My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - "The Last Real Masterpiece"

At some point three years ago - Kanye West was probably the most hated man in not only music, but show-business as a whole.  His Taylor Swift stage-bomb exploits; left him humiliated, embarrassed and hated by all. Myself included, I had lost a lot of faith in the egotistic rapper, prior to the VMA's even. More so, as a result of his then latest album 808's and Heartbreaks, which I felt at the time was very substandard to its predecessors. And now with his drunken exploits at the VMA's, I truly thought this was the end for Kanye - (giggles) BOY WAS I WRONG! After exiling himself for a year in Hawaii, many critics, journalists and fans all discussed what exactly the ostracised rapper was doing - when in actuality, he was making a modern classic album. 

After leaked versions of the first single Power marauded the internet, the official version was finally released in July with the visuals for the track, causing mad  hysteria . It seemed as though Yeezy was back, but a Yeezy who had now mastered his own sound (I'll come back to that later). Following this, he further blessed us with weekly free giveaways building up to the album, noted as "G.O.O.D FRIDAYS" and mind you despite 3 of the songs being on the album, most if not all were album-worthy. This, plus the short-film Runaway whetted everyone's appetite for the album itself. November 22nd, 2010 *Wipes Tear*.

Ok, now this is where I explain why I think My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (MBDTF) is a masterpiece and why all hip-hop albums thereafter have to try and beat it - to be mentioned as a modern classic...

I won't go into great detail about the songs within the actual album, (you can listen to them for yourself really). But, what I will do is discuss the album as a composition. As a whole Kanye made an all-encompassing album - by that I mean the album is a construct of each of his previous four albums. Particularly, the production, you can hear the soulful samples in songs like Devil in a New Dress reminiscent of The College Dropout, opera-like and stadium'esc sounds in All of the Lights similar to Late Registration and Graduation, while his recent spurge of using auto-tune which is prominent in 808's is present throughout the album, especially Runaway. While encompassing all his previous sounds - he had now mastered it and rendered something newer and more daring, with his Rock-like samples and heavier bass production which is most appreciated in the overwhelming song Power. Here, in terms of production we found a Kanye West who had grown to new heights beyond conventional hip-hop, which of course he was always doing with his previous albums - nonetheless he did it this time embracing his previous sound and evolving to a new level. Having said that, it is clear to see why Kanye considers himself to be more than just a rapper- but rather a great artist that raps. 

It is often debated that Kanye is a producer who can rap rather the other way round, or that he's good at both. Nonetheless, with this album, he demonstrated that he is very much so, a strong rapper, who can compete with best lyrically. Without a doubt in my mind his best display of lyricism was in MBDTF - and no song on the album best displays this than Gorgeous. In actual fact, Kanye denounces the negative stigma of him being a producer who can rap, in Gorgeous where he goes on to say -  'Act like I ain't had a belt in two classes, I ain't got it I'm going after for whoever who has it, I'm coming after whoever! Who has it?'. Firstly, this is a really dope line to be honest - more importantly he negates the stigma of him being a producer who can rap, but rather a champion at both crafts and to be fair, off this effort, who can really argue with him. 

I mean, what I most appreciate about the album is it's duality - by that I mean; it's an album for all lovers of music, whether you're lover of hip-hop or not, but at the very same time it still resonates with the core foundations of hip-hop, so not straying away from the genre itself. It has probably the best posse-cut track in the last decade with So Appalled, as well as an honest and very candid song that all listeners can relate to in Devil in a New Dress. Plus, it really demonstrated and allowed other artists/producers to flourish- both his own artists in G.O.O.D Music, but as well as emerging/new-gen' rappers like Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross to drop arguably their best verses. 

Having said all of this, I genuinely feel this album deserved all the plaudits it received- considering Kanye was all against it at that specific time, he really did deliver a stellar album that will go down as a classic, if it isn't already. I mean it got 5 mics from The Source even (who even knew they still existed lol). This is certainly, in my opinion the best hip-hop album in the new decade (2010- ) and probably since the Carter 3 or well before even. In which, for me this is the plateau that all forthcoming attempts should aim to top - a reference of what a modern classic is, if you will. 

Cheers...

Was it worth it? Superstar goes as 7 new recruits enter...

Gareth Bale celebrates after scoring winner against West Ham last season

After weeks of speculation, near confirmation and U-Turns it can finally be confirmed that Real Madrid have secured the signature of their marquee summer target Gareth Bale (subject to a medical); for a world record transfer of 100m Euros (£85.3m), (whether he is worth it or not, is a whole different debate in itself). Bale who now carries the hefty price tag has all to prove his worth, as he can now add himself to the ever glowing list of Galácticos.

While, the Bale saga was taking place and receiving mass media attention, a lot of action was happening behind the backrooms of the Lane. As Daniel Levy and Franco Baldini were fashioning the plans for the post-Bale Tottenham - which has now resulted in the signing of some of Europe's top footballers, seven to be exact. Which totaled to a staggering £110.5m and with a few more hours left in the transfer window who's to say it's stopping there.

Anyhow, while on paper it does seem all rosey for Spurs, one can't dismiss that Tottenham are ultimately weaker without Bale whether or not they've signed some of Europe's top players.  Don't get me wrong, the signings Spurs have made are top draw and any Football Manager fan like myself has probably tried to buy one of the lucky seven before. However, Bale is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world and has been the best player in the Premier-League over the past two seasons. Thus,  being the linchpin and saviour for Spurs for the last couple of seasons - to which weaker counterparts truly do not equate to the former Spurs superstar, that is Bale...

New Tottenham summer signings Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen

Yes, you heard right, I said superstar! Need I remind you of his stats last season; 21 goals with 7 assists in the league alone, with a run of 11 goals in 10 games this very year. While his stats speak for himself; he was very much a big-match/cometh the hour, cometh the man type of player for Tottenham, with his spectacular strike against West Ham in the final minutes of the game coming to mind. Whether or not you agree, Bale was single-handedly deciding games for Spurs last season.

Which is why I feel they are now quite significantly weaker without Bale. For two specific reasons. The first being the most obvious - while they now have a squad with a lot of depth and quality, they are now plagued with a bulky squad full of stars that want to start. Which,  of course will need time to gel as many of these players have been bought after or in the middle of the preseason period. 

Secondly, Spurs's recent success was built around Bale and the "Bale factor" worked for Tottenham, however, now they have to completely restructure and find a formula that works, bearing in mind its a Premier-League season where in my opinion there's six teams who are all close to each other in terms of quality and all fighting for the promise land that is the "Top 4". Had they somehow managed to keep Bale and added to their squad they would have definitely in my mind finished among the top 4. Now however it'll be increasingly difficult even with the quality they've added. 

Yes I can hear you saying how much creativity Eriksen has, or that Lamela scored 15 in 35 for Roma last season. Regardless of this it's a completely different league, style of play and these players need time to gel with their new teammates. 

Having said all of this, this is football and it is a matter of opinion and believe me, my opinion has been wrong a number of times (I said Liverpool were going to win the league in 09/10 and they finished 7th :/).  For all I know Tottenham could be champions come May. Nonetheless we'll let the football do the talking. Have a good one people!

Has the La Liga taken the Premier League's title as 'The Best League in the World?'

Before I begin with this post; those of you who do not know me personally will be surprised to know that I am a massive football fan. To my own surprise, I have no idea, as to why I haven't blogged about football yet but hey that's about to change starting from here. So enjoy, comment and share!

Cristiano Ronaldo scoring against Manchester City earlier this season in the Champions League Group stages

Since the turn of the century it has been widely accepted that the Premier League is quintessentially the best league in the footballing world. Due to it's fast pace, aggression and high money spending features has helped it to attract millions of sports lovers to the Premier League. Similarly, the Premier League sides have dominated European competitions for the last seven plus years. However, recently there has been a shift in superiority, Spanish clubs and players are now the dominant force in world football.

Earlier this week the annual FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 awards took place and with it the worlds best XI of 2012 was announced. The XI was completely comprised of teams from the La Liga. Even more it was confined to just three teams; Barcelona (5), Real Madrid (5) and Atletico Madrid (1). We can go as far as saying the world's best XI is confined to just two Spanish cities. Not Manchester, London, Munich or Milan. Simply just Barcelona and Madrid.

FIFPro X1 2012 Players

(IKER CASILLAS, DANI ALVES, MARCELO, GERARD PIQUÉ, SERGIO RAMOS, ANDRÉS INIESTA, XABI ALONSO, XAVI HERNANDEZ, CRISTIANO RONALDO, RADAMEL FALCAO, LIONEL MESSI.)

Firstly, myself included, I was a bit taken aback, when the XI was announced not one player from a non-Spanish club? Putting other European players aside, surely one player from the Premier League could have made the XI. Of course first person on your lips is Robin Van Persie, undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League last season scoring 37 goals in 48 appearances for Arsenal. Or perhaps Ashley Cole who put a solid performance last season in particular in the Champions League as well as being an eventual winner. Nonetheless, neither made the list which is quite surprising considering Van Persie did score one more goal than Falcao in fewer appearances. Similarly, to my belief I can't recall seeing anything special from Marcelo definitely in comparison to Ashley Cole.

Many critics of the Spanish league would argue that it is dominated by two super teams (Barcelona and Real Madrid), who are almost guaranteed a victory every game. Lack of challengers for the super teams, as the rest of the teams are nowhere near the quality of Barcelona and Real Madrid. While with the Premier League any team can seemingly beat any team, a victory is never guaranteed (even if you're Manchester United Or City). There's always at least four main challengers for the title at the beginning of every season. 

Falcao celebrating after scoring his hat-trick against Chelsea in the Super Cup this season 

Though many critics argue that the English league is majorly over-hyped with unattractive football, over-priced players and a media who portray it to be something that it truly isn't. More accurately, Atletico Madrid, a side that finished fifth last season, demolished a strong Chelsea side in the Super Cup at the start of this season. With Falcoa being the criminal in the murder, scoring a hat-trick within 45 minutes. Atletico a feeder club to many of England's top sides for years, beating Chelsea the current Champions League winners, with ease. Same can be said for Manchester City current Premier League champions, were drawn in the 'group of champions', in the group stages of this seasons Champions League- that being Real Madrid (champions of La Liga), Borussia Dortmund (champions of Bundesliga) and Ajax (champions of Eredivisie). This should of been a great testament of English football, displaying our very best among Europe's very best. Tragically, Man City finished bottom with just 3 points and not one single victory. Not to forget Manchester United who crashed out to Atletico Bilbao in the Europa League last season. So if seemingly the best team from England cannot beat at least one of Europe's elite teams; what does it say about the supposedly best league in the world?

The La Liga has the two best players in the world (Messi and Ronaldo), two best teams (Barcelona and Real Madrid). More people watched the El Classico (1.7m twitter mentions) than the Manchester Derby (420K twitter mentions). To take the the argument further, there's a huge difference between either national sides Spain who are both world and European champions; play romantic, attractive and passing football. While England play dull and unfulfilling football, not reaching the final of any tournament since winning the World Cup in 1966. Lastly, English teams look to Spain to buy their youngsters as English talent are never to the quality of Spanish players. Spain simply produce better players, have better coaching staff and facilities. 

It seems there's been a shift in what is the best league in the world, as Spanish teams now dominate European football. Being a Premier League lover myself I will always prefer to watch the Premier League, but have to concede that Spanish football trumps English football.

2012 Music Review

2012 has been arguably the best year in terms of quality of music in a very very long time. In all genres the quality of music has definitely taken a turn for the better; especially in an era where we've become accustomed to mediocre, talent-less,  monotonous garbage! Here's a review on what I consider to be the best sh*t to drop this year; in terms of artists, albums, mixtapes etc!

Mixtape of the year

Big Sean- Detroit (5th September 2012)

http://www.datpiff.com/Big-Sean-Detroit-mixtape.390127.html

Initially when Big Sean first announced he was dropping a new mixtape in September, I assumed it would be a needless filler building up to his soon to be released sophomore album Hall of Fame. Despite Big Sean displaying that he actually has a strong rap ability, I never really took him seriously. He always seemed to me, to be a novelty rapper who was humorous, you know with his whole; 'Whoa Dere', 'Oh Gawd' and 'Boing' thing. It just seemed he was never serious. However, displaying stellar verses on collabs such as Meek Mill's Burn and his 'cliques' (pun intended) GOOD Music compilation album Cruel Summer, Big Sean began to show he had more to him than being a joker with a gimmicky. And he cemented his ability with Detroit, in all seriousness the mixtape is actually album quality. His bars are solid, punchlines are witty but rigour and his flow is just stupid sick. Songs such as Higher, 24K, of Gold and Sellin' Dreams could easily be on any album. The standout song for me though, is 100 which features Royce Da 5'9 and Kendrick Lamar- Sean really just spits from his heart, dismaying his haters and revealing his plan to succeed in the future. Definitely worth a download (link is above the mixtape cover). 

Fave Bar-  "'Til I was standing next to Puff and Hov, off the French coast a million dollars never seemed so broke". 

Best Newcomer of 2012

Joey Bada$$

Every year there's someone who comes along that causes hysteria in hip-hop, usually dubbed the next - (insert rap GOAT here) and this year it's Joey Bada$$. To be honest it's in good reason that he is. I mean everyday someone tells me to listen to this and listen to that, I'm the kinda guy who's stuck in his ways so I don't tend to delve deep into new stuff. But when I downloaded his 1999 mixtape back in June, I was awestruck. From track to 1 to 15 I was just literally head-bopping the whole way. 1999 was somewhat a time machine going back to the 90's but with a mind of someone in the 21st century. Lets not forget the kids only 17-years-old and has the world at his feet, I don't want to say he's going to save hip-hop, but what I can say he sure is providing something that can resurrect it. Also one important thing I should mention this kid is probably one of the best straight off the dome freestylers I've ever heard. Please take a look at this link below. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xd9n-dTcU-4

Fave Bar: "My folks was making the best when they was naked in bed, muthaf*cka"

Rapper of the year 

Pusha T

I can't lie to you, this was a hard decision, this year, rappers have really been on point in trying to deliver. But for me no-one has been more on-point than Pusha T. Seriously he hasn't dropped a verse this year where my jaw didn't drop. We've always heard of Pusha being one half of the Clipse, but in joining GOOD Music as a solo artist he's finally displaying the quality we all knew he had. Let's first just discuss his featured verses. His guest verses have probably been better than any of the verses on his own songs. From his stuff with GOOD Music, I mean, tell me he doesn't make you nuts after opening 'I Don't Like Remix', "(Wooo) that's rare n*gga, (Wooo) Rick Flair, (Wooo) the powers in my hair n*gga, (Wooo) I give this beat the chair n*gga". Please tell me after you hear that you don't go apesh*t. Let's not forget his verse on Mercy or probably his best featured verse of the year on New God Flow, where he really spazzes. Nonetheless, I found his verse on  Name Me King on the Game's new LP (Jesus Piece) to be my favourite, he really drops some solid bars on it. Individually, he created commotion with the 'calling out' song Exodus 23:1 supposedly firing shots at Drake and Lil' Wayne. He recently released Blocka a song off his upcoming mixtape Wrath of Caine, he really spits fire on here "My records ain't gonna sell n*gga, go diamonds off my cell n*gga". I mean how can one artist rap about cocaine so much and still remain relevant, haha!

(Game ft Pusha T- Name Me King) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUMRCEDfG7A

Fave Bar: "My only pet was a fish scale not a Goldfish"

Best Artist

Miguel 

For me the best artist has to go to Miguel, he's really hit the ground-running this year, trying to bring a fresh-air and quality to the genre that is R&B. After, gaining everyone's attention with his first solo album All I Want is You in 2010, he dropped an even better album with Kaleidoscope this year. The album is both daring but still maintains his R&B roots, discussing themes that all males can relate to such as Pussy is Mine and How Many Drinks both of which are highly relatable songs for males, in which he can be the much needed R&B singer that we as men can relate to and that ladies can be at awe of. Lastly let me not get started on Adorn which is probably one of the best songs I've ever heard and I will discuss later. 

(Miguel acoustic) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8aVkB9FhIk7

R&B Album of the Year

Frank Ocean- Channel ORANGE (July 10th  2012)

Frank Ocean's first solo album was a complete game-changer. It re-revolutionised the sound of contemporary R&B. Whilst it is an R&B album, Ocean was influenced by an array of genre's in particular Electro and jazz. The album explores an array of musical sounds that while uncoventional, fit perfectly well together. You can't help but compare this album or Ocean rather to Stevie Wonder, its Stevie Wonder'esc but very much Ocean's own sound. The topics Ocean discusses are what bring it back to what is relevant to this generation of adolescence such as sex, unrequited love and drugs- all of which encompass the current issues that young adults face in this generation. Ocean sings what we as young adults feel and are going through. The standout songs include the earlier released Thinkin' 'Bout You, Sierra Leone, Sweet Life, Super Rich Kids and Pink Matter with the latter two receiving stellar rap verses from fellow Odd Future member Earl Sweatshirt and king of guest verses Andre 3K. My personal favourite is Pyramids 9 plus minutes long but the song is just pure eargasm, while the song is long it only gets better as goes along with its transitions into a electro influenced sound. An album for any lover of music and will fit the tastes of any listener.

Best Pop album

Jessie Ware- Devotion (20th August 2012)

This is probably my favourite album of the year, I was completely taken away when I first heard this album. I stumbled on it through a close friend of mine referring to her song Running on twitter, where I dabbled on YouTube and was completely blown away. The album was a sound I had never heard before but for some reason Sade just kept springing to mind, Jessie's vocals are definitely reminiscent of Sade. While it is a pop album, it is not your conventional contemporary pop album there's a sense of soul that filters through the mid-tempo electric sounds. While Ware vocals are of soulful nature, the production by contrast is definitely influenced by her underground roots with electric piano's and drum sounds that are similar to the sounds of her former projects with  SBTRKT. Stand out songs include Wildest Moments, Night Light, 110% and Devotion. Running the lead single off the album is my favourite, it's just a complete song really, her vocals are pitch-perfect, production is somber but effective and the drum pads just provide the distinctive sound. It's this song where I truly hear Sade's influences, as Ware's vocal's remind you of the great singers work. Out of all the albums I've discussed I think this should be the first one you should purchase- fantastic album.

Song of the year

Miguel- Adorn (Kaleidoscope)

This song is just wow. At one point I had this song on repeat all day just literally again, again and again. There's so many reasons as to why this songs perfect. One stand out reason is his lyrics, somewhat poetic and intelligent, displaying a number of ways he can adorn his woman "And this mind wooo, will never neglect you". The production is a throwback of 90's R&B, whilst still retaining a modern sound. Initially, Miguel released the song with a 2 minute version which tasted our appetite for the full album version. And boy did he not disappoint as the album version added even more brilliance to the song. A breath of fresh air for R&B and definite choice for song of the year. 

Best Hip-Hip album

Nas- Life is Good (13th July 2012)

Nas's 11th album was basically an autobiography that allowed us into his life and for us to share his highs and his lows. Marked by his recent divorce with Kelis, Nas draws us into the fatalities of his marriage, trails and tribulations of parenthood and being the don that he is. May I add this is the best he's rapped in years, probably since God's Son or even Stillmatic. His bars provide wisdom and are so creative and thoughtful that they often go over your head. I mean most of the songs I have to have Rap Genius up to fully take in what he means, he's just that clever. What everyone should notice from this album, is that this is the first major and successful album that is made for adults and discusses adult issues- but still is relevant to everyone of all ages to understand and enjoy. Notable songs include A Queens Story, Daughters, The Don, Bye Baby, Nasty and Stay. While being obvious but for perfect reason Cherry Wine is my favourite which features the now rested Amy Winehouse who was Nas's good friend. The song is just simply beautiful, you can feel the rapport between Winehouse and Nas, who spits some of the most trueful sh*t you'll ever hear about women and finding the right partner (yeah I know some soft sh*t). Nas is not back but rather he's just still here but older, wiser and still looks like he's 25 (he's actually 39).

Fave bar: "They asking how he disappear and reappear back on top saying Nas must have naked pictures of God or something"

Album of the year 

Kendrick Lamar- Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (22nd October 2012)

 Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (GKMC) without doubt is the quintessential album of the year. Kendrick's second album is a complete body of work, a narrative on his life as a boy from Compton. The album is literally organised as a story based on Kendrick's experiences in the concrete jungle that is Compton, it is so well put together that it is cinema'esc you can actually invision that Compton lifestyle he raps about. This is probably the most cohesive album you'll see for years each track is a jigsaw that perfectly fits to create a puzzle that is Kendricks life. While the production may not be reminiscent of the more conventional West Coast G-Funk sound, it keeps to a sound that is better suited to Lamar's own sound. With his vivid lyrics, you are left feeling empathetic to his life as many listeners have been in the situations that he discusses. The use of natural skits is what adds the icing to the cake, displaying a form of reality that adds to his narrative. The strength of the albums composition, Kendricks masterful lyrical ability and narrative of the album is what sets this album apart from others and makes it an easy choice for album of the year. Stand out songs include Money Trees, Sherane, The Art of Peer Pressure, Sing About Me, I'm dying of First and Real. Again stating the obvious my personal fave is Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe- the song is one that everyone can relate to, a sense of escapism, with an easy hook and chorus that everyone has to recite. The production too adds to it's quality that just literally makes a ganja virgin want to light one. The most cohesive album since Kanye's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, an example of narrative rap at it's finest, easy choice for album of the year.

Fave bar: "Every time I write these words they become a taboo, making sure my punctuation curve, every letter is true, living my life in the margin and that metaphor was proof'"

The Notorious B.I.G- The Greatest Rapper Ever?

Before I proceed with this blog, may I apologise for the lack of posts of late, from yours truly. To be honest I've literally been a bum who occasionally goes out and becomes inebriated, to a degree that I'm considering to join the 'AA'. Nonetheless, I'm back, so enjoy!

The inspiration for this post came from a typical Sunday evening of mine- where I lay in my bed and listen to some sort of song by The Notorious B.I.G (Biggie). In this current situation, I was listening to 'Niggas Bleed', off his double-disc masterpiece- 'Life After Death'. Needless to say, I've listened to this song a million times. However on this particular occasion I opted to listen to the song whilst reading the lyrics on Rap Genius (shout out to Rap Genius by the way!). Reading the meanings of the lyrics of the song, made me realise things I had never realised before, and extended my gratitude for this MC as a lyricist. At which case, I sat in my room mouth wide-opened like a Hippo at how astonishingly gifted this human being was. I could go into greater detail as to what astonished me but I feel you as readers should share the amazement I did and listen to the song yourself, whilst reading the lyrics on Rap Genius!

Although, out of the galore of great rappers that have existed during the short time the genre named Hip-Hop has existed. I've always had Biggie at the highest regard. But, I like many, would always contest that; despite him being a brilliant rapper, he only left two albums, one that he never actually got to see be applauded. In which case, the age old argument of would he have been able to maintain the consistency of lets say Jay- Z or be able to maintain the lyrical artillery that Nas has been able to? However, these questions will always be left unanswered. Atleast his rival and once friend- and often mentioned 'G.O.A.T' (Greatest Of All Time) 2Pac left a solid six albums before he was laid to rest. 

Having said all that, I actually do not care whether or not Christopher Wallace (Biggie's birth name) would of maintained his consistency or would of switched his style for the worse or would of started using auto-tune and maybe made an R'n'B album (shrugs). On the basis on what he left, he is in my opinion the greatest rapper to ever do it!

I could of course label a number of reasons as to why I say this, however I think we can all think of why. His more noticeable attributes such as melodic flow, unique voice, story-telling ability and simple but potent lyrics, are the easy ones to notice. However, I'll support my opinion of this, on the basis of one thing and that thing is 'Life After Death'. Don't get me wrong his debut album 'Ready To Die' is a masterpiece in itself, and arguably a better album than 'Life After Death', however 'Ready To Die' brought to us or rather displayed Biggie's ability as a rapper or albeit a G.O.A.T, but 'Life After Death' cemented this and more. At it's simplest 'Life After Death' showed that Biggie could do all styles of rap. Whether it was story-telling (which he was more commonly known for) with 'I Got a Story To Tell' or the aforementioned 'Niggas Bleed'. We were also used to Biggie's relaxed and elegant flow, but with 'Notorious Thugs' showed he could speed up his flow whilst firing masterful lyrics (probably his best verse off the whole album) competing with Bone Thugs and Harmony who were known at the time for their fast style of rapping. He even went completely left-field (and I mean that literally) by rapping on a West Coast production, with 'Going Back To Cali' holding his own on a rival style of rap. I mean, at it's best Biggie demonstrates how to perfectly produce songs that are radio-friendly such as 'Hypnotize' or 'Mo Money Mo Problems', but still providing hard, street and lyrical songs on his albums. Which all rappers struggle to do (well maybe not Jay- Z but you get the point lol).

From this assessment I can only confirm that The Notorious B.I.G is the greatest rapper ever to do it. Purely off what he left us. In my opinion no-one has yet outdone what Biggie left. Again, we could add the old age question of 'what would of happened had he not died'- well, I'm sorry we'll never know, we'll just have to make do with what he left (Kanye shrugs)!

Gezza... 

10 Best Guest Verses In Hip-Hop

As a hip-hop lover I have taken upon myself to devise a list of the 10 best guest verses in hip-hop. Now please know this was intolerable task, you and I both know since the creation of hip-hop there's been an array of dope guest verses, and to simply select the 10 best was one of great thought and strain cause quite simply there's soooooooo many good ones. 

We as hip-hop fans all value our own specific elements of rap- some of us love to be in awe of a lyrical tyrant or mesmerised by a vicious flow or even love being knocked out by a deadly punch-line. All in all I've taken to account, all these various elements and tried to devise a list that I consider to encompass the best elements of the expression we call rap in one verse. More specifically a guest verse; you should remember tends to be better than the artist who's actual track it is, as the featured artist wants to demonstrate their ability against their allies or rival, in which case the quality is usually sky high.  So yeah here's the list I've come up with, in order of quality, 1 being the best of course. Feel free to add your own or mention what you would have chosen.

10. J.Cole on Looking For Trouble-Kanye West G.O.O.D Fridays (2010)

This verse on Kanye's free instalments, further demonstrated J. Cole's lyrical ability. Whilst unveiling himself to the world on Jigga's a Star Is Born; his verse on Looking For Trouble silenced any doubters that his exploits on a Star Is Born was a one-off. Cole was gifted the last verse  on the track, where prior to him rapping a sudden silence emerges in anticipation for the young emcee to flourish, providing him with a  pedestal for Cole to thrive upon. Cole immediately sets out what his task in the hip-hop game is; with the opening lines: "Hey Cole world make way for the chosen one, what you now hear is puttin' fear in all the older ones". He goes on to refer that he is the one to replace his mentor Jay-Z "Never say I'm better than Hov' but I'm the closest one". Also his verse has subtle double entendre's such as "Heard you lookin' for trouble, what, I'm sposed to run? Your bitch invited me inside her ain't I sposed to come?". Lastly and my personal favourite from the verse, the final line -"What you been praying fo', what you been screaming 'bout? Ironic you been sleepin' on the one that you been dreamin' 'bout!". This verse is just straight up hard to be honest, especially in a time where rappers do not tend to demonstrate such lyrical prowess as this!

9.  André 3000 on Royal Flush-Big Boi (2008) 

Often called for a guest verse by an array of quality rappers "3stacks" (3000) again demonstrates why he's one of the best lyricists in the game and why he's often called upon for a feature. On this particular track he displays his lyrical might in a nonchalant style while retaining that debonair act and easy flow of his."It's cool when the kids call me Sunny, the hood calls me Stacks, the B's call me honey, Hollywood calls me back". 3stacks in one line simply states what he'all about -"I don't slang, never slung but I'm one with the slum that has my name well fitting". Lets not forget that 3000 has to throw some knowledge for us to think about he does so in his 3stacks cool way- "Do you B) hit the street hard with a flair Or do you A) go to school for heating and air?Dare make an honest living or make a crooked killing Or do a bit of both until you're holding on a million? Brilliant". Similar to any guest feature of his, 3stacks literally just drops knowledge with his relaxed flow that makes the other rappers think about their careers. 

8. Kurupt on Xxplosive- Dr. Dre- 2001 (1999) 

This verse just has West Coast written all over it, Kurupts voice, delivery and aggression with the leads from Dre's production playing in the background; just ooze West Coast flavour. Kurupt's flow really steals the show here throwing statement after statement about how to be the king-pin with the ladies and how not to be a "bitch nigga". "Fuck a bitch; don't tease bitch, strip tease bitch. Eat a bowl of these bitch, gobble the dick Hoes forgot to eat a dick can shut the fuck up!"- Probably the best verse you'll hear when using the word "bitch". After hearing this verse you wouldn't want to be in Kurupts words "Captain Save'em"- "Bitch nigga, you more of a bitch than a bitch.You ain't into hittin pussy, or hittin the switch.You into hittin bitches off of the grip, you punk bitch". Yeah I know he says the word "bitch" a lot but that's the beauty of the verse!

7. Cappadonna on Winter Warz- Ghostface Killah- Ironman (1996) 

Often the forgotten man in the illustrious Wu-Tang Clan Cappadonna on this particular song spazzed on another degree. This verse lasting over two-minutes was literally a verbal assault by the Staten Island rapper. Whilst there's an array of lines I could possibly choose from, I'll only pick one for the less is more effect- "Put all the other LP's back on the shelfAnd smoke a blunt, and dial 9-1-7 1-6-0-4-9-3-11 And you could get long dick hip-hop affection". I'm sure you're scratching your head as to what he meant with the numerics, for the Non-US natives like myself please refer to http://rapgenius.com/Ghostface-killah-winter-warz-lyrics to understand the genius behind this line. Cappa's not usually know for his lyrical ability but here was his Rocky Balboa chance, Charlie finding the golden ticket and Greece winning the Euro's in 04. Cappa' from what I can tell doesn't even pause for a breath just constant bars after bars.

6. Busta Rhymes on Scenario-A Tribe Called Quest- Low End Theory (1991)

Often referred to as the greatest guest feature in hip-hop, this verse alone brought to light; the vibrant and eccentric rapper we now commonly know as Busta Rhymes. This verse just has so much energy with bars that you'll never hear from any other rapper. With the boom-bap production in the background, Q-Tip throws the alley-hoop for Busta to dunk a game-changing verse. "Watch, as I combine all the juice from the mind. Heel up, wheel up, bring it back, come rewind. Powerful impact BOOM! from the cannon. Not braggin, try to read my mind just imagine Vo-cab-u-lary's necessary, When diggin into my library". What sells and makes it such a great verse is Busta's energy and most importantly  his delivery just makes you wanna spazz out in hysterics. Busta displayed his eccentricity and bizarre rhyme style with this famous line- "RRRRRROAW RRRRRRROAW like a dungeon dragon". If you haven't seen a clip of him performing this live please proceed to youtube and type in "A Tribe Called Quest-Scenario Live".

5. Eminem on Renegade- Jay-Z- Blueprint (2001)

First and foremost for you to out-do Jay-Z on his own track you either got to be dead or seriously be blessed with unattainable talent, but the great one they call Eminem did this. Eminem displayed the ability to have a crazy flow whilst being able to deliver clear clut powerful lyrics, mind you lyrics that will leave you bewildered. His flow just eases off the tip of the tongue, creating an almost trance with his thoughtful rhymes over his own powerful production. "They're sayin' you shouldn't hear it. Maybe it's hatred I spew, maybe it's food for the spirit. Maybe it's beautiful music I made for you to just cherish. But I'm debated disputed hated and viewed in America as a motherfuckin drug addict like you didn't experiment?" Arguably and definitely in my opinion the best guest feature of the noughties, Eminem was able to silence his critics, with serious lyrics and a crazy flow whilst outdoing the great Hov' on his own track!

4. Jay-Z on So Appalled- Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

It would be quite difficult to make a list of greatest guest verses without Hov'. Here is a personal favourite of mine, cause in a time where Jay-Z doesn't need to prove himself my, God did he. Jay-Z silences his critics in one of the hottest verses in modern hip-hop, cementing why he's one of the GOAT's. He knows his wealth and his success has now brought a band of hatred and he cleverly refers to this, with a Batman analogy: "Dark Knight feeling die and be a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain. I went from the favourite to the most hated and what would you rather be underpaid or overrated?". And what would be a Jay-Z verse without him talking about how rich he is, but not in a egotistical way, but in a more revered and thoughtful way-"Hammer went broke so you know I'm more focused. I lost 30 mil' so I spent another 30. Cause unlike Hammer 30 million can't hurt me". The often aforementioned "MC Hammer going broke story", is one common in hip-hop but usually as a warning as how one could easily lose their wealth so quickly in the game of hip-hop. But rather Jay-Z being who is, "The Hammer story" doesn't effect him, cause he's just that God damn wealthy- what a guy! This verse is definitely one of the best guest verses within the last five plus years, easily, over one of Kanye's mental productions-"Fucking ridiculous".

3. Nas on Verbal Intercourse- Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx (1995) 

In a time where Wu-Tang Clan members only worked with Wu-Tang  members or affiliates, it was a great honour for Nas to be the first Non-Wu-Tang member to feature on a Wu-Tang related album. And boy did Nasir Jones not disappoint, with RZA laying down a beat that was reminiscent of a Bruce Lee classic,  Nas just allowed his thoughts to flow that left you mesmerised. "Through the lights cameras and action, glamour glitters and gold. I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe. When I'm deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast to conquer peace leaving savages to roam in the streets". I mean what an intro, the imagery that this cat creates with his rhymes is astounding, even uses bible scripture to refer to the Police, it's quite unfair on Raekwon and Ghostface Killah in their own right, who spazz on the song too, but Nas was on another level with this one. He finishes his verse with a message to his people: "From the womb to the tomb, presume the unpredictable. Guns salute life, rapidly, that's the ritual". I really admire this line cause Nas being the lyrical prophet that he is  leaves a guide for us to live by. Lyricism at it's purest and best. 

2. AZ on Life's A Bitch- Nas- Illmatic (1994)`

Mate, this verse right here should be in it's own right the best guest verse ever in hip-hop. The verse spat by AZ is one of street poetry rather than just rap, the vocabulary, delivery, imagery and the way he captures the thoughts of those struggling in New York is unworldly. I mean, the first lines are just wow- "Visualizin the realism of life and actuality. Fuck who's the baddest a person's status depends on salary. And my mentality is, money orientated. I'm destined to live the dream for all my peeps who never made it". Arguably one of the greatest opening lines not only for a feature but in any song in general. Literally here AZ tells us what the meaning of life is which is the pursuit of wealth, but not in a simple nonsensical way, a way in which he describes the greed and thirst for money in a more romantic or worthy/fulfilling pursuit- mate that's astonishing. "Even though, we know somehow we all gotta go, but as long as we leavin thieving we'll be leavin with some kind of dough so, and to that day we expire and turn to vapors me and my capers will be somewhere stackin plenty papers. Keepin it real, packin steel, gettin high. Cause life's a bitch and then you die". AZ rhyming and lyricsim in this verse makes the criminal life seem beautiful and fulfilling as oppossed to the often mentioned treacherous and gritty lifestyle that we're often accustomed to hearing. We could argue that this is the best guest verse of all time, and if you did say it was I wouldn't disagree with you to be honest. 

1. Notorious B.I.G on Victory-Puff Daddy- No Way Out (1997)

Well we've finally come to number one and I'm sure you already you know what was going to be the best, and really would you have it any different? In the short catalogue of brilliance that Christopher Wallace left us this is probably the greatest. It's actually scary how good his feature is on this track, I would of really loved to have been in the room when he wrote the rhymes for this feature! First and foremost the production by the Hitmen was crazy on this song, proper gave you that cinematic Mafia feel to it. And Biggie didn't disappoint, laying a verse with so much confidence and a flow that just leaves with goosebumps all over your body. My favourite line from this verse and still to this day amazes me about how great it is, and the way he delivered it too- "Excellence is my presence, never tense. Never hesitant, leave a nigga bent real quick. Real sick, brawl nights, I perform like Mike anyone - Tyson, Jordan, Jackson action". Yeah I know that amazing, the flow the delivery and of course the lyricism mind you the "Mike" bar has been recycled by Jay-Z in the recent Throne joint 'Nigga's In Paris', shows how fantastic that bar is. Why I love this particular part of his verse is his delivery, it's as if his mouth is a gun and he's shooting constant bars until you've finally died- amazing! The same can be said for this particular line- "And I'm, quick to bust, if my ends you touch kids or girl you touch, in this world I clutch ,two auto-matoes, used to call me fatso. Now you call me Castro, my rap flows militant, y'all faggots ain't killin shit". It's literally an onslaught of punch lines and crazy flow. Biggie is personally my favourite rapper of all time and I can tell you with a doubt this is his greatest performance in hip-hop and that being said the greatest guest verse in hip-hop. 

Verses that never made the final cut...

Method Man on The What- Notorious B.I.G- Ready To Die (1994)

This verse right here is just straight up raw- Method was the only guest appearance on Biggie's illustrious first LP and he didn't disappoint, where in many eyes (including Biggie) won the bout on this track. 

Nas on Eye For An Eye- Mobb Deep- Infamous (1995)

Again another lyrical assassination by the God's Son, on Mobb Deeps classic sophomore album. Nas paints a picture of a criminal Lord in NYC. With his usual wide vocabulary, Nas just spills knowledge on a track which has some heavy-hitters with the likes of Raekwon!

Notorious B.I.G-Flava In Ya- Craig Mack- Project: Funk Da World (1994)

The verse that brought Biggie to the limelight. His verse on this joint literally wetted everyone's appetite for his forthcoming debut LP Ready To Die. Biggie uses clever punch lines, metaphors and similes that make any rapper want to rethink their career. Again, the song has a roster of talented emcees nonetheless Biggie was definitely the cream of the crop on this one!

5 Essential Hip-Hop Albums to listen to...

Hi guys, I haven't blogged in ages- apologies. I've been too busy getting absolutely smashed in different cities. Now I'm back I think it's time I blogged about something that's more closer to home and that's my love of hip-hop. I'm what you call a hip-hop purest so if you're into your hip-hop or want to get into your hip-hop this is for you.

Below are what I would consider to be 5 hip-hop albums that everyone should have on their iTunes or atleast give a listen, these albums are what I think demonstrate hip-hop at it's best. Feel free to comment on the albums you would have or replace (I do love a hip-hop debate, so hit me). Enjoy!

In no particular order...

1. Notorious B.I.G- Ready To Die (1994)

This LP (a cool way of saying an album) is quite simply one the greatest story-telling albums that has graced  the art we call music. Christopher Wallace better known as Notorious B.I.G, with this album was able to capture the life of a drug dealer in the city of New York in a way that had never been done before during it's time. Here Wallace offered listeners a window into the life of a young drug dealer in Brooklyn whilst sharing his personal emotions, humour and notably the depression he was exhibiting during the time of it's release. This is the first of only two of Wallace's LP's, which demonstrated his lyrical prowess and his notable laid back flow, easy but candid voice and punchlines that will make you want to smack your mother. It was this masterpiece, where he was christened the "greatest rapper of all time", and from a biased point of view I can't help but to agree.

Notable Lyrics-

"When I die fuck it I wanna go to hell, cause I'm a piece of shit, it ain't fuckin' hard to tell, it don't make sense going to heaven with all the goodie goodies, dressed in white, I like black Tims and black hoodies'

"The Moet and Alize keeps me pissy, girls used to diss me, now they write letters cause they miss me"

"Heart throb never, black and ugly as ever, however I stay coogi down to the socks, rings and watch filled with rocks"



2. A Tribe Called Quest- The Low End Theory (1991)

The namesake of my blog and as I'm sure you can already tell my favourite hip-hop album. The sophomore album of A Tribe Called Quest's (ATCQ), arrived at a time where gangster rap was reigning supreme, however ATCQ provided an album that was completely left-field at the time. The Low End Theory merged Jazz music into hip-hop, demonstrating the black centre of the two styles of music. The jazz-infused production demonstrated Q-Tip's ability, as not only being a dope MC but a talented producer too. The album has a cohesiveness that no other hip-hop album can replicate as each song is a jigsaw to the eventual  puzzle that is The Low End Theory. Notably, The Low End Theory brought to light "The Five-Foot Assassin"- Phife Dawg who in the groups first LP was hardly featured, with his presence, this created one of the most powerful and dare I say it, beautiful duos that hip-hop has ever seen, the rapport between Q-Tip and Phife Dawg created a relationship that no other hip-hop group could comprehend. At this point the 3 man group (Ali Shaheed Muhammed on the decks) were a force to be reckoned with and arguably their greatest album. 

Notable lyrics-

"If knowledge is a key then just show me the lock"

"Bust a nut inside your eye to show you where I come from"

"Stern, firm and young with a laid back tongue, the aim is to succeed and achieve at 21"



3. Nas- Illmatic (1994)

Well what can I say? An obvious choice of course, but the fact that it is obvious is due to the sheer amazingness, that is Illmatic. Illmatic paints a picture of the darkside of urbanity that no other hip-hop album has or will ever be able to. Illmatic offers first person narratives of gang rivalries, urbanity, poverty and teenage troubles. To think at the time of it's release Nas was just only twenty years of ago, however the lyrical content that he was able to produce is astounding. Without a question of a doubt in my mind the most lyrically sublime album ever created, some of which will leave you thinking how a human was able to think of such lyrics at such a young age. This album was backed up by an array of top producers of the time such as DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor- providing the perfect instrumentals to Nas's thoughts. The album is often cited as the best album in hip-hop history and to be perfectly honest it truly is, the album in itself is faultless.

Notable lyrics-

"You couldn't catch me on the streets without a ton of reefer, that's like Malcolm X catching the jungle fever"

"My man put the battery in my back, a difference from Energizer, sentence begins indented, with formality, my duration's infinite, money-wise or physiology poetry, that's a part of me, retardedly bop"

"I woke early on my born-day, I'm 20, it's a blessing, the essence of adolescence leaves my body, now I'm fresh and my physical frame is celebrated cause I made it one-quarter through life some Godly-like thing created"



4. Jay-Z- Reasonable Doubt (1996)

Reasonable Doubt can be simply characterised as an album that depicts the ever-so frequently mentioned "rags to riches" term. Reasonable Doubt debuted at a time where Mafioso-rap was at it's peak, this too is a mafioso-rap album, nonetheless was different to others. Here Jay-Z captures the beauty of being a hustler however rather focusing on the obvious trials he provides the negatives that we as listeners don't often see or hear by other rappers, such as loss of friendships, a change of personality and notably regrets.  At its simplest Reasonable Doubt is an album displaying a hustlers life from the projects and what he saw day-to-day, with real honesty that all listeners could not only enjoy but due to his honesty we could all some how relate to. Reasonable Doubt is the often forgotten album of Jay-Z's due to his illustrious and long-standing career, nonetheless it is truly his best work and I'm sure he'll be the first person to tell you this too. 

Notable Lyrics-

"Thinking back when we first learned how to use rubbers, he never learned so in turn I'm kidnapping his baby's-mother"

"I sold it all from Crack to Opium, in third person I don't wanna see them, so I'm rehearsing with my peoples how to G them"

"Like short-sleeves I bear arms"



5. Kanye West- My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

I'm sure you've noticed all the albums above have been from the 90's the golden era of hip-hop. However, despite the state of hip-hop being at an all time low, the great artist that is Kanye West produced one of the best not only hip-hop but musical albums known to man. 'Ye's fifth album incorporates all the styles of his previous four albums but adding additional superlatives. 'Ye discusses the romance that is of being a celebrity who is loved as much as hated, coming at a time where he received much backlash for his public outbursts. Here with this LP he silences his critics by demonstrating that he is more than just a hip-hop producer and rapper but rather an artist and the highest degree. Though the album is much about his place in the world and under the media spot-light, 'Ye continues to speak on political debates and the subordination of black people in particular, in the song Gorgeous, which I believe demonstrates 'Ye's best lyrical performance to date. In my eyes this is the best hip-hop album in last 5 if not more years and should be seen more than just a hip-hop album but rather a musical album, but using rap as it's platform. 

Notable lyrics-

"They rewrite history, I don't believe in yesterday, and what's a black Beattle anyway, a fucking Roach, I guess that's why they got me sitting in fucking coach"

"You see I always loved her sense of humour, but tonight you should seen how quiet the room was"

"I don't need your pussy, bitch I'm on my own dick"

Thanks for reading.

Disclaimer: This is not a professional, verified or impartial review. These are my own thoughts and my own preferences so do not reply with distaste or feel I don't know my music, because my view is different to yours, we as music lovers have different taste so lets celebrate and discuss, please and thank you.

Gezza...