Covert Coup Album Art Revealed

So.. Curren$y has the cover art for his album Covert Coup out now. Its similar to the picture of Hussein's statue being toppled. Swag.

Covert Coup will be released on 4-20. For free.



I'm Back!

Sorry, I've been without wi-fi for a few days staying in Branson over Spring Break, but there will be new posts added soon!

Correction

The Weezy song I previously posted as "If I Die" has officially been put on iTunes and other music sites, so I am assuming its a single from Tha Carter IV. However, the title has been changed to "John," since in the song Weezy raps "if I die today remember me like John Lennon."

Lil Wayne "If I Die Today"

     At first, I hated this song. But it has really grown on me. Yes, it is a recycled beat from Rick Ross's song "I'm Not A Star," but as MTV explained, Weezy isn't a biter, he's an admirer. This is a pretty good take on the song. Take it for what its worth. This is rumored to be Tha Carter IV's second single.

     And of course its been announced: Tha Carter IV is to be released May 16th.

Oh. And here's the audio. Enjoy! (If YouTube blocks this, tell me and I'll repost a better link.) 

XXL 2011's Freshman Class: The Mixtape



     If you missed the XXL Freshmen coverage, or just want the freestyles on your iPod, this is the mixtape for you. Its got the individual freestyles, group cyphers, and unreleased tracks from the Freshmen.

Download here: http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/03/download-xxls-freshman-mixtape-now/

Fear of God

    

     Fear of God. My God. The production on this mixtape is incredible to say the least. I was never really a fan of Pusha-T until I started to listening to him after his debut on G.O.O.D Music. This mixtape really opened my eyes to just how talented he is. I can see Kanye has really good taste when it comes to the artists he decides to put on.
     "My God" has a great drumline. Its got that good marching theme, making it feel like Pusha is ready to wage war. Consquence, another G.O.O.D Music artist claimed that Pusha bit this song off of him.. But whatever. Its dope nonetheless.
     Rick Ross and Pusha bring the heat out on "I Still Wanna Rock," with the dope beats continuing on. Ross has some nice lines in there as well, rapping "Grew up watching mama car repoed/ lil n*gga staring through the peephole."
     Pusha also has a few freestyles on this mixtape such as "Speakers Going Hammer" and even a little throwback on "Money On My Mind."
    "Alone In Vegas" is probably another personal favorite on this album. Pusha states he wrote this song when he was literally alone in Vegas, thinking about his life, and losing friends.
     Download this mixtape for free at: http://www.datpiff.com/Pusha-T-Fear-Of-God-mixtape.210924.html

Frank Ocean: Nostalgia, Ultra

This is the exact opposite of what I would've expected from Odd Future. Frank Ocean has probably made it in my top 10 singers, and I haven't even finished the whole album. The one song that really sticks out is "Strawberry Swing" (yes its a remake of the Coldplay version). You should definitely check this out.

Get the album free from the OFWGKTA website: http://oddfuture.tumblr.com/

Or at Dat Piff: http://www.datpiff.com/Frank_Ocean-Nostalgia_Ultra-mixtape.210282.html

Carter IV Release Date?

According to XXL and Lil Wayne, Tha Carter IV is due out on May 16... If its anything like Tha Carter III, then that won't happen. But we'll just see won't we?

A Moment of Silence

A moment of silence.

R.I.P Nathaniel "Nate Dogg" Hale

August 19, 1969 - March 15, 2011

XXL 2011 Freshmen: The Breakdown

Here's a list of the XXL 2011 Freshmen and a few stats about them.

Kendrick Lamar
Hometown: Compton
Mixtapes/Albums: C4", O(verly) D(edicated), Kendrick Lamar EP

Why I like him: He's really bringing back the WC along with Nipsey Hussle and Jay Rock.

Cyhi The Prynce

Hometown: Atlanta

Mixtapes/Albums: The Prynce of Jacks, Royal Flush

Why I like him: He's on Kanye's label, and is probably the most down to earth and dopest rhymer out right now.

Diggy Simmons

Hometown: (?) New York

Mixtapes/Albums: The First Flight, Airborne

Why I like him: He's got big shoes to fill being Run's son, but he does it well and has a unique style.



Fred The Godson
Hometown: Bronx
Mixtapes/Albums: Big Bronx & Armageddon
Why I like him: He's got an old school New York feel and his flow is dope to say the least.

Big K.R.I.T
Hometown: Meridian, MS
Mixtapes/Albums: The Last King, KRIT Wuz Here
Why I like him: Out of any freshman on here, I can't think of a better one to represent the south.

Lil B
Hometown: Berkeley
Mixtapes/Albums: To many to count. Just look him up. Thousands of songs to choose from.
Why I like him: He's got a cult like following, he's funny as hell, and has really set the stage for rappers using the internet. No ones does it like Lil B.

Mac Miller
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Mixtapes/Albums: The High Life, KIDS, The Best Day Ever
Why I like him: Well, he's a white rapper that doesn't embarrass me to say he is, and he's got a quick, witty flow.

Meek Mill

Hometown: Philadelphia

Mixtapes/Albums: Recording a mixtaped called "Dreamchasers"

Why I like him: I honestly don't know enough about him. He's down with Rick Ross, Wale, and the rest of Maybach Music now though, so he's off to a really good start.

Lil Twist

Hometown: Dallas

Mixtapes/Albums: Yearbook, Class President, The Takeover

Why I like him: Before hearing his freshman freestyle, I honestly hated his voice. But he's actually really dope and has a lot of potential. I see why Lil Wayne signed him now.

YG

Hometown: Compton

Mixtapes/Albums: The Real 4Fingaz

Why I like him: This is another guy I was totally unfamiliar with. He has a large internet following and hit single "Toot It and Boot It." He's bringing the West Coast back as well.

Yelawolf

Hometown: Gadsden, AL

Mixtapes/Albums: Arena Rap, Trunk Muzik, Trunk Muzik: 0-60

Why I like him: His flow and content are phenomenal. He's one of those rappers that's been through it all. He's a rapper reppin' country boys too. (Little Rock!)

Lil B "Angels Prayer"

BasedGod is actually half decent on this track.. I gained a lot of respect for him after the new mixtape.

XXL 2011 Freshmen Class | Chyi The Prynce Video Freestyle | XXLMAG.COM

XXL 2011 Freshmen Class | Chyi The Prynce Video Freestyle | XXLMAG.COM

By far the best freestyle yet. CyHi is by far the best freshman hands down!

"You think you big 'cuz you the only baller on the block?/ You look a whole lot smaller from the top"

XXL 2011 Freshman Class | Fred The Godson Video Freestyle | XXLMAG.COM

XXL 2011 Freshman Class Fred The Godson Video Freestyle XXLMAG.COM

I see so much potential in Fred.. He's bringin' back that old Bronx feel we've had missing for awhile now.

Album Review: Lupe Fiasco "Lasers"



Image courtesy of Google Images



     Pop beats and hooks seem to plague Lupe’s new album Lasers, which may be in part  the fault of Atlantic Records, who made him go back and redo the album’s production.  While it isn’t as solid as Food & Liquor or The Cool, he still gets his point across, making it a classic Lupe album.

     Tracks like “I Don’t Want To Care Right Now” and “Coming Up” delve into some techno, auto-tune pop that honestly disappoints me. “Out of My Head” with Trey Songz is good if you take it for what it’s worth: a non-controversial radio single, but not much else.

     Lupe’s shining moments come in on songs like “The Show Goes On,” “All Black Everything,” “”Break the Chain,” and “Words I Never Said.”

     “All Black Everything” has Lupe rapping a what-if scenario, such as slavery never happening, and even 50 Cent being a white rapper.

     “Words I Never Said” is the good ole’ controversial Lupe, where he drops bars about Bill O’Reilly and Glen Beck’s racism, as well as his lack of support for President Obama. While I don’t necessarily endorse everything he says, it’s a solid track, and he really shines. Skylar Grey, a newer singer who has lent her vocals to Diddy and Dr. Dre recently, is on the hook as well.

     “The Show Goes On,” the first single and probably best known song, is still probably one of my favorites. Lupe has touching bars in there, telling his fans to never let their arms down, and to keep surviving struggle no matter the situation.

     “Break the Chain” features UK rapper Sway and singer Eric Turner, both of whom contribute nicely to the song. His message of freedom is once again one of the rare moments where the classic Lupe shines. He raps:  Freedom/ We can use some of that especially where we from/Where we grew up like a green thumb/It’s like a criminal is the only thing you can become.

     I think if you’ve never really listened to Lupe or only heard what’s on the radio, you will still like this album. For hardcore fans like myself, this album goes a bit too much into the pop genre. This album is still good and a must buy. I only hope that next time, Atlantic will give this man the chance to really express himself in his music. Lupe knows what his fans want.  Give him time, and I guarantee he will stun on Food & Liquor 2, (which I believe he’s already announced he is working on.)

Remember:
L.over A.lways S.hines E.verytime R.emember 2 S.mile (LASERS)

Welcome!

Unless you count Tweeting, this is my first blog. Music and writing are a huge passion of mine, and with this blog I plan to combine them both. You can expect album reviews, commentary on different happenings in the music world, etc.

You can follow me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/#!/Th3Baum 

If there is a certain topic you would like me to discuss or an album you want reviewed, let me know!