Philadelphia Weekly

MUSIC

On the Record: Nas, Baroness, Fang Island and More

By Bill Chenevert

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jul. 24, 2012

Nas

Life is Good

(Def Jam)

Sounds Like: A blistering set of 18 tracks, all pretty hard, and all bloated with over-confidence and painfully misogynistic swagger—proof he is not the best emcee alive.

Free Association: Mary J. Blige and Amy Winehouse can’t save this sinking ship.

For Fans Of: Big Daddy Kane + Eric B. & Rakim, Eminem x Game, Kelis’ success.

The Very Best

MTMTMK

(Moshi Moshi/Cooperative Music)

Sounds Like: Afro-pop done all the way! Hyped and energetic beats mixed with celebratory African shouts and singing that’s enchanting to anyone who has ears.

Free Association: While everyone attempts to use Africanism, these guys do it justice.

For Fans Of: Animal Collective x Diplo, Fool’s Gold + Amadou & Mariam, Af-ri-cah.

Baroness

Yellow & Green

(Relapse)

Sounds Like: One of the only “metal” bands that delivers consistently excellent LPs for the metal freak and the non-fan alike. They give it tempos, melodies and texture.

Free Association: Almost makes us want to grow our hair out for the headbanging.

Page: 1 2 3 |Next