| UGHH News: May, 2008 |  |  | Found: 50
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| Sage Francis: Slaine An "Embarrassment" | 5/28/08 |
|  | | Sage vs. Slaine |
| By: Trees
"This guy is a straight up embarrassment. And it's not a schtick that can go anywhere that hasn't been done better by many other people."
Yep that's Sage Francis talking about southie MC Slaine on his Strange Famous message board recently. Sage voiced his displeasure with the Special Teamz / La Coka Nostra member seemingly without any prior provocation in a general post about people's thoughts on the irish MC. Sage even took as far to diss Slaine's south Boston neighborhood, stating "that's southie for ya", in response to comments about Slaine's background. (For those interested the full thread is here)
Well the interwebs are abuzz that Slaine has recently caught word of Sage's war of words, and is already plotting his retaliation. We decided to reach out to Slaine to see if the rumors were true, and sure enough this is what Slaine had to say..
"Until somebody sent me a link to his comments about me I never listened to his music", stated Slaine. "He really wasn't on my radar. I had heard he was horrible and a real f*ggot and when I started doing a little research I was surprised at how bad he actually is. This kid has fans? I really feel like I shouldn't even comment on him because I don't even want my name next to his. But this pretentious motherfucker had the nerve to insult the people in my neighborhood with a generalization and then call who I am and what I do schtick. He definitely rolled the dice with that one. Especially because his high brow fake rebel act is probably the worst schtick I have ever seen in hip hop. I don't even know if what he does is hip hop. He made a bad mistake. He should have never mentioned my name".
Wow. Looks like we could have a legitimate "war between worlds" battle. These two polar opposites each command a very large fanbase and completely different and distinct personalities, meaning this should make for a VERY interesting summer. Of course, more on this as it develops. | | | Keywords: Sage Francis; Slaine; La Coka Nostra | Subscribe RSS |
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| Akrobatik Denounces The Worst Gimmick In Hip Hop | 5/28/08 |
|  | | Akrobatik Speaking Truths |
| By: Trees
Just yesterday I was talking to someone here @ UGHH about how every track on commercial hip hop radio featured either T-Pain, Akon, or Lil Wayne and when it's not them using a vocoder it's another "artist". Every single song sounds like a fucking computer program! Well apparently I'm not the only hip hop fan that feels the same. Today Akrobatik put out a bulletin on his MySpace page denouncing the vocoder's place in today's hip hop scene - and guess what, Akrobatik is employed by one of these commercial radio stations. Here is his post reprinted verbatim, (without permission - sorry Ak!). A great read..
"Oh my God. Most of you guys know that I work for a commercial radio station. So, like it or not I am exposed to all of the "hip-hop" that is currently dominating the airwaves. Now, normally I just sit back and watch wackness take place; complaining about it gets old (especially since for some reason people who are not rich immediately accuse you of "hating" if you are critical of someone who is rich. After all, they are getting their money, how can you "hate"?). But not this time. I gotta speak.
Roger Troutman is the earliest memory I have of someone using the Vocoder voice modulator in order to get that effect that T-Pain always has on his voice. In the last couple of weeks, I have heard Lil Wayne, Snoop, Yung Berg, Beyonce, 50 Cent and G-Unit, and more all jumping on the voice modulation bandwagon. I'm calling it out - WORST. GIMMICK. EVER. It was wack when Cher brought it back, even wacker when Janet brought it back. What's happening now is ri-god-damn-diculous.
The fact that people have to reach so deep into the gimmick bag to try to make hits is pathetic. What's even more pathetic is this monkey-see monkey-do shit that causes everyone to jump on the same bullshit gimmick at the same moment in history. If the vocoder in rap and R&B was so hot, why is it just now, 30 years after Zapp and Roger, that people are deciding at the same time that it's the shit? It's simple, muthafuckas are having such a hard time staying relevant that once one artist finds a gimmick that works, all the other guys who don't wanna be left behind jump on the shit too.
It reminds me of when everyone was doing the Das Efx "miggity-diggity" style. Everyone bit that shit, myself included. My excuse is that I was a just-getting-started high school student trying to rap.
What is these people's excuse?
I read an article in this week's Improper Bostonian proclaiming that the biggest problem in today's hip-hop music and music in general is the blatant lack of creativity. They couldn't be more right. Just as I've written this blog, I've heard four consecutive songs at the station where I work that all used the Vocoder gimmick. It's so corny that it's laughable. It's so crazy to me that in this day and age the music consumer still falls for the same hook and ladder every time. Or maybe it's because every year there is a new batch of 16 year old girls that think juvenile 30 year olds are hot. I dunno. Either way, we are in a dark, dark, dark, dark, dark, dark era in music.
I'm about to tour Brazil, where people are really anxious to see me perform, and have been bumpin my music for a while. There's no vocoder, no flashy jewelry, no thug posing, no half-naked hoes letting me pour champagne on them, yet somehow what I do is appreciated there and in many other parts of the world simply for what I like to think it is - good music. Many of the artists I respect and work with can say the same thing, and will probably also tell you that people in the States are more sheltered than we are willing to admit about the music we listen to, food we eat, information we absorb, etc.
Gimmicks come and go in music, especially rap. There was that moment when everyone was doing double-time raps, and now there is the post-industry collapse loverboy thug (which I ain't totally mad at - at least they put the guns down). This voice modulation gimmick is so dominant in commercial music though, that it is making the entire current batch of pop professionals look like some serious hacks. I just wanna hear one of these guys say "hey I just did it because everyone else was, I don't really give a fuck whether it's good or not".
C'mon Fiddy, step up!
Anyway, I gave up on a massive hip-hop fan revolt against wackness a long time ago. It's not happening. People take what's handed to them because that's what's easiest. So we know who is gonna be in control of the ears of young America for the foreseeable future...
I mean, if there is anyone who thinks this vocoder shit is anything short of pitiful, please, by all means step in and speak your mind. I never think that my opinion is the only one that matters, and I will eat my hat if you can convince me that this is not the WORST. GIMMICK. EVER!!
Peace and Guidance
A to the MF K
R.I.P.
Camu Tao - An artist with actual talent and creativity!
PS - I am not discrediting anyone's talents or abilities, just naming some people who used this tired gimmick recently. Just facts."
Well spoken Akro - For more of Akrobatik - head on over to his MySpace page which he updates regularly. - http://www.myspace.com/therealakrobatik
| | | Keywords: Akrobatik | Subscribe RSS |
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| Camu Tao (1977 - 2008) | 5/27/08 |
|  | | R.I.P. |
| By: Trees
Definitive Jux rapper Camu Tao died on Sunday (May 24) at a Columbus, Ohio hospital, after a two-year battle with lung cancer. Camu Tao, born Tero Smith, had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment, since being diagnosed with the disease in 2006. A member of the Definitive Jux and Eastern Conference Records family, Camu Tao worked with RJD2, Jakki Tha Mottomouth, Tage, and Copywrite in MHz, with Cage in Nighthawks, and Metro in S.A. Smash. His friends took to the internet today to pay their respects, here are a few of them:
El-P: " We, his friends and family, have truly had our collective hearts broken by his passing. Not only because of the loss of our friend, but because of the loss of his contribution to those who never knew what we knew about his talent and his potential. He was the secret that no one wanted to keep, and we always knew that one day his vision and his heart could change music forever the way he changed all of our lives. His departure from us all one month away from his 31st birthday is nothing less than a tragedy...nothing less than a crime. He was a gift to us all, and he is irreplaceable. Rest in peace, Mu. We will love you forever. May god bless you and your family."
Aesop Rock: "He was a brother to me. This is all beyond devastating. Please keep him in your thoughts."
Tame One: "A Good Friend.. A Great Person.. A Great Producer. Cancer Claimed Him. Tameoner Misses him. ..Shit Iz Ill.. Taken Away Too Fukn Soon."
Akrobatik: "I had the honor of being on the road with Camu in '05 during the Def Jux Presents Vol. 2 tour, and immediately got along with dude. He was just such a genuinely good guy. Always had everyone crackin' up and in good spirits. He was a strong brother, both physically and spiritually, and his talents were far too underrated. As a producer, emcee, and songwriter, Camu Tao held it down officially. On tour, he also became my arch nemesis on the video game shit, which lends to hours of bonding. Camu was a special person, and his family, the Jux Crew, and hip-hop have lost someone that is truly irreplaceable. He told me he looked up to me; now I hope he will be looking down on me. I intend to make him proud, and I'm sure that the rest of his friends and colleagues in this rap shit feel the same."
Cage: "Tero had been fighting lung cancer for the past 2 years of his life on chemo. He didn't want to go public until recently. His time was cut way too fuckin short. Music was his life. His pain and suffering is over. His music will live forever."
| | | Keywords: Camu Tao; Defintive Jux Records; MHz | Subscribe RSS |
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| Tone Tank Drops Free EP | 5/27/08 |
|  | | Tone Tank Free Download! |
| By: Trees
Tone Tank is killing shit right now. I've been a fan of this dude's work on multiple platforms for the last few years, so when I heard he was coming out with a new EP and I didn't have to pay a dime for it- well, needless to say I jumped at the chance to download that sumbitch. Of course if you don't know by now I'm talking about one of the creators behind my favorite clothing line, ScumLife and one half of rap duo Iller Than Theirs. The project I'm talking about?? Well, if you look to the image on the left you instantly recognize the Black Flag tribute cover for the release of his free solo EP The Black Six Sessions. The project, which is made up of old school hardcore punk-rock breaks and samples features production from Doc Strange, Scott Thorough and J.Howells Werthman and is very, very dope. If you've ever been to Boston - you know we love our hardcore here. I've been playing this for the heads and they are definitely impressed on some 'name that tune' type shit with the samples.
Tone will also be rocking a release party to celebrate ScumLife's summer line and the release of the project. Stay tuned to UGHH in the next few days to win tickets to event.
Click Here to download the free LP and Click Here to check out some of the ScumLife gear for sale @ UGHH and to stay updated on Tone's upcoming projects hit up his myspace here.
| | | Keywords: Tone Tank; ScumLife | Subscribe RSS |
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| K-the-I??? Preparing New Album | 5/22/08 |
|  | | K-the-I??? |
| By: Mark DiSalvo
K-the-I???, the MC that dropped Broken Love Letter has just announced that his latest effort, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow,, will be dropping October 2. According to his MySpace, the record is completely done and ready to go out. The album was produced entirely by Thavius Beck, a former Saul Williams and Trent Reznor collaborator. Among the many MCs with guest spots are Nocando, Vyle, and Mestizo. We'll bring you more updates as we get them.
| | | Keywords: K-the-I??? | Subscribe RSS |
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| Weezy Of The Week: Icey Hot Styrofoam | 5/22/08 |
|  | | Sizzzzzzurp |
| By: Mark DiSalvo
Clearly, BET didn't get the memo that Lil' Wayne has a self-admitted problem with his favorite codeine syrup mix. During a recent appearance on the set of the BET show 106 & Park, Weezy was presented with a "blinged out" Styrofoam cup to "step his Styrofoam cup game up," the show's co-host Rocsi said. Isn't this kind of like giving that alcoholic uncle of yours a beer after he's been sober for a few years? If UGHH was Alcoholics Anonymous, BET would be playing the role of "the enabler." It's not even like any of this matters; let's just stop trying to fool everyone into thinking BET cares about the youth. | | | Keywords: Weezy Of The Week; Lil' Wayne | Subscribe RSS |
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| Common & Pharrell Go Off In Strange New Direction | 5/22/08 |
|  | | Common |
| By: Mark DiSalvo
It was evident during Common's mini PR tour for his new album, Invincible Sumer, that he was looking to take his music in a different direction following "Be part 2" aka Finding Forever. Today, we've got proof of that "new direction," as DJ Skee and DJ Reflex broke in his new joint yesterday, titled "Universal Mind Control." The track, featuring Pharrell, is a departure from the Kanye West-era of Common.. and I do mean a big one. Normally, this would be written off as a one-track fluke, but following the news from Billboard last month that the album is, "an electro-tinged departure from the MC's previous lyric-driven albums," there isn't much chance of this being a one "hit" wonder. I'm not going to say that artists can't grow and experiment, but when the general backlash comes; I just hope guy's like Common aren't confused by it. For those tracking Kanye West's involvement, there's no official word that he has any affiliation or production credits on "Invincible Summer."
To preview this track for yourself, go here
| | | Keywords: Common; Pharrell | Subscribe RSS |
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| Bun B: "U.G.K. Still Alive" | 5/22/08 |
|  | | Bun B |
| By: Mark DiSalvo
Contrary to what many speculated, there will be no new UGK member, Bun B recently said, but there will be new UGK material. "UGK is now me and the people; the fans," he told Ballerstatus. Bun B, the lone member of UGK following Pimp C's death nearly six months ago, said there is a Pimp C solo project to be released in the future, in addition to a new UGK album. He also said that he never planned to go solo, and was content and happy as one part of UGK. His solo career during Pimp C's incarceration a few years ago was out of necessity in keeping the group relevant, he said. Given his language, it's a little tough to tell whether the UGK project will be old recorded material of him and Pimp C, or if it's just him. Bun B also released an album this week, II Trill, that's fallen under the radar up north. | | | Keywords: Bun B; U.G.K.; Pimp C | Subscribe RSS |
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| Saigon Leaves Atlantic Records | 5/22/08 |
|  | | Saigon |
| By: Lolly
After a long battle with Atlantic Records, Saigon is finally leaving the label. "I am NO LONGER ON ATLANTIC RECORDS, thank you God," Saigon wrote on his Myspace blog. "No, I didn't get dropped so you haters don't get excited, I fought these people very, very hard to leave." Saigon signed with Atlantic in 2004, but after delayed release after delayed release, the rapper began to lose patience. His only single, "Pain in My Life," only hit No. 91 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart in 2007, while "Come On Baby," and the remix featuring Jay-Z were buried by Atlantic. Saigon is reportedly now talking with several major labels as well as a more non-traditional music company. Billboard.com reports Saigon as having said: "I'm not that excited about going to a major label…They would have to make it so I'm set for the rest of my life. They want too much for the little that they're giving." Fortunately, Saigon and Just Blaze were able to leave Atlantic with 100% ownership of their masters. While we wait and see where Saigon ends up, you can check out multiple versions of his new single "Believe It" featuring Red 5ive at TheMegatronDon2.com.
| | | Keywords: Saigon; Just Blaze; Atlantic Records | Subscribe RSS |
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| Wyclef Launches "Together for Haiti | 5/22/08 |
|  | | Wyclef Gives Back |
| By: Lolly
As previously reported, Wyclef Jean was appointed by Rene Preval, the President of Haiti, to act as an ambassador to help improve Haiti's image. Now, Wyclef is taking the initiative to improve the economic state of his homeland. According to Reuters, Jean recently launched "Together for Haiti," a new project that aims to raise $48 million in the next six months to improve economic conditions in the country. During a news conference in Manhattan, Jean stated, "We have come together to launch this new initiative because I believe we can do more and better for Haiti when we act together." The program, backed by the Pan American Development Foundation, the World Food Program, and Yele Haiti, aims to distribute food to 1.5 million people, provide jobs for 1,800 people a day, offer 9,000 grants to families that wish to start small businesses, and provide fertilizers to 55,000 farmers. Wyclef asserts, "We are not only interested in feeding people in response to the current crisis, but we want to offer them an alternative that can help them in a sustainable way." You can learn more about the new initiative at TogetherforHaiti.org. | | | Keywords: Wyclef Jean | Subscribe RSS |
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| Atmosphere on Conan O'Brien | 5/22/08 |
|  | | Late Night w/ Slug |
| By: Lolly
Atmosphere was on Late Night with Conan last night. Other guests included Indiana Jones, I mean Harrison Ford, and Eric McCormack. Check the video below:
 
| | | Keywords: Atmosphere | Subscribe RSS |
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| The Game Looking to Sign Suge's Assailant | 5/22/08 |
|  | | The Game |
| By: Lolly
The Game has expressed an interest in signing the dude that knocked Suge out. Yep, after watching an amateur music video posted by the alleged assailant, The Game decided he wanted to sign him. The Game told AllHipHop.com, "He's the Knockout Kid. We was looking for him, we found him, and [now we're] trying to sign him." The rapper continued by stating that Suge had it coming to him, that The Game has now taken over LA, and in ten years someone new will come along. "Ten years from now, when I'm 40, there's gonna be a new kid and I gotta respect that dude. Hopefully, the Knockout Kid's little brother don't hit me or something.. I don't want no problems with the Knockout Kid."
| | | Keywords: The Game; Suge Knight; | Subscribe RSS |
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| Mister Jason Working On New Material | 5/19/08 |
|  | | Mister Jason |
| By: Trees
Mister Jason, the beatsmith behind the legendary late 90s / early 00's underground hip hop group Porn Theatre Ushers is finally back in the lab, (on the solo tip this time) and is currently gearing up for a busy 2008. He has officially announced two new projects, which delve deeper into the crates of his extensive collection more than ever before. The first project on tap is turkish-themed release of breaks titled The Art Of Belly Dancing *(On Acid), followed up by Land Of The Lost which will feature unreleased Mister Jason related tracks and some new gems. Of course we will be stocking up on these, but you can also cop them and other goodies via Mister Jason's myspace page: myspace.com/porntheatreushers -- and no, still no word on the PTU reunion :( | | | Keywords: Mister Jason; Porn Theatre Ushers | Subscribe RSS |
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| J-Zone Music In New Dodge TV Commercial | 5/19/08 |
|  | | J-Zone |
| By: Trees
Following suit of RJD2, Slum Village and a few others, J-Zone is the latest indie hip-hop artist to enter the world of licensing music for TV commercials. One of the most recent Dodge Journey commercials features the instrumental from Zone's "Edit These" from his 2004 LP, A Job Ain't Nuthin But Work. The Queens, NY producer, DJ, (former) artist and brainchild behind the Gator$-n-Fur$ Mixshow (hosted here on UGHH) had this to say...
"It's a good look but it's probably bugged to hear that beat ("Edit These") without me cursing all over it, I think they shoulda left my x-rated chorus in there so they could sell some more cars! Anybody that knows the original song will know what I mean, haha. I also did something similar to this with a Superbowl Commercial in 2006. This is a great avenue for producers that can get in the door because you can actually make a living if you can get steady work. Not to mention, it's always good to have your music exposed to different audiences".
Now if they can only send Zone a Dodge to replace his "5 Star Hooptie", it would be a perfect deal! | | | Keywords: J-Zone | Subscribe RSS |
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| Immortal Technique Announces 3rd World Writing Competition | 5/19/08 |
|  | | Immortal Technique Does Good |
| By: Trees
While some of your favorite rappers are busy selling out, Immortal Technique is aiming to make change through positive action.
"I mentioned it earlier how sometimes during the solace of a Revolutionary life and the great responsibility of working with community organizations, gangs, prisoners, parolees, soldiers, and youth in general I write all that I see. I write constantly. That is how The 3rd World came around, in the middle of working on The Middle Passage and Revolutionary Vol.3 I couldn't help but script the way I saw the world. The result is one of most anticipated underground albums/mixtapes DJ Green Lantern and myself. But before I go on tour or get into the promotion of this album I wanted to give back to those that dream, those that write their heart, those that speak to their joy, pain, hope, sorrow and perseverance through their writing. To all counselors, school teachers, teacher's aids I ask that you please FWD this to all your students. Repost as much as you can!" ~ Immortal Technique
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE...
Win $1500 by Writing a 2 to 3 page Essay!
In an effort to promote and sustain the writing and critical thinking skills of the younger generations, underground rapper and revolutionary, Immortal Technique, is inviting high school students to write essays about their perceptions and/or experiences in regards to the United States' relations to the third world in general, or a third world country/countries in particular. The essays must be original work and must be limited to 500-750 words. Immortal Technique will read the essays and choose the top three.
Too often students are bogged down with necessary after school jobs and do not have the free time needed to cultivate their writing and analytical thinking skills. Recognizing that these skills are crucial, Immortal Technique would like to award the writers of the top three essays with money meant to allow them more free time to reflect on the state of the world and to develop their writing skills. The essay contest is meant to demonstrate to the youth that their writing and critical thinking skills can generate an income for them and their families.
Prizes:
1st Prize- $1,500
2nd Prize- $1,000
3rd Prize- $500
Eligibility:
This contest is open to high school students nationwide enrolled in grades nine through twelve. Seniors graduating May-June of 2008 are still welcomed to submit an essay.
Requirements:
-Must be between 500-750 words. (2 -3 pages)
-Only one submission per student.
-Submissions will be admitted until July 8, 2008.
-Essay must be the original work of the student.
-Essay must be about U.S. relations to a third-world country or countries.
-Please make sure you include a cover letter with your submission.
-Your essay should be double-spaced whether type-written or neatly hand-written.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
To submit your essay by mail, please staple a cover page to the front of your essay. The cover page should include your name, address, phone number, the name of your school, and grade level. Then mail the essay to:
The 3rd World Writing Contest
49 W. 83rd Street
New York, NY 10024
To submit your essay by e-mail, please include two separate attachments: 1) the actual essay and 2) a cover page that includes your name, address, phone number, the name of your school, and your grade level. Send both attachments in the same e-mail to: WritingContest@immortal-technique.com
http://www.the3rdworldcontest.com
* NOTE: Submitted essay entries will not be returned, so please make a copy of your entry if you would like to keep a copy of your work.
I look forward to reading these entries, and regardless of the outcome I hope that all those that submit an entry can continue to work with, I think if it is successful we will do it every year.
Con Amor de Revolucion,
Immortal
Technique
| | | Keywords: Immortal Technique | Subscribe RSS |
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|  | | Nope |
| By: Trees
Nas is a corporate sellout. Rather than standing strong with his controversial album title, he has caved in to the will of the almighty dollar and the major label teet from which he sucks.
His excuse for the name change is pathetic at best: "It's important to me that this album gets to the fans," Nas told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "It's been a long time coming. I want my fans to know that creatively and lyrically, they can expect the same content and the same messages. It's that important. The streets have been waiting for this for a long time. The people will always know what the real title of this album is and what to call it."
Now I'm as big of a Nas fan as any one of you (or at least I was) and I don't need any reaffirmation that he's talented and dropped classics, and made history before and blah blah blah... but what that statement is, is really nothing more than a surrender. I'm sure there was a behind the scenes ultimatum, 'change the title or it's shelved forever', and rather than standing his ground, he caved and in turn negated "the content and the same messages" of which he allegedly talks about on the album. Now I remember why I hated him after Oochie Wally. Get that money Nasir. | | | Keywords: Nas | Subscribe RSS |
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| Fuck The MTV Brain Trust | 5/19/08 |
|  | | i want MY mtv |
| By: Trees
I was going to write a diatribe but when I saw my homey Chris Faraone's (Elemental Magazine, The Source, SPIN, Boston Herald) blog post regarding that shitty MTV list - well, I couldn't have said it better myself (long read):
"I apologize to all real hip-hop fans and fans of real hip-hop for my waiting so long to skewer MTV's "Brain Trust" – the assembly of new age sharecroppers who host the network's hip-hop ranking specials. My response time to cultural negligence of this magnitude is generally much faster, so my only real excuse is that I didn't take installments such as "The Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All-Time" seriously enough to flip on instinct. I should have reacted when they named L.L. Cool J one of the "Greatest MCs of All-Time," or when they put UGK and Salt 'N Pepa on the "Greatest Groups of All-Time" list over The Roots and The Beastie Boys, but I didn't, and for that I'm truly sorry.
According to the notoriously mannequin-like MTV News correspondent Sway Calloway, who himself is a member of the so-called "Brain Trust," the group is comprised of the "smartest, most knowledgeable hip-hop minds at MTV News." I know – that's on some smartest retard/coolest nerd shit to begin with – but it gets worse. These are the puppets who smile as Wayne and T-Pain monopolize airwaves, and who benefit when record labels fill MTV coffers with payola. They're the swine who push deplorable materialistic tomfoolery on near-captive audiences and then claim that they're quelling popular demand; not since that painting of dogs playing poker have so many bitches gathered around one table.
I hate to dig too vehemently into the individual "Brain Trustees" as a whole, they're a team of shills who shamelessly perpetuate ignorant trends, but as fans, I believe that most of them, at least at one point in their lives, valued rap music over hip-hop hype and image. MTVNews.com Senior Producer Raheem Dukes proved his knowledge by nominating Public Enemy, Wu-Tang, Black Moon, Mobb Deep, De La Soul and Brand Nubian on the "Greatest Groups of All-Time" episode (only Wu-Tang made the final list); as did MTV Radio Network writer Bridget Bland, who outsmarted her peers by being the only one to advocate Chuck D for "Greatest MC of All-Time." Gentlemanliness aside, though, these are some serious sellouts.
The sin that broke my back happened in the first few minutes of the recently aired "Hottest MCs in the Game 2008," during which the "Brain Trust" apologized for Flo Rida and Plies not making the list. One robot even went so far as to defend Plies for his originality (I suppose he does call himself "The One" Plies rather than "Your Boy" Plies). From there, the group actually proceeded to negotiate whether or not Soulja Boy should qualify. I changed channels, but, according to MTV.com, Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne emerged on top. Shocking.
I understand that the discussion regarded the current "Hottest MCs in the Game;" I'm not here to suggest that Immortal Technique, Sean Price, Slug, Qwel and Cormega should have trumped creative inferiors such as Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and T.I. After all, it is a popularity contest – not a talent competition. What I will say, however, is that it's incredibly sad that these clowns are positioned in such ways that they consider those latter artists the "Hottest MCs" in the first place; on their own time do they tap into the underground, or, God forsake, the international rap scene at all? Or do they genuinely believe that their narrow tastes better represent hip-hop than do the millions of young people who reject MTV and embrace originality. It's like presidential politics; in the end, it seems that all the worthwhile candidates are condemned to regional destinies while the phoniest machine-generated frauds enjoy national spotlights.
It's no secret that the "Brain Trust" thrives off the controversy that its ignorance stirs; the web explodes with a rash of traditionalist backlashes (like this) every time they dumb out. My only problem is the nature of that controversy; it's the kind that one would instigate by claiming that a dog is actually a cat; not the type that one would spark by claiming that a dog is a better or worse house pet than a cat. It's unconscionable enough that MTV spawns unenlightened megalomaniacs like 50 Cent; now they're building pedestals to place them on.
I know exactly how every major label pawn and "Brain Trust" whore will respond to this; I have friends in comparable positions on commercial radio stations and big imprint promotion teams who constantly pull defense mechanisms against my vitriol. They'll say I don't understand the music business; that I'm a rap snob; and maybe, just maybe, they'll accuse me of being unqualified to evaluate what the streets want. (You know, since the rap videos they play on MTV (when they actually get around to playing videos) truly reflect street life). But I'm sure they'll miss my point. As an dedicated hip-hop fan and reporter, I consider myself responsible for discovering and propping new artists who took lessons from KRS-One, Rakim and Nas and extrapolated on them; not MCs who disgrace the Gods by reducing rap music to ringtones and club anthems. It took me some time to backslap the "Brain Trust" because in discussing the best rappers, groups and albums in their first episodes, they performed an honorable service to viewers who needed basic boom bap history lessons. But while I commended that, I believe the "Brain Trust's" collective suggestion that their "Hottest MCs in the Game" are the artists who carried forth Old School and Golden Age traditions is an irresponsibility of unforgivable proportions. Kill your television."
For more of Chris Faraone: http://www.myspace.com/chrisfara1
| | | Keywords: MTV | Subscribe RSS |
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| Nas Leaks More Details Of New LP - Praises M.F. DOOM | 5/16/08 |
|  | | Nas |
| By: Trees
Nas' new album Nigger may never drop, but it definitely appears as though Nas is still promoting it like it's coming soon. Originally slated for release in 2007, then bumped to February, then April, the album is now due, July 1 on Def Jam, until of course it gets pushed back to Christmas time, and then becomes "Greatest Story Never Told Part. 2".
Apparently the album is still being finished, (which could actually explain the delay?) and Nas is leaking details. He recently sat down with MTV and had this to say, "Somebody asked me, what's your inspiration for this album? Everything that's happening every day. I can't really turn an album in when, like, next week it will be something else that will come to light and make me want to write about something. It's hard to finally wrap it up, but I finally got there. I'm finally there now...This year looks like it's going to be amazing." He also stated "Nigger" will include the tracks "Project Roach", featuring him rapping from the point of view of a cockroach (what?), and "Y'all My Niggers", on which Nas delves into the history of the n-word. Other songs include "This Is Not America", produced by Stargate, "Sly Fox", produced by Stic.Man of Dead Prez, and the title track. As of a February MTV.com report, an unnamed DJ Khaled-produced track and a Polow Da Don-produced number called "My Legacy" were jockeying for first single status. Another track called "Be a Nigger Too", co-produced by long-time Nas knob-twiddler Salaam Remi and Big Jack, recently surfaced as well. Jermaine Dupri and DJ Toomp are also rumored to have produced tracks on Nigger, and Rick Ross, the LOX, and both halves of Dead Prez will potentially guest on the record.
Nas also caught up with OnSmash and stated his praise for both Jay Electronica and get this - MF DOOM. Yep, Nas is trying to lock down some MF DOOMAGE on the new album, either MCing or production, but apparently Nas is having trouble finding him (or at least the real DOOM) and goes on to say that Jay and Doom are his two favorite in the game right now. Another interesting note of the interview is how Nas seems like he's surprised that Jay Electronica took time out of his schedule to record with him. Wow, glad Jay Electronica can fit a Nas collabo in his busy schedule of giving it to Badu and getting his dick sucked by bloggers and message board fan boys. I love rap. Click Here to check out the full video.
| | | Keywords: Nas; M.F. DOOM; Jay Electronica | Subscribe RSS |
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| New Little Brother LP Dropping Sooner Than You Think | 5/16/08 |
|  | | Little Brother |
| By: Trees
Many of you have probably noticed the new Little Brother LP up for pre-order in our online store and listened to the new audio snippets we posted in our New Singles section yesterday. If you have, you're probably up on the obvious fact that the LBs have a brand new album dropping June 10th. The album, And Justus For All is comprised of seven new tracks as well as mastered versions of songs from the 2007 Mick Boogie mixtape of the same name. There's even a 9th Wonder reunion track on the album and four new bangers from Khrysis. To preview the snippets from the album, click here.
| | | Keywords: Little Brother | Subscribe RSS |
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| Big Boi Reveals Solo Album Details | 5/16/08 |
|  | | Big Boi Goes Solo |
| By: Trees
Daddy Fat Sacks aka Sir Luscious Left Foot aka Big Boi is hard at work putting the finishing touches on his new album Sir Luscious Left Foot ... Son of Chico Dusty, which he says he's "shooting to finish... by the end of August." The first single "Royal Flush" has already dropped and features Andre 3000 and Raekwon making guest appearances. Both Big Boi and Raekwon will be shooting a video for the track with Bryan Barber in the coming weeks and they are still trying to lock down the Andre 3000 cameo, (the man is a busy Hollywood actor after all). The second single from the disc, "The World Is Too Big," sports a guest vocal appearance from Mary J. Blige. When asked what fans could expect from the disc, Big Boi stated, "This album is Big Boi to the extreme. It's like a recession special. I'm talking about what's going on in the world, with everything from rising gas prices to the election. It's just my insights on life up to this point." | | | Keywords: Big Boi; Outkast | Subscribe RSS |
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| Mass Appeal Magazine Shutting Down | 5/16/08 |
|  | | R.I.P. |
| By: Trees
If you thought the internet was only destroying the music industry you're far from up on new age mass media shit. Adrian Moeller, publisher of Mass Appeal magazine, sent an email to Gawker yesterday to confirm that the popular hip hop lifestyle magazine is in fact shutting down and stopping publication. In a statement he released Moeller confirmed the rumors, "After 12 years of publishing Mass Appeal Magazine we've decided to call it quits on the print edition. We're putting our resources into our faster growing properties, Missbehave Magazine and Colossal Media. We're in talks to sell Mass Appeal, and it may resume publishing in the future. We'll continue the website and special event productions."
First Elemental, now Mass Appeal, and if you've seen the latest leaflet known as the Source you may be up on the trend. The double-edged sword of the almighty mighty internet cuts down another victim. It's a damn shame.
| | | Keywords: Mass Appeal Magazine | Subscribe RSS |
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