ASHER ROTH
The Greenhouse Effect Vol. 1
Ladies and Gentlemen, I Introduce To You Mr. Asher Roth
Akon said “Why the f__k did you not let me hear this?”, Jay Z said “Okay, okay, you’re nice”, Andre 3000 said “Let me know if there is a record you guys need me on”, and big time rap producer had this to say about Mr. Asher Roth “He’s the best lyricist I have heard in 10 years”. So who the hell is Asher Roth?
Straight from the Philadelphia suburbs, Roth is already making tons of noise in the hip-hop industry. The West Chester University drop out has been named in the Top Ten Freshman: Hip Hop Class of ’09. Literally “bringing hip-hop back to the burbs” Roth is completely original and has an enormous sense of confidence in his lyrics.
Asher recognizes where he is from, the suburbs, and knows that he is not the typical rapper, but he doesn’t seem to care. "I was always from the outside looking in," says Roth. "Hip-hop has always been very influential in the ‘burbs, [but] it’s just a matter of where we could relate to it. You find a lot of kids that are really confused. You look at them and they’re dressed out of character. They don’t look right. I figured out, I don’t have to dress this way, but you can still love hip-hop."
Okay so we should probably discuss the “Eminem Effect” that strikes against all white rappers in the hip hop industry. Whats Asher have to say on the topic? “Him and I are different artists. I think the music’s going to portray that as time goes on. The comparisons are just…it’s cool to be compared to Em, but he’s one of the number one selling artists of all time. I’d rather be compared to him than pretty much anybody else. I think content and everything we rap about is completely different. We’re different artists. We just happened to be under the same genre.”
Asher Roth has released a mixtape titled ‘The Greenhouse Effect Vol. 1’ which can be downloaded for free at www.thedailykush.com. His debut
album ‘Asleep In The Bread Isle’ will be released appropriately on April 20th, 2009.
I promise you, Asher Roth is here to stay.
DREWS TUNES
Artist: Modest Mouse
Song: Bankrupt on Selling
Album: The Lonesome Crowded West
Artist: The Movie Life
Song: Jamestown
Album: 40 Hour Train Back to Penn
Artist: Nas
Song: You Can’t Kill Me
Album: Hip Hop Is Dead
Artist: Pink Floyd
Song: Thin Ice
Album: The Wall
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“I bomb atomically, Socrates' philosophies and hypothesis can't define
how I be droppin these mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery”
Wu Tang Clan- Triumph
REVIEWS
Thursday
Common Existence
The fifth album from the New Jersey based rock band Thursday, is more of the same great sound that we have been listening to for the past decade. The critically acclaimed “forefathers” of a music scene that is now filled with “wanna-bes” continue to write and release great emo-rock based anthems. With dark and gloomy lyrics, Thursday looks past the typical emo band when applying sky-high energy into their music. Its great to see that bands can still last today in the music scene, and Thursday can still spark the interests inside listeners with each album they release.
DREWS TUNES
Artist: Lil’ Scrappy
Song: Living In The Projects
Album: Bred To Die, Born To Live
Artist: Moneen
Song: Start Angry…End Mad
Album: Are We Really Happy?...
Artist: Norah Jones
Song: Don’t Know Why
Album: Don’t Know Why
Artist: The Used
Song: Poetic Tragedy
Album: The Used
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“Blind acceptance is a sign of stupid fools who stand in line”
-The Sex Pistols: EMI
MUSIC NEWS
Last week at the Grammy’s, rock music received a pleasant surprise when the band Blink 182 appeared on stage together for their first time since their “indefinite hiatus” in 2004…as presenters. The band caused quite the uproar announcing that they will in fact be back as Blink 182 this summer and are planning to record a new album and go on tour.
If you have been living under a rock, or under water for that matter, then you haven’t heard about hip-hop and R&B artist Chris Brown assaulting pop sensation and girlfriend Rihanna. The terrible news was released Grammy night, and the couple did not attend the Grammy festivities. Details are still developing and the couple has failed to comment on the subject.
The popular summer musical/hippie fest Bonnaroo has announced that Bruce Springsteen, Phish, and The Beastie Boys, will be headlining their music festival come June 2009. Other acts include Snoop Dogg, The Decemberists, Of Montreal and Santogold.
Last Week:
Artist: Underoath
Song: A Boy Brushed Red….Living in Black and White
Album: They’re Only Chasing Safety
Artist: Thursday
Song: Standing on the Edge of Summer
Album: Full Collapse
Artist: Spoon
Song: Eddie’s Ragga
Album: GA GA GA..
Artist: The Roots
Song: Aint Sayin Nothin New
Album: Things Fall Apart
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“He was drunk and exhausted, but critically acclaimed and respected.”
The Hold Steady- Stuck Between Stations
REVIEWS
Jay Rock
Follow Me Home
The Last of a Dying Breed
Jay Rock, the 23 year old, in-your-face rapper has absolutely stormed on
the hip-hop scene in 2009. Hailing from L.A.’s Nickerson Gardens
projects, Jay Rock truly represents the ghetto and he will be the first
to tell you. “I represent the ghetto” Jay Rock previously stated,
adding “I’m trying to bring that real music back, straight to the point,
no ‘lollipop’ type stuff”. His first single ‘All My Life’ features Lil
Wayne and definitely solidifies Jay Rocks ghetto roots. Expect to hear
a lot more from the L.A. native along with fellow L.A. gangster rapper
The Game on ‘Follow Me Home’.
Artist: Elliot Smith
Song: No Name No.5
Album: Either/Or
Artist: Fleet Foxes
Song: Ragged Wood
Album: Fleet Foxes
Artist: Incubus
Song: Aqueous Transmission
Album: Morning View
Artist: Saves The Day
Song: Firefly
Album: Stay What You Are
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“The highway’s packed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive”
-Bruce Springsteen: Born To Run
REVIEWS
Two Tongues
Two Tongues
Say Anything and Saves the Day Team Up To Bring Us Two Tongues
Two Tongues is an indie rock side project/supergroup consisting of
members of Saves The Day and Say Anything. The side-project consists of
Max Bemis and Coby Linder of Say Anything, along with Chris Conley and
Dave Soloway of Saves the Day. The album, titled Two Tongues, which was
initially set to be released in the summer of 2008, but was delayed for
unspecified reasons. It will now be released on February 3, 2009
through Vagrant Records. Although the album leans more towards Say
Anything, both band faithfuls will definitely enjoy this album. If you
have yet to lend your ears to the sounds of Saves the Day or Say
Anything, listen to Two Tongues. If you like what you hear, split the
band in two and now you will have three great rock bands to listen to.
Artist: Atmosphere
Song: Guarantees
Album: When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold
Artist: The White Stripes
Song: Fell In Love With A Girl
Album: White Blood Cells
Artist: Santogold
Song: I’m A Lady
Album: Santogold
Artist: Slightly Stoopid
Song: Collie Man
Album: Everything You Need
Ghostface Killah
GhostDeini
A Not So New 2009 For Ghostface Fans…
GhostDeini is the new album release Wu Tang extrodinare and solo artist,
Ghostface Killah. The only problem with his new album is that the album
itself is not very new at all. The surprising solo career of Ghostface
overall has been extremely successful, he is just not making any new
friends with his latest release. The album itself is a great way to
showcase the talents of the Wu Tang rapper but only includes a couple
new songs. If you already own his previous works such as Ironman,
Fishscale, and Supreme Clientele, there is absolutely no point in buying
this album. Ghostface reminds us of past solo hits such as The Champ,
which his friends Just Blaze kindly remixed for him on the album, but
fails to offer his followers something new for 2009.
Animal Collective
Merriweather Post Pavilion
Collective Already Making A Run At Album Of The Year?
Nine albums later, Animal Collective has finally figured it all out.
Merriweather Post Pavilion is one of the finest albums you will hear
throughout the year 2009. AC is beautifully taken every one of their
previous albums, perfected it, and added a sharper focus and melody to
each and every one of their songs on Merriweather. The album is as
close as you can get to becoming flawless. The album is beautifully
constructed and not a second of time is wasted. Animal Collective
continues to impress us lyrically and musically, proving they are one of
the best indie-rock/pop bands of the past decade. Has the album of 2009
arrived in mid-January? I can not see anything else coming close.
UPCOMING MUSIC-- What You Should Be Listening For In 2009…
Jay Z
The Blueprint 3
Famous rapper Jay Z will be back in early 2009 with his third
installment of his Blueprint chronicles. Songs already released, such
as “Jockin”, “Brooklyn Go Hard”, and “History” have already surfaced on
several internet sites and have been very successful so far. Jay Z is
one of the best rappers of all time and continues to dominate the hip
hop scene till this day. We can expect more of the same greatness from
Jay Z, including a remix of friend and fellow rapper T.I.’s “Swagger
Like Us”. Jay Z is currently getting ready for Barack Obama’s
“Inauguration Eve” performance in Washington DC.
Plus 44
TBA
With Travis Barker severely injured in a plane crash, Mark Hoppus
working hard producing albums for acts that include New Found Glory and
Motion City Soundtrack, and even rumors of a Blink 182 reunion tour, it
finally appears we will be hearing more from the x-Blink boys in 2009
with Plus 44’s newest album (title TBA). While Tom Delonge has been
successfully working with Angels and Airwaves, Hoppus and Barker have
been writing the follow up to their last album “When Your Heart Stops
Beating”. Although this is no Blink 182 by any means, Plus 44’s new
album will definitely hold us over until Blink 182 returns, if that even
happens.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Working on a Dream
For years Bruce Springsteen, or should I say “The Boss” has given us
countless unforgettable albums and live performances. It would be hard
to give any kind of negative review towards The Boss, so I won’t even
try. Springsteen faithfuls will be sure to enjoy Bruce and the E Street
Band even after years and years of playing music. Bruce is also joining
the ranks in Barack Obama’s inauguration ceremony, as he will share the
stage with fellow artists U2, Beyonce, John Legend, and Sheryl Crow.
Drews Tunes
Artist: Rage Against the Machine
Song: Killing in the Name
Artist: Angels and Airwaves
Song: Call to Arms
Artist: Further Seems Forever
Song: The Sound
Artist: Ghostface Killah
Song: Buck 50
Lyrics
“Time keeps moving on and on and on. Soon we’ll all be gone.”
Blink 182: Man Overboard
Reviews
Common
Universal Mind Control
Rapper’s 8th Studio Release Not Too “Common”
While we are used to Common fitting the role of the poetic prophet in the rap industry, the long-time rhyme slayer has taken a different approach on his latest studio album. Listening to the album, you will find more of a celebration, steering away from Common’s deep thinking mind. These “club banger” songs will definitely be popular, just not the Common everyone has grown to respect and love inside the rap industry. The album falls right into the lines of many other rap artists today. It will be successful, but not memorable.
DREWS TUNES
Artist: Kid Cudi
Song: Day and Night
Artist: Valencia
Song: Tenth Street
Artist: Hit The Lights
Song: Make A Run For It
Artist: Eminem
Song: Drug Ballad
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“I woke up early this mornin' with a new state of mind. A creative way to rhyme without usin' knives and guns. Keep your nose out the sky, keep your heart to God and keep your face to the risin' sun”
- Kanye West: Family Business
TRV$/DJAM
FIX YOUR FACE
There is nothing that Travis Barker can not do behind a drum set?
Former Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker has accomplished many things in his life. From playing in several different bands such as Blink 182, The Transplants, Box Car Racer, and Plus 44, to teaming up with hip-hops finest names which include The Game, Barker has taken his talented drumming to every corner of the music industry. His new project
TRV$/DJAM, he teams up with his good friend DJAM, who both were able to escape death in a plane crash a few months back, and make one of the most impressive mix-tapes I have ever listened to. All backed by Barker’s impressive drumming, DJ AM mixes several different songs together which include the voices of Jay Z, Notorious BIG, Rage Against the Machine, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. For those of you that have been living under a rock your whole life, Travis Barker is the best drummer in the world. There is nothing that he can not do behind a drum set.
Kid Cudi
Day and Night EP
Kid Cudi is opening eyes and turning heads with only one song released
If you haven’t heard of Kid Cudi yet, you will very soon. The debut single from Cudi, who resides in Brooklyn but was born in Ohio, is one of the best new rap songs on the market. I have not been so impressed with a hip-hop release since Kanye West released “Jesus Walks”. With producer Dot Da Genius supply an intriguing and hypnotic beat, toppled by melodic rhymes of Kid Cudi, the flow will definitely have you hooked from the beginning.
RUMOR CENTRAL
The Return of Blink 182?
their break-up. Although it was due to the unfortunate events of Travis Barker being in a plane crash, the band has begun to speak again and develop the friendship that brought us eleven years of rock music and millions of loyal fans together all around the world.
Mark Hoppus, singer and bassist, has recently blogged “In the midst of everything else that has happened lately, Tom, Travis, and I have all spoken together. first through a number of phone calls, and then a couple of weeks ago we all hung out for a few hours. they’ve all been great, very positive conversations. we’re just reconnecting as friends
after four years of not talking. It’s a good thing.”
Previous Week
DREWS TUNES
Artist: Van Morrison
Song: Wild Night
Artist: The Allman Brothers
Song: One Way Out
Artist: Derek And The Dominos
Song: Layla
Artist: The Beatles
Song: You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“When you aint got nothing, you got nothing to lose”
- Bob Dylan: Like A Rolling Stone
REVIEWS
Beyonce
I Am…..Sasha Fierce
New Album Brings Out Artistic Capabilities in Beyonce
Beautifully constructed, Beyonce’s new album is actually two separate parts. I Am and Sasha Fierce represent the new highly anticipated CDs from Beyonce. The singer proves that she can branch out into different singing roles, showing more of her R&B side on I Am along with her more upbeat music on Sasha Fierce. Overall the two albums are great separate, but if put together wouldn’t make much sense.
Kanye West
808s & Heartbreak
New Style, Same Results
With the highly anticipated release of 808s, comes a new style of music for the successful rapper Kanye West. Completely ignore the past releases from Mr. West, which include The College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation because they sound nothing like his latest release. So ask yourself: Is this a bad thing? No. Will old fans still enjoy this album? No. Is it still a good album? Yes. Fans may be disappointed with the fact that West hardly raps, but rather sings on his new album. West has taken more of an R&B approach which appropriately fits with the “heartbreak” title. West is growing musically and shows he has way more talent than people thought. 808s will surprise listeners, and will definitely be an album that has to grow on previous fans of Kanye West. Overall, the album is great showing West’s soul over swagger, and people will respect him for it.
Previous Week
DREWS TUNES
Artist: MGMT
Song: Electric Feel
Artist: Blink 182
Song: I’m Sorry
Artist: Against Me!
Song: Cavalier Internal
Artist: Senses Fail
Song: Buried A Lie
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
“I wanna see it when you find out what comets, stars, and moons are all about. I wanna see their faces turn to backs of heads and slowly get smaller. I wanna see it now”
-Built To Spill: Car
REVIEWS
T-Pain
Thr33 Rings
New Solo Album Is Truly Painful
Lets face it, T-Pain needs to stick to his sub-par cameos and stay away from the solo spotlight. Yeah, the album is packed with guests that include Kanye West, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne, but that won’t overcome the unorganized work of T-Pain himself. Pain would thrive off of his wacky, no limit, cameos with just about everyone in the rap business, but when releasing his own record it seems like the artist’s limitations are revealed. Thr33 Rings fails to capture listeners and will leave fans waiting for the next hot cameo.
Taylor Swift
Fearless
The Follow Up To Her Triple-Platinum Debut Is More Of The Same Greatness
Taylor Swift is young, beautiful, and oh, she can sing too. Swift is only a teenager, but her songs are written with beauty and a broad appeal to many audiences. This album will be the best pop album of 2008. Swift’s musical maturity shines on her new album and will continue to keep fans on the edge of their seats as she grows as a person and a musician.
Previous Week...
Song: The Tension and Terror
Artist: Sublime
Song: Badfish
Artist: Brand New
Song: The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot
Artist: Streetlight Manifesto
Song: The Saddest Song
REVIEWS
Toby Keith
That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy
Country Singer Wrote and Produced 13th Album
After the release of his 13th studio album, Toby Keith is still one of the few country singers left that maintains the purity and excellence of a great country album. At age 47, Keith continues to prove he can write successfully and create solid albums despite his old age. With steel guitar progressions, lonesome country vocals and lyrics, Keith is bound to find success yet again on his newest album That Don’t Make Me A Bad Guy.
John Legend
Evolver
The Grammy-Winner’s New Album Features Andre 3000 and Kanye West
Evolver will be the biggest release to date from singer/songwriter John Legend. Once Again, Legend’s previous release may still be his best work, but Evolver has been released with the classic soul and creativity that has made Legend who he is today. Featuring Kanye West and Andre 3000, Legend has little room for failure on his new album. The album itself shows Legend’s determination to continue to grow as a musician, songwriter, and singer. Evolver is a great first step in Legend’s journey to become a monster name in the music business.