Pharrell Williams has built up quite the legacy in the music industry. Younger millennials may believe that his super stardom began with his biggest hit to date, “Happy”. However, in the words of LL Cool J, “Don’t call it a comeback”. He’s literally been here for years. I remember my freshman year in college in 2003. “Frontin'” was the song of the summer that carried over into the winter and the next year. He then went on to collaborate with some of the biggest stars in the music industry (Snoop Dogg, Madonna, Mariah Carey, etc). 

However, Pharrell is also part of a three man production team, simply called N.E.R.D. The group consists of him, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley. It’s been a while since we have heard a collective project from the group. Now, they are back with a vengeance on No One Ever Really Dies. Their sound can perhaps best be described as Alternative Hip Hop, with a twist of Soul. The album’s lead single, “Lemon”, features Rihanna in rare form. She raps (surprisingly well) on the song, which has an undeniably catchy chorus and thumping bass line. 

“Lemon” and the majority of the album sounds like it was meant for summer instead of a fall release. In fact, several of the tracks, like the rock driven “Deep Down Body Thurst” sound a bit jagged and unpolished. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing though. The group thrives under these conditions. I would be curious to find out when the process started for this album though. The lack of cohesiveness suggests it may have been years in the making. Things slow down a bit with the Kendrick Lamar assisted sure fire smash, “Don’t Don’t Do It”. The vibe here takes you back to an early 2000s sound. It’s delectable instant vintage, with some memorable verses from Kendrick Lamar. 

I must give credit and admit that “1000” is now on the short list of songs featuring rapper Future that I actually like. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t have a large part in the song. I have never understood the hype around him and doubt I ever will.  Nonetheless, expect this track to be a club banger for the new year. The unlikely pairing of Gucci Mane and Wale on “Voila” actually clicks without a hitch, to offer one of the album’s best tracks. The group even managed to pull Andre 3000 out of hiding on the boastful anthem, “Rollinem 7’s”. Ah, now I just want another Outkast album, with a few tracks produced by NERD. 

Ed Sheeran stops by on the video game sounding “Lifting You”. The melody here has a very sing along feel and will likely be a big hit from the album. Does No One Ever Really Dies break new musical ground? Not really. Does it provide nearly an hour of head bobbing, sometimes oft put, eclectic music? Absolutely. As the quirky title (and sound) of one of the album’s songs says, let’s send a “Lightning Fire Magic Prayer” in the sky for more music from NERD for years to come. 

“Sometimes you gotta say goodbye to reach your full potential”. Jarrett Michael opens up his latest release, Had Yesterday Never Come, with this poignant line. His work ethic is uncanny and he is constantly in the studio cooking up new music. However, he has remained to carve out his own lane, without being influenced by current trends. Jarrett’s flows are inspiration without being preachy. He’s deep, yet still relatable. “Legendary”, the album’s first full length track details his recent struggles in life, love and his career. The production on this song is soothing, with a classical tough. 

Jarrett isn’t afraid to call out the snakes slithering in the grass on the transparent “sneak DISSIN”. “Everybody don’t know love/Lie to your face like they’re someone to trust”, he raps. Nonetheless, Jarrett is most impressive on the poetic moments, with no instrumentation, like the memorable standout “this is FAITH”. His calculated delivery and content suggests an artist wise beyond his years. Mickey Facts serves as one of two guest features on the catchy and somewhat dismal “Stratton”. 

So, which song is my favorite? That honor would have to go to “pennywise”. The song not only takes a stab at the recent resurgence of Stephen King’s classic, It, but he exudes an infectious swagger here. The circus tinged production only compliments his flows here. He’s not afraid to admit that he’s in love either. “Today, Tomorrow, Forever” is a track that finds his girlfriend singing his praises and letting her know she supports him. She cites him as her inspiration and standard for achieving greatness. However, Dracula featuring Lemi Vince, is one of the most lyrically dense songs on the project. The song’s content is creative and not as eerie as its title suggests.

Jarrett Michael closes out Had Yesterday Never Come with the nostalgic and celebratory “Cheers”. He mentions missing his family, friends and even his haters. This album is different than his previous work, because it’s the coming of age tale of a man. I’m already anxious to see what new concepts will be explored on his next album. Get your copy today on all digital retailers. 

Cheers to reflecting on yesterday, living in the now and preparing for tomorrow. 

I have always been a fan of music with a big brass sound. Don’t mess around and throw a deep, bass guitar line in there. There’s something about that type of music that really lifts your spirits and stirs up your soul. That’s exactly what I experienced when I first heard Raphael & The Ivory Jean’s new single, “Ms. So Fine”. The song also features lead vocals from Geno Young and Bobby Sparks. The band and the lead singers are definitely helping to further the Dallas, TX stamp on R&B music.

The music on the track alone is enough to make Bootsy Collins give a standing ovation. Not to mention the smooth, jazzy vocals from Geno Young and Bobby Sparks. This song puts me in the mind of being at a parade in the middle of Bourbon Street. “Ms. So Fine” has all of the elements of a savory, audible gumbo that leaves you wanting more. The object of affection on the song is a beautiful, mysterious woman that exudes an untouchable persona.

I am definitely excited to hear more music from Raphael & The Ivory Jean. I can only imagine how great “Ms. So Fine” sounds live as well. However, for now, I’ll be putting the single in heavy rotation. Check out the song for yourself. Would you Bump It or Dump It? Plus, take a listen to “You & Me” below.

Although Lil Kim has remained to keep her legacy vibrant since her last full length studio album (The Naked Truth, 2005), she has remained quiet. Motherhood seems to have calmed her down. Nonetheless, she is still touring, making music and reminding Nicki Minaj where her style originated from. So, it’s not much of a surprise that her new single, “Took Us A Break” finds the Queen B getting back to basics. The song is said to be featured on Lil Kim’s upcoming album. However, many pundits wondered if she still had those fiery bars after all these years.

“Took Us A Break” flaunts a trap style flow with a little auto tune. The music video matches the song’s guttural, street appeal. There are no fancy backdrops; it’s just Lil Kim in her brightest element. Her raps are definitely still intact as she weaves in and out of the catchy production with ease. Thankfully, she doesn’t openly address Nicki Minaj here (only subtly). The truth is there would likely be no Nicki Minaj if it weren’t for the groundbreaking antics and flows of Lil Kim.

You can also catch the Queen B herself on Remy Ma’s new single “Wake Me Up”. The song will be featured on Remy Ma’s forthcoming new LP. New music from Lil Kim is definitely exciting. She should have enough material to release a double album. Either way, her presence will definitely be welcome as one of the premier female MCs who consistently pushes the envelope in music and fashion.