June and July of 2013 saw the release of some of the most anticipated albums of the year. Kanye West, J. Cole and Jay Z (previously Jay-Z) all released new albums within weeks of each other. The first to release were Kanye West and J. Cole who released their albums on the same day.

Kanye West - Yeezus Review

Yeezus | Release Date 18 June | Studio Album

The sixth album by Kanye West is the future of music. With that being said, it is too soon for the world to hear hip-hop like this. The album which was mostly recorded and finished off in Paris does not live up to the hype and the expectations everyone had.

Because West did not release a single before the album was released, we did not know what to actually expect but with an album name like Yeezus we all knew that it was going to have controversial content.


Speaking of content ... it's either hip-hop rappers have nothing to say or Kanye West just wants to speak about how great he is. West has a big ego and in case you forgot he did, he does a very good at reminding you. West claims that French architecture was the inspiration of his album but one could never guess that as he only speaks about how he compares himself to God.

Read the Comback of The Year: Kanye West Blog Post
The album is a good album because of it's production and because it is something different, something we have never heard before. The lyrics fail the album and make it something you would not want to listen to over and over again.

"I just talked to Jesus
He said, 'What up Yeezus?'"
- I Am A God featuring God
After listening to the brilliant My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, you expect Kanye West to produce something that is even greater than that. Unfortunately Yeezus cannot compare as it is a different feel and the content is completely different.

Read The Power That Is Kanye West Blog Post
There are only four good songs from the album and only two of those are great. Hold My Liquor and I'm In It are good while Blood On The Leaves and Bound 2 are great.

If you looking to listen to an album that is ahead of it's time, give Yeezus a listen. However, if you are have a limited music range this album is not for you. Kanye West tried to create something different that will not be loved by everyone.

J. Cole Born Sinner Album Review

Born Sinner | Release Date: 18 June 2013 | Studio Album

If Kanye West is the future, J. Cole is the present. Born Sinner is the second album from the rapper and proves to be a lot better than Kanye West's album.
One thing that J. Cole knows how to do very well is tell a story and he does just that on this album.

The album starts with a chorus from what sounds like a gospel choir but that is not the mood of the album. The content of the songs deals with J. Cole's demons and how he struggles with fame and how he loves being famous.

In this age, very few rappers tell real stories. We only hear about Bugatti's, watches and artworks. Artists do not let us know what is happening in their lives anymore. Yes, they want to live a private life but people started listening to rap because it told stories. J. Cole might be the only great rapper who gives us stories we can listen to.


The very honest album features Nas, TLC, Kendrick Lamar and Miguel who features on the very popular, Power Trip.

Choosing a favourite song proves to be very difficult as every song is good for a certain mood or time. Power Trip which was released earlier this year is definitely one of the best songs on the album however it can be overshadowed by Trouble, Runaway, She Knows, Rich N*****, Let Nas Down and Born Sinner.

Basis, my manager back in the days was racist
I was a young boy, passing skates and tucking laces
Old perverted white man who told me: "Jermaine
It's all pink on the inside, f*** what color their face is"
Wise words from an indecent man
Made me reflect on the times when we was three-fifths of them
In chains and powerless, brave souls reduced to cowardice
Slaving in the baking sun for hours just
To see the master creep into the shack where your lady at
9 months later got a baby, that's
Not quite what you expected, but you
Refuse to neglect it, cause you
Know your wifey loves you, does you refuse to accept it?
That's that type s*** that turn my granny light-skinned
Rich white man rule the nation still
Only difference is we all slaves now, the chains concealed
In our thoughts, if I follow my heart to save myself
Could I run away from 50 mill like Dave Chappelle?
You know... - Runaway
Read The Favourite Music Albums Blog Post
If you are still interested in listening to quality hip-hop, Born Sinner is the album for you. It is honest and is a reminds listeners that hip-hop is not dead.

Jay Z - Magna Carter ... Holy Grail

Magna Carta ... Holy Grail | Release Date: 04 July 2013 | Studio Album

Yeezus is the future, Born Sinner is the present and Magna Carter ... Holy Grail is the past. If you are looking to pretend like you are in a music video while partying up a storm in a night club, this album is for you. This album was created for people who would like to be famous and for people who wish they lived the life Jay Z does.

There is no need to discuss the content because it will add absolutely no value to your life. The only thing that saves this album is the song he records with his wife Beyoncé, Part II[On The Run]. Without this song there is no need for me to listen to this album. The music is too loud and Jay Z tries to over power it with his lines about how expensive his watch is.

The only songs I can recommend one to listen to would be Part II[On The Run], and Oceans.

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The more you listen to the album the more you start to think you like the songs. However I can never remember the songs after I have just listened to them which proves that they have no impact on me and will have no impact on the music industry in years to come. The album is forgettable because it is something we have heard before. However if you love music that was made for nightclubs and music videos, you might like this album.

Take A Look At The Behind The Scenes Photographs from Jay Z's Picasso Baby Music Photo Shoot
If you are looking to buy a quality album, Born Sinner is the album you should get. However if you want to live in the moment, Magna Carta ... Holy Grail and Yeezus are the albums you should listen to.