Do you really want to live forever...forever? and ever?

Ok,

We're going to do something different this week by reviewing two songs with similar titles and themes. Technically they are the same genre too, though as will become clear perhaps the divide in that genre, more of a chasm splitting it asunder, has brought us to the point where it can no longer be considered as one entity. One thing that is guaranteed is the lasting impact of these two tracks on the rest of the years audio. One might even say that their influence will last 'forever'.

See what I did there?

Fair enough, it was a little gay.

Anyway, the first track is 'Forever' by Drake, Kanye, Lil Wayne and Eminem. Now, those amongst us who wrongly believe that collaborations on the scale of 'swagger like us' are now to be guaranteed every year, should really try not to get their hopes up. Though a great song in its own right that brings together talents from the (arguably) great rappers of this year, 'Swagger like us' it aint. Where 'Swagger like us' sounded organic and as though for that one track everything just meshed seemlessly, 'Forever' seems mass produced and awkward. Don't get me wrong, singularly each verse is well constructed and well delivered. As usual, Drake is clever and uses a lot of metaphors and similes whilst at the same time throwing in the occasional 'Bitch' 'Fuck' and 'Nigga' to prove that he's still 'street' and wasnt a teacher's pet in English at school. Kanye disturbs me- now aside from all this Taylor Swift kerfuffle, who talks about statutory rape, in a song? Its just unnecesary and uncalled for. Kanye; thats one metaphor which nobody needs to hear. Except perhaps R Kelly. Sorry, couldnt resist.

Lil Wayne is his usual syzurped self, spouting nonsense about rollercoasters and theme parks. This song, remember, was commissioned on behalf of a film based on Lebron James' life. As the most intelligent of the four, Drake makes a feeble attempt to talk about sprained ankles and fame of the sporting world, but soon dribbles off into more 'shit' about how 'dope' he is. Sadly, Lil Wayne's verse resembles nothing coherant or enjoayble and you cant help but feel he is a fading star. Where is Common when you need him? Ahhhhh. Reassuringly clever rappers give me hope.

So, the last verse, and a lovely surprise- Eminem back tohis club banging best. Eminem's quips are witty, his flow is tight and he is so raw, so unprocessed next to Weezy's autotune that we are reminded exactly what rap should sound. Look out for references to Macademia nuts too. One of my favourite lines and one that only Em could make work.

All in all, a three star rating for Forever. Enjoyable and a few memorable lines but dont think it will be performed at any awards shows anytime soon.

Next song is 'Young Forever' by Jay Z and featuring Mr 'You got it wrong if you say our love is gone' Hudson. Now the nice thing about this offering from the Blueprint 3 (its track 15) is that it sounds like 80s music. And unashamedly so. Now, I have complained about Flo Rida before, and i know he takes a hammering from me every week or so, but i will do so again. Climbing onto a spinning stage in a bodywarmer and butchering an 80s classic and thinking that by adding bass and drawling nursery rhyme style lyrics that you can improve it is sacrilidge. Not cool. However, taking 80s music and recreating it properly; splicing the very dna of the 80s music to rap, carefully, and as the expert seemstress, creating something of a proper fusion; that is a thing of beauty, and that is what Jay Z and Hudson achieve here. Flo-rida's butchery can be best likened to selotaping lambourghini doors to an escolade and hoping for the best whilst driving on the motorway; on crack.

Of course Hudson's lines are ripped straight from the original 'Alphaville' classic of the same name. Hudson's voice lends itself well to the 80s lyrics, synths and strings. Jay's lyrics are as open and hard hitting as ever, speaking of the hollowness and emptiness that he has sometimes been dogged with. A sombre and honest song, probably closest in genre to Successful by Trey Songs and Drake, it will make you think and hopefully, give a quiet and yet hopeful mood to its listeners. Produced by Yeezy, as lest we forget the studio is where Mr West began his illustrious career, you cant help but wish that he'd stayed on the other side of the recording booth. All in all a wonderful melancholy served at just the right temperature; a cool song that never gets too cold but inspires a clarity of thought. Straight up 5/5.

Songs for this week to listen to.

She likes to- Wiley ft Wrigley, Bashy, Chipmunk, J2k, Skepta, Ghetts etc

Dizzee Rascal- Bad Behaviour

Kid Cudi- Enter Galactic (love connection part 1)

Ginuwine ft timbaland and missy elliot- Get Involved

JLS- Everybody in love (lol)

Sean Kingston- Face Drop

Trey Songs Gucci Mane and Soulja boy- LOL :)

A song called Rock and Roll, performed to dance music, by a UK garage artist...I guess that's just rock and rollllllll

Greetings,

This week's song is Rock n Rolla, by the legendary K-A. For some time now I have been a fan of Kano, I mean, sure enough, Ps & Qs fans will be distraught hearing this track for the first time, but my reason for admiring Kano is this ability he posseses to recreate himself as an image of the times. How many other UK rappers are playable characters on Def Jam Vendetta? Answer- none. Kano has created a brand for himself, and he may have sacrificed some of his 'street cred' but in return has become a critically acclaimed solo artist.

I most recently saw Kano perform at a small local gig in Leicester. He was looking tired and was out of place in such a small smoky environment. His performance was dulled and his ray bans stayed on for the entire performance, lending to the opinion gaining momentum at the time that was Kano was a dying man. His rendition of 'This is the girl' should have had the crowed on their feet waving and singing along, instead his lacklustre performance left the small hall full of disappointment.

With Rock N Rolla though, Kano returns to form with this beautiful dance inspired track. Fast synths and drum and bass type instrumentals this was always going to appeal to those four by four ravers and saturday skankers at Liquid, however, Kano's strength, as always, remains his lyrical witticisms and genius. We expect little else from the man that brought us such memorable lines as 'I bought her, her favourite shoes; oh they better be, and she's even my favourite size' and not to forget 'Like Jude Law, in closer, relationship roller coster'. At one stage Kano decides to regale us with his knowledge of other notorious Rock n Rollers, including himself in the company of Jimi Hendrix, Def Leopard and even Elvis. 'When we hit the town, we paint that red, standing on tables and kicking down chairs coz thats just rock n rollllllllll' will be a dance hall chorus, and though 'urban DJs will hate it, you can bet your bottom dollar it will be on their playlists.

Kano for me trumps Dizzee any day of the week, simply because he's a better lyricist. He doesnt rely to heavily on the 'cheeky' idiot persona to make his songs work, instead he lets his thoughts do the talking. Dare I say, close to the UKs version of Kid Cudi, though without the feelings of victimisation (for god's sake Cudi, its not that people dont 'understand' you, they get you, they just don't give a shit sometimes)

All in all, a club banger K. I'd give you a straight 10 but the haters will tear you to pieces, and rightly so, as though you have made something beautiful you have 'sold out'. For that reason, you'll be happy with an 8.

I guess thats just Rock n Roll.

Tracklisting

Poison- Beyonce

Miami trick- LMFAO

Digital Girl remix- Drake, Kanye, J Foxx, The Dream

The one- Mary J Blige, Drake

Forever- Drake, Kanye, Lil Wayne, Eminem

Hate- Jay Z and Kanye,