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"