The weekend is upon us and I’m ready to groove! Here are some songs that will definitely be on my chill weekend vibes playlist. I hope you enjoy and find many reasons to dance :-). 1. “Boo’d Up” (Ella Mai Remix) – Plies 2. “Come Through and Chill – Miguel 3. “Return of the Mack”…
Tag: hip hop
K.O.D.: The Best J. Cole Album Yet?
Since 2010 the world has found a place in the mind and the music of Jermaine Cole. Friday Night Lights, J. Cole’s last mixtape, was a dazzling display of true lyricism that was not only sorely needed at the time but set him on his current trajectory. Coles’ introspection on the project comes from a…
Two Podcasts I Can’t Listen to Enough
1. Bronzeville The podcast describes this series as “an audio theatre for the mind” and this could not be more accurate! My bias towards all things Chicago aside, this is a phenomenal series that honestly elevates the podcast-sphere. This series is jam-packed with A-list performers: Laurence Fishburne, Larenz Tate, Wood Harris, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick,…
I’m so Disappointed in You All!
Why is it so easy to pull the wool over sheep’s eyes? No, but really, why is it so easy to appease the masses? People have been contacting me, telling me I need to listen to Wendy’s mixtape like its absolute fire. IT’S AN ABOMINATION! Can we please stop disrespecting and pimping out hip-hop? No,…
For the Culture 2017 (Year End Review)
2017 has been quite the year. A lot of lows, but what has been beautiful is that this climate has caused more people to become active. To speak out more. To be more intentionally engaged. Here are some things that touched me to my core; the realest of 2017: 1. Best Interview: Young Jeezy’s interview…
5 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2017
A lot of great music came out this year, but just like Matthew 22:14 states, “For many are called, few are chosen.” In accordance, here are the best hip-hop albums of 2017: 1. 4:44 – Jay-Z 2. DAMN. – Kendrick Lamar 3. The God Box – David Banner 4. No Dope on Sundays – CyHi…
4:44 (album review)
The album begins powerfully, with the record “Kill Jay Z,” we are immediately dropped into the mind of a reflective and introspective JAY. He touches on “sins” he has committed over the years, and mistakes that he has nearly made by losing his family, i.e., “don’t be Eric Benet” who did indeed let Halle Barry…
Do Pretty Girls Really Like Trap Music? (and other June 2017 releases)
2 Chainz dropped his anticipated album, Pretty Girls Like Trap Music last week, and I’ve given it a pretty thorough listen. My initial thought? Well, pretty girls do indeed like trap music, but we already knew that. The album overall has “trap” beats; heavy guitar, loud bass, and simplistic eight count raps. Simply put, it’s…
My Favorite Rapper has been Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Anyone who knows me is fully aware that there isn’t a rapper I adore and love more than Jay-Z. There’s even an inside joke that I’ve been supporting his work and riding for him for so long that he owes me a first child, lol. All of that goes to say that I can’t allow…
Who’s the Better Storyteller: J. Cole or Kendrick Lamar?
I haven’t publicly come out and said this yet, but I’m a huge fan of the Joe Budden Podcast. On Episode 108 Joe Budden asks the question above, and honestly, I had to pause and write this post in response, before hearing their answers, because the question is just that good! I’m a huge Cole…
I Want Big Sean to Respond to Jadakiss
In case you missed it, Jadakiss lowkey dissed Big Sean on “Rate the Bars.” Everyone knows I live for a classic rap battle. I am of the belief that we grow most when we are challenged and pushed beyond our current limits. I have thoughts on who I think would win, but I’ll save that…
Rah Digga on “Rate the Bars” proves she might be trash?
How did Talib Kweli’s rap not make sense? That entire verse goes hard. I’m now skeptical of her capacity to judge hip hop. Like, if it doesn’t rhyme the rap is trash? Because it goes over your head means it’s wack? Come now, that just doesn’t make sense. I agree with Jay-Z that, “Just because…
Music Monday: Tigallerro
I won’t lie, I’m ecstatic this album exists. As an Eric Roberson fan–who was left desiring more at his last concert–I am happy to say that this album is restoring my faith in him and his artistry. My goal is not to undermine the obvious genius of Phonte, the former one third of Little Brother,…
To Pimp a Butterfly (album review)
Kendrick Lamar I still remember clearly the day I was fully introduced to the force of Kendrick Lamar (K dot). It was a hot summer day, a few years back, in Chicago. His name had been mentioned to me a few times before, but as a hip-hop elitist I didn’t give his music a…
Why “The Life of Pablo” isn’t the “Old Kanye” we were expecting
It’s 8 am and I’m sitting in bed watching the snowfall outside while simultaneously listening to “The Life of Pablo” on Tidal. The first track plays and Kanye announces “this track is called “Ultra Light Beams.”” Okay, I’m ready now! My bestfriend called and told me that I was going to love it, so I’m…
msmalcolmhughes.com 