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Here at The Boombox, we pride ourselves on delivering the best in hip-hop and R&B on a daily basis. From industry veterans to new artists, keeping our readers up to date with the latest music is our priority. But at times, a simple post doesn’t do a particular song justice and its importance may get lost in the shuffle. We’ve decided to present our Songs of the Week column to highlight the tracks we feel are the most noteworthy releases you need to hear.
Being that three is the magic number according to the gospel that is Schoolhouse Rock (which happens to be a guilty pleasure at The Boombox), we’re putting you on to three tracks from Joey Bada$$, Ne-Yo and Lupe Fiasco that deserve a spin. Press play below and feel free to leave your picks in the comments section.
1
'Born Day (AquariUS)'
Joey Bada$$
Since emerging on the scene as a fresh-faced teenager with his debut project, '1999,' Joey Bada$$ has slowly turned his hype from that of internet-acclaim to appearances on prime-time talk shows such as 'Late Night Starring Jimmy Fallon' and having the leader of the free world's daughter donning his merchandise.
New York City's great lyrical hope has finally evolved his campaign to be hailed as a soloist supreme. He's moved from an internet presence one to one that's tangible in the marketplace with his long-awaited debut album, 'B4.Da.$$.,' which touched down this week. Aside from the release of his debut LP, Jan. 20 was also the rapper's 20th birthday and Joey decided to celebrate the occasion with a loosie called 'Born Day (AquariUS).'
Produced by Statik Selektah, the indelible selection sees the Bada$$ lamenting the LCD rap permeating the airwaves and the tragedy that is fellow Brooklynite Bobby Shmurda's indictment on drug and weapons possession. 'Born Day' is as an unexpected, yet filling treat that should have you coming back for additional servings sooner than later.
2
'One More'
Ne-Yo Featuring T.I.
Veteran singe-/songwriter Ne-Yo continues to gear up for the release of his sixth album, 'Non-Fiction,' which is set to land next Tuesday. To continue the anticipation for the project, Ne-Yo drops this T.I.-assisted cut for our listening pleasure. "You look like you just got off of work / And if I may assume, baby, you work hard, but ya don't get what you're worth," he sings, showing love to the hardworking ladies out there that deserve a little appreciation.
Featuring T.I., who delivers an efficient 12-bar verse within the flow of the offense, 'One More' is a sure-shot hit and should get plenty of burn on radio and TV for the foreseeable future.
Once considered rap's golden child, Lupe Fiasco has seen his stock diminish greatly over the past five years. Beef with Atlantic Records over artistic differences had resulted in the uneven and commercial-leaning 'Lasers' album, which turned off a large chunk of his fan base. Toss in his divisive commentary and the occasional bizarre antic -- such as dressing up in a Klansman's outfit -- and he was thought to have become yet another artist to fall into the abyss of his own rhetoric and hype.
Well, Lupe is well-aware of all of the backlash and responded with what some feel is an early, albeit strong, candidate for album of the year honors in his latest offering, 'Tetsuo & Youth,' which hit shelves and online outlets this week. A blistering cut titled 'Mural' arrived with it and was unleashed to fan the flames of anticipation. The elite lyricist goes absolutely bonkers here, dropping a barrage of intense couplets over the immaculate production for nearly nine minutes.
If you haven't made it a point to check out 'Tetsuo & Youth,' we implore you to give this scorcher a spin and reevaluate your decision to sleep on the greatness that is this long-player.
