The final tracklisting for Nas' Untitled (The Album formerly known as N*!!$%) as dropped today. From what I have heard so far, this album is something to look forward to. But one complaint, where is the joint "What It Is?" The remix I posted here a couple months back? That shit was fire!!! Oh well, hopefully the album will up to the hype. 01. Queens Get The Money (Produced by Jay Electronica) 02. You Can’t Stop Us Now (Featuring Eban Thomas of The Stylistics & The Last Poets) (Produced by Salaam Remi) 03. Breathe (Produced by J. Myers & Dustin Moore) 04. Make The World Go Round (Featuring Chris Brown & The Game) (Co-produced by Cool & Dre & The Game) 05. Hero (Featuring Keri Hilson) (Produced by Polow Da Don) 06. America (Produced by Stargate) 07. Sly Fox (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez) 08. Testify (Produced by Mark Batson) 09. N.I.G.G.E.R. (The Slave And The Master) (Produced by DJ Toomp) 10. Untitled (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez) 11. Fried Chicken (Featuring Busta Rhymes) (Produced by Mark Ronson) 12. Project Roach (Featuring The Last Poets) (Produced by Eric Hudson) 13. Ya’ll My Niggas (Produced by J. Myers) 14. We’re Not Alone (Featuring Mykel) (Produced by stic.man of Dead Prez) 15. Black President (Featuring Johnny Polygon) (Produced by DJ Green Lantern)
As God as my witness, when Cassie first came out, I would always say, "She an ok singer, but whoever is her producer has some bangin tracks." Enter Ryan Leslie. The Harvard grad has been bangin out joints for a minute and now is ready to break out on his own with his self titled debut album dropping later on this summer. The synths on record reminds me of some fly Prince shit, straight bangin.
Here is the video of him making the track in the studio.
Another new joint from Com and Skateboard P. It is rumored because the album is being pushed back to September 24th, that the name, Invincible Summer will change. Either way so slice it or dice it, that album is going to be bananaz. I like how Com flipped the lyrics from "Unbelievable," one of my favorite Biggie tracks. Pharrell flipped Biggie flow nice on this too.
Now continuing out trend of "Long Lost Albums Back In Effect" today...
(From styleweekly.com) As Michael “D’Angelo” Archer faced legal problems in recent years that threatened to permanently derail his career, the promise of new material from the platinum-selling R&B singer seemed fragile. An album rumored to be called “James River” never surfaced. New music from the singer remained “in the works” and not in the stores. But earlier this month something happened. One of the three D’Angelo projects scheduled for this year actually came out.
“The Best So Far,” a collection of songs from both of his previous albums, coupled with songs from soundtracks and a DVD of all his music videos, was released earlier this month. Later this year, deluxe versions of his debut “Brown Sugar” and the follow-up “Voodoo” are scheduled to hit stores. Predictably, these releases will cover a lot of familiar territory, without the slightest hint of what the singer sounds like now. One person who’s heard the new music isn’t telling much.
“He’s written enough for three or four albums,” says his manager, Lindsay Guion. The music industry veteran is quick to discuss the singer’s new record contract with RCA, his recent weight loss and his studio work ethic. But if you want to know about the music, you’ll have to wait.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss song titles at this time,” he says.
And I'm not talkin about Lamont Coleman (Rest In Peace (c) Preemo).
(From Hiphopdx.com) Looks like the repercussions of Shaquille O’Neal’s “diss” freestyle toward Kobe Bryant had more influence than just in the Hip Hop arena. Yesterday, Maricopa County Police Department’s Sheriff Joe Arpaio announced that he wanted Shaquille O’Neal’s special deputy badge back after finding out about his freestyle that was performed over the weekend and videotaped by TMZ.
Arpaio’s main reasoning of revoking the badge is because of Shaq’s usage of foul language and racially derogatory words. “I want his two badges back. If any one of my deputies did something like this, they’re fired. I don’t condone this type of racial conduct.”
Though just recently Shaq was promoted to colonel, his days with the Maricopa County Police are likely over. As swiftly as yesterday, Shaq had already expressed the playfulness of the situation to ESPN and other outlets. However, his words fall on deaf ears as Arpaio doesn’t see the lightness described in the freestyle. “Maybe I'm old fashioned, but I don't think that either conduct should be out there publicly, even if media wasn't there.”
Why do I smell another album coming? No lie though, Shaq has a little flow, anyone remembers Shaq Fu and game that came with it?
(From Allhiphop.com) Rapper Snoop Dogg recently left the recording studio, recording tracks for Dr. Dre's highly anticipated album, Detox. "That record is real it's coming," Snoop Dogg said during an interview today (June 25) on Big Boy's Neighborhood. "You know me, I was starting to doubt it myself and then I went up in there and he played so much music for me it knocked my head off."
Snoop Dogg confirmed the fabled, decade-long project was finished and that the Doctor was selecting tracks for the album. "I see what he got them waiting for, it's on and poppin," Snoop Dogg said. "He got records, he got heat." Dr. Dre will also sit in the producer's seat for Snoop Dogg's upcoming album. "Yea he's doing my next album. I got the title and everything," Snoop confirmed without revealing the album's title.
Fo' real, Snoop, don't play with us. Hope this shit is true.
I can't even... EXPLAIN how dope this fuckin' album is. You need to "see" these sounds for yourself. This is not only one best this year, but could be the defining LP (and let me make this clear, not song, not single, but a LP... a FULL BODY OF WORK), for Pharrell and Chad.
Flashback, N.E.R.D performing "Everyone Nose" on BET's "Rip The Runway." They killed this shit.
Not even gonna lie, I was a bit skeptical when I saw LL had a new video out. His last album, Todd Smith, did not have the same "knock" that most LL albums had, and it seemed like the the man that was once "notorious," and and would "crush you like a jelly bean" was all but gone.
Not to mention that it was report that 50 Cent would be executive producing his next project. My thought was, "Oh no, now I gonna have to put up with another mediocre 'G-Unit sounding' album with LL trying to talk gangsta shit." Please, spare my ears the pain and agony.
But this song has given me a little hope. Produced by DJ Scratch, "Rockin' With The G.O.A.T" gives LL that edge he been missing. If the album is anything as good as this, LL maybe be saying for the second time in his career, "Don't call it a comeback."
Now if you excuse me... I'm going to go hit the weights.
Part II of the interview with ?uestlove, Black Thought and DJ Enuff. In this part they talking about "The Money Making Jam Boys" collective, what they are listening to now, how they prepare for a show, and much more.
As an added bonus, here is The Roots with B Bun performing "International Players Anthem" at a recent show in Houston (R.I.P Pimp C).
The Roots' ?uestlove and Black Thought chop it up with DJ Enuff about the careers and music today. This is part one of the interview. Part II is coming soon.
To quote the homie Ham, "Snoop Is clearly a fool."
But it's Snoop. If anybody can pull some shit off like this. It's Snoop Doggy Dogg. I damn crashed my homegirl's car while driving it the day I bought Ego Trippin' and heard this for the first time.
With that trip to Amoeba I was talking about a couple post ago, I also found another album I've been wanting to get my hands on, Pete Rock's 1998 solo debut, Soul Survivor. It was the only copy and get this, the import version from England. So of course I had to pay a little extra for it, but it was well worth it.
This record right here is now a summertime jam to me....
featuring a group from the 80's named Loose Ends. You maybe familar with them because of this song...
Chances are you have heard this at a family cookout or on the old-school R&B station.
As grains of sand pass from hand to hand I watch time stand still I'm just one man That's out for all so all should be for one Grew up on the drum with the J.B. "Unh!" The son, who spun the record that his pop's collected Went on to create and perfect the unexpected Funky beat sound watch the family "Get down!" Slide with the right and give cousin a pound Watch the young ones play and think back in the day When fresh was the style, plus the word to say It's all love now, let me show you how to take time out, and show you what life's about
that the world has gone crazy. The Lakers are down 3-1 after a heart breaking game 4, Lil' Wayne has the highest selling album in all of music in 2008 (close to "A Milli" in one week), and R. Kelly has been acquitted of all charges. Plus now I find out that Meet The Press's Tim Russert has just died of a heart attack!?!?!?
Fo' Real yo, what's the deal?
"Talk To Me" (c) Petey Greene.
Oh, now I know... (check the calendar). Yep, it's GOTTA be Friday The 13th.
In case you don't know what this is about, read this first, then watch the video. This why I keep telling people that we (meaning WE DJs) have more power than what ya'll think. Except we choose to give that power to these money hungry, payola paying, record companies. "Slow Slow Def"... LMFAO!!!! Shm... That's messed up.
"And real back bone of Hip-Hop is disk jocks." (c) Rakaa Iriscience
The subject of Love in Hip-Hop as been present every since LL took the bold risk of recording "I Need Love" for his 1987 Sophomore album Bigger And Deffer. So because I had some "love shit" on my mind while writing, I decided to post some of my favorite videos about the Hip-Hop and the opposite sex.
Mos Def- Ms. Fat Booty Storytelling wise, this is one of my favorite songs period. Mos vividly tells the story of the shorty who had "all the right weaponry." Also musically, if you have heard the original sample for the song, you know that producer Ayatollah chopping work is bananaz.
Talib Kweli- Never Been In Love Keeping the Blackstar movement goin (I wish Brown Skin Lady had a video), not only one of my favorite joint from Kweli's The Beautiful Stuggle, but one of my favorite Just Blaze beats.
Jay-Z- Song Cry Another Just Blaze And The Blazettes Presentation, featuring Young Hov. This one was on repeat when I was bumping The Blueprint back in 8th Grade.
The Roots & Erykah Badu- You Got Me Although "Complexity" from Phrenology (which featured Jill Scott, who wrote the hook for "You Got Me" and was featured on the song's demo) gets more burn from me, you gotta show love to grammy award winning record that introduced the mainstream to The Legendary Fifth Dynasty from The Illadelph. ?uesto's Drum and Bass inspired drumming on the tracks outro is extra dope.
A Tribe Called Quest- Bonita Applebum & Find A Way Is really neccessary for any explanation for these two selections? Bonita is still holds up to this day and Find A Way is one of the my top 5 Dilla beats. The bassline is fuckin' immaculate.
Slum Village- Climax (Girl Shit) Another favorite Dilla Beat of my mine, and one of my favorite SV videos. Check out Gary Coleman's cameo on his "One won't do it, not enough for me no," steelo. Check out S.V's "Multiply" from their last self-titled album. That joint to me is the sequel to "Climax."
The Pharcyde- Passing Me By & She Said (J. Dilla Remix) Sad to say, but Passing Me By is damn near the theme to my love life. The She Said remix is one of my favorite Pharcyde joint. I love the cinematography of the video.
Little Brother- Slow It Down (Live On MTV.COM) Did I just say "Passing Me By" was the theme to my love life? Well... almost, actually, it's Phonte's verse on this LB classic that says it all.
Bilal feat. Mos Def & Common- Reminisce Sonically, another Dilla Dawg favorite of mine. Common's verse on here I can relate to a lot, that's why, although this is not a video, I HAD to put this joint up here.
Common- The Light, Come Close, And I Want You As far as Hip-Hop love songs go, for me, Com has the crown. Although LL started it, Com has master the craft. The Light (another damn Dilla Classic, what is this the 5th Jay Dee produced jawn on this list?), not explantion needed. I Want You, one of my favorites from Finding Forever, I couldn't stop playing this one the day I got the album. Come Close, hidden gem in the catelog of Pharrell And Chad. As a matter of fact, I didn't know it was The Neptunes until about 2 years ago, that produced Come Close. I will be using this one when I propose. So ladies, if you are dating me, and I start rapping this song to you, to quote Flava Flav, "You know what time it is."
LL Cool J- I Need Love, Hey Lover, & Hush. Of course I had to show love the joint that started it all. Hey Lover (featuring Boyz II Men) won a grammy back in 1996. This most likely the best of sequel to Hey Lover. Hush was pne of my favorite joints from Uncle L's 11th album "The DEFintion".
I know I missed a couple (this whole post could have been filled with all LL joints honestly), but what are some of your favorite Hip-Hop Love joints? Hit me with your selections on the comment page.
If you have registerted to vote yet, I have seven words for you... WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU WAITING FOR!??!?!?!?!? This is one of the imporant times in American history and change must be made, let your voice be heard. All that shit about your vote not counting and all that is bullshit. Do not be fooled, that what "they" want you to think. The power's in your hands... so use it.
Lake Show Takes Game 3 87-81. I gotta tell ya'll about my experience about watching Game 2 via satellite @ Staples on Sunday. Thats coming tomorrow. Speaking of tomorrow...
My review of 'Ye "Glow In The Dark Tour" is coming tomorrow as well.
The Alchemist Vs. Evidence of Dilated Peoples while on the tour bus for the Fresh Rhymes And Videotape tour. Real shit, after watching this... I may just go flip some Norah Jones.
The L.A date is on the 27th... we going, right Paul?
An incredible rhyme performed A Capella by Rhymefest at a show @ UCLA back in May. It's a joint called "Exodus" off his forthcoming sophomore album, El Che. Listen Closely... 'Fest is dropping some true gem in the song.
About 2 months ago, while listening to a lot of Busta's old work from his debut (The Coming) to his 2000 album Anarchy, I made the realization that a lot of the fire and energy the Busta was known for was all but gone in his newest work. Don't get me wrong, I thought The Big Bang was one of 2006's best albums, but I kinda missed the ol' "Dungeon Dragon" Busta. Well I got my wish on this joint, ESPECIALLY the video. This classic Busta right here.
After searching for this album for about a year now (yeah, I'm lazy I didn't want to order it online), I found it a Amoeba last Friday and have been bumpin it ever since. I can't wait to see this cats, THE WHOLE ORIGNIAL LINE UP at Rock The Bells in August.
This now ranks in my 15 top Dilla beats. Wooooooo.. this shit cold!!! Videos From Album: Drop
She Said (J. Dilla Remix)
And of course.... "Can't Keep Runnin AWAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!!"
Note- As you can see all the singles from the album were produced by Jay Dee. As a matter of fact, damn near half the album was produced by Dilla Dawg. This was his first big project, dropping in 1995, a year before his producer's "coming out party" on Tribe's Beats, Rhymes, And Life.
"You need to get up off of that bullshit and stop fighting that feeling."
(Designed by the homie Chase, who was one of my "little brothers" during the Freshman Retreat my senior year.) Aside from about a year ago when helping my old speech and debate team with judging at an event, I have not been on my old high school's campus on a school day since the day I graduated. It was officially 2 years ago this past Tuesday. So since I had some time on my hands today, I decided to take a trip down to Loyola High School (The L) and see how the campus looks after nearly 4 years of reconstruction.
"Basically" (c) Dr. Lalo Diaz, I was at a lost for words. The campus looks incredible. No lie, I damn near needed a map to figured where everything was at. I was able to catch up with a couple of people I have not seen in a minute, although there were a some individuals who were not there at the time that already left campus for the day; since graduation is tomorrow, everyone was running "like a chicken with it's head cut off." So I'm gonna have to take another trip up there soon.
When you get older, you sometimes forget that everything around you most evolve as well. Nothing will forever the stay the exact way, but also, like the old saying goes "More things change, the more they stay same." Honestly, for many reasons as I discovered today, is case The L. I am forever greatful for the four years I spend there. To all my Cub peoples, GET BIG!!! YA'LL DIG!?!?!?!? And on that note... I'm out.
One of the dopest fan made blend of music and video on Youtube I've seen in a minute. If you're a Peanuts fan, you know this shit fits perfectly. Props to Sloppythoughts who made this.
2 years of blood, sweat, tears, lessons, heartaches, pain, and victories came ahead almost 2 Saturdays ago. And quite honestly, I needed a second (or to be more accurate, a week) to recover and reflect on it all. Now, since I'm done "living in the past" in meditation, it's time to look towards the future.
I have always believe that a person grows more during the summmertime than any other time of the year. Reason being is when a person has a second to "get of the grind" and reflect, mentally our minds grows and flourishes. Think of it as looking in the back of your computer or entertainment center (T.V, DVD, Playstation, etc), and untangling all those cords; it's a game of mental organization and clarity, so you can progress further in your life for the better.
Summertime brings peace of mind, to prepare for the Winter grind.
So with all that said (and The Theory's 1 year anniversary fast approaching), welcome to the "Season Of Dreams...." DRUMS PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Los Angeles AKA DA Wild Wild West, California, United States
DJ Chuck "thE oLd SouL," prez & owner of The Mighty, Mighty, Honor Flow Productions and a Young Black Man with a lot of his mind that "thinks too much" (c) A.D.
