Travis Scott is killing everything atm
Conway and WestsideGunn, check them out if you like NY rao.
Eh, nice idea, poor execution.
Haven't heard his album yet though, most of my friends have said it's good though i'll check it out over the weekend.
Haven't heard his album yet though, most of my friends have said it's good though i'll check it out over the weekend.
If you have 3 hours spare. If you don't, make 3 hours spare. Also appears if this might become an actual thing and not a one-off:
Last edited:
He was talking about it on Drink Champs last week. He battled Kanye first, according to him, though I haven't seen it myself. He wanted to battle loads of top names.
Who would have thought Hip Hop and the Tory Party find some common ground
http://www.factmag.com/2017/02/26/meek-mill-slammed-forcing-homeless-man-push-ups-20/
What a massive cnut.
http://www.factmag.com/2017/02/26/meek-mill-slammed-forcing-homeless-man-push-ups-20/
What a massive cnut.
He is superb!
My problem with this is, not so much forcing the homeless guy to do push ups, but why film it?
If someone offered me £20 to do 20 push ups i'd say yes, of course you would. But filming it was unnecessary, if you're going to give money to the needy then don't show off about it.
It's incredibly dehumanising. The guy is homeless, he's not a circus monkey. Also there's a difference between me and you doing a few push ups for a cheeky £20 so that we can spend it later in the pub and someone having to do it for basic essentials like food or water.
Oh yeah I completely agree, it's a shameful act and filming it only solidified this also.
Either give him money or don't. Don't try and dress it up like you're doing him a favour by making him 'work' for it.
At this point I'm starting to think Meek Mill realises the predicament he's in with his 'diss' at Drake hugely backfiring and is attempting to go full-Heel mode.
He still gave the dude 20 dollars loool
People that don't gibe to the needy up in arms about this, not that serious at all. People extra 'Anti-Meek' since this Drake stuff, it's corny
People that don't gibe to the needy up in arms about this, not that serious at all. People extra 'Anti-Meek' since this Drake stuff, it's corny
Been listening to these 2 mixtapes for a while now.
Looking forward to new Rick Ross (album) dropping next week.
Aye.
Where can I avoid going to get a download link for the new Drake?
It's not out and it will be premiered on Apple Music via OVOSoundRadio at 6PM ET. So it will be available around 11/12 tonight UK.
I'd definitely avoid the usual torrenting websites, they'll definitely have it illegally ripped on there. Another place named 2trilli might be best to avoid
I know this is minor, but these days with the amount of music streaming services available for free or up to £10 monthly, access to almost any album you want on demand,
illegally downloading stuff is actually much more of a hassle and inconvenience.
I was big on it in the early 2000's because duh, who wasn't. But I always support artists i'm a fan of when I can. Might not matter for the likes of Drake, but the other rappers who don't get as much radio play or recognition and continue to stay underground, because everyone is a fan but not every fan wants to pay for the service.
And there's no need for it, we don't have to pay £10 every other week when an album drops anymore.
Rant over.
Rick Ross' album was pretty good, as expected from Rozay.
Looking forward to the OVO playlist tonight though, Drake disappointed me heavily with Views. I better hear some crooning over a fleeting romance with a stripper.
illegally downloading stuff is actually much more of a hassle and inconvenience.
I was big on it in the early 2000's because duh, who wasn't. But I always support artists i'm a fan of when I can. Might not matter for the likes of Drake, but the other rappers who don't get as much radio play or recognition and continue to stay underground, because everyone is a fan but not every fan wants to pay for the service.
And there's no need for it, we don't have to pay £10 every other week when an album drops anymore.
Rant over.
Rick Ross' album was pretty good, as expected from Rozay.
Looking forward to the OVO playlist tonight though, Drake disappointed me heavily with Views. I better hear some crooning over a fleeting romance with a stripper.
On first listen, Ross' album is amazing.
Yep loving it - he's on top of the game IMO
He doesn't get enough credit.
Rick Ross album is the best album I've heard this year. Brilliant.
Streaming is useful but probably pretty bad overall and I hate how the idea of a physical album has effectively been killed because I really enjoyed reading liner notes and shit like that. Also means the artists sees far less for their actual product (although touring and merchandise is where it is at now) and the idea of corporations monopolizing the music that people hear scares the shit out of me.
We are living in the time of hivemind culture where people are decreasingly detached from the actual reality of what they hear and are more invested in the aesthetic package that is presented to them. If Apple start cutting deals with Chance, Drake, Future etc. and everyone thinks they need Apple Music and no one is visiting DatPiff or LiveMixtapes or whatever then those guys are going to be rendered useless and you end up with an effectively normalized culture.
Where is the motivation to create genuinely great and well crafted art if you will sell more albums through streaming because you put 20 songs on your album instead of 12? Where do kids of the future trace the lineage of this rap shit if they are force fed what's trendy by Apple and aren't motivated to research the past? Will the kids even have access to radio freestyles and old DJ Clue mixtapes? Who documents and protects the culture going forward and who do we listen to for actual, legitimate sources of criticism and analysis that force us as rap listeners to think more about the rap we listen to? And when artists align with specific corporations to have exclusives they are doing the complete opposite of what DatPiff and LiveMixtapes do and making it free to everyone because they are only actually making it available to those privileged enough to have access.
The 5th question in this interview is interesting:
https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/anohni-on-art-corporations-and-the-music-industry/
Until then shoutout to WorldStar, DatPiff and LiveMixtapes for being cultural outposts that representing the breadth of hip hop and giving everybody a chance and an equal foundation.
Long ramble but generally I'm super sceptical of streaming and the machinations behind it and the ultimate message it sends to artists.
You're sceptical of streaming but DatPiff, Live Mixtapes WS etc are all internet based steaming sites, you just don't pay a subscription, and by definition - you're getting mixtapes not official album releases.
Plus the introduction of Apple Music, Spotify etc isn't what killed off physical album sales - that was torrenting and looking for other 'sources' to listen to music. Apple Music & Spotify were created to combat illegal downloading. So it doesn't make sense for you to take up issue with their creation, meanwhile going by your Drake post - you're part of the problem that caused their creation in the first place. (I am too)
You can still buy albums, I do. Some artists like Kendrick or Drake are automatic purchases, others i'll stream first and if I love it ill buy it too, but for most people i'm happy to stream their album and delete or re-download as and when I feel like it.
Motivation to create art will always be there if the artist is hungry enough, rappers like Chance have pioneered the way an artist can put out his music. Kanye has told us that his albums will be forever Live, meaning they can change and update at any time, and that's made possible by streaming. Drake is about to give us a 30+ playlist. Frank Ocean & Beyonce have conceptual and visual albums etc.
The artistry isn't dead at all, by contrast I think we're seeing music evolve an artists taking more creative control of their entire process. Physical albums meant you were limited by your label to create commercial content. If the purpose of streaming is to tay relevant, then it only makes sense to take risks with your artistry.
The culture is in a fantastic position, I don't see how Spotify and Apple Music are a threat to it? They've expanded the audience of just about everyone because it gives you the library at your finger tips. I'm not a huge fan of 'mumble' rap, but the occasional songs I like, I can download individually, takes about 30 seconds. If I went to DatPiff or a torrent website it takes much longer, but essentially i'm doing the same thing while supporting the artist too.
Datpiff etc. don't pretend to align with specific types of artists in an attempt to be perceived as cutting edge and they aren't cynical, they are an outpost that present the music for what it is. The WorldStar's, DatPiff, LiveMixtapes heck even Vine broke rap songs and put money in pockets because of that very stance. Bobby Shmurda got an album deal on the back of a Vine for instance.
No streaming didn't kill albums but it put the final nail in the coffin in the idea of a physical album.
I was a part of that problem but I support as much rap as I can now that I work, even then the idea of giving artists pennies for their art to combat illegal downloading is an imperfect true solution and not one we should angle for. Mixtapes are full creative control lol.
Chance hasn't pioneered anything, he's in a privileged position that not many artists will get to be in and effectively he got an advance from Apple. Kanye is full of shit nowadays to be blunt. Drake releasing a 30 bloody song playlist proves my content over quality point, it's a cynical ploy to boost numbers and get a better first week album sale number. Frank and Beyonce are big enough to operate on that level. You have to be a specific type of marketable artist in a certain position, the guy at the bottom of the food chain doesn't get the same equal footing that he gets on DatPiff where his mixtape is next to Future's.
Expanding the rap audience is dangerous because the conversation around will invariably be dominated by those that don't actually understand it (i.e. Needledrop). And you end up with artists who co-opt other life experiences and cultures for their own profit, like Nav who is a Punjabi from Canada but thinks it's ok to drop the n-word. Rap needs to be protected whilst it grows and corporations truly do not give two shits about rap or about rappers.
Of course the culture is in a fantastic position because more rap is available than ever because of the inherent nature of the internet, but it's not got shit to do with Apple. It doesn't give you full access either because I know I can't find all the Young Thug leaks I want and I know I can't find all The LOX freestyles I want or the Mobb Deep unreleased cuts I want either, maybe it will catch up to those things but I don't think it's at all remotely wrong to be cynical about corporations and how they will impact rap in the future. Sure they are good in getting a little bit of money in pockets but they are unlikely to affect you unless you are truly big and those artists recoup more money touring anyway.
But yeah time will tell, could be a great thing. One thing that streaming has done is that it allows artists that are truly impactful to the youth be reflected in Billboard. So 21 Savage, Young Thug, Lil Uzi, Migos etc. have platinum records and stuff now.
I can see your argument @ArmchairCritic I don't necessarily agree, because DatPiff etc aren't a platform for album releases. That's where the mixtape era of Lil' Wayne, Young Jeezy, Gucci etc peaked.
If I go on DatPiff now i'm not going to find official albums, only official and unofficial mixtapes, plus mixtapes by up and coming artists. I disagree that they sit side by side, and that the likes of Spotify or Apple Music gives an unfair advantage to the bigger artists. Looking at the DatPiff website there's one section for 'upcoming' but even that includes Chief Keef & Troy Ave, it's not exactly putting the unknown artists on the same pedestal.
Plus torrenting albums does more harm to the artist than good, especially new artists - there's not a argument to be had as to downloading illegal albums benefiting the artist, which is my main point. 15 years ago sure everyone did it, but now if you can get a Spotify account for free what is the purpose of still torrenting albums?
I use Apple Music, and when I browse the 'For You' section it recognises albums from artists based on my library selection who I otherwise wouldn't have come across. Similarly with the 'New Music' section, of course the first artists you see are the biggest ones, but scroll down and you see lessor known artists of all genres, and again I've become a fan to music from artists I otherwise wouldn't have cared to even try and listen to.
The conversations around rap have always had influences from those who didn't understand it, moreso in the 80s & 90s than now (imo) because of the surge in gangsta rap, gangs, biggie & tupac being killed etc. That hasn't changed at all. If anything I think more people understand and appreciate rap because it's survived a lot longer than a lot of the naysayers thought and it's outgrowing most if not every other genre of music out there, it demands respect.
As far as things like freestyles and unreleased cuts, of course they wont be on Apple Music/Spotify etc, why would they? Most of those aren't made for commercial gain. I mean, if it's unreleased it's not supposed to be released. If it's a freestyle, it's not a song either. So if that's what you want in your library then gain them by any-means you wish to, but they aren't comparable to an album or single.
I didn't say there's something wrong about being cynical about corporations impacting rap, but personally I think that argument gets thrown about far too easily. A lot of rappers have & manage their own labels and artists these days, or are independent. Of course you'll still have those who are there to appease corporations but again - that's been going on since the Sugar Hill Gang, it's nothing new.
Social media can make anybody a rap star, you need the talent to begin with of course but there's not barriers to entry like there was even as recently as 5-7 years ago, not everybody is chained to a 3 album record contract etc.
If I go on DatPiff now i'm not going to find official albums, only official and unofficial mixtapes, plus mixtapes by up and coming artists. I disagree that they sit side by side, and that the likes of Spotify or Apple Music gives an unfair advantage to the bigger artists. Looking at the DatPiff website there's one section for 'upcoming' but even that includes Chief Keef & Troy Ave, it's not exactly putting the unknown artists on the same pedestal.
Plus torrenting albums does more harm to the artist than good, especially new artists - there's not a argument to be had as to downloading illegal albums benefiting the artist, which is my main point. 15 years ago sure everyone did it, but now if you can get a Spotify account for free what is the purpose of still torrenting albums?
I use Apple Music, and when I browse the 'For You' section it recognises albums from artists based on my library selection who I otherwise wouldn't have come across. Similarly with the 'New Music' section, of course the first artists you see are the biggest ones, but scroll down and you see lessor known artists of all genres, and again I've become a fan to music from artists I otherwise wouldn't have cared to even try and listen to.
The conversations around rap have always had influences from those who didn't understand it, moreso in the 80s & 90s than now (imo) because of the surge in gangsta rap, gangs, biggie & tupac being killed etc. That hasn't changed at all. If anything I think more people understand and appreciate rap because it's survived a lot longer than a lot of the naysayers thought and it's outgrowing most if not every other genre of music out there, it demands respect.
As far as things like freestyles and unreleased cuts, of course they wont be on Apple Music/Spotify etc, why would they? Most of those aren't made for commercial gain. I mean, if it's unreleased it's not supposed to be released. If it's a freestyle, it's not a song either. So if that's what you want in your library then gain them by any-means you wish to, but they aren't comparable to an album or single.
I didn't say there's something wrong about being cynical about corporations impacting rap, but personally I think that argument gets thrown about far too easily. A lot of rappers have & manage their own labels and artists these days, or are independent. Of course you'll still have those who are there to appease corporations but again - that's been going on since the Sugar Hill Gang, it's nothing new.
Social media can make anybody a rap star, you need the talent to begin with of course but there's not barriers to entry like there was even as recently as 5-7 years ago, not everybody is chained to a 3 album record contract etc.
I've listened to More Life twice in a row now, it's so much better than Views, I didn't skip a single track.
I'd like to thank Drake for making me a stan again, Views really had me doubting whether he had peaked or not.
I'd like to thank Drake for making me a stan again, Views really had me doubting whether he had peaked or not.
I just wanna shout you out for mentioning DJ Clue mixtapes.
Not the biggest Drake fan but even I'm kind of digging it, too long but I like it.
Cluemanatti!
Really? I thought it was a (slightly better) continuation of Views which was a huge disappointment. It has a few Grime influenced bangers, a melodic tropical vibe or two and a lot of big-name features but it still feels like it lacks that power punch. IYTITL and NWTS still remain Drake at the peak of his powers, and I doubt we'll get a project like that again. It's all about the chartboppers and stream sales.
The Sampha track though 
I think the only continuation in sound from Views is in the production and the Toronto & Caribbean influences - to me More Life sounds more like Drake having to reassert himself again, whereas Views was more of an exhibition in bravado. He's hungry again, that hunger was missing from Views. The line about Meek, the part about his struggle & come up not being respected especially struck me instantly.
I've tried hard to like Views, but it just doesn't happen for me aside from a few songs which I really like, the rest I'm happy to never hear again - and i'm a huge Drake stan.
More Life to me sounds like a combination of NWTS & Take Care with Grime & Caribbean influences in the beats.
Plus I don't see where there's chartboppers? Views you knew instantly One Dance, Controlla & the other track with Rihanna would be radio hits, I don't get that with More Life.
He's arguably the most popular rapper in the world, so his songs will dominate charts by default, but More Life doesn't sound like it was curated for commercial radio in mind. I wouldn't even be able to guess what I think the first single would be outside of Fake Love, and that's not even a typical chartbopper.
Hmm... Not sure I'm hearing that. The only song with Take Care vibes is probably Teenage Fever. There's a couple intimate tracks of just bars in the NWTS style - Lose You and Do Not Disturb (which I have headcanoned: 7am In Germany), but beyond that I'm not convinced. Portland and Sacrifices are the worst songs on the album/project, in my opinion. Those features in particular just felt half-assed.
You've probably got your slappers that will dominate the urban charts like Free Smoke, No Long Talk, and Gyalchester (lol). But Passionfruit and Get It Together are probably the two I was thinking of for the real chartboppers. I can see those charting the highest on the album alongside Fake Love as you say. In general though, I don't think it was a coincidence the album has 22 songs... We're loving those stream numbers.
In all I don't know... I mean I am actually a big fan of his, maybe I'm just overly critical against Drake because I expect and know he's capable of a lot better than this. It's a solid project: probably a 7.5/8 out of 10 (could go up or down on further listens), but I just think Drake should be providing us more than solid.
On Do Not Disturb he says he'll "be back in 2018 to give us the summary", and I think we and he need that. Take a break, come back with something motivated and heavily cohesive. We don't need another huge project, built up with insurmountable hype like Views, I just want something pure.
I've only listened to the album/playlist from front to back so I still don't know the individual songs yet (except Passionfruit because I just felt that in my soul)
So because of the way I've received it those are the two albums it immediately reminded me of because I received them in a similar way upon first listening, and it gives me a similar vibe.
I don't think there are any real slappers, there's good songs of course and that means it will appeal to a lot of people and therefore climb the charts because of his popularity, but nothing immediately strikes me like a club/radio hit. And even then I don't think that should be taken away from him, we're in the era of streaming. When Jay-z, Kanye, 50cent etc were going platinum in a week based off hype or beef or radio hits - nobody was taking those accolades from them.
Mmm, this album is still nowhere near Take Care which remains his best album imo. I still bang it regularly and that was what? 2012? I've gone on to dislike him and his music so much in 5 years. The only thing I give him a shout out for is for having man like Hollowman on this album. I love that 
I keep forgetting that you are a female so it's perfectly fine by me that you like Drake, not that you needed some random guy on the Internets permission for that
, I'm just saying he's moist (I've had to resurrect that word from my high school days solely to use it on Drake).