Album Release

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We’ve had several releases this summer. The last few weeks we’ve had albums come from Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill and Future. So here’s what you have to look forward to:

(Cover for Meek Mill’s Legends of Summer, released July 6)

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I am the furthest thing from a Meek Mill fan but I was pleasantly surprised by the release of his first project after his stint in jail. His EP, Legends of the Summer consist of 4 tracks. Collectively the project is less than 15 minutes but I strongly suggest giving it a listen. (Excuse my corniness but…) This EP is like a box of chocolates. Meek gives you a little sample of everything. There’s the typical Meek anthem where he reps his city which is backed with a feature from Swiss Beatz. There’s a smooth track that one may say is for the ladies followed by a potential club joint. The project wraps up with a song that speaks to current social issues and his own fight with the judicial system. This EP is definitely worth a listen.

(Cover for Future’s Beastmode 2, released July 6)

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On July 6, Future dropped a “surprise” mixtape. The project Beastmode 2 was produced by Zaytoven and just by this collab you’d think that there would be a few hype tracks that we are use to from Future. However, the album is anything but hype. I was actually left a bit depressed. It seemed as if a lot of the songs were reflective of a lifestyle he does not want to be apart of anymore. Some of the tracks could have been good but they were overshadowed by lazy lyrics, even for Future. The 9 track mixtape, to say the least was boring and very solemn. Somebody should definitely check on Future, he may need a hug! I would say unless you’re just curious, don’t bother wasting 32 minutes of your life by listening to this album.

(Cover for Wiz Khalifa’s Rolling Papers 2, released on July 13)

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I hate to be the bearer of bad news on this one because everyone loves Wiz but this album isn’t even worth giving the bad review that I have! *Shakes head in total disappointment*

I’ll give my two cents though if you’ve made it this far.

Rolling Papers 2. It’s 25 tracks. An hour and 30 minutes. In it’s totality the album was awkward. It’s like Wiz stumbled through each track with forced recycled vibes and lyrics from previous albums. Don’t get me wrong. Yes, we all know that Wiz is an advocate for weed smoking and a good time but this was a failed attempt at something that we’ve known him to be good for. There are a few decent tracks, obviously the song that had been released as a single “Something New” feat. Ty Dolla $ign, “Hopeless Romantic” feat. Swae Lee and maybe one or two others. But even on my third listen I just couldn’t help but cringe. The set up of the album is weird and it doesn’t flow well. Someone suggested that you break it down and listen to it, almost as if it was 2 or 3 albums in one, but for me that didn’t help. You may be enticed to hear something new from Wiz Khalifa but I’d say proceed with caution!

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Teyana Taylor’s second studio album was released June 22 and it was one of the quietest to come from the G.O.O.D Music label this year. There was plenty of buzz for Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Nas and even Kayne West despite his recent antics in the media. But when it came to Teyana’s album the buzz was zapped from all social media.

K.T.S.E or Keep the Same Energy, in my opinion is actually one of the better releases from the G.O.O.D Music crew. Production was good. Vocals were dope. There was a good flow and nice transitions. Collectively, the 8 tracks felt personal, relatable and sensual. It gave a sense of what Taylor’s abilities are as an artist. The album has good car play which for me is very important!

This review comes several weeks later because Taylor hinted that there was to be more added to the album. She felt that it was incomplete and so she eluded to the idea of other songs being added. So I waited. Well, word is, due to Ye’s extra-ness and use of samples there were several songs that could not be cleared. I think it’s safe to say that there won’t be more to add to the K.T.S.E album.

With the risk of sounding corny, although I’m not alone in feeling as though the album was good (it charted at No. 2 as Top R&B album) it really seems that most music listeners are indeed keeping the same energy. Four years ago, even with a semi successful single, “Maybe”, Taylor’s album VII barely received any recognition.

Taylor is trying to stay on top of things this time tweeting that she and Ty Dolla $ign will be releasing a collaborative album together. It seems that people are sleeping on her but maybe if she keeps pushing more music she’ll get more reception from music listeners. Guess we’ll have to wait and see!

 

I’d recommend checking out the album for yourself! K.T.S.E is available on most streaming platforms.

K.T.S.E album cover

 

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Saturday, July 7 in Detroit at the Baltimore Art Gallery: a crowd of about 50 showed up to support local artist 2State in celebration of his new album PIPED.

The event was scheduled to take place from 8pm – 12am at the venue located just beyond Woodward Ave on E. Baltimore St. Upon arrival there was a small crowd gathered outside for a video shoot and with that it was only a small glimpse of the night to come.

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(Outside the Baltimore Art Gallery)
(Clips of video footage being taken for 2State’s upcoming video)

Before the show began you were welcomed into the building with the smell of freshly made food and a choice of drink. There was merchandising available for purchase and the dj was warming the crowd up with popular radio songs.

Just before 10pm the show began.

There was much energy in the room from both the audience and the performers. It was made clear from the opening song down to the last that there is a solid fan base and family support of the artists there. In any spot of the venue, whether you stepped out to the bathroom or was right there by the stage, you could hear some people screaming the lyrics as though they wrote the songs themselves and others screaming words of encouragement ending with “yasss nephew! you go!”

Only two breaks occurred in the show. Once when rapper 2State wanted to speak and give acknowledgment to those who support him and a moment of silence for his uncle and then again when an iPhone turned up missing (but was quickly found).

To say the least the night was filled with pure entertainment from pure talent. The night was 2Live.

 

More about the artist:

2State has performed at many events including Imported from the D and the Friday Night Cypher hosted by 107.5s DJBJ. His album PIPED is available on all streaming platforms. I listened on iTunes, here’s the link

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/piped/1404395435

Album cover

Also! Follow his personal page on Instagram @2statemeech and his fan page @2statefanpage for updates on new music and events.