After the speculation a few weeks ago over Mr.Oceans sexuality the singer clearly hasn’t been fazed over the comments made by the media and brought forth his debut album Channel Orange, which to no surprise received great feedback before the release date. The singer, who is part of the Odd Future collective, made his way through featuring on tracks by artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Tyler the Creator and releasing his own mix tape Nostalgia/Ultra in February 2011 where he sang over songs by artists such as MGMT’s electric feel and Coldplay’s Strawberry Swing. Channel Orange has a bunch of tracks that are abstractly written like Pyramids and Bad Religion which is the norm for Mr.Ocean’s style. The album features collaborations with artist and producer Andre 3000,  John Mayer and fellow Odd future member Earl Sweatshirt.  Overall Ocean has used this album to project his feelings towards the world in which many agree making the album a hit before its release.

Red Bull Studios Live & Toddla T at Tramlines Festival from Calum Creasey on Vimeo.

The highly anticipated album from the New York Native is set to be released July 17th 2012. The album is said to have a variety of collaborations with the likes of Miguel Jontel, the late Amy Winehouse, Mary J Blige, Rick Ross and Large Professor.

Current singles that have dropped from the album include a range of tempo’s and creative flows such as, The Don, Nasty and Daughters. Songs such as Daughters gives us an insight into the sincerity of the album. Jones has already captivated his audience with the gravitational pull and integrity of such singles been a truthful scripture of how he needs to make more effort with his daughter as a father and relates to those fathers who find it difficult to raise a girl in today’s society. Nas also keeps to the norm of his talent, using knowledgeable lyricism to explain how he feels about current affairs.

Producers such as Salaam Remi, Swiss Beatz, Heavy D, Buckwild and No I.D have collaborated with the rapper to create a mix of classic hip hop beats and new fresh sounds. Working with a range of producers enabled Nas to have the eclectic combination of tracks on the table and the ability to compile a mix in a way which flows brilliantly; for example The Don (produced by Salaam Remi, Heavy D and The Internz) has a the hard depth beat of Heavy D the sampling, mixing and electro-synth sound of Remi and the new beat rap swing of  The Internz. Overall the album has a classic hip hop feel with anopen end to the new styles of musics produced for today’s audience.

The album cover stirs up controversy as the image is of Nas with his Former Wife’s wedding dress draped across his lap whilst he has a glass of Champagne. Some might say that this image portrays meditation,calm and tranquillity whilst Jones is reminiscing over old times and toasting to the future of more good times. Others may state that his facial expression shows remorse and regret and the title of the album is a symbol of sarcasm and life isn’t as good at it seems.

Overall, the album is set to put Nas back on top in the rap league as comments made by others compare the album to classics like The score by the Fugees. With big comparisons and statements made with a feel of ‘back to basics’ we shall look forward to the debut of an original hip hop LP.

For us, there was only one world class performer on stage last night, and Kanye was there too. Jay Z was a class above – performing hits such as “Jigga What”, “Big Pimpin’”, “99 Problems” and “Dirt Off your Shoulder” and, although we felt rather old being one of only a handful who knew a couple of these tunes, for us they were super special nonetheless.

Kanye went owf with a great rendition of “Goldigger” and “All of the Lights” but his voice didn’t fill the room such as Jigga, and although no doubt a showman, we found his act paled in comparison to Brooklyn’s finest.

No doubt an amazing show, the whole thing was amazing – None more so, that this CLASSIC…

Have a listen yourself and TWEET us your opinions, we’d love to hear your thoughts regarding this and all the content on our blog. Justice’s New Lands EP, which also features remixes by Falcon and Sebastian, is out later this month.

Preorder it here.

JUSTICE – New Lands (A-Trak Remix) by edbangerrecords

Now, Ugly’s usually a sweet night anyway, so with the added bonus of what should be a sick guest DJ set from one of the pioneers – this night should be one to really remember. Don’t hold back, get yourself to DQ Thursday night if you can, and let’s have a little dance shall we?