Review: Kevin Garrett Triumph's Through The False Hope
There is a new voice that's preparing to take the R&B and Pop world by storm. It belongs to Pittsburg's own, Kevin Garrett. His new EP False Hope was dropped following his sold out show in Chicago and it's everything your heart needs while you're on loves rollercoaster.
False Hope is a strong 5 song EP that tackles love, pain and the anxieties that come with that. The production is ill and Kevin's voice is gold every track.
"Pulling Me Under" is sure to be a favorite amongst Kevin Garrett's day one and new fans. This song was a big hit at his sold out show at Lincoln Hall. Another instant crowd pleaser was "A Little Bit of You". I expect to hear on the next big chick flick or love story to hit theaters. The EP opens with "A Heart Like Yours". It's a ballad that transitions in and out of a crazy bounce, but doesn't mess up the chill vibe it carries till the end.
False Hope may be the project you listen to and decide it's time to make forever happen with your significant other. It also could be the project you listen to as you prepare your teary-eyed goodbye. No matter which side of the spectrum you sit on, you will thoroughly enjoy this from beginning to end. If you need a selling point beyond the above. He contributed to Beyonce's "Pray You Catch Me". You love Bey right? Well, listen to a great artist she's worked with. She's not sleep on Kevin and you shouldn't be either.
After meeting Kevin Garrett. I can assure you, he's more than the pain filled soul on this EP. He has a very rich, sultry sound and a great positive vibe. We got a singer that wants to sing about love. Let's do all we can to make sure he stays winning. I expect great things from him in the very near future. Respect to Kevin Garrett and his smooth and musically layered EP, False Hope.
Get False Hope here.
Review: Big Sean's "I Decided" Album Solidifies His Spot
Off Top, I'm a Big Sean fan. I've been waiting for a new project from the guy I call "The 1A Emcee of this era". The "I Decided" album is here and I'm glad Sean took his time with this one.
I Decided is not the always working and bragging on his girl, Sean. This is the deep thought and caring evolution of Sean Anderson. With the expansion of the subject matter he doesn't slack on the bars. All the above makes this album a must listen.
Even though I didn't know what to expect. I been waiting for a Big Sean and Eminem track. We finally get that with No Favors. Eminem is in a class of his own lyrically. Sean did right by just letting him do whatever and you already know you have to play this a few times to catch every bar crafted. Spoiler Alert. Ann Coulter gets Marshall Mathers LP level venom on this song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggvTb2HITn0
Light is a great way to kick off the album. Moves is my favorite joint on the album and Sean's flow on Voices In My Head/Stick To The Plan is crazy!
Inspire Me is an ode to Big Sean's mother. It's refreshing content to hear at a time where the Black Woman is tired of being the most disrespected being on the planet. Especially, in the majority of rap songs.
To my Surprise, Sacrifices with the Migos was very underwhelming. I really expected much more from this combination, but maybe it will grow on me.
I Decided is Big Sean at his artistic best. He hasn't lost a step since we first heard him. He's grown as an artist and as a man and he doesn't mind sharing his journey with the world. With I Decided, Big Sean has solidified why his name should be in "who runs rap" conversations.
In Close, I'm not really sure why Big Sean has to fight for so much "rap respect" in this era. Every 2 years he delivers something worth our ears. He's literally one of the few transparent, talented consistencies in the game. Hit Singles, Street Anthems, Self Crafted Bars that stand up with the greats and the rising stars. That's what y'all ask for right?
I decided Big Sean is one of the best doing it. Salute to Sean Don for dropping another dope album. Listen to the album here.
Twenty One Pilots, Jon Bellion showstopper show at the United Center
Alternative hip-hop/rock duo Twenty One Pilots have been on the road for their Emotional Roadshow World tour. Stopping in Chicago, Twenty One Pilots put on an unforgettable show from start to finish.
Originating from Columbus, this self-starting band has exploded in popularity because of their originality and thought provoking storytelling. The duo has been nominated for three Grammy Awards for Stressed Out (Record of the Year), Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Rock Performance.
Support for the tour has respectfully opening performances from Judah & the Lion and Jon Bellion.
Jon Bellion
Long Island singer and songwriter Jon Bellion supported Twenty One Pilots opening for the duo in the most energetic way. Bellion, no stranger to the limelight, brought his signature vocals mixed with the perfect fusion of upbeat tones and lyrical rap race.
Bellion’s has seen success most notably from his first three free mixtape/albums: Translations Through Speakers, The Separation, and The Definition. He is also known for his work on Eminem’s hit record ‘Monster’, featuring Rihanna. Bellion has been on a steady rise thanks to his creative unique sound, that has molded him into an artist that has many paying attention.
Now supporting his full-length debut album, The Human Condition, Bellion is getting his much needed recognition. His debut album entered the Billboard 200 at the number five spot.
A new kind of artist, Bellion balances the impressive level of smooth pop vocals and the bold hard tune of hip-hop beats and rapping.
Bellion didn’t disappoint fans, while gaining many that night, with his happily energetic set. Performing from The Human Condition, Bellion’s “All Time Low”, was a crowd favorite that could have been played all night.
Hailing from Nashville alternative band Judah & the Lion didn’t have any issue in performing a show stopping performance opening the night. Performing from their Folk Hop N’ Roll album this band will be a treat to see the growth of the promising band.
Twenty One Pilots
Vocalist and keyboardist Tyler Joseph with drummer Josh Dun had the sold out United Center crowd in a complete music-heaven frenzy. They delivered an unforgettable show but more importantly they posed an important question, “Twenty One Pilots has grown so much in the last two years. How big can they really get?” The answer to that may be an easy one. Fans who attended the sold out show at the United Center can testify as Twenty One Pilots legitimized how incredible they are.
The storybook like show used the stadium sized arena as their personal jam session studio. Although the band only consists of two band members, their performance took them to the center stage, smaller stage on the floor level, crane operated platforms, to even for drummer Dun on top of the crowd.
Openers Bellion and Judah & the Lion joined Twenty One Pilots for a full on jam fest. They performed cover songs from “Tubthumping”, “No Diggity”, “Where Is The Love?” and “Jump Around”.
Nearing the end of their Emotional Roadshow World tour, Twenty One Pilots’ growth over the past few years is well-deserved. Blurryface their fourth studio album made a bold statement. This band is one of a kind and it’s not going anything.
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Listen: KD Young Cocky - "Take A Hit"
The Str8Drop Entertainment team closed out the 4th quarter with a little something to heat up your winter. He's a Chicago artist that goes by the name KD Young Cocky. He has a new project titled Take A Hit ready for your ears on Soundcloud right now!
Take A Hit has features from Chicago's rising star and 2016 Freshman Lister, G Herbo on "Nervous". KD also has Atlanta's YFN Lucci on "Lifestyle". YFN had one of the more notable songs of 2016, "Key To The Streets" featuring Migos and later got a remix featuring 2 Chainz.
KD Young Cocky has also gotten the attention of tastemaker, Karen Civil. You can check him out on the Civil Scope on her website.
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Take A Hit is full of 808, bounce and KD's reflections of his road to riches. The project is full of lyrics with "Got to make something shake" emotions and affirmations. "Hustler In Me", "Make It" "Goals" and "Lifestyle" are great examples of that.
I really dig the combination of KD and XODB of Hyrdox. This tandem has some of the brightest spots on the project. "Goals" is my hands down favorite.
Chicago music keeps moving forward and KD Young Cocky is part of that movement. Get your ears around this and show him you're down with the movement.
Peep another review here.