Everyone Is Talking About Lauryn Hill’s Verse On “Nobody” (@MsLaurynHill)

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

In 1996 Lauryn Hill and Nas collaborated on the mega hit song If I Ruled The World, which was featured on Nas‘ album, It Was Written. The two recently joined forces again, this time on his newest LP, King’s Disease II. The new tune is titled Nobody and unlike what she did in 96, Hill is all bars on this track.

Lauryn Hill took time to address several things that persons have been saying about her in the media, and she did it with class, style and an irresistible flow. The record has the global hip-hop community talking and breaking down her lyrics word for word. See her full verse below.

All my time has been focused on my freedom now
Why would I join ‘em when I know that I can beat ‘em now
They put their words on me
And they can eat ‘em now
That’s probably why they keep on tellin’ me I’m needed now
They tried to box me out while takin’ what they want from me
I spent too many years living too uncomfortably

Making room for people who didn’t like the labor
Or wanted the spoils, selfish behavior

Now let me give it to you balanced and with clarity
I don’t need to turn myself into a parody
I don’t do the sh*t you do for popularity
They clearly didn’t understand when I said I get out apparently

My awareness like Keanu in The Matrix
I’m savin’ souls and yall complainin’ ‘bout my lateness
Now it’s illegal for someone to walk in greatness
They want the same but they don’t take risks

Now the world will get to see it’s own reflection
And the anointed can pursue their own direction
And if you’re wrong and you’re too proud to hear correction
Walk into the hole you dug yourself f*ck a projection

See me in my freedom taking all my land back
They sent a lot against me thinking I’d just stand back
I got my legs beneath me, I got my hands back
A lotta people sabotaged they couldn’t stand that

I turned the other cheek, I took blow after blow
There’s so much crisis in the world ‘cuz you reap what you sow

When you keep what you know is meant for someone else
The ditch you dig for them you must just end up in yourself

I’m in the secret place
I keep a sacred space
They keep showin’ their hands, but keep hidin’ their face

If I’m a messenger you block me then you block the message
So aggressive, the world you made is what you’re left with
Pride and ego over love and truth is living reckless
Yall n*ggas got a death wish, the stupid leaves me breathless

Dancehall Artist Red Rat Will Perform In Connecticut On Sept. 11

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

International dancehall artist Red Rat will be performing at Saint Sabestian, located at 86 Father Salem Drive in Ansonia, Connecticut, on Saturday, September 11th. He will be joined by emerging dancehall talent Dre Blunt, who is also scheduled to do a set.

The men will be supported by Famous Int’l, Force Ripe and other music selectors. As this is an all inclusive dinner and dance, patrons are being encouraged to come out early to partake in the banquet before the show begins.

A Quick Review Of Xana Romeo’s Album “The Roots Of X” (@XanaRomeo)

Posted on August 8, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

On Friday, August 6th, Xana Romeo, the daughter of reggae legend Max Romeo, released her album The Roots Of X. The project has nine tracks, with guest appearances by Azizzi Romeo, Addis Pablo and Max Romeo; and it comes to us courtesy of the Charmax Music and Xana Romeo Music labels.

As one would expect from the off-spring of an established reggae artist, this record is professionally produced from start to finish. And as the name implies, it is indeed 100% authentic roots reggae music that’s loaded with both inspirational and conscious messages. Xana uses each song to highlight several important, and in some cases controversial topics.

She appropriately begins the album with Holy (track 1); which is a three minutes and thirty-nine seconds declaration about who she is and to whom she belongs. Xana then takes listeners to Africa on track number two, as she sings about the many issues and challenges still facing the continent. The Roots Of X has something for everyone: herb smokers, lovers, ghetto youths, lost souls etc.

That being said, there is an underline consistent thread running throughout the entire record, and that is one of righteousness. Those familiar with Xana‘s previously released single, Born In Sin (which is now #9 on the album) should know that most of the songs have that same energy, feel and vibe.

Usually when I write these reviews I would select a couple of tracks that really standout to me and then I would go into details about those particular songs. However, in this case I think that all the songs are really good and each should be listened to, digested and appreciated for what it is.

If I had to rate The Roots Of X out of 10 I would give it 12. Therefore, if you love reggae music I strongly recommend that you buy this record and add it to your playlist. See track listing below.

Holy
Africa Is Calling
Marijuana Culture
Brave Queen
Spiritual Guidance feat. Azizzi Romeo & Addis Pablo
Youth First feat. Max Romeo
For My King
Product of the Ghetto
Born in Sin

Download and stream The Roots Of X from your preferred music platform: https://lnk.to/XanaRomeo

Jermaine Edwards Releases New Collaborative Single With Neville Baker (@jermaineedwards)

Posted on August 7, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

Two powerful gospel vocalists, Jermaine Edwards and Neville Baker, have joined forces on a new record titled Welcome Holy Spirit. The song, which was shared a few days ago along with the visuals, comes to us by way of Edwards‘ Island Worship Productions imprint.

Click here or on the image above to check out the official video and remember to like, comment and share.

A Quick Review Of Nas’s King’s Disease II (@Nas)

Posted on August 7, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

King’s Disease II is the fourteenth studio album by legendary hip-hop recording artist Nas. It was released on August 6, 2021, via the Mass Appeal Records imprint. King’s Disease II is the sequel to Nas‘ 2020 album with the same name. The new project features guest appearances from Eminem, EPMD, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, YG, Lauryn Hill, Charlie Wilson, Blxst and Hit-Boy; and it was executive produced by both Nas and Hit-Boy.

Hip-hop lovers all over the world often refer to Nas as one of the greatest MCs of all time; after listening to this record I think that title is justified and should not be disputed. King’s Disease II is honest, raw, lyrical, soulful and thought-provoking. It has a total of fifteen tracks covering everything from the depths of spirituality to the shallowness of basic day to day living.

Nas‘s lyrical prowess is admirable and its complimented by flows done appropriately on each track. A couple of stand out songs are My Bible (#14); which reminds me of Biggie‘s Ten Crack Commandments. My Bible is an outline of what I consider to be life rules, that if followed, will prevent ones downfall. The other outstanding tune is the collaboration done with Ms Lauryn Hill, Nobody (#9). On the album it states that it’s a Lauryn Hill feature, but truth be told, it’s L Boogie. Nobody is not like If I Ruled The World, with Ms Hill singing the hook and Nas flowing; this is a 100% authentic hip-hop record on which L Boogie (from the Fugees) delivered bars. It has a 90s feel and vibe, and it’s loaded with a lot of powerful messages.

While I was listening to the album I was also scouring the internet to see what professional music critics were saying about it; and the general concensus seems to be that this project is to be placed in the same category of some of Nas‘ best work. See track listing below.

The Pressure
Death Row East
40 Side
EPMD 2 feat. Eminem & EPMD
Rare
YKTV feat. A Boogie Wit da Hoodie & YG
Store Run
Moments
Nobody feat. Ms. Lauryn Hill
No Phony Love feat. Charlie Wilson
Brunch on Sundays feat. Blxst
Count Me In
Composure feat. Hit-Boy
My Bible
Nas Is Good

Download and stream King’s Disease II from your preferred music platform: http://Nas.lnk.to/KD2

Derrick Scott’s Timely Video Celebrating Jamaica From Then Till Now “God Answer Prayer”

Posted on August 5, 2021 by Maria Jackson 27 Magazine

As Jamaicans all over the world are celebrating both the country’s emancipation and independence this week, they are also glued to their devices (traditional and social media) to watch the Tokyo Olympics, an event that is seeing the nation’s athletes break all sorts of records as they make history.

That being said, Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora are justifiably bursting with pride, and as such, radio and television stations have placed songs and videos that highlight all things Jamaica in heavy rotation. One such video is Derrick Scott‘s God Answer Prayer. The visuals were first added to various entertainment programs on TV in June, which is when it was released. Last week, as Jamaica started to get a lot of attention at the Olympic Games, the video’s TV rotation increased dramatically.

The song itself, God Answer Prayer, is particularly unique to Jamaicans, as it is inspired by Neville Martin‘s My Leader Born Yah, the unofficial anthem for one of the island’s major political party. Scott, who is a committed Christian, decided to give Martin‘s song a make-over by emphasizing his love for Jamaica and his belief that the island is truly blessed and covered by God.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD “GOD ANSWER PRAYER” MP3