In the earlier years of his career, Kanye West was a producer for Jay-Z and some other artists. He worked with Jay-Z on “Never Change,” “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Heart of the City (Ain’t No Love),” “Takeover,” and several other hit records before branching out into a solo career of his own. This led to him eventually being signed to Roc-A-Fella and becoming one of the biggest musical artists we have ever seen.

As controversial as Kanye West may be, you can’t deny his talent and influence. Since the beginning of his musical career, he pushed the limits and status quo of the worlds of Hip/Hop and R&B with his cross-genre sampling and overall artistic vision. He set trends in the style of the music being made and clothing being worn at the time. This led to him branching out into the fashion world with his longtime friends Don C and Virgil Abloh, who is currently artistic director of Louis Vuitton for Men.

Today, Kanye West is a juggernaut. He has his own record label GOOD Music, which is very successful due to its roster of artists including Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Teyana Taylor, Valee, and Q-Tip to name a few. He practically runs this label with Pusha T while managing to still release his own music.

On top of all that, Kanye is also working with Adidas as a creative director and designer. His brand Yeezy is largely responsible for Adidas’ recent success. Kanye’s constant innovation and barrier-breaking is providing inspiration for the younger generations.

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Jay Electronica has a very interesting story. He initially used Myspace as an avenue to release his first “project” which was about fifteen minutes, then grew in popularity through its success. Over the following years, Jay would release a few sings and collaborations while teasing at a debut album. Although the album never released and he was without a music label for some time, he still managed to remain around the music business.

He dated Erykah Badu for some years and eventually ended up having a child with her but his star-studded friend’s list just starts with his amazing baby’s mother. Jay is also close friends with Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs, who are musical heavyweights. This eventually led to him being signed to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation in 2010. On top of that, he is a practicing Muslim and a prominent figure in the Nation of Islam.

Jay Electronica has always been a rap unicorn. He’s a man who rarely drops music but when he does, his features make his skills so much more apparent. His hype was built up over the years by artists of extraordinary talent giving him his props and also begging him to release music.

Last Friday they got their wish when he dropped his long-awaited debut album “A Written Testimony.” The album includes features by The Dream, Travis Scott, and quite a few appearances by Jay- Z. The songs were produced by legendary producer The Alchemist and Jay Electronica himself. If there’s one thing this album shows, it’s that hip-hop has no age limit because Jay Electronica and Jay- Z are both seasoned rappers who give performances that rival that of any musicians out now. Definitely a must-listen!

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“With its global reach, the National Football League has the platform and opportunity to inspire change across the country,” said Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. “Roc Nation has shown that entertainment and enacting change are not mutually exclusive ideas — instead, we unify them. This partnership is an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of communities across America.”

Jay-Z said about NFL.

As one can expect, this collaboration caused a stir especially since Jay-Z has been a supporter of Collin Kaepernick. Kaepernick, a former NFL player for the 49ers, has not played for the NFL for the past few season due to his protests. It didn’t help the stir that Jay-Z said “I think we’re past kneeling. I think it’s time for action,” when asked if he’d stand or kneel during the national anthem.

“I think that we forget that Colin’s whole thing was to bring attention to social injustice so in that case this is a success — this is the next thing. There’s two parts of protest: the protest, and then there’s a company or individual saying, ‘I hear you, what do we do next?’ For me it’s about actionable items, what are we gonna do about it?” he replied. “We get stuck on Colin not having a job, you know what I’m saying? And this is more than that.

Colin Kaepernick responded with a soft jab on instagram, posting a photo of Albert Wilson, Kenny Stills, and Eric Reid kneeling during the National Anthem with the caption, “Continue to fight for the people, even in the face of death threats. They have never moved past the people and continue to put their beliefs into action. Stay strong Brothers!!!”

Many have expressed their feelings on twitter, some defending Jay-Z while others calling him out for being a “sell-out” and even going as far as to “cancel” him.

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Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s, On The Run Two tour started June 6 in Cardiff, Wales. It will end October 4 in Seattle, Washington. The tour is 42 shows in length, with 18 in Europe, and 30 in North America.

While on tour, the two have released a music video, an album, and some seriously provocative photos.

EVERYTHING IS LOVE 

Everything is love is another item of the long and lasting relationship that is, Jay-Z and Beyoncé.

As a couple, they have attended numerous galas, balls, and award shows. As the Carters, this is their first full-length project.

In short, Everything Is Love goes like this: Jay-Z cheated on Beyoncé in 2014 prompting the “elevator incident” between Jay and Beyoncé’s sister, Solange.

Beyoncé then released “Lemonade” in 2016 hinting at infidelity and, “becky with the good hair.”

Jay then released, “4:44,” clearing the air and admitting that he did cheat on his wife and that, “I don’t deserve you.”

Also worth noting is that “4:44” signifies Beyoncé’s birth date, September 4, Jay’s birth date December 4, and their wedding date, April 4.

In the end we have “Everything Is Love,” a culmination that clears the air and says that yes, we the Carters are doing fine, thank you for asking.

APESHIT 

“APESHIT” off of, “Everything Is Love” is the music video released while on tour.

The video takes place at The Louvre Art Museum in, Paris. The Louvre displays historic – mostly white – European artwork, the Mona Lisa being their most coveted.

Within the video you see Jay and Beyoncé casually standing before Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, the power-couple completely overshadowing his work.

This sets the stage for the entirety of the video.

You hear Jay rapping about the NFL, how they need him, he doesn’t need them. You see the cameraman pan to a man kneeling, symbolic of Colin Kapernick and the NFL – police brutality.

You then see Beyoncé dancing about in a new tone of rap, something different for her but that she does well. Beyoncé appears to be the coordinator behind the symbolism that is “APESHIT.”

“APESHIT” is so rich with references and underlined meanings that you could spend all day on it. But, what the video also is, is a message that we are power, black power. They are excellence, and they are today, held in higher regard than that sought after European artwork. That’s something that should really be thought on for a moment. We have advanced as a civilization, we have room to grow but we have advanced. With strong people like the Carters we can continue to evolve.

ITS PROVOCATIVE, GETS THE PEOPLE GOIN’

As part of their merchandise, and a thank you for coming, Jay and Bey have put together a photo book of their personal lives. The couple is notorious for being private, until they aren’t.

This tour is no different; within the gratitude book you see several intimate photos of Jay and Beyoncé. Lounging in bed, in front of the sea, curled up together.

Half the Internet reacted in an absurd way. Saying that Beyoncé is trying to make Jay a sex symbol and that the two are looking for more notoriety. The other half aren’t so neurotic and just see the photos for what they are, relationship goals.

It’s empowering to see a couple like the Carters still “crazy in love,” even after 18 plus years of courtship.

“Everything Is Love” is currently available to stream now on Tilde, along with bonus track, Salud. The Carters are currently touring Europe and will arrive to the states on July 25, in Cleveland, Ohio.You can check out all of the other upcoming dates here. 

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Although Pure Comedy was written predominantly in 2015, it might be the album most indicative of 2017 on this list.  The title track of Father John Misty’s third studio album is a ruthless dissertation on the modern human condition.  The cut “Two Wildly Different Perspectives” is a painfully accurate portrait of American political discourse in the Trump era.  Where Father John Misty’s last record I Love You Honey Bear was a raw and delicate, Pure Comedy is scathing and relentlessly political.

9. Masseduction- Saint Vincent

“I have lost a hero/ I have lost a friend” St. Vincent’s Annie Clark reflects on her standout track of Masseduction, “New York”.  The album paints a more personal and subdued story than her previous work.  Masseduction is a rumination on failed relationships and heartbreaks that is both heartbreaking and lovely.

8. Plunge- Fever Ray

Leave any conceptions about modern popular music at the door with Fever Ray’s sophomore effort, Plunge.  Rabid and energetic, Fever Ray lives up to her exclamation, “Destroy boring”.  She does not wait for anyone’s judgments.  Plunge  is unapologetically eccentric and blunt, a perfect fit for its time.

7. Flower Boy- Tyler the Creator

The once jagged and edgy Tyler the Creator is now vulnerable and matured.  Flower Boy drops the tough guy act for jazz-influenced chords, colorful lyrics, and a coming out statement.  Tracks like “See You Again” showcase Tyler singing abilities boldly, a move rarely done in his previous albums, while cuts like “Who Dat Boy” are a nod to his fanbase that he is still a skilled MC.  He weaves these abilities together to create one of his strongest albums yet.

6. Black Origami- Jlin

In an industry dominated by trap-influenced beats, Black Origami is a refreshing take on modern dance music.  Through tabla riddled spasms and world music inspired instrumentals, Jlin finds her sound in the power of percussion.  Through Black Origami, Jlin has created a new landscape for electronic music.

5. Take Me Apart- Kelela

With Take Me Apart, Kelela introduces a new style of R&b with an electronic twist.  In the artist’s debut album, she wrestles with her different identities of being black, a woman, and from an immigrant family, while finding her way in her relationships.  Take Me Apart  combines hip-hop and electronic influences to create an intricate story of vulnerability.

4. 4:44- Jay Z

After Beyonce’s Lemonade, everyone awaited Jay Z’s response to his infidelity.  With 4:44 Jay Z returns to his roots to repent for his wrongdoings.  The title track, finds him in rare form, calm and collected, but humiliated and apologetic.  Cuts like “The Story of OJ” reflect on his experiences of being a black man in America, while “Legacy” offers solutions to problems he sees in his community.  4:44  is a deviation from Jay Z’s usual sound, but is refreshing while restrained.

3. Ctrl- SZA

SZA began 2017 not knowing whether her dream of releasing a successful studio album would ever be realized.  She is ending the year with a platinum record under her belt.  Ctrl tells the heart-wrenching story of modern relationships through SZA’s experiences of infidelity and mistrust.  Tracks like “The Weekend” give listeners another perspective in the much-uncharted territory of the mistress in a relationship, whereas “Love Galore” and “Supermodel” are raw meditations on her own self-doubts in romantic pursuits.  In the world of Tinder and new modes of flirtation, Ctrl is an album any single “20 Something” can relate to.

2. Damn. – Kendrick Lamar

2015’s To Pimp a Butterfly saw Kendrick Lamar finding and cementing his place in the rap game, by bringing stinging commentary of race and depression, while struggling to find his footing as a celebrity.  This year’s Damn found Kendrick dropping the jazz and funk influences of his previous work, for a record with more pop appeal.  The breakout single, “Humble” took the Billboard music charts with its catchy chorus and honest lyrics.  Damn brings a new era of Kendrick Lamar, a more light-hearted and a prideful artist.

1. Melodrama- Lorde

Lorde stunned the music world with her release of “Green Light” this March.  Her usual teenage angst matured as she mourned her lost relationship with poppy ballads.  Lorde retreated after her debut Pure Heroine, but she emerged this summer with one of the strongest records of the year.  Melodrama follows the young artist’s journey through the emotionally intense late teenage years, within the context of her breakup.  Starting with “Green Light”, we see Lorde put herself back together, while tracks like “The Lourve” find the artist trying to salvage the golden moments of her relationship, though it is now over.  Lorde makes peace with her choices as a young adult in her final track, “Perfect Places”, as she realizes that there is no perfect place or perfect action that would have saved her relationship.  Being a young adult can be tumultuous, terrifying and of course, melodramatic, and Lorde turned teenage anxiety into a work of art.

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