MUSIC Review
Compton artist takes rap to the top of its ‘Game’ By NIYAZ PIRANI Assistant News Editor
In the present state of radio hip-hop, itʼs rare to find shades of truth hidden among the money, hoes and bling being advertised by most mainstream rap artists. As Nelly asks women to “get their eagle on” and Petey Pablo plugs Seagrams Gin on “Freek-a-Leek” it seems out of the ordinary for a rapper to talk about his struggles, triumphs and broken past for fans to relate to. On The Documentary, the debut release from Comptonʼs The Game, hip-hop fans are allowed to indulge in a blast from the past, when the rhymes came from the street and classics were made as soon as the first beat dropped. The Documentary, possibly the most anticipated rap release of 2005, features production from a hip-hop all-star roster including Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Scott Storch, Havok from Mobb Deep, Just Blaze, Eminem, Cool and Dre, Timbaland and Kanye West. Hip-
hop beats were never as pleasing as the 18 tracks featured on this debut. The Game dialed every name in the rap rolodex because the album features appearances by 50Cent, Eminem, Tony Yayo, Faith Evans, Busta Rhymes, Nate Dogg and the legendary Mary J. Blige. The Game also dials up the dead, bringing Biggie, Pac, Jam Master Jay, Aaliyah, Left-Eye and Easy-E back to life through poetic eulogy, mixing their legendary styles with his own as a way of pouring a 40 for the fallen. Starting with his battle cry on opening track “Westside Story”, The Game gets listeners attention by declaring that the West never died after Tupacʼs casket closed. In fact, he proves that itʼs very much still alive. “Hate It or Love It” oozes of classic cool as the beat paints a picture of a drive through any ghetto circa Foxy Brown and the Motown era. “How We Do” features a beat that Dre must have resurrected from a tape deck he lost eons ago and Just Blaze digs
Daily Titan Staff
Although the Slow Down Kid deals with the same hardships expressed by so many other artists on the market today, what makes this album different is the sincerity Val Emmich brings to the music industry and the power behind his emotionally charged songs. His music may be a little depressing, but his lyrics are easy to relate too. The album is a story retelling the pain and heartbreak that Emmich has experienced through his life. Loss, failed romance, and the unstable nature of life are just some issues that Emmich broaches in his music. This album is part rock, part emo and somewhat hard to describe. Trying to do so as it compares to others would not do justice to the music style and songwriting that is displayed. Emmich carries a crisp melodic edge to his songs, which carry the full weight of his emotions. His
deep voice is suited for the part of the heartbroken songster. Among the songs on the album is “Privacy Attracts a Crowd.” A catchy little tune centering on the inherent lack of privacy one feels when they want to be left alone. “Look how the rumors fly, attract a crowd like bugs to light,” are lyrics that Emmich uses to describe the way people often flock to tabloids or other forms of gossip to intrude on other peoples lives. The last song on the album stands as a piece of advice to the music audience ready to listen. Slow Down Kid is a slow paced song in which Emmich sings about the pressures of a fast paced life. “You donʼt have to move like the people around you do, what are you trying to prove?” These lyrics seem to target the younger generation of twenty somethingʼs the very people who are trying to start life in the real world trying to keep up with the masses. All in all, the album has a
2005
Beck The long awaited follow-up to 2002ʼs “Sea Change,” Beck is now slated to drop the record this spring. It is produced by the Dust Brothers and Tony Hoffer. Music fans worldwide will be excited to hear the collaboration between Beck and Jack White, which will be included on the album. In 2004 Beck also collaborated on the soundtrack for the film “The Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind.”
up the old N.W.A. sound with “No More Fun and Games” as the break beat chorus rings that “itʼs not about a salary, itʼs all about reality.” The Game brings listeners into his deepest pains on “Start from Scratch” on which he almost breaks from rap to a full-on breakdown, but he also cheers to one of his greatest accomplishments on “Like Father, Like Son” which chronicles the birth of his son. With The Documentary, The Game knows heʼs one of the best to ever grab the mic, claiming that heʼs “Flava Flav with a wrist watch,” and with his gritty lyrics and neck-breaking production.
Debut soars with sincerity By NICK COOPER
Most Anticipated of
great, easy to listen to (with out being easy listening) sound and interlocking songs that spell out a story of heart break and realization. This album is not for the happy go lucky teeny boppers who prefer to fill there MP3 players with pop princess Britany or some random boy band, but for the normal every day person who prefers to live in the real world. Emmich is down to earth and sincere about his music. Slow Down Kid is a great first album from an upcoming new voice in rock.
Dr. Dre “Detox” is legendary rapper Dr. Dreʼs big project which is meant to feature some of the worldʼs biggest stars along with Dreʼs regular Aftermath crew. Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Eminem, Obie Trice and Xzibit are all set to appear on the record. Due to Dreʼs eccentric production methods, the album wonʼt drop till September. Foo Fighters The Foo Fighters have been in and out of the studio recording their fifth album. They have also been engaging in various side projects as Dave Grohl has been drumming for Nine Inch Nails and guitarist Chris Shiflett released the debut album of his band “Jackson United” in October. The new album will drop before summer and the band will be touring. Mars Volta One of 2003ʼs best rock albums came from a gang of Texas based Latin American salsa rockers. The debut, “De-loused in the Comatorium” was as sensational as it was weird. The second album slated for a February release and will be no exception. “Frances The Mute” includes five tracks divided in several chapters each and clocks in to about 77 minutes. The first single, “The Widow” drops in January and the band are already booked for a Scandinavian tour. Nine Inch Nails In 2004 NIN fans rejoiced as ex-guitarist Chris Vrenna released solo project Tweaker, which featured Robert Smith and Johnny Marr. In 2005 they will be even happier. Trent Reznor and the boys have recruited a bunch of guests including Foo Fighting drummer extraordinaire Dave Grohl to help them create the new album to be released in January. Oasis The follow-up to 2002ʼs “Heathen Chemistry” is slated for a May release. The recording has not been without controversy as they sacked the sessions they did with production team Death In Vegas and there has allegedly been major disputes between the Gallagher brothers over which of the over thirty songs written to include on the album. As that was not enough, Noel & Liam fired long-time drummer Alan White. His replacement is none other than Zac Starkey, son of Ringo Starr, so expect an album with an even more obvious Beatles-influence. Paris Hilton Paris worked hard. It included partying, shopping, modelling and reality-TV. Now she is set to take on music as well. She has recorded cover versions of David Bowieʼs and John Lennonʼs 1975 hit “Fame” and Blondieʼs “Heart of Glass” from 1979. Keep your ear out for her first single “Screwed.”
Daily Titan January 31, 2005
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