Student Publications
University of Houston
151C Communications Bldg
Houston, TX 77204-4015
713.743.5350

©1991-2007
Student Publications,
All rights reserved.

Last modified:

Contact:
ktruitt@uh.edu

Life & Arts

Tracks surface prior to album release date

by ELI JABBE
The Daily Cougar

Anticipation grows with new songs - This past week has featured new songs from anticipated albums. One new track from Jay-Z's new album, titled "Lost Ones" appeared earlier this week. It features Jay in an introspective mood, talking about real-life situations. The track is good, and features a vintage Dr. Dre beat. 

In addition, several tracks from albums coming out on Nov. 14, The Game's "Doctor's Advocate" and Snoop Dogg's "Blue Carpet Treatment" also surfaced, including a collaboration between both Los Angeles artists. 

However, the stand-out song from this week has to be "Why You Hate the Game," the Just-Blaze produced collaboration between Nas and The Game. The track clocks in at a lengthy nine minutes, and features impressive lyrics as well as a soulful beat from Just. There is word that this version won't be included on the album because the label head at Game's label is making him put an abbreviated version of the song on the album instead. 

Speaking of Nas, there was finally a leak of a song from his album. The title track, which was produced by Wil.I.Am of The Black Eyed Peas leaked to the radio. However, it was just a snippet of the song. Nas sounds focused, and the track will instantly remind fans of the 2004 single "Thief's Theme" because it features the same sample.

Stones Throw's return - Stones Throw Records, the legendary independent label, returns with a new compilation titled Chrome Children. This is a collaboration that is similar to last year's DangerDoom, the hook-up between Cartoon Network, DJ Dangermouse, and MF Doom. This time, Cartoon Network's Adult Swim connects with various artists from Stones Throw. The album features 19 tracks, and appearances from Stones Throw icons like MF Doom, Madvillain, Madlib, and the late, great J Dilla, who passed away earlier this year. Included is a bonus DVD with footage of live performances by Doom. A Web site, www.myspace.com/stonesthrow, features snippets of the album.

Jim Jones brings new tracks - Jim Jones, of Dipset, recently had several new interesting tracks. One is "Kingdom Done," a diss track aimed at Jay-Z. Of course, this Dipset/Jay conflict (should it even be called that?) is nothing new. Former Jay-Z business partner Dame Dash also appears on the track. In addition, Jones made a remix of his new single "We Fly High" just for the NFL's New York Giants. The Giants remix features the New York native Jimmy praising the team, and features a new chorus ("New York Giant fly high, and you know this"), and hilarious new adlibs like "Touchdown!" and "Interceptions!" It's at the top of the "unintentional comedy" factor. 

Speaking of remixes, there were other notable remixes this week. The remix for "Top Back" from T.I.'s album King is pretty good. Young Jeezy, B.G. and others make appearances, and T.I. has a new verse which is impressive, but Jeezy is the one who steals the show. He's improved from his first album. Another notable remix is the remix for "Walk It Out" which features Jim Jones and Andre 3000.
 

Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu