| Getting to the Source: On the Development of Metro Boomin’s Sampling | January 23, 2017 |
A breakdown of Metro Boomin's development as a sample-based producer.
Brian Josephs is on the hunt for Meek Mill’s blazer. What makes Meek Mill recognizable (and meme-able) is his caps lock way of performing. But at least it comes with a purpose. Within that high volume, he has the ability to make that well-worn narrative of beating the odds feel momentous, even if the audience […]
| YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME: Big Sean – “Blessings” | February 3, 2015 |
Jordan Pedersen UGHHHHHHHHHHH Seriously. SERIOUSLY??? Big Sean. BIG SEAN. THE RAP GAME FORREST GUMP. IS MAKING. REALLY GOOD RAP MUSIC. Okay, yes “IDFWU” was great. Call it a fluke. An outlier. Two standard deviations away from the mean. The exception that proves the rule. But “Blessings,” man. “Blessings.” This shit is just *good* full-stop: Big […]
| Winter Mix: Brad Beatson | January 9, 2015 |
Oh shit, it's winter mix #2!
| The 5 Best and Worst: Cover Artwork 2014 | January 7, 2015 |
From Taylor Swift to Big Sean… OH GOD!?
Art By Brad Beatson. Left and Right Swiping By Paul Thompson, Torii MacAdams, and Jeff Weiss
| He Deserves To Do These Numbers: DJ Mustard “10 Summers” | August 18, 2014 |
Torii MacAdams is like all races combined in one man like the ’98 summer jam A decade is a long time to plan for. Even Joseph Stalin, a dictator, only had the temerity to plan in five year increments. The initial plan led to the starvation of millions. The baby-faced DJ Mustard’s ostensible plot for […]
| Spring Mix – Has-Lo | May 28, 2014 |
Has-Lo is hordeable, sportable, and totally affordable Spring is my favorite time of year. It’s not as hot as summer. Not as brutally cold as winter. Full of anticipation. Everything spreads out in front of us, waiting to be experienced. Once it got warm, you know school is coming to a close for the year. […]
| It’s Not All G.O.O.D. Music | May 8, 2014 |
Brad Beatson’s career playoff numbers mirror Roy Hibbert As Yeezy season approaches we get some new music from Travi$ Scott featuring Medium Sean, and a free EP from 2Chainz. The single from Scott hits because of his continued willingness to maximize space on records. Here, joined by producers Vinylz and Ritter, they pair a brooding […]
| Best Verse of 2013: Kendrick Lamar’s “Control” | December 19, 2013 |
Words by Jonah Bromwich. Art by Brad Beatson Smarm is everywhere. Take Big Sean on “Control (HOF),” smarming it up like a pro. And if you go back and pay attention to Big Sean’s lyrics, he is a professional smarmer. “I’m over niggas sayin’ they’re the hottest niggas Then run to the hottest niggas just […]
