SOHH Atlanta

First things first, let me deal with the A-town representation at last night's VMA's. I think we deserved more nominations and performances but we still represented well. I could have sworn I saw MTV play T.I.'s "You Don't Know Me" for a good three or four months straight. But no nominations? Well, Luda did win for "Number One Spot" but we had to get one.

Or what about Dem Boyz' "Boyz N Da Hood" or Jeezy's "And Then What," MTV still has these video's in rotation and will probably continue to. But it's all good, I guess we are good enough to make money off of but not good enough to be nominated for an afflicted-looking Moon Man. Forgive me MTV, I just call it how I see it.

Now, my overall opinion of last night's show. Diddy was surprisingly entertaining, I especially like the fact that Grandmaster Flash was on the wheels, respect due. I also felt the tribute to B.I.G, Snoop did a nice job and added flavor to "Warning" and that's hard to do.

Speaking of Snoop, who was voted the best dressed in the building. The nominations must have closed before Shaq hit the red carpet. Did you see the diesels 'fit last night, he was clean from head to toe. What was Diddy thinking?

Then my man 50, it took some heart to get up there and call out Fat Joe in South Florida. If you've been to Miami then you know why, there's a HUMONGOUS hispanic population there. I would almost compare the numbers to the black population here in A-town. But as far as the beef goes. Although I am not a supporter of beefin' with each other, 50 brought it to him like a man. I was shocked. But I bet he didn't hit Washington Street afterwards.
Other noteworthy events from last night....Ciara you looked damn good last night but next time tell Missy not to hold your hand when you get an award, that's how rumors get started...Hammer, if only you could rap....Bobby V, sounded real good playa I was surprised....Usher, are you serious about coming with that clothes line, who are you marketing too?...JD, I ain't mad at 'cha when we talked I told you this was your year strike when ready.... Mariah, tightwork, How old is she?....Big ups to Luke and the girls....Also, Suge Who Shot Ya? Whover did it, RUN!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (77)

So now I hear 112 is getting into the mixtape game, yeah the same 112 who dropped Cupid and Peaches & Cream on us a few years back. I guess anybody can get into the rap game now.

Those of us who are true to hip hop need to set boundaries. Mase and Diddy are borderline enough without having true R&B groups enter the game. Afterall, we listen to underground mixtapes to escape the commercial music that we are forcefed on the radio.

112 made a choice initially to enter the music world as an R&B/Pop group and they need to stick with it. Would it be OK for Cube, Scarface, KRS, Mobb Deep you name 'em to release R&B joints, NO! So why do we allow this? And we wonder why the game has been filtered down like it has over the years.

And yes, I understand that this is a solo business endeavor for Daron but why not drop a mixtape full of Bobby Valentino's and Omarions. I do understand that it's a free country and people can do what they want but this is one CD I won't be spending my loot on. Anybody got a burner?

On the other hand, he did go out and get some powerhouses like T.I., Mike Jones and Killer Mike, so maybe they will provide some grit for us. But my suggestion is to find your own niche in the game next time, release an R&B mixtape or something.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 09:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Maceo drops his debut CD "Straight Out Da Pot" on Tuesday (8/23)...

Jermaine Dupri remains on top of the billboard charts for the 12th week in a row with Mariah Carey's single "We Belong Together"...

Damon Dash will be the celebrity host of Club Visions' Industry Night on Tuesday (8/23)...

Young Jeezy is over 250,000 units sold as of this week...Young Jeezy also releases "Go Crazy" featuring Jay-Z...

Ciara is nominated for a leading five Lady of Soul Awards...Field Mob signs with Ludacris and DTP...Four Brothers is tops at the box office co-starring Andre 3000...

Posted by SOHH Southern at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

After hearing about Lil Jon's latest venture of developing a cell phone golf game, I was initially impressed with the idea from a business standpoint.

But then I thought about it, after hearing so much about Jon's decision to split from TVT Records following claims of being defrauded out of millions of dollars.

My first thought was... hmmm' I hope he has a decent lawyer this time or better yet, I hope he has learned to READ THE DAMN CONTRACT!

How do you claim to have not been paid from anything over the last few years? All the hits, Dave Chappelle show segments, Crunk Juice sales, MTV's Hard Rock Series and concerts etc...Did you get a check from any of this, I wonder?

I'm sure you got paid something but I'm also pretty sure that the corporate sodimy was likely in effect in these ventures too.

My advice to you Jon, deal with legit companies, majors (see "you can't turn a hoe into a housewife") You're a platinum artist now, Handle your business as such. I feel no sorrow for your stupidity, yes stupidity because that's all this is a case of.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Ladies, the wait is over. Bow Wow and the gang make their way into town on Sunday. Between Bow Wow and Omarion, the show should be a good one. Bobby Valentino, Pretty Ricky, B5 and Marcus Houston will also grace the stage. Tickets are still available for the show so you still have time if you are a last minute person.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (38)

I recently spoke with Jermaine Dupri and he reiterated that same thing by saying that we needed somebody in Atlanta to transcend from being more than just a good underground artist to becoming large, as in Ludacris or T.I large.

Well, we might have found that artist in Atlanta's own Noah. Though, only 22 he has been around for a minute, now he is preparing to release his debut album "The Music Man" on Jive.

Many might have heard his single "Dat Boy Chevy" now he has dropped a nice remix of Destiny Child's "Cater to You" with his own version entitled "Decatur to You." Peace to all my Decatur fam.

Noah is featured in this months issue of vibe. Big ups to Maurice on a nice feature as well.

Click here to read more on Noah.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 09:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (31)

Last month Ludacris and Kanye West were sued for $10 million for alleged copyright infringement. They are charged with biting from New Jersey Group I.O.F's "It's Only Family" and then dropping Luda's "Stand Up" produced by Kanye. In addition, I.O.F possesses favorable reports from expert musicologists who support the validity of the accusation.

If this is true, I have lost all respect for these two artists. They have broken one of the biggest rules in the game.

It's one thing to to be the King of Samples (Kanye), but to take music creativity from a striving artist trying to make it is unforgivable. I.O.F trusted these two enough to put their demo in their hands and they violated that trust (if this allegation is true).

Think about it, this is all an unsigned artist has when they put their music out there to the bigger wigs, they can only pray that it is not stolen. If I can't trust you to deliberate on my demo without taking from me then what do I have left as an unsigned artist. How can I get my music out there. All I have left is selling from the trunk.

If this is true, I guess Kanye really is a Goldiggin ho'

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (19)

Big Boi has bolted for greener pastures it seems, as he will release two albums through Virgin Records on his newly formed Purple Ribbon label. This has no effect on the release of the long anticipated Outkast CD "My Life in Idlewild" which is set to release later this year. Outkast is still a group and will be releasing under their previous label, this is just a Big Boi venture.

The first release will be a compilation from the Purple Ribbon All-Stars on Oct. 4, led by the single "Kryptonite" featuring Big Boi, Killer Mike, C-Bone and Rock D. "I'm going to try to bring the whole family back together like Voltron," Big Boi says. And I hope so, it's been long overdue 'Dre.

His first artist to be unleashed on Virgin Records will be Bubba Sparxx, I have no idea why but I guess one could argue that there is a significant trailor park interest in Bubba these days. Then, Big Boi is set to release a Purple Ribbon All-Stars compilation featuring Big Boi, Killer Mike, Rock D, Bubba Sparxx and possibly Goodie Mob who have not signed on to the new label yet but the signing is in the works.

At Virgin, he will get a chance to work with Jermaine Dupri, producer/president of Virgin Records.
"It's cool to have somebody that you know sitting in a power position." Big Boi said. "He can make things happen in a timely fashion just by pushing buttons and that's what I've been waiting for."

Posted by SOHH Southern at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (40)

BET's Rap City Top 10 host J-Nicks has made his way to Atlanta by way of St. Louis and will be an on-air personality at 107.9.  He can be heard from 6-10 PM every weeknight, and we already know 107.9 has been a launching pad for several DJ's so he should benefit greatly from the A-town exposure too. 

He's one-half of the Dirty Boys duo in the evening, along with E.T the Entertainer.

I'm interested to see if he can interject some STL flavor into the city and the music, that's what separates the best from the rest.  Plus, we need a change of pace from time to time. 

I know personally that St. Louis has a lot of raw music and talent there so Mr. Nicks drop it on us because you know if it get's no play in the ATL strip clubs then it's garbage anyway...If we don't give it the green light of approval then it STOPS right here. 

But we do welcome you playa.  Just remember to do you but in the end always, always keep it crunk in atlanta!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 08:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

Don’t hit Maceo on his Nextel if you talking business, you won’t get a response. The ATL Native is blowing up the radio with his new single “Don’t Hit Me On My Nextel Chirp.” Already a club banger for a few months, with heavy rotation Maceo is stepping out of the underground shadow and into the hip hop spotlight. (I witnessed him do it real big at Birthday Bash, I was definitely impressed with his stage show).

Raised in Kirkwood, Eastside Atlanta, Maceo graduated from Crim High School and actually just started flowin’ a couple years ago. “I started ‘cause you can get a lot of money from it.” he said. “It took a minute, I had to go to every scrip club and event in Atlanta to get on. But we got on.”

I've heard a few underground cuts from Maceo, I think his production is nice but the lyrics could be stepped up a bit. Word is, he almost signed with BME which would have put him over the top but Quick Flip Productionz is doing their thing without the big name hype.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 07:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (64)

There have been a bunch of videos that I would consider classics coming out of the A-town, even the dirty south as a whole.  A couple that come to mind are "Smile" by Scarface, "Benz or a Beamer" by ‘Kast and the the list could go on.  On 107.9 they have been pubbin’ up there Vote for the All-Time Best Dirty South Video contest.  I’m interested to see who wins this honor.  You can click here to vote.

P.S. Is Nelly’s “Tip Drill” considered a Dirty South video.  If so….definite CLASSIC.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Atlantis Music Conference
August 10-13, 2005 - Downtown Atlanta

On the West Coast they have the SXSW Festival...here in Atlanta, we have the Atlantis Music Conference - the largest gathering of National & International Music Industry Insiders, Press, and popular 'up and coming' artists of the Southeast.

After seven successful years of bringing artists and industry together to network, get educated and enjoy great music, Atlantis remains one of the greatest avenues of discovery for new talent in America. Of the 300 acts chosen to perform at this year's conference, 95% are unsigned and several are hip hop acts, making Atlantis Music Conference & Festival one of the only events in the nation still dedicated to showcasing new artists almost exclusively

Now in its eighth year, music industry insiders and professionals gather together for 96 continuous hours of panels, parties, keynote address and more, giving every music lover -- from the novice to the seasoned professional -- a chance to network and discuss some of the issues facing the industry today.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 05:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Has anybody gotten a chance to check out Ludacris' Red Light District DVD? If you are a cannabis fan then this is the DVD for you. And the ladies are off the chain in here....Definitely recommend this for your viewing pleasure.

WARNING: This DVD contains footage of sexy ladies, excessive drug use and blazing live performances straight from the heart of the Red Light District in Amsterdam! Check out Luda's Red Light District DVD in a mom and pop or bootleg store NOW!!!

Posted by SOHH Southern at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

After selling over 172,000 units during the first week of his Thug Motivation 101 CD, I have to wonder what is next for Young Jeezy at this point. Well, his next major task will be deciding which single to release as a follow-up to his first single "And Then What" produced by Mannie Fresh and "Soul Survivor," a collabo with Akon.

After listening to a very strong, well put-together CD, this could be tough. I also had a chance to hear "Go Crazy," a collabo with Jay-Z over the weekend (Gangster Grillz Radio) and the audience feedback was real good. However, this song is not on the Thug Motivation CD.

Jeezy will be giving back to consumers who've already purchased the album. Anyone with an official copy of Lets Get It: THUG MOTIVATION 101 on CD can use their copy of the album to unlock the new version of "Go Crazy" at www.youngjeezy.defjam.com. The track will be commercially available through all major digital music retailers on August 16th.

Stay tuned for more on Young Jeezy, including dates for an upcoming U.S. tour throughout August and September and a new video for the current single "Soul Survivor" featuring Akon.

I’m really feeling the joint with Akon, I think that it has the potential to blow up big time. But, with a CD that has pushed that many units and still pushin’ you really can’t go wrong. So, what song would you suggest Jeezy put out after “Soul Survivor”?

Also, Here is what critics are saying about Thug Motivation as we speak:

"Jeezy stands as one of the most appealing artists in hip-hop...
Da Snowman has a solo debut set-up unseen since The Game...rap's Trapper Of The Year had put himself in contention for rookie of the year. For now, Jeezy's content with speaking solely to the hood, but...once he decides to set up shop in the mainstream, he'll be one of the realest on that strip as well." - XXL

"Today is the day that Atlanta hip-hop sees the release of another classic --- Young Jeezy's 'Let's Get It,' a fearsome gangsta rap album that's as clever and addictive as Dr. Dre's 1992 landmark 'The Chronic.'" - Atlanta Journal Constitiution

Posted by SOHH Southern at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (81)

First off, big ups to everybody that got out this weekend and participated in the voting rights march. That was major.

Next, I had a chance to hear T.I.’s interview on Gangsta Grillz Radio this weekend in which he made references to himself being the King of the South numerous times, he even went so far as to refer to PSC as All The Kings Men. I mean, I like Tip but this has gone way too far (pimpin).

Sell me anything why don’t you. My question is. If T.I is the King then who is the Prince? Or for that matter, who really is the King of the South?

Posted by SOHH Southern at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (90)

With The Anger Management Tour having passed through Atlanta this past weekend, I do have a few thoughts for Em and the gang as they proceed into the final stages of the tour.

First off, if Lil Jon is going to bring Ice Cube out as a surprise guest, make sure the Dom Dada remembers the lyrics to the song. That's my manz but that's unacceptable Cube. But whatever, he's still a legend.

Overall, Lil Jon's part of the show was crunk as the whole click led by Pit Bull, Scrappy, Bo Hagen etc... rocked the crowd for about an hour. Jon complained about the mics but in the end the show turned out aiight.

Next, my man 50 and G-Unit did their thing. 50 was monotone as usual on the mic, but he has so many hit's that it doesn't matter, it's G-Unit. The whole click was there too, Buck came out with the G-Unit chain that The Game alleges on 300 bars that he had to get back for him. It was blingin' too, definitely authentic.

Finally, Eminem capped the show with a flashy, pyro-technic filled show full of skits and a bundle of hit songs. Few wardrobe changes, just gritty rhymes. I was surprisingly impressed with Em's show. He sounded clear on the mic and even managed to diss Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson by hanging a baby over a balcony during the show which was vintage Em. Overall, he was able to keep the crowd into itfor the duration.

Fellow compadres D-12, Stat Quo, and Obie Trice could have been better. Stat didn't really get a chance to do his thing for the hometown. He did one or two cuts that wouldn't have moved a cadillac with a parking boot on it. After he drops Statlanta, maybe the people will begin to feel him more.

I recommend the show if you have the money to spend on it, it's not cheap. But for four or five hours it's something to do.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 07:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

John Legend, Common, and De La Soul will be performing Saturday at The Tabernacle, located at 152 Luckie Street in Atlanta. The concert has been slated to start at 8PM. John Legend is the headliner for the event along with Good Music labelmate Common. Knowing this, we could get an appearance from Kanye West, who recently made a surprise visit at Birthday Bash 10 with Ludacris.

I would expect Common to be the best performer at this event due to him having the latest album release as well as witnessing him perform well in the past. Tickets are $26 and seating is general admission. You can get tickets at (404) 659-9022.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Don’t you wanna taste of this Georgia Peach…Tell me you wouldn’t, you know how we talk…I won’t even go there on this blog but Rasheeda is in there with this joint. She has come back looking good and blowing up the clubs with her new single “Georgia Peach.” Click here to hear it.

After being featured on Aaliyah’s “Back in One Piece” remix along with DMX, Georgia’s own Rasheeda was riding high. Expected to be the heir apparent to the female female throne in GA, things took a turn for the worse after two extremely sub-par albums. Rasheeda was basically lost in the shuffle until her release of “Georgia Peach” this summer, arguably the hottest song in the A’Town clubs right now along with “What’s Hattenin.”

Rasheeda is no stranger to hit songs, she did drop “We Ready” with Albany’s own Pastor Troy but she failed to follow up with anything worth using for a cup holder. Let’s hope she does things differently, following up after “Georgia Peach.”

Posted by SOHH Southern at 07:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

With the discussion of Outkast sparking so much debate, I wanted to devote this week to my ATL Hall of Fame picks. Below is my list of top 5 Atlanta-based solo lyricists. Weigh in as well as provide your own list if you want. We all know that the great element of hip hop is that it allows for individuality meaning everyone has grown to acquire different tastes. So here's my breakdown of the all-time dirty emcee's past and present...

1. Andre 3000- When you talk about lyrical versatility you have to include 'Dre. Although yeah he's part of a duo with the success of The Love Below he has earned the right to be mentioned as a solo artist. "Even the sun goes down/ hero's eventually die/ horoscope's often lie/ and it sometimes why/ nothing is for sho' nothing is for certain/ nothing lasts forever but until they close the curtain.../ it's him and I/Aquemini. What more can I say?

2. Ludacris- From the first time I heard Luda on his underground cut "Stuck Between a Rock and a Hard Place" I knew the skills were definitely in place. Luda ranks this high because of consistency. Year in and year out top of the chart singles. Luda's semi-commercial but can hold his ground, ask T.I. we all know what happened to him on Young Buck's "Stomp."

3. T.I. - Well what can you say, Tip has carved his own niche into the ATL scene like nobody else had before. We all knew it was about crunk music and partying from day one here in the A, retracting back to the Kilo, Shy-D days but nobody was able to inject the gangsterism into the music the way Tip did. Everyone else is emulating but falling short.

4. Cee-Lo - An ATL staple, transcended into different musical areas with ease. Never able to be outdone a song. Makes you feel it. Would have put him higher had he came stronger with his two solo releases.

5. Killa Mike- Ability to hype up any track that he is on. Very underrated lyrically. Should go gold with his sophmore release I'm predicting. Needs to show more versatility. Barely nudged out Khujo Goodie, Jody Breeze and Young Jeezy for the final spot.

Honorable Mention- Da Brat, Big Gipp, Big Boi, Stat Quo (until I found out yeasterday that he doesn't know how to rock his own hometown crowd, needs seasoning), Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, Too Short (still consider him Oakland-based or you know he would be in the list!) Young Jeezy, Khujo, Jody Breeze, Witchdoctor, Left-Eye, I-20, Lil Scrappy, Pastor Troy.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (96)