The entire Grammy weekend was marred by the unfortunate passing of music icon Whitney Houston. There was music royalty everywhere in the City of Angels, and yet the mood was so blahzay and uneasy.
Celebs, press and fans were just in a complete state of shock. It sadly reminded me of the October night back in 2002 when Jam Master Jay was killed. Members of the music industry were at the now defunct, but infamous, Hit Factory studios to listen to the new Busta Rhymes album.
I can vividly remember everyone’s 2-way pager going off at the same time and people just looking around at each other in disbelief. When Busta did come out to preview his album, the look on his face was similar to the look on Clive Davis’ face last Saturday night at his gala — utter sadness. Whitney Houston was one of the best ever, and we will never forget…ever.
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Diplo is one incredible DJ, producer and connoisseur of vinyl records. Long before David Guetta was schmoozing with the hottest artists of the moment for his club remixes, Diplo was rocking parties from NYC to London, introducing us to NEW acts like M.I.A. It was great to hear this new Diplo-produced Usher track “Climax” this week. Usher has once again found another lane to champion in music while the other R&B dudes continue to want to be rappers. It’s at the point where you have to recognize Usher as one of the greats of his craft because he constantly reinvents himself, staying green-broccoli-fresh. The song “Climax” will be a hit for Usher and Diplo. Enjoy.
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This week was Valentine’s Day and a plethora of love songs and love mixtapes flooded the blogosphere. It was fitting that Mario waited till this week to deliver his new single “R.E.A.L.L.Y. LoveYou.” This is the ultimate love song, fellas, especially if you need to show some appreciation to that significant other. Mario’s voice is purely natural, and as he ages it only seems to develop more. He’s another artist who respects his craft as singer and keeps it sexy for his fans. Obviously Mario’s gearing up for a return to the charts this year. “R.E.A.L.L.Y. Love You” is a great start.
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Damian Jr. Gong Marley is royalty in so many ways. Yes, he is the son of Robert Nesta Marley. Yes, he is an international icon through his music. The most incredible feet that he accomplishes, though, is keeping the spirit of reggae music alive. Reggae music is the older uncle of the youth inspired dancehall movement. Marley is reggae while Beenie Man and Sean Paul are dancehall. When you hear Marley sing, you can still hear his father, but you can also hear and feel the voice of the youth. His latest single, “Affairs of The Heart,” is a great crossover record that will catch the ears of many allover the globe. It has just enough roots in it to capture the essence of reggae music, and the modern feel of a love song sung by a beloved and respected Rasta.
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The other buzzing noise heard at the Grammys this past weekend was about Nicki Minaj‘s performance. I love Nicki and believe that she represents the next generation of talented females MCs and artist in general. So I am just as confused as everyone else as to why she didn’t perform her new single “Starships.” “Starships” is one of the records that should have Nicki nominated again next year. It’s a fun song that doubles as an inspirational record (if you listen to the words). It should see plenty of top 40 airplay, and it will smash clubs all over the globe. Still, maybe the best thing about “Starships” is there’s not one mention about that other female rapper who strongly dislikes her. Finally!
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It’s at the point now where anytime I see a new Kendrick Lamar record I can’t wait to hear it. One of the dopest things that any hip-hop artist can do is to team up with another rapper who is completely the opposite. So in seeing this new record with Kendrick featuring Triple C’s own Gunplay, titled “Cartoons and Cereal,” I couldn’t wait to hear it. This record is amazing. The beat reflects the chill wave sound that is getting more popular in hip-hop music. The wordplay will take you a few listens to completely decipher, but the message in this record is deep. Of all the verses I’ve heard Gunplay spit, his 16-bar barrage on this record will earn him a new deal. Respect. MUST HEAR MUSIC INDEED!
Until we read again…
Brandon ‘TNT’ West
Music Exec / Industry Insider/ The Andy Rooney of Hip Hop Culture
Holla at him @tnt718
