I have to start this review by saying that this album came out of nowhere; I had heard of Macklemore back when he was a XXL Freshman, but other than that, my exposure was pretty limited. With the aforementioned being said, this is the perfect album for an introduction into the world of Macklemore. Let’s face it, we’ve all heard the story about overcoming addiction and life obstacles to become a champion; however, no one has done it quite like this. Backed by the prodigal production of Ryan Lewis, Macklemore has created one of the year’s most honest and resonant records.
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Album Review: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, The Heist
Posted in Album Review, Music Reviews with tags Band of Horses, Ben Bridwell, Macklemore, Malcolm Gladwell, Ryan Lewis, seattle, The Heist on Saturday, October 27, 2012 by Tim AlthausVideo: Brown Bag AllStars, “406 (Fat Beats Tribute)” (Prod. By The Audible Doctor)
Posted in Media, Video with tags 406, Audible Doctor, Brown Bag AllStars, Fat Beats on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 by Tim AlthausThis video is just another excellent example of what I’ve come to expect from the Brown Bag AllStars. They always great production and deep lyrics that go beyond concepts covered in mainstream rap music – soulful, real life Hip-Hop.
For those of you who were oblivious, all of the cats from Brown Bag used to work at Fat Beats Records in New York, and this song is a dedication to the place that they once called home. From the memories of in-store performances, to the nervousness of going through their job interviews, this song covers it all. The Audible Doctor built a beat that – even if it stood alone – evokes emotion and storytelling. (Side Note: For all of my people in the Mid West, The Audible Doctor is actually originally from Madison, WI. So, I’d like to give him a shout.)
The beginning lines of Koncept’s verse do a great job of summing up the entire crew’s feelings:
“You ever have to say goodbye to your dearest friend/remembering the day he died, wishing he was here again”
Video: Skyzoo, “First Generation Rich” (Prod. By Jahlil Beats)
Posted in Album Update, Media, Video with tags A Dream Deferred, Dwyane Wade, First Generation Rich, Jahlil Beats, Skyzoo, Theo Vs. JJ on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by Tim AlthausThese last few weeks have been amazing because Skyzoo has been releasing a tidal wave of material for the masses. In a post that I put up a couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Sky was supposed to be dropping a mixtape entitled Theo Vs. JJ: Dreams Vs. Reality. I was apprehensive as to whether or not it was going to come out because A Dream Deferred is right around the corner. After I got home from classes yesterday, I decided to go through my usual routine of checking my social media outlets, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Skyzoo dropped a new video for the track “First Generation Rich” – which will be featured on Theo Vs. JJ: Dreams Vs. Reality.
Jahlil Beats (of Roc Nation) lays down a melodically mellow masterpiece that enables Skyzoo to carve out his lane and conduct his craft. In all reality, there was no reason to doubt whether or not Skyzoo was going to put out Theo Vs. JJ because I don’t think he’s capable of disappointing his fans. Based on the quality of The Great Debater, Skzyoo very well could be releasing two album-quality projects in back-to-back months – clearly nothing to complain about.
Make sure you download Theo Vs. JJ: Dreams Vs. Reality when it drops later this week; rest assured, there will definitely be a post here at Mind Inversion.
Here’s what Skyzoo had to say about the concept behind “First Generation Rich”:
“The inspiration for “First Generation Rich” came from me watching an Oprah Winfrey special on the Miami Heat’s recent title win, and she asked Dwyane Wade about his life now, as opposed to when he was a kid in Chicago. He went on to talk about being the first one in his family to have any type of “real money”. In doing so, he used a slogan: “first generation rich”. Oprah acknowledged said slogan, thus signaling that she’d known of/used the term as well when describing what that new found life turns into, and just like that it hit me. FGR. First Generation Rich. The idea of being the first one in your family, the first generation on your side, to make it.”
“Produced by Roc Nation’s Jahlil Beats, the track said everything I needed it to before I even began to write to it. The idea behind the Theo Vs. JJ mixtape was to show the vast differences between highs and lows, living to win and winning to live, fortune and misfortune. FGR. So, shout out to #FGR and everyone who’s felt that feeling within them, this one’s for us.”
Album Update: Skyzoo, A Dream Deferred (Artwork & Tracklisting)
Posted in Album Update with tags 9th Wonder, A Dream Deferred, Black Milk, DJ Khalil, Eric G, Freeway, Jill Scott, Skyzoo, Talib Kweli on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 by Tim Althaus
Since the buzz keeps growing for A Dream Deferred, Skyzoo decided to leak the artwork and tracklisting for the album. I’m excited about the dope album cover, but I’m even more ecstatic to see the producer credits and guest features.
As per usual, Sky will be spitting over beats by !llmind, Black Milk, 9th Wonder, Best Kept Secret & Eric G, but he threw two tracks by DJ Khalil into the mix, and this really excites me: I’ve been saying for a long time that DJ Khalil is one of the best producers in the game, and Skyzoo is my favorite emcee, so naturally my anticipation is off the radar. On the vocal side, listeners can expect to hear collaborations from Talib Kweli, Jill Scott, Freeway, Jared Evans and Raheem Devaughn.
I know I talk about this man quite a bit, but I believe in his music so strongly; if liking top-tier lyricism was considered a crime, then I would definitely be guilty of a hard felony. Make sure you go out to your local record store and grab A Dream Deferred on October 2nd.
Track Listing:
1) Dreams In A Basement featuring Jill Scott (produced by !llmind)
2) Jansport Strings (One Time for Chi-Ali) (produced by 9th Wonder)
3) Pockets Full feat. Freeway (produced by !llmind)
4) Give It Up feat. DJ Prince (produced by !llmind)
5) Glass Ceilings (produced by !llmind)
6) Range Rover Rhythm (produced by Jahlil Beats)
7) The Knowing feat. Jessy Wilson (produced by Eric G)
8) Drew & Derwin feat. Raheem Devaughn (produced by Focus)
9) Realization feat. Jared Evan (produced by DJ Khalil)
10) The Rage of Roemello (produced by DJ Khalil)
11) How to Make it Through Hysteria (produced by Best Kept Secret)
12) Steel’s Apartment (produced by Black Milk)
13) Spike Lee Was My Hero feat. Talib Kweli (produced by Tall Black Guy)
14) The Cost of Sleep (produced by Tall Black Guy)
Reaction Editorial: Did Jay Electronica Ghostwrite for Nasty Nas?
Posted in News, Opinion Editorial with tags Dream Hampton, Ghostwriting, Hip Hop is Dead, Illmatic, Jay Electronica, Nas, Untitled on Monday, August 20, 2012 by Tim Althaus
Obviously, I’m a little late with this post because this whole whirlwind of speculations started last week. According to most of the articles that I’ve read, Jay Electronica was supposedly responsible for ghostwriting duties on Nas’s Untitled album; even more revealing, renowned Hip-Hop journalist Dream Hampton claims that Mr. Elec-Hanukkah could be responsible for more than meets the eye – at least 6 tracks. Of course, Mr. Elec-Yarmulke came out and publicly admitted (via Twitter) that the accusations were absolutely false, and Stic Man of Dead Prez followed suit. It’s hard to be clear if the rumor is true or not, but it definitely raises some valid questions in the Hip-Hop community.
The whole Hip-Hop universe seemed to be in a daze from dismay, but I’m still not sure how I feel about the news. Believe it or not, ghostwriting is a fairly common practice in Hip-Hop, and it really shouldn’t surprise anyone. Artists like Royce Da 5’9″ and Skillz have been writing for other rappers like P-Diddy and Dr. Dre for years. It had even been rumored that Gillie Da Kid wrote the vast majority of Lil’ Wayne’s hit album, Tha Carter.
With that being said, let me pose this question: Why are people making a such a big deal of this particular issue?
The reasons – at least to me – are pretty clear.
Rappers that use ghostwriters aren’t usually considered by many as great lyricists. We all know that Dr. Dre, P-Diddy & Lil’ Wayne have sold millions of records worldwide, but the word “lyricist” doesn’t come to mind when thinking about their talents – performer is more applicable. If anything, ghost writers made their music more tolerable.
Nas is credited for writing one of Hip-Hop’s most magnificent manifestos – Illmatic. Even though the ghostwriting accusations don’t stem from Illmatic, it rubs me the wrong way to think that Nasty Nas had another emcee write his rhymes. Imagine if the scientific community found out that someone else wrote part of Aristotle’s work: all hell would break loose, and pandemonium would ensue. Nas is considered one of the foremost founders in the East Coast Hip-Hop scene, so this rumor holds a great deal of significance. Any way that you look at it, this whole issue is just a hard thought to stomach.
Nas is an artist that has withstood the test of time; even though a lot of people would consider some of his releases sub-par compared to Illmatic, he’s still considered one of the greatest lyricists of all-time – without question. If the ghostwriting rumors are true about Untitled, I can’t help but wonder if ghostwriting was prevalent in his previous releases. This whole controversy could end up becoming a slippery slope with no foreseeable end.
Even though Jay Elec’s good friend FWMJ verified that Jay wrote on Untitled, I still don’t know what to believe. This is what it all boils down to in my eyes: Back in 2006, Nas was bold enough to name his album Hip Hop is Dead; if he is guilty of using ghostwritten rhymes, then he might also be guilty of killing the very art form that personified his career.
Album Update: P.O.S., We Don’t Even Live Here
Posted in Album Update, Media, Video with tags Bon Iver, Bumper, cecil otter, Lazerbeak, Mike Mictlan, p.o.s, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Sims, We Don't Even Live Here on Thursday, August 16, 2012 by Tim Althaus
Good music keeps oozing from the pores of the Hip-Hop Heavyweights over at Rhymesayers Entertainment. Aesop Rock just released another stellar album last month; Brother Ali is releasing his new album in September, and now it has been announced that P.O.S. will release his fourth studio album – We Don’t Even Live Here – on October 23rd.
According to the press release I read, We Don’t Even Live Here will favor more futuristic beats influenced by the Euro club scene. Even though P.O.S. is going to keep his Hip-Hop roots grounded by collaborating with regular names like Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak, Mike Mictlan and Sims, We Don’t Even Live Here will feature beats from artists like Boyz Noise & Housemeister – DJs who make dance-oriented music. Fans can also expect to hear Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) lending his vocals to the album.
This will be Stef’s first album since he released the masterpiece Never Better back in 2009; three years is a long wait, so I’m definitely stoked to hear some new solo material is coming out. I’ve been a huge fan of everything he’s done so far, and I think that his strategy to shake things up could pay off big dividends.
Recently, Stef performed a live version of the lead single from We Don’t Even Live Here – “Bumper” – for Pitchfork City of Music, and if it’s any indication of what the album’s going to sound like, then listeners are in for a very interesting and intense ride. I know I can’t wait to buy my ticket.
Brother Ali is “Mourning in America”
Posted in Audio, Media with tags Brother Ali, Jake One, Mourning in America, Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 by Tim Althaus
Holy heat rock Batman! Brother Ali & Jake One have dropped an atomic bomb on my ears! A while back, I posted the first single off of Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color – “Stop The Press”. I wasn’t really too keen on the beat that Jake One had cooked up for “Stop The Press”, but “Mourning in America” is a much different story; Mr. Uno builds an emphatic ensemble that allows Brother Ali to vent about his views on war and violence in America, and to be quite frank, Ali’s not afraid to speak out:
“Overseas we can mutilate and mangle /Let me give you an example what our troops are coming back to /Cold cities where the youth are getting strangled /The community in peril and our future looking narrow/Your school already failed you /The boys in blue will nail you they salute you with a barrel /The streets are a certified dead zone /Decorated with chalk lines and headstones”
Every time I hear a new song from this album, it gets better and better; my anticipation for this album is off the charts, so September 18th can’t come soon enough. I – much like many of Ali’s fans – was nervous when I heard that Ant wasn’t going to have any production credits to his name on this album, but I think that this album is going to end up far better than I could have ever anticipated.
You can pre-order the album through Fifth Element.
Album Update: Murs & Fashawn, This Generation
Posted in Album Update, Audio, Media with tags Beatnick & K-Salaam, Boy Meets World, Duck Down Records, Fashawn, Murs, Paid Dues, This Generation on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 by Tim Althaus
I was on Facebook today, and I randomly scrolled over the album cover because I thought it was just a track; sometimes I don’t know what I would do without Facebook because it seems like I always stumble across new music material via my news feed. I was completely oblivious to this, but apparently Murs & Fashawn are teaming up to release a full-length album produced entirely by Beatnick & K-Salaam. The project will be released on Duck Down Records, and it will hit stores on September 25th.
Whether you realize it or not, Murs is an O.G. and a legend in the West Coast Hip-Hop game; he’s collaborated with the best of them, and he gets mad respect from cats all across the nation. He even teamed up with Guerilla Union to start the Paid Dues concert series – which is a big deal in the Hip-Hop community.
Fashawn is one of the best emcees from the Left Coast, and I’ve been itching to hear a proper release from Fashawn since he dropped Boy Meets World – his classic debut album. He’s dropped a few mixtapes in the interim, but I’m glad to see that he’s dropping another official studio album. I’m hoping – even though it may be a little ambitious – that Fash will drop his Sophomore album The Ecology sometime this year; any time that Fashawn and Exile team up, it’s an instant recipe for greatness.
You can peep the album’s lead single (“Flash Gordan”) and tracklisting down below.
Skyzoo, “Jansport Strings (One Time For Chi-Ali)” (Prod. By 9th Wonder)
Posted in Album Update, Audio, Media with tags 9th Wonder, A Dream Deferred, Chi-Ali, Duck Down, Jansport Strings, Skyzoo, The Faculty on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 by Tim Althaus
I feel like the lord is constantly answering my prayers pertaining to this album. I just put up a post the other day about Sky finishing his upcoming album A Dream Deferred, and today he dropped the lead single – “Jansport Strings”. 9th Wonder lays down a laid back beat full of jovial horns, and as expected, Skyzoo spits cryptographic rhymes about growing up with his friends in Brooklyn and “earning his Jansport Strings”.
Skyzoo provided some insight into the meaning of this track:
“The idea behind Jansport Strings is not based on it being literal, but more so in the figurative sense. As a kid in NY, the strings on your Jansport bag were a sign of power and presence. Kids would steal the strings off of each other’s bags and burn the tips to prevent getting robbed of them once they got them.”
“The song is a 3 minute auto-bio of me as a kid in Brooklyn and seeing more than my friends and I had bargained for. In essence, my Jansport strings tied it all together, seeing what we all saw and what it made us. The ending is a clip from Video Music Box, the legendary NYC video show run by DJ Ralph McDaniels. This episode in particular was the debut of Chi-Ali’s ‘Age Ain’t Nothin But A Number’. Seeing that video that day on this episode of VMB made me start rhyming. This clip was literally the moment that changed my life”.
It was also announced today that A Dream Deferred will be dropping on October 2nd via Duck Down Music and Skyzoo’s new label imprint The Faculty ; I’m so happy that it’s only a couple months away. I’ve been waiting on this album since Live From The Tape Deck dropped, and even though that was only two years ago, it seems like far more than that. If Sky’s previous work is any indication of listeners can expect, then A Dream Deferred will change the way that we interpret lyrics… again.
Reaction Editoral: The Source Ranks The 50 Greatest Lyricists of All-Time
Posted in News, Opinion Editorial with tags Black Thought, DMX, Elzhi, Kanye West, Lyricism, Pharoahe Monch, Rick Ross, Skyzoo, The Source on Monday, August 6, 2012 by Tim Althaus
There is one thing that I have to ask before I descend any further into this post: is the opinion of The Source and its writers even relevant anymore? I personally feel like it has become one of the most watered down and bland Hip-Hop magazines on news stands; most of the articles, if not all, are full of information that is readily regurgitated without any effort whatsoever. Here’s the sad part: I remember when I was younger and The Source was my primary means of getting information on the Hip-Hop game. Sadly, times have drastically changed; magazines like Wax Poetics and Respect fuel my fire when I need some gasoline, and if I’m really hard up, I’ll go to XXL.
I was at Barnes & Noble the other day, and something on the cover on the July issue of The Source caught my eye: “Top 50 Lyricists”. I had to humor myself and take a look at what the brilliant reporters over at The Source had to say about this issue. With a tagline like “Now in an age when lyricism is taking a backseat to celebrity, The Source brings you the top 50 lyricists of all-time in an effort to put some focus back on the platform”, you would think that they actually had a great list – not quite.
I will admit that there were a lot of names that I didn’t even expect to see on the list – Pharoahe Monch, Black Thought, Guru & Big L to name a few. At the same time, there were emcees that I did not agree with at all, and the ones that I thought should have been included were very low on the list. In my opinion, some of the greatest emcees in the history of the game didn’t even get a nod at all.
Just a few of my main gripes with this fine piece of literature:
– How do you even include Rick Ross or Lil’ Wayne on this list? Aren’t they the epitome of lyricism taking a backseat to “celebrity”? I think so, and I can assure you that lyricist isn’t the first adjective I would use to describe The Teflon Don or Mr. Carter.
– Black Thought was ranked #34. What? You’re kidding right? Mr. Trotter deserves a top ten nod, especially amongst artists like Lil’ Wayne and Kanye West – who were all featured higher.
– Royce Da 5’9″ ranks in at #48 – just five spots below DMX. I don’t really think that I need to comment on this one too much further; most people reading this article probably agree that Nickel should much closer to top twenty.
– It’s great to have Lil’ Kim and Queen Latifah on the list representing the females, but in all honesty, Jean Grae and Rah Digga are both far better lyricists than the aforementioned women.
– I’m very happy that GZA & Method Man got a nod on this list, but GZA should have been higher without question; furthermore, where in the hell is Ghostface Killah? Tony Starks didn’t even make this list, and he should have easily cracked the top 15.
– Cats like Masta Ace & C.L. Smooth, and MF Doom didn’t get any recognition – not even an honorable mention.
– Although artists like Skyzoo and Elzhi are younger and haven’t garnered as much recognition as the rest on this list, they possess an enormous amount of skill, and if I had a say, they would have gotten some notoriety.
I really could go on-and-on about this list; they got a lot of things right, but outside of the top 10, they got even more wrong. At the end of the day, I can only voice my opinion and hope that people within the Hip-Hop community will open their eyes and realize that there is much more out there than what is seen on TV and heard on the radio.
You can view the entire list here.
MIND INVERSION 