If you're looking for some insane wordplay from one of the best lyricists out there and love Premier's classic scratches and essential hip-hop beat making then you're in for something special. If however, you're looking for that more contemporary style of rap that's full of breakdowns, beat switch ups, conceptual stories, and experimentation with other genres, then this is definitely not for you.
Southern U.S. of A., home of hospitality, birthed a rap sub-genre as inhospitable as they come...Is it the imminent danger in the sound? The dark illegality of the subject matter? The clothes, tats, and implicit violent tendencies of the performers? Actually, trap began as all of the above and more...
Continuing our collaboration with Axcess, we are happy to announce the title to his latest project coming out in 2016!...
My general feeling after listening to the Migos' latest was that I heard this all before from them, and much better. Whereas Culture felt fresh and radical in it's trendsetting ways, Culture II feels regressive and safe. This time they're going to have a hard time distinguishing themselves from the many clones they've spawned over the years.
Check out some of this weeks most talked about and interesting music videos from Dave East, SiR, Styles P, Hustle Gang, and more.
Check out some of this weeks most talked about and interesting music videos from Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Rapsody, Eminem, Katy Perry, SZA, and more.
Friend of LLF and frequent collaborator, Axcess just released his very dope latest project Rebel Against Society, and to celebrate it's release he put on quite the show at the Reverb Lounge in Omaha, Nebraska. The whole affair was hosted by Doc Beatbox with DJ K-Dub on the boards, and featured guest appearances from Trevor Scott, Houdini, Meraki Skies, Greco, and K3rtis Montano. And we've got some great shots from the night.
Wonderful Wonderful turned out to be a meandering, slightly above average album that failed to live up to the potential of it's lead singles.
Her EP gave us a great look at the type of smooth, sultry music that SiR will bring to the table for TDE and it bodes well for the future. He already has such a strong grasp on his artistry and I can't wait to hear what he puts out next.
Starboy isn't so much of a reinvention as it is a readjustment. Easing up on some of the seediness and dark narratives have made this his safest work to date, but it's still a highly entertaining listen and shows why he's still leaps and bounds ahead of his many imitators.
We kick off the first volume of Compilation 2 of our Musicphiles podcast by taking a quick look back at some of our favorite projects to drop in 2016 and giving our overall rating for the year. Then we list our top 10 most anticipated albums of 2017 from artists like Andre 3000, Lorde, Kendrick Lamar, Japandroids, Drake, Kanye West, and many more. We finish things off with a discussion about the latest release from Run the Jewels, Tory Lanez, and others.
Music has undoubtedly long been used by people as a source of inspiration and motivation, especially in the field of sports psychology.
At times it can be as hokey as you'd expect, crossing off a checklist of myriad Caribbean and reggae cliches, but damn if it isn't an enjoyable listen nonetheless. I can't remember the last time we've heard Sting having this much fun and their clear natural chemistry together makes for good vibes.
Check out some of this weeks most talked about and interesting music videos from BANKS, Gorillaz, Future, 2 Chainz, Arcade Fire, and much more.
Revolution Radio was a refreshing return to the basics of rock and roll. It's hard hitting, guitar heavy compositions really stand out in a time when mainstream rock has gone full blown pop, and it's hard not to appreciate artists who've already reached the top, that still "go there."
From race to homosexuality and mental health, there has been an evolution of themes in hip-hop over the last couple of decades and a push from mainstream artists to end the associated stigma. A rapper no longer has to be black in order to be considered authentic (or good).
Maroon 5's latest is an extremely smooth, well polished, and professional sounding album that combined with Levine's now universal pop voice makes for a largely enjoyable listen. But it doesn't leave much of a mark either, incapable of evoking any genuine emotion.
March had a ton of great new albums and music videos from the likes of SZA, Young Fathers, CZARFACE & MF DOOM, and The Weeknd; and it also featured some interesting trailers for First Reformed, Avengers: Infinity War, and Sorry To Bother You. We've highlighted some of the best drops over the month and now we're ready to crown the best album, movie trailer, and music video.
Black America Again is angry, emotional, politically charged music that's unapologetically black. Basically, it's Common back to his roots, toeing the edge of being too heavy.
Artists are continuing to line up to work with Apollo Brown and for good reason. His sampling is on another level and his lush, soulful production is exceptional as always. Anchovies isn't my favorite project of his but I'll take as much Apollo Brown production as I can get.
In terms of being a major debut, Big Fish Theory was a bit disappointing as he moved further and further into experimental sounds. Some of his raw, matter of fact rhymes were still present but as a whole this album resonated with me far less than any of his previous work.
I Told You shows Tory's immense talent. Great production, great flows, and great vocals make it a very good major debut. Next time however, he should do more to differentiate himself from the 'others' out there.
Hundreds of UK artists, companies, and associations unite to use the power of music to make a positive change.
Throughout Western history, music has had a place in daily life - growing its foothold year after year. With the turn of each decade, music has turned as well. Perhaps in an effort to appeal to a developing society... Perhaps as an indicator of that same society's development...