Music Video: Rick Ross, All I Really Want [ft. The-Dream]

05.06.09

Song: All I Really Want [ft. The-Dream]
Artist: Rick Ross
Album: Deeper Than Rap
Label: Def Jam
Producer: Tricky Stewart
Notes: 2nd single from LP
Analysis: ‘All I Really Want’ is one of the “meh” tracks off of Deeper Than Rap, although not the worst by far (‘Face’, ‘Miami Mami’ & ‘Bossy Lady’ all tie for that accomplishment). But it has it’s drunk-at-the-bar type of benefits, and I can respect and appreciate that. The video is actually surprisingly beautiful, as it was shot on-location in Colombia, not to mention the bikini’d women. ‘All I Really Want’ is a decent R&B track; it’s not going to have a lot of staying power or lasting effect for years to come, but for-the-moment music is the business that Rick Ross thrives in.

The New Classics Mixtape [April 2009]: Download

05.03.09

A few days late, but here it is. No artwork again, but I’m pretty sure most of you don’t care so I’m not going to bother unless I get complaints. It’s all about the music anyway, here’s April’s top 20. It’s springtime, people.

Download> The.New.Classics.Mixtape_april.2009

New Music: Rick Ross, I Really Want [ft. Tricky Stewart]

03.15.09

Song: I Really Want [ft. Tricky Stewart]
Artist: Rick Ross
Album: Deeper Than Rap
Label: Def Jam Records
Producer: Tricky Stewart
Notes: none
Analysis: ‘I Really Want’ is so far the weakest track off of Deeper Than Rap.

Music Video: Rick Ross, Magnificent [ft. John Legend]

03.08.09

Song: Magnificent [ft. John Legend]
Artist: Rick Ross
Album: Deeper Than Rap
Label: Def Jam Records
Producer: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Notes: 1st single from LP
Analysis: I’m still loving this song, and just as I predicted, the weather is getting nicer just as the video drops. I can’t help but think that this is a song that Biggie would be doing, were he alive today. That’s not to compare Ross to Big, as there is absolutely no comparison there, but ‘Magnificent’ has the same vibe to me as a ‘Sky’s the Limit’ or a ‘The World is Filled…’ type of song. As for the video, it’s very by-the-numbers (drinking champagne, living the good life, etc.), and John Legend is very out of place in this video hanging around with Ross’ dirty looking goons. But Ross’ videos never were as creative as Biggie’s, and no one has ever accused him of keeping company with talented people (*looking at Khaled*). Legend adds a much-needed level of class to the track/music video and the song certainly benefits from it.

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.

The New Classics Mixtape [January 2009]: Download

It’s been a good month. Tracklisting here, download after the jump.

New Music: Rick Ross, Magnificent [ft. John Legend]

01.30.09

Song: Magnificent [ft. John Legend]
Artist: Rick Ross
Album: Deeper Than Rap
Label: Def Jam Records
Producer: J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League
Notes: 1st single from LP
Analysis: Once spring hits, this is my favorite type of hip hop; the kind you can just cruise around to and never get tired of. It’s still January, but we can’t hold that against Ricky Ross on this one.

New Music: Rick Ross, Mafia Music

01.24.09

Song: Mafia Music
Artist: Rick Ross
Album: Deeper Than Rap
Label: Def Jam Records
Producer: The Inkredibles
Notes: none
Analysis: I like Rick Ross; he somehow manages to have a unique and familiar style at the same time, and has definitely surpassed my expectations of him since ‘Hustlin’ came out. So naturally, I’ve been anticipating Deeper Than Rap since it was announced, but after hearing it’s street single, ‘Mafia Music’ has me feeling underwhelmed.