Orange is The New Black inspired Outfit

The Orange Is the New Black television series is something I came across early this year and it is great. I managed to watch all the episodes in a week; it has addictive qualities. What I love most about it is its representation of women. We are all different and many walks of life, however, when we are put in the situation such as a prison cell we are ultimately all the same. The main character Piper from an untraditional background for someone who has committed a crime shows us how despite the differences as women we share a lot. Moreover, I also like the idea of the different racial groups within the programmes as it shows how they inter-relate between eachother and the rising star Laverne Cox is given representation for all those transgender out there. She is accepted in this programme and is treated exactly the same as the other inmates, an indication to society on how the world should treat transgender women; exactly the same as other people. The back story for each character shows each as innocent kind-hearted individuals led astray making bad choices. I recommend this programme; comedy with serious undertones!

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Schoolboy Q - Oxymoron

The first project from Schoolboy Q since 2012, Oxymoron, gives the listener an eye-opener of his capabilities and his talents. The opening track "Gangsta" immediately shows us what Q can do and provides an insight into what the rest of the album will be like in the first 10 seconds. He is joined by guests; label mates, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock to 2 Chainz, Raekwon and Tyler, the Creator. Not only these high-profile names but the album is produced by Pharrell, The Alchemist, and Mike WILL Made It amongst others.

The album an oxymoron in itself, from the colours in the album cover to the juxtaposition and the interchanges in sounds and beats provides a clear stage for Q to exercise his emcee talents. He is lyrically articulate while simultaneously being able to deliver a beat similar to that of a tennis match - racket to racket, track to track. From the aggressively upbeat "Los Awesome" to the mellow sounds of "Break the Bank". The flexibility and elasticity in his voice allows him to deliver different styles of rap from the narrative to the comical-sing song type. From the electronic influences to the heavy basslines, Oxymoron, provides an array of some of his darker material and lighter radio-friendly material. Despite being signed to a larger label, Interscope, the quality of his work goes unchanged and perhaps improved.

Although the album is strong and well produced, it is a bit like a boulder falling down a hill and coming to a halt. Starts off boisterous and strong, demanding your attention but then seems to fade out and end suddenly. Perhaps this is due to the placing of the tracks on the album or purposely used to contrast the different sounds. Maybe we are not quite yet ready to "Tell Kendrick to move from the throne". However, the album does deliver and the performance given by Q is one enough to stand out in his musical career. He has just missed the spot for rap supremacy but a valiant effort nonetheless. This album oozes with potential for even better and portrays that Schoolboy Q means business, he is self-assured and here to be the best. One album at a time.

Top Tracks:

• Gangsta
• The Purge
• Collard Greens
• Hell Of A Night

"LEAVING JAIL AND THIS IS THE FIRST ALBUM I HAVE HEARD IN 6 MONTHS, IT SPEAKS TO ME AS I DRIVE HOME TO MY GRANDMA'S HOUSE"

Kwes. - ilp.

The debut album from singer/producer Kwes. who has previously worked on a generally collaborative basis invites you on a trip down memory lane, thrusting you into moods of nostalgia and ambience. The album is beautifully produced with explorations of different genres fused into one, which produces a unique sound. 

Kwes. himself provides vocals of a soulful nature juxtaposed with an electro-pop backdrop. The sound this creates is a comforting, endearing and settling one which blends well and hurls the listener into a dream-like state which alleviates any foreign thoughts and outside disturbances. It is very evident of the creative talents of Kwes. as we can hear through the dynamics of the album and the explicit variation of musical genre from electronic to severely synth-pop; the combination of staggered drums and the interesting use of atmospherics. Although the transitioning is abrupt it is in no way obnoxious or showy, but is simply a showcase of different emotions through each track.

From the infectiously catchy "Rollerblades" where we can be reminded of our teenage years be it sitting on the walls with our mates or in the comfort of the local park, to the tender admiration for his grandparents' love in "36" each song is uniquely produced for it's own purpose even if it juxtaposed alongside a complete opposite track. It t takes a little to figure out where the album is going with it's sound and to keep up with it but it suggests a specific "sound" was not something intended to be created on this album. There are inklings to his previous sounds in his work with other artists such as The xx and Hot Chip which have been developed and evolved allowing the album to provide and deliver,making for a great and unique listening experience.

Top Tracks:

• RollerBlades
• 36
• Hives
• Flower

"IT'S AUTUMN TIME AND THE RAIN HAS DECIDED TO RETURN AFTER SUMMER AND IT HAS LEFT A DAMP SMELL IN THE AIR, ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT IT SUMMER AND ALL THE THINGS MY PARENT'S WOULD TELL ME OFF ABOUT IF THEY KNEW"

Earl Sweatshirt - Doris

"Burgundy", being co-written by Pharrell the Rocky Balboa to the music industry exists almost separately to the rest of the mix-tape, I mean album. It sets the tone of the album suggesting a chill, psychedelic continuation only to be juxtaposed with more upbeat hits on the album.

At times it can sound like Earl spits nursery rhyme bars but then he brings it back, surprises the listener enough or us to forget about any weak bars he may produce. No longer a sophomore rapper, Earl Sweatshirt is ready to put his own stamp on modern day hip hop, although not the typical type you'd expect it will probably be the type that makes him stand out from the rest. Doris is a subtle farewell to the days of OFWGKTA; it has transitioned a once mostly average rapper on the hype roller coaster, in the shadow of his counterparts into an artist in his own right. 

Despite this solo venture, it evident looking at the abundance of features on this album that there is still time before Earl delivers a masterpiece. Some of the tracks show his potential and suggest that the future can possibly be very great for this young man. Perhaps honing in on his personal style and lyrics and basically improving the way all the components blend together with make way for a great album. For now he is no where near the hall of fame and 3 and a half stars are going to be given for the standout tracks which in my opinion carried the album.

3.5/5

English Hearts Sunny Hunny

So I won tickets to see English Hearts in Hunstanton, despite the determination to get there we didn't quite make it. But it wasn't the end of the world as waiting for me in the post was the new Deaf Havana Old Souls album and the English Hearts DVD. This band is very close to my heart and breaking down of the motorway was apparently an appropriate thing to happen a midst the excitement of the day.

That was the final mission of the night and the documentary was one to bring about a display of emotions. Mainly for me it was feelings of pride. Watching the band grow from a little unknown to a current day fully functioning live band is similar to watching your moody teenager grow up and mature. The DVD showing the humble nature from six normal lads who have worked their way to where they are today shows that a little determination and persistence can go a long way; all the way to Japan even.

The most accurate way I can describe Deaf Havana is as a pokemon that keeps evolving into bigger and better things.

There's a lot more to see from this band. Real music, real talent. This is just the beginning, perhaps world domination is on the horizons.

View the trailer here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvzkGCevY80

The 1975 Self-titled Album

Before 1975's self-titled came out I was pretty excited for it. They were intriguing and interesting and based on the singles and previous EPs I wanted to hear more.

The album has a general sound of liquorice pop with a few slightly more upbeat standouts such as Sex, Chocolate and The City. After listening to the album it seemed that my favourite tracks were the singles and the other tracks didn't offer what I was expecting.

All in all it is a good album maybe slightly bland like a Victoria sponge cake but nevertheless it is a functioning album. A few good sounds a few songs the others simply fill up the rest of a album. Perhaps it was the overly high expectations I had for them which have left me slightly unsatisfied because when they make a good song the production, the vocals, the lyrics, everything is exceptional and they can create very good music.  For a first album they have done very well and I'm sure on their next album my expectations will run parallel to the standard of music they will produce.

I feel they will grow and gain airplay if not on the success of their singles on the increasing hype they seem to have created. They remind me of Arctic Monkeys in their early days with their quirky straight-to-the-point lyrics. Perhaps success can grow exponentially for them also.

For me it looks like the 1975 are a singles band for now.

Deaf Havana House of Wolf

Deaf Havana have the type of music which needs to be listened to live for you to appreciate it fully. Their album although very excellent and almost flawless achieves perfection after a live performance.

I went to House of Wolf in Islington and watch a secret show from the band in a tiny pub. The intimate setting was perfect for the acoustic beauty they were about the showcase. All crammed on a tiny stage with a string quartet their musical talent was fully displayed and truly honed their acpabilities. Anthemic yet delightfully personal their music can be listened to alone through headphones on live to a crowd of a thousand people. This is a band I will never miss the opportunity of seeing live.

Go buy tickets for their October tour now

. Get the Album Here