The Roots = Beatdowns In Holland

?uesto's video blog of The Roots' current European tour has been pretty entertaining. This is a great story as told by Kamaal. The Roots get thuggish ruggish in Amsterdam!

The Saga Continues...

Ghostface releases are always an event to me. Most anticipated is an understatement.

Don't let me down Starks!

Nobody's Smiling

Some folks don't have much good to say about Jay-Z's comeback album. I've only given it the once over and need to give it a couple more listens before calling it a flop (which at first listen, it is).

What I don't like:

- the whispering bullshit he does throughout some tracks.

- the Neptunes produced "Anything". Bad, bad idea. Conceptually,
stylistically, lyrically, sonically... Just bad all around.

-one too many half assed Dr. Dre tracks (save "Lost One").

Alltogether, a very uneventful comeback. Like MJ with the Wizards.

What I do like:

- The three leaks.

The Good Dr.

"My Man's Gone Now" (DJ Wally Remix) - Nina Simone

(From the compilation Nina Simone: Remixed and Reimagined)

Not since "Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter" have I been so blown away by a Nina Simone track. Excellent remix.

The Game - Doctor's Advocate

I like it.

"Compton" - (Produced by Will. I. Am): The best track.

"Why You Hate The Game" feat. Nas - (Produced by Just Blaze): Nas kills it. Marsha's cool. The Game is, eh. The track is good and could be better if not for clocking in at an unnecessary 9+ minutes.

Scott Storch does very believable Dr. Dre imitations on "Let's Ride" and "Too Much". As a matter of fact, I don't remember hearing imitations this good. "Too Much" is one of the gulliest tracks on this album...AND what's a west coast anthem without a requisite Nate Dogg on the hook?

I began counting how many times Game name drops on this album and lost count. I actually lost count with number of times Dre's name is uttered. But tireless name-dropping aside, this albums quite good. Lyrically, he's still compelling enough to listen to and from time to time he really shines. Unfortunately, he kept the sagging title track on the album where he just sounds like a little bitch. I would recommend that you give it a listen but I wouldn't put you through that. Really, it's pitiful. I only gave it a complete listen on principal because I listen to albums all the way through without FF if I'm gonna put it on blast.

Hovi Baby

So far three tracks from Kingdom Come have been leaked.

"Show Me What You Got" - (Produced by Just Blaze): A lot of people say it's weak but I think it's hot. Great lead single cause it's packed with some good energy.

"Kingdom Come" - (Produced by Just Blaze): I never (never, never) thought anyone would sample Rick James' "Super Freak" ever (ever, ever) again after MC Hammer. However, Just Blaze freaks the shit out of it and creates a monster.

"Lost Ones" - (Produced by Dr. Dre): My favorite leak from the new album. It just works. The beat is a heavy, minimalist track that you'd expect from Dre. Jay gets introspective on this one and weaves through this track effortlessly, touching on some personal subjects. Add Marsha Ambrosius from Floetry on the hook and there you go.

Here, listen for yourself.
...& Kingdom Come.

Ghostface & Raekwon - Apollo Kids

The Wallaby Champ in his best video.

GZA - Knock, Knock

Wu-Tang forms like Voltron and he's the head.

1 Thing

Heather B - All Glocks Down

Back when BET's Rap City used play Hip-Hop videos...
The track by Kenny Parker is the best he ever did. And that's including his work with BDP.