Odd future vet, Def Jam signee, and newlycenter of controversy in the R&B world artist Frank Ocean released his debut album Channel Orange digitally last Tuesday and in stores today. I am not sure whether the "coming-out" of Ocean's was a marketing plan to boost sales of his album, but regardless the lyrical content on Channel Orange is some of the strongest he has delivered. Although there isn't a song that captures the misery on "Swim Good" or the infectious rhythms and lyrically apathy of "Novacane" but, as a whole, Channel Orange is more cohesive album than his previous released mixtape Nostalgia, ULTRA.
There were only a few standout tracks for this album that have already been praised for their openness and retrospect into Ocean's own personal life. The opening single "Thinkin Bout you" recruits some of Ocean's Odd Future members and further elevates his buzz factor. The following tracks keep the same mellow, soul flow but the more standout songs "Sweet Life", "Bad Religion", "Lost", "Pyramids", and "Pink Matter" ft. Andre 3000 have that captivating factor that elevate Ocean above his peers in musical genius.
It is clear that Ocean has a lot to share and with great melodies and production coupled with a beautiful make his story as interesting listen. He has all the makings to one of the top acts in music. Whether his "coming-out" was a publicity stunt or a progressive step in the right direction for music, it doesn't matter when he creates great work. I am pretty sure that choosing to release the album a week ahead of schedule was a ploy to get in as many sales, considering that Nas' debateable comeback album was slated to drop the same day.
"Thinking about you"
"Bad Religion"
"Lost"
The God Nasir has returned...
Relaxed with nothing but a white tux and a familiar green dress, it is clear that Nas has moved from his highly public and tumultuous divorce to R&B singer Kelis. With his 10th studio album Life is Good, Queens emcee is living stress free and returning to the music and sound that made him a rap legend. He still incorporates thug-life street anthems and pursuits of material to establish status with some grown elements like fatherhood, relationships, and love. Recruiting top producers Salaam, No I.D.,and others, this is one of Nas' strongest albums to date and nostalgaic.
"A Hustler's job aint done, til he becomes king. But I'm a righteous son, despite im in the midst of dudes who switch up and change"
Although not necessarily 100% accurate, Nas opens strong with the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League produced "No Introduction". With heavy drums and strong chords, this song immediately grabs your attention as Nas goes into detail about his life; triumphs, experiences, and struggles. To keep the same feeling of "old-school", an element that is strong throughout Life is Good, Nas collabs with Large Professor for one of the album's strongest bangers on "Loco-Motive".
Not only are the collaborations with artists like Rick Ross ("Accidental Murders"), Mary J. Blige ("Reach Out"), Anthony Hamilton ("Worlds an Addiction"), Miguel and Swizz Beatz ("Summer On Smash"), Victoria Monet ("You Wouldn't Understand"), and the late Amy Winehouse ("Cherry Wine") but the solo tracks are not only personal but Nas delivers them with a lyrical flow that is equally vulnerable as well as brutal. To call him a dope emcee would be an understatement to his wordsmith mastery on the mic. We haven't heard this type of work from Nas since his 1994 critically acclaimed Illmatic and Nasir manages to find the balance between the sounds of the past immersed in top production and beats of today. This is definitely one of his strongest albums and a heavy contender for album of the year.
"The Don"
"No introduction"
"Summer on Smash"
"Worlds an Addiction"
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