September 2005 Archives

"My whole life is a reality show. I film every second of it. I'm trying to make money, so I'm gonna try to sell every second. It's all been an epic learning process and I want the rest of the world to learn, so I'm taping it and then I'll sell it for a nice price." the words of mogul Damon Dash, commenting on his BET reality series, The Hustler.

Dame Dash is in town tonight at Club Visions promoting his reality series "The Ultimate Hustler". Dame always has his hand in some money so that part of it is good. My problem from observing the previews is that these cats don't look like the hustlers that I'm accustomed to.

I really don't see any of these "hustlers" having the balls to push weight across 20-East or for that matter slang CD's from a trunk at a car wash in the hood. I don't know but has the definition of a hustler changed.

After reading the article "Houston Atop Hip-Hop Nation" it makes me laugh at how some media types find it OK to jump from jock to jock when it comes to the music game these days. Nevermind the platinum status' of Lil Jon, T.I., Luda, and Outkast etc... it's all about that H-town now huh...I guess it's the old adage out of sight out of mind.

So now Houston is the new mecca of the south and I guess Slim Thugga or Paul Wall is the newly appointed king too. Get outta' here.

Don't get me wrong, I'm feelin' nearly everything coming out of the dirty right now, including the Florida and Tennessee scene (Big ups to my Duval fam out there) but Atlanta is Atlanta. Don't we all know that, why do you think so many music conferences are fighting to be in Atlanta? It is and will always be...

After hearing about The Ying Yang Twins' plans to star in "Viagra Falls" a comedic movie in which the Twins stumble opon a box of the sexual enhancement drug viagra, then use the drug to somehow pay for Spring Break. If anybody remembers the movie Malibooty, it sounds like they stole much of the idea from there. Honestly, it sounds like a hip hop Wayans Brothers movie (Not again, there's only so much one can take).

Don't get me wrong, I can't knock the hustle but why not something harder with a bit more bravado. The Twins are already borderline gimmick, so a rougher script would have done them wonders. But you are what you are I guess.

Damn, I'm still trying to get over Big Daddy Kane doing the splits last night at what 40 years old. Big respect due.

But anyway, I recently holla'd at Trillville and they're close to dropping their second album "Reloaded" a follow-up to their debut release. Of course, major production will be coming from the general Lil Jon again. So expect a banger. They have dropped an exclusive, "Watch Me Do This" and you can hear it here first.

Stay tuned for my interview with Trillville later this week.

Quietly riding the success of his first two singles "Ho Sit Down" and "Nextel Chirp" Atlanta native Maceo will drop his debut album Straight Out The Pot on Tuesday and the streets are buzzing with anticipation.

With less than two years of emcee experience under his belt, the 19 year-old eastside native is already being hailed as the next superstar to rise from the crunk city.
"Really, not much has changed with me other than the fact that people recognize me when I'm out but other than that everything still the same. " Maceo says.

Maceo was discovered two years ago when Quick Flip CEO Jermon “Fats” Tomlin heard him in a freestyle session. Thoroughly impressed, Jermon suggested that he take his craft more seriously and the rest was history.

Very laid-back and unassuming, far from the raspy sound that we hear coming from the vocal booth, Maceo recently took some time out with me to discuss his debut album as well as life in general.

I know this must be a big weekend, I was stuck on Peachtree for about a hour and a half. With everything going on this weekend, A-town is packed to capacity. No lie. That's not to mention the new ATL residents escaping from Rita and Trina.

Nevertheless, this will be a major week in the A with For Sisters Only headlining this weekend. Several artists will be on hand ranging from Mike Jones to Toni Braxton. Check out the concert line-up.

Good to see that ATL's own D4L has signed a major deal with Asylum/Atlantic Records. Last month it was rumored that they were close to signing a deal but nothing was confirmed.

It should be interesting to see if they're able to keep the same sound that has created such a buzz in the city. Many artists say they prefer the indie realm because it gives you much more creative control over your project. For instance, I wonder if D4L would have been able to drop an unconventional song like "Laffy Taffy" had it been up to a higher, more conservative authority. Let's just hope that they remain true and keep giving us what we're used to hearing.

With Franchise Boys and D4L backed by major money we'll see if their beef heats up (see, 50 & the rest of the world). Peep out D4L's "Somebody Gone Get Shot...We Don't Play That". Then peep Franchise/TrapSquad's "Lean With It". The lyrical bullets are in the air as we speak.

Dear Mase (my bad I mean Murda Mase):

What the deal B? I've been scratching my head trying to figure out your motives lately. I just heard your verse on 300 shots and I'm confused. What happened? What's it all about money? power? respect? the G-Unit chain? I don't get it. Besides you makin' us look bad in Atlanta you could have kept that BS in Harlem.

A few months ago I was looking your church up so I could visit and then next I'm hearing a copy of 300 shots and you "putting straps in niggas mouths". Now I hear you up in the mall swinging on some cat for putting out a song called "False Prophets" but even you have to admit, dude had a point.

Today we find out if the Pimp Squad is able to come from under the shadows of their lead man T.I. I anticipate that they'll drop a nice CD myself. They have the financial backing to produce a top-notch product this time around and also recieve over-and-beyond promotion which is the key, ask Jeezy.

Check out the single "Set It Out" and also "Where You From" feat. Jeezy from the Smoke mixtapes.

Atlanta's own TLC will finally pick their temporary third member on Wednesday's telecast of "R U The Girl." The reality show that has them picking a third girl to perform with them on their album and in concert (once). Woww! That's a helluva grand prize if I've ever seen one. That's almost as bad as when Martin won the Lotto on "Martin" and split it 100 ways, basically you really aint winning too damn much.

However, in TLC's favor they have put on an excellent series of shows, much better than I anticipated and the ratings agree. But how I found myself watching it in the first place, I dunno.

I'm thrilled to see that big respect is being paid in Atlanta to Tupac Shakur by way of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, the site was constructed in remembrance of the late rapper. The Grand Opening took place on June 11 and now the foundation will be unveiling a 7-foot statue of Tupac on September 13, the nine-year anniversary of his death.

Though long overdue, I'm happy to see this happen. I'm especially thrilled that everything is taking place in Atlanta, a place so rich with history already, and this memorial site will do nothing but add to the culture that we have embraced so deeply in Atlanta. Though still under light construction, I had a chance to visit the site and it is definitely worth seeing.

I know people sit back and think bloggers and media types like myself have no real clue of what's going on in the streets. Even on this site I hear the phrase street cred bounced around like metal balls in a pinball machine. But on the contrary I myself stay need deep in it, and wouldn't have it any other way.

So, in order to maintain the so-called street cred with the world as they look down on my daily scrolls, I feel as if I must fill you in on what we roll to (me and my camp). My gutter ATLiens feel me on this one, as nobody outside of these Georgia state lines really understands Adamsville, Dixie Hill, Decatur, East Point, College Park, Campbellton Rd, BussinU'eezOnPeachtreeAllNightMuzik.

Rap star David Banner's Heal The 'Hood Foundation will sponsor a benefit concert Sept. 17 at Philips Arena. Proceeds will go toward disaster relief and officials are accepting donated food, clothing and supplies at the arena.

The concert will be hosted by Lil Jon and feature performances by Banner, Nelly, T.I., 8Ball and MJG, Kinfolk (Ali from the St. Lunatics and Big Gipp from Goodie Mobb), Boyz N Da Hood, Chopper aka Young City, 112, Lyfe, D4L and more.

As always when there's a big show in Atlanta look for other artists to add themselves to the show later. Also, I hear that tickets are ranging from $20 to $100 and going fast so you might want to grab a seat right now.

I recently got a chance to talk with one of Atlanta's upstart groups, Amp Camp, a trio of artists who have been independently pushing units at a feverish pace. Amp Camp (Atlanta Music Production) has reportedly moved over 70,000 units via website and other avenues of distribution with many of the sales coming overseas.

I talked with CEO Ariel Glover who is also the vocal component and marketing whiz of the trio, and he stressed the importance of taking control over your own music as an artist. Also pointing out that new aspects of media have allowed for all good artists to sell.

If you were wondering what kind of jeans Young Jeezy has been rocking, most notably on the "Soul Survivor " video featuring Akon, those are Eklectik Genes. The clothing line has been based in Atlanta since 1996 but is now getting major pub as of late thanks to The Snowman.

It's sad that we live in such a copycat world but I do expect to see the line being rocked heavily now that Jeezy has donned the gear. Personally, I try to rock what other's don't. If I remember right that's what hip hop is about in the first place, individuality and creativity. But I give credit where credit is due, I've seen some of their line and much of it is hot.

The company recently sponsored Terrell Owens’ private grand opening of his new upscale lounge and martini bar, Amani.

So the game has evolved into having an artist write a brand name into a song, feature the brand in a music video... then partner with the brand in other promotions, all the while getting paid by the brand's owner.

I guess it's fitting for Lil' Mo to advertise for some bumpy face gin right, I just couldn't see her doing anything that was minutely politically correct. I love it though. I like a woman with a little ghetto in her. Speaking of Ms. Mo, she'll be in concert next month and maybe we can sit down over some gin and juice and politic, we'll see.

My man Terrell Owens recently opened up Dirty South Recording Studio in Atlanta, one of his home cities. For now, Dirty South only has two recording rooms. With a growing clientele, Owens hopes to purchase a larger facility in the near future.

He says that he has no interest in recording any material, just overseeing the business aspect of things.

This is good because we are thankfully spared another Ron Artest, Allen Iverson, Chris Webber or Deion Sanders fiasco. It was torture to hear these cat's on the mic. Athletes are athletes and rappers are rappers for the most part.

Big ups to the entire city of Atlanta for coming out in droves to help our brothers and sisters who were victimized by Hurricane Katrina. I mean it felt good to hear everybody from T.I. to Lil' Scrappy to Jeezy donating money to the victims.

When Katrina initially hit I was wondering if we would come together as a city and represent the way the mecca of the south should, and we did. There were Frank Ski 103.3 Food and Clothing Drives and T.I. and David Banner Heal Tha Hood Foundation drives echoing all throughout the city.

Everybody has put their careers on hold and showed up to the plate like men. Big up to the whole city for real. Even Diddy came through. It was good to see. I could list a page full of entertainers but you get the message. Just alot of props go to the people of the A for giving what they could including myself. It felt good.

I guess if you can't afford to sit on Charles Woodson's or Clinton Portis' then the next best thing for you to do is pick up MIDNIGHT CLUB 3: THE DUB EDITION. The game is based on the streets of Atlanta this year, where hopefully the simulated computer drivers drive better than half of these UNINSURED, in a rush to get nowhere ATLiens do. Hold check, I'm not saying everybody is uninsured...jus a couple o' yall.

Anyway, The third installment in the Midnight Club series arrives with more speed, choices, and chrome than in previous editions.

On Saturday, September 10th, MTV, VH1 and CMT are joining together for a live concert to benefit the Hurricane Katrina victims. As you can tell by the sponsoring TV stations, it will be a diverse event with nearly every musical taste represented so I hear.

Just wanted to give BIG ups on the blog to Ludacris for being one of the first to step up to the plate regarding this tragedy. Also, ATL's adopted son and Mississippi native David Banner is headlining the benefit's bill too.