Listen Up #5

Dec. 25 was a great day not only because it was Christmas, but because it was also the release day of Run the Jewels’ new self titled album, “Run the Jewels 3.” RTJ’s latest album was essentially a manifesto of the group itself. It is an angry album calling people to rise up and end oppression whether it is class based or race based. Much of the music is political. RTJ takes shots at the Bush administration in “Run the Numbers,” as well as discusses plans for surviving in Trump’s America. Overall, the album is a fantastic addition to RTJ’s already impressive list of tracks.

On Jan. 9, hip hop artist, Kool A.D. released his latest album, already regarded as the best album he has produced, entitled, “The Natural.” It is the tenth album Kool A.D. has released in the past year, and it seems to be the first time that he has let go of some of his arrogance and destructiveness, and instead he is performing songs containing entertaining and sometimes humorous lyrics.  The songs vary greatly; some contain deep thoughtful lyrics while on one track, “Lay Up,” he intentionally mispronounces the word “library.”

Possibly the biggest piece of news in the music world is the Grammys, which are approaching quickly. They’re taking place Feb. 12. This year’s nominations include Adele’s “25” for album of the year, Chance the Rapper for best new artist and “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber for best song of the year.