The camera set ups are amazing for the live streams but I love that the reviews stay with the handheld camera movements. Small thing but it’s weirdly so integral to the DEHH feel
"we don't know enough about reason's backstory to tell the difference and i think that's the problem". i think myke hit the nail on the head with why i have trouble connecting with his music sometimes. there's tracks here and there and he's not a terrible rapper or anything, but between that and the tonality/projection issues they mentioned that might be where the disconnect is.
Reason is not a terrible rapper. He’s the TDE chameleon. Skilled rapper who needs to find his artist sound/voice. It’s not gonna be easy with such giants but I’ve seen glimpses here and there. Album was a solid effort and better than new beginnings if you ask me
@@steadyrotation2290 “better than New Beginnings” isn’t saying a whole lot tbh. It’s not just his label mates that he can’t compete with, he’s pretty much below average across the board lyrically, vocally, and musically. Which is pretty sad seeing how low the bar has been the last few years. He’s a “chameleon” because he has no personality of his own and as far as I’ve seen, nothing that makes him special. Of course music is subjective, but it’s still no shock that nobody is checking for Reason after all these years.
The Damn. Sound has been pervasive in a lot of TDE album. Redemption is Jay Rock’s Damn. Crash Talk arguably is Q’s trash talk but far less consistent. New beginnings is def reason’s Damn. I wouldn’t say that THIB fell for it. Nor did Soulo’s last work. This album feels far more unique to me than new beginnings. Here’s hoping they move forward with the polished sound but a new formula
Kendrick’s influence plagued not only a lot of upcoming rappers, but all of the rappers on TDE coming after him. It’s like everyone is trying to create their best version of Good Kid, M.a.a.D City.
Honestly, what you said sounds "right", but besides Reason, I can't think of another TDE artist where that's the case. That seems to be more of a Reason problem. Wish the guy the best, but I've not been a fan of the musical direction of any of his projects so far. It just feels bland, and doesn't take advantage of his skillset.
@@rangebrother Completely agree. It's like almost every TDE artist has their own clear identity. Even Doechii ... For, I can't really imagine SZA dropping a dance inspired album, _however_ , I definitely can expect Doe' to do so. This recent critique of TDE's current artistry is kinda odd. *It's almost as if people want something new, yet they want the same ol same ol.* 🤔 The most obvious proof is Zay (aside from others). Rashad should've been disadvantaged if the logic of the OP was indeed true. Yet, interestingly enough, Zay has plenty of fans that are unique to him. *That* has helped him; his individuality and artistry that connects with specific spaces.
i dont think they’re trying to recreate good kid i think they’re trying to recreate DAMN. redemption, this album and crash talk are all filled with these very mainstream trap beats and anthem type hooks that sound like they’re trying to get that DAMN success again
Gotta be honest Reason was always just kinda ok to me. He can rap but doesn't really put it together to make dope songs for me. This album was ok but I def see the TDE fingerprints on it.
Reason is undeniably a skilled rapper but as for his artistry. Right now he’s the TDE chameleon. Some way you could see him as a fan of TDE who happens can rap too
Reason is an example of TDE trying to recreate something and that’s not a good sign. It’s been said before but TDE will never have another moment like they had when Kendrick was around. It’s the beginning of their decline unfortunately. They will continue to make good music, but I don’t see any of their current artists with the exception of Doechii and SZA of course, winning Grammies, selling out arena tours or even going platinum anymore.
Yes TDE is definitely falling off…Isaiah Rashad has been super quiet since the controversy surrounding his sexuality….Q is more focused on his personal life…Ab Soul seems like he wants to quit rap judging from his lyrics seems like a farewell album…& his impact has declined every album he dropped after control system…so I don’t think him retiring will be felt as a loss by most hip hop fans who have already moved on from artists like him since these days ab soul hasn’t been relevant
It’s weird you’re saying the label is dying if Doeichii seems to be the next upcoming star. Don’t you think? I just hope that they get away from the Damn. Formula and either find a new one or let the artists experiment a lil more. I want better Dayz reason
@@steadyrotation2290 yea thats why I separated Doechii and SZA from the rest in my original comment. Like every label in history, there is a rise, peak and decline. TDE was able to enjoy their peak from 2015 - 2018. Every artist was thriving during that Championship tour in 2018. They had the Nike endorsement, Kendrick won soooo many awards and accolades, and they even curated one of the best hip hop soundtracks with Black Panther....but sadly we they are in the decline, but its not going to be a fast decline. IMO they have one more shot of stardom with Doechii and SZA is in the prime of her career still.... However all of the Black Hippy members are almost entering their 40's. Isaiah Rashad is losing momentum, none of the other rappers (Reason, Ray Vaughn) dont have star power, and all of the other singers (Sir, Lance, Zacari) lack the right push and marketing to help them elevate their career. If Doechii doesn't pop like they're expecting her too, by 2025 its going to be the end of TDE.
I wonder why we associate TDE with commercial success. The label has been a thing since 04. But I wouldn’t say they made a splash until 08 with Jay Rock’s smash single. They didn’t really take off until 2012. I’d say from 2012-17 was peak TDE. Don’t forget Jay Rock got a Grammy tooo!!! But it seems they for a long time prided themselves by getting quality artists. I think Reason can get at a place where he’ll be a respected artist, assuming he finds his sound “whatever that means”. I think really what TDE needs to get into is learn how to promote their acts, I feel like TDE put a whole lot of work in getting black hippy popping. And they thought the residuals of TDE’s expansion and recognition would be enough for their new acts. And to be fair SZA and Zay benefited the most off the association. But no one else seems to have elevated, in terms of household name just by that label association. Lance is a hit or miss. So while idk if he’s not marketable, he’s at least eclectic and very unique, but Sir and Zacari make too good high grade music for them not to be recognized. I guess what I’m ultimately saying is. TDE is in a tradition phase, and I just see this as a low point that hopefully will go back into an upswing if they get their marketing in order. TDE sometimes comes off as a talent agency rather than a label. But I should remember they are still indie @@topbackpodcast2615
When i think of TDE i think of the original 4, unique style and no-one sounds like them. When i think of Reason i think average rapper that sounds like everyone else…
You still thinking of TDE when TDE and Black Hippy was interchangeable. I’d say Zay has found a lane for himself and before THIB was def interested in bar work. Lance, either love him or hate him but his vibe is unique. SZA vocals are so angelic and raw at the same time. I hope she finds love some day. Zacari, don’t know if I ever need a full album of him. But anything he’s featured on a track. He adds to it. SIR was a great pick for thr camp. Ray seems to be a commercial pick and I get baby keem mixed with Vince Staples with him. But I’ll let his album come out first before I judge. Doeichi seems to be the next big female rap and def has that angelic / aggressive vibe. Reminds me of doja cat and Rico nasty fused. And now you have reason. A solid rapper with a skilled pen that feels like a TDE chameleon, or a fan of the label who also happens to rap. I have great hopes for him and he has big shoes to fill. But I like all the other guys I just mentioned. He hasn’t defined a sound for himself yet and it’s not gonna be easy with his one tone voice delivery. But hey let’s see.
@@steadyrotation2290 your comment basically supports what i said, TDE now is filled with generic artists that sound like something else bar SZA and maybe Rashad. Reason is the prime example of how far this label has fallen in my eyes.
I’m with modest on this one. Reason has said time and time again that he wanted to sigh to dreamville. Taking his first album in to consideration and the fact that dreamvile fits THAT sound perfectly I feel like TDE is forcing a sound out of him. But imo I think this album is great. Can just turn it on and let it play. It’s kinda like a drake play..except I like reason 😂
It’ll be hard for any other artist after Kendrick from TDE to impress the masses. He kind’ve left benchmark that will be impossible for anyone else from the label to reach.
*To note* The first album wasn't Reason's TDE debut _technically_ . That album was done independently by Reason prior. TDE essentially just re-released the project. (Hence the term *New Beginnings* as his proper TDE debut release.)
100% agree with Rod’s point about his more introspective/slower songs. The songs that chase radio like “At It Again” and “Win Win Win” never work for me.
Rappers like him would’ve really benefited from the blog era. Without multiple mixtape releases, it’s hard to gaf about an upcoming rapper’s album. We need that proper introduction, and witnessing an artist’s gradual growth before a debut album is everything. A lot of his growing pains could’ve been cured during his mixtape run, not his album run when the lights are brightest. I feel bad for these new rappers man.
To be honest, TDE is kinda dying. They did shit to promote this album. so no one other than the hip hop heads or music nerds knew this dropped-and neither really fuck with Reason like that anyway so yk. Plus, look at the rest of the roster. Kendrick’s gone, SZA’s about to leave, Schoolboy’s been eh since the last project, Jay Rock’s been eh since the last project, Ab Soul isn’t making any mainstream noise, they won’t release SiR’s album, Isaiah Rashad has been radio silent, and Lance Skiwalker just plain sucks. So this just looks like the end.
Respectfully, Reason would’ve flopped even if TDE promoted him more. If anything, they would’ve lost money doing that because nobody is checking for him. He pretty much worthless as an artist, for lack of a better word.
@@mistahmstmy problem with him is that he’s ok his music is decent when it comes on but I won’t go out my way to play his stuff when I could just listen to who he takes all his ideas from without adding anything interesting to the formula…mainly Kendrick & J Cole…..plus TDE pigeonholing him into a certain vibe that feels like production Jay Rock or Q would’ve hopped on so it just makes him feel even more generic like an amalgamation of TDE rappers rolled up into one…so no originality…plus his voice & flows sometimes just sound so bland & uninspired….his lyrics aren’t like Kendrick level but they’re great IMO but it’s everything else he needs to work on
I'll be honest here. I wish I like reason more. He has a lot of dope songs. Sad thing is. I found his albums really dry. I don't go back to his albums. He hasn't made that "it" album. This album wasn't it. Cool few tracks to take away tho. Btw jay rock is on at it again remix version.
@@steadyrotation2290 that’s what makes him trash. He has no personality, no quotables, and no songs worth listening to. If he hasn’t found his identity by now, he likely never. There’s artists where even if they haven’t quite found their niche, you can still see the raw talent and potential to be something special, Reason is not one of those artists.
@@mistahmstno quotable??? Aye man give the boi some time. Don’t forget Q used to be a 50 cent lite. And don’t even get me started with Early Ab and Kenny. I’d simply ask any of the stories reason has given related to you in anyway
@@steadyrotation2290 they were all young before they developed their own styles. Reason is in his 30s now and hasn’t shown one bit of improvement. That’s not to say that he can’t become a decent artist eventually, but for the time being, he’s generic trash. Easily the worst rapper on TDE.
I really like reason. Like everyone saids I think dreamville is perfect for him. Tde has him do songs that might not exactly fit reason. That’s unfortunate cause reason is a good rapper
Reason is a good rapper but not good at putting together songs or any other type of musicality. His music lacks personality (one dimensional) and a certain authentic energy. His hooks are bad and overall song structure isn’t good. He talks about not being able to be consistent but consistency isn’t important.
Ab-Soul definitely has that TDE formula. Every TDE release has had that formula of having a radio friendly song. Ab-Soul has songs like The Law with Mac Miller and Rapsody.
@@steadyrotation2290 yes. Jam packed with a concept, content and quality music. The formula is to always put a radio friendly song on the albums for some form of commercial appeal. Blank face is another prime example with overtime.
@@TravisScott-mt5ygovertime is a bootleg Studio. But I’d say the TDE formula is like Damn. There def is a more digestible sound they’ve been going with
Myke I can’t believe u let feefo convince you into some of the stuff he was tryna sell to you about reason and his visibility and availability in the public space I think you hit it on the head when u said you just don’t feel his music like you do with other artists yet I just don’t like how TDE being framed and defined by 1 artist now all of sudden the formula and how they’ve done things for the last 10 plus years is trash because 1 impatient artist hasn’t pushed thru to the masses yet
I honestly think Reason's approach and general music direction is too cookie-cutter, and bland. With his monotonous tonality, the soundscape should be more ecclectic and dynamic in order to bring a different dimension from his vocal performance. All his songs sound samey and undistinguished. It's really hard to establish an identity when the music itself is so baseline.
TDE def has a formula. I attribute it to Kendrick and SchoolBoy. Lol his best album was There You Have It cuz it sounded like him but all the new shit is def a formula. You can hear it with Ray Vaughn too
Ok i wasn’t tripping, i wished i would’ve brought it up during the recording but everything they’ve done with Reason they’re doing with Ray Vaughn. Only difference is that sound fits Ray better plus he got big features from Isaiah and Ab after they dropped dope albums. When Reason got his Schoolboy feature for Pop Shit it was coming off Crash Talk which is arguably is worst release under the label and Kendrick just did ad-libs on Show Stop. Both dope songs but the push from the features weren’t as big. Dawg House is Ray’s biggest track atm.
@@directedbysunny exactly bruh. You not tripping lol it’s def a sound. You can even hear it in their ad libs. It’s that Kendrick/Q/Jay Rock sound. I wish Reason would’ve stuck with his sound from There You Have It. Im such a fan of that album.
You’re talking about the Damn. Formula. redemption, crash talk, new beginnings are derived of that damn. Arguably to a lesser degree. Don’t know if I’d say it was as pronounced here outside of at it again, and that Jesus take the wheel track tho
@@insanehype391 Ok bet lol because when i think about tracks like Hands On The Wheel for example i hear that formula. I definitely love that first project the most from him. They should’ve did what they did with that which is push him as the artist he already is like FeeFo said
I’ve subscribed for prob around 10 yrs if not longer and this was a good dynamic with a few u actually liking it and mike being Simon cowell but giving good construction criticism but now all y’all sound the same, everything’s cool or not good. You can’t have an album full of introspective tracks because then it’ll have the j Cole affect and you’ll call it boring.
What I think would help reason if he just finds a consistently good sound/ cadence for himself then stays in that lane (like a Curren$y, or Gibbs) He has a really good rap voice if he’s just able to create that consistent vibe he won’t miss
I cant believe nobody really talked about A Broken Winter Break! I think that is probably REASON’s best song ever and he should really lean that way with his sound.
Reason is the Logic of TDE. A true rap fan, but arguably hasn’t defined a lane for himself. Still considering Kendrick wasn’t that dude until 80. I’m still hopeful
