Part 2....

I.A.N. Pt 2
written by 4bars

And now the conclusion of I.A.N.s…Let’s play a game of word association: ICE CUBE!...what are you thinking about? Smokey? “Don’t nobody go in the bathroom for about 35-45 mins?” I wonder how many hip hop heads even remember that Ice Cube is a pioneer of what we like to call “Gangsta Rap”. His new CD entitled “Raw Footage” is due out in mid-June and his lead single “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” featuring hip-hop giants Nas and Scarface (FACEMOOOBBB!!!) is a commentary on the constant blaming of hip-hop for inappropriate choices and actions. While I’m very critical about what is portrayed and presented in hip-hop, I also realize and will be the first to say that parents are the first line of defense for their kids and should do more to educate and prepare their children for the images and caricatures they encounter on a daily basis. With that being said, as most of you know, many of our young inner city minority youth, nor their parents, have the social capital necessary to adequately prepare them for what they face and are left to fend for themselves, but I digress.

Cube has another song that will be on the album called “It Takes a Nation”, again a commentary on hip-hop, but this time as an industry. Now I know you’re wondering, “Why the f is this cat talking bout Ice Cube, I thought this was about ignorant ass niggas?” and the two are related for this simple reason: Cube has my back. He blatantly says “Fuck Viacom, Clear Channel and Radio One…” voicing sentiments that I’d like to express to several other parties within Hip Hop. As much as old rappers many times seem to force the issue even though they’re clearly past their time of relevance, this generation of hip hoppers need a mature voice in their ear, just like our kids need mature parenting. Much of the problem of the current generation is that they were never taught any better. I.A.N.s are simply offspring of a generation that never cared enough to make sure that the up and comings were doing the right things for fear that they’re own livelihood and success would be jeopardized. Now I’m not trying to point fingers but one can’t help but place some blame on a nation of older hip hop heads and communities in general who choose to simply criticize instead of actually attempting to help show these youngsters the way. Now on the other side of that coin, the young heads need to have the maturity to heed the wise words of their elders and recognize that they have a responsibility to the up and coming youth just as the older generations do to them. And just one more finger can be pointed, as Cube did it at the end of the track (“…and streets of crack”), at “the man” but that’s a force that can’t be controlled, we gotta do what we can for our own, cause nobody else will. Sorry for getting preachy but it’s gonna take work and compromise, let me know what ya’ll think, enjoy the weekend, Bars.
Ice Cube - It Takes A Nation

Interpret...

Aight so I finally got to watch the third "Flashing Lights" video and I am even more confused. Kanye is from another world thats a given, but these ideas are so left. I'm asking for your view on these videos because the way you all broke this video down with K. Billy was amazing. (She don't believe in shooting stars)

All three videos after the link below, What you think?

peace, Wiz

Version that made it

2nd version

3rd version

Lupe goes gold...

I respect Lupe for what he did because he was told over and over even by people around him that his first album was too complex. Basically he was told that he was not going to sell any albums because everything he said went over "The Peoples" head. What did he do? Made a second album that was more complex than the first.

On the paper trail...

Changing His Tune?
written by K. Billy

I wanted to take some time to dive into a song that I have been spending a lot of time listening to over the past couple of weeks. I think we can all say with confidence that we have, at some point in our lives, been faced with some kind of adversity; a hurdle so daunting, you would even doubt your own ability to clear it. Well, T.I. has had his own issues, of the legal variety, and was kind enough to share them with us in the form of his first single (unofficial) off of the upcoming Paper Trail album.

I don’t really talk about T.I. much. In fact the last time I wrote about him, there was still snow on most people’s front porches. However, I have to give this man some ink because although I think he was incredibly stupid and inexplicably dense in getting arrested and brought up on fed charges (again), the joint I am referring to “No Matter What,” is possibly one of the more inspiring hip-hop songs I have heard in a long while.

Granted, T.I. is a man who is known to his fans as a didactic fellow. He can usually be heard preaching about why people shouldn’t follow in his footsteps (see “Doin’ My Job” and “Be Better Than Me”). Makes you wonder why he doesn’t follow his own advice. But, “No Matter What” trumps both those songs because of the raw sincerity. Listening to it, one thing becomes evident: T.I. definitely wrote this song. Now, for many of the people who are reading this post or who listen to rap at all, this may not be such a big revelation. However, it’s worth noting that Mr. Harris stopped reading from the pages after the I’m Serious album dropped. What does that mean for the listener? The emotions are still raw. When you’re reading something, a piece of prose, poetry, or otherwise, one usually vividly relives the feeling of what is written because the words are right there, in front of you. You are forced to involve yourself into them. Unlike going off the top of the head and memorizing or constructing bars, when emotions can shift and change just as quickly as Lil Wayne changes his flow.

The most jarring part of listening to this song is how vulnerable Tip sounds:
“I was born without a dime, out the gutter I climbed/Spoke my mind and didn't stutter one time/Ali said even the greatest gotta suffer sometime”

And suffer he is. You watch anyone of his interviews and he certainly SEEMS to be remorseful following a “severe lapse in judgment” to say the least. But there is something that this song offers us that his interviews can’t: a glimpse of Clifford Harris, being introspective and more importantly, revelatory, though for a man in his early thirties, many of life’s lessons seem to have fallen on deaf ears before now. However, ever the braggadocio, he makes several attempts to humble himself on this track:

"Apologies to the fans/I hope you can understand it/life can change your direction/even when you ain't plan it/All you can do it handle it/worst thing you can do is panic"

No one will ever accuse T.I. of panicking, but after this latest run in, his spirits are still high when they definitely could have been shattered and I won’t glorify his situation, but I will say that I am happy that it happened to him because he needs to take a long hard look and see what it is he’s doing. Honestly, if this song is any indication, the Paper Trail release should be interesting.

Unfortunately, despite the strong note of this track, his legal troubles will cast a shadow over what should be a much happier time for him. Regardless of how long his sentence is, or even what it is, Tip the hustler always seems to come around when things are really picking up for T.I. Hopefully, Paper Trail will lead to some better decision-making.

Disturbin' The Peace...

Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.

LUDA!

1. "What's Your Fantasy"
Even from the beginning, Luda always knew how to sex the ladies w/o pissing them off (c. The Whisper Post)


2. "Made You Look (Remix)"
Whoever said Luda isn't nice, doesn't know what they are talking about


3. "The Potion"
Jay passed on this beat, Luda made it into a Jam


4. "Mouthing Off"
Freestyles (real freestyles) are always dope!


5. "Like You'll Never See Me Again (Remix)"
Slow flow or fast, Luda is the most versatile rapper in the game.


6. "Virgo"
Just Because.


Come back every week for a new mixtape!

Kidz in the Hall - "Love Hangover" live at S.O.B's

One of my favorite joints off the album featuring Estelle. From the album release party.

Take a trip...

Gucci and Boosie Mania!
written by D.O.T.

Gucci Mane and Lil Boosie have to be the two most hated rappers on the East Coast and up North because of their simple rhymes and arrogant swagger. In a day and age when the rap game is consumed by bling and money rhymes these two rappers come off as two superb rhyme "slangers" with their unquestionable flow and catchy hooks. With debut bangers like "So Icy" and "Zoom" Gucc and Boos proved that they have what it takes to make music that if anything the people from Atlanta and Baton Rouge, can relate too.

There is a culture of music that exist down south that does not resonate 100% with the up north crowd. On the east coast we're use to pure lyrical ability but I feel like the East has forgotten that hip hop is for the hip hop community first and foremost and Gucci and Boosie embody hip hop if nothing else. They aren't the most lyrical but they provide some fun with their music during a time when everyone from the East would rather beef than make records people actually enjoy listening to.

For example Joe Budden might be one of the most talented East Coast artists and his talent will probably never be realized because of his inability to produce records that aren't consumed with lyrics slandering listeners for not being able to keep up with his lyrical precision. The bottom line is I'm not going to push the Gucci's and Boosie's of the rap game to the side simply because they are not as lyrical as I would like...especially when they continue to make mix tape after mix tape supplying my habit for something NEW to listen to every week, if not every day. Leave your critical mind at home when you listen to the artists from the south, take a trip down there or something, and maybe you'll see why they're so..."HOT"...in the south.

Sincerely Yours...

Dear Class of 1992,

What’s up? It’s JusHH again and if you’re getting this letter that means you will be 16 years old this year and officially the next generation for this lovely culture we call Hip-Hop. Where Hip-Hop goes from here will be more influenced by you than by me. Now there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with this membership. You get to determine which new rappers will enter the “hall of fame”, which albums will be considered classic and how the culture will be presented to the rest of the world.

Having said that, let me give you guys a few suggestions…

• Rappers and actual gangsters are two different people. Don’t let all the “arrests” fool you, real gangsters don’t have either the time or the ability to record remix verses, do radio drops and do photo shoots for XXL. They are selling you an “image” don’t buy into it.

• Most of your favorite rappers are broker than you are. All that money they show is advance money which they have to pay back with their album sales. And how can they do that when you download all of their albums? Again, don’t believe the hype. The only way to judge a good rapper is with his skills.

• Great records and deep lyrics aren’t mutually exclusive. You don’t have to limit yourself to just catchy hooks and nursery raps. Trust me, “Low” is not going to sound so good a few years from now. You see how much you’re currently enjoying “It’s Going Down”. Start demanding rappers to make quality music that you can still listen to 10 years from now.

• Please study your history. You should really know who Kool G Rap is. Grab an EPMD record an you’ll hear where all of your favorite producers are getting their cool loops from. Appreciate the journey that Hip-Hop has taken. There’s a ton of great music, moments and people that you can rally around.

I’m not going to chew your ear off because at the end of the day, you’re going to have to figure things out for yourself. I know a lot of people are worried about what you guys are going to do with this new level of power but it was the same for me when I got my membership card. People were tight that we weren’t saying that Rakim was the best but we ended up anointing Jay-Z, B.I.G., Pac and Nas so I don’t think we did too bad.

Sincerely Yours,

JusHH

Busta Rhymes - Tim Westwood show

Busta with the Don't Touch Me Now remix on the Tim Westwood show. Remix feat. Weezy, Esco, Game, Big Daddy Kane, Spliff Starr, and Reek Da Villian.
Good looks for the link "Doesnt Matt R"

More on The Cool Kids

K.Billy gave some info on these dudes in previous post. Heres a video with them explaining who they are and what they are about. I respect their movement.

MTV at it again...

The ridiculousness that is the “10 hottest MC’s” list
Written by 4bars

Quick bit of business: the 2 part series I.A.N. will be continued next week, but after I saw the clips that were posted of MTV’s supposed “10 Hottest MC’s of 2008”, I couldn’t let this ride. There was a lot that occurred that had me legitimately pissed off, a bit is low lighted below:

* debating T.I. or Soulja Boy on the list?
* Andre 3000 ranked below Rick Ross? Big Boi wasn’t even on the list?
* Ludacris, Bun-B, and Joe Buddens are not even on the list yet Young Jeezy is?
* Jeezy is higher on the list than Lupe Fiasco?

I could go on and on about the different ridiculous quotes from the “panelists” but the one thing that spoke volumes about the glaring flaw in this list is that “lyrics” were an afterthought in the criteria. If I’m not mistaken the word “lyrics” wasn’t even used until they were talking about Jay-Z at #3. I’m no conspiracy theorist, but I gotta call a spade a spade, follow me for a second: MTV/BET (read Viacom) is a huge part of what I think is wrong with Hip Hop, everything being about image and bling etc. It just so happens that the group of hip-hop “experts” happens to be producers and executives from MTV’s hip hop faction. Pushing an agenda are we?

Bottom line is, there was a panel of “experts” who discussed and voted on a list of the “hottest” MCs in the game and lyrics were almost seen as a bonus for comparing and rating the artists (I use the term loosely); this is foul to me and makes no sense. Hip-hop is indeed more than just lyrics but when you talk about the hottest rapper, things like swag, persona, image, and sales should be things that are discussed in case there is a tie between two rappers who have similar lyrical ability. Hip hop should be about the music, all that other stuff takes care of itself. Maybe I’m blowing this out of proportion but this really had me pretty upset as I watched these so called informed panelists talk about Rick Ross’ persona of “the boss” as something to aspire to and something “fresh” and “new”; or the way they talked about Shawty Lo and Rocko biting Young Jeezy’s style, again, like it was something of merit. I’m not gonna front like I wasn’t bobbin my head hard as a mf to “The Boss” when I first heard it or like I don’t f wit Jeezy when he’s on a track but to have these guys among the hottest rappers is ridiculous. Both Jeezy and Ross are severely lacking lyrically and honestly portray an image/persona that, to me, is false. My man gWiz alluded to it in an earlier post, we need to start questioning the authenticity of these dudes cause like Saigon “I’m feelin disrespected (if everybody hittin dimes, who got all these ugly bitches pregnant?” hahahaha).

"Her name windy, and she like to blow trees..."

Chicago-ans ‘til Chicago ends and they blow like Chicago Wind…
Written by K. Billy

In part two of my Chi-town series, I want to take the time out to highlight some of the most influential acts to come out of the Windy City. A couple you may have heard of, maybe not. Though the list is only 4 deep, these 4 are probably going to have some pretty interesting, if not great careers. Hip-hop’s future looks bright on the shoulders of these four Chicago-ans.

1. I’ll start with the Kidz in the Hall. If you’ve been reading PTM, you might have seen them mentioned a few times in some of our posts or when gWiz throws something lovely up on here for you to download. For good reason, Naledge and Double O are making quite the name for themselves and the UPenn graduates sure do know how to throw an album release party. I can tell you I personally attended their shindig at S.O.B’s in NYC last night and it was quite the show. They exude both an innocence/purity and experience that can only come from being groomed in hip-hop at an Ivy League institution. Their sophmore album: The In Crowd should do well because of it.
Notable Tracks:
Drivin’ Down the Block
Love Hangover Featuring Estelle
The In Crowd

Inner Me

2. This one is a no-brainer. Lupe Fiasco had been doing his thing on the mix tape scene since 3 or 4 years ago and his debut album, 2006’s Food And Liquor, made believers out of a lot of people. In all honesty, he may be the reason that people are really checking the Chi for good hip-hop now (sorry, Ye). His frantic wordplay, undeniable intelligence and clever metaphors make Mr. Fiasco one of the best MC’s in the game, let alone the Chi. His second album The Cool served to further raise his level of prominence and I am sure many fans are salivating as they wait for his third and possibly final, studio album – L.U.P.End – to drop.

Notable Tracks:
Switch
Put You On Game

We Just Might Be Okay
Gotta Eat
Hip-Hop Saved My Life

3. Two weeks ago, I talked about Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish, otherwise known as The Cool Kids. But, self-important titles aside, these kids are really cool. Granted, they lack the lyrical complexity of fellow Chi-town up-and-comers Kidz in the Hall, but, quite simply, the sheer dopiness of their production more than makes up for that. That’s not to say these dudes can’t put a rhyme together, either. It’s truly homage to the days of Eric B. and Rakim (not comparing them mind you) or Kool Moe Dee. Their style is very 80’s but the effect is definitely exponentially more immediate.

Notable Tracks:
Black Mags
Gold and A Pager
‘88

Gettin’ It Featuring Lil Wayne
I Rock

4. Kid Sister is another artist that Kanye seemed to help materialize out of the blue when he appeared on her smash single “Pro Nails.” Homage to around the way girls nationwide, this song truly exemplifies Melissa Young’s style. A light speed flow and seamless weaving through subject matter too can characterize her. MC Lyte she isn’t, but she employs her own quirky style, incorporating a lot of synths and high tempo house/trance-style music and it really does match her persona. You can watch her in a video or listen to her over a dope track like “Control” and really feel as if she’s authentic and that’s possibly where her draw mostly lies: her ability to be relatable without really trying. Admittedly, she may not appeal to everyone as she is way left of center, but she makes you dance, she makes you bob your head with the music and most importantly, she makes you want to have fun. In the end, isn’t that what hip-hop is all about?

Notable Tracks
Beeper
Pro Nails Featuring Kanye West

Switchboard
Control

Trying to encapsulate the whole of Chicago’s influence on the music in two posts and a 4-point list isn’t really doing it justice, but it’s definitely evident that we are seeing a major movement happening out there, independent of mainstays like Kanye West, Common and Twista. It’s a welcome shift though and I can only hope cats like the aforementioned continue to put pressure on the other regions around the country to put out seriously good rap music. Only time will tell, but, for now, I’ll hang my hat on the four acts right here.

Mixtape Wednesday...

Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.

1. "December 4th" – Jay-Z
"… and my mamma couldn't beat me hard enough to match the pain of my pop not seeing me" … Damn


2. "So Much Pain" – Ja Rule & 2Pac
Covers usually don't go over so well in Hip-Hop but Ja did a great job with this Pac classic.


3. "Live My Life" – Cam'ron
While were on our Pac ish… Cam killed this beat!

Nasir talking about the title change of his album...

Dropping Today...

II Trill is the second solo studio album by UGK member Bun B. It is the follow-up to his highly successful debut album Trill. It was mentioned that after the death of his life-long friend and companion Pimp C, due in part to an accidental overdose, he as likely to "ban the syrup talk on his new CD." The album was originally set to be released on April 29, 2008 but was pushed back to May 20. The album will feature lyrics pertaining to political and social issues, as well as a tribute track to Pimp C. (wiki.com)

1. II Trill (prod. by Clinton Sparks)
2. That’s Gangsta feat. Sean Kingston (prod. by J.R. Rotem)
3. Damn I’m Cold feat Lil Wayne (prod by Chops)
4. You’re Everything (ft. Rick Ross, David Banner, 8 Ball & MJG) (Prod. by Mr. Lee)
5. Swang on Em feat Lupe (prod by Enigma)
6. I Luv That (Produced by Scott Storch)
7. My Block (prod by Jazze Pha)
8. Get Cha Issue (Produced by Bigg Tyme & Qwest)
9. Good II Me feat. Mya (prod by Bigg Tyme, co-produced by Intl Red, & Bun B)
10. Pop It 4 Pimp feat Phatz & Webbie (prod by Mouse)
11. Underground Thang feat Chamillionaire & Pimp C (prod by Cory MO)
12. If I Die 2Nite feat. Lyfe Jennings & Young Buck (Produced by J-Rock)
13. Another Soldier feat. Mddl Fngz (prod. by DJ Khalil)
14. If It Was Up II Me feat. Junior Reid (produced by Blackout Movement)
15. Angel in the Sky (Produced by Cozmo)
16. Keep It 100 (produced by Chops)
11. My Paper (prod by Bigg Tyme)

Go Support

"Go DJ...Thats my DJ"

“Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”
written by JusHH

This song by Indeep in 1982 summed up how Hip-Hop saw its beloved DJ – as a superhero. In the beginning, it was all about the DJ. He was the rock star. He was the main attraction. People came out to parties just to see their favorite DJ rock the house. The “rapper” at that time was literally a guy who helped carry in the vinyl and used the microphone only to introduce the DJ and hype up the crowd. Almost all rap groups had a DJ as a prominent member. Run-DMC dedicated an entire song to Jam Master Jay on their first album. Erick B has four solo songs on the classic Paid In Full album where there were no words just the beat and his scratches. Today, it’s argued that it’s all about the rapper and the DJ has faded to the background. While they aren’t the worshipped deities that they once were, DJ’s are just as successful if not more now.

First of all, the technology may have gotten better (no more need to carry 20 crates of records), but you still need a human being on the 1’s and 2’s to rock a party. And with all the “club bangers” being produced, a good DJ who can hold it down is still in high demand. The best ones have become stars in their own right and are paid quite handsomely. DJ AM has a million dollar contract with the hottest club in Las Vegas; he is flown around the world to spin at all kinds of events and has plans to open up his own club in the near future. The Heavy Hitters are a band of DJ’s that get great gigs all over the country. They’re a “union” of sorts where they all look out for each other and add zeros to their bank accounts. As long as people continue to head to the clubs every weekend, a DJ will be waiting with Serato in hand.

In the late 90’s, mixtapes blew up giving DJ’s another outlet to shine. They took their craft out of the club and created their own mixes of songs using a cappellas and adding them to different beats. DJ Clue and Funkmaster Flex took it a step further by actually getting unreleased and exclusive material from rappers. They were so successful that they became two of the first DJ’s ever to get their own record deals to take their mixtapes national. Some of the biggest rap acts today got their start by a DJ on the mixtape circuit. DJ Drama took the mixtape even further with the “Gangsta Grillz” series. Drama would partner with a rapper and literally create an entire album worth of original material. Many feel that these “street albums” are better than the rapper’s major label releases. Today, you’re not hot if Drama or another top DJ doesn’t work with you to make an album. The mixtape has literally made an artist out of the DJ.

Lastly, DJ’s have simply morphed into the super producers that we hear on every hit track. Before they got behind the MPC, many of today’s producers started out on the turntables at local parties. They may not have the “DJ” in their name anymore but they serve the same purpose. They are in groups (Kids in the Hall, Big Tymers, Little Brother), their instrumentals are heard on cell phones and some are even scoring movies and television shows. Although the more “self-promoting” rapper gets most of the media attention nowadays, the DJ never went anywhere. They’ve been right in the center of things providing us with the bass lines that our Hip-Hop hearts beat to on the daily. The equipment that they are now using is more advanced but don’t get it twisted, Kanye West, Pharell, Danja and Polow the Don are all DJ’s and with the classic music that they are putting through your speakers, they probably saved your life once or twice over the past few years.

MTV’s 2008 Hottest MCs special....

Kanye named the Hottest...

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Lil Wayne: Countdown To The Carter III Episode 1

Stay in your lane...

“Ignorant Ass Niggas: Why?”
written by 4bars

TI vs Shawty lo article

Today will commence my two part segment entitled “Ignorant Ass Niggas: Why?” Exhibit A: The recent TI vs Shawty Lo “beef”. Now please take the time to read the following summary of the niggerdom above… Keep in mind that TI was recently convicted on weapons charges and worked out a deal where he would be doing things in the community and making sure kids know that violence and the streets are not the way, etc. Now while it doesn’t seem that this is a beef that T.I. necessarily “started”, he clearly could’ve said “no comment” and let the whole thing go. My issue with this whole “beef” however is towards the end of the above article where Shawty Lo claims that TI “ain’t a real street nigga, we been letting him get away with it for a long time.” He goes on to say that he’s not gonna get into a battle rap because “I’ma street nigga, I’ma trapper, I really lived it, I got 28 arrests, four convictions…”.

Now, I think you can see where I’m going here, one of my top 3 rappers of all time, Andre 3000 said it best on Big Boi’s newest track “Royal Flush” (peep that if you haven’t, fuego) where he says “its unfortunate that if you come up fortunate the streets consider you lame, I thought the name of the game was to have a better life I guess it aint, what a shame, I don’t slang never slung but I’m one with the slum…”. Why is Shawty Lo infatuated and PROUD to be a convicted felon? And he looks at T.I. “like a disappointment” because he supposedly isn’t? The more and more hip hop develops, I just really get tired of the clowns allowed to be in it, is there a way that we can just stop wackness from being put out there? I’m not gon front “Dey Know” was an infectious smash and I got hyped when those opening horns dropped, but Lo’s true colors showed on his next single “Dunn Dunn” where it was clear that what most thought of him (flash in the pan thug turned rapper) was indeed true. Can we vote this mf off the Hip Hop Island or SOMETHING! While I’m just a dude who writes on a blog every week, there are some in hip hop who are addressing this type of ridiculousness. Let me know what you think and stay tuned for the second installment next week of “Ignorant Ass Niggas: Why?”.

Glow In The Dark (Video)

"I'm coming home again..."

“And You Say Chi-City, Pt. 1: My Name is Windy and I like to Blow Trees…”
Written by K. Billy

As I wrote my post about the Chicago-based duo The Cool Kids last week, a very relevant question came through my mind: Why are there so many dope acts coming out of the Chi suddenly? In regarding this question, I sought to first understand what Chicago actually meant to the hip hop game as it stands now.

Let me start by saying that hip-hop music didn’t really get going in the Chi at the same time as it did over here on the East Coast. It makes sense, although breaking crews were putting it down out there, the music never really took off. Nick Salsa brought the east coast breaker’s attitude with him when he moved from N.Y. to Chicago in the 1970’s. He’s still known as the pioneer of the art up there after his crew, C.T.A., was formed.

The music scene didn’t take off until 1980, a year after “Rapper’s Delight” hit the airwaves. Casper released his first single “Groovy Ghost Show” at this time and it is still widely regarded as the Chi’s first hit single. It’s also rumored that this is the same man who brought us the “classic” “Cha-Cha Slide”

Fast forward about 11 years and we come to probably the most significant moment in Chicago hip hop history. A young, up-and-coming rapper named Common Sense got some shine in the national spotlight after he was featured in the Source’s Unsigned Hype section in 1991. Shortly thereafter, Twista – then known as Tung Twista – became the first Chicago act signed to a major label following the release of his album “Running Off at the Mouth.”

As 1993 dawned on us, we were treated to the first album from Common Sense, entitled “Can I Borrow A Dollar.” The album would prove to be instrumental in introducing the Jazzy, sample-heavy and more melodic hip-hop tracks that we are so familiar with today. The tracks “Breaker 1/9,” “Soul by the Pound,” and “Take it EZ” still remain as one of Common’s most critically acclaimed singles.

Twista would re-emerge on Do or Die’s hit single “Po Pimp” (who doesn’t remember “do ya wanna ride/in the backseat of a caddy/choppin’ it up with Do or Die?”) and Common would drop “I Used to Love H.E.R.” in 1994. Shortly thereafter, Da Brat would follow Jermaine Dupri into the national spotlight with her hit single “Funkdafied.”

The early days of Chicago hip-hop were littered with cues from several different sources. The funk and easy attitudes of the West Coast effectively merged with the more party ready, upbeat style of the East Coast while infusing it’s own rapid-fire, sing-songy styles into it. In a way, the Chi-town movement signified the growth of hip-hop as a genre and its impending evolution. Acts like Twista, Common, Do or Die, Crucial Conflict and Da Brat borrowed heavily from both east coast and west coast influences and it wouldn’t be until almost 10 years later that we would see the Chi emerge as its very own hotbed of musical authority.
Stay Tuned for part 2 next week….

Twista: “From the Tip of My Tongue” Runnin’ Off At Da Mouth

Common Sense: “Take It E.Z.” Can I Borrow A Dollar?

Da Brat: “Funkdafied” Funkdafied

Crucial Conflict: “Hay” The Final Tic

lollipop remix bahby...

Lil Wayne ft. Kanye West - Lollipop remix

Concert? nah more like a movie/art show/musical

I had to opportunity to be in the building last night at MSG. Best concert I have ever seen. No exaggeration.
WIZ



I will post some video and pics later tonight

Make em say ughh...

Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.



1. "Here I Go" – Mystikal
Remember when there was really no limit? Haha


2. "Shiftee" – Onyx
Back in the good ol' days when guns in videos were cool and Fredro wasn't making a fool of himself on Dance 360.


3. "Dreams" – The Notorious B.I.G.
I had a crush on you since Real Love.


4. "Busa Rhyme" – Missy Elliot ft. Eminem
Eminem goes IN on this song. Missy definitely gave Slim Shady the green light as Em spit like 4 verses!


5. "Tonight's the Night" – Kriss Kross
Just Because.


Come back every week for a new mixtape!

Fox Boogie...

Remember When

Remember when you heard her on "I Shot Ya" or "The Nutty Professor" Soundtrack on "Touch Me, Tease Me". What about the other song when Jay starts off killing "I keep it fresher than the next bitch, no need..for you to ever sweat the next bitch" and then this girl just comes out of no where with "What up boo just keep me laced in the illa snakes bank rolls and shit, back rubs in the french tubs makin this bitch, wifee ni*$#" What happened to this Foxy Brown?

This chick got more cases than a little bit. Beating up maids, throwing blackberry's, acting crazy even while she locked up. Come on shawtyyy chill out, with that said she got an album dropping today. Can she get it together? Who knows...I honestly don't really care but im being fare right now. You be judge.

Foxy Brown - Brooklyn’s Don Diva

By request

DMX Canibus & Noreaga (Full Freestyle)

UPDATE*** Mp3 link Canibus, DMX, Noreaga - Funk Flex Freestyle

Diggin' in the crates...

Knocking the Dust Off
written by JusHH

Since the MP3 burst onto the scene, I found myself listening to music more on my Winamp playlist, I often forget what CD’s that I have. So I decided to break out my CD collection and see what I’ve got. I obviously skipped those obvious albums that everyone has (Ready To Die, Reasonable Doubt, The Chronic, etc.) and really “dug in the crates”. Here’s the highlights…

TEN albums that I haven’t heard in years:

* AZ – Doe or Die
* Ludacris – Word of Mouf
* Xzibit – Restless
* Heltah Skeltah – Magnum Force
* Dead Prez – Let’s Get Free
* Funkmaster Flex/ Big Kap – The Tunnel
* Outkast – Stankonia
* Puff Daddy – No Way Out
* 2Pac – R U Still Down? (Remember Me)
* Fat Joe – Don Cartagena



NINE albums that I use to, and I quote, “get the drawers dawg!!!”:

* Maxwell – Embrya
* Chico Debarge – Long Time No See
* John Ledgend – Get Lifted
* Boyz II Men – II
* Jon B – Cool Relax
* Alicia Keys – As I Am
* Maxwell – Urban Hang Suite
* Donell Jones – Where I Wanna Be
* Brian McKnight – Anytime



BONUS: I even found some tapes, yes tapes, that I used to rock out to:

* Das Efx – Straight Up Sewaside
* A+ - Hempstead High
* Bell Biv Devoe – WBBD Bootcity! The Remix Album
* Ahmad – Ahmad (yes the guy who did “Back in the Day”, terrible album)


When I need that pure s**t, I can put on these EIGHT joints:

* Big Punisher – Capital Punishment
* Joell Ortiz – The Brick (The Bodega Chronicles)
* Big L – The Big Picture
* Canibus – Can-I-Bus
* Raekwon – Only Built 4 Cuban Linx
* Redman – Muddy Waters
* Smoothe Da Hustler – Once Upon a Time in America
* Cassidy – I’m A Hustler



SEVEN classics that people don’t talk about:

* Beanie Sigel – The Truth
* Bone Thugs N Harmony – E. 1999
* Ghostface Killah – Supreme Clientele
* Blackstar – Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Blackstar
* Little Brother – The Minstrel Show
* Onyx – All We Got Iz Us
* The Roots – Illadelph Halflife



If I had to pick SIX under the radar albums to recommend, this would be the list:

* Kurupt – Streets Iz A Mutha
* Scarface – The Last of a Dying Breed
* Def Squad – El Nino
* Capone-N-Noreaga – The Reunion
* Killarmy – Dirty Weaponry
* Terror Squad – The Album



BONUS: So what I bought these joints, I like ‘em and I ain’t gonna apologize for it

* Nelly – Nellyville
* Sisqo – Unleash The Dragon
* Camp Lo – Uptown Saturday Night



FIVE albums inspired by a movie:

* The Best Man Soundtrack
* The Nutty Professor 2 Soundtrack
* Streets Is Watching
* Life Soundtrack
* DJ Clue Presents… Backstage



The FOUR albums that make me grab my guitar and rock out!:

* Korn – Follow The Leader
* Kid Rock – Devil Without a Cause
* Limp Bizkit – Significant Other
* Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory



These THREE are truly timeless:

* Rakim – Paid In Full
* A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Mauraders
* Slick Rick – The Great Adventures of Slick Rick



TWO Albums I forgot I even had:

* Michael Jackson – Invincible
* Fatal – In the Line of Fire



BONUS: Here’s a few that used to be in the collection but I sold back to the store (lol)

* LL Cool J – G.O.A.T.
* Boot Camp Click – For the People
* Busta Rhymes – Anarchy



If I had a fire, this is the ONE album that I’ll save above all the others:

* Nas – IllMatic

Gnarls Barkley - Going On

This my joint right here lol...

On the edge...

The Boonies
written by 4bars

So I don’t know how many of ya’ll watch The Boondocks but if you’re black, I hope all of you do. And I only say the last part because I do not show ANY of my white friends the Boondocks for fear of the “Chappelle Effect”: when non-blacks watch something starring or pertaining to black culture and find it humorous without realizing why it is actually funny. That’s a whole different post but I’m gonna keep this one moving. The show is an incredibly funny and original satire touching on any and every issue you can think of regarding black people. From Hurricane Katrina, to Usher stealin people’s wife, to gay rappers, the show is simply genius. Episodes are not preachy yet present several sides of all issues; yet there are two episodes that are the most telling when it comes to creator Aaron McGruder’s personal feelings.

BET has been a constant target for McGruder, as he has made it known that he disagrees with everything that the network stands for. From its programming, which he calls “booty shakin music videos”, to its blatant disregard for the well being of its viewers, McGruder usually uses subtle references and caricatures to poke fun at what he probably refers to as “The Evil Empire”. But the above 2 episodes mercilessly mock and criticize BET CEO Debra Lee and her staff from the opening scene and were thus banned from airing in season 2. We talk a lot about rappers and the record companies taking responsibility for the images and messages that are sent out through the corporately dominant force that is Hip-Hop, but without BET and MTV (who are both owned by Viacom after being sold by Bob Johnson, another beef McGruder has) splattering these images across the screen as often as possible, there really wouldn’t be a visual outlet. McGruder’s take on BET, like his comic, is both hilarious and thought provoking, but my question is this: We place blame in a lot of places, is BET another viable candidate? Or is McGruder doin too much by clownin BET like this?

The Boondocks Episode 14

The Boondocks Episode 15

Cool Kids...

Too Cool for School
written by K.T.

In our constant search of new and impressive music from current hip-hop artists, we sometimes forget about all the unsigned and more refreshing talent that’s out there. That said, a few weeks ago, my homegirl did me the pleasure of introducing me to a hip-hop duo out of what seems to be the new Mecca of the genre. Hailing from Chicago and Detroit, The Cool Kids are made up of Antoine “Mikey Rocks” Reed and Evan “Chuck Inglish” Ingersoll and their sound is very reminiscent of mid-to-late 80’s hip-hop. Ingersoll is the primary tracklayer of the two and his beats are sparse in comparison to the wild, complex sounds of mainstream hip-hop. Check the joints “Black Mags” and “Gold and a Pager” To date, the duo has released five EP’s and their heavily anticipated (at least by me) album The Bake Sale hits stores May 20th under their C.A.K.E. Recordings label and distributed by independent outfit Chocolate Recordings.

To be sure, their songs do not have the tenacity of a Lil Wayne or the maturity and depth of a Jay-Z or Kanye, but if hip-hop is really going to advance as a musical genre, it’s groups like The Cool Kids (who are only teens by the way) who are going to move it forward. Their most well known song: “Black Mags” are all about those tiny BMX freestyle bikes and it makes you wonder about the scene out in the Midwest, where skate and bike culture have a pretty strong influence on the hip-hop culture there.

What makes me happiest about these two is the original sound. It invokes the Neptunes when you hear some of Ingersoll’s tracks, but they are so out there and eccentric at times, you almost can’t help but try to follow along. Their lyrical style, while still needing polish, is very good as it is. They don’t take themselves too seriously and the metaphors and wordplay is evident. These kids are definitely cool in their own right and here’s to hoping they continue to pump their sound through the streets.

P.S. – I think it’s time we give the Chi some real love. The talent coming out of there is serious right now. Look out next week for part one of the series: “…And You Say Chi City”

The website: www.coolkids.com
The videos: “Black Mags”

The tracks:

"It was a clear black night, a clear white moon..."

Nyquil Mixtape of the Week – (noun) A group of five (5) songs that you are currently sleeping on. Either you've never heard them or forgot how much you really love them. Regardless, you need to brush the dust off your CD rack and play them or add them to your collection.


1. "Regulate" – Warren G & Nate Dogg
The blueprint for the Rapper/ Singer Thug records


2. "Watch out Now" – The Beatnuts
Pun and Joe get all the credit for Latinos in Hip-Hop but these dudes from Corona made noise too.


3. "Rockafella" – Redman
Funk Doctor Spock before he met the Ticalion Stallion


4. "Benz or a Beemer" – Outkast
They've been super platinum so more that you forget these guys used to be gritty as hell. (New Jersey Drive was a terrible movie by the way)


5. "Masta IC (Remix)" – Mic Geronimo ft. Lost Boyz
Very underappreciated debut album, led him to wear a shiny suit for his next one… and you can see what that did to his career.


Come back every week for a new mixtape!

Check the ingredients...

The Image
written by gWiz

What's in the image? What are these big labels looking for? They want the dude with the story that has been shot before. If you served time in prison they want you. If you are a former gang member they want you, but even if you have not been through any of the above they still may want you. We often here about a rapper being exposed, somebody from the hood they claim on their records, letting us know this dude isn't real. The labels know that it is always more interesting to have somebody with an extreme story to put out there. All of 50's promotion for "Get Rich Or Die Trying" was based off him being shot 9 times. That was the story you heard all over the TV, radio, internet, etc. I was just sitting down thinking the other day and this crossed my mind. I thought about this whole Lil Wayne situation. Now when we see Weezy in his interviews, on the BET awards, or in videos what does he have? Yea his cup of sizzurp.

His cup of lean (prescription cough syrup, if you don't know you can go google it) Now here comes the image, we all eat it up. I know I did at first, you see Wayne stumbling on the stage. You hear his voice when he talks, his speech is slurred. I have to ask though, how do you know this dude is really drinking "the syrup"? All we know those cups can just have some fruit punch in them or some water and hes acting. It adds to his image. Wayne is smarter than that, dude is in college at the University of Houston. Sippin that before, during, and after class? nah i dont think so. Majority of these labels are owned by white people in suits. Would they take him serious if he walked in the meeting stumbling with his cup like "shorty say im just like a lolli lolli lolli pop"? nah! im pretty sure he walks in there pretty sober. All im saying don't eat everything up so quick, we are so gullible at times and don't even know we are. Think about it.

VS.

Exception to the Rule
written by JusHH

I’m going to put it out there. I don’t like Fight Klub, Smack or any of these other “new aged” battles. Watching three long, drawn out rounds of rappers babbling on for 90 seconds with no apparent focus isn’t my idea of entertaining. The biggest problem is that they took out the fundamental element of a good battle, freestyling. Battles used to be a contest about wit and creativity. Rappers would have to diss people’s clothes, their looks and most of all, used their opponent’s rhymes against them. If you came in with pre-written rhymes, you would get booed off the stage. Today, with everyone having 5 minutes of raps already prepared, they’ll rap to the script regardless of who’s their opponent or what’s going on. So we get a bunch of random threats of violence and how your main chick “will do certain oral things to me” raps. Save for hilarious moments like the “snuff heard round the world” after Nyckz spat “Oh you mad cuz I’m stylin’ on you”, these battles are boring.

Having said all of that, there are a handful battles where this new style actually works. When each rapper knows who they are battling and they take the time to write creative rhymes about him. You get a “live in concert” version of diss records. Now I’m not converting over to the dark side, you can give me my freestyle battles any day of the week but I’ll stop and pay attention if any two emcees can do it as well as Iron Solomon and Math did it.

Peep the best “new” battle ever. Iron Solomon vs. Math (Round 1)

Fresh Talent..

Ryan Leslie - Bad Ass Mofo written by 4bars

Aight, so thanks to my MAIN MAN KT, criticizing Hov for his lack of compassion and relevance was already covered this week J, but I found something quite inspiring via You Tube, shouts out to my boy JGarrett for putting me on. I’m sure many of you have heard of Ryan Leslie, or at least heard his pretty infectious “Diamond Girl” single on the radio as of late. But I’m pretty sure very few knew this dude scored a 1600 on his SATs and was admitted to Harvard undergrad….at age 15.

He graduated with a double major in government and economics at 19 and honestly is a pretty impressive cat to me cause now he’s making beats, hits, and writing songs (in a f’n suit and shades, hahaha). His career has been one of relative struggle considering his talent (his first album flopped, heavy). But what I thought was really cool was the clip from when he was a teenager in Cali (peep the clip from 1994). Dude still hasn’t really grown into his face or body which was prolly why he could focus on his studies in hs and college (haha) and frankly reminds me of Farnsworth Bentley…with talent. But peep the rest of his You Tube clips, pure talent.

Ryan Leslie Makes "Addiction"

Ryan Leslie in 1994 [ KXTV ]

Voice of the young people?

Reasonable Doubts
written by Kyle Turner

I know that my posts of late have drifted from the original vein of analyzing an artist’s songs and lyrics to try to find the deeper meaning within the words to a more analytical stance in interpreting hip-hop’s greater affect on the culture of which we claim to be apart. So, in light of the recent verdict in the case of the People v. Sean Bell, I choose to take this time to encroach upon the relative, selective neutrality that so many our very visible hip-hop artists choose to employ in situations like this.

I had the very distinct pleasure of having a discussion about this very topic with two of my closest and most intelligent associates over the past week. I’m not sure how many of you had the moderate “pleasure” of hearing Jay-Z’s diss track towards Washington Wizards guard Deshawn Stevenson; it was this frivolous use of lyrical talent that sparked the initial discussion. “Why,” my friend asked, “does Jay feel it necessary to make a song addressing such a meaningless topic?” I am paraphrasing, to be sure, but it was an interesting question. Why address the feud between two dueling millionaires and not a more pertinent issue?

No, Jay-Z, or any rapper for that matter, is obligated to address every current event that happens to grace the front page of the Post or the Times. As my other friend stated, “this particular issue didn’t inspire him.” Fair enough, people feel passionate about certain things and dispassionate about others. But from a man who claims to be “young vito/voice of the young people/mouthpiece for hustlers/ventriloquist for doublers…” he seems quite silent about this.

Is it my place to decide what any artist should and should not be writing – or not writing in Jay’s case – about? Absolutely not. These are grown men we are talking about and they are responsible for everything they do and don’t do. Still, I personally find it peculiar that a man who would take the time to include a song about hurricane Katrina (“Minority Report”) on Kingdom Come and criticize Al Sharpton (on “Say Hello” from American Gangster) wouldn’t find a moment to at least say a word or two about this. My friend told me that he isn’t a political figure and therefore, shouldn’t be expected to wax extensively on a topic like this. However, I would argue the contrary. Shouldn’t a non-politico be free from the reins of constituent alienation? Artists like him are in unique positions in that they command the ear of the general public and more so a group that often isn’t privy to the goings on of a system that tends not to favor them while also possessing nearly immeasurable wealth; certainly enough to shield them somewhat from any legal backlash.

Though my post may focus on Jay, I implore you, the reader to look deeper than the who’s and the what’s. Whether we want to admit this or not, many of the artists we listen to on the daily are seen by the greater public as representatives. It’s an unfair and even a foolhardy association due to the assumption that hip-hop culture and black culture are synonymous. Put simply they are not, however, we must acknowledge the influence that artists like Jay-Z, Diddy, Kanye West and Lil Wayne have. Though I won’t be presumptuous enough to assume they won’t eventually share their thoughts on the acquittal of Detectives Oliver, Isnora and Cooper, I will be bold enough to hope that they will. Jay is right, Sharpton doesn’t speak for all of us; I just hope that our artists are strong enough to do the speaking for themselves. I don’t want to keep asking if anybody makes real shit anymore.