Boys In Blue

Nipsey Hussle

Contrary to to the title this is not a post about the police or law enforcement of any kind. I loathe the police, as you should. The only boys in blue being discussed in this post are those under the blue flag. And if you're still lost we're talking about Crips people.

Since Snoop Dogg, easily the the biggest and most popular gang banging artist, came on the scene certain artists followed the same suit and expressed their affiliations and memberships literally rather than being subtle. As of recent the most popular rappers to rep the set on wax are Nipsey Hussle and Schoolboy Q. Not only are these two possibly the realest rappers out of California right now, they are also the realest Crips on record and because of this they will most likely never do a song together.

Let's delve: Why is this bad? Well if you listen to rap at all and have come across both of these artists then you already understand. For those who don't go listen and come back and read so you'll understand what I'm about to say. You have two artists from the same city, blowing up around the same time and both do tracks with everyone but each other. Hell Nipsey has done an entire project with YG who is a Blood.

SchoolBoy Q

Now why would Nipsey Hussle do an entire project with a Blood and not a fellow Crip? My only answer is that the sets they come from and how much of a rivalry that exists between them(Hoover St. Crips and Rolling 60's Crips) won't allow them to do a song together. The reason this irks me so is so because you have two artists that both deliver positive messages (Nipsey a little more so than Schoolboy) while at the same time not being boring or conscious. Not that there is anything wrong with conscious rap, I just prefer a little more edge and these two definitely have that. Also we're clearly in the age of the collab so for these two not have done so speaks volumes. The only artist I think can bring these two on a track would be Dom Kennedy (FYI). On the flip side, I hope I am wrong and a track comes out with these two. Until then all I can do is hope.

State of Emergency

Somebody has to acknowledge this big ass pink elephant in the room that's effectively ruining an entire generation. This pink elephant is called rap music. This pains me to write about as I am someone who grew up off of (and with) rap. In some ways hip-hop has molded me into who I am today; i.e. a person who craves originality, staying true to yourself, and hustling to succeed by any means necessary. Those were the principles I took away from the artists I listened to. But when I see someone like Jay "DatBull" Harris receive a full scholarship to play football for Michigan State University and he turns it down NOT to another school or to take part right away in a family business, but to START (keyword) his rap career, it's obvious rap is killing the youth.

Now I'm not one to call someone.... oh wait, yes I am: Jay Harris is an idiot. Why invest in doing 2-a-days and dedicating one's self enough to get a full ride not to go? How does Jay Harris plan to be successful when he's from PA and has no features from Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill, Mac Miller, or hell, even Gillie Da Kid? Oh that's right, those things cost money, something the average teenager coming out of high school doesn't have a lot of. I understand following your dream, don't get me wrong, but there is something in your head called a brain. USE IT! This kid could have developed a fan base in two different cities and then maybe took off from there. Plus all the perks that come with being an athlete at a Division 1 school could have made for some good material. Let's not forget that MSU is a party school. But hey what do I know...except that DatBull gonna be dat buol that's not gonna blow anytime soon. And if he does have a successful rap career I hope it's less than 4 years, because he could have had a degree. But since his low budget video(posted below)  has generated less than 100,000,000 views and you in the news, your music must not be all that. Should have stuck to running routes.

SIDE NOTE: To everyone out there, unless you have $100 million or are gonna be self-employed forever leave the tattoos off your FACE. Where I'm from tattoos on your face were of only tears and indicated you had killed someone. And if you have these and you're not you're liar. No one wants to hire murderers and liars, FYI.

Follow the Follower

It has been quite some time since my last post. Quite some time. But having a little bit of a life and not having the greatest organizational skills caused me to neglect The Rude Observer in me. However, the bug has hit me yet again and being the asshole that I am, I cannot hold my tongue/pen/keyboard any longer.

I figured this subject had been over saturated, but I now realize the movement of originality needs more soldiers than I originally thought. It's not enough that the majority of people out there let rappers/artists pick out their wardrobe, but now rap music is turning into the guidebook that people live their lives by. I understand what it means to be a fan of someone, but I don't understand what it means to want to be just like somebody else (my own father included). It trips me out how trendy or hot something becomes after your favorite rapper says or does it. For example, just because mainstream rappers rap about YSL everyone  wears it, or wants to. BUT they don't even know why. Half of these drones/clones don't even know what YSL stands for let alone how to pronounce Yves for that matter. What's even crazier is that brands like YSL and Givenchy been around for 50 plus years and have been successful, but you only heard of these things when Wiz or Kanye told you about these things.

But people nowadays follow the style of those with no style. Google your favorite rapper before they had a stylist. Furthermore if you believe these artists have style then 1.) Why do you need a stylist? 2.) Why is some of the shit they wear TRULY WEIRD? I love that hip-hop has grown to such huge heights. But if Rick Ross or Drake spit a line along the lines of "I sign my checks with uni-ball pens" and all of a sudden EVERYONE starts instagraming uni-ball pens, I will find you and kill you all.

So....this cool?

Learn How...

The title of this post should really be called "Best in Show...Part Deux". But since this post is only about one series on HBO, it just wouldn't be right. Enough about that. Allow me to introduce you to HBO and Mark Wahlberg's latest love child: How To Make It In America.

Season two of this rags to riches series could not have premiered at a better time. Entourage is officially over and How To Make It In America(HTMIIA) is (or should be) considered it's official replacement. My official premonition of this is documented, as I tweeted it back in early July. Not only is Mark Wahlberg behind it, but it's holds the exact same values and themes: loyalty, friendship, family, etc. The only difference is, is that it's in New York and there's only two best friends and not four. Some might argue that Domingo(Kid Cudi) and Kap(guy from American Pie) would make it four.

Then again no one would probably argue, because the majority of folks first saw HTMIIA last night for the first time. My friends and I watched the first season when it originally came out. Now I don't blame or turn my nose up at you for not being up on HTMIIA. How could you? There was no big advertising or awareness being made for the show....until now. I do blame Entourage, however. This show could not survive with Entourage still in rotation. This can be credited to Wahlberg's genius. At any rate this may be classified as the new hottest and trendiest series and you heard it here first.

A Royal Welcoming

What needs to be addressed first and foremost is that a brunch is typically held before lunch and after breakfast, hence the term "brunch". This event should have been classified more as an exclusive day party. But whatever you would like to call it, it was certainly an event fit for a king.

I was privileged enough to have been in attendance of this celebration for someone I respect highly, and who has been through enough to deserve this. I will now take you through the event being dubbed as "T.I.'s $100,000 Brunch.

Upon pulling up to the entrance to valet your vehicle, you can''t help but notice all the extravagant cars parked that are parked amongst each other already. However, this is a good omen, it let's one know exactly what to expect and what type of event this is. Continuing through the entrance and getting to the check-in point, heavy security is highly visible and vigilant. Tip has taken proper precautions to ensure that no one ruins his celebration with his 150 close friends and family. Once checked in we know what table we'll be sitting at, it's time to mix and mingle as we all wait for the guest of honor to arrive.

Lil Duval, Ryan Cameron

As we all sip mimosas or personal Ciroc concoctions, hors d'oeuvres are continuously floating throughout. It's obvious there will be a shortage of nothing(including Ciroc; thanks Diddy). Among those in attendance range from Hannah Kang(obviously), Josh Smith, Ryan Cameron(my Big Homie), Lil Duval, to Mayor Kasim Reed and even Heavy D showed up. As soon as T.I. arrived the entire mood changed; the place was instantly electrified. I knew he was there way before I saw him. Ok, ok, the media kind of let everyone know as they rushed the man of the hour.

Needless to say, as any star studded event goes, even one as personal as this(everyone there knew everyone else; except me) everything about it was fancy(no pun). However, with it being so personal, it was highly down to earth and everyone there had a genuine good time as the kingdom welcomed back it's king. WELCOME HOME TIP!!!!!  

Ryan Cameron, ME, Tip

Beef or Tofu Part Deux

There is really no need for an introduction of this topic. I'm sure we all know by now about the "beef" between Ray J and Fabolous. Question is, is this a beef or legitimate or bogus?

The only thing so far legitimate about this thing is that these two guys don't like each other at all. That is affirmative. Now does anyone know why they're beefing? No, or at least not yet. Fab is supposed to be doing his interview with DJ Clue soon. All I can get from Ray J's interview is that Fab was talking shit about him. Don't get me wrong, depending on what was said, I would hit a nigga if I felt that disrespected. But one he would have to say that shit to my face, I don't know if Diddy's word is that good. Second if confronted and he said, "Yea, I said so and so", then I would've probably went in like Ray J so called did.

But why the need for an interview? At this point is where this whole thing becomes suspect. For one Ray J was too hype. Which actually could add some validity(it might have been the first time he ever hit someone and felt the world should know). But the interview made Ray J seem like he was crying for attention(and almost crying literally, his voice was breaking a couple times). Who hits someone and calls a radio station just to say they hit them? Real niggas don't do shit like that. If you want people to know you hit people, become a boxer. And since when did having more money make you harder than someone? I used to think it was the opposite or that was just era I grew up in. In addition, I would never get so mad at someone to threaten them with rape at any level. But the fact that rape was even brought into the picture..... Well let's just say Ray J lost more than few fans immediately.

Being that I don't live in New York or California, I can't vouch for these guy's street cred, nor do I really care. However, just because a guy sings doesn't mean he won't let an AK sing either. And just cause you rap doesn't make you hard, Fab did come up with the term "Pretty Thug" so.... In essence I don't think anything happened but maybe a push or something of that nature. I'm sure a Fab wouldn't perform with a messed up face. And he did perform.  Looks like this was tofu. Real beef would take more than DJ Clue to squash it.

Weezy Fucking Baby

I have speculated for quite some time that the hottest rapper in the game might have the hots for the same sex. Upon the end of this article, the facts and conjecture given will give you no choice but to agree with me about Lil Wayne being gay.

Facts:

Lil Wayne and Birdman (2 grown ass men) kiss each other on the mouth. I don't care about Baby adopting him for real or for fake. Two men that kiss on the mouth are gay.  This is really the only fact I truly need. Add to that, Lil Wayne (a grown ass man wore women's pants for a performance in front of millions of people(I'm pretty sure it was confirmed those were leggings or jeggings whatever the fuck they're called, that he was wearing). I do have my father's name tattooed on me, but he is my biological father and nothing could ever change that. Wayne and Birdman have tattoos of each other. And if Weezy left like the other Hot Boys they're father and son relationship would have more than likely ended. But I'm sure you all are becoming aware of why Weezy never left Baby. "Tattoo my fuckin name on you so I know it's real".

Conjecture:

What does a prostitute call a pimp, universally? She calls him daddy, for those who don't know. What does Lil Wayne call Baby? Daddy. So far so gay. Mind you Birdman is only 14 years older than Wayne. And how many father figures do you really need Weezy? And why would you opt for the role of father versus say uncle or big brother, Baby? Delving further, I think Lil Wayne has always been telling us this. Because when you really think about it what else could "Weezy fucking Baby" mean? For some it's unthinkable, but when it's so obvious and hiding in the open, it's probably true.  Now I sincerely hope that neither of these guys are gay, but too much points in the direction of Wayne at least being so.

Substance over Hype

If I were a girl, I would be writing about Beyonce being pregnant. But I'm not, so you can read about that elsewhere. Since Tha Carter IV is officially out people have been telling me their opinions on it and frankly, I'm not convinced.

The best album out right now is Watch the Throne, period. Sure it's not a classic and I feel it should be, but there is no album out that can truly compete. And to compare Tha Carter IV to Watch The Throne is really a waste of time. Now a better comparison would be to compare the R.E.D. album by Game to the Carter IV. Most of you, probably haven't even heard Game's new album and really shame on you. So until you feel the need to try and disagree with me, go listen to it first.

Listening to Tha Carter IV(which is not better than Tha Carter III) is like listening to a glorified mixtape. It has some dope beats, Lil Wayne has some hot punchlines and that's about it. Their is not too much substance. Really, had I not saw the How to Love video, I would say there is no substance at all. Game, on the other hand, has delivered an album that's reminiscent of the albums that were dropped in the early 2000s. Game gave you stories in relation to his life, fictional scenarios, and even went so far as to make a song that took a stance on domestic violence. In short Game made an actual project that flows and was arranged properly and it came out as a good album(definitely better than LAX, which was his ultimate goal).

But because Weezy's album was so hyped up, and Game's wasn't people will automatically say Wayne's album is better. On top of that, as big as an artist that Game is he might simply get overlooked. The downfall of both of their albums is the plethora of features. In this aspect, Game has way more, but Lil Wayne has an "Interlude" and "Outro" that he doesn't even show up. How, as an artist, do you let anyone else close out your own album, and yet you opened it? Needless to say, the best albums out are in this order: Watch The Throne,  The R.E.D. Album, and Tha Carter IV.

Beef or Tofu??

Lil Wayne has been the main topic of conversation as of late. With a track leaking off his album(well really, the whole album leaked) titled "I'm Good" featuring Drake and Jadakiss, apparently a new beef maybe brewing between the Dwayne Carter and Shawn Carter.

I'm sure that all of you by now know what Lil Wayne has said, and if you don't you can easily find out by going somewhere and listening to the song. So let's get to it: Jay-Z makes a song that was originally slated to be on Watch the Throne titled "H.A.M." where he supposedly took a jab at Birdman, basically saying that he had more money. This song came out when Weezy was in jail, mind you. Weezy gets out and expresses that he might play off it, but says it wouldn't be legitimate beef. So damn near a year a later Weezy steps up to the plate and takes his jab back at Jay, in the form of threatening Beyonce.

Since Lil Wayne won't classify this as beef, so neither will I. But when you can call a guy's girlfriend a bitch, and then proceed to say that you would kidnap her, classifies as beef to me. But let me digress. If you didn't want this to be a beef, why respond at all? On top of that you respond to something that was not even a diss. Jay-Z does have more money than the Cash Money and Young Money combined. Oh yeah I forgot, in an interview, Lil Wayne in a nutshell agreed with the fact that Jay does have more money. But besides that, why take so long to respond? Is Lil Wayne trying to sell albums? I think so. But with what he said I feel Jay-Z will have to address it. I cannot see anyone letting another disrespect his significant other without retaliation. In addition, I don't know if you all forgot, but dealing with Jay does cause repercussions. He stabbed Un, and had Cam shot. So Lil Wayne(and Game) if you come at this guy a lil too hard he will retaliate and not on wax. Take caution fellas.

Best in Show

Television shows, like everything else, were good at one point. Let me clarify a bit more, local network television. Local network television offers you in essence three shows and either none, or lame ass old movies. The three shows they offer you are cop shows, law shows, and reality TV shows(just different variations, but don't get confused they're all really the same show). So now if you want to watch and get into a series of any kind, whether it's comedy or drama, you're going to have to pay for it. The good thing though, is that good television shows/series still exist and you are probably already paying for it anyway. But if you don't have HBO, then you need to get it because without it your cable sucks.

HBO is, more than likely, the best network in existence, as a whole. It offers you movies and some of the best shows to ever come on TV(minus Seinfeld, Fresh Prince, and The Simpsons). Add to that, they give you this without any commercials. Well, you do pay a little more(they're not really giving you shit) but is it not worth it? You already are paying for channels(most of them useless and that go unwatched) why not get the best ones that are offered. HBO Jr.(Showtime) has some decent shows as well, just not the greatest movies. Don't get me wrong, Showtime does show good movies, they're just not consistent, but they've gotten considerably better over the years. Therefore, they do get enough credit to be dubbed "HBO Jr.".

I'm pretty sure HBO should pay me for this post. You can find the top 15 HBO series in the Top of the Heap section.

The New Mob

Don't let the title confuse you. There is no new crime syndicate taking over. Or is there. Throughout the summer cities across the country have been witnessing a new form of crime dubbed a flash mob.

A flash mob is a large group summoned online to one location and participating in some sort of mischievous activity. Well more than most times, these acts committed are bit further than mischievous and much more closer to nefarious. These flash mobs mainly consist of youths under the age of 18, on average.

What exactly are these mischievous and nefarious acts these teenagers are participating in? Well, so far they have ranged from looting to attacking purely random people. In one instance, 20 male teens walked into a G Star Raw store and proceeded to just take clothing and just walk out. Now there have been incidents occurring all year. However, more recently in Germantown, Maryland a 7-Eleven convenience store was ransacked by a flash mob of teens and ran out with hundreds worth of merchandise. What particularly strikes me about this incident is not the actual act, convenience stores have been getting robbed for as long as they've been around. But the admitting, by a police spokesperson that, yes, cops are actually pretty fucking slow(as in having a low intellect) is hilarious. "We had always thought flash mobs happen in big cities. We are unprepared. We don't have anyone who has social-media expertise," was told to reporters by Janie Smith, county of Montgomery police spokeswoman in Maryland.

The first thing I did was laugh when I read this, as I'm sure you did. Now I don't agree with flash mobs, I, personally, think that they're pretty fucked up. And stopping them isn't going to happen anytime soon. But the police are not supposed to say that they don't have enough expertise to truly fight back. Now these kids are about to probably take it up a notch. Aforementioned, they form on the internet, or through texting, so they possibly have read the same articles as I have. It doesn't even matter if surveillance cameras are used, because who the hell is going to catch 40 kids, really? But they'll eventually slow it down when they run up on the person that responds to them in a way they weren't prepared to handle. Basically, the cops won't have anything to do with the declining of this new form of crime. A person is going to end up killing one of these young cats and that'll probably slow it up a but, in that city at least.

Jump Man

For those who don't know the numbers, start in the upper left-hand corner with I(1) and go from there.

With one of the biggest releases of the year, I couldn't help but put my two cents in on the subject. This weekend on the 20th the Jordan V black/metallic silver will be released. This will be the last biggest release before the Concord XI's in December.

It's amazing that for over 20 years Jordans are still the hottest sneaker, or rather, most popular sneaker to date. So many fads have come and gone, and I'm sure at one point parents of my peers, like my parents thought that the mania behind Jordans would have left the building by now, but it hasn't. Kids that never saw Michael Jordan play one game of basketball in any of his shoes, feel some(not all) of that same yearning that a release date brings, that we felt back when they were coming for the first time.

I don't know what we've been brainwashed with, or the amount that MJ payed all the sneaker companies to never give a player a shoe line better than his, or if the designs by Tinker Hatfield are hypnotizing. Nor do I care. I love Jordans(as you all should) and am glad that they still come out and are still a big deal. I am not that happy that the prices have went up, but that's just something you chalk up to the game of business.

On my new TOP OF THE HEAP page, I have listed what I consider to be the top 10 Jordans of all time. Feel free to comment with your own list if you disagree with mine.

Scandalous

I have to first let you all know that I am an Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Therefore, to hear of another powerhouse university make headline news with another scandal all I can muster up is that misery loves company.

It has come to everyone's attention that players at the University of Miami have been targeted with a scandal that could really hurt the school just as bad as the pain my Buckeyes are currently feeling. The story behind it all is that Nevin Shapiro, has been said to have illegally provided funds, gifts, parties and even an abortion for one of the players.

So you have a guy already serving time for something completely unrelated and all of a sudden decides to come out and potentially ruin a school and a well known musician. What's even more terrible about this, is that Shapiro publicly stated that he was only doing what Luke did in the 80's and 90's. For one, to bring Luke into this thing and dub yourself "Little Luke" is to do what exactly, bring validity to your immaturity. Shapiro(I know you won't get a chance to read this due to getting caught with your Ponzi scheme) do you think that this scandal will help you in any way? Let me answer that one for you: Hell No. This has only made you look like an immature child begging for attention at the expense of others. It is not our fault that you had to pay to be down and weren't cool enough to be accepted by the "in" crowd. I really do not think Madoff would come out and disrupt an institution for the sake of.... well, really for the sake of what exactly?

I personally don't blame any of the players for taking part. These athletes generate millions of dollars for their schools and while not getting paid are supposed to be there to get an education. Well, I went to college and I was not a potential pro athlete and certainly didn't generate any funds for my alma mater. Yet, I still wanted to go out and party, it's college we're talking about people. And if I was in these athlete's position, hell if we all were, those kickbacks would be accepted. Don't hate the player.

LOL

Between watching an episode of Californication and recieving a text message I am heavily inclined to agree with the infamous Hank Moody, texting is killing the English language.

I never really noticed how bad we, as Americans, have gotten so lazy and have a total disregard for the language of our land. Upon recieving a text message that read, "Hey wyd", I first had to figure what the hell wyd meant. Then after figuring it out, I then realized that laziness has seeped into our language, which I didn't even know was possible. By the way, wyd = What You Doing.

When it comes to the phrases "LOL", "LMAO", or even "SMH" I have no quarrel. These are intended to display actions, no problems there. However, a person texting me "STFU", "IDK", and "OMG" is where I find all the problems. First, shut the fuck up looks way better than stfu(and you better know me rather well to be texting me anything of the sort). Secondly, abbreviating phrases is what the federal agencies do(hence their nickname the alphabet boys) and who wants to be a cop, considering they all tend to be pricks(on average). And I'm willing to bet that people in other countries don't abbreviate phrases in their language when texting(I could be wrong).

I have no issues with slang(I am black), but when you're too lazy to type a phrase maybe you should just call someone, or wait until you can. And to all the gentleman reading this, if you text anyone "K" in reference to ok(really using it all) you my friend are gay. 

Leaders of the New School

In my daily talking to people, I occasionally find myself ending up in discussions defending Apple as a superior company to all other electronic companies.

My question always remains the same and I have yet to get definitive answer: How are Apple products not the best? The answers I get in response to this question range from "the iPhone is limited compared to a droid", "Apple only has only ten percent of the market", to "I hate Apple". All responses given, fail to indicate that Apple, no matter what their percentage of the market is, runs the market. I'm not sure if you all quite remember the mass hysteria that was caused when the very first iPhone was released. And if you don't remember that, due to whatever rock you were living under, then surely you remember the pandemonium the iPad debut caused. Oh yea, I almost forgot, how many of you reading this have iPods? Thought so.

I say that to say this, Apple products might not be considered the best(even though they should be), but they are undoubtedly the leaders of the consumer electronic industry. The purest definition of a leader is someone that sets a standard that others follow relentlessly. So yes, I can get a zune, an Evo, or a Samsung Galaxy. But would these companies be pursuing the routes in technology that they currently. No. Or else, wouldn't they have already. And even if they were thinking about it, or had it on the drawing board, Apple had enough gumption to put out there. Then again, Apple knew it would work, they didn't have to think about it.

I do give credit to BlackBerry, but not a whole lot. I can say that have tried their best to stick to their guns and have continued to be successful. I'm not really feeling the PlayBook, but they weren't going to be left out. Which brings me to my next point in Apple's superiority. Some of you may, some of may not remember the Palm Pilots. But Palm at one point was the leader in the tablet industry, but it never really caught on. Not quite like the iPad caught on. Thus, Apple revitalized an entire industry that had been written off.  Apple in one hand invented the wheel(iPhone, iPod) and in the other hand reinvented the wheel(iPad). Sidenote I wrote this on an iPad.

The Throne

I should have known my next piece was going to be on Watch The Throne. 

Listening to this album has been a struggle. I am constantly pulled in two different directions. It's a good album, but not great. And with the two biggest hip-hop artists collaborating for an actual album, I expected something groundbreaking. Was I wrong? Obviously, I was.

Nothing about this album was groundbreaking, minus the production. When delving into "real" hip-hop, one thinks of stories, wordplay, and substance. Only wordplay was displayed. Even the heavyweights have forgotten what hip-hop is about. And what really sucks, is that they truly worked hard on this project and thought that this is what hip-hop was missing.

Unfortunately they were wrong. True hip-hop doesn't care about how much money you have or have made, it's about the art. It's about who is the best. And granted these two MC's are by far considered the best, being the best and standing out as such, was not demonstrated. Lackluster lyrics were provided. Why, might you ask, was I pulled in two different directions? Well, to be perfectly honest, it's not a bad album. But it's not a great album. And it should be great. And what troubles me the most is that since it's not bad, and with the artists involved, the general public will consider what they made as great. It truly hurts my heart that the hip-hop that I grew up with and believed in, is truly dead. As a Jay-Z fan I really hate to say Nas was right, but he was.

Hova Da God

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I truly never had any intention of this being a blog based on music. I guess I shouldn't have started out with a piece on musicians. Well it is what it is. Having heard the interview with Jay-Z conducted by Angie Martinez, I have been left with no choice in the matter.

Growing up, I was the most authentic Jay-Z fan. Meaning I was a fan before Hard Knock Life. Rather, he was my favorite rapper after I saw the "City is Mine" video. From 1997, the coolest guy in my mind was Jigga. I was such a fan that my father knew if he saw Jay on the cover of a magazine to automatically purchase it. With that being said, there is no question that I am a fan of Shawn Corey Carter.

Over the years I have had certain quarrels over the actions he has taken. Retire(on top) and come back with a not so good album(Kingdom Come). Not cool. However, before that I watched "Fade to Black" and witnessed him basically force Kanye to give him the Lucifer beat, a pretty assholeish move. And then finding out how he treated Kanye initially and not wanting to sign him as a rapper because he felt that he couldn't really rap, I was like, "Damn Hov is kinda an asshole for real".  I don't totally blame him for the dispersion of the original Roc-A-Fella. I just wish that situation was handled better by all parties involved.

Now I don't totally agree with Jay-Z still rapping at his age. Let's face it, rap is a young man's game. However, in all honesty, what young cat is truly a better artist than Jay-Z? I couldn't think of one either. So with that, I can understand why he still makes music. He's still the best at it, hands down. And I wish you Lil Wayne fans would try to come at me. Lupe, Clipse, Fab, and Jadakiss are great lyricists, but all around artists Jay-Z will win. His catalogue proves it. Is Jay my favorite rapper today? No. Is he still the best doing it? Yes.

Haircuts and Such...Part Deux

Here we go again. I have come to notice something that I didn't expect to become a trend. I'm not quite sure why it is, but I know that everyone is following everything so I shouldn't be surprised. But as grown men, the new thing is to dye your hair? Really? SMH...

Growing up in the 90's forced me to put compartmentalize certain things: New York cats wear Timbs, Cali dudes wear Chucks, gay niggas dye/bleach they hair. As everyone has already mentioned the most famous black male in the past 20 years that colored his hair was Sisqo. I of course agree. And as we all know that guy is rather homosexual. But at least he was a singer. Back to the compartmentalization, rappers should be hard. Fast forward, we have multiple headlining artists going to a hairstylist and saying "I think with this cut, we should go blond". WTF?!?!?!

One of the pioneers of this, is none other than Wiz Khalifa. In his defense, he didn't color his whole head of hair, just streaked it. And yes that may not be cool to some(myself included), but I like his music, and at least the streak was original. We'll give him a pass.  Chris Brown on the other hand, what made you want to color your hair blond? There must be something I'm missing. I need to know if girls like black blond cats. Actually no I don't, because the girls that do, I probably don't like them anyway.

In next, is Soulja Boy. What's funny about his cut is that it's only the top. So I guess he's trying to bring the two-tone fad in. Or rather half-n-half. But the worst dude by far is, The Game. Judging by his pic he knew it. I don't know any Bloods that are down for they set so much they take it beyond their wardrobe and color their hair red. Then again, they must know red is a sensitive color and it can come out not the way it was intended to, as seen in The Game's red mohawk. It looks a little too bright if you ask me(closing in pink), but that could be the lighting. Tyga dyed his hair as well, but he's not relevant enough for me to elaborate.

It seems the hottest thing in the game is to see who out gays one another. The tighter the pants, the blonder the hair, next thing you know they gonna start tattooing sunrays around they belly-button. The ultimate sad part of it all is that the youth are being influenced more easily these days and have already started following these trends. Terrible...

My City

About a year ago people were telling me, "Atlanta is Black Hollywood". I paid no mind until time proved them wrong. Atlanta is not the Black Hollywood, but the new Hollywood.

While most people don't know this that actually live here....well they don't actually live here. I happen to live in the city of Atlanta, not a suburb or section of the city. I went to sleep last night with lights shining in my room from a movie, starring Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz.  Getting back to the point, I have to give credit to someone that I don't particularly favor, Tyler Perry, for bringing the film industry to Atlanta. His studio is the only one in the city, and the only one outside of LA, that is just like one that resides in California.

Living in the city has afforded me to witness various films being filmed here. Not even a mile from my townhouse, Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman filmed a scene for their upcoming comedy, The Change-Up, at Joe's on Juniper. In addition to that, a mansion in Ansley Park(also not a mile from my residence) was used to film something recently. All of these movies do not star black actors. Atlanta, the third fastest-growing city in the country, is definitely becoming Hollywood Jr.  Sure New York is a great place to film on location(if you can). But Atlanta is the new place to be when it comes to films. Spending my first part of my life here and coming back, I would have never thought this would happen. Glad to see it happening though. On top of that, many music videos have been shot here. Curren$y shot 'She Don't Want A Man" here, as well as, "Super High(Sativa Remix)" by Rick Ross. As many would like to say that ATL is known for gays, fake balling, and the hub for music, it's more than that. Atlanta is now, not only the place for young professionals, but the film industry as well.

The Alliance

 Being that the last post I made was about the Big Sean, I felt a particular way about posting this piece. For one, this blog is not intended to be just about music, although it is something I have been in love with for what seems like forever. In addition I don't like to write about something twice. However upon learning of the alliance that has been made between Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, and Big Sean, I have been given no choice.

For some I may be late for others I may be early, neither of these really matter to me. What matters to me is hearing good music, and since that is somewhat rare nowadays when it crosses my path I feel the need to let others know about it. Supergroups have been formed before, it's nothing new(i.e. Slaughterhouse, The Firm, Westside Connection) What draws me to this particular supergroup(minus that I actually like the artists involved) is how they are, more or less, at the height of their popularity, respectively. Even though it's a mixtape they are releasing, they have done what Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule only talked about doing back in 1999.

What I most respect about this project besides the music(5 tracks have already been released) is that at this point in each one's careers this is an album worthy venture, yet it will be free for all. With all the shows these guys are doing separately and found the time to come together to record an entire project to give away for free shows not only that they steadily keep their fans in mind, but also that they genuinely have a love for the craft and are not just looking to make a hit. It's more than that, they are from what I see trying to make the best music they can radio play or not. This commands respect and what is missing from the rap game. Now if only I could get a full CRS(for those who don't know CRS is Lupe Fiasco, Pharrell, and Kanye) project....

And to Wiz and Curren$y if you happen to read this, this project with Big Sean does not count as How Fly 2.

Five leaked tracks: O.T.T.R
                              Flowers
                              Dot Dot Dot
                              Weed Brownies
                              Proceed