Carolina Beats Rhymes and Life

Only thing I wish

2007-09-12T00:19:00.001-02:00

I wish a nigga would.....

I guess they did

Im fuckin with this

2007-09-12T00:18:00.000-02:00

Video actually made me like the songs. Bit the whole J.U.S.T.I.C.E. style tho.....

nother video

2007-09-10T03:34:00.001-02:00

dope album, u should pick it up

Im fuckin wit this

2007-09-06T14:53:00.000-02:00

Dj jazzy jeff ft peedi peedi-brand_new_funk-morrisvideos.com
Uploaded by MorrisVideos

2007-08-30T19:53:00.003-02:00

OMG! just got the kanye album 2 weeks early. Comments to come!

MURS

2007-08-30T19:46:00.001-02:00

dopest video of the year PERIOD.

Time to Build

2007-08-18T14:59:00.000-02:00

Message to this NIGGER "Soulja Boy"

We've got to do better.

Ty Bru: On The Brink Review

2007-08-13T22:51:00.000-02:00

This is my review of the new Ty Bru release “On The Brink”. As usual I pull no punches. I talk about the good tracks and the bad. The ones that are mediocre I leave by the way side, no use in talking about songs that don’t evoke feeling one way or the other. At the end of the review it will receive the proper amount of backpacks….Enjoy!

Intro
Good audio sample, often hard to find a good non-rap/movie related a cappella that gets your point across. Caution!!! rap with no beat for too long people press next, bru is dropping knowledge though. Guess I’m just used to people using their best song (or one of) for the intro. Did I just hear him turn a paper??? When you are in an effort to create work that stands the test of time a 5 min a cappella isn’t the way to go. Your words tend to be hard to remember. Everyone knows bru is nice but it’s hard for anyone to rap for 5 minutes and keep it interesting especially with no beat to help them.

N.C. Bout To Blow
Now this is what I was waiting for. Shoulda been the intro track. Love the hook the flow and the beat.

Until My Heart Stops
Until My Heart Stops is a Winner. The One Kemist is nice, makes a good first impression. Beat is dope

Make It Up to You
Does every track have to have a vocal intro? Feelin the beat. Like the “my name is earl reference” too. At first I thought this was going to be a girl track, I’m glad he went the other way with this.

King Of The Cack
Been there... Done that. Better sound quality though

Voicemail Skit
Oh shit, shout out to Dre Rock the Funk Warlock!!! Once again, waaaay too long. Instant skip on the next listen

Buckle up
Really not feeling this

The Other Side
good concept, bad beat

Sayin
I like this joint, wish the sample would have been lowered so I could hear the vocals better. First verse is a little lengthy

Water
For the first 45 to 50 secs., water is amazing, and then the beat goes totally left field. Still kind of feeling this though

Full Blossom
This is the girl track that I was afraid of. Sorry man, it’s a thin line to walk if it’s not done exactly right its automatically wrong.

Block Party
This reminds me of some old west coast warren g/Jermaine Dupri shit. I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not. Just how I’m feeling at the time

A.S.H.E.B.O.R.O.
Sounds too much like King of The Cack

So Glad
Digging this, same situation as the other joint though. The sample gets in the way of the vocals. But it works great for the hook

Outro
Now that’s the proper length for an a cappella

Willingness to Sacrifice
Great way to end the album. Leaves on a high note, beat is real nice.

Rap Up
This album proves that Ty Bru can rap and that he has a lot of potential. I would like to see some better production and more diverse beats. The Intro is too long and the skit is too long and sometimes the first verses on some songs are too long. Monotony is never good, you have to switch it up and keep the listeners listening. The good songs are really good and memorable. Almost all the tracks have a vocal intro from some movie, it was doep the first time, relevant the next, then it got kind of annoying. The album is too long, a lot of….well shit damn near every rapper plumps up their album with mad fluff. When you record every day as Bru most likely does, the quality of music gets better and it gets easier to make good music. But good music isn’t great and it really pays off to be able to make that distinction. Common, Kanye, Jay-Z, Clipse, Ghostface, M.O.P., Prodigy and a lot of old school rappers are great at this. You can listen to these cats’ albums and only skip one or two tracks. Do not be afraid to make a 12-15 track album. Always leave fans wanting more. Good features on the records, I actually would have liked to see more features. On local joints I always like to hear as many rappers from the area as possible, I’M ABOUT UNITY MAAAN! All in all it was a good effort, Bru has passion and that counts for a lot, 21 beats all original production I most definitely applaud that. The best thing is that most local artists I know only get better, can’t wait on the next release. Shouts to J Coleman and Ty Bru, keep the music coming!

If I was the Exec Producer, this is the album I would have made

1. N.C. Bout To Blow
2. Until My Heart Stops
3. Spirit
4. Saaaayinn
5. Voicemail Skit
6. Water
7. Make It Up to You
8. A.S.H.E.B.O.R.O.
9. So Glad
10. Midichlorian
11. Outro
12. Willingness to Sacrifice

Verdict: 2 & 1/2 Sacks

Im fuckin with this

2007-08-13T16:43:00.001-02:00

been fuckin wit dude since day one.....no homo.

Too Little Too Late

2007-08-13T16:37:00.000-02:00

Man..... I really think these guys are talented with the right production and supervision but this aint gon get it. Its aii just not enough. Video is tight.... those faces pharell makes in the video are not.

Sturday Night Live

2007-08-04T17:17:00.001-02:00

NUFF SAID....

Five Alive

2007-08-04T16:19:00.000-02:00

1. Cassidy- Get Retarted
2. Median- How Big Is Your World
3. Infamous Mobb ft. Prodigy- Pull The Plug
4. Jazz Addixx- Dope
5. Camp Lo- DJ Soul Jah Freestyle

Anticipation.....

2007-08-03T21:08:00.000-02:00

Check out track number 6.....U know what it is!

"Mr. Dream Merchant Intro"
"Shots (Featuring Big Dho and Sean Price)"
"Merchant Of Dreams (Featuring The Embassy, Skyzoo, and Torae)"
"Brooklyn In My Mind (Crooklyn Dodgers 3) (Featuring Mos Def, Jean Grae, and Memphis Bleek)"
"Sunday (Featuring Keisha Shontelle and Chaundon)"
"Baking Soda (Featuring Big Treal)"
"Reminisce (Take Time) (Featuring Big Remo and The Great Novej of the A.L.L.I.E.S.)"
"No Time To Chill (Featuring Little Brother)"
"It Aint Over (Featuring Jozee Mo and Tyler Woods)"
"The Last Time (The D, The Chi, and The Lou) (Featuring Royce da 5'9", Naledge, and Vandalyzm of the Midwest Wreckin' Crew)"
"Saved (Featuring Saigon and Joe Scudda)"
"Milky Lowa (Featuring Camp Lo)"
"Backlash (Featuring Sean Boog and Buckshot)"
"Thank You (Featuring D.O.X and O-Dash)"
"Let It Bang (Featuring Ness and Skyzoo)"
"What Makes A Man (Featuring Rapper Big Pooh and Buddy Klein)"

MUST COP

2007-07-29T16:24:00.001-02:00

Can't wait till Tuesday....

Pay Homage

2007-07-27T15:51:00.000-02:00

I been pushin Swizz Beats' "Top Down" on friends and fam for a minute and how does he repay me????????? WIT DIS WACK ASS VIDEO

Five Alive

2007-07-27T15:17:00.000-02:00

1. St. Laz ft. Push Montana- Poor NYC
2. Rashid Hadee- Surrender
3. Above The Law- Ballin
4. Jay Electronica- My World (Nas Salute)
5. Common- Break My Heart Finding Forever

White Lines

2007-07-27T15:13:00.001-02:00

Everyone is giving this man guff for this, taum bout "this is why hip hop died" and shit. I applaud him for this. First of all this man is on point with every lyric, which is more than I could say for myself...especially drunk. Second of all he's probably been listening to rap longer than I have and I don't doubt for a second that he owns the album and prob a lot more wu albums too. I kinda already liked this guy from what I've seen of his acting and this just solidifies the fact that in real life hes prob cool as fuck. With that said.... this is still prob the funniest shit I've seen in a looooong while

Anticipation.....

2007-07-25T17:51:00.000-02:00

Non- Official Track Listing

01. "Sirens" feat. Carlitta Durand
02. "Can't Win For Losing"
03. "Breakin My Heart" feat. Lil Wayne
04. "Good Clothes"
05. "After The Party" feat. Carlitta Durand
06. "ExtraHard"
07. "Step It Up" feat. Dion
08. "Two Step Blues" feat. Darien Brockington
09. "That Ain't Love" feat. Jozeemo
10. "Dreams"
11. "When Everything Is New"

I'm fuckin with this!

2007-07-24T14:30:00.000-02:00

Promo video for the new madlib album, I already d loaded it and its def a winner!

Must Cop

2007-07-23T15:26:00.000-02:00

Along with the Common jawn the backpacker will mos def be copping the DOOM RE-ISSUE!

Chuuurch Pt. 5

2007-07-22T16:03:00.000-02:00

1. Syl Johnson- I'm Talking About Freedom
2. Love Unlimited- If You Want Me To Say It Love Is Back
3. Teena Marie- Love Me Down Easy

5 alive

2007-07-20T21:18:00.000-02:00

The kid is back.....WITH A VENGANCE!

1. Skyzoo ft. Maino & Stimuli- Cop N Go Mick Boogie & DJ Kay Slay: Skyzoo...The Corner Store Classic (Prod. by 9th Wonder)
2. Common ft. Lilly Allen- Driving Me Wild Finding Forever
3. Planet Asia (King Medallions)- The Jewelry Box Sessions
4. Camp Lo- Jack N Jill Black Hollywood
5. Sean Price- Knock Em Out The Box Master P (Prod. By Eratik Statik)

I Think They Mean Business!

2007-07-20T18:10:00.000-02:00

Swizz Beats (I refuse to call that nigga "swizzy"), kanye, common, just blaze, and others together on stage at N.Y. hotspot S.O.B.'s recently. I've been telling people that REAL hip hop is coming back very VERY quickly and this is simply more proof. That skillz video I posted, I guarantee u its gon be on BET Rap City sooner or later. Things are really turning around and when movers shakers and tastemakers gather like this it can only mean a a couple of things. Too early to call resurgence but keep an eye out. I sure hope some N.C. artists can jump on the bandwagon early and quit tryin to make commercial music to please whatever parties the tryin to please. Don't ack like i didnt tell ya'll niggers....

its about time pt 4 Skillz & Freeway

2007-07-20T17:49:00.000-02:00

I BEEN PLAYIN THIS TRACK ON D RADIO 4 5 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DONT ACT LIKE U DONT KNOW!!!

Say it aint so ghost!

2007-07-17T15:51:00.001-02:00

This shit is like finding out Santy Claws aint real. Fucked up man.....

Nigger Nigger Nigger! I 'm mos def Fuckin wit dis!

2007-07-17T15:41:00.000-02:00

Eat your heart out Rev! Its's Sean Price Da God!

About Time Part 3

2007-07-11T13:34:00.000-02:00

Been waitin for this one for a while. I'll prob post the album sampler a lil later.

Drop Date

2007-07-10T11:52:00.000-02:00

ITS FINALLY HERE!!!!

Big Treal & Big Remo- Str8 Drop: The Mixtape

Tracklisting

Str8 Drop Intro- Fatin
Big Treal ft. Big Remo- U O.K. (Prod. By 9^th Wonder)
Big Remo ft. Big Treal & Skyzoo- B.A. Baracus (Prod. By Mr. Mikal Evans)
Big Remo ft. Big Treal- U Can’t Touch Me (Prod. By DJ Ford)
Big Treal ft. Big Remo- War (Prod. By Mr. Mikal Evans)
Big Treal ft. Charles Herron- Charlotte In Ya Mouth (Prod. By Chinky P)
Big Treal ft. Big Remo- Sweeet (Prod. By DJ Ford)
Big Treal ft. Big Remo- QC 2 Tre 4 Freestyle
Big Remo ft. MC Xtra Clip- F*#k Remo Skit
Big Remo- F*#k Remo Freestyle
Big Treal ft. Big Remo- Str8 Drop (Prod. By 9^th Wonder)
Big Remo ft. Big Treal- Come Back (Prod. By 9^th Wonder)
Big Treal- Myspace Comment Skit
DJ Ford- U Aint Ballin’ Skit
Big Treal ft. Big Remo- Let Em Know (DJ Ford)
Big Treal- 2007 Gangsta Shit
Big Remo- Big Remo Freestyle
Big Remo ft. Big Treal- What Up Fam (Prod. By Mr. Mikal Evans)
Big Remo ft. Big Treal- Too Much (Prod. By 9^th Wonder)
Herron Boys- De Blank (Prod. By DJ Ford)
Big Treal- Treal Plays It Cool Freestyle
DJ MC- Shoutro (Prod. By Mr. Mikal Evans)

Chuuurch Vol. 4

2007-07-08T12:13:00.001-02:00

Creflo A Dollar says......Quit playin that TRASH MUSIC NIGGA!!!!!

1. O.V. Wright- Nickel and a Nail 8 Men 4 Women (1967)
2. Esther Phillips- Thats Alright With Me From A Whisper To A Scream (1972)
3. Michael Jackson- Everybody's Somebody's Fool Ben (1972)

Word to Brooklyn

2007-07-07T20:56:00.000-02:00

As promised, the pics from my trip up north. Shout to my man Jus behind the lens!

The Watchtower Hotel, on our way home

Brooklyn Bridge at sunset.......no homo

Crowd at BKHHF

Hangin out @ Coney Island

Ghostface Killah and all them other niggas

More Coney Island

They were shooting some sorta hood dvd over to my right. That kid Nemz from Fight Klub was there FUCK YA LIFE!!!!! Hahaha

The Money Shot

Five Alive

2007-07-06T14:21:00.000-02:00

With the current state of todays music I need constant reassurance that hip hop isn't dead and/or on its death bed. Here are the 5 tracks that kept the respirator going this week.

1. Big Shug- Walk Away (Prod. By MoSS) Street Champ
2. E Ness ft. Young Chris- Incarcerated Scarfaces Freestyle DJ Benja Styles & E Ness: The Pursuit of Happiness
3. Edgar Allen Floe- Shine Streetwise LP
4. Edgar Allen Floefeat. Mal Demolish of The Undefined- This Is Your Life Blunt Sessions
5. Little Brother ft. Kardinal Offishall- Rappers Are in Danja Clinton Sparks & Kardinal Offishall: Do the Right Thing

I'm Fuckin Wit This!

2007-07-06T14:12:00.000-02:00

This is that new 50 joint ya'll been hearin bout wit Justin Timberlake. Even tho 50 steals Jay's flow from anything off of Kingdom Come this is dope. He is the first rapper to really freak the new style of beats timbaland hAs been cranking out. Jay had that one verse but other than that no rappers have really ventured out to rap over those weird ass timbaland beats cept for fitty. This 50 Cent album is shaping up to be pretty good.

I already like...

1. Str8 to the Bank
2. Fully Loaded Clip
3. I Get Money

you can go ahead and add this to the list. 4 outta 5 aint bad. Now if 50 could just learn how to dodge those aerialists during his performances he'd be alright.

50 Cent ft. Justin Timberlake- She Want It (Prod. By Timbaland) C.U.R.T.I.S.

Local Rundown

2007-07-06T12:56:00.000-02:00

A lot of local stuff has gone down in the past week and a half. Here's an update....

My man Charles Herron was recently interviewed by a publication overseas check it out here

Jovan from the Wierdos just came out with a video for his single Nike SB's

Last Thursday Big Treal prerfomed at A Jarrel Affair....video coming soon

Ty Bru has just been featured on DJ Head Honcho's new mixtape

The Mixtape also includes exclusive freestyles from

Remy Ma, Busta Rhymes, MIMS, Memphis Bleek, Raekwon and more!!!

Go to DJ Head Honcho's official myspace page

http://www.myspace.com/djheadhoncho for more information.

There's a big show going tonight at the Raleigh Music Hall!!!

Check out the info here

If u dont know the biggest local mixtape of the year is about to hit the streets...

You can check out a prelude to what you'll hear

J.BULLY

2007-07-06T12:28:00.001-02:00

Check out this video from my man J Bully. He's an artist outta Durham N.C. and we play alot of his stuff on WKNC in Raleigh. This is his new single "Blam Blam" from his mixtape Bully City Vol. 1.Shouts to the Mogul Group! Whaddup Nandi!

J Bully- Blam Blam

Its about time pt 2

2007-07-01T18:50:00.000-02:00

This "The Strange Fruit Project ft. Erykah Badu- Get Live". My man DJ Ill Digitz and I used to play this joint non-stop on WKNC. Glad to see they decided to do the video.

Chuuurch Vol. 3

2007-07-01T11:16:00.000-02:00

U Know What It Is...

1. Teena Marie- Oooh La La La
2. Jean Plum- Back To You
3. Doris Duke- Ghost Of Myself

2007-06-30T21:40:00.000-02:00

Heard the green eyed bandit spit the same verse at a show in Raleigh, but that caput line still works for me.

5 alive

2007-06-30T16:27:00.000-02:00

These are the 5 that held it down this week....

1. 50 Cent- I Get Money Curtis
2. West & Wizz- Fuck My Car Memphis or Die Vol. 1
3. Talib Kweli -Hot Thang Eardrum
4. Termanology ft. Evidence- Low IQ Hood Politics Vol 5 (Prod. By The Alchemist)
5. Stack Bundles- Imaginary Player Freestyle DJ Hitz: No Room To Breathe

Honorable Mention: Fam Lay ft. Pharell & The Clipse- No Time For No's (Prod. By The Neptunes)

Anticipation...

2007-06-28T13:13:00.000-02:00

After hearing Jesus Price Superstar and Popular Demand. This will be an automatic purchase when it hits the shelves.

Local Flavor: Levi Stress

2007-06-28T02:38:00.002-02:00

Yes, it's finally here! The loooooooong awaited L. Stress review. Shouts to my man J Coleman for sending me the track. Once again, for those who missed it the last time heres the criteria I'll be using to evaluate the track.

* Lyrical Ability
* Subject of Song
* Replay Value
* Sound Quality
* Artist Comparison
* The Beat
* The Hook
* The Feeling

All these categories will receive a certain number of backpacks from 1-5 5 obviously being better than 1. At the end we'll average the total of packs and you will have your score giving you either a 1,2,3,4, or 5. 5 being the highest.

Without further adieu...here come the book sacks.

The Name of his track is "Legend In The Making", another bold title from an NC emcee (by way of Chicago that is). This is from his 2005 release "Back to the Essence".

Lyrical Ability:

"Exotic stroke of a pen"... I couldn't have said it any better. The lyrics aren't mind boggling but hes definitely droppin some jewels

Subject of Song:

Okay we get it, your a dope emcee, there's bullshit on the radio, the industry sucks, its time for a change. Heard it a thousand times......never gets old tho! L Stress manages to make the typical disheartened underground rapper song interesting. The song really has no direction. The hook is s series of scratched in audio clips (a la DJ Premier) but it still sounds good so it doesn't bother me too much. It would have been nice if he would've named more legends (rap and otherwise) throughout the song sorta like when he drops jack demsey, ll cool j and bob marley's names in the third verse. Should've formulated that into a concept

Replay Value:

Like I said, the subject matter never gets old so that really helps. The beat is bananas! I could and have listened to this repeatedly and haven't gotten tired of it yet. Not saying the song is great, just saying that u can throw it in the rotation and you'll have no problem.

Artist Comparison:

He's got a habit of over pronouncing his words and rapping with a hurried pace. Hes speaks on political issues and uses obscure references. He also uses intricate situational metaphors, meaning he'll say my flow is like "insert weird scenario here". Then he'll pick a reference from that and use it a couple lines later. I say he's a mix between Immortal Technique and Pharoah Monch but with no angry, high pitched, almost yelling at you flow. Much.....much more laid back with it.

The Beat:

Str8 bananas! Sounds just like premier. Can't go wrong with that. Not sure who produced it but if its original, that man is niiice. Although Levi didn't make a classic out of it, an artist like O.C. or Afu Ra, or Jeru would've ripped it to pieces.

The Hook:

A Hook done old school premier style, gets me every time

The Feeling:

Head bob is there, cuz of the beat. I'm immediately turned off when I hear Levi start to rap because the sound quality on his voice is lacking. The way he flows makes it worse because it's a little hurried and it seems like hes focused on the pronunciation of the words and doesn't really put that much swagger on it. It makes it seem like each verse is one big long run on sentence Lyrics are there tho "I'll ghostwrite you're resignation".

Final Score:

There u have it. Don't take my word for it tho, d load and check it out for yourself. Once again, I mean no offense to Levi or anyone else, this is just one mans opinion. I support all local artist and encourage everyone to keep growing, keep writing/producing, and I wish everyone the best.

Want more Levi Stress????

myspace

SEE HIM LIVE!!!

Im fuckin wit this!

2007-06-27T17:54:00.000-02:00

that new kanye vid.......I thought bad boy recording artist "Cassie" was an interesting choice.

WELCOME TO N.Y. CITY!!!!

2007-06-22T15:46:00.000-02:00

Headed to N.Y. for the 3rd annual Brooklyn Hip Hop festival.....I'll send ya a post card! When I get back I'ma let y'all hear that new Levi Stress jawn. Until then this should hold ya.

M.O.P.- BKNY Ghetto Warfare (Prod. By The Heatmakers)

Five Alive

2007-06-22T10:29:00.001-02:00

My 5 tracks for the week...

1. Amanda Diva ft. Q tip- 40 Emcees
2. Trae ft. Styles P & Jadakiss- Smile Life Goes On
3. T.I. ft. Jay Z- Watch What You Say T.I. V.S. T.I.P. (Shots Fired.....Shouts to "Cool James")
4. Little Brother- Good Clothes Get Back (Prod. by Illmind) (4 DE FREE CUZ!)
5. Willie The Kid- Cockin' Them Thangs Back DJ Drama: Gangsta Grillz (The Streets Been Waitin') Prod. By Don Cannon

yea Im fuckin wit this!

2007-06-22T10:22:00.000-02:00

U know every week i gotta hit you with some crazy shit. That Sean Price album is STILL dope.

Bout Time!

2007-06-22T10:20:00.000-02:00

Man, I been waitin' for this video to come out! This is my favorite song off the album so far.

On My Way To Cuuurch Vol 2

2007-06-17T19:49:00.000-02:00

TABERNACLE.....

1. Bobby Womack- Across 110th Street Womack Winners: Best of Bobby Womack 1968-1975
2. Phyllis Hyman- Complete Me You Know How To Love Me
3. Curtis Mayfield- Do Do Wap Is Strong In Here Short Eyes Soundtrack

5 Alive

2007-06-16T14:40:00.001-02:00

With the current state of todays music I need constant reassurance that hip hop isn't dead and/or on its death bed. Here are the 5 tracks that kept the respirator going this week.

1. Swizz Beats- Top Down One Man Band Man (Prod. By Swizz Beats)
2. Big Shug- Play It (Prod. By DJ Premier)
3. Tragedy Kahdafi- Deja Vu (Prod. By Large Pro)
4. Talib Kweli- Everything Man Ear Drum
5. Camp Lo- Black Hollywood Black Hollywood

Album of the Week:Mc Gruff- Destined to Be

2007-06-14T21:19:00.001-02:00

First of all let me say, I LOVE HARLEM. I've never been and I only know two people from there but I LOVE HARLEM. Many may be asking why? Well, the right answer would be that it's historic, come to think of it...the only black renaissance known to man took place in Harlem. However, my real answer is that other than Brooklyn the best N.Y. rappers come from Harlem (let's not argue about this, its just my opinion). This mecca of black creativity brings us to the album of the week, Mc Gruff- Destined to Be.

As well all know in and around 1997,98 Harlem was poppin'. Big L was killing the streets, Ma$e was killing the clubs, and Cam'ron was emerging commercially as a viable candidate for King of N.Y. In the midst of all this we still have the lovable cast of characters from D.I.T.C. and let's not forget the other member of C.O.C. (Children of th Corn) McGruff. R.I.P. Bloodshed. 1998 McGruff hits the streets with "Destined to Be".

At the time, the title couldn't have been better put. Lets be honest, Big L, Cam'ron, Ma$e, and McGruff all sound alike as far as flow and most of the time subject matter too. From a fans perspective McGruff wasn't the best but he was the best mixture of all the Harlem MC's of that time. He was gutta but wasn't as abstract as Cam'ron. He was braggadocios like Ma$e but obviously harder. And one can argue that McGruffs flow is just as controlled and fluid as Big L's.

Now... to the album. The beats on this one are so old school. Where a lot of the mre commercial cats were experimenting with crazy sounds (Jay Z), McGruff kept it simple. A lot of samples of breaks from older rap records, plain drums, can't really go wrong with that. I'm not gonna front though McGruff falls victim to that trend twice on this album, but they're not that bad. But there are alot of hood classics on this joint and I felt it should be recognized. Enjoy.

1. Gruff Express
2. Harlem Kidz Get Biz
3. This Is How We Do
4. Many Know
5. Exquisite/ The Spot (Interlude)
6. What Part Of The Game (Featuring Panama Pi)
7. Who Holds His Own
8. What Cha Doin' To Me
9. Destined To Be
10. Freestyle
11. Dangerzone (Featuring Big L & Mase)
12. What You Want
13. Before We Start
14. Reppin' Uptown/ The Signing (Interlude) (Featuring Lox)
15. Stop It
16. Before We Start [Remix Version]

Yea.... I'm fuckin' wit this

2007-06-13T16:06:00.000-02:00

Every Wednesday Ima hit y'all with some crazy off the wall shit that I'm feeling for no reason in particular. ENJOY!

This is the video for the first single off Guru's new album "Jazzmatazz Vol. 4". This joint features Commmon and jazz legend Bob James and its called State of Clarity. I played this on my radio show about 2 or 3 months ago. Glad he finally came out with the video. The video kinda has that Parliament Funkadelic "Nothin but the dogg in me feel". If you like this then you'll like the album, there's this joint with damian marley thats crazy.

BIG Big Treal News!!!

2007-06-13T01:58:00.001-02:00

So, I work for local artist "Big Treal" as an intern doing marketing and public relations work. I just got him on one of the internet's most popular rap blogs. Check it out. I don't usually pat myself on the back, but I'm pretty proud of myself for this one.

WATCH OUT FOR STR8 DROP COMING TO A STORE NEAR YOU!!!

Local Flavor: Ty Bru

2007-06-12T23:06:00.000-02:00

Alright, heres the deal. As you know I live in North Carolina, the best place in the world for underground rap music. Excuse my bias but thats just how I feel. With that said I will be reviewing local artists submissions here on Carolina B.R.L. Those of you who know me, know that I have done radio for the past three years. This experience has made me very critical of music in general and especially local music. So I promise three things

1. I am totally unbiased, I don't give a shit what anyone thinks of me or my opinion and I REALLY don't give a shit who else likes the artists/songs I review. What you will read is MY opinion.

2. There will be no favoritism, the only person I really work with heavy is Big Treal in Charlotte and Kooley High & Inflowential in Raleigh. i will be posting their music from time to time but I will not be reviewing it. Basically those are the only three groups in N.C. that I'm head over heels for and everyone else is subject to a scathing tounge/keyboard lashing should I deem it necessary.

3. If I am asked to review it, it will be reviewed. No one will be turned down for revue no matter what.

Now heres my grading criteria...

* Lyrical Ability (Rhyme scheme, use of analogy, metaphor, etc..)
* Subject of Song (That's right folks your song has to be ABOUT something)
* Replay Value (I will try my hardest to listen to your song until it becomes nauseating. This is to simulate radio air play, we're all familiar with their methods cough cough Power 98 cough cough)
* Sound Quality (This might be the most important, if your mix sounds like shit then your song sounds like shit. End of story)
* Artist Comparison (If you ever get famous the rap critics will compare you to an already established rapper anyway. I'm just heading them off at the pass. Cool points for you if you are truly unique and don't sound like anyone)
* The Beat (We all know producers have taken over rap music. If the beat ain't hot your song will suffer...immensely. Kudos to those rappers that can make a horrible beat bearable)
* The Hook (This is supposed to be the "catchy" part of your track that the tasteless masses will repeat even if they don't know one word of your actual lyrics...so make it good!)
* The Feeling (This one is best described as the head bob in the beginning, the little smirks at they sly remarks, and the text message to my friend which will read "YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS!". If you can achieve those three my friend, you're going straight in the Ipod)

All these categories will receive a certain number of backpacks from 1-5 5 obviously being better than 1. At the end we'll average the total of packs and you will have your score giving you either a 1,2,3,4, or 5. 5 being the highest.

WHEW!
***wipes head***

First up is Ty Bru. The Name of his track is "King of the Cack" (Quite the boast Mr. Bru) I'll be the judge of that...J/K ;)

Ty Bru- King of the Cack from his release "The Iconoclast Sessions Vol. 2"

Lyrical Ability:
His rhyme scheme isn't bad at all. I really like the flow on the second verse. Although it ends pretty abruptly. The actual lyrics given the subject matter are to be expected. However, Ty Bru doesn't really drop any jaws with lines such as "I stay underground like Harriet Tubman's jeans". With that said 2 book sacks is generous, I gave him some leeway because apparently he "switched up his style a little different from the norm" And I always applaud emcees who try something new.

Subject of Song:

Okay... So apparently there is some impostor parading around as "The King of the Cack". Talkin out the side of his neck, claimin' sovereign rule of the rap world of the Queen City. Well, Ty Bru is here to put a stop to all that!

There, I've had my fun. But the subject matter of this song is pretty general. In Ty Bru's opinion, he's the best rapper in the city, which makes him the king. He sounds pretty angry on this record and there are some lines that could be applicable to real life situations so I give him the benefit of the doubt and say this could be a diss track too. That said one of the things I prided Raleigh on was its unity amongst rappers. I was hoping Charlotte would be the same but unfortunately thats not the case. Anybody who is part of the scene in Charlotte knows that the hate runs deep. But hey, at least this isn't one of those "shoulders, chest, knees, toes" joints WIPE ME DOWN SON!

Replay Value:

Sorry Ty. Had to give you the goose egg on this one. Nothing in this joint I'd wanna hear again. Let alone a bagillion times a day on Power 98

Sound Quality:

Sound quality is on point, not crystal clear cd quality but way better than average.

Artist Comparison:

This guy is confident, and determined. Spits with a lot of passion. Not overly country or southern but still got a lil drawl in him. I say he's a mixture between Master P and Slim Thug. A good combo if done right.

The Beat:

I'm all for minimalist beats, however, this is a little vacant. Sounds like a stock fruity loops sound scape. Obviously, it didn't really incite the necessary head bob. I do applaud the producer for doing a true original production. I know its hard having to compete with all the sample heavy producers in N.C. With that said, the beat still gots to be hot and this one is barely luke warm.

The Hook:

The hook is terrible. Although it is something easy for fans to remember and it rhymes. One might say its easy to remember because it rhymes. Other than that u got nothin. I'm not gonna front tho the way Ty says "You ain't the king of the cack" really sounds like he means it and it was stuck in my head for like 3 min.

The Feeling:

Eh. Its Aiii. Little head bob during second verse when Ty really started riding the beat. One smirk when Ty said "I got a good point like Denver/I know how to prove it". One of the more lyrical lines. A nice little jewel, golf claps for Ty. Not texting my friend tho, so u still got some work to do brother.

Final Score:

Well... there it is ladies and gents, the first ever installment of "Local Flavor" on Carolina B.R.L. Shouts to J Coleman for submitting the track and shouts to Ty Bru for being a rapper. Don't get it twisted, like I said it's nothing personal, I have no idea who Ty Bru is. This was just an honest, unbiased review. I support all local artist and encourage everyone to keep growing, keep writing/producing, and I wish everyone the best.

COME BACK NEXT WEEK WHEN I'LL BE REVIEWING A TRACK FROM LEVI STRESS!!!

WANNA HEAR MORE FROM TY BRU???????

Reverb Nation

Myspace

all local artist submit tracks to here

R.I.P. Stack Bundles

2007-06-12T21:42:00.000-02:00

When I first heard that "Stack Bundles died" I immediately yelled WHAT!?! Totally involuntary, thinking back on it I don't think I could've helped it even if I wanted to. As a BIG follower of all music and especially the N.Y. mixtape scene, this news seems as unbelievable now as it did when I first heard it on hip hop game. By now its all over the net, yet no REAL conclusive information has been released about the murder other than that it is believed to be a robbery and that there are no suspects.

I was first introduced to Stacks through his collabs with byrdgang as I am a big dipset fan (hate if u want i don't care). I was drawn by his distinctive voice, surprisingly agile wordplay, and his confident swagger. He definitely set himself apart from the other 8 million gangstas ternt rappers in N.Y. As withh any rapper I like I started to watch him on youtube and catch him on the DVD's coming out on the mixtape circuit. I liked the way he handled himself, he seemed humble yet dedicated to his idea of hip hop and dedicated to his neighborhood of "Far Rockaway". In the end that was his demise as he was shot in the lobby of his apartment building there. Although he was making more than enough to move away, his neighbors say he was determined to stay. People often say that he could be seen driving his Porche and always had a couple of chains on. At least one of those chains are believed to be what was taken of his person after he was shot.

My feelings are mixed, upon the news of Stacks untimely passing. He kind of represents the everyman more than B.I.G. or Pac or Pun or maybe even Big L. Although not even close to as note-able as those aforementioned rappers he definitely had talent which may have garnered that type of celebrity if given enough time. But my point is he was a VERY YOUNG BLACK MAN LIVING IN THE HOOD. Something many people can identify with. B.I.G, Pac and the lot we're superstars by their death although not appreciated until after. B.I.G and Pac's deaths were both shrouded in mystery as they were in a very public beef. Though if you ask me the police killed them both. But my point is Stacks death was so....regular. unfortunately this happens to young black men every day. In that respect, I think his death carries a lot more weight. Stacks had no notable enemies, he wasn't as much of a target because he didn't have alot of money, just more money than the person who robbed and killed him. The most important part is that he wasn't killed on his wat to or from a lavish vegas party, he was killed in his own neighborhood, where he was born and raised, with friends and family literally feet away.

I believe that the death of up and coming rapper Stack Bundles, will serve as a great example to the otherwise ignorant public to what exactly life is liike for young black me in the ghettos of America. This is the story of the haves and the have-nots, the come up, and the dangers of staying in the hood for TOO LONG. As a middle class African-American my neighborhood is a place that will always feel like home, where I am always welcome and loved. In the projects and low income neighborhoods today, their environment is a place that they all work hard to escape, where they have to look over their shoulder, where anyone will do anything to make enough dough to move away forever. People need to know that this death has nothing to do with "hip hop" or the perceived violence within. Unfortunately this, for lack of a better phrase is "an every day thang". Once the politicians, and soccer moms realize that maybe they'll realize that Art imitates life and NOT the other way around.

R.I.P. Stacks, although I didn't know you personally, I got to know you through your music and I know you were a good dude. My condolences go out to his family and all who were affected by this tragedy.

Here's how i'll always remember Stack Bundles...

1. Jim Jones ft. Stack Bundles & Max. B- Do Bad By Myself (Jim Jones: Members of Byrd Gang) July '06
2. Jim Jones ft. Stack Bundles & Max B- Too High(DJ Lust: The Weatherman)March '07
3. Stack Bundles- Blaze the Booth (DJ Big Mike: Whats Beef 2k7) January '07
4. Stack Bundles- Mr. 19.5 (DJ Plus: New Gun In Town Vol. 1) April '07

On my way to chuuuch vol. 1

2007-06-09T22:19:00.000-02:00

It's Sunday.... and God knows y'all HEATHENS don't need to be bumpin' the DEVIL'S music on yo way to see jeebus. Blaze these joints and may the lawd be witcha!

1. Tom Brock- Theres Nothing in This World (I Love You More and More: 1974)

2. The New Birth- Dream Merchant (Blind Baby: 1975)

3. Main Ingredient- Something Lovely (Afrodisiac: 1973)

New Music Mondays

2007-01-07T16:56:00.000-02:00

New music from Big Treal!!!!!

RESPECT: THE MIXTAPE

Mixed by DJ Wizdom with production from 9th Wonder, Mr. Micheal Evans and Fatin among others

features from Big Remo and Supastition

click on the title for the link!!!!

Saturday Soapbox: Believe it or not...these guys are doing you a big favor.

2006-10-14T17:41:00.000-02:00

I think I like it......I really think I like it. I am actually pleased with the current state of hip hop. When you think about it, it’s not as pleasing as it is useful. Hip hop, these days, is the great equalizer. It separates the truly enlightened from the wannabees. The people who buy the "now that’s music volume 345" cd from best buy and the people who go to their local hole in the wall and get the "G Dep Head Over Wheels" 12 in".

I am the president of the hip hop club at my college, (perhaps the only legitimate one in the state of N.C.) and what I always find my self saying to interested parties is that...hip hop isn't just music it’s a movement. Hip hop isn't simply your music preference it’s a lifestyle. It is something that you live in and with everyday without fault. Not, to make it seem like it’s an adopted religion, or that you make a conscious decision to live a "hip hop way of life"; but it’s just a myriad of things you do that feel natural. Before you know it... what you listen to is what you are, you ARE hip hop. This brings me back to my point. The worse that commercial rap music gets, the easier it is to see who really believes in the culture. I hate to say it, but more often than not, you have a better idea of who a person is based on what type or types of music they listen to. I mean, I've got friends from hundreds of different environments and backgrounds and none of them have ever felt the need to chicken noodle soup, do the motorcycle, or walk it out. (I remember thinking that the “bankhead bounce” looked incredibly stupid)

The greatest part about the current state of rap music is that you have to search for the good stuff. To tell the truth, good rap music was never especially easy to find, be it because of the newness of the artist, or parental advisory laws, or the size or lack there of designated to hip hop in your local record store. Back in the 90's if you weren't in New York, Chicago, or L.A., there was a good chance there might only be one spot in the city to get the basics (de la, beanie sigel, tribe, common, A.Z. etc). And that spot was always subject to close down due to the lack of revenue. These days there is a lot of good talent out there both locally and globally, but you’ve got to look for it. Whenever you find a cd that you can listen to from beginning to end and be pleased with your purchase, it’s like you struck gold. You put your friends on to new artists; your friends put you on to a new blog, or remind you of so and so's album release date etc. It’s just what you do. You can't leave home without your ipod and a little cash in your pocket incase there are some new additions to the used cd section at the record shop, your checking my eBay to keep a watch on that vinyl or that pair of sneakers… like I said it’s a way of life. And I wouldn't have it another way.

So next time you tune into rap city hoping that they'll finally show that “Dilated Peoples” video you've been watching on iflim for two weeks and instead they run the “Dem Franchise Boys” joint, AGAIN, just know that they're doing you a favor.

Five for Friday

2006-10-13T04:11:00.000-02:00

1. Crooklyn Dodgers Pt. 3- Memphis Bleek, Jean Grae, Mos Def (Produced by 9th Wonder)

2. Keep It Moving- Hi Tek ft.Dion Q-Tip & Kurupt

3. Try Me Again- Rapper Big Pooh & Jozee Mo

4. Shine- Sadat X feat Money Boss Players

5. Too Much- Big Treal ft. Remo

War Report

2006-10-12T23:16:00.000-02:00

It's interesting how an experience or succession of similar experiences can shape the mind. I think rappers would make an interesting case study to this end. That is, if anyone cared enough about the culture to perform one. Most would consider Lloyd Banks and his G Unit constituents as the poster boys for violent, misogynistic, and otherwise "ignorant" "gangsta rap". However, I would suggest further analysis before jumping to broad and unwarranted assumptions about a group of men, or in this particular case a man, who is just as complicated, insightful, and introspective as any other artist or human being for that matter.

To most tourist New York City is known as the "Big Apple", however, if you ask a native from one of the five boroughs (preferably a Black or Latino) they could probably give you another pet name that's not so euphemistic. Cocaine trafficking, morally corrupt law enforcement, families in a 3rd generation welfare cycle, a mayor who's more worried about his presidential bid than the prosperity of his own citizens, and overcrowded jails, are just few of the "colloquial" characteristics of the "Rotten Apple" that Lloyd Banks calls home. Banks, born and bread in the Southside of Jamaica Queens could tell you that the city where most people come to "make it" is the same city that he and most of his peers have been trying to make it out of...alive. Subjected to the aforementioned surroundings for more that 20 years its no wonder that Lloyd Banks' second go round only brings you more stories of the death, the despair and the social unrest, that still exists in the slums of what is widely considered as one of the most; aesthetic, prosperous, enchanting, and affluent cities in the world. Long story short...ladies and gentleman this is the real New York City and this is a real new yorker, and there’s nothing aesthetic or enchanting about either of them.

With songs like; "Survival", "Playboy Pt.2", "Rotten Apple", and "Get Clapped" featuring fellow native New Yorkers Mobb Deep, Banks clearly comes to drive home the issues that the critics didn't grasp from his first album “The Hunger For More”. Don't be fooled by the industry standard "club single" "Hands Up". This album is dark, deep, and full of what the contemporary, uneducated, so called "rap fan" needs....the truth.

However, from an artistic standpoint, this album is not without its faults. North Carolina's favorite producer, 9th wonder serves up a somewhat lack luster beat for the ladies on "One Night Stand". Being a big fan of both 9th and Banks, I expected a lot more out of this collaboration. Tony Yayo once again ruins what would be a perfectly good track on "NY, NY", and for some reason the south had to put their two cents in on "Iceman". No offense to Eightball & MJG, but the "Rotten Apple" might not be the place for you. I was also sad that there wasn't a bigger presence from New York rap legend Rakim on the track "You Know the Deal".

All in all, especially compared to the other rap releases out of New York this year, (except for Busta Rhymes) Rotten Apple definitely delivers. It’s got six solid bangers, which is really all you can ask from a rapper these days. He stays true to New York City and therefore true to himself, which is all you can ask from an artist of any sort. I strongly suggest that you listen to this album with a finely tuned ear. Once you get past; the women, the cars, the money, and the braggadocio, I think you'll find the crystallization of an attitude and a way of life that is a direct result of the social inequality and the economic polarization that goes on in this country everyday. THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE, TRUST ME, THERE ARE MILLIONS OF OTHERS.

Song List

1. Rotten Apple
2. Survival
3. Playboy 2
4. Cake
5. Make A Move
6. Hands Up
7. Help
8. Addicted
9. You Know The Deal
10. Get Clapped
11. Stranger
12. Change
13. NY NY
14. One Night Stand
15. Iceman
16. Gilmore's

Sunday Shows Of The Week

2006-09-17T12:25:00.000-02:00

September 22nd

Evident Shift Album Release Party

Hosted By: Jamar Dawson AKA Versatility

Time: 7:30pm - 9:15pm
Venue: Baptist Grove Church's Multi-use Facility
Address: 7109 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC
Contact: jldawson@ncsu.edu

The Big Beat Battle

Hosted By: The Blitz Brothers, DJ Rez, & 21st Records

Description: Brought to you by 21st Records.....THE BIG BAD BEAT BATTLE! Featuring some of the best beatmakers in nc/sc/va! Featuring Jozeemo, Celinski, Shelly B, and Bettie Grind!!

Time:10:00pm
Venue: Berkeley Cafe
Address: 217 W. Martin St., Raleigh NC
Contact: 919-821-0777
Cover: $10

GSYN @ Jeff's Bucket Shop

Time: 9:30 PM
Venue: Jeff's Bucket Shop
Address: 1601 MONTFORD DR, CHARLOTTE, NC 28201
Cover: $5

September 23rd

Grown & Sexy College Night

Hosted By: Keisha "Mac Momma" Richardson and the BCB Street Team

Description: a night of sexy and classy RnB to remember, LIVE PERFORMANCES BY: Ice Madalyan (Triple Gz Ent.), Noiz (UV Hustler Ent.), Cavanaugh (BCB), Scorpio (Lady Dream Team Ent.), Jacobi

Time: 10:00pm
Venue: Marvell Event Center
Address: 119 W. Main St. Durham NC
Cover: $5

The War Report

2006-08-04T01:34:00.000-02:00

I been gone for a minute but I'm back on it. Ya'll know the deal, every thursday I hit you with the newest release from an artist fighting for that true hip hop. Today I got the new Inspectah Deck "The Resident Patient".Not too many guest spots from the Wu regulars but still a solid drop.

My Pick's

1. Sound Of The Slums Feat. Masta Killa
2. C.R.E.E.P.S.
3. What They Want
4. Get Ya Weight Up
5. Interlude 1
6. It's Not A Game Feat. House Gang & Suga Bang Bang
7. Interlude 2
8. My Style
9. All I Want Is Mine
10. A Lil Story
11. Get Down Wit Me
12. I.O.U.
13. No Love Feat. Carlton Fisk, Chico Debarge
14. Grits - Freestyle
15. Do My Thang
16. Handle That Feat. U-God, Hugh Hef
17. Animal Rights - House Gang
18. H.G. Is My Life

Sunday Shows of the Week

2006-07-31T01:11:00.000-02:00

June 31st
Event Name: PMD / Parrish Smith
Time: 11pm
Location: The Spot
Address: 1212 Pecan Ave
Charlotte , NC

Cost: $5, ladies free b4 11:00

Full Description:

PMD rocks a set for Microphone Monday. Also the Coalition of Kings will be performing their showcase. Don't Sleep.

Aug. 3rd

In Debt Records Presents: Eat Money?

Berkeley Cafte
217 Martin St
(919)821-0777

Cover: $5

Featuring Performances by:
L.E.G.A.C.Y.
K-Hill
Project Fitzwel
Prize Winners Collective (wilmington NC)
Late Nights (wilmington NC)
DJ Jason Johns on the wheels!

Aug. 4th

Event Name: Bloo Empire Art show
Time: 6-11
Location: Black Sheep skate shop
Address: Camden Rd
Charlotte , NC

Cost: Free!

Saturday Soapbox (Finding a New Balance)

2006-07-29T19:54:00.000-02:00

Today I'd like to speak on the difference between doing what you want to as an artist and doing what you must as a businessman. Desire and necessity are two things that everyone, no matter their profession must struggle with. However, for a musician, it often seems much harder to bring these two factors to an equilibrium. Many times, for true artists, this effort to balance out one's money and one's morals leads only to frustration. That frustration came to a head this week as Phonte, of the N.C. trio Little Brother, vented about his experience on their new tour.

If your an LB fan you may be asking yourself a few questions right about now.....LB is on Tour? Where? How can I get tickets?

Allow me to rest your troubled mind. YOU'RE NOT MISSING OUT ON ANYTHING. This tour that I speak of is not an LB show, it's barely a show at all if you ask me. EXCUSE ME, THATS JUST THE BACKPACKER TALKING. But since you're so intersted let me give you the line up, COMING TO THE STAGE WE HAVE!!!!! Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Three Six Mafia(I actually like them, been a fan since forever),Dem Franchise Boys, and.....who am I forgetting? Oh! The star of the show Yung Joc!

Now if your an LB fan you could only be asking yourself one question right about now.....Why in the hell is LB on the PimpTrickGangstaClik Tour? The answer....Desire and Necessity. Needless to say, LB was doomed from the start. Eventhough their dates are in N.C., LB performs last and the fans there who came to get their "trap on" can only muster up enough repspect not to boo them off stage. In his own industry scathing blog entry, even Phonte himself admitted the performances so far have been laughable. And after laughing about it onstage Phonte goes to his blog to vent. He covers; the fans, the industry, BET, and a myriad of other topics. Unfortunately the only substance readers pick up from it is that "Phonte thinks fans are stupid". Now, because of masses of people misinterpereting one sentence, he serves as fodder for conversation such as; "phonte should quit whining", "the minstrel show sucked anyway", Phonte is a hater" etc...

But I urge those who don't understand Phonte's anger and his unwillingness to blame himself or his music for his inability to go platinum to put yourself in his shoes. Imagine, being the best rapper in the state of North Carolina (and probably alotta other states too) hands down. Coming to your homestate to perform and getting NO LOVE, ZERO, NADA, NOTHING, CRICKETS. How would you feel? You know you make good music, you know you have alot of fans, you have people you've looked up to your whole life cosigning your abilities and a group of misguided teenagers who wish they could be drug dealers but can't stay out past 10:00 without their mothers permission refuse to even give your music a chance. I personally cannot blame him for coming to the conclusion that these kids might be a few stuffed burritos short of a fourth meal.

So...To break it down let me take it back to desire and necessity. Phonte, as an artist, desires many things; to inform, to educate, to entertain, to creatively express himself and have others respect and validate his views. However, as a businessman and provider for his family he desires many things; to live comfortably, to send his son to college, to see his friends and family live comfortably, basically to have enough money not to have to worry about anything. In a profession in which your paycheck is totally dependent on who you are and how your art reflects who you are, why must an artist do things out of character in order to get the necessities in life. Why must there be this vast inequality between what Phonte desires and what Phonte needs? Easy answer the fans are stupid and he has to be someone he's not to impress them. More complicated answer the fans have been brainwashed by people who have more money. Solution, I'll get onstage with the people who the fans have been brainwashed to like and I'll sneak my art in there and maybe they will like it and by my album in addition to Yung Joc's. NICE IDEA ON PAPER BUT, NO DICE. Not only do you compromize your beliefs for nothing, you force feed your music to trapkids and they hate you for it, backpackers who don't understand industry politics hate you for being a "sell out", and to support your family you have to be humiliated in the place you call home.

And thats the dillemma. Now more than ever rappers are becoming a disposable commodity. So just be your unique self and do the unique things you do because the fans you really want are the fans you already have. And more importantly YOU CAN'T BRAINWASH PEOPLE WITH THE TRUTH. Since your not lying in your rhymes, paying for a million spins and paying for the #1 spot on trl isn't gonna get you more album sales. Believe it or not real music is still popularized by word of mouth. I have lost count of how many people I've turned on to LB's music and Im sure the rest of your fans have too. So if you fufill your desire of being true to yourself, you may have to settle for the 5 bedroom instead of the 7 and you'll have to work with the used S 500 instead of the new one off the lot but you'll be alot happier. AND YOU WON'T HAVE TO JUSTIFY WHAT YOU SAY ON YOUR BLOG EITHER.

***The Backpacker Steps Off the Soapbox****

AND JUST FOR READING HERE'S A NEW TRACK FROM LB

Little Brother ft. Carlitta- Life of the Party
http://www.sendspace.com/file/hvzkjd

5 for Friday

2006-07-28T15:47:00.000-02:00

New heat for the end of the work week

The Game- One Blood
http://www.sendspace.com/file/1mbz1h

Inspectah Deck ft. Masta Killa- Sound of the Slums
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ynzq48

Doujah Raze ft. Sean Price & A.G.- Fahrenheit
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ez5vqd

Cut Chemist ft. Edan & Mr. Lif- The Storm
http://www.sendspace.com/file/g06nd0

7L & Esoteric- Dunks Are Live, Dunks Are Dead
http://www.sendspace.com/file/bfeala

The War Report

2006-07-28T04:06:00.000-02:00

Post and they will come.........No sooner did I post my article on Nicolay than I found this prize piece on the net. Enjoy. Good hip hop on the way, Keep Hope Alive!!!!!

My Picks
I Love the Way You Love- Phonte ft. Darien Brockington
http://www.sendspace.com/file/gpwwty

Black Spade- I am the Man
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ruztlm

My Story- Kay and Sy Smith
http://www.sendspace.com/file/x44z12

Sunday Shows of the Week

2006-07-23T04:11:00.000-02:00

Friday July 28
The 506 Reunion Show & Uneek Birthday Party"

The Local 506, Chapel Hill NC

Doors Open @ 8pm...$8 Entry

osted by Uneek and Kaze

DJ Forge on the wheels

Live Performances by…

Jozeemo LOB/HOJ? Congrats my nig!!!
Kaze from Soul Dojo
LIL Y.I.T of Fam or Foe,
Murksville's Diggz n Dox[/
K Hill of Kick-A-Verse Productions
D-N-A Rapstar Records/K97. 5FM Freestyle Friday King
and
D.U.O of XTRA INFINIT

The entire show will be recorded and aired on www.resonatedradio.com

Saturday July 29th
Event Name: DJ Shortkut & DJ Rich Medina
Time: 9pm
Location: The Spot
Address: 1212 Pecan ave
Charlotte , NC

Sunday July 30th

at The Brewery

HIP HOP FREESTYLE MC BATTLE

$100 Cash Money on the Line!

$8 Gets you in the door AND in the battle!

Hosted by the reigning champ TUCSON!

Doors are open at 9 pm

I Ain't Fraid of No Ghost (Saturday Soapbox)

2006-07-23T02:21:00.000-02:00

It has recently come to my attention that the two top selling artists(and I use that term very loosely) in the industry right now, have only been able to reach their "cult" status through the use of ghostwriters. If your not up on the latest hip hop news and you have no idea who these two so called "artist" are, let me give you some hints. They are both from the south,both are closely affiliated with Diddy (the king of all ghostwriting entusiasts), one of these guys humourously claims to be the "Best Rapper Alive", and the other just seems to always know where it going down at. Thats right kids, your daughters favorite rappers... Lil Wayne and Yung Joc!!!!. Surprised? I sure as hell was, who in the fuck would admit to writing something like "meet me in the mall...its going down"? However, this week, everything was brought to light thanks to that little green eyed monster called jealousy. How you could ever be jealous of a fake and a phony whos words aren't even their own I'll never know but I digress.

This week, the two gentlemen that penned these mulitplatinum paragraphs exposed their counterparts because they were tired of......I guess not being on T.V. or something. Nitty, the ass hole responsible for "It's Going Down" wasn't satisfied with people simply knowing it was a "Nitty Beat"(try to imagine that annoying little kid's voice). He apparently thought it ws very important that the listening public know that it was a Nitty song too. Gille Da Kid voiced his concerns about not getting his 15 minutes in a more traditional fashion, a freestyle diss aimed at his employer Lil Wayne (Link's at the bottom). Im not gonna go into what was said because it was mediocre at best, especially compared to E Ness who happened to also be rapping at the time. Instead i'd like to analyze two things; first, how in the world would any self-respecting artist ever let anyone else put words in their mouth, and 2. Why in the hell don't these gohstwriters keep their mouth shut (ghostwriting doesn't work if everyone knows your doing it).

Let's start with the veteran and more respected "lyricist"(and I use that term loosely) out of the two, Lil Wayne. Now we all know his story, lost his father at 10, shot at 11, hooked up with Baby and Slim and been shining eversince. I used to have alot of respect for the "Lil" guy, to be that young and be able to hang with real artists like "B.G. and Juvenile" who changed the face of hip hop and truly depcited their life and times living in Magnolia. To have come though the ranks and studied under individuals such as these, after his first three releases I was under the impression that the young man was coming along just fine. 17 years old, coined the terms "bling bling" and "drop it like its hot", living it up in mansions with the cash money millionaires and never lost his magnolia masses. I respected him for not being bow wow or romeo, or kriss kross, or any other cheesy pre pubescent rapper you can conjure up. He was to me, dare I say it, the southern version of Shyheim. Then "The Carter" came out. Boy was I really fooled then, the "Lil" man had the most stubborn hip hop heads singing his praises. But this was not to last. I guess money really changes people. After "The Carter", Wayne went from rees beaus and tees; to bapes, designers shades, and red monkey jeans. I mean the "Lil" bastard went hollywood on us!!!!!! First he was gonna sign with Hov, then Bad Boy, thankfully he came to his senses, decided not to shit on his new orleans roots all together and stayed with Cash Money.But that was the begining, I think that as a mostly independent artist once you cross the threshold of that board room door and see how the big bucks are made you are either one, completely disgusted or two, undeniably attracted. Guess which one Wayne was......DON'T BE SURPRISED IF HE ASKS WHERE DA CASH AT???. So he got his million dollar advance, hopped on the first thing smokin to miami, payed some one else to do his album for him and went to go play on the beach. END OF STORY, END OF CAREER, ONCE SOMEONE ELSE WRITES "YOUR" RHYMES YOUR NO LONGER AN ARTIST.

If it were only that simple. Im guessing once this story really hits all the websites and rap mags, all you'll hear is crickets. The rap game is so fucked up and convoluted with false images and personas I don't think anyone will care.

Now, let me talk about this other one, Yung Joc. Yeah, that's Yung Joc with a U and no K. First off let me say I don't blame Yung Joc because he is simply a puppet. I BLAME THE FANS. Anyone who likes Yung Joc's music is a brainless idiot and deserves to be shot (there I said it). But back to the point, Yung Joc is a puppet. Add one part Diddy's stylist, two parts Nitty (the beat and the lyrics), then add a young...dumb....broke nigga with no soul or scruples and you've got yourself a smash hit!!!!! There you go, how to be a record label executive for dummies. Basically thats it. Everyone else who's blaming Joc needs to stop cuz you really can't knoc (no k) his hustle. First he wasnt a rapper he was just nitty's friend, two he doesn't even know whats really going down. Diddy and Bloc (damn where's that fucking K?) Ent. are getting all the publishing. Which means Joc signed a one album deal for and Escalade and a chain. THATS IT, WASN'T AN ARTIST BEFORE AND DEFINATELY IS NOT ONE NOW.

I don't want to get long winded so I just have a PSA for all aspiring ghost writers out there. Keep your mouth shut if you want to get paid to write other peoples rhymes. If you tell on the rapper your telling on yourself. And please don't think because you wrote a rappers rhymes and he's sucessful, that your gonna be succsessful with your rhymes too. Perfect example... Mad Skillz. He was probably the most famous and rich ghostwriter in the history of all ghostwriters but then he got too big for his britches. Told on himself and now he's only relevant when summing up the happenings in hip hop at the end of every year. Oh yea, he has an album coming out thats gonna be released FEB. 31st 199NEVER!!!!!

Lesson of the story is if you write for a rapper he eats for a year (Yung Joc) But if Jaz O teaches a rapper how to write then he eats forever (Jay-Z)

***Backpacker Steps Off the Soapbox***

Gillie Da Kid- Lil Wayne Diss

Five For Friday

2006-07-21T01:17:00.000-02:00

1. Elliot Ness- Invincible
2. Jim Jones ft. Max B. Credibility
3. Lupe Fiasco ft. Pharell- Gotcha
4. 50 Cent- Paper Chaser
5.Slum Village- Detroit Deli Intro

The War Report

2006-07-21T00:34:00.000-02:00

THE ROOTS

THE GAME THEORY

NO NEED FOR CONVORSATION CUZ U KNOW WHAT IT IZ!!!!!!

Tracklist
1. "Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)"
2. "False Media"
3. "Game Theory"
4. "Don't Feel Right"
5. "In The Music"
6. "Take It There"
7. "Baby"
8. "Here I Come"
9. "Long Time"
10. "Livin' In A New World"
11. "Clock With No Hands"
12. "Atonement"
13. "Can't Stop This

Tuesday Release of the Week

2006-07-19T02:38:00.000-02:00

The worst marriage ever formed by two words in the history of the English language has to be "Overnight Success". Why? Simple. The concept doesn't exist! Yet no matter how often, in depth or in passing, we attempt to edify those romanticists who dwell among us as to the mental booby-trap invented by believing in such a notion, there are still many who have no inkling how laborious becoming a superstar really is.

Skyzoo is the embodiment of the term "grinding". The Brooklyn native has received praises from some of hip-hop's greatest icons such as Jay-Z, Nas, Buckshot and EPMD for his street- narrating style of rap. He is an M.C. By definition an M.C. is "anyone who understands a hip-hop mentality and is prepared to customize the music for the fan." In 2004, he appeared on BET’s "106 & Park", battling well-known battle-rapper Jin. Recently, due to the release of Skyzoo's latest mixtape "The City’s Favorite", hosted by DJ Absolute, he has been garnering more and more attention. Reportedly, the mixtape moved 3,000 units in only three days.

Now as a team, 9th Wonder (producer) & Skyzoo (artist) present the concept album: "Cloud 9: The 3 Day High"

commentary by NOE of the Industry Cosign

My Pick's

Way To Go
http://www.zshare.net/audio/skyzoo-way-to-goprod-9th-wonder-mp3-ky7.html

Speed Racin
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ghl8ey

The Bodega
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ftncwh

A Guy You Might Like To Meet

2006-07-19T00:31:00.000-02:00

You may not recognize the face of Phonte's friend at the phone booth; but odds are if you are familiar with N.C. hip hop at all you've "heard" all about him. Through his many efforts such as; Connected and The Dutchmaster Mixtape Series just to name a few Nicolay has been flooding the N.C. Underground with his unique brand of production. Nicolay is an export from the Netherlands who was introduced to fans through his collaboration with Phonte of Little Brother. Their album "Foreign Exchange: Connected" has reached cult status among the N.C. hip hop faithful. As legend has it Nicolay and Phonte met on the Okayplayer message boards and its been on ever since.

Soulful without samples, abstract but not overwhelming, Nicolay's style is truly one of a kind. I personally enjoy music that is truly creative and never gives way to conversation such as; "this reminds me of" or "this guy sounds like". A trailbllazer in his own right, Nicolay has been doing his thing in other areas of the globe and in recent years has become a regular in the House of Jusitice. His newest release "Here" is almost guaranteed not to disappoint and with many more Justice League collabos in the works IF YOU DON'T ALREADY KNOW WHO NICOLAY IS GET FAMILIAR!!!

Sunday Shows of The Week

2006-07-16T22:12:00.000-02:00

Been gone for a min handling some H2O business but Im back with the sunday shows of the week!!!!

Event Name: Mindelixir - MC Battle
Date: 07 / 22 / 2006
Time: 9pm
Location: Jeff's Bucket Shop
Address: Montford Dr
Charlotte , NC

Cost: $5

Event Name: The Unsigned Movement
Date: 07 / 22 / 2006
Time: 10pm
Location: Gold Pepper Grill
Address: 101 N Tryon
Charlotte , NC 28246

Cost: $10

Full Discription:

A great night of hip hop.... Q.C. and surrounding come out and support unsigned talent Come check out the movement Gold Pepper Grill Up Town in the Independence Center! Nothing but the real hip hop. With guest appearances from B.A.M., S.N.Y.P., Sinister and many more... You don't want to miss it! July 22 10 p.m. assemble your crew mark your books! It's going to be BIG! Bad Boy's own DJ Flemingo on the 1's and 2's! 21 + with I.D.

Tuesday Release of the Week

2006-07-12T00:49:00.000-02:00

Nothing really came out this week local wise and I know its a little early but I might as well get this outta the way......NEW BOOT CAMP CLIK!!!!!!!!!!!

Every one knows the deal with these guys. Its the album everyone's been waiting for and with production froma virtual who's who of producers (even a couple from our boy 9th) it definately doesn't disappoint. Watch out for that Marco Polo joint too. PLEASE SUPPOURT GOOD HIP HOP. PLEASE!!!! Links to a few of the tracks to come later

A Guy U Might Like To Know

2006-07-11T05:03:00.000-02:00

The person u might like to know this monday is arguably the "rapper of the moment" in the state of N.C. Now, I may be a little biased since I work for his company "Policy Entertainment Group", however you don't have to take my word for it. Big Treal's body of work to date coupled with his work that will soon be released speak volumes, and speaks loudly.

Big Treal heads Policy Entertainment Group LLC and co-founded Deep Rooted Productions. He is closely affiliated with 9th wonder and the Justus League. To that end he has been featured on DJ Drama Gangsta Grillz: Separate But Equal Mixtape. In his hometown of charlotte N.C. he is known for the seven mixtpaes he has independently released through his label.(there is an 8th on the way) I am fortunate enough to be helping him while he is in the process of creating a full length LP, with production from 9th, Khrysis and others i am not even permitted to name. He will also be on the lead single from 9th wonder's upcoming release "The Dream Merchant Vol. 2". AND THATs just THE OLD STUFF.

He is now in the studio with DTP's new recruit Shareefa about to make the remix to her summer banger "I Need a Boss". He is also in talks with DJ Honda to feature on his re-emergence into the the american mixtape scene.I say amercian because Honda is an international DJ who has been gone for a couple years gaining much notariety in Japan. Big Treal is honestly the hardest working rapper/businessman I have ever seen and I am priviledged to be working with him. AND IF YOU DIDNT HAVE ANY IDEA WHO THIS WAS BEFORE THIS ARTICLE CLICK THE TITLE AND YOU CAN CHECK THE MYSPACE PAGE!!!

Upcoming Shows This Week

2006-07-10T03:17:00.000-02:00

7/9/06
Microphone Mondays
The Spot in Charlotte NC
1212 Pecan Ave
Starts @ 10pm

Wed. July 12@ 10PM
What: JURASSIC BREAKDANCE BATTLE(monthly). $200 2 on 2 BBOY/BGIRL BATTLE, $100 TRICK/BLOWUP COMPETITION
Where: HI-5 , 510 South Glenwood Raleigh, NC

WITH DJ TRIPLE B HOSTED BY MIC SAVVY
free admission

Thur, July 13th @ The Spot
Event: Hip hop fundraiser
Location: The Spot at 1212 Pecan St
Time: Doors open at 8:00 pm
Entry: Minimum $8 donation
Purpose: Rally cry for those families displaced by the city at Mecklenburg Mills and Johnston Mills.
Entertainers:
Little Brother (Durham) - headliners
The Others (Charlotte)
Pens & Needles (Asheville)
Kaze (Raleigh)
DJ Forge (Raleigh)
Dan Johns (Florence/Columbia)
The remaining are from Charlotte:
Mr. Invisible
IKE Turnah
Next Level
Herron
Point Game
Blk Swan
Maze Forever

July 14
Talib and Urban Sophisticates...
Cats Cradle
9:00pm start
$25 price
JJULY 14 Doors open @ 9:30PM $5 before 11PM
What: CULTURE
Where: Raleigh Music Hall, 14 West Martin Street Downtown Raleigh, NC

WITH: PENS AND NEEDLES
BEYOND
GHOST DOG
SOLID UNION
DUO
HOSTED BY MIC SAVVY with SAMI-AUTOMATIC AND PROTO-J ON THE ONE AND TWOS.
FREESTYLE BATTLE FOLLOWING THE SHOW SO PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS OR SHUT THE FUCK UP.

07 / 15 / 2006
Event Name: Mindelixir Show
Time: 9pm
Location: Jeff's Bucket Shop
Address: Montford Dr
Charlotte ,

Cost: $5

07 / 15 / 2006
Event Name: Old School Party
Time: 9pm
Location: Fire & Ice
Address: Pecan ave
Charlotte , NC

Cost: $10 w/ flyer, $12 @ door

Full Discription:

DJ DR Ole Skool Hip Hop Music Drink Specials Breakdancing and more Check it out!!! Rock your adidas suits & kangols - it's old school!

All U C Iz.....Crime In The City

2006-07-09T01:19:00.000-02:00

I spoke in a earlier post about hip hop being an unstoppable force. On this weeks soapbox I would like to get more specific and signify the one aspect of hiphop that may be the most unstoppable.....Grafitti. As one of the four pillars of hip hop, throught the years, Grafitti has stayed true to its roots. And as the Brooklyn Museum of Art holds an entire exhibit especialy catered to a cornerstone of one of the most influential cultural movements the world has seen, it seems obvious to me that in the purple diamond wearing, coke pushing, blood stained world of rap music the art.....I REPEAT THE ART OF GRAFITTI might be the only pillar that true fans and historians of the culture have left to stand on.

AHHH the B-Boy... The jack of all trades, the renaissance men of hip hop. For those lay people who have no idea, a B-Boy, was a bright and gifted young man (and later on woman)that encompassed all four pillars of hip hop. DJ-ing, Breakdancing, Emcee-ing,and Tagging, with those four powers combined you were A B-BOY!!!!!! Sounds glamourous doesn't it? And oh how glamourous it was, if you look back at the pictures from the late 70's and early 80's you can see the purity of it all. Young people in the inner-city reacting to the pressures and politics of life at that time with social commentary and an individualism that made them stand out from the workers in the slums and separated them from the suits on Wall Street.(As if the alarming poverty and drug trafficing weren't separation enough)To be on the cutting edge of a movment so strong is usually a burden to those innovators with enough guile to buck the status quo. However, the unique quality about the hip hop culture was that they were pretty much left to their own devices. (which is very rare for a big group of minorities all doing the same thing at the same time)I say pretty much, because for all those that were making that racket with their parents turntables, and those reusing the cardboard boxes from the trash heap to do those funny dances....There was that special breed, the trobulemakers defacing public property. It seemed ironic on so many levels that New York City; this white washed metropolis of brick and mortar, this symbol of american prowess, was also one of the biggest centers for crime and corruption. And for the first time, people could litteraly see writing on the wall. Writings, that would seemingly appear overnight. No one knew exactly how, or when, but anyone who could read knew why. The messages would appear in such vivd color and in such gargantuan size, and in so many numbers that they could not be ignored. And so... the war on terror insued. Fueled by the seminal graffiti documentary "Style Wars" THE MAYOR OF THE BIG APPLE put the hammer down on grafitti declaring it as crime punishable by fines and jailtime.

Fast forward a quarter of a century. How much of a B-Boy is there left to be? Rap went from being ignored to being villianized then accepted to then being raped, pillaged and sold out by its own kind, the last time I checked break dancing was being used in car commericals and sitcoms, and every white boy from suburbia copped a set of technics and became DJ Grand Master Techno/House. So that leaves us with old faithful, our dedicated creatures of the night creating street murals in the shadows with nothing but an ipod in their ear, a can of Krylon in their hand, and pure passion in their hearts. Still willing to risk spending a couple hundered bucks and a couple of hours in a holding cell to see that paint glisten off an alley wall or a train car by the light of day.

So being that the ART...YES THE ART OF GRAFFITI has an exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum of Art(maybe guggenheim next time?), saying that graffiti has come a long way would be a vast understatement. EAT YOUR HEART OUT EDDIE KOCH!!!!

***The Backpacker Steps Off the Soapbox***

for a link to a feature on the actual exhibit click the title of the post.

Five For Friday

2006-07-08T00:31:00.000-02:00

These are the five tracks I been rockin wit all week....

1. Busta Rhymes ft. Noreaga- The Assignment
http://www.zshare.net/audio/07-noreaga_and_busta_rhymes-the_assignment-mp3.html

2. Black Rob ft. The L.O.X.- Can I Live
http://www.zshare.net/audio/black-rob-life-story-can-i-live-featuring-the-lox-mp3.html

3. Mobb Deep ft. 5o Cent- Nightmares
http://www.zshare.net/audio/mobb_deep_feat1-_50_cent_-_nightmares__prod_by_dr-_dre_-mp3.html

4. Sheist Bub ft. Cam'ron- Catch Him
http://www.zshare.net/audio/15-ccatch-him-with-shiest-bub-mp3.html

5. M.O.P. ft. Fox- The Game's Been Fixed
http://www.zshare.net/audio/08-the_marxmen-the_games_been_fixed-mp3.html

Im on my N.Y. Shit!!!!!

ON THE WESTERN FRONT

2006-07-07T02:44:00.000-02:00

If you can't tell by the title the subject of this week's "war report" are from the westcoast. Some might even say they ARE the westcoast. Cali Iz Active is a joint I've been baging for about two weeks and its got a new westcaost feel that I really like. They don't live off the old trends and come correct wit this one so go out and support the OG's. Because I stayed up til 5 in tha morning putting the finishing touches on the EDO G interview, I wont say too much about this LP. Its no classic as a metter of fact not even close. But its nice that these classic and individual artist can give us some westcoast sounds to ride out to. Thanks DPGC!!!!!

Ace's Picks

1. DPGC- Cali Iz Active (Prod. By Battlecat)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/dpg-ft-snoop-doggy-dogg-cali-is-active-mp3.html

Show at the Spot

2006-07-06T05:23:00.000-02:00

Hip hop was on display in all its glory at the EDO.G and Sadat X show wed. night at "the spot". First you should know that "the spot" is a venue in charlotte that prior to being a home for smoking drinking and other various unmentionable acts 1212 Pecan Ave. was a house of worship. Which turned out to be verty fitting as much homage was being paid to two saints of the underground and their many deciples that served for impressive opening acts. Charles Herron rocked the crowd with a great stage performance, ninja science team and mad p brought a little harmony into the mix,verbal kent and eratik statik repped chi-town to the fullest,and the others showed once again why they're the kings of the queen city. I missed pottersfield mc's and tableek (sorry guys). But I was there for EDO G, and as I anticipated it was the best set of the night. He went through the new the old,the familiar, the unfamilar, dj premier, pete rock and a new track prod by Marco Polo (look out for that!!!). Then came Sadat X who was sabotaged by the soundman (happens to the best of 'em). He still held it down spitting his many hip hop quotables acapella adn promised the crowd a make-up show next time hes in town. Hmmmmm.......what else am I forgetting?.........

OH YEAH I INTERVIEWED EDO G!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Q:In 1991 you and Da' Bulldogs came out with "Life of a Kid in the Ghetto, which gained crtical acclaim and boasted a #1 singleon the charts as well.It seems like these days that type of success is more expected of a new artist. What would you say the differences are between you coming in the game in 1991 and new artist coming in 2006?

EDO G:I think that the industry is in a different mindstate than when I came in. They are really more about promoting the more negative aspects of music.But the thing about a cat that comes along now, as opposed to back then is similar to basketball. You know, you had your era with the jordans, birds,magics and now you have Lebron. So the era today is just a result of our changing times.But overall I think the industry is in a good state, where an artist can come out independent, be an entrepernuer and really make it happen for themselves.

Q:Considering the years right after your initial success, how important do you think it is for rappers and especially so called "underground" rappers to go independent or sign to an indy label?

EDO G: Depends on the artist really. Because if you want to be an entrepernuer; you can save your money, come out totally independent, and reap all the benefits. But for those who don't have the money or opportunity to do that, signing with an independent that has money to put your project out is the next best thing.

Q: I think your ablum "My Own Worst Enemy" was some of your best work. Most if not all of the tracks on that album were produced by Pete Rock right?

EDO G: Yeah, he produced 7 out of the 11 tracks on the cd.

Q: What do you think are the advantages/disadvantages with having one producer handling most of the project?

EDO G: I don't think there are any real disadvantages to that, it just depends on what you do with the tracks. I thinbk its good, maybe more people should do that. That way you can get that one sound, that whole kinda cohesiveness throught an entire album.But personally, Im a free agent. Im just tryin to work with whoever has the hottest beats.

Q:Its, funny you say that. Because in my opinion alot of rappers both rookies and veterans in the game have alot of trouble choosing beats.How did you go about choosing beats for "My Own Worst Enemy" and What do you look for in a beat?

EDO G: I just have an ear for it, alot of people don't have that.Certain cats just don't know a good beat when they hear it. For the most part I just go with what I like and most of the time when you do that people will agree.

Q:So do you think its more important to make art for you first and then let the fans catch up?

EDO G:Well, I definately think that people should just conform and do whats popular at the moment.I mean, if your not feeling it in your heart than its not heartfelt and that will show in the music.So, if you love the beat the fans will to because they know that its something that you appreciated.

Q:Speaking of that, with the "superstar" status attributed to producers like Just Blaze, Kanye West, Pharrell, and most recently 9th Wonder....Do you think its a producers game these days. In other words, are they running the show right now?

EDO G: Well, all those guys are dope and make hot beats, but in general I think it is.I think its easier for the dj's and producers to constantly stay above water and remain relevant because they don't have to compete all the time. Its a double edged sword dj's and producers are getting their time now, whereas in the past it may have just been a couple of producers that are really on top.

Q: I think that the producers that were doing their thing in the past have really gotten lost in the shuffle, which is part of the reeason why artist cant choose beats.

EDO G: I agree if most of these artist would just read the credits of their favorite albums thaey could look and say "ok this is a guy I need to mess with".I mean, you can take a Dj Premier who is from the old school but still doing his thing, his sound is just timeless. Some people may not see him as a big name but he still makes amazing music.

Q: Ok...Give me a quick run through of the Boston scene, aritst people should be looking for.

EDO G: Well, my man Slain, my man J Son he's in my group Special Teamz, Acrobatics got a new ablum comin out,Insight, Team 220. Man there's so many people too many to name them all.But those are the cats that I definately think will be makin alot of noise this year.

Q: What rap releases are you looking forward to, commercial underground or otherwise.

EDO G: Nobody. Im not a big purchaser, I actually buy more r&b than rap.

Q:Well, the last album I bought was the Busta Rhymes CD

EDO G: Yeah I like that one, its got some hot joints on there. Q tip, Dre ,Raekwon did their thing. Basically, if its hot I'll support it.

Q: What track do you think fans most anticipate hearing you perfomr at a show?

EDO G: Of course its gotta be "I Gotta Have It". But I think in the next couple of years there will be some new joints that people will look forward to hearing live.

Q: Whats next for you and Sadat X? Any more show dates?

EDO G: Yeah, actually 3 more dates; St. Louis Milwaukee and Chicago. Then im headed to back Boston and then up to New York. Im actually trying to organize a tour with Erratik Statik, Cali Agents and Sean Price. All our new albums should be out around the time we go on the road.

Tuesday "Release of the Week"

2006-07-04T21:50:00.000-02:00

If you don't already know who this is in the picture its the rhyming beatslinger Rashid Hadee from Chapter 13 on a dope EP entitled "It Ain't Hard To Tell" which features 8 new tracks, all produced by the man himself. You got him either on the boards layin down some thick beatwork or sharing mic duties alongside Augustine, Abstract Mindstate and Chapter 13. Check out his ill remix of Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "Appreciate". You will definitely appreciate it. Grab it and spread the word on Rashid Hadee, Chapter 13 and Neblina Records. This should keep you over until Rashid drops the highly anticipated "Dedication" album. Fresh quality hiphop music, for free? Dont sleep.

(commentary courtesy of BrokeBBoys.com)

Just click on the title for the download link

Some Guys U mIght Like to Know

2006-07-03T23:15:00.000-02:00

It seems like people will find a way to categorize anything today. As long as they have a name and a label for something, they feel that they can control it. Today what I present to you is the uncontrolable force known only as "Inflowential". They aren't trap niggas, hell, two of them aren't even black. They're not hip hop heads/backpackers, or not totally atleast. They're not working to "bring us back to the essence", they're not totally left field, and despite what people might tell you THEY ARE NOT THE SECOND COMING OF THE ROOTS(not that that would be a bad thing). They are simply some talented guys who love hip hop and started a group and make music that appealed to them. TAB 1, Charlie Smarts, Adid, & Bender form this quartet of unexplainable hip hop and ever since they came on the scene with their interesting blend of emcee-ing, beatboxing, and bass guitar they have been a raliegh powerhouse. Althought they have toured the state many times raleigh is the place they call home and where they get the most love.

Because their style is so eclectic their fans range from the trap niggas to the sorority girls (especially the sorority girls).Whenver and wherever they perform it is guaranteed to be a good time. They do have some set songs when they perform but the reason why a person like me can go to three of their shows in one week is because they improv a good amount of it too and its simply amazing. You never know what verse your going to hear from the unpredicatble tab 1(he freestlyes at least one song a performance), at any moment charlie smarts could break out into song, and Adid might give the rest of the guys a rest while he does his famous beatbox halftime show in between their set. Known for their great performances and their truthful and easily relatable lyrics they have gained much fanfare. They recently won a talent competition at NCCU and are now in talks with Atlantic Records. If you want to get your hands on some material theyhave an E.P. out and they are currently in the studio working on the full length so look out for that coming soon. SO IF U DONT KNOW NOW U KNOW!!!

Sunday Shows of the Week

2006-07-02T11:45:00.000-02:00

07/02/06
Where: Cat's Cradle (300 E. Main St, Carrboro)
Who:ACEYALONE
UGLY DUCKLING
PROCUSSIONS
DIVERSE
MAYDAY & WRECKONIZE
DJ FORGE

How Much: tickets $14 advance/$16 at door
When: 8:30

07/02/06
Where: Bella Festa 127 Princess street downtown Wilmington NC 28401
Who: YBGz (Port City)
Shelly B (Raliegh)
K Slack of Thyrday(Bull City) w/ Grind
Brandon D (Greensoro)
How Much: Dunno
When: 10:45pm

07/05/06

Where: The Spot, 1212 Peacan Ave Charlotte NC
Who:Sadat X
Ed OG
The Others
When: 9:30
How Much: $10 adv. / $15 @ door

07/05/06

EVERY WEDNESDAY NITE
NO COVER
@ The LIBRARY
120 E. Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

07/07/06

Where: BlackSheep (1504 Camden Rd Charlotte , NC )
Who: Just for Kicks Art Show
When: 7:00pm
How Much: Free

Saturday Soapbox

2006-07-02T00:49:00.000-02:00

On the Saturday Soapbox I discuss a current event in the rap world, be it good or bad. Dont be afraid its just my opinion. Let me already apologize if I offend somebody.

The question I ask while I stand on the soapbox this week is "IS RAP "JUST A TOY?".

There's an article that appeared on allhiphop.com this week (link above, just click on "saturday soapbox) about the newest hip hop buisness venture. Apparently a company by the name of Mezco Toyz wants or is going to "revive hip hop icons the Notorious B.I.G. and Public Enemy as action figures".

It was ok when there were talks of a Master P doll because we all know that he is a shamelss buisness man that will do damn near anything for a dollar and 15 MORE min. of fame. It was even understandable that Ghostface would sign his likeness over to Mattel & Co, first, because he's one of the funniest and most eccentric emcees to ever hold a mic and second because he's already doing MTV 2 commcericals. But I just think taking one of the most beloved dead emcees and one of the most socially concious living emcees and trivializing both leagacies by miniturizing them to "nine-inch plastic figures" is taking it too far.

Hip Hop as a musical genre has been exploited ever since the ceo's of Coke and Mc Donalds figured out that Nelly and Ludacris weren't on the cover of tiger beat magazine but they were sure as hell blasting out of his/her daughter's stereos. But it seems that in recent years its not the just the abstract idea of "Hip Hop" thats being exploited but these companies are actually putting faces to the culture. Ludacris with Puma and Pontiac, Lil Jon with Oakley, Slum Village with Chevy, and even Jay Z with HP Computers (at least he refused to show his face).

Now, theres nothing wrong with free enterprise Im all for Lil Jon and Crunk Juice, Nelly and Pimp Juice, and Ludacris with Def Con 3 because they aren't simply puppets for big conglomerates. They are trying to do their own thing and compete against the very buisnesses that are whore-ing out the culture. Which gives these specific artist all the more reason to tell Coke and Puma to fuck off because they have their own drinks and footwear.

And for those optimist thinking that Chuck D and Violetta Wallace(shame on you Violetta for this and the duets album, even though diddy isa fucking you over you MUST find a better way to make ends meet) signed their repsective souls to the dark side for a good cause just check out how they described the B.I.G. doll, "The Notorious B.I.G. action figure will be clad in his distinctive white-tailored cloth suit along with a removable hat, cane and “bling accessories.”". Now what exactly is a Bling accessory? and last time I checked the notorious one didnt always have a hat and cane. Barbie is over 70 years old and that bitch doesnt have a cane. If you ask me Mezco Toys might as well have given Biggie a feather for hist hat, some gators and a copule of bitches and just called it "the fat pimp doll". Chuck D is going to come fully equipped with his "signature gold chain and baseball cap". Correct me if I wrong but last time I saw the Dont Believe The Hype video Chuck D had a chain with the continent of Africa on it and it sure as hell wasnt gold. That just goes to show you how low formerly great artist will go when you choose to buy the ying yang twins albums over their own. But I digress.

The problem is, to quote another hip hop action figure, "the game is to be sold not to be told" and black people especially seem to have no problem with doing the selling and the telling even when its for companies who don't really give a shit about the culture and the progression of hip hop music.

***the backpacker steps off the soapbox***

Five For Friday

2006-06-30T16:23:00.000-02:00

"Five for Friday" is the five tracks I am listening to this week that maybe you should be listening to aswell. I 'll always have at least one hometown hero in there from the tarheel state and best of all you can downlad them right here at carolinabrl.

1.Termanology- How It Goes Down http://www.zshare.net/audio/termanology-how-it-goes-down-mp3.html

2.Skyzoo- Way To Go(Prod. 9th Wonder)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/skyzoo-way-to-goprod-9th-wonder-mp3.html

3.Nas- Where Ya'll At
http://www.zshare.net/audio/nas-where_yall_at-mp3-7jn.html

4.Masta Killah, Raekwon,& Ghostface-It Is What It Is
http://www.zshare.net/audio/masta-killah-raekwon-ghostface-it-is-what-mp3.html

5.D'Angelo ft. Common- So Far To Go (Prod. by J Dilla) R.I.P!!!!!
http://www.zshare.net/audio/dangelo-ft-common-so-far-to-go-prod-by-j-dilla-mp3.html

Just COPY & PASTE

The War Report

2006-06-30T13:55:00.000-02:00

Time for the "War Report". This is where I put the spotlight on an artist who is on the frontlines fighting for good hip hop.

The focus of the War Report this week is Lord Jamar. Some of you might know him from the famed "Brand Nubian", that reached critical acclaim in the late 80's and early 90's. However, when forntman Gand Puba left in 1991, Sadat X and Lord Jamar soon called it quits aswell. Sadat X went on to have a fairly successful solo career while Jamar kept a lower profile only resurfacing for features on other albums.Despite a few excellent mid-‘90s albums, the group never quite overcame the loss of their frontman. And though the original trio reunited for 1998’s impressive return to form, Foundation, LJ’s best work is his first solo debut "5% The Album"

The title refers to his embrace of the Five Percent Nation, an Islamic sect built on the premise that the black man is God and that only 5% of the population knows their true divinity (with 85% blind, deaf and ignorant and the other 10% devils using their knowledge to control the 85%). As expected, most of his thought-provoking lyrics address prevalent 5% ideologies, such as the numerological fascination of Supreme Mathematics, breaking it down in layman's terms in a way that even the most clueless Islamic neophyte could understand.

The densely-packed layers of knowledge and science would likely prove overwhelmingly heady were it not for the imminently accessible grooves that back the tracks, which was always Brand Nubian's saving grace. From the sped-up Beatles bite that drives Here Comes The Sun to the Chicago riff that makes Revolution such a bangin' cut, nearly every song here has a groove that proves the spoonful of sugar to help the intellectual medicine go down. And with guest spots from some of the 5% Nation's most lyrically gifted proponents, including RZA, GZA, Raekwon and Grand Puba, rarely has religious doctrine proven such fascinating listening.

Capped by the blazing RZA assisted Deep Space, the album never deviates from its Nation of Gods & Earths theme. From the incredible album art to virtually every song title, every bar and even the 90 page booklet that accompanies it. While Jamar is obviously passionate and dedicated to his beliefs, and for the most part the education given here is interesting. But 21 tracks of lessons start to wear a bit thing at points. Still, easily recommended listening.
(commentary courtesy of hiphopdx.com)

The Backpacker's Picks

1. Lord Jamar- The Sun
http://www.zshare.net/audio/03-lord_jamar-the_sun-mp3.html

2.Lord Jamar ft. Raekwon & Kasim Allah- Original Man
http://www.zshare.net/audio/02-lord_jamar-original_feat_raekwon_kasim_allah-mp3.html

3.Lord Jamar ft. Grand Puba- The Corner, The Streets
http://www.zshare.net/audio/11-lord_jamar-the_corner_the_streets_feat_grand_puba-mp3.html

COPY & PASTE

The Tuesday "Release of the Week"

2006-06-26T17:03:00.000-02:00

Every tuesday Im gonna put up a cd that U might know or might not but that should definately be added to any collection.

As Part of the fifteen man front known as the "Justus League", Edgar Allen Floe steps away from his other group "The Undefined", to present himself not only as a premier artist but a formidable producer aswell going by the alias of "Slicemysta". "Floe Almighty" is consider to be the prelude to the "Streetwise LP" it features production by 9th Wonder, (see above), and Khrysis (Boot Camp Clik, Masta Ace, Sean Price, Ness) as well as Son of Yorel (Chaundon).

This ablum achieves diversity and balance all in the same breath.
Coming off the True Links EP, EA Floe’s superior skills backed by dope tracks make "Floe Almighty" a must have to tide fans over until they can get their hands on the "Streetwise LP". He came to raliegh and did "The Midngiht Snack Radio Show" (Link on the left), and previewed a little of the album before it came out. Upon listening I was amazed at the leaps and bounds made by both 9th and Khrysis in production style. I think Khrysis gets the best of 9th on what is arguably the best track on the album "Craftmatic". He also includes the Justus League classic "Righteous Way To Go" which was prievously featured on a JL mixtape and eventhough 9th switched the beat a little from the original version, I still think its dope. All in all a definate purchase for any fan of that unique sound comin from the N.C. underground!!!

Tracklisting:Ace's Pick's in Blue
1. Skyward (produced by 9th Wonder)
2. Floe Freestyle (produced by Slicemysta)
3. Craftmatic (produced by Khrysis)
4. Livelyhood Remix (produced by Slicemysta)
5. Floe Almighty (produced by 9th Wonder)
6. Nightwatch f/Mal Demolish (produced by Son Of Yorel)
7. The Torch (produced by 9th Wonder)
8. Hostility f/Cazmere (produced by Slicemysta)
9. One And One Remix f/Diablo Archer (produced by Slicemysta)
10. Changes (Mood Swing) (produced by Slicemysta)
11. Floe Shout Outs (produced by Slicemysta)
12. The Righteous Way To Go (produced by 9th Wonder)

A Guy U Might Like To Know

2006-06-26T03:33:00.000-02:00

I'm not sure about who might be stopping this little blog so every monday ima hit ya with a N.C. hip hop noteable that you might wanna make yourself familiar with. Mind you that in the future the spotlight will be pointed at those that are a little less known but for now well start with this guy.

His name is 9th wonder and he is one third of the N.C. hip hop group Little Brother. He also plays an integral role at the round table of N.C. rap royalty known as The Justus League. He has almost single handedly provided the soundscape for the N.C. hip hop movement. Known for his infectious (and rare) soul samples and his hard hitting drums, 9th has made alot of noise outside the tarheel state aswell as inside, prducing for artist from around the nation and most noteably Jay-Z. After bringing 200 or so beats to Hov, Mr. Carter gave poor 9th 20 mins. and an R.Kelly sample to make a beat out of. And it would seem that performing under pressure might be 9th's greatest talent of all as he comes out with arguably one of the best beats on Jay-Z's piece de resistance "The Black Album". Not too bad for his first introduction to rap's "mainstream" audience. (He even gets a lil face time on the DVD "Fade to Black", f.y.i. hes the one who looks surprised to be in the room)

With Jay in his blackberry, emcees breaking down his door for beats, and the underground in his back pocket, you would think the success would go straight to his head. Yet, he spreads the love like no other. As the President of H2O, N.C. State University's one and only hip hop org. ,I have had the honor and priviledge to speak with him on many occasions and he is the most humble and down to earth person (famous or not) I have ever met. He has many upcoming projects including the second installment of his "dream merchant" compilation cd and along with Little Brother and the Justus League 9th is doing much more than his part towards making N.C. the home of the best hip hop on the planet. SO IF U DON'T KNOW NOW U KNOW!