Lets get down to business… Jeru is back! Now let me be quick to point out, this is possibly Jeru’s best follow-up since his under-appreciated “Wrath of the Math” sohommore release. (even that album got hated on back in 96′!) Jeru’s last 2 efforts (minus Primo) “Heroez for Hire” wasn’t the follow up I expected and “Devine design” was to any of Jeru’s core fans “almost the comeback we expected but came up short.” “Still rising” is big time payback proving that in this day in age… Jeru can still run damage… and teach the kiddies a thing or two about rhyme techniques. Unfortunately it came a little too late… but better late than never! Jeru’s always gonna be cool in my book!

Although heads these days may not appreciate what Jeru is doin’ now… heads remember what Jeru was all about back in the days. Without DJ Premier on the boards, the quality in beats is a step down but not a loss. Jeru constructs beats melodic to that of the 90’s flavor the east had locked down at the time. It’s rugged, raw and straight gutter. Which can leave viewers wanting more of that Jeru sound of the 90’s featuring Primo on the boards yet are left with beats somewhat stale but better in comparison to his last 2 albums.. Standout tracks include “Airplay, Dirty Bomb, Quantum Leap, and NY” feature the knowledgable boom bap straight talk we’ve come to enjoy for The Damaja. Call “Still Rising” a solid effort that has beats which are a step back for his lyrics to stand out on… let’s get this guy some dope producers to work with and see what he’s all about!

Da’ Big Playback’s first Hyphy review!

Taking a look at the whole “Hyphy” movenment, it’s influence can be stretched across much of Northern Cali to a point where the style can get a little over saturated.(it’s become quite a lifestyle… lets not make it a fad) Call it a subculture within Hip-Hops rich culture of creativity boasting its own style of speech, rhythm, style and swagger. There’s a lot of movement goin’ on in the bay. But where do you begin? There’s just so much material coming outta the Bay and there’s only a handful of cats many of us can afford to listen to. Sometimes the word on the street ain’t enough in the bay… you gotta have longevity and paid dues to get noticed outta the hay stack. I got mad respect for E-40, a lotta props for acts like Mistah Fab, Keak da Sneak, San Quinn and Mac Dre. (can’t forget Too $hort, to name a few no doubt) A lot of times, when one of these cats brings in a protege of talents, its hit or miss. Other times- if they’re backed by a major label with credibility, they mean serious business with a chance to shine.

Longtime Collaborator and Producer Rick Roc unveiled Fairfield CA’s very own “The Federation” to the scene a few years back with their hit single “Hyphy” that gathered up commercial play nation wide. (considered a new school classic by many) With the Hyphy movement in full swing, The Feds are back with “It’s Whateva!” which in my opinion is The Bay areas version of (such east coast acts) Onxy, a little bit of M.O.P. and Busta Bus cartoonish character. I gotta say, the albums full of hype and gets the excitement goin’… ala Hyphy! (lol)
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“C’mon T-Money?!? How you gonna do a new segment called “Wessyde Wednesday” and post it 15 minutes till the start of Thursday?!? I can’t call it- I wasn’t expecting to work a 9am-10:30pm shift at work! This idea has been on my mind all day… a new segment every Wednesday, dedicated to West Coast Hip-Hop called… “Wessyde Wednesday” on Da’ Big Playback! Every other week we’ll be representing the finest music video’s this side of Cali and all the way down south of cali with style! New, old, bay area, LA flavor… classics… It’s a tribute to the West up featuring some of my favorite video’s dug up the you tube crates. It’s only right we do a little something for our Golden State. (I got a segment on some East coast flavor comin’ as well… call it a “New Your Minute”) Enjoy the classics!

Eazy-E “Real Compton City G’s”

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It isn’t often we do R&B reviews on Da’ Big Playback but this ones an exception since it’s been on my rotation in my iPOD. I also can’t help notice how Keyshia’s headed for Mary J. Blige-style status. She’s already dubbed “The Princess of Hip-Hop.” (can’t be mad, we need at east one does that make Ne-Yo the Prince?!?) I gotta say though- Keyshia’s a real woman… (next to Kelis, lol!) and her new album “Just like you” is all Woman with no candy filled, sugar coated bull shit. How about that? I’m diggin’ the album.

Keyshia’s gotta big voice, an r&b singer who can give you emotion minus the references of umbrella’s or corny nicknames and it’s a rare find to see an up front woman like Keyshia show her vulnerability… The girl sings it like she means it! “Just Like You” feels a lot like one of those great R&B albums from the ‘90s… sort of like a Bad Boy album since theres a handful of guest appearances. (Missy, T.I., Young Dro, Too Short, Diddy to name a few) It’s an overall solid album that fans can easily enjoy. I’d go into reviewing each track but many of ya’ll have heard em’ on the radio (or her myspace page lol!) and read other reviews… I just wanted everyone reading this to know… Keyshia Cole can really sing! She’s the real deal yo’!

Check out a few Keyshia Cole Video’s after the jump!
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It’s been a hot second since I heard from 9th Wonder. The kid kept quiet, went to the lab and delivers “The Dream Merchant 2” featuring an all-star cast of independent and big name Emcee’s complimenting the beats we’ve come to expect from 9th. But while the solid roster is heavy, the beats are top notch with each Emcee provided with some of the best beats I’ve heard come from 9th Wonder. Don’t kill the competition 9th- let your beats speak for yourself.
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I hope his core audience will embrace this latest experiment, keep an open mind ya’ll!

What’s happenin’?!? I had to take the time and review an interesting new album from Aceyalone… “Lightning Strikes” is the 6th independent release off the NYC based Decon label. With over a decade of success and a loyal fanbase, Aceyalone serves up a mixed blessing of dancehall breaks (courtesy of producer “Bionik”) with the typical over the top boom bap lyricism you can only expect from Aceyaone! Call it a risk… or just something different, on the experimental tip- Bionik blends a different sound over Acey’s rhymes inspired by dancehall and reggae tracks. After bumping Aceyalone’s music since I was like 17 (30 now) I gotta say this is totally different… but expected.

Review continued after the jump… Peep the “Easy” video too! (HOT!)
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Check out this video: Jeru the Damaja- DONT GET IT TWISTED

Add to My Profile | More Videos

It’s been a second but Jeru The Damaja is back! Peep the new video “Don’t get it twisted” featuring Lil’ Dap from Group Home! Jeru’s new album is out as well- check it: “Still Rising” available now! Review of the album to follow within the coming days! The “Don’t get it twisted” video’s vibe and his smooth lyrics are off the chain- peep knowledge.

What’s good yall? Well, we got two tracks for DL today. Damn, I’m on a roll. Speaking of… the new Pete Rock tune is called ‘We Roll’ featuring Jim Jones, yes BAALLLIN’ Jim Jones, and Max B. It’s backed with ‘Till I Retire’.

Pete Rock - We Roll (Featuring Jim Jones & Max B)
Pete Rock - Till I Retire

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You may or may not have heard but the Hov is comin’ thru with a new album based on the forth coming American Gangster film. There are so many rumors about this album that I’ll just wait till it gets released until I give details. But, from what I’ve read, this album is supposed to be the album of the year with Jay takin’ inspiration from the movie to create a concept album with lyrics inspired by different scenes in the movie. I’ve got some yummy goodness for you all. 2 TRACKS FOR DOWNLOAD!! The first has been getting play and you’ve probably heard it already, Blue Magic produced by Pharrell. Next up is brand spanking new tune, Roc Boys (And The Winner Is). Peep ‘em. It’s FIYA.

Jay-Z - Blue Magic
Jay-Z - Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)

The Hip Hop Honors #1 draw is when they have the new school cats do the old school tunes. That’s really the only reason why I watch it. This clip from tonight’s show looks BANANAS! A tribute to Scenario featuring Common, Pharrell, Lupe and surprise guest at the end of the clip. Peep it. I wish I was there to witness the madness.

Tonight they’ll be honoring A Tribe Called Quest, Snoop, Missy, Whodini, the New Jack Swing and Wild Style. Defintely a show to watch. It airs tonight October 8, 2007 at 10pm EST on VH1. Check local listings.