No one will EVER know what this album means to me. As a 9 year old kid, I vividly remember my mom and I browsing through Best Buy and when we got to the CD section, the album IMMEADIATELY caught my eye. I didn’t even listen to rap at the time. AT ALL. As a result of growing up in the city of Detroit I knew who Eminem was by default, but I wouldn’t become a fan of his until later on down the line. I had no idea who Roc-a-Fella or Jay-z was. Let alone Kanye West. I BEGGED her for that album simply off the strength that I thought a guy dressed up in a Bear suit was cool and the most amusing thing ever. I had no idea that I was about to be in possession of a Gem that would continue to blast through my speakers and headphones over a decade later.
This album, along with 50’s “Get Rich or Die Trying” & G-Units “Beg For Mercy” albums (both of which I discovered after) were the sole reason I got into rap and the rest is history. People often ask me my top 3 favorite tracks, and honestly, it’s like picking children. I know every word to every one by heart. And my Kids will too. It’s funny how music can take you back to certain times in your life and let you relive those moments for the duration of a song or album. That is what makes it beautiful.
I think the message that Kanye wanted to send with not only this album, but with his whole persona and style in general was that it is okay to be yourself. You can stay true to who you are and still be great at what you do, and reach levels no one thought you would. At least that’s what I learned. Thank you Kanye for putting this album in my life.
Whatup man love the blog hope all is well love the music coverage just wanted to share some of mine https://soundcloud.com/zulufaz thanks for the time and energy and keep sharing your love for music with us
I really don’t consider this much of a gem since everyone knows who Erykah Badu is. However, Queen Badu has come out of hiding to drop a smooth new track entitled “Phone Down” which is a must play during quiet storm hours. Put your phone down and listen now.
5 Things we Want to See on “But You Can’t Use My Phone”
Whenever Erykah Badu decides drops new music it is always cause for celebration. However, an entirely new project from the R&B queen is grounds for hyperventilation and immediate praise to the music gods.
Myself and the rest of the music world immediately began to wonder what to expect from Badu’s new project. Would it be packed with covers like her recent version of “Hotline Bling” or would it be all original cuts? Who would be featured, if there are any features at all? Here are 5 things I would like to see from “But You Can’t Use My Phone.”
1. Atleast 10 Tracks
This may seem like a simple request, but it actually may be forcing the issue. It is not often that a legend who chooses to take a hiatus from music gets the urge to create again, but when it does happen you can almost guarantee that new material will be delivered in short bursts and not full on binges. Let us hope queen Badu gives a feature length tape instead of an EP like sample size.
2. Hilarious Skits
If you’re not following Erykah Badu on twitter (@fatbellybella) then you are missing out. She never disappoints with her humor,smart ass remarks, sarcasm and how she hilariously keeps up with the current times in music. It would be only right for “BYCUMP” to include hilarious skits in the mold of reminiscent of“Call Tyrone” that will provide listeners classic laughs for years to come.
3. Call on Tyrone Revamp (or Sequel)
It’s a known fact you’re not supposed to touch classics, but no one said you can’t when it’s your own. It would be interesting to see Badu remake or create something in the light of “Call Tyrone” that fits with the current sounds of today. While it is obvious that the songstress voice is timeless, it would be fun to see her experiment a little bit.
4. A Noah “40″ Shebib Produced Track
Do I even need to explain this one? Imagining Erykah’s voice over one of 40′s dark and multi-layered beats is giving me goosebumps already.
5. A Drake Feature
I know, everyone wants a Drake feature right? But in this case, this would be a long time coming. The two are extremely good friends and Badu even dedicated her latest track “Phone Down” to the OVO front man (I think). Anyway, the chemistry on this track would be amazing, with both artists being extremely versatile, one can only imagine what directions this collaboration would go through.
Is it Better for Artists to Have a Cult Following?
By Lee Williams Jr.
The independent route is familiar territory when it comes to the music world, everyone has to start somewhere. However, over the past 5 years the industry has seen a rise in artists opting to forego signing to major labels in order to maintain creative control over their music and careers. Finding success in the indie world is possible, Jay-z initially sold around 380,000 copies of “Reasonable Doubt”, arguably his best album, out the trunk of his white Lexus before ultimately signing a record deal. One can imagine the impact “Hov” would have had remaining independent with one of the greatest rap albums of all time on his resume’, but it also begs to ask the question, should artists stay independent with cult followings?
Recognized as the individuals who actually consume the product, fan bases are the most critical component to being an artist. The size of a fan base determines how seriously people take an artist and their movement, the amount of money they make and the longevity of their careers. While most aspire to become an international superstar along the lines Drake with millions of fans around the world, there are others who prefer to stay grounded despite their immense talents.
Chance the Rapper is one of the biggest indie acts in all of music. In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, he stated how it was no need to sign to a label because it is a “dead industry.” The Chicago native prides himself on releasing all of his music for free, making his money strictly off touring. According to Chance most fans were made on the grassroots level, meeting kids one by one to sign autographs and merchandise, sell tickets to his shows and getting to know them as people. Those personal connections have resulted in phenomenal musical success with Chance’s latest project “Surf”, assisted by Donnie Trumpet and “The Social Experiment” and breakout mixtape “Acid Rap” gaining over 600 and 500 thousand downloads respectively.
Dom Kennedy is also an independent artist who has developed a ridiculous cult following over the years. Based out of Los Angeles, Kennedy does the majority of the groundwork for himself and his OPM (Other People’s Money) imprint in terms of promotion. In a 2013 interview with Forbes, Kennedy discussed how his loyal fan base led to Best Buy agreeing to house his “Get Home Safely” album which sold 12,000 copies in its first week.
“We have proof that we have fans and they (Best Buy) were willing to take a chance,” said Kennedy. “We didn’t even have any music at the time when they was talking about carrying this album, but they just believed.”
Kennedy had 120,000 Facebook fans at the time, meaning 10% of them purchased “Get Home Safely” in support of the rapper. Contrast that to Drake selling over 600 thousand his first week in 2013, and that’s only around 2 percent of support from his estimated fan base. Though the difference in sales may be significant, Kennedy proved to have the more loyal fan base, proving that cult followings can make a difference in spite of deceiving stats.
Music fans can be the most fickle individuals a person can encounter. As evidenced by this summer’s Drake versus Meek Mill beef, it only takes one slip up before fans begin to choose sides, damaging the reputation of an artist and the way people view your art, no matter how good it is. Humanizing yourself and letting fans get to know you as a person, while also taking the time to get to know them on a personal level as much as possible leaves lasting impressions. Delivering your fan base new music on the consistent basis while staying loyal to not only them, but yourself is a formula that is guaranteed to have an artists in it for the long haul.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been the biggest icon in combat sports for the past decade. Known more for his ridiculous paychecks and how he spends them, Mayweather has been the undisputed Kingpin of boxing, amassing a 49-0 record before his retirement this past September in a cakewalk bout against Andre Berto. Many fans cried out in relief, Mayweather’s slick defensive style was not popular among the general public or his peers. Others immediately proclaimed the sport of boxing dead, citing the fact that Mayweather’s appeal as a big draw was caused by his public disdain combines with the desire to him lose. Regardless of one’s personal feelings towards “Money” Mayweather, his retirement from boxing inevitably signals the changing of the guard to the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The attempt to revamp the popularity boxing among casual viewers has been fueled by NBC and their ''Premiere Boxing Series" which places pay per view worthy fights on prime time television networks like NBC, in hopes to draw in new and casual fans, getting them familiar with names, faces and the sport in general, however is that enough?
Mixed Martial Arts offers a more exciting brand of fighting, hardly holding any boundaries when it comes to throwing knees, punches, elbows and submissions. The UFC brand sets the stage for some of the most complete fighters in the world, accompanied with video games (EA Sports UFC) and marketable athletes such as Superstar Ronda Rousey and Pound for Pound number one ranked Jon Jones.
UFC events are always action packed, rarely a pay-per-view or prime-time special going by without an explosive knockout or bloodied match. Locking fighters inside of a small octagon and ordering them to do battle against one another prevents the running antics that you often find inside of the square circle with the “sweet science” of boxing. There has been constant criticism of cage fighting being “barbaric” and too dangerous of a sport to practice. However, according to a study done by researchers at the University of Alberta's Sather Sports Medicine Clinic, while MMA fighters are more likely to suffer minor more visible injuries than boxers such as cuts and contusions, they are less likely to receive damage that impacts their long-term health.
Pay-per-views are also significantly cheaper than boxing, ranging anywhere from $40 to $60 dollars, and sales that are steady on the rise as the sport continues to gain more traction. The UFC also has its own online streaming element that is affordable for fans that not only allows them to stream fights exclusively, but also view old fights in their archives, something lacking in boxing.
Boxing has hit the peak of it’s popularity in both draws and excitement, and while the hardcore fanatics will never betray the art, the UFC is a hybrid organization that is finding new ways to appeal to the masses. Do not be surprised if the new kids on the block have you trading in ring ropes for octagon fences in the near future.
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Soundcloud Gems: (Bryson Tiller- Smoke Me Out)
Bryson Tiller has been owning the streets lately fresh off of the release of his “TrapSoul” EP which has his buzz rising at astronomical rates. Pen Griffey blesses us with another banger “Smoke Me Out” which surfaced online last night. Tiller never announced the track himself so no word on whether it was a leak or self release, as well as whether this is new or old material. Either way, Tiller switches up his sound on this one trading in the moody trap soul vibes for a catchy hazy banger that people are sure to get smoked out to.
In 2015, Can Music Be Considered it’s Own Religion?
Throughout history music has always been used as a tool of expression. In times of slavery music was used to send messages, express frustrations and uplift the spirits of those living under oppression. In the church it is used to praise God and carry out any religious endeavors that believers may have between themselves. The art was also used as a symbol of empowerment among black musicians, who were able to express themselves and find success in times of racism and segregation.
Today music still holds that same power, however to a greater degree. In this current generation the art of music is not only used as a voice, but extremely influential on the actions and opinions of the youth. From committing acts of violence, all the way down to the way people dress and speak, the argument is ongoing on just how much responsibility music holds in the problems we see now in society.
In light of the debate it begs to ask the question, is music so influential in today’s society that it can be considered a religion?
The main reason music has become more popular than ever before is simply ease of access. Major corporations such as Apple, Tidal, Spotify and Pandora have created platforms where music is simply a click away from your phone, laptop or tablet. Apple boasts the highest selling phone in the world in the iPhone, which happens to be popular with teens and young adults. When the company launched Apple Music streaming, it quickly took over the competition, with 25% of the world’s population being able to stream any genre of music they please with a simple phone update.
In contrast, religion has been on the decline as this generation continues to advance. Knocks on religion have been becoming prevalent in music, pop culture, the internet and social media. There are constantly documentaries and TV shows airing on popular channels that refute the importance or make fun of religion. Figures who are considered role models such as athletes or actors, are more comfortable than ever going public with views of atheism or any other refutes they may have about a higher power. Kids are now doing their own research through the internet, reciting facts from google that help to shape their outlook on the world and why it is here, spreading findings to others and making anyone else with a different viewpoint seem foolish from their perspective.
“Music is my life, music changed me, I live music, I can’t breathe without it.” These are phrases heard among peers quite often. These phrases could also be heard in your local church if you replace “music” with “god”. Kids are getting tattoos of music notes, or lyrics just as often as individuals get tattoos of crosses and bible scriptures. There is constant criticism going around from churches asking for offering every Sunday from their respective congregations, however, people have no problem paying 60 to nearly $200 for concert tickets.
Beyonce’ and Kanye West are two prime of examples of the power of music getting out of hand. Both artists have had two religions started in their honor, “Beyism” and “Yeezianity,” Each coming with their own congregations. However, “Beyism” in particular got out of hand quickly, when a young girl sacrificed herself to “the church of Beyonce,” killing herself in her basement while surrounded by a shrine dedicated to the singer.
Kanye is referred to as Yeezus (for the most part affectionately) and considers himself a God, a call of confidence to him, a reality for some. Where youth normally turn to God or church for help through their problems, music has become the replacement. When people are depressed about school or life, they don’t kneel down, they plug in their iPod. There are constant stories of kids referencing music as a reason they didn’t commit suicide, beat cancer or stayed in school. I have been a firsthand witness of seeing a young lady credit Harry Styles of One Direction as the reason for wanting to beat her anorexia. One could argue that this is just simply “feeling music.” However a person can love and feel Michael Jackson, that does not mean I have to kill myself the way many did when he passed away in 2009.
Music has reached the point where it is fair to compare it to a religion, with the artists that create it being demigods. The anticipation and desire today for a new album or mixtape is greater than being excited for God or any other religious figure . Kids are reduced to tears when they have the opportunity to meet these people in person, and will go through extreme measures to simply gain their attention, if only for a brief reply on twitter or a photograph.
Music reaches the youth now more than any bible, Quran or proverb ever could. It should be obvious to love yourself, and respect the people around you, those are values taught in most religions. It wasn’t until Kendrick Lamar’s smash hit “I” was released that it was made it cool to do so. There is nothing wrong with music sparking change, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis shocked the world with “Same Love,” as rappers promoting same sex love and equality which I firmly believed helped push the envelope to equalize gay marriage everywhere in the U.S. But the same power that makes music beautiful, can also make it deadly when it comes to impressionable youth.
There is nothing wrong with being a huge music fan (like myself) or appreciating the morals and values of an artist and what they stand for. However, there is a way to enjoy the art and show admiration and appreciation while maintaining your true self and what you believe in. Even if you are not religious, music should never consume your entire life and looked at as anything other than a pleasant escape or entertainment. Music is a powerful art that will exist long after we are gone for generations to come, but let us hope that it does not control us for more than just moves on the dance floor.
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Soundcloud Gems: Curtis Williams- “Serene” Never have been the biggest Curtis WIlliams fan, nor do I think his rap group Two-9 is all that great. However, "Half Forgotten Daydreams" was a solid tape, and "Serene was the best song on the project. Enjoy and check out both Curtis and Two-9.
FOLLOW MY BLOG (THE GAME DAY MUSIC BLOG’S) SOUNDCLOUD!
I post dope artists/ songs that I like and wish to share with you all.
https://soundcloud.com/leegamedaymusic
This track was criminally underrated on Joey's "Summer Knights" Mixtape, and to me was the best song on the project. I really wish he would do more tracks like this.
Be sure to check out the whole tape though.
Music Videos You Need to See: (Big K.R.I.T- “Bigger Picture”)
Big K.R.I.T has been criminally underrated his entire career, so it only makes since his music videos fall in that category as well. Bigger Picture is a hidden gem off of the “Kings Remembered in Time” mixtape the Mississippi rapper released in 2013. It’s my personal favorite K.R.I.T track and easily my favorite video. The visual is simple and follows the Emcee having a picnic with a young lady, as they lay back and view the bigger picture. Really big. You’d have to see what I’m talking about for yourself. enjoy,
There are not many artists that can be named off the top of the head that come from Minnesota. No disrespect to what I’m sure is a great state, but when you think of dope rappers, the majority hail from New York, Chicago, Los Angeles for the most part. 17-year old rapper Lexii Alijai is someone who can break the drought and pave the way for young talent in that area.
I came across Lexii Alijai early last year when she dropped her mixtape “Feel-less” which I listened to on a whim simply because I thought the cover was awesome. However once the tape started playing, the music became undeniable. I admit that it is usually hard for me to get on the bandwagon of female rappers, not because I’m sexist (far from it) I just find it hard to relate to the subject matter at times. But when you hear Lexii rap, you hear a teenager that is far more mature than her years suggest, mentally and musically. Her lyrics display a young lady who is not only in tune with herself and her feelings, but a emcee with the potential to be an amazing story teller. Her unique voice and lyrics paint vivid pictures of her relationships, struggle to make it, and pain that make listeners feel what she has to say even if they can’t relate. It quickly becomes obvious that J. Cole is one of her biggest influences. and as as good of a story teller that she may be, she has slick rhymes that can translate to radio records as well.
Most of you may have heard Lexii on the song “Jealous” from rising R&B star Kehlani’s breakout mixtape “You Should Be Here”. The record was one of the more popular cuts from the project, and her versed was highly praised and recited by females everywhere. Her latest project “Joseph’s Coat” recently dropped on Soundcloud, and it displays the young rappers growth on broader subjects, and shows elements of a different sound from her more somber raps that got her notoriety. Young Lex is surely going to have a bright future in the music world, and I’d put my money on you hearing from her sooner, rather than later. Be sure to check out both “Feel-lees” and “Joseph’s Coat” and get on her wave. (Links posted below/ Soundcloud hyperlinked)
Soundcloud Gems (Bobby Earth- Wake Up) : Best song I've heard all day. Milky Wayv is a pretty dope indie group on soundcloud. Check them out. especially Peyton (the girl singing on the track)
This is EASILY the Best hotline bling cover out there right now, outside of Erykah Badu..and it might be better than hers. I don’t know much about Bearface or where they came from, but I will be looking into them after this, and you should too.
Music Videos You Need to See (Silversun Pickups- “Dots and Dashes”) :Silversun Pickups is one of my all time favorite bands, and I’m an even bigger fan of their music videos. They are always very simple and abstract and the video for Dots and Dashes is no different. The video follows a young teen, taking you on a journey through the relationship between herself and another young lady. The simplicity combined with concept makes it simply amazing to me, and the chemistry between these two was flawless. Hopefully you agree.
To be relevant in music during today’s generation, you need the World Wide Web. It is no secret that the Internet has been the biggest tool for up and coming music artists ever since Soulja Boy was setting Myspace on fire back in 2006. With the likes of Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube being bigger than ever before, there are tons of platforms for artists to release material into the world. However, despite many new artists possessing internet presences, no one has an online following quite like the one Doja Cat has.
Born Ami Zandile, the 19 year old rapper-singer is arguably the biggest internet indie star you’ve never heard of. With unique looks, style choices and musical sound, Doja sends the SoundCloud and Tumblr worlds into a frenzy every time she releases new material. Combining a slick rapping style with a versatile voice ranging from RnB to Indie Pop, Doja creates a unique dynamic in her music that stands out and is refreshing for listeners. Her buzz started with the track “So High” a 2 year old track with over one million plays on soundcloud, accompanied by a music video with nearly 3 million views on YouTube.
Since then she has uploaded a number of individual tracks and song covers that have gained thousands of plays themselves, eventually leading to a release of her debut EP “Purrr” on August 5th, 2014.
The 5 track offering highlights both Doja’s rapping and singing, showing off limitless potential that ensures not only will the world be seeing more of her, but that the best is yet to come. Check out her Soundcloud and the “Purrr EP” as well, and as always, thank me later.
The Madness of James Joseph Harbaugh is Just What U of M Needed
The minute it was announced that James Joseph Harbaugh would be returning home to Ann Arbor on a quest to deliver the Michigan Wolverines from the depths of mediocrity, the college football world was sent into a frenzy. Being a Michigan man who just Inherited not only his alma mater, but one of the most historic programs in college football, to say that expectations were high would be about as charitable as the United Way.
Former head coach Rich Rodriguez was almost ran out of town despite an improved record each year during his tenure and ultimately providing the Michigan team that won the Sugar Bowl in 2011. Brady Hoke had a much longer leash after winning the Sugar Bowl in his first year, but ultimately proved his incompetence on and off the field with his questionable decisions, handling of the media and a record that worsened each year eventually falling below .500. He never quite seemed to know what he was doing, he is still the only coach I have ever seen attempt to coach a game on the sideline without a headset.
Jim Harbaugh was immediately deemed the savior of a fallen program with an impatient athletics department and fed up fan base. Students fell in love with the coach, welcoming him with signs, selfie requests and even donning his trademark khakis around campus. The “turn around master” was expected to do what he always does when he turned Andrew Luck and Stanford into a number one draft pick and title contender, or when he led the San Francisco 49ers to a Superbowl appearance in his second year of coaching in the NFL. Right away there was talk of a Big Ten and future national titles, as well as regaining dominance over arch rivals Michigan State and that team in Ohio before the Wolverines played a down this season.
There were also just as many questions that came along with his arrival. Many wondered how players would react to his “in your face” style of coaching or his knack for having things done “his way” which wore out his welcome in previous destinations. However, nearly halfway through the season it has become clear that the Jim Harbaugh effect is real. Michigan has made a turnaround for the ages this season, sitting comfortably at 13th in the top 25 team rankings and boasting the number one defense in college football. They have shutout wins over 2 ranked opponents and are considered by some to be the favorite to beat a struggling 3rd ranked Michigan State team at the Big House this weekend.
Change like this does not come from talent, you can argue Michigan has less of it on paper than last year by losing key play makers to the draft, suspensions and transfers. The change lies within the hardcore, pedal to the medal mentality that this team has adopted from its head coach. When watching Michigan’s defense this season, it’s almost night and day in comparison to a year ago. Plays are never taken off, and the backups are matching the intensity of starters, creating rotations that swarm the opposition.
Jourdan Lewis, the top rated corner in the nation, and former number one recruit, safety Jabrill Peppers, have transformed a once riddled secondary into one of the most feared in the country. All of this starts with the perfectionist nature of Jim Harbaugh. This past Saturday late in the 4th quarter with Michigan up 31-0 on Northwestern, Jim Harbaugh went into one of his trademark tirades on an official, which quickly went viral.
Disputing a call not going your way when up 31 points may seem ridiculous to the world, but that is the standard a man who believes “you’re never satisfied in football” holds himself and his team to. It was once a time where Michigan football was expected to be so great, that the sheer thought of celebrating of win over Northwestern would make most scoff in disgust. Jim Harbaugh remembers those times, and knows that if people are going to respect Michigan football again, becoming complacent is absolutely not an option.
While the world continues to marvel at victories over the likes of BYU and Northwestern, you can count on Harbaugh to continue raging on sidelines, serving up piercing glares, giving players an earful, and preaching his dissatisfaction after every win.
Because while Jim Harbaugh may look and sound like a mad man to the football world, maybe a little madness is exactly what this program needed.
