Things that make me happy... The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Things that make me happy... The Heist by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

"Just when you think you know hip hop it surprises you and reminds you why you fell in love with it in the first place." - Sydney Shaw, Brown Sugar

Nuff said!!

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Album the Heist was released in August 2012 as a relative unknown but has built momentum month after month ever since. After appearances on Saturday Night Live, a concert tour, and much word a mouth this album is getting lots of recognition.

The Heist is a throwback hip hop album with strong lyrically content. Macklemore flow is so smooth and enjoyable that you might miss the message in many of his song. Some of his songs addresses gay rights, substance abuse, and trying to make it the music industry. But what makes this album stand out is the music. Although the album is straight hip hop he infuses R&B, country, and rock. You can enjoy playing the entire album through and get a different sound each track.

Another great characteristic of the album is the number of collaborations used throughout the album. Each add something different to the Album.

Album Song list

Ten Thousand Hours - Way to introduce "The Heist"
Can't Hold Us - Album's first big hit. Catchy tune and getting lots of airplay. Might be one of the songs of the summer.
Thrift Shop - The next hit. Fun another great hook... Best line of year "This is F@cking Awesome"
Thin Line -
Same Love - Political commentary at its best... on a great dope melody.
Make The Money- Soooo many ill rhymes! "Uncle Sam is
Neon Cathedral - Slowdown with the R&B feel but don't expect a let up on the verses.
BomBom - Why not a instrumental track... and its still hip hop. Genius.
White Walls - This could be remix potential dance hit.
Jimmy lovine - Another future hit... "...rather be a starving artist than succeed at getting f@cked!"
Wings - Another nice track. Good spin class "climb track"
A Wake - An indy feel. Another future hit.
Gold - A bit weak but might still be a pop hit. High school kids might love this one.
Starting Over - One of my favorites on the album. Kinda like therapy... Enimen style.
Cowboy Boots - Really?!? And its fun a song. Too funny!
Castle - Ok track
My Oh My - Nice tribute track...
Victory Lap - Shout out to Seattle. Every town needs an anthem.

Thrift Shop

Same Love

Can't Hold Us

My Oh My

NPR Tiny Desk Music Series (soo good) - Same Love and others...

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis on SNL - Thrift Shop

On Letterman - Can't Hold Us

Pros
1. One of the best hip hop albums in years.
2. Macklemore flow is wicked and he's got something to say...
3. The music on this album can keep you listening for hours. This might be a classic in the making.

Cons
1. There are only 18 tracks on the deluxe edition. And we want more.

Fun album for the summer...

SF Guru

Things that make me happy... Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

Things that make me happy... The documentary called Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

It was 1985. Four young men (QTip, Phife, Ali Shaheed, and Jarobi) helped to create a pivot point in the history of hip hop.  Hip hop music morphed into a sound that move past the "battle" or "intellectually immature" rap of that time into music that extended a long history of story telling by incorporating truly improvisational artistry.  The documentary, Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe called Quest, produced by filmmaker Michael Rapaport, is now available on video. It chronicles the the history of one of the best rap groups of all time and takes you behind the scenes of the members of the group as they discuss their music, relationships, and the influences that help them create their unique and original sound copied by many of the best producers and beat makers today.

I look at any documentary film in three ways, quality, subject, and impact. The first is the quality of the work. As a person who watches many documentaries, I think this one is one of the best of the year. In a previous blog, I mentioned several others that came out in 2011 both in theaters and on cable. This one tops them all. The interviews are not "soft" where people appear to have an agenda and are telling you what they think you want to hear. The discussion are honest, real, and sometime a bit awkward as they talk about the good and bad times over their 25+ year relationship.  You almost get the feeling that they need to tell this story just to get it off of their chest. Post production there are stories on the internet and twitter about conflicts Q-tip and others have about the portrayal in the film.  This is kinda a good sign that they really got to some real truths in the documentary.

The second way a film stands out is the subject matter.  Look. If you are a true fan of hip hop and more specifically a dedicated fan of the "Native Tongues" then the music alone will please you (if you don't know about Native Tongues... treat yourself to a great Christmas gift and check out the artists). But if you take into account the all the artist featured in this film and the history lesson, then this film will definitely surpass your expectations.

The last way I judge a film is the feelings that it invokes.  For documentaries sometimes they just help increase a person knowledge on a subject. Maybe a few Aha!! moments about a subject that you are not familiar with or perhaps some deeply hidden insights from expert in a field. But best triggers an emotion. And this one... for me... brings out nostalgia. I remember putting on my dashiki even when I didn't quite know what the hell it was just because I saw artist like Tribe and Dela Soul wearing one.  It also fused my love for jazz (yes even at a early age I knew I loved me some Jazz music) with the music of my generation, hip hop.  A Tribe Called Quest produced music that was fun yet insightful, discussing afro-centric topics that until that time was not covered in most type of popular music.  And more importantly Tribe is part of the soundtrack of my and many of my generation lives. For this truly makes me happy.

Pros:
1. Well done documentary... not a propaganda vehicle and they certainly were pitching anything in this video. Real Talk... the way it should be.
2. The music. The soundtrack speaks for its self.
3. Features lots of artist talking about the impact of the music.

Cons:
1. Not enough performance footage although filmed during a tour. Lots of musical documentaries, like Madonna's truth or dare manages to feature lots of performance videos.
2. The group still has lots of tension. Not much of the group chatting together... Its a little sad that you can see the Beastie Boys still doing interviews together and Tribe struggling to work through their issues. At time is painful to watch. Can't we all just get along?
3. Jealousy, hurt, miscommunication and health issues.  Lots of love between the group and they just can't figure out how manage the relationship over the years.

Beats, Rhymes & Life Trailer

The Scenario

Bonita Applebum

What's your favorite A Tribe Called Quest song?

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy... Eric Roberson - Mr. Nice Guy

Things that make me happy... Eric Roberson - Mr. Nice Guy

Eric Roberson's new album Mr. Nice Guy might be quietly one of best albums of the year. Featuring a range of R&B sounds, Mr. Nice Guy has something for all R&B lovers, from urban hiphop fans to classic soul lovers.  There really are no bad songs on this album so you can play the whole thing and don't worry about having to skipping any songs. For those that don't know, Roberson has been around for a while and this is his sixth album. If you like this album go and find some of his early work and might have another favorite artist to add to your favorite playlists.

So... what is so good about this album? Start with the track Summertime Anthem. Listen to this song and you will nod your head and remember those summertime block party anthems where you roller skated around on the hot asphalt. This song literally will put a smile on your face. And wait!! Chubb Rock rocks out on this joint for you old school hip hop heads. The whole album is a joy. Eric Roberson is one of those artists that may not be on everyone minds, but I dare you to listen and see if this album doesn't find a place in your heart as things that make you happy in 2011.

1. Mister Nice Guy - Fun upbeat tune that will has catchy hook that will definitely make you smile.
2. Strangers - Great beat
3. Summertime Anthem - One of my favorite tracks
4. Come with Me - Another strong song. Catch
5. Picture Perfect - This song is a minor hit already. Some airplay. Smooth neosoul sound.
6. Fall - Ballad.. Jazzy, good dinner type music.
7. Shake her Hand - Classic R&B tune again. Old school style
8. The Magician - Another favorite... Weaves in the sound of magic show in an soulful sound. Artistry at work.
9. Love's Withdrawal - Jazzy ballet with some spoken word weaved in.
10. How Would I Feel? - More Jazzy feel with good vocals
11. Talking Reckless - Okay track... but still fun to listen
12. At The Same Time - Another favorite..  Great slow jam.
13. Male Ego - A little more hip hop flavor on this jam
14. Try Love - A fun that brings back memories. Reminds me of Do The Right Thing actually.
15. All for Me - Another big ballad. Decent song.

Pros
1. Lots of styles of R&B on this album
2. No weak songs really. Strong album overall
3. Great album for a car ride, background dinner music, or even getting people moving on a dance floor.

Cons
1. The fact that I haven't been following Roberson closer all these years.
2. This is a grown people album... children just won't understand.

Favorite tracks
Summer Anthem
Mister Nice Guy
The Magician
At the same time

Picture Perfect

Summertime Anthem

Hope you give Roberson a listen... And yes. I do love the album cover featuring a smiley face. How cool is that.

S.F. Guru

Things that make me happy this week... Drake - Take Care

Things that make me happy this week... Drake - Take Care

Drake newest album "Take Care", the follow up album from his wildly successful debut album "Thank Me Later", is filled with several hit tracks, some duds, and a bunch of other tunes that are pretty decent if you are a fan of Drake.  Welcome to Drake therapy!! I hope this talented guy is saving on therapist bills.

Aubrey Drake Graham with his huge fan base (over 20 million friends on Facebook) went platinum in the first week.  Based on this I am pretty sure every Drake fan knows about and have heard this new album. But for those that have kept there musical heads in the sands here goes...

I like this album overall maybe in time it might be better than Thank Me Later which I liked a lot too. This could be easily 5 hit album (maybe even 7) which matches his last album and is at Kanye, Beyonce levels. It is consistent with his past musical style and his production team's sound. But be warned this is not a upbeat album. I might describe it as melancholy and a bit emo. But that is what makes Drake different.  Drake's mellow sound is very distinct from most rappers now a days and he has a knack for singing that is not common for a rapper.  He uses his gifts in this album effectively to mix up hard hitting rap and soft moody ballads. This is a good listening album for a car drive.  It has lots of artistry with the mix of songs and mood throughout the album. Just don't drive off the road listening to a moody self absorbed lyrics.  For a guy on the top of the rap world he seems pretty sad and down. Count your blessing Drake... but keep making good music.

1. Over my Dead Body - Not the most uplifting song but good beat and decent song. Don't know if this is a hit song, but with Drake you never know what will pop.
2. Shot for Me - This starts with Drake the singer. A okay ballad. Not a hit though.
3. Headlines - A hit already. If you haven't heard this... get a life. Good jam.
4. Crew Love - A soft ballad again. Okay song. Nothing special but above average still
5. Take Care - One of my favorite tunes. Rihanna helps out with some nice vocals and the the beat is catchy. But my favorite thing is Drake does a decent job singing and rapping on this song. This will be a big hit.
6. Marvin's Room - Another early hit. Love this Drake baseline in this song. More singer/rapper mix on this one.
7. Buried Alive Interlude - Not sure what he was trying to do here. A throw in track... a good beat again.
8. Underground Kings - Okay track to me, but will be a favorite to many.
9. We'll be fine - Not my favorite. A bit of dud. A hardcore edgy attempt
10. Make me Proud - Nikki is on this one. Not bad collaboration. A minor hit already...
11. Lord Knows - Clear your throat on this one, ahem, Rick Ross. But a decent listening track. Could be a hit.
12. Camera / Good ones go interlude - I don't get this long 7+ min track. The first song Camera is awful, the 2nd part is decent song. Nice and slow joint. But why combine? Argh
13. Doing it Wrong - More singing Drake... Okay track might be a hit on the radio. Slow haunting sound.. very emo.
14. The Real Her - Another slow jam. This one Drake does an interesting thing using his the singing as the melody in the song over a strong beat. Pretty cool I think.
15. Look what you've done - This song reminds me of an uptown Harlem poetry slam. Melody in the back with poet dropping his words.  This is a favorite for overall musical composition.
16. Hyfr (Hell Yeah Fucking Right) - Okay track. Don't think it will be a hit, but with Lil Wayne on this track you never know.
17. Practice - Okay track. More singing only okay this time for me.
18. The Ride - Not a fan of this track. But a bit of a throw back sound.

Pros
-The music on this album is great. Lots of memorable beats. Has emo feel over a hip hop beat.
-Lots of lyrical content - Drake the story teller at work.
-Decent collaborations with Nikki, Weezy, and Rihanna, Rick Ross, and

Cons
-A bit melancholy
-Not sure how many club hits are on this album
-No really surprise "Wow" tunes. all are decent, but I can't find one that I think will become a classic

Favorite tracks
Headlines
Marvin's Room
Make Me Proud
Take Care
Over My Dead Body

On this album you get your money's worth. 18 tracks!! Multiple hit songs and another huge success or Drake.

What's your favorite song on the album? Why?

SF Guru

Things that make me happy... BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers

Things that make me happy... BET Hip Hop Award Cyphers - 2011 edition (now airing on BET)

Okay sure it is annoying that each year they make up new categories that make very little sense. But the show is still worth a watch.

Is hip hop dead? Nah! For 2 hours once a year BET feature veterans and new rappers on best segment of any award show on TV... The Cypher.  From the DJ in the background to the street feel of the set, this reminds me of raps hey day. Yo MTV Rap style...

So for the real hip hop lovers... check out the rhyme.

Eminem Group (Would have to be the master of this... Consistently great flows every year)

Ludacris and Busta Group (My favorite... Busta gave a full dissertation on this one).

Estelle Group

Chris Brown Group (Chris Breezy letting of some steam)

Rick Ross Group

BOB Group

Most Rapper Representing: Atlanta. But what is always fun to see is the diversity of sounds, flows and people in these cyphers, women, latino, french, even a disable rapper... BET is reaching out.

Which was your favorite?
What was the best verse?

S.F. Guru