The Cool Kids - That’s Stupid (Mixtape)
Download it now!!!

“I need the poohnah the poohnah the poohnah the poohnani!” - MC Brains

Missy’s new album Block Party is set to be released in September 9 this year. For now, here’s a lil’ taste of what’s to come.

Missy Elliot - Best Best (Dirty)

Nas - Hero (Clean)

“…this album is a return to basics, that good ol’ boom bap, the beats and rhymes. I needed to get in touch with the other side of me, the side of me who loved Run DMC, BDP, and the 808 Machine. It was where I started as an MC and I needed to touch that again…This is a non-collaborative effort born out of my own fears, insecurities, observations, triumphs, and tragedies. It is therapy over beats” - Raashan Ahmad

That’s just how I felt when I picked up Raashan Ahmad’s (Crown City Rockers) solo debut “The Push” courtesy of OM Records. WHat more can you ask for in an underground album these days? The beats and rhymes are on point… the albums consistent and the guest stars lend a helping hand (Chali2na of J5) rather than steal the spotlight. Boombap, lyrical content, structure and discipline is everything Raashan Ahmad employs in his groundbreaking new album “The Push” that has Hip-Hop moving towards to the masses.
La prima cosa che dovete capire e che il casino online gratis (virtuale) non e’ la stessa cosa che si riferisce al poker delle sale di gioco reali e tradizionali o da casino’.
(more after the jump…)

Its been a good 11 years since Usher’s debut album “My Way” crept into my cd player long before MP3 players had existed and the iTUNES music store was invented for easy downloads. When I first copped his album, Usher (18 years of age back than) seemed more mature within his musical content compared to others at the time. The older he got, the more responsible his music and attitude became relevant. The guys a good role model who was rarely seen in tabloid related stories with any type of negative behavior. Fast forward to 2008 and you’ve got an Usher Raymond that’s so mature… he’s teaching guys how to be men… with the release of Here I stand… I think that’s all the ladies can ask for from their guys. (Think of it as Jay-Z’s “Blueprint” album lol)

There’s nothing real nasty about Usher’s new album. That being said, what I really meant was that it isn’t as explicit as some of todays R&B’s sex pushers like T-Pain and Akon who are so blunt about their explicit topics they shed out too much info. You can sit back, chill and straight vibe to Ushers form of R&B. “Love in this club” (lead single) took some getting used to but with the help of Young Jeezy, with beats by Polow da Don, the tracks bump out some dirty south flavor Usher manages to spiral out. “What’s your name” is vintage Will.I.am material… I swear his beats only get more diverse in creativity and provides Usher with some serious melodies in sound. Jay-Z drops a line on “Best thing” featuring production from a so-so Jermaine Dupri. “This ain’t sex” is a upbeat club joint reminiscent of Micheal Jackson’s “Rock with you”… the anthem is all hype thanks to Usher. While I’m not big on love jams… I couldn’t help bump out “before I met you” and “appetite,” two honest to straight to the point tracks about confessions and keeping his lust under control.

“Here I stand” is solid material that keeps the audience listening. It’s a testament to making good music and shows off how long Usher’s been in the game. There’s no doubt he’ll be back with an even stronger and mature album in the future, but for now- hes making the right decisions in pumping out quality music for you and yours.

I stumbled upon Estelle’s album “Shine” innocently at my local Rasputin Music in Vallejo, CA. With a hot like “Amreican Boy” featuring KanYe West, I swear to you I never once saw a video on MTV (maybe it was on at 3am?!) or the single played on any commercial radio. Instead, the promo copy was played from start to finish as I was shopping in the store. Estelle’s new album “Shine” has to be a sleeper hit spread out through word of mouth and the internet.

Already considered a solid UK act Estelle is all vocals with no baggage. (drama, lol) Already having an established friendship to John Legend (and signed to his label Home School Records / Atlantic) “Shine” features collaborations with the Kanye West, Will.I.Am, Wyclef Jean, Mark Ronson, Ceelo, Swizz Beatz and Kardinal Official. Think of it as a splash of funk, jazz, soul and hip hop with that british flare with her soft vocals. Overall, the production is over the top and simply melodic with Estelle ranging in comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen and even Lauren Hill with her soft spoken melodies. Estelle truly is a diamond in the rough. Check out the album today.

Although tragedy struck the UGK (short for Underground Kingz) family with the passing of Pimp C on December 4th, 2007… the passing of a childhood friend and partner only made Bun B stronger than ever. His strength is apparently shown to the fullest with Bun B’s new album “II Trill” which is a refreshing upbeat recognition to what UGK is all about and how strong Texas Hip-Hop is on the map. UGK is one of my favorite established acts coming out of the lone state next to Paul Wall and Scarface. Bun with out a doubt, can hold it down on his own even with the likes of Lil’ Wayne, Sean Kingston, Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross and David Banner (to name a few) dropping their signature verses throughout II Trill complimenting it’s down south appeal with some commercial swagger. It’s a good mixture of getting down with its fair share of club tracks to the more serious matters reflecting in todays society. Stand out tracks include “I’m a Gangsta’” (with Sean Kingston), “You’re everything” (lifting an emotional Jodeci sample that demands to be heard, it’s crazy!), “Swang on them (featuring Lupe Fiasco), Underground Thang (featuring Pimp C and Chamillionaire) and “If it was to me.” (featuring Junior Reid)

While the passing of Pimp C has put those close to Pimp C at an emotional state, II Trill brings the best out of Bun B and those who contributed to the album giving it a very enjoyable and positive listening session. Their spirits are high and the tempo is upbeat, 15 years in the game is a long time. It goes to show how strong there credibility has lasted in the game. Rest in Peace Pimp C.

It’s only right for Rakim to bless the masses with an archive album of unreleased material (4 tracks) along with some pretty ill-advised concert performances representing his lyrical supremacy on the live tip. The first 4 cuts which are unreleased singles are okay. It’s not Rakim thats not on point its the bland production I can certainly live with. It’s good to hear Rakim back in the recording studio. The live performances are a real treat and sounds like a single session somewhere in New York. I’ve never seen Rakim rock the spot live but there’s a clear indication on the album he can still move the crowd. Just hearing “don’t sweat the technique” and “follow the leader” brings back very fond memories of how hip-hop and myself were so young. There’s no comparison to how dope Rakim got when “I ain’t kno joke” and “Paid in full” came on- that had my head bumping. Until “The Seventh Seal” finally drops (hopefully this year) “Live, lost and found” is a great compilation to add to your Rakim collection of hits.

Just buy it. Haha… now where do I begin to why? If you don’t know who Kidz in the Hall are, this is the perfect cd to get to know these cool kids from around the way. (don’t sleep on their debut album School was my hustle”) There current single “Drivin’ down the block” (Low end theory tape) is off the chain boasting a nasty Masta Ace hook from “Born to Roll.” Everything about the single is what heads want. How does “The In Crowd” hold up? Think of it as an entertaining Hip-Hop album… a lot of highs and strong points. The Beats catered by Double-O are top notch while Naledge’s rhymes demand attention. These kids without a doubt are creating a buzz in the Hip-Hop community.

I like to compare Kidz in the Hall to the underground version of The Clipse but in the form of an emcee and a DJ pairing together. The “In crowd” features a big list of guest appearances from the likes of Phonte, (little Brother) Masta Ace, Gyn Class Super Heroes, Sky zoo, Sean Price, Buckshot, Pusha T, Bun B and many others. While they may take some shine away from Naledge’s mic presence, the album is very entertaining. How often does a cd package a solid mixture of dope beats and fresh rhymes from start to finish? I wouldn’t consider them Gangsta Rap, raw hardcore Hip-Hop, super-lyrical wizardry or even alternative Rap. Shoot, it shouldn’t even be considered underground! Kidz in the Hall represents good ol’ fashion Hip-Hop for Hip-Hop heads enjoying the music. It’s a natural high of good music for the thought process and it shows the kidz are having fun at what they do… doing Hip-Hop for it’s culture.