This past year err'body learned how to snap, raise motorcycles and walk it out via the video machine. Admit it, Atlanta put the "V" in video entertainment of the past year. Whether you liked it or not you wanted to see what we would drop new on that a&%. Question is, "Will the VMAs pay the piper tonight?
It's been over a week since the release of the latest Outkast album, Idlewild, and I'm wondering what the response is to the album. I've heard and read mixed reviews on it but the jury is still out. I did pick it up on the day it dropped with high expectations and the album met those expectations for me but others aren't so sold on it.
My thinking is that it's almost too far left for the average hip hop ear, an ear that has grown accustomed to the gun packers of the industry. The game has been in serious transition since their last release. Were they able to reel some of the lost back in with this album or are the lost too far gone?
Whenever Danity Kane is even mentioned to be possibly pushing as many units as Outkast I have to ask some serious questions here?
Also, what's the word on "Idlewild" the movie?
"Easily the most wildly innovative film of the year."--Bruce Kirkland of The Toronto Sun
Oppositely, here's a negative review
There was a great deal of hype leading up to the release but I'm sensing the momentum slowing down. I thought both were excellent products, and a needed change but what's the overall perception?
"What's the point of waiting anymore/ 'Cuz girl I've never been more sure [That baby it's you]" -- Justin Timberlake from "My Love"
As much as I hate to admit this, Justin Timberlake's new single "My Love" featuring T.I. is that joint right now. After the Janet Jackson situation, I lost some respect for J.T. like nearly everyone else. Through it all, there's no denying his talents. He's a cold white boy, period!
Many people missed the splash that 'the Sips Cadillac Don and J-Money made in the South throughout the summer with this verse....
"Inside peanut butter, outside jelly/Seven days of the week, seven different chevys/Black SS wit tha top blown off/(f*&^) with them boys and get ya top blown off." -- from the song "Peanut Butter and Jelly"
So, in case some of my East Coast/West Coast fam missed out on the heat, peep out their myspace page. The song sounds real laid back but believe me it gave the Mississippi rap game even more respect this summer. Their album is expected to drop later this year.
It seems as if everybody in the city is gearing up for the big Mary J. Blige concert this weekend at HiFi Buys Ampitheater one way or another. Mary J. is getting the royal treatment throughout the city for this one too, so much so I'm beginning to wonder if she really is actually bigger than just the "Queen of R&B and Hip Hop."
Females everywhere talking about "That's my anthem!" not "That's my song"...Huh? As silly as it sounds, it kind of reminds me of how some of us (fellas) use to feel when hearing Tupac and Biggie tracks. You didn't just like Tupac and Biggie, you felt 'em. Her realness set's her apart from others and the ladies feel her un the same regard.
So for this reason, I put her on a level that many will fall short of.
So, Welcome to Atlanta Mary... and Letoya, and 'Toya please keep out your pen and pad throughout this tour and learn everything you can from the best in the .
And I bet you thought you were going to get my rundown of the Top 10 Atlanta artists in this game we call hip hop. But nope, that's too close to call right now and it depends on key factors like what are we basing it on? M.I.C. skills, sales, or commercial success, the list would vary for each category.
Stay tuned for my list in the future. You know the Southern list is the official list anyway, no bulls%^t. However, I did run across a fairly recent list on the net that by Atlanta Music Editor, Joy Johnston that went something like this...
1. Ludacris
2. T.I.
3. Outkast
4. Jermaine Dupri
5. Young Jeezy
6. Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz
7. Bonecrusher
8. Youngbloodz
9. Dem Franchise Boyz
10.Cee Lo
Like I said, I have no idea what this list is based on but you can click here to hear her reasoning for her selections. I have a few arguments, the big one being Cee Lo so far down on the list no matter what the criteria.
It's not 6 o'clock yet, but it is definitely "time for Street to rock" as Atlanta's heavy hitter Greg Street is up to bat today, partnering with The Drama King, DJ Kay Slay on the album release of The Champions - North Meets South.
The Champions - North Meets South showcases MCs from both regions on one CD. It features exclusives from Fat Joe, Mike Jones, Paul Wall, Busta Rhymes, Papoose, Yung Joc, Remy Ma, Lloyd Banks, Three 6 Mafia, The Diplomats, Ghostface, Raekwon, Cassidy, B.G., Sheek Louch, Lil' Jon and many more.
If you were thinking that there would be a great deal of cats from Atlanta on here, think again. It's a well-rounded CD that will bang. The first single didn't take off like it might have hoped but the album is wicked. My man Papoose shines alot on this album, so if you like Pap you should grab this disc.
Check out the video for the first release off the album "Can't Stop The Reign" feat. Bun-B, Papoose and Shaq (Video)
And of course Outkast's "Idlewild" the album drops today. No more needs to really be said on that.
We're now on the eve of the long-anticipated release of Outkast's "Idlewild" album and movie this week. I recently got a chance to view a real informative interview with both members of the group in which they answer the break-up rumors as well as fill us in on the album and the movie. Read that interview here...
After hearing the album, I'm pretty much convinced that Dre and Big will land on several podiums within the coming months, accepting awards for either the album or the movie. I've heard different reviews on the movie from those who have been able to see it but I always have to see a flick for myself to get a real gage on it.
I actually got wind of this a couple of weeks ago but I'm still puzzled? Anthony "Chip" Lumar, Atlanta Hip-Hop Entrepreneur and Businessman, who recently was named as a UN ambassador along with Russell Simmons, is now facing rape charges in Atlanta. Go figure?
Lumar is the son-in-law of entertainer James Brown and is now facing charges in Fulton County. An arrest warrant had to be issued for Lumar who serves as the managing partner of Pinnacle International Partners located in the SunTrust building downtown.
Check out the court video
He actually seems like a good brother just caught in a scandal, having recently donated $5 million to the National Urban League. He can't be too bad.
There's another big weekend being planned in the city, as The Core DJ's present their annual Core DJ's Retreeat V Awards. It promises to be a huge weekend with numerous artists being presented with awards over the weekend.
Some of the award recipients include DJ Red Alert, Rahiem The Dream, Jermaine Dupri, MC Shy D, DJ Smurf, Lil Jon, DJ Drama, Greg Street, Funkmaster Flex, Big Tigger, Ludacris, DJ Toomp and Kid Capri to name a few. They have several events planned so it should be a busy weekend.
The Lil Wayne case is all over the streets now so I guess I qualify to speak on it a little bit. First let me provide the setting for you, Atlantic Station where the situation occurred is one of the newest, upscale shopping, dining and entertainment venues in the city.
According to a couple of reliable sources in attendance, the situation went down down like this. A hotel liason was summoned to Weezy's room for a hotel repair and claimed to have spotted a little over a pound of weed in the room. From there, the hunt was on.
When the police finally caught up with him all they found was a piece of an already sparked blunt and some prescription pills. The pills were a violation because they were not in his name. If you have ever needed to pick up a prescription for someone else let alone yourself, then you already know the scrutiny you face.
[Check the official Police Report]
I'm still giving away a pair of tickets to one SOHH ATLANTA reader to go see LeToya with Mary J. Blige in concert on Sunday, August 27th in Atlanta at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre.
If you want the tickets to see LeToya and Mary J., email me at sohhatl@sohh.com with the correct answers to the following trivia questions. I'll be taking submissions from today (8/14) until Friday (8/18) and the winner will be announced on Monday, August 21!
Question #1
The video for Dem Franchise Boys' smash hit "Lean Wit It" took place inside what club?
Question #2
T.I. owns a popular nightclub in Atlanta. What is the name of that spot?
Boy did Short come up off of this song! Talk about money in the bank, I can't wait for his CD to drop. He'll prove that simplicity is not always bad.
Speaking of "Money In The Bank" check out the video for Scrappy's latest single. I guess "it aint trickin if you got it."
Before we get into today's topic, I'm letting everybody know that I'm giving away a pair of tickets to one SOHH ATLANTA reader to go see LeToya with Mary J. Blige in concert on Sunday, August 27th in Atlanta at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre.
If you want two tickets to see LeToya and Mary J., email me at sohhatl@sohh.com with the correct answers to the following trivia questions. I'll be taking submissions from today (8/14) until Friday (8/18) and the winner will be announced on Monday, August 21!
Question #1
The video for Dem Franchise Boys' smash hit "Lean Wit It" took place inside what club?
Question #2
T.I. owns a popular nightclub in Atlanta. What is the name of that spot?
Yo, I'm still loving that "Money In The Bank" joint. I know it's been out for a minute but if it's any indication of what Lil Scrappy is about to set out for us, I can't wait. Had to say that since I've been bobbin' to it all morning. Did you know that the track is produced by Isaac Hayes III?
But anyway, because the game is kind of at a still point in the city right now I guess I'll talk about the eclecticisity of my city. (No that's not a word! Fonzarelli taught me that one). So let me holla at my West Coast imports today.
Last month I put the buzz out there regarding The Outlawz/Dead Prez collaboration mixtape entitled Can't Sell Dope Forever and it has been officially released. I actually recieved the disc a couple of weeks ago and it's been in the changer ever since.
In an era when the loudest messages heard are those of least importance, it was a needed breath of fresh air to hear lyrics with substance over plush 2006 production. Something real fans of hip-hop can appreciate in any region.
The slogan, Can't Sell Dope Forever has been around for a minute and this collaboration looks to bring the idea of "options after the dope game" into light.
I mean what more can you say, even Super Bowl-MVP Hines Ward has been rocking the "Can't Sell Dope Forever" t-shirts in the past and somewhat brought the idea into the public eye (but judging from this article mainstream Amerikkka were and is still clueless as to what the slogan really means). But now for the don't know's, you can pick this mixtape up and be instantly enlightened. It's a must cop.
The album features a variety of production from Stic.man and M1 of Dead Prez doing their thing to Edi of The Outlawz providing two pieces of work as well. Other producers are involved with the album as well. It was as if everybody was given their own lane to shine and bring their individual talents to the game.
I thought about giving a brief rundown and review of the CD for those who haven't picked it up yet...But I would rather present what others are saying. You already know how I feel on this one.
Dammit Diddy! I knew you were doing more than just kickin it out here in the city, I see you had your ears to the street big tymer.
It seems Diddy was paying close attention to Born Hustlers' (BHI) "Do It Do It" because as I was watching BET's Access Granted for the video to "Come To Me" I couldn't help but notice Diddy had stole the chant...word for word.
But look at how The Poole Palace is poppin' off on the BHI video, why wouldn't you want that feeling?
That damn Diddy, at it again? But that's his M.O., he's done it countless times so we're used to it now. Other than that the video was cool, I can watch Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls all day long so it works for me.
Yo, I never got a chance to give ya boy T.I. his props for signing to appear in his second film, "American Gangster," which pits him alongside Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe. Not bad for a youngster from Bankhead. (Or as some argue, Riverdale?) Nevertheless, this is big.
T.I. has gone through a rough year with regards to the game, and I remember after best friend Big Phil's death he hinted at occupying a different type of role in the game. I definitely understood where he was coming from and maybe the big screen will provide him that outlet.
He is working on his next project "T.I. vs. T.I.P." as we speak though so he's still planning on releasing music.
My question is, will he be like some of the others who taste that lucrative big screen money and soon end up releasing more movies than albums. If you look at artists like Will Smith, Ice Cube, Cool J, Ice T, DMX etc. they all made the jump and to be honest once they made that leap they were and are looked at somewhat differently by the public.
"Remember the face, Remember the name, Port of Miami from which you came"--Rick Ross from "Port of Miami"
Today, we find out if Rick Ross is the real deal or not as he drops his debut album Port of Miami on Def Jam/Slip-n-Slide Records. According to some, the jury is still out as to whether he is deserving of the hype. I say those critics need to really examine this man's flow.
Some argue that his content is limited. I've constantly heard the question "How much powder, crack, heroin, and Ex pills can you rap about?" But somebody must be interested because his first track "Hustlin" got major spins. I know somebody who might not be buying that joint...Akon. Check the diss.
*[Just In...Akon is doing production on the album so the beef is fraudelent]
I want to see him expand his lyrical content on this album myself. We know you hustle, we got that but tell us somethin' else. I heard Pimp C giving him big props a couple of weeks ago during an interview with Big Oomp so he's got industry respect and that speaks volumes.
With the 2006 NFL Season jumping off this past weekend, let me jump into some interesting headlines facing the city this last week.
The face of the NFL, Michael Vick has been catching alot of criticism this past week in the media for a photo that has him plastered all over the net smoking something up for debate. Is it a cigar? Is it a blunt? Is it marijuana wrapped in a cigar?
Check out what Vick had to say in this Atlanta Journal-Constitution about the situation.
This weekend, the city of Atlanta will bid a final farewell to arguably it's most popular nightspot, Club Vision. The club will close it's doors for good as it is being torn down because of redevelopment plans. The landowners will be building some brand new towers on the property which will leave the club in the cold.
This has been long-rumored but is now a finality. Not to worry, the word is club owners plan to open up another venue on the same block in the near future.
They more than made their money over the three years that it was open so I'm sure they aren't hurting a bit. On last night T.I., Slim Thug and others did a show and you can expect more of the same over the weekend in their last days. Actually, Diddy will be throwing the finale this weekend.
It's about that time, we've been waiting on Outkast to drop for a while now and we're only three weeks away from the release of "Idlewild," the movie and the album. In the meantime, we've been teased with the singles "Morris Brown" and "Mighty O."
The 1st Annual Ozone Awards, will be officially kicking off on tomorrow (August 4th) with events lasting all weekend in Orlando, FL and climaxing with the much-anticipated awards show on Sunday (August 6th). The artist lineup and various panels are now set and the weekend is shaping up to be a big-time celebration.
The weekend's events, put together in partnership with TJ's DJ's and David Banner will feature a who's who of artists that are scheduled to be involved with various events throughout the weekend including Lil Wayne, T.I., Pimp C & Bun B, Trick Daddy, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Too $hort, Shawnna, T-Pain, E-40, Yung Joc, DJ Drama, DJ Nasty., and DJ Khaled.
Attention all Big Booty Women, Smoke of Field Mob has a special announcement for all y'all!!!
[THIS MESSAGE IS STRICTLY FOR WOMEN! WE REPEAT THIS MESSAGE IS STRICTLY FOR WOMEN!]
"This ya boy Smoke aka Chevy P of the almighty Field Mob and we just dropped our second single "Baby Bend Over" aka The Strip Club Anthem. Me and Shawn need to see who got the biggest donkey on the net! Get ya web cam out and make ya own "Baby Bend Over" video and send em in and well post the best video on our page! Only apple bottoms over the age of 18 need to apply"
Yep, Field Mob, has asked for fans to submit their own videos for the new single “Baby Bend Over†from their Disturbing Tha Peace/Geffen Records release Light Poles and Pine Trees (which is doing pretty damn good on the charts these days).
Based in Orlando, FL with a direct focus on southern hip hop, Ozone Magazine just celebrated their four year anniversary. Ozone Publisher Julia Beverly started the publication as a local magazine but has since established herself and the magazine to be major players in the south with a circulation of close to 100,000.
On Aug 4-6, the magazine along with TJ's DJ's will be hosting the first annual Ozone Magazine Awards Show weekend in it's homebase of Orlando.
I recently spoke with Julia about her reasons behind establishing the magazine's first awards show, as well as the rapid growth of Ozone Magazine. Here, she talks about the awards show, her partnership with TJ's DJ's, and takes us inside Ozone Magazine for a sneak peek at what she has planned for the future.
SOHH: So tell me, has an award show always been on the agenda for Ozone Magazine?
JB: Actually, I've never been big on promoting events but I wanted to have an award show that would be different than some of the others out there and that's why we tied things in with TJ's DJ's. I've attended so many events where I've been denied certain priveleges because of their various rules and regulations and I guess I'm stubborn because I feel like I should be given access just because of the relationships that I've built over the years. I like to be able to roam freely and build relationships with the artists and I guess I've just outgrown attending other peoples events so I decided to put together my own event.
SOHH: And how did the partnership with TJ's DJ's come about?
JB: We've always been linked up together. What we're trying to do now is combine the whole concept of having an industry event that combines the influences that TJ's DJ's and Ozone Magazine has. We've always been linked up indirectly and we just kind of play off each other. He's the music guy, people in the south who are familiar with TJ's know that TJ's has played a part in the success of several artists like Mike Jones, T-Pain and others. One minute they're performing at TJ's then four months later everybody knows who they are. We've helped each other indirectly for a long time, we fill out each other's strength and weaknesses.
It seems as if VH1 has a fascination with the plus-size emcee these days. In their next edition of Celebrity Fit Club, the compass points the Adamsville way, aiming directly at Bonecrusher's size 50's. Previously, we've seen Bizarre and Young MCon the show.
