B.I.G. & Tupac: Did music die along with them?

Okay, most of you will slowly start to realize I am a huge fan of the Golden Era in Hip-Hop and by Goldern Era I mean 1994-1997. During this time, music was everything to me. Everything that came on the radio was in heavy rotation in my car and walkman. It was even more exciting that I was actually working for some of the record labels producing this music. But back then, it wasn't just Bad Boy and Death Row giving us hits, every artist was at their peak around that time. From Nas dropping "Illmatic" and Jay blessing us with "Reasonable Doubt" to true talented rap groups like Wu-Tang & Tribe Called Quest blessing the mic. And what about R&B? It was at it's peak in my opinion. Mary had all her greatest albums (My Life, What's the 411?, Share My World), Faith, Jodeci, SWV, Xscape, and even Total and 112 was holding it down. No T-Pain voice encoders to save your singing back then.

Which brings me to the subject at hand. I started analyzing the time frame of Biggie and Tupac's existence in music and I came to a very eerie conclusion. I am huge Notorious B.I.G. fanatic. Possibly one of the biggest you will ever meet, but I do respect Tupac's work. Even though I never bought or played most of his music, I do acknowledge his place in rap history. I also know that his presence is still missed and emulated by many artists that are out today. This is happening to a blatant extent. I knew once I saw 50 Cent tatted up and dissing artists for promo with his infamous underground single "How To Rob" that this is the niche' these new up and coming rappers were going for. The slick talking gangster image was born. DMX embodied it a bit, but I've met him before and I don't think his image is fabricated. I do however have a hard time believing 50 cent is a "rider" or "gangsta" when you are surrounded by New York's finest police men at all times. It's just screaming "gimmick" to me.


What happened to music after 1997? It almost seems like things died down and didn't know what direction to take. Do you remember when there were tons of male & female R&B groups to choose from? It was an era where there wasn't just Beyonce being a bad bitch, we had Toni, Mary, Faith, Deborah Cox, Mya, Monica, Brandy, and our very own Whitney Houston even had sick music on the radio. The list is endless. These two men had something that pushed other artists (even if they weren't in their genre) to the limit. I dare you guys to name more than 5 major artist who were slacking around that time, LOL. Don't worry I can give you time to think because you'll need it. Even recording artists who weren't that big, appealed to us and made us buy their records. There was so much style and variety. The sound was unique and fresh. It was a new palette. A new canvas they painted from. There were many references and influences but it was tastefully done without obvious copying. BIG was inspired by Big Daddy Kane, and managed to not sound like him. Pac is a known poet, which has had excerpts praised by everyone down to students in college courses, and he didn't write like Langston Hughes. These days I can't hear a record without the robotic T-Pain effect or anything not produced by common producers. So what did these two men posess that brought the best music out of our favorite artists? Guess we'll never know, but I know this, no other two lyricists will ever be close to equivalent. The Notorious BIG never wrote a rhyme on paper. What does that tell you? Natural talent at it's best :)

Till next time readers

BabeBro

Jordans, and why I never bought 'em...

What's good readers, it's ya boy BabeBro reppin' Kiddunot all day everyday. I wanted to take the time out to discuss some things. Uncommon things I don't usually see discussions about.

As a young teen, while attending High School (where your fashion sense is utterly important) I always noticed a pattern. A pattern that was habitual to almost every young person ranging between 13-18 years old. It was something that was so common amongst people that I would actually be surprised at the constant similarities. Judging by the picture shown above and the subject line, you can pretty much sum up the point of this entry.

I recently just purchased my first pay of Jordans ever. I sat and thought about all the years I never purchased them and it all dawned on me. Jordans are the epitome of "crack" sneakers! LOL! And don't take that the wrong way at all, but these are the only kicks I see that take over in waves. Maybe not now as much as when I was in High School (1996-2000), but when ever they drop, they cause a stir, and that is a huge part of why it scared me off.

This is the Air Jordans XVII. It comes equipped with pashav, which held the shoes and a compact disc containing the Air Jordan XVII song. The retail price of the shoe was $200. $200 dollars? No offense, but they never contained anything that stood out worth $200. I always caught myself buying some Pumas, Etonics, Nikes, or even some New Balance, LOL. Jordans always scared me off due to their popularity. When it comes to fashion I always stray away from what everyone wears. Can you imagine what that Monday morning looked like at the High School of Art & Design during the time I was attending? It was hilarious to watch the entire class of 2000 in feet uniform, Hahaha! I always stood out with my bright Saucony's or thick lace shell top Adida's. Jordans have always been overrated in my opinion. There are a couple that cought my eye. Since their creation in 1985, Jordans continue to be the "it" sneaker of the youth.

The Jordan IV (shown here in baby blue) are known to be the best of the Air Jordan family. And to be honest I can see why. The design is one of the most unique in the series and one of the most appealing. Most Jordan kicks always look like space boots to me. Like something the Jetsons would wear or some shit, LOL. Anyways, Jordans have definitely been scarce amongst people nowadays. The name still moves units, but how long will it sustain? In honor of Michael Jordan, the last Air Jordan will be the Jordan XXIII because the number 23 was the number he wore during his NBA career. Let's hope they tweak them up a bit to meet the standards of today's fashion. The whole Kanye & Pharrell movement has shifted the color of Hip-Hop. You can catch hood kats rocking fitted pants and 80's style jackets. Will we see a hot pink and neon green pair of J's anytime soon? Only time will tell folks. In the mean time, I will hold off on being a part of a Jordan shoe coalition :O)


BabeBro

The Cleveland Show

Sanaa Lathan and Nia Long are packing up and heading to 'Cleveland.'

The actresses will join Fox's Family Guy spin-off as the women in the title character, Cleveland Brown's, life. Sanaa will play Cleveland's love interest and Nia, her rebellious teenage daughter (cocoalounge.com)

The Cleveland Show is an upcoming American animated series by Seth MacFarlane, a spin-off from Family Guy. The Cleveland Show will be an animated series focusing on the character of Cleveland Brown and his family. His new family includes his new spouse, Donna, her daughter and 5 yr old son. Cleveland jr. also is in the family but is now fat or chubby much like Chris Griffin.

Episodes

The Cleveland show has been picked up for an initial order of 13 episodes to premiere in spring of 2009.

Season 1: 2009

Total Title Original airdate Prod. code 1 1 "Hey Yall! (Series Premiere)" May, 2009 Cleveland is settling in to his new house with his wife Donna.

Plot

Years ago, Cleveland Brown fell in love with the beautiful Donna. Unfortunately, Donna fell in love and married someone else. She promised Cleveland that if it didn't work out she would come to him. It didn't work out. Her man skipped town with another woman, leaving her with a teen daughter and a baby. Donna offers Cleveland a chance to win her over: by moving to the town of Stoolbend with son Cleveland, Jr. He now lives with a new step-daughter and step-son and rather strange neighbors, including a loudmouthed redneck couple, a group of woodland bears and a British family, seemingly living in the Victorian era.

Farrah Allen

Rihanna's Fall Fashion Preview

Hey Kidds,

I LIKE Rih-Rih. 1st: she is an island girl like me, 2nd: she does what she wants with her fashion, and people love her for it. In an industry where image is everything, female artists tend to sport a standard uniform—long, light hair, tight abs, and exposed skin. When Rihanna first came out, indeed she was in that category. But some light went on in her head to switch the script on us, and we have loved her ever since. Here is a little morning Rihanna for you.

Ralph Lauren Collection dress.
Deborah Marquit bra.
Bulgari earrings.
Garrard chain, dagger and sword pendants.
Genevieve Jones safety pin earring (worn as a pendant).
Loree Rodkin bracelets and diamond ring.
Opal Stone amethyst sapphire ring.

Fendi sweater.
Kova & T leggings.
Chopard hoops.
Casadei ankle boots.
Studs, Rihanna's own

Yigal Azrouël vest and dress.
Burberry hat.
Belt, Rihanna's own.
Stephen Dweck rings.
Brian Atwood boots.

J. Mendel dress.
David Yurman earrings.
Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti scarf.
Garrard ring.
LaCrasia gloves.
Christian Louboutin platform pumps.

Chloé coat, tunic dress and leggings.
Deborah Marquit bra. Louis Vuitton hoops.
David Yurman long pendant necklace.
Rhonda Faber Green dog tag necklace.
Christian Tse watch. Chopard bangles.

Farrah Allen

All In The Family

Beyonce and her mother talk to "The Early Show" about the talent of Solange Knowles. I can't get enough of this girl! I know it seems like every other topic is about her. And it is! lol...She keeps herslef in the media. She's definitely on her own now, and it's her time to shine. But no more Solange blogs from me! Im giving her a rest, cause I know Im wearing her out BOOTS! lol


KodakBoi

Solange Clears The Air

I knew we would get the business on that Solange/News anchor story. Solo cleared the air today about the news anchor incident which was posted here on KidduNot last night. In the video she briefly gives a review on a Janelle Monae & Raphael Saadiq concert she attended, thanks her fans for supporting her album & discussed her son being apart of history tonight(Demacratic National Convention)

Check it out!


KodakBoi

This Is Our Demacrtic Ticket

It was all there tonight at the final day of the Democratic National Convention: ENTERTAINMENT, Democrats, RepubliCRATS (yea, I know yall were there too). Those are Newly CONVERTED Democrats in case you don't know. But anyway, Jennifer Hudson set it off tonight. Her voice was strong but absolutely flawless as she sung The Nation Anthem. Yes, Punch jenny Punch!!(video below)


Tonight I felt the unity of the democratic party like never before. Actually, I felt like I was at a R&B concert LOL. John Legend came out in a sick white & black number with a scarf (you know I love my scarfs). Joined by Will.i.Am, they Covered Barack's "Yes WE Can" speech and transformed it into a song!! It was sick. I need a MP3 of that sent to my email(Kodakboi@kidduNot.com). Even Stevie Wonder & Sheryl Crow came out and did their thang.


There was also a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Bernice King gave a speech about her courageous father, as well as King's son, MLK The 3rd. Tonight Obama's acceptance speech fell on the 45th ann. of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" Speech. What better timing right!?! Things were becoming full circle as the night went on. I felt apart of history when U.S. Sen. Barack Obama MADE history and accepted the Democratic Party nomination for president. His acceptance speech was phenomenal. I felt like a believer after hearing that. I don't know about ya'll, but Im ready to embrace Barack. I was convinced I want him in the White House! He is our President plain & simple. It's stated that 24% of the delegates make up the "young vote".....We need to strengthen that percentage & make a difference. We have to get out there and vote, real talk! Yes, it was a historical moment tonight & I was glad to be apart of history, but I'm not voting that. I'm voting my values!!! Obama Ya'll!




KodakBoi

Eve’s First Fetish Clothing-line Promo Pics

I am looking at the bag in the corner. I personally don’t know much people who wear fetish but I have always liked her style. Let’s see how she does this time around.

Eve first launched her clothing line “Fetish” during the height of her career in 2003with a junior’s and women’s line featuring her trademark “paws.” After a couple of years, Eve shut down “Fetish” because of a lack of direction to take the brand. Fast forward to 2008 and Eve’s “Fetish” is now officially relaunched through partners Dr. Jays and Signature Apparel clothing line. Here is the first promo image of Eve for the relaunched “Fetish.” The clothing line is now available for sale at Dr. Jays. Make sure to check out the site for more details. Story from (www.wooha.co)



Farah Allen

Project Runway Season 5

(A design from Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway: Season 4)

With the most contestants of color, we have ever seen in a single episode, Bravo's last season of Runway (season 6 is saying Aufedersein and moving to Lifetime) is one of its most diverse yet. Designers, Jerell Scott, Korto Momolu and Terri Stevens are hoping a stint at "must see tv" can make them must-wear designers.



Will either of these posh hopefuls make it to New York's illustrious? (source:cocoalounge.blogspot.com)



Farah Allen

Notorious: Cast Members @ Vibe Anniversary Party

Hi Kidds,

I like this cast. Know why? Because I have never seen them before. Everyone has there favorite black actors but I have noticed that our white brothers and sister have new actors to fall in love with every new movie. We black folks have grown accustom to this double standard. There are tons of black people in theater school, acting classes that may have real talent like these people below and never see the big screen. Therefore, Kiddunot family lets support them and stop hating. If they suck they suck lets hold them responsible for the non talent I don’t care how fine or good looking they are. Please demand talent. So to rap this rant up. Let’s keep tabs on the Notorious cast and see how famous or infamous they become.



Naturi Naughton, who plays Lil Kim in NOTORIOUS


Antonique Smith, who plays Faith Evans in NOTORIOUS


Anthony Mackie (and an enormous bottle of Hennessey), who plays Tupac Shakur in NOTORIOUS



Farah Allen

Solange Tips to Letterman

Here is Solange outside of CBS studios for a taping of David Letterman.
Rih-Rih can step outside the box and everyone loves her for it. Solange is just strange with her style. Maybe this is her plan or something but I am not feeling it. 1 billion dollars to anyone who can tell me what’s on her Barbie colored stockings.



Farah Allen

The Family that prays together stays together

Directed and written by Tyler Perry, his talented cast includes Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodward, Tyler Perry, Cole Hauser, Sanaa Lathan, Rockmond Dunbar, Taraji P. Henson, Kadee Strickland, Sebastian Siegel, and Robin Givens.

Academy Award-winner Kathy Bates and Academy Award-nominee Alfre Woodard star as the matriarchs of two very different families being torn apart by greed and scandal in the contemporary drama. The sixth feature film by Perry chronicles the inner workings of two families-one upper-crust and the other working class-that become inextricably linked by scandal.


Wealthy socialite Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and her dear friend Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard), a working class woman of high ideals, have enjoyed a lasting friendship throughout many years. Suddenly, their lives become mired in turmoil as their adult children's extramarital affairs, unethical business practices and a dark paternity secret threaten to derail family fortunes and unravel the lives of all involved. Alice's self-centered newlywed daughter Andrea (Sanaa Lathan) is betraying her trusting husband Chris (Rockmond Dunbar) by engaging in a torrid affair with her boss and mother's best friend's son William (Cole Hauser). While cheating on his wife Jillian (Kadee Strickland) with a string of ongoing dalliances with his mistress Andrea, William's true focus is to replace the COO of his mother's lucrative construction corporation. Meanwhile, Alice's other daughter Pam (Taraji Henson), a kind but no nonsense woman married to a hard working construction worker (Tyler Perry), tries to steer the family in a more positive direction.

While paternity secrets, marital infidelity, greed and unsavory business dealings threaten to derail both families, Charlotte and Alice decide to take a breather from it all by making a cross-country road trip in which they rediscover themselves and possibly find a way to save their families from ruin in 'The Family That Preys.'
Taylor has some white folks in the movie now. This is something I have to see to believe. Taylor looks somewhat goodish in the photos. I wonder if his acting is believable. Sanaa Lathan is a movie Favorite and so is baby boy’s Taraji P. Anytime you have Alfre in a movie there is bound to be a black women speech somewhere in there so watch your tear ducks and don’t forget to hug your moma.

The film comes out in theaters on September 12.



Farah Allen

Teairra Marí On Rihanna

Remember I told you that Teairra Marí was inside KING mag w/ Hoopz on the cover? Well inside Marí opens up to KING magazine about she felt about Rihanna's negative comments towards her last year. Check out an excerpt from Marí's feature below:

Teairra took offense to some comments Rihanna made to Atlanta’s Peach magazine regarding her dismissal from the Roc. Rihanna said, “You have to be good to people. I could very easily say its all karma…”

“They asked her how she felt playing second fiddle to me, which I never felt [she was]. She had the number-one song in the country on Hot 100; I didn’t, so she couldn’t be playing second fiddle to me. When I heard that I was upset, like, ‘Why would she ever go there? Keep my name out your mouth, sweetie.”

The drama & catfights in this industry, boy I tell ya. If you knew the half! But I understand where Tee is coming from, I see her point.


KodakBoi

Foxy Clown

Brooklyn is not standing up right about now! Tho she's been labeled a 'has-been' artist, Foxy never looked like one.....UNTIL now! Sadly Foxy tipped out in a "cheap-not-chic" look recently in Cali. From the shades down to the fake-looking balenciaga boots.... A shitty MESS! C'mon Foxy, get it together ma. This is not a good look! KidduNoters, please give me your thought on this look!



KodakBoi

She is Not Having it

Solange Says "No mam, this is my turn to shine, you will not bring up THEIR name in my interviews" in so many words. Talk about setting yourself apart, Solange went slap-off on this news anchor who mentioned Jay-Z's failing establishment & thought to compare Solange with big sister Beyonce. No today. Solange was not having it KidduNot. You gotta love her realism in this video! She is constantly trying to step out of her sister's shadow, but by no surpise, the media keeps pulling her back in like a dog on a leash. Im sure it comes a point where the tie-ins With Jay & Bey become annoying. With that being said, this was Solange's boiling point. Journalist take notes!....And remember, DONT MENTION FAMILY AFFAIRS....Matter fact, try forgetting she even has a sister name Beyonce. It's not Solange's Bey-Day, so blow out the candles!





Her album, “Sol-Ange And The Hadley Street Dreams” is in stores now.




KodakBoi

Anybody Want A Protein Shake?

Just when you thought Lil' Cease was done workin you out, he's back with another video....This time it's all about PROTEIN! In this Video, Cease captures how to maximize on your fitness with meal replacements. While this video's focus is about the protein put into his favorite health shake, Cease also elaborates on "eating in moderation". I think we all will find this video useful in a number of ways LOL. Check out the video, get the protein shake of your choice and amplify it the "Cease-O-Leo" way. Cease uses 7-8 ice cubes, a half of banana (chopped), strawberries (chopped), peanut butter & soy milk. But of course, if you don't like the ingredients Cease worked into this shake, find the fruit(s) that work well with your taste buds. But for the record, Im about to make me one the "Cease-O-Leo" way minus the soy milk. So go ahead & take notes as Cease Puts on!.....Oh, & don't forget the measuring cup!


"You sure you just dont want a Coke?....I gotta get the peanut butter out, put some strawberries all up in it.....I don't even know how to use that blender....they gonna be pressing all these crazy buttons.. No, you can have a Coke" -Bon Qui Qui MADtv

LMAO!!!


As always, for question pertaining to this video contact Music Group on the web @
www.OyoMusicGroup.com/By phone: 888-441-8789

Also be sure to hit up Lil' Cease on his Myspace: www.myspace.com/LilCease1


OMG, Where is my SHOUT OUT!?!....I want one in the next video, lol!!



KodakBoi

When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong

Scenario...

You're in court...

You've had a pretty rough year...

Arrested a few times...

Got caught buying coke during a drug sting, had a couple of outstanding arrest warrants (before your arrest the other week in front of Wal-Mart)...

Back to the scenario... You're in court...

The judge tells you no bail.

At this point you're probably thinking, "I ain't goin to no fuckin jail," but you don't say it. However, rapper DMX keeps it a little more real than most.

After being denied bail in a Miami-Dade courtroom on Tuesday morning, DMX tells JUDGE Lawrence Schwartz, "I ain't goin to no fuckin jail!"

The judge then responds, "Oh, well that just ingratiated you to me. I've never heard the F-word before, so it's OK." He then warned DMX's public defender (lol @ DMX having a public defender) that his client had better not curse in his courtroom again.

To impart some knowledge upon you all, because I didn't know this either, ingratiate means to get on someone's good side.

Now C'mon DMX. I've got to give you props for keepin it real, but I think you went a little too far with that one.

New Kanye West Video - "Good Morning"

And it's directed by Takashi Murakami, the artist who drew the cover art for Graduation Day. The Japanese artist also designs bags for Louis Vuitton. Having Takashi Murakami direct your animated music video is bigger than having JHud sing the national anthem as you accept the Presidential Nomination for the Democratic Party. Lol Just Kidding.

Solange - Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams: A Review

And she’s nooooo angel!!!! LOL! If you’ve been hearing any of her leaked tracks, such as: Signed Sincerely (Fuck the Industry), you know that Solange Piaget Knowles isn’t exactly the wannabe and second-rate Beyoncé Giselle Knowles that everyone expects… Solange is one of the few individuals in the industry that pride themselves on being different from the pack (the one that is led by Beyoncé lol). Her latest effort, Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dreams hit stores on August 26th… with that being said, should you cop it???

Well to be honest with you, it totally depends on your personal tastes. WillyTee thinks that R&B music is at a standstill: only a few artists are actually coming out here and doing something hot and different. Solange’s corky yet soulful style gives you a mixture of Amy Winehouse, M.I.A., and Beyoncé. In a recent interview, the “solo star” stated that she had been writing stuff for years that no one wanted to use. However, the old school takeover led by Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Duffy opened doors that no one expected to be opened.

Back to the review—Solange’s album is dope. It’s different, but it’s dope. This is why I like it:

1. The vocal arrangements and harmonies are hot as hell. She pulls from different genres and generations of music to really provide the listener with a unique but not over the top experience.
2. She is raw and unadulterated. The chick has a song called “ChampagneChroniKnightCap.” Enough said. Lol. But honestly, her music is down to Earth and relatable.
3. It’s old school. We give all these White girls props for paying homage to the greats of the past, but what about one of the few chicks from our side that recognizes the beauty of classic soul music? She channels what makes us love Marvin and Gladys by making songs “for the people”. A great example of this is the Mark Ronson produced “Six O’Clock Blues”.
4. She actually has vocals. The stand-out feature of her voice is her range. That upper-register can literally give you chills.
5. It’s different. Escape the mediocrity of R&B and check out Solange.

Dr. Dre Son Found Dead

The Los Angeles County Coroner reported today that the son of hip hop record producer and rapper Dr. Dre has died. Andre Young Jr. was found dead at his home in Woodland Hills on Saturday morning.

Young was out the previous night and returned home around 5:30 A.M., according to Assistant Chief Ed Winter. His mother went to check on him in his bedroom around 10 A.M., found him unresponsive, and called 911. He was 20 years of age.




The cause of death is pending completion of a toxicology report.

Andre Young Sr., better known as Dr. Dre, shot to fame with the influential gangsta rap group N.W.A. He later became an artist and co-owner of Death Row Records. In 1993, he won a Grammy Award for the single "Let Me Ride." As a producer, Dre was credited with popularizing West Coast G-funk.

Dr. Dre is currently the founder and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment.

Will We Have a BLACK First Lady???

After Monday night, I really think so... Michelle Obama killed the speech she gave during the first night of the convention. Fellas... doesn't watching this woman speak make you want to get married tomorrow??? lol.. I need a Michelle Obama in my life. And females... take notes, because this is the type of woman you need to be striving to be like if you wanna marry the next Black president of the United States of America. If you missed it, check it out...



The other highlight of the convention was Ted Kennedy's speech. After suffering from a stroke just a few months back, he really speaks as if he is in PERFECT health! His voice is unfaltering and strong and you love it and you're gonna vote!



OBAMA YAAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still the Princess

After seven years, I still can't believe she's gone...

On Saturday, August 25, 2001, the world lost one of entertainment's brightest stars. Aaliyah Dana Haughton died tragically in a plane crash after concluding the video shoot for the Hype Williams directed "Rock the Boat".

Back in the day, Aaliyah was music's "it-girl". Her final studio album, Aaliyah, received 4 out of 5 stars from Rolling Stones, and went on to sell over seven million copies worldwide. In addition, she was one of the few singer turned actresses that could actually act. Her performances in Romeo Must Die and the posthumously released Queen of the Damned garnered praises from both critics and fans.

What was your favorite Aaliyah song/video?

Check out "One In A Million" and reminisce...

JoJo "Faints from Exhaustion" at a Concert In Australia

And I thought that K-Ci was the crackhead. Apparently, addiction runs in the Hailey family. At a recent concert in Australia, a sloshed JoJo falls down in the middle of a set. To make it even worse, his brother pulls a Kelly and Beyonce... He looks at JoJo, and then tries to act like the dude didn't just bust his ass in the middle of the stage!!! You can literally hear people in the background shouting "pick him up"!!!

After the tumble, his brother told the audience that JoJo was exhuasted(I guess from the intricate choreography they were doing all night) and fainted.

If you forgot what the duo used to be capapble of doing, check out this flashback joint. This is probably one of my favorite live performance music videos of all time.

The Game - L.A.X: A Review

Did I mention that I absolutely love the direction that music is going in right now? Hip Hop hasn’t been this good in years!!! Jeezy, Weezy, and KanYeeezy have been making some major moves in the past year. Yet with stellar lyrics and the top producers in Hip Hop on his team, The Game has also made a name for himself as one of Hip Hop’s heavyweights.
Two Albums, Seven Million Sold, Need I Say More???

Yes

L.A.X. boasts collabos from Ice Cube, Common, Raheem Devaughn, Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Raekwon, Chrisette Michelle, Bilal, Latoya Williams, DMX, Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne, Nas, and Travis Barker. Basically, 78.9% of the songs on his album feature another artist. Typically, when an artist has to put all of those big names on an album, it implies that he isn’t good enough to sell it with his own talent/resume. However, The Game actually makes all of these collabos work. I think what makes it doable is the fact that all of the artists vary in age, genre, style, and SWAG. How many albums exist with contributions from DMX, Bilal, Chrisette Michelle, and Travis Barker? In fact, how many albums exist with contributions from Latoya Williams (the girl who came in third place on Fantasia’s and JHUD’s season of Idol) period??? LOL

Another problem with albums that have a lot of big names on them is the possibility of the collaborators outshining the actual artist. With that being said, The Game can rap his ass off!!! This dude stays making some of the most creative and bold statements in Hip Hop. Seriously, this morning on my way to work I had to roll up my windows and cut the A.C. on when I was riding up the highway so I could get into every lyric that this dude spat.

In conclusion, support The Game and buy his newest album L.A.X. when it comes out on August 26th, which is tomorrow by the way!

Out & About: Aretha

What the hell am I looking at? I almost dropped this damn laptop! Aretha know she was WRONG for comin out the house like this. I love her but damn, when I saw these photos I was happy because initially I thought to myself..."Yay, Martin is coming out with another movie(Big momma's House)". Then I took a closer look....and saw that DOUBLE CHIN, then reailty hit. Boy was I wrong! It was the Queen Of Soul herself laced in Chanel heels, with a Vuitton bag stepping sadlessly down the street. I was upset. Yes, you are mother to all (Beyonce, Mary, Mariah, etc.) but Im pretty sure they are not looking up to you right now.


On a Sidenote:

According to EURweb.com, Aretha Franklin will apply her heavenly voice to an array of holiday songs for a new album to be released Oct. 14 via DMI Records.

"This Christmas Aretha," the singer's first-ever Christmas album, will include classic holiday material as well as contemporary favorites. A press release says the listener will be taken "on a journey of Franklin's musical evolution, featuring songs infused with her trademark gospel, soul, R&B, and classical styles. Aretha Franklin is a living legend who makes an impact on fans worldwide with every performance and every album," said DMI founder, Tena Clark. "Having been privileged to work with Aretha, I know the passion she brings to every project, and I am committed to making her first-ever holiday album a special experience for her and her fans."

Trackmasters Throw Pool Party In N.J

Trackmasters had a mansion pool party over the weekend with guests like Fab, Red Cafe, Dj Envy, Dj Clue and Lil Kim attended. They look like they enjoyed themselves...Enjoy the flicks!

Faith Evans Dishes Dirt On Lil KIm

Faith is givin up the good ish! More excerpts are being released from Faith Evan’s “Keep the Faith” book. Check below to see what happened when she caught Biggie in bed with Lil Kim.

Even before we moved to Brooklyn, I noticed that Big was kind of rough and abrasive toward Kim. I once heard him screaming on her at his mother's house although I had no idea why.

"You think you special? he screamed. "I'll go get Inga right now." While Kim cried, Big kept yelling at her. "We don't need you for this group. Inga would be happy to be down." (The "Inga" he was referring to was a sixteen year old rapper named Foxy Brown who would go on to be Kim's nemesis)

"You ain't special," He said. "I will replace your ass with the quickness. Don't forget that shit."

I think seeing the way they talked to her and about her made me dismiss her. I usually have Spider-Man senses when it comes to other women. But with Kim, there was nothing."

I remember going to a hotel room in Manhattan where Big was staying. And when I got there, Kim was on her way out. She ended up hanging around for a bit longer and getting a ride back to Brooklyn with me.

"I know you're Big's wife," she said, as I drove us over the Brooklyn Bridge. "We're more like brother and sister."

I just nodded. My Lil' Kim bullshit detector was still set on off."


Later Faith expessed:

"I don’t know what got into my head. But I decided that I needed to know once and for all what Big was really trying to do. On that night before Christmas, I drove to Big’s house on a mission to find out where I really stood.

The security guard at the gate just waved me in when I pulled up. It was Christmas Eve and she’d seen me come into the complex with the kids, so I guess she didn’t think anything of it. I parked in the rear of Big’s town house and walked up to the garage. It was locked. I hadn’t been over to Big’s house a whole lot but I did know that you jiggle the garage door a certain way and unlock it.

I got into the garage, where there was an elevator that would take me to both floors of Big’s duplex. There I was, rocking a black skully cap and a heavy goose-down jacket, tiptoeing into the elevator and pressing the button to go up to the second floor, where his bedroom was located. I got to Big’s bedroom door, turned the knob, and went inside. As soon as I saw a small lump next to Big’s large frame, I flew into a rage, ran over to the side of the bed, and pulled back the covers. I grabbed some chick our of the bed and started beating her ass. At some point, the chick’s wig came off in my hand; It was a short, cropped wig. I stopped throwing punches for a minute to get a good look at the chick I was beating up. It was Lil Kim. She was completely butt-naked, yelling as I pushed her around the room.

“So you not fucking her, right?” I screamed at Big. “Yeah, you not messing with her anymore,right?”

When they heard all the commotion, Cease, D-Roc, and Gutter came running into the room. ‘Oh shit!” they yelled in unison. “It’s Faye! How the hell she get in here?”

Big sat up in bed and pointed at Kim, who was standing in a corner of the room, trying to cover her naked body with her hands while I was still yelling at Big. “Yo, get her outta here,’ Big said. They led Kim out of the room and she screamed and cursed the whole way.

It was absolutely crazy in that house. Kim was naked and being led somewhere to get dressed. I was still screaming on Big. Damion, Cease, and Gutter were laughing in amazement that I would be so bold. And Big looked like he was just too through with all of us. He sat up in bed shaking his head. Kim left the house and I stayed, talking to Big about why he couldn’t be honest with me about her.

‘I thought it was all about Tiffany?” I asked. You still messing with Kim, too?” Big had nothing to say. I have to say I actually felt some pity for Kim. (<—why!?!?) Big had a wife, and she settled for messing with him. Then he started dating Tiffany and Big had a wife and a mistress. And Kim still settled for being other other woman. It seemed pretty sad to settle for that.

When I left a few hours later to get the kids, I noticed that Kim had taken my key to my Land Cruiser and scratched up my entire car, from the hood to the back bumper. Even though we ended up having sex that day (<—see that’s a dumb bish), at that point I decided I was 100 percent through. I was not going to be a ride or die chick, always going to lengths to show Big how I felt. I was the mother of his child and his wife. But I was going to have to let go".

This book is juicy! It's good to hear her side because we've never heard her speak about it in the public at all! Even when her and Lil' Kim had a lil scuffle at the APOLLO back in 97', she never spoke of it.


Kodak Boi

Fabolous -Let The Beat Drop (Freestyle)

All I Can Say is....Dope! Take A Listen....

New Music From Keri Hilson

Listen To Keri Hilson “Mic Check” Feat. Akon! This joint is def. bangin!



Kodak Boi

I Need to see you in these Adidas's Campus 80

For back to school, adidas is going old-school, with retro favorites like this Campus 80. The three stripes will re-introduce the sneaker this fall. Wanna look dope the first day of school? Cop these joints at adidas originals stores and be the coolest cat in the cafeteria. Remember 1st impressions are the best impressions. Leave your mark for only $65!

T.I. ft. Jay-Z, Kanye West & Lil Wayne - SLU (Swagger Like Us)

"Swagger Like Us" was produced by Kanye West and features a sample of M.I.A.'s ubiquitous "Paper Planes," where she declares "No one on the corner got swagger like us." Jay-Z, Weezy & Ye all make the cut for this one. Word on the street is Tip isn't too pleased with the leak. "That's some bullsh--," I'm beating down the Internet as we speak. Don't ruin the event, wait till the cake comes out the kitchen before you eat it. That's like a kid who sees his toys before Christmas; it takes away from me and I think it takes away from the fans as well. When it's time, I'mma give it to you", a disappointed Tip told MTV News Saturday afternoon (August 23) via phone. From Tip's forthcoming LP, Paper Trail, You can check out "Swagger Like Us" Here on KidduNot! You Heard it First!






Kodak Boi

YouTube Video Of The Week: Mr. YouTuBe

I had a bad run in with India Arie earlier this year, Simply she was a bitch! Excuse my french. I won't get into the story, so I'll leave it at that! Anyway, I still love her music and the positivity that comes along with it nevertheless, so naturally Im still a fan....of her MUSIC!So I was doing my daily YouTube Run And came across one of my favorite India songs "Ready For Love" being covered by...Well lets just call him "Mr.YoUTuBe". I KidduNot, dude killed this joint! Vocals on point like a mutha! See I knew a guy could cover this joint and do it justice, just as India did! Shout to "They Call Me Mr.YoUTuBe" for the talent provided! KidduNot.com will be lookin out more from you. To catch more tunes by our showcase this week, you can check him out at his Myspace & Youtube page listed below. Show this black talent some love. Young'n doin his thing!

Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/3v3nt

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/hottlikefire03

Jhud: Album Review By L.A. Times

What can a singer do for an encore, when her debut hits it right out of the park? That's the happy problem facing Jennifer Hudson, who first found fame on "American Idol" but cemented her stardom by blowing Beyoncé away in "Dreamgirls." Hudson, who'd never acted on-screen before winning a Little Gold Man for her turn as Effie -- and, most of all, for her ferocious rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," a song she mercilessly wrested from the arms of Jennifer Holliday -- has now cemented her movie-star status by appearing in the ultimate chick flick of all time. But is she a bankable pop queen? The question still burns.

Hudson's debut album has been nearly two years in the making, but her mentor Clive Davis must finally be happy, because it's scheduled for a Sept. 30 release. I've heard a few tracks, and can confirm that the word Hudson most often uses to describe the disc -- "variety" -- applies. The final track listing remains unsolidified; what I heard ranged from blockbuster heart-renders to chic hip-hop-flavored experiments.

The best cuts include the super-sassy Timbaland production "Pocketbook," which features a lascivious rap from Ludacris, and the smooth heartbreaker "Invisible," helmed by the Underdogs, the production team behind the "Dreamgirls" soundtrack. Hudson recently talked about those songs and more in a phone interview from New York.

On the occasion of your upcoming recording debut, Jennifer, all I can say is -- finally!

Ha ha! There was a lot of material. I recorded over 40 songs. There was a rumor going around that the original album was scrapped, but that was never the case. Some songs on there are among the first we recorded, like "We Gon' Fight."

That one is a gospel-flavored number, but with a futuristic beat.

It was produced by Tank [a.k.a. Durrell Babbs]. I'm a huge fan of his, and I thought the song was a great idea. I love the feeling of it. It's very modern, but it has the elements of R&B.

Several other cuts I heard are classic ballads, and then "Pocketbook" is a high-energy throwdown.

I like the variety and flexibility of my voice [on the album]. I don't mind stepping outside what I'm used to doing. I grew up in the church, and was always into ballads, but I'm very open to contemporary music. I consider my voice a tree with many branches.



Expressing vulnerability is one of your great gifts as a singer, and it's highlighted here on ballads like "Giving Myself to You," which reminds me of a classic mid-1980s torch song.

Everybody has a soft side, no matter how tough you may appear. I want to let my listeners in on that side of me. It's all about emotion. To me, that comes from learning what you're singing about. You can sing at a song, or you can sing the song. If you know what it's about, you can really sing the song. Otherwise, you're just making a noise. That I learned from being in church.

I hear a Whitney Houston influence on that song.

I definitely take that as a huge compliment. Of course, again, it adds more pressure! But I don't mind it at all.

Well, Clive Davis is Whitney's mentor too. What was his involvement in your recording sessions?

I have been discovered by the world's greatest talent expert, but actually, he's never been in the studio with me. He would send me a song, or I'd go see him at the office. That's when he gives his input. He's definitely a hands-on kind of guy.

It can't have been easy, balancing this intense recording experience with your acting career.

It's just a love for the art that's driving me to do them both. I didn't expect an acting career before a singing career. I've never trained as an actor. I never even thought about it. I always wanted to sing.

What are your touring plans?

We'll start maybe in October. Or January. I'm really looking forward to it -- that's my favorite thing, performing live. My fans want an intimate setting, and it's all about my fans. So I'm going to make it that way.

-- Ann Powers

Say My Name, Not Beyonce's

She may have a famous sibling, but Solange Knowles want to make her own way. The songwriting singer is creating some buzz with a sophomore album that harkens back to the glory days of Motown. So stop mentioning Beyoncé, and check out this soul sister.
Presiding over a roomful of music journalists inside Geffen Records’ Manhattan office, powerhouse music impresario Mathew Knowles prepares to play some tracks from his youngest daughter’s sophomore album, SoLAngeL and the Hadly St.Dreams (Music World/ Geffen). But before doing so, he can’t resist telling a story about a young Solange Piaget Knowles.



“Years ago, we had theses shelves in our living room.” he says. “They where filled with trophies and plaques my older daughter, Beyoncé, had won in different talent shows. I came home from work one day, and every last one of those trophies was broken and scattered across the room!” He smiles at the memory, shaking his head. "Solange broke them, every single one--and didn't deny it."

For the full story, check out the new August/September 2008 issue of GIANT with more words by Aliya S. King!



Kodak Boi