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 ...
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