One of the albums that was in my rotation this week was The Gifted by Wale. The Gifted was the follow-up to his gold selling MMG debut project Ambition. To prep for the album, Wale released his 8th mixtape titled Folarin. The Gifted reached the top of the charts as the #1 rap album and it went gold also. Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, Jerry Seinfeld, 2 Chainz, Cee Lo Green, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and others appeared. The Gifted became Wale’s first US number one debut and his second top-ten album. There were four official singles off the album and one of them is my featured track this week.…
10 Must-Have Skills for Aspiring Musicians
The music world is always changing and full of energy. For those passionate about becoming a part of it, there’s a mix of challenges and thrills. Success in music goes beyond just having talent; it requires a set of essential skills that empower musicians to make their mark. These skills range from understanding the technical aspects of music to adapting to the latest in technology, all contributing to a musician’s growth and ability to stand out. This article will explore key skills that are fundamental for aspiring musicians, guiding you on how to make your music resonate with and be remembered by audiences. 1. Understanding Music Theory To fully express…
What are The World’s Best-Selling Musical Instruments?
The world’s best-selling musical instrument can be a matter of interpretation, as it depends on various factors such as geographical location, cultural preferences, and the context in which the instrument is used. However, if we consider overall global popularity and sales figures, there are a few musical instruments that stand out as some of the most widely sold and cherished around the world. Let’s explore these instruments and the reasons behind their immense popularity. 1. The Acoustic Guitar: The acoustic guitar is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and best-selling musical instruments worldwide. Its versatility, portability, and ability to accompany various music genres, from folk and country to rock and…
Ludacris Child of the Night Featuring Nate Dogg
Recently, there was a discussion regarding who’s the most underrated rapper of all-time. One name came to my mind after plenty of thought and it was Ludacris. Ludacris can spit, he’s witty, has fun and can hit you with some crazy bars. Ludacris is more known for his roles in the Fast & Furious franchise over the years. Luda haven’t put out an album since 2015. He’s been teasing by putting out random freestyles on his Instagram page. Recently, he was honored with the Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Before that, he was listed as one of the 50 greatest rappers ever by Billboard magazine. This past week, one of…
Killer Mike All 4 U for Throwback Thursday
Killer Mike just dropped one of my favorite albums this year in Michael. Michael is his 6th album and it’s a good album. Killer Mike is known more for his political stance and views he’s been sharing over the years. Mike recently teamed with T.I. to reopen a prominent seafood spot in Atlanta. While Mike has flexed his entrepreneurial skills, he’s been in the game for over 20 years now. In March of 2003, Killer Mike released his debut album called Monster. Monster debut at #4 and he boasted some big features on his debut joint. Outkast, T.I and Bun B all made appearances on Monster. Mike dropped two singles…
The Iconic Long Live the Kane Album Released 35 Years Ago Today
Big Daddy Kane is one of the most influential rappers of all-time. Kane was a part of the legendary Juice Crew. Marley Marl, MC Shan, Masta Ace, Craig G and Roxanne Shante were a part of the crew with Kane. The Juice Crew was a legendary group that Nas talked about how influential to him. In 1988, Big Daddy Kane released his debut album called Long Live the Kane. Long Live the Kane dropped 35 years ago today and it was one of the highlights of the original Golden Era. 1988 is considered one of the greatest years of hip hop. Eric B & Rakim, Slick Rick, EPMD, Big Daddy…
Bobby Brown Don’t Be Cruel Released 35 Years Ago Today
New Edition has been called one of the most influential groups of all-time. They burst on the scene in 1983 with Candy Girl almost 40 years ago. The following year they released their second album, and it went double platinum. They released albums the following two years and Bobby Brown dropped his solo debut in 1986. About a year and a half later, Brown would drop his second album, Don’t Be Cruel. Don’t Be Cruel dropped 35 years ago and it’s still one of my favorite albums of all-time. Bobby Brown became a megastar with the release of the album as he’s sold seven million copies in the United States.…
Lil Wayne Tie My Hands Featuring Robin Thicke
Lil Wayne is widely known as one of the greatest rappers to ever touch the mic. We can all agree that his run in the mid-200s was legendary. Lil Wayne has influenced a lot of the newer rappers of this generation. A few days ago, tha Carter III turned 15 years old. Jay-Z, T-Pain, Fabolous, Robin Thicke, Busta Rhymes, Juelz Santana, Babyface, Bobby V, and Kanye West all made appearances. Tha Carter III debuted atop the Billboard charts by selling over a million records in its first week. From the middle of March to the end of September, Lil Wayne released five singles. In total, Tha Carter III has sold…
Brandy Have You Ever? For Throwback Thursday
Brandy was one of the biggest artists in the 90s. She released her first album in the fall of 1994. At the time of her self-titled debut album, she was only 15 years old. The album won a Soul Train Music for best new artist in 1995. I Wanna Be Down was her big single as it went platinum. The track was so popular that she got Queen Latifah and MC Lyte for the hip hop remix. The album went 4X platinum and Brandy was an overnight sensation. In 1996, Brandy starred in her own sitcom called Moesha. Moesha was a great show, but she returned to the music scene…
MP Da Last Don From Master P Released 25 Years Ago Today
Master P is known to the younger generation as this entrepreneur who has his hands in everything. Back in the 90s, we knew him as the colonel of the Tank. Master P was the owner of No Limit Records. No Limit Records is my second favorite rap label ever and Master P was dropping albums every month. 25 years ago today, Master P released his seventh album called MP Da Last Don. MP Da Last Don was billed as the retirement album from Master P. Master P enjoyed a crazy run starting with the Ice Cream Man album that put him on the map. Ghetto D made him one of…
50 Cent Position of Power for Throwback Thursday
It’s hard to believe that the Get Rich or Die Trying album turned 20-years-old a few months ago. To celebrate the milestone, 50 Cent announced a new tour called The Final Lap to commemorate the album’s anniversary. You can visit his website to the date and to purchase tickets when he hits your town. 50 Cent hit the scene and took the rap game by storm along with his G-Unit crew. Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo and even The Game all experienced success under the G-Unit umbrella. Unfortunately, 50 isn’t cool with them anymore except for Tony Yayo because it would be nice to see G-Unit on stage together.…
Bun B You’re Everything for Throwback Thursday
UGK is one of the most influential groups or duos to ever touch the mic. Unfortunately, Chad Butler aka Pimp C passed away in December of 2007. Bun B dropped his solo debut two years prior called Trill. About five months later, Bun B released his second solo joint called II Trill. II Trill became the #1 album in the country and has sold over 300,000 copies. Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, Juvenile, Pimp C, Young Buck, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, 8Ball & MJG all made appearances. One of my favorite tracks off the album is called You’re Everything. You’re Everything features southern all-stars Rick Ross, David Banner, 8Ball & MJG. With…
Eightball Dropped His Lost Album 25 Years Ago Today
If you followed southern hip hop in the 90s, then you are all too familiar with Eightball and MJG. Comin’ Out Hard was their Suave House Records debut album. They dropped that album in the summer of 1993, and it was an instant classic. The following spring, they dropped On Tha Outside Lookin’ In. On Tha Outside Lookin’ In was another instant classic and my personal favorite album of theirs. In the fall of 1995, they reached gold status with their On Top of the World album. On Top of the World was their most successful album and it produced Space Age Pimpin. Eightball and MJG would be a part…
Soulja Slim Released Give It 2 Em Raw 25 Years Ago
Soulja Slim has been referred to as the 2Pac of New Orleans. Unfortunately, like Pac Slim had his life cut short after being shot. Soulja Slim passed away in November of 2003. Before passing away, Soulja Slim was a part of the No Limit Records dynasty. The first time hearing him was on the Down South Hustlers compilation Master P put out. During that time, he was known as Magnolia Slim because he was from the Magnolia Projects. Soulja Slim reappeared on the I Got the Hook Up Soundtrack the previous month. Slim had a track called From What I Was Told that was featured on the soundtrack. From What…
Nelly Dilemma Featuring Kelly Rowland for Throwback Thursday
In the early-2000s, Nelly was one of the biggest rappers in the world. Even Jay-Z shouted him out on Excuse Me Miss. Jay mentioned that only his crew, Eminem and Nelly were moving units during that time. Nelly released his debut album Country Grammar in 2000. Country Grammar sold over 10 million units off the strength of four singles. Nelly also introduced the world to his St. Lunatics crew. Two years later, Nelly released his second joint titled Nellyville. Nellyville was another strong effort from Nelly. In my opinion, the second one is better than the debut project. The album went on to sell over 7 million copies and he…
Fiend There’s One In Every Family Released 25 Years Ago Today
In 1998, No Limit Records was the hottest hip hop label in the world. Silkk the Shocker, C-Murder, Young Bleed, and the I Got the Hook Up Soundtrack all dropped at the start of 1998. All those joints dropped before the end of April. You know that Master P was dropping a new album damn near every other week. There’s One in Every Family dropped 25 years ago from Fiend. This was Fiend’s debut album on No Limit Records and it’s one of my favorite No Limit albums. Fiend made a name for himself by appearing on Ghetto D, Life or Death, Charge It 2 Da Game and other No…
Come and Talk to Me by Jodeci for Throwback Thursday
This week was one for memory lane because it was lot of great times in the 90s. My week was filled with a lot of classic R&B music from that era. While listening to the debut joint from KCi & JoJo, it took me back to the Jodeci times. Jodeci is one of the greatest R&B groups of not only the 90s, but of all-time. This month will make 32 years they released their classic, debut joint Forever My Lady. The album went triple platinum and made them major stars during this time. Jodeci marked a new era of R&B and they set the trend for what was to come…
Big Pun Capital Punishment Turns 25 Years Old
Big Pun has been regarded as one of the best rappers of all-time. Pun got his start alongside Fat Joe after signing with the Terror Squad. He appeared on some tracks here and there and he outshined anyone he got on a track with. In 1998, Big Pun finally released his first project called Capital Punishment. Capital Punishment was released 25 years ago today. Unfortunately, Big Pun isn’t here to celebrate its success because he passed away. Pun died on February 7th of 2000 due to health problems. His second album was released posthumously in April of 2000. As far as Capital Punishment, it was the first record from a…
