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Note: I created this blog as a way to open up a dialogue with others (you the reader). If you don't leave your fucking comments, then it's not a dialogue. I say all this to say, leave your comments in the comment box to the right or under the posts. It is much appreciated readers. -Management-

Friday, June 15, 2007

Jay-z & 50 on Top 100 Forbes List for Celebs






Ok we know that Jay-Z and 50 are rich as hell but I get tired of retards telling me shit like Jay-Z owns the NBA or 50 made 100 billion dollars b/c he owns Vitamin Water. Neither of the above are true; Jay owns a stake in the New Jersey Nets and 50 owns a small stake in Vitamin Water. I don't know the exact percentages as I'm not either artist's accountant nor do I have the time to fact check for a site that's as unimportant as this one.

Here's something I come to notice that is sad but true, people usually take hearsay as facts because people in general usually use about as much common sense as a peanut and are so damn lazy that they'd rather rely on someone else's word then verify if something is true or not. But, I don't think I see that changing anytime soon. So, as a responsible human being and person who's willing to lead those who have gone astray (call me a Moses of sorts) I'm going to provide links to the Forbes pages that talk about exactly how rich Jay and Fifty are. Well, it'll give you a jist which is alot better than taking Joe Schmoe for his word.

Jay-Z on Forbes Top 100 Celeb List

50 Cent on Forbes Top 100 Celeb List

Shout out to Nah Right for putting me onto the list as I don't randomly peruse the Forbes site.

New Clifford Harris-You Know What It Is

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Fabolous From Nothin to Somethin Review



F-a-b-o-l-o-u-s. Around September 2001, the recitation of those letters were ubiquitous on television (TRL and 106 & Park) and radio (whatever radio station you listen to). Before he received pop culture notoriety for the ABC name game, it was Fabolous’ one-liners/punchlines that kept the streets buzzing. The mixtapes showed his potential, but the albums…not so much. Fab struggled his whole career keeping street credibility with his core fan base (i.e. tracks like “Keepin’ It Gangsta”) while maintaining mainstream accessibility and consumption with the kiddies (i.e. tracks like “Trade It All”). Four studio albums deep, hopefully Fab has perfected the formula on From Nothin’ to Somethin’

“From Nothin’ to Somethin (Intro)”
I’ve never seen such a blatant rip-off of a region/artist. The beat instantly conjures up thoughts of contemporary Southern production; guitars, horns and adlibs too. While the cadence Fab uses resembles that of a Clifford Harris (T.I.) verse. Also, Fab dumbs down the verse heavily failing to spit any of the one-liners he’s known for. It’s apparent on this intro that Fab or Def Jam (Fab’s label) got the memo; anything Southern = $$$. What was I thinking expecting good lyrics from a proven lyricist?

“Yep I’m Back”
The lyrics pick up a bit on this track but, not by much. Producer, Freebass, does his best impersonation of Shawty Redd of Thug Motivation/Young Jeezy fame with another “Southern” beat. Cadence-wise and lyrically this track sounds a bit more like the Fab fans are used to, yet he still manages to produce more swag than actual lyrical content; a rap game norm nowadays.

“Change Up”
Fab recruits the strangely popular, but infectious, hit-making, synthesized voice go-to-guy, Akon on this track. Fab rhymes about how he’ll never change up because of his dough and how friends from the block change coat when the greenbacks pile up. Fab finally begins to show shades of his former self with punchlines like “them other niggas be full of themselves/get money and disappear/try to pull a Chappell.”

“Make Me Better”
Timbo’s on the board which makes a big, big difference as far as the quality of the track. This bass heavy club joint has summer banger written all over it. Add in the fact that Neyo is on the hook and you got what should have been Fab’s lead-off single. What’s up with the blatant Kanye b-b-b-b-b-bite? I can’t front though the shit is hot. The vocal performance by Neyo and verses by Fab won’t disappoint.

“Baby Don’t Go”
On what appears to be another track for the TRL and 106 & Park demographic, Fab pairs up with synthesized voice go-to-guy Jr., T-Pain while Jermaine Dupri handles the production duties. Fab’s flow is a bit more polished (more fluid with more witty one-liners) on this track although the subject content is cupcakin’.

“Return of the Hustle”
Just Blaze handles the track, which is usually a good thing, but this beat does too much for this effort. Meanwhile, Fab struggles to match the grandiose beat with weak lines like “shorty work it, she be on here ass hustle/she make it clap, she be on her ass hustle.”

“Gangsta Don’t Play”
Let the Junior Reid revival continue…Although, I know this track contains no creative merit at all and is on this LP because “One Blood” by the Game and the “This Is Why I’m Hot (Remix)” by M.I.M.S. both had significant commercial success, it’s still one of my favorite tracks on this album. You can’t lose with Junior on the hook.

“Real Playa Like”
This is what Lloyd’s “Get It Shorty” would sound like if it was converted into a rap song; not to mention Lloyd’s featured on the track. Polow Da Don does the beat—which is kind of sick. Although it comes off as an obvious attempt at reaching the pop charts it turns out being an enjoyable track. In it, Fab rhymes about taking a shorty to numerous vacation spots around the country and world.

“First Time”
Wow. Note: Fab rip up your street cred card. On this track Fabolous reminisces about his first time, how sweet. Sometimes sexy, sometimes space alien look alike, Rihanna, is featured on this track which will be another shot at the TRL demo. This track would be more at home on a Lil Romeo/younger Bow Wow album.

“Diamonds”
This is kind of ironic. On Street Talk, Fab was the established artist giving Young Jeezy the shot. Now it seems like Fab collabs with Jeezy to accrue some buzz for his album. “Diamonds” was the initial lead single but because of the lack of response it was receiving on the street, I don’t think the label put much push behind this track. That should be an indication that the track was wack. If you want more details, throw around a couple of adlibs and some lame similes in reference to jewelry and you have this track.

“Brooklyn”
I actually was excited when I saw Jay-Z and Uncle Murda (I never heard dude before and I hear he’s amassing a following in NY barring the eye jammy he supposedly caught) were featured on this ode to BK, but it actually turned out to be pretty wack. Jay’s verse was ehhh…and Uncle Murda sounds like what my Olde English drinking uncle would sound like if he rhymed.

“I’m the Man”
This track isn’t about much as can be assumed by the title. Red CafĂ©, who I actually wanted to hear rhyme, only assists on the hook while Fab enumerates the many reasons why he’s the man. I don’t know if it’s lack of effort or if Fab just ran out of rhymes but lines like “young Denzel, I’m the inside man/they open they legs and let me inside, man” have me wondering what happened to the kid who used to wreck DJ Clue mixtapes.


“Jokes On You”
When are cats going to figure out how nice Don Cannon—the producer of this track—is? Although he’s very reliant on sampling, his beats are crack (reference “Cannon” from Da Dedication 2 mixtape. Just when I gave up on Fab, he puts together two solid verses along with a good stanza from Pusha T of the Clipse as the two trade one liners about how other emcees are a joke. Yes, it’s another collaboration.

“What Should I Do”
Fab brings back old friend Lil Mo just in time—the second to last track—to lace the hook. This track has the most substance on the album and is probably the only track on this album that has some artistic merit as Fab rhymes about various fans of his that write to him relating their desperate situations; a soldier at war and a kid coping with a parent divorce.

“This is Family”
I guess this is the Desert Storm crew cut. I miss crew cuts from the 90s and earlier. This particular crew track wasn’t that good though as it is full of no namers that aren’t that good. Budden and Fabolous’ verses were the only ones I was checking for. Both delivered decent verses.

From Nothin To Somethin is what’s wrong with rap right now. Fabolous is a dope emcee, but instead of relying on his lyrics (something he had to do when he was a no one), he relied on clearly formulaic collaborations that will assuredly make him the dust/get him sales. He snatched up every pop artist that has a hit in the last six months (Rihanna, Lloyd, T-Pain, Akon, Neyo, Junior Reid, Young Jeezy) and the producers who made big hits in the last six months (Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Polow Da Don etc.). He even dumbed down his lyrics to make it easily digestible for a younger audience. This album is an obvious attempt to get on the billboards, get some spins on one of those alternative radio stations that play rock and rap and get requested on 106 & Park or TRL. But, for those who actually like Hip Hop or good rap for that matter this ain’t it. Fab shows potential but with four studio albums already, it’s way too late for that and he should be hitting this stride at this point in his career. I hate to be that guy but this is a shameful display of New York rap and a big disappointment from someone cats really thought had potential.

Final Verdict: Sucks Balls

Freeway/Jigga Man-Big Spender MP3




Two of the most odd looking people in the rap industry collab to make a lackluster remake that sounds like it should have came out years ago. The Roc has crumbled. Check it Out. Leave ya comments. Peace

Shout out to Nah Right and On Smash

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Whoa...pt. 2

You Know What Really Grinds My Gears vol. 2




Just a few things people need to fall back on...

1. The "I Really Think Hip Hop is Dead" Assertion

Nas' album title accomplished exactly what he set out to do. 1) To make a bold statement about the current state of Rap/Hip Hop 2) to open up dialogue amongst the fans and 3) to cause a shiteload of controversy, which in turn equates to album sells/$$$. Good job Nas. Is Hip Hop really dead though??? Hell no and Nas knows that. If he honestly believed that Hip Hop is dead, that would mean he's totally shittin on cats who are living and breathing Hip Hop i.e. real DJs (strictly wax), graff artists, b-boys, real emcees. And that's not Nas' steelo, he respects the art but about 1 to 2 million people didn't get the memo. Nas don't really think Hip Hop is dead. Nas saying Hip Hop is Dead would be him admitting he's not Hip Hop. So, lets dead all that Hip Hop is dead talk...Saying Hip Hop is dead would be like saying Condoleeza Rice could get it and that's a no no on any block (vomits a bit). Hip Hop is where it's always been, dwelling beneath the surface aka the underground, you just have to look. If you want to hear some real Hip Hop turn off your fucking radio/tv get your lazy ass on the internet and download (I mean buy)some MF Doom/Madlib, some Pharoah, Kidz in the Hall, Blue Scholars, Marco Polo, Talib or whatever suits your taste.

2. The "I'm Tired of the Radio/BET playlist" Spiel

And Last time I checked, the radio/106 & Park wasn't for the avid Hip Hop fan. It's for 13/14/15 yr olds who are just learning how to use their genitals which is why every song you hear alludes to genitalia related actions "Lip Gloss" & "Pop Lock and Drop It" "Get Me Bodied". Why do kids like the music, they do??? Who the hell knows. Kids have always been idiots througout time especially around puberty. But most Hip Hop records are a little bit too dense for an early teenager to comprehend. So let's stop complainin about what they play on the radio. There's an easy solution for riddin yourself of the feco matter they play on the radio, turn that shit off.

Another blogger made reference to the radio feedin kids BS which is true but radio doesn't turn kids into criminals, poverty does among other things and radio doesn't turn girls into sluts, sluts are just born that way. (naw jk). But society as a whole is crumbling, morally. Rap and R&B is only a very very very small piece of the problem. The music only chronicles where the people are. Society as a whole's paradigm has switched from long term benefits to to instant gratification. Another blog, another time.

3. The Stack Bundles Memorials

I don't have a problem with people sending condolences or mentioning a fond memory of dude with a RIP attached. That's paying someone their due diligence when they pass but let's not make it the trend du jour which is what it's become in the blogosphere. Show some respect you fucks. Cats will write a blog ethering a song/artist and throw in oh yea, R.I.P. Stack Bundles. I don't know Stack Bundles, I'm not familiar with many of his tracks and point blank, I don't know shit about dude but I'm not writing blogs about Stack and how much I missed dude either. If you're going to write about dude, at least mention a track he's done that you were feeling, a verse you heard you thought was dope, an interaction with him i.e. Stack owed my $5 or something about duke. The guy deserves that much respect.

4. There is No Number 4

Well okay, I can throw some random tidbits together. A black dude, Lewis Hamilton, won a F-1 (formula one race) for the first time ever. I know no one gives two shits about racing but that shit is important. Paris Hilton ain't shit and I hope some big butch girl named Bruhilda puts her sweet candy ass in the jail commerce. And I'm starting a campaign. Start Snitchin'. Do I like cops, hell no. But do I like safe neighborhoods where I don't have to worry about getting swiss cheesed up hell yea. If that makes me a pussy, then so be it. I'm not trying to be the next Big, Pac, Big L, Stack B, or whoever.

PS What's up with random rappers catching eye jammies. It's the new etherization word to Fab, Uncle Murda, Cam and Jimmy and whoever else caught a Deebo.

PSPS When did Saigon get popular???

Whoa...

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

FatLip-Documentary Pt 10 Oh Shit Dating A Transvestite

Not a good look bruh.

ALife Sessions Pt. Deux

The ALife Sessions: John Mayer + Jus Blaze



Niiiice.

M.I.A. "Boyz"

Bright colors, green screen and enough dancehall dances to make an awkward lanky guy like myself feel extra American except when I'm drunk. Then I can do anything. Anyways the shit looks cool as hell in that trendy sort of 80s way.

Shout out to Fader where I first saw the video.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Okay I Know Stack Bundles Is Dead But History Was Made Over the Weekend




If you're into rap, and some of the readers of this blog are not, you've probably heard that Stack Bundles of Dipset fame was violently murdered in front of his home this morning. So I'll say my piece on Stack. I don't know what his voice sounds like. I couldn't name a track he was on and I don't think he ever released an album (besides myriad shithole Dipset mixtapes). But I'll say this b/c I'm a respectful dude, R.I.P. Stack Bundles and I send my condolences to his family. No one deserves to have their life taken from them early and judging from the news coverage this story has gotten, he's affected many people's lives.

But this weekend something of greater meaning took place for the black community...






This weekend Lewis Hamilton (a Brit) became the first black person to win a Formula One race. Now, I hate to say this but we all know the following as true: 1) No one gives two shits about racing and 2) aside from videogames who knows what the hell F-1 racing (here's an illustration to clear up the confusion)




but I still think that said event is particularly important. First, Hamilton was the first black racer to ever race in F-1 competition which is a big accomplishment (that went relatively unrecognized by the black community and press) in itself but then shortly after that this guy wins a race--not only wins the race, but teabags the competition. ESPN said he dominated throughout the whole race. He even managed to avoid what was an especially dicey day in racing (multiple car accidents/collisions occurred). As of right now, Hamilton is number one in the overall F-1 point total standings and if dude wins the whole deal...Well that'd be a pretty big deal and also another unprecedented accomplishment. Perhaps, it's not getting the coverage it deserves because it's racing and racing licks balls to watch but whenever someone does something that is unprecedented it deserves some sort of press especially when it's something of this caliber. Good job Lewis Hamilton. You get props in my book not that that holds any sway in the real world.