Wasted Talent Review!

On April 13th, Jim Jones released his seventh studio album, Wasted Talent. It comes seven years since the release of his last album, Capo, which was released in 2011. Wasted Talent consists of eighteen tracks, which include three listed as bonuses. The project features Jadakiss, Trav, Mozzy, YFN Lucci, Alexza, Eric Billinger, Ball Greezy, 5am, Yo Gotti, Axel Leon, Cam'ron, Lil Durk, and Juelz Santana. With this one, Jim Jones asserts a powerful return to the game. His lyrics reflect the contemplation and wisdom that comes from a period of hiatus. Throughout the project, he touches on lessons learned from his past, realities of fame and fortune, as well as his thoughts on current social issues. He vividly describes his days in the projects and how he made it out. In tracks like "Head Off", he talks about serving as an inspiration for others to know that they can make it out as well. I appreciate the way he is able to blend past experiences with current topics throughout the project. He can quickly transition from being on the block to driving a Ferrari. With his extensive career, it's interesting to hear his perspective on the current state of Hip-Hop. You can sense the personal growth in his music, while telling that he isn't too far removed from the New York streets that built him. This project shows you what happens when a veteran takes his time to produce a quality product. It's always refreshing to hear solid bars, and this project certainly gives you that. My favorite tracks are "Gotta Play the Game" and "Epitome". Thanks for reading!

Pressure Review!

On December 15th, Jeezy released his eighth studio album titled, Pressure. The project consists of thirteen tracks, with features from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Kodak Black, Payroll Giovanni, Rick Ross, Sean Combs, Tee Grizzley, Tory Lanez, Trey Songz, Wizkid, YG, and 2 Chainz. Listening to the album, you still get those motivational lyrics and knocking beats prevalent in Jeezy's music. However, you can tell that his subject matter has evolved. He seems to be moving on from music about being in the trap, and on to enjoying the fruits of his labor. On tracks like "Bottles Up", he's celebrating his success and showcasing "trap excellence". As he stated in his interview with The Breakfast Club, this album reflects his current lifestyle. With a career as extensive as Jeezy's, it's only natural to see maturity over the years. He's been around the game for awhile, and he possesses a lot of wisdom that he passes on through his music, as well as off-the-mic moves. I've always respected his longevity and consistency. Pressure gives you the perspective of one that has made the most of their struggle, and built success from the bottom-up. His growth is showcased in tracks like "In A Major Way", where he talks about being a multi-millionaire from the hood. You have to appreciate a successful person that hasn't forgotten their roots. I'm not the most hardcore Jeezy fan, but I enjoyed listening to this album. Jeezy stays true to his style, and is complemented by some special guest verses. The production is spectacular, and definitely fitting for a Jeezy album. I recommend the tracks "This Is It", "Pressure", and "American Dream".

Syre Review!

On November 17th, Jaden Smith released his debut studio album, Syre. The album consists of seventeen tracks, with features from A$AP Rocky and Raury. The title of the album refers to his name, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith. If you're familiar with Jaden Smith, you know he operates on a higher frequency than most. His elevated thinking is clearly on display within this album. With this one, Smith gives us a tour of his mind. It's expressive, it's deep, and it's artful. I feel this album will really resonate with the youth. The transition between tracks is so smooth that it was hard for me to notice when the song changed. Pay attention to his lyricism too, he drops some gems. I'm deeply impressed with this project. He exhibits flow, emotion, and that Jaden Smith philosophy. When listening, you'll experience the free range of his mind. He knows no boundaries. My favorite tracks are "Falcon" and "Breakfast." Definitely give this one a listen. Thanks for reading.


    

NHYN Interview!

On November 12th, I had the chance to interview American born and Dubai based artist, NHYN. NHYN is an emerging artist with two solo projects, Pharaogamo and his latest, Dwaynism. His work incorporates a unique style, a transparency that allows listeners to feel the emotions that drives the music. In this interview, he gives us a detailed perspective on his life as an artist. We discuss his beginnings, his inspirations, and his visions for the future. Check out his latest work "Bounce It" and "Wait."

LAMON: I know you've mentioned this in earlier works, but for new listeners, what led you into becoming an artist?

NHYN: I would say dropping out of school. Prior to dropping out, I was making music everyday. In my room making beats, or if I was in class I'd be writing rhymes. I realized obviously I don't need to be here, maybe I need to go do something in music. So that's what led me to drop out and chase this dream. I actually had a conversation with my mentor before dropping out. I was like "yo, you think it would be a good idea to drop out of school?" (laughs). Everybody kept telling me it's a bad idea, saying I'm gonna fail, and giving me rates about the success of dropouts. I was like forget it, just going to try it out and take a risk. 

LAMON: Did moving to Dubai have any impact on your art?

NHYN: Definitely, my lifestyle has changed. I have new content to write about. It's different dealing with foreign women. Some just know you're black and from America. Driving crazy cars, or seeing crazy cars and mansions. It's like I got the lifestyle, before I got the actual money. I got used to having a driver, maids, and little small things like that. It definitely feels like I'm really rich (laughs). Living over here in Dubai gave me freedom to create without stressing. 

LAMON: Is it different looking at current events in the United States from an outside perspective?

NHYN: Yeah, people over here usually worry about their own problems. Whenever I hear something happening back in the United States, I'm just like "man, America is crazy." It's a lot going on over there, but over here there's like nothing going on. Sometimes it sounds like war is going on back home. It's different over here. They really appreciate our culture though. They listen to a lot of rap too. They mostly listen to older rap though. They haven't really caught on with the new wave of music. I feel like that's my job over here, to put them on some new music. 

LAMON: How big of a role does your team play in supporting you art?

NHYN: My team plays a pretty big role. Currently we're planning, and just trying to take it to the next level. 

LAMON: Are there any particular artists that inspire you?

NHYN: I listen to a lot of Andre 3000 and Kanye West. Of course, Kendrick Lamar. I hate listening to Kendrick Lamar, because I don't wanna sound like Kendrick but I love his music. A few of my friends also make some really dope music. My friend Lawrence, who I grew up with as a kid and we reconnected when I moved to Atlanta. Also my homie Millic who lives in Korea, and he's a really dope artist. 

LAMON: Artists do so many things nowadays, you can't really put a label on it. 

NHYN: It has to be that way. We have to do all the work. Even with business, we have to be the artists and the business owners. You have to learn to sell yourself, which is cool. It's a learning experience. I'm just glad I went to business school, even though I dropped out (laughs).

LAMON: Let's talk about the creative process. When crafting a song, do you already have a direction planned? Or is it more based on the vibe in the studio?

NHYN: Sometimes I have an idea of what I want to do before I go into the studio. When I turn on a beat, sometimes that idea can turn into something totally new. Basically, the vibe is everything. I can go in motivated to make one song, and then make another song that I end up liking more. Getting in front of the microphone, and putting on the headphones is where you really create the vibe. Also just hearing your voice. I can write a song back home, and then go into the studio and not like how it sounds at all. Hearing myself on the microphone really is what determines if I like a song or not. 

LAMON: Is there a release to be able to express yourself through art?

NHYN: Yeah, it's definitely a bit of release. A lot of frustration, but definitely release. Because once you express yourself, then you have to be bold enough to put out the music. It's like I made this song and I like it, but will they like it? You stress about that. A lot of times that's what takes me so long to put out music. I have to go through the psychological process, and be mentally ready to put it out. You have to have that mentality to put it out and say "let's see how it works." I actually had "Bounce It" for a whole year. I debated on whether I should put it out. You know what's crazy, I actually dropped "Bounce It" a month before I told anybody I put it out. I only did that to see the feedback I would get if no one knew about it. I got a lot of great feedback from it, and people were sending me messages saying they heard it. It got a good reaction, so I decided to really put it out there. 

LAMON: The thing about art is that it really gives you freedom for self-expression.

NHYN: You've gotta really go with your instincts. If I would've really went with my intuition, I probably would've let it go a long time ago. I'm learning that now, to really trust my instincts. I'm trying to push myself to get past myself. I wanna be able to release more music, and I want people to know what's going on in my life. 

LAMON: What's the meaning behind the name NHYN?

NHYN: NHYN (nine) represents the number for universal love. That's why the logo I created is a heart. It's a complex heart like a puzzle, because love is difficult. I felt like NHYN is a representation of what I'm trying to do in the industry. I'm trying to be that piece that brings everyone together. Whether it's helping a producer in the studio, or a homeless person on the street. I'm trying to be that vessel that can really relate to people, that they can say "he really cares about me and my well-being." Nine represents completeness, like being spiritually complete. That's how it feels, because I made the album Dwaynism which is talking about self-love and self-worth. I had to basically relocate to Dubai and go through that process of looking at who I am, and what I'm trying to do. NHYN represents me. 

LAMON: Are there any artists that you wish to work with?

NHYN: Andre 3000 for sure, Erykah Badu, definitely Kanye West, and Frank Ocean. These are artists that do a lot for me, I really like these people. Andre 3000 is the best rapper in my opinion, I feel like people forget about him until he drops a verse. When he drops a verse, it's a big deal. 

LAMON: As an emerging artist, how do you maintain humility as your publicity grows?

NHYN: I don't know if I'm humble at all. I'm just very introverted. I don't really think in terms of publicity growth, just individual growth. I'm not too pressed about fame, I don't really care about that. The bigger I go is just a bigger platform. I wouldn't say I'm humble, I wish I was humble. Behind closed doors I'm probably boastful. Then I'm just quiet, because I don't want to come off as boastful (laughs). 

LAMON: Are there any milestones that you plan to accomplish throughout your career?

NHYN: I want a Grammy, but only because I've been working on my speech for awhile. I've been preparing for like four years.

LAMON: Hopefully we hear it one day.

NHYN: It's definitely going to be a dope speech. I think I only get like thirty seconds anyway, so I'm trying to make the best thirty seconds ever. Kanye West has the best Grammy speech right now, so I'm trying to top him. 

LAMON: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

NHYN: Stay in school, don't chase your dreams (laughs). Nah, but I would say learn the business. That's the main thing if you're trying to get into music, learn the business. You might end up losing a lot of money, because no one is going to treat you better than you treat yourself. Always remember that you are a brand, and you have to treat it as such. It's a marathon, and not a quick race. If you're really into music for the long run, it's definitely a marathon. There's a lot of ups and downs, but they're all important for your journey. 

LAMON: I'm aware that you studied audio engineering, what role did that play on your development as an artist? 

NHYN: For starters, I know what quality sounds like. I know what to look for when I'm making a record, what sounds pleasing to the ear. Going to Los Angeles for audio engineering allowed me to meet other aspiring artists. It allowed me to network with them, and meet other people that wanted to help out. That's what led me to moving to Dubai. Studying audio engineering in LA really catapulted my career. 

LAMON: What impact do you plan to make with your career? 

NHYN: Spreading love and teaching people. I also want to add to the culture, I feel like I have a lot to bring. I've been through a lot in these 25 years, and I feel like I have wisdom. I'm not where I want to be yet, but I just have to be patient. You have to take risks for that big reward.  

Thanks for reading!

Without Warning Review!

On Halloween, artists Offset, 21 Savage, and Metro Boomin dropped a surprise collaborative project titled Without Warning. It consists of ten tracks, with guest appearances from Quavo and Travis Scott. It's rare that such industry giants would drop a project "without warning." It caught me off guard, but it was a reflex for me to throw my headphones on when I received word of the project. It's definitely a treat for 21 Savage fans, coming off the success of the well-received Issa Album. Likewise for Offset fans, who are anticipating the Culture 2 album from the rapper's group, Migos. It's an interesting combination of artists, but I'm impressed with how well 21 Savage and Offset are able to blend on the project. 21 Savage has space for his ferocious lyrical style, while Offset is able to showcase his renowned flow over mastermind production by Metro Boomin. As with anything by 21 Savage, you'll hear some relentless bars that show no concern for human life, as evident in the track "My Choppa Hate N-----." The project is filled with bangers, my favorites being the rough "Rap Saved Me" and the smooth "Ric Flair Drip." If you want to turn up, or even if you just want to kick back and vibe to some dope tracks, I think you should give this album a listen. Thanks for reading, and remember to enjoy life!

4eva Is A Mighty Long Time Review!

On October 27th, Mississippi artist, Big K.R.I.T. released his third studio album 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time. The project is lengthy, as a double album with 22 tracks. Features include T.I., Lloyd, UGK, CeeLo Green, Sleepy Brown, Joi, Jill Scott, Keyon Harrold, Bilal, Robert Glasper, Kenneth Whalum, and Burniss Earl Travis II. The project comes much anticipated, after almost three years since the release of the artist's second studio album, Cadillactica. The production and flow of the project clearly stays true to K.R.I.T's southern roots. I appreciate the originality, lyricism, and overall southern vibe of the album. I was watching K.R.I.T's The Breakfast Club interview the other day, and he stated that he doesn't listen to outside music during the creative process. This just demonstrates the devotion he gives into making his art stand out. The lyrical content illustrates the self-reflection and spiritual growth that K.R.I.T. underwent while crafting this project. I won't spoil it for you, but he mentions the many exterior, as well as interior struggles, he faces as an artist. I highly recommend this album, although I must admit I have some bias being a southerner myself. I would consider it to be among my top albums of 2017. My two favorite tracks have to be "Get Away" and "Bury Me In Gold." I'll definitely be vibing to this album for the foreseeable future. Thanks for reading, and remember to enjoy life!