J. Cole – Radio Laurier

August 8, 20170 Comments

J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only Tour

It’s been about a week and a half since the J.Cole hit up Toronto for the 4 Your Eyez Only Tour. I’ve been listening to Cole for a quite awhile, but never got around to catching him live. The last time he was in Toronto was for Drake’s 6ixth Annual OVO Fest, but I wasn’t able to score tickets.

Before J.Cole hit the stage, Anderson .Paak hit the stage with his band. He has such smooth vocals both when recorded and in person, and he is killer on the drums. He stood at centre stage initially, but then he made his way over to the drum kit and stayed there for the rest of his set. He performed “Suede”, which is one of my favourites. I especially have a soft spot for him because he has a song titled “Khadijah.”

Then, the opening notes of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” off of 4 Your Eyez Only were heard. Cole came out wearing an orange prison jumpsuit with the words “Property of ________” on the back, reminding us that it is not his story, but rather an Everyman tale of sorts. In between well-timed videos and personal anecdotes, J. Cole performed every single song off the album. Yes, you read that right. He also performed classics from earlier days, including “Power Trip,” “No Role Modelz,” “Wet Dreamz,” “A Tale of 2 Citiez,” and “Lights Please.”

The room was filled with such crazy energy, and you could tell that everyone felt uplifted. Although I had seen Kendrick Lamar just a few days before, for the second time, I felt that J. Cole put so much more effort and passion into articulating himself to his fans, and performing every song from the bottom of his heart. I felt like that was the case when I saw Kendrick back in 2015, but I felt that it was more of a gimmick this time around, and almost rushed.

If you didn’t get a chance to catch it the first time on HBO, there is also a short film that accompanies J.Cole’s album. It is such a real and powerful story, one that has stuck with me. Click here to watch it in full.

Shows/The Rap Up

December 7, 20160 Comments

The Rap Up: Episode No. 12

It’s Going to be a Cole Winter

King Cole has done is again!!! Damnnnn J. Cole back again with another Album. The is titled For Your Eyes Only. After a two-year hiatus, it is safe to say the J. Cole is back again to cause a lot of rumble with his next album. The album is set to release on December 9, 2016. Cole released a documentary that was exclusively on Tidal showing the process of a day in his life and how a regular day in the studio is like for him. In the documentary, Cole released two videos, “False Prophets” and “Everybody Dies”. The records have caused quite a stir in typical Cole fashion as he sits back and watch the reactions. The track list for the upcoming album was released last night with ten songs and there were no features on the album. Just another album to go platinum with without any features. Cole has proven over the years that he is lyrical and is not to be messed with on the mic. As the days goes by the anticipation for the album grows. Cole brings the style of old school hip hop to the new school crowd.

Awaken, My Haters

Childish Gambino dropped a brand new album this week, but unfortunately thanks to J. Cole, it has been slightly over shadowed. Gambino’s latest effort Awaken, My Love has been receiving mixed reviews. First and foremost, this is not a traditional Hip-Hop album, which has caught quite a few people off guard. If you can manage to get over the fact there is no “single” or “bars”, it’s a bit easier to digest. The sound of the 11 track album has been described by fans as “1970’s heroin funk” (whatever that means), unapologetic acid-soul (again whatever that means), and Gambinos transition from Childish to Adultish Gambino. While artistic progression is always the moniker of a pure artist, this album is admittedly more difficult to digest than his previous works, and requires a more complex appreciation. Usually HotNewHipHop.com‘s comment section is nothing more than trolls and jokes however a user explained the our feelings of this album perfectly, “Album is not for everybody thats obvious. Some will f*** with it and some won’t. Me personally it’s not what I was hoping for but I like it for what it is.”

(Written by Garrick Gray & TJ Mroz)

Songs Played This Week:

Everybody Dies – J.Cole (7:11)

False Prophets – J.Cole (30:35)

Wrote My Way Out – Nas & Dave East

Leave Me – Post Malone

Rockin – The Weeknd

All I Know – The Weeknd Ft. Future

Terrified – Childish Gambino

Stand Tall – Childish Gambino

Dear Theodosia – Chance the Rapper, Francis & the Lights

Baptized In Fire – Kid Cudi (E)

Drove U Crazy – Gucci Mane Ft. Bryson Tiller (E)

Suggested Articles:

Childish Gambino’s “Awaken, My Love!”

Williams & Williams in the Morning – December 2, 2016

The Basement: Dec 4th Recap – Topics, Playlist

Shows/The Basement

December 6, 20160 Comments

The Basement: Dec 4th Recap – Topics, Playlist

4-your-eyez-only-2016
TOPICS

On this week’s show, we started off show by talking about a restaurant in Brooklyn, New York called ICHIRAN. The ramen-restaurant is gaining popularity because of the unique service it offers, described in detail this article on Grubstreet.com. The restaurant is designed in such a way that the patrons don’t have to have any significant form of social interactions. They sit in private booths, write down their orders on paper, and get served through small windows in their booths. We explored the anti-social implications of a restaurant that essentially eliminates any need for interactions with other humans. This conversation also lead to a discussion tipping and the service industry as a whole. In the restaurant industry, servers are traditionally paid less than minimum wage, and tipping is often expected (but not mandatory) and is usually determined by the quality of service provided by the server.

During our pop culture segment, we discussed J. Cole’s upcoming album entitled, “4 Your Eyez Only”, after releasing a documentary via TIDAL featuring two new songs. On one of the new track releases, “False Prophets”, he levies subtle criticisms towards the current state of rap, commenting on the behaviour of other artists like Kanye West and Lil’ Yachty. We also talked about the constant comparisons of current artists to past legends. For example, The Weeknd is often regarded as the modern Michael Jackson, but the issue that arises seems to be that it does an injustice to both artists. While it may be fair to say that there are notable similarities between the two artists, they both have individual characteristics and careers that shouldn’t be lumped together. Calling The Weeknd the new Michael Jackson puts The Weeknd in a position to fill larger than life shoes, and also in a sense, takes away from the legacy left behind by the late Michael Jackson (rest in peace).

For the people/opinion segment, we explored people’s personal preferences in relation to physical attributes when dating. Sometimes, people have specific physical attributes that are mandatory for them to feel attracted to someone else. We talked about whether or not it’s shallow to have these preferences, what some of these preferences are, and when these preferences go too far.

PLAYLIST
Popcaan – Ova Dweet
Gallant – Open Up
Chance the Rapper – Summer Friends
Daniel Caesar – Get You Ft. Kali Uchis
Noname – Freedom Interlude

Shows/After Class

December 6, 20160 Comments

Week 12: December 5, 2016

screen-shot-2016-12-06-at-1-32-18-pm

There was so much to talk about; this weekend was very overwhelming for music (but in the best way possible). Childish Gambino dropped his third studio album, Awaken, My Love!, a new song by Kid Cudi and Travi$ Scott titled “Baptized In Fire” was released a teaser for Cudi’s upcoming album, and J.Cole released album artwork and videos for the sudden release of his fourth studio album, titled 4 Your Eyes Only. DJs Deej, Nix, and Winks are happy with, and looking forward to everything.

In a slight revisit of Starboy by The Weeknd, the DJs looked at its progress since its release. As of right now, all eighteen tracks are on the Billboard Top 100 list, which is a repeat of the accomplishment that the artist had with his last album, The Beauty Behind the Madness.

It was a little bittersweet for the trio, as it was the last show of the semester. There are only twelve episodes left before they leave Laurier for the next step in academia, and otherwise. It may seem like a lot, but this term has gone by quickly. The trio are looking at introducing some new segments next term. If you want us to highlight a less mainstream artist, please Tweet us at @RLAfterClass or comment on our Instagram post @afterclazz.

This week’s track list is as follows:

“True Colours” – The Weeknd
“Redbone” – Childish Gambino
“St. Tropez” – J. Cole
“Leave” – Post Malone
“Now and Later” – Sage the Gemini
“Snow (Hey Oh)” – Red Hot Chili Pepper
“All Night” – The Vamps ft. Matona
“Old Thing Back” – Matoma ft. Ja Rule and The Notorious B.I.G.

Shows

October 4, 20161 Comment

The Rap Up: Episode No. 4

flat800x800075f

Meeky Mouse

Meek Mill has apparently called off all and any internet beef he has with The Game. It’s been a long year for meek after taking L, after L after L. Rumor on the street has it that meek snitched on Game, which prompted the Compton native to put out 2 diss tracks. The first one was “92 bars” which went straight at meek and mentioned Nicki Minaj. Meek responded by putting out “OOOUUUU Remix” which Game responded by putting out a remix to that entitled “Pest Control. While Meek says one thing, it seems unlikely that he actually sticks to his word. But in the mean time, he can hold this L.

J. Cole Please Don’t Leave

Jermaine Cole put out 2014 Forest Hills Drive back in 20014 and to say it’s a classic is an understatement. The album sold 353,000 copies within its first week without any features. J. Cole has done a lot for his fans, with one dollar concerts to being on tour for the past two years ever since the release of 2014 Forest Hills Drive. J. Cole is for the people, Cole has been involved in giving back to his community and has been seen out marching with Black Lives Matter protesters. Cole recently said after a show that he will be taking a break from music for a while, whether its to work on an upcoming album or just a break in general to just relax and reap the rewards of his hard work. Cole is a newly wed, maybe he’s taking time off to spend with his wife and maybe start a family of his own. Cole taking time off to work on an album is the only thing that I want to believe is happening, the fans yarns for new music from Cole and he will be blessing us if that’s the reason for his soon to come hiatus. Cole stated on a song on DJ Khaled’s new album, on the song “Jermaine’s Interlude” that he’s played with thoughts of retirement and to hear him say that his last show will be the last for a while has some fans in their feelings to say the least. Is Cole really considering retirement or is he just taking some time off to work on a new album? Lets hope that’s the case. Dreamville to the end of the world and back!

Hubby to the Rescue

Earlier this week, Kanye West unfortunately cut his Meadows Fest set short due to a “family emergency”. While fans spent the rest of the night and much of the next morning speculating why the T.L.O.P. rapper didn’t finish his performance, we now know it was to catch a jet to Paris. Reports claim that two suspects posing as Parisian Police Officers held the receptionists at gun point within the private mansion that Kim Kardashian is inhabiting for Paris Fashion week. Upon being held at gun point, the suspects allegedly forced the receptionists to open the doors to Kims quarters and upon entering, then held Kim at gun point until they locked her in the bathroom. Apparently the value of what was stolen in jewelry and cell phones is thought to be in the millions. To no surprise, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian arrived back in NYC yesterday with a heavily increased security presence.

(Written by Manny Rao, Garrick Gray and TJ Mroz)

Songs Played This Week:

Go Tell ‘Em – Vic Mensa

Been A Long Time – DJ Mustard, YG & Ty Dolla Sign

Can’t Ignore – Dave East Ft. 2 Chainz

Deja Vu – Post Malone Ft. Justin Bieber

Watching – Ty Dolla Sign Ft. Meek Mill

Hello – Ty Dolla Sign

Sweet Sweet – Travis Scott

Biebs In The Trap – Travis Scott

Starboy – The Weeknd

False Alarm – The Weeknd

Rivals – Usher Ft. Future

Mad – Solange Ft. Lil Wayne

Black Moses – Meek Mill Ft. Pusha T

War – Nas Ft. Raye

Sins Of Our Fathers – Game Ft. Marsha Ambrosius

Muddy Waters – LP

the ends – Travis Scott ft. Andre 3000

Suggested Articles:

After Class, Week 4: October 3, 2016

Exploring Mind and Body: Malcolm Saunders

Shows/The Rap Up

January 10, 20160 Comments

The Rap Up: 2nd Semester Pull Up!

Meek Mill Do Not Pass Go

It seems no matter how Meek Mill rolls the dice this year, he’s taking L’s. Unfortunately for him he might have just picked up the worst Chance card possible, and if the Philadelphia Courts decide so, Meek will be going directly to jail. Stemming from charges over nine years ago, Meek has officially violated his probation again, which if you remember, was the reason for his absence this time last year. After providing a suspicious drug test which he failed, and leaving the city of Philadelphia without legal permission to attend the 2015 AMA’s with girlfriend Nicki Minaj, Meek will face sentencing in February. Amidst a historically bad year for the Dreams & Nightmares rapper, fans can at least breathe a little easier knowing Dream Chasers 4 is on its way.

Can Young Money & Cash Money hug it out?

Looking back on 2015, it’s difficult to ignore the the blatant stain that the Cash Money x Young Money feud has imprinted on Hip-Hop. Tour Bus shootings, disrespect from Young Thug, throwing bottles in the club, lawsuits, diss tracks, AND the fact we still don’t have our hands on Lil Wayne’s final album, The Carter 6, is just the tip of the iceberg. Despite the fact that Birdman and Wayne are legally father and son, The Young Money x Cash Money empire has seemingly all but crumbled in the last year. This is pretty disheartening considering years ago they were one of the tightest knit collectives, and one the most popular labels in the game. While the situation is about as ridiculous and convoluted as they come, Mack Maine president of Young Money, has made some much needed progress. Reportedly only hours before Drakes NYE party this year, Mack Maine held a conference call between Lil Wayne and Birdman (Baby) in which they agreed to keep it civil, however, Wayne is nowhere near dropping his lawsuit against Birdman. While any progress is good at this point, fans are still hoping for progress in the form of a new album.

Cole & Kdot

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2015 was the year of the sheep. However for Hip-Hop fans everywhere, 2015 was also the year of the ‘joint-album/mixtape’. Migos, Young Thug, Metro-Boomin, London On Da Track, Fetty Wap, French Montana, Drake and Future seemed to have renewed everyone’s interest in the possibility of a joint album this year. However, after dropping remixes on a track from each of their most recent albums this past Thanksgiving, J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar look to possibly steal the spotlight in February with their own joint project. After Kdot’s sister of all people let slip there was something arriving in February, the internet has been ablaze with speculation. Kendrick has even gone on record recently saying Drake & Future produced some of his favourite music this year. Could that mean “challenge accepted”? Fingers crossed.

The Rap Up Welcomes its Newest Co-Host Manny Rao!

Stay tuned for next weeks show as we get to know Manny on a personal level. Because after all, “there’s levels to this shit”.

Songs played this week:

Intro – Pusha T

FACTS – Kanye West

I Wanna Benz – YG Ft. Nipsey Hustle & 50 Cent

This Me, Fuck It – Timbaland Ft. 2 Chainz

Random – G Eazy

Calm Down – G Eazy

Folgers Crystals – J. Cole

Caged Bird – J. Cole

D.O.P.E. – Rick Ross Ft. Future

Wrist – Chris Brown Ft. Solo Lucci

All I Want – Rockie Fresh

Promise – Kid Ink Ft. Fetty Wap

Move On – Wiz Khalifa

Gangster 101 – Wiz Khalifa

NYC restore the feeling – Troy Ave

Givers Takers – Troy Ave