Fresh Off The Press | Watch The Throne

Congratulations to Jay-Z and Kanye are in order for taking on the entire internet-using community and winning. In the current insta-gratification world we live in, it is all too common for a highly anticipated album to leak out ahead of its expected release date. "The Throne" managed do what was thought impossible and beat the system by releasing their body of work the old fashioned way: on time! *gasp* Needless to say, hype achieved unprecedented levels, and the moment the album was released on iTunes, many in the hip-hop community straight soiled themselves. Probably.

Sure I could take the high road and save the internet from yet another opinion on something that without a doubt has been overly discussed and scrutinized, but wouldn't that defeat the whole purpose of one's blog? Where's the fun in that?

1. No Church In The Wild ft. Frank Ocean - Interestingly enough, it isn't a verse from Jay or Kanye that kicks off the record, but rather it's Frank Ocean's voice who delivers the song's chorus. With such an amazing co-sign from two legendary artists, we can all expect to hear Odd Futures' resident crooner on many more hooks to come. A pretty simple Kanye bass line-driven beat acts as a buildup for the album if anything else. As far as the verses go, I was relieved to hear Jay back on a faster flow than displayed on BP3.

2. Lift Off ft. Beyonce - This track could've been so much more. Not to say this is by any means a bad song, but with such a great instrumental in place, it seemed a shame to hear mostly Beyonce's chorus, Kanye's singing and Jay's bad excuse for a verse performed in lazy flow mode. The breakdown of the beat at the end somewhat redeemed these shortcomings and also worked to blend excellently into Niggas in Paris. (Woah can I type that?)

3. Niggas In Paris (...everybody cool?) - Blades Of Glory sample cracks me up every time. "That shit cray!"

4. Otis ft. Otis Redding - Chuck D criticized this song for it's use of an Otis sample to rhyme about braggadocio. Originally I felt the same way, wondering why "The Throne" couldn't have rapped about something more meaningful. However, nowadays I feel that such an aggressive beat couldn't have been used to its full effect in any other way. Either way, I'm not a big fan of that screaming.

5. Gotta Have It - I was really expecting more of a traditional "I Gotcha" style beat from the Neptunes, so I was completely surprised to hear an Asian influenced sound. Had I guessed, I would've credited the beat to an early 2000's Timbaland. The instrumental is quite repetitive, so it was a good choice to make the song short and sweet.

6. New Day - This was one of my most anticipated songs to hear on the album mainly because: Jay-Z x RZA. The auto-tune sample in the background of the song definitely put me off at first, but it works much better upon multiple listens. Jay and Kanye reflecting upon their potential future children makes for arguably the most personal and compelling subject matter on the album.

7. That's My Bitch ft. Elly Jackson - Heard an unfinished version of this song a while ago, but damn they did great job on mastering it. Track reminds me of Kanye's "Lost In The World" in the tribal drums meets the future kind of way. "Q-Tip on the beat too!"

8. Welcome To The Jungle - *Phew* Swizz Beatz managed to make a pretty decent beat for once. The violin takes Swizzy's simple beat and transforms it into exactly the kind of dark hip-hop I expected to hear on Watch The Throne since H.A.M. came out. Funny that this was the only song I was worried about when I first read the official track listing, and I once thought that Swizz would actually sample "Welcome To The Jungle" for a hip-hop song...

9. Who Gon Stop Me - What the? Is that dubstep? Am I still listening to the collaboration album by Kanye West and Jay-Z called Watch The Throne? Not too bad...

10. Murder To Excellence - Possibly my favorite song on the album, which is about African-American culture's history of violence on "Murder" and then halfway through the song a sudden change of perspective with "Excellence". The powerful sample on the beat definitely provides the winning touch. Looking at the liner notes, it was interesting to see Quincy Jones' name among the contributors since he is one of my favorite producers of all-time for his work with the late Michael Jackson.

11. Made In America ft. Frank Ocean - Nice to hear a more uplifting track that departs from the darker beats that made up the rest of the album. Kanye reminisces on his rise to success while Jay recalls his earlier street hustling days. Frank provides a gentle hook that really gives the song that final push from feel good to feel great. Did you know that it was Kanye's mom who met No I.D. and set up the meeting between them? Ya me neither.

12. Why I Love You ft. Mr. Hudson - This song, in my mind, truly redeems my faith in Jay-Z as a rapper. Nothing but Reasonable Doubt flow on this one. The track mainly features Jay-Z on vocal duty, while Kanye provides an excellent back and forth that I really appreciate when it comes to hip-hop. Hov back!

I doubt there is anyone out there who hasn't just downloaded the whole album, but if you have no space on your iPod or something, I'd call these necessities:

Niggas In Paris

New Day

That's My Bitch ft. Elly Jackson

Murder To Excellence

Why I Love You ft. Mr. Hudson

9/10

100 Days of Summer | part 17

On Saturday, Ryan (Hello Saskatoon) and myself were discussing the N*E*R*D/The Neptunes before their most recent albums 'Seeing Sounds' and the most recent, 'Nothing'. Reminiscing on old songs and the production behind it, comparing new artists to N*E*R*D and discussing the similarities/differences. It's funny to think that 'In Search Of...' was released 9 years ago (that was when I was 11 years old), and I now realize that N*E*R*D were a huge influence on my taste in music and fashion. With that being said... it encouraged me to take a listen to some of the songs that really influenced me as a kid. Enjoy!

Download: "Rock Star" - N*E*R*D
Download: "Maybe" - N*E*R*D
Download: "Us Placers" - CRS (Pharrell, Lupe, Kanye)

Bring It Back | Sky High

DJ Benzi, Plain Pat & Kanye bring you some of the best remixes in this mixtape. I actually listened to this today at work, it brought back some good memories. Good music. Download it. 

Fotography Fridays | Atiba Jefferson

When you think of Atiba Jefferson, you think of the best skateboard photographers of all-time. He has captured some of the most iconic and memorable moments in skateboarding, while making them look flawless. Maybe I was just a little too focused or uneducated? Little did I know,  he has worked with some of the biggest non-skateboarding brands in the world (Pepsi, ESPN, Adidas, and Nike ...too name a few). As well as, some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment (Kanye West, Lebron James, Shaun White, Eric Koston, Reggie Bush, and Snoop Dogg... too name a few). I find it mind boggling: that he finds enough time to share his art with so many different audiences. Still being the best at whatever he does, he is a natural behind the lens.

Not only does he spend time doing photography, some of his down time is spent skating and playing in The Goat & The Occasional Others. Check out some of my favorites: 

Andrew Reynolds// Frontside Flip// Vancouver "Go Skateboarding Day" 2009

This is probably one of my all time favorite skate photo's. Two beasts doing what they do best.

Paul Rodriguez Jr.

Basically the Michael Jordan of skateboarding. Have you seen his Plan B part?!

Allen Iverson// The Pursuit Of Happiness // SLAM Magazine Issue #107 

I actually have had this in my bedroom for three and a half years now, I was a huge Allen Iverson fan. I used to get a subscription to the magazine every year, I did not know Atiba took the photo. 

Kanye West

Lupe Fiasco

This is rad. I think this was around when 'Food & Liquor' was released. Before he became a household name.

Hollywood Fires

I want this in a frame.

Lake

Love the colours.

Fans in the desert

I was in Palm Springs in the summer, and there were a ridiculous amount of these.

This could be a movie poster or album art. So dope.

Fresh Off The Press | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In his latest album, Kanye West has once again proved why he is a true pioneer in hip-hop. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kanye has never made the same album twice. His production/musical style has always built onto itself and changed, while the rest of hip-hop has scrambled to keep up.

Ye's debut album College Dropout not only brought back the soul sample, but at the same time proved that soulful beats could be hits with the masses. A year later on Late Registration, Kanye brought in Jon Brion to refine his production with a more orchestral sound, while still keeping his soulful roots. Also worth noting is the fact that Kanye collaborated with acclaimed producer Just Blaze for Touch the Sky, something Kanye had never done before. 2 years after that, Kanye once-again raised the bar with Graduation, infusing synth-heavy electro-pop/rock with his polished sped up soul samples, working with producer DJ Toomp on several tracks. Definitely a triumphant album. Now we all know what happened next... Kanye's mother passed away, and he made what is widely regarded as his worst album to date. Although I wasn't particularly fond of 808's and Heartbreak (repetitive lyrics and heavy Auto-tune anyone?), it did give Kanye experience with the vocoder, and more complex drum patterns. Despite my qualms with the instrumentals, it contained some of Kanye's most emotionally compelling work so far. A hit and a miss effort. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the culmination of all of Kanye's influences and experiences. It incorporates everything that worked and failed for Kanye in the past, resulting in one of the most unique hip-hop albums ever created.

1. Dark Fantasy: Kanye's albums have generally started off with impressive intros, and this RZA and No I.D. co-produced track is no exception. Nicki Minaj narrates in a faux-British accent before Charlie Wilson and Keri Hilson-esque vocals harmonize the chorus: "Can we get much higher? So high..." Kanye spits some of his finest trademark quotables over an incredibly infectious piano and synth loop : "The plan was, to drink until the pain over/ but what's worse, the pain or the hangover?/ Fresh air, rollin' down the window/ Too many Urkels on your team, that's why your Winslow." Arguably my favorite track on the album.

2. Gorgeous ft. Kid Cudi & Raekwon: This is a debut of a new musical style for Kanye. A laid-back track featuring a smooth guitar loop, a soft high-hat, and Kid Cudi handling the hook quite well, working within his rather limited vocal range. Kanye preaches his usual arrogant minutiae ala Graduation's The Glory that we all expect and love via distorted vocals. The true highlight of the track comes from Raekwon, who works emcee magic whilst being accompanied by electric guitar.

3. Power ft. Dwele: The perfect example of all of Kanye's musical techniques coming together in one song. You've got a powerful soul sample, polished orchestral strings, distorted vocals and a cinematic breakdown of the beat near the end. A perfect musical backdrop for Ye' to stunt while confessing his frustrations: "I just needed time alone, with my own thoughts/ Got treasures in my mind but couldn't open up my own vault/My childlike creativity, purity and honesty/ is honestly being crowded by these grown thoughts." Epic, and more chaotic than Kanye's previous collaboration with Dwele on Flashing Lights.

4. All of the Lights Interlude: An excellent prelude that sounds like something you'd hear at a symphony orchestra. The haunting strings sound so despairing that you'll be completely caught off-guard for the insanity that comes next...

5. All of the Lights: The "Stronger" of MBDTF, and one of the most overwhelming works from Mr. West. It's a blaring anthem with loud triumphant horns, and has one of the most INSANE drum patterns I've ever heard in hip-hop. The features here are so random, it seems as though Kanye picked them out of a hat. All of the Lights is a sonic masterpiece; a song that sets a new standard for producers everywhere.

6. Monster ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver: This track is one of the many posse cuts from G.O.O.D Fridays. Everyone featured, with the exception of Rick Ross, contribute to the track very nicely. The true winner here is Nicki Minaj, who manages to outshine both Jay-Z and Kanye with a wild and animated verse.

7. So Appalled ft. Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & The RZA: A posse cut from G.O.O.D Fridays that could've used one or two less features. Although Kanye, Jay, Pusha and Cy Hi satisfy with some very clever rhymes, Swizz and RZA's inclusions on the hook are completely unnecessary. It's a confusing move, making you wonder why they weren't given any verses (especially RZA). Despite these shortcomings, the dark beat fits in well with the tone of the album, and makes good use of Kanye's signature sampling.

8. Devil in a New Dress ft. Rick Ross: A gloomy soulful track produced by Bink!, one of the musical architects of Jay-Z's The Blueprint. Kanye sounds at his most natural here, delivering some great rhymes: "Hood phenomenon, the Lebron of rhyme/ Hard to be humble when you stuntin' on a jumbotron.""I hit the Jamaican spot, at the bar, take a seat/ I ordered the jerk, she said you are what you eat." Unlike on Monster, Rick Ross' feature is well-earned with his verses on what is undoubtedly my favourite beat breakdown on the whole album.

9. Runaway ft. Pusha T: This is the longest song on the album, and is (of course) an ode to himself and other douchebags (his critics perhaps?): "Let's have a toast for the douchebags, Let's have a toast for the assholes, Let's have a toast for the scumbags, and every one of them that I know/ Let's have a toast to the jerkoffs, that never take work off/ Baby I got a plan, run away as fast as you can..." It's a good thing Kanye chose to keep some of the samples used in the VMA performance, because they end up enriching the final product. Clocking in at 9 minutes, you'd expect for the song to become tedious, but Kanye knowingly breaks down his piano and synth beat roughly halfway through. Kanye also takes autotune in a new direction, by harmonizing his heavily distorted voice with sombre violin strings to haunting effect.

10. Hell of A Life: An angry and synth-heavy anthem that succeeds in being one of Kanye's most offensive songs yet. Kanye doesn't hold back, chronicling his wildest dreams: "One day I'm gon' marry a porn star/ We'll have a big ass crib and a long yard/ We'll have a mansion and some fly maids/ Nothin' to hide, we both screwed the bridesmaid." Kanye's pants of exhaustion near the end of the track reveal signs of regret in his lifestyle; an interesting addition to the song that makes Kanye seem much more sensitive, despite all evidence towards the contrary.

11. Blame Game ft. John Legend: A definite contender as my favourite track on the album, and also a testament to Kanye's growth as a songwriter. The despairing strings and somber keys create a beautiful backdrop which Kanye uses to vent: "On the bathroom wall I wrote: I'd rather argue with you than be with someone else/I took a piss and dismiss it, like fuck it, and I went and found somebody else/ Fuck arguing or harvesting the feelings, yo I'd rather be by my fuckin' self/Till about 2 AM and I call back and I hang up and blame myself... somebody help." With John Legend's soulful vocals on such a sorrowful song, his performance on the hook couldn't go wrong. Chris Rock also makes an appearance, bringing some humour to an otherwise bitter track.

12. Lost in the World ft. Bon Iver/ Who Will Survive in America: For those who have seen Runaway (the short film that accompanies the deluxe edition of the album), this track will undoubtedly remind you of the climax in the film. This track samples Bon Iver's song "Woods", making it a grandiose affair, by building on top of it with upbeat drums and vocal samples. Lost in the World also features Kanye's favourite verse he's ever written: "You're my devil, you're my angel/ You're my heaven, you're my hell/You're my now, you're my forever/ You're my freedom, you're my jail/You're my lies, you're my truth / You're my war, you're my truce/You're my questions, you're my proof/You're my stress and you're my masseuse." *sigh* That’s beautiful, and one of the reasons why Lost is one of my favourite Kanye tracks EVER. Who Will Survive in America is an excellent outro, featuring a preaching Gil Scott Heron. It uses the same instrumental as Lost in the World, but gradually breaks it down until there is only silence, followed by slightly awkward applause. A fitting end to Kanye's most shocking and daring work to date.

9.5/10

The Joy ft. Pete Rock, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Charlie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield & Kid Cudi

Thank you Kanye, for delivering on G.O.O.D Fridays. For the first time ever, Jay-Z spits over a smooth Pete Rock beat. Bring on Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch The Throne and that Pete Rock vs. DJ Premier project! Happy Halloween weekend and ListenUp!

G.O.O.D. Fridays

If you don't already know about this... You must be asleep.

Kanye has been releasing 'hype' tracks every Friday for free on his website. Collaborating with the best, on the dopest beats. Here is what he has laid down:

Tomorrow is Friday. Get hyped. ListenUp.

Duck Sauce - Barbra Streisand (Official Music Video)

DJ A-Trak + DJ Armand Van Helden = Duck Sauce. This song is so catchy! Peep the Boney M sample and cameos from a host of musical artists like Pharrell, Kanye West, ?uestlove and DJ Premier. ListenUp!

Runaway

Creativity is a mental process involving the discovery of new ideas or concepts. Thinking for yourself, and your art. Being abstract, and thinking outside the box. Pushing all boundaries over, not letting critics let you think differently.

As you may, or may not have known; Kanye West has recently released his newest endeavor, "Runaway". A short 34-minute film shot in Prague, directed/starred/story by Mr. West. Showcasing, his creativity/ideas/story all while... endorsing his ever-so celebrated 5th studio album: "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"(releasing November 23rd). The movie features quite a few songs, that will be featured on the new album; including "All Of The Lights", featuring an abundant of artists.

Kanye presents an endless amount of colour in each scene, each with different meanings(?). He used a lot of colour that all seemed to work well together: mauve, teal, off white, salmon, taupe and cream; to name a few. If you look at Ye's other work: Yeezy's, Louie Vuitton shoes, past album art, and his style; you can see the similarities. Kanye is a visionary, that's why he can get away with producing any medium of art (Artist, Designer, Director, Musician, Producer, Writter). The 'dining' scene showcases a large amount of African American men and women, being served by caucasian men and women; which is stirring up some peoples views. But, Ye assured that, he wasn't the vision behind that scene.

The whole story is placed around the character "Phoenix"(played by the gorgeous: Selita Ebanks), who fell from the sky in a burning fireball. Mr. West's character ("Griffin") rescues her. While the Phoenix is on earth, she is treated different in the social environments. But, at the same time she teaches him about 'rising from the ashes' as she returns home. This whole idea of a "Phoenix" is purely based on a metaphor. As we all know, Kanye disappeared from the 'limelight' after the biggest story of 2009. His career was 'turned to ashes' as he left the country to work on his creativity, views, and personal life; to avoid all contact with media. Now, Kanye's career is so large and excepted by many as he 'rises from the ashes'. 

If you haven't seen the film, check it out: ListenUp. Put your own feelings and ideas of the movie into your head, take it how you want.

After the movie aired on BET & MTV, Kanye met up with Rocsi (BET) and Sway (MTV); to answer questions about the film. Including speaking about: "Watch The Throne", rock music, his creative process, his mother, G.O.O.D. Music roster, G.O.O.D. Fridays, and the 5th studio album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".

G.O.O.D. Music / Rosewood

This is soooo G.O.O.D!

Check out this video of Big Sean and G.O.O.D. Music/Rosewood on the set at XXL. They were recently featured in this month's issue. Go pick up a copy, I got mine. G.O.O.D. Music is on fire right now.

KiD CuDi- Erase Me ft. Kanye West. (Official Video)

Super funny video. Still thinks it sounds a lot like Weezer.

Kanye on Ellen.

Kanye being one of my favorite artists and Ellen is fricken hilarious. I liked this video alot. The end is real funny, "I just thought the diamonds were cooler".

All Of The Lights.

Word on the street is that Kanye's 3rd single off of "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" (Releases on November 23rd) will feature 11 artists on one song! I am so stoked for this. Here is the line-up:

-Alicia Keys

-Charlie Wilson

-The-Dream

-Elly Jackson (La Roux)

-Elton John

-Fergie

-John Legend

-KiD CuDi

-Rihanna

-Ryan Leslie

-Tony Williams

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy: Banned Album Art.

My Dream Collaborations Have Come True!!!

Based on Kanye's work ethic of late (G.O.O.D Fridays), this WILL happen. Right?

Fingers crossed....

Power Remix ft. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

Now that's how you remix a song! Kanye kills it. His album's gonna be album of the year! Get listenin' here.

Power - Kanye West

We are so excited for October 12th. Kanye is going to change the game with this album.

Kanye West ft. Dwele - Power

It's been a long time coming. A new record from Kanye West's highly anticipated fifth album Good Ass Job. This track incorporates all of Kanye's musical styles: the soul samples of College Dropout, the orchestral strings, and polished feel of Late Registration, the "stadium status" of Graduation, and the tribal drums off of 808's and Heartbreak. If this is any indication of what Good Ass Job will bring, color me ecstatic.

Drake - Find Your Love.

Produced By Kanye West, It is a very 'Kanye' beat.

KanyeWest "Coldest Winter". Directed by: Nabil Elderkin.

Finally a visual for this real great track off of "808's and Heartbreaks", this video was actually directed by the same guy who worked with Kanye for the Glow in The Dark Book. Both, the book and this video, are really good. I would like to see more from this man named Nabil. 

ALSO!

check out Kanye's NEW WEBPAGE!!!

HERE!