New Sade and Jay-Z

Sade is not usually one for collaborations but she has enlisted  Brooklyn's finest Jay Z to remix "The Moon and the Sky" for the upcoming "Ultimate Collection", due out on 9th of May.

The track first appeared on Sades 2010 "Soldier of Love" album and has been remixed by Hov for the upcoming greatest hits collection.

Having already turned down collobos with Jay and Drake in the past, this is a welcomed change in direction for the songstress.

The new production on the track updates it with a more intense hip hop edge but Sade's signature smokey vocals complement it beautifully.  And a nice reflective verse from Jay Z brings the two genres together effortlessly.

Check it out here:

Sunday Songs

On a Sunday (the only day I seem to have any free time) I like to dig out some music I might not listen to regularly and reignite my appreciation for it.  So I thought i'd share some of my Sunday highlights.

This unreleased Solange track titled "wanna go back" features Marsha Ambrosius (of Floetry) and Q-Tip.   With Solange's airy voice and soulful melodies this is definitely one of her best efforts.  Still bemused as to why it didn't make her last album.  That said, it makes me excited for what the new album might hold in store.

I have a secret penchant for Nigerian hip hop music and this man here is my favourite.  A friend introduced me to M.I. a few years ago and I was so impressed by his flow and sick metaphors.  His flow is a cross between Lil Wayne and Kanye West and his word play is ridiculous.

Remember Kano?  He seems to have got lost in this UK grime resurgance but Kano was one of the first to experience mainstream chart success in the genre.  As Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32 take over the UK scene, don't forget this man.  "London Town" is one of my favourites from his spectacular second album of the same name.

Kobi Onyame "Congratulations"

Check out this new track from Ghana born, Glasgow based rapper Kobi Onyame.  The track features Mista L and is taken from his debut album 'Green green grasses'.  Looking forward to big things from Kobi in the coming year.  Hip hop coming out of Glasgow, it's a new era people.  Watch "Congratulations" here:

Lupe Fiasco 'Lasers' Album Review

Almost four years since 'The Cool', Lupe Fiasco has finally returned with his long awaited third album, 'Lasers'.

Lupe has never been your cliché rapper, concerned with money, cars, and booty. His witty, intelligent and articulate bars are both enlightened and thought provoking and this album is no different.

A rapper with a social conscience, Lupe addresses many important issues on this album. He salutes the independent woman of this world on the inspiring “Coming Up”, a rap song that talks about woman in a positive light- there's an anomaly for you.

Lupe outlines his disgust with some of the worlds ills “Words I Never Said” (w/Skylar Grey), he even has some words for the American President: “Gaza Strip was getting burned, Obama didn't say shit.”

“All Black Everything”, sees Lupe explore an alternate reality, one in which slavery never existed. In this new world, global politics and religion are skewed. He talks about a world where: “Fox News reports live that Ahmadinejad wins the Mandela peace price.” The haunting use of orchestral music makes this all the more intense.

Despite lapping up much critical acclaim since the release of his debut album, “Food and Liquor” in 2006, major commercial success has escaped Lupe's grasp so far. This is something he addresses in “Till I get there” where he mocks his label and their desperation to make him a famous money maker by 'prescribing him a publicist'. Perhaps a dig the label for delaying the release of this album.

It's not all intensity on 'Lasers' though, Lupe lightens it up a little with the smooth“Out of my head” (w/Trey Songz) which sees the pair swoon over a girl they can't forget about. Here, you can't help but wonder if this was included simply to appease the label, who are yearning for more commercial success. While it's not a bad track, it is a little out of place on this album.

Electro banger, “I don't wanna care right now” shows a more playful Lupe dabbling with autotune and an infectious hook that should make it a chart shoo-in.

This is a thought provoking piece of work where Lupe takes on the role of a rap philosopher taking his listeners on a journey. A little less 'cool' than his last album, but much more inspired in places.

With the album set to top the US Album Chart this week, Atlantic records can breath a collective sigh of relief that they didn't shelve it.

Standout Tracks: Words I Never Said, All Black Everything, Beautiful Lasers (2 ways)

My verdict: 8/10

Kanye West Album Review

Everybodys favourite jackass is back.

Since the infamous Swift-gate incident, Kanye West has been keeping a relatively low profile but he has finally returned with a brand new album, “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”.

The first single from the album is the defiant 'power' where Kanye compares himself to a 'superhero' and sings his own theme music: “No one man should have all that power,” he raps with predictable immodesty.

While the album is a pretentious manifestation of Yeezy's ever expanding ego, the originality and innovation exerted on each of the 12 tracks almost justifies his egotism.

Never a conformist, Kanye takes the hip hop genre and moulds it to suit his own artistic creativity. He dips in and out of rock, soul, disco and hip hop. He often pushes the envelope so far that the musical fusions become a genre of their own.

The melodic 'blame game' featuring John Legend, soulfully explores the ups and downs of a dysfunctional relationship. A self-reflective track that offers more of an insight into Kanye the man as oppose to the persona that has made him so infamous.

As the album progresses you can't help but think that he might be a schizophrenic. You've got the egotistical 'power' that serves to enhance the already negative opinion the public have of him, and then comes the vulnerability of 'runaway' and the sensitivity of 'devil in a new dress'. There is obviously much more to Kanye than his ostentatious exterior would suggest.

The album boasts collaborations with some of the biggest names in music; Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay Z and Bon Iver. There is even a piano solo from Elton John on the anthemic ' all the lights', as well as a comedy skit from Chris Rock on 'blame game'.

“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”offers an insight into the crazy mind of a man who defies all musical boundaries and conventions. They say theres a thin line between genius and insanity and i'd say this album demonstrates both beautifully.

Stand out tracks: So appalled, Devil in a New Dress, Hell of a Life
My Verdict: 9.5/10