#Jeen-yuhs

[ethan---ng]

gud mornin'

[cato-of-blamesociety]

32 Weeks Tracklist/Song Picks pt. 3 (weeks 17-24)

How/Why did I choose/chose to use the songs I did

*Full breakdown, updated in real time(weekly)*

17. Killer Mike ft. El-P, thankugoodsir x Don't Let The Devil

I have always respected Killer Mike as an artist and I a few years back respected his political endeavors. Mike has never let me down lyrically when I heard him on features. Honestly, though I respect him, I never really got into his music. I did at one point either last year or the year prior, check out his album "R.A.P. Music" and I started listening to the RTJ series. His vocal presence is one of a kind. I have this thing where I feel that an artist's recorded voice really determines if I want to hear them. There are several emcees that I just can't get into due their voices not being conducive to my ears. Mike and El-P have amazing deliveries. In June (2023) Killer Mike drops 'Michael' and I knew from the very first listen that this album is/would be a classic. I listened to it on repeat for a week. Andre 3000 makes an appearance on my favorite track "Scientist & Engineers". I actually have many songs on this album I f*ck with: "Something for the junkies", "Motherless", "Slummer", "Talk'n that shit", and "Run". In June, I was nearing the end of writing for #32weeks, and I was having a hard time (as usual) finding a beat. I knew I wanted to incorporate some instrumentals from this album. I truly wanted to use "Scientist & Engineers" but I didn't feel as eccentric as Dre, and the intro before the beat drops, was too long lol. Instead, I landed on "Don't Let The Devil'. I had this melody in my head that came when vibing to beat. It becomes those opening lines "Tell me, do you smell me? That's peace of mind, and deep patchouli" (the fragrance oil I have been wearing since my early 20's) and it led me to to rhyme Halle Berry. Then I went on a tangent to try an remember where did I hear "almost went Eric Benet....never do Eric Benet" and then I remember it's Jay Z's line from "Kill Jay Z". After I complete the comparisons, I launch into some metaphors that to this day are some of my favorites on this project. I used one more instrumental from this album, but I will share when it's time. Hope you enjoy the track!

18. Pusha T ft. Jay Z, Pharrell x Neck and Wrist Don't Lie

If there is one thing you can guarantee from Push, when he releases a project, not only will the album but fire, but he usually has a great knack for themes/motifs/stories, but dude is soooo creative at giving the listener "dope" lines. Like when I want to hear a rapper speak about cocaine...I usually prefer Pusha. His wordplay, and metaphors are immaculate when it especially outlines hustling/moving coke. Which is why I didn't even hesitate, as soon as "Almost Dry" came out, I was all over it. The beats, the cadence, and stories made that project amazing. going into #32WeeksMixtape, I quickly understood that I wanted use a beat from his album. So many good ones, "Brambleton", "Dreaming of a Past"(Donnie's sample gives me chills and makes me tear up each time I hear this come on...), "Just So You Remember"(reminds of a movie that I can't recall the title of..), "Diet Coke"(only I can have a snow fight...damn fire) "Rock N Roll"(Ye and Cudi...c'mon man what else you what) "Scrape it off"...basically you see the problem...all of them are hot. I just kept coming back to "Neck and Wrist Don't Lie". This one just was more so my cadence/vibe. The first line that came to me one while airing the beat on repeat "Roll around the South side, stereo banging.." That bar lead to talking about my Orgone pendant. Then I flowed into the idea of talkign about my wife...I couldn't resist...which is a reference to the track before (week 17) where I mention my smell/colgne/oils I wear are Patchouli and Peace of Mind. AFter knocking out those lines, I got into a string of drug based lines, which are derived from the "cooking" analogy. After I got to "Rappy Mason", I got stuck again. But then we changed gears and I wanted highlight that I admire Dolph and Nipsey for their business ventures and I too would love B.L.A.M.E to be a company/brand that I run and nothing else. I want to be the boss. Anyway I hope you enjoy the visuals. I love when things don't straight away make sense, this makes us think harder, and even ask questions. So please feel free to comment on here or on the video with questions or thoughts!

19. Vince Staples x Rose Street

YOOOOO!!! In case you don't know, Vince's "Ramona Park Broke My Heart" album is just incredible. I will do my best to keep this brief...🤞🏾. Ok, first off this album dropped last April (2022). I had been wishing on a another album from Vince because "Vince Staples" (self titled) was lit. Anyway, a few days or weeks, honestly I have no clue, it is posted that Vince was to do a "live" or streamed version of the album via Moment House in May of that year. I was soooo geeked. I had missed the ONE concert that came to St. Louis in Feb 2022. It was the "Call Me If You Get Lost Tour". My wife and I did want to see Vince, but since he wasn't headlining...(and since this is before my indoctrination of Tyler, the Creator's music), we decided against it. 😢😒 My dumbass. haha. Anyway, I had selected the Monday, May 2, for our viewing. I was enchanted that entire show. I f*ck with Vince because of his musical ability, but really for his art that surrounds it. His videos are always sharing a message about class/race/violence/dangers of the music show business. "Ramona Park Broke My Heart" has some dope tracks. Like literally I can't really just list a few...but I will try my hardest. Ok.."When Sparks Fly', gave me hella chills. He basically makes you think off the bat that he is talking to his woman...and then he immediately pulls the rug out from under you. *plot twist* lol. This song reminds me of Nas' 'I gave you power'. I don't want to ruin the surprise, if you don't know, you have to listen to both songs and witness the greatness both artists display on these tracks. The other favorite that truly sticks to my mind, mainly due to the production is "Rose Street"(the skit right before it IS POWERFUL!!). I love the idea that he states he "don't sing no love songs". That might be true regarding women, but "When Sparks Fly" is nothing short of a love ballad. Rose Street was not the first beat I wanted to use. I think "Playa Ways", and "Lemonade "were top contenders, however, they just didn't fit the direction I was moving with #32weeksMixtape. "East Point Player" has high replay value, but was too slow for my flow. Rose Street's theme of denying love for women(or rather the idea of falling in love with women), or not being able to trust them, and being married to the streets had me wanting to flip the vibe. The chorus was the first idea that came to me, "She know we in love, all in, Us, all in, Trust, all in...I'm married to my very bestfriend. And it's gone be like that until the very end." The next thought was how to go about that topic. Out of nowhere, I was like "I will never forget the time you chose to say yes". I am so happy that I wrote about my proposal. It's one of those things that I guess I deemed sacred, and didn't want to ruin it by sharing it with the world. But as an artist I have come to realize and understand that the best music is the relatable stuff. If you have proposed to someone, you would know that universal feeling of 'what if they say no?'. I hope you enjoy, share, like, and comment on the video with your thoughts. It would be dope if people share their marriage proposals either on here or my "YouTube Channel Community Tab" . I love stuff like that. If you are reading this, thank you, I love you, and I hope you are well. 💙💙💙

20. Killer Mike ft. Young Thug, Dave Chappelle x Run

I know what you are thinking..."Bro, didn't you use a track from this album already?" YES!!! I Did!! Honestly I wanted to keep a tamper on the amount of artist I would use in the project, and came to the conclusion that I would use some artist/albums more than once. I actually wrote to "RUN" before I wrote to "Don't Let The Devil". I have already outlined why I gravitated to this album, so I want to highlight my content in this track. The verse is written in vignettes(I am uncertain if that is the correct word to use) but each section is a quick blurb about a point in my life. The first is me getting arrested...and not running. Second, was me getting stopped by an officer on my way to the school's gym to practice, and how that could have ended horribly...there were no witnesses, I was by myself, and truly at the mercy of this officer. He wasn't ignorant, but still.. you do get it....right? This was back in like 2006 or 2007. The next story is me playing on the team. I had respect and that's all I needed. I know I wasn't the best. I will talk that more around Week23. Next, I lay the summary of my foot game. I walked everywhere. That was life changing. My mama gave me freedom to visit friends, get a job, and I did it all independently so that I wouldn't have to wait or rely on others. It did get tricky in the winter, but even then, I would double up my jacket/hoodie and walk or run to work. I was serious about making my bread. I touch briefly on the emotional ways I ran from relationships. Gratefully, Erin would remain in my life even though I ran from her love all those years. The final story is me opening up about a being involved in a consensual sexual experience with 5 other people. I learned that day that exhibitionism or group sexual acts, were NOT my thing. I know for some this isn't big deal. But I was very uncomfortable. I also learned that it is ok to walk away/run from something like that. I am grateful that I didn't allow the pressure to keep me in that room that night. I remember everyone that was there...we really haven't talked in years, 2 are actually not on this plane of existence anymore. I am happy I found a way to express to this incident because it bothered me for years not getting it off my chest. With all that said, if you read all this...thank you again for listening. I hope all is well with you. I would love to hear from you. Feel free to hit my Youtube Channel, My email, or message me on here!

21. Kanye West ft. Roddy Ricch x Pure Souls

I'm gonna cut directly to the chase, the first(second, and third) time I listened to "Donda"...I didn't get it. Then I realized/learned that Donda was his mother's name. During the process of writing #32WeeksMixtape, I had already seen the Jeeny-uhs Documentary(full documentary on NETFLIX). That sh*t broke my heart. I remember hearing years ago about how much his mother poured into that boy/man. He truly felt invincible. So even though as someone who hasn't lost their mother, but has lost a father, I didn't comprehend fully his messages, but I FELT it. I knew I wanted to use a Ye beat for this project, but the issue was where would I pull from. My first instinct was to use the KIDS SEE GHOST album...so many fire tracks to use. Then I was I like, nah, maybe The Life Of Pablo---No way. I knew I couldn't live up that hype! Yeezus, though dope af, is too experimental for my style. I started clicking through Donda... Jail...OMG. I love those "guitars" in the intro, but there aren't any drums...which I prefer lol. God Breathed was a big pull, but nothing popped in my head. I think Off the Grid was a HUGE fav from this album. But again, nothing came to mind, at least nothing good. Then I heard that intro of Pure Souls, just...well you know. I am playing it right now as I write this and I am tearing up. "...and I can not sell my soul!" - fire. I sat with this beat for at least a week. I heard that "truth is what you get away huh" and it started clicking. I knew that at the top of the verse I would go into a traumatic event that happened to me during my first year as a school counselor. Not to go into too many details, but a child had nude images of themselves on their district iPad, but in a way that suggested that they did not take the photo themselves. The photos were shown to me nonchalant and something like "Look this boy got porn on his device, smh." I was the one to point out that it was the child and not an adult. THAT SH*T F*CKED ME UP!! There were several images. Protocol was violated, I did my part like I was supposed to, I did a mandated call and some more stuff. After dealing with that parent who was clearly gaslighting, hiding evidence, and was manipulative..it did a number on my psyche. Earlier in the year I had been researching about Past Life Regressions. This one guy on YouTube named Astro Einstein, was uploading his sessions with his clients and truly opened my eyes to how it could help me. One day I will share my experience more in-depth but I do talk about it on it slightly in my mixtape, week 11, Tyler, The Creator x Massa verse. Later, I was able to find a therapist to talk through it as well. I learned so much about boundaries and protecting my peace. I won't let someone violate me like this again. Anyway, I hope you rock with the song. Every time I play through the tape, after this song, comes week 22, and it always brings a sense of relief because the sequencing sets up a sort of endorphin release...you will see😉. I think those who are going through it, or just coming out of a storm, will feel the relief the most. If you are reading this still, thank you!! And if no one has told you today that they love you, motherf*cker, I do!!

22. Metro Boomin ft A$AP Rocky & Roisee x Am I Dreaming

YOOOOO!!! Ok lets go back to May of this year 2023...I don't know about you, but the sequel to the most dopest animated Spidey film was about to drop(yes I know this trailer is from Dec. 22)...but what makes this even more special...it is announced that muthaf*ckin' Metro Boomin was going to be the lead on the soundtrack. A month later, in June, the album/soundtrack is released! My wife, kids, and I had it on heavy rotation; "METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE". The whole project is fire. Some songs grew on me over time but overall amazing replay value. As you should know by now, June was heavy #32weeksMixtape writing era. I turned this on and knew I had to pick something...even though I had already used a Metro Track, "Umbrella" (from "Heroes and Villains"). "Annihilate" comes in so hot. I wanted it so bad but couldn't find a version online that sounded good enough. My next pick was "Givin' Up(Not the One)" because I think I sound as good as 21 Savage over a Metro Boomin beat. *Don't forget he is in Umbrella!*. But I felt the tempo was just slightly too slow. "Self- Love" stood out instantly however, the words just didn't come to me. OMG, I almost forgot, Danger! JID killed it, and I felt I couldn't get away from his type of flow, or do any better for that matter. This leaves me with 2 other picks that I actually land on. "Calling" & "Am I Dreaming". I will talk more about "Calling" in a few weeks. "Am I Dreaming"...those strings, they get me every f*cking time. Even now as I write this, it's playing in my earbuds. For those who haven't seen the film, which I am sure everyone has at this point, the movie's ending credits feature this track. Perfecto! Anyway, at this point in writing the project, I was just over halfway, and felt this immense burden lifted. I start reflecting on the process and the hook came to me. This was written before I saw the movie. Climbing/falling, swimming/drowning, doubting/making it to the next round, ultimately defeating myself(fear, doubt, disbelief, old behaviors) and becoming a more evolved me. this works on two levels as I introduce my big brother. I say a lot about his athleticism, (which I go into more the next song), because we bonded heavily over basketball. I mention in week 20 (RUN remix) about how he was/is great which is how I knew I wasn't great. So imagine seeing someone who is great and still rejected! I had to include it. My brother, David, has been through a lot. I remember being old enough to see his flaws, his bad choices, and immaturity. I told myself I would never be like him. I referred to him as the role model for what I didn't want to be. Which is crazy, because as a youngin'--with out a father, I wanted to be as cool as him! As time passed, having my own kids, seeing my brother rise and fall, dealing with my own issues, it finally clicked. My brother was a human. Nothing more and nothing less. Humans make mistakes, we learn, hopefully evolve, and do less harm as we proceed. It is truly an eye opening, mind blowing, bone crushing reality, to acknowledge that someone you put on a pedestal falls...but it hurts more when you see yourself in them (empathy and compassion). David, if you ever read my sh*t, I hope you know I am proud of you. You are worthy of love. You are an awesome father, brother, uncle, and more! You have been blessed with so many f*cking talents and gifts. My hope and wish is that you see what I see when I look at you today....SUPER!!! Those of you coming and checking for Cato's sh*t, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years (ha!)from now, I love you and hope that you tell those people that you really care about that you f*cking love them too! Enjoy the song and the visuals!!

23. Lil Durk ft. Morgan Wallen x Stand By Me

I am very new to listening to Lil Durk. I remember seeing some of his early mixtapes many years ago, but wasn't interested. Students I would work with also brought him up in a few different conversations. During summer school this past year (SY 22-23, June '23) which was deep #32weeksMixtape writing era, I actually asked some kids, what Durk song(s) should I check out. This was about a month after the album dropped, which I had no idea about. The album is titled "Almost Healed". The kids told me to check out "All My Life". They recommended the track "Expedite This Letter" from the Album/mixtape "7220". Listening to it now, it cringes me out thinking that these elementary scholars shared this one with me...if you check it out, you will see why I feel grossed out. Anyway, back to "All My Life". This caught me by surprised because it features J.Cole! I was like, "Ok, I most definitely have to check this out." What I noticed is that the album opens up like a "Therapy Session" which as a school counselor, hooks me right in. Especially coming off that "Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers" almost on a daily basis, this makes me happy that another artist is opening up in a seemingly genuine way about their issues with out the bravado. This made me feel like, "I f*ck with dude." I delved into the album, now lets list the tracks I wanted to fool with the most..."All My Life" instantly I had to let go because Cole already snatched it. I didn't feel I could add anything to it. But the song is amazing. "Put Em On Ice" has a vibe I like, however, nothing came to mind. "War Bout It ft. 21 Savage"...at this point, you know when Savage is a feature, I usually f*ck with it. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a solid remake beat. There were 2 others I liked and actually used. Cross the Globe ft. Juice Wrld, and "Stand By Me". I will get back to you on Cross the Globe. "Stand By Me" comes on and I hear the melody, instantly I feel nostalgic. "Ok, Lets Go Way Back..." I began with a string of exercises that I did with Big Bro Dave. I mention him in the previous post. Those days left such an impression on me. We kept track of our progress, our reps, and were really getting shredded. By Middle School my muscle mass was awesome. All the exercise I did helped keep my asthma in check. Also to clarify, Varsity did not win the state championships! SMH. I had to research it(after I already completed the damn video), and saw my school actually came in 3rd that year...which still a huge accomplishment. The game that I reference was big game because it was the last game for the season, and by winning got us a spot to play in the championship tournament. Apart of me is embarrassed for making this mistake, and being negligent in not double checking the facts. The other side of me, the artist, says who cares?! We were so f*cking excited and elated, that it FELT like we won the motherf*cking state championship title! Anyway, at this moment I would love to shout out my team mates, I appreciate those years playing along side you. I also want to shout out the coaches. I doubt you will ever see this, but I appreciate the life lessons of always hustling to get what you what, getting up and at it, and REBOUNDING! Not only is my son currently playing ball, my other son is interested as well, and I have the honor of coaching the elementary school kids I work with! These kids are just as hardworking as they are hard headed, but I love it. Appreciate anyone who is reading this right now. Let this long as post remind you that: 1. nothing lasts forever(esp pain) 2. You can always try again 3. A break can fix you(a day off, a step back, take a breather, then come back harder/better than ever). If no one has told you today, I love you...Now share that love with someone else!

24. Joyner Lucas ft. Timbaland x 10 Bands

First off, I knew Joyner was cold. I just never really got into him. My wife actually was bumping his sh*t before me. She shared with me ISIS...and I was like WTF!!! I had been into Logic at the time, going through his catalog. It was around this time she told me play ISIS. Hearing Joyner I was like this dude on a whole 'nother level. It took awhile but I had went through his whole album 'ADHD'. Fast forward to the #32weeks writing era, and I remembered that ADHD had some dope ass instrumentals. Lets see...ISIS is tough, but too fast, not my style, and they already murdered it twice..."double homicide kill the beat and the verses..." "The War" is sonically pleasing but I don't think I could come up with anything. "I love" is a banger for sure. Not my vibe though....ok I don't know what's going on, but sliding through this mf right now, I f*ck with all these beats. I don't what I was thinking, I think "10 Bands" came on/I found an instrumental that had good quality and closest to the original and the hook just came to me. "Parenting, Parenting, Parenting, this go out to the parents yeah!" There is one more beat that actually use from this album...i use the title track. It is something about the way the beat wobbles and is wavy. We will talk about that soon. Anyway, the verse for 10 Bands is just a blub about my boys. I try to include them in all my works now that they are here. They inspire me so much. The idea for this song is that I lay out their annoying traits, but then follow up with their amazing qualities. What is even more crazy is that as a parent we see our own personalities within our children play out in many different ways. I love them boys for real. I don't know how that video will be up. As of now they enjoy seeing themselves on the screen, but if that should change I will take it down. I almost forgot! In the verse I say "I told you they were little sh*ts.." This is a reference to the actual track/theme song of the Little Sh*ts Podcast my wife and I had did awhile back. In the video I have the Spotify track on display and circle it.

P.S.

I can't believe that this is number 24...like I have been consistently creating visuals, creating snippets of those(about 2-4), posting each of those on each f*cking social media site that I have an account for, writing up the "behind the music" post on here...EVERY F*CKING WEEK FOR THE LAST 24 WEEKS!!! I know this isn't exactly the info to put in theses posts, but I know that *you*(maybe a week from this post, or a year, hell even 5 years now) will be reading this like, "Damn n*gga, it's not that hard.." 1st off, remember I work a full time job every week day, I have a family, these activities that contribute to fulfillment of a project that as of today isn't "seen" at all or taking serious. Like on my mama, this definitely the greatest project that I have ever endured. I mentioned to people before I started releasing tracks, that the #32weeks itself (the writing, the time consumed on my mf phone/CPU, the struggle to maintain sanity while dealing with tough 8hr work day, to stay connected to family, and through it all, actually see this visual mixtape to its completion! So please make some noise for me on the internet. Help me make history. Time is not on our side, but time spent building something incredible that make life feel more limitless, to me, is time well spent. Apologies if that all sounded bitter and crass, it just feels like no one sees that effort that goes into this. I love you and hope you are taking care of yourself. Give the tracks play and please share it all with a music geek who can get into my music! 💙💙💙 I just found out today another acquaintance from earlier in my life has passed. He went LIVE on Facebook and basically expressed that he was tired, he felt alone, and felt like no one loved him. He made that video yesterday(~12/20) and I saw that new of it today (12/21). RIH RM. I know I can't be there for everyone, but apart of me wishes that I reached out to him the minute I saw his video...and I didn't. 💔 So my heart is slightly heavy as I write this. I know I am not to blame, because I don't have the power to control a man's decisions. To counter the negative feelings I have right now, I chose to practice gratitude. I am grateful for my life, grateful for my wife, grateful for my sons, grateful for my family, grateful for my homies[Domo, Tyson, Will, Paris(💔💙), Brandon, my f*cking brother Dave]grateful for the chance to create music, grateful that I have grown, grateful for love...Love is...beauitful. If you see this, well mf, I am grateful for you as well.

[livingthelifebased]

jeen-yuhs Experience - February 12, 2022

[cjsdivineillusion]

[ashstfu]

A list of your fav books/movies/documentaries pls!!!

my current faves (in no particular order) –

Books:

The Waves – Virginia Woolf

Kitchen – Banana Yoshimoto

The Stream of Life – Clarice Lispector

The Book of Disquiet – Fernando Pessoa

The Book of Delights – Ross Gay

Upstream – Mary Oliver

Letters to Milena – Franz Kafka

The Sea – John Banville

Notes from Underground – Dostoevsky

We Run the Tides – Vendela Vida

1984 – George Orwell

Simple Passion – Annie Ernaux

Slouching towards Bethlehem – Joan Didion

Little Weirds – Jenny Slate

Saltwater – Jessica Andrews

Movies:

The Darjeeling Limited (2007)

The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)

Goodfellas (1990)

Whisper of the Heart (1995)

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

3 Idiots (2009)

Yi Yi (2000)

The Green Ray (1986)

Eastern Promises (2007)

Mid 90s (2018)

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Past Lives (2023)

La La Land (2016)

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

La Haine (1995)

Vivre sa vie (1962)

Documentaries:

Faces Places (2017)

Pamela: A Love Story (2023)

Close Up (1990)

For All Mankind (1989)

Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

Jeen-Yuhs (2022)

The Beaches of Agnès (2008)

Fire of Love (2022)

Homecoming (2019)

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki (2019)

[unplugstar]

Jeen-yuhs: A kanye trilogy (2022)

[serbiothacoldone]

El álbum que cambió el hip hop.

Vamos a poner un poco de contexto, early 2000's, el gangsta rap es el mainstream total del hip hop, poca ambición dentro del género aun que gente como El-P, Aesop Rock o DOOM empezaban a crear esta cultura underground del hip hop abstracto, el hip hop estaba cayendo muy rápido, gente como Jay-Z o 50 eran los únicos que lanzaban material de calidad con una visión comercial a la vez.

Kanye Omari West cambió el hip hop, era un tipo normal de Chicago que hacía buenos beats, produjo temas míticos de Jay-Z en The Blueprint y comenzó a ganar reconocimiento pero nadie lo veía como un rapero, no pintaba esa imagen gangsta que reinaba en esos tiempos para el género, era un backpack rapper que hacía buenos beats. Jamás olvidare esa escena en el documental de jeen-yuhs donde iba por las oficinas de Roc-A-Fella rapeando a gente que estaba trabajando para que lo contratarán.

La producción de este álbum es única y fue groundbreaking en ese momento, vemos arreglos de violines preciosos y elegantes, beats con samples de soul que era la marca de musical de Kanye, estos samples de soul pitchados y chopeos de vocales femeninas, hacen de este álbum un proyecto disfrutable para cualquier persona, tu le pones esto a alguien fan del soul y le puede gustar, le pones esto a un hip hop nerd y le encanta, es lo que tiene ser Kanye, por cierto, otra cosa que hizo de TCD un triunfo fue la letra, por una parte vemos a un Kanye West criticando al sistema estadounidense bajo este mood de backpack rapper que narraba historias con las que cualquiera se puede sentir identificado como en Spaceship o All Falls Down, ahora si, hablemos de las canciones.

We Don't Care te introduce al mundo de este proyecto, un beat espectacular con un ritmo muy funky y con unas vocales femeninas de fondo loopeadas muy sabrosas, en este tema vemos a este Kanye criticando al sistema americano explicando como tratan a la gente negra, que solo sirven para vender drogas y que no pasaran de los 25, también se me hace comida este tipo de sonido al fondo proveniente de un peluche, es como que Kanye esta criticando con buenas vibes al sistema americano, gran intro.

Llegamos a uno de los núcleos del disco, All Falls Down, por temas como este TCD triunfó. Un tema con un coro bastante pop donde las vocales de Syleena Johnson son memorables y donde esta guitarra crea una vibe muy cabrona, la letra es bastante consciente, narra esta historia de una persona que estudia por presión de los padres pero que en verdad solo quiere unas Jordan nuevas, un Lexus para conducir. En el segundo verso Kanye se critica a él mismo por no darse valor como persona y al final criticando al hombre blanco por el racismo hacía los afroamericanos, clásico de Kanye West.

Spaceship es uno de los mejores temas de la carrera de Kanye, primero, un beat con un sample pitchado de soul precioso donde me encantan estas harmonías masculinas en el coro, beat de 3/4 cuartos, bastante peculiar para esa época donde el boom bap reinaba. La letra hermano, Kanye explicando cuando le explotaban en GAP y cómo se encerró en su 'spaceship', el hip hop, como creó 5 beats diarios durante 3 veranos seguidos para lograr ser el mejor. De los temas más inspiradores que he escuchado del tipo.

Jesus Walks es un tema legendario dentro de la densa carrera de Ye. Espectacular, comienza con unas vocales y drums marchantes, cómo si estuviéramos en un tipo de desfile militar, el sample en el coro te da esa autoridad que muestra el beat siempre, el verso inicial de Kanye es uno de los mejores que he visto jamás, criticando la visión de America sobre los negros y en el segundo expresando su amor por jesus, exclamando que ninguna canción cristiana puede chartear en los tops y esta, lo hizo, legendario.

Never Let Me Down es otro tema precioso, con unas vocales femeninas en el background super dulces y suaves, beat super frío donde Jay-Z rompe, explicando como va a mantenerse como una leyenda por los años en el hip hop, Kanye hablando de su devoción por ser el mejor de la historia y un verso spoken-word precioso de J. Ivy expresando su devoción por cristo, tema precioso. Get Em High es otro banger, un feat durísimo de Common y de Talib Kweli, coro catchy as fuck y dios mío, tu has visto ese inicio de Kanye rapeando, uno de los rapeos rítmicos mas bestias que he visto del hombre jamás, el feat de Talib Kweli me parece de los mejores del disco y en general, un tema de hip hop con una esencia muy callejera y bouncy.

The New Workout Plan, masterpiece de Kanye West, comienza con una sección de violines tensa y orquestal, todo el tema es una broma, irónicamente Kanye esta criticando al consumismo y materialismo americano poniendo este plan de gimnasio para la gente, la intro me mata de risa siempre que la escuchó, el coro es de los mejor ejecutados del álbum y el flow de Kanye es brutal, al final hay un outro con vocoder super rico y que añade una capa extra al tema.

Slow Jamz esta entre mis temas favoritos de la carrera de Kanye West, increíble. Harmonías vocales excelentes de Jamie Foxx con un beat de soul precioso con un coro coral super bello y catchy, el tema en si es una oda a artistas históricos del soul de los 70's, el verso satírico de Kanye me parece uno de sus mejores performances y Twista tiene junto a Mos Def el mejor feat del disco, lanzando un doble-tempo rapidísimo donde rompe y su flow es super dulce y bueno, uno de los temas que explican el triunfo de este proyecto.

Two Words, mi tema favorito del disco y para mi de los mejores de Kanye, la producción es de lo mejor de este tema, una canción con unas vocales femeninas y chopeos autoritarios y poderosos, con también una guitarra eléctrica imponente y un feat celestial de Mos Def, brutal su aparición y el verso de Kanye es para estudiarlo, un genio, tema con una aura gospel fuerte y una oda a la música negra, bestial.

Through The Wire es otro clásico de Kanye, este tema lo hizo con la mandíbula rota ya que casi muere en un accidente de coche una noche en Chicago, un sample de Chaka Khan super icónico y la verdad que la actitud de Kanye durante todo el tema es muy inspiradora, banger. Por último destacar Last Call, outro preciosa donde West agradece a todos los que le han permitido lanzar el álbum, así se acaba esta masterpiece.

The College Dropout es como mensaje uno de los mejores que he visto en la música, un tipo que con ambición y talento sabía que iba a lograr ser el mejor de la historia, una producción que cambió el hip hop y una letra inspiradora y relatable, de los mejores álbumes de la historia del hip hop y el mejor de Kanye West. 

[ethan---ng]

good morning

[doc-jota]

El año del descubrimiento.

El 10 de Febrero de 2004 se lanzó al mercado The College Dropout el debut de Kanye West, un productor que venía haciendo ruido por aquel entonces y se había convertido en el protegido de Jay-Z, el rey del game tras las muertes de 2Pac y Biggie. Se ha escrito ya todo lo que se tenía que escribir sobre él, por eso no quiero profundizar en su análisis, no lo veo necesario, además los 2 primeros episodios de Jeen-Yuhs quizás conformen el mejor documental making of sobre un disco de rap que se haya hecho, podéis leer una pieza que le dediqué titulada ‘Reflexiones y disecciones sobre Jeen-Yuhs’. De todas formas sí quería aprovechar la oportunidad para plasmar lo que este LP significó para mí, es el album que más impacto ha tenido en mi vida musical y está en mi top 5 de más escuchados. Pensar que ya han pasado 20 años de algo que viviste tan fervientemente da vértigo, es una cantidad de tiempo grandilocuente pero a la vez tengo la sensación de que ha pasado en un abrir y cerrar de ojos.

Lo descubrí por un banner publicitario en la web de Misión Urbana, uno de los e-place to be de la época, con noticias, biografías y una numerosa comunidad menos troll que la de Hip Hop Hispano, me llamó mucho la atención el artwork, entré al foro y se estaba comentando. 5 meses antes se había filtrado una primera versión del disco pero en esos años no estaba tan al día y pasó por debajo de mi radar. Si habéis escuchado esa versión primigenia notaréis que es descafeinada con respecto a lo que conocemos, que tiene un aire sucio a mixtape tipo Freshmen Adjustment ( algunas canciones acabarían en la mixtape oficial y otras ya fueron lanzadas en su primera tape de 2002 Get Well Soon…) que su voz antes del accidente sonaba más alta y que el sample de Lauryn Hill en ‘All Falls Down’ se tuvo que sustituir por la voz de Syleena Johnson. Y bueno, en la intro de ‘Jesus Walks’ John Legend canta El Tamborilero, esos poropopompon no son adlibs, en serio escuchad la versión OG, John Legend >> Raphael. El caso es que buscando información al respecto leí que fue una copia promocional que le hicieron llegar a algunos A&R y periodistas, las reviews fueron malas y en lugar de confrontar a los críticos ( s/o spanish rappers en Twitter ) Kanye se puso manos a la obra: remezcló, remasterizó, añadió arreglos y coros, cambió versos, flows y entonaciones, lo refinó. Y quitó el poropopompon. El resto, es historia.

Excepto a Hov, no conocía a la mayoría de MC’s que colaboran en él: Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Freeway, todo Rawkus… los descubrí gracias a Kanye, diggeando los samples di con el soul clásico como Marvin Gaye y Chaka Khan y aunque no estén muestreados aquí también a leyendas como Stevie Wonder. Escuchando y leyendo entrevistas a Kanye conocí sus influencias: A Tribe Called Quest y todo Native Tongues, The Pharcyde, Souls Of Mischief, Main Source… todo el rap conscious. Hasta llegué a Dave Chappelle, que se convirtió en mi cómico favorito, cuando tocó ‘The Food’ con Common en su show ( hoy considerado un momento icónico para la cultura ) y circuló el clip por todo internet. Busqué como loco cómo ver Chapelle’s Show, sólo podía ver algunos sketches en la web de Comedy Central y tardé unos años más en hacerme con una copia bootleg de las dos temporadas del programa, aunque antes pude disfrutar de la maravilla de documental que es Dave Chapelle’s Block Party, en el que Mr.West hacía unas interpretaciones en directo acojonantes llenas de energía y hambre acompañado de una banda en la que tocaba un batería de afro increíble ( aquí descubrí a The Roots ).

The College Dropout no sólo me parece lo mejor de Ye junto a Late Registration, si no que supuso una llave maestra que abrió multitud de puertas ante mí, fue el comienzo de mi nerdismo por el rap y la música. Tras un tiempo escuchando a saco 2Pac, Biggie, Wu-Tang o Black Eyed Peas destapé un estilo con el que me identificaba 100%, una musicalidad hip hop inédita para mis oídos, para mí todo era nuevo, como el interludio de ‘I’ll Fly Away’ que fue lo primero de gospel que escuché más allá de alguna película que hubiese visto, esas armonías vocales me cautivaron. ‘Through The Wire’ era mejor que ‘Hey Ya!’ y esto era mejor que el último de Outkast. Hubo puristas y OGs de España a los que respeto que en su día criticaron a Kanye, se le consideraba comercial, persona non grata en el Hip Hop ( como a Jay-Z y tantos otros ) y además vestía camisas y jerseys pero mi yo adolescente ya estaba seguro de su taste. Recuerdo sentir cierto alivio cuando años más tarde salió el documental Spanish Players y Tote King mencionó que era uno de sus MCs favoritos del momento, no alivio exactamente pero si cierta sensación de que el gusto en España no estaba del todo perdido y de que podía venir un cambio de mentalidad que finalmente acabó llegando ( tardaría otro trecho ).

Ver a Kanye vestido de esa manera siendo tan rapper a la vez y expresarse con ese bravado en sus canciones y entrevistas me hizo sacar un ego sano, ser más extrovertido, hacerme valer, en definitiva, ser yo mismo, romper el cascarón. En ese proceso de formación que es la adolescencia Kanye me ayudó haciéndome ser un poco Kanye, puso algo en aquel zagal. Era un artista con el que te podías identificar 100% si venías de clase media/acomodada porque ni era gangster ni era bling bling y hablaba de temas como la educación, la familia y una religión cristiana en la que había crecido pero de la que cada vez me sentía más distanciado, aunque lograba conectar con la épica de ‘Jesus Walks’. Su debut es una historia de autoempoderamiento, usó su arrogancia como combustible para cumplir sus sueños y no dejar que sus haters destruyesen su autoestima, de ser inseguro y encontrar tu propia identidad, le rezó a los cielos y cambió sus estrellas, es un relato honesto de una persona imperfecta, como lo somos todos, un hipócrita simpático y fanfarrón que hace crítica social cargando contra el consumismo para 3 frases más tarde frontear de haberse comprado ropa cara y un carro nuevo. Por eso amamos a Kanye, es (era) como nosotros. También era un nerd, su swag no venía de la calle, venía de una confianza enfermiza en sí mismo y su storytelling era embriagante, goofy en el buen sentido y lleno de humor.¿‘The New Work Out Plan’? Kanye en 2004 ya estaba riéndose de los gymbros y gymgurlz, influencers, cryptobros motivadores, Llados de la vida y demás fauna.

9 días después de su lanzamiento fue mi cumpleaños así que con las perrillas que recogí fui a comprar el CD, el autoregalo perfecto, había que tenerlo, me pasé el trayecto de vuelta en bus leyendo los créditos del libreto y flipando con ese diseño de artwork tan elegante y sofisticado y esa selección de colores ( Eric Duvauchell, el encargado de arte de Roc-A-Fella se inspiró en un libro de ilustraciones del siglo XVI ). Lo que no sabía es que se quedaría a vivir en la ranura del Mercedes de mi padre durante los siguientes 3–4 años, que su carcasa tipo jewel case pasaría los inviernos dentro de la guantera ( a la que un año después se uniría la de Late Registration ) y que sería la banda sonora de los viajes familiares y trayectos en el carro, cuando mi padre me recogía del colegio o se escuchaba el programa de Andrés Montes en Radio Marca o se escuchaba a Kanye. En 2006 cuando mi hermana mayor fue de viaje a París le pedí que me comprase la edición deluxe del DVD de Late Orchestration con esa funda marrón aterciopelada, aquí sólo se vendían la normal y quería tener la mejor posible, lo acabé viendo tanto que creo que lo jodí y me hace skip en uno de sus fragmentos. Un año después ella y su novio, que jamás habían escuchado rap, terminaron sucumbiendo ante Kanye, para mi alegría, con la fusión pop de Graduation ( eran fans de Coldplay y la colabo de Chris Martin ayudó ) y sobre todo con 808’s & Heartbreaks, esos 2 discos se quemaron en el coche del que desde hace 3 años es mi ex-cuñado, con el que pasaba bastante tiempo, era como el hermano mayor que nunca tuve y como controlaba inglés por fin tenía alguien con el que hablar de lo último que había estado leyendo en los foros de kanyelive ( más tarde pasaría a ser KTT ) y pasarle los videos de directos y conciertos que había estado recolectando. La fiebre por Kanye estaba en la casa y recuerdo conversaciones telefónicas aceleradas con ellos cuando en 2008/09 estuvo a punto de tocar en Razzmatazz, cruzando llamadas con el personal de la sala que nos confirmaron que sí estaba reservado, yo estaba estudiando en Cádiz e hicimos cábalas para quedar en Barcelona. 

The College Dropout tenía ese carácter accesible que me hacía pensar que no iba a taladrarle la cabeza demasiado a mi familia, aunque me acuerdo de llevar en coche a mi pobre abuela ( que tendría sus 90 años ) a su casa circa 2011 bumpeando el disco y decirme de repente en voz baja y con mucha cautela desde el asiento de atrás “nene, parece que están pegando tiros en la calle”, fue algo que me hizo mucha gracia y que jamás olvidaré. Mis padres han escuchado más hip hop yankee que algunos rappers pegaos de aquí, eso sí, no lo entendían, aunque algunos de aquí tampoco entienden mucho, sinceramente. No sé si eran tiempos más felices porque no quiero caer en la trampa de la nostalgia pero desde luego si que eran más despreocupados e inocentes, éramos ricos y no lo sabíamos. Hoy ha salido Vultures y mi hermana está desde las 7 de la mañana en un centro comercial, ha llevado a mi sobrina, que tiene la misma edad que tenía yo cuando escuché TCD, a un meet & greet con expulsados de OT, cosa de la que le he dicho entre risas que se arrepentirá dentro de 10 años. Mi padre ya no puede conducir y soy yo el que lo saca a comer por ahí, el Mercedes se vendió y todos mis CDs están cogiendo polvo en un armario, disfrutando de una jubilación anticipada, quizás algo injusta, consecuencia de los avances tecnológicos y el cambio de los nuevos tiempos pero satisfechos por los servicios prestados. El otro día Tom Breihan escribió una pieza en la que decía que no sólo echaba de menos al viejo Kanye sino que también echaba de menos al Kanye de 2016 que rapeaba sobre por qué echamos de menos al viejo Kanye. Así es como me siento yo, en una matrioska de añoranza. Aquel 2004 en mi casa se conoció a Kanye antes de ser el marido de Kim Kardashian y the crazy n*gga from the interviews.

[livingthelifebased]

jeen-yuhs Experience - February 12, 2022

Instagram: godiscesar

[01sentencereviews]

2022

Ask Any Buddy (Elizabeth Purchell) @ Anthology Film Archives 

Nope (Jordan Peele) in IMAX @ AMC Lincoln Square 13

De Humani Corporis Fabrica (Lucien Castaing-Taylor & Véréna Paravel) @ 60th NYFF

We Met In Virtual Reality (Joe Hunting) @ 2022 Virtual Sundance Film Festival 

The Rehearsal, Season 1 (Nathan Fielder)

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed (Laura Poitras)

TÁR (Todd Field)

Crimes of the Future (David Cronenberg)

Skinamarink (Kyle Edward Ball)

Jackass Forever (Jeff Tremaine)

Aftersun (Charlotte Wells)

Avatar: The Way of Water (James Cameron) in IMAX 3D @ AMC Lincoln Square 13

Artists at the Center: Tiler Peck @ New York City Center (curated by Tiler Peck)

The Fabelmans (Steven Spielberg)

Pearl (Ti West)

Decision to Leave (Park Chan-wook)

Blonde (Andrew Dominik)

RRR (S. S. Rajamouli)

The Batman (Matt Reeves)

Liquor Store Dreams (So Yun Um) @ 2022 Tribeca Film Festival

Resurrection (Andrew Semans)

Will-o’-the-Wisp (João Pedro Rodrigues) @ 60th NYFF

Orphan: First Kill (William Brent Bell)

There There (Andrew Bujalski) @ 2022 Tribeca Film Festival

Sharp Stick (Lena Dunham) @ 2022 Virtual Sundance Film Festival 

+++

The African Desperate (Martine Syms)

After Yang (Kogonada)

Ambulance (Michael Bay)

Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood (Richard Linklater)

Babylon (Damien Chazelle)

The Banshees of Inisherin (Martin McDonagh)

Deep Water (Adrian Lyne)

Disney Channel’s Theme: A History Mystery (Kevin Perjurer)

Halloween Ends (David Gordon Green)

Irma Vep (2022, Olivier Assayas)

Jacaranda Joe (1994, George A. Romero) @ Webinar w/ University of Pittsburgh

Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy (Chike Ozah & Coodie Simmons)

Kate Berlant: Cinnamon in the Wind (Bo Burnham)

Kimi (Steven Soderbergh)

Marcel the Shell with Shoes On (Dean Fleischer-Camp)

The Munsters (Rob Zombie)

On the Count of Three (Jerrod Carmichael)

Terrifier 2 (Damien Leone)

Top Gun: Maverick (Joseph Kosinski)

Shin Ultraman (Shinji Higuchi)

Shit & Champagne (D’Arcy Drollinger) 

Showing Up (Kelly Reichardt)

Starfuckers (Antonio Marziale)

Vortex (Gaspar Noé)

The White Lotus [Season 2] (Mike White)

[balashutaman]

[intothelost]

Top 22 of 2022

Watched more films this year than any other year before. Not sure if I'm proud of that, or ashamed. Got some soul searching to do after this you guys. Anyways, 2022 was similar to 2021, it was fine. Not the best, not the worst, just okay. I don't know, I may just be growing more cynical by the day. Too many movies might do that to you. Also, probably too many movies about making movies on this list. Enough!

My #1 Favorite Film of 2022 was... Jordan Peele's NOPE

Very rarely, if at all does my most anticipated film become my best picture of the year. Out of all the films about filmmaking this year, Nope was by far the most resonant, the most cinematic, and I've had this film on my mind more than any other this year, and it only gets better after multiple viewings.

Honorable Mentions: After Yang The Fallout Rothaniel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Watcher Vengeance Bullet Train Honk For Jesus, Save Your Soul Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fire of Love Emily the Criminal Aftersun Saint Omer All Quiet on the Western Front The Quiet Girl

Top 10ish (In no particular order, besides Nope) Nope RRR The Banshees of Inisherin The Menu Petite Maman The Fabelmans God's Country X/Pearl (I grouped these together) Babylon Turning Red Everything, Everywhere, All At Once EO

Bottom 10ish All The Beauty and the Bloodshed jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood Hustle Ambulance The Northman Glass Onion Athena Tar Top Gun: Maverick

[legion1227]

74 shows I watched this year: Ranked from least favorite to Most

74. Resident Evil (2/5)                    (Lance Reddick Wesker is only good thing)

73. Mike (2.5/5)                             (Poorly paced)

72. Shenmue (3/5)                         (Decent animation, middling plot)

71. Murderville (3/5)                       (Peaked with Conan o Brien episode)

70. Wednesday (3/5)                      (All the guys in the show suck)

69. Haikyu!! (Seasons 1-2) (3/5)       (Cute, but not for me)

68. Ms. Marvel (3/5)                       (Liked first half more)

67. The Walking Dead (Season 11: Parts 2 & 3) (3/5)     (Decent final ep)

66. Doom Patrol (Seasons 1-3) (3/5)              (Great cast)

65. Assassination Classroom (Season 2) (3/5)    (Season 1 was better)

64. Bel-Air (3.5/5)                                  (started fine, lost steam)

63. Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight (3.5/5) (great to have Jack Black back)

62. Euphoria (Season 2) (3.5/5)     (Enjoyable schlock)

61. Violet Evergarden (3.5/5)         ( Amazing animation, likable main lead)

60. The Orville (Seasons 1-3) (3.5/5)        (season 3 elevated the show)

59. The Righteous Gemstones (Seasons 1-2) (3.5/5)   (chaotically endearing)

58. Book of Boba Fett (3.5/5)              (Should’ve focused more on Boba)

57. Tekken: Bloodline (3.5/5)            (other characters needed more screentime)

56. The Proud Family (Seasons 1-2) (3.5/5)    (Penny is my favorite character)

55. Schitt's Creek (Seasons 5-6) (3.5/5)    (Not the funniest, but I love the family)

54. Reacher (3.5/5)              (Strong first half, kinda falls apart 2nd half)

53. Insecure (Season 1-3)       (Issa and her friends are an intriguing bunch)

52. Disenchantment (Season 4) (3.5/5)     (luci, bean, and elfo, fun trio)

51. Handmaid's Tale (Season 5) (3.5/5)   (its very good, almost great)

50. South Park (Season 25) (3.5/5)    (wayyyyyy too short for a season)

49. The Last Kingdom (Season 1-2)    (Dreymon as Uhtred is a good main lead)

48. Moon Knight (3.5/5)        (oscar isaac is amazing in the role as moon knight)

47. Re: Zero (Season 1-2) (3.5/5) (fun cast and action sets)

46. Baki (Season 1-3) (3.5/5)      (over the top action fest thats a roaring time)

45. Black Mirror (Season 1-5) (3.5/5)    (mixed bag but mostly good episodes)

44. Code Geass (Season 1-2) (3.5/5)    (lelouch is a good anti-hero) 

43. Whose line is it anyway (CW seasons 1-7) (3.5/5) (bit predictable but still hilarious)

42. Love, Death, and Robots (Season 3) (4/5) (best season they had yet)

41. Archer (Season 13) (4/5)  (RIP Jessica Walter, still managed a solid season w/o her)

40. Zootopia+ (4/5)   (episodes that are as gratifying as the movie)

39. Baymax (4/5)      (Baymax helping others is just so cute) 

38. Baki Hanma (4/5)   (more focused than other seasons)

37. Rick and Morty (Season 6)  (4/5) (Big step up from season 5)

36. Avenue 5 (Season 1)  (4/5)   (Uproariously funny)

35. Legend of Korra (Seasons 1-4)       (4/5)  (besides season 2, its incredible)

34. Scrubs (seasons 1-4)  (4/5)  (carried by great character work)

33. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Seasons 1-6) (4/5) (last 2 seasons weak, iconic tho)

32. Jeen-yuhs (4/5)           (the kanye fall of is so damn depressing)

31. Stranger Things (Season 4) (4/5) (another solid season for the show)

30. Vikings: Valhalla (4/5)   (savagery at its finest)

29. She-Hulk: Attorney At Law (4/5)   (Jen Walters and cameos are dope)

28. What We Do in the Shadows (Season 4) (4/5)  (season 3 was better)

27. The Witcher (Season 2) (4/5)    (better than season 1)

26. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (Stone Ocean) (4/5)   (beautiful ending)

25. One Piece (Whole Cake Island & Wano Arcs) (4/5) (peak storytelling)

24. Tales of The Jedi (4/5)   (love what they did with Ahsoka and Dooku)

23. Atlanta (Seasons 1-3) (4/5)     (Prefer seasons 1 & 2 over 3 just a bit

22. House of the Dragon (4/5) (confusing names, but compelling family drama)

21. Dexter (Seasons 1-4) (4/5)   (Serial killer drama at its finest)

20. Blindspotting (4/5)  (4/5)     (lack of Diggs and Casal is felt, still great tho)

19. Obi-Wan Kenobi (4/5)   (return of mcgregor and Christensen was lovely)

18. The Sandman (4/5)   (Excellent cast with clever ways of dealing w/ enemies)

17. Umbrella Academy (Season 3) (4/5) (great but hate what they did with Allison)

16. Big Nate (4/5)  (loved reading the books growing up, cute show)

15. Arcane (4/5)    (one of the best video game adaptations)

14. Demon Slayer (Season 2) (4/5) (love way more season 1)

13. Chainsaw Man (4/5) (animation and characters are fascinating)

12. Cuphead (Season 1-3) (4/5) (an even BETTER video game adaptiation)

11. Regular Show (Season 1-8) (4/5)  (wild, ride of a show from start to end)

10. The Boys Presents: Diabolical (4.5/5) (superb snack to quell Boys hunger)

9. Mob Psycho 100 (Season 3) (4.5/5) (beautiful sendoff to amazing people)

8. Smiling Friends (4.5/5)   (funniest show I’ve watched in a long time)

7. Peacemaker (4.5/5)    (funny, but has better action and drama)

6. Harley Quinn (Season 3) (4.5/5)  (top tier character arcs

5. Don't Hug Me I'm Scared (4.5/5) (wayyyy funnier than I thought it would be)

4. Barry (Season 3) (4.5/5)  (balance of comedy and drama is masterful) 

3. Attack on Titan (Season 4 part 2) (4.5/5) (only 1 subpar episode)

2. The Boys (Season 3) (4.5/5)      (the best season with the best episode)

1. Better Call Saul (Season 6) (5/5)       (literal PERFECTION) 

[lazerv4]

Thoughts on Vultures 1

Just my raw thoughts not a review or anything

I neglected listening to this for a long time, current era Ye is a hard person to justify following if it's even possible at all, there is not but to this that can make it come out better so I fully take the blame of giving him a platform with this in a way. I promised to myself I would write about everything and after a lot of successful evasion, curiosity got the better of me and I checked out Vultures 1 as to see what was going on after the intense amount of praise I still heard from time to time as my algorithm still picks up stuff related to MBDTF and such. I hate this situation and I hope Ye gets the help he needs to climb out of this hole that he is in currently. If Jeen-Yuhs showed us anything it is that this is a dark chapter and not a reflection of the man as a whole. Now that the disclaimer is over and I talked about my mixed feelings regarding the creator of my favorite song and album it's time to talk about my mixed feelings on every song and the album.

STARS is probably the only song of this project that I unequivocally like, it has an excellent example of Ye’s ability to find samples that feel magical and ethereal in ways only he can and builds the entire song around it. Lyrically the song is a little weird, things like “Keep a few Jews on the staff now” are unnecessary and give the song an uncomfortable feeling but besides that it's lyrically simple but the chorus referring to arguably a baby makes it seem strange when Ty starts rapping about his shawty. The important part is still the sound itself which is good so I’ll give this one the pass.

KEYS TO MY LIFE is bitter and fumbles its sample completely, the instrumentation is good but everything else around it is just complaining about life in a non engaging and sometimes frankly disgusting way.

PAID is exactly what it sounds like at the beginning, the production is pretty good but the flow and style is annoying in an almost chipmunky type of way that I don’t think anyone finds appealing. After a while Ty makes it very clear the song is about strippers and it's just not a fun or depressing enough song to make that work. It fails in every aspect All of the Lights succeeded.

TALKING is another song with a very annoying sample and it features the infamous North West feature, she does a fine enough job but it's awkward to even have her here, especially after PAID. Halfway through the song completely switched into a more gospel and electronic inspired production that is frankly great plus the rapping is now really good flowise and the lyrics aren’t as weird as they could be so it isn’t so bad but you have to get through the beginning to get here and I just don’t feel like it.

BACK TO ME in contrast starts with really good production that degrades as it goes on and as the rapping gets worse and worse. The sample of the wasted sound from GTA is funny I’ll give it that.

HOODRAT sounds like it’s trying to annoy you out of listening to it for a good 45 seconds. It succeeds even after that.

DO IT has some really solid flows but the song is just fine overall. Lyrically and instrumentally it’s pretty mediocre.

PAPERWORK is to Black Skinhead what PAID is to All of the Lights.

Can you tell I’m starting to get annoyed? We are only halfway through.

BURN is such a nothing of a song, it’s incredibly easy to ignore so I’m just gonna do that.

FUK SUMN actually has chipmunk voices, what is happening in this second half?

VULTURES, the title track. It starts with a really compelling dual audio of both Ye and Ty singing before jumping into the verses which are fine I guess but nothing special or to my taste.

CARNIVAL is the most talked about song of the entire record which I find strange considering STARS in overall the better song in my opinion but to an extend I get the appeal, the sample the entire song is built around is hype and put you in a specific mood enhanced by the chorus and pretty strong bars that follows. The references to pedophiles and abusers are a little weird as well as lines like “she ride dick like a carnival” but as I said I get the appeal of this one even if I don’t think it is as good or the standout of the record.

BEG FORGIVENESS starts super stripped before starting to build itself through the entire song with production that reminds me a little of Moon from Donda. I enjoy this one but it’s a little long and I prefer listening to Moon.

GOOD (DON’T DIE) the song that got pulled from streaming services, the sample that spelled it’s doom are the main appeal of this one for sure but there isn’t much to it besides that.

PROBLEMATIC is about how Ye is still the man after he got kind of canceled. He doesn't come out of the song any different or better sounding.

KING has a Crazy Train sample that just looms weirdly over it. It doesn’t sound good, it feels like a weird cartoon bird is fucking with them which just takes me out of the song and of the album as a whole.

Vultures 1 is a mess, and while some of the ideas are interesting they aren’t the trailblazing you just don’t get it yet of 808s and Pablo, it’s bloated and just not very good in both artists discography, especially if you put it next to Throne and Ghosts which are the two other Ye collaboration albums. A few songs might survive but this project is not gonna be remembered as anything more than a mess. And yes I know I didn’t go very deep to analyze it but read the header or title, this is not a review it’s just a mess of thoughts similar to Vultures, the difference is that this is free.