#iTunesSounds: Four To Know – November 11, 2015

By: Brandon Clay @PSBPopCulture and By: Jordan Davis @JDavisPSB

I Lied – DJ Khaled

Keep an eye out for this one off of the latest Khaled release “I Changed A Lot.” Ironically, this track is a very standard cut off of a Khaled CD featuring French Montana on the hook. I got the assist thrown while attending the Keil Moore Showcase in Philadelphia at a Subway from Matt Jones as I was “breaking bread” with Rider assistant coach Sean “Sticks” Smith.

It’s been a rough fall for Meek Mill but the embattled rapper delivers a solid verse on this one. He teams up with fellow Northeast corridor rappers Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss to drop one of the more memorable tracks on the CD. – Brandon Clay

Kiss Me Quick – Nathan Sykes

I’ve been a fan of Sykes solo career since his duet with Ariana Grande on the track “Almost Is Never Enough” off of her Yours Truly album released in 2013. A former member of the band “The Wanted,” Sykes has a rich voice that over the Kiss Me Quick beat has a pop feel. This song has been in the rotation since the middle of October. Keep an eye on another Sykes’ track “Over and Over Again” as well. – Brandon Clay

Verge – Owl City

One of my favorite groups in the genre, Owl City, teams up with one of my favorite singers of the past 12 months in Aloe Blacc. In “Verge,” Owl City has another hit in their pocket similar to their “Fireflies” smash hit back in the summer of 2009. It’s an uptempo flow with Blacc playing his role well. – Brandon Clay

Vice City – Jay Rock feat. Black Hippy

“Black Hippy” is back since their last time being seen on the U.O.E.N.O remix (a performance that even my 40-year-old pops appreciates) and their incredible cypher at their BET Awards in 2013. A modern rap group that includes artist such as Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Jay Rock. Black Hippy’s new song “Vice City” does an impressive job of displaying the versatility of the West Coast super group.

Kendrick starts off the song by making joking references to stereotypical ideology behind rap music saying, “I got big money, big booty women, man that stuff’s gonna be the death of me.” After his verse, Kendrick lets Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q obliterate the track. My personal favorite part of this batch of artist is the way each musician is able to bring in their own style to the group. – Jordan Davis

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.

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: The Unofficial Diary of Daron Jones – November 3, 2015

The “Up Close & Personal with Daron Jones” event is at the A-Loft Downtown Atlanta at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 3.

A well accomplished R&B singer and songwriter, Jones will perform his “The Unofficial Diary of Daron Jones” mixtape that just released on October 17th. The former 112 group member recreated several of my favorite songs including Stevie Wonder’s “Overjoyed.” Jones nailed this one with a sound that stood out on the classic track.

If you can’t make it out, our friends at The Sports Utility Vehicle will live stream the performance.

You can watch the show here:

Here’s a link to Jones’ website/discography

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 @bballplusmusic.

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#iTunesSounds: Apple Music – Five To Know – October 30, 2015

I subscribe to the monthly Apple Music package that allows me to download virtually any released song or album. The freedom it allows me to preview and download different genres of music is very attractive. I listen to Beats 1 Radio on a weekly basis, which often introduces me to new artists and sometimes reintroduces musicians from the past that may be out of the consciousness of the mainstream.

For instance, I heard Estelle’s “1980” on Beats 1 and immediately downloaded the song ‘free’ of charge onto my iPhone to play whenever I want.

Sample the song here:

By: Jonathan Hemingway @JLHemingwayPSB

Here are the last five songs that are in my Recently Added section in my music section:

“Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz – 2005

The Gorillaz are a British ‘virtual band.’ They were particularly popular ten or so years ago. I am a fan of their unique sound.

“Pretend” by Seinabo Sey – 2015

I heard Seinabo Sey for the first time last week on Beats 1 and immediately was drawn in by her rhythmic and international sound. Sey is actually Sweedish with a Gambian ancestry. Her unique background shows up in her art.

“Forever” by Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Eminem – 2009

For some reason this hit was not in my playlist, so it is a must add. My favorite line: 
“Everyone who doubted me is asking for forgiveness,
If you ain’t be a part of it at least you got to witness”

“The Clown” by Maribou State featuring Pedistrian – 2015

Here is another new artist I was introduced to via Beats 1. This electronic duo is also from England. This is their single from their first album Portraits, which I am anxious to sample in future sittings while writing articles for PeachStateBasketball.com.

“Autonomy (Slave)” by Samm Henshaw – 2015

Henshaw released his debut EP this month. This song reveals his gospel and pop influences in his young music career. He is quoted as saying that he has been influenced by Paolo Nutini, Lauryn Hill and Frank Ocean. All those artists who are in my rotation. Check out the London born Nigerian’s song below.

HEMI-HEAD-SHOTJonathan Hemingway is a Chicago sports fan who reps the Bears, Bulls and Cubs. He’s also a diehard NFL Sunday Ticket subscriber. Hemingway’s music taste are wide-ranged and depend on the day. He is also a major part of PeachStateBasketball.com wearing multiple hats with the title of Director of Domestic Scouting and owning CoachHemi.com.
You can follow him on Twitter @JLHemingwayPSB

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#iTunesSounds – Adele – “Hello” – October 25, 2015

Adele gave us “19” and “21” then took a break to live life for a while. On Thursday, we found out: she’s back. She’s been working on her latest project, “25”, since the summer and will release the album in its’ entirety on November 20th. I can’t speak for anyone besides myself but I’m thrilled to hear it.

SIDENOTE(S):

1) I’ll review both “19” and “21” in the weeks to come. If you missed either one, take a listen before “25” hits the shelves next month.

2) Assist to Blanche Alverson, Taylor Johnson and Dain Pool for the varying conversations since the single “Hello” dropped on Thursday.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

“Hello” is the lead single off of “25” and has garnered over 40 million video views since the Thursday release. The track is classic Adele as her voice ramps up and floats over the soft melodies in the background. There is definitely not a rust after the hiatus. Truth be told, Adele’s voice seems richer and more mature given the four-year gap in since her last studio album. If “Hello” is any indication of what we can look forward to on November 20th, expect Adele to clean up in iTunes sales this holiday season as well as at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

Check out Adele’s “Hello” Music Video:

Brandon-Clay-Bio-2 Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his #iTunesSounds 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 @bballplusmusic.

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#iTunesSounds – Rick Ross – “Black Dollar” Mixtape – October 25, 2015

Since dropping the classic mixtape, “Rich Forever” in 2012, music has been a bit slower coming for Rick Ross. Ross has established himself as one of the mainstays in an industry that sees hit artists come and go faster than NFL running backs. With the latest “Black Dollar” mixtape, Ross dials in to his 2012 self and gets back to the witty punchlines over smooth beats that made him a go-to guy for a feature earlier this decade.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

Here are my three favorite tracks with signature lines from the Mixtape:

1) “Money Dance”

BREAKDOWN: From the opening sounds of the piano playing to Ross riding a hoverboard in the music video below, this is vintage Ross. Talking success, the law and life as he knows it these days. Toss in The-Dream on the hook and it’s what we expect from the guy who walks around with no shirt on often.

“Slight 2-step as I check the time. Rub my hands when my palms itch. 50 (million) in the bank, diamonds lookin’ flawless. This the sway of a rich brotha, prayin’ for the day my brotha seein’ six figures. Black bottles poppin’ when I’m on the turf. Two private jets what a brotha’s worth.” – This is Ross at his best. Multi-million dollar money talk with a specific picture painted for the listener.

2) “Icon”

BREAKDOWN: Ross teams up with R&B star Anthony Hamilton to deliver a go-to track off the mixtape. The intro to the song is an ode of sorts to Jay-Z who signed Ross during his days as Def Jam president during the mid-to-late 2000’s. Hamilton’s soulful vocals coupled with Ross’ ever growing wordplay made this a hit in my eyes.

“I can’t see em running down my eyes so I gotta make the song cry. I just came to get the millions. Young HOV, I see ya brotha. I got the Blueprint in my back pocket. I did what you told me.” – Ross referencing the Jay-Z track “Song Cry” off of the classic “Blueprint” album

3) “Bel Air”

BREAKDOWN: Ironically, Ross is well known to have an affiliation with the sparkling rose Luc Belaire. That said, the entire song is a double entredre with Ross rapping about both a lifestyle based on the one Will Smith lived in “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” and the aforementioned drink. Both are deemed by Ross to be of the highest quality. Belaire is served in black bottles and promoted by Ross socially through his “Black Bottle Boys” campaign.

All the lines below refer back to topics mentioned above:

“This is the very best of the best. This is top shelf, the caviar of hip hop. Bel Air. Will Smith. Black Bottles.”

“At the Kings game but I got the Heat with me. 10 stacks, you can’t even take a seat with me.”

“Shoutout to Young HOV, my first deal. The transaction my first mil. Island Def Jam, paradise. Yacht Club, sacrifice.”

Check out Ross and The-Dream in the “Money Dance” video:

Brandon-Clay-Bio-2 Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his #iTunesSounds 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 @bballplusmusic.

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#iTunesSounds: Three to Know: Migos, Roy Woods and Travis Scott – October 24, 2015

“Three to Know” will give our readers a different look at some of the hottest albums/songs in the music game regardless of genre from our writers iTunes collections. This week, we take a look at three selections from Jordan Davis’ vantage point:

By: Jordan Davis @JDavisPSB

1) Travis Scott’s album “The Rodeo”

Travis Scott has been under the radar for quite sometime now until his debut album “The Rodeo” was released this year. Although having previous mixtapes and quite popular songs, it has been hard for this 23-year-old rapper to break out of the underground circuit and establish mainstream notoriety. Originally from Houston, Texas, Scott is looking to establish himself as the next big thing in the “H-Town” lineage of music artists. Scott added some quality features to this breakout album, including artists such as Future, 2 Chainz, Rae Sremmurd, and his personal favorite, Kanye West. This is an album that hip-hop fans should give a listen if they are looking for new sounds.

2) Migos on the rise?

This time two years ago, radio stations nationwide were playing “Versace” consistently. Since then, the Migos have been a well known household name for the new wave of rap fans. The Atlanta-based rap group has sold out shows from coast to coast and worked with the likes of Young Thug, Drake, Travis Scott, and Fall Out Boy in the process. After releasing their recent album Yung Rich Nation, the Migos are well on their way to becoming more than just a regionally popular rap group.

3) Roy Woods EP “EXIS”

Just a few years ago when Canadian artists were mentioned it immediately brought images of Drake, Justin Bieber, Beck, and The Weeknd. Recently, the powerful status that Drake holds has been able to shine light on talented upcoming artists such as Majid Jordan, PartyNextDoor, ILoveMakonnen, OB O’Brien, Amir Obe, and Roy Woods. Roy Woods being the latest of artist to come on the scene since his song “Drama” featuring the aforementioned Drake was played nationwide. Woods then dropped his EP called “EXIS” in which he displays his singing abilities and unique style. For the record, I’m a fan and even turned my editor, Brandon Clay, on to Woods’ style. There’s no question this is quality late night car ride music or when you’re in the mood to just vibe. It’s easy to see why OVO signed Woods who is bringing a new R&B style to the industry. In that way, Woods’ hopes to duplicate the success of The Weeknd and PartyNextDoor. I’ll keep you posted.

J-Davis-PSBPopCulture Jordan Davis is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com with a unique blend of #iTunesSounds & #PSBPopCulture reviews. Davis has been dropping jewels in both areas 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: Janine and the Mixtape – “XXEP” – October 23, 2015

XXEP is the most recent EP by breakout R&B artist Janine and the Mixtape. It’s been heavy in my rotation since I stumbled upon it in August. XXEP dropped in May of 2015 but like everything in life I was late to the party. Fortunately, I discovered it while at the airport coming home from an international scouting tour in Europe.

By: Keil Moore @KeilMoorePSB

Here is my take on some of the best tracks on the EP:

1) “You Deserve It”

BREAKDOWN: One listen and you feel the pain and emotion in the song. This has to be a true story. I could quote the whole track but the highlight might be “I love her for loving you because you deserve it.”

2) “This Moment”

BREAKDOWN: This is an easy song to listen to with a deep meaning. She starts with an Ekhart Tolle reference and the rest of the song takes us through a deep meditation at the end of what I can only imagine was a bad argument.

3) “Old Beside You”

BREAKDOWN: I love the double entendre with the title of this song. In relationships “Old Beside You” is thought of as a good thing, highlighting the concept of forever. Here she uses “Old Beside You” as a negative. She doesn’t want to get old next to the guy she’s referencing in the song.

4) “Lose My Mind”

BREAKDOWN: This track samples the melody from DMX’s “Up in Here”. Unlike DMX’s version, this is a thoughtful, carefully written, ballad about love that once was but no longer is.

PARTING THOUGHTS: This isn’t an album. However it is a preview of an artist with the potential to put a great album together. Hopefully Atlantic Records puts the resources behind Janine and the Mixtape so she can give us a great piece of art.

Keil Moore Keil Moore is a Philadelphia sports fan who loves the Eagles, 76ers and Phillies. He’s the go-to NBA League Pass subscriber in the PSBPopCulture.com. Moore will contribute his expertise to multiple categories on the site. He is the owner of Keil Moore Basketball, Inc.

You can follow him on Twitter @KeilMoorePSB

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#iTunesSounds: Lady Antebellum – “Golden” – October 23, 2015

Since getting together in 2006, Lady Antebellum has become arguably the most popular mainstream country group in the U.S. with crossover appeal worldwide. I have multiple albums and will review more of their work over time. Let’s start with the 2013 studio CD release “Golden.” While it doesn’t have the depth to me of their “Own The Night” output, it still has several songs that are in my iTunes rotation two years later.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

My Fantastic Four tracks off of Golden are actually in order on the CD from tracks 8 through 11:

8) “Golden”

BREAKDOWN: The title track off the album talks about a love that is so special that he doesn’t want to miss a single moment. He knew from the day that she walked into his life that she was a proverbial light shining down on his life.

9) Long Teenage Goodbye

BREAKDOWN: This one comes from the perspective of a teenager couple in the summer. Walks on the beach, a young love that goes wherever the wind blows all in a time that never comes back again.

10) “All for Love”

BREAKDOWN: The first verse ends with his love just up and walked away after saying she loved him. The second verse is her response with a question “what was I supposed to do? Falling out can be so cruel/Everything we want is what we used to be, I can’t help these feelings inside of me.”

11) “Better Man”

BREAKDOWN: In a lot of ways, this is a continuation of the “Golden” theme. He paints of vivid picture of the first time he met his current lady and how the connection was instant. He then goes on to tell us that loving her has made him a better person all around. It’s a storybook tale of love in its’ purest essence. Boy Meets Girl. They grow in love together.

Brandon-Clay-Bio-2 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 @bballplusmusic.

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#iTunesSounds: Drake – “If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late” – October 22, 2015

I realize this Drake album may not be as popular as many of his previous album releases. Plus his recent beef with Meek Mill overshadowed this particular work. That said there are a few of the tracks I have on CONSTANT repeat in my Apple Music rotation.

By: Jonathan Hemingway @JLHemingwayPSB

Here’s my Fab Five with my favorite lines:

1) No Tellin’

“Please do not speak to me like I’m that Drake from four years ago
. I’m at a higher place.”

…and a second line just for my guy Scott Johnson

“I gotta keep watchin’ for oppers cause anything’s possible, yeah
There’s no code of ethics out here, anyone will take shots at you, yeah”

2) Star67

“Got my foot on the ‘Cedes Benz pedal
/Doin’ 90 on the bridge like, ‘brotha you already know’”

3) Preach

I like this song mainly because he collaborates with “PARTYNEXTDOOR.” I became a fan of these guys because of the Instagram work of Retrospectivetrill_OG.

They do some funny stuff with the song “Recognize” Check this post out:

When you chilling at your homies house and his mom start spazzing 😂😶✌️ #nileseyyniles

A video posted by Nileseyy Niless (@retrospectivetrill_og) on

4) Know Yourself

I like how Drake is using the beat switch seamlessly these days.

“Running through the 6 with my woes. You know how that stuff goes.” – Reminds me of my days with the original Steve Nash aka Daniel Vo. @chiefofnbp

5) Jungle

Maybe I’ve gone soft. I’m married now, a daughter in the house. This song really resonates with me these days

“She forgave me for everything, this is a forever thing
/Hate that I treated like it’s a whatever thing/
Trust me girl, this is everything to me”

HEMI-HEAD-SHOTJonathan Hemingway is a Chicago sports fan who reps the Bears, Bulls and Cubs. He’s also a diehard NFL Sunday Ticket subscriber. Like Clay, Hemingway’s music taste are wide-ranged and depend on the day. He is also a major part of PeachStateBasketball.com wearing multiple hats with the title of Director of Domestic Scouting and owning CoachHemi.com.

You can follow him on Twitter @JLHemingwayPSB

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#iTunesSounds – James Bay – “Need the Sun to Break” – October 20, 2015

James Bay is an emerging artist from England. The 25-year old has a number of EP’s out and his “Chaos and the Calm” album released earlier this year rose to No. 25 on the U.S. Billboard Charts.

NOTE: I came across Bay through an assist from Riley Chlupacek. Thanks Riley.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

“Need the Sun to Break” is my go-to song on the album. Here’s why:

Bay has a very distinctive sound to match the style of music that he plays. On this track, he’s struggling to deal with a love lost. Bay can’t see the sun without the love he sings about on the track.

“Been in the dark for weeks and I realized you’re all I need, I hope I’m not too late.”

LISTEN TO: “Need the Sun to Break” by James Bay

Brandon-Clay-Bio-2 Brandon Clay is a contributor to PSBPopCulture.com through his #iTunesSounds 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 @bballplusmusic.

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