September 2007 Archives

Young Buck is preparing to hit the scene again. This time he's coming back with a compilation titled Young Buck Presents: Product of the South, will include new music from 615, C-Bo, Outlawz. The first single is "Driving Down The Freeway featuring Outlawz. There is yet to have a release date for this project.

Yung Buck is also launching David Brown Clothing, his upcoming brand named after his real name.

Nelly launched a contest searching for an all-girl drumline for his perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards. Open auditions will be held on September 30th New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, St.Louis and New Orleans.

Candidates should know how to play the trumpet, tuba, snare drum, bass drum or tri toms and also the ability to march with their instrument.

Final rounds of the auditions will take place in Atlanta on October 8th,

For more information, visit myspace.com/nellysdrumlineauditions

Cast Your Vote To See Who You Really Think Won And Should Be Going To Venezuela.

The ballots are open.

We're proud to announce that Mixtapekings.com has been nominated for Mixtape Website of the Year by Southern Entertainment Awards.

Confirmed guests for 2008 SEA show include Khao, Gucci Mane, Kia Shine, Kiotti, Block Ent, Swisha House, Princess Cut and others.

You can cast your votes at Southernentawards.com

Another song leaked, but that's not new in Hip Hop.

What is new is Trina's material coming soon, of which her single; "Single Again" was leaked on September 25th.

CEO of Slip N Slide Records Ted Lucas, states that "This mishap is extremely unfortunate and that the official "Single Again" track ft. Trina by herself will be Re-released the proper way by the end of the week, I am thankful that nothing else was taken from the computer, I guess we can look at this as a bizarre experience and move forward with upcoming Trina's project."

Mick links up with the young gunna... Young Chris to provide this end of summer heat-rock. Featuring never before heard features including Lil Wayne, Black Thought, Mase, and of course, Young Neef. Brought to you by Rocafella Records and Dreamlife Productions.

Check out MYA's BRAND NEW video "RIDIN":
http://video.umrg.com/mya/ridin/

RIDIN' Audio
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Liberation IN STORES OCTOBER 23RD

Listen to Kia Shine new joint featuring Jim Jones " I Be Everywhere. Enjoy!

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And don't forget the new single:
Kia Shine - W.O.W.
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Kia Shine
Due Season - IN STORES NOW
Universal Motown
www.myspace.com/kiashine

Can't front...this helps build up the anticipation for Jay's new album. Its being compared to Reasonable Doubt, but this trailer is more like Hard Knock Life.

On September 23, 2007 New York held what has been considered the staple of Latin Hip Hop events. Red Bull's Batalla De los Gallos produced by www.Perrealo.com was held at Grand Hall in New York City to a crowd of enthusiastic young viewers. A crowd that follows the burgeoning genre of Hip Hop en Espanol, with their favorite MC trying to fight for the crown of the Champion for 2007! The evening began with a Kapoera performance by a group of young dancers dancing to rhythmic beats and chants, bringing something different to what the evening's event would actually have to show.

Judging the Battle this year we had a variety of recognized individuals who lend in their experience and love for the music to the night by being to select who would go on to battle in Venezuela for the World Championship. DJ Wheel Master Rob, a radio host for XM Radio in Washington DC, Johnny Marines a solidified judge for the Batalla since its inception in 2005 has been known to cause a commotion every year for one reason or another but has always been someone to truly bring out the best in the MC's by letting them know what they have done wrong and how to improve their performance. Although Johnny isn't a Hip Hop artist, his years as Manager for the world renowned bachata group Aventura has helped him see all music in many forms and has him becoming the first official certified judge of MC Battles in Espanol. Jiggiri Records, Tego Calderons Record label lend a hand in this years final by providing Chyno Nyno as a judge! Chyno which has a big following in the Genre of Latin Hip Hop brought real world experience to the panel as being known to have had many battles with various known artists in the past. Lastly Moe was the fourth and final judge for this year and bringing it to a complete panel of real judges that made it clear that if the MC's didn't bring it, they weren't going no where.

As 2007 comes near an end we have noticed that music is taking a huge turn and changing once again, Latin music is now experiencing what so many have been waiting for and this evening was a testament to just that! With the majority of the Finalist hailing from the Dominican Republic it doesn't faze anyone in realizing that the genre is going to be a huge success, especially since primarily all of the hottest and most recognized Latin Hip Hoppers are from DR. Cielo representing for the ladies at this years event was not just the only female to compete at the batalla this year but she was also a finalist to try and win the crown, although failing to make it out of the first round Cielo was actually only one of two to stick to the topic method being used at this years event, she fought a great battle but only to lose to Sammi Cultura the defending champion.

The first round would be one to remember; knocking out some of the best MC's in the genre and proving that you can spit good, but you can not always improvise great! Tailon which in many opinions was one of the favored to win the entire battle was also knocked out in the first round, but only to the Semi Finalist of 2006's Batalla and the one who would go on to win 2007's Championship! A long battle which went through three rounds of fire and the evening lead up to a semi-final that would have people waiting in suspense to see who would go on to the final to take on Nitro! Criminal G which was one of the hottest MC's to touch the mic through out the night lead into what took four rounds to come to a decision. Battling Sammi Cultura, Criminal G put on what would be one of the evenings best battles. Spitting fire from one to the next each MC proving they had the skills to take it, but a decision has always got to be made. And with a unanimous decision which took many by surprise Sammi came out the victor to go on to what seemed to be what everyone was waiting for, rematch of last years Final between Sammi Cultura and Nitro!

A long route for both MC's, a full year since the last had seen each other and much less battled! Having fought some very hard rounds to achieve what only two others have accomplished throughout the years, and that is make it to the finals. This year would prove which would be the best and have the chance to show his talents world wide. Nitro having lost last year had his chance to redeem his loss and prove he was a strong lyricist. Everyone knew the battle would be one to remember, and it was none the less the best battle of the evening. Both MC's going through three rounds sticking to the topics they were giving and improvising in a way that only poets can duplicate. Finally coming down to one final battle where the judges decided to let them battle it out and truly prove their street credibility. The crowd favorite Nitro was hard at work competing against last years champion, both MC's having brought their A game and formidably competing against one another. Although this final would not be won by unanimous decision, Sammi Cultura would not be holding onto the championship for another year, Nitro would go on to take the victory and will represent not only the United States in Venezuela, but also the Dominican Republic which is now at the forefront of the entire Latin Hip Hop Movement.

The battle now moves to Venezuela where the winner will challenge last years Champ and the rest of the MC's from across the Latin America. This year has been one for the books, and it will be another year that proves Latin Hip Hop is really here and it will remain here as well. Real Dominican, Killer & Brasa all great MC's proved to the world they had what it took to make it to the finals and now along with all the rest of the finalists and winner make up for the Top Ranked MC's in Latin Hip Hop in the United States. So keep an eye out because what you will see next will only rewrite History!

Welcome AvE to the Rapmullet review section. Shout to Mad Ciphas Ent for the submission...cats putting in that work. AvE is from the Bronx and this here project is hosted by DJ S&S...yes my old school mixtape heads that's the real DJ S&S. His presence on here is undeniable...DJs take notes on how to host an artist mixtape.

You can hear right off the "intro" AvE can rhyme; the delivery is explosive. "Stand & Deliver" is the title track so to speak. The beat grew on me but the bars and hook are where it's at. "When I cook crack, yea it's usually on the Pro Tools / that's why my name rings like it's jewlery from the old school." This joint is def your do dirt music. "Somebody put me on cause I'm past due / honor roll flow, I'm on top of my class too / haters keep it quiet if ain't nobody ask you / for we catch you and hang you out the window like fast food...I'm that dude." Ahh man that "Coast to Coast" joint is my shit! AvE turned those beats into vegetables. "Give It to Me" sounded a lil forced with Melody on the hook but S&S brought the best out of that track with the ad-libs. "No Reason" is a beast of a track. I think we need a video to this one...beat is crack-a-licious and every MC goes in like there's piles of free money in the booth. Mickey Factz said.."fuck ya lady, you be eating out a tramp"...hahahaha. You gotta rewind "The Future"...Esso features and AvE adds a little of that witty fly shit to the BX.

I can't front, AvE pushing that quality product. Some MCs always push schwag aka mexican dirt weed, some MCs push that purp every now and then and some MCs consistiently push quality shit...thats AvE. Mixtape wise the project is bangin', S&S def held it down. Music wise AvE is like one break away man. I didn't hear a flaw in the flow, delivery or none of that shit so it's really just a matter of time and finding a way to challenge himself to get even better. He most def Stood and Delivered on the mixtape now we'll see if it's deal or no deal.

This mixtape hit me upside my head like brick. I wonder who else is sleeping on Jody Breeze? DJ Teknikz stay doing what he do...he is Gerogia's Muscle on the mixtape side of things. These two together on a mixtape can only mean one thing....Jody Breeze won't be a secret for much longer. Let's hope his label gets their shit together.

"Won't Let You Down" with Gorilla Zoe is that hit record. Both MCs got the flow of the future in the "A". The bars are far from deep but that shit sounds so good in the whip you should thank Teknikz for giving it to you early. I can't say I'm a huge fan of the patented Cool N Dre sound but they flipped it a lil different on "Lets Ride". You gotta rewind this shit man, it's a must if you're riding like I'm riding. The fucking hits don't stop people. "On Everything" got some pimpin' in it but what impressed me was the flow man...that shit is flawless like a bitch with a big ass and no pimples on the booty. I couldn't stop singing that hook!! Ok, so the original tracks on here are fire right, but what about the mixtape flips? All I'm gonna say is peep "Blow Out Your Fame" and "5 In The Morning". Teknikz got an ear for the beats that fit the artist man, that shit is evident. The best colabo and track to do your dirt to was "Hard Out Here". Trae laced his verse while Jody Breeze came thru and thugged your mother on his.

Every week I'm trying to roll with at least one down south mixtape in the ride but this shit right here isn't going anywhere for a while. As far as artist mixtapes go this how you wanna make 'em. You got a perfect balance of your quality original exclusive tracks, your mixtape flip freestyles and official colabo's with other quality artist. Add in Teknikz skills to the mix, that MIC pressence, some offical in the studio hosting from Jody Breeze and you got yourself a classic artist mixtape.

I'm telling ya'll, cats are stepping up their hustle in 2007. DVDs make money...bottom line. There not as easily ripped and uploaded to the net as your average mixtape. Having a foundation built right now as well as distibution outlet for the projects is sooooooo important. Cats are head and shoulders above the rest as far as hustle goes right now. We all know DJ Fade can blend, but can he bring that consistient hottness into the DVD game...we shall see.

The intro to this DVD is the shit. Fade used the best part of the movie Belly to set it off and it's a fucking classic! "Back To Life" is the shit and when the actual video comes on I was open but then Fade brings in "Look What My Eyes Could See" and murded that shit...in a good way. "Shoulder Lean" got an upgrade beat wise on some thug shit. On the flip side tho, I can't fuck with "Country Grammer"...no matter what beat you put behind that shit. I was expecting more from the "Dwyk" blend. That "Simon Says" beat murked the energy the original has, shit was dragging man, had to FF that shit. Fade came back strong with "You" b/w "Scenario"...that shit is ride out music right there. The smooth shit was "1,2 Step" b/w "Because Of You"...gotta get the ladies involved in the mix too...good shit. The smoothness continues with "Lost Without You" b/w "Let Me Love You". Robin Thicke is a big white pimp. lol Fade on the cut was tight too. I've heard a lot of blends for "In The Air Tonight" but never a video blend of that shit. Fade had Crockett and Tubbs up in that shit too...classic Miami Vice with Mark The 45 King on the beat and Dre's "Deep Cover" on some beat on beat blend shit...crazy. I was fucking with that Beenie Man blend over "It's Me Bitches", shit was type fly. In the Hard to Earn section , Papoose and Cavlar did they thing with "Riot Music" but the classic was Remo Da Rapstar with "Just Say No"...that's a straight classic all around.

I give Fade credit man, he's got a well balance product plus I've seen cats bumpin' this in the weed spot the other day. If I had TVs in my ride I would be bumpin' it too. I think we might have to get a re-remix of that "Dwyk" blend tho. lol Other than that this joint is cool as a fan and filling the void in the blend game right now.

Jay-Z has the streets buzzing with a new track, "Blue Magic" infused with a classic 80's flow and the teachings of Reaganomics. Is there a Reasonable Doubt part 2 coming soon? We don't know. We'll find out November 6 th when Boss Hova drops his 10th album.

Features appearances from Lil Wayne, Raekwon, 8Ball & MJG, Rick Ross, Slick Pulla & more

Formed back in 1997 by two childhood friends, Playaz Circle (AKA the Duffle Bag Boys) did whatever it took to make ends meet even if it meant hustling. "We were a small crew from College Park," says Tity Boi (Tauheed Epps). "We were making money and going from one level to the next, so we came up with Playaz Circle. It's an acronym for Playaz that stands for Preparing Legal Assets for Years from A to Z (A to Z meaning from beginning to end). We wanted to make a "legal" hustle, stay out of jail and stay out of the grave."

One of the moves that the crew decided involved pooling their monies together and recording an independent CD that eventually made its way to the streets called United We Stand, United We Fall. It would later prove to be one of the smartest moves they ever made.

"What happened was when we put together our lil' CD it actually sounded good, explains Tit. We had everybody on there including Lil Fate, I-20, and other DTP members and just the people that we mess with...our friends. For a lotta of us, it was our first or second time recording anything, but we actually sounded good to where it gave us confidence-getting feedback from our fans and friends and whatnot. We were like maybe we can do it. So me and Dolla just kept it going."

Download Mixtape Here.

MONDAY
HEY MIXTAPE FANS, I FINALLY GOT BACK TO NYC AND BACK TO WORK. MY PEOPLE & I WENT TO THE REMOTE LOUNGE. ALI VEGAS HAD A SHOWCASE WITH CORNERSTONE MARKETING. HE DID A TWO HOUR SET. THAT'S CRAZY FOR AN ARTIST THAT HASN'T EVEN DROPPED HIS ALBUM YET! YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW MANY FANS THIS DUDE HAS. THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO CAME OUT TO SUPPORT. I DID AN OLD SCHOOL DJ SET. PEOPLE WERE DEFINITELY FEELIN THAT.
I WENT TO CLUB SOLE FOR MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL WITH LAMAR ODOM. WE TORE IT DOWN! SHOUT OUT TO SAIGON, JAE MILLS AND TERRENCE FROM 106TH & PARK. THEY WERE ALL IN THE VIP WITH US. WE POPPED WAY TOO MANY BOTTLES THAT NIGHT.

TUESDAY
LAMAR, MY OTHER PARTNER AND I HAD A MTG WITH A LABEL HEAD AT E.M.I. TO DISCUSS A DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR MY ALBUM. HE BASICALLY OFFERED ME A 50/50 SPLIT. HE EXPLAINED TO ME HOW THIS WOULD BE A BETTER DEAL FOR ME, THAN SIGNING WITH KOCH. BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THE LABEL WILL GIVE ME A LUMP SUM UPFRONT, IT IS ONLY AN ADVANCE AND IT HAS TO BE PAID BACK, UNLIKE HIS DEAL WHERE YOU KEEP HALF OF EVERYTHING EARNED. THE NEW RELEASE DATE FOR MY ALBUM IS MARCH 2008.

WEDNESDAY
I WENT TO THE LEGENDARY QUAD STUDIOS WITH ALI VEGAS. THAT'S THE SAME STUDIO WERE TUPAC GOT SHOT (THE FIRST TIME) WHEN HE BLAMED BIGGIE & PUFF. I KNOW I TALK ABOUT VEGAS A LOT, BUT I REALLY RESPECT THE DUDE AND WE'RE LABEL MATES. RIGHT NOW I'M PICKING OUT SONGS THAT ARE GONNA BE ON HIS ALBUM. HE IS DROPPING AN INDEPENDENT RELEASE CALLED "AMERICAN PRINCE."
AFTER THAT, WE LISTENED TO A COUPLE TRACKS. VEGAS AND NAS SHARE THE SAME MANAGER AND HE LET ME LISTEN TO A COUPLE OF TRACKS ON NAS' NEW ALBUM. THEY WERE CRAZY!

THURSDAY
I WENT TO HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM TO CHECK OUT 50 CENT'S FIVE BOROUGH TOUR. THE JOINT WAS CRAZY! 50 BROUGHT JIM JONES OUT AND THE CROWD WENT CRAZY! A LOT OF RAPPERS ARE IN GREAT SHAPE, THAT'S WHY I KEEP MYSELF IN SHAPE, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SELL YOUR WHOLE PACKAGE TO THE PUBLIC.

FRIDAY
I LISTENED TO A COUPLE NEW LL COOL J TRACKS. HOPEFULLY, WE CAN DO A MIXTAPE TOGETHER.

SATURDAY
I DID A PARTY IN THE BRONX AT A SPOT CALLED SMITTY'S. THERE WERE LIKE 1500-2000 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE. YOU KNOW I HAD TO DO THE 50 VS. KANYE THING WITH THE CROWD...AND IT ENDED IN A TIE. IT WAS CRAZY, BUT I'VE GOTTA STOP DJ'ING DRUNK! LOL.

SUNDAY
I DID A PHOTOSHOOT WITH A VERY IMPORTANT DJ FOR A PROMINENT PUBLICATION IN NYC. I HAVE TO KEEP THE DETAILS UNDER WRAPS FOR NOW. THE PHOTOSHOOT WAS REALLY UNCONFORTABLE BECAUSE WE WERE IN A SALT MINE ON TOP OF SOME ROCKS, WITH DJ CRATES AND I MESSED UP MY AIR FORCE ONE'S. I WAS HEATED! IN THE END, IT WORKED OUT WELL THOUGH.

LATER, I WENT THE 50 SHOW'S IN THE BRONX AND QUEENS. IN THE BRONX, HE DID THE HOOK TO "LEAN BACK" AND HAD THE WHOLE CROWD SAYING "F--- (A CERTAIN RAPPER)." THEN HE BROUGHT OUT REMY MA AND THE CROWD LOST IT! AFTER THAT HE DID "EVERYWHERE WE GO" AND SAID "F--- D-BLOCK" AND BROUGHT OUT J. HOOD.
THEN WE WENT TO QUEENS SHOW AND THERE WERE LIKE A MILLION COPS OUTSIDE. IT LOOKED LIKE THE ENTIRE CITY CAME OUT FOR THAT ONE.

MY PICKS FOR THE WEEK
DJ MELLO- I'M ON SOME SHIT
THE NEW ACE THE RICAN MIXTAPE (I HOSTED THIS ONE)
TRUTH DVD-THE G CODE
NEW RELEASES
LOOK OUT FOR MY UPCOMING BLEND TAPE WITH DJ DUKE DIGGLER. HE'S COMING OUT OF RETIREMENT.

ASK SUPERSTAR JAY
Q: JAY, SINCE ALL THE RECENT DRAMA WITH REMY, FOXY, TONY YAYO AND A LAUNDRY LIST OF OTHER RAPPERS, I'M STARTING TO WONDER IF COURT CASES ARE THE NEW PUBLICITY STUNT FOR ARTISTS...WHAT DO YOU THINK?

A: NO. THIS IS REAL LIFE. YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY RAPPERS ARE JUST PEOPLE. UNFORTUNATELY, THESE THINGS HAPPEN EVERYDAY, IT'S JUST THAT IT'S NOT AS HEAVILY PUBLICIZED WHEN IT HAPPENS TO ORDINARY PEOPLE. I'M POSITIVE THAT REMY WASN'T THINKING "LET ME SHOOT SOMEONE TO PROMOTE A CD"...THAT'S RIDICULOUS! BESIDES, THAT I BELIEVE SHE'S INNOCENT. THE COST OF A COURT BATTLE AND FIGHTING FOR YOUR FREEDOM IS DEFINITELY NOT WORTH THE PRICE OF FAME OR PUBLICITY...SO NO, I DON'T BELIEVE ARTISTS CATCH CASES ON PURPOSE.

E-MAIL YOUR QUESTIONS TO [email protected]

Peep Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg sit down with 9th Wonder, DJ Premier and Pete Rock for a not to be missed video interview!

These hyped-up tracks do nothing to "bring New York" back. All three artists have nothing new to say. Although, I like how Hov mentions several issues in lightning speed. Jay be nimble!

Who better to cook up something marvelous than DJ Shef. The Pittsburg mixtape prodigy is back to serve the masses a dish of that next level. My creative mixtape fans need to go to www.myspace.com/djshef and support to help keep these DJs doing what they do. I've been on fiend mode for that creativity; leave it to a DJ called Shef with a mixtape titled The Recipe to come thru to serve cats...I'll take a cheese omelet, extra order of home fries and the biggest glass of orange juice you can find along with this CD.

The jump off with local Pittsburg artist Boaz was a bold move. "Just For A Moment" is savage tho, plus Shef cutting it up only makes it sound better. "I got that flow that keep 'em coming like a coke addict." Boaz showing he's truly a booth bully burglar..."from the bricks to the burbs". The first blend to catch my ear or should I say hit me upside my head was "Its A Problem". Mad energy on this one, Styles, Beans, Jadakiss...all spit explosives. Shef gave Jeezy a whole other vibe with "International Players". Biggie road shotgun but it wasn't necessary. I had "Big Business/Straight To The Back" on instant rewind. T.I. and 50 on a track isn't a bad idea at all but it was the beat that brought out the best in both MCs. What do you get when you cook up AZ and NAS over and Alchemist beat? You get "Stuck To You" man. This is Pittsburg so you know it's gotta have some do dirt music. "Good Fellaz" with Sean Price is the theme music. If you can't flip a pack listening to this shit you need to go back to selling bean pies and the Final Call on the side of the road. If you're like me you miss Big Pun like crazy. Lyrically dude was eating catís whole...peep "Back Again" and you know why he "turned whole crews into vegetables". I actually got heated when I heard "Weatherman" cause Shef made me actually like Joe's and Wayne's verses from "Make It Rain". Never mind Stackbundles eats them both alive over that beat. The only blend that I really couldn't get into was "Dope Boy Fresh". I fuck with the south but this joint had me reaching for the FF with a quickness. Good to see "Talk To Me" get some burn too....best track off that Wiz Khalifa mixtape. I'm def the east coast over-doser so the last couple joints with Papoose on "Bang It Out" and Joell Ortiz and Big Noyd on "Night In My P's" had to be rewound.

I know cats are sick of me talking bout balance on mixtapes but shit if there's balance I gotta let it be known. Shef got the east and south covered on here man...like a champ. Not only that he's repping the home town, letting cats get proper shine all while letting the skills breathe. He didn't do every time out the box but he was beat-matching the blends back to back in some parts and that right there shows me he took his time and was perfecting this shit. To all you none creative mixtape doubters go take your pause tapes in the corner and nickel and dime each other...creativity always reigns supreme up in the mullet!

The thing is...you can't got wrong messing with Hip Hop classics. This was a perfect CD on my mini road trip today. I'm suprised I still know 90% of the lyrics to all these songs. That shit made a hour drive feel like 15 minutes.

Just look at the first three tracks..."RAW", "I Ain't No Joke", and "The Bridge Is Over". Big Daddy Kane doesn't get the props he should lyrically. I think a lot of cats remember him for that punk smooth shit he got on later in his career but he will eat you alive on the MIC...then dance circles around you. Hahaha, those days are gone in Hip Hop...damn shame too. Listen to LL's "I'm Bad" again. LL is so fucking hungry it's rediculous. The slang might be dated but LL sounds like he's ready to catch bodies. If you don't "oh shit" when you hear the begining of "Uptown Anthem" then you're either very young or you just don't give a fuck like Plies. The joint that really really took it back is the Skinny Boys with "Jockbox". I might have heard this a couple times coming up but it's one of those rare jewels you like to see on these type of mixtapes. I like how Babe ended the joint with "The Roof Is On Fire" too...another joint these kiddies couldn't name if they didn't have google.

Mix wise DJ Babe was on point, he got his cutting off a lil something as well as some quality mixing...nice balance throughout the project. Mixtapes like these def help fill a void in the game right now, maybe get these younger generation mixtape consumers to appreciate Hip Hop music at its so called purest. Then again maybe not, but hey theres no new Lil Wayne out right now so they got to cop something. lol

This is an im-potent mixtape series. Hahaha, bad joke but seriously how else can you flip the word potent? I'm not even gonna front, Diggz and Rated R make those mixtape that make you want to commit road rage. You know what I'm talking about. That shit when a dude cuts you off on purpose but there ain't even anyone behind you in the lane and you want to run dude off the road and pull his spine out through his mouth. Shit, I'd settle for a quick jab to a dudes throat or nose. Just to see them gasp for air or watch there eyes water up and nose bleed. Diggz and Rated R on that Road Rage music.

I know some cats shit on A-Mafia but honestly to me he picked up where CNN left off at in the mid 90's. The flow on "Before I Met Camron" is basic...but that's his style. He throws in some fly shit and just lyrically hits the block with cain. Someone said Havoc stepped up and is the lyrical one out of the MOBB and truth be told he BEEN stepped up a couple years ago. "Get Off My Dick" got that hunger to it...cop the Kush album and support dude regardless. The ass cheecks and loose pussy lips track of the CD was "Don't Wanna Talk" by 50 Cent. He needs to leave that "southern" twang/flow shit alone. This hook was so bad that Tone Loc is on the remix. If you ain't fucking with "Watch Ya Mouth" you're not hip hop....the WU! Masta Killa eat that beat alive too. The other track you need to have on steady rewind is Stack Bundles on "King Of The Soft"...."money taller than six midgets..." I love that shit. That Byrd Gang shit is growing on me man. "I Love My Bitches" is smooth cause Max B is on his game...simple as that. Saigon on that 9th Wonder joint is my shit. The word play is top notch...like nothing out right now and he gets a message out to the people too. I couldn't really fuck with the unknowns at the end but one cat that went in, to me at least, was "Fred Money" over the beat for "Criminology".

Diggz and Rated R doing what they do...don't be mad at it. Like I said above it's that Road Rage music...go snatch someone out there car and slap 'em up while this bumps in the background. Besides that the formula is concrete on here. I'm not fucking with every single track but the good far out weighs the bad and that right there far out weighs all the bullshit pause tapes these other DJs try to drop every week. The most im-potent thing tho is to keep this series going...the game needs it.

-Red Bull Big Tune Regional Qualifiers End and Top 12 producers Advance to Finals in Seattle on November 1

Brooklyn, NY - (September 14, 2007) - Brooklyn-based nightclub Southpaw is known for showcasing premier musical talent such as the outspoken KRS-One, Prefuse 73, and TV on the Radio but last night a crowd of 500 packed the club to see the Northeast's freshest up-and-coming Hip Hop producers engage in a heated battle known as Red Bull Big Tune.

"Big Tune was one of the dopest shows I've been a part of in a long time," said DJ Maseo Plug 3 of De La Soul who performed a head-bobbing closing set at last night's event. The excitement and energy in the room was electric. It was a truly inspiring event."

Also supporting the Brooklyn Red Bull Big Tune battle was featured producer Hi-Tek and special guest performer Sean Price.

WHERE'S THE BEAT? Started in Seattle in 2005 as a partnership between event producers Vitamin D and Jonathan Moore, Big Tune was created as a way to showcase the musical talents of emerging and established producers in a fresh and forward thinking way. The spirit of the Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall culture, where battles such as this occurred nightly and were commonly referred to as "clashes" is the inspiration behind Big Tune.

This year was the first time the battle went national with competitions hosted in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Seattle and New York. At each stop, hundred's of producers applied for 12 coveted battle spots. The head-to-head competition format is simple. Each producer is given one minute to throw down their illest beat. They go blow for blow for 2 rounds. What makes Red Bull Big Tune truly unique is the integral role the crowd plays in determining who advances and who goes home. Only the producers that elicit the largest response from the audience will make it to the next round. The last person standing will be the one with the big tune.

Last night was the final qualifying event to determine who would represent New York in the Red Bull Big Tune National Finals taking place on November 1 at Neumos in Seattle. The night began with twelve producers who brought heat with their beats, despite having various levels of experience. For some, this was their first battle. For others, it was a means to showcase years of grinding out raucous beats. After several rounds of contentious clashes, seasoned beat maker Marco Polo and up-and-coming producer Algorythm were the last producers standing. That was until Algorythm threw down a "boom bap" that reverberated through the crowd and got everybody shouting, throwing up fists and ultimately naming him the crowd favorite and champion of Red Bull Big Tune -New York. At this stage of the competition, there is room for two at the top. Both Algorythm and Marco Polo will advance to the National Finals to go up against the first and second place producers from the other 5 qualifying events.

ON AN AMERICAN TOUR WITH A BEAT IN MY HAND Since April, 2006, Red Bull Big Tune has toured San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Seattle and New York in search of talented music producers and the next Big Tune. On November 1, Algorythm and Marco Polo will represent New York against Babu (World Famous Beat Junkies) and Swiff D from Los Angeles; Cambo and Beat Rock from San Francisco; The Are and Joe Traxx from Houston; Tall Black Guy and Rio from Chicago; and Sabzi and Brainstorm from Seattle.

To learn more about the battles and to listen to tracks from Red Bull Big Tune producers, visit http://www.redbullbigtune.com. For press inquiries, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Kanye West Beats 50 Cent
Kanye's VMA Outburst
Ja Rule vs Gay People
Trick Daddy Arrested
Nas vs Bill O'Reilly
Foxy Not Pregnant
Remy Ma Charges Dropped
50 & Kim sued for Magic Stick
Grandmaster Flash Joint
Awards Galore
J.A.M Positive Awards
New Eminem Album Rumours
Dubplate Drama Back on TV
World Rap Championships 2007

Edited by Johan Kugelberg
Photographs by Joe Conzo
Foreword by Afrika Bambaataa
Original Flyer Art by Buddy Esquire
Timeline by Jeff Chang

Born in the Bronx is a striking anthology of Hip Hop's baby steps. Not only does it capture the emergence of a burgeoning culture but also the fashion and character of the surrounding community. From rare photographs of MC's and DJs to records, flyers, and other ephemera, writer Johan Kugelberg has pulled together the scattered remains of a movement that never has its eye on posterity. The book includes the improvisational artwork of previously unpublished street flyers of the era, Polaroids buried for decades in basements across the Bronx, and testimonials from the most scholarly historians of Hip Hop culture - the legends and pioneers who lived it! Through Born in the Bronx, Joe Conzo (described by The New York Times as "the chronicler who took hip hop's baby pictures") presents a unique cross-section of an explosive and experimental time in music history.

- Hip Hop's first photographer, Joe Conzo provides the majority of images of legends and urban scenes from 1977-1982. Additional photos were contributed by fellow pioneering documentarians Charlie Ahearn and Henry Chalfant.

- Photos feature The Cold Crush Brothers, Treacherous 3, Afrika Bambaataa, Busy Bee, Run DMC, Wayne "The Hip Hop Ventriliquist" & Charlie, Fantastic Romantic, Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Funky Four + 1, Kool DJ AJ Scratch, GrandWizzard Theodore and more.

- Flyers created by Buddy Esquire feature Hip Hop jams from 1978-1985. Obscure flyers advertise early Hip Hop jams in Brooklyn, Queens and even Connecticut!

- Essays were contributed by legends: GrandMaster Caz, JDL, Joe Conzo, Mare 139, GrandWizzard Theodore, LA Sunshine and Jorge "Fabel" Pabon plus a poem by DJ Disco Wiz and an interview with Buddy Esquire.

- The hard cover is embossed. The dust cover unfolds to reveal a poster: "The Hip Hop Map of the Bronx" by Joe Conzo and Tony Tone.

DTP Records and Photobucket Host Online Celebrity Look-a-Like Contest:

Photobucket launched a "Celebrity Chick" Look-a-Like contest in conjunction with Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) Records to promote the music label's latest single, "Celebrity Chick."

Starting on September 10, participants are encouraged to log-in to their Photobucket accounts and submit photos and / or videos of themselves, indicating what female celebrity they think they look like. The winner will be selected based on creativity, originality and resemblance to the "celebrity chick" they've imitated.

The winning look-a-like will receive a spot in the Photobucket / "Celebrity Chick" "remix" fan music video. The grand-prize winner will also receive a Disturbing Tha Peace (DTP) Records prize pack including t-shirts, posters and an autographed CD...

The contest will run on http://celebritychick.photobucket.com from September 10 to October 1, 2007 and the "Celebrity Chick" winner will be announced the week of October 8th.

Official Site:
Celebrity Chick Look-a-Like Contest
Photos of Entrants

T.I. LEADS THE PACK WITH 9 NODS AS BET HIP HOP AWARDS RETURNS FOR A NIGHT OF HIP-HOP HOTNESS ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT 8 P.M., ET/PT

Katt Williams Returns As Host

Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Common, Among Others, Scheduled To Perform

KRS-One Will Receive The "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Award

Foxy Brown can't seem to keep her name out of the media. Chaz Williams, Foxy's manager, released a statement denying Brown's pregnancy.

However, Foxy Brown released an admirable statement about her imprisonment. "This is just a temporary situation," Foxy said in a statement. "I made my bed and have no problem lying in it. My will is steady. What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger. I think there are greater injustices in America that require our immediate attention, like what's going on in Jena, Louisiana. I will not surrender. I'm fine. Free Jena 6!"

Foxy Brown is currently in Riker's Island prison for one year after violating her probation. She is stll t from releasing her new album, Brooklyn's Don Diva, on November 20. The LP will be released through KOCH Record/Black Hand Entertainment and will feature the lead single, "Don't Surrender," which features Graf.

Mick Boogie links up with the #1 urban website, AllHipHop.com, to drop a star-powered project promoting their annual AllHipHop Week. With exclusives and interludes from many of today's top emcees, this project (produced with collaborator Terry Urban) is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

1) Intro
2) Kanye West f/ T-Pain: Good Life
3) Wyclef, Lil Wayne and Raekwon: Sweetest Girl (Cream '07)
4) 50 Cent: I Get Money (Mick Boogie Remix)
5) 50 Cent: The Formula (produced by The Kickdrums)
6) Havoc f/ Prodigy: I'm The Boss (Mick Boogie Remix)
7) Lil Wayne: Outstanding
8) Young Chris f/ Mase: Ghetto Girls
9) Cassidy: Rebirth of Slick
10) David Banner: Us and The Gunz
11) Freeway f/ Jay-Z: Big Spender
12) Nore: Set It Off
13) Kidz In The Hall: Get Busy
14) Little Brother: Cool As A Fan
15) Hurricane Chris: F*ck Her Better
16) Saigon f/ Swizz Beatz: Come On Baby
17) Freeze f/ Young Buck: Chopped Off
18) Mekka Don: AllHipHop Freestyle
19) Al Fatz f/ Yung Joc and Gorilla Zoe: Came Down
20) Yung Joc f/ Pharrell: BYOB
21) Phoenix Jones: Mr. Pub (The Rumors Song)
22) Chamillionaire f/ Lil Wayne: Rockstar
23) Slick Watts and Termanology: Hip-Hop
24) Wu-Tang Clan: Watch Ya Mouth
25) Jigsaw / CEO of AllHipHop: Interlude
26) Soulja Boy: Crank Dat (Terry Urban B-More Mix)
27) Kid Sister and Kanye West: Pro-Nails
28) Twista f/ Slim Thug: Creep Fast (Terry Urban Remix)
29) Fatman Scoop: Interlude
30) UGK and Outkast: International Players Anthem (Terry Urban Remix)
31) Project Pat f/ Pimp C: Talkin' Smart
32) Lupe Fiasco: Superstar
33) Kanye West and Mos Def: Good Night
34) Biggie and Big L: Let The Games Begin (Mick Boogie Remix)
35) Royce the 5'9: Hit 'Em
36) East Flatbush Project: Hush

FREE DOWNLOAD:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/pu2nwo

Babygrande Records announced the signing of J.R. Writer to a seven figure, multi-album deal. With his 2006 Koch Records' debut, "History in the Making," Harlem native J.R. Writer cemented his place in the landscape of the newest generation of hip-hop stars. "J.R. is an
incredible artist. At 23, he has already accomplished so much and we will work closely with him to continue his success.

His last album sold over 100,000 copies and if Koch Distribution can deliver again,
we know we can."

J.R. Writer's first release on Babygrande will be "Writer's Block 5" on November 20th, 2007.

www.babygrande.com


www.crackspace.com/jrwriter

The latest ploy to get music enthusiasts to start buying again comes disguised as the Ringle. Instead of issuing singles, labels will now issue ringles. One ringlet consists of three songs: one popular track aka single, an older track from the artist and a ringtone. The distribution method for the Ringle is a CD with a slip-sleeve cover.

Sony BMG Music and Universal Music Group will release 50 and 20 titles respectively in October and November. The CD's will sell for either $5.98 or $6.98. Distributors will include BestBuy, Wal-Mart, Target and Amazon.

The perfect-for-ringtones hit "Crank That (Soulja Boy) from Soulja Boy Tell'em is officially the number 1 Master Tone in the country. Ranking as the number one ringtone for At&T, Verizon and Sprint and number 3 for T-Mobile.

The single has also shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. "It feels good to be #1," said Soulja Boy Tell'em, who also wrote and produced the song. "Now I'm ready to make the album do the same thing!" His debut album, souljaboytellem.com (Collipark Music/Interscope Records), will be released October 2, 2007.

Suge White on that official Illegal Tender mixtape for the streets. I see cats borrowed the title for the DJ Lust mixtape but in all actuality its all promo for the movie. I can agree that some cats need to step up their "mixtape title" game these days tho. The star of the movie Rick Gonzalez is hosting which is a good look and I'm def checking out the flick off the strength of the trailer.

Mike Beck gets his 1-2 thing off alongsideTony Sunshine with "Momma Used To Say"; a decent jump off to the project. If there is only one track you rewind on here let it be "M.O.M.M.Y" by Stack Bundles...this is just classic. Starr is a freak on "Secret", plus she sounds good enough to eat. Honestly I can't fuck with Justin Timberlake and Talib Kweli on a track together....oil and water my friends, oil and water. "Don Diva" is that do dirt music. Cats lyrically spit acid on this track...classic theme music. "Gain" is a different sound for Ghostface...rhyming his ass off as usual. It's good to see "Where Da G's" on a mixtape. Bun B, Pimp C and Dizzie Rascal is a crazy collaboration. Beat wise "Don't Forget 'Em" is my shit, the rhyme is cool and Consequence did his thing but that beat is tight like pigeon punany. Prodigy set off the end of the CD with "I Know" and pretty much every track after this was that hard white. Cavlar came with that savage flow on the "Uncle Murda Diss"; nice little mixtape track for that ass. The other cat that went in seriously was Bucky on "5ft Felon". He kept it funky like dirty sock and corn chips all while giving you true murda music.

This has to be one of the most well-rounded mixtapes I've heard from Suge White. He attacked the project like how Spanish got tackled in the movie Old School. (I couldn't resist). Besides that he had a nice balance of new shit with some underground bangers. Now go see the movie!

G-Spot is back and he's inspired again. He's got G-Mack ridding shotgun which is a great look for the south. This mixtape series is pluggin' along doing what a mixtape should...don't be mad at it figure out a way to get on this mutha fucka and reap the promo rewards.

"I'm Hood" is an anthem, G-Mack stays on that gangsta shit; nothing ground breaking lyrically but g'd up and 4-5th'd down. "Going Digital" by The Alliance kind of grew on me. See what a catchy, infectious hook can do for you...cause the concept as a whole is bland. Good to hear Streetz & Young Deuces on another "Dial Tone" remix. Spark Dawg doing his thing and getting all he can out that joint. "Pop Shake" was another catchy hook joint. I don't even really think then needed to rhyme, just repeat the hook like that for 2 minutes and their good for a quality ringle....I ain't mad at it. What do you do when your child goes nuts when "Soulja Boy" comes on the radio? You grin and bear it and under your breath call dude a corny mutha fucka...can someone say ringle again? I applaud David Banner for "So Serious". While I may not agree with everything he said his heart is the right place and he made some valid points. The sleeper track is The Duck Ryders with "Fuck The Other Side".

Is the South becoming only all about catchy hooks and beats? Honestly I don't think so but they are feeling the effects of the new Ringle Industry takeover just like the rest of the country...no one is safe from these major label diseases. The grind continues tho, keep on keeping on and keep being inspired by good music.

I'm glad to see the Riot Squad going extra hard with the music and the movement. The world of mixtapes will always remember Stack Bundles and his contibutions to the game. Now the Squad will have to step up and rep his memory to the fullest while taking what Stack had already accomplished to that next level.

Cau2g$ is one of the slept on MCs out the Squad which also makes him one of the most dangerous too. That intro was something serious...talk about setting a tone for the mixtape, damn. "Run Laps On 'Em" has that raw energy, that shit that leaves imprints in concrete. "Riot For Life" got so many raw lines...."I'm smooth, I make statues move"...shiiiiiit. I wasn't really diggin' the hook like that but the bars on "Flow Of The Century" is that hit the block with caine music. I mean is you're gonna sell some shit this is your theme music right here. As far as the mixtape tracks go...take your pick; "Farrock Star", "Who U Think Better" and "U Wouldn't Get Far"...all quality mixtape flips that you cop mixtapes for in the first place. Do make sure you rewind the Clinton Sparks produced "A Load Of Me". Now this is a hook I can fuck with, Cau2g$ laced this shit like a vet as well as spit explosives on the verse. "G's Go In" is pretty much self explanatory; crazy anthem for crazy ass cats. "Roll Call" is that lift you off ya feet music, that shit to put a dent in your chest.

Personally I needed the boost this mixtape gave me man. That Riot Squad vibe is too real, if you ain't catch the vibe then you're either really gay or you're not a hip hop fan. Cats just raw rhyming over raw beats...the true essence of this shit. Much respect.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CAU2G$

Following the success of the fourth annual Boost Mobile Stomping On The Yard National Step Show Tour and the debut of the 2-hour ESPN2 special, Dyalect Marketing is proud to present the 2nd Annual SUPER STOMP National Step Show Championship on September 15, 2007 . Hosted by the gentleman of hip hop Mr. Fonzworth Bentley, SUPER STOMP will crown one fraternity and sorority as the national champions of stepping. Stomping On The Yard step show tour is the real-life tour that was the inspiration behind the #1 hit movie "Stomp the Yard."

SUPER STOMP is the only national step show competition of its kind and will take place. The show itself will also be trailed by a week of events including a career panel and yard festival on the campus of Temple University, press conference and an after party. This highly anticipated event is being coined as the "Super Bowl of Stepping" where the best nine teams in the country will face-off at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

"By closing out each national step tour with a blow-out championship, this event exemplifies Stomping On The Yard's continuing commitment to elevate stepping to the highest level of competition the sport and art form has seen in its more than hundred year history," said Chris Crawford, CEO of Dyalect Marketing and founder of the Stomping On The Yard step show tour.

Today, over a million African-Americans belong to the historically black nine fraternities and sororities with active chapters on nearly every college campus around the world. SUPER STOMP promises to elevate this hundred-year tradition of stepping, a complex performance involving synchronized, percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, dancing and drama, to the next level. The SUPER STOMP winners will be awarded cash prizes and awards that will help further their community service projects which in turn help empower today's youth.

About Stepping
Today, over a million African-Americans belong to nine fraternal organizations with active chapters on nearly all college campuses with alumni chapters throughout the world. Each of these fraternal organizations developed their own rituals. A very popular ritual is "stepping" a competitive performance involving synchronized, percussive movement, singing, speaking, chanting, dancing, and drama.

About Stomping On The Yard
In its fourth year, the Boost Mobile Stomping On The Yard National Step Show Tour features representatives of Fraternities and Sororities facing off in step shows on college campuses throughout the United States. Over 160 teams participate in this cultural celebration that culminates with a one day national championship.

About Dyalect Marketing
Owner and operator of Stomping On The Yard, LLC. Dyalect Marketing is a youth marketing firm focused on helping clients connect with young adult consumers via various event- marketing platforms. The company's clients have included Boost Mobile, New Era, Goody, Honda Motor Corp., U.S. Army, Red Bull, Ecko Unlimited Apparel, Akademiks and VIBE Magazine.

With a new album out in stores, I still ask the question, Who is Strong Arm Steady?
Your opinion is needed!!!!!!

Monday, Aug 27th-How ya'll doing? I had a very exciting week. First, you can officially call me Miami Jay. LOL. I had to fly back to Miami to DJ a show with Ali Vegas at Mansion. Fabolous and Ne-yo also performed.

We had to leave NYC to meet my boss Lamar Odom of the L.A. Lakers. We left the airport in Teterboro, N.J. on the G4 private jet. I tried to meet my man Cutmaster Cee to film True Story DVD, while I was boarding the plane, just to show dudes what we do. LOL.

But anyway, the flight was cool. I arrived in Miami at around 7:30 and went straight to sound check. Fab was already doing his sound check when we got there. I spoke to him once he was done. I hadn't seen him in a while, since his album listening party. I did my sound check and then hit the mall. It's kinda different shopping with an NBA player.

We got to the club around 1:30 am and me & Ali straight killed it! Fab did his thing. He went through his whole catalog. I never realized he had so many hits. Ne-yo also killed it. The ladies were definitely in the building. Shaq was also there. Shaq told me that he wanted to battle Ali Vegas. That would've been crazy. LOL. But, he was just playing.

Tuesday, Aug 28th-We we to Club Prive. We popped like 30 bottles. That's like the thing to do in Miami. The bottles come with fireworks, so as soon as you order one, everybody in the club turns around and looks to see where it's going.

Wednesday, Aug 29th

I had a couple of meetings with some commercial radio DJ's. I'm basically in the process of sending out everything that I've done during my DJ career, trying to snag a radio deal. So hopefully, the results of those meetings turn out well.

Thursday, Aug 30th

I spent the whole day trying to find a studio to do my latest CD. I finally found one called Circle House. It's like a mansion where every room is a studio. Ali Vegas was in the first room, I was in the second and Omarion was in the third. We finally finished around 4am. It took a really long time because no one at the studio really knew the formula for putting together a mixtape. In the end, it turned out okay. Okay isn't great, but it's better than not coming out at all.

Friday, Aug 31st

I got up early and sent the CD to New York, to get it in the hands of the mixtape fans. Then, I went to the studio to listen to some tracks by some local producers, that I may possibly use on my album.

Saturday, Sept 1st

I went to DJ Khaled's party. He is truly the DJ King of Miami. He came through in a royal blue Phantom. Whoa! It just makes me wanna grind harder!

Sunday, Sept 2nd

DJ Khaled had a another party, so we stopped through. It was crazy. DJ Green Lantern was in the building.

My Picks for the Week

Truth DVD Magazine

Every mixtape that dropped this week. There were so many good joints this week, I can't narrow it down to just a few. Shout out to all my mixtape DJ's.

My New Releases

Make sure to cop that "Heaven Only Knows" Stack Bundles & Jim Jones mixtape, if you haven't already.

Plus, be on the lookout for my next joint "Set it Off...All the Hottest Females in the Industry."

Ask Superstar Jay

Q: Are you currently working with any artists?...and how can I submit some music to you?

-Josh, Riviera Beach, FL

A: I am currently working with a couple of artists. Right now, I am focusing on Rapper/ Actor Storm P. You can send one song via MP3 to [email protected]

Send your questions to [email protected]

Don't know about this dude. Listen and dish about him...

I can't see him but I'd imagine David Banner to be kickin' back on a lounge chair, feet thrown up on table just chillin'. He sounds way too cool for a man who is about to tell the greatest story ever told. Too calm for a man that has given Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson a run for their money.

And so I dive right in with the obvious question, "Why'd you name your title The Greatest Story Ever Told?" He eagerly answers that, dishing out the not-so-secret secrets of his past. Things like "Homelessness...my background...having no label...making something from nothing" spill from his lips entangled in his Dirty South accent.

Then I ask the other obvious question; one which I actually apologize for its predictability. "I know you're sick of hearing about this," I laugh. "How do you feel about the similiarties between your album title and Saigon's? Has is ever been a concern?"

He reassures me, "Ahhhh! No problem" he says. "Give the man my blessings. It's bullshit! I saw him in person and it was all good. Rap is so full of shit."

So quit speculating about the beef between Saigon and Banner because frankly there isn't any. Sorry you drama-addicted hip hop heads!

The real beef though lies between Banner and those pesky little politicians attacking hip hop and their campaigns to censor it.

"Bullshit!" he says. (That's a recurring theme as you can see.)

"Try censoring all the sex on television shows, censor the beer commercials!" he says. With that I have to agree. "It's all about stopping black men from getting paid."

But David Banner can't be stopped. He's an actor, rapper, producer, and an activist (although he claims he's not). David Banner's story is only getting greater with time.

OK- picture this... 1 minute away from doors closing, "Last Call Ladies and Gents" cried by Def Jam publicist, double doors leading you towards the staircase to the lower level, where more industry Execs, writers, music enthusiasts, and down-right fans of "His" music, as anticipation creeps while I'm on my way to take my seat.

All that was missing was my ticket stub--like when you go on your first date and you keep the stub for future use, (next time Ye make sure you have ticket stubs, so I could brag to my friends). Speaking on bragging- Y'all are going to have to give me my bragging rights because- I was the first to ask Ye a question after hearing Graduation. My question was, "What was your inspiration for writing Big Brother" and I was PISSED I asked him that, because "Big brother" was the last song we heard, I quickly asked him without thought, that's what I get for being hasty.

Nevertheless, Kanye responded with his unveiled wit, "Aw man, It was a song to show my respect and growth within my interpersonal relationships in the industry. For example, you know when your big brother is going out to a party, and you get all dressed, and look out the window, big brother's car peeling off leaving you behind or Jay attending his concert wanting to go only to be told by Jay himself, he could buy a ticket... Feelings like that is what evoked me to write."

I will not mention other listening sessions because none compare to Kanye's. It was an experience, giving us the opportunity to step into his world. Open space of creativity and pure geniuses, Kanye has given a face to the, oh so coined rhetorical question, If you were able to see music, what would it look like? Well Mr. West, you have answered that question for me; now check it our for yourself, September 11- Graduation!

But check out Glenny's part II--- shh don't tell anyone... exclusives!

Go here for Team Kanye

Let's not call it a review. I just have to talk my shit. (as 'Ye would say, 'Can I talk my shit agaiiiiin!'). The truth is Kanye's music is like a diuretic for the soul. At a time when it's difficult to just write, words suddenly string together into thoughts effortlessly when I hear good music (pun intended).

I still can't decide if Graduation is the best out of his discography. We all know there's nothing like a debut album from an artist but music enthusiasts always want that debut master piece to be re-created. Call it the Reasonable Doubt-effect or the Illmatic-effect. (You heard it hear first!). But I've come to the realization that Mr. West acquires something that makes you want to like him. And better yet, makes you WANT to see him succeed. (Sorry Curt).

We all know Graduation is part of this pre-planned saga in Kanye's mind. He drops out, then the Late Registration and then the milestone Graduation. And he stays in character all throughout, except in Graduation...to a certain extent. As I listened to the album, it hit me, 'Where's the graduation marching music? Where are the skits with the annoying Bernie Mac that shows up in his albums?" It felt incomplete. Yeah, yeah, he mentions the valedictorian in "Good Morning" but damn 'Ye, some celebratory school spirit skits please! You just completed a trilogy!

On another note, I realized why I (and so many of my girlfriends) like Kanye so much. Kanye touches on a lot of struggles that women face when it comes to success, men, education and family. On Late Registration he dedicated nearly an entire song to a single black female, addicted to retail. Actually, it was that very same song that helped a mother and daughter understand each other a bit more. I kid you not. And on Graduation he slyly mentions the earth shattering moment many women will someday reach when he says on the track 'I Wonder', "...On that independent shit. Trade it all for a husband and some kids." The truth hurts.Can't deny a woman of her maternal instincts. In fact, so much so that it sparked a conversation between my sister and I. She admitted that it was that line that made her listen to the song closely and appreciate it a bit more. For me, it was the entire chorus that tugs at my heart strings. "Yo! I could CRY to this song!" I said to my sister. She didn't understand. "And I wonder if you know what it means to find your dreams." The word 'dream' is a big deal to me...enough so that it's inked somewhere on my body. Now do you understand?

'Flash Lights' and 'I Wonder' are easily some of my favorite tracks from 'Ye. If Flash Lights doesn't make you want to turn up the volume till the speakers blow, then somethings wrong with you. In actuality, we did blow the speakers when we heard it in the studio. (Shouts to Devo and Soul lol). All I remember was clapping at the end of the song...like the dude in Not Another Teen Movie, clapping at very awkward moments. Yeah, that was me in the legendary Chung King studios. Its one of those songs that you want to bump in a roofless, ruthless coup, make you do '55 in a 54' (peep the Jay reference Tass). And Dwele's voice on that shit?! I wanna grab his mug and just kiss it!

Sorry, Back to business....

Graduation is good. In a few months it'll be great. I love everything he brings with the exception of Big Brother. It needs to grow on me. I also think the track would've been more appropriate on his prior albums. 'The Glory' is a great Kanye classic track, but I also question its relevance on this album. Reason being is because this entire album is so edgy and The Glory has the soulful 'Ye sound we're so accustomed to. It's sort of a step backwards.

Drunk and Hot Girls? A highlight for me. It's hypnotizing, it's clever, it's animated, it's humorous and it features Mos Def! 'Homecoming' is brilliant to me. 'Ye took Common's concept behind "I Used to Love H.E.R." and switched it up without ruining it.

Overall, there's something so glorious about this album. I admit, glorious sounds melodramatic, but it's the only word that really explains how I feel about this album. Its grandiose, it's emotional, it's humorous, and it's raw. It's real life...sans the Ferrari's and the Louis Vuitton lifestyle. That ain't a reality for everyone...

Just so you know there is def more to the Bay Area then "hyphy". That's were Balance and Big Rich come into play. A couple of lyrical cats who def keep it real on the MIC as well as stick you for you re-up...methaphorically speaking. Honestly tho I know what Balance brings to the table, he's a mixtape king for christ sake but I'm new to Big Rich. I can't see Balance fucking with someone not up to par so lets get it in already.

Just so we are clear, DJ Rick Lee is holding shit down like the vet he is, keeping the mix moving and the skills shinning on this project. I'm telling ya'll, one listen to "Bang 'Em Anthem" and you will be hooked and then say..."the Bay got bars!". Big Rich got bars especially. He all but stole the show with his verse on "Get Money". As far as the colabo's go "Crack Music" was strong like bull. Big Rich, Balance, Scipio and Glasses Malone on the same track is a serious problem; this joint def deserves some mixtape love. If you told me last week I would be bumping a track that featured Akon and Coolio I would have told you to get the fuck outta here but truth be told the track is crazy..."Nothing Changed". Balance is master of words man and that makes the flow that much more potent. Balance and Papoose on a track is a great fucking look...two mixtape kings getting it in on some bounce. My favorite joint tho...."Speakers On Blap". Man, the beat just highlighted the bars so lovely...this is that well rounded sound, chopped hook and all. Not only that Rick Lee mixed that shit righ into "Balance Is The Name" with precision. If you don't know that track I can't help you cause that track been the shit for a minute. The track that wraped it for me as far as Big Rich goes was "Back & Forth". Just like he said in the first line.."the flow so flawless" and that's the truth. "I'm Just Getting Warm" is the sleeper just for the fact it's at the end of the CD. This joint got mad energy, the anticipation of what cats are gonna say on that beat is crazy...I was hanging on cats lines like a fiend.

I'm glad cats sent this joint in for review, shit was a breath of fresh air man...true story. It's just cats going in with the bars man on every track. I'm def gonna be checking for Big Rich now, he's got the flow to make some major music and along side Balance it's some next level shit. I think a lot of MC could take notice too. Here you got two lyrical giants sharing the spotlight putting a quality, timeless product out for the fans and they both win...that shit is rare in 2007 Hip Hop.

www.myspace.com/balanceskillz ~ www.myspace.com/bigrich

Lust is back up in this bitch like a champ, straight out the belly of the beast back in your CD deck with a fucking pile of crack for your ears. Ransom is hosting too? Get the fuck outta here! Ya'll other DJs on the east need to go tuck ya dick between ya legs and get back on that man-gina bullshit cause Lust isn't about to let you eat nothing. The tender is illegal, what you know about that?

"Heaterz" will be on rewind for most of you cats. I fucks with it obviously cause its Ransom and he's on that classic mixtape music. "Talk slick and you'll be MIA like the Dolphins"! Hahaha Ransom gets better with every verse. I got news for all the NYC MCs that think they got next...the New New York is from Jersey City! You know Lust gotta have some Byrd Gang shit too. "Roll Wit You" got hit potential with Max B on the hook. I know cats miss him; "Fat Stacks" just goes to show you the potential that Stack Bundles possesed. One cat you don't want to front on is Mysonne. Fuck Jadakiss on "Try Your Luck"...dude can hold down that shit by himself. As much as Akon annoys, the joint with 50 "I'll Still Kill" is a beast of a song...hit record all around. Big Lou does what it does on "Reunited". That's my joint right there. Big Lou eats MCs alive for fun. I've said it before and I'll continue to say it Remo is a problem. He lyrically slapped the shit outta ya'll on "Fire" and then took your bitches. The mixtape track on the low thats building up a buzz right now is "Die Young". Geolani, S-One and Montega doing it real large.

Dead ass real its just good to have Lust back in the streets doing what he do. The mixtape game needs more cats like dude to just serve the masses what they truely need. Not that watered down commercial hood hop cats pump out every week. That shit is for lames and lepers. Cats want theme music while they're doing dirt and Lust provides that exact musical soundscape.

What do you get when you take today's R&B hits and remix them over some of Hip Hops most classic sounds and break beats? Untouchable R&B 19 man. Would I normally listen to Fergie's "My Hump"? Hell no and big "get the fuck outta here" but...over a classic break beat most def. Props to Eggnice for keeping blend hope alive.

I've never been one to shy away from openly pop-lockin' in my ride or the middle of a crowded supermarket and with this joint in the IPod I found my soundtrack. I don't want to give away to many highlights so that it leaves most to the imagination and also when you cop the CD it's that much better. Let me just state if you're on that thugged out R&B type blends over classic gangsta music this is not a CD for you. Although that "Umbrella" joint at the end is crack-like. I love blends like that but I also fuck with some high energy R&B too. The first rewind came early for me. "Sexy Back" into "When I Hear Music" was classic. The fact Egg Nice got me listening to Fergie songs back to back to back is a testament to his skills. That's how you hold the listeners ear people. Not only is Egg Nice giving you today's R&B over the breaks he finds the time to lace a verse or two from the likes of Nas, Jay Z, Jadakiss and Lil Wayne in-between shit. The shit that fucked my head was 50 Cent's and Justin Timberlake's "She Want's It" being turned into an up-rock anthem. From this point on you'll be lucky to get 60 seconds of a track cause the shit is kept moving lovely like a true mixtape veteran.

Dead as real the first half of the CD might get lost on some cats just with the breaks. I mean if you ain't ever dug for records before or at least have some working knowledge of early Hip Hop you might sleep. On the flip side if you're busting head spins, windmills on the regular or like me as a part time pop lockin' fool, this is the must have CD of the year for you. The second half of the CD will def satisfy the regular "new school" blend heads. Regardless tho Egg Nice putting in work like a fucking beast. A mixtape like this isn't pulled off in one night with a bunch of mp3's ya dig? You got to know your music, you got know what sounds good and you got to have the skill to pull it all together and that's exactly what Egg Nice did on #19.