July 2006 Archives

"All around the world it's the same song" -- Digital Underground's "Same Song"

This weekend was on point with everybody hittin' the stages around the city, from performances to all-white linen parties and even a picnic at former boxing champion Evander Holyfield's estate. Plain and simple, SoSo Def had the city buzzin' all weekend long during SoSo Def Weekend here in Atlanta.

BUT as usual, the black cloud has begun to hover over things as at least three people were wounded when shots were fired early this morning (July 30) at a party thrown by Jermaine Dupri.

OK Atlanta, we've really showed our ass these last couple of years. Are we running things in hip hop? I wouldn't say all that but we've got the industry on serious alert. And the banner alert reads: "Step ya' game up or else...We are on the verge of locking this shit down!" Read about it.

I would never say that NewYork has lost it's edge because I do respect the motto that "student can never be greater than the teacher." I really believe that.

But as it stands RIGHT NOW, we're in pole position until proven otherwise. (But really, it's all hip hop and needs to be merged together, it's been three decades and we still haven't figured out a way to mesh each region together on a bigger scope)

Why am I feelin myself so and talking big s**t today? Because, I have to wonder what the next decade holds for A-town with regards to this game called hip hop.

The past decade (1996-2006), I think most can agree has been speerheaded by Outkast, who carried the throne like true kings. However, can we really expect them to carry it for another decade leading them into their what... mid-forties? Not realistic at all. Not saying it won't be done but I see them monopolizing things from a business end.

Today I'm talking videos, something I rarely get a chance to speak on but it's like that sometimes.

First, let's talk Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri since it's the fresh on our brains from last night's "BET Access Granted" episode. My first reaction to the "Call On Me" video? Big money spent on an average look, but then again it's nothing to those two. Maybe if I understood what she was saying a little bit better?

However, after talking with a few females who watched the making of the video and thought it was slammin'... I had to reconsider and look at it from a different angle. I took myself out of "critic" mode and back into "playa" mode and I saw it for who and what it was, like "Wake up, fool! That's Janet Jackson." So just because it's Janet, I gotta run with this video. I can live with watching Janet's back all out for a few months.

Yola tha Great from Grand Hustle. It's real. I know I mentioned your boy several months ago in a couple of posts, but I gotta give Yola more than a mention now. It's good to see that the people out there actually recognized his grind.

As an official Grand Hustle signee, he's out on tour throughout the south as we speak. You wanna' talk about turning your grind into a major come-up. He's doing his thing, "Aint Gon Let Up" has become an anthem throughout the south this summer no matter where you go. I remember seeing him spit at a couple of local venues before the hype.

So they say Lil Jon's music is causing murder's now? Just blame it on hip hop, I guess... And to think, we've been partying to "Put Yo Hood Up" in Atlanta for what four years with few problems other than some chics gettin' too crunk and accidentally bumping asses on the dance floor. Nothing major.

(I was watching The Tom Brokaw special the other night concerning the poor educational system in Jackson, MS and guess who they tried to blame for their dismal situation? Yep, hip hop!) Go figure.

As far as this latest mishap concerning Lil Jon, I don't really know how to feel. But I do know that the average hip hop listener can't handle what they're putting into their system on an everyday basis, that's just reality.

If you thought the "snap" music era was coming to a halt, think again. It looks like the next chapter is taking us through the R&B circuit.

First it was Cherish rising up the charts with "Do It To It" and now Monica's new single "Everytime Tha Beat Drop," from her soon to be released The Making Of Me album is making big noise.

The Jermaine Dupri-produced single features an appearance by Dem Franchise Boys and is already doing big things in Atlanta and that usually translates into major spins nationally.

"Gipp Was The First With His Mouth Bright White" -- Big Gipp

Now, there's finally a topic that the southern critics can come to the SOHH Atlanta blog and provide legitimate hate on. Yeah, we popularized the grillz in the south and now we're catching heat for it. So, I might actually ride wit' yall on this one.

Read this MSNBC article on the negatve effects of grillz, one of many that I've read lately. Possible backlash from the fact that little Shane and Suzie have secretly began spending their allowance money on grillz? Yeah, that's probably it.

Back in the day, Ice Cube started off one of his tracks with the phrase "Here's What They Think About You..." and how fitting of a phrase it was to me after reading this article.

We've all heard the myths about grillz like "the bad breath theories" and "the teeth damage" that they cause but are they accurate assumptions? Just curious, is that s**t true?

Not another bossy chic? Say it aint so...nope, instead this female artist needs a boss. Now that's more like it, Keep it Pimpin.

New Disturbing The Peace artist Shareefa has dropped her new single entitled "Need a Boss." produced by Rodney Jerkins. The single features Ludacris and is taken from her forthcoming release Point of No Return to be released by DTP/Def Jam.

Her album includes guest appearances from Ludacris and Bobby Valentino and is scheduled to drop later this year.

She's tight. I'm hearing comparisons to Mary J., among others, but haven't we heard that before? With Def Jam's push she might make some noise though.

"Conspiracy Theory You Be The Judge Nobody's Slow" -- Big Boi from "Mighty O"

So Outkast turned down Oprah Winfrey's request for an interview. Why wouldn't they?

The fact of the matter is that Oprah wanted to bring 'Kast on in September which would have been nearly three weeks after the release of their movie, so what sense would that make for Big and Dre? From 'Kasts perspective, this was a no brainer. What are we going to talk about Harpo?

If she wanted to extend herself to Outkast her invitation should have had a date prior to August 25th on it. Has she ever brought Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts on two weeks after a movie release?

If you really think about, they got more publicity for saying NO than they would have recieved for saying YES and accepting the invitation.

A date has officially been set for the release of Andre 3000's animated adventure, Class of 3000. The cartoon will premiere on Cartoon Network in November.

In addition to his creative responsibilities, including production and writing contributions, voice and music direction, André will also lend his voice to the lead character, Sunny Bridges.

It's apparent that 'Kast is really trying to lock the industry down on some power move ishh' from every angle. From the big screen, to the highly-anticipated album to the Cartoon Network. And just to think, all of this from SouthernPlayalisticCadillacMuzik for yo' trunk? Respect due.

We've seen the chain and we've heard Lil Jon scream it loud, "Crunk Aint Dead!" Now it's show and prove time. Jon has video's dropping, a few albums set for release and mixtapes and street singles pumping throughout the city.

Question is, is there still life left in crunk music?

I say yeah, after attending the video shoot for Bo Hagon's "Wuzup" recently I definitely felt that whole crunk vibe that once existed.

Bo Hagon and Jon pulled out the big whips (Lambo's), big chains and heavy hitters for the shoot. Yeahhhh, the stunna shades were in motion as Jon wheeled in his personal lamborghini for the shoot which took place directly behind the Georgia Dome.

Cherish has announced that they will be the opening act on Chris Brown and Ne-Yo’s “Up Close And Personal” tour beginning this summer. They're still ridin high off the lead single "Do It To It" and surprisingly the song is still gaining momentum after all these months.

Their debut album Unappreciated is scheduled for release on August 15th. It features a guest appearance from Rasheeda and Sean Paul and as long as they keep putting out platinum videos, the album will put up big numbers easily. Plus, producers Jazzy Phe and/or Don Vito are good for at least one more club hit, we know that.

They hit Atlanta on September 9 at Chastain Park.

"One nation... Ni**a you look just like me / What sense do it make killin' each other in main streets? / All these guns we got between us / We can point em' the right way and come the f#@k up/ Dope money and turf ain't worth your life" -- Outlawz and Dead Prez from "1 Nation"

What do you get when you combine two of the rawest groups of our time, The Outlawz and Dead Prez? Pure heat and conciousness...nothing less. Believe what ya' heard because Dead Prez and The Outlawz have joined forces on a mixtape entitled Can't Sell Dope Forever set to drop this summer. Imagine that.

(I initially heard about this mixtape dropping last December but I guess it was pushed back to this summer)

The lead single "1Nation" urges hip-hop nation to put aside turf battles and unite as one, typical DP'z and Outlawz music.

Following in the footsteps of other notable hip hop magazines of past and present, Ozone Magazine has decided to host their first annual awards show in honor of southern hip hop entertainment. The 1st Annual Ozone Magazine Awards will take place August 4-6 in Orlando, FL.

Having rapidly emerged into one the southern regions most highly-respected hip hop magazines, Ozone magazine founder and editor Julia Beverly felt the time had come to organize an event that would honor everyone from the independent to the platinum artist.

"We wanted to put together an awards show and music conference that would be not only be accessible to all hip hop artists, but all media as well." said Beverly. "I've had so many experiences where I've been denied entry into an event, so this time I wanted to be in control of my own thing."

(Check for the full interview with Ozone Magazine editor Julia Beverly tomorrow)

The unique part about this award show is that all voting will take place online, allowing fans to particiapate in the actual selection process. The show will be hosted by David Banner and includes performances by Lil Wayne, Pimp C, Too Short, T-Pain, Pitbull, Rick Ross, and others. Meanwhile, The TJ’s DJ’s Tastemaster Music Conference will be on Aug. 4-5 and will features panels on topics of Producers, Indie CEO’s, DJs, Women in the Industry, A & R's, and Media Outlets.

To cast your votes click here!

It's been a minute since we've heard from Young Jeezy but as of late he's been all over the airwaves after dropping "I Do This," his lead track off the upcoming album The Inspiration:Thug Motivation 102. He's scheduled to drop in early Fall.

The way "I Do This" is all over the radio and the mixtapes, Jeezy might just overcome the sophomore jinx and outdo the numbers he put up with Thug Motivation 101.

Thank GOD for the hood, especially the mom and pop stores! I was able to listen to Pimp C's new album yesterday, it officially drops on July 11, and it's money in the bank. I would say that I have it in my possession, but that would be incriminating myself. So I won't say it.

It's a double CD with a regular side and an identical screwed side. The screwed and chopped side is tailored-made for the corner cuttin. The production is crisp. I think it has 11 songs on each side..don't hold me to that. But the point is don't let anybody talk you out of picking it up. It's worth the money.

Pimp C said that he wrote about 3,000 songs while he was locked up and you can definitely tell that the tracks on the album are prime choice. Coincidentally, Pimp is in town as we speak doing promotions etc.

I talked about Dallas Austin's drug arrest the other day, and just that quick he was released from his incarceration and granted a pardon. Though a month of lockdown is serious business, things could have been much worse so it's good to see that it all worked out for the best.

Next order of business, there's no need to speculate anymore about who Killer Mike was referring to in his rebuttal track to that well documented Birthday Bash diss. When the track surfaced it was rumored that Killer Mike was talking about C-Bone from Koncrete but nothing was etched in stone.

However, yesterday C-Bone was on Big Greg Street's show and dropped a track just to clear the air. And it was on point too.

So if you thought C-Bone was just going to lay down, think twice. He's aint signed to Purple Ribbon for nothing, he's got skills. I wish I had the track for err'body, so somebody over there please get that to us so C can get his just due. But the best thing to do would probably be to just let everyhting die out or handle things in-house.

The big question these last couple of weeks has been "Who Is Ludacris Ttalking about on 'War With God'?"

It's still in the air, but speculation is swirling around T.I. being the target of Luda's aggression but nothing has been confirmed. The lyrics in the song fail to identify anybody.

I'm somewhat surprised at the drug possesion charges being faced by Atlanta producer Dallas Austin in Dubai. I say somewhat surprised, not because I know the man's personal business but because more so because I know the industry.

I would contend that at least 90% of the country get's high off something whether it be marijuana, cigarettes, liquor, cocaine, pills, or even coffee -- you take your pick.