JJ Brown, the sound architect behind the stellar Misery Loves Comedy LP, has transformed one of the most disappointing releases of '06 into an enjoyable listening experience.

Download: JJ Brown's Re-Release Therapy

Labels: Mixtapes

Just what I'm diggin' at the moment, Ladies & Gents....

#5.












Soulful and cohesive from start to finish. (Cop this now.)

#4.











You can bump this while cleaning up your house without worrying about skipping a track. (Cop this now.)

#3.











Dope beats, dope rhymes, what more do y'all want? (Cop this on May 15th.)

#2.











Devin's half-sung raps and southern fried grooves can get you through the worst traffic no matter where you're headed in life. (Cop this now.)

#1.











An emotionally honest record laced with a litany of broiling gems. The undisputed best rap album of the first quarter. (Cop this on April 10th.)

Labels: The Listening Session, Top Picks

Skillz ft. Freeway - Act Like You Don't Know
Freeway has an exceptionally annoying rap voice, the type that puts you at the risk of crashing into a wall if you accidentally woke up to one of his songs. Thankfully, Skillz is here to keep things interesting.

Aesop Rock - Nike Original Run series
Aesop Rock's Nike + Original Run track was supposedly created with runners in mind. However, this works magic outside the gym as well.


Diddy ft. Lil Wayne - "I Am" (Remix) (wma)
Sample lyrics: "Don't hold your applause for me, 'cause I only love I more than me."
Enough said.
(PS: I'm sure Weezy's fans will find a perfectly logical explanation for those rhymes.)

Bonus Bites:
David Banner ft. Nyce - K.O. (remix)
Polyrhythm Addicts ft. Phonte of Little Brother - It's My Life
Amanda Diva - 40 Emcees

Labels: amanda diva, Audios, mp3s

I'm having a one-on-one with one of the illest MCs alive. Besides how much Diddy paid him for his ghostwriting services on Press Play, what else should I ask the Monch Man?

Labels: Interviews, Pharoahe Monch

Diddy brags about being one of the hottest artists out, while a clearly 'lifted' Snoop brags about wearing Puff's Unforgettable (not Unforgivable) cologne.

Labels: Videos

Rihanna + Jay-Z - Umbrella (mp3)

“Umbrella, ” produced by C. Tricky Stewart, is the first single from Rihanna's third album, due out June 5th release.

You know they just had to spin those romance rumors into a collabo somewhere down the line. Hate on her all you want, Rihanna sounds a lot more mature on this.

Labels: Jigga, mp3s

Here's the official tracklist for Fab's understandably-delayed Def Jam debut, From Nothin' to Somethin', now slated for June 12. The folks at Black Oasis are fully cognizant of the fact that no one listens to Fabolous before the summer.

Fabolous - From Nothin' to Somethin' Tracklist
1. Yep, I'm Back
2. Return of the Hustle (ft. Swizz Beatz)
3. Change Up
4. "You Make Me Better" (ft. Ne-Yo the R&B singer)
5. So Fabolous
6. "Diamonds" (ft. Young Jeezy)
7. Hustler's Poste Child (ft. Cassidy)
8. Real Player Like (ft. Lloyd)
9. Foggin' Up the Windows (ft. R.Kelly)
10. What Should I Do (ft, Lil Mo)
11. Back to School
12. All Jokes on You
13. I Shine, You Shine (ft. Makeeba)
14. "First Time" (ft. Rhianna)
15. Paperman (ft. Neyo the Matrix)
16. Brooklyn
17. Chirp Back (ft. Blu Davinci)
18. Gangsta (ft. Junior Reid)
19. This is Family (ft. Freck Billionaire, Red Cafe, Ransom, Paul Kane, and Joe Budden)


It's probably worth mentioning that Fab had some strong words about Track 10 when I interviewed him a while back. "It's really where people are writing me fan letters and they look to their favorite artists for guidance. They're writing me letters asking me what they should do about their situations, so I answered them. There's a lot of responsibilities that come with being an artist and I wanted to show them that."

I guess I should also point out that Track 9 has the most amazing song title ever.

Labels: Fabolous, Tracklists

I don't know what's more chilling, listening to George Bush talk about Obama's hairless specs or watching MC Karl Rove dance like a convulsed duckling.

Bush on his low approval ratings:

Well, where should I start? A year ago, my approval rating was in the 30s, my nominee for the Supreme Court had just withdrawn, and my vice president had shot someone. Ah, those were the good old days.

Bush on Obama:

People Magazine recently had a photo of the senator there on the beach in Hawaii, his sleek, hairless pecs, glistening in the surf. Show’s how biased the press is. Have you ever seen a shot like that of Denny Hastert?

Too bad Rove's cringe-worthy PR stunt won't stop those subpoenas from going out.

Labels: Videos, WTF

-Eve sounds off on hip-hop, sex tape, race, etc.

-Scratch is sticking to the "rapper + producer" format for their covers, as you can see from the May/June issue.

-Mandingo parties expose. What's really mind-boggling is anyone casually passing off interracial orgies as a win for racial relationships in America.

-Suge Knight evicted from his L.A. condo. By now you'd think he'll be re-releasing 12 more 'Pac albums to pay his bills. Never mind, he still owes Rap-A-Lot 300k for that 2Face crap.

-Hip-Hop Life DVD is giving away grillz, jewelry, and pimp cups. I wonder if they'll throw some iced out sandals in the mix as well.

-Taboo of Black Eyed Peas arrested.

-Madd Writer has the latest on Snoop's bicycle accident in Amsterdam. Sleep on the Madd Writer at your own risk.

-No joke: I used to think those expensive-looking cars that get destroyed in movies are always fake. I guess I was wrong.

-Chris Lighty responds to claims of an attack on his brother.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

Redman stops by Rap City and rips the booth. The video cuts off awkwardly towards the end, so brace up for that.

See also: Tha Dogg Pound's "Vibe Wit' a Pimp" Video

Labels: Redman, Videos

Redman plugs his new album, Red Gone Wild, the only way he knows--via the good ol' fashioned word of mouf. Listen for yourself, then go cop it.

Red Goes Wild 1
Red Goes Wild 2

Labels: Audios, Redman

-Snoop and Diddy cancel UK shows. Too bad for the fans who paid body parts for the concerts.

-Hilary doubles Obama's Hollywood money.

-Eminem and Kim agree to keep their internal wrangling...um...internal.

-50 may sue over teen assault reports.

-Jacob the Jeweler to stand trial in Detroit.

-MiJac is at it again. Plans a promotional assault in Vegas.

-In case you didn't know this, DJ Muggs and Sick Jacken have joined the hip-hop blogosphere.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

(Photo flagrantly jacked from The Fader)

I'm positive that Desire will finally see the light of day on 05-01-07. I also have high expectations for this album. I don't know, maybe it's because every time I hear track 4 on my ringtone, I'm reminded of Pharoahe's versatility. Funny, that song is not event vintage P-Monch.

Monch on his worst day >> Dwayne Carter

Desire Tracklist
1. The Resurrection
2. Free
3. Desire
4. Push
5. Welcome to the Terror Dome
6. What It Is
7. When the Gun Draws
8. Let's Go
9. Body Baby
10. Bar Tap
11. Hold On
12. So Good
13. The Trilogy

Labels: Pharoahe Monch, Tracklists

-F**k what you heard. L.A. Reid is not letting go of President Carter

-Judge withdraws plea offer, Busta Rhymes to stand trial in May.

-According to his lawyer, 50 Cent did not partake in the Lil Henchmen smackdown

-Thankfully, Fiddy changes his mind about Before I Self Destruct.

-Public Enemy reunites in Texas.

-March Madness in Atlanta. Apparently Big Boi and Killer Mike got into a fight.

-Ghost-riding rapper gets banned in the US.

-Can't make this up.

-Rest Eazy, Erick Wright

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

With the exception of Em, Missy, Busta, and Kanye, no other mainstream hip-hopper puts it down in the video department like Funk Doctor Spock. The Naked Cowboy cameo at the end was unnecessary though.

Red Goes Wild this Tuesday, March 27.

(Brought to you by SmashTube)

Labels: Videos

$10 says Buck's next album title will be I Don't Give A Buck.

-Lauryn Hill and Lupe Fiasco are slated to perform at this year's Springroove festival.

-Understandably vexed by Kim's claim that he's a lil man, Eminem takes his ex-wife to court.

-Tony Yayo assaults Jimmy Henchman's 15-year old son.

-Lil' Wayne makes a rhyme about kissing his daddy. One of the many reasons he's still the best rapper alive.

-Snoop and Diddy actually want me to believe that they're "in it for nothing"?

-Hip-hop's best live band aims for higher ground.

-Rick James' estate sues former publishing company.

-Russell Simmons helps raise 600k for youth arts program.

-Iced Iced Donuts, baby!

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

Like my friend O-Dub would say, "these things are subjective." Still, there's a handful of principles and elements that we can all agree on--originality, longevity, social impact, live performance, etc...

Of course, music tastes differ across the boards. And depending on your age, old school vs new school preferences vary just as much. I fell in love with hip-hop during the Native Tongues/Fresh Prince & Jazzy Jeff era, so that obviously affects my general expectations and outlook on the game. I also remember thinking that 'Pac was the best thing to ever happen to hip-hop at some point. My preferences have evolved over the years, but one thing's remained the same: I always value avant garde lyricists over by-the-book rappers. (Though, spewing multi-syllabic words straight outta Webster doesn't always guarantee you a spot on my list.)

Now, it'll be foolish to assume that we're the only ones evolving. The rap game has diversified. And as job descriptions change, emcees adjust to match the task. What was deemed a relevant rhyme topic 11 years ago might be considered stale and redundant today.

In any case, take this list with a huge grain of salt. I don't claim it to be the gospel. It's just my thoughts, Ladies and Gentlemen.

• The 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time

Labels: Top Picks

-K-Os breaks down his album title and talks about being "the male Lauryn Hill." (Sleep on Atlantis: Hymns for Disco at your own peril.)

-Info on T.I.'s upcoming 5th album.

-Jay-Z pays Playboy editor $1000 cash for coming out of retirement. Hmmm...let's see, how much did Jay make by coming out of retirement? Either way, Sir Hova is a man of his words and I commend him for that.

-Return of the 18th letter. Mark your calendars, 7-7-07.

-KRS-One and Marley Marl will attempt to counter Nas' well-known claims by releasing an album titled Hip-Hop Lives.

-Don King asks the Pope to pray for Bush. The other day on CNN, this same Don King was saying "God bless my president, George W. Bush."

-Not even a lawsuit from the Negro Network can stop former producer D-Brad from exposing more of BET's idiosyncrasies.

-R.I.P. Luther Ingram

-Does hip-hop hate women?

-Kanye goes back to school.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

Beanie Sigel Hot 97 Interview
While speaking to Hot 97 last night, Beanie Sigel casually disclosed that he's still on Roc-A-Fella. Jay must've offered him an irresistible deal.

Much more interesting is the fact that Mack Mittens hinted at the possibility of jumping into the Jay/ Jim Jones crossfire.

"I see what's goin' on. I gotta cap a couple people up. hear a lot of shots being popped at the big homie. I'm here, hitman-for-hire."

Anyone who remembers the legendary Jadakiss vs Beanie Sigel feud knows that this has the potential to be intriguing. Nah, I take that back. This one's a mismatch.

(Audio via: SmashTunes)

Labels: Interviews

Say what you want about Tha Blue Carpet Treatment, this is actually one of my favorite songs from that album. As for the video, well, let's just say Nas lost again.

Labels: Videos

Hats off to Snoop Dogg

-Allhiphop chops it up with my baby mama Jean Grae

-JD signs JE to Island Urban. Bow Wow bites a table.

-Diddy: "I'm the rap ring leader."

-Young Buck covers the May issue of XXL

-Davey D has endorsed a candidate for '08. It's not who you think.

-Halle Berry keeps hopes alive for young men all over the world.

-Consequence offers fans an irresistible deal.

-When Dre signed Eminem, support for Shady was Slim.

-Sway is one of my favorite new MCs, and he's making some major moves

-Defsounds counts down the 10 highest selling rap albums of all time:
10 - 6 and 5 - 1. No.1 may surprise you.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

Joe Budden - Green Lantern Freestyle
Joey stopped by Green Lantern's studio Monday night and discussed everything from Gloria Velez to Mood Muzik 3. He also shares my opinion that Lil' Wayne is as overrated as it gets. (Hi, haters.)

Anyhow, the highlight of the whole show was Budden's leave-your-shoes-at-the-door "freestyle." It's by far the best radio drop of 2007...so far.

(In the words of the DJ, "shout out to Young Legend.")

Labels: mp3

Apparently the word "environment" is the Dipset's worst nightmare.

-3 Cops have been indicted in the Sean Bell shooting.

-Last year's top-selling rapper T.I. preps T.I. vs T.I.P. I don't remember
any other album title having so many periods.

-Ray Nagin pulls the race card...again.

-Enigmatik reviews SXSW performances by Rakim and Ghostface.

-Oprah opens second school in South Africa. Haters, grab your haterade.

-More money, less booty for BET.

-Happy birthday to the Iraq war. According to Uncle Dick, you're doing just fine.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

Timbaland ft. Sebastian & Attitude - "Kill Yourself"
The much buzzed-about feud between supa dupa producer Timbaland and Dre's in-house sound architect Scott Storch enters its 2nd round with Tim landing another subliminal...*Yawn*

"Kill Yourself" is actually an upgrade from "Give it to Me" but that's not saying much. Since Timbo's too busy making beats that "sound like boom boom boom" to write 3 verses, he called up two of his weed carriers--Sebastian and Attitude.

(Head over to Spinemagazine.com for "Miscommunication," another joint from Timbaland Presents Shock Value.)

More on Timbaland:
-Timbaland Presents Shock Value
-Video: Timbaland - Give It to Me
-Shots Fired: Scott Storch - Built Like Dat (Timbaland Diss)

Labels: Beef, mp3, Shots Fired

Members of Jurassic 5, one of the better groups to have come along in years, have decided to part ways due to (you guessed it) creative differences.

Apparently, the exclusive breakup news was broken up by DJ Semtex over the weekend, even though Zaakir had already announced the split a month ago.

Update: According to J5's manager, the announcement in Australia (referenced above) was that Charlie 2 Na wouldn’t be involved in the next project and not that J5 would be splitting. The group's breakup was officially announced on BBC 1Xtra.

Despite what their manager said, Zaakir sounded bitter in that interview:

"Some might say business, some might say merchandising, whatever, there's some really stupid s***--some really childish things--happening. [But] when it comes down to it, some people here want their own shine, their own thing. If that's what you want, I say more power to you. I hope it works out for you--just don't come up with lame excuses [for J5's demise]."

Too bad they couldn't "Get It Together."

Labels: News

Talib Kweli ft. Jean Grae - Say Something
Alleged first single from Ear Drum, due out on Dec. 9, 2025. Glad to see one of my favorite femcees getting some sunshine.

"I smack Internet MCs and beat bloggers."

Labels: Audios, mp3

Related Video: Faux News Attacks Obama

I hope Erik Rush, the Double-Stuffed Oreo race-traitor (his own words) who attacked Obama on Faux News, enjoyed his own 10 seconds of fame on Hannity & Colmes because no one outside of Faux News loyalists thinks highly of him.

With all the ridiculous accusations being leveled against Obama, I find it astonishing that the same detractors fail to acknowledge the fact that America's in a changing era. Look at all the early Presidential front-runners: Rudy Giuliani (first Italian-American president?), Hilary Clinton (first woman President?) , Mitt Romney (first Mormon President?), and Barack Obama (first Black President?). They all represent the face of a changing America. So, how come Obama has caught way more flack for his race than his fellow Presidential hopefuls? I rarely hear anyone saying Clinton doesn't stand a chance because she's a woman, or that Giuliani is not white enough.

No.

Pundits are quick to make references to Hilary's pro-war vote, Giuliani's support for civil unions, Romney's support for "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military. But no one's making an argument about Obama's position (or lack thereof) on social issues.

Oh, never mind. That's not important. Who cares? He's not black enough. He's too black. That's the bottom line.

With the exception of his troop pull-out proposal, Obama has been remarkably non-committal to most issues. (A political tactic, perhaps.) Many of his supporters don't even know why they're so drawn to him. They don't know much beyond his palpable charisma and Bill Clinton-esque eloquence. Unfortunately, his detractors don't know much about him either. So they resort to bigger issues like...

*drumroll* "He's a cigarette smoker!"

*drumroll* "He's avoiding Louis Farrakhan!"

*drumroll* "He's articulate!!"

Next time conservative talking-head Erik Rush decides to rail against Obama for being a "separatist," he needs to look in the mirror and ask himself whether his own views might, in fact, polarize an already-isolated Black community.

Labels: Barack Obama, Issues

-Devin the Dude lights up. (via Complex)

-The Roots show you how to do this, son.

-XXL's Q&A with Slim Thugga.

-If you watch nothing else today, check out Confessions of a BET Producer.

-Good news for G-Unit stans. 50 Cent says he'll drop Before I Self Destruct on June 19. Which means there'll be lotsa beefing around May or so. Also, check out Kanye's interview while you're at it.

-If you're happy and you know it, say hip-hop. G-rated hip-hop DVDS for kids.

-Davey D says women are pushing a revolution of sorts in hip-hop. I say, "Who? What? Where?"

-He can't be stopped. Busta still shoots his movie.

-G.A.G.E. (whoever he is) leaves Aftermath. I wonder if Dre signs all these folks just so he can brag about having the largest roster or something. Quite amazing.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

(More clips at BGDB)

-A taste of what to expect from Devin's Waitin' to Inhale, due out yesterday.

-Congress weighs in on the DJ Drama incident.

-The Big Squeeze - starring Snoop Dogg as Niggaraci.

-Hip-hop dominates Springfest. SMH at "Def Jam Recording artist Lupe Fiasco."

-Is this the first time "Lupe Fiasco" and "drug trial" have been used in the same sentence?

-Eskay has some fresh audios from the Internet's 2 favorite rappers. Hey, I thought that title belonged to Paul Wall.

-Video: Fabolous ft Jeezy - "Diamonds"

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

As I pointed out in the Red Gone Wild: Thee Interview, it took Red over four minutes to decide on his all-star team of MCs. I ended up having to compress his answer for the sake of space and presentation. What follows is one of the most hilarious responses I've ever witnessed in an interview. Here's his full, unedited response to that one question:

Rizoh: If you could pick 5 MCs on a starter team, who would you pick?

Redman: What, 5 MCs? Haha! My boy Runt Dog from Jersey...I mean, I gotta pick rappers that's known, right?

Rizoh: Doesn't matter as long as you deem them competent enough to be on your team.

Redman: Ok, it'll be me, my boy Runt Dog, Ready Roc. [Pauses] No, it'll be me, Runt Dog, Supernatural, Erick Sermon...You know what, I ain't gon' say names y'all don't know, cause nobody knows my boy Runt Dog yet, but he's hot. It'll be me, Supernatural, uh...Erick Sermon...uh, um. Aw man, this is a good f**kin question. Damn I love f**kin good questions. Me, Supernatural, Erick Sermon

Rizoh: Ready Roc?

Redman: It'll be my n***as, but see I wanna make it interesting. If I say Ready Rock, then I gotta say Icadon, I gotta say my whole crew. I can't do that, I'm a boss.

That would be me, Supernatural, Erick Sermon, I think...Eminem, then [Pauses again]. Oh you stinking muthaf**ker you! [Laughter] Oh My God! What a good f**kin question.
[More laughter]

Rizoh: I'll let you get off the hook with four.

Redman: Me, Supernatural, Erick Sermon, Eminem, and--oh sh*t

Rizoh: Rakim?

Redman: *Whispers* No I can't say Rakim.

Rizoh: Keith--

Redman: Forget about it. KRS-One! Me, Supernatural, Erick Sermon, Eminem, and KRS-One.

Now, let me ask you this: If you had to form a team of 5 MCs for a contest, who would be on your team?

Labels: Interviews, Redman

-Police ready for Bay Area hip-hop show. Call it hyphy profiling.

-My interview with Redman is now available for your perusal.

-Hiphopruckus on why Rocawear is king over other hip-hop brands.

-Quick, let's have a poll on who'll take home the most arrests for 2007. DMX or Busta Rhymes? Oh look, Snoop's in the lead.

-Nas shrugs off Kelis' arrest, talks new album.

-Folks, "hip-hop is dead" arguments are so 2005.

-U.K. retail shop too gangsta for kids.

-Foxy Brown owes more in traffic fines than you'll make in a month.

-Your trip to Burger King just got more expensive.

-For the 2 of you that really care, Dirty Dozen is back.

-This doesn't happen too often: Joey Crack lives out his rap name.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

::Book cover for Raising Kanye by Donda West (w/ Karen Hunter)

I'm slightly taken back by the fact that 'Ye is on the cover as well. Apart from the sales his image is geared to generate as a result, it also authenticates the book. Any side-talk about Mama West ripping off his son's success is quickly shot down before it even has a chance to materialize.

This has the potential to be a good read.

Labels: Books

The real King of BK pays homage to Big Poppa. I keed! I keed!!

Now, how about this Fabolous rendition of "Big Poppa"...

Labels: Videos

Redman - Gimme One (produced by Pete Rock)
"Redman +Back in Business+ like EPMD...Promoting Red Gone Wild with no backing..."

The eagerly-awaited Red Gone Wild is due out on March 27. Save up.

(shout out to Team OnSmash)

Labels: Audios, mp3, Redman

From Mick Boogie, the mix tape maestro who brought you ...And Justus for All, comes Unbelievable: A Tribute To Biggie Smalls (Hosted by Sean ' Diddy' Combs). Enjoy.

Mick Boogie & Terry Urban - Unbelievable: A Tribute To Biggie Smalls Tracklist:
1. Diddy Intro
2. Biggie and The Clipse: Blow
3. Biggie and Ray Cash: Gimme The Loot 2007
4. Biggie, Game, and Darien Brockington: On Top (Produced by The Kickdrums)
5. Biggie and AZ: Brooklyn
6. Biggie and Grand Agent & Liv L' Raynge: Motherf*ckers
7. Biggie and Big L: Let The Games Begin
8. Biggie: Live For The Funk (Produced by Khrysis)
9. Diddy Interlude
10. Biggie and Jay-Z: Get Money (live)
11. Biggie and Kanye West: Kicks Open Doors
12. Biggie and Jadakiss: All Day Every Day
13. The Madd Rapper: Still Mad Interlude
14. Biggie and Lil Kim: Only One Thing
15. Biggie and Young Chris: Young G's 2007 (Produced by Moss)
16. Diddy Interlude
17. Biggie and Jay-Z: The Commission
18. Biggie, Black Rob and Ness: Live at the BBQ (Produced by D-Dot)
19. Biggie and 2Pac: Party and Bullsh*t (live)
20. Biggie and Lloyd Banks: Never Been
21. Biggie and Nas: It Ain't Hard
22. Diddy Interlude
23. Biggie and Ab: The East Coast Overdoser (Produced by Terry Urban)
24. Biggie and Prodigy: Escape From NY
25. Biggie and Puff: Lyricist Lounge Freestyle
26. Biggie and Lil Wayne: If You See Me (Produced by Garbs)
27. Biggie: Let It Go
28. Biggie and Mobb Deep: Last Dayz. Diddy Outro

Download: Mick Boogie + Biggie - Unbelievable

Labels: Freebie Friday, Mick Boogie, Mixtapes

Snoop yanked Akon off the single version of "Boss' Life," despite the thug-n-b star's impressive showing on the album version of the same song. Not to mention that Akon, (not Nate Dogg), co-wrote the track with Snoop and Dre. I find it strange and interesting at the same time. Akon, a certified hit-factory, adds commercial appeal. Nate, west coast's most competent hook-supplier, adds authenticity.

But who's the real boss on "Boss' Life"? Who sang it better?

• Snoop Dogg ft. Akon - Boss' Life (Album version)
  
• Snoop Dogg ft. Nate Dogg - Boss' Life (Single version)

The results are in. Nate out-Konned Akon on his own sh*t.
-Nate: 14
-Akon: 4

For the record, only other time these 2 appeared on the same album was on Obie Trice's Second Round's on Me.

Image by Ill Roots

Labels: mp3

Shame on the music industry if no one comes to the rescue for these young, ambitious, forward-thinking brothers. No one better say sh*t to me about hip-hop being dead if you''re not ready to support folks like Little Brother while it's still legal to make dope rap music.

Interview Highlights:

• 9th Wonder's exit
  
• Possible replacement
  
• Regrets?
  
• Barack Obama
  
• The Internet

Read: Interview with Phonte.

Labels: Interviews

::from "The Don't Trigger" anti-gun-crime campaign

-Pete Rock says he doesn't see himself reuniting with C.L. Smooth.

-Just Blaze and Kanye West are among the producers on Swizz Beatz' mildly anticipated LP, One Man Band Man

-Emine expands his hustle.

-Q and A with Randall Sullivan, who published a book in 2002 alleging LAPD conspiracy in Biggie's murder.

-Make like Ian and go show Black Milk some love tomorrow.

-Queen Latifah talks AIDS film with CNN. I saw Life Support last night and I must say it's one helluva depressing flick.

-Soundbomb of the Day: Nas ft. Biggie - Can't Forget About You (Mick Boogie Mix). Taken from Mick's Unbelievable mix tape due out tomorrow.

Labels: Cuban Linx, News

Devin the Dude ft. Andre 3000 & Snoop Dogg - What a Job
This song didn't have any guest features when I first heard Waiting to Inhale a couple months ago. It was fire then. It's a volcano now.

Word has it that Devin pushed back the album just to get Ice Cold on this.
Well. Worth. It.

Bonus Cuts:
Lil Girl Gone - Album version
Lil' Girl Gone - Instrumental

Labels: Audios, Devin the Dude, mp3

I had an opportunity to check out Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's "Get Your Money Right" tour stop at Texas Southern University the other day. Being the poverty-stricken journalist that I am, any and all financial advice will do. Unfortunately, I don't remember what was discussed at the summit. I was too busy looking at Free and LeToya, as you'll soon discover:

• Pictures from HSAN's "Get Your Money Right" Summit.
  
• My synopsis of the event on Vibe.com
  
• HSAN.org
  

Labels: Photos

Every now and then I'll hit you off on the latest feuds and juice from the urban grapevine. Thankfully, I now have a chance to atone for my sins by putting a positive cause like Life Support in the spotlight where it belongs:

Life Support, starring Oscar nominated actress and platinum-selling recording artist Queen Latifah, views the African-American community’s HIV crisis through the eyes of a survivor who is a mother, an ex-crack addict, and an AIDS activist named Ana Wallace.

Based on the life of his own sister and his family, Director Nelson George brings this triumphant story of courage and survival to life by using a mix of actors and real people from the HIV/AIDS community.

Ana Wallace...embarks on a dangerous but necessary journey through the mean streets of Brooklyn and as she seeks to save one life and heal another, Ana learns a poignant lesson about loving and letting go.

Support Life Support on HBO this Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

Labels: Film

-Bone Thugs rollin' with Akon and Mariah on new album.

-Bizzy Bone goes homeless and turns to God. No comments.

-Diddy will smack flames outta your ass. Sad but hilarious.

-Rocawear sold for $204 million. I don't see Dame's name anywhere in that report.

-Beanie Sigel stuck in the middle.

-Michael Jackson tickets didn't sell out. Welcome to 2007.

-Guess who's coming to reality TV-land?

-Russell Simmons: Helping poor people get rich since '84.

-New Yorkers unmoved by 'N-word' ban. Why not? A non-binding resolution my ass. Enforce it or don't bother at all.

Labels: Album Cover, Cuban Linx, News

Rhymefest drops the skinny on his forthcoming sophomore LP, El Che:

I got a call from Kanye asking me to come to L.A. and work with him and Common on their upcoming albums, Graduation and Finding Forever, respectively. After playing my new songs for Kanye, he turned to me and said one thing: "Look, Fest. Your raps are always dope. But, for you this time, the key is going to be finding the musical selection that moves people." ...

Who can give me this magic of melody? DJ Premier? Just Blaze? 9th Wonder? Well, then my telephone rang. My manager, Matt Middleton, informed me that I had an appointment to meet with Crunk Specialist Lil Jon. What do you think my first thought was? "WHAAAT?!?" And after brief reluctance, my response to Matt was "OKAAAY!!!" ....

As I entered Lil Jon's Los Angeles home, even I wondered "What the hell is getting ready to go down?" His whole entourage was cool as hell to me. They welcomed with me with open arms and even claimed to be fans of my music. When Lil Jon entered the studio, we began to discuss what it was I was looking for and what I believed I could add to his catalog. He said to me "I make music that makes people wanna fight." And I responded, "That's great. I make music that makes people wanna fight for something." At that moment, a very powerful spirit entered the room, and we both knew that EL CHE was born. (Full story)

I completely see this marriage churning some revolutionary music, given Lil Jon's track record with Bravehearts and Ice Cube.

::The Roots' tribute to NAACP Award recepient Bono.

-American Idol supports weak vocalists as long as they have better looks and personality.

-Mr. & Mrs. Jones: A new reality series starring--yes you guessed it--Nas and Kelis.

-NAACP President resigns.

-Bobby Brown bails on the radio station that bailed him last week.

-50 Cent makes health hip.

-Battle over ODB's estate continues.

-Talib Kweli's Def Poetry performance is as ill as it gets. (Spotted via Spinemagazine.com)

-Academic hip-hop? Yes, yes, y'all.

-Hip-hop intelligence: Cops shooting cops.

-Bringing TV to the web.

-Video: Lil Wayne & Juelz - Black Republican

Labels: Cuban Linx, News, Videos

I'm scheduled to interview the Funk Doc today. What do you want me to ask him?

Labels: Redman

True to fashion, Yeezy keeps it comically explosive. I've been telling folks lately: Sleep on Ye's lyrical ferocity at your own peril.

(Major props to Team OnSmash for the exclusive)

Labels: Kanye West, Videos

-Paul Wall Get Money, Stay True cover

-Jay-Z's baby mama?

-Timbaland rides with Hillary Clinton.

-Radio station frees Bobby Brown.

-Beanie Sigel talks new album, Jay, Dame, etc.

-David Banner says he has a phenomenal album. Don't they all say that?

-JustBlaze TV: Jean Nelson is Mad. There's a Hov/Saigon collabo-teaser at the beginning of the clip.

-Hip-hop is dying a slow and painful death. Haven't we been down this route before?

-Nas maps out his spring tour, which kicks off in Cleveland a month from today.

-VH1 Classic to air Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

-Like I rightly predicted, the RIAA is now going after bloggers.

Labels: Album Cover, Cuban Linx, Headlines, News

Beef videos is the new new. Hate it or love it, Boo Boo has changed the game once again.

Unfortunately, that Illa Ghee soundalike (Nox) is the only bright spot on this song.

Labels: Beef, Shots Fired, Videos

The only time the word "classic" has ever been used moderately in a rap song.



Related Post:
Kanye, Nas, Rakim, KRS-One - Classic (Audios)

Labels: Videos

This is more of a Buck the World promo song than a battle track. Boo Boo's trash-talking at the end is entertaining as always: "Talking about you got I.B.S./N***a, you got A.I.D.S."

Now, let's just wait and see if Cam'ron will take a loan from Jimmy's so he can shoot another video. I mean, Cam's video money is like Fiddy's KFC money.

Unrelated Video: Beyonce ft. Jay-Z - Upgrade U

Labels: Beef, Shots Fired, Videos

Courtesy of Dustinland.com

It takes a breath of fresh air like Black to remind us all that the midwest is running rap right now. Dilla must be proud.
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"Midwest = the sh*t, I have to say Chicago is the hotstop all there, but think about all the midwest artists just to name some of the best ones: Vakill, Common, Lupe, Royce, Black milk, Rhymefest, Kanye, could go on for a while..." - Illmatic620
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"Pure unadulterated Hip Hop. This ain't watered down at all. Just the way it sould be. Salute." - Donny F


Related Post:
Black Milk - Pressure Mix CD

Labels: Videos