#iTunesSounds: “No More Parties in LA” – Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar – January 25, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture and Donte’ Grant @DineroJones

After a slight delay, Kanye West was back last week with his “G.O.O.D. Friday” series. Kanye enthusiasts had to wait until Monday morning for the arrival of “No More Parties in L.A.,” featuring none other than lyrical behemoth Kendrick Lamar. Here’s an in-depth look at the output from two of the industry’s A-List stars:

GRANT’S TAKE: The six-minute track was produced by Madlib. West, who is the boss of G.O.O.D. Music, teased his fans with a snippet of this record at the end “Real Friends” when it dropped on January 8th. The Madlib-produced track marks the first time West and K.Dot have appeared together on a song. West uses this record to remind everyone his still has impeccable rap skills. Ye’ mentions “I was uninspired since Lauryn Hill retired” and “I know some fans who thought I wouldn’t rap like this again” in the same way he delivers a hilarious anecdote about an assistant crashing his matted Maybach. Effortless flows with substance, combinations like this one are far and between nowadays in Hip Hop. It’s only fitting Kanye brought it back on a song featuring Lamar. K. Dot dominated hip hop in 2015 garnering 11 Grammy nominations from his critically acclaimed and commercial successful “To Pimp a Butterfly” opus. It’s safe to say with the the February 11 release of West’s highly anticipated album “Swish,” the Louis Vuitton Don is set to have a big year in 2016.

CLAY’S TAKE: I agree with Donte’s outlook on this one. The wordplay and samples give me the feeling that Mr. West is cooking up a similar production to his “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” album released in 2010. That loop of the Ghostface hook off of the G.O.O.D. Music collab “Cruel Summer” was not lost on me. It’s the same song where Kanye first proclaimed “Hold on, I ain’t trying to stuntman but the Yeezy’s jumped over the Jumpman.”

FAVORITE LINE: “Thinkin’ back to how I got here in the first place: second class chicks wouldn’t let me on first base. A backpack brotha with luxury taste buds and the Louis Vuitton store got all of my pay stubs.” — Kanye

Screen Shot 2016-01-25 at 12.29.24 PMDonte’ Grant is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com. He is a 10-year music industry veteran. Grant is a former A&R at Atlantic Records, Jeezy’s CTE label, and founder of TheOrganizedGrind.com. A former hooper at Augusta State, he is a diehard LA Lakers fan. Grant is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. He has been around the PSBPopCulture.com Team since it’s inception. You can follow him on Twitter @dinerojones.

Brandon Clay serves as the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com. A self-professed entertainment, music and sports junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. Clay is also a founding member of the “Luxury Boys Club” designed to stay on top of whatever is next in the world of PopCulture. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

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#iTunesSounds: Future – “Purple Reign” Mixtape – January 17, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

For all the issues that Future had with Ciara in 2015, he still emerged as arguably the biggest stock riser in rap last year. Less than three weeks into 2016, Future is back at it dropping “Purple Reign” to keep the momentum going. In large part because of his 2015 success, Future’s fan base is diverse ranging from former college football player Domonick Jones to sorority member Rachel Jones. With his “What A Time To Be Alive” album partner, Drake, getting set to deliver “Views From The 6” at any moment, this is an ideal time for Future to get the streets buzzing once again in preparation for his 22-city “Purple Reign Tour” that kicks off next month. Teaming up with one of the hottest beat makers in the game, Metro Boomin, Future brings the edgy tracks we are accustomed to hearing over the past 12 months. Here’s our “Four to Know” off of Purple Reign:

Listen to more about this topic on the PSBPopCulture.com Report at the 8:30 min mark:

3) Wicked

FAVORITE LINE: “We made men. We ain’t pullin’ up at cribs that we can’t get. You can’t put a chick on Instagram, I ain’t hit.”

BREAKDOWN: Let me say again…what a year 2015 was for the 32-year-old rapper. The money, lifestyle and single once again at the height of his career.

6) Inside The Mattress

FAVORITE LINE: “Stacks hid inside the mattress. Racks hid inside the mattress. Packs hid inside the mattress. Vert dippin through the traffic. I’m getting’ better, I’m at practice. I’m working everyday craftin’.”

BREAKDOWN: For the first time in the mixtape, I feel like Future hits it on the head. His work in the studio producing the hits everyone is listening to is directly tied to the “off-floor” success he’s experiencing right now. He touches on the street “Mattress Financial” theory of keeping your money (and other property) in a place where you can touch it ASAP instead of a traditional bank safety deposit box. He then ties that back in with what the money can get you as he draws an inference to his convertible (top down I’m sure) speeding through the streets.

7) Hater Sh**

FAVORITE LINE: “Audemars on my wrist, forget that hater ish. Gucci all on my bish, forget that hater ish. Trying to count me out, I’m stayin’ lit.”

BREAKDOWN: Audemars Piguet is one of the world’s most exclusive (and expensive) watch dealers. Gucci, well look no further than the 2 Chainz two G’s on my belt buckle reference on “Riot.” Future has been rumored to be with Blac Chyna and she’s even got his name tatted on her hand. As for counting Future out, no one has done that in recent memory except maybe Russell Wilson.

12) “Perkys Calling”

FAVORITE LINE: “Stay down ten toes board the G5. So much yellow gold on me like a bee hive. Started rockin Balmain’s like they Levi’s. I served in Alabama like Roll Tide.”

BREAKDOWN: As always, Future talking that money talk. G5 is a private jet. Of course, he’s got the expensive yellow gold custom jewelry. A pair of Balmain jeans run just under $1,500 tossed in with a slick shoutout to the newly crowned 2016 NCAA BCS Football Champions.

HONORABLE MENTION: “Drippin”

FAVORITE LINE: “Hublot wrapped around my wrist, it’s perfect timing. Sublet wrapped around my wrist, I’m trying to find her. I got fine chicks with me just like Chyna. If you care about her, put her in designer.”

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

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#iTunesSounds: Four To Know – January 14, 2016

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

1) “Look At My Dab” by Migos

Listen to more about this topic on the GreenLabel.com Report at the 9 min mark:

BREAKDOWN: Please note that this latest song is not to be confused with “Dab” or “Dab Daddy” both of which were also penned by Migos. Let’s not forget “Trap Dab” by HoodRich Pablo. No, this version is designed to make sure the listener looks at the artists as they do the popular dance that the 2015-16 NFL MVP frontrunner Cam “Dab” Newton has incorporated into his post-touchdown celebrations. That said, it works for them. That seems to be a recurring theme for Migos and their Migos Family of artists. Repetitive? Maybe. Catchy? Definitely. These days that equals success for the Kings of Dab.

2) “Facts” by Kanye West

BREAKDOWN: This song could legitimately have an entire column dedicated to the bars Kanye laid down. From the play on the hit single “Jumpman” to the mention of his wife, Kim’s, latest app making a million a minute, this is vintage Kanye West.

Are West’s claims true?

Actually, most of them are. I would say it’s safe to say that Nike has a little (or a lot) more in their portfolio than just Drake and Don C., but I love West brashness after the adidas release of his “Yeezy” signature shoe became the hottest thing out this winter. After a dispute with Nike that ended with West leaving the company, adidas has to be thrilled with the trendsetter’s ability to make the company relevant again through fashion and song. Newly-minted adidas endorser, Nick Young, even played a NBA game in Ye’s high top version upon inking his deal.

SIDENOTE: The Yeezy Boost 350’s were a MUST add to my personal collection. Both Taylor Johnson (my personal stylist) and Jenna “Babyface” Zimmerman (fashion aficionado) are not sneakers fiends but love the low top version.

FAVORITE LINE: “Nike treat employees just like slaves. They gave LeBron a billi not to run away.” — A direct reference to the new incentive-laden, lifetime contract LeBron James just signed rumored to be in excess of a billion dollars.

#SoleFlow | #YeezySeason (Part II) 🎅🏾🎄 "You knew after yesterday's Part One, there had to be a Part Two."

A photo posted by BrandonClayPSB (@brandonclaypsb) on

3) “Roses” by The Chainsmokers feat. ROZES

BREAKDOWN: The irony of the song name matching the feature artist was not lost on me. In the process, The Chainsmokers had dropped a song that currently sits at No. 6 on the iTunes Store charts. I caught it on Sirius XM last week while on a trip to Chicago. The two young men, Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall, are scheduled to drop their debut album in 2016. If “Roses” is any indication of where the album will take us, expect the wave to ride well into the new year.

4) “Ritz Carlton” by Plies

BREAKDOWN: It’s been over five years since Plies had a smash single. The Fort Myers, Fla., based rapper is back at it again with this release off of his “Ain’t No Mixtape Bih.” Born Algernod Lanier Washington, Plies is a social media star with his Instagram posts. After the line “Ran Off On Tha Plug Twice,” caught on this bowl season, he took it and ran posting various videos from college players celebrating by doing the dance after scoring touchdowns. PeachStateBasketball.com analyst, Christian Simmons and I enjoyed a laugh after watching Alabama men’s basketball coach Avery Johnson take off after a big win this week.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. Adding in a SLAM (Basketball) Magazine subscription in the late-90’s had him setup up for lifelong success. You can follow him on Twitter @psbpopculture.

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#iTunesSounds: “Hot or Not” – G-Eazy & Kid Cudi –January 11, 2016

By: Jordan Davis @JDavisPSB

“When It’s Dark Out” by G-Eazy

After coming off an amazing debut album, “These Things Happen” released in 2014, G-Eazy had a lot of expectations as to what he was going to put out next. With several radio hits such as “I mean it”, “Lotta That”, and “Downtown Love”, it was hard for audiences across the nation to imagine this Oakland, California native topping it. This year G-Eazy brought us yet another quality tracklist in his album “When It’s Dark Out”.

At first I was skeptical as of G-Eazy’s ability to provide more heat so close behind his last great album. Then I got text in between classes from my boy Brett Byerly (@Bbyerly46) saying it was a must cop. After getting in my room and letting it play while I studied for finals I realized… he was right. The album includes big name features such as Chris Brown, Big Sean, Kehlani, to smaller upcoming artist such as Starrah and Quiñ.

My personal favorites are “Order More” featuring Starrah and “Everything Will Be Okay” featuring Kehlani. I would be surprised if one or both hit the radio soon. This album is a solid purchase for any G-Eazy fan or just someone looking to expand their hip-hop library.

“Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven” by Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi has been a favorite artist of mine since his first mixtape, “A Kid Named Cudi” to his “Man On The Moon” album from his GOOD Music days. However after going ghost for awhile, people across the world, including myself, were starting to wonder if we would ever get another “Day & Night” or “Pursuit of Happiness” type banger from Cudi. This year he finally dropped his second album under Wicked Awesome label umbrella after much anticipation from his core audiences. However, unlike his usual album work, this body of art from Cudi left me highly disappointed.

With guitar and drums consistently throughout the album, it sounded more like an album put together by Red Hot Chili Peppers. Although it may have reached a certain interested crowd in the world, there is no question that he has lost a lot of core fans. The album is a complete left turn from all his previous works in which it almost sounds as some sort of Indie Rock album. This was a tough realization that maybe the artist that brought us such amazing songs, will never return back to that level of glory.

J-Davis-PSBPopCulture Jordan Davis is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com with a unique blend of #PSBPopCulture reviews. Davis has been rocking the latest trends since arriving here in 1995. He is currently a student at Kennesaw State, a Social Media Intern with PeachStateBasketball.com and is well on his way to being the youngest in charge sooner than later.

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#iTunesSounds: “Black Friday” – J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar – December 31, 2015

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

As if the rumblings of these two teaming up for a collaboration album weren’t loud enough already, they each dropped separate tracks on the other’s beat. Lamar chose Cole’s “A Tale of 2 Citiez” while Cole jumped on Kendrick’s hit “Alright.” Neither spared the beat going all in with A Game verses to hold us over as we wait. Cole even alluded to a possible release date during the month of February. Stay Tuned. For now, enjoy both of these songs.

J. Cole

Cole lets the smooth beat ride for about 20 seconds before jumping in full throttle. The North Carolina-based rapper has seen his popularity rise since the release of Sideline Story in 2011. I watched him headline a sold-out Atlanta stop on his “2014 Forest Hills Drive Tour” in August. Cole has found a niche as the anti-rapper. His flow on this one was no different as he dropped the following:

FAVORITE LINE: “Flow hot, whip cold. I’m bipolar brotha. I don’t like to talk about a Rover brotha. Keep it 100, I just sold it brotha. Tired of police looking at me like I stole it brotha. Prolly just gonna cop a little Corolla brotha. Don’t need a Rolex on to know I’m gettin’ older brotha.”

Kendrick Lamar

Lamar establishes his voice right away referring to himself as “The People’s Champion.” Right now, he’s established himself as a mainstay of hip hop for the forseeable future. If we needed proof of his current status, the feature on Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” cemented Lamar’s emergence to the A-List of the game.

FAVORITE LINE: “I tell the chick don’t sweat me. I’ll kill this whole beat if Cole’ll let (please Cole). Eve should have never sent the instrumental. Every time I start writing I get sentimental.”

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @PSBPopCulture.

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#iTunesSounds: Law – “Came A Long Way” Mixtape – December 21, 2015

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

A Cameroon-born rap artist, Law is next up off of the Goodlife record label. The emerging star calls on Bigga Rankin, DJ Fresh, DJ Key and DJ Scream to help host the tape. Though Law calls Atlanta home, the influence of his African descent is prominent throughout his music. Law released his 13-track “Came A Long Way” mixtape earlier this month. We take a look at some of our favorite tracks:

1) “Ghost”

BREAKDOWN: This catchy beat produced by T Black The Hitmaker has the makings of a radio single. Law talks that money talk on this one. The wordplay using the popular Rolls Royce Ghost automobile and counting money in a Phantom (also a Rolls-Royce model).

2) “Ronnie”

BREAKDOWN: Law addresses the death of his close friend Ronnie. He serves as motivation for the whole Goodlife movement to kick down the doors that the industry didn’t hold open.

CLAY’S NOTE:Law expressed to us in our interview that Ronnie was like a brother to him. Look for that interview to be posted later this week.

3) “So Good”

BREAKDOWN: He follows up the emotional “Ronnie” with a positive take on life. The opening bar go “This the feeling that you get when God gives you all the answers / This the feeling that you feel when moms make it out of cancer / It’s like your body is elevated, can’t even explain it / Tears of Joy need a minute, have you ever had this feeling?”

4) “Progression”

BREAKDOWN: Delano (Sr. is the Goodlife CEO, Jr. is Law’s longtime running mate) and Nette (Executive Producer) have set the deck for Law to succeed. After the shoutout, Law goes on to addresses the patience to withstand the wait for greatness and the haters involved in the day-to-day grind.

5) “Bond Money”

BREAKDOWN: With the recent troubles surrounding rap artist Rick Ross putting up his house for bond to be released from prison, having the money for bond is more important than ever. Law addresses this talking about everyone in his crew from his homeboys to his girl having the bond money ready at any time.

Keep an eye out for our full interview with Law:

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @PSBPopCulture.

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#iTunesSounds: Four To Know – December 6, 2015

“Four To Know” is a glimpse inside what’s current in the iTunes Music Libraries of our team members. We’ll provide four songs to grab and a breakdown of what appeals to us in each track.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

1) “Credit” by Ty Dolla $ign feat. Seyvn Streeter

BREAKDOWN: First of all, I owe an assist to our TheOrganizedGrind affiliate owner Donte Grant for his assist on this one. He told me that the new Dolla $ign album was a must listen. As usual, Grant was dead on. Placed in the middle of his “Free TC” CD, Ty delivered a crisp track as he teamed up with emering R&B artist Sevyn Streeter. It remains to be seen if this will make it to the airwaves as a single at some point during the life span of the release but it’s worth a listen ASAP.

2A/B) “Black Friday” by J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar

BREAKDOWN: As if the rumblings of these two teaming up for a collaboration album weren’t loud enough already, they each dropped separate tracks on the other’s beat. Lamar chose Cole’s “A Tale of 2 Citiez” while Cole jumped on Kendrick’s hit “Alright.” Neither spared the beat going all in with A Game verses to hold us over as we wait. Cole even alluded to a possible release date during the month of February. Stay Tuned. For now, enjoy both of these songs.

3) “For The Summer” by Fabolous

BREAKDOWN: Fab’s latest mixtape “Summertime Shootout” ironically dropped on Thanksgiving Day. This track was the opening track off of another quality output from the New York based rapper. In talking with PSBPopCulture.com Team Member, Keil Moore, the progression for Fab as a 38-year-old artist is impressive. Keep an eye out for the “Young OG Project II” album scheduled for a digital release on Christmas Day. If Fabolous keeps up his current pace of releases during the Fourth Quarter, his new nickname will be Mr. Winter Holiday.

FAVORITE LINE: “Girlfriend like really 2 Chainz for the summer? I’ve copped a few things that were dumber…With that said, I might cop two things for the summer. They both gonna be blacker than Lou’s thing for the summer.”

^^^ Fab with the witty reference to Los Angeles Laker Louis Williams (insert Drake – 6th Man reference) and his two girlfriends.

4) “Under the Stars” by John Legend

BREAKDOWN: This song takes me back to his “Once Again” album. “Under The Stars” is exactly the kind of ballad that Legend has perfected since my introduction to his music in 2003 on Slum Village’s “Selfish.” It was released in conjunction with Stella Artois’ “Give Beautifully” holiday campaign. Though Legend dropped the song for the holiday season, it has a year round feel to it.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @PSBPopCulture.

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#iTunesSounds: Four To Know – December 1, 2015

“Four To Know” is a glimpse inside what’s current in the iTunes Music Libraries of our team members. We’ll provide four songs to grab and a breakdown of what appeals to us in each track.

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

1) “Hello” by Erykah Badu feat. Andre 3000

BREAKDOWN: It’s always nice to hear from Miss Badu who was one of R&B’s go-to voices in the late ’90’s and early 2000’s. The fact that she brought Andre 3000 along for one of his few select verses that he drops annually was a pleasant surprise. The two team up over the classic Ronald Isley sample “Hello, It’s Me.” Andre delivers his seemingly timeless flow while Badu makes it feel like it’s 2000 all over again.

2) “No Shade” by Chaz French feat. Wale

BREAKDOWN: A relative newcomer to the mainstream scene, keep an eye on Chaz French. I owe an assist to PSBPopCulture.com Team Member, Jordan Davis, for this one. French comes through with a quality output on this one even singing the hook. Meanwhile his veteran counterpart, Wale, delivered a mean punch on the type of R&B type of track we’ve come to expect Mr. Folarin to body.

3) “Contradiction” by Mail Music feat. Jhene Aiko

BREAKDOWN: Mali Music has been on the scene for years but has started to breakout as a mainstream R&B solo artist since the release of “Beautiful.” I have to credit current Notre Dame freshman Ali Patberg for the lob on that track 18 months ago. Now Mali is back on the Spike Lee movie “Chi-Raq” soundtrack. He brought emerging female R&B artist Jhene Aiko along on this one and together the combine to knock this one out the park. The high pitch sound floating on top of the melody reminds me of the style Justin Bieber used on “Sorry” and adds to the sound of this one.

4) “Send My Love” (To Your New Lover) by Adele

BREAKDOWN: On a “25” CD loaded with soon-to-be Billboard chart toppers, this one stands out with it’s upbeat tempo as she does her 1-2 on the track. The feel in sequence and message makes me think of “Rumour Has It” off of Adele’s “21” output. Ironically, it’s the second track on the CD the same way Rumour Has It was.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @PSBPopCulture.

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#iTunesSounds: Justin Bieber – “Purpose” – November 30, 2015

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Since releasing his debut EP, “My World”, in late 2009, Justin Bieber has become one of the most popular artists worldwide regardless of genre. His latest release, “Purpose”, is his first studio release since 2012 and showcases a distinct sound that is maturing with his age. Over the past three years, the now 21-year-old singer has had some issues away from the music studio. That said, Bieber delivered a hit when needed with this one. We take a look at this latest album.

My Fantastic Four tracks off of Purpose are as follows:

2) “I’ll Show You”

BREAKDOWN: Bieber doesn’t waste anytime addressing the missteps of the past couple of years: the pressure of the fame, stardom and celebrity.



FAVORITE LINE: “This life’s not easy. I’m not made out of steel. Forget that I’m human, forget that I’m real.

4) “Sorry”

BREAKDOWN: This is a hit. From the opening sounds that proceed Bieber’s voice coming on the track to his voice floating over the strong melody. He performed this one at the American Music Awards and I am sure that will see this stay on the Billboard charts for weeks to come.

FAVORITE LINE: “You gotta go and get angry at all of my honesty. You know I try but I don’t do too well with apologies.”

8) “Love Yourself”

BREAKDOWN: This is the moment that we all talk about with the significant other who steps in saying everything in life is wrong but them. Friends, family and even the other person. Bieber touches this with a smooth beat and a some lightly played instruments as his voice tap dances on the track.

FAVORITE LINE: “My mama don’t like you and she likes everyone. And I never like to admit that I was wrong.”

Listen to more about this topic on the PSBPopCulture.com Report at the 7:00 min mark:

17) “Trust”

BREAKDOWN: This is my favorite song on the album. The whole sound has a real Timberlake post-NSync feel. The bass line is a perfect compliment to the R&B like production on this one. Bieber does a good job of showing his growing diversity on a track that he can deliver live with a female fan on stage as opposed to having to choreograph a dance for this one.

FAVORITE LINE: “Let’s be honest with ourselves. Did we really come this far just to watch it go down the drain?”

Honorable Mention: “We Are” feat. Nas

BREAKDOWN: Bieber teams up with arguably a Top Five rapper in the history of the game for this one. To my surprise, the track didn’t feel forced even though at 42, Nas could be Bieber’s father.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @PSBPopCulture.

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#iTunesSounds: Four To Know – November 22, 2015

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture

Angie Stone – 2 Bad Habits

Stone has long been one of my top R&B female artists dating back to the “Mahogany Soul” release in 2001. Though not a household crossover name like Mary J. Blige, Stone is go-to for quality singles and deep album cuts. Her latest album, “Dream”, is no different. “2 Bad Habits” is the lead single off of this CD and is what I’ve come to expect from the singer. Smooth production with a voice that carries the track from there and turns it into a hit.

Dave East – Forbes List

East went to a real member of the Hip-Hop Forbes List, Nas, for this title cut off of his 20-track debut album, “Hate Me Now.” East pays homage to Nas with the album title as a play on one of the legendary rapper’s classic hits. They both deliver some notable lines in the process.

FAVORITE LINE: “I been literally rich since ’96, would have hit my enemies with a Tek in ’96.” – Nas

MisterWives – Our Own House

MisterWives is an indie pop band who got the ball rolling in 2012. They released an EP, “Reflections,” in 2014. This one slipped right past me with a First Quarter of 2015 release. “Our Own House” is actually the title track off of their debut album with the same title. It’s done well on the U.S. charts reaching as high as No. 31 overall, No. 7 in Alternative. With an uptempo beat and full sound, lead singer Mandy Lee does her thing on this single tying it all together with a catchy sound.

Nick Grant – Royalty

Grant enlisted Cyhi The Prince for this single. Cyhi has been on the Atlanta scene for years and was even signed to G.O.O.D. Music for a while. That said, his counterpart on this track is so new to the scene that he doesn’t even have a Wikipedia page yet. If this song takes off of the way that I think it will, that gap won’t last much longer for South Carolina native Nick Grant. The beat favors a classic rap track from A Tribe Called Quest “Bonita Applebum” and both artists do their thing on the track.

FAVORITE LINE: “Only the Family Matters like Harriet Winslow/AK singing like it’s married to Swizz.”

BREAKDOWN: A play on the 1990’s hit TV show followed by a witty reference to Grammy winner Alicia Keys and her husband Swizz Beatz.

Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his various genre reviews. A self-professed entertainment & music junkie, Clay has been on his game since picking up his first Nintendo and Sony Walkman in the early 90’s. You can follow him on Twitter @PSBPopCulture.

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