In 2011-2013, the new wave in hip-hop was “cliques.” YMCMB had resurfaced and led the platoon with the success of Drake, Nicki, and Tyga. MMG caught fire with the resurface of Wale and Meek’s consistent anthems. Among these crews was Kanye’s GOOD Music. Starting the label immediately after his College Dropout debut, Kanye sought to bring diversity and standout music the people would love. In 2012, GOOD Music fans were blessed with the summer smash, Mercy. Afterwards, the club banger/anthem Clique was released and the album Cruel Summer debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts with over 200,000 units moved. Rumors of an immediate follow-up album titled Cruel Winter were swimming around the web. Though this never materialized, members of the GOOD collectively dropped 10 albums since Cruel Summer. Amongst these were Teyana Taylor’s debut VII, Pusha T’s Darkest Before Dawn, and Big Sean’s Dark Sky Paradise. A few days ago, Kanye premiered a new track titled Champions (Round and Round) featuring Desiigner, Quavo, Big Sean, Travis Scott, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainnnnzzzzzz. I like the song, especially Gucci’s verse (Welcome Home Gwop). Along with this release, Ye announced that Cruel Winter will be coming very soon. Personally, I am excited. To be a TRUE fan of Kanye West is to understand that he loves the music first. He cares not about the single, album sales, nor the politics of popularity. With Kanye’s finger on the pulse of culture, Big Sean and Pusha T at their prime as well as the recent signing of Future, err uhh I mean Desiigner, I am very eager to hear how Cruel Winter will sound.

Hip-Hop Forever,

Karlito Freeze aka KarlYE West

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