Tag Archives: Lupe Fiasco

New Music: Lupe Fiasco – Lasers

7 Mar

Lasers is finally here!! Tomorrow after three years of waiting for a new record, Lupe Fiasco’s Lasers drops and how I can’t wait for this.  I truly believe Lupe is one of the most gifted artists and lyricists in the music industry and from what I’ve heard streaming Lasers, he again doesn’t disappoint.  I was already in love with the song “Never Forget You” featuring John Legend but the first single off the album “The Show Goes On” is primed for breakout while “All Black Everything” is a great ‘what if’ song.  Also “Out Of My Head” featuring Trey Songz is a winner as is “Beautiful Lasers.”

Lasers features production by The Audibles, The Neptunes, Needlz, Alex da Kid, Syience, and long-time collaborator Soundtrakk, among others. In addition to Trey Songz and John Legend, Skylar Grey, Sway, Matt Mahaffey, MDMA, Eric Turner and Sarah Green all contribute vocals to the disc.

In case you were wondering, Lasers is a backronym for “Love Always Shines Everytime, Remember 2 Smile.”  Check out the Lasers Manifesto Lupe recorded back in 2009 around the birth of Lasers to understand where he is coming from on this album.  A tip of the hat to one man who has a voice to reach many people and using it to help spread the message for the better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZtAQQh-yYA

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2010 In Music: Some of My Favorites

29 Dec

These are in no particular order (except for the first one with good reason) because there is so much good music and moments to capture and look back on in 2010.  I know I have forgotten some and welcome your additions but here are some are of my favorites from the past 365 days.

DoYouHearTheMusic.com – simply because I finally did it and started my own blog.  For me it was a huge accomplishment and I only hope that if you are reading this you found some new music to listen to. Looking forward to adding and improving the site next year

Temper Trap – the Australians blew up in the US in 2010, headlining tours, “Sweet Disposition” being remixed into one of the best electronic songs, “Fader” taking off on the charts, etc.

Chiddy Bang – “Opposite of Adults” – what can I say, I dig these guys and I just hope more people give them a listen in 2011

Fitz & The Tantrums – the second half of my 2010 was dedicated to this band.  I am in love with their sound and can’t wait to see them live

ImWithTheDJ.com – can always count on my friends’ blog for fun, inspiring and another side of music, posts

Tinie Tempah – not only is he one of the hottest artists across the pond but Tinie Tempah is quickly making his way to the US with his hit song, “Miami 2 Ibiza” ft. Swedish House Mafia

Tinchy Stryder – Another UK hip-hop act who should get some crossover into the US in 2011

Laidback Luke – What can I not say about this guy, he’s incredible.  Three songs he remixed in 2010 that stick out to me: Calvin Harris – “You Use To Hold Me,” Robyn – “Indestructible” and of course Wynter Gordon – “Dirty Talk” (hands down one of the BEST songs of the year)

Vampire Weekend – if these guys were big before, Contra made them a global brand

Kings of Leon – I’ve been a fan of KoL for as long as they’ve been a band and Come Around Sundown reminds me of their original works.  One of my favorite tracks of the year “Back Down South” I hope gains mainstream airplay

Brandon Flowers – went solo in 2010 and wow did he impress.  Much more than I ever imagined he would.  Bravo

Trombone Shorty – have you heard “Show Me Something Beautiful”

Dave Matthews Band – after announcing that they were taking 2011 off, I knew I had to see DMB as much as I could in 2010 and to me, they sounded incredible.  So good it hurts to know they are taking next year off

LCD Soundsystem – wow, these guys rocketed to the top of the charts in 2010 and to be completely honest, the show I saw at the Pearl at Palms in Las Vegas, one of the best concerts of the year

That two DJ friends of mine have opened sneaker boutiques in Las Vegas- DJ Vice’s CRSVR inside the Cosmopolitan and DJ Ikon’s Feature off Spring Mountain/Jones

Bobby Long – getting set for a big release in 2011 and big things to come.  He was one of the big surprises for me during Mile High Music Festival

Pepper at HRH – always guarantee a good time when going to see Pepper Live and once again they rocked the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas poolside to a HUGE crowd.

“One” – Swedish House Mafia – not much to elaborate on this except the BIGGEST song of the Summer 2010

Wolfgang Gartner – with a half filled nightclub, those who made it out to Vanity at the Hard Rock Hotel this summer were treated to one of the best DJ sets

Mark Ronson – “Bang Bang Bang”

Dave Matthews Band – “Write A Song” Live – this has quickly become one of my top DMB songs and hearing it live cemented its place for good

Taio Cruz – “Dynamite” – this song is club gold. The reactions when this song is played is right up there with “I’ve Got a Feeling,” “Just Dance,” “Since You’ve Been Gone” and the likes where people go absolutely insane for it.

DJ Khaled – “All I Do Is Win”

Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP – “We No Speak Americano”  – took some time but gained serious momentum in the second half of 2010

Roger Sanchez – “2gether” – what a remix and breath of fresh air

Edward Maya – “Stereo Love”

Michael Franti – Sound of Sunshine – Love me some Michael frantic but his latest disc was a real surprise for me and I am forever grateful to have had this as a soundtrack to my summer

Kanye West – “Power” – forget how good his whole album is, “Power” is my jam

Lupe Fiasco ft John Legend – “Never Forget You” – what a song and definitely some lyrics you should pay attention to

Jimmy Cliff – seeing the legend perform live at Mile High Music Festival was one of the best musical highlights of my life.  Man still has it and I could listen to him perform any day

Miike Snow – wow the surge to stardom keeps rising for these guys

Dr. Luke – this guy produces hit after hit after hit.  I mean Katy, Perry, Ke$ha, Eminem, etc. all have top hits because of him

Cee Lo – what can’t he do?

B.o.B. – his debut disc is flat out phenomenal

Biffy Clyro – keep an eye out for these Scottish rockers

Graffiti6 – love love love

Good Shoes – English band you have no excuse not to listen to

Duck Sauce – The team of A-Trak and Armand van Helden make you wonder where the musical boundaries are going to be pushed to next

Pirate Radio on DVD – this is one of my favorite movies of all time and definitely a great music flick

The Rolling Stones – Exile on Main St. rerelease – it still amazes me what they are able to do today with remastering original recordings

Treme – what a great job HBO did with this series.  Can’t wait for season two

Gorillaz – Plastic Beach

Yeasayer – “Ambling Alp” one of my favorite tracks of the year

D.W. Brandt – “Some Fantasy” another amazing track this year

Drake – what else can you say about this guy and “Over” with the Dead Prez beat SICK

Wavves

Eliza Doolittle

The Crookes

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon because of The Roots as the house band – did you see the performances?

Mumford and Sons – my tip of the hat to CC for the good look before these guys struck it big

Maccabees – just check em out

Aerosmith – finally getting to see these guys live and good thing I did since Steven Tyler broke up the band for American Idol

Reel Big Fish and Goldfinger – one of the most fun concerts I’ve ever attended and well worth $31

Friendly Fires – another band you haven’t heard of

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool

Rehab at Hard Rock Hotel

The music program at Wet Republic – just do a search for the recap of all the artists

The Dirty Dutch invasion – DJ Chuckie crushed it

Afrojack – monster year and now has a Vegas residency

David Gray – never lets you down

Aloe Blacc – How To Make It In America on HBO pushed him to mainstream and “I Need A Dollar” isn’t even his best work (did you catch Kid Cudi the actor?!)

David Guetta and Kid Cudi – “Memories”

Discovering Blue King Brown

John Butler Trio – April Uprising – hands down one of the best albums of the year

The Parties- Coast Garde

Donvavon Frankenreiter – “Glow” – I’ve been a Donavon fan since the first time I saw/heard him opening for G. Love at Hob Sunset Strip and anytime he has new music out, I don’t even have to wonder, I just know it’s good music

Subway Sessions – really really cool concept

Chromeo teaming up with Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend on the track “I Could Be Wrong”

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – if you haven’t listened to her, you are missing out

The Black Keys – finally hit stardom

Elton John and Leon Russell – The Union

The Gaslight Anthem – back with their third LP, the Jersey rockers killed it again

Calvin Harris

Gyptian – “Hold Yuh” – the original is wonderful but the Major Lazer remix is awesome

Hot Chip

Mile High Music Festival – a great two days with an insane amount of top tier bands to see

 

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NEW: Lupe Fiasco ft. John Legend – “Never Forget You”

19 Nov

As I’ve clearly stated on the blog before, I’m a huge Lupe Fiasco fan.  As for John Legend, he’s very talented and has a ton of great songs but I’ve never really been into him.  Well, I just listened to Lupe Fiasco’s new track “Never Forget You” featuring John Legend and this may slowly start turning that dial for me. I’m addicted to this song which is definitely a bit of a change for Lupe’s style but wow how Legend’s voice impacts this great tune.  Let’s all hope that it makes it onto Lasers due out next year.  Check it out below and also take a look at the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQWinPb5GOk

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News & Notes: Kings of Leon, The Roots, Lupe Fiasco New Rock Band

15 Oct

A good Friday for music lovers.  Check out a few of today’s items:

  • Be sure to check out the new issue of Rolling Stone. Jenny Eliscu wrote a great piece on Kings of Leon right on the heels of Come Around Sundown being released next week.
  • New York Magazine offers up a great review of The Roots concert last night. Read HERE.

And drum roll……..

  • Check out Lupe Fiasco as the frontman of rock band Japanese Cartoon. His latest project can be viewed HERE.

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Lupe Fiasco – I’m Beamin’ – All City Chess Club Remix

14 Oct

Those who know me are well aware of my fascination with Lupe Fiasco and what can I say, I think the dude is one heck of a musician.  Every time I have seen him in concert (three times) it has been a great performance that has you wanting more.  Well as we await the drop of Lasers, his third album (March 11, 2011 – ugh, thanks Atlantic Records) there is new life as his self released single “I’m Beamin” was remixed by his “new” crew, All City Chess Club.  All City Chess Club you ask? How does this sound: Lupe, Pharrell Williams, B.o.B., The Cool Kids, Asher Roth, Wale, Diggy (as in Rev. Run’s son), J.Cole, Charles Hamilton and Blu.  Take a listen below.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AL4lHSCesc&feature=player_embedded

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Favorite Albums

19 Aug

A friend recently asked me what albums can I listen to all the way through and never get sick of. A tough question on the spot but nonetheless I was able to figure out a handful.

Bob Marley: Legend
Do I really need to explain this one? From beginning to end this CD is such an incredible compilation of music from an artist whose songs and lyrics are appreciated worldwide.

O.A.R.: The Wanderer
Those who know me are well aware that O.A.R. is my favorite band and those who know O.A.R. were probably introduced to them by the song “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker” like I was. While I can listen to their music day in and day out, this CD is definitely a chart topper for me, as it seemed everything just clicked when I listened to the album. From “Poker” and “Conquering Fools,” two favs and ending with “About Mr. Brown” and “Ladanday” this CD brings me back to my days at ASU when I first heard of the band and that first show at Nita’s Hideaway.

Donavon Frankenreiter: Self-Titled
He just rereleased this as Hawaiian-style but to me this was one heck of a debut album that had sweet tunes and beautiful lyrics on every track. Add guest appearances by Jack Johnson and G. Love and what you get is a remarkable album from a surfer turned rocker.

Bruce Springsteen: Essential Hits Vol.1
Hit after hit but to me, the best version of “Blinded By The Light,” “Rosalita” is a song that should be on everyone’s playlist and “Born to Run” is just legendary. You can’t go wrong with the Boss and this three disc set is fantastic but disc 1 takes the cake.

Dave Matthews Band: Under The Table and Dreaming
I remember when my brother gave me this CD and I think for an entire summer I didn’t listen to anything else. To think that this album spurred on my love of DMB and to know I could pop in the CD or play on the iPod and it would be like day one all over again.

Jurassic 5: EP
This EP is to me arguably one of the greatest hip-hop CDs of all-time. The lyrics are fresh and it was a breakout in the alternative hip-hop scene and aligning J5 with the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Kool Keith and Black Star.

Lupe Fiasco: The Cool
I’ve been a Lupe fan since I first heard “Kick Push” and after seeing him live I was amazed. When The Cool came out, I just really dug the sound and the lyrics he spits.

Caesars: Paper Tigers
You know that song from one of the first iPod commercials, “Jerk it out?” Well what if I told you that was the worst song on the entire album. This disc has a good tempo all the way through a definitely a great CD for a workout or road trip.

Kings of Leon: Youth and Young Manhood
The first disc from the fellas is raw and I love it. It’s just good clean rock and roll, also a must have for any KoL fan. They’ve definitely stepped up their game in the years but this disc is special.

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