Author: Grubeats
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Hip-Hop | C Dot Castro – Higher (Prod. by Official OB)
Posted by Grubeats on November 1, 2012
By now many of us who have been following Logic are aware of the infamous “RattPack (Real All The Time)”. What many of you may not know is that Logic is not the only artist representing the movement. Fellow Gaithersburg, MD native, ©. Castro is another lyrical assassin who, until now, has been harnessing his talent, waiting for his time to shine. With the newest track, “Higher”, off of his debut mixtape likely due out in late 2012 or early 2013, we are blessed with production from OB in which Castro annihilates so effortlessly. With that machine gun delivery, it wont be long before Castro breaks free and takes all of us higher.
Hip-Hop, Videos | Ludacris – Rest Of My Life ft. Usher & David Guetta
Posted by Grubeats on November 1, 2012
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Since knocking out hit after hit in the first decade of this century, the Hotlanta slugger has been yearning for a return to the top of the charts. Sure, Luda has had his fair share of successful features and motion picture roles, but it’s been a minute since he had THAT radio HIT. Evidently Luda couldn’t fight the feeling any longer, recruiting radio kings, Usher & David Guetta for his newest single, “Rest Of My Life”. Although it appears to be missing the infamous ‘Word of Mouf’ type raps, Luda does indeed have a mainstream issued banger. Are you happy Luda took the “generic” course with his new single, or would you prefer he kept disturbing the underground peace? Available on iTunes this Friday, 11/2.
Hip-Hop, Videos | Chuck Da Ruckus – Real Life [Music Video]
Posted by Grubeats on November 1, 2012
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I’m happy to introduce the newest college athlete/rapper to the good folk of FNT. CDR aka Chuck Da Ruckus, a seasoned football star at Brown University who adopted music his senior year of high school, has since decided to pursue the latter hobby more seriously as “Real Life” marks the first ever release from the Philadelphia native. Ironically enough, CD-R, a common label on those shiny discs we once burned mix’s on, matches Chuck’s new alias as he launches his career in music. Now splitting his residence between Boston and Brown, he continues to work on his debut mixtape which is expected in early Spring of ’13. No further details on the project just yet, other than we know producer Matty Trump will be involved.
DOWNLOAD: Chuck Da Ruckus – Real Life
Hip-Hop, Pop | Timmy D. – Trouble [Music Video]
Posted by Grubeats on November 1, 2012
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Taylor Swift has set records with last week’s release of her latest studio album, Red, selling 1.208 million week 1 copies. That being said, I can’t ignore a track that features bangin production sampling Taylor’s “I Knew You Were Trouble”. Credit producer Lu Balz with that. In terms of the vocals, I’m not overly impressed, but I wanted to leave it up to the FNT faithful to hear your thoughts. Is Timmy D. a face you expect to see again or is this another case of Pabst Blue Raps? Sound off in the comments section.
DOWNLOAD: Timmy D. – Trouble
Hip-Hop | Astro – Deadbeat (Come Bad Boy)
Posted by Grubeats on October 31, 2012
At a young 16 years, Brooklyn born rapper, Astro aka Astronomical Kid, has certainly built up quite a resume. He is a true student of the game, crediting the early legends as his inspiration, despite the fact he and Tupac shared the same air for a mere 18 days. Since notching a 7th place finish on season one of The X-Factor, Astro found himself on the single version of Cher Lloyd’s worldwide hit, “Want U Back”, made his TV debut on CBS’ “Person of Interest”, and most significantly signed a record deal with L.A. Reid’s Epic Records. Since inking his deal he has released one mixtape, Løser, close to a year ago, but since has been rather quiet. His newest release, and first single off his upcoming mixtape, Dead Beats & Lazy Lyrics, stems from a tough childhood relationship with his father. Produced and written by Astro, lyrics and a raw, authentic hip-hop sound are two things you can continually expect from the young MC.
Hip-Hop | Big Sean – GUAP (Prod. by Key Wane & Young Chop)
Posted by Grubeats on October 26, 2012
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With the first official single from his sophomore album, Hall of Fame: Memoirs of a Detroit Player, Big Sean turns to his wallet for some inspiration. Not that I would expect anything else from the flashy Detroit pun spitter, but Sean wastes no time sharing his wealth…verbally. Apologies to the “old hoes”. Hall of Fame, 12/18/12.
Hip-Hop, Review, Videos | Reflecting on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “The Heist” [Review & Documentary]
Posted by Grubeats on October 25, 2012
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First off, thank you to Jabari Presents for this fantastic production.
By now, many of you have hopefully scraped the wax out of your ears and christened your drums to the incredible art featured on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ debut LP, The Heist. Yes it reached the #2 spot on Billboard, yes it sold 78,000+ units in week one, and yes the duo accomplished this all independently, but that is not why this project is so special to me and so many others. Mack and Ryan are still the kids you used to play neighborhood ball with. They’re still the guys who will shake your hand or take a picture with any fan on the street. They’re still representing authenticity for the people.
“The Heist” will be in consideration for the album of the year come December, that’s without question. What may fly under the radar is the amount of blood, sweat, tears, and man hours that went into this project by both Mack and Ryan. Lacking anything but determination and perseverance, this documentary shines light on what it means to be an independent artist working at such an eminent level. There are no handouts, no pampering, no CEO black cards. Loyalty, love, determination, resilience and passion for the art is the driver. If you are unable to see the transparency in their music, this album may not hold the same weight, but there is enough versatility on the project that you should still be able to connect with one or two records. On a final note, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis will forever hold my respect. Although I’ve never met them personally, their music is honest, open and genuine enough to lead me to believe otherwise.
Below I’ve listed some of my personal highlights if you haven’t listened to the album and need a starting point. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the album, positive or negative, so please sound off in the comments section.
Most Creative Beat: “Thrift Shop”