I wasn’t planning on reviewing the Odd Future crooner and Def Jam artist Frank Ocean’s new album, channel ORANGE, until next week. You know, when it was supposed to come out? Maybe because of the recent wave of support he is getting due to his incredibly personal blog post is why his major label debut is now available for us the consumer to digest. Maybe he just wanted it out there for us to enjoy. Whatever the actual reason for this early release, I could not be happier that the album is in my possession. After listening to his first album/mixtape, the self-released nostalgia, ULTRA a year ago, this project has been on my personal musical radar (SIDE NOTE: If you don’t have nostalgia Ultra yet, do yourself a favor and get it). Now, ORANGE sits and plays on constant loop – and is consistently enjoyable from beginning to end. [Read more...]
Review of Frank Ocean’s ‘channel ORANGE’
Review of Odd Future’s ‘The OF Tape, Vol. 2′
There are two ways I can approach writing this introductory paragraph for Odd Future, the most controversial rap collective since N.W.A.. One, I can fly my Wolf Gang flag in the air and say that their new album, The OF Tape, Vol. 2 is the best thing ever, or I can be like a lot of critics and just label them as “a bunch of horrorcore.” Although those elements of that subgenre are definitely present on their new album, it seems like the giant collective is starting to successfully evolve and mature their sound. [Read more...]
HST’s Best of 2011: Music
Whether we like it or not, the year is coming to a close. And now, it is time to reflect on what came out in music. Below, the writers for HST have come up with their favorite albums and songs of the year. We hope that you enjoy our selections, and comment on what songs or albums made your 2011 memorable. Enjoy!!! [Read more...]
MTV Awards: Teen’s Dreams, But Critic’s Nightmares
When I was younger, MTV was my saving grace. It had some great programs, good music, and an overall cool vibe. But the best part for me, were the award shows. That was the time where musicians, comedians, and actors were able to step out of their serious roles and just have fun. I remember watching it in 1997 when Puff Daddy (now Diddy, for those who don’t know), along with Sting and Faith Evans did a tribute to one of the greatest rapper’s of all time, Notorious B.I.G.. Of course, at this time, I had no idea who Biggie Smalls was, but it was still a very touching tribute.
Now, I am older and bolder, and a hell of a lot smarter than I was back then. Now, I see both of MTV’s award shows as mere jokes. MTV uses this time to, not really celebrate the mediums it is representing that night, but is advertisements for its own productions. Every time I hear that “The cast of Jersey Shore” is going to present an award, all I can do is drop my head in shame. [Read more...]
