Writing session…
“So if you find a Blackberry with the sides scroll / Sell that m*thaf**** to any rapper that I know”
Billboard Mag: Top Rap albums of 2009
Billboard Mag: Top Rap albums of 2009
Songwriting 101: From @ClaudeKelly
Silence In Your Songs
Most of us define music as noise that comes together harmoniously and rhythmically. That’s what makes it sound pleasing to us, but…
SILENCE IS AS IMPORTANT TO MUSIC AS THE NOTES YOU PLAY OR SING.
The rests in between each note, each phrase, each beat are what make the song special.
Music has changed.
—Songs are way faster than they used to be. (What used to be an uptempo is now considered a midtempo, what used to be a midtempo is now a ballad, and what used to be a ballad would put you to sleep now)
—Songs are much shorter than they used to be. Our attention spans are shrinking. (We only have 3:30 to create a perfect musical radio masterpiece)
Because of that, it is easy to try and cram something into every single millisecond of the song. Every little space is filled with a tracks, 100 stacks of backgrounds, and complicated ad libs. For that reason you often hear songs that sound great but are so jam packed with shit, that u dont even know what you’ve heard. Too many words for any one phrase to stand out. Too busy for any one melody to be memorable.
Stop! Stop! Stop!
Simplify.
Most hits are hits because they are simple enough for everyone to sing. Its okay for there to be space in between phrases in the verse. Its ok for a chorus to NOT been drowning in backgrounds vocals. Its ok to not scream, holler, and do gospel runs over everything. its O-K!!!
Treat ur song like women treat fashion. Start out naked, then get dressed peice by peice. Make sure everything matches and is tasteful. And then before you go out the door, take off one or 2 of the accesories you have on. You’ll get more compliments for a simple classic outfit than you will for having on every piece of jewelry you own.
Listen to how simple and elementary these choruses are:
“Take A Bow” - Rihanna
“Since You Been Gone” -Kelly Clarkson
“Apologize” - One Republic
“We Belong Together” - Mariah Carey
“What Hurts The Most” - Rascal Flatts
“Let Me Love You” - Mario
“Bleeding Love” - Leona Lewis
Sometimes the best thing for a songwriter to do is SHUT THE HELL UP!
Live Life,
Claude Kelly
“Hell Rell trippin’, you don’t seem em and he changed. I heard he left his homies, he forgot about his gang. That’s my man, but he don’t love me foreal…he acting funny. …but they always say that when you get money.” — Hell Rell “When you get money”
Flashback joint of the day: Comeback Season is the second official mixtape released by Canadian rapper, Aubrey Graham, who uses the stage name Drake. He shot a video for the album’s first single “Replacement Girl” which features R&B singer Trey Songz.
I got that white gurl, that Lindsay Lohan
And all you gotta do is ask Lindsay Lohan.
-Lil Wayne
Last night was blurry…but i found this in my pocket
I’ve spent the past week working on records for projects, and I’m excited because these are artists that I look up to in alot of ways! I’m kinda disapointed that I’m getting to submit to R.Kelly’s sooo late in the project…He is definitely on my top3 list of artists to produce for, and being that I think he’s the greatest male r&b singer in history..there’s abit alot of added pressure.
Buuuut I also was alerted that I have a Grammy pre-nomination for my work on “The Last Kiss” album! This year I’ve learned if you surround yourself with postive people and thoughts, that’s what comes back to you. I wish I had a Deepak Chopra type quote right now, ha.
I was sent this link and immediately starting having a conversation with Ritchie (Soundsmith) about how eye-opening and intriguing the montage is. Personally this is not the image that comes to mind when thinking of Will Smith, but it’s not so much messenger but the message thats being delivered.
I found this entire clip inspirational and easily applicable to my career as a producer and songwriter. I hope that it also does the same for you in whichever field you’ve devoted your life to.
- Neenyo
“Half of Mobb Deep Havoc (The one who stays out of jail) releases a brand new mixtape featuring all new music from the Queens, NY artist. The mixtape doesn’t specify, but I’m sure that Havoc produced almost all of them. Many people don’t know that Havoc is a very talented producer has produced many hits for many different artists. There is one track on here produced by J.Dilla though, which may be my favorite song on the tape. I’ll post some of the standout tracks after the break. It’s a dope tape, I’ve always been a Mobb Deep fan and this mixtape is probably better than the last Mobb album..” -Global Grind
