Born and Raised by John Mayer
Review by Mihnea Sechely

By now, it comes as no surprise that Mayer shifts directions once more. This time, it’s not only the music that has changed, but also his appearance. His new image as the lonely cowboy earned him the “Johnny Depp look-alike” status among fans. But this style switch is not unjustified, since it goes hand in hand with his new music. The pop-blues tunes that fans grew accustomed to are pretty much absent from this record, their spot being taken by folk-rock songs – sometimes tapping into country – focusing on composition, melody and feel rather than virtuosity. So don’t expect blistering guitar solos or a flashy production…this time around, there’s just John with an acoustic, pouring his heart out to whoever is willing to listen.

Mayer’s latest effort starts off with an optimistic vibe, present all over “Queen of California”, where he says goodbye to cold, rain, sorrow and shame, and welcomes beauty and wonder. The third track and also the first single, “Shadow Days”, which employs a lap steel guitar, does not change the mood, hinting at better times to come: “Now I’m right here, and I’m right now/
And I’m hoping, knowing somehow/That my shadows days are over”. “Something Like Olivia” is definitely a toe-tapper, infusing a happy mood and featuring a great solo to top it all off.

As the record progresses, the overall atmosphere changes quite a bit, John being now more bittersweet and heavyhearted. In retrospective, he sings in the title track, accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful harmonica: “I still have dreams, they’re not the same/They don’t fly as high as they used to”. “Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967″ could be considered the odd track here (probably thrown in for good measure), telling a strange story that could easily fit into one of Bob Dylan’s songs.

As autobiographical as the rest of the songs are, John saves the most heartfelt one for the end: “Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey” is a perfect blend of melody, arrangement and lyrics, carefully crafted to make one of the highlights of the whole album. Although he confesses: “The stage was set, the words were mine/I’m not complaining”, the chorus – “Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey/ Wake up, shake it off/ And repeat” over some well-chosen chord changes – brings a whole new dimension to the song, suggesting a routine that slowly drains the life out of the idolized pop-star.

All of Mayer’s favorite singers could be viewed as influences here, from Dave Matthews to Sting, from Ryan Adams or David Gray to Bob Dylan. Production-wise, Mayer and Don Was made a clear, straight-forward mix for a straight-forward record. Just like with “Room for Squares”, his other acoustic guitar-driven album, there are some tracks that don’t really stick. But the fact that John Mayer matured is undeniable…or so it seems.

Jerome “Ta’i Kash” Murray is the epitome of modern day cool. With an aura similar to that of The Fonz and early Will Smith plus the lyrical skills of a Nas or Jadakiss, he is set for take off. Born in the early 90′s, Ta’i grew up on Chicago’s West Side in the era of The 6-Time Championship Chicago Bulls. “Win, Win, Win! That’s all I knew as a shorty.”, he said referring to the effect the Chicago sports team had on him as a child. Now 21-years-old and still aiming to win, Kash soaks up a lot of his influences from albums such as, Reasonable Doubt from Jay-Z, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood from DMX, and When Disaster Strikes from Busta Rhymes.

Ta’i Kash
Twitter: @WeTheVillains
WeTheVillains.Com

“Trailz” the new single by PMatic.

“Re-Up” the new mixtape by Bossman.

DOWNLOAD IT!

The song is titled “Passenger Seat Bluez” x J/MicFly prod. by Stef Arkel for Soular POW!er Wreckords, LLC. Look out for his debut EP entitled, “Cosa Nostalgia”#POW #POW

“Swagg’n” the new single boy the City Boyz featuring Phoenix Banks and Kid Charlemayne.

Reefa traveled back from Wichita Falls to Dallas to kick off his music career where it started. Together with his high school friend Gunna, the two officially started Talk Loud Ent. The label also consists of friend and director Dante Murray, owner of Kite Flight Films, as well as his brother Richie Rich, who handles production on the records.

With his brand new single “Hater” swarming the airwaves, it is only a matter of time before Reefa is nationally recognized. Perhaps his true life approach to music is what makes him so special.

PRODUCER: Swift Beats UK
Engineer: OZ & The Kitchen Studio

Kanye West made an impromptu announcement Friday (May 11) via Twitter.

“2 Chainz is charging 100k for a verse now cause he’s G.O.O.D.!!!!!!”

Atlanta native 2 Chainz is the newest member of the G.O.O.D. Music roster. In February, 2 Chainz announced he signed to Def Jam Recordings as a solo act. It must have been a one album deal. That or a bit of black magic (money) was worked to change the homie’s status back to that of free agent. Based on a T.R.U. Story, the debut album by 2 Chainz is due for release August 14. The album will be pushed by Def Jam so far as I know, hence my theory about a one album deal. 2 Chainz won’t confirm or deny what I’m saying here so we’ll call it a rumor for the time being.

DJ Soko (of The Left) is releasing his first limited edition 7″ vinyl next week! To spread the word Soko is giving away the track “Biters feat. Guilty Simpson” that Gensu Dean produced. Soko built a beautiful track here and really goes in on the cuts. Enjoy and feel free to share!

credits
from MMG 7″ Series #4, track released 18 April 2012
cuts by DJ Soko
vocals by Guilty Simpson
produced by Gensu Dean

“Cry Later” the latest video by artist PMatic.
American rapper PMatic, from Queens NY, began recording music at a very young age. At the age of 13, he signed a production deal with LL Cool J ‘s Rock da Bells production label. Unfortunately, the company failed to launch. However, PMatic is still delivering ground breaking music. With an edgy sound, and a fresh new look, PMatic is definitely a “rising star”.