Rolling Papers

Wiz Khalifa's new album Rolling Papers came out today.

While I'm not the biggest Wiz head, however, I--like many other hip hop enthusiasts--thought that his Kush & OJ mixtape was amazing, and looked forward to hearing more from this young'n.  He delivered a few joints from some other mixtapes, also his absolute HIT Black & Yellow, and I'll say I even like Roll Up, but now we have his first major album release.  In my humble opinion, Wiz is a "fad" rapper--I don't think his career has that long of a life. From what I've heard since he's hit television, nothing has really competed with the flows and beats on Kush & OJ.  Many "mixtape rappers" are eternally praised on websites and in the underground for producing classic mixtapes, but never see the success of mainstream media.  Jadakiss is the most prominent example of an underrated "mixtape rapper" I can think of.

But ! I won't totally put off Wiz, I haven't even heard Rolling Papers yet.  My present opinion of him is probably biased since my roommates blast and request a Wiz song at least once every five tracks (shit gets sickening after a while).

So I'ma listen to Rolling Papers right now, and let you know what I think.  I suggest you open a youtube window and give it a shot too.  Or hey, go buy the CD if you're a true Wiz-head.  Listen hard. & Remember, the following is all IMO:


Track 1- When I'm Gone.
See, I totally can't hate on Wiz, all his beats appeal to my sound-buds.  While the song isn't totally about weed, champagne and bitches, it's still got the "I'm rich" lyrics and his usual flow.  Which isn't a bad thing.
Overall: Downloadable
Pros: Instrumental would be sick. Wiz knows his beat and how to flow on 'em.
Cons: Usual cash & bitches lyrics.

Track 2- On My Level ft. Too Short
Twenty seconds in you know what the songs gonna be about.  As soon as you hear his laugh (you know that little chuckle) you know it's a "weed song".  Beats good, trippy.  The videos not bad, it's a whatever club video.  It's just good to hear Too Short on a track and in a video again.
Overall:  Downloadable
Pros:  The beat man, I'ma sucka for the beats.  Plus, my boy Too Short !
Cons:  Usual drugs & bitches lyrics.

Track 3- Black & Yellow
Pshh, if you don't know--get hip !  I personally still don't get tired of this song.
Overall:  You should have this already...
Pros:  This beat had everyone trying to freestyle on it.  That's when you know it's good.
Cons:  Alright, Khalif's lyrical content is so shallow.  But I don't care with this song #guiltypleasure

Track 4- Roll Up
This is probably the most obvious evidence of label influence on an artist's track.  On the other hand, he does need a song suitable for radio play.  Now while the title might be deceiving--this track's actually not about drugs or money.  Just bitches.
Overall:  Downloadable
Pros:  Not about weed ! The beat.
Cons:  No real cons.  Just kinda soft for a Wiz song.  Plus, he's one ugly dude to be hugging up on Cassie in the music video.

Track 5- Hopes and Dreams
I'm not opposed to a song about bragging about money, women, and drugs--but damn Wiz--this is really all your hopes and dreams are ?  Is it sad that I still don't really mind this song.  The beat impressed me from the start. I could see myself just driving around listening to the instrumental.
Overall:  Downloadable
Pros: Really, just the beat sets it apart from the other songs.
Cons: Lyrical content.

Track 6- Wake Up
Alright so Wiz is definitely sounding a bit more pop.  Wiz loves synthesizers, clearly.  But I like this song, I don't know what it is.  The chorus is still repetitive, but it sounds different.  The beat is produced by StarGate, well-known producer who also did Black and Yellow.  This album was definitely heavily influenced by his Atlantic record label.  Not sounding like the usual Rostrum Records sound.
Overall: Downloadable, I like these synthesizer beats too much to deny one.  It's my thing.
Pros: The beat and the song overall is just chill.  I like that. 
Cons:  Lyrics are whatever still.

Track 7- The Race
See, this is what I'm talking about, the beat is just so chill (similar to Kush & OJ).  And his chill voice just rides the beat so nicely, Wiz knows what he's doing.  
Overall:  Downloadable, one of the better songs on the album.
Pros:  The beat and the flow.
Cons:  When he rides the beat so nice, I can overlook his lyrics.

Track 8- Star of the Show ft. Chevy Woods
Chevy who ?  Nah, he did alright with the few bars he got at the end.  Anyway, this beat's the epitome of vibing and chill.  This song's more about Wiz experiencing the effects of stardom.  I'm grateful just to hear a different style of song.
Overall:  Downloadable
Pros:  Not completely about his usual lyrics.
Cons:  It's nothing impressive.  Beat kinda lacked for me on this one.

Track 9- No Sleep
This is that track my roommates keep scratching they necks for.  I can see why, it's def one of the more pop songs on the album.  Maybe THE most pop song.  But I could see this playing everywhere once summertime hits.  It's also not such an aggressive song in terms drug and bitch references.  Wiz just wants us to party.
 Overall:  Downloadble, listen to it before it gets totally played out on the radio.
Pros:  Just an "enjoy life" track.  Can't ever have too much of those.
Cons:  Definitely not typical Wiz.  Can you say pop-hop ?

Track 10-  Get Your Shit
 I thought this would be the break up song judging from the title.  Lol, the chorus is ridiculous, and the times where Wiz sings, I kinda wanted to laugh.  If he wanted to do this, he shoulda gotten some R&B feature--he ain't friends with Trigga Trey ?  The beats alright, but the whole topic just seems weird for Wiz to be rapping about.
Overall:  I'd listen to this before I download it.  I might not download this.
Pros:  Different lyrical content.  It's another breakup song to add to that playlist.
Cons:  Wiz and break-up songs don't go together...He's an ugly dude.

Track 11- Top Floor
The beat's different.  Right from the start you get a kind've Bangladesh-produced feel.  It's definitely a diferent type of Wiz track.  It's another vibing song though.  After a while, I start to notice how his flow makes me listen less and less to the actual lyrics.
Overall:  Track's alright.  I'd listen to it before downloading it.
 Pros:  The beat's different, but still chill.
Cons:  Nothing impressive.

Track 12- Fly Solo
Heard the beat and I was like WTF.  Further evidence of label-influenced music #smh.  Wiz says it himself in the track "same song, different beat".
Overall:  The last three tracks sounded like just fillers for the album.  I'd listen to it first.  Probably won't download this.
Pros:  I honestly don't know.  It's different.  Sounds like some Kid Cudi or Travie McCoy shit.
Cons:  C'mon Wiz.

Track 13- Rooftops ft. Curren$y
Wiz went back to his old flow and beat to show out for his fellow freshman Curren$y.  This sounds a little like "On My Level," but, then again, a lot of Wiz songs sound alike.  This song ain't bad though.  Beats dope, lyrics are also decent thanks to Curren$y's contribution.
Overall:  Downloadble.
Pros:  Songs good, with a good feature.  Sounds different than his usual stuff...sorta.
Cons:  Wiz needs to step his lyrical game up seriously.

Track 14- Cameras
I've had this song for a while, just under a different name.  Wiz reflects on this track about his superstardom some more.  I like this song.  Good, different, refreshing track to help end off the album.  Hope this track is a single.
Overall:  Downloadable #cosign.
Pros:  Read my summary again lol.
Cons: Nothing really, wish they would of placed it higher up on the tracklist.

Track 15- Taylor Gang ft. Chevy Woods
Tayyyyloooorrrrr Gang !  For those of you who may not know me or my musical taste, I love these kind of beats.  High-energy, bass-bumping, Rick Ross-type beats get me hyped.  This is basically the Taylor Gang anthem.  Decent way to close off the album.
Overall:  Not for everyone.  I'd download it.
Pros:  The beat makes Wiz use a different flow and swag, which I like.
Cons:  Chevy Woods is a gay rap name.


Review:

• 3 out of 5 stars
• Wiz Khalifa's first major album is somewhat of a disappoint to his older fans due to his more mainstream-influenced feel.  And an overall decent first album to his newer fans.  
• Favorite tracks:  Black & Yellow, Cameras, and The Race
• IMO--Not a classic, I wouldn't buy it.  You'll catch a few songs on my iPod though just cause I love the vibe songs and the chill beats.

Ahahahaha (Wiz laugh)

There you have it, my first music review.  Rolling Papers did convince me that Wiz may have a couple more tracks up his sleeve before his rap life is done.  He needs to handle the mainstream life while maintaining the style that made him famous.  I look forward to more tracks, the boy's got some talent.  He came at a right time too, who else is putting out these cool, vibe tracks that even a non-smoker such as myself can appreciate.


That's it for now brah, lemme know what you think !
DrizzyDre
Peace !

TaylorGangOrDie

Before I die...

I have my own personal list of things I want to do before I die--it's pretty long.  But that's cause I don't plan on dying =]

Well, I stumbledupon this website about a group of people that installed this giant chalkboard on the side of an abandoned building in their neighborhood in New Orleans.  They placed chalk out, and encouraged anyone to write down what they want to do before they die.  For everyone to see. I thought it was a great message and I wish we had one in my hood.  It's the small things that bring people together.

Before I Die--Nola

Before I die I want to leave my mark on this world.

Peace,
DrizzyDre

I've been here before.

You know that sticky notes tool that laptops have to remind you of stuff.  My current screen saver is just stacked with yellow sticky notes.  Every class is demanding something, when I'd much rather just go to bed.  #SoCollege.

And yet, here I am, blogger.com.

Well, I made some very important revelations today I think.  I received an email saying I needed to hurry up and declare my major so they could assign me a major adviser next semester.  I also need to start choosing classes for my next semester in like two weeks.  And on top of that, I need to consider study abroad when deciding what classes to take.  So I went to the Academic Advising & Supper Center (AASC--good acronym-ing) and some nice old lady helped me decide my future.  She laughed at me multiple times as she was obviously feeling pity for how confused I was about everything.  She printed me out a few sheets and while I still don't know what I'm going to do, she set me on the right path.

So I'm thinking, an interdisciplinary major of English/Comm. with a minor in either Marketing or International Business.  Now, I probably won't graduate with this degree, but fuck it, I'm trying.

If you have any, ANY input about this decision--I'd appreciate it.  I don't really know where I see myself working or what I see myself doing.  So don't ask me that.


 Well, here I am, in a very familiar place, procrastination island, and I could use a motivation milkshake, but all I've got is a college conundrum and lots of fucking work.  So I'm gonna try to start.


I leave you with this. . .a procrastinator's gold stash:

100 Most Iconic Internet Videos

Peace dude
Get my views up !
DrizzyDre

Baltimore Nights

It's been a while.  I feel bad that I've just started this blog and I'm already slacking.  Well, no excuses, but it's been a busy/eventful/stressful week.  But here I am--and I'm ready to write.

Today was a beautiful, beautiful day in Baltimore ! Sun was out, 77 degrees, and you know I had my shorts and chancletas on.  Best type of weather.  My new High Five City snapback just came in the mail too (Check out the website, it's got some fresh threads and a cool concept) ! Now that the days over, I'm here laying on my neighbors couch, tryna cool down.  Humidity makes me itchy.

I had my first RA training today also.  Met some fellow future RA's and learned about some responsibilities and yada-yada.  It was a cool meeting and one of the questions asked to me was, What relaxes you?


My answer was something like, "beaches, music, breezy weather, and hammocks".


Not the deepest answer, but the first things that came to mind.
Seems to me like I love the whole tropical scene.

 

 I def see myself living by the ocean, with an English bulldog named Boss (Rick Ross voice), in a nice apartment.  Living with a beautiful girl I love, and a comfy ass hammock where I nap after work.  Every morning I wake up and can smell the ocean and see the sun reflect off the water.  My girl's chilling on the balcony in my t-shirt, sunglasses, and the sun makes her look fresher and more vivrant than ever.  Then we just spend the day with no responsibilities and no one else exists.  I mean my ideal scene is pure imagination, but, shittt, how could you not love that scene ?

Oh, and it's def not hot enough to get me to the point where I'm itchy. I'd be pissed.

So, til' next time, dream big.  Bigger than usual.

BAAAWSSS!!!

Talk to you later brah,

DrizzyDre

Tell your friends ! 

Jam Sesh.

So I just got back to Baltimore from RI for some college.  I'm tired as balls.

Just Sparknoted Frankenstein for some quiz tomorrow. Grubbed on some Ben & Jerry's (Whirled Peace). And watched (500) Days of Summer for the second time this week.  I'm down the hall in a friends room and two of the kids that live on my floor are jamming right now on their guitars--it's a pretty chill scene.

Two of my loves, movies and music.

If you haven't seen (500) Days of Summer, I highly recommend it, #cosign.

It's a bit of a romantic comedy indie-type film starring Zooey Deschanel (Yes Man) & Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception) and directed by Marc Webb (the dude that's gonna film the new 2012 Spiderman joint).  Zooey Deschanel might be one of the most attractive girls in the world to me.  She looks like a hipster Katy Perry, she sings in a band, and the way she dresses, acts, and talks simply turns me on.  On the other hand, her mindfuckery throughout the movie does not.  While her character is incredibly forward and adorably quirky, she makes it her mission to establish her independence throughout the movie by messing with my boy Joseph Gordon-Levitt's characters life.  I, personally, thought it had a good ending (very important to me) and it had a lot of deep philosophy on love and other sentimental stuff that is easy to relate to if you're human and have ever felt something for someone.  But enough of that--watch the movie !

Lemme know what you think.
I'll post soon, peace !

DrizzyDre--tell you friends !

Never Satisfied

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still getting used to this whole blog thing.  I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I'm trying to get it exactly how I want it.  So bear with me--I'll get to the actual posts soon.  It's funny, ever since I started this thing I always come up with great blog ideas throughout the day.  But, now that I'm here in front of the screen, I ain't got shit.

I've been browsing some blogs and trying to learn what makes them successful and how I can model mine after theirs.  You, the peeps, are the only true way I can know if I'm actually doing this right--so hit me with ya feedback !

I'm watching Zoolander as I'm writing this.  Ben Stiller's the man.  And these scenes, oh man do they bring me back.  Still crack me up to this day.

 

Not by any means an Academy Award Winner--but an absolute Classic nonetheless.  Excuse me while I lol.

Be back soon; tell your friends !
DrizzyDre

--The Beginning

This is it, first blog post ever.  Here goes nothing.


Now, as I lay here, in the comfort of my own bed:  toes straight freezing, absurd amounts of blankets and pillows, clock ticking nice and rhythmically--I think to myself, "I gotta start this blog".  Now I'm not doing this as an assignment, or cause it's cool or anything, believe it or not, I'm trying to get noticed while at the same time learn some things by documenting myself.  What I've learned from writing is that we learn more about ourselves at times than what we expect--and I luh dat.

I'm kind've shocked I'm finally writing this. & I'm not really sure what to write about, so let me inform you about some things going on in my life right now:

• I'm in love. . .with MUSIC, but that ain't nothing new.  Truly fell in love 'round the age of 6.  I played the accordion all throughout elementary school (I know, I know).  Music's the one thing I feel comfortable in saying is my passion.  I can't really explain what it is to me in my own words, so I found this-
  
  
  PS. I'm currently on the new Lupe Lasers album. Peep that. 
  
  • I currently am a freshman at Loyola University Maryland.  That's Bawlmer, Merlin.  Far ways away from my hometown of Central Falls, Rhode Island.  What am I doing here?  I'm not exactly sure yet, I'll let you join me on that journey.  Home will always be where my heart is though.

  

  The OG Dogpound--Help make me who I am today

    

  • I'm in a relationship right now--sorry ladies.  Beautiful shawty by the name of Babynat (that's Natalia to you though).  I've known her almost all my life--didn't realize what she was 'til December 25, 2009 though.  She'll probably never read this, so I feel safe in saying, whenever I've thought of being without her, or with someone else, I immediately know that it's a mistake.  So. . . I'ma sucker.   

  
   I'm sure you'll get to know me very well soon (only if you keep checking this blog though).  Follow me through Twitter: @DrizzOrDie, or add me on Facebook: Andres. Much love to my first readers.  Goodnight.
  
  Tell your friends =]
  See you soon.
  DrizzyDre