Author: nolankane706

Posted in Album of the Month

First Serve (De La Soul)

Posted on by nolankane706

Images-1

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!

 

 

Posted in New Tunes

Soul Khan

Posted on by nolankane706

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:

 

Posted in New Tunes

Keaton Henson

Posted on by nolankane706

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?