It’s not friendly, but it’s where I lay up…

With the release of What a Time To Be Alive – Drake and Future have added another notch to their rapid fire campaign of content into the hip hop market. Drake has been more strategic than ever lately, with this mixtape controlling the top of the charts, and his unrelated single Hotline bling, holding the #1 position on iTunes singles – while everyone continues to salivate for Views of the 6 – his upcoming release that has been building buzz for years now (or so it seems...).

This mixtape was released exclusively to Apple Music for a couple weeks, managing to rack up over 25m streams, before going live to Spotify and all the other outlets. Spotify has been responding to these exclusivity agreements, with the same effectiveness as it had when dealing with TaylorSwift, which is unfortunate. Spotify did have a good head start before Apple got into the market, locking down a lot of smart people (see linkedin for an expensive group of Ivy leaguers and ex-consultants), but we still see the music landscape continuing to fragment, which could actually be a good thing?

As I listen to OVOSound Radio on Beats1, (which Drake is getting paid 19 million annually), he clearly has bought into Apple and their business model for music. At this point Drake is a business himself, with many more ventures than just music. To start, the man has more partnerships than a Nascar driver, with product and companies named in his music taking him to the next level in terms of endorsements (call your ass an uber I got somewhere to be / I get boxes of free Jordans like I play for North Carolina / I avoided the coke game, went with Sprite instead / I just got me the Mercedes Pullman, if you haven’t heard about it you should hit up Google / I pull the knife out my back and cut they throat with it momma, I'm Game of Thrones with it momma / Versace Versace Versace, etc.).

All of this is exciting, but it is nothing like what he has done for Toronto. In my time, I have never seen a city rebranded like this – moving from the street name effectively moving from T.Dot to the 6ix in less than a year. The content marketing strategy he has is unrivaled, even in the corporate world. The level of community that he can bring with things like OVOBounce, OVOfest, Nomad, section 416 at the Air Canada Centre is ridiculous, and if this isn’t a case study on how to capitalize on popularity I don’t know what is. He took this to the next level with the beef with Meek Mill – putting the city behind him (with meme’s at OVOfest) – and delaying him at the border, to prove that Toronto can stand up. On top of this, being the Global Ambassador for the Toronto Raptors has improved his position and the team’s – allowing him to solidify his credibility in the scene, and letting MLSE truly launch the We the North campaign with almost guaranteed results.

In the last couple of years Drake (and supporting cast) has put Toronto on the map, and while 'Merica is a different beast, if Kanye can be President, it’s safe to say Drake can be at least Mayor of the 6.

     

Shaking things up: Sydney, Australia

After a lot of deliberation and negotiation - it's now finally official - my girlfriend and I are moving around the world to set up shop in Sydney. As you may have noticed from my past commentary, I have always had a fascination with the land down under. So when my company offered me the position to help establish our presence in the region, I knew that it was time to make a big move.

I'm a firm believer that learning happens when you step outside of your comfort zone... and it was getting too cozy around here. I've lived in the Southern Ontario bubble for the past 21 years of my life, and although it is beautiful here and there's great community - we're digital now - it's not that hard to keep in touch with friends regardless of where you are. When people ask me what my family thinks of this maneuver, I simply point to the fact that I was born internationally myself, on a Canadian Air Base, during my Mom & Dad's 5 year stint in Germany. Exploring is in my blood.

So we leave in just over a month to explore a culture with subtle differences, sunny weather and unique adventures. I think we will fit in nicely with the laid-back demeanor. I'm going to do my best to get into the music scene as well, as we have been covering artists like Horrorshow, Spit Syndicate & Hilltop Hoods for years now, and it will only make sense to get it domestic. On cue, here's a video shot in Sydney from SS (and a few tracks off their latest album, Sunday Gentleman).

Stussy Toronto & BEVSTMODE Present: '431 Richmond Mix' by DJ Kicks

I still remember those epic car rides from the Hammer to T.O. to go shopping in my younger days...and by pure chance was wearing one of my purchases from 431 Richmond Street when this mix dropped today (it's gotta be a sign). Encapsulating the diversity of Toronto's fashion district, clothing brand, Stussy, drops a collaborative mix of music, both past and present. Check out Nomad (former tenant of 431 Richmond) for ALL and I mean ALL of your clothing needs at their new location (819 Queen Street West) if brands like A.P.C., Comme des Garcons, and Robert Geller get you all kinds of aroused.

I usually am not a big fan of playlists or mixes, but this one stands out start to finish. Fusing trap beats, old school dance music, and vocal rap samples...this is simply hypnotizing.

Only to be enjoyed under the influence...

Happy DRAKE Years Eve

From the entire Straight Goods Media Team, we wanna wish you dat health and dat wealth in 2014. I could think of no better way to celebrate than to unleash these 3 songs on your NYE celebrations, courtesy of Drizzy. Party responsibly...and by that I mean don't let your girls/boys go home with any donkeys unless they really, really want to. Salut!

I would pinky swear, but my pinky rang to big, wassup...

 
Goddamn, I'm shittin' gold these days...

  
And they don't have no award for that...

Future feat. Drake and Juicy J - SH!T (Remix)

The moment has arrived...and it's a little lackluster to be honest. But that's a good thing. Let me explain. So this all dates back to the Control verse and Kendrick calling out Drake among a myriad of the game's top young rappers in what I thought was a very harmless line about competition. The game disagrees...and ever since, there have been responses, beefs, and minced words about how people felt about it. Drake has highlighted in interviews that he thought calling people out by name was a cheap ploy that anyone could have done, that the verse was forgettable (honestly do you know how that verse begins?), and that if there's beef let there be beef ("when I saw him it was all love though so it was confusing"). Kendrick responded by saying that Drake and him are peers, and that despite getting his start on Drizzy's, Club Paradise Tour, he's okay if they're no longer cool. This was only exacerbated when K. Dot performed at the BET Cypher and dropped, "and Nothing's Been The Same since they dropped Control, and tucked a sensitive rapper back in his pajama clothes."

So then we waited...and waited...and then we waited some goddamn more. Talks about how Drake has to respond, that Kendrick isn't on Drake's level in terms of their respective resumés, and who really is the #1 MC in the game have persisted. Today, Drake released his response on Future's, SH!T, which features lines like, "I hear ya talk about your city like ya run there, then I brought my tour to ya city, you my son there" (Drake just came off a sold-out show at Staples Center in Kendrick's city of L.A.), "and if a nigga say my name, he the hot shit, and if I say that nigga name he still the hot shit, fucked up" (Drake likes Kendrick and his music...what is he supposed to say he's whack?).

I know people will disagree...but I think this was the smartest move the kid from Degrassi could have ever made. I mean, this is Drake's first official "diss" record and this is the most polite shit I've ever heard. I know that hip-hop is a bloodsport and there are definitely winners and losers (see 50 Cent vs. Fat Joe or Rick Ross vs. 50 Cent to see how fickle the game can be). However, this situation does not need a victor.

Drizzy and Kendrick are the top MC's in the game and it would be stupid for Drake to go after him. Kendrick has no shot at touching Drake's touring, sale records, or female-fan base, so a battle back and forth could only hurt Drake's credibility. Of course there are still some Old Heads who think that by not responding aggressively or not saying Kendrick's name in the verse, that Drake has lost...but the game has changed. You need to be smart now, not impulsive. Kendrick had nothing to lose when he spit at that cypher, after all...half of the hip-hop community makes fun of Drake. But you know what...100% of them respect him.

This was a smart, safe, and Jay Z like move from the OVO Camp. Sure Jay went at Nas back in the day (where baby mommas and physical appearances were all touched upon) and shit got ugly...but Jay didn't have Roc Nation Sports, Rocawear, the Brooklyn Nets and D'Usse Cognac to lose at the time. The kid from T.O. doesn't need this petty shit. Spit your game, drop them hit records, and show the world how a 27-year old from Canada rolls with his own record label (OVO Records), clothing line (OVO), sports affiliation (Toronto Raptors), shoe partnership (Air Jordan), soft drink deal (Sprite) AND wears the crown at the same time.

I just think it's funny how they danglin' the bait, but I'm the one that's killing niggas on the hooks though...

The Straight Goods Monthly Recap

Let me introduce you to the Straight Goods Recap - the latest development by SG M+E, a podcast styled radio show, covering all of the best music we featured on the site monthly, as well as the various music and stories that managed to slipped through the cracks.

Run by SG M+E's newest member, "The Prince", who comes to us with a background in running a radio show at the Wilfrid Laurier University called Verses from the Abstract for the past few years. Since The Prince has now finished his university career, we jumped on the opportuntity to bring him up into the big leagues of the SG empire - http://www.radiolaurier.com/category/shows/verses-from-the-abstract/.

Listen to the first official SGM Recap below, but we will be featuring this ongoing podcast/radio show in the right sidebar, so it will be easy to listen to and catch up with SGM at any time. As always, send your feedback or ideas for improvement to info@straightgoodsmedia.com

We're always listening, as you should be.

The 5 Best and 5 Softest Bars from Drake's, 'NWTS'

Let's make one thing clear...no one on this site is a bigger fan of Aubrey's music than the kid, but goddamn does he make it hard on the fellas at times. No one has ever come so close to claiming rap's throne and at the same time earn a name like Young Garnier Fructis from a legend like Big Ghost. Nonetheless, Drizzy unleashes his 3rd solo album, Nothing Was The Same on the world tomorrow and like I've called for months...I expect him to push a million units first week (even with the leak). For those who do not understand the magnitude of that statement, only 16 albums in history have done so (Jay-Z's, MCHG and Lady Gaga's, Born This Way are not acknowledged by Billboard Charts due to Amazon/Samsung promotions).

With that being said, how better for SGM to look at NWTS than examining the 5 illest and the 5 whackest lines of Drake's story:

5 Best:

T U S C A N L E A T H E R
Bench players talkin' like starters, I hate it
Started from the bottom, now we here, nigga, we made it
Yeah, Tom Ford Tuscan Leather smelling like a brick
Degenerates, but even Ellen love our shit

O W N I T
Bunch of journalists been searchin' for a story
My ex-girl been searchin' for a "sorry"
Couple bitches tryna have me on the Maury like nigga 'it's yours'
You should be supportin'

W O R S T B E H A V I O U R
And it's back to L.A. open the mail, starin' at the check
Enough to make you throw up, man it's gross what I net
I'm with my whole set, tennis matches at the crib
I swear I could beat Serena when she playin' with her left

T O O M U C H
Back rub from my main thing, I've been stressed out
Talking to her like back then they didn't want me, I'm blessed now
Talking to her like this drop, bet a million copies get pressed out
She tell me, "Take a deep breath, you're too worried about being the best out"

P O U N D C A K E
Overly focused, it's far from the time to rest now
Debates growing 'bout who they think is the best now?
Took a while, got the jokers out of the deck now
I'm holding all the cards and niggas wanna play chess now

5 Softest:

O W N I T
Next time we fuck, I don't wanna fuck, I wanna make love
Next time we talk, I don't wanna just talk, I wanna trust

F R O M T I M E
When I got Summer a Michael Kors with my momma's debit
A weak attempt at flexin', I'll never forget it

C O N N E C T
How beautiful our kids would be, girl, I don't need convincing
How every conversation starts with "This time will be different"

F U R T H E S T T H I N G
And I hate that you don't think I belong to ya

C O M E T H R U
Baby I heat up the stove, you do the dishes ya know?

Strong effort from Drake and the OVO crew this time around. He's proven he can be more concise with his raps and evolve musically outside of his comfort zone. With a week to sit with the album, I still like the sound/story of Take Care better, but I doubt many will agree. FuckyoubitchI'mmorethanhigh...

The Weeknd - Wanderlust (Pharrell Remix)

Arriving a few days earlier than its expected September 10th release, Toronto's own The Weeknd unleashed his deranged drug and sex-filled fantasy world Kiss Land to the masses. While it is an incredibly polished body of work, it is far from digestible on the first few listens. My initial thoughts make notice of a large Portishead influence on the project (which Abel has admitted on numerous occasions). Quite simply, this is one of the most interesting Michael Jackson albums, Michael Jackson never made.

Standout cut, Wanderlust not only provides an incredibly cool word to Tweet out, it gets the remix treatment by none other than legendary producer Pharrell. A big fan of both artists (Pharrell's, In My Mind is my favorite rap album of all-time), I was blown away by the life Skateboard P breathed into the original track. While The Weeknd's sound is distinct and the production on his work is usually world-renowned, I would love to see him start getting in the booth with the legends. I am sure the end product would be nothing short of extraordinary. Precious little diamond...
 

Kavinsky feat. The Weeknd - Odd Look (Remix)

Kavinsky is far from a household-name, but he very well may be on his way to becoming one with his latest release. The French-born DJ achieved notoriety when he contributed the sultry, Nightcall to the opening credits of the Ryan Gosling (let me emasculate every man in the theater) flick, Drive. Although this tune has already been remixed by the likes of A-Trak and Surkin, the one that will catch the most attention features Toronto's own, The Weeknd.

In an age of bubblegum pop and whatever the fuck 'PSY' is, the eery, almost haunting vocals/writing style of 23-year-old Abel Tesfaye are a welcome addition to the music landscape. Like me, here is a kid who was able to see the genius in Michael Jackson's Dangerous and Blood on the Dance Floor albums while every one else was bopping their heads along to B4-4. Sweet flow on the boys though.

Needless to say, The Weeknd is building up even more suspense to the September 10th release of his debut album (2012's, Trilogy doesn't count according to him), Kiss Land. I was in attendance at his sold-out, Mod Club performance last month and am confident in saying that if he keeps his nose clean (well not literally), he'll have a long and promising career ahead. XO.

iSH - So Long

So at the start of this week when I posted Carousel’s new album, 26 Allston, I signed off with the line “I’m sure we’ll hear this sampled and remixed soon enough,” and I’ve already been proven right. iSH, a Toronto based rapper that was featured recently on SG, is continuing his domination of recently released indie rock/electro, putting a few verses on top of one of Carousel’s stronger tracks from 26 Allston – Here Right Now. iSH is on his grind right now, with an ear to the industry like no other, being able to keep on top of the latest tracks and re-releasing them for free as soon as possible. This is buzz building mode people, as iSH has to get himself positioned nicely here before he releases his upcoming mixtape – Long Days, Short Nights – in early January 2012. Look out for it.

iSH – So Long


Carousel - Here Now

DubStep - Dillon Francis and Zeds Dead

Dubstep came crashing into my musical radar a couple years ago but it always left a sour taste in my mouth. I tried to give it a chance but it consistently left me looking for some sort of purpose, emotion or substance beyond smashing as many synths as possible at once. As much as I fought it, dubstep seems to be impossible to escape these days and I found it growing on me. True heavy hitting shit didn’t sit well with me until I found I.D.G.A.F.O.S. by Dillon Francis and White Satin By Zeds Dead which both acted as a stepping-stone into the genre. Dillon Francis sandwiches some fun dubstep with the most irresistible synth loop and White Satin is a prime example of what can really be done with the genre when put in the right hands.

Oh and I have to throw in this John Dahlback remix of Sneaky Sound System's "Big" (not dubstep but a Jam regardless)

Turn your headphones up!

Zeds Dead - White Satin

I.D.G.A.F.O.S. - Dillon Francis

Sneaky Sound System - Big (John Dahlback Remix)

Cristil Flow & D.Glass.B - Straight Goods

A little while back I found a mixtape in the inbox titled “Straight Goods” from the rapper/producer combination of Cristil Flow and D.Glass.B. Since it had such a good name and they hail from Toronto, I gave it a run through right away – I’m glad I did. Cristil Flow’s line to line, laid back, rap keeps things relaxed throughout the mixtape, and the instrumentals do nothing but help. On select tracks Straight Goods also brings in a vocalist, Kyla Charter, to provide the hook, which adds even more soul to this duo’s sound. This is a cause I’ll easily lend my voice to, as it’s always good to find some solid core talent surfacing out of Toronto. Chris Stiliadis (Cristilflow) let me know the tracks below headlined the Straight Goods mixtape, but don’t hesitate to grab the full thing for yourself.

Straight Goods (Cristil Flow & D.Glass.B) – Where My Hand Sits (featuring Kyla Charter)
Where My Hand Sits feat. Kyla Charter by CristilFlow

Straight Goods – Don’t Know
Don't Know by CristilFlow

Straight Goods – One Shot (featuring Kyla Charter)
One Shot ft. Kyla Charter by CristilFlow

The Return of Surebuds

 So I'm not sure if anybody's noticed (or chirped about it in past blog posts...) but I sort of fell off the Straight Goods map for a little while there. I've got plenty of excuses though, I recently finished my time living the college dream at the SG household, and have moved into the real world that is Toronto. When you're still trying to live that dream it's somewhat of a trip getting everything in order, including my internets, but I think I've got it figured out for now. I should be back with stacks of music that I haven’t been able to post for a while here, expect big things. My first track returning to this blog scene is a classic for the loyal SG viewers that have stayed through this musical drought... I got nothin’ but love for ya

Drake - Take Care Preview

 
 I don't know if you follow this thing called the internet, but if you do you'll see that there's another rapper that's been getting more than his share of buzz these last couple of days. Our local Toronto hip hop connection, Drake, has been throwing music everywhere in a variety of styles in these last few days. Drake's been covering all his bases; going over an indie sample courtesy of SBTRKT, getting time in with Rick Ross and Weezy F, and finally doin his solo triphop thing on top of a BTSTU sample I've heard a couple of times before from SG regulars Intuition & G-Eazy. So why are we getting so much from the kid all at the same time? Drizzy's currently ramping up for his sophomore album Take Care, in which he seems to fall back to his old style that everyone fell for in the first place. The track Dreams Money Can Buy is apparently the intro to the album, so hopefully the single will bring back Drake, and Toronto, to the spotlight where they deserve to be. Drake always seems to make sense to me and doesn't waste a line, which is something rare in the rhyming game these days. Appreciate this.

Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy

DJ Khaled - I'm On One (Ft Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne)

Mac Miller in Toronto

Mac Miller is coming to Toronto on March 2nd. This is a concert you don't want to sleep on, as Miller is one of the best new hiphop artists in my opinion. The kid's been doing well, recently signing with Wiz Khalifa's Roston Records and riding out the success from his mixtape: Kids. The show was originally supposed to be held at The Mod Club, but that's been changed as of today to The Opera House. Miller will no doubt fill up this venue with it being a smaller place, all tickets in general admission going for only $19.50. For concerts like this a smaller setting is usually more fun though, as it is only adds to that party atmosphere. Miller just turned 19 this month too, so we can expect he's going to take advantage and have a time with our Canadian drinking age. The Straight Goods staff has already picked up our set of tickets, do work and get yours here.

Here's my personal favourite Mac Miller track, The Spins.

Mac Miller - The Spins

New Drake

Drake dropped the first single off of his upcoming album Thank Me Later tonight. The song, called Over, is produced by Boi-1da and sounds nice. Can't wait for the album drop, May is gonna be a good month thanks to releases from B.o.B., Shad and Drake.

Drake - Over

Kickin' it off

Straight Goods Music is here to satisfy your musical needs.

There is such an unreal amount of good music in the world today, so why is popular music still garbage? With more than enough hours logged enjoying music combined with a whole bunch of instrumental experience, the writers for Straight Goods Media are more than qualified to once again stimulate your musical life.