ALBUM/MIXTAPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

DJ Young Breezye:

Night Ryders Vol 3

‘Night life’s best kept secret’, DJ Breezye, made this mix extra SPLASHY. It is definitely a mix that belongs at the club on Friday night! The songs are all hot and dance worthy. “Dis is How We Play” by J. Money featuring Young LA, “Guns High” by Ace Hood, and “Loud” by Young Capone start off the mix nicely with an energetic feel. Young Joc, Slim, The Dream, and Ludacris are some other heavy hitters that are featured on Breezye’s well put together piece. “Kiss Me Through the Phone” by Soulja Boy and Sammie gives the mix a little subtlety with its sentimental lyrics: Girl you know I miss you; I just want to kiss you. But I can't rite now so baby Kiss me through the phone. Other songs like “Real Hard” by Young Joc and “Chain or Fit” by Bonafide automatically pulls everyone to the dance floor for an extreme boogie work out! Hands down DJ Young Breezye put his best foot forward and it shows through this mix of hot collaborations.

4 Out of 5

ALBUM/MIXTAPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

DJ Young Breezye:

Just Ride Vol 2

Young Breezye brings the heat again with Volume 2 of Just Ride. He is starting the year off right with this compilation of smooth hits. This mixtape is perfect for that long, yet fun road trip with your friends. Lil Wayne, Jamie Foxx, and Young Berg are a few of the contributors to the cruise worth mix. Breezye even adds a little taste of Memphis flavor with Yo Gotti and Kia Shine. The diva herself, and my personal favorite, Beyonce can be heard doing “Ego” one of her songs from her latest CD I AM…SASHA FIRECE. “Turning Me On” by Keri Hilson , “Rocking That Thang” by The Dream, and “Beep Beep” by Bobby Valentino have already be proven to be hits, so adding them to this mix put the cherry on top. Breeyze ends the 21 tracks with Young Capone’s “Choosin” featuring Mario, an upbeat song that blends rap and r&b. This is one of Breezye’s best because it’s versatile; play it in the house or in the car. Either way good music mean a good time.

4 Out of 5

ALBUM/MIXTAPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

DJ CRISIS

SHUT UP & LISTEN

(HARD & SOFT)

Shut up and Listen is DJ Crisis’s one year anniversary edition that he says is “SO BIG that he had to do 2 separate Mixtapes and drop them both at the same time!” Crisis’s has brought together 48 tracks to make up two mixtapes: Hard and Soft. Shawty Lo, Gucci Mane, Ace, Plies, and Young Buck are some of the rap stars featured the Hard side of the mix. He even incorporates his own personal flavor with his freestyle over the beat from “Aint I” originally featuring T.I. “Imma G” “Me and My Goons” and “Always Strapped” are also songs that can be heard on this intense mix. DJ Crisis was on point when he named this side of the mix, because all of the songs are nothing less of being ‘Hard’ Even though Crisis has made it very clear that he knows what hardcore rap is, he also has a soft spot. Rihanna, Beyonce, Keyshia, and Ciara are the industry diva’s that can be found on the more subtle side of this mixtape. “Never Leave My Girl” by Ben One, “Make That Sound” by J Holiday, and Kristyle’s “Make You Feel” add that intimate touch that give the soft feeling to last 25 tracks. “So... as you can see...we giving ya’ll straight HEAT on this one!” says a proud DJ Crisis. Honestly, I couldn’t agree with him more, because there is definitely something for everyone to listen to.
4 Out of 5

ALBUM/MIXTAPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

DJ Lissamonet Presents:

LOVESTONED Vol. 003

So what’s your relationship status this Valentine’s Day? Single? Committed? Either way, DJ LissaMonet has something for everyone to groove to with her latest mixtape: LOVESTONED. “This is my baby right here. A lot of people ask me about this mixtape during the year and it’s honestly the most fun mixtape to work on” Lissamonet commented on her project. Day 26, Whitney Houston, Floerty, and Ne-yo are just a few hit artists featured on the mix. The first track is a sexy classic by Ginuwine, “So Anxious”. If you’re spending V-day with that special one, this will surely set the mood. “Come Over” by Aaliyah continues to fill the atmosphere with smooth sounds of flirtatious invitations. With songs from Maxwell, Tevin Campbell, and Chris Brown, this is sure to be the lady’s favorite. I can guarantee that “Till the cops come knocking”, “SHHH”, and “Take you Down” will be on repeat in plenty of MP3 players. The tempo speeds up with Ne-yo’s “Single” and “Miss Independent pt II”. LissaMonet also puts in Keyshia Cole’s “Brand New” and Jodeci’s “Alone” for and even more intimate moment with your sugar. “Co Star” by Day 26 puts the icing on the cake as it wraps up the mixtape. DJ LissaMonet has made this mixtape necessary for anyone who has that love bug.
4 Out of 5

ON THE RADAR ARTIST 2.27.09

KIDZ IN THE HALL

One Stop Shop
Two college-bound students hook-up at a University at Pennsylvania talent show and the rest is history! Naledge and Double-O are two of the most creative hip-hop forces that have entered the game. Both are from Chicago, hitting you with the new generation of hip-hop. But guess what…one’s the producer/DJ and the other is the lyricist…great combination, huh? Recently, the duo just signed a hot deal with Duck Down Records and by teaming up with Just Blaze, they’re sure to make hits. On their latest album, The In Crowd, Double-O produces the hottest tracks and Naledge spits the truth. With the both of these musical geniuses, some of the illest tracks are composed such as, “Dumba$% Tales” and “Move On Up”. I’m sure you’ve seen their new video dressed as car salesmen in “Driving Down the Block” (if not, then check it out on their myspace page or youtube…immediately!). “Driving Down the Block” contains an interpolation of one of Outkast’s tracks and proves their well-rounded ability to entertain your musical soul. But hold up, I’m not finished! Kidz In The Hall’s “Work to Do” track was used for Obama’s presidential campaign (NOTE: GET YOU’RE BEHINDS OUT THERE AND VOTE THIS NOVEMBER…SERIOUSLY!!!)! Kidz In the Hall’s sophomore album, “The In Crowd” is definitely an album to pick up (if you haven’t already)! Their clever and unapologetic musical talent is one-of-a-kind and will answer the ongoing question, “Is hip-hop dead?” (Nope!). Certainly, these gifted individuals and their musical gift can be noted as the true essence of hip-hop!
Words By: Nikki Snow

ON THE RADAR ARTIST 2.27.09

WEETU

"THE TRUTH"

Written By: Nikki Snow

Undeniably, one of the most talented students that grace Tennessee State University’s campus, has to be…Weetu. Born in New Jersey, Weetu explains that she was born with an umbilical cord around her neck and the doctors immediately said that she would be brain dead. Within the arms of her mother, Weetu adorns the room with the blink of her eyes. She is then promised, “We together forever” (which inspired the name, Weetu).
This lyrical mastermind literally entered the rap game at the tender age of five, just by writing poems. By the age of ten, her art was turned into lyrics and her efforts were praised by her teachers and peers. Weetu’s poetic verses and humble personality are uniquely evident within her music. Most of her work is freestyle, besides when working on a structured project. Psalms 2:12:86 (her birthday) and the We All We Got compilation album are some of her recent creations. With the collaboration of her “right hand band”, The Truth, an inspiring and soulful sound is created to form a movement of remarkable musical talent. Think of Floetry meets The Roots and Lauryn Hill! When asked of her lyrical talent in comparison with other rappers--particularly females, Weetu says “I’m not trying to sell my body to exploit my gift”. As a “portrait of God”, she values a sense of respect and modesty when it comes to her image and music.
Unlike most of the rappers in the industry, SHE DOES NOT CURSE IN HER MUSIC! This goes along with the controversy surrounding the “N-word” within the hip-hop community. Weetu emphasizes that the words used in the artists’ music may clarify or reveal their intellectual aptitude. Aside from her rap career and college, Weetu juggles between her entertainment group, initiating a clothing line, and her charitable organization. We All We Got Foundation is a non-profit organization created to provide food, clothes, and toy for the impoverished. The Liberation Clothing Line is a project in partnership with her stylist Tyeisha Hill. Many of the proceeds from her organization go towards a mission program in Africa. With Weetu’s talent, ambition, and accomplishments (so far), I can imagine her success story ten years from now!
CHECK OUT WEETU’S MYSPACE PAGE:

www.myspace.com/weetuharmony

FEATURED ARTIST 2.27.09

B.O.B

(BEATS ON BLAST)

Words: Tatiana R.

A few days after his first video shoot, for club anthem, Haterz Everywhere featuring Rich Boy, Atlantic Records newest artist, 18 year old B.O.B is here to claim his place. Already on one of the biggest billboards in New York City as one of LRG Clothing’s spoke models B.O.B. tells Culture Shock Mag, “Where I am now is so different from where I’d thought I’d be.”
Having a genuine love for music B.O.B. is unique in his own right. “I don’t try to stick to one genre when I make music I try to incorporate all my love for all types of music.” Influenced by Rock, Blues, DooWop and of course of Hip Hop Atlanta’s own, B.O.B takes the industry for a crazy ride. Knowing that just having a “cool” image and talent in the industry is no longer one of a kind, B.O.B. can be described as a one stop shop. First recording with group the Klinic, the beats weren’t coming fast enough. His cousin taught him the music production, Fruity Loops. B.O.B. found his new vice! He produces, writes, raps, arranges and mixes his own music.
But who exactly is B.O.B? When asked what B.O.B. means, he first explains his real name is Bob but, “I’m a random guy, just all over the place.” So it can stand for different things in different situations i.e. Beats On Blast when he goes into production mode, Ballin’ On a Budget or Books Over Bullets.
You can imagine that he sticks out like a sore thumb in the Rap world, yet is co-signed by the likes of label-mate T.I., whom he recently performed his big single with at Atlanta’s 13th Annual Birthday Bash Concert. His charismatic persona and immense energy is what attracted industry tastemaker and CEO of TJ’s DJ’s, TJ Chapman. TJ Chapman known for one of the most successful record pools and for helping launch the careers of artists like, T-Pain, Yung Joc, Rick Ross just to name a few, he truly believes B.O.B is the next superstar. After a performance at Club Crucial in Atlanta, TJ Chapman wanted to be apart in helping him achieve his dream by teaming up with manager B. Rich to become his co-manager.
He’s already released his first mix-tape Cloud 9, that he describes as classic along with Hello My Name is B.O.B. He’s also co-produced and dropped a verse on Danity Kane’s hit single “Showstopper (Remix)” featuring Pitbull, along with other features. B.O.B. is well on his way. Prepare for Take Off!

Odd End.

Favorite cereal. Captain Crunch

Celebrity crush. Alicia Keys

Classic album. Cold Play X & Y.

Tattoos. 3

Who would play you in a movie? Will Smith

ALBUM/MIXTAPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

DRAKE

SO FAR GONE

Words: Melissa K.
Sending the internet on fire is Young Money’s affiliate, Drake with his latest mixtape offering, So Far Gone. Already considered a classic by most, So Far Gone not only has the web going crazy, but for those who hadn’t yet heard of the Canadian MC this mixtape will leave more than just a lasting impression. Drake, whose father played bass for Prince and uncle wrote for Al Green, serves it up not only lyrically as a rapper, but as a singer as well. Tracks such as “Houstatlantavegas”, “Brand New”, and “Night Off” allow him to play the field and not even pale in comparison to singers such as Trey Songz, Omarion, and Lloyd. On the piercing “Say What’s Real” (over Kanye’s “Say You Will” track) Drake reminds you of why he should be among the top contenders in the rap game: “24 hours from fame, yea I’m that close/Don’t ever forget the moment you began to doubt/ transitioning in from fitting in to standing out..” On the genius “Uptown” and the honest cut “Successful” featuring Bun B, Drake (also known as Drizzy) keeps your attention throughout the entire mixtape. Not only does So Far Gone go past a lot of recent efforts, is goes so far past any expectations that you might have.

ALBUM/MIXTAPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

FRENCH MONTANA & MAX B:

COKE WAVE

Words: Mari M.
French Montana & Max B: Coke Wave

After many months of announcing “Coke Wave” was on its way, the highly anticipated mixtape/DVD combo from French Montana and Max B finally dropped last Thursday. The built up anticipation had fans snatching Coke Wave off the shelves, but reviews have been mixed.
The mixtape consists of 20 tracks, many produced by Dame Grease (of DMX-notoriety). Others were true to “mixtape” form by remixing other songs, such as All I Wanna on the Paper Planes beat and Been Around (which is hands down my favorite song on the tape) on Biggie’s Been Around the World. On NY, French and Max go head to head lyrically, and you can truly see why these rappers have such a following. French raps “I’m in the s550 with about five 50’s of that sour, tell them cowards come get me.” The guitar-looped sample on Bury Me a G (courtesy of Grease) makes for a soulful backdrop that French seamlessly laced with his clever wordplay. Other bangers to check for are the Maino-assisted God Damn, and Hold On featuring G-Unit’s Tony Yayo.
The DVD accompanying the mixtape has videos for various songs on the mixtape, as well as a few other French Montana songs not on the CD. It also includes footage of French and Max performances and day-in-the-life footage from different events.
Overall, I give the whole package a 4 out of 5. The DVD is highly entertaining, I could listen to about 80% of the songs (some were definitely skip-worthy), and it’s the Macaroni Wit the Cheese and Wavy Crocket…what’s not to love?!
4 Out of 5

ALBUM/MIXATPE REVIEWS 2.27.09

LIL WAYNE

PRE/BIRTH

Weezy F. Baby is switching up the flow between Hip-Hop and Rock n Roll with his newest mixtape. Twenty exclusive tracks make up the rap phenomenon's album-like mix. All the songs are mastered to perfection with no name drops over them! Dr. Dre, Gudda Gudda, Juelz Santana, Pharrell, and The Game are just a handful of peers Wayne has featured on his project. “Red Rum” “Every Girl” and “Hello World” go back to the basics with genuine hip-hop vibes. However, the style changes from hip-hop to grungy Rock with “Prom Queen”. Wayne’s voice over the drums and electric guitar creates a sound new to his fans, but I am sure they will be craving more. “Yes” featuring Pharrell, delivers a hardcore beat with raw lyrics from the two hip-hop beasts! Wayne even acknowledged his hometown with “New Orleans Maniac” featuring Gudda Gudda. The song comes off as a freestyle, but far from disappointing. Just like the man himself, its edgy and on point. This is absolutely a piece to the Lil Wayne collection you cannot live without.

5 Out of 5

BEHIND THE MUSIC 2.27.09

DJ JAZZY T

“I’m not flashy, I’m just Jazzy!”

Words: Nikki S.

Just a sophomore at Tennessee State University, DJ JAZZY T has earned high regards and mentoring from one of the most demanded DJs in Nashville, DJ Crisis. Many say she’s the best thing to hit Nashville. Jazzy T’s assertive and laid-back personality gains approval from a variety of audiences. Unlike most female djs, she demands the respect for her skills, rather than her sex appeal. Yes, her name is Jazzy T but it’s her hot mixes in the clubs that seduces the audiences. With DJing being known as a male dominated skill, she emphasizes that when she’s scratching, there is no difference from a male’s djing skills. In the club and campus events, she’s guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. “You can’t be a selfish dj. You have to play what the audience wants to hear”, she says. Her ambition and love for music, is what drives her to do what she loves.
Jazzy T says she just started off just playing around but fell in love with DJing. “It was like my calling”, she says. Apparently, there’s a rule (which she acquired from her mentor, DJ Crisis) that three things will always go wrong your first time DJing: One, you’ll forget your djing equipment. Two, you’ll get nervous when the crowd isn’t feeling you. And three, No matter how much you practice, you will mess up! Jazzy T describes her first time DJing being one of her most embarrassing. “My first time DJing was during homecoming week in the courtyard (at Tennessee State). I played a popular song that everyone wanted to listen to, “Set it off”. And, you know all of the female Greeks stroll to this song! Well, I played the song and it was only like a minute long. So, everybody got mad and started asking for another DJ because the song was so short! Haha, I felt so bad!”
Well, with over a year of training, Jazzy T has improved much—you might even find her strolling to the same song that caused her to experience one of her most embarrassing moments! From DJing at the flyest parties in Nashville to the super swagged out parties in Atlanta, DJ Jazzy T has certainly earned a name for herself. With a mixtape set to debut in 2009, DJ Jazzy T is definitely on her sh*t and her fans/haters can’t wait to see what she has in store in the future!

FEATURE ARTIST 2.27.09

Nicki Minaj

Dont Let The Heels Fool You

Words: Tatiana R.

A lot of swag, lyrical skill and a sprinkle of vulnerability, describes the self-proclaimed New Baddest Bitch in the Game, Queens native Ms. Nicki Minaj. The new face of Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money is a force to be reckoned with. After lending her vocal talents on hooks for other artists, the emcee within poured our vicious, seductive lyrics. “I always wanted to stand out [and] do what the guys were doing.” In this case it was rapping. Not only does she deal with the day to day routine of being an artist but she exclaims, “I wear the pants,” she is also President of Dirty Money Records.
Once Fendi CEO of Brooklyn label Dirty Money Records, heard songs from Nicki’s MySpace page he immediately contacted her to feature her on his The Come Up DVD series. Her video proceeded Lil’ Wayne’s, who was putting together his Young Money crew at the time. Wayne was amazed with her video and began pursuing her for the label. Nicki and Wayne linked up through Fendi and have been recording ever since.
She soon released her first mixtape, Playtime is Over, which featured the tongue lashing track, Dreams 07 paying homage to the late Notorious B.I.G’s version of Dreams by adding her twist and mentioning the rappers of today. “I wanted something with shock value and I knew that everyone’s name I mentioned would listen up extra close.” She was also featured on Lil’ Wayne’s Da Drought 3, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Freestyle that got everyone asking about her. Of course it wouldn’t have been right without being featured on television show Culture Shock with Tatiana!
Fast forward to 2008, Nicki Minaj is on her second mixtape Sucka Free: The Mixtape and probably on your boyfriends wall in a squat, reminiscent of the days of the Lil’ Kim Hardcore poster. She describes the Sucka Free and Playtime is Over as night and day. JadaKiss, Ransom and of course Lil’ Wayne are featured but Minaj gives more of a detailed look into who she is. More than likely you’ve seen her on the many Lollipop club themed parties as well. But it’s all about confidence, sex appeal and lyrical strength.
“I know my lane is probably going to be ’sex sells,’ but at the end of the day, I know I’ve got skills. And if that’s my niche, I don’t have a problem saying that’s my niche.” Playtime is Over!
ODD END.
Favorite song of the moment. Make Love In This Club. Usher
Fish & Grits or Chicken & Waffles. Fish & Grits and lots of hot sauce!
I Say No to…Drugs.
Music is…Life.
Who Would Play You in a Movie? Lauren London

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

NEW HOUSE BUNNY... AUBREY???

Words:Chris H.
Aubrey O’Day, who was fired from group Danity Kane, is showing the world that she is exactly what they said she was. Basically an attention seeking, overly exotic, bad attitude having chick that doesn’t know when to quit. Diddy basically got tired of her running her mouth all the time and being so free or should I say freaky. Personally, I feel this is a bad move for her and that she’s only making herself look bad by posing in playboy. She could be trying to do more positive things for younger fans that look at her as a role model. Hopefully she gets it together and find piece and happiness because it seems she’s just looking for attention again.

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

T.I.

OFFERED EXEC. POSITION

Words: Nikki Snow

On Feb 5, it was announced that the President of the Atlantic Group, Julie Greenwald, had been promoted to Chief Operating Officer leaving the exec position open. T.I. was offered the position by some of the other execs at the label (which is T.I.'s label of 7 years). T.I. spoke to Sway of MTV about his promotional offer. T.I.'s response:"It's among the realm of possibilities." He has yet to make an actual decision though."Ah, man, when I [do] speak upon it, it will be fact. I think I have another obligation I have to take care of that may supersede that."

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

CIARA

FANTASY RIDE OR REALITY CHECK

Words: Christopher H.

Ciara, a singer that grew on us with her explosive dance moves, is coming back with her 3rd studio album entitled Fantasy Ride. Originally set to be released December 3rd, 2008, the album was pushed backed and now it’s set to be released this April. The first promo single, Go Girl, really didn’t catch the eyes of the fans but she came back with Never Ever as the official first single and got better reviews. The Song Never Ever is sampled from the 1972 hit If You Don’t Know Me By Now by Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. Successfully getting past the sophomore jinx with The Evolution album, now it’s time for Ciara to show us why she wants to stay in the industry. Hopefully it’s a ride we wont forget but if not, dust yourself off and try again I guess.

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

MAKE WAY

FOR KERI HILSON

Keri Hilson is making her way on to the music scene with her first debut album entitled In A Perfect World. A newcomer she is not and in fact, she has been writing music for other artist since 2001 including Britney Spears, Ciara, Usher, and Ludacris. She made her performing debut on Xzibit’s song Hey Now (Mean Muggin) singing the track live at the 2004 MTV Europe Awards. She has made many appearances on other people’s singles and she was credited as writer and background vocalist for Britney Spears’s Blackout album, the album that brought Britney Spears back to life. Her first single, Energy, did really well on the billboard charts but she brought fire with 3rd single, Turnin’ Me On featuring Lil' Wayne, in which peaked #24 and is her most successful single. Pick up her album on March 24, 2009 because this artist is making history for herself.

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

NEW ALBUM: SUGAR & SPICE

Words: Christopher H.

Mya’s fifth studio album was released in Japan December 3rd 2008 but is it ready for the US. Though the album has done extremely well in Japan, will the US accept it the same or do we expect more from Mrs. Harrison. With the failure of her last album, Liberation, being released in the US, will Mya be able to bring her name back. With a very unique voice and dance moves for days, Mya will always be remembered for songs like Moving On, My Love is Like Whoa, and my personal favorite Ridin'. Although I was disappointed with most of the songs, maybe this album will reach someone with different taste as me. Give the album a chance and review it yourself.

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

AKON: JACKING FOR SHINE

Words: Will M.

So the Konvict isn’t satisfied with fan base love and being a star. He now is taking credit for the success of Kanye West’s 808’s & Heartbreaks. Akon claims that he and Konvict Musik artist T-Pain, inspired Mr. West to use Auto-Tune to sing over his fourth album…. Clearly a certain two Konvict’s forgot how Teddy Riley and Black Street introduced that sound in the mid-early 90’s…. How can you take credit for a style that you didn’t start, but let alone you use and isn’t even your real voice. Let alone try to take credit from an artist who earned the right to do something new by giving fans 3 smashing albums… tsk tsk.

MUSIC NEWS 2.27.09

KID CUDI
ARRESTED AT NBA ALLSTAR WEEKEND

Words: Marisa M.
Rapper Kid Cudi has been involved in an altercation that has resulted in the Cleveland native being tasered and apprehended by authorities, according to multiple sources. Details are sketchy, but the rapper apparently was involved in a fight or altercation while at the Reebok party in Phoenix, Arizona. Much of the music industry is in the city celebrating the NBA’s popular All-Star weekend. Eyewitnesses stated that Kid Cudi physically and verbally confronted a pair of Reebok employees. The artist was booked by the apparel company to perform at the venue.Sources said that Cudi wanted to wear Jordan sneakers on stage, a move that did not agree with the people of Reebok. Authorities intervened after the confrontation escalated and Cudi was tasered, a move to control his behavior. The rapper was presumed arrested by police, but actual charges have not yet been revealed.

MUSIC 2.27.09 U-N-I K.R.E.A.M Video of the Week

U-N-I

K.R.E.A.M

Video of the Week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzbHry41fgo

MUSIC 2.27.09

T.I On Farewell AllStar Tour

Words: Erica W.

T. I. has been reported to have been setting up a farewell tour before he goes to serve his prison sentence. He has been doing show nite after nite, for the last few months, making sure that while he’s locked up everyone will still be taken care of. So to do this, he will do a tour that will take place in the next upcoming weeks. The show will go across the U. S. and is said to be T.I.’s big going out with a bang show. Depending on the locations of the show there is said to be appearances by Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Plies, Young Jezzy, and Yung LA. The shows kick off next Saturday on the 28th, find the show nearest you and get your tickets asap!