Posts Tagged ‘Hip Hop’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

And the catchiest song of summer goes to…

Taio Cruz!

I wasn’t sure the British singer-songwriter could top the addictive hook of his massive single Break Your Heart (ft. Ludacris), but he’s proved us all wrong with a new stick of addictive pop dynamite.

The feel-good dance track is taken from his 2009 CD Rokstarr. In the explosive just-released video, Cruz can be seen around babes in mechanic outfits, big trucks, wrecked cars, and sticks of dynamite, of course. Cruz even cruises around on a 1000cc-speed bike.

Cruz told MTV about the track: “The song ‘Dynamite’ itself is about when you go to the club and when you go to a party and when you’re just going out…you got to feel like, ‘I’m just gonna explode,’ — basically, we are going to represent that with just massive, massive, fireworks in the sky!”

Apparently, a remix of the song featuring Jennifer Lopez is expected to surface soon.

Check out the premiere of Dynamite (directed by Bernard Gourley) below.

Taio Cruz – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Happy 4th!

Currently in DC melting my face off, I felt inspired to write a post with some kick-ass 4th of July songs for your viewing/listening pleasure.

001/ Martina McBride, Independence Day

Still my favorite 4th of July song ever. Saturated in a deep blue coat of meaning revolving around domestic abuse, Martina pours her heart out on this classic track. Check out the video below.

002/ George Michael, Freedom

A throwback to his golden days, Michael’s Freedom is iconic in the way it speaks of breaking free of the chains that hold us down. Perhaps a big lesson in independence is accepting that sometimes the clothes don’t make the man.

003/ Kelis, 4th of July

A new music video for Kelis debuted recently featuring the singer wearing a Native American headdress and singing about Independence Day. It’s a disco electronic love feast that satisfies. Check it!

004/ Drake ft. Alicia Keys, Fireworks

I’ve written about this track and have supported rapper Drake in several articles over the past few months. Take a listen to the sizzling number below featuring the always elegant Alicia Keys.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Congrats, Em!

Besides being sober, there’s another accomplishment under Eminem’s belt that’s worthy of praise. Eminem’s new album, Recovery, marks the rapper’s sixth straight No. 1 Billboard chart debut. The disc destroyed records for 2010’s first-week sales, moving 741,000 copies after the album’s release. Although the album didn’t reach 1 million copies in its first week (a feat Eminem achieved twice before before people stole shit on the internet), the sales are unheard of in today’s music scene, where sales aren’t as escalated as before due to the digital age and illegal downloading (among other factors).

According to Billboard, Recovery delivered the biggest sales for an album since AC/DC’s 2008 offering, Black Ice. Eminem’s new album features guests spots from Rihanna, Pink, and Lil Wayne.

Listen to two of the collaborations (NSFW) below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

American Hip Hop band that I can never get enough of, the Roots, return with a jazzy, eclectic approach to hip hop. To call the group “long-awaited” or “much-anticipated” is an understatement indeed. New release, How I Got Over, continues to maintain their street vibe without giving into the latest music gimmicks.

The Roots have time and time again experimented with sampling live band music, introducing rock fundamentals into hip-hop, and have perfected the faultless blend. Their catalogue is without fail, compelling and musically alert, yet always vibrant and exclusive. With the exception of Game Theory (which in my opinion still had its dull moments), no Roots album has had this consistency since the 90s. Not too take away from their work, because it is epic, I just feel as if a few prior releases somehow started to lose soul. I guess one just always expects a root to blossom into something beautiful. Track Fire supports this statement belting: “My soul start to grow colder than the North Pole,” — but like Stella, they’ve definitely got their groove back.

The many featured artists on How I Got Over add lots of flavor, including John Legend and Patty Crash. The celeb cameos only add to the album’s radiance, not prying with it or trying to help sell it. Sometimes artists try to use other artists to cover up spots where their music is lacking, but this is not the case. Another must-check-out track is Walk Alone featuring Truck North, P.O.R.N and Dice Raw; it’s wrapped against an emaciated sound with unforgettable harmonies and piano embellishments.

Where many admired albums and groups are more or less collections of singles, the Roots continue to make cohesive albums. Reviewing this album brings a smile to my face, because it brought me back from a lackluster appreciation of a group, to becoming a devotee again. If you’re a Roots fan, this is a must have. If you’re not, open your ears and try something new. Taking one back to that old-school feel, but not in a dated way. Take a trip back to where all good things start; The Roots.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

On Jay-Z’s A Star is Born, the rapper spits: “Drake’s up next, see what he do with it” — In the world of hip hop, no endorsement could be as big as one spewing from the Jay’s lips. And Drake’s moment has finally arrived.

The rapper’s highly anticipated debut dropped recently and has everyone talking. While most critics are sending praise for the album, some (as always) are not amused.

According to a review in the Chicago Tribune: “He drifts through what should have been his boisterous coming-out party, he comes off as muted and rueful, missing the days when he was 19 and it was just about him and his girlfriend in a college dorm room.”

Although I understand the angle mentioned above, I disagree with the statement. As I wrote weeks ago, the track Fireworks featuring Alicia Keys is a stand out. But when hearing the overall album, there’s undoubtedly other collaborations with just as much sizzle. Overall, the album is simply a great debut.

Did you buy Drake’s record? What are your thoughts on Thank Me Later?

Check out Drake in a Q&A interview promoting the disc, below.

Drake – MTV Shows

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I love the energy coming out indie rock right now. It has this rebellion thing that hip-hop is missing now, the thing that made hip-hop hip-hop.”

-Jay-Z / Rolling Stone [June 2010]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Kudos Kanye, kudos.

After taking a break from the limelight the past eight months, Kanye West returned to the stage on his 33rd birthday (06/08) to reward three Chicago Public Schools for an improvement in behavior, academic grades, and overall attendance.

The Kanye West Foundation’s third annual Stay In School event brought West to Farragut Career Academy, John Marshall Metropolitan, and Percy L. Julian high schools, where the students were delighted to witness a mini-concert from the controversial rapper.

West was joined on stage by fellow Chicago rappers Lupe Fiasco and Common.

Said Common: “We want to congratulate you on the incredible job you’ve done in school. Whatever you do, be the best at it.”

Not long after Common left the stage, Kanye performed Run This Town , Good Life, and two brand new tracks: Power and Touch the Sky (from his upcoming album Good Ass Job).

Check out footage of the event, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Releasing art outside of your group doesn’t always mean there’s bad blood. Sometimes those Gym Class Heroes just need to graduate. Yes, I’m writing about Travie McCoy, and his first solo debut, The Lazarus Project. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Travie, experiencing his project on the road, and even providing promotional support through his label, and I can honestly say, his talent is raw. His performances are almost like watching poetry readings on 5 hour energy shots; confusing yet amazing. This New York pop-punk rapper is unique in everything from his style to his lyrics, for he is not afraid of the act of expressing himself. Although catchy, radio smash Billionaire may not be your forte, his art remains cool.

He’s playing melodies and heating up his singing voice with collaborations from Cee-Lo, personal favorites Chester French. The Lazarus Project will let all see another side of Travis, by proving himself to a community that may not always take him seriously. Don’t expect auto-tune, for this is the real deal.

Earlier this year he split with pop mega tart Katy Perry, and released his Forgetting Katy Perry mixtape. Normally you would never see me supporting celebrity gossip in my write-ups, but it’s necessary research for the core of the album. The healing process takes a turn on this project as his somber sad-sack tones finally see the light. Song Don’t Pretend is a hard-hitting healing process: “Open up my chest and you’ll see a cold cavity where my heart used to be”. Although it sounds dreary, this album is upbeat as all hell, turning bad to good.

This may be a different pick for your liking, but I have a feeling you are going to enjoy exploring this album. Travie recently stated in an interview, “If Lazarus were a movie, it’d be A Clockwork Orange”. Although it’s got a hip-hop vibe, rock n’ roll storms in during “Superbad”, a smash with another ravish talent, Limp Bizkit axeman Wes Borland.

A disc compacted with teaming up with a diverse array of studio superstars for a genre-busting, groundbreaking new collection. If you want to experience a great musical performance, catch him on the road this summer with 3OH!3 and Cobra Starship. Turning the scribbled lines between hip-hop and rock into a perfect picture, with no fillers or skippable tracks.

Although Travie may not be rollin in Gym Class, this album proves he’s still a hero.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Nothing but mad love for this song/video!

Eminem is back and stronger than ever. The controversial rapper who struggled for years with an addiction to painkillers and anti-depressants is now clean and spitting rhymes fused with an edge of deep rooted empowerment. Eminem, who nearly lost his life after an accidental methadone overdose, admitted to popping as many as 20 pills a day at the height of his problems.

A perhaps unlikely source, Sir Elton John, helped Eminem throughout his battle with coming clean. John battled drugs and alcohol addictions early on in his career but has been sober since the 1980s. The odd pairing first caused controversy when John made a surprise appearance with Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards. Many protested the collaboration citing Eminem’s lyrics at the time as being filled with hatred and homophobia. But that all seems to be a thing of the past, as Eminem’s new single Not Afraid is heightened with a true sense of maturity and a person who has risen from the ash of a dark journey in the theme of the song.

It’s undoubtedly an anthem for anyone who has ever felt afraid to face the demons in their own life.

In an interview with BBC Radio in January, John said: “I’ve been helping Eminem over the last 18 months and he’s doing brilliantly.”

Watch the incredible video (directed by Rich Lee) below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This song sizzles.

A collaboration with Alicia Keys has leaked from Drake’s highly anticipated debut album. The track, properly titled Fireworks, is a melting pot of undeniable chemistry between Drake and Keys, the song merging to a more deeper place.

The song deals with issues of money and fame and the more gritty emotional things that those things can’t seem to conquer, like Drake’s challenging relationship with his father and the challenge he faced when his parents split when he was only 5 years of age.

Says Drake: “It truly is a story. At no point in the album does it fall off and become about some songs I slapped together. It’s all a story from beginning to end. Just like So Far Gone was. It’s that time.”

The song will kick off Drake’s forthcoming album, Thank Me Later.

Check it!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This past Saturday, I woke up to an invitation to see the New York Yankees play. I said yes, even though I’ve never followed the sport a day in my life. Here’s what I learned about baseball (specifically the New York Yankees) as the day unfolded.

1. Yankee fans are obsessed crazies.

I wore a NY hat to show my support but most people were borderline nuts in their pride. It was awesome!

2. A-Rod has a nice ass BUTT…

I debated saying this because it’s um, you know, gay. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to say it because I think A-Rod is without a doubt a handsome guy, but Saturday, the player who I thought brought the sweet vibe swagger was Ramiro Pena. He just has the presence of someone who carries a big heart. I’m voting for him to be on the next cover of GQ. A-Rod & Derek Jeter have hogged the spotlight way too long.

3. Are you a pitcher or a catcher?

In the game of baseball no label’s less masculine than the other for these boys definitely gave it 110%, no matter the position. And no, that wasn’t meant to sound dirty. You guys are sick!

4. Birds shit on you at games.

Speaking of sick…true story, a pigeon literally decided to flush its toilet on an innocent stranger behind me. Gross but supposedly a sign of good luck and made for a good laugh, so thank you rat of the sky for that lovely gift.

5. Yankees are iconic.

Last but not least, I learned that the Yankees are an iconic team, not because they have broken numerous records but because the game they play helps to unite thousands and thousands of New Yorkers (even those like myself, who are in a separate league, if ya feel me) who might normally want to punch each other in the face. And anything that brings us together, in harmony, I’m all for.

Check out my top three songs (in no specific order) about New York City, below.

001. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys // Empire State of Mind
This particular performance felt appropriate since it occurred during the World Series.

002. Madonna / I Love New York
Madonna came to New York with nothing but a dream and $35 dollars. If anyone defines the spirit of New York it’s her.

003. Ian Axel / Home
In case you missed it, check out the interview I did with Ian here.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

There’s just something about Drake.

Drake (for whatever reasons) has always held my attention. Perhaps it’s the fact that he’s different in the hip hop world, you know, being a Jewish black boy and all. Yes, his differences make him refreshing but I think it’s more than that–I think underneath I can see his true colors and I’m getting the vibe that he’s a total nerd at heart (and who doesn’t love a hot nerd?). Hell, he even admitted his affection for Taylor Swift earlier this year. Yep, sounds like a boy you could bring home to the rents (don’t let that whole “I’m a rapper” thing fool ya).

All playfulness aside, the dude has charisma, is incredibly talented, and from what I’ve seen in interviews, also incredibly humble. Talent and humility are always sexy in my book.

Drake recently launched the video for his second single Find Your Love co-produced by Kanye West and I must say, it’s fantastic. Directed by Anthony Mandler, the video was filmed in Kingston, Jamaica and stars dancehall artist Movado.

In an interview with MTV News Drake said that he felt the song should have been performed by a woman, stating: “Find Your Love is an extremely vulnerable song. And it’s actually a huge risk. It almost feels like the song should be performed by a woman. I’m just hoping that men really hear the song and they’re honest with themselves. I know a lot of men feel that way.” <--So men can't sing vulnerable songs? Shut up Drake, we all know you're a teddybear on the inside.

Drake went on to tell MTV News: “We went to Kingston, we went to this ‘hood. They call it the ‘gully’ side. It’s bad out there, real bad. They had ‘Young Money’ sprayed on the gates, ‘Drake and Wayne,’ ’cause I came to shoot the video out there. I’m talking about you drive by people’s homes, they had ‘Drake,’ ‘Young Money,’ ‘Drake, Welcome Here,’ ‘Drake We Love You’ — crazy sh–, man. It was so crazy. This dude was like, ‘Original Weezy tha God! You tha boss! Weezy tha God!’ It’s crazy. They love us, ’cause we show love out there.”

The video is epic. Check it!

[Note: For mature audiences, NSFW]

Drake – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Girl can saaang!

A lil backstory: Charice was born in the Philippines where she and her little brother were raised solely by their mother, who left their father when Charice was only three years old due to domestic violence. To help support her struggling family, she began to compete in amateur singing contests at the ripe old age of seven. But it wasn’t until years later, in 2007 that Charice would gain worldwide recognition after an avid supporter began to post videos of her live performances onto YouTube where the videos went on to receive millions and millions of hits. And the rest as they say is history.

Vocally she’s been compared with Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Her self-titled international debut album with Warner Records label is scheduled for a May 11, 2010 release.

Check out the music video for Pyramid ft. Iyaz, below.

Charice – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Oh Betty, how we love thee.

“I’m thrilled to hear he’s going to be on the show because he’s the hottest thing since sliced bread, but I certainly enjoy him. I hope we’ll get along well,” White told reporters about her upcoming SNL appearance (with musical guest Jay-Z). “Yes, [I have listened to his music]…I have no idea [if we'll work together]! But I’m game to try anything. This is an adventure!”

Perhaps Betty can bring out her inner Beyonce and do a little diddy with the rapper? Any ideas? Let’s just hope they don’t throw her in a black bikini and make her do the Single Ladies dance. Not that it wouldn’t be awesome but it’s been done way too much. Either way, whatever SNL creates for Betty, I’m sure will be great TV.

Until SNL airs this weekend, you can check out Jay performing Young Forever (at Coachella) with wifey BK, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls is looking to use her talents to give back. Inspired by her aunt, who has Down syndrome, Scherzinger says she wants to open up a music camp for the disabled.

Says Nicole: “I grew up with my aunt who is actually younger than me because my grandmother had her at an older age and she has Down syndrome. She has always had a special place in my heart and is such a wonderful addition to our family. I used to tell my girls in the Pussycat Dolls that I would have my own musical camp or school where I would teach people with special disabilities or Down syndrome.”

Scherzinger hopes her camp will raise awareness of people with Down syndrome. Nicole’s boyfriend, Formula 1 racing champion Lewis Hamilton, has also been inspired by someone in his family as well.

Lewis’ brother Nicolas suffers from Cerebral Palsy and in his autobiography, Lewis wrote: “I only have to think of one person to keep me motivated and put a smile on my face, my brother Nicolas. I often try to imagine myself in Nic’s position. I don’t think I would be anywhere near as strong as him. There’s so much to admire in him. So, whatever I am doing, I say to myself, ‘If you think it’s hard to do this, then think again.’ ”

Lewis has his own charity, the Lewis Hamilton Foundation, which focuses on improving the lives of children and young people in ill health or poverty across the world.

KUDOS!

Take a flashback to Nicole’s Whatever U Like (ft. T.I.), below.