It was a great week in this game we call life. Let’s not even mention the fact that it was warm enough in NYC to BBQ some salmon out back. The Roll Tide nation got themselves another college football title. Speaking of football, this Tim Tebow phenomenon hit a fever pitch when the Bronco’s beat the Steelers in dramatic fashion last weekend. Baby Blue Ivy Carter’s birth was celebrated with celebrity pop culture status similar to the births of Prince William or the late JFK Jr. And Amber Rose released her new single.
That’s right. I said Amber Rose released her new single called “Fame” and its featuring her man, Wiz. I can already hear the naysayers speaking in hater-ese. But before they start, let me say 4 words. What did you expect? Rose is a drop dead gorgeous woman with a great personality and charm to match. So what Kanye dated her and introduced us to her via pop culture. She took those “Flashing Lights” and that red carpet to another level for herself. So what she dates Wiz and he’s featured on her new single. He’s one of the hottest rappers out and she’s supposed to get that look. Nobody said anything to Jay and Bey when they did it. Nobody said anything or even cared for that matter when Nas and Kelis did it. Besides, the track “Fame” is dope, especially when sipping on Smirnoff!
[pagebreak]
Speaking of Jay-Z, Hov released a record “Glory” dedicated to birth of his daughter. Being a jaded Brooklyn-ite, its still amazing to me to remember what Marcy Projects was and how Jay-Z rose from that to become a worldwide pop icon. The birth of his first child has got him in another universe. When you listen to the words of the track “Glory” you can feel the pride Jay-Z has becoming a father. This track will without a doubt be an iconic song for daughters born into this world; similar to the symbolism heard in 2Pac’s “Dear Mama.” I’m sure The Neptunes weren’t in the delivery room with The Carters but they too delivered, on a hot track. Salute to you Jay and Bey. The Streets is Watching but its pretty safe to say so is the entire world.
[pagebreak]
Chip Tha Ripper has been hard on the indie grind for a while now. Outside of Machine Gun Kelly and The Cav’s rookie guard Kyrie Irving, Chip is Cleveland’s brightest star. Luckily he’s not “taking his talents” to south anywhere. Actually The South is taking it’s talents to him as Chip links up with the hottest southern composer of modern hip hop hits, Lex Lugar. The new track is called “Out Here.” Lex gives Chip that mainstream banger that could propel him into more college dorms this spring. Tha Rippers wordplay definitely holds true to his namesake when you listen to the lyrics. Must here music indeed.
[pagebreak]
For those who don’t know, Planet Asia is one of the dopest MCs on the… planet! The Cali native has laced underground backpack hiphop earbuds for a little over a decade. Asia had dropped the mic for the last several years to let the new rappers get shine. Well he returned this week with a new record “Golden State.” Shout to producer Dirtydigga, as the track sounds like some old school blackxplotation remake. Lyrically and style wise Planet Asia and MF Doom are from the same galaxy. Unfamiliar listeners should get their google on and peep the many gems Planet A has unearthed for us over the years.
[pagebreak]
New music from a new sound FKI. Actually if your a fan of Travis Porter then your a fan of FKI already. He’s the hit producer behind their sound. He teamed up with Australian MC Iggy Azalea and producers Diplo and Hero’s & Villans for the hot new record I Think She Ready. It’s another club ready swag boy hip hop record that should do well especially in the ATL. Anything that the homie Diplo is associated with is certified official-ticial. Until we read again.
Brandon ‘TNT’ West
Music Exec / Industry Insider/ The Andy Rooney of Hip Hop Culture
Holla at him @tnt718
