What I'm Watching Right Now...J Smooth (illdoctrine)

I've been on to the video blogs of J Smooth for sometime now. I can't remember how I found them but I'm glad I subscribe to them. Because he does what my boy Q and I do on occasion. Speak on things with sense, points, and intelligent opinions. Sometimes sarcastic, always enlightening. Probably why Q and I think he's our boy yet we've never met. Hahaha. He just makes sense when he does his videos. How can I not be cool with a dude like that. This video in particular is about Asher Roth and a comment he made. I didn't hear about it till watching this video blog (vlog?). Check it out. You might learn something.






For more info on J Smooth:
twitter.com/jsmooth995
www.illdoctrine.com/
www.youtube.com/user/illdoc1



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Pay Attention to Rob Roy

I came across dude a few weeks back when I peeped that Fur in My Cap video. I think the quote was “He’s a starrrah” according to Questlove (of the Roots) while on Twitter, when he blasted the link to the vid out in a tweet. Then the video popped up in my email. Then a friend in DC told me he heard it out in the club. There was something that hit me immediately with the track. Something unique.

In searching for more of Rob Roy, you find that folks either love him or hate him. It’s true; he’s definitely an acquired taste. Wherever his tracks were, there were comments in favor and against. One thread started with “Rob Roy is about to be the new hot blog rapper.” Heads joined in on both sides of that debate.

One fan wrote, “Dude is f’ing crazy. His voice is something that I’ve never really heard before and the hook (in Fur in My Cap) just comes out of nowhere and you’re instantly listening. I’d totally listen to some more of this dude. Pretty abstract and strange, but good.”

Rob Roy has this rare mix of talent and uniqueness.

Is he the hottest and most lyrical emcee on the planet? You’ll need to answer that question yourself. But is he a cookie-cutter-ring-tone emcee? That’s one thing that he’s definitely not, and with that you should pay close attention to Rob Roy. He brings something different to the table. He classifies his style as Rap / Punk / Blues. Some fans liken his sound to Outkast, with its southern influence.

The first go through of King Warrior Magician Lover, I immediately thought the fresh sound of early Missy Elliott’s off the wall music that was just different at the time. Sure, I know a bold statement. But do you remember the video for “The Rain”? Remember how heads were tripping about her in a garbage bag and other cool graphics? Well, enter Rob Roy’s “Fur in My Cap” video. This dude obviously takes his craft seriously and the creativity of the video says that it his talent doesn’t end on wax and continues on film.

He’s definitely not for everyone but it’s different and sometimes different can be good. He brings creativity and passion to his craft.

We reached out to Rob Roy to talk about his new project, King Warrior Magician Lover. Here’s the Q&A with him.


The Mad Bloggers: Where you from?
Rob Roy: I'm from Duval County, Jacksonville, Florida and currently living in Los Angeles

TMB: How long you've been doing this music thing?
Rob Roy: If I were to establish set dates - August 2003, I started taking music seriously. August 2006, I began viewing it as a career choice.

TMB: When does King Warrior drop?
Rob Roy: The album's release date is...SOON! I like surprises.

TMB: How would you explain the project?
Rob Roy: It's a model for handling the transition from childhood to maturity.

TMB: Who did you work with on it?
Rob Roy: Luke Walker aka Gods Paparazzi, and I produced every track, with additional production from Tim H on "Bowden Acres Parade."

TMB: Reasons heads should grab it?
Rob Roy: 1) It's soul food, not fast food 2) Dylan, Dylan, and Dylan.

TMB: When can they get it?
Rob Roy: Soon! There's a grand strategy at work here.

For more information: www.myspace.com/robroy

Listen to some of King Warrior Magician Lover below.

King Warrior Magician Lover

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Check it... NoNeedz

It was just something about NoNeedz when I first stumbled on his MySpace page. It was something real about his sound and immediately resonated with me. I liked his music right from the beginning.

The 25-year-old California native has been doing music since 17.

“I had to make a song for a school assignment,” he said. “After that, I just kept going with it.”

His music is filled with dope beats, intelligent rhymes and a fresh delivery. The dude is dope and has a new cd due on in June.

He was cool enough to hit us with “Hot Water” from the new project. It’s a real smart track, “….When I enter in the booth, I only hit you with the truth.” So you already know that his third album, The Getaway, is filled with quality.

I reached out to NoNeedz for a Q&A. Here is what he had to say.

The Mad Bloggers: How would you describe your sound and style?
NoNeedz: My first two albums have a mix of reggae and hip-hop. But I’m strictly a hip-hop artist at heart. That's what my new album, 'The Getaway' will deliver when it drops in June. All underground hip-hop.

TMB: Where do you want to see your music go?
NoNeedz: Everywhere it can. I wanna tour round the world, pay my past due bills, and be all about the underground. I’m not sure I’d ever wanna be famous. Every cat say he want the money, keep the fame, but if a major label were to whisper in their direction they turn like the angry dead.

TMB: Who are your musical influences?
NoNeedz: I learn from just about everything I feel. There's just too many to name, from commercial cats like Nas, Snoop and Jay to underground monsters like One Be Lo and Jedi Mind Tricks.

TMB: In your opinion, what's the state of music?
NoNeedz: The major labels are in some trouble, with this recession and digital sales making it easier for people like me to make some loot despite the monopoly on radio stations and what not. Everything is changing. Hip-hop, singing, its all going synthetic. Its cool for the club, but if I ain’t dancing and skammin on a bird, I wanna hear a human voice.

TMB: What's the hardest thing you're finding out that has to do with your music?
NoNeedz: Promotion is a BITCH

TMB: What projects are you currently working on?
NoNeedz: The Getaway is my third album, pre-orders going on now. All pre-orders get a free song, otherwise unreleased.

TMB: How can heads get your music?
NoNeedz: The first two cds can be bought at www.undergroundhiphop.com and iTunes. The Getaway can be pre-ordered by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button under my blogs (No PayPal account necessary).

For more information: www.myspace.com/noneedz
Pre-order: The Getaway



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TELL 'EM WHY YOU MAD: Don't Support Ignorant Ish

That Hurricane Chris "Halle Berry" is another instructional dance piece of garbage from a ring-tone-personal-trainer-rapper.

As a matter of fact, allow me to put all ring-tone-personal-trainer rappers on notice (yeah, this includes you Soulja Boy). Stop making shit and take pride in your craft. Folks have made the argument that this type of music is entertaining and for teens (yet I see adults blasting it on a regular basis). I’m still trying to figure out who approved the Stanky Leg.

Sure, make music for the teens but does it 1) have to sound like this 2) always include some horrible dance? Can’t we give our youth a little more? Yes, I know most heads like a catchy hook and a beat you can rock to, but those things don’t need to come without creativity and talent. Hey, let’s just do it this way… let’s stop calling these cats rappers and they should never be included in a sentence with the words “hip-hop”, unless you are saying that it’s the direct opposite. Give them their own category and perhaps then I won’t say anything (can’t promise though).


“Download”, the newest from Lil Kim featuring T-Pain and Charlie Wilson is yet another example of why you shouldn't make a track about social networking. "...He wanna download me on his floppy disk"? Hmm, it's like this track was released a decade too late. Uh, hey Kim they invented flash drives while you were locked up. Good to know that Lil Kim is up on her google, MySpace and Facebook-ing. By the way with all due respect, Lil Kim is like five plastic surgeries past pretty © @OCSupreme. Please don’t download this garbage.


This week Ciara put out an album circa 1986-1992 Janet Jackson. She's decided to re-hit the scene with a look like Beyonce and a sound like Janet Jackson. I suppose originality is out in 2009. I’m wrong? You might want to re-listen to that “Love, sex, and magic”, as an example of what I’m saying. Perhaps she should have a wardrobe malfunction and it might push more albums.


Speaking of wardrobe malfunctions, on Thursday morning pictures of Cassie breasts surfaced on the Internet (yeah, I looked). According to Cassie, "IT SEEMS THAT SOMEONE HAS HACKED INTO MY COMPUTER...THAT'S REAL FOUL AND EVIL. NOW STOP ACTING LIKE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN A TITTY BEFORE." Hacked her computer? What happened, she get hit with that conficker? Guess she wasn’t on a mac.

The truth is that we’ve seen many a celebrity nude before. Funny how celebrities never know how nude pictures and sex videos hit the surface, but boy do they seem to benefit from the extra publicity. With all due respect, publicity is a bitch and it seems like Cassie is all about it. Crazy haircut, check. Expose breast, check. Guess the home sex vid is next.

I think this was the internal convo… Cassie: How do I take the focus off Ciara's album? Answer: Email pics of breast from an anonymous source. Score: Cassie 1, Ciara 0.


We're losing thousands of jobs daily and what pops up on television? New York Goes to Work. They should have shelved this project indefinitely. Thanks again Vh1, you sure know how to churn out the winners. Viewers tune in weekly to see what type of job New York will do, and if she's successful with the gig she receives $10k. Talk about work grossly overpriced. Damn, she must have landed a gig at AIG with a bonus like that.

As music producer Nicolay put it on Twitter, "Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie did that shit eons ago and THAT already wasn't funny" (Damn, do you remember that show?) So, not only does Vh1 put on trash, they recycle. Good to know that they are running a green network.

Yeah I tuned in to bits and pieces of the first show (always looking for good blog material). The premier put New York in a position as an exterminator. Yes, definitely a tough gig for sure and not for everyone but in my opinion she failed overall at the task, yet they gave her the $10k anyway. Garbage! And to add insult to injury, if you want to vote on which job she'll do on each episode you can text in and cough over a $1 per text message. Pass.


Dear Networks: Don't report anymore about Bristol Palin or Levi. She’s not the only single moms out there w/ a baby daddy. And he damn sure ain’t the only dude with a little baby mama drama (raising my hand). They don’t need to be the spokesperson for shit and definitely not abstinence.


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What I Watched...The Soloist

I went to the theaters last weekend to see the new release with Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. called The Soloist. It's a movie about a schizophrenic, Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a homeless musician from Skid Row, Los Angeles who dreams of playing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Through "chance," he meets a journalist, Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.), who tries to help this mentally disturbed man get "back on his feet" and make his dreams come true. Based on a book by Lopez, an account of his relationship with Ayers. Dr. Oliver Sacks, a famed neurologist, authenticates the Lopez account in his most recent book, "Musicophilia."

I couldn't tell you how many times I forget that Jamie Foxx was in this movie. That's how good he delved into his role. Jaw dropping. Amazing performance by both critically acclaimed actors. This isn't a movie I'd normally see but considering the remarkable cast and incredible and emotional story, I decided to check it out. Amazing movie. The classical music throughout the movie was resonating and blew me away as well. I would definitely suggest this movie to everyone. I'm already waiting for it on DVD.

Check out the trailer...

ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE: Biggie and Pac, the best?

From time to time we're going to allow some other heads speak via the blog. Dam is a friend of The Mad Bloggers and dude definitely goes at in on different issues. He'll be featured from time to time on the blog with his thoughts.

We know the following is a controversial statement. Soon as I saw this posted as his FB status I knew cats were going to come for him. I quickly jumped in with, "You know heads are coming for you son! Haha! They about to murder your email. Blow up the cell. They coming son! They coming!" But we strive to post real things from real people. It's a thought provoking statement

From Dam's FB status, "Since we keeping it 100. Can we honestly say in 2009 that Biggie and Pac were the best that ever did it? Biggie to me was decent... clever and witty punchlines, but definitely had fast foward material. Pac was and will always be wack to me. I never liked his music and I felt he was one of the biggest frauds and hypocrites in hip-hop. I never had neither of these cats in my top 5, or even top 10. But that's just me.."

See, told you it was a controversial statement. Other heads quickly joined in and offered names like KRS-One, Kool G Rap and Rakim as the best. And the B.I.G. fans and Pac fans definitely joined in saying dude was crazy not to include them in the top 10 of the best emcees, if not calling them the greatest.

====

Twenty-five minutes after the original post, Dam responded to folks saying he was just seeking attention with, "Ask anybody who knows me, I don't say shit for attention I say exactly what i feel, people either agree or they don't. I never ever ever ever ever liked Tupac. I was a BIG fan, but in retrospect, he wasn't that great. I can think of many artists who were better than Pac and BIG and still are better. Biggies subject matter was limited. To be honest, I was a backpacker and still am. I like my shit underground. I had major issues with commercial shit back then and I still do today."

====

Then forty-five minutes after we posted this joint another friend, Ced, joined in on the debate. Dude knows and appreciates good music. I had to update and give you his side.

Ced joined the debate with, "Man I had to stop breathing hard to answer this. Pac actually had a variety of meaningful content. In his early days he was more like an activist poet than a rapper. His lyrics really addressed issues rather than just intricate poetic devices about shallow things. Your friend hasn't said much about who is better than Pac and why. I think your friend should take a class on poetry and storytelling and read the lyrics for me against the world. Some people just aren't smart enough to catch what's being thrown.

Btw... Pun's mechanics are untouchable... Eminem has tried... listen to the Infinite album... and if u notice he still using a lot of rainman shit in his videos and music... its code bro. Kool G Rap's style changed my life... when I first heard Road to the Riches, I listened to it like 27 times in a row. Kane is who got me into poetry in the first place. Rakim had emotion filled content with an emotionless flow.

All that being said... I would like to know WHY dude feels the way he does. because it sounds like he's just talkin to talk. And he must of forgot all the albums before All Eyes on Me. Cause I don't know anyone who can really go toe to toe with him content wise... and he may not have always been consistent but he was real. There is no one realer in the mainstream, period."

Where are you at on this debate? Join in and comment below!

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TELL 'EM WHY YOU MAD: What the F is an Anti-Shoe?

Pause from music to bring you this nonsense...

A friend sent me this link to MBT-the anti-shoe earlier today. Probably sent it over to me because I like to poke fun at things on the blog. The thing is, that these anti-kicks poke fun at themselves because they exist.

So, I reached out to O to share the link. He sees it and hits me back with "Should not be worn under the influence. Can result in injury and laughter among peers and strangers."

My question is this, what's an anti-shoe? Was it sent to earth to ruin shoes as we know it? If they are anti the shoe are they even a shoe or refer to themselves as such? O thought that the anti-shoe was a flip-flop. I tend to agree with that statement. I also thought if you were anti-shoe, you would just kick it barefoot or whatever. Guess I'm wrong.

According to the benefits, wearing them will improve your posture. I guess this could be a good then. Then there is the +9% buttock muscle activity (important if you're trying to get your Kim Kardashian on ladies). There is also the increased abdominal muscle activity (this must be the improved Kanye West workout plan). Just tell me that they would make me run faster and jump higher and then maybe I might be on board. Nah, who am I kidding, I still wouldn't be on board with these anti-shoes.

These joints might be comfortable, but I'll never try them on to find out however. I'm just not sure how I feel about wearing a seesaw on my feet as a teeter back and forth with each step. I thought that Vans had some ugly kicks or that Crocs were the worst thing ever invented, but this anti-shoe has it beat by far.

I suggest if you get a pair of these that you buy the Snuggie and one of those Loud n' Clear earpieces, then step outside and ShamWow your car.

What I'm Listening to Right Now... Party Crashers

Marco Polo & Torae unveil "Party Crashers", another track off the "Double Barrel" album, which will be in stores June 2. The title speaks for itself. If Marco Polo & Torae aren't on 'the list', you may want to think about adding them immediately.

Download Party Crashers

www.myspace.com/doublebarrel08

www.myspace.com/dayoungvet

www.myspace.com/marcopolobeats

www.duckdown.com

PSA: Can't Co-Sign on the New Look Jay

Brief time out for this quick public service announcement...

Jay-Z has been setting trends since he first hit the scene. What Jay did, many people followed. In recent years Jay told heads that 30 was the new 20 ... we co-signed (at least those in their thirties did). He told cats to put the jerseys away and get some button ups... Heads thought that was cool too.

But the glasses Jay? Nah, can't come with you on that one Jay. Just not feeling the spectacles. They look like the glasses that heads got during basic training in the military, often referred to as "birth control" cause girls aren't messing with you with them on. But Jay is rocking them, so you already know heads think they cool glasses to have now. I know a lot of heads are jumping on this boat with the big black glasses look but I just can't rock with it.

Maybe that glasses look isn't worse than Jay's new haircut. Or should I say, lack of haircut. No shape up? Really? Bringing back that mini fro look? Jay, you about to make barber shops go broke if heads follow you on this new look. When actors grow out their hair or do something wild with their appearance, heads ask "is this for a new upcoming role." So I ask the same question, "Jay is this look for a new album"? Is Jay-Z pulling a Joaquin Phoenix deal with his appearance? Is this what retirement does?

Jay-Z is my man and I'm a huge fan of his music, but I just can't rock with him on this one. Can't do it.

GET THAT, GET THAT, GET THAT... New Music Tuesday

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Mental Liberation, the compilation album from Oddisee.

1. Hip Hop is Cool Again
2. Let the Music feat. LMNO
3. The Jungle feat. Hassaan Mackey & Bilal Salaam
4. Get Up feat. Declaime, Prince Po, YU & DJ Clear
5. Q & A feat. Kenn Starr
6. Rhymes Get Written feat. Silent Knight & XO
7. What’s Crazy feat. J-Live, Stik Figa
8. Cold for that One feat. Trek Life
9. Endure feat. Rapper Pooh, MED, Georgia Anne Muldrow
10. Don’t Sleep feat. Invincible & Finale
11. Drugs Ourside feat. Rapper Pooh & Black Milk
12. When Everything Changed

Mental Liberation Available on iTunes

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Music Playlist at MixPod.com

You can't go wrong with the soultry voice of Chrisette Michele and the new album Epiphany

1. Epiphany
2. Notebook
3. What You Do
4. Blame It On Me
5. All I Ever Think About
6. Playin' Our Song
7. Another One
8. On My Own
9. Fragile
10. Mr. Right
11. Porcelain Doll
12. I'm Okay

Epiphany Available on iTunes

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Music Playlist at MixPod.com

You should already have that Candy Apple Version and now you definitely need to grab the North American Pie Version.

1. North American Pie Intro
2. The Comeback
3. Its A Go featuring Torae
4. Nothing Less
5. C.O.D.
6. Move featuring Darien Brockington
7. Something Like Stars featuring Big Treal
8. Step Up
9. Reality Check
10. Problems featuring Jozeemo
11. Amo A Su Papi De La Barra (skit)
12. Roll Call
13. The Life featuring Mushinah
14. Rearview Mirror
15. Empanada Norte Americana Outro

North American Pie Version Available on Amazon

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Music Playlist at MixPod.com

General Steele, Welcome to Bucktown

1. Welcome
2. Bucktown Baby
3. Bucktown State of Mind
4. No Sleep 'Til Bucktown
5. I'm From Brooklyn
6. A Toast To Brooklyn
7. Find My Way
8. Made Me Do It
9. Dreams
10. Hometown
11. I Walk Around Town
12. Riot
13. Bucktown Affiliates
14. Things Are Getting Better

Welcome to Bucktown Available on iTunes

Check It... General Steele "NO SLEEP TILL BUCKTOWN"

Caught this track in the email today, "No Sleep Till Bucktown" (Click to Download). Straight off that General Steele of Smif N Wessun "Welcome To Bucktown" album, which is in stores tomorrow. This track features Louisville, Top Dog & Rock of Boot Camp Clik, along with Ruste Juxx, The Representativz & Young Coke. This is the type of joint that you need to throw the bass up on and will probably blow out your speakers. Make sure it's not playing while you on the dance floor with a girl. Somebody might get elbowed son.

NYC Album release party on Wednesday, May 6th at DROM (85 Avenue A between 5th and 6th street). Doors Open at 6pm with free admission until 10pm. $10 after 10pm.

Repost: It Will... Be Finished

If you listen to this track and you're pissed when the joint reaches 1:37, then you need to get on twitter and follow @StrmOfConscious and tell dude to finish the track stat. When I first heard this track, I thought there was something wrong with the computer when it suddenly stopped.

He is in the studio currently working on his project, which is a good thing. He's working on some real and thoughtful tracks for the album. He's got that political Dead Prez vibe to his music. We have an interview on the way so you can learn more about the artist. But in the meantime, enjoy this track and join the movement to get this to the full length that it deserves. On a serious note, check dude out and look out for the interview coming soon!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com