Currently listening to November 18th on repeat today. I’ve realized I posted about this song on November 18th in 2015, but this post is a bit more informative.
“Up so high even when I’m coming downnnn.”
When Drake begins the song with those first words, I die. His voice is so smooth and sultry sounding, and he’s singing to us in that deep voice… wowowowow.
And as I’m trying to catch my breath, the beat switches up at about one minute in, and I die again. The whole song is straight vibes. I can’t handle it actually. Then cut to about 1:22, and Drake is now singing. Swoon. And back to that chopped and screwed vibe at 1:45.
And I’m not one to typically listen to (and actually like) a chopped and screwed song, but this one is done in a tasteful and subtle enough way that you’re not thinking WTF is happening while listening.
As I listen to “November 18th,” it truly takes me back to 2009 when I first became a fan of Drake and when this song was initially released, as well as the project you can find it on – So Far Gone. It gives me all the feels, and I really can’t explain it.
Now Drake opens the song with a Houston (H-Town) reference and mentions the city a few other times throughout. People ask why Drake is so tied to Houston. “I thought he was from Toronto.” Well, yeah. I’m from Pittsburgh, but I feel like I’m tied to Los Angeles. Can The Boy live?
Let me educate –
Houston is where Drake flew to meet Lil Wayne for the first time after Wayne heard his music and wanted to meet him. This was before Drizzy was signed to any record label or was even really heard of in the music scene. That and Drake sold out his first show in Houston at the concert venue Warehouse Live. I meannnn. Those are pretty big tings, so I can fully understand why Drake has such appreciation for that city. He even hosts a Houston Appreciation Weekend every year. Need to attend that.
Now go and listen to this song before the day ends.
Drake was feeling v generous yesterday. Not only did we get the 46th episode of OVO Sound Radio, but he also gave us three new tracks. Well, technically two since we heard “Signs” earlier this week but it’s officially on Apple Music. And I know I already posted “Signs” a few days ago, but I wanted you to have all the new tracks in one place 🙂
Peep below!
“Signs” – Drake
I love all three minutes and 55 seconds of this song, and it could have either been on Views and/or More Life.
Listening to it puts me in a very chill mood. His voice is so smooth and then he breaks out into the deep Drake voice and you just die.
“You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning.” What’s that? Facts.
Now this was a surprise. I’ve already listed to PND’s most recent EP, Colours 2, which is where “Freak in You” is from so when I was listening to OVO Sound Radio and heard Drake on the track I was like… waiiiit a second. Pleasantly surprised for sure.
Vibes on vibes with this remix.
Two of my favorite lyrics from the song are:
“I’m just more ready than petty nowadays.”
“Young and in control, even when they stoop low.”
Listen below –
“No Complaints” – Metro Boomin ft. Offset & Drake
Looks like this will be the first single from Metro Boomin’s upcoming project, Boominati, which he’s been teasing on his Twitter.
Out of these three songs, “No Complaints” is definitely the most lit, and I actually could hear it on If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late and/or What A Time To Be Alive. Banger.
I would love to see this performed live, and I can only picture the excitement of Drake on stage, jumping around with Offset and Metro Boomin.
Now I must go get ready for the final night of the BET Experience. Tonight’s concert lineup is: A$AP Rocky, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd, Gucci Mane, Migos, Young Thug, and Lil Yachty.
Do you know how excited I was typing in the above title? Probably not.
“Signs,” inspired by Louis Vuitton’s upcoming collection and produced by 40, is the first piece of music Drake’s released since More Life. I also just realized I haven’t published my review of that album… slacking.
He premiered the track during the Louis Vuitton fashion show during Paris Fashion Week.
I just listened… his voice, you guys! And 40 is just a producing genius! I am loving the vibe of “Signs” – for real. I know I like just about every one of Drake’s songs, but this is what I needed. It’s also refreshing to hear this sound among the mumble rap we’ve been given from other artists recently. Definitely not hating on that type of music but just saying.
Okay, listen below. Start around the 4:40 mark, and let that ish play.
#NobodySafeTour should have been called the #EverybodyLitTour. On Friday, June 16, Future stopped in Los Angeles to take the stage at The Forum. Opening guests included Zoey Dollaz, Tory Lanez, A$AP Ferg, and Migos.
Before we jump into the night, we need to discuss the fact that I didn’t even know I was going until the morning of! With positive vibes and two of the best concert plugs I know, I received a call at 8:30AM that Friday morning. My friend on the other line said, “Get ready to go see Future tonight.” Best wake-up call E V E R. So clearly that’s all I was thinking about for the rest of the day.
Cut to the evening.
The three of us arrived at The Forum around 8PM and went to will call to pick up our tickets. We still didn’t know where we were sitting but were pumped regardless because we were seeing Future and Migos. Duh.
*picks up tickets at will call*
We weren’t ready for this.
7TH ROW FLOOR SEATS
Are you kidding me? Happy freaking Friday. After a few “OMG” minutes, we made our way into The Forum to get a much needed beer and to find our seats.
Walking down to the floor was surreal. Although I’ve been on the ground level at The Forum for Kanye’s Saint Pablo Tour and Drake x Future’s Summer Sixteen Tour, it’s just as exciting each time, and I will be forever grateful and appreciative of these experiences.
So we missed Zoey Dollaz, Tory Lanez, and A$AP Ferg. Do it look like we stressin’? Nah. We were really there for Migos and Future.
The lights dimmed and Migos took the stage. These three guys are really living their best life. They’re the most popular rappers / rap group right now. Before you come at me and try to hit me with a “what about Kendrick Lamar?” question, pause for one second. He is the best rapper but as far as popularity right now and being featured on other artist’s songs and performances… Migos.
As if their set wasn’t lit enough, they brought out 21 Savage. Talk about #ForTheCulture.
That was the first time I’d seen them live, and I’d definitely go see them again. Oh wait. I am. June 24 as part of the BET Experience 🙂
Time for Future.
Future’s set started with computer malfunction visuals on a giant screen, followed by him appearing and kicking off his set with “Draco.” I’ve seen Future a handful of times now, and each time he gets better. He’s definitely not at the same star level as The Weeknd or Drake yet, but his energy and passion for performing is up there.
With a great mix of old and new songs, Future did not disappoint. He brought out Ty Dolla $ign, A$AP Ferg, A$AP Rocky, and DJ Esco brought out ScHoolboy Q.
But nothing and I mean nothing could have prepared me for the last surprise guest. He goes by the name of…
D R I Z Z Y D R A K E
It’s always difficult for me to put into words of what and how I feel during a Drake performance. It’s just the best. His songs mixed with his energy and stage presence just make for the ultimate time, and I am truly the happiest. Like I start rapping along and dancing then find myself pausing and just thinking, “I am watching m favorite artist of all time live right now.” #FangirlThoughts
Drake performed “Jumpman,” “Portland” (he brought out Quavo), “Fake Love,” and “Gyalchester” for the first time in LA.
Only performing four songs made the overall concert that much better. And while I’m a huge Future fan, the crowd’s energy during Drake’s mini set may have been a little greater than during Future’s.
In the end, this was by far the best Future concert I’ve been to and probably one of the top five concerts I’ve attended overall. I can’t thank my two friends enough for hooking it up with the tickets. These are experiences that mean the absolute most to me.
Also important to note that Future wore a lot of black and yellow outfits – a #californyinz moment.
Yesterday on the 45th episode of OVO Sound Radio, Oliver El-Khatib announced that a new artist had been signed to the OVO Sound label. Who you ask? His name is Plaza. I’ve never heard of him before, but after listening to his EP, Shadow, (and currently listening to it now), I am pretty obsessed.
He has an old-school Weeknd vibe to him mixed with DVSN and a sprinkle of Majid Jordan. Could I love an artist any more? Don’t answer that because yes I could, and it’s Drake. Anyway.
I don’t know much about Plaza yet, but what I do know is that he’s an R&B singer from Toronto. He released his debut EP in September 2016 titled One on SoundCloud, and there wasn’t any real promotion for it. One song, “Personal,” from this new EP though was played on a previous episode of OVO Sound Radio. Clearly I wasn’t paying attention.
Shadow delivers all of the late nite vibes. Other than attending a rap concert and buying merch, there’s nothing I love more than driving home late night or laying in bed late at night listening to songs that match this mood.
// V I B E S \\
The five tracks that make up Shadow are perfectly curated and produced. The beats drop at the right time, and each track is long enough to tell a complete story and gets you in your feels. You know what other artist and project does the exact same? The Weeknd’s Trilogy. Artists like The Weeknd, Frank Ocean, and Majid Jordan who give us those four to five minute tracks have a gift of captivating the listener and keeping our attention without wanting to skip to the next track.
Seriously, I’m listening to Plaza right now, and I am really really liking him. He’s taking me back to The Weeknd – Trilogy times, and it’s v refreshing and nostalgic.
Okay, enough typing. You just need to listen to this – Apple Music (preferred) or SoundCloud below!
Hope yinz are living your best life on this Sunday. And let’s go Pens!
So obviously it’s Valentine’s Day, but can we talk about the real celebratory moment that is today? The one year anniversary of Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo. This seventh studio album of the Chicago native is one of my favorite albums and has been in rotation monthly since it dropped a year ago.
And what’s even cooler is that he premiered it during his Yeezy Season 3 fashion show at Madison Square Garden. He SOLD OUT MSG all for a fashion show. How amazing! I remember watching it at work at my last job during my free month subscription to Tidal (only subscribed for that reason) and was just in awe the entire time. Seeing how happy Kanye was dropping new music for his fans, family, and friends… seeing the audience go wild… watching the models in his fashion show stand as still as a statue yet shed tears. Like what were they thinking?! So incredible. And I think it’s amazing Kanye gave those involved with his show that once in a lifetime opportunity.
But yeah, this was very far from your standard album release. It was an EXPERIENCE which more and more artists are doing when it comes to music drops. I think I need to write a post on that.
Okay, back to the album. Or do we call it an art piece? A work of art? Some people were (and still might be) annoyed by the fact that Ye continued to change the album once it officially dropped, but I’m not mad about it. Kanye is known to be quite the perfectionist so it’s not surprising that he wanted to alter the album once it released. Yes, he could have made sure it was all up to par before officially releasing it, but I think his approach to TLOP created a more personal connection to his fans. Almost like you were part of the process – watching it happen and anticipating what more could he do.
It gave the album life in a way. That it was still growing… transforming. This is a bit dramatic, I know, but think about it. Something is born and it grows and changes. This is what TLOP did. Any who.
From the opening sounds of the little girl in “Ultralight Beam” to Kanye straight up rapping bars and truth on the last track, “Saint Pablo,” so much greatness and emotion took place. The beginning of the album started with gospel vibes and uplifting tones and yet ended in an almost angry, sad, frustrated Kanye. We sort of heard that transition in “I Love Kanye.” He’s acknowledging the ups and downs that is Kanye West, and I think that’s refreshing.
Having Chance the Rapper start on his first track is a major key. No, really. Now look at Chance. He just won three Grammy Awards. Not saying Kanye had anything to do with it, Chance is extremely talented, but the motivation and inspiration from Kanye probably had a slight influence on him as an artist.
This is the album that introduced us to Desiigner who we all thought was Future at first. And now look at Timmy Turner. He’s dropping mixtapes, going on his own tours, and being seen at exclusive events with a large fanbase. The “Famous” music video? So full of controversy, yet you remember the song and the video. Even cooler, he premiered the video in movie theaters at a few cities, one being Los Angeles. And for LA, Kanye was there! How epic is that? The truest of the true fans watching a music video in a movie theatre and the artist who released the video is behind you vibing out with you. Kanye does it for the kids, bro. And have you heard “Waves” featuring Chris Brown? That song is fy-er. I get the chills every time I hear it.
To top it all off, he tacked on a pretty epic tour to sum up The Life of Pablo. And what’s sort of crazy, now that I think about it is the kickoff to his tour began quite uplifting and full of energy. Towards the end, he was canceling shows and acting a little off. Sort of like the album. Maybe it was to mirror the life of Pablo. Regardless, TLOP was for sure one of the best albums of 2016 and continues to be one of my favorites.
I’m looking forward to Yeezy Season 5 tomorrow and am very curious to see what the following means. It’s been circulating on Twitter for a few hours now. There’s talks that Kanye and Drake have a joint project, so I would be pretty pumped to at least hear one track from that. Maybe a song from Drake’s More Life will drop? I do not know. All I need to do now is sign up for Tidal again for a hot minute to watch and see.
Alright, yinz. Valentine’s Ye is almost over so want to publish this post before the day’s end. Talk soon!
OH! And we can absolutely not forget that today, February 14, is also the 11 year anniversary of Drake’s very first mixtape, Room for Improvement. Definitely check that out if you haven’t. You can hear what all the Drake fuss is about and where it began 🙂
In short, Drake and Kanye both share the same project anniversary day for two monumental pieces of work they’ve created, so I would be very excited for them to drop a collab project tomorrow. And then next year on February 15, I can write a one year anni post on that.
This week’s episode of OVO Sound Radio is brought to you by Oliver El-Khatib, Drake’s manager and OVO founder, and a guest mix courtesy of DJ Maximum. So far so good!
Thus far we’ve heard songs from P Reign, PND ft. Nicki Minaj, Migos, Baka, and more. “Hush Up The Silence” (WizKid featuring Drake) was premiered as well!
DJ Maximum jumped on at 4PM – an hour into the mix. This radio show is a total of two hours long – a pretty solid playing time! And per Oliver, it’s only right they have DJ Maximum take over since the OVO camp is currently in London for Drake’s Boy Meets World Tour and that’s where this DJ resides.
I really dig these regularly scheduled radio shows Apple Music has rolled out. A few reasons why below –
It gives fans like me something to look forward to. I’m a big fan of .WAV Radio and OVO Sound Radio as well as the Live from LA show.
You never know what new music you’re going to get! “New” referring to tracks being debuted by the artist hosting the show and just music that is new to your ears – music you’re being introduced to on the episode that’s already been released but you’re just hearing it for the first time.
For two hours, you get music, interviews, and NO commercials, nor do you have to think of what song to play next. The radio show takes care of it for you. Love it!
Okay, back to this episode. Oliver noted that Drake is in the studio every night working on “More Life.” Still no release date! It was supposed to drop near the end of 2016, then it got pushed back to the beginning of 2017, and here we are in February… really looking forward to it though regardless of when it drops. PS – The Tweet in my header image for this post is referring to “More Life.”
With Drake currently touring in London, snippets of new music have been dropping, but I refuse to listen to anything until it’s formally released. #FanLove
Okay, did yinz tune into Episode 37? What did you think?
Yinz didn’t think I forgot to write Drake a birthday post, did ya? No way I would miss this and especially on his 30th birthday.
While I am obviously a fan of Drake himself, it’s his music that really gives me (more) life, so this birthday post is dedicated to his songs and their lyrics that highlight his age throughout the years. Did you know Drake has a lyric about his current age for every year since he was 21? I actually themed my 27th birthday around that particular lyric (thanks for the inspo, Drizzy). Well, if you didn’t know, I’ve listed them for you with links to the tracks as well. But really, Drake’s lyrics (although sometimes corny) have continued to evolve, and for that I will always be grateful for new music from the 6 God. Be enlightened below!
21 years old –
I just tell the truth so I’m cool in every hood spot 21 years and I ain’t ever met a good cop (I’m Goin’ In)
22 years old –
22, had the Bentley 4-door already Even as a boy I was the boy already (Days In The East)
23 years old –
I’m 23, with a money tree. Growing more too, I just planted a hundred seeds. (The Resistance)
UDPATE: Apple Music has so kindly curated a playlist of Episode 32 with most of the songs Drake mixed for us in the beginning. Listen here!
Today’s episode of OVO Sound Radio, Episode 32, was hosted by none other than Drake himself and Oliver. They call themselves the October Firm. Why else was this a special episode? Well, Drake’s birthday is tomorrow so it’s only right (Ty Dolla $ign voice) that he’s featured today. He also let us know that he’ll be dropping a new project – a playlist – in December titled More Life. All original music! I can’t wait. Aaaaand, he gave us four new tracks today. Well, three new and one was a remix, but still.
Drake started the show by saying he just got back to LA and this had me thinking because tomorrow night Majid Jordan is performing in LA, so all I’m saying is I wouldn’t be mad if Drake makes a surprise appearance at the show AND on his birthday. Just saying. Yes, I’ll be going.
Below is the mix of songs he started Episode 32 with –
City Is Mine
I Get Lonely Too
My Side
Days In The East
Dip Dip – 21 Savage
Overseas – Smoke Dawg ft. Skepta
Unstoppable
Controlla Remix
Nov 18th
Keys to the Streets Remix – 2 Chainz, Lil Wayne & Quavo
sweet sweet – Travi$ Scott
Ocean Drive – 21 Savage & Metro Boomin
Back from the Dead ft. Skepta – Riff Raff & DJ Afterthought
Whippin Excursion – @officialgiggs
Dat Way – Migos & Rick The Kid
Just Like That (Part 2) – new Roy Woods
Mad – Solange ft. Wayne
Keep the Faith (Faithful Remix) – dvsn
They Ain’t 100 – Fredo – Drugs, Sex and Hip Hop, Vol. 1
Mi Unruly – Popcaan
Boshe Nlo – Burna Boy – Redemption
And some P. Reign!
(apologies if I didn’t capture it all!)
Then, the moment we were all waiting for… new tracks from Drizzy!
Drake continues to deliver. Whether it’s a mix of his favorite songs or debuting new music on OVO Sound Radio or announcing he’s giving us a whole new project with original music via a playlist titled More Life, he’s always on and always giving his fans more, which keeps them (and me!) engaged.
Much appreciated. Stay tuned for a post tomorrow featuring Drake as it’s his 30th birthday! And you can watch my Snapchat right now to see all of my reactions from today’s episode of OVO Sound Radio. Snap name: ergense
People have been lying to me when they told me Disneyland was the happiest place on earth because last Thursday night the happiest place on earth happened to be in the 10th row on the floor at Drake’s final LA show for the Summer Sixteen Tour.
I’m going to try really hard to best describe what and how I felt Thursday night because it’s truly just a feeling that I can’t explain. People will laugh and roll their eyes, saying I’m ‘so obsessed’ with Drake and hip-hop in general, but to be honest I wish more people were ‘so obsessed’ with something or someone. It’s about finding and connecting with a passion and just doing you. You talk to me for 30 seconds, take a quick look at my IG or blog, and you’ll instantly know what my passions are, and I am proud of that. Create that energy.
Okay, major digressing. When I tell you Thursday was probably the best night of my life, I 100% mean that. I’ve done a lot of epic things and have been to NUMEROUS concerts and award shows, but the final stop in LA for the Summer Sixteen Tour was different.
Let me explain how the night went down. It all began with a call I received from my friend Justine (how we became friends is also worthy of a blog post). Now Justine and I have hung out once before this. Months ago. We text here and there, have tried to coordinate another get together, but with busy schedules, it’s hard. So you know I was a little shocked when I received a call from her around 7:20pm on Thursday, about an hour before the show was to start. Answering the call with a bit of question in my voice, she asked what I was doing and said she may have an extra ticket to Drake’s show and was looking for someone who lived close to the venue and who would appreciate the concert. Immediate excitement set in. She said she’d call me back with a yes or no once she got to the venue.
In the meantime as I waited to get the call, I decided to change just in case I was given the green light. I threw on my VIEWS t-shirt, a Drake merch dad hat, black ripped jeans and some Nikes. Duh. Twenty-five minutes later, Justine called and said, “Get to The Forum.” I never ordered an Uber so quickly.
I arrived at The Forum, met up with Justine, and she handed over two of the most epic things – a VIP pass and a ticket… for the FLOOR – 10th row, section C. THANK YOU TO JUSTINE & THE PLUG.
We entered the VIP lounge where we were greeted with photo opps, fully catered dinner and dessert, and a bar… obviously. I took as much of it in as I could. Not the food and alcohol but what was happening. This was amazing. One cocktail in and the lights flashed, so we knew it was time to get to our seats. We showed the usher our tickets, and he said we had to take the elevator down another level. Typically, I have to take the escalator all the way up *Fat Joe voice* to my seats. Woah. So we took the elevator down to the floor section, the doors opened, and who was standing there waiting to get on? DVSN. I actually didn’t even realize it was them until Justine was like, “uhhhh did you see who that was?”
As we made our way to our seats, I continued to become more and more mind blown and thankful. I was walking to the TENTH ROW. And not just any 10th row, but the center 10th row. As Justine said, it was like we were sitting on the 50-yard line at a football game. Incredible. One of my bucket list items was to sit in the front row of a Drake concert at some point in my lifetime. Now this wasn’t the front row, but the entire experience with these 10th row tickets and attending the show with someone who equally appreciates Drake as an artist seemed better than the first row.
– SHOW TIME –
Having already been to Drake’s very first night in LA for the Summer Sixteen Tour, I had an idea of how the flow of the show would go down. But this time was different. From the opening sounds and lights to him kicking off the show with “Summer Sixteen” to three hours of performing and finishing around midnight – magical. Not to mention Baron Davis was sitting next to us and living it up as well.
While I actually thought the crowd’s energy on the floor could have been a little more amped up – those people may be used to sitting in such epic seats compared to those of us typically stuck way up top – the combined energy of mine and Justine’s was lit. It’s like I went to the concert with myself. That’s how similar our appreciation of Drake is. And being so close to the stage, it was like you were feeding off of Drake’s energy. It was contagious. His passion for his music, performing, and his fans make him the ultimate artist and crowd pleaser. Watch my Snap Story below to try and get a better idea of what I’m explaining to yinz. Then we will continue with the rest of the night. 🙂
I mean. The video does not do it justice, but at least there are some visuals for yinz to try and see what I’m talking about. And do know that when he brought out Big Sean, Ice Cube, and then Dr. Dre… I actually have no words. Sorry.
Now in the short time that I’ve known Justine, I’ve learned that more times than not she happens to be in the right place at the right time. She was convinced our VIP tickets could get us elsewhere post-show. We’ve made it this far, so I was down with whatever. We made our way back into the initial VIP area that we came from and saw a group of dudes walk into another entrance which was guarded by security. That was our way in to whatever was behind that door. Standing around for a few minutes, trying to think of what to do, Justine saw a friend of hers.
Welp, that was our way in. He kindly told security we were with him. Off we went. Now I don’t want to give too much inside information, but let’s just say being in this true VIP lounge made me realize that I do know how to be ‘cool’ around celebrities even if I was decked out in Drake attire and everyone else was not. Whatever. I was pretty proud of myself. The vibe was extremely chill – snacks, open bar, people just hanging. Drake and Future did not come through, but that was truly alright. I was not expecting ANY of this to happen. Not the concert, 10th row, VIP, watching Drake drive away after we left. None of it. Keep in mind, I was sitting on my bed drinking a beer alone before Justine called me.
We exited The Forum with the whole crew around 2AM, contemplated going to another spot with everyone, but Justine and I were both quite content with what we had just experienced and witnessed. Again, I cannot thank Justine (or the plug) enough for 1) securing two tickets and 2) thinking of me to attend with her. What’s even crazier is my Tweet (used as the header image for this post)… Justine didn’t even see that prior to hitting me up. The universe was definitely on my side. Alright, this is probably my longest post thus far. Hope yinz enjoyed it and my experience.
Until the next concert, fam! Oh, and I didn’t forget about Future. He was lit as well and brought out Ty Dolla $ign and Young Thug. Can’t forget about the trap king!
Californyinz 