The Carters Are Larger Than Life On The "On the Run II" Tour

August 05, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

A pleasant good morning readers. How did you spend your weekends? I hope it was an eventful one. This past Friday I spent the evening with Shawn Corey Carter and Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter at the New Jersey stop of the On the Run II tour.

Before I dive into this post I must preface it by stating it is no secret that I pay very close attention to the first couple in music but I am also very critical of them. When this tour was announced on Monday, March 12, 2018, I was ecstatic. Individually, Jay-Z is a phenomenal guy and Beyoncé is discipline and ambition wrapped in beauty. Despite the hurdles of their past, as a couple, they represent ideals of a gargantuan level when they come together.

Eighteen Songs For Summer 2018 Vol. 1 of 2

July 18, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

Summer 2018 is here!

Although Summer does not start until the end of June throughout the end of September, many consider the end of May until the end of August to be Summer. With that timeline in mind, I have had about a month and a half to choose the songs that are electrifying this summer of 2018. The eighteen songs below are a mix of songs that are ranking high-up on the charts and some that are non-existent on them. These are the songs that are making my summer, thus far.

Post Mortem: Understanding XXXTENTACION

June 20, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

For those of you tapped into popular music, you probably heard about the death of 20-year-old rapper Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, better known as XXXTENTACION. While other Hip-Hop artists suffered deaths within the past year none have seemed to send a shockwave through the public in the way XXX's death has.

My introduction to XXX was maybe two years ago when he clashed, or "beefed," with Drake. At the time I had no idea who he was. All I know is I asked myself, "Who is this demonic looking young man?" I proceeded to Spotify to search for his music and was only able to locate two songs. I was so confused, how was this person even making headlines alongside Drake with only two songs available to stream?

Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith Is The Carters' Friend You Should Be Concerned With

June 20, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

The moment we all waited for finally arrived. The Carters (JAY-Z and Beyoncé) released their joint album, 'EVERYTHING IS LOVE,' this past Saturday. The album was a longtime coming since the rumors first surfaced in 2014, around the time of the first 'On The Run' tour. 'Lemonade' and '4:44' came and went and still there was no album. The rumors reached a fever pitch when the 'On The Run II' tour was announced this past Spring. There was no was way The Carters would go on tour, under the same name, and deliver the same set. So, it was just a question of when the album would be released.

So, the album is here. Upon, listening to the album it makes sense that this would be the third in the trilogy of albums. 'Lemonade' was Beyoncé's revelation of being cheated on, '4:44' was JAY-Z asking for forgiveness and 'EVERYTHING IS LOVE' is the reformation and reparation of them as a couple. Well played Carters, well played.

Christina Aguilera Is In Masochistic Form

June 17, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

There are certain names in the music industry that make you sit upright and pay attention when said aloud. Christina Aguilera is one of those names as the blazing vocalist will celebrate 20 years, in 2019, since the release of her debut album. This past Friday also saw the star release her eighth studio album, 'Liberation'; her last album ('Lotus') was released six years ago. So, were the six years worth the wait?

In my honest opinion, we waited six years for this? This album was hyped as being the closest thing to 'Stripped' since, well, 'Stripped.' Xtina's vocals are still there but the songs just do not deliver with the exception of one song. When "Accelerate" jumped into our ears back in April that should have been a clue of the quality of music she was coming with. Visually, this era was one of her most beautiful but the visuals is where it peaked.

Chloe x Halle Live At S.O.B.'s: These Kids Are Alright

June 04, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

My adoration for Chloe x Halle has been no secret. I have followed the sister duo since 2012, when making covers of Top 40 hits, via their Youtube channel, was their main form of craft. Since then, they were signed to Parkwood Entertainment. In 2016, they released their 'Sugar Symphony' EP, in 2017 their mixtape titled 'The Two of Us' was quietly released and a year later they released their debut LP titled 'The Kids Are Alright' in March of this year.

With their debut album out of the gate I was waiting for some sort of tour but that announcement never came. Then in the last moment of last week the sisters announced a one-night show in New York City at good ol' S.O.B.'s. The show took place on Thursday, May 31. By the time I was notified by a friend, the show was sold out. Still, I searched for a ticket that was not marked up 300%.

A Year Late: You Don't Know About Ella Vos

May 15, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

Every once in awhile I come across an artist, a song, that I become instantly addicted to. This time it comes in the form of Ella Vos' "You Don't Know About Me.

Upon listening to this greatness I checked to see when the song came out, if there was a video and if there was an album. When I checked there was an accompanying video and the song is lifted from her debut album 'Words I Never Said.'

I Cannot Stop Listening To Janelle Monáe's "Americans"

April 30, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

'Dirty Computer' is the era from Janelle Monáe that transformed me into a full fledged fan. I have been listening to the album all weekend.

From Monáe's introduction, I always noticed her talent and there were a few songs that I found to be sonically delicious. However there was something about her image that just did not appeal to me: the cold android persona. Now, for her fourth album her tone is warm and flesh-filled.

I Will Always Remember Avicii Because Of This Song

April 20, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

As ghastly as this sounds, there have not been many deaths in entertainment that have moved me. With that being stated I can honestly type that the death of Avicii has me baffled.

The official cause-of-death has not been disclosed but there was always talk of how he battled with the substance abuse. Avicii reached stardom as a DJ at the height of the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) wave in mainstream music; that culture is all about music festivals and drugs.

Nothing Compares To Prince

April 20, 2018 by Chet Kincaid in Music

The estate of the late Prince has bestowed a blessing...

We all know Sinéad O'Connor and the song that made her incredibly famous: "Nothing Compares 2 U." Well if you did not know that song was written by Prince. It was always known that he was the writer but since his death the conversation has started to pick up about the possible release of his version. Well, his version is here.