Lil Wayne Takes A Leak....SOHH Have A Listen [Quickly]!!
I begining to think that when artists albums leak someone from inside their camps do it deliberately. One of the most anticipated albums of the year has leaked online. And for the first time since T.I.' last album I'm putting you all on to it. Check it out below.
Now I am not picking sides in this matter, but it seems that a lot of people don't care for Lil Weazy especially after his recent remarks dissing the mixtape DJ's of the world. So take the time to listen to the songs and post ya review.
Please not that I am not promoting the illegal downloading of Wayne's new album. It is my intention to spread the knowledge.
SOHH Gyant Randomness: Where Is The Artist Development??
[This post got such an overwhelming response that I decided to post it again for those who may have missed it.]
If you haven't noticed a brutha is extremely passionate about the music business. Since I know that a lot of industry people [i.e. producers, music execs and even major label heads] check out my blog, as well as the SOHH.com site regularly I often times do posts that speak directly to them. Well this is one of those posts.
Where in the hell is the artist developer? Not too long ago record labels would force their artists to be developed so that when a buzz started to generate we would all get a chance to take in a damn near perfectly packaged entertainer. No matter if that entertainer was hip-hop or not. However in today's music business it seems that artist development is all but a faint notion rather than a staunch reality. It seems like the idea of "artist development" does not deal with potential. They need to find what is selling elsewhere and grab market share.
As many of you know I include my email address at the bottom of every post that I do. I have a lot of industry connects who send me their artist information in attempts to get them proper online coverage. Almost everyone wants an interview, especially a video one. However, most of the time I usually decline such requests. Call me a conceited bastard, but SOHH Atlanta is the highest rated hip-hop regional blog on the internet [don't hate - check the numbers]. SOHH for me I tend to be extremely picky as to who I select to get the exposure.
But a lot of times when I sit down with budding stars [or at least that's what they think] I can easily pick up on the lack of artist development and media training.
One time I interviewed an extremely successful music producer/songwriter who is aspiring for solo singing success. But as talented as this person is they have absolutely no personality. I remember asking them to "tell me one thing about them that their fans might not know." And their response still makes me die laughing. The response was something along the lines of this:
"that I'm really interested in global warming. Our planet is in a state of emergency and I spend a lot of time focusing on that".
...[Crickets anyone?]
While I too think that global warming is important, how is a new artist who is trying to generate some buzz comes off with some "global warming" sh*t, and it's not even Earth Day is beyond me. What's sexy or remotely interesting about that answer and you're a new artist?
They were about as interesting as of box of hair. To this day this songwriter is striving to get his CD released, which subsequently was pushed back indefinitely by his label.
I have a handful of other situations that have left me scratching my head as to why the labels have scaled back SOHH much in what they do with artists. I'm always getting emails from online media departments of major label companies of songs with no titles, grammatical errors, unprofessional media kits, the works. All the things that fall under "artists development" has become a complete joke.
I remember talking with former TLC member Chilli a few months back and she expressed to me how crazy it is that there is no more artists development. This notion seems to be a common complaint in today's music business.
I guess the point to this post is to express my frustration for how bad things have gotten in the music world. It seems the industry wants to point their proverbial finger at everyone from bloggers, to iTunes. But perhaps they should be blaming themselves for trying to constantly cut corners in this game.
Ever hear the old expression "you get what you pay for?"
Oh, and if you know your artist has no personality then don't get them a video interview. Just call up print publication and have them do a phoner.
Randy Roper the HNIC over at Writersblockmedia has posted a free R.E.Playlist download for you guys. Check it out below. He's got music from Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Yung Joc, Usher and Jermaine Dupri. And its all free!
Young Chris ft. Lil Wayne - Paradise
Rick Ross ft. Pharrell - Get Down
Busta Rhymes ft. Reek Da Villian, Spliff Star, Lil Wayne, Nas, The Game & Big Daddy Kane - Don’t Touch Me (Throw Water on ‘Em) (Remix)
Bow Wow ft. Lil Wayne - Money In The Way
Usher ft. Jermaine Dupri - Chivalry (Album Bonus Track)
Ashanti - In These Streets
Gemstones ft. Lupe Fiasco - G4
Gemstones - Skeletons
Hot Stylz ft. Yung Joc & R. Kelly - Lookin Boy (Remix)
Keri Hilson - Energy
Maino - Hi Hater
Tay Dizm ft. T-Pain & Rick Ross - Beam Me Up
Wale - The Crazy
Wale ft. Skyzoo - The Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Wes Fif ft. Treal - Wasting Your Time
Yung Berg ft. Ray J - Exotic
Curren$y - Lost In Transit
Poppin Or Floppin Video Of The Week: 9th Ward - "Chopper"!
JD and Nitti have joined forces to push a new artist known as 9th Ward. I have an interview set with him in the very near future and I'm gonna try my best to get the official story. To me it seems like he came out of nowhere, but he could have been doing the damn thing in the streetz for years. But in the meantime I have his new video. Is it poppin' or floppin'?
To me he kind of sound likes Plies. But what do you all think about it?
Grand Hustle Owes Me A Check!!! Or At The Very Least A Drink!
[This post is in jest. I am really just trying to be light hearted about it.]
What up y'all? I'm back from the vacay and all I got to say about Miami is DAMN! It is, in my opinion, the best place to party. I spent 7 days down their soaking up the sun for hip-hop weekend. Funny enough I ran into Yung Joc and Fabolous on Washington Ave showing all their fans major love. I didn't even see Joc with any security. He was just posted up in front of a store taking pictures with any and all fans.. I even ran into J.Holiday in the airport. I think I need a new liver because Patron is the devil.
Do you want a drink that will mess you up. Take a shot of Patron and then chase it with a shot of Hypnotic. That sh*t is no effing joke. But moving right along. OK so somebody over at Grand Hustle owes me a check.
According to our SOHH News Department the self-proclaimed "King Of The South" is about to do a reality show. While no title has been released here is what SOHH news is saying:
According to Variety, the network will go with the self-proclaimed "King of the South" as he performs the remainder of his community service hours and prepares for a one-year prison sentence next spring. The network plans to air the show some time soon after T.I. goes to jail in early 2009.
The series, by Ish Entertainment, has already gotten an eight-episode order from MTV.
"We began the conversations in the middle of deliberations over what would happen to him," said Ish's Michael Hirschorn, whose executive producing with partner Stella Stolper. "The original idea for the show had him staging a series of interventions in each episode with people in danger. But when we visited him under house arrest, it felt much bigger and more powerful than we anticipated."
Tip (born Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr.) has a history of being on the wrong side of the law, convicted for selling crack cocaine in the late 1990s. In March, the rapper plead guilty to federal weapons charges; the offense that got him the year's stint.
"Hopefully the mistakes I've made will be a lesson to today's youth and they won't go down that same path," T.I. said. [Source]
Now I don't remember who I talked to when the trial was happening, but I know damn well I told somebody over at Atlantic/Grand Hustle that they might as well turn this into a reality show. While I can't remember the entire conversation I know I was told that "that's not what we do over at Grand Hustle Records." [or something to that effect] Now look at them.
I wonder how much Cliff is gonna get for this? Sh*t either way I'm watching [yeap]. Next time I'm gonna need to keep my ideas to myself [curses].
To the people over at Grand Hustle y'all know I'm not tripping. Just get me a shot of Patron and Hypnotic next time you see me out and about. LOL!
Even T.I. Is Noticing Asher Roth[Video]! Plus, Who Bought Usher's Album?
You already know that I am a big fan of Asher Roth. The illest MC since Eminem I feel is really going to be something big by the end of the year. SOHH much SOHH even T.I. stopped and took notice. Check the video below.
OK, SOHH I caught mad hell from my post on Usher last week. But for those who bought the album I would love to hear your opinions on it. Was it worth the bullet? Don't hate, just keep it real.
Think he's gonna do the damn thing with this project?
Killer Mike Says Andre 3000, Rakim, Dead Prez & Cee Lo Are Hurting The Hip-Hop Game [Just Watch The Video]!
Killer Mike is easily one of my favorite rappers in the game. I think the main reason why I hold the socially conscious MC in such high regard is because he's honest! In a recent interview that I just saw last week, Check out who Killer Mike believes is hurting the game right now.
Killer Mike is spitting the truth. Damn, I got to get an interview with him soon. I've been bullsh*ting on that tip.
Oh And Speaking Of Bullsh*t.....
It seems that while Shawty Lo is still trying to air out T.I. over some bullsh*t Killer Mike got him for a new track called "Two Sides". I got a chance to listen to to the unmastered version at a listening session a few months back. I liked it from the beginning. Have a listen.
SOHH Atlanta EXCLUSIVE CONTEST: Polow Da Don Hosts Memorial Weekend Bash @ Opera, And I've Got Tickets For You....But There's One Catch!
Y'all know it's going down at various spots this weekend for the holiday. And while most will be getting their BBQ on I still got to put you on to the happenings of the city.
And since I am SOHH good to you guys. The Axxes Agengy will allow two SOHH readers and their guest in for free. That's right you'll come to Opera and party it up with Polow and the crew in VIP and everything. I'm talking VIP access, a bar tab, and photo opportunities with their celebrity friends. But first in order to get the exclusive access I'm going to need you to answer three question for me.
1."Why did Playaz Circle cuss Gyant out at the 2007 Dirty Awards?"
2. "What is Gyant's real name?" [Google it man]
3. "Why did Jermaine Dupri take to his Youtube video to air Gyant out?"
Rules To The Contest:
YOU MUST BE SPECIFIC with your answers.
Please send your full name along with your plus one attendee along with a phone number. And you must be 21 and over!
Only one email per reader. Don't be blowing up my inbox!!
Must be an Atlanta resident.
But for the rest of you who are just trying to get your party on then check below for all the details.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Rufin Project, Tiwa Works, The J3 Group, BlackBigs Ent., FCC, & Superfriends
Cordially Invite You to Experience:
THE PLATINUM CLUB @ OPERA: MEMORIAL SUNDAY
"THE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GRAND FINALE"
Opera Nightclub
1150-b Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia
Hosted By:
Grammy-Nominated Super-Producer
Polow Da Don of Zone 4, Inc.
and his Celebrity Friends
Co-Hosts:
Abe Elam (NY Jets)
Justin Tuck (NY Giants)
Jamario Moon (Toronto Raptors)
Gerald Wallace (Charlotte Bobcats)
Jimmy Williams (Atlanta Falcons)
Arnold Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers)
"Proceeds From This Event Will Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society"
Sunday, May 25th, 2008
Doors Open Promptly @ 10:00 pm
For Free Admission Until 11:30 pm, RSVP Exclusively @ www.operaspecialevents.com.
Music By:
DJ Soul of "The Urban Legends"
DJ Q-Storm "The Official DJ of the Atlanta Hawks"
Dress Code Strictly Enforced
Ladies: Come As Sexy as You Always Do. Men: No Sneakers, No White Tees, No Hats, NO EXCEPTIONS
Bow Wow And Soulja Boy Team Up For Marco Polo. But Is It Worth The Bullet? Plus, JANET JACKSON GOING ON TOUR!!!!!
Bow Wow and Soulja Boy have teamed up for a new song. I heard this song last weekend, but didn't feel that it needed any kind of urgency to get it posted. Personally I don't care for it. But I am really beginning to think that I'm just too damn old for "pop" hip-hop music. I mean this sh*t is strictly for the kids. Take a listen below.
Again, it's not my thing but if the younger SOHH.com readers can dig it then that's really all that matters isn't it?
This is totally off topic, but when I saw this poster I just knew that I had to say something about. Jermaine Dupri's main girl - hell his only girl- Janet Jackson will be going on tour starting in September, and I'll be damned if I want to go.
After almost 8 years of "on the road action" Mrs. Dupri will be bringing all her classic hits to the stage for her fans. Now I will be the first person to say that although I haven't been a fan of Janet's most recent work. I am a die hard Janet fan [please believe it]. When I look back on my life experiences Janet's music has acted as a soundtrack to my life.
Not to mention that Janet "Miss Jackson If Ya Nasty" ALWAYS puts on a damn good show. Hell this is what we need. A veteran who can come to the stage and show all these KIDS how to do the damn thing.
I'd love two tickets to her Atlanta show [hint, hint]. I mean to get pictures/video of that sh*t would be insane. And y'all know damn well even the hardest dude fux with Janet.
[Damn can the celebrities of the world just B E Z while I'm trying to get my rest and relaxation on?]
It looks like this publicity stunt has come right on time.
Look, I know you've heard that Usher and Tameka appparently are on the outs. From what the reports online are saying this has been three weeks in the making. However I've seen them together as recently as a week ago.
With Usher's track record I really cant look at this as anything other then a drastic attempt at trying to get his new CD some burn.
All I know is that Usher had better swallow his pride and go on back to Jonetta. Because mama ran a tight ship and kept him on top.
It looks like my "Top 8 Reasons Why Usher Is Going To Fail" might go to sh*t now. I can just see every scorned female running out to cop his disc to show their support.
Check Mate Ursh. Hey, I can't hate! Whatever you got to do to stay on top right?
But in the event that this is a glimmer of the truth, then you know what they say, the best way to get over old p*ssy, is to hop in some new p*ssy. Although the homie at blogxilla.com does offer some great tips for getting over a breakup [Read Them Here]
SOHH Gyant Randomness: MARTA Got More Problems Than 'Soulja Girl"!!
It looks like MARTA is about to have more problems than that bipolar 'Soulja Girl' on their hands. Check out a new bill that's recently passed. I don't know about you, but I'm officially hanging up my MARTA card. Read more below.
A new law has passed in GA that is going to allow gun toting permit having citizens the right to bear arms on public transportation and more. Here's what I found on the AJC.com:
An amended version of House Bill 89 allows holders of concealed weapons permits to carry guns into restaurants, state parks, and on MARTA trains and other public transportation. The legislation, which gun-rights proponents hailed as a major victory, also allows employees to leave weapons in parking lots as long as it's okay with the company.
Andrew Arulanandam, the spokesman for the National Rifle Association, which has been pushing hard for less restrictive gun laws in Georgia for more than two years, called it a "good piece of legislation."
"We're gratified that the bill passed," he said. [Source]
I don't know where to even begin to dissect this bullsh*t. With all the nonsense that goes on in the world, especially on public transportation why in the world would Governor Purdue allow such a stupid bill to pass?
All this does is give crazy ass people the right to shoot me dead if they feel threatened or if their life is in danger. Well let's think about this for a second. White people feel threatened by blacks on a daily basis. We scare the sh*t out of them. White people I love you, but you know it's true.
This bill [in my eyes] is going to allow white people to commit acts of violence free and clear. Since most MARTA Moving Africans Rapidly Through Atlanta users are African American what does this "bill" really say?
I find the law extremely racist, and I can't believe that as a state we are allowing the incredibly organized, and very scary, National Rifle Association to push something like this.
Guns have no reason to be on public transportation, restaurants, or in state parks.
Y'all be safe out there. I can't f*ck with MARTA anymore over this one.
Block Entertainment's New Artist JC Chats With Gyant [Video]!
I told you all last week about Block Entertainment's first R&B signee JC. I had told you all I was going to drop an interview I had with the 21 year old singing sensation. Well I got it for you below SOHH check it out.
First off let me just say that while I'm not blown away by JC's vocals I still think that there is a place for him in the game. We're at a point in the game to where music is just hard to sell period. But I know that Big Block and Rico Brooks wouldn't waste their time on somebody unless they knew that they had something special.
When I did a post on JC back in the early part of this year I think I focused more on Serious from Flavor Of Love than JC [remember when I clowned Serious for driving around the A in a hatchback?]. Well here's a quick video interview for his fans to get to know more about the budding Block Entertainment star. Check it out:
For those who may blow off Block Entertainment and Bad Boy South as being washed up or over, let me put that to rest right now. They got some people coming out that are gonna blow a lot of people away. It's going down SOHH big over there that I don't even want to speak on it just yet.
But trust and believe that when I get my hands on some music. I'll share it with you all. Be sure to check out the video channel on youtube [Watch Here]
Poppin Or Floppin Audio Of The WeeK: Playaz Circle "Look What I Got"!
Playaz Circle is showing no signs of slowing down because they've hit the internet with some new music. AJ Dixon over at DTP sent me over the new audio from the guys new album tentatively titled "Flight 360: The Takeoff". Take a listen below and tell me what you think.
I'm not sure if Dolla and Titty Boy got an creative recharge or what, but I'm feeling what they're putting into the music. While I thought "Duffle Bag Boy" was cool I couldnt decided if it was because of Playaz Circle, or Lil Wayne. However after purchasing their album last month, along with this new track I can see why they got signed to DTP.
Could there look be messing them up? I mean why cant they get their respect?
While I ponder that notion why don't you all tell me what you think of the record. Personally I love it!
Oh, and I've got to give the guys props for their BET Awards nomination. The duo nabbed a nom for Best Group. They are up against other hip-hop heavyweights like Gnarls Barkley and UGK SOHH they clearly wont win. But it's still great for them to be recognized.
SOHH Gyant Randomness: *[Update]* Top Eight Reasons Why Usher's New Album Is Going To Flop!
[I'm warning you now if you're a fanatic of Usher then you probably want to avoid reading this post. I figured since I'm out of town on vacation that this is a good a time as any to drop this blog bomb.]
I was talking to a new found friend earlier last week and of all people Usher became the topic of discussion. I expressed how I don't think that Usher is going to do well with his new album due to his lack of online promotion, among other things. However my friend steadfastly disagrees with me SOHH I thought I pose the question to you guys.
First off let me back up my statement on why I think that Usher's new album Here I Stand is going to tank on Billboard. While Usher is in a league of his own by being the best selling male of the decade it seems that there is an obvious disconnect with his fans. I've compiled a list of things that I feel could be hurting the singers music career. I want to make this very clear that these observations belong solely to Gyant. SOHH.com has nothing to do with this.
1. Tameka, Tameka, Tameka: Usher's new wife hasn't transitioned well into his life. When word first broke about their courtship Ush fans weren't pleased. It seems that everyone was rooting for him and Chilli SOHH much so, that when that relationship ended a lot of Usher's female fans were turned off. Hell, we were all discussing that at nausea.
But when Usher started to attack his fans by suing his number one fan site in attempt to stop the wife bashing I knew it was over.
2. Chris Brown: Let's face it I am 28 years old SOHH I remember the impact Usher had when I was in my teens and early twenties. But these kids who buy [or steal] music aren't all that familiar. I mean sure they know who Usher is, but they don't know who USHER is. All they know is this bright-eyed, lighter skinned carbon copy.
And you know what? That's good enough for them.
3. The Proverbial Bubble: It seems that once you get to a certain level in this industry you lose all sense of reality. You're often times surrounded by "yes" people. You don't know what the streetz are saying, you just know what your people are telling you what the streetz are saying. I truly don't feel that Usher knows how the people, particularly the buying public feels about him. I think he just see's that "Make Love In This Club" hit number one SOHH it's all good. But it's not. The same thing happened to Janet Jackson. You know I'm telling the truth JD.
4. Jive Just Doesn't Get It: No disrespect to the labels but I've sat and watched artists after artist go about pushing their albums in the old record business way. These executives feel like because they have twenty years in the game that they know what's best. But I can't stress enough at how wrong, and mislead they are.
Clearly the labels are STRUGGLING to find new ways to stop losing SOHH much damn money. But in this new digital world they focus 90 % of their efforts towards PD's, radio stations, street teams and television. And only devote 10% to the internet, particularly blogs.
It's like they refuse to address the memo. Just because you have a number one song on radio DOES NOT mean that you're album will be a success.
Take FLO RIDA for example. That man broke all kind of Billboard records. He had the number one single in the country for weeks on end, but when his album dropped what did it sell in its first week, 80/k copies. And what has it sold today? Has it even gone gold?? [Shoutout to the FPM Group for supplying with the soundscan numbers. SOHH Far Flo Rida has only sold 233, 712]
5. Promotion, Promotion, Promotion: Where the hell has Usher been. The man's album drops any day now and if my job wasn't to be online all day and surf the internet I don't think I would know. Usher thinks because he stops by the standard television spots like MTV's "TRL", or BET's "106 & Park" that his promotional obligations are fulfilled, but trust me they aren't. Usher has refused to do any online press. We here at SOHH tried to get him to do a guest star blog. We reached out to get him some burn, but his people turned us down.
But it's not just us who have been denied online love. Several of my other media connects from various top-tier websites were also denied.
I guess the feeling is that he's SOHH big he doesn't need to do any new media interviews. After his first week sales come out I'm sure he will think differently - or probably not because he's still in that bubble.
6. Old Man: How old is Usher, 30? In real life that's still considered to be a very young man, but in the business you're more looked at as middle aged. Can Usher drum up enough interest for the 16 year old girl/boy that will make them go out and cop his new disc?
7. Lackluster performances:
Did y'all see this lazy performance Usher did on SNL this past weekend? I was bored to tears. This isn't the Usher I remember.
#8
[Damn, even on vacation I had to come back and post this one]. Um, if you're going to lip synch your performance then you for damn sure better bring that energy. How you going to go on "Dancing With The Muthaf*ckin' Stars" and half step. Them old white woman could've danced circles around him.
Can someone get the man a cup of coffee, or a vodka & red bull, PRONTO TINTO!!
My prediction is that Usher will have the number one album with about 450k albums sold, that will follow a subsequent 60% album drop the following week. I don't see the album even going platinum, but let's just say for argument's sake it does sell one million copies. For a star like Usher wouldn't that still be considered a flop?
My peoples who are close with U's camp told me that Usher has just started to dabble into the online thing. My source told me that he's just starting to learn how Facebook and Myspace works. Um...in my opinion it's a little too late to just start looking into the online world.
Hopefully by the time his next album drops he'll make the internet work for him.
DJ Mars Tour Update With Ne-Yo And Alicia Keys! Plus, Randy Exclusive Hot Playlist Donwload[Free Music]!
For those of you who may not know. Your boy is on a much needed vacation this week and the beginning of next week. Thankfully for you me/you DJ Mars is blessing the blogshpere with a post giving us an update on Ne-Yo/Alicia Keys Tour that’s coming into the ATL next week. Check out what Mars has to say.
[Ne-Yo and Jessica Simpson chatting it up backstage.]
Check out how the tour is going:
The tour began in Hampton, Virginia Saturday April 19. According to reports Jordin Sparks didn’t perform due to health reasons. The show opened up with a DJ set by my man DJ Iroc (AMERICAS MOST WANTED DJ'S). Once the venue filled to capacity it was time for Ne-Yo and crew to do our thing.
Without giving away the farm, I’ll just tell you that our performance is based on a play. A play which is about love, lost and a man finding love all over again.
At the end of our performance there was no time to watch Alicia Keys. In fact by the time she hit the stage we were on our way to the clear port. Yup, folks G-4 status back to Orlando. So we went from VA to Florida for another performance. Needless to say, Ne-Yo gets it in (PAUSE)!
Don't forget that Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys and Jordin Sparks will be in the A.
My media brethren Randy Roper over at Writersblock is doing the damn thing with his playlists. This one that I'm providing you is from last week's, but hell free music is timeless isn't it?
Yung LA ft. Young Dro & T.I. - Ain’t I (Remix)
Raekwon ft. Ghostface - Necro
Blood Raw ft. Rick Ross & Young Jeezy - Chevy Boyz
Roccett ft. Gorilla Zoe - G Move
Pastor Troy ft. Ludacris - You Don’t Wanna
Yung Berg ft. Casha - The Business
Papoose - My Girl
Robin Thicke - Magic
Alfamega ft. Young Dro - Act Hard
Idle Warship ft. Chester French - Fall Back
Jackie Chain ft. Attitude & Rich Boy - Rollin (Remix)
Stack Bundles - Breaking Up
Top 5 Reasons Why Diddy's "Justin's" Sux, Ludacris' Restaurant STRAITS Is Straight!, + Everybody's Eating Good At Block Ent.
Quick question everybody. When's the last time you partied it up at Diddy’s Justin’s on Peachtree St? Are you drawing a blank? Me too. But it looks like the managers Solomon Fornie, Steven, and Brian still think they’re sitting on top of the restaurant world. But allow me to break down why Justin’s is as much of a hot spot as the McDonald’s is on Ponce De Leon.
Last night I decided to hit the streets of the ATL to celebrate Diddy's eldest child's [Quincy] Sweet 16 premiere on MTV at Justin's resturant. I'na [CEO of The Star Fire Group] who was the event coordinator for the birthday bash that filmed here in the ATL held a private invite only affair at the once trendy nightspot.
However to my surprise the general manager and resident ass kisser Solomon along with his co-managers Steve, and Brian were clearly on the rag because as I was sitting in the private room in the back I was approached by security and asked to leave. Apparently the shirt I had on was a violation of their dress code. First off since when did Justin's have a dress code? I've shown up to that establishment wearing baggy jeans, baseball caps, and my dusty Timberland boots covering various events for the lame venue and they've never said a word. Upon further investigation on their website I saw no mention of anything in the realm of the word "dress code", SOHH I am only to assume that I was unfairly targeted.
And is it just me or do dress codes have no merit when you are throwing a private party?
You know I've looked the other way over the years as I visited Diddy's fleeting eatery. Justin's does not back up the hype that Diddy and his business parter Andre Suite attempt to put on it. But I''ve decided to compile a list of the Top 5 reasons Why Justin's Is Lame.
1. Why The High Prices: Let’s face it. Justin’s has an extremely overpriced menu with completely unsatisfying cuisines. Why Diddy insists on charging astronomical prices for macaroni and cheese, and cornbread is beyond me.
2. The extremely lame atmosphere: On the surface you’d think that Justin’s was an ultra trendy night spot, however once you sit down you quickly realize that the only thing upscale about it are the high end automobiles in the parking lot.
3. Poor management/Customer Service: The way the general manager, Solomon, acts you’d think that Diddy was still at the height of his popularity rather than in his fleeting moments. Someone pass along the memo to the “acting†HNIC, that his restaurant is no longer, nor has it been for a very long time, the talk of the town.
4. Sh*tty Food: You know it’s a sad day when the only thing you can brag about after leaving Justin’s is the damn sweet tea.
5. Closing Soon: We already know that NYC’s Justin’s has been shut down because nobody cares. And with the ATL location widely known as the last resort to grub how long is it going to take before Justin’s Atlanta is all but a faded memory?
But Let's Focus On An Up and Coming Night Spot....
[Picture courtesy Prime Phocus/Donna Permell]
I stopped by Ludacris' VIP opening of his ultra hip Asian inspired eatery STRAITS last week. The venue was packed to capacity as all of Atlanta came out to support the leader of the DTP squad.
[Ludacris was in high spirits opening night. The man is dipping into everything these days.]
JD, Monica, Willy Northpole, Frank Ski and his lovely wife Tanya, Ryan Cameron, Block Entertainments Gorilla Zoe, and JC all came out to put their stamp of approval on all the food. Hell even Rocker Tommy Lee came out to show his luv.
All in all I think this restaurant is going to be that spot. I mean let's keep it real; Peanut and dem from the hood will not be stopping by this establishment. The bistro is perched right in the heart of midtown right in between the Fox Theater and The Woodruff Arts Center. If you’re in the mood for ambiance, great food and a reasonably priced plate then this spot is for you. Anything else and you’d be wasting your time. In the melee of the crowd even I managed to grab some of the appetizers and I was like DAMN! Spicy food is my thing.
But checkout the pictures I got.
[Gorilla Zoe rolled up in an Impala with what I could assume were 28†rims [if they even make them that big]. Editor-in-Chief of Sister 2 Sister Jaime Foster Brown, and Tammy from “Talking With Tammy†insisted on getting a ride and being the gentleman that Zoe and Rico are they happily obliged].
[JD got VIP parking for his Lamborghini right in front of the restaurant on Juniper. Anyone who drives in midtown knows their ain't no damn parking in that block. But you know they made an exception for the Ambassador of the ATL]
[Damn! It looks like everybody is eating good over at Block ENT. Look at what new signee JC rolled up in].
[Willy Northpole, Tommy Lee and DJ Trauma]
For the first time I didn’t get any video footage because I wasn’t really in the mood to play director. But thanks to Jermaine Dupri and his popular youtube video channel I can still bring you the visuals.
Check out more great videos from the music mogul [here]
Akon Sides Step On Shady Past [Video], Plus Plies Teams Up With Janet. What An Unusual Callboration[Video]!
Isn’t it funny how some celebrities try their best to dance around an issue rather then just coming right out and addressing their controversies? I’m sure everyone remembers The Smoking Gun’s shocking expose on Akon and his checkered past that was the talk of all the blogs about a month or SOHH ago right?
Well MTV caught up with the leader of Konvict music and look how he addressed the controversy. Watch the video below.
First thing’s first I hate side with Akon on lying about his past, but I do agree that it really doesn’t mean a hill of beans with all the hits he’s made. Akon has quickly become arguably one of the most driving individuals in the game. When and how he got here really doesn’t matter at this point.
However, I really do wish that he would just step up and admit that he did put a much bigger spin on his past that’s more fiction then non.
Well I'll be damned! It seems JD talked Janet into teaming up with Plies of all people, and come to find out it actually works. I love the track. I'd love to add it to my i-Pod. Can someone make that happen please?
MTV's 'Best MC Of 2008' Is Released, Did ATL Get Sh*ted On [Video]? Girls, Girls, Girls Pictures, Plus Usher Takes A Leak!
That damn MTV has compiled yet another best MC of the year list. And in case you haven’t seen it I thought I’d just do a quick post on it. Check it out below.
1. Kanye West
2. Jay-Z
3. Lil' Wayne
4. Rick Ross
5. Snoop Dogg
6. 50 Cent
7. Lupe Fiasco
8. Young Jeezy
9. Andre 3000
10. T.I.
I can’t say that I disagree with this list too much, although personally I don’t think that T.I. should have been ranked SOHH low. I mean how the hell does Rick Ross come in number four. Call me a hater but I don’t hear anything that blows me away when I listen to his rhymes.
Am I hating or do y’all feel me?
I’m just saying….
Friday night I attend NFL player Osi Umenyiora’s Black Tie charity affair at the W Hotel Downtown. This year I was invited to attend the event, and not as media. But y’all know I ride for SOHH Atlanta SOHH I got some shots from the upscale shindig. I know you fellas can appreciate some sexy ass females SOHH here you go.
[BeBe, Lachelle, Gyant, Tiffany, and I'na]
[Gyant and Cheryl Moss]
[Gyant and I'na]
[Gyant and sexy Faven]
[Yes, the ladies were out looking all types a phine]
[Katena, Nicole Garner and Faven]
[Yes people, I'na's cellphone rang and when she pulled out that damn bright orange hand receiver everybody fell out. You can’t say the CEO of The Starfire Group doesn't lack creativity.]
[They say pictures are worth a thousand words….].
[I always forget this dude’s name, but he works at V103. He showed up with his girl[I’m assuming].
As you can see your boy can get cleaned up when he has too. But I have to say that none of this could have been possible without my “stylist†Deanna Wilson over at TUX at the Lennox mall. She most definitely hooked me up with a classic look.
If y’all trying to get your grown and sexy look on then you better go on over there and holla at her.
It looks like my private thoughts of Usher's new album leaking online has come to fruition. Over the weekend I visited several blog sites that has the best selling male of our decade's new album posted.
I'm not even going to lie I downloaded my copy, but I haven't listened to it yet. Check back later on in the week because I'm gonna drop an Usher post that I know is gonna piss off A LOT of people.
I would drop little hints on where you could cop that disc, but I'm not that heartless. But I know my blognista's will know where to go.
Sidebar, did anyone watch the season finale of Desperate Housewives last night? Them white chicks on Wisteria Lane be getting off the chain.
T.I. & Shawty Lo: The Whackest Beef Ever Just Got A Little Interesting [Video]!
Damn! Can T.I. enjoy the birth of his new son for a day before people start attacking him? I really thought that I was done talking about Shawty Lo and his pointless attacks against the self-proclaimed "King Of The South" TI.
On the strength of my new found relationship with the people over at Grand Hustle [not to mention that it was just plain corny] I thought that I'd bow out of this mess before it got ugly. But a new video has surfaced that does question Clifford's real hometown. And at the end of the day I am a blogger SOHH I got to do what I got to do. Check it out below.
Thanks to a faithful reader who I know wishes to remain anonymous just put me on to a new video on Worldstarhiphop.com. It seems that someone who grew up with Tip has posted his high school year book picture from Riverdale High in Clayton County. As we all know Riverdale is a far cry from the streets of Bankhead which I believe is zoned to be included into Fulton County [but don't quote me on that].
Here's what the tipster is saying about T.I.'s questionable hood claim:
"T.I's high school is in Riverdale in Clayton County, (Outskirts Of ATL). It is not close to Bankhead at all this place where you would probably want to move to get away from the trap. Bankhead is westside the city clayton county (southside) is where riverdale is it is 30 or more mile away from the city of Atlanta".[Source]
Check The Video:
All this still dont mean a hill of beans to me. At the end of the day T.I. is still "officially the realest, point blank", period as it relates to Shawty Lo. But y'all tell me, is this something that questions T.I. creditability? I mean if we found out that Biggie AKA The Notorious BIG was actually from Connecticut rather then Brooklyn would that change anything?
Block Entertainment, Shawty Lo, Gucci Mane & More Show For T.H.U.G. Awards!
Last night the 1st Annual T.H.U.G. Awards went down in the ATL. I had heard about this event, but decided to pass because the 1st Annual of anything is never good. But, after checking out the pictures on StraightFromTheA.com it looks like I missed out on getting some great footage of the ATL hood community.
From what I'm hearing the event was one big mess [no surprise there], but I also heard that Block Entertainment made it worthwhile. Gorilla Zoe, and newly signed Block Ent artist JC lit up the stage with their collaboration "Nobody Gotta Know".
I had a chance to sit down with the 21 year old Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South singer last week, which I will have posted on the site next week while I am on vacation. [Check His Myspace Page Here]
Big Block, Shawty Lo, and Gucci Mane stopped through to show their love to Chiq Diva and the T.H.U.G. awards peeps. I actually ran into Gucci at Bun B's listening session at Verve last night and you can clearly tell that Gucci doesn't get online much because when I introduced myself to him as Gyant with SOHH.com he replied by saying "oh yea, I fux with y'all".
Um...clearly he doesn't because if he did then he'd know I've clowned him on everything from his weight, to his music, and even his poor choices in filming a dice game with Shawty Lo. But I digress.
Lets hope the people over at the T.H.U.G. awards get their sh*t together for next year. Maybe I will come out and support em then.
But at least there are still some "real" ATL acts who can out and support the up and comers of the world. For more pictures from the event
Oh, and for those who want to know about Bun B's new CD. We all showed up [Chaka Zulu, Big Block, Gorilla Zoe, Randy Roper, DJ Drama, Slim from 112, Gucci Mane, and others], but Bun took a little too long to show up SOHH most people bounced.
XXL HNIC Dawton Thomas Gets "Laced Up", Plus, Big Boi Clears Up The Mix-up About New Album [Exclusive]!
Last night I decided to stop by the Laced Up Boutique to check out the new HNIC over at XXL magazine Datwon Thomas present the much anticipated release of the PremiumGoods 80's original F.I.L.A. "Fly Boy Classics" collection. There seems to be a rumor going around that XXL and SOHH.com have some kind of rivalry going on, and I can assure you we don't. I stopped by to support my media brethren for his moment and achievements in the game. We even chopped it up for a few minutes, but it's what me and Big Boi talked about that I know will catch y'all attention. Check the scoop and the pictures below.
OK, SOHH yesterday afternoon I did a post on Big Bo and I was telling you all how disappointed I was that we weren't going to getting any Outkast music this summer [Read That Story Here]. Billboard.com quoted the Atlanta MC as saying that he was shooting to finish the album by the end of August. But when I ran into Mr. Patton last night he wanted to make sure that I knew the real story.
Big Boi said that he'd seen the post, and though he hadn't gotten a chance to read the billboard article he insists that his album is almost finished.
He said that the album should be ready to drop in August, NOT just being finished in August. The one half of the funkadelic hip-hop duo is so confident about his project that he's personally invited me to come out to his studio and get a first listen [yes, y'all lil ole Gyant] and give you all my opinion on the music.
As you know this could be a double edged sword because on one hand I am elated that he would trust me to come and listen to his highly anticipated CD. However on the other hand in my experience artists are usually extremely sensitive about their work. SOHH I already know now that I am going to have to be very careful in how I express my often times blunt opinion.
But all in all I am not worried. I've been a musical fan of Outkast since I was a kid. I remember listening to my first Outkast song back when I was junior in high school. I was such a fan -- and still to this day I'm a fan. SOHH I already know Antwan is going to bring the heat, and I'm SOHH excited. Y'all already know that I'm going give you all the scoop the minute it goes down. TAMIKO.....HIT ME SOHH WE CAN MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!
OK, now back to the event.....
[Gyant, and Datwon from XXL]
[Yes people the drinks were flowing. They were brown juicing it up].
[For the fellas..Look Tatas!]
More Flicks....
Major shouts to the fabulous, and might I add super sleek Nicole Garner of the Garner Circle for the invite. If y'all didn't know Laced Up Boutique is the spot to go to build up your sneaker collection. They are located right next to P. Valentine right across the street from the legendary Thumbs Up Restaurant.
Who knows maybe one day Laced Up can hook Gyant AKA Barack O'Blogger up with an exclusive sneaker. You know a bruhta wears a size 16 and finding sneakers in my size can be a daunting task. Thank God for Eastbay.com
I fell out when I saw this picture. I think this is the standard feeling of many people in the industry in the ATL [and the world] towards the angry lesbian with no soul....
I just thought I'd share this with all of you. Expect another hateful post on a me on dude's site any moment now....
Sad News: No Big Boi Album This Summer, Plus Who's Album Are You Anticipating?
Billboard magazine caught up with one of Atlanta's godfathers of hip-hop, Big Boi and he's giving some insight on his new album.
Here's what he had to say:
"I'm shooting to finish the album by the end of August," Big Boi tells Billboard.com.
The MC worked with his usual Organized Noise production crew as well as long-time collaborator Mr. DJ on "Sir Luscious," the second single from which will be "The World is Too Big" featuring Mary J. Blige.
"This album is Big Boi to the extreme," the rapper says. "It's like a recession special. I'm talking about what's going on in the world, with everything from rising gas prices to the election. It's just my insights on life up to this point." [Source]
Am I the only one bummed out that we won't be hearing any new Outkast music until fourth quarter? I was certain that we would have been blowing Antwan's music out the car speakers no later than July. I hear that he is hitting the gym hard trying to make sure the whole package is as on point as possible.
While I really want a real Outkast album this year I guess I'll settle for one of them to give me some music. It's a damn shame that music has become SOHH bad that real hip-hop fans got to sit around twiddling our thumbs for the greats to give us what we need. But I know Big Boi reads this blog often SOHH Antwan, holla at me if I can come by the studio and get a sneak listen. C'mon man, I need to hear something!!
But as I was pondering my album drop wish list it hit me, what album[s] are you waiting to drop this year? Here's my list.
1.Big Boi
2.Andre 3000
3.T.I.
4.Ludacris
5.Ashanti [don't front "The Way That I Love You" is hot].
Christopher Thomas:The Network King, Bun B's Having A Listening Session Tonight, + Osi Umenyiora's Charity Weekend!!
Damn I almost forgot to put you all on to the ultimate networking event popping off tomorrow at the W Hotel in Dunwoody.
Christopher "C Boogie" Thomas, founder of EntertainCorp and his team have put together a fantastic event for tomorrow night. If you are trying to rub elbows with the movers and shakers in the ATL then you need go on and burn the gas to come out and network.
Myself and a host of others will be in the building. SOHH for those who love to hate on a brutha come on out and meet up with me. If you are really trying to network then this is going to be the place to me.
I am probably going to catch hell for posting this Bun B flyer, but I will always be willing to take the heat for you guys. Bun B is in the ATL today promoting his new album SOHH he will probably be on HOT 107.9 and V103 pushing the project. He is having a private listening session tonight at one o the Atlanta hot spots and though I can't tell you where I'm sure if you are in the know then it won't be hard for you to find out.
I'm going to come out and support Bun and hopefully wave the white flag in hopes that we can unify [if only for a moment] SOHH I can get a picture. I know Bun thinks I'm a little wild, but hopefully he can give a brutha a chance because I'm not even going to lie this performance brought a tear to my eye when I saw it.
Jay-Z brought out one half of hip-hop royalty when he stopped in Houston. And when Bun hit the stage the spirit of Pimp C filled the venue. It was truly a touching moment.
Oh, and we can't forget about the Football Charity Weekend.
NY Giants (#72) Osi Umenyiora is celebrating his second annual "Strike for a Cure" Charity Weekend, and The Garner Circle is handling this year's events. This year I've been invited to attend the festivities SOHH you know I had to let you all know where its going down. Ladies I know y'all love to follow the football stars around looking for your future baby daddy SOHH get it together because it's going to be a lot of them out this weekend chillin around the A.
Here's the official press release:
NIKE has joined on board and committed to giving thousands of dollars worth of product to the students of Carver H.S for the annual Senior Stop. "We want to do all we can for Osi's events. We are going over and above the product commitment we currently provide because we truly believe in the mission of Strike 4 a Cure." - stated Nike Representative. The Strike 4 a Cure Bowling tournament is creating strong buzz within the city as record labels are signing up left and right and creating healthy competition in the name of a good cause. And celebrities are lending their support as hosts and ambassadors for the charity weekend making sure that AIDS and ALZHEIMER research remains the focus of such a prominent series of events.
DON'T NEVER SAY I DON'T PUT YOU ON TO TO THE SH*T POPPIN OFF IN THE A!!
Plies: Has The Man Gone "Hollyhood"? "Soulja Girl's" Mom Speaks Out! Plus, Charlamagne Tha God Is Doing Da Damn Thing!
If last night was any indication as to who is going to be purchasing Plies new album Definition Of Real then I think it’s safe to say that Plies won't be moving mountains units when his project drops on June 10th.
It was billed a “Listening Session†last night at Over Da Edge in Midtown. Plies record label Atlantic Records invited the “media†[and I had to put that in quotes because most of the people who were there I’ve never seen in my life] to come listen to his new album to spread the word on how dope it was.
Well when I arrived it was clear that this was a “hood†rich party filled with countless hood dudes, and even hooder chicks feasting on chicken wings and Red Bulls. The atmosphere was unusually tense and I couldn’t understand why. But I quickly got the memo that this listening session wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be. Apparently Plies is SOHH worried about people recording his new stuff that all cameras were banned [which is why I have no visuals for you]. But it seems that wasn’t enough because after a sweep of the building for any recording devices another message got passed down saying we couldn’t even have cell phones either.
Now I don’t mean to be an assh*le about things, but how are you going to invite industry people who pretty much live on their Blackberry’s, invite them out to your event, allow them access, and then halfway through the event ask that everyone return to their cars and leave their cell phones [which is most peoples lives] WTF?
Let me make a suggestion. If bootlegging is such a major concern then how about you not invite all the people from the hood to attend your work parties? Maybe its just me but maybe if you’d invite actual industry people who actually have a business card you could avoid all the bullsh*t.
I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but someone recording your new music off a camera or a cellphone isn’t your problem [I mean who’s buying that quality sh*t]. Plies needs to focus on his online audience. We here at SOHH.com offered the lil homie a guest star blog where he could have gained maximum exposure from his online “friendsâ€. But it seems that his people aren’t interested in going that route. I’m hearing PLIES has gone “HollyHood†and you can't tell the man nothing these days.
Let us not get too big for your britches there Plies. You’re only one flop away from being forgotten.
For the Plies fans out there don’t forget that his album drops June 10th. Also check his video with Ne-Yo.
I'm sure most of you know that the notorious Soulja Girl who accosted an elderly woman on the MARTA train has been arrested. But her mother turned to WSBTV to try and shed light on her deeply trouble daughter.
I got to give my media brethren Charlamagne Tha God a major shout out for his nomination for the "30 Under 30". Edison Media Research's nationwide talent search, "30 Under 30," was launched in 2007 to recognize and help retain promising young broadcasters.
The winners will receive free tuition to this year's Conclave learning conference in Minneapolis from June 26-29 and will be honored during a special luncheon presentation on Saturday, June 28, featuring entertainer Isaac Hayes. They will also be profiled online at www.30under30.net.
1. Dave "Tazz Daddy" Anderson, executive producer, "Rickey Smiley Morning Show," KBFB/Dallas
2. Daniel Anstandig, president, McVay New Media
3. Rob Anthony, program director/operations manager, WMAS/Springfield, Mass.
4. Jim Bezak, director of support and training/Internet services, Saga
5. Ian Bush, reporter/anchor/editor, KYW/Philadelphia 6. Charlamagne, co-host, "Wendy Williams Experience," WBLS/New York
Lord, I Done Went And Pissed Off Music Mogul Jermaine Dupri[Video]!
Here we go again. I done went and pissed off somebody else over my slick keystrokes. Yesterday I ran a post about Jermaine Dupri going off on Billboard for not giving the best selling male artist of the last decade, Usher, the cover of their publication. I attempted to make light of the situation, but it's abundantly clear that JD took it wrong [which can happen when you're looking at words on a screen] and has taken to his youtube channel to put me in my place. Check it out.
First off it never ceases to blow my mind at how people take to heart what I blog about. To me I'm just some lone kat in the ATL with an opinion. Word can't express how much respect I have for a MOGUL like JD. SOHH I truly feel regret if he took anything negative away from my one sentence.
When I said "Stay out of grown folks business" I didn't mean it negatively. The point I was trying to get across was that it may be best for you to not involve yourself in another man's situation SOHH that Billboard doesn't secretly try and come at you with any bullsh*t. I'm involved in a feud right now with the angry lesbian with no soul and it's all because I didn't stay out of grown folks business. SOHH please look at it as friendly [like we're really friends, right?] advice rather than a blow to your passion.
I'll admit that perhaps I should've expressed that better, but sometimes I get lazy and don't feel like typing like that. But if it's a respect thing you are arguing JD then how can I possibly disagree with you. Out of respect for his work and success he should have been on the cover. I'm sure this wouldn't have happened to Justin Timberlake [I'm just saying].
But the fact of the matter is Usher is going to have to "move mountains" if he is to have the impact that he wants in today's music business. It is my opinion that Usher has more problems to worry about than who is on the cover of a damn magazine. U and his camp are still going about promoting his new project the same antiquated way everyone else is. When is everyone going to get the memo that the old formula just doesn't work? But let me stay on topic.
At the end of the day Jermaine you are to be respected, and I for one have probably blogged about you more on SOHH Atlanta than ANY OTHER RAPPER INCLUDING T.I. SOHH please know that you are most definitely respected. You and your company have looked out for me SOHH much [So So Def/Not Def-Jam] and the last thing I ever intended to do was to hit that nerve.
But if there is any confusion let me spell it out for everyone to understand.
I HAVE MAD RESPECT FOR JERMAINE DUPRI. Even though he wouldn't give me Janet. LOL!!
Oh lord I can't wait to see the comments on this one.. Oh, and just so we are clear. I don't post emails...that's that other messy chick from Atlanta.
JD On The War Path Over Usher? And Shawty Lo and B.o.B. Grace The Cover Of Ozone Magazine
Uh Oh Jermaine seems to be pissed and he's turning to youtube to display his frustrations.
It seems that Billboard magazine chose hit making producer Danga over Usher. Well JD is not amused and is putting Billboard on blast.
Gyant says: JD, stay out of grown folks business. And an omission of a magazine cover is not what's wrong with this industry.
It's the fact everybody still thinks that a damn magazine cover sells records. And they don't!!
Thanks to my media brethren Randy Roper I can show you all the new covers of Ozone magazine. Why one of the leading hip-hop mags aren't online at this point is just beyond me. I'm convinced that some people just don't want to maximize their true earning potential.
I got a lot of luv for B.o.B. Plus that tattoo is kinda fly.
Young Jeezy & Blood Raw Pull A "Louie"? Plus, Ludacris Surprises The Kids With Monica, and Killer Mikes Help!
You know I usually try not to post two videos back to back, but I was cruising one of my favorite hip-hop sites [Writersblockmedia] yesterday and I came across Blood Raw's new video for "Louie Bag". Sigh, here we go again.
Now I'm not even going to waste the keystrokes. Just look at the similarities.
Where is the creativity?
Let's move on shall we?
[And I cut the braids off with the waves and the fade that will make you sea sick]
Yesterday I got an invite to come out and join Ludacris visit his alma mater out in Union City. Chris is quickly becoming the other unofficial ambassador of Atlanta because of all that he's doing.
He's got his new restaurant STRAITS that officially opened up in Midtown. He's working on a ton of movies. His foundation is thriving. And now he's just surprised a bunch of high school kids with a surprise appearance at Benjamin Banneker High School.
I was totally swamped with other commitments SOHH unfortunately I couldn't make it out to Union City to participate in the celebration. However thanks to Donna Pernell of Prime Phocus Photorgaphy I can still bring you all some stills from the event.
I hear the kids were completely surprised and even Luda was taken aback as his old high school surprised the other 'King Of The South' by naming one of their gymnasiums the "Christopher Bridges Gym of Dreams," in honor of the emcee.
I've said it before and I will say it again, Luda and the entire DTP family are becoming my favorite peeps in the game. I've given them HELL over there over the years, but they just keep upping the ante SOHH much that I just got to show them luv. [Read Up More Here]
Shout out to Tory Edwards AKA Grim for the invite.
Poppin Or Floppin Video Of The Week: David Banner, Yung Joc, and Chris Brown - "Get Like Me"!!
I figured since SOHH Dirty is in limbo right now I'd put you all on to Banner's new video. It seems that everybody wants a piece of Chris Brown these days. Usher's replacement seems to be everywhere with countless re-releases, and features. But did it work for David on this track?
Funnily enough I think Chris Brown's hook actually helped David Banner with this song. Personally I don't care for it. Is it me or does it seem that Mr. Banner seems to be getting worse with time rather then better?
Now I got a lot of luv for Banner and all that he does for the community as a whole, but I'm not sure if I'm feeling this one shawty.
T.I. & Shawty:The Wackest Beef Ever, Asher Is The Truth, Party w/Colby Plush On Mon @ Uptown, + Can I Taste Ace Of Spades?
I think it's safe to say that this will be my last post EVER [short of any physical violence] that I will do on this ultra lame "beef" between rival Bankhead rappers T.I. and Shawty Lo. The jabs were semi-amusing last week, but now it's becoming more sad [on Shawtty Lo's part].
This beef is about as interesting as me and the angry lesbian without a soul. Am I the only one who is finding this all to be as simplistic as Yung Berg's rhymes. Look at what the new up and coming "rapper" is resorting to now.
[I know I'm know one to talk about typo's, but isn't it spelled "sightings"]
This sh*t is SOHH corny I can't even believe that I am even wasting my time keystroking about this. But I know y'all eat this mess up SOHH here you go.
Oh, And Since We Are On The Subject Of T.I.
More music is surfacing from T.I.'s new project, or SOHH I'm being told. I personally don't see this track making its way onto Paper Trail.
A. Because it's not stellar. And B. Because the Pied Pier of Little girls is probably going to be sentenced to life behind bars now that the prosecution has just secured a powerful witness who's got another sex tape of herself, R.Kelly, and the little girl [Read That Story Here]
My internet homie Low Key over at Youheardthatnew.com hooked me up with it. SOHH I thank you for the lookout sir.
Moving Right Along...
I've already told you all about this dude Asher who is about to be the talk of the industry from coast to coast. Well I've decided that I am going to start to posting weekly videos of my new Caucasian homie because he's just too damn interesting not to.
I was mad surprised that many of you guys actually felt what I was saying enough to cosign on his talents. Check em out. Myspace Page
According to the youtube information this sh*t is old, but I think it's still pretty dope. To all the aspiring rappers out there this is what you got to bring to the table. No gimmicks or fake ass beefs. Just that real, raw talent that we all can fux with. At the end of the day that's all that matters.
Yo, I've got an honest question to ask you all. Has anyone tasted this damn Ace of Spades Champagne that I am always seeing some hip-hop star holding in pictures? I hear it's mad expensive and I've never had it, but I want to taste.
Contrary to popular belief, though I do very well as a blogger I ain't got no cash laying around to spend a stack on some damn alcoholic beverage. Maybe one of my many club promoting connects might hook me up one night for blessing them with the free promotion hint, hint....
And Speaking Of Club Promoters....
Y'all already know that I try my best to keep you in the loop as to who has the best parties in the city. Jamal Coleman has Uptown on lock Saturday nights, and it seems the party is SOHH live over there that Monday's is even the new hot spot.
Colby Plush of Plush Blue Entertainment is doing it big each and every Monday night. SOHH y'all go ahead and get your party on. Tell em Gyant sent you!
SOHH Gyant Randomness: Ladies Listen Up, New Study Shows That Phat Asses Are Actually Healthy! Plus, New T.I. Video!
While the African-American culture has always appreciated phat asses, new studies show that having a rounder, more plumper derriere has its health benefits. Check it out below.
A type of fat that accumulates around the hips and bottom may actually offer some protection against diabetes, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday.
They said subcutaneous fat, or fat that collects under the skin, helped to improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar.[Source]
SOHH eat up ladies!
I wasn't even going to post this T.I. interview seeing that its been everywhere, but I figured what the hell.
According to published reports the young woman known to many as "angry Soulja Girl" will be arrested for accosting an elderly woman on an Atlanta train. Apparently MARTA police caught wind of the altercation after the video began surfacing all over the internet. An immediate investigation was launched and they have successfully narrowed in on the young girl. Thanks to tipsters we know that the obviously troubled young girl often rides bus route 22, and police have issued a warrant for her arrest.
Wanda Y. Dunham, the chief of police for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, has released a statement in an attempt to downplay concerns that MARTA isnt safe. She had this to say:
“We want to assure the public that this is an extremely isolated incident and that customer safety and security are our highest priorities,†the MARTA Chief of Police said. “We regret that any customer had to endure such harassment while using our system. I also wish the many citizens who witnessed this incident would have contacted the MARTA police so that we could have responded to this situation immediately. We are asking that anyone who witnessed this incident please come forward to provide additional first hand information, which may lead to additional charges against the suspect.â€
I occasionally ride the MARTA train station to avoid parking issues when I go to Atlantic Station and I've personally seen some wild stuff on them trains. Y'all get it crunk down here unlike the MTA in NYC.
Let's hope they get things more streamlined down here. Personally I blame Soulja Boy. LOL.
Plies Swagger Jacks Young Buck? Is Anyone Interested in Q. Parker Going Solo? Plus, Pepsi Is Out Of Touch With Their "All-Stars"!
I was looking at Plies new album cover yesterday and for some reason I thought it looked familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it. However, after looking around the internet it finally hit me
Now how you gonna swagger jack Young Buck of all people? Are there any Plies fans in Atlanta? I never see him here.
And Speaking Of Plies..
Last night I stopped by a private listening session held by Q Parker from 112. It seems he's trying to put together a solo project and he invited the movers and shakers of the entertainment world to review some of his cuts. While I have always admired Q's vocal ability more so than Slim's I really think that if he's going to be taken seriously in today's ultra fickle music industry, he's going to have to get some up-to-date material.
A lot of the songs I heard were good, but I felt about 5 years too late. They all seemed dated. Of course I remember Q, and 112 from back in the day, but these kids don't, and you have to account for that.
I suggest he call up Ne-Yo to get on the project because Shaffer is blessed with selling R&B music to today's consumers. Plus he's also helped a lot of others sell it too. I think Q definitely has the chops, but I just wonder if the buying public is going to care.
Who honestly remembers Q from 112? And if SOHH do you think he's got a shot at a solo career?
Somebody sent me this video of something called the "Pepsi Mic Pass: ATL All Stars II" I have no idea what the hell this is. Between Bobby, Chingy, the Ying Yang Twins, Rocko and Shawty Lo I can't help but wonder "where's the all-stars"? I guess that's why Coca Cola calls ATL home because they'd know that ain't nobody checking for NONE of these kats.
I spotted a video on Writersblock yesterday that I found truly disturbing. Take a look how parents failure to discipline the kids of the world result in them growing up to become young terrors of public transportation.
I've done my fair share of riding on Moving Africans Rapidly Through Atlanta and I've seen some ill sh*t. A lot of young bastards get on train and cause SOHH much havoc. This is yet another example of how the hood has failed yet another youngling.
I'm 28 years old, and I was raised to respect my elders NO MATTER WHAT! I've got to just shake my head on this one. It seems everyone wants to be internet stars.
T.I. Puts Shawty Lo In His Place[Audio], Gyant Meets Kanye West, + Asher Roth About To Change The Game As We Know It!
It looks like the Shawty Lo/T.I. beef is heating up. We heard Shawty Lo slight Cliff on "Dun, Dun, Dun". Then we heard T.I. respond on "No Matter What". And now we are hearing the audio from a recent radio interview with the King himself putting his Bankhead rival in his place. Listen up compliments of Worldstarhip-hop.com
I can't even lie T.I. broke it down on Shawty L-O. And he's 100% correct on this one. Just admire the moon Shawty.
But While "Team Shawty", and "Team T.I." Are Silently Forming In The Background Check This Out..
Car issues almost got in the way of me linking up with a not so well known skinny white boy from Philly who can rhyme his ass off. His name is Asher Roth, and I kid you not, this kat is the truth. For the small minded peeps out there who still think that bruthas are the only ones who can rap really need to seriously get a clue because hip-hop is changing.
Asher Roth, an MC with a flow that's incomparable to any rapper I know has set up shop here in the ATL. 95.5 The Beat’s Kenny Hamilton put me on to dude, and I got to say that I think I’m a fan. Asher is getting all kind of blessings from hip-hop elitists like Jay-z, Andre 3000, Kanye West, Killer Mike, and Akon [just to name a few] who are all offering their support to the young up and comer. And while I don't want to put his business in the streets this dude is about flip the game with the backing of a major label.
I had a chance to stop by his spot last night to listen to some cuts from his project and I got to give the man his props. I’m telling you now, y’all not ready for the tricks he’s going to pull out of his fun bag.
Now I know y’all can be some cynical sons of b*tches SOHH I’m not even going to waste time or keystrokes trying to sell you. All I’m going to ask you to do is to check his myspace page.
I feel very confident in saying that Asher will be the talk of the industry in six months time. I hear his preppy swagger, and talent is SOHH authentic that the other labels have shelved all their white boy rap acts INDEFINITELY over dude. [Check Out Asher's Myspace Page Here]
Get A Musical Taste:
Oh, And While You're Taking That In.....
Here's a picture of me and Kanye West from Sunday. Go ahead haters clown away. But I was the only one who got a picture with him. I'm not one to get in front of the camera too often, but for Kanye c'mon....I had to.
Mr. Bangladesh Teams Up With Lil Wayne For Second Single, And It's Bananas [Audio], + Wayne Tracklisting For Carter III
The tracklisting for Lil Wayne's highly anticipated album "The Carter III" has been released and when I found out that Atlanta producing star Bangladesh is behind Wayne's new single "A Milli" I just had to give him some shine.
1. 3 Peat
2. Mr. Carter (featuring Jay-Z)
3. A Milli
4. Got Money (featuring T-Pain)
5. Comfortable (featuring Babyface)
6. Phone Home
7. Dr. Carter
8. Tie My Hands (featuring Robin Thicke)
9. Shoot Me Down (featuring D.Smih)
10. Playin’ With Fire (featuring Betty Wright)
11. Lollipop (featuring Static Major)
12. L.A. (featuring Brisco and Busta Rhymes)
13. Good Girl Gone Bad
14. You Ain’t Got Nuthin’ On Me (featuring Fabolous and Juelz Santana)
15. Let the Beat Build
16. Whip It
17. Misunderstood
Y'all already know that when it comes to music, particularly hip-hop I am extremely critical. I'll be the first one to admit that I am not the biggest Lil Wayne fan. It's not because I don't think that he's talented I just don't buy into the hype that is Dewayne Carter. But with that said I really think that this new album might actually do something.
I mean I'm finally starting to like "Lollipop", but I cant tell if its because I like the beat, or if its because it's being played EVERYWHERE and my ears have just accepted it.
But Wayne's next single "A Milli" which was produced by Bangladesh is FIYAH! I really do like it alot, and because I got connections you can listen to the track above. It should be playing by now and if it hasn't grabbed you by now then I don't know what to tell you.
I think this single could easily be the song of the summer, or at least in my i-pod it could.
Bangladesh has been doing his thing on the music boards for quite some time now. After doing a little research on him I just had to give him his props. For those of you who don't know, check out homie's roster:
Ludacris: Def Jam/ Disturbing the Peace
Back for the First Time â€" “What’s your Fantasy?â€
Back for the first time â€" “Hoâ€
Back for the first time â€" “Stick em’ Upâ€
Word of Mouf - “Go to Sleepâ€
Word of Mouf - “Freaky Thangsâ€
Word of Mouf - “Coming to Americaâ€
Word of Mouf â€" “Block Lock Downâ€
Disturbing Tha Peace: Def Jam/ Disturbing the Peace
Golden Grain Shawnna/Twista/Ludacris - “RPMâ€
2 Fast 2 Furious Soundtrack
Shwanna - “SLUMâ€
8Ball & MJG: Bad Boy/Universal
Living Legends - “You Don’t Want Dramaâ€
Living Legends - “Don’t Makeâ€
Living Legends Feat. Lloyd - “Foreverâ€
Petey Pablo: Jive Records
Still Writing in my Diary 2nd entry - “Vibrateâ€
Young Wun: Full Surface/J-Records
Dirtiest Thirstiest - “Try to Tell Youâ€
Ciara: LaFace Records/Jive Records
Ciara - “Hotlineâ€
Turf Talk: Sic Wit It
E-40 & Mugzi present: the street novelist - “Hubblerockâ€
Shawnna: Def Jam/ Disturbing the Peace
Worth the Weight - “RPMâ€
N2U:Virgin Records
Issues - “NO… Say NOâ€
Young Gunz: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
Brothers from Another - “Same Shit Different Dayâ€
Dogg Pounf Feat Paul Wall: Doggie Style Records
Cali Iz Active - “Make That Pu$$y Popâ€
Kelis Feat: Too $hort: Jive Records
Kelis Was Here - “Bossyâ€
- “Handfulâ€
- “Ahh Shitâ€
Dem Franchize Boyz:
-“Talkin Out Tha Side of Ya Neck
Lil Wayne Feat Corey Gunz
The Carter 3 -“A Millieâ€
Mr. Bangladesh has caught the attention of music moguls LA. Reid, Clive Davis and Sean “P. Diddy†Combs to produce music under their respective corporations but decided to push forth with his own imprint, Bangladesh Productions. With new music in 2008 for Dem Franchise Boyz “Talking Out Tha Side of Ya Neck†Lil Wayne, Willy Northpole, Star Trak’s Teyana Taylor and Floetry’s Marsha Ambrosius to name a few, Mr. Bangladesh’s title will quickly change from underground hit maker to Super Producer.
T.I.'s Calling Out All The Haters Who Said He Was Done On Official Single "What's up, What's Happening" + Teams Up With Kanye!
T.I. is opening up more and more about his new album that's dropping in August. He talked to Rolling Stone magazine in NYC recently where he played some tracks from Paper Trail, and also opened up more about his current legal battles. You know I got it for you below.
If you're like me then I'm sure you've had his new song "No Matter What" on repeat in your iPod. But if you thought that was his lead single to the new album you'd be wrong. Cliff told RS that his official single “What’s Up, What’s Happening†will be out in a couple weeks. The track, which was produced by Danja, is a bass-heavy club track full of shout-outs to haters who thought the MC’s legal troubles would sideline him. Could I [Gyant] be on that track? Let's hope SOHH.
Although I don't identify myself as being a hater - I'm more of a truth teller - I'd take a shout from T.I. on a song any day.
But if you thought that T.I. was happy to be out and about and off his pseudo -house arrest you'd b be wrong. Tip confessed that with his speaking engagements at schools to fulfill his 1,000 hours of court-ordered community service, that he actually misses be at the house in some ways.
Here's more of on his new album:
On “Collect Call,†he raps about all the fair-weather friends who disappear when things get hot over an R&B groove. “Let My Beat Pound†is a bass-heavy trunk-rattler produced by J.R. Rotem with a robotozed hook that’s meant to intimidate others on the road: “My trunk sounds like a midget trying to get up out of there,†he drawls. “You Ain’t Missing Nothing†is a dubious message to those in prison: With jazzy, soul sample, Tip promises “The time will do itself, all you gotta do is show up.†On “Sitting on Top of the World,†which features a hook by B.O.B., the MC reflects on his path to rap fame. And on “I’m Illin†he claims to be “the hottest nigga since Tupac.†Of course, after promoting the album, which comes out August 12, Tip will still have to serve a year in jail. “It’s a bitter pill to swallow,†he says. “But I’ve got a lot of water.†[Source]
If T.I. does in fact have to serve those 12 months in prison [which I now believe he probably won't] you know he's gonna have one royal send off that will be the talk of the town for months to follow.
After being the number one truth teller in all that happened with Clifford Harris last year I now firmly believe that "this man ain't dead, this man ain't done, this man ain't scared, this man ain't run, here he stands (yeah)....."
I can tell you that T.I. and Kanye were in the studio late Saturday night/early Sunday morning working on new song for Paper Trail.
And speaking of Kanye....
I met him Sunday night, and the man was cool as cool could be. Check the video:
Girls, Girls, Girls: Melyssa Ford Maxim Magazine Spread, Plus Rocko Da Don's "Tomrorow" Video!
You know I haven't done a "Girls, Girls, Girls, post at all this year. For those who don't know what that is, its when I put up photos of some of sexiest female creatures known to man. And when I saw this spread of hip-hop's most popular video vixen Melyssa Ford, I just knew that I had show all the fellas [and some chicks too] the pics. Check it out below.
Lord have mercy. That girl is SOHH fine. I remember when I had the pleasure of escorting Mrs. Ford to her car one night back when the BET Hip-Hop awards were here. And boy o boy what a woman.
But let's move on...
Rocko Da Don is back with a new video for his regional hit "Tomorrow". I'm sure many of you have already forgotten about Monica's baby daddy and his musical aspirations, but clearly he's not going to give up, and that has to be noted. SOHH here's the video.
Clearly there wasn't much of a budget. I actually had the chance to stop by the video shoot back in March and I thought they were only shooting a segment of the video, but nope. It looks like the entire video was shot on the same set.
In case you missed it check out my sit down with the "rapper".
Young Jeezy Teams Up With Kanye West , But Was It A Good Idea?
Here I was riding my high with Tip's new record "No Matter What" and then Jeezy had to come along and f*ck up my buzz.
Let me first start off by saying that I for one have been craving new music from the lights of Def Jam/CTE star Young Jeezy. Every time I would see him or any CTE staffers I would inquire about it, but they would all coyly say that it's "coming soon". However after just listening to the Drumma Boy produced track [I stand corrected] I got to say that I'm not impressed.
I strongly feel that in today's ultra finicky music business you got to come out the gate with a BANGER. I'm talking something that can knock all the haterz off their feet. This song doesn't even make me wobbly in the knees. It's a great filler track for the album, but not a good enough lead single to let everyone know that "I'm back bitches".
This song is more like "ehhhh I'm back...if you care." Where's the versatility? I feel like I've heard this track a million times before. Is it too much to ask to be blown away in amazement? I hate to compare, but T.I. did it, and seeing that SOHH many people put Clifford and Jay in the same category I know he can do it too.
And what's with Kanye trying to steal.....er, borrow, T-Pain's vocoder style? That sh*t can only work for one artist at a time per decade.
What do you all think? Are you all hearing something I don't?
JD Continues To Live The Life, Plus 9th Ward Is Going On Tour!
JD is still living the life and he keeps knocking out the videos showing us all how hard it is being filthy rich. Check yet another video he's uploaded to youtube.
Look for me it's Friday. This was an easy ass post. Me and my wife apparently got to head to the INS bldg even though we were both born in Jersey. LOL.
Oh and for the 9th Ward fans out there check out his new promo tour e-card. [Check Out E-Card Here]
T.I. & Shawty Lo Beef? Plus, USDA Actually Got Skills...Who Knew[Video]!
When T.I. 's new song "No Matter What" dropped I was hoping that nobody would pick up on the subtle jabs that Tip was taking at Shawty Lo. But that was clearly wishful thinking because just days after one of the most anticipated songs of the year hit the internet it seems the fallout between the two Bankhead rappers is palpable.
I am really not trying to put my opinion in this one whatsoever SOHH for this news I will turn to my girl Necole Bitchie to file the report:
Word on the streets is that it’s brewing up between T.I. and Shawty Lo in Atlanta. According to a source close to one of the two parties, the two spoke on the phone early this morning. Shawty Lo felt disrespected when T.I. took shots at him in the new (hot) record “No Matter What†that was dropped earlier this week. In the song he raps:
they couldnt wait to say goodnight shorty
so they can try to rhyme, act and look like shorty
go get a beat from toomp, and make a hook like shorty
before ya know it i’m back what it look like shorty
and
so i huff and puff rhymes, lyrics so sick wit it
set the standards in atlanta to get get get it
so you up and coming rappers wana diss, just kill it
im officially the realest, point blank, period [Source]
Look at the end of the day can't we just all enjoy the damn song. Shawty Lo needs to just get, get, get back.
But moving right along......
The boys from USDA hit up Green Lantern's Sirius Satellite radio show recently. You know them boyz ain't half bad. You gotta luv Jeezy swagger.
Fiddy, T.I., Jay-Z, Diddy & Kanye West Make Hip-Hop History. + Grind Time Official Doing It Big @The Drunken Unicorn Tomorrow Night!!
I got some more video from last year's historic concert that featured today's most popular rappers all on one stage. Check it out below.
I heard this year is gonna be even more off the hook. SOHH get ready!!
But for those of you desperate for some good live performances now.......
Killer Mike and Grind Time Official are going to be doing their thing at the Drunken Unicorn. Make sure you roll through if you wanna hear real hip-hop music.
Slim From 112 Trying To Do The Solo Thing With Yung Jocks Help? Plus, WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT BABY D???
You know out of all the outrageous posts that I’ve done none have come back to haunt me like the one I did on former 112 lead singer Slim. Last spring I made a joke about how Slim must’ve been doing drugs because at the time he wasn’t so slim anymore. Like many of my blog entries that post didn’t go over to well in the Scandrick household. But I ran into his wife last week at an event and guess what? I hear he’s still a little upset about it, but he’s also doing a solo project.
Marvin’s [Slim] wife recently made it her business to come up to me and let me know that he doesn’t do drugs any in fashion. She was the sweetest girl SOHH how could I have possibly been mean. I apologized to her, and she even took my contact information. She also told me that Slim is plotting a solo venture. And I got my hands on his new song and I want to know what you all thinking…
The song is titled “So Fly†and he’s teamed up with Atlanta’s musical whore Yung Joc [relax people I’m just talking musically…he’s on everybody’s sh*t]. Listen to the track below.
Gyant says: *No Comment*
And While You Are All Pondering Slim’s Solo Aspiration…..
Why in the hell is nobody talking about Baby D? Digipimp over at SOHH Dirty totally scooped me on that story [no hate, do what you do Digi], but since word broke I haven’t seen anybody really talking about it.
In case some of you are completely clueless as to what’s going on with lil homie check this:
(April 23, 2008) â€" New York, NY â€" KOCH Records/Big Oomp Records recording artist Baby D is being held without bond in Ohio on federal charges for allegedly trafficking cocaine. Baby D vehemently disputes these allegations. He is being held in the Butler County Jail which also houses people held on federal charges). Baby D was arrested in Dayton, Ohio on March 26, 2008 and continues to be held without bail. He also has three pending assault charges in Tennessee where he has a bond set. A warrant for his arrest in Georgia was recently dismissed.[Source]
I mean I know D doesn’t have the notoriety of other Atlanta superstars, but he definitely has a following. I inquired with my connects over at the Big Ooomp camp, but nobody’s talking. I don’t know why, but I just don’t see Baby D as a drug trafficker.
I see our news department hasn’t touched it, and neither has any of my blogging buddies. What gives people? Is Baby D not worthy of some luv? I’m praying for you lil homie. I hope the man doesn’t get you. I’m sure you got a good explanation
[Gyant and Big Boi, Damn I need to get my teeth whitened. Big Boi got that Colgate smile] 
