Borrowing a boxing analogy, Joey’s getting back in fighting shape referencing breaking news – “Pants on the ground,” Lane Kiffin, Jay Leno and Haiti all catch mentions- and adding in the usual punchlines. If I remember it right, it was this type of behavior on the mic that had Read the rest of this entry »

I can already hear the bags rustling as you reach for tomatoes to throw. But this excerpt of Hovito’s sitdown with Interview gives a fuller explanation than the headline depicts. The whole interview is actually a good read if you have time to kill today.

Mitchell: If you think about all the guys in hip-hop that you came up with, you’re one of the only ones who is still here—and part of the reason is that a lot of those guys didn’t break out of that box you’re talking about. In fact, most of them are still in it.

Jay-Z: I think a big part of that is insecurity. You know, successful people have a bigger fear of failure than people who’ve never done anything because if you haven’t been successful, then you don’t know how it feels to lose it all. You don’t have that fear. So why do you think people get stuck in those boxes? It’s that fear of going back down. “I had success. I had a number one record. I had a number one album. I have to make this kind of record again or else I’m going to lose it all.” So that’s how you end up making the same song over and over. People find their zone, a place that’s comfortable, and they say, “I’m not gonna try that other thing. What if I fail? Then I’ll have to go back! What if I can’t get in the club anymore?” [both laugh] It’s difficult for me as well. The Blueprint 3 was the most difficult album that I’ve ever made.

Mitchell: Why is that?

Jay-Z: Well, what I was trying to do with this album—which is the same thing I was trying to do on Kingdom Come [2006]—is go somewhere that hadn’t been gone before, to try to chart a new territory in rap. The reason I’ve been grounded, though, and able to make albums, is because I’ve allowed my friends to come with me and voice an opinion. That’s who keeps you grounded—the people who have known you longest. People who don’t know you, you don’t know their motives. They smile at you all day, “Oh, that’s great. You’ve done it again! You’re the greatest!” And that’s not good for an artist. You’ve gotta keep the people that have been around you, who saw you when you didn’t have anything, so they have the confidence to say, “Get out of here. That shit is bullshit!” I welcome that.

[Via]

Every couple of years, we ponder who will emerge as the next great hope to represent for the ladies on the mic.  While Nicki continues to garner all the attention on the mainstream level, Jean Grae plays the role of Slim Charles.   Always in the mix and capable of handling more responsibilities, she’s content to shine just outside the spotlight.  Stopping by Toca Tuesday’s this week, Jeanie dropped off a new exclusive.  Flanked by Styles P. & Talib Kweli, the trio wreck havoc over one of the ever busy Ski Beatz’ tracks. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember when AOL Sessions used to be may favorite joints to hunt for and compile (read: download in a frenzy). If the audio for Alicia’s drops, somebody send me a buzz. I’m only including “Unthinkable” but H.E.R. has a couple of other clips up for your viewing pleasure. Read the rest of this entry »

Now covering news regarding another 1/3 of SRCP, the instrumental album to Shafiq Husayn’s Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka album is now out on iTunes. In support of the release, the label’s offering up the quiet riot version of “All Dead” as an appetizer. Aspiring emcees might want to make the purchase. Bar no genre, this was my album of the past year. Read the rest of this entry »

PSA because I fux with Ronnie, his designs and positivity.

Have a look at the Asics Gel Lyte III’s designed by Ronnie Fieg. These are a sample and will never be released. After the horrible earthquake took place in Haiti we decided to help out out. Many are ind desperate need of aid and hopefully these Asics will help raise a nice amount. These are a one of a kind and will never be released. Read the rest of this entry »

The last solo set delivered by Freddie Gibbs on a New York City stage was rudely cut short. Apparently, sparking an L while rockin’ the mic is a no-go downtown at SOBs. Hopefully (if Freddie hasn’t learned his lesson), the rules will be different some 20 blocks north at the Highline Ballroom. Come next Tuesday, Gangsta Gibbs will headline his first NYC show, with the likes of hometown head and consummate showman Mickey Factz, in addition to Das Racist, also set to hit the stage. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve seen this before in politics so you’re not fooling anybody Scottie.

Bill bombed some countries when he got caught getting a blowjay.
Bush talked about gay marriage when the Iraq war went to the crapper.
And Scottie Pippen put out “Balls Deep in Love” after getting beat up by midgets.

Did I stutter? Do I look like Ron Harper? Read the rest of this entry »

You know what’s funny? This time last year “Drop,” uh, dropped and I knew it would go on to be Rich Boy’s next big single. A&R fail on my part. Fast forward a quick 365 and we find ourselves in the same spot with Rich Boy toting another hard hitting single, “Go Crazy.” This time Polow is replaced with Jim Jonsin (who’s probably still spending checks off “Whatever You Like” and “Lollipop“). Also, fellow ‘Bama native YelaWolf checks in for a guest verse only he can pull off. Word of advice: play this on some real speakers. The computer won’t cut it. Read the rest of this entry »

“…When all you do is survive/ We gon’ make it…”

I’m not sure if you’ve been informed, but Burn One is a dope DJ and even more phenomenal producer. Since I’ve known the dude, he’s sent me records he’s produced for artists ranging from Alley Boy, All Star, Young Buck and some Freddie Gibbs and Pill ish I’ll be liberating next week. You may most recently remember him from Yelawolf’s latest offering. Earlier today while explaining to me the logic of dropping the “Mick Vegas” moniker from his brand, he wanted me to give a listen to a new “country rap tune” he placed his seal upon. Read the rest of this entry »

Yo Nike,

Gotty™, checking in on my 2010 quest for swag. Mind sending me one of these stadium jackets in a XXL? I feel like this number is an excellent complimentary piece to the navy Futura Highs and to the wardrobe. Plus, anybody who knows me know I’m a diehard, blood-bleeds-orange SU fan and have been since Seikaly, DC and Sherman. Common sense says me, the brand and this jacket go together and we all know that Read the rest of this entry »

After a grueling battle with cancer, soul legend Teddy Pendergrass died yessterday @ the age of 59. On a personal note, I’d like to send a “thank you” into the cosmos and let Teddy know that alongside Marvin’s I Want You, no other album taught me more about love and sex – how to give and receive both – than Teddy. His baritone voice gave me that added bit of courage needed and the soothing nature of his words always put the opposite sex at ease. And together, Teddy and I Read the rest of this entry »

Words by Landon A.

SMKA is shooting three for three as the third leak from The 808 Experiment Vol. 2 surfaces. On this record, the crew hooks up with Brooklynati residents Tanya Morgan and this time around Tanya Mo steps out of their comfort zone and embraces the Southern funk, dropping jewels over SMKA’s signature product. Read the rest of this entry »

Leave it to Coodie & Chike to wrangle in Taz of SRCP to film the inaugural episode of Ti$aVision TV.

The word “crazy” gets tossed around unduly when speaking of people who may be on another wavelength or maybe even ahead of their time. The non-linear thought process of ‘tAz Arnold aka Ti$a’ has definitely garnered him the “crazy” moniker but his ability to curb that right brain thinking into efforts such as music and clothing would brand him more as an eccentric Read the rest of this entry »

Whooooa Nelly!

8 Lame-Ass Shows NBC Will (Probably) Use to Replace Leno [Cracked]

Morgan Freeman And His “Companion” [D-Listed]

Text Messages Net Over $400,000 For Haitian Relief In First Day After Quake [LA Times]

Willie D Appreciation [Phat Friend]

Vida Guerra Sexy Time [Don Chavez]

Photos: Haiti Before the Earthquake [TRU]

Know What Your Email Address Says About You [Lifehacker] Read the rest of this entry »