So nearly 700,000 records later when all the smoke has settled, we arrive in OVO fashion, delayed in our album commentary like we were double-cupping a soda & prometh-codeine concoction. But we’re here now to put forth our opinions on the preamble and aftermath in and around November 15th, Take Care day.
While every other outlet has been trigger happy in letting loose their opinions on Cole’s inaugural Roc Nation album, we simmered into it and took our sweet time, just as he did crafting it for us the last 2 and 1/2 years under Shawn’s supervision. Before we begin, I’ll have to admit that I’ve been back and forth with my conclusions since it released September 27th. It didn’t knock me upside the head the first night I pressed play and I don’t feel like the project as a whole will ever hit me the way Warm Up did. But hey it does have more than a few heaters. I’m sorry, it was inevitable. Expectations almost always exceed the finished product. The fans in this genre are simultaneously the most die-hard and the most critical of their artists. I’m not an elitist. For better or worse, I just can’t help myself, quality music inspection is at an all time high nowadays.
After releasing his first official project last year in Rolling Papers (before Wiz btw), Odd Future member, Domo Genesis drops his latest offering in Under The Influence (I see you Quik). By now all the right pieces for Odd Future are falling into place and having Tyler as the front man with his own distinct style, leaves Damier playing the certified pot head of the group. If Tyler’s favourite album is Em’s Relapse then Domo’s favourite album or albums would probably be the Pilot Talk series from Curren$y. In fact, this sounds more like a Jets project than an OF one, but one thing I’ve learned about Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All is that their unpredictable and each member has a totally different style (Wu-Tang, Wu-Tang).
Back in 1997, when Eminem & Royce Da 5’9 were first introduced to each other, they were both up-and-coming MC’s from Detroit, Michigan looking for a record deal. They recorded several tracks together early in their career and their chemistry with one another was uncanny. Eminem featured Royce on his Aftermath debut, The Slim Shady LP, on a track hidden at the end of the album, entitled “Bad Meets Evil“. That plus “Scary Movies” showcased two young and very promising MC’s who were becoming a great duo. But due to Eminem signing D12 over Royce to Shady, Aftermath, caused a falling out between the two that lasted until around 2006. They eventually reconciled with one another after the death of Proof and Eminem later signed Royce Da 5’9 along with the rest of Slaughterhouse to Shady Records 2.0 earlier this year.
Read our full review in the cut.
[VIEW]
Rick Ross has always had an excellent ear for beats but on Self Made he continues to evolve not only as an artist but as an executive by signing Wale, Meek Mill & Pill to his Warner Bros Label, Maybach Music Group. He does this while still being signed to Def Jam as a solo artist. All three artists signed were a part of the XXL Freshman Class and have all garnered their own buzz but what Ross is able do is take them to the next level, by providing them top notch production and the ability to actually release material. These are my thoughts on the first official project from the Maybach Music Group.