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Review: Kanye West’s Latest Album ‘The Life Of Pablo’ Is His Spirit Bomb Of Creativity

Finally, though it is still exclusively for Tidal streaming, Kanye West’s highly anticipated album The Life Of Pablo is available for all of our ears.  The album marks almost three years since Kanye released his last and possibly most angry project Yeezus, But, those three years have become a critical transitional period for the superstar from Chicago, including West’s prolific sneaker deal with Adidas and continuous journey to become a better artist and individual. For over a month, the world patiently waited for Ye to release his anticipated project, while also managing to continuously make national news for many reasons from Twitter beefs and outrageous Yeezy-like comments to a very inconsistent release of TLOP. However, Kanye’s new LP is a recollection of Kanye’s personal growth, featuring many musical icons to creatively (and sometimes directly) illustrate the rapper’s journey so far. By bringing in so many artists, producers, composures, and engineers to all contribute to his album, Kanye’s The Life Of Pablo is a project filled with the energy and hard work and creativity of many parties included.  

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The production for The Life of Pablo is top notch. West has managed to bring the best in the industry to produce and compose his creative “masterpiece.” The list includes a broad range of  producers from seasoned veterans like Swizz Beatz, Madlib, Rick Rubin, and Mike Dean, to modern stars like Metro Boomin and Hudson Mohawke. The enormous crowd of producers on The Life Of Pablo establishes a diverse array of sounds that might seem a bit intimidating at first, but it seems to fit Kanye. It is very evident that the rapper has taken his sound to south with songs like “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2” and “Facts,” but the rapper also creates a spectrum between from where he is going to his beginnings. It’s like all of his albums played a spiritual role behind The Life Of Pablo. Tracks like “Feedback” and “Freestyle 4” is for those who were feeling Yeezus and My Dark Twisted Fantasy while “No More Parties in LA” and “Highlights” is spiritual successors to sounds established by Late Registration and College Dropout.

Kanye’s lyrical composition  in The Life Of Pablo, it’s sometimes sporadic but very balanced. Like his production, West didn’t hesitate to provide solid lyrics and impressive flows to balance out with the bangers present on the album. However, this is Kanye, so when you’re listening, you’re getting his perspective of life through his lyrics (ego included). This includes Ye’s intense sexual relationship with Kim Kardashian, his last chick Amber Rose, and Ye’s Adidas deal and how its way better than Nike. This actually got him in trouble earlier this weekend, with the song “Famous” containing misogynistic lyrics about Taylor Swift.  Kanye is not afraid to make fun of himself sometimes, making the song “I Love Kanye” to illustrate the constant criticism that he receives for his statements and actions.

Aside from Kanye’s own lyrical content, the rapper has a ton of iconic artists to provide support. Chris Brown, Travi$ Scott, Ty Dolla $ign, Kid Cudi, Post Malone, The Dream, Chance The Rapper, Rihanna, you name the person, he probably has them featured. The Life Of Pablo is West’s spirit bomb of music. He brought in several artists to, at the very least, provide vocals. As stated before, each artist’s addition to TLOP adds a different characteristic to the track. This includes the album’s first song “Ultralight Beam” which features a full on choir to add an inspirational sound before the madness comes.

In conclusion, with the amount of diversity on the project, The Life Of Pablo is a project that has something for every Kanye fan. Although Ye’s sound is sometimes erratic and his actual lyrics on some songs might be egotistical (sometimes at top Kanye levels), TLOP succeeds in being an album that can attract any ear with at least one song.

 

 

 

 

TDE’s Jay Rock In Serious Motorcycle Crash

(AllHipHop News) Jay Rock suffered a terrible crash in his motorcycle as his TDE cohort apparently celebrated a win at the Grammys today.

The news came from the Twitter of TDE’s chief Top Dawg, who goes by dangerookipawaa on Twitter.

He also took time to clarify Jay Rock’s status.

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Watch: Kendrick Lamar’s “Controversial” and AWESOME Grammy Performance

(AllHipHop News) Kendrick Lamar offered the most compelling performance of a sensational night at The Grammys. Lady Gaga was a close second with her rousing ode to the late Davie Bowie.

Kendrick performed an incredible medley of “U,” “Alright” and “Blacker The Berry” all from his album To Pimp A Butterfly. The opus won a total of 7 Grammy Awards for the evening.

The album and Grammy performance were statements about the African American experience in the United States.

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Clive Davis Brings Out The Stars For 40th Pre-Grammy Gala

Photo via Clive Davis’ Instagram

The eve of The Grammy Awards absolutely belongs to legendary music executive and producer Clive Davis and has for 40 years. Several celebrities traded in their Valentine’s Day festivities for a night to party with Clive Davis at his epic pre-Grammy gala. The iconic music mogul threw his 40th annual bash at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday. Today’s hottest music stars came out in significant numbers to attend Davis’ marvelous affair saluting industry icons.

Clive Davis’ 40th pre-Grammy gala on Sunday night was another one for the books. Fan favorites Jamie Foxx, Christina Aguilera, Quincy Jones, Berry Gordy, Herbie Hancock, Sylvester Stallone, Ty Dolla $ign, Jane Fonda, John Legend, LL Cool J, Ciara & Russell Wilson, DJ Khaled, Jazmine Sullivan, Brandy, Janelle Monae, Fetty Wap, Kelly Price, Faith Evans and more were in attendance.

The first performance of the night was a tribute to David Bowie, who undoubtedly paved the way for many of the musicians in the room. Beck and Nirvana alums Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear joined together for a performance of “The Man Who Sold the World.”

The surprise performance of the evening was definitely that of Fetty Wap. No one can deny the success of his hit “Trap Queen”, but it was an interesting addition to this event. It did add an element of fun, however.

Another surprise was Barry Manilow taking the stage days after being hospitalized. He sung “Mandy” which was also celebrating a 40-year anniversary. He also performed “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart” off his dream duets album. Melissa Etheridge performed a tribute to The EaglesGlenn Frey, who passed away in January. She channeled the legend’s presence with her performance of “Take It To The Limit.” Carly Simon then performed “You’re So Vain.” Leave it up to Chicago, to deliver an equally captivating performance with their performance of “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is”?

Earth, Wind & Fire brought the soul & funk to the evening. The group celebrated their legacy and that of their former member the late Maurice White who we lost this month. They grooved through some of their hits such as “Shining Star,” “That’s The Way Of The World”, “September” and more. Andra Day, Tori Kelly, & Elle King also took the stage. King performed “Ex’s and Oh’s,” Kelly gave an acoustic performance of “Should’ve Been Us”, and Day delivered a powerful performance of her empowerment anthem “Rise Up.” Adam Lambert and Jack Antonoff closed the show with another tribute to David Bowie as they performed “Let’s Dance.”

The Grammys will air live tonight from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It starts at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Singer/Actress Vanity Dies After Prolonged Illness

(AllHipHop News) Beloved entertainer-turned-preacher Vanity (real name Denise Mathews) died Monday (February 15) after a prolonged illness. The Prince-affiliate was well-known for her hit song “Nasty Girl.” She was 57.

“SADDEN my FRIEND IN CHRIST gone 2day. Vanity, Denise Matthews. MISS YOU DEARLY. U ARE IN HIS ARMS NOW, NO Pain,” said drummer and friend Sheila E.

To many she was a sex symbol, but would go one to shun her past to become an evangelist.

At the time of her death, she was apparently working on a book and raising funds for her medical bills. Four months ago, she posted on GoFund me, “My Nephrologist told me Friday afternoon that i did not have Pacreatitis and that is good news however the bad news is they say i have ‘Sclerosis Encapsulating Peritonitis’ I thought the first diagnosis was weird because i was never a drinker nor have i ever been drunk in my whole life, that was not my drug of choice ‘back in the day.’”

In the post, she said she was in “excruciating” pain during her treatment.

“I will endure until He comes for my soul. ..Tho my testimonies, some hard and some dangerously painful are all unto the glory of the Lord,” she maintained. She suffered incredible damage to her kidneys after a 1994 drug overdose and had 23 surgeries since that time.

The R&B star was mentored by Prince in the 1980’s and was the crush of many boys, primarily stemming from her song “Nasty Boys.” She also appeared in the hit movie “The Last Dragon” and “Action Jackson.”

AllHipHop sends deep, profound condolences to her friends and family.

Young Thug Dispels Gay Rumors With “Worth It” Visual

Just a day after Valentines Day, Young Thug drops a visual for his girl on “Worth It.” The track is a song about being true to his girl and gettin some of that good good. From the sex scene with thunder to the end of the video this one is all about that love, even if its a day late. Hey Valentines should be every day right? Does Young Thug dispel gay rumors with this one finally?

Jay Electronica Takes It To Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent

(AllHipHop News) Jay Electronica has dropped a metaphorical bomb on the night Kendrick Lamar stands to win 11 Grammys. The New Orleans-born rapper minced no words.

The first verse of “The Curse of Mayweather” is classic Jay Electronica, but verse two, he goes directly at Kendrick.

“I gave that little cockroach life and he blasted me / N##### made all those memes and they laughed at me / Its World War 3 mother f**ker, a catastrophe / Watch the throne, my n####, watch the throne / How you gonna compare the king to a gnome….He’s got 11 Grammy nominations / Y’all not equal, Man f**k these White people / My grandmom died at 82 scrubbing floors and n##### still running ’round begging for awards/ Is he Jedi or his he Sith / Is he Neo in The Matrix or Mr. Smith / I might be on Periscope getting p#####, talking reckless – contemplating all out war with Fif.”

On verse, three Jay carries on, but he does not name names. Some have speculated that he is also taking jabs at Drake. “Allah sent me to slap fire outta S####,” Jay says.

He also refer to a seemingly intoxicated Periscope viral video where he said he would slap 50 Cent.

EXCLUSIVE: C-Murder & Boosie Badazz Unveil Cover Art & Tracklist For ‘Penitentiary Chances’

(AllHipHop News) In January, AllHipHop.com broke the news that TRU-Bossalinie Records’ C-Murder and Trill Entertainment’s Boosie Badazz were teaming up for a collaborative album. Penitentiary Chances is set to arrive on April 15, and the Louisiana rap tandem is releasing the first single “Under Pressure” on February 23.

Before the new track hits the net next week, AllHipHop.com has the exclusive unveiling of the cover art and tracklist for Boosie and C’s  Penitentiary Chances. The project features appearances from Snoop Dogg, Vs, Calliope Bub, and more.

[ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: C-Murder & Boosie Badazz To Release Joint Album ‘Penitentiary Chances’]

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Penitentiary Chances Back

Goodbye, Champagne Papi: Drake Now Endorsing This Beverage?

Photo Credit: Instagram

It’s time for something harder! Drake appears to be putting away the champagne flutes and picking up the whiskey tumblers. Over All-Star weekend Drizzy made an announcement through his personal Instagram account.

[ALSO READ: Did Kobe Diss Drake, Or Was Toronto Doing Too Much?]

The Toronto native briefly mentioned that he’ll be working alongside the emerging alcohol brand, Virginia Black Whiskey.  He wrote, “After that legendary moment what else is there to do but celebrate with class. Virginia Black coming soon…”

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What other business endeavors will reinforce Drake’s revenue streams?

MMG Affiliate Maybach Dice Drops New Visual “So Cold” Featuring N.O.

Maybach Dice features the 1st artist N.O. off his new imprint Diamonds, Dollars & Gold (DDG Ent) on his new single “So Cold”, the 3rd from his new mixtape “I’m So South Jamaica”. Shot in Atlanta, Georgia by Dope Films, Dice takes us inside his world bringing the luxuries of his life to the screen stay tuned for more as Dice continues work on the follow up project “Queens Most Hated”.

Watch and stream “I’m So South Jamaica” below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq-F8kXcL3Q&feature=youtu.be

 

Jay Electronica Drops New Material (FINALLY!)

After Jay snapped on everyone via Periscope over the last week or so, you know the guy had to drop some material. Too much talk and not enough music isn’t good for ANY rapper. The song is called the “The Curse of Mayweather,” but how does he have the curse? Check it out below!

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Tap Hip-Hop Legends For New Album, Tracklist

(AllHipHop News) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis have made an impression on Hip-Hop. In 2014 the Seattle duo’s The Heist was awarded the Grammy award for Best Rap album. Several people were shocked that it won over Kendrick Lamar’s Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.

Earlier this year, the introspective musicians released “White Privilege II.” The controversial track delves into America’s sordid past. The song begs the question as to how misconstrued perceptions still plague the United States.

[ALSO READ: Machine Gun Kelly On ‘White Privilege II’: Macklemore Makes Race An Issue]

Next Friday (Feb. 26), their new LP This Unruly Mess I’ve Made will be available to the public. From the tracklist the artists appear to pay homage to some of Hip-Hop’s most respected voices. Icons like Grandmaster Caz, KRS-One, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, and DJ Premier are featured on the upcoming project.

The album which boasts 13 tracks. It also includes other contemporary artists like YG, Anderson .Paak, and Chance The Rapper. When he’s spitting sixteens King Driis — also known as , Idris Elba — also made the cut.

Tracklist:

01 Light Tunnels [ft. Mike Slap]
02 Downtown [ft. Eric Nally, Melle Mel, Kool Moe Dee, and Grandmaster Caz]
03 Brad Pitt’s Cousin [ft. XP]
04 Buckshot [ft. KRS-One and DJ Premier]
05 Growing Up [ft. Ed Sheeran]
06 Kevin [ft. Leon Bridges]
07 St. Ides
08 Need to Know [ft. Chance the Rapper]
09 Dance Off [ft. Idris Elba and Anderson .Paak]
10 Let’s Eat [ft. XP]
11 Bolo Tie [ft. YG]
12 The Train [ft. Carla Morrison]
13 White Privilege II [ft. Jamila Woods]

Problem Flips 90’s Dance Song For “My Squad” Single

With Drake and Nicki flipping that “Truffle Butter” sample it seems like anything in the 90’s house era is fair game for sampling this day and age.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMYZI4lK9co

Now Problem’s new joint “My Squad” which has picked up on Black Box’s “Everybody Everybody” with his new song “My Squad” and its FIRE! Check it out below

The track is from the upcoming project Hotels 2: The Master Suite – the follow up to 2011 fan favorite album Hotels. The song debuted last week on The Real 92.3 Home Grown Radio with DJ Hed & Chuck Dizzle.

Dave East Continues To Rep East Coast With Fury In New Visual “Life Like”

As Hip-Hop listeners, for some reason we all like to hear about the struggle that rappers endure on their way to the top. It seems like it’s the struggle that keeps the authenticity in their raps and with Dave East it’s no different. Bred in the rough Harlem streets this former ball player turned rapper has been on a tear recently releasing visual after visual, feature after feature. The crazy thing is, everything has been 100 throughout all of that. He’s not putting out ANY weak verses. Check this one below in his new visual for “Life Like” as he recalls the struggle and you see his path from previous videos.

#SNLSoWhite: Beyoncé Blasted For Being Black? (Video)

Photo Credit: Instagram

On America’s commercialized day of love, the inane folks at NBC’s Saturday Night Live had nothing but hate for Beyoncé. In an elementary attempt at satire offensive comments were hurled towards Queen B. A slew of predictable puns were made in jest about Bey’s cultural heritage.

“Honey, get in here! I think Beyoncé is Black,” a flat thespian attempted to deliver her shocking discovery. To their chagrin a collection of appalled co-workers traded barbs. One man sang some lyrics from her song “Formation.” The inquisitive idiot asked, “...hot sauce in my bag, swag,” what does that mean?

“Maybe that song isn’t for us,” offered another insolent individual. A hysterical woman soon voiced her White Privilege and yelled, “But usually everything is!”

Check out the video:

Is SNL’s  The Day Beyoncé Turned Black an apt depiction of how some folks view Beyoncé?

Guns And Big Guwop: Gucci Mane Hit With Unexpected News

(AllHipHop News) Last Friday (Feb. 12), Gucci Mane was blessed with another birthday. There are multiple reasons for him to celebrate. Later this year Gucci Mane is set to be released from prison. After being sentenced to the slammer for a gun charge, the “I Don’t Love Her” will soon be able to make new music.

[ALSO READ: Feds Stop Gucci Mane From Hosting MikeWillMadeIt Project]

The icy entertainer has been serving fed time at USP Terre Haute.  It has been confirmed that Gucci’s anticipated release date will be on September 20, 2016, this according to the Federal Bureau of Prison recordsIt was previously purported that March 2017 would be the official release.

Through his official Twitter, the 1017 Brick Squad CEO announced an upcoming tour.

Congrats to Gucci Mane!

 

Tory Lanez Speaks On Drake Diss, Says He’s A “Drake Fan”

Its been a big year for Tory Lanez with his songs “Say It” and “B.L.O.W.” topping the Billboard and streaming charts respectively. In this interview with Revolt TV, Tory explains how he doesn’t have any issues with Drake and how he is actually a “Drake fan.” From the sounds of it Tory doesn’t want to beef with Drake and is happy he is “feeding his family.” Looks like this beef is over.

Silence Is Golden: Kanye Forced Fashion Show Crew To Agree To This?

Photo Credit: Instagram

The  Yeezy Season 3 fashion show has gone down in history. Yeezus proactively worked to ensure that it was all good.  Certain stipulations were enforced for the crew that was invited behind the curtain.

[ALSO READ: Rhymefest Says Kanye West Needs “Counseling”]

The chosen few who toiled in Yeezyland were forced to sign a confidentiality contract. A binding agreement spelled out, “All members of the Kardashian, Jenner and West familites,” are strictly off-limits. If anyone were to peep to the press about Kanye’s clan they will face a hefty lawsuit.

If this oath is breached, then a vengeful ‘Ye will pursue a damage claim for  “not less than ten million dollars, this according to TMZ.

Is this a mere scare tactic or could Kanye actually collect on any future damage claims?

Kyle From SNL Challenges Kanye West To Rap Battle (Skit)

Kyle Mooney challenges Kanye West to a rap battle in a bid to return to his hip-hop roots for SNL and it is EPIC. Kanye’s rap in this skit is hilarious and its everything you would think it would be on SNL. If you haven’t heard it yet, press play below!

Trae The Truth Gets Animated In New Visual “Spray”

Trae aka the “King of the Streets” has been super active the past few weeks releasing a visual several times a week for a few weeks now. “When it come to the streets, every n*gga gotta see me/ Everything I do a movie, shoulda been on TV,” Trae Tha Truth raps in the closing verse of “Spray.” With a melodic chorus that complements the mischievous production, Trae and his A####### By Nature label mate Jay’Ton abide by the code of the streets while delivering doses of animated realism.