I am not now nor have I ever been a fan if The Game. Other than a couple tracks on The Documentary, I have never been impressed. With that said over the last few weeks I have found my self listening to Jesus Piece more than I listened to anything he’s ever released. In no way do I feel it’d be an exaggeration to say it is his most well rounded and relatable project to date. The theme of being conflicted between faith, image, women, his love life, and his observations of others make up the closest he’s ever been to a masterpiece.

He has the right beats, the right features, and even the Kevin Hart skits add life to the project. The title track seems like it could have easily been apart of Cruel Summer with Kanye West on the hook and a verse from Common. And really the majority of the G.O.O.D. stars make appearences. Big Sean, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T all on different songs. Other notables are Lil’ Wayne on two tracks, J.Cole, Trey Songs, Kendrick Lamar, King Chip, Fabolous, Young Jeezy, Tank & Jamie Foxx.

I am extremely excited about the album with a theme and direction making it’s return. The songs aren’t a gospel by any means but the ambience is similar to a pastor’s weekly sermon. The songs could easily be a cautionary tale that relate to the seven deadly sins. The favorite for me is Can’t Get Right. The chorus’ passion and honesty just resonates with me and the character of K. Roosevelt’s voice on it makes it everything. Throughout Game rhymes of is conscious over indulgence in women, cars, and greed. The album is a trip to the confessional if you will. But also a spotlight on religious and hip hop hypocrites alike.

I would and have recommended this album to people. My only real issue is that I think he went over board with the features. The songs I like most are when he does it himself or just a singer hook. The Game was able to make an album that allowed him to stay in his lane but still demonstrate growth. I don’t there is one track I absolutely hate. The biggest test of an album is can it be played straight through with out a track skip. Jesus Piece succeeds.

4.5/5

If you haven’t heard about 2 Chainz then you’re probably over 40 and live a conservative life.  You’re probably better off for not being aware, being that this album is full of brain cell killing rhymes over heavy beats.  These songs are dumb, and not in a good way.

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I’ve set with this album for a few weeks and listened quite a few times in many different settings.  I’ve been trying to understand.  I just can’t get Frank Ocean.  The songs have strong melodies and decent vocals so they go over well but when I listen to the actual lyrics, I become confused.  I rarely know what he’s talking about.  It intrigues me. Read more

If this is the first time you’ve heard of Cyhi The Prynce then you might need to return your membership the the hip hop fan club.  Ivy League Club is just the G O.O.D. Music signee’s newest mixtape release and introduces the title he’s giving his followers.  Just as there are Beliebers, Jets, Little Monsters, and the Beyhive, Cyhi has The Ivy League. Read more

Rocko releases one of the breakout singles from his last mixtape, Gift Of Gab. This one features Future and is called Squares Out Your Circle.

It seems Usher isn’t sure who he is as a man or apparently as a musician. The tracks have no real direction and are just all over the place. On Looking 4 Myself I can’t help but wonder does that mean he’s looking for his sound too? Usher of old was concise and the songs on the album made sense together. Today’s Usher looks and acts like a newbie using what’s in style now to make a name for himself rather than setting the tone for his peers as he did in his prime. Read more

Here’s some eye candy for Mr. Grimm. Cincinnati native, and Cocaine Muzik group member, Sylver Karatz has just released her first major mixtape. It’s hosted by Flordia’s Bigga Rankin and DJ Dime Piece, currently based in Chicago. The project is aptly titled, Bad Bitches Only.

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