by Kanye West: I consider myself one of Kanye’s biggest fans and have argued numerous people down about the finesse he brings to any track. I thought this album would have been named The Real World or First Job to follow his previous college related themes. Alternatively, he named the album 808s & Heartbreak and I can admit that when I first heard it, I was not impressed. You won’t be impressed at first either if you are stuck in mainstream and expecting the usual Kanye. This album will require you to accept Kanye dropping the occasional club bangers for singing while using the Auto-Tune for his voice and the TR-808 for beats. It took me a good 3-4 listens for the tracks to grow on me and I really like the album now! For some reason, I favor all the tracks with featured artists: Paranoid ft. Mr. Hudson, See You in My Knightmares ft. Lil’ Wayne, and Amazing ft. Young Jeezy. I like Heartless and Robocop too, although they do not feature any artists! I rate the album a 8/10 not because I like every song – because I don’t – but for being unique and Kanye stepping out of the ordinary and setting a new standard that I’m sure others will follow.

I had to come back and add to this post because I am watching a Kanye West interview. He said someone asked him why he was singing instead of rapping on this album. His response was “because I want too!” I will support him ANY day because of his independent thinking. He will do what he wants regardless of what anybody says to him. I respect that!?!

by Eminem: Guess who’s back? That’s right. Slim Shady. Eminem. Marshall Mathers. Whichever name you choose, this man is back and in full force! Sorry this is just a clip, but this is what happens when you hear a track before it’s officially released! If this track is any indication of the other tracks off the same titled album, Relapse, it will be a hot one! This beat is sick and I like how he switches up the sound of his voice. Granted his lyrics are risky, but they have always been. You have to know to expect that from Slim. The rap game is REAL interesting these days…In 2008, we had albums from Lil Wayne, T.I., The Game, Nas, and Young Jeezy while albums from Kanye, Big Boi, and Dr. Dre will come before December 31st. When Em drops an album, the music game will be CrAzY!?! Only thing we will need is an album from Jay-Z to be the cherry on top.

It is AMAZING to me how we have decided who our President is and not a single citizen has voted. So many artists endorse Barack Obama and support his campaign. Even millionaires feel the strain on the economy and are looking for the chage Obama promises. This new series is dedicated to those songs that give a shout out to our soon-to-be President, Barack Obama…Not to mention the song that opens this series, Crazy World by Young Jeezy, is hot as fire! Obama count on 6iv=2 (including a previous post Something’s Gotta Give by Mary J. Blige and Big Boi)

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