New York: A Love Story

Last updated
New York: A Love Story
Mack Wilds New York A Love Story.jpg
Studio album by
Mack Wilds
ReleasedSeptember 30, 2013
Recorded2012–13
Genre R&B
Length49:44
Label
  • Louder Than Life
  • RED
Producer
Mack Wilds chronology
New York: A Love Story
(2013)		 AfterHours
(2017)
Singles from New York: A Love Story
  1. "Own It"
    Released: June 24, 2013

New York: A Love Story is the debut studio album by American R&B singer Mack Wilds. It was released on September 30, 2013, by Louder Than Life and RED Distribution. [1] [2] The album features guest appearances from Method Man, Raekwon and Doug E. Fresh. The album was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 56th Grammy Awards, which was held on January 26, 2014. [3]

Contents

Background

In July 2013, in an interview with Bossip, Mack Wilds spoke about why he decided to name the album New York: A Love Story, saying: "We had a bunch of different titles. We had a bunch of different names, and thoughts and ideas. But it really just turned into what it sounds like. It sounded like New York and it sounded like a love story, so it really just kind of gave itself that name. We just let everybody know." [4] In the same interview, he spoke about whose idea it was to use classic samples on the album, saying: "Yes. It was a mix of both our ideas and thoughts. Salaam [Remi] came to the table and first it was moreso like a test, he wanted to see what I could do with certain songs. I think the first song I recorded was "Own It". And he just wanted to see what I could do with that, and we did it. Then we just started talking about different beats we wanted to try and it was a real moment, us just trying to figure out different things we could flip around like "Yo, what if we flip this beat like this?" or "Yo, what if we just pull this from this and did that? Yo, that would be crazy." I think one of the first beats that we flipped was "Hennesy" with the Mobb Deep sample. And it just really came together. He played it for Havoc, Havoc loved it, gave him the original beat for it. Havoc twisted it, fixed it up. It was dope. It really just came together from there." [4]

In November 2013, in an interview with Complex , he spoke about if he was surprised by the positive feedback he got from the album, saying: "I was and I think it’s mainly because I didn’t know what to expect. You do a project, you know it feels good to yourself, you know what it is but to really have it be respected everywhere, by everyone. I really haven’t heard anything bad as of yet." [5] He also spoke about how he wanted to represent New York on the album, saying: "We really wanted to just re-represent that iconic sound of New York. I feel like it right now we are in a soundscape where real musicality is coming back but in hip-hop, there is such a focus on trap rap. We wanted to do something where we fully established what the sound is in New York. Things have changed, years have gone by, but I feel like in certain aspects New York is still the same New York was when hip-hop was becoming hip-hop. New York still has the same heartbeat as it always has." [5] He also spoke about how it was working with producer Salaam Remi on the album, saying: "Amazing. I think the best thing about it was that it wasn’t even just a work relationship. Salaam is like my big brother. I’ve known since I was 18. From 18 to literally this past December, we were just kicking it. He would bring me to the studio and let me hear some stuff. I would let him hear the things I was working on and he would critique it. As I started to grow as an artist, he finally got to a point where he was like, “Come down to Miami, let’s see what you can actually do.” We went out there for a week and we knocked out like seven records in seven days and four of those records made the album." [5]

He also spoke about remaking Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time", saying: "See, he tricked me with that! I say he tricked me because, I was in the room writing "Henny" and he called me into the other room, he was like, "Yo! Just record 'Remember the Time' over that." I’m like, "Are you serious?" He was like, "Yeah, yeah just record it." I’m thinking we are just playing around because we are in the studio, just having fun. I recorded it, he’s listening to it and he’s like, "That’s good, we’re going to keep it." "We are going to keep it? Do what? We’re keeping a Michael Jackson’s record?" I almost threw up. It was crazy. But it’s amazing the way that it turned out especially after rerecording it, touching it up and hearing how the different aspects that he placed in it, like the orchestration or even the harps, it really turned it into a whole another monster." [5]

Singles

On June 24, 2013, the album's first single "Own It" was released. [6] On July 30, 2013, the music video was released for "Own It". [7] On December 16, 2013, the remix to "Henny" featuring Mobb Deep and French Montana, was released. [8] On December 23, 2013, the music video was released for "Henny". [9]

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [10]

Upon its release, New York: A Love Story was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Andy Kellman gave the album four out of five stars, saying "Tristan Wilds was only four years old when Enter the Wu-Tang was released, but he snared fellow Staten Island native Method Man for the first song of his debut album, in which The Wire and 90210 actor proclaims, "The Shaolin is back again." While Wilds is predominantly a singer who couldn't possibly be termed hardcore, music of the early to mid-'90s—specifically post-new jack R&B, or hip-hop soul—informs much of New York: A Love Story. Wilds even re-envisions Michael Jackson's 1992 single "Remember the Time" by softening and slowing it into something of a 1994-1995 throwback. Other high points include the breezy "My Crib," the harder "Henny" and "Own It," and "U Can Cry to Me," which would lose none of its appeal without the guest appearances from Raekwon and Doug E. Fresh. This is a promising first step from a smooth, thoughtful, and understated voice." [10]

Track listing

No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Wild Things" (featuring Method Man) Salaam Remi 3:41
2."My Crib"
3:57
3."Henny"
3:01
4."Own It"
4:14
5."MaGic!!!"
3:51
6."Keepin It Real"
3:02
7."U Can Cry to Me" (featuring Raekwon and Doug E. Fresh)
4:50
8."NY Love Story"Salaam Remi4:39
9."Don't Turn Me Down"
  • Salaam Remi
  • Rico Love
5:12
10."Sober Up"
3:58
11."The Art of Fallin'" Pete Rock 2:53
12."Remember the Time"
  • Salaam Remi
  • Havoc
3:04
13."Duck Sauce"Pete Rock3:22

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [11] 179
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) [12] 28
US Independent Albums (Billboard) [13] 36
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [14] 7

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reefa</span> American record producer

Sharif "Reefa" Slater is a music producer who has produced for notable artists. He was raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and currently heads a production company for emerging artists and producers.

<i>Live from the Tape Deck</i> 2010 studio album by Skyzoo and Illmind

Live from the Tape Deck is the collaborative studio album by Brooklyn rapper Skyzoo and New Jersey producer Illmind, released on October 5, 2010 by Duck Down Records and distributed through E1 Entertainment. It was preceded by Skyzoo's first studio album, The Salvation (2009), although it isn't its follow-up. The album serves as a prelude to his second studio album A Dream Deferred (2012).

<i>Ambition</i> (Wale album) 2011 studio album by Wale

Ambition is the second studio album by American rapper Wale. It was released on November 1, 2011, by Allido Records, Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. This serves as the follow-up to his debut album, Attention Deficit, which was released in 2009. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Lex Luger, T-Minus, Tha Bizness, DJ Toomp and Diplo among others. The album also features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Lloyd, Ne-Yo, Big Sean, Miguel, Meek Mill, Kid Cudi, and Jeremih.

<i>Black Panties</i> 2013 studio album by R. Kelly

Black Panties is the twelfth studio album by American R&B singer R. Kelly. It was released in the United States on December 6, 2013, by RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Young Jeezy, Migos, Kelly Rowland, Juicy J and Future.

<i>Strange Clouds</i> (album) 2012 studio album by B.o.B

Strange Clouds is the second studio album by American rapper B.o.B, released on April 27, 2012, under Grand Hustle Records, Rebel Rock Entertainment, and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Morgan Freeman, Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, T.I., Nicki Minaj, Ryan Tedder, Lauriana Mae, Playboy Tre, Trey Songz, Nelly and Roscoe Dash while the production was handled by Dr. Luke, Cirkut, Ryan Tedder, Lil' C, Mynority, Stargate, Frequency, Mike WiLL Made It, P-Nasty, Super Water Sympathy, Kutta, Billboard, Jamieson Jones, Jim Jonsin and B.o.B himself.

<i>History: Function Music</i> 2012 studio album by E-40 and Too Short

History: Function Music is a collaborative studio album by American rappers E-40 and Too Short. The album was released on November 6, 2012, by Heavy on the Grind Entertainment and EMI. The album was released in two pairs: History: Mob Music and History: Function Music. The album features guest appearances from Tyga, Travis Porter, Turf Talk, Wiz Khalifa, Suga Free, Jeremih, and Ice Cube among others.

<i>Underground Luxury</i> 2013 studio album by B.o.B

Underground Luxury is the third studio album by American rapper B.o.B. The album was released on December 17, 2013, by Grand Hustle Records, Rebel Rock Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The album was supported by four singles "We Still in This Bitch", "HeadBand", "Ready" and "John Doe". The album features guest appearances from Future, 2 Chainz, T.I., Juicy J, Priscilla Renea, Ester Dean and Chris Brown among others.

<i>Rich Gang</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Rich Gang

Rich Gang is the debut studio album by American record labels Young Money and Cash Money as the supergroup Rich Gang. The album was released July 23, 2013, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. The album contains contributions from several YMCMB members, including Birdman, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Mack Maine, Limp Bizkit, Bow Wow, Ace Hood, Jae Millz, Cory Gunz, Gudda Gudda, Caskey, Detail, Busta Rhymes and Mystikal. The compilation also features guest appearances from artists outside the labels, including Future, Meek Mill, French Montana, T.I., Yo Gotti, Flo Rida, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, the Game, Kendrick Lamar, and R. Kelly. Rich Gang was supported by the three singles: "Tapout", which peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, along with "We Been On" and "50 Plates".

<i>Believers</i> (¡Mayday! album) 2013 studio album by ¡Mayday!

Believers is the fourth studio album by American hip hop group ¡Mayday!. The album was released on July 16, 2013, by Strange Music. The album features guest appearances from Kardinal Offishall, Tech N9ne, Irv Da Phenom, Anjuli Stars, David Correy, Stevie Stone and Kendall Morgan.

<i>I Am</i> (Yo Gotti album) 2013 studio album by Yo Gotti

I Am is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Yo Gotti. The album was released on November 19, 2013, by Epic and CMG. The album features guest appearances from T.I., Ne-Yo, Wale, Rich Homie Quan, J. Cole, Jeezy, Meek Mill, and YG, among others. The album was supported by the singles "Act Right" featuring YG and Jeezy, "King Shit" featuring T.I., "Cold Blood" featuring J. Cole and Canei Finch and "I Know" featuring Rich Homie Quan. The first and fourth singles were later certified gold by the RIAA.

<i>Get Home Safely</i> 2013 studio album by Dom Kennedy

Get Home Safely is the second studio album by American rapper Dom Kennedy. The album was released on October 15, 2013. The album features guest appearances from Skeme, Krondon, Ty Dolla Sign, Nipsey Hussle and TeeFLii.

<i>Sail Out</i> 2013 EP by Jhené Aiko

Sail Out is the debut extended play (EP) by American recording artist Jhené Aiko, released on November 12, 2013 through Def Jam Recordings. It was Aiko's first release under the label after leaving her contract with Sony Music in 2003. After leaving Sony Music, Aiko released her first mixtape Sailing Soul(s) (2011), independently; the mixtape featured appearances from well-known artists and was met with generally positive reviews and was nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. . In 2012, Aiko met with American record producer and vice president of A&R at Def Jam No I.D., who ended up signing Aiko to his Artium Records imprint, through Def Jam.

<i>The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 5</i> 2013 studio album by E-40

The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 5 is the nineteenth studio album by American rapper E-40. The album was released on December 10, 2013, by Heavy on the Grind Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from 2 Chainz, Young Bari, Roach Gigz, Iamsu!, Kool John, Gucci Mane, Young Scooter, Z-Ro, Big K.R.I.T., Danny Brown, Schoolboy Q, B-Legit, Mike Marshall, Too Short, Work Dirty, Laroo T.H.H., Stressmatic and J. Banks.

<i>The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4</i> 2013 studio album by E-40

The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 4 is the eighteenth studio album by American rapper E-40. The album was released on December 10, 2013, by Heavy on the Grind Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Droop-E, Work Dirty, Young Dro, Chris Brown, Spodee, NHT Boyz, T.I., King Harris, Cousin Fik, Choose Up Cheese, J. Stalin, Bosko, Webbie, Ty Dolla Sign, and Mike Marshall.

<i>The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 6</i> 2013 studio album by E-40

The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 6 is the twentieth studio album by American rapper E-40. The album was released on December 10, 2013, by Heavy on the Grind Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Rick Ross, French Montana, B-Legit, Iamsu!, Sage the Gemini, Eric Statz, Skeme, Problem, Gucci Mane, Trinidad James, Jeezy, Cousin Fik, Mac Mall, San Quinn and Clyde Carson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody (Rick Ross song)</span> 2014 song by Rick Ross featuring French Montana

"Nobody" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Rick Ross, taken from his sixth studio album Mastermind (2014). The song, produced by Diddy, features a guest appearance by rapper French Montana. It was written by William Roberts, Sean Combs, Karim Kharbouch, Christopher Wallace, Stevie Jordan, Ephrem Lopez and Jiv Poss. On February 19, 2014, it was released as the album's third promotional single. "Nobody" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. It debuted at number 38 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs upon the album's release.

<i>Dark Horse</i> (Twista album) 2014 studio album by Twista

Dark Horse is the ninth studio album by American rapper Twista. The album was released on August 12, 2014, by Get Money Gang Entertainment and Caroline Records. The album features guest appearances from Tyme, Dra Day, Tia London, Tech N9ne, Wiz Khalifa, Berner, DJ Victoriouz, Gritz, R. Kelly, Chief Keef and Stunt Taylor.

<i>Mega Philosophy</i> 2014 studio album by Cormega

Mega Philosophy is the fifth studio album by American rapper Cormega. The album was released on July 22, 2014 by Slimstyle Records. The entire album was produced by Large Professor. The album features guest appearances from Styles P, Black Rob, Maya Azucena, Redman, Raekwon, and The Firm members AZ and Nature.

<i>Stronger</i> (Tank album) 2014 studio album by Tank

Stronger is the sixth studio album by American R&B recording artist Tank. The album was released on August 12, 2014, by Atlantic Records. The album was supported by the single "You're My Star". The album debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 16,621 copies in its first week of release.

<i>I Never Felt Nun</i> 2022 studio album by EST Gee

I Never Felt Nun is the debut studio album by American rapper EST Gee. It was released through Interscope Records, Collective Music Group, and Warlike on September 16, 2022. The album features guest appearances from Future, Jack Harlow, Bryson Tiller, Machine Gun Kelly, and Jeezy.

References

  1. ↑ "iTunes - Music - New York: A Love Story by Mack Wilds". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-09-16. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  2. ↑ "New York: A Love Story: Mack Wilds: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  3. ↑ "Grammy Awards 2014: Full Nominations List". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  4. 1 2 "Mack Wilds Talks About New Album, Switching From Acting To Music". Bossip. 2013-07-29. Retrieved 2014-02-21.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Mack Wilds "New York: A Love Story" Interview". Complex. 2013-11-18. Retrieved 2014-02-21.
  6. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Own It - Single by Mack Wilds". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-06-24. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  7. ↑ "Video Premiere: Mack Wilds' 'Own It'". Buzzworthy.mtv.com. 2013-07-30. Archived from the original on August 2, 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-02.
  8. ↑ "Mack Wilds f/ French Montana "Henny (Remix)"". Complex. Retrieved 2014-02-21.
  9. ↑ "New Video: Mack Wilds 'Henny'". Vibe. 2013-12-23. Retrieved 2014-02-21.
  10. 1 2 Andy Kellman (2013-09-17). "New York: A Love Story - Mack Wilds | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-11-07.
  11. ↑ "Mack Wilds Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-09-18.
  12. ↑ "Mack Wilds Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  13. ↑ "Mack Wilds Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  14. ↑ "Mack Wilds Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.