Tag: hip hop

“I Decided” to post about my #CruzShowVIP Experience…

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On Monday, I was given the opportunity to attend a VIP Big Sean experience at the one and only Power 106 FM radio station – the most poppin’ hip-hop radio station in LA might I add.  No more than 50 fans were in attendance, keeping the experience very intimate.  Love those types of scenarios.  Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Big Sean, I mingled with some of the Power crew. Dope people.  Okay, love you guys but back to the main attraction…

*enter big sean*

The Cruz Show team asked Sean various questions about his new album “I Decided” (go out and cop that / stream it if you haven’t already – fire) and about him as an artist and person.  Fans were also given the chance to ask questions.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again and not knowing him personally, Big Sean seems to be one of the most humble and real people out there.  Especially as a rapper, that is very refreshing to witness and makes me like and appreciate him that much more.  He also seems very respectful, level-headed, and seems to be all about positivity.  I mean, read my Tweet in my header image.  When he said that, my heart and mind were instantly full.

One fan in particular asked about the competition / comparing himself to other artists. Snippets of his answer below.  And what’s even better is this advice can translate to your life. Take it in!

“Once you feel good on the inside, you’ll feel good on the outside.”

“In the race of life, you’re only going to slow down when you look at them.”  [“them” referring to everyone else]

“Don’t compare yourself.  They’re not you.”

Much respect for Sean Don.

Shout out again to Power 106 and specifically Ashley for the invite.  She’s funny AF so follow her.  And if you live in LA, you best keep your ears open because this isn’t the first VIP Experience they’ve hosted.  Listen to Power for your chance to win and go to the next one.  I mean, it can get you a picture like this…

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Teaser: SZA – “CTRL”

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Okay, I’m going to need SZA to drop her debut album CTRL right now.  It was supposed to drop on February 3, but it either got pushed back or that was never the confirmed release date.

Well, until we get a for real date, you have to check out this website she launched that includes a vlog with new music.

Check it here:  https://szactrl.com

[my thoughts]

  • The music sounds dope.
  • Loving the creativity and authenticity behind this.
  • It’s interactive – love!
  • Not knowing too much about SZA, from the video, she seems cool AF, and I need new music from her now.

If you aren’t familiar with her, she was featured on the first track off of Rihanna’s last album, ANTI.

Listen below.

Hope yinz are having a great Tuesday!  The sun is finally starting to come back out over here on the West Coast.  I didn’t sign up for this constant rain!!

serge out!

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*header image credit kanyetothe.com

OVO Sound Radio – Episode 37

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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 –

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?

Hope everyone is having an epic Saturday!

serge out!

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Review: Big Sean – “I Decided”

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Yassss!  So excited for Big Sean’s 4th studio album.  I had the opportunity to preview the album last night at his listening party in LA (thanks to Beats by Dre and DefJam).  And dang was it good.  We were encouraged to not post anything until the album officially came out, so thank goodness dropped the following day.  Everyone needs to hear this!

Okay, the review –

Intro | Nice little one minute intro to get this thing started.  It definitely sets the mood and gets the fans ready for what’s about to come.  The speaking also makes you question what this album will be about.

Light ft. Jeremih | And a beautiful transition right into the second track featuring the talented Jeremih.  Since we’re at the very beginning of the album, I’m a fan how this track focuses on Big Sean’s lyrics and voice.  There’s no music overpowering the two.  I like this approach for the album kickoff… you have to lead up to the bigger moments!  This track is almost like the Intro, Pt. 2.  I dig it.

Bounce Back | This song is fire!  Love that it’s at the top of the tracklist.  I woke up in beast mooooode.  You and I already know this song is amazing.  This is the Big Sean we all know and love.  You can bounce to it and rap along to it.  The ending of this song might be my favorite.  “Is you a real one?”  And the ending beat.  Dope.

No Favors ft. Eminem | The music on this.  Ultimate.  You can tell it’s leading up to something epic or someone epic aka Eminem.  The rap master himself.  In 8th grade I wrote a poem that I wanted to see Eminem in concert – have yet to do that.  Eminem’s voice has this boss sound to it.  Empowerment.  You can do anything.  Strong.  I’m typing this literally as I listen to the music.  And the creepy piano sounds make it that much more EPIC.  Yeah, we’ve all been waiting for this one.

Jump Out the Window | Wowwww.  This beat!!!  And the quick pause right before he goes into the lyrics.  “Your time was the only thing I wished was mine.”  What a lyric.  Definitely one of my favorites on this album.

Moves | I LOVE THIS SONG.  THE BEAT IS ULTIMATE.  While it’s one of the shorter tracks on the album coming in at 2:22min, it’s two minutes and 22 seconds of pure vibes.  Could I ask for anything more?  And if you haven’t seen the music video, watch it here.

Same Time, Pt. 1 (ft. TWENTY88) |  Another short track.  But I feel this is so because it’s listed as Pt. 1.  I don’t like assuming things, but I feel as if Pt. 2 may appear on either a Jhene Aiko project or on a second TWENTY88 project.  Wherever it appears next, I’m ready for it.  Their voices go together so well.  Magic.

Owe Me | “The smile on your face the only thing I can’t read.”  WOW.  This song keeps the vibe of the album going.  And Big Sean tells it like it is on this one.  I’m here for it.  And knowing that the next track is “Halfway Off the Balcony,” which we’ve already been blessed with, “Owe Me” is a great lead into it.  It’s a good transition, sound wise.

Halfway Off the Balcony | Out of “Bounce Back,” “Moves,” and this track – all songs he dropped before the album – this one is always stuck in my head.  So catchy.  In a good way!  “Chemistry means way more than anatomy.”  Hello.  Where are all these boys who think this way?  DM me if you know.

Voices In My Head / Stick To the Plan | I remember this song from the listening party.  Everyone was VIBING to it.  I love the switch up – the fact Metro Boomin produced this makes it even better.  And I like how “Metro Boomin want some more” doesn’t happen until the switch up.  And you’ll notice the tempo of the song picks up in “Stick To the Plan.”  Fire.  This song for me is motivation.  For what?  I don’t really know, but it just sounds like it.  And the ending… I hear you, Big Sean!

Sunday Morning Jetpack ft. The-Dream | Okay, this song is beautiful.  I first heard this when he premiered it on SNL a few Saturdays ago.  I’m glad he dropped this particular track by performing it live.  While all the songs are meaningful to Big Sean, I feel like this track is one of the more special ones, and you could tell that by watching him perform.  A rap song with real meaning – yes, please.

Inspire Me | This song was inspired by his mom.  During his listening party, she was not only there, but she was front and center when this track played.  She sat right next to her son with the biggest smile on her face.  It was really heartwarming to witness.  You definitely had a few “aww” moments in the crowd.

Sacrifices ft. Migos | Banger alert.  It’s pretty safe to say that any track with Migos featured on it is probably going to get you pumped up.  I’m sort of surprised this track is in between “Inspire Me” and “Bigger Than Me” – two songs that are more mellow and have a more serious meaning.  Not mad about it, but I feel like after hearing “Sacrifices,” I want the album to keep going with the fire.  On to the last track!

Bigger Than Me ft. The Flint Chozen Choir & Starrah | Okay, can we please acknowledge that Big Sean is always showing love and support for his home state that is Michigan?  I love it.  As an avid supporter of my hometown, I can relate to this and respect those who show constant love for and SUPPORT of where they came from.  What a beautiful way to end an album.  And a rap album of all things!

Overall Big Sean has grown so much as an artist over the past few years, and that is especially apparent on this album.  While I was selfishly hoping for an 18-track album, the above 14 songs satisfy my hunger for new music from the Detroit native.

So big props to Sean and his team on this one.  Go and support, yinz!  You can download on iTunes or stream on Apple Music.

Want to watch my review?  Check that here.

serge out!

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VIDEO: Big Sean – “Moves”

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Directed by Mike Carson, peep the visuals for Big Sean’s hot track “Moves” below.  It’s seriously one of my favorites off the album.  And his dance moves are giving me life.  A little Drake inspired, yeah?

Check it below!  What do you think?

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2016IXTEEN Gave Me the Most Life

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On December 31, 2015, I was sitting on the beach in Hermosa reflecting on the past year and writing a list of goals for the following year.  Today, December 31, 2016, I’m sitting at home in Pittsburgh, PA doing the same thing – sans the beach.

To kick-off 2016 and with inspiration from Karen Civil, I started a blessing jar.  What is a blessing jar?  It’s a jar, of any kind (feel free to decorate it!), where every time something positive happens to you throughout the year, you write that moment on a notecard, date it, and drop it into your jar.  At the end of the year, dump out your jar and see all of the epic things you’ve accomplished and been a part of during the year.  This is my first time doing a blessing jar, and I’ve actually kept up with it – see below!

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So needless to say, 2016 has been a GREAT freaking year for me.

The biggest highlight in 2016?  Getting a new job.  Holy smokes, I can’t even begin to explain my excitement with this one.  My #1 goal for 2016 was to get a new job.  And even better, this new job doesn’t even feel like work.  I would always get SO jealous of those who said that and wondered if that would ever happen to me.  Well, I can say it now.  I work with creative and talented people, have met so many epic movers and shakers, and am constantly surrounded by like-minded individuals.  I can actually hold conversations with my coworkers about the new Migos or Drake track and they know what I’m talking about.  It’s the little things.  Very, very happy.  Shout out @airmikey.

And three additional epic moments this year would have to be my 27th birthday, sitting in the 10th row at the last night of the Summer Sixteen tour in LA, and being invited to and attending the Live Civil Brunch.

27TH BIRTHDAY
Reunited with friends (minus Mandy – she gets her own weekend during the 4th <3) (and not sure where Pelke is…typicalllll)

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SUMMER SIXTEEN TOUR
More life with friends

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LIVE CIVIL BRUNCH
Networked with new friends

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But really.  This year has been so so great and for those of you who say 2016 was the worst and needs to go away, how do you think 2017 will be any different?  Yes there were a lot of shitty things that happened in the world, but TBH shitty things will happen every year.  So all you can really do is focus on you and do things that make you happy.  That will help to push and block out the negativity.

So for me personally in 2017, I will continue to do the following –

  • Do things that make me happy with people who make me happy
  • Be selfish – sounds terrible but I only have to take care of myself so this is the time to do as much as I can
  • Attend even more concerts and listening parties

And a few new things –

  • Be more thoughtful and proactive when it comes to those in my life
  • Refinance my school loans (v. important)
  • Step away from all negative energy.  Ain’t no time from that.

What are you going to continue to work on?  Try something new?  Make a blessing jar?  Do it!

Wishing all of yinz a safe, healthy, and happy start to 2017.  Now to whip up a quick top album and concert post from 2016…

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New Music From The Weeknd… Tonight

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UPDATE 9:07PM PST: What did I think of the tracks?  I like “Party Monster” better than “I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk).”  “Party Monster” was way more vibes and “I Feel It Coming” was like trying too hard to be vibes.  Although I did enjoy the Michael Jackson sound of that track but not my favorite.  Which one was your fave?  Or did you love both?

UPDATE 8:36PM PST: The new tracks are finally here! I’m about to listen for the first time myself so who don’t yinz do the same?  I’ll be back with my thoughts post-listen.  But if you can’t wait for that, tune into my Snap right now (ergense) and watch a live reaction.  Yeeeee.

Here!

Okay yinz, we are getting closer to two new tracks (“Party Monster” and “I Feel It Coming”) from The Weeknd’s upcoming album Starboy.

He took to Twitter about six hours ago and posted the following –screen-shot-2016-11-17-at-4-31-39-pm

While we stay waiting, peep the tracklist below.  The fact he has a song with Kendrick and another with Future sort of blows my mind… in the best way possible.

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Can’t wait!

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New Music From The Weeknd… Tomorrow

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Earlier today, The Weeknd took to Instagram to let us know that he will be releasing two additional tracks from Starboy tomorrow.  I’m really looking forward to these.  Well, it’s actually a little bittersweet because I want to be surprised with ALL the tracks once the entire project drops but at the same time, I’m not complaining.

I don’t know what to expect from both tracks seeing as ‘Starboy’ and ‘False Alarm’ were both pretty different from one another.  Oh well – guess we’ll have to wait and listen tomorrow.

Track art below!

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Starboy is set to release on November 25 aka next Friday aka Black Friday aka I have off that day. So you can more than likely expect a realtime review :).

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