M.I.A. has crafted an album that’s energetic and mirrors her rebellious soul through jarring production and explosive verses. The production on Matangi is diverse to say the least, but each song on the album fits her expressive style. For Matangi, M.I.A. recruited a few surprising producers for the album, including The Weeknd’s go-to producer Doc McKinney, The Dutch production duo Partysquad, British house DJ Switch, and even Hit Boy. One of the standout songs is Double Bubble Trouble, which mixes hard-hitting trap elements with dancehall flavor. The influence of international sounds are very heavy on Matangi, mostly from Middle Eastern culture.
One of the biggest situations acknowledged on the album is the middle finger incident during the 2012 Super Bowl performance. Other than tackling controversial issues, M.I.A. does take time to show her personal struggles as well. Even with The Weeknd as the only guest feature, Matangi prospers as a project from M.I.A. The sound might attract an acquired taste, but the diversity in production and M.I.A.’s attitude makes the album stand on its own. With all of that being said Matangi is an incredible album with a fighting spirit. Something that is needed in an industry that doesn’t have much of it anymore.
AHH’s RATINGS
Lyricism– 7/10
Production– 9/10
Album Cohesiveness– 9/10
Replay value– 8/10
Overall– 8/10
Personal Favorite Tracks: “Double Bubble Trouble”, “Warriors”, “Bring The Noize″
I recently came across an interview regarding a Muslim rapper from Saudi Arabia named Skinny who had moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, and in doing so has managed to upset a lot of Saudi’s and Muslims due to his controversial content, behavior and look. I agreed to meet up with Skinny out at a studio in Glendale, CA while he was working on his debut album Ghetto Disneyland to see what the controversy was about and to hear this young man’s unusual story. It turned out to be an interesting tale about Hip-Hop and its effect in other parts of the World dominated by traditional Cultures, one’s that aren’t necessarily open to the type of influence, power and expression that Hip-Hop can bring. Is the Arab Muslim world ready for an artist like Skinny? Is America ready too? Well ready or not, he’s coming. Read our exclusive interview below!
AllHipHop: What part of Saudi Arabia did you grow up in?
Skinny: I grew up in Jeddah where it’s hot and filled with beautiful covered women.
But you can’t look at any of them!
You can’t look at them but the city I grew up in was a little more open than what you see on television – you know with the ninja face cover. They kind of let their hair down and stuff like that. We got to see some girls at the beach. The culture is incredible and the food is delicious.
How does Hip-Hop become a part of your culture in Saudi Arabia?
To this day it’s not uncommon to see someone rockin’ a bandana wearing a 2pac T-shirt. That’s what was big over there – Michael Jackson and 2pac T-shirts. Even though Hip-Hop was so restricted, we knew where to go get the music. We had that one secret shop that we knew would have that Mixtape or CD. It was way low key even though now it’s a bit more open with the Internet but before it was super low key. I was lucky to be able to come over to America every summer because my mother lives in Los Angeles. Having the opportunity to come here and listen to so many great artists was a great experience. Relatives from my mother’s side of the family had musical gifts and that’s where I got my musical creativity from. My father’s side is where I get my culture from and the two sides are mixed together all inside of me for an interesting product.
What’s the Hip-Hop movement like in Saudi Arabia?
Like I said before, it’s a bit more open now, but you can’t really do a show or anything. They are struggling out there to really keep the Hip-Hop culture alive. The youth like it though. We love soccer and Hip-Hop.
I take it that the Conservative establishment doesn’t like it though.
Not just Hip-Hop but music in general. That’s a no-no to them. Their idea is that we have to only pray – that’s the old generation though.
Do you think that generation will die out and the new one coming in that’s been exposed to Hip-Hop will allow a more accepting society?
I think it will be more open but it will never be truly open. Culture is something that is instilled in to us when we are born. They say that music is against my religion.
Do you feel that music is against your religion?
Not at all! I wouldn’t be doing this if I felt it was against my religion. I stay close to God and I pray all of the time. No way, this is what God put me on Earth to do.
So how do you justify yourself to the Religious Conservatives? I imagine that you’ve had to defend yourself a lot.
Oh my God, just from the comments on YouTube! I don’t get the comments that just say that they don’t like me. I get the comments that say that I’m going to Hell! My hate comments are so much different than the average hate comments that other rappers get.
Judging by the comment section posts that I see every day on sites, that’s saying a lot!
My hate is stuff like, “I’m going to Hell or Jail, I’m not allowed to say that I’m a Saudi, I’m being disrespectful to my Culture,” statements like that. I also get things like, “We better not catch you if we ever see you.”
Your life has been threatened?
It’s been threatened and I’m just barely starting to make moves! If you Google “Skinny Saudi rapper,” it will come up as “Skinny Saudi rapper real name.” There are people trying to find out my real name and who I am. Who knows why they want to know my name? People out there are crazy. It’s a dangerous game.
Do you feel safe?
I feel safe. I don’t walk around looking over my shoulder. I have God and that’s who I put my trust in. When I become more known, I’ll have some big guy push people off of me (laughs). Other than that, I can’t go through life being scared. People say that I’m going to Hell but I know my relationship with God.
You’ve got songs like “P*ssy, Money, Kush.” You’ve also got the tattoos and you’re firing up some weed right now. How do you justify all of that with your religion?
I think that being a Muslim is trying to make God be true in you, protecting your family, being kind and being good to other people. It’s not about a tattoo or words. It’s about creativity. This is entertainment and fun to hear. It goes back to judging a book by its cover. You’ve got to read the whole book to really know the ending.
Some might think that this is all a gimmick.
This is no gimmick. I waited a long time to get the tattoos. Everything I say is real. I take the Hip-Hop craft seriously. This is not a joke. This is my life.
I saw your new “PMK” video. What’s with the Midget/Catholic priest? Some might take that as you disrespecting their religion.
“PMK” stands for P*ssy, Money and Kush – and honestly when I was in the studio looking around the place there were so many people from different races and religions. The one thing that brought us all together was all of us talking about P*ssy, Money and good Kush to smoke. Nothing else about our backgrounds mattered and that was the inspiration behind the record. The midget Priest, Rabbi, Muslim, Twerkers and girls covered with ski masks, was just to show that everybody can come together and have a good time. It doesn’t have to be about Politics. It’s not a record talking about being the best, it’s a fun song. Let’s all get along and be happy. People trip too much and life is too short to be tripping.
What’s your opinion on how Americans view Saudi Arabians through our media?
It’s interesting that you ask that because I moved here to America when I got my green card. I was here for the September 11, 2001 bombings and I experienced the change in attitude. It went from, “You’re Saudi? What’s it like there?” to “You’re Saudi? Wait here. We have to check you.” I’m not complaining. It is what it is. God rest the victim’s souls and I hope they are comfortable in Heaven.
You probably have interesting airport experiences.
Especially now after my tattoos and growing out my hair – they don’t know what to think! I give them my passport and they do double-takes. They’re like, “I don’t know about the name but he kind of looks like one of us.”
Going back to the comments, I get a lot of “You’re ruining our Saudi reputation,” and I’m like, “Have you heard about our reputation already?”
Any concerns at all about being in a business where a lot of Jewish people are in high places?
No concerns at all. I have a lot of Jewish friends. Another person’s religion is not a big deal to me. If that’s what you believe in, cool. They shouldn’t judge me because of where I’m from because I’m not judging them for where they are from. Let the music speak and sell itself.
Is your goal to be able to go back to Saudi Arabia one day?
That’s my dream. My dream is to go back and hang out with the King and tell him thank you for the incredible childhood and be like, “I need to do a show. I need the biggest stadium you have so I can shut it down.” I want to give the people entertainment. It’s not a bad thing.
(AllHipHop News) Washington, DC natives Anthony “Pacman” Bobb and Dontray “Peso” Ennis say they have never traveled past the metropolitan area of their hometown, but thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign the two unsigned artists will soon be heading to North Korea in order to shoot music videos.
The Guardian reports the duo raised over $10,000 to fund their trip to the communist nation. The journey was arranged by the group’s manager Ramsey Aburdene who connected with Iraq War vet Mike Bassett who helped secure Pacman and Peso’s tickets and visas. Bassett lives in South Korea and works with individuals looking to travel to North Korea.
Pacman and Peso admit that family members tried to talk them out of going to the notoriously secretive authoritative nation, but say they are not afraid to enter a country that has maintain a very tense relationship with the West over its nuclear weapons program and alleged human rights violations.
“I’m a thrill-seeker, I don’t fear nothing,” said Pacman. He added, “I don’t pay too much to politics, so I can’t say what is right. Then again, who is to say what is right and what is wrong?”
His partner’s answer to the question about safety drew a comparison between the overseas trip and the dangers he faces residing in DC.
“You don’t think this is a dangerous place to be living at right now? There’s your answer, then,” stated Peso before later sarcastically remarking, “If we don’t die, it will probably be a big life-changer.”
The crew of Pacman, Peso, Bassett, Aburdene and friends are set to depart to China and then North Korea on Saturday. They plan to film their video on a karaoke party bus in Pyongyang.
(AllHipHop News) Having already created Hip Hop classics like Illmatic, It Was Written, and last year’s Grammy nominated Life Is Good, Nas is now continuing his crossover into filmmaking. The Queensbridge legend is taking on the role of executive producer for the upcoming dance documentary Shake the Dust.
The film is directed by Adam Sjöberg (We All Might Make It) and will cover the social impact breaking dancing has across the globe. Nas will also provide original music for the film.
“What these kids are doing around the world reminds me why I fell in love with hip-hop and how important it is as a creative and constructive outlet,” said Nas in a statement. “After hearing Adam’s vision for this project and hearing the stories, I was incredibly excited to help bring the film to global audiences who need to hear this surprising message of empowerment.”
Hip-Hop and the military have a very awkward relationship. As a decidedly counterculture movement, Hip-Hop has by-and-large been critical of the armed services and for good reason. The Hip-Hop community was founded in the ashes of the Civil Rights Movement and has always been mindful racial disparities in America. So, serving a country that may not offer equal opportunities as always been tricky. Ironically, there is no shortage of military-themed imagery in rap music, from Master P’s No Limit Army to BK’s Boot Camp and even the old AllHipHop Army from back in the day. And despite our often opposing views, those early, more militant sentiments have faded somewhat. So, here is a list of hip-hoppers that served in the military. Happy Veterans Day, soldiers!
Ice-T – Army
The Ice Man is more than the Godfather of gangster rap. The Los Angeles-raised rapper also proudly served his country as a young man. As soon as he graduated from high school, Ice – then known as Tracy Marrow – enlisted in the Army. He was discharged early though, because he had to care for his daughter Letesha. Later, Ice-T would have strong feelings about war. On 1991’s “Ya Shoulda Killed Me Last Year,” he said, “By now the [Gulf] war has probably started /And a whole bunch of people have probably died /Out there in the desert over some bullsh*t.” Don’t get it twisted. Ice is still about his guns.
Mystikal – Army
While Ice-T was critical of the Gulf War, Mystikal was serving in it. The New Orleans native also joined the military shortly after he graduated from high school. He cleared mines during the war. Ironically, he would go on to join Master P’s collective as a No Limit Soldier. And, to think, when he first joined the Army, he reportedly just wanted money for a car.
MC Hammer – Army
MC Hammer is one of the most outwardly patriotic rappers. He served in the Navy as a petty officer at an airbase in California. He was honorably discharged after three years of service. He promptly started a career in Hip-Hop and would go on to be one of the most popular rappers ever.
Here is his rap dedication called “Bring Our Brothers Home.”
No Malice – Army
No Malice of The Clipse was honorably discharged from the Army in 1994. When he joined the military, he was looking to better his life and to provide for his family at that time, a girlfriend and their eventual child. He bounced around a bit, from New Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina. He’d come to start The Clipse with is brother Pusha T. These days, No Malice serves in another army – the army of his Lord Jesus Christ.
Freddie Gibbs – Army
Freddie Gibbs is on record stating that he never wanted to join the military, but did so after he was caught stealing. After he caught the case, he says he was offered up something called ‘pre-trial diversion’ and was promptly enlisted in the Army. It wouldn’t last though. Gibbs was dishonorably discharged for smoking weed. He’d go on to make and impression in the rap game, which is why we’re talking about him now.
Basically.
Nate Dogg – Marines
One of the most revered crooners in Hip-Hop jumped headfirst into the Marines, considered the most difficult of all the armed forces. After high school, he service sorted ammunition on Okinawa, Japan. Nate Dogg had a particularly unemotional state for the most part and some speculate it was from his military training. It is rumored that Nate was dishonorably discharged, because of a habit with the sticky icky icky. Ironically, he’d go on to sing on the classic album The Chronic.
Canibus – Army
Canibus has been very outright that he served in the military. But, what makes him different from others is Canibus joined the military after he was a well-known rap artist. He was known for his rap battles, but he enlisted when America was embroiled in real war. He told sohh.com, “I enlisted because I wanted to get away from the music. I wanted to do something that gave me a separate definition from what I had done all through my teens and twenties. I was 28 when I enlisted.” He would follow in the footsteps of Nate Dogg and Freddie Gibbs by being dishonorably discharged for smoking weed.
(AllHipHop News) Azealia Banks and Kanye West definitely have two things in common. They are both performers, and they both are not afraid to hold their tongue. According to Banks their connection goes even deeper than that. In a recent interview with Elle magazine, the Harlem native shares her belief that she and Kanye best represent experimental art in Hip Hop.
“Kanye and I are like the same person but boy and girl. We’re pulling from the same cloud, the same inspiration,” said Banks. “We’re the two premier avant gardists in Hip Hop music. It’s just me and him. I think our consciousnesses are swirling around each other in some weird kind of way.”
Banks first made waves with her single “212” in 2011. She has since released the EP 1991 and mixtape Fantasea. Her debut studio album Broke with Expensive Taste was originally scheduled for release in 2012. It is now set to drop at the beginning of 2014.
(AllHipHop News) Top Dawg Entertainment’s newest emcee is ready share his musical contributions with the world. Isaiah Rashad announced that his debut mixtape Cilvia will be available in December.
Expectations for the Tennessee rapper’s project will be high seeing that he is following fellow TDE artists Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, all of which have released well-received projects over the last few years.
Speaking of the rest of the roster, fans should expect new works from Schoolboy, Ab, and fellow newcomer SZA by the end of the year as well. TDE’s president Terrence “Punch” Henderson revealed last month that the label is looking to drop projects from all three in the coming weeks.
(AllHipHop News) It has been a trying few months for 18-year-old rapper Chief Keef. After an arrest for speeding in May the Chicago native was recently ordered to perform community service at a horse center, and he will soon be admitted to a rehab for drug use. While the headlines kept coming, Keef was mostly silent on the matters publicly, until now.
TMZ caught up with the “I Don’t Like” performer to ask him about his rehab stint, community service assignment, and if he has changed. According to Keef, he is a new, more mature person now.
“I growed up,” Keef tells the pap before correcting his grammar.
This is not the first time Keef has proclaimed that he altered his life choices. In February his manager relayed at message from Keef that he had a “wake-up” call while serving time in juvenile detention.
Happy Veterans Day my soldiers and survivors! Welcome to the day we give thanks to those who selflessly fight for the freedoms that we enjoy daily! Today’s Daily Word is dedicated to sacrifice! Just as a soldier is willing to give up everything for something they believe in, should be the way we are willing to give up good to get to great! Many of us live so routine within our comfort zones that even if what we are doing is not what makes us happy we are unwilling to make the sacrifice in order to live in bliss! What we need to realize is that a life lived in fear is not a life lived at all! Stop being afraid of what might or might not happen! You must always match your actions with your desires! Stop saying you want something but then not be willing to sacrifice what it takes to actually attain it! You are in total control of your life and your happiness! Be courageous and live the life that you deserve!! Be willing to make the sacrifice!
-Ash’Cash
“There is no easy shortcut to anywhere worth going. You must be willing to make sacrifices. It’s a process!” -Suman Rai
“The ones that have the courage to make the sacrifice, are the DREAM builders of tomorrow.” -Ritu Ghatourey
“Your success is determined by what you are willing to sacrifice for it.” -Unknown
“Don’t be afraid of letting go. You may lose something good, but you might gain something even better.” -Unknown
“A wise man once said you can have anything in life, if you sacrifice everything else for it. What he meant is, nothing comes without a price. So before you go into battle you better decide how much you’re willing to lose.” -Bernajoy Vaal
“A beautiful life does not just happen, it is built daily by prayer, humility, sacrifice and hard work.” -Unknown
“Success comes hard, but its worth all the sacrifices.” -Aruho Marwin
“If it’s meant for you, you won’t have to beg for it…you will never have to sacrifice your dignity for your destiny.” -Ritu Ghatourey
TO HEAR THE AUDIO VERSION OF THE DAILY WORD **CLICK HERE
