Quantcast
Channel: Lists – The Early Registration
Viewing all 65 articles
Browse latest View live

If Rappers Were “Full House” Characters

0
0

BY DAN GARCIA

Full House

Have Lamborghini Mercy! With the official announcement that Netflix has ordered a 13-episode revival/spinoff of the classic ’90s sitcom “Full House”, now titled “Fuller House”, we got to thinking… what if rappers were Full House character? Who would be who? If Kanye West took a Facebook “Which Full House Character Are You?”, who would he get?

Want us to do the thinking for you? You got it, dude! We have reflected and decided which rappers best fit which classic Full House characters. Hit the jump for our complete list.

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: Big Sean, chance the rapper, childish gambino, donald glover, drake, full house, kanye west, rae sremmurd


Top 5 Artists We’re Excited to See at Mamby on the Beach 2015

0
0

BY EVAN VOGEL

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Mamby on the Beach is just a couple weeks away, and like real estate, it’s all about location, location, location! Grant Park is cool and all but this year a Chicago music festival is inviting some big artists to the Windy City’s scenic Oakwood Beach on July 11th and 12th (get your tickets here). This year the 18-and-up festival will see performances from Empire of the Sun, Passion Pit, Zhu, Cashmere Cat, Phantogram, Cherub, Art Department and many more! And if for some reason you don’t enjoy a nice lakefront breeze, the party doesn’t stop when the festival gates close, as some of Chicago’s best venues will be hosting the official after parties all night long.

Continue to our list of the “5 Artists We’re Most Excited to See at Mamby on the Beach 2015” at the link below, and listen to The Early Registration’s official Mamby on the Beach playlist while your at it!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: cashmere cat, cherub, empire of the sun, mamby on the beach, phantogram, robert delong

Our 20 Favorite Moments from Summerfest 2015

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Milwaukee’s Summerfest 2015, the World’s Largest Music Festival, came to a close on Sunday night and we had a great time all festival long. Looking back, trying to pick out one favorite moment from the festival was near impossible, so we compiled a list of some of our favorite moments. From Kendrick Lamar’s Marcus Amphitheater performance to seeing legends like Neil Young and Kansas in the same night, Summerfest provided something for everyone.

Check out our favorite moments from Summerfest 2015 below.

Photos by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

WebsterX’s Hometown Performance

WebsterX

 

Ed Sheeran’s Last U.S. Tour Date for Months

Ed Sheeran

 

Kenny Wayne Shepherd on Guitar

The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

 

Hanging Out with Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

 

Phil Vasser Killing it on the Keys

Phil Vasser

 

The Legendary, Kansas

Kansas

 

Our Interview with Meg Myers

Meg Myers

 

Meeting the Guys from OK Go

OK Go

 

Kendrick Lamar’s More Than ‘Alright’ Performance

Kendrick Lamar

 

The Intimidating and Mysterious PPL MVRs

The one and only PPL MVR

 

MORE PHOTOS


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: summerfest

5 Reasons Why Travis Scott’s “Rodeo” Is Worth The Wait

0
0

BY MICHAEL GIEGERICH

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

It’s been an interesting year to be a Travis Scott fan; while La Flame has dropped a handful of slappers featuring top-shelf production and features from notable contemporaries such as Young Thug and Future, the repeated delay of his debut record, Rodeo, has found listeners’ impatience at an all time high. Originally scheduled to hit stores in March, the record was pushed back multiple times before Scott finally confirmed a September 4 release date. While #travishive is rightfully buzzing over the confirmation, average listeners might wonder what makes Rodeo worth the wait. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of five reasons why all hip-hop fans should be chomping at the bit to get their ticket to the rodeo. Hit the jump below to get started!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: travis scott

10 Lyrics That Drake Definitely Wrote

0
0

BY MICHAEL GIEGERICH

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

For those who have logged onto a computer within the past few days, the escalating beef between Meek Mill and Drake is likely not breaking news. Meek’s accusations of Drake employing ghostwriters set off a firestorm that went from bad to worse over a sprawling series of tweets, and as of now, it’s only spreading as other rappers attempt to insert their two cents. No one can truly confirm whether or not an individual in the shadows penned lyrics for the head of OVO, but fortunately, there are certain lines only Drake could have crafted. In order to help figure out where those lyrics reside, we’ve compiled 10 tracks that definitely came from the mind of Canada’s finest.

Take Care

“So you cry still, tears all on the pillowcase/Big girls all get a little taste”

We can easily imagine Drake getting a big taste of his tears as he switched between looking at Facebook pictures of his girl and penning these lines. It’s soft Drizzy at his finest, otherwise known as the authentic personality that made him such an enigma in the first place (and eventually resulted in this gem).

Energy

“I got bitches askin’ me about the code for the Wi-Fi/So they can talk about they timeline/And show me pictures of they friends/Just to tell me they ain’t really friends”

If there’s a more Drake-esque problem to have, please let us know, because this has to be the peak. Between Wi-Fi codes and calling in an Uber, his woes are uniquely those of a millennial superstar-rapper. One can’t help but see this being an honest depiction of Drake’s life behind the curtains.

Forever

“Last name ever, first name greatest/Like a sprained ankle boy, I ain’t nothin’ to play with”

Yes, it’s low-hanging fruit, but it has to be said there’s little doubt Drake kept it solo for this line. It feels less like a major artist’s smash single and more like a middle school student’s blacktop freestyle. If he needed a ghostwriter here, then may god help us all.

0-100/The Catch-Up

“I been Steph Curry with the shot/Been cookin’ with sauce, Chef Curry with the pot boy/360 with the wrist, boy”

Let’s be real: only Drake could turn the precision shooting of Curry that single-handedly massacred other NBA teams last season into one of the corniest rap punch-lines in recent memory. It’s a genuine look at attempting brash bravado through the lens of mainstream rap’s golden boy.

Best I Ever Had

“My shirt ain’t got no stripes, but I can make your pussy whistle/Like the Andy Griffith theme song”

This line caused so much discomfort in our lives after hearing it initially. Claiming to “make your pussy whistle” is one thing, but comparing it to a sterile ‘50s icon is outright baffling. Realistically, though, it makes sense a seasoned Degrassi actor would be the one to draw a parallel between sexual pleasure and the Andy Griffith show.

MORE


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: drake, Meek mill

5 Most Anticipated Acts of Hopscotch Music Festival

0
0

BY MICHAEL GIEGERICH

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

North Carolina may not be home to the biggest attractions in the music festival circuit, but it more than makes up for that fact with expertly curated gatherings such as Hopscotch Music Festival. Slated for September 10-12, this year’s edition of the artistic celebration will feature 160 acts spread throughout 12 venues in the state capital of Raleigh. Previous lineups have included various names such as Big Boi, Jamie xx, How To Dress Well, St. Vincent, Local Natives, Action Bronson, and a host of others, so it’s no surprise this year’s imprint is poised to be just as diverse. In order to give attendees a taste of what’s in store for Hopscotch 2015 (and if you don’t have your tickets yet to can get them here) we’ve listed five acts ranging from rap to post-rock that simply can’t be missed.

1. Godspeed You! Black Emperor

Photo by Eva Vermandel

When thinking of Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s theatric post-rock stylings, they seem less suited for closed-in venues, instead deserving a larger stage for listeners to fully engage in the experience of apocalypse-soundtrack epics such as Yanqui U.X.O. Fortunately for Hopscotch attendees, the sprawling outfit will be performing outdoors at the wide-open Raleigh City Plaza amidst the city’s skyscrapers. It’s sure to be a venture into the limits of expressive music that will be impossible to pass up, especially since the group recently released the critically acclaimed Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress.

2. Pusha T

Photo by Ryan Gaines

As one of the biggest names in hip-hop, it’s not too difficult to explain why seeing Pusha T at Hopscotch is a necessity. Not only is back catalog from the Clipse days up until 2015 absolute quality, but also his music expertly translates to live settings. While he may not be going buck on stage like, say, younger artists such as Travis Scott, the veteran visibly pours himself into each of his performances with a fervent approach whose vibes can be felt by the audience with each and every bar.

MORE


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: cashmere cat, father, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, hopscotch music festival, pusha t, tycho

5 Artists You Might Have Missed in 2015

0
0

BY MICHAEL GIEGERICH

It’s easy to sleep on lesser-known artists during any given year, but 2015 is a special case, as the upper echelon of the music scene is providing new releases for fans at a rapid pace. Alongside spinning Meek Mill’s Dreams Worth More Than Money and Future’s Dirty Sprite 2, many listeners are understandably spending their remaining time discussing forthcoming albums from the likes of Travis Scott and Kanye West. In order to make sure certain names aren’t overlooked amidst the crowd, we’ve listed five musicians that immediately require a spot in your library.

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: $uicideboy$, Dylan Brady, Klassik, misogi, spillage village

15 Pop Culture References That Rappers Are Sleeping On

0
0

BY MICHAEL GIEGERICH / DAN GARCIA 

Chicago Blackhawks

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

A great rapper needs to have their pop culture references on point. Whether it’s Childish Gambino referencing the classic ’90s cartoon Rugrats, or it’s Drake giving a shout out to the mobile phone application Uber, a solid reference can make or break a verse. And while there are a lot of great bars out there, a lot of rappers are sleeping on some epic pop culture real estate. So that’s why we compiled our own list of 15 pop culture references that your favorite rapper is sleeping on.

Check out our list at the link below!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists


The 10 Most Anticipated Acts at Freaky Deaky 2015

0
0

BY EVAN VOGEL

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Seven years ago, Bridgeview, IL started trying to move people out of lengthy haunted house lines and into bass and treble filled concert venues in Chicago. Something worked. What started as a generally modest concert idea has transformed into a weekend that should be on any music fan’s radar. Three days that must’ve come into contact with some sort of space-time-continuum allowing for over 75 artists to take the stages. Oh yea and it’s on Halloween weekend: October 30th – November 1st. The only seemingly possibly way to not enjoy the weekend is to not be there. To start picking and choosing the best artists making an appearance would be an exercise in futility so instead, hit the jump for our list of artists we are most excited for. And don’t wait until the fall, get your tickets now while you still can!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: a-trak, action bronson, armin van buuren, bassnectar, big gigantic, flying lotus, griz, Justin Martin, logic, vic mensa

The 10 Most Anticipated Acts of the North Coast Music Festival

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Chicago’s North Coast Music Festival is less than a month away and if you haven’t got your passes yet, don’t wait too long and get them now because the festival is returning to Union Park just as big as ever. With headlining performances from Widespread Panic, The Chemical Brothers, D’Angelo and The Vanguard, Knife Party, Chromeo, The Glitch Mob and many more, the top of the festival lineup is stacked. That’s not to say that this year’s undercard isn’t great as well! With sets from Stefan Ponce, Skizzy Mars and Pheobe Ryan just to name a few, the earlier performances will surely get the Windy City fans hyped.

In anticipation of next month (September 4-6), we compiled our list of the 10 Most Anticipated Acts that you need to see at North Coast 2015, which you can check out at the jump below. And if you haven’t yet, make sure to enter our giveaway, to win two 3-Day passes to North Coast this year!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: atmosphere, d'angelo, north coast music festival, Phoebe Ryan, skizzy mars, stefan ponce, Steve Aoki, the chemical brothers, the roots, until the ribbon breaks, wale

The Top 10 Albums To Get You Through The Fall

0
0

BY KEVIN GARRETT

808s & Heartbreak

The fall is a lot of things for many different people. For some, it’s cuddling season and for others, it’s the time of year where the sadness begins to crawl from it’s pit and threatens to drag everyone down with it. I won’t comment on which of these position I find myself in, but what I will do, however, is provide you with just the right soundtrack to get you through these next few months.

Hit the jump for the Top 10 Albums To Get You Through The Fall!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: Beach House, Bon Iver, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, kanye west, Michael Jackson, Ne-Yo, Radiohead, The Cure, the weeknd

10 Songs We Need to Hear at the WGCI Big Jam

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

The WGCI Big Jam is only days away, as your favorite rappers are headed to the United Center for the Windy City’s biggest rap show of the year. With scheduled performances from Kendrick Lamar, Future, Meek Mill, Omarion, Rae Sremmurd, Lil Durk, Dej Loaf, Monica, Twista, Do or Die, Chicago’s own Vic Mensa and many more, you need to be at the house that Michael Jordan built this weekend. And like any great music fan, we have already started to think about the songs that we absolutely NEED to hear this Sunday.

Hit the jump and check out our list of the 10 songs that we need to hear at the WGCI Big Jam, and if you haven’t yet, get your tickets now while you still can!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: dej loaf, Do or Die, future, kendrick lamar, Lil Durk, Meek mill, Omarion, rae sremmurd, twista, vic mensa

The 20 Best Concert Tours of 2015

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Best Tours

2015 saw a lot of great concert tours, from J. Cole’s Forest Hills Drive Tour with Big Sean, YG and Jeremih to Taylor Swift’s huge 1989 World Tour. Some tours sold out stadiums and arenas, selling out the entire tour before it even begun, and some tours were in small intimate venues, either strategically or because simple supply and demand. Some had stacked lineups top to bottom and some introduced us to a lot of great new artists. Festivals like Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Coachella were bigger than ever this year, but that didn’t stop your favorite artists from building up some great shows of their own.

Hit the jump and check out our list of our 20 Favorite Concert Tours of 2015!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Concert Photos, Features, Lists, News Tagged: ASAP Rocky, Big Sean, bleachers, chance the rapper, charli xcx, drake, earl sweatshirt, ed sheeran, foo fighters, g-eazy, Goldlink, j. cole, jack antonoff, kendrick lamar, lil dicky, mac miller, mike posner, one direction, taylor swift, the weeknd, travis scott, tyler the creator, vic mensa, vince staples, wale, young thug

10 Songs We Need to Hear at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball in Chicago

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

iHeartRadio and 103.5 Kiss FM‘s “Jingle Ball” is only a couple weeks away but we are already excited! With performances from Selena Gomez, Nick Jonas, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tove Lo, Shawn Mendes, 5th Harmony, Hailee Steinfeld, DNCE and many more, Chicago’s Allstate Arena in Rosement is the place to be next month. The stacked lineup will take place on Wednesday, December 16th and even if you aren’t in the Chicago area, there is a good chance that iHeartRadio is bringing one of their Jingle Balls to a city near you.

Hit the jump and check out our list of the 10 songs that we need to hear at this year’s Jingle Ball, and if you haven’t yet, get your tickets now while you still can!

GET STARTED


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: 5 Seconds of Summer, 5th Harmony, DNCE, Hailee Steinfeld, iHeartRadio, Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez, shawn mendes, Tove Lo

The 10 Best Music Videos of 2015

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Are music videos a lost art in 2015? With MTV and VH1 airing more reality television programs than actual music videos, it is no surprise that a lot of artists have abandoned the music video route of promotion. Fortunately not all artists subscribe to such logic. Many superstar artists still know that fans crave visuals, even if they are streaming it from their phone or tablet. And a lot of emerging artists know that creating some dope visuals are a great way to gain exposure and put your name on the map. Check out our favorite music videos from this past year and see who got our number one spot.

10. Lana Del Rey – “High By The Beach”

Continuing with her theme of music videos that give you the most vintage and nostalgic feels, Lana Del Rey’s ‘High By The Beach’ isn’t a stoner’s anthem as the title suggest, rather it’s a tale about love and loneliness. Directed by Jack Nava, who also directed Lana’s ‘Shades Of Cool’ video, the visuals for this record stay true to the song as Lana is alone in an empty California beach house, while a metaphorical, yet actual, helicopter watches her from afar. The video takes an unexpected turn, when Lana takes out a giant explosive from her guitar case to blow up the voyeur helicopter, leaving us all to read into the video’s true meaning.

NEXT


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: childish gambino, drake, fka twigs, kendrick lamar, kevin abstract, lana del rey, lil dicky, the weeknd, travis scott, websterx

The Top 30 Albums of 2015

0
0

BY DAN GARCIA / VIKASH DASS / EVAN VOGEL

The Top 30 Albums of 2015

Following an arguably weak year for albums, 2015 has seen a lot of great projects and many unexpected ones as well. While this year we saw the highly anticipated return of Adele, patient fans are still awaiting Frank Ocean’s sophomore album and Kanye West’s Swish. But where Frank and Kanye have left music fans hanging, new comers like Bryson Tiller, Alessia Cara, GoldLink, BOOTS, Halsey and more have put out some great albums to help kick off their relatively young careers. 2015 though was also a great year for some heavyweights, of course we’re referring to artists like Drake, Future, Kendrick Lamar and even pop superstars like One Direction and Justin Bieber. In just one day, November 13th, the music world saw more great releases than it did in a span of months in 2014. Cheers to hoping 2016 delivers as well as 2015 did!

30. Dr. Dre – Comton

Released: August 7, 2015

This year it finally happened people. Dr. Dre dropped Detox – well sort of, but not really. What may turn out to be the hip-hop doctor’s last collective body of new material was released along the news that Detox was, in fact, no more. But, while Detox may be lifeless, Dre certainly isn’t. His album, Compton: A Soundtrack is the type of album that makes the most sense only when the volume knob can turn no more. It’s production and mastering are nothing short of the best you’ll hear all year. The verses can fall somewhat flat at times, but only because this is the same archetypal journey that has been talked about for all of Dre’s life. Its extensive list of features show Dre’s position as a mentor and help to curate the new age of Compton while reflecting on an old one they assuredly owe a lot to — and my goodness does it bang.  – Evan Vogel

29. One Direction – Made in the A.M.

Released: November 13, 2015

We shall see, but unfortunately One Direction’s fifth studio album, Made in the A.M., may be there last, or at the very least, it will be there last for quite some time as Harry, Liam, Louis and Niall announced that they are taking an extended hiatus in 2016. But if it was to be there last, they definitely put together one hell of a last album. Full of stand out tracks like, ‘Drag Me Down’, ‘Perfect’, and even an unexpected record about break up sex in ‘Love You Goodbye’, Made in the A.M. was made for anyone who appreciates good music. Don’t be fooled by their target audience or their commercial success, 1D’s newest LP is a great project and can be enjoyed by anyone.  – Dan Garcia

28. Jazz Cartier – Marauding in Paradise

Released: April 18, 2015

Let’s try an exercise: can you name a rapper from Toronto with a serious following, heaps of respect and critical acclaim, and a project that is sonically exceptional from an artist not in any way affiliated with Drake or OVO? If you can’t, it’s because you’ve never heard of Jazz Cartier, but that is all about to change. Jazz’s promise in hip-hop is as strong as his 2015 opus Marauding in Paradise, a record that is ferocious, and enraged while also being heartfelt and extremely well put-together. It’s a record that wears it’s influences on it’s sleeves, but unlike other artists who emulate and get lost in other peoples sounds and stories, the narrative on this record is truly unlike anything you’ve ever heard, as Jazz tells stories and reflects on a lifestyle so specific to him, yet so relatable. – Vikash Dass

27. Raury – All We Need

RAURY

Released: October 16, 2015

On All We Need, Raury has grown wiser beyond his years, and has used his dynamic strengths as a musician to overshadow his sometimes flat songwriting that showed up on Indigo Child. Here, we are treated to a much more compelling and exceptional Raury that is able to balance making an album with social and cultural impact, while also allowing the listener to truly believe for every second that Raury is really living what he is writing. On his last project, he’d often deliver a social message with lacklustre poise and sound like he was biting off more than he could chew, but All We Needis proof that Raury has damn near mastered being a substantial writer as well as being an interesting one. – Vikash Dass

26. Rae Sremmurd – SremmLife

Released: January 6, 2015

Try to skip a track on this album. No really, try it. It’s actually scientifically linked to you being unhappy with yourself or embracing the symptoms of your undiagnosed depression, but that’s none of our business. What is, though, is to tell you that although this record dropped very early into 2015, it’s energy has yet to be topped and is a record that has reinvented the term ‘slapper’. Slim Jimmy and Swae Lee are the best tandem in the popular rap stratosphere right now, and it’s not even close. Their knack for anthems and chaotic bangers is really a generational occurrence. They are rap’s new party starters, and if the dominance of bangers like  ‘No Flex Zone’, ‘Lit Like Bic’ and ‘No Type’ are any indication, they aren’t going anywhere. – Vikash Dass

ALBUMS 30-26 25-21 / 20-16 / 15-11 /10-6 / 5-1


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: adele, alabama shakes, Alessia Cara, bjork, boots, Bryson Tiller, death grips, disclosure, drake, future, Goldlink, halsey, Jamie xx, jay rock, Jazz Cartier, justin bieber, lana del rey, leon bridges, miguel, one direction, rae sremmurd, Raury, tame impala, the internet, the weeknd, travis scott, vince staples

The Top 30 Tracks of 2015

0
0

eBY DAN GARCIA / VIKASH DASS / EVAN VOGEL

Top 30 Tracks of 2015

Narrowing down 365 days of great music to a list of 30 records is near impossible, but we figured it out! With a lot of amazing tracks not making the cut, we have put together our list of the 30 best tracks of this past year. From epic collaborations to Soundcloud released diss records, our list has a little bit of everything. A few veterans dominated our list this year, but a lot of emerging artists found spots high on our list as well. We won’t spoil too much for you, check out the Top 30 Tracks of 2015 below and send us a tweet @TheEarlyReg to tell us what you think!

30. Tyler The Creator ft. Kanye West & Lil Wayne – “Smuckers”

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Album: Cherry Bomb

This song has Tyler’s best verse all year. This song has Wayne’s best verse all year. This song also has Kanye’s best verse all year. Facts. It’s literally three of rap’s most important voices, all bringing their best efforts on a track packed full with triumphant, glowing horns that shake and  rumble as the drums thump and snap, all underneath the most flex-worthy, boastful lines from every rapper listed. Tyler talks about being homeless to bringing his family to a mansion, Kanye talks about being black-Walt Disney and checking Nike, and Wayne delivers his best verse in years over a soulful sample, something we haven’t heard in ages. Tyler deserves a Nobel Peace prize for putting this together and producing every side of this song’s brilliance. Thank you, T.   – Vikash Dass

29. Post Malone – “White Iverson”

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Album: ‘White Iverson’ (Single)

This is the song that made Post Malone a household name in hip-hop culture, but it’s also the song that made plenty of people believe Post Malone was some elaborate industry plant or a product of manufactured media hype. I mean, how often do we really see an artist seemingly appear out of thin air, and then break down the doors to the industry with their first song? It’s a little sus, but it’s very real—and ‘White Iverson’ is very infectious. It’s that dream-balance of melody and raps that everyone strives for and that brands like OVO have championed. In fact, many speculated that Drake would bless the track with a verse since it seemed so up his alley sonically. Regardless, this song is incredible in it’s own right and deserves to be recognized as an integral part of this year. In a lot of ways, it’s the ‘All Gold Everything’ of 2015. Let’s just hope Post Malone doesn’t end up like Trinidad James.   – Vikash Dass

28. Jazz Cartier – “Dead Or Alive”

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Album: Marauding In Paradise

Jazz Cartier is an absolute force in hip-hop right now. First off, he’s the biggest hip-hop artist to blow up out of Toronto without any kind of Drake or OVO affiliation, ever. That in itself is a feat, as if you were to ask someone outside of Toronto what Toronto sounded like, their response would likely be synonymous with that of the OVO Sound label. Jazz, though, turns away from the murky and melodic crooning of that label and embraces the thumping 808s and slapping snares found in the sound libraries of Atlanta’s finest producers (all praises due to producer and partner in crime, Lantz), but Jazz attacks these bangers with the utmost aggression, sharpest lyrics, and infectious hooks. The prime example is ‘Dead or Alive’, a song that simultaneously borrows from the current climate of rap but also sounds like nothing else. It’s this balance that allows the track to slap in the most familiar of ways, but also still keep you guessing and entertained before the last drop.  – Vikash Dass

27. Kendrick Lamar – “Blacker The Berry”

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Album: To Pimp a Butterfly

Hip-hop has always stood as the realest and rawest genre of music since it’s inception, and remains to be the source for the most cultural and social commentary. So, while all the incredibly horrid injustices around the wrongful killings, assaults and appropriation of Blacks in America occurred, it was almost reflexive to ponder what hip-hop’s most socially important voice had to say. Kendrick Lamar ultimately served the planet with the ultimate pump-fake, after dropping his OutKast-like, joyous single ‘i’, but then following it with the brutal, intense, moving Boi-1da produced banger, ‘The Blacker The Berry’. The most interesting part about this record, though, is that it examines the complexities, hypocrisies and contractions that exist inside being a Black person in America, but Kendrick’s commentary never really evolves past that. The track is able to be so raw and so powerful, all without taking a real stance or offering a real resolution. The song’s crescendo and climax is simply a question: “Why did I weep when Trayvon Martin was killed in the street/When gang-bangin’ make me kill a n*gga blacker than me?/Hypocrite!” all before the song decays into a glowing, mournful jazzy arrangement courtesy of Terrace Martin.  – Vikash Dass

26. One Direction – “Love You Goodbye”

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Album: Made in the A.M.

You might not expect the guys from One Direction to record an awesome track about break up sex. But whether you expected it or not, they did it, and on their new album Made in the A.M. Even if you aren’t a member of 1D’s target demographic, and maybe it’s better if you’re not for this one, ‘Love You Goodbye’ is an awesome record for any music fan. Album by album, One Direction has been broadening their sound, and as a result their fans, and let’s hope that the guys get back together after their upcoming hiatus to make more records like this one. – Dan Garcia

ALBUMS 30-26 25-21 / 20-16 / 15-11 /10-6 / 5-1


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: adele, alabama shakes, Alessia Cara, Big Sean, chance the rapper, drake, fetty wap, florence + the machine, future, Grimes, Jamie xx, Jazz Cartier, justin bieber, kanye west, kendrick lamar, lana del rey, leon bridges, miguel, one direction, post malone, tame impala, the weeknd, travis scott, vince staples

Drake’s “Back To Back” is NOT the First Grammy Nominated Diss Record; A History of Grammy Nominated Diss Tracks

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Despite multiple reports, Drake’s ‘Back To Back’, a diss record aimed at MMG‘s Meek Mill, is NOT the first ever Grammy nominated diss record. In fact, there have been multiple diss tracks to receive Grammy nominations in the past, and surprisingly most are not rap songs! While some of the disses aren’t as direct as Drake’s ‘Back To Back’, from LL Cool J’s Kool Moe Dee diss to Justin Timberlake’s shots at Britney Spears with ‘Cry Me a River’, we compiled a list of some of our favorite Grammy nominated diss tracks, and some that even took home the trophy!

Check out some other great Grammy nominated diss records of the past below!

LL Cool J – “Mama Said Knock You Out” (Kool Moe Dee Diss)

Winning the award for “Best Rap Solo Performance” in 1992, LL Cool J got Grammy recognition for his record, ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’, a diss aimed at rapper Kool Moe Dee. In the track, LL goes in on Moe Dee, rapping “Why do you riff with me, the maniac psycho. And when I pull out my jammy get ready cause it might go BLAAAAW. How ya like me now?Not letting him off easy, LL continues, “The ripper will not allow you to get with, Mr. Smith, don’t riff. Listen to my gear shift. I’m blasting, outlasting. Kinda like Shaft, so you could say I’m shafting.” This wasn’t the last diss record aimed at Kool Moe Dee either, as LL Cool J went at the rapper again in 1993 with ‘No Frontin’ Allowed’.

 

Justin Timberlake – “Cry Me a River” (Britney Spears Diss)

For awhile, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears where the biggest couple in the world. However all good things must come to an end, as the couple finally split ways. After an argument with Spears, Justin and producer Timbaland rushed to record what became his second single from his debut solo album, ‘Cry Me A River’. “You told me you love me… why did you leave me all alone?” Timberlake sings to his former lover. While it likely didn’t win him any points with his pop superstar ex, the record did win JT a Grammy for the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2004, beating out Sting, Michael McDonald and George Harrison.

 

Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl” (Courtney Love Diss)

Not the most loved person in music, Courtney Love has been on the receiving end of multiple diss records. One of which is from Gwen Stefani with her hit record ‘Hollaback Girl’. During a studio session with Pharrell, Gwen drew from personal experiences to show some major attitude. There she recounted a quote from Courtney Love, “Being famous is just like being in high school. But I’m not interested in being the cheerleader. I’m not interested in being Gwen Stefani. She’s the cheerleader, and I’m out in the smoker shed.” In an interview with NME, Stefani spoke on ‘Hollaback Girl’ saying, “someone one time called me a cheerleader, negatively, and I’ve never been a cheerleader. So I was, like, ‘OK, fuck you. You want me to be a cheerleader? Well, I will be one then. And I’ll rule the whole world, just you watch me.'”

Although Gwen only went home with a Grammy nomination, losing in 2006 to Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Since U Been Gone’ for the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, she still made her point very clear… “fuck you, Courtney Love.”

 

Alanis Morissette – “You Oughta Know” (The Who Diss)

Nominated for three Grammy awards, and winning two in 1996, Alanis Morissette’s infamous diss record, ‘You Oughta Know’ has been subject to a lot of discussion. While many debate who is the man behind Morissette’s fiery passion in ‘You Oughta Know’, even inspiring an episode of Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, most believe that Morissette’s classic diss track is aimed towards “Full House” actor/comedian Dave Coulier. Don’t expect her to give fans the big reveal any time soon though. Probably the most famous diss track ever, and it isn’t even a rap song!

 

 

 


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: Alanis Morissette, drake, Gwen Stefani, justin timberlake, ll cool j

Top 10 Artist Predictions for Summerfest 2016

0
0

BY EVAN VOGEL

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

It is anybody’s guess every year when it comes to asking which artists will be at Summerfest. In the past they’ve thrown out enough curveballs to leave anyone excited. From The Rolling Stones and Kendrick Lamar last year to Outkast and the Dave Mathews Band the year prior, it has always been one of the best festivals when it comes to representing all genres and tastes. Spanning 11-days and boasting over 800 bands and artists, you’d be ignorant to think there would be nothing there for you.Tickets are extremely reasonable typically and even better if you buy them early. I know it is a bit soon to know for sure if your favorite band is going to be there this year and if the rest of the lineup warrants you forking over your credit card digits online, but we are expecting a pretty good show this year. To perhaps help assist you in your decision, we have put together a list consisting of 10 of our top guesses for who may be walking out onto those stages this Summer.

1. Adele

For starters, Adele will already be in the Midwest for part of her U.S. tour in the beginning of July and she mysteriously has three days off from July 7th-9th. She dropped an undeniably great album 25, at the tail end of last year and this is also her first ever U.S. tour, I would be surprised if she didn’t make her way on to the Amphitheater’s stage on one of those “off” nights. All I’m saying is, if you want one of those tickets, you better keep three tabs open on your browser awaiting the announcement and even go a step further, hire someone to sit at said computer and click that “buy tickets” icon when the moment comes. I foresee these (currently imagined) tickets selling out in the same time-frame as a fresh Yeezy release, followed by a lot of tears, both at home and at the concert.

2. Lana Del Rey

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Yet to announce much other than a probable 5th album for 2016, it would seem that Lana’s schedule is pretty open. It would seem also that Summerfest likes to bring in its fair share of pop/alternative artists to the fairgrounds. Last year they brought Ed Sheeran and Bastille who both have that same newcomer appeal, yet I would argue that Lana already may have a more interesting appeal than both of them.

3. Dead and Company

Photo by Seth McConnell

Let us all hope that John Mayer’s words held some fortuitous meaning when he threw out the casual, “See you next year” line at the Dead and Company show at their New Year’s Eve show in L.A. They are already confirmed for two sets at Bonnaroo this year, which takes place about three weeks prior to Summerfest and it is far enough away to keep us midwesterners hopeful for a little concert love from the supergroup.

4. Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Photo by Britt Bickell

If you say to yourself, “I don’t really care about seeing a Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers show”, you are doing two things. One, you are lying to yourself and two, you are lying to those you care about. This year marks the 40th anniversary of what is likely the best heartland rock group of all time. I don’t think it is too far fetched to assume that there is an anniversary tour in the making and that it will be looking to reach a plethora of the large market music festivals that take place all over the Summer months.

5. Pearl Jam

Photo by David Hall

Another Bonnarro 2016 act that is safe from the radius clause that prohibits artists from playing within 300 miles of the Tennessee festival. If there is another thing that Summerfest is known for, it would be its ability to bring back rock and grunge bands that formed somewhere between the 70’s and the 90’s and bring with them droves and droves of middle-aged men and women who never miss any chance to relive that drug-induced nostalgia of their younger years. Not to say these band don’t have a large modern-day following, just maybe not one as inclined to turn up at a show as the beer-loving folks of Wisconsin. After Bonnaroo, Pearl Jam is wide open until August.

NEXT


Filed under: Features, Lists Tagged: summerfest

6 Can’t Miss Chicago Concerts This March: GoldLink, Fall Out Boy, Bryson Tiller

0
0

BY TER STAFF

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Chicago is bar none one of the best cities for live music, not only in the U.S. but in the world. Whether you are seeing an intimate performance at the Concord Music Hall, a packed show at some of the city’s most historic venues like the Chicago Theatre or the Aragon Ballroom, one of the cities awesome music festivals, or even a huge production at the United Center, Chicago has something for everyone.

And right now, even in the middle of winter, it’s a great time to catch a show in the Windy City. This month alone fans can check out some performances by rapper GoldLink, R&B’s super emerging artist Bryson Tiller, the talented Carly Rae Jepsen, American soul singer Leon Bridges and many more.

Bryson Tiller @ House of Blues (3/4)

In just a few days Bryson Tiller is bring his T R A P S O U L Tour to Chicago’s House of Blues. With a scheduled opening performance from They., which will surely set the tone for the rest of the night, there is not a better place to be this Friday than Chicago’s Marina City. Unfortunately if you haven’t got your tickets yet, you may be out of luck, as tickets are all sold-out. But for those lucky enough to get tickets on time, you are surely on track to start off this upcoming weekend on a high note.

Carly Rae Jepsen @ The Metro (3/12)

Courtesy of The Huffington Post

Don’t necessarily expect her to perform her Full House theme cover that picked up a lot of buzz on the internet, but you can certainly expect Carly Rae Jepsen to put on a great show at The Metro in Chicago next week. The ‘Call Me Maybe’ singer and Canada native put out one of the best albums last year, with her latest LP Emotion, and if her live shows are half as good as her new album, then fans will definitely get their money’s worth March 12th. Tickets for this one are all sold-out, so if you missed out, definitely be sure to get your tickets on time when Carly Rae comes back to the Windy City.

GoldLink @ The Chop Shop & 1st Ward (3/9)

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

GoldLink is easily one of the most exciting rappers to watch in 2016. Last year he introduced himself to many, while opening for Mac Miller on his GO:OD AM Tour. So after picking up a bunch of new fans in 2015, 2016 is definitely the year of GoldLink. He has a huge co-sign from Rick Rubin, his lyrics are more than impressive, and anyone who has seen him live will tell you that he puts on a great show. Tickets for this one are a steal, only $16, so get them now before they are all gone.

Fall Out Boy @ The United Center (3/12)

Fall Out Boy is expected to put on one hell of show next week at the United Center. Accompanied by AWOLNATION and Pvris, expect Pete Wentz and company to blow the roof off at the house that Michael Jordan built. Chicago definitely shows love for Fall Out Boy so tickets have been gone for quite some time, but if you’re one of the many thousands to be in attendance next week, be prepared to have a night that you won’t soon forget.

Leon Bridges @ The Chicago Theatre (3/11)

Courtesy of LeonBridges.com

Leon Bridges had an amazing 2015 and it seems like he has been on tour ever since we first heard his name. His debut album Coming Home was by far one of the best projects of last year, it landed Bridges his first (of many to come) Grammy nomination, his live performances are critically acclaimed, and you can see all the above for yourself at the history Chicago Theatre on March 11th. Tickets for this one as well, have long been sold out, so if you already have your tickets, get ready for a great show.

Charlie Puth & Phoebe Ryan @ Park West (3/22)

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Photo by Dan Garcia/The Early Registration

Charlie Puth probably had the best year imaginable in 2015. His Wiz Khalifa-assisted smash hit ‘See You Again’ was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, song of 2015, and most importantly it introduced Charlie Puth to the world and showcased his amazing song-writing skills. His new single ‘One Call Away’ is getting a lot of traction on pop radio, and you can see the talented singer-songwriter perform at Lincoln Park’s Park West on March 22nd with the equally talented Phoebe Ryan. Expect Puth to perform a number of tracks from his 2016 debut album, Nine Track Mind, and Ryan to perform a number of her fan favorites, including her new single ‘Chronic’. Tickets are all sold out, so if you didn’t get yours in time, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep a close eye on Puth, as he is easily one of the most exciting pop artists to watch this year.


Filed under: Features, Lists, News Tagged: Bryson Tiller, Carly Rae Jepsen, Charlie Puth, Fall Out Boy, Goldlink, leon bridges, Phoebe Ryan
Viewing all 65 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images