Amplified Grammar

The Return Of Black Star

2011-11-26T02:16:00.001-05:00

Black Star (Yasiin Bey & Talib Kweli) - "You Already Knew" - Black Star Aretha (Mixtape)

So The Artist Formerly Known As Mos Def and his BK cohort Talib Kweli have finally taken steps toward making their follow up to their highly acclaimed 1998 album Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star more then fodder for blog speculation and comment section discussion. After years of sporadic activity as a group I can understand how diehard fans could be hyped about their first release in over 13 years but unlike the other Black Star song that's floating around the internets, this one is as good as the hype would lead you to believe. Produced by Cali beatmaker Oh No, "You Already Knew" expertly flip's "The Queen Of Soul" Ms. Aretha Franklin's "One Step Ahead" and turns it into the perfect groove for the duo to work that vintage Black Star magic on the listener. Mos is still spitting esoteric gems ("Trans-Atlantic maverick/true and living Asiatic/the organic masters/the cream of the planet"), sprinkling the track with his trademark melodic flow which is balanced by Talib's precise wordplay ("We do it for the glory, the ghetto, the war stories/Soldiers on shore leave who Occupy Wall Street") and wit. The chemistry between the two on "Fix Up" is almost forced when compared to how the two co-exist on this joint. I'm all for any new Black Star music but one can only hope this Aretha Franklin inspired mixtape actually materializes at some point.

Chris Brown feat. Justin Bieber - "Ladies Love Me" (Prod. By David Banner)

2011-08-05T05:30:00.003-04:00

I wrote about Chris Brown taking his first steps toward becoming a full fledged rapper and watched as he quickly went from doing cool little songs with Tyga to having the first single of F.A.M.E. feature himself sparring with rap heavyweights like Busta Rhymes and Lil' Wayne. Some may have had a hard time buying Brown as a rapper, but I give it too the kid, he not only managed to keep up, I'd say he put in a memorable performance in his own right.

I feel like a proud blogger.

Today Chris dropped his most recent mixtape, Boy In Detention, which was promoted as being his "Hip-Hop mixtape" but features Brown singing almost as much as he's spitting bars. The difference between this tape and "Fan Of A fan" is there seems to be a concerted effort by Chris to prove he's capable of making "Real Hip-Hop"

Breezy ... Real Hip Hop Sh!t from Mechanical Dummy on Vimeo.

Don't front. That was aight.

But this? This is simply incredible. Chris links up with the other singing/rapping Canadian and I think Justin Bieber a.k.a Shawty Mane just murdered Chris Brown on his own shit.

David Banner provides the beat and manages to take the spacey blips and chirps from Diplo & Afrojack's instrumental for "Look At Me Now" and flip them into an elastic concoction that's even more far out then the original. I don't think the crown is in jeopardy just yet, but when you got R&B and Pop cats going harder then cats who actually rap for a living?

Rappers Are In Danger!

At least we have a pretty good idea of what that Chris Brown x Kreayshawn song is gonna sound like (No Shots).

It's gonna happen. I be having the ill visions, God.

Here's the rest of Young Breezy's latest mixtape opus in full...for the skreets, Boy In Detention, with features from Kevin McCall, Swizz Beatz, Dawn Richard, and some other people from Chris's last mixtape with production from 9th Wonder, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Info and Big K.R.I.T. (It's actually just Chris throwing a verse on this song, but this sleeper joint was already kinda crazy before CB jumped on it so it's appearance here does nothing but help. This Berner cat must be ecstatic.).

Another highlight is the No Big Sean version of "My Last". Not sure if this was created after the fact or if it was edited out of the original version of the song for some reason. CB kinda snaps here too.

Big K.R.I.T. - The Return Of 4Eva

2011-03-29T22:02:00.005-04:00

Big K.R.I.T. - The Return Of 4Eva

(Cinematic Music Group, 2011)

A record deal with Def Jam, tours with Curren$y & Wiz Khalifa plus a spot on XXL Magazine's much ballyhooed 2011 Freshmen Class. A lot has transpired in the months since Mississippian Big K.R.I.T. (King Remembered In Time) released his critically acclaimed mixtape, K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, (a free "mixtape" an oftentimes brilliant collection of hard hitting & sometimes deeply introspective, nostalgic "country rap tunes") & there was a lot of pressure on K.R.I.T. to do it again. For those who thought the first tape was a fluke, stand corrected. BK doesn't disappoint with his latest "street album", The Return Of 4Neva

As with K.R.I.T. Wuz Here, The Return Of 4Neva is entirely self produced, steeped in the tradition of Southern Hip-Hop. But where K.R.I.T. Wuz Here seemed exceedingly urgent, as if K.R.I.T. had but one shot to make an impression & prove his talents, The Return Of 4Neva shows a relaxed confidence & maturity. K.R.I.T. is slowly starting to grow beyond his influences & find his own unique voice, & unique it is. Very few rappers are making music as potent or as relevant as BK. K.R.I.T. has crafted a sound so singularly Southern, comparisons to other genre defining acts like the Outkast, Goodie Mob, UGK & T.I. are not only inevitable, they're justified. K.R.I.T. chose an apt title cause the music on this tape has a timeless quality that captures the essence of Southern Hip-Hop, distilled from the works of the artists who laid the foundation.

I can rave on & on about The Return Of 4Neva & my favorite tracks but I figure the rest of the internets are gonna have a lot to say as well. So 'nuff talk, just download the thing already....

Big K.R.I.T. - The Return Of 4Eva

Sidenote: Yeah, I thought it was a goofy name too, but this guy may actually live up to it.

Below is the video for the first single off of The Return Of 4Eva, "Dreamin'"

Cam'ron & Vado - "Girls Cry" (Video)

2011-03-27T12:43:00.004-04:00

Killa Cam & V Twizzy flex their acting chops in this clip for "Girl's Cry" (araabMUZIK on the beat) off of the Gunz & Butta LP slated to hit stores April 19th. I keep telling cats, yall sleeping on Cam & Vado. This is that Come Home With Me/Diplomatic Immunity wave right here! Everything I've heard so far is fire & "Hey Muma" (which gets a preview at the end of this clip) & "We All Up In Here" are gonna have radio locked this spring. Watch.

Just a Thought: So that's Cam & Vado, Spitta & Alchemist's Covert Coup & Smoke DZA's THC all in the span of two days? I'm getting my headstash together right now, cause 4/20 is already sounding phenomenal.

No Jumper

2011-03-27T08:26:00.008-04:00

A while back, a group of my blogging colleagues decided to pool their resources & form like Voltron & as anti-social as I usually am, the prospect of building with some great writers & taking Hip-Hop journalism to the next level looked like too much fun to pass up. My sporadic posting around here may become even more erratic but I'm going to be dropping gems more often at the new spot so those with a taste for poor grammar & good Hip-Hop, check for me.

No Jumper

"They shoulda never gave these bloggers bandwidth..."

Now Playing...

2011-03-24T13:43:00.010-04:00

Lil Wayne - "If I Die Today" (feat. Rick Ross) - Tha Carter IV (Cash Money/Universal)

As much as it borrows from Officer Ricky's track, "I'm Not A Star (Part Deux)" would be a more appropriate title for the second single off of Lil' Wayne's upcoming opus, Tha Carter IV. Upon first listen, this Polow The Don produced "banger" comes off as incredibly generic & unimaginative (even for a Polow The Don track) compared to the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League instrumental it's blatantly mimicking. But in today's climate, where every hit song either sounds like "B.M.F" or "Airplanes", Xerox style production is what the fans seem to want, so what do I know? I just write a crumby blog. Luckily, Wayne manages to overcome the lazy concept with his typically sharp (albeit subdued) wordplay. Ross, while not as driven as he was on "I'm Not A Star", still seems energized & the chemistry between the two MC's is what ultimately elevates this song from mixtape throwaway to album single. I don't think "6 Foot, 7 Foot" or "If I Die Today" are bad songs & for any other artist, they'd be impressive. But these are Lil' Wayne singles & in comparison to his past music, there's something missing. The energy is different. I'm all for sobriety, but I kinda miss the maniacal, syrup sipping Lil' Wayne that effortlessly devoured any instrumental placed in front of him. I wonder if he'll be able to recapture that spirit without the double Styrofoam cups.

50 Cent - "Recently (feat. Gucci Mane)" (Internet)

The latest batch of music to come from 50 Cent has been more hit then miss; & even though it's not as strong as his mixtape work prior to the release of Before I Self Destruct I'm liking the direction he's been going in. If these tracks are indicative of the sound Fif is going with on his next project, expect the same "aggressive content" of his last album but this go round tempered with a little more of a commercial sheen. As a fan of 50 from the 50 Cent Is the Future days, it sounds like 50 is finally back in the right space to make a return to form. Not that his last album wasn't good, but it lacked the hit records that set the foundation for his first 3 LP's. This latest song is an official collabo with Gucci 2 Times (That "Crime Wave (Remix)" was a patch job & shouldn't really count) & it actually sounds way better then you'd think. No word on who produced this but it sounds like a typical Brick Squad track & puts Gucci in an automatic comfort zone, spitting a verse that rises to the level of his best verse off of the recently released The Return Of Mr. Zone 6. It's 50 who surprises, showing he's still got that "country grammar". Nothing too deep or cerebral, it almost sounds like, dare I say it, 50 was having fun with this one. Curtis is on a roll, hopefully he can keep it up long enough to produce an album that'll get him back to the top of the charts.

Dr. Dre - "Chillin' (feat. Swizz Beatz)" - Detox (Aftermath)

Another in a string of reference tracks from the legendary Detox. I chalked up "I Need A Doctor" as a necessary sacrifice to the Pop Gods & even though I wasn't big on the video treatment for "Kush", I think it's a solid song that sonically picks up right where 2001 ended & that's the same vibe I get from "Chillin'". The beat (a rolling array of spry synths, hand claps & 808 bass drops) is exactly what you'd expect an modern West Coast club record to sound like & even as a reference, it's almost a perfect mix, the hallmark of a Dr. Dre track. On the rap tip, The D.R.E. sounds the best he's ever sounded as an MC, nimbly navigating around the track with a veterans ease. I wanna say Slim The Gangster ghostwrote these verses but regardless, whoever coached Dre on this track deserves a pat on the back. The fact this song leaked decreases the chance of it actually making the finished album but if this is the kind of music Dre is working with, the chances Detox will be able to live up to all the hype it's generated the past 10 years increase ever so slightly.

Max B. - "Blowin' My High" - Vigilante Season (Amalgam Digital)

Vigilante Season may be a little uneven in spots (Full album review on the way) but for die-hard Biggaveli stans (such as myself) it should be an auto purchase. With his lackadaisical flow, mumbled lyrics & off-beat singing, I can see how some just might not "get" Max B., but there are more then enough moments of waviness on his debut to warrant a listen from the uninitiated. As far as this song, I could do without the auto-tune, but it's still Max at his best, care free, extolling the virtues of life as a Gain Green boss over a brooding but bouncy backdrop provided by his favorite producer, Dame Grease. Dame produces all but three tracks on the album & Max over Grease beats is like PB & Jelly on rye, the perfect collaboration. Some other blogger said it best...

"...the production style that was at once cheap, sloppy and relaxed, but extremely melodic — its the beat-version of Max’s rap style."

Vigilante Season was set to drop March 29th but hit the net earlier this week. Support the 'Vel & cop that.

Kevin Cossom - "Ride (Remix)" - By Any Means (Mixtape)
Kevin Cossom is the flagship artist on Tmberland protege Danja's record label, N.A.R.S. (New Age Rock Stars) and while his latest project didn't necessarily blow me away, the remakes of Ciara's "Ride", Wiz's "Black & Yellow" & Ye's "Runaway" are as strong or stronger then some of the original songs on the tape. There are a couple new tracks produced by Danja that knock (most notably, "Work") but this remix stood out to me because....
A. I thought the original (Produced & written by Tricky Stewart & The-Dream) was one of the few bright spots on Ciara's last ~~Frisbee~~ album & this version nearly one ups it.
B. KC jacks Ginuwine's flow from "Tell Me Do U Wanna" & I'm a sucker for Timbaland beats & 90's R&B. Sue me.

Action Bronson - "Barry Horowitz" - Dr. Lecter (Fine Fabric Delegates)

Albums like Roc Marciano's Marcberg & A.G's Everything's Berri have been getting alot of pub on the internets the past year. Some have even gone as far as saying the hard laced rhymes & 70's Blaxploitation era inspired production might be the start of some sorta Rap Renaissance in New York. I'm not sure how real this Rap Renaissance is but both artists churned out two of the better albums to come out of New York in recent times & Queens rapper Action Bronson's debut album Dr. Lecter is in the same mold. Yeah, dude looks like the Irish Rick Ross & sounds like Ghostface Killah, & I went into Dr. Lecter looking for reasons to rip him apart; but dude can not only rap, he's pretty good at it too. The Ghostface similarities are still kinda flagrant, but like Big K.R.I.T. (Who gets plenty of shit for aping Pimp C's style) there's enough talent & personality here for Bronson to be able to overcome the comparisons & grow into a style solely his own. In the meantime, joints like "Barry Horowitz" will do nicely.

R.I.P. Nate Dogg

2011-03-16T02:03:00.011-04:00

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (August 19, 1969 - March 15, 2011)

The greatest hook man in Hip-Hop history. Nate was one of the cornerstones of the early Death Row run & along with Dr. Dre, Snoop, Warren G & the rest of Death Row's roster, helped the label establish their own brand of gangster rap, the aptly titled "G-Funk". With his satin smooth delivery & humorously explicit lyricism, Nate Dogg influenced a slew of imitators (Yeah Butch Cassidy. YOU!) & was the blueprint for today's crop of featured crooners. There'd be no T-Pain, no Akon, or any of the dozens of cats who came on the scene in the years after if it wasn't for Nate making it cool to sing gangsta shit.

That whole Death Row movement was part of the soundtrack to my high school years & singing along to Nate Dogg's part on "Ain't No Fun" always throws me back to those days. Matter of fact, singing along with Nate Dogg on any song can't help but elicit a smile. It just feels good. His health problems in recent years have been well known but I always thought he'd eventually recover & hoped he was able to get back to doing what he does best. Just another example of why we shouldn't take anything for granted because nothing is promised to us.

R.I.P. Nate Dogg
"Nobody does it better..."

BTW - Nate shares the same B'Day as me & my Moms. Leo's rule!

Tribute To Nate Dogg - The Best Hooks In The Game (mixed by matic)

[01] Str8 West Coast Remix
[02] Time’s Up
[03] Like This
[04] Here Comes Another Hit
[05] Space Boogie
[06] Can’t Deny It
[07] Multiply
[08] The Streets (Re-Twist)
[09] Never Enough
[10] What We Do
[11] MLK
[12] Gangsta Nation
[13] The Set Up
[14] Area Codes
[15] Yo’ Sassy Ways
[16] Thugs Get Lonely Too
[17] Too Much
[18] Where I Wanna Be
[19] Warriors Part 2
[20] I Need A Bitch
[21] Lay Low
[22] A L’Ancienne
[23] The Hardest Mutha Fuckaz
[24] 100 Miles And Runnin
[25] Shake That
[26] Smokin Smokin Weed
[27] Holiday
[28] Can’t Be Faded
[29] Ghetto Millionaire
[30] What We Gonna Do
[31] Connected
[32] My Name Is
[33] So Fly
[34] Look In My Eyes
[35] Xxplosive
[36] Real Soon
[37] Hey Y’all
[38] Boss Life
[39] Bitch Please II
[40] Him Or Me
[41] Real Pimp
[42] 21 Questions
[43] From Long Beach 2 Brick City
[44] Bitches Ain’t Shit
[45] Have A Party
[46] Somebody Like Me
[47] ‘Till I Collapse
[48] Been A Long Time
[49] Ooh Wee
[50] Oh No
[51] Black Mercedes
[52] The Next Epsiode
[53] Nobody Does It Better

Max B. – Money Makes Me Feel Better (Video)

2011-03-14T07:26:00.007-04:00

Looks like the dam has finally cracked open cause "The Wave" is almost upon us. New music from Max B. from his long awaited forthcoming Amalgam Digital debut, Vigilante Season. This Dame Grease produced track is the official single for the project (due in stores March 29th) & it features Max rapping about his favorite muse, in typical Biggaveli fashion. While it doesn't exactly blow me away like some of their previous collabos, it's been a while since we've heard anything fresh from the Boss Don, so for that alone, I'm thankful. Actually, after a couple of spins, this one kinda grew on me. Due to his current "situation", Max wasn't able to show up in his own video, but Harlem & the Gain Green Gang came out to hold him down in this vid, directed by Nicholas Heller.

March 29th, run out & grab that Vigilante Season & support the homie Max B.

#FreeTheWave

Props to DGB for the hook-up.

Trademark The Skydiver & Young Roddy Are JETS International

2011-03-03T04:18:00.009-05:00

With news that Curren$y signed a label deal with Warner Bros. still fresh on the ~~streets~~ blogs, Spitta's homeboys took a page out of his playbook & laced the net with some new music. Fresh bars over classic beats....

"Jet Threat"

"Nuthin' Less"

"Pilot Seat"

"What If"

Trade & Roddy specialize in the same hazy, weed influenced stoner raps with the New Orleans bred drawl as their CEO, but each has enough variation in their flow & a distinct enough voice to stand out just enough without outshining the crew. Joints like "Roasted" & "Hold On" are perfect examples of the trio's chemistry & probably played more then a small part in Warner Bros. decision to cut that check.

The JETS are taxiing the runway....Get Fly

Just A Thought: So now WB has Gucci Mane, Curren$y & Rick Ross's imprints on their label. Since when did Warner Bros. become the new ~~Koch~~ Def Jam?

Lil' Wayne feat. Cory Gunz - 6'7" (Produced By Bangledesh)

2010-12-15T03:10:00.005-05:00

"Just Think A 2010 Version Of A Milli...But On Steroids"

The mere fact the Lil' Wayne machine has been trying to convince me the first glimpse at Lil' Wayne's next LP, Tha Carter IV was gonna be "A Milli" on HGH, I was immediately skeptical. Industry Rule #4080. But when I heard talk of Young Money/Cash Money's latest signee, Cory Gunz being involved peaked my interest. Especially seeing as how young Gunz "renegaded" Weezy on his own shit last time out, so much so the "Powers That Be" decided to strip Cor's vocals from the track and abandon the initial approach they had for the record.

Well yesterday the semi anticipated single hit the internets & after listening to it a buncha times, the "A Milli" comparisons are apt, right down to the hyperactive, sample driven production by Bangladesh (who's apparently squashed his beef with Cash Money over unpaid Tha Carter III royalties). This being Wayne first official single post Rikers vacation, the talk is some of the lyrics were actually penned while Wayne was behind bars and for those looking to see some signs that the "Martian" has fell off, you won't find em here. Although Wayne's verses on 6'7" lack the manic focus shown on "A Milli", Wayne is still one of the best at effortlessly making scatological randomness sound like the gospel. Peep...

"Real nigga all day and tomorrow
But these muthafuckas talking crazy like they jaw broke
Glass half empty, half full, I’ll spill ya
Try me and run into a wall, outfielder
You know I’ma ball ’til they turn off the field lights
The fruits of my labor, I enjoy ‘em while they still ripe
Bitch, stop playing, I do it like a king do
If these niggas animals, then I’ma have a mink soon"

But the real gem on this track is Cory Gunz, who after the debacle with "A Milli" is back for redemption and proves last time wasn't a fluke as he outshines his host one mo' gin...

"Word to my mama, I’m out of my lima bean
Don’t wanna see what that drama mean, get some Dramamine
Llama scream, hotter than summer sun on a Ghana queen
Now all I want is hits, bitch, Wayne signed a fiend
I played the side for you niggas that’s tryna front and see
Son of Gunz, Son of Sam, you niggas the son of me"

Tha Carter IV campaign has begun & I'm onboard.

Well played Mr. Carter.

Jae Millz feat. Meek Mill - Go Fast (Prod by Jahlil Beats)

2010-11-27T07:09:00.002-05:00

Off of the latest in Millz' The Flood mixtape series, The Flood Never Ended.

He may not get the same shine as some of his more well known Young Money counterparts but Jae Millz hit the mixtape scene with a vengeance ever since the Young Money CEO started his bid earlier this year. There was definitely a period in his career when although he was still releasing music, Millz was sounding less then inspired, but every project he's released in 2010, including Dead Presidents & the two Virgo mixtapes, has gotten progressively better then the last. After all the fuss over his comments about the XXL Freshman list, Millz sounds like he's intent on making some of his detractors eat their words.

This Jahlil Beats produced banger (this guy > Lex Luger) is Millz right in pocket, spitting that Harlem shit with the same arrogant swagger that's kept him in the game for the past 10 years...

"I'm on my New York shit B, word son
A nigga hotter then me? I ain't heard one..."

Philly spitter, Meek Mill continues to impress with a rapid fire flow that at times is reminiscent of both Peedie Crakk & Lil' Wayne. Still not sure of his range beyond the braggadocious fare that has become his default but as far as just straight snapping on a hot instrumental, Meek always brings the energy with his bars. Definitely one of the up & comers to keep an eye on.

As far as Jae Millz goes, he's never been the most intricate lyricist but at this point in the game, there's a veteran's confidence in how he puts his words together. He keeps his 16's simple enough for the casual listener but with just the right amount of wit & attitude to satisfy the heads who first heard him on the battle circuit. Hopefully his hustle will get him enough momentum to get an album greenlit cause after Drake, Nicki Minaj & Tyga, who else on Young Money is marketable enough to sell records?

Curren$y feat. Trademark & Young Roddy - Roasted (Produced By SkiBeatz)

2010-11-25T04:18:00.004-05:00

Pilot Talk 2 just dropped but I'm just coming down off my high from the first set.

One of my favorites off of the OG Pilot Talk.

Also, look out for Trademark's upcoming Super Villain Issue 3: Reign Supreme (with production from Ski Beatz). It was supposed to drop this week so it should should be hitting the net any day now too.

The JETS are gaining altitude. Get fly.

Cop that Pilot Talk 2 here.

Erk Tha Jerk - Right Here (Video)

2010-11-13T15:48:00.002-05:00

If you take equal parts Kid Cudi & Drake, mixed with a healthy portion of Bay Area swagger & a pinch of Auto-Tune, you'd end up with Richmond, CA's "Hood Nerd", rapper/producer/songwriter, Erk Tha Jerk. A veteran on the Bay Area rap scene, Erk has been grinding it out on the independent level for the past 10 years, producing and penning verses for local artists like Too $hort & San Quinn, all the way building a loyal following with a melodic mix of Hip-Hop & R&B that's fresh & unforced. He scored his first hit single earlier this year with the raunchy radio smash, "Right Here", which became the most played song on Bay Area radio station, 106 KMEL & even made it's way on to Billboard Magazine's Hot 100.

A multi-talented artist, Erk manages to bare his soul and reveal his every day, every man struggle without being overly emo & off putting. Fatherhood, divorce & unfulfilled aspirations are typical topics, plus, as evidenced by this single, the guy knows how to make joints for the ladies as well. He may not look like your typical MC, but dude has his chops & the music is undeniable.

Erk Tha Jerk's debut album, Nerd's Eye View (Red Planet Music Group/SMC Recordings) is available on Amazon & iTunes right now but if you need more proof that dude has the goods, you can download his free pre-album EP, The Prelude right here and get familiar.

1982 (Statik Selektah & Termanology) feat. Bun B & Masspike Miles - You Should Go Home (Video)

2010-10-22T16:38:00.004-04:00

Statik Selektah is probably my favorite "underground" producer of the moment and has been consistently doing his thing for a minute now, delivering gritty East Coast styled Hip-Hop production, lacing an array of artists, ranging from street cats like M.O.P. & Sean Price to backpack faves like Consequence & Wale. His albums haven't been chart toppers but he's managed to keep the torch burning for the Champion hoodie/Timbaland crowd as well as the Nag Champa/licorice chewstick heads and for that alone he gets props over here.

On the other hand, I've never been the biggest fan of Boston rapper, Termanology. He's a straight forward lyricist & while he's gotten better over the years (Last year's Time Machine: Hood Politics VI is underrated), I never really looked at him as anything other then an "underground" cat with alot of good relationships & better production.

On their first full collaboration album as the group, 1982, both Statik & Term deliver what their known for, beats that are heavy on the boom bap & rhymes that'll make you run it back like Darren Sproles. But on this joint, (featuring the Trill OG, Bun B & fellow Beantown crooner Masspike Miles) Term & Statik flip the script & do the unexpected...a song for the radio. Peep...

1982 (feat Bun B & Masspike Miles) - "You Should Go Home"

I can't front, I fux widdit...as you should.

Statik Selektah & Termanology are 1982 in stores Oct. 26th.

Ryan Leslie - Never Gonna Break Up (Video)

2010-10-22T16:14:00.002-04:00

Ryan Leslie - "Never Gonna Break Up" from Paradoxal Inc on Vimeo.

Off of R-Les's criminally slept on album, Transition.

Probably my favorite song on the album.

L.E.P. Bogus Boys – Trading Places (Video)

2010-10-20T14:05:00.006-04:00

Directed by Creative Control

Every time Coodie & Chike get behind the lens, you know to expect something dope but these videos they've been making with L.E.P. are some of their most inspired work.
Each new clip plays out like a movie, taking Moonie & Count's cinematic concepts to the next level visually. Synergy at it's finest.

I haven't talked about Chicago's L.E.P. Bogus Boys but they (along with Gary, Indiana's Freddie Gibbs) are making it known that the Mid-West is more then skinny jeans & V-necks. They got gangster shit too. I'll prolly do a thorough write up on their upcoming Gangsta Grillz sponsored mixtape, Don't Feed The Killaz Vol. 3, which drops Halloween night, but I'm saying it now, just judging by the couple of songs that have leaked, this mixtape is gonna open alot of eyes & ears to their movement.

Word is, L.E.P. & Creative Control have a couple more joints in the stash but this joint hit the 'net a few weeks back & I still can't stop watching it. I think it's that La Roux sample. Kills me every time.

L.E.P. Bogus Boys " Go Kill " from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Stylist To The Stars?

2010-10-16T02:46:00.002-04:00

The guy on the right's name is Cassius Clay. He's Kanye's stylist.

*Insert joke here*

Jay-Z Decoded

2010-10-13T08:51:00.009-04:00

Not as big a fan of S Dot as I was in my youth, but he's still one of the most important & compelling figures in Hip-Hop. Any insight into what makes him tick is worthy of some attention. So when word of his upcoming book hit the RSS feed, I was all ~~ears~~ eyes? Peep...

“On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter and publisher Spiegel & Grau, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, are set to release Decoded, the first book written by the multi-platinum, 10 time Grammy Award winning entrepreneur and icon. Unique in every sense, Decoded is a narrative journey through the lyrics and life of one of the most prolific artists of our time.

Featuring an image of Andy Warhol’s Rorschach on the cover, the beautifully designed, fully-illustrated book decodes 36 songs from JAY-Z’s extensive catalog. By telling the stories behind some of Jay-Z’s most famous and provocative lyrics, Decoded offers an intimate, first-hand account of an artist, his work, and the culture that so powerfully shaped him.

In addition to the hardcover release, Random House will publish Decoded as an eBook, as well as an interactive iPhone/iPad application that will include exclusive video and customizable content that will allow users to delve into a deeper Decoded experience.”

An excerpt...

"When I first started working on this book, I told my editor that I wanted it to do three important things. The first was to make the case that hip-hop lyrics-not just my lyrics, but those of every great MC-are poetry if you look at them closely enough. The second was I wanted the book to tell a little bit of the story of my generation, to show the context for the choices we made at a violent and chaotic crossroads in recent history. And the third piece was that I wanted the book to show how hip-hop created a way to take a very specific and powerful experience and turn it into a story that everyone in the world could feel and relate to."

Decoded by Jay-Z with Dream Hampton in stores Nov. 16th.

If you fuck with Hip-Hop in any way at all, Jay-Z fan or not, this is gonna be a must purchase.

Bonus: Head over to HHDX for a look at the artwork & packaging for Jay-Z's upcoming greatest hits collection.

Sean Price Doesn't Like Your Playlist

2010-10-13T08:50:00.000-04:00

Curren$y - Michael Knight (Produced By SkiBeatz)

2010-10-11T10:04:00.005-04:00

The first single off of Pilot Talk 2. Seems like Curren$y and Ski went for the quick flip, as they ready their second full length collaboration this year. Hey, as long as the quality of the music doesn't suffer, I can't be mad at em and judging by this single, I don't think quality is gonna be a issue.

Bonus: Mr. Peter Parker caught up with Spitta for a nice interview and they spoke on a number of topics, including Curren$y's early influences, his feelings on being an independent artist, thoughts on his homie Wiz Khalifa, his love of wildlife and the reasons why Michael Knight is the coolest dude ever.

Curren$y loves the kids.

Pilot Talk 2. November 16th. Get fly.

#JetLife

Just A Thought: SkiBeatz is the illest. Just thought I'd say that.

Vado feat. Cam'ron - Shooter

2010-10-11T09:43:00.005-04:00

Off of Vado's much anticipated Slime Flu ~~mixtape~~ street album, in stores tomorrow on E1 Music. Here's the tracklist...

1. Council Music
2. Polo
3. The Greatest
4. Beat Knockin’
5. Celebration
6. Wake Up
7. Rugby Down
8. The UN
9. Bullets & Gun Smoke (Feat. Meek Mill)
10. Crimesquare (Feat. Griff)
11. Snapped
12. Filthy Game (Feat. Jae Millz)
13. Shooter (Feat. Cam’ron)
14. Speaking In Tungs (Feat. Cam’ron)

Support my slime. Cop that.

Props to Shake for the hookup.

Everybody Hates Charles Hamilton

2010-09-29T03:18:00.002-04:00

If you've found your way to my little corner of the internet then chances are you've heard of this kid from Harlem named Charles Hamilton. Seemingly bursting on the Hip-Hop scene out of nowhere, Charles hit the blogs in 2008 as a fully formed artist, with a story (Homeless heroin addict/musical prodigy), a gimmick (All Pink Everything), an alter ego (Sonic The Hedgehog) and a label deal with Interscope Records already in place. I caught my first glimpse of Hamilton in a YouTube vid where he was having an impromptu freestyle session with Kanye West & The Game and it was clear that not only was Charles a true MC who could hang with the big boys but he could prolly rap circles around a few of them as well. Effortless in his flow, Charles Hamilton remains one of the best true freestyle rappers I've ever seen, but he was out to prove that he was more then just a one trick pony and had some very interesting (and opinionated) views on Hip-Hop and how to "play the game" .

An avid blogger, Charles continued to grow his fanbase with his words as a steady trickle of projects began to hit the 'net. A mixtape with DJ Green Lantern here, a couple of unreleased tracks here, culminating in what still stands out as one of the more ambitious musical projects I've seen to date. Eight mixtapes released on eight different blogs in a four month time span, eponymously titled, The Hamiltonization Process. Sure some of the tapes were hit or miss but the highs were much greater then the lows and the project was successful in achieving it's goal, which was to let the world (Wide Web) know that Charles Hamilton was going to be a force to be reckoned with. All the work paid off and resulted in his inclusion in XXL's Top 10 Freshmen Of 2009. After such a shining endorsement, you'd think things were looking up for young Hamilton. And you would be wrong.

From losing rap battles to fans (I thought the white kid came with some writtens) to losing a war of the words to Soulja Boy (But I can't front, he took an L on this one), rap beef was the least of Hamilton's problems in 2009. Yeah, he got punched by a girl. So what? Son mighta got a little slick with the lips but she's the one who was emotional and outta control. I think Hamilton handled himself like a G given the circumstances. Only thing you can fault him for is messing around with some unstable chick. But when you from the hood, this happens sometimes. (Shout out to my baby mama! The check's in the mail.)

Yeah, he lied about knowing Dilla's mom's but I think he was more shocked at the reaction people had to him wanting to have J Dilla posthumously executive produce his debut album "This Perfect Life". I know I was. I saw it as a sign of respect for a man who he obviously felt influenced his music as well as the music of many others. Hamilton even made a tape entirely based around Dilla beats (And Then They Played Dilla), right around the time it seemed like it became en vogue to do so. At least Hamilton can say Dilla directly influenced his production style. Some of the cats who were jumping on those beats had no connection to the man what so ever. I found that more disrespectful then trying to honor Dilla by giving him credit on his album.

Soon after, Charles' major label debut was shelved and subsequently leaked on the internet and in the months after, Charles got dropped from Interscope, took a self imposed sabbatical to Los Angeles, returned to the bloggersphere with an apology and a bunch of new music with production from cats like DJ Toomp and Jim Jonsin. For a minute it appeared as if he was taking his lumps with a smile.

Charles Discharged from jeff on Vimeo.

But after a lukewarm reception to his new material, as quickly as he had reappeared, he disappeared once again.

Most recently, Charles checked himself into New York Presbyterian Mental Hospital for a short stint and showed up a few weeks later at the offices of XXL Magazine where he dropped this epic 27 minute freestyle...from a wheelchair. Yeah, it's always something with Chuck.

Since then, Charles has been releasing a new mixtape almost every other day and even though I'm a fan, I can't lie, these days he misses way more often then he hits but therein lies the appeal of Charles Hamilton. At least to me anyway. Dude is so willing to experiment and put himself out there, even if it's not his best work, even if he might lose some fans because of it. There's a fearlessness in that act and that's admirable but at the same time, if he wanted to just make music for himself, why release it? I think he owes more to the fans who have followed him from the jump, but more importantly, he owes it to himself to fulfill the promise he showed early on.

Chuck's music manages to straddle the line of extreme fantasy (the high concept Well Isn't This Awkward... and it's follow up, Well This Isn't Awkward (Winner Takes All) ) or reality (He dedicated an entire tracklist to his ex's on Every Charles Hamilton Ex-Girlfriend's Worst Nightmare along with the deeply personal, The Pink Lavalamp and This Perfect Life), I find his best work is when he tones down the dramatics & tries to make songs that people will listen to and enjoy instead of rapping solely to show people he's nice at it.

There's a certain contingent of Charles Hamilton fans who eat up everything he releases, lackluster or not. These "Starchasers" (As Hamilton affectionately calls them) are a part of the problem, enabling such a talented musician to continue to put out occasionally brilliant but for the most part, sub par music and treat it like it's the reinvention of sound. Well I'm here to tell you Charles, it's not. The potential for greatness is still there and I think focused efforts will yield better results but for the time being, I'm willing to ride out this wave of obscure music in hopes that he'll eventually get his shit together somewhere later down the line.

After combing through all the Hamilton music I have been able to get my hands on, I present a cohesive collection of what I feel are his best songs since The Hamiltonization Process ended. Without further ado....
This Is Charles Hamilton

1. The Loser's Revenge
2. Sega Music (Last of the Mauritians)
3. Some First Single Type Sh1t
4. Brooklyn Girls
5. Cali Oriental
6. Q and A
7. MTV Cribs (Produced by The Chonchords)
8. Body Roc (Introducing Show TuFli)
9. The North Pole Feat. Max B.
10. Tengo Una Pregunta
11. Loading Feat. MC Lyte
12. Do It
13. Heroin Girl (Produced by DJ Toomp)
14. Think Twice Feat. Yung Nate & Show Tufli (Produced by Woody)
15. SuperSonicLove
16. Coodies
17. Unapologetic
18. SuperSonicLove RMX (Produced by DJ Toomp)

After all my filibustering & my comp of handpicked songs designed to turn even the most hardcore hater to a fan, if all that doesn't work & you still can't bring yourself to give dude his props as a rapper, there is no way you can front on him as a producer. As a bonus, here's a gang of instrumentals, all produced by Charles Hamilton.

Bonus: Charles Hamilton - Hamiltonstrumentals

First Impressions...Thank Me Later

2010-06-02T10:38:00.054-04:00

Freshly unzipped, it's contents shuffled into the thousands of mp3's that make up my iTunes, a full two weeks before it's June 15th releases date, one of the year's most anticipated albums, the most talked about debut from a Hip-Hop artist since The Game's The Documentary, the follow up to the critically acclaimed 2009 mixtape, So Far Gone...Drake's Thank Me Later.

I got a twinky of sour and a couple sheets of Bamboo.

~~Be back in 30.~~

Thank Me Later makes So Far Gone look like a mixtape.

Not that I necessarily think Thank Me Later is better then So Far Gone. At least not this early on after hearing it for the first time. But as a collection of songs, it matches SFG sonically & thematically, taking the somewhat dark tone of SFG to a natural progression. Like the beats on SFG, the production on TML (helmed by 40 & Boi-1da) is full of sparse drum patterns and meticulously layered arrangements. Outside work from heavyweights like Kanye, No I.D, Timbaland & Swizz Beats, along with contributions from lesser knowns like Omen, Tone Mason, Jeff Bhasker & indie Pop band, Francis and the Lights, provide just enough nuance to expand Drake's sound without changing what made the mix of original & repurposed production on SFG so special.

I don't typically do the track by track review style but since this isn't a review, but more my first impressions of the album, I figured why not?

Fireworks (Feat. Alicia Keys) (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib): First things first...why'd they change the hook? The couple of lines Drake added to the front of Alicia's vocals kinda saps the energy and momentum she had going into the hook on the leaked version. I guess Drake wanted to take more ownership of the song but there is no such thing as too much Alicia Keys.

Or maybe Drake got miffed by being reduced to background duties on "Un-Thinkable" & after not even getting a cameo in the video, this is his way of getting some payback.

The track opens with the sound of actual fireworks bursting in the distance (Points for creativity) and transitions into a beat that's at once reminiscent of "Houstatlantavegas" & "Lust For Life" & yet another verse where Drake talks about his favorite topic, how the fame and the money have changed his life, blah, blah, blah...

"Money just changed everything, I wonder how life without it would go
From the concrete, who knew that a flower would grow
Looking down from the top & it's crowded below
My 15 minutes started an hour ago"

One should be bored with this subject matter, especially coming from Drake, but always self-aware, he manages to put just enough humility into these kinda verses to still make them listenable, even though it seems like we've heard them all before. The next two verses are about Drake's other favorite topics, lost love (between him and an ex and between his parents, respectively) and finding new love. There's a dip in quality from the first verse but this track sets the album up perfectly. Emo-Rap is his specialty and Drizzy Drake goes for the tri-fecta on the opener.

I'm still pissed at the chorus change though.

Karaoke (Produced by Francis & The Lights): I guess this is TML's "Let's Call It Off"/"A Little Bit". Produced by synth-pop maven, Francis Farewell Starlite, production wise, it's a very post 808's & Heartbreaks type of track and fits well in the overall scheme of things. It's the fact Drake ain't really saying shit and the way he's not saying shit that kinda sinks this one for me. I've heard throwaway tracks ("The Winner" & "Killer feat. Nipsey Hussle" come to mind) that are better then this. Saccharine sweet. My teeth hurt after listening to this. I've spun it at least 5 times and I'm still not quite sure what Drake's talking about.

The Resistance (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib): "The Resistance" meaning Drake's second thoughts about fully giving in to his ambitions along with his new lifestyle and not being able to take everyone with you. Yeah, again with the money & the fame & the blah, blah, blah. Again, Drake goes to the "Oh woe is me, I'm rich and famous" well and again his honesty and willingness to set aside macho posturing and reveal insecurities and fears is far more compelling and endearing then the average rapper's default tough guy facade. Gotta give it to 40. Dude has those ambient, atmospheric kinda beats that set the tone before Drake even says a word.

Over (Produced by Boi-1da): By now, you've probably been bombarded with this joint from radio & video shows to the point you mumble the chorus to yourself in your sleep. Thankfully, the song breaks up the sullen mood with an energetic instrumental (the strings are so serious) so sick you almost don't notice the mediocrity in Drizzy's lyrics.

Almost.

From the Michael Jackson line to the Ebert & Roper reference to the awkward dead prez bite, there are more clunkers here then a used car lot. When it first leaked, many looked at the hook as the culprit but even though it was kinda wordy for my tastes, like anything that's forced on you multiple times a day, it grew on me to the point where I realized that the hook is the only positive element Drake adds to this song. For an MC like Drake (who wasn't the best lyricist from the gate), dumbing down your lyrics for the Young Money crowd may help you sell a couple records but it won't convert any detractors. Funny part is, I'm not sure if Drake was dumbing down or if he was just plain lazy with the lyrics. Catchy hook but Bo1-1da deserves alot of credit for this one.

Show Me A Good Time (Produced by Kanye West): The first of the two Kanye West produced tracks, this being the joint I could've actually heard Ye rhyming alongside Drake on. That's probably cause Drake flows just like Kanye would've had he actually bothered to give up 16 bars.

The beat straddles the line between Graduation & 808's & HB's Kanye, boasting summery piano chords backed up by Electronica infused drums with a few computerized yelps and some crab scratching (just to keep it Hip-Hop) to round it out. Drake comes off more relaxed here then any of the previous tracks and he sounds just as comfy on the hook as he does on the verses, for once pushing the downside of his success to the back and enjoying his newfound celebrity, guilt-free. I found myself digging this one way more then I expected to.

Perfect song to bump in the ride and set the tone for a night of clubbing and lowered inhibitions. Get your pre-party on.

Up All Night (Feat. Nicki Minaj) (Produced by Boi-1da): Picking up right where the last song left off, "Up All Night" finds Young Money Drizzy stunting in the spot with YM's first lady, Nicki Minaj riding shotty. Over a dark, brooding Boi-1da joint, Drake reaffirms his allegiance to his team and wastes a perfectly good track with his superfluous lyrics...

"Okay, now we outta here, toodles to you bitches
And if you doll'd up I got the voodoo for you bitches
Yeah, I'm busy getting rich, I don't want trouble
I made enough for two niggas, boy, stunt double"

Young Angel tries to get his Hov on but ends up falling way short. Good thing Nicki leaves her "Black Barbie" shtick at home and delivers a standout verse to pick up the slack...

"Yo, if Drizzy say get her I'ma get her
I get the kind of money that make a broke bitch bitter
I got that kinda…(wait wait) fixate
Which bitch you know made a million off a mixtape?
That was just a keepsake"

Who woulda thought Drizzy would get murked on his own shit by a girl? If Ms. Minaj can keep her animated antics to a minimum, I'm actually thinking her debut will be something worth checking for.

Fancy (Feat. TI and Swizz Beatz) (Produced by Swizz Beatz): I won't lie, I expected this jawn to be terrible. Surprisingly, it's pretty decent. Dedicated to the chicks who keep "everything did", the high heeled contingent of Drake's fan base will eat this one up. The track is a MJB throwaway that didn't make her last album (You can still hear her on the hook), but after Drake provided the assist on "The One", I guess Mary let him take it and run with it.

T.I. turns in a decent performance but his presence really wasn't needed. He actually sounds outta place. Swizzy & Drizzy would've handled this one just fine without him. Not a huge fan of this song myself but I won't front, when the beat drops out and Drake hits the 3rd verse, I can't help but think the track should've been more like this the entire way through.

Shut It Down (Feat. The-Dream) (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib and Omen): Drake knows who his fanbase is and I'm not mad at him for catering to the ladies. Another one of the early leaks, I've been bumping the unfinished version for a minute and I've been curious to see whether the fully mixed & mastered album version would be an improvement or a step back. The verdict? Both. Adding a full verse from The-Dream was very necessary. His vocals bring an energy that Drake's singing typically lacks.

Now Drake's rap verse is another story altogether. It seems shoddily put together and on a track as well crafted as this one, it's a rush job that really takes away from the overall vibe. Luckily he manages to make up for it with an extended 3rd verse that brings it back around and officially makes it a Drake track. I think there was a concerted effort making sure Drake wasn't outshined by his features and in this case, it worked. If nothing else, you walk away from this song realizing exactly how talented a songwriter Drake is. This could have easily been a song for The-Dream.

Plus, the longer this album plays, the more you understand exactly how important 40 is to the whole Drake movement. His creativity on the production side pushes already dope tracks to new heights.

Unforgettable (Feat. Young Jeezy) (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib and Boi-1da): The best hook Young Jeezy ever recited was written by a Jewish kid from Canada. Go figure. This collabo with Young Jeezy (Drake's favorite rapper) is Drake firmly in his lane, effortlessly switching between rap & R&B mid verse over a 40/Boi-1da track that conjures a similar vibe as SFG's "Successful".

The worst part of this track is that Drake & Jeezy could only muster up a verse a piece.

Light Up (Feat. Jay-Z) (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib and Tone Mason): The collaboration everyone has been waiting on (cause "Off That" is too horrible to actually count), Aubrey gets a chance to work with his idol, Jay-Z on this one and the results exceed expectations. Over a somber backdrop, Drake continues to explore the alienation that success brings, with lines like...

"They always tell me no one is working as hard as you
And even though I laugh it off, man, it's probably true
Cause while all of my closest friends out partying
I'm just here making all the music that they party to"

...you get the sense that the fame and fortune is far more bitter then it is sweet. Even though Drake delivers one of his most concise lyrical performances on the album, it's a standout verse from the old head that gives this song it's weight. Obviously drawing from recent events in his own life, Jay gives Drake a glimpse at the dark side of winning...

"And since no good deed goes unpunished
I'm not as cool with niggas as I once was
I once was, cool as The Fonz was,
But these bright lights can turn you to a monster
Sorry mama I promised they wouldn’t change me,
but I woulda went insane, had I remained the same me
Fuck niggas, bitches too
All I got is this money, this'll do"

Probably one of Jay's most insightful verses in a while, easily surpassing BP3's best moments. Even though I'm still trying to decipher his triple entendre this is a classic Jay-Z verse and one can only hope his new material is as candid & revealing. Overall, this is one of the crown jewels of Thank Me Later and both MC's rise to the occasion. Well played gentlemen.

Miss Me (Feat. Lil Wayne) (Produced by Boi-1da and Noah “40″ Shebib): Originally slated for Bun B's upcoming album, this song made the rounds on the internet as "All Night Long" before it was re-tooled and Bun got replaced by Lil' Wayne.

Cece’s Interlude (Produced by Noah “40″ Shebib)

Find Your Love (Produced by Kanye West)

Thank Me Now (Produced by Timbaland)

More To Come

Sanga Turnt Rappa?

2010-05-19T14:52:00.004-04:00

So you're a 21 year old Pop star with the world at his feet but it all gets taken away after you lay the smackdown on your Pop Diva girlfriend. Now, you're a blog pariah and radio has all but ignored your last album. Many say your career is over. How do you go about repairing your fractured reputation?

Do what Chris Brown did. Become a rapper & make a mixtape.

I mean, where else is beating a woman down not only acceptable but worthy of a pat on the back? R. Kelly's legacy was only strengthened by his penchant for urinating on teenage girls. Mystikal raped a woman and the fans are awaiting his new single with baited breath.

But I digress. Back to the mixtape.

Chris Brown has flirted with rap before on songs like David Banner's Get Like Me and a few mixtape joints in the past but this is the first time he's really stepped out in full on rapper mode. And he's not by himself. L.A.'s Tyga (a.k.a. the only cat on Young Money besides Drake & Nicki who had a career going before they signed with Wayne) steps in to co-captain this effort and if I had to take a guess, I'd say he played a heavy hand in the writing/structuring of CB's rhymes. The two's verses are damn near interchangeable. Surprisingly, Chris can actually flow, even though his punches sometimes leave much to be desired (i.e: "Just keep your eyes on, got a whole buncha niggas behind me wearin' red, Verizon". Ugh!). Tyga is obviously very comfortable rapping and his verses tend to ground the mixtape somewhat. I don't know what an entire mixtape of Chris Brown rapping would sound like but the duo function best when Tyga is on the rhymes & Chris slips back into "Sanga" mode on the bridges & hooks. Don't get it twisted. Even though this tape is billed as Brown's "Rap Debut", it's still very R&B at spots. The songs deal with some standard teeny bopper topics (i.e. falling in love, dealing with an ex, etc.), the sorta stuff you'd find on Bow Wow & Omarion's Face Off album, except it's good and there's an adult edge that makes it listenable for the 25 & over crowd. The production (handled by newbies KMack & Jahlil Beatz) is official and there is a real good vibe between the two artists which makes the tape flow much more organically then the aforementioned Face Off. Standouts include "Dueces", "Movin 2 Fast", "No Bullshit" & "Number One". My only issue is the amount of unnecessary cussing. There should definitely be an NC-17 rating on the cover because "Young" Chris & Tyga Tyga have a severe case of the potty mouth.

Is this tape indicative of the direction Chris Brown needs to take to get his career back on track? In a way, yes it is. I think Graffiti failed to present Brown in the "Adult" image he's so desperately seeking to attain and this tape does a better job at realistically "growing him up" and tactfully touches the issues he had with his ex without being overly dramatic or heavy handed.

Plus, Tyga gets some mainstream exposure (away from Young Money) that gives him an opportunity to show his talent to the masses. I expect to hear alot from this kid in the near future (If Wayne is smart...and that's still up for debate).

But I smoke a ton of weed so I could be completely wrong. Why don't you give it a listen and tell me how far off I am...

Tyga & Chris Brown - Fan of a Fan (Hosted by DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar)

Bonus: The two joints that initially got my attention from this mixtape didn't even make the final cut but I tacked them onto the end of Fan Of A Fan just for good measure (not to mention the fact that I kinda, sorta liked both of them). I threw up the links along with the accompanying videos for your viewing pleasure...

Holla @ Me

G Shit

Curren$y - King Kong (Video)

2010-05-16T06:00:00.004-04:00

Curren$y - King Kong from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Curren$y x Pilot Talk x June 15th

This one's an auto purchase.

Jets Over Everything

Young Jeezy – Trap Or Die II: By Any Means Necessary (Mixtape)

2010-05-05T07:55:00.005-04:00

The Introduction

Young Jeezy – Trap Or Die II: By Any Means Necessary

The dropped yesterday as scheduled but I'm just getting the chance to post it today.
Haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but the early talk is that the track featuring Pusha & Malice is bananas. No surprise there though. I'll check back in once I give it a listen to give my thoughts.

I've been playing it non-stop the past 2 hours (while partaking in the proper libations of course) and for someone who heard TOD after I had already copped Thug Motivation 101 & the Boyz In Da Hood album, I think the sequel lives up to it's predecessor. For one, Jeezy is 10x the rapper he was back in 2005. Technically there's been some minor improvement and while I doubt Jeezy will ever be on the level of his peers (ie. T.I., Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross, Gucci Mane) lyrically, it's clear there's been somewhat of a shift in his emphasis from what he's actually saying to how he's saying it.

You niggas thought I was gone, just gone go away
Want me gone like the wind, and just blow away
Want me hang up my mic and put the blow away
Why I refuse to let em treat me like a throwaway
Remember times nigga, I was doin' 4 a day
Same nigga 4 times made me 80K
Now I'm feeling like the shit, took me 2 showers
Now I gotta count this shit, took me 2 hours
Four 12's in the back, that's my favorite trunk
Black Chevelle, white stripes, lookin' like a skunk
Black soles, white stripes, that's my favorite dunks
40Cal, stainless steel, that's my favorite pump - "Problem"

But unlike his peers, Jeezy's street credibility has never been in question and while he used to boast of being a "trap nigga" as opposed to a "rap nigga", somewhere between The Inspiration & The Recession, the lines that used to define him as a rapper have blurred considerably. Sure, for the most part the subject matter is standard fare (cocaine, money, cars, being gangster, getting high, women, did I mention cocaine?) and Jeezy will never blow you away with his flow but he has found a way to keep it compelling all the while making it seem effortless...sorta like Pac back when he was having his run.

You already know, outta sight, outta mind
Can't trust a soul, that's prolly why I'm out my mind
Homie hit me up, he say I'm runnin' outta time
The only thing I'm worried bout is running outta dimes
The only thing he worried bout is runnin' outta nines
Can talk it all night, I doubt I'm runnin' outta lines
Hustle hard, get your own, you niggas got the time
This gotta be the right road cause I can see the signs
Momma said fuck them niggas, get ya head up
Momma said fuck them niggas get ya bread up
And damn what a nigga say
And when it get rough, all you gotta do is pray - "I Remember"

The production doesn't stray far from the usual tinny, monolithic stuff you'd find on his albums (Although I would've liked more joints from mainstays like Drumma Boy & Zaytoven. Plus, Shawty Redd's nightmarish sound beds are noticeably absent) and the joints with high profile features (ie. Scarface, The Clipse, Bun B, Baby, etc.) could easily be cuts from TM103. Some of the songs stand out more then others, but that tends to happen when a disc is 22 tracks deep with no skits. Don Cannon continues his track record of putting together dope "street albums" but he's still no more tolerable then he was on the last tape he hosted (I hope the NoDJ version is on the way). Still, Trap Or Die II: By Any Means Necessary is a worthy installment in Jeezy's catalog (even though DJ Drama's shit talking and the Gangsta Grillz branding would've made it that much better) and a perfect appetizer for Thug Motivation 103, set to hit stores this summer.

Props to 2DB for the hookup.

Young Jeezy - Hood Politics (Video)

2010-04-29T16:38:00.006-04:00

"See a lot goin' on, this where the real at, real recognize real, yeah, I know you feel that..."

The internet has been going nuts today over new joints from Aubrey & Marshall but personally, this joint right here has me psyched!

Jeezy & Don Cannon's Trap Or Die 2: By Any Mean Necessary is set to touchdown on Tuesday and I'm anticipating plenty of snow.

Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beaming (Video)

2010-04-29T06:29:00.002-04:00

I wasn't too fond of The Cool, but it seems like Wasulu has taken it back to his Kick, Push/Food & Liquor steez. Inspirational but catchy, simple but with deeper meaning, and with an assist from The Neptunes, I'm Beaming succeeds on all fronts. My favorite verse...

"Do you remember me, the guy from verse one
Failure’s my last name, Never’s my first one
You see I hood a lot and yeah I nerd some
Hood’s where the heart is, nerd’s where the word’s from
Don’t represent either, because I merge them
There’s kids who wanna leave and I encourage them
Go out and see the world, never return from
Yeah, you don’t come back unless you learn some
And baby girl, what does it matter where you purse from?
Your hurr done, your nails did, your ass phat but you’re dumb
Mix Melyssa Ford wit Maya Angelou
Become a Top Model and Sojourner too
I try to follow this, what Mohammad do
It’s such a old soul inside this sonic view
That’s why I’m Ferrari’d up and I’m conscious too
I don’t prophecize, I promise you "

Lasers is on the way.

Freeway Freestyle

2010-04-28T06:14:00.005-04:00

What's it gonna take for Freeway & Just Blaze to get together for Free's 3rd album? The Stimulus Package was cool and all but BeardxBlaze = classic shit.

Spotted @ Pitchfork

B.O.B. feat. T.I. & Playboy Tre - Bet I (Video)

2010-04-28T04:36:00.003-04:00

Off of B.O.B.'s The Adventures Of Bobby Ray, which is in stores now.

This one is colorful as a pack of Skittles so if you're prone to seizures I'd consult my physician before viewing. Not really the treatment I expected for this joint. I mean, B.O.B. doing choreographed dances, getting his M-A-$-E on? Really? But the boy Bobby Ray has been dancing to the beat of his own drum for a minute now and this is as close to "Haterz Everywhere" B.O.B as we've seen in a long time so I can't be that mad. Plus, scrams snaps on this joint and Tip delivers his best verse since stepping out of the pen earlier this year.

And anytime a cat like Playboy Tre can get a look, I'm all for it.

J. Cole - Who Dat

2010-04-28T03:37:00.003-04:00

So J. Cole drops finally his first single and strangely, I'm kinda underwhelmed. I'll admit, I jumped on the J. Cole bandwagon early, not just due to his RocNation signing, but more due to the fact that his first two mixtapes had some dope album quality songs. Which is why the choice of this joint as a first single is somewhat puzzling. Cole is obviously talented. Look no further then his scene stealing appearances on Wale's debut & Reflection Eternal's latest. "Who Dat" doesn't really reflect how dope dude is.

Sure, it's a single so I didn't expect it to be too deep as far as the subject matter and as it is, it's a cool little song with a dope beat (co-produced by Cole and frequent collaborator Elite) that has a few sharp punches but for the most part doesn't require any heavy lifting from the listener. But as the second song most people have heard him on (Jay-Z's "A Star Is Born" being the first) this is an important look and I just don't see "Who Dat" setting radio request lines on fire, let alone selling any albums. I'm not counting light skinned Jermaine out just yet, but he's gonna need something more potent if he plans on catching up to his competition

And for the record...

Lights Please > We On > Who Dat

R.I.P. Guru

2010-04-20T09:44:00.002-04:00

Usually when someone artistic passes away, everyone come out of the woodwork saying how great they were and sometimes the postmortem hype outweighs the persons accomplishments when they were alive.

But Guru deserves every ounce of praise he's sure to receive in the coming days. His monotone voice and deadpan delivery are so distinct that they sometimes overshadow his wordplay, but make no mistake, Guru was a lyricist first & foremost and his songs always had a level of depth to them. His choice of moniker fit him to a tee

"Sometimes you gotta dig deep, when problems come near
Don't fear things get severe for everybody everywhere
Why do bad things happen, to good people?
Seems that life is just a constant war between good and evil
The situation that I'm facin', is mad amazin'
To think such problems can arise from minor confrontations
Now I'm contemplatin' in my bedroom pacin'
Dark clouds over my head, my heart's racin'
Suicide? Nah, I'm not a foolish guy
Don't even feel like drinking, or even gettin' high
Cause all that's gonna do really, is accelerate
The anxieties that I wish I could alleviate
But wait, I've been through a whole lot of other shit, before
So I oughta be able, to withstand some more
But I'm sweatin' though, my eyes are turnin' red and yo
I'm ready to lose my mind but instead I use my mind
I put down the knife, and take the bullets out my nine
My only crime, was that I'm too damn kind
And now some skanless motherfuckers wanna take what's mine
But they can't take the respect, that I've earned in my lifetime
And you know they'll never stop the furious force of my rhymes
So like they say, every dog has it's day
And like they say, God works in a mysterious way
So I pray, remembering the days of my youth
As I prepare to meet my moment of truth"

The past few months have been filled with drama and speculation. I hope Guru finally finds some peace

Rest In Paradise

Dear Shyne,

2010-04-14T10:31:00.006-04:00

What up gangster? I know, I know, I didn't write you during your bid like I said I would, but I've been caught up in a buncha bullshit since you've been gone. Living life. You know how it is. I copped the album though. The official shit too, not the bootleg. Godfather Buried Alive. Shit was just what the streets needed to hold us over until you came home. It took a minute but they finally had to let you go. Now I know immigration got you caught up and they ended up sending you back to Belize, but from what I hear, you're back on your feet already. I know L.A. Reid basically handed you a new big money deal with Def Jam. That's a good look!(Let me hold somethin' Po!) I heard the joint you did for Khaled's album and even though alot of people hated on it, (I'm not gonna front, I didn't know what to think) you get a pass from me.

DJ Khaled feat. Akon, Shyne & Movado - All My Life

It's like a fighter, sparring, shaking off the ring rust, getting back in fighting form. Shit, honestly, it wasn't even that bad, just not quite the first look you'd want after being away for all those years. And the lyrics weren't bad at all. I think the problem most heads had with the song was your voice. I don't know what you were doing with your time at Clinton but whatever it was, it definitely changed how you sound on the mic. I was hoping that Khaled song was just a warm up joint but these latest joints I've heard aren't any better.

Shyne - Messiah

Shyne - Rude Boy Freestyle

Actually, they're kinda worse.

Cause it's not just the voice that's not working. It's the flow, the words, everything. I hate to sound like a dick, but exactly what were you doing with your time up north? Now I know you've been through some shit the past 10 years and I understand that, but fam, you're gonna have to come better then this if you're expecting to try and get your career back. The people you have around you obviously aren't telling you the truth, so let me do you a favor and tell it like it is...

Step Your Bars Up, Son.

After all that time away, people are anticipating something epic and so far, all we've gotten is below average, especially for a cat who's had as much time on his hands as you have. You know the streets got love for you Po, but you gotta give cats something to cheer about and these past couple of joints ain't it.

Just a little something to think about. I'll holla.

Amp

Cam'ron feat. Vado - Ric Flair

2010-04-11T13:40:00.006-04:00

Harlem >>> Where ever you're from

Lloyd Banks feat. Juelz Santana - Beamer, Benz Or Bentley (Video)

2010-03-15T10:53:00.004-04:00

Banks has his first decent look in years and I can't front, this joint has been heating up on the radio here in NYC. Wasn't really feeling it on the first listen, but the beat knocks and both Banks & Elz kinda kill it. Juelz especially. I fux wit Vado, but some of you cats who are saying he's better then Santana may need to re-think that.

One question though...The fuck is Beanie Sigel doing in this clip? Ol' gut & butt looks painfully out of place.

Awkward.

Love King?

2010-03-09T11:12:00.003-05:00

Pause

So R&B is dead, huh? Well, somebody needs to let Terius Nash b.k.a. The-Dream know, cause for the past 4 joints, dude has grown from the chubby cat with the catchy vocal tics to the most bankable male R&B/Pop artist in the game. You may be able to say Ursher's marriage (and subsequent fall off) had something to do with it. Justin Timberlake has been quiet since his last album, seemingly bitten by the acting bug (Good luck). Chris Brown has been making hits, only problem is, the biggest ones weren't made in a recording studio, they were in his Lambo (He got Rihanna on the hook). Brown quickly went from being the next Michael Jackson to being the new Ike Turner. T-Pain was poised to make a move to the forefront (If you wanna even call what he does "R&B") but with so many cats copying his style, it diluted his movement somewhat and after Jay-Z's "Death Of Auto-Tune", his career's been a couple of dirt filled shovel full's away from being D.O.A.. All that left just enough room for The-Dream to come in with his patented brand of "Luv Songs" to fill the vacuum and take the number one slot.

The-Dream - Love King

So you say he can't really sing and his lyrics are crass (often times they're just flagrantly sleazy). Point taken. But don't front like you haven't gotten at least one of his infectious hooks stuck in your head at one point or another. The-Dream has a mastery of melodies and rudimentary as his songwriting may sometimes be, there's a sense of mischievous charm and a vulnerability that allows him to get away with much of it. Through all the playboy bravado, it's clear through his music that The-Dream is a helpless romantic and the way he tackles the basic topics of love, sex and money has resulted in critical acclaim, even if the album sales haven't necessarily reflected his popularity. Plus, simply put, the guy knows how to make hit records. Since his 2007 debut, Love/Hate, The-Dream has been nearly omnipresent on the Hip-Hop/R&B charts. Actually, he was there even before his debut (The-Dream wrote Rihanna's "Umbrella", Chris Brown's "You" and both "Bed" & "Suffocate" for J. Holiday). Following last year's re-up, Love Vs. Money, Nash has kept busy with numerous guest appearances & features (Fabolous's "Throw It In The Bag, Snoop Dogg's "Gangsta Luv", Rick Ross's "All I Really Want") as well as a slew of side projects (Mariah Carey's Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, Electrik Red's How To Be A Lady Vol. 1, Christina Milan's upcoming album, Elope & Ciara's as yet untitled 4th album). He might not be an A-List star yet but his hit making acumen is already certified. Whether it's a genuine collaboration or a close facsimile (i.e. Jeremih's "Birthday Sex", Trey Songz entire last album, etc.) you can't turn on your radio or favorite video channel without bumping into a song from The-Dream or something clearly inspired by his music. The question is, while writing all those hit records for everybody else, does he have anything left in the tank for the Return Of The Jedi chapter of his "Love" trilogy. Well, The-Dream answers with the first look and title track off of his third album, Love King, and after riding with it for a hot minute, I'd say the answer is a definite yes.

The track (Produced by L.O.S. Da Mystro) is full of the same electronic clicks, snaps and soaring synths that have become familiar territory on a Dream song. The same musical elements found here can be found on alot of other records from The-Dream, but the fact that they're used in such a way that they still sound just as fresh as they did when you first heard them speaks volumes. On it, The-Dream runs down a list of all his conquests over the past couple years (at one point, the song sounds like a commercial jingle. I hope son got paid for a couple of those name drops) but he's still campaigning for those last few holdouts, urging, "If you don't know me like that/Girl, you should know me like that". And just for good measure, The-Dream throws in every catchy run, rift and adlib he's got in his cache, to the point the song is bursting with The-Dream-isms. You just wait, once radio/video picks this up, it's gonna be pretty hard to avoid.

I've seen the talk around the net and the main point I see being brought up is that "Love King" sounds like "Shawty Is The Shit". Or it sounds like "Rockin' That Thing" or "I Luv Your Girl" or any one of his other hits. Is it formulaic? Yeah, but I think that's exactly the point. In fact, the song itself is an ode to that very formula, a celebration of the sound that The-Dream and his production team (Tricky Stewart & L.O.S. Da Mystro) have rode to multi-platinum success, at the same time influencing the R&B genre in a way we haven't seen since R. Kelly dropped his game changer, 12 Play back in '93 (an artist and an album that are obviously major influences for The-Dream). Quietly, Nash and his "Dream" team have been making some of the best Pop records in recent memory and still managed to get snubbed by the Grammy's. But you know how that goes. Fuck a Grammy.

As far as first singles go, "Love King" is everything we've come to expect from The-Dream. This is both a good thing and a not so good thing. See, that's the thing about formulas. When they work, no one cares how many times they're used or how eventually they all seem to blend together (ie. The Neptunes Discography). It's only when they turn stale and repetitive do they become a problem. As prolific as The-Dream has been in his brief career (and he doesn't show any signs of slowing up), the quality of the music has never faltered. But how long can he keep going to the same well before it dries up? I'm giving "Love King" a pass because it's the "single" but at the same time, I question his decision to go with such a safe record. With this set to be his 3rd and final release a s a solo artist (I'm calling bullshit right now), I'm waiting to hear if he can top his previous efforts because if The-Dream doesn't continue to try and find new wrinkles in his format, I'm not sure if there will be any royal coronations in his future.

Now Playing...

2010-03-09T10:49:00.005-05:00

Well, I'm back off hiatus. Excuse my absence but I've been grinding, getting to the money. Figured I might as well show my face around here for the one or two heads that check for me (Luv ya Ma!). I'm sending this one out to all my cats on their grizzly, 9 to 5 or otherwise. Keep pushin' my G'z.

Off of Hi-Tek's Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip...(The guitar at the end sings to me)...

So Tired (Ft. Dion, Bun B, Devin The Dude & Pretty Ugly)

"I trust no niggas & trust no hoes, and I'm never really asleep, it's only one eye closed..."

New posts on the way.

Cam'ron & The U.N. feat. Vado - Clap

2010-02-11T18:00:00.004-05:00

Talk of Killa Cam's demise has been premature. Cats shitted on Crime Pays but I was one of the few waving the flag and I still think it was one of 2009's sleeper Hip-Hop albums. Revisit it and you'll see that the wordplay on that thing stands shoulder to shoulder to any of his earlier albums. Then Cam followed up with two highly underrated Boss Of All Bosses mixtapes with DJ Drama and a high profile feature with The Clipse, Cam's been working more this past 9 months then he had the past 3 years. As much of a Killa stan as I am, I'll admit that at times Cam has sounded less then enthusiastic about rapping, but on the first salvo off of his new group, The U.N.'s upcoming album, Cam’ron Presents The U.N. - Gunz N' Butta, he proves that the fire is still there. His protege, Vado, doesn't bring quite the same energy that Juelz used to, but he more then holds his own on the track next to the big homie.

Cam’ron Presents The U.N. - Gunz N' Buttais due to hit store shelves March 23rd on E1 Records.

Harlem, we back in the building!

When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong...

2010-02-06T05:49:00.005-05:00

In case you couldn't tell from the picture at the end of the video, the guy about to duff this idiot out is none other then hip-hop veteran, Freddie Foxxx a.k.a. Bumpy Knuckles. Not the guy to fuck around with. After watching dude act like a maniac in that "freestyle", you know he deserved exactly what was on the receiving end of that punch. Hopefully some footage of the actual "fight" will surface soon. Seeing Freddie Foxxx actually land that death blow would make sitting through this idiots rap conniption that much more amusing.

Just A Thought - I say this cat releases a diss record any day now.

Video clipped from Dallas Penn.

Scared Straight

2010-02-01T15:52:00.001-05:00

Consider this a public service announcement, cause after watching this documentary about "jailhouse love", I'm pretty sure all you hard rocks (nhjic) & wannabe thugs will think twice before selling that last jumbo crill or pulling that next strongarm robbery. I know for a fact I'm not built for this.

Curren$y - Breakfast (Video)

2010-01-25T17:49:00.001-05:00

The latest visuals from the guys @ Creative Control, featuring my guy Curren$y. Wake & bake, Jets style. Over a Mos Def produced track, Spitta doesn't stray far from his usual realm of topics (ie. weed, women, video games and...more weed) but as a fellow stoner, I don't mind at all. Curren$y is one of my favorite rappers of the moment and the fact that he's totally comfy just doing him is a big reason why. Looks like the union between him and Dame Dash is about more then just the music. This is lifestyle branding. I mean, who wouldn't wanna wake up on a beach in Jamaica & roll J's all day?

CURREN$Y - BREAKFAST from Creative Control on Vimeo.

"Yancey Thigpen can't catch me sleeping, you ear hustlin' muhfugga & I'm eatin'..."

Dirty Money feat. Rick Ross - Angels (Remix) (Video)

2010-01-19T21:30:00.004-05:00

Diddy recruits Rick Ross for this remix and as much as I love to fire a shot at the C.O., he continues to drop some potent verses. This joint is no exception. Something about Ross's shit popping is so visceral, so vivid...

"Lord forgive me I'm a sinner, oatmeal in the winter
Talkin' leather interior, oak wheel in the center
My niggas deal opium, still in the old BM
Condominiums in the center of Ethiopia
Dirty Money, all they seen on that Phantom plate
Creased blue jeans and it's treated like a cabaret
Fire shots now they need a roll of yellow tape
Where the Glock make a scene, I'm the F. Gary Grey..."

I can't front, dude is quietly becoming one of the better rappers to hit the scene in the past few years. If only he wasn't such an habitual liar.

But rappers are liars by nature. It's only natural Ross excels.

I know cats were shitting on this song early on, but c'mon son! Give props where it's deserved. This shit cold and the new vocals/visuals give the song a new tone. That Dirty Money album is gonna be a problem when it drops.

Bonus: Behind the scenes of the video shoot...

Just A Thought: A Rick Ross album executive produced by Diddy (ala American Gangster) would be epic.

Big Sean - Million Dollars (Video)

2010-01-19T18:15:00.007-05:00

A new clip from G.O.O.D. Music's best kept secret, Big Sean. This joint (along with "Getcha Some") are the songs that sold me on Sean & now 3 years later we finally have visuals for both of em lol. For G.O.O.D. Music, that's considered progress. It could be worse. He could be doing cameos in other cats videos while his own project collects dust in an old Louie Vuitton briefcase... like GLC.

Pick up that UKNOWBIGSEAN mixtape here.

Max B. - M.O.B

2010-01-17T17:49:00.001-05:00

Unreleased video of Bigavel back when he was rollin' with Jim Jones & Byrd Gang.

The game just ain't the same without the wave.

#FreeMaxB

DJ Drama & Cam'ron - Boss Of All Bosses 2 (Mixtape)

2010-01-12T18:26:00.002-05:00

This one was long overdue and from the looks of it, it easily outshines the previous installment. No more talk. Just listen...

DJ Drama & Cam'ron - Boss Of All Bosses 2

Oh yeah, almost forgot.

Killa!

Consequence feat. Puff Daddy & The Lox - Whatever You Want (Bad Boy Remix)

2010-01-12T16:43:00.002-05:00

Here's the 2nd remix to Consequences first single off of his forthcoming Cons TV and this time he's helped out by ~~Diddy~~ Puff Daddy and The Lox. Not sure if this is really an improvement on the OG or the 1st remix with the G.O.O.D. Music crew or if it's really a cheap move for attention by getting Puff and them D-Block boys on a track together for the first time in over a decade. My personal opinion?

Meh.

I dig the original record (and it's Flip cam styled video) but all these remixes? Maybe they're trying a little too hard. But then again, at least they're trying. It could be worse for Consequence. He could be GLC.

Bonus: Some footage of Diddy & Cons in the studio. Needless to say, coonery ensues...

The A-Team Trailer

2010-01-09T20:37:00.004-05:00

Is there any way this film is NOT gonna completely suck?

I pity the fool that actually pays money to see this.

This is what torrents are for.

But everybody plays the fool...sometimes. The A-Team hits your local cineplex June 11th, 2010.

Do you feel ~~lucky~~ like wasting 2 hours of your life?

Now Playing...

2010-01-08T12:02:00.005-05:00

Devin The Dude - "To The X-Treme"

Thank God It's Fryday!

Boss Of All Bosses 2: What Happened?

2010-01-07T12:11:00.005-05:00

Excuses, excuses. The 4th came and went and now Killa & Drama's Boss Of All Bosses 2 has been pushed back to the 12th.

Just drop the tape already.

"A Ni@@a Just Get Confused"

2010-01-05T14:14:00.008-05:00

"Happy New Year" (G-Unit Diss)

"Steroidz" (G-Unit Diss)

"Do It For Ya" (50 Cent Diss)

So it appears Young Buck has decided to go the Beanie Sigel route and send a barrage of diss records at 50 Cent. There's one difference though. Young Buck is still under contract with G-Unit Records where he's been in limbo for the past two years and judging from 50's "take" on the situation, I don't think these new records are going to help things one bit. Funny thing is, Buck is the one who's been disloyal by his own admission...

"I done said things and I’m aware of some of the things that I have said but I don’t want you to feel like I’m a Game or Smurf or none of them niggas man. Even if you did the worst to me there is nothing I could ever say to you, I’m that type of nigga. I’m serious. I couldn’t even write a negative rhyme in my mind, in my train of thought about you. I understand I got out of check but I don’t know what to do because it seems once a nigga scar you, it’s hard to heal your wound."

Guess he changed his mind.

I can understand Young Buck being frustrated with his situation even if it is one of his own making. Dude was arguably the best rapper in G-Unit and put out two good albums under the label. But he bit the hand and we all know you never bite the hand...especially when said hand belongs to Curtis Jackson.

It's Official...

2010-01-01T15:43:00.009-05:00

Daily Math Is The Army, Better Yet The Navy!

Yup, it's official. Your boy Amp will be helping out Combat Jack over at Daily Mathematics. I started Amplified Grammar last year just to see if I could and I'll admit, it hasn't always been easy finding the time or the inspiration to come up with new posts so I definitely tip my hat to all the bloggers who do this shit from the heart. I never had any aspirations or expectations for my blog beyond getting a little recognition from the bloggers who I respect and turn to for my daily internet fix.

Gotty & the rest of The Crew over at The Smoking Section have been family from day one and they allowed me to have a real voice in the bloggersphere and for that I'll forever be thankful. Honestly, those guys are the reason I write and the greatness they manage to achieve on the daily continues to inspire me to step my game up. Special shout to my nigga TC. He's the one who told me I could actually do this and coming from him, I had no choice but to believe it. Any success I ever achieve with this blogging thing, I owe it to y'all.

To Eskay, Nation & Dre over at Nah Right. What can I say? It took me a while to figure out how to make sense of the snarky commentary and the comments section that is never on topic but when I finally got it, I realized why they shit on 90% of the rest of the blogs online. Their work ethic is unmatched and even though I've spent the last year over there talking shit & threatening bodily harm, I've been taking notes too. Those cats are dedicated and you can only truly be that dedicated to something you love to do. Nah Right is proof that hard work pays off and they definitely provided the blueprint that so many of us try to follow. Eskay still owes me a fair one, but it's a new year so I'll let that "beef" stay in 2009.
Fuck you Nation!

To Combat Jack, someone who I wasn't really familiar with at first but who's writing I instantly became a fan of. No one tells a better industry tale and the love and respect he's received in the past year is well deserved. I could tell CJ was a man on a mission and to see how fast he's moved up the ladder is another source of inspiration for me to stay on course. Thanks for seeing past the rough edges and taking a chance on a commenter turned blogger. "I already had the plane, he fit it with the missiles though" (c) Spitta.

To my family & friends, who have been riding with me as I've pursued blogging. I just ask y'all to continue to have patience with me. My new passion will never replace my loved ones and in the end, hopefully, this will all make sense.

And last but never least, to all the people that have stopped by to support my little corner of the web (Hi Ma!). Cats like Geico Lizard & Pago, who let me know somebody was actually paying attention to what I was doing over here. You guys kept Amplified Grammar going and I don't plan to let up anytime soon. I just hope you'll continue to support me as I take my little sideshow to the big stage.

Aight, enough with the sentimental ish. Don't want y'all thinking I've gone soft (nhjic). Even though I'll be doing what I do with the Daily Math team, I have no plans on giving up what I started with Amplified Grammar. Being in the trenches with cats like Combat Jack, Riggs & the rest of the squad can only help me improve as a writer/blogger. Steel sharpens steel. I'm all in cause we getting ready to hit the internet with some hot fiyah. 2010 is the year of the Math. Y'all know the saying. Roll with us or get rolled the fuck over.

Jay-Z feat. Swizz Beatz - On To The Next One (Video)

2010-01-01T13:24:00.009-05:00

The new year brings another Jay-Z video off of the much ballyhooed BP3. Now anyone who follows me around the web knows I'm not the biggest fan of BP3 and this track was easily amongst my least favorite songs on the album. Over time, I've warmed up to it somewhat. Now I can see that Swizz made a banger and basically lobbed one right over the plate for Hov to knock out of the park. Problem is, this isn't Hard Knock Life Hov. Shit, this isn't even Kingdom Come Hov.

The whole thing seemed forced and now the accompanying video just furthers that theme. This avant garde black & white clip just screams "Trying to be different" and I'm not the one for conspiracy theories but for the cats screaming about Jay's (alleged) ties to the Illuminati, this clip should provide plenty of symbolic fodder to fuel their imaginations.

My final thoughts?

This shit wack, but knowing me, are you really surprised I feel that way? lol

Guess it's on to the next one....

DJ Drama & Cam'ron - Boss Of All Bosses 2 Promo

2009-12-30T16:38:00.006-05:00

You heard it from King Jaffe Joe himself. Drama & Killa's 2nd Gangsta Grillz collabo, Boss Of All Bosses 2 drops Monday, January 4th.
Cam even kicked a quick freestyle to whet your whistle (Pause, nhjic).

Bonus: Motivation TV (?) caught up with Cam's latest protege, Vado, for a one on one and they chopped it up about the status of The UN albums and Vado's own Slime Flu mixtape, the meaning of "Slime" and the origins of my favorite new slang from '09, "Stop It 5!".

Lloyd Banks - V5 (Mixtape)

2009-12-28T20:28:00.004-05:00

The fifth installment of the 5 And Better Series has finally arrived. After Curtis killed any thoughts Banks had of releasing a double CD, I wondered if this tape would even see the light of day. Banks output has been spotty as of late but he's released enough hot joints in '09 for me to still wanna give this tape a listen. And for the rest of y'all who still give a shit...

Lloyd Banks - V5

Update: V5 is crack music. Banks still got it.

Charles Hamilton - Normalcy EP

2009-12-28T17:00:00.006-05:00

So Charles Hamilton Is Back after a brief hiatus and the music seems to be better for it. Dude gets more then his share of internet hate, but I've always been a supporter and this Normalcy EP is a step in the right direction for young Hamilton.

Normalcy EP

Props to Where Is Charles Hamilton for the linkage (pause)

Don Cannon & The Cool Kids - Merry Christmas

2009-12-28T16:25:00.011-05:00

I know, I know, I'm late with this one, but the holidays had me a lil' sidetracked. Here's the FreEP (Four tracks recorded in four days) featuring production from both Don Cannon & Chuck Inglish.

Don Cannon & The Cool Kids - Merry Christmas

Bonus: Here's a clip of Mikey, Chuck & Don in the studio with Boldy James, recording, "Tires"...

...And illRoots had a sit down with the Kids and a number of topics got brought up, including the status of their official LP...

Drake- It's Been A Pleasure

2009-12-24T12:33:00.009-05:00

Just when I start to feel the hype was beginning to overshadow the talent, a new song from Drake surfaces on the 'net and it reaffirms why this kid deserves alot the accolades and attention he's been getting this year. With the ATL shoutouts and name drop towards the end of the verse, "It's Been A Pleasure" sounds like Drake's half of a collaboration with Young Jeezy and even without hearing Jeezy's vocals, it has single written all over it. The verse/hook is typical Drake, bouncing from debaucherous playboy right back to unheralded underdog, all balanced with a self awareness that reveals the calculated broad appeal of Drake.

Emotions in this game run deep so before these haters kill me in my sleep
I'd like to say it's been a pleasure
Reppin' to my last second, crew done alot of shit they'll never get to do
I'd like to say it's been a pleasure
Honored to be somebody they mention but before these niggas stop payin' attention
I'll just say it's been a pleasure
You'll never be somebody they need, tomorrow ain't guaranteed so tonight we gonna do it like this

Uh
Set up the occasion, I'm up in the place and
If amazin' was a young bitch, I'd be goin to jail cause I'm fuckin Amazin'
What's up for the taking? I'm ready & I'm willing, why the fuck are we waiting?
Yeah
And baby you should bring your best friend
Then you should persuade her to let me get some sex in
Don't get offended baby, that's just a suggestion
Really we can do it however (hey!), you (hey!), like (uh)
I'm prolly in your hotel tonight, whatever floor that me and 40 stayin' on, it's smellin riiight
Yeah
Just know we grindin' till it's light out
Show up to your city, turn that muhfucka right out
Yeah
Tell me who controls kings?
I don't follow rules, stupid ol' things
I'm ridin' through the city in a coupe with those wings
My team deserves some muhfuckin' Super Bowl rings
Uh Yeah
And I know we gon' get it, me & Jeezy bout whatever shawty, holla if you wit it
Even though I want it to, this shit don't last forever
But better late then never honestly, I'd like to say it's been a pleasure

Dude might have one flow but he uses it effectively every time out and we all know, "Repetition is the father of learning" (c) Lil' Wayne. I'm not sure if this is supposed to make TM103 or Thank Me Later (or either, seeing as how Drake used the Super Bowl line on the Young Money album), but either way, I still wanna hear a finished version.

Lifted Research Group Presents Outasight - Further (Mixtape)

2009-12-20T17:04:00.006-05:00

I try not to fall for the blog hype. You know, those artists that seemingly come out of no where and recieve all sorts of acclaim from the bloggersphere without the actual content to back it up. I have a sixth sense for shit like that and I do my best to steer clear. But once in a while I actually take a listen to a new artist that makes me kick myself for being such a know it all.

Outasight is one such artist.

The Yonkers bred singer/rapper has been steadily building up his buzz, and even though I initially wrote him off for looking more like an English Lit professor then an MC, the homie TC ~~strongarmed~~ convinced me to sample his mixtape with Mick Boogie, From Here To There (Album Prequel), and surprise, surprise, the guy had some spit to him and could actually carry a note. His 2nd EP, Radio New York, showed more promise, but what sold me on Outasight actually had little to do with his music and more to do with his whole outlook on his chosen profession. Peep...

Off The Wall Sessions - Ep. 2 Outasight from OFF THE WALL SESSIONS on Vimeo.

He never comes off forced like he's trying to be something he's not. There's something genuine about his character that bleeds through his songs and I think that's what's so appealing about his music. It's honest. Backed by indie producers like 6th Sense, D/Will & Cook Classics, Outasight has quietly built up a quality resume and his latest tape continues that trend. Further is prolly Outasight's best work to date and is a perfect snapshot of what's special about his sound. Soulful but very much rooted in Hip-Hop. With a freshly inked deal at Asylum Records and his debut LP in the works, the future looks bright for Outasight. Get in on the ground floor.

Here's a quick sample to show you what you've been lunching on...

"Brand New Day" (Produced By 6th Sense)

"Here We Go Again" (Produced By Table For 6)

Lifted Research Group Presents Outasight - Further

Scram Jones feat. Saigon, Nino Bless & Crooked I - 3rd Degree

2009-12-18T12:02:00.004-05:00

Producer/rapper Scram Jones (Raekwon's "Broken Safety", Lloyd Banks' "Work Magic", Black Rob's "Ready") is gearing up for his own album, Beast Music, featuring artists like Raekwon, Styles P, Ghostface, Cam'ron, Slaughterhouse and more. Don't sleep, Scram got bars too.

Expect Beast Music to be unleashed Spring 2010 on Nature Soundz.

BTW - Crooked murks this beat.

Iron Man 2 Trailer

2009-12-17T16:57:00.004-05:00

This is basically an edited down version of the footage shown at this year's San Diego Comic Con (and subsequently leaked on YouTube) with a couple of new scenes thrown in for good measure and even though the dialogue seems cheesier than the first flicks, that last couple of seconds of Iron Man fighting alongside War Machine gave me an instant erection (Sorry Ma!).

Iron Man 2 will arrive in theaters May 7th, 2010. I just don't know if I can wait that long.

Pray for me.

Raekwon - Pyrex Vision (Video)

2009-12-17T00:08:00.003-05:00

Off of the best Hip-Hop album of 2009.

BTW - If you couldn't tell from that screen cap, this vid is definitely NSFW.

Obie Trice- Special Reserve EP

2009-12-15T11:20:00.003-05:00

Detroit's Obie Trice releases his first project since his split with Eminem and Shady Records. This one is entirely produced by DJ Premier’s protege, MoSS. After a quick scan, I'd say this joint is well deserving of the buzz it's been gaining the past couple weeks. Here's a clip of MoSS explaining how this project came to be...

Obie Trice 'Special Reserve' (The 411)- Album Avail. DEC 15th from International Green on Vimeo.

This is a digital/physical release, so if you like what you hear, show your support and spend your $$$.

1. Welcome
2. Got Hungry
3. You’ve Been Slain
4. On & On
5. I Am
6. 4 Stories
7. Roughnecks Ft. Deuce Wonder
8. Cool Cat
9. What You Want
10. Jack My Sh!t
11. Dope, Jobs, Homeless (Bonus Song)

Obie Trice- Special Reserve EP

Lil' Wayne Feat. Eminem - Drop The World

2009-12-15T08:38:00.004-05:00

From Weezy's perpetually pushed back Rebirth album. Wayne does his thing but there's no question that Marshall steals the track.

Maybe Rebirth won't be so shitty after all.

Juelz Santana Feat. Chris Brown - Back To The Crib” (Video)

2009-12-15T08:14:00.002-05:00

Another look off of Elz's upcoming Def Jam album, Born To Lose, Built To Win. This time, Santana re-teams with everyone's favorite convicted felon/pop star, Chris Brown, over Polow The Don's best Timbaland impression and the results are custom fitted for the club. Chris Breezy may not be the most popular co-star at the moment, but Juelz has got a hit on his hands. Let's see if Def Jam knows what to do with it.

Download: Juelz Santana feat. Chris Brown - Back To The Crib

Dub MD & Illmind Presents Blaps, Rhymes & Life Vol. 4

2009-12-14T20:05:00.004-05:00

As the festive season grows closer and closer, Illmind and Dub MD are back with an early Christmas present for everyone following the movement, with the fourth installment of the "Blaps, Rhymes & Life" compilation series. This edition is a little special, and the first of its kind, comprising of 2 Discs with double the dose of classic !llmind production. Volume 4 showcases the usual mixture of mainstream/upcoming artists: KRS-One, Keith Murray, Erykah Badu, Big Pooh, Skyzoo, Jared Evan, Reef The Lost Cauze, D-Black, Thoth and many more.

If you've downloaded any of the previous volumes, you know exactly the level of dopeness to expect. And if you slept, consider this a wake up call....

Disc 1: Blaps, Rhymes & Life
01.) Thoth - Get Your Game Right (Produced By Illmind)
02.) Clap Cognac - I'm Gonna Do It (Produced By Illmind)
03.) Fortilive (!llmind, Mushmouf & Slo-Mo) - Gimme (Produced By Illmind)
04.) Mistah F.A.B. - Follow Me (Produced By Illmind)
05.) Brooklyn Academy - Hide (feat. Fresh Jones & Keith Murray) (Produced By Illmind)
06.) Seer - Ill Mind (Produced By Illmind)
07.) KNGDM - Gazillion (Produced By Illmind)
08.) KRS-One & Buckshot - Survival Skills (feat. DJ Revolution) (Produced By Illmind)
09.) Contra - Fall Back (Produced By Illmind)
10.) Skyzoo - Say What You Say (feat. Rapper Big Pooh & Naledge) (Produced By Illmind)
11.) Verbal Kent - Examples (feat. Lance Ambu) (Produced By Illmind)
12.) Truck North - Hot! (Produced By Illmind)
13.) BURNTmd - Let's Get ILL (feat. Reef The Lost Cauze, Copywrite, Phil Da Agony & Reks) (Produced By Illmind)
14.) Naps N Dreds - Call It Quits (feat. Thirstin Howl III) (Produced By Illmind)
15.) Roscoe Umali - Blow Your Mind (Produced By Illmind)

Disc 2: Blaps, Soul & Life
01.) D-Black - No Ordinary Love (Produced By Illmind)
02.) Gliffics - Call Me Crazy (feat. Chanj) (Produced By Illmind)
03.) Strange Fruit Project - Get Live (feat. Erykah Badu) (Produced By Illmind)
04.) Jared Evan - They Don't Know (Produced By Illmind)
05.) Eric Roberson - Remember When (Produced By Illmind)
06.) Daria Jones - Stay (Produced By Illmind)
07.) Rae - So Sexy (Produced By Illmind)
08.) Grynch - The Right Way (Produced By Illmind)
09.) 3D - If I Want To (Produced By Illmind)
10.) Naeem Oba - Julia (feat. BrikAbrak) (Produced By Illmind)
11.) Hydroponikz - The Blues (feat. Jay Legaspi) (Produced By Illmind)
12.) Sleek - We Rock The Mic (Produced By Illmind)
13.) Last Days Fam - What You Doin It For (Produced By Illmind)
14.) Naturel - We Don't Play (Produced By Illmind)
15.) Black Irish - Kick Rocks (Produced By Illmind)

Dub MD & Illmind Present Blaps, Rhymes & Life Vol. 4

The Redland - Dont Know What It Means (Video)

2009-12-14T19:59:00.003-05:00

Off the strength of the nod to Kurt Cobain...

Critically acclaimed Atlanta based hip-hop duo The Redland present the video for their single "Don't Know What It Means." From their praised debut, "The Free Album," "Don't Know What It Means" tells a story of a young boy growing up in the projects who idolizes rappers and entertainers he sees on TV. He dreams of counting money, driving fancy cars, and sipping champaign, but he is not yet old enough to understand the repercussions of the fast lifestyle.

Star Blasts Beanie Sigel a.k.a Ol' Gut & Butt

2009-12-14T16:14:00.005-05:00

Harsh is not even the word lol.

As much as I felt Beans was justified in going at Jay-Z, there's still alot of truth in what Star is saying in this clip. That being said, this is just another example of Jay shitting on Beans. I mean, weren't they supposed to be friends? Jay has neither responded with a dis track or that phone call Sigel seems to be begging for. Aside from that "What more can I do for him?" clip, Jay has remained silent, showing that he doesn't feel Beans is even worth a response.

Should Beanie move on? How can he? He jumped out there and his only lifeline was Jay-Z.

Back to the drawing board.

Just A Thought: Is it me or does it seem every one would rather focus on clowning Beanie and the allegations he made about Jay's shady behavior get pushed to the background? That's the one part of this whole "beef" I don't understand.

White Men Can't Dance

2009-12-14T06:31:00.001-05:00

I know there are exceptions to the rule but guys like this just perpetuate that ugly stereotype.

P.S. - My dude goes in lol.

Gucci Mane - Heavy (Video)

2009-12-13T15:43:00.003-05:00

Either Gucci is a bamma Nostradamus and filmed all these videos in advance cause he predicted getting locked back up or dude planned all this shit ahead of time...including his jail stint.

What do you think?

Song still goes extra hard. Shawty Redd got heat.

The State Vs. Radric Davis in stores now.

Curren$y - Famous (Produced By Monsta Beatz)

2009-12-11T17:19:00.003-05:00

Some new Spit Vicious, courtesy of Monsta Beatz off of their Monsters On Mars digital release, available on iTunes.

The Jet$ don't stop.

Boosted from OnSmash

Juelz Santana feat. Yelawolf - Mixin' Up the Medicine (Video)

2009-12-10T19:39:00.004-05:00

Rik Cordero behind the lens.

The first official single of Juelz' upcoming, Born To Lose, Built To Win, featuring the tightest white rapper from Alabama (prolly the only white rapper from Alabama but who's counting?), YelaWolf. Yeah, I chumped that whole Skull Gang movement off, but this, I can't ignore. Santana has a banger on his hands and dude is as charismatic on screen as he is behind a mic. Born To Lose, Built To Win is definitely on my radar.

Just A Thought: The first thing I thought about when I saw that title was this classic Cam quote...

“I knew him since he was 15 years old. He stayed with me for a while. Like, that was my man. That was my little dude. But he started drinking sizzurp. You understand what I’m saying? He was getting high. And we smoke enough weed. Why are we drinking Robitussin? And we’re not sick. You got to the studio, he got 100 Hawaiian Punches mixed with Robitussin, swerving. We’re not from Houston…..

It’s not a New York Thing. And when you get caught up on that- and you know, I called his mother about it. I asked her about it. She know about it. She said she was asking him to stop. I called the people that were in his circle. They’d say, “Nah, Cam, it ain’t that much. It’s just a little bit.” That’s like saying you only smoking a little bit of crack. So, at the end of the day, I stopped speaking to him…"

Guess he was just "Mixing Up The Medicine" lol.

Timbaland feat. Drake – Say Something (Video)

2009-12-09T21:23:00.003-05:00

Off the craptacular Pop debacle, Shock Value II.

As corny as Drake comes off sometimes, you just can't help but dig his music. Funny, cause the same thing applies to Timbaland. But even his mediocre verse can't derail this record, which I pegged as a hit the second the unfinished version hit the net. If anybody knows how to make big records, it's Timbaland. Drake should stay close.

I'm still debating who makes the weirder faces in this clip. I'll give it to Timothy. He's had years of practice.

50 Cent feat. Governor - Do You Think About Me (Video)

2009-12-09T17:37:00.003-05:00

Curtis comes thru with some better then average visuals for this joint off of Before I Self Destruct and it's a Cougarfest. I for one am not mad at all.

Just A Thought: Why do I get the feeling the role Vivica Foxx is playing isn't too far removed from who she really is?

And is it strange that I find her all the more attractive for it?

Another Thought: I'm still not certain how, but I'm pretty sure this is a loss for one Joe Budden.

The Game - Turn Off The Lights

2009-12-09T17:11:00.005-05:00

Even though I'm expecting Bobby Valentino to jump in at any minute, this joint has some potential. Kinda sounds like a sequel to "Special", and that's a good thing. 2/3 ain't that bad but I'm still not sold on The R.E.D Album just yet. Aren't a couple of guys named Dr. Dre and Pharrell supposed to be executive producing this one? This song s cool but I'm anxious to see what those two have cooked up for Jayceon this go round.

Props to the NMC for the hookup

Triple C's feat. Game - Gangster Shit

2009-12-08T22:06:00.003-05:00

Off that Custom Cars & Cycles, directed By Spliff TV.

Cats front, but that Triple C's album wasn't as horrid as you'd think. And say what you will about Ross, but his viral game has been on point for a good minute.

Young Money feat. Lloyd - Bedrock

2009-12-07T20:06:00.005-05:00

The 2nd look off of that upcoming Young Money album, We Are ~~Weedcarriers~~ Young Money. Decent enough video, all things considered (one of those "things" being having to sit through that Tyga verse, but I digress).

Since I neglected to post this when it hit the web, I'm making this post a 2fer. Here's the Young Money artwork and tracklisting...

1. Bedrock ft. Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Drake,Jae Millz, Tyga & Lloyd
2. New Shit ft. Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Mack Maine & Lil Wayne
3. Pass Me The Dutch ft. Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda & Short Dawg
4. Wifebeater ft. Jae Millz, Tyga, Mack Maine & Lil Wayne
5. Fuck The Bullshit ft. Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Lil Wayne, Drake & Birdman
6. Ms. Parker ft. Mack Maine, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz & Lil Wayne
7. Target ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, Tyga, & Nicki Minaj
8. Sacrifice ft. Shanell, Mack Maine, Lil Wayne & Gudda Gudda
9. Every Girl ft. Lil Wayne, Drake, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda & Mack Maine
10. She Is Gone ft. Lil Wayne, Jae Millz & Gudda Gudda & Pleasure P
11. Girl I Got You ft. Lil Twist & Lil Chuckee
12. Gooder
13. Roger That ft. Nicki Minaj, Tyga & Lil Wayne
14. Steady Mobbin’ ft. Lil Wayne & Gucci Mane

We Are ~~Weedcarriers~~ Young Money hits stores December 21st, the same day as Wayne's "Rock" album, Rebirth. After hearing the 1st couple of songs from each album...

We Are ~~Weedcarriers~~ Young Money > Rebirth

But that's just me.

Just A Thought: I don't know who's spastic movements are more distracting, Nikki's or Drake's.

Cory Gunz - Cannon (Video)

2009-12-04T12:57:00.002-05:00

Off that Heir To The Throne, young Gunz looks to Tarantino's Pulp Fiction for inspiration for this clip.

Math Hoffa Vs T-Rex

2009-12-03T20:55:00.004-05:00

For those tuned into the battle scene, this matchup has been anticipated for a minute. I usually side with Rex, Mook and them cause I watched them come up (118th & Manhattanville, what up?) but I can't front, Hoffa spit some clever shit. Who won? I can't call it. You be the judge...

...chill, who am I kidding? Hoffa got busy lol.

Raekwon - Surgical Gloves (Video)

2009-12-03T08:59:00.002-05:00

I coulda swore OB4CL2 made enough money to have a decent video budget. Rae shoulda holler'd at Rik.

Still, this clip is serviceable and this song is definitely among my favorites on the album.

OB4CL2 is an album of the year contender and this song is a strong reminder why.

Birdman Feat. Drake & Lil' Wayne - 4 My Town (Play Ball) (Video)

2009-12-02T22:10:00.003-05:00

So I guess this is the new Cash Money sound.

I miss the Hot Boyz (pause).

Iron Man 2 Poster

2009-12-02T11:45:00.003-05:00

*Spontaneous Nerdgasm*

Bishop Lamont - My Mama & I'm Ill

2009-12-01T19:38:00.003-05:00

New music from Bishop Lamont, who's apparently still on Aftermath. Go figure. Regardless of where he's signed or who's making the beat, Bishop is dope. Now whether he'll ever get a major push or not remains to be seen.

I'm Ill

My Mama

Bonus: The first leak off the long awaited Team America (Fuck Yeah): Special Forces mixtape with Indef. Songs crazy. Tape should be dropping any day now.

Team America: Fuck Yeah

Pilfered from 2DopeBoyz

Booty Talk: Melyssa Ford's Thick Skin vs Thin Skin

2009-12-01T02:55:00.004-05:00

Video Vixen/Model Melyssa Ford got with photographer Derek Blanks for this photo & I know there's some sorta high concept at work here but y'all know why I posted this pic.

That make-up job is amazing.

The Kid Daytona ft. Kardinal Offishall - Contact

2009-12-01T01:00:00.004-05:00

The Kid Daytona - "Contact!" feat. Kardinal Offishall (Video) from The Kid Daytona on Vimeo.

One of the most slept on new jacks to hit the scene this year, The Kid Daytona drops off another clip from his debut (one of my favorita albums of '90) Come Fly With Me, this time featuring Canada's other major rap act, Kardinal Offishall. "Contact" is about as radio ready a song as you're gonna get from an "internet" artist like 'Tona and with the right push, this joint could be all over the airwaves. But all good things come in due time and with the level of music he churns out, it's only a matter of time before some A&R realizes the potential.

And when it happens, you can say I told you so.

Previously: The Kid Daytona - 1st Class Upgrade

Keri Hilson @ The 2009 Soul Train Awards

2009-11-30T14:50:00.005-05:00

This performance reminded me why I used to lust after Ms. Keri. I don't care if she's got a Lick Her License or not, I'd do turrible, turrible things to her.

But in a good way.

Props to yardie a.k.a Mr. World Premiere on the vid

The Clipse - Footsteps

2009-11-29T15:11:00.007-05:00

The Clipse's Till The Casket Drops leaked last night and it's all I've been playing since I snatched it up. I know, I've been hard on the first group of songs that I've heard from the album, and maybe that was just due to how highly I thought of the sound and direction they went with on Hell Hath No Fury.

In comparison, Till The Casket Drops is lighter sonically as well as lyrically but don't mistake that for the Clipse falling for the crossover. Nah. In fact, I think Malice and Pusha have fully distinguished themselves from one another and I credit that to Malice seemingly finding his true voice. Not downplaying Pusha's contributions but there's an reflective spirituality to his verses throughout the album and while he's touched on similar subject matter in the past, it seems like Mal is totally comfortable rapping from this perspective which adds an optimistic new wrinkle to the group dynamic that pushes this new album past alot of other releases this year. One of my early faves is the DJ Khalil produced Footsteps. The Clipse have balanced the coke rap with some real talk and the results are still just as potent.

Till The Casket Drops in stores December 8th and it's sounding like a must cop.

"I Know You, Dog"

2009-11-28T15:47:00.006-05:00

More real talk from Beanie Sigel.

AllHipHop got some time with Beanie while backstage at 50 Cent's MySpace show at The Highline Ballroom here in Manhattan last week. Sig confirms that he's not actually signed to G-Unit as of yet but like the last few interviews he's done, the interesting parts of the interview are his feelings on Jay-Z.

I can't understand the heads that are frowning on Beanie's recent comments/songs about Jay-Z. I was already thinking alot of shit that Beans is saying but now someone from Hov's inner circle has finally stepped up to validate what I've seen for the longest. Jay is a shady dude. But I'll let Sig tell it.

Sounds like Beans has more then a few valid points. We're all still waiting for Jay-Z to make one.

Bonus: Here's more footage from that MySpace show where Fif and Beans performed "I Go OFF".

Slaughterhouse - Microphone

2009-11-23T12:17:00.002-05:00

One of the best Hip-Hop songs of 2009 gets some visuals but you could play this song with a black background and I'd still get hyped lol.

John Colombo behind the lens.

Slaughterhouse in stores now

Meet Bangs

2009-11-21T07:34:00.002-05:00

Sudanese MC Bangs new song, Take U to The Movies has got the internet going nuts. Lord Seer & Rude Jude got to holla at Bangs on Shade45 and the record definitely got a strong response lol.

This Is The Remix

2009-11-20T10:14:00.004-05:00

Angels (Remix) (Feat. Rick Ross)

Love Come Down (Remix) (Feat. Jim Jones, Fabolous & Red Café)

Plus, Funkmaster Flex got to ~~dick ride~~ interview Diddy and Dirty Money and actually asks Puff some good questions about Ma$e, Black Rob and Shyne along with his opinion on the Jay-Z/Beanie Sigel/50 Cent "beef". Peep...

Juelz Santana feat Chris Brown - Back To The Crib (Mastered)

2009-11-19T19:41:00.005-05:00

The first single off of Juelz's 3rd album, Born to Lose, Built to Win, produced by Polow Da Don featuring Chris Brown. That lineup just sounds like a hit. They shot the video for this one in the city last week and I think this is gonna be Juelz biggest single yet.

I know Cam said it's over, but swear I can hear a remix of this joint with Killa & Jones.

Juelz Santana feat Chris Brown - Back To The Crib (Mastered)

Here's some behind the scenes footage from the video shoot...

Behind The Scenes With Juelz Santana & Jim Jones! from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.

Saigon feat. Lil Fame From M.O.P. - Rusty Gunz

2009-11-18T23:20:00.004-05:00

Off that Warning Shots 2.

Boo Boo TV playing WorldStarHipHop videos?

Curtis is crazy lol.

Real Talk With Dame Dash

2009-11-18T09:18:00.005-05:00

Dame reflects on a number of things, including the break up of Roc-A-Fella and The Diplomats as well as his current relationships with Jay-Z, Cam and Jim Jones.

Dame seems mellowed out after that messy split with Jay. He had a few lean years but with a couple of new ventures it seems he's back on the road to getting his name back to a respectable place. Good for him.

Bonus: More talk from Dame, this time touching on the gameplan behind DD172 as well as some insight into a hustler's mindset in the recession.

Via Mixtape Monster

Beyoncé feat. Lady GaGa - Video Phone (Extended Remix) (Video)

2009-11-18T07:47:00.005-05:00

Beyonce's 8th single (you heard me right, 8th!) off of I Am...Sasha Fierce gets new life with a remix featuring Lady GaGa. I've been trying to think of something clever to say, but I've watched the video a couple of times and all I can think of is...

Beyoncé is a bad muthafucka.

Maybe I'll come back to this when I can think of something more tactful.

Or maybe not.

Pill - 4075: The Refill (Mixtape)

2009-11-17T07:37:00.014-05:00

He already gave ya'll The Prescription, now Pill comes back to give the fiends another hit with The Refill.

Pill, DJ Skee & The Empire - 4075: The Refill

This tape is brought to you by DJ Skee & The Empire, and much props to them both, but me? I'm going with the No DJ version.

Update: I've been somewhat of a lukewarm supporter of Pill. With his first batch of songs, I could hear the potential but I still hadn't bought into him as a credible artist, especially when you have a talent like Freddie Gibbs in the exact same lane, putting out top notch material. But after giving this new tape a listen, it appears Pill has stepped up to the plate and delivered some of his strongest music to date. Here's a sample...

Pain In They Eyes

Bonus: Because I slept on posting this when it dropped...

Pill - Trap Goin Ham from Motion Family on Vimeo.

"...the trap keep a nigga fresher than a peppermint, white house got me a pocket full of Presidents..."

This Is The Carter....

2009-11-17T06:45:00.006-05:00

When I first caught wind of QD3's Lil' Wayne documentary, The Carter, I was immediately intrigued, being that Wayne is about as complex and, for lack of a better word, weird as he is talented. The film debuted to rave reviews at this year's Sundance Film Festival but it also incurred the wrath of one DeWayne Carter. Wayne eventually ended up suing QD3(and losing)citing breach of contract, fraud by intentional misrepresentation, constructive fraud, and invasion of privacy. The word was the film painted Wayne in a less then favorable light, spotlighting his excessive drug use but let's be real. We all know that boy loves some syrup.

Miss Info got a hold of the first 10 minutes of the film and after seeing this little bit, I'm completely sold. This might just be up there with Tyson for my favorite documentary of the year.

The Kid Daytona - 1st Class Upgrade

2009-11-16T19:11:00.003-05:00

"Ayo, gimme some rice pilaf in this shit!"

New heat rock from Tona and 6th. Emphasis on the Rock. This song is fire!

I think Daytona successfully shed the "hipster" label with his free album, Come Fly With Me, but even with the quality work he's already put in this year, he still manages to get slept on crazy, lost in a sea of freshman MC's with more hype and bigger machines. But for the new jacks coming out of New York, I'm putting money on Daytona in 2010. Good music can only stay off the mainstream radar but so long.

Look out for that "Contact" video featuring Kardinal Offishall off of Come Fly With Me later on in the week.

The Clipse feat. Cam’ron - Popular Demand (Popeyes) (Video)

2009-11-16T05:36:00.003-05:00

It's almost worth sitting through Pusha and Cam's so-so 16's to get to Malice's gem filled verse. The visuals are particularly hood (Brooklyn, what up?!). I'd credit that to Rik Cordero (Little X on a budget).

Bonus: The good people over at Hypebeast got to sit down with The Clipse for a interview where alot of topics get discessed, notably the brothers Play Cloths line, KAWS and some insight into past projects as well as the new album.

The Clipse - Further Down the Road to: "Til the Casket Drops" from Kellen Dengler on Vimeo.

Til The Casket Drops...December 8th.

Just A Thought: I know times are hard and Crime Pays didn't sell that many copies, but Cam looks like he's starving. I mean, literally. Look how son is going in on that snack box lol. The day Cam peels off that fitted to reveal some cornrolls is the day I officially give up on the Dips. I'm dead fucking serious too.

Ryan Leslie – Sound Decisions (Video)

2009-11-16T04:40:00.002-05:00

Yahoo Presents "Sound Decisions" - Ryan Leslie Doc from Ryan Leslie on Vimeo.

R-Les has a new mini documentary as part of his promo for his new album, Transition. The video finds Ryan on the streets of Harlem discussing his career and mingling with the natives. For casual fans of Ryan Leslie's music, it's worth a look.

Transition in stores now, but if you were on your game, you'd already have that on your iPod lol.

DJ Kay Slay feat. Plies Yo Gotti, Busta Rhymes, Jim Jones & Ray J - Blockstars (Video)

2009-11-15T15:11:00.006-05:00

The video for the first single off of DJ Kay Slay's upcoming album, More Than A DJ (Sans Plies bitch ass).

Just A Thought: Am I the only one who sees that Ray J is a horrible singer? How does this nigga get work outside of reality TV?