds a bit noisy to me but again is a grower. The track has a Spanish tinge to it which makes it sound likable. Now the "Anything" track is a nice cut for me. I like the reggae sound of the track which usually gets me. It is a bit long at almost 6 minutes but you get with the vibe and forget its length. It features someone called Bounty but I am not sure if its Bounty Killa. The next track is the remix of pako (dance remix). Same thing but with a heavy rock guitar thrown. So there you have it. nothing exciting, nothing out the ordinary. The back cover of the cd and tracklist is after the jump. I have put up Pako for download. Having listened to the promo cd, I understand why most folks would be cheesed off with it. Its a very cheeky move to make fans pay for a 3 track cut that is not a single. In terms of pointer on the direction of the album, 2face has generally always had a reggae twist to his music and I believe on the coming album that side of him (reggae that is) is going to be more pronounced. The promo cd already gives us an insight with the message on the back which reads:
The complete album including great collabos with R. kelly, Beenie Man, Sway, Chaka Demus & Pliers
Download
2face Idibia - Pako
Edit:2face Idibia - Enter the place (cdq)
Tracklist
1. Funky Noise
2. Pako
3. Enter the place
4. Anything
5. Pako (dance remix)
6. Enter the place (Instrumental)
7. Pako (Instrumental)
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Album Release Day: Nas - Untitled
Nas's 9th album finally gets released today. After just one push back, I would say that is mighty incredible considering how many times Weezy's album got pushed back. The album originally titled Nigger obviously made Nas's 9th effort controversial from the get go but seriously any real fan of Nas would know that all his albums are usually accompanied by some form of controversy e.g. Hip Hip is Dead, Stillmatic, Street Disciple, God's Son etc. The album therefore had a lot of pressure on it and I must say this album definitely lives up to the hype created by Nas (or his Marketing team). I would keep this short as I have pretty much done little bits of review of the tracks of his album in earlier posts. This album lives up to its hype and best thing I really enjoyed about this album is the fact that Nas is actually accompanied by very good production on majority of the tracks. . Something that has been noticeably missing in his previous efforts. The good production on the album makes it that easier to digest the messages contained on the album. An example of this effect can be heard on "Make the world Go Round feat. Chris Brown & The Game" and "Hero feat. keri Hilson". Oh the message still remains the same regardless of the album change in name. Untitled gets a solid 4/5. I have attached some scanned reviews of the album which I saw in the newspaper today while on the tube. The scans are after the jump. Their rating seem to be about right with mine. Do pick up a copy of the album for it is totally worth it.
Scanned from The London Paper 14th July 2008
scanned from the Metro 14th July 2008
Monday, 14 July 2008
Talib Kweli - Mic Session
Because Talib makes sense and is one my fave emcees. This vid sheds more light on him as an artiste.
Album Sampler: Skillz - Million Dollar Backpack
I keep saying it and I am going to keep saying it, this dude is one of the illest emcee/rapper/ whatever you choose to call anyone that makes words make sense in the game right now and in the past. Here is his album sampler, and I give this copping status straight up. The Skillz/Freeway joint around the beginning of the clip is sounding mighty mean although I cannot ignore the fact that the track sounds like some old State Property/ Freeway track (check Alright & What we do). I am a big fan of Freeway right from the get go. His rap style is okay with me. I also hear Common on this album what!!!
Album out 22-07-2008...Incase you did not hear while listening to the album sampler lol
Nas - Sly Fox
And Im back. It ain't even monday properly (only bout 00.13 if you want to be anal about it). Its been a fun weekend I guess. Anyway, in a run up to the release of Nas's 9th studio album, we get this video for "Sly Fox". The song is directed at Fox Network. Silly network seeing as I like Family Guy (Stewie for president). Still don't let the hype into your eyes (Copyright = Nas). Video directed by Rik Cordero. Like I really like this guy's videos. Something visually refreshing is always welcome if you ask me. "Untitled" out 15-07-2007...and the album is banging.
Friday, 11 July 2008
LIL WAYNE - LOLLIPOP - AFRICAN REMIX!!!
"Abeg give me goat meat/ the kind wey tuff like Nigerian Hairbut thats true talk right there. Forget rap money, Imma get me some oil money. crazy dudes
Cuz A Millie, a millie, a millie, yes I am a millionaire/
Forget rap money cuz i never push/
Call Me Oil Money/ Yes Cuz Im so bush"...
Definitely worth the wait. Lollipop with the lollipop remix (kanye) with a splash of A Millie. The ending packs a surprise lol.
Currently doing youtube numbers...Dropped less than 24 hours and already 214 comments...smashing it
2face Idibia - Enter The Place feat. Sound Sultan
This should have gone up 2 days ago, but its been mighty mad here which included travelling up and down London. I have forgotten how tiring it is to walk London. Anyway, I have listened to this once or twice. Disappointed a bit. It has the typical undertones of dancehall mixed with a flutey sound. I am pretty sure, it is going to be big later on. Definitely meant for the clubs. Lets just call it a grower. Enter the link below....sorry I could not resist it.
P.S: Tourists please look where you are going it is alarming the amount of tourists who read maps while crossing the roads of London. You wouldn't read a map while driving (you wouldn't) so why read one while crossing the road???
Thanks to the person that sent this in, really appreciated.
Download
2face Idibia - Enter The Place feat. Sound Sultan
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
The Leak #29: Mickey Factz - Africa Feat D'angelo
Picture courtesy of thatkidtexas.com
Another from Mickey to add to the growing collection of the Leak tracks he has done. Here is Mickey describing his track.
"Africa I call it the landscape of Heaven"
As an Artist, not a Rapper, we're obligated to express our opinions on different topics that affect us in some way shape or form. This song is no different. With the help of D'angelo, I bring the soul and love back to the Motherland. Gotta love the culture. Before I drop the link, I want it to be known that Leak #32 will be decided by the fans. Please submit a concept via video or email to Leak32@gfcny.com and the best one will get translated thru music.
So go ahead and drop your concept or video to Leak32@gfcny.com...Peace y'all
Download
Mickey Factz - Africa feat. D'Angelo
Vote for Mickey on his nomination at the Underground Mixtape Award here
Throwback Moment 2:What do MJ, Prince & James Brown have in common?
TALENT
I am really sorry but I just could not resist posting this. A friend (tunde wats popping) put me on to this clip yesterday. I watch this clip and I get electrified as to just how bad ass Prince and Michael really are. Hereby, you get the never-ending debate; who is better Prince or Michael? Who dances better James Brown or Michael? I say they are all in different class of their own akin to different space planes. One thing I know is Prince has got the baddest attitude amongst those three. Pure. Enjoy the throwback moment 2. Do leave comments on the debate questions. I am sure some of you have interesting opinions on who is better.
WFNB Throwback Moment 1: Ashford & Simpson - Solid
Today, I am really happy like even the rain couldn't dampen the mood of this bad boy. Anytime I am in a really good mood, what do I do? bang on a classic. At this point, I realised I did not have a throwback moment section on the blog. So from today, every wednesday, we enjoy a throwback and a video. Might even put the link up for the song download later. This song sits comfortably as one of my all time faves... Pretty much timeless. Right from when I was a kid to present stage, still a banger. Enjoy
Artiste Watch: Keeno - The Rebirth
I posted a song from Keeno sometime back and it seemed you guys liked it. This is another of his that has been out that I feel is quite good as well. Accompanied by a nice video which is directed by Aje.
Keeno is a relatively new artiste who recently released his debut album called "The Rebirth" in April 2008 in Port Harcourt. He is currently signed to Eko Beats. In fact, he is the first artiste signed to Eko Beats which is probably a new record label. It is listed on their website that they are looking for artistes and producers. So if you got what it takes, give them a shout at website = www.ekobeatsworld.co.uk
I haven't had a chance to listen to the album so I cannot comment on the quality. The three tracks that I have listened to give a good pointer on the quality of the album. 1 thing I noticed is he sounds like Timaya with a splash of Akon especially when he climbs high notes. Makes for interesting listening.
So checkout his album which is out on the streets in Nigeria. I have not found it anywhere online but you can be sure once I do, you shall know.
Visit his myspace to find out more about him.
EDIT: Thanks to the person who left a comment alerting me to mislabeling the tracks...my apologies for that. I have adjusted it now. As a sorry gesture, I have put the three below.
Download
Keeno - My Mama
Keeno - No Be So
Keeno - Naija Sorry
Roll Deep on the Westwood Show
i guess today is versatile day, cuz straight off the Indie/Ska bash up from Nick Harrison, we go straight grime, keeping gully, you don know. On the westwood show spitting bars is the Rolldeep crew. I love the Rolldeep crew seriously, like I still have a feeling Scratchy's time is coming for him to blow. Check out their freestyle and can I say Brazen seems to have improved. I wish I could get my hands on some of the beats Westwood had them spitting to....whaaaaaahh!!
Who said grime was dead????
Nick Harrison - Oi Rude Boy
First time I heard this tune was just straight dancing. I like the video for the single.
Blogwatch: www.calgaryfashion.ca
A blog dedicated to fashion written by a very talented lady with passion from Canada. She is Kimleestar. Please visit and check out her writings and photographs ( did i forget to mention she is a talented photographer as well). So do visit her blog at www.calgaryfashion.ca
Kimleestar is also a finalist in the fashion magazine reporter search (which obviously shows I wasn't kidding that she blogged good). Please vote for her by clicking here
You can read more about her and her blog entry into the competition here.