Album Covers: Big Pun

The Original & Alternate covers to all of Big Pun's solo albums.

Capital Punishment

Yeeeah Baby

Endangered Species

-Dont Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Music: Grieves & Budo - 88 Keys & Counting

          I picked up 88 Keys & Counting because I saw Budo's name on it.  I had no idea who Grieves was at the time, but after listening to it I went out and bought Irreversible. (His first album and marked my calender for Together/Apart release too.)  For the past month Gwenevieve is the first song I put on when I get in my car.  The album is mostly about lost love and loneliness. (I like that emo shit, if you haven't noticed.)
          The title refers to the number of keys on a piano/keyboard adding that they are counting more.  (Like saying it's something you've never heard before.)  I love these kind of projects, where the album is composed  completely by one artist and one producer.  It makes for a more personal record (regardless of the subject matter) and this is no exception.  88 Keys & Counting lets you look at the world through the eyes of someone fighting off their inner demons.  Though dark and depressing, hope can still be found.


Gems (Top Three)


1.)Gwenevieve - Track #7
In this song Grieves describes a girl who is giving up on happiness.  She really believes it wasn't meant for her and becomes numb to the world.  He's bothered by her outlook on life.  He asks himself whether he should passively dismiss it with a smile or help her with her burden.  He points out that she is the reason things are the way they are.  Her negative outlook keeps people at bay, truly keeping her away from happiness.  Though not directly stated in the song, the message I got from it is that we are in control of our lives and life is what you make it.  What will you make yours?

2.)Nature Vs. Nurture - Track #9
The title says it all.  Nature Vs. Nurture is the question that asks; what makes us - Us?  I think Grieves uses it to ask; what broke us?  I'm not sure if he means depression or insanity, but either way there's no true answer.  No real cause or culprit that can be blamed and avoided.  There's no moment when you become depress or insane.  It's like a seed that slowly grows till it becomes this truth you can't argue with but can't accept.

3.)Dead In The Water - Track #5
Here he talks to an ex girlfriend after the relationship has ended.  Hurt by how things turned out he asks; "what did you want from me?"  The question, if considered implies he didn't want this.  He wanted things to be better.  It further suggest that she only wanted to hurt him.  This (for me) is confirmed when he tells her at the end of each verse; "You got a problem."  In hindsight he sees all the things she done, though he describes them through metaphors that clearly portrayed her intentions.  In the last line he says.  "I hope you find what your looking for and leave."  Which to me is kind of like saying this will never make you happy but don't look to me when you realize that.

-Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Album Covers: Eminem

The Original & Alternate covers to all of Eminem's solo albums.

Infinite

The Slim Shady EP

The Slim Shady LP

The Marshall Mathers LP

The Eminem Show

Encore

Relapse

Recovery

-Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Music: Macklemore - The Language Of My World

          The Language Of My World is thought by most Macklemore fans to be his first release (it isn't).  This album is hip-hop at it's purest.  Out of the nineteen tracks (the Intro doesn't count) there are ten that I consider unskipable.  I expect less than a 4th of songs from albums to be gems. The other nine are good, but not my cup of tea.  With that said it was really difficult for me to pick three to share with you.  I was almost tempted to add a bonus. 
            He's a Seattle-based emcee.  His style is very different from the East, West, and South coast (even though Seattle is in the West). Here he covers topics such as: homelessness, racism, the war in Iraq, class-ism, drug use, love, and the immaturity we had as high school students.  The beats on this album were amazing.  I'm not sure who all the producer are, but I've been following Budo, who (did The Magic - Track #13) has a uqnie style of his own.  Overall, it's a very well thought out effort from Macklemore, who seems to be (like wine) getting better with time.  If you like The Roots, Mos Def, Common or early Kanye then you've got to check out this album.

Gems (Top Three)

1.) Hold Your Head Up Ft. Xperiance - Track #6

It's (as the title suggests) about staying positive, no matter how grim things are.  It focuses on how relationships grow apart and the strength needed to accept that.  Macklemore puts pure hearted poetry (it's more then rap) to a mellow semi-jazz beat, an immaculate combination. The chorus is sung by Xperiance, who's voice sounds like someone who just realize how to deal with the pain and is passing that along to you. Definitely good cruise music. Life goes on is the message here, but it won't be understood until you've lived it or until you've lost some friends for no reason at all.

2.) Contradiction - Track #17

It's about being aware of being a hypocrite, but trying not to be.  I find it very interesting how he developed this concept.  In the first verse he holds a conversation with a female fan who's calling him out on his shit.  The second verse is traditional to a point, that he's speaking directly to you, but you can argue that he's still talking to her.  We're not perfect and most of us talk a big talk, but actions speak louder then words. There's a fine line between saying it and living it, Which side are you on?

3.) As Soon As I Wake Up By Step Cousins (Macklemore & Xperience) - Track #19
This is a great feel good song.  Both artist go back and forth spitting poems full of pure positivity.  The song doesn't have a focal point, instead it branches out treading lightly in each verse.  It never loses momentum or that "make you smile" energy.  The beat is very light (innocent in a sense) complementing the verses flawlessly.  By the end, you can't help but have a better outlook on life.

-Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Music: CunninLynguists - Strange Journey Volume One

          Strange Journey Volume One is the third mixtape (Pretty much was an album) released by the CunninLynguists. With four true albums (That's 7 for you mathematicians.) under their belts, they are in true bloom.  No longer needing to "prove something" or "make a name" they take their artistic vision and run with it.  This was my first impression because this was the first album I got from them.  It was the cover art and the title that pulled me in and made me put down the cash for it. (It happens and I'm definitely not disappointed)

          I guess the reason it's considered a mixtape is because neither of the CunninLynguist rappers appear on some songs. (Though they are still produced by Kno.)  Just because it's categorized as a mixtape; don't think that this is in any way a half-assed effort.  Kno's beats captures (Or sets) the emotion carried by the album, while  Deacon and Natti cleverly convey their thoughts on a wide range of topics. To me the overall theme is the struggles of couping with the human condition. (I might be wrong.) The fear of death and the search for purpose. These are the fundamental aspects of the human condition that plague me and yet I find joy in the simplest things like holding hands, creating and appreciating art. Sorry, sometimes I get lost in my own thoughts, but this is life and it is a strange journey.

Gems (Top Three)


1.) Die For You By Mr. SOS - Track #9 
Okay  officially, Mr. SOS isn't part of the group, but he was before. (I don't know why he left or anything, but this song being part of the line up shows they're still on good terms.)  It's about looking for real love and once you find it how would you know it's real. After a long list of messed up relationships it's hard to believe in it anymore.  You become numb and cynical, but that hole is still there.  That longing for affection is still there and so you keep trying to find it.  So when you think you found true love just ask: What would you do if I lose my way? See what they'll say.

2.) Don't Leave (When Winter Comes) By Deacon the Villain, Slug & Natti - Track #13

The song features Slug from Atmosphere (Another great band) who definitely was an asset to the track.  Being on the road more than being home takes a toll on anyone.  These underground artist really only get by with the money they make from their shows. So they (Underground artists in general) tour more then anyone else.  This song is about home sickness and the pain of leaving love ones behind.  They do it in hopes of better tomorrows.  The female vocals at the end was like an unexpected perfect touch finishing off this great song on a powerful note.

3.) Broken Van (Thinking of You) By Deacon the Villain, Natti, Mac Lethal - Track #15

This entire song is an analogy of women (Or relationships) and cars.  It is put together really well.  If you're not paying attention you would think the song is about being broke and not being able to take care of your car.  With lines like "Neglected all the checklist, proper maintenance, spark plugs, wires the bleeding brakes and shit."  Could be taken literally or as he didn't do what he was suppose to to keep the relationship alive.  Give it a listen and you will clearly see the skill and creativity these guys have.

BONUS! The Distance By tonedeff - Track #14

This would have been #2, but tondeff isn't in the group. (I know. Technicalities.) He is a close affiliate and founder of QN5 Music. (The label the Cunninlyguists are on.)  I'm actually not clear on what this song is about.  What I take from it is a life tale of loneliness.  I know I've had that feeling, where no mater what I do things never seem to get better.  (Not in an economical sense.)  A very sad piece, but I think that's what make it so beautiful.

-Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Music: Eyedea & Abilities - First Born

          First Born is the first album of rapper Eyedea & DJ Abilities (E&A for short).  It is a concept album dealing mainly with depression and the edge of insanity.  The album questions what's real and (the big question) what does it all mean.  Putting forth that our minds reject signals it's givien that don't fit with it's form of understanding. Claiming that our perception of whats real isn't, simply because we don't experience everything that is going on around us.  These thoughts are most clearly stated on Powered Water Too (Part One).  
          It's perfect for people who feel they are more aware or more conscious than everyone around them.  People who ask themselves. "Am I going insane?" or "Is everyone else insane?"  E&A say that it is not insanity but the ultimate reality, and I agree with them.


Gems (Top Three)


1.) A Murder Of Memories - Track #8
It is a story about an old man who was sent to war when he was 18.  It shows his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and how the war has affected him.  The guilt of what he has done drives him to drink.  He can hardly sleep and when he does it's full of nightmares.  He's can't forgive himself, because he can't forget.

2.) Color My World Mine - Track #6
A story about a painter who keeps having a reoccurring nightmare. He paints himself painting himself. Claiming that it is the "only way to make himself real."  It stems from the eyedea (pun intended) that we are all works of art.  That we have been imagined by a higher being and that whatever we imagine creates life, that can in turn create more life.

3.) Birth Of A Fish - Track #3
Another story (I like story tracks) about a man who wishes he was a gold fish.  Thinking about how great it would be, because all his worries would disappear.  The fish tells him that life in the tank isn't all that he's making it to be. He then holds a conversation with his goldfish about how it's tank reminds him of his head.  By the end of the song the man has a paradigm shift which "spun his whole world around."  This song also work as a watered down explanation of what Eyedea is trying to portray in the following song, Powered Water Too.

                                                                                                    -Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Music: Samurai Champloo OST

          To make things a little more complete I thought I'd talk a little about the original sound tracks (OSTs).  They were mainly produce by Tsutchie, FORCE OF NATURE & Nujabes.  There's a mix of Jazz, J-Pop, RnB and (of course) Hip-Hop. All the songs used in the show perfectly depicted the emotion of the scenes.  So when you listen to the OST alone you can't help but feel.  Without the show or vocals on the tracks you can sit there and think, which then could lead you to a sort of introspective look at yourself and life. These OSTs are good for cruise music when your in your car or a smooth back drop when you have company over. (I've learned through experience that not all music without vocals can help promote conversation, some are disruptive.) Check out this guys blog Here. He did a real thorough job on covering OSTs. 

I hope you don't consider this rambling but I felt I had to recommend some music from the OST. Here's my top three;

1.) Obokuri Eeumi (Obtain Bearing) By Ikue Asazaki

The number one song for me isn't even on any of the sound tracks. To be honest I was surprised when it wasn't, because this song was used in such an important scene in the series. Either which way it's my number one. It is considered folk but it is a very emotional piece.  Even though I don't understand her words this song moved me.  It is very hard to explain, but once you hear it  you can clearly see how music is the universal language.   

2.) You by Kazami  (Produce by Tsutchie) on the Samurai Champloo Music Record - Masta OST.
This is one of those song I will get laughed at for liking, but it's a really good song.  Kazami sings in English and (what I assume is) Japanese.  (It's the English that gets my balls busted.) If I remember correctly it was used for the end credits of a single episode. Very self empowering and cherishing every moment type of song.

3.) Mystline by Nujabes (No Vocals) on the Samurai Champloo Music Record - Departure OST.
With me telling you how great the non-vocal tracks are, I kind of find it funny that it was the last of my top three. Nonetheless, It is a perfect example of the thought provoking power behind these songs.  Simple & Smooth, but never boring.

BONUS! Obokuri Eeumi (Obtain Bearing) Remix by AfroBeat Productions
Not an official song that's on any OST but this guy is a talented producer from Saint Louis. He messes with Anime OST as well as Video Game OST to make remix versions. All his remixes can hold their own when compared to their original counter part. Afro in pure Champloo Style mixed it up to produce this Hip-Hop version of Obtain Bearing without losing the tranquility and essence that made the original number one. (In my list)

                                                                                                    -Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy

Couldn't Wait - Anime Review: Samurai Champloo

          Any one who knows me knows, I'm a music lover and an anime junkie.  With that said if you haven't heard of or seen Samurai Champloo; I definitely recommend you pick it up, watch it on Netflix, rent it, borrow it, what ever. It's (as the name implies) about samurai's.  It take place in Japan during the edo period.  What catches my attention is how Shinichirō Watanabe incorporated Hip-Hop elements to the characters and overall story.  For example the fighting style of Mugen which strongly resembles break dancing and the score being produce by Japanese Hip-Hop producers. 
          Each episode in the series was so well written (IMO) that they could be watched in any order and can stand alone.  The reason is that the driving force of the over all show was to search for "the samurai who smells of sunflowers"  Which has our heroes bouncing from place to place trying to track him down.  Their adventure is very similar to someone back packing through Europe (or any foreign country) because they are shown struggling with money, not having enough to eat or sleep at town inns.  Which forces them to do odd jobs to get by so they can move on.  
          The show also has a human element to it.  With themes like loneliness, sex trade, death, homosexuality, surviving your children, hard upbringing, sacrifice (Etc.), but there are positive tones here too like family, honor, love, free will, and following your heart.  This well Champloo (mix) made this show great and one of my personal favorites.

-Don't Just Be A Robot, Be Happy