Big K.R.I.T. - Cadillactica ALBUM REVIEW

There aren't many rappers that since 2010 have consistently released quality music in the form of both mixtapes and albums. Out of the new rappers in particular since 2010. Big K.R.I.T. is most certainly one of those few. He has yet to disappoint with any of his projects. Every mixtape and his debut album were all impressive projects. I can't say this about a lot of these other new artists. In this new era of rap where majority of mainstream southern hip hop is trap music, K.R.I.T. is bringing back that original sound of the south. That down home, soulful sound that has been long missed since the 90's. It's part of the reason why he has such a strong following of fans and why Def Jam threw him the contract. So because of all this, it's should be no surprise why this is such an anitcipated project. This is his sophomore album Cadillactica. As I mentioned, he has yet to disappoint with any of his previous projects. His debut, 2012's Live From The Underground, was easily one of my top five favorite albums from that year. It met my expectations and then some. So of course I would have even higher expectations this time around that this would be as good. Cadillactica wasn't just "as good", it was even better. With his debut, he was being more experimental. Basically testing the waters on how he could do with a major label release in comparison to his stellar mixtapes. This time he's got it. Everything from the production, the concepts, the lyrics and all just feel much more flawless and less experimental. Even the collaborations are better this time around. Like all of his projects, you get a heavy dose of sound influences from the likes of UGK, Outkast, Goodie Mob, Scarface and so many more southern legends. A lot of genre blending with jazz, blues and soulful R&B as well. Everything done here was done on his debut. But done much, much better. Here's the break down:

1. Kreation (intro)

He begins the album with a cool southern psychedelic sound. This totally takes me back to that 90's Outkast sound. I love how he does kind of a spoken word like flow on here too. The whole idea is that Cadillactica is another planet (which you hear more about in a skit later on). So this gives you a feeling that you're about to travel to another world.  Couldn't have started this album off any better than that. 

2. Life

Now on here he's traveling through space in search of this undiscovered planet of Cadillactica. In the lyrics he radios a message to his girl and everyone close to him on earth basically telling them he'll be okay and will return soon. You can literally vision everything he says in this song as he talks about dodging comets and asteroids and such. It's a dope way to carry on this concept.

3. My Sub Pt. 3 (Big Bang)

Ready for some bass? Here it is. Now of the three "My Sub" songs that he's done, this one is probably my least favorite. Now that doesn't mean I don't like it or it's bad. It's just the one I like the least of the three. Anyway, this is something K.R.I.T. is very good at. These trunk rattling deep bass songs like this. Perfect if you got "two 15's" in your trunk like the hook says. It's also at this point where he has found life on this planet (see previous song) and the is now created (hence the "big bang" in the song title). Dope song. Dope trunk music.

4. Cadillactica

Here we ave the first beat not done by K.R.I.T.. Instead it's done well by DJ Dahi. Now as I listen to the lyrics, I can't quite make out what's going on here. I'm not sure if he describing to us what life on Cadillactica is like, or if he's telling the people of Cadillactica what life on Earth is like (especially hearing that "I come in peace" line). I guess it just depends on how you listen to it. Either way, the song is awesome.

5. Soul Food (featuring Raphael Saadiq)

There probably wasn't a more smoother, more soulful feeling song on this album that this song. Specifically content wise as he raps about good down home southern cooking. Which no matter where your from, apart of us all loves some good southern food. I kinda think this was inspired by the classic Goodie Mob song of the same title but I'm not sure. I absolutely loved Raphael Saadiq on this hook. A soulful song like this needed a true soul singer and he was it. Awesome song.

6. Pay Attention (featuring Rico Love)

This is the first single and I honestly gotta admit it, I like it. Some of K.R.I.T.'s fans weren't quite happy with it because it's sounds way too mainstream and out of the norm from what he does. I don't feel that way. He took a mainstream sound that's popular today and added his old school southern flavor to it. It's cool. My only slight issue is Rico Love. He wasn't that bad but I could imagine plenty other singers doing a much better job with this hook. He sounded too much like Kirko Bangz or somebody. I mean I don't know if he always sounds like that I haven't heard much of his music. But yeah that's how it sounded. All in all it's a song for the ladies and it's done right. Something so many rappers struggle with. Great job here.

7. King Of The South

This song was the first to immediately grab my attention and became an instant favorite. Another loud southern trunk song with plenty of bass. What I love the most is his very aggressive and angry flow on here as if he trying to state his case why he is the king of the south. Now I know that might not sit to well with you T.I. fans. But I don't see it as K.R.I.T. possibly calling him out on that. We surely don't need that controversy right now. Even though plenty of K.R.I.T. fans will tell you an argument can be made. I'll just leave it at...this being a dope ass song.

8. Mind Control (featuring E-40 and Wiz Khalifa)

This song probably has the most addicting hook on the album. It was stuck in my head for a while. Even as I type this is replaying in my head. The production and just overall sound of this reminds me a bit of his song "Money On The Floor" from his last album. Now my issue with this...the guest features. Neither felt right for this song at all. E-40 felt so out of place on this track and it has nothing to do with how he raps or his flow. He does that on every song. But this sound wasn't him in my opinion. But he was no where near as bad as Wiz Khalifa. I can't find the adjectives to describe how terrible his verse was. Same old crap. "Weed this, weed that, I got this many bitches, my house is this size blah blah blah". It sounded so generic and lazy that you can tell it was a phoned in recording. Thank God for the beat and the dope hook. K.R.I.T. probably should have done this solo.

9. Stand By (interlude)

10. Do You Love Me (featuring Mara Hruby)

If you haven't noticed, K.R.I.T. loves talking about cars. Old school ones to be exact. Here he talks about his love for his car and how it loves him back. He talks about it as if the car is a person - a female - that he loves. I loved Mara Hruby on this hook. She sings on hook asking K.R.I.T. if he loves her. Playing the role of the car. She brought a real smooth, mellow R&B feel to this. To me It sounds like a 90's R&B hook. I was feeling it. Even K.R.I.T., who I have heard sing a little bit in the past, sings a full verse here which was totally unexpected. I mean he's no Luther Vandross but it wasn't bad. Loved this song overall.

11. Third Eye

I mentioned earlier how so many rappers struggle making songs for the girls. Well apparently, that's not the case for K.R.I.T.. Not only did he make one dope song for the ladies, he did it twice on one album. This one is much more calmer and relaxed. Here he talks about a woman that has caught his eye and that he is instantly lusting for. He's kinda talking to her the way a slick talking southern pimp would. But not so over the top. Great song. 

12. Mo Better Cool (featuring Devin The Dude, Big Sant and Bun B)

By far the dopest collaboration on the whole album. First off the production was excellent. The drums and snares on this sounded so crisp and clean. Loved it. All the MC's kicked verses reminiscing about their come up in the game. I loved all the verses especially Big Sant's who brought a ton of energy to this. Devin The Dude brought that pimp-like swagger to the hook and sounded great. This just makes you want to hop in an old school whip a ride ten miles an hour through the hood bumping this. Great song that lives up to it's title...cool.

13. Angels

With so many songs on this about that I love, this is the one song that I'm still on the fence about. Now I love the message. He talking about the struggles currently in Mississippi as well as other poverty stricken places in the south. Mentioning things like devastating weather destroying cities, drug abusers, violence and the deaths caused by it all. This is where I start to compare him to David Banner when he gets to theses serious topics. But I don't know. It's not that the overall sound is bad, it's just kind of weak compared to the rest of these albums. It breaks the mood as well. I'm sure it will grow on me more down the road.

14. Saturdays = Celebrations (featuring Jamie N. Commons)

Here's another song with a very serious message. He talks about what would happen in the event of him passing on. Telling everyone not to mourn or cry but to celebrate because God brought him home for good reason. What I loved the most is the hook. Jamie N. Commons sounded excellent on this hook and gave it so much emotion. So much kudos needs to go to these featured singers on this album that did so good with these hooks. But anyway I enjoyed this a lot. Excellent.

15. Lost Generation (featuring Lupe Fiasco)

It's now at this part of the album where apparently K.R.I.T. has left the planet and heading back home to Earth. On this song he's kicking some knowledge to the troubled youth of today (I guess what he learned while away on Cadillactica). Telling them how they are influenced by all the wrong things and need to get their head on straight and go down a better path that will get you somewhere in life. Lupe goes more in deep with this concept on his verse. He raps as one of the troubled kids and how they most likely would respond to everything K.R.I.T. is telling them. With so many good hooks on this album, this was the only one I wasn't really feeling as much. But it's cool because the song and message were both cool and I still enjoyed it.

In closing, this album exceeded way past my expectations. Cadillactica just further proves Big K.R.I.T.'s intelligence, creativity and artistic ability to put together this kind of sound and concept. This dude is in a lane of his own. I give this a final grade of a A-. Simply put...the south needs Big K.R.I.T. in the worst way. His songs are not songs but visuals in your head. I said in a previous review that his music defines what southern hip hop should be. Full of soul, full of life, full of love. This is missing in hip hop today. I don't know about "king of the south" but a this rate, that's a title he could definitely wear in the future. End.

Final Grade: A-

ALSO CHECK OUT

Big K.R.I.T. - King Remembered In Time MIXTAPE REVIEW

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Justin Scott

Jonny Shipes

Sheldon John

Lead Artist

Justin Scott

Production

Justin Scott

Dacoury Natche

Khalil Abdul-Rahman

James Scheffer

Michael Mule

Isaac Deboni

Richard Butler, Jr.

Terrace Martin

Alexander Grant

Collaboration

Raphael Saadiq

Richard Butler, Jr.

Earl Stevens

Cameron Thomaz

Mara Hruby

Devin Copeland

Santiago Gathright

Bernard Freeman

Jamie Commons

Wasalu Jaco

Darold Ferguson, Jr.

Label

Cinematic Music Group/Def Jam Recordings

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Remy Ma

I'm Around

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Zimberly Lohan

Los Angeles, CA

Instagram: @zimberlylohan

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

@mic_navarro on Instagram

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Mic Navarro

Teyana Taylor - VII ALBUM REVIEW

The G.O.O.D. Music label is filled with some of the most diverse talent in hip hop right now. Kanye West has put together quite an army of uniquely talented artists. With so many stand out acts, one of the main ones that stands out is this young lady. Teyana Taylor. As one of very few females on the label, she is certainly unique. From her brash New York attitude, to her looks and fashion style, to her seductively raspy voice (which I absolutely love). She has certainly grown and matured since her MTV Sweet Sixteen days which most people remember her from. Well after a few mixtapes and some guest features, it's time for her official debut. This is her debut album VII. I didn't have any real expectations for this. I haven't heard any of her previous projects to have any. So I went into this listening session basically not knowing what to expect. After listening, I thought this album was pretty good. The production was very dark, soothing and intimate. Which fits her style to a T. A very short album, but big in quality. It has an original sound you don't get too often in R&B. That's why a project like this you gotta appreciate it more. Here's the break down:

1. Outta My League (interlude)

This nothing but a quick sample of one of the deluxe edition tracks. I'll leave it at that because I tend to skip interludes on these reviews.

2. Just Different

So she begins this album with something very slow and intimate. Kinda caught me by surprise. Anyway this song isn't much but a dark and intimate slow jam like I said. Sounds like she's talking about a love she had for someone isn't the same anymore. She has a change of heart. It's funny because "just different" describes her perfectly as an artist. I thought that's what this song would be about but nope. It's an alright song. Just not how I expected her to begin this album. 

3. Request

Here we have another slow jam. But this one I like a whole lot more. Now she singing about catering to her man and fulfilling all of his fantasies. The song already has a intimately dark feel to it and with her seductive raspy voice, it makes this sound very erotic. It actually takes me back to those dark and passionate midnight slow jams of the 90's. Good song here. I like it.

4. Do Not Disturb (featuring Chris Brown)

Now things get a little bit faster. Just a little bit. I like this beat especially the pacing of it. It's the same sound we're hearing from these radio songs today but done with a bit more originality. Her and Chris trade verses about what sounds like hotel room sex. I say hotel room because of the whole "do not disturb" thing they're singing about. Although he wasn't that bad, I'm sure if Chris Brown was the right person for this kind of song. He's singing on here with an unusual high pitched voice that totally sounds nothing like him. In fact you probably wouldn't even know it as him until he starts rapping towards the end. Nonetheless, this beat is excellent and a cool song overall.

5. Broken Hearted Girl (featuring Fabolous)

Here Teyana sings about only seeking sex now after a failed relationship that left her "broken hearted". Playing the rebound role basically. She making clear to dude (Fabolous in this case) that that's all she's looking for is sex now. Kinda makes you wonder how many other girls think like this after a bad break up. I guess that's another topic. Anyway, this song is somewhat slower than the previous. I would have liked to have heard this on a more faster production. But for what it is and it's topic of discussion the song is alright.

6. It Could Just Be Love (interlude)

This is again another small sample of another deluxe edition track. Nothing more. I'll leave it at that.

7. Put Your Love On

The production here is pretty dope. It has this reggae/island sound to it. Especially with the drums. Props to Harmony Samuels on the production. But again, she sings about more bedroom action. Him taking control and her satisfying him every way he wants. I laugh a little because at this point of the album she's starting to sound like a serious nympho. I guess there's nothing wrong with that depending on who you are. But anyway yes. I like the overall tune of this. Pretty cool.

8. Maybe (featuring Yo Gotti and Pusha T)

I've liked this song from the moment I heard it on the radio. Surprisingly, I haven't gotten sick of it yet either like I do with most songs that get endless radio spins. It's hands down the best beat on the album. I love the back and forth bass drops and trap inspired drum patterns. Huge props to The Order Music on the production. I probably could have done without Pusha T and Yo Gotti. Not that they were bad but two rap features weren't necessary on this kind of song. Makes it sound like a remix instead of an original track. Well...I guess one of them would have been enough but that's it. Still, I love this song regardless.

9. Dreams

Now comes the fun. This past summer, Tory Lanez released a song called "Teyana". A song where he basically showed his affection and lust for Teyana Taylor. Talking about how much he's feeling her and how much he wants to get with her. Well now...this is Teyana's direct response to that song. It uses the same beat and tune of the vocals. She tells him how she heard his song and know how much he wants it. That he gotta come better than that because he's not the only one that's feeling her. I laugh because this sounds like some high school drama. Guy likes the popular but high maintenance girl in school, writes her a letter  (or song in this case) and she basically tells him nah (even though it doesn't sound like Teyana is straight up curving him). The song is a play on Biggie's song "Dreams Of Fucking A R&B Chick". Overall, the song is cool, both songs are cool and quite entertaining. We gonna have to keep our eye on these two and see where this goes.

10. Sorry

Here we get our first slow ballad of the album. This song show the true raspiness in her voice. Especially when she hits those notes. Sounds like she singing about a guy that she once loved, broke up with, and has moved on from finding another man. Apologizing to the old guy basically saying "sorry it has to be this way" or "sorry it didn't work out". A very relatable scenario to some. Good song. Great vocals.

11. Business

This is another slow song that is set to be the next single (a promo video was already released). This song is basically a plea to her lover to keep everything about them and their relationship between the two of them. Don't anyone anything. In today's social media driven world, that's a huge deal. I really liked hat almost sounded like her rapping towards the end. Maybe that's something she'll do more of in the future. But for now, this song is alright like it is. 

12. In The Air

She ends this album with another top tier production. The beat kinda has sound elements from everything on this album. Some slow ballad material, some uptempo material, some trap inspired drum material and so on. She singing about leaving her man after what sounds like a bad argument over something he did (cheating I assume). Topic wise, I don't know if this was the right the song to close the album with. But sound wise it was. 

Overall, I thought this album was good for the most part. Nothing more nothing less. Just good. This album does prove that Teyana Taylor could be the new face of dark and intimate R&B music that is greatly missed today. I give this a final grade of a B. Teyana Taylor's growth and maturity is quite evident by listening to this album. I think her fans who been here since day one will appreciate that the most. I think R&B singers, especially nowadays, really have to step outside the box to gain notoriety and separate themselves from the pack. Teyana Taylor has a voice, style, looks, and certainly music sound that stands alone. I think that's enough to carry her down the right path of music success in the future. She'll only get better with time. End.

Final Grade: B

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Teyana Taylor

Che Pope

Nikki Taylor

Derek Folk

Lead Artist

Teyana Taylor

Production

Craig Balmoris

Julian Nixon

Eric Johnson

Nick Brown

Jaramye Daniels

Kyle Owens

Matthew Samuels

Harmony Samuels

Allen Ritter

Vidal Davis

Robert Thomas

Brian Kennedy

Collaboration

Christopher Brown

Jonathan Jackson

Mario Mims

Terrence Thornton

Label

G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Recordings

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Remy Ma

I'm Around

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Zimberly Lohan

Los Angeles, CA

Instagram: @zimberlylohan

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

@mic_navarro on Instagram

Killer Mike & El-P - Run The Jewels 2 ALBUM REVIEW

Let's go back in time for a minute. To summer of last year. When word got out that Killer Mike (one of the most respected veteran southern rappers) and producer El-P (who's been madly underrated in the production world) would be releasing a project together, underground rap fans were over-joyed with excitement. Once it released, it received an outpouring of positive feed back. It was one of my personal favorite albums of 2013. But I'm sure a lot of people, including Killer Mike and El-P themselves, probably didn't see that kind of reaction and responses coming for that album. Despite the heavy anticipation. So because of that, they pretty much knew they had to do it again...and thankfully they did. Here is the follow up. Run The Jewels 2. I myself had high expectations for this album because of how great the first album was. I thought to myself that it could only get better. Not worse. Thankfully, it got better. This was certainly a huge upgrade from what was also a dope album. The two pretty much stick to the same script as the last album. Gritty, hard core, in your face, punch-you-in-the-mouth lyrics over a variety of great experimental production. It seems like this time around though their chemistry is much more better. The last album felt experimental. Like they ere just testing the waters on how they would sound together. This time they're more used to each other and they feed off of each others energy much better this time around. So let's begin on that note. Here's the breka down:

1. Jeopardy

They start right off the back with some seriously dope hardcore lyrics. Mike does what he does best. Unleashing an all out verbal assault on the dumbed down masses and wack rappers. With lines like "you know you're favorite rapper ain't shit and me I might be". At times he reminds me of that one schoolyard bully just picking with everybody because he can. El-P's verse was dope but I think Mike may have got him on this one. It sounds like they have fed off the attention and the rise in popularity they've gotten since last year and ragged it onto this album. "Top tag team for two summers" as Mike said. I don't know how you can argue that.

2. Oh My Darling Don't Cry

Here we have the first dope production of the album. I love the deep and heavy distorted bass on here. Sounds awesome in the car. That's truly the only thing that makes this a cool listen. Although some of the lyrics were pretty comical. Like El-P's line about "running backwards naked through a field of dicks". Dope song. Love the beat.

3. Blockbuster Night Pt. 1

From one dope beat to another. I love the hard guitar and drum sounds on here. It sounds somewhat death metal influenced. Not the type of sound you would typically hear in hip hop. El-P does such a good job experimenting with all these different sounds. I also like how on this song, as well as some others, they do that what I call back and forth rapping. Finishing each other's lines. Only true dope duo's in rap can do that and do it to perfection. Great song.

4. Close Your Eyes (And Count To Fuck) (featuring Zack De La Rocha)

This one has got to be my favorite on the album. It's more uptempo and faster. The speed of the beat plus the energy they bring lyrically makes this feel like one huge adrenaline rush. Like that rush you get after robbing a bank or something and your being chased by the cops. I love the sample on the hook and how well it blends in with the beats tempo. Zach De La Rocha ending verse was cool. Although there are some other rappers I would have liked to have heard featured on this explosive tack. Nonetheless, this was a stand out for me. Absolutely love it.

5. All My Life

This was just...okay. Not saying it was bad because this album has nothing bad on it, just wasn't as exciting as the previous tracks. I think coming off the previous song that was filled with so much energy to a much calmer track like this is somewhat of a buzz kill. But again, the lyrics are dope as hell. I just think it may have to grow on me a bit more.

6. Lie, Cheat, Steal

This is such a perfect song title because that is pretty all they rapping about. Well...Killer Mike does anyway. El-P just goofs with it. Anyway this song was pretty cool. Again nothing too special here. Another dope production from El-P and dope lyrics with them feeding off each others energy. They do that so well. Cool song.

7. Early (featuring Boots)

If you're a video game geek then you will definitely appreciate this beat. It has an old school video game like sound. Specifically Pac Man. It's incredibly dope. The hook by Boots however fell kinda short for me. I'm not sure if this was supposed to be some kind of trippy/psychedelic influenced sound on the hook but it kinda just sounded half assed to me. Like there wasn't much thought involved. Still though, this beat makes this a near perfect listen.

8. All Due Respect (featuring Travis Barker)

Here's another one of those dope adrenaline rush songs. This one has somewhat of a marching band sound with all the drums and what sounds like cheerleaders on the hook. But of course no mater how fast or slow the beat, Mike and El-P lyrically delivers and this song is nothing different. Cool song.

9. Love Again (Akinyele Back) (featuring Gangsta Boo)

Ready for some sexual humor? Well you get plenty of it here. Normally when rappers take on this topic they just blab about the usual x-rated stuff. But not these two. Their lyrics always have humor even when talking about this. The hook especially is funny as it repeats "dick in her mouth all day" over and over. I normally hate repetitive hooks but this one I found humerous. The beat, while it wasn't wack, I thought could have been a bit better and more...animated I guess. To match the songs tone. But it's a cool and funny track in all.

10. Crown (featuring Diane Coffee)

After so much fast paced adrenaline throughout this album, here they slow it down a bit. While it wouldn't be considered a slow song on most other albums, it certainly is here in comparison to the rest of these songs. On the hook Mike says "can't pick up no crown holding what's holding you down". I thought about this. It could mean a lot of things. To me it means you can't achieve greatness or become the best at something if you don't fight the through the tough obstacles to achieve it. Or whatever it is that's "holding you down". That's a message I'm sure would fly right over the heads of younger listeners. All in all this was a pretty cool change of pace track. 

11. Angel Duster

Well as expected, they close the album out with some more fast pace material. This one unlike the others though has kind of a trap beat influence as far as the drum pattern in the beat. Judging by the words, specifically from Mike, there's a lot of religous talk and evils of the world. I tried listening to see where he's going with it but it's kinda hard to make out. I'll probably catch it down the road when I listen to it more. Cool song for now but I may grow to like it more once I grasp the concept. 

In closing, as I stated in the introductory, this was a big time upgrade from the first album. Both were great but this was much better. This is not an album for those of you who like to listen to street songs that chant the same line over and over while you throw punches in the air. This is an album for those who are in the streets and like to throw punches to the face. I give this a final grade of a B+. At the pace they are going now, Killer Mike & El-P are becoming a modern day version of EPMD. A MC and a MC/producer both with menacing lyricism over damn near perfect production. While it seems like the rap group trend (or rap duos especially) maybe dying, these two are the life support that's keeping it alive in hoping for more to emerge and follow their tactics. But honestly, these guys can't be duplicated. They are simply a step ahead of the competion. If you don't like that, you can't get knocked the fuck out and get your jewels snatched too. End. 

Final Grade: B+

ALSO CHECK OUT

Killer Mike & El-P - Run The Jewels ALBUM REVIEW

CREDITS

Executive Producer

Jaime Meline

Lead Artists

Michael Render

Jaime Meline

Production

Jaime Meline

Collaboration

Zacharias De La Rocha

Jordan Asher

Travis Barker

Lola Mitchell

Shaun Fleming

Label

Mass Appeal/Sony RED

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Boosie Bad Azz

Life After Death Row

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Miri Fennell

Charlotte, NC

Instagram: @bigredlipz

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

@mic_navarro on Instagram

Logic - Under Pressure ALBUM REVIEW

Whenever a MC puts together an impressive catalog of mixtapes and EP's, there's of course going to be some added pressure when it's finally time to release that major label debut. For Logic, that pressure is certainly present...or is it? After releasing three stellar mixtapes (one of which I had the pleasure of reviewing) the time has come for what his fans have been waiting for since day one. The anticipation is over. This is his debut album Under Pressure. Like many others, my expectations for this were extremely high. Well  I can happily say that those expectations were met. This was hands down one of the best albums I've heard all year. Logic puts together a well thought out album that finally tells his life story. Something we've all been waiting to hear. With plenty of influence from A Tribe Called Quest, Outkast and others, the production is so spot on and fits the mood of each song perfectly. Of course I don't need to tell you ho dope he is lyrically. We already know. He has such a array of different flows and he puts it all on display on this album. So pay attention when listening. You might miss something. Here's the break down:

1. Intro

The opening line of this song sets this album up perfectly: "I just wanna make music lovers remember again". As in make them remember that feeling of listening to good real music again. Music with any kind of meaning. Overall here he just tells you his plans and his intentions for the future of his career. He drops a cool line saying "I'm not defined by the sales of my first week/cuz in my mind I'll only fail if my verse weak". That's a mentality a lot of these new young rappers (the lyrical ones anyway) should have. Good intro.

(SN: As I mentioned in the introductory, one of the influences for this albums sound was A Tribe Called Quest. Well throughout this album, you'll here narration from a female computerized voice named Thalia. She gives you info and fun facts about the album and Logic himself. Logic gets this idea from ATCQ's album Midnight Marauders where they did the same thing. Really cool concepts that fit great with both albums.)

2. Soul Food

There's not many songs on here that sound like mixtape Logic. But this is certainly one. The way he's flowing and his lyrics sounds just like his mixtape work. Solid production here by DJ Khalil. The beat switch up in the middle was really dope. I found myself liking the second half of it a bit better. He even spits that dope "energy/inner G" line that Lupe Fiasco once dropped. I don't see it as jocking though because they used it in different ways. Dope track overall though. 

3. I'm Gone

Kanye West was another influence for Logic on this album. Specifically Kanye's early work. This track proves it. With the pianos, the soft melody, the background R&B vocals and the Marvin Gaye sample. It's definitely Kanye influenced. The production was again solid. Great job by 6ix who did great on majority of these songs. I also had to laugh at the Ray Rice pun he threw in the beginning bars. But anyway, I like this overall. Great song.

4. Gang Related

It's the shortest song on the album and it's hands down my favorite. Definitely the dopest beat on the album. A uptempo beat with plenty of bass that totally fits Logic's faster rhyme style. He raps about how even though he grew up in the suburbs, he still seen plenty of crime in his area. As a fellow Maryland'er myself I can totally relate to that and know that everything he's saying is completely true. I truly wish this was a longer song. But it still doesn't change how I feel about it. I flat out loved this track.

5. Buried Alive

Here's another uptempo track with some fast raps. Now judging by these lyrics, it sounds as if he's distracted by issues and drama going on in life. He feels suffocated by it all ("buried alive"). But he believes through it all, he'll survive and be able to do what he does best. Not sure if that's what it is but that's how I interpret it. Now I don't mind Logic's singing (even though he's not the best singer in the world) but I would have done something a bit better with this hook. Still a pretty cool song though.

6. Bounce

On an album with a lot of emotional and personal content, not to mention deep soulful production, there's not gonna be many songs that sound radio friendly. This song is probably the closest to that of any song on the album. The beat (which is done well by S-1 and M-Phazes) has a very jumpy and catchy sound like it could make radio. But I still don't think the radio would play due to Logic's incredible over-your-head lyricism. Despite it, the song is still dope and one of my favorites on the album. 

7. Growing Pains III

This is the third track in the "Growing Pains" trilogy. It started with the first one on his first mixtape Young, Rich & Infamous, then the second one on his second tape Young Sinatra. This one I probably like more than the other two simply because he goes more in depth with the topic. Much like "Gang Related", he talks about all the crime and madness he's seen in his hood. Along with that however, family drama, friends drama, even drama with this music thing. It takes a lot to make it out of the struggle and out of stressful environments to make it where you wanna be in life. This song pretty much says that to me. Dope.

8. Never Enough

This song features one of the more catchier hooks on the album (despite the repetitive part). Outkast, another one of the albums influences, is shown here as he does his on rendition of Andre 3000's verse from "So Fresh, So Clean" (the beginning lines. Not the whole thing). I do like the jumpiness of this beat. Another good job by DJ Dahi. This kinda reminds me of Logic's mixtape stuff as well. Would have fit right in with any of those Sinatra mixtapes. But overall yes. I like this.

9. Metropolis

Out of all the songs on this album, this is the one that I probably liked the least. Now that's not saying this is a bad song because it's not. At all. I just didn't gravitate to this one as quickly as I did the other songs. The production, while it was good, was merely average compared to the rest of the albums production. I also didn't like how the interlude with him talking to the girl about Quentin Tarrentino films took up most of the song. I would have liked to have heard more rapping on it. But like I said, the song is not bad at all. Just my least favorite.

10. Nikki

It's here, towards the end of the album, where things get more emotional and serious. It starts with this song. He talks about fight his biggest addiction...nicotine. That's what "Nikki" is short for. I know, I thought it would be an actual girl too. Apparently this is something he's been fighting for a very long time. He even talks about how "Mary" was his first love when he was much younger. But once he got his first hit of Nikki, he was hooked. This is a surprising song to hear because I don't think myself, nor a lot of people were even aware of this cigarette addiction he has. He never talked about it until now. Hopefully he can beat the addiction one day and quit the habit. Smoking is a serious issue that may leave fatal results down the road. Great song.

11. Under Pressure

The overload of emotions continue here. The first part of this song featured a dope drum filled production done well by Logic himself. Also a cool sample from Eazy-E's "Eazy-Duz-It". On this part of the songs he talks about how hard he works and ow he doesn't have time for anything or anyone. He too on his grind. But here's where it gets interesting. Right around the third verse the songs sound and mood changes. You'll now here a Grant Green sample as well as the drum patterns from Kendrick Lamar's "Sing For Me". On this third verse, he portrays his older sister. She's emotionally distressed and wants to talk to Logic but he's not answering the phone at all. While she understands he's busy now, it saddens her as she resorts to taking drugs to calm herself. The fourth verse he portrays his dad. He too calls and apparently leaves a message. Letting Logic know how proud he is of him and how he is drug free now. Just overall showing that he is a good father regardless of what Logic previously thought. There's a middle interlude of his brother leaving a message as well. Telling Logic how he's uncomfortable with their dad's new girl and how he wants to bring her around to meet everybody. Then the fifth and final verse, Logic raps as himself. He responds back to everyone by letter basically apologizing for missing so much and being so busy to not catch up with his family. This is what makes Logic one of the best young talents in hip hop today. The way this songs plays out like a story that you can visually see is simply amazing. This song as over nine minutes long but it doesn't even feel like it. An absolutely amazing song. Definitely the highlight of this album.

12. Till The End

Here, Logic perfectly closes this album out by reflecting on everything. How's he got here and what he had to go through to do it, the family issues and so forth. To add to that, he's also seeing the reality of how tough this industry can be on a young new artist. Especially one that's signed to a big label like Def Jam. The song has a true soulful almost religious sound and feel to it (especially with that middle interlude with the reverend). A good outro song to "conclude the Under Pressure program".

In closing, this album met my expectations and then some. This was certainly one of the best listens of 2014. Certainly the best debut album since Good Kid, m.A.A.d City. Logic waited until the right time to show us all who he is, where he came from and what he has been going through. All through amazing lyricism and flow. I give this a final grade of an A. Logic is such a huge breath of fresh air in the rap game. This album proves it. I admire that he can overcome all that drama in his personal life and make to this point. Putting out quality music with such incredible lyrical content. He is certainly years ahead of his time...and he'll only get better. As a person born and raised in Baltimore Maryland like myself, it feels good to see a MC from my home state (which has been quiet in hip hop for far too long) finally make it. This album may be titled Under Pressure but a the rate Logic is going, I don't think the pressure has gotten to him at all. At least not now. End.

Final Grade: A

ALSO CHECK OUT

Logic - Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever MIXTAPE REVIEW

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Ernest Wilson

Arjun Ivatury

Lead Artist

Sir Robert Hall

Production

Arjun Ivatury

Sir Robert Hall

Khalil Abdul-Rahman

David Cunningham

Larry Griffin Jr.

Mark Landon

Donte Perkins

Dacoury Natche

Jeremy McArthur

Collaboration

Donald Glover

Sean Anderson

Label

Visionary Music Group/Def Jam Recordings

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Boosie Bad Azz

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Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Miri Fennell

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Instagram: @bigredlipz

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

@mic_navarro on Instagram

T.I. - Paperwork ALBUM REVIEW

With nine albums in, countless hits and respect from so many peers, there's really nothing else T.I. has to do to prove why he is the king of the south. What else can he do? He's probably gained the most success out of every southern rapper over a thirteen year span. His career has seen many ups and certainly many downs. But through it all, he remained humble and continued doing what he does best and that's delivery quality music. Now as a hard working business man and a family man, he showing great maturity and change in who he is. He shows it on this. His ninth album Paperwork. I had the opportunity to listen and review his last album Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head and I enjoyed it a lot. I had hoped he would continue with the same formula here that made that album a good listen. Well he did...somewhat. Though I probably prefer Trouble Man over this, I thought Paperwork was overall solid. Couple things are very noticeable. The experimenting with production is one. The maturity of his content (very little hood trap songs). The last is the surprisingly large number of guest features. Something T.I. normally never does. Though a good album, it was very interesting hearing all of this come together. Here's the break down:

1. King

For the third time, he titles his intro song "King". It's once again another dope intro as well. Nothing special but him kicking his usual hood/trap talk. Props to Mars with the dope production here as well. Another dope T.I. intro.

2. G' Shit (featuring Jeezy and Watch The Duck)

I've been doing a lot of complaining lately about being deceived by song titles. I was deceived somewhat here. You do get the "g shit" rap from T.I. and Jeezy, just not over the kind of production I was expecting. I thought this would definitely be a trap beat but it was far from it. It has a more happier mainstream sounding production. I probably should have expected this considering Pharrell is doing most of the production on this album. This song included. But this was my initial reaction. It's now grown on me a bit. Not a bad song overall.

3. About The Money (featuring Young Thug)

Hate it. The production is decent at best but the rapping...no. You could have probably guessed that I am not at all into Young Thug. His voice, his improper english and stuttered words is just so bad that it will literally destroy any song he's on. Regardless how good the rest of the song may be. T.I. verse, in comparison to the rest of the album, was kinda forgettable as well. Then he sounds so awkwardly weird on the hook hen he says "if it ain't about the money". I can see why radio and clubs love this but I can bare to listen to it once. There are plenty of songs on this album that would have been way better second singles. This is just...no.

4, New National Anthem (featuring Skylar Grey)

Every once and a while T.I. likes to get political and talks about what's going on in the world. He does so here. He's basically painting a picture of how he sees the new America. A country that tolerates senseless violence, police brutality as well as a corrupt justice system. The hook is the most interesting part as Skylar Grey sings "home of the brave and free/free just to murder me". The production could have been a slight bit better than this. Maybe to something more triumphant or patriotic. Nonetheless this is a pretty good song with a great message. 

5. Oh Yeah (featuring Pharrell)

This was alright. The production threw me off a bit. I do like the choir singing the "oh yeah" part but the beat itself just wasn't right. The beat tempo doesn't quite mesh well with the choir vocals. I was expecting it to be a more slower tempo beat before the beat drop. It's weird sounding. But all in all it's alright. 

6. Private Show (featuring Chris Brown)

Would you believe out of every song on this album, the first one to grow on me instantly would be a song for the ladies? Well...that happened here. What did it really was the awesome bass thumping production. Done well by Sak Pase and Ace. I loved the UGK sample as well. All their talking about is the joy of watching a woman dance/strip for them before sex. This could be a potential club banger. It's a bit slower than your typical club hit but the beat sells this song and makes it listenable. Dope song.

7. No Mediocre (featuring Iggy Azalea)

The albums first single. Even after being months old and getting endless radio spins, I still don't know where I stand with this song. There are times when I do find it enjoyable but then there are times when I just find it boring and uninteresting. I actually thought Iggy's verse was pretty good. She sounds so much better on DJ Mustard's production. But anyway, the beat is okay, the lyrics are okay, it's a cool club/party track but I don't know. I guess the song overall is just well...mediocre.

8. Jet Fuel (featuring Boosie Badazz)

Here's your generic weed song. Even though they not talking about it as much. The beat is okay at best. Could have been better. I'm surprised it wasn't a trap beat. I normally can't tolerate a lot of Boosie but this may have been one of the best verses I've ever heard from him which is saying something. But overall it's nothing special. Just more trap rap to bump in the whip.

9. Paperwork (featuring Pharrell)

Man...once the beat drop for this song, I totally was not expecting what I heard. I laughed out loud. Now I have no problem with Pharrell or him singing hooks but the hook on this wasn't bad but it was down right hilarious. His singing sounds like something straight out of the 60's. In fact the entire tune of this sounds like that. T.I. just does not sound right with this kind of sound. I'd probably like this a whole lot more if it was Pharrell's song with a guest verse from T.I.. Again it's not a straight up bad song, just a humorous one. 

10. Stay (featuring Victoria Monet)

Here is song #2 for the ladies. Much more softer and emotional this time. On here he expresses his love towards his woman and the things he would do for her so she can "stay" and live happily forever. I think we all know who this song is really for. In all the is okay if your into that sentimental mushy stuff.

11. About My Issue (featuring Victoria Monet and Nipsey Hussle)

This song grew on me in a hurry as well. The hook is what really pulled me in. Victoria Monet's hook is really, really catchy on here and is definitely better than the one she did on the previous track. Nipsey's verse was cool but might have been a little too uptempo for his style. Good work by DJ Toomp on the solid production. Dope song.

12. At Ya' Own Risk (featuring Usher)

By far one my favorite beats on the whole album. It could be the best. Mars gets total credit here for this dope effort on the production. However, this is one of those type of songs most will listen to for the beat instead of the lyrics. Which is him persuading women to leave their dude and come kick it with him instead. I laugh at these kind of topics now because it makes me think back to Drake's "Marvin's Room". But yes, the beat sells this 100%. Good overall.

13. On Doe, On Phil (featuring Trae The Truth)

Here's some more bass thumping, trunk rattling trap rap for you. Courtesy of DJ Toomp on the beat again. Nothing special. Trae was a good feature on this song too. I always thought he has one of the best voices in rap. But yeah, nothing too special. It's cool. Bump this one in your whip too.

14. Light Em Up (RIP Doe B) (featuring Pharrell and Watch The Duck)

T.I. has certainly seen a lot of close friends pass on too soon. Here he reflects on Doe B. Another young friend of his who was killed. Just reminiscing on the time they were able to share and things he misses about him. According to the interlude before it, he was on his was to Florida to record with T.I. and Pharrell and was killed before even making it there. Sad story. I do like the beat bt I'm a little surprised that it's not something more emotional to match the tone of the content. Nonetheless, good dedication song. R.I.P. Doe B.

15. Let Your Heart Go (Break My Soul) (featuring The-Dream)

He closes the album out with hat sounds like another dedication song to more friends he's lost. Wow. Nobody deserves to lose this many close people to most likely violence. The song and the message is nice but I wasn't really feeling The-Dream on the hook. He just didn't seem well..."live" enough. Like he was lacking energy or something. If you've lost close friends as well, you'll definitely relate to this and the previous song. 

Overall, I thought the album was I'll say...acceptable. I do feel his previous album was way better but this is certainly worth a listen. Much kudos to Pharrell for majority of the production. I give it a final grade of a B-. It seems with every album release, T.I.'s music slowly matures. He may be drifting slowly away from trap rap T.I. (or T.I.P.) and becoming something more grown and more mature. When your a family man with several kids and a business CEO, sometimes you're music changes as a rapper and you get away from all that street rap that made you famous. But I don't think that would effect T.I.. He will still have his strong core of fans, including the ones in the hood supporting his music. No matter what, he can and will still defend his crown as the king of the south. End.

Final Grade: B-

CREDITS

Executive Producer

Pharrell Williams

Lead Artist

Clifford Harris, Jr.

Production

Pharrell Williams

Lamar Edwards

London Holmes

Thomas Brown

Lasanna Harris

Shama Joseph

Dijon McFarlane

Anthony Tucker

Maurice Jordan

Aldrin Davis

Christopher Stewart

Terius Nash

Steve Samson

Collaboration

Jay Jenkins

Jesse Rankins

Eddie Smith III

Jonathan Wells

Jeffrey Williams

Holly Hafermann

Pharrell Williams

Christopher Brown

Amethyst Kelly

Torrence Hatch

Victoria Monet

Ermias Asghedom

Usher Raymond IV

Frazier Thompson

Terius Nash

William Roberts

Label

Grand Hustle/Columbia Records

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Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Shakeira

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Instagram: @wowshani  

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com
@mic_navarro on Instagram