Tinashe: 333
The road to superstardom has not been an easy road for multi-faceted artist Tinashe, since she arrived on the music scene in 2012 with her critically-acclaimed mixtapes to the release of her debut album in 2014. She departed RCA records after the release of her third studio album, Joyride and decided to go the independent route. Fast forward to 2021, she has returned with a new studio album, 333.
Her latest project marks her second release (fifth overall) independently where she was riding high off the release of her Songs For You album which fans praised her creative direction and her ability to blend different genres to fit her voice. She teased fans of her new album earlier this year with the release of her Buddy-assisted single, Pasadena. Alongside collaborations with other artists throughout the spring & summer, she kept fans wanting more after the release of her latest single, Bouncin’ which fans fell in love with the visuals for the club ready track. Jeremih, Kaash Paige, Absolutely and her younger brother under the moniker, Quiet Child are featured on 333.
Since day 1, I’ve always been amazed by Tinashe’s artistry as she records, produces and mixes her music to her liking. She stayed true to herself as she wanted to create a sound that describes her as an artist and not what a major record label wanted her to sound like. On this album, elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative & Pop all come together to form a cohesive project. I’m happy that she has come into her own over the course of her music career. I expect big things to continue from Tinashe. You can listen to 333 on all major streaming services.
X
X marks the spot
Looking for you will be a treasure
I’m not trying to cause you pain
I just want to stimulate pleasure
We don’t need a ruler
My love you cannot measure
You like it sensual
You like it harder
It doesn’t matter the texture
Fools gold
I can’t believe you were someone’s loss
Whatever you say, your wish is my command
Let you be the boss
Can’t believe I gained so much from you
When I felt lost
Learned to not sell myself short, you’re worth the cost
It’s A Wrap
No need for the baggage
My mind has taken enough trips
No longer boarding those flights
So long, that set sail and shipped
Well that’s just the emotions of the ocean
Been level heading, staying afloat
When the tides begin to turn, cognac driving this boat
Don’t have time for the games
No time to sit and gloat
It’s been a wrap for awhile
Been over here making edits
Not at the end of this story
Not time to start rolling the credits
Been working at this so long
And now they acknowledging the presence
I sense greatness is coming so I’m a bask in the essence
Iggy Azalea: End of an Era
Love or hate her, Iggy Azalea has been one of the most talked about rappers in the music industry over the last ten years. Ever since she jumped on the scene with her debut single, PUS$$Y in 2011, many have questioned several facets of the artist from her lyrical ability, appropriating Hip-Hop culture and more. This month, we saw the Australian artist release her third, possibly final, studio album entitled End of An Era.
Ever since the project was announced, fans have speculated what’s to come from Iggy Azalea in the future if this is indeed her last album. Iggy fanned the flame by teasing the title before the album was announced in the project’s first single, Sip It featuring Tyga. Once confirmed, Iggy went on to release two more singles prior to release entitled Brazil & I Am The Stripclub. The sound the rapper discussed for the project was to be more Pop-driven however incorporating elements that were found in previous studio albums & mixtapes. Listening to the album, I was taken by surprise by the departure from a heavy-hitting Hip-Hop effort as showcased in her second studio album, In My Defense. She switched gears to incorporate EDM and Pop as can be seen on tracks, Pillow Fight, Peach Body & more. If this is truly her last album for a while, I’m happy Iggy Azalea went out on her own terms creating the music she wanted to do. Ever since going independent in 2018, her artistry reached new heights both musically and through her visuals. The artist has stated she will be working on different business ventures during her time away from music. Good luck in all of your endeavors in the future, Iggy Azalea. With all of the controversy you’ve endured, I hope you plan to return to music sometime in the future. You can listen to End of an Era now on music streaming services.
Brazil
Pay for this flow
This water ain’t cheap
Ain’t upfront
Sometimes it creeps
Wanna compete
I call it a reach
Check the books
I’m willing to teach
1st and ten
I’m running the offense
Need to lighten up
Looking a lil tense
Building a foundation
While you just on the fence
Ready to pass
You in the past tense
Have sense
Eyes on my craft
No you can’t touch it
Spilling so much
Can’t even cup it
Never under arrest
No you can’t cuff it
Predicate second
Missing the subject
Guess class in session
Get your pen and paper
Liable to be hot
Sign you a waiver
Get you a life
I’m not a saver
Want to fly to LA
going find you a laker
This Midwest boy
Play with flows like toys
And when i get called to duty
I seek and destroy
Pillow Fight
Demeanor reserve
Yet a little aggressive
Usually consistent
A tad bit progressive
When it comes to the pen
I tend to be possessive
As I said, demeanor reserve
Yet I can be expressive
Playtime’s over
This here not for kids
Tricked by the rabbit
It is what it is
Betting against me
I’m taking your bids
Been on they radar
Now I’m going off the grid
Give me the power
Electricity
Content outta this world
Come visit me
Good for the fitness
Why your resisting me
And to think
You could be missing me
Move out the way
Get out the frame
Things get lit on sight
No maybe
It’s just might
Nas: King’s Disease II
Nas continues to be one of the most influential rappers in Hip Hop today. In over twenty years in the music industry, Nas received his first Grammy last year for his twelfth studio album, King’s Disease. A year later, Nas is back with the sequel to a project entirely produced by Hit-Boy once again. Aiming to repeat the same success from last year, the Brooklyn rapper shines once again with the new release.
The formula that Hit Boy and Nas have created over the last few years seem effortless. Nas’ storytelling ability over the heavy hitting production complement each other well throughout the entire project. The album features collaborations from a variety of artists ranging from Eminem, YG, EPMD to a surprise return verse from Lauryn Hill on the track, Nobody. It was refreshing to hear the artist return to make new music after a long hiatus.King’s Disease II is one of the albums that you must listen to close out the summer as the season begins to wind down. This is an album you push play while in your car and just ride to the vibes as there is a plethora to choose from. Nas continues to remain a legend in this Hip Hop industry and at the age of 47, he shows no signs of slowing down. You can listen to his thirteenth studio album on all music streaming services.
The Pressure
Pressure bursts pipes
But not in the way that breaks bones
One finds out about themselves
When you’re all alone
Housing feelings inside
Not making a happy home
McCauly Culkin mischief when you’re home alone
Don’t let the pressure consume you
Marvel at the challenge
Don’t let it Dr. Doom you
Next phase, we moved on from the Endgame
Don’t let disappointment become apart of your name
Stress is animal
Just waiting to be tamed
Just keep leveling up
It’s all apart of the game
Count Me In
Count me in
Never count me out
Don’t believe anyone
Unless it come out my mouth
Might be from Midwest
Play with me, we can take it down south
You will never see me doing this clout
I’m living this life
No success happens without stress
Want more, expect less
One day at a time
Just stay blessed
Envelope the S on your chest
And be your own Superman
Whichever the wind blows
Just be your own fan
Self love, self care
Do it for the greater good
Do what’s fair
Leave it all on the line
Uncovered, just bare
I’m just saying a few words
To make everyone aware
Reggie Johnson is a poet reigning from Cincinnati, Ohio. Starting at the age of nine, Reggie has been writing poetry through their love of music and life experiences. He has 9 books now available on Amazon. You can follow him on Twitter @r_d_johnson and on IG @rdjohnsonwrites.