Thursday night 50's "Officer Rickey" premiered on Hot 97 which was his first diss track to Rick Ross and a challenge for Lil' Wayne. Wayne has yet to respond, but Rick Ross responded the following morning during a radio interview with Angela Yee on Shade45. Not only did he speak on the origins of this "feud", he also gives 50 48 hours to come with something harder than "Officer Rickey".
Hit up the full story for the interview and 50's response
Rick Ross Shade45 interview (Click to listen/download)
Pt. 1
http://www.zshare.net/audio/549281010de7b028/
In response to Officer Ross' interview, 50 posted this video warning Rick Ross that he's going to fuck his shit up for fun, and also takes another jab at Wayne stating he's currently working on his rock album.
I'm sure this isn't the end of it. Look what Rick Ross started.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
What's Beef: Rick Ross Brushes Off 50 Diss, 50 Sends Out a Warning Shot
Friday, January 30, 2009
Takin' Em Back - 1/30!
Tha Dogg Pound - New York, New York
This has to be the illest diss video of all time. Snoop and Tha Dogg Pound hit New York where it hurts by not only dissing them on wax, but also putting a new meaning to the phrase stomping grounds. This video even made Jay admit the effect it had on NY when he says "It's like New York's been soft ever since Snoop came thru and crushed the buildings". Mobb Deep and C-N-N responded to this track but of course it didn't have the impact that "New York, New York" did. They couldv'e easily did a video tearing down Downtown LA or even Randy's Donuts.
Born Dayz: Happy Birthday to my Pops!
Happy Birthday to one of my biggest role models since day one! Enjoy your day and don't have too much Patron lol. Thanks for help molding me into the man that I am.
Dope or Nope 1/30: My President is Black Redux
Young Jeezy feat. Jay-z - My President is Black (Remix)
Last week after Barack's inauguration, Jay-z spat over the "My President is Black" instrumental labeling it the DC-Mix. This time around, Jeezy remixes the historical track and adds a new verse specifically for Bill 'O Reilly and Dennis Miller.
Last week during Washington's festivities, Jay and Jeezy celebrated the entrance of Barack and the exit of Bush. Hip Hop's biggest fan Bill O'Reilly and Dennis Miller had this to say:
Moving right along...
Tha Rebirth of Lil' Wayne: Interviews, Videos, and Tracks
Lil' Wayne is hands down the hardest working rapper out right now. Between preparing his upcoming rock album Rebirth, working with Young Money, the T-Wayne project, appearing on everyone's tracks, and performing, this dude does not sleep. Hit up the full story to see what's going on in Wayne's world. Featuring tracks off Tha Rebirth, the first single off the forthcoming Young Money album, an ill posse track with Q-Tip, and many more!
Songs (Click to listen/download)
Prom Queen - First single off the upcoming rock album Rebirth.
Hot Revolver - Another track off Rebirth
Young Money - Every Girl - Its about time an artist brings out a crew. Reminiscent to Biggie introducing Junior Mafia to the world, Wayne is gearing up for his Young Money crews release.
Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana - Rap Cemetery
Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana - Rock Star
Lil Wayne feat. Gudda Gudda - New Orleans Maniac
Lil Wayne feat. Pharrell - Yes!
Q-Tip feat. Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, and Raekwon - Renaissance Rap (Remix) (dope) - The Renaissance was easily one of my favorite albums of '08. This time Tip collabs with Lil Wayne, Busta, and The Chef as the spit over the bonus cut after "Move".
Video
Prom Queen Live
Kat De Luna feat. Lil Wayne - Unstoppable
Interview
Lil Wayne sits down with CBS's Katie Couric for what looks like a very interesting interview. From this snippet below, you should expect some interesting quotes from Weezy. Please let this not be another "Cam on 60 Minutes" interview.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
What's Beef: 50 Cent Vs. Rick Ross
50 Cent - Try Me (Officer Ricky)
And so it begins! Earlier this week Ross' street single "Mafia Music" hit the net (unfortunately Blogger took my shit down and did NOT let me know, them and their damn surprises) and Ross makes a reference to 50's house being burned down by his Babymoms. Fifty, being the villainous artist that he is, thrives off of disses and any subliminal lines there's no hesitation in him responding. One would think shortly after being exposed as a C.O. and having contradictory lyrics, Ross would keep a low profile from dissing. 50 uses Rick Ross' prior career as the theme to this diss track and also disses Khaled and calls out Wayne. Thank Rick Ross for help promoting Before I Self Destruct.
Dope or Nope 1/29: Rick Ross 1st Single!
Rick Ross feat. John Legend - Magnificent
50's newest target (you'll find out why in a minute, thats my word) teams up with John Legend for his first single off Deeper Than Rap. The J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League delivers a smooth instrumental proving Ross has a great ear for beats. Ross' third album, Deeper Than Rap is slated to release April 7th.
What's Beef: Rhymefest Vs. Charles Hamilton
Interscope's latest signee is apparently making a name for himself. From his signature infatuation with Sonic the Hedgehog and the color pink, he's gaining attention from hip hop artists and it's audience. Not all of the recognition is positive. First there was the ridiculous beef with Soulja Boy which only lasted for a couple of weeks. After the feud with two obviously incomparable rappers ended, Charles Hamilton acquired some new foes.
On a friendly note, Charles Hamilton battled Fight Klub champ Serious Jones at the S.O.B.'s. Peep the video below:
Charles Hamilton's latest foe is Rhymefest who didn't take a reference made to him by Hamilton too kindly. In the video featured above, Hamilton called him out. Coincidentally, the same night at the S.O.B.'s, Rhymefest uploaded this message to his twitter account:
Today, Rhymefest dropped an official diss towards Charles Hamilton titled SuperSonic (Chucky Cheese). I can see a response coming shortly, maybe sooner than you think!
Seeing is Believing 1/29 - Kiss' Letter to B.I.G.
Jadakiss feat. Faith Evans - Letter to B.I.G.
Recently I uploaded a fan-made video for Letter to B.I.G., this time it's official. The joint appears on both the biographical Notorious and Kiss' upcoming album The Last Kiss. Unintentionally, Jada started a trend with these "letter" tracks. First Maino writes a letter to Pac, Lil Cease writes a letter to B.I.G. as well, and other artists have written letters to Big L, Pun and hip hop. One of the most funniest dedications is a "Letter to Gary Coleman" by a rapper name Don Cerino who's clearly tired of all the "Letter" tracks floating around.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Criminology '95 Vs. Criminology '09
Raekwon and Ghostface - Criminology '09
This is what the games been missin', some Wu shit! In '95 Raekwon the Chef dropped the classic Only Built 4 Cuban Linx aka the Purple Tape. 14 years later, the follow up Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2 is supposed to be released, and the first taste of what the Chef is cookin' up is the '09 version of his single with Ghostface "Criminology". It's a dope re-issue of the '95 joint but they had to bring it back for those who forgot about the Wu duo. Which goes harder?
Hit up the full post for Criminology '09!
Dope or Nope 1/28: The Return of Lil Jon
Lil Jon - feat. The Game and Ice Cube
I'm not going to front, I miss the old crunk days. Lil Jon had the club joints on lock and if you had some subs in your trunk, a Lil Jon album was a must. This time around, Lil Jon hooks up with The Game and Ice Cube to sound off on censorship in music. On a side note, what ever happened to Crunk Rock?
Im'a throw this in just for the hell of if it...
Lol, hit up the full story for the rest!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Mixtape Madness: U-N-I - Before There Was Love
Inglewood natives U-N-I link up with Mick Boogie for their current mixtape Before There Was Love. Some progress is being made for this duo and their music is dope. If you missed the NextUp blog I wrote on U-N-I, click here to check it out. Hit up the full story to peep the back cover/track listing, and download link.
As Seen On: illRoots
Dope or Nope 1/27: Unreleased Jay!
Jay-z - Money Goes
Apparently this track wasn't gangster enough for Jay's last release American Gangster. I can see why it didn't make the cut because it couldve potentially threw off the soulful vibe of the album. In other Jay news, the Blueprint III is still in the works.
Seeing is Believing 1/26: New Ron Browz, Cool Kids, Cube, & More Vids!
On today's vids...
Ron Browz "Jumps Out the Window", The Cool Kids drop "Pennies", Ice Cube and Jeezy "Got They Locs On", B.o.B. sees "Lonely People" and Lil Wayne makes Kat De Luna Feel "Unstoppable",
Ron Browz - Jumping Out the Window
The Ether Boy (he's responsible for producing the classic "Ether" by Nas) drops his first solo track after appearing on two of '08's biggest club bangers "Pop Champagne" and "Arab Money". He is currently preparing his solo album with the same title as the single scheduled to be released March 17th...The autotune strikes again.
Cool Kids - Pennies
The retro duo drops their first single "Pennies" off their upcoming When Fish Ride Bicycles album. No word on a release date, just keep ya ears open.
Kat De Luna feat. Lil Wayne - Unstoppable
Lil Wayne hops on this track with another glimpse at his rockstar persona.
Ice Cube feat. Young Jeezy - Got My Locs On
Cube hooks up with Jeezy for the fourth single off his current album Raw Footage which is in stores now.
B.o.B. - Lonely People
I don't listen to B.o.B. too much, but I thought this video was interesting. B.o.B. tells a story of loners while the "lonely people" in the background proceed to get it poppin. His debut album The Adventures of B.o.B. drops this year.
Monday, January 26, 2009
300 Posts & Bloggin' + My 10 Favorite Blogs
Its my 300th post and I wanted to take the time out again and thank all of my readers. Whether you check my site daily, pass thru occasionally, or new to my blog, keep checkin me out and know your views and comments are appreciated. Remember to keep spreading the word, voting on the polls, and posting comments keeping Hip Hop AD active. Also feel free to shoot me a suggestion or two to my email at l_the_hustla@yahoo.com. Hit up the full story to peep 10 of my favorite blogs that I wrote and let me know which ones you felt should've made the list.
Peace,
Laurence Holmes
Hip Hop AD est. '08
10 Of My Favorite Blogs (so far)
Of course I wanted to include more, but here are ten of my favorite blogs I've put together in order by date. I handpicked these joints myself so make sure you check these out!
Nas Untitled Album Review
Post Date: July 21 '08
I've never written a full album review until now. With Nas being one of my all time favorites, I felt it would be a great start to begin my legacy by reviewing the controversial Untitled album.
CNN Black In America
Post Date: July 25 '08
Last Summer CNN aired Black In America, a documentary about the lives of African Americans and what we experience in school, the job market, and in our households. Along with the full documentary, I included my thoughts on the footage.
Polls is Talkin': Song of the Summer
Post Date: Sept. 1 '08
The Summer is typically filled with hot music and more club oriented tracks. With so much music being dropped in the course of three months, I decided to narrow it down to the best song of the Summer. I posted a poll as to what is the song of the Summer, and the winner was "A Millie". The artwork I created makes it one of my favorites automatically. I also view this blog as a time capsule of the Summer of 2008.
I Went to the MTV VMA's!
Post Date: Sept. 8 '08
This past September, I attended the 2008 VMA's at Paramount Studios. I was in the presence of numerous celebrities and I witnessed the awards ceremony live. It's only write I had to blog about my experience.
Common & NERD Concert 
Post Date: Sept. 15 '08
In the amazing month of September, one of the many things I did was hit up the Common and NERD concert at The Wiltern out here in LA. The show was dope and it featured the latest and the greatest from two of hip hop's most innovative artist. My boy Bart got to rock with NERD and Common even shouted me out in a freestyle.
Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week - Dania Ramirez
Post Date: Sept. 29 '08
Ever since I saw the Spike Lee Joint, She Hate Me, I was hooked. Then when she appeared on NBC's Heroes, she went up in my book. If you've been sleeping on the beautiful Dania Ramirez, make sure you check out this blog.
My 16 Gets Published in KING Magazine
Post Date: Oct. 13 '08
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I have a way with putting rhymes together. Apparently KING Magazine recognizes the writing talent and decided to publish one of my 16's (for the third time) in the October issue. I was honored to win and it brought me one step closer to my dream of making it.
Old Generation vs. New Generation
Post Date: Oct. 20 '08
Since '08 there's been a new wave of hip hop artists. The emergence of new artists gained recognition from XXL Magazine with their three-cover issue introducing the new hip hop acts to the world. With the issue hitting newsstands, it caused me to compare today's newbies to the 90's newbies.
20 Hip Hop Covers Redone Via Lego
Post Date: Dec. 11 '08
Coming up I loved Lego's and music. What would be iller than redoing classic hip hop album covers with Legos? The covers bring back memories and are also humorous and creative.
Seeing is Believing: My Top 10 Videos of 2008
Post Date: Dec. 27 '08
Ever since I was a young'n I loved music videos because they bring the songs to life and can also be artistic. Over the past couple of years, music videos have became cliche and started losing their artistic appeal. Therefore, I put together my ten favorite music videos of '08 which I felt kept the art form alive.
Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 1/26 - Daddy's Girls
This weeks CotW entry goes to Vanessa and Angie. These sisters don't only look good, they act got a business state of mind. From their shoe line Pastries to their show to Vanessa's acting career, these chick's are on the right track to success. These ladies are young, sexy and single, and even made Kanye say "cuz' when the Jesus pieces cant bring me peace/yo I need this at least, uh, one of Russell's nieces"
One in particular who caught my eye was Vanessa. Both sisters are attractive, but Vanessa has more of what I look for in a woman. I love a chick with legs, lips, and breasts, but aside from all that she seems down to Earth and carries herself in a mature manner. Apparently I'm not the only one feelin' her since she made Maxim's Hot 100.
Click the link below to peep more pics!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Dope or Nope 1/25: You're Now Rockin' Wit The Best...Rapper Alive
Lil Wayne - Prom Queen
It appears that Lil Wayne's "Rock" album is official. Earlier this week Tha Rebirth received a release date of April 7th, and now the first single is here. "Prom Queen" is the first single which sounds completely different from previous singles that Wayne's released. Click the full story to continue reading.
The question is, are you feelin it? Honestly, it'll have to grow on me. As of right now I'm feelin the instrumentation but the abusive autotune sound isn't doing it for me. I do give it up to Wayne for stepping into a new realm of music. Comparing his Block is Hot days to now, you can definitely see his progression not only as a rapper but as an artist.
On a side note, they need to throw this joint on Rockband. That'll be excellent marketing for the project and add more to the dopeness of Rockband.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Takin' Em Back - 1/23
Ghostface Killah feat. Mary J. Blige - All That I Got Is You
Even though I didn't become a GFK fan til his second album, I always thought this was a excellent track and it's one of Ghost's best to date. Ghostface does his descriptive storytelling as usual about his struggles coming up. The vivid lyrics Ghostface spits makes the audience feel his pain. To add to the soulful piano instrumental, the Wally Champ gets Mary J. on the hook making the track flawless.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dope or Nope 1/21 - Another Letter to B.I.G.
Lil' Cease - Letter to B.I.G.
Last month Jadakiss wrote his letter to B.I.G. in a song format (click here to listen). Now, former Biggie protege' hops on the beat and expresses his thoughts to his late friend. Though Cease was closer to Big, I'm feelin' Jada's more. Thoughts?
*If you're wondering who that is pictured above, that's "supposed to be" Lil Cease in Biggie's bioflick Notorious which is in theaters now.
What's Beef: Joe Budden Vs. Saigon Continues...
Saigon - Pushing Buddens
Earlier this week I posted a blog on hip hop's latest beef consisting of Joe Budden and Just Blaze artist Saigon (click here to catch up on it). First Joey put out his track in response to Sai talkin' reckless, then Saigon responded going hard on Joe causing Budden to fire back. The latest in the beef is Saigon's "Pushing Buddens" where Saigon disses Joe over his own beat (as most rappers do) using "Pump it Up". Below is a video of Joe Budden and his affiliate Killah BH listening to the latest diss.
Hit up the full story for the Sai track.
Best News I Heard All Day: The Beginning of the END
Lupe Fiasco Announces Album Release Date
Lupe made the announcement at an Autralia concert that the first of the three disk LupEND series will be out this June! That's right, the Everywhere disk will drop in less than 6 months. I'm assuming a first single will be here in a couple of months. Keep your ears open!
As Seen On: illRoots
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Dope or Nope 1/20 - Our President is Black!
Young Jeezy feat. Jay-z - My President (DC Mix)
Congrats and big up's to the 44th Prez Barack Obama. The Jiggaman hops on the ode to Barack off of Young Jeezy's political effort The Recession. The impressive verse Jay delivered hit the net yesterday in live video format, but the official song is here! Peep the video below, and the full story for the rest. Drop a line or two about who went in more, Jay or Nas.
It's Official! Barack Obama Inaguartion Videos!
On this historical day, Barack Obama officially becomes the 44th president of the United States. If you were working hard like myself and missed the Inauguration videos, I'm posting them up for you. Hit up the full story to peep the great speeches by President Obama and let's get ready for change! We did it!
Inauguration Speech Pt. 1
Inauguration Speech Pt. 2
Monday, January 19, 2009
Polls is Talkin': NextUp - Drake
On my latest poll I asked Hip Hop AD readers who's they feel is the next best thing. While the results were all close, Canadian MC Drake was the winner. You may have seen him on the hit high school show Degrassi where he plays the crippled ball player Jimmy. He has now ventured into music being a new rapper/singer signed to Interscope under the name Drake. He is also apart of Lil' Wayne's entourage Young Money. Being affiliated with Young Money granted Drake numerous Wayne collabo's and he is rumored to produce Drake's debut album Thank Me Later. Drake being signed to Interscope, radio-friendly joints, and his Lil Wayne affiliation gives him the potential to be the next big thing.
Peep the full story to get Drake's latest mixtape and peep the rest of the poll results.
Drake is working on his newest mixtape So Far Gone. His latest mixtape, Heartbreak Drake features his best material and freestyles over some of the hottest beats out at the moment. Click here to get Heartbreak Drake.
Poll Results: Who's the Best Rookie in the Game? (Click the artists name to peep blogs on them)
1. Drake - 40%
2. Kid Cudi - 20%
3. Charles Hamilton - 20%
4. Jay Electronica - 10%
5. Asher Roth - 10%
Don't like the results? Do your thang and vote!
Mixtape Madness: The Best of the Hamiltonization Process
DJ Skee & Charles Hamilton - The Best of the Hamiltonization Process
Still sleepin' on Charles Hamilton? Dj Skee brings you the best of the Hamiltonization Process. The Hamiltonization Process was a series of 8 mixtapes and DJ Skee is blessing you with the best of this series. Charles Hamilton's latest single "Brooklyn Girls" also appears on this Best Of mixtape. If you missed any of the Hamiltonization Process, click here to get the mixtapes. Otherwise, hit up the full story for the link, back cover and tracklisting.
2. Theories Of Wine
3. Brooklyn Girls
4. Outside
5. Loser
6. Delivery Or DiGiorno’s
7. Do What You Love
8. Windows Media Player
9. Verbal Vicodin
10. Jeezy Hamilton
11. Waterworks
12. Happy Ending
13. What’s Going On
14. The Bermuda Triangle w/ Show TuFli & Yung Nate
15. It’s
16. Mt. Rushmore w/ Hcho & St. Vil
17. Mr. Perfect
18. Lacey Duvalle
19. Shinin’
20. Lemme Know
21. Most Likely To Succeed
22. November 10th 2008
What's Beef: Joe Budden Vs. Saigon
Only three weeks into 2009, diss tracks have been all over the net. First, 50 sounds off on Lil' Wayne's "Lousianimal" which he Weezy subliminally took shots at him. He also throws in Kanye and Oprah into the same diss track titled "Play This on the Radio".
But one of the more blatant feuds is the Joe Budden and Saigon beef. Instead of dissing in a subliminal fashion like many other MC's do, Joe Budden not only name drops in the diss track, but even puts Saigon's name in the title. Saigon then responds getting personal with Joey, calling his son gay and his girl a jumpoff. Let's recap the history of the beef to cause Sai to spaz like that, and give the diss tracks a listen.
The Story:
The beef started from a metaphor Joe Budden dropped referencing Saigon. The line said "soon as my wife gone, they jump on the python, she ain't know I’m out to hit and run like Saigon" referencing the fight between Mobb Deep and Saigon (peep below)
Of course Sai wasn't fond of the line so he went in on Joey in numerous video interviews causing Joe to make the first diss track "Letter to Saigon". Joe kept it in a traditional battle rap style throwing jabs at his opponent but also explaining the misunderstanding with the reference. The follow up track by Saigon "Under Achiever" is an obvious insult to Joe's underwhelming Def Jam debut, and even goes at his fam. The most recent track, (which leaked today) is Joey's latest response to "Under Achiever". Joe Budden keeps his cool and still goes in on Saigon but not taking it to the extent that Sai did.
Who do you feel won the battle thus far? My vote goes to Joe Budden.
The Music (click song titles to listen/download)
Joe Budden - Letter to Saigon
Saigon feat. Prodigy - Under Achiever
Joe Budden - Pain in his Life
Dope or Nope 1/19: Unreleased Nas (Produced by Kanye)
Nas - The World (Produced by Kanye West)
What's iller than a storytelling track by Nas meshed with soulful Kanye West production? I'm not sure what album this was supposed to appear on, but it's nice. Nas and Kanye should consider doing a project together. "We Major", "Still Dreaming", and "Let There Be Light" are all great tracks and a full album would be crazy!
Girls, Girls, Girls: Chick of the Week 1/19 - Naturi Naughton
Pardon the absence of last weeks CotW entry, I've been crazy busy in and out the office. This weeks Chick of the Week is Naturi Naughton. If you've seen Notorious over the weekend, you know exactly why I'm posting this. In Naturi's 3LW days, I overlooked her, but her portrayal of Lil' Kim brought my attention to her and boosted her sex appeal. Of course that was the roles intent being Lil' Kim was a sex symbol of that era, Naturi did her thing being the film's eye candy. Hit up the full story to peep more pics!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Mixtape Madness: Brooklyn Bullshit!
DJ Mike Nice - Brooklyn Bullshit
Brooklyn's finest Biggie Smalls, Jay-z, and Big Daddy Kane prove Brooklyn has raw talent with this mixtape. This joint features demos, unreleased materials and remixes from three of the greatest mc's. Peep the full story for a the back cover and link!
Takin' Em Back - 1/16: The Biggie Edition!
In honor of the late Notorious BIG and today's release of his autobiographical film, I'm dedicating today's throwback entry to some of my favorite Biggie videos. The movie is definitely worth checking out, so be sure that you hit up the nearest theater this weekend to see this film. Click the full story to peep 5 of my favorite Biggie videos!
Juicy
Notorious Big's debut single became an instant classic with the inspirational lyrics, clear laid back flow, and excellent use of the "Juicy Fruit" sample. The lyrics clearly guide listeners through Biggie's struggle to his success with signing to Bad Boy.
Big Poppa
"Big Poppa" was the prime example of what a club track should be. It's not overly cliched, too flashy, and overall it's a smooth track. Hip hop artists remain to make videos like these today, but unlike Big Poppa they are exaggerated.
One More Chance
Even though I'm a skinny dude, I must say Big held it down for the bigger brothas. Big had cameo's from damn near every R&B chick at the time from the late Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige, Total, and his wife Faith; all asking for one more chance. On a side note, what happened to Zhane, Patra, and Changing Faces, where are they now?
Craig Mack feat. Big, Busta, Rampage, and LL - Flava In Your Ear (Remix)
Classic to say the least. All MC's wreck this track making it one of the best posse cuts ever. Puff kicks off the joint mocking the popular Warriors scene clicking two bottles chanting "Bad Boy come out to play", then Biggie drops a hot verse. Till this day rappers make videos inspired by this signature black-and-white music video produced by the legendary Hype Williams.
Hypnotize
The last music video to feature Big and instantly became a hit. In the late 90's, Bad Boy artists made "mini movies" with their music videos, with this being the first of it's style. The video would later inspire DJ Khaled's "We Takin' Over" video with fairly similar chase scenes.
Seeing is Believing 1/16: New Jeezy, Slim Thug, Q-Tip, and more vids!
On today's vids...
Young Jeezy & Nas's "President is Black", Q-Tip "boogies" with Amanda Diva, Slim Thug "Runs", and B.o.B. will "be in the sky".
Hit up the full story to peep em!
Young Jeezy feat. Nas - My President
I can't think of a better time for this video to be released with Barack's historical inauguration this Tuesday. This is the fifth video off of The Recession, and I'm honored to see life imitate art with this track.
Q-Tip feat. Amanda Diva - Manwomanboogie
Q-Tip releases a video the Amanda Diva featured joint off The Renaissance. This is my least favorite on the album, but it's good to see Q-Tip doing his thing.
Slim Thug feat. Yelawolf - I Run
Slim Thug brings you his first single off his upcoming Boss of All Bosses album. Producer Jim Jonsin (produced "Lollipop", "Whatever You Like") laces Slim Thug on the production, with on the hook sampling a Flock of Seagulls 80's hit "I Run (So Far Away)". Slim Thug's newest LP is slated to be released March 24th.
B.O.B. - I'll Be In The Sky
Newcomer B.o.B. releases his second video, the comic-book inspired "I'll Be In The Sky". The 20 year old rapper/singer/producer is signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle imprint, and will release his debut album Adventures of B.o.B. in the near future. B.o.B. also appeared on XXL's class of '09 issue.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Movie Review: Notorious
Over 12 years ago hip hop lost one of its greatest artists, the Notorious B.I.G. True, Biggie Smalls only had two albums in his discography and two posthumous releases; but the content and music made him a legend. One of Big's strengths was his clear and smooth delivery, and ability to tell stories. Though the stories Big would spit were life experiences, his life prior to his Bad Boy signing still remained mysterious. Fox Searchlight Pictures drops Notorious; a biographical movie which reveals the history of B.I.G., his remarkable rap career, and his unfortunate death.
The movie opens perfectly with a young Biggie Smalls where viewers get a chance to see his early inspirations. His struggle for acceptance to his distant relationship with his Father built his foundation to his early teenage raps. Eventually he began to sell drugs and rap publicly making a name for himself. After doing time and having a daughter, Big decided to focus on making rap music as soon as he's released. B.I.G.'s crew (which later became Junior Mafia), encouraged Frank White to pursue a rap career and once he linked up with Puff, the rest was history. Viewing B.I.G.'s back story shows his fate at becoming a rising star. He was determined to use his witty rap style to make the transition from the streets to the studio, and even had his childhood friend sacrifice five years of his life to help Biggie make it. Throughout all of the changes B.I.G. encountered before he signed, it built his character and gave the audience the chance to see him from a more personal perspective that we didn't get to see while he was alive.
The question everyone had was, will Jamal Woolard aka Gravy be able to emulate Chris Wallace successfully. The portrayal of B.I.G. was on point and at times very convincing. From the charismatic personality to the rap style, Gravy did a great job at portraying the late rapper. On the other hand, there were some other portrayals that weren't as well fit as Big's and Puffs. Lil' Cease was played by a young actor who appears to be a teenager. During the early stages of the movie you assume the character will age as it progresses, but at the end, he still appears to be an adolescent. There's also Anthony Mackie who plays B.I.G.'s former friend turned for 2pac. As far as the look goes, Mackie resembled Pac but Pac has a distinctive persona that is challenging to embody. 
One role that caught me off guard was former 3LW member Naturi Naughton (featured above) as Lil' Kim. After Lil' Kim dedicated spread in KING Magazine, I thought she didn't resemble her. In the film she reenacts Kim and Big's relationship and stage presence causing me to regret my doubts.
When Notorious comes to an end, it seems a bit rushed. However, it goes a little deeper into 2pac and Biggie's feud and the negative effect the media had on it. The film leaves an excellent lasting impression and raised my respect level even higher for the late MC. For aspiring music artists like me, you will find the story inspiring seeing that anything is possible. Like Big said on "Sky's The Limit" he went from ashy to classy, and this film captures it all. There wasn't a dull moment in this film and it brought Chris Wallace's music to life. Whether you're a Biggie fan or not, you will find this film enjoyable.
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