It's rather hot, isn't it?
Are you as bored with the constant weather chat as I am? Yep, it sounds like you need some new music in your life. At the very least it'll give you something else to talk about.
For a start I thought I'd share some of the recently released hip hop that's been in heavy rotate for any bbq in which I manage to acquire control of the stereo.
Starting with a man whose name will be familiar to some but whose voice will ring familiar with even more in the form of Q-Tip. This former A Tribe Called Quest member is back with second solo album entitled The Renaissance.
Q-Tip's typical smooth and relaxed flow is nicely complemented by an array of melodic production which he mostly handled himself in the absence of Ali Shaheed Muhammad , with the exceptions of Move and Feva which are two of the last pieces of hip hop gold dust from the late J Dilla. Move presents itself as a highpoint in the album alongside the lead single Gettin' Up.
Comparing Getting' Up with Move shows the range present on this album. Gettin' Up combines a baseline as silky smooth with melodic keys and pads ready to set a dance floor on fire. Move captures the feeling of a hectic crosstown journey via a driving bassline and even a well sampled car horn, complete with boom bap rap style kick combinations.
I'd recommend this for hip hop heads and those curious to hear a little more. If The Renaissance does not work to convert a few people I'd recommend you chuck on my next summer essential, Remind Me in 3 Days, by newcomers The Knux.
The Knux are a pair of brothers from New Orleans who have come together to create a flamboyant hip hop based cross genre freak out. For a quick explanation, imagine what you'd get if you crossed N.E.R.D. with Outcast and added a relaxed bay area rap style over the top.
I do hesitate using other acts to describe The Knux, as they do have a unique style of their own and by all accounts it was one they fought hard to hold onto, with the lads refusing to play the songs to label execs one by one, prefering to hold off until they had a finished product.
The move definitely paid off with The Knux delivering a breath of fresh air into a genre born on this kind of bravery and exploration.
By this point, I'd say all the neutral ears at your summer bbq have either converted to the forces of hip hop or are seeking refuge in a more guitar friendly environment, so as the sun sets I'd be looking to chuck on the latest offering from The Game, LAX.
The Game titled this album LAX due to his assertion that he's like the airport - anything that goes through LA has to go through him. I'm not so sure he warrants that status quite yet, but it is fair to say that his cocky attitude has served him well, particularly with this project.
The Game serves up more stories from the Compton streets with his reliable combination of street swagger and grit. Since it's quite obvious to anyone who knows me that I can't relate to this environment I'm often questioned about the attraction of listening to music born from it.
The excitement for me lies in being invited to another world; this works because The Game performs his role of story teller admirably, leaving me feeling like I have just walked through some of the worlds toughest streets, come out alive and found myself surrounded by models and expensive alcohol.
Just as long as I don't fool myself and bring the Compton hard man act to the bbq I should be fine.
LAX benefits from a holistic approach. While there hasn't been the repeat of single success to the tune of How We Do or Hate It or Love It, the album carries its weight from beginning to end and avoids the curse of the dreaded filler track.
That said a personal highlight for me is his combination with a man who must have been hugely influential on Game's career and style with Ice Cube guesting on State of Emergency.
I've got some bottles to clean up so I better wrap this review up.
I'll be back soon to let you know what local independent music has been helping me survive those summer hangovers.
Click here to find out more on Q-Tip.
