Pusha T has returned with his new album, Daytona. The album’s original title was King Push. It’s no surprise that Kanye West’s imprint is all over this album, since Pusha T is with G.O.O.D. Music. First of all, let’s not minimize the potential Midas touch of having Kanye West handle your whole album. Common’s BE is arguably his most solid album to date. Let’s fast forward to 2018. A lot has happened since BE, including several public breakdowns from Kanye West. Push T’s Daytona has been a long time coming. Fans are still pining for a new Clipse album. However, this is the closest we’ll ever get. Daytona is perhaps the strongest solo effort from Pusha T. It’s worth the wait.

Now, let’s talk concept focus. Kanye West’s idea was to release in 35 songs (across 5 different albums, including his own). All of these albums will be released in the next few weeks. Kanye and Pusha T retreated to Wyoming and Utah (I know….random) to get this album done. The production is stellar and Pusha T’s rhymes are tighter than ever. He holds no punches on his beef with other rappers (namely Baby, Lil Wayne and Drake) on songs like the high buzz generating “Infrared”. He calls out Lil Wayne for having to constantly needing to tour for money and Drake for not writing some of his lyrics. Nonetheless, there is an undertone that he may be somewhat jealous of their multi platinum success. Pusha T’s claim to fame has been more with Clipse, and less with him as a solo artist. Their heyday was nearly 25 years ago.

You can’t judge a book by its cover. Kanye West took the liberty to change the album’s cover art yesterday. Yes, yesterday. The day before the album’s release. The cover is an old tabloid photo of drug paraphernalia scattered across the late Whitney Houston’s bathroom. There are some burnt touches on the edges of the photo and that apparently classified it as an $85,000 art piece. I digress. The cover itself has definitely drawn attention to the album. After all, this is Kanye (I mean Pusha T) we’re talking about here. He knows how to draw attention. Although Daytona is primarily one dimensional (including his claim that only Eazy E sold more drugs than him…..ok), his word play and delivery is still intact. “The Games We Play” is a great example of this. “This is for my body building clients moving weight,” he raps.

Pusha T makes no mistake that this album is for his core audience. Even Kanye’s production is beautifully disjointed here, as if it was purposely created for underground consumption. “Hard Piano” featuring Rick Ross is one of the most lyrically dense tracks. It’s also one of the album’s brightest moments. “What Would Meek Do” featuring Kanye West is the most boastful track, which finds both rappers gloating about their influence. Kanye even takes pieces from his quirky, aloof new single, “Lift Yourself”. He even sends a cry for help talking about those same “7 pill nights” he ranted about during his awkward TMZ outburst. “Come Back Baby” sounds like Clipse member No Malice (formerly known as Malice) should start spitting rhymes at any minute. But, he never arrives.

Daytona is worth the wait, but simultaneously disappointing. The album’s cover not only exploits one of music’s biggest legends, but it also places Pusha T strategically as Kanye West’s media frenzy pawn. Will Daytona be considered a classic? It’s definitely likely. The music backs up its controversy. Sadly, this is all overshadowed by a cover that likely will equal the sum of Daytona‘s legacy a year from now.

Check out the most controversial track from Daytona, “Infrared”.

Plus, here’s a flashback to one of Clipse’s biggest hits

On May 18, 1993, Janet Jackson released her most commercially successful album to date, janet. That was 25 years ago, which is an eternity in the ever changing music business. However, Janet has defied all of the odds over the years. Plus, the 25th anniversary of her biggest album couldn’t have arrived at a better time. Last night, she was honored with the Icon Award at the Billboard Music Awards. Here’s a quick run down of 25 reasons why Janet is still the greatest female performer of all time.

1. She’s always been unafraid to speak out on social injustice. Janet Jackson has always stood up for what’s right…as far back as the late 80s with albums like Rhythm Nation 1814. 
2. She proved that how you start isn’t how you finish. Her 1986 third album, Control, was so wildly successful that people forget it wasn’t her first. 1982’s Janet Jackson and 1984’s Dream Street came first and predated her worldwide crossover appeal
3. Janet is sexy without being trashy. Many female artists have tried to emulate her tying a male fan to a chair and dancing on top of them. She pushed the envelope with songs like “Throb”, “Would You Mind?” and the classic ,”Anytime, Anyplace”. However, she always managed to still leave something to the imagination.
4. Poetic Justice is still a classic. Janet Jackson has starred in several hit movies, but Poetic Justice is still my favorite. The film was the perfect segue way into the release of janet.. The movie helped solidify her as the 90s “it” girl.
5. At 52 years old, she still looks and dances better than women half her age. I love Beyonce, but let’s be clear. Janet Jackson set the blue print for image and showmanship.
6. “I Get Lonely” is hands down one of the best breakup songs to ever be recorded. The music video took it a step further with her simple, yet dominant and sexy black pants, suspenders and that infamous open shirt scene.
7. “Scream” is still the best sibling duet the music industry has ever seen. The music video was unlike anything that had ever been seen before. It even took home a Grammy Award. for Best Music Video in 1996. TLC capitalized on it in the “No Scrubs” video a few years later. Both clips were directed by Hype Williams.
8. Her style is iconic. Whether she’s in a t-shirt and jeans, a leather cat suit or form fitted dress, she always looks amazing. Some of today’s stars like Teyana Taylor still borrow from some of Janet’s most notable looks.
9. She’s the first and only artist to have 7 top 5 Billboard Hot 100 hits from just one album, Rhythm Nation 1814.
10. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide. Of course, many artists don’t sell physical records anymore. Nonetheless, there are only a few who have achieved this many sales even with streams tallied.
11. She has nearly 30 top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits from her whole career.
12. In 2015, she formed her own record label, Rhythm Nation Records. Her last studio album, Unbreakable, was released that same year.
13. She still holds the record for the most American Music Awards nominations from one album (12 for Control).
14. Rhythm Nation 1814 is the only album in history to produce a No. 1 single in three separate calendar years (1989-1991).
15. She was awarded with the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1990. In case you’re not aware, many artists only dream of receiving this award.
16. janet. was her first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart.
17. The Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame lists janet. as one of the 200 Definitive Albums Of All Time.
18. Her single “Again” earned her a Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 1993.
19. “If” is the best “I’m not with you, but this is what I would do to you if I was” song in history. Many female artists have explored this theme in songs before, but no one made it as sexy as Janet….even 25 years later. She had all the guys wishing she was speaking to them back then and still does now.
20. “Got Til It’s Gone” featuring Q-Tip won a Grammy Award in 1998 for Best Music Video. We’ve been dreaming for another collab from these two for the past 20 years.
21. In 2001, MTV gave her another huge honor with the Inaugural Icon Award, which was a televised event specifically designed just for her.
22. 20 Y.O. (released in 1996) became her eighth consecutive platinum album.
23. BET honored her with the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award in 2015.
24. Janet is STILL selling out arenas around the world, more than 30 years into her career. 
25. She is the first African American woman to be awarded the Billboard Icon Award. Plus, she KILLED her performance of the medley of her hits. 

Here’s a look back at some of the best of old school and new school Janet.

I love all types of music and Hip Hop is one of my favorite genres. There’s a time for mindless party music and then there’s a time for something real. August Greene has done just that. Don’t feel bad if the name sounds unfamiliar. The group just released their debut album, but its members are some of music’s biggest heavyweights. August Greene is compromised of rapper Common, Hip Hop/Jazz musician Robert Glasper and super producer, Karriem Riggins. The group has crafted an album with a sonic sound that reflects the world around us today.

The first single, “Optimistic”, featuring Brandy, borrows from the Sounds of Blackness classic of the same name. This is a perfect Monday morning song to start your week off right. Brandy’s smoky vocals are a perfect match to Common’s signature raspy rhymes. The album’s intro, “Meditation” is more intimate and poignant. The song serves as a syrupy slow, jazzy Hip Hop declaration of self realization. You may have already heard “Black Kennedy”, which is a tribute to President John F. Kennedy. The group debuted it at a concert well before the release of the album. It’s one of several tracks that features Samora Pinderhughes. 

August Greene is void of any bubble gum pop infused hooks and over-complicated production. However, this is just the kind of music that’s needed right now. “Practice” features some of Common’s most memorable versus (not to mention his quick witted delivery). The overall theme of the song is somewhat dark, although it’s traced with glimmers of hope. “Aya” is that perfect, contemplative type of song that gets your creative juices flowing. Despite having few words, it’s definitely one of the standout tracks from the album. 

“No Apologies” is an uptempo groove that simply cannot be denied. Common raps about being aware of his roots. He also details how he broke through the ceiling of low expectations. Everything about this song is triumphant, celebratory and funky. The group ends the album with the 12 minute jam session, “Swisha Suite”. August Greene directly plays their part in infusing a better way of life and thought. Common says, “I got a wish list for my people at the crib to get it right”. Thanks Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins for sharing such an inspirational, lyrically dense and thought provoking body of work. Hopefully they will continue to make more music together. 

It’s been about 15 years since the release of Outkast’s commercial juggernaut, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. That album solidified the duo as Pop superstars and one of the greatest (THE greatest in my opinion) rap groups of all time. However, that was 15 years ago. Outside of the Idlewild movie soundtrack (released in 1996), the duo hasn’t recorded another album. Andre 3000 has stated in several interviews that he’s done with rap music. Although I hope his mind will change, he just dropped two new songs on Mother’s Day. He kept his promise. One of the songs is a 17 minute roller-coaster symphony. The other finds the rapper exploring his singing side again, but in a less bubbly, melodic way. 

This time, Andre 3000’s new music seems to be more of a purge of sorts for him than anyone else. Both songs were released on Soundcloud, which also paired with a new Instagram account for the rapper. If anyone knows Andre 3000, then you know him engaging on social media in any fashion is a big deal. “Me&My (To Bury Your Parents)” is a bare bones track, with heartfelt lyrics. The song has a very vintage and nostalgic feel and his pain is definitely evident here. He talks about the loss of his mother and father, complete with stories of his childhood. This is not Outkast or Andre 3000, but rather an up close and personal look into Andre Benjamin’s mind. 

“Look Ma No Hands” is a little harder to stomach. The song clocks in at over 17 minutes and has no words. Ironically, it speaks volumes of regret and sadness with just its instrumentation. Andre 3000 showcases his superb musicianship on both songs, playing the bass clarinet himself. Both songs are an experience that I honestly couldn’t repeat several times. Don’t mistake it. Both songs definitely showcase Andre 3000’s supreme artistry. They just weren’t expected. But isn’t that what makes a great artist after all? Now, I feel selfish for so desperately hoping for an OutKast album every year. Either way, it’s refreshing to have some new music from one half of one of the most creative groups in history. 

Me&My (To Bury Your Parents)

Look Ma No Hands

I have been a longstanding fan of BJ The Chicago Kid ever since I heard his last album, In My Mind. I even went back to check out his debut, PINEAPPLENOW-LATERS. Now, he has come out of nowhere with some new music.  The music industry has seen a popular shift in artists dropping new music with little or no promotion. So, I honestly was apprehensive before I listed to The Opening Ceremony EP. I kept my fingers crossed that an artist of BJ The Chicago Kid’s caliber would not sacrifice his artistry. 

Within 60 seconds, my fears quickly subsided. The three song EP kicks off with “Going Once, Going Twice”. The smooth melodies, coupled with his unique, smoky voice are a perfect match. This is what real R&B feels like. The spirit of his music connects with the current generation, while simultaneously grabbing pieces of old soul. He sings about a woman who has a hard outer shell. She’s really soft and sweet on the inside. This could fit pretty comfortably next to early 90s classics like Mint Condition’s “You Send Me Swinging” and Blackstreet’s “Don’t Leave”.

“Nothin Into Something” is more seductive and sultry. The song borrows melodies from R. Kelly’s TP2 era. While BJ The Chicago Kid pays subtle tributes to the greats before him, his slick vocals prove he has a unique, soulful offering that stands tall on its own. Although this isn’t necessarily as radio friendly as its predecessor, I could only imagine how awesome it would sound live. 

“Rather Be With You” rounds out the EP on a high note. Well, more like a reminiscent, melancholy note. Of all the tracks, this one is the most rugged (though a bit melancholy). Nevertheless, BJ The Chicago Kid effortlessly permeates through the run of the mill R&B waves to offer some worthy contributions. If this is the opening ceremony, I can’t wait for the closing one. 

There is no denying that Hip Hop is one of the biggest genres of music right now. However, R&B is still very much alive and well. Let’s take singer Mya for instance. Although many fans have wondered what she has been up to in the last few years, she has never stopped making music. In fact, she started her own label, Planet 9. She is now an independent artist, but she’s been cranking out new music consistently. However, her new album, TKO (The Knock Out), deserves much more than an honorable mention to the contribution of today’s R&B. Mya celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of her self titled debut album. 

Mya definitely put some crafted thought and effort into commemorating her 20 years in the music industry in style. Truth be told, she has never really received the credit she deserved. She was one of the premier female artists of the late 90s and early 20s. Her girl next door, shy demeanor coupled with her street edge has given her undeniable appeal and longevity. Her vocals are still very much in tact and physically, she has aged like fine wine. She looks like even more of a knockout now than she did 20 years ago. 

Mya’s new 12 song set takes us back to the roots of real R&B. TKO is complete with lush grooves and harmonies that sometimes take us back to early days in her career. “The Fall” takes a page from her hits single, “Fallen”. This version has a heart thumping bass line, with Mya seductively cooing over the track. She even pays homage to the 90s with songs like “Ready (Part III – 90s Bedroom Mix)”, which serves as an answer to R. Kelly’s classic, “Seems Like You’re Ready”. 

She’s more aggressive this time around and fully aware of her sex appeal. This is highly evident on the slurred, syrupy groove of “Open”. TKO hits the hardest when she’s exuding her confident, aggressive side on the classic slow jams,”Ready 4 Whatever 2.0″ and the juggernaut, “You Got Me”. The latter is the most infectious track on the album and needs an accompanying music video immediately. Mya experiments with her sound and stretches herself on the island inspired, “Down”. It’s a sound that she pulls off very well. Sultriness aside though, she makes it clear that the simple things are what matter most (listen to “Simple Things”).  

Mya purposely leaves no room for vulnerability on TKO (with the slight exception of the album’s closer, “If Tomorrow Never Comes”). For instance, “Knock You Out” turns the tables on the guy as she explains the blow by blow of what she can do in the bedroom. Overall, Mya is more self aware than ever and it sounds damn good. She gave us a glimpse of what was to come with hits like the cleverly boastful Missy Elliott penned hit, “My Love Is Like Wo”. Now, she has continued that trend and turned it up to a more mature notch. Mya deserves the credit and the respect for making such a solid album 20 years into her career. 

Meditate; not medicate. This is the crux of the message on J Cole’s new album, KOD. The title has three distinct meanings (Kids On Drugs, King Overdose and Kill Our Demons). So, it was only fitting that he released the album on 4/20 (the celebratory date for marijuana smokers). However, he hits the nail on the head for an issue that goes far beyond marijuana. He tackles the idea of our generation turning to different forms of medicine or coping mechanisms for our problems. J Cole’s solution to this dilemma is to face your fears head on.

At just 33 years old, J Cole’s rap delivery is wise beyond his years. There are many interpretations to be had from his potent lyrics here. KOD is so cohesive that it virtually sounds like one long, 42 minute tale. This is not a bad thing though. The bluesy “Intro” that kicks off the album speaks about babies and their two primary feelings: happiness and pain. The latter is the foundation of the album and the rapper’s platform on how we should “choose wisely” when finding ways to deal with our pain. The title track is one of the more upbeat tracks, packed with a melodic hook and boastful rhymes detailing his rise to stardom. “My life is too crazy, no actor could play me”, he says.

J Cole also tackles the current state of romance and dating, through social media on the poignant “Photograph”. In this instance, social media is the addiction of choice. He narrates how love has gone digital and has been reduced to simple posts of pictures. “The Cut Off” is the struggle with giving vengeance to the Lord. He fights the urge to get the revenge he wants for the people that misused him (“I’m dreaming violent. I can’t tolerate disloyalty”).  The only featured artist on KOD is kiLL edward, who appears on “The Cut Off” and “FRIENDS”. The latter is a conversation where J Cole desperately pleads with a close friend to try a healthier alternative to drugs, meditation.

“ATM” and “Motiv8” both address the love of money and how J Cole has been impacted by the gain of it. “Motiv8” is the catchier track of the two, complete with nods to Hip Hop classics “Get Money” and “Knuck If You Buck”. “Kevin’s Heart” speaks about infidelity and compares the use of drugs to cheating on his woman. This is one of the most lyrically layered songs on the album that explores all three meanings of his album’s title. “If I take this cookie now, one day I’ll do the time”. KOD is void of any trap gimmicks or overworked themes of fast cars, women and money. J Cole cleverly touches on these topics, without being cliche.

Ironically, the album’s interludes are just as important (if not more) than the full length tracks. Take “Once an Addict” for instance. The track details his mom using alcohol and Marvin Gaye’s greatest hits to soothe a broken heart. The impact of the song last much longer than the mere 3 minutes and 17 seconds. His pain, confusion and understanding can be felt just like he was right next to you telling the story.

KOD is a lyrically dense warning for us all to confront the demeans in our lives. The eerie “Window Pain” details the influence of drugs on people to create senseless and careless acts. He takes us to church and tells us that we will ultimately reap what we sow. J Cole seems to take subliminal shots at current rap trends on “1985 (Intro to “The Fall Off”). He congratulates gimmicky artists who are making quick money in rap, but questions the substance of it all. He gives a complete hypothetical case of riding popular waves that end in a crash, with a stint on Love and Hip Hop. Oh and that one featured artist, kiLL edward, is actually rumored to be J Cole himself. It’s just another facet to his intricate artistry and proof that he continues to get better with time.