Fabolous-"Loso's Way" Album Review

Although "Loso's Way" doesn't officially drop until Tuesday, July 28th, Blue Vinyl has got an album review to let you know what you're dealin' wit!

Overall, "Loso's Way" is a good disk and a great indication of Fabolous' growth as an MC (and maybe as a man, see Track 15). While the album as a whole slips a little after the middle, it's overall above average presentation cannot be overlooked. No matter which "way" Loso's headed, it doesn't look like he's going anywhere by the looks of this content.

Individual Track Evaluation:

1) The Way (Intro)- Loso sets things off right by avoiding the typical intro chit-chat and going hard, addressing issues like why people have under-rated him and the general meaning of what “his way” really is. A great track for fans of “go hard,” mixtape-type verses.

2) My Time (feat. Jeremih)- Fabolous keeps things moving with the up-beat, Runners-produced “My Time” featuring R&B new-comer Jeremih. While the track displays the great blend of Rap and R&B that is typical of Fabolous, the real highlight of the song is Jeremih’s surprisingly fitting appearance on the third verse. Reminiscent of R. Kelly’s “singing rap” style, Jeremih doesn’t fail to make a presence for himself.

3) Imma Do It (feat. Kobe)- No, this song doesn’t feature the Kobe you thinking of; but you eventually get over this as Fabolous kills the second and third verses of yet another “go hard”, Rap and R&B affair.

4) Feel Like I’m Back- If you’re a fan of Drake, this laid-back selection won’t sound too unfamiliar as Loso takes up the singing duties on the chorus. This track can easily be overlooked with the exception of the last verse.

5) Everything, Everday, Everywhere (feat. Keri Hilson)- Fabolous redeems himself from the last track with this potential single. While the chorus is not as catchy as the beat would call for, Ryan Leslie is by far satisfactory on production. One of my personal favorites and another track Loso can add to his thick resume of rap/sung collaborations.

6) Throw It In The Bag (feat. The-Dream)- With another big-name guest appearance, “Loso’s Way” provides a great opening half to an album. This Pop-listener pleaser adds a balancing element to the rougher side of Fabolous’s flow.

7) Money Goes, Honey Stay (When The Money Goes Remix) (feat. Jay-Z)- Continuing his brand of a lighter flow, Loso lets Jigga Man handle the vocals on the hook. Although Jay-Z doesn’t lend his flow on any verses, this beat ultimately makes up for any mistakes that appear on the track (which are few).

8) Salute (feat. Lil’ Wayne)- Just when you thought Keri Hilson, The-Dream, and Jay-Z made for a hefty list of collaborations, Lil’ Wayne comes through to show you that he’s not done making his presence felt everywhere possible. The blaring trumpets on this track have the regal effect of actually making you wanna salute or be saluted. A decent addition to Wayne’s resume and another pleaser for any fans of Weezy.

9) There He Go (feat. Paul Cain, Red Café, and Freck Billionaire)- This album had to falter at some point. Four MCs lend disposable verses on this typical, egotistical, “look at me” track. All this song did was force me to ask, “Where He Go?”

10) The Fabolous Life (feat. Ryan Leslie)- Not many MCs can appeal to the ladies as well as the gold-diggers, but Loso shows them how it’s done on this laid back Next Selection. Capable of being overlooked due to its location on the disc.

11) Makin’ Love (feat. Ne-Yo)- Ladies, turn the lights down low and put the kids to bed… Loso and Ne-Yo are here to make love. But unfortunately Fabolous doesn’t know what that is… (peep the end of the song) which brings about the cliché uber masculine stereotype of “beatin’ it up” rather than fully sharing some type of bond in bed. While the track is decent at best, it doesn’t do much to redeem the second half of the album.

12) Last Time (feat. Trey Songz)- Yes, Trey Songz had a single with the same title. And yes, this song has the same theme as Trey Songz’s interpretation of temptation with the opposite sex. Fortunately, Fabolous does an adequate job of elaborating on his relationship with “that chick on the side” and lets his flow expand over the beat well. Too bad the MC doesn’t sound too apologetic about being with this Girlfriend #2.

13) Pachanga- Maybe I spoke to soon on the apologetic tip in the last track. Here, Fabolous discusses his emotions related to that girlfriend who switches up on her man. The 1970s R&B/Soul sample gives a great sobering effect to the theme and allows Loso to do his thing with the flow that’s made him one of Rap’s premier MCs. Forgive me for the extensive compliment… this track is hot.

14) Lullaby- With a beat this slow and a track this late in the album, maybe Fab really was trying to put his listeners to sleep. The punch lines grow weary and Loso just doesn’t seem interested in letting you know how to do things his way anymore. This track could have had more potential as an earlier album cut.

15) Stay (feat. Marsha Ambrosius)- Fab saves all vulnerability for this touching ode to the father-figure (present or not). Marsha Ambrosius gives the best vocal performance of any R&B guest star on this album and solidifies the sensitivity of this great listen. Don’t get it twisted, Loso ain’t gone soft… he’s just providing what some need to hear.

16) I Miss My Love- Fabolous displays surprising storytelling abilities on the “Loso’s Way” finale. While the story’s content is extensive, Fab adequately balances a good flow with a story that’s able to be followed. While this track may have worked well as the second to last cut (before “Stay”), but it’s visible vulnerability at song’s end would undoubtedly work against an MC who intentionally goes hard throughout the LP.

Overall Rating: 3/5

If you were interested in coppin' this, hopefully this helped you out. Until next time...

-A.T.M.

Big Sean and Simile

YOyo...blalabla...u get it... it's ya boi KB and i am still in hiding until SEPTEMBER rolls around and BVR [blue vinyl radio... keep up, please] hijacks your airwaves and CHANGES YOUR LIFE FOREVER...or until we get canceled because the man wont let us have anything...

i come this time bearing gifts. Rapper Big Sean [a Detroit native is one of the newest rappers signed to Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music label... home of Kid Cudi, Common, John Legend, Mr. Hudson and others...] released the video for GETCHA SOME. The song is his buzz single and will be featured on his coming debut album, Finally Famous.




I did a track wit him back before he was getting as bag as he is now... it was a remix to Mr. West's Paranoid. [listen right here]

Paranoid rmx [Big Sean, Mr. Hudson and Simile] - Kanye West


I am happy for the due... he is not my favorite lyricist, but he aint bad... and if u like those two tracks, i got the hook up. here is a link where you can get ALL HIS ISH FOR FREE... just check out http://www.uknowbigsean.com/ [dont act dumb, stop clicking on it and copy and paste this]



IN OTHER NEWS...i have released VOL.2 of Speechless... but i am bout to release it in the not so distant future wit 'Pretty City Dames', 'Fly Away' and 'Selfish'... but if u cant wait here is the hook up... again...



http://www.zshare.net/download/62955858ba69f0df/ ...[dont act dumb AGAIN, stop clicking on it and copy and paste this]


AIIGHTIE THEN... until i feel like bloggin again, it's Ya Boi KB over and outtie!!!

Hip Hop Comedy

It's your boy GRANDMASTER BENJI. You already know who it is. First of all, I like humor. As one of Drake's greatest fans, I feel the need to be honest when the Boy Wonda has done something wrong. First of all, watch, if not, just skim through the following video. The video shows Drake freestyling with Funk Master Flex through Hot 97's airwaves. Finding upcoming rappers here is common, but what Drake does throughout the freestyle isn't very common. Watch for yourself.



Alright. Perhaps I was exaggerating about how bad his freestyle was or maybe I'm just defending him. The point is that the rap community is a tough audience and when they see someone like Drake joke around too much to cover his spitting flaws, they get right on it. For this week's hip hop comedy video, we have a spoof of the video that was displayed above. Enjoy.



You already know that was painful for me. I'm not going to front. It was hilarious and even funnier cause I'm a proud Drake fan. Oh well, time to redeem Drake with one of my favorite songs from the recent mixtape I reviewed.



This has been Grandmaster Benji reporting live from HARLEM WORLD. Until next time, over and out.

([ Grandmaster Benji ])

NEW HOT MESS OF THE WEEK!

new video from the Coca Cola Camp

Cee-Lo |MTV Music

So what have we learned from this? Children should follow strange men who dressed like animals in secret alleyways. riiiight...

apparently this "open happiness" mess is Coke trying to make sure americans aren't too down while in a recession. If you lose your job and can't support your family... just open some happiness and everything will be alright! -_-' The video gets ridiculous when Janelle Monáe is trying to indoctrinate this message to a group of mindless child clones.

considering all the hype surrounding this video, you'd expect a lot more than a bunch of cheap graphics against a green screen. For a video trying to convince us that the recession isn't so bad... they are are reminding us how there isn't even enough money to make sure videos don't look like crappy acid trips.

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

HEARTBREAK DRAKE PT 2 MIXTAPE REVIEW

MIXTAPE REVIEW: DRAKE

It's ya' boy Grandmaster Benji with a semi-in depth look into Drake's Heartbreak Drake Pt 2 Mixtape. With the recent announcement that Drake has been signed by Universal Records and with the mixed reviews of his most recent music video "Best I've Ever Had", a lot of eyes are now on Drake to see if he can pull through as the acclaimed rapper many see him as. As a die-hard Drake fan, I'm here to tell that his mixtape has several noteworthy songs that are guaranteed to hold you over until the Boy Wonda comes out with his debut album or with another mixtape.

Heartbreak Drake Part 2 Mixtape
[Click here to download!]

1. Drake Signs Intro
[Short announcement informing us of Drake's signing into Universal Records.]

2. Do it Now (Exclusive)
[My personal favorite of this mixtape. Drake uses a mellow but vivacious beat to match his bars that cover the anxiety Drake feels after "reaching the top."]

3. Juice (Exclusive)
[Starts with a percussion-heavy structured beat with a light electronic sound to deliver a freestyle-sounding track.]

4. The Winner (Exclusive)
[Laid back bars with a Rocky Movie sounding beat mixed with a variety of sounds; Drake spits about his rise in the game and how far he's come.]

5. Slow it Down (Exclusive)
[Drake hits us with a melody in the form of a narrative; With a heavy bass combined with lullaby-esque sounds, Drake expresses how he would take/do things in a relationship.]

6. Something (Exclusive)
[Begins with an ominous and epic orchestrated-like sound that transforms into an explosion of bass and futuristic sounds; Drake harmonizes about the possibility of something that feels like love.]

7. Stunt on You (Exclusive)
[A warped melody combined with the vocals of Drake presents listeners to a short narrative why the Boy Wonda decided to "stunt on her."]

8. Belly Shit
[Light keyboard taps, space warps, and a strong bumping beat empowers the track where Drake addresses his haters after getting a record deal.]

9. The One featuring Mary J. Blige
[A club sounding fast paced track keeps Mary J's bars/vocals flowing and leave you wanting to move and know that she's the one! Drake's bars come through when least expected but let's listeners know that the wait was worth it.]

10. Invented Sex featuring Trey Songz
[Slow jam with a couple of finger snaps features Trey Songz and Drake who vocalize/rhyme how they leave girls feeling as if they invented sex. ;) ]

11. Digital Girl featuring Jamie Foxx, the Dream, Kanye West
[A series of warped and escalating digital sounds followed by a mellow sounding bass; features an array of various artists who each add their personal tastes and views on their stories of meeting women through technology. One of the favorite of the mixtape.]

12. Successful featuring Trey Songz
[From his previous mixtape So Far Gone, Trey Songz and Drake express how they want the money, cars, clothes, and the hoes. I suppose they just wanna be, just wanna be... successful.]

13. Unstoppable featuring Lil Wayne, Santogold
[Combines slow steady sounds of percussion with samples of Santogold's electronica sounds; Drake and Weezy explain why they are unstoppable.]

14. Goin' in featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy
[I'm not going to comment on this one. The title should be enough. This track goes hard. ]

15. Take you Down
[This slow jam and melody is for the ladies. A heavy bass, combined with the lively sounds of an electric "guitar" and keyboard power this tune to show ladies how Drake Drizzy Rogers gets it in when he's takes the ladies down.]

16. Best I Ever Had featuring Ma$e
[The mixtape ends with a twist on the fan's favorite of Drake's So Far Gone. Ma$e comes in to bless or taint this track. It's up to you to let me know whether his return was worth it.]

17. Thank Me Later Coming Soon Outro
[Drake discusses his outlook regarding his new independent but well supported future.]

FINAL VERDICT:Worth listening to; Definitely gains the trusts of listeners regarding his future considering the mixed reviews of his most recent music video; A handful of noteworthy tracks and along with several classics make this mixtape one of my personal favorites!

If you hated the mixtape, I can't tell you much now. But! I'll try once more to win you over to Drake with this wonderful video!

I'd definitely wife the chick at [2:03-2:06]. Oh-Em-Gee Wilikers Batman! Oh boy!

This has been your boy DJ Grandmaster Benji. It's been fun. Until my next post or mixtape review my fellow bloggers and websurfers. Roger and out!

([ Grandmaster Benji ])

NEW DRAKE, semi new Similie... and random findings from the internet....

Hey everyone... i'm just gonna cut to the chase & get right into that music you know you want

Click to Download Heartbreak Drake Pt.2

1.drake signs intro
2.do it now exclusive
3.juice exclusive
4.the winner exclusive
5.slow it down exclusive
6.something exclusive
7.stunt on you excluisve
8.belly shit
9.the one w mjb
10.invented sex w trey songz
11.digital girl w jaimme fox&kanye west
12.successfull w trey songz
13.unstopable feat lil wayne&santogold
14.goin in w lil wayne&young jeezy
15.take you down
16.best I ever had w mase
17.thank me later coming soon outro

As you can see, there are some already released tracks on there, but lots of good new stuff. i Haven't given it a listen, but DJ Benji-button has and says it's crack. It's drake so, you're probably gonna download it regardless

TI - T.I.P Drill Mixtape

why is there music coming out from him. he's in jail. hmmphf

*ALSO* DOWNLOAD KB/SIMILE'S MIXTAPE: SPEECHLESS VOL.1
[volume 2 dropping later this month]

The Game “I’m So Wavy [Jay-Z Diss]”
If you guys read my last post, you'd know that After MJs death, The Game was reborn and realized that foolish rap feuds don't help the state of Hip Hop. He told teh world how MJ allegedly called him up personally and asked for the feuding to end. Almost immediately after he starts up a beef with Jay-Z, mr "i've made so much money off rap it's ridiculous." Idk, apparenly the track is good, i just don't approve of The Game doing whatever he can to get attention. I don't even really like the song... near the middle he gets into story teller mode about Kanye's girlfriend, completely unrelated to the song, and was kinda unnecessary. i really think he wrote this song in a day.

In other hip hop news....

apparently Jay-Z is coming out with a Rocca Wear line of Barbie Dolls...


it's a problem when my barbie dolls are better dressed than me.







And Beyonce is coming out with a Sasha Fierce line...

.... i'd wear it =)

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

Simile- Speechless vol. 1

YOyoyo....

enought of that. this is clearly ya boi KB and i have something special for you. THE SPEECHLESS VOL.1 MIXTAPE!!!! i am working on an album entitled THINGS LEFT UNSAID...but i think that it is only fare to hook you up with something until that is finalized... so BOOYA BIOTCH!!!

produced by MYSELF and THE DOWNBEAT KEYS so you know it has to be bumppin...so peep it, play it and pass it on...

[aiight, ya boi KB... over and outtie]

XV-Mirror's Edge [CDQ]

YOyoyo It's ya boi KB reporting live from an undisclosed location and giving you a first look at the actual single from underground flyborg hip-hopper XV off of his [hopfully successful next effort] Everybody's Nobody. The track is titled Mirror's Edge [yes like the video game]. Vizzy being the squarian he is has served up something [not too sure if its good or bad yet, but its something] and i'm allowing ya'll to take it... now why i only posting this song when there has been MADD new leaks since the forth... well because we here at Blue Vinyl Radio are trying to bring XtotheV to Hamilton college for 'Tha Cypher' and possibly hook us up with a sound bite...

[XV, we show u love... and u do the same...]

XV- MIRROR'S EDGE [this is the link...please keep up...]

aiight, ya boi KB over and outtie

"Just to see my Sunshine again..." [free music!]

Happy 4th of July everyone! in celebration... I'm gonna hit you guys up with semi new music today! Awesome right? I haven't been online in a minute so some of this music you may have, some you may not. Its the first post with actual music links... what the hell do you expect? brand new shit?! you better be grateful...

First we'll look at some mixtapes/EPs


Click Here to Download Trey Song - Anticipation


I heard snippets of this, pretty decent. It woulda been nice if i actually listened through the entire mixtape so i can give a legit review... but... shit.... it's a holiday... =)





Click Here to Download Melanie Fiona - The Bridge

i might actually see her in concert... for FREE...

i actually don't care for her too much, but i know a lot of people who want her to have their child so, i'll throw her up here.

also, the album is in this really random RAR file. my macbook can't open it, but i'm sure some PCs can convert it or download software to open it. i tried to find a normal version... oh well...



Click Here to download Maxwell - Black Summers Night








50 Cent's Mixtape
- it's 50, so i didn't really care to look up the title of the mixtape, or find a picture for it.

Now, on to some singles

Mario ft/Brandy - Boom it In
Consequence ft/ Kanye and John Legend - Whatever U Want
The Alchemist ft/Travis McCoy and Lil Wayne - I Know Your Name [DJ shouts on the track =(]
Lee Carr - Rock W/You [Michael Jackson Cover]
Clipse f/Keri Hilson and Pharrell - Eyes on Me [didn't care for this song, but i stopped listening after like, 20 seconds. the rest of the song could be amazing for all i know]
Ne-Yo - Round Round [Really like this one]
Jeremih - My Sunshine [love this one also, there's something about it that feels like it came out years ago...]
Trey Songz ft/Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy - LOL [mainstream joint of the week!]
Jessica Tonder - The Robot & The Little Girl [this song actually isn't new AT ALL, and it isn't even really hip/hop. but i love it.]

yeah... list is actually kinda short cause i got really tired while looking for songs.

As far as Hip news goes...

if you cared enough to hear about this story, you would know that The Game is telling every news outlet that would listen [not many] that the late Michael Jackson contacted The Game personally and tried to mediate the beef between The Game & 50 Cent before his death. Apparently The Game was touched by Jackson's phone call... i guess he just didn't care enough to actually do anything once he got off the the phone. According to The Game "MJ wanted all three of the artists to collaborate on a song together. But, unfortunately, nothing ever came about. " this is where i start to think The Game is a fucking liar. anyway watch this video



i hope 50 cent can find it in his heart to forgive The Game. But chances are he'll respond with "...what? umm i really wasn't worried about you anymore"

in other news...

According to Us Weekly, Kanye West in interning at The Gap. If you're like most people, your first reaction is "wait, Kanye is a grown ass man, wtf u mean he's interning?!" Them your second though was a realization that this means Kayne's mogul wannabe ass is obviously trying to start a clothing line. eh, if Nelly & diddy can do it... OF COURSE Kanye is gonna try do it and say he did it a million times better. Can't say i'm not proud that he's actually working at Gap (a company which also manufactures the Banana Republic clothing line) to figure out how to do it right rather than put pieces of shit on the racks and expect us to buy it.

well, I'm gonna take a nap. Comment! [just so i know people are out there...]


-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

COLLEGE JUST GOT BETTER

Ever thought about how ROUGH this upcoming academic year is going to be? Afraid of waking of up in the morning knowing NOTHING that day will bring you happiness? Don't know what kind of music you SHOULD be listening to?

Don't fret, do not fear, BLUE VINYL is coming, heard from a pair speakers near YOU!

It's ya' boy Grandmaster Benji also known in the web as Harlemz Elite or through the airwaves as Benjamin Button. I am here to tell you that this blog is only the beginning of the revolution that we will begin. Our radio show Blue Vinyl will be beginning this fall, connecting you with the most random, hilarious, witty radio hosts ever heard to introduce you to music that is both new and old. We'll put you on to the hottest tracks and take you to the past with some old school joints. We are as original as we also are, as my boy KB put it, raw. This is only the beginning. We'll soon fill you in on our next project, our sketch comedy show, MINORITY REPORT. Our blog is still undergoing construction; I'll be decking it out with some of my artwork and ish. Until then, feel free to show love, drop a comment, and/or follow us. Over and out.

([ Grandmaster Benji ])

OFFICIAL VIDEO: Drake-Best I Ever Had

http://www.freshnessmag.com/2009/07/02/drake-best-i-ever-had-video/

So, Kanye West makes his directorial debut on Drake's smash hit, "Best I Ever Had." Although the visual content seems a little controversial, Drake apparently has a justified theme to go with the vid (Google some interviews to see what he has to say for himself). Hope you like sports...

-ATM

Our Blog Is Your Playground...[but we're not resposible for the fat dude wit the hippie van offering u candy]

WUDDUP FLYBOYZ AND CIBERGIRLS...it's ya boi KB reporting live from an undisclosed location lettin u know BLUE VINYL is bout to get it poppin. Evey week we'll be hittin you up wit our several dope segments including N.O.W [nigga of the week...kinda like m.v.p.], W.O.W. [word of the week...hittin you up wit a taste of out lingo], The Throwback [we'll play a track from before 2004 to get your nostalgia going], Hot Mess [out wtf moment in music that week] and much more. On top of accessing all the elements of the show that you like whenever you want, we will be hitting u up with exclusive footage from out controversial sketch comedy show MINORITY REPORT. I warn you, we are raw, crude and raunchy...so brace yourselves.

check back in a few and we'll hook you up with some exclusive FREE music...
[ya boi KB...over and outtie]