June 30, 2009

Bye Bye - Mariah Carey: Update

Here's the last cover of VIBE Magazine, I am so sad that VIBE won't even be able to do a Michael Jackson tribute issue (which you know would've been dope). But the final cover is Jackson influenced..Janet that is. Christina Milian and The Dream pose a la Janet's Rolling Stone Cover from 1993.


The Dream and Christina Milian -- Final Cover


Janet Jackson -- Rolling Stone 1993



via Nicole Bitchie and Rap Radar

Bye Bye - Mariah Carey

I swear this is the worst news I've heard all week, yes it is up there tied neck and neck with Michael Jackson's death. Vibe Magazine, THE Vibe Magazine started by Quincy Jones in 1993, has folded. Kaput. Gone Under. Finito. Back in March 2009, Vibe Magazine got rid of one of its offspring publications Vibe Vixen as well as cut back the days of their employees to four days a week. The magazine announced today that it has gone under and according to Daily Finance it is indeed because of financial woes. From my understanding Vibe Magazine is to cease publication immediately and if that is the case the current issue with Eminem on the cover will be the magazine's last. No say on if it will do like Blender (who folded print publication in March) and turn their web site into a news/blog. This is the first I have heard of a major influential magazine going under. With the recent changes in the journalism field, mostly with more people getting their news from online sources, many print companies (especially newspapers) have been effected heavily by this. What does this mean? At the rate newspapers/magazines are shutting down it's only a matter of time before we will be limited to a very small selection of print publications.

Big Brother - Kanye West

One of the people I dream to meet in life is Quincy Jones. If it were not for this man, the music industry and the artists we have known to love, like Michael Jackson, would not be where they are today. Quincy Jones is single-handedly responsible for the advancement and protection of Michael Jackson's career. He treated Michael like a little brother and in his interview with NBC Nightly News, he talks about Michael Jackson for the first time, publicly, since his death.

June 29, 2009

Yay or Nay: Best I Ever Had - Ma$e

Harlem World. Bad Boy. Welcome Back.

Those three words should have led you to remember Ma$e (yes I still spell his name with the $ as the S). Ma$e is platinum selling artist known for his animated voice, loud, shiny suits, and turning his back on the industry for the church. Now, a few years ago he tried to do something like a comeback, sans cursing, and dropped the song "Welcome Back." After that welcome, Ma$e fell off the face of the industry again, and went M.I.A. He resurfaced today with his remix to Drake's "Best I Ever Had." I know, major pause on the preacher dropping bars over this of all songs, but Ma$e uses the radio edit that replaces the F-Bomb with "you" repeatedly. Still the underlying sexual message on Drake's part is there and I do wonder if Ma$e is going to try to make a comeback...again. Yay or Nay: Best I Ever Had - Ma$e (love the throwback picture?).

TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Mixtape: Pat Piff


Solo Dolo - Pat Piff

After I posted Pat Piff's joint "Clock In" earlier, I realized it sounded awfully familiar. Searched the iTunes library and found that it's on his mixtape 2Morrow Man W.R.N.R. The mixtape came out last year, 2008, and features tracks produced by WrighTrax, "Smoke and Drive" feat. Big Sean and Mike Posner and some funny themed tracks like "Strippin' For Tuition." 2Morrow Man may be a year old, but it actually works with the way beats have been in songs this year. The beats are kind of futuristic, similar in style to Kid Cudi's beats, but Pat Piff's lyrics are better. I guess I should forewarn you, if you're expecting him to be like Big Sean, then you're wasting space on your hard drive. Pat Piff definitely has a style of his own that works for him.

Click Here to Download Pat Piff's 2Morrow Man

Rockin' With The Best - Jadakiss

So possibly the biggest even to hit Detroit this summer takes place July 10 - 12, that's next week. 3 Days Before Fame sponsored by WJLB and Karmaloop is probably going to be the highlight event this year. The weekend is full of different activities like the fashion show and concert on Day 1, The Pool Party on Day 2, and a private party on Day 3. There's no guarantee that by Day 4 you'll be famous, but you can try to get your 15 mins. of shine. Check the flyers below for more information. (Click the flyer to enlarge it)

Let Me Twitter Dat - Andy Milanokis: Whatever Happened To...

I haven't done one of these in a while and today's trending topic amongst the community I follow is "Whatever happened to" here are ten of my faves.

MOSologist: #Whateverhappenedto Charles Hamilton?

Cliff Skighwalker: #Whateverhappenedto Steve from Blue's Clues?

ChelceaDelesa: #Whateverhappenedto Faygo Artic Sun?

Lanice: #Whateverhappenedto 2 Way Pagers?

Blue Skye: #Whateverhappenedto The Box? <-- Who know about The Box? lol

Gumbo: #Whateverhappenedto Waldo? Did anybody find him?

Pat Piff: #Whateverhappenedto The Taco Bell Dog?

Marv Won: #whateverhappenedto Bedazzlers?

John Conyers (III): #whateverhappenedto Rap City: The Bassment?

Steve : #whateverhappenedto Real Hip-Hop?

Yay or Nay: Clock In - Pat Piff


You've seen Finally Famous mentioned quite a few times on this blog and a few other sites with the recognition that Big Sean is getting with his much anticipated release. Some of you may know this, some of you may not, but before Big Sean was, BIG Sean, he used to rap with one of his best friends, Pat Piff (who has been featured on a couple of Big Sean's tracks). The way I've heard the story when it came time to getting signed, they wanted Sean and not Pat Piff. Ok, I'm straying a bit, well Pat didn't quit and released a mixtape of his own, 28 Grams Later, in 2007. Now he's in the studio working on something new, and released this track today, as in this morning. Yay or Nay: Clock In - Pat Piff.

Yay or Nay: The Beat Bang - Nametag


Really throwing myself into writing has made me appreciate Detroit rappers more and more. You may be tired of hearing this, but they are a different breed and dope as well. Well, Nametag is another that I've just recently been turned on to. He teams up with another favorite, Quest MCody (who some of you may be familiar with his recent appearance on MADE). Nametag will be performing at Chandler Park on July 11, which is Day 1 of the 3 Days Before Fame event *more on that coming soon* Yay or Nay: The Beat Bang - Nametag feat. Quest MCody.



TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Music Video: D.O.A. - Jay-Z

So quite possibly my favorite rapper (that's alive anyway) premiered the video for D.O.A. (Death of Autotune) during last night's BET Awards.

June 26, 2009

Automatic Yay: Better on the Other Side: Michael Jackson Tribute


Michael Jackson's death was felt around the world and definitely in the music industry. Yesterday an emergency studio session went down last night for a tribute song to the King of Pop. The Game, Chris Brown, Diddy, Polow, Mario Winans, Usher, and Boyz II Men, (prod. by DJ Skee) recorded this song in honor of Michael. Automatic Yay: "Better on the Other Side (Michael Jackson Tribute).

TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Flashback: Michael Jackson

Yesterday one of the biggest musical influences in my life, and to the world, passed away yesterday. Michael Joseph Jackson went into cardiac arrest and never recovered, he was 50 years old. He leaves to his memory his 3 children, his mother, Catherine, his father Joeseph, 8 brothers and sisters and millions of fans.
This is a temp, post because I feel like I have to post something and when I do my real post, it has to be perfecto. so here are some videos of THE greatest entertainer ever to grace this earth, enjoy.

The Moonwalk- performed at the Grammy's during Billie Jean.



The 10 minute long Remember the Time video featuring Magic Johnson and Eddie Murphy.



Black or White..Did you see Tyra Banks was one of the morphed faces??


The 15 minute long You Rock My World video featuring Chris Tucker


Beat It


Still one of the most expensive music videos to date: Michael feat his little sister Janet Jackson, SCREAM

June 25, 2009

Birds of a Feather - Phish: Chelcea

So I have made this the official end of my series on Fli Pelican. The attempts to interview Nino? unsuccessful, which sucks because I really want to talk to him, too. However if something else happens, as I feel it will, you know it will be posted on this blog. This is Chelcea, we met her nearly two months ago and a lot has changed since she first introduced you all to Fli Pelican. Like Juan, Chelcea has also flown the coop and in this interview she discusses her decision and where her focus lies now.

Name: Chelcea S.
Role: Former Fli Pelican Brand Manager


Alex Washington (AW):When I last talked to you about Fli Pelican you were very supportive and representative of the label. Now you have quit. Why?

Chelcea S. (CS): It was a back and forth decision, but I felt that the organization and communication in the company wasn't completely there. It was somewhat starting to get out of hand; so I decided to depart the company.

AW: I'm sure by now you have seen the photos, how did you find out about the allegations against Nino not drawing his own logo?

CS: Juan actually showed me a picture of the Pelican that Buzz had pulled up from the internet.

AW: Have you talked to Nino about the situation?

CS: I haven't talked to Nino since I emailed him and Sherman. But from my point of view I dont believe that there is any bad blood between myself and Fli Pelican. I simply stated in the email my reasons of why I was leaving the company and wished them much success.

AW: How do you feel right now about everything that took place? Do you feel betrayed, angry, or just upset at the way it all went down?

READ MORE

Flashback: My Boo - Ghost Town DJ's

So I'm on Twitter and Michelle posts the link to a 90's oldie "Shorty Swing My Way." Well, on under the headline related videos they had this joint from Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo." This song was my jizzy jam for real! I never knew they had a video for this though. So Flashback to "My Boo" Ghost Town DJ's

June 24, 2009

Streets on Lock - Big Sean ft. Big Shan

Everyone knows the more known you become the more haters you get, it's practically a fact. I was on YouTube and searched for Big Sean and came across these videos by this guy out of Flint (I believe it's Flint) by the name of Cash or Tux (really he goes by both) and he is a rapper. However, this guy makes disses about Big Sean and Finally Famous. I never heard of this guy before ever, (unless I'm just not cool enough to know who he is) and I find it almost entertaining. One is like a year-old video and the other one is like a month old. I wonder if his plan is to diss Sean in hopes that Mr. Finally Famous disses him back and then he'll get recognized by someone too (I mean why else would he continue to diss Big Sean?) If he hasn't responded to you and it has been going on, for certain, for a year, why continue? Just wondering that, but I'm sure you want to see/hear what I'm talking about.



And he had to go use the "If I Ruled the World" beat....a classic..smh.

Flashback: Tell Me When to Go - E-40

It's summer, and throughout the summer I often reminiscence about former summer anthems (like Kelis' "Bossy") well, I've been quoting from this song for about a week and I figured it'd make a good Flashback. I don't care what anyone says E-40 is in my top 20. That said, Flashback to: "Tell Me When to Go" - E-40

Birds of a Feather - Phish: A Customer


As Juan said yesterday, there has been a string of people that have come out and said that they have been waiting several months for their Fli Pelican orders – which they have paid for – and still have not received them. One of these people is blogger Lanice W. It’s been three months since she placed her $100+ order and she’s still waiting. Interview 2 in the Birds of a Feather: What’s Going on with Fli Pelican? series, Lanice.


Name: Lanice W.
Role: Fli Pelican Customer

Alex Washington (AW): When did you put in your order for Fli Pelican and what did you order?

Lanice W. (LW): On March 23, I ordered a Cliff Skighpelican tee, Fighting Pelicans Undefeated sticker, and The Pelican stickers with the pink hat logo. Four days later, I ordered The Pelicans Spring Cardigan and the FP Classic Button. I didn't receive my package until a month later, and it only had half of my order in it. I only received the cardigan and a small button that I didn't order at all.

AW: Have you contacted Fli Pelican about this matter?

LW: At the time of purchase, I waited a week and a half before I contacted Juan Neal through Twitter. He was the only one, at the time, that I knew was a Detroit representative. Juan did contact me right after I sent him an @reply on Twitter and told me it wouldn't take long at all because there was no middle man involved since they do everything on their own.

AW: As a customer, how do you feel about the allegations brought against Nino? Do you feel betrayed?

READ MORE

Birds of a Feather - Phish: The Song

People are coming out of the deep woodworks in support of Juan Neal's semi-movement. There's this group called Surf Club and they're actually in support of Juan's efforts as well. So much so, they e-mailed him this track. Called what else? "Pelicans" Take a listen.

Daddy - Beyonce

I never did a Father's Day post. There are men out there taking care of their children and I acknowledge them and I must say if you are one of them you are rare and a great MAN. So, I was reminded of this commercial that came out last year, I'm sure most of you have seen it, I think it's the cutest, most adorable thing ever. So to all the guys that wipe the tears, fix the bikes, comb their hair and tuck them in at night, Happy Belated Father's Day!

Yay or Nay: Groupie Girls - P.L.


It's a known fact that I hate Charles Hamilton, but I will say his one familiar recognizable song "Brooklyn Girls" isn't....... all that bad. Alright, now Detroit's own P.L. aka Mr. Fresher Den You did his own lil' twist to "Brooklyn Girls". No it's not about Detroit ones, it's about groupies. G-Unit, Jay-Z, Kanye and even Chuck Berry (how many of you even know who Chuck Berry is?) have all sang about this particular breed of women and P.L. does too. Yay or Nay: "Groupie Girls"

TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

June 23, 2009

Birds of a Feather - Phish: Logo

I forgot to attach this to the interview with Juan, but I decided to make a post of it, no biggie right? Well, in the previous post you saw a picture of the clip art and the Fli Pelican logo as well as the Elusion Bandits shirt and the Fighting Pelicans one. There was one more saved to my desktop that I forgot to post. Anyone like pickles??





Yes, The Vlasic Pickles logo looks vaguely similar to the Fli Doctor.

Birds of a Feather - Phish: Juan Neal

Over the past few days, Juan Neal has been identified as either one of two things: a bitter/disgruntled employee, or a man who truly cares about the people more than the product. For those who do not know or have not been paying attention he was the blogger over at Fli Pelican until he quit sometime last week after discovering some unflattering things about the Pelicans. Juan has agreed to speak exclusively to me in regards to this situation. As I've said before his interview is the first in a series of interviews including another from a former Pelican, annoyed customers, and what some of your favorite people are saying. I have e-mailed Nino in an effort to at least get a statement from him, so far that has been unsuccessful. So without further adieu, interview one of Birds of a Feather: What's happening with Fli Pelican, Juan Neal.

Name: Juan Neal
Role: Former Blogger for Fli Pelican Clothing.

Alex Washington (AW): Let's jump right in it, why did you quit Fli Pelican?

Juan Neal (JN): The main reason I quit Fli Pelican, it wasn't all personal for me. I quit due to the bad business that was going on. A lot of it was forwarded on to me; a lot of people haven't been getting their clothes for one month to five months since they placed the order. I had a date set to tell them their clothes would be there and their clothes wouldn't make it. Now they're contacting me and I have to let them know that I don't work for Fli Pelican. It's bad business that a company for the people is doing poor customer serivce.

AW: You mentioned something about "bad business," care to explain?

JN: Personal nature, I was never compensated for my work. You never want to be full of yourself and take claim for a business growth. I did think that I had a stake in Fli Pelican being known, not just in Michigan but throughout the US. A lot of people don't understand the power of a blog; having a dope picture and good literature is just as effective as a billboard. Though the blog was viewed as what Fli Pelican liked, it was through me. To not be compensated at all for my hard work, was like another form of bad business. At the end of the day he was getting everything and I wasn't getting nothing in return. People thought I was living a luxurious life, like I was getting money and free clothes. I did get the 12 megapixel camera for my birthday but that was asked to be returned after I quit. But yesterday he, well Nino, called and said that I could keep it. I think if I hadn't taken the actions that I had with the blog, he'd still be asking for it.

AW: Some people would say you are being bitter about the situation. How do you feel about that claim?

JN: Luckily a lot of poeple are suporting me right now. You would think I was being bitter, but a lot of people have come out of the woodworks saying they still haven't gotten their clothes yet. Really, my semi-movement was more for the people than anything. What Fli Pelican seems to not understand is that these people look up to us. At the end of the day the people weren't mad they didn't get their clothes, they were disappointed. Disappointed and mad are two different words. With disappointment you're more so sad than you are angry. If you didn't get your clothes in a month, you're going to be disappointed because you look at us like a big brother or cousin. You'll be waiting by the door on your clothes and never get them. It isn't a bitter thing because there are a lot more things I could be saying. It's exposing to the public that this ddude is doing bold business. A lot of allegations that were made by others in the past, those people had those claims right. I didn't want to have no part of it, there are certain people I called on my behalf to apologize because I felt I took sides or whatever; but my eyes are now open and I'm seeing it for what it is.

AW: You posted a picture of a clip art photo that resembles the Fli Pelican logo, dismissing Nino's claim he drew it himself. How did you find this out?


June 22, 2009

Sooner Than Later - Drake: Video Blog

Take A Bow - Rihanna


Chris Brown had his preliminary hearing, where Rihanna was supposed to be in attendance. She was fully prepared to testify according to her attorney, but she didn't testify because Chris Brown pleaded guilty to an assault charge resulting in a plea deal. However, a plea deal was entered and this is what Chris Brown got:

180 days of community labor
5 years of probation
Level 1 Stay away order.
1 year of counseling


The stay away order was issued against Rihanna's wishes, however the judge felt it was best and that it may be lessened/lightened at Chris Brown's August hearings. The details of the order is that Chris Brown can not come within 50 yards of Rihanna and 10 yards apart if they are both in attendance at the same event. If the judge decides to keep the Stay Away order in effect after the August hearing, it will remain for the entire duration of Chris Brown's 5 year probation sentence. According to Rihanna's attorney, C. Breezy had 2 options, either 180 days in jail or 180 community service/hard labor (what did you think was going to happen?). The plea deal was entered/accepted at 12:30 this afternoon in the district attorney's office. Chris Brown has yet another hearing in August 2009, I do not know a specific date yet.

Boom Boom POW - Black Eyed Peas

Guess there's another meaning behind Boom Boom POW! Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas approached Perez Hilton several times throughout the night because she was upset with Perez Hilton not liking their new single. Will.I.Am took offense to what Perez told Fergie and allegedly his security guards/entourage jumped Perez in the parking lot outside of Universal Music's party for the awards show that took place last night in Toronto. Well, again Twitter is the root of this as Perez Tweeted what happened to him last night.

I'm in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please.

I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke.

Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.

I spoke to my lawyer. I really need to talk to the authorities. Please come to the SoHo Met Hotel. Have called the police. Need them here.

The Toronto police are here now. Thank you. Please stop calling them.


Will.I.Am made a video blog about the incident and HE claims that another passerby was the one to hit Perez Hilton.


Now after something like that Perez gets heated and makes his own video response and posts it on his site. Perez says Will.I.Am. is lying and that Perez is doing this all for publicity. {not sure how I feel about that because Perez's site gets hits like crazy and the Black Eyed Peas aren't THAT famous, lo siento pero es verdad} Notice the cut under his right (well it's our left) eye. The video does seemed over-dramatized a tad bit, but still...what do you all think?

{{This video was just posted on Perez Hilton's site and no computer geniuses in cyber world have downloaded it to YouTube/Vimeo/Daily Motion so as much as I dislike to do this, you will have to go HERE to view the video on Perez's site. Once it is up on another site I will in embed it.}}

June 21, 2009

Flashback: Xscape

Maybe you've seen the commercial or even just read about it but Tiny, T.I.'s baby mama/fiancee, and Toya, Lil' Wayne's baby mama/ex-wife, are getting their own reality television show on BET. While Toya really may be a nobody (sorry but she was married to Weezy from 2004-2006 and still the only relationships people remember him having were with Nivea and Trina and more recently Lauren London) Tiny, actually was a member of SoSoDef's platinum-selling (yes SoSoDef was the bomb back then) R&B group Xscape. Now I loved Xscape and especially their single "My Little Secret." (still <3 it actually) and I thought some Xscape vids. would be the PERFECT flashback in lieu of all this chaos about Tiny and Toya. So Flashback to: Xscape...

Understanding


Just Kickin' It


Who Can I Run To?


My Little Secret

June 20, 2009

Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

If you paid attention to my blog then you saw that the post regarding the Fli Pelican Basketball Tournament was deleted. What you may not have known is that Juan Neal quit Fli Pelican but is going out with a bang. Tuesday, June 23, 2009 I will have an exclusive interview with Juan about the situation. It will be one in a series of interviews, but for now check the preview Juan posted on his blog (yes he started his own blog) about the situation. This is big.

Yay or Nay: If I Was With You - Young Scolla


Young Scolla's The TPT Experience promo mixtape was scheduled to be released yesterday but due to some unforeseen circumstances( at least that's what I'm assuming) it didn't happen. But to be fair to his fans and those interested he leaked a track off the mixtape yesterday to hold them over until it actually drops. So, YAY or NAY: "If I Was With You" - Young Scolla


TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Mixtape: Wale


Life's a B***h - Wale feat. Talib Kweli & Joell

Wale has released his new mixtape Back to the Future after being pushed back several times, it's finally here. The mixtape includes guest appearances by Lady Gaga, Mempis Bleek, Talib Kweli and a few others. It was produced by 9th Wonder and mixed by Nick Catchdubs. If you caught my most recent YAY or NAY, then you peeped the joint "Wonder Why" by Wale ft. Detroit's own Big Sean and Mike Posner, this song is also on the mixtape. Though 9th Wonder produced most of it, there are guest production spots by Cool & Dre and Warren G. I suggest you download it and add it to your mixtape library.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD WALE'S BACK TO THE FUTURE

June 19, 2009

Won't Be Long - Big Sean

Well if you checked out the previous Big Sean post, you saw the video with him being interview by MTV. Many have heard Kanye was impressed by this guy (he must have been to sign him to G.O.O.D. Music who houses acts such as Common and John Legend), but this is the first time (well for me anyway) that I've actually heard Kanye talk about Sean. I've seen it in interviews/on paper/blogs but never heard him say it. It's short but, the entire situation of his signing is so unreal it seems scripted for a movie or something.

June 18, 2009

Kill Da DJ - Nicki Minaj

Another new dance craze is trying to break through and surpass the others, this one originated in Texas and could possibly be the answer that makes rappers want to stop making these ridic. songs (or try to do better than this one). It's called "Roll Ya Neck"....yes, like ghetto girl-gum smacking-bamboo earrings-cussing out her baby daddy in line at the grocery store, "Roll Ya neck". But the thing is the dance (like many) isn't gender specific. Take what you may for it, but the song fails: It's not catchy and the beat isn't that grand. Checkout these boys "killing it".

Nitty Gritty - Gladys Knight and the Pips


I actually enjoy posting about Young Slapz because the comments on these posts are often funny. Well, Slapz along with two ambitious friends, aspiring producer M. Dizz and DJ Bonecrusher, formed the Nitty Gritty Committee (how fun is that to say?) So yes, he has two more people at his side learning the ins and outs, dos and don'ts of the rap game. The 3 are currently int he early (and I'm talking premature early) stages of getting a mixtape together though they do have a mark-up cover ready (which is the photo that you're looking at...) to go. They plan on dropping it in the fall around back to school time and of course there will be updates throughout their process here.
Want More on them (there are people that do) check out their BLOG or follow them on TWITTER

Get S.T.U.P.I.D. - Mac Dre

So I'm on Twitter and Rodney from Eighty 81 responded to my question about Nick Cannon and we ended up on Wild N' Out and how the BEST part of the show was the Wild Style freestyle battle at the end. One in particular was with America's most lovable funny man...Mr. Wayne Brady. Missed that episode? no worries, just watch the video below.

Wild N Out (Wayne Brady)


I guess I'm just going to make this somewhat of an ode to Wayne Bizzle. He's actually a funny guy (which may be why he's a comedian) Think back a couple years to The Dave Chapelle Show and one of his, I guess, now famous line " Is Wayne Brady going to have to choke a b***h?"

Wayne Brady Bitch!

YAY or NAY: Wonder Why - Wale feat. Big Sean & Mike Posner


So I wish I was cool like Cliff Skighwalker and would receive dope songs such as this one in my e-mail inbox. ANYway, By now you should know both Big Sean and Mike Posner and hopefully you heard of Wale from DC. Well put them three in a blender sprinkle a beat from 9th Wonder and you have this new joint "Wonder Why." Actually there's a video of Big Sean and Mike Posner in the studio with 9th Wonder, I wonder if it was for this track...??What do you guys think? Should Big Sean and Mike P. keep doing collabos with each other or does this one with a third party work? YAY or NAY: "Wonder Why" - Wale feat. Big Sean and Mike Posner.

Stepdaddy -Hitman Sammy Sam

I swear every time I think about something for long amounts of time and do nothing it comes across my face someway. So on Twitter (shutup) and guess what's a trending topic? BEBE'S KIDS, yes the 90's urban CLASSIC cartoon. My cousin and I used to spend half our day watching this on repeat, the other half was spent reciting the jokes from it. Decided to pull a clip from the movie, enjoy!

Tomorrow - Big Sean

I was on MTV.com this morning and came across an interview/article with a guy you all should be familiar with by now, Big Sean. Yes, the rapper from Detroit. Yes, the guy who did my ringtone "Getcha Some". Yes, the guy I believe should be on everybody's "to look out for" list. That guy. It doesn't matter how you feel about him, his story is something short of inspirational. Somebody out there is laughing but I'm serious, his ambition and drive [along with friends and believers (not fans)] pretty much got him where he is right now. peep a segment of his interview with MTV.
They say luck is when preparation meets opportunity...this guy is very lucky.

Rapper's Delight - Sugarhill Gang:Video Blog

June 17, 2009

Things We Do - Slum Village


Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman reply to Young Jeezy's "24/23," but not like rappers should. XXL Magazine reached out for comment/response from the two and they simply said "We not feeding into that; we getting money." I know some of you may not be hip to what's happening or why Gucci and Jeezy are beefing in the first place, but remember Gucci's first major hit "So Icey" back in like 2005? Well, Jeezy claims Gucci hadn't paid him sufficiently for his appearance on the track (the irony in his/Oj Da Juiceman's statement to XXL). Then Gucci claimed Jeezy put a hit out on his life and the two haven't been getting along since. But all three are scheduled to perform/be in the same vicinity as each other in Atlanta at Hot 102.7's Birthday Bash this upcoming weekend.

♫ Speaking of Young Jeezy, he, Lil' Wayne, Drake, and Soulja Boy are indeed going on tour with each other this summer. Excuse me, it's a music festival. Yes, yes, it has been confirmed that the quad will headline the America's Most Wanted Musical Festival and the tour dates have been released.Drake told MTV this about what's coming on the tour:
It's definitely moving along well. I think it will be an exciting night for each city that we go to. You got two young guys [and] two guys that have been killing the game for a minute, so I think it will be a dope tour.
I think it's BS that they aren't coming to Detroit ( how do you go from Canada straight to Ohio), but In case you are wondering here are the dates/cities:

♪7/27 Scranton, PA @ Toyota Pavilion
♪7/29 Saratoga, NY @ Performing Arts Center
♪7/30 Pittsburgh, PA @ Post Gazette Pavilion
♪7/31 Philadelphia @ Susquehanna Bank Center
♪8/1 Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach Theater
♪8/2 Virginia Beach @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
♪8/4 Toronto @ Molson Amphitheater
♪8/5 Montreal @ Bell Centre
♪8/6 Cleveland @ Blossom Pavilion
♪8/7 Washington, D.C. @ Nissan Pavilion
♪8/8 Raleigh, NC @ Walnut Creek Amphitheater
♪8/9 Atlanta @ Lakewood Amphitheater
♪8/8 Raleigh, NC @ Walnut Creek Amphitheater
♪8/12 Phoenix @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater
♪8/13 Los Angeles @ TBD
♪8/14 Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
♪8/15 Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion
♪8/17 Vancouver @ GM Place
♪8/18 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
♪8/20 Denver @ Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
♪8/22 Houston @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
♪8/23 Dallas @ Superpages.com Center


♫ Remember those guys that once rapped about Blue and Yellow Purple...hills? D12, was their name and they are preparing to re-enter the rap game. Eminem leaked to BET [as reported by MTV] that they were getting the band back together and scheduled to hit the studio soon to begin work on their new album. This will be the groups first album since Proof's murder and Slim Shady told the peeps over at Rap City this:
Right now, my music would probably be the same [if Proof was still alive]. I think this is what Proof always wanted, was for me to go crazy again. My life would be different because I would still have him.

Thug Story - Taylor Swift feat. T-Pain

Little known fact: I effs with country, lol. I know your mind was kind of everywhere when you saw the title and either your heart raced of excitement or disdain for this collabo. Country music star Taylor Swift (who I would say is to the 2000's what LeAnn Rimes was to the 90's) teamed up with T-Pain for this jokey parody for the CMT Music Awards. One of the most known facts about Taylor is that she writes all of her own lyrics, so I'm going to bite the bullet and say that she wrote the lyrics to her rap too. So check out Taylor Swift's "Thug Story" feat. T-Pain.

June 16, 2009

Yay or Nay: 24/23 (Gucci Diss) - Young Jeezy


Alrighty, so the people's trap star Young Jeezy as released a new diss song in his ongoing beef with Gucci Mane. 24/23 (also called Lebron v. Kobe) disses not only Gucci, but OJ Da Juiceman as well. This "beef" has been going for a couple of years now, and I'm not too sure if it should be. This isn't about me though, so Yay or Nay: 24/23 (Gucci Diss) - Young Jeezy


TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Music Video: Ego (remix) - Beyonce & Kanye West

Queen Bey and the Lousi Vuitton Don team up for their first (and much awaited) collab video. The OFFICIAL remix to Ego.What I don't understand is why they didn't release this video FIRST anyway since it's the same video..Kanye is just in the beginning...either way, here's Ego (remix) -- Beyonce featuring Kanye West.


Find more videos like this on The Celebrity Network

June 15, 2009

Yay or Nay: Fresher Den You - Yung GooD


Still on my Detroit rap kick, that's not going to change, and it's this guy by the name of Yung GooD. I don't think I've posted a joint like this one; he does his own bars over the song of another Detroit rapper. GooD tackles P.L.'s "Fresher Den You" which is on P.L.'s mixtape Without Warning Vol. 4. Yung GooD does have his own mixtape out, too; Everything 2 Prove is available for download on his MySpace page. I believe that one is older and he's working on new stuff, but don't quote me on that. Anway, Yay or Nay: "Fresher Den You" - Yung GooD


TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Yay or Nay: LOL - Trey Songz feat. Soulja Boy & Gucci Mane


So the internet is the hottest ish since sliced bread, that's a fact. Especially social networking sites such as the ancient Blackplanet and the new craze Twitter. The rise of the internet has created a new language of sorts, that not only has it's own dictionary but is sometimes said in our everyday life (you mean to tell me you've never accidently said OMG?). Well, Trey Songz has partnered with Soulja Boy (whose entire career is based off the web) and Gucci Mane for his new track, "LOL". No word if it's going to be on an album or maybe a mixtape (I personally think he should do one). So, Yay or Nay: "LOL"- Trey Songz Feat. Soulja Boy and Gucci Mane.


TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACK, CLICK ON THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

Flashback: Bossy - Kelis

I was trying to think of what I wanted today's Flashback Video to be and since it's going up to 80+ degrees (finally) in the city i figured I pick a former summer anthem. This one is probably still some of you out there ringtone and definitely on your pre-club playlist. No matter how tired you are of everyone saying it, you can't deny the song is dope. Flashback to "Bossy" - Kelis.
"Diamonds on my neck, Di-Diamonds on my grill..."

June 14, 2009

World's Greatest - R. Kelly

NBA championships are over, the Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers won 4-1 series against the Orlando Magic. I'm a little upset about it but I'll pull through. In the mist of all this, there has been something in my head and it was this movie, Space Jam. Starring two of the greatest players in the world, Michael Jordan..and Bugs Bunny. I'm sure I still have this on VHS somewhere, but I pulled the trailer..so enjoy, Flashback to '96 and pop rocks...Space Jam trailer...

June 13, 2009

Flashback: Selfish - Slum Village

What else can I say about SV? Nothing. I was about 14 or 15 when this song came out, and I LOVED it. Plus, it only seems right since their mixtape dropped yesterday. Flashback to: "Selfish" - Slum Village.

Automatic Yay: Chucky (Charles Hamilton Diss) - Marv Won


This is something different, something unusual, my FIRST ever automatic YAY. This is a track on which I think no opinions matter, because yes it is a Charles Hamilton diss. NOT ONLY THAT, but it's a lyrically good Charles Hamilton diss. Do I think Charles is going to respond? No. He's going to make up some excuse about already talking to someone in the D, getting everything sorted out, apologizing to folks, etc. and he's going to say he doesn't feel the need to respond. The diss was done by Marv Won (serious Detroit rap fans know the name) who pretty much goes ham on Supersonic man. Thing is, Charles Hamilton lyrical skills and wordplay aren't the best so it's best that he continues to battle rap poetesses who later punch him in the face. I'm quite positive you want to hear the track, so here it is.
Automatic Yay: "Chucky (Charles Hamilton Diss) - Marv Won.


TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY OTHER YAY OR NAY TRACKS, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE

June 12, 2009

Don't You Know - Young Scolla

I've been on this Detroit hip-hop/rap kick lately, especially with everyone releasing mixtapes this summer. So there's this guy by the name of Young Scolla, who I discovered through Twitter. Actually I had heard of him before because of the group he's affiliated with, USR. Anyway, he's releasing SEVERAL things in the upcoming months and is working on putting together a BIG three day event in the city of Detroit. His promo tape The TPT Experience drops next Friday and I figured now was the perfect time for you to get to know Scolla and what he's all about.


Name: Young Scolla
Role: Rapper

Alex Washington (AW): What makes you different from other Detroit rappers?

Young Scolla (YS): I'm different because I'm me. I know that sounds funny but what I mean by that, is that I don't try to convey anything else other than my own personal story and that of the environments I've been in. My life story is completely different than any others, so I feel like the fact that I speak on that separates me from others; not to mention I sing/rap/produce.

AW: What is The TPT Experience?

YS: The TPT Experience is just that, an experience. It began as a way to promote the album (The Perfection Theory) which will be coming soon. I planned on doing a track a week, which I did for a few weeks, before deciding that I'd compile the songs I recorded as a promo mixtape. I began creating more original music and that brings us to what it is today, The TPT Experience.
My hope is bring people geniune music, that they can identify with and generate more interest in my music. This mixtape is not even a shadow of what I'm working on with "Prelude To Perfection" [mixtape] and "The Perfection Theory" [album].

AW: Dream collaboration, who and why?


Mixtape: Slum Village

The first time I remember hearing Slum Village was when their album 'Trinity: The Past, Present, Future', came out when I was 13. It really sucked because when I started feeling them, they broke up. BUT luckily for me (and you too) the Detroit natives got the band back together. Word around town is that their reunion album is scheduled to be released later this year. Fortunately SV is no longer selfish and have released their new mixtape Remember The Classics, to help all their old fans remember why they loved them and the putting the new ones up on them. What are you waiting for?
DOWNLOAD SLUM VILLAGE'S REMEMBER THE CLASSICS mixtape

Yay or Nay: The One - Mary J. Blige feat. Drake


Another legend takes the auto-tune challenge; Trey Songz may have gone ham on the king of R&B, R. Kelly for using auto-tune on his mixtape, but I dare someone like Teairra Mari to go ham on the Queen of R&B. Yup, Mary J. Blige' s new single "The One" takes on one of the biggest (and frankly newly annoying) trends in music right now. But wait, there's more, not ONLY does Mary J. jump on the trend train she gets one of the hottest, untouchable (sorry but he is) rappers out there to do some bars on her song, Drake. Is there anything more to say? No? So what do you all think, YAY or NAY: "The One" - Mary J. Blige feat. Drake.

TO DOWNLOAD THIS TRACK, OR ANY YAY OR NAY TRACKS, CLICK THE DIVSHARE LOGO AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO THE DOWNLOAD PAGE.

June 11, 2009

Yay or Nay: I Like It - Nicole Wray


Who remembers Nicole Wray besides me? I'm not so sure how many of you did, but remember a song that went a lil' something like this:
"I got what you want
Got what you need
Can I get another shot?
This time Imma make it hot."
No? Well surely you remember the Missy E. verse that had that line "I can fly like Kelly, I can glide like skates, Me with no Timbaland is like Puff with no Ma$e."
Anyway, Nicole Wray came out in the late 90's and was associated with the likes of Timbaland, Missy, Ginuwine, you know that whole crew. *sidebar: Master P, Silkk and co. had No Limit, Juvie and Wayne had Cash Money, Eve and DMX had Ruff Ryder, did they [Missy, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Aaliyah} have a name for their entourage of people?*
Well, Ms. Wray (pronounced Ray) has indeed resurfaced with a new look and single. It samples Tupac's "I Get Around."
Yay or Nay: "I Like It" - Nicole Wray.

Hi Hater - Maino: Slapz replies.


Slapz is back. Well, he never left, but I did get this 16 from him today as a sort of response to some of the comments left on the YAY or NAY post I did on with his song "Cash Out." Now before I post this there are a few things I feel I need to say because I have this gut feeling someone is going to comment on this: Slapz admitted he writes, he doesn't freestyle, there's a 9/10 chance that your favorite rapper doesn't either. Freestyling is a real talent that very few possess.
Now that that is out of the way, this was done a cappella via a computer in under 10 minutes...let's judge on content seeing as we all agree the quality is not the best.
Alright, so here is Slapz 16...

Don't Believe 'Em - Busta Rhymes

I do not think you all understand just how much I hate the fact that I am giving this waste of a record deal Charles Hamilton so much attention right now, but using Dilla's name is a such a hot issue. If you've been keeping up you know what's going on as far as CH v. The Motor City. Well one of the people Charles Hamilton really wants to talk to is House Shoes, Dilla's best friend and handles pretty much everything involving the J. Dilla name. House Shoes doesn't want to talk to CH because according to him it's too late to be apologizing. I was on Michiganhiphop.com and they just posted this video from Hip Hop Official of House Shoes discussing the situation. Check it out:

Flashback: Nelly/St. Luatics

Confession, I seriously loved them. Well, I actually loved Nelly and purchased almost everything (remember his wack pre-Apple Bottoms clothing line Vokal?) with his name on it. There was also the St. Lunatics his group with Murphy Lee, Ali, and Kijuan (childhood friends). Well, I've never done Flashback this way, but here are 4 videos (two by both Nelly and the St. Lunatics)..so Flashback to the Midwest reign in the early 2000's.

E.I. - Nelly


Boughetto- Ali and Murphy Lee


Dilemma - Nelly and Kelly Rowland


Air Force Ones - Nelly and the St. Lunatics