Music
Charlamagne Tha God Unfavorably Compares J. Cole To Drake And Kendrick Lamar
Is J. Cole a step below his two closest peers? …
Just a day after outspoken radio host Charlamagne Tha God issued a confusing commentary on Drake’s superstar status, his latest episode of the Brilliant Idiots podcast is stirring things up thanks to his unfavorable comparison of J. Cole to Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
While the three artists are widely acknowledged as the top triumvirate of hip-hop, Charlamagne parsed their standing even further in the episode, declaring J. Cole to be an inferior artist to the other two. “You would have to put Drake and Kendrick [Lamar] in the ‘greatest of all time’ combo, right?” he theorizes. “When you play in that era, when you come out in that class with GOATs of that caliber, and even [J.] Cole. Cole got rings but– I don’t put him on the level of Drake and Kendrick. I don’t even put Drake on the level of Kendrick. Skill-wise. Cole is dope. Cole is amazing. I’m not taking anything away from him, he’s a hall of fame all-star. All I’m saying is it’s a difference between what a Kendrick does and what everybody else does to me.”
He does try to ease the sting of his assessment by accepting “Some people may say that about Drake, some people may have Drake the way I have Kendrick and say everybody else is after him,” but continues his Basketball Hall of Fame metaphor. “My point with saying that is those two guys are such GOATs that they make everybody else look almost normal. Charles Barkley looks normal to a Michael Jordan.”
Skating over the fact that Charles Barkley does not have any rings, as Chrlamagne notes Cole does, it’s a surprisingly well-reasoned point from the host, even if his final conclusion is debatable. J. Cole fans might feel a way — actually, they already do, almost constantly — but the subjective nature of art makes it impossible to truly compare the three talent-wise. Drake has the most Hot 100 hits of the three — in fact, he has more than anyone as of this summer — but K. Dot’s got a Pulitzer Prize while is the king of the “platinum with no features” club. Numbers don’t lie, but fans will continue to find ways to make the facts fit their fight, so while Charlamagne might be wrong or right, it all depends on which artist you’re rooting for.
Watch the full episode above.
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“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
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“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
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