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Kid Cudi, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ © Republic

Kid Cudi, The Lox, and Tony Bennett are the big attractions on a quiet December release date (December 16).   

All is quiet on the western front…or at least on December 16, 2016.  After December 9 yielded several new albums, including four notable hip-hop albums, this week is less robust.  Even so, the return of Kid Cudi is “kind of a big deal,” not to mention a comeback album from The Lox, and a celebratory effort from Tony Bennett. Beyond those three, there’s not much happening on the 16th.

1. Kid Cudi, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’

[Republic]

Kid Cudi, Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ © Republic

After dropping a dud in 2015 with double album Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven, Kid Cudi returns with Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’. Passion marks the sixth studio album by the left-field rapper. Featured guests are Andre Benjamin, Willow Smith, Travis Scott, and Pharrell Williams. To date, Kid Cudi has two RIAA certified albums: Man on the Moon: The End of Day (2009) and Man on the Moon II: The Legend (2010).

  • Tracks: 19
  • Featured Guests: Andre Benjamin, Willow Smith, Travis Scott & Pharrell Williams
  • Pre-Release Singles: “Frequency,” “Baptized in Fire” (ft. Travis Scott) & “Surfin’” (ft. Pharrell Williams)

 

 

2. The Lox, Filthy America…It’s Beautiful

[Roc Nation]

The Lox, Filthy America...It's Beautiful © Roc Nation

In a year of comebacks, another is on the horizon. 90s rap collective The Lox returns after a 16-year hiatus with Filthy America…It’s BeautifulFilthy America arrives via label, Roc Nation.  Among featured guests on the comeback effort are Fetty Wap, Mobb Deep, and Gucci Mane.  During the course of their career, The Lox earned a platinum album with debut Money, Power & Respect (1998) and a gold album with sophomore effort, We Are the Streets (2000).

  • Tracks: 12
  • Featured Guests: Fetty Wap, Dyce Payne, Mobb Deep, Gucci Mane & Infa-Red
  • Pre-Release Singles: “What Else You Need to Know” & “Don’t You Cry”

 

 

3. Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett Celebrates 90

[Columbia]

Tony Bennett Celebrates 90 © Columbia

Tony Bennett celebrates his 90th birthday with a new album, Tony Bennett Celebrates 90.  Bennett celebrated 90 years back in August.  The effort is star-studded, featuring performances by Lady Gaga, Diana Krall, and Stevie Wonder among others.  Bennett is also featured throughout, including a duet with Billy Joel and several solo tracks.

  • Tracks:
  • Featured Guests: Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, etc.
  • Pre-Release Singles: “Who Cares?” & “I Got Rhythm”

 

Photo Credits: Republic, Roc Nation, Columbia
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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