Kanye West needs more Ying-Yang

There are two kinds of people in this world. People who liked Yeezus and those who did not. I was among the latter. I appreciated what I felt Kanye was trying to communicate and explore with his album. I just couldn’t stand to listen to it. The sounds are weird and distorted, and I didn’t feel like I could take it seriously.

I’ve noticed that Kanye has a flaw I’ve seen other rappers like Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul. He loses his touch with the softer side of music as he grows older. His words and beats get harder, he receives more press and fame, but his music is not what it once was. I know people’s musical styles evolve, and I don’t think that’s bad, but I think it’s bad when musicians forget how to make a softer or more soulful song every once in a while.

I’m like any other rap fan, I love when rappers spit crazy wild flows and blow us away with the things they can do with words. But I also think a real musician should be able to take a ballad and make it amazing. I’m a firm believer in yin-yang. A  good musician needs balance.

I really like Kanye’s older music. Flashing Lights was the first rap song I knew all the words to, and I still love songs like Diamonds from Sierra Leone  and Heard ’em Say. 

Heard em’ Say is a great example of the kind of balance I like in a song: Drums beats against a piano melody; well delivered and succinct rapping matched by soulful vocals (and a pretty cool music video!)

Nobody’s saying be a Drake. I’m not saying every song has to be a ballad. Just don’t lose touch with making music beautiful every once and a while.

Five more Hip-Hop songs you need to hear today

There’s plenty of great hip-hop out there. Unfortunately it can get lost amid the trash from Young Money and Flo-Rida. I did’t get a chance to mention some of the best rap out there that I like. Without further ado, here are five more songs that showcase the best of hip-hop

Some of Lupe Fiasco’s best music came from this CD

1) The Cool, Lupe Fiasco, Food and Liquor

Not all hip-hop has to be about big booties and blunt blowing. Some raps can have a really interesting back story. The Cool is one such song. I remember where I was the first time I listened to this song, it’s one of those songs that takes me back to a place, and the story behind the lyrics is really cool. Not only is it basically a gangsta zombie story, but has a deeper message. Definitely worth a listen.

The most hipster hip-hop I’ve heard. I love it.

2) Heartbeat, Childish Gambino, Camp

Not only is Donald Glover hilarious on NBC’s Community, he’s a very talented rapper. I’m not sure why this song in particular is so great for me. Maybe I’m really digging the message and situation he raps about, or maybe I really love the intensity the can show in his lyrics and his voice at the most important parts of the song. Anyways, check this song out, it’s really good. And not the edited version either, they cut the best stuff out of that.

Just go out and listen to this whole album. You might as well.

3) You Say (Puppy Love), Brother Ali, Us

It’s a song gorgeous beat, an emotional melody, and words that echos with emotion. I don’t ever listen to this song when other people are around, because every single time I listen to this song, including now, I start bawling. Songs like this really talk about what love is, and I’m convinced Brother Ali knows what that is. Maybe I’m being overly emotional over one random song, but there’s something deep he talks about that I can’t even put to words. It’s beautiful. If you even bother to listen to one song I suggest, consider choosing this one.

A really solid mix-tape.

4) Rise and Shine, Big K.R.I.T., Return of 4eva

Once upon a time, this was the melody I would wake up to in the morning. Maybe listening to it while half awake burned itself into my brain permanently, because I always feel like I’m waking up when I hear this song. It’s a nice little motivational melody, and Big K.R.I.T. does a great job with it.

I am in love with the cover art

5) Yesterday, Atmosphere, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold

Atmosphere is a great rapper, and this song really showcases his skill, and his storytelling skill. It took me a while of listening to this song to realize who he was talking to in this song, perhaps as a result of my own blondeness. Once it clicked, the song took on a whole new meaning. Worth a listen.

Five hip-hop songs you need to hear today

Brother Ali’s latest CD. If you want to hear more from him, this is where to go.

1) Brother Ali, Us

Brother Ali gave me a respect for Islam that I never thought I would have. In his CD, the first people they thank are their wives. Not a label, not a best friend, not the fans, but their wives. That really struck me. He respects women, and it’s so refreshing to hear rap where that is clearly evident. His thoughts on America are so true. I really enjoy his music

2)  Ab-Soul, Terrorist Threats Feat. Danny Brown and Jhene Aiko

This is some very cryptic and deep music that I don’t know if I can explain. If you really listen to the lyrics, they’re deep. If you can get over the part of you that wants to be offended by them, you can find a really deep message in them. I personally love the lyrics: “Dear Barack, I know you just a puppet but I’m giving you props,You lying to the public like it ain’t nothing
And I just love it, I hope it don’t stop.”

3) Nas, Cherry Wine Feat. Amy Winehouse

What can I say. A great beat, a great feature for the late Winehouse, and great lyrics. Maybe I like it particularly because I’m single, but there’s a great message to this song. It manages to be a bit mournful and uplifting at the same time. Life is good.

4) Immortal Technique, Dancing with the Devil

Okay, this one is kind of dark. You might want to shelve it for another time. It’s raw, and it might actually be a true story. It shows how one can fall into a really dark place and lose themselves. Everybody should listen to this song at least once.

A CD you should really listen to. Lamar at his finest.

5) ScHoolboy Q, Blessed, Feat. Kendrick Lamar

Both these rappers are great. Lamar’s new CD Good kid M.a.A.D City is a masterpiece. This song is another song that is just great to listen to. I love the beat. They both have great verses on this song, especially Lamar. I know this isn’t from that CD, but I had to fit ScHoolboy Q in here somewhere. He’s part of the new generation of Hip-Hop, and he’s a great rapper.

 

100 Great songs you should hear today

When I’m not doing school, playing Minecraft, or working on the school newspaper, I’m likely browsing Reddit. I have become truly addicted.

Recently, they had a forum where they asked members the most beautiful song they had ever heard. The songs with the top 100 upvotes have been compiled into playlists by truly caring individuals!

I would highly recommend listening. While I’m truly sad that Strobe by Deadmau5 didn’t make the cut (I’m working on a writing project devoted to it currently,) I have been blown away by some of the unique and inspiring music the interwebs gave us!

Enjoy!

Grooveshark playlist

Spotify playlist