As the late night / early morning summer movers start to rise to the top over the next month or so I look forward to hearing this along the way.
Author: nolankane706
First Serve (De La Soul)
So brothers, I present to you a hip hop concept album. Now before you get it in your head, Kanye’s 808’s wasn’t concept, it was experimental; two VERY different things.
I must admit when I read about this album I left it alone. I don’t generally like concept albums because they rarely stick to the concept.. they become experimental, or are a compilation with in between links (Handsome Boy Modeling School). More – so a hip hop concept album? The thing is that actually many artists have done concept albums; first to mind for me is Scarface – The Diary. More recently there is no better example than Plan B – Striktland Banks which pushed the concept to the max. So it can happen, some good and bad.
I digress; let’s talk about ‘First Serve’. I like this for so many reasons. You’re not going to be blown away, this is De La through and through. This isn’t a good thing, it’s a great thing.
The best way to do this for me is point form. I like this album because….
– Plug One and Two do what they maybe did on one or two songs an album traditionally; made party joints and told a story at the same time (think ‘It Aint All Good’)
– They stick to their story the whole way through and actualy show and interesting beginning, middle and end.
– The album makes me dance, has catchy lyrics but still gets you into the story.
The reason that this isn’t a De La album is that it’s the brain chils of another producer. I like that fact. I’m glad they’ve done this album but not as De La Soul. Enough can’t be spoken about having an alias. They have got to do this with this album.
When listening, give it a couple listens, some tracks are more and club radio than others. All are very catchy. The interlude’s are important to the story (some very funny) and keep it all consistant.
I’m so looking forward to more De La Soul hip hop, but I do hope First Serve get a guest spot on a track or two.
It took me a few months to buy but I’m happy that this album is in my life and I hope you feel the same.
Enjoy brothers!
Soul Khan
I seem to be putting a fair bit of Hip Hop on here as of late, but it seems to be in a bit of a purple patch.
Brothers, may I introduce you to Soul Khan. Basically he’s pretty bad ass. There’s tons of fantastic tracks kicking about the internet that have been a big part of my life over the lastr 6 months. I have been tempted many times to post one on here, but maybe I was just waiting for the right one…. I think this might just be it:
Let’s make it personal…..
On the wedding day of brother Joseph I give him this and look forward to seeing him tie the knot!
OC & Apollo Brown
This is a project that I have been really looking forward to. Album out next week.
Bobby Womack – Please Forgive My Heart
I heard this the other night for the first time and it was a game stopper. Really looking forward to this album if this is anything to go by.
Keaton Henson
I’m not sure what you guys have heard about this guy… if anything. I must admit I was a bit 50/50 from write ups about him. Apparently he is really shy and only recorded hgis album in his room, it got some great acclaim…. and then it was re-released by Sony. When I read that I put the reviews on the back shelf and let him be. I stumbled across him again a few weeks ago, and to be honest, I was wrong. I like the guy.
http://www.keatonhenson.com/look-and-listen.php
I suppose it’s a shame that I was rating the guy on who he has released music with. To be honest if I was and A&R from a major I would want to sign him. He’s very familar but stands on his own at the same time.
Thoughts?
Some nice Hip Hop……
Continuing our conversation about Hip Hop, or lack there of that is accesable; this is worth getting into. For some reason I didn’t fully get into this when I bought it about a year and a half ago but I’m loving it at the moment.
What bands do you no longer want to see?
I’ll start…. after the Brits; Blur.
February Album – King Creosote & Jon Hopkins
So we officially begin 2012 with an album that was on many reviewers top lists of 2011. I can’t speak highly enough for this album. An album that I regret I only got into over the last month.
You are welcomed by one of the most random intros to grace and album in recent years and then the beautiful long keys of first watch. The next 6 tracks float by in an order that would be hard to better.
This album is a great way to start your day, end your day or just sit, listen and look out the window.
Sadly it lacks in length (7 tracks). You are very much left wanting more.
Enjoy this brothers and I look forward to your thoughts and feedback.
thisisnothappening.net 