Showing posts with label Album Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Album Review. Show all posts

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Album Review: The-Dream "Love King"


This week was the release of singer/superwriter The-Dream's, "Love King." It took me a few days to digest the album because my initial listens didn't offer me any worth while sensations. But after 3 days, I removed all of my expectations and listened to the album for what it was.

"Love King" caught my attention from the self titled single that proclaimed his dominance over the female gender. One thing that I can appreciate about Dream is that he does not saturate his albums with colabs. He truly gives his listeners a peek inside of his brain and his personal life through self confession. He continues a saga created on his first album about a fling he addresses as Nikki, which seems to be coming to a head. I guess fans have to keep following this story which is only told on his records.

Despite Dreams commercial success he contributes a simplistic relevance to R&B. Suggested listens are: Yamaha, Nikki,Panties To the Side, Love King. Grade B Check out the video Trilogy below hot shit!

The Dream - Trilogy from Motion Family on Vimeo.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Album Review: Drake "Thank Me Later"


The wait is over. Hip Hops new king is here to reign! Or is he? The anticipation has set standards that are almost impossible for Drake to live up to. It was my fear that he was set up for failure.

My first listen through was very unfulfilling. Not that it wasn't good, there just wasn't an "initial impact." No super hot tracks, no clever hooks. And after listening to the album I realized that he was singing just as much as he was rapping. I personally enjoy him more as an emcee considering the fading trend of Auto Tune.

I don't want to be a total hater, so I will say this: Drake is very close to being a lyrical genius. There are great metaphors, and superb verses on this record. The guy can rap. But with the expectations set by the industry and himself, this album is far from classic work. Especially from someone who claims to run hip hop!

Get the record. Expect to hear great verses, great colabs (Jeezy, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, T.I., Alicia Keys), but thats about it. My Fav is "Thank Me Now."

DaNastyOne

Grade: B-