By shelz.

Money, money, money, money…..Monaaaaaaaay.

The O’Jays – For the Love of Money

The biggest twist in the contrived world of artistry is this, money.  It’s not very often we hear about anyone doing anything strictly for the love of the art.  There used to be a time when talking about money too much automatically branded you a sellout.  These days, anyone who doesn’t have the bottom line as their bottom line is branded crazy.

Money issues top the charts along with songs and we hear about folks and their dollars as much as we hear about their new projects.  This week alone there have been plenty of a-rapper-and-his-money stories to read.  Young Buck is being sued by 50 Cent and G-Unit.  Ja Rule has been convicted of tax evasion and producers far and wide still claim that Young Money is the worst paymaster on the planet. But enough of that mean green, let’s get to some sonic thefttitude.  First up is John Legend.

Adele’s 21 is one of the best albums I’ve listened to this year and her lead single, “Rolling in the Deep,” is one of the most covered songs we’ve seen recently.  John Legend has thrown his hat into the ring with interesting results.  Adele’s intro to this song is tinged with Americana but Legend’s rendition is more like gospel, almost Negro-spiritual like.  It’s heavier than the original, more emotional.

John Legend – Rolling In The Deep

Then DJ Smu decided to drop the a capella onto the instrumental track and viola! Full on remix.

Rolling In The Deep -Smu Remix

Next is Gilbere Forte and his remix of Adele’s “Set Fire To the Rain.” Gilbere is on some otherworldly love ish with his lyrics about his lady walking away.  Love deserves truth.  Dark deserves light.  He deserves her.  But who gets everything they want?  Nicely done, even in its ambiguous state.

Adele Gilbere Forte – Set Fire To The Rain

Moving on we have Chevy Woods with “6’7’.”  Did this guy upstage his hot like fire compadre on Rolling Papers? Maybe, maybe not; but this Taylor Gang representer does a decent job with Wayne’s track even if it’s only for one verse.  These Taylor dudes need to broaden the repertoire though.

Chevy Woods-6 Foot 7 Foot Freestyle

Crooked I released an EP this week and I haven’t heard ANYTHING about it.  I know he’s #Teamshady now, but seems like someone would have said something.  Anyway, he takes one of my favorite tracks from Teflon Don and seems to have problems finding the beat at times, but it’s Crook and he’s forgiven.

Crooked I- Live Fast Die Young Freestyle

French Montana goes in over Nicki Minaj’s “Did It On Em” with “Skeeted On Em.” He won’t spend any money on you and he’ll call you a bunch of bad names.  He probably won’t even pop for the baby wipes.  Ewww French, just ewwww.

French Montana – Skeeted On Em

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