Monday, May 11, 2009

LeBron Does it Again


LeBron is a funny, funny, funny guy ... "Ohio baby, Akron Ohio baby... $20 chinese food ... beef and broccoli ... 2-3, 2-3..." so many good lines. The video is hilarious!

Came via a RT (re-tweet for the non twitter folks). Peace to J-Live and @ksmedia.




Check out the vid with Nicole Scherzinger from a few months back. LeBron is a funny dude for real!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Joe Budden Sounds Off On Vibe's Best Rapper Ever List



Vibe has a battle going on to name the BEST RAPPER EVER. Joell Ortiz asks and records Joe Budden's response to the rankings and even some of the 'artists' on the list. He states "...certain people, certain brands, certain publications should lose they fucking right to discuss hip hop" and goes on to explain why. I can definitely see his point of view. This list, from the gate, has been causing controversy with the fans. I can see why.

The list is supposed to be about BEST RAPPER. Some of these people aren't great at it, let alone good enough to have made this list. And as Joe Budden also states, the other 3 Slaughterhouse members, Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce Da 5'9", didn't make the cut.

He goes on to mention Eminem drawing a #1 seed with no #32 seed to go against him. Will Smith at #16, MC Hammer at #17, Juvenile at #8, Grand Master Melly Mell in 2009, Cowboy (who?), Too Short at #6, Canibus is #31, Pharoahe Monch at #30, Black Thought #14 and O.D.B. is at #11? So forth, and so on.

I then went on Vibe's website and downloaded the bracket. Wanted to see the list for myself. Joe's right. Whoever constructed this at Vibe, and no name has been connected to this tournament, seems to basically put names that would be a better pairing, probably for controversy. Maybe they should've called it BEST RAPPER vs RAPPER WHO'S BEEFED or BEST RAPPER vs RAPPER WHO ARE FRIENDS or something else as moronic as their original idea.

I mean, I'm no historian of hip-hop (I'm just an f'ing fan) but you can't come out with a list and title it Best Rapper Ever and then add some of the names that they did is ridiculous. Seriously, Will Smith v. Mc Hammer in the first round. I think that both of them would agree that they shouldn't even be listed. Mase v. Nelly? Both of them should be eliminated in the first round. They cancel each other out. The list goes on and on and on.

Dig a little deeper at Vibe's attempt to be relevant and you come across what is even more laughable, their Best Rapper Alive bracket that put rappers like Lil Mama, Lil Boosie, Weebie, Shawty Lo, Missy Elliot, Rich Boy and worst rapper ever Soulja Boy to it? Are you kidding me????? Are we talking about rappers or artists with more radio plays, hits, album sales, etc.? I can understand why Vibe is going bankrupt (allegedly). You have clueless clowns writing stories so damn idiotic and insane that the only time people speak about the magazine is to trash talk it.

This list wouldn't matter regardless because opinions will never be completely and identically agreed upon on a topic like this. My opinion on Best Rapper Ever may or may not be the same as the next man so arguing this point is ultimately mute to me. We started up a topic a little while ago titled ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE: Biggie and Pac, The Best? that pretty much reiterates that statement. 

Still, some of these match ups in both brackets are ridiculous and some of the participants are even worse. Everyone has their own opinion on who is the best but Vibe, it's about principle and you've failed.

It's funny because I can't remember the last time I bought a Vibe magazine and now because of this list and this tournament, I won't remember ever again. I am officially done with them.


Check out Joe Budden responding to Vibe's bracket:


See the bracket for yourself.
Best Rapper Ever Bracket
Best Rapper Alive Bracket

For more on Joe Budden, visit: Joe Budden TV.

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Happy Mother's Day From Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg

Anyone notice how hilarious JT is? SNL needs more skits like this. Ratings would probably increase if the funny did too. Just saying.

Courtesy of SNL, I felt the need to share this hilarious video. I swear, these two dudes are insane. Hahaha. Check it this digital short: Motherlover....




www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/

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Sports Time Out: Kobe is a Chump


I know this story is a few days old but came across these links and felt the need to post. I make no secret that I think Kobe is overrated and a real arrogant dude (O will back me on that). But, Kobe fans can't be told anything. So, let's just agree to disagree about Kobe as a player.

With that said, I think Kobe is a chump and if this was Ron Artest from a few years ago I'm sure he would have taken Kobe's head off. Understandable that basketball is basketball and things get physical. No doubt. Go hard or go home, this is the playoffs. I get that. 

But there are too things that I will never respect if a player uses them in their game. 1) The lazy clowns that step in the middle of the lane, plant their feet and put their arms by their side to take a charge. News flash, that's not defense, that's being a bitch. And 2) players that throw reckless elbows. Remember those elbows that Patrick Ewing use to throw? Deadly. I just can't respect it.

However, when you're a notable player in the NBA you get away with cheap shots. Michael Jordan use to get away with stuff all the time because of his stature in the game.

Anyway, take a look at both of these clips from after the game. Kobe is an arrogant dude that I think really believes that he's the greatest thing for basketball since the three point line.




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Saturday, May 09, 2009

Star & Buc Wild Strike Again

I use to listen to Star and Buc Wild back when they were on Hot 97 and then later when they joined Power 104.1 in Connecticut. Because of Star I now like to add the word "allegedly" to conversation so I don't catch a lawsuit later (haha). They've been all over the place and now find themselves on VladTV.com. Thought this video was pretty funny. It's just a taste of the antics they use to hit radio listeners with.



Check out more: www.starandbucwild.com

Jean Grae ... You So Funny




MusicPlaylist
Music Playlist at MixPod.com

I love this track! I remember I was at a concert a long while back and just enjoying the show! Then Jean Grae is introduced to the crowd by the emcee on stage. I hear "excuse me" and the woman who had been standing next to me during most of the show was now trying to get to the stage. It was Jean Grae. She ripped like four songs before exiting the stage. She's dope and quite the performer.

And she's funny.

In the midst of all of this Rihanna and Cassie pics popping up, @JeanGrae hit followers on twitter with: "Not to be outdone, Jean Grae reveals ALL in online pics http://TwitPWR.com/eC4/". You know it's funny! After I had a good laugh, then I threw on some older Jean Grae music and continued to enjoy my Saturday afternoon. Hope you're doing the same.

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Hey, Vh1, fool me once... "I Want to Sell my Soul to Diddy"


"The unemployment rate may be at an all time high, but at least one person is hiring... Diddy."

And to get a job, all you need to do is sell your soul.

Auditions are being held Nationwide for "I Want to Work for Diddy 2" (You know, that show that's kind of like the ghetto Apprentice). According to a press release issued, "A batch of new hopefuls will once again be put through the rigors of what it takes to win one of the toughest, but most rewarding jobs in the business.”

What Vh1 should have done since they are all about recyling reality television shows, is put together a "celebrity" version with all of their reality show rejects. Kind of like the formula for Charm School and I Love Money. Then they could have battled it out for a job for Diddy. Shoot, they could have just merged New York Goes to Work with this.

But I know Vh1, you never let us down. Good stuff. Another quality programming decision. Can't wait to see another group of people shuck and jive for ol' P. Diddy. I keep saying, "remember when music channels played videos" but I guess I should also be saying, "remember when Bad Boy made records."

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Friday, May 08, 2009

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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Thursday, May 07, 2009

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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Wednesday, May 06, 2009

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...