Who is...

Theophilus London

Download "This Charming Mixtape" Here


Theophilus London - Always Love You


Theophilus London - Cold Pillow (feat. Jesse Boykins III)

I can help you with that

The Specialist
Written by JusHH

The collabo is such a delicate tool, it can really make or break an album. The thing is, not every rapper is a good collabo rapper. Jay-Z is arguably the best ever but he just isn’t as great when he’s featured on other people’s stuff. So what makes a great collabo artist? For one, you have to know how to make an instant impact. You don’t have 3 verses and a hook to draw us in so you have to get busy with the 8 – 16 bars that you’re given. You also have to be versatile. Every song is different and has different topics and you have to be able to change it up when needed. And finally, you have to be memorable. You can’t be forgotten the minute you spit your last bar. Usually people with all 3 of these qualities are excellent collabo artists.

But when you need that one great featured verse, who should you call?

There’s a lot of great collabo artists who can get the title. I have 3 honorable mentions. Lil’ Wayne is on just about everyone’s song – I mean everyone’s. Perhaps one day he can get the crown but his body of work really only stretches over the past couple of years. Perhaps the most versatile emcee, Ludacris, can and has gotten on tracks with all different kinds of artists and knows how to rap about any topic but he doesn’t have enough classics under his belt. Last but not least… Busta Rhymes. He has the classics, he knows how to take over a song and has done it forever. But pound for pound, song for song he’s not the best. Because the guy that I would call, the guy that has been the best collabo artist so far is none other than the M-E-T-H-O-D Man.

First off I won’t even bring up the work that he’s done featuring on other Wu-Tang member’s songs because it just won’t be fair. Taking that whole section of his catalogue out, he’s still #1. If anyone knows how to make an impact with one verse its Meth. Remember, “KABOOM guess who stepped in the room? Ticaaallll, hailing from the Shaolin Isle” off SWV’s “Anything (Remix)”? He has so many memorable lines.

He’s one of the few rappers to ever rap along side both Tupac (“Got My Mind Made Up”) and Biggie (“The What”) both are incredible songs on historic albums. You think Lil’ Wayne has rapped with a mix of different artists? Check this list out: Shaquille O’Neal, Missy Elliot, Limp Bizkit, Run-DMC, Usher, EPMD and Cypress Hill.

Method can switch it up with the best of them. He was on the comical but dope song, “Hit em High” off the Space Jam soundtrack. He spit with Eminem and Royce the 5’9 on the DJ Clue Professional 2 album. And if you want to take it underground, he featured on songs with Pharoahe Monch and Heltah Skeltah. When it came to the ladies, he was ready too. The classic “Break Ups to Make Ups” with D’Angelo is still in rotation today and don’t forget the hook he provided Foxy on the “Ill Na Na” track. You need it, he got it.

And if you want a timeless hit, again look no further. Not even mentioning the previous songs, who can forget his performance on “Grand Finale” the lead track on the Belly soundtrack? He and Sticky Fingers went back and forth as Onyx and Wu-Tang clashed on the song “The Worst”. (If you haven’t heard it, do it asap) And you can’t say the words posse cut without mentioning “4,3,2,1” with LL Cool J, Canibus and Redman. Speaking of Red, “How High” is still one of the greatest songs of all time and that song led to the formation of a legendary rap duo.

Please remember that I haven’t even mentioned his Wu-Tang features. His chorus on “Ice Cream” alone can put him in the top spot.

But if you’re still doubting just know that he’s the reason why your favorite rapper looks to get a R&B chick on his song…

“All I Need” featuring Mary J.

Let me hold that beat...

Photo by Ron Thompson

When Sampling Goes Wrong
written by 4Bars

I’m listening to the radio today (as I am a lot during the week, sadly) and I hear the piano riff and drums from the T.L.C. classic “Baby, Baby, Baby”. Naturally I’m hyped to hear an oldie but goodie, but all of a sudden something strange happens: F’n BOW WOW starts rapping about some chick, WTF!?! Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a great song has been sampled and not only is it done poorly but does the original a complete disservice. Below are a few more that come to mind, I’ve included R&B songs that butcher hip hop classics as well and a couple of other travesties, feel free to add:

1. Jay-Z and Beyonce- “03 Bonnie and Clyde”: I love Hov and B, but this was just wrong, on so many levels, it honestly disgraced two hip hop legends: Pac and Ice Cube, honorable mention to Yo-Yo.
VS.

2. P Diddy ft R Kelly “Satisfy You”- I know some of ya’ll liked this joint, but it ruined another classic, shout out to the Luniz.
VS.

3. J-Lo “I’m Real”- How you gon sample a damn song for your song “I’m Real”, the very definition of a hypocrite, R.I.P. Rick James.
VS.

4. Chingy- “One Call Away”: I don’t think Chingy has ever done anything right in hip hop, certainly not his blasphemous use of a good SWV song.
VS.

5. Ashanti- “Baby”- now you KNOW I was heated about this one, I almost liked the song on the strength of it being a Face sample and she actually used him in the song a little, but at the end of the day, this was just wrong.
VS.


Honorable Mention: Beyonce - “I’ma Diva”, whoever produced this joint literally just took the “A Milli” beat and added a different voice sample. I was SO disappointed when I realized it, shiftlessness at it’s finest.

Supercr3ws...

Up, Up, and Away
written by Just K

Hip-hop needs a major event. Lil’ Wayne selling a million records was cool, but between mixtapes, leaks, and several potent doses of the sizzurp, C3 didn’t exactly deliver like it could’ve. Before that, the last major event was probably the Kanye vs. 50 showdown (yes, I’m aware that I omitted the whole Nas/Untitled thing, but the hype died down once the name changed). Before that, hip-hop is dead was the talk of the town. Then there was Jay coming out of retirement with a great idea, but average/rushed execution. True story.

So hip-hop is in need of another event. It’s about that time. We’re due. And I’m not talking about the whole Curtis vs. Officer Ross thing; that’s more of a debacle than an event. I’m talking about something to break the monotony of the typical rap radio single the way “A Millie” did. Sure Lil’ Wayne is Mr. Radio Single, but he really did risk a lot by giving us that many bars without the luxury of a true chorus to fall back on. I propose that hip-hop should find a way to produce a Supercrew. Picture it.

You get a group of lyrically respectable, commercially successful artists that are currently relevant calling a press conference to announce that they’re doing a CD together. That right there is an event. Producers would be dying to deliver their best beats. The competition within the group would push the MCs to come up with the sickest material they possibly could. Because the artists are already guaranteed to get radio spins they wouldn’t be forced to come up with some piss poor attempt at making a hit song. Instead, they would just make quality music that turns into hits. The prerelease party would be like a major movie premiere. Sweet.

Yes, I’m aware of the improbability. I mean, the record shows that a Supercrew more than likely won’t happen. Hell, the closest thing we had to a Supercrew in recent years is Omarion and Bow Wow. Damn. Before that, Kellz got maced by one of Jay’s boys. Shame. And in both cases, it was an MC and an RnB crooner. For two or more established, credible MCs to drop an album you’d have to get through the egos first and foremost. Then you’d have to get through all the red tape of the artists being on separate labels and having different management, breaking down percentages in profits, etc. On top of that, the chances of two superstars being able to agree on enough concepts, themes, hooks, and beats to produce an album that would live up to the hype are anorexically slim. Tough.

Let us take a minute to reflect on the Supercrews that never were. The Commission could’ve been a thing of beauty. It surely would’ve been Charli Baltimore’s ticket to real stardom if she could hold her own with Jay-Z and Biggie (both of which would’ve probably did some level of ghostwriting for her). Murda Inc. with Ja Rule, DMX, and Jay would’ve gone diamond. If Memph Man would’ve managed to match Sigel bar for bar on the Beans and Bleek project, it would’ve been the thing that got Bleek from under Jay’s shadow. The Firm – I got two real songs from the original Firm and they were both crazy. Then I don’t know where Cormega went. As for CRS, we’ll see. The last real Supercrew we had was Meth and Red (and that album didn’t age well). Sigh.

For the sake of hip-hop, whoever you superstars are…whichever labels have to move things around…whatever has to be done, we need a Supercrew. Active your WonderTwin powers, design a Justice League tower, throw on some capes, and build a dam to protect leaks in your system. Give us a Supercrew.

We do it for Hip-Hop,,,

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. "Aquemini" – Outkast
Favorite Outkast song.


2. "Westside Story" – The Game
Eventhough I can't listen to this Game album anymore, I still love this song. Its one of the best "rep yo hood" songs that came out of the West.


3. "Good Clothes" – Little Brother
Soul music to the core. This song makes you feel good.


4. "Put ya hands up" – Jadakiss
Best punchline ever?

5. "Pop S**t" – the Neptunes ft. O.D.B
Funky.


Come back every week for a new mixtape!

Who Is...

Pacific Division

As Hip Hop attempts to regain its definition, fans are likely to soon be checking the standings within the Pacific Division. Palmdale, California’s trio consisting of brothers Like and Mibbs, along with BeYoung have been together dating back to 2001, shortly after their high school days. Joining the workforce lacked appeal compared to the glossy dreams that the guys had vicariously lived through as Hip Hop fanatics – so they went for broke and chased destiny with microphones and exclusive sneaks.

Within its half decade, Pacific Division has caught on fast. While many new talents strayed towards microwave music that trades quantity for quality, the troop from just north of Los Angeles emulated their idols, such as Native Tongues, Hieroglyphics and even Thug Life in slow-crafted, conceptual music. In mid 2006, Pacific Division’s Blend Tape premiered, as a thematic mixtape combining mid-‘90s classic-inspired covers with newer works with producer Swiff-D (The Diplomats, Snoop Dogg, Nas). Songs chronicled day-jobs, trying to appeal to the fairer sex without fat pockets, restoring a Black presence in Hip Hop, and carefully coifed wardrobes amidst the pursuit of glory. The results were jarring, landing the unsigned group in Vapors, Skope and Urb along with a thorough Internet presence. Without any major backing, the Southern California trio earned themselves major looks. Besides simply making nostalgic rap music with a contemporary edge – and donning clothes to match, Pacific Division had plenty to talk about.

In the course of the group’s development, Hip Hop superstars had begun to take notice even before the media. Through Myspace love alone, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes had reached out to affirm Pacific Division in making innovative, fun music. Soon after, a chance meeting with The Roots’ Questlove in a Los Angeles record store led to a passed demo – which shockingly led to the “Proceed” drummer personally calling the group to also extend support. Snoop Dogg even shouted out the Pacific party on his “My Peoples. Rather than crutch these endorsements on album covers and Myspace banners, the trio matter-of-factly reminded fans that this trio was no overnight success.

Like the golden era icons, Pacific Division, while quietly crafting their debut album, has focused on making sure their live show is well…live. Having performed in Seattle and San Francisco as well as consistent show openings in Los Angeles for (TK), this is a group that’s focusing on chemistry above the popular rap fanfare. In the meantime, the F.A.T. LP is sizing up to be a Chubb Rock-sized selection of tracks, assisted by producers such as Exile and DJ Khalil and the group’s longtime producer Swiff-D. The album delightfully forgets the tangents rap music has taken in the mainstream, and simply affirms that good music is timeless. Masses are ready with open arms, as new features with The Source and Scheme magazines prove.

California Hip Hop is restructuring in the second half of the ’00 decade. As styles, faces and crews may change, three brothers from Palmdale remind you that it is, was and forever will be the Pacific Division. (via pacdiv.com)


PAC DIV - F.A.T. Boys '08 (Pacific Division)


PAC DIV - Taste

If I had one wish...

Dream Teams
written by JusHH

There aren’t too many things more exciting than a good collabo. Reading the song title and seeing who’s featured on a song can develop anticipation like no other. Sometimes these collabo’s don’t live up to expectations and sometimes they just surprise the hell outta you. So with Just K giving PTM’s first props to the collabo, I’m going to dedicate the next 3 weeks to it.

This week, we’re going to talk about my favorite collabo’s that never happened. Those times when you asked the rap god’s, “please, please let these two guys rap on a song together.” (for the longest, my wish was Nas and Jay… thank you rap gods). So I’m going to drift away to JusHH land where all collabo’s are possible and give you a few of my favorites…

“Riot Act” – Xzibit ft. DMX and Ice Cube (prod. by Dr. Dre) (1999)
Before the pimped out rides, the countless arrests and the “Are We There Yet?” movie series, these three emcees were some of the most aggressive rappers on the planet. With Xzibit and DMX trading verses with their deep rugged voices and Ice Cube attacking the hook, they all take the hard knock Dre bass lines to another planet. Mother****king right!

“Lunch Meat” – DJ Drama feat. Big L, Cassidy, Jadakiss, Lil’ Wayne & Joe Budden (prod. by the Neptunes)
Its very, very simple. Drama asked Pharell to give him a “Grindin’” style beat. Pharell asked who would be on the song. Once Pharell was told, he had a beat back to him in 48 hours. Drama put the group together in a room and these 5 emcees proceeded to give us the most incredible punchlines ever. Medical reports state that this song resulted in disfigured faces, crossed eyes and shortened breath from constant “oooh weee’s”.

“Armed Robbery” – Onyx ft. M.O.P. (1995)
This song was only heard once because too many fights began breaking out all over the country. It is currently being held at a secret location in a vault. Rumors had it that it would have been released once more if Obama didn’t win the election in November.

“The Meanest” – DJ Premier feat. Eminem & Canibus (prod. by DJ Premiere) (2000)
Premo was putting together his highly anticipated album and he wanted to make history. He had this one particular beat that he made two years prior that he didn’t release because he felt he needed the perfect song. When two of the hungriest rappers alive came onto the scene, Premo made the phone call and asked if they would hop on the song. After hearing the beat, they were all in. They didn’t disappoint, the song was so ridiculous that it forced every other rapper to step their game up. The argument to this day is who had the better verse but this is just going to be one of those debates that will last forever.

“My Lady” – Fabolous ft. Ludacris, LL Cool J and Faith Evans (prod. by Jermaine Dupri) (2003)
Who was rapping to the ladies better than Fab and Luda at this time? The two got together to make the ladies dance one more. With Faith on board it was a perfect union. The surprise was when LL found out about the song, he wanted to be apart of it too. With Faith providing the vocals these three each told a story about the woman they love.

“Men At Work” – Mary J. Blige ft. Lauryn Hill & MC Lyte (1997)
This song was actually Mary’s idea. After being on so many songs with male rappers, she wanted to put two of her favorite female emcees on a song and go to work. Lauryn was down from the start because Lyte was one of her idols and Lyte couldn’t wait for another opportunity to show her skills. When the collabo was announced people thought that it would be a slower, ode to the strength of the black female type song. But we were all wrong. Over the Kool G. Rap sample, Mary told Lyte and Lauryn to spit as if they were battling the guys. Add in that classic Mary J. Blige hook and what you had was one of the greatest Hip-Hop songs of all time.

“Notorious P.U.N.” – Big Pun & Notorious B.I.G.
Being two of the greatest emcees of all time (and the largest for that matter), Fat Joe decided that this collabo needed to happen. So he hit up Puffy and made it work. It was announced on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97 radio show as the Heavyweight match of the century. Every one stood still as the song was finally released. We weren’t ready for B.I.G. flipping a punchline in Spanish or Pun claiming his pockets were fatter than “ two ‘BIG’s’, 3 Fat Boys and one Joe”. Flex played the song 5 straight times and dropped a record 85 bombs on it.

“Extraordinary” – Kanye West ft. Andre 3000, Lupe Fiasco, Chester of Linkin Park & Jimi Hendrix (prod. by Kanye West) (2007)
In an interview, Kanye said that he was working on and I quote, “the greatest song in the history of humanity and aliens.” Somehow, he manage to get a hold of Hendrix’s catalogue and put together an incredible rock/ rap hybrid beat. With Chester’s voice driving home the chorus, these three emcees got an opportunity to explain to the world why they are truly extraordinary. Reaching #1 on the billboard charts, “Extraordinary” was heard everywhere. As usual, this song inspired a few copy cats but nothing even came close.


How great would it have been if these songs could have been made? What are some of your dream teams?

Next week, a tribute to the greatest collabo artist ever.