Category: Playlists

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Editorial Team, Music, Playlists, Review

Singles’ Round-Up

Kanye’s latest album, Jesus is King, has interesting ideas about how to blend hip-hop and gospel but is let down by inconsistent execution and poor lyricism, and is a disappointing return after two years of leaks and teasings. A track that is emblematic of this is ‘Water’, where Kanye raps on themes regarding rebirth and the healing power of faith, and its ability to purify. These are especially relevant given Kanye’s attempt to rebrand and move away from topics like sex and drugs. The production is simple but effective and provides a smooth, solid base for Ant Clemons’ excellent feature. Clemons sings well and is the highlight of the song, but he is let down by lazy lyricism from Kanye. Rather than speaking on his evolution as an artist, he decides to repeat variations of Jesus save us, which marks a concerning decline for the once revolutionary, boundary-pushing artist. Continue reading Singles’ Round-Up

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Editorial Team, Exeter Uni, Music, Playlists, Review, Writing

Singles’ Round-Up

‘Family and Loyalty’ by Gang Starr (feat. J. Cole)

In their first project in sixteen years, classic rap duo Gang Starr (featuring J. Cole) harken back to the golden age of hip-hop with a single reminiscent of their seminal album, Moment of Truth. DJ Premier constructs a jazzy, boom-bap beat around an unreleased verse from Guru, who tragically passed away in 2010. The beat perfectly suits Guru’s flow, with the gentle pianos underscoring his smooth voice. The lyrics are unsubtle, with ideas of the longevity of friendship and classic rap at the forefront, which is juxtaposed with comparisons to the modern genre that is moving away from conscious rap. Cole’s feature serves to hand over the baton to the next generation of conscious rap, and whilst his flow sounds clumsy at times, his message is no less important and relevant. This is a well-constructed single that reinforces the value of old school rap to the rest of the genre. Continue reading Singles’ Round-Up

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Editorial Team, Music, Playlists

Autumn Playlist

With the hours of daylight decreasing and with the bitter cold of winter just around the corner, autumn is often given the reputation of being the dreariest of months. My English Lit teacher at college summarised November as being a “truly hopeless month with not one good thing about it”. Yet being born in autumn, I’ve always looked forward to when the leaves begin to turn orange and walking down cobbled paths filled with crispy leaves and conkers. There’s Halloween, bonfire nights and fireworks. The beginning of the season of hot chocolates and cosy nights by the fire. In an attempt to try to bring out the autumnal spirit, I’ve put together a playlist of some of my current favourite songs to listen to on those late October walks. Continue reading Autumn Playlist

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Editorial Team, Lifestyle, Music, Playlists

New Summer Music

Summer is the perfect time for new music but you might be struggling to find a new playlist for that barbecue you’re hosting or seeking a perfect road trip album for your drive to the beach. RAZZ has got you covered with the best of this summer’s new releases, with albums from old favourites and new breakthrough artists, there’s plenty of amazing music to get your teeth into this summer. Continue reading New Summer Music

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Editorial Team, Lifestyle, Music, Playlists

Perfect Playlist: Chilling on the Beach

Stuck on what to listen to for those long days in the sun? Here are 21 chilled tunes that you’ll be playing on repeat! Loving Is Easy (ft Benny Sings) – Rex Orange County: If you haven’t heard of Rex Orange County by now, what have you been doing? The Surrey-born 20 year old was scouted by Tyler, The Creator last year, and has been … Continue reading Perfect Playlist: Chilling on the Beach

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