Friday, March 14, 2014

Albums : Young Money : Rise Of An Empire

Albums : Young Money : Rise Of An Empire

Listen To Young Money : Rise Of An Empire

After releasing its last compilation over four years ago, Young Money Entertainment has announced a new release for 2014.

"Young Money: Rise of an Empire," the label's second compilation featuring its roster of artists -- and third overall, including last year's "Rich Gang" album with Cash Money Records -- is due in stores March 11. The album will, naturally, feature Young Money CEO Lil Wayne, with Drake, Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Tyga, Shanell, Christina Milian and more also making appearances.

In support of the album, first single "We Alright," which features Wayne, Birdman and the newly-signed Rhode Island rapper Euro, was released today (Jan. 22), with official rotation spots coming Jan. 28.

The album is also set to include a single in the form of "Trophies," which will feature Drake. The rapper introduced the song late last month and performed a snippet of it during his "Saturday Night Live" set last weekend.

"This compilation is a very special release for the label," Cortez Bryant, Young Money's COO, said in a release. "'We Are Young Money' helped launch the careers of our first generation of acts with Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga. Even though we've been honored with accolades as a company, our hunger hasn't diminished or dwindled. We're hungrier than ever, and we're still building.

"That goes hand-in-hand with the title 'Young Money: Rise Of An Empire.' We're not going anywhere. We don't plan on stopping -- ever. Our goal is the expansion of this Empire with the next generation of kings and queens ruling."

"There's nothing like it when the whole family gets together in the studio," Lil Wayne added. "YMCMB is stronger than ever, and everybody was truly on fire. We're all blessed to be a part of this incredible Empire as it continues to thrive. I can't wait for what's next. Keep watching."

"We Are Young Money" peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, selling 142,000 copies in its first week. "Rich Gang" equalled that placing, with first-week sales of 24,000.

Rise Of An Empire Review
Returning to the Hip-Hop scene after a very disappointing Rich Gang collaboration, the Young Money goons are back at it with the album “Rise of an Empire.”

It’s been a very quiet period for Young Money, even with the new talent added to the label. However, the album is a step up from their previous group releases. The production is clean and the sound is pleasing to the listener. It feels like they took their time in crafting and mixing the album.

New signee Euro is showcased frequently throughout the album and shines in every feature. His solo performance in the track “Induction Speech,” is a declaration of his presence in the rap game after being brought in by Lil Wayne.

Lyrically, Hip-Hop heads might pan the album’s filler tracks provided by the non-flagship artists, but will listen along with fans to the improvement shown by many of the artists on the roster.

Lil Twist has been speaking of his solo debut for Young Money for years now and it seems to have been put on hold for the time being, but with this album the young rapper assures fans and the Hip-Hop audience he’s still relevant and can still put out bars with substance.

Other artists including Jae Millz, Mack Maine, Flow and Gudda Gudda make a few cameos, and probably due to how poorly “Rich Gang” did, they took notes and knew what the people wanted, and what they didn’t.

Two other new signees, Christina Millian and Maroon 5′s PJ Morton make their Young Money debuts on the album in the two strong tracks “You Already Know” and “Video Model.”

It’s notable how there isn’t a single appearance from label mates Austin Mahone and Paris Hilton, and for good reason. With Paris Hilton’s Lil Wayne-assisted single doing poorly and Austin Mahone’s boyish charm and Disney image, it would have been more than catastrophic and hurt the album’s delivery.

To no surprise, the weakest parts of the album come from Birdman’s subpar rapping features,YG’s predictable verse during his own appearance in the album and the six and a half minute-long filler track “Fresher Than Ever.”

By far the strongest features and songs from the album come from newcomer Euro and Young Money’s Big Four, Tyga, Nicki Minaj, Drake and the man behind the machine, Mr. Dwayne Carter.Stellar verses from the veteran are refreshing to hear and although Drake only makes one appearance on the album, he shows that’s all he needs to still make an impact.

Nicki shines in the single “Lookin A**” with an intense flow and strong delivery. She attacks the bass-thumping production done by Young Money producer Detail, who also produced Lil Wayne’s hit single, “No Worries.” The track features powerful punch lines and magnificent metaphors. This song shows shades of her hit mixtape, “Beam Me Up Scotty”, which sold one million copies.

The strongest track on the album is “Senile.” Tyga sets up a haunting, creepy beat with low toned clever verse, followed by Nicki who comes along and dominates the beat with a very strong verse. Wayne is the final verse and makes it complete with metaphors and witty puns.

All and all, this release should prove that Young Money is no longer the brunt of jokes. As this album demonstrates, they can handle themselves well enough against the competition coming from new Hip-Hop.


Contact Young Money
MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Contact Billboard Music
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Tumblr | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify

Contact The Corsair
Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Google+ | Email

Sources : Young Money Photo | Listen To To Rise Of An Empire | Young Money Article | Rise Of An Empire Review

Purchase : iTunes | Amazon | Walmart

0 comments: