Today, as ya'll know, is Dave's birthday.  And for the second time since Dave has left us, a half-black mayn with a middle name of Hussein has been elected President of the United States.  While Dave and I would bullshit about many things ranging from recalling our unsuccessful attempts to holler at chicks, comic book theories, and hip-hop generally, we also spoke pretty intensely about politics.   We both attended college during the Bush administration, so there was always a sense of disappointment when we talked about the state of the nation.   Hurricane Katrina, especially, was a topic of conversation that resulted in that vibe.

In 2004, I remember feeling like "well...fuuck." Bush's economic policies and wars weren't popular with kids our age, and I suppose we felt like we were an entire swath of people who felt their viewpoints died on a national stage.  It's surprising eight years later, that those folks who shoved Bush down our throats (pause) are the ones who feel "left behind" or that their "country died" now that President Obama has been re-elected. 

Among many things I'd like to talk about to be able to talk to Dave about today, would be the President's re-election and the new majority of this country.  Personally, I knew that President Obama was going to trounce Governor Romney.   Let's be honest, if he was a Republican candidate, all he would have to do to get re-elected is walk around with the head of Osama Bin Laden at campaign events like some sort of Hindu god yelling ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!

So it feels good that eight years later we can celebrate a President's win who helped save Detroit, made steps to reform health care, dragged us out of the recession, and has taken the steps necessary to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  We also live in a country where Maryland, Maine, and Washington voted to legalize gay marriage.  Those who know Dave on a personal level would understand these victories would mean a lot to him.  Colorado and Washington also voted to legalize marijuana.  It would be pretty awesome to talk to Dave today about all the progress this nation has made, when for the most part our discussions in the past have been more on the angry and disappointed tip.  I'd imagine we'd talk about a generation of emcees who will grow up in a country where a black man who is a fan of Hip-Hop (he used Jay-Z in Ohio to rally voters!!) our President for eight years. 

So a toast to our re-elected President, our veterans, and the homie Dave Ellis.  Happy birthday homie!

Onto some Hip-Hop real quick tho...

Murs and 9th Wonder "The Final Adventure" [click the link to stream the whole album] - Murs and 9th Wonder have a special place in my heart.  Murs was one of those emcees that Dave and I sweated, I remember vibing out particularly to The End of the Beginning with him.  Dave described Murs as an everyday emcee, who somehow was underground but was spitting real life.  3:16, the first Murs collabo LP with 9th wonder came out eight years ago.  As wrestling, Murs, and 9th Wonder fans - we loved that record.  Their second album Murray's Revenge came out shortly after Dave passed and it was an instrumental album for me as it was the first new album after Dave's passing that I legitimately loved.  Something about this album helped me cope with the situation, and I'm forever grateful for it's timing.  And 9th Wonder donated a beat for the Dave Ellis tribute track, so you already know how I feel about supporting 9th.  The album The Final Adventure itself? Well click that lank and stream it- it's all sorts of fresh. 

If I needed someone to hype me up before a title fight, I'd hire Meek Mill.  His exasperated flow which sounds like he is constantly yelling like he is facing storming insurgents would be me so hype.  Does anyone know if his album is any good?

I think I was right about that Nas.  I rarely if ever put that Life is Good in rotation these days.

I got to run, but I hope you and yours are doing well.  Oh yeah, a website redesign is coming.  Keep on the lookout.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

I've been trying to maintain for a year or so, that the NBA is subtly back to being an incredibly entertaining league.  This is thanks to the rise of numerous young stars (Durant, Westbrook, Rondo) and the coronation of LeBron James.  David Stern has his mid-90's mojo again, with the Miami Heat poised to take over for the 90's Chicago Bulls.  But that sort of dynasty may look likely on paper, it still has a long way go to on the court. 

Here is my attempt to hype up each and every team as one worth paying attention to.  I'll start for the team I root for:

Houston Rockets - The Rockets a week or so ago had a young lineup with Jeremy Lin as the main offensive option and ticket draw.  It was if GM Daryl Morey doubled down on a shit sandwich and was trying to convince Rockets fans that great basketball was coming with a young line up with Lin, Rookies (Royce White - the dude with anxiety issues, Terrance Jones, Donatas Motiejunas and Jeremy Lamb), and Omer Asik.  To be honest, I was looking forward to seeing the Rockets tank and pick up valuable assets like Nerlins Noel or Shabazz Muhammed in upcoming drafts.  But no, Morey somehow convinced OKC to deal a somewhat disgruntled James Harden for a few first round picks, Kevin Martin (who didnt want to be there anyway after being fake-dealt in that Pau Gasol/CP3 deal, and Jeremy Lamb (a player I legitimately like).  If this trade was an episode of Wife Swap, OKC got the overweight redneck mother on the Honey Boo Boo show and the Rockets obtained Halle Berry at her baddest (think Swordfish or that Bond movie).  Harden started the season with a 37 point/12 assist opening, where he and Jeremy Lin meshed immediately.  He then followed it up with a 45 point career-high effort.  Harden is 23 and poised to be a star in his own right.  The Rockets may not even make the playoffs, but they have a max player with the cap room to attract two more.   They got young players that will be fun to watch, with the GM that somehow traded the 'core' of Kyle Lowry, Kevin Martin, and Luis Scola for James Harden, Jeremy Lin, Omer Asik, and hella cap space.  Like I've always said, my favorite player on the Houston Rockets is GM Daryl Morey.

New York Knicks - The Knicks are an intriguing team.  They have an incredible 3-4-5 in Carmelo, Amare, and Chandler.  D'antoni is no longer their coach, so that's also good.  They lost to the Miami Heat, mostly due to the Heat's incredible athleticism.  Instead of going after young, dynamic wing players to try to compete with the Heat, the Knicks went to the ol' Country Buffet of Free Agency and picked up Jason Kidd and Rasheed Wallace.   Their "youngish" player they picked up is Raymond Felton, who is only good when he is in shape.  The Knicks are like fuck it, we are going live with even older players to take on the presumptive East champions, the Heat.  And it actually worked in their home debut, where they legitimately crushed the Heat.  A lot of people have the Knicks reaching the Eastern Conference Finals (mostly due to a weak East), but I don't see them really making the leap to the Finals unless Carmelo makes the leap from perennial all-star to elite player.  Dirk made that leap a few years back, so it's not crazy to think 'melo will.  Still, this team would be a lot more interesting had they kept Lin.

Brooklyn Nets - The best part of this team is their Bond-villainesque owner Mikhail Prokhorov who is worth more than certain nations in the African continent.  He is 6'8, loves basketball, and hates the concept of marrying a woman.  He constantly brings up how he considers marriage a punishment, without anyone asking him about it.  I find that shit hilarious.  The team will have the coolest couple at courtside (Jay-Z/Beyonce) with an awesome new arena that is likely going to harm the public by further gentrifying Brooklyn.  OH WELLZ.  This team just doesnt look that good even with the addition of Joe Johnson without Dwight Howard.  This should have been the team with Deron/Dwight plus scrubs, instead it looks like a team that'll lose to elite teams.  Maybe Brook Lopez is a max-worthy player and will fool us all.  Maybe Gerald Wallace still has All-Star game.  Either way, as a Nets fan, you can say the team has improved.

Boston Celtics - I maintain if this team had Avery Bradley, they beat the Heat in that Game 6.  Paul Pierce's dagger 3 in Game 5 of that series with him saying "I'm so cooooold!" is a fucking classic moment.  It got me hype. But then they lost because of LBJ getting aggressive as f*ck.  This team loses Ray Allen, but picks up offensive firecracker Jason Terry and solid and slept-on two-guard Courtney Lee.  They should be as good, if not better, than last year.  Will it be good enough to beat the Heat? Man, I don't know.  I was frankly surprised they even got to the Eastern Conference Finals.  I cant count out this team, as hard as I try - and if you are a C's fan, you shouldn't either.  You got Rondo, KG, the Truth, and some solid pieces (Bass, Lee, Terry, Bradley).   I hope America gets another Boston/Miami series.

Indiana Pacers - This is another team that shocked me last year.  They legitimately gave the Heat a good series, thanks to good, scrappy long-armed wingmen (Paul George) and solid big men (David West and Roy Hibbert).  If I'm a Pacers fan, you hope that Granger is ready to be more consistent.  They needed Granger to have moments where he takes over postseason games, and he really didn't have that  last year.  Frank Vogel is a solid coach, so this team should continue to compete in the East.

Philadelphia 76ers - I dont like them losing Lou Williams, who got a nasty jumper.  I do like them shipping Iggy so they can unleash Thaddeus Young who is a beast.  Also, they picked up Bynum who has the most hilarious homeless man's afro though.  If he stays healthy (an if larger than his 7 foot frame), and with the lack of big men in the East, I can see this team succeeding in the playoffs without relying on a superstar on the other team getting injured.

Chicago Bulls - Ok so Derrick Rose, the craftiest PG since Zeke, is healing.  Still, with Thibs as their head coach you know their defense is going to keep them in games.  Also, perhaps they could tank and somehow scoop up a top draft pick and go on a championship run a la the Spurs.  Thibs is one of those coaches that gets everything out of his players, you know the sort of coach the Lakers wish they had.  I hope Chicago can continue their excellence, a good Bulls team reminds me of my childhood.

Cleveland Cavaliers - I was confused as to why this team picked Dionne Waiters so early in the draft, but fuck it, they got Kyrie Irving who had a monster year last year.  Another year of growth should help him and the Cavs who I think have some of the illest jerseys in the league.  Dan Gilbert is sort of an idiot, but this team is definitely on the mend and rebuilding since the great LeBron Departure of 2010.  A fun game for Cavs fans - guessing the over/under on flop fines on Varejao this year. 

Atlanta Hawks - Hmm, reasons to be an excited Hawks fan...well they did get Lou Williams who is a solid SG.  They still have Horford/Smith, but that doesnt appear to be enough to really make moves in the East.  They did at least get rid of that albatross contract of Joe Johnson';s.  Plus, the Falcons are 7-0!

Washington Wizards - I'm excited by the Wizards because I live in DC and they dont look like they have improved all that much so ticket prices should still be cheap. Bradley Beal/John Wall has the potential to be a very solid back court.  Also, Okafor and Nene are decent pieces.  Again, this team should be happy for getting rid of a shit contract aka Rashard Lewis' contract which was so bad, it was the basis of the lockout.  I hope the Wiz succeed, but just when I move elsewhere so I can continue to afford good seats for NBA basketball.

Orlando Magic - Man, this is tough.  What to look forward to as a Magic fan....uhh Arron Afflalo who got a big shout out on Kendrick Lamar's CD?  Just pray that GM Rob Hennigan has a plan of tanking that'll still entertain fans as they try to get another marquee player.  I would not want to be the guy selling season tickets in Orlando this year.

Charlotte Bobcats - Last year this team had the worst record (percentage-wise) in NBA history.  My message to Bobcats fans and bullied teens are the same: it gets better.  It just has to.  This team lost out on Anthony Davis, which is so sad considering how bad their record was.  But Michael Kidd-Gilchrist should be fun to watch this year with their no-name coach.  This team is also owned by Michael Jordan so there remains a chance, no matter how small, he replaces ugly suit and odd Hitler-stache with an ugly Bobcats jersey. 

New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis looks legit.  The CP3 trade/conspiracy worked out for them, as Davis may be a game-changing big man.  He also lines up at PF, with solid ball handling skills that he attained as a point guard before he skyrocketed like eight inches.  The almighty unabrow is going to excite Hornets fans, along with Austin Rivers.  Davis has a chance to be a really special player in the NBA, and Hornets fans should feel blessed to have this guy to root for before he demands a trade elsewhere.

Memphis Grizzlies - Memphis has no excuses this year after making two playoff appearances in two years.  Do they have the weapons necessary to do so? I don't know.  They got Gasol, Z-Bo, Rudy Gay and Conley.  The problem is, Rudy Gay who has a large salary, does not play like he is worth a large salary.  Their best year was the one where Rudy Gay got injured.  Justin Timberlake bought an ownership interest, so perhaps Grizz fans can look forward to him randomly at games?  He ain't no Prohkorov though.

San Antonio Spurs - Like the Goonies, San Antonio never says die.  Tony Parker still has sick moves to get to the basket, sicker moves than the ones he pulled on teammate Brent Barry's wife to shag her that ended up ruining his marriage with Longoria.  Honestly, can you imagine being Jon Barry or Brent Barry talking about Tony Parker's gameplay in their respective jobs as analysts?  Yeesh, awkward.  Anyway, this team has the illest GM in the game (RC Buford) and as such are always fucking successful.  Also, there is that guy Tim Duncan who is arguably the greatest power forward of all time.  This team will likely end up winning the West in the regular season and lose in the Western Conference Finals to either the Thunder or Lakers.

Dallas Mavericks - The Mavs look like one poor playoff performance from blowing up the team.  Which should be fine as a Mavs fan, ya'll just won the championship a few years ago.  This team, minus Dirk, shocked the hell out of me outplaying the Lakers at home in this year's season opener.  Collison looks legit leading the squad at point.  If Roddy Bohb-wah (pronounced with pinky finger up) can meet any of his hype, this team will at the least be entertaining.  Still, has to hurt swinging and missing on Deron Williams in last year's free agency.

Oklahoma City Thunder - So they lose Harden.  They still have Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and therefore remain my favorites in the West.  They also have great depth with cats like Kevin Martin, Earl Maynor (was injured last year, awesome back up PG), Thabo Sefalosha (whose name reminds me of that Heltah Skeltah joint), Kendrick Perkins (Dwight's Kryptonite), and Serge Ibaka.  If Serge can continue to take positive steps on his offensive game, this team should still make the Finals even without Harden.  I mean, I don't need to convince OKC fans why they should be excited, their team reminds stacked.

Sacramento Kings - If I'm a Sactown fan, I'm just excited basketball remains in Sacramento.  It doesn't appear to be there that long, so I'd just attend as many games as possible to root on crazy-ass Demarcus Cousins and Thomas Robinson.

Phoenix Suns - This team is prime for a destroy and rebuild.  Still, they yanked Goran Dragic from the Rockets (which hurts), because that guy is the man.  Gogi was a fan favorite in Houston and Phoenix, and I think he'll do just fine with Phx again.  Maybe he'll develop into a star?  I hope not, as a Rockets fan.

Utah Jazz - Another team without a marquee player in the west, bound to be boring as shit.  They have a few talented young centers, Al Jefferson, not Deron Williams at the point, and therefore are doomed to peak at the #8 spot in the Western Conference.  Fuck Utah anyway though, alcohol is mad inaccessible and Karl Malone is a deadbeat douchebag father (still harboring hate from the Yao/Tmac rockets teams eliminated by Utah).

Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin Love is arguably a top 5 player in the league.  The white chocolate version of Moses Malone got crazy rebounding/scoring game.  Depending on Rubio's health, this team has a fighting chance to really make some leaps.  Rubio is crazy entertaining, and they also got a decent European center whose name I can't currently recall.  I just know I'm pissed I didn't get him on my fantasy team.  Boasting a possible all-white starting line-up, this team provides many oppos for racial jokes.  Dont sleep on Adelman though, that man can coach his ass off.  Rubio/Love could blossom into something special, perhaps it'll be this year or next.

Toronto Raptors - I sweat the Raptors because they took on Kyle Lowry (borderline All-Star) for a first round pick used by Houston to acquire Harden.  But Lowry could/should excel as the main honcho in T-dot.  Demar DeRozan has some dunking skills, which should be entertaining for our neighbors to the north.  I mean hockey is cancelled anyway, so Canadians may have to rely on the Raptors a bit more for sporst entertainment than they would typically.  Side note: That contract for Amir Johnson (who? yeah, exactly) is still pretty outlandish. 

Los Angeles Clippers - I dont have to say anything else but "Lob City" to get Clippers fans hype.  They stocked up on solid depth (Grant Hill, Jamal Crawford, and Lamar Odom) and have the best point guard in the game not named Derrick Rose.  This team may have a Vinny Del Negro coaching ceiling, meaning they may get outwitted in the playoffs. Griffin needs to develop a better offensive game though, he cant dunk on everyone forever.

Golden State Warriors - Smart of this team to ship Montae Ellis to develop Curry and rookie Harrison Barnes.  This team will always be entertaining to watch because Mark Jackson is their coach and they have the best live fans in basketball.  A Dubs playoff game is absolute insanity.  I hope this team can break through to the playoffs, but they seem to be a few years off.

Milwaukee Bucks - I straight up forgot this team existed until I mentioned Montae Ellis.  If I'm a Bucks fan, Brandon Jennings/Montae Ellis should prove to be a decent backcourt duo.  This team got f*cked by a poor draft class when they picked #1.  Andrew Bogut was a mediocre big man in a league filled with mediocre big men.  This is a tough one, and I'm just going to move along.

Denver Nuggets - The Nuggets have a great GM in Ujiri, who shipped off Nene's bloated contract (that Ujiri actually negotiated) to get a JaVale McGee who appears he wants to play well.  JaVale was a very fun player to see live, as he'd swat balls into the crowd and do highlight off-the-backboard type dunks when down 16 in games.  He seems to have grown up since leaving the Wiz.  They got Iggy and Gallinari is pretty damn solid.  Plus they resigned Ty Lawson, who is awesome.  Still, this team, like so many others seems to lack an elite player to take them to the next level.

Detroit Pistons - Coach Lawrence Frank describes the progress that the Pistons would make this year as slow as a "tugboat."  Talk about confidence!  Still, Greg Monroe is pretty good and they still got lanky Tayshaun Prince who will remind Pistons fans of better times.

Portland Trailblazers - If I'm a Blazers fan, I'm pumped to see rookie PG Damion Lillard develop.  The kid has crazy handles with the ability to finish, and may have been slept on by scouts because he played at Weber St and not a huge college program. 

Los Angeles Lakers - The best line up on paper, which has had hilarious results in actual games losing to Dallas, Portland, and LAC to start the season.  Mike Brown's offense is being widely panned already as Kobe has to tell naysayers to "shut up."  They have the best center in the game with so many other fucking good players to look this poor.  LA Lakers won't have a player talent problem, but likely a Mike Brown problem.  This team should run roughshod through the NBA schedule, and they lost at home to the Mavs without Dirk!  Still, it is more likely this team figures it out than not with all their talent.  Playoff time though, I can see this team being held back by a meh coach.

Miami Heat - LeBron James finally has his ring and the confidence that comes from it.  If you aren't a Heat fan, this is like Sauron getting his ring and the rest of the Middle Earth/NBA being absolutely fucked.  LBJ is going to be a monster this year.  This team got even better somehow picking up Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis for their bench.  This could be the beginning of some dynasty level shit for the Miami Heat.

Ok, I wrote all of this on a long plane flight.  The people next to me were pissed as I apparently 'type loudly' - they can suck it.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

King Kendrick's Reign

Kendrick Lamar's Good Kid, Maad City is an album that is making me scratch my head trying to figure out my feelings on it.  The interwebz are losing their mind claiming this is the west coast illmatic.  Obviously, the internet is home of hip-hop hyperbole - but the critical acclaim has been deafening.  Kendrick's major debut is chock-full of flow-bending and thought-provoking lyrics from the compton native.  Frankly, this shit reminds me of a difficult book - it requires numerous listens to even catch what Kendrick is trying to express.  For sure, it's a good look that a top selling Hip-Hop CD is intellectually stimulating, when Hip-Hop has brought us so many high-selling braniacs like the Ying-Yang Twins. 

The production is also pretty filthy.  Hit Boy on "Backseat Freestyle" creates a raucous backdrop for Kendrick to completely snap on.  The lush backdrop on "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" feels like Dilla had some influence on it from the beyond.  "Good Kid" has a solid "Gangsta's Paradise" vibe.  But the star of this CD is most obviously Kendrick, not the production or cool features (MC Eiht!).  That is a problem rappers run into on these sorts of records (think Rick Ross).  This is obviously a product of Kendrick's expression, and his struggles growing up in Compton are evident on joints like "Good Kid" and "Black Boy Fly."  By the way, the verse dedicated to Arron Afflalo is mildly heartbreaking - Kendrick kills that shit.

My favorite part of this album is I'm having trouble categorizing it or really characterizing it.  The last great debut from a LA artist is The Game's Documentary (which stands to me as a stronger debut than Get Rich or Die Tryin').  I really expected a similar album after listening to Just Blaze's produced "Compton" and T-Minus' "Swimming Pools" which stand as the likely singles in today's economy.  But this album is weirder, more like a new-age Atliens and frankly I'm confused what singles he'll shoot to sell this record.  But that's the point isnt it?  Kendrick Lamar dropped a fucking thorough album.  I have no doubt that he has put artists on notice that if you want to be discussed as the next big thing, you need to come correct on all facets: lyrics, content, flow, and production. 

I have no idea of this is today's illmatic or even if it's my favorite album of the year.  I dont think it grabbed me as intensely as Killer Mike's CD this year, but like watching a complicated sci-fi album, I find new things to appreciate as I listen to the album again.  I have a feeling this album will be a grower, and perhaps I'll hold this album up to the sky with pride like Mufasa with Simba.

Return of the Mack

Speaking of top-selling artists, it is kinda wild that former underground Seattle emcee Macklemore's The Heist (a collaborative album with producer Ryan Lewis) was the #1 selling Hip-Hop album on itunes last week.   I've been a Macklemore fan for over a decade, mostly due to his incredible ability to dissect complicated  issues through rhymes.  "White Privilege" remains a classic to me, and I'd bump that shit weekly on my old radio show like it was a public service announcement.  It is pretty incredible that Macklemore has made this leap into the "mainstream" without major label support.  But you have the internet to thank for that on one hand, and Ryan Lewis' infectious and robust production.  Ryan Lewis has a composer's swag and professionalism behind the boards.  The singles that they have put out over the past few years have (pinky finger to lip) millions of youtube hits. 

Youtube hits are the new record sales, because they indicate how much the people are eating up your music.  Macklemore was courted by Interscope, which is the topic of the track "Jimmy Iovine."  But Macklemore decided to go indie, which I think fits better.  Like the Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore's success is dope to me as a Hip-Hop fan because this album is filled with substance.  The arguable lead single, "Same Love", is a strong and fucking intelligent discussion and argument for gay rights.  I think the argument for gay marriage is obviously not that risky in today's climate, but in today's Hip-Hop climate...not exactly.  But like I wrote previously about Frank Ocean, Hip-Hop has grown up a bit and Macklemore has utilized this environment to diss Hip-Hop's proclivity for being homophobic.  He even addresses YouTube commenters, who as we know are perhaps the scummiest people on earth besides Yahoo! News commenters.   Macklemore also has another interesting race relations discussion on the joint "Wake", which reminds me of why I became a Macklemore fan in the first place.

Dont worry, the album has bangers too. "White Walls" features a ruckus-inducing beat and solid sample of an Indian horn with a banging verse from Black Hippy emcee Schoolboy Q.   Overall, I'm intrigued by Macklemore's success without any major co-signs.  Kendrick and Drake became popular on the indie circuit with major co-signs (Dr. Dre and Lil Wayne).   The Heist has many tracks I've heard from a year or so ago (like "Wings"), but overall is a strong showcase and debut from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis.

I kind of went on ad nasuem on the last two albums, but I also want to give a quick shout out to the fantastic Brother Ali album, Mourning in America, Dreaming in Color.  Peep the link to listen to the entire album.  Brother Ali's brand of consciousness is refreshing this time of year, especially with Jake One beats that serve as the production backdrop throughout this album.  "Letter to My Countrymen" is a fantastic track with a soulful beat and Brother Ali dropping some consciousness.  "Fajr" is another jam on this record.  This album is getting slept on with everything being discussed about these days, but I urge ya'll to take a listen.

Random thoughts

 - I'm pretty sure Rick Ross is a genuinely cool dude.  It's the only way to explain the sort of features he gets like - Dr. Dre, Andre 300, etc.  Sad that all of those features muddled the quality of God Forgives, I Dont.  That album's shining moment is Andre 3000's verse, which isn't a good look for a solo album.

-   I should like Danny!'s Payback more than I actually do.  Apparently the original version of the album, the one that caught Jay-Z's ear, had to be scrapped due to production clearanec issues.  Danny! is a solid producer and funny/solid emcee.  His continual disses of Childish Gambino always makes me chuckle. But still, I dont find myself listening to Payback even though I bought it.  His hype got bulldozed by his inability to release an album on time.  A disease that also afflicts Pusha T and Jay Electronica.  Do you guys realize "Exhibit C" is like two to three years old.

- I hope everyone is safe after Hurricane Sandy.  Hurricanes hitting a major metropolitan area that isn't used to such disasters?  Gave me flashbacks to Katrina. 

- First, shout out to the World Series champs SF Giants.  That team was legit this postseason.  I also just watched the Lakers first game against the Mavs.  How did that lineup with DH12/Kobe/Nash/Gasol lose at home to the Mavs without Dirk?  That's a whole new level of embarrasing.  Mike Brown is going to get fired by the end of this year if this sort of performance becomes commonplace.

More updates soon, I promise!  Although, I'm known to lie.  Holla!

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Can't rock updates on the regular doesn't mean I can't pass ya'll my favorite videos of the moment that range from humor to nonsense to Hip-Hop.

PSY - Gangam Style - This viral video has hit CNN and other reputable websites thanks to its ridiculous dancing/rapping Korean star, PSY.  PSY is a mid-30's rapper from South Korea who is known for being ridiculous (think Riff Raff/Weird Al), but apparently he has a decent talent for production.  The beat, he boasts, will essentially shake the pillars of society.  Not gonna lie, the beat kinda knocks, but it's goofy ass dance moves that grab my attention.  The sideleg sweep is my basic go-to manuever when I'm hammered at the bar or when it's time to celebrate a rec football win.  I sent this to a homie a little while back and he literally responded: "this is the best shit I've seen in months." Word.

Lupe Fiasco - Lamborghini Angels - Ok, so this isn't exactly a music video, but fuck it this new single by Lupe bangs.  Food and Liquor 2 sounds hella promising, even with that janky TROY rip-off.  If you are a religious individual (of the Catholic variety specifically), skip the third verse.  Lupe basically drops a rhyme as a molesting priest (yeesh, that shit felt awkward to even type!).  The story is hard to hear, but damnit, Lupe does a solid job telling it.  It reminds me a bit of "Hip-Hop Saved My Life" with the way he can narrate a story, except the topic is far more severe.  The beat is solid, which is evidence of a marked improvement in beat selection since Lasers.   Lupe Fiasco is trying to get back on folks good side again.  He should drop the TROY track, and keep this shit and "Bitch Bad"

Trek Life - What Ya'll Know - Trek Life linked up with west coast producer Jansport J for this summer-time banger.  Trek Life's facebook posts always make me emo for California cause I know I'm missing out on good shows.  This track has that similar quality, as it's California positive vibes at its finest.  You can download the track at Trek Life's bandcamp page.  

I can't tell you how much as a NBA and wrestling fan this video made me laugh.  The Hulk Hogan NWO turn is arguably one of the most shocking moments in Wrestling history.  Fans were throwing food onto the ring, one guy thought it was so disgusting he fucking rushed the ring!! Think about it - this guy knows he is basically at Broadway on steroids, an act, a show - and it got so real with the Hogan NWO turn, he just had to rush the stage to do something. 

Anyhow, the LBJ face on Hogan, with Wade/Bosh as his NWO compatriots is perfect.  The stupid computer voice takes it over the top for me.  All in all, a fantastic video.

OK - a post on Kim-ye is coming.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Beat tape you may not know about, but should listen to: Younghoon Beats - Mazes Tape

Click the above image to preview/download the entirety of Younghoon Beats' Mazez Tape.  Younghoon is a personal homie, who is responsible for phat beats that you may have heard on Resktizzy's Fake it till you naked.  He has a sound reminiscent of Madlib, with even more bass-poppin' grime.  As the description of the tape states - it's underground shit.  Yeah, so make sure to go ahead and get it.  It costs the right price of FREE 99 so make sure to bump that shit in your whip.  "Circles" and "So" are my personal jams.

My Hip-Hop Album of the Year so far that requires way more discussion - Oddisee - People Hear What They See

Click on the image above to peep this slammin' album in its entirety.  Oddisee's album was the one I was most hyped for in 2012 since he told me the title of it at a concert back in like '06.  I can't imagine how much time, sweat, tears, blood, etc the DMV producer/emcee put into this record.  It is evident from the first track "Ready to Rock" that this album was something special.  The way he flips beats on that first track is absolutely sublime.  "That Real" features some of the hardest horn stabs this side of the Mississippi.  "The Need Superficial" is funky like tupperware with old leftovers.  Like most talented producers who rhyme, their lyrics get overlooked.  Oddisee's sharp wit mixed with his capable flow and intelligent content makes him an emcee worth bumping.  "Way In Way Out" diagnoses the "opportunity gap" with skill that left me feeling so blessed/guilty for the opportunities I've had - a consequence that only occurs from listening to meaningful music.  I had unreal expectations for this album, like the expectations a father has of a valedictorian son, and Oddisee passed the test of a debut album within flying colors.  I just hope we get more music from him soon, because I don't want to wait this long again. 

The album that could reinstate faith in a legend - Nas Life is Good

What the Optimist in me thinks:  I've listened to a handful of the leaks from this record including "Daughters", "Loco-Motive", "Cherry Wine" - and sweet lord, can it be...Nas has made easily his best work since Stillmatic and possibly since It Was Written.  Funny that the title of the album evokes happiness, when you see him chilling with his ex-wife's wedding dress.  Perhaps the Queens native needed some actual conflict in his life to rhyme with substance which is evident on "Bye Baby" and "Daughters."  Beyond this new exerted passion, Nas apparently has remembered how to fuckin pick beats. NO ID has absolutely beasted the tracks we've heard so far.  I had no idea he was a high-up at Def Jam, and I'm glad he is taking personal corporate responsibility over this album.  You have a legend due for a great album + great beats + life experiences that we want to hear = we get a most-cop album that may end up being the best album of the year.

What the Pessimist in me thinks: This is Nas we are talking about - the guy who likes hiring dudes like Chris Webber for beats.  No disrespect to C-Webb, but I prefer him rocking with TNT basketball these days, not with a MPC.  Snippets dont say shit - it's always possible beats flip back to Nastradamus level whackness.  Oh you'd think I forget about Nastradamus, where Nas is on the cover looking like an autistic jawa.  That album was dreadful - and he really hasn't been able to conquer the demons from the Jay-Z battle. Jay-Z has gone to conquer Hip-Hop and the globe generally, while Nas seems to toil trying to act like he doesnt want to attempt to recreate Illmatic.  But that battle was the last time it really felt like he was pushed, and that resulted in a pretty damn good album in Stillmatic.  I don't dick ride that record like everyone did back then, tell me how many joints from that album you still listen to today?  Pretty much "You're the Man" for me. 

The Verdict:  I think Life is Good will end up being an album that remains in heavy rotation this year, and perhaps for years to come. Nas will garner a lot of well-due praise and love for this album.  The man behind what most fans call the best Hip-Hop album of all time deserves the Hip-Hop headlines for a year. 

The guy who everyone is talking about with good reason - Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

Click on the image above to stream Channel Orange in its entirety.  Talk about a week - Frank opens up about his sexuality, doesnt seem to lose any support in the media and in Hip-Hop, proceeds to murk his performance on Fallon (this was the stuff of legends), and releases his album early to raucous support and love.  It's #1 everywhere.  He is the biggest "new dude" in Hip-Hop/R&B and it's wild considering where he and Odd Future were a few years ago.  But talent rules all, and Frank Ocean is fucking talented.  Channel Orange may go down as the most critically acclaimed album like Kanye's MBDTF last year.  The album has such dope production from the epic "Pyramids" to the mellow "Bad Religion" and funky "Crack Spot."  "Sweet Life" is probably my favorite track on here - it's on some Stevie Wonder-type shit.  I also enjoyed the Playstation one/Street fighter intro, that appeals to my nerd steez.  Frank Ocean is 2/2 when it comes to full-length records in my book, and he is going to be a big name in music for years to come.  My facebook feed today was orange as f*ck, and it put a smile on my face seeing so many friends up on this dope album.

Two posts...in one week? HELL HAS FROZEN OVER.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

It's not like the Odd Future / Def Jam crooner is a cornerstone Hip-Hop/R&B act, but he is definitely one of those "on the come up" artists.  He was the main chorus dude on Watch the Throne, had an immensely popular mixtape, and also co-wrote tracks on Beyonce's latest record.  His new singles off of his soon to be released major label debut, Channel Orange, are fuego like the Eastern Seaboard - Check "Pyramids" and "Sweet Life" immediately.

Within the past week, Frank Ocean, told the world via his Tumblr page that he is bisexual.  This hit me as one of the more intriguing stories because of what it says about the current state of Hip-Hop.  We know the country is more open and tolerant, you can see that clearly in pop culture.  Ellen DeGeneres is the country's most popular TV show host, Anderson Cooper is arguably the country's most recognizable reporter, and the biggest music stars (Lady Gaga, etc) are huge supporters of equality regarding sexual orientation.  But Hip-Hop, has always been different. 

Hip-Hop in many ways is borne out of frustration and anger, in reaction to harsh socioeconomic conditions and realities.  Hip-Hop has not always been open to homosexuals.  Common of all people would say f*ggot in his lyrics more times than Rick Ross grunts on a Maybach Music Group track.  Byron Hurt created a really dope documentary that addresses these issues and more entitled "Beyond Beats and Rhymes" (click the link to peep the entire documentary).   This is an older documentary that focuses on rapper's lyrics and representations and its affect on society.  You see him interview rappers like Busta Rhymes on the topic of homophobic lyrics, who straight up can't talk about 'that homo sh*t.' 

But shit has changed in Hip-Hop right, I mean how else can Frank Ocean feel comfortable enough coming out as an aspiring artist in an art form that for decades has denigrated homosexuals publicly? I think the new generation has started to shift how Hip-Hop views homosexuals and equality issues generally. President Barack Obama comes out in support of gay marriage.  Followed by President Obama, was Hip-Hop President Emeritus himself, Jay-Z who backs gay marriage.  I was blown away (pause? - probably the wrong post to use that) by Jay-Z's statement.  Jay made a positive difference by coming out for equality, to the point that he may have either altered the Hip-Hop environment, or shed more light on an already existing more tolerant Hip-Hop environment.   There is no greater proof of this change than the responses from the Hip-Hop world to Frank's coming out.

Frank's rapping Tyler, the Creator, who has literally used the word 'faggot'  on songs featuring Frank, responded to the news with an emphatic "FINALLY."  Positive, right?  The most shocking response to me was Busta Rhymes.  Mr. "that homo shit?" Busta Rhymes has come out in support of Frank Ocean loudly.  "Whatever that man does in his personal space is that man's choice and that man's business," said Busta. "I am an extremely huge fan of Frank Ocean. His music is impeccable to me, and as far as I'm concerned, I respect the dude completely."  Either Busta Rhymes went to the Mitt Romney institute of Flip-Flopping or his viewpoints on society have changed.  They have evolved.  And if Busta Rhymes has changed his viewpoints, doesn't that constitute solid evidence Hip-Hop is growing up?

That's what this story is to me.  I dont think it's Frank Ocean trying to milk publicity by coming out before his album hits. He is talented enough to generate a buzz.  And even if this is a publicity stunt, we do know that on certain songs on the record he talks about falling in love with a "him", so it was coming out at the latest by the release date.  Frank Ocean is immensely talented - and I think his career arc will make an even stronger statement about Hip-Hop.  There'll always be people who will denigrate Frank for his sexual orientation - I mean there are idiots in every circle.  There are in fact festivals advertised to ignorant fools in Hip-Hop (ICP's Juggalofest for example, which oddly I think Tyler performed at). 

But, if Frank is able to succeed on the merit of his music (which I think he will), I think we'll have even more proof Hip-Hop has evolved and grown up.  On the real, lookin forward to Channel Orange and what comes next from other artists whose voice may have become stronger due to Frank Ocean and those who have come out in support of him.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music - Rarely does hype for an album ever meet expectations.  Killer Mike leaked a few tracks from his collaborative LP with producer El-P which got the entire rap world geeked.  I proclaimed as soon as I heard those two tracks ("Big Beast"/"Dont Die") that this album is going to be the Album of the Year.  After the first listen, I am thankful Killer Mike and El-P delivered on that proclamation.

As soon as I heard "Don't Die", I was thinking holy shit, we are about to get another Ice Cube "Death Certificate" or Public Enemy-level quality record.  El-P, legendary producer, puts on his Bomb Squad-hat and crafts banging heavy beats.  Killer Mike's venomous consciousness is like Mos Def mixed with a rabid pitbull with a slice of southern flavor.  "Dont' Die" is probably the best song on the album which details Killer Mike orating a story of being hounded by dirty cops.  El-P has been on his multi-taking game, as he flips multiple beats on just this one song. 

I would have never expected these two artists to collaborate.  Killer Mike rolls with T.I. and I expected his next record to be filled with 808s on some "trap music" shit.  The diversity of sounds that El-P provides really brings out Killer Mike's lyrical diversity, flow-wise and content-wise.  His ode to his grandfather "Willie Burke Sherwood" is deep and potent, and he is also on his A-game when he is kicking boom-bap freestyles on "Go!"

I'm simply blown away by this album, it will be my most recommended listen in 2012.  If you consider yourself a Hip-Hop fan, go buy this album.  Immediately. 

El-P - Cancer for Cure  - So, I was going to give El-P the production crown this year for his contributions on the previously discussed Killer Mike album. Then he decided to release another album worth a cop and worthy of his already great discography.  He gets two crowns then.  Cancer for Cure features the schizophrenic production that features samples of what I think the apocalypse would sound like.  You know, what we would expect  from El-P.  The album starts with "Request Denied", which begins with a three minute hectic electronic instrumental that slaps the listener directly in the face with impunity.  Then El-P decides to rip it all sorts of every direction at the end of the song, and at this moment you know you are going to listen to an album of worthy quality. 

Speaking of El-P on the lyrical tip: the challenge of figuring out what he is saying and what it means is a chore for some, but I enjoy the challenge.  Mostly because he knows how to craft a track, so re-listening to his music is typically a treat.  And El-P is smart when it comes to getting rhyming features. "Oh Hail No" is my favorite track on this album.  It features Danny Brown and Mr. Mothafuckin Exquire (who just got signed to Universal).  The beat(s) on this are ferocious, and all three emcees kill it in their own respective fashion.  Exquire goes a mile a minute, on some boom-bap trade shit with El-Producto and it works beautifully.  Then the beat flips and the Detroit-based maniac Danny Brown (which ya'll know I'm a huge fan of) goes bananas. 

This album, like the Killer Mike record, features fewer tracks with a bunch of beat-flips.  This is an intriguing turn for me, and it appears most of the Hip-Hop world is a fan according to the published reviews for both albums.  I never expected to hear T.I. over El-P production, but that shit worked on "Big Beast."  As Exquire and Danny Brown release new music with El-P production, more cats will want to work with El-P.  And that's a good look for us all.  

Oh No - Ohnomite! - Oh No has been putting out hella Gangrene releases with Alchemist, which for some reason I'm not feeling entirely.  On this album, Oh No recruits pretty much every Stones Throw emcee plus other friends to join him on an album where he flips the music from Rudy Ray Moore films.  You may know Rudy Ray Moore as the actor behind  "Dolemite!"  Thus, the title "Ohnomite!" - get it? 

My favorite song on this involves the hard to find MF Doom "3 Dollars."  Oh No absolutely slaughters a funky sample, and it's simply great to hear new MF Doom. Although he is a dick for not showing up to concerts where he headlines, he still knows how to write and spit a mean 16 bars.  Roc Marciano, Phife Dawg, Sticky Fingaz, Rapper Big Pooh, Erick Sermon, Prozack Turner (!!), and many more show up on this album.  I love when producers get carte blanche to sample discographies - because Oh No slays this record.  He gets us hype on "You Dont Know Me" and kicks a slow groove for Roc Marc on "The Hitmen."  The interludes on this album are solid as well.  Good to see Stones Throw still release dope Hip-Hop, make sure to cop this. 

Sene - Brooklyknight - Peep Sene's Myspace [Myspace still exists?] to peep the entirety of Sene's album.  I was not too aware of Sene.  I knew he was a guy who sometimes was featured on songs with Blu.  Little did I know this Brooklynite would release the album you'd hope Blu would create post Below the Heavens.  Sene has a steady, lyrically dexterous monotone flow.  What he also has is strong song-writing ability and a great ear for production.  The production on this record is stellar, and unique which for Hip-Hop fans is necessary.  He also features a singer on a few hooks, Jay Jennings, and they both create arguably my two favorite tracks on the albums: "It's Been Said" and "Brooklyknight."  Hell, Blu even shows up on the stringy (in that there are violins, not like cheese) "Backboards."  I think a lot of fans slept on this album, so ya'll need to check it out and support it if you like it. 

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Oh yeah, thoughts on the wackest beef with big name artists in years - this Pusha T vs. Drake/Lil Wayne nonsense.

There have been a multitude of solid, personal pieces on Adam "MCA" Yauch, who tragically passed away last week from notables such as ?uestlove and Sasha Frere Jones.  My fan viewpoint on the Beastie Boys, and specifically Yauch, is through the lens of a Hip-Hop fan born in the mid-80's. 

You see, my first introduction to the Beastie Boys and the raspy MCA was not his days rocking on stage with penis inflatables or (jokingly) rhyming about boobs, babes, and blunts.  No, I learned of MCA and the Beastie Boys rocking with ill Communication, where MCA famously rhymes on "Sure Shot":  "I want to say a little something that’s long overdue / The disrespect to women has to got to be through / To all the mothers" and sisters and the wives and friends / I want to offer my love and respect till the end."  This was stated on the lead single, not some liner note or shitty PSA.  I remember the Beastie Boys as this fun-loving boom-bap group that famously rocked a concert for Tibet.  For me - the Beastie Boys introduced the concept of conscious-minded Hip-Hop. 

The Beastie Boys are an all-time classic group, and they are sort of like a gateway drug for us Hip-Hop heads.  I was 10 or 11 when I first saw them on MTV, and their infectious brand of Hip-Hop.  They had a mad energetic trademark style, tit-for-tat lyrical delivery, and excellent production (which in many instances they were responsible for).  The Beasties opened me up to other acts that a person my age wouldn't hear otherwise- including Biz Markie who was featured on ill Communication.  And you know how Hip-Hop works - it's like herpes the way you catch onto new artists.  Once you find one act you like - you jump to the next that is featured or whom they rock with with the quickness, which only leads to other musicans.  I think many fans in my age range have the Beasties to thank for introducing them to so many other talented musicians.

The quality of the Beastie Boys catalogue is nothing short of classic. These guys constantly reinvented themselves over the course of 30 years.  How many artists, especially in Hip-Hop, keep relevant and entertaining that long?  They have an impressive discography, but I want to speak a few quick words about Paul's Boutique.  The boutique was released in 1989, a whopping 20+ years ago.  After releasing a mainstream hit on Def Jam with party anthems, the Beasties follow it up with a maniac's masterpiece.  The rhyme topics range from shaking rumps, to science, to egg yolk, to the borough of Brooklyn.  The production is nothing short of revolutionary.  Hip-Hop can thank the Beastie Boys for many things, including popularizing the extensive, innovative manner of sampling on this LP that set the foundation for today's Hip-Hop producers.  Think DJ Premier, Kanye West, and others.  A lot of that stemmed from the Dust Brothers and Beastie Boys.  I put Paul's Boutique up there as a top 5 Hip-Hop album - ever. 

One more quick thing: I've always thought it made no sense to criticize Eminem or any other white emcee as incapable of "being the biggest rapper in Hip-Hop" - this argument was killed in the 80's by The Beastie Boys.  Odds are you are an absolute moron if Eminem's race had anything to do with your interpretation of his skill as well.  The race barrier was smashed by these guys before many people were able to formulate opinions on who should be allowed to rap or not.  And we have so much to thank the Beasties for, that go just beyond the music.

This includes perhaps their biggest strength - their ability to bring people from all walks of life together.  The Beastie Boys' appeal was not surprisingly universal - I mean their music ran the gamut.  Punk rock ("Sabotage"), frat-boy party anthems (fighting for your right to party whilst not getting sleep in Brooklyn), indie joints (Paul's Boutique) and overall fun boom-bap bangers ("Intergalactic" / "Sure Shot" / I guess pretty much every Beastie Boys track?).   I spoke to mad people when I learned this news from different age groups, localities, careers, backgrounds, etc.  I connected with friends I partied with, people I just worked with, and people I didnt even know listened to Hip-Hop - I suppose that makes sense when you are talking about a group whose catalogue represents so many facets of life.

I always appreciated MCA specifically because he was the raspy-mellow ying, to the high-pitch manic Yang of Ad Rock and Mike D.  The one guy who rapped seemingly with this real voice, appeared to fans as perhaps the realest.  MCA's talents was not limited to Hip-Hop - he directed many of the awesome Beastie videos as 'Nathaniel Hornblower'.  He also focused on feature films - as he ran Oscillope's independent film division that released indie hits like Exit Through the Gift Shop.  He was a true talent, that'll live on through many mediums and within our memories.

I chose the pic with MCA and his daughter for this post, because I will fondly remember MCA as a Hip-Hop legend that we all got to grow up with.  How many Hip-Hop artists that we idolize truly evolve and change with us?  Listen to Snoop now and then, and I'm not trying to hate, but is there a real substantive difference?  Same with Dr. Dre really.  Adam and the Beasties grew up from supposed-party boys to Tibetan freedom fighters, anti-mysognistic emcees, and overall the finest ambassadors New York City could ask for. 

Straight up - I was caught off guard and was pretty emotional over MCA's passing.  His death hit me pretty hard because I was fully expecting MCA to heal from cancer.  There were reports that his treatment was going well.  They just released a funky instrumental CD and the Hot Sauce LP with that dope Nas cameo - I thought shit was heading back to normal for Adam and the crew.   I guess it hurt thinking I couldn't grow further with him, and the rest of the group.  I wanted to hear what a Beastie Boys album would sound like in 2015.  I wanted to share a Beastie Boys show with the lady I live with.  It hurts losing out on those opportunities and experiences I thought we as fans were going to have.  Unfortunately, he has passed, but not after giving us so much creative, positive expression to continue our own journey with.  Peace Adam - and thanks.

I'm going to listen to Paul's Boutique for like the umpteenth time this past week with the lady friend now. 

RIP and REP D. Ellis

Perhaps the project I’m looking forward to the most in 2012 is the Killer Mike / El-P collabo L.P. “R.A.P.”  The first single, “Big Beast”, was leaked and it features Bun B and T.I.  T.I. and Killer Mike especially murder their verses - Killer Mike slayed me with “No homo promo homie, your ass will get touched!” line.  The beat is on some strict boom-bap, El Producto is providing hard-hitting production that actually works for the ATL emcee.  Just taking a step back, it’s crazy to even think of T.I., Mr. “Whatever You Like”, over a beat provided by El-P.  A crazy collaboration worthy of getting geeked about in my point of view. 

Yo, let me put this out there - hardcore drugs coupled with “yes-men” friends/managers is a deadly combination.  Ask Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and most recently Whitney Houston.   Whitney’s death is for sure sad, considering that she was so up front about her demons.   New strategy to teach kids about Drugs: DARE needs to be revamped to teach kids that drugs killed extremely rich and talented ppl like MJ and Whitney - what do you think will happen to your dumb ass if you get addicted?  Then you show the kids Requiem for a Dream to shows what happens to ‘normal’ people addicted to drugs. 

Speaking of drugs, let’s switch the topic to sex.  Sex and the Presidential election.  Rick Santorum (who is having a stronger surge from nowhere than Jeremy Lin) is in a position to steal Mitt Romney’s homestate of Michigan.  I cant even find a proper comparison to the level of failure that means for Mittens, the closest I can think of is losing a large lead in Game 7 of the NBA Finals at home.  The reason sex is brought into the mix is that Santorum (whose name has a hilarious sexual connotation) is so anti-abortion, he is apparently an enemy to birth control and pre-marital consensual sex generally.  If there is one thing that separates this generation from say the 50’s - we are all about safe, consensual sex.  We buy clothes, products, and services based on the slightest of possibility of having sex. If Santorum is the nominee, Obama is going to obliterate him because simply, nothing is more sacred in this country than private f*cking. 

 Back to rap - I find myself looking forward to very few verses from folks these days, but one of those people I do look forward to is most definitely Danny Brown.  Danny’s style, clothing-wise and vocally, is mad unique and his outlandishness makes him an entertaining listen.  Listen to him rip this verse on Himanshu’s “You Have to Ride the Wave.”  Danny has released a few hot mixtapes that are basically full-length LPs, but I hope whenever he drops his debut LP he grabs some hotter producers. 

Jeremy Lin’s rise hurts my feelings as a Rockets fan, but it is one of the most intriguing NBA stories in the past decade.  Lin’s popularity is completely making fans ignore the sort of seasons Durant/OKC, Kobe, Kevin Love (26ppg/14rpg...WHAT?!), and LBJ is having.  LBJ is having one of the greatest seasons in the modern era with a 27ppg/7apg/7rpg average.  He is that close to averaging a triple-double!!  David Stern must be grinning on his throne made of murdered orphans because he has all of these stars making noise that are still being dwarfed by the Linsanity.  

I didn’t write about the Common / Drake beef, mostly because the artist I support more was the one with the egg on his face.  It was blatantly obvious Common was dissing Drake to bring attention to his new album The Dreamer/The Believer.  He was reaching like 50 Cent when he dissed [insert random weak rap competitor] when he released [insert an album he released].   This website bears its name from Common’s creativity - so I dont want to shed too much negative light to the dude.  Also, The Dreamer/The Believer was a strong as hell LP.

Elzhi’s Elmatic still goes so ho-ard.  This album is a testament to El’s lyrical ability - he needs ferocious beats whenever he decides to release another studio LP. 

 I think my favorite verse last year was Dice Raw on The Roots “One Time.”  undun is obviously a top 3 record last year, and with all the Black Thought fire on that album - Dice Raw’s fiery, yet depressing verse on “One Time” caught my ear.  “I wonder when you die do you hear harps and bagpipes / If you born on the other side of the crack pipe” & “To make it to the bottom...Such a high climb” stand out as gems on this joint.   I’ve fully enjoyed the reemergence of Dice Raw with the Roots crew.

 Nicki Minaj’s exorcism performance at the Grammy’s was downright awful.  I was straight up laughing out loud watching the insanity she brought to the stage.  Sometimes I think artists think so high of themselves they feel like they can get away with shit like this.  Kanye is sometimes guilty of this, but he always rallies back with strong overall albums.  Her performance was like watching an idiot trying to direct a Catholic-inspired musical porn with the nudity replaced with a loud screaming female emcee.   Apparently it’s part of a larger movie.  That’ll be a fun watch when it’s released. 

 Also, I dig Adele and all, but yo, Kanye’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was the obvious choice for Album of the Year.  It was the consensus #1 album.  It f*cking got a perfect rating from everyone.  Also, America missed out on the greatness that would have been a Kanye acceptance speech for winning Album of the Year. 

 More thoughts later, ya’ll be easy.

 RIP and REP D. Ellis

I apologize for not getting this post up earlier, it's been wyling at work.  Also, I suppose I should apologize for not updating since mad long ago.  I'll rectify that, I promise.  I got my Best things of 2011 coming, and thoughts on some dope tapes from Gensu Dean, Himanshu from Das Racist, and more. 

But to the point, it's crazy to think it's been six years since he has passed.  I finished college, law school, and my first fellowship in the past six years.  Each year, I try to find words to not only commemorate the main man D. Ellis, but also words that will lead to some solace from such a tragic event.  This year, his big brother Stephen Ellis pretty much did that job better than I ever could.

"It's 6 years today since we lost David but his passion for the things he enjoyed lives on with me everyday. Shout out to my little brother and everyone out there that's following their dreams."

Say word.  Dave's passion for things he enjoyed brought mad joy to him and the folks around him.  I try to bring that positive energy to everything I do - whether it's at the job, hanging out with friends, or whatever.  People think I have something wrong with me because of that positive attitude.  It's just that I learned from years of kicking it in Dave's basement how great it feels to be around passionate, cool, & positive people.  (Mind you, sometimes being positive meant shitting on terrible music/people/wrestlers/etc, but it was all for the sake of humor, so in the end, it's all good.)    

On that second point of following dreams, sometimes I think I haven't done enough on that end.  Stephen's words hit me hard on that point, and I think that'll be the subject of an upcoming post. 

I'm going to watch this State of the Union and get grinding on some charitable work for a homie.  Ya'll be good and RIP and REP D. Ellis forever.

- big R

From the image above, you can tell that I'm not to keen on David Stern right now.  I suppose that feeling could be attributed to numerous people within the NBA, but Stern is that figurehead.  This post's primary focus is the unprecedented intrusion by the NBA's David Stern in the three way trade between the Rockets - Lakers - Hornets for Chris Paul.  This post is mad long, but let's start at the smallest level, the teams involved in the trade.

The NBA blocked a trade that actually benefitted all three teams:  As ya'll know, the Hornets are currently owned by the NBA.  Coupled with the Commissioner's powers, Stern has the power to quash any deal that isn't in the league's best interests.  When the Lakers-Hornets-Rockets came together to ship Chris Paul to the Lakers, the entire basketball world felt this deal was fair.  The Hornets, losing a superstar, was still going to receive some pretty nice pieces with draft considerations.  The Lakers were giving up both Odom & Gasol, unlike that time they traded POS Kwame Brown + draft pieces for Pau Gasol to win two titles.  But they got arguably the top point guard in the league, a once in a generation talent in CP3.  The Rockets got cap room + a 7 ft power forward that the team desperately needed.  The deal was ready to go, it received New Orleans Hornets GM Dell Demps' approval.  And then the unthinkable happened.

David Stern, even before whinemaster Dan Gilbert (owner of Cavs) complained about this deal, killed the CP3 trade citing "Basketball Reasons."  Citing to the general theme that he didn't want small market stars going to big markets, he killed the deal for "Basketball Reason."  What?!  This was peculiar because the NBA hasn't stopped any lopsided deals like this before.  Charles Barkley to the Suns for scraps.  Doc J to the Sixers for a ham sandwich.  Scottie to the Bulls for a Sizzler coupon.  Shit goes on an on, but for some reason this deal was killed.  As stated earlier, the deal made good sense.  With this trade, three teams face a f*cking shitty short-term future that most importantly came out of nowhere. 

That's the kicker - that everyone thought this deal was done, players were notified of new destinations, bridges were burned then - STERN was like SYKE!!  Each team, got f*cked in some way or form:

LA Lakers - Their GM made a Brock Lesnar-esque power move to obtain CP3 by giving up Gasol/Odom.  Sure those are two important bigs, but at the same time, they still have Bynum left to parlay into a Dwight Howard deal.  Or worst case they go to war with CP3/Kobe/Bynum.  Not too shabby if you ask me.  They've traded Odom, which was tough cookies for Lamar, whose inevitable diabetes (due to inhuman candy consumption) has taken the form of crying during interviews.  But the Lakers are hurt the least as compared to...

Houston Rockets - The Rockets, my team, have faced the crappy peril of being 8th-10th ranked conference team.  Not poor enough to get a good draft pick, but not good enough to attract elite/all-star talent.  This deal gave the Rockets an All-Star big in Pau.  Moreover, the Rockets had the cap room remaining to go after Nene.  The Rockets would have gone to having a shitty frontcourt to Pau/Nene.  That swould have been an incredible turnaround for the Rockets.  Instead, the Rockets are left with four to five angry players and no chance at Pau, Marc Gasol, Nene, or any other awesome free agent.  Look at Kevin Martin: he looks so emotionally removed and pissed like he just got an anal hemorrhoid whilst watching his wife getting sexed up sexually by the Van Gundy brothers.  Rockets GM, Daryl Morey, must be on suicide watch as he publicly stated that the death of this trade hinders the Rockets progression for three years.  My animosity about this though isn't limited to the harm it does to my team, this whole situation is fucked up.  Especially for the Hornets if CP3 walks via free agency.

New Orleans Hornets - So if I'm the Hornets, the first deal for three near all-stars (Odom, K-Mart, Scola) with nice backup (Goran Dragic) and draft picks is pretty damn sweet.  This is a deal that puts the Hornets in playoff position after trading an All-Star.  A pretty dope deal right?  Stern disagreed.  Then the Clippers tried and they failed even though they are a much smaller market team as compared to the Lakers even though they play in the same stadium.  They offered unprotected 1st round picks, Bledsoe (future dope PG), Aminu (young SF), Kaman, and Eric Gordon (no joke, a future all-star SG).  Again, another ridiculous deal and still, the Hornets (via NBA) wanted more.  CP3 has a bum knee, he isn't LeBron or Dwight Howard - and it feels like he commands deals of that magnitude.  Stern is making this trade inoperable.  Stern is acting ignant like P. Diddy during "Making the Band."  He wants CP3 to walk to Brooklyn at 4AM for cheesecake, to obtain Cambodian breast milk, and to record a top ten hit with Dylan on the hook.  Yes, it appears Stern wants CP3 to walk away via free agency. 

Why? Well, the Hornets have trouble selling seats as it is.  Imagine trying to sell seats without a superstar.  It's completely selfish and profit-driven in my opinion - the Hornets had two good trades in their hands with players (like Gordon) that have star potential.    If NOH can't trade CP3 this year, Stern will have f*cked this Hornets team for maybe even more years than the Rockets.  Because CP3 has made it clear he is leaving.   It's clear to everyone, except for the folks in charge of the NBA.

"Plantation Owner" Credo:

Remember when Jeff Kessler, head lawyer of the NBA PA, and Greg Gumbel compared to a "plantation owner"?  I originally thought they were being outlandish.  I mean, this isn't slavery, NBA players are free to do what they want.  It's a shitty metaphor, because nothing is as terrible as slavery.

But after reading tweets by reporters saying that Stern rejected this deal in part because he didn't like superstars dictating the teams they end up playing for, I feel like that the previously over the top plantation owner comments weren't as over the top.  Oscar Robertson fought the 60's fucking racism from fans and owners alike to earn NBA free agency.  As weird as it is to say it, there is a civil rights/equality aspect to free agency.

This year's lockout negotiations were filled with stories about the animosity between players and the NBA.  I really thought Gumbel/Kessler crossed the line with their comments, but as this story break, the comments appear to have more merit.  Stern is upset at superstars deciding their fates which angers small-market owners (his clients).  Stern blocking the movement of CP3 to plausible teams is an extended "fuck you" to the players, and primarily Chris Paul. 

He's putting the superstars on notice that he is willing to play NBA dictator and fuck up the plans they've made based on the terms of their contract.  There is definitely an element of the hostility from those lockout negotiations in the NBA's unreasonable block of the HOU-NOH-LAL trade. 

Conspiracy sidenote: An intriguing theory is CP3 hitting free agency and going to his preferred team, the NY Knicks.  Is Stern's goal to get CP3 to sign with a NY team, to maximize profitability of NBA?  If so, he is guilty of moving players to teams he wants, the sort of power he doesn't want NBA superstars to have.  Stern and Knicks aren't new to the conspiracy theory dance with the '85 draft, we'll see how this goes though. 

The issue of NBA Legacy:

 In no other sport, do individual players have the power to achieve individual greatness as the NBA.  Sure in NFL you can talk about the best QB, but it's always a position by position debate.  With baseball, same problems plus you can't tell who was roided out in the most recent generations, and every legend in the old days were either wife beaters, racists, or both.  But in basketball, you can have the straight up "Who are the greatest players of all time?" debate.  You talk about "Dirk's legendary run" last year or MJ's "prolific" three-peats.  Words reserved for Greek gods are used commonly to describe NBA players.  It's part of what makes basketball special. 

Fans always thought certain things were rigged in teams favor (Game 6, Sac-town vs. LAL, that Suns vs. Spurs series in 2007), mostly due to bias for their favorite teams. When the Tim Donaghy scandal broke, it really killed the NBA.   We found out a ref was altering the landscape of games, and therefore altered history.  That Suns team in 2007 should have been the championship team, they got jobbed in that series against the Spurs.  This blockade of trade alters NBA history, because one of the best point guards of this generation will not play with arguably the best two-guard of this era. 

He'll go somewhere else, which will affect who the hell is competitive, and who ultimately wins rings in the next few years. Guaranteed there will be conversations between friends like: "Yo, that wouldn't have happened if CP3 was on the Lakers" or "Man, Team X definitely got helped by CP3 joining them. Can you imagine if he was on the Lakers instead?"  Outside of fucking over my ancillary team, Stern has really fucked up the next few years.

The worst thing about it is, unlike the Tim Donaghy scandal, the NBA could have completely avoided this scenario!  Sports fans will argue for years about how ludicrous it was that Stern influenced the league in this fashion. 

Occupy NBA:

Another aspect of this whole problem is the whining from billionaire owners of the NBA.  Leaked after Stern's block of the trade, was an email from Cleveland's whiner-in-chief owner of the Cavs, Dan Gilbert.  Dan Gilbert's previous rant on the Cavs website was legendary for the fact it was: (a) in Comic Sans MS (b) Kinda threatened LeBron and (c) Definitely had some unreal master-slave connotations.  The best PR LeBron had since the Decision.  He could point to this letter and be like "See why I left, I didn't want to play for this assface anymore!"

In this new letter, Gilbert pleads with Stern to block the trade because it was too unfair and lopsided in favor of the Lakers.  The Lakers would retain CP3 and the cap space and pieces (Bynum) to trade for Dwight Howard.  The fear from the Cavs owner was of course that the big market team would have created another Team Evil that would surely dominate the NBA.

As my homie Mike said, it would have been Team Evil (Lakers) vs. Team Evil (Heat) in the Finals: a match-up that would lead to great basketball and great sadness. 

My problem with Gilbert and the rest of the owners is this: you guys bitch and whine so much about regulations hampering your profitability, but as soon as the market does something you don't want (LAL super team through trades) - you scream to the Commissioner to intrude to save yourself money and the misery of having another super team in the league.  God, what pussies.  Gilbert only has himself to blame for losing LeBron by surrounding him wit Danny Ferry-esque talent using Danny Ferry as his GM. 

Stern and these owners fought against a fair market trade.  Straight up, it hurts me to say this....my fingers are pulsating with pain as I type this out but the Lakers fucking deserved the chance of getting both CP3 and Howard.  They have the pieces, and somehow got CP3 without giving up Bynum.  This put them in prime position to trade Bynum and other assets for Dwight.  Granted, Dwight moving to LAL wasn't guaranteed and still isn't, but they had the chance.  Damnit, isn't it the American way to allow smart people to benefit from smart decisions?  But, it didn't work that way here.

The fan reaction to this deal coupled with the owner's actions led my good friend to make an interesting analogy.  This NBA trade presents an interesting 99% vs. 1%/Occupy Wall Street metaphor.  Peep game:

The owners (Wall Street) have been taking advantage of poor regulations (Salary caps  for players, none for owners; they get the broke public to finance stadiums) to make mad money.  As soon as something goes shitty, they demand change via regulation from the Commissioner (LOCKOUT, blocking CP3 trade).  They act indignant and turn puss by crying for help as soon as shit doesn't turn out 100% in their favor.  Sounds like certain number of America's rich elite, doesn't it?  

That's right motherf*ckers, this trade is only one degree of separation of what's fucking up the core of this country. 

So moral of the story: Stern you done messed up, and also messed up a chance to rectify the situation.  You had plenty of time to reverse this thoroughly scrutinized/criticized/shitted on decision.  You need to resign.  Like yesterday. 

As Daniel Day-Lewis yells at the end of "There Will be Blood", "I'M FINISHED."  For now at least.  Be easy.

-big R

RIP and REP D. Ellis

I'll address two quick things Hip-Hop related before I go on to a rant on the NBA.

The Roots undun is grown-man music:  It's 2011, and The Roots have once again blessed us with another album.  They've been on a crazy recording schedule, and somehow each record is different from the rest.  While albums like Game Theory are based upon Black Thought's gruff lyricism, this album takes after ?uestlove's enigmatic production.  This record has four orchestral movements to end the album.  The album is a story in reverse, of a hard luck hustler named Redford Stephens. 

Apparently the character Redford Stephens is based off a Sufjan Stevens record, who is also featured on the album.  That's how I know this ain't for the mainstream Hip-Hop crowd, Sufjan music makes Drake's music look like Public Enemy.  I mess with Sufjan though, so I dig this record.  The production is exquisite, and I really like the types of bluesy hooks provided by Dice Raw and P.O.R.N.  For real, Dice Raw needs to get back in the studio for a solo LP that has production like this.

All of the features come correct, as Big KRIT, Phonte, and the two aforementioned emcees join Black Thought with solid verses.  My jams on this are "Lighthouse" [Dice Raw kills the chorus/verses], "One Time", and "Make My" [that fudging break is absurd]. 

The Roots don't know how to make bad albums.  And it's so refreshing listening to an album that doesnt really sound like anything else they've done before.  This album isn't for kids who can't appreciate slow-developing, yet rewarding production with introspective, narrative-based lyrics.  Another year, another album from the Roots that is Album of the Year caliber.

My favorite rapper these days is probably Danny Brown - I am for sure late about writing about the wylin' Detroit MC, but I've been bumping his free mixtapes, The Hybrid and XXX in a minute.  Click on each album title and do yourself a favor and bump this dude.  Danny Brown doesnt look like a traditional rapper. In fact, he sort of looks like a metro dude working at the Gap with the haircut from the bad guy from the 5th Element.  You listen to Danny Brown, and you hear some of the raunchiest, rawest hip-hop out there.  That juxtaposition of his image and his lyrics make him so intriguing. 

Apparently his attire and hairstyle lost him a deal with G-Unit - what's so funny is nothing G-Unit has dropped in a near decade has been as dope as "XXX."  Danny Brown's flow is smooth, and his worldplay is complex and dope.  His production choices are diverse and banging, he rocks that Houston shit on joints like "Blunt after Blunt", and then can drop a gem on a Beatminerzesque track like "Pac Blood."  Yo, also "Monopoly" is nuts. 

I feel like Dave would dig this cat.  Danny is confident, but also has this humility that reminds me of J-Zone (I'm not making much dough rapping, but I'm crazy nice with it swagger).  His topics of tracks are also out there - his dedication to eating girls out is hysterical.

Danny Brown's annunciations remind me of a Bay Area rapper, but perhaps that's how the Detroit accent sounds as well.  Either way, I dig his material because I'm consistently surprised by the direction he takes, and the end products are usually fresh.  Don't sleep. 

I didn't grammar check this, because I don't give a flying.  Now for an angry rant about basketball.

RIP and REP D. Ellis

What's up everyone, hope ya'll are having a safe and solid Friday.  Today, as ya'll know on a personal level or perhaps from reading the post title, is Dave's birthday.  I wanted to give this birthdate a bit more attention by (1) actually writing a substantive post, which is below; and (2) talking about a record, that was created thanks to Big D's positive influence. 

But first, I want to take a moment to shout out Happy bday to the big homie.  Facebook has been filled with positive thoughts about Dave.  Funny how his birthday remains as a time to reconnect with old homies.  Even now, Dave still brings people together.  And that's my transition to speak on a record that was brought together because he formed this site. 

 

Above, is a bandcamp stream of Rekstizzy's Fake it Till You Naked.  It was released a few months ago, so I'm late on writing about this -but I waited until now because this record is a product of Dave formign this page.  This album features the rhymes of Queens-based Rekstizzy, a fan of this page since it's inception.  The producer on this album is the homie Young Hoon, who is a friend I made while attending UC Irvine.  Actually come to think of it, I met Young Hoon because he read the site and saw that I went to UCI.  Damn, I have Dave to even thank for that! Shouts to Young Hoon - for not only producing hot fiyah, but also committing to help me reform this site!

Rekstizzy and Youn Hoon linked up through this page, probably through a post where I was blogging/bragging about Young Hoon's beats.  Young Hoon by the way, is a huge Madlib/J Dilla fan, and you can hear it in the grimey/gritty nature of the beats.  The two connected over a year ago, and completed the Fake It Till You Naked.

It's one CD of utterly thousand underground records that get released each year.  But this was possible because of the creation of this site.  And that's special for me.  Here's yet another example of Dave inspiring Hip-Hop heads.  And the product is fresh and I think it's something Dave would enjoy.

Rekstizzy is a funny dude with good rhymes, this record reminds me a lot of J-Zone.  This album is filled with ig'nant lyrics about hitting on chicks, partying, and other motifs that I know back in high school we'd appreciate. The references to strip clubs, ganja, drinking, hitting on chicks with minimal to decent success should resonate with most underground Hip-Hop fans. 

So download the record, bump it, share it, and donate some dough if you are feeling it.  I'm going to pour myself a beer and bump the hell out of this album tonight in honor of the homie Big D.  Ya'll be good tonight.

RIP and REP  D. Ellis

Whattup party people, it's either the late night before, or the early morning of 11/11/11, so I did want to start this post with a birthday shout to Dave Ellis of course.  I'll have a more Dave-centric post tomorrow, but I thought I was going to start off by talking some Hip-Hop/politics/bullsh*t first.  That's right, a substantive update actually worth reading!  First things first, to talk about new music that's hit the interwebs...

Drake "Take Care" - Aubrey's sophomore release has leaked, setting the net a buzz.  Personally the buzz is less Wu-Tang bee hivish, but more of the buzz you get from one of those back massagers at Brookstone.  Yes, this is Sharper Image / Brookstone rap at it's finest at points.  For a lot of rap fans, this album is too soft  and focused on calling ex-girlfriends drunk.  I recognize that criticism, and sometimes I appreciate the break from the fake goonery that mainstream rap is known for.  And in the end, this album got beats, and isn't that what we care about?

The intro track has a solid sampled (?) chorus and a solid piano loop.  "Over My Dead Body" is vintage Drake, rhyming about his success and his flow is pretty solid on this joint.  Don't worry haters - the track is filled with some questionable lyrics like him acting tough and then saying "I'll breaking your Kevin Hart, boy."  Breaking men's hearts?  Wasn't worth the punchline.  "Under Ground Kings" has a boppin beat, with Drake doing a good Lil Wayne imitation flowwise. Also shout to Kendirck Lamar's guest verse - which is like the best verse I've heard from him.  Also, any Andre 3000 verse is fire and deserves props.  There are some other strong moments, like "Lord Knows" where Just Blaze absolutely laces this beat with some crystal meth-level bump shit.  I love that Just Blaze when faced with an uncleared sample ended up hiring a chorus to sing the key sample.  Loud drums, deadly samples - this beat is one of the best of the year.  Also Drake and my favorite ig'nant rapper of the moment Rick Ross kill it lyrically.  Yeah a guy I called Brookstone rap killed his verse basically deading critics saying you may call him a pussy, but those who hate are the ones who dont get any.  Damn.  Maybe that's a good point, this album's messages resonate with those with relationship experience.

But that Dr. Phil talk can get boring.  "Marvin's Room" is already a hit, but he is singing all over the place.  When I want R&B, I typically listen to Voodo by D'angelo, not Drake.  "Take Care" is a cool beat, but that beat is kinda old (if you have been bumping electronerd shit like I have the past few years).  The songs ppl seem to love like "Crew Love" / "Cameras" get really monotonous to me, that half singing/talking shit isnt always super effective.  Also, I can't beileve "Practice", a re-hash of Juvenile's "Back that Azz Up," made the cut.   There are some tracks that I just straight up skip.

So this album confuses me; it's really all over the place. But it is carried by strong beats and Drake's catchy (but maybe sometimes meh) rapping/singing.  When he maximizes both rapping/singing is on the Kanye laced "Look What You've Done."  Drake over a somber, well put together beat rhyming about his relationship with his parents.  It's got a heartfelt lyrics, great flow, wonderful beat and that voicemail at the end from his mom...that shit made me call my folks and let them know that they are the f*cking best.  Isn't what good music does, make you feel something and act on it positively?  In the end, this album is aimed at making you bop in your head and feel something.  I can't hate on that too much.

Pac Div "The Div" - I straight up think this album is awesome.  Like Drake's record, this shit is kind of schizophrenic between hard-bumping 808 shit and underground lyrical/beat knockin, fast-rappin shit.  The first track is straight fuego - produced by NO ID, "The Greatness" is one of my favorite tracks of this year.  The crew raps about this beat being something for their people to dream on, and this is a strong opus for Pac Div.  Great beat, chorus, and inspirational lyrics.   And then the next track is "Posted" - a song about lamping in the club with a heavy hitting sample which is essentially a club banger.  I love that transition, it's like Mother Theresa straight into T-Pain as far as messaging goes. 

This album has some dope underground joints that'd make ATCQ fans happy like the Cook Classics laced "She" and the head-knocker "Brown."  Like, Swiff D and the other producers put up some gems on this record.  And there are straight up wyle out jams like "Top Down" and "Life is Good" that are solid pre-game joints.  And "Useless", has a low-tempo vibe and a career-resurrecting/remember me-type verse from Asher Roth. 

I like the cohesiveness of this diverse record.  Pac Div have always piqued my interest with their energetic tracks with sick beats and smooth spittin'.  This is some of that new school west coast dopeness, like that TiRon & Ayomari I constantly go nuts about.  Go do yourself a favor and buy this when you got a chance.

Rick Perry forgetting the lyrics

Nothing cracked me up more than Rick Perry trying to reference three entire federal agencies he wants to remove and FAILING to remember one.  You know, thousands of jobs at a place that currently serves (perhaps wastefully) an important function.  His campaign is done, son.  And he isn't even involved in sexual harrassment scandals like your boy Cain.  Also, the best argument against someone saying you committed sexual harassment?  'No, that's simply not true.'  Get 'em Herman!

Random thought about Common - After hearing NO ID lace Watch the Throne and the joint on Pac Div, the Common CD Dreamer/Believer with all NO ID beats is going to be a cot damn problem.

I'm out until tomorrow!  Peace and of course:

RIP and REP D. Ellis

TiRon & Ayomari - A Sucker for Pumps - Peep the link to the side which is a bandcamp link to the entire album, which is important, because I find that I like this album better than most of the records released in 2011.  LA's hip-hop scene has been burgeoning of late due to the buzz Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, Blu, etc. - but these two cats, TiRon and Ayomari deserve your attention.  A Sucker for Pumps features rhyming about the good, the bad, sad, excitement, suffering, happiness, and other fine descriptive terms that can be applied to relationships.  It's a broad theme which gives the emcees room to explore, but I enjoyed that this record had a theme.  Too much Hip-Hop these days is all over the place, I appreciated the unified feel of this album.  "Jack Kerouac" starts off the album with melodic drums and a tastefully selected violin sample.  TiRon and Ayomari wax politic about "once upon a time lovers" on this track, and like I said this theme gives TiRon and Ayomari enough of a creative lane on a topic all of us can relate to.  I think that's why this LP resonates with me, and I think it will resonate with ya'll as well.

Both TiRon and Ayomari can rhyme, and the production selections on this album is surreal.  Oddisee is the producer behind the lush "Fin", and he talked about how much of a pleasure it was to be part of such a complete album.  I'm serious - I can't think of many albums I've listened to in the past few years that have this level of production from producers I'm not quite on yet.  "Jack Kerouac", "If I Had You", "All My Love", & "Fin" are my jams on this.  Seriously, go click the link above and listen to this record in its entirety.  You'll thank me for it later. 

Evidence Cats & Dogs  - Evidence finally releases his follow up to his 2007 solo debut, The Weatherman.  Now he is making it rain with Cats & Dogs, and is another solid record to add to his already heavy catalogue.  Evidence's record is a bit all over the place compared to A Sucker for Pumps, but thanks to the production line-up which features Alchemist, DJ Premier, Evidence himself, amongst others.  Evidence tapped Premo for two bangers in "You" and "The Epilogue."  Evvy's appeal comes from his trademark slow flow, which sometimes actually gets a bit dry for me.  However, the beats on this album really capture your attention and Evidence clearly spent his time penning his lyrics to this album.  I was hoping for a tighter record, at 17 tracks a few of the joints feel a bit fillerish compared to the others.  I mean, it's tough to have that many good songs on an album.  Overall, Evidence delivers a good album with bangers like "The Red Carpet", "Late for the Sky", and "Crash."  It's tough to make a

J. Cole - Cole World: Sideline Story - After I heard J. Cole's Come Up and Warm Up albums - I thought this guy was the absolute future.  Great original beats, ferocious flow, and a dope rhymer.  Cole's "Light Please", "Heartache", "I Get Up" proved he had strong hip-hop chops.  J. Cole has a ton of promise and I felt like he didn't deliver on the classic he promised with this debut.  I am impressed that he handled every beat on this record minus one, but still, this album didn't meet the hype.  This album sold like crazy (250k) in this economy and it made sense considering its content.  It feels like a lot of this album focuses on rhymes about hitting the spot, macking on dimes, waking up in the morning hearing her moaning type shit.  J. Cole is a sex symbol for ladies like Drake, and that appeal on joints like "In the Morning" and "Can't Get Enough."  I felt the Jay-Z feature track didn't really fit, that beat was hard to ride to.  The LP isn't just filled with mainstream-tilted joints, there are some bangers like "Sideline Story", "Rise & Shine", "God's Gift", and "Breakdown."  This album feels bipolar from J. Cole rhyming about his upbringing and making it to just rapping like he is already made.  As you can tell, I prefer the former, and the latter is played out.

Phonte - Charity Starts at Home - I really mess with this album, aside from a few beats that I wasn't feeling - this record is awesome.  I felt Phonte won "the 9/27" war between Cole, Evidence, and 9th Wonder.  While Kanye/Jay-Z can celebrate with magnanimous raps, Phonte crafts a masterful 9-5er anthem in "The Good Fight."  Phonte ends a verse that pretty much applies to every industry these days: "How the f*ck you sell out, when nobody selling?"  Phonte packs dope raps and has strong features from Elzhi, Pharoah Monch, Median, Big KRIT, and others.  I felt like some of the R&B tracks were bland, but only in comparison to the stronger tracks on this record.  9th Wonder has a few absolute bangers on this record, which is nuts considering he released an album himself on the same date!  "Who Loves You More" is filthy, and this album is the best LB related record since Minstrel Show in my opinion.  Maybe because I'm grown up, but I'm more impressed and interested in Phonte talking about tackling girlfriend and debt issues than I would have been a few years ago.  I know people dig Foreign Exchange, but I hope Phonte's next record is in this vein. 

9th Wonder - The Wonder Years - This is one of those "finally this album dropped" type moments when I picked this up.  You know this site has love for 9th as he donated a beat for the D. Ellis tribute track.  First the good, there are some bangers which feature 9th's signature soulful/chop-filed style with Justus League/Jamla features.  "Band Practice" is awesome,  Phonte/Median collab spectularly on a song that I hope would have been a minute or so longer.  Also the West Coast banger with Murs, Warren G, and Kendrick Lamar "Enjoy" is wonderful.  There are a gang of emcees on this like Fashawn, Skyzoo, Phonte, Blu - but perhaps all of the emcees make this album a bit too much like potpourri.  I like most of the emcees on here, and 9th wonder beats, but for some reason the album gets a lot of skips from me.  Don't know if what I need right now is louder tracks, but the mellowness of the record doesn't command listens like the aforementioned records.  Still, gotta support the boy 9th. 

The new Murs, DJ Shadow, and Rekstizzy/YoungHoon (shout out to the homies) need to be digested for review, which will come soon.  Ya'll be good!

RIP and REP D. Ellis