Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 19

Three years, two albums pushed aside, a mixtape, some teasers, and 2-3 leaks later, we may have an album on our hands. Since 2007, we’ve been waiting. It is now 2010 and we are past antsy, the anticipation has sky rocketed, and many have become infuriated, creating online petitions for a forced released.  While label’s play their “music industry” games, us fans suffer. We all remember the “retirement” talk and then the contract placing a hold on that decision, which was a great day for us fans. However, to wait 3 years for an album makes you wonder “What the hell are they doing?”. Maybe you’ve had an epiphany by now and just maybe you’ve come to the realization that I am talking about Lasers, by Chicago’s own, Wasalu Muhammad Jaco better known as Lupe Fiasco. One album that we are all looking forward to, especially after Food & Liquor (2006) and The Cool (2007). Do you even remember how those albums made you feel? Ridiculous wordplay, substance that uplifts and speaks truths, tongue of an activist forcing you to become more aware. If you didn’t learn something from those albums, I don’t know why you even pressed play. Due to it’s delay, the void that we all have has had no choice but to be filled with the few tracks leaked and a few remixes here and there.

Since this is Editors Pick: Track Of The Week, this could not have been a better time to fill a little void within yourselves by posting “B.M.F. (Building Minds Faster) Remix – Lupe Fiasco. Listen up, dissect, and research. Feel free to give us your take on this track, like or dislike? why or why not? constructive criticism.

Looking forward to Lasers yet? If not, check the producer line-up: Soundtrakk, The Neptunes, Danja, 1500 or Nothin’, Prince Ben, Matthew Santos, Kanye West. The insanity. If you can catch Lupe on tour I suggest you do that as well. Don’t sleep, a storm is coming.

“Love Always Shines, Everytime Remember 2 Smile”

Previously Released Tracks (Leaks):
Shinning Down- Featuring Matthew Santos (Released July 7, 2010)
I’m Beaming – Lupe Fiasco (Released January 26, 2010)

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 18

July 20, 2010 is near, 7 days away to be exact. Left and right I’ve heard nothing but leaks. Does it ever upset you that entire albums leak on the net? For sites like this, and other to-go-to music sources, its like finding gold. Its something about exclusivity, the “I got it first” that most fiend for. Soon after record stores started dropping like flies, who would have thought record sales would have went right along with them? If you think records sales have not been effected, you must have just discovered the World Wide Web and lived under a rock before your discovery. Thanks a lot internet, no need to explain myself, you’ve added your touches in all subjects, topics, and matters.

Now, todays keyword is LEAKS. You ask how many? I’d say at least 50% of the album, if not, the album in its entirety. With features from Jay Z, John Legend, Kanye West, Cee-Lo, Trey Songz, Diddy, Styles P, Jadakiss, Erykah Badu, Drake, Gucci (GUCCI!), and much more. The Boss, Rick Ross (BOSS!) has nothing but fire headed our way. Mentioned above, July 20th is a day to look forward to, well for those who like to actually support artists by purchasing their albums. Teflon Don not only has a vicious line-up of artists who are featured but producers that executed as well.

Oh the difficulty of choosing one song for Editors Pick: Track Of The Week, after all there were so many LEAKS (keyword) to choose from. This week I’ll choose from the most recent leak, which is “I’m Not A Star” – Rick Ross . Listen, give feedback, and buy the album on its release date. Enjoy !

Track listing (No, Title,Producer(s), and Length):
1. “I’m Not a Star” J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League 3:00
2. “Free Mason” (feat. Jay-Z & John Legend) The Inkredibles 4:07
3. “Tears of Joy” (feat. Cee-Lo) No I.D. 5:33
4. “Maybach Music III” (feat. T.I., Jadakiss & Erykah Badu) J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League 4:26
5. “Live Fast, Die Young” (feat. Kanye West) Kanye West, No I.D. 6:14
6. “Super High” (feat. Ne-Yo) Clark Kent & The Remedy 3:46
7. “No. 1″ (feat. Trey Songz & Diddy) The Hitmen 3:54
8. “MC Hammer” (feat. Gucci Mane) Lex Luger 4:59
9. “B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast)” (feat. Styles P) Lex Luger 4:10
10. “Aston Martin Music” (feat. Drake & Chrisette Michele) J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League 4:30
11. “All the Money in the World” (feat. Raphael Saadiq) The Olympicks 4:41

Editors Pick Track: Track Of The Week 17

photo by Jerome White

Upcoming Artist Alert: I’ve been in search for new music, new artists, substance, and much more . This weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week belongs to “Black Chukkas” By Gilbere Forté featuring Raak. I ran across Mr. Forté’s site not to long ago, by the words of others, speaking highly. I had to check this cat out. If you make your way to his website www.GilbereForte.com, then to his about, you’ll come out with the thought (well atleast I did) that he is a well-rounded, humble individual who is passionate and hungry about his craft. That’s what I like to see. Ladies, he is also well educated [*high five] lmao. Back to the music. His buzz is definitely coming up to speed, as a matter of fact the video for “Black Chukkas” was on MTV Jams this morning. Cheers to him and his camp, they’ve been working hard. Feel free to give commentary on both the song and video. For updates make sure to follow him via twitter (below) and check his website (above).

Purchase: 87 Dreams EP here.
follow: @GilbereForte

Gilbere Forte’ feat. Raak – Black Chukkas from Gilbere Forte’ on Vimeo.

Bonus:

Gilbere Forte’ – 87 Dreams (Trailer) from Jerome White on Vimeo.

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 16

Today, Today, Today… Today is June 15, 2010. A pretty big day for music, sports, and so much more. There are about 10+ artist dropping albums today, some for which I have never heard of and others that I am well aware of. Just to list a few names: C-Murder, Z-Ro, Drake, The Roots, Crooked I, Curren$y, Juelz Santana, B.G. & DJ Hektik, AMP Live (the list goes on) will all be dropping an album. One artist in particular has a bit more hype than the rest. It’s been an interesting day thus far, when I woke and hit twitter/facebook I saw many complaints , some whining, well stated opinions, and opinions that were simply “bittersweet.” Then again, they are opinions and everyone has one, even I. What seems to be a success to one person is a fail to another, similar to the cliché “what’s one mans trash is another mans treasure.” Thank Me Later is the first debut album of Aubrey “Drake” Graham.  As the debate between Drake 2006 and Drake 2010 continues, some act as if they haven’t seen progress (selective hearing and seeing). Some refuse to listen, to give the album a chance, and to constructively criticize.  Write a review? who hasn’t? I’d rather allow those who decide to listen to come up with their own conclusions and opinions (as they’ve already done).

Almost forgot this was Editors Pick: Track Of The Week, excuse the rant. I’ve got much more to say, once I get all my thoughts gathered. Today (keyword), I’ve chosen to post the opening track from Thank Me Later, with that being said Editors Pick: Track Of The Week belongs to “Fireworks” – Drake featuring Alicia Keys . Although leaked (like the rest of the album) this track has gotten repetitive play from me,  a great introduction to an album. Best wishes to Drake and his camp.

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 15

What’s up ya’ll? This weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week is one that I am excited for (not that I wasn’t excited for the others but this is special), I guess you can say I’m a bit late. Have I been under a rock? Possibly, due to the fact that I haven’t been eager to download much new music, revisiting classics (”Midnight Marauders” – A Tribe Called Quest, “The Ownerz” – Gang Starr, and much more). Out of all the future album releases, Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty (July 6), is one that I am looking forward to. Now if you haven’t figured out who I speak of, you may want to reconsider your love for music (*Rick Ross voice* its bigger than Rap). Sir Lucious Left foot should have given it away, 1/2 of Outkast, ATL’s finest, Big Boi. If you haven’t heard the following track, you aren’t alone (obviously). His up and coming album is surrounded by a bit of controversy (due to leaks and label politics), however, at the end of the day the show must go on and we hope for nothing but the best. From what I was told, this album has been completed for some time but knowing a little bit about the industry (or just plain common sense) we all know or should know, changes constantly occur. Let us prepare ourselves for a great few months ahead, where music will shift as it  does daily.

This weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week belong to “General Patton” – Big Boi . This track is fire, from the moment it comes on till the very end. I miss Outkast and the vibe I get from their music, that is why I keep Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in rotation (another classic I’ve reverted to). This one is something for you to go to war to and something to nod real nasty like. It’s a damn anthem. I think the South is making a comeback.

Tracklist:
1. Feel Me (Intro)
2. Daddy Fat Sax
3. Turns Me On feat. Sleepy Brown & Joi
4. Follow Us feat. Vonnegutt
5. Shutterbugg feat. Cutty
6. General Patton
7. Tangerine feat. T.I. & Khujo Goodie
8. You Ain’t No DJ feat. Yelawolf
9. Hustle Blood feat. Jamie Foxx
10. Be Still feat. Janelle Monáe
11. Fo Yo Sorrows feat. George Clinton, Too Short & Sam Chris
12. Night Night feat. B.o.B & Joi
13. Shine Blockas feat. Gucci Mane
14. The Train Pt. 2 (Sir Lucious Left Foot Saves The Day) feat. Sam Chris
15. Back Up Plan

*I’ve decided to add 2 bonus tracks to this weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week, Enjoy:
- “Looking For Ya” – Big Boi featuring Andre 3000, and Sleepy Brown
- “Shutterbug” – Big Boi featuring Cutty

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 14

Excuse the delay, no wait, that’s an understatement of an understatement. Editors Pick: Track Of The Week has been on hold for about two weeks and I apologize, a mix of technical difficulties, this, that, and the other. Enough chatter, let’s get into it.

There were so many tracks that I could choose from, now that we are in week 14 of track of the week, which makes this a bit more difficult than past posts. However, I’ve made my decision and had to go along with the Louis Vuitton Don, Kanye West. A sample of King Crimson’s 1969 hit “21st Century Schizoid Man” is very much present, but we all know how Kanye gets down. He can create any genre and different time periods of classics into a classic of the 21st.

This weeks Editor Pick: Track Of The Week belongs to “Power” – Kanye West featuring Dwele, the first single off of Kanye’s new album “Good Ass Job“. September 2010 is said to be when we can expect Ye’s new album to drop, but you never know. Therefore, the release date is subject to change. Looking forward to the visuals to hit us soon and of course the album. Until then, Enjoy !

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 13

Queen Latifah and Common in JUST WRIGHT (Photo by David Lee)

This wednesday in San Diego, CA — We will have one of Hip Hop’s well-known and respected MC’s down at On Broadway (Nightclub) to host and promote a movie he has been working on, that will be releasing this Friday May 14th 2010, starring another Hip Hop beloved MC. This weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week goes to “Next Time (Just Wright)” – Common featuring Queen Latifah. This track is real smooth, mellow, and pretty sure it coincides with the film. Definitely going to purchase my ticket and even watch it solo if I have to. Download the track, and don’t forget that if you are in the San Diego area, make sure you attend. To get on the guestlist or purchase tickets click here.

Find out more about the film on IMDB or on the Official “Just Wright” website.

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 12

This weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week will be a little different, this morning I sat around in search for a song that either gave me the chills, made my head nod nastily, or smile. None of that happened by the way. I actually ran into a new track by an artist that I felt would bring the heat and it was a let down. Now, I honestly was going to say ‘Forget This Week’, then I thought about it, how would that go over with the weekly updates I’ve promised? Yeah, not so well. So let’s stay consistent. Yesterday while in, supposed to be one of the most quietest places, the library, I sat brainstorming for an essay (womp!). Itunes had just finished playing “Chop Suey” by System Of a Down, yeah so what? and as I took a peak of my recent downloads, I remember that I had downloaded this new mixtape. I’ve heard this cats name before, but never listened to his music, so you know how that goes. Trial and Error, but my friends, this was no error. I sat there and listened to the entire project. Very different, but that is what I like. I listen to all genres of music, unbiased if you will.

Theophilus London is his name and Editors Pick: Track Of The Week is now his game, excuse me being corny (it happens). “I Want You”, his newest project, hosted by the lovely creative, Va$hite, is all over the place and now here on The Rise. Since It is ‘Track Of The Week’, meaning one track, I’ll go ahead and give it to “I Want You” (single) featuring the amazing voice of Marvin Gaye (RIP). This track is real mellow, something to relax to. You get the idea. Download the entire mixtape ! You’re  and enjoy !

Download: “I Want You” – Theophilus London Hosted by Va$htie [Mixtape]

Special thanks to Theophilus London’s personal blog: The Charming Blog for the content.

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 11

We are at week 11 for Editors Pick: Track Of The Week and this track would not leave my mental. I asked myself, “how’d I miss this?” besides, it did dropped back in March on the first to be exact. For some time now, I’ve felt that this artist has had the best “Hood” anthems. Whether you are fan of him or not, when hearing his songs in the club you have no choice but to sing along lyric by lyric, or mimic his ad-libs. Taj Stansberry, a very talented director, recently teamed up with Jeezy (yes, he dropped the Young) to create a hell of a video for this weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week which goes to Lose My Mind – Jeezy ft. Plies. I’ve watched this video over 10 times this week on MTV Jams (jam of the week) and haven’t gotten tired of it yet.Trap Or Die 2 is set to drop May 4th, so make sure you stay tuned for more fire.

Tracklisting For “Trap Or Die 2″:
01. Introduction
02. Trap Or Die Reloaded
03. Stop Playin’ Wit Me
04. Insane
05. Problem
06. Camaro
07. Lose My Mind (feat. Plies)
08. Greatest Trapper Alive
09. Ill’in (feat. The Clipse)
10. Just Saying
11. The TakeOver (feat. Bigga Rankin)
12. D Boyz (Produced by Don Cannon)
13. Hood Politics
14. Ride Wit Me (feat. Trick Daddy & Scarface)
15. Go Hard
16. Talking
17. Time
18. I Remember
19. Grape
20. My Tool (feat. Baby & Bun B)
21. Da Greatest
**Bonus Track**

Editors Pick: Track Of The Week 10

Hip Hop Legends Never Die — is the last thing I read on twitter. Monday morning April 19, 2010, Guru (1/2 of Gang Starr) was called come. After a long term fight with cancer, he recently slipped into a coma after he fell into cardiac arrest with cancer being its trigger. A pioneer in the culture of Hip Hop, one who set the bar for you sucka MC’s, one who spit from his soul, a HERO. As many share their favorite moment of Guru through song and video, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t share ours. This weeks Editors Pick: Track Of The Week (One Track just wouldn’t do him justice) is dedicated to Guru, Gang starr, his family, friends, fans, and to Hip Hop. He will always be Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal — Rest In Peace.

I could post all day, timeless. Rest In Peace Guru, Hip Hop Lives.

Keith “Guru” Elam
July 17, 1966 – April 19, 2010

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