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Black Milk, “Don Cornelius” A lot of time has passed since Detroit producer/emcee Black Milk’s 2008 LP Tronic, but fortunately, he keeps fans laced with new songs to satiate them in the meantime. “Don Cornelius” showcases the melodic, sample-based sound that helped Black make a name for himself, with witty lines (“everybody wants to...
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This week’s edition of “New Tune Thursdays” features new offerings from Kanye West, one of the city’s premier rhyme spitters, and an international anthem from one of the greatest musicians of our generation. Kanye West feat. Dwele, “Power” After months away from the limelight, the Kanye returns as a refined version of the producer/emcee/personality...
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First of all, I apologize to readers for the lapse between posts; as a reward for your loyalty, check SpeechIsMyHammer.com for a giveaway of a limited edition Erykah Badu/Good Wood NYC necklace. But this Rap Rehab took a lot out of me. I knew it would be taxing to not listen to my favorite...
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In the first Music Wednesdays since Rap Rehab, I cover songs from two of Michigan’s most promising young emcees, and from the new face of electronic music. Big Sean “What U Doin (BULL$#!@ING)” (prod. The Olympicks) Detroit native Big Sean has done a commendable job of using his rhyme skills and his Kanye West...
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Before BJ The Chicago Kid’s performance at Michigan State University, he released a special mixtape that paired previous songs with skits shouting out his MSU ticket buyers. But the 27-year-old singer/songwriter has made a career out of paying attention to detail: he’s logged recording and performance time with legends like Stevie Wonder, Kanye West,...
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I wrote this entry on Day 8 of my #RapRehab treatment, but I just realized that I didn’t post it here. I asked for a doctor recently, because I’ve been having an allergic reaction to my prescriptions of new music: I subconsciously tune out many lyrics that aren’t rap. On many of the albums...
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In today’s edition of #RapRehab #MusicMondays, I start to make a dent into the recommendations that my readers have recommended. Read below for reviews on the album that defined “neo-soul,” a 1974 sleeper that re-earthed this year, and another 70s gem that’s made a spot on my permanent playlist. D’Angelo, Voodoo I usually hate the term...
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Good news and bad news, Urbane readers. The bad news is that, as you see, I wasn’t able to follow through with a #MusicMondays post earlier this week. I had an allergic reaction to my #RapRehab medication, and I ended up at the hospital for a few days. I’m fine now, but just wanted...
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Today’s #MusicMonday keeps up my stay at Rap Rehab by foraying into pop, funk, and R&B. Check below for a 17-minute free download from the funk leader of one of music’s most prestigious indie labels, a Swedish quartet’s carefree single, and a Detroit R&B singer’s attempt to connect with hip-hop crowds like yours truly....
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On Thursday, I began what many of my friends thought was an April Fool’s joke: I entered into Rap Rehab, during which I won’t listen to any hip-hop music* for one month. While I must admit that these first four days have been tough, it’s been fantastic to finally embrace other genres of music...
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Hello. I’m William E. Ketchum III, and I’m a rap addict. Let me explain. After my mother died of cancer when I was a child, listening to No Way Out and seeing Sean “Diddy” Combs—of all people—go through the same emotional highs and lows from his best friend passing stopped me from attempting suicide. Hip-hop has...
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Today’s post sees songs from a member of Eminem’s multi-platinum certified group D12, the producer behind some of Jay-Z’s most memorable songs, and one of the most exciting fresh faces in R&B. Janelle Monáe feat. Big Boi, “Tight Rope” Janelle Monáe is acclaimed for her energetic live performances, and “Tight Rope” sounds like a...
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