...that being Tinchy Stryder and Tinie Tempah. Now I ain't gonna give you no history lesson on how they came up or how inspirational they are blah blah blah na none of that, that's what Google's for. See what I'ma do now is talk about their brand new albums.
On the 4th of October 2010 Tinie Tempah released his debut album entitled Disc-Overy and on the 15th of November (two days before the greatest day of all time, my birthday lol) 2010 Tinchy Stryder released his third album entitled Third Strike.
So what am I doing? What is this blog about? What are you wonderful people gonna gain by reading another one of Ridez's essays. Well basically I'ma give you a rundown of what I think of the album, each track, my thoughts, best songs, worst songs, good and bad I don't care if Tinchy and Tinie themselves are reading I'ma call it how it is and if you ain't picked up either album yet them maybe this blog will help you make that final decision on whether you wanna spend your "hard earned cash" on them or not. You know I keep it real so don't worry. I've listened to both albums and I'm ready to blab so let’s do this :)
OK I decided to listen to Tinie's first, it being released first and all. As mentioned earlier its called Disc-Overy. The album title seems mysteriously interesting. I mean when you look at it you're like "OK" but at the same time just for the mere fact he put a hyphen in the middle and made it look like two words for some reason makes it cool, added to the funky art work of the CD cover you got an album that is at least eye catching so far.
One thing I noticed once poppin the disk into my laptop, iTunes tells me that the CD claims to be of a Pop genre, which was kinda upsetting lol (maybe I'm just in denial lol) OK track 1!.....
Intro
From the get go with this intro you get a Drum N Bass/Jungle typa vibe to it. Tinie throws some in-your-face lyrics on toppa the beat which also features vocals from a woman who is uncredited (maybe because she wasn't that great, I don't know) but yeah, its kinda like a warm up to what's to come. I would say that the following track is the real warm up but to be honest I didn't really see a major difference between it and the intro, in fact had I not seen on iTunes that the song had changed I woulda thought it was the same track that just had one of the middle changes. I just think that an intro on any album or mixtape should be powerful and distinctive because that's the first thing the listener is gonna hear. I don't really think the intro for Disc-Overy had that hard hitting effect I was expecting
Simply Unstoppable
See with this song it was so similar to the intro in terms of the vibes that I can't really say much, and to be honest it felt like it was missing something. I'm assuming the woman singing on this track is the same one we heard on the intro (again uncredited) I'm a huge Tinie Tempah fan but this tune didn't excite me. Again the first couple tunes along with an intro on any album has to be exciting because a narrow minded person will just turn off before the good tunes come on right? But hey this is Tinie, so we know there's something worth waiting for, narrow minded or not. Let’s continue.
Pass Out
OK I'm not even gonna lie I completely skipped this track. Not because I don't think its good. Its an awesome song, but it was released in February and if you're exclusive like me then you heard it in December from the year before! But I will talk about it. When it first came out, hell before it even came out, it was a banger everywhere, the internet was going mad, up and coming MCs were looking for the instrumentals and writing their own versions, in fact I have a mixtape which is literally full of like 20something versions of Pass Out by other artists, both rappers and singers, males and females alike. Radio stations had to have it on like 5 times every 5 hours, don't even get me started about the raves. And then when the actual video came out, it was always on TV. And usually when that happens with a tune, it gets rinsed and you no longer like it, not with Pass Out, even to this day as long as its been I can still vibe to it like the first time I heard it. Forget the national success its had, what about the international success, the tune is big in America! Snoop Dogg jumped on the beat. Now that's special. Its gets to a point where whether you like the song or not, you have to respect it. I'll be the first to admit that alotta the times our music audience can be dumb and just love off tunes that don't deserve to be loved off (e.g anything by Jedward) but this obviously not the case when it comes to Pass Out. Pass Out is music, good music.
Illusion
As soon as the beat hit on this tune it got me interested. I think its safe to safe to say that this was the first tune on the album that got me interested (keeping in mind I skipped Pass Out) The instrumental of the song seemed really cool and just a nice rap along typa beat. Added with Tinie's flow and the hip chorus I thought this was definitely a nice tune.
Just A Little (featuring. Range)
At this point when I heard this song I was thinking "best tune so far". I always got a thing for songs like this. Nice vibed and somewhat slow sounding tune. The concept, at least in my opinion, is basically tryna forget that girl and move on yet still missing her but not wanting to admit it. I think its one of those ones where alotta people can relate to it, male or female and the vocals by this dude named Range really sounded on point. I ain't heard of him before but I'ma definitely do my research on the guy. Him plus Tinie plus a good beat equals a very cool song.
Snap
You know, this song really had the potential to be the best song on the album, like literally. There were loadsa points to the song that made me like it a lot. Once again the beat was impressive. Nice and mellow with a bit of an old school vibe to it. The vocalist on the chorus (who this time should have been credited) had some nice melodies to contribute. And to be honest the concept in general was just really nice. The song’s called Snap but its not about the card game or nuttin, na. Tinie's talking about memories, and the term "snap" is in reference to taking pictures on a camera hence the memories, he talks about growing up, school days, old crushes etc, Real cool. Now I said it had the potential to be the best song on the album. You wanna know why it weren't? Because it was too damn short! It really needed a third verse. It just sounded like the dude went "Aight fellaz you know what let’s just leave it here I wanna go home init" and I couldn't believe it, I was literally shocked that it was finished. I just think it coulda had another verse to conclude it properly.
Written In The Stars (featuring Eric Turner)
I coulda skipped this one like Pass Out as it was a single that also got played over and over but I let it ride and listened to it passively. Now obviously I've heard it before and I can say its a very powerful song. Tinie Tempah definitely tried and succeeded in coming with a different typa vibe to this one. I got a sense of positivity as well as his own personal hardship. And the uniqueness of the song (in the sense of being different from a typical urban track) was the fact that Eric Turner was on it. I don't know much about the guy and I won't pretend to, but its clear as day that rap music isn't his forte, but the fact the he mixed his own style with Tinie's to create something new to me is one of the things that music in general is about and as listener and a fan I can appreciate that. You won't exactly be skankin to this song but its one of them tunes you can put on full blast on your headphones or in your car on the way home. Its a pick me up tune as well I believe. Can cheer you and inspire you. Video's pretty cool too, if you ain't seen it yet YouTube that asap.
Frisky (featuring Labrinth)
This was one of those songs that when I first heard it I did not like it but had moments (alotta moments) where it was in my head (I didn't like the fact that it was in my head) I don't even think I like the tune even now as I'm writing this. If I'm to be real I think it was kinda slacking, The lyrics were simple, I didn't really like the beat. I didn't even like the -oh wait, there it is, its in my head now. Thanks a lot. Anyway where was I? Oh yeah I didn't even like the video and then you got Labrinth, this new singer who has proven to be a very good one, yet he didn't blow me away on this tune. I don't know, I'm just being honest but I will admit that the album version of the song has an extra bit I hadn't heard before that sounded cool, in case you ain't heard this bit it features Tinie doing a little singing with a slight change/drop in the beat followed by a tiny Drum N Bass vibe just before it goes back to the normal beat. Ahh I guess the tunes OKAY lol. Lalalala lalala whatever moving on lol
Miami 2 Ibiza (Swedish House Mafia)
When this first song came out I just thought it was one of those typical dance remix mash ups that I was not gonna like and the only thing that interested me about the vid was the fact there was a topless chick in it. But too long after hearing it the song grew on me. Seriously if I was in a rave now and this song came on I would skank like my feet are on fire. The tune is so simple yet so banging, the beat is mad, Tinie's lyrics (yet simple) just work so well, and I like the punchlines (LOL)I enjoyed finding out what words were censored on the TV version (they really weren't that obvious lol) Its definitely a party track and again, a tune that will widen his audience/fan base.
Obsession
The beat for the track had the same effect on me as Snap and Illusion did in the sense that it sounded unique, thumping and got me interested immediately. Concept wise it appears to be one of those life story songs. From what I get from the song, Tinie seems to be talking about his past and where he is now and seeing things as curses and blessings and therefore obsessions. Its not the best song on the album but beat wise its top five. If you've only really heard the "bait" Tinie Tempah tunes then this is a good one to listen to as you'll get to hear a different side to him.
Invincible (featuring. Kelly Rowland)
The fact that this song has Kelly Rowland is impressive, because I know not too long ago Tinie Tempah was just like the rest of us watching Kelly and the rest of Destiny's Child singing about bills and bugaboos. so for him to work with someone he listened to while coming up must have been special for him. It has the typical vibes of an R&B/Pop ballad mixed with rap. As soon as I heard it I got the impression that this was a "single" song and had assumed that it would be the next single release. For some reason I could just see it with a video. To be fair I could see alotta the other songs prior with a vid too but in terms of being realistic and the way Tinie's image is going and considering all the previous singles, this tune Invincible is right up that alley, and guess what, it is gonna be the next single. Should be coming out round early December. Christmas number one? Who knows? (well it definitely ain't gonna be Pow2011) All in all a nice song. It ain't no Swedish House Mafia but it will do.
Wonderman (featuring Ellie Goulding)
This is my favourite song on the album me thinks. I love the beat and Miss Goulding just added beautiful vocals to the song. Like literally as soon as you press play the initial response is just "Yeah I'm feelin this!". Whoever produced it needs his/her props. I believe you get a hint of the real Tinie Tempah in this song (not to say he ain't real but, the long time Tinie fans will know what I mean) Its an overall good sold song and personally I feel this should be a single with a futuristic vid! This is the typa song you wanna see an artist perform live.
*EDIT* They have released a video for it, I'm so happy lol go YouTube that!
Let It Go (featuring Emeli Sandé)
For those that don't know much about Emeli Sandé, well you might remember her from the song "Diamond Rings" by Chipmunk and "Never Be Your Woman" by Wiley. Regardless of what you think of Wiley and Chip I think its safe to say that both those tunes were bangers because of this lady. She really has a unique singing voice and went in hard on this "Let It Go" song. But let’s not forget about the rapper on the song, Tinie Tempah. We see a mellow yet detailed side of Mister Tempah here where he tells stories of the life changes he has suffered due to his career with friends, relationships and even family. Most listeners may not be able to actually relate but will feel what he's saying. Its one of those thinker songs. The chorus is beautiful and the instrumentation just goes perfect with the vibe. I think had I not liked Wonderman so much then this would be the best tune on the album. Either with the last two songs Tinie definitely saved the best for last. The vibes kinda reminded me of the "Supernova" track of Tinie Tempah's mixtape "Hood Economics: Room 147" from a few years back. Though total different concepts, it was still the same sense of referencing the stardom and the career as well as the somewhat sad vibe you get when listening. Again I think fans who only know the "bait" Tinie tunes will find interest in this one.
So overall as a debut album for someone who is appealing to the masses all over the nation including everyone from little ghetto kids to elderly ladies in the country side, yes it was a good solid music album. But as Tinie Tempah fan, a real Tinie Tempah fan, not someone who got gassed about Pass Out and all of a sudden loved Tinie, I mean as a fan who knew about Tinie since the days of Aftershock, Hooligans, with D-Dark, Bruza, S-Kid, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPqGVetjVWw) all them man, as that kinda fan I can say although I admit it was a cool listen, I am a bit disappointed with the amount of tracks. I would have liked more. I miss the days where albums had like 18, 19 tracks with 1 or 2 bonus tracks on top. Also I'm disappointed that I didn't see no collabs with any fellow artists, no Wretch, no Bashy, no N-Dubz, No Chippy, nuttin like that, even though I'd only rate two of the four examples I mentioned (Wrecth and Bash obviously) nonetheless all four would have been ideal, realistic even. But it seems like the focus was collabing with artists who are different and big. This takes nothing away from the album though, its just preference. Sometimes to grow you gotta move from what you're used to. And hey its obviously worked I mean look at all the chart success from the singles alone, then look at the chart success for the whole album, then look at the awards he's gotten for everything, then look at the rotation of his music in everything from background music in TV shows to adverts. That's big! He's definitely come along way as an artist and has grown which is why I gladly went to HMV and bought this album despite the fact I coulda easily downloaded it ages ago and I'll tell ya somethin else, I don't regret it one bit, every penny well spent. Overall I give the album Rider Rating of 6.5/10 (left thumb up with cheesy grin)
OK so up next is Tinchy Stryder's Third Strike. Tinchy claims there's a strong meaning behind the name though I have yet to hear what it is. The album art is ummm, aiight, I mean if I didn't know who Tinchy Stryder was it wouldn't exactly make me go pick up and explore but sometimes simplicity is what is best, can't judge a book by its cover anyway remember? Like I mentioned before its his third album. It follows albums "Star In The Hood" and "Catch 22" which were both great albums yet very different from each other so let’s see how Third Strike matches up to them.
Take The World (featuring Bridget Kelly)
This was a goog song to use for the first track on the album, good introduction. The beat was banging and Tinchy gave a flow that was a mix of his old flow and a flow we ain't heard before, it was cool! Added vocals by Bridget Kelly made the song sound real nice. Here Tinchy is talking about how it was and how it is and how its gonna be, in terms of way he's going in life. Sounds quite positive and simple and definitely a prelude to some more good music. Gets you interested.
In My System
If you're a regular reader of my blog you'll remember that the video for this song was my closing video on my last blog post. When it first came out I loved it. The beat, the video, the contributing vocals by Jodie O'Connor (who for some reason wasn't credited) just added fire to the tune. You may remember her from the Good Times track by Roll Deep that went to number one in the UK charts. In My System has a summer style vibe to it but can be listened to all year round and just is really up beat and will get the shyest of people dancing. Personally I feel its one of his best tracks since Take Me Back featuring Taio Cruz which I felt was his best release.
Famous
This song was done over a rockish insturmental, rock n roll vibe, guitars and drums etc. Nice beat with a catchy chorus with what I suspect is a Lil Wayne sample but I'm unsure, might be an original recording as I can't find the lyrics. Overally the song ain't great, its a bit repetitive and Tinchy's basically talkin about being famous lol and I love the guy's music and work overall but the video to Famous was just poor, I didn't like it. YouTube it and see for yourself. Am I being harsh or could it have been better?
Tomorrow (featuring Bluey Robinson)
This song was another one of those positive vibed ones that ended up being a really good collaberation with fellow artist Bluey Roninson. The tune remined me of You're Not Alone off Tinchy's previous album. I hoping this becomes a single and therefore has a video to it cuz I can picture one. Its not really a dance tune but more of one that you sit down or lay down and listen too. If this tune is marketed correctly I could see it doing big things.
Gangsta?
This was the first single off the album but was not the official release. It was the promotional release. Let me break that down for you. It basically means the song was not simple, cheesy or poppy enough for the mainstream, too ghetto and therefore not the official single. I personally hate this about the British music industry and the UK's audience. Tinchy will do a tune like Gangsta and it won't get pushed but then something like In My System gets blown about everywhere. Both tracks should be treated positively. The song itself was aiight, it didn't really make me wanna listen. As a tune that is the first thing you hear from a new project (new album) it should explode. This was the first song we all heard from Tinchy since Catch 22 but it didn't catch my attention (see what I did there, with the whole 'catch' thing and the, yeah ok) But I will admit it was decent, bit entertaining with a nice melody and catching lyrics. Not his best but aiiight!
*EDIT* After a good night's rest and listening to the song again its grown on me big time hehe. On repeat. Feelin the chorus more than I was before and I appreciate the beat. Find myself boppin my head and rappin along.
Stereo Sun (featuring Eric Turner)
The start of this song has a nice mellow semi quiet instrumental playing while Eric Turner blesses the sound with his vocals just before the beat drops. Tinchy delivers hard in this song with some nice positive lyrics, strong punchlines/play-on-words and just brings a nice melodic piece of music for the ears. This one might not hit you immediately but once you listen to the content, instrumentation and vocals you will realise that Stereo Sun is good new music.
Second Chance (Taio Cruz)
I was glad to see Strydes and Mister Cruz reunite as I loved Take Me Back. They have a really good chemistry together when it comes to making quality music. Taio Cruz just blesses any track he touches and when you add that to the musical skill of Tinchy Stryder, you get a hit. Secon Chance is another one of those semi-vibed poppy songs about a girl and what not, but it does hit harder than you're typical cheesy love song. Its good music and definitely holds the qualities for a chart type song. The video looks live as well and despite the no-show of Taio Cruz, the song was well performed by Tinchy at this years MOBO awards.
Never Know
Hmm, I can't lie, this song wasn't easy to analyse because it didn't grab my attention. If I'#m to be real, unfortunately I'd have to say that the lyrics and the beat were both, well, not great in my opinion. I mean there some nice elements of the instrumentation but overall in all honesty if I never hear the song again I won't miss it. Tinchy ain't really talking about anything different hear. Just the "I got money, I work hard, I'm famous" bars, slightly disappointed as a fan and to be honest I ain't got much else to say. I consider it a filler for the album at most.
Game Over (featuring Giggs, Professor Green, Tinie Tempah, Devlin, Example, Chipmunk)
Ahhhhhh. You know I could just leave it like that and move on to the next song. People already know this was a banger. I don't know anyone who didn't rate this song and if there is someone who didn't rate I suggest they wash their ears. I will go on record and even say that this song has the fire power of the original Pow by Lethal Bizzle. It hit hard and does so in every where. Simplest video ever yet looks SO hard. Every artist murked it. The beat *screams* at one point it was in my head for a whole day. I'm suprised I ain't written to it yet (really surprised lol) Ahh, now here's the real question, who did the best? Hard to say. Alotta people say Example. I say Devlin murked it but then at the same time I liked Giggs verse. Surprisingly Tinie didn't really blow me away and I wasn't feelin Green's verse toooooo much. Seen Chippy's verse get alotta hate, and most times I'm the one sayin how much he failed but I actually liked his verse. Cocky as hell but it worked, loved the Slush Puppy line. Tinchy did very well but, well, no offence to the guy be he kinda got outshined on his own track just a little lol, the chorus is bangin though, and the remix featuring the likes of Ghetts, Wretch 32, Griminal and Fuda Guy just to name a few was pretty cool too. I still need to hear the female version! This was the banger of the album.
Let It Rain (featuring Melanie Fiona)
Now this song had a nice feel to it. It reminded me of "Runaway" by Devlin, not concept wise but in the sense of vibes, sounds, instrumentation/chords and the collab idea. I like songs like these. Positive and story telling. And the fact Melanie Fiona is on the tune makes it a hit (who happens to be looking hot in the video) This is definitely a "single" worthy track and deserves a listen.
Remember
With this track I got the same kinda vibe I did when listening to Famous. It was a better song though. Chorus was catchy but again it weren't exactly a banger or anything I'd like to see released on its own. Lyrically he did his thing. Could have been better but we can't go hard all the time I spose, the song was OK. Nuttin memorable. Unless you're unfortunate to have the damn hook stuck in your head.
Together (featuring Alexis Jordan)
First of all let me just say Alexis Jordan has a wonderful singing voice. She smacked it on this song long side Tinchy. The beat is mad and concept just reminds me of something I would write. Its a sweet song. Might not be able to skank to it but its definitely something to lie down and listen to or play out load when you're with that special someone (or while you're holding a teddy bear stalking them on Facebook) Another song worth being a single as well.
Til The End (featuring Amelle)
So I put this tune on and start getting flashbacks of the intro track Take The World. I know throughout this blog I've used the word "vibes" a lot but anyone who listens to music properly knows how songs can set off different vibes as well as be similar to one and other and for me the vibe I got off the intro is the same I'm getting off this one. Maybe due to a similar style in beat and lyrics/concept, either way if anything this could also have been the intro or better yet the outro. Song itself is pretty cool, not mind blowing but decent. Although I must admit the contributing vocals by Amelle were nothing special.
My Last Try (Eric Turner)
I believe Eric Turner truly showed his vocal efforts on this tune more so than on previous collabs such as Written In The Stars and Stereo Sun. He has a unique voice and it always goes well with the beat he jumps on and this track My Last Try was no different. The instrumentation was nicely done, more of a rock vibe but still with a little rap style element. Once again Tinchy storytells and does it quite well, add that to the catchy chorus and good beat and you got a nice song to bop your head to or lie down and listen to, but I wouldn't say you could dance to it. This won't be played in the clubs or nuttin like that.
Walk This Road
A minute into this song and I was feeling it. I was scared that it was gonna be a bit of a letdown but I was wrong. Right at the beginning you hear the Drumb N Bass vibes and then Tinchy just explodes with the bars, and the flow is obviously gonna be faster over DNB. More Grime vibed? Maybe. The chorus was the winner for me, nice melodic feel, I almost felt like I was listening to Catch 22 when this came on. Concept wise I have to admit its the same thing over again. Spittin about the life he lives now, in terms of being famous. But I guess I can be cool with that since the song overall is actually a banger. Coulda been a bit longer but I'm cool with it. It was a nice closer to the album but maybe deserved to be more towards the beginning of the album due to it being such a good track. Single material? You decide.
Aight so I've listened to Third Strike and I must admit, when I bought it along with Tinie's album, I initially thought that Third Strike would be the better album. I guess I based it on Tinchy's track record, Star In The Hood, Catch 22, even the EPs, they were all good, so naturally I'd assume that Third Strike would be a banger, but in all honesty, and I'm saying this as a dedicated Tinchy Stryder fan, Third Strike was more like the last strike for me. I will admit disappointment. Not to the point of "I wish I never bought it" but in the sense of just expecting more. This is why this blog post took soooo long to complete, never mind the fact that I'm a university student who's had a lot of assignments as of late as well as general life issues, the album alone was hard to sit down and listen to properly. Concept wise, alotta of the songs covered the same material. And that’s not good because its repetition. You can style it out anyway you but I listened to the lyrics properly and more time Tinchy is just spitting about his fame life and its only a while before that can become frustrating. But with that said Tinchy Stryder has come a long way. This was the same kid who was doing tunes like "Underground" and posing in the background in Wiley's "Pies" video, now Tinchy is the star. The other day the "Fit But You Know It Remix" video by The Streets came on, featuring artists such as Kano, Lady Sov and Donaeo. Tinchy had the last verse and he just looked so young, his voice and flow was different. My brother refused to believe it was him but anyone who's been following Strydes and Ruff Sqwad since early will know straight away (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvUkHBxqpzo). Anyway my point is that he came from that to being a household name, having a few number ones, being known internationally, working with huge artists, the list goes on so I won't take a thing away from Tinchy, but I will be honest in saying that his Third Strike album, though had a few bangers (and I mean bangers) overall did not do it for me and was not on the same calibre of Star In The Hood or Catch 22. I'm not living in the past and I know all about making different albums but this wasn't a case of it being different, it was a case of it not being as a good. Its debatable but I know many will agree. All in all I give Third Strike a Rider Rating of 4.5/10
Now its time to compare the two albums
Tinie Tempah - Disc-Overy
Tinchy Stryder - Third Strike
I'd say that the best two tracks on the Disc-Overy album are "Let It Go" and "Wonderman". Let it go just seems like a real nice listen with a beautiful chorus and the instrumental is great as mentioned before and Wonderman is just hip and funky and great for a single release, check out the new video.
Top two songs on Third Strike, "Game Over" and "In My System". Game Over was a great collab idea showcasing the very best of the top established and somewhat mainstream urban acts outta the UK today with a great beat produced by iSHi. In My System took me back to the "Take Me Back" vibes and really came out as one of Tinchy's best tracks. The tune is lovable.
Overall I will say this. Tinie Tempah had the better album. His CD was solid and mostly full of tracks not fillers. Its not that Tinchy's wasn't good but as a fan I expected a lot more and there were a lot of tracks that didn't hit me as a listner. I really did go into it thinking Tinchy would come out harder as much as a Tinie fan that I am I just expected Tinchy to be better but I was abruptly corrected. But despite the disappointment of Third Strike, I'm happy with the overall outcome. The success that Disc-Overy has received couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy. And the overall success for both of these artists were well and truly earned and deserved. There are a lot of UK acts that are good solid artists such as Kano, Bashy, Sway, etc but Tinchy Strder and Tinie Tempah have both stayed constant with no hiatuses or blank periods and pretty much owned 2010 respectively. Now its time for them to out do themselves for 2011. Its not over yet, its just the beginning.
...But when one says the word "beginning" you can't help but reminisce about the old days and how it started. It IS all about progression but sometimes I wish how it was could be the main front today without having to change or conform. Maybe one day. But for now there's always YouTube, so I shall leave you with what I feel were Tinie Tempah's and Tinchy Stryder's early top tunes that gave 'em that kick start. No doubt they already had a few bangers under their belts prior to these ones but in terms of widening their audience and starting to get that real credibility, these tunes did it for them. Enjoy the vids and til next time, stay blessed. Thanks for reading. Peace!
Tinie Tempah - Wifey
Tinchy Stryder - Something About Your Smile
