About Me
- Figa
- Derby, United Kingdom
- This Blog is unique to me! Its about Me, what I'm doing, what I'm thinking, liking, and mixing! It will be mostly music related as that's my 'thing' but I have an opinion so things could get hectic! Figa It out Please also check out my website: www.figadj.com xx
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Funny!!!!
I love Jamie Foxx to bits and have been cracking up at this video since i saw it! Had to share with you!
I cant wait for his Album to drop having heard the track called No1 (wich has recieved mixed reviews - but i think its brilliant!) I cant wait!!! I love it! This is one talentred bre..
See how he gets the voices spot on!
er Ray..he he :)
Friday 7 November 2008
UK Figa It Out - Be Cool
Track: BE COOL
Artist: Wretch 32
From the Albulm: Retrospective
Catchy, and different.
Wretch 32 definitely has his own sound, and to me that’s the whole point of this music lark. It appears to also be the point of the track. He has crafted a sound that is unique to him. When you hear it your not wondering is that Joe or blogs? Nope, you know its Wretch! And trust me that’s a good thing.
I wasn’t too sure initially how I felt about the track. It didn’t hit me in the face as an instant smash when I heard it for the first time – found it a little repetitive if I’m honest. But its fair to say that it definitely grew on me. Bouncy and upbeat the music matches the lyrics. Its an all round fun club track, with a positive message. I just have to hear it once and I find myself humming it for the rest of the day. It seems to be getting love from 1x haven’t really heard it anywhere else but that’s not a comment on the track its self.
I love the cheeky flow on this, that’s what actually turned it around for me, the more you hear the more you pick up and bounce to. It’s almost verging on singing towards the end of some lines. Wretch is very cleaver with word play. I don’t feel this particular track played on that but its not always about showing you lyrical dexterity- he showed with this track that he is down to have fun too! Don’t get me wrong its far from lazy, and Wretch is already on his way to becoming one of UK’s greats.
I also had a sneak preview of some of his album and I personally love the other tracks I heard more than this one. So considering the fact that this track is in itself a decent track I cant wait to get my hands on the actual album (my very own copy) which by the way is in stores now.
2.5 / 5
Artist: Wretch 32
From the Albulm: Retrospective
Catchy, and different.
Wretch 32 definitely has his own sound, and to me that’s the whole point of this music lark. It appears to also be the point of the track. He has crafted a sound that is unique to him. When you hear it your not wondering is that Joe or blogs? Nope, you know its Wretch! And trust me that’s a good thing.
I wasn’t too sure initially how I felt about the track. It didn’t hit me in the face as an instant smash when I heard it for the first time – found it a little repetitive if I’m honest. But its fair to say that it definitely grew on me. Bouncy and upbeat the music matches the lyrics. Its an all round fun club track, with a positive message. I just have to hear it once and I find myself humming it for the rest of the day. It seems to be getting love from 1x haven’t really heard it anywhere else but that’s not a comment on the track its self.
I love the cheeky flow on this, that’s what actually turned it around for me, the more you hear the more you pick up and bounce to. It’s almost verging on singing towards the end of some lines. Wretch is very cleaver with word play. I don’t feel this particular track played on that but its not always about showing you lyrical dexterity- he showed with this track that he is down to have fun too! Don’t get me wrong its far from lazy, and Wretch is already on his way to becoming one of UK’s greats.
I also had a sneak preview of some of his album and I personally love the other tracks I heard more than this one. So considering the fact that this track is in itself a decent track I cant wait to get my hands on the actual album (my very own copy) which by the way is in stores now.
2.5 / 5
UK Figa It Out - I'll Ride Funky
Track: I’LL RIDE FUNKY
Artist: Street Politics (Beat remixed by DJ Perempay & Dee)
Absolutely love the original to this track, for months I was asking people “ have you heard that song that goes…” and as I’m not the best singer would repeatedly get the blank stare. The stare that said what are you on about Figs. It took me months to find out what the track was called and who it was by. Even then, I was given the wrong information and spent days on t’internet ..getting random responses…street disciples my a** …anyhoo as you can imagine I was very keen to hear the ‘funky’ remix when it landed in my in box.
I like the fact that they have changed the lyrics and structure of the song and not just speeded it up and called it funky house. They have actually re-spat, re-sang and re arranged the whole song. In this way it will possibly reach more people and give the song a longer shelf life. But I feel the original is a classic anyway and will out live the funky house phenomena. All that said it’s a well crafted song. If I hadn’t heard the original before this I wonder if I would have taken to it more?
Vocals are superb, her voice is strong without being over powering or overdone and compliments the top quality MC who apparently also sings (just as well I might add). I am on a venture to find out more on this group as not much info came with the material. You will get the low-down as I get it.
Street Politiks I feel are one to watch out for. Based on the three tracks that I have heard so far, I fee that they make good generic music, you can dance to- but in their own way. Pure heart felt music. They have their firmly finger on the pulse- hence the funky remix.
The original Cant be beat! This track feels a bit like a band wagon thing. it seems this is the music of choice for the musically ‘fashionable’ and’ remix conscious. I’m not sure if a funky version would have been done if it wasn’t popular. I’m not sure if I’m being clear in what I’m trying to say. Basically would I have been getting a Jungle remix if that was what was the music of the moment? Or would they have done this style anyway... does it really matter? And isn’t that the whole point? Well that’s a whole other blog.
At the end of the track there is a little instrumental part where the original melody has been used and replaced with what sounds like an electric guitar (more George Benson than Guns n roses)but its mint! I play out the who track just to catch this part!
3.5/5 For Me.
Artist: Street Politics (Beat remixed by DJ Perempay & Dee)
Absolutely love the original to this track, for months I was asking people “ have you heard that song that goes…” and as I’m not the best singer would repeatedly get the blank stare. The stare that said what are you on about Figs. It took me months to find out what the track was called and who it was by. Even then, I was given the wrong information and spent days on t’internet ..getting random responses…street disciples my a** …anyhoo as you can imagine I was very keen to hear the ‘funky’ remix when it landed in my in box.
I like the fact that they have changed the lyrics and structure of the song and not just speeded it up and called it funky house. They have actually re-spat, re-sang and re arranged the whole song. In this way it will possibly reach more people and give the song a longer shelf life. But I feel the original is a classic anyway and will out live the funky house phenomena. All that said it’s a well crafted song. If I hadn’t heard the original before this I wonder if I would have taken to it more?
Vocals are superb, her voice is strong without being over powering or overdone and compliments the top quality MC who apparently also sings (just as well I might add). I am on a venture to find out more on this group as not much info came with the material. You will get the low-down as I get it.
Street Politiks I feel are one to watch out for. Based on the three tracks that I have heard so far, I fee that they make good generic music, you can dance to- but in their own way. Pure heart felt music. They have their firmly finger on the pulse- hence the funky remix.
The original Cant be beat! This track feels a bit like a band wagon thing. it seems this is the music of choice for the musically ‘fashionable’ and’ remix conscious. I’m not sure if a funky version would have been done if it wasn’t popular. I’m not sure if I’m being clear in what I’m trying to say. Basically would I have been getting a Jungle remix if that was what was the music of the moment? Or would they have done this style anyway... does it really matter? And isn’t that the whole point? Well that’s a whole other blog.
At the end of the track there is a little instrumental part where the original melody has been used and replaced with what sounds like an electric guitar (more George Benson than Guns n roses)but its mint! I play out the who track just to catch this part!
3.5/5 For Me.
UK Figa It Out - Porn Star
Track: I WANNA BE A PORN STAR
Artist: She She ft Lino Cordova
The title alone intrigued me. I wanted to hear this one!
The track really didn’t surprise or inspire me, and I was hoping it would. I was left feeling a little disppointed.
Contrived lyrics, I could guess what was coming next (excuse the pun). She (She she) stayed on the subject matter however and drew a pretty graphic picture. So, in a sense that was good. I would not suggest playing it to the future in-laws however, but if you wanted to get down, dirty and down right freaky then this could possibly be the track for you and an anonymous other..
The voice really wasn’t doing it for me, even the auto tuner didn’t really help. And I really didn’t take to the raspy breathy talking at the start and in between verses. Male ears may find it sexy though. Me – nope. Its not like she can’t sing, I just couldn’t put my finger on why I didn’t really like it. I’m curious to hear another track from her in order to work out if things get any better really.
Standard beat – didn’t appear finished to me. It has a south feel to it, just seems done already.
Its got nothing to do with the subject matter, I’m no prude. I just don’t feel it was executed as well as it could have been.
I couldn’t work out if they were English or American (both artists), and that also annoyed me. Catchy chorus though.
Fair dues for trying but my mother always told me if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all. So maybe I’ve said too much already. Figa it Out.
1/5 For me
UK Figa It Out: Crying Out Loud
Track: CRYING OUT LOUD... The Remix!!!
Artist: SELF-TAUGHT BEATS ft. Bashy, Baker Trouble, Malik, Blak Twang, Big
Cakes, NoLay, & Realism!
From the forth coming album 'SELF-TAUGHT BEATS'
”I’m a Lonondian Yardinian African Man” !!! lalala…(Baker Trouble) Classic line!!! hadn’t heard anything from him before but now I am very keen to hear more!
Intro was different, kind of set the tone for the rest of the track. At first I was thinking what’s this – a spoken word piece? I found it a bit disjointed from the start of the track , but it worked in that it was ‘different’ and not just your standard intro. Thinking as DJ however it may cause problems when mixing into another track – its one where you would have to crush the other track completely or mix into an instrumental (little tip for you aspiring DJs there) I like the way it actually made you think even before you get into the logistics of sound.
I’d describe the overall feel as an old school hardcore beat reminiscent, of early Brooklyn hip hop era. Loved the use of the East is in the house sample – (Blazay Blazay – Danger ) Quality production on the beat from every angle. Even though there was the use of a sample in the track, the actual construction of the beat is still very musical. It’s well crafted. Horns popping in and out - the genius drum roll on each 4th count.. Quality! I must also commend Self-Taught for not taking the easy option and just speeding up and looping the sample. Kudos for that.
Initially on seeing the track details I did question if there were going to be too many people on one track - did it work? I would say Yes. Each person gave a slightly different commentary on I’m guessing political and social issue that are real to them or that they feel strongly about. The concept seems to have arisen from the sample ‘for crying out loud’ which runs through the track..(the title is a give away here ..hehe) Each artist kept it Positive and showed their political awareness.
If you like your hip hop with an old school flavour in ya ear then this is a refreshing twist on what has realistically been done before. But it does work, Makes you think.
Nolay as usual stands out, not just because she is the only female on there but the way she structures her lyrics, her strong and multi-directional tone along with her unique swagger & flow deffo stands out against the other MCs.
All around nice track, cant see people jumping around to it unless I’m at an underground ‘serious’ hip hop event, but hopefully the airwaves will give it some air play and show that there is more to Uk music in general than the jig up jig up and bang bang tracks that seem to be so popular.
It’s even got a Gordon brown skit at the end of the track very cleaver!!
Took a couple of listens to really catch the depth and knowledge that was being offered and I’ll probably need a few more listens to catch everything but in this way I suppose that’s how track really grows on you, and gets into your subconscious. May be back with my own retort on the actual issues raised …watch this space..
Link to this track to follow!
3 / 5 for me
Artist: SELF-TAUGHT BEATS ft. Bashy, Baker Trouble, Malik, Blak Twang, Big
Cakes, NoLay, & Realism!
From the forth coming album 'SELF-TAUGHT BEATS'
”I’m a Lonondian Yardinian African Man” !!! lalala…(Baker Trouble) Classic line!!! hadn’t heard anything from him before but now I am very keen to hear more!
Intro was different, kind of set the tone for the rest of the track. At first I was thinking what’s this – a spoken word piece? I found it a bit disjointed from the start of the track , but it worked in that it was ‘different’ and not just your standard intro. Thinking as DJ however it may cause problems when mixing into another track – its one where you would have to crush the other track completely or mix into an instrumental (little tip for you aspiring DJs there) I like the way it actually made you think even before you get into the logistics of sound.
I’d describe the overall feel as an old school hardcore beat reminiscent, of early Brooklyn hip hop era. Loved the use of the East is in the house sample – (Blazay Blazay – Danger ) Quality production on the beat from every angle. Even though there was the use of a sample in the track, the actual construction of the beat is still very musical. It’s well crafted. Horns popping in and out - the genius drum roll on each 4th count.. Quality! I must also commend Self-Taught for not taking the easy option and just speeding up and looping the sample. Kudos for that.
Initially on seeing the track details I did question if there were going to be too many people on one track - did it work? I would say Yes. Each person gave a slightly different commentary on I’m guessing political and social issue that are real to them or that they feel strongly about. The concept seems to have arisen from the sample ‘for crying out loud’ which runs through the track..(the title is a give away here ..hehe) Each artist kept it Positive and showed their political awareness.
If you like your hip hop with an old school flavour in ya ear then this is a refreshing twist on what has realistically been done before. But it does work, Makes you think.
Nolay as usual stands out, not just because she is the only female on there but the way she structures her lyrics, her strong and multi-directional tone along with her unique swagger & flow deffo stands out against the other MCs.
All around nice track, cant see people jumping around to it unless I’m at an underground ‘serious’ hip hop event, but hopefully the airwaves will give it some air play and show that there is more to Uk music in general than the jig up jig up and bang bang tracks that seem to be so popular.
It’s even got a Gordon brown skit at the end of the track very cleaver!!
Took a couple of listens to really catch the depth and knowledge that was being offered and I’ll probably need a few more listens to catch everything but in this way I suppose that’s how track really grows on you, and gets into your subconscious. May be back with my own retort on the actual issues raised …watch this space..
Link to this track to follow!
3 / 5 for me
Friday 31 October 2008
Figa It Out- Ace Hood ft Trey Songz Ride
I just cant seem to get this song out of my head! so much so that its made it onto the Figa blog of fame! enjoy anyway..Trey doing what he does best, the boy can sang..I keep seeing 'Ace hood' around as well, bit early for me to have an opinion on him but Treys backing him so i'm guessing he is one to watch out for..
p.s lovin the new hair do (Trey)..he never really seemed to stay on top of the braids in my humble opinion. they were always too fat and chunky..but he Looks like a proper little gent now..hehe..might adopt him as my new nephew..
p.s lovin the new hair do (Trey)..he never really seemed to stay on top of the braids in my humble opinion. they were always too fat and chunky..but he Looks like a proper little gent now..hehe..might adopt him as my new nephew..
Thursday 30 October 2008
Figa It Out - Kanye West: Love Lockdown
Ok! Let me start by stating that I am actually a fan of Kanye West.
I've bumped his work from through the wire, and even before that as a producer for Jay Z, Teedra, Lauryn hill etc - the dude in my eyes is a bit of a genius. I believe that he is one of the most underrated lyricists and producers of our time. When i hear people going on about what a great MC Lil Wayne is it kinda makes my blood boil..but that there is whole other blog..focus Figa..anyhoo they do say that most genius' suffer from a madness that is akin to their greatness.
Well I feel that we are seeing that madness through Kanye's newest offering ' Love lock down'. I JUST DON'T GET IT!!!
I feel what he is trying to do, (can i stress the ' TRYING' bit). I love the fact that he is thinking out if the box. I love the lyrics, I love the energy, I love the simplicit, the passion in the beat BUT i just don't get it. I believe that if someone else maybe had sung the song, I would be singing a different tune right now.
its just the drone of it, it feels to me like it goes on and on and on even the auto tuner doesn't help...I find myself looking for an object to destroy when i get deep into the song..I'm sorry i know that there are many many many people out there who are really digging the track, Its not like I just heard it for the first time today and decided to slate it. I heard a few weeks back and have pondered and pondered over it. I keep listening to it wishing i could like it.
I recognise the genius but who is to say why you like what you like? The African in me wants to love it, as it is so raw and tribal in nature, yet i cant stand it. 6, 173 people on You tube disagree with me having rated it with 4.5 stars..i just don't get it..
check it for yourselves and let me know what you think..the video on the other hand i feel is quite inspired..still love Kanye..call me!
I've bumped his work from through the wire, and even before that as a producer for Jay Z, Teedra, Lauryn hill etc - the dude in my eyes is a bit of a genius. I believe that he is one of the most underrated lyricists and producers of our time. When i hear people going on about what a great MC Lil Wayne is it kinda makes my blood boil..but that there is whole other blog..focus Figa..anyhoo they do say that most genius' suffer from a madness that is akin to their greatness.
Well I feel that we are seeing that madness through Kanye's newest offering ' Love lock down'. I JUST DON'T GET IT!!!
I feel what he is trying to do, (can i stress the ' TRYING' bit). I love the fact that he is thinking out if the box. I love the lyrics, I love the energy, I love the simplicit, the passion in the beat BUT i just don't get it. I believe that if someone else maybe had sung the song, I would be singing a different tune right now.
its just the drone of it, it feels to me like it goes on and on and on even the auto tuner doesn't help...I find myself looking for an object to destroy when i get deep into the song..I'm sorry i know that there are many many many people out there who are really digging the track, Its not like I just heard it for the first time today and decided to slate it. I heard a few weeks back and have pondered and pondered over it. I keep listening to it wishing i could like it.
I recognise the genius but who is to say why you like what you like? The African in me wants to love it, as it is so raw and tribal in nature, yet i cant stand it. 6, 173 people on You tube disagree with me having rated it with 4.5 stars..i just don't get it..
check it for yourselves and let me know what you think..the video on the other hand i feel is quite inspired..still love Kanye..call me!
Sunday 26 October 2008
Figa It Out - Jazmine Sullivan - Bust Ya Windows
Lovin this track now, luckily no one has ever made me that mad that i had to take to smashin up their car. But vocally i think Jazmine is outstanding. I love the way she actually writes. She has all the old Motown qualities but with a very up to date and forward thinking way. I cant stand it when artists just replicate songs / styles from the past..rather than doing "them"..so here's one for you to bubble to..its deffo going on my next mixtape!
Friday 22 August 2008
Good Good 2 Superbad Mixtape
Struggling a little with this blog lark! need to buy a new bag of "Figa can be arsed.."
anyhoo.
New Mix tape is officially out now you can view / listen to snippets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyZSZZDRr0
or check my myspace- I've pretty much posted it any where and everywhere i can! feed back always appreciated..its jammed packed basically with tracks that i was feeling at that particular moment in time when needle met vinyl! and that's basically how i decide what goes on any of my mix tapes. Unless its appeared on another one of my mix tapes or I'm not feeling it then it will get on there!
I'm already hunting for new tracks to put on the next mixtape..getting excited!
but check this one out anyway..its full of love from the heart and i'm sure you'll feel it when you listen to it!
If you havent added me already on myspace / facebook - do it!! do it!! do it!! hehe.. please also send me any dubs / jingles / drops to: figadj@hotmail.com - i'll deffio use em and as I'm printing between 200-400 cds a month its deffo good promo for you and me!!!
I'm out!
UPDATE:
OK i'm on it again- here's the video and also actual download link..HOLLLAAAAA!!!
DOWNLOAD CODE:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=03c93a2ee39d5ef2d2db6fb9a8902bda
anyhoo.
New Mix tape is officially out now you can view / listen to snippets:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyZSZZDRr0
or check my myspace- I've pretty much posted it any where and everywhere i can! feed back always appreciated..its jammed packed basically with tracks that i was feeling at that particular moment in time when needle met vinyl! and that's basically how i decide what goes on any of my mix tapes. Unless its appeared on another one of my mix tapes or I'm not feeling it then it will get on there!
I'm already hunting for new tracks to put on the next mixtape..getting excited!
but check this one out anyway..its full of love from the heart and i'm sure you'll feel it when you listen to it!
If you havent added me already on myspace / facebook - do it!! do it!! do it!! hehe.. please also send me any dubs / jingles / drops to: figadj@hotmail.com - i'll deffio use em and as I'm printing between 200-400 cds a month its deffo good promo for you and me!!!
I'm out!
UPDATE:
OK i'm on it again- here's the video and also actual download link..HOLLLAAAAA!!!
DOWNLOAD CODE:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=03c93a2ee39d5ef2d2db6fb9a8902bda
Wednesday 2 July 2008
Blog Virgin! Popping Cherry
As you can guess from the title I is new to this!
Love writting though so should be interesting to see what happens!
Plans are just to share my thoughts and opinions, gain feedback on mixtapes that i will be producing, share tunes that i'm feeling and gossip galore!
Those who know me know that I am its fair to say slightly opinionated but I am fair, i will do my best to keep the sharp tongue in check..no promises though..its the Gemini in me..
Anyhoo should be working right about now so keeping it short and sweet.
Will be posting a snippet of my latest mixtape later on today..otherwise feel free to check me out on:
www.myspace.com/ djfiga
add me! lets be friends..hehe..
Love writting though so should be interesting to see what happens!
Plans are just to share my thoughts and opinions, gain feedback on mixtapes that i will be producing, share tunes that i'm feeling and gossip galore!
Those who know me know that I am its fair to say slightly opinionated but I am fair, i will do my best to keep the sharp tongue in check..no promises though..its the Gemini in me..
Anyhoo should be working right about now so keeping it short and sweet.
Will be posting a snippet of my latest mixtape later on today..otherwise feel free to check me out on:
www.myspace.com/ djfiga
add me! lets be friends..hehe..
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