Just had my first full listen to the album, it sure does start good and does end real well, its a bit mehhhh in the middle, but I think most of Snoops newer albums are kind of like that. Lil Jon is back, he’s on the album, what even happened to that guy?
Another highlight, is something fans of this blog may just remember, its a Neptunes produced track feat. Brandy and Pharrell, but it’s actually pretty good, some might even say vintage, like when they were in their prime, it’s not unique, but somewhat lush and feels full of sounds, and Pharrell’s singing seems, right, and on point. I dunno, maybe I’m being all nostalgic or something, but you know maybe they really are back working together…Have a listen for yourselves:
Yet another Teriyaki Boyz and Neptunes Collabo. Video is ok, loved the Asian rumps subtlety frolicking in the background. CB is is a no show at the end of the vid though. We will update an embedded video when it becomes available.
Common has announced Dec. 9 as the new release date for his forthcoming Geffen album, “Universal Mind Control.” The set was originally expected in July.
Two songs, “Announcement” and “Universal Mind Control” both of which feature Pharrell Williams, have already been released. The album also includes two fresh songs, “Gladiator” and “Inhale.”
The former comes closest to prototypical sincere Common rapping, as he rhymes about destroying other MCs over horn wails, driving drums and a thick bassline.
“Punch Drunk Love” now features Kanye West spitting the catchy chorus “Am I crazy, or was you giving me the eye?” “Sex 4 Sugar,” which Common previously described as a conversation with a dancer, now has faster drums, and “Everywhere,” which was formerly called “Runaway” and set to feature Santogold, now sports a dreamy layered chorus, sans Santogold, over a guitar riff similar to Pat Benatar’s “Love Is a Battlefield.”
The album’s production is still split between the Neptunes and OutKast cohort Mr. DJ. West has not contributed any production to “Universal Mind Control.”
Here is the track listing for “Universal Mind Control”:
“Universal Mind Control” “Punch Drunk Love” featuring Kanye West “Make My Day” featuring Cee-Lo Green “Sex 4 Sugar” “Announcement” featuring Pharrell Williams “Gladiator” “Changes” “Inhale” “What a World” “Everywhere”
-The ‘Punch drunk love’ joint kind of is not a surprise. At the concert, Pharrell came out and did the hook, so I always figured it was P. But, something in the back of my head was always hearing Kanye while Pharrell was skipping some words on the hook. Anyways, we got like 7 Neptune’s tracks. I definitely enjoyed the Neptunes production this year, very pleased with them to say the least.