Videos: Common 'Universal Mind Control'

WUDDUP CYBOYZ AND CYBERGIRLS, IT'S YA BOI KB reporting live from the hill and i got a video for you. The original video for Common's song 'Universal Mind Control' has leaked and hit the interweb... and honestly i think this video better represents the song and the album than whatever the hell else he pushed on the masses... now i don't wanna be that guy and tell you my opinion and pretend it's fact. so here's what imma do. i'll give you both visuals and you tell me which one you like... [i say the unreleased one... and if he had gone with that, his ass would be on the radio today...] peep the vids and hit me with ya thoughts

UNRELEASED:


THE ORIGINAL: [CLICK HERE BECAUSE THEY WONT ALLOW ME TO EMBED IT...]

AIIGHT... DEUCES

YA BOI .:KB:.

Around The Way: Sweden

Hello from Sweden! So recently a friend from back home put me onto this talented Swedish artist by the name of Robyn who has been out for a few years but hasn't really, in my opinion, receive the love she deserves from the States. I can't lie, I am HOOKED! Honestly, when I first saw the video to "Handle Me" I had 2 questions: Is that a woman and is she on crack? What I admire about her is the way in which she colors outside of the lines of sanity. Seriously, after watching her videos, ESPECIALLY "Konichiwa Bitches", you are going to either lover her or hate her. Regardless of the side you're on you'll have to agree that this woman is definitely in a league of her own.

It's a simple fact That you can't seem to handle me
No matter how you act with them You can't handle me



One left, one right - thats how I organize 'em
You know I fill my cups no need to supersize em'

-Artemis J

New Music: Chris Brown 'TransformHer'

YOyoyo YA BOI KB IS BIZZACK... bringing you some new music...eh... Chris Brown has debuted his 'smooth' new song “I Can Transform Ya,” featuring dirty ass annoying ass Lil Wayne and produced by Swizz Beatz [who is rumored to be getting it on with my girl Alica Keys].

“I Can Transform Ya” is the lead single from his upcoming album, Graffiti. It’s also the first official song to be released after his altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna [who seems to be doing just fine while Chris be pickin up trash on the highways].

ANYWHOO... here is the track [which kinda sounds like even whacker Beyonce's 'UPGRADE YOU' but whatevs]

CHRIS BROWN - TRANSFORMER

WELP... thats all i got. DEUCES

YA BOI .:KB:.

New Video: XV 'Fall Out The Sky'

YOyoyo what's good cyboys and cybergirls it's ya boi KB reporting live from tha HILL. Today i got that new XV video for that ass. Over the summer Vizzy released the EVERYBODY'S NOBODY mixtape. It was a success i am guessing, since dude was on hot 97 and has videos and what not. Anywhoo, i am guessing FALL OUT THE SKY is going to be the next single [was there a first one?!?]. The trailers for the video have been floating around on the interweb for the illest minuet and there was no sign of the final product. Welp, here it is. Im not gonna talk about what i thought about the video, but i would like it if you did. leave comments MUTHAFATHERS!!



that's all i got for now. This was ya boi KB... over and outtie

YA BOI .:KB:.

Juelz Santana - Harlem (Forever)

It's a ya' boy Grandmaster Benji and I'm here to always fill you in on some new tracks. Your girl Lady Trace-Y hit me up this morning with a single that's pretty much my anthem right now. Juelz Santana spits over Drake's Forever and goes in! Tobb Cobain, who's also part of Juelz' Skull Gang, is featured on the chorus. I mean the track is essentially made up of: Harlem, Juelz, Drake! Enough said...

First name Forever, last name Harlem//
Rucker Park flow, let em know don't guard emmmmmm.
How could you compare those, motherf**king weirdos//
to a n*ggah like me, when they swagger is on zeroooo.

Download here. [Juelz Santana ft Tobb Cobain - Harlem]

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

Drake - Money to Blow Music Video

You already who's here filling you in on the new Drake. It's ya' boy Grandmaster Benji. I woke up a bit late this Saturday but still arrived early enough to provide you with this Blue Vinyl exclusive. "Money to Blow" is Birdman's new music video featuring Drake and Lil Wayne. Enjoy!



Well, I'm not done yet. Billboard.com announced some news to satiate the thirst and hunger for those who are awaiting Drake's greatly anticipated debut album "Thank Me Later." It appears that "the Dream" will be featured on the album's first official single "Shut it Down."

The song came about when Omen teamed up with Drake’s longtime musical collaborator, 40, and together they came up with the production. “I was working on some drum patterns and 40 had the melody going. 40 is very skilled and has a crazy ear for obscure sounds and chords,” says Omen. “It took us the whole night to come up with the track, but we finished it and played it for Drake the next day, who already had the song’s concept.”

The idea for the track, which Omen describes as a “Prince-like, powerful song,” is about “empowering females. Drake said he had a song idea called ‘Shut It Down’ aimed at club-going females. When they go out and they get dressed up and put their makeup on and get their hair done, they have the capacity to shut the club down,” Omen recalls.

The-Dream eventually got on the track; as of now, he has a verse and appears on the last two choruses and on the bridge.

Although there aren't many details known about "Thank Me Later", Omen has referred to the album as ‘”So Far Gone” on steroids’. You already know what that means.

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

Drake - Forever Music Video

Yo. yo. It's your boy Grandmaster Benji giving you the latest on my boy Drizzy. I know you have all seen the constant posts regarding the song "Forever" and the hype behind the movie "More than a Game." Hype Williams has now directed a music video for the monster track. The song will be featured on both the movie's soundtrack and Drake's debut album "Thank Me Later". You hear and see it first on Blue Vinyl.

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

Lupe Fiasco Previews New Track x "He Say, She Say" LIVE in NYC

i know we only hear like 15 seconds of it.... but can't wait till it leaks =)

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

Valentines Day & Law Abiding Citizen Trailers

Remember back in the day when Jamie Foxx used to act, instead of all this silly singing nonsense he does now? Well... looks like he put the autotune away and picked up some scripts. he's in a few upcoming movies...

Valentines Day



well... i have to say, i've never been more apathetic towards a movie. This seems like the movie where once highly demanded movie stars go for their careers to die...

and i don't know how i feel that they waited a whole minute and a half into the trailer to let us hear the only black character speak.

Law Abiding Citizen

This movie actually seems interesting...



I have an obsession with court room dramas and action movies so... i'll probably make the trip to see this. (knowing my dislike for spending money, i may wait for it to get on bootlegg... just being real...) But we have till 2010 to wait for it to hit theaters nationwide. However, it's going to premiere next week during the 13th Annual Urbanworld Film Festival in New York, as the festival’s opening night film. What the hell is the Urbanworld Film Festival and why have i not heard of it until now?!?!

i wonder if Blue Vinyl can get a press pass...

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

Article courtesy of Hip Hop DX. I just hope the Hip Hop awards isn't nearly as ignorant as the regular BET awards show was... lawd i just hope no one throws a chair...


Mike Epps will host this year's BET Hip Hop Awards show, which will take place in Atlanta next month, honoring artists and producers who've contributed most to the Hip Hop genre in the past year. Kanye West received the most nominations, with a whopping nine nods including a recognition for best lyricist, and 808s and Heartbreak look for CD of the Year. Jay-Z and Lil Wayne trail close behind with seven nominations including those for Track of the Year and rap's MVP. Drake, Wale, and Kid Cudi will go head to head for the Rookie of the Year honor while Eminem's Relapse vies for best album.

Ice Cube will also be honored with the "I Am Hip Hop" icon award for his contributions to Hip Hop, and for his work outside of music including film and philanthropy. He will join Grandmaster Flash, KRS-One, and Russell Simmons as the fourth recipient of the award.

In addition to the mentioned awards, BET will introduce two new accolades. The "Made-You-Look" award will go to the rapper with a knack for trendsetting, and the "Best Hip Hop Blog Site" will be given to the most up-to-date Hip Hop Blog. BET's Hip Hop Awards '09 will broadcast on Oct. 27, at 8 P.M. ET. Nominees in each category are listed below


Best Hip-Hop Collabo
Jim Jones & Ron Browz f/ Juelz Santana – Pop Champagne
Lil Wayne f/ Bobby Valentino – Mrs. Officer
Rick Ross f/ John Legend – Magnificent
T.I. f/ Rihanna – Live Your Life
Young Jeezy f/ Kanye West – Put On

Best Live Performer
Busta Rhymes
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Kanye West

Lyricist of the Year
Drake
Eminem
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
Kanye West

Video Director of the Year
Gil Green
Anthony Mandler
Mr. Boomtown
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

Producer of the Year
Ron Browz
Cool & Dre
Tha Bizness
T-Pain
Kanye West

Track of the Year
Day “N” Nite – Kid Cudi
D.O.A. (Death of Auto Tune) – Jay-Z
Every Girl – Young Money (Lil Wayne, Drake, Jae Mills, Gudda Gudda & Mack Maine)
Live Your Life – T.I. f/ Rihanna
Turn My Swag On – Soulja Boy Tell’em

CD of the Year
Eminem – Relapse
Q-Tip – The Renaissance
T.I. – Paper Trail
Kanye West – 808's & Heartbreak
Young Jeezy – The Recession

Rookie of the Year
B.O.B.
Dorrough
Drake
Kid Cudi
Wale

Best Hip-Hop Video
Dorrough – Ice Cream Paint Job
Eminem – We Made You
Jay-Z – D.O.A. (Death of Auto Tune)
Kid Cudi – Day “N” Nite
T.I. f/ Rihanna – Live Your Life

MVP of the Year
Drake
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
T.I.
Kanye West

DJ of the Year
DJ AM
DJ Drama
DJ Khaled
DJ Tony Neal
DJ Greg Street

Hustler of the Year
Diddy
Drake
Jay-Z
Lil Wayne
Kanye West

Made-You-Look Award (Best Hip-Hop Style)
Jay-Z
Kid Cudi
Lil Wayne
Soulja Boy Tell’em
Kanye West

Best Hip-Hop Blog Site
All Hip Hop
Nah Right
SOHH
This Is 50
World Star Hip Hop

People’s Champ (Viewers Choice)
Dorrough – Ice Cream Paint Job
Fabolous f/ The-Dream – Throw It In The Bag
Kid Cudi – Day “N” Nite
Soulja Boy Tell’em – Turn My Swag On
Kanye West f/ Young Jeezy – Amazing

KiD CuDi - Cuditastic (Freestyle)

Some of us at Blue Vinyl are REALLY into Kid Cudi...

[Rosenberg got Cudder to rhyme on Dilla beats.]

go ahead, click the link, download Cuditastic Freestyle

i think it's okay... i just find it funny that 99.5% of his songs on the album related to weed smokin... and he somehow finds a way to mention it in the freestyle. that's consistency!

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

Drake Interview w/Big Tigger from DJ Heat

Drake Interview w/Big Tigger from DJ Heat on Vimeo.

for all you Drake Fiends (cough benji buttons cough)...


Drake calls in to Big Tigger’s show on DC’s WPGC 95.5 to talk about his new EP release, recent surgery, pressure, and more.

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

New Music: Alicia Keys ''Doesn't Mean Anything''

YOyoyo its ya boi KB reproting live from HAMILTON COLLEGE and i got some new music for all my cybois and cybergirls out there. my future partner with whom i practice procreation with has released a new song. I'm talking about the beautiful Alica Keys and her new track ''Doesn't Mean Anything''. I knew she was making a comeback when i heard her on HOV's new track and i almost started pulling hair out when a snippet of this track leaked this morning. But thanks to my girl Divinely Fierce and the people at concreteloop.com we got a good link for ya'll to get a copy of this jam. it reminds me of NO ONE off her last album which was the soundtrack of my life last winter. but enough talk, time to check it out ya self.

ALICIA KEYS- DOENS'T MEAN ANYTHING

welp that is all. back to homework homies. for now its a boi KB signing off. Ova and outtie.

Ya Boi .:KB:.

More Than A Game

You might remember that album art from a post about Drake's collaboration with several other artists for the single titled "Forever." Like I said previously, the collaboration was made for the upcoming movie "More Than a Game." The movie's trailer can be found below. I don't know. Maybe it's because I'm from Harlem but the trailer got me hype.

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

KiD CuDi Performance

Yo yo. It's your boy Grandmaster Master Benji giving you some inside on Kid Cudi. I was recently bumping his newest and upcoming album "Man on the Moon: End of Day" and I have to say, it's some good stuff. Stay tuned for an album review in the next days. He performed on of his tracks, a personal favorite, "Pursuit of Happiness" on David Letterman's late night show.

Download Man on the Moon here.

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

HERE WE GO AGAIN...

So, most of you may recall when Kanye threw a tantrum at the American Music Awards in 2004 for not winning the award for Best New Artist (apparently he had to be cooled off by Ms. Alicia Keys backstage). Then you recall 'Ye taking shots at the president following Hurricane Katrina letting the country know, "George Bush does not care about black people." Well, just when you thought Kanye couldn't outdue himself in public outbursts, this year's VMA's rolled around the corner. The vid speaks for itself...




I wonder if this incident might be a topic for his next album... 808's and Mistake?

welp... here he goes... apologizin and being crazy and shit... this is live from the blogger's mouth himself. peep the image...

















had to go back & add this picture.... RIP Patric Swayze... but... the situation begged for this image to be created... [click to enlarge if you have to]


oh lawd....

-A.T.M.

The Connect.

Yoyoyo flybois and cybergirls, it's ya boi KB bringin' you THE CONNECT ...WHAT IS THAT?!? welp that is where we here at BVR hook you up with that free good ish...or maybe you wont like it. who knows. but we promised you free things and have been slacking... so here you go.

First Up is Mr. Solo Dolo himself; Kid Cudi. hos album 'MAN ON THE MOON: END OF DAY'...i know u know 'DAY N NITE' so dont act all brand new...

[click on the album art for THE CONNECT]

along with that, here are some visuals from the underground buzz single 'MAKE HER SAY' featuring Mr. West and Common.



Second up is ya boi HOV who some say need to throw the towel in... i wouldnt go that far. we gave u an album review but never hooked u up with that product. so here you go with that BLUEPRINT 3...




















and...here are some visuals too for that song i CANT STAND!!!...'RUN THIS TOWN' featuring...wow again?!? Mr. West and our favorite abused Bajan...



welp... that is all for now. BRING YO ASS BACK LATER?!?! k?

deuces.

YA BOI .:KB:.

11 Most Embarrassing Moments in Hip-Hop History

Ran across this on about.com, credits go to some guy named "Henry Adaso"

Rappers, like everyone else, have some dark, embarrassing secrets that they hope would remain just that - secrets. The difference between us and them is that public figures don't have the privilege of being able to deal with embarrassing moments in private like the rest of us. But Ross isn't the only rapper who's had to lick his wounds in public. Here's a rundown of 11 most embarrassing exposures in hip-hop history.

11. Alfamega Publicly Dismissed from T.I.'s Label

Alfamega was originally a member of T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records. This changed after the ever reliable Smoking Gun website outed him as a former DEA informant, a no-no in many hip-hop circles. Consequently, T.I. publicly dismissed 'Mega from Grand Hustle via a radio interview. Ouch! Following the public showdown, Alfamega consistently tried to dismiss the rumor. Still, that wasn't enough to save his career in a culture that generally frowns on "snitching.

10. Akon or Con Man?

Akon always touted his past reputation as the ring leader of a notorious car theft clique. He claims to have been locked up for 3^1/2 years. He even rode his way to fame on the strength of a catchy single titled "Locked Up," in which 'Kon gave a supposedly autobiographical account of prison desolation. In fact, Akon was so obsessed with his felonious past that he named his label Konvict Music. That sound you hear at the beginning of every song he produces? That's the sound of a clanking cell door.

A Smoking Gun investigation would later revealed some inconsistencies between his account and the real deal. Sure, Akon was arrested several times, but the man who titled his sophomore LP Konvicted has never served jail time.

9. Dr. Dre in Pumps and Mascara

Photo © Michael Buckner/Getty Images

At the height of the Eazy-E vs Dr. Dre beef in 1992, the feuding friends traded insults non-stop. Just when it appeared as if Dre had sealed the deal with "Dre's Day," Eazy-E rebounded with "Real Muthaf-ckin' Gs." Eazy-E attacked Dre and Snoop, dubbing them studio gangsters who had never really witnessed the harsh realities of the "hood," but that wasn't the highlight. He devoted plenty of airtime to Dre's past as a member of the electro-pop group World Class Wrecking Cru' saying that he dressed in drag outfit while in the group. "Damn it’s a trip how a n-gga can go so quick from wearing lipstick to smoking on chronic at picnics," he rapped. Eazy also threw in a promo pic of Dre from 1986 dressed in pumps and mascara to boot.

8. Eve's Dirty Secret

Ma$e once ran into Eve at a strip club years before she became famous, but he never mentioned it to anyone. Some internet jerk who stumbled upon pictures of Eve from her stripping days, however, wasn't so nice. In 2003, just as Eve was in the middle of revamping her image as an artist and aspiring actress, unflattering pics of her in full-on stripper outfit surfaced on the web to the amusement of many. Some of the photos showed the Ruff Ryders' first lady in a compromising position with another female. She later denied being a lesbian, saying that the other lady had been Photoshopped onto the original picture. Well, there was nothing doctored about the sex tape that turned up a couple years after the stripper saga.

7. Eminem's N-Bomb Fiasco

© Interscope

In a desperate attempt to paint Eminem as a racist, The Source founders Benzino and Dave Mays emerged with a tape that caught a 17-year old Marshall Mathers using the N-word. On one of the songs from the 1988 tape, an amateurish Eminem spewed hateful venom at black women: "All the girls I like to bone have big butts/No they don't, 'cause I don't like that nigger shit/I'm just here to make a bigger hit."

Eminem later explained that he wrote the song out of anger, having gone through a nasty break-up with his black girlfriend. He apologized and took the time to detail the entire saga on "Yellow Brick Road," one of his best songs ever.

6. Young Buck's Emotional Breakdown

© Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

Before he was unceremoniously dismissed from 50 Cent's G-Unit crew, Young Buck spent plenty of time airing the group's dirty laundry. In various interviews, the Tennessee rapper claimed 50 owed him some royalties and that he was getting screwed in his deal. To stir up buzz for G-Unit's T.O.S. album, 50 unleashed an old phone conversation with Buck to the web. Throughout the call, Young Buck mentioned that he owes 50 some money while telling his boss about his own financial plight. At some point, he broke down over his dismissal from the Unit, "Sh*t got me confused, man," he said repeatedly. To which 50 Cent coyly replied, "You'll be alright, don't worry about it."

5. The Source's Fall from Glory

When pioneering hip-hop magazine The Source went bankrupt, the last explanation its Board of Directors expected to hear was, "Um...sorry, Dave and I spent all the money on weed and bling bling." Like a 7-headed dragon, their problems multiplied and attacked from various angles. A Manhattan lithographer sued for $30,000. A 5th Ave. jeweler petitioned for a $36,000 dent. The magazine's travel agent was owed $142,000. Former Editor-in-Chief Kim Osorio filed a sexual harassment lawsuit. Osorio's description of The Source work environment sounded like something straight out of a movie: a "raunched-out workplace where executives watched porn, smoked pot and called female employees b*tches."

4. Lies, Lies, Baby

© Rob Van Winkle/Getty Images

For a while in 1990 or thereabout, everyone on the planet was combing through Vanilla Ice's past to see they could find any discrepancies in his stories. Ice repeatedly told the media that he had been raised in the mean streets of Miami. Adding salt to injury, Ice gave 3 different accounts of an incident, in which he claimed he was stabbed 5 times and lost half of his blood. It was later discovered that the tough-talking Ice wasn't raised in the streets. Robert van Winkle actually spent the better part of his teen life in an affluent Dallas suburb. His stories about attending an all-black Florida high school and living a rugged life of crime were revealed to be tall tales

3. Officer Rick Ross' C.O. Photos

© Henry Adaso/About.com

Rick Ross modeled his rap persona after the infamous drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross. In reality, Ross' past most resembles that of the men who cuff drug dealers than a kingpin. When photos of a young Rick Ross in prison guard uniform turned up on the web, he consistently denied the reports. Ross insisted that it was a doctored image aimed at assassinating his character. Pile of documents from the Florida State Department of Corrections later showed that Rick Ross had, in fact, worked as a Corrections Officer, forcing the Miami rap star to finally admit to his noble past. "In the game we in, it's real competitive," Ross later explained. "Competitors have to do what they have to do to eat."

2. Nas and Jay Had Something in Common

Many theories exist on why Jay-Z and Nas found themselves embroiled in one of the most dramatic feuds in hip-hop history. Was Nas envious of Jay's commercial exploits? Was Jay dissing Nas' girlfriend on "Is That Your Chick"? Nas' ex-girl Carmen Bryan claims she's the unintentional brain behind the beef. Both MCs initially tried to conceal the fact that Carmen, who has a daughter with Nas, had anything to do with the feud. In her memoir, Bryan reveals intimate details of her romp with Jay-Z and how it impacted the beef. In the same vein, Jay-Z admitted to the affair on the scathing "Super Ugly" freestyle. Disgusted by her son's rhymes, Gloria Carter demanded that Jay apologize publicly to Nas and his family. He obliged.

1. Cam'ron's No Snitching Campaign

© Asylum Records

During a 2007 appearance on 60 Minutes to discuss the role of snitching in urban communities, Anderson Cooper asked Cam'ron what he'd do if he knew a murderer lived next door. Cam's response defied reasoning and ignored common sense: "If I knew a serial killer was living next door to me? I wouldn't call and tell anybody on him. But I'd probably move. I'm not going to call and be like, 'The serial killer's in 4E.'" Cam went on to say that snitching was in strict violation of his code of ethics and he would never condone it. After a Smoking Gun article unearthed document proving Cam's cooperation with authorities in 1997, he quickly found himself singing from a different hymn book. Cam apologized for his earlier statement.

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

KRS-ONE & Buckshot "Robot" Music Video

BLUE VINYL GETS EDUCATIONAL ON THAT ASS

Here at Blue Vinyl Radio... we're anti auto-tune. Like Lupe says:

Now if we autotune that shit
We can hear the songs from that opera groomed fat bitch
Tellin us not to pursue her, just to shoo her like a blacksmith
We're trapped, and moving round in circles like it's chap stick

which is why i think this video needs to get posted.


Sure, the song isn't something i'd "bump in the club" and the video isn't exactly new... but hey. better late than never?

listen. learn. love [underground music]

^ i just made that up... i'm proud of myself

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

Fear Drake Forever

Yo. It's your boy Grandmaster Benji giving you the inside on Drake. Approximately a week ago, a huge collaboration was made for the upcoming film "More than a Game." The track titled "Forever" features Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. It seems that copyrights have prohibited even Drake's own blog from leaking the downloads so a video will have to serve it justice for now.



Also, EP selections from the mixtape So Far Gone will be available in stores and iTunes September 15th. One of the selections was leaked today. "Fear" was produced by DJ Khalil.



Download here.

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

Mr. Hudson

Aye O Cass Ah NOOOOVVVAAAAAA!!! It's your favorite walking contradiction, Artemis J with another one of her famous random post. So it seems as though October is the month for music and midterms (don’t know about ya’ll but I have 3) and free candy from strangers that’s probably laced with heroine or morphine. Now by now we all know that Mr. Hudson’s debut solo album Straight No Chaser will be dropping early next month; I’m guessing the 6th. I don’t know about you but I can’t get enough of his pale British ass and can’t wait to “barrow” the album from some random stranger over the internet. Till then this video of “Supernova” off of his debut album will have to suffice. Like it. Love it. Live it. Or hate it. Do you. I’m out. PEACE EASY!

MR HUDSON [FEAT KANYE WEST] - SUPERNOVA from MrHudson on Vimeo.

[Artemis J]

BLUEPRINT 3 ALBUM REVIEW

What's good ya'll, it's ya boy ATM and I'm back wit a new album review for that ass. The highly-anticipated third edition of the Blueprint series by Jay-Z doesn't hit stores 'till the 11th but you know the good people at Blue Vinyl Radio got your back when it comes to that EXCLUSIVE ish. Before we get into it, here's a look at the video for the second single off the album, "Run This Town (feat. Rihanna and Kanye West)."



With the way things have been goin' in the game, it seems as if everyone is either tryin' to turn Hip-Hop back into the direction that it came from (Slaughterhouse, Eminem, Busta Rhymes, etc.) or tryin' to just run on the course that it is currently on (Lil' Wayne, Diddy, Jim Jones, etc.). If anyone was goin' to give you his perceptions of the current state (and possible demise) of Rap music, it had to be none other than Jay-Z. Many doubters have already anticipated his next release, anxious to see what he still has to offer after coming out of retirement to drop two LP's (and now his third). The self-proclaimed "Best Rapper Ever" (and critically-acclaimed "Best Rapper Alive") may no longer have anything to prove, but the question still remains to be asked: What does Jay-Z stll have to offer?

The disk starts off proper as Jigga hits you with a good combination of flow, style, swag, and musical energy. But things eventually go south as guest appearances by Young Jeezy and Swizz Beatz just don't make the cut against Jay's artistry. Even as the middle tracks leave you wanting something better from the Marcy vet, he still manages to squeeze in standouts like "Already Home" and "Hate" (featuring Kid-Cudi and Kanye West respectively). The album ends with a somber collaboration from new-comer Mr. Hudson but as a whole doesn't make the remarkable impact some may expect.

While Jay's first post-retirement album "Kingdom Come" came off as a disappointment and the second ("American Gangster") as possibly one of his best, "Blueprint 3" fits right in the middle. Jigga's latest add to the resume doesn't seem to give you the best he can possibly give but does display brief points where Hov is clearly goin' hard and giving you a reason to place him as one of Rap's premiere MC's.

Individual Track Review:
1. What We Talkin’ About (Feat. Lake Steele of Empire of the Sun)- Jigga kicks things off in his highly anticipated addition to the “Blueprint” series with an unexpected mid-tempo Electronica selection many people may recognize (lyrically). If you kept up with Jay-Z news this past summer, you’ll recall a “beef” he possibly instigated with The Game by placing him in the same bar as the names Dame Dash and Jim Jones. While the aforementioned verse definitely sounds more sensible over the instrumental, the track isn’t something you’d expect to get too hyped over.

2. Thank You- Here’s the Jigga Man people have been waiting to hear from. On a laid back, horn-filled selection, Hova takes the time to express the state of Hip-Hop and his perception of it. Punchlines come aplenty and the beat is satisfactory as well. Why was this track not the intro?

3. D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)- The lead single of Blueprint 3 continues to give you a taste of Jay-Z’s perception of the current stance rappers are taking in Hip-Hop. The horns and electric guitar give a ruthless, rugged appeal to Jay-Z’s flow but the lyrics just aren’t heavy enough to get his point fully across. While Hip-Hop nation undoubtedly took notice of Hov’s message (T-Pain, the Auto-Tune King, joined him on stage to perform this at Summer Jam), the release of such a single seemed to come at a coincidental time rather than acting as the reason why the use of Auto-Tune has actually declined.

4. Run This Town (Feat. Rihanna and Kanye West)- Here, Young Hov enlists the stardom of Rihanna and ‘Ye to gain a little more commercial attention for the LP. I found “Run This Town” a track that took getting used to; but the appeal of the cinematic snare and guitar in addition to the swagger Jay-Z applies with his flow makes it exceptional. Oh yeah, it just so happens Kanye delivers a knockout blow with his verse as well. The sequence of this second single fits perfectly into the tracklist.

5. Empire State of Mind (Feat. Alicia Keys)- “Let’s hear it for New York!” It’s been a while since an artist has provided his or her city with an anthem to stand by. Look no further; just when you thought the features couldn’t get significant on Jigga’s latest LP, he had the nerve to enlist the R&B prowess of Ms. Alicia Keys. And to top that off, Alicia acted as if she hadn’t gone anywhere from the game by giving an above average performance. Giving you the nostalgic feeling of being in downtown Manhattan, this joint is an exceptional addition to Hovito’s resume.

6. Real As It Gets (Feat. Young Jeezy)- Don’t be surprised by the name listed next to “Feat.” Although Jay-Z has lent his vocals to a Jeezy cut before [“Go Crazy (Remix)”], the Snowman unfortunately can’t adequately return the favor. Crooning the hook and making appearances in the first and third verses, Jeezy’s lyrics are about as “dull as it gets.” Hov attempts to salvage the song in the first half of the third verse, but outshining Jeezy doesn’t help in the overall quality of the track.

7. On to the Next One (Feat. Swizz Beatz)- As I peep the title of this song and look at who’s featured, I recall the days of when a Swizz Beatz track used to entail either a Ruff Ryder banger or a joint you’d want to highlight at the next house party. Nowadays, it’ll probably display a rapper with a lackluster flow thinking swagger can overpower lyricism (if Swizzy isn’t rapping over the instrumental himself). And this is pretty much what you get from this Blueprint selection. While some can make the case that the beat is hot, Jay-Z’s laziness forces me to suggest that you move “on to the next one” upon entering Track #7.

8. Off That (Feat. Drake)- Knowing Jay-Z’s style, you wouldn’t expect him to enlist Timbaland to bring you a track that sounds as if it came off of Madonna or Lil’ Mama’s previous albums (“4 Minutes,” “Shawty Get Loose”). While this club joint comes off as unexpected, it surprisingly works with Jigga’s flow and delivery as of late. Unfortunately, the track is heavily crippled by the fact that Drake does not land a verse on this album cut (and possible next single). As this track was projected to be Jay-Z’s second release (after “D.O.A.”), I can now understand why it was pulled back and why fans will be highly disappointed by the absence of Drizzy’s presence.

9. A Star Is Born (Feat. J. Cole)- And the up-tempo selections don’t stop. Jigga takes the time to elaborate upon various Hip-Hop acts that have become stars over the years. J. Cole gives a satisfactory appearance on the final verse but his request to become a star shouldn’t be taken metaphorically. As a Roc Nation signee, it can only be questioned whether or not we will see a highly advertised debut LP from “Simba” on behalf of Jigga Man and company. In the meantime, enjoy hearing the stories of how some go from rags to riches.

10. Venus Vs. Mars- When Jay-Z took the risks of discussing romantic endeavors on previous cuts such as “I Know,” “Bonnie and Clyde ’02,” and “Excuse Me Miss,” Hov definitely reaped what he sowed and came out of the mushroom cloud with some of his biggest hits. This track just comes off as awkward and uncomfortable as Jigga’s newly-found swag displays why it shouldn’t be used to holla at the ladies. With detailed descriptions of a particular encounter with the opposite sex, one comes to realize the limits of the self-proclaimed (and critically acclaimed) “best rapper alive.”

11. Already Home (Feat. Kid Cudi)- After dismantling an exceptional start to a highly-anticipated LP, Jay finally turns things around with possibly my favorite track on the album. This string-heavy, Kid Cudi assisted selection leaves no room for questions and wonderment as Jigga gives answers to the doubters. No further search for the “go hard” mentality of the Jigga Man is needed with lines like, “Now these niggas is mad/Oh they call me a camel/But I mastered the drought/What the fuck? I’m an animal/Half man, half mammal…”

12. Hate (Feat. Kanye West)- While Jay and ‘Ye do a distinct job of trading punchlines and displaying raw chemistry, one can’t ignore the fact that this track comes off as a “808’s and Heartbreak” throwaway and is far too short in time length. With a hook and more vocals from Yeezy, this could have been a Blueprint standout. Unfortunately, it’s not.

13. Reminder- Before I even jump into a description of this track, I just want to point out the fact that this fool had the nerve to say the only musical act better than him was The Beatles… not excluding Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson (although he was wise enough to not mention the late King of Pop’s name). With that said, Jay apparently wants to remind ya’ll he’s the best in Hip-Hop… period. Well, if that’s the case Hov, don’t do it over a beat that sounds like someone handed you a track they put together last night on Garage Band in the comfort of their two-bedroom apartment. The strings come off as irritating and the hook is just as unpleasant. While I will give Jay the benefit of some punchlines, the track is unfortunately not so original as you may recall cuts from “The Black Album” such as “Justify My Thug” and “Lucifer” upon listening to this song.

14. So Ambitious (Feat. Pharrell)- The choice of synthesized strings continues on this Neptunes cut. While Pharrell has provided for Jay-Z countless times before (anybody recall the guy singing the hook on “I Just Wanna Love U” from Blueprint 1?), this addition to the collabo resume comes off as passable. With no distinct, memorable lines from Jay except his constant refrains of “Fuck ya’ll” behind the entrance of the hook, fans might be disappointed by this lackluster approach from the constant Jigga/Pha-real duo.

15. Forever Young (Feat. Mr. Hudson)- With so many falters and stumbles throughout such a highly-anticipated album, I was very curious as to how this LP would close. Unfortunately, Blueprint 3 closes as unflatteringly as it opened. Mr. Hudson is a knockout with somber vocals that belong in the genre and class of Soft Rock; Jay-Z seems to completely disregard that, stumbling over the beat at times and failing to support his message lyrically of attaining a legacy.

Overall Rating: 3/5

-A.T.M.

Hot Mess Of The Week!!

So 50 cent has a Video & song out called "Flight 187"



when i first heard it, i didn't like it for several reasons:

1. i don't like 50 cent. Period point blank.
   
2. He's awkward to look at rap throughout an entire video.
3. There's a part where he says his girlfriend gave some other dude herpes... doesn't that mean he has herpes too? NOT PIMPIN
   
4. The video reminds me of this episode of the Boondocks ("50 cent" appears at 1:45... or something)
5. Why does no one in this video know how to act? it's sad...
   
6. It looks like a recession video. Complete with clip art and google images.
7. He has an entire verse giving "advice" on not going to jail... something along the lines of "even if you're innocent don't talk to the police, you're gonna go to jail anyway." kids... DO NOT TAKE LEGAL ADVICE FROM 50 CENT
   
8. it just.... sounds weird

but then i listened to it again, and i notice he has a point. all these rappers leave the hood and act all high siddity. He quotes "Why Jay rockin’ that Urkel look, man isn’t he from Marcy? " So i guess he has a point... but i still think the songs pretty whack. Though, i bet the streets of H-Town will be bumpin this track hard.

...and now the song is stuck in my head...

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

Jay-Z Ft. My Chemical Romance – December 4th’s Black Parade (Urban Noize Remix)

Hey internet world. Urban Noize Music Group just came out with some new Jay-Z rock fusion featuring My Chemical Romance.

The song's alright.. not a Trace-Y fav, but i do respect Black Parade & i'm always a ran of hip-hop/rock fusion so... listen and judge for yourself... though, i should warn you, halfway through the song someone who i have to assume is non other than mammy from Gone With The Wind, starts talking about baby Sean Carter and riding bicycles... and some other weird ish.

and Jay gets pretty morbid in the song... kinda has the "you hatin now, but you'll love me after i die" message. which makes Jay sound kinda like a teenager crying out for attention... just sayin... he's a grown ass man...

well, Download & listen for yourself

-[|| Lady Trace -Y ||]-

The N.O.W: [week of 8/30/09]

YOyoyo...It's ya boi KB reporting live from Ham-i'l-ton college. it's a friday night and i am locked up in the room because the MINORITEAM are lames and dont wanna be reckless, but would rather sleep or be at state fairs...that is except for Alex Tisme who is our first N.O.W. [NIGGA OF the WEEK] of season two. point black, dude is uber ill. madd energy all the time and gets the party crack-a-lackin', naw mean?!? so if u are on the hill and see this dude, bow in the presence of greatness... welp, off to drink alone and f*ck up my roommates $h!t...until next post, this is your boi KB, over and outtie.

.:KB:.

Drake - Successful Music Video

It's Grandmaster Benji once again here to satiate your inner cravings for some more Drake. After writing the Soulja Boy post I remembered that Drake had just made an official music video for his So Far Gone mixtape track "Successful" featuring Trey Songz. This version of the song, however, can be found on Trey Songz's Ready. Check it out.

([Grandmaster Benji])
Harlemz White Knight

Hot or Not: Soulja Boy Tell Em

It's your boy Grandmaster Benji. It's finally Friday, thank the Lord for that. I got to sleep in and websurf a bit and that's when I found this leak. [a little bit late] We all know how much hip hop and rap purists hate Soulja Boy for potentially ruining hip-hop but Grandmaster Benji feels for the kid. Through his random video blog and such, I learned that the dude is pretty much just like me except he has loads of money. [lol] He leaked this track over Drake's "Successful" and spit some surprisingly deep stuff. Many will still say he is still lyrically impaired but I believe Soulja Boy did some soul searching. [Pun Intended]



"No one person on this earth can change their past but every single person on this earth can start today and change their future." Until next time.

([Grandmaster Benji])

HOT OR NOT: Nicki Minaj

Well it is official. Lil' Wayne has lost his damn mind. According to his site, Nicki Minaj/Nicki the Ninja/Nicki the Boss/Nicki the Harajuku Barbie/Nicki must owe a lot of money to a lot of different people if she has all these damn aliases, will be getting her checks signed by Young Money records. I really don't know how to take her, but right now the word 'seriously' doesn't come to mind. She's a cross between Lil' Kim and Soulja Boy; cocky, overly sexual, and maraketable enough to be on every high schooler's iPod. Here is a video too her performing and modeling to her song "Itty Bitty Piggy" brought to you by the wonderful folks at Hood Affairs On Demand [who would DEMAND updates on the hood? I mean REALLY???]. Well you already know the deal, check it out and leave your two cents or hell a whole dolla bill if you feel the need to. More to come on Weezy's future baby mama [like you weren't thinking that].




Ok. I'm done. Know ya'll tired of seeing me. Still waiting for that full moon.
[Artemis J]

Colin Munroe

So over the summer I fell HARD for Colin Munroe. There’s something about this Toronto native that’s addictive. His beats are so jolly yet the lyrics are so damn depressing; perfect example is the remix to “Will I Stay” featuring Wale off of his The Unsung Hero mixtape. Artistically I think he is hysterically awkward. There’s something retro, yet, damn near futuristic about him. Yes, he is a walking contradiction and I wouldn’t imagine him any other way.



Best bar?
This game we play is a lot like spades
A heart means nothing with two jokers in the way

[sigh] love and gambling. Brings me back to high school…good times.

Anyway babe, if you REALLY want to see his artistic side check out his video for “World of Pain.” It’s something I could see a college student coming up with and then selling to Demetri Martin.



Well I REALLY need to get back to this paper that’s due in less than 7 hours. Just like education to get in the way of fun. See you soon at the next full moon. And remember to always bet on black.

{Artemis J}

Around The Way: London

‘Ello Govna!!! It's ya gurl Artemis J and I went all the way to the U.K. and fell in love with this new artist by the name of MPHO [pronounced mmmm-po]. If Lady GaGa and FeFe Dobson conceived a child with a British accent it would be MPHO. This is the first single off of her mixtape Pop Art. So listen and tell us what you think of her. All for now.



{Artemis J}