#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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#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: 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 – Alessia Cara – “Four Pink Walls” – October 20, 2015

On her debut five-track EP titled “Four Pink Walls,” Alessia Cara came out of the box swinging lyrically. She caught my attention with a song playing on Sirius XM during a trip to Seattle in late-August. Cara’s smooth vocals mixed with quality production set the stage for a debut album that should arrive sooner than later.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

Here are my two favorite tracks from the EP:

1) “Here”

BREAKDOWN: The song has been a major hit for the 19-year old Canadian singer. It’s charted as high as No. 20 on the Billboard ladder. Cara sings an easy relatable story about attending a party with her friends but wanting to just chill somewhere else.

2) “Four Pink Walls”

BREAKDOWN: The title track off of the album has all the makings of a follow up single to “Here.” An uptempo beat with some bounce gives Cara a chance to let her voice dance on rhythm with a cadence that floats between singing and almost rapping parts of the song.

FINAL GRADE: B

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 – Bryson Tiller – “TRAPSOUL” – October 19, 2015

Bryson Tiller came out blazing on his first album titled “Trapsoul.” The 14-track output is a nice mix of uptempo songs and more traditional R&B. It’s a must have for fans of the genre as Tiller establishes himself as one who we’ll keep an eye on over the next 12 months.

By: Brandon Clay @BBallPlusMusic

Here are my five favorite tracks from the album:

1) “Exchange”

BREAKDOWN: Tiller samples the “Shawty Swing My Way” beat from the 90’s and delivers a homerun in the process. I expect this one to hit airwaves soon.

2) “Don’t”

BREAKDOWN: First single off the album to touch the airwaves has been on fire. Slow tempo, Tiller’s voice carries the track.

3) “Sorry Not Sorry”

BREAKDOWN: The song starts with a mean “Street Fighter” drop that the most hardcore video game fans have to appreciate. Tiller goes on to show the 502 love (as he does throughout the album) while explaining that he’s not the one for his ex-girl.

Listen to more about this topic on the PSBPopCulture.com Report at the 5:30 min mark:

4) “Been That Way”

BREAKDOWN: Tiller addresses the rift between him and his girl. There’s love there but a combination of time, money and success has taken it’s toll on the relationship.

5) “Right My Wrongs”

BREAKDOWN: The album’s final track gives Tiller a chance to display his vocals with a soft track in the background. For an album where the beats assist his voice much of the way, Right My Wrongs is very much the opposite and it works for him.

Honorable Mention: “502 Come Up”

BREAKDOWN: In an ode to his Louisville area code, Tiller brings the heat while putting the city on his back in the process. He even shouts out Louisville native D’Angelo Russell (Los Angeles Laker rookie guard) in that gold and purple.

FINAL GRADE: A

BREAKDOWN: This is a complete album with enough substance to satisfy pure R&B fans but enough uptempo tracks to keep mainstream listeners entertained.

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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