BEATS, RHYMES & HYPE

Freddie Gibbs comes through with the video of the year

2012-01-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

With an unlikely entrant as a serious contender for illest video [so far] of 2012 from an even more unlikely duo, rapper Freddie Gibbs and producer extraordinaire Madlib recently released a set of visuals for the title song from their sparse but satisfying Thuggin EP.

I don't know what kind of lifestyle Mr. Gibbs lives when he's not on stage ripping mics with his patented hurried-but-relaxed flow that is at times very Dead Prez-ish (in a good way), but if this video is at least a partial representation of his daily operation, then this man deserves a standing ovation.

And then an arrest warrant.
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[MF] DOOM Opens Up During Recent Exclusive Interview

2011-11-07T20:22:00.001-05:00

Eclectic rapper DOOM last week gave fans a chance to catch a metaphorical glimpse beneath the mystique that is his mask during an interview / listening session as part of the Red Bull Music Academy series of music workshops, where he breaks down numerous topics, including his producing and recording processes; touching on the onset of his career; and the creation and maintenance of his multiple rapping personalities.

Although he never removes his mask, fans will be able to know for sure that, despite his sketchy past live appearances, the man speaking in that unmistakable raspy voice is indeed DOOM.

Surprisingly DOOM isn't the most articulate of individuals, which is apparent throughout the interview despite his fluid gift for gab on wax.

The interview is lengthy (an hour and 40 minutes) but for any diehard fan of DOOM it will be time well spent.

Enjoy.

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Ron Browz Returns With New Album, New Style

2011-11-07T19:44:00.000-05:00

The producer-rapper Ron Browz late last month quietly released his latest studio album, The Christening.

The fact that it was released with little-to-no fanfare or publicity only underscores the rumors of Jay-Z black-balling the beatmaking rapper about a decade ago once NaS came out with Ether, the lone black eye on Jigga's curriculum vitae that was produced by Browz and also the reason for his self-bestowed nickname of Etherboy that inspired the title of his previous album.

Gone are the loud, gaudy beats that helped popularize his music a few years ago. Also conspicuously missing from the soundscape is the gratuitous use of the voice-altering Autotune technology that became his trademark with the hits Pop Champagne and Jumping (Out the Window).

Another nice touch -- no more singing for Mr. Browz, always a wise choice for a rap album.

Instead, Browz takes the novel approach of using his own voice, a practice he's been employing more and more over the past couple of years.

Even with the drastic change to the styles that first endeared him to listeners, his loyal fans should be pleasantly surprised that there is no drop-off in production considering his shift in musical approaches.

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Stop What Ya Doin (Prod. by DJ Premier) By Apathy, Featuring Celph Titled (Video)

2011-10-13T09:48:00.001-04:00

This video for the lead single from Apathy's great new album, Honkey Kong, is long overdue to be posted here.

The proud Connecticut emcee released his third studio album about two months ago and it features expert production from a bunch of unfamiliar names as well as the likes of Evidence and the Beatminerz.

If you want to hear some Hiphop music that is not even close to being watered down with any attempts at gaining mainstream radio play, then I strongly urge you to cop this album NOW.

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NaS -- Nasty (Music Video)

2011-10-11T18:42:00.001-04:00

There's nothing I can say about this track that NaS can't say better, so sit back and enjoy the rhymes delivered in classic God's Son style.

The Irony of Prodigy Rhyming on Jay Electronica's New Record

2011-10-11T15:45:00.003-04:00

Incredible lyrics and on-point rhymes notwithstanding, my almost immediate reaction to finally hearing a legitimately new song from Jay Electronica was to wonder how Prodigy ever scored the coveted feature for what may turn out to be Jay Elec's lead single for his debut album, which many fans have been waiting on for what seems like years now despite him having been signed to Roc Nation for just under a 12 months.

The rapper who was unable to recover from being knocked off course about a decade ago by Jay-Z's Summer Jam sneak attack, Prodigy has made Jay-Z the lyrical object of his scorn ever since, including as recently as in the writings of his autobiography.

So how then did Prodigy manage to secure a verse on the new Jay Electronica song, which was made possible through Roc Nation, Jay-Z's record label?

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Video: Math Hoffa, Double Barrel Feat. Method Man

2011-10-10T18:54:00.000-04:00

This artist was originally featured on this blog as part of my "rap [names] is outta control" series, a reference to his seemingly nonsensical stage name.

However, it's the music that ultimately prevails. And he's got a heatrock on his hands with this one right here, courtesy of equally randomly-named producer J. Glaze.

While it's not the most artistic music video of all time, we do get treated to a Method Man sighting, which had become a rarity since the IRS came after him a couple of years back. And Meth, continuing where he left off on 2006's severely slept on 4:21: The Day After, rips it.

9th Wonder, The Wonder Years Album Review

2011-10-10T12:21:00.000-04:00

It was hard for me at first to fully digest the continuity of pure genius that is 9th Wonder's new album, what with the steady assault from the Jamla family of artists signed to and affiliated with the superproducer's label of the same name.

I mean, a guy can be forgiven for getting caught up in the dizzying array of releases in the weeks leading up to The Wonder Years retailing in stores and online a few weeks ago.

Like a 2011 version of Killah Priest and Cappadonna -- who released their critically acclaimed, 1998 Wu-Tang Clan-affiliated debut albums within a week of one another -- Median and then Phonte both hit us over the head in consecutive weeks with their own respective triumphant reunions with 9th as well as a return from a rap hiatuses. And then, right on there heels comes this album.

Who would have though that eight years after getting his so-called "big break" by lacing Jay-Z with an album cut that 9th would still be bringing the heat on a consistent basis? I did.
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New Raekwon Video: DART SCHOOL

2011-10-10T09:31:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite tracks from the Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang album, in stores now.

Why J. Cole Is Not a Priority to Jay-Z

2011-09-20T08:44:00.000-04:00

As if the lengthy delays after being touted as the next coming by Mr. Carter himself were not proof enough of J. Cole dangerously languishing in Game-like purgatory, it is becoming more and more apparent that Jay-Z has better things to do than foster the growth of his label's new jack rapper.

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New DJ Premier Track Featuring Evidence (Video)

2011-09-09T23:52:00.001-04:00

Premier can't stop, won't stop.

More of that incredible, inimitable sound and style of Hiphop music that solely belongs to him and nobody, except for of course the artists -- like Evidence -- whom Preem generously allows to kick rhymes over what is more times than not the hottest beat said rapper has ever rhymed on.

He's going on damn near a quarter of a century of consistently laying down pure heat for past, current and future generations of Hiphop -- all with a bunch of records (that he can cut and scratch the holy hell out of), some drum and sampling machines, and one of the keenest ears in all of music. An ear that is cosigned by a diverse cast of characters, which makes it all the more impressive.

Oh, and did I mention he always makes whoever he works with reach their full potential? That's a talent that should never be taken for granted.

However, that's a post for another date. Until then, enjoy the visuals for the greatness that is and always will be a Premier beat. (Check for the Termanology -- a rapper who has also been blessed by Premier -- cameo, too!)

Some of my favorite Premier tracks after the jump:
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If I Executive Produced The R.E.D. Album...

2011-08-29T12:22:00.003-04:00

By now everybody who was going to check for it has already had a chance to listen to rapper Game's disappointing fourth studio album, The R.E.D. Album.

During the ridiculously long buildup to the album's release -- including a delay of nearly two years and countless songs that he declared would be its lead single -- Game apparently lived in the studio, churning out mixtape after mixtape filled with quality material, leading listeners to believe more of the same would be included on the actual studio album.

However, in this case, the levels of letdown that I am still experiencing with each consequent listen -- it is barely tolerable -- is something I haven't experienced in some time.

With this new album, he completely dropped the ball and released what almost amounts to a throwaway mixtape filled with fake gangsta fluff facilitated by too many attempts at pop singles aimed directly at the radio and video outlets, ignoring his core fanbase who helped him attain his quickly-fading superstar status.

There are too many negatives with this album -- including a misguided stretch of three songs that each feature an R&B singer -- for me to list them all.

Instead, I decided to take a different approach, sifting through his enormous catalog of material released over the past 18 months and culling together a more comprehensive presentation of his songs to form what I believe should have been the retail version of the R.E.D. Album.

In other words, I'm doing what the executive producers for this album (namely Dr. Dre and Pharrell) should have done, ultimately coming up with what I call The R.E.Done album.
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NaS & AZ Reunited; Aiming for the 'Throne'?

2011-08-22T09:19:00.000-04:00

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but when I saw the above image -- tweeted yesterday by the rapper AZ -- my mind was flooded with way more than that, busy contemplating all the implications behind this one photo.

Namely, what exactly are NaS and AZ doing in the studio together?

Are they just working on a song to be featured on one or both of their future albums?

Is this just a mixtape track they're working on?

Did they just happen to be in the same studio at the same time and came together for a chronic break?

Or, the most obviously glaring question -- have they come together to record a collaborative album as a response to Jay-Z and Kanye's most recent effort, which has some Hiphop traditionalists disappointed at its alternative approach?

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Vado: Celebration (Video)

2011-08-20T08:19:00.000-04:00

VADO : CELEBRATION from wolph creation on Vimeo.

Nearly a year after releasing the critically regarded Slime Flu mixtape, Cam'ron's latest protege, Vado, has released the corresponding video for his song Celebration.

It's a well done video, edited around footage of various Vado interviews in which the rapper looks to be humbled by the accolades thrown at him, a prominent theme within the song's lyrics that indicate a celebratory toast to his impending success is due.

And I couldn't agree more.

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Dirty Martini -- Troy Ave Feat. Prodigy: The Guilty Pleasure Edition Vol. II (Video)

2011-08-18T11:41:00.003-04:00

If anybody read Prodigy's recently released autobiography, they probably remember the multiple passages in which he remorsefully writes about his negative past and his pledges to change his life in order to set a better example for his family and live a righteous existence.

Well, if his lyrics from this [and many of his other post-prison releases) are to believed, you can throw all of that out of the window.

From the first moment we see Prodigy in the video, his face is flush with his signature fed-up-looking scowl, waving and pointing his right hand around in a gun-like motions toward the camera. Wasn't his three-year bid because of gun possession? But I digress...

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An Analysis of Jay-Z & Kanye West's Otis Music Video

2011-08-12T08:07:00.002-04:00

New videos are popping up left and right, with Kanye and Jay finally coming through with the visuals for Otis, their first single from Watch the Throne.

If anything, the video -- which shows the two Roc stars laughing and enjoying the spoils of success by driving around a vacant parking lot in a one-of-a-kind Maybach while trading verses -- makes me like the song even more.

With that said, I'm still not sure what exactly the song is about, nor do I understand why two veritable musical geniuses would work so hard on an album only to reward its lead single with a lazy, unimaginative title that, again, apparently has nothing to do with the song's enigmatic subject matter.

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Common Debuts Video for Ghetto Dreams

2011-08-11T15:59:00.000-04:00

Keeping with the theme of new videos, Common drops the accompanying visuals to go with Ghetto Dreams, his upcoming album's lead single that he debuted early last month. Featuring NaS.

I've already said what I had to say about the actual song but the video helps to put their lyrics into perspective.

Or maybe Common always wanted some video vixens in his videos and this was his excuse to make that happen.

It's tough to tell in which direction Common plans to take this new album but I will admit that I'm intrigued. This is a side of Common we haven't seen in nearly 15 years when he and MC Lyte parodied the pastime of pimping from the 1997 album One Day It'll All Make Sense.

Maybe he had this song in mind when he coined that album title (which, by the way, is also the name of his autobiography, scheduled for release next month).

Music Videos That Deserve to Be Seen

2011-08-10T19:45:00.002-04:00

My Sunshine | Blu feat Nia Andrews from aaronisnotcool on Vimeo.

A gang of new music videos have recently been released by an assortment of artists who may or may not get the shine that they rightfully deserve for their particular brands of Hiphop and overall musical contributions to the culture.

As seen above, the rapper Blu (a/k/a B) basks in the enviable southern California weather for the appropriately named My Sunshine, the lead single for his upcoming album NoYork! This is an interesting choice for visuals considering this track sounds nothing like what I've heard from the rest of the album, which is a smorgasbord of different genres of music not necessarily associated with a traditional Hiphop album. Sa-Ra's own Shafiq Husayn is the track's producer. Fun fact: The cute vixen featured in this video was also his DJ during his tour last year.
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Jay-Z & Kanye Watch the Throne: [Hasty] Album Review

2011-08-09T00:23:00.003-04:00

For years (decades even) rap artists have been hard at work pushing the genre’s musical envelope in new directions in hopes of adding on to what can sometimes [rightfully] be perceived as a somewhat stagnant art form.

Despite an ever-diversifying array of Hiphop producers who are seemingly eager to break up the monotony of mainstream rap by incorporating new sounds and styles into their music, it has been the rappers for the most part who are reluctant to test the unfamiliar waters of nontraditional Hiphop production, opting instead for the safety of formulaic 16-bar verses and a hook.

But today’s release of Watch the Throne, the highly anticipated collaboration album from Jay-Z and Kanye West, more than crushes the above stereotype of the lazy rapper and the producer(s) who enables him or her.

More specifically, Jay-Z, the flawless lyricist and revered elder statesman of rap, and Kanye West, the boastful wordsmith and accomplished beat-making producer who is known for bending the rules when it comes to rap, have created as close to a genre-busting masterpiece as we have seen in quite a while.

Album Review: Wu-Tang Clan, Legendary Weapons

2011-07-27T09:27:00.003-04:00

One of the most daunting challenges in music is duplicating the success of and allure surrounding a group's critically acclaimed debut album. While it is possible, few have succeeded in this tricky arena.

One of those groups happens to be the Wu-Tang Clan, who arguably outdid their first album with Forever, the double CD released four years after 36 Chambers simultaneously launched nine separate careers well into and beyond the Hiphop stratosphere.

The Wu exploded into a million directions, branching off into clothing, liquor and video games, to name but a few of its lucrative endeavors.

One of those ventures was to launch a series of Wu-Tang Clan compilation albums consisting of Wu-Tang affiliated artists and producers while still featuring the talents of its core members, who, for the most part, would not be rapping alongside one another on these compilations.

This Legendary Weapons album is one of those albums.
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Consequence Rages Against Kanye's Machine

2011-07-23T03:40:00.003-04:00

While it was some time in the making, soon-to-be former G.O.O.D. Music rapper Consequence yesterday, with the release of his new song (below) that accuses his co-worker, Pusha T, of lyrical forgery, officially declared war on his record label complete with a promissory heat-seeking missile soon to be aimed at his boss, Kanye West.

In the song -- named The Plagiarist Society -- Consequence shuns subliminal bars in favor of a clear and obvious threat, referring to Pusha by his government name: "Terrence ... go take a breather on the terrace before he does something to make his team perish/ 'Cause he ain't nothing but a body shield for that coward from the Midwest/ So yes, you can bet that your boss is next."

For months now Consequence has alleged that Pusha not only copied his lyrics, but also the title for My God, the lead single for his Fear of God mixtape.
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Producer AMP Channels His Inner DJ Premier

2011-07-15T13:26:00.000-04:00

9TH WONDER presents THE SOUL COUNCIL from Pricefilms on Vimeo.

One of the most basic ways an up-and-coming Hiphop producer can separate himself from the throngs of Johnny-come-new jack beat makers is to carve out a unique sound that is immediately recognizable to the listener regardless of the rapper or singer.

And, as it turns out, another way to do so is by crafting your style around a sound that's associated with a more established producer. Well, for the most part.

If I may (since I, ahem, don't actually know the man), please allow me to formally introduce Amp: one-sixth of The Soul Council -- a collective of producers assembled by 9th Wonder for his It's a Wonderful World Music Group and Jamla Records imprint -- and, more notably, the man who has successfully mastered the art of consistently crafting DJ Premier-style beats.
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Uncle Luke Calls Out Wiz Khalifa

2011-07-12T16:34:00.002-04:00

A long time ago in what now feels like a galaxy far, far away, the founding fathers of this thing we call Hiphop established an unofficial code of conduct for any and everybody who is an active participant of the musical genre and lifestyle.

Unfortunately over the past decade or so the lines of those ground rues and regulations have been blurred to the extent that at best they are currently unrecognizable, and at worst they are completely ignored.

For example: copying, or, in Hiphop vernacular, biting, is completely unacceptable. This general rule was intentionally vague, applicable to a wide variety activities that include but are not limited to topics such as dance moves and the style in which a rapper performed his or her rhymes.

As the Hiphop nation expanded globally, so did its guidelines, which were, at one time, devoutly observed by most if not all of its devout. Just like "it takes a village to raise a child," Hiphoppers were expected to respond accordingly to instances where members strayed from the rules.

Keeping in that rich tradition, Luther Campbell -- former front man of the raunchy, controversial pioneering Miami Bass group 2Live Crew -- has decided to use his weekly column in his hometown's alternative tabloid to address the relationship between Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose.

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2011 Collaboration Albums Fall Short

2011-07-09T10:32:00.008-04:00

Remember all that madness I was talking months ago, hyping up the recent trend of artists coming together to pool their talents and resources to produce collaborative albums?

Well, simply put, I was wrong about them.

For some odd reason I figured that the union of two separate but very talented musical entities could only result in the highest standard for Hiphop music and lyrics. But I was wrong.

Not only did I see it as an innovative, creative outlet for rappers and Hiphop producers stuck in a genre that is slowly but surely becoming decidedly less creative than its pioneers intended for it to be, but, if done correctly, each project had the serious potential to generate more fans and, perhaps more importantly to the artists themselves, more revenue. But again, I was wrong.

NaS Excels Where Common Fails on New Track

2011-07-08T14:32:00.000-04:00

Maybe I'm in the minority here but let me first say that I much rather prefer the Electric Circus / Universal Mind Control / Be version of rapper Common over his latest incarnation, which has him exchanging hardcore rhymes with NaS over a banging street track courtesy of producer No I.D.

Let me clarify.

Any rhymes from Common are always soothing sounds for ears sore from the prevailing hodgepodge of random rap music that shows no signs of slowing its invasion of Hiphop. But when he kicks hardcore lines – specifically when he starts off the songs with lines like "I wanna bitch who looks good and cooks good" -- it comes off as forced at best and insincere at worst. Hell, we already know Comm has been linked to some top notch females so what's with these ridiculous demands? But I digress.

Green Was Never 2Pac's Color

2011-06-29T09:59:00.006-04:00

The jealousy that 2Pac clearly felt toward so many figures in rap is extra apparent on a previously unreleased song that just found its way online.

Actually, to call it a song is somewhat of a misnomer. "Rant" is a much more appropriate adjective to describe the diatribe spewed over an unremarkable, throwaway beat that is oh so typical of the post-Dr. Dre Death Row Records.

In fact, Dre is a primary target on Watch Yo Mouth, which also sets its sights on dissing the usual suspects -- B.I.G., Puff and NaS -- making ridiculously inaccurate statements such as:

Bow down to Death Row
Fuck what you say
We untouchable now that we done shook Doc Dre
Ain't made a beat in six years but swear she's the shit
Won't get no record sales sucking NaS' dick.

Rap [Names] Is Outta Control, Vol. 3

2011-06-25T09:20:00.009-04:00

I really have been delaying this latest installment, which provides a doozy in terms of creative, uncreative, and just plain weird and strange stage names for the latest and often not so greatest members of this unique fraternity we affectionately refer to as the rap game.

It's to the point where my eyes have almost reached a state of absolute numbness when they scan over new rap offerings spattered across the latest blogs and other music sites.

But the truly sad part is that many renowned and accomplished rappers and producers that we know and grew up with are collaborating with these said artists; and seemingly have no problem doing so.

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Quality, Quantity? Sometimes Less is More

2011-06-24T08:25:00.008-04:00

No, I’m not referring to the title of Ryan Leslie’s upcoming album.

I’m talking about the prolific producer Statik Selektah, who for the past few years has been on the rise as an ever-improving, credible and able producer for a number of mainstream and underground Hiphop acts.

The Boston-area native turned Brooklyn resident is responsible for producing 100 percent of three projects from this year alone, as well as four projects from the year before.

In addition, he’s scheduled this year to release two more albums that he will be the sole producer for, which is all in addition to the beats he stays making for a variety of artists, such as the work he put in for Edo G’s most recent album as well as the growing roster of artists signed to his own Showoff Records label.

But what started off as an admirable effort has lately been considerably watered down with Statik’s recent productions, including but not limited to the highly disappointing, stale-sounding collaborative album with Bumpy Knuckles.

Sean Price Needs to Get Out More

2011-06-23T10:38:00.007-04:00

It's hard to tell whether Sean Price, as seen in the above recently released interview, is truly being honest when he says "I like no female rappers."

Aside from MC Lyte and Rah Digga, the rapper also known as Mic Tyson and Jesus Price matter-of-factly says that there isn't one single female rapper who could hold his attention, citing 90s rapper Boss as a prime example of his distaste for the rapping prowess of his opposite sex.

And indeed, when looking closer into the discography of the rapper formerly known as Ruck, you can't find one instance of him collaborating with a female rapper.

And while that practice is not exactly unheard of in the male-dominated rap music industry, it is somewhat ironic considering all the verses he's spit as a guest for below par, male emcees whose talent level falls well below that of some of their female counterparts.

DJ Premier late last year put out a single featuring a new female rapper.

RapSody down in North Carolina is signed to 9th Wonder's label and is more than holding her own, recording songs with legends like Big Daddy Kane and Raekwon.

Jean Grae, after a short hiatus, is back on the scene, readying a Gangsta Grillz mixtape before releasing her upcoming full length album.

Nitty Scott, MC is making a little bit of noise. Although I'm not really sure if she can sustain it, she's already shown that she can rap and rhyme better than many folks that Sean Price has agreed to work with.

There are a ton of other female emcess worthy of being included in this discussion.

Hopefully this is all some ploy to surprise his fans by collaborating on a song with a female rapper, because it can't do anything but increase his fanbase -- the same fanbase that, save for a hot 16 from Sean, winces throughout the songs that feature him alongside some fly-by-night rap group or soloist on a weak track.

Royce Da 5'9 Finally Has a #1 Album

2011-06-22T09:33:00.003-04:00

Detroit rapper extraordinaire Royce Da 5'9, after more than a decade as a professional rapper, will finally be able to say he had an album reach the top of the charts, according to reports.

Of course he needed the help of his buddy Eminem to help attract mainstream listeners by teaming up with him to release the Bad Meets Evil EP, a culmination of a rocky relationship that reunites the two rappers 13 years after their work on a song of the same name from The Slim Shady LP.

And, of course, this EP probably wouldn't have come about had Royce also not experienced a significant amount of success as one-fourth of Slaughterhouse, the critically acclaimed so-called supergroup comprised of perennial underground rappers that gained surprising popularity among the mainstream in addition to the targeted underground.

Royce has had his fair share of classic underground records on his own, achieving a cult following as a result of five solo albums filled with streetwise lyrics coupled with witty wordplay set to banging beats courtesy of some of the biggest names in music, including and especially DJ Premier.

It's just too bad it took the co-sign of Eminem (or anyone else) to get Royce what will most likely be his first platinum plaque earned from an album on which he was a primary participant.

But hopefully Royce can ride the momentum of Bad Meets Evil for the release of Success is Certain, his new solo album with a very timely title.

Below is his new song, Second Place, the lead single produced by Premier for the upcoming project that is due to be released late next month.

Rap Magazine Puts R&B Star on Its Cover

2011-06-09T09:52:00.006-04:00

Despite the anticipation of a number of rap albums being released this summer, the so-called "Bible of Hip Hop Music, Culture and Politics" has head-scratchingly awarded the cover of its "Summer Issue" issue to an R&B star, solidifying the notion that Hiphop publications are completely out of touch with its readership.

You might have heard that Jay-Z & Kanye have an album coming out. Well, the same goes for Eminem and Royce Da 5'9 and Pete Rock & Smif N Wessun. Hell, even DJ Khaled and Lil' Wayne. But somehow Bonsu Thompson came to the conclusion that the singer Chris Brown was more deserving of The Source's cover than a number of relevant rap acts.

The Source tries to justify Brown's placement on the cover by referencing "his progression as an artist as he dabbles into rap," but he is still an R&B artist who is known more for his singing and especially dancing than for some hot 16s.

And while I agree that most everybody deserves a chance at redemption, and while I acknowledge that Chris Brown does indeed rap at times on his latest album (which isn't half bad), I definitely do NOT agree that a Hiphop magazine is the appropriate forum for this type of coverage.

I especially do not care that this is, according to The Source, Chris Brown's first magazine interview in over a year. The fact still remains that he is not, nor will be ever be, a rapper, which to me means he simply is not worthy of being on the cover of any of its issues.

The one and ONLY exception to that rule is Mary J Blige, who's nickname -- The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul -- was bestowed to her by Diddy, another member of Hiphop royalty. Blige not only rhymed on her classic debut album (that was chock full of classic breaks and beats that are now standards in both Hiphop and R&B), but was also responsible for introducing the LOX to Diddy. So without Mary, one could make a persuasive argument that the world never would have been exposed to Jadakiss, one of the most consistent and greatest rappers to ever touch a microphone. That alone right there gives Mary (and Brook Lynn) an irrevocable lifetime membership to the Hiphop Nation.

I thought that Benzino's departure would restore The Source's journalistic integrity, but the truth is that under the leadership of Dave Mays the magazine provided a much more comprehensive coverage of Hiphop, regardless of any controversy or allegations of misconduct.

Pusha T's Keys Keep Opening New Doors

2011-06-02T12:33:00.007-04:00

Before Pusha-T's first solo album drops on Black Friday, he is first planning to [re]bless the world later this month with Fear of God 2, a slight tweak of the three-month-old original version that is still getting heavy spin in the streets and on the Web alike.

With tons of positive feedback from the fans, critical acclaim from varying media outlets of note, a fledgling acting career, and, most importantly, a Kanye co-sign, the artist formerly known as Terrar is poised for a debut that could for the first time in a long while unite rap purists and champions of the so-called underground -- who appreciate Pusha for his ability to kick effective flows with serious wordplay and vocabulary regardless of genre or subject matter -- with its formidable hip-pop and down south trap rap counterparts -- who tend to favor swagger over substance. Lucky for everybody, Pusha exudes all of these characteristics, and then some.

And although Malice -- who is no slouch on the mic -- may add depth and introspect where his younger brother favors a flashier style of rhyming, Pusha has been for a long time widely regarded as the better rapper of the two.

Usually when it comes to most if not all rap groups, one or even each of the group's rappers will eventually go solo. But for the Clipse, who have been a professional rap duo since they signed to Elektra around 1996 (their would-be first album ultimately got shelved by the label, only to be re-issued by Star Trak 11 years later), it took 15 years for Pusha to go solo. (Pusha vows there will be another Clipse album.)

What was the hold up? The streets wanted it, and it was the streets who helped Lord Willin' sell more than a million copies. Why not give the streets what they wanted; especially since street life comprised such a large portion of their material?

To Pharrell's credit, Pusha was featured on plenty of other artists' music, including and especially Justin Timberlake's Like I Love You, which was a platinum single on a multi-platinum album that for sure added an extra zero to the Clipse's bank accounts.

And every verse that Pusha to soloist spit on a feature was lyrically and rhyme-wise nothing short of flawless.

And with Chad and Pharrell liberally rewarding their childhood friends with record contracts, people wanted to know where Pusha's solo deal was.

Then along came the 2010 VMAs and out of nowhere Pusha pops up sporting a Miami Vice-inspired salmon-colored blazer, kicking his verse from Kanye's Runaway, delivering a lyrical ultimatum to any female who thinks they can do better without him: "Split and go where? Back to wearing knock-offs? Ha! Knock it off," before offering a friendly reminder, "Every bag, every blouse, every bracelet/ Comes with a price tag, baby, face it."

But don't think just because of Pusha's new found association with Mr. West that he lost any of his edge, as demonstrated on the aforementioned Fear of God mixtape -- specifically whenever he returns to his comfort zone that is his penchant for seemingly endless cocaine metaphors: "Got me looking at the crown from a bird's eye view/ 'Cause I hit the ground running from the birds I flew," and, "They say I talked coke for nine years long/ that means my rap sheet is more than nine years strong/ you niggas woulda thought that I was nine years gone/ but I'm still in the mix like nine ounces and a straw."

However, with celebration comes cynicism, and, in a classic case of the crabs in a barrel syndrome, Pusha's G.O.O.D. Music label mate and rap veteran Consequence has unfortunately taken umbrage at Pusha's position as the next rapper on the label scheduled to release an album.

It will be interesting to see how the working relationship between Pusha and Pharrell evolves, seeing as Pharrell has bit of a pattern of longtime collaborators seemingly eager to work with producers other than the Neptunes -- Kelis, Usher, Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, to name a few.

Beanie Sigel Concedes Defeat to Jay-Z

2011-06-01T08:39:00.007-04:00

Although nearly two years too late, Beanie Sigel yesterday issued an apology of sorts to Jay-Z without actually saying the two words that matter most in this type of situation: “I’m sorry”.

During that time period he released at least five tracks** entirely devoted to discrediting and disrespecting Jay, not to mention doing the same in countless video and radio interviews.

Maybe Beans got himself off the pills long enough to clear his mind and realize what all of us have known all along – it is counterproductive for most rappers to challenge Jay-Z in damn near any arena, but especially in rap.

Or, more probably, Beans finally noticed that his pockets contained more lint than cash, and because of that he is willing to eat crow with a side of humble pie.

This seemingly last ditch effort of appealing to Jay for help/work through a false, disingenuous acknowledgement of his wrongdoing should be embarrassing to Beans. But, then again, Gator never felt any type of shame when he two-stepped for his parents in hopes of getting some cash for his next fix. Could this also be Beans’ song-and-dance?

During yesterday’s interview Beanie also admitted he had an album’s worth of songs dissing Jay, but that he “couldn’t put that out. It wouldn’t sit right with me.”

However, just admitting their existence is reason enough to cast doubt on the probability of Jay accepting this so-called apology. Especially because in today’s digital world, it is more than likely that the material will eventually surface with or without Beans’ consent, since, like with most if not all other new rap music, a studio engineer or a member of Beanie’s entourage probably made copies of the songs in hopes of cashing in on them at a later date. And as well all know Jay would NEVER put himself in a situation to lose.

In fact, the only rapper who ever effectively went up against Jay is NaS, and even the considerable rapping talents of Mr. Jones didn’t disrupt Jay’s steady ascent to the top of Hiphop and popular culture stratospheres, where he continues to rest to this day.

The truth of the matter is that Beanie wasn’t a particularly effective battle rapper when he faced off against Jadakiss and Dipset, so there was no way he could even put the smallest chink in Jay’s armor.

For some reason some rappers who were once down with Jay are now scorned at his lack of involvement in their careers, but the reality of the situation is that their work with Jay far outweighed the effectiveness of their work without him. In other words, these rappers owe Jay. Not the other way around.

But confidence can be a detriment, backfiring to the point that a career will find itself in shambles if it doesn’t rein in and control that confidence that can many times lead to bad decision-making.

It’s not Jay’s fault that Beans squandered most of his earnings on Bentleys and drugs when Jay put him in a position to build a similar type of empire (State Property the group, the film series and clothing line; Pro-Keds) that Jay now rules with an iron fist.

It is unclear what's next on the menu for Beanie. He's said in the past that he has no desire to return to making music but mentioned yesterday he's planning to release a mixtape in the near future.

Maybe now is the time for that long-rumored Beans & Bleek album, since both of their careers are currently on life support.

To his credit, though, Beans did [finally] take the high road and admit the truth of the situation: "Whatever I felt this dude Jay did wrong to me, it can’t outweigh the one thing he did do for me – he gave me an opportunity." It's just too bad that more rappers who have also been supposedly scorned by Jay can't bring themselves to do and say the same.

** In case you forgot, here are the songs in question:

What You Talkin' Bout (Oct. 2009)

I Go Off (Feat. 50 Cent) (Nov. 2009)

How I Can Kill Jigga Man (Nov. 2009)

Think Big (Nov. 2009)

Haters (Aug. 2010)

Racks on Racks: The Guilty Pleasure Edition

2011-05-20T05:51:00.005-04:00

My latest musical obsession ironically makes me cower in shame while at the same time uncontrollably and violently bopping my head with that stupid, wide-eyed, grinning visage favored by many of those down south, trill, trapping rappers.

YC (an abbreviation for the name Yung Chris, which is, coincidentally, the same name as another, more talented rapper...) is a baby-faced rapper from Atlanta with a serious summer anthem on his hands, gaining more and more momentum as the warmer months draw closer.

And like every effective rap anthem, Racks conveniently comes complete with its own dance.

The song reminds me of my guilty pleasure from a couple of summers back, so it's no doubt Racks and YC will be a one-hit wonder. Regardless, I'm enjoying this while I can. I suggest you do the same.

And true to the nature of hit rap songs, Racks is starting to see its fair share of other rappers recording their own verses for the track for unofficial remixes. The first that I heard was from Memphis Bleek, but the latest is from Wiz Khalifa, who sounds surprisingly improved in terms of his [traditionally simplistic] style of rhyming:

G.O.O.D. Music up-and-comers Big Sean and CyHi The Prince are supposed to be releasing their "remix" of Racks in the near future, but I wonder if anybody can truly take over the song and make it theirs much like what Lil' Wayne did with Swag Surfin from his popular No Ceilings mixtape.

My guess is there will be at least ten more of these remixes before the summer ends, so check back for the post on who's Racks "remix" reigns supreme.

South Bronx Street to Be Named for Big Pun?

2011-05-11T07:29:00.002-04:00

Last month fans, friends and family of Big Pun gathered in the South Bronx to bring attention to their efforts to have a neighborhood street renamed in honor of the late great rapper.

If approved by the city, 163rd Street and Rogers Place would consequently become Big Pun Place, territory that is already marked with a giant mural of Pun.

Now, while I can admit that Big Pun is probably one of the single most talented lyricists and rappers that Hiphop has ever come across, I can also admit that I don't think that's a good enough reason to have a street named after him.

This goes beyond the allegations that Pun was a wife beater; allegations levied and later backed up by his widow, Liza Rios, who has shared video footage and other proof of Pun's violence against her.

There are literally tons of Bronx Hiphoppers -- including plenty of pioneers -- who have actually done plenty of good for their communities over the past two decades.

Aside from penning and spitting lyrics in the most complex of rhyme schemes, Pun's next best attributes were all scourges of minority communities worldwide: obesity, misogyny, gun violence, materialism, and [over]use of the "N word," which is doubly offensive considering Pun is not African-American.**

Why not name a street after KRS-One, who continues to exude positivity since his debut in 1986?

What about Kool Herc? After all, he is the DJ largely credited with creating Hiphop, and the building in which he is said to have created Hiphop has been turned into a national landmark. So why not name a street in Soundview after him?

Afrika Bambaataa's 1982 single Planet Rock is still a great musical influence for many Hiphop producers, and he is the founding father of the Universal Zulu Nation, a group that took neighborhood gang members and channeled their negative energy to use it for positive means in the community. This group, through one common cause -- Hiphop -- is thriving and continues to unite DJs, rappers, dancers and artists around the world.

The list of other viable candidates to have Bronx streets named for them is a lengthy one; one that down the road might very well include Big Pun. But right now there are others more deserving of consideration before Pun, and that's no knock on him at all. If we're going to honor Pun, we have to honor everything about him, not just his rhyming abilities.

However, if you disagree, you can sign the petition HERE for the street to be renamed.

** This is not to excuse black rappers using the N word to no end. With that said, in my opinion there is only one ethnic group deserving of using this word, and that is the group of folks who it was originally aimed at. It makes no sense for other ethnic groups to fling this word around casually when the history of that word is not their own. More on this later.

With elmatic, eLZhi [Re]creates a Classic

2011-05-10T19:22:00.010-04:00

eLZhi is back with the highly anticipated elmatic, his ode to rapper NaS’s flawless 18-year old debut album.

Producer Will Sessions flips every beat from the classic Illmatic, and each new version is carries with it a distinctly different feel from the original, thanks in part to eLZhi's ridiculous rhyming ability.

And after announcing that he was “doing this without a record deal,” eLZhi gets right down to business on his version of Genesis, easily kicking lyrics over and over that just ooze with clever wordplay:

As far as spittin bars I'm on the level with the stars,
Devil tried to tempt me with the bezel and the cars
But I’m too swift with the true gift,
I knew if I put a line down you’d sniff.

Rightfully so, eLZhi’s verses are very much NaS-esque, down to the voice, flow and style of rhymes. But then again I suppose that’s the point of the project in the first place.

The only other rapper to join him on elmatic is fellow Detroiter Royce Da 5’9, who plays AZ to eLZhi’s NaS on his interpretation of Life’s a Bitch.

And in case some of you forgot the particulars surrounding eLZhi’s controversial ouster from Slum Village – the group that he was recruited to join after his mentor J Dilla quit – El takes some time out to address that situation on an unofficial bonus track called Verbal Intercourse 2, a nod to the official first installment of the song on the “purple tape” that featured NaS.

9^th Wonder affiliate and noteworthy producer in his own right KHRYSIS!!! also [unofficially] remixes eLZhi’s Detroit State of Mind, featuring another 9^th disciple, Sean Boog of The Away Team.

Both tracks are dope, but both were not released with the mixtape. So check them out below.

And check out the mixtape, available for free digitally.

VERBAL INTERCOURSE 2 (Prod. by 14KT)

DETROIT STATE OF MIND PT. II (Feat. Sean Boog & DJ Flash)

KRS-One: Fresh for 2011, You Suckazzz!

2011-05-10T09:51:00.008-04:00

It’s been close to 20 years in the making but last week it was announced that KRS-One has teamed up with Bumpy Knuckles (p/k/a Freddie Foxxx) for Royalty Check, a collaborative album scheduled to be released at the end of this month.

True fans of both artists know that this reunion has been about 20 years in the making since Boogie Down Production’s seminal Sex and Violence album, which featured verses from then-Freddie Foxxx on two of its outstanding tracks. Here’s one of them:

I’ve already discussed at length what a great idea I think it is for so-called old school rappers to pool their talents and resources and go half on an album. KRS must agree with me considering that, if you count this upcoming project, over the past two years he will have dropped five full LPs and one EP created in the same vein:

Survival Skills (with Buckshot, 2009)
It's ALL Good (with Greenie, 2010)
The Just-Ice & KRS-ONE EP Vol. 1 (2010)
Meta-Historical (with True Master, 2010)
Godsville (with Showbiz, 2011)
Royalty Checks (with Bumpy Knuckles, May 2011)

Not included on that list is KRS's solo EP named Back to the L.A.B. (Lyrical Ass Beating), a brief but noteworthy selection of boom bap beats and rhymes released last summer.

However, among the aforementioned six albums is this month’s Godsville, for which KRS teamed with legendary Bronx beatsmith Showbiz (one half of the classic 90s due Showbiz & A.G.) to create 13 stellar tracks of traditional Hiphop music featuring a rejuvenated-sounding KRS, who reminds listeners that Showbiz is the man responsible for producing his 90s cautionary anthem, Sound of Da Police.

Much like I expect from Royalty Check, Godsville is rife with references to rappers who are watering down real Hiphop music because, as KRS puts it on the song Show Power, “some new jack pushing a new track, I mean his crew’s wack – screw that!”

And, as usual, radio DJs are also in KRS’s crosshairs, reminding them on the same song that “when you was hired you vowed to take the DJ art much higher” but “then you go hired and everything switched/ now the sales department is programming your mix/ they don’t wanna scratch no more, just mix/ they don’t want you to play the raw no more, just mix/ but this can be fixed/ you can grow some balls and tell the PD to his face ‘I quit!’”

Despite the repetition of these lyrical themes from project-to-project, this is what his core fans want to hear from him; it’s also what many non-fans get tired of hearing from him regardless of the accuracy in his message.

Other top songs from Godsville include This Flow, Legendary, Hear Me More, and Another Day (Park Jam Mix), a bonus track that is actually a remix of a song with the same name featured earlier on the album.

Not able to suppress his true battle rapper DNA, in one instance KRS employs what I call the “word association” style of rap in a threatening dig at new, young rappers who are all swag and no substance: “Y’all little rhymes is geegle, 'cause one blast will leave y’all freckle-faced – measles.”

What we love about KRS is that the huge chip on his shoulder that is clearly still growing, keeping KRS just as intolerant of wack MCs and DJs in 2011 as he was in 1986. It is this same consistency in an era of consistently bad Hiphop music that keeps KRS in the conversation of all-time best rappers; it is also this same consistency that has fans more than ready to hear the new album with Bumpy Knuckle.

Gunz n' Butta: Cam'Ron's Best Album in Years

2011-04-25T16:24:00.005-04:00

Cam'Ron has come a long way from the miserable attempt at a concept album with an equally lame name -- Confessions of Fire -- and even weirder album cover to his now completely mastered and refined rhyming style that has spawned too many rappers who claim Killa's signature flow as their own.

While his first album was far from wack, it was sort of a hodgepodge of random wild thoughts, complete with references of incest and the devil, all set over radio-friendly production in a mostly successful attempt to gain crossover appeal.

His flow back then was a random scattering of words that in the end did rhyme, but were slightly offbeat at times -- an unfortunate likeness to Drag-On and the Cam Stan also known as Stan Spit.

Nowadays it seems that he is primarily interested in creating the perfect rhyme, which, to Cam’ron, consists of knowingly ignorant, misogynistic, celebratory and money-obsessed lyrics that he knows his fans love him for: "You know me, fuck a freestyle, I'd rather hit Papi on speed dial."

And on Gunz ‘N Butta he gives his loyal listeners perhaps his best rhyming and lyrical effort since Purple Haze was released seven long years ago, a sentiment that Cam seems to agree with on the song American Greed: "Vado gotta vision that’s so raw, say no more, rewind, he remind me of me in 0-4."

Which brings me to Vado, Cam's aforementioned partner in rhyme on this album, sharing emceeing duties with his mentor, who seems to have discovered the latest in a talented string of his understudies who have gone on to receive individual critical acclaim -- a badge of honor for Cam, who for years now has shown his A&R-like talent without being in a corner office of a high rise building in midtown Manhattan.

Editor's Note: You can understand why Dame Dash appointed Cam to become the Vice President of Roc-A-Fella. Likewise, knowing how Jay feels about competition (and especially about Cam), you can understand Jay’s reaction to that appointment. But I digress…

Vado is a star is his own right, coming up with innovative rhyme schemes and a dizzying array of flows, all laced with potent lyrics that keep the listeners hanging on each and every word. With his high-powered delivery, all indications are that absent of music Vado could still rock rhymes effectively, a trait of a true emcee despite much of his lyrical content covering the requisite street life (after all, his name does stand for Violence And Drugs Overall): "Black Retros, yeah, them's 60 plus/ black Expo, necks broke just to look at us/ ridiculous delivery, them bars tight/ she fell in love with my kick game like Posh Spice."

And Cam doesn't stop with only putting on rappers; Gunz N’ Butta showcases the sounds of AraabMUZIK, the Rhode Island-reared, MPC-mashing maniac who is currently running with the production baton once firmly held by the Heatmakerz, who were responsible for the creation of Dipset's original, classic, sample-heavy sound that ran New York in the early part of the millennium.

Araab's beats -- which make up the bulk of this album's production -- do more on this album to discredit his naysayers who would rather reduce him to a gimmicky producing sideshow than his actual words ever could.

Standout tracks include but are not limited to Stop It 5, Breathe and I-Luv U, which, if released as a single, is my bet to become a certified summer banger.

Support real rap and buy the album HERE or HERE.

Here's some visual imagery in the form of music videos for songs from the album:

Ryan Leslie Solo Rap Album Coming Soon

2011-04-22T07:43:00.006-04:00

Random news outlets are reporting that Ryan Leslie's upcoming album -- titled Les is More -- will be a Hiphop opus, an unexpected switch of genre from a singer who has cultivated a cult-like following from a successful career writing, singing and producing pop and R&B music.

Ryan Leslie has always been a fan and an active participant in both singing and rapping, and after being labeled a child prodigy and achieving a perfect score on his SATs, he attended and graduated from Harvard with a degree in Government -- all before he was 20 years old.

That's just a bit of background information to help put Leslie's rhyming endeavor in a bit of a better context. Because this guy is talented beyond belief, and, much like Pharrell, his vast range as a producer and songwriter is enough of a reason for me to give this album a serious listen.

But after listening to him sing years' worth of songs about his prowess with women, the new experience of hearing him spit a bunch of verses is surprisingly a let down. After all, he's had success with his rhyming on his own songs in the past. And his subject matter remains primarily the same as before -- women.

So what's different?

Well, it's one thing for a singer to kick an occasional hot 16 on one of his or her songs. But it's a completely different thing for that format to be reversed, with a singer rapping three verses while only singing on the hook -- on each and every track.

Maybe it's because of my dedication to Hiphop that I have such a hard time accepting a career R&B singer crossing over to make a rap album. Of course, this has been done before. But never by an artist whom I have such a great level of musical respect for.

And so I'm torn.

Hopefully, since the album is Hiphop in nature, it's more You Be Killin Em and less of the slower tracks. But hey, I guess since "Les is More," the jury will be out until I can hear the final product.

Until then, here are a couple of new songs from his album that is scheduled to be released on July 4, 2011:

Joan of Arc

Remembering GURU (7.17.61 - 4.19.10)

2011-04-19T07:17:00.005-04:00

Today marks one year since the passing of GURU and there are still so many unanswered questions surrounding his death.

The rapping half of the legendary Gang Starr lost his fight with cancer while his then-musical partner Solar juiced the event for all it was worth, issuing press releases and generally just trumping up publicity for himself at the expense of a comatose and then finally dead GURU.

While GURU is resting in peace, Solar -- the self proclaimed "super producer" who ironically hasn't produced a single musical contribution in the year since GURU passed -- is no doubt still up to no good, probably firmly latched onto his next unsuspecting victim, bilking up a storm.

The curious association between Solar and GURU raised eyebrows, with GURU's family and previous Solar victims sharing their stories of Solar's shadiness.

But this post is not about Solar. It's about GURU's legacy that is still thriving to this day; his undeniable classics Hiphop contributions that are still relevant and cherished by his truest and newest fans alike.

GURU's family is taking part in a tribute this Thursday in his honor at the popular New York City nightspot Le Poisson Rouge, with all donations and net proceeds going to GURU's son, K.C. Elam.

GURU's life will also be honored next month in his hometown of Boston during the 5th Annual UNITY Festival.

I always felt that during his life GURU was completely unappreciated by his peers, rarely being invited to be featured on somebody's track. Instead, GURU created his own lane with the timeless hits from his first three Jazzmatazz offerings as well as his Gang Starr efforts with DJ Premier.

While GURU was featured on albums from some of the underground's favorites, the who's who of rappers never invited GURU to collaborate. It was always GURU who had to extend the invitation to other rappers to be included on his own projects.

By my estimation, the reason for this was either his fellow rappers were afraid to be shown up by GURU on their own albums or people were just hating. Probably a combination of the two, considering the industry-wide negativity directed at Solar during the last couple of years of GURU's life.

Here are some classic visuals to remind you of GURU's "mass appeal," which, contrary to popular belief, was due to a lot more than "mostly tha voice."

9th Wonder and Phonte Reunite!

2011-04-14T07:56:00.006-04:00

In honor of the reconciliation between former Little Brother groupmates Phonte and 9th Wonder, I have decided to share a little homage of sorts to the prolific sonic brilliance that is 9th Wonder, the man who is almost single-handedly keeping boom bap Hiphop music alive and kicking. I said almost.

The two of them recently revealed they'd been working together on Phonte's upcoming solo album, with 9th producing most of the album.

It's been well documented that 9th and Phonte met in college before forming with Rapper Big Pooh the seminal rap trio Little Brother and ultimately creating and releasing The Listening, which was instantly and still remains a throwback for the ages -- a true school Hiphop album complete with highly skilled lyrics and rhymes from two rappers possessing Run DMC-like chemistry paced by the expert-sounding-but-still-rough-around-the-edges (think RZA on 36 Chambers) beat-making wizardry of 9th Wonder that combined elements of Pete Rock and J Dilla while still managing to stand out and distinguish himself as an exceptional, traditional Hiphop producer in his own right.

Since 9th's break from Little Brother six years ago, he has been on a mission to make music on his own terms while never again allowing himself to be pressured by major label executives -- which he says he experienced at the hands of Atlantic Records (which apparently still forces signees to compromise artistic integrity) surrounding the creation and consequent release of the group's second album (ironically titled The Minstrel Show), their first under a contract with a major label.

That mission, in addition to working with a diverse list of artists -- from Drake to David Banner to Murs to Lil B to Idris Elba to Buckshot -- has included the creation of It's a Wonderful World Music Group, which houses his record label Jamla, home to the following well rounded roster of artists:

Hopefully the album features more of Phonte the emcee and less of Phonte the crooner, but as long as 9th's beats make up the majority of the backdrop, the results should be nothing short of monumental.

The Allure of Amber Rose

2011-04-09T06:22:00.008-04:00

What is it about this bald woman that is compelling rich black men to lose all sense of rationale, allowing the former stripper to gain notoriety and infamy from dating Kanye West, which was before she dated the $100 million man, Amare Stoudamire, which preceded her current romance with hot rapper du jour, Wiz Khalifa?

Isn't she behaving in the most obvious of patterns for all gold-digging, talentless groupies? Haven't we seen this type of shameless hoeing before? What makes Amber Rose stand out above all the other groupies vying for the attention of her past conquests?

I wonder how those same aforementioned stars would react if Amber Rose was a dark-skinned woman with that same short-cropped hairdo.

Not that I'm advocating hoeing in any way, shape, form or fashion. I'm simply questioning the judgment of these wealthy pop culture figures who have a wide array of women to choose from, not just the limited pool of groupies that they seemingly prefer.

I'm not mad at Amber for getting her money while she can. Women like her who depend on a physical appearance for income have but a small window of opportunity to cash in. Once word hit the Web about indications of unsightly weight gain, she quickly quelled that rumor with the convenient timing of newly "leaked" photos of her frolicking topless in the Caribbean waters of Barbados, showing nothing remotely overweight about her at all.

But the question still remains -- what is so special about her that she has rich black men readily [and embarrassingly] accepting sloppy seconds? Who will be her next victim?

The Life & Times of Shawn Carter (The 2011 Version)

2011-04-08T15:46:00.007-04:00

What is going on in the life and times of Shawn Carter?

Much like his favorite baseball team's arch nemesis, Jay-Z is going through a mind-boggling, highly unexpected slump. Only this time it will cost him $50,000.

And really it won't cost him personally, per se, since the professional sports franchise of which he is part owner will be held liable for Jay's own individual misgiving -- an NBA owner having inappropriate contact** with an amateur-status athlete.

You know, the same topic that should have been learned in NBA Ownership 101. If that course was ever attended by the person who, for clarity's sake, identifies himself as a "business, man," which is not to be confused with a "businessman" by any means.

But with this latest flap it makes one wonder if the Nets even need Jay at all, considering he was initially brought on board to help lure the league's best players to the Garden State -- a move the proved to be a failure when not one but ALL of the free agents this past summer passed on the chance, including, especially and ironically Jay-Z pal LeBron James, who many NBA insiders speculated would relish the opportunity to play for his idol.

However, with the Nets scheduled to eventually relocate to Jay's native Brooklyn, it would behoove ownership to keep him around for another couple of seasons to help boost ticket sales.

This NBA-related news comes on the heels of the arrest of rapper who Jay just months ago signed to his Roc Nation record label.

The rapper, K Koke, is from the UK and being held by English authorities under suspicion of attempted murder, which means Jay probably won't be able to exploit this brush with the law until the rapper is released, unlike what K Koke's American counterparts have managed to do when it comes to their own legal problems.

And speaking of the UK, Liam Gallagher of the group Oasis, apparently still mad at Jay getting the top billing at 2008's Glastonbury Festival, bashing Jay's Rocawear clothing line to a number of media outlets.

And we can't forget about the recent upheaval about Jay falsely representing himself as a connoisseur of all fine things in lieu of the fact that wine industry experts have officially declared Ace of Spades, Jay's current preferred brand of Champagne, as a highly inferior product.

Not to mention the fact that Jay's and Will Smith's pet project to remake the classic musical Annie starring Smith's own daughter, Willow, has been put on ice for the time being while searching for a director to replace the one who just quit.

Factor in those darned Illuminati rumors that have persisted for years now and the question is begged -- will these trends continue, leaving us to witness the eventual demise of arguably the best and most successful rapper of all time?

Don't get me wrong, Jay is presumably brushing this small clump of dirt off his shoulder, but these actions make you wonder if Jay is losing his aura of being untouchable.

**(No, not that type of inappropriate contact, though you are forgiven for considering that possibility.)

An Open Letter to Lil' Kim

2011-04-07T07:53:00.006-04:00

Dear Lil' Kim,

Because this is a fan talking to you, I'm going to make this as short and sweet as I possibly can -- please stop beefing with Nicki Minaj.

I'm not asking you to stop because I think it's a battle you will lose. Black Friday already solidified your victory.

Rather, you need to take the high road, similar to how Jay-Z reacts when rappers (like Game and Jaz-O, to name but a few) attempt to insult him through derisive lyrical content -- ignore, ignore, ignore.

I understand her latest attempt to grab your attention probably stung much more than Roman's Revenge -- a diss track that is confusingly credited to Nicki's alter ego Roman Zolanski (hence, the song's name), an indication that Nicki doesn't really agree with dissing Kim but is doing so only for publicity -- but you've already said enough on Black Friday. In fact, you sounded like your old self circa the Hardcore album, which hit harder and was way more Hiphop than Nicki's pop album debut that was filled with atrocious Autotuned singing.

What you need to do is understand that the music industry, like life, works in cycles, and so if the past is any indication of the future, she, too will soon have an upstart female emcee trying to dethrone her, as Nicki is trying to do to you. That is, assuming Nicki's career matches or exceeds the longevity of yours.

Yes, I know she is on the cover of the current Elle magazine, but is that really Hiphop?

But not to be outdone, you recently landed the cover of the current Vibe magazine, a decidedly better fit than trying to appeal to a demographic that neither looks like you nor listens to your music.

Can't you see Nicki Minaj so desperately wants to be just like you? From your first album's cover (see above photo) to imitating much of your rapping style and fashion sense and even how she got put on (popular rapper du jour co-signs her and puts her on every remix under the sun), Nicki doesn't have an original bone in her body. She even went the plastic surgery route**, something you pioneered in Hiphop and rap.

Every aspect of her career has been modeled after yours. Take it as a compliment, as flattery, but not as a challenge. Although it may seem that her popularity has reached epic proportions, she is not nor could she ever be on your level.

Some more unsolicited advice is to perhaps reassemble the production team that helped put you on top so your fans can once again experience the sassy, "down-ass-bitch" attitude we all fell in love with on songs like Big Momma Thang, We Don't Need It, and especially Will They Die for You (from Ma$e's Harlem World album)?

You actually had some really dope, hard hitting tracks on Naked Truth. But then for some reason you descended into an R&B abyss [which continued on your next album] in which you felt compelled to showcase your singing abilities, leaving many of your rap-loving fans feeling somewhat alienated.

If you're going to do a project filled with singing, why not at least go the Andre3000 route and conceptualize the album so that the cohesive content can potentially make up for the lack of singing ability?

The problem is, as long as you acknowledge Nicki Minaj through your rhymes, we know that she is not only on your mind, but she's on your mind to the point that you feel the need to talk about her instead of conquering new topics that show true progression in a style that helped you win over your millions of fans in the first place.

We've seen other artists get side-tracked by becoming obsessed with talking about other rappers, eventually losing sight of the big picture -- making quality music -- while also losing their careers.

Your fans don't want this same fate to become yours, regardless of how close you may seem to that reality. There is still time to save your career, but the choice in direction is yours to make.

Sincerely,

Lufwalnu Nabru Orgen, a fan

** I am in no way endorsing Lil' Kim's plastic surgery, which left her with severe facial disfigurement and unappealingly huge breasts.

Mister Cee: The Gay DJ

2011-04-06T12:41:00.007-04:00

Well, I'll be!

All this time we've been searching high and low for "the gay rapper" when we should have been looking for the gay DJ!

Or at least that's what I call it when you're being fellated by a member of the same sex, such as was the case last week with the world famous DJ Mister Cee, also known as Big Daddy Kane's DJ as well as the man largely credited with discovering and launching the career of The Notorious B.I.G.

Actually, his list of accomplishments is impressive and shows a life-long dedication to a genre in which he's been an active and pioneering participant since the so-called golden age.

All of which begs the question -- how will Hiphop as a whole react to this startling news?

So far he remains on the air with his popular daily Throwback at Noon show, but there are some notable absences among his few supporters, some of who seemingly agree with the far-fetched theory that Mister Cee is being set up by the NYPD.

But a review of Mister Cee's priors reveals an eerie pattern of soliciting sex, making his alibi almost unbelievable. Almost.

Now, the next question is... who cares? Aside from a severe lapse in judgment, I'm even surprised at myself when I say that I really don't care what this man did/does in his personal time.

I've never heard him say anything negative against gays, so I can't call him a hypocrite. In fact, come to think of it, I don't think I've ever really heard him speak too much at all, aside from with his hands. As a DJ, that is.

And that makes this all the more confusing, because if we as a Hiphop nation accept Mister Cee as a great DJ regardless of his sexual orientation and predilections, then why can we not accept other talented DJs and/or rappers as such? Because we know they exist. And if we don't accept them, won't that make us the same hypocrite that we so desperately want to label Mister Cee as?

I'm going to wait for more facts to come out (no pun), but at first glance the writing on the wall is quite legible and requires no further translation.

Kid Cudi Quits Weed, Says It's For 'Kids'

2011-04-01T14:21:00.004-04:00

Kid Cudi today announced via his Tumblr account that he has stopped using marijuana, an ironic move considering he owes all his fame to marijuana, the very topic of his breakout debut single Day 'N' Nite.

Going even further, he alienated his fans who may not want to see him quit, saying that he knows "misery loves company," implying that all of his fans who smoke weed are doing so out of a certain dissatisfaction with themselves.

He goes on to say that "hell does have an exit, and I found it. For those who are looking for a way out, i left the door open, and ill be waiting for whoever wants to grow with me," suggesting that anybody who desires to continue [or start] using marijuana is stunting their own development.

Adding that "Im happy being sober. Im happy being a new me. Giva fuck who thinks of me different, you didnt care about me in the first place if you cant be proud and happy for me growing up and starting a new chapter," another blatant insinuation that being intoxicated in general is juvenile at best.

What Cudi forgot to mention is that he earned his nickname Mr. Rager because of the wild behavior he displayed during his cocaine binges, which in one case resulted in him being arrested after literally tearing an apartment door off its hinges. So of course he now disapproves of marijuana use -- it's not particularly advisable for a recovering cocaine addict to use any narcotic of any type, period, lest he or she wants to fall of the proverbial wagon.

I can understand Cudi wanting to get clean after enduring his drug-induced problems, but for him to make such sweeping generalizations about people who use marijuana (including but not limited to his loyal fans who have helped him remain popular) is probably nothing more than a regurgitation of what his drug counselors told him at rehab, which is what I'm guessing prompted him to end his drug use.

But really the bigger question is that if Cudi now frowns upon smoking weed, will he still perform Day 'N' Nite -- his biggest hit to date -- at his concerts? If so, will he come off as a hypocrite? If not, will he maintain his loyal fanbase, some of whom buy concert tickets specifically to hear him perform that song?

Really, what is the point in publicly announcing that he will no longer be smoking weed? Why not just make that change in private? Or better yet, why not be creative and make a song about it?

Instead Cudi went the dangerous route of condemning all drug use, setting himself up for a very public relapse, not to mention this crazy PR move will probably not be met with open arms from the same Hiphop community that helped him maintain a high-ranking presence on the Billboard charts.

Part of Cudi's allure was that he was an unabashed, drug-using rebel. It will be interesting to see the transformation that his image undergoes for his next album since he can no longer rely on his bread and butter -- making songs about drug use.

Hiphop Remains Mostly Mum on Japan Tsunami

2011-03-29T08:01:00.004-04:00

With such an exorbitant amount of revenue being generated from Hiphop music, and especially with rappers now earning more than they ever have, I find it pretty surprising that Hiphoppers as a group haven't done more to come to Japan's aid in the wake of this month's tsunami.

Apparently Linkin Park has a new song available for download with proceeds going to a relief fund, but what about real and actual rappers? Where are they during this time of need?

Let's start with Pharrell, who has made a ton of money with the help of Japanese designer and musician Nigo and his rap group the Teriyaki Boyz, even going so far as to open a clothing store in Tokyo (full of attire designed by Nigo) before helping Nigo open up his own stores in New York City and Los Angeles (now closed) for his Bape/Bathing Ape brand.

To date, the most Pharrell has done is issue through one of his Web sites a brief statement that lets readers know he is "devastated" before wishing Japan the best of luck, or "God's speed," as he put it. That's a pretty weak move considering all the money his clothing lines -- designed by Nigo -- have made from Japanese support.

Not to be outdone, 50 Cent tweeted some insensitive jokes in the hours after news broke about the tsunami before begrudgingly apologizing. However, Vitamin Water money notwithstanding, 50 has yet to make a donation that is not in the form of cruel humor.

Ironically, Nicki Minaj (who calls herself the Harajuku Barbie, a reference to the Tokyo neighborhood of the same name known for its outrageous and colorful style and fashion) is participating in a digital album being released by Universal Music Group to raise funds for the victims of the tsunami. While Universal is home to a long list of rappers, none besides Nicki have been confirmed for the album.

Pete Rock and DJ Premier were just touring Japan this past summer, and DJ Spinna regularly deejays there, but still there has been no indication that any of the turntablists/producers are doing anything to give back to the country that supports them by inviting them to perform.

It is possible that the above mentioned artists (and more) have indeed done more than talk about it, but it would be nice to confirm that the Hiphop artists who we have all helped get filthy rich do indeed care about their Japanese fans enough to make a sizeable donation for earthquake/tsunami relief and aid.

Sandra Bullock gave a full million dollars, which obviously goes above and beyond the call of duty, but it also shows that these donations (which are tax write-offs, another incentive for the wealthy) are but a small percentage of these celebrities’ wealth.

It’s’ only natural that a number of Asian celebrities are doing their part.

Lady Gaga has gone the creative route, designing bracelets and selling them on her Web site to raise money for the victims, already tallying $1.5 million.

Ne-Yo performed in Japan after the tsunami hit, meeting with fans. While it is assumed the concert proceeds went to support the victims, all Ne-Yo said for sure that he was doing was spreading love through music, which is still admirable because at the very least it helps keep the spirits up of those who were in attendance.

Hell, teenager Demi Lovato (who I know for sure has less money than Dr. Dre, Eminem and Jay-Z – who, coincidentally,have all done nothing to help) has given $1 million.

Speaking of Jiggaman -- also known as the man who once rapped “I put dollars on mine, ask Columbine, when the twin towers fell I was the first in line” -- he has been conspicuously absent from the conversation of what celebrities have done in the wake of this disaster.

Jay-Z, the man who Forbes magazine last August crowned as “Hip-Hop’s Cash King,” earned $63 million in the previous 12 months. Yet, Jay still has yet to make any type of donation to Japan.

Diddy, who is arguably the most financially secure of all Hiphop-related artists, at least took to Twitter to express himself and his concerns for Japan, imploring his fans and followers to send text messages to the Red Cross, which will help generate funds for relief.

But Jay, who isn’t on Twitter, didn’t even issue a statement or anything that would lead us to believe he has an ounce of concern for the tsunami victims.

NaS is experiencing some financial hardships right now, so I will give him a pass for not helping. But again, a simple statement or open letter to a media outlet could inspire his fans to do something. You wonder why more influential, popular rappers don’t do the same.

These are but a small sampling of rappers and Hiphoppers who could and should be doing more to support our fellow humans during this time of hardship. We say 911 is a joke but then we turn around and don’t do anything to help expedite emergency aid to those who are in immediate need it help. Ironic, to say the least.

Japan has been doing for years now more for Hiphop than most Americans do for it, helping to keep all four elements alive through still actively practicing deejaying with vinyl and breakdancing/b-boying. We already know that Japan has always been on the forefront when it comes to art and specifically their genre of Anime, but they are active participants in the graffiti culture, as well, a phenomenon that isn’t as celebrated as the other three elements.

Considering all the Japanese people have done to help keep Hiphop alive, it’s ironic that we Hiphoppers aren’t doing more to help keep the Japanese alive. Literally.

Japan's faithfulness to Hiphop culture has never been questioned. It's a shame the opposite isn't also true and the favor is not being returned.

RIP Nate Dogg -- Aug. 19, 1969 - March 15, 2011

2011-03-16T07:43:00.005-04:00

News broke last night that the legendary and pioneering G Funk singer Nate Dogg passed away yesterday.

I know I've made light of Nate Dogg's presence in the news over the past few years but my respect, admiration and gratitude for the man and his music can't be expressed in just a simple blog post.

No details about his death have been released yet but Nate did suffer a stroke a few years ago, which is tough to come back from.

No one is perfect, so I hope that instead of his more controversial moments Nate can be remembered for his memorable musical contributions that propelled numerous songs to become lasting, chart-topping hits. To me, he was this generation's TJ Swan. and that's an understatement. Nate's presence on records enhanced them

I will also remember him for his signature silky smooth voice and trademark sleepy, glassy eyes. He will be missed.

Here are but a few of my favorite songs with Nate Dogg:

New Mos Def Song: World Premier

2011-03-14T12:50:00.004-04:00

No, this blog post isn't a world premier. That's actually the name of the song, and rumor has it that it could end up being the lead single for the album that Mos Def is alleged to currently be working on.

Keen ears will recognize the song's beat as a track released last year as part of Madlib's Beat Konducta series of instrumental albums (and also a key component to the success of Mos Def's most recent album, which was mostly comprised of other Beat Konducta releases.

The song is classic Mos and everything we've come to love and expect from him -- a perfect mixture of rapping, harmonizing and singing over unmistakable Hiphop beats.

On a side note, as if last month's performance with Lupe and Kanye wasn't enough proof, it is quite clear that Mos cannot stifle his love for Hiphop, which repeatedly results in his return to the booth despite other, more lucrative, profitable endeavors that he could [and probably will later] be taking advantage of.

For this fact we should all rejoice and be thankful to one of the few remaining providers of unadulterated true school Hiphop music.

Jim Jones + Rae and Ghost = Confusion

2011-03-09T13:01:00.006-05:00

The curious case of Jim Jones being featured on Raekwon's as well as Ghostface's latest albums has left most if not all Wu-Tang fans dumbfounded, bewildered and stunned.

There is an overwhelming feeling that the inclusion of the Capo was not only unnecessary, but also a waste of precious space that should be reserved for only the most skilled of rappers -- something that Jim Jones falls well south of -- like Black Thought, who is also featured on both albums.

On Ghost's new album, the song with Jim Jones is something of a Ja Rule club track gone wrong (which is redundant, making it doubly worse), a sound and style that obviously has no business being on a Ghostface album. I always figured that if Ghost wanted us in the club he'd give us certified hits like Cherchez La Ghost, not this piece of wannabe pop fluff:

Handcuffin’ Them Hoes (feat. Jim Jones)

Not to be outdone, Raekwon has a song with Jim on his own album, but a recent performance on Jimmy Fallon sans Jim ironically shows that Jim's inclusion wasn't at all needed for the track as it is performed without a hitch.

My question is: when did this peculiar association between Jim Jones and Raekwon and Ghostface materialize? On what basis does Jim get to be featured on their albums, thus ruining the listening experience for die hard fans of both artists?

Hell, both albums are saturated with guest appearances anyway, why vex listeners even more with a studio gangster who used to rock a perm? But I digress...

A bit of research uncovered a video of Raekwon expressing his admiration for Jim, so I can only guess that the inclusion of Jim on Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang was borne out of that same esteem.

But Rae is coming off his most successful project since his debut in 16 years ago. Certainly his fans gave Rae no indication that they wanted to hear him on a song with Jim Jones. Jim -- who's recent attempt at getting attention by way of a convenient car crash failed miserably -- hasn't seen success in more than a few years.

Suffice to say, I'm confused and just slightly disappointed.

Remembering Biggie 14 Years Later

2011-03-09T07:12:00.005-05:00

R.I.P. Christopher George Latore Wallace, May 27, 1972 - March 9, 1997

Things done changed.

And that’s an understatement considering the current landscape of Hiphop and rap music, what with all the emphasis being placed on Hip-Pop and em-singing instead of emceeing from rappers who are true to and respect Hiphop culture.

But through it all one voice has particularly remained consistent, reciting insightful rhymes that to this day still hold cultural value, meaning and relevance.

A voice that surprisingly still resonates with the finicky taste of Hiphop heads who routinely shun anything if it isn’t brand spanking new.

Despite the fact that most if not all the rhymes that we still hear from the Notorious B.I.G. are recycled [again and again] from his lone two studio albums that he recorded in life, he remains a top contender for the coveted title of greatest rapper of all time.

That is an amazing feat when you take into account the mass influx of quality [and not-so-quality] rappers that have paraded in and out of the industry (including the rappers he helped put on) since BIG’s passing 14 years ago on this day, March 9, 1997.

I was finishing up my senior year in college when I heard the news, which, since there was no Internet back then, was at first tough to confirm. No one wanted to believe that BIG was dead.

And more than a decade later it seems the same remains true.

With a successful biopic and countless rappers imitating BIG or shouting out BIG or sampling BIG lyrics (or even stealing Biggie’s lines), it is obvious he still remains a lyrical force to be reckoned with.

The only time I got to see BIG perform live was back in the mid 90s at a bowling alley-turned nightclub on Victory Boulevard in Portsmouth, Virginia. He had his snap cap, bright-colored shirt and Versace shades complete with a cane for the regal effect that he favored. He delivered his rhymes perfectly on stage with no hint of a lack of breath control (a true feat for a man of his size and weight) before gunshots rang out and the crowd hit the floor, scurrying to exit the building alive.

BIG survived that shootout before ultimately meeting his fate in another, but the memory of his lyrical mastery lives on well beyond those two incidents.

Below are a couple of my favorite Biggie moments. Enjoy.

Video: Nice & Smooth -- No Delayin'

2011-03-01T06:37:00.005-05:00

Yes, you read correctly.

This is the official music video for a song from Nice & Smooth's 21 year old self-titled debut album, which has more than a few classic tracks on it.

In fact, in my opinion, No Delayin' was the best song on the album. An instant classic that stayed on repeat in my tape deck.

The duo never released the song as a single but it was a radio mix show mainstay just off of its simple looped piano and drums, and of course Teddy Ted's scratching section. You know what I'm sayin? (Only true Nice & Smooth fans will understand that one...)

The song sampled Big Daddy Kane's legendary "awww yeah" from the intro to Ain't No Half Steppin, so it's a pleasant surprise to see Kane get his proper respect via a cameo in the video.

More groups that are classified as old school should take a page from Nice & Smooth's book and release official videos for their classic album cuts that were overshadowed by more popular [and arguably not as good] singles.

Can you imagine if Big Daddy Kane in 2011 released an official video for Young Gifted and Black. Everybody else has jacked that song, so why shouldn't Kane bring it back too?

Or what if Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick finally shot a video for La Di Da Di?

Or if EPMD could put aside their differences long enough to shoot a video for one or all of the signature "Jane" installments.

The possibilities are limitless, but so is the doubt I have that this concept will ever catch on with so-called old school rappers. Too bad.

Rap [Names] is Outta Control, Part 2

2011-02-17T15:21:00.000-05:00

A few years ago I devoted a blog post to a couple of rappers who I thought lacked creativity when it came to his or her stage name.

It was just a spur of the moment kind of thing, and I figured it would be a one-time post and that would be it.

But lately -- and by lately I mean ever since I published that initial post in 2008 -- I've been noticing rappers having crazier and weirder names, each one outdoing the other when it comes to a lack of creative thought.

I never expected this topic to grow into an all-out, neverending episodic series showcasing the most ridiculous rap names, as it is poised to become.

Long gone are the days of having the block bestow you with a name that sticks with you for the duration of your career.

Instead, they've been replaced with names like Louisiana Ca$h, the rapper featured in this particular instance:

This name didn't catch me as off guard as I was when I heard the name Harlem's Cash**. However, this name was the straw that broke the proverbial camel's back.

Although these are the only two instances I know of a rapper using Cash as a surname (Johnny Cash probably rolled his eyes in his grave when he heard about these names), enough is enough!

It is neither creative nor imaginative, not to mention neither rapper probably has any real cash to speak of in the first place.

Some quick research uncovered that Louisiana Cash has been on his grind for a minute, apparently signing to Battery Records less than two years ago despite the record label's Web site's mysterious omission of the rapper's name from its roster of artists.

A newswire service even issued press release in 2009 that ambitiously declared 2010 would be Louisiana Cash's year to "break out".

Whatever the case is regarding the current status of his career, I just saw his video on MTV Jams so I guess he's doing something right.

**Harlem's Cash is, ironically, kind of a dope rapper. I had ignored him for a long time based on the facts that 1) I'm from Harlem and never heard of him, and 2) his name is a complete and utter deterrence on every level. Had it not been for him rocking over a hot 9th Wonder beat I would have continued to ignore him. I can't vouch for the rest of his material, but his 16 on the song in question showed me he could at least hold his own when it came to rhyming.

Pharrell Called Racist After Vegas Performance

2011-02-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

N*E*R*D performed in Las Vegas this past Monday and apparently left at least one fan in attendance questioning if Pharrell was an anti-Semite.

Of course it was all captured on video -- albeit with grainy footage shot from quite a distance.

But the audio is crystal clear, and Pharrell can be heard during a break between songs encouraging the crowd to become "one big, giant German mosh pit."

And although the audience sounds as if they're in full support, a fan standing in front of the cameraman wonders aloud about Pharrell's curiously-phrased plea, asking "what the fuck?"

While all of this is happening, Pharrell, as seen on stage through the low-quality lens of what is probably a fan's BlackBerry, is purportedly proudly raising and extending his arm in a Nazi symbol. Here is the video in question:

But somehow the crowd is still cheering? For a Nazi symbol thrown up by Pharrell? Even though the concert is in Vegas, which features the "fastest growing Jewish population in North America"? Something just doesn't add up here.

And it's not like Pharrell pulled a Prince Harry, or even a Mel Gibson.

TMZ [and its Jewish founder Harvey Levin] is currently fanning the flames by intentionally directing readers to video footage from a separate live event from two years earlier (while claiming it was from this week's Vegas show) in which Pharrell is "goosestepping," which, as defined, is a "marching step performed in formal military parades and other ceremonies," and not exclusive to the anti-Semitic movement.

Just a few years ago Pharrell was photographed by TMZ (!!) while happily participating in the celebration of an Orthodox Jew wedding. Now all of a sudden he hates Jews?

If anybody has ever seen a N*E*R*D performance then it's obvious that the hand signal used by Pharrell was nothing more than the omnipresent Star Trek Vulcan sign, which N*E*R*D and the Neptunes have since adopted as their own.

And yes, Pharrell has been seen on stage slam dancing like a maniac with his arms and legs swinging wildly -- a dance style that is oftentimes associated with Skinheads and Neo-Nazis. But it's also the preferred style of dance when it comes to mosh pits. The same mosh pit that Pharrell encouraged the audience to participate in.

But Romper Stomper this is not. Pharrell was simply trying to stimulate crowd participation, a crucial element for any live performance.

The "soldier" remark was nothing but a reference to N*E*R*D's song of the same name, which is as close to a speed metal song as they've ever made. And, of course, speed metal is the music genre of choice for the Neo-Nazi movement.

The casual eye is susceptible to seeing things through a blurry lens, and this particular instance is no exception.

The truth of the matter is that it would have been literally impossible for Pharrell and his career to enjoy such a high level of success without the help and support of the many powerful Jewish people behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

Bronx Keeps Creating It!

2011-02-03T10:58:00.006-05:00

These now classic lyrics first rapped by KRS-One almost a quarter of a century ago have never been more timely.

The Bronx -- also and best known as the birthplace of Hiphop -- in the past few years has made a serious resurgence with new, talented rappers seemingly coming out of nowhere, contributing some high quality beats and rhymes that should not be overlooked.

But while there's enough food in the kitchen for everybody to eat, three Bronx-bred pioneering Hiphoppers in particular want their borough (and the rest of the world) to know that they are still ready, willing and quite able to make the same type of music that once had them at the top of everybody's list of favorite rappers.

A rapper-producer when he first teamed up with AG in 1992, Showbiz put down the mic in 1995 in favor of personifying the Bronx in his music, churning out under appreciated dark and gritty street beats on a regular basis ever since.

So it's only right that he return to the forefront by teaming up with KRS-One for their Godsville album, an outlet that provides each of them a chance to rekindle the flames and chemistry of their past work together as well as create a full length album in the same vein of those collaboration albums that have been finding more and more popularity in and interest from the Hiphop community.

Several songs from the upcoming digital-only release have "leaked" online, providing a glimpse into what to expect from this unlikely duo's album, and so far the results are nothing short of dope.

Check out Improve Myself, which showcases Showbiz's signature steady drums under some muted, regal-sounding horns, all with KRS flowing about the need to stay improving oneself in a variety of ways, but especially when it comes to the music:

And KRS, fresh off last year's release of both an LP and an EP, continues to verbally assault the world and in the process cement his reputation of being the hardest working rapper alive.

But anytime Showbiz's name is mentioned, his main rhyming partner AG is bound to come up in conversation. And this time is no different.

AG has been busy juggling multiple independent musical endeavors, with last year seeing the release of three projects in particular that helped to reestablish him as one of the best, most sincere lyricists that Hiphop has ever had.

First there was the unexpected Everything's Berri album; then the J Dilla tribute mixtape; and finally, this past December there was the Thriller 2 mixtape with 950Plus, on which AG the soloist teamed up with two fellow Bronx rappers and returned to the form that won listeners over on his debut album more than a decade ago.

And now, as if he hasn't been busy enough, he's back with yet another full length album, Berri TV, due out at some point this month.

(Editor's note: From what I can garner from innumerable listens, the word "berri" is a positive term in AG's parlance. I'm not sure of its derivation or origin, but all indications are that it means something good.)

Here is the album's first single. Enjoy.

Hiphop Needs a Union!

2011-01-31T16:16:00.005-05:00

Once again a health-related setback strikes a Hiphop legend, and once again said legend has neither health benefits nor enough money to foot the expensive cost for the requisite health care.

And, of course, once again, the wealthiest of the wealthy rappers turn a deaf ear to the plight of their primary predecessor, DJ Kool Herc, the man who is largely credited for creating Hiphop music.

According to this article, Herc is suffering from kidney stones and needs surgery to correct the ailment and to help ease the pain and suffering that he says he's been in for months.

The article goes on to say that he has at least $10,000 in existing medical bills, and surgery will only add to that figure.

Arguably, without Herc, there is a chance that rap music may not have ever existed, let alone achieved the global dominance that it is currently and has been enjoying for some time now.

Considering the fact that Jay-Z, Diddy and other wealthy individuals who have made the bulk of their fortunes on the back of Hiphop earned [at least] ten times Herc's current hospital bill while they slept last night, it is mind boggling that they have not stepped up to the plate and offered in part to foot the bill.

Jay bragged on wax about being one of the first to donate money after the Columbine and 9/11 tragedies.

Diddy is the man behind Daddy House, his charitable organization that has founded a number of social programs.

The Beastie Boys, who also came to prominence by using Hiphop to boost their careers to superstardom, know first-hand about having to deal with health problems in an industry that does not extend health benefits to their workers.

Where are they now and why won't they help to pay for Herc's bills and then some?

Hiphop is still reeling from the losses of two major talents who also could have used the help of health benefits during the months leading up to their ultimate health-related demises.

Unfortunately Hiphop is just a microcosm of the rest of the world where the rich stay rich by ignoring opportunities for them to give back to those who paved the way for their success.

Because Hiphop is such a young genre both in age and spirit, we are just now recently seeing its artists fall victim to more and more health-related maladies that have plagued the rest of the world for centuries.

Who knows? If Hiphop had a union with full benefits a doctor could have diagnosed and treated Big Pun and helped prevent the heart attack that caused his undoing.

The possibilities are endless.

I won't get into the whole Obamacare debate but it is truly amazing how many other countries see health care as a basic human right while America refuses to consider a universal, free health care system for its tax-paying citizens.

All it would take is one prominent, wealthy rapper to make a sizable donation and challenge his peers to do the same to help fund Herc's hospital bills and I'm sure money would come flooding in. But, because cash rules, that will never happen.

To put things in their proper perspective, upstart rapper Wiz Khalifa openly admits he spends $10,000 per month buying high grade marijuana.

Rick Ross and Diddy recently "spent" in excess of $1 million in a single night at the King of Diamonds strip club in Miami, "making it rain" by throwing endless amounts of bills into the crowd.

But no one has $10,000 for Herc?

If you're in New York City tonight you can be part of the solution by attending a fundraiser at Sutra, and donations should be sent to:

Kool Herc Productions
PO Box 20472
Huntington Station, NY 11746

PayPal payments can be sent to Kool Herc's sister at cindycambell1@aol.com.

Get well soon, Herc.

Jim Jones on His Crash: Through the Liar?

2011-01-28T08:51:00.000-05:00

No idea's original and there's nothing new under the sun.

And after learning of Jim Jones' new, timely song, I can't emphasize that point enough.

Since we all know that Jim Jones doesn't have an original bone in his body (pause), my Spidey senses started tingling when I read about his recent car crash.

After all, Jim has made a career swagger jacking and piggy-backing off of others: taking credit for songs written by others; remaking classic songs; and trying his damndest to be the east coast 2Pac.

I instantly thought of Kanye's crash back in 2002, and how Kanye took that crash and flipped it into a song to showcase his passion for rhyming and music by creating a classic while his jaw was wired shut.

Unlike Kanye, though, Jim apparently and amazingly suffered no injuries despite his car being completely totaled.

My worst fears were confirmed when I woke up this morning to learn of Jim Jones' new song where he, too, raps about his own crash.

But where Through the Wire comes off as a sincere documentation of a traumatizing experience, Jim's song comes off as exploitative and an attempt to capitalize on a terrible incident.

Because before the accident Jim's relevance in rap was fading quicker than Lil' Boosie's hairstyle.

To say that it's ironic that Jim released this record just months after he and Cam both went in on Kanye with some spiteful words is an understatement at best and not a coincidence at worst.

I'm not saying Jim planned the crash -- which pictures show was very serious -- but if the rap music industry didn't pioneer the publicity stunt, they damn sure took it to a new level by staging shootings and stabbings and other violent acts all in the name of garnering some attention. So why not stage a car crash too?

And above all else, the song's bars are weak! He could have at least come with some fire lyrics or hot rhymes.

There is no ill will in this post. I'm glad Jim is healthy, and I actually like more than a few of his songs and I own two of his albums. But I can't suppress the overwhelming feeling of apprehension and doubt when it comes to the sincerity of this new song, which I believe is intended to help gain sympathy and empathy from fans to help him revive his slumping career.

Action Bronson: Bon Appitite .... Bitch !!!!!!!!!!

2011-01-27T12:40:00.014-05:00

Remember the first verse heard on 36 Chambers?

Remember the raw, unrefined, wild and zany flow laced with that patented bravado?

If you're looking to restore that long lost feeling found on those early Wu-Tang Clan albums then I implore you to check out Action Bronson, a Queens rapper whose dialect, pronunciations and cadences are eerily reminiscent of Ghostface Killah circa 1992-1998.

No, this is not an accusation of Hiphop's most serious (and, as of late, often ignored) sin -- biting.

Rather, Bronson takes us back to those good old days where it was all about having fun and not about popping bottles in the club or flossing in Maybachs.

And the fact that his rhyming style channels his inner Ghostface only enhances the effectiveness of this project, which at once is refreshing and invigorating -- two crucial components missing from most modern rap music.

With 35 tracks, this mixtape plays like a double CD, seamlessly moving from song to song with clever and playful high-powered lyrics and rhymes.

Adding to the listening pleasure is the fact that most of the previously unheard beats used on the mixtape are surprisingly dope, employing classic breakbeats and familiar samples used in unfamiliar fashions.

And as most new artists should do, Bronson has already filmed high quality videos for several songs from the mixtape, further showcasing his easy-going spirit and penchant for having fun.

Unfortunately the mixtape is filled with so many J-Love drops that some of the lyrics are distorted, but that only heightens the anticipation for a full length, uninterrupted studio album that can hopefully materialize sooner rather than late.

Bronson, like many rap fans, is so starved for the feeling of the early 90s that he even go so far as to name one of his songs "Re-Elect Dinkins," in honor of former New York City mayor David Dinkins who ran the city before Rudy Giuliani imposed a police state on the city's residents.

Tango & Cash -- his duet with fellow Lo-Lifes (named for both the street gang and because of the affinity for Polo clothing) member Meyhem Lauren -- uses a 90s Hiphop instrumental standard to get his point across:

My mind above the clouds
Plus I love the way the thunder sounds
Stevie Wonder mixed with Rambo on the underground
Queens sculpted, stay chisel like a Greek god
I'm on the bars, I got the lyrical physique, pa.
My style attacks like a German Shepherd
Plus I never need a gun 'cause I'm the perfect weapon.

Even with an inflated number of tracks on the mixtape Bronson stays delivering crazy couplets ("You never know what kind of pickle you in till you wake up in a cell and nuts'll tickle ya chin") with the greatest of ease while covering topics from his favorite pasttime ("I got that pure smoke, gorgeous like a sushi plate, five sticks of marijuana, I hallucinate") to describing his perfect girl ("pussy tight, ass like a leather shoe, chillin on the stoop with a Special Brew, Mickey D’s, she never seen a vegetable, but she know how to hum on the testicle").

Bronson is almost perfect on Roasted Bone Marrow, which borrows the beat from Wu-Tang's Hollow Bones from the Clan's third album. Of course Ghost went off on that beat, so it's only right that Bronson does, too ("Bronson's smoking sticky quarters, and know today we running routes just like I'm Ricky Watters, light the sky, civil war, 160 mortars; prone position, focus on the target; breathing like I'm pregnant, mental straight from Harvard").

It's uncanny how consistent he is with his Ghostface and Wu-Tang posturing, but it's even more amazing how this project doesn't come off as some two-bit fake wanna be Wu-Tang rapper trying to get put on.

The following is a sample of the visuals from the mixtape. Cop it now!

BONUS: Below is a banger of a song featuring Action Bronson but not on the mixtape. Check it out.

Money is Reality
Statik Selektah & Termanology Feat. Action Bronson

Wiz Khalifa Channels His Inner Kwamé

2011-01-27T11:44:00.006-05:00

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Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - See video of the biggest web video personalities.

Wiz Khalifa not only made his late night television debut on George Lopez's show last night, but he also debuted his new hairstyle -- a blond streak (to make his hair, like his song, black and yellow?) reminiscent of the style pioneered and popularized in the late 80s by the polka dot man himself, Kwamé.

Because Wiz was born about two years prior to the pinnacle of Kwamé's rapping career it is unclear if his choice of hair was directly inspired by The Boy Genius or not.

Wiz's upcoming album, Rolling Papers, is scheduled to be released on March 29.

Hiphop Sports Anthems: The Black and Yellow Version

2011-01-24T06:51:00.009-05:00

First there was the Super Bowl Shuffle.

Then came We Fly High (Ballin'), the unofficial theme song for the New York Giants' 2008 Super Bowl championship team.

And now, following in the established tradition of Hiphop songs fueling a professional sports team to a championship berth, there is Black and Yellow, the once-underground and now undeniable mainstream hit song that is also the adopted anthem for the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2010-11 season.

The song's rapper, Wiz Khalifa, was yesterday standing tall in Heinz Field helping to usher in the Steelers' latest AFC championship by performing in front of more than 66,000 fans his now classic Pittsburgh ditty prior to kickoff.

In an ironic twist Jets fans made their own version of the song -- called White and Green -- complete with a music video starring some weirdo in a Revis jersey who is probably still crying his eyes out in frustration today.

Hell, even Fabolous tried to get in on the fun and flip the song in favor of his preferred sports team -- the Yankees -- which, like the Jets, failed to attain their set goal of a league championship.

There's always next season.

A Portrait of the Rapper as an Author

2011-01-20T20:11:00.020-05:00

Hiphop has become decidedly more literary as of late with a slew of rappers stepping away from the mic in favor of whetting their book writing skills on their way to becoming published authors.

It wasn't surprising when we all learned over a decade ago that Chuck D was going to write a book. He kicked knowledge on wax [and on TV] so why not on paper too?

Likewise, no one really raised an eyebrow even when a more mainstream artist like LL Cool J released his autobiography.

But nowadays the most unlikely of rappers are beginning to concentrate more and more on the literary side of their trade.

This includes and especially refers to Prodigy of Mobb Deep, who is currently incarcerated but has obviously made good time of his sentence by first landing a book deal and then penning his life story.

Not to be out done, though, is veteran rapper Buckshot of the legendary 90s group Black Moon, who just yesterday released a guide for how to navigate in the rap music and entertainment industries.

These tomes all come on the heels of Jay-Z's highly publicized and equally successful book that documents and breaks down a nice selection of his lyrics, succeeding where Yale University failed at attempting to explicate a wider range of Hiphop lyrics in general.

Considering how many rappers abuse the English language in their everyday speech, the casual observer cannot be faulted for incorrectly assuming that rappers -- if they know how to write at all -- would probably produce trashy street lit, adding insult to an already injurious literary genre.

But this past summer Styles P brought an innovative conception to life by independently publishing a novel that he wrote and simultaneously releasing an accompanying soundtrack of music inspired by the novel.

Rappers -- many of whom in the past few years appear to be uninspired and fading from relevancy quickly -- who are talented enough to conceive and write novels and/or other literary contributions should take a hint from Styles and work on their own version of that book-CD package that can not only possibly revitalize CD sales but also encourage the Hiphop community to actually pick up a book and read something other than the daily Lottery numbers.

Seeing the current financial woes being suffered by Nas, now is the time for him to branch out and write that novel he has long talked about wanting to publish. Not to mention he could exact some type of revenge against his the mother of his daughter/author of a recent tell-all book that used Nas's name to make herself a profit.

If C-Murder can write a book, Nas should have no problem.

But leave it to 50 Cent to pull his trump card, bypassing the role of aspiring author and starting his own publishing company that, according to Wiki, has 11 titles to its credit, including and culminating with 50's own top-selling book being published in 2009 on the G-Unit Books imprint.

Some rappers have even been asked to write a foreword for books, an honor usually reserved for more academically-inclined individuals.

2Pac's legacy was further tarnished and abused by one of the many posthumous exploitations of the rapper. This time it was in the form of a book of poems that many accomplished poets spoke highly of.

Of course there are always the lazy rappers who, ruining it for other potential rapper-authors, gladly and readily accept hefty book advances only to never even think about writing a rough draft, let alone single chapter for the books they were contracted to write.

Malice of Virginia rap duo the Clipse has been readying and steadily building anticipation for his novel with an innovative marketing technique of sporadically released online video vignettes that feature random excerpts.

Other improbable but noteworthy rappers-turned authors include:

Ma$e
KRS
Ice-T (who ironically inspired a future Hiphop-related author to write her own series of books...)
Lil' Troy (who apparently penned this guide to success in the Hiphop industry, an ironic opus considering his last [and only] taste of success in rap was over a decade ago.)
RZA (two books)
Ghostface
Sister Souljah

Not bad for a group of mostly high school dropouts.

Let me know if I missed anybody.

2010 Hiphop Albums: The Best of the Rest

2010-12-29T10:40:00.005-05:00

By now it has already been well-documented which albums released over the past 12 months have received the warmest welcome from the finicky Hiphop masses, with the overwhelmingly, undeniable consensus being Kanye’s latest offering – by a long shot.

Ross, Banks, Roots -- they all had amazing albums. This much cannot be disputed as they are all mentioned on everybody's list of top Hiphop albums released this year.

But what’s been missing from these “best of” lists are some of the lesser-known rappers who have managed to quietly release quality music that is noteworthy in their own right, staying true to the main ideals that Hiphop music was originally based on – having fun and paying tribute to Hiphop culture through dope lyrics and fresh rhymes.

Here is the official BC-TW sanctioned list of the best of the rest; the so-called also-rans who deserve their own acknowledgment for their most recent contributions to Hiphop:

15. Big Remo – Entrapment – The North Carolina emcee can more than hold his own among the genre’s heavyweights, bringing his own brand of thug rap to Hiphop via the reliable 9^th Wonder vehicle, complete with the requisite soul samples chopped up to perfection juxtaposed with Remo's tough talk.

Standout tracks: The Game (Tre 4); Go; Go Ladies

Notable quotable:

Grab muhfuckas by they throat that’s hating on Remo
And I ain’t D-Bo but I’m on that shit,
I used to hot wire, drive like I own that whip
And get it in in the kitchen, yeah, I’m on that whip.

14. Vic Mensa – Straight Up – This teenager from Chicago debuted a thorough EP, which includes some serious lyrical dexterity along with a nice, competent flow and quality production. The EP is only eight tracks long (including one interlude and one skit) and leaves the listener wanting more, which bodes well for his future.

Standout tracks: Like the Way; Lights Out; Too Hard

Quotables:

"I’m like a wrinkle in time
I would rather make a classic than drop a fuckin single and sign."

13. The Kid Daytona – The Interlude – This full length album deserves all the credit for having one of the most – if not the most – original approach to production for an album regardless of the date. Using interludes from random Hiphop albums for the musical backdrop, The Kid Daytona helps to transform the once short tracks found in between songs to bona fide songs with banging beats that is at once familiar and brand new at the same time. Daytona isn’t the greatest rapper but he is well above average but the beats knock and the listener finds his or her neck nodding knowingly even though it’s all new material. A very clever ploy for an album, and it works to perfection. Test your Hiphop acumen by trying to figure out from where the interludes first originated!

Standout tracks – Fly Lullaby; Padma (So Buttery); Contemplation;

Notable Quotable:

“Gamin' since I came in it, no regrets
Now I chef the flavor shit, hankerchief, no sweat
Throw the stick out there, them bitches go fetch
Pick out gear and play GQ like O Epps”

12. Actual Proof – the Free EP – This 9^th Wonder-affiliated duo from North Carolina brings their take on Hiphop to the masses with this feel-good album made up of carefree, refreshing rhymes reminiscent of the Native Tongues, with the majority of the production handled by 9^th Wonder’s now-classic vocal sample-inflected head-nodding beats. A simple but foolproof recipe for success.

Standout tracks – Skate Kids; Peace From the Riddler (Enigma); Genius

Notable Quotable:

"You can’t step to him without a mortarboard
While I transform a metaphor, prime optimus
Einstein rockin’ in my rare form."

11. Kev Turner – Soul City Music – This album is boom bap to the fullest, with break beats galore, scratching, and a rapping approach reminiscent of the late 80s/early 90s – braggadocio lyrics, lashing out at fake rappers, employing varying flows throughout, professing his love for Hiphop, and repping this new artist's hometown (Philadelphia). Each track has a distinct swing and bounce to it, giving this album a nice, chill, house party feel to it. Kev Turner is a basic lyricist, but his rhymes are on point and, when combined with the music, make for a very complete, cohesive presentation.

Standout tracks: Ill State of Mind; The Breaks; If Its Cool

Notable Quotable:

“Stopped smoking years ago but it’s hard to turn dro down
Floating on cloud 9, walking on no ground
In the 90s Bo knew it all but what Bo know now?
Bet if he heard this, Bo know that I throw down
Kev’s styles sharper than a samurai showdown”

10. 1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) – FreEP – Released on the heels of the 1982 LP, this EP a better, more concentrated version of its predecessor both lyrically and musically, eliminating all the filler tracks found on the other album with a shorter, more condensed format of straight beats and rhymes showcasing Termanology’s brilliant Big Pun-influenced rhyme schemes to no end. Statik Selektah’s DJ Premier-inspired beats and scratches are nothing short of dope.

Standout tracks: The Darkest Cloud; Put it Down; Word Up

Notable quotable:

“My heinous visions be painting pictures like ancient scriptures
I’m like Michael Corleone to you Fredo niggas.”

9. Mac Miller – K.I.D.S. – An acronym for Kicking Incredible Dope Shit, this accurately named mixtape features this relatively new Pittsburgh emcee rhyming over mostly all new music from a hodgepodge of unknown producers who rival the sound(s) of any of today’s top beatsmiths. The self-proclaimed “Justin Bieber-meets-Jadakiss” has a style all his own, and the mixtape has a distinctly mid-90s feel to it, ironic considering Miller was born in 1992.

Standout tracks – Nikes on My Feet, Good Evening, La La La

Notable quotable:

“Had the whole regular life, I can tell you that I’m done with that
Trying to build a mill off a couple stacks
Own my own business, investing all I got into these fuckin raps
Willie Parker money, hand it off, then it’s running back.”

8. RapSody – Return of the B-Girl – Yet another 9^th Wonder-fueled album, only this one showcases the considerable rhyming skills of a female emcee who can flex a number of lyrical styles with what comes off as the greatest of ease. A healthy dose of uninterrupted, unadulterated Hiphop.

Standout tracks: Young, Black With a Gift (with Big Daddy Kane); U Sparklin’; Cherry Red Hot;

Notable quotable:

“Little league of my own like pitching off the mound
With boobs, fallopian tubes
These dude gon’ know me now.”

7. DJ Premier Presents Year Round Records… Get Used to Us – The long awaited compilation showcasing DJ Premier’s record label Year Round Records and the artists affiliated with the label. Many of these songs have already been released unofficially on the Web, but to many people this will be all new material they are listening to.

Standout tracks: Temptation, Opportunity Knoccs, The Gang Starr Bus

Notable quotable:

“Can’t ball unless you handle the pill, or the rock
Or you drop dimes helping these fiends score at will
Somebody gets killed for not covering the spread
Ill-advised shots, instead of leather it’s lead
Funny how hustling is sort of like a sport
Starts out in the streets, ends up in the court
And then you’re in the press
With no time out just time in with a number on your chest” -- Nick Javas

6. KRS – Back to the L.A.B. (Lyrical Ass Beating) -- This EP is six tracks of pure fire, served up KRS-One style: a continuous flow of venom aimed at all the rappers who KRS feels are bringing down the artform while simultaneously attempting to restore it to its rightful place. And while KRS has been on some preachiness over the past few years, this EP is a happy return to his boom bap roots, waking up the doubters who have been sleeping on KRS, assuming his skills have deteriorated over the years when the exact opposite is the truth.

Standout tracks: Who Da Best; WOLF; TEK-NOLOGY

Notable quotable:

“We that orthodox Hiphop that all of you know
Man, I lived through the ballers, they ain’t ballin no more
The arenas and theaters ain’t callin no more
The budget from the labels ain’t fallin no more
Them big gold cables is pawned at the store
Them cats now thinking ‘yo, what was it all for?
20 platinum plaques, ya still can’t tour
Now listen back to your lyrics, what was that all for?
When you had the opportunity you coulda spit it raw
That’s when you see KRS is on tour
I do a two-hour show and be spitting one more!”

5. Capone-N-Noreage – War Report 2: Report the War – It’s hard to follow up a classic album with another one modeled after the first installation, but War Report 2: Report the War comes as close as anybody who has ever tried it. It is classic Queens music, with violent imagery that is a reflection of the duo's reality. Capone and NORE show they are still hungry to make quality music and dope rhymes, a welcome change from what they’ve been doing [together and separately] over the past few years.

Standout tracks: Pain, Obituary, Thug Planet

Notable quotable:

“I sent a wreath to my foe’s wake, condolences
Emotionless when I’m squeezing, easy to focus, kid. -- Capone
“Apologize, kiss the ring, or we will scrape you
We will face you, then replace you
Treat you like a number 2 pencil and erase you.” -- Noreaga

4. Roc Marciano – Marcberg – Former Flipmode Squad member Roc Marciano unleashed this beast of an album after years of paying dues in the shadows of Busta Rhymes and Pete Rock, respectively, and although it barely registered a blip on the mainstream radar, the underground was buzzing big time after one listen to this gem. Roc holds down the entire album -- save for one single guest appearance -- with a steady barrage of grimy street knowledge manifested in his trademark monotone, serious delivery.

Standout tracks: Snow, Panic, Don Shit

Notable quotable:

"Juggling jums, bubble gum, cum on her tongue
The color of rum, it's the return of the fly bum, hon
Maybe it's just my radiant flesh, or the baby tec that wet up the gray GS, yes
Place ya bets, till I get to taste success, rappers to me is just a waste of breath."

3. Vado – Slime Flu – This mixtape confirms what many suspected -- that Vado as a soloist is officially a force to be reckoned with in rap (albeit negative rap). Vado -- an acronym standing for Violence And Drugs Only -- doesn’t rap about his love for Hiphop, but his witty wordplay and choice of beats is more than enough proof that the love is there. It just seems to be lower on his totem pole of priorities, giving way to crack and guns and other all too familiar ghetto symbolism. What separates Vado from the average “crack rapper” is his obvious lyrical skills and penchant for hot rhyme schemes (and his signature adlib "Huuuuunh!"). After two years of being Cam’ron’s sidekick, Vado steps out and easily stands on his own.

Standout tracks – Council Music, Celebration, Wake Up.

Notable Quotable:

“I ain’t the one you wanna walk up to
No dap, I just turn my back on you like a post-up move
Two gats, give you a close-up view.”

2. Gangrene – Gutter Water – This album (created in the tradition and stylings of the Jaylib album) is a sonic masterpiece featuring producers The Alchemist and Oh No who have taken a sabbatical from their day jobs as prolific producers to concentrate on rhyming. Narcotics-inspired music and rhymes with beats as grimy as the album’s name suggests. A win-win situation to be sure.

Standout tracks: Gutter Water; Get Into Some Gangster Shit; Ransom

Quotables: There are not really any significant quotables considering the mediocre level of rapping from these producers, but each member flows well on the tracks, making for a good listening experience. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Sometimes the music weighs heavier than the lyrics. See Dr. Dre for more on this topic.)

1. Skyzoo & !llmind - Live From The Tape Deck – A bona fide classic from the first to the last track. Skyzoo displays his ever-improving rhymes over beats from the underrated !llmind, and the marriage between the two is nothing short of magic. This album could stand alone as either an a capella album or an instrumental album, but together it is just plain incredible. Skyzoo shows us his growth is not a fluke.

Standout tracks: Langston’s Pen, Frisbees, Speakers on Blast

Notable quotable:

"Never be a drought as long as I’m in the front

They lookin around, but couldn’t find it off the jump

I’m cooking it loud and got em poppin off of one

I’m hooking the town, you hear ‘em dropping with a thump

Little more on the edge, they was looking for less

Used to the tap, they was looking for steps

I don’t juice none of that, they mistook it for meds

The root is under that, just say I shook off the regs

When the bass get to beating with the 808 beneath it

Ain’t a lane they could be in that I ain’t already weave in

Take it how you need it but basically what it be is

I could break this into pieces and make me a few believers

Let ‘em know from the go, no they dealing with go-ups

As much as I can throw, everything’s for the lower

One after the other one, then I shake another one

Dish ‘em the opposite and watch how the devil come

Got ‘em sitting in pocket I provide ‘em that what I want

All of this is the obvious, I was just lining up

And now they wanna bring the 90s back

That’s OK, cuz that’s where they designed me at”

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Big L – Return of the Devil’s Son

Von Pea – Pea’s Gotta Have It

Willie The Kid – The Cure