Saturday, July 31, 2010

Kanye West Doesn't Have a Good A** Job Afterall

Kanye West announced the best commercial decision yet for his upcoming album, he is eliminating the title Good *ss Job. The title loosely followed the trend of his other rap album titles (College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation) mentioning aspects of higher education.

The title may have made sense to some but to many it was a little too edgy and may have discouraged parents from letting children buy the album. West has met the album sale expectations with the release of each of his previous albums and high record sales is among the goals for his next project so the label must eradicate any blemishes before the album hits stores.

Without a title there is a serious chance the untitled project will be pushed back from Sept 14 to allow more time to promote the project with its new title. This would also mean the ultimate demise of "G.O.O.D Music Day", which was supposed to stage the release of the label's most anticipated albums, Big Sean's Finally Famous, Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon 2: The Legend of Mr. Rager and Kanye West's now untitled project. Cudi's album has already been pushed back two weeks so with the Man on the Moon 2 album definitely pushed back and possibly Kanye West's album seeing a similar fate, the minimal hype of this day will soon disappear.

Here is footage of Kanye West's performance at the 2010 BET Awards, his first televised performance of "Power".


Kanye West BET Awards 2010 Performance "Power" from Row Den on Vimeo.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Bun B - Right Now featuring Pimp C, 2Pac and Trey Songz

Bun B f. Pimp C, 2Pac and Trey Songz - Right Now | New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2010

The most radio ready song that has leaked from Bun B.'s upcoming album titled Trill O.G. Many were waiting to hear this song to find out just how this song would work because half of the contributing vocalists are deceased.

The uptempo beat and partyesque chorus from the T-R-E-Y... Z make this a smile, head nod inducing winner.

Domonique Foxworth tears ACL and will be out for the season. Cornerback picture shifts once again.

The one cornerback who has avoided serious injury and given Ravens fans a little bit of hope for the injury ridden defensive back squad, six year veteran and starter Domonique Foxworth, suffered a torn ACL during one of yesterday's training camp practices. Foxworth started in all of the Ravens' 2009 games in both the regular season and postseason. He is widely considered the best cornerback on the roster and leaves a huge whole on the defense.

The news comes after the reliable cornerback was missing from morning practice. Foxworth tweeted the following message at 11:20am this morning,"There's nothing worse than letting down ppl you love and I love all the ravens players and fans. I'm very sorry." He will miss the rest of the 2010 season.

On the opposite side of the field, Fabian Washington has come off of training camp PUP and may not practice with the rest of the team. This news is sort of icing on a rotten cupcake. It saddens to me to hear about Foxworth but at the same time Washington's release from the list is a big stride on his road to recovery.

The array of cornerback activity makes the need for a great performance from the young cornerbacks on the roster ever more crucial. Webb is still not back to form and probably won't be until latter part of the season at the earliest.

Additional: I looked into the domino effect of a circumstance such as this earlier this summer. Check out my view on what would happen if Domonique Foxworth would have gotten hurt.

Wale- Eye of the Tiger



The title perfectly describes the angle Wale is coming from. He is showing people what may have been going on in Tiger Woods' hyperactive sexual life behind the golf tournaments and the emotional reasons for his escapades. Great cut from Wale's upcoming More About Nothing mixtape.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Tomorrow the pads are coming on.



The official start of the Ravens training camp is tomorrow morning when rookies and other select veterans who arrived in Westminster, Md on Wednesday will be joined by the rest of the physically able padded players on the team for grueling two-a-days.

Up to this point, there has not been too much contact because the players have not been practicing in the proper protective pads. Friday will initiate a lot more contact and reveal several things we have yet to see this year:

Can the Ravens' rookie tight ends really block? Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta have shown they are gifted pass receivers in their own ways. Dickson is faster but Pitta is a bit of a better route runner. We don't really know which player is better at protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the running backs. This competition will be watched very closely because the better blocker will likely get more playing time in the upcoming season.

Is the combination of Haloti Ngata and Terrance Cody really a running backs worst nightmare?  The number of blocks these two colossal men eat (no pun intended) will be observed and compared to the expectations of the fans and media. The Ravens' offensive line is no pushover and is a good opponent to measure the defensive line's capabilities.

Kanye making his rounds to social network headquarters.

Kanye West is using social networking to promote his upcoming project, Good A** Job , but in an unorthodox fashion.

He has payed the headquarters of both Facebook and Twitter a visit to perform acapella verses in front of a small live crowd and a much larger cybercrowd thanks to cameras and youtube. The setting in which he chose is somewhat unique. I cannot recall anyone performing unreleased music acapella in an office before. Unlike the short footage him at Twitter, West tells the crowd at Facebook headquarters the name of the pieces he is performing.

Kanye West at Twitter headquarters




Kanye West at Facebook headquarters








This footage should convince clueless "fans" Kanye West has been working hard at his craft while away from the music spotlight and the world does have something to look forward to when his new album releases. He seems to be returning to the acclaimed form he was in during his College Dropout-Late Registration days many of us came to love. The verses are as charismatic as ever and the punchline are super-potent. West is pooring more passion into his versus, as seen in "Mama's Boyfriend".

The excitement for Kanye's new record is building. It is a comeback album of sorts for him and will be a very special page in the chronicles of his illustrious career.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Did the Teflon Don overtake the recovering juggernaut?


Many have kept their eyes on the album sales of this week to see whether or not we will see Eminem's insurmountable number one album in the country be outsold by Rick Ross' Teflon Don.

Unfortunately for Ross' Maybach Music camp and fans far and wide, Eminem will reign another week atop the Billboard 200 album charts. At the end of the first seven days of Teflon Don's shelf life, 176,700 copies have been sold. Recovery is still holding strong with 187,000 copies sold in its fifth week. This means Teflon Don is the first of Ross' albums to not debut at number one.

Usher- Hot Toddy featuring Jay-Z




"Hot Toddy", named after an alcholic drink served hot, is the song suitable for a moment where you find yourself ordering a drink in a dark, smoky bar with drunk women dancing around you (also known as the club). The Polow da Don produced collabo is the first song both Jay-Z and Usher done together since "Best Thing" on Usher's Here I Am album in 2007.

This may be a promotional single for Usher's next album currently being called Raymond but does not do Usher's momentum any justice. He is on the heels of an album full of relatively popular songs like "Hey Daddy" and spring hit "OMG". "Toddy" is not a radio hit but something people may be willing to play only because of the names involved. It does not touch on the main factor that makes his songs so popular, sing-along for the ladies.

Nice try Ush.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Training camp has begun for the Ravens. Ten players on PUP list.

The Ravens have hit the field for the first of many grueling practices involved with John Harbaugh's training camp, many which will be one of two practices a day.

So far just rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans have shown up for camp. The rest of the team will arrive on July 27.

Ten players were placed on active PUP:

Ed Reed
Lardarius Webb
Fabian Washington
Brendon Ayanbadejo
Oniel Cousins
Matt Lawrence
Prince Miller
Rodelin Anthony
Terrance Cody
Walt Harris

Ed Reed is absent because of he is recovering from hip surgery, Webb and Washington are recovering from ACL injuries, Lawrence and Anthony are recovering from knee injuries, Ayanbadejo is still feeling the effects of the horrific leg injury he suffered last season, Oniel Cousins had throat surgery and Prince Miller's circumstance is unknown. Cody and Walt Harris are two notable and unexpected names on the list. Neither player passed the conditioning test that precedes the on-field practices.

Terrance Cody, big 349 pound rookie, has been criticized by college scouts for his inability to manage his weight and poor conditioning. He will be given some time to work his body into shape but this news comes a surprise to few, not even Coach Harbaugh was surprised.

Walt Harris is a seasoned veteran who just signed two weeks ago. He is coming off a 2009 season that ended early for him because of an ACL injury. He did not pass the running component of the conditioning test.

This form of PUP does not force these players to miss games. They are not allowed to participate in practice until they demonstrate that they are physically prepared to go full speed. Expect many of these players to come off of the list before the second preseason game.

Monday, July 26, 2010

The Roots- That Fire (Official Video)



The Roots call Rik Cordero to help create a visual for their John Legend collabo "That Fire". The video is one of sorrow and despair but complements the song so well.

Second Round Pick Sergio Kindle will miss training camp due to injury

 
Reports are surfacing that defensive end/outside linebacker Sergio Kindle suffered a fractured skull and will miss training camp entirely and beyond after falling down the stairs on Thursday night. He is still in the hospital under stable condition.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that this is very bad new for Kindle. He has the thoughts and prayers of recovery from many but unfortunately he will be missing an enormous opportunity to improve and show the everyone exactly what raw ability he has rookies get while in training camp. With an injury this severe, he may miss a majority of the season. He has yet to sign a contract with the team so this circumstance complicates many aspects of his career.

This obstacle is truly a setback for his early career but if he can overcome and triumph, he will be held in high regard by many around the league and those following his story at home.

Prediction: Ravens' top four receivers of 2010

One of the big reasons everyone expects Flacco to make staggering strides of improvement is the cluster of weapons he has on his side. Last year Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice led the team in receptions with 78 and veteran wide receiver Derrick Mason, who led the team in reception the previous four seasons, trailed close behind with 73 receptions.
Rice served as Flacco’s security blanket last year when pass coverage broke down and he needed to get rid of the ball. Often times the result was a play similar to the 44 yard check down pass Flacco threw to Rice in the fourth quarter versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 12. Rice was great at using his shifty running style to make small plays into bigger plays. Fans should expect anything to change as these two, quarterback and running back, have had another full offseason to establish better timing and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

The equation gets more complicated because the Ravens added Anquan Boldin. Boldin came expecting to finally be what many believe he is capable of, a true number receiver. The 6-1, 217 pounder caught 84 passes last season playing opposite of Larry Fitzgerald and has no problem going anywhere on the field to snag a ball in the air. He is big receiving threat in the middle of the field because of his reliable hands and toughness. Many of his highlights are videos of him catching a short slant, bouncing off a tackle and running down for extra yards. There’s no doubt Flacco will want to get the ball to a receiver like Boldin who plays the position with the destructiveness of a bruising running back.

Ravens’ 2010 leading receivers
  • Anquan Boldin (75) 
  • Ray Rice- (70)
  • Derrick Mason-(68)
  • Todd Heap- (45)
Boldin is going to really help Flacco with those short intermediate routes and Rice is going to be a viable option for the third and shorts. Derrick Mason will see numbers similar those he had in 2006 when the late Steve Mcnair was quarterback and other receivers on the team were producing larger numbers. Heap can still take advantage of the deep middle but will not be on the field as much as Cam Cameron tries to get rookies Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta some gametime during their rookie seasons. His total number of receptions will go down but number of touchdown receptions will not. He had six last year and should match that again this season.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Yelawolf- Lemonade (Freestyle)

Yelawolf - Lemonade (Freestyle) | Audio | Rap Basement


Yelawolf exercises his lyrical gift over Gucci Mane's overused "Lemonade" beat. The Alabama rapper sets his rap flow to "rapid fire" and lets it go.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Cary Williams suspended for first two games of regular season

Cornerback Cary Williams has just been suspended for the first two games of the regular season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy when he was on the Tennessee Titans roster.

This suspension will decrease the chance that Williams will contribute while Washington and Webb recover from their injuries. His services will be needed most in the first two games of the season but he will not be there due to a suspension. Hopefully Williams performs exceptionally well in training camp giving the team an incentive to keep the third year pro on the roster. Otherwise he may be waived before the season starts.

Reed Renounces Rapid Return to Ravens

Ed Reed is making headlines once again because he will not be ready for the start of training camp or the start of the season. This means he will probably start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

The six-time pro bowl safety nabbed three interceptions and forced three fumbles despite playing through injuries last season. Reed will be missed but the Ravens have worked to establish quality depth behind their all-pro starter. The battle between Tom Zbikowski and Ken Hamlin we will see in the 2010 Training Camp has instantly become the 'competition to watch'. Between the two, Hamlin clearly has more experience at the NFL level starting all but two games and being selected to the Pro Bowl in 2007. He has been praised for his big-hit plays but disappoints in the turnover factor. Hamlin has only recorded nine interceptions in the last five seasons. That total is equal to the number of interceptions Ed Reed had in the 2008 season alone. Hamlin possesses neither the ballhawking nor return skills Reed naturally has but displays considerable coverage range when defending the intermediate pass and shows decent tackling skills against the run.

Zbikowski has the upper hand with his knowledge of the defensive playbook and is probably coming into camp as the starter. He started four games last season in the Greg Mattison system and filled in nicely for Reed recording two interceptions in four games. His versatility proves that he is not lacking in the athletic department, as he has demonstrated the ability to return kicks and make plays in the defensive backfield. If he performs well in training camp, it is likely that he is the starter week one versus the New York Jets.

Reed will be missed but not as much as many think. He will probably be back after week six ready to play even if he isn't at 100% and while he is gone two capable starters will be present on the roster to keep the safety position secure. Besides, the work Zbikowski and Hamlin put in during Training camp can only be for the better of both competitors and the team as a whole.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Nicki Minaj-Your Love (Official Video)



"Your Love" is the number one rap song in the country according to the Billboard charts but the official video is just starting to circulate. In the video, Nicki has a subtle sexiness not yet seen by her fans in other videos. The wigs are still there but she is wearing more clothing. Her love culminates in a fight with another woman over her male interest. Watch and see what happens.

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Fat Joe- I'm Gone




DJ Premier knows how to bring the best out of Fat Joe, may be the only one who can these days. "I'm Gone" is a somber tune half of which is a tribute to the fallen soldiers on the hip hop battle field and half is a sh*t talking about his entrance into the game. Joe touches on something he hasn't approached lately, meaningful subject matter.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Jeezy- Jizzle featuring Lil Jon




"Jizzle" is the latest single from Jeezy's upcoming album. I probably wouldn't have said this six years ago but Lil Jon's voice is surprisingly refreshing. Young Jeezy is targeting the clubs with this one with a beat reminiscent of "Who Dat" on his last album The Recession. If it sounds too similar this can credited or blamed (depending on your perception) on longtime Jeezy producer Shawty Redd.

It's time for listeners to get ready for Jeezy once again. His latest addition to the Thug Motivation series, Thug Motivation 103, is set to be released on September 28. The album is shaping out to be Jeezy's most southern street record yet. If you just can't wait one more day to hear a full Jeezy project you can always check out his mixtape Trap or Die II.
 

J. Cole - Premeditated Murder

J. Cole - Premeditated Murder New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2010

J.Cole always come off as an ambitious man trying to get the most out the rap game. I see this exact trait in him on "Premeditated Murder". Cole is delivering his rhymes how he usually does, with precision and grace. Now as for his singing...

Yelawolf- Kickin (Official Video)



I was perusing through Youtube and I found some older Yelawolf material I hadn't heard yet. One of the songs was "Kickin" and I must say Wolf exudes originality and really shows his party side in this video. It's a little more commerical than alot of his other material like "Pop the Trunk" but still enjoyable and can be blasted from the trunk of your car.

The Ravens have to start the season built to win.

The Baltimore Ravens will have to start fast as they begin the season on the road versus 2010 playoff teams in the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals.

The Baltimore Ravens will open up the 2010 season of Monday Night Football against the New York Jets in the New Meadowlands. Let me note that the last time the Ravens opened the season with a nationally televised game was the 2007 season opener versus the Bengals. Despite a valiant fight, the Ravens lost and saw several key players like Steve Mcnair and Ed Reed get hurt and miss plays in the game. This game unleashed a horrific series of events that led to three different starting quarterbacks and a final season record of 5-11.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Teflon Don is available for full stream on myspace

Just as a full preview of Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty was available to fans on his Myspace a week before the album hit shelves, Teflon Don is on Rick Ross' Myspace right now a few days before its official release. Listen and decide if you want to invest in Ross' new project. The album will hit stores on July 20.

Rick Ross @ Myspace

Friday, July 16, 2010

Is anyone else ready for the new N.E.R.D album?

Pharrell, Chad and Shay have been touring nonstop since releasing their last album Seeing Sounds. While traveling the globe, they have sporadically previewed songs from their new album Nothing for audiences.  "Hot n Fun" featuring Nelly Furtado was given to listeners months ago but did not satisfy many's craving for the groups high energy eclectic sound. Here is a live performance of the song "Party People", a song expected to be on the album. Enjoy it. If you weren't really pay attention to what N.E.R.D has in store this fall, you probably will be after watching this performance.

Nothing is set to hit stores September 7.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Ravens are in the race but they have one "steed" to pass.

Yes, we know the Ravens have put together a nice looking team on paper so far. Many of the blaring holes have been given duct tape type fixes so they can last long enough to take the team to the big one. Veteran cornerbacks Walt Harris and Travis Fisher both signed one year deals so they could try to be the missing links of the Ravens defense. Speedy wide receiver Dante Stallworth signed a one year contract as well.

Derrick Mason a few months ago said that the Ravens have a "complete team" on paper. This week, Derrick Mason was chatting on radio station 105.7 The Fan and amidst his interview he proclaimed that the goals for the Ravens are extremely high and anything other than a Super Bowl is a disappointment.

I have no doubt the Ravens are capable of achieving this goal if they finish games in the fourth quarter and remain relatively healthy but there is still one intimidating obstruction I am not sure the Ravens can surpass,

Usher- There Goes My Baby (Official Video)



"There Goes My Baby", Usher's best smooth hit in a long time, is a song about the pride Usher has for his lady. The storyline-less video is undoubtedly arranged to cater to his female fans. Here Usher sings, occassionally shirtless, from different settings like on a mountain at sunset and standing against a stone wall. His love interest is repeatedly shown caressing his body throughout the video but most of the video is borderline PG rated until the end when he and the anonymous girl "get together" and "show their love" (I know the quotes are a little much but I think you get my drift). Overall the video doesn't make me enjoy the song anymore than I already do but it's worth watching at least once.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Chip Tha Ripper- No Slack



Cleveland representer Chip Tha Ripper released a mixtape on July 5 called Independence Day, you could probably guess how the title came about. The percussion filled "No Slack" is evidence of what Ripper is about, delivering boastful punchlines over solid beats. You can check out his Independence Day mixtape in full on datpiff.com or to just listen to "No Slack" watch the Youtube video above.

Trey Songz- Bottoms Up featuring Nicki Minaj (Prod. by Kane Beatz)

Trey Songz- Bottoms Up featuring Nicki Minaj

Trey Songz is ready to top the incredible success of his Ready album with this next project, Passion, Pain and Pleasure. The first single of the album is the vivacious soon-to-be club banger "Bottoms Up" featuring ubiquitous female rapper Nicki Minaj. Listen and see what you think.

What will Kelly Gregg's role be this year?

During the offseason the Ravens acquired three defensive linemen, Terrance Cody, Cory Redding and Arthur Jones two of whom were found in the draft. How will these acquisitions affect veteran Kelly Gregg's compacity to contribute this season?

These moves will have a considerable impact on the defensive line rotation including the amount of playing time Gregg will have. Redding and Jones fit more of the defensive end mold but let creativity prevail you may see them line up in a variety of spots Second rounder Cody will contribute at nose tackle this season if he remains in-shape and makes strides of improvement during training camp. Cody was renown in college as a run-stopper and will be able to clog some running lanes purely because of his shear size. If Cody can combine his physique with the proper technique, we may see just as much of Cody as we do Gregg by the end of the season.

Gregg has had an unheralded but solid career as a force on the Ravens' defensive line. He faced an injury setback two seasons ago when he was sidelined with a knee injury. Last year was his first year back from the injury and showed flashes of what we saw before he got hurt. The biggest issue for him is age. Most do not expect his knee injury to burden him in the 2010 season but some will be quick to blame his seasoned age if his performance disappoints. Gregg is currently 33 ,will be turning 34 during the season and is entering his 12th year in the league.

It's obvious that Cody was not drafted to warm the benches, he will get an early start and see a steady increase in his playing time if he performs well. Gregg is on the other side of this seesaw. The more Cody's role expands, the more Gregg's role will diminish. This change will not be immediate and Gregg will still have a large impact in the upcoming season but expect to see less and less of Gregg beyond the 2010 season.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Rick Ross continues to live the "Sweet Life" despite"Blowin' Money Fast"

Rick Ross- Blowin' Money Fast featuring Styles P. (Official Video) 



Rick Ross is finally getting more videos out to promote his upcoming album Teflon Don that's coming out next Tuesday. Here we see Ross hanging everywhere from the club to a caged in yard in the hood. There are cameos from the likes of Diddy (his manager) and Bun B. BMF is one of the most aggressive, grimy cuts on the Teflon Don. Watch above.

Rick Ross- Sweet Life featuring John Legend (Official Video)



This is the second video Legend and Ross have done together, the first being "Magnificient" on the Deeper Than Rap album. The white tiger is a semi-elegant touch to the video; it even matches the backdrop. Have you ever noticed that Legend never seems to know any of Ross' lyrics? Why did Ross change from those formal clothes to those ghetto clothes letting John Legend out dress him while vibing in the background? I do like how Diddy still managed to promote one of his products rather subliminally with the shameless Ciroc plug. Overall this video is calmer and more digestible than BMF. Together both videos create a spectra showing what Rick Ross is capable of.

Four of my favorite 2010 hip hop albums so far.

We are almost halfway through July and we have seen a variety of surprises, letdowns and predictions come to fruition. I have begun to look back and ask myself which hip hop albums released this year have I enjoyed the most? Below I listed my top four. My list is based upon more than just album sales and radio play; I also factored in how well the album met expectations and the level of creativity.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Rick Ross- Free Mason featuring Jay-Z and John Legend

Free Mason | XXLmag.com

"All the haters could do is put the devil on me"
Jay-Z

I think it's funny both that the Maybach music series and the Rick Ross/Jay-Z collabo are continuing even today but the two are not one in the same. This time the two join forces on a beat by " Tha Incredibles" to talk about two different things. Ross tries to loosely tie the amount of money he claims to have to the Free Mason theme and Jay-Z takes his gun out of the holster and fires shots at the haters who have deemed him a devil worshipper.  Good song but not great. The Jay-Z name brand should get this song some extra attention. John Legend's contribution improves what is already a solid sound.

Friday, July 9, 2010

MIMS- Hater you love me

MIMS- Haters You Love Me | XXLmag.com

My favorite one-hit wonder of last five years, MIMS is still working to make music his fanbase (regardless of how small) will appreciate. It is neither a club jam nor a though provoking track, MIMS is just thanking his fans for the support they have given him.

Nicki Minaj and Jeezy both releasing albums this year? Maybe

In the past week, both Jeezy and Nicki Minaj have announced their tentative album release dates. Jeezy's long awaited next chapter in the Thug Motivation saga, Thug Motivation 103, will supposedly hit stores on August 31. Nicki Minaj announced her untitled debut album should be on the shelves on November 23.

Honestly people these are just dates to reassure people that the rappers are actually still planning to release their projects they are not set in stone. Jeezy is, once again, in the midst of regaining the exposure he has acquired on and off throughout his career with his street single "Lost My Mind", a song that has been working the radio for months but will get more listens thanks to the remix featuring a verse from Drake. His next single will be "All White Everything". If this album misses next month's release date, which is a possible, expect it in the fall like the end of September or October.

Nicki Minaj I am less certain about. In order for Minaj's debut to really have an impact and get into the hands of both dedicated and casual fans, she has to release more acclaimed singles. "Your Love" just jumped to the top of the rap charts but these days the most successful debut albums are fueled by at least two popular singles. Unfortunately "Massive Attack" was a little too far out of the box for folks so she to generate another hit and come up with an album title before anyone can really get to excited about a complete album from her. Expect this album to come out either in December or early 2011.

Expect to see both albums pushed back, Nicki Minaj's pushed further back than Jeezy's.

Rick Ross- Maybach Music III featuring T.I, Jadakiss and Erykah Badu

The latest addition to the Maybach Music saga opens with T.I telling us about how the haters respond when he pulls up in his Maybach. Maybach Music III is the work of art where Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Erykah Badu and the rapper mentioned above come together over a J.U.S.T.I.C.E League instrumental to give us a collaboration of epic proportions. Badu adds a pleasant voice to the chorus that helps balances out some of the aggressive lyrics with the string-laden beat.

A video is coming soon and Erykah Badu is directing the cut. Keep an eye out for that. That should go along way for the promotion of his new album, Teflon Don.

Below is the song, listen.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Which of the Ravens' rookies is most likely to make an impact?

In the 2010 draft, the Ravens selected seven talented players to join the team and use their talents to make the squad even better. Each new young player is talented in their own unique way but which will have the biggest impact during their rookies season?

Answer: "Ed Pitta". That's right I fused together second round pick Ed Dickson with third round pick Dennis Pitta to form a super talented tight end capable of being a good blocker, using his above average speed to zip pass linebackers, considerable size to leap over defensive backs and remarkable route running skills to find slim openings in the middle of the field. The utilization of these two tight ends with or without Todd Heap on the field with them can be vital to the growth and development of Joe Flacco from a good quarterback into a reliable leader whom the team can depend upon in crucial 4th quarter situations.

I cannot think of too many elite quarterbacks that do not have a good tight end to turn to at critical times. Peyton Manning has Dallas Clark, Tony Romo has Jason Witten, Brett Favre has Visanthe Shiancoe, so on and so forth. Todd Heap is not washed up and can still be a presence over the middle for Flacco but is most effective when healthy. The lack of backup tight ends last year began to show as Heap suffered from more wear and tear injuries as the season progressed. Letting Heap come off the field every now and then without relinquishing a good receiver at the tight end position is what Flacco needs.

Which of the two tight ends will get more playing time this season? We don't know yet. If one jumps ahead of the other for playing time, it will happen during training camp. If neither is considered steps ahead of the other, Cam Cameron may just rotate the two in-and-out in variety of creative ways. One thing is for sure, both of these men will have an impact on the offense this upcoming season if they are physically prepared (meaning in shape and without injury).

Rick Ross' Teflon Don is on its way.

On July 20, 2010 Rick Ross will release the album named after his self-proclaimed nickname "Teflon Don". Songs like Aston Martin Music and Live Fast and Die Young have already been leaked and those cuts sound superb. Thanks to the release of "The Albert Anastasia EP", the world has already heard Styles P. assisted B.M.F and MC Hammer (without Gucci Mane). This album is sounding like one of his best yet, yes better than Trilla.

The only issue is we are two weeks away from the release and Ross has no songs or videos in regular rotation on the radio or on television. How is the mainstream audience supposed to know Ross is ready to comes out?

They don't. None of Ross' videos are getting rotation comparable to the music video for Trilla
s lead single "The Boss" featuring T-Pain. In fact I project the album sales to be lower than any of his others in turn activating a domino effect on his career that may include him leaving Def Jam. He does not have a dedicated fan base that will buy 200,000 copies of his album in the first week if the album is not promoted correctly. Let me step back, I may be getting ahead of myself. Right now we are still waiting on the official release so let's take a look at the tracklist:

1. I’m Not A Star

2. Free Mason f. Jay-Z

3. Tears Of Joy f. Cee-Lo

4. Maybach Music III f. T.I., Jadakiss & Erykah Badu

5. Live Fast, Die Young f. Kanye West

6. Super High f. Ne-Yo

7. No. 1 f. Trey Songz & Diddy

8. MC Hammer f. Gucci Mane

9. B.M.F. (Blowin’ Money Fast) f. Styles P

10. Aston Martin Music f. Drake & Chrisette Michele

11. All The Money In The World f. Raphael Saadiq

That's right 14 features on just 11 tracks. This does not comes as a surprise to me because Rick Ross has always found ways to collaborate with the most popular of the time. This explains features from the likes of Drake and Gucci Mane. The final products he and Jay-Z came up with on the Trilla album, the original Maybach Music, sounded very lavished and polished and standout amongst the other tracks on the album. I expect "Free Mason" to be that type of song and anything less would be a disappointment. The most intriguing feature is the appearance of Raphael Saadiq on the final track. I have not heard it yet but this is a new collabo for him so expect a soul sound we have yet to hear from the Teflon Don.

I will keep you posted on the new material we hear

Reflection Eternal- Ballad of the Black Gold (Official Video)



Talib Kweli's song about oil drilling in Africa becomes a tasteful video thanks to a fan who felt inspired to shoot some footage to go with the song. It is truely a work of art. Watch here.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Reflection Eternal- Strangers featuring Bun B. (Official Video)



A grimy video for one of the best cuts off of the Revolutions Per Minute. Talib Kweli, Hi-Tek and Bun B. carefully roam the streets and stand on the corner warning you not to talk to strangers.
This is not the only visual for songs on this album. A fan made video for "Ballad of the Black Gold" has also been adopted by the label and is moving around the internet and gaining acclaim from critics and fans alike. Check back in soon for that video.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Rick Ross- Aston Martin Music featuring Drake and Chrisette Michele

Rick Ross f. Drake & Chrisette Michele - Aston Martin Music [Prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League] | New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2010

Ross seems to think it's his place to make songs for top of the line luxury cars. For some reason they turn out to be his best material.

Drake was used in an unusual but welcome way. He did not drop 16 bars for a verse, he was used for the chorus. I would have liked to hear more of his voice and it seems that Ross just wanted to throw Drake's name and voice on the song so people would pay more attention but his contribution doesn't take away from the final product. Chrisette Michele sounded as good as ever providing a sweet touch to an already smooth instrumental composed by J.U S.T.I.C.E League. I am seriously liking the material that has been leaked so far. Teflon Don is shaping up to be Ross' finest (and that's saying something)

Asher Roth- Toni Braxton (Official Video)



Here is another animated video for a Asher Roth song very similar to what we saw for "Lark on my Go Kart", intro track on Roth's debut album. Once you get pass the first 50 seconds of cuts and scratches you get to indulge in Roth's playful rhyming skills. Prepare for a laugh or two to burst out of your mouth while you watch, the video is just silly.

Don't underestimate the Steelers. They're better than you think

I tuned into NFL Live a few days ago and heard one of the reporters, who's name will remain unspoken, completely dog the Pittsburgh Steelers. This made me realize that the team I consider the runner up for "America's Team" has already been written before training camp has even started. There is no way the Steelers are a six win team and I show you a few reasons why.

We know the Ravens' biggest rival has taken a few crucial roster hits on the offensive side. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's suspension, Willie Colon's injury and the Santonio Holmes trade will create a serious handicap for the offense. Three of the best players on that side of the field in the 2009 season will not be on the field for a significant part if not the whole season. The Steelers are going to have a hard time replacing Colon for the season and Roethlisberger's 4th quarter magic is virtually irreplaceable but replacing Holmes with second year wide receiver Mike Wallace is sensible and eminent especially if a coach is judging his ability to make plays by how he performed last season. He showed the quickness and playmaking ability that is necessary to become another piece to a passing game that already features Hines Ward and Heath Miller.

Beyond those setbacks, the Steelers are looking just as strong if not stronger than they were last season particularly on the defensive side. The almighty Troy Polomalu is returning from an injury. Yes Ravens fans, I am sorry to disappoint you but the dream killer of the 2009 AFC Championship game can be expected to return in full form and uplift a Steelers secondary that was at times last season uncharacteristically caught off guard.  His return in addition to the constantly disruptive pass rush mostly drawn up by Dick Lebeau and brought about by linebackers James Harrison and Lamarr Wooodley will be responsible for this defense returning to its dominant form.

Do you remember week 12 of the 2009 season when the Ravens played the Steelers on Monday Night Football? Running back Willie Parker was of little impact, Roethlisberger and Troy Polomalu were holding down the sidelines and Dennis Dixon was the starting quarterback. Well what was the result of that game? Flacco was still sacked four times and the game became a serious overtime thriller even though everyone was expecting the Ravens to blow out that Steelers team.

The lesson here is we cannot underestimate any team in the NFL regardless of how bad they look on paper especially not the Steelers. Time and time again Ravens and Steelers teams that look unevenly matched have squared up on the field and left fans on the edge of their seats clueless as to who the victor will be. We can expect this again this season as long as both team carry the reputation as hard hitting don't bend don't break groups.

Beyonce painting done on an iPad!

There is a screenshot going around the internet of a Beyonce painting done exclusively on an iPad. This amazing picture was done by a U.K artist named Kyle Lambert. Above is the featured painting. Amazing isn't it?

Monday, July 5, 2010

You want Ravens football, I know! Just give it a few more weeks.

That's right folks, it's July which means we only have a few more weeks until training camp starts in Westminster, MD on July 27.

In the meantime, the players are on vacation and the organization is still working on signing rookies and evaluating ways to make the team better. There are just two more rookies,second round picks Sergio Kindle and Terrance Cody, working on deals before training camp in an attempt to avoid a holdout. Both players have assured that they do not want their contract situations to come to the extreme that is a holdout.

Lil' Wayne feat. Gucci Mane- Steady Mobbin (Official Video)



Lil Wayne and Gucci Mane add a visual for the song that has hit the radio scene hard in the past few months. The video is like an episode of MTV Cribs. Lil Wayne is parading around a place called "The Carter", donning a red shirt that reads @liltunechi (his twitter profile name), rapping, pointing at things, flicking ashes in his grammy and riding an elevator. Its pretty nonsensical but Wayne fans are force feeding themselves with any new material they can get even if it is a halfa**ed video shot months ago.

Gucci Mane is also seen in the video but does nothing worth mentioning (can you smell my apathy for Gucci Mane)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Nicki Minaj tops the rap charts for the first time as a single artist

Nicki Minaj's urge for that special man's love has led to her song "Your Love" topping the Billboard Rap Charts this week. Minaj combines some auto-tune singing (ugh I know) and her trademark rap style to create a tune fans across the nation appreciate.

Minaj is the first female rapper to top the rap charts since Lil' Kim joined forces with 50 Cent to drop "Magic Stick". Congratulations to Nicki on her success, the whole barbie fad she popularized is really starting to pay off for her in the record books. She replaced labelmate Drake at the top of the list.


T.I keeps it coming. Wants to know if you "hear" him.



Another solid track from T.I's upcoming album, "Ya Hear Me", hits the internet. He comes at the track with an aggression that has become a norm for him. It is a nice addition to an album that already seems to be shaping into something epic. Listen above

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Kanye West- Live fast and Die young

Rick Ross f. Kanye West - Live Fast, Die Young | New Hip Hop Music & All The New Rap Songs 2010

Coincidentally West and Ross have a common topic they often rap about, living fast and dying young. Both rappers' music almost always have a materialistic theme but here they expand upon that theme and let their raps mend with the beat and the sung chorus.

I may stand alone on this notion but hearing these two work together comes as a pleasant surprise to me. Kanye West always seems to bring out the best in Rick Ross as if they are battling especially when they going toe-to-toe on a song like this. Needless to say, I am fan of this track but don't expect anything as monumental as "Power". This song has a different vibe.

This track will be found on Rick Ross' upcoming album "Teflon Don".

Click link above to listen.

Big Boi- Follow Us featuring Vonnegutt



Big Boi and his singing conrad Vonnegutt rocks shows and ride in a nice ride in this video for "Follow Us", track off of Big Boi's Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The song sounds like the rappers attempt at a pop record but it fails to match the magic some of the other songs on the album do. The standards for Big Boi were set high when Shutterbugg and Fo' My Sorrows hit the web so this song not faring well in comparison to other songs on the album is not necessarily a bad thing.

Don't forget you can listen to his whole album track by track on myspace.com/bigboi