Ro Spit is a man of many hats. He's one half of one of the most respected sneaker boutiques in Michigan, a father, a husband, a DJ, and a rapper. Ro Spit recently released a musical hybrid called "The Oh S#!t Project" and his single, "Renaissance State of Mind" has been deemed a Detroit anthem by many. While he's technically not from Detroit he still holds the city down well. Ladies and Gentlemen: Ro Spit.

Name: Ro Spit
Role: Renaissance Man
Affiliation: Burn Rubber Sneaker Boutique

Alex Washington (AW): How is Ro Spit different from DJ Phrikshun and Burn Rubber Ro?

Ro Spit (Ro): I'm the same person to the core. All three of those people want to get money and provide for their family—bottom line. Now, the person that is nothing like any of those guys is Roland Coit. I'm just a humble dude that loves to laugh and work hard.

AW: What is the Oh S#!t Project? From what I understand it's not a mixtape but it's not quite an album either.

Ro: The Oh S#!t project fits right in between a mixtape and an album. The reason I didn't want to call it a mixtape is because of the negative stigma that the word "mixtape" has on it. Everybody and their grandma has a mixtape out here in the streets. Another thing is that mixtapes have short shelf lives and I want my music to stand the test of time. It's not a mixtape because I'm rapping over all original beats; even the "Renaissance State Of Mind" track was re-made—that is not the Jay-Z and Alicia Keys version. On the other hand, the project is set up like a mixtape; it's songs on a CD with no real story. My album will tap more into me as a real person—not just dope rhymes and dope beats. This project was to show people that may not be familiar with me as an emcee, that I got bars.

AW: What can people expect from this project?

Ro: Raw beats and raw lyrics, cleverness, slick talk, flow and fresh sh*t.

AW: Who are some of the featured artists on the project and why did you select who you did?

Ro: I have a few features on this project. The most notable is Bun B, and for obvious reasons. He's a legend in the game, well respected and got bars for days. I can't take the credit for that feature though, I gotta give it up to the producer of the track my man Frank The Butcher. He gave me the beat, and said he wanted me and Curt@!ns on a track together; he could hear Bun B on it. He made a call and the rest is history. Big Sean is also on a track, he came through in the clutch, literally. The day before the project was to be turned in, he came to the shop like, "I gotta get on a track man," that was the perfect track for his feature. Of course I got my 101 fam on there, Marv Won and Ron Dance, we all we got and Marv Won is one of my favorite rappers, period. Got my man Stretch Money on there, he's that dude that a lot of "Hip Hop" cats sleep on because he's all over ther radio, but that dude is a monster and will shut a cypher down. Other than that, I have the fabulous, M Bleezy on there twice. Monica Blaire is a star; I love her voice, and she's a beautiful person to just be around. She's like one of the fellas almost, but still a girly girl.

AW: "Renaissance State of Mind" has definitely become an anthem of sorts, did you intend for it to happen that way?

Ro: Kind of, but I didn't really know what to expect. I knew it had the potential to be huge, but I also know how "Detroit" is. I knew some people would not accept the song because I was not born and raised in Detroit. But it's a lot of people that feel my story. I would be on tour in Seattle or Minnesota, do a radio interview, and people would say, "so where are you from"? I would say, "I'm from Pontiac, MI; it's like 20 miles outside of Detroit, blah blah blah. You know, The Silverdome, where the Lions used to play." The next words out of their mouths would be..."So, growing up in Detroit..." When we travel for these tradeshows, we're from Detroit, that's what they care about, and that's what we represent. So, it just is what it is. Once I got past that, I was like I gotta flip it, because I have to go back to Pontiac and I gotta rep home. I went in, I knew the masses would love it just because of the hook and that's all most people would hear. But on the low, honestly, my first thoughts were that once Detroit radio caught on to it, it would replace "Empire State of Mind." That's still up in the air. I got faith, but I won't hold my breath though.

AW: How did Acapulco Gold end up sponsoring this project?

Ro: We went out to the Magic Tradeshow in Vegas this year and had every intention on talking to Crooks & Castles about sponsoring the project. When we got to Vegas, Rick said, "Yo, let's not put a cap on our options. It's a million brands out here for us to build with." So, I made a couple copies of the "Pre-Project" and went to a couple meetings with some other clothing lines; on the first day we had a meeting with AG. I hit them with a CD and they put it in the CD player right there on the spot. We kicked it about the clothes and our orders, then the whole conversation turned to music and how wack sh*t is nowadays. My man Geoff was like, I haven't taken the CD out, that's a good thing. After that, I really didn't even pursue anybody else. Crazy thing, like 2 weeks later, Geoff sent us an e-mail saying that he still hadn't taken the CD out yet, and they have been playing it at the offices on repeat. Rick "The Mogul" Williams made a call and now we have Burn Rubber & Acapulco Gold presents...

AW: What do you think hip-hop is lacking right now, and what are you doing to not contribute to this problem?

Ro: I really don't think hip hop is lacking personality; if anything it's originality. People get caught up in trying to make a song for the radio, or a dance track, or a female track. The thing is, do you; once you master what you do, people will have to holla at you for that sound. Great hip hop is out there, especially in Detroit: Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, Marv Won, One.Be.Lo, Royce 5'9", Stretch Money, Slum etc. Even outside of Detroit, The Clipse, G.O.O.D. Music, Jay-Z, Drake, Nickelus F, Nipsey Hustle, Pac Div, & Little Brother all go ham. It's there, right under your nose, you don't even really gotta look for it. People just love to hate for some reason. I just do me to the best of my ability and hope people understand it. I think I'm a good judge of music, so I know when I do something sub-par—it's not often, hardly ever, but still.

AW: After the project is released, what's next for Ro Spit?

Ro: After the project is released, it's shows, interviews, features, etc. I wouldn't change that for the world cause that fuels my passion. It's a lot because Team Ro Spit goes über hard. Once we lock down home, the next move is hitting the road and just build, build, build. My next couple projects in the works are an EP with my mans 14KT of AML/A-Side Worldwide; that project is about seventy percent done. After that is my official first solo album, entirely produced by my man Koen Beats/Blocnotes from the Netherlands; that's about seventy-five percent done. That's the album that will let people know more about who I am as a real person and my real thoughts on life and the community as a whole.

TO DOWNLOAD "The Oh S#!t Project" CLICK here.

Want More Ro?
Catch him on Twitter - OhShitRoSpit
Check out his web site - www.rospit.com

Nicki Minaj has made public claims that other female rappers have not reached out to her and many have dissed her (though she has admitted that Trina has embraced her). Lil' Kim has said that she has no problems with Nicki and is flattered that she has been influenced by her to do the things that she does. All of that to move into today's Yay or Nay which features both ladies. You would assume that since Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj are on the same track that would put aside any controversy that the two had beef.

Kim's line: "There will never be another me what chu out ya mind?" has sparked some controversy that the song is a front and the line was a subliminal to Nicki. Kim seems not to mind the little stuff or the controversy, stating in her Facebook status "Take it how you want to take it though."

What do you think? Yay or Nay: Gridin' (Makin Money) -- Birdman feat. Lil' Kim and Nicki Minaj

You may know him from his track "Luv the Way She Doing It" or his more popular "What Up Doe?" but Detroit local Tone Tone returns with his new single "Doin' Good." Now Tone Tone hasn't been sitting quietly since the release of those songs. He has had singles in rotation on local radio stations throughout the year and word around town is that Tone Tone is gearing up to release his new mixtape "Kill The Streetz" sometime soon. Yay or Nay: "Doin' Good" - Tone Tone feat. OJ Da Juiceman.



P.S. Producers, here's your chance, Tone Tone is looking for beats. Think you have something he may like? Send it to this e-mail address: tonetoneinherre@yahoo.com

There are a lot of people that are YouTube famous and Alphacat is back. In case you do not remember Iman Crossom (known to Youtube as Alphacat) became instantly famous when his spoof of Barack Obama doing Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" routine went viral about a year ago. Since then, he has went on to make many more spoofs (averaging about 400,000 views per video) including Drake, Shakira, Jay-Z and Mario. THis time around he spoofs Thriller as Barack Obama...what do you think about it?
Was it too soon to spoof a Michael Jackson video? Is it time for Alphacat to stop filming? Is it simply hilarious?

Hola, I'm back (for serious this time).

It's been about two months since my last post, but I decided to resurrect Tha 'A' Side, new posts, new layout same me.
Lots of things have happened since my last post, but we will get to all that soon.

I was having trouble deciding what I wanted my first post to be...an interview, a leak, a video blog (just me rambling) but I decided to post this documentary done by one of my high school classmatesMidori about a year or so ago.

The documentary was done for a class project of hers and discusses the gender and racial politics of hip-hop (deep stuff right?) You'll see some of your favorites in the half-hour long documentary including, Ro Spit, Big Sean, and The Cool Kids.

Last night Jay-Z started his Blueprint 3 tour with a 9/11 benefit concert in Madison Square Garden. Along with the proceeds going to families of victims, Jay-Z brought along special guests, including Pharrell, John Mayer and his wife Beyoncé. Missed it? That's ok..Peep the full concert below.

VH1 brought back it's Behind the Music series (I must say I THINK I'm happy about this). Their first show was Lil' Wayne, no matter how much I may think he's gone off the deep end his story is an interesting one. It goes into detail about his 11-year-old sex and drug life, him shooting himself, his admitted drug use and of course his music career. Now when VH1 did Behind the Music in the past, they never (to my remembrance) actually spoke to the artist (often anyway) and usually was told from the accounts of others close to them. However this time, Lil' Wayne pretty much tells his own story. IDK if it is because he IS so open about his past or not. I know the Steelers game was on as well as the Real Housewives of Atlanta, so if you missed it, it's ok check it below.

This week in Hip-Hop History, the hip-hop world and urban America sat silent as we learned that Tupac Amaru Shakur was shot and killed leaving a fight in Las Vegas. There are many speculations about who killed Tupac and why. Many urban legends say that it was an inside job by owner of Death Row Records (Tupac's label) Suge Knight (especially after the death of Bad Boy Records' and well-known rival (former ally) Notorious B.I.G. 6 months later).
Shakur was an actor, poet, and rapper having won many awards for his albums and gone platinum several times (even after his death).

Tupac stepped onto the 90s rap scene as a part of Digital Underground before releasing his first solo project 2pacalypse Now in 1991 on Jive/Interscope Records. From then on he went to release a total of three solo albums on Jive before getting arrested and serving time for violating probation (Tupac had several legal problems including being accused of rape, a wrongful death suit, and attacking an employee).

After his release, he then made the West Coast switch to Death Row Records owned and operated by Suge Knight with clients that included Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. His first album on Death Row, All Eyez on Me, went platinum (multiple times over) and began to shine a light on him and his affiliates.

Within a year of being signed to Death Row, Shakur was gunned down by an unidentified shooter after leaving a fight in Las Vegas and posing for this picture a few minutes earlier:



Tupac influenced a generation, he was more than a "thug" and convict, he did a lot for his community and left an everlasting mark on the hip-hop industry.

So while I was out, two mixtapes I had kind of been waiting on dropped.

KR's 'Amnesia' and Pat Piff's 'Hungry as a hippie'.

KR was NOT kidding when he said 'Amnesia' would be finished within a week of me posting his leaks, because a couple of days later...I was e-mailed a link to download his mixtape.

It's dope, I love his style and my favorite track would have to be the cover of "Maybach Music" featuring Dizze and JFin (Fin's his lil' brother BTW). The beat on "Burn" reminds me of an early 2000's rap track (can't think of which one but I think it reminds me of a Ruff Ryders joint..IDK). If you're expecting this to be just like Fin's 'Infinity and Beyond' you fail. Though there are some similarities their deliveries are different.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD KR's 'Amnesia'

After one pushback, Pat Piff FINALLY released 'Hungry as a hippie.' The reason I like Pat Piff is because his delivery and style is so different from a lot of the rappers I've heard. I know him and Big Sean rapped together back in their Cass days, and yes they're both talented (have you heard 28 Grams Later?), but I couldn't imagine them being a rapping duo because of their styles.

Anyway, the features on this tape are dope and include some local faves like Mike Posner, Big Sean, and Earlly Mac. From "So Round" with it's Arabic inspired back beat to the previously leaked "Despicable Me" Pat shows off his own skill as yet another talent from the Finally Famous camp.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PAT PIFF's '28 Grams Later Vol. 2: Hungry as a Hippie'

Said it once, twice, three or four times maybe, but Finally Famous does not revolve around Big Sean (surprising to some of you). A lot of these guys are talented rappers as well who so happen to be friends (emphasis on this word since many people forget what friends are) with a talented rapper that just so happens to be signed. I've been away for only 3 weeks, but a lot of dope leaks have come about (including Jay-Z's BP3 which had to change release dates, but w/e) and this one by Finally Famous' JWan leaked maybe a week or so ago. It's called "You" and was produced by Detroit's own Bei Maejor (who has produced hits for Trey Songz, LeToya Luckett, and Chrisette Michele). The other is called "I Promise" and was leaked close to 2 weeks ago. (told you I was behind) What do you think about it? Feeling it? loathing it? Sound off below.

You



I Promise

Guess who's back....

back again....

Alex's back....

tell a friend...


Hola!
It's been roughly 3 weeks to a month since my last post and I first must say thanks to those who have STILL been checking out the blog.
Also, special shoutout to those who asked where my posts have been, that is the coolest thing ever. Knowing that people actually read/value what I have to say is kind of humbling (in a weird way).
So where have I been?
Well, Summer has ended and school has began, and for the past couple of weeks I've been getting back into the university life. It was a weird transition (even weirder/stranger/more uncomfortable than freshman year) but it's good to be back.
ANYWAY, I realized I never did my summer recap, and I actually had one all written up nicely but I decided to change it up after reading Cliff's 5:03 today (mine was similar to his; it was everything I learned).

Summer.

One Word, 3 months, life-changing, epiphany.

That pretty much sums up summer 2009 for me. I have been taking "baby steps" into the Detroit entertainment scene. The weirdest thing about it is as much as I have been watching other people, people have been watching me.

I don't mean that in a "creepy, stalker, 'Marvin' from Player's Club" kind of way. There are so many talented people in the city, who I truly admire from Rick and Ro of Burn Rubber, Cliff, Slapz, DJ Mo Beatz, James over at DSE, Dante Marshall, Tommey Walker, the list goes on for a while.

At the same time there are people who give ME, props and kudos on my writing and I don't think many realize how much it actually means to me. (mushy, I know, lol).

Over the summer I:

-Fell in love with hip-hop all over again.

-Interviewed a Sony/J Records musician from Southfield who is currently filming his music video.

-Went to Burn Rubber, DSE @ Grand, and Spectacles (granted went each place once, but I will go more I promise)

-Fell in love with Detroit and what it had to offer

- Was introduced to Detroit hip-hop (who by the way have talent beyond the Tone Tone/K Deezy I was used to)

- Officially made a name for myself as a blogger with the Fli Pelican v. Juan Neal (not really versus but you get it) series..

- Think I may have possibly burned future bridges with that series (though I never took sides and have no hard feelings against the Pelicans).

- Ended my sophomore year with a 3.5 GPA (which is double and half where I was after freshman year).

-Wrote and contributed to two web sites (beside this blog)

-Had my first 'angry rapper mad at me because I didn't post his song and try to slander me' incident, which pretty much messed him up big time with other bloggers and rappers. (sorry, but it did).

That sums it up, lol those were the highlights beside meeting the most awesomest (made up word, yes?) people ever and appreciating the ones that were already in my corner.

This summer has taught me two important lessons:

1) Patience and practice are the two key components of success. I know everyone's definition of success varies, but NOTHING happens overnight and practice makes perfect. I was born to be a writer (I'm quite sure of it, lol) just like Kobe was born to be a NBA superstar, Oprah was born to be a billionaire, and Michael Jackson was born to entertain 5 generations of people. However, no one would have gotten anything done if they didn't practice their craft and hone their skill.

2) Acquaintances are not friends. (I feel there's no explanation needed for that one).

All in all, I had a fantastic summer in the city. I guess some people would say I found myself after losing a big part of me for a minute.

Ending this with: Expect dope things from me...No clothing lines, no mixtapes (well maybe I'll do an A Side mix but we'll see), no production...People can do dope things without rapping, dj-ing, or singing....and I shall.

Happy Friday

<3 Alex W.

Today August 25, marks the 8 year anniversary of Aaliyah's death. Ironically, I just so happened to be listening to Aaliyah's 'I Care 4 U' album and I didn't even realize what today was. I loved Aaliyah, she was a talented artist and like with many died before she could accomplish much. However, her music was great and because of that her songs will last as long as 'men can hear.'

R.I.P Aaliyah Dana Houghton

Flashback to: Aaliyah::

Yesterday, P.H.I.L.T.H.Y. released his EP 'Love Songs for Losers & Ballads for Ballers'. Personally, I like him (his song "Say It" made it on my summer playlist) and I have been anticipating this for a long time. Produced by L.A.'s Jansport J, I think this is one for you, whether you're a loser or a baller, and even if you're neither, you'll enjoy it.


Click here to download P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.'s 'Love Songs for Losers & Ballads for Ballers'

I hate the song Run This Town..like a lot..mostly because of Rihanna's yodeling, but the track list for Blueprint 3 was recently leaked online. It's an album full of features, but I am still anticipating it's release. What do you think about this album?

House Party

Who's Fli like a Pelican and Finally Famous? That would be Earlly Macmillion, a Finally Famous and Fli Pelican Music Group artist. By now, you should be familiar with Big Sean and if you downloaded UKnowBigSean (like I suggested you do) then you heard Earlly on both "Mr. Incredible" and "Hollywood" (both tracks produced by recently signed Michiganders The Olympicks). Earlly is more than a feature rapper (you know the ones that can't hold their own but kill on everyone else songs?), Party Boy will be dropping this fall and what better time to get to know him. Introducing: Earlly Macmillion

Name: Earlly Macmillion (or simply Earlly Mac)
Role: Rapper
Affiliation: Fli Pelican and Finally Famous.


Alex Washington (AW): Who is Earlly Mac?

Earlly Mac (EM): Earlly Mac can be defined as an innovator of fun that conveys his artistry through what we call rap. Earlly mac is also a die hard fan of Detroit in all aspects, and some would say he's a silly ass n***a.

AW: How did you get into rapping?

EM: I got into rapping, just by being surrounded by it all the damn time. You know growing up in Detroit during the 90's, there were only a few things introduced to you, and rap was one of them.


AW: Who are some of your inspirations?

EM: I feel guilty when I get asked this question because, as of recent, there aren't any inspirations for me musically. There are outside incentives for doing what I do. But inspirations? No.


AW: What makes you different from other rappers?

EM: I'm different because, I say funny shit and it's sweet, thank God. I also know how to entertain; rappers these days are too selfish. It's about giving the people something and I give entertaining songs, you feel me?

AW: When can people expect Party Boy EP and what can they expect it to be like?

EM: It's actually a mixtape so its new name is Party Boy (the mixtape). We (Finally Famous/FPMG) will be announcing a release date October 1st. You're going to have to wait for that official release date, and when it does drop people should expect something different 100% guaranteed. I'm pretty sure people would like it.

AW: What do you think is the biggest problem with the industry and how are you going to try to avoid that problem?

EM: The industry's biggest problem is definitely artists not being creative. There are a million insane rappers doing the same thing over and over and expecting to blow. It's not going to happen! You gotta have NEW HOTNESS not the OLD BUSTED! So I'm going to keep making NEW HOTNESS in every aspect of my career from songs to promo!

AW: What are your plans for the rest of 2009?

EM: I'm going to finish up "Party Boy", continue making new joints for my second tape, get in the studio with Big Sean and make NEW HOTNESS you feel me? So its grind for the rest of 09'

AW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

EM: 5 years from now, I'll be 26 and at that time I should be away from music doing something else. But who knows where the hell this beast is going to take me; we'll just have to stay posted.

Want More? Follow Earlly on Twitter

One of the rappers that Southfield native JFin said influenced him was his brother KR, who actually taught Fin how to rap. So when I received an e-mail with 2 of KR's tracks attached, of course my interest was piqued so I'm sure yours is as well. He will be finishing his mixtape 'Amensia' soon (as in within the next week or so, soon). So what do you think about these tracks? Yay or Nay: KR.

Dumb Dumb


Damn

So I've been lagging with the posts..simply because I just finished moving back to school so yeah life = hectic. Back to school time is one where parties are plentiful and as many people are starting to get back into their respective schools and such there are MAJOR parties going on in both Detroit and Atlanta. So below I pulled fliers for the 4 most popular events that I just wish I could attend, 3 are happening this week in the 313 and 1 is in the A. What're you going to?

Royalty Ent. and the peeps over at ScollasWord.com have teamed up to present to you The "Hell of a Night" Remix Contest. If you're not familiar with either, JFin dropped his mixtape 'InFINity & Beyond' last month (and also did a video interview with Tha 'A' Side check that http://thaaside.blogspot.com/2009/07/like-it-or-not-jfin.html) and Scolla's Word is the homie Young Scolla's blog (with the help of Binks).

The goal is to remix JFin's song "Hell of a Night" there's an open verse on the version Scolla posted and which leaves you aspiring rappers and such an opportunity to display your skills. Here's the official lowdown from Scolla's Word:

Participants have until 8.23.09 to submit to scollasword@gmail.com their remix versions to "Hell Of A Night".
The top 4 remixes will be chosen and JFin will choose the final two verses to make the official remix live on ustream. The Final remix will be placed on the 1st Official "ScollasWord Mixtape" as well as blasted to the ScollasWord Web List (Over 100 major blogs)


*Participants will judged based on production/recording quality, creativity, delivery and track presense.

Interested? Well download the contest mix for "Hell of a Night" here and get started.

Summer is over.

Sunday I'm moving back to school which pretty much signifies the end of the year. Maybe you've seen my gripes, but for the first time in like...EVER, I don't have a summer song. Usually it's the most catchy song of the summer but seeing that "Best I Ever Had" has been playing in my life since December....yeah that's a no go.

This year I have come to love Detroit Hip-Hop...it's a scene like no other. I guess because it's so "new" to me that I'm so intrigued by it. So naturally about 85% of this playlist is Detroit artists. So what songs have I been (poorly) singing all summer?

1) Epiphany - Chrisette Michele
2) Transformers - Yung GooD
3) Victory 2009 - 101 (aka Marvwon, Ron Dance and Ro Spit)
4) Neon - Amanda Diva
5) Cloud 9 - Slum Village feat. Marsha Ambrosius
6) I Get Crazy - Nicki Minaj feat. Lil' Wayne
7) It's Nothin' - Detroit CYDI
8) Poke(h)er Face - Kid Cudi feat. Kanye West
9) I'm Good - Fly.Union
10) Solo Dolo - Pat Piff
11) Lean a lil' bit - P.L.
12) Marathon Sh*t - JFin
13) Say It - P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.
14) As I Em - Asher Roth feat. Chester French
15) Friends With Money - Drake
16) Infatuation - Young Scolla & K-Bunz
17) Jump Rope - Cool Kids
18) Billionaire - Big Sean
19) Just Ain't Gonna Work Out - Mayer Hawthorne
20) Rock-A-Bye - iLLite
21) First Date Sex - Mike Posner
22) Gettin' Down (Hoodrats) - NGC
23) Still Love H.I.M. - Mae Day

Want my playlist? Download it here.

First there was the announcement of Def Jam's Rap Superstar, then DJ Jazzy Jeff's DJ Hero, now famed producer Timbaland has developed his own video came..doing what he does best...producing. Yes, much like Guitar Hero or Rock Band, the game gives players the chance to play producer. According to XXL Timbaland had this to say in a press release:

I’ve worked closely with Rockstar Games to make something completely unique. Beaterator is like taking my music studio and turning it into a suite of tools anyone can use. We can’t wait to hear the beats people make and share with the world.

If you're not familiar with Rockstar Games they came out with the classic Grand Theft Auto series for Playstation (loved that BTW). The game is slated to hit store September 26, perfect for all you refund check getters. I must admit I'm starting to think that these music games are getting out of hand. Guitar Hero and Rock Band are fun, but don't you think they are going to start pushing real instruments into ancient history as well as neglect the actual mechanics of it all?

Well after the ummm 'video' that is now affectionately known as "Breast I Ever Had" it appears Drake is doing his best to redeem himself. He is currently working on a video for his second single "Successful" which features Trey Songz. This time around the video is shot by Jake Davis and actually judging from the photos looks to be better than the previous one. Peep the stills below.

Young Scolla turned me on to this guy and I wanted to know what you all thought (don't I always?). His voice to me sounded like Gucci and Jeezy (maybe it's his kind of raspy voice?). Don't know much about him except that he's from Detroit, U.S.R, and currently working on something. (I guess I know enough). I'm posting two tracks by him, one track features Young Scolla (who also wrote and sings the hook). YAY or NAY: Will Grinden.

"Swagger Right" feat Young Scolla.


"The Business"


*Edit (11:57p) So Will Grinden hit me up and informed me that he sang and wrote his own hook. Well, him and Scolla both did ...so I was half-right. lo siento ;)

I love this song, It may be a guy talking to his now ex-girl, but the message is dope. Ghostface Killah is an often slept on rapper (in my opinion anyway) and this song is off his fifth album 'Fishscale'( which was as slept on as he is) . "Back Like That" was his second single, features Ne-yo, sampled Jay-Z's "Song Cry" and had K. West on the offcial remix. Flasback to: "Back Like That" - Ghostface Killah

Slum Village's newest video featuring the late Baatin. The video was directed by Dwele and produced by K. Riggins. Now I'm not sure if this was the video that was filmed the week before he passed or not, but it's a dope song and video. The song "Actin' Normal" is going to be on SV's 'Villa Manifesto' album slated to be released next month.



*Edit (6:57p): This is the aforementioned video that Slum Village had shot roughly the week before Baatin passed. Thanks Mos :).

"Diva, Diva y'all," Don't know who Amanda Diva is? look for the chick with big hair wearing spandex, rocking nice kicks in neon colors. Let's see on her resumé are TV hosting gigs, radio personality, host of her own show, DivaSpeak TV, artist, bag designer (which I'm having the hardest time deciding between the Boom Bap bag and the Beat Locks bag), and of course singer (she replaced Natalie in Floetry). I wouldn't classify her as a singer...but not a rapper...she's much like Mike Posner, leagues of their own. ANYway today she premiered her video for "Neon" one of my favorite tracks off her FreEP 'Spandex, Rhymes & Soul' Video is very In Living Color, Martin, A Different World....basically think of the theme song clip from your favorite 80's/90's shows and you have "Neon". Check it out below.

Lyrical Murders feat. K-Young

When Joe Budden, Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9, and Joell Ortiz announced that they were forming the group Slaughterhouse, I must admit I was really skeptical. Individually these guys are some of the most talented underground (and underrated) artists and often times when you take too much of a good thing it becomes just okay. Well tomorrow, August 11, Slaughterhouse is releasing their self-titled debut album (if you have managed to get a hand on your own copy, chances are it's because your music store released it early.)
It was roughly a year ago that the foursome said they were going to do a project together and throughout the summer they have been steadily recording and working on their album. This summer the slaughterers were one of the headlining acts on the Rock The Bells 2009 tour (which I was lucky enough to go to when it came to Detroit). The one thing I find interesting is that Joe Budden and Royce da 5'9 have managed to put their mini-beef aside to get this product done.
Their first official single "The One" premiered online and got a nice lil' buzz going for them back in July.
In all honesty hearing four voices on every (or almost every) track can get overwhelming, but their skill and wordplay definitely makes up for it.
Despite being a quad there are still featured artists on this record, including: Fatman Scoop, K-Young, and The Royals.
Do I think 'Slaughterhouse' is a pre-party/club banger? not at all. 'Slaughterhouse' is an album that you listen to, not just hear; and songs like "Pray" and "Rain Drops" are nothing short of lyrically mind-blowing to say the least.
Album production? crazy, (the good crazy) but I'm not surprised though. The beats bang indeed. lol. Some of the producers listed are Alchemist, DJ Khalil, and StreetRunner.
Strong verses, great beats, and eh/okay/mediocre hooks make up this album. Though some people deny it, or choose to ignore it, a good hook can make or break some songs. Some may say that lyrically challenged songs are the only ones that need hooks, but actually that's not true. Between the somewhat complex nature of their bars, the fellas of Slaughterhouse could have added a hook on some of their tracks. I don't know how any of you feel about this but at some point my mind needed a break.

RESULT: ♫♫♫♫ (of 5)

'Slaugherhouse' is something that I can see myself working to or just kicking back and listening to. However, I personally need breaks...I can't really listen to the album all the way through in one sitting without becoming overwhelmed. It does seem that Joell , Joe , Royce, and Crooked take a mixtape approach to their album which (to me) means that they clearly could care less about being mainstream. (*sidebar: I'm quite sure they could give two rusty pennies about being mainstream , but there are some artists who say it and are secretly hurt by not being mainstream, feel me?) Plus I don't think mainstream could handle them. Lyrics are dope, beats are fire, I wish this would have come out when it was initially supposed to be released because it would have been the perfect summer album to listen to. There's always next year.

Have you ever heard Chrisette Michele's "On My Own" off of her 'Epiphany' album? Or maybe LeToya Luckett's new single "Not Anymore"? Or how about the first couple of tracks off of Trey Songz's 'Trey Day' album? Well if you have, then you have indeed heard a Bei Maejor produced track. I told you before, that Detroit rapper Big Shan is in the studio working on his newest project 'Big Shan vs. Bei Maejor" and the finally maejor artist leaked this track on Twitter today and it's produced by...well Bei Maejor. so, YAY or NAY: "So Maejor" - Big Shan.

Finally Famous. Chances are if you're in Detroit you've heard of them. Maybe you've been to one of their parties or you've seen Big Sean perform in concert. There are a few people that would say Finally Famous rides Sean and that none of them know how to do anything (lie if you want, but you've heard these rumors/claims as have I). Well that's not really true. I've been slacking a lot and I've meaning to post these for a minute, and I got an e-mail today with another track so I decided to do one BIG Yay or Nay. Below you'll find 6 tracks from some of the fellas of Finally Famous. Some have other responsibilities with FF, but they still drop a bar or 16. What do you think? Do you think that they are skilled enough to stand on their own? or without Sean will they fall? YAY or NAY: Finally Famous edition.

"Oh Space (freestyle)" - JayJohn: He's a producer..and just so happened to have produced this joint he's going in on.


"Despicable Me (remix)" - Pat Piff: Once Big Sean's partner in rhyme, he's now doing his thing solo dolo and his new mixtape "Hungry as a Hippi" drops at the end of August.


"I Get Up" - ADubb: President of Finally Famous' street team.


"Japeto" - Earlly Macmillion feat. Terriyaki Tone & JayJohn: Earlly Mac is a Fli Pelican x Finally Famous artist.


"Will" - Pat Piff


"Stuntin" - Adubb