Kendrick Lamar: good kid, m.A.A.d city Album Review

I was wondering when my next favorite album would not be of the R&B realm, and I guess someone was listening. Not only was I blessed to hear one album, but I heard two albums that are changing the game of hip-hop for the better, and arguably two of the best albums released this year. Without further a due, my favorite right now; Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d City…

I told y’all! I told y’all! Last year people looked at me crazy after my review of Section .80 by Lamar until they actually listened to it! Welp, he has done it again! It’s a fresh new view from the ever so musically relevant west coast. good kid, m.A.A.d city (which is an acronym for “my angel on angel dust”) is a mini movie with one of thee best soundtracks of all time. Imagine telling stories from your childhood and making a song to each memorable event!? Lamar pulls this off flawlessly, with his hilarious parents, and him taking the van out one day and having a hell of a day. I won’t ruin the film, but bring your popcorn, probably the best film without an actual film released this year!

I cannot put Lamar into a category. His delivery may not attract all (my girlfriend in this case) but if you listen to his wordplay and style, you cannot help but notice his special ability. He has to be one of the best storytellers of his class. I feel like a witness to every song on the album. It is not necessary to view Section .80 before good kid, m.A.A.d City, but it will only add to the experience. Sophomore slump? Not here, with a classic in my eyes by Kendrick Lamar, UnBLeeVable ★ ★ ★ ★ ★. Must hear film! Spread the word of Hip-Hop next big thing. 

Favorite Tracks

B*tch, Don’t Kill My Vibe

The title says it all, you cant help but vibe to this one, unless you the b*tch who kills vibes -_-

The Art of Peer Pressure

This is taken directly from my childhood, Lamar beautifully demonstrates how being with the homies affects your thinking patterns, somebody next science fair project trill talk.

Money Trees

"It go Halle Berry or hallelujah", the anthem of the album ya bish

m.A.A.d City

I thought I told y’all the day the album title track weak, that artist just needs to stop… Straight fire on this track, Dylan, Dylan…

Sing About Me

The most lyrical, powerful, creative, beautifully done track I have heard this year.

Have to Mentions *****

Poetic Justice

Not my favorite track on the album, but the production is genius; Drake returns the favor, track ready for radio play

Collect Calls

LOVE this track. Nothing else to say, just press play

The Fiasco that is Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II Coming Soon...

Truly the Great American Rap Album.

Perfectly Imperfect hosted by the talented Ms. Elle Varner

The first time I heard of Elle Varner was on 106 & Park of all places. Her song “Only Wanna Give it to You” made the countdown, it was something new. So upon seeing the girl around the corner swag Varner and hearing the song which caught my ear upon hearing, especially with J. Cole’s verse I paused for a quick second, and then I turned the channel once his verse was finished. Lord forgive me because I did not know what I had done! Luckily my second opportunity to accept the open invitation from Elle Varner came about a few weeks ago upon hearing the song “Refill” on the app Songza, where I was paused yet again like “wow” ok, who is this!? Wouldn’t you know it, Elle’s invitation got lost in the mail, and this was a party that even though I was already super late too, I most definitely could not miss.

Perfectly Imperfect by Elle Varner, finally I have arrived. Just from entering the party I was already expecting something different, but what I got was more, so much more. Within less than an hour, I saw the world through a regular shy girl who has been overlooked again and again, but if given the chance she could change a lucky person’s life. The décor, the love, the vibe could only be hand woven by Ms. Elle Varner. The DJ played heartfelt anthems such as “Not Tonight” to releasing built up frustrations melodies such as “Sound Proof Room”.  Perfectly Imperfect is anything but imperfect. Best party I have been blessed to be a part of since the likes of Melanie Fiona’s sophomore effort The MF Life. For a freshman I have HUGE expectations for Elle Varner, simply a goddess of music on this effort and turns imperfections into a masterpiece.

In retrospect, I have replayed the memories over and over, hoping I never play them out. The raspy voice songstress has been in my head ever since. It’s rare when a party has no down moments, or events you would like to skip thus giving Perfectly Imperfect the first ★ ★ ★ ★ ★UnBleeVable, hopefully not the last from girl next door Elle Varner. Better late than never...

Favorite Tracks

Refill -The track that lured me into a perfectly perfect album, just from the beat, something different, I think that's the fiddle! Yes! A fiddle on the beat.

Stop the Clock- "They say insanity is doing all the same things And thinking that you're gonna get a different ending" favorite line! Tick, tock, tick,tock. You control your own life.

So Fly- The woman anthem for a self-esteem boost! Beautifully written and performed. 

I Don't Care- One of my favorite tracks of the year, best line; "If I could speak in code, I wouldn't be so bold" Can she please get her Grammy!?

Not Tonight- Sigh. Fell In Love with this track from the first word she said, which was "I'm". Man or woman can relate to this song. That one person that got away because you were too chicken to approach them. Sing it Elle! "Maybe in another life..., but not tonighhhhtttttt." 

Perfectly Imperfect

CarrieLee

Moms everything I do is for You

You there when no one else can be
Come to think bout it, You the only one I would want there
Woman who gave birth to this man
Moms I'm forever grateful and
I just wanna thank you

A little money for you here and there, I may whine but Moms
For You I would do anything
No words needed just your face says it all
Moms you the only person I know who say more with phrases than actual statements

Words can not amount to the love and respect I have for You
Nor can any gift because they will all perish soon enough
Ask God how much I thank him for You
Your true treasures await with Him
You call me your sunshine but Moms You are my world 

No matter what girl may come along
Don't worry your spot is forever reserved
I know You probably already crying reading this
Don't worry my eyes have dried a bit
Love is so crazy but the love between mother and son; ours always stable


Always capable, willing, even when You aren't 
10lb 12 ounce You held and protected me
14 hours of labor You want ever get back


Love You, forever indebted, even when I'm upset
228lb I hold and protect you now
Still haven't made up for that labor
Just think of it as one of your many favors


Sincerely Your big head son,


BryanLee

PINK FRIDAY: ROMAN RELOADED- NICKI MINAJ

Nicki Minaj was a pleasant surprise last year with Pink Friday an album that shook up Hip-Hop. The album was a deep dive into Onika Maraj; who she is, and what she is about.  She addressed the rap game assertively, that the queen of Hip-Hop whoever she may have been has been beheaded and dethroned. The game was informally introduced to the now known alias name “The Female Weezy”.

This album gave me the flashback feeling of Nicki Minaj’s Grammy Awards performance; I was excited and wanted her to blow everyone away, and as the performance went on, I went from feeling confused, to just awkward, and then back to confusion with a fake feeling of “it wasn’t that bad, she’ll make up for it.” What I failed to understand was that Nicki was not targeting me, and maybe she never was. A fan of Hip-Hop and hunger and storytelling, I was not a part of her plan. She is now the Hip-Hop version of “Lady GaGa” with whom to mention I have nodded my head to a couple of times, but not even the FBI could find any of her music in my possession, no offense.

The ever so evolving Nicki Minaj gives you all of her personalities on this album; from Roman to Nicki, to Onika. The album even has a breaking point halfway through where it is clear that the genre of music has changed. Hip-Hop, Pop/Club, Techno, to Reggae. This album has it all if you’re looking for variety. If you’re looking for “Save Me”  or "I'm The Best” Nicki on this LP, play her old album. Until Nicki Minaj has a worthy opponent of either gender to push her, she will continue to make her own lane and push her creativity which seems to be limitless. Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded; I still believe that the sky is the limit for Nicki Minaj, but I just can’t BLeeV in this album. 

LeeV  ★ ★  it alone and download the tracks you like accordingly.  Beyond my review, I will always commend Nicki Minaj on her ability to push the boundaries of Hip-Hop. Even with that said, “Dear Old Nicki”, how I miss thee. 

Favorite Tracks

Roman Reloaded Ft. Wayne – The day the title track on album doesn’t go hard, will be a sad day. Weezy F. Baby, the F is for finisher. “Bite me …Apple Sign”-Nicki Minaj

Gun Shot Ft. Beenie Man- I don’t know why I can’t stop playing this freakin’ song! 

THE MF LIFE- MELANIE FIONA

When I first heard Melanie Fiona's voice I became hooked. The soulful raspy Canadian bred artist stole my heart from her first LP The Bridge, not with her album but with her passion and hunger I felt in her vocals.

Wanting to give a 100% in a relationship and doing so are completely two different things, the never ending struggle to devour the past, and learning from your mistakes wraps up The MF Life as a whole. MF gives her numerous attempts at love a soundtrack to remember with her recollection of the lowest of lows to the average man’s capable highs.
Some ballads put you back in that past relationship and sum them up for you in less than four minutes the lessons learned. Easily to tell from this production that MF loves hard, her fear of loving someone honestly and true and the cost that it can bring are sung to a beautiful array.This album not only showcases Melanie Fiona’s talent as an artist but her maturing as a person dealing with everyone’s worst and best friend LOVE.

Melanie’s The MF Life has a strong roster of songs. The singles released are just the tip of the iceberg on this production, which proves her growth from her last album. Almost every song on the album becomes an obstacle course that she overcomes on every level. Smart choices with her collaboration of hip-hop artists, 3 of the most talented in the game today (Nas, J. Cole, and B.o.B.) she can do no wrong. Oh and also kudos to the title with it going either way in meaning, she is truly the MF real deal especially with the recent passing of Whitney Houston, a voice that will not and can not ever be replaced.

BleeVable ★ ★ ★ ★ indeed for The MF Life by Melanie Fiona with 9 out out 13 tracks in constant rotation on my iPod. But the best part is that I BLeeV Melanie Fiona hasn't yet reached her pinnacle and I am expecting classics from her in the future.

Favorite Tracks

This Time Ft. J. Cole- Loved this long from the first second I heard it! With the addition of J. Cole, it gives the track that motivational message of making the best of what’s ahead. Favorite Line: “know its deep when the girl of his dreams is the same one to wake him up”

Break Down These Walls- Melanie sings me to peaceful serenity with this track. Sigh, thank you Melanie. Favorite Part: The end of the song with the guitar solo, AMAZING.

Running Ft. Nas- Melanie kills this obstacle course with record setting times. The gift of song on true display; I am a witness. Favorite Part: “I don’t know if I can do it/Cuz I’m running low on fluid/ Can’t bleev you brought me to this”

Can’t Say I Never Loved You- Simply the ambiance of this song just gives it that retrospective feel of looking back and being satisfied of making the right decision, and being happy because you gave your best. Favorite Part: The chorus, can’t say I never told you that.

Purchase The MF Life

INTRODUCING: ALBUM REVIEWS

Introducing Album Reviews to intro2bryanlee.blogspot.com. I will try not to only review albums I really like, but damn this is my blog, but it’s an honor for the first album to be Canada’s own Ms. Melanie Fiona’s near UnBleevable album. With that being said let me break down the rating system.


UnBleeVable ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ - An album that I am simply in love with and have had on repeat for multiple days. I don’t think any album is unskippable because of the different thirst to hear different tracks on different days, so I won’t be stingy giving out this top rating.

BLeeVable ★ ★ ★ ★ - Near perfect album in my eyes, some tracks could have been left out but still a solid album that I would have in my collection. Also maybe an album in a genre that I am not all about, but it reached me and made an impact.

BLeeV ★ ★ ★ - The artist has great potential and the best is yet to come, A for effort, C+ or so on delivery. An album with at least 4 tracks I have to own.

LeeV ★ ★ - Um just get the tracks that come on the radio and the remixes.

Anything under that is just -_-. Life's honestly to short for all that.