We’ve always received a certain amount of love for our Sessions and other interviews, but there’s always room to expand on creativity. I wanted to tap into a different aspect of interviewing that allowed the subject to be the only voice heard. No need for interference; let them tell their own stories. And I wanted to find room to focus on people (not just artists) that I find influential, brilliant and admirable. On days when I feel like giving up, I watch these people work and feel compelled to keep going. Their drive makes me want to work harder, causing me to rededicated myself to the culture I’ve loved for decades now.

I asked each of them the simple question, “What’s on your iPod? What music is dominating your playlist? Inspiring you? Keeping you charged during a long day’s work? Barring no genre, what are you listening to?” Then, I asked them for a brief few lines on each of their choices. Ultimately, it only helps to diversify everyone’s playlist, perhaps turning you on to certain acts and opening your ears towards a new perspective used for hearing others.

And so we kick shit off with DJ Skee.

Checking his Wikipedia (because it’s always accurate, right?) would gives one all of the actual factuals needed to know that Skee’s official. But interacting with this guy, he’s ten times wiser than any DJ I’ve ever crossed paths with. A couple of weeks ago, he did some guestblogging at XXL and composed some of the most well-written pieces on music and behind the scenes mechanics that I’ve read in a while. The kind the kept a short-attention, click-happy cat like myself focused on reading what he was going to say next. And then there’s the fact that our paths crossed recently for two artists we were both supporting indepently from each other (twice on mixtapes for both Jack Splash and Freddie Gibbs), so I think the guy’s got good taste.

Sidebar: It may be a little known fact but Skee’s a sneakerhead. A real sneakerhead, not one of these “I got money now and I’m gonna buy a collection” sneakerhead. He reminded me of a pair of kicks I sold him ages ago. I want those joints back too, Skee.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Freddie Gibbs – “Crushin’ Feelings”

Real street Hip-Hop is back! Over a sick Statik Selektah instrumental, Gangsta Gibbs goes in. No hook, just straight spittin’. Matter fact, str8 killa, no filla (mixtape coming soon!).

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Erykah Badu – “Window Seat”

Erykah is back and this is just the warmup. Wait until you hear her second single (hasn’t leaked) that features a Sylvia Striplin sample (think Junior Mafia/Biggie “Get Money”). WOW. Grammy time?

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Nikki & Rich – “Same Kind Of Man”

When Lauryn Hill meets the Supremes while hanging out with Alicia Keys listening to Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” this is the outcome. Yes I said it. Do yourself a favor and get up on them (the current single is “Cat & Mouse“).

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Mike Posner – “You Don’t Have To Leave”

Posner is dope, really has his own style and a unique lane. His new mixtape is great, the live show is amazing, and this is just what I happened to be listening to last. Really like his stuff and can’t wait for his true debut album.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Cypress Hill – “It Ain’t Nuthin’”

Just listen to the beat and lyrics, then watch the Skee.TV/Matt Alonzo-directed video. Yes, Cypress is coming back strong in all categories. Seriously dope Hip-Hop, fresh out the box.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Lil Wayne & Gucci Mane – “Steady Mobbin’”

I know its old, but has been stuck in my head non-stop for the past year. Just now really getting the mainstream attention, Gucci spits one of his best verses, and Wayne is just… Wayne. The greatest in Hip-Hop (maybe music?) right now. Yes, I finally admitted it. Hate on.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Nas & Damian Marley – “As We Enter”

The concept is dope, both artists are incredible, but for some reason I didn’t really give it a chance. I just finally listened to this today and,wow, I slept. Dope record.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

R. Kelly & Jack Splash – “Be My #2″

Don’t sleep, R. Kelly has some bangers on his new album (“Echo,” “Crazy Night,” etc.), but this is the jam. Backed behind a Jack Splash Prince-esque sounding beat, Kells goes in on all the non-Elin’s. Tiger should have found this for all his 304′s.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Dennis Ferrer – “Hey Hey”

For those Vegas late nights, this is my house song of the moment.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Baby Dollz – “My Type”

L.A.s got a couple up and coming pop princesses and this record just hit L.A. radio hard. A guilty pleasure with the sample everyone will know.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

David Banner – “Slow Down”

More true Hip-Hop. The best song I’ve heard in a LONG time. Listen to every detail, vocal cut and a CRAZY 9th wonder beat that is infectious. And the song has a real message behind it. DB/9th Wonder collab album coming soon. Salute Mr. Crump. Please don’t sleep people.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Gilbere Forte – “Black Chukkas”

New artist, new music and a Chris Robinson video coming soon. Remember where you heard about it first.

Keep up with Skee @ Twitter.com/DJSkee, www.DJSee.com and Skee.TV. Catch him on Sirius XM Satellite Radio on Hip Hop Nation every Saturday (SkeeTox) & Tuesday (Live From L.A.).

There are two sides to every story and then there is the truth. The real-life tale of Avon “Bodie” Barksdale, former drug kingpin of Baltimore, was interloped into HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire by ex-journalist and author David Simon. Ed Burns, the show’s co-producer and Simon’s creative partner, drew from his own experiences as a detective to illustrate Barksdale from the law enforcement perspective. Now that the television-writing duo have told their sides, only the truth remains and who better to recall it than Mr. Barksdale himself? As well-crafted and gripping as The Wire was, the real Avon doesn’t feel as if the show did him justice. So he’s setting the record straight with The Avon Barksdale Story: Legends Of The Unwired, to be released March 10th on DVD and distributed by E1 Music. Wood Harris, the actor who portrayed Barksdale on The Wire, narrates this intense, straight-no-chaser documentary.

It’s only fitting that a fellow certified O.G. participate in Barksdale’s film endeavor. Chaz Williams – of Black Hand Entertainment and BET American Gangster fame – is Avon’s good friend, business consultant and associate producer for Legends Of The Unwired. So when I met with Avon “Bodie” Barksdale for a Q&A session, Williams sat vigilantly in the background, spiking the convo with his commentary. Soak up some game.

TSS: Why are you putting this DVD out?

Avon Barksdale: There are two or three reasons why I’m putting this out, but the main reason is I wanted my story to be told by me. I wanted you and everybody else that buys this to get it straight from me. I can add some clarity to it.

TSS: Did you feel that The Wire did you justice with its portrayal?

Barksdale: No, I don’t.

TSS: Then why did you get Wood Harris (who portrayed Barksdale on The Wire) to narrate the movie?

Barksdale: Because I agreed with Wood Harris and the way he portrayed me. I agreed with him being chosen as the actor to represent me. And he done a pretty good job, especially with him not being a guy that’s from my neighborhood. Even down to the vernacular, he spoke like us and everything.

TSS: They took what they perceive as your story and put it on TV. Do you feel as if that’s a form of snitchin’ on their part?

Barksdale: I wasn’t worried about that because of the way that they approached me. I wasn’t worried about people perceiving it as snitching because for one, I didn’t give them any information. Nobody came to me and did what you’re doing now, interviewing me. David Simon worked for a local newspaper called the Baltimore Sun and he was a court reporter. Not once did he ever come and interview me like you’re doing. I give props to journalists who do what you’re doing and actually do journalism. The way that they did it, they told me, “We’re gonna do this anyway, with or without you.”

TSS: They have the right to do that?

Barksdale: Well, I didn’t think they did, but it takes a lot to fight that type of… that’s literally fighting Hollywood and everything that comes with it. I was just out of the joint. I was actually still in the joint when they first approached me. But the way they approached me; they approached me and told me, “Look, this is a matter of public record.” Right? One guy, Ed Burns, he wasn’t the arresting officer but he is the investigating officer. He’s at the top and he sent the other ones to arrest me. You’re really gonna have to buy (the DVD) so that you can understand more because that would be an hour, explaining all of that to you. Nah, I didn’t feel like the really did me any justice. I felt like Wood done the role justice because he’s a good actor. He’s the shit, y’know? We kind of favor. I felt like he done well and that’s why when I got ready to do mine, I chose Wood actually. There was another guy I could’ve chose.

TSS: How have the streets of Baltimore changed from the time you were out there doing your thing until now? Read the rest of this entry »

In preparation for their upcoming Closed Sessions Vol. 1 the good folks at Ruby Hornet decided let off one last leak before next Tuesday. Pairing up S-K-Y-Z-O-O & El Che, the duo throws a new coat of paint on one of Bleek & Beans’ concepts from the Roc’s glory days. Adhering to the old adage, “It ain’t where you from, it’s where you at” Sky & Rhyme momentarily switch stomping grounds while playing tour guides in each others respective cities.

All without the help of Freamon & Prezboluski.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Download — Skyzoo & Rhymefest – “Crack The Code” (Prod. by Beatnick & K-Salaam)

When the travel gods frown on me and I’m cursed with a layover or, even worse, stranded for hours at the airport, I repeatedly go through the security checkpoint, slipping off shoes and belts several times so I can smoke cigarettes. It’s tiring and cumbersome, but when I get antsy and my nicotine levels get low, I do what I have to do.

There are those who are more creative than me. During the recent “Snowpocalypse ’09,” this young lady had to endure a ten hour stopover @ Pittsburgh International Airport and she made ingenious use of her time, which she documented for the world to see. The title (“Pittsburgh International Airport after hours”) is misleading and I doubt my Black ass could get away with it, but maybe that’s what made it great.

Found @ Boing Boing

“Leave it up to yo TV, man Negro please, there ain’t enough programming time, and programming’s jive, but this talk here don’t make no money, shout to dead prez, nah not talkin’ hundreds.”

For everything Fonzworth Bentley was perceived to be when he first stepped into our public consciousness parading behind Puff with a parasol, he’s continued to reverse that by periodically releasing a track or making a showstealing appearance on a remix. Line for line, I can honestly make the claim that I’ve rarely heard him waste a word. Regardless of your perception of him, a close listen will shine light on the fact that the brother’s delivery is precise. His C.O.L.O.R.S. may be an afterthought @ this point but songs like “Fireside Chat” make me wish the album would either find a way to release or leak.

Props to Zo for sending this one through.

Delightfully Devorne

Top Ten Stripper Roles That Answered Our Prayers [Gunaxin]

My Little Pony WTF [Gamma Squad]

Young Jeezy’s Association With BMF Explored in New Book [XXL]

10 “Family Guy” Clips Way Worse Than The Sarah Palin One [Broken Cool]

Reviewing The Refs [Slam]

Yelawolf, The Artic Fisherman [iHipHop] Read the rest of this entry »

I haven’t smoked marijuana in God knows when. But when you run “The Smoking Section,” it’s assumed that you got a plug on tweeds or write posts while blowed. I don’t, but I’ll always have a spot reserved in my heart for my smokers because good dope and good music do go together. This is all leading to the cannabis advocates @ Hail Mary Jane asking if we wanted to take part in a 4.20 mixtape they were compiling, contributing our favorite 20 smoking songs. Read the rest of this entry »

In the music business, diversity is key. Rappers sing. Singers rap. Damn near everybody produces. It’s come to a point where, if all you do is spit slick sixteens, you’re SOL.

That said, Johnny Spanish should be bueno.

Holding down more styles than the fashion police, this babyfaced Kentucky thoroughbred emcee seamlessly weaves between soulful singing and effervescent emceeing with ease. And on the invigorating lead single to his upcoming release The Lip, Espanol showcases a perfect balance between his two talents over horn-heavy Chops production. He carries a tune like an urban Brother Ali, just with a better range. His bars bare resemblance to Drake, as carefree and presumptuous punchlines are delivered through both carefully placed couplets, allowing for a riddling of rapid-fire rhymes when necessary. Basically, this Louisville kid is the Total Package like Lex Luger at SummerSlam ’93 and if he can continually channel his natural creativity and confidence from here on out, 2010 could be a big year for this 21-year-old potential shining star.

Download — Johnny Spanish Feat. Nappy Roots – “Shining” (Remix)

Bonus Download — Johnny Spanish – “Been Around”

The Lip will be available for free release online in March.

In a shocking turn of an events, everybody’s favorite Pink Ranger, Charles Hamilton, takes the B-Rabbit approach and pours his own poison to build some immunity to criticism with a series of self-inflicted low blows, written by Jeff & Eric. He even suggests you download Normalcy and get placed back on the XXL cover. Read the rest of this entry »

While the OG was nothing to break your neck on the dance floor for, a half dozen familiar names give Ester Dean’s club record its proper certification for radio play. Which poses the question: what is Ester’s purpose on the track? Or Diddy’s for that matter? Polow Da Don’s beat supplies the energy and Weezy, Trey Songz and Chris Brown all bring their respective talents to the forum. Read the rest of this entry »

Each month, I make my way to Kroger, grab a Western Union Blue Quick Collect form and send Cookiehead $20-30 for his books. On holidays, I might bump it up to $40 just because $10 extra is a quite a bit in the joint (or so I’ve heard). When I have it, I try to go out of my way to check on his daughter every few months as well as the two kids of my cousin Jason who’s doing life. Read the rest of this entry »

One of last year’s premiere listenings still has legs and the quality to boot, now courtesy of the One Shot trio of Court Dunn x Restless Films x Nah Right. As the offer to Come Fly With Me still stands, The Kid Daytona can groove in any type of hue especially over an stylistic and chic 6th Sense beat. Newcomer Tiara Wiles adds her own dose of color on the hook as well. Read the rest of this entry »

Found in the inbox…

Creative Control follows the omnipresent Ferris Bueller as he stalks the streets of NYC during New York Fashion week. With stops at Patrick Ervell’s presentation and The Alexander McQueen Memorial and cameos by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe and “The Sartorialist” Scott Schuman, his adventures promise to be an insider guide to NYC and wherever else he plans to take us.

If you want to watch things transpire and go from being things to “cool,” keep an eye focused towards Ferris’ e-home, F.Luxury.B. And that piece homie has on in the clip is straight suicide. Read the rest of this entry »

In addition to having one of the smoothest flows in the game, Ricky Ross is also a frontrunner for best presentation of a rap persona. Loud ass Italian clothes, Maybachs with pearl steering wheels, fourteen-story mansions used to d!ck down Chrisette Michele…etc…etc… Read the rest of this entry »

If everyone can raise your cans of PBR, I’d like to make a toast. Today is a momentous occasion as we at The Smoking Section and the good folks of the Hall of Justus present to you Joe Scudda’s Not Your Average Joe EP. Hold your applause until the end, please. Read the rest of this entry »