WELCOME TO N.Y. CITY!!!!

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

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!

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

Bout Time!

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

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

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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