A&E

Album Review: Culture by Migos

February 1, 2017 by lpahomov 1 Comment

Mekhi Granby

Staff Writer

Migos is an American hip hop group from Lawrenceville, Georgia that formed in 2009. The group consists of three members, known by their stage names Quavo (Quavious Marshall), Takeoff, and Offset (Kiari Cephus).

Migos got lots of attention in 2013 for their first charting-song “Versace” from the mixtape Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas), which featured Drake. They later released several successful singles such as “Fight Night” (2014), “Look at My Dab” (2016) and the chart topping hit “Bad and Boujee.” The group released their debut studio album, Yung Rich Nation, in 2015, through Quality Control Music and 300 Entertainment. Their sophomore effort Culture was released on January 27, 2017.

Because Migos have established themselves as a part of hip hop royalty, expectations are very high for this new album. Does it live up to the hype? I will be giving an in-depth-review of Culture, track by track.

Culture (feat. DJ Khaled)

The intro is very well executed, it sets up the mood for the whole album. It’s high energy but not very fast paced at the same time. There’s a laid back beat playing as Migos lay 4 verses. DJ Khaled is featured although he doesn’t rap at or sing at all on this song, he speaks. Khaled introduces the album and closes out the song praising Migos. Culture covers usual topics such as the Migos wealth and spending habit, with snippets of DJ Khaled hyping up the Migos with some of his famous Snapchat quotes.

2. T-Shirt

This song is the first single appearing on the album. T-Shirt was released prior the album to surround and create hype for the upcoming album. T-Shirt isn’t my favorite from the album because I already listened to it a million times prior to hearing the album, but nevertheless it’s currently #43 on Billboard’s Hot 100. On the hook, Quavo says “Seventeen five same color T-shirt” which is repeated throughout the song. “Seventeen five” is a reference to cocaine prices, $17,500 is considered a deal for a kilo which infers that one is high up in the drug game.

3. Call Casting

Track 3, the second single to appear, also released before the album and it showcases Migos’ usual flow over a smooth beat produced by Buddah Bless, the man behind 2 Chainz’s “Big Amount.” This track talks about selling drugs and driving nice cars, not too surprising coming from Migos.

4. Bad and Boujee (feat. Lil Uzi Vert)

Track 4, the third single to appear on the album, is currently #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100. This track has gained Migos a huge amount of attention and created a spotlight for them which makes now the perfect time to release an album (which they did). Migos actually performed this song on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” meaning they reached even more of an audience. What makes it stand out Offset. He does the chorus and the first verse which topped everyone else on the track. He created a catchy chorus which sets up both Lil Uzi Vert and Quavo’s verses. For some reason Takeoff isn’t on this track for some unknown reason, Migos were asked on The Breakfast Club “what happened to Takeoff’s verse on Bad and Boujee” and they responded with “we’re working.” Bad and Boujee is making money and hanging around women with an expensive taste.

5. Get Right Witcha

This song is one of my favorites. The instrumental is crazy on this one, it’s very distinguishable from the others. There is a flute like sound added to the background of the beat which makes this instrumental different. I think the way the tracklist is set up is really important. From track 4 which is #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 to Track 5 there is a smooth transition in my opinion. For people who don’t know Migos I would recommend this song to them because it represents Migos’ sound well and reflects what their other work sounds like. Each member of the Migos deliver excellent verses and collaborate properly, which they tend to do often on other records.

6. Slippery (feat. Gucci Mane)

Another great instrumental plays as Migos lay 3 verses with the addition of a verse from Gucci Mane. This track is a more calm and laid back one but that’s what amazes me, Migos makes music that gets me hype but calm at the same time. I have no clue how they provide such high energy but remain calm in their delivery. Slippery discusses the common topics of jewelry and drugs.

7. Big On Big

Track 7, is ehhh. This isn’t a track I feel like is one of the best, it could’ve been left off the album in my opinion. Not that it’s a bad song or anything, it’s just not as good as the previous ones. I think the chorus should’ve been better because it’s so repetitive. I understand that making a song better than the last can be difficult especially if the previous song was fire. Big On Big covers the Major success of Migos as of recently.

8. What the Price

Track 8, this song showcases Migos executing a different sound, I don’t blame them for trying new stuff but this song is not for me. It’s more vocals and singing than rap but I’m pretty sure someone else will like it. I don’t like this one because it doesn’t sound like the usual MIgos I know and love. I don’t like that it sounds more like an experiment than a song. I don’t see the effort in this track. Migos discuss the fluctuation of drug prices and their spending habits on this one.

9. Brown Paper Bag

Track 9, back to the basics as Migos continue to provide their well known flow and adlibs. This song reminds me of track 6 which is one of my favorites so it’s definitely a good one. Similar instrumental and flow which I would say wasn’t expected after the previous track. Riches and wealth are the highlights of this track.

10. Deadz (feat. 2 Chainz)

This is not good. The instrumental throws everything off. It sounds like some weird piano type thing, and the chorus is trash . This song features a verse from 2 Chainz which leaves me puzzled, overall I don’t like this song it’s a skip for me but I salute Migos for trying different sounds, I know that can be risky. This song is about counting money which Migos do very well.

11. All Ass

I can get down with this one. The title is funny but the song is hard. It’s a little more vocal than usual but I like it, it’s not too much. The instrumental is what brings this song together, it has that classic boom bap feel. Migos do a great job over this one. The theme of this track is beautiful women with a lot of booty.

12. Kelly Price (feat. Travis Scott)

Track 12, focuses on the usual Migos’ topics: drugs, women, and material possessions. This song features Travis Scott, I feel like Migos adapted to his sound on this one. A lot of singing and adlibs. Once again, not one of my favorites. This track gives insight to Migos’ women, materialistic, and drug filled lifestyle.

13. Out Yo Way

Track 13, more singing. I like the vibe of this one for some odd reason, it’s really similar to the songs I don’t like but I seem to like this one kind of. For the outro it could’ve been better but it makes for a good closing song. It ends the album on a cool note leaving listeners (or just me) satisfied with this album. For the outro, Migos takes the time out to give praise to all the women who go over the top to make them happy.

Readers should listen to this album because it is well put together and Migos bring the energy so if you need an extra boost of adrenaline you should give this album a listen. I would recommend tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, and 13, anyone who has not heard of the prior to reading this article because they have different vibes to them and showcase Migos’ versatility. If you have the time to listen to the whole album, you should. Although I don’t like every song as much as I like others, you might.

The Three Mobile Games You Should Download

January 24, 2017 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Mekhi Granby

Staff Writer

As of now mobile games aren’t all the rave as they used to be. On July 6, 2016 the world had been introduced to “Pokemon Go,” this game single-handedly impacted millions of people worldwide. It was a global phenomenon that had everyone going outdoors in attempts to catch pokemon. Pokémon Go is a free-to-play, location-based augmented reality game developed by Niantic for iOS and Android devices. Since Pokemon Go mobile games haven’t been as popular.

iOS devices have a “top charts” section within the app store that shows the current most popular apps. I won’t be discussing those games because there’s a higher chance of more people knowing about them already and the goal is to introduce games that other’s may not be familiar with. In this article I will be reviewing my top 3 free mobile games as of January 17, 2016.

“Smashy Road: Wanted”

Smashy Road: Wanted is a free-to-play action-packed single player game developed by Bearbit Studios B.V for iOS and Android devices. The goal is to avoid the police as long as possible. You start off with one star (not many police) and as time passes the stars increase along with the police. The controls are simple, you press on the left side of the screen to go left and press right on the right of the screen to go right. As the cops are chasing you, there are obstacles such as traffic and buildings. There is in-game currency that you can obtain while playing which allows you to unlock more cars, some with different abilities. Overall this game is relaxing and entertaining, I would recommend this game to someone who enjoys action and fast-paced gameplay.
“Stack”

Stack is a free-to-play single player arcade-like game developed by Ketchapp for iOS and Android devices. The goal is to create a stack of tiles as high as possible. What makes this a challenge is that the tiles move back and forth to make them harder to place and the higher the stack is the faster it moves. The controls are simple, you just tap anywhere on the screen to place the tile. It’s a challenge to beat your own high scores and/or a friend’s high score. Overall this game can be stressful and frustrating but it’s fun and time-consuming. I would recommend this game to someone who enjoys arcade games and likes to challenge themselves.

“The Impossible Letter Game”

The Impossible Letter Game is a free-to-play single player puzzle game developed by GammaLateral LLC for iOS and Android devices. The goal is to find mismatched letters amongst a page of letters that look similar. It gets really difficult as the levels increase but the purpose is to be an eye exercise as it states in the game’s description. The controls are the simplest of the three games as you just tap the letter to select it. This game is unique and simplistic. I would recommend this game to someone who likes eye games or games stuff like “spot the difference.”

Ed Sheeran Returns

January 10, 2017 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Lauren Nicollela

Staff Writer

If you are a fan of Ed Sheeran, you most-likely have already heard the news. Not a fan of him? No problem. On December 13th, 2015 he put out a note on his Instagram page explaining that he would be taking a break from all of his social media accounts to set aside time to work on his new album.

Sheeran gained fame by playing around England and was discovered by Jamie Foxx after moving to LA. His fame grew more when he joined Taylor Swift on her Red Tour, being the opening act as well as being featured in a song. He performs with his guitar, having almost a folk tune with his acoustic sound.

Then, on December 13th, 2016 Ed Sheeran tweeted out a simple photo that was entirely the color blue. This was posted at the same exact time as the note on his Instagram page was the year before. Three days later he tweeted out a video that contained him holding up a sign saying: “New music coming Friday!” with a little wave. It’s safe to say that loads of people are super excited for his new release.

Sophomore Sadie Squillaciotti has been waiting for this moment, since she was upset he decided to take a break in the first place. “He’s my favorite artist, and I really just want some new music.”

In the media, celebrities like Niall Horan and Shawn Mendes have expressed their excitement and feedback through tweets. Both artists (and many more, including those who aren’t famous) have gained some type of inspiration from Ed, and admire his talent and songwriting skills that produce such great songs.

So far, every day leading up to Friday the 6th, he has tweeted out 5 second videos with the same blue background. They contain lyrics and hints at song titles, and a preview of what the cover will look like, which lead to the name being quickly discovered.

Ed’s first two studio albums are titled Plus and Multiply, and the quick art had a flash of a division sign. Divide would be the title. Fans are assuming that he is sticking with the mathematical symbol theme for his albums.

Sophomore Lauren Brown was super excited, considering she’s been a fan since 2010. “Not a doubt in my mind that Divide is gonna be absolutely insane.”

Now that two songs have been released, “Castle on the Hill” and “Shape of You”, there has been positive feedback. Both of these songs are high up on the charts, and have become well-known by the outburst from the fans and how quickly it all spread on social media.

Sadie expressed a lot of love for both of the tracks: “Ed Sheeran always comes through. I was not disappointed, both songs are on repeat, and I cannot wait until the entire album comes out.”

Lauren had a different opinion. “Castle on the Hill sounds like a song for the ending credits of a low budget British romance movie that got rated two stars. I feel like he was only supposed to drop Shape of You (which I like) and then decided to throw in a second one for the fans.” She also explained how she’s waiting for the rest of the album, and saved the best songs for last.

Now with these two songs out, everyone else wants the Divide album to be released fully. There was such a long wait to receive music, and the new year became the perfect opportunity for Ed Sheeran to do so.

Here are the links to the new songs:

https://youtu.be/_dK2tDK9grQ

https://youtu.be/7Qp5vcuMIlk

Movie Review: Rogue One Follows the Formula

January 9, 2017 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Aaron Watson-Sharer

Staff Writer

It’s no secret that Star Wars has been one of the greatest movie franchises of all time. In the past 40 years, each film has killed the box office and the 7th installment to the series netted over two billion. In 2012 George Lucas sold his company Lucasfilm to Disney for four billion dollars. Star Wars has been held to a very high standard as maybe the best science fiction series to matriculate. So did Rogue One hold up to the reputation of the franchise?

Star Wars Rogue One tells the story of Jyn Erso, a woman who joins the rebel alliance in order to find her father, Galen Erso to uncover the plans for the Death Star. The first thing I noticed was that this movie had no chemistry between its characters. In every Star Wars movie there’s a core group of characters who have a sense of trust with each other, even if it takes time to develop. I didn’t like how nobody could trust anyone. I had a real issue with the fact that the droid K-2SO was the only character who knew where his loyalties stood.

The Force Awakens was a terrific movie overall, but it had one strong fault, it was too much of a reflection of A New Hope. Unfortunately, Rogue One failed to change that. Cassian was a proud rebel with hair trigger and it took him a while to come around towards Jyn Erso. He and his droid were a representation of Han Solo and Chewbacca. That’s the first experience Star Wars has had with a droid fighting for the rebels and making decisions by their own choice. Jyn Erso to me was shown as Luke Skywalker with a twist. It doesn’t take a Jedi to be a good rebel. A main issue I have with the new wave of Star Wars films (prequels excluded), is that we are fed a similar story again and again. Just a generation or two later.

Rogue One was a very entertaining film and I understood why we never saw any Jedi due to the Jedi Purge but WHERE WERE THE JEDI? The foundation of what makes science fiction movies like Terminator so popular isn’t that the storyline is pristine, but the ability to visualize something much greater than ourselves. To feed us fans our Jedi hunger, the writers implemented a blind but force-sensitive man named Chirrut Imwe. I liked this character, but he was boring. He was talented and of good heart, but that does not make for excitement. Assurance for him was “I am one with the force and the force is with me.” Hearing this 500 times was too reminiscent of Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy. The scriptwriters should have used their words more.

The biggest lure of this Star Wars installment was definitely the appearance of Darth Vader. My brothers actually went to the theatres twice just to see his scenes again. Darth Vader is terrifying. You hear it in his breath and even those most loyal to him are afraid of him. The way Vader moves and speaks, every action comes out with such conviction and that’s what I liked most about his appearance. We see the best character the Star Wars saga (and maybe also any movie franchise) has to offer.

All in all, this movie is reminiscent of the previous movies, with the same theme of a smaller, good hearted group trying to battle an ultimate evil. Rogue One had a great battle, the rebels first stand against the Empire that set the pace for Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to become fictional heroes. In the end, Rogue One held true to a Star Wars caliber movie, but failed to exceed my expectations.

Movie Review: Upstaged by a Talking Sausage

December 23, 2016 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Fatu Castillo

Staff Writer

Hands down, without any competition, Laika entertainment Studios is the best in the movie making industry when it comes to producing stop-motion films. Artists at Laika work their gluteus maximus’ off modeling puppets, making individual faces for characters, and creating sets.

Even if the name doesn’t ring any bells, you’ve probably seen at least one of their feature films. whether it be the nightmare inducing Coraline, the surprisingly emotional ParaNorman, or the family-oriented Boxtrolls.

Now their newest film, Kubo and the Two Strings, has joined their ranks after five years of production.

And I have to say, it’s a pretty epic movie.

The story starts off intense; a full moon looms in a windy night sky as waves crash around a tiny, rickety boat. I was filled with anxiety as the boat comes into focus and I realized that it holds a mother and her infant child. It gets worse as a great wave curls onto the scene, ready to smash the tiny boat to bits, I thought I might have a heart attack.

Saraitu, the mother and a supporting character, manages to split the oncoming wave using a burst of magic played off a shamisen. For a brief moment, I was filled with pure relief as the wind stopped howling and the waves calmed.

Until I saw the massive tidal wave forming behind the boat, the one Saraitu couldn’t see. This one did hit the boat, smashed it to pieces, and left mother and child to the ferocity of the ocean.

They both manage to survive, by some luck of the universe, but just barely.

After nearly having a heart attack, passing out from relief, and having my heart split in half only to have it fixed again: I was hooked.

For the rest of the movie I watched eagerly as Kubo dutifully cared for his mother and told stories in his village to seek out a living, laughed at the endless banter between Monkey and Beetle, two supporting characters, and smiled when it was revealed how Sarai and her husband, Hanzo, fell in love.

Turns out they had tried to kill each other, though that didn’t take away from the romance.

The whole movie had me on an emotional rollercoaster, from laughing to crying to holding my breath over the wellbeing of a talking beetle.

Which is why I was so heartbroken when I learned my new favorite movie had been upstaged by a talking sausage that can’t go 5 minutes without cursing.

As fantastic as a movie like Kubo and the Two Strings is, and it is really fantastic, it had to go up against giants on it’s opening weekend. Giants like Suicide Squad and, you guessed it, Sausage Party. Kubo and the Two Strings had a budget of $60 million and only made $12 million on its opening weekend.

We have to support good storytelling and animation when it arises, otherwise we’ll be stuck watching the same CGI explosions and listening to the same profanity.