Pick up the Hammer

50 has vitamin water and G unit clothing. Jay does Budweiser commercials, and recently sold Roca-Wear for multi-millions. Kanye had those pepsi commercials last year. Lugz even gave Funk Master Flex a shoe. We could spend all day listing the endorsements the rappers of today are blessed to have. However the man who started it all was MC Hammer. This guy had a saturday morning cartoon (now andre 3000 has one) , Pepsi commercials, and a shoe contract with British Knights WAY before Jay or 50 even thought about it. Hammer was rediculued, and called a sell-out by much of the rap community. People said he was soft, smiled too much, and for a rapper was to accepted by white america, something incredibly taboo at the time. Now when they go out and do the same thing they are given props for it. We can all make our jokes about his lost fortune, crazy clothes, and at the time larger than life persona, but still need to pay respect where it is due. haha despite what I've just said even I cannot resist takin one last dig at the hammer man. I give you "pumps in a Bump", recorded during his Death Row days at the end of his career.

Now That's Classic

Rarely do you get true heavyweights of the same genre to come together for one song. Well, listeners have been blessed with a primetime lineup of MC’s for the song “Classic”. It’s technically a “Kanye West featuring” song, but he spits the worst verse. His verse is actually quite good, but the other three men (Rakim, Nas, KRS-One) are on another planet when it comes to lyrics. One could argue that Kanye doesn't even belong on this track, but I'm not mad at him... He gives a valiant effort. On top of these four premier rappers, you’ve got DJ Premier, argurably the greatest DJ ever, mixing the track.

The song is a breath of fresh air in rap. All four are on top of their game and are speaking big-boy, grown-up rhymes.

Kanye: "If it’s classic, it’s gonna last forever then. I’m everywhere you’ve never been and better than I’ve ever been."

Nas: "Perserverence. See the fake hustler rapper, to them, it hurts to hear this. Oh you went platinum, ooh that’s nice. Now let me see you do the same twice."

"When you do make the whip you like, the chips ain’t right. By the time you could afford it, the car ain’t important."

KRS-One: "This is the difference between an MC and a rapper. Rappers spit rhymes that are mostly illegal. MC’s spit rhymes that uplift they people. Peace, love, unity, having fun. These are the lyrics of KRS-One."

Rakim: "Ask the teenagers, OG’s, and ask the kids. What they definition of classic is. Timeless, so age don’t count in the booth, when you flow stay submerged in the fountain of youth."

Please listen to it, the beat is hot, the message is hot, and argurably the crunkest part is they give mad shoutouts to the most classic of kicks, Air Force Ones.

And watch the video. It’s beautiful, from the people doing the crazy graffiti on the streets to seeing Rakim and KRS-One back in the booth to watching Premier going crazy on the beat.

Enjoy.

My take on recent events in Hip-Hop

Thoughts on hip-hop happenings recent and not so recent

Nash's bathroom battles: Hip-hop and basketball are tied at the hip. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Even if they didn't want to be, the media portrays both in the same light. Often negatively and dominated by tatted up black males between the ages of 4 and 30. Remember the Nike freestyle commericials back in the day, where the sounds of the game made beats? (nike freestyle) . Unfortunately one man single handedly sullied this relationship forever with his disgusting comments a few sunday's ago. Steve "MVP" Nash talking about his explosive diarhea on national tv. THAT IS NOT HIP-HOP! Where is Puffy when we need him. That's right PUFFY, not Diddy! I want the guy who goes into a club with J-LO, shoots it up, and gets away with it. I want Mr. Shiny suit man, Mr. take that, take that, Mr. Can't stop won't stop. Puffy I beg you, PLEASE take time out to stop preserving your sexy with proactive and crack this cat in the head with a crystal bottle! Much like you did steve stout after he released the hate me now video.

2. Rah Digga Leaves Flipmode: Well done baby girl, just like 10 years too late! Flipmode is NOT "the squad" it's a one man band and always will be.

3. Flavor Flav's Hip-hop pass revoked: Yes thats right! and it hurts me to say it, but even the greatest hype man that ever lived cannot be forgiven for the crimes he has commited against humanity. Putting that ugly skank New York on national tv was a hate crime purpetrated against all of us. At first I let it slide cuz Hoopz was brought into the lime light, and as The Game has told us she trades clothes for sex which is alright by me. But then VH1 gave New York her own show! NY saddled up her skanky transvestite mom and rode her right into our living rooms, initiating involuntary vomiting nation wide. The panic has been widespread and the victims are countless. Flav and Flav alone is to blame, he needs to be punished.

4. Rap Cheerleaders: Do you know dipset? Are you related to camron, or Jim jones? Does 50 make you ham sandwiches and toast the bread just how you like it. I THOUGHT NOT! so stop jock ridin and reppin these dudes like you have any relevance to their lives personally. Its one thing to be a fan, its another to be a cheerleader. Many of you out there have not only crossed the line, you let Steve Nash drop a deuce on it, then proceeded to pick up your pom poms.

5. Shovel beating: Yo son Loon hit 40 cal with a shovel( podcast interview can be heard here)... that's really all I got, it speaks for itself. GENIUS! and a great gimmick. If he revives his career he should carry a shovel as his trademark. Much like Jay's button up's, the chip on 50's shoulder, or Kanye's innate ability to find new ways to piss people off

Where Whould They Be Today?

Where would they be today? Not an easy question...unless your Nostradamus.

I have something that I have been meaning to write for a minute now that I need to get off my chest… so if you’ll bare with me I’ll try and make it quick (and you might even learn something). A couple weeks ago, on the anniversary of Biggie’s untimely murder, there was a couple days in which hip-hop remembered the murder of Biggie. During this week they played a lot of his music and talked about his influence. Here is where my problem comes into play… When people pose the question “where would Biggie be now?”… In which the response if often several minute long about how Biggie would be the ultimate human. He would be the most influential person not just in hip-hop, but in the entire world… basically his dookie would twinkle with diamonds.

Many people fall into this trap. They simply take the success someone was having after they died, times it by how many years they have been dead… and take that number to the power of the age they were when they died. When the fact is NO ONE KNOW’s where Biggie would be now if he were alive. He may have continued his success, or he may have tailed off a bit. But it is more then likely that he would come out with at least one bad CD, if not several.

Imagine if Jay-Z would have died after Black Album, or if Big Boi would have died after Stankonia, or if LL Cool J would have died after Bigger And Deffer. Don’t you think just maybe it would be their posters on your wall, and maybe they might have gone down as the best rappers of all time… Just a thought.

Part of his success is, sadly, his death. So without his death, we would not be the icon he is today, and though he would have plenty of fans and considered a great rapper, he would not be appreciated to the extent he is today. Don’t believe me? Ask: James Dean, Kurt Cobain, Bob Marley, Big L, Jimmy Hendrix, 2 Pac… or just look at any college room wall, and see which posters are of people who died unnaturally.

The Duality of the Thug Mentality

I feel like the last time I posted something on here it was of a fairly serious nature, there are other topics I've wanted to write about, but once again I feel compelled to speak my mind. Although HipHop has had a positive impact on the lives of many one of its obvious downsides is the glorification of violence and the "thug" lifestyle. With the recent murder of a close family friend still heavy on my heart I began thinking, and some how my thoughts have found there way to this blog. I'm in college...supposedly. I say supposedly because often times I find myself sorrounded by people who attend my university attempting to present themselves as "thugs". Usually while reciting the lyrics of Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, or another southern gangster rapper. People are funny that way. Often times the people with the most opportunities try to downplay whatever blessings they recieve so as not to appear stuck up. Being poor isnt fun, being a thug isnt fun. People who are forced to be in those situations would get out of it in a heart beat if they felt they could. I wonder why HipHop in some cases has become a detriment to the very people it is supposed to help.

Is it possible hiphop artists have become walking contradictions? Snoop for instance. How many of you remember his last single with B-Real, in which he brought Mexican American and African Americans together in hopes of easing some of the racial tension in L.A.. Upon first hearing about this video I was like FINALLY someone gets it. If you really don't want to sell out and keep it real, then portray the duality that lives in all of us. You're not always thuggin, and your favorite thing in the world is not bagging crack, while eating cornflakes in the morning, followed by an afternoon shooting. Snoop let me down as the song only talked about going to his trunk, loading his gun and killing people...Way to uplift the community. Let snoop uplift you through gunfire here

I dont even know if I make sense right now. I guess my point is NO ONE wants to live that way. We all have to play with the cards we are dealt, and often times some decks have far less cards than others limiting the hand they can possiblyhave. Two men whom I knew personally were murdered this past week. One of the two since his teen years had been locked up more than he had been on the outside. What kind of life is that? He truly was not a bad person and will be missed by many. Many assume all "gangsters" are horrible people, fact is they aren't. Everyone is someones friend, son, daughter, or sibling. Rappers need to portray that side of themselves more often. the dollars they may give to a local charity does not equal the negative impact they have on how many young people interact with the world around them in a negative way. Portraying a thug alpha male lifestyle that truly is not who they are, but what is popular at the time. The greatest gift we all have is to be who we truly are. I fear many rap fans will not do that until hiphop makes it okay to be yourself again.

New Releases

Short List of Some of the CD's Being Released Today:

Baby Boy Da Prince – Across The Water
Devin The Dude – Waitin’ To Inhale
J.Dilla – Ruff Draft
Crime Mob – Hated on Mostly
Everyday Process – Everyday Process (The Process of Illumination & Elimination)
Insane Clown Posse – The Tempest
Young Jeezy – Almost Famous: The Lost Files Vol. 1
DJ Whoo Kid – G-Unit Radio 13: Return of the Mixtape Millionaire
El-P – I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead
Hieroglyphics – Over Time

If you know of others write in the comments.

Mexico, Music and Migraines

After spending a week in Mexico I have never been more appreciative to be from the US. Not because of the obvious reasons like: laws, decent service, somewhat clean smelling air and people not calling me a “pussy” because I don’t want to buy weed or prostitutes from them... no, its because I am not forced to listen to techno and house music all day long. That’s right, in Mexico there is apparently no inappropriate time for house music. After a solid 72 hours of house music I felt like I was losing my mind…and probably was. Its one thing to play techno in a club, and though I don’t really like it…I can accept it as a given. But at 12:30 in the afternoon while trying to relax by the pool with a Corona and attempting to regain myself for the night to come is it really necessary to blare the Techno Remix to “Sweet Caroline” or a Mexico favorite “Dance with the Devil”…

Two simple questions arose while by the pool…where was Bob Marley when I needed him the most? and when did Mexico decide to boycott decent music?

Now back in the US, I am able to reflect on my vacation and really appreciate everything I enjoy about the US culture and all the music we create and enjoy. When I got back to the states I felt like Kevin Costner in Robin Hood when he got back home, kneeled on the beach and made out with the sand. When I go to a club now and hear hip-hop and music that humans can dance to a sigh of relief comes over my body.

“I can give you Sex…I can give you Drugs…And I can give you House… House, House, House.”
-The Devil



If you were in Acapulco this past week you know exactly what I am talking about…and if you weren’t, don’t worry about it.

F**k... excuse me, Buck The World

While bumpin' Young Buck's new album "Buck The World", I realized that everythin' that made me like his records in the first place are still there: the beats, the pretty good lyricism, and the "I don't give a f**k" attitude. Even though I like to think of myself as a self-respecting and uplifting black man, but the hood part of me is still entertain by overly reckless behavior. But while listenin' to the album with the gangsta screw face I realized that with the current decline in sales coupled with the fact that there is a backlash against G-Unit, Young Buck probably won't reach platinum again, even though he is probably the most deservin' out of that wack ass crew called G-Unit (I mean let's be honest, outside of 50, their music is real smediocre).

On top of the new album, I was watchin' a trailer for Buck's reality show that is about to come out on MTV (Reality Show clip), and he was talkin' about how he wants to make a difference in the lives of the youth from around his way. While plenty of ppl say that, watchin' him cry when he saw the son of one of his homies that got killed, made me actually believe that he is a stand up dude, no 'mo. That's actually good to see nowadays since u got so many fake thugs who wanna act like they'll clap women and children and throw them off the roof of a building after kickin' them in the head (sorry for the exaggeration).

With all that bein' said, the moral of the story is, go buy Buck's album on March 20th, it's actually good, and he is about somethin'.

The Legacy of L. Boogie, 'Clef, and Praz

While watching “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” this evening, I fast-forwarded to the final scene, where the surprise guest, The Fugees, re-unite on stage and perform “Mona Lisa (Nappy Heads)” and the prettiest version of “Killing Me Softly” I’ve ever heard. While watching it, I began to think about the great influence the Fugees have had on music.

I think only Public Enemy or 2Pac could stake a claim in being more revolutionary/ahead of their time than the Fugees. They were like nothing before them and nothing since. A rap group with a front-woman who could SING and RAP as good as anyone wasunheard of. The fact that they came out with their album, “The Score” at the height of the gangsta rap era also showed how different and progressive they were. And on top of everything, the Fugees have become so critically acclaimed and influenced so many on basically one album.

The entire “neo-soul” genre that developed in the second half on the 90’s stems from the Fugees. Artists such as Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Common, Talib, Mos Def, and The Roots all show signs in their music of being influenced by the Fugees. Arguably the most important artist the Fugees inspired is Lauryn Hill, the solo artist. One of the few albums I like and respect as much as “The Score” is “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”. It’s a piece of art, and like “The Score”, unlike anything else that was out at the time.

The Fugees, despite their limited discography, will stand the test of time. Their legacy will last partly because of their epic album, “The Score” and partly because it serves as a clear turning point in hip hop music history. Hip hop was forever changed, for the better, once The Fugees came out on the scene and their influence is still felt today.

Supreeme Supreeme

In case people haven't heard of 'em, one of the most talented young acts out there call themselves Supreeme. Supreeme is a triumvirate: King Self, Negashi Armada, and Tom Cruz. These fly guys have ties to Atlanta, Georgia, but don't think you're gonna hear some snapping and walking it out when you listen to them. Instead, you will hear some solid, educated, cocky-ass raw hiphop.

As a Junior in High School, I had heard by word of mouth of some kid at Grady High School, a rival high school, named Negashi who could freestyle better than anyone. Two years later, as a freshman in college, I found myself having my first experience with Supreeme, cranking their debut album Church and State, in my dorm room. I was hooked and have been a fan ever since.

If you find yourself rocking hoodies, at Moes and Joes, sporting 80's shades, shopping in Lil 5, bumping jazz, salsa, James Brown, rock, West Coast, and Outkast in one afternoon, or having a passion for drinking with your friends, you'll vibe to their music. Fresh beats and mature rhymes delivered with a youthful brashness makes Supreeme stand out in the crowd. And did I mention they put on one hell of a live show.

Favorite Songs: "No Love", "Supply and Demand", "Espionage", "U Feel Lucky"

If you're still perplexed by the group, here's how they describe themselves:

In a nutshell, Supreeme is like the combination of James Bond, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, David Bowie, Peter Jennings, Fidel Castro, Neil Young, fine foreign chicks, Bunny Wailer, fly ass exclusive kicks, dark rum, 1996, and an oppressive government all mixed together in a rap format. It's pompous yet honest, fun yet respectable, whimsical but street, basically it's some fly shit.*

Told you them dudes were fly.

Listen up.

Supreeme's Myspace

who is the joke really on?

Just some thoughts on my mind, please respond and tell me your thoughts on the subject

"The White Rapper Show"

I must admit I loved it, and watched every episode. However a question must be raised, who is the joke really on here? I got to thinkin about this when the other night at around 1:30 am some red neck in the apartment building next to mine felt it was ok to shout " turn that shit off niggers" to people who were playing there music way too loud. Before he said that I wanted them to cut it out too, but after his comments I hoped they would play their music even louder. I'm not tryin to get preachy or anything but allow me to hop on my soap box real quick.

Rap and race are connected. If it wasn't, everybody's favorite comedian Dave Chappelle wouldnt have been able to have that scene in the black white supremecist sketch, where a group of white teens are excited at the prospect of being called niggers because of the music pumping out of their car. Let me get to the point. Obviously the show was a competition and I use the word competition VERY loosely, but what made people tune in was how rediculously bad, and fake all the contestants were. But who was really being laughed at? These people for the most part with the exception of Shamrock and Persia, in my opinion pretty much imitate what they THINK black people are like.

Many might refer to the contestants on the show as "wiggers". We all know people like this, some don't have a problem with it, but to me its offensive. It goes back to the ideology of "White Privelege" something that is very real and will always exist. John Brown is a perfect example of this, the guy is a walking contradiction. One minute he's king of the suburbs, the next he's launching the "Ghetto Revival". it would be one thing if he was from the ghetto but he's not. which is why it offended Brand Nubian when they appeared on the show. And his little catch phrase "hallelujah holler back"...like come on dog...really? he can't be serious. John Brown will go back to the suburbs and that hallelujah holler back crap will be left behind in the "ghetto revival" some place. Shows like this only perpetuate the negative stereotypes that are already associated with african americans. So with that said I will leave you with this. It's one thing to be a black person, its entirely different to imitate what you think one is like on tv. When negative stereotypes are common place, and socially acceptable that line between reality and fiction can become blurred. Are black people all like that? do they all dress, talk, and walk that way? A greater mind would say no, but a weaker not necessarily racist, but uneducated one might say yes.

Independent Hip-Hop Festival

Christmas is coming early this year…in the form of an independent hip-hop festival. And instead of Santa bringing you presents under a tree you get three days of raw underground hip-hop. There are going to be over 25 of some of the best underground hip-hop groups from all over the US, mostly on east coast, which is a good thing. If you live in or around Atlanta, GA I highly recommend that you do yourself a favor and schedule the festival into your busy schedule.

A3C Independent Hip-Hop Festival (visit site for more info)
Where: Atlanta, Ga @ the Loft
When: April 12-14
Price: 15$ per night or 32$ for weekend
All Ages
Tickets are on sale now

Tuesday = New CD Day

CD Releases

Twisted Black – Street Fame
Notorious B.IG. – Greatest Hits
Consequence – Don’t Quit Your Day Job (sampled it and liked it)
Zion I – Street Legends

(If you saw last weeks CD releases I think it was a little off, sorry about that. My Sources (Billboard) Sucked. But I think I worked out the kinks)

Enjoy!!!

This Is Why He's Not... Hot

The year 2007 has it's first new star. Will we look back in 10 years and say "hey, 2007 was the year of MIMS"? I surely hope not. Washington Heights' proudest son since J.R. Writer, MIMS (Music Is My Savior) has the number one single in America, "This Is Why I'm Hot."

Now, I don't want to sound anti-New York, or anti-bad music, but this is a very bad song. It's one of this slowest, boringest (not a word) rap songs that I can think of, and I'm just stunned at it's popularity.

Let's just look at one lyric:
"I'm hot cause I'm fly. You ain't cause you not." Moving on...

I mean, the first verse is sort of cool when they incorporate the "Shook Ones", "Jesus Walks", and Casio Keyboard version of "Nothing But a G Thang" beats, but it's still not that great.

MIMS sums up how I feel about his song with one of his own lines:

"This is why i'm hot
I don't got to rap.
I can sell a mil'
Saying nothing on the track."

True story MIMS.... True Story.