HIP HOP - PIP POP :::: What Is The Next Stage?

As of late I have been having a rough time accepting a few things in the world of entertainment. Specifically of the Hip Hop Variety. I am a well educated person of the streets, or so I like to think. Many things capture my attention these days when it comes to the music genre. 

There are many Hip Hop artist out now. Whether it is by major label or they are pressing their independent works or having a mix tape flood their local scene. I have been let down time after time with the nonsense that is being called rap. I am cool with gangsta rap, I am cool with Back pack and I am cool with bubble gum. So my argument does not concern the genre as much as it does the quality. 

What happened to the lyrics? In the past 10 years I have witnessed the quality fall short of spectacular. I no longer see the art form growing as it should. What happened to the word play? Every thing seem simple and contrite as all possible. The vibe is gone. 

Rappers today are trying way to hard to have a persona and are forgetting about the lyrics. The only thing that keeps me listening is the beats. The production is way up, the lyrical content, you guessed it..way down. I prefer watching American idol two days in a row before buying another rap album.

I did not write this to name any names. However I hope that those who do come across this that have a career or plan on having one. To take the time out to rethink their approach. Don't let the record company sway you in to thinking without a brain, it is impossible to do. The end result is no thought equals no lyrics. It is that simple.

The record companies have drain the art out of Hip Hop. It is all sales now. Hip Hop is just PIP POP. Pop music, that claims it is real over heavy baselines. Mix tape rappers who consider themselves the toughest on their blocks may be the toughest on their block, but what about the world. You can not and will not run it all. Matter of fact, it is better to drop art, tell us what really going on in your mind and souls. I have heard a million and one song this years that consist of how many guns, women, dollars, and cars you have. I think it is time for something new.

Some may hate Mister Dress code for stepping out or MR. Team owner for stepping off and on the stage. You cant blame them or be mad at the growth in these individuals. The problems with the Hip Hop community stem from the problems in the hood. So of course the hood will buy anything that sounds tough, if they don't have any other options. Give the world variety and it will eventually take it as it is. 

So I dare the next decade of Hip Hop to be better. You have the year 2010 to begin the work, and to start a new era. This is a six month heads up. The world expects more and nothing less.

What is the next stage? No I am not saying for everyone to get on the vocoder or to make an EMO RAP Album, but I am saying take a cue from those who have taken the risk. Hip Hop is about fusion of the world around it. The problem is that it has gotten to cocky with itself and stop growing in the direction it began growing towards . Is it now too old to change its ways? Are you the next act to bring the change? Look around you, that is where Hip Hop is.

Living In A Cave

It seems that I do not know anything else but my own thoughts. I can not seem to see past it. With my lady driving me crazy and work taking from me my soul. I am losing the grip on my persona. This is something that I can not allow to happen.

So as I am driving on my way home, I decided for once to turn on the lame ass choices we have for Phoenix, Arizona radio stations.

I am flying down the I-10, and a song catches my attention. As it is pulling me out of my funk, from a long day of politics and Bull Shit. I realize that there is a song that is taking me beyond where I want to be, at that very moment. However, it will not let go of me. So I turn the volume up higher.


I want to know who that is, so I prop my I phone up to the stereo. It showed me who it was an artist by the name of Cudi. Kid Cudi to be exact. I heard the name before, but I did not pay it any attention. Since I have been a little less impressed with the options that we have in Hip Hop. However this one song has allowed me back in, more so inviting me back in. Telling me that I can not stray far without suffering the pain of loss.

As it is stated in the title I have been living in a cave, a deep state of thoughts that did not allow me any social ability. Also it has caused me to drop in and out of this Blog with no respect to the readers that actually stopped in to show love from time to time.

The song that was playing is called 'Day and Night'. I can not believe that there is a song that was written and fills the exact level of thoughts that I contained in my mind. Although I am not a stoner or a smoker of any kind or a loner. This song has hit the spot, like a meal after a long journey on foot. You guys out there know what I am talking about. Act as if you do not.

Not to give a short Memoir. That is not what I am here for. I am here to give you this video. I am sure that you have heard it before. That song is about us the people that struggle. If you find your self in a cave. Listen to this song and realize that you are not alone and keep it moving.

So in saying all of that. I just want to leave you with the video and the proclamation that I think:

This song rocks. Simple as that.



Yes I have written about the dude before. So sue me!

Q-tip 'Manwomanboogie'

Q-tip never fails to drop something that is classic. His ability to remain true to himself has become the expectation. However much so that he does, he is able to push the envelope with his lyrics and being to you a buffet of thoughts every time.

Manwomanboogie should and I predict will go down in history as one that holds true. It is almost Shakespeare on beats. 

True Artist underrepresented ::: Joe Budden 'In my sleep'

Joe Budden is a rare artist in the rap genre. Without true representation, he has been able to compile his work into diverse approaches. Within his art he has been able to offer

a mixed bowl of lyrical content that is unrivaled by many of his peers. With this video he has further proven that he is a forced to be reckoned with and that

the industry does not know true artist when they see them.

This is not catchy it is real. I believe this is what the problem is. Our short term memory is so short that we need Sesame street lyrics and hooks in order to be

entertained. I guess since the majority of us are raised on such ways of learning why would out lives be any different? Joe Budden just keep cranking out

the truth, when the Hall of Fame has to announce years from now, the artist with solid work, your name should come up, minus your first album effort you will

go down in history. Keep it true and eventually the community around you will demand more.

Crate Digging ::: No Amateurs ft. B.I.G. Big L & Big Pun

No Amateurs ft. B.I.G. Big L & Big Pun is pure Hip Hop, with as much word play maneuvers as break dancing. When I came across this I had to put this out there for all of my true Hip Hop fans. This goes out to all the one and two hit makers, get your game up. It is about time that you do what needs to be done and that is write something that make sense. I am no hater, I am just making a clear observation and something needs to be done about it.

Now enjoy this track and stop your whining!!!!!

Powered by ScribeFire.

New Era MixTape ::: Styles P - Flashing Lights freestyle

Styles P - Flashing Lights freestyle (NEW ALBUM OUT NOW!!)

Video Premier Bitches :: 'Touch & Go' Joe Budden

Joe Budden - "Touch & Go" Official Video Amalgam Digit

Paper Plate (50 Cent Diss or Miss?

Many times over I have been left in the position that would force me, to come to terms with the nature of hip Hop Music. For long I loved it so much I slept with Hip Hop, and never cheated on her. However I am at the point where I do not know who is for real and who is not. It is one big show that forces the need to ponder the whats and whys of all.

Look at a legendary group such as Wu tang clan. You have a group larger than a small arena, that has placed on Hip Hop a license to move into the new era. They will forever be known for what they have done. Then you have them beefing internally and now one of their members is taking that anger outside the camp, to 50 Cent. A rapper that may or may not respond, and if so, how much damage can be done and to whom?

So what I need from your minds is a pure response to this track and maybe your take on Hip Hop as a whole. Give me feedback on this one.

Hot video premier ::: Rocking with the G.O.A.T.

This is the return of LL Cool J. I do not know where he was for the past few years. However I do know that he has come out from hiding behind that actor Todd Smith. LL is for the music! Todd smith is for the movies and clothes!

It is a wRAP for most of these rookies. I am digging this track and for the first time since he ripped open canibus, who I might add , had the lyrical guns to get the job done. Which proves that LL is a sleeping giant and makes the choices that he makes out of pure desire to do something other than what he is known for.

Make no mistake about what I said pertaining to his acting career. I think he is an actor with high growth potential who has done notable work as of late.

Todd 'LL Cool J' Smith has done some films that may have gone under the radar. However I have the stealth watch that always finds those gems that most of the world missed. I will be bringing those to the blog soon. So be on the look out.

The Rap Game is beginning to look more like the w-Rap-ed insane

It seems Lil' Wayne Rapper from New Orleans has lost all of his marbles from the overuse of drugs illegal and over the counter. Now I tried my best to stay away from this guys issues but at what point do you step in to say something? I think to answer that question, it should have been a long time ago when it comes to young Mr. Carter.

When you begin to wander around on stage during your own concert. It is evident your brain is fried, and those around you are not doing a good job at helping you up.

Watch the video people, and Wayne if you see this think about it for a long time:



In closing:

Do not discount that he makes really good Hip Hop music that you can listen to, however someone needs to intervene in this guys life. I does not look like his so called daddy Baby is doing a good job and did more to influence this guy into the wrong direction.

Letter to the subject:

Lil'Wayne I love you music, and your talent is tremendous and you can do rap thing without all the drugs. Take some time to clean yourself up. So that the generations to come can hand you your lifetime achievement award instead of some memorial service that the world will forget. You are successful, but you still have a mark to make. Whatever your demons, do everything in your power to shake them off. If you want to send me a note drop a line with an e-mail. I am so serious on this. And this goes out to whoever is reading this. It ain't cool, my contact information is on the side, drop a line.

I know that you are the only Rapper who would openly "Kiss your Boss" on this mouth. You may have caught some slack for it. But are you going to burn you legacy in every leaf, piss it out in every urinal you come across, or are you going to pray to the porcelain every time you over drink. Enough is Enough, get from around those who do not offer you a thing, even from around those who think they own you because they saved you as a child. Your debt is paid, you made millions, got out of your hood, and all you have to to is take that step to a better life. Money ain't everything, it is just the thing that helps you sustain what is already valuable and cant be replaced and that is your life.

Video Premiere ::: Lil Wayne F/ Static Major - Lollipop

Here is Lollipop Off of Lil Wayned Much anticipated album release the Carter III.

The video has a bit of clarity issues, when I find a better version I will be sure to replace it. Let me know what you think of the concept.

Lil Wayne- Lollipop (ft. Static Major)
Uploaded by youngkingz12

New Video :::: The Roots - "Get Busy" Feat. Dice Raw, Peedi Crakk, And DJ Jazzy Jeff

Artist to Reconsider :::: Everlast

Everlast - A popular artist who emerged out of the group House of Pain. I know many can remember Jump around. That song that the DJ puts on in the club every weekend to get us riled up to have a good time. This is the father of that group. Everlast Branched out on his own in the late 90's to put together Whitey Ford Sings the Blues. The album bounced around the scene for some time and received great reviews from the underground music scene as well as the mainstream.

The year was 1999 and What its like fell onto my lap, I looked over to my roommate and asked him what is this, and he stated to put it in and vibe to it. So I Followed his instruction, placed the disc into my CD player, and what came out in my opinion was an instant classic. A classic that has gone unnoticed for too long. When I say unnoticed, it is to say that Everlast has gone down as a one hit wonder and this is not the case. When someone can put together a solid album such as Whitey ford, one hit is so far from the truth. The record companies are to blame, they made too many attempts to box him into a category and from that, resulted in the loss of a dedicated fan base. However his fan base is built on rebellion, those who know you do not need a category to exist, those who took the correct pill, and are always willing to see how far the rabbit hole goes( one for cliche). Remember this album was both a commercial and critical success (selling more than 3 million copies). However the world needed to classify his music and the artist. They did not appreciate that he is as multi talented as he is. He can deliver both Rap Lyrics and Bass Guitar strumming for your listening pleasure.

He is the best of both worlds, with out the second artist to ride along. Now who can deny that? He is the complete musical a package, heck I think he would sing you a love song if you gave him an opportunity to do it his way.

So for this posting Everlast is my Artist to Reconsider, and begin the petition to keep good music alive.

What its like



Endz

Many would remember the misunderstanding between him and Eminem or not. Either way ti went something like this.

Wiki post:

In 2000, a feud erupted between Everlast and Eminem. Eminem felt insulted by "I'll buck a 380 on ones who act Shady" from Everlast's verse from the Dilated Peoples all star track "Ear Drums Pop (Remix)". Eminem then in turn dissed Everlast several times in public and on the song "I Remember (Dedication To Whitey Ford)", mocking Everlast's rap/rock style, released as a b-side to the D12 12" vinyl single "Shit On You". Everlast then recorded the track "Whitey's Revenge" and released it on his official website. The track contained the lyric "Better run and check your kid for your DNA," referring to Eminem's daughter, Hailie. Eminem responded with the help of his group D12 on the track "Quitter", in which he took shots at Everlast and threatened to kill him if he ever mentioned Hailie's name again. Everlast later stated in various interviews that he felt everything had been said and he would now refrain from further responses.

Now their is a new stage in Everlast's life; a new group by the name of La Coka Nostra, hardcore no filler. They feel that the industry is missing good Rap music. That is something that you know I am in agreement with, and I can endorse La Coka Nostra as I would Wutang, it is time for real music with substance to make its return, and not this "Contrived" stuff we hear every day.

La Coka Nostra Which is a combination of House of Pain and some new members. Embracing the new members they has expanded and rearranged some things but HOP is still in there with new blood.

Here is the La Coka Nostra Version of Jump Around





LA Coka Nostra Myspace page

I will have more on this group and the featured artist as they have available. I look forward in continuing to bring you great artist and their mission to bring good art no matter their outlet.

Throwback Videos ::: Artist to Reconsider :::::: Camp-Lo

As Far Back As I can Remember, I always thought Camp-Lo (Geechi Suede and Sonny Cheeba) was one of Hip-Hops Hidden Gems. A gem that is hard to find, but once you find it you put your head back, and you Marvel at it Beauty. With Camp-Lo you get that Gem of Hip-Hop, at its most relaxed, Ambiance to take you to the chill zone. I am hoping that this Throw back session, allows you the reader the opportunity to delve into a timeless set of beats and lyrics, that were married and show that a divorce between them is a non issue with these fusion of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Soul, splashed with Funk.

Lucini


Collie High



Black Nostaljack


Camp Lo - 2007 - Black Hollywood - Freestyle in NYC






Brief Bio:

Camp Lo made their first appearance in 1996 on The Great White Hype soundtrack, with their single "Coolie High". The smooth party song was a minor hit, peaking at #25 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. Their first major exposure came with the release of their second single, the upbeat, horn driven "Luchini AKA This Is It". The song became a crossover hit in 1997, breaking into the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, and reaching the top 5 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. The duo released their debut album Uptown Saturday Night in January 1997. The effort was widely acclaimed, praised for their light accessible content and their smooth, funk and jazz inspired production.

The majority of the album was produced by Ski, famous for his work with Jay-Z. Guest appearances were provided by De La Soul's Trugoy and Digable Planets' Butterfly. The album's 70s-style content was influential on a number of artists within the next few years after its release, like Will Smith, who enlisted Camp Lo for an appearance on his top-selling Big Willie Style album. Also in 1997, they appeared on Oran "Juice" Jones' single "Poppin' That Fly". They collaborated with Hip Hop legends De La Soul in 2000, on the song "So Good" from the Hip Hop 101 Compilation. They finally returned with another album in 2002, titled Let's Do It Again. This effort was not nearly as well-received as their debut, and was met with mediocre reviews and sales. Shortly after the album's release, Aesop Rock enlisted them to appear on his album Bazooka Tooth, exposing them to fans of the underground Definitive Jux label. The duo has recently been in negotiations with Blacksmith Records, a label headed by rapper Talib Kweli. Kweli has expressed interest in signing Camp Lo to his label. In 2006, Camp Lo recorded the song "I Wanna Be" for Midway's NBA Ballers: Phenom Soundtrack. Also in 2006, "Bed Rock", the first single from a mixtape called Fort Apache, was released exclusively through on-line sources. In June 2007, Camp Lo released "Black Hollywood".

If you want more on Camp-Lo Check out their Myspace page.

Video Premier :::: Talib Kweli - Hostile Gospel Pt 1 ( Deliver Us)

The worlds most underheard Emcee is back with the Hostile Gospel, a potent song with more truth than flash. Since Eardrum; Talib's current album hit store shelves, I was first in line, and have been playing this song over and over again, and it is nice to have a video from the heart. This is true artistry! Talib Kweli just wants you to Listen!

Throwback Video :::: Mos Def - Umi Says,Ghetto Rock, Sex, Love & Money, Ms. Fat Booty

Umi Says


Ghetto Rock


Sex Love & money


Ms. Fat Booty

Throwback Live performance Video:::Kid Rock- Bawittaba@Woodstock '99

Kid Rock-once at an all time high, Prince to Rock & Roll/Rap fusion, grabed the ears and hearts of millions. Torn down stages and rocked award shows, 9 years later, many are carry Kid Rock, deep within their hearts.

We all know that Kid Rock is in the studio, working on that next masterpiece, in the meantime, enjoy the live performance from Woodstock 1999.

Talib Kweli: Hot Thing

Here is a Hip-Hop/Rap piece with lyrical content and substance, catchy word play but substantial in rich volume. It is reminiscent of great poetry, consistency is the key to this artist and his ability to stay in the mix.

Talib Kweli maintains his backpacker role in the hip hop game, but I must tell you and he will as well, he is no back packer or mad rapper. His ability to formulate a set of ideas into poignant and relevant speech, is one of the many reasons, you should have went over to Itunes and purchased,maybe taken some time out of your shopping at the mall and hit up FYE or your local record store and placed this into your collection.

Talib Kweli is one of the few artist that will give you a glimpse into what his genre of Music is about. Hip Hop, was and is always going to be a voice. However its voice is being drowned out due to sickness, such as irrelevant content and careless attitudes about nothing.

"Super man that Hoe" Soulja Boy, your repetitious babble for our listening pleasure, does not equate to Hip Hop, it is drool over a great beat, and the beat was good.


Enjoy this video and remember that if you like or love Rap and Hip Hop, then support it, there's a big differentiating gap between good music and a scheme to make money.

* Note to Soulja Boy,: Now that you have the money coming in, this is your chance to go from making comedy to making a worthwhile award worthy, critically acclaimed piece; be fluid in what you do, and your career will last longer. Gimmicks don't pay bills forever.

Soulja Boy- Yahhhh ( are you kidding me?)

Make no mistake about it, I do not endorse this song. This is not Hip Hop, or is it rap. It is a gimmick to say the least. It is that crud on the bottom of your Fish tank that needs to be removed or the inhabitants will be at risk of not surviving. This song is about as creative as a nursery rhyme and is evidence, that some rap songs are doing a huge disservice to an otherwise great form of musical expression.

This is Bull &E*#!

Soulja Boy "Yahhh"
Uploaded by SouljaBoy_officiel

Is 50 Cent ready to capture a piece of the Movie Business?

Curtice "50 cent" Jackson, recently took the stage at the Sundance this weekend, Guest included Kim Kardashian, Reggie Bush, and Paris ( cant Stop Hilton). Fifty performed on this fine evening and the performance what presented by Tao, Vitamin Water, and Myspace, which held underlying significant meaning. Fifty cent for some time has spoken of taking a full focused embrace into the Film Industry. You can catch the Rapper/Mogul, in films such as his own, Get rich or die tryin, and Home of the Brave. Also in Upcoming Film Righteous Kill. The rapper has been speaking of retiring from the Mic for some time now, and we can see that it may head that way with the recent dedication to his acting. With several other roles recently announced and him announcing at the Sundance that he will work with Randell Emmett and start a production company together, in which I think from his acting will be something to watch out for, and I feel that we will see some real solid productions come out of the company. However only time will tell, and I am one to sit back and see how things take place.

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