Yella Brick Road

I am very happy to say that I enjoy this song because it actually has lyrics and doesn't just repeat itself over and over again like some other songs. The song is actually pretty decent so I will give credit where credit is due to JT the youngin from Arlington.

Only one problem

I would really like this track if only London's voice was different. Something about his voice doesn't sit well on the track. It doesn't ruin it because once the beat picks up a bit it gets better. Other than that I really like the track.

Work

Not a song with depth. Not a song with much meaning. But it is definitely a song for fun. Some of the lyrics in the second verse are kinda funny. It is a bit old school with the playful talk of childhood songs and games. It is definitely fun. Fast paced and a dance song.

We Steady Mobbin

No singing on this track and for that reason I really like it. It's Lil Wayne the king of the cameo has his own track with Gucci making the cameo in his feature. I gotta the beat is probably one of the best things about the track, done by Kane Beatz. It isn't the only good thing, but my favorite part. It is definitely a good track, but it isn't my favorite of the summer. Don't wanna talk about it too much, but give it a listen and make up your own mind.

2 Hours Away

I don't know how any of yall feel about this, but my Anticipation is unbearable. Sorry, for the bad joke, but I really can't wait for this mixtape any longer. If you don't know what I am talking about then you need to step your game up. I am talking about the wonderful Trey Songz. The man who can't go wrong. I adore pretty much everything he has put out and he can sweep me off my feet any day.

Since this post is a bit more about my excitement for Anticipation, I'll clue you guys in on some other stuff. If you would like to follow Trey on twitter then twitter.com/SongzYuuup is the place for you.

Sun Comes Up

Glasses Malone brings a track that you can cruise in a car listening to with the windows down and if you are lucky the top down. It is a good song and has a really good hook. T-Pain as always makes a song that could have been bland and ups it that little bit.

Chop It

This track is nothing special. It isn't bad either. Not too impressive. It is a fun song to listen to, but seriously lacking if you are looking for substance. Unforunately OJ Da Juiceman just reminds me a lot of Gucci Mane, but not as good.

Remember Me

I will definitely remember this song. T.I. has a knack for having good songs, songs that can have more to them than just fun. He can make his stuff lyrical and he can tell stories. This is a good song and most definitely one that should be listened to and put into rotation. May J adds that extra touch that only she can.

Writing On The Wall

Gucci's back at it. I have a weak spot for Gucci, I can't lie. And he doesn't fail at bringing what he always does to the table with the new mixtape. Now you have to understand the difference to something that is good to listen to from something that has something lyrical to what is being spit. Now Gucci is the former and if you are expecting the latter, then of course he won't be satisfying what you are looking for. So keep that straight before you judge things. The mixtape is good to listen to and I am sure I will be blasting it in my car. Personally I like this mixtape better than Gucci Land because this mixtape definitely has more variety in the beats and less repetitive in song content. Songs don't blend together as much and have a more distinct feel. Don't expect mixtape genius, but enjoy it.

And then there was Franky

By request kind of, It was brought to my attention "Franky" was another recent track in the Texas dance music genre. All I can do is laugh. Not much lyrics to it, but then again what dance music really does. Regardless if you like to keep up with your dance crazes and you haven't already gotten this one, you better get to it.

Whatcha Lookin At Remix

When I heard the first few seconds of the track I half expected for some sort of reggaeton track to pop out. The track opts for an electronic backing rather than from instrument sounds. It uses that to its benefit though. definitely an enjoyable track. Big props to the chorus. Just don't look for any deep lyrics or any witty phrases because you won't find them.

Oh and by the way, let me know If I should start posting artist pages or the tracks. Suggestions encouraged!

Fresh Like Dougie

This is a good track. It won't knock you off your feet, but I could listen to it a few times in a row. It is well produced. Overall I like it. The track is by Heavyweight. Hopefully he will get some radio plays.

Lights Low

Soo, this song is almost hot. It really almost is. I can't say it is bad, but I can't help but think of the other songs that sound so similar. 2 Pistols feat C-Ride bring something interesting to it and make it their own. My only problem is Cool & Dre produced this track and didn't even encourage going for a different beat. I am not going to pretend like I know how that whole game works, but it just seems odd that it has been done so many times before. Straight from "I'm So Fly" and then the track was used again for Drake's freestyle of the same name. I will say that there is some tweaking to the track, but not enough that I couldn't tell right off the bat where it was from.

Mr Hit Dat Hoe nuff said

Well damn... Call you Mr Hit Dat Hoe. Is that the way its going to be? Well for Treal and Prince Rick it is. The song has been blowing up in Texas for the past two months or so. Then again, Texas seems to be churning out dance hits every few months or so. This must have been overdue. But I won't knock the song too much, cuz like all dance rap its catchy and I can't help it. But if you can't deal with all the silly dances from the stanky leg, to the ricky bobby, to the halle berry then I would suggest avoiding this one too. But I on the other hand will be listening. At least for now.

Robbie & Land Wolf

Okay, new cat I just heard about from my friend who dormed with him. Long story short is this kid is alright. Now he isn't a beast yet, but he has talent and I could see him going places if he keeps at it. Only a few tracks out and I hope he gets more I will be keeping and eye out for him. The beats are original and pretty catchy, so together the two make a good team. They are supposed to be dropping a mixtape sometime in the future. I hope to hear more from these guys.

Check out their "Gravity" and "Immaculate" tracks.

Mullage feat T.I. - Trick'N

May have heard this song maybe not, but if you haven't you should get on that. Mullage has this sound that is a bit like The-Dream. It has a catchy hook and a nice beat, so I say give it a shot. If I was currently on air with my show, I would be making sure this got some airplays.

Method Man & Redman - Lights Out mixtape

Okay, so it came out about a week ago, but it is definitely worth a listen to. It has that classic mid-late 90s vibe to it and is a nice change from things that are out now. The mixtape is really about the words and not out to specifically make you dance. It has a nice polished feel to it. My personal favorite is "A Yo" featuring Saukrates.

I mean Method Man and Redman haven't been doing a whole lot lately, but this worthy of your time.

BET Awards

The BET Awards, admittedly something I haven't watched in a few years due to work has announced the nominees today. I'll give you all a nice little rundown of the nominees this year.

Best Male R&B Artist
The-Dream
Jamie Foxx
Ryan Leslie
Ne-Yo
T-Pain

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Group
Day 26
GS Boyz
N.E.R.D.
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia

Best New Collab
Jamie Foxx feat T-Pain - "Blame It"
Keri Hilson feat Lil Wayne - "Turnin Me On"
Jim Jones & Ron Browz feat Juelz Santana - "Pop Champagne"
T.I. feat Rihanna - "Live Your Life"
Yung LA feat Young Dro & T.I. - "Ain't I"

Best Male Hip Hop
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
T.I.
Kanye West
Young Jeezy

Best Female Hip Hop
Lil Mama
M.I.A.
Trina

Best New Artist
Keri Hilson
KiD CuDi
Ryan Leslie
M.I.A.
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Gospel
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Mary Mary
Smokie Norful
Trin -I- Tee 5:7

Video Of The Year
Beyonce - "If I Were A Boy"
Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
Jamie Foxx feat T-Pain - "Blame It"
T.I. feat Rihanna - "Live Your Life"
Kanye West - "Heartless"

Video Director Of The Year
Benny Boom
Rik Cordero
Gil Green
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Best Actor
Common
Idris Elba
Samuel L. Jackson
Will Smith
Jamal Woolard

Best Actress
Angela Basset
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P Henson
Jennifer Hudson
Beyonce Knowles

Male Athlete of the Year
Kobe Bryant
Reggie Bush
LeBron James
Dwayne Wade
Tiger Woods

Female Athlete of the Year
Tamika Catchings
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

BETJ Award
Musiq Soulchild
Raphael Saadiq
Seal
Solange
Jazmine Sullivan

Some of these categories have some real outlook. I am definitely interested to see how things turn out this year.

For anyone who doesn't know, there is an opportunity for YOU to help decide who wins the awards this year by becoming part of the voting academy. You can find out more at bet.com/betawards.com.

The Cool Kids - Gone Fishing

Now, I know this is a bit late because the mixtape came out two weeks ago, but I felt that it was necessary that I threw in my two cents on the most recent The Cool Kids mixtape. So here it goes.

Gone Fishing is by no means bad. However, that does not mean that it lives up to the standard that The Cool Kids created with The Bake Sale and Cool Ass Ninjas. Their style is definitely displayed on this mixtape, but the flair seems to be missing. The creative genius seems to be skating by instead of going full force. Like I said though, this mixtape is not bad. It still shows the potential that lesser known artists are bringing to the table. The Cool Kids have something about them that screams don't underestimate.

Now I don't want to drag on too long since there are probably many people who already have listened to this mixtape and have their opinions formed. I just want those who have yet to listen to it to instead of listening to hesitant or negative reviews, to go listen for yourselves. You may just end up loving it.

Beginning of An Era

Hey yall

Ashley here and ready to give you the scoop on culture from the college perspective. Just opening things up here, I have a bunch of ideas to talk about on this blog. From music, to kicks, to events, and who knows what else. But since I am doing this not just for myself, I am very open to any suggestions out there. I will be back shortly with some real content. Until then anyone in internetland drop me a line.

Much love,
Ashley