Thoughts About Dvsn's New Single "Think About Me"
On Friday, May 5th OVO duo @dvsndvsn dropped the alluring track “Think About Me.” Daniel Daly and Nineteen85 paired up once again to deliver a sensual track that creates imagery...
On Friday, May 5th OVO duo dvsn dropped the alluring track “Think About Me.” Daniel Daly and Nineteen85 paired up once again to deliver a sensual track that creates imagery and evokes emotion. The sound of falling droplets in the production’s undertone and the string-like loops just adds to what Daley is trying to convey. Here he isn’t asking any questions he’s making statements, he knows that he still crosses this girl’s mind and he let’s her know it.
The track opens with him proclaiming “I don’t think that we could ever be friends again cause are history seems like it never ends.” He goes on to ask who can treat her better than him both in and outside of the bedroom, at one point passionately singing, “Who’s gonna make sure you come first in everything they do? I want you to tell the f**king truth.”
“Think About Me” is definitely a raw and real offering from dvsn, just like their album SEPT.5th and their short film The Choir. Enjoy “Think About Me” below and try not to end up the next #HURTBAE.
BJ The Chicago Kid's Latest EP Takes Me Back To 2004
When I was 11, I went to see Usher at Madison Square Garden as part of his The Truth Tour. After convincing my mom to let me go...
When I was 11, I went to see Usher at Madison Square Garden as part of his The Truth Tour. After convincing my mom to let me go and finding someone to accompany me I was nothing short of ecstatic. After all, my best friend met him the night before so the possibilities were endless. But to be honest I didn’t care about meeting him, I cared about hearing him sing “Superstar” and a few of my other favorites. Even though it was Usher’s birthday that night, he made my wish come true, and I was probably one of the happiest 11-year-old girls in the world.
BJ The Chicago Kid has brought me back to that night with his 3-track EP Usher Confessions Tribute. The EP features covers of tracks like “Simple Things,” “Can You Handle It,” “Confessions,” and “Superstar” of course. Apparently, BJ The Chicago Kid was a backup singer for Usher during The Truth Tour, so it wasn't hard for him to add his own personal touch. Audio clips from Usher interviews about Confessions and R&B also add to the EP’s ambiance.
If you haven’t already go back to 2004 with me and listen to the tribute EP below.
Review: ZØYA's Veracious Heart EP
Throughout "Veracious Heart" the Columbus, Ohio-based singer @zoyanaumchik sings about certain aspects of her life dismantling and how she fought her way back...
Although ZØYA’s 5-track EP "Veracious Heart" was made with good intentions and has a positive message it doesn’t quite hit the target. Throughout "Veracious Heart" the Columbus, Ohio-based singer sings about certain aspects of her life dismantling and how she fought her way back to happiness.
She starts things with “I Still Believe” where she’s backed by percussion and piano-driven production. “I Still Believe” finds ZØYA battling her demons and trying to move on, it’s a process after all. She finds comfort in knowing that she is not alone and will soon feel free. ZØYA’s vocals on this track are strong but the production steals the show at times. “I Still Believe” is followed by “Falling Apart,” which precedes “I Still Believe” story wise. “Falling Apart” is about the ZØYA who didn’t fully believe because everything was crumbling around her; here she asks to be kept complete while she going through this. She may be asking a person or personifying her veracious heart. Like “I Still Believe” the production is strong; however, her vocals are not over over powered this time with its ballad-like presence. “Chaos In My Head” is the third track that let listeners in on what led ZØYA to “Falling Apart”; the overthinking, the worrying, the chasing. “When Fire Melts” follows and continues the theme of ZØYA’s powerful, yet at times dramatic, vocal approach (Think Celine Dion or Madonna). Her last track is a Colin Youngwall remix of “Falling Apart,” which may prompt you to get up and move.
Ultimately, "Veracious Heart" is a good listen, listen to it below.
Stream/Download "Veracious Heart" by ZØYA
Connect with ZØYA: Website Twitter Instagram Soundcloud YouTube Facebook
Review: Handles - 809060
@Handles757 "809060" is titled as such because the Virginian rapper was born in the 80's raised in the 90's and learned from the 60's...
Handles’ 809060 is titled as such because the Virginian rapper was born in the 80s raised in the 90s and learned from the 60s, and these things about him are unpacked quite nicely throughout the album. He handles his bars, has well-chosen features, and vibrant production. 809060 is definitely a cohesive project that should get more than a few listens out of most.
He starts things off with “Amnesia,” which is ironic because the track is not forgettable, rather it serves as a reminder of Handles’ skills as he spits over a drum and piano driven instrumental. He reinforces this reminder with the second track “Stop Sleepin,” and calls for his ride or dies on “1 thing,” while commenting on some of society’s pitfalls.
“BR+LS” is for the fans of the puff puff pass, and Kori Nicole’s vocal assist lands the cut high on my favorite 809060 tracks list. But the fifth track snags the number one spot for a reason that should be obvious, it’s titled “Sidney Shaw” after the character who played XXL’s Editor-In-Chief in Brown Sugar. Handles and Rone take inspiration from the 2002 film as they express admiration for hip-hop and a lucky lady.
Rone stays on to contribute his vocals to “Shore Thing,” where Handles raps about his surroundings and their influences on him over production with a bluesy undertone. “Shore Thing” is followed by “Break Records” featuring rapper Skyzoo and singer Charlie Rae which is about exactly what you think it is. On the energetic “Who” featuring Kajmir Royale Handles tells a story of entanglement of love and lust, and asks the person at the center of it all to make a decision. Things get a little more tranquil with the smooth interlude “Half A Letter.”
“POV” demonstrates what life is like through Handles’ eyes to put it simply, and “Looking For You” featuring Gabriela Tristan is about how simple love could be. 809060 ends things with “Want It All” and “Too Obvious” featuring Sanura. And like most of the songs on the album they get you amped for more from Handles.
Purchase "809060"on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1211894998
Review: Hunnid's "W.A.T.T.B.A.S. (What A Time To Be A Savage)" Mixtape
They say never to judge a book by it’s cover, but I recently did exactly that when I judged a project by its title...
They say never to judge a book by it’s cover, but I recently did exactly that when I judged a project by its title. The 15 track mixtape What A Time To Be A Savage led me to believe that I was in store for some really hard bars and some really hard beats. I didn't really get what expected per say, but that doesn’t mean I was disappointed, rather I was intrigued. The title What A Time To Be A Savage is a spin on Future and Drake’s collaborative mixtape What A Time To Be Alive, and Hunnid’s project finds him putting his own personal spin on a number of popular cuts and themes.
But to be honest this mixtape is about 6 tracks too long. After track 9 listeners essentially know what Hunnid can bring to a cut with his bar style and not so vigorous delivery. Any excitement I had for the theme was gone by “So Many” because I already heard what I needed too, didn't need to hit over the head. Sometimes less is more, a savage should know this. I'm not saying the other tracks aren't worth listening too because only you could determine that, I’m saying that you might not get to them, unless you listen to the mixtape in reverse order of course.
Ultimately, despite its intriguing theme and a few memorable lines What A Time To Be A Savage leaves me wondering what savagery in rap means and whether Hunnid can embody it.
Listen to Hunnid’s mixtape below to decide for yourself.
Saba Has A 'Bucket List Project', And Now I Do Too
Chicago rapper @SabaPIVOT dropped his Bucket List Project back in October. And the 13-track studio effort is about more than things people want to do before they die...
Chicago rapper Saba dropped his Bucket List Project back in October. And the 13-track studio effort is about more than things people want to do before they die, it’s about living while you’re alive. Throughout the project Saba details what he has lived through both good and bad as he raps with conviction over some soulfully eclectic instrumentals, some of those instrumentals co-produced by Saba himself. The project and its tracks have inspired me to create a bucket list of my own. Each item on my list is related to a track on the project. Check out my bucket list and brief descriptions of the tracks that inspired it below.
Saba begins Bucket List Project with the track “In Loving Memory,” which prompts listeners to reflect on their lives and wonder how others will memorialize them. Saba approaches the almost 2 minute track with a beautifully executed spoken word styled verse, which is followed up by thought-provoking hook: “When I'm dead, and I'm gone/Would you smile, ‘cause you know/Where I've been, and gone?/When you're dead, and you're gone/Would I smile, ‘cause I know/Where you've been?.”
1. To create something that represents a profound moment or person in my life in an abstract way.
Saba’s track “Stoney,” featuring Phoelix and BJRKNC finds him detailing both his pre-car and post-car life. Saba raps when his admiration for cars began, developed, and the dedication to his own car with imagery-packed bars. At times making reference to the Chicago Transit Authority and some of his favorite bucket moments. The track isn’t about bolstering however, for Saba it’s about being proud of an accomplishment.
2. To have my own car and stay true to my speed-demon ways
He links with Twista on “GPS,” a track that has somewhat of a “Where’s The Love” feel as it delves into dehumanization of humanity and how surroundings have contributed it. The track also takes a look at skewed perspectives.
3. Travel to the Mecca
The smooth Cam O’bi-produced “Church/Liquor Store” featuring Noname follows with vividly moving bars. Bars that detail Chicago’s landscape, its residents, and its history.
4. Some people find peace in a church, some find it at the bottom of bottle. My peace is somewhere south of the equator, I want to live there
Saba’s hails from Westside Chicago and “Westside Bound 3” pays tribute to his hood. The songs bumps and can be addictive. Saba links with Joseph Chilliams on this one adds something nice to it.
5. Go to Chicago
“MOST” is a reminder that most people just want simple things like safety, peace, and security.
6. See Chance The Rapper live every year of my 20s
On “Symmetry” Saba raps about finding his symmetric soul over the Ken Ross-produced beat.
7. Be aligned
“Photosynthesis” featuring Jean Deaux is simply everything, can’t even describe it. Listen to it below.
8. Witness something as beautiful as this song
“The Billy Williams Story” is a song that I’ve had on repeat for awhile because of its entrancing production and Saba’s bars.
9. Meet Pharrell Williams
“Bucket List” is the track where Saba envisions everything he’ll do in the future. Matthew lends some vocals to make the cut more heavenly.
10. Do everything on this list
“American Hypnosis” is something you should describe for yourself. Once you listen, you’ll understand why.
11. Stop hoping. Stop dreaming. Create realities.
“California” is demonstrative of Saba’s growth and experience in both the industry and in life.
12. Go on a road trip to California
"World In My Hands” makes listeners feel the opposite of how having the world on their shoulders does.
13. Feel free
Review: High Sunday's Self-Titled Debut EP "High Sunday"
Upon first listen the @highsunday four 4-track self-titled debut EP can seem overwhelming, but once listeners get used...
Upon first listen High Sunday's four 4-track self-titled debut EP can seem overwhelming, but once listeners get used to the alternative approach of the 7 member rap group, they get to experience the wonders of the group’s musicality and lyrical ability.
The EP opens with “Wonderland,” which tackles the sometimes misleading allure of Los Angeles and more with vivid thought-provoking bars. The almost five-minute track has an instrumental that shifts from calming, to guitar-driven, and back as the rappers in the crew remind listeners that not everything that glitters isn’t gold. With this is in mind, they also take the time to highlight that one can still shine even in the harshest of environments.
High Sunday abandons the social commentary in “Wonderland” a bit on the second track “Let It Go.” As the title suggests the song carries a care-free vibe, with its upbeat electronic-infused instrumental and positive message about releasing negativity. “Let It Go” is followed up by “Get There,” featuring fellow Los Angeles artist Jaq Lion, which serves as a great transition since letting go of things could also leave people in need of motivation. The track is simply about getting where you want to be.They all come together to create a relatable track with well-delivered bars and vocals floating over a rustic beat. The High Sunday close out their
EP with “Hip Hop Anonymous,” which is yet another display of how their harmonious instruments are synced with the bars and vocals present.
Essentially High Sunday start things off on a good note with their debut EP, and won’t stay anonymous to the hip-hop world for long.
Connect with High Sunday: Facebook Twitter Instagram
Stream/Download "High Sunday" by High Sunday
DCWS Connects With AV Supreme From University Of Dope About The Game And Hip-Hop
DCWS recently chatted it up with A.V. Supreme, co-creator of University Of Dope, a hip-hop infused card game...
DCWS recently chatted it up with AV Supreme, co-creator of University Of Dope, a hip-hop infused card game. Peep our conversation about the game and more below.
Could you explain what the University Of Dope game is?
The University of Dope is the first card game to celebrate hip-hop culture. It is played majority rules style so you don’t have to worry about “oh I’m not a guru, oh I’m not a hip-hop head” or anything like that. Unpopular opinions are welcome. So you and your friends determine the outcome of the game. You and your peers develop the correct answers.
We understand that there was a IndieGogo campaign behind the funding for University Of Dope. How long did it take to reach your goal?
It’s still going on actually, the campaign is still in progress. It wasn’t to create the game. We’ve had additional funding, thankfully, to create the create the game. So the funds from IndieGoGo have been shifted to go toward creating an app and other marketing campaigns.
Does the game cater to both old school and newer school hip-hop fans?
Its demographic is for millennials, between the ages of 24 and 38. But there is room for people who are a little bit older and a little bit younger. There’s a little bit of Desiigner, but then there’s some 80s. A good chunk of it is 90s, 2000s rap.
Aside from politics, people love to debate about hip-hop. How many debates to you think University of Dope will spark?
Every single card is a debate. One of the bigger debates on our card is “One Gotta Go: Biggie, Nas, Tupac, or Jay Z.” That one really sparks the biggest of debates. There’s also a One Gotta Go: Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, MC Lyte, or Lauryn Hill. That has a lot of debates as well. The awesome part about it is we don’t dictate the barometer of what are you rating them on in terms of your vote. Someone can like Lauryn Hill just because she can sing, but so does Queen Latifah, so does Missy Elliott. You can decide, your vote is your vote. And if you’re the minority, you’ve lost the round.
This question is for you. Who are your top five rappers?
I like to reserve not having a top five. I love rappers for different things, depending on how I’m feeling. If I’m just looking for lyrics it’s a different rapper, if I’m looking for delivery it’s a different rapper. Or charisma, someone can be more charismatic but not as lyric heavy.
Like Desiigner versus Chance The Rapper, you can be fans of both of them?
I can. And a lot of people pick on Desiigner, I like Desiigner. I like his energy. A lot of people say I don’t know what he’s talking about. But his energy is really infectious, he’s one of those people. I feel like you can be tired and he comes around and you become full of energy. I look forward to seeing more of his projects in the future as he grows as an artist. For me, I’m not saying you can find the good in everyone because you can’t, but there’s definitely different ways to rate these various artists on different things. I could listen to Jadakiss rap the phonebook, personally.
Connect with University of Dope: Website Twitter Facebook Instagram
Hold On To Your Summer With PJ's "Rare", Noname's "Telefone", and Jesse Boykins III's "Bartholomew"
With the summer coming to an end, I wanted to take the time to highlight three well-crafted summer album releases: PJ’s Rare, Noname’s Telefone...
With the summer coming to an end, I wanted to take the time to highlight three well-crafted summer album releases: PJ’s Rare, Noname’s Telefone, and Jesse Boykins III’s Bartholomew. Each project, coming from artists who are tackling music creation differently than those around them. Collectively the albums span 38-tracks filled of creative freedom, musical versatility, and wonderment. Boykins, Noname, and PJ all offer projects that speak to their distinct musicality, who they are, what they have experienced.
PJ - Rare
Rare was the first to drop of the three. It hit the net in mid-July and serves as both PJ’s debut album and a follow up to her magnetic EP Walking Around Pools; although the Atlantic Records singer-songwriter did drop some songs in between releases like “Crazy.” Similar to that cut, Rare is powerfully raw and vulnerable. PJ adds a softer undertone by framing the 11-track album as the telling of a fairytale. The North Carolina native is no damsel in distress however, and she makes that clear with her opening track “Something Special.”
“I'm climbing up the mountain/There's something special in the air/I'm running out of problems/Ain't got no time to care/How could I be careful?/I've seen the bottom and I promise I ain't scared,” are lyrics from the song’s chorus and succeeding first verse. And it’s clear from PJ’s delivery that she means what she says. She’s not afraid, she knows she’s something special. The track that follows seem to share that sentiment as it’s named “Gangster.” But upon listening you learn that although PJ is strong she wishes she could be more straightforward and less of nice guy. “Gangster” is kind of a “don’t take my kindness for weakness” track and has instrumental filled with soulful beach vibes backing it.
Coincidentally enough PJ’s third track “Can’t Stop,” is demonstrative of her hustle. With violins, drums, and some loops serving as her backdrop PJ lets us that she is going to more than get by with the rasp of her voice acting as the vehicle. PJ gives listeners a glimpse of what she’s been up against, it isn’t just a generic song about overcoming adversity. “I’m Good” follows and serves a great transition track because it shows that she’s positive despite what she’s been through. This takeaway is not the only highlight however. “I'm just a little new school with the old school mixed in,” is a line from the cut’s pre-chorus that exemplifies who PJ is an an artist. The Los Angeles transplant definitely fuses old school and new school realms quite beautifully. The word realms is used here because it more than just sounds, it’s about the culture of the music and how it makes people feel. Because I can’t tell you about every chapter of Rare in triple review you can either take my word for it, or listen to it below. (Yeah, I know the album artwork is bad a**!)
Noname - Telefone
Although Noname’s Telefone (released on July 31th) isn’t narrated like PJ’s Rare, it maintains a story-like feel thanks to its whimsical production coupled with image-provoking bars; Noname’s spoken word flair furthers the allure. Of the 10 tracks that make up the Chicago rapper’s project, only four have no features. I’ll tackle those first.
Cam O’bi, Phoelix, and Saba are on the boards for “Yesterday,” with piano, drums, and wind instruments creating a serene feel. A feel that is a great fit for Noname’s tale of nostalgia and loss. “Freedom (Interlude)” clocks in at around 3:20 and finds Noname simply letting her thoughts go. She was supposed to write a rap, but she ended up creating something else. The track that follows “Freedoom (Interlude)” is “Casket Pretty,” which is meant to highlight the effects of Chicago’s climate on the community. “All of my n****s are casket pretty/Ain’t no one safe in this happy city/I hope you make it home/I hope to God that my tele don’t ring.” These lines open the track and immediately sheds light on the worries of many Chicagoans. Some of whom who have lost loved ones due to violence, and others praying that they never do. Juxtaposed with to the all too real topic, the production here is mystical.
"Bye Bye Baby,” is the penultimate track and one of Telefone’s standouts, in my opinion. It’s a standout because it has many layers of meaning for a song that’s only 2:49. “Bye Bye Baby” seems to take on abortion. Noname gives something that usually thought of dark some light with this one. The track is like a lullaby to the unborn as Noname bars speak for the mother, the baby, and the emotions that come with making such a decision. “Some get presents before they’re even ready,” this line comes from the song’s second verse which is told from the baby’s point of view. The baby goes off to heaven and God reminds it of this simple yet, profound sentiment.
Aside from the topic and the way the song is crafted, how perplexed it makes me contributes to it being a standout as well. It’s hard to decipher whether “Bye Bye Baby” is the prelude, postlude, or has nothing to do with her verse on Chance The Rapper’s “Finish Line/Drown.” In her voice Noname raps about her relationship with her mother in addition to her relationship with God. Listen below to hear exactly where the perplexity lies.
The six other tracks on Telefone are vividly chill and real. Raury, Eryn Allen Kane, and theMIND are just a few people who assist Noname on these. “Diddy Bop” and “Forever” are top picks. Listen to Noname’s Telefone in full below.
Jesse Boykins III - Bartholomew
Noname’s Telefone and Jesse Boykins III Bartholomew actually dropped within a day of each other. Nine of the singer’s 17 tracks have features, one of them being Noname herself. Noname is recruited for Boykin’s fifth track “Into You,” which tells a story of being smitten and conflicted while latin and tribal fused sounds create the backdrop. “She’s lost in the age of living forever, he’s stuck in age of needing forever, but you never never never see it, no you can never live it all” are telling lyrics, passionately delivered by Boykins. A notable line by Noname is, “My God is the only above you,” it’s poetic and seems to have trust and love cementing it.
Another notable line comes from Isaiah Rashad on Bartholomew’s second track “Everybody Shut Up.” “Your mirror’s looking suicidal, why you?” raps the TDE signee on a cut about silencing those around you and their expectations, especially haters. The line circles in on what can happen if those voices and expectations become too much. Most importantly however, it shows how powerful self-doubt can be.
Noname and Isaiah Rashad’s contributions aren’t the only ones that help to create a perfectly imperfect track. Boykins also links with Willow Smith, Mick Jenkins, and Dej Loaf amongst others for tracks like “Vegetables,” “Nobody On Jupiter,” and “Only Way Out” just to name a few.
Aside from “Only Way Out,” my Bartholomew favorites are the ones where Boykins singing it solo. The Boykins and K. Roosevelt-produced “Kumbaya In June” is rather tranquil and seems to focus on an old flame and her re-entry into his life. “I Need You,” is the sixth track and I like the Chad Dexter-produced cut because of honest it feels. Boykins’ voice as he sings “I need you, you need me, we need we,” sounds like it’s coming from the depths of his soul and not his diaphragm. “Tomorrow” is up there simply because. “No Worry,” is the last track of the album and is honestly one of the best. Like the rest of the project reminds listeners to be free.
Before you’re prompted to listen to the project in full, I want to reiterate why I wrote about Rare, Telefone, and Bartholomew together. All of these projects are soulful, thematic pieces of art. And come from artists who crafted these pieces with approaches unique to them. PJ, Noname, and Jesse Boykins III know what they’re doing. Peep Bartholomew below.
Peneliope is hip-hop head and a closet poet. Yes, that's how you spell her name.