R.I.P. MJ

I loved MJ's music. I'm not going to say much about his life or legacy because story upon story can be found anywhere you might glance. I have actually seen quite a few nice pieces on him.

Here is a news show (one of my favs) with an honest and intellectual discussion of his life, music, and lasting contributions. It's a nice respite from the mainstream media's sensationalism and tendency to make a mockery of everything they cover.

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/6/30/michael_jackson_1958_2009_the_life

I also found a dope collection of MJ remixes on this really dope blog called "The Essentials of Cool."

The funeral last night had your boy a little misty. I thought that was well done with the exeption of Mariah Carey's song. She didn't sound good and what really got me was the fact that Trey Lorenz struggled. Got so hyped when he came out and couldn't wait for the "holding on" high note... nah, didn't work out so well. I loved the kid from Britain's Got Talent, Usher, and Jermaine Jackson. Jermaine! I forgot how nice a voice he has. Remember this vid? I'm sure you don't unless you grew up on Video Soul like I did.





God Bless MJ and Fam.

Slimster

Rock the Mutha Effin Bells 2009 -- Chicago Edition

Yo yo! It's Adam again with a review for that ass.

Spent yesterday in the lovely hamlet of Tinley Park for 2009's Rock the Bells show. If you don't know, it's an all-day hip hop festival. Started at Noon, ended around 11:30pm. Tons of acts.

Got to the show around 4:30 because I just can't handle all day at a venue. I'm just getting too old for that shit. If I get there too early, I spend the end of the night waiting for shit to be over just so I can go home. Also, I'm not really interested in seeing Murs or Jay Electronica, like last year.

So I rolled in around 4:30 since K'naan was set to perform around then. First thing I saw was Buckshot and KRS on the second stage ripping it up. I didn't even know Buckshot would be there, so I was stunned when I was waiting to get past security and I heard his voice. He rocked some of the classic Boot Camp shit and some new joints off his forthcoming album with KRS. Not bad. Watched his set, then rolled into the main stage for K'naan.

He opened with "in the beginning" and performed it pretty well. He had a live band backing him up this time, which was a welcome change from the last time I saw him when he was rapping over his own track playing on the sound system. He still had the chorus of his songs playing, but it was much better than the entire show being rapped over his CD.

Unfortunately, the crowd was sparse and pretty laid back at 4:30--maybe saving their energy, maybe just not into it. I don't know. Whatever it was, not too many people were participating with him. It was a shame, too, because his whole set was pretty solid. When he performed "Take a minute," it gave me the chills.

He did "waving flag" last and kind of annoyed me with it. He did the whole song really slooooow and acapella first, trying to get people to sing along with him. It didn't work, due to the aforementioned lackadaisical crowd. The band then kicked in and he did the full version of the same song and rocked it. Chills, part 2. Too bad the crowd sucked at this point and he left the stage to a weak applause.

Next up, Reflection Eternal. Yup, Kweli AND Hi-Tek, together. They got an album dropping this summer sometime. I will definitely cop that. Kweli live shows, however, are another story. I've seen him live 4 times now, the first time being in 1999. He has only once put on a good show for me, and that was in 2007 at the HOB in Chi. That was the only time he sounded good. He just yells into the mic too hard and spits too damn hard at the end of syllables. It's pretty annoying. He also managed to yell at the soundman 3 times in the middle of the set. nice dickhead move, kweli. So after struggling to make out a word he said for 45 minutes, he left the stage and I was happy about that.

Next up, Big Boi. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I left for some refreshments and found a sprite tent with Street Fighter 4 set up. Hung out and whipped my boy a few times while we waited for Big Boi to finish. I'm no joke with Sagat.

Then I heard another strange sound from the second stage. The Gza was getting down. I was pissed that there were no announcements of who was playing when, since I didn't even know he was there, either. He's rapping along when Raekwon and Ghostface join him, so now I'm paying attention. We get down for a while until i get a text that the Roots had already started on the main stage. No freaking announcements! So I run over there to catch their set. I have never been disappointed with a Roots show, except for one venue when the acoustics were subpar. They played a good set, but the crowd was freakin lame. It was like a mob of zombies. No one getting into it at all. They left to an even weaker applause than K'naan. Bullshit.

By then it was starting to get dark, and the crowd last year really came alive at night. Busta came on next. He KILLED it. The crowd was going bananas! He only did snippets of his tracks because, as he said, "i only got a little time and i got hits". He was the highlight of the night, even though I don't even like his newer shit. Every 30 second snippet he would perform had everyone dancing, even on the lawn. I was impressed.

Next, the headliners. Damian Marley and Nas. They have an album coming out this summer together. I forgot the name but it should be good. Damian came out first with a live band and some backup female vocals a la big poppa Bob and the Wailers. He did 4 or 5 of his solo tracks as well as a couple of his dad's songs. He sounded great. I was moving the whole time.

Then Nas joined him and they did some of the new songs off their upcoming album. Some of them sounded really good. There was one were they were rapping really fast back and forth, one verse at a time. A couple were slower and pretty dope. I'll check that album for sure. Then Nas did his solo gig. No surprises there as he did pretty much the exact same set as the year before (and he was even wearing the exact same white v-neck and white pants): Life's a bitch, If I ruled the world, one mic, made you look, hip hop is dead. Crowd was moving. Damian rejoined him for "Road to Zion", which sounded great but the crowd wasn't moving much. End of the show was "Welcome to Jamrock", which got some movement but not as much as I expected.

Overall, the show was a let-down. Maybe it's the all-day festival aspect, but I didn't enjoy it. There are too many acts, too little time for each act, and it's dragged out for too long. By the end of the night, everyone is exhausted. I don't think I'll go to this type of show again. I'd rather just see one or two groups throw it down and do a proper setlist.

At least I didn't have to suffer through some no-talent ass-clownery like lil wayne.

Funny Weezy Story -- Music Update

I saw this article on this digital hip hop website. (http://www.hhcdigital.net/HHCDigital001.pdf) Just wanted to share.

SPEAKERBOXXX
LONG LIVE WEEZY!

There are a lot of questionable things Lil’ Wayne has done in
his career so far – kissing his ‘father’ on the mouth, carrying
a guitar around without being able to play a note, inspiring
Kanye to record an entire album in Autotune – but you’ve
gotta give it up to anybody who can sell over two million CDs
and bag four Grammys while effed-up on cough syrup, trees
and pills.

Should Weezy croak in the next couple of months
though, the ridiculous hero worship that saw 2Pac elevated
to the level of rap deity will pale in comparison to the kind of
mass-hysteria which would sweep a Wayne-free world.
Biggie had no chance to fall off and poor Big L didn’t get time to
sell out. Imagine if Ice Cube had choked on his own vomit after
a case of St Ides following the release of ‘Death Certificate’?
He’d be in everyone’s ‘Top Five Dead Or Alive’!

So if Wayne happens to suffer a Pimp C-style syrup-related heart attack,
then the next five years will see Wayne Stans declaring him
the GOAT and releasing 38 volumes of ‘The Carter’ bootlegs.
But if young Wayne manages to stay above ground then it’s
only a matter of time before he alienates his fans by recording
15 experimental rock albums, plays himself in high-profile
TV interviews, and abandons music with the exception of
performing the title track to the latest family comedy he’s
starring in. Stay healthy, Weezy! Robbie Ettelson

Feel free to wiegh in on how great, horrible, or mediocre he is. He is most definitely a favored topic on this blog.

I also wanted to pass on word about some the music that I've been recently bumping.

- Mos Def, Ecstatic. To tell the truth I was "myah" about this album on the first couple of listens because I wanted an exact copy of Black on Both Sides A week later on the pick back up this is sounding like a long player. I can just let this play from track number 4 on. The first three, "myah."

- Dark Night of the Soul, DangerMouse and Sparklehorse. I've only listened through this a couple of times but I like. I especially liked the price of free ninety-nine online. I love Danger for that. You can check the story and find the cd elsewhere online if you ain't knowing.

- Infinity+1 & Down South Remixes, A Trak. I've been listening to these non-stop since my boy DJ Mammoth but me on to A Trak. He's beastly. He's also on a tour right now sponsored by Bacardi. These albums are so money on a run or at a dance party with people who hate Weezy.

Sidenote: Bicardi should be giving something back to hip hop after all the free advertising they've gotten through it. You member the "tipsy off Bicardi Limon's" in hop hop ("lie-mun" too, not "lee-moan"). Where you at Hennessy? Moet? When are your tours coming to a town near me?

Paz,

Slimster

Best of 1998. Ha by Juvenile?

Here is a blast from the past. 1998! It was a year saddened by the death of Pac and Biggie. They were both deceased but they had classics out (Makaveli and Life After Death). It was also a huge year in hip-hop. No Limit Records was taking over the game, Outkast had recently dropped Atliens and came out with Acquemini, DMX dropped his second album, N.O.R.E. dropped his only classic, Lauren hit us with Miseducation, and Black Star changed the game with their only album (I'm so mad about this).

Here is a comment from my Facebook page:

best song of '98... "u keep yo body clean, ha?"

now that's some blog-worthy musack. ;-p

Ha lyrics - Juvenile lyrics

Ha Video - Juvenile Music Videos

Music Videos by VideoCure

From the description of the albums out in 1998. Is the above bolded statement true or false? Also feel free to yap about 1998 albums in general. I'm still deciding what my fave is.

-Slimster

Zion I - The Takeover

Mi Gente:

Here is a message from a new rebel element on the blog (see the comments on my last post).

this one's not optional, fools.

buy this album!!!

http://www.zionicrew.com/news/zion-i-the-takeover-in-stores-now

best comprehensive, daring, and fundamentally sound sounds i've heard in 2009

the whole thing rides out. the yay area strikes again.

I've placed a link to their website in the links box.

Paz,

Slim

Classic Music Monologues

(I saw you)
Hey hey baby how ya doin' come on in here
(Walking in the rain)
Got some hot chocolate on the stove waiting for you
Listen first things first let me hang up the coat
(You were holding hands and I'll)
Yeah how was your day today
Did you miss me
(Never be the same)
You did? Yeah? I missed you too
I missed you so much I followed you today
(I saw you)
That's right now close your mouth
'Cause you cold busted
(Walking in the rain)
Now just sit down here, sit down here
I'm so upset with you I don't know what to do
(You were holding hands and I'll)
You know my first impulse was to run up on you
And do a Rambo
(Never be the same)
I was about to jam you and flat blast both of you
But I didn't wanna mess up this thirt-seven hundred dollar lynx coat
So instead I chilled -- That's right chilled
I called up the bank and took out every dime.
Than I cancelled all your credit cards...
I stuck you up for every piece of jewelery I ever bought you!
Don't go lookin' in that closet 'cause everything you came here with is
packed up and waiting for you in the guest room. What were you
thinking?
You don't mess with the Juice!
I gave you silk suits, blue diamonds and gucci handbags.
I gave you things you couldn't even pronounce!
But now I can't give you nothing but advice.
Cause you're still young, yeah, you're young.
And you're gonna find somebody like me one of these days . . .
Until then, you know what you gotta do?
You gotta get on outta here with that alley-cat-coat-wearing,
punch-bucket-shoe-wearing crumbcake I saw you with. Cause you
dismissed!
That's right, Silly rabbit, tricks are made for kids, don't you know
that. You without me is like corn flakes without the milk! This is my
world. You're just a squirrel trying to get a nut! Now get on outta
here. Scat!
Don't touch that coat...

(Note: I always have trouble posting links in comments so I put them in the links box on the side as well.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8utL-XzOp6g

Okay. Here is the a classic cut provided to me by my crazy friend in D.C. This fool used to have it as his ring tone. I was in a discussion last weekend about the current lack of song monologues and some of the classics I came across during my time on this side of the grass. I have to say that my favorite one is by the Floaters on their song "Float On." Check it. Warning: you will laugh and laugh hard upon watching this.



I also enjoyed the monologue on Boys 2 Men's "End of the Road." I gotta get back to filing bankruptcies for now but I will check back once I think of more.

Paz,

Slimster

Troubadour. Same K'NAAN?

Good Morning,

I haven't been feeling very inspired lately and have not created a new post to this blog in a minute. My spark was just released yesterday. As many of the readers of this resurgent blog know, K'NAAN just came out with his second cd, entitled Troubador. My circle has been eagerly awaiting this album. Surprisingly, K's popularity has been on the rise. I heard that his vidoes were featured on MTV. As a side, I have to say I wouldn't know whether or not this is true because I can proudly say that I have not watched that channel in over two years.

Anywho, increased popularity of any independent or underground artist gives rise to concern. Will he succumb to the temptation to compromise his music to reach a wider audience? Will he be manipulated to do so? Is there something about him or his music that leads you to believe that he will or will not be able to resist these pressures?


As for the album, I have to say up front that I'm really feeling it. I don't know if it's because it is one of the best albums I have heard in a while or if I have just been feenin' for some new K'NAAN stuff for two and a half years. I'm giving myself time to develop an objective view of the record. At the same time, I'm looking over the album for signs of an upcoming new jack swing toward larger mainstream appeal. I think the song Bang, Bang may be an indication of his ability to make pop-rockish music. The song's lack of hip hop appeal or his niche mother Africa focus may indicate some intent to develop such a sound.

To be honest with myself, I have no idea what this man will decide to do. I'm hoping that he will continue to improve his wordplay while continually educating us ignorant westerners with his seemingly exotic background. I think there is so much potential for hip hop with a global focus. On his new album, "Fifteen Minutes Away" simply nails it. The topic of a money transfer probably has not been explored in hip hop and his delivery blends with the whimsical sound well. I also really enjoy "Fatima" and "Fire in Freetown."

Well, I'm done rambling for today. Thanks to K'NAAN for waking up this blog. Keep doing what you do baby and please don't go pop.

Thoughts?

S O NE

New Music Needed...post suggestions.

It's Adam grabbing the blog again:

It's been a while since this site has been active. I'm struggling for new music. Any suggestions? I already exhausted the lil wayne anthology (psych!), so I need some new direction.

Blue Scholars helped me out big-time during the late summer, and after checking out Little Brother live a few weeks ago, I dug them out of the vaults to freshen things up. I still think they are "the best hip hop group you've never heard of." Watching them live was insane. Best show I've seen in years. If the Roots didn't exist--and judging by their last album, they might not anymore, at least not how I know them--Little Brother would be my favorite group. I also picked up Foreign Exchange, which is Phonte from LB and Nicolay producing. It's more singing than rhyming, but Phonte is a freaking star and he can sing.

The new Kanye material is growing on me. Coldest Winter is pretty good. He's singing to his mom. Even though he can't sing, the audio effects hide his deficiencies pretty well. And at least I don't have to listen to him try to rhyme, which is sometimes unbearable.

Common has a few new songs out. One is the Afrikaa Bambataa wannabe track (can't remember the name) and then he put out the Obama tribute "Changes", which is mediocre. His new album is coming out in December, "Universal Mind Control".

Otherwise, I am struggling for some freshness. What y'all got?

No Post, But no Worry

I'm thinking of something else to write about. Right now I am at work downloading a nice lil' reggae cd but nothing that you haven't heard about. I'm in another music doldrum.

Not to worry because I think I will find inspiration soon.

Laters,

Slim

Dancehall--Ill or Unintelligible?

Adam says he wants to discuss Dancehall. In short I can't get with it because I have no idea what they are talking about most of the time. I much prefer Roots Reggae where the vocalist sings slowly and allows you to understand what they are saying. That's pretty much my only beef with Dancehall aside from the commercial offshoots thereof.

--Slim O.NE

Lil' Wayne and the South--Illest in the Game?

Whattup fools,

Ya'll know me. You know that I don't usually f with radio music. If I do listen to the radio, you know I'm not listening to any on-air hip hop. On top of that, I don't have cable so I don't f with music videos either. With that being written, I currently believe that rap's reigning king is Lil' Wayne. I don't however, believe that there are not good arguments to the contrary. However, I'll let you suppy those.

While at a nightclub (While everyone was dancing uncontrollably to "Lillipop"), I was discussing this point with two friends. One of these being a die-hard Nas street disciple, the other being a dirrty south loyalist. The Nas disciple said that he always thought that east coast rappers had the best mix of street grime, lyrics, and raw production. However, he could not name four rappers that are as on top of their games right now as Lil' Wayne, T.I., Andre 3000, and Bun B. These dudes enjoy commercial success, but they are all sick ass mc's.

I submit that Lil' Wayne is holding the crown and in position to swing an iron mallet at the frozen commercial hip-hop world with the June release of "The Carter 3." If he does this right, he could bring me back to 1996 and 1997 when every car you heard was bumping some song off "All Eyez on Me" or some song off "Atliens" or some song off "Life After Death" or some song off "Makiaveli." When Carter 3 drops, everyone from wierdo suits like me, to cholos, to fake thugs, to babymama's, to cute chicks in Honda's will be taking it in. That is what the best in the game does. They make you wait for their album, and then live up to the all the hype when they hit you with it.

More generally, the south is running the game right now. That's it for now. I'll entertain questions, comments, and concerns at this time.

New Music

Hello fellow bloggers. I know that I have not posted anything in a while but you have to give me some leeway as I no longer have a computer. Due to this fact, I have not gotten any new music in quite some time. Knowing me, I am going to need some new hotness for the summer.

I want to know what new stuff you've gotten recently. Simple as that. I am copying a couple of posts from a previous discussion to get this thing started man.

---

richie said...

this blog is kinda stagnet right now...so i gotta recommend an artist i just found out about. he's probably been around forever. he was on dj. semtexs show last weekend. Joell ortiz. i was really feeling some of his rhymes, check him out for yourself, i've heard enough. copping the album.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLI6O6i_vb8

April 9, 2008 3:38 PM


adam said...

He was on a Smif N Wessun track last fall called "Stomp". It was good.

April 9, 2008 6:32 PM

Show Review by Puravida

TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDS, SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA - February 18, 2008.

I had not been this excited for a show since Knaan and the Marley brothers visited San Diego a year and a half ago. The lineup for this 2008 Reggae fest contained both legends and up-and-comers highlighted by: Gregory Isaacs, Don Carlos, Barrington Levy, Culture, Cultura Profetica, and the much anticipated headliner - Alpha Blondy.

The festival, formerly known as Bob Marley Day, pays homage to arguably the most "conscious" musician ever who has left an indelible mark on modern music. This annual show is performed in recognition of the lionized leader of a musical, spiritual, and political explosion that still reverberates more than two decades after his death.

The show itself was a roller coaster of near chaos, great music, and disappointment... in that order. I'll take it chronologically.

I rolled to the show with a little 23 y/o hottie across the street, 2 of her friends, and my boy, Nate, who came down from LA for the festivities. We sparked admirable-sized spliff over-looking the pacific and were on our way. We pull into the sports arena parking lot, and Sarah's two friend go to pick up there tix at will call while she, Nate, and I walk across the street to pull money from the gas station ATM before entering. Our Internet-purchased tix are in my pocket... but not for long.

In Shane-esque stoner fashion, I then slice my finger off. Nah, I'm just fucking with y'all. I take out the tickets and my money clip, set the tix on the ATM machine, insert card, complete transaction, put cash in pocket, leave tickets on ATM maching, and turn and walk away. Not until we reach the entrance does my stoned ass realize the tickets are not in my pocket. We had no idea where they were. You can imagine how infuriated Nate and Sarah are with me at this point. I try to blame it on Sarah, but the look she gives me only says, "My lips will never touch your penis again." So, we start re-tracing our steps in desperation. Back to the car. Inside-out full search reveals no tickets. Back to the gas station, scanning the ground the entire way (my hoodie pocket had a hole in it and this was the primarily suspected means of escape). About 40 min later, we arrive at the gas station de nuevo with fading hopes of recovery. As we approach the ATM machine, I immediately recognize the the folded sheets of yellow paper from my office printer which decorated that cash dispenser like an angel on top of a christmas tree! Recovery baby! Miraculous grounds for celebration and an incredibly humbling shot at my intoxicated mental capacity.

Consequence: We completley missed Cultura Profetica. Upside: Still a great lineup of reggae music and our spirits were back.

As we walked through the gate, first glimpse of the stage revealed Gregory Isaacs jamming "if you want to be my #1" in front of a backdrop of lions and red, black, gold, and green everywhere. Definitely a tight set-up. However, the venue as a whole was disappointing. This show needed to be performed outdoors. I have never been in space this large that was so densly smoked out. It was so hot-boxed in there, I would rate visibility at about 50 yards. Remember how Sho's eyes would start to narrow and he would just kinda chill out a bit while sitting at the scrabble table at 607 while the blunt circled him? Well, Sho would have been laying on the floor searching for any two-letter word he could get upon entering this joint.

The next four hours were amazing. Highlights and songs you need to check out...

If you have not listened to Culture, you MUST check these guys out!! They were the best of the day BY FAR! Listen to these ridiculous beats from Culture:
- Garvey
- Sweet Freedom
- Humble African
- Vacancy
- Holy Mt. Zion

Don Carlos:
- Natty Dread Have Him Credential
- Hog and Goat
- Oh Girl

Gregory Isaacs:
- Storm
- Night Nurse
- My Number One

Steel Pulse:
- Steppin Out
- Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally around the red, gold, blk, & grn)
- Chant a Psalm

Barrington Levy:
- Teach The Youths

Max Romeo:
- Socialism

The Melodians:
- Rivers of Babylon (They weren't there... covered by various artists)

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE DAY... No Alpha Blondy. Extreme bummer.

Second biggest bummer of day. No David Pendergast. Our phx compadre was missed gets a definite pass excusing his absence b/c we at SGLLP clearly understand the demanding obligations our profession often springs at the 11th hour.

In conclusion, it was a great show, but did not even come close to fulfilling expectations.

Recommendation, SGLLP representative must travel internationally to catch Alpha Blondy en vivo and remedy the tragic ending to SD Reggaefest 2008.

out...

Best Conscious Songs!!!

Happy MLK Weekend. Try to remember my man Martin along with all the people who applied their talents to create a more just and fair world for us all. I had to say this b/c people always want to focus on the leader instead of all the folks for whom he was the spokesman. Now you have people sitting around waiting for a leader instead of getting off their own asses and doing something. I digress, but if you want to download MLK's nastiest speech, hit the link I have provided to the right.

Continuing on with this theme, I want to put together a list of the 50 illest conscious songs. This consciousness can be social, economic, political, philosophical, or even spiritual. The song just has to be increasing the awareness of the listener in a very real way. At many points in history, there is a problem that artists will attempt to address through song whether directly or indirectly.

Here is what comes to my mind right from the gate:

-We're All in the Same Gang by West Coast All Stars
-What's going on by Marvin Gaye
-A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
-War by Bob Marley



So what y'all got. I have a feeling that this will be our most lively conversation to date.

Greatest. Album. Ever.

Alright y'all, it's Adam, head-butting fools and taking over the blog reins for a new topic.

Since we've established how much I hate longevity, I thought I'd introduce a topic that ignores it completely. Greatest Album of All Time. Everyone has their favorites, and everyone else usually disagrees. This is prime argument fodder. The absolute greatest album of all time, from any genre and from any time period. It could be a one-hit-wonder album or a gem from an established artist. If you absolutely must qualify your answers with second and third place listings, go ahead, but think hard about this one. If you come with some bullsh*t, you WILL be clowned no matter how strongly you feel about Yanni.

I'm still debating my answer to this one but I wanted to throw the question out there so everyone else could simmer on it for a while, too. I'll throw my answer in the comments below once I make a decision.

Best Female Rapper of All Time

What up Fools. You know what it is. Thanks for the comment love on the first discussion topic. Adam has listed enough music to keep up buzy for a few months. I jacked him for a few mix CD's during a recent trip, and I am loving the tracks.

"I'm supposed to the franchise player and we here talkin' bout practice."

I am hitting yall early with a conversation topic that I always argue about with people. WHO IS THE BEST FEMALE RAPPER OF ALL TIME?

It's hard to come up with anyone off the top of my head, but I'm going with MC Lyte. I have listened to her since I was knee high to a grasshopper and I ain't heard anyone come near taking her off her throne. She had the lyrics, the booming voice, the beats, and the classic cuts for some years. There have been moments of greatness from other female rappers but no consistency. The industry should be ashamed of the over marketed, trashy looking, and garbage so-called female mc's it has been churning out.

Who ya'll got. Let's have an argument.

The Birth of the SGLLP Music Argument Page

The inspirations behind the creation of this blog were the many crew arguments about music. They ranged from my fierce defense of any Nas song or album that my friends thought was totally garbage to why mainstream gangsta rap is a part of a conspiracy to bring about the elimination of the black male. Mostly contained within our personal emails and conversations, these conversations have been withheld from a general populace suffering from musical confusion and commercially dazzled.

With regard to underground music sites at which people leave comments and blogs, I have found many of the discussions to be childish and non-substantive. I do recognize that there must be blogs out there providing real heads ups on new artists, analyzing current stuff, and turning cats on to slept on old school records. Much love to y'all. However, with the musical minds contained within the crew known as the Shady Group L.L.P. we will be providing a delightfully quirky and intelligent peer.

To get this thing rolling, Here are my top 7 albums of this fall:

- Thievery Corporation - The Mirror Consiprary

I knew all these songs but I just copped the CD. This CD works for me almost any time.

- Brother Ali - Shadows on the Sun

This CD is so old but I just bought it. Brother Ali hooked me when I saw him in concert with Psalm One. Most of the people at that show had no idea of who he was and he rocked it. This CD is solid.

- A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders

As a friend of mine always says, "I had to reach back and pull forward" on this one. I always listened to this disk in a friends car but I never got a chance to analyze it. Of course, this album is dope but not as dope as "Low End Theory". This album does have better singles of the strength of the classics "Electric Relaxation" and "Award Tour."

- Miles Davis - In a Silent Way

Shoutout to my homeboy at work who turned me on to this record. Since that time, I have been playing this at work nonstop. Its a mix between the spaced out vibe of "Bitches Brew" and his other more accessible stuff. This disk is ultra cool and can easily go from work to car to home cleaning or baby-making.

- MF Doom - Mm... Food?

I love this record and have been listening to this in my car consistently this fall. Its got the beats, the lyrics, and the thump I like in a car CD. Plus I can put these down south cats up on a little somthin' as I slip slide through the streets in my Carolla. As I roll, I want to scream "turn off the radio."

- Talib Kwele - Eardrum

Whoa. I hesitated buying this record as I was not happy with his last one. I heard "Say Somethin" before this album came out and sensed a little more edge to the heady flow of the BKMC. This album has ill lyrics with only one or two corny moments and phat production. I loved how the instrumental non-synth sounds were prevalent on this record. This is a great kick-off for Talib's new Blacksmith label.

- Pigeon John -Pigeon John and the Summertime Pool Party

This is my current fav. This dude brings me back to junior high school partner skate anxiety. I can see myself asking to pop this tape in on a family trip and knowing that nothing would be said to horrify Moms. Aside from its nostalgic feel, it works for me as an adult hip-hop listener. I love this album's production. The songs in this album just sound really good.

Thats its for me. Questions? Comments? Get at me.