Get Into It: Drake Did That!!

There are really no words. As a fan of Hip Hop, I am loving this. If you've been living under a rock for the last few days, Meek Mill went on a Twitter rant about Drake. Drake released a diss track called "Charged Up" a few days later. IT was nice. Meek did not respond other than two wack tweets. Four days later, Drake reupped on that Meek diss and took it up a notch with "Back 2 Back Freestyle." Drake killed Meek. It's just that simple. He came with facts and dope bars and silent but deadly jabs over a ridiculous beat. And, he posted it to soundcloud in the wee hours of the morning right after Meek performed in Drake's hometown of Toronto. 

"You getting bodied by a singin m***a"

"Shout out to my bitches wifin niggas" 

"Is this a world tour or ya girl tour?"

"I see what you do for fame, wonder what you would do for freedom."  

This is the part of Hip Hop that makes me excited. This was unexpected but needed. I like both dudes. Been rocking Meek's new cd since it came out. But, I am a Drake fan & I have been since his second mixtape. He holds a special place in my lyrical heart. Drake is doing this the right way. Even if Meek claps back, he's already lost in the eyes of the masses because he started this and hasn't responded. Anyway, get into both of Drake's diss tracks. 

This Reader's Review: Part XXII: Steve Stoute's "The Tanning of America"

When it comes to reading, there isn't much  I won't read. Reading is something I do often and early. I love music almost as much as I love reading. So, whenever I come across books about the music business and the like, I have to read them. Such was the case when I found Steve Stoute's book "The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hip Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy" on the library shelf. It's a book that had been on my to read list for a year or so. I just never got around to it because there were so many books on the list. I am so glad I picked it up and read it this month. It was so insightful about so many things. A lot of the topics are things I never gave a lot of thought to. This book shows how Hip-Hop literally changed the world. Stoute takes you on a historical journey that intertwines the world of Hip-Hop from it's infancy to the world of mass media marketing. It is beyond interesting to see how the world of Hip-Hop, which is full of Black people, changed the way the world markets their products. I was amazed more often than not while reading this book.

I love the conversations that are included. Stoute talks to a lot of big name Hip-Hop players such as Jay Z, Eminem, Fab Five Freddy, and Will Smith. One important tanning moment is one I will always remember. It is the infamous LL Cool J Gap commercial in which he is sporting a FUBU hat  and drops a "for us by us" endorsement. It is crazy that no one who worked for Gap knew who or what  "FUBU" was. The corporation did not realize that their huge star just name dropped his own company twice in a national commercial. It was quite genius on LL's part. That is a great example of tanning in America. Superstars who looked like me were the ones guiding the culture. When Jay rapped about growing up and not wearing a Throwback jersey and putting on a crisp button up, the world responded in kind. It is that kind of marketing power which is the reason for tanning in America. While I enjoyed everything about this book, there is one chapter that is my favorite. One of the last chapters entitled "1520 Sedgwick Avenue - 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." It focuses on the tanning effect of Hip Hop on politics. It takes you from the inception of Hip Hop to the election of the first Black President. In this chapter, Stoute discusses the stolen first election of George W. Bush, the horror that was the governmental mismanagement of Hurricane Katrina and the things that led up to the election of two term President Barack H. Obama. 

Also, make sure you check out the 4 part, 4 night special on VH1 on "The Tanning of America." It begins tonight @ 8. After finishing this book, I am super hyped to watch this documentary. I want to see some of the interviews that eventually became the basis of the book. I knew Steve Stoute's name because of Jay Z. I did not know much about him to be honest. I just knew he was a mover & shaker behind the scenes in Hip Hop, a name that carried weight and was respected. This book shows me why. He is incredible smart and knows his stuff. "The Tanning of America" is a great look at how a genre of music and a lifestyle has changed the way America looks and feels. It is quiet amazing. This book was an incredibly insightful look into what made the changes. It is simply a great read. Get into Steve Stoute's "The Tanning of America" today!

Get Into It: Nicki Minaj's new track

         

The mixtape Nicki is back! And, I couldn't be happier. Nicki dropped a new track and visual for "Lookin Ass N***a." The song will be featured on the Young Money compilation cd "Rise of an Empire" dues out March 11th and her solo cd "The Pink Print." The track is hard hitting and full of tough talk. I love when Nicki just raps, no gimmicks. The girl can flow. I've said that since I first heard her. I hope this is the direction she goes in for her new cd. I love it. Get into it. 

"If You Loved Me So Much, Why'd You Let Me Go?" And Other Questions About Ye's New Cd

Kanye West's "Yeezus" sprung a leak last week. I was excited to hear his new music. After watching his SNL performance a few weeks ago left me apprehensive and guarded. He performed "New Slave" and "Black Skinhead." I liked the first one, disliked the second. Lyrically, both are intersting. Musically, "Black Skinhead" sounded a mess. The entire rollout of this project has been odd. No real first single, no real media presence. It doesn't feel like a Kanye project. I was cautiously intersted in this new music. So, I had to give it a listen. On first listen, I was extremely disappointed. After another or three listens, I found some happy in a handful of songs. But, there was something missing here. There are only a few flashes of classic Kanye-ism's, a few quotables. 

The project is only 10 tracks deep. And, it pains me to say that "Yeezus" is not it. More than a handful of the songs sound incomplete and erratic. It's a disappointment for a fan like myself. I was expecting...well, more. Yes, I know artist need to evolve and push the limmits. But, where exactly is Mr. West trying to take me? It may be something that has to grow on me. Which is odd because I've never felt that way about a Kanye cd. I have them all and love them all. I am still on the fence about this one. It is worth a listen to come to your own conclusion. If you are a diehard Ye fan and you've loved his old stuff, this project will shock you. It is unlike anything he's ever done. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing...yet. "Yeezus" officially drops tomorrow. Get into it so we can discuss it. 

The Good

* "Bound 2"
* "Guilt Trip"
* " Blood On The Leaves"
* "New Slaves" 

The Confused
* "Black Skinhead"
* "Send It Up"
* "I'm In It"

The Bad
* "I Am A God"
* "On Sight"
* "Hold My Liquor"

Just Because I Felt Like It: Ode To My 2 Favorite Hip-Hop Love Songs

Hip Hop love songs are an unusual thing. They are either really very good or really awful. My favorite two are Method Man/Mary J. Blige's "You're All I Need" and LL Cool J's "I Need Love." Both are hood love songs that I truly dig. Both of them always make me feel happy. Always. I can remember the first time I heard LL's song. I was in the car with my parents. I was enthralled with it and him. And, my favorite memory associated with Meth and Mary's song has to be on night in the HOB with my girl's. The DJ dropped this song at the end of a reggae set. The entire club went crazy. We were in the middle of the dance floor dancing to this song. It was just surreal. It was one of the best nights in a club of my life. We enjoyed every moment. I do not even remember leaving the club.This was really just because I felt like it. These two songs have been on my mind all day. Wanted to share them with you guys. Listen and vibe with me.

Get Into It: New Music Tuesday

There is a lot of new music dropping today. One R&B project, one R&B/Pop and one Hip-Hop/Pop project. All different in their own rights. Good music nonetheless. Let's get into them. First up is Rihanna. She is back after barely a year after "Talk That Talk." Rihanna's "Unapologetic" is dope. I have a new favorite song. It is her "Pour It Up." It is the perfect strip club song. The beat is intoxicating to me. I also love "What Now," "Jump," "Phresh Off The Runway," and "Diamonds (remix)." I can play it from beginning to end. It's not a deep or conscious project. It's just feel good music. And, I can enjoy it purely for that reason. "Lost in Paradise" and "Stay" get me into my feelings but in a good way. "Loveeeeeee Song" features Future an artist I do not get the appeal of. The song would be better without him and the auto-tune in my opinion. I fast forward through him and I like it much better. "Unapologetic" is Rihanna's 7th cd. Who knew the "Pon De Replay" girl would have staying power? I know I did not. Anyway, I like it.

Keyshia Cole is back with "Woman To Woman." It is a vast improvement over her "Calling All Hearts." It is a clear R&B cd which is what CAH should have been. I love the title track which is a duet with Ashanti. I really like it. I also love "Trust & Believe," "Signature," and "Zero (feat Meek Mill)." What I really dig is the fact that the cd just flows. I don't skip any songs. I just vibe all the way through it. Keyshia is back. She sounds like her debut self. A little older, little wiser and in love, Keyshia shines throughout this project. I truly enjoy it. I was a little apprehensive about it at first because of the last one. I am glad I was wrong.

Also, dropping today is Nicki Minaj's "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded: The Re-Up." First off, the title is too long and silly. Secondly, I think it is very wack of artists to add a few songs to a project and re-release it. I think they are taking advantage of their fans. Thirdly, she added 8 songs to it. I believe she could have added a few more songs and released a totally new project. With all of that being said, I like the new songs. Love "Up In Flames," "The Boys," "I Endorse These Strippers (feat. Tyga)," and "High School (feat. Wayne)" the most. "I'm Legit" featuring Ciara makes me want to dance. I can see myself listening to this while getting dressed to go out. I do not think that this project will move major numbers for that reason alone. The songs are cute but not really hard hitting Nicki. But, I am also not her core audience. Music truly is my thing. I cannot think of anything else that moves me as much. I do not think that I will ever get tired of hearing it, talking about it, loving it. I cannot foresee that day in my future. As long as it exists, I will be discussing it. Get into this new music. Enjoy!

New Music: Tristan Wilds, Emanny

It's new music time again. This time, I'm focusing on the guys. Over the last few days, I've been listening to two projects over & over. Tristan Wilds is a name that you should know. He is most famously known as an actor. He played Michael Lee on seasons 4 &5 of HBO's hit "The Wire." He is now on the hit show "90210" as Dixon. But, now Tristan is trying his hand at a new love: music. He released his EP "Remember, Remember" on his blog at the end of last year. The second guy is Emanny. He is awesome and dope. He is a guy I found via Twitter. I'm so glad I did. Both projects fall into the category of R&B/Hip-Hop. Which is just the genre I love.

When it comes to Tristan, I can admit that I am super late on this one. I knew he was working on music but I hadn't followed up on it. I saw his new video "Cold" on Necole Bitchie's website. The video is simple and cute and I love it. The song is one of my favorites. As is his interlude, which is a remake of the Nancy Sinatra song "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)." This song became popular again when it was used in "Kill Bill."Tristan flawlessly mixes r&B and Hip-Hop on his EP. His tone when singing is very melodic. I am definitely a new fan of his music. His EP has me excited for new music from him. I was pleasantly surprised while listening to the EP. I am always on the lookout for good new music. And, Tristan's work falls into that category. If you haven't heard it before, take the time and get into the videos below and the EP as a whole. I love this.







My other new find is Emanny. I came across him by way of Joe Budden's twitter page. I first heard him on a SLV track. His voice is intoxicating. So, I downloaded his "Songs About Her" & "Road To The Highlife" here & have been playing both constantly. There isn't a track I dislike. "I Messed Up" featuring Joe Budden & "Young & Ready" featuring Jadakiss are two standout tracks. Emanny's voice is soothing. I like his lyrics. I am wondering what he will drop next. I don't know his label situation but he is a winner to me. His two projects so far have been very solid.





I love the fact that social media sites are keeping me abreast of new music. Honestly, top 40 radio just plays the same songs by the same artists. That can be beyond boring. I like to hear music that everyone hasn't heard already or played out already. Without Twitter, Tumblr, and blogs, I would've missed both of these guys projects. I'm glad I didn't though. Go ahead and get into both of them. Remember their names. I have a feeling that they will be stars.

Music Moment!

There's no other reason for this post other than the fact that I LOVE this song. That's saying a lot because I'm very particular when it comes to my Hip Hop. But, this Meek Mill/Drake track makes me smile. A lot. It's not about the lyrics as it is about the beat. It's so ridiculous. I also heard that this will serve as a single for Meek and there is a video forthcoming. I'm curious to see what the visual looks like. So, listen and vibe with me. "Amen"

Female MC's Are MIA

Hip Hop is saturated with men. The female population is very small. I am missing the days of having a variety of female rappers to listen to. I still listen to old cds of EVE, Missy, Remy, Foxy, Kim, and Mia X. Their music moved me and made me think. It started with Salt 'N Pepa, Queen Latifah, and Mia X. They introduced me to the idea of females spitting. They talked about everything. They nourished something in me that Big Daddy Kane, Kid n Play, Tupac and NWA could not. There has never been a huge female population in the Hip Hop community. But there used to be more of a selection.

I can't lie, I used to be a big Nicki Minaj fan. I loved mixtape, no deal having Nicki. I did bump the hell out of "Pink Friday" and still do. But, I haven't even remotely liked anything she's released for her upcoming project. Not one track. I still think "Still I Rise" is her realest track. There is a new crop of female rappers which include the likes of Iggy Azalea, Kreayshawn, and Azealia Banks that I can't readily get behind. They have no substance or flow. I hear Missy's new project is scheduled for a June release. That makes me happy. Now if someone could get EVE to stop jetsetting and hit a studio, I would be over the moon.

It seems like music is in a bad place. 90% of the stuff out now is garbage. I won't support bad music ever. That's not even in me. I just want to hear lyrics that I can feel with a beat that makes me move. I'd prefer to hear some old female rappers though. That's just me though. Music is missing something. It's like our music has lost its soul on the way to getting that money. The music isn't that good which is why people aren't buying the way they used to. I can count the number of Hip Hop cds I've purchased in the last year. It's less than 10. I miss the 90's for just the music alone. It was so much better than what we are allowing to pass as music today. Something has to change. Or maybe it's me that needs to change. I barely listen to popular radio because it's over-saturated with filler music. I listen to old school tracks. They make me smile. Either or, I want my female rappers back. The good ones. Mediocres need not apply. I'm not here for them. Fingers crossed that a musical change will come soon.

"Love & Hip Hop's" Proposal

On this week's "Love & Hip Hop," there was the epitome of a hood proposal. This reality show is funny to me. My favorite people on it are Chrissy and Jim Jones. Since day one of the first season, Chrissy has been all about taking their 8 year relationship to the next level. Jimmy doesn't seem to keen on the idea. Chrissy decides to take a vacation because she's stressed about the relationship. What ensues is some straight hood classic moments. I cannot even wrap my mind around this. But, I feel the need to share.



This was classic Jim Jones. This proposal was all him. It played out exactly the way you would imagine a hood dude like Jimmy to do. There was no down on one knee or no formal "Will you marry me?" It came a full season and a half after Chrissy threw a huge party and proposed to him. He never actually said yes. He did take the ring. But by the time season two premiered, he conveniently "lost" his ring. Chrissy promptly replaced it. They've been a couple for 8 years now. I'm not doubting that he loves her. It's clear from the show that he does. He adores her. It just doesn't seem like marriage is on his mind. From episode one, Chrissy has been hounding him for a ring. And, on Monday nights show, she got exactly what she wanted. The scene reminded me of Martin and Gina's failed proposal attempt, which you can view below.




It is not my idea of an ideal proposal. It was lackluster and not my speed. But, I think it works for them. It made Chrissy happy. It doesn't seem like Jimmy is in any rush to take that walk down any aisle. Hell, it took him this long to propose. I wouldn't be surprised if it took that same amount of time for them to get married. The consensus on Twitter falls into two categories. Either people were extremely happy for the couple or they weren't impressed by the delivery. Either way, I like them as a couple.

I don't think that pressuring a man into proposing is a good thing. I don't want it that way. I think that marriage would be doomed from the start. No woman can make a man do anything and vice versa. A proposal should come from a man's heart. It should be because he knows he was found the woman that he wants to spend the rest of his life with. And, a proposal should be a surprise. I don't want it to seem like it's expected. Of course, I want to be married. But, I will not hound a man to wife me. That's unladylike to me. Love is always love. That we cannot deny. Below, is one of my favorite tv proposals. Martin got it just right...the second time around. I propose that men take note of this one.



Oh and fyi, Chrissy's ring is sick!! Jimmy did great in that department. She's rocking a nice rock on her left hand these days.

Vets and Rookies

Respect is earned and not given. Veterans in the game know this, Rookies seem to have forgotten this. In the last few days, I have noticed some things. Last night on Twitter, I watched people to react to the news that Busta Rhymes signed to Cash Money. Also, it was stated that Mystikal signed with them as well. There is also a brewing beef between Ludacris and Drake and Big Sean. It seems that veterans in the game are making moves. But, are those moves in the right direction? There is something to be said about being experienced at your job.

To me, Busta signing to YMCMB is backwards. Busta is a legend. YMCMB is full of little kids basically. Busta's fanbase does not line up with the fanbase of the record company. I think that Busta would've done better at Def Jam or signing with Shady/Slaughterhouse. Baby has a history of not putting out artists. Bow Wow has been signed for almost 2 years and hasn't released any official music. Busta is a beast on the mic. There is no denying that. I just don't think that this company is the correct fit for a man of his talents and history.

The even more complicated signiing is that of Mystikal. People from here (New Orleans) remember the violent history that Mystikal shares with Baby and Cash Money Records. Back in the day, Mystikal was in a major beef with UNLV, the premiere Cash Money act. There were diss songs and murders. UNLV rapped about killing Mystikal's mom. Yella Boy from UNLV was killed. It was very bad. It was another instance of rap beef becoming all too real. There were mad rumors of Baby being behind a lot of the actions that took place. I just cannot understand Mystikal letting bygones be bygones with Baby. I get the money angle but we are talking about Baby, a man known for shorted his artists (see Juvenile, BG, Turk, Mannie Fresh). It is just weird.

Finally, there is the new beef of Ludacris versus Drake and Big Sean. Drake gave an interview this summer about other artist stealing the flow" that Big Sean "originated" and Drake made famous. Drake referenced a Luda line specifically. A few months later, Big Sean agreed with Drake in an interview. He also named Ludacris as an artist that stole his "flow" and was using it wrong. Ludacris dropped his mixtape "1.21 Gigawatts: Back to The First Time" on Monday. His songs "Bada Boom" and "Say It To My Face" as well as the interlude "History Lesson" took aim at those interviews. Outside of T.I., I've never known Luda to beef with others. This is very interesting. Lyrically, neither Big Sean nor Drake can see Luda. That rap battle isn't what they want.

Veterans and rookies will always butt heads. Paying homage is one of the laws of Hip hop. It can be the gift and the curse. They all need to coexist for the culture. I truly believe that. In the end, it's all about the music. That is all that matters. IF beefing happens, it should stay on wax. Veterans signing to a rookie's label will never be a good look. But, if the music is hot, the masses will love it. That's the great thing about Hip Hop. It is growing up right along with us.

When Did You Fall In Love With Hip Hop?

Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I remember. As a child, I was all about R&B. That was the music of my parents. It flooded my house all the time. The music of the 60's, 70's & early 80's were stables. Then music began to change. I was introduced to Hip Hop. It was new and the music was hard to describe. Hip Hop was just a baby when I discovered it.



Hip Hop was making an impact in New Orleans. I could not get enough of MC Lyte, Salt 'N Pepa, Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, There style was so different & unique. Their sound drew me in. Their lives were different than mine but still somewhat the same. I was very intrigued by this new sound. I would listen so intently to their words. I loved their passion and storytelling. Hip Hop was this new and amazing thing. I was enthralled.



There were a lot of artists who's music made me move and think. I was officially a fan. I couldn't get enough. This new genre was amazing to me. Then there came a rapper who caught my eye and my hear. Tupac was that guy. There was something in his voice that drew me in. "Brenda's Gotta Baby" was storytelling at its finest. Pac was the first rapper that I supported. I had to have his music in my hands. He was and will always be one bof my favorite rappers.



My marriage to R&B was being undermined by my growing love affair with Hip Hop. The more I heard, the more I needed to hear. My first semester of college introduced me to the man who would become my favorite rapper. Jay-Z's debut "Reasonable Doubt" became a staple for me. It was everything. Eve, DMX and Ruff Ryders were also favorites of mine. I was also still into New Orleans artists, such as Juvenile, BG, Mystikal, Mia X and Fiend.



As you can see my love affair with Hip Hop has been a long one. I don't see it ending anytime soon. Granted there isn't a whole lot of greatness going on in Hip Hop today. I will continue to support the artists I like. Hip Hop has been evolving since its inception. I don't see that changing anytime soon. It's no longer just about music, it's a lifestyle. I love that about it. Hip Hop is a culture. It has influenced almost everything. So tell me, when did you first fall in love with Hip Hop?

Get Into It: J. Cole

By now, its evident that I L-O-V-E music. It is my thing. I am currently enthralled with J. Cole. He is a rapper from North Carolina and is the first artist signed to Jay-Z's RocNation. That co-sign alone is everything in my book. It is the reason why I gave J. Cole a listen. I was sold from the first time I heard his voice and delivery. His latest mixtape "Friday Night Lights" and it is as great as a debut cd. I love every track. I've included some of my favorite J. Cole tracks. He has that thing. I have a feeling that he will be very big. This is his year. He is currently on tour in Europe with one of my other favorite rappers, Drake. Below are some of my favorite J. Cole tracks.