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Lil Wayne Reviews

Lil Wayne – I Am Not A Human Being II album review

Tunechi has never been quiet about what he does, how he does it or how the critics feel about it. Last month the self-proclaimed best rapper alive released his tenth album “I Am Not A Human Being II”. On the album he raps about the usual, sex, drugs and violence. The album consists of 15 tracks and 18 tracks on the deluxe version with the radio hits “No Worries”, “My Homies Still” featuring G.O.O.D Music’s Big Sean and “Love Me” featuring Drake and Future. The Young Money president worked with several known artists on the album; Juicy J (Three 6 Mafia), Soulja Boy, Gunplay, the infamous 2 Chainz and the first lady of Young Money and American Idol judge, Nicki Minaj.

Although “I Am Not A Human Being II” sold more copies than the first, the album was not impressive. On this album he used a mixture of sounds, combining rock and pop with hip hop, even sampling the hook to the classic “Lay It Down” by 8ball & MJG.  Most of the tracks on the album; “Back To You”, “Days & Days”, “No Worries”, “Wowers” and  “Curtains” (featuring Boo) are about nothing but sex in it’s vulgarity — giving blowjobs and popping molly. On “Back To You” he uses samples of the song “Compass” by soul singer Jamie Lidell, Wayne also samples Basket Case by the punk rock group Green Day for “Hot Revolver”. Weezy gives his meaning of being romantic on the track “Romance” (having sex on the job and breakfast after sex). The “How To Love” rapper tells the ladies about his likes and dislikes. You can send him a card but no flowers, unless they are green and smokable.

Other tracks include “God Bless America” where Wayne gives his version on what the stripes and the stars mean; “Rich as F**k” with 2 Chainz; “Trigger Finger’ with Soulja Boy and “Lay It Down” featuring Nicki Minaj. “Beat The S**t” featuring Gunplay talks about how one would “get dealt with” if they step out of line.

Juicy J contributes to “Trippy,” a song about being high from what they call a ‘trippy kit’, consisting of marijuana, meals and alcohol. Despite the numerous deaths from gun violence, especially towards our youth, Wayne continues to promote gun violence in his music. “Gunwalk” is a track about how he walks with a limp to symbolize he’s strapped, similar to the verse in Ace Hood’s “Hustle” remix where he raps about carrying a gun in his boxers.

“I Am Not A Human Being II” may not be as good as his previous albums but it is somewhat satisfactory.

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Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded album review

To Be Nicki? Or to be Roman? That is the question. Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded comes across like an artist conflicted. While Nicki Minaj has played around with her sound in the past, the result has always maintained an air of Hip-Hop.  However, this time around it seems as though Nicki has created Roman to deal with the rap side of things because she herself has set her sights on a new focus: Pop.

The aim of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded is not a clear one. Between the elementary (and almost comical) braggadocios raps and experimental Pop songs, one has a hard time grasping who Roman is, and more importantly, who Nicki Minaj is. We get it. You started out on the underground mixtape scene, had a surprisingly successful debut era, picked up mainstream attention and endorsement deals along the way. But what does that all really mean when you’re in your late 20’s and delivering punchlines like, “Bite me, apple sign”?

One thing that is clear is the merging of two distinct genres of music: rap and dance/pop. On the rap side of things, Nicki is more at home with cocky lyrics and anonymous disses. Is every line clever? No, but what she lacks in substance, she makes up for with her flow and theatrics. You can’t help but get the feeling that Nicki is only rapping because that’s how she started, and if she stopped, she would face a slew of ridicule. On the flip side, we have the Pop songs which surprisingly are not bad. Nicki embraces this sound with open arms it seems. RedOne, Dr. Luke, and Kane Beatz are the architects for Nicki’s infectious tunes like “Pound the Alarm” and “Whip It” that put her right on par with the likes of Rihanna and Katy Perry.

All in all, the one thing this album lacks is execution. Nicki relies on her predictable one liners and auto-tuned Pop records to carry her. This may be ok for her younger demographic, but for hip-hop fans – the ones who got her to where she is now, this album is severely underwhelming.