Albums : Wale : The Gifted

Listen To Wale : The Gifted

Early first week sale projections are in for Wale's album "The Gifted".

With Wale's new album, The Gifted, hitting store shelves yesterday, its no surprise that the early first week projections are already being made.

According to HDD, Wale's The Gifted is expected to move about 140-160k units in its first week. If these numbers hold true, which they usually do, The Gifted will debut at number 1 on Billboard this week. Now remember if this would've dropped last week, Wale would be behind both Kanye and J. Cole. The Gifted's album sales look to be identical to Wale's last album, Ambition, which debuted at number 2 on Billboard with 164k units sold back in 2011.

The Gifted Review
Originally, June 25th was scheduled to be the major release date in June. With Wale, J. Cole, Mac Miller and Fabolous all scheduled to drop products in retail on that day, Hip Hop fans felt they had a lot to look forward to. However, when a popular Chicago rapper/producer decided to drop his project on June 18, lots of things changed. Fab pushed his album back, and J. Cole pushed his album forward, meaning the huge multi-release date in June would arrive one week earlier. Wale stuck to his date, insisting his fans knew the date, and would show up to their favorite physical or online retailer for The Gifted. Those who were patient enough to wait for the release will be rewarded, as The Gifted—while not perfect—is a solid overall project.

“New Black Soul” has been Wale’s mantra in the lead up to the release of The Gifted, and overall, the project definitely has a soulful sound. Wale says that each of the tracks off The Gifted are inspired by his own inspirations, and the leadoff single, “LoveHate Thing” featuring Roc Nation crooner Sam Dew, features a Marvin Gaye sample to fit the “New Black Soul” vibe of the album. While the album definitely leans towards a Soul sound, long-time Wale fans will be happy to hear the DC emcee’s Go-Go influence also presents itself. “Clappers” featuring Juicy J, and what seems to be an extremely short and underwhelming Nicki Minaj feature, samples EU’s “Da Butt.” The track has a high energy club vibe to it, and serves as a decent intermission to the seriousness found on the majority of the album.

Those looking for substance in Hip Hop need look no further than tracks like “Gullible” or “Golden Salvation (Jesus Piece).” While the subject of Jesus pieces has definitely been covered excessively in Hip Hop as of late, Wale’s lyrics separate his effort from the other recently released, similar tracks. Wale raps, “Don’t bow your head for grace, though I’m keeping you graceful / Brothers was born to cheat, though I question who faithful / Fast for me, nope, Blasphemy though / Rap to it, so racks up, to match up with me froze / How can a diamond supersede my wisdom? / I seen a reverend with five of me as he read his scripture…” He comes back in the second verse with “Sierra Leone Diamonds, LA to New York got ‘em / If nobody’s stores got me, some probably wouldn’t know about me / All over paparazzi, shout out to Murakami / See they commercialize me, I’m sure there’ll be more robberies…”

The highlight of The Gifted would have to either be the tracks Wale chooses to officially close the album out with, “Black Heroes”, or “88.” But herein lies a problem with Wale that he hasn’t seem to fix throughout his career. “Black Heroes” has a powerful vibe to it, with lines that will definitely persuade you to run the track back a couple times. The same can be said for “88”, however, those who aren’t as up on sports, or sneaker culture for that matter, may find themselves lost on “88” or simply pretending to understand. Essentially, “88” could be one of the best offerings off the album to some, and to others, a decent song with a strong Just Blaze instrumental.

Overall, The Gifted is a good album. Wale presents substance without being overly preachy, and still takes it back to the Go-Go for those who have been following him since Paint A Picture. While not without its flaws (the “Bad” remix was unnecessary, and probably done simply for the big name feature), those questioning the direction Wale was going post MMG affiliation will more than likely be pleased with The Gifted.


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Sources : Wale Photo | Listen To The Gifted | Wale Article | The Gifted Review | Wale Ft. Tiara Thomas -Bad Video

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Videos : Mayer Hawthorne : Her Favorite Song

Who Is Mayer Hawthorne?
The “retro soul” tag is added to almost any contemporary work that sounds like it was originally recorded before 1980, and Mayer Hawthorne is aware of how trends come and go.

But, he says, he’s not interested in taking it back to the “good old days,” as much as he is in creating the “new good days.” And to fans like producer Mark Ronson, who said, “I have no idea what this is, old or new, but it’s fucking good!!!” upon first hearing Hawthorne’s music, age ain’t nothin’ but a number.

On How Do You Do, his first major label effort for Universal Republic Records, Hawthorne proves that he is not part of a trend. The classic Motown sound that provided the blueprint for his self-produced independent debut, A Strange Arrangement, remains, but is joined on How Do You Do by music reminiscent of late 1960s California pop and the best work from the likes of Steely Dan and Chicago.

“Hawthorne emerges with a jaw-dropping collection of classic soul,” RollingStone.com proclaimed upon hearing A Strange Arrangement, but with this latest release, the formula has been updated. The vocals are stronger, the music more varied and vibrant, but it’s still Mayer Hawthorne. And the message is love.

Hawthorne grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just outside of Detroit, and vividly remembers, as a child, driving with his father and tuning the car radio in to the rich soul and jazz history the region provided. “Most of the best music ever made came out of Detroit,” claims the singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, who counts Smokey Robinson and famed songwriting trio Holland, Dozier, Holland among his influences, but also draws inspiration from Michael McDonald, Juan Atkins and J Dilla.

Hawthorne has produced and played instruments for much of his life, but never intended to become a singer. What he became, however, was a new school soul sensation, touring globally and earning accolades from Playboy, NPR and Entertainment Weekly. “He’s an able singer...an arranger of astonishing precision,” wrote the New York Times when Hawthorne first hit the scene.

On “The Walk,” the first single from How Do You Do, Hawthorne plays a man scorned and content with saying “So long, you did me wrong” to the lady in his life. “A Long Time” is both a brilliant homage to Steely Dan’s “Hey Nineteen” and a storied history of Hawthorne’s beloved Detroit, followed by a duet – yes, duet – with the incomparable Snoop Dogg on “Can’t Stop.”

“It's Snoop like you’ve never heard him before,” Hawthorne told Billboard.com before the two performed together at the South by Southwest music festival in March.

The rest of How Do You Do is a trip through generations and tales of love cherished and love lost. Songs like “Hooked,” “You Called Me” and “You’re Not Ready” are vintage fare, while “The News” and “No Strings” add a modern, 21st century flair to the proceedings. The album culminates in “Henny & Gingerale,” an ode to the signature cocktail complete with the party banter and pulsating dance floor R&B of Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.”

Snoop Dogg once heralded Hawthorne as his new favorite artist, praise shared via Twitter by other stars such as Kanye West, Justin Timberlake and John Mayer. With the release of How Do You Do, such sentiment is sure to grow, just as Hawthorne himself continues to grow as an artist and performer. It was soul music from which he came, and those roots will never be left behind. But there is more to this artist than just soul music.

“A lot of my other influences are coming out on this record,” Hawthorne told Billboard.com. “There are a lot of other genres that are blending in now.


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Sources : Mayer Hawthorne Photo | Her Favorite Song Video | Mayer Hawthorne Biography

Eats : USA : Atlanta : GA : Cafe Circa

About Cafe Circa
The building that houses Café Circa was originally built in 1903 as Danneman’s Grocery. In 2008, after years of standing vacant, the building was transformed into an eye-catching restaurant/bar nestled in the Old 4th Ward district. Since our grand opening, Café Circa has served as a destination spot for a true dining and lounging experience suitable for business meetings, happy hour social gatherings, weekend book clubs, listening parties, date night, and even a midnight snack.

Café Circa offers a casually sophisticated atmosphere that merges classic style and modern elements with scrumptious signature menu items and a premium bar offering classic and innovative cocktails, select spirits, and a full wine list for every taste. Our culinary team prepares fresh, deliciously seasoned food with a Caribbean Latin twist that you won’t find anywhere else – creative small plates, inspired entreés, and tempting desserts.

Now in 2010, we’re expanding! With our new executive team bringing years of experience to the table and a new food and drink menu to reflect our international flair, we will soon open our rooftop to create a brand-new oasis dining experience.

We invite you to experience Café Circa… SAVOR. INDULGE. BE.

Cafe Circa Review By Pamela M. : Mableton, GA
I can finally remove this from my bookmarks but keep them in my top 10 grown & sexy places in the city limits to take visiting friends!

I headed out Sat nite with a friend visiting from NC, whenever she comes I like to try something a little different and although Cafe Circa has been around awhile, this was our time droppin in. The greeters were warm and friendly so that always feels good upon arrival + no cover charge !!!

I had a reservation for 4 I made on Open Table, and yes Cafe Circa did recognize it but we opted to try out the roof activity first. Oooo how nice, quaint and sexy, LOVED the roof action:-) As soon as we topped the stairs, there was live music with a keyboardist who sounded really soulful:-) Folks were looking fresh and smiling, the roof was ablaze with fragrance, aromas of food and nice oils and colognes.

I would say this is or should be an over 30 type of establishment, ladies and gents were looking good and conversations were of a mature and humorous nature. We were quite entertained for our first hour or so on the roof. There is a bar on the roof as well and a view of the happenings all up and down Edgewood. Parking is available on the street and in a small private free lot next door. We eventually ventured downstairs for our reserved table to catch the band about 11:30.... We ordered some tapas which consisted of calamari (seasoned well but chewy), jerk wings (tasty and very sauced), sweet potato fries (crispy and thin, the best I've had yet) and some fried green tomatoes ( I was forced to taste...LOL...and it was my first, actually they had good flavor). We ordered a few glasses of Reisling to wash it down.

Another reason I chose Cafe Circa is the band on Fri and Sats. My friends and I love live entertainment and the band (whose name I don't recall) was really good. I noted as I glanced around and socialized, the nice hardwood flooring, and overall tasteful decor. About 1 am I also noted the crowd change from the "grown" to the youngsters (under 30)..they were piling in from wherever and rapidly spreading about filling up the place. I was kinda surprised they would choose Cafe Circa, as there was no hip-hop playing and Soundtable + another club is across the street.

I was feeling Cafe Circa and look forward to another visit with them real soon:-)


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Address : 464 Edgewood Ave SE Atlanta, GA 30312 | Phone : (404) 477-0008

Sources : Cafe Circa Photo | Cafe Circa Information | Cafe Circa Review

Videos : Cimorelli : Made In America

Who is Cimorelli?
Search for “Cimorelli” on YouTube and there they are: six smiling sisters performing the pop hits of the day in an a cappella style, their voices blending in perfect unison. Not only do these girls know harmony, Christina (21), Katherine (20), Lisa (18), Amy (17), Lauren (13), and Dani (12) are each musicians who write their own songs, talents that impressed executives at Universal Records, which signed Cimorelli in April 2010.

“We all love different styles of music, everything from R&B and hip-hop, to country, to indie rock and ’80s synth-pop, which gives our music a unique edge,” says Lisa. “But as a group, we’re strongly influenced by The Jackson 5, The Beach Boys, and Stevie Wonder — classic artists who’ve inspired us to write, sing, and perform at the highest level possible.”

It’s not surprising that the Cimorelli sisters have high musical aspirations. Raised along with their five brothers in Sacramento, CA, each member of the group was introduced to music between the ages of two and four by their mother, Lynne — a college music major, composer, and former choir director who taught the girls classical piano, three-part barbershop harmonizing, and vocal jazz. In 2002, Christina, Katherine, and Lisa began to perform locally and recruited Amy and Lauren as they became old enough to join the group. The girls did musical theater, appearing in several productions while immersing themselves in dance, acting, and instrument lessons. (Christina and Lauren play keyboards, Amy plays rhythm guitar, Katherine plays bass, and Lisa plays the drums.)

In 2007, the oldest five girls launched Cimorelli as a vocal group. “We’d been singing together since we were young, so it felt natural to make it official,” says Katherine, who along with Christina and Lisa studied music theory in college. The girls focused on sharpening their songwriting skills and released a self-titled album in December 2008. Around this time, they began to notice the growing number of videos popping up on YouTube of young people performing covers of their favorite songs.

In August 2009, Cimorelli posted a clip of themselves singing Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA.” The girls’ upbeat energy caught the attention of thousands of fans, who began to flock to their YouTube channel, including a 13-year-old girl in London whose mother happened to be a well-connected music manager. Crown Music’s Sarah Stennett, who also represents British pop superstars Sugababes and rising singer Jessie J, signed on immediately and engineered Cimorelli a deal with Universal Records. Ten-year-old spotlight-stealer Dani officially joined the group this past summer and it’s been full steam ahead ever since. Cimorelli’s YouTube Channel, where fans can watch clips of the group performing songs by Katy Perry, Taio Cruz, and Bruno Mars, has racked up more than 250 million upload views since it was created two years ago and currently have over 850,000 subscribers; not that their success has gone to their heads.

“Even though we’re from a big family, we’re all very normal and positive,” says Christina, “and I think that’s what our fans relate to. A lot of them are girls our own age, and hopefully we can inspire them to pursue their dreams, just like we are pursuing ours.”

The girls are currently recording their debut album.


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Sources : Cimorelli Photo | Made In America Video | Cimorelli Biography

Cars : 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS

Porsche is (not) surprising us with yet another variation of its Cayenne SUV. As with the previous generation­—and the Panamera sedan—the company is adding a GTS version, which is based on the V-8–powered S model but looks more like a Turbo. The new model will appear first at the 2012 Beijing auto show.

More Go, More Show
The Cayenne GTS makes 420 hp from a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V-8; that's 20 more than the same basic engine in the Cayenne S. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated stop-start system. Porsche claims the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 5.4 seconds, reaching 100 mph takes 13.3 seconds, and the GTS’s top speed is an ungoverned 162 mph. The figures for the most recent Cayenne S we’ve tested, for comparison's sake: 5.5 seconds, 13.9, 157 mph. The GTS’s engine and transmission (with a final-drive ratio of 3.7:1 versus the S’s 3.09:1) work together to provide sportier reactions than in the Cayenne S.

The chassis is also modified for extra responsiveness. The Cayenne GTS sits 0.8 inch lower than the Cayenne S and employs stiffer dampers. The lower ride height is clearly noticeable, and it gives the GTS model a very aggressive appearance.

And appearance is mostly what the Cayenne GTS is about. Most onlookers won’t be able to distinguish it from the Cayenne Turbo: The hood and front fascia are identical to that model’s. In addition, the GTS gets high-gloss black window frames, a double-wing roof spoiler, wider fenders, lower side sills, and a sport exhaust with four black exhaust tips. Inside, the GTS is distinguished by leather sport seats with faux suede trim. Porsche’s Sport Chrono package is available, marking the first time it’s being offered on a Cayenne.

Join the Family
The Cayenne GTS joins a lineup that currently consists of the VR6-powered Cayenne; the V-8–powered Cayenne S; the Cayenne Turbo; the Cayenne S hybrid, with its Audi-supplied, supercharged V-6; and the just-launched diesel Cayenne with its TDI V-6. The GTS models have proven successful in the past, having included the aforementioned Panamera and first-gen Cayenne, as well as some 911 models offered at the end of the 997 generation.

The 2013 Cayenne GTS will start at $83,025, which is a hefty $17K more than a 2012 Cayenne S; a longer list of standard equipment on the GTS should make up for most, if not all, of that price difference. It will be at dealerships in August. If you don't need the extreme power of the Turbo—who does, really?—but you’re an extrovert nonetheless, the GTS is a natural choice.


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Sources : 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS Photo | 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS Article | 2013 Porsche Cayenne GTS Photo 2

Videos : M.I.A. : Bring The Noize

Rapper M.I.A has recently debuted the official visual for her 'insane' new song "Bring The Noize", which pays tribute to Public Enemy's 1987 classic of the same name. "Bring The Noize" is the latest single lifted from the British talent's upcoming fourth studio album, entitled "Matangi", due in stores this Fall of 2013 via N.E.E.T./Interscope.

"Bring The Noize" is your typical 'love it or hate it' M.I.A track, but, as in the cases of her latest releases, "Bad Girls" or "Born Free", the music video becomes the turning point in favour of the 'i love it' option. If you didn't like "Bring The Noize" from the audio premiere last week, then watch now the video premiere above - courtesy of Noisey.com, 'get' into M.I.A's world, and let your obsession with "Bring The Noize" begin. With a lot symbolism, blacklight, smoke, a cow, 'cray-crazy' dancing to the infectious chorus beat, and M.I.A showing both her soft and wild sides, in black and pink hair looks, respectively, the visual for "Bring The Noize" won't leave you indifferent.


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Sources : M.I.A. Photo | Bring The Noize Video | M.I.A. Article

Albums : Mac Miller : Watching Movies with the Sound Off

Listen To Mac Miller : Watching Movies with the Sound Off

The first time Mac Miller appeared at the Forbes building in New York, he was a teenaged newbie with a handful of mixtapes and a buzzworthy debut album. He returned this past week with accomplishments befitting a veteran.

Now 21, Miller has appeared two years in a row on the FORBES 30 Under 30 list, picked up 2 million more Twitter followers and earned $6.5 million last year. On the heels of his first album, Blue Slide Park–which sold 144,000 copies in its opening week and became the first independently-released album to top the charts since 1995–Miller is set to launch his follow-up, Watching Movies with the Sound Off, on June 18th.

Despite plenty of interest from major labels, Miller has stayed with indie Rostrum Records, a decision he says was vital to the creation of his new album. In addition to getting a better royalty rate, he’s had the freedom to change his approach for Watching Movies.

His last album was more like the mother of all mixtapes–it didn’t have a major radio single or a slew of guest appearances–whereas his newest one features verses from the likes of Schoolboy Q, Jay Electronica and Tyler, The Creator.

“I think if I was with a major, I wouldn’t be able to put out this album, I’m pretty sure,” he says. “Actually, I’m pretty positive … I had a formula that was working beautifully, and then I just kind of ditched it. And so if I was on a major, they’d be like, ‘What are you doing?’”

Miller may not debut at No. 1 this time around, given that he’ll be going up against Kanye West‘s long-awaited album Yeezus, and he thinks he might not even make the Cash Kings list in 2013.

But don’t bet against him–with a summer of solo shows on the docket and a fall tour abroad with Lil Wayne, Miller figures to be much closer to grabbing a cash crown the next time he walks through our doors.

Watching Movies with the Sound Off Review
Mac Miller’s growth since 2011’s Blue Slide Park has been an exponential spectacle, with his atypical path leading up to Watching Movies With The Sound Off marked by a young man’s pursuit for harmony in a scene of personal skepticism. In between those 20 months in which this quirky, independent Pittsburgh emcee topped the Billboard charts, Mac has released a number of projects, none similar to the next, flirted with alter-egos, and dabbled in self-production, all the while dealing with an addiction to Promethazine that hampered his musical disposition. Now, Mac Miller is more focused, with his sophomore set lending a thorough look into the 21-year-old’s life.

Musically, this album can be traced back to moments of Macadelic and You, but his execution has unquestionably improved. With a melancholic backdrop seeping through his patient prose, “REMember” details the passing of his close friend, Reuben Mitrani. While still shaken, Mac finds solace in wisdom as he raps, “Your life’s short, don’t ever question the length / It’s cool to cry, don’t ever question your strength.” Elsewhere, he embraces his baritone vocals with the unexpected treasure “Objects In The Mirror.” The topic here plays off the metaphorical outline of his previous dependence to “lean,” and Mac’s ability to mirror his words as if he’s describing an unhealthy relationship speaks to his lyrical ingenuity.

Whereas Miller refrained from sharing the limelight on BSP, his guest selection for Watching Movies features a murderer’s row of new school misfits that bring out the album’s best moments. Whether it’s the vibrant glow on “Matches” or the eccentric tone of “Suplexes Inside Of Complexes And Duplexes,” Mac sharply raps alongside the likes of Ab-Soul and Jay Electronica with skilled precision. Then there’s the sensational pairing on “Red Dot Music,” where he saunters through lyrical acrobatics with Queens native Action Bronson. It’s a toss-up for best verse, but Miller definitely gets his licks in: “Word to my denim fiends, I'm Kennedy on ecstasy / My flavor from the nature, need an acre for my recipe / They got my soul, but I don't let them take the rest of me / My melody, a little like Kenny G's, it's heavenly.”

In the grand scheme of things, Mac Miller doesn’t completely leave his playful demeanor behind. Both “Watching Movies” and “Bird Call” sit on an island of sexual provocation, with the latter track pushing his lofty illusions to the max (“I used to give a fuck about success / Now I just want to see Mila Kunis undress / Hope she down for buttsex, it will be a cum fest”). He also hits a bit of a rough patch when channeling an existential perspective with “Aquarium,” issued through a monotone cadence. To be fair, there are some notably deep lines to be found here (“Read about the meaning of dreaming and all its messages / Sedatives that take me to God, witness his fetishes”), but ultimately how it fits into Watching Movies is unclear.

Whatever adolescent deficiencies Mac Miller dealt with throughout his prodigious rise as Rostrum’s second brain child, Watching Movies With The Sound Off genuinely keeps him grounded for a calculated performance that will earn him the respect he’s craved since his Easy Mac days. Miller doesn’t pander for a clear cut radio single, nor does he let the fear of Internet backlash obstruct his experimental approach. In that respect, the Pittsburgh emcee is right back where he started; kickin’ incredibly dope shit.


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Sources : Mac Miller Photo | Listen To Watching Movies with the Sound Off | Mac Miller Article | Watching Movies with the Sound Off Review | Watching Movies Video

Purchase : iTunes (Deluxe Edition) | iTunes | Amazon (Deluxe Edition) | Amazon