Kanye West & Jay-Z: No Church In The Wild.

Almost anything that comes from the hands, mouths and minds of Kanye and Jay-Z needs to be recognised and I was lucky enough to experience this first hand last week. I finally got to see the two of them live at London's O2, and wow. Just WOW. It was an incredible night, such energy, such experience, such skill. It was truly one of the best gigs I've ever been too, and my respect for the two grew even higher.



A few of the images from their latest video, No Church In The Wild (featuring Frank Ocean) were displayed on huge screens as Ye and Hov stood and stared accompanied by "What a wonderful world" in the background. Epic stuff. However saying that, I feel that this is the weakest from WTT yet. That's not to say it's bad, these boys set the bar high - it doesn't get much higher - it just doesn't quite work with the song or as a video for me, and that's a shame. Nevertheless it is still a good video and director Romain Gavras did a good job. But that's just it, it's good, when we all expect greatness.

Jay-Z: Life + Times

Greatness. It's in all walks of life.

Jay-Z and Kanye West - Niggas In Paris

It's only just February and it looks like the best music video of the year is already upon us.

This is PERFECT. The filming, the production, the editing, the imagery. Perfect.

But did we really expect anything else?

Supermodels X Jay-Z X New York State Of Mind.

Now this is one for some HD viewing. If you've got ears you would have heard Jay-Z and Alicia Key's monster track New York State Of Mind and just when you might have almost forgotten about it, Jay-Z's blog Life + Times produce their own video featuring every super model under the sun in the equally beautiful New York City. This is a win-win situation.

Jay-Z & Kanye West: Otis

After months of hype Watch The Throne finally bust its way into our ears this weekend. Many have voiced their varied opinions on the album, does it live up to the hype? For me? Yes. Just.

Now here's the first video, from the first official track that we heard, Otis. It's far from a revolutionary video, but it's simply Jay and Kanye having a laugh and enjoying rapping with each other. Oh yeah, and they torn up a $500,000 Maybach and threw it all back together in the wrong, but still awesome, way. I suppose it's a good job that they are donating it to charity, there's only so much flashing the cash a rapper can do, even if it is Hov and Ye.

And Aziz Ansari is in there too for some reason.

Rap History: The Making Of.

A few posts ago you saw pictures of Kanye West and Jay-Z at work on their album Watch The Throne. Well it just got a little better, there's a video.



This video truly goes behind the scenes and shows the real workings of the operation. It's not a polished video showing Ye and Hov creating wonderful beats and rhyming straight off the cuff. Sure, there's some of that, but it also features the beginning and development of their relationships, Kanye giving Jay a present and even Jay-Z having writers block. Yes, Jay-Z getting writers block. It shows the process, the realness, of creating a piece of rap history.

Music Monday 60.

Oh, Music Monday number 60, nice to see you there. This week is a little bit of a comeback special, I guess.

Kanye West & Jay-Z - Otis



Hopefully this video will stay online, especially as this is quickly becoming my morning anthem. Now I firmly believe that Watch The Throne will have better than this to come, but Otis another level than the pretty absurd H.A.M. Featuring Otis Redding, the track has that warm, old-school soul feel, the kind that goes back to Kanye's earlier stuff. It's going to be seriously interesting to hear what this album sounds like as a whole. CAN'T WAIT.

Blink 182 - Up All Night



Yep. Blink 182 are back. Finally. For a band that means so much to people of my age and had so much to do with the formulation of a generations music taste, it's good to hear them back. Whilst perhaps not being the most talented of bands, they lead the pop-rock movement for teens either sides of the Atlantic. As these fans have grown into young adults there will inevitably be many opinions and even sceptitism flying around. Mixed reviews, to say the least, is what Up All Night has received so far, "too Angels and Airways" has been a common comment. But I like it. It's just good to hear them back.

Jack's Mannequin - My Racing Thoughts



It's always a good feeling when you know of a truly talented individual and they still feel like a secret to you and maybe a few friends of yours. Now, I'm not saying that Jack's Mannequin are unknown, far from it, but especially in the UK they are hardly mainstream. Andrew McMahon is a talent, end of. Despite surving cancer and the break up of the very good Something Corporate, he is on his third album with Jack's Mannequin (I strongly suggest you check out SC and his previous JM albums). Having exhausted his past work, it so good to hear new sounds from another band that were a big part of my music taste making.

Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie



In a week of comebacks, RHCP were probably the most anticipated. And to me, they were the biggest let down. I can't say I'm the biggest Chillis fan, but I have got some love for them, but this track just doesn't do it for me. But maybe that's just me.

Jay-Z: The Art Of A Classic Song.

A great song doesn't attempt to be anything — it just is.

Great read from Jay-Z in Rolling Stone on writing classic songs.

Music Monday 35.

Heeeeeerrrrrrrreeeeee iiiiiiiiittttt gggggoooooooeeeeeeeessssssss!!

Kanye West & Jay-Z - H.A.M



Two of the biggest hip hop artists in the world combining to create an album called Watch The Throne was always going to be highly anticipated. The expectations are high, super high. Although they are entirely justified after Kanye's incredible 2010 with his G.O.O.D Fridays and MBDTF and Jay Z just being just about as big as any artist ever and still at the top of his game. Then last week, a track was leaked/released, the internet went wild, everyone listened, and then everyone went..."oh, is that it?". This track is trying too hard all the way through, it wants to be dark and epic, but it just isnt't, it's desperate. Jay Z's performance is probably the only saving grace in it, we expected more Yezzy and Hov. Try again please.

Lil Wayne - 6 Foot 7 Foot



I've got to admit, I've never given Lil Wayne a big listen, his voice tends to grate on me somewhat. However his first track since his incarceration has caught my attention. It's aggressive and in your face, it's got a solid rhythm and beats but most importantly it's got Lil Wayne's lyrics in full flow. It's ridiculous. Listen to him spit his way through this track and simply appreciate.

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers



A change of direction here somewhat, but in an equally good one. The much anticipated album from Lykke Li is soon to upon us and this is the second single. This girls sticks to what she knows best, a great voice, a poppy and catchy tune over some indie beats. A solid combination.

Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Jamie xx Remix)



Wow, this is pretty cool. Jamie XX from, err, The XX has recently turned his tricks to remixing and producing songs, and this songs proves it was a very well thought move. It looks like there's some exciting stuff to come from this man, namely a team up with Drake, also check out his work with the legendary Gil Scott Heron. But this remix of Adele will more than do for now. It's great to see two of Britain's top musical talents combining.

Music Monday 29.

Bit of a little update this week, but still packed with some noises worth listening to.

Kanye West & Jay-Z Ft La Roux - That's My Bitch



As we get closer to the (still far off) release of Watch The Throne from this two giants of world, I'm sure we start to hear a few leaks, intended or not. The first is That's My Bitch, and wow. Such a massive song. Beasty beat, nasty lyrics with a whole lot of attitude. Hopefully this album lives upto the hype, between Jay and Kanye, I'm sure they can pull of something pretty darn special.

Bon Iver - Skinny Love (Das Kaptial Rerub)



I'm not entirely sure what a 'rerub' entails, but I'm liking the sound of it. Such a simple edit of the gorgeous original. The minimalistic drums and the relative amount of space in this record are almost The XX like, and that is by no means a bad thing. With this drum beat behind the track, it almost seems as if we're waiting for someone to start rapping over the top. Might be a bit much, but I'm just saying...

Of Oceans - In Love, Not Limbo



Another absolutely stunning track. The gorgeous sounded and equally lovely named track, again shows us our a simple drum beat and not much else can be a winning formula. Simply blooming lovely!

Music Monday 28.

Ok so I've got quite a few songs this week so I'm gonna keep the chit chat short. And the fact that I'm being dragged out the door to go Christmas shopping doesn't help.

Ellie Goulding - Your Song



If you've been on my blog this week or anywhere near a TV this week you must have seen the new John Lewis advert. This Elton John cover, by Ellie Goulding is just pretty blooming lovely to be honest. It was going to be my tip for Christmas number one, but as it's already in the charts, I don't know if it can last. Especially when X Factor starts cranking them out, but still a lovely rendition.

Jay Electronica ft Jay Z - The Dream - Shiny Suit Theory



No sooner had Jay Z announced that Jay Elec had signed to Roc Nation, Jay Elec had produced The Announcement (see last week's MM), and no soon had we heard that, we heard this collaboration with the label's master, Jay Z himself. Unsurprisingly it's pretty up there. Simple horn section accompanied by some great word-play from the two Jays. Nice.

Eminem Ft Dr Dre - I Need A Doctor



This is simply a great introduction from Eminem to signal the comeback of Dre, hopefully an album we'll get to hear somewhen soon. Scroll down for Dre's first single.

Dr Dre Ft Snoop Dogg & Akon - Kush



Here's Dre's first single back proper. It's good, but no amazing in my opinion. But then any song that features Akon is never going to register high in my estimations. But surely it's a good sign of things to come.

Tinashe - Pieces Of Paper



You may of heard of this guy. If not, I'm sure you will. He appears to be pretty much king of producing lovely songs usually simply via his mouth and guitar. He does have some songs with higher level of productions, which are also worth checking out. Give his Youtube and Myspace a look and you won't be disappointed, lovely stuff.

Pogo - Wishery



Yeah I don't know anything about this song, it maybe old, maybe new. But I do know it's good, really good.

Atmosphere - The Best Day



I've used the word lovely too much today. But this is a lovely bit of hip-hop, the pop-iest hip hop you can get. Some simply piano, old-school vibes and feel good lyrics. Really nice stuff.

Music Monday 18.

I'm back from New York (blog update to follow this one) and let's get things back to normal with a cheeky Music Monday. I know you've been missing it.

Canterbury - Calm Down



I saw Canterbury supporting Kids In Glass Houses (I think) a few years ago and instantly fell for their melodic pop-rocky sound. I love the way that the two lead singers' voices play off of each other and then together, they both have genuinely good voice, which is often rare for this genre of good music. They have just recently made it back into my iTunes recently played list in a big way and are now starting to get some radio play. It's always nice when a band you've listened to for a few years start making the strides that they deserve. Canterbury have got the quality and the sound that can give them main stream success, I just hope that they don't, dare I say it, sell-out in the way that KIGH or You Me At Six have done to some extent.

Plan B - The Recluse (Nero Remix)



Plan B has had huge success with this concept and deservedly so. Having been a fan of Plan B since his first album, I am interested to hear his new album, in which he has promised to go back to rapping over guitar, to hear the sound and the reception it gets. The Recluse is among my favourite tracks off of the album, and this Nero remix just gives the track much more power and energy.


And now what appears to be the weekly Kanye West section:

Kanye West - Devil In A New Dress



To me, this track is not as good as See Me Now, but it's up there. It's yet again proof that Kanye is heading back to his golden Dropout years sound, a sound that is such a pleasure to listen to and enjoy. Excited for the album is continuing to grow.

Kanye West - Monster (Ft, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and Bon Iver)



As huge as those first 4 names are in this line up, it's not a massive surprise to hear them working together. But then Bon Iver. BON IVER? I'm a huge fan of Bon Iver, but it's just crazy that he's supplied the beats for this song. I heard about them working together a while back, but for the track to be this aggressive and angry is a huge surprise. And it works, just. I think.

Music Friday 17.

I know I've been sloppy these past few weeks, but I have excuses in the form of working night shifts and preparing to go to New York next week. So here's a real quick catch-up of some big tunes. No words, just music.

Kanye West Ft Beyonce & Charlie Wilson



Ok, I know I said no words, but seriously, the lyrics in this song are incredible. Listen.

Cee-Lo - Fuck You



Best Coast - Boyfriend



Kanye West Ft Jay-Z - Power (Remix)



Kid Cudi - Mr Rager



Mark Ronson - Bike Song



We Are The Ocean - Playing My Heart






LISTEN UP!

Jay- Z: Decoded.

For years now we have been listening to the writings and stories of Jay-Z in the (approx) 3 minute musical format. That is now to change as Jay-Z, at last, decides to bring out his memoirs. The obvious title "Hard Knock Life" won't be used, far too obvious and easy for Hov one feels, instead "Decoded" will be the title.

We can only assume that news of his idol, Justin Bieber, releasing a similar project has prompted Jay to release his own book full of interviews with him, his friends and his family from all different years and aspects of life. It's no doubt going to be an interesting read following Jay-Z from the Marcy Projects to becoming one of the most successful artists and powerful black people in the world. We can only hope that he takes his intelligence and creative writing talent to the pages format giving, what will undoubtedly be, an excellent read.

The only thing that remains to be seen is will there be any mention at all of Beyonce. I wouldn't count on it.

Music Monday 12.

Mark Ronson & The Business INTL - Bang Bang Bang


Mark Ronson and the Business Intl - Bang Bang Bang

I know this song has been around a couple of weeks, but it's grown on me massively ever since. Plus it's got a cool video which is always a bonus. Never been a MR fan, but he does know how to make a catchy tune.


Asher Roth - G.R.I.N.D (Get Ready It's a New Day)



It's clear that Asher has taken a big step from debut album Asleep In The Bread Isle. Despite the often juvenile lyrics, AITBI had some awesome beats and rythems and was surprisingly a good album to listen to. G.R.I.N.D gives Roth's music a new level of consideration and depth as well as the familiar catchy beat, new album should be good.

Chase & Status ft. Mali - Let You Go



This song is going to be massive this summer. Yet another collaberation from C+S, straying away from the classic dub beats that we're so used to hearing from these guys, there's a touch of electro and even uphoric dance in this song. And it works. Very well.

Dr Dre ft Jay-Z - Under Pressure



It's unclear whether this is the final version or not. But you cannot ignore a new Dre track, especially featuring Jay-Z. Exciting.

Jaydiohead + Subvoyant = Class Act.

In terms of mash-ups the birth child of Jay-Z and Radiohead, Jaydiohead wasn't the greatest of albums. However one track was taken and given the video treatment by New York production company Subvoyant and the results is magnificent. The stylish filming is accompanied by intelligent editing of incredible dancing. Excellent video, give it a watch.

Jay-Z and Absolut: Everybody wins.

After seeing a cheeky clip of this mini documentary, there has been a lot of hype for this mini documentary. In just 15 mins, there's interviews with Jay-Z, clips of him rehearsing for his September 11th charity gig, as well as the big man drinking...yes, you guessed it, Absolut.

I think this is a great piece of branded content. Not only was it intelligently leaked and teased to audiences over the past couple of weeks, Absolut have produced something that people actually want to watch. To me, this is the key for the future of advertising. Doing a dissertation on virals, I am really beginning to understand the need to produce content that consumers want to watch and share with their friends. Who cares if there's 30 seconds of Hova drinking some vodka, the rest is really great footage.

Enjoy the stunning and clever filmography in black and white, as Jay-Z does what he does best, talk sense and rap sense. Well done Absolut.

Albums of 2009

Yes, I know, albums of the year, sorry. There is a million of these coming out at this time of year, and by no way is mine meant to compete with them, but I thought that I would just share it.
In no particular order:
Alexisonfire - Young cardinals/Old crows

For me, this was probably my most highly anticipated album of the year. And yes I know I should have grown out of this screaming shit, but I havn't and I don't care. One of my favourite bands ever and having seem them recently live for the first time, my affections towards the Canadians continue. Like any great band, the album is a clear progression from the old but with Alexisonfire still scribbled all over it. Starting the album screaming "We are not the kids we used to be" they burst into what they do best, ever so slightly maturing this time. I never want this band to stop.

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3

Probably one of the most anticipated albums of the year full stop. And with anticipation comes hype and expectation. And yes of course Jay-Z lives upto it. I'm not claiming I love every single song on here, but others more than make up for it. Empire State of Mind has dominated the latter part of 2009, with Run This Town also having huge success. Many of the songs have collaborations, some big names, Kayne, Rihanna and Alicia, some are new on the scene; Drake and J Cole. But you know if Jay Z has picked them, they are some thing special. Something to watch out for. Blueprint 3 sees the Jigga Man boasts his albums success slamming Elvis and The Stones, some may see this as arrogance and disrespectful, but boy can he back up his claims.

Bombay Bicycle Club - I Had The Blue But Shook Them Loose

BBC fully exploded onto the scene in 2009, mainly due to a big helping shove from BBC R1 introducing. Having only just left school, these guys produced an unbelievable album of clever riffs and equally lyrics. Songs such as Magnet and Always Like This will never grow tired to me. There surely has to be even greater things to come from this band, and going on this album, that is very exciting.

Miike Snow - Animal

As soon as I heard 'Animal' it had something special and different about it. There was a lot of mystery surrounding the two-eyed Miike Snow initally, however their credentials soon appeared. The Swedish pair have produced songs for Madonna, Kylie and even Britney's Toxic. However do not let this put you off. The indie/electro/pop group pack in a mixture of tunes, giving a good variety, not something that you get from most albums. It produces some huge tunes such as Animal and Black & Blue.

Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

Again when I first heard the single of this stunning album, "Little Lion Man" I instantly wanted to hear more. Accompied by the autumn months, this acoustic folk produced some of the most beautiful music I have heard this year. The array of instruments offered something different from the other indie and acoustics acts around, and in this case different was definitely better. Beautiful playing matched with an amazing rusty voice is perfection.

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus

This insanely happy French electro indie pop act are going to be big very soon. Already featured in big advertising campaigns, this catchy album is simply a pleasure to listen. It will make you smile, nod your head and ears happy.

Florence and The Machine - Two Lungs

Like many of the artists here, Florence and The Machine suddenly burst onto the scene and possibly Florence more than any other, dominating 2009. With fiery red hair, an amazing voice and individual style, Florence and her Machine produced an amazing debut album. Many of the songs have been played to death on radio and TV, forcing me to tire of the album. But listening to it just the other day reminded me of just how damn good it is.

Passion Pit - Manners

After hearing the song "Sleephead", that has turned out to be one of my singles of year, I quickly got my hands on Chunk of Change. This EP was written for the lead singer's girlfriend for Valentine's Day. Soon followed was the album, Manners. The electro pop act is something pretty new and fresh to me. With a strangely good voice, and family of synths this is a very, very good album.

The Maccabees - Wall of Arms

There a so many great, great songs on this album, No Kind Words, Love You Better and Can You Give It? to name but a few. This is a fantastic piece of mature indie pop, with great riffs and uniquely beautiful voice, it all comes together very nicely.

Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions

I will be the first to admit that I jumped on the Biffy bandwagon along with everyone else this year. I've got friends that liked them when I was in year 9, but I shamefully did not give them a listen until this year. Puzzle is a fantastic album, I loved every single song. Is Only Revolutions better? No, not in my opinion. But its very close. There are some massive songs on there, Bubbles, Captain and of course, Golden Rule. Puzzle set a very high standard for me and Only Revolutions is almost up there, which is no way a bad thing.


So there you are. My top 10 albums. I think. Its difficult to remember albums from the first half of the year, and I strongly relied on my Last.fm. I don't claim this is a definitive list or a fantastic review, but I'd like to hear what you think. If you havn't heard any of these albums, I obviously strongly suggest you do, and if there's any you think I've missed, I'd love to know.