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Graffiti L.A.: Street Styles And Art

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

“The Heavens” refers to a spot a graffiti writer has to climb in order to paint his piece. Graffiti prohibits no place for its artist to express themselves except for the graveyard and the church. Steve Grody discusses these commandments in, Graffiti L.A.: Street Syles and Art (Harry N. Abrams, Inc), a big art slash photography book showcasing endless and wildly colorful throw-ups, pieces, murals from all over East Los Angeles. These rebellious pages of contemporary artwork rewards the viewer with a rush more visceral than ones on many museum visits.Graffiti L.A. helps many graffiti novices with its poignant text and array of vivid photos. Interviews with reknown Graffiti writers like Revok, Siner, and Toomer enhances appreciation for the artwork profiled in the release. Grody also covers the craft, styles, and varying techniques of spray painting within the book’s text. He even exposes how some writers use excessive colors to compensate for their underdeveloped techniques. His commentary catapaults the book past coffee table status and qualifies it as a legitimate primer on the art and history of this urban phenomenon.The photos heavily bolster Graffiti L.A.’s interest level, with their bright hues and diversity of form. Grody photographs pieces from all over the city and drawn on all different mediums. He includes pieces done on bodegas, abandoned yards, billboards, barbed wire walls, train stations, car garages,  and just any place or material that supports spray paint. Stylewise, Graffiti L.A. has something for everybody: ”Rest In Peace” murals for the dead homies, vibrant tag initials for the crew rivalries, and cartoon murals for the community center. Whatever is not in the book is mostly likely in the CD rom that accompanies the book.Graffiti L.A. shows Steve Grody’s immense time and energy, as well as the commitment from the graffiti writers who grace the pages. The artists have literally sprained their ankles, slashed their limbs, and even died to broadcast their work to the world. They, along with Grody, have combined to make this release as ecstatic as the feeling of an ordinary brick wall being forever changed by a extraordinary writer’s spray paint.    

Cool & Dre: Ridin’ Miami Across the Country

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Features

It used to be the case that

when one thought of Florida, very rarely was it ever synonymous with

Hip-Hop, but the tide has definitely changed. Hailing from one of the

hottest cities in the country, the production duo consisting of Marcello

“Cool” Valenzano and Andre “Dre” Lyon, better known as Cool

& Dre, have been slowly bring the heat wave to the masses. In just

seven years, the low key producers have lent their production and songwriting

skills to everyone from Ja Rule to Diddy, and in 2005 received two Grammy

nods for The Game’s#### single “Hate It or Love It.” 

Now, with the launch of their

record label Epidemic Music, the global marketing of their clothing

line, and their budding relationship with Miami’s hottest DJ, Khaled,

Cool and Dre are equipped to take over the music industry, one city

at a time. Read as they catch AllHipHop.com up on their latest business

ventures, from production to fine cuisine, and share their views on

sampling, trends in Hip-Hop music, and being a winner. 

 

AllHipHop.com:  You guys

are one of the few production duos. Does having a partner make it easy

to be more efficient? 

Dre: Yeah. Me and Cool started

together so this is all we know, but we function separately when it

helps make the job easier, you know? We can actually be in the studio

with someone in one city and mixing another record for another artist

in another city.  And just ideas and creatively, two heads are

better than one.  

AllHipHop.com:  There

was a time when Hip-Hop was more of a collaborative effort between an

MC and a producer, like Pete Rock and CL Smooth, Gangstarr.  Do

you think having that connection is necessary to developing your sound

as a producer? 

Dre: Pete Rock and CL Smooth

is a great example and so is Gangstarr. I mean, these days you can prominently

work with one person, and not even be like their whole album. Like,

Pharrell and Jay Z have great chemistry together. They’re known to

make hit records together. I feel like me and Cool have a great relationship

with like a DJ Khaled, where when we make records with him, the records

always turn out big; or with The Game.  

AllHipHop.com: At the same

time, do you think that when you work with one artist that it stifles

you creatively? 

Dre: Not if it’s successful.

If it’s a successful union it makes it more powerful because it’s

hard to get at you. You’re not trying to make a record for everybody.

You’re extra exclusive. It’s almost like, “Yo, it’s an honor

to even get this guy to produce a record for me because all he works

with is…” you know?  And if you look at someone like Premo

and the other people that he decided to work with outside of Gangstarr,

it was always classic. Like, Dr. Dre is that. To this day, he is not

a guy that you can just call on the phone and get a beat. Dr. Dre is

exclusively with himself, Eminem, Snoop, 50, The Game, and that’s

about it.   

AllHipHop.com: Dre, you had

a few singles out a couple of years ago, “Naomi” and “Chevy Ridin’

High.” Was the solo project an effort to showcase your lyrical ability

or to get you guys’ music out there? 

Dre: Me and Cool were artists

before we made beats and one of the things we feel we bring to the table

is the whole concept of the record, creatively. We come with the hook,

we give you ideas for your verses, like, we come with the whole package

and that comes from us being artists as well. So a lot of the records

that Cool and I would do, I would lend my vocals on the hook here and

there, and people started hearing it and a couple of big people spoke

with me and were like “Yo, you should do an album.” So Cool gave

me his blessing and we went in and started making music.  I was

dropping singles and I still hadn’t even dropped the album yet. I

was really feelin’ the vibe, and Jive just couldn’t connect the

dots. And honestly, I didn’t want to come out and do anything to harm

the Cool and Dre brand, and I didn’t want anyone to put me in a position

to fail, because we come to win. Like, we don’t leave the house to

lose.  Like, if you gonna lose, you gonna stay home.  I didn’t

feel as though I was gonna get that win with Jive at that time so I

kinda fell back and told everybody that I would take a break and just

get back in the studio with Cool and make a s**t load of records. When

I feel like everybody’s on the same page, maybe I’ll get back in

the studio.  

AllHipHop.com: I hear you’re

launching your new clothing line this year, and that you’ve invested

in a restaurant.  Tell me a little about those projects. 

Cool: Yep, it’s called Dirty

Royalty. So basically we them flashy type of guys, like to be fly, you

know what I’m sayin’? We are creative as well, everyday we’re

thinkin’ of some new s**t, so we decided to do some shirts for ourselves,

and everywhere we go people would be like, “Yo, what’s up with them

shirts? Where ya’ll be buying them shirts at?”  Then it went

from that to putting them in local, hot boutiques out here. And now,

it’s like out of hand. Now all these stores are calling us from all

over the place. The website is boomin’ so now we’re at a point now

where we have to bring in reinforcements. We’re like running after

it right now, with the stores demands and all. It’s a beautiful thing.  Dre: The restaurant is called

510 Ocean. It was rated one of the top ten restaurants in all of Florida.

The Madison Chicken is great and the Filet Mignon. 

 

AllHipHop.com: Okay, so let’s

talk strictly music.  What’s the most amazing new production

equipment to come out, in your opinion?  

Cool: All the soft synth technology

is the greatest thing ever.  It’s been around for a minute but

they keep revamping it.  

Dre: Yeah, it’s incredible.

Don’t get it twisted, we still on that MPC. The turntables ain’t

goin’ nowhere, so all ya’ll used to sampling off the laptops, Cool

and Dre like to hear that cracklin’ vinyl.  AllHipHop.com: What are Your views on sampling? 

Cool: I mean, if you’re gonna

use a sample you better be prepared to cut a check, ‘cause it’s

not cheap. 

Dre: That’s the problem I

have with sampling. We need to sample. Sampling is Hip-Hop. At the end

of the day, mostly every n**** that makes beats, their drums are sampled

from some f****n’ record.  What we need to do is get every producer

together and say we not gonna sample none of these motherf*****s’

s### for a good three years, so they can feel it. They charge you so

much to use their sample, and treat you like you’re doing somethin’

wrong, but they make so much money off of it. In some instances, it

resurrects n****s’ careers. My n***a, I’m doing you a favor. At

the end of the day, not only am I helping your career, you’re also

making a grip if the record is a hit. So you know what, how about you

pay me for sampling your record? It’s one thing when we sample a legend,

absolutely, you pay the Isley Brothers. You better pay. But if I sample

some n***a you never heard of that may have sold 100 records back in

1971, and you charging me to sample your s**t? Get the f**k outta here.  

 

AllHipHop.com : Five years into the game,

what is a trend that you have seen develop and gain momentum in the

music industry? 

Dre: Swizz [Beatz] created

something when he started really sampling for hooks. Premier used to

do it all the time, but Swizz did it with recent artists and songs you

just heard seven months ago. I think T-Pain has created something everyone

is running with, the effect that he does with his voice 

Another big trend is you have

to be a D-boy. I remember when a rapper’s story was “I had to hustle

on the side to feed the kids and pay the rent.”  But they weren’t

drug overlords. Today people feel like they have to be the dope boy

on the block and have developed millions on the street to make it in

rap.  I think that’s the only bad trend. Like, that may have

been true for a handful of people, but because their life story was

a success doesn’t mean you have to fabricate yours. So that’s like

the new thing, and it’s unfortunate. I think we’ve forgotten the

pain and struggle in slangin’.    

AllHipHop.com:  Alright,

so talk to me about your upcoming projects 

Dre: Misery Loves Company,

with Joe Hound is droppin’ at the top of next year. Then there’s

a kid named C-Rod, we think he’s gonna be one of the biggest dudes

in the game. Then we worked on Rick Ross’ album Trilla. We

did the first single.  We did Baby’s single, featuring Lil’

Wayne, Jeezy and Rick Ross. We got Beanie Siegel’s single; it’s

called “However Do You Want It.” I promise it’s going to scare

people.  David Banner, we have his second single. We are working

with Mariah Carey, Usher, Lil’ Mama. We’re going in the studio with

The Game in couple of weeks to work on his retirement album.  

 

AllHipHop.com: Now you guys

talk a lot about DJ Khaled. What exactly is the relationship between

you guys? 

Dre: We go back with him. Khaled

is important. Cool and I used to be DJs in the underground DJ station

in Miami and Khaled had just moved to Miami from Orlando. He was hustling

trying to find a way to get in the game.  He came on our station

and wanted to play. So we gave him our whole time slot, because we went

to Atlanta to pursue producing full-time.  We got back, and after

nine months he was already running the city. He’s just a winner and

he wins at a very high percentage. He had a relationship with Fat Joe

before we did, and that’s how we became close with He’s like a brother

to us. And he’s scaring the music industry right now, because people

ain’t sellin’ records anymore, and this dude found a way to sell

80, 000 units, independently, and he’s a DJ.  

AllHipHop.com: Is there anyone

you’d give a beat to for free? 

Dre: D’Angelo.  Oh hell

yeah. D’Angelo- we’d do the whole album for free. He is the blueprint

for a lot of these n****s singing now. Who else… Goodie Mob, Outkast,

and of course, Jay Z.  

AllHipHop.com: Any advice for

up and coming producers who are shopping their beats for free just to

get placements?  

Dre: To be honest, Cool and

I started giving out beats for free in Miami.  You have to create

a demand to get paid for something.  If you know you have something

that’s goin’ to f**k the game up, you have to get it out. A producer

should rather have his beat heard on the mix show or in the strip club,

than in his basement or garage because homeboy ain’t have the bread

to pay for the beat. Just let the motherf****r know you need that shout

out on the record. We had every n***a in Miami rappin’ over a Cool

and Dre beat, and you knew because them motherf*****s said “Cool and

Dre on this one!” And if the motherf****r didn’t like the rapper,

he damn sure said, “Them Cool and Dre n****s can make some beats.”

And then one day a n***a came knockin’ on that back door in the garage,

asking if we were Cool and Dre and how much we charge for beats. That’s

how it works. 

Cool: We always tell up and

coming producers, if you out there six or seven months and you shoppin’

your CDs with 30 or 40 beats out to all the popular, local rappers and

you don’t hear one of your beats on a mixtape, or nobody’s calling

you back…you gotta check your beats, because something’s wrong with

them.  Either you’re ahead of your time or you’re just not

on time. A producer is like a diamond in the rough. If you’re beats

are hot, they’re gonna shine through anything. 

AllHipHop.com: Name a beat

right now that knocks. One that you hear and wish you had come up with

it? 

Dre: “Stay Fly” with 36

Mafia. Juicy J and DJ Paul’s beats are f****n phenomenal. They could

quit rappin’ and be the biggest producers in the game. 

Cool: Man, it had to be “Whoa”

[by Black Rob]. Buckwild killed that beat.   

Hurricane Chris: 51/50 Ratchet PREVIEW

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

I’m sure you’ve heard it all before.  “I ain’t no one hit wonder.”  “This is a movement!” “We not in it for the ringtones.”  Images of Laffy Taffy, Chicken Noodle Soup, and other disposable cannon fodder come to mind almost immediately.  Enter Hurricane Chris and the Ratchet Movement.  The ingredients are all familiar. Catchy club banger.  Under-aged rapper.  Regional anthem.  Obligatory remix.  Sound familiar?  With an upcoming release entitled 51/50 Ratchet, Hurricane Chris attempts to give you a full plate of food rather than just the candy. With bottom heavy beats mainly powered by Mr. Collipark, and some backup from the Ratchet movement, Hurricane Chris blows away any notion of being a one and done wonder. Seriously.

 

 

 

 

Getting Money (Feat. Nicole Wray, P###. By Phunk Dawg Co- p###. By Mr. ColliPark)

 

Over a tight bass line, and buffeted by Nicole Wray on the hook, the album opens with the right energy. A heartfelt song with a driving rhythm (a recurring function of the album)

 

A Bay Bay (P###. By Phunk Dawg)

 

You already know. It dominated the summer, and the season before that. Admit it. You was A Bay Bayin’ when your homies weren’t looking.  It’s aight. We all were.

 

Doin’ My Thang (Feat. Big Poppa of RATCHET CITY P###. By Phunk Dawg)

 

The first purposely dance/ clubby song. This song is the anthem of Ratchet Homie Big Merk. He’s the inspiration of this song like  Bay Bay is for A Bay Bay. Everybody got that homie in the crew that’s full of energy in their own world with their own style making up dances. Merk is that dude for the Ratchet Movement. Not tuff, not fluff.  You might shake your ass to it.

 

New Fashion (P###. By the Package Store/Co-Produced By Mr. Collipark)

 

Hurricane Chris gets his tough talk on over a bass-powered, hard-charging beat. More gritty than you would expect from the kid. Not bad at all.

 

The Hand Clap (Feat. Big Poppa of RATCHET CITY and Hollywood Bay Bay)

 

Another club banger. Bouncy rhythm. Good flow. Not groundbreaking but you can dance to it.  Solid refrain over a hard bridge. I’m a New Yorker so the Big Poppa thing kinda irks me, but it’s a solid song.

 

Walk Like That (P###. By Mr. Rogers and Stunt N’ Dozier)

 

Club/ bang in your whip track. Manny Fresh-like beat. Blah. Would be okay in a vacuum but there are better versions of the same type of song elsewhere on the album.

 

Touch Me (P###. by The Package Store/ Co-P###. by Mr. Collipark)

 

Obligatory ladies song. The less said the better. Not a fan of the forced female track but someone somewhere is in the corner trying to mack to it.

 

  

Leavin You (P###. by Phunk Dawg)

 

Slow mo. Solid flow. Good timing. Continuous rhymes with no breaks.  Good album song. No chorus.

 

Do Something (P###. by Phunk Dawg)

 

Mid album track. Tough talk. Gun record. Filler.

 

Bang (Feat. Big Poppa of RATCHET CITY and Big Redd.  P###. By Big Redd)

 

Anthemic loud kinda song. Filler. However it will blast your speakers to Kingdom Come…or be a Magic City favorite.

 

 

Beat in My Trunk (P###. By the Package Store/ Co-Produced By Mr. ColliPark)

 

Big beat. Definite whip banging material. Dope breaks. Play it loud. You won’t really catch the words just the flow. Title is very appropriate.

 

Playas Rock (Feat. Boxie. Produced By ColliPark)

 

This is it.  The exact moment when you realize that this album could have some serious legs and this is the single that’s gonna do it.  Powered by an Earth, Wind, and Fire sample, and opened up juuuust right by Mr. Collipark, this song is every thing that’s good about Hip-Hop at its core.  It’s a mood record.  A feel good record.  You’re gonna see this video.  You’re gonna hear this on all the stations.  And you won’t be mindlessly beaten to death like Cochise from Coolie High over it. It’s infectious and even your parents will love it. I guarantee it. Background singing by newcomer Boxie is the perfect complement. Towards the end of the song, the Hurricane goes into warp drive and rips the track to shreds. I’m not given to hyperbole.  You’ll see.

 

Momma (Feat. Nicole Wray P###. By Phunk Dawg) 

 

Not as powerful as “Dear Momma” not as sappy as “Hey Momma”. It’s a little slow in the bpms compared to the rest of the album, and it throws off the high of the previous song. My suggestion is to move it to an earlier point in the album and break up the glut of similar energy songs.

 

A Bay Bay-The Ratchet Remix (Feat. The Game, Lil’ Boosie, Baby, E-40, Angie Locc, Jadakiss. P###. BY Phunk Dawg)

 

No, that wasn’t his momma on the remix. This regional lovefest is the cherry on top of a solid first strike from the Ratchet movement

 

In conclusion, while some circumstances surrounding Hurricane Chris’ entry into the game reminds you of the Ring(tone) Kings, other elements we’ve seen before such as in-house production, sparse collaborations with his own crew members without sounding like a compilation, and a surprisingly credible album evokes names like No Limit, The Hot Boyz, Dipset, and other recent movements.  I’m not saying it’s the greatest thing since bread, bacon, booze, or ice cream, but you could do a whole lot worse than checking out the first salvo from the Ratchet Movement.  If 51/50 is any indication, we’ll be seeing much more of Hurricane Chris in the future. Believe it…or not!

Soulja Boy: Hear ‘Em Out

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Features

Seventeen year-old Soulja Boy gained attention through his dance routines, rap and lifestyle. Whether you love it or hate, “Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)” is a ubiquitous hit, and having amassed over 21 million hits on his Myspace page, he garnered the attention of Mr. Collipark, who later inked the youngster to a deal with Interscope Records. Being a straight “A” student came in handy for the teenager, as the emerging artist studied and put his own twist on the formula for success concocted by the rapper he admires the most, 50 Cent. That formula being the first to uniquely utilize a resource—in this case, the world wide web—to maximum capacity in an attempt for self-promotion instead of copying the last successful artist’s promotional buzz. AllHipHop.com caught up with Soulja Boy shortly before the October 2 release of his debut album, souljaboytellem.com.AllHipHop:  The internet played a major role, but you still have to credit talent. What percentage of your popularity do you attribute to self-promotion on the internet opposed to talent? Soulja Boy:  I think they are on the same lines, my talent and the internet, because the internet showed the entire world my skills. I used Youtube and Myspace to showcase my talent. 80 percent on the talent side and 20 percent on the marketing side. Soulja Boy isn’t a big buzz or fad.  I am Soulja Boy with a talent and a “life” style.AllHipHop: You mentioned in previous interviews that you were lacking exposure on the streets, would you say the internet is a better alternative or just as good alternative to mixtapes?Soulja Boy:  The internet is a much more productive tool than mixtapes or the streets because I was hired for shows before I even signed a deal with a record label based on internet popularity. Everyone in the club, arena or stage where I performed knew word for word all of my lyrics to my songs off the strength of the internet.  I wasn’t featured on any mixtapes or radio stations.AllHipHop:  Who was your inspiration?Soulja Boy:  My inspiration coming in the rap game was 50 Cent. He was the only person I was looking up to musically.  He influenced me to keep pushing hard every day doing what I’m doing.  AllHipHop:  Most new rappers are inspired by 50 cent.  But both of you are the first to promote yourself successfully with different resources, him with mixtapes, and yourself with the internet.  Did you notice the connection?  Soulja Boy:  Yea, I did.  Once we became label mates and I spoke with him, I realized we were similar in our ways in business and musically.  AllHipHop:  What contribution are you bringing to Hip-Hop that hasn’t been done?  Soulja Boy:  I am bringing a new way of getting exposure before you are signed.  Other artists are big from the streets or mixtapes, I am showing people another avenue.  I came up on the strength of a myspace page.  From that, I had die-hard fans that wanted to hear my music no matter what it was.  For me to become a star from the bedroom of my house is definitely something big. AllHipHop:  How has your merchandise been selling?  Soulja Boy:  Merchandise is crazy.  I have the Soulja Boy shades and t-shirt, which is selling like hotcakes.  We are putting up new product every chance we can get because it’s selling out every time I have a show.  The demand is so high they want everything that I wear.    AllHipHop:  Do you think people can relate more to you than other artists because regardless of their financial status, they can throw together something from their closet that resembles your attire?  Soulja Boy:  They look at me like someone they can be just like.  That is why I dress the way I do.  If I come into your city, you can have on the same or similar attire that I have.  I keep it really simple and my fans can be just like me.AllHipHop:  Do you think having an affiliation with someone that has been in the game and is successful a necessary asset for the success of emerging artists?  For example, Rich Boy had Polow Da Don, Eminem, Snoop and 50 Cent had Dr. Dre, you have Mr. Collipark. Soulja Boy:  I think it is a big asset.  Everyone who focuses on my career and keeps me pushing everyday is a blessing. Just as 50 Cent had Dr. Dre and Eminem, Soulja Boy has Mr. Collipark and the entire Interscope building.  Everyone is behind me right now.  It is an advantage to have an experienced person that has been doing what you are doing for a long period of time like Mr. Collipark. He has been around a long time, can teach me things before I take a wrong path in my career because he’s been there and done that already.  AllHipHop:  That was a clever name for your album.  It’s very marketable especially if you are selling the product at retail on your website.  Did you come up with that name or was it suggested because it’s fitting with your growing popularity?Soulja Boy:  Interscope asked me what I think I should name my album and I said “Souljaboytellem.com” and they ran with it no questions asked.AllHipHop:  School seems to have been a factor in your marketing decisions with regard to your music career.Soulja Boy:  I always had a plan but it wasn’t always about music.  At first, I wanted to go to college and once my music began, I ran with it although I always had a backup plan.  School influenced me because I sat down and talked with many of my teachers, listening to what they had to say. Also, my parents gave me advice with music and everyday life. AllHipHop:  At such a young age, how are you dealing with the backlash from haters against your style and movement?Soulja Boy:  Haters are going to hate. I don’t pay attention to haters as opposed to my fans.  I talk to my fans everyday through logging onto Myspace. They also send me emails on my Sidekick. As for my haters, Soulja Boy is not who they want to listen to and they can keep it moving. At the end of the day, I just let the numbers speak on all the haters.  

Hip-Hop Rumors: LL Cool J Records Jay Diss? Shawnna Sex Tape? Kay Slay Vs. Dr. Dre?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Rumors

WOULD LL COOL J DO IT?

The Hip-Hop nation is looking for the next big, relevant battle and LL vs Jay-Z is what people want. There are rumors abound stating that LL has already recorded a diss song to Jay, where he uses the “Takeover” beat. I heard that LL is revealing insider info on Def Jam and citing artists that have left the label or never had the chance to shine. I haven’t heard it, but if it exists, I know I will soon! This could be the most monumental battle ever.

SOME G-UNIT RUMORS!

I heard that 50 Cent is going to jump on the “fragrance” bandwagon. YEP. I heard he has a cologne coming out called “POWER.”

I heard 50 Cent is finishing up his next album for release sometime next year.

The G-Unit crew album is still rumored to be coming out in December.

Trick Daddy reportedly said that he’s trying to sign to G-Unit, but can’t make that move until the Curtis mayhem dies down.

There is also talk that Trick Daddy and Young Buck will do an album together, to be released on G-Unit or Cashville Records. There is rumored to be a track with Buck, Trick Daddy, Young Jeezy and B.G.

I am hearing that J-Hood will not be signed to G-Unit any time soon.

KANYE VS 50 CENT PART II!!!

Not exactly! Sorry for the misleading headline. I said this before, but I think it is worth stating a gain. I heard that the Kanye West/50 Cent “battle” was a huge win for the Universal Music company. It is was so big that they are now reportedly planning on releasing two other major acts on the same day – Mary J and Mariah Carey (Geffen and Def Jam respectively)! I don’t know how this will be positioned but, if it creates interest, go for it.

KAY SLAY VS DR. DRE!

There are a couple of theories running around with the Kay Slay / Dr. Dre situation. I heard that Kay and Papoose requested another beat from Dr. Dre for their new situation they have popping on another label. Well, I heard Dre passed on doing another beat for the BK lyrical monster, for whatever reason. I heard a different variation of this rumor as well. I heard that Dre did two songs with Papoose, but won’t release the second song, for whatever reason! That song is reportedly in the vault of the good doctor and that’s the real reason he’s upset Kay Slay.

SHAWNNA IN SEX VID?

It’s been a while since we had a certified sex tape from a star. There are explicit pictures of a woman that looks like Shawnna giving a man a “professional” in a video. It actually looks like it might be Shawnna until you get to the last image and you realize that the chick ain’t the former DTP member. That was a close call! Looks like we’ll have to wait for the next scandal.

SALT-N-PEPA FIGHTIN’

It’s your thang, do what you wanna do! I heard that S-N-P might have been in an intense argument during the taping of their upcoming VH1 reality series. From what I heard, it was a taped show and it will be “leaked” to youtube as a promotion for the show. Those of you that know, realize that Salt and Pep have changed their lifestyles quite a bit. Salt is now a married mom and gospel rapper and Pepa is living the wild, single life. This looks like it will be really interesting.

HE GETS IT FROM HIS MAMA!

Kanye is something else and his mother is something other than that which Kanye is too. Basically, she compared Kanye to Jesus. Check out what she told the Baltimore Sun.

“Kanye keeps it real,” she said. “He touches the people. You never know how words can save a person’s life, physically or otherwise. People like Martin Luther King or Mahatma Gandhi or, in my view, Barack Obama, or Jesus Christ — people whose job it is to tell the truth — I see that in Kanye. Now, people like you are gonna go, ‘Oh, Kanye’s mom said he’s like Jesus!’ but … when you have a gift, you didn’t get it by yourself. … Your truth is your truth.” …

This is no big deal. My mom calls me “Oh Omnipotent One.”

KANYE AND JAY PARTY LIKE ITS 2999

According to Ms. Information (I love my way with words! Shout out to Ms. Info!) She revealed that Jay-Z threw Kanye a big party after Yeezy’s Saturday Night Live performance. I heard the private after-party went down at the 40/40 Club in New York. You know, just Jay-Z and Just Blaze on stage, and Hov playing/performing new material off “American Gangster,” and then dispensing free drinks to the crowd, and then Hov rhyming along as Just spun, and Beyonce and LeBron partying until 5 in the morning…..nothing out of the ordinary. Lol, yeah right! Sounds like a legendary night!

KANYE IS STILL MAD!

Goodness gracias! Kanye sure can hold a grudge, I hear! Kanye is still reportedly mad about the alleged treatment he received at the MTV video music awards in Las Vegas. Well, last week he apparently let it be known that he’s still not feeling MTV. At a Hollywood party last week, Kanye was chillin’ and a random MTV camera crew attempted to piggyback off an interview by US magazine. You know, Kanye stopped them from taping him and allegedly put his hand on their camera the whole time.

SHOUT OUT TO KELLY PAVLIK!

My home boys and I were all rooting for Kelly Pavlik to win over Jermain Taylor this weekend and HE DID IT! I like that kid and I knew that he was capable of doing what he did. In the second round, he got caught slipping a bit, but Mayne wasn’t able to finish him, his ultimate undoing. What happened later in the fight was a wrecking ball hitting an abandoned building (aka Pavlik’s fist going upside Jermain’s face). Props to Jermain for being a sports man about it!

JAGGED EDGE – OUTTA THERE!

A friend of mine was at club BLVD in Manhattan a few days ago and said Jagged Edge and Hurricane Chris were scheduled to perform. Both arrived to much fanfare, however Jagged Edge left the spot early due to tardy bottle service. They had to wait an hour just to get a bottle of whatever R&B super groups drink. LOL! Hurricane Chris did his thing, even though the crowd seemed a lil’ indifferent. What shocked people was Raekwon The Chef with minimal or no security. He came in and took pictures with everybody and made the whole world happy.

HEATHER HUNTER STILL GETS DOWN

If you attended the AHH Art Show a couple weeks ago, you might have been fortunate to see the artwork of Heather Hunter, former p### star-turned-rapper, artist and author. Well, I had figured Heather had given up her wild ways in the interest of the artsy life or something. Last week, Heather had a birthday party and her and her constituents partied until about 5 am. I heard she licked icing off of her best friend’s chest region. Then, everybody there left the party and went to her condo for the after party. Leave it to the cops to mess the party up, which lasted until 8 am. The NYPD unit that tows people, started to tow everybody! I hope they all had their clothing on when they ran out to evade the tow trucks.

By the way, HH is featured on the current version of Fat Man Scoop’s Man & Wife Tv show…I haven’t watched this episode, but I watched this one with Chris Brown and it was hilarious! Check it out right CHEAH!See below: Scoop, Heather and Wife.

I HOPE FAITH DOESN’T DO IT!

Rumor has it Faith Evans will punctuate her comeback by calling her new CD The legendary BIGFAYE. While I love and respect Faith, I would hope that this is a bad rumor. Anyway, rumor has it Biggie’s ex-wife is now down with Interscope Records and will drop in March of 08. I heard that a new movie and book will be included in the promo push of the album.

GUCCI MANE VS BIG CAT RECORDS ROLLS ON

This is what my boy C. Vernon told me about the beef with Gucci and Big Cat:

Big Cat was just on 107.9 in ATL. He said Gucci has a 4 album deal w/ Big Cat Records the label with whom his first 2 albums were released. He also said he will get a % off Gucci next 2 albums on Atantic. He said he doesn’t know why Gucci is mad or why he put out that dis track I mentioned in the last email but he said his paperwork is straight and Gucci owes him two more albums. He even called Guccie ”bipolar”.

This sort of falls under the who cares department, but I think Gucci is hotter than ever (pause) so why would he bug out?

PAPOOSE HAS A LIL’ PROBLEM DOWN SOUTH

Papoose – in the East – is known as one of the most lyrical dudes of this current era. You would never think he would ever get accused of BITNG? Well, somebody has a strong case. Read what I got from Acafool, a rapper from Tampa, Florida.

Imitation… The highest form of flattery, or theft?

Independent Tampa, Florida music artist Acafool released “Hatablockas” in late 2005. Garnering radio play on over 30 radio stations, the original “Hatablockas” has had more than 4500 spins to date, and landed Acafool on the pages of XXL in December 2006 for Show and Prove.

Recently, fans have started contacting Acafool about a song by Papoose called “Fitted Hat Low,” that uses Acafool’s trademark line “I got my HATABLOCKAS on.” Acafool’s camp reached out to Papoose to discuss the situation, but representative’s for Papoose stated, “We don’t want any drama.” Yet later, email blasts were sent to DJs by Violator to start promoting “Fitted Hat Low” as Papoose’s new song “Hatablockers,” an undeniable theft of Acafool’s title. What’s worse, when a few DJs wouldn’t touch Papoose’s version of “Hatablockas,” a representative from Violator went as far as to say that he had two pairs of HATABLOCKAS (the sunglasses) that he got from Acafool a year earlier in Tampa.

Papoose is quoted as saying, “I never came into this game with no gimmick, I never had to diss nobody to get attention. I always came with pure talent, pure material” (Source: Wikipedia). So we have to ask, whose pure talent and whose pure material? We know that this “new” material from Papoose is definitely not original.

Has coming up with new lyrics and sounds become so difficult that so-called artists like Papoose feel justified in stealing titles and full lines from original songs by original artists? Many artists’ sample or reference key phrases from other artist’s music, but that is not the situation here. This was a theft of intellectual property, property that is a copy written product; even if it weren’t a legal issue, it’s one of respect for the other artists in the game. Just because you like a concept, doesn’t mean you can take it and try to pass it off as your own.

Acafool’s “Hatablockas,” which is still big in the South and overseas, is in rotation and is expanding to other areas of the US.

Acafool is quoted as saying “Be a writer not a biter.”Interesting…

DJ SEMTEX’S STREET TEAM GETS WITH MARIAH!

DJ Semtex has a posse. The UK-based DJ has reportedly put together the biggest street team, the UK has ever seen. He got together about 200 beautiful UK ladies to promote Mariah Carey’s ‘M’ Fragrance across the UK in malls, shopping centers and whatever other places people lurk.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I Told You I Was Trouble is the name of the next Amy Winehouse CD, dude in November. I love the title. Looks like they are trying to get her music out there before she implodes!

Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek are about to start working on a new Reflection Eternal.

Elephant Man and Sizzla canceled their shows in Canada after gay rights groups raised the roof about their allegedly gay lyrics (I haven’t heard the lyrics).

I know the homey Boss Up is going to hate this, but check out this audio of Superhead on the Jamie Foxxx radio show. She calls all these guys gay, charges I don’t believe personally.

Rumors say Eva Mendes, 33, is pregnant. She was seen leaving a prenatal yoga class.

Foxy Brown’s album finally drops on November 20th – I just hope people care. I heard Lil’ Kim is coming out in December sometime.

Just Blaze recently revealed that he is working with Jennifer Hudson on her new album.

J-HOOD IS TALKING

J-Hood never got this much attention on D-Block, but here he talks about D-Block, 50 Cent and other stuff.

ILL PICS!

This is Lil’ Wayne and Phyllis “Philly” of Shock Squad Management at that recent party with Young Jeezy and T.I.

The homey rapper Spark Dawg from Texas came to New York to attend AllHipHop Week and ended up seeing Don King – “Only In America!”

TOMORROW, WE LOVE YOU!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

– allhiphop rumors

Depression and Hip-Hop: Are They Related?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

 

 

Images of strength have dominated Hip-Hop since its inception in the early 1970’s.  MC’s often professed superiority over other MC’s with lyrical wizardry and dominance on the microphone. Weakness was not an option, especially outward signs of weakness.  However, when it comes to saving your life or the life of someone you love, we have to admit that Hip-Hop artist and those who love Hip-Hop are at risk for one of the most common medical problems seen in the doctor’s office:  Depression.  Not that Hip-Hop itself has any direct relationship to this disease, but you must realize that no one is exempt and we must all be aware of the signs and symptoms of this treatable disease. 

 

The untimely death of Hip-Hop DJ/producer David “Disco D” Shayman is only a testament to this issue.  I never met Disco D and I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding his death, but one thing I can tell you is that depression, left untreated, can lead to loss days of work, destruction of families, and in its worse form: suicide.

 

The old saying that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem is very true. Once a person commits suicide, the opportunity to resolve issues and make amends is gone. Disco D will be missed, and I’m sure he would want those who loved his music to learn more about this problem. So, let’s define depression, its signs and symptoms, and options for treatment.

 

Depression or a depressive disorder is a disease that affects the entire body.  It is by no means a sign of weakness, and does not have to be prompted by the death of a loved one, divorce or losing your job – although these situations can be a factor. Depression is an extreme form of sadness that a person cannot pull himself out of or resolve easily without help. 

 

There are several types of depression including major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder. We will focus on major depression. Symptoms of major depression include problems sleeping (insomnia or oversleeping), loss of interest in things one normally does, feelings of guilt, decreased energy, decreased concentration, changes in appetite (not eating at all or overeating), decreased sex drive and thoughts of suicide. If you have a family history of depression, this also increases your risk of getting the disease. These symptoms usually have to be present consistently for more than two weeks. 

 

In general, women experience depression about twice as often as men, however, men with depression are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. There are also studies that show there may be an increased risk of heart disease in both men and women who are depressed.

 

Once the diagnosis is made, treatment must begin immediately!  There are medical problems that can cause depression, such as thyroid disorders and viral infections, but once they are ruled out, the usual course of treatment includes consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist, medications, and group or one-on-one therapy.  Do not let depression take you out of the game.  If you or someone you love is exhibiting any of the above signs or symptoms, seek help right away!  It could very well save your life.

 

It’s “Tha Hip Hop Doc”, they call me H2D. Come on now and let’s get Hip Hop Healthy!

 

For more information on depression visit www.nimh.nih.gov or visit my website www.h2doc.com

 

Dr. Rani Whitfield is a board certified Family Practice and Sports Medicine Physician who lives in Baton Rouge, LA.  He is affectionately known as “Tha Hip Hop Doc” as he uses music and medicine to educate young people on health issues. 

Celebrity Style: Fall Fashion Trends

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

In today’s entertainment world, celebrity style can run the gamut from geek to chic, leaving you either inspired or feeling tired. With Fall right around the corner, AllHipHop.com took time out to highlight the season’s fashion trends via some stylish celebs. Whether you peruse the racks or the latest fashion mags for what to rock, take a little inspiration from the men and women on our list.

 

If your style is…Understated Chic:  Amerie and T.I.

 

In true Capricorn fashion, Amerie’s style is always simple yet stylish. Count on her to rock simple yet eye-catching styles such as textured knit dresses combined with statement, waist-cinching belts for a look that is both lady-like and modern. Top it all off with luxe accessories such a beret, a textured bag (think python, patent or both) and a pair of suede ankle boots. Remember ladies: less is more.

 

Understated Chic Female Luxe Item: Bottega Veneta Woven Bag

 

 

 

From his nautical-styled ensemble at this year’s BET Awards to his affinity towards all things Ralph Lauren, T.I.P. embodies understated chic style for young men. For Fall, less is more for guys too, so expect a trendsetter like T.I. in luxe leather blazers over lightweight cashmere sweaters by Blanc de Chine for a ‘grown-man’ look. Basic doesn’t have to equal boring, so expect to see urban staples like designer jeans and hoodies mixed up with classic patterns such as plaid and paisley. For accessories, keep it simple with an eye-catching timepiece – nautical-style for day or classic red gold for night.

 

Understated Chic Male Luxe Item: Hublot “Big Bang” Red Gold Watch

 

If your style is …Young, Fresh & New: Swizz Beatz and Ciara

 

Swizz Beatz’ fashion style has evolved alongside his illustrious career as one of Hip-Hop’s most sought after trackmasters. From his Ruff Ryder jersey-rocking days to his current fun-yet-mature style of dress, the one man band man keeps his clothing as colorful as his music. For those that like to stay ahead of the pack like Swizz, look to ‘80s and ‘90s-inspired pieces like allover-print hoodies and tri-color sneakers to carry over into the cooler weather. Don’t go totally retro though. To keep your style from looking like a costume, sport a fun yet functional sport watch – we like D&G’s Navajo Watch – and give your bling a break by rocking the new mens’ sterling silver bracelets by Gucci.

 

YF&N Male Fly Item: ‘Guns & Roses’ print hoodie by Orchard Street

 

 

 

 

 

As the new face for Roc-A-Wear Ladies, Ciara epitomizes a young, fresh and new look. A blend of trendy mixed with sexy tomboyishness; Ciara always keeps it youthful and fun. For a look that’s cute and casual try the boho-tech styles by Stella McCartney and anything sportswear-inspired in bright hues like fuchsia and orange for the daytime.  For nighttime, rock trendy high-waisted jeans, feminine blouse and platform heels for an effortless chic style.

 

YF&N Female Fly Item: Nine West “Remlap” quilted boot

 

 

Rappers Mos Def, Common, More Urge Walk Out In Protest Of Jena 6

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

A number of rappers and activists will support Mos Def’s call for a National Student Walk-Out tomorrow (Oct 1) in support of the Jena 6.

 

In addition to Mos Def, rappers Common, Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, M1, Rep. Cynthia McKinney, Idris Elba, Pharoahe Monch, the Malcolm X Grassroots, the National Hip Hop Political Convention, The Hip Hop Association and student leaders from over 100 campuses will support the Jena 6 by walking out of class at 12:00 noon (Central time).

 

The rappers and activists are asking students to peacefully walk out of class and rally either on campus or at other designated areas, in protest of the case.

 

“This is the time for Black people to support the Jena 6, and call attention to the unequal treatment the criminal Justice system is dishing out not only in Jena Louisiana but across this nation,” Mos Def said. “We all live in Jena. ”

 

A list of demands created by the organizations will be read at each of the organized rallies around the country.

 

The group is calling for all charges against the Jena 6 to be dropped, to prevent Judge Mauffray from presiding over Bell’s juvenile court hearings, that the Jena School District superintendent be removed from office and more.

 

The “Jena 6” are six black students who were charged with assaulting a white teenager at Jena High School in Jena, Louisiana after a series of racially motivated incidents.

 

The students were initially charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit attempted murder in connection with the December 4 beating of a white student.

 

The incident was the culmination of months of racial tension following a black Jena High School student’s request to the principal sit under an oak tree that was a frequent hang out for white students.

 

A day after the request, sat under the tree, three nooses were found hanging from the branches. Although the school’s principal recommended that those responsible for the nooses be expelled, the three white students were suspended for three days for the action, which was labeled as a “prank.”

 

Soon after, Justin Barker, a white student, was jumped by a group of students who knocked him unconscious while stomping and kicking him.

 

Criminal charges were later directed towards the Jena 6, although the parents of the Jena 6 said they heard Barker was hurling racial epithets earlier.

 

On Thursday (September 27), Mychal Bell, the last of the “Jena 6” behind bars, was released from custody after a juvenile his bail was reduced to $45,000.

 

Over 15,000 demonstrators protested how the case was handled, claiming the black teens were being treated more harshly than the three white students who hung the nooses.

 

For more information visit www.mxgm.org.

Ludacris To Help Clean NYC Park With Boost Volunteers

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Grammy Award winning Atlanta rapper Ludacris will help 100 Boost Mobile RockCorp volunteers revitalize DeWitt Clinton park in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen area on Saturday, October 6.

 

Ludacris, pro-skateboarder Terry Kennedy, pro-snowboarder Keir Dillion and 100 volunteers will painting handball courts, basketball backboards, playground areas, fences and benches in the park.

 

Additionally, the group will clear overgrown areas and pick up litter in the park.

 

Later in the evening, Ludacris will perform for 5,000 other volunteers at Radio City Music Hall, during the Boost Mobile RockCorps concert.

 

Other rappers performing for the volunteers include Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Keyshia Cole, Angels & Airwaves, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Yung Joc.

 

Actor/rapper Nick Cannon will host the concert, which takes place on the evening of Saturday October 6.

NATIONAL LEAGUE PENNANT RACE: Down to the Wire

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

It’s been a long season and even with two days remaining, we still haven’t set the table.  The Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central Friday with a win over the Cincinatti Reds and a loss by the Milwaukee Brewers, who dropped their third game in a row and second straight to the San Diego Padres who are still very much in a division and wild card race. 

 

NL WEST

 

 

The San Diego Pades sit at 89-71, one game back in the division and currently hold the wildcard lead.  Their relief pitching has been lights out in the Brewers series and on the road this team looks like the team to beat even with all their headline injuries including the likes of Mike Cameron and Milton Bradley.  They have two games left this weekend against the Brewers who after Friday night have nothing left to play for except pride.  I’m looking for this team to snatch one of the last 3 playoff spots. 

 

The Arizona Diamondbacks have solidified themselves not only a playoff spot but as a legitimate playoff contender.  This team has young and old talent, new energy and veteran wisdom, and the best pitcher in the National League.  Brandon Webb took the mound on Friday night against the hottest team in Major League Baseball and was lights out!  Webb pitched 7 innings and gave up two runs to lead the Diamondbacks to a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies.  The Rockies have had a great season and have had an even greater run towards the end but I think they will bow out gracefully in the next 2 days and give way to two teams in their division who have played just as outstanding down the stretch.  Hold your heads high Rockies you guys made a helluva run and you have some real good talent for the future.  For you “There’s always next year” is actually something to look forward to and not just a cliche statement for perennial losers. 

 

NL EAST

 

I just shake my head whenever I see a Mets score flash across my screen these days.  With their crosstown rivals cementing their playoff position, Gotham’s season leading team is in danger of becoming also-rans. The finger pointing has already begun in New York and there are plenty of blame for everyone.  The players blame the coaches.  The manager blames the pitching.  The fans blame the manger and the GM blames the eye in the sky.  What was once a comforable lead has evaporated to a one game deficit.  There is no joy in mudville. Two games to play and it’s win or go home.

 

Shout out to the Philadelphia Phillies!  Winners of 12 of their last 15, they have proved themselves a worthy MLB Playoff team.   If they get any kind of pitching in the playoffs they could easily be the National League’s World Series representative.  The Phillies are living proof that the season is a marathon and not a sprint. 

 

 

Who knows who will end up in the playoffs?  There’s a lot of baseball left, and a weekend of pressure packed baseball.  Anything can happen when the leaves are changing.  Feels like October.

B-Legit Talks New Album ‘Throwblock Muzik’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

West Coast rap veteran B-Legit is bringing his musical stylings back to the forefront with his forthcoming album, Throwblock Muzic.

 

The release, which is the follow up to the rapper’s 2006 mixtape Hood Hustlin and 2005’s Block Movement, will include appearances from E-40, Mac Dre, Clyde Carson, Harm from the Rich and Levitti.

 

“I stay recording, so I have songs that I love but didn’t fit on my last album and don’t fit on my new album. So I took my favorite ones, touched ’emup, recorded some new songs and came up with Throwblock Muzic,” said B-Legit about the material on his new project

 

Production for Throwblock Muzic will be handled by Mike Mosely, Goldfingaz, Stix, Troy Sanders and E-A-Ski.

 

In addition established rappers, the album will feature artists signed to B-Legit’s record label, Block Movement, such as Taj-He-Spitz, Duna, 2wiceberg Slym and Harm from the Rich.

 

Throwblock Muzic will feature 16 songs, including the lead single, “Hands On Them Knees.”

 

In addition, the album will feature remixed versions of songs that were released on mixtapes that now include new artists.

 

As a fixture in the Bay Area music scene, B-Legit is best known for his classic album Hemp Museum.

 

The rapper is confident that his new album will resonate with fans as it sets the stage for his next project, Block Business.

 

“My last album hit before the hyphy movement broke, I’m known for that classic mob music so I fell back and went to work,” B-Legit said. “I gave the kids a chance but now I have to step in and do what I do best. Throwblock Muzic is to hold you over until Block Business.”

 

B-Legit’s Throwblock Muzic is slated to hit stores on Nov. 20.

 

Block Business is scheduled to be released in March 2008.

Percee P: Perseverance

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

Good things take time. In an era where half-baked rappers release multiple albums to invisible masses, Percee P bares 20 years of rhyming excellence known mostly to cult twelve-inch collectors and from hand-to-hand album sales in front of New York’s Fat Beats. Decades after lung-collapsing lyricism on microphones shared with Big L, Pharoahe Monch, Large Professor and Aesop Rock, Percee P makes his formal entrance with Perseverance (Stones Throw) with the once-seemingly unlikely complement of Madlib production.Perhaps one of the reasons Percee P was waitlisted so long for release is his dense lyrical delivery. Rhymes within rhymes, this Bronx MC gives the listener a relic in “Throwback Rap Attack,” a drum-heavy track guided by Percee’s signature syncopated delivery. Other tracks such as “Raw Heat” and “Legendary Lyricist” follow this trend. Unlike Percee’s previous catalogue (made available on self-released Legendary Status) Madlib’s musical influence on the project allowed the MC to show depth in content to match ability. “The Lady Behind Me” is a metaphor-peppered ballad, while “The Dirt and the Filth” uses dark imagery to create an apocalyptic reflection of both New York and later California from P and fellow CA transplant Aesop Rock.Like any masterful producer, Madlib found his own zone with Percee P. Unlike Madvillainy, another “reintroduction” of an underground New York MC (MF Doom), Perseverance uses more conventional rhythms and smoother Funk cuts. “Legendary Lyricist” and “Last of the Greats” channel the ‘70s spacey loops Madlib is known for. “2 Brothers from the Gutter” is not as clever, crutching a fuzzed out Nintendo loop, that carries more stoner appeal than actual nod factor. Harder tracks such as “Watch Your Step” and “The Dirt and the Filth” seem uncharacteristic from Madlib’s recent work, but show his accessibility to MCs beyond his usual scope.Perseverance is just that. This album recreates the 20 years and shifting styles that Percee P lived through. It’s then and it’s now. It’s Bronx lyricism with Southern California soul. There’s old friends like Diamond and Prince Po, and new disciples such as Guilty Simpson and Aesop Rock “. Fifteen years later, Percee P doesn’t feel a minute overdue, as this lyrical icon finally makes it to the party. Percee P “Put It On The Line”

Percee P “Throwback Rap Attack”

Keyshia Cole: Just Like You

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

More like the queens of Soul from days past than today’s more common Pop divas, Keyshia Cole can sing her ass off. While most of today’s female “R&B” artists sell themselves with elaborate acts and top-dollar production, she is one of the few newer artists who lets her voice be the star of the show. Sure, most of those girls can’t sing anyway, but whatever the reasons are, Cole is becoming a rare breed. While her talents are unquestionable, the quality of Just Like You (Geffen) is still debatable. In some cases, the tracks she sings on turn her gift into a curse, like on “Didn’t I Tell You,” where her big vocals fight with the big beat. Still, when she’s given room, she delivers. The Anthony Hamilton assisted “Losing You” is a perfect example; Keyshia does more than just sing well, she sings like she means it. It may seem like she spends too much time on break-ups and pain, but those are the times when she feels the most sincere, so it’s ultimately better than her forcing out lyrics about a sunny day.Just Like You feels a lot like the best R&B albums from Bad Boy in the ‘90s, but interestingly enough, the places where the Bad Boy influence is the most direct are the biggest problems. “Let It Go” isn’t necessarily anything special to begin with and it’s hard not to think of the B.I.G. classic when anyone else samples Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit.” For some reason, the year old “Last Night” is thrown in as well; a great track, yes, but one that we’ve been hearing for months now. If she wanted to make moves with Puff, the slot would’ve been better off with a new Diddy collaboration, or at least the remix.Just Like You may not do much to change the game for artists of Keyshia Cole’s variety, but it is an overall solid album that fans of the artist or genre should easily enjoy. It isn’t a major breakthrough for Cole, but it definitely hints at what she could eventually accomplish and shows why people have been so quick to call her an heiress to Mary J. Blige’s throne. Mary may not be ready to step down any time soon, but with the right group of writers and producers, Keyshia will be first in line to take the slot when she is.  

AHH Stray News: Lord Infamous, Young Buck, MTV Arabia, DJ Muggs

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Former Three 6 Mafia group member Lord Infamous will release his second solo album next month titled The Man, The Myth, The Legacy. Lord Infamous, born Ricky Dunigan, was a founding member of Three 6 Mafia group and was featured on many of the group’s most popular recordings. The album is the follow up to Lord Infamous’ solo debut Lord of Terror and features guests appearances by La Chat, II Tone, D-Dirt and others. The Man, The Myth, The Legacy hits stores October 23 via Lord Infamous’ own record label, Black Rain Entertainment.

 

G-Unit rapper Young Buck is preparing a variety of new projects, including a new album, clothing and jewelry line. The Nashville, Tennessee native is preparing to release a new compilation, Young Buck Presents: Product Of The South on his Cashville Records imprint. The compilation features the Cashville roster of artists, which includes 615 and The Outlawz. The first single from the album is titled Driving Down the Freeway. Young Buck is also launching David Brown/TenaKey Clothing. “David Brown is my real name [and] November 1 we are going to be on the racks,” Young Buck said. The rapper recently released a teaser previewing the line at www.davidbrownclothing.com.

 

Viacom and the Arab Media group are planning to launch MTV Arabia on November 16. The network will launch the channel with imported MTV shows, as well as new locally produced show. Executives at the network said about a third of the programming will feature local musicians, including homegrown Hip-Hop music. AMG has been running advertisements encouraging local rappers to send in their demos. “We’re not just looking at MTV Arabia as another TV station,” AMG chief exec Abdullatif Al-Sayegh told Variety. “The channel will be a platform for the Arab youth. Eventually they will decide the programming of the channel. It won’t just be the head of programming deciding what goes on air.” The network will premiere November 16 during an all-star bash in Dubai.

 

Cypress Hill founding member/producer DJ Muggs will embark upon an international tour with Psycho Realm group member Sick Jacken to support the release of their first album together, The Legend of The Mask and The Assassin. The duo kicked off the tour last night (September 27) in Estonia. The pair will then tour through Europe, making stops in cities like Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. The Legend of The Mask and The Assassin is also the first release from Rebel Music Group, a new joint venture between Sick Jacken and Universal Music Latino. Tour dates for DJ Muggs’ and Sick Jacken international tour are listed below:

September 27th Estonia, Tallin @ Club HollywoodSeptember 28th Norway, Trondheim @ Club Kafe LarssenSeptember 29th Norway, Oslo @ Club BLAOctober 2nd United Kingdom, Canbridge @ TBAOctober 3rd Denmark, Copenhagen @ TBAOctober 4th Bulgaria, Sofia @ TBAOctober 5th Switzerland, Lausanne @ TBAOctober 5th Sweden, Gothenburg @TBA

NFL WEEK 4 Picks

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

 

First off, shout-outs to both New York teams for their big wins last week.  I was impressed with how both teams dug deep and played the kind of football that they are capable of playing.  Keep it up.  To my fantasy football family, the bye weeks have started.  Pay attention to your squad so you don’t get caught out there like I have so many times before. Make sure you start or sit the right people.  

Thank God the Saints have a bye this week.  They need it.  Now they can go back to the lab and try to fix the problem.  This is a good team that needs to find out what’s going wrong before it gets to late in the season. With Deuce McAllister out for the season, it’s time for Reggie Bush to find his inner “619” and step up.  Hey, it worked for Rey Mysterio.  DeAngelo Hall, you got off easy with just a fine from the team for your actions in last Sunday’s game.  Chill out brother, it’s not that serious.  You had a bad game, make up for in this one. You’re too good of a player to act that way and disrespect your head coach in that manner.  Like I told the Jets fans last week, have some class.  I was thinking about saying something about Michael Vick testing positive for marijuana but then I figured, why do that?  That would have been 10-15 precious minutes of my life I wouldn’t get back. Here are my picks for Week 4:

 

 

1pm games:

 

Houston Texans (2-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (0-3)

Location: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

 

Matt Schuab is coming home to the team that drafted and then traded him to the Texans.  The team that traded him, the Falcons, probably wished they hadn’t.  With an offensive line that’s been blocking for him very well in the first three games of the season, I see Schuab having a big game against his former team.  If vengeance is a dish, best served cold, then you better grab your hoodies because it’s going to be freezing in A-T-L. 

 

Hopefully Falcons’ head coach Bobby Petrino paid attention to what’s going on in Chicago and starts newly signed QB Byron Leftwich instead of Joey Harrington.  Also the Falcons need to try and establish their running game to wear out a good Texans D-line and air it out to their receivers if they’re going to win this game.

 

My Pick: Texans

 

NY Jets (1-2) vs. Buffalo Bills (0-3)

Location: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY

 

Buffalo is banged up and there’s no indication that QB J.P. Losman will start for the Bills this game.  With Losman out, rookie QB Trent Edwards will get the start.  Other than the interception Edwards had in last week’s game against the Pats, he didn’t have a bad game.  Look for a solid balance of run and pass from the Bills to try and wear down the Jets defense. 

 

The Jets had a good win last week, and I expect to see that again this week.  With all of the injuries to the Bills defense, the Jets will probably have a field day picking it apart.  With RB Thomas Jones getting his first 100-yard rushing game for the season last week, I think he will vibe from last week’s performance and carry it over into Ralph Wilson Stadium.

 

My Pick: J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets

 

Baltimore Ravens (2-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-2)

Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH

 

As this is being typed, there’s still no word on who’s going to start for the Ravens.  If Steve McNair gets the start, the Browns need to put pressure on McNair and his injured groin and to get backup QB Kyle Boller into the game.  I’m not saying they should knock him out the game, but if he misses a couple of series throughout the game, the Browns should try and capitalize on it. 

 

The Ravens just need to do what they do best.  That is, play hard nose defensive football.  If the Ravens put pressure on QB Derek Anderson and stop RB Jamal Lewis from running up and down the field in his homecoming this Sunday, the Ravens will  have this game won by the first half.

 

My Pick: Ravens

 

St. Louis Rams (0-3) vs. Dallas Cowboys (3-0)

Location: Texas Stadium, Irving, TX

 

As soon as Rams’ RB Stephen Jackson comes alive, he’s dead again.  Jackson will be out of this Sunday’s game against the Cowboys.  This is just another blow for a team that is already plagued by injury.  The Rams will start rookie RB Brian Leonard against a good Cowboys’ defense on Sunday.  Since the Rams offensive line is a little shaky, I see big numbers for the Cowboy D-line.

 

Tony Romo looks good, Terrell Owens looks good, Marion Barber looks good, and the Cowboys’ defense looks good.  In my opinion, that’s all you need right now.  Many have them as an early lock to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.  We’ll see.  What I do see is the Cowboys going 4-0.

 

My Pick: Cowboys

 

Chicago Bears (1-2) vs. Detroit Lions (2-1)

Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI

 

Common said,”Yeah you know how we do; we do it for the people”.  Well the people have spoken and Bears’ head coach Lovie Smith got his Talib Kweli on and “Listened”.  Ten-year veteran QB Brian Griese will start for the demoted Rex Grossman. Damn, Griese has been in the NFL for 10 years already?  Where did the time go?  Coach Smith said in his press conference that Griese doesn’t have to “look over his back” while he has the starting job and that he’s safe…..for now.  We’ll see how long this one last.  I think the Bears’ offense will be better with Griese as the quarterback.  He’ll make some better decisions and better reads than Grossman when he’ll get pressured.

 

WR Calvin Johnson bruised his back in the second quarter in last Sunday’s game. I think it will be a game time decision on whether or not he plays.  Chicago has been bitten by the injury bug on offense and defense. If the Lions are going to strike, strike now while the iron is scorching. 

 

My Pick: Lions

Oakland Raiders (1-2) vs. Miami Dolphins (0-3)

Location: Dolphin Stadium, Miami, FL

 

I really don’t have much to say about this game.  Honestly, I really don’t care. It’s going to be a snoozer.  I’d rather watch paint dry or watch grass grow than watch this game. So I’ll just say a little something to keep you reading and to be fair to the teams.

 

Raiders’ QB Josh McCown is out with a broken toe.  So Dante Culpepper gets the nod and he’s probably going to come out with a chip on his shoulder since he was released from the Phins the end of last season.  I will say this, both teams have solid RBs in Ronnie Brown and LaMont Jordan and I do think the Phins have the better defensive squad.    

 

My Pick: Phins

Green Bay Packers (3-0) vs. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

Location: Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN

 

Brett Farve will break the record on Sunday around the middle of the first quarter, everyone will rejoice, he’ll get the game ball, and then we’ll finish playing the game.  Yay.  The Packers look good and if they keep with their winning ways, the Nov. 29 game against the Cowboys may have some serious play-off implications.  If the Packers can slow down LaDainian Tomlinson, imagine what they could do with a rookie like Adrian Peterson.

 

My Pick: Packers

 

4pm games:

 

Seattle Seahawks (2-1) vs. San Francisco 49ers (2-1)

Location: Monster Park, San Francisco, CA

 

Whichever team wins this game will have sole possession of the NFC West for the time being.  The Niners defense is improving and the Seahawks defense is about the same it has been for the last few years.  The Seahawks have the better receivers, but the Niners have the younger, healthier running back in Frank Gore.  Shaun Alexander has a broken wrist and is wearing an air cast over it.  Let’s see if that’s going to affect him when he carries the ball.  I think the Niners run game gives them the win, but it will be close.  

 

My Pick: 49ers

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-1)

Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

 

There’s still no word on whether or not Jake Delhomme or if “Mr. White Gloves” David Carr will get the start this Sunday.  I do feel that the Panthers have the better defense and better running back in DeShaun Foster.  If I had to take my pick between the Panthers’ Steve Smith and the Bucs’ Joey Galloway, I’m going with Mr. Smith. 

 

My Pick: Panthers

 

Denver Broncos (2-1) vs. Indianapolis Colts (3-0)

Location: RCA Dome, Indianapolis, IN

 

Is this game a possible AFC play-off preview?  I don’t know, but it looks like it to me.  The Colts are winning despite the fact that the defense is just barely holding up for them.  Last season, the Colts defense was weak, then the play-offs hit and it was a new team.  If it worked last year, why try and fix it this year? 

 

The Broncs look solid and should win the AFC West this year.  Jay Cutler is a solid quarterback and he’ll get his numbers in Sunday’s game.  I feel that the running backs for both teams, Joseph Addai and Travis Henry will have big games.  I just don’t think the Broncos’ secondary is ready for the Colts wide receivers.

 

My Pick: Colts

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) vs. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ

 

Expect the same outcome from the Steelers this week that you got last week.  The Steelers defense is very good.  In four games, the Steelers have allowed 8.7 points a game.  That’s sick. 

 

The Cards subbed veteran QB Kurt Warner in the middle of the second quarter in last Sunday’s because Matt Leinart was getting rocked and just couldn’t get the job done.  Cards head coach Ken Whisenhunt said Leinart is their guy of the future.  Well that future is looking pretty bleak against the Steelers’ defense.  Oh by the way, don’t expect any big yards from Edgerin James; the Steelers will shut that down immediately.

 

My Pick: Steelers

 

Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) vs. San Diego Chargers (1-2)

Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

 

The Chargers will get it together in this game.  I can feel it.  Not really, but I had to find a way to keep you interested.  I do think that the Chargers will win the game.  I think they have the better team all around.  Look for the Chargers offense to get out of their funk and step it up on Sunday.  

 

My Pick: Chargers

 

Sunday Night Game:

Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) vs. NY Giants (1-2)

Location: Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ

 

The Eagles will continue to rise from the ashes of controversy like the Phoenix and put the hammer on the Giants.  The G-men may have been able to pull off the win last week against the Skins, but the Eagles have too much on offense and defense for the Giants to handle.  I know I showed the Giants some love in the beginning, but I’m just calling it like I see it.

 

My Pick: Eagles

 

Monday Night Game:

New England Patriots (3-0) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)

Location: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

 

It’s the Patriots.  That’s all I can really say right now.  I’m trying to pick out a weakness and I can’t.  The Bengals look soft right now with their defensive play making.  The Bengals barely beat the Ravens, they had a shoot-out with the Browns and lost, and they went back and forth with the Seahawks and lost that game also.

 

The only thing the Bengals are favored for in this game is whether of not they can hold the Pats under 100 points.  And the odds of that are pretty slim.  The Pats have too many weapons on offense and defense.  Nothing against the Monday Night Football crew, but if there’s a new show you’ve been wanting to see or you want to catch up on a previous show or some reading, this game may be the game you could afford to miss.  It’s going be ugly.

 

My Pick: Patriots

 

Teams with Bye weeks: Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars

Double Standard Procedures: Jena, The Matrix & The Exhibitionist

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

Double Standard ProceduresWithin the Matrix, whom did you deem the greater danger:  the agents or the sleeper cells – those who existed in the Matrix without knowledge that the natural world had been destroyed?  At first glance, the answer seems obvious, but if you dig deeper beneath the surface, a more disturbing answer awaits.While the intentions of the agents are blatant enough to reveal the nature of their hatred, it is the citizen that walks around oblivious to the laws that govern his/her world that pose the most serious threat.  The moment Morpheus or Neo and crew are detected, those individuals become the tools of the true enemy and reveal the system which they’re part of – albeit unbeknownst to them.Aside from showing an appreciation for this cinematic gem, rehashing its storyline helps to illustrate a flawed social construct of our own:  race.  While governmental agents exist that help maintain this false world of color are easy enough to detect, it is this group of ethnically cleansed nationalities, collectively known as ‘White folks,’ that manifest its hidden dangers.As they walk around benefiting from a system of race that blinds them from its very existence, they become conditioned to false entitlement.  Such entitlement affords them the right to pass judgment on, punish, and insult non-Whites.  The longer they exist within this system, the longer racism simmers within which may flare up and reveal itself suddenly.  Such as in Jena, Louisiana when a Black student sat under a tree reserved for White students.  Further still, they may find themselves taking advantage of privileges that pardon and protect them from breaking laws for which a non-White person would be otherwise persecuted and prosecuted.Sound familiar?!!  Well, it’s not the Trilogy reference that’s making you nostalgic – we need only look into the realms of Louisiana, the NFL and global stage of terrorism to see what we’ve ALL been trying to wake up from for far too long.  Yet if the reality of the pill is too bitter to swallow, who amongst us (Whites and non-Whites included) will choose to reject it?  Are you a rebel raging against the machine of injustice or passively plugging the system as you revel in it? “The Exhibitionist”Long gone are the day and timesWhen sports could cross the great divide –When hate crimes were Dateline’s top caption.What once would’ve been front page linesNow takes offstage dives away from the lime…But in the shade we still find the gloss of fascists.So let’s talk to the masses –Let’s glance across looking glasses.Let’s examine the fraud they bask in so casually.Let’s listen to hypocrisy and how they mask it.Let’s look as laws of democracy are expanded…Let’s listen as they inaudibly laugh at it – this mockery of Black casualty:EXHIBIT AWe need no crystal ball to see that the system’s flawed.Check how Michael’s been vic’d and dogged –Evicted, stripped and outlawed for pittin’ dogsAgainst dogs in annihilation combat.Yeah, his morals are missing a clause,But how’s that get him dismissed from his job?!!…Where’s the written law in the business of ball –how’s that violate his contract?Admit it, y’all – Mike committed an inhumane act.But grounds of dismissal should be aimed at the Patriots pack.They played with the Patriot Act actively in tact during football games.Yet though rules are in place to trace it back,No one’s made a play to displace the Pats…No one’s been disgraced for heinous acts or forced to foot halls of shame.Face facts, so what if Bill Belichick’s been hell-a fined!He won’t miss a bill or check – his wealth is fine.He’ll never be vilified despite direct defiance and undeniable evidence.Yet you won’t see him sit on a bench.As the Patriots’ general, he’ll stay clenched in the trench…Besides, Super Bowl XXXVI was fixed –it’s no coincidence the Patriots won after 9/11!EXHIBIT BThose who benefit in thanksFrom the genesis of raceTend to fit in the Jena 6 ‘prank’ behind white picket fences.While those sick of this traitGet sentenced to endlessly wageWinless wars against bigoted crusades with Black picket defenses.It’s senseless how White men happento invoke symbols of terrorBut can’t find Bin Laden resembled in mirrors.As kinfolk, they’re nearer to him than they care to admit.Whether orchestratin’ maimin’ dudes from explosionsOr enforcin’ hatred by hangin’ nooses with wretched motives…By such strange fruits we definitely know them as heretics.Only while lawless Osama takes flight and stays hidden in caves,Diehards hide flawed dogmas behind lawsin plain sight with no visible shame.As bigoted citizens, they parade double standards with leisure.But it’s hard to tell who’s worse in this case –Is it the racists with the biggest brigade…Or folks oblivious to the charade? – those who benefit from such subtle standard procedures.It doesn’t matter if either exhibits traits, anyway.What matters is neither should have a system in placeWhere a civic DA can implicate:  ‘With a stroke of my pen,I can make lives disappear.’Whether idle threats or specific claims are made,Whether someone’s life or the livelihood of their prolific trade…To those who discriminate – with a stroke of MY pen,I can change your pride into jeers.Said pride makes it quite clear:The rules we’re tried by don’t apply to White peers.While we get indicted for years, the jurors’ sunny side reveres no laws as they walk.How else could folks officiating try and clearTwo groups for initiating gang fights mirrored…By affiliating who’s right with the brightness of day while  the night bears the fault of assault by default.Like exhibitionists who disrobe and cross dress,I’ve got text written to expose such fraudulence.Every dishonest prospect is a project each of us can vindicate.Whether tempting fate with a rogue hypothesisOr situating the last throes of intolerance…We can’t condone doctrines of inconsequencewhen faced with systemic race.© 2007 Reggie Legend Steel Waters, Inc. [email protected]

G-Unit Associates Arrested In Blood Gang Sweep

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

An associate of G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo who is accused of brandishing a gun at a music industry rival’s son was arrested in a massive sweep of members of the Bloods street gang last week.

 

Police in Queens, New York rounded up 34 suspected gang members on charges ranging from narcotics and weapons possession to robbery, attempted murder and murder.

 

Lowell “Lodi Mack” Fletcher is a self-proclaimed member of 50 Cent’s G-Unit camp who is also under investigation for his role in the assault of Jimmy “Henchmen” Rosemond’s son.

 

In May, Fletcher, 29, was charged with various misdemeanor offenses, for allegedly flashing a gun at Rosemond’s son during an altercation in which rapper Tony Yayo allegedly backhanded the teen for wearing a Czar Entertainment shirt.

 

Czar handles the careers of rappers like Gucci Mane and The Game, who has a long running feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit.

 

Police accuse Fletcher of being a high ranking member of the Bloods.

 

Also arrested was Robert “Dead Eye” Baley, another self-proclaimed G-Unit member who was a high ranking member of the Bloods allegedly running a drug ring that was earning $15,000 dollars per week selling heroin, marijuana and other narcotics.

 

Baley ran a Hip-Hop label, Deadvision Entertainment which released his mixtape Long Time Comin.

 

The rapper’s Myspace page already has posted a single titled “Free Dead Eye” featuring Baley rhyming “I Run Far Rock” over 50 Cent’s smash single “I Get Money” single.

 

The entire sweep netted almost 10 pounds of cocaine, 13 guns, two bulletproof vests and $120,000 in cash.

 

“Baley’s arrest and those of higher-echelon Bloods gang members sends an important message that law enforcement will continue to aggressively track down and prosecute both drug dealers and violent criminals a like who seek to terrorize our communities,” District Attorney Richard Brown said. “Today’s street gangs– such as the Bloods – are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drugs and weapons trafficking and the use of violence to protect and expand their territory, often harming innocent individuals caught in the crossfire. Yesterday’s arrests and the others resulting from this investigation will take us along way to improving the quality of the life for the residents of Far Rockaway and in reducing gang-related violence and other criminal activity throughout Queens.”

 

The investigation, known as “Operation Bloodhound” began in September 2006 and included extensive physical surveillance, court-authorized electronic surveillance and search warrants.

 

“This case in Queens is an important blow to the nexus between gangs and drugs and also a step toward safeguarding the residents put in danger by this activity,” added New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

will.i.am: Songs About Girls

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

Most of the world knew nothing of the Black Eyed Peas until they recruited Fergie and released their third album, Elephunk. There is, however, a contingent of fans who are still waiting for the group to ditch the bird and return to their crunchy roots (or at least hope that will.i.am’s solo albums will make up the difference). His third solo project, Songs About Girls (Interscope) puts the final nail in the coffin for “the old will.i.am,” but those Behind the Front fans that can get over their disappointment just might find that the album is enjoyable in spite of itself.The good news: Songs About Girls is a Dance/Pop album to the core, but at no point does it get as asinine as “My Humps” or “Fergalicious.” “I Get It From My Mama” admittedly gets close, but it works better in the context of the album than alone. While the songs are mostly “about girls” as advertised, will.i.am finds surprisingly inspired ways to stretch the singular subject matter. “Heartbreaker” is appropriately uncomplicated and even better is “Impatient,” a refreshing House jam that could almost pass for Daft Punk. “Ain’t It Pretty” is similarly notable with its deep rhythms, and while will.i.am isn’t a particularly amazing rapper or singer, he knows how to take advantage of his strengths to make his vocals enjoyable in their own way.The album’s low points aren’t atrocious, but they collectively drag the project down as a whole. While only 15 tracks deep, the length and density of the individual tracks makes the entire experience seem a little too long. “She’s a Star” gets too close to territory already claimed by Justin Timberlake and the Euro-pop “Invisible” feels tedious and unnecessary compared to many of the album’s better tracks. will.i.am has speculated that (by making use of digital downloads) he plans to expand the track-list over time to potentially include dozens of songs, but at it stands now, it already needs to be trimmed to more like twelve.Even before Fergie, The Black Eyed Peas were making dance music anyway, and Songs About Girls actually stays closer to the group’s past than it might seem on the surface. Face it; the man we met in 1998 is gone and he’s not coming back. What we’re left with might not be the will.i.am that you think you want, but despite some questionable choices, the will.i.am we have deserves respect.SOUNDCHECK:will.i.am “Ain’t It Pretty”will.i.am “Heartbreaker”