PJ Morton & Opinions on Drake
PJ Morton is an indie soul artist that just happens to be in Maroon 5, one of the biggest pop groups in the country. But his solo sound is light years away from Top 40 R&B, blending his New Orleans gospel roots with strains of Stevie Wonder. PJ joins Jim and Greg for a conversation and performance. Plus, Jim and Greg discuss the cultural zeitgeist which is rapper Drake's latest album.
Music News
Greg and Jim discuss "the album of the summer," Scorpion by Drake. According to Billboard, the album was streamed more than 300 million times within the first day of its release, possibly making Drake one of the biggest-selling artists ever. But does the music live up to the record-smashing numbers? Our hosts' answer: Only partly. Jim concedes that Scorpion is incredibly well-produced and sees Drake at his best since his debut studio album Thank Me Later. However, at 25 songs and 90 minutes, it's far too long and its moments of greatness too few and far between. Greg agrees, noting that Scorpion shines most when Drake is genuinely vulnerable instead of just self-pitying. Jim and Greg highlight the track "Nice For What" for its smart sampling of numerous tracks, most notably "Ex-Factor" from The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. It's a timely nod to the upcoming 20th anniversary of that album—Lauryn Hill's seminal solo turn after departing from The Fugees—and plays off its themes of independent womanhood.
PJ Morton
PJ Morton is an indie soul artist who has worked with industry heavy hitters like Solange, Erykah Badu, and India.Arie; but with his latest solo effort, 2017's Gumbo, he's finally receiving a new level of recognition. The album was nominated for two Grammys: one for best R&B album, and one for best song, for the cut entitled First Began.
PJ joined Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and an intimate performance.
Featured Songs
- PJ Morton, "Religion," Gumbo, Morton, 2017
- Drake, "God's Plan," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "In My Feelings," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "Nonstop," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "Is There More," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "43173," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "Emotionless," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "Don't Matter to Me (feat. Michael Jackson)," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "I'm Upset," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Drake, "Nice For What," Scorpion, Cash Money, 2018
- Lauryn Hill, "Ex-Factor," The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, Columbia, 1998
- PJ Morton, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid and The Hamiltones," Gumbo, Morton, 2017
- Doug Williams and Paul Morton, "It Was You," Duets, Blackberry , 2001
- PJ Morton, "Religion (live on Sound Opinions)," Gumbo, Morton, 2018
- The Clark Sisters, "Is My Living In Vain," Is My Living In Vain, New Birth, 1980
- Stevie Wonder, "Never Dreamed You'd Leave In Summer," Where I'm Coming From, Tamla, 1971
- India.Arie, "Interested," Voyage to India, Motown, 2002
- Maroon 5, "Feelings," V, Interscope, 2015
- Maroon 5, "Girls Like You (feat. Cardi B)," Red Pill Blues, Interscope, 2017
- PJ Morton, "How Deep Is Your Love (live on Sound Opinions)," Gumbo, Morton, 2017
- PJ Morton, "Claustrophobic (feat. Pell)," Gumbo, Morton, 2017
- Yellow Claw & DJ Mustard, "In My Room (feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Tyga)," Blood For Mercy, Mad Decent, 2015
- Solange, "Weary," A Seat at the Table, Saint/Columbia, 2016
- Solange, "Rise (live on Jimmy Fallon)," A Seat at the Table, Saint/Columbia, 2016
- PJ Morton, "Alright," Gumbo, Morton, 2017
- Trombone Shorty, "Neph," Backatown, Verve Forecast, 2010
- PJ Morton, "First Began," Gumbo, Morton, 2017
- PJ Morton, "No Ordinary Love," Emotions, 2PM Music, 2006
- Alice Cooper, "No More Mr. Nice Guy," Billion Dollar Babies, Warner Bros., 1973
- De La Soul, "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)," De La Soul Is Dead, Tommy Boy, 1991
- Against Me!, "Transgender Dysphoria Blues," Transgender Dysphoria Blues, Total Treble, 2014
- Hank Williams, Jr., "A Country Boy Can Survive," The Pressure Is On, Curb, 1981
- Angélique Kidjo, "Once in a Lifetime," Remain In Light, Kravenworks, 2018
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