Tag: Music

Reviews

Kali Uchis trades in her pastels for watercolor on Isolation – Review

Settling should be a deal breaker for debut albums. For Kali Uchis and Isolation, her go-getter mentality manifests itself in the realization on her second track, “Miami”: “Why would I be Kim? I can be Kanye”. Released on April 6, Uchis’ debut album cements her musical existence as the focal point, even when her focus gets interrupted by breezy dreams and pesky emotions. For her … Continue reading Kali Uchis trades in her pastels for watercolor on Isolation – Review

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Music

MED and Guilty Simpson revive J Dilla on Loyalty – EP

What’s the best way to build hype for an album? Some would say gathering a bunch of your favorite contemporaries in some secluded Wyoming getaway and making sure TMZ speculates the ins and outs of the forthcoming tunes. If that’s not your style, then actually releasing music before even more music drops might be an effective strategy. MED (aka Medaphoar) and Guilty Simpson chose the … Continue reading MED and Guilty Simpson revive J Dilla on Loyalty – EP

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Music

Stetsasonic’s “Float On” is a timeless guide to dating in Hip-Hop

The 1980s were a curious time. With much of the United States drenched in neon and gripped by the fear of a nuclear nightmare, pop culture became a haven for those who unenthused by the emergence of the “new-Right”. Black music however, was reaching (another) renaissance. Dubbed the Golden Age of hip-hop, the sounds once relegated to block parties were evolving, sonically and commercially, with … Continue reading Stetsasonic’s “Float On” is a timeless guide to dating in Hip-Hop

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Reviews

EarthGang’s Royalty EP is rich in body and soul – Review

In contrast to the album art loaded with references to material wealth, EarthGang’s 2018 EP, Royalty, is filled with bars and sounds that tip-toe near the edges of personal spirituality. Released February 23, the Dreamville cohort’s tape is their third since 2017, standing in stark contrast to last year’s Rags. Where Rags began with Johnny Venus rapping “Looking for peace in America/ Looking for peace when … Continue reading EarthGang’s Royalty EP is rich in body and soul – Review

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Music, Reviews

Snoop Dogg’s surprise 220 EP is a throwback to G-Funk and more

In place of the gospel album that never materialized at the Super Bowl, Snoop Dogg returns in 2018 with 220, a surprise EP released February 20, 2018. Over the eight-track spread, Snoop does his best impression of a chameleon, interspersing styles suited for his contemporaries in between throwback g-funk cuts. Channeling his inner Curren$y, Snoop, aka, “your favorite rapper’s rapper” cruises in on a bassy, … Continue reading Snoop Dogg’s surprise 220 EP is a throwback to G-Funk and more

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Reviews

Ravyn Lenae’s Crush EP is a beautiful, Steve Lacy produced duet – Review

When an artist chooses to work with a sole producer for a project, there are two possible outcomes. Either the project sounds phoned in, lacking the symbiosis that should accompany an exclusive two-person team. Or, it’s the perfect conversation, a back and forth between creators sharing the same vision. For Ravyn Lenae’s 2018 EP Crush, her union with Compton producer Steve Lacy is much the … Continue reading Ravyn Lenae’s Crush EP is a beautiful, Steve Lacy produced duet – Review

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Black Panther Soundtrack, curated by Kendrick Lamar
Music, Portfolio

Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther Soundtrack is a Milestone for Black Culture

A seemingly limitless well of inspiration and creativity, Kendrick Lamar has hit his next career milestone. Approached to contribute to Marvel’s Black Panther by director Ryan Coogler, Lamar’s involvement with the soundtrack marks his continued expansion into the mainstream, pop culture. Saying Kendrick Lamar isn’t mainstream is off; his list of credits skyrocketed after dropping his second studio album, Good Kid M.A.A.D. City, contributing to non-hip-hop … Continue reading Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther Soundtrack is a Milestone for Black Culture

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Music

VIDEO: Nipsey Hussle Premiers “Last Time That I Checc’d”

West coast rap fans rejoice! After a quiet 2017, Nipsey Hussle returns with “Last Time That I Checc’d”. Featuring “FDT” compatriot YG, the blue-and-red duo link up for a mic check aimed at their doubters. With a February 16th release date targeted for Hussle’s debut album, Victory Lap, the single marks the second cut after “Rap Niggas” dropped in December. With an accompanying video directed … Continue reading VIDEO: Nipsey Hussle Premiers “Last Time That I Checc’d”

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Music

Who Flipped It Better (Part 1) – Ty$ vs. The Game

In case you haven’t realized, samples are ubiquitous in hip-hop. Flipping an old classic or a forgotten favorite is a staple of the genre. To that end, producers regularly introduce new audiences to the tunes of yesteryear, creating a timeless vortex of music appreciation that spans generations. As such, here at TripleOT, I’d like to pay respect to an indelible part of hip-hop through this … Continue reading Who Flipped It Better (Part 1) – Ty$ vs. The Game

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment
Reviews

The Music Within – Purple Disco Machine’s Soulmatic Review

2016-17 continually proves to support the return of genre revivalism. Paramore delivered a sun-drenched and frolicking LP that channeled an upbeat pop-rock turn for the typically punk group. Calvin Harris served up a 70s infused collaboration with the “greatest artists of our generation,” while Bruno Mars rode the funk wave into the early 90s, matching a classic, synthesized bounce with sexed up crooning evocative of … Continue reading The Music Within – Purple Disco Machine’s Soulmatic Review

Brandon JohnsonLeave a comment