Unexpectedly releasing a new EP via his Dream Villain blog, J. Cole gives fans some unreleased product to wet their tastebuds before the release of his highly anticipated sophomore project Born Sinner. Titled Truly Yours, the five-track project, which according to Cole is not to be considered a mixtape or even a preview of his upcoming album, contains music recorded at various stages during the North Carolina native’s career.
Consistency is key, and as far as the rap game goes there are a handful of individuals who deliver time after time after time. While an unlikely source of such consistency, mainly due to his endless array of sidetracking lyrical and street beefs - there have been a few embarrassing secrets dug up too - Jayceon Taylor, aka Game, seems to be a rhymer that the hustlers ride with, the girls scream for, and his peers unquestionably admire. Much of his music has proved timeless, if slightly repetitive occasionally, and his level of sales has maintained a respectable level during a declining climate that sees the Compton representative’s total sales sit close to the ten million mark.
With new album Jesus Piece marking his fifth major label release, Game has put together a conceptually stellar project that features near perfect production and cinematic tales of a road less travelled, unless of course you perceive yourself as a gangster. After switching album titles at least three times [two of them being Soundtrack To Chaos and F.I.V.E. (Fear Is Victory’s Evolution)] the decision to run with Jesus Piece was more to do with the conceptual split screen that glorifies street life whilst worshipping faith in a higher being than anything else.
Unlocking ones potential can change the way in which eyes are cast upon you forever. For some it happens instantly, while for others it can take over a decade. The latter of the two time frames has never applied as much as it does right now to Brooklyn spitter Fabolous. Back to hit fans over the head with another dose of his Soul Tape series, Fab has without doubt crafted the project of his career.
Music runs through Elle Varner’s veins. The daughter of parents who both were songwriters and publishers, the singer-to-be attended music programs and academies for the majority of her academic life and eventually graduated from NYU’s renowned Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music -- she was even voted "most likely to get signed" and "most likely to win a Grammy" at the ceremony. In October 2009, she signed with MBK/J-RCA Records and inked a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.
Now, with the release of her debut album Perfectly Imperfect, I strongly believe Varner is on the path of actually winning a Grammy.
Having begun her ventures in music with a brief encounter in former band XQuisite, R&B singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona launched her solo career with her debut album The Bridge in 2009, earning her first Grammy award nomination for hit single "It Kills Me." The Canadian singer is back with her sophomore album, The MF Life, packed with emotion as she delves deeper.
Globetrotter, Cole hotter - even way out in London town.
As referenced in his recent single "Can't Get Enough", J. Cole is no stranger to London, having this past year performed as Drake and Tinie Tempah’s support acts in the capital. Currently on his first headline tour, Jermaine Lamarr Cole returns to London for four sold out shows (SoulCulture caught him on the second). And with Jay Z as a mentor, a lot is expected from the first Roc Nation signee. So much in fact that a fully packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire was waiting in throngs for J. Cole and his arrival onto the stage. The relatively small venue with its many overhanging balconies was fully brimming with overly excited individuals, all ready and willing to show the North Carolina hailing rapper just how welcome he is on this side of the water.
Despite being album-less and never having left the United States of America, this time last week excitement was running high for Frank Ocean’s first solo tour and European show. Selling out tickets in less than half an hour, many had to make the heart wrenching decision of choosing between Mr. Ocean and J. Cole (who was also performing in London on the same night.) Added to this the fact that Frank cancelled two shows in the days before his London gig due to illness, the relief and excitement was palpable on the faces of the few hundred individuals [including fellow artists Mr. Hudson, Emeli Sande and Etta Bond] who were present at XOYO on Friday, November 11.
"... Mr Cole, you have arrived." Although this statement was made quite prematurely on his "Gladiators" collaborative effort with B.o.B in 2009, indeed now is the time for the North Carolina young gun to take his place on centre court. J. Cole - the self-christened Simba of Hip Hop - begins his first official steps to becoming a future king in the Hip Hop jungle.
From being a name touted in the underground to cutting his teeth on numerous mixtapes and collaborations, "light skinned Jermaine" now finds himself under the tutorship of the Michael Jordan of rap, JAY Z, who has already given Cole more than the co-sign which many would yearn for. Whilst the NBA lockout currently looks set to continue, it's game time for the 26 year old rookie as his first studio album Cole World: The Sideline Story plays out to a global audience. The question now remains as to whether Cole thrives under the spotlight or melts due to the pressure.
Looking back at the top posts on SoulCulture last week, we brought you the nominees for the 2011 MOBO Awards, new music and free downloads from Stacy Barthe, Chris Brown, The-Dream and Tyler The Creator and new music videos from Meek Mill and Rick Ross and Pusha T, plus an interview with the captivating Ms Erykah Badu. Read on, read on..
NEWS
The nominees for the 16th annual MOBO Awards were announced with team UK leading the way, and we brought you the full details of the ceremony which will be co-hosted by Jason Derulo and is set to feature a special performance from Boyz II Men - get the full story here.
The collective appreciation of an emerging new rapper will forever remain present. Whether the hysteria remains after their first album or if it dissolves into a pool of hate will always differ depending on material, their ego or their authenticity. Kendrick Lamar for the last few years has predominantly been a name referenced in the California regions. But since his much lauded Kendrick Lamar EP, O(verly) D(edicated) release and a co-sign by XXL Magazine, the Lamar mentions have travelled far beyond his Compton hometown and now anticipation for a new product is shared by more. Section 80 for the time being, currently remains as the rappers greatest test. Dropping an independent album which rather adds a spike to his peak rather than denting it has proven to be a task too tough for many.