Friday Night Lights (Out)

The internets were all sorts of buzzin' today about this clip of blog-whore Charles Hamilton gettin a knuckle sandwich from his ex-girl/jumpoff/manager/whatever she may be. Sonic got a lil' too personal for shorty's liking, so she jabbed his jaw pretty heathily. I don't blame her - I'd wanna punch anyone wearing a stuffed Pink Panther on his forearm, too.

Even though I do enjoy some of his music, this goes beyond that - I don't condone airing people's personal business out like that. I think she has every right to rock his grill, dude seems like a straight asshole to shorty when he thinks he's funny, but he ain't. Plus, it makes for some of the best Twitter chatter in a minute.

Got some new music, course. Three new Eminem freestyles with Tim Westwood showin' he still has some skills, two new Wale tracks (one with a host of MCs and the other an unfinished album track) and the official "All The Above" reeeemix equipped with a revamped Just Blaze instrumental.

Throw in the full demo to Madonna & Weezy's collabo (that's growing on me, listen by listen), and tracks from T.I., Donny Goines, Nore featuring DJ Webstar, Torae & Marco Polo, & U-N-I and we've got ourselves a full Friday night.

Shouts to LowKey, Shake & Mike for the heads up on the Em frees, Necole Bitchie for the hilarious Sonic footage, and a gang of others for the random tracks, Enjoy!

Donny Goines ft. Che Grand & Izza Kizza - She Likes

Eminem - Alchemist Freestyle

Eminem - Chonkyfire Freestyle ft. Mr. Porter

Eminem - Respect My Conglomerate Freestyle ft. Mr. Porter

Madonna - Revolver ft. Lil' Wayne [Demo Version]

Maino ft. Young Jeezy & T-Pain - All The Above (Remix) prod. Just Blaze

NORE ft. DJ Webstar - So Hot

Torae & Marco Polo ft. Sean P & Masta Ace - Hold Up

T.I. - Hell Of A Night (DJ)

U-N-I - Land of the King

Wale ft. Peedi Crakk, Young Chris, Black Thought & Tuphace - Hot Shyt

Wale - Magic (Unfinished) prod. Best Kept Secret

Still Got It.. Kinda

I had to address it after my various rants.. Relapse.

To sum up my thoughts on: It's aiiight. Em seems to be even crazier sober, but definitely not as consistent as he's been. There are some gems on it, namely "Old Times Sake" with Dre, "Beautiful" and "Hello." But there's too many songs that lack replay value like "We Made You" and "My Mom" and I really can't get passed that accent, I'm sorry.

However, between the Nick Cannon and Mariah reference and insest-filled, drug-coated stories, Em does show signs of his Shady self. I think "Deja Vu" is one of his realest - resembling a 2009 "The Way I Am" - and he's at his most murderous on "Underground."

I surely didn't have high expectations, so I was pleasantly surprised overall.

Thing is, if Em keeps rapping like in this video on Tim Westwood's show, Relapse 2 could be a problem.

Thanks to RR for the "freestyle" video, Enjoy!

Would You Rather Relapse or Blackout?

Today I spotted the official track lists for two upcoming LP's from some of my generation's top-notch MCs.

One, I'm extremely excited for - Method Man & Redman's sophomore collab Blackout 2. But the other, I really think is going to underperform - Eminem's return from irrelevance Relapse.

Follow my logic real quick - multiple tracks have leaked thus far from each album, so it's only right we compare head-to-head them, right? Let's check out the scoreboard:

"Crack A Bottle" vs "Ayo"

Well, "Crack A Bottle" is the catchy-yet-corny lead single that everyone expects Em puts out every album but "Ayo" is a certified banger despite a redundant chorus. It's a close call because it's the first we've heard from each party in a minute, so chalk one up for Em 'cause the song really isn't THAT bad.

"We Made You" vs. "City Lights (ft. UGK)"

This is a lackluster track from Jamal and Silas, but it does have a fire verse from Bun at the end and a thumping beat. Doesn't matter though, 'cause I can't listen to more than 30 seconds of "We Made You" without wishing I didn't have any ear drums. Score one for Red & Meth.

"3 AM" vs. "Mrs. International"

I remember being dumb excited for "3 AM" after Em's first two singles didn't wow me as much as anticipated. Man, was I disappointed. Though his lyrics are ill, he's still doing that ridiculous voice inflection we heard on Encore and the hook is kinda annoying. Meth & Red, however, deliver. A jazzy instrumental lays the groundwork for the duo's laid-back vocals, praising the likes of fine greens and even finer women.

That's another one for Red & Meth, who are crowned victorious.


You get the picture, that's my logic. Not to mention, a new Red & Meth track leaked today called "Dangerous MCs" right as Aftermath announces Eminem's next two singles drop soon - "Old Times Sake" with Dr. Dre on May 5th and "Beautiful" on the 12th.

Both albums drop May 19th, so the internets got about 2 weeks before they pop up. Get ready for a serious showdown.

Thanks to 2DB and OG Hip Hop for the covers + track lists, Enjoy!

PS Check out the CBox --->



Eminem - Relapse

01) Dr. West (Skit) 01:29
02) 3am 05:20
03) My Mom 05:20
04) Insane 03:01
05) Bagpipes From Baghdad 04:43
06) Hello 04:08
07) Tonya (Skit) 00:43
08) Same Song & Dance 04:08
09) We Made You 04:30
10) Medicine Ball 03:57
11) Paul (Skit) 00:19
12) Stay Wide Awake 05:20
13) Old Time’s Sake f. Dr. Dre 04:35
14) Must Be The Ganja 04:03
15) Mr. Mathers 00:42
16) Deja Vu 04:43
17) Beautiful 06:32
18) Crack A Bottle f. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent 04:58
19) Steve Berman (Skit) 01:29
20) Underground/Ken Kaniff 06:19




Method Man & Redman - Blackout 2

01) BO2 (Intro)
02 I’m Dope Nigga
03 A-Yo f. Saukrates
04 Dangerous MCs
05 Errbody Scream f. Keith Murray
06 Hey Zulu
07 City Lights f. UGK
08 Father’s Day
09 Mrs. International (Skit)
10 Mrs. International f. Erick Sermon
11 How Bout Dat f. Ready Roc & Streetlife
12 Dis Iz 4 All My Smokers
13 Lock Down (Skit) f. DJ Kay Slay
14 Four Minutes to Lock Down f. Raekwon & Ghostface
15 Neva Heard Dis B4
16 I Know Sumptin f. Poo Bear
17 A Lil Bit f. Melanie Rutherford

Shady Samples

Since the cover for Eminem's upcoming Relapse leaked today, it seems like perfect timing for the expert e-digger Ivan to compile the samples to not one, not two, not three.. but FOUR of Slim Shady's albums.

In this four-in-one digital box set, you'll find the originals used for "Bad Meets Evil" (funk-ified jazz of Dave Grusin) and "Guilty Conscious" (eerie piano of film composer Robert Stein) among others.

You'll recognize the loops used throughout Em's catalog, such as on "Sing For The Moment" (C'mon, easy one !!) and "My Name Is" (much tougher, just listen).

I've got to give 100% credit to Hurricane I and his people at HHIR for the work here, spreading great music throughout the blogosphere.

Here's to hoping (read: praying) Em's new disc is dope, Enjoy!



Hip Hop Is Read Presents - The Eminem Samples (4-in-1)

Listen To Me: "We Made You" Edition

I know most of my internet-savvy readership has heard Eminem's newly leaked single "We Made You" featuring Dr. Dre on the boards. You might have even seen the video where Em continues in his usual antics, parodying Dustin Hoffman in Rainman, Bret Michaels, Amy Winehouse, Sarah Palin and more.

I've got to be honest, the song doesn't do it for me. I'm happy that Marshall is finally putting out music after his multi-year hiatus, but I'm not excited by this particular track. The video is decent, kinda funny but it's predictable. I started listening to Em to hear what type of crazy ish he'd say and now his style is formulaic.

In fact, there's so much other audio leakage on the internets that I'd rather listen to. These tracks have what I like to call "replay value" - it's pretty self-explanatory so I'll spare y'all the talk.

If Em or any of his peoples are reading this - which I'm sure they are (LOL) - I'd like to see more effort, emotion and passion next time around, please.

Let's get things started.. The Top 10 new releases I'd rather be listening to than "We Made You"

1. Asher Roth ft. Cee-Lo - Be By Myself

Sure it's got a crazy organ loop and the incessent "Ohhh" in the background, but Asher is hungry on "Be By Myself." He puts in the type of effort that I can respect, even if I don't like everything he says. That's something we haven't seen from Em since his Slim Shady persona. Combine Asher's linguistics with Cee-Lo's one-of-a-kind vocal touch and you've got yourselves a winner.

I'm too young to be locked down
Not now, need a new car
Drive around with the top down
New broad with her bra and her top down
Chillin' in the backseat, screamin' out loud

2. KiD CuDi ft. Kanye West & Common - Poker Face (Lady Gaga Sample)

Traditionists will beef with this song, but they have to realize that hip-hop is changing so the best MCs are able to transition to the newer era. I read someone Twitter-hating Common's verse, most likely the "Blame It" reference, but I actually dug his verse the most. Plus, Yeezy is on it and this is probably the only Lady Gaga song you'll hear me play.. & actually enjoy.

3. Any song featuring Blu

I've said it before, I'll say it again - Blu is the illest freshman from the West right now. especially on new songs like "LoveLine(s),DedicatedToLastFe’vrier" over Exile's "Love Line" or with Flying Lotus on the remix to "GNG BNG." As Gotty from TSS describes him, he's a "lyricists lyricist" - I couldn't have said it better myself.

4. Incubus - Black Heart Intertia

Your eyes haven't failed you.. I said Incubus, cot dammit! Ever since I heard "Aqueous Transmission" and "Drive," I knew this was the type of rock music I could listen to. Their new song off upcoming album Monuments & Melodies will be a hit, and I'm down with it.

5. Joell Ortiz ft. Novel - Stand Up

Okay this ones not that new, it's off Joell's Free Agent tape, but who cares. "Stand Up" reminds me of Maino's recent banger "All The Above," except with a Fakon hook courtesy of Novel. Just like Maino, Joell Ortiz has street cred with the proper delivery right now but needs some radio-crossover appeal. "Stand Up" is a step in the right direction.

Rounding out the Top 10:

5. Jackson 5 - ABC Remix prod. K-Salaam & Beatnick

6. Beyoncé ft. Kanye West - ''Ego''

7. Scratch (formally of The Roots) ft. Musiq Soulchild - Tonite

8. Slaughterhouse - Wack MCs [Okay, not exactly that new but the mixtape just came out]

9. Melanie Fiona ft. Talib Kweli - Give It To Me Right (Remix)

10. Elzhi - The Genesis (Snippet) [off his Nas-inspired LP Elmatic]


All links in the CBox, per usual --->

5 Reasons Not To Be Excited for Relapse

I know I'm gonna catch hate for this one, but this is truly how I feel. Just for the record, I've been a huge Eminem fan since I heard "My Name Is" and explored Infinite so don't even think this is an opportunity to bad-mouth an MC that I don't like.

So yesterday, Aftermath etc put out the official press release recently that Em's next LP Relapse is scheduled for May 19th. Excited? I'm definitely not the least bit.


Here's why:

1. Em hasn't made a good quality, all-around album in almost a decade.

I still can't believe that it's been nine years since Marshall Mathers dropped. You remember that one, right? Sold over 1.75 mil its first week. "Real Slim Shady" ripped up the charts, "The Way I Am" spoke on the overwhelming pressure of pleasing industry execs, and "Stan" told the story of a crazed fan. Not to mention, it was packed with hidden gems like "Who Knew" and D-12 collab "Under The Influence."

Let's recall what happened after that. He put out Eminem Show in '02, and although it sold well, how many of y'all REALLY liked it on-the-whole? Sure, I appreciated Em's introspection on "Cleanin Out My Closet" and his amped-up demeanor on "Til I Collapse," but the majority of the album is cold garbage. "Without Me" was the corniest of all of his corny singles, "Drips" is a boring filler track, and the production throughout is just lackluster to say the least.

(Edit: Upon revisiting Eminem Show), it's not as bad as I remembered, I was a lil' harsh. I just like his first two better.)

And don't even get me started on 2004's piss-poor Encore. Even the tracks that I semi-liked ("Rain Man" and "Encore" with Dre and 50) were subpar compared what fans came to expect from the volatile MC. You know you've gone soft when a tribute song to your daughter "Mockingbird" is the best song on the album.


2. Eminem is no longer Slim Shady. And therefore, he's lost his shock value.

I know you're thinking "but they're one and the same, right"? Wrong. Slim Shady emerged early in Em's career as the deranged psychopath persona while Eminem/Marshall Mathers was the level-headed compliment.

We no longer hear purely murderous verses like on Infinite and songs like "Just Don't Give A Fuck," hilarious sexual references like on "As The World Turns," and all the other lunatic shit that made mothers across America protest his wild antics. We no longer get to hear about his struggles with Kim, infatuation with drugs, nothing. All we get now his Em trying to be funny. And that's not what made the rap game fall in love with him so many years ago.


3. "Crack A Bottle" is not that good. Period.

Sure, it's catchy. And Dre laced the beat. And 50's verse is decent. But honestly, the real reason people like this record is because we haven't heard a true single from Em in years. "Crack A Bottle" is soft, generic, and fully representative of the ignorance permeating hip-hop. Plus, Em's sing-song lyrics just make my ears bleed. It's like he lost his pinpoint flow recording 8 Mile soundtrack and just figures people will like whatever he puts out just because it's him. Maybe you, but not I.


4. He's already working on another Relapse album to be released later this year.

The fuck is this about? He's had 5+ years to put together a new album, and when he finally does, he's got to overshadow it by announcing a follow-up LP ALREADY? Am I the only one that thinks this indicates he's going to use the first Relapse as a teaser for what's to come on the second version?

I think the labels made a mistake by announcing this so early. It's almost like a premature excuse as to why Relapse is going to suck more than Karrine Steffans.


5. It's 2009. Eminem does not have the same effect on people nowadays, plain and simple.

Sure, true hip-hoppers will listen because Em began as a crazy talented whiteboy MC who came from nothing. And let's face it, he could spit with the best of 'em.

But, think about the real reason why Em became popular in the first place. It's because of his insane lyrical content, mainly the crazy topics he talked about. He used to piss so many people off when he slayed pop stars, shit all over public figures and urged the youth to rebel. Think about "Guilty Conscience," "Marshall Mathers," "Brain Damage," "97 Bonnie And Clyde" and "Bitch Please Part II."

Think about the singles that actually caused people to organize protests against him. Protesting against a rapper? You won't see that today because Em does not, and will not, have the same effect on people. He's lost his allure, for good.


..Now, I really REALLY hope that Em proves me wrong with Relapse. I hope he comes out and reaks havoc on the industry, shitting on anyone that gets in his way. But he won't. I've been disappointed too many times over the past couple of years to think any different.

I can feel it now, here comes the hate from the Eminem Stan-boys and girls... Bring it. I welcome it. But don't take this ish too seriously, you'll probably just be eating your words come May.

A Second Dose

Monday, ugh. Hope everyone had a great Super Bowl Sunday and enjoyed the great finish to last night's game. While I almost predicted the score exactly, I was just thrilled to see a good game especially the 2nd half. And to those that stayed up to watch the hour-long special of The Office, we may be tired this morning but the episode was HILAAAARIOUS.

It's back to the grind now, but don't think I'd start off the week without dropping some heat. Today we've got Jersey producer Illmind's second installment of his Blaps, Rhymes & Life mixtape series presented by DubMD. The concept on this is type ill as the versatile Illmind laces bangers for artists large and small, ranging from established cats like 50 Cent, Scarface, Eminem, Talib Kweli and Dilated Peoples' Rakaa Iriscience to up-and-coming artists like Fortilive and Che Grand.

Big shouts to Illmind for giving me the heads up, peep the download link and track list below. Support real hip-hop and be on the lookout for Illmind studio albums this year, Enjoy!

Download:

Illmind & DubMD - Blaps, Rhymes & Life Volume II

01.) Mic Legacy - Larry Davis (Produced by Illmind)
02.) D-Black - Hold Up (Gangsta Shit) (Produced by Illmind)
03.) 50 Cent - Who Run It (feat. Eminem, Cashis & Lloyd Banks) (Produced by Illmind)
04.) Heltah Skeltah - So Damn Tuff (feat. Buckshot & Ruste Juxx) (Produced by Illmind)
05.) Scarface - It's Not A Game (Produced by Illmind)
06.) Thoth - MA To The West (feat. Oh No) (Produced by Illmind)
07.) Naps N Dreds - Bully! (feat. Kool G Rap) (Produced by Illmind)
08.) Diamond D - Don't Beg (Produced by Illmind)
09.) Pumpkinhead - Of The Same Air (feat. Talib Kweli) (Produced by Illmind)
10.) Fortilive - Trunk Pop Music (Produced by Illmind)
11.) Project Heights - Champion (feat. Rakaa Iriscience & Noelle Scaggs) (Produced by Illmind)12.) Sleek - Hi New Orleans (Produced by Illmind)
13.) Che Grand - Streets (Produced by Illmind)
14.) Starrs & Murph - Damn (Produced by Illmind)
15.) Bambu - Quit (Produced by Illmind)
16.) Above Ave - Root Of All Evil (Wake Up) (Produced by Illmind)
17.) Grynch - A Dream Undeferred (Produced by Illmind)
18.) Kingdom (The Movement) (Swaggerboy, Kilo & Problem Child) - Heartache (Produced by Illmind)
19.) Naturel - Love To The World (Produced by Illmind)
20.) Blitzkrieg (Bee Lavish, Quayluds, D-Minus & Contra) - Ruling Elite (Produced by Illmind)
21.) Megaciph - War (Produced by Illmind)
22.) Mister RP - Diamonds Aren't Enough (Produced By Illmind)

Still Here, Never Left

I hustle like Bird on the block then rock a bird
Cuz I gotta get the AC green, in other words
I run the streets 3 hundred and 60 like Dominque
Does, 5 more days to make it complete
-Jay-Z, "Pass The Roc"

..That's right, I've been here the whole time. Shouts to my new Twitter followers and all those that I converse with day-to-day on it. I hit the 60 follow mark today, on the come up. Also, shouts to the newest additions to my blog roll B-Double at Your Favorite White Boy and Reyn & Co at Potholes In My Blog. Seems like '09 might show ya boy some love after all.

Anyway, let's keep this shit live tonight with some fresh tracks for that ass (no Richard Simmons)..

DJ Mike Nice liberated a rare Jay-Z demo "Pass The Roc"

Found me this gem of Eminem & Biggie Freestyling on the Wake Up Show with Sway & Tech

Mos Def released uptempto banger "Quiet Dog" the second single off The Ecstatic

Wyclef Jean and Timbaland collab'd for bouncy club rhythm "War on our Hands"

MF Doom continued in his usual off-the-wall antics with "Ballskin"

Papoose came out of hiberation strong with Obamanthem (That's my new shit, coined!) "Test

and Twista does his best to get the ladies moist with "Wetter"

Big ups to the usuals, y'all know who you are and if you don't by now, get a damn clue.

Enjoy!!


Links in the CBox ---->

Crack A Bottle & Get It In

Aftermath Records is coming outta hibernation, settin' the year off strong with new joints from the Three Headed Monster of 50 Cent, Eminem and Dr. Dre - shiiit, it's about time.

What was that, you say? Dre produced both these? Now that's what I'm talkin bout. I'm excited, even though I know Detox is a publicity stunt. Sike, but it probably won't drop this year - if it does, it would have to be Aftermath's year no doubt. I've got hope.


50 Cent - "I Get It In" prod. Dr. Dre

Fitty's newest Dre-laced "Get It In" resembles previous efforts like "Just A Lil' Bit" and the always timeless "In Da Club," 'cause this is his comfort zone - carefree, gully, sweaty club heaters. This joint is on-point if you take it for what it is, as Boo Boo brags:

Soon as I step in the club, I swear my n*gga
You could feel the attention shift
Started round 12, ended up around 2
I better leave with more hoes than I came here with
I can't be responsible for what I say
Or I do when I talk intoxicated
Shorty say I told her I love her, put her out the next morning
Sayin 'bitch I musta been faded'

Look at 50 getting his gentlemen on and shit. Ha, right. Moving on.


Eminem ft. Dr. Dre & 50 Cent - "Crack A Bottle" [CDQ]

The homie J Smooth Twittered bout Em's current status in rap, and I couldn't agree more. He compared Em to Prince, basically he will never be the same as he once was, so neither will his material.

Em had that fire during his Slim Shady LP years, but now he's just got some mediocre but tolerable verses. Dre and 50's presence is appreciated but together, the Three Headed Monster never set shit off like it could - this track had so much potential, it's incredible. It ain't bad, but not great either - peep game at Dre's rhymes:

They see that lowrider go by, they like 'oh myy'
You ain't gotta tell me why your sick 'cause
I know why I dipped through in that six trey like sick 'em Dre
I'm an itch that they can't straight, they sick of me

The Doctor's still got the touch on the boards, so I'll be bumpin these two beats type heavy in the car for a hot minute.

As always, thanks to Shake & Meka and Obese for the tracks, Enjoy!