Album Review Catch-Up, Part 1

05.14.09

There has been so much music coming out over the past few months that I’ve been neglecting a lot of album reviews for the simple fact that I don’t have a whole lot of time. By the time I finally sit down to do an album writeup, there’s 4 or 5 other albums that have my interest. It’s a blessing and a curse to live in this digital age, as we have so much great music right at our fingertips, but not enough time to digest and enjoy it before something new comes along. This especially a problem for someone like me, who loves collecting EVERYTHING. So for the sake of catching up with myself and saving myself time in the future (although a few of these reviews I have half-done already, but am scrapping in favor of this format), here is part one of all of the albums fit for coverage – now in bite size:

Music Video: Raekwon, New Wu [ft. Method Man & Ghostface Killah]

04.30.09

Song: New Wu [ft. Method Man & Ghostface Killah]
Artist: Raekwon
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II
Label: Icewater / EMI Records
Producer: unknown
Notes: 1st single from LP
Analysis: Originally leaked earlier this year as ‘Wu Oooh’, ‘New Wu’ now gets the official release under a new name but with the same heavy sound.The video’s pretty low budget, just the guys rapping with some chickenhead hoochies dancing around, and a loosely weaved-in drug storyline. But man, all three of these guys have been on a roll this year with everything they’ve put out or appeared on. There hasn’t been one weak verse between any of them. ‘New Wu’ might be the cream of the ‘09 Wu-Tang crop though.

The New Classics Mixtape [March 2009]: Download

03.31.09

No artwork for this month’s tape, at least not yet. My time’s been real limited lately, but I managed to whip up a new Mixtape for whoever would like it. A few artists appear twice this go-round, but everything’s (2) legit + quality shit. This tape is also special because it features several tracks that haven’t even been reviewed yet here at The New Classics. Trust me when I say that this is the best mixtape so far from the site. Best 20 songs released in the month of March in the year of Two Thousand and Nine, in no particular order besides a transitional one:

Download> The.New.Classics.MiXTAPE_march.2009_

New Music: Jadakiss, Cartel Gathering [ft. Ghostface Killah & Raekwon]

03.31.09

Song: Cartel Gathering [ft. Ghostface Killah & Raekwon]
Artist: Jadakiss
Album: The Last Kiss
Label: Roc-A-Fella / Def Jam
Producer: Swiv B & DJ Eddie F
Notes: none
Analysis: This is a dream collaboration for many hip hop fans, and every bit as good as you would expect.

The New Classics Mixtape [February 2009]: Download

Ain’t dead yet…
Hit the jump for the tracklist, download link, and information on the future of the site:

Best Music for the week of 01.26.09-02.01.09

In terms of volume, it was another slow week, but if we’re talking quality, it was probably the best week for individual songs all year so far. Even this week’s worst song honors goes to a song that in actuality wasn’t that bad. Unfortunately, there were no album releases this week, aside from a mixtape by U-N-I (Before There Was Love), which I was unable to review this week but promise that I will get it up in the next few days. Trying to stay strong into February, and looking forward to all of this month’s releases, including Mos Def, Thursday, …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead, Morrissey, B-Real, Vetiver, Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, and one of my favorite rappers Joe Budden. Be good, and enjoy the Superbowl today. Click the link for the lists.

New Music: Q-Tip, Renaissance Rap (Remix) [ft. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne]

01.29.09

Song: Renaissance Rap (Remix) [ft. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne]
Artist: Q-Tip
Album: The Renaissance*
Label: Universal Motown
Producer: Q-Tip
Notes: *not actually on album
Analysis: I’ve already talked about my undisputed love for The Renaissance, so it should come as no surprise that I am declaring ‘Renaissance Rap (Remix)’ as the best hip hop song of the month. You should already know what the beat sounds like, but if you’re still sleeping on that album, I will fill you in.

New Music: Raekwon, Criminology 2 [ft. Ghostface Killah]

01.28.09

Song: Criminology 2 [ft. Ghostface Killah]
Artist: Raekwon
Album: Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II
Label: unknown
Producer: unknown
Notes: none
Analysis: They don’t make MC’s like Raekwon & Ghostface no more.