Recently I have been on a music overload, still am in fact. My library has doubled in 2 months, in the almost 2 years I have been getting it. Getting 11 full albums, and then 10 mixtapes. I made a list of it and it came out to be a day worth of music out of the 2.2 days I have. So not only have I been really busy with school and regular life, man music has been crazy. I was just happy to have time today to make the previous post and this little update.
The reason I got so much is really because of the albums I bought. Usually I never get that many. I got all sorts of stuff, just on the 10th I got 5 more albums. Ha usually I never do that to myself, but I don't always have an opportunity to buy music when I want it, so there I go.
The 11 Albums:
Nas's Street's Disciple
Ben Kweller's Sha Sha
Wu-Tang Clan's Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
Common's Be
The GZA's Liquid Swords
A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders
Daft Punk's Discovery
Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Black Star
A 3 Disc Set of Nat King Cole: Unforgettable
2nd Disc: Hit that Jive
3rd Disc: Jivin' With Jarvis
I have had a good time with Street's Disciple, 36 Chambers, Be, and Midnight Marauders. All of those I have given close listens, Be and 36 Chambers probably feeling the most complete. Street's Disciple was actually a great attempt at a double-LP as it is hard to master those as just a solo rapper. Midnight Maruaders was awesome, and I gotta give that one another go sometime. Liquid Swords has been orphaned, and I hope to adopt it again once again! As I really haven't listened to it.
The latter 5 albums I have acquired just on Monday. Discovery is amazing, have listened to it fully multiple times, but never in one go, as I have fallen asleep. D'oh!
Nat's stuff still gettin' into it, and Black Star is still waiting!
The 10 Mixtapes.
Mac Miller's The Juke Box
And the High Life
Nas's Illmatic Demo Tape
Biggie's Demo Tape
A collection of Nas's Unreleased
Nas's The Lost Tapes 1.5, all remixes produced by Cookin' Soul
9th Wonder's The 144 -144 Instrumentals from 9th Wonder that are simply amazing. 5.4 hours of content on that bad boy! That is what has kept me so busy.
Aer's Water on the Moon
Mac Miller's I Love Life, Thank You
and another Nas collection, of remixes, unreleased, and collabs. Pretty sick.
Only really listened to The Juke Box, which was honestly terrible, except for the tracks I liked were quite amazing, Big's demo tape was short but decent, 9th Wonder's stuff is absolutely amazing, and The Illmatic Demo Tape is by far amazing, it is like discovering a 2nd Illmatic. Everything else still needs some attention.
So yeah quite the music kick.
I hope to do some finishing tracks to People's if I have time, and then go on with random tracks for awhile. Perhaps do a cover of 9th's material and give an overview. Doesn't mean I am back for a post every other day, but I hope to do at least 10 a month ha ha.
I figure I'd better get a post out before any more time pasts. Already a month, woo too busy. But a perfect track just to get some thoughts out. Mac Miller just recently released his mixtape "I Love Life, Thank You". Produced by 9th Wonder, I'll be making a post about that as well, as I have been on quite the kick with him! A few reasons I wanted to review this track, instead of doing another Tribe post for People's I just wanted to get something out and figured the easiest way was to do a track I just recently loved. And this track is very fascinating to me, and relates back to me every other word. Mac does what he does best on this track. He excels at tracks with a good vibe, a great beat, as he always carries that innocence of a kid feel with him. No better way to remain innocent and happy then to drop a song about heaven. And I have always wondered about heaven.
Mac drop his own little story, asking questions and telling the listener each characteristic of heaven, and if you agree, you will just love the song. Since Mac is all about chillin' he just puts alot of good into this track. I guess the reason the tracks makes me feel so good, is because he really paints a picture of heaven with each and every rhyme. He starts simple, with beautiful woman, cars, and liquor. But while of course we all like nice things, and he continues with real values that I never thought about actually. How we are all at peace, and that no everyone is cool, cause it is all free. Which is actually a great concept, that nobody is separated by wealth, and we all just look at eachother and enjoy heaven just as equal people, not taking eachother for rich or poor. Nobody complains, you can entertain, however he leaves almost nothing out, he sort of include every general feel of heaven. For example, he mentions, "See everybody you want, always keep in touch and go and chill by yourself when everything get too much". Cause that is what makes life great, when you got the choice to kick it however you want. Continuing he says, "Never a fucking rush, so therefore a million plus. You prolly got a mercedes but always could take a bus". Same idea really, you can live how you feel, which isn't always the case down here on earth.
One thing I have thought about lately is, what exactly is heaven like? But you kinda imagine heaven to be exactly what you want, while you can't narrow it down, you just sort of put everything in there, just the ultimate peace for you, were life is just great up in heaven. That is why this track really reaches out to me, if a song makes you happy you like it, so how can't you like a song like this? Sort of weird to think I couldn't figure out why I liked this song so much, but one more reason, 9th Wonder. The production on this track is so uplifting and just makes me happy, a track like this or even the instrumental gives you that heavenly feeling and man is it good. Takes you above the clouds, which is why I have been loving 9th's beat lately. So many are just relaxing, more so than a regular song. But really the beat is quite simple, the beat and the strings, ooh the strings are what take you places in this one! And that touch of elegance is added by the piano, just a little touch added so well into this track.
So there you have it, just a beautiful work, really came as a surprise from Mac. It seems it is always hit or miss with Mac, but when he comes to a beat like this and just adds a simple concept he makes magic. Even the simple hook works well on this track. As it rides nice with the music, and anyone can enjoy thinking, what exactly is heaven like?
This song is perhaps the best song of off Mac Miller's Jukebox. It takes a sick beat and his clever lyrics. Still new to most of his music, I didn't expect a track like this from Mac. So this was a very pleasant surprise from him. Considering I didn't find the majority of the songs on the Jukebox anything special, this made the track even better. His voice just flows perfectly, and his attitude comes off as aggressive, and having listened to K.I.D.S., I would've never expected something like this. Any way he rhymes it just catches, and stays with me.
The production on this is top notch, just a simple bass-heavy beat with some trumpets thrown in. This beat makes it even easier to chill out to. Soul Theory gave a tough beat a touch of jazz. Absolutely beautiful. And the DJ intro at the beginning might be the only one that I didn't mind hearing. All the others on that album really broke the feel from all the songs. However, this one had me laughing every time. "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!" Ah, the actual name of the instrumental is apparently "So Gangsta" by Soul Theory Productions. If you noticed he threw that piece of old school soul at the very end. No information as to what that piece is, although it is beautiful.
As for Mac, this is a master rap. Every other line is hot, and is so catchy. Definitely a fun song to rap along too. The flow is top notch on this beat, almost perfect. Now for my favorite lines. Whether he says it just right, or it is clever, or he goes off like crazy.
Like any given friday I roll up to ya drive way rock u in tha face have u lookin sideways
So quit ya back talk I ain't haven it boyy
I'm lookin fresh right now straight dazzlen boyy
Light a swisher now I'm gone
When my minds on, 5's on, laced up, headed out the time bomb
Get your life right size truck whit a white light
Triple x tee and a fresh pair of white nikes
I wright like nobody you've seen
Cause my weed is purple and my money is green
See I'm hungry for cream with my fitted on lean
If you wanna talk shit, I'm a shit on your teaam
The kid raps like lasers, sharp like rasors
Rollin up my weed in some Garcia vegas (yuup)
Fuck a cop tryna chase me with tasers, I'm runnin out my crib and I'm dippin through the neighbors, garden
High homie marvin the martian
Specifics is never gimics, I rip it just how I live it, you wanna it I'll go and get, I'm kickin it so escuisit
The wickedest mothafucka on the block I live at
Shit talk on hip hop I'm pealing your wig back, yuup
The delivery on this track has me amazed. Definitely gonna be a favorite from Mac always. Just killing it!
Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza this a work of art I ain't talking Mona Lisa
Awesome rhyme and there is many more to come, according to Mac. On this track Mac explains his plans for becoming a better rapper, and his plan to succeed. Basically a nice little autobiography telling us all sorts of things, whether it be his dreams, his status as a rapper, and what he will do with that success. And a lot of it kinda leaves me interested and waiting to hear more. As for the quality of the rap, well damn, I absolutely love it. He flows great and has some pretty hot lines that are quite catchy. The beat is very chilled and laid back produced by Lord Finesse. Let's see what this team did.
Lord Finesse produced a hell of a track, and it sounds great. Hard to identify most of the sounds, but you can definitely hear those shouts in the background of the track, most likely sampled, but I can't be sure. Those voice and "you know what?" are actually a nice touch. The beat is quite catchy, going right along with those keys. The keys play nice and slow really easing your mind. It seems every other track on K.I.D.S. I review, I need to find the producers other beats. I am just amazed at all this unbelievable production from the K.I.D.S. mixtape. Fantastic job Lord Finesse. And if you didn't know it is actually an old beat called "Hip 2 da game". Check it out!
As I said before Mac Miller practically writes his auto-biography which is great. He certainly had some cool stuff to tell. As you hear him rap, he tells you he hopes it is his last shot, as he was simply a guy who "used to go to school hand with friends and play sports". He admits that there was something missing from life. And thus he started rapping, climbing up that great wall of success. He may be new and people may think he is a mirage but he guarantees he will go hard. His line about the music stores was very interesting, seeing as I had no idea what he was really saying. Ha, oh well he certainly has a future in rapping. Doesn't take to much to understand these lyrics, so go get your 2 cents from this song.
I smoke herb and I make music
I don't even talk about it boy I just do it
Just thought I would let you know that part is so damn smooth. Lots of other hot lines, which makes the track even better. The track is smooth like butter baby.
A terrific song to relax to on a rainy day. From the fun filled lyrics, to the "playful" beat, this song has all you need to put a smile on your face. Like any other track from K.I.D.S., it really can be appreciated by the younger crowd and students. This being because they will appreciate the lyrics the most. After all who doesn't like not going to class?
Mac Miller was a master on this track, whether on purpose, or just maybe the way I analyzed it made it that much better to me. A lot of simple fun lines can mean a lot. The title of course is appropriate, rapping about Senior Skip day, no less. Lots of lazing around, and just trying to have a good time. The song opens with him rapping with a soft whisper, and some thunder in the background. His flow works perfectly when the beat drops, after that intro of playful synths. This works excellently. The song is full of positivity, and I receive it with a warm welcome. Whether he references chores, class, or the lack of ingredients to a most dope breakfast, he tells you don't sweat it.
I'm just high why they hatin on me
People tend to think all the dranks on me
I don't even have the money to spend
To buy patron for you and all your friends
Baby I be on my grind
Rain sleet snow
Rollin up good every place we go
Cause we tryin to get high get high get high
Know the bullshit and all the problems
But we to gone to see
Little bit of this and a little bit of that
We proceed to give them what they need
He asks himself why do people hate him? He is right though, he is just an average guy just trying to relax and have a good time. He gets high to escape the problems, and we all have an escape from life. Perhaps you listen to a certain song to help cover those troubles. I know I do, that is in fact why I started writing, I love songs so much and I love to talk about them. Moving on now.
This is where that simple imagery becomes so damn good, and relatable. After all who can't relate to having waffles? And hey if you can't afford waffles, don't worry. This next part of the verse explains all those situations, as does the "patron" line up above.
Just wakin up and gettin stoned
Rub my eyes and check my phone
Open up the fridge to make some waffles
But no more syrup up in my bottle
Damn, but it's okay
I top it off with scrambled eggs
Aye gotta work with watcha got
Aye gotta work with watcha got
Any situation, maybe you needed something. What he is saying with these fun breakfast foods, is that there should be some solution. And just don't stress. And that lead right into the chorus which just feels great, and you always have those moments on lazy days when you wish people would just hang out longer. Bringing us to the next verse.
Ain't tryna get out of my bed till noon
Neighbors smell the perfume smoke in my room
And I got the door closed can't be sure though
Amsterdam weed spending euro's
Get the herb rolled
Let's relax
Take your shoes off and kick it back
We escaped the world
Escaped the stress
But I don't give a fuck if the house a mess
Cause we gonna handle that later
We gonna handle that later
Right now let's get that paper and smile for all them haters
Aye cream cheese and a bagel
Have a glass of milk and an ego
I'm rockin pjs and no shirt
I smoke weed eat yogurt
Enjoy the best things in your life
Cause you ain't gonna get to live it twice
They say you waste time asleep
But I'm just tryna dream
This verse is just so much fun, flows really well on this particular verse. The middle (in bold), is my favorite. Really kicking the stress right out with some really tight rhymes. Let's just leave those responsibilities alone for awhile, and stay positive for everybody that hates. Because that is what we should do, stay positive despite the others. An excellent message, given an excellent delivery. Especially in that 2nd pair of lines Also, those last lines, plain and simple, are just wonderful to here. Very clever Mac, very clever.
And what could make a rap even better? Well the beat, which was produced by Wally West. The pitter-patter of synths is absolutely terrific to listen to. Makes you feel like a KID again, very interesting. Then the maraca sound comes in with the bass. My goodness the bass is brilliant, and has an incredible affect. It is used sparingly throughout the song, making it oh so appreciated when it rolls around. As does those brass pieces. And that clap just makes the beat easy to bob your head to with the synths. This one beat has gotten me intersted in Wally West. I look forward to seeing his name in future productions.
What I got out of the song:
Put those responsibilities to your side when you put those headphones on.
A track like this is welcome, I feel like not many tracks such as Senior Skip Day come out often enough. Really good vibes from this track, that share us the simplest forms of fun. Which can sometimes be forgotten, and Mac Miller reminds us of those joys. Another reason I like him as an artist, you can just put the arguments aside, and just respect his music.
Don't imagine Flight Mac will be landing any time soon.
One of the smoothest tracks on the K.I.D.S. mix-tape. Oh yeah, and one of the smoothest tracks I have heard in my library. Hear I like to explore music libraries, and when I found this I wasn't expecting this gem to appear. This is a track that I will always remember.The track is another one I could put in the same category of We Major. It makes you feel successful and helps you to finally calm down, and just live life easy.
I heard this track, the first I had heard from Mac Miller. I never knew how much I would like this guy, but we will get into him as an artist later on, ha you know me and my long speeches. And what a 1st track it was. This was earlier in late fall of 2010, and I was just getting used to the concept of mixtapes. At this point I was still working on getting artists' albums. But Traffic in the Sky is just one reason K.I.D.S. feels like an actual album. A lot of terrific tracks that feel quite professional. Yet, Mac brings a smooth style similar to other kids, not a surprise or difference in hip-hop, but he does a better job of it.
Traffic in the Sky brings simpler success, that other teenagers would relate to. Whether just feeling cool and accepted with all their friends, or getting lifted all the way to the clouds. However you live it up, Tecknowledgy really made it possible to chill with any method. Simple because the beat has that smooth feel to it. With a soft beat and some beautiful jazz it really helps you mellow out. The good touch of brass is just so damn good I almost can't get over it. And usually when a rapper "sings" the hook is doesn't quite come out strong. Yet, Mac has the ability to float right along and brings that soft touch that anyone can appreciate on this beat. So I will certainly be on the look out for more work from Tecknowledgy.
As for Mac, well he does his thing. With other tracks, he has that laid back style and really helps you to just blow the stress away. While many of us aren't living the life, we certainly a song that puts us in that puts our mind in a state of sedation. With just a few simple words, he reaches to everyone. As I may have explained several times that if an artist uses the right words they can send the same message to many, getting them the same mood the artist wanted to convey. And Mac Miller can put that feeling in kids so easily. It clearly helps as he is a kid himself, making him a guy who is relatable. Always a plus to have. So let us get to some of the lyrics. Has some clever lines and has a butter flow on this cool track.
Get laid in California when the weather gettin colder
or honeys by the pool and I'm sippin on mimosas
chillen on the beach house, lounging on the sofa
riding with a chauffeur, on my way to blow up
roll up, fishing, champagne sipping
5-star chefs stay cooking in the kitchen
4th line really sums up a big part of the song. It would be something you might listen to when you know you got something locked down, and you know that your chances of high. A premature celebration if you will.
got my Louie shades on ain't no damn thing wrong
fill enough cups til the bottle all gone
we just coolin coolin ,feel the breeze
had to give you something you can sang off key
Saying there ain't a damn thing wrong is about as straight forward as it gets to relaxation. Then he puts some others feelings in there. That last line really works well also, we are all here for this track to relax , and singing off key invited everyone to get that positive energy that Mac has.
Earlier this week I was listening to this song, up at a nice view in the woods after a hike up there. I lied back and watched the clouds go by, just as he says that. Song was very effective at that point and I absolutely loved it. So just watch the clouds go by, and just cool out.You can look at any of his lyrics and see his style in this song perfectly, giving that positive fun-guy vibe. That is why I have become a fan of his work. And hopefully with this song you will to. I am sure a lot of kids out there already have heard this song. But whether this is your first track from him, or your 10th, hopefully you enjoy it. I will be doing some more tracks from him, any recommendations just comment.
