Femdot "to(u)"
A very dope EP is out right now and you need to get your ears around it. It's from an artist named Femdot and his EP is titled to(u). This is a follow up EP, from his last two projects titled fo(u)r. and thr(we). that dropped in 2016 under the brand "Pigeons and Planes". The Chicago native lets you into his outlook on relationships, and shows a bountiful mix of confidence, self reflection, and nostalgia. This is jammed packed into four songs, each written with a special person in mind.
This project is laced with a lot of classic R&B samples and real life relationship situations. It's infectious and the lyrics stay solid from start to finish. Femdot is a "new to me" artist, so I'm definitely going to get up to speed after listening to to(u). I absolutely think you should do the same.
[iframe id="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/playlists/277507653&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"]
Follow the artist @femdotdotcom
Follow the producers of to(u):
D.Phelps (@dphelps94), Shaan Mehta (@NewZealandShaan), & Mike Wavvs (@mikewavvs)
Follow the creator of the Cover art: Shiv Narandas - @ssalltt_
More features here.
[Review] Saba "Bucket List Project"
If you are still catching up on 2016 music, like I am, you definitely need to check out the latest project from Chicago emcee, Saba. The Bucket List Project is a great combination of skill, ambition and the definition of the new Chicago emcee. Saba has a flow all of his own, but utilizes a lot of the new wave flows to keep the project bouncy and energetic from start to finish.
Album Highlights
"GPS" has a real smooth groove, and the melody on the hook will make you want to ride through the Chi as soon as the weather breaks. It's always nice when the OGs show love to the new cats. Twista lends a very nice complimentary verse on this joint.
[iframe id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6uU34VfFKkY"]
"Church/Liquor Store" is some ill emcee ish. The beat sounds like something Ali Shaheed Muhammad or Dilla had in the vault. Saba takes this and goes nuts on it! A young lady by the name of Noname had some heat for this too. Hip-Hop heads rejoice for this one!
[iframe id="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SiwJy18wgkU"]
"Bucket List" is of course one of the best songs on the album. This may be a cult anthem right here. It's a nice "Turn-Up-on-Life" inspirational joint. If this don't want you to get towards your goal, your way, listen again.
"California" is dope. Any song that ends with somebody getting baked on it, is hilarious and worth a listen.
"World In My Hands" is a strong close to the album, lending a climactic finish to the journey of Saba, and his mission to be one of the best in the rap game. You can tell he's done a lot, but it's nowhere near over.
"Symmetry", "Photosynthesis", "Most" and "Westside Bound 3" are also very nice joints that compliment the Bucket List Project as well as the addition of some of your favorites [Chance The Rapper, Lupe Fiasco to name a couple], telling something off their bucket list throughout the album.
The Bucket List Project is a very good look for Saba and Chicago Music. He further proves that there are a lot of great layers to the city and the youth in it. That needs to be highlighted for so many reasons as we embark on 2017.
What's on my Bucket List?
Smoke and Cypher with Snoop Dogg and Redman
Write R&B Songs with Ne-Yo
Be the Co-Founder of the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame
Salute to Saba. Keep going for it all, bro. Respect.