Habits & Contradictions

I recently downloaded Schoolboy Q's album "Oxymoron" and loved almost every song on it so I decided to check out some of his older stuff. His only other studio album was one called "Habits & Contradictions". I've gotten about halfway through it so far, and I have to say it's one of the best rap albums I've heard in a while. In "Oxymoron" Schoolboy focuses on the more physical aspects of his former (and maybe current) addiction to all sorts of prescription pills and other drugs.  In "Habits & Contradiction" it seems as though he is attempting to convey the emotional toll these drugs have taken on him and his family, along with some of his friends' families. Both albums are very good but I think "Habits & Contradictions" is a notch above "Oxymoron" in it's quality of content. 

Ice JJ Fish

Before I had heard Ice JJ Fish's most popular song "On the Floor" I thought I had a grasp on the musical talent scale. I now know that it is possible to go lower than the lowest possible scale, thanks to IJJF. I can't tell if he's actually that terrible, or just putting on a seemingly half retarded act in order to draw attention to his horrible music. Whatever he's doing is obviously working because he has blown up on social media.  It is a definite face-palm that he's even on the radar of popularity. Whether he is secretly laughing at everyone for making his music popular or actually believes he is good, Ice JJ Fish sure knows how to get publicity. 

The Great Gambino

I recently found out that one of my favorite rap artists, Childish Gambino, had released multiple mix tapes before his debut album "Camp". As soon as I discovered this I immediately downloaded both of the mixtapes, "The Great Gambino" and "Culdesac". Both include around 15 songs each so I haven't had the chance to listen to all of each album, but from what I have listened to I can easily say they are my 2 favorite projects of his. I can listen to The Great Gambino and not have to skip at all, that is how good it is. I was actually surprised at how good it is, usually most artist's early works are of poorer quality than their later works.  I like Gambino even more than I did before I heard them. 

Elvis Costello

Elvis Costello's voices is probably my favorite voice out of all the artists we have listened to so far. I don't know specifically what it is about his voice, I just enjoy listening to it, along with the music surrounding his voice.  I also love the personality he embodies as someone who couldn't care less about anyone else and just does what he wants. His personality reminds me a lot of the rapper Tyler the Creator's.  Both artists seem to be antiestablishment and do things without having the repercussions in mind. I would definitely recommend Costello to my friends, which shows how much I like his music. 

Meek Mill

One of the game's best young rappers would have to be MMG's Meek Mill. While he might not have the lyrical skills that some have, his production and effort make each of his songs bangers. By banger, I mean you can listen to it without paying close attention to the lyrics and still have a good time. My favorite songs of his include "Ooh Kill Em" "Young and Gettin' It" and "Burn".  If you don't care too much about lyrical quality but still like bangers, Meek Mill is a good choice. 

SXSW

This year will be my first year going to some of the SXSW shows, some of which include Schoolboy Q, Childish Gambino, Future, Snoop Dogg (or Lion?), Chance the Rapper, and probably a few I haven't planned out yet. From what I can tell right off the bat it is too difficult to find the different artists gigs locations and venues. I think SXSW could do a better job with communicating where and when their artists are performing. I still haven't worked out the kinks to my plan, but I'm definitely excited for my first SXSW experience.