Cavalier + Faro-Z – “G.L.E.A.M.” [review]

It's like GLEAM, God Love Everything Around Me
true and living deities surround me
you can see me GLEAM
every time I step to the podium, suckas stay salty like sodium
cuz the way I GLEAM, females start to take notice
at which rap niggas be the dopest
and if you don't GLEAM
then there's something wrong with your style G
God Love, God Love Everything Around Me

It isn't often that a group is able successfully take a beat from the Wu-Tang Clan and create an original, shining track. Cavalier and Faro-Z accomplish that with G.L.E.A.M. (God Loves Everything Around Me). Using the beat and ad-libs from the Wu's legendary C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me), the duo from the hip-hop super group New Rap Order spit afrocentric and spiritual rhymes over RZA's masterpiece. The accompanying video includes a montage of relevant clips that display simulaneously the beauty and horrors of Afrikan history.

By |2021-01-05T14:55:09-05:00June 4th, 2011|Hip-Hop, Music, Reviews|0 Comments
Read More

The Lasers Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco’s Lasers was one of the most anticipated albums of 2011, partially because it was supposed to be released during the summer of 2010. Atlantic Records unceremoniously placed the album in post-production purgatory, and by fall it seemed that the album would never see the light of day. A massive petition of over 32,000 signatures and a planned protest outside of the New York headquarters of Atlantic Records on October 7, 2010, tipped the scale in the opposite direction. All seemed right with the world. The underdog triumphed, and the emcee known for refusing to dumb down his lyrics would release yet another insightful, lyrical opus.

By |2015-08-03T21:28:12-04:00June 1st, 2011|Hip-Hop, Music, Reviews|3 Comments
Read More

Repost: Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor [Reviewed in 2006]

The year is 2005.  Kanye West's 1st single for his upcoming album, Late Registration, is exploding over airwaves, and over my home stereo system (my dad's old analog receiver he bought when he was 17 coupled with my black ipod classic).  It was during this time of Kanye-dom that I was up late one night on Okayplayer.com, and I found a link to a re-dux of Kanye's new single, "Diamonds are Forever", called "Conflict Diamonds" by a young Chicago MC named Lupe Fiasco.  Lupe spoke eloquently on the topic of blood diamonds in West Africa, and elaborated on the civil wars and murder that loom behind the image of "bling" in hip-hop culture. 

By |2020-12-04T10:23:01-05:00July 19th, 2010|Hip-Hop, Music, Reviews|0 Comments
Read More

Critical Review: Nas + Damian Marley = Distant Relatives

It is no secret to many of you that I view art not as a product, but as a vehicle for culture. Nas and Damian Marley's Distant Relatives project brings this philosophy to the forefront of two genres of music. As a fan of both artists, as a lover of Hip-Hop and Reggae, as a participant in the culture, as a writer, and as a part of the African Diaspora, I believe this album to be a milestone. Not only is Distant Relatives an album, it is a documentary. Through multiple outlets, Distant Relatives explored the connections between Hip-Hop, Reggae, and Africa.

By |2015-08-03T21:59:51-04:00May 22nd, 2010|Africa, Culture, Hip-Hop, Reviews|4 Comments
Read More

Nas feat. James Baldwin – Queens Get the Money [Unofficial Video]

This clip is a testament to the eternal genius of James Baldwin, who was a leader amongst leaders. Shout out to Jeffrey Severe (click to follow him on Twitter) for the original post, found on his blog, which includes the transcript of Baldwin's interview. This fan video captures the spirit and sentiments echoed across Nas' most recent album, Nigger (I will never call it "Untitled"). This is powerful.

By |2020-05-13T11:51:12-04:00March 22nd, 2010|Culture, Hip-Hop|0 Comments
Read More

Title

Toggle Sliding Bar Area
Go to Top