Morning Music Notes – Watch the Throne for Fresh Prince
Sweet Yeezus – Kanye West Might Get the Fresh Prince Back in the Game
Younger kids may not know this but Hollywood blockbuster actor Will Smith is first and foremost a rapper. He started out in 1987, way before Independence Day or I Am Legend, and even before the TV show partially named after his stage name – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff – who still does his thing on the DJ circuit – they released 5 albums between 1987 and 1993. After going solo, Smith had albums in 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2005, and is perhaps best known for his Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It song. He surprisingly didn’t lose all his cred after naming his 1999 release Willennium.
Anyway, Will Smith had a rap career. And who is trying to get him to revive it? Well, the headline ruined it, but it’s Kanye West (via Hollywood Reporter). Smith told HipHollywood.com, “I’ve been messing around with Kanye. We went in the studio a couple times, so I might get the bug. I’m not going to do it unless I’m truly inspired, but Ye’s been pushing me a little bit.” LET IT DIE, Kanye!
Pandora Adds Pandora Premieres – Full Previews of New Albums
Joining the likes of NPR and Pitchfork, online streaming service Pandora is going to start previewing select albums in full in advance of their release date (via Hypebot). The service is called Pandora Premieres. Only two albums are presenting streaming – John Fogerty and Laura Marling. Until they get the Gob Bluth / Franklin collaboration album, I am staying away.
Spotify Launches Top 50 Chart
More online streaming news. Spotify has just announced it is running Spotify Top Tracks on Tuesday (via Digital Trends). The chart will be a top 50 chart, and will consist of tracks streamed (Spotify 50) and shared (Social 50) on Spotify. The charts can be sorted by region, and sites such as this very one can embed the information to look super smart and topical. Let’s check out the top 50 in Canada – oh wait, Spotify STILL doesn’t exist in Canada. Okay, we’ll settle for the UK. You can view the charts here.
Listen! London Grammar – Wasting My Young Years (Kids of the Apocalypse Remix)
We have a remix of London Grammar by Kids of the Apocalypse. The track sounds more upbeat and majestic, focusing on those high pitched backing vocals and adding horns. A great remix of the original. Make your ears happy below.