Kriss Kross - Jump

Throwback Fridays.

I used to go Trick-Or-Treating at Kris Smith's (.5 of Kris Kross) grandmas house in Atlanta.

Their big ass dog would scare us away. Every year.

"Jump" - Kriss Kross

The Cool Kids/Young Ivy -- Dartmouth College -- 11/28

I'm from Atlanta, but I'm slowly but surely becoming a fan on the music from the Windy City.

I mean, sure I love Kanye...

and Common...

and Twista...

and Lupe...

Okay... I should have been converted much earlier, but I was just being stubborn and upset that a city could make music as well as Atlanta.

This entire lead up brings me to Chicago's latest phenomenon, The Cool Kids.

The Cool Kids (Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish) are a throwback to 1988 with their heavy bass, simplistic beats and their dopeman-styled clothes.

They were just named one of Rolling Stones' best new artists to watch.

They are great. And they're playing at my school on Wednesday w/ Young Ivy.

Here's one of their videos, "Black Mags"

Concert Review, Pictures, and a possible interviews on the site after the concert on Thursday

Young Ivy's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/youngivy

The Cool Kids's MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/gocoolkids

Speaking of Outkast...

Yesterday, I ranted and raved about how excited I was for Outkast's "The Art of Storytellin' Pt. 4" off of DJ Drama's "Gangsta Grillz: The Album."

Well, here it is.

Outkast is the greatest rap group of all time. Sorry P.E., Run DMC, EPMD, Beastie Boys, and Wu-Tang Clan. Those boys from the A are the best of all time.

Download: "The Art of Storytelling, Pt. 4"

Enjoy.

Throwback Fridays - Outkast

"Git Up, Git Out" - from Outkast's classic debut, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.

Maybe one of the greatest albums ever.

In 12 Days... DJ Drama Changes The Game

"Gangsta Grillz: The Album" comes out in 12 days.

That's December 4th, for those of you who aren't good at counting forward.

And being that today is Thanksgiving, I feel that it's appropriate to discuss how big DJ Drama, or the self-proclaimed "Mr. Thanksgiving" is and how big this record is going to be.

Being an ATLien, I obviously love DJ Drama a.k.a. Mr. Thanksgiving. I think he's a genius. Between the Gangsta Grillz 1-20 mixtapes, Gangsta Grillz Radio on Hot 107.9in Atlanta, and being part of the triumvirate known as The Aphilliates, he is one of the most influential names in hip hop right now. Being on a DJ Drama mixtape is like having Weezy do your hook now (or Andre in early 2007... or Ludacris in 2006): You're guaranteeing yourself a hit.

Just look at some the A-list artists featured on his upcoming album:

Lil Jon, Young Jeezy, Jim Jones, Rick Ross, Young Buck, T.I., Lil Boosie, Weebie, Lil Wayne, Freeway.

HOLD UP. I'm only at Track 5.

Nelly, Diddy, Jazze Pha, Twista, Outkast, Katt Williams, Project Pat, B.G., 8Ball and MJG, Devin the Dude, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Lloyd, Jadakiss, Young Dro, Big Kuntry King, Lil Scrappy, Crime Mob, Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, John Legend, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Clipse, and Pharrell.

Jesus Christ. That's like everyone who's ever won a Source Award. Ever.

This is gonna be rediculous. Mark Your Calendars. December 4th.

If ALL of this isn't enough, here's one more thing for you true hip-hop fans. Track 8 is an Outkast track, titled "The Art of Storytelling Pt. 4." The anticipation for this track alone is enough to make me get this album. And to think there are 20 MORE tracks.

Thank you, DJ Drama a.k.a. Mr. Thanksgiving a.k.a Mr. Game 7 a.k.a. The iPod King a.k.a Barack O'Drama. Thank You.

For your listening and viewing pleasure, the first single, "5000 Ones" featuring Nelly, Diddy, Yung Joc, Jazze Pha, Willie the Kid, Young Jeezy and Twista.

THROWBACK FRIDAY - Jay-Z and JD

I'm pretty sure this is one of the first rap songs I knew all the words to (including the curse words).

Classic track.

It's not surprising they are both still around and influential, but no one could have predicted they would be 2 of the most powerful men in music in 2007.

NYC meets ATL.

"Money Ain't A Thang"

Lupe Fiasco Is A Beast

You just have to listen to this song.

He's the real deal.

American Badass - Supreeme

If you haven't heard of the rap group Supreeme yet, you soon will. Trust me. Good music can't stay underground forever (Next year, major label debut on Warner Bros).

They are in the process of releasing their first mixtape, American Badass, and if you've been listening to them for a while now, you can see the progress. Lyrically, and in terms of the production, these boys are definitely making strides in the right direction.

"American Badass" is a 21 tracks mixtape, and like many mixtapes, there is a recurring theme or clip from song to song. Throughout the mixtape, various clips from the infamous "Unforgivable" YouTube series comes out of nowhere. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then I feel sorry for you, but if you do, know it's hysterical. The intro will literally make you die, it's so funny. As someone who does a pretty horrible impression of it, but does it nonetheless, I could listen to it for hours. And I have.

There is also an American recurring theme in many of the songs, hense the title "American Badass". From Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." to the National Anthem, the patriotism is quite salient.

The mixtape as a whole flows well from track to track and overall is a solid piece of work, but there are definitely some standout tracks. The standout song is "Feel the Bass" and for so many reasons. From the fact that it bumps very hard to both King Self and Mr. Armada's on-point verses, it's a great track. Because of its very minimalistic beat, it really accentuates the verses.

Another song, "Rockin Out" featuring Killer T instantly grabbed my ear, because the beat reminded me of home. The Atlanta influence on Supreeme comes out in this song. People from Atlanta can't go too long without talking about Atlanta, and they do in this song. The beat in "Rockin Out" also remindes me of Timbaland's beat from "Dirt Off Your Shoulders", you know, with all the spaceship and lazertag noises. Supreeme brought their A game on this one.

Take away the beats, the production, and all the bells and whistles of the mixtape, and the one thing that remains constant about Supreeme through the years is that they are great story-tellers. You know, Outkast/Slick Rick type story-tellers. Both King Self and Negashi's flows feels more conversational and less like they are barking at the public. And they paint pictures with every song. "Supreeme Anthem" is a great example of this.

These boys are just mad creative. King Self and Negashi are flowing better than ever and Tom Cruz is sampling and making rediculous beats with reckless abandon. From the issues brought up in the songs to the samples used (Beach Boys' "I Get Around" to Tay Zonday's YouTube sensation "Chocolate Rain"), you never know what they are gonna come up with next.

Support these boys and definitely listen to "American Badass" in its entirety. They absolutely exceeded my high expectations I had for them. They do not dissapoint.

The South is proud of y'all.

Mixtape:

http://www.supreeme.com/mixtape/

Myspace Page:

http://www.myspace.com/supreemesupreeme

Dave Chappelle Stand Up In London [NEW]

Dave Chappelle Is Back. In London.

All in this world is good again.

WE'RE BAAAAAAAAAAAACCCCKKKK

Dear Hip Hop Faithful,

We've been going through some administrative changes, but all is well.

Updates daily.

And by updates, I mean the hotness.

holla holla

-Hip-Hop Point of View

Beat-Off (or Beat Down)

Went to Apache Cafe last night to witness my boy Blake "mistro P" German take on some of Atlanta's "best" producers. It was a beat battle, where two producers go head to head in a three round battle, the crowd votes. Needless to say it was a good time.

The bar was set high in the first round. These two guys, whose names escape me, really brought their A game. The guy who won played some shit that could have been a hit with the right MC on it. When it finally came time for Mistro to go, hours had past, but he brought some real original beats, and took out the other guy in two rounds. One beat had a sample from The Wiz, only Blake would have that shit. I have a J.O.B. so i had to go home around 1. But if you in Atlanta on the first Tuesday of the month and want to hear some dope Producers, and a few wack ones, play their shit... Then go to the Apache Cafe.

C'mon Kanye... Please Win

So yes... I'm playing into the Kanye vs. 50 beef. And guess what, I'll say it... I hope Kanye sells 3 million more records than 50... first night... That's how tired I am of 50 and his damn Vitamin Water. Sure, the beat on "I Get Money" is fire, but nothing else about it is.

I only have room in this brain of mine for two types of rap: Good rap and ATL rap.

Therefore, all I care about right now is Kayne and Common, Crankin That Soulja Boy and the Shop Boyz new single, "They Like Me". And maybe a little "Coffee Shop". BUT THAT'S IT.

In honor of Kanye, here's a leak.

A leak to show how great Graduation hopefully will be. The way I know it'll be good is if I don't like the album at the first listen, and fall in love the second listen (The way I reacted to both The College Dropout and Late Registration).

http://www.zshare.net/audio/3350325c6316c1/

Thoughts of THAT Dude, Vol. 2

Ok, I'm going to be honest, I don't have anything angrily insightful today, but all I know is this video is hilaaaaarious. All I have to say is Spiderman and water hose... Enjoy...

Army Boy - Crank Dat Army Boy

50 Knows how to stay in the damn news

Now if I wasn’t trying to be an upstanding black man, I would call 50 Cent certain derogatory names including a female canine and female genitalia, because he always has to do something trick-made to keep his name in the news for his album to sell. On the first album, he beefed with Ja Rule for attention; on his second album, he beefed with Jadakiss and Fat Joe for attention; now on his third album, he’s incited a beef with Kanye West.

So far, Kanye is the only smart human being who refuses to play into his little ‘please look at me’ game. To keep eyes on him, 50 now goes so far to say that if Kanye outsells him after their Sept. 11 release date, then he will stop making solo records (PLEASE WIN KANYE!!!!). I will be ashamed if people buy into what 50 Cent is doing right now, because it is overly clear that he is trying to play ‘puppet master’ on his fans (meaning YOU stupid) in order for you to support his latest turd sandwich.

I’ll tell you one thing though, it seems like his own staff is trying to sabotage his moves, because his single “Follow My Lead” already leaked to the internet in song and video form waaaaay before he wanted to release it. Now he’s throwing bit… excuse me, female dog tantrums at his own staff because he’s realizing that the only good move he might have left just got ruined. Tisk tisk tisk, you’re right Curtis; nobody wants to see you win anymore, and that’s because you suck.

P.S., if you can drop anything somewhat resembling Guess Who’s Back then I will recant all of my statements and call you master, but I know you won’t and can’t, so I win…

50 Cent is Scared of Kanye

It’s been well documented that 50 and Kanye are both dropping their respective albums Curtis and Graduation on the same day (Sept. 11 for all ‘living under a rock’ idiots). While “I Get Money” and “Ayo Technology” have been doing better than 50’s previous two atrocious singles “Amusement Park” and “Straight To The Bank” none of them still have a leg up (hello ladies) on Kanye’s “Stronger”.

Now think about it like this, Kanye has dropped two singles, the aforementioned “Stronger” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”, and has a bigger buzz then 50 does with FOUR SINGLES!!! 50 even went on to say that he’s probably going to drop two more singles, “Come And Go” featuring and produced by Dr. Dre, and “Follow My Lead” featuring Robin Thicke. Now my Tufts degree leads me to the calculation that this fool is dropping SIX SINGLES before his album even drops.

Common sense tells you (shout out to Common for grabbing the number one billboard spot) that if people were interested in your music right now, then you wouldn’t need to drop that many singles, but you can’t tell 50 that, because he’s in denial about his rapidly dropping interest. This is why he spends his time in interviews claiming that Kanye doesn’t have a chance and that they should move Kanye’s album date, all that just shows that he is scared that somebody is FINALLY going to shut him up and deflate his ego.

But knowing him, when he loses on Sept. 11, he’ll probably find another excuse to explain why his music sucks right now. Now mind you, I’m a 50 Cent fan, he just talks to damn much. When you’re that annoying, the minute you start dropping doo doo material, you become THAT much more annoying.

50, just make music and shut up!!

I Hate NY

You know what bothers me more than the fact that Silkk The Shocker had a career? All these little carpetbaggers that claim that they are bringing the East Coast or New York back. It would be impossible for me to sit down and name how many scoundrel MC’s have ALL made that same stupid claim.

Look, it’s really simple. New York is losing because everybody is trying to be number one and fight amongst yourselves (too many beefs to name), you guys hate the South then turn around and make similar sounding songs with similar sounding beats (anything by Fat Joe in the last 2 years), and on top of that, there’s like A MILLION OF YOU. Not only are there a million of you, but you all rap about the same thing: my block is hard, I got madd crack money, madd guns, madd female dogs and gardening tools (I’ll let you think about that one), I’ll kill you, etc, etc, etc. First off, we don’t believe you, you need more people (including Jay-Z, according to Calvin “Klein” Bacote), and your songs don’t generate ANY interest.

Even though I don’t like all the music coming out of the South (but Andre 3 Stacks is still the man), at least they have their own identity. Right now, I’m ashamed to be from New York, because most of ya’ll are corny (that’s right, a Bronx dude is hating on his own city). Screw it, I’m moving to Atlanta…

P.S. People, can we please stop saying “go in” or “getting it in”. For a culture that glorifies the use of terms like “no homo”, and being some of the biggest gay bashes next to reggae (peep this Game fiasco), those might be the most questionable phrases. No forget the might, those ARE the most questionable phrases; it can ALWAYS be taken out of context. Thank you, and good evening brethren. Chuuch…

A newer age in purchasing music

Pretty soon computers will become a non-factor in purchasing music. Why do I say this? Well... today it was reported that AT&T has just signed a deal with EMusic, which is the second largest online music seller. The deal allows AT&T members to upload music straight on their phone. This is important news because it allows independent and big label musicians the opportunity to get their music out to the world more effectively. To read in detail about the deal click here .

Here are the winners and losers in this deal that will change the way we purchase music even more so (you heard it here first).

Winners

• Your cell phone provider-- Pretty soon your cell phone will be your everything, which is both scary and exciting at the same time. Why go through the hassel of uploading music off your computer when you can just get it uploaded straight on your phone.
• I Phone-- With E Music pushing forward buying music on your cell phone look for I Phones stock and use to increase.
• Those who can't afford both a MP3 player and computer--Pretty soon the same technology will be provided on most MP3 players and cell phones. Eliminating the great need for computers from those strapped for cash when purchasing music.

Losers

• Your computer-- No longer are computer a must have in order to upload music.
• The idea of the album--Making it easy to upload a song means that you simautaneously make it easy to just buy ONE SONG rather then the album.

Stop crying like little b... girls!!

So MTV decided to cause some more controversy with another one of their so-called “Greatest” lists. First it was greatest albums, then greatest artists, then greatest groups and now the "Hottest MC’s in the game right now". Now before I even continue, I want to emphasis a certain part of the time: RIGHT NOW!!! The reason why I have to do that is because after the list was finalized, I see so many people complaining like “how could they even put on the list Jim Jones instead of Nas? Why is Young Jeezy on the list? Why is Jay-Z so low even though they voted him number one on the greatest list?” You know why stupid? Because the list signifies RIGHT NOW, not of all-time, not of next week, of RIGHT NOW. Truth be told, whether you want to admit it or not, Jim Jones is hotter on the streets than Nas, does that mean he’s better than him, HELL NO, but he’s more relevant. All you people hating on Lil’ Wayne right now are the same ones who secretly look forward to all of his collabos and guest appearances. Hell, people even bought the Birdman & Wayne album JUST to listen to Wayne, so don’t tell me ya’ll don’t like him.

Even though T.I. vs. T.I.P. sucked big walnuts, you can’t deny that he’s probably the biggest overall rap star we got right now, so him being number two makes sense. Matter fact, the whole list makes sense if you just stick to the RIGHT NOW part. Your favorite rapper can still be your favorite rapper (hell, Nas is mine and he ain’t even on the list), but this list doesn’t down their overall significance, it just means that RIGHT NOW people ain’t checking for them like that, and if you really pay attention to the mainstream, MTV is actually right, so quit your bi… excuse me, complaining.

Good night ladies and gentleman...

Thoughts of THAT Dude, Vol. 1

First, I’m glad neither 50 nor Kanye are movin’ their release dates from Sept. 11^th. It’s good to see some competition, and I would have said that Kanye would ‘massacre’ (pun intended) 50 on that day easily if 50 didn’t release “I Get Money”, which is gainin’ him some cool points back in my opinion (screw the opinion, it’s fact). Granted 50 has been a record sale monster, I think he is underestimatin’ all the backlash against him, his wack crew, his wack music, his wack crew, his wack crew and even wacker Tony Mayo. Hopefully Kanye outsells him and deflate his ego.

Secondly, refrain (or simply put for my non-educated people, DO NOT) from tellin’ me about this Soulja Boy song “Crunk That”. I will not support this buffoonery, coonery or whatever other “oonery” you can think of. I swear if you attach a dance to a ‘turd in the toilet’ song, that’s like unleashin’ a yarn ball at a damn cat, all ya’ll mesmerized by the joint. That’s the only reason why “Chicken Noodle Soup”, “Two Step”, “Walk It Out” (even tho Andre KILLS the remix), “Aunt Jackie” and the whole damn snap movement even has ‘Willis McGahee in the Fiesta Bowl’ legs to stand on in the first place. Now don’t act like I’m some incense burnin’, snap my fingers at an open mic, conscious backpack dude (hell I think “I Get Money” by 50 is the hottest song out easy), but all those songs are complete trash and an ‘impress the master’ dance can’t save them.

Finally, I can’t get this song out of my head for nothin’.

Hip-Hop Ain't Dead, but what YOU listen to is WACK!!!

For all the shucking and jiving, "hello, yes master" music going on in rap music right now, people like Common keep my hope in rap alive and stop me from completely diving into techno music, dancing with glow sticks or something like that. With that being said, Finding Forever is definitely on par with Be as Common's 3rd best album. Now while that doesn't sound like a success, you have to realize that the 2 albums that precede those are Resurrection and Like Water For Chocolate, which easily make whatever music you listen to sound like Flava Flav's last album.

Kanye once again does his thing on production on songs like "Southside" and "Break My Heart", but the hero of the album is will.i.am (BEST producer out, yea I said it), with the song "I Want You".

This is grown man music people, so if you are the listener who thinks Jeezy is the illest alive, go sit in a corner somewhere and hopefully you will waste away to the nothing that you are (nah, i'm j/k, maybe).

Good night bit.... wait I can't say that, good night people...

Uh, yeah, my bad

So yea, it's been brought to my attention that I've been 'that guy', and not in the good way. If I've offended anybody with any of the things that I've said or the words that I've used, then, uh, yea, my bad, sorry about that. I will refrain from usin' some of the ebonical terms that have been brainwashed into me by the hood, and be an upstandin' gentlemen, until I have to put my Timbaland boot in somebody for actin' up. Have a good day...

No More Hip Hop Albums

Good evenin' bitches, welcome to the latest edition of "Thoughts of THAT nigga". A thought dawned on me, rap artists should go back to the days of the late 70's and early 80's and just sell singles and don't even bother comin' out with albums anymore. I mean think about it, this nigga Fat Joe has gone double wood on like every album he's ever released, but somehow the muhfucka managed to go platinum in ringtones for "Make it Rain". Flashback a couple years ago, he had the biggest song of the year with "Lean Back", but the Terror Squad album still sold about 2,000 turds. Then this nigga 50 releases two singles nobody cares about, then starts to get his buzz back with "I Get Money", but I doubt ppl will support him past that.

So fuck it, fuck the album, fuck prolonged creativity, just drop a single every month or so. U wack niggas cant do anymore than that anyway...

Good night bitches...

Hip hop myspace?

Alright so i am interested to hear what people think about this idea/ website that is currently in the mix. www.streetcred.com. The site is going up and is in beta right now. And the concept is that people can gain street cred through their activity on the site and the amount of friends they have...

It may take off or it may be a complete bust. Check it out and if you got an opinion one way or the other let me know.

Crunk as a word and as a music

All of us can now use the word "crunk" with legitimacy. Websters Dictionary has officially made "crunk" a word. "Crunk is defined as, "a style of Southern rap music featuring repetitive chants and rapid dance rhythms,".

I decided to take a hip hop point of view on the word crunk and spin it. My definition goes something like this-- " A word used three years ago to define hype music. Now, artist like Lil' John and Lil' Scrappy are old news. Scrappy has about a quarter in the bank and looks like a flash in the pan. Lil' John might make a comeback, but it won't be with Crunk Rock (check out here ). Basically, crunk needs a revival and it won't be with Lil' Jon claiming, "I beat the p#@@y up, and then stuck it in her butt."

Seriously Jon'... GROW UP!!

In all honesty, hip hop isn't dead, but crunk music under Lil' Jon's is. Nevertheless--just like everyone else from the south, I used to love crunk music... Glad to know it will be memorialized in webster.

Borat ghostwritin' 4 Kanye

Hi haters/ sorry 4 the hiatus/ but I'm busy workin' gettin' that high paper/ and smearin' ur dimes make up. But anywayz, i first saw the link for Kanye's new song "Sexy Time", and if ur thinkin' the inspiration comes from who u think it does, then ur absolutely right. Borat wuz fuckin' hilarious, and any use of Borat vernacular in anythin' is a highlight for humanity, so enjoy the soon 2 be number one song on Billboard.... BITCHES!!!

Amy Don't Hurt 'Em...

That term “the next big thing” is more played out than wearing a throwback jerseys in 2007. With that said… I think a young lady named Amy Whinehouse might be the next big thing. She's been out there for a while and is quite popular in many circles, but not as much in hip-hop circles. If you haven’t seen her or more importantly heard her voice, you are missing out. If there are any Lauryn Hill fans reading this, when you listen to her voice, you will encounter two emotions.

1) Thankful that Ms. Whinehouse’s voice resembles an old-school Lauryn Hill.

2) Angry that Lauryn Hill doesn’t sing anymore/has lost her mind.

Honestly, she sounds like a nice blend of Lauryn Hill and Joss Stone, which makes for a very soulful, unique sounding voice.

Did I mention she’s British? Did I? Well, she is, which adds to her intrigue.

Her big crossover song into the United States airwaves is a clever song called “Rehab”, descbining the many reasons she doesn’t want to go rehab. It has a very doo-wop (Lauryn Hill reference, I know… I’m clever) style beat.

But don’t think Ms. Winehouse is done. You know she’s got to have a remix. Guess who she invited for the remix? Yep. Hov himself, “Jigga Man the God MC” a.k.a Jay-Z. And he does something he hasn’t done in a few remixes—lays down a very good verse (see Rihanna’s “Umbrella” for maybe the wackest verse ever).

His verse is very clever, comparing not being able to let go of drugs and alcohol to not being able to stop rapping. It’s good. Give it a listen.

Anyway, the song is very eclectic and most importantly, it’s very good.

Pick up her album.

Name: Amy Winehouse
Album: Back in Black
Hit Song: Rehab (Remix) feat. Jay-Z

Lil Wayne vs. His Real Father (Jigga)

Grown man kisser, excuse me, Lil' Wayne has been talkin' out of his ass for quite some time now, but he really stepped over the line in that Complex magazine issue a couple of months ago claimin' that he was better than Jigga. Now to me, u can't be better than somebody when u blatantly took his whole rhymin' style, but that's neither here nor there. Muthafuckas jus need 2 learn how 2 respect their elders, that's the bottom line. Thru all the "out of ass" talkin' (no homo), Jigga never said somethin' (or did he?), until possibly now in the new T.I. song "Watch What You Say". Now I'm hardly a theorist assumin' that every verse is about beef, but shit, ain't shit else 2 do nowadays but beef wit niggas, so Jigga is probably pickin' the one nigga who been talkin' outta the side of his mouth the most (besides Jim Jones anyway).

Now Lil' Wayne supposedly responds on Freekey Zekey's (WHY THE FUCK IS HE RAPPIN') song "Beat Without Bass", meanin' a battle that I wouldn't mind listenin' 2 might actually pop off. Fuck peace, I wanna see niggas fightin' in the street, Jigga and Wayne should go at it (a big PAUSE 4 that one).

Now I might get killed 4 sayin' this, while Jigga is my 2nd favorite MC (behind Nas), i don't think he's hungry enuf anymore 4 fuck wit Wayne, yes I said it.

Wayne in 7 rounds... BITCHES!!!

American Pimp

Some classic shit by Suga Free. For all you trick-ass-marks out there, Free is the original rapping pimp, and he's been laying his mack hand down on wax for about a decade now. This is a video for "On My Way," off his debut album Street Gospel. Released in 1997, the album failed commercially despite full production by DJ Quik and some of the most hilarious, mind-blowingly misogynistic lyrics ever recorded. The whole disc is classic: Quik drops impossibly smooth grooves throughout, and Suga Free spits game on every track, squeezing an unimaginable amount of syllables into every bar with rhythmic precision.

"On My Way" is probably the closest Suga Free will ever come to a love song, and it still involves threats of domestic violence and a storyline about him kicking a hoe out onto the street. All set to an almost cheesy, undeniably funky track. The video is the perfect visual accompaniment, as it shows Free in all his pimpish glory, waves and shiny shirts included. I never even knew this shit existed--thank god for Youtube.

Suga Free's still puttin' it down, but I don't think he'll ever make another masterpiece like Street Gospel. His last album, Just Add Water, didn't have a single beat from Quik, and feels like a mixtape rather than a proper record. Quik and he had been feuding cause Free reportedly stole one of Quik's beats and sold it to Rappin' 4-Tay, leading Quik to call him out as an untrustworthy junkie (don't know about that, but he has rapped about snorting meth, a new one for hip-hop as far as I know). However Quik and Free have supposedly resolved things, so here's hoping they reunite. Neither one of them is as good without the other (I like to think of them as the B-Squad Dre and Snoop.) I have to admit I haven't heard Free's latest project, Secret Congregation, but that's cause I'm not too fond of rappers' "crew" albums (Though I'd bump it over Cold Summer anyday.) Anyway, while all these rappers brag about their "pimpin'" let's give it up to a real pimp who can still rap circles around most of them. Chuuuuuch.

50's hood card is PERMANENTLY revoked!!

Maybe I shoulda figured it out when he said on "Ryder Music," "they say I'm homophobic, shit, go thru the hood, there's madd niggas on my dick," or maybe I shoulda figured it out when he makes fun of other MC's on his new song "Fully Loaded Clip" for havin' relationships with women, or maybe I shoulda figured it out by Tony Yayo's undyin' loyalty to him, but if nothin' else, a sequence of pictures were found the other day which shows that Vivica Fox must not have been puttin' it down in bed 4 him because he has now ran to this. I know they always say there is a reason behind everythin', but the reasonin' behind these photos might be more questionable than the damn photos themselves, so I don't even wanna hear that shit.

It's final, 50 can NO LONGER beef wit ANYBODY. How u gonna question somebody else when u holdin' dildoes wit a smile on ur face. Public Service Announcement, 4 all the MC's who got into altercations with 50 in the past, this is ur time 2 get back at him, cuz there is NO way around this one. U ain't gotta even say anythin', jus put a video on YouTube with a filmstrip with these pictures and a repetitive "50 likes men" hook in the background and u ain't even gotta rhyme, the shit is self-explanatory.

Allegations of snitchin', everybody on G-Unit floppin', nobody feelin' ur new music and NOW u like dildoes, 50's career is over...

"My Voice Irritatin' N*ggas..."

Sorry to monopolize this blog shit, but this video is so funny I had to share. Basically it's a posse track, with all your favorite rappers being hella gay. Some of the impressions are so on point it's hilarious. My fav's are 50 Cent, Ludacris, Gucci Mane, DMX, and of course er'body's favorite rapper, Li' muthafuckin' Boosie.



"My ice look cheesy, I got it at the maaall!"

How Can You Hate When the Shit's This Funny?

Bay Area 4 Life Son!!!

More than Music, Greg Oden in the club

And to think I ever doubted Greg Oden was ready for the NBA. At first I thought stay, polish your talents, enjoy college. Then I saw this picture and realized Greg has the most important part of being a professional athlete down...groupie management. I apologize for any doubts I had prior to viewing this image, because he seems to be on the right track so far. I don't want to speculate, but Oden could be well on his way to following in the footsteps of all the great, hall of fame adulterers. Kobe, Shaq, Michael Jordan, Barry Bonds, Chipper Jones folks we are talkin all-time greats here and I see no reason why Greg cannot out shine them all. Now all he needs is an endorsement deal, and some illegitimate kids by this young impressionable white woman, and he is all set.

Greg, before you embark on your journey of debaucherous, hedonistic encounters only Wilt Chamberlin could compete with, I think you need to get acquainted with a few phrases. 1)"He or She is not mine" 2) " I told you them kids ain't mine, so I ain't payin!"and of course the inevitable...3) "How much do I owe exactly?". Number 3 is key because you will not only be saying it to your future baby mamas, but also your lawyer, judges and whatever random skeezers, hoochies, hussies, impudent m.i.l.f's and snaggle-toothed smuts you have to pay to keep their mouths shut. Also remember one or two illegitimate kids is fine, shit who doesn't have one or five of those things floating around someplace. But lets not turn into Shawn Kemp son, More than 10 is really just ridiculous. God speed, and happy baby makin!

I'm not the only one!

Alright, since you punks don't trust my opinion, how about that of The LA Times? Yeah that's right, bitches, the Times is raving about Turf Talk. And so is All Hip-Hop, and so is (world's best blogger) Noz over at XXLmag.com. Not to mention the Bay Area blogs. And I just hit the local record store with my girl (who wanted to buy The West Coast Vaccine) and they only had one copy left. They've had to back order that shit! So wake up motherfuckers. Turf Talk is the truth, and this isn't just a good Bay Area album, or a good Hyphy album, or a good album for a relative of E-40. It's a fucking dope album. So stop frontin'.

I'll leave you with some words from Kelefa Sannah (yes, he of The New York Times.) Apparently he's on the (hyphy) train too.

Okaymentary: a documentary on Okayplayer

This is a trailer from a documentary that Okayplayer is making about their website. This is pretty much where I see Hip-hop POV at in 5 years. haha..

The 5-0 messed with the wrong dude this time...

Not that they ever seem to mess with the right guy.

According to August Brown's column in the LA Times, San Francisco police recently made fools of themselves and further diminished the police's already staggeringly awful reputation when they harassed The Coup's frontman Boots Riley, allegedly searching his car and launching accusations, to the extent that they investigated HIS ALTOID CASE.

Riley tells the story best, "One of the cops finds Altoids in the car, and is yelling at me, asking 'What pills are these?' I said, "They're breath mints; they're curiously strong."

Now I know that racial profiling is nothing new by any means, but this is just entertainment. Of all the people they could have messed with, it happens to be probably the most politically active rapper there is. He's a respected activist in the Bay Area, and a majority of his songs are about revolution and overall discontent with the system. And of course, he had to be the one the jackass pigs pulled over.

Right now he is working with the Office of Citizen Complaints to see what his legal options are in this case, according to the LA Times column. This isn't the first time, or the last, that this has happened to him. "I've gotten stopped for reckless eyeballing, for staring too hard," Riley told Brown. "These officers think they're Tarzan and this is a jungle, that all the animals need to be tamed."

The animals that need to be tamed are law enforcement officials. Why is it that I never seem to encounter officers who are sensible human beings, who communicate any sort of intelligible thought that really makes me comfortable that they are, indeed, "protecting and serving?" Maybe it's something they learn in the academy that demands they be ignorant monsters who should perceive contact with anyone 15-35 and able-bodied a threat, and any contact with black people an absolute state of emergency. Or maybe they are as scared of the black community as blacks are of them.

I mean, seriously, an Altoid case?

For those not in the know, The Coup is a Bay Area-based, politically charged hip-hop group who got national attention when their 2001 album Party Music originally showed the World Trade Center towers blowing up on the album cover--shortly before 9/11. The FBI raided Boots's apartment but found that it was just a coincidence... an amazing one at that.

I've been onto The Coup for a few years now and I love what they do. They are multi-dimensional and one of the only ones using hip-hop as protest music these days--and that's not to take away from the other topical raps Boots is capable of articulating. The Coup's style is pretty laid back, almost ambient, and I think you Southern heads would dig it... Boots's drawl and delivery are reminiscent of Devin the Dude or even Big Boi.

This just in: Common is gay

I wonder if that's a Gap hoodie...

The Ultimate Summer Mix

In case you can't tell by the title of this entry, I am about to grace you with what is the "ultimate summer mix". I don't pride myself in many things, but one thing I do think I can do well is make a good 19-song mix for my car or a mix for a party. With that said, is there any time during the year more needy of a good mix than the summer?

Ans: No.

So, without further adieu, here is my Summer Mix 2007. (Double Album).

Disc 1

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"2 Step (Remix)" - DJ Unk feat. T-Pain & Jim Jones
"Tatted Up" - The Alliance feat. Fabo (D4L)
"Keys Open Doors" - Clipse
"We Run This" - Missy Elliott
"Smash Your Head" - Girl Talk
"The Game" - Common
"Buy You A Drink (Shauty Snappin') - T-Pain feat. Young Joc
"Walk It Out Freestyle" - Lil Wayne
"Shakey Dog" - Ghostface Killah
"Beautiful Girls (Remix) - Sean Kingston feat. Sheek Louch
"The Zoo" - R. Kelly
"What a Job" - Devin the Dude feat. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000
"My Block Freestyle" - Cam'ron, Juelz, & Jim Jones
"Music Is My Hot Hot Sex" - CSS
"Notorious" - Notorious B.I.G feat. Puff Daddy and Lil Kim
"Old School" - Lil Wayne
"That's My DJ" - Girl Talk
"Rehab (Remix)" - Amy Whinehouse feat. Jay-Z
"Stronger" - Kanye West
"Push" - Enrique Iglesias feat. Lil Wayne
"Ringtone" - R. Kelly
"Ghost Ride It" - Mistah F.A.B.

Disc 2

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"Bittersweet" - Kanye West feat. John Mayer
"Alright" - Ratatat feat. Memphis Bleek
"Party Like A Rockstar" - Shop Boys
"Dope Boy Fresh" - Three 6 Mafia
"Upgrade U Freestyle" - Lil Wayne
"Umbrella" - Rihanna feat. Jay-Z
"Hold Up" - Girl Talk
"Pop Lock and Drop It" - Huey
"International Players Anthem" - UGK feat. Outkast
"Kick Push (Remix)" - Lupe Fiasco feat. Pharrell
"Can't Tell Me Nothing" - Kanye West
"(Bonus Track)" - Lil Scrappy
"Act A Fool" - Lil Jon feat. Three 6 Mafia
"Big Shit Poppin'" - T. I.
"Too Deep" - Girl Talk
"Chop Me Up" - Justin Timberlake feat. Timbaland & Three 6 Mafia
"A Bay Bay" - Hurricane
"I'm A Flirt (Remix)" - R. Kelly feat. T. I. & T-Pain
"We Takin Over Freestyle" - Lil Wayne

So There It Is. Mostly new stuff, with a few jams from summers past sprinkled in. Download em or buy em, I don't care. Just get em and have a crunk summer. I know it may seem a little ATL heavy, but guess what? That's where all the party music comes from. It's what we do.

Keepin' up with the Joneses, or the Westes for that matter!!

Around the time of Late Registration, a song Kanye made with John Mayer started bein' rumored 2 be on it called "Bittersweet". Alas, album dropped and the song wasn't there, but this time, they decided 2 give out the entire track instead of the first like 15 seconds of the shit. This updated version still has John Mayer on it, but added Keyshia Cole to the mix (who doesn't really do shit on it btw), but that's neither here nor there. Enjoy it bitches, lemme know what u think...

Damn, son!

I am gonna have to cop this dude's album. Koch scores again!

AKON is my hero!!!

As of today, Akon is my new favorite artist, hero, idol, and mentor. Since he came onto the music scene I have had very mixed feelings about old dude. I don't like a lot of his songs, and have never bought one of his albums, nor did I ever think I would. The one thing you couldn't knock about Akon up until this point was dudes hustle. He is flat out on that grind and gettin PAID right now. As of this week however, we definitely shouldn't doubt Akons future as a professional wrestler either. Recently at a concert, some dip shit fan hurled a projectile at akon and struck him right in his grill. Akon then had security bring this ass hat on stage, and proceeded to unleash a move Hulk Hogan himself would have to be proud of. Instead of simply having this jerk removed, Akon decides it better to shot put this dude off stage simply cuz he can. No matter what anyone says Akon, I concur with your decision and hope that you make it a signature part of your act. watching you throw some random ass hole off stage for me is well worth the price of admission. May I point out that not only did akon throw this dude, he did it with great velocity and accuracy to boot. We should all applaud his efforts and he should be commended. This incident for all you non-believers out there is just another example that yes there is a god, and that he is great and mighty one at that. How can you not believe in a higher power when he not only wakes you up everyday, but provides us all with humorous episodes like this on a daily basis. Ladies and gentlemen these are the little things god does to make life just a little bit sweeter for us all. Watch the clip I doubt you will be disappointed. Since some of my computer illiterate friends don't seem to get how it works when we post links on here, CLICK HERE to see AKON molly wop this fool. hopefully that is simple enough for you.

Hyphy's First Classic?

Although it’s received quite a lot of criticism (I see you el), the “hyphy movement” has been a blessing for Bay Area hip-hop, which before last year’s newfound attention had been suffering from a decade-long commercial drought. Stupidity aside, hyphy has united Bay Area artists and provided local rappers a much-needed springboard to national exposure. Nevertheless, consistency has never been one of the genre’s strengths. Sure there have been some great songs, but we’ve yet to have a hyphy long-player that goes as hard as 90’s Bay classics like E-40’s In a Major Way or 3x Krazy’s Stackin’ Chips. Enter West Coast Vaccine, the new album from Vallejo’s Turf Talk.

If you’re not from the Bay, chances are you’ve never heard of Turf, but the lil’ homey has been doin’ his thing for a good couple of years now. Turf has the distinction of being E-40’s cousin, but he easily holds his own as a rapper, possessing a truly unique style that stands out even in a region known for its rappers’ unorthodox flows. Like E-40 or Keak da Sneak, Turf Talk is somewhat of an acquired taste (no homo), but his high-pitched, nasal cadence becomes addictive upon repeat listens. He’s also pretty damn funny, sprinkling his verses with hilarious one-liners that seem to owe nothing to the rappers who’ve come before him. While Turf’s flow is clearly a product of the Bay (and of the Sick Wid It fam), it’s also completely original, a quality that’s refreshing in a genre that too often seems to reward conformity. Though his influences are present, clearly Turf is his own man.

Of course any rapper is only as good as his production, and the beats on Vaccine don’t disappoint. Whereas 40’s Ghetto Report Card relied heavily on the Southern bounce of Lil’ Jon, Vaccine’s production is completely a Bay Area affair, resulting in a sound that, rather than being a “cousin of crunk,” is its own thing entirely. Hyphy architect Rick Rock supplies the bulk of the beats, pushing his compositions even farther into spaced-out madness (the monstrous “Holla At You”), while up-and-comer Droop-E (E-40’s son) also contributes several tracks, showcasing a newfound versatility on bangers like “Broke N*ggas!” and “Stop Snitchin.” Also present behind the boards are Oakland vet EA-Ski (aka “the Bay’s Dr. Dre”) and San Jose’s Traxxamillion, the mastermind behind Keak da Sneak's “Superhyphy.” Lest the album become too “dummy retarded,” as they say, Turf drops a few laid-back joints, such as the soulful album intro, that reflect his years spent in LA as an adolescent (growing up he split time between V-Town and Southern Cali.)

At 21 tracks, West Coast Vaccine is a bit bloated, but considering the length there are remarkably few duds. The beats knock hard as fuck (particularly in a nice car stereo) and Turf stays on point lyrically and vocally throughout, often completely readjusting his style to fit a given track. Bottom line: the shit slaps. Hate on the Bay if you must, but please at least listen to this album first.

...

I know none of you reading this are gonna run out and cop this joint, so I’ve posted the entire thing for download. Check it out, and if you like it consider buying a real copy or at least checking for Turf’s next project. I guarantee this shit is ten times better than the new Fabolous.

Ya'll Bay Area Nigs Got Problems!!

At first I wasn't gonna pay this clip no mind, but when I saw it pop up 4 like the 3rd straight time, I decided to take a chance on it. Now since I've been around my nigga BK (Richmond California, stand up!!) at school 4 the past 4 yrs, I became in tune with that Bay Area shit, but this time around, ya'll niggas is really trippin'. This new video called "Cupcakin" has showed up on a bunch of sites I've been on, receivin' comments like "classic" and "that next shit", which solidifies my thought that ya'll Bay Area niggas have lost ya'll fuckin' minds. I mean hyphy is cool, everybody wanna wild out from time to time, but shit like dancin' on top of movin' vehicles, words like "shaboobalaboobly", goin' "yellow school bus dumb" (whatever the fuck that means), and wearin' printed hoodies knowin' damn well its like 100 degrees over there is beyond my reasonin'.

All ya'll need Jesus...

Real Hip-Hop Network

Many of the problems in the hip hop community are due to the generational gap and lack of understanding the figurative chasm between them creates. Many people see the older sects as dated, and irrelevant at this point. 50 says O.G. simply stands for old goat, I on the other hand feel relieved that two certified O.G, hip hop greats decided to come back and save hip hop and black tevelsion from themselves.

KRS ONE, Kid Capri, and a music exec Atonn Muhammed, the president and CEO of the SSM Music Group, have been working on launching a TV channel for the past year or so. Its called The Real hip hop Network and will portray hip hop in a fair and balanced light, something the game has been missing since...well I suppose its never had it. The channel is going to be all encompassing from what I understand. You can tell KRS and Capri feel much like the readers and authors of this blog, and to some extent our still torn in regards to what the channels official platform will be. Sure I'd love to see a lesser known artists on tv, Or shows with more substance than Rap City (as it is today not circa 90's-'01) 106 and park, and MTV's sucker free. but at the sametime whether we like to admit it or not, we all like hearing some Three six, Game, Jeezy or any of the other masogonistic artists of the day. Thats just part of what hip hop is. Parts of it are grimey, violent, sexist but that is not compulsary of the art form. which is why this station is such a great idea. Rap fans are hypocrital by nature, much more so than any other music fans. We listen to it all and love it for what its worth, we bump our heads while talkin shit about the artist, we say it's dead then go buy the new releases that week. Hypocrasy is what we do, and its what we do best.

Whether its Deloris Tucker, Don Imus, or your grand parents, I dont think one hip hop enthusiast has not had that one particular annoying ass conversation. you know the one where you try and defend the music you love, but its hard because obviously they are ignorant to all the music that doesnt fit into the categories of gangsta rap, southern gangsta rap, east coast gangsta rap, and strip club music? As frustrating as this conversation can be, can you really blame them? whose fault is it? The consumer? The radio and television programmers? I think we all play a role. again the hypocrasy of rap and human nature for that matter applies here. KRS-ONE and Capri contend although they won't encourage it, you will hear some ho's and bitches's and nigga's on their channel just like the others, that as we all know is just part of the game and always will be. KRS obviously is still in touch with the side of him that said "Roxanne Shante is only good for steady F%@%'n" However it WILL NOT be a 24/7 thing like with B.E.T and MTV, but B.E.T especially.

Not to get on some racial ish but allow me to get on my 400 year old soap box for a minute. B.E.T was started by a black man, and he got rich off it. So rich that he was able to buy an NBA team and basically name it after himself. B.E.T is not owned by black folks anymore, but its programmed by black people, and a black woman at that. Do I like it when people like Imus desribe women that look like my mother or sister as nappy headed hoes? no, infact I hate it. Do I like it when people feel they can say certain things because snoop said it or cuz nelly slid his black card down some girls ass? no. But it pisses me off even more when B.E.T, which last time I checked stands for Black Entertainment Television portrays black women as hoes, and black males as thugs 22 out of 24 hours a day, and has done so for years now. Much of life is about accountability, you cannot do what B.E.T has done, then call foul when its become acceptable socially. Then again im sure NO ONE got what ever prejudicde thoughts they may have reinforced afterwatching the last season of College Hill...don't even get me started.

My only problem with the channel, is that its going to be a premium joint. It will cost you extra through whatever cable service picks it up. In my opinion the monetary component of the equation spells death for the fledgling network before it even hits the ground running. If you can remember MTV2 started out the same way and eventually ended up being on generic cable. I doubt it, but hopefully this new network will meet the same fate. Its needed, its necessary, and long over due.

Is Kanye really ready 2 Graduate?!?

So another song from Kanye West's Graduation has leaked to the internet, this time the song "Stronger." After listenin' 2 it, I duno if the shit is genius, or the worst fuckin' song he's ever been responsible for (even wacker than that shit he did 4 Brandy a couple years ago). Now the question must be asked, am I forcin' myself 2 like this shit, or is it actually the shit? For right now, I'ma go with my first thought and say that this song is gay, but I might re-nig later, fuck it, who knows. What do ya'll think of this joint?

By the way, "Can't Tell Me Nothing" is still THAT shit...

The best and worst producer-rappers of all time (part 2 of 3): The Best

Disclaimer: Let me be very clear what I’m judging on here. In making these rankings, the criteria I looked for were creativity (talent), originality, and strength of catalogue. This list is completely independent of sales, although I had to discriminate based on legacy; for example, despite the fact that I think J-ZONE is one of the best producer-rappers, and has been for six or seven years, I can’t bring myself to put him in the top 5 simply because most of you, at best, have probably only heard his name. I added the honorable mentions at the bottom for people who deserve recognition in this category but don’t make the top 5 cut. To review what a producer-rapper entails, see my part 1 article.

1. André Benjamin & Antwan Patton (Outkast)
The most creative group to ever grace the stages of hip-hop began producing its own music on ATLiens, and went on to produce for other Dirty South associates like Killer Mike. After they projected “’96 gon’ be that year” on “Elevators,” it seemed like every year since has been Outkast’s, garnering international attention, Grammy awards, and ever-expanding clout in the hip-hop world. Outkast broke from traditional hip-hop boundaries with Stankonia in 2000, to worldwide acclaim. Nowadays they possess the Midas touch of hip-hop, and their unorthodox contributions to hip-hop and black music continue to captivate hip-hop audiences everywhere.
Best Cut: “Wheelz of Steel” (1996); “Humble Mumble” (2000)
2. DJ Quik
As a friend of mine pointed out recently, Quik’s career may not be the most consistent out there. It would be hard to call any of his albums classic because they always seem to lack fluidity, variety, and uniformity. Nevertheless, it becomes very clear from reviewing his career greatest hits that Quik belongs in the top 2. He is the perfect embodiment of west coast hip-hop, and is responsible for dozens of self-produced hits, from “Sweet Black Pussy” to “Pitch In Ona Party” to his newest, “Can U Werk Wit Dat.” His voice is one of the most recognizable, and while it lends to his comic charisma, we have to take seriously his unparalleled knack for poppy production and rhymes to match.
Best Cut: “Hand In Hand” (1998)
3. Dr. Dre
The fact that Dre employs the writing of others doesn’t shake his position as one of the greatest producer-rappers ever. He, perhaps more than anyone still making hip-hop, has proven that he can adjust with the times—at least three decades worth. He has a reputation for being a meticulous figure in the studio, and his perfectionism manifests in his well-polished music. Dre is one of hip-hop’s great business minds and a genius musically, always a student of music and searching out a new way to do things. I can’t justify his accomplishments here in one sitting—somewhere down the line we will have to designate a real Dre Day.
Best Cut: “Let Me Ride” (1992)
4. Lord Finesse
Damn it feels good to see people up on it. An unbiased listening of The Funky Technician will convince anyone that, even in 1990, Finesse was a great producer of his time, and a rapper way ahead of it. Emerging from the hardcore depths of East Coast hip-hop, Finesse influenced the entire region’s musical output for years. I always forget how influential he is until I go back, listen to this album, and realize how many of his lines have been straight jacked by later rappers. Finesse’s may not survive prominently in the public eye, but he left his mark on D.I.T.C., as well as going on to produce for legends like The Notorious BIG, The Artifacts, Jay-Z, and Big L.
Best Cut: “The Funky Technician” (1990)
5. MF DOOM
DOOM is the only underground character to make this list, and unlike his stagnation in the underground caste, he made the list for good reason. Building a cult following since the late 1990s, which I proudly call myself a part of, MF (Metal Fingers) is an anomaly of his time, when rappers must be flossin’, blingin’ criminal replicas of one another. He is an imperfect, vulnerable portrait of a beaten black man, a street poet whose production bleeds emotions of the highest human capacity. He received probably his greatest exposure on his last projects, including an appearance on De La Soul’s last album, the highly acclaimed Madvillainy (with Madlib) and a collab with Danger Mouse, Dangerdoom. While lately his rapping has been his more foregrounded talent, the production he demonstrates as early as Operation: Doomsday is outstanding.
Best Cut: “Doomsday” (2000)

Honorable Mentions/People to watch out for (Descending order): Madlib, Cee-Lo, J-ZONE, Devin the Dude, El-P, Cool Calm Pete

Poet hustlers and tha graveyard shift

Bone-Thugs are clearly the most poetic hustlers on the graveyard shift, and I have been a big fan since the song crossroads opened my eyes to one of the best west coast rap CD’s I’ve ever heard (and their first CD) “E. 1999 Eternal.” If you haven’t heard it, you need to. But what I don’t understand, after buying and listening to their new CD, “Strengh & Loyalty,” is why I bought a Bone-Thugs CD and got a compilation with everyone and their mother on it. Everyone and their mother = (Akon; Mariah Carey; The Game; Bow Wow; Will.i.am; Swizz Beatz; Yolanda Adams and Twista) I mean, I am all for a guest or maybe two blessing an album. But I’m sorry; I didn’t buy a Bone-Thugs album to listen to Bow Wow. I was, and still am, extremely disappointed by this album and will not purchase another Bone-Thugs album till it is free and clear of ALL guest artists. What makes me more upset is that they have so much potential to make great music… but little Bow Wow, come on.

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RZA, Take Notes

I may be a little late coming to this one, but the other day I finally heard "914," the first single from Pete Rock's next solo project on Nature Sounds, NY's Finest. Now I'm a huge Pete Rock fan (some might say dick rider), but I gotta admit I was a little concerned about what the album would sound like, especially after hearing "The PJ's," a lukewarm joint with Rae and Masta Killa off the last Nature Sounds comp. Thankfully, I can now say that all my fears have been erased, because "914" is a monster.

Pete Rock ft Styles P & Sheek Louch - "914"

As the landscape of hip-hop has changed, Rock has seen himself stripped of major label backing and restricted by tougher sampling laws that prohibit the expansive production style he pioneered on albums like Mecca and the Soul Brother and The Main Ingredient. Nevertheless he keeps on dropping gems (albeit often under the radar), showcasing a modified style that makes the most out of short, unrecognizable samples and choppy, hard-hitting drums. "914" is a perfect example; it eschews the jazzy style of Pete's earlier work for a simpler, grimier sound that perfectly complements the ruggedness of MCs Styles P and Sheek Louch. In fact, the D-Block soldiers sound more at home over Pete's production than they have for most of their career (who ever thought it was a good idea to pair The Lox with Swizz Beatz, anyway?)

Hip-hop fans have notoriously short memories, so it's only natural that true-school icons like Rock be relegated to the genre's "underground." What's remarkable is that the man keeps putting out such high-quality material after almost twenty years in the game. His continued creativity (and that of peers like Premier) is a model for aging hip-hop producers, who with enough passion and drive should be able to keep doing this shit until they die.

...

NY's Finest (Nature Sounds) is scheduled for an October release. The tentative guest list includes Papoose, Jim Jones, The Lox, Raekwon, Ghostface, Masta Killah, Cappadonna, Redman, Slum Village and MF Doom.

Is Lauryn Hill On the Pipe?

I hope so, because that's the only way I'm gonna give her a pass for this one. Yes folks, Ms. Hill is back, but not with the brilliant album we've all awaited these past ten years. No, she's back with a song on the soundtrack to the animated film Surf's Up.

Lauryn Hill - "Lose Myself"

Damn. I knew this bitch was crazy, but DAMN. It is truly hard to believe that the raggedy-voiced chick singing over this Will.i.am. knock-off track is the same woman responsible for masterpieces like The Score and Miseducation. I thought 'Clef fell off, but I'd bump his Ying Yang collaboration any day over this bullshit.

Maybe Lauryn just likes penguins. Then again, maybe she is certifiably insane and lives only to torment fans with false promises of comeback albums and Fugees reunions. Either way, this is one of the most depressingly unlistenable pieces of music I've heard in a minute. Somewhere, Pras is turning in his grave.

Fuck T.I., it's T.I.P. all day!!!

I feel T.I. on the dual personality shit cuz I go thru the same type of shit (Lawrence vs. LC, anybody who knows me knows the deal), but rightfully so, one of those personalities is gonna be the man and the other is kind of a bitch, for lack of better phrasin'. With that bein' said, throughout T.I.'s career, all of his songs have been kinda gay while T.I.P. has always held it down, which is y albums like I'm Serious and Trap Muzik were the shit (T.I.P. nigga), while certain parts of Urban Legend and King were 'flush down the toilet' type of shit (it's all ur fault T.I.).

From the sampler of his new album T.I. vs. T.I.P. that I've heard, the same story applies. When left to T.I., he makes music that he thinks ppl wanna listen to (WRONG NIGGA!!), while T.I.P. makes dat dope boy music dat got him his real acclaim in the first place.

T.I.P. should take a tip from Fight Club, maybe if he puts a gun 2 his head and shoot himself, maybe T.I. will die. Good riddens nigga...

Beanie Sigel is more 'Mo Than Kanye and Pharrell

Last week my associate Hook posted a clip of Beanie Sigel raggin' on Kanye and Pharrell 4 the clothes they be wearin', basically callin' them gay becuz they ain't out there in 9x shirts and shorts so long that they look like fuckin' capri pants. Beanie claimed that ppl in the hood don't wear that and they shouldn't look up 2 these dudes. Now first off, Kanye and Pharrell never said they were speakin' 4 the hood, so how u fault dem 4 that. Secondly, u a different type of rapper then dem, so what's cool 2 u may not be cool 2 dem. Now I don't agree wit all da shit they wear, cuz when Kanye wuz on some red carpet wit his chest hairs stickin' out I wuz thoroughly disturbed, but hey that's his decision (also, Kanye, grown men wit big Louis bags is kinda gay, they look like purses).

Now for all the talk of who's gay and who's not, here's an old ass clip of a Peedi Crakk freestyle that showcases Beanie doin' some overly gay mannerisms around Peedi. After watchin' this, it begs the question, is Beanie gettin' on the dudes (no pun intended), cuz he secretly likes men??

By the way, I'm still lookin' 4ward 2 his album... The Becoming wuz the shit...

Hook's Original Blog
Beanie Gay?

The Evil Genius

R.Kelly's new album is coming out in 3 days. Prepare Yourself.

All I have been waiting for is T.I. vs. T.I.P. to come out b/c it's going to be a classic, but momentarily, it is going to have to take a backseat to Double Up, another classic installment in the Pied Piper's extensive discography.

So, R. Kelly is the classic example of separating the man from the music. You have to. He knows that he is rediculous. We know he's rediculous. That's the fun of it all. He knows he can sing absolutely anything and not only will it sell, but it will sound great and be oh-so catchy.

Between the gazillion remixes he has been on in the past 6 months (and killed each one, by the way), and his own "I'm a Flirt (Remix)", I can't wait for Tuesday.

Luckily for myself and all the other music fiends out there, the album leaked 4 days ago. I have only 1 song, and let me just say I'm floored.

Title: "Sex Planet"

Description: A 5:35 minute opus using every possible metaphor connecting space and sex. (Think Ignition, but better-- there are so many more things in space than a vehicle)

Sample Lyric:
"Girl I promise this will be painless, painless/
We'll take a trip to planet Uranus, anus"

You have to hear it to believe it. I'm laughing outloud just writing that down.

Here. Listen to it right now. (Props to Idolator.com for the leak)

"Sex Planet"

3 Days.

The best and worst producer-rappers of all time (part 1 of 3)

Young hooks's article about his abhorrence of Kanye's rapping got me thinking about producer-rappers. I'm not the hugest Kanye fan but he's a great producer and I'd even say I can respect him as a rapper, especially among the handful of other garbage MC's, like MIMS, that are constantly being flushed through the mainstream.

But Kanye's accomplishments are even more impressive if we consider what it entails to be, as Dre said in "Gin & Juice": "a producer who can rap and control the maestro at the same time." From a business standpoint, producer-rappers occupy the ultimate position of artist autonomy in hip-hop, and perhaps in music in general. That explains why often producer-rappers are also entrepreneurial company heads, like Master P and P Diddy. Hip-hop players like them control the output of the product from beginning to end, from market potential to song design to song creation, and ultimately to marketing the song en masse. They also get full royalty payments--copyrights belong half to the 'writer' and half to the 'producer,' meaning that a producer-rapper reaps in all the cash.

So in general a producer-rapper avoids getting done in by major labels. He also streamlines the creative process of music, avoiding the power struggle that can emerge between the lyricist and the musical mind, which arises especially as a duo becomes more popular (Dr. Dre/Eazy-E during NWA is a prime example). In essence there is no room for "creative differences" that so commonly extinguish groups before they reach their full potential.

And lastly, we have to recognize the tremendous amount of talent that producer-rappers possess. They are the singer/songwriters of rap, having the ability to both compose music and complement it with a display of lyrical mastery. Think about it. Most people can't rap. Of those who can, most rappers can't rap well. And even people who rap well oftentimes don't reach our ears because they, for some reason or another, can't penetrate the industry. When they do, how many of them can produce as well?

Conversely, making quality beats is extremely difficult, requiring intensive knowledge of music theory, hip-hop, other genres (for samples/pastiche), and technology. Few producers have time, energy, or talent for perfecting their writing and rapping skills. Most producers stick to the music because good production is in such short supply, whereas all you need is vocal chords and familiarity with a language to be a rapper (also, alcohol and weed help).

So, even if a rapper's beats can get sloppy or a producer's rapping can be subpar at times, we have to respect producer-rappers. They control their careers and artistic process more than most artists, and display immense talent and/or market savvy.

I was originally gonna list out the best and worst producer-rappers in this article, but it looks like I had a lot to say introducing the subject. So part 2 will be the Best; part 3 the Worst. You can all help me now in listing out all the producer-rappers. I brainstormed the ones I could think of, which are below. But I don't wanna forget someone and look like an idiot. So let me have 'em!

Producers who can rap and control the maestro:
Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, Daz Dillinger, J-ZONE, J-Live, El-P, Lil' Jon, Eminem, Benzino, MF DOOM, Madlib, Jermaine Dupri, P Diddy, Devin the Dude(?), Jaz-O (?), Timbaland, Havoc of Mobb Deep

Def Jam About To Go Broke!!

In the last few years, with the sales of most major hip hop related projects dyin' down, u can tell that record companies r losin' faith in their artists with the low budget videos bein' filmed, the almost zero real promotion goin' in these projects and the number of one hit wonders as opposed to long lastin' artists. With that bein' said, I was lookin' at the supposed track listin' for Fabolous' new album From Nothin' To Somethin', and I was thinkin' 2 myself, this has to be the most expensive fuckin' album I've ever seen put together. Now that means one of 2 things, either Def Jam (i.e. LA Reid 'cause Jigga don't really do nuttin' over there), has completely lost its damn mind, or they really think that Fab can move those kind of units 2 make up for that fact that if this album came out in the last 2, 3 years, they go broke. I mean shit, with all that damn personnel, I expect to see so many Fab posters around that I can't a shit in my own house with hearin' about him, but nope, I haven't got that feelin'. Just one mediocre, customary song for the ladies, "Make Me Better", another mediocre, customary song about ice, "Diamonds" (brilliantly titled, sike), and another mediocre, customary song about hustlin, "Return Of The Hustle" (fuck it, I like that song). I mean, Def Jam better say a lot of Hail Mary's for that album 2 sell...

Track Listing
"Make Me Better"
"Diamonds"
"Return Of The Hustle"

Best Child Rapper Ever

When we think young adolescent rappers who are the first that come to mind? for many its probably Bow Wow and little Romeo. For me it's Shyheim and Shyheim again in that order. Yea Bow Wow made hits like"Ghetto Girls", but Shyheim made Hip Hop classics that will live on for true heads forever. For all you closet Bow Wow fans out there be clear! "Bow wow: that's my name" is not a classic. In 1994 Shyheim released "Shyheim a.k.a the Rugged Child" and made his splash in the music industry. Being only a youngster myself when I heard his cassette tape...yes that's right CASSETTE TAPE a friends brother had given me I was totally blown away. I remember sitting in my bed at night amazed that a kid could rap like this. "On and On" the albums best song and single earned Shyheim respect from rap fans and industry heavyweights alike. I mean dude was put on by Ghostface, and on every track he ever spit on whether it was with Wu-Tang, or Big Daddy Kane he held his own. He released this album at around 14, and his soft prepubescent voice spewed out lyrical gems for 15 tracks. Shyheim's voice is what really got you, cuz it made you listen and only further reiterated he point that this kids soul, flow and consciousness were ahead of his time. I'm not gonna give you this guys complete bio and discography. Hopefully I sparked interest enough for you to seek out some of his later underground and mainstream releases. It's always better to stumble upon dope music on your own than have someone lead you to it, at least in my opinion. Anyways if you haven't heard him before I know you've seen him. Old boy has been in a few movies like "The Preachers Wife" and "Original Gangstas", which unfortunately is actually a pretty fair portrayal of what my old mans hometown is like. I'm also pretty sure he was on that TV show the "Parenthood" a few times too. Please check out Shyheim, he's got a lot of good music out there, so seek it out. I doubt you will be disappointed.

Also I know this has nothing to do with rap, but is anyone else hyped that ESPN Classic is showing old American Gladiators episodes? I know I am. Zapp without a doubt till this day is still the largest woman I have ever seen.