SOHH Atlanta

After surpassing public expectations and wrestling with constant skepticism of their hit single "Laffy Taffy", D4L has bounced back with a vengeance as their follow-up single "Bet 'Cha Can't Do It Like Me" is rising up the charts and slowly silencing the critics as we speak.

I caught up with D4L's frontman Mook B while the group was in Memphis on tour and got we got a chance to talk about the surprising D4L success as well as the criticism, and the alleged animosity between D4L and Dem Fanchise Boys.

SOHH.COM
First off, the D4L buzz is crazy right now. I'm even hearing that you cats have been out on the east coast getting all kinds of love and you know that's big for an Atlanta artist, what's up with that?

Mook B.
Oh man, New York showed us too much love when was up there. Much love to everybody up in New York for real. Shots out to Kay Slay, Funkmaster Flex and everybody in New York man we did the grimiest club up in Manhattan and crunked it up.

SOHH.COM
How do you answer the critics who label you one-hit wonders and commercial artists?

Mook B.
We just give all praises to God and we don't even think about what people say or think about us at all. We just thankful to be here because coming from where we from we supposed to be either dead or locked up somewhere. We from four different projects in Atlanta so the odds was against us from jump.

SOHH.COM
Is there animosity between D4L and Dem Franchise Boys, what's the history behind that?

Mook B.
We aint got nothing but love for them cats but I don't understand all the talking. We hearing nasty rumors that we sabotaged they show at The Dirty Awards and they sayin this and that about D4L but we don't do business like that. I don't know what's wrong with them cats man. It's like this. I plugged them cats, I'm the one who put they CD in Coco Brotha's hands, I recorded not wrote, I recorded "White Tee" in our studio, I did that and they know I did that. Then Coco put Rahiem on the record because he had an established label. But they elected to go with the glamour and the bling not knowing it's all about the grimey aspect and relationships more so than money in this game.

SOHH.COM
So everybody can kill the rumors of a fued betwwen the two groups?

Mook B.
We aint trying to get into no beef. We congratulate them on their success for real, we aint studying that shit man. Print this just like I said too, all of them came up through my Westside Wednesdays at The Pool Palace in Buckhead man. I did that, so I was a part of they life, all of them. So whatever they have to say negative about D4L is bullshit because they talking about themselves because they was a part of D4L too before they got where they at. You can ask Chingy this, don't ever bite the hand that feeds you because carma is a bitch and God don't like ugly at all. God is on this man.

SOHH.COM
So what was the situation at The Dirty Awards?

Mook B.
It was nothing. They should have been at the soundcheck, they wasn't there. We was there. We did what we was supposed to do. In this game you have to have your stuff in order man, if they would have had good management then they shit might have been right. I promise on my kid's life that D4L aint have nothing to do with they show being sabotaged, they sabotaged they own show.

SOHH.COM
Is there anything else you want to add to that situation Mook?

Mook B.
Just that I aint hating on them and I wish to God that them cats would understand that. Look we all can eat, it's plenty 'nuff for both of us but we aint even trying to get into all that little boy shit man we grown ass men. We just trying to go forward in the situation not back, I mean we just opened up for the damn Backstreet Boys so this shit has exceeded all expectations you feel me.

SOHH.COM
There's alot of debate on who originated "snap music", is there any doubt in your mind as to who fathered it?

Mook B.
The whole "snap" thing happened just like this. We was in the studio looking for a hit. We lookin at Franchise and other cats on BET, and we like damn how we gon' get on too and at that same time DJ Pooh was laying the beat to "Bet 'Cha Can't Do It Like Me". I heard Fabo saying the hook so I just followed behind him with the snap and the rest of the hook and from there the "snap" was born. But you know it's like this if they aint hating on you then you aint doing something right. Everybody in Atlanta knows who started the snap and the dancing and all that. We aint claiming shit it's just a known fact in Atlanta. We just appreciate that the world has accepted our presentation. It's like this we just thank God for being here.

SOHH.COM
What's up next for D4L in 2006?

Mook B.
We just lookin at "Do It Like Me Baby" as the next single, and we looking forward to bigger things. We got Busta and Twista on the "Laffy Taffy Remix" and we just shot the "Bet 'Cha Can't Do It Like Me" video which premiered on BET recently. We just enjoying ourselves to the fullest, God has D4L on a mission right now so we'll just continue to pray and move forward.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (322)

Co-Founder of Crunk Incorporated, Serious Lord of Crunk has begun his pursuit to seek justice against Lil Scrappy, his attorney Leron E. Rogers, and officials from Warner Brothers Music/Reprise Records.

From the press release:

Lord was recently arrested for protecting Lil Scrappy from receiving bodily harm as the Orlando Police tazered and fought children in Orlando, Florida. According to Lord , Lil Scrappy never appeared in court to aid him. Once Lord was released, he was met with disturbing news. Not only had shares of Crunk Incorporated been allegedly manipulated, but monies had allegedly been dispersed by Warner Brothers Music/Reprise Records to Crunk, and divided without payment to Lord.

Lord says:

"Several false allegations were made against me by my business partner Lil Scrappy and Crunk Incorporated artists' Crime Mob in an attempt to gain more money and power. Officials from Warner Brothers Music/Reprise Records and Lil Scrappy's new attorney, Leron E. Rogers, allegedly assisted them in their perpetuation of lies and deceit in order to smear my name. In order to gain the trust of these young people, I suspect that Warner Brothers Music/Reprise Records and Mr. Leron E. Rogers attempted to destroy a hero. I'm the only person who took them in, and made their dreams come true."

Quit cryin, Lord! This happens to alot of unwitty young entrepo-neers who get into the game with these EDUCATED, SLICK lawyers who run game for a living.

Good luck son! This is why it's important to know who you are dealing with and know the industry before you jump in it, the rap game is nothing but a sess pool of gangstas right now and it's every gangster for himself. I mean look I believe Lord, reason being, Lil Jon is crying the same song right now with TVT because of the same circle of legal gangsters.

Everybody wanna get in the game but don't know the damn rules. The important rules to the game are the ones unseen...

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)

Every five years or so Atlanta changes its hip hop taste and forces other areas to either copy or step up their game and right now we are in the midst of one of those area changes right now. I think we can all admit that the "crunk" era is all but dead right now. Lil Jon, Pastor Troy and damn near everybody else rode that truck until the wheels fell of but "crunk music" has met it's life expectancy.

Out with the old and in with the new...As we usher in the "Snap"era.

Those in Atlanta have been familiar with the snap for a while now but as with everything else, the rest of the country has caught on and now they treat it like it's brand new. We've been snappin' and trappin' for a minute now but groups like Ben Hill, D4L, and Dem Franchise Boys have brought it to the light (as Gipp would say).

Check out this recent MTV article on Snap Music:
The ATL sound is continuing to evolve even now. Mr. Collipark, who's produced tracks for the Ying Yang Twins and David Banner, is trying to start his own sound, called intimate club music, where the MC whispers on the track. Now on the other hand, the groups D4L and Dem Franchize Boyz, who call their style "Laid Back Crunk", are ushering in the "snap music" sound, which incorporates very simplistic beats and finger snaps.

It's here for the 2006 and then some, and as long as the dances keep coming in to go with the music, the era could be limitless. But just like with "crunk music" (Was it Memphis or Atlanta) there will be so many who try to lay claim to the "founder of snap" label or "King of Snap". During both my interview with D4L and Franchise respectively, both groups claimed the snap music foundation as their own. Who will get the crown? David Banner, Jeezy, D4L, Trap Squad? It looks as if Mr. Collipark i the frontrunner to get the credit according to MTV.

With newcomers like Jeezy and David Banner Banner, who says he's been getting back to 90% doing beats and production, Atlanta is in real good hands right now. The question is, who will be credited with pioneering this new movement five years from now?

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (382)

Atlanta's crunk movement pioneers, The Youngbloodz have recently announced the launching of a Cuban restaurant in the Wyndham Hotel in Midtown Atlanta. Sean Paul and J-Bo plan to do it real big on the entreprenurial side as well as with the music in 2006. Their album, Ev'rybody Know Me recently dropped and is getting major props as we speak.

"You know, after selling 300,000 of our first record Against Da Grain, and more than doubling that with Drankin' Patnaz over 700,000 sold, again, we're on another level. Making money now. And making investments."

"My uncle’s wife is 100% Cuban. My uncle has been in the restaurant business for a while. They had an opportunity to invest some money and make some money. We co-own the business. I’m just in the background." Sean Paul says.

It's good to see these entertainers making smart investments like these. JD with Cafe Dupri, TI and his construction company and recent opening of a nightclub and even Diddy with Justin's restaurant even though he charges an extra 10 bones on the weekend just because. But anyway, I know there are several artists making good money decisions because the loot won't last forever.

Speaking of, I'm watching Bobby and Whitney spend money like kings and queens on some of their reality episodes, I'm thinking do they still have money coming in from somewhere? They haven't done anything since when...'94. I'm sure Whitney does have long money but don't be surprised ten years from now if they end up crying the bankruptcy blues (ask Toni and T-Boz what I mean). I wish that upon no man but I do wonder sometimes....

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (122)

It's Christmas time in Atlanta and you know what that means right, yeah you guessed it Diddy's in town throwing his 3rd annual Christmas Party at Visions Nightclub downtown.

It has always puzzled me how everybody rushes out to an event just because an entertainer tags his name on something. Do we really go with the hope of meeting and greeting these celebs? I don't care where you are Miami, NBA All-Star Weekend, The Super Bowl...you name it, if it's a Diddy party we come out in droves. Talk about pimpin', this is ultimate pimpin' ladies and gentleman-from city to city.

The thing about it is many times we don't even see dude and access is usually ungranted to get near him if he is there anyway. It's all a joke to me. And get this, by 11:00 PM we're willing to pay upwards of a C-note or better (that's $100 for you suburbian folk), JUST BECAUSE HE GOT HIS NAME ATTACHED TO A FLYER AND A PROMO COMMERCIAL? Can I get a concert, a mic check, or I'll even settle for the Making The Band chics or Ness & Babs (what happened to "The New Bonnie and Clyde" anyway)...

But you know what the sad part about this blog is? I'm going to the damn party myself, on business and also because I know half the women in Atlanta will be there to see Diddy, the town pimp.

But you would even change that to say instead, I'm Down 'Cause I Got A BDP On My Head.....
-KRS 1

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (53)

Still riding the enormous wave of a their smash single "I Think They Like Me", a remix featuring super-producer Jermaine Dupri and fellow SoSo Def artists Da Brat and Bow Wow, Dem Franchise Boys are preparing to drop their sophmore LP, On Top Of Our Game in early 2006. However, the current year still holds some unfinished business as I caught up with them at their jam-packed video shoot for "Lean Wit It" in the heart of Atlanta.

The popularity of the four Atlanta natives was evident as I approached the video shoot at the Pool Palace, arguably the hottest club in the city, located in Bankhead. I was carefully screened by security and it was immediately apparent that the four Bankhead natives, Buddie, Jizzal Man, Pimpin and Parlae were definitely the toast of Atlanta right now.

I finally caught up with the group on their tour bus during an intermission at the video shoot and we talked about their forthcoming LP, their famous SoSo Def mentor and what it's like to be Dem Franchise Boys right now.

SOHH.COM:
First of all what's good fellas? I know we're fresh off The first annual Dirty Awards and alot of people are criticizing your performance on stage. What happened up there?

Parlae:
Well you know it's like this, shit happens. We had two DJ's going, one on stage and one in the back. We thought the DJ in the back was supposed to be spinning the instrumental so we took him the instrumental but he said he already had it. But, he really had the street version and not the DFB version and we had already took the right version to the DJ up front who thought we was coming with "Lean Wit It" so the beats was on top of each other and shit was just fucked up man. But being the artists we are we just kept going and didn't stop just to keep the show going. We had to keep it professional.

SOHH.COM:
Do you think it was an accident or something done purposely?

Parlae:
There were rumors that the DJ got paid off and that shit got sabotaged or what not, but it aint no telling. We just got to keep it thorough and we can't dwell on the shit, but I'm glad you asked that. The thing is, we number one in the country right now and we clockin 3,500 spins a week, we got on in six months, we got two billboard hits in two years and it's about to be three so shit like that don't faze us. We still gon' keep it pimpin for real.

SOHH.COM
Okay, well switchin lanes for a minute, what's it like to work with the mayor of Atlanta Jermaine Dupri?

Parlae:
This is like a dream come true for all of us to work with the man. I mean he's behind so many hits like Mariah and Usher you know and it's just a blessing and we understand that. He' showing us every side of the industry and the thing about it is he let's us be us. He's cool to be around and we just blessed that he took us under his wing and we just flying with him right now.

Pimpin:
Yeah J is the mayor of Atlanta, and we the hottest thing in Atlanta so we supposed to be together.

SOHH.COM
When I interviewed JD the day Young, Fly and Flashy dropped he pointed out how hard you worked as a group in the studio and how your work ethic was one of the biggest things that impressed him, how do feel about recieving those type of props from him?

Buddie:
Yeah we used to do this rapping shit for a hobby and for fun so when we started getting paid for it you know we was on it. You know what I'm saying, we getting money for something that we love to do and it's legal money too! Enough said.

Parlae:
I mean we try to bang out a song a day. We stay in the booth, myself I recently did eight songs in one day man, that's how hard we at this right now.

SOHH.COM
On that same note, I've talked to several independent artists like Gucci Mane and Maceo in the past who say they love the creative control that they have as independent artists, do you still have that same type of room to create since being signed?

Parlae:
No doubt, and first let me send a shot out to Gucci Mane and his situation. It's funny you mention Maceo because we got a bunch of tracks with Maceo on deck and the whole Quick Flip family. But as far as creativity, if you can't do you then why do it at all? And see that was the thing that we didn't like about Universal when we was with them at first. They tried to change us and they didn't want to let us be us but now with Virgin its like before they even put our name on a shirt they calling us asking for our input like do you want top, bottom, right, or left.

SOHH.COM:
What's the best part about the fame and being on top at the moment?

Parlae:
The fans. Just to see the fans relate to what we saying and understand where we came from to where we at right now is the best part. It's good when you know people listening to you and understand that what you saying is important enough to be heard, that's big.

Jizzal Man:
We trendsetters, everybody looking at Dem Franchise Boys as trendsetters. We drop " White Tee", they drop "Black Tee", then we drop "I Think They Like Me" then they drop "Betcha Can't Do It Like Me" I mean damn. Now we droppin Lean Wit It and I bet cats follow-up on that shit. We trendsetters, only the great one's can be trendsetters. It's all flattery to us.

SOHH.COM:
What artists have been influential to you as a group before you got signed?

Buddie:
We been influenced by every artist that came up out of Atlanta, especially the real street niggas who made something out of nothing. And we aint talking about these fake niggas claimin hoods that they aint never stepped in. Don't think we don't see you.

SOHH.COM:
Finally, what's next on the agenda for Dem Franchise Boys in 2006?

Parlae:
The album drops on February 7, 2006. We got a bunch of artists on there. We got Jim Jones, Trey Songz, the whole SoSo Def family, and our group Ten Entertainment. And see folks know who we is but they really haven't got a chance to really find out what we about so we just going to continue to give back to the people cause that's why we here.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (151)

It's Official, Grand Hustle Entertainment and Atlantic Records have announced the signing of Atlanta-based DJ, DJ Drama to a long-term deal.

It's really nothing new because Drama was T.I.'s DJ on his last two major tours. But there must have been big money involved for him to sign an exclusive deal, considering how big he was on the independent mixtape circuit both nationally and internationally. We'll see if it's really an exclusive rights deal or a partnership, time will tell.

In the past, Drama served as a tour DJ for a variety of people, including Slum Village and Lil' Scrappy, but now his rights are exclusively Grand Hustle. I guess his situation would be similar to Whoo Kid and Green Lantern etc...
After putting over 20 volumes of mixtapes out in a year, I hope we still get the same type of hustle. The Apphiliates and Drama are a major hip hop resource, we gotta have it and I hope nothing changes on that end.

Anyway, big ups to Drama and watch out for Grand Hustle, they're making major moves in 2006.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (59)

One of the big uproars in the city right now is the so-called atlanta anthem, "The A-T-L" created by Dallas Austin under the careful guidance and instruction of Mayor Shirley Franklin. “The ATL” is performed by Ciara, Monica, Jagged Edge, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of TLC and Sammie to name a few.

One detractor argues that the hip hop anthem might as well say "bring your boom-box and your bling-bling to Atlanta.” while another says that it caters to “gun-blazing, Ray Lewis-admiring thugs.” (So I see we still haven't got over Ray and his O.J. imitation)...

The bottom line is this, nobody is ever going to agree 100% but they should have solicited more input from the city and incorporated artists from all across the spectrum when talking about creating a city-wide song. If they would have done those two things, then there would be no room for debate.

What difference does it make really, we introduced it at a Falcons home game with the silent notion that the Falcons were going somewhere in the playoffs and that's not happening anymore. I'm sure they felt like they would have a chance to blow up the A-T-L chant as well as the song during that time but the Falcons had they're eye on something else, an early vacation.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (283)

What's Up with Luda? First the rebel suit, now he's dissin "America's favorite dumb ass blonde chic" Jessica Simpson.

Incase you missed it Luda said this about Jessica on TRL, " I think Jessica Simpson is flawless except for one thing-I would get her a bunch of little butt shots. She needs the injections in the behind. Okay, I take it back, she need a new man for Christmas. I'm a Jessica Simpson fan don't take it the wrong way."

<And everybody mumbles>Damn...and she ain't even got a man to defend her no more, that's messed up.

I don't know but she aiight to me, I mean at least she looks better than her sister Vanelli Milli in the face but I do have to agree with 'Cris because I've always thought that same thing whenever I see her from the rear.

Here's the thing, I can get over the lack of ass but it's her slow ass not signing a prenup (from what I hear?) that's got me trippin. Luda should've said something about that. What did she think 30 year-old Nick was gonna' blow up again on some boy band shh' again? What was Ms. Chicken of the Sea thinking? But then again she is a blonde(But I'm a Jessica Simpson fan don't take it the wrong way, right Luda)

But anyway ATL, Luda is still in the Christmas spirit though, he's having his annual Luda-Cris'mas party at Club 112 on Saturday.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (51)

A couple months ago I had the chance to venture down into the "deep dirty", the backwoods of Mississippi. As always, I made it a point to keep an ear to the street and by the time I left the crooked letter state my ears were buzzing.

Everybody was talking about a new artist named Big K.R.I.T and after I got a chance to hear his material, I definitely understood why.

At only 19 years of age and under the watchful eye of an Atlanta-based management team, the young artist/producer has already accumulated a catalog of music (I did say a catalog). Influenced by old-school artists like The Dramatics, The Manhattans, and The Ohio Players, Big K.R.I.T is producing and writing his own music with a southern flair that's causing a major stir all over the south with several mixtape appearances and a number of gritty singles.

I got a chance to catch up with a humble K.R.I.T and we discussed his rising success.

K.R.I.T says: "I started out rapping at about 12 years old and started doing shows in and out of clubs and shit along the way, then it got to a point where I got tired of paying for beats and I just stepped back and was like I can play a bunch of instruments anyway from being in the band when I was younger, so fuck paying for beats and shit, and that's how I started producing and doing music. From there I just stepped up my vocab and lyrical skills and the rest is history."

I also asked him to give me a feel for the the different hip-hop flavors coming out of the Delta state right now:

"David Banner is a hell of a representative for Mississippi right now, I can't complain but Mississippi is more than just crunk music. Right now, we on some pimp shit, crunk, throwback and all that." One of the songs which show that extreme southern feel is I Just Touched Down, a thumping single with several old-school soul samples injected in it.

"I got a label right now and I'm looking to bring out some of my artists too. I'm really just trying to kill the independent scene right now with See Me On Top Vol.1 and 2 hosted by DJ Folk." K.R.I.T says.

Check out: I Just Touched Down, Baby Do It and Bring It Back. You can also purchase his music and hear a great deal of K.R.I.T's work at www.myspace.com/bigkrit.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 1:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (42)

The long-anticipated Ludacris Presents Disturbing The Peace compilation finally dropped yesterday and it's on point. Ludacris does a nice job overseeing this project, he's come a long way from the "one-hit off the entire CD" days of I-20 and Shawna.

I have to give it a slightly better grade than Purple Ribbon's Got Purp Vol. 2 CD simply because of the versatility with several different types of artists appearing from Redman to Ghostface to Trick Daddy. So basically, as my man DayShawn from The Ultimate Hustler would say....basically it's got something on there for every type of hip hop listener.

The entire DTP roster: Ludacris, Field Mob, Shawna, I-20, Playaz Circle, Shareefa, Fate, and Norfolk (from NC) make an appearance on the CD as well.

Ghostface, Redman and Icarus have a real thorough cut on there called "Future Thugs" and even Bobby V. with the help of Field Mob comes through on "Table Dance", an anthem for the pole sliders. The CD also includes the current hits My Angel and Georgia w/ Field Mob.

It's a definite buy or download, however you gotta' get it.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (57)

ATTENTION! This post is strictly for the grown and sexy, I repeat... strictly for the grown and sexy!

The new Anthony Hamilton CD Aint Nobody Worryin just dropped today and it is hands-down a classic CD, believe it. After going platinum with his first joint Comin from Where I'm From he definitely bounces back real nice on this album.

Some songs to keep an eye on, "Preacher's Daughter" and "Sista Big Bones", a tribute to the plus-size females (to each his own). This 13-track CD is socially conscious as well soulful and you can let the CD spin from beginning to end with no interruptions, it's just that smooth. SoSo Def really did their thing this year and this album just enhances the legacy JD is still building.

Also, The Youngbloodz drop Ev'rybody Know Me today with the album release at Visions alongside Nelly and his Christmas party. If the first single "Presidential" is any indication of how the CD will do, we might be looking at a platinum joint for the Drankin Potnaz too.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

Big, Big ups to the Ying Yang Twins on their "Best Performance By A Duo or Group" grammy nomination for the song "Wait". When you get grammy nominations you know you put in work that year. Say what you will about them being commercial but my guyz move units consistently.

D-Roc and Kane have been doing it for a minute now, so much respect is due. I remember spinning their first joints back in the day, real heads remember "True City Thugs" and "One on One" back in '98-99. Alot of people think Ying Yang came out of nowhere but they've grinded for a minute to get where they are.

Lil Jon might not have had too much success with TVT Records but The Twins and Collipark are over there doin' it, "Me and My Brother" went platinum and U.S.A. is still selling.

Be on the look out for Ying Yang Twins' U.S.A. Still United CD/DVD featuring 13 unreleased tracks and video footage dropping on Dec. 27th.

And finally, R.I.P to my man Richard Pryor, by far the trendsetter of urban comedy as we know it.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (48)

Bling tones? A full page ad for Bling tones in XXL...Why? Last I checked, heads don't even say the word Bling anymore. As a matter of fact the last time I remember somebody even using that word was when, 2000.

C'mon somebody, get creative for me. If we're going to continue to put money behind "Bling" then we might as well let Hammer make chips off the old adage "It's All Good" (15 years later). Step your game up like Lil Jon and release a Desktop Player or something.

Let's force these rappers to step their game up for real. Get original, bring new ideas to the marketing table, quit playing it safe and roll the dice.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

No disrepect, but am I only the only one who's tired of seeing Fabo from D4L kick his damn leg up sideways or what. Don't get me wrong, I do respect D4L musically because they did their thing this year no doubt, but that leg kick I'm just not feelin'.

They say they're from the different projects of the "A" but I can't even see brothers in Grady Homes catching on doing the high kick. I just can't see it. Although I did see Heather Hunter do a trick like that in a porno before.

But I guess some would argue that that's Hip Hop, keeping it real with originality. But this one here is taking it to the extreme, plus it's on some wack shhh.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 11:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (163)

Still rotating these Technics daily and trying to keep everybody aware of what's really bangin in the streets and the clubs of the "A". Here are this week's singles to keep an eye on.

1. Diamonds - Slim Thug feat. Young Jeezy - Slim Thug drops a real nice 16 bars on this remix backed up by Jeezy and Thugga's compadres. The production? Mannie Fresh is holdin it down on the boards for this one. Mannie, you know you're stepping your game up when your beats become recognizable without mention of your name.

2. I Just Touched Down - Big K.R.I.T - Southern banger for real! Pick this one up and you'll have a hard time getting it out of rotation. The production is supertight with a nice old school sample overlapping the beat, all done by K.R.I.T. as well which is rare. This is one of those joints that you can definitely ride to. You can pick up his See Me On Top Vol. 2 Mixtape here and keep an eye out for my feature on Big K.R.I.T later this week.

3. Lettin' Go - - Janelle Monae - A must have for the ladies. Real smooth single off the Purple Ribbon CD, this or "Time Will Reveal" might end up being the biggest seller off the album when all is said is done. This is just her introduction, something that the A has been missing, a female singer blowing with some substance over hip hop beats.

4. Strip Club - Red Cafe/Mack 10/Fat Joe- I'm lovin this, not necessarily ATL artists but put it like this, Red Cafe (always in ATL) Mack 10 (caught a domestic case in ATL) so there's the connection. I hear they have plans to re-release this plus I'm feelin everything Red Cafe is puttin out right now. With him and Papoose the east is finally starting to look up again.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (19)

Just caught an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution reporting that there are over 11,000 students from the New Orleans area that are now registered in the greater Atlanta area school system. That's alot of damn people! So I have news for you ATL, it's only a matter of time before the New Orleans sound begins to have its influence here.

Five years from now, many of those 11,000 students will be the new breed in the game. Even the current elementary students will be the teens who are doing it. It's going to happen. And just to think, that 11,000 doesn't include the over-18 New Orleans natives that are already in the recording studios workin'.

Don't look now but The Fireman has already arrived, Young City is doing several collabo's here with Noah, Tip and Jeezy to name a few. Mannie Fresh is also making major moves here so it's only a matter of time before that N.O bounce joins forces with the crunk scene, and the same can be said for Houston which has an even larger influx of people.

Will the two combine or will the two beef? Only time will tell, we'll see what happens.... I do know that with so many new faces, I will have to pay more attention to the N.O. folk from now on. Welcome to ATLanta....

That said, here are my Top 5 All-Time Favorite New Orleans cuts.
1. Still Smokin - Mystical
2. Swamp Nigga- TRU
3. Get The Gat - Lil Elt
4. Ice Cream Man - Master P
5. Ha - Juvenile

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (89)

Biz Markie will be on the 1's and 2's for the fourth annual charity fundraiser benefiting The Center for Homeless Women and Children hosted by super producer Tricky Stewart and Red Zone Entertainment. The event will take place at The Compound on Wednesday, December 7 at 9 p.m.

The event, which last year drew hundreds from the Atlanta entertainment community will boast the finest entertainment. Performing this year will be several Red Zone artists. "No matter how much we enjoy making music day in and day out, nothing compares to the thrill we get from lending a hand to help those in need, especially at this time of year." says Stewart.

The benefit is supported by V-103, who will be hosting a live remote broadcast from the Compound with producer Brian Michael Cox, Hypnotiq, No Name Entertainment, ASCAP, So So Def and Soulstice Media Group.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Did anybody get a chance to hear Ms. Voletta Wallace's interview on 107.9 (The A-Team) this morning? She was on for at least an hour answering questions and also promoting her book "Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, Christopher Wallace, aka Notorious B.I.G", the entire interview was too long to quote but here are a couple of questions and high points from her appearance.

What is your relationship with Afeni Shakur?
"My relationship with Afeni Shakur is beautiful one, we both have an incredible bond having lost two sons in the same violent way. We are forever connected"

What is your relationship with Diddy and how close are you?
"We have a wonderful relationship contrary to what others say, and we are close. Let's put it like this...If I were to call Puff and he was sleeping I would only have to say to the person on the phone, Tell him he's having a bad nightmare and to wake up for Ms. Wallace and he would."

What is your relationship with Lil Kim and with Mase?
I haven't spoken with Mase in a long time, we rarely talk, I believe the last time was at the MTV awards and Lil' Kim well I have already put enough energy into that whole situation and I'm not going to put anymore into it. I talked about her in the book."

Words from the first mother of the east coast

She will be signing books at the Oasis Bookstore today and there will be a listening party at Fatburger at 6:30PM.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (33)

Believe it or not I'm finally feeling you a little Bow! When I first heard the CD, "Fresh Azimiz" was the first joint that I liked, come to think of it-it was the only cut I liked. It's a nice club banger and the video surprisingly does the song some justice (jus' a lil' bit).

A few reasons why I'm actually diggin this video:
First, No JD all up in the video! Way to stand on your own two youngster.
Second, gotta' give it up for Bow Wow sportin' the platinum grill...A thug is being born as we speak!
Next, No appearances or verses from J-Kwon...Bow was like look man I don't need them wack ass verses, just ride the hook cousin. But what's up with the Mike Jones affiliation and appearance?
Finally,give it up for dude getting jocked by the over 30 chics in the club. Big ups lil homie.

Posted by SOHH Southern at 10:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (42)

After reading the NY Times article Scenes From An Arranged Marraige, I'm left with a mixed opinion regarding the strategy of pairing artists who don't know each other and putting them off on the public as being "clicked out" just for the sake of sales. On one hand I do understand the marketing end of it all but why we gotta' be lied to for the sake of a profit. Tell us anything!

So all you starving artists need to quit shopping your demo's and focus more on shopping your damn selves I guess.

I don't know but it's always good to pay attention to the signs, if the "pairing up" with Dr. Dre and then 50 didn't work for this Governor cat then it might be the idea and not the artist that isn't working out.

My prediction is this, it will work with Tip because of the southern hospitality element involved, we just cool like 'dat in the south. Rarely do we let ego's and propoganda get in the way of money or anything business. So chances are if the music is tight...we'll buy into it.

And I bet you thought Game and 50 were really homies at first huh? So maybe this explains what happened to Danny Boy...

Posted by SOHH Southern at 12:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (24)