Well, what can I say? The Roots put on a perfomance that words cannot capture. In a feeble attempt to even try to do justice, initial words that come to mind... Electric Soulful Captivating Honestly, either the sound system was shitty or the band was overbearingly loud because I couldn't decipher what hell Black Thought was rhyming for 75% of the show but it didn't hamper the energy for the group or the crowd from my perspective. Highlights of the show... 1. Miri Ben Ari's set - I liked her work previously in a "this is different" type of way...wasn't sure if she could carry a whole album, & damn sure wasn't expecting to see her rock a live solo set at the show...but she did it well. Hearing her speak for the first time was quite funny & cute considering her Israeli accent. She masterfully ripped a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" and did some brilliant covers, which leads me to... 2. The Roots...goddamn these dudes almost shut the place down the last 20-30 minutes of their set by covering everything under the sun, from "It's Going Down" to Biggie & ODB shit all the way to "Smooth Criminal", which officially had the hardest of the hard with their arms in the air. The tribute to Dilla during the interlude before they took stage was powerfully. The ability to cover so much and so many genres is one quality I wish more acts would incorporate into their stage shows. It opens so many avenues in which artists can travel and it's much better than some cat walking side to side ranting off lyrics. Entertain us please with showmanship! 3. A roughly 15 minute version of "You Got Me"...speechless. Everybody in the crowd zoned out to that joint as well as "Act Too (Love Of My Life). 4. The crowd that it brings/white people - LOL...no offense but you could just tell the white people were there. White people are "looser" than Black folks, especially after a few beers. Dancing & moving...which you'd be hard pressed to get Black folks to do intially...the white people were just grooving lol...and the weed...man, I know they say Black folks are bad about smoking in public, but it was a white chick beside me who broke the ice & started pullin from a pipe early with no shame lol. The diversity was kinda cool though because after an hour or so into The Roots set I seen some big-boned sister backin it up on an American Eagle white dude with a Coors in his hand and they both looked as if they were playfully enjoying it lol. 5. Solos...I think the only one who didn't get a highlighted solo, for whatever reasons, was Kamaal. ?Love & the cat on drums with him...wow! My dude was animated and just blacked the fuck out! I don't know who the cat was on guitar (not a band member that I know of) but he spazzed out as well. Overall, my ears are still ringing & my legs are sore...I can't really think of any other show were I felt this fuckin overwhelmed physically afterwards. I may have swimmer's ear as well lol. Was it worth it? Does a bear shit in the woods and wipe his ass on a fluffy white rabbit? In other words, hellmotherfuckinyeah! Check for tour dates near your city. Take ya ass out there & show the support we fuckin downloaders always say we'll show.

The Roots are in town this evening. I'm still a little salty that I was so busy the past two weeks that I forgot to inquire about free passes & such in time to recieve'em. But I went ahead & paid the price because by the way I figure it, live band & instrumentation, it should be quite interesting. If you happen to be in the city, go to the show. And if you go, look for me. I'll be the dude in the white tee, smoking a Kool somewhere I'm prolly not supposed to be smoking at. stray shots Beastie Boys - Ill Communication Slick Rick - The Great Adventures of Slick Rick Stetsasonic- On Fire DJ Drama & Lil Wayne-Dedication 2 The New Style (Naughty By Nature)- Independent Leaders_ Zion_I-Break_A_Dawn Pharcyde - Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde Lil_Flip-Roofback-(Bootleg)-2CD DJ Khaled- Listenn (Album Advance) DJ_Whoo_Kid_And_Lloyd_Banks-Mo_Money_In_The_Bank_Part4 Justus League - Mixtape May 5.27 Text File Download 5.27 Changelink Page

"...I got that Condelezza" You know me. You know I'm not a fan of the hype behind Lil Wayne. Read that again. I didn't say that I hate Weezy at all. Personal preferences here... I don't buy into persona but that's my bone to pick. And I have tremendous respect for what Cash Money did as a crew and as a label. I'm in awe of the fact that he's got either... A.) some good as drugs B.) a high tolerance for pain or C.) one helluva artist... ...to get tats on his eyelids. I just don't think Wayne rips every single track as cats like to say that he does. He's more like one out of every seven songs to me. Fortunately, this is one of those cases.... "...the new drop Bentley look like pussy in the summer so I'm fuckin that, huggin that block like I'm lovin that never sell a crumb where my mother at..." Oh yeah...Juelz does fine on this track. He comes strong lyrically which is something he's been slacking on recently. "I feel your pain, and I see your stress How they think your people 'posed to get through Katrina off a FEMA check? ...Coke in the Pyrex Dope in the ice, yes Mind on the highway Road signs: right, left And that's the mind state of kids growing up Still they wonder why the crime rate's going up Throw it up... ...and I'm still gettin paper back in rubberbands I still got paper bags comin in I still got that matress with the paper bags under it comic books, Playboy, baby mag under it, still... I still got ties with those guys that don't speak no English Those vatos, they got those cheapest Got no green cards, got no visas And got those Pablo features They drop off and pick up I pick up the drop off And drop off what's picked up And then what? I get it" Maybe Santana needs somebody to force him to bring his A-game, somebody to check him like Bruce Bowen and that crackhead defense. Nice pairing on this track indeed... So while I get behind on my mixtape listening, I accept my late pass for loving this... Lil Wayne & Juelz Santana - "i can't feel my face" We posted this a while ago and I loved it then. The more I listen to it now though, the more infectious it's become. It's got summer written all over it...infectious synth, chorus that's easily repeatable, and quality verses from all three artists... Ray Cash Scarface & Jay-z - "Bumpin My Music" (Remix) If that lineup doesn't work for you, try this lineup... Ray Cash feat. Pimp C, Project Pat & T.I. -Bumpin' My Music (Remix) Some things are bound to happen... The sun keeps rising and setting. Death is certain. And The Roots will continue to evolve and eclipse whatever they sounded like the last time out... Boom-bap beat, nice, classic breakdown towards the end to let the rapper rap & shine, lyrical content...yeah, shit keeps spinnin. The Roots - "don't feel right" This track has been on rotation throughout the South for months now but for me it got lost in the middle of all the snap & crunk shit ATL and the radio overbear our ears with... Same premise - catchy hook, a rumbling beat plus a nice little dance to go ahead and make it official. It's not something you can push in the car more than three or four times without hating it...but in the club, it's official...and taken in moderation, it's definitely listenable. Plus I like to see bighead TIP hop out the car at the beginning of the video & try to dance throughout...hell, even I can shoulder lean and still look cool without bustin' a sweat. Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Yeah yeah yeah...we know that you were expecting another Smoking Session. We'll get back to those because honestly, they take alot of time to formulate between finding the artists, coordinating the timing, conducting the session, blah blah..and right now we've just been short on time, as we will be this week. Don't worry, we're doing some behind the scenes changes as well to keep this spot moving on up like George & Weezie. So to offset those factors, this week we'll be giving you plenty of material to sample & enjoy on your own. Less words, more filling pause. Replies courtesy of E-Cosa Nostra aka The Smoking Section Crew DENEIRE Ghostface Killah and MF Doom - "Angels"...They are like twins seperated at birth.This song right here had me hooked since the first day I heard it.It's like these two were meant to be together, no homo. They used the sample to Charlie's Angels and then told stories about there Angels. Enough said! e-cosa nostra's aural relaxation download What are you listening to? Join the fracas & discuss on the Last.FM forum or the Myspace group

It's been 9 years. 9 friggin' years. No witnesses. No leads. No nothin'. The Notorious BIG was gunned down in Los Angeles on March 9, 1997. Nearly six months to the day that Tupac Shakur was shot, and would eventually die in a Las Vegas hospital. Rap hasn't been the same since. Yeah that was one of the saddest days. But it hurt even more in retrospect, as I got older and listened to the man, It blew my mind about how brilliant he really was. Don't get me wrong, Tupac was and always will be a great writer and musician, but it was something about the way that Biggie rhymed, the fact that you would have to listen to his songs two or three times to get all the little innuendo, he was truly a genius when it came to making rhymes. I remember listening to Life After... one night before I went to bed, and just puttin the fist over my mouth and just nodding, and he's one of the only MC's that has ever had me just "Hypnotized". Its funny because, my mom bought me the tape of Ready to Die when I was 11 and I still have it, she was like "This is that Big guy that you like.." and then discovering the &$@! me! Interlude . And I remember having to bring my Grandmother to Sam Goody (pre-Best Buy days) to get Life After Death because I was under 18 and it was explicit...I bought it the first day it came out...and the guy behind the counter was like, "make sure he doesn't listen to number six on the first disc"..you can almost guess which track I went to first when I opened the CD. For those that didn't know. Christopher Wallace was an auditory genius. What is that you ask? That means the he had the ability to listen to something once and remember everything played in front of him. This gave him the ability to, in the latter half of his career, use no rhyme books. B.I.G. would sit in the corner and mumble to himself for twenty minutes and then step in the vocal booth and then make magic. Also consider this, B.I.G. only made two albums while he was living. He didn't like to work, so he didn't create the type of catalog that Tupac had been known for. Would he have been considered one of the greatest had he not been killed? I honestly think that he would be considered in a higher regard if he was still walking..surely Sean "P.Diddy" Combs would not be at the level of stardom that he currently stands in if Biggie was still living (don't worry, no conspiracy talk here) So just think of it this way, even if you like Tupac, give BIG a listen with open ears. He brought back the "East Coast" style of rap almost single handedly, and influenced your favorite rapper (yes, anybody you can think of), and cats are still trying to follow the formula in which he created in Bedford-Stuyvesant. RIP Christopher Wallace, the Sky is the Limit. Stay Black stereotee TSS Contributor Stray Shots Cocoa Brovaz-The Rude Awakening Freeway-Philadelphia Freeway Neyo - In My Own Words Doug E. Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew - Oh My God Z-Ro - Gangstafied DJ_Mello_-_Gun_Talk_7_{Dipset_Edition}_(NEW_ 2006) DJ Jamad - Afromentals 24-2006 Bill Withers - The Ultimate Bill Withers Collection (Two Discs) Slim Thug & Killa Kyleon - Having Thangs Phil Collins - The Hits P.O.D ~ Satellite [Retail][2001] Dabrye - Two/Three (2006) Portishead - Glory Times [1998] Daft_Punk-Musique_Vol_1_1993-2005-2006- Nine - Cloud 9 TomC3 - The Original Soundtrack Album of Project Polaroid [Feat: Kool Keith] Mike Patton - Peeping Tom (2006) Dr. Octagon - The Return Of D. Octagon Aphrodite - Aftershock Aphrodite - Urban Jungle Maceo - US Charles Tolliver - Live at Slugs Vol. 1 stray shots 5.20

A hot song from a slept-on album that should've been held in much higher regard. The whole disc had Esco spittin glacial razors over quality production for what might have been his best balanced album in terms of commercial ability mixed with the Nasty Nas that diehards long for. Free Cookiehead SMC's Almost Home

The more we do these things, we've learned a few things... 1. Editing is a motherfucker because you don't want to leave anything out. Everything said in the conversations seems like a crucial information that needs to be shared, read, heard. So that leads to.... 2. I'm so fuckin glad I don't work for a periodical so that we can publish this whole thing in it's entirety. If you choose not to read it all, that's on you. But I promise you're gonna miss some entertainment if you don't. (Want your artist here? Contact us - smoking.section@gmail.com) In a utopian world, these dudes would need no introduction whatsoever because their music would already be known to the masses. But we live in America...corporate America at that. That means artists like Little Brother, who put out quality hip-hop music, are often overshadowed by our cultures obsession with all things controversial, violent & ignorant. It is what it is. What that does for those of us who tread off the beaten path is allows us to enjoy crews like Little Brother without anyone polluting our listening experience with the group, but instead allowing the group to create their image for us with their work. Little Brother and the words critical darlings seem to go hand in hand...and they make damn good music. As members of the larger collective the Justus League, the group consists of two MC's, Big Pooh & Phonte, and DJ/producer 9th Wonder. We had the chance to rap with Phonte...and what started as a brief AOL chat turned into a smoking session that lasted two or three hours, until after 3AM. Be sure to drop a comment. More comments = More future love from other artists so we can keep this going. Let'em know you're reading... Phonte: yo..its Tay. TSS: aiight...what's good brother TSS: I was bout to give up on you & turn in lol Phonte: yeah...I was just up trynna watch this Mike Epps special on HBO. It’s not that funny tho' so I logged back on...lol TSS: man you buggin' lol. Mike Epps is a fool doing standup. I seen that dude one time & son was dumb high just straight freestylin' his whole routine lol. Funniest shit I ever seen Phonte: ehhh...That's the thing tho’.it may have been funny as hell IN PERSON.. but watching it at home on TV, that shit doesn't translate... TSS: I watched that shit. I guess I’m still seeing him like, envisioning him as he was on stage Phonte: It’s like watchin a nigga that can freestyle his ass off but you ain't tryna buy an album of that shit... TSS: b/c I agree the shit seemed like it wasn't structured...like he didn't transition that well btw jokes TSS: we'll start it off easy......favorite guilty pleasure listening? Phonte: Guilty pleasure? hmmmm...well, I don't really feel guilty about anything that gives me 'pleasure'..but uhhh.. TSS: Yeah but that one joint you cut down when others come around lol Phonte: I guess I'd probably say D4L or Dem Franchize Boyz..... TSS: haha...oh wow… now you bout to start some shit right here lol Phonte: yeah...that and all my AM rock white boy harmony bands that I like America, Toto, Little River Band, Bread... I fucks with all that shit... TSS: How the fuck the current reigning champs of the underground gonna rock with D4L? Phonte: lololololol TSS: you gonna lose some fuckin fans for real man! the innernuts love you all but that's gonna throw'em for a loop Phonte: well, like I say all the time.....I'm not bumpin the shit in my iPod 'cause that's not the place for it, for me at least…but if it comes on in the club, I'll dance to it. And I don't think "Laffy Taffy" is any more 'harmful' to the culture than "Whoomp There It Is" TSS: That mentioning of the club scene leads into my next question. You're a recording star, why are you home on a Saturday night? Phonte: recording star my ass...I'm one of the most boring niggas you'll ever meet.. I've been out on the road for the past week, so when I come off I always take time to spend with the family, and just chill.. TSS: Man...I don't think there's anything wrong with “Laffy Taffy” or any of that shit. I'm like you...if it's on in the spot, I ain't gonna front like I’m not gonna move w/the crowd. Phonte: yeah, I feel you…like I always say..I think that people's anger with that song, has more to do with the fact that they don't hear much of an alternative to it, more so than the actual song itself.. TSS: yeah...you all are from the south and so am I. Do you defend the south or take offense as well when you hear artist from other areas saying "the south is ruining music"? Phonte: no, I don't take offense because the South isn't 'ruining' music..if anything is 'ruining' music, its the radio stations and media outlets that play the same songs every hour..and don't give people a variety and/or an alternative.. like, if you're gonna play “Laffy Taffy” fifty times a day...at least give niggas some Lupe or whatever 30 times a day.. its the age-old argument of 'balance,' I guess.. but I honestly don't see shit changing.... And as for my need to 'defend' it...well...I'm kind of like Chris Rock...'I love hip-hop, but I have trouble defending it'...lol TSS: haha...good summation…Now, straight up, no punches pulled... like I said before, we rapped with Kareem Johnson and we had a real long long talk and he brought you guys up. he seemed sort of disappointed by the media's role in this shit as well. Phonte: yeah, Kareem's a good dude...real cool peoples TSS: When we spoke with him, we briefly spoke on the BET bullshit ("Little Brother video won't run on BET"). Hypothetical situation - You & a few Viacom heads are in a room together, no political correctness allowed. what do you say to them? do you take your watch off, roll up your sleeves and tell'em to meet you outside? Phonte: lol....nah, not at all..I would say, "hey guys...you're doing a great job". Your job is solely to make money, and that you're doing very well...I just can't fuck with it no more... TSS: What would you encourage your fans to do in support of you regarding that situation? "hey ya'll boycott BET"or do you sit them down like a parent and give them a lecture relaying the importance of supporting artists in other ways so that bigger entities in turn HAVE to take and give notice to the artists? Phonte: Yeah, I'd probably go the other way with it...its not as easy as 'boycott BET'....I mean, I don't watch BET....but that's because there's really nothing on there for me. It has nothing to do with my personal feelings about the company. I would urge my fans to do the same... TSS: Man...I ain't watched BET in years lol...they took Tavis off so I bounced lol Phonte: I think that was my turning point, too…from them taking off Teen Summit to the ixnaying of Tavis, that was the downfall for me....lol TSS: hehe…I’m with you all the way. Let's dumb down for a sec. Ananda (sp) from Teen Summit or Rachel off that one show? Phonte: I liked Ananda.....Rachel seemed like an airhead. She used to host Caribbean Rhythms right? TSS: haha...I was about to ask you the same thing and say it was some Caribbean islands type shit. I just remember she had some tig ol'bitties and that smile Phonte: yeah, she was cute....but seemed dumb... dumb ain't sexy to me... TSS: You mentioned being home from the road...so when you're not working, who gets the most of your time? Phonte: My wife and kids... I'm Superman on the road, but I come home to Clark Kent status…baby earlin 'on my shirt and all that shit.. TSS: Do you have any old enough that they're listening to music? And, if so, what do you have them listening to? I know they don't wanna hear daddy rap all day Phonte: lol…oh, man....my sons are 5 years and 6 mos. old, respectively...and they listen to everything I listen to... LB, Radiohead, Jazzanova, Lewis Taylor, T.I., Bun B.,.....just good music, man.. TSS: Okay so it's safe to say they're listening to "Lean With It.." too lol? Phonte: Well.....lol TSS: Hey you said it yo Phonte: I ain't bumpin' “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It” in the car, but I'm sure my 5 year old hears it on the radio....as long as he knows there's soooo much more music other than what he hears on the radio, its all good... TSS: yeah, I got a 7 yr old and luckily she don't really care about radio shit or rap too much. she'd rather sing the shit on Disney and maybe some R&B tunes. But hell, I have to watch R&B shit closely too lol Phonte: That's good, although Disney's been sucking lately.... Lion King 1.5? the FUCK was that.....lol. they fucked up by letting go of Pixar.... TSS: Favorite song off "the purple tape"? Phonte: it'll probably be "Rainy Dayz". I still bump that shit.... TSS: wow....interesting choice, but, damn son...you depressed lol? All the upbeat heat on that tape and you choose "Rainy Dayz"? Phonte: Man....that shit is so perfect, man....it really sounds like a rainy day....plus, the way Ghost sets that shit off.....c'mon, man...I haven't had a hip hop record hit me like that in a while... TSS: aiight...I’m just frontin on you. the whole tape is certified and really plays itself like a movie in my mind. But..I dunno man. every now and then, a new track will come out and just get stuck on repeat for me. When I heard "Live In The Sky" on TI's new joint, I swear I listened to it at least 15x Phonte: maaaaaaaan...going back to the 'purple tape' TSS: haha TSS: (nerve touched) Phonte: We had a discussion about that on our message board and cats were basically saying that, if you're gonna diss Jeezy and Cam or whoever for making dopeman rap...then you gotta diss Cuban Linx as well...which I agree with in theory, but I always wondered...was I the ONLY NIGGA who missed all the drug references in that album? Lol like, seriously..... TSS: Oh man....I think that's the thing Phonte: I didn't realize they were talking about coke until YEARS later.. TSS: A lot of cats say "Jeezy ain't lyrical". Jeezy's saying a lot of stuff, just like ghost & Rae were, that if you ain't aware of the lingo it goes right past you . Oh man, in reality...Rae & Ghost been speaking on sniffin coke for years and I STILL don't think cats recognize it lol. Various members of the Wu. I remember when Meth came out, first track...Tical...cats was like "that's 'Lace it' backwards" Phonte: Well, that I disagree on...I think Jeezy's coke references are waaaay more literal than Rae and Ghost's... TSS: Yeah...don't even think I’m puttin Jeezy on that level but just touching on the references to drugs Phonte: Yeah, well,then again, I'm speaking as a 27 year old man..maybe if I was 16, I would miss that 'birds fly south for the summer' shit too, y'know? TSS: lol…shit, not these kids today man. I think at least half of them know since they've been seeing and hearing it their whole lives…the media today educates & exposes our kids to way way more early these days Phonte: I feel you there.. TSS: Last book you read or favorite book to reread? Phonte: Last book I read was Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man by Charles Barkley...read it in a day between layovers at the airport and shit...pretty good read. TSS: So do you read a lot or just when you have time? Phonte: Nah, just when I have time..I really should read more, as I find it very relaxing.....but most of the time I'm listening to music...it’s my one true addiction. TSS: Things you spend a lot of money on? like the thing the wife says "Tay you know you did not need another ______" Phonte: CDs. I buy music like crazy... but luckily I can write it off the taxes, so its all good... TSS: last 5 cds you copped? Phonte: last 5 joints...hmmm..Tool- 10,000 Days, Ghostface - Fishscale, Eric Tagg - Dreamwalkin, Jon B's Greatest Hits, and T.I.- King….I still haven't made it through that Tool joint yet. Their albums are like movies... TSS: Man...the more you get in depth with artists, the more you realize that they don't listen to hip-hop all day. I wish more actual fans could understand that, esp. these young cats who're making music Phonte: Yeah, man....I try to tell cats all the time...just because you work in a steakhouse, doesn't mean you only eat steak everyday… a nigga can appreciate some chicken, fish, and pork too.. TSS: lol..word. i'mma bite that line TSS: "if I wasn't rappin baby/I would still drivin' Mercedes"....what would you be doing? Phonte: if I wasn't rappin', I'd be somewhere workin' an odd job still trynna rap... probably writing or something... TSS: Writing a novel or poetry? Phonte: Hmmmmm.....probably a collection of short stories or something..I definitely don't have the patience to be a novelist.. TSS: so at heart, art would be your life either way it goes? Phonte: oh hell yeah...without a question....I've quit every job I've ever had lol. TSS: LMAO…sorry man but I'm dying off that one Phonte: Yeah man, I never could fit into that way of life, man...its really repressive spiritually.That shit can turn you into an old man quick.. TSS: Yeah I know what you're saying...cats will be like Willie Lomax in Death of Salesman living a 9 to 5 life. But when did you make the decision..."fuck it, i'mma go all out w/this rap thing"? Phonte: Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaan.....crazy shit..true story......my last joint...it was 2002.... I was working at Belk, a department store..fucking HATED it...anyway, I was supposed to be at work on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving..niggas had me on the schedule for 6 AM, yo.....at a fuckin' RETAIL STORE! TSS: lol Phonte: Anyway, I call out the day before....and my manager is like, 'okay Phonte that's cool....but you're gonna be here on Friday right…I’m like "yeah, sure I'll be there....” I ain't been back since and never looked back.... TSS: lol...they're opening a Belks down the street. I’ll be laughing every time I see that shit TSS: You mentioned you all were on the road last week...." when we performIt's just coffee shop chicks and white dudes…” Is that how it usually turns out for your crowds since you are again "the reigning champs"? I know where I’m at these black folk absolutely do not come out for shows unless you a big mainstream act… or is it diverse & the whole hood comes out to show love? Phonte: Actually, it depends on the city. When we're in Cali, its normally pretty diverse.. TSS: Word. What about back home, or close to home...say DC? Phonte: Now in DC and Maryland, that's when the hood comes out... TSS: haha Phonte: Shit is lovely, yo...you'll be onstage and see 20 niggas with doo-rags and tattoos and chains singing "Shorty on the Lookout" and afterwards niggas come up to you like, '’yo fam, we just wanna let you know that y'all LB niggas is good in B-More, son....anything y'all need....anything...." and then they lean in on 'anything,' which lets you know that they could be referring to anything from sneakers to strippers to crack cocaine....lol TSS: LMAO TSS: What album stands out most to you in regards to your memories of your parents & childhood? TSS: Like I can think of several experiences TSS: 1. Prince's “Erotic City”...pops wasn’t lettin us listen to that lol Phonte: lol..”Erotic City” is the jam… it still ain't toppin' “17 Days” tho. TSS: Yeah man, I think that's why my sister loves Prince to this day...still rebelling lol. But what was it for you? Phonte: Man...well....my mom was only 15 years older than me.....so we were real close...like, everywhere I went, she went. So my earliest memories of music were Saturday morning cleanup at my grandmother's house…we'd listen to Johnny Guitar Watson, Stevie Wonder....I had an uncle who was real big into P-Funk, so that was an influence.. My first hip-hop experience came from when I used to go with her to the park with her friends..remember, she was like, a sophomore in HS when she had me.....so she was still a teenager hangin' out for the most part. We'd go to the park jams and cats would be playing Newcleus, Shannon, all that early 80's Prelude, roller-skating shit... TSS: Haha...my son said Newcleus. I had that fuckin tape and cherished it lol. Since we calling off roller-skating stuff, Midnight Star for you? "No Parking On The Dance Floor" lol Phonte: Ohhh man..."Curious" is my jam TSS: Haha word Note – If you all hear LB sample anything Midnight Star contact me so I can get my royalties for creative influences. TSS: I promised to come back to the whole internet thing so let me take you to downloading, your presence online w/the forum, being here now and all....How does Tay feel personally about all of this? Do you think cats way across the map would know LB without the worldwide web? Phonte: I fucks with downloading, man.....a lot of the artists I listen to now, and ended up buying all their stuff on the strength of downloading.. TSS: Basically, I hope that's what a lot of people do honestly…get open to some shit because it's free, love it and then show their full support financially Phonte: I know LB wouldn't be ANYWHERE without the power of the internet. It’s more than one way to make a dollar, man..I tell cats all the time, look at your CD's as a loss-leader just like Best Buy sells their CD's at a loss, hoping that you'll walk in to buy the new Ne-Yo CD for 3 bucks, and walk out with a DVD player. That's how you have to look at your career as a recording artist…believe me, I know...lol. You're not gonna make much money of your CD, unless you do crazy numbers. So you pretty much use your CD as a way to make other streams of income. So if people download the CD, but come to a show ($20) and buy a T-shirt ($25), you've won... TSS: What is a major misconception you feel people may have about you or your crew? Like, I heard someone say “Basically the hype is... they ain't coonin like their fellow southern artists. Big whoop di-do.” I just shook my head Phonte: lolol…well.... I think right now, its fashionable to hate Little Brother, whereas in '03 we were the poster children for 'real hip hop,' nowadays cats are going out of their way to hate on us..Maybe it’s because Minstrel Show didn't sell as they expected, and its on some 'kick 'em while they're down' shit ("Critics Praise Little Brother's 'Minstrel Show'")....I dunno.. But the thing is, I'm not down...I'm touring, making money, making music, making a living doing what I love... which is much more than ALOT of people can say (see: Belk employees) lol TSS: haha…true indeed Phonte: as far as 'misconceptions' go..I think people look at LB and think that we're 'purists' (read: music snobs) TSS: backpackers Phonte: ….which is not the case at all... TSS: far from it Phonte: exactly! Phonte: but y'know man.... people are always gonna try to box you in to make themselves comfortable... TSS: well...maybe you need to put some guns & dope...maybe a Jeezy appearance on your next album Phonte: nah, that ain't gon' happen....lol…change my name to Cadillac Tay... Cadillac Tay, Pimpin' Pooh, and 9th 9 Milli are Lil' Bruva. Check their debut album, The Glistening out on Dopespot Records/Money Laundering Entertainment TSS: haha…so okay... how are you gonna stay out of the box they're trying to put you in? are you gonna pull an Andre 3000 or a Prince switching to a sing shit to throw'em off? Phonte: nah....I ain't gon' pull no Andre 3000...although I see how people like him and Q-Tip can get bored with rhyming and try their hand at singing or whatever... TSS: aiight....now who's REALLY the best singer out the crew since we're headed that way? Phonte: lolol… well, I'm definitely the best singer....but 9th's got a pretty good tenor, though. Pooh is flat out tone deaf. TSS: LMAO…oh man…Best dancer out the crew? Like who the one who comes home sweaty from the club Phonte: best dancer....probably me......although Pooh's two step is pretty mean... TSS: lol TSS: you're in rare form. I’ll be sure to make sure they see this shit Phonte: lol... as far as the question you asked about 'staying out of the box; I just focus on making the best music I can make...niggas can call it what they wanna call it... bottom line is, I'm not gonna make myself look ignorant just to be 'cool' to these niggas.. you can never please everybody, so just please yourself... fuck 'em girl...fuck 'em © Martin lol. TSS: What would you say is your ultimate goal as far as the music industry is concerned? I assume it's not gonna be plaques, paper and pussy. So when you die, what do you want your epitaph to read or the funeral program. Direct it towards the industry though... Phonte: I want my epitaph to read: "I sold a lotta records and alotta people know me.........NOW WHERE'S MY GODDAMN TROPHY!!!!" (c) The Honorable Willie D. TSS: lol Phonte: lolololol TSS: they ain't gonna know nothing about that man lol….that's some straight south shit right there lol Phonte: I know man.....that was waaaay before their time...lol…but seriously, I guess I'd want my legacy or whatever to be of a person who made as much of a difference off stage as he did onstage. I'd hope my actions as an emcee, as well as a simple human being, would inspire people. Inspire people to do something positive, I guess..that's really it, man.. TSS: Man you gotta know it's some kid out there who ain't a hooper or who's 16 just like you were and don't know shit about dope...but he relates to you alll namean, because of the things you say and do. He’s prolly on the 'net like me & you now and when he reads this he's gonna crack a smile Phonte: I hope so... TSS: ...and go do his homework...or quit his job @ Belks Phonte: and to that kid, I would say “keep doin' you, man.” Don't let the TV fool you, homie….its more niggas at Belk than it is dopeboys.. TSS: haha...say word. I been zoning out to Kanye's "Spaceship" all week. now that, that's my "Rainy Dayz" track right now! Phonte: lol…man, that song is so real... he flipped that "Distant Lover"' shit.. TSS: yo fuck it....favorite Jay song over a 9th track? Phonte: lolol TSS: I started to ask you who does jay sound better over, 'Ye or 9th lol Phonte: I think 9th's best remix was the "Lucifer" joint...the way he recreated that "Devil's Pie" bassline was genius….I mean....I'm not playing favorites at all because 9th has definitely had stuff that's missed the mark in my eyes. But his Black Album remix shitted over everybody else's...I remember when he was doing it. dude spent WEEKS doing that shit....which, for 9th is like a lifetime.. TSS: lol Phonte: nigga remixed "Allure" like 4 times before he decided on the final version...he was really in a zone on that one, man.. TSS: well tell him Gotty™ and a million more motherfuckers loved that shit Phonte: no doubt....will do.. TSS: final questions…upcoming projects, shows, aspirations? Phonte: well....me and Pooh have started preliminary work on the next LB album..And, me and Nic have started planning our attack for the next FE record…then, of course our team, Hall Of Justus is gettin' ready for the fall... we got stuff comin from Joe Scudda, Darien Brockington, Chaundon, and The Embassy (Legacy and Chaundon group project) TSS: I'll expect an advanced listening of all of that! How much work actually goes into that advanced planning? Like how do you all determine which direction an album will go? Phonte: well, for me...the direction for an album has to do mainly with two things: a) the direction of the LAST album, and b, where I am creatively. So, if creatively I'm in a place where I wanna smack hoes and sell dope on record, I can't really do that all out if I was hugging trees and preaching Black nationalism on the last record....lol. It’s all about trying to find that balance, and making sure that all your releases make sense going from one to the other... TSS: haha...yeah, you might gain a few but you'd lose a lot of folks . that's a switcharoo like BDK pulled on us back in the day Phonte: exactly…It’s pretty much picking out tracks....and developing concepts...that's kinda my pre-production phase.. TSS: you know...most fans see rappers as just going in the studio, laying tracks, and picking out some shit & putting them together Phonte: well, sometimes it happens like that too…Separate But Equal was done like that in parts.. TSS: man I meant to ask…what sparked the Drama collabo? Shit came outta nowhere to most fans Phonte: lol TSS: straight up Phonte: man, me and Drama have known each other since '03 and we've been mutual fans of each other's work.. TSS: I’ve been bumping one of the Aphilates mixtapes this whole session…DJ Jamad – Afromentals Vol. 22…it’s run at least three times already, getting ready to play for the fourth time. Phonte: yeah, they're really on their game.. TSS: shit"s banging Phonte: yooooooooo…Jamad's my dude...I just did a guest DJ spot on his show for Sirius radio…they're talking about possibly hooking me up with my own show on Sirius, on the strength of my playlist.....shit was crazy... TSS: Sirrius radio and Tay? Wow… Phonte: yeah, man.... TSS: where can I see your playlist? I'mma copy it and say it's mine and tell'em to give me the show Phonte: they haven't aired it yet... Phonte: lololol TSS: I need the paper worse than you lol Phonte: sheeeeeeeeeit...maybe not. You seen the sales figures for Minstrel Show? TSS: haha Phonte: lolol TSS: lol...good you're taking it in stride Phonte: man, its all good.... TSS: Ohh man...that write-up you did on Mobb was nice too. I posted it so I wanna touch that real quick before we quit….so, do we dislike Mobb? Phonte: maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan....the Mobb joint....I was waiting for you to bring that up.... TSS: They paid their dues, can they go the g-unit route and get paid? Or is that like a Red Sox player becoming a Yankee? "The Evil Empire" lol Phonte: exactly...but then they go to the Yankees and don't even win lol TSS: haha...nuff said sir Phonte: nah, lemme set it straight man... TSS: go head Phonte: I'm a Mobb Deep fan til' the death... a fan meaning, I'll always check for the stuff they release...whether its on G-Unit, Cash Money, or Money Laundering Entertainment.. TSS: jea I’m hip, same here...just the old Mobb Deep…the old 50...the old Cam…I’m for growth but not regression Phonte: well truthfully, I like the new 50 waaaay more than the old Fif.. Power of the Dollar was dope, though...but GRODT is a classic....nobody can front on that. But anyways, back to Mobb.. TSS: He got his share of solid tracks...I guess it's the overexposure and the whole slew of club songs Phonte: Exactly! It’s overexposure more than anything....that, to me, is where the Fif hate is coming from….'cause his music, for the most part, has remained consistent. And that's what I was saying in that whole Mobb Deep piece I wrote.. TSS: so 50's been him...but Mobb ain't doin them? Phonte: to me, the last classic Mobb album was Murda Muzik and their last two albums were just "aiight" by most standards.. TSS: Murder Muzik was fiyah! production, lyrics, all that…. Phonte: dude. that shit was the soundtrack to my summer in '99…I had the bootleg joint...that shit was crack. But what I was saying is, Mobb for the most part has been making the same music...but in the eyes of the fans, they've crossed over to 'the darkside' as you put it. So when you cross over to the darkside, and your album is anything less than classic, then there's gonna be hell to pay...I thought the album was just aiiight.....Pretty much the same way I felt about Infamy and Amerikka's Nightmare. But now that they're on G-Unit, its a heavier cross to bear....you feel what I'm sayin? And thing is, man, I wrote that shit on our message boards....just fuckin' around at the crib and I woke up the next morning and that shit's everywhere like, "yo....this nigga Tay dissin Mobb and G-Unit!!" I just shook my head, man....cats are always gonna misconstrue what you say... TSS: yeah, that's America…take a piece of it, misquote and run w/it. I think the people who took the time to read understood that...It was more of an assessment & almost a plea to them dudes "don't forget your core & what made you" Phonte: exactly! Phonte: I mean.... TSS: but word is...them boys got robbed so much they had to get money w/Fif lol Phonte: you wrong for that one. Phonte: but the thing that sparked it, was when I read an interview and P was talking about what made 'em sign, to G-Unit, that is..and he was like, 'yo, we always had the streets....but now we tryna get the white people' or something to that effect. It was like he had aspirations of doing GRODT numbers...and I just shook my head like, 'dude, that's NOT gonna happen'. Not for you, not for Yayo....hell, that might not even happen for 50 again! GRODT was a movement..... just like Purple Rain was a movement...and Thriller was a movement.. TSS: I think fans are left to wonder, how does a crew get so misguided to believe that they can pull that shit off when it wasn't poppin previously Phonte: man, I seriously don't know...that's why I pray, man… I pray that through whatever trials this industry puts me through, I can remain sane and realistic of my goals... TSS: "stay in your lane"...speed up, keep pace...but don't fall the fuck back like that Phonte: exactly....just stay in your lane.. TSS: word up man, you seem realistic about it all and you're still enjoying it Phonte: like I say all the time, man...I never got into this business expecting to get rich.... Phonte: Americans don't realize how good they have it…even Black Americans... TSS: jea we hear a lot of complaining...my question to leaders is….ok, you complain...but where is your plan, your solutions. Personal question, you're in the limelight we'll say...you travel...you meet people....this is one I struggle w/quite often…who are our Black leaders today? Previous generations had theirs. Who are ours? Phonte: Jay-Z Phonte: Young Jeezy TSS: yeah man...that's the sad part Phonte: lolololololol Phonte: seriously....I think Bun B. should be a senator or some shit, man.. TSS: why Bun? Phonte: that nigga's speeches would be so immaculate.....dude's the perfect politician... TSS: expand on that Phonte: and not 'politician' in the 'lemme kiss everybody's ass and make 'em like me' industry way.....I mean it in a sense that he has a way of expressing his opinion and making it so that even if you don't agree with him, you have to respect where he's coming from, b/c its based in fact.. TSS: ok so you're one of us…how did you feel about the whole Byron Crawford – Bun B thing Phonte: lolololololol TSS: this is off the record Phonte: nah, we can keep it on the record....its all good...I look at Byron Crawford as a shockblogger.... he knows how to push people's buttons and get niggas' attention... that's his whole steez.. TSS: jea, we know that...some readers don’t and, well, he got Bun's attention lol… Phonte: yeah, he did…and I'm with Bun on that one…If you're gonna criticize someone's music, then fine....but Byron implied alotta sideways shit about Pimp that I thought was outta line. I looked at it as Bun defending his brother, who was being unfairly attacked. The main thing that was on point to me was when Bun said that the South has supported NY through ALL their various forms, from the 'positive' medallion wearing 80's, to the drug lord/ illuminati/ 5% psychobabble of the 90's... TSS: that shit is all the way true though. WE HAVE and that's sort of the hurtful part of all the swipes the south receives Phonte: exactly. TSS: yeah I know "snap" music is whatever to hip-hop but shit, let us bring our shit to the table for some people to enjoy… Phonte: when that nigga Bun, in an interview said "Do you know how hard it was for niggas down south to try and understand mathematics?" I damn near LOST it…'cause that's JUST how I felt....(see: the missed Cuban Link drug references) lol…I fell out laughing at that shit, man...'cause it was true.. TSS: C'mon man, I’m from below the Mason-Dixon as well. At one point and time, all we had was 'east coast" rap. So that's why it bothers me personally. Sometimes it only makes me more ignorantly support some of the dumb shit in public. but like you said, behind closed doors let cats know that shit is weak lol…hip-hop's a buffet...you don't like it, move around, there's something for everybody. But, do artist really check for the internet...I mean sites like ours, Byron's and such? Phonte: I think so nowadays more than ever....I think artists are becoming more aware of the power of the internet, and are checking for the blogs and shit to see what cats are saying about it.. TSS: You know we do a lot of "filesharing", for close to a year now...and we've only had one label complain...and it was a small ass label. In fact, we get more under the table love than anything Phonte: That's wassup, man... TSS: Here's one…Lupe's joint leaked. what would you do? Do you rush it, scrap it, remix it, what? ("Lupe Fiasco: Leaks & Patches") Phonte: I have a theory about that....I would do this...see what people's reaction is, and re-work your project based on that... TSS: THANK YOU Phonte: If EVERYBODY'S saying that track 4 is wack, then take track 4 off. But you still drop the record... TSS: I think his thing was really displaying his initial reaction online and that threw people off Phonte: I think Lupe's gonna be alright though...I actually spoke with him on the day his record leaked...I called him on some joke shit like, "Happy Album Release Day, nigga!" TSS: lol Phonte: We both laughed about it...lol. I think his response was honest...I've been there..It’s a mixture of happiness because you're glad that people are checking for you, but also disappointment because you know its not the finished record, and its not the way you intended people to hear it... TSS: Man he's gonna be aiight. tell'em to please keep doing what he's doing. people are really really lovin it. he's got a good thing going whether he realizes it or not. he's won over a lot of fans in a short amount of time and actually lived up to the majority of the hype Phonte: Oh yeah...he realizes it....dude's got a good head on him, man...he's gonna be cool....out of curiosity, where are you based? TSS: Nashville Phonte: word to Count Bass D TSS: haha...whathcu know about that? My sis went to college with dude so I been hip to his music since the early early 90’s. Phonte: Man....Count's my dude...he hit me up about doing something for his new record...but I ain't heard from him since...his first album was the original College Dropout TSS: lol Phonte: "T-Boz Tried To Talk To Me" is Kanye all day... TSS: Dude I used to hear about him so much I sorta mimicked his style at one point at time lol…aiyo, it's getting late on this side & the shorty will be up looking for her Eggo's fam lol TSS: So I better read and rest a lil Phonte: yeah, I had to run upstairs and put my lil' man back to sleep.. TSS: word. Phonte: no doubt, fam... it’s been fun.. TSS: we'll rap soon TSS: one Phonte: I hope this proves to be one of your best interviews.. TSS: Oh yeah...last one....what's becoming one of our signature questions.....What would you say now to the first female that broke up with you? Phonte: I would just look at her and say, "damn.....your life flopped." TSS: lol Phonte: lol TSS: and what if she says… Phonte: "...well, nigga so did your album' Phonte: lololol TSS: haha TSS: great minds Phonte: I KNEW IT!!!! TSS: aiight so what's your comeback…"trick, I was onstage with Questlove last nite!"? Phonte: "I can record another album.....you can't get another life." TSS: LMAO TSS: classic Phonte: lol TSS: 1 Phonte: hunnid--

And this incident... Rapper sentenced to 20 years for drug trafficking, shooting police NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Friday, May 4, 2001 -- A local rapper serving eight years for shooting two police officers has been sentenced to 20 more years for distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine. Steven Greenwade, 27, pleaded guilty last August and was sentenced April 26 by U.S. District Judge John Nixon. Greenwade was responsible for distributing at least 150 to 500 grams of crack cocaine between 1994 and 1998, authorities said. Greenwade converted the cocaine to crack cocaine before distribution, authorities said. Greenwade obtained the cocaine from co-conspirator Thomas P. Young, who was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Profits from the drug sales were invested in his music business, Greenwade Records, authorities said. The officers were shot when they tried to serve a warrant at the drug house used by Greenwade and Young. Greenwade used a handgun to shoot one officer in the leg, and the other in the chest. That officer was wearing a bulletproof vest, and neither was seriously injured.

Continuing with our effort to showcase a few guest writers, our man DonCarter is back with another piece for you. Expect more to come from this young man & his trusty pen... Why this dude isn’t at the forefront of R&B escapes me! Or, maybe I’m losin’ it, because Robin Thicke has one of the sickest pens in the industry. Plus, his soulful voice sets fire to every track he’s featured on. By now, everybody knows that he’s son to Alan Thicke from Growing Pains, but that’s irrelevant here. The fact is, he’s been signed since like ’95 (When I was pushin’ my mother for the new Jordan kicks) and he’s only released one LP and remains unrecognized... Enter 2002’s Beautiful World, his first effort where he steps from behind the scenes and gives you the face. Everybody remembers this crazy white dude pedaling the 10-speed through the streets of Manhattan on “When I Get You Alone.” Aside from all that, dude’s really got talent, as the album opens up with “Oh Shooter” (Prior to it being your favorite track on The Carter II) then moves on to “Suga Mama” with his broken delivery and the funky breakdowns as he paints the vivid picture of a pretty bad bitch who really knows what she’s doing (“Bought me a pound // And she rolls...”). “The Stupid Things” gives you a painfully truthful look at relationship shortcomings as he laces the piano (“Yes I recall // Skipping our breakfast to play basketball...”). “I’m a Be Alright” delivers that feel-good, Marvin-esque feel a la 1976s I Want You, but it’s still Robin with lines like “ All of my bills are pilin’ cause I spent what I owe // I wasn't invited to any parties, so I'm throwing my own... “ Probably my favorite from the album, “Lazy Bones” hits with progressive strings, lagging hi-hats and a tuba on the chorus (“Fuck the future, I’m in the present plague // Can’t be a loser, my girl won’t stay... ”). He closes the LP with a little social commentary on “Cherry Blue Skies,” as his voice controls the track, and not vice-versa...because “Everything’s a struggle // but freedom’s worth a fight.” Okay, maybe I got a few ideas as to why Thicke hasn’t caught on yet (Industry Rule #4080 comes to mind). I’ll be the first to admit that his subject manner isn’t exactly the real shit you’ll get from an Anthony Hamilton. From jump, they’ve been comparing Thicke to Remy Shand or Jay Kay, but I don’t see why he’s gotta be compared anyway. Some people aren’t too fond of the whole cultural crossover idea, with a blue-eyed, blonde-haired white guy doing R&B, but you gotta admit that he’s got soul AND his simple lyrics might be laughable at times, but it’s all part of what he does. I’d say his songwriting is top tier for present-day R&B and challenge you to drop a name or two (Check the liner notes of a Brian McKnight, Usher or Mary J. Blige LP, and you might see dude...). Maybe some can’t get into his lightweight voice, but you can’t deny his range and versatility, and that’s just off one LP... Maybe my tastes are outdated, but this is talent, bottom line. Now, four years after his debut, he’s teamed up with Skateboard P and the Star Trak imprint to release his next LP, The Evolution of Robin Thicke with a few Neptunes tracks...namely “I Wanna Love You Girl,” and it’s the same old penmanship (“ And now my life is sweeter than berries // I guess if we have sex, our love’ll turn to wine... “). So, maybe he won’t be the next big thing, but I honestly think he’s the next best thing to the genre. I can guarantee that Thicke hasn’t stopped writing in the wind, and if the promotion is right, and Pharrell / Thicke arrange the album like it should be, The Evolution... will probably be one of the best R&B releases in a while...No bullshit... robin thicke - beautiful world Peace DonCarter Contributing Writer/Official Co-D • SUPPORT THE ARTISTS! Also, be sure to visit DownhillBattle.org.

You know we fuck with the contributors who want to write & speak their .02. No exceptions today... Lately the hip-hop world has been plagued with the redundant statement, “The South is ruining hip-hop.” This isn’t just a simple statement of hate because the people who make these statements really believe that bullshit. Now I’ll admit, there’s been a huge influx of Southern artist, and it appears that this new sound has a monopoly on the media, but the common “backpacker” “east coast cat” “hip-hop elitists” has no idea why. Therefore, here's a brief explanation of how, and why the South has surpassed the expectations and is sitting comfortably in the limelight. Hip-hop used to be strictly about passion, expression of thought, a rebellious voice for the oppressed, and to a certain extent it still is. But it’s 2006, and it’s time for the listeners to open their eyes and realize that this music shit has evolved into a multinational business. As a result, it’s a whole new ball game. Now the common listener’s focal point is on the artist, and the music that they hear. Yet, they neglect to realize that the majority of artists are on the bottom of the business spectrum, and their expression has been greatly limited by the corporate cronies. These corporate cronies invest in the artists; therefore they are going to aim the music to the demographic that are wanting, and willing to buy a certain sound of music. Yea, YOU control the market, but you have to support the artist that you want to hear in order for the corporate cronies to feel comfortable investing in a different sound, because they know that they will gain a profit. It’s not the south’s fault that they have a fan base that supports the music that they are putting out. If you feel as if some of your favorite artists are not getting their proper shine then you need to get the fuck off mIRC, LimeWire, Bit Torrent, et al. Leave the bootleggers alone, and go support your artist. Maybe then you will send a message to the corporate partners that it's ok to gamble with a different sound because there’s a market for it. I’m an aspiring artist myself, and I would consider my style to be East Coast oriented, but since I’m not established I can write what I want. But the day this becomes my main job is the day that I have to make some important decisions. “I bomb atomically, Socrates philosophies, and hypothesis,” sounds good on wax. But, “I bounce in the club so the hoes call me Rocky,” sounds like dollars in my bank account. What would you do? You wanna keep your morals, and keep it hood, but the niggas in the hood are the last ones that’s gonna really support you. The Dips have a cult like following, and if everyone who was apart of the “movement” them niggas would be sellin Michael Jackson numbers. For those out there who aren’t going to support your artist, be prepared to listen to the same shit that you hate. But don’t worry, because anyone who’s been in the game for a while can testify that hip-hop works in cycles. Eventually the current phase will lose the limelight, and there will be a new sound for you to hate. And then it’ll happen all over again. No idea's original, there's nothin new under the sun. T. Rav signin' out… One Additional Reading... It seems everyone has an opinion on this topic.

Interesting story how we ran across this cat... One bright Sunday morning, I posted some videos to entertain you all. Immediately after we recieved a comment & an email convo ensued... Naw its all good fam. Just didn't want it to be an issue with BMF knowing that it hasn't aired yet. You like mafia things right? Ever seen The Godfather? Instead of Luca Brasi, consider this a message saying "John Gotty sleeps with the fishes if you ever post any of the shit I'm affiliated with!" Thank you for pulling it fam..I hope you understand NOW... Nah, I'm buggin...that's only partially true lol. Turns out my guy here has been one of the coolest folk we've encountered while doing this blog shit. Trust that there was way way more we could've posted, some confidential, some equally interesting, but we wanted to keep it short (used very loosely here). Be realistic; we're not trained professionals nor do we care about alloted space or words...We didn't edit much because we thought it was a damn good story and we figure you'd wanna read it all in it's entirety for the most part! Take that! Take that! Take that! © Puffy Real talk though...my son's roots run deep in this thing we call hip-hop... Just sit back, read & enjoy Kareem Johnson: Yo!... what's good TSS: The man of the next hour lol. Nada what's good w/you my good sir KJ: Ready to get this poppin lol TSS: Let's do this the right way...since most cats don't know what a video producer is, what role does Kareem Johnson play in the vids we see on the TV screen? KJ: My role is that after the director writes the concept or his idea for the video my job is to then ask the label or production company what the budget is...then budget the idea/concept out. Once the budget is approved, I proceed to get everything that is in that concept/idea, from the girls, cars, homes, etc KJ: The director definitely has input but I’m the money man who has to make it happen TSS: Hmm....so you bring together the people, the place, the set, etc? KJ: Yes sir...I provided the production in other words….anytime you go on a set...all that you see, I provide (TSS makes clear indication that Kareem is the one holding Tommy Motolla's money at the video shoots) KJ: I basically run the set with the help of a few other dept's TSS: Song of the moment for you? KJ: Wow....you all provide so many lol... TSS: Ha-ha..glad to hear we're one of your sources KJ: Right now...old school Nice & Smooth, the first cd TSS: Haha...I think we threw that up a few weeks ago. Old school shit right there. KJ: Yeah...I'm mostly into hip hop from 88-92. TSS: So when you visit, what genre do you grab most? KJ: I grab the hip hop and jazz. Like I got Love Supreme yesterday TSS: Yessir...Coltrane For Lovers is gettin constant spins from me personally…aiight...here's an easy one…What was the first thing you bought w/your first fat check? KJ: To be honest...good weed and sneakers...and paid some bills. Gotta be an adult about this TSS: You're pretty upfront about your use of weed? So do you stand on the set & blow trees man? KJ: Yeah...it’s the norm now a day. We wait till lunch or after we call wrap or I smoke with the artist nah nah…just playin about lunch TSS: Funniest artist you've been around while blowed? KJ: Redman or Biggie...hands down TSS: Ha-ha...I can imagine. Was Biggie as funny & charismatic as people say he was? I've read a lot of interviews on him and everybody says that. I can only imagine being around that dude & soaking up his aura KJ: Yes he was...I was fortunate to do 3 Big videos TSS: Which ones? KJ: “Big Poppa”, “Warning”, “Get Money"...but I ain’t produce. I was electric dept then I was setting lights on sets before I moved up to produce videos; gotta crawl before you walk TSS: Word. Worked you way up the ladder as they say. Nothing wrong w/that at all KJ: Yes sir, crazy climb though TSS: Give us a Biggie moment...cats would love to hear it KJ: well...lol...I used to smoke White Owl blunts all the time. One day at lunch me and my man Gerald went out to smoke and we saw Big and Junior Mafia smoking. we joined them and I got passed the blunt. The blunt was smooth and I asked what type of blunt is was & they said Dutch Masters. From then on it was Dutch masters for the kid. BIG had asked me what was my favorite song off his debut cd so I had to tell him "Unbelievable", which is soooooo a classic…oh yeah… Big’s feet stunk when we did "Big Poppa" video. The part in the video when Puff says "How ya living Biggie Smalls?" in the jacuzzi…well Big's feet was smelling that room up....he had just taken off his Timbs to get in the jacuzzi...ugh TSS: Ha-ha...the man said he was fat & nasty so I guess it's to be expected KJ: Yes sir....he was real cool though, for real! TSS: I was watching The Sopranos the other week & they were showing Chrissy gettin free gifts and shit. is free shit really that fuckin available to everyone in the various entertainment industries? KJ: Yeah.. I been in one of those rooms with Lil Jon. check out the cd/dvd Part 2. It's all documented lol TSS: Word. KJ: You have to be a star to get love like that, but I had a camera to film it all. The VMA's is where it's really at with those gifts TSS: damnit...this blogging shit better propel me to an industry gig…I want free shit! lol KJ: I hope so...I wanted to build with you on that...you guys are very popular amongst my dudes, trust. TSS: Word, that's love right there man. But let me ask you, how animated is Lil Jon in reality? We all know the persona & the assumption that he's just a wild dude but he's gotta be pretty damn smart KJ: when the cameras are rolling he's crazy! But he's very very smart….very…can’t stress it enough. VERY! I’ve done four videos with him, “Bia Bia”, “Get Low”, “I Don’t Give A…” and “Play No Games”. TSS: So you got awards around the house and shit? Like, should I plan on coming & stealing a platinum plaque off the walls lol? KJ: Yeah man, got a platinum plaque for Kings of Crunk album. Actually a lot of Lil Jon stuff. If you do go out with Jon though, be prepared because he'll drink ya ass to death. I just moved to Atlanta last year from NY, me and the wife, so I get to see him frequently TSS: Okay...you've made the move from NYC to ATL. Personally I consider ATL to be like baby NYC really because of all the transplants.... KJ: Yeah it is…esp. now TSS: Biggest differences to you, only one or two, btw the North & the South?...people-wise or customs. don't mention Waffle House! KJ: I went to college here so I see the transformation. But, the music for sure….the music is really different. the shit I would hear on NY's hot97 I wouldn’t hear down here on hot 107.9 TSS: Snap, crunk or neither? KJ: I love all the Southern genres, esp. the snap movement really simple beats and hooks I’m feeling "Yola The Great" right now TSS: Coming from NYC, you like the music? We hear so many complaints about the South "ruining" hip-hop KJ: It depends really. I can tolerate it but its nothing like the sound of real hip hop from the 88-94 era TSS: Say word. that's a no-brainer. I think hip-hop's a buffet now, where you can choose what you want, when you want and there's enough for everybody KJ: I don’t think you can box music esp. hip hop. I know we want it for "ourselves" but it aint ours anymore..trust! TSS: Yeah, I’ve heard various stories from behind the scenes cats relaying that message KJ: It’s true! TSS: Since you took it there...Your worst (or first) experience with Industry Rule #4080? KJ: The politics about just being yourself esp. visually that’s my real experience. I don’t really deal with the music end but I know when it comes to videos these artist sometimes really go overboard with there image being something that they are not esp. new artist. new artist come out the gate pimped out/Phantom'ed out ya know but the viewers don’t know you. I can see if you are Jay-z, Will Smith, Puff, etc...we expect that from them because they are paid but not out the gate on your first single, feel me? Oh yeah...the local rap cats that want the world… I see sad faces when the Phantom has to go back to the dealer lol TSS: Ha-ha KJ: I had one artist who wanted a Hype Williams type video he only had $25K for the video TSS: "well how much is a Hype video gonna cost me, sir?" KJ: Way more than 25K...lol TSS: lol KJ: It depends but over 200K plus those girls are not cheap TSS: Son couldn't even get a 30 sec. Hype commercial sounds like? KJ: Those Hype, Lil X, Benny Boom girls cost money TSS: Oh man...we were gonna touch the subject of girls but since you mentioned marriage I'll steer clear lol. KJ: Naw the wife is cool…she's in the biz so she knows. My wife is Lil Jon's executive assistant. . I did the "Tip Drill" video and Luda's "Pussy Poppin" video too TSS: I’m a savage...I was gonna ask for most degrading acts you've seen women pull @ video shoots but WOOOOOHOOOOOOOO…”Tip Drill”? *bows down in praise* Fuck it...end of interview! you win! you're that dude lol KJ: I’m doing another “Tip Drill” type video on may 8 TSS: When I was a shorty, we had paper visuals...you're that dude responsible for making BET Uncut what it is for today's teens lol KJ: I know…I’m so sorry TSS: Hold on....do you ever feel like "damn, I'm fuckin up the youth"? on a serious note KJ: Yes I do TSS: I look at your catalog and I see you got some positivity on your rap sheet though, w/Kanye, Little Brother etc KJ: For real….I struggle with that all the time. But I have to eat ya know TSS: Yeah...you sound like a crack dealer lol …but seriously BET wouldn't play LB's shit KJ: I know…I was pissed with that one. I spoke to LB recently about it …I have a 5 yr old daughter and I would hate to see her in videos…I don’t play videos at the house when she is around... I just can’t…like the Shawnna's "Gimme Some Head" video is so a joke for real….sorry Chaka Zulu… I can’t believe that gets radio and video spins during the day TSS: That's enough for me. I'm pretty much the same way w/my shorty. we barely listen to the radio b/c I don't want her to pick up anything indirectly. So what albums DO you play for your shorty? Like me & mine, I drilled her with Common's Be KJ: Kidz Bop lol TSS: Haha...so you were loving those downloads lol? KJ: Yes sir! TSS: I knew mofos would KJ: Thank you for them...I love it...it saves me gas money not having to go to Best Buy. TSS: You were speaking on industry cats sort of knowing about the site. We really didn't have any indication that people who are actually making the music noticed us at all. How do industry cats feel about the internet, downloading, sideline critics such as ourselves? KJ: Folks are still gonna go buy like I do. I still buy cds but you provide the out of date music which is more important to me anyway TSS: So why do industry people visit sites like ours? KJ: Various reasons but it’s the nostalgic music for me. I’m 33 so my folks are all 30 plus so we love the old stuff TSS: Word. I’ll make a note to drop more old shit. But then the younger cats get mad..."who's Poor Righteous Teachers?" I’m like "get the fuck outta here man!" KJ: I feel you …I need both Total cds lol TSS: I got you ;-) but of course you can always check dallyspersonal, thethrowbacks & triple e....all those sites should hold you down. KJ: I go there too TSS: Here's one lol...which old school artist needs to put the mic down? we're gonna start callin this question 'who needs to put the mic down and strap on the chancletas?" KJ: Wow I like that lol….Hmm, Will Smith maybe but he's crazy positive so I can’t dis Will TSS: Haha...Will got that long paper, he can do what he wants. son could start making his own Kool-Aid & still sell a few million….anybody else? KJ: Let’s says old skool artist that neva had it poppin in the first place TSS: lol...I hear Coolio is big overseas and dude is like 42 KJ: Wow... Coolio huh? Well...get money! Overseas is where it’s at I’m told TSS: How many bodyguards are on set to stop me from smackin up Mike Jones for his bracelets? KJ: About 2 but he got his crew around him too…I did a Mike Jones' video "Flossin"…hated it TSS: Haha... I won't print that KJ: Ok kool but I did hate it…esp the song…ugh!...movin on.... TSS: okay fuck it...printed...peep this, you're in ATL...you've seen'em at Visions prolly...you've done videos w/them (and told me to pull one video or the local affiliates would be at my door)...BMF...Black Mafia Family and the whole saga surrounding them....Your thoughts? KJ: They are cool folks for real…they just got a lot bad press TSS: I'm a stalker. Which restaurant or store, if I hang out there, will I be guaranteed to see you coming out of? Where are you, regular Kareem, bound to found coming out of? the Chinese takeout spot or what? Like “Kareem is always at __________. “? KJ: Ok... I got you...as far as the store lets say the lil Arab spot next to my complex where I buy Dutch’s from daily or or the gas station for blunts TSS: there we go lol! (lol...note to readers - Kareem's daily habits revolve around trees) TSS: Artist that you think doesn't get enough shine? KJ: Um....I would say Lupe but he's getting his fair shine now TSS: Yeah, you know we got love for that kid even though I'm sure he hates us for leaking his album, along w/the rest of the net but Lupe needed an extra push & I hope we gave it to him somehow KJ: I love the new Volkswagen commercials where the folks get into a car accident KJ: and the Neil Armstrong mixtapes too…I love his mixtapes. He is so the bomb. Print that! TSS: Haha...that's a bet. KJ: …Another artist I would say is Ghostface...he needs more push for real and another video TSS: I miss the whole Wu movement personally KJ: Yeah but no solo albums except for the obvious...Ghost and Rae TSS: ...From the grainy "Method Man" video, to "Triumph" and "It's Yourz"...those dudes brought a whole different element to the game KJ: Method Man maybe…and maybe Inspektah Deck TSS: Give us the heads-up on upcoming projects? KJ: Just the video on May 8th (directed by Juwan Lee)....”Tip Drill” type video. I can’t reveal the artist at this time though…Busta video (directed by Benny Boom) in NY... awaiting the date now…tv show meetings TSS: Wear your vest homie lol.. Busta vids bring the savage outta niggas lol KJ: That situation was crazy. Kinda got it fucked up with shooting rap videos in NY due to that TSS: Say you were there…no, don't say that lol…the cops might want to interview you after reading it lol KJ: Naw I wasn’t there but since I knew the crew and director I got two calls that night of the video. plus my brother was working on the video. It was crazy I was told esp. on how Yayo rolled up on Swizz TSS: So is this a new direction in music beefs…take it to the video set, or was that just a random occurrence? KJ: Hell naw! I saw biggie and crew duff a dude out on the set of "get money" TSS: lol….So cats been whylin on video sets? you should be taping THAT! you could've beat Smack and Beef to the punch and been dumb rich lol KJ: Shit is crazy on sets. Shit just happens sometimes. TSS: My homegirl just emailed me and told me to ask you this “Ask him why BET never play quality videos but got big booty Rhonda shaking her ass in all the videos. Why must I fucking see Ms. New Booty 2398462398746 times before I see “Kick Push” once? SMFH.” I think we touched on it and I told her “I’m interviewing Kareem Johnson, not Bob Johnson.” KJ: lol TSS: …so ignore if you want KJ: Naw, let me answer it…the viewers want to see them. This is the struggle I have with those types of videos. The labels also have their input in what videos to play TSS: Well, how do you combat it or you simply can't? KJ: You really can’t unless you start your own channel. I try to produce decent videos. Which is I why I produce for creative directors like Coodie, Chike and Ben Mor TSS: Who are those dudes? Pardon my ignorance but I'm not familiar. KJ: Coodie and Chike did Kanye's "Through The Wire," "Two Words" & "Jesus Walks" and both of Leela James' videos that are on my page and the Mos Def "Ghetto Rock" video TSS: Ahhh....aiight, now I’m w/you KJ: Ben Mor did the Nas & Quan video also Nas' "Thief’s Theme", Juvenile "What’s Happening" that’s on my page TSS: Funny thing is...I was most impressed that you worked with Leela James out of all those names & videos I saw on your page. Don’t ask me why but it spoke volumes of your character & direction...openness too KJ: Yeah, she is sooooo great! I love her. I was proud to do both her videos. Mos Def too. “Ghetto Rock” sometimes brings an ill feeling to me when I watch it TSS: Last movie you saw & one or two of your all-time favorite movies? KJ: I just saw Saw 2..i loved that shit. My favorite movies would have be "The Incident" with Martin Sheen and "Mo Betta Blues" TSS: ahh...a Spike Lee joint, proper choice right there…. KJ: I liked 50's movie too... just bought it TSS: I watched the bootleg. wasn't impressed. KJ: Me too...but cant now! TSS: I did enjoy ATL though. KJ: I like it from a production standpoint. my boy is in ATL. He plays Brooklyn. I grew up with him TSS: Word? He's a funny cat for sure lol KJ: He’s from the Bronx. Big up my man AL. Sometimes...I like the movie "Motives"…that was the shit! TSS: Enh...never heard of it but I’ll check for it & add it to my movies to get list...aiight gonna wrap it up & this may be our signature question to end interviews...What would you say now to the first female that broke up with you? KJ: Ummm....I would be nice to her but also say, "See it! I told you I would produce!" TSS: Last words for the readers? KJ: keep logging on to Smoking Section because you guys provide an ill service to music junkies like me. Big shout out to Coodie & Chike, Decon, and JLD. Much love to my wife and daughter..can't forget them!...oh and I LOVE MY LIFE...one! KJ: This weed gave me the munchies...time to eat fam...oh I’m also a chef in another life TSS: Haha word! aiight man...it's been an honor & a pleasure. KJ signed off at 11:57:17 AM. FOR MORE INFO on Kareem, visit his Mypace Page or to view some his work, go to his bolt video profile . There's a nice selection of quality vids, some unreleased, including Bleu DaVinci, Jeezy and Fab on "Streets On Lock" and Ja's "Exodus". • SUPPORT THE ARTISTS! Also, be sure to visit DownhillBattle.org. Stray Shots Smiley_The_Ghetto_Child-The_Antidote Mobb Deep - Blood Money VA-DJ_Kurupt_and_DJ_Scope-Tales_from_The_Hood_7 VA-DJ Whoo Kid-POW Radio Vol. 1 MJG_Presents_Da_Volunteers_And_V_Squad-Da_Bandwagon_Chapter_One- Dj Kay Slay Hot97 from Thursday 5-4-06 The Isley Brothers Feat. Ronald Isley - Baby Makin' Music VA-DJ_Premier-God_Vs._Tha_Devil Jamiroquai - The Greatest Hits Suga Free - Just Add Water Nick_Lachey-Whats_Left_of_Me Beelow, Lil Boosie, & Juvenile Presents: Louisiana's Sickest Jewel-Goodbye_Alice_In_Wonderland Nasty_Nardo-Already_Famous Jagged_Edge-Jagged_Edge-2006 Dizzee Rascal - Showtime Currency The Hotspitter - Sportscenter Mixtape Big Daddy Kane-Looks Like a Job For... Boogie Down Productions-Criminal Minded 5th Ward Juvenilez-Deadly Ground Cella Dwellas-Realms 'N Reality 5.7 Text File Download 5.7 Changelink Page "Rock The Vote With DJ Neil Armstrong" and show him our support! Visit our sponsors! Free Cookiehead. Bring back SMC.

Miss me with Kay Slay right now. 1. Dude screams to much & has too many soundeffects going on, straight ruining songs or at least disturbing the opportunity to hear them. 2. After you hear the first four to eight songs, the rest is usually filler. You could substitute just about any major DJ's name in & say the same thing. Personal preference maybe...I dunno. Only heavyweight DJ who's still doing aiight by me is Clue, but son done switched his steez to only dropping one tape quarterly. Other than that, I prefer to make my own cds to listen & ride to at this point. Right now, I want to hear DJ's who actually deejay...imagine that. Enter the "Music Messenger", DJ Jamad, one of six DJ's reppin The Aphilliates (Drama's crew) and his Afromentals Mixtape, Volume 22... Instead of relying on the exclusive, he works with proper placement of songs & sequencing + blending in some of his own beats. The final product is muy bonito as he has the widest mix & variety of styles that all seem to go. Jamad manages to make artists and songs sound new, also mixing in some diamonds in the rough that might otherwise be overlooked if they stood alone. Well worth a listen... DJ JAMAD - AFROMENTALS VOLUME 22 ONCE UPON A TIME, Arsenio Hall was more than just Simi off Coming To America & a sidekick to Eddie Murhpy. He had a show that was groundbreaking and entertaining. The show gave a new open door to hip-hop artists and this performance is a "who's who" of hip-hop from years before. Respect the architects... WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE COMMENTS BOX, some of you are still looking for ways to converse & share independently. Might we suggest that you take the time to join either Last.FM Forum or Myspace Group, as we have active but seldom used forums on both sites. Honestly & personally, while I loved the sharing that went on in the comments box, I was tired of all the requests & whining that goes on there. My man put it so eloquently & accurately "The chat box was a place for people to bitch and moan...no one is really gonna miss it except the bitchers and moaners...everyone else will leave a comment"...a cross-section of the crew agreed. So with that said, we're gonna roll with this layout for a sec, minus the comments box. If you want to comment, we encourage you to. If you want to join the forums to babble & bullshit, we invite that as well. Go "Rock The Vote With DJ Neil Armstrong" and show him our support! Free Cookiehead. Bring back SMC.

We tried to warn you. The Smoking Sessions interviews that we'll be running... More writers & contributors... The new layout... And on top of that, we have even more shit in the Pyrex bubbling... To you labels, get with us now for promotions & reviews...don't forget the payola & freebies. And you...well you just remember that two years from now I told you two years ago that we were about to lay it down... Last but not least, respect due to P aka Paulie Fingers aka P. Grigio aka "I'm the illiest aggin doin' it or these aggins is losin' it" aka "I've never been a wanna-be,I'm everything you wanna be"... .... our partner in crime from one5seven.com for puttin in work for the cause and doing the dopest layout! STRAY SHOTS The Best of Miles Davis and Gil Evans Audioslave-Audioslave Atmosphere-Overcast DJ Envy & Tapemasters Inc.-Purple Codeine 5 B.G.-Checkmate 2 Live Crew-Is What We Are 2 Live Crew-Move Somethin 8Ball & MJG-Living Legends Outkast - Southernplayalistic Ronny Jordan The Antidote Lee Scratch Perry-Arkology Sublime-Sublime DeBarge_In A Special Way Gregory Issacs My Poor Heart 5.5 Text File Download 5.5 Changelink Page Go "Rock The Vote With DJ Neil Armstrong" and show him our support! Free Cookiehead. Bring back SMC.

Poo checkin in for TSS and "I'm finna enhance yo brain"...we're about to explore something a bit outside of the everyday hip-hop realm...lets take a look at one of the pioneers of "trip-hop" – Tricky (a.k.a.Adrian Thaws) ... For those of you that don't know, trip-hop (or "the Bristol sound") is typically characterized as down-tempo electronica, incorporating aspects from hip hop (obviously), acid jazz, as well as other genres (hip-hop heads, think DJ Shadow)... Tricky’s vocals have a very gritty and warbly sound to them. I don't know if that's how his voice actually sounds or how much has digitally altered that way, but listen to him sing/rap and you'll understand. Actually, listen to his few lines on the 5th Element (yeah, he's the one of Zorg's unnamed henchmen). His music ranges from dark and depressing, make you want to jump off a bridge (see "Makes Me Wanna Die" – Pre-Millennium Tension) to loud and energetic, drop kick your boss in the face (see "Girls" – BlowBack)...After garnering recognition as a contributor to Massive Attack's first couple of albums, Tricky released his breakthrough album, Maxinquaye... (Notable tracks: "Overcome", "Hell Is Around The Corner", "Suffocated Love")...Pre-Millennium Tension followed (Notables: "Christiansands"), sticking close to the sound created in his previous album. But each album he released subsequently pulls farther away from that sound, pushing the envelope and incorporating more elements from other genres (punk, rock, dancehall/dub)...Blowback may be his most accessible album for more mainstream audiences, with guest appearances from Alanis Morissette, Anthony Kedis and John Frusciante from The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Cyndi Lauper (Notables: "Excess", "Evolution Revolution Love", "You Don't Wanna", "A Song for Yukio", and his cover of Nirvana's "Something In The Way")...overall, Tricky is an artist that not only helped create a genre of music, but also helped to shape it...get familiar! Composed by Poo aka Holla At Mitch! Abridged Tricky Discography Vulnerable Blow Back Angels With Dirty Faces Maxinquaye Pre-Millineum Tension Tricky And The Gravediggaz - The Hell E.P. Tricky Download Stray Shots Goodie Mob - Still Standing Goodie Mob- Soul Food VA-DJ Envy-The N.Y. Transporters 3 VA-Snatchatape_(Volume_19)_(Hosted_By_Stack _Bundles)- Big_Mike_Presents_Aasim-Spell_My_Name_Right-2005 VA-DJ_Rondevu-The_4_Horsemen-2003-Parts 1-3 (2pac,Jay-Z,Nas,Notorious B.I.G.) DJ Vlad and Dirty Harry - 2Pac, Rap Phenomenon Wild Style Original Soundtrack Rza - Bobby Digital Bob Marley Remastered 3rd Bass-Derelicts of Dialect Big Ed-The Assassin Biz Markie-Goin Off Big Mike-Somethin Serious GZA-Beneath_the_Surface Camp Lo - Uptown Saturday Night MC Eiht - Last Man Standing Pretty Willie - Enter The Life Of Suella [Retail][2002] Mr. Mike- Wicked Wayz Shamrocks And Shenanigans (The Best Of House Of Pain And Everlast) 5.4 Text File Download 5.4 Changelink Page Go "Rock The Vote With DJ Neil Armstrong" and show him our support! Free Cookiehead. Bring Back SMC.

"But my hand was made strong By the ’and of the almighty. We forward in this generation Triumphantly.... Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our mind..." "Redemption Song" Robert Nesta Marley Some quality roots rock for your listening enjoyment... Maxi Priest - Just a Little Bit Longer Bob Marlety and the Wailers - Rebel Music(live) Eak A Mouse - Gangster Chronicles Eak A Mouse - Ganja Smuggling Eak A Mouse - Wa-Do-Dem Eak A Mouse - Sensi Party Freddie McGreggor - Stop Lovin You Jimmi Cliff - Many Rivers to cross Jimmi Cliff - The Harder They Come Michael Palmer - Smoke Da Weed Bob Marlety and the Wailers - Natty Dred Luciano - It's a Jungle Out There Yelloman - Herbman Special(sunsplash 1984) Yelloman - Reggae Calypso Single Boom Shots Respect due to Neil Diamonds for this collaboration. Stray Shots Rhymefest - Blue Collar Christina Milian - So Amazin & Bonus Tracks Bobby Blue Bland - California Album (1973) Marvin Gaye - Live The Bar-Kays - High On Your Love (1977) Jack Johnson - In Between Dreams Yungstar_-_Throwed_Yung_Playa-2CD-2000 DJ Romeo-Bay Flavor 4 (Hosted by Keek da Sneak) DJ Kayslay and Busta Rhymes-The Point of No Return B-Legit-Tryin to Get a Buck Hoobastank - Every Man For Himself Raheem DeVaughn - Love Experience 50 Cent-Guess Who's Back 50 Cent-Power of the Dollar Peter Tosh - Scrolls of the Prophit, The Best of Peter Tosh Heltah Skeltah-Nocturnal Mtume-Juicy Fruit Bob Marley-Live in Leeds England Pete Rock-Soul Survivor Sade-Stronger Than Pride Wild Pitch Records Presents_Wild Pitch Classics 5.3 Text File Download 5.3 Changelink Page Go "Rock The Vote With DJ Neil Armstrong" and show him our support! Free Cookiehead. Bring Back SMC.

Joe Budden feat. Coke - "Stuntin" Let the windows down & cut the bass up... 3-6 Mafia - "Hustlin" (Freestyle) "Kiss my grits!"....they shouldn't have never gave them boys money...and an Oscar. OutKast - "The Big O" First single off Idlewild, shitty quality but it's good to hear Andre rappin again. Ray Cash feat. Scarface & Jay-z - "Bumpin My Music" (Remix) Ahh...another rehashed Jay verse?...at least it sounds new. Money Mike Ft. Snoop Dogg - "Mind Right" Two pimps on one track? I guess it's on & poppin now lol. Young Gunz are prolly thinking they're gonna have to battle a comedian for real.... Papoose - "What You Know About Pap" Over the T.I. track, Pap does it justice. But who couldn't rock that motherfuckin beat? Proof- "I Thought I Told U" Supposedly the last song recorded before his death... All Star Ft. Jay Z - "Gotta Stay Fresh" Ras Kass - "May I" Rassy over a bouncy beat... DMX - "Lord Give Me A Sign" The closest we'll get to that old Dark Man X Full Clips Download Never one to be scared of crossing genres, I'm fuckin with these three... Anna Nalick - "Breathe" (2AM) The Ahmad Jamaal Trio - "Stolen Moments" Let the rhythm take you... "There's a light at each end of this tunnel/You shout 'cause you're just as far in as you'll ever be out/And these mistakes you've made, you'll just make them again/If you only try turning around...2 AM and I'm still awake, writing a song/If I get it all down on paper, it's no longer inside of me/Threatening the life it belongs to" Being somber never had such a beautiful radio appeal... Me'Shell Ndegeocello - "Fool of Me" Love hurts...but we still sacrafice ourselves for the ultimate highs & joys it brings... For your reading pleasure & seemingly coinciding with the release of Mobb Deep's Blood Money...take the time to read Little Brother's Phonte had to say about "Club Mobb" lol...drop a gem on'em? "For better or worse depending on how you look at it, Havoc is now the best MC in Club Mobb. I take my hat off to him. Dude sounds hungrier than ever. And although P still has his moments (his verse on "Capital P, Capital H" is dope), for most of the album he's the same rambling, non-rhyming, unfocused guy that he's been for the past few years. He really sounds clinically depressed. It's sad." Click to read the entire entry... Fuck immigration...Mexico is about to make marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin legal. Go "Rock The Vote With DJ Neil Armstrong" and show him our support! Free Cookiehead. Bring Back SMC.

Personally, I don’t mind Kanye’s arrogance. Is it arrogance when your work & accomplishments prove your worth? I’m aware of all the knocks against him…the sampling, the “subpar” rhyme skills, yadda yadda ya…. Opinions. And since we’re all entitled to opinions I’ll say that this Late Orchestration album is more proof that Kanye is deserving. An energetic MC + live instruments = a damn good album to which listeners can vibe (See BDP’s Live Hardcore Worldwide). Although there are several standout tracks, including the playful “Gone” with Consequence, "All Falls Down" & “Late”, the standout has to be…well, let me prep you…. I loved it on Late Registration I loved it when I saw him perform it on MTV’s Beats & Rhymes And I love it most here... “"Heard'em Say" from Late Orchestration” Why? The emphasis on the piano, allowing it to shine, & then be followed up by the bassline...all the way to the flowing strings near the end with John Legend crooning along the way. As well, Kanye’s lyrics are even sharper & easily analyzed as if he’s showing listeners the “less arrogant", more musing side to himself… They say people in your life are seasons, And anything that happen is for a reason, And aggins guns a clappin and keep to squeezin', And Gran (Grandma) keep prayin' and keep believin'... "Heard'em Say" from Late Orchestration Overall, the extras that the strings provide make the whole album well worth the listen. But ignore me because I'm a huge fan of the properly executed & clearly produced live album. Expanding your horizons, me & the homie Neil Diamonds were rapping yesterday, discussing the various influences that hip-hop has incorporated throughout it's life span...and I got a request to up some Pink Floyd last week & wanted to post this song anyways. When I first encountered Pink Floyd, I was grown & listening to alot of jazz at the time. My man heard or had been watching my listening tastes & suggested I give Wish You Were Here, in specific "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" a listen. I walked away pleased...and with a hankering for some acid. Dark melody, an excellent guitar solo...and the story behind it makes it all the more sincere... A tribute to former Floyd member Syd Barrett. His heavy drug use in the late 1960s (most notably, LSD)along with pre-existing mental instability forced him out of the band and the music world. Barret was the brain child of the early Floyd sound. He was replaced by guitarist David Gilmour but the band never forgot him. - Source "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" (Parts 1 & 2) Care for more? Two personal favorites... Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd - Dark Side Of The Moon Salute! Gotty™ Stray Shots Raphael Saadiq - Ray Ray Raphael Saadiq - Instant Vintage A Tribe Called Quest - People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm A Tribe Called Quest - The Love Movement AZ - Doe or Die Akinyele - Vagina Diner Big Tymers - How You Luv That Vol.1 Z-Ro - Z-Ro Youngbloodz - Against Da Grain Big Tymers - I Got That Work 3rd Bass - The Cactus Album Red_Hot_Chili_Peppers-Stadium_Arcadium-(PROPER)-2CD-2006 Fort Minor - The Rising Tied Mr._Nogatco_(Kool_Keith)-Nogatco_Rd Stephanie Mills - Home Lizz Wright - Dreaming Wideawake Blend Crafters (DJ Numark of Jurassic 5 w/ others) - Blend Crafters 5.2 Text File Download 5.2 Changelink Page Show your support for the "Buy TSS Some Hard Drives" Donation Drive via Paypal.