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Category: Albums
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Stream New York City-native rapper MC K~Swift’s latest album ‘Keep Your Distance’ for golden-era rush
The co-founder of the New Rap Order collective, MC K~Swift (stylized as ‘M.C. K~Swift’) has stitched his name in the New York underground Hip-Hop scene for quite some time and his grind is well shown with his previous releases like ‘Skyscrapers’ and ‘Campaign Promise’ albums. This time around, Swift returns with his latest release in ‘Keep Your Distance’. Coming in with ten tracks, Swift provides listeners with some old school Hip-Hop vibes especially in the first few tracks. On tracks like ‘No Games’, ‘Slow Flow’ and ‘Hard (One 4 Phife)’, listeners can enjoy his laid back delivery and homage to the early 90s New York Hip-Hop.
Keep Your Distance by M.C. K~Swift
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Denver’s Tripper Jones releases new album ‘Alter Ego’: Review
Denver rapper Tripper Jones is someone who was unfamiliar to me prior to having to write this. I liked his name, so I was excited to give his music a try. I’m lucky to always have access to new music working with the GRUNGECAKE team, but I’m even happier when the music is something I’d enjoy, even if I weren’t being tasked with reviewing. Tripper Jones’ album ‘Alter Ego’ is exciting, to say the least, and extremely versatile. We thankfully don’t get one-dimension, which can easily happen with up and coming artists. I was thoroughly impressed and I’m looking forward to hearing more.
He opens up with ‘U Ridin’, a song that boasts of his skills and ability to ‘get it wet’. As an intro to an artist, I was shocked at the brashness but impressed by the confidence. His flow, the beat, the chorus was all infectious and it served as a nice idea of what type of artist Tripper is in terms of skillset. I could tell by this track that he has studied what it takes to make a successful, catchy track.
Two tracks down he follows up with my second favorite track on this project, which is ‘Matching Rollies’. I’m a sucker for a fire beat and flow. Once I’m bumping to the beat it’s very easy to pull me in, no matter what you say on the track. Lucky for me, the bars kept the energy. I love a flexy, bag talk track, and this song gave me just that. So far, so good.
My favorite track on the project is hands-down ‘Anxiety’. I read the title alone and said ‘same’, but as I listened to the song, I loved the vibe of it. It’s slower tempo gave me a gentle come-down from the excitement of the previous tracks. The lyrics had wordplay that I always appreciate, and the song matter is something that we can all relate to; dealing with someone that’s no good for us that left us feeling a type of way. I’m sure you thought of a name right away, I know I did.
All in all, the project is cohesive and has something for everybody. It’s fun, flashy, relatable, emotional, and altogether well done. The tracklisting makes sense and the songs flow with each other, which is something I genuinely appreciate. Of course, with every new artist, there is always room for improvement. I’d love to see Tripper scale back the autotune. I can tell that his pen is impressive, and sometimes voice effects can distract from that. I’m excited to follow Tripper Jones’ journey and future projects.
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Here’s a track by track review of California rising star Convolk’s emotive new album ‘ANTIHERO’
There are a lot of things that do not currently make sense in the world we are living in. One thing that I can confidently say does make sense is that Convolk is about to become a household name. ‘ANTIHERO’ is everything my younger, emotional, self needed. Dealing with depression and many more issues, I know that this album would have helped me in so many ways. In recent years, we have tragically lost some of the important artists that tapped into the mainstream with similar styles and messages that Convolk presents. There is often a question in the music world that goes something like this “We lost Lil Peep, we lost X, and we lost JuiceWRLD. Who do we have left to represent the young adults of the world?” and the answer is Convolk is what we still have. Despite bringing Convolk up in conversation with those other artists, respectfully, with this album, he separates himself with a sound and production quality that can only be described as “CONVOLK”.
The album starts with ‘swear to god’, a well-produced song in which Convolk gives a genuine introduction to himself and where he has been mentally and emotionally as an artist. The difference between an album and other types of projects (EPs, mixtapes, etc…) is the idea that everything works together to create a full story or message that the artist is trying to give to listeners. The track works perfectly for the first song, working similarly to the way that a well-written introduction chapter helps give readers an idea of what they are about to indulge in if they chose to continue reading. Convolk understands that concept and lets ‘swear to god’ be the track to grasp listeners and make them want to listen to the eighteen-minute long album.
Track 2, ‘black sheep’ is a song that is going to help anyone who feels like they have ever been the “black sheep” in any situation. The song at times makes me cringe and that is not a bad thing. As a twenty-two-year-old man, I feel the need to cringe when I am singing along with “I’m the black sheep. I go BAH BAH BAH…” But, is that going to stop me from singing along, listening and relating to the track? Absolutely not!
Track 3, ‘beaten down geranium molle’ has me sitting here after listening, with the hook stuck in my head. What the fuck even is “geranium molle”? Well, I looked it up and it’s a plant that is also known as the Dovesfoot Geranium. Convolk is an artist who often refers to himself as a “Lone Wolf” or a Swan in “Swan Dive” (a song from another Convolk album). So, it would make sense if he is referring to himself as a plant that is getting “beaten down”. Just a nice plant dealing with whatever shit is thrown it is way… Or maybe I am over-analyzing the song. Regardless, this is a great song that anyone will be able to listen to and sing along to.
Track 4, ‘backstab slash’ is a hit, plain, simple. This song is another strong track that people will easily throw into their constant listen rotation. New fans, old fans, and anyone in-between will genuinely enjoy this song. It is very consumer-friendly while still being “Convolk” not compromising what is genuine to Convolk’s sound and style.
Track 5, ‘medicine’ jumps into the question of whether or not “you”, whoever “you” is to Convolk, will care if he died. We have all been in a mental state where we do ask what our value is to the world, those around us or even one specific person. We find comfort in those things, they become our “medicine” when we can’t take literal “medicine” to fix the way we feel. Convolk also has a literal and genuine approach to the concepts “medicine” presents. The artist has always been consistent with being open to his fan base about his personal life and his very serious health issues. Usually, songs that talk about someone or something being their “medicine” or emotionally healing them come off corny. Listeners can usually filter through the bullshit and stamp the song with the fact that it is not genuine. That doesn’t happen with this track, the production, the message and the vocal delivery of this song tell us that Convolk is genuine… This song comes from a real place.
Track 6, ‘arson kurapika’ is some shit one would dedicate to their girlfriend and their girlfriend might cry thinking about them dying. Death is a scary concept that everyone has feared at one point or another. This song touches on what calms that anxiety, which is dying by someone’s side and knowing you matter to someone. Convolk delivers an appropriate vocal display over a beat that strikes a warm nostalgic feeling in me based on my video gaming youth.
The album closes with ‘crumbling/suicide notes [prod. farber]’. The song is the perfect ending to the seven-track album. Convolk is letting himself be fully vulnerable and open to his fans about the true feelings that he has had. Again. So many of us relate to the things he is feeling in this song and has been through what he is going through. What separates this song from many songs is that it is very upbeat for a track that is talking about him wanting to kill himself. It reminded me of the first time I listened to ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ by Foster The People and for many people that song does this thing where you listen for the first time, it is a happy experience and then you listen to the lyrics thoroughly after a friend tells you the meaning. ‘crumbling/suicide notes [prod. farber]’ is such a very well done song, beginning to end. The perfect album ender for ‘ANTIHERO’.
Every song on this seven-track album is a masterpiece, tastefully touching on the issues that so many of us can relate to and often, we refrain from openly speaking upon them. This album will be therapy to many listeners, letting everyone know that they are not alone in whatever hardships they are facing, regardless of the extremity. The project truly is a piece of art taken directly from Convolk’s personal feelings and emotions. There are so many times other artists try to layout similar messages, but, always make me feel like ripping hair out of my head and ending my shit because some artists who doesn’t care about anything ,but streams and notoriety is telling me not to kill myself again because they want to go viral for being morally aligned or some shit. This album is genuine, valid, tasteful, well fucking done and will help so many people facing real-life issues.
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FREEAGENCY singer-songwriter Roni shares her debut album ‘Paradise’: Listen
On Friday, FREEAGENCY’s Roni released her official debut album, ‘Paradise’. This is the second official album release of the FREEAGENCY collective, and is a beautiful representation and look into who Roni is. Throughout the project, she shares her personal experiences with love, loss, and finding a love for oneself—beyond what anyone can offer. She takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery.
The name of the project is fitting, being that we follow her through a relationship, until she finds and determines to get what she deserves; creating her own paradise. The production paired with her smooth vocals also adds to the emotions and feel of each track! She also employs the help of fellow FREEAGENCY artists Chizzy Rap$ and Zilla to add some extra perspective and style to the album. Check out Roni’s debut album, ‘Paradise’ below.
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Stream Houston legend Paul Wall’s 16th studio album ‘Mind Over Matter’
Houston legend Paul Wall just released a thirteen track album titled, ‘Mind Over Matter’. The thirty-eight-year-old artist sounds different from his 2005 breakout album ‘The People’s Champ’, but it keeps the same values. The project only features one artist named Pure. Listen to the Oiler Mobb Ent release now.
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Memory Lane: Stream Alicia Keys’ sophomore album ‘The Diary of Alicia Keys’
Featuring smash hit record ‘You Don’t Know My Name’ produced by Kanye West and its follow-up ‘If I Ain’t Got You’, the love song dawned on us in the Fall of 2003. Crisp air rustled our tresses and tightly-kneaded hair in New York City, as the bass on the Hell’s Kitchen singer Alicia Keys’ popular tune rattling trunks and windows. Its visual component featured Mos Def; quickly peaked to number one on the US R&B charts (‘US Adult R&B Songs’ and ‘US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’). It was a moment, the moment all new artists deserve.
Some other records on the album that I equally enjoyed are the funky ‘Heartburn’, ‘Diary’ with Tony! Toni Toné!, and Jermaine Paul, and ‘Wake Up’. If you haven’t listened to the New York City-bred singer’s second album since 2003, do yourself a favour and revisit.
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‘Watch the Throne’ comparisons are far-off for Jay Electronica’s duet with Jay-Z (Review)
From the way the album started, we—the “Black Delegates” and unequivocal “hip-hop heads” all over the globe—were sure the highly-anticipated debut ‘A Written Testimony’ was going to be the thrilling moment we believe Jay Electronica deserves. It wasn’t.
As ‘Ghost of Soulja Slim’ cued and the powerful messages from ‘The Overwhelming Event’ became one with the beat, Jay-Z is the first verse the Black Delegates hear—an event usually reserved for a Jay-Z solo album. Why? It is seldom the Hip-Hop veteran appears first on any track that doesn’t involve his wife or daughter, and someone of his staus will go last because it is for “the best”. As we listen to the backing track of the album’s first song, we can understand why the Brooklyn icon might have wanted to go first. That Jay Electronica-production will stop anyone in their tracks. It’s beautiful without additional vocals. (The MF DOOM fan in me can also hear MF DOOM all over this beat.)
‘Shiny Suit Theory’ is my personal favourite because we get to hear Jay Electronica for a little more than two minutes before his label boss comes in. Overall as someone who thinks big and sees the big picture all the time, it would have been great to have some of the new Roc Nation artists bless background vocals like the Griselda family. Rihanna’s vocals are on ‘Flux Capacitor’, but it is one of the most off-beat deliveries on the entire project. I feel it deserved better execution. From English, Arabic to Spanish, there’s still something mystique about the travelled man that is the artist, Jay Electronica. At this point, I’d much rather watch a movie about his life. To me, he didn’t sound eager to make this album. Respectfully, the album sounds like it was a pending task.
On previous recordings before signing to Roc Nation, Jay Electronica appeared to rap like he had something to lose. Today, I don’t think it’s the case. He sits, dates, and breaks bread with the world’s elite. So, although, Puffy and Jay may want more for him and his family as he’s stated within the lyrics, we think he’s comfortable with what he’s earned.
Now, there’s a lot of tweets flying about why the album is what it is. People are asking why Jay-Z’s name isn’t on the official tracklisting—revealed ahead of the early scheduled release. Others want to know why the rollout is what it is. Both of the men involved don’t interview often, so we are on going to wish ourselves well on that. We may not get a full explanation anytime soon.
Just take it for what it is: A spiritual body of music, without all of the live singing from a choir, like Kanye’s latest, ‘JESUS IS KING’. This short ten-track album is not about Jesus. Allah, Santería, and whatever is in-between power its emcees.
Watch the Throne? No, not at all. It is not that.
@JayElectronica need to stop hiding behind Jay Z. Really felt like a collab album between the two. How are you going to release a album and get outshined on most tracks because you let Jay on there. Rating 6/10
— Hugo Medina (@mmjuice4) March 14, 2020
Someone help me.
Is Jay Electronica another name for Jay Z?I’m young but clearly clueless.
— Sweet Like Plantain (@marbieskitchen_) March 13, 2020
Bruh, did I just download a jay z tape by mistake? This joint said jay electronica. Lemme guess jay z paid for this joint? Ugh, I’m annoyed.
— Q. (@_CharlieMonroe) March 13, 2020
Jay Z just different. I was hoping for a Watch The Throne type album but Mr Electronica aint deliver
— ⚡️Sawyer⚡️ (@PHrozenParadise) March 13, 2020
So is this the new Watch The Throne? I ain’t mad at it if so. This version of Jay Z almost unfair. Thank you Jay Electronica. 🙏🏾
— Gary (@masterwilliams) March 13, 2020
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Chilombo: R&B singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko’s new album exhibits sonic continuity (Review)
‘Chilombo’ is sonically cohesive.
If you’re looking for something telling, smooth, and sensual to listen to today and throughout your weekend, Jhené Aiko’s twenty-track album is one to consider. ‘Chilombo’ opens with all of her business, and seems to become more general on ‘Born Tired’. The Def Jam Recording artist has a few features from lover Big Sean, HER, frequent collaborator Ab-Soul, Dr Chill, Nas, John Legend, and Ty Dolla $ign.

Photo: Courtesy of the label
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Timeless and shapeless: New York legend Jadakiss delivers on fifth studio album ‘Ignatius’ (Review)
Jadakiss is timeless.

Photos: Courtesy of the label One thing we can always count on when it comes to Jadakiss is his innate skill to deliver his messages in his music. Unconsciously playing the role of an older brother, or a father-figure to the fatherless, the Yonkers, New York-native often teaches life lessons through his songs. Being able to work with new school artists like Ty Dolla $ign on ‘(NYB) Need Your Best’ and DeJ Loaf (‘Gov’t Cheese’), collaborate with acclaimed R&B singer and People’s 2019 ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ John Legend on ‘I Know’, Jadakiss is timeliness and shapeless.
I like all of the records, but nothing comes close to the production and his delivery on ‘Me’, as he funnily recounts going to “war” with Beanie Sigel and 50 Cent, and wanting to drop a refrigerator from a building on Puff Daddy, now known as Diddy. Stream the thirteen-track album ‘Ignatius’ below now. It is a healthy blend of Hip-Hop/R&B, the blended genre popular during Jadakiss’ prime with The Lox.
On ‘Closure’ featuring Chayse, Jadakiss sends his condolences and acknowledges his friends and peers he’s lost in the entertainment business from Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna to Juice WRLD and Nipsey Hussle. By the end of the album, you may feel you know Jason more through Jadakiss’ incredible transverse songwriting.
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Jadakiss reveals album tracklisting for ‘Ignatius’

Photos: Courtesy of the label Yonkers musical icon Jadakiss shared the official tracklisting for his forthcoming album, ‘Ignatius’ (out March 6). He has features from artists like Rick Ross, PnB Rock, Ty Dolla $ign (who has to be one of the most featured artists of this era), 2 Chainz, John Legend, DeJ Loaf, and more. ‘Huntin Season’, a released track that was removed from streaming services after the death of Pop Smoke, will be on the album.
