Skyzoo is your new underground champ

With all the hoopla over the new acts that have leaped on the scene like Drake / Kid Cudi / Wale, that signature NY sound seems skeptically missing.  It sounds like instead redefining that NY sound, he acquiesced to the emo/hipster approach with The Blueprint 3.  Torae/Marco Polo got my Itunes purchase because they went back to that true boom-bap sound and Skyzoo got that purchase for defining himself on some NY boom-bap shit over some of the best production I've heard this year on one album.  There's lots to talk about from the thumpig, addictive "The Opener" to the Nottz produced banger "Maintain."  I think first and foremost this album struck me as a truly autobiographical piece of work.  I can't remember an album that was so introspective.  Skyzoo is having a conversation out loud about himself and he is very good at it.  Couple that with amazing production and you have yourself a very stellar record.  I rarely outsource opinions, but my homie Landis wrote a STELLAR review of this record.  Click the link: http://www.crossphazer.com/?p=7391

I agree with him pretty much about everything, but I'd give it a 9/10.  This album stole listens from OB4CL2 and Blueprint 3 from the get.  I'm not even in a particular super-lyrical mood these days, but Skyzoo made an album that commands repeat listens.  You know people sleep on 9th Wonder but he does his damn thing on joints like "The Beautiful Decay", "Under Pressure", and "For What It's Worth."   Those horns on "Under Pressure" are legit, nothing sounds like the real thing.  I know I've been telling you to buy many albums as of late, but Sky really did his thing on this.  You have to commend an artist who knows how to put together an album with so many different producers that somehow results in a cohesive album.  I'm probably going to write a more detailed review when I have more time, but I just wanted to make a point that Skyzoo dropped a top 5 of the year caliber record.  That means you go buy it, sit back, and enjoy.  Duck Down Records have really done their job in 2009.  Apparently Survival Skills by Buckshot and Krs-One is amazing.   Rap Reviews gave it a 10/10 which is wyling.  I'm going to get on that right now actually...

Ghostface's album is fine, what's with the hate?

When the press came out for Ghostface's Wizard of Poetry, I was just hoping for a good album.  Def Jam hyped up the album as an R&B duet kinda record with a Ghostface flair.  I ended up really enjoying this album.  It surprisingly had an Al Green effect with all the straight up positive love joints.  Sticking out like a sore thumb in between joints about chasing the right jewel is the hilarious and obscenely over top "Stapleton Sex."  I mean who didn't bust out laughing hearing this?  It's a song about Ghost going in on a chick that maybe purposefully ends at around 2 minutes.  Ghostface ends the song / sex session by chanting "Don't touch me" which absolutely killed me.

Hilarity aside, there are some BEATS on here.  The intro "Not Your Average Girl" features a banger of a Scram Jones beat.  The next song might have the hardest beat on the CD with the horns.  Man, you just can't go wrong with well-placed horns.  "Do Over" is the first of two Raheem DeVaughn collabs, with the second being "Baby."  "Baby" has autotune but ends up being a dope song no matter what.  A joint about the birth of a baby being a joy in Hip-Hop?  That's a rarity and I think Ghostface delivers a solid track.  But songs like "Paragraphs of Love" really give this album a unique feel for Ghost.  Him and Estelle go back n' forth over a lush beat that has a soulful feel.  This LP feels like Ghostface went for a full record of songs like "Big Girl" and "Holla", not a bunch of "Bonnie and Clyde's"  This isn't his best album by any mean necessary, but it's a solid 4/5 effort.  It's a good, softer-side-of-Wu compliment to the deliciously hardcore OB4CL2. 

I really hate Sports...so what do I do now?

Those who read this site with reasonable frequency realize that I'm a huge Buffalo Bills fan and Houston Rockets fan.  Doesn't make much sense I know, I got family members in each city that took me to games.  This year is turning to a perfect storm of maybe the worst teams to watch ever.  I'll start with the Buffalo Bills.  A normally laughable organization is now moving from lovable losers to "damn, there is still a NFL team in B-lo?"  Their offensive line is patchwork like an AIDS quilt and to continue the metaphor, with a weakened line, Trent Edwards straight DIES every week.  And TrEdwards plays like a school girl.  He has two of the biggest WR threats in the league and can barely get them the ball.  I have to watch this team give up sack after sack on every poor offensive drive.  I'd rather watch that troubling rape scene in Deliverance weekly, at least then I'm not squealing as a fan.  And our GM and Coach?  Dick Jauron is a personification of beta male coaching.  Down two scores in the 4th he doesn't go for 4th and 1 at home.  I spend every Sunday watching each game and I've had to steadily drink more and more to cop.  Last week's loss to the Dolphins?  12 beers and 3 shots = one belligerent big R who instead of raging, goes straight home to lay around depressed.  I might need to lay off the Bills.  Normally the Rockets give me a good distraction from a poor NFL season but not this year.

The Rockets IR spots are basically a playoff-caliber team.  We lost Ron Artest, who seems to dickride LA like a Jon and Kate Plus 8 fan.  Instead we get Trevor Ariza who NEEDS a Kobe to be relevant.  Scola, Landry, Brooks, and Wafer might make this team fun but they are going nowhere in the playoffs.  Last year we lost T-mac and Yao, but I still got to see a team with MAD heart take the Lakers to 7.  It will be interesting to see how well they do, but I'm not holding my breath.

So without sports to take up my time...what should I do? I suppose I should write some more for the page, but cot damn I spend all day staring at the computer screen trying to come up with the proper way to phrase sentences.  Writing when I get home is not exactly appetizing.  I thought about working out but I have a steady lady.  I think peer pressuring her to work out more better serves my goals.  She still finds me attractive if I gain a few pounds and hell, her losing weight serves the shallow part of my personality.  Let's hope she doesn't check this page on the regular.

Being a new to 9-5, I am trying to find the best way to spend my time after work.  Staring at a computer, book, or TV just ain't doing it.  What do ya'll do that's a dope escape from work?  I'm thinking of getting into boxing or karate, but that shizz is dumb expensive.  This is a random rant.  I blame the Bills, that team gets me emo and introspective. 

Yo Congress, I'mma let you finish but the rest of the Western World knows how to run a Health Care system

I love my country don't get me wrong.  My problem is that both the Right and Left have no idea how to properly reform Health Care.  I like most people in this country think we AT THE LEAST need a public option to lower costs but much prefer a single-payer system or universal health care.  The health care lobbysists practically own congress.  The majority of this "reform package" subsidizes Health Insurance companies to "help" people.  So the people who we rely on to represent us are going to give MORE MONEY to health insurance companies who have done a bad job.

Here is why I liek Sports. For the most part when teams mess up, people get fired.  The health insurance companies that are in charge of our health care aren't doing their job.  Whether you are getting paid are not, the results are terrible.  40 million people or so don't have insurance. Millions more underinsured.  To say they aren't failing people means you are likely on their payroll.

And damn their payroll is legit.  You want to know why we don't even have a public option which is still no where as good as single payer?  When Democrats write these legislations, Health Care insurers are providing million dollar pens if you know what I mean.  Apparently the democrats who voted down a public option receive close to 19 million dollars from Health insurance lobbyists. 

My solution is to start a bribery/lobbyist organization funded by the people.  80% of the Democrats in this country support AT LEAST a public option.  If we could somehow collect 2-3 dollars from a majority of those people, don't you think that money would dwarf that 19 million dollar payoff?  It is frankly confusing how a simple majority (including conservatives) support a public option, yet no Republican Congressman is on board with health care reform.  They also have no ideas of their own, their stance is "Obama is for it, well fuuuuck that." 

People revel in our President's failure like it was their day job.  When Chicago lost the Olympics, conservatives in this country cheered because it looked like our President's failure.  If Obama comes down with the cold, I expect these morons to hit the streets with "Rhinovirus for President!" posters.  Being contrarian without any reason is apparently the definition of the modern conservative.  I'm hoping the media puts more pressure on Congressman to think with their heads and not with their wallets.

I'm starting to get back into the swing of things writing, look out for more soon

RIP and REP D. Ellis

It feeeeels so gooood to be back from the scoping the world.  After a month plus of seeing places like the Southeast Asia and the Middle East, I come back to the states to a slew of new music.  The Raekwon sequel, Jay-Z's third installment of the Blueprint series, and other joints.  First it seems the most important topic in this country unfortunately is this Kanye West - Taylor Swift nonsense.  Let me get into that right quick.

Kanye West needs to behave or else he'll be completely MJ'd by the media

I saw a copy of USA Today which featured Kanye and Taylor Swift on the cover with the title "Where has our civility gone?"  Wouldn't a picture of waterboarding be a better preface for that question?  When you have thousands of Americans comparing President Obama to Hitler and characterizing him as a witch doctor, you'd think there are more relevant examples of lack of civility.  But I digress, this is about Kanye West's turn from eccentric producer to social pariah over interrupting Taylor Swift's award at the VMA's.

Let's keep this in perspective.  This was a "jackass" move as the President so eloquently put it.  He interrupted a VMA award presentation, it wasn't even like he did it at an "important" award show like the Oscars or Grammy's which at least somewhat measure artistic credibility.  Not to knock the importance of the moment for Taylor Swift, but he didn't pull an ODB by interrupting a larger award show.  I imagine if ODB pulled that stunt (which was hysterical and awesome by the way), he'd be crucified by today's media.  However, I am surprised that Kanye is being treated like he drop kicked Taylor Swift.  Yes an innocent little girl lost her moment of shine, but is that really a crime worthy of all this press and hate?

I'm not defending his actions as acceptable and he is for sure a repeat offender with this egotistical nonsense.  But moving forward, what else can he do but say sorry?  He apologized publicly and to her directly as well.  She accepted, shouldn't we move forward?  Nope, we got reporters leaking the President's thought on the matter and it's still on 24/7 news coverage.  Congressman Joe Wilson got rebuked for his heckling of the President during a joint session, and you know Kanye is getting more press.

Saleswise, Kanye would be in trouble if he was releasing a CD soon. 14-16 year old white girls happen to be the biggest group (at least as of 2007) that buy Hip-Hop CD's and he basically insulted that entire group by jacking Taylor Swift's limelight.  Thankfully for him, I think that group is a rather forgetful bunch.  Kanye also doesn't rely on anyone else to make his music, so he has nothing to worry about musically.  Promotion wise, it seems people are quite salty at Mr. Fishsticks (that's a South park reference, kids). 

I am afraid we are seeing the media start to MJ Kanye's career.  To be "MJ'd" is to have the media hone in on a bad act to completely isolate him and make him look like a villain which in the end discredits the artist's career.  Kanye has obviously not been involved in any sexual controversies like MJ had to deal with, but he needs to recognize how much people are wyling on him for something like this and act accordingly.  The scopes are on him and people are looking for him to slip up to release the hounds once more to dead his career. 

I for one don't want to see this happen to Kanye.  He is one of the best artists in Hip-Hop and is responsible for incredible production on classic albums and has himself dropped three incredible rap records.  Hell, I even bought 808s because it was hella entertaining.  I'm hoping that his team is advising him to lay low and lay off the sauce and ego trips in public.  His outburst has allowed people to really attack him on a personal level.  Jay Leno asked him what his mother would have thought of his actions.  So Kanye interrupted some girls' moment of shine, that allows an interviewer to bring up his dead mother in such a fashion?  Shit, I thought that was FAR more offensive than his drunk outburst.  I guess that's my perspective as a music fan, and not a huge fan of celebrity chasing.  Taylor Swift has that Disney cash and will be fine even if Kanye ended his rant with "your music is shit, sweetie."  Which by the way is funny, because I can't name one of her songs even if I tried. 

I looked at the whole thing as Kanye being Kanye.  It was a funny outburst, it was like he was parodying himself by being so outlandish.  Instead it has turned into some hurricane of hate.  In the end, Kanye West will probably rebound.  As a fan of music, I give Kanye a lot of room, because he is one of the, if the not the most talented artist in Hip-Hop.  America apparently is not so forgiving so I'm hoping he gets his act together because I would hate for him to be pushed into obscurity.  We as music fans would be losing out on a lot of great material if that were to happen.

Enough of that, to bigger and better things like my stinging disappointment with Blueprint 3

Jay-Z's new ad campaign: Blueprint 3..at least it's better than Kingdom Come

Jay-Z's third full-length disc since his retirement in 2004 features an older MC who seems even more pressed to appeal to kids with this album. Don't get me wrong, I'm okay with an album for the masses but Jay-Z's third installment of Blueprint is less about setting trends and more about following them.  The first Blueprint was classic because Jay-Z started trends by bringing that soulful sound to Hip-Hop with the help of Just Blaze / Kanye.  This album seems to jock on a hipster sound that spawned from Kanye and it just doesn't work on certain tracks.  Especially considering that Jay-Z released "Death of Autotune" as his first single.  That song is a middle finger to that tight pant style and yet I think he might have some autotune on "Hate" and "A Star is Born" on this album,.  The fractured message on this record coincidentally ended up in a fractured record.  The first half is FIRE, while the last half leaves the listener a little perplexed and wishing for a better effort.

"What We Talkin' About" features a lofty beat with Jay-Z on that lyrical tip that you wish filled the whole album.  Jay-Z goes from talking about his past dealings to the future and this the features the kind of introspective material that ends up being his best stuff.  The beat is uplifting, gotta thank funky synths and a good feature of Luke Steele from Empire of the Sun.  Followed by his joint is maybe my favorite track on the record "Thank You."  You know guys I'm fan of well-used horns, and Jay-Z does a good job of thanking everyone from the fans to the haters.  Although, he ends with a 9/11 metaphor which is kind of awkward.  Extended 9/11 metaphors aren't hot in the street, I'm sorry.

"Empire State of Mind" is a great anthem for NY and features some of the kind of production we expected to hear throughout the record.  Alicia Keyes knows how to hit a chorus and this song ends up being probably the most memorable moment on the album.  After this it gets kinda mehh.  "A Star is Born" is cool, but it sounds like a track Lupe would have done and done better.  I always approve of Wu Tang shouts, and Jay-Z chose wisely in giving props to all the dudes doing it right in Hip-Hop.  J. Cole's verse is fierce and is proof that he will be a name to remember.  It really feels like Drake and J. Cole are climbing to be the two biggest names in Hip-Hop once their debuts drop, and I'm okay with that. 

The album takes a clubby twist with joints like "Venus v. Mars" and "Off That."  I actually like both tracks, especially how Jay-Z's lyrical output on "Off That"  Surprising he chooses a club joint to get political, but I'm all for it.  However the Swizz Beatz and Neptunes track are just mehhh.  If you are trying to create a classic you can't include beats like that.  "Reminder" is just a throwaway beat that somehow ends up on the album. That chorus is annoying like an ex-gf as well.  "Hate" is interesting, but I'd prefer it to be on some mixtape shit.  And the album ends with some complete WHACKNESS with "Young Forever." You are really going to sample "Forever Young" and give it that kind of treatment?  I'm normally okay with sampling but not when it turns into travesties like this.  This was nonsense, if you hated "Beach Chair" you would want to commit murders after hearing this track.  It leaves the album off on a terrible note and makes you think that Kanye might have sabotaged this record with his beat selection.  Where is "Brooklyn go Hard" or "Jockin' Jay-Z", those joints went in.

The album has glimpses of what we wanted on tracks like "Thank You", "Real As it Gets", and "Already Home", but we were left with a lackluster effort. His description of Nas's career on "Takeover" apply to this album with 1/2 of the songs being great, and the other 1/2 being mehhh.  You can't expect to him start new trends with each effort, but Hova advertised this record as some "DOA" / all Hip-Hop shit and came hipster as f*ck.  Not a fan of that digression and it ends up translating to a decent at best album.  While I was disappointed with Jay-Z, Raekwon somehow met expectations and went beyond with this stellar follow up of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II.

Wu-Tang Clans fans stand up, it's time for a standing ovation

Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ... II was on the most anticipated LP list of XXL in 2007.  Those two years as a fan I have been skeptical about any release date.  We had no idea what label it would be on, whether Dr. Dre would be instrumental in its creation, if Ghost would be all over it, and most importantly would it be a good album.  Thankfully Raekwon made an album that is worthy of the incredible legacy of the first edition of Cuban Linx.

When I got back from my trip around the world, the lady friend had this CD ready for me.  It was the first time since maybe I was a kid where my first listen of an album would be after the release date with a CD. It was a strange feeling being so excited to rip through that annoying plastic to get a first listen.  When I looked at the back of the album I saw the production listen adn it had me a little wary.  What made the first CD so great was the consistent production.  It's partly the reason I am not the biggest fan of Blueprint 3 but the Executive Producers (surprisingly including Busta Rhymes) made sure the album had a consistently dope, grimy sound.

If I could give this album a nickname it would be Gullymatic.  Every beat seems to be on some screwface sh*t and I am not surprised that J. Dilla had the best production on the album. However, I am shocked that J. Dilla's style out-Rza'd Rza.  The lead single "House of Flying Daggers" is an amped up joint that is reminiscent of "Triumph." Yes I took it to that Wu-Tang forever shit!  I have not felt that hype for a Wu-tang song in ages, it was the kind of music I hoped 8 Diagrams would have.  "Ason Jones" is a touching tribute to ODB which does feature some pauseworthy lines about kissing dudes, but that beat is amazing.  "10 Bricks" hit me like 10 bricks though, that beat took me back to Liquid Swords with it's hard guitar twang loop.  This album is a testament to Raekwon's ability to properly follow-up a classic and at the same time further solidifies J Dilla's legacy as one of the best beatmakers to ever do it.

Rza of course has some great input on this album.  "New Wu" has been out a bit for a minute and makes you think America NEEDS a Ghost, Rae and Method Man collabo LP.  The beat is soulful like syrup on a Otis Redding vinyl, kudos once more to The Abbot.  Who woulda thought Rza could carry a chorus sorta singing on that "Black Mozart" joint!  "Fat Lady Sings" rounds up Rza's impressive contributions.  Scram Jones is the dude though who should be getting more credit for his incredible beat for "Broken Safety" which features a hungry Jadakiss and Styles P.  And the Elton John sampled "Kiss The Ring", pffft fagedaboutit, that NEEDS to be the next single.

While we missed out on Nas on this LP, Jadakiss, Styles P, Beanie Sigel and the rest of the Wu Tang Clan HANDLE that absence with great guest verses.  Method Man's verse on "Flying Daggers" might be my favorite of the entire record. "Wu tang has you scarred for life...you can't forget the cuts."  Ghostface, the guest star as he should be, does his thing when called upon. His verses bring that trademark energy that balances so well with Raekwon's laid back steez. "Gihad" picks up right after the great collabo "R.A.G.U." where Ghost drops that  "she takes a bone like a ribeye steak at Ruth's Chris."  Beanie Sigel has been rapping about jailtime for years now and it still somehow doesn't get old as he steals the track from Rae on "Have Mercy."  This album is an important one for the Wu, and you can tell each emcee took their guest verses real seriously.

And what about Raekwon?  This album had 24 tracks and featured more solo joints than his debut LP.  "Surgical Gloves" is the Alchemist produced solo joint where Raekwon absolutely snaps on the beat.  "Baggin' Crack" goes hard in the whip, and Raekwon handles his business on the Dr. Dre produced "Catalina."  (Funny how the Dr. Dre beats might be the most mediocre on the record)  Raekwon is admittedly not my favorite rapper but he became a big name in Hip-Hop on his ability to make great LP's.  And that's what this is.  I can go track by track and explain how fierce/dope it is, but that would fill up like 24 pages.  All I wanted from this album was a great record. I didn't expect him to capture the excellence of the original purple tape but he somehow has done a bit of both.  The album is automatically AOTY top contender thanks to incredible beats that bang consistent even though a number of producers provided beats AND every verse is delivered with intensity. 

This album felt like some sort of illusion / oasis in the desert of music for the past few years.  The album was always on people's tongues but we never believed that it would be released and many thought if it did drop, it would be a disappointing effort.  This LP being 14-15 years in the making, Raekwon truly took his time with the follow up to a classic with an album that has had a huge impact on Hip-Hop.  I've had my friends change their profile pics to the OB4CL2 cover like it was Obama's face during the election time period.  Rarely in Hip-Hop do we see the underground underdog deliver the banger that gets the attention it deserves.  Glasses up and a toast to Raekwon who gave us another fantastic escape from modern day Hip-Hop and reality with slick mafioso tales over fantastic production.

Wow that was a massive post. Those were the three big stories though, next post on some great music that's out from Brother Ali (!!), Skyzoo, Che Grand, and more.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Wu Tang Clan acting like a bunch of 16 year olds - So if you've been on the interwebs these past few days, you've undoubtedly heard the fuckery that is Raekwon's homie punching Joe Buddens.  After him and Method Man squashed the beef, one of Rae's people apparently had to go and punch Joe Buddens.  What in the hell is the purpose of that?  Now Crooked I is on stage at Rock the Bells saying he has "got Joe's back."  When did Rock the Bells become the Source Awards? 

On a musical level, it'll be exciting sure to see a Wu v. Slaughter House beef.  But like I said, what is there to gain from dissing Joe Buddens?  I've said it before, it's like throwing energy at a black hole.  If you win, you beat Joe Buddens and it's like so who cares?  And you are likely going to tangle with a dope rapper.  I hope to come back not to shitty beef, but a great release from Raekwon in OB4CL2.

I bet that Skyzoo LP will be incredible - I had a quick talk with producer Cyrus tha Great who has two beats on this album, and he has me amped for this release.  It's all Skyzoo and 9th Wonder, Illmind, Cyrus, Black Milk, Nottz, and others on the beat.  Look out for this to be a fantastic LP from a hungry MC.

Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa - How Fly Mixtape - Click here to pick up the mixtape - I've only heard "The Checkpoint" off this tape but I'm ecstatic that I have this mixtape before my travels.  These guys rap are on that "i rap fly because I'm high steez" which is just fun music. Ya'll already know what I thought about Curren$y's LP that dropped this year.  Make sure to pick this up, I'm sure it will bump in the whip.

Sorry for the quick update, but I'm off.  Ya'll be safe, and I'll see ya'll as soon as I have a spare moment to grab a computer!

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Hip-Hop Fans Have it to Easy Reason #24523 - Free LP's

As if the internet hasn't made it easy enough for us underground heads, the latest trend with artists such as Drake, Wale, J. Cole, Foreign Exchange, 50 Cent, and everyone else ALL release album quality LP's for free.  Shoot, I remember the days cats used to look forward to COPPING the latest Kay Slay or Clue mixtape.  Although, Free EP's / mixtapes online is not anything super new.  What is "the new" are free albums that are album quality.  When Raydar Ellis dropped a 10 track Dimebag EP that I still proudly have on the left side of this page, it was really in the beginning of the trend of album quality free releases.  He was maybe too ahead of the curve as cats really missed out on some dopeness, but it seems the trend now is to provide fans with even more free high-quality releases they would have charged for in the past to build a buzz.

It all makes sense in this music economy.  Drake didn't make So Far Gone to get the internet masses to buy his album, you can't get certain to support the record even if their mom was on it.  He'll get it to maximize sales of the big release but most importantly, his goal is strengthen the brand name and image.  So therefore artists have many opportunities to hit the road with their music and make the big bucks. Selling records has always been the focal point in making an artist huge, but now it seems like you really don't need it if you can make a high quality album, you can earn fans and fiscal avenues that way.

The downside is that it requires artists who would once charge for an EP, to come up with a quality record and pay the costs and HOPE it will generate a buzz that can earn revenue some other way.  So Hip-Hop fans, you should enjoy the free music you get.  But if you really like it, think about getting off your butt and peeping a show.  Or if they release their official album and you like that free LP better, maybe cop the album to show support for all the free music they gave you.  It's definitely raising the stakes as far as quality goes.  I mean 50 Cent just released two possibly-studio quality mixtape/albums within the last month.  If you have the biggest dudes in the game utilizing this strategy, you know it is here to stay at least in the short term.  I don't see it reverting back anytime soon, the concept of purchasing music you love has died amongst many fans unfortunately.  And of course, I end this little post with a link to two awesome free EP's! Ex-amples!

Two great EP's that you can get for free

The Physics "High Society" - I have to put this first to capture your attention because you might not know who The Physics are.  I really don't have their names memorized as of yet, but I do know the joint "Back Track" almost by heart.  This crew is based in Seattle and features some really slick production from Just D'Amato...by the way what's up with Seattle and dope Hip-Hop producers?  Anyhow the link takes you to their website with a link to the LP and also more info on the crew.  I just want to say I haven't peeped a record from a group I didn't know and bump it like THAT in a minute.  It's on that purist Hip-Hop tip and as of late as you'll read later, I've become more of a "I need banging beats and ignorance these days" kinda fan.  These cats made me want to grab the quickest backpack, grow an awkward haircut and relive the glory days of college. Give "Back Track" one listen, that's my jam right now, and you'll be hooked on this crew.  I can't wait to check for their next release.

Atmosphere "Free At Will EP" - I haven't had an opportunity to listen to this too much, but Slug & Ant just know what they are doing.  I'll tell you something about Slug, he was one guy I used to abhor, and if you've been reading this site for a while he is the kind of guy we never really wrote too kindly about. But since 2006, Slug has done a complete 180 in my book.  Felt 2  and the recent When Life Hands You Lemons has supplanted Sluggo as one of my favorite storytelling emcees. He is just mad gifted and dropped a lot of the "I hate you girls" songs to, "I'm a fucking don of this indy rap shit" type material.  I mess with the latter, much, much more.  I enjoy the rough nature of "C'mon" and Slug puts on that Vonnegut swagger on "Mother's Day."  More free music = more happy fans.

Also randomly, Seven ft. Talib Kweli "Go Slow" (DJ Premier Remix) - Why do I like this song with slick premo production more than anything on the very disappointing Blaqprint?  Blaq Po's "I be on my shit and shit" steez can't carry a record unless it has extremely stellar beats.  I learned that I want more Noreaga over Premo, he steals "Hate" and the LP in my opinion.  Also the best songs leaked like 2 to 3 years ago.  That's not good business! Anyway, this is one of those soulful joints featuring a Swiss singer I've never heard of, but a pretty smooth beat.  I fux with it, and you should too. 

Favorite LP of 2009? - Between Ricky, Drake, MP/Torae, and Curren$y...Oh man

Oh man...am I a 14 year old girl?  Besides Curren$y and Marco Polo/Torae my tastes have to seem to devolved from say Tanya Morgan to ignorant ass Rick Ross.  I suppose it's because I'm at an age where I appreciate an artist's ability to create fun music.  I'm not as intent on a certain type of content, if I find myself humming a tune / chorus / verse, I know that's a favorite.  Nothing bangs harder this summer like the Rick Ross record.  He is talking about nonsense and is probably the major reason why it might not get the top record of 2009 (also because I think Reflection Eternal might nab that spot).  However, the production from Justice League and The Inkredibles is just out of this world.  Nothing makes me happier than dropping random lines from "Mafia Music" with homies because that "roofin' shit be bad for your skeeeen."

The Curren$y record follows in the same mode, except he spits less about gangsterisms and more about just being fly.  A rather mundane topic maybe, but Spitta is really good at making that singular topic and taking it many places on different tracks.  Monsta Beatz made sure he had an LP worth bumping with stellar production on "Blown Away", "Galaxy", and "Get it Yaself."

The unpopular pick in maybe the Hip-Hop head world is Drake's stellar So Far Gone mixtape.  Drake has the uncanny ability to really have music for everyone.  Drake is a pretty nasty lyricist, tells great stories, and he has one of those flows that works well when it comes to emotional, passionate topics.  "Black Diamond Bracelets, showing you the basics..." You can just name random lines and people already know.  His popularity is through the roof and that comes with making a record that's so damn catchy...for free.  I mean "Best I Ever Had" has taken a life of its own.  "Successful" is just as impressive and that's what's scary.  I find myself singing that song on campus and I sound nothing like Trey Songz.  His music is so addictive it compels me to sing and look like a straight idiot.  Seeing his concerts is surreal, as people are straight SCREAMING his lyrics/chorus at him.  Drizzy is starting to get backlash to some extent, but objectively, you just can't front on dude.  Want one-liners? "See this money through these Ohio State Buck-Eyes".  His official debut will have the hype of fucking Zeus coming to Earth, so let's hope he can deliver a banger.  Truthfully, people don't expect much when you got that hype: See The Carter III which I still think is massively overrated.  But if you can knock it out the park which I think he will, you have the next leader of the Hip-Hop generation.  See Kanye or 50 Cent.  My thoughts?  With my complete stannery proven in this paragraph, Drake exceeds expectations and becomes something like the next Will Smith.  He can act / rap, plus he is Canadian.  So maybe the next Jim Carrey?  (Random: Also coming up strong is that J. Cole mixtape.  I'm saying, dude can rap! "I Get Up" is the jammie right now.  If you haven't got it yet, please scroll down and peep it.  He's hungry as shit on the mixtape.)

So you might be asking where is the Tanya Morgan, Mos Def, etc?  There are some joints on the Mos, "Auditorium", "History", and "Roses" to name a few.  I just don't listen to it that much and I bought it!  That should say something to the LP.  Plus the tracks I loved are the features because Mos gets outshined kinda hard on it.  I groove with it, it could possibly overtake Rick Ross. I don't know if I could stomach a Top 10 with Rick Ross beating Mos Def anyhow.  I do really enjoy the TM, and it's up there in top 4 or 5.  That Brooklynati sound is fierce.  But one thing I'll say is 2009 doesn't have that one or two LP's that completely separate itself from everyone else.  Who I think might be able to?  I'll say Reflection Eternal should wow everyone and look out for the homie Fresh Daily's upcoming LP. 

Pour one out for Vibe

Vibe closing sucks for a few reasons.  While Vibe wasn't the best Hip-Hop mag and rarely talked about "the real", it is a signal that print media is fading in Hip-Hop like it is in all markets.  Sure you may hate The Source / XXL, but they are leaps and bounds ahead of VladTV.com and WorldStarHipHop who are run by people who think speaking with Z's is legit.  Not that this site has perfect at grammar, but shiiiieet, most of what I write is off the cuff because I'm too damn busy studying for the bar.  It's The Real has a great video going after VladTV and within their funny antics there lies the truth that online Hip-Hop journalism is pretty weak if sites like that get that much love.  Don't worry, hopefully sometime this Fall I can revamp this shizz.  Anyhow, peace to all those writers/contributors to Vibe.  I never really read your magazine because your reviews were notoriously off-base, but you guys were at least trying to come intelligent with it.  Gotta appreciate that.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

It's been a few days since his passing and I've had some time to generally collect my thoughts.  Here they are in as organized fashion as possible... 

When I first heard the news, I honestly didn't believe it...

When I posted that MJ was taken to the hospital after a cardiac arrest, I literally thought everything would be fine.  I wasn't stressing that news and went to do some practice problems.  It's kind of weird that one of my favorite musicians was in serious condition, and I was so convinced that he would be fine that I went along with my daily business.  I guess it might have to do with my fandom as a child.  I was born in 1984, so I grew up in one of many MJ's heydays.  Back when I was 3 or 4, I remember watching this singer 'moonwalk' and I thought he was a superhero.  I lacked the capacity to recognize it was just a fancy move, but MJ had that kind of magnetism that you thought he was capable of the impossible.  And when I saw the move in "Smooth Criminal", forget about it, I thought he had the power to defy gravity.  I suppose some of that little kid fascination must still be lingering inside because in my rationally-trained mind it made no sense that MJ was in danger after something as serious as a cardiac arrest. 

But it ended up being true and I felt sad as if I were close friends with him.  It didn't makes sense why I was down considering I never met him, and frankly was confused by every move he made post 1993.  I got a bunch of texts from friends that displayed similar feelings.  The answer I found was his influence was so strong in our lifetime that he weaved his music / performances  into each of our lives.  Everyone has stories of dancing around with shiny gloves and trying to moonwalk in socks.  We all have made friends through his music.  How many times did you hear a MJ song at a bar/house party and then reminisce with a friend next to you? I feel like that must have been a common occurrence all across the globe for the past few decades.  Which brings me to my next point...

MJ was the most globally popular figure of our lifetime

Princess Diana comes to mind as one figure who likely loomed as large if not larger than Michael.  Otherwise, no one was as popular across the world like Michael Jackson.  Whenever I went back to India, the one thing I could talk about with my cousins over there was Michael Jackson.  We had nothing in common and through Michael Jackson we found something to talk about and build a relationship.  That's the power of Michael's music, it was truly universal.  One of my favorite Michael Jackson stories comes from a friend of mine who served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.  He asked a group of kids from a rural village in Afghanistan which American figures they knew.  George W. Bush elicited no response and neither did Michael Jordan.  When he mentioned Michael Jackson, the kids got immediately excited and a few started to moonwalk and the others started to sing "Billie Jean."  That's how I remember MJ, the guy who made people's faces light up at the mention of his music.

Another thing that set Michael apart from everyone else was the fact his music defined multiple generations.  He has been a legend since age 10, and has rocked crowds 40 years thereafter.  People from age 18-40 grew up on Michael Jackson.  Thriller defines universal music.  Think about the last wedding you went to.  No other song can make children, teenagers, and old folks rushing to a dance floor with a mean screw face like "Billie Jean." 

MJ was the greatest entertainer ever

I'll try tackle this through music and performance.  Well, musically is there even a question how nasty he was?  Off The Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous, and that album in 2001.  He made my favorite disco/pop record in Off the Wall, and when that fad died he dropped Thriller.  That's right, Thriller.  Fuck the Mona Lisa.  There is no finer piece of art in the world than Thriller.  That album is so great, I'm naming my first child "Human Nature."  Every major event from weddings, proms, bar mitzvahs has been filled with the sounds of that record.  Maybe I'm crossing lines by going that far, but ONE HUNDRED and NINE MILLION copies sold later, the entire world still gets hype when they hear the intro snare to "Billie Jean."  But what makes Mike's music have such a high level of appeal?  A good friend sad it best, no one could articulate joy better than Michael Jackson.  We all interpret our favorite memories through Michael's music.  That's why we remember that cousin's wedding by the time we all danced to "Thriller" or that house party when everyone boogie downed to "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."  His vocal range was impeccable, only to be out done by his performance skills.

The dude's dance skills....MJ practically created the pop trend of sick dancing moves plus singing.  The moonwalk became a cultural mainstay after the classic Motown 25 performance.  Michael Jackson had premier showmanship and put on the best show an artist possibly could.  He didn't need an entourage or other dancers; his best performances were just him, a mic, and a shiny glove.  His style of dancing was unique and another key characteristic of his lasting legacy.  His influence through motion inspired millions.  The incredibly profitable and massive Bollywood industry owes Michael Jackson a debt of gratitude for just introducing them to a new style of dancing.  I would have killed to have an opportunity to see him live.  God bless Youtube, because seeing him perform through grainy internet video is better than not at all. 

And finally, Thanks MJ

I am forever grateful for MJ's music because it supplied not only a bridge for my family to connect to American culture, his music also gave my family which was splintered by cultural and generational gaps something to enjoy together.  People will remember the eccentric qualities and charges (which he beat TWICE, might I add), and it's true you can't forget those things.  However it is naive and unfair not to celebrate his true musical genius.  It takes a special person to create music that has this kind of effect on the entire globe.  Will we see anyone like him? I don't think so, but god I hope it inspires artists to reach his level.  If we get someone to be half as good, I think we as music fans will all be better off.

MJ will live forever, heeeeee!! *crotch grab*

Inverse - So Far from Donlee Brussel on Vimeo.

Dert's CMYK is Instrumental Victory

click the image to preview the EP for free!

I was thinking of naming this blurb "Dert is that piff" and other Juelz Santana related adlibs, but I think calling the CMYK EP instrumental victory is high praise enough.  Well deserved-praise indeed.  He has the entire EP available to listen on his website which is linked through the image.  Make sure to peep it in its entirety.  The description of the project is Dert's instrumental interpretation of the 4 key colors used in the traditional printing process.  I vibe with the entire project, and it's Dert's first that doesn't use samples.  It's synth-heavy, reminiscent of J. Dilla's most recent material.  The vibe is on some colorful ish, and it feels like Dert met his goal with Ussain Bolt swagger on this record.  I love how Dert builds a beat and completely flips it to something different like on "Cyan."  "Magenta" is getting a lot of props as well across the blogosphere.  I've been a fan of Dert since I stumbled on his Jose Gonzalez mixtapes, and he continues to prove he is one talented dude.  There is one joint with rappin' featuring Surreal from the Hip-Hop is Music family, "Black", which makes you hope Dert can make some of these synth heavy beats for more MC's.  I mean, the break on "Cyan" is on some Dilla shit for real.  I'm very late on this post as Dert tweeted that I received this about a month ago.  gets swamped with crappy promo email, so this is a general apology to those whose emails I lose!  Now go listen to this record, and if you feel it cop it!! It's at least 5 bucks which is mad cheap, and well worth it.

Substitutes for greatness

Truthfully a lot of artists we used to admire fall off and we end up paying attention to the cats available while still yearning for our favorite artists to drop something.  Here are some pretty adequate substitutes to the legends/emcee's ya'll are missing. 

Missing Gang Starr? - Listen to Marco Polo & Torae - Double Barrel - I know you might think I've lost my mind, but hear me out.  Both groups have one great producer and one signature emcee.  Double Barrel is not at  a Hard to Earn or at Moment of Truth level, but this album is definitely banger.  Decidedly more gritty than a diverse Gang Starr record, but you at least get that hungry and fresh NY sound from this album.  Ask yourself a question...do you think this album is up to par with at least The Ownerz?  And furthermore, the last Guru solo featured autotune, so you know it's nothing close to a Gang Starr record.  I suppose the Blaqprint album is supposed to bring it back, but I predict the Double Barrel album will be better.  If you haven't already, do yourself a big favor and GO BUY THIS ALBUM!!

Missing Canibus? - Listen to Eminem's Relapse - I must be the only writer out there who even still mentions Canibus.  I like many people my age, were heavily invested in Canibus as an emcee.  We all thought this vicious, lyrical pitbull steez was going to be around for years and drop dope material.  Instead "he went to Iraq" and lost his mind and made some meddling discs.  The Eminem v. Canibus debates seem so ancient now, but Canibus fans can appreciate the way Eminem rips verses on this album.  The first verse on "Medicine Ball" is absolutely vicious.  Maybe my favorite verse of the year because of the way he raps the verse.  Eminem only raps the fraction of the way most Hip-Hop fans want, but damnit, he is good at what he does.  I can't wait for the day he gets over his mom and drug addiction and gets Jay-Z type swagger with it.

Missing Mixtape Weezy? - Listen to Curren$y and Wiz Khalifia - These dudes remind me of Mixtape Lil Wayne because of their hunger, swagger, and all of those intangibles.  This Ain't No Mixtape is one of my favorite albums of the year, PERIOD.  Curren$y goes in, and I think Wiz Khalifia is similarly suited.  Both are currently working on a mixtape together which should hopefully garner them even more attention.  The major label Wayne is all rocked out and loves auto-tune rhyming so if you miss that mixtape Wayne who can rap his ass off, look out for these two.  Case in point: "Checkpoint" - Wow @ that beat, these dudes know what's up. 

Missing Outkast? - Listen to the Cunninlynguists - I know what you are thinking.  Big R, you are out of your cot damn mind, just because CL are from the South doesn't mean they got anything related to Outkast.  What I think what Outkast have is the point of view from their own plane, a hybrid of ATL and Mars we all know and love as Stankonia.  CL write from the perspective of a group who is truly global (They sell out shows in Lithuania), but with a southern appreciation.  Beyond that, both groups rely on UNIQUE production.  No one drops beats like Kno, and you know you are going to be in for production worth your dollar.  CL seems like a group that is still growing and evolving into something better with each release.  Can't wait for the Strange Journey Vol 2 release. 

Missing Wu-Tang Clan? - Listen to the new Slaughterhouse album - I know, another bold statement.  What makes Slaughter House remind me of the Wu is the internal competition between the emcees to spit the hottest verse.  The best thing about Wu albums is the diversity of lyricists and trying to figure out who best murked the track / album.  I think the Slaughterhouse album will inspire similar discussions.  Plus Royce, Joe, J. Ortiz, and Crooked I are all veterans of destroying verses.  This will be the best album that Joe Buddens has ever been a part of.  My only worry is that for the people at the listening sessions, none of them have had "OMG" type twitter blasts.  I look forward to peeping the rekkid though. 

Two Free Mixtapes from the Freshmen you need

Wale & 9th Wonder "BACK TO THE FEATURE" - This album has been in anticipation for many, many months now.  Fresh 9th Wonder Beats with Wale featuring some of the hungriest rappers out there.  Who else is loving all these album quality mixtapes being released for free?  This whole internet thang again is forcing artists to step up their game up.  The features on this album are insane - Black Thought, Kweli, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Royce, Kenn Starr, Curren$y (who steals the show), Skyzoo, Torae, Freeway, Young Chris, K'naan, AND MORE.  See why they called it "Back to the Feature"?  With all of those features, you can thank Wale's lyrical prowess for being able to still be able to hold his own against so many dudes.  Wale just has a nice style, plus him being from the DC area fills me up with pride of course.  And the beats for the most part are original and are real dope.  9th Wonderful is still progressing as a producer and you can just tell dude is ready to make even more haters shut the hell up.  "Wonder Why" featuring Big Sean and Kenn Starr, "Wordplay", and my favorite song "Rather Be With You" all feature some of 9th's best beats, ever.  For a mixtape release as epic as this, I'm glad to hear so much dope new music.  "Rather Be With You" features J. Cole (more on him in a sec) and Curren$y completely black out over this beautiful 9th beat.  This is a full release which will dominate my study sessions, thanks again to 9th and Wale for delivering straigh butter.  By the way, Curren$y absolutely steals the show with this swaggerific/jets demeanor.  That Curren$y/Wiz Khalifia mixtape is going to be amazing. 

J. Cole "THE WARM UP" - J. Cole is an MC from Fayateville, NC who spits with INTENSITY.  So much so, I had to rock the caps.  He is the latest signee to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label.  J. Cole is starting to make a buzz with his mixtape features and dude raps his ass off.  His appeal comes from his fierce style and dope lyrics.  I suppose that's a description of every good rapper out there, but J. Cole also knows how to select a beat or two.  There are some great original joints with fresh beats like "Heartache" and "Welcome" which portray dude's lyrical ability.  His cadence is reminiscent of old school NY, but he has that southern swagger.  Wale's mixtape is getting a lot of love right now, but I might be listening to this mixtape more.  I wonder how his debut album will sound, because he sure knows how to make a mixtape.  I'm sorry for being late on dude and I know people have been shouting him out on the box - and here's my official entry on the J. Cole fan-wagon. 

is the email that pays me.  Oh yeah, I was going to write about how much I liked the Mos Def record, but then J. Cole / Wale dropped and I completely stopped listening to Mos Def's album.  No disrespect, but I'm just vibing with hungrier cats right now.  Doesn't it feel great that mixtapes are back to such a level of importance?  I was going to write about how I thought Kweli's solo career in my opinion surpassed Mos Def's, but apparently that's not very controversial.  I thought it would piss off a few people, but it seemed everyone sees that Reflection Eternal is about as good as BOBS, while Kweli has had Quallity and Ear Drum which were real fresh while Mos has had two crap records plus The Ecstatic.  I guess ya'll can do the Math a la "The Takeover".  Ok now I'm really out!

RIP and REP D. Ellis

The Slaughterhouse Rules from jeff on Vimeo.