This weekend, you voted, and "Award Tour" is the next release from "So Cold."
This is a fun, laid back track over a classic beat. I wanted to include this track on the mixtape not only because of the content, but also because it provides a bit of variety to the mixtape.
Anyway, have a listen or two and enjoy!
OR
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7171185
N. Talekt
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Upcoming Release: You Decide!
Before the holidays come roaring around the corner, I wanted to release another track that had a different vibe than "Diamond." On a side note, I've been getting a lot of good feedback on the song! Anyway, there are a couple up-tempo, fun tracks on "So Cold" and I wanted to share that with you as well, but I couldn't decide which one. Hence, the new poll! Which track would you like to hear?
1) Award Tour
A couple verses over a classic beat, I'm just having fun with this track and addressing some of the things going through my head as well as future aspirations.
2) Let's Talk It Over
Again, a couple verse over a great beat, with a couple tracks regarding the downside of relationships on the CD I wanted to make sure I covered the other end as well!
Anyway, both are fun tracks that I hope you'll enjoy. There should be a poll on the right where you can cast your vote as to which song you'd like to hear Monday. I'll post it up that morning based on the votes!
To help you decide, here's a couple snippets:
Edit: Track no longer available.
N. Talekt
1) Award Tour
A couple verses over a classic beat, I'm just having fun with this track and addressing some of the things going through my head as well as future aspirations.
2) Let's Talk It Over
Again, a couple verse over a great beat, with a couple tracks regarding the downside of relationships on the CD I wanted to make sure I covered the other end as well!
Anyway, both are fun tracks that I hope you'll enjoy. There should be a poll on the right where you can cast your vote as to which song you'd like to hear Monday. I'll post it up that morning based on the votes!
To help you decide, here's a couple snippets:
Edit: Track no longer available.
N. Talekt
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Blog: Average Joe
Recently I was posed a very interesting question while discussing my mixtape and how it progressed (more on that later) as well as the music scene today:
I think what it really boils down to is how well an artist's fans can relate to them. The more people can relate to you, the greater following you will have. Now, I've never claimed to have a huge fanbase, following, or whatever you want to call it, but I do know there are people who appreciate the music I do and can relate to a lot of the work I put out, and that keeps them interested.
I feel like a huge part of the success of New York artists during it's last heyday (Diplomats, G-Unit) came from the fact that they personified exactly what so many people in popular culture were trying to be and trying to do, especially with 50 Cent, who's (authentic) story is widely known but also something people can understand and relate to. And once he moved further away from that, his (musical) success declined.
Eminem is (arguably) another example. In a prominently Black culture, to have a White representative stand out in the genre and be damn good at what he does was a huge culture shock. Now, this is not at all on the same level, but it could be argued that White artists saw Eminem's rise to prominence in the same light as Black people see Barack Obama's history-making achievement: people tend to relate to those most like them, and seeing someone like them in a place of prominence inspires them to believe that they, too, can get there. I think that factor played a sizable role in Eminem's widespread success but, that said, he has put out some quality music, period.
On smaller scales you have your Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West's, but the story can be generalized to the same principle -- they're just your Average Joe's that people can truly relate to. Nothing Kanye's written about has been off-the-wall; you get tales of his aspirations, his family, his struggles. His latest body of work, "808's and Heartbreak," is a quintessential example of what I mean. While the critics have already deemed this a throwaway album, I'm certain he will gain more fans with this and begin to separate himself from the pack. And yes, I enjoyed what I heard of the album.
All in all, I think that these artists success' stem from simply being someone you can relate to. I don't think it's about image, "swag," or prosperity.
At least, for the time being.
I definitely have a feeling this dynamic is going to change, and soon. I wish I could say what it's going to change to, but I certainly feel it will change. But, only time will tell.
N. Talekt
What makes successful artists so successful?
I think what it really boils down to is how well an artist's fans can relate to them. The more people can relate to you, the greater following you will have. Now, I've never claimed to have a huge fanbase, following, or whatever you want to call it, but I do know there are people who appreciate the music I do and can relate to a lot of the work I put out, and that keeps them interested.
I feel like a huge part of the success of New York artists during it's last heyday (Diplomats, G-Unit) came from the fact that they personified exactly what so many people in popular culture were trying to be and trying to do, especially with 50 Cent, who's (authentic) story is widely known but also something people can understand and relate to. And once he moved further away from that, his (musical) success declined.
Eminem is (arguably) another example. In a prominently Black culture, to have a White representative stand out in the genre and be damn good at what he does was a huge culture shock. Now, this is not at all on the same level, but it could be argued that White artists saw Eminem's rise to prominence in the same light as Black people see Barack Obama's history-making achievement: people tend to relate to those most like them, and seeing someone like them in a place of prominence inspires them to believe that they, too, can get there. I think that factor played a sizable role in Eminem's widespread success but, that said, he has put out some quality music, period.
On smaller scales you have your Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West's, but the story can be generalized to the same principle -- they're just your Average Joe's that people can truly relate to. Nothing Kanye's written about has been off-the-wall; you get tales of his aspirations, his family, his struggles. His latest body of work, "808's and Heartbreak," is a quintessential example of what I mean. While the critics have already deemed this a throwaway album, I'm certain he will gain more fans with this and begin to separate himself from the pack. And yes, I enjoyed what I heard of the album.
All in all, I think that these artists success' stem from simply being someone you can relate to. I don't think it's about image, "swag," or prosperity.
At least, for the time being.
I definitely have a feeling this dynamic is going to change, and soon. I wish I could say what it's going to change to, but I certainly feel it will change. But, only time will tell.
N. Talekt
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Song Review: JC The Truth - What's It Feel Like?
Review: JC The Truth's "What's It Feel Like?"
Featured on: Soundclick.com
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6719234
From the moment the songs starts you know you're in for a treat. It's got a low-key vibe to it, feels very classy. I think that's what made this song for me, you can feel it.
Once the beat drops, it's on as JC poses a few questions about what things, you guessed it, feel like. I would not consider this a standout track lyrically, but I like the vibe, the message, and some of the questions made me say hmmm:
These questions and others are ones that JC poses are things that I'm sure a lot of us ponder, and I'm just coming from where he's talking about in my own experience, so this definitely hit home for me.
While it's a short track, I think it does show that this guy knows what he's doing and isn't afraid to go outside the box, and definitely has an ear for a nice beat. A quick listen never hurt nobody, give it a try:
Featured on: Soundclick.com
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6719234
From the moment the songs starts you know you're in for a treat. It's got a low-key vibe to it, feels very classy. I think that's what made this song for me, you can feel it.
Once the beat drops, it's on as JC poses a few questions about what things, you guessed it, feel like. I would not consider this a standout track lyrically, but I like the vibe, the message, and some of the questions made me say hmmm:
What’s it feel like…
To have a woman love you so much
That you’d never have to discuss
The topic of trust?
What’s it feel like…
To know the definition of love
Maybe true love
Is only from a daughter or son?
What’s it feel like…
To never have to argue bout shit
And understand the irrelevance
Of gettin all pissed?
These questions and others are ones that JC poses are things that I'm sure a lot of us ponder, and I'm just coming from where he's talking about in my own experience, so this definitely hit home for me.
While it's a short track, I think it does show that this guy knows what he's doing and isn't afraid to go outside the box, and definitely has an ear for a nice beat. A quick listen never hurt nobody, give it a try:
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
New Release: "Diamond"
The Cold has begun!
"Diamond" is a track highlighting a few of the the more personal things going on with me and trials I've been dealing with while at the same time trying to remain strong enough to keep doing the things I love to do, like music. There's more than enough going on in life to get us all sidetracked and it becomes quite easy to lose focus on what's important as well as lose sight of those thing you enjoy because you're forced to deal with what's in front of you.
While the track doesn't completely represent "So Cold"'s contents, I wanted this to be the first impression you get of the mixtape because does a good job in setting the overall tone of it. Not just topic-wise, but quality as well. Throughout "So Cold," the lyrics are witty and thoughful while the tracks are real and many times personal, and at the same time I hope it's an enjoyable listen. I'll go into this in more detail in a later posting.
For now, give "Diamond" a few spins. Kudos to VybeBeatz on the production here. Enjoy!
OR
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7111740
"Diamond" is a track highlighting a few of the the more personal things going on with me and trials I've been dealing with while at the same time trying to remain strong enough to keep doing the things I love to do, like music. There's more than enough going on in life to get us all sidetracked and it becomes quite easy to lose focus on what's important as well as lose sight of those thing you enjoy because you're forced to deal with what's in front of you.
While the track doesn't completely represent "So Cold"'s contents, I wanted this to be the first impression you get of the mixtape because does a good job in setting the overall tone of it. Not just topic-wise, but quality as well. Throughout "So Cold," the lyrics are witty and thoughful while the tracks are real and many times personal, and at the same time I hope it's an enjoyable listen. I'll go into this in more detail in a later posting.
For now, give "Diamond" a few spins. Kudos to VybeBeatz on the production here. Enjoy!
OR
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7111740
Monday, December 1, 2008
Song Review: Tragic - Neva Get Famous
Review: Tragic's "Neva Get Famous"
Featured on: Soundclick.com
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7043615
This is another indie track that isn't the best track in the world but it did resonate with me because of the content and I wanted to discuss it.
The dynamic due of Tragic (on the vocals) and Noogie (on the beat) came together to make a short but satisfying track that discusses Tragic's aspirations of fame and acceptance of its void. The combo for some reason remind me of the more old-school teaming of a producer and rapper to collaborate and create music.
While the lyrics were very simple, certain parts definitely hit home and I'm sure there are many musicians who deal with the same thoughts:
I also especially enjoyed the parts discussing music and race:
In addition, the backdrop is interesting in this regard because it comes off as an intriguing blend of old-school and new-school welded into a beat. Can't help but like it! While it's certainly just a short track, I think it does exemplify where hip-hop needs to be to some degree and I felt it was an interesting listen in regard to the beat and the viewpoint and perspective of the artist.
All that said, it's nice to see how hip-hop is branching out and also how the internet is allowing people to get heard...even if they will "never get famous."
Featured on: Soundclick.com
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7043615
This is another indie track that isn't the best track in the world but it did resonate with me because of the content and I wanted to discuss it.
The dynamic due of Tragic (on the vocals) and Noogie (on the beat) came together to make a short but satisfying track that discusses Tragic's aspirations of fame and acceptance of its void. The combo for some reason remind me of the more old-school teaming of a producer and rapper to collaborate and create music.
While the lyrics were very simple, certain parts definitely hit home and I'm sure there are many musicians who deal with the same thoughts:
but i know i wont be happy if im not an MC
cuz its the music its the lyrics its the bars that i need
its like without hip-hop it'd be harder to breathe
that makes it harder to see that I might never make it
I also especially enjoyed the parts discussing music and race:
This resonates with me because while this is the ideal situation, hip-hop is not really there quite yet. Music is, but not hip-hop. That said, it is interesting to see what other cultures and races are doing with hip-hop to make it their own (Tragic hails from Ottawa, Canada).the one thing that connects us all regardless of races
cuz music aint racist naw man music is raceless
its the one thing you can make nobody make the same way its
the one place you can say whatever you wanna say its
the one place where you can make mistakes and erase em
the expression of what you facin on an everyday basis
so if every single one of y'all is hatin my tape its
ok at least somebodies playin my tape its ok
In addition, the backdrop is interesting in this regard because it comes off as an intriguing blend of old-school and new-school welded into a beat. Can't help but like it! While it's certainly just a short track, I think it does exemplify where hip-hop needs to be to some degree and I felt it was an interesting listen in regard to the beat and the viewpoint and perspective of the artist.
All that said, it's nice to see how hip-hop is branching out and also how the internet is allowing people to get heard...even if they will "never get famous."
Upcoming Release: "Diamond" (So Cold) drops this Wednesday!
As the final touches are being put on the mixtape, I wanted to start releasing some material to give you all a taste of the music that's going to be on there. I've almost got the tracklist finalized, I am not sure of the number of tracks that will actually make it on there, but suffice to say the music is coming out very well so far and I'm anxious to get it completed.
Anyway, as I alluded to, I'm going to release the first track from the "So Cold" mixtape entitled "Diamond." It delves into a few things regarding my life and mindset and things I've had to endure between, well, the last time you've heard from me and now. This track should set the tone of the mixtape as I am open and brutally honest about my topics of discussion throughout the mixtape. I'll release production credits here when I drop the track.
See you here Wednesday!
... it's gonna be a cold winter ...
Anyway, as I alluded to, I'm going to release the first track from the "So Cold" mixtape entitled "Diamond." It delves into a few things regarding my life and mindset and things I've had to endure between, well, the last time you've heard from me and now. This track should set the tone of the mixtape as I am open and brutally honest about my topics of discussion throughout the mixtape. I'll release production credits here when I drop the track.
See you here Wednesday!
... it's gonna be a cold winter ...
Friday, November 21, 2008
Mixtape "So Cold" is Official!
I'm pleased to announce that the mixtape is finally official!
It will be called "So Cold" and be released in January 2009. I decided to push it back as I wanted to include a few more songs on there that I just couldn't turn away from.
While I'm not quite ready to release the artwork or the names of any releases quite yet, I can tell you that new songs from the mixtape should be coming very soon, at least a couple in December!
Keep checking back often for the lastest news, reviews, and developments -- this blog is going to be very active in the coming weeks.
It's gonna be a cold winter...
It will be called "So Cold" and be released in January 2009. I decided to push it back as I wanted to include a few more songs on there that I just couldn't turn away from.
While I'm not quite ready to release the artwork or the names of any releases quite yet, I can tell you that new songs from the mixtape should be coming very soon, at least a couple in December!
Keep checking back often for the lastest news, reviews, and developments -- this blog is going to be very active in the coming weeks.
It's gonna be a cold winter...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Song Review: Yaboi Plain - "Get You Off"
Review: Yaboi Plain's "Get You Off"
Featured on: Soundclick.com
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7043941
Let me just say that this is definitely a straight-up indie underground track. That said, I'm hooked. Plain and simple.
Sure, the beat's not the most impressive and the quality could use some work. But look past that and you'll find a nice song with the some clever words and an addictive tone. It's raw, gritty, and that's not a bad thing.
Between some steamy imagery and clever lines that melodically ride the beat, you get some of basic woo's like:
Sure, it's a rough cut. But I feel like this particular song had that it factor that kept me listening without getting tired of it. The performance was believable, not overdone, overly-sappy, and the imagery was fantastic. Certainly catchy and the mix was fairly well done (minus the overall quality). Flow was on point throughout and it just felt like a good song.
That's when you know you're doing something right. I'd love to hear this song with better mixing/mastering, could do very well. Job well done. Go ahead, give it a play.
--
Hear more from Yaboi Plain at:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=890523
Featured on: Soundclick.com
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7043941
Let me just say that this is definitely a straight-up indie underground track. That said, I'm hooked. Plain and simple.
Sure, the beat's not the most impressive and the quality could use some work. But look past that and you'll find a nice song with the some clever words and an addictive tone. It's raw, gritty, and that's not a bad thing.
Between some steamy imagery and clever lines that melodically ride the beat, you get some of basic woo's like:
"ay baby, tell me what it is todayWhich is definitely solid and thought out. But then you some out-the-box cleverness that you've got to appreciate:
but if it ain't me and you then don't say a thing
see i been dreamin 'bout ya body for so many nights
and tonight its feelin right so let us get it right
let's take off all these clothes, get our bodies exposed
let me kiss you from your head to your toes
wanna hear you say 'go!', wanna hear you say my name
i been thinkin' 'bout you baby but it ain't the same"
"the days turn to weeks, weeks turn to monthsOverall, the entire song comes off very natually and well-thought out. It doesn't sound like a freestyle, or a comeback song, or a hype song, it sound like a good track. You took a general concept that's been done and added something fresh to it, and you made it sound really good with what you had to work with. Hook was great, verses as I pointed out had a good mix of your more typical content (that was above average) and creative concepts sprinkled in.
away, goes by, it's all so much
i feel all the seconds, touch, can we get a moment?"
Sure, it's a rough cut. But I feel like this particular song had that it factor that kept me listening without getting tired of it. The performance was believable, not overdone, overly-sappy, and the imagery was fantastic. Certainly catchy and the mix was fairly well done (minus the overall quality). Flow was on point throughout and it just felt like a good song.
That's when you know you're doing something right. I'd love to hear this song with better mixing/mastering, could do very well. Job well done. Go ahead, give it a play.
--
Hear more from Yaboi Plain at:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=890523
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Poll: Will fourth-quarter hip-hop "raise the bar?"
Interesting thought. With forthcoming releases this quarter from the likes of Kanye West, 50 Cent, Ludacris, Eminem, Jay-Z, and who knows, maybe Dr. Dre, do you think these releases will raise the bar in hip-hop regarding acceptable standards in music as far as song quality, lyricism, etc.?
Lately, hip-hop has, arguably, been in a slump -- not just in sales, but in overall quality. "Hip hop is dead" has been the buzzword lately (well, at least before "swagger"), and I personally feel like "artists" are getting by with less and less impressive music. It seems like no one wants to write lyrics anymore, which is fine until it actually sounds like that's the case!
Regardless, this quarter should bring out the releases of popular artists known more for their song content and their song quality. I, for one, have high expectations and look forward to some great music. I'm sure I'm in a fairly isolated group on this one, but I don't care, I've been feeling what I've heard from Kanye's "808's and Heartbreak" so far (minus the auto-tune overdose).
Anyway, what do you think? Will these forthcoming release be the "change we need" in hip-hop, or will these highly-touted artists give us just enough to get by?
Feel free to comment and/or hit the poll on the right.
N. Talekt
http://www.soundclick.com/ntalekt
Lately, hip-hop has, arguably, been in a slump -- not just in sales, but in overall quality. "Hip hop is dead" has been the buzzword lately (well, at least before "swagger"), and I personally feel like "artists" are getting by with less and less impressive music. It seems like no one wants to write lyrics anymore, which is fine until it actually sounds like that's the case!
Regardless, this quarter should bring out the releases of popular artists known more for their song content and their song quality. I, for one, have high expectations and look forward to some great music. I'm sure I'm in a fairly isolated group on this one, but I don't care, I've been feeling what I've heard from Kanye's "808's and Heartbreak" so far (minus the auto-tune overdose).
Anyway, what do you think? Will these forthcoming release be the "change we need" in hip-hop, or will these highly-touted artists give us just enough to get by?
Feel free to comment and/or hit the poll on the right.
N. Talekt
http://www.soundclick.com/ntalekt
New Release: "I'm Back!"
Just released some new material from me called "I'm Back!" -- I recorded this while prepping for the new mixtape, tentatively titled "So Cold." I'll do a few blogs about mixtape as the release date for that approaches. For now, do enjoy the new track -- it's the first one I've dropped in a good minute! Hope to release a few more in the near future. Lemme know what you think...
I'm Back:
OR
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7064767
Thanks,
N. Talekt
I'm Back:
OR
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7064767
Thanks,
N. Talekt
Inaugural Blog
Hey! Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog!
I created this blog for a few reasons. First, I want to try to stay somewhat relevant, and what better way to do that than with a blog! Second, it's a bit of a pain to do keep things updated via my Soundclick when there are so many other avenues of media out there; with blogs providing RSS, I can keep my updates in one place and have it travel many places. Third, I want to be able to better interact with the people who enjoy my work. Next, I want to post things that are relevant to music in general here and my opinions on them as well as song critiques, must-hear music, must-see videos, and more. Finally, this is a good opportunity for me to discuss things about my music that I literally can't do in 52 bars. :)
We'll see how successful this is. Check back regularly as I hope to keep this active for as long as I can. Become a "follower" if you'd like to show your support, or just leave some feedback in the comments. Enjoy!
N. Talekt
http://www.soundclick.com
I created this blog for a few reasons. First, I want to try to stay somewhat relevant, and what better way to do that than with a blog! Second, it's a bit of a pain to do keep things updated via my Soundclick when there are so many other avenues of media out there; with blogs providing RSS, I can keep my updates in one place and have it travel many places. Third, I want to be able to better interact with the people who enjoy my work. Next, I want to post things that are relevant to music in general here and my opinions on them as well as song critiques, must-hear music, must-see videos, and more. Finally, this is a good opportunity for me to discuss things about my music that I literally can't do in 52 bars. :)
We'll see how successful this is. Check back regularly as I hope to keep this active for as long as I can. Become a "follower" if you'd like to show your support, or just leave some feedback in the comments. Enjoy!
N. Talekt
http://www.soundclick.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
