I'm a big fan of suspense/thrillers and this one has caught my interest. Pretty much any movie with Gary Oldman can catch my interest though, as he is one of my favorite actors. The story takes place during the Cold War and follows George Smiley (Oldman), a retired espionage vet tasked with uncovering a Soviet spy within M16. I can imagine we'll be kept on edge all the way till the end, when the mole is uncovered in some epic twist. Here's the trailer.
Here's another dope artist from Rhymesayers, P.O.S. His name has been said to take different meanings depending upon particular songs, "Pissed Off Self", "Product Of Society", and "Promise Of Skill" being examples. This was the song used to introduce me to him and I've been listening ever since. I hope you all have the same reaction. Enjoy.
Dark Souls, a spiritual successor to last years amazing accomplishment "Demon's Souls", is an open world Action/RPG covered in extremely dark themes (Releasing Oct. 4th). It is also one more game that scares the begeebus (sp) out of me This series is heralded for its ridiculous difficulty. Its not difficult in a way that the game cheats you in any fashion, but in a way that every single button press is critical and you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. I don't know if I'll ever finish this game, but the "Souls" series of games presents some of the best ways to fail over and over until you finally get it. Check out this new release trailer.
I'm not sure if this joint is on Wale's "Ambition" (Dropping Nov. 1st) but its a certified banger. This gives me much hope for Wale's sophomore attempt. Check out this new joint, feature Miguel's soulful crooning, and share your thoughts.
This movie features quite the interesting premise. In this world, people stop aging at 25 and must work to buy themselves more time. Somehow Timberlake's characters ends up with a very large amount of time, drawing the attention of law enforcement. I like the ideas here and I hope it all meshes well into a good movie. It could fail pretty hard if it has any holes in its plot, though. Check this trailer.
My anime watching time has taken a huge hit as of late, but I'm getting back into a rhythm. I finished FMA: Brotherhood (review soon) and now I'm continuing with a series held in very, very high regard: Mushi-Shi. The story follows Ginko, a man gifted with the ability to recognize the Mushi, beings closely in touch with the essence of life. He travels place to place, researching Mushi and the people that have come in contact with them. The show has huge production value and, judging from the first episode, great storytelling and characters. Here's a trailer.
Here's another game I'll rarely play alone. ID Software (creators of Doom and Quake) is releasing what should be another staple for the company, Rage, on October 4th. Its a very ambitious game, much in the vein of Borderlands (darker by far, though). Its a fps with RPG elements. More shooter than RPG when it comes to the gameplay mechanics, but RPG elements reign dominant in just about everything else. It keeps the trademark ID dark themes in an apocalyptic wasteland and it seems like its going to be quite a huge game. Check out this trailer.
Before I could even come down of the high that is my discovery of Nitty Scott, MC, here comes another dope emcee, Mel. She actually caught me on FB with a link to her site and I'm very glad she did. Her library isn't large just yet, but the quality of the songs released suggests huge potential. I'll be keeping my eye on this young lady for sure and hopefully I'll be able to get an interview out of her soon. Check out a couple of her joints.
I'd read a few weeks back that EA and Dice spent quite a bit of money for Battlefield 3's promotional scheme. Well, here is the beginning and they are definitely going at Call of Duty's neck. I think the selection of "99 Problems" is a direct jab at a war of words they recently had where the COD rep spouted useless information in defense of its game ("What type of facts are those?"). Check out the all gameplay trailer and be amazed.
"The hunger is there, but the hunger has changed. Less bout ending the drought and more for the rain." _ Profex
That's
a line from a joint I've yet to finish, but I felt that is summed up my
thoughts on J. Cole's debut pretty well. The days have passed where the
top artists come into the game simply using their given talents with
lyricism to feed the fam and get off the streets. There's a grimy feel
in hip hop that's sorely missed, reserved for those old school vets when
they decide to drop a few bars. There are exceptions to be sure, but
the albums truly selling are filled with hip hop of more pop-ish
persuasion, all focused on capturing the common ear with something
catchy to put it on the top of the charts. Glorification of the mighty
dollar is at an all time high, and its evident in today's popular music.
Knowing
this, I hoped J. Cole's debut would be steered more by the old school
and stay focused on continuing a story Cole captured everyone with way
back on The Come Up. For the most part, he did just that. Song's like
"Dollar and A Dream III", "Lost Ones", and "Breakdown" stay true to the
story-telling gift J. Cole was blessed with, whether its his own or
character's suffering the plights of the common black man and woman. The
production even stands strong throughout the album, with J. Cole on the
boards 90% of the time. He's come into his own as a producer, but I'm
not quite sure he has settled on a signature sound just yet. That could
be a good thing in the future.
There are a couple songs
recycled from old releases, but they vibe with the newer songs well.
"Lights Please" seems to hold a special place with Mr. Cole, as it
should since its the song that got him signed. "In The Morning ft/
Drake" is another holdover that I believe was the only "chart climber"
he needed, but he adds on "Work Out" and "Can't Get Enough ft/ Trey
Songz", both of which received mixed reviews from fans and critics
alike.
The collaborations on the album are enjoyable,
all except for the big one "Mr. Nice Watch" featuring the big homie
Jay-Z. I did a slightly more subjective review of this particular song a
few days back (http://tinyurl.com/43bol7l). In short, it disappoints.Its refreshing to hear Missy Elliot on "Nobody's Perfect" and the song is one of my highlights.
All
in all, the album is good. A little less fluff and I think it could
have stood with the great debuts like Illmatic and Reasonable Doubt. It
definitely stands out amongst today's music and its more than worth the
$15 you'll throw down for it.
Just caught wind of this young lady on HipHopdx.com and I was immediately impressed. She's only 21 and lyrically smashing alot of the artist out there right now. She proudly boasts that she's not on that typically female mc nonsense (check her Monster freestyle on youtube) and she's quite a talented storyteller. Its been a while since I've gotten excited for a new female emcee (Jean Grae has held the throne for a while) but I have hope for this one. Check out her latest release and then go check her backlog on youtube.
"This sh*t don't come with no blueprints and with every change it seems more like a game you can never win." _ Phonte
I
approached this with a very critical ear. Phonte has settled into his
own lane with an independent label and the major success that is Foreign
Exchange. Therefore, I expected to hear true blue Tigallo. No fluff, no
nonsense. Those familiar know Phonte is one of the most down-to-earth
lyricist around and, with the release of his solo debut, nothing has
changed. Phonte never fails to get the occasional chuckle
whether by way of a clever lyric or humorous skit. Not surprisingly, I
find myself nodding through the whole album not just to the clean
production, but in agreement with damn near everything Phonte speaks on.
The
album starts off very strong with "Dance In The Reign", an introduction
riddled with quotables. Phonte starts off taking aim at those trying to
push him in a certain direction with his music and those questioning his
position in hip hop. After the feel good joint "The Good Fight", the
album gets a little bit more somber with "Everything Is Falling Down"
and "Not Here Anymore" featuring a sick verse from Detroit's own eLZhi.
After trading bars on the Median assisted "Eternally", the album turns
toward a sound found often in Phonte's Foreign Exchange releases. They
don't take away from the feel, though, since he doesn't just sing on
them. The topic matter leans on relationships, love, and lack there-of,
but he keeps the quotables flowing with the storytelling.
The
final act features Big Krit, Pharaoh Monch, and Evidence all flexing
their lyrical prowess on a couple joints. Phonte then finishes strong
with "Who Loves You More" a great finish to a dope album. Throughout,
the multiple producers keep a consistent sound. The resurgence of 9th
Wonder and Phonte's friendship is also a great benefit to the album,
with him producing 4 songs.
The
vibe throughout this work is definitely of a more mature sense, making
the listener reflect on past relationships, motivation, and the future.
Phonte is straight up in his delivery, not ashamed to point out his own
faults and how he learned from them. I appreciate that in an artist,
showing his humanity and, in return, the songs are easier to relate to.
To truly get the message from this album, you need to be on your grown
man/woman ish, or well on your way.
B.o.B.'s first single for his sophomore album has leaked a tad bit early. It features Lil Wayne and isn't too shabby. Wayne's lyricism isn't up to snuff once again, but that is becoming a common occurrence as of late. I'm sure just having his name on the single will get it some plays. Check out the song and let me know what you think.
Wow. "Swim Good" is a joint on Frank Ocean's "Nostalgia, Ultra" that I absolutely love. Singer/Songwriter/Producer Bei Maejor (who produced "Dust" on that same mixtape) came through with his own version and kind of outshines Mr. Ocean. The music is redone with a piano focus and Maejor is on the vocals. Be amazed.
Big Krit slides through with this dirty south anthem featuring 8ball, MJG, and 2Chainz. I think this is the lead single from his album, but I'm not completely sure. Nonetheless, its dope. I really hope they throw a video together for this one. Check it.
Now THIS is the B.o.B. I know and love. When he puts his mind to it, he clowns. The album he put out was cool, but I felt like it was missing the attitude he had in his mixtapes. Hopefully, this time around, it'll translate. Here's him spitting over The Throne's "Welcome To The Jungle". I think its a freestyle too.
In the future, I'll throw up some posts with "#JustListen" in the title.
These will be songs from lesser known artists that I'd like more people
to check out. Email me if you have any particular artist you wish to
feature and I'll review them.
The next #JustListen is youtube phenom Dumbfoundead. I discovered him on the rap battle scene, but his lyricism translates in the recording booth, a gift not many battle rappers have. Check out his latest release.
In the future, I'll throw up some posts with "#JustListen" in the title. These will be songs from lesser known artists that I'd like more people to check out. Email me if you have any particular artist you wish to feature and I'll review them.
Here's a joint from Rhymesayers artist Grieves. I've been waiting around for another video from his amazing album "Together/Apart" and finally got my wish. This video is actually for one of my absolute favorites off the album and the visuals do it much justice. I sincerely hope his music is getting through to you all. He is definitely not one to be slept on. None of the Rhymesayers artists are, really.
Level 5 and Studio Ghibli have come together to craft what could be the next big step in the RPG genre. Last year, Ni No Kuni had a DS release that scored very high (38 out of 40) and now the PS3 version is on the horizon. I'm not sure of the US release date, but it comes out November 11th in Japan this year.
The developers have found a way to incorporate gameplay visuals that reflect Studio Ghibli films well and I'm glad for it. Of course, the cutscenes look straight out of Ghibli films and, though there's no english in the trailer, it seems the story is grand per usual.
The gameplay looks pretty interesting as well, reminding me a bit of the Pokemon and Monster Rancher days. Hopefully there will be a ton of little monsters to summon into battle. Maybe even some future DLC to add more. Here's a glimpse of the future.
In this installment we get to see some footage of console gamplay. The level is taken from the single player campaign and looks to have quite a few epic set pieces and scripted events. All footage is from Xbox 360 and, even though the textures aren't as detailed, the game still impresses. Check it out.
The 27th of September looks to be quite the proud day for North Carolina. You've got J. Cole and Little Brother's Phonte and 9th Wonder all dropping individual albums. All with the potential to be the best of the year. Phonte's "Charity Starts At Home" is on the top of my list and here we have another song released from it. Listen up as Tigallo put his unique spin on the motivational joint. New Tigallo.
Here is the extremely hyped up track from J. Cole's upcoming debut "Cole World: The Sideline Story". I'm surprised this leaked so soon, but now its here and the big question is: Does it live up to the hype?
No. There you go. Now, me personally? I didn't get too hyped up for it. Most times, I don't like songs J. Cole has features on. I'd sooner here him spit solo, so I won't be lowering my expectations for the full album based on this song. Before writing this post, I decided to see what the opinion of the masses was thus far. Of course its quite mixed, but most don't like it. Then again, most didn't like "Work Out" and I thought it was a dope joint. Now for my own review.
The beat isn't as bad as most are making it out to be. Granted, I don't like the foundation much, but the breakdown near the chorus is mad dope and the guitar riffs added later add to it. I'm not sure where Cole's mind was when making this, but its way out there. Most people think Cole is trying too hard to be a triple threat like Kanye West (sing hooks, produce, rap) and this song will be a foundation for their argument even after the album comes out, good or bad. I didn't like the hook. Its not that I didn't like HIM on the hook, I thought the hook was whack as a whole. I also think there are plenty more Jay-Z lines he could make into full length songs. Maybe the hook will grow on me after a few more listens.
Lyrically, J. Cole is uncharacteristically sub-par. The braggadocio is heavy on this one (unsurprisingly) but the lyrical content isn't even clever. Also, his topics are all over the place and most won't catch the attempt at a message here without someone telling them.
Now, Jay-Z's verse......I give him credit for outdoing Cole, though it wasn't hard this time around. Beyond that, it wasn't his best. I caught a comment on Hiphopdx.com where a fan said Cole should be angry because he gave Drake such a dope verse for "Light Up" and gave his own artist a weak verse. I laughed. I agreed as well, but I think Jay had some trouble getting motivated to write for this beat.
All in all, this collaboration could have been a much better set piece for a (hopefully) amazing album. We'll just have to wait to see if the rest of the album makes up for it.
Here's a nice set of visuals for XV's intro "Wichita" off of his dope mixtape, "Zero Heroes". If you haven't heard it yet, please get on that. This video is only a small portion of the song and the full length version is pretty good. To those familar, finally the video is here. To those not, here's your first dose...
I'm not sure where this song will be placed amongst Cee-Lo's discography, but its a great song and I hope it makes it onto some kind of collection. The Ladykiller rarely ever disappoints and this new release keeps his near spotless record going. In my opinion the sound here is akin more to "Gnarls Barkley" than a solo Cee-Lo joint. A win nonetheless. Take a listen as he sings about the oh-so-popular topic of heartbreak and let me know what you think.
Here we have a song that, allegedly, didn't make the cut for Drake's upcoming album "Take Care". I was slightly disappointed in Drake's debut album, but the fact that this particular song is on the cutting room floor gives me hope.
Here's a music video short film for Kid Cudi's "Mr. Rager", arguably my favorite song on his last album. Things like this make me wish even more for his return to music. Like most of his fans know, Cudi brought a sound and creativity you can't often get from mainstream artists and it was truly refreshing. Is there a petition somewhere I can sign...
If you're not a fan of Frank Ocean yet, what are you waiting for? Here's another release from him I'm very glad to see. I have a ton of unfinished songs by this gentleman on my computer and this gives me hope that he'll go back and release official versions of some of them. This particular one adds James Fauntleroy (of the Underdogs) to make the complete song and its a nice match. It also sounds sliiiiightly sped up from the version I had, but it all carries over well. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Alot of albums will be dropping on September 27th and this particular one is special to me. Phonte (of Little Brother) is definitely one of my favorite artists in the game and I'm been waiting for his debut solo for quite a while. The way its sounding thus far, it won't disappoint. Check out the first single with production from 9th Wonder and a feature verse from another favorite, eLZhi.
Here we are with another short review stemming from my constant Netflix crate diving. If you haven't noticed, I'm a fan of the "Revenge Thriller" genre and this is one of Korea's best. Actually....this is one of the best I've seen. I swear Korean film just keeps getting better and better.
The story follows Cha Tae-sik (Won Bin), a small town pawn shop owner that keeps to himself for the most part. Actually, his only true connection to the outside world is a little girl, So-mi, that lives next door. Her mother is a drug addict and Cha usually finds himself the unwilling babysitter. A series of events place So-mi's mother and Cha in the cross-hairs of brutal drug traffickers. I'll save the details, but eventually Cha Tae-sik ends up on a mission to recover So-Mi and her mother.
I'm a stickler for character development and I hate when characters stray from the personalities the writers have placed on screen for us to digest. Luckily, I found no flaws in this respect. The main character risking life and limb to track down the family is not merely a macho, super human act of movie lead bravado (a la most American action movies). There's a very sad underlying tale steering the main character's actions, described in one of the film's more gripping scenes, and it changes the tone of the movie quite a bit toward the end. Oh,
and yes, there's a good reason why the main character can do the things
he does. A not too surprising reason, but the way it ties into his
personality and actions toward So-mi is rewarding.
I've watched this movie twice and found only one moment that could be perceived as a plot hole, but I honestly think I missed something that would explain it. Or it may be explained in deleted scenes. I'll update if I find out. I recommend this movie to everyone. Its pierced my top 10 easily. *Update I caught my error on the 3rd watch. No plot holes here. Carry on.
I was already sold on the single player campaign, but I was curious about the multi-player maps and vehicles. Wow. This game makes "epic" quite the understatement. The multiple skirmishes are a site to behold and the only thing I worry is that the sides are kept balanced. With tanks, infantry, and jets (with the occasional chopper) going around, things could get out of hand without the correct map balance. EA and Dice have been doing this for years, though, and I'm confident they will get it right. Check out this footage from Caspian Border, one of the larger maps in game.
I've been planning to do this for quite a while, but only just got to it. Every couple days I'll have a "Who did it best?" feature concerning samples, song concepts, verses, etc. Lets start it off with two of the greats. Michael Jackson vs Prince on chicks who've "Got The Look". BEGIN!
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