It is pretty much impossible for me and a lot of other people to go to the gym and not have music with you. Music, in a way, can help pump you up and keep you going towards your daily goal of whatever you are trying to achieve. So whether you are bench pressing, jogging on the treadmill, or reaching a new goal on the elliptical, chances are you have your music going. Question is, what songs really help you keep your energy up, burn calories, and keep you motivated? From Kanye West to Britney Spears, we have come up with ten bangers that will help your drive and determination while you keep your heart rate going. Check out what we think you should listen to. [Read more…] about Twenty Great Songs to Workout to At Your NYC Gym
kanye west
One on One With Hip Hop Legend Redman- The MD Exclusive
You really can’t get any bigger when it comes to legends in the came then you can with the one and only Redman. Redman, who has been active in the hip-hop industry for 25 years now, is still going strong as ever and staying as relevant as ever. Born right outside NYC in Newark, New Jersey, Redman has had his hands successfully in multiple different business ventures outside of his illustrious career in the hip-hop game. From television, movies, video games and more, Redman’s unique personality and consistent drive in doing what he loves show in everything he does. He is a personal favorite of mine since I was a kid in the 90’s and continues to be many years later.
Now Redman has a brand new single he just released called “Dope Man” from his newest album called “Mudface”, due in stores on October 30th. We at Manhattan Digest were blessed to interview Redman about his single and album, his longevity in the industry, current favorites, and why women’s feet are part of his upcoming plans. For real. Check it out.
The song “Dope Man’s” chorus goes- “Hey Mr. Dope Man you’re a star, I love your gold chains and your fancy car”. Is Dope Man really you? What drove the inspiration for this song?
Yes I’m referring DOPEMAN as me! Meaning my lyrics and music is the DOPE people are fiending for… People are complaining about the same sounding music on the radio!! So it’s up to the DOPEMAN to supply the hood with the Goodness !!
You also have a new album coming out in October called “Mud Face”. What can your fans expect from that album?
MudFace album is an album I put together for my fans and to keep relevancy, till MUDDY WATERS 2 album come out..!! I’m independent now, so I have to keep music out there to create other revenues of business !!
Are you planning a tour to support the album?
Yes i always do a tour run on every album..Mudface Tour i will be in a city near you SOON !!!
It will be 23 years on September 22nd since your debut album “Whut? Thee Album” has been released. What is the best advice you would give to new artists in the industry that want to find longevity and relevancy that you have paved the way for?
For new artists to create longevity path as I did… to be able to still drop music 23 years later and still be Hot??? Here are some steps.
- Go against the Grain!
- Stay mastering your craft!
- Love your Momma and Kids !
- Never let em see you sweat !
- Don’t do reality shows !
- Have a good team that will keep you Brand Name Monumental..
- GO OVERSEAS AND PUT ON GREAT PERFORMANCES as WELL AS YOUR OWN COUNTRY !!
- Know your History on this Rap shit !!..It is a business !!
- MAKE good connections and know the right PEOPLE !!
- Make sure your Hood and City respects you for you and the work you doing and did to Rep your state !!
Do you have a favorite moment of your career that sticks out for you?
My favorite moment in my career would be the Day I met EPMD which was one of my favorite Rap Duo and then moved to Long Island… that’s when my career started !! God is Good !!
Who currently is your favorite artist in hip hop and who would you love to collaborate with?
My favorite artists are still Slick Rick, Krs One, IceCube, NWA & EPMD. These are the groups and guys that built me !!
I’m curious to know what your take is on the hip-hop industry today. Where is it excelling and where do you think it is lacking?
My ERA ( Biggie ,Snoop, Eminem D12, Jay Z, Tribe Called Quest Dogg Pound ,Wu Tang,Beanie Siegal,Kanye West,Naughty By Nature,Lords of Underground, Keith Murray,Busta Rymes Flip Mode,OutSiders, G-Unit,Game,Mobb Deep, R.I.P Sean Price and Helter Skeltah ,Lil Kim, The Pharcyde, The Roots, Xzibit, Boot Camp,UGK,Smiff and Wesson,Common,Scar Face,Camp Lo,Pete Rock Cl Smooth,Organized Confusion,Slum Village,Craig Mack,Choclair,Kardinal Official, ETC….
New Era I listen to Kendrick Lamar, School Boy Q TDE ,GunPlay , J Cole , Dope D.O.D , Rick Ross, Asap Rocky, Asap Mob, Drake, Che Grand, Jneiro Jarel, Boogie.
I want to collaborate with everyone !! Everybody on one track goin in!!
I’m curious to know what your take is on the hip-hop industry today. Where is it excelling and where do you think it is lacking?
I love Hip-Hop ! It provides jobs and allows and average person to become somebody !! The state of HipHop NOW; the music is sounding the same.. and that’s what people and fans complaining about. But hey it’s still provides jobs to my people my culture… the future of Hip-Hop will continue to grow and be that universal language !!
What other upcoming projects do you have coming up that your fans would like to know about?
My up and coming projects are-
MUDFACE ALBUM- Oct 30 2015
MUDDY WATERS 2- 2016
BLACKOUT 3- 2016
HOW HIGH 2- 2017 or 2018
Also I’m directing and producing behind the scenes in Hollywood. I started and production company with my Business partner Laura Irvine called UGLYJONES ! We are producing a show now called “Who Got Heat”; a street version of American Idol.. I feel there’s not enough artists getting recognized so we want to help with a platform to be seen… also we will give back to the community each city we run show at…stay tuned for details… show is fucking Hot !
Also I love woman who have beautiful FEET..Oh God… whewww !! I wanna create a High Heel Open Toe Sandal for woman !!! That is my top goal… So as you see i have another 8 to 10 years worth of work to do, and I’m gonna do it !! AND THAT’S HOW YOU KEEP RELEVANT FOR 23 YEARS BOYIIIEEEE !!
Grammy Predictions 2015- Album Of The Year
When it comes to the music industry, the Grammy Awards still remain the Gold Medal when it comes to award achievement for artists and musicians alike. Last year’s saw newcomers like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Lorde take the top spots in the New Artist and Song of the Year Category, whereas perennial EDM megastars Daft Punk shocked many a music fans by winning the coveted Album Of The Year Grammy with “Random Access Memories”. Now with another year in music about to close, and the Grammy Nominations out in less than a month, Manhattan Digest digest’s what will be nominated and who might be left in the dust in a year that was less than stellar to say the least. With no major artists with the exception of Coldplay, Beyonce, Jason Aldean and Eminem releasing albums this year, the music industry was run by throwaway pop tracks and one hit wonders in the making (Sorry Meghan Trainor). That being said, there were some stellar exceptions that I hope that Grammy’s notice and crown this year- some who are overdue, some who are new, and some who have been here before and deserve it again. Today, we look at the potential noms for Album Of The Year.
Album Of The Year at the Grammy’s can be tricky. Sometimes they get it right (Mumford & Sons, Daft Punk, Adele) and sometimes we don’t know where they are coming from (Steely Dan, Herbie Hancock). Sometimes, they miss the ball completely, like last year when Justin Timberlake didn’t even get nominated in a category that many people thought he would’ve won. This year, the inevitable nominee and winner is simple- Beyonce. Beyonce has been in this category before, losing a couple of years ago to Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” over her insanely good effort “I Am… Sasha Fierce”. However, with her self titled debut this year, she really doesn’t have any competition as this album was one of the biggest music stories of the year. With no one knowing it was coming out, she quietly released this on a cold December night and drove the album to platinum status in less than two weeks, and outselling her previous effort “4” shortly after. The album spawned several huge singles (some will be discussed later), has insatiable duets with artists like Drake, Frank Ocean and her hubby Jay-Z and received generally positive feedback from fans and critics alike. No doubt the winner in my mind.
Others who could be huge contenders? Obviously, The “Frozen” Soundtrack for many reasons. Oscar winning, highest selling, songs parents and like minded people alike can’t get out of your head equal Grammy goodness. This is the first soundtrack in several years though that really can be a strong contender in the main categories so be on the lookout for this to be nominated several times throughout the night.
Hip-Hop this year wasn’t exactly stellar whatsoever. Last year had so many memorable people come out of the wood works with fantastic first efforts (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Kendrick Lamar) and icons who kept churning out some amazing tracks (Jay-Z, Kanye West). The sad fact that the biggest star in hip hop this year may have been Iggy Azalea says a lot about that industry and hopefully there will be some recharge in 2015. That being said, Eminem should no doubt be the 3rd nominee in this category with “The Marshall Mathers LP 2”. As someone who grew up when Eminem was really at his peek in so many different ways, I find it fantastic that 15 years after we first heard “The Real Slim Shady” he is still incredibly relevant and hip with a younger crowd that is just discovering what an epic rapper and legend he is. Whereas he had a better shot of winning this award years ago with “The Eminem Show” and the first Marshall Mathers LP” it would be a surprise if he was left out in this category.
The other two could be difficult to choose. One new artist who has gained quite a huge following this year is Sam Smith, who broke through with his gold selling “In The Lonely Hour”. A powerhouse on his own, Sam blasted through the charts with his first single “Stay With Me” as well as working with other fantastic artists such as Disclosure (“Latch”) and one of my favorite artists and tracks of the year, “Lalala” by Naughty Boy. He is this year’s big British import, sort of the male Adele when it comes to the impact that he has had on the industry. His music style is very eclectic, with tinges of pop, R&B and adult contemporary all mixed in one. He’s a surefire lock for Best New Artist without a shadow of a doubt, however don’t be surprised if he is able to seep his way into the pivotal Album Of The Year category at the Grammy’s.
Jack White’s “Lazaretto” seems poised to be the fifth and final nominee in this category. Jack, mainly known for his epic band “The White Stripes” is no stranger to this category having being nominated two years ago for his effort “Blunderbuss”. The 9 time Grammy Award winner’s Rock efforts paid off for him tend fold this past year, with “Lazaretto” receiving stellar reviews from the top publications and debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. If Jack doesn’t get the lock for Album Of The Year don’t be surprised if Coldplay takes the fifth spot for “Ghost Stories“, which is one of the highest selling albums of this past year. the 7 time Grammy Award winners lit up the charts this year with “Sky Full Of Stars” amongst other hits, and have been Grammy favorites in the past with “Clocks” winning Record Of The Year over ten years ago. Don’t expect Coldplay to take this award but expect multiple nominations for both “Stars” and “Ghost Stories” for sure.
Who do you think will be nominated Check out the Grammy official website for more info.
Get To Know Long Island’s DiMi Marc
Maybe I’m privy towards people I interview from Long Island cuz that’s my hood and ain’t nobody gonna tell me different. OK now that I got my boughetto chit chat out of the way, someone who I have been a big fan of for a long time now is hip hop & R&B ingenue is Long Island’s very own DiMi Marc. I have been able to interview him in the past but when I got word of the epic madness he has going on this month and months to come I knew I had to do a follow up and pick his brain on what is to come.
DiMi Marc is doing something quite extraordinary, releasing three different mixtapes in the month of August. One is all about the party and being turnt the fuck up (Trap’d Soul’s Will), love (Trap’d Soul’s Love) and emotional turmoil (Trap’d Soul’s Tune). Quite ambitious for an artist of any level, but seeing as this dude has the talent and flare to back it up, I am sure this is going to be a success. I recently sat down with DiMi Marc to discuss his ever budding career, amazing mixtapes and if there really is room in the industry for someone like him. Take a look.
So Dimi, long time no talk since our last interview. What have you been up to?
It feels like it’s been years! I’ve been preparing. Really growing as an artist, exploring my sound, and getting a clearer sense of where I want to be in the future. I’ve been working with producers and artists from around the world. Building connections and friendships. I’ve been in the studio a lot. And I’ve been handling a lot of business.
You seem to split your time a lot between Boston and New York City, do you find the Boston music scene to be just as prevalent as the New York City one?
It’s certainly different, but not in a bad way. There are people in both cities who are passionate about what they do and are extremely talented. No matter where you are there are opportunities. But the music scene has also moved to a global level for me. Due to the advances in technology, almost on a daily basis I’m working with someone who isn’t in the same city, and most of the times, not even the same country as me.
Looks like you are releasing three mixtapes in a short period of time this month. Quite ambitious. Why so many?
Well for me, these mixtapes are just a small piece of what I’ve been working on for a long. This year alone, I’ve created close to 100 songs, if not more. Which means I have many projects in the pipeline going forward. There’s this infectious work ethic that has me constantly creating something. And it’s tough because I want to share so much, but everything has it’s time. So starting off with these three mixtapes is right because they’re all tied together as one, Trap’d Soul’s Trilogy.
Let’s break down Trap’d Soul’s Trilogy. The first mixtape is Trap’d Soul’s Will. What is that one about?
Trap’d Soul’s Will is the part about wanting to go out and party and turn up. It’s about having fun and not being tied down or trapped by society. It’s the most “turn’t” up section of the Trilogy.
Next one is Trap’d Soul’s Love. Describe that.
Trap’d Soul’s Love is quite literally about the love experiences of the soul. It follows the ups and downs of being in a relationship, breaking up, and trying to move on and find someone new. But above all, I think it’s about constantly questioning and attempting to communicate with one’s romantic partner.
Finally in the trilogy, we have Trap’d Soul’s Tune. Tell me about that one.
So Tune is all about the emotional turmoil felt by the Trap’d Soul. It’s about exploring what is wanted most in life, dealing with feelings of loneliness and fake people, fighting to be understood, and constantly moving forward into the future.
Wow so you really broke each down to emotional, party and love songs. What inspired the breakdown of each?
From the very beginning, Trap’d Soul’s Trilogy was always one project that grew organically into distinct parts. I first introduced Trap’d Soul with It’s A D-Mix 2 at the end of 2013 as an exploration into the combination of hip hop with EDM Trap music. For It’s A D-Mix 3, I wanted to continue that combination of genres but also work towards exploitation of feelings. For me, music has always been about the feelings it invokes more than anything else. So the 3 parts are overarching themes in a collection of feelings. By separating the music into different parts, I created experiences for how you, as a listener, are feeling or want to feel. When you are feeling like acting the fool or being light spirited, you listen to Will. When you’re feeling mellow or are attempting to remember why you do what you do, you listen to Tune. And when something romantic or a lack of romance is going on in your life, you listen to Love.
With thirty songs out, can you let me know which song off each mixtape you like the most and why?
That’s tough! That’s like asking a parent which child they like the most. [Smiles and chuckles] My favorite songs change depending on where I am that day. And that’s the beauty of the trilogy. What you’re connecting to most is tied to what you’re experiencing. Every time you listen you have the chance to fall in love with something new.
Are you doing any concerts in the Manhattan area where my readers can come and see you perform these great songs?
I’m not too sure, right now I don’t believe anything is concrete just yet. I know my team and I have been in touch and in talks with different promoters and venues, so hopefully soon! It’s been such a while since I’ve had the opportunity to perform live out here. But what I would love to do more of are house party concerts. I used to do them a lot back in college and it was always such a blast. If anyone is throwing a party, shoot us an email ([email protected]) or call/text (631.209.7023) and I’ll come rock out with y’all.
Seeing as you are a cross between Drake & Kanye, which seems to be a popular genre of music nowadays, do you feel like there is room for a DiMi Marc type in the industry?
What has been amazing is having so many people tell me I remind them of Kanye, or Drake, or Eminem, Gambino, Cudi, and even LL Cool J. It’s amazing and I’m honored and humbled to have my music placed at such a high caliber. Those are certainly artists that I, and many other cats coming up in the game, have drawn influence from. And that is what art is all about, inspiring and drawing greatness out of others. That sad thing is there are tons of artists out there. Dope artists! Artists that haven’t been heard yet and that you and I may never get the opportunity to hear. Artists that are better than me and probably everybody out right now. So I’m not focused on being the dopest lyricist or the greatest singer. I’m focused on making music that touches peoples. Music that makes people dance, cry, smile, think, love. I’m focused on making music that makes people feel. By focusing on the feeling in the music it allows me to exists in multiple genres and create a wide range of music. In today’s industry many artists are good or great at one or two things. Most of them stay in their lane. Some artists attempt to do different things and fail. But there are few artists today that are truly able to cross over into different realms and succeed at there goals. And I’m blessed to be one of the few artists who can do that. So yeah, there is room in the industry for DiMi Marc.
Now that 2014 is more than halfway over, do you have an ultimate goal as to where you want this trilogy to be when the new year hits?
I want it to be in your headphones or coming through your speakers. I want the trilogy on your mobile phone or spotify playlist. I want people to listen to it. Share it. Enjoy it. I really want the trilogy to be something that people can always connect with and have at their finger tips to vibe with. I’m aiming for a lot downloads and buzz about the trilogy because I’m hoping that when someone’s getting ready to go out, they’re bumping to Trap’d Soul’s Will. When life isn’t exactly going your way, you’re playing Trap’d Soul’s Tune. If love is going right or wrong, you’re singing along to Trap’d Soul’s Love. That’s my ultimate goal for the trilogy by the end of the year, for it to be there for as many people as possible.
Want to know more about all things DiMi Marc? Check out his official site, Facebook & Twitter for more info!
Best MC’s Of All Time- A Candid Discussion
Who Is The Greatest MC Of All Time?
Such as the endless debate of which came first, the chicken or the egg, is equal if not less than the debate over who is the greatest MC of all time in the hip hop game. Long talked about for almost thirty years now, hip hop heads from across the world have spoken their mind on who they personally think is the best for whatever particular reason they think it might be. Factors like longevity, impact, the ability to spit ill shit on a dime and overall persona are just some of the reasons why students of the hip hop university we all know and love claim why their personal number one is the best. So what happens when you get three eager and green students together to discuss this epic battle of King King in the hip hop world? [Read more…] about Best MC’s Of All Time- A Candid Discussion
Top 10 Hip-Hop albums of 2013 | Hip Hop
Coming to the end of the year, my brother and I began talking about who should write what best-of-the-year-lists for certain mediums. We both agreed that he should make a top 10 list for music, but the more he talked about his process towards completing a list, it made me wonder how much different a list by me would look. It made me realize that while I had enveloped just as much music this year as he did, there were just too many different genres and styles that I listened to, that I began to feel that a top-ten music list from me would be a nigh impossible task for me. That said, there is most certainly a genre of music that we both agree is more my area of expertise. That area is hip-hop music, and it didn’t take me long to realize that I simply needed to do a top ten list for it this year, and immediately!
I have to say 2013 was a great year for hip-hop, and one that really re-sparked my interest in the genre. I often say hip-hop music was my gateway drug towards becoming the music nerd that I am today, and this year proved actually nostalgic for me in that regard. There was just such a platitude of great artists working at the top of their game this year, from ones that recalled rap’s golden age in the 90s (Ka, Action Bronson), to highly popular acts moving rap even further into the 21rst century (Drake, Kanye West, Danny Brown), as well as some new alternative acts that seem to have already found their own unique niche that lays calmly in between these two points (Chance the Rapper, Earl Sweatshirt). I left off some albums that I deemed too “experimental” to carry the misnomer of hip-hop (with all due respect to the excellent albums Death Grips and The Weeknd put out this year), but I did include releases that artists were referring to as mix tapes this year (As holy shit, we saw some great “mixtapes in 2013!). So sit back, relax, and strap on your seat belts (courtesy of Dr. Dre I suppose), as this young journalist takes you down his top recommendations for 2013 rap music.
10. Le1f – Fly Zone/Tree House
I know it’s kind of cheating to put two mix-tapes on this list, but I feel that Fly Zone and Tree House both reflect such engaging-yet-conflicting sides of the New York beat-maker/rapper. Fly Zone is clearly the more upbeat of the two, with Le1f demonstrating that his unique talent for rapping over electronic beats could become a club sensation, while Tree House is smoother and sexier, and shows he could be Marvin Gaye if he wanted to. Like Action Bronson, I feel that Le1f is just warming up with this steady stream of mix-tape releases before giving us his first studio release sometime next year, but both of these records give us all something to be really excited for.
9. Earl Sweatshirt – Doris
It took years to get here, and arrived after the whole hot topic of “Free Earl”, so it was a bit of a dismay when listeners of the 19-year old rapper’s major label debut record began calling the album “merely good”. Still, Earl Sweatshirt (easily the best rapper in the LA-based hip-hop collective Odd Future) made a very strong record here, and showed that his subject matter had evolved beyond the already-tired horror-core raps that had made his brand name popular among America’s impressionable youth. A little too abstract at times, as Earl’s rap persona is still a tough nut to crack, but a brilliantly rapped record with some of the most playful use of production you’ll see all year (check out the song Molasses to see what I mean).
8. Drake – Nothing Was the Same
I have to admit that at first I was a little upset with Drake’s third LP. I thought Take Care was a brilliant album that trumped his freshman release in every regard, and I found that Nothing Was the Same was a bit of a return to the style that was on Thank Me Later. Thing is, this album does indeed use the raw honesty that the rapper conveyed on Take Care, just in a flavor that’s closer to hip-hop, rather than the R+B stylings that saturated his last release. It’s overall a very moving listening experience, and Drake may very well go down as the Prince of our generation (at least until Andre 3000 finally starts putting out albums again!).
7. Pusha T – My Name is My Name
Clipse was one of the best hip-hop duos of the 2000s, and for Pusha T’s solo record he proves that he can hold his own without his brother Malice backing him up. Sure, it doesn’t hurt that he has Kanye West executive producing the record, but aside from the high-end production and polish, Pusha T shows he has the wit, charisma and energy to be his own voice, and not just another protege of Yeezy’s. Also, I just have to say that Kendrick Lamaar gives possibly the best guest spot of the year on Nosestalgia, and I already can’t wait to hear his next album!
6. Ghostface Killah – 12 Reasons to Die
After two decades of being the Wu-Tang Clan’s most eclectic and evolving emcee, one has to ask if there’s anything more the 43-year old veteran can do…clearly a lot! Enlisting American composer Adrian Younge (who supplied the soundtrack for the blaxploitation spoof Black Dynamite), Ghosftace has given us a giallo-film-inspired concept album about a crime lord who is killed in a gang war, and then resurrected to lay bloody waste to his enemies. Spitting violent imagery and pulp narratives at a rate and quality that would make Tarantino proud (would it be asking too much for him to direct a film adaptation?), and featuring guest appearances by most of the other Wu-Tang Clan, as far as I’m concerned, this is the best thing to invoke the group’s spirit to come out of 36 Chambers 20th anniversary year. I’ve been calling Ghostface my favorite emcee for years now, and 12 Reasons to Die is proof enough to me that he’s going to remain so
5. Ka – The Night’s Gambit
If it wasn’t the most under-appreciated rap album of the year, then it’s only because not enough people listened to the damn thing! Ka, a Wu-Tang affiliate who some of you might have heard rap a solo track on the GZA album Pro-Tools, is that rare breed of rapper that uses his middle-age as a benefactor. At 41, Ka’s mindset seems to still be inherent to the 90s, with his talk of thug life, street poverty, and that era when New York was known as the Concrete Jungle, all while using eerie beats that recall early Mobb Deep and Wu-Tang. Yet he approaches these well-worn topics with a sense of maturity and wisdom, that lets you feel like you are really hearing the words of a wise street prophet, who has managed to survive the chaos of urban decay. Whether talking about spiritual re-awakening after violence, or rapping a street narrative that also happens to be a hip-hop history lesson (the track Off the Record incorporates the names of classic hip-hop records in the lyrics, similar to how the GZA referenced record companies on his famous track Labels), The Night’s Gambit is serious, no bull-shit, hardcore rap, and it’s up there with Savages’ Silence Yourself as one of the most awe-inspiring throwback albums of the year.
4. Chance the Rapper – Acip Rap
He’s barely out of his teens, raps while on drugs, often rhymes using the most nonsensical sentences, and he sounds like Ol’ Dirty Bastard as a pimply faced teenager with asthma…I love him already. The Chicago emcee is certainly unique, but it’s also surprising how heartfelt and thought provoking his songs can be. On songs like Acid Rap and Everything’s Good (Good Ass Outro), the rapper brings up all his woes concerning death, addiction and loss of innocence, all while coming off as a cute-and-cuddly teddy bear who happens to be a chain smoker. I’m hoping that in the future Chance realizes that Acid Rap is just too good to be called a mix tape, and will indeed be seen as his proper debut (I felt something similar happened with Danny Brown’s XXX). Regardless, Acid Rap is my pick for best debut record from a rapper this year, and possibly the genre’s most unique new voice since Danny Brown.
3. Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels
El-P and Killer Mike both released great albums last year (which El-P both produced), so obviously the only question remaining was this: what if they made one together? Well, fans got their answer through Run the Jewels, a project that both rappers said was intended to merely be a fun little exercise for them, but it ended up being one of the best and most succinct hip-hop releases of the year. Over the album’s ten tracks, Killer Mike and El-P mostly restrain from being overtly political or meaningful, and instead just talk shit and try and have a good time. It’s a half-hour of witty verses, El-P’s futuristic beats, and an attitude that’s as tough-as-it-is-intelligent, and must be the most consistent and compact rap record this year. It sounds like a Method Man and Redman album from the year 2054, which sounds all the more awesome the more I think about it.
2. Kanye West – Yeezus
Technically it should be number 1 on this list, but something kept me from putting it there. No, it’s not that it’s too obvious, it’s more that I’m not exactly sure how well the album will age down the line. Right now, however, Yeezus is a brilliant release from hip-hop’s most discussed personality, and one that acts as sort of an inevitable destination point for him. While certainly a bizarre album, both lyrically and production wise, Yeezus is very much a culmination of all of Kanye’s past albums and his always evident obsessions, from his infatuation with his egotism, to his possibly clinical sex drive. At forty minutes also, the album is lean and filler-less, and even seems to fit the format of some of the synth-groups that Kanye appears to be imitating (i.e. Suicide, Throbbing Gristle). It’s still unclear whether Yeezus will go down as the rappers crowning achievement (might be hard to do, cause shit, that guy’s put out some really fucking good albums), but it’s likely that it will go down as his most Lynchian work. Like Eraserhad, I’m not entirely sure what it is or what the artist behind it is trying to say, but I am sure that it’s fantastic!
1. Danny Brown – Old
Is Danny Brown the single most crazy, endearing, vulgar, eclectic, distinct and original emcee in the game right now? That’s certainly a helluva claim (especially as a lot of those adjectives seem to contradict each other), but after listening to Danny’s latest release it’s hard to think of another. Over Old’s 19 tracks, the rapper touches on a plethora of different music styles that range from gangsta rap, to house, to alternative pop, while never breaking his singular character. What’s more, he’s a rapper that always has something to say, such as when he’ll spit party rhymes that are as ugly as they are lively, and then speak on darker issues such as his struggles with depression and addiction. Hell, as much as I love Danny Brown’s on-stage persona as a drug and sex fiend, I’m hoping he only continues to show more of his softer side on later records. A masterpiece of an album from a performer completely in control of his image and artistry
Lauren Conrad & Whitney Port Engaged!
TGIF and love is in the air! There are so many newly engaged people of Hollywood.
Whitney Port AND Lauren Conrad have recently said YES! to their prince charmings & who couldn’t be happy for them? Especially after witnessing all their heartbreak on The Hills. Two beautiful women with gorgeous rings.
Of course EVERYONE knows Kim Kardashian has recently said YES! to a 15 carat stunner, from beau Kanye West. Wishing all the happiness to baby North’s parents.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky are expecting their second child! Babies are so amazing, congratulations to the beautiful pair.. And baby makes 4!
While discussing babies, Josh Dallas & Ginnifer Goodwin are not only newly engaged but also expecting their own little baby together!
Kelly Clarkson is a new wife AND now she’s going to be a new mom! The beautiful singer is expecting her first child with her new husband, Brandon Blackstock. She deserves all the happiness in the world, she finally found her happily ever after!
Kim Kardashian is Engaged to Kanye West
According to multiple sources, rapper Kanye West took a break from his “Yeezus” tour on Monday, to propose to his girlfriend of over a year, reality star, Kim Kardashian. The proposal took place at San Francisco’s A T & T Park, which he rented out on Kardashian’s 33rd birthday.
West and Kardashian went public with their relationship in early 2012, and are parents to 4-month old daughter, Nori.
This will be the third marriage for Kardashian, who was married to music producer, Damon Thomas, until 2004, and in 2011, infamously married basketball player, Kris Humphries, in a marriage that lasted just 72 days. Humphries failed to obtain an annulment, despite claiming that the marriage was a fraud. Their divorce was finalized earlier this year.
The news of an engagement comes just weeks after Kardashian’s mother, Kris Jenner, and step-father, Bruce Jenner, announced their separation after 22 years of marriage. It also comes after months of sister, Khloe Kardashian Odom and husband, basketball player, Lamar Odom, publicly struggling with their marriage amid Lamar’s rumored problems with drug addiction.
West, who has reportedly refused to show their daughter, Nori, on Keeping up with the Kardashians, has often made mention of his desire for privacy in his life. He recently told Jimmy Kimmel that he cares about “protecting [his] family…protecting [his] girl…protecting [his] baby…” Only time will tell if this need to maintain a private, and protective lifestyle will hold true for their nuptials, or if they will wed in true Kardashian style. Either way, the world will be watching and waiting.
Summer 2013- Best gym songs
As summer is already here, and the winter days are gone for now, we all have a lot to look forward to while basking in the glory of the sun and being with our friends and family. It also gives us initiative to get our fat asses to the gym and make sure we look good at the beach, walking in the city, and just being more in public as the winter time can force us to get under the covers and watch “True Blood” repeats. I have come up with 10 essentials that will keep you jamming throughout the gym session and make the overall experience there more fun and satisfying! Take a look.
La Bouche- “Be My Lover”
If you were a GIGANTIC fan of the Jock Jams movement in the late 90’s, there was no denying this chart topping hit by this EDM duo. With a fast paced rhythm to go along with what i like to call “melodic rapping”, this song is designed for the avid cardio-lover and help you get to that next mile.
Robin Thicke Featuring Pharell Williams- “Blurred Lines”
Thicke, more notably known for his slow paced songs like his chart-topper “Lost Without You”, has the number one song in the country with this funky dance anthem that is sure to be one of the biggest songs of the summer.
Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams- “Get Lucky”
Daft Punk have sort of become synonymous with creating insanely great dance music and the adoration of fans worldwide. “Get Lucky” is the first track off of their new album which easily debuted at number one on The Billboard 200.
Icona Pop- “I Don’t Care”
This song has been out for a couple of months now and has been heard everywhere, even in “Shoedazzle” commercials. It is another great cardio anthem to jam out to when sweating it out on the elliptical.
Papa Roach- “Last Resort”
Are you mad? Want to get that aggression out when you are at the gym? Blast this hit from 1999 and keep it on repeat and the aggression will be released in the masses.
Bauuer- “Harlem Shake”
This year’s “Gangham Style” became quite the internet sensation back in February with its endless parody videos of mainly the first 30 seconds of the song, yet the entire song itself is pretty dope and definitely a gym jam.
Chris Brown- “Beautiful People”
I hate Chris Brown as a person, but I love this song. Enough said.
Kanye West- “Stronger”
This was ranked a couple of years ago as the best song to listen to at the gym, and I agree to a certain extent. Kanye could have a couple of records on this list (Monster, Mercy) but this one suits the bill. Daft Punk on this track as well. Yeezus.
LL Cool J- “Mama Said Knock You Out”
At a boxing gym? This will have you covered.
Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz- “Get Low”
Inescapable in 2003, and the song that quite frankly put Lil Jon on the music map, “Get Low” is hands down a beat spectacle and one that will be sure to get your heart racing when working out.
Summer Music Festivals 2013- When and Where
For all you music nuts out there, Summer seems to be the one season each year that brings out the best music festivals and the best artists at that. If you are local to New York, you are in for a treat. Some of the biggest music festivals are here or making their way through here. So if you want to find which ones are the best to go to, take a look at the following festivals and see for yourself why music and summer go uber well together like a yummy Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich-
GOVERNOR’S BALL- JUNE 7TH-9TH, RANDALL’S ISLAND
This is one that yours truly is beyond excited for. The event takes place in early June, and this year is featuring the creme de la creme of awesome alternative artists and some of the biggest global superstars in the world. Going on over at the beautiful Randall’s Island, the festival highlights artists that have been popular since the early 1980’s. Which one in particular? That would be Guns N Roses, who are set to perform on the 8th along with other superstars from Kendrick Lamar to Nas. Opening day highlights Grammy winners Kings Of Leon as well as Feist and Erykah Badu. Closing day brings in Kanye West as well as The Lumineers, Cold War Kids and Twin Shadown to name a few. Looks like an amazing three day lineup that I for sure won’t miss. Tickets are still available via The Governor’s Ball official website.
VANS WARPED TOUR: JULY 13TH, NASSAU COLISEUM
The Vans Warped Tour is ultimately a celebration for all things alternative. The tour, going on for over a decade now, highlights some of the best alternative talent on a national level and a local level. Famed for its “Battle Of The Bands” with founder Kevin Lyman putting out a content for bands to perform at their local venue, it is really the one festival where dreams can come true for said band. This year’s highlights include Denver’s very own 3OH3, The Used, Reel Big Fish and more. Log onto The Vans Warped Tour website for more info.
ELECTRIC ZOO: AUGUST 30TH-SEPTEMBER 1ST, RANDALLS ISLAND
Being one of the few festivals that I know of where the only real transportation there is by ferry, the Electric Zoo celebrates all things EDM. Held at the beautiful Randalls Island right outside of Manhattan, this three day festival plans to host some of the biggest acts in EDM today. Ones ranging from international superstars like David Guetta, Skrillex and Diplo come to mind for all you big EDM fans that seem to populate a lot of what is popular in music right now. Go the the Made Event homepage to get tickets!
Let’s not forget that the MTV Video Music Awards is finally coming back to New York this summer. About damn time, I have no idea why it landed in LA in the first place as that show is designed to be here. Hope everyone goes to at least one of these and has a damn good time!