Fat Joe - The Darkside Vol.1 (Album Review)

Fat Joe has been pushed around quite a bit in the aughts. Big Pun passed, former Terror Squad members accused him of misappropriating funds, beefs with Cuban Linx and 50 Cent. Joe has kept his head low and kept releasing music to little fanfare and mountains of negative criticism. Finally, his back is against the wall and he's comes out
swinging. And with his tenth studio LP, Joey Crack deals a mighty death blow.

This disc is a return to the Joe of the early nineties. He is spitting that greasy, street rap while still sounding polished. 'The Darkside' is music for the dude rocking Timbs and hoodies in the summertime to hide the duece duece tucked in the waistband of his jeans. Joey Crack raps on, "Rappers Are In Danger", "This is that block music/Go 'head bust ya shots music/Bag it up, hustle, f**k the cops music".

Joey enlists some extraordinary producers capture sounds as gritty as any Donald Goines novel. Scam Jones, Just Blaze, Infamous, and DJ Premier provide a dramatic backdrop for Don Cartagena to make sure you know he's not holding back. He is shooting first and asking questions later. The guest performers even sound slightly edgier. But when
you're Cam'ron, The Clipse, Jeezy, and Too Short it's not too hard to get edgier. The surprise is the R&B dudes, Trey Songz and Rico Love sing with more swagger than we've ever seen them have.

Fat Joe has tried bevy of different sounds since his 1993 debut. Some better than others. But on his hit, Make it Rain", he says that rappers need to change their style up and switch to a southern type flow. That is a shame he thought that was the best way to win. Especially, because 'The Darkside' proves everyone wins the most when
they're just their plain old selves.

Exclusive Poem

I'm working on some reviews and other articles. Plus, I'm trying to live life. so I figured I would give some shine to one of my good friends. He writes amazing poetry and I want him to write more. So allow me to introduce you guys to my homeboy, Tim Lindner. Enjoy this one.

Untitled
For once, I just write
not for you, and you, and you,
for me, from me
no clever rhymes, or "witty" word play
that sound more like a Will Smith song than anything.
(shout out to Melissa)
no random observation of the world
ending with a hopeful note on tomorrow.
my body, my mind, my heart
are filled with more love than I know what to do with,
more energy than a billion year old star.
In the heat of the summer, I sweat it out
spreading it to others every time I give a hug,
or a handshake,
whether they want it or not.
I mean, it's my sweat.
And I'll work, and I'll work,
In all honesty, I won't stop until I get to the top,
I've got too much that I want.
It's all a symbolic coincidence or a coincidental symbol,
An infinitely large jello mold, or an open box.
(Shout out to James)
At least once a week, I have to tell myself:
"What can you do down there, that you can't do up here?"
When she is sad, when he is hurting
When the family needs a laugh.
So I snail mail my energy, down route 84
and hope it gets there on time.
I embrace this journey, not halfway over
as opportunity to apply what I've learned.
And I could only hope that I will return home
with enough to give back at least as much as I have been gifted.
The world is big and small.

Raphael Saadiq - Live In Central Park (Review)

There are very few things that can make spending a nice summer day in the park better. One of those few things is watching Raphael Saadiq perform on said day. The former front man of Tony Toni Tone performed for a packed house this past weekend in Central Park's Rumsey Play Field and brought a few of his friends with him.

The opening act was a hip hop/spoken word artist by the name of TK Wonder. TK wasn't my cup of tea. It probably had something to do with the fact her image didn't match the type of music she performed. The music is deeply rooted in hip hop with a strong nod to jazz. Her fashion was a different story. She dressed more like an acid child from the seventies. Another problem was her being a female MC from Brooklyn. The only reason that's a problem is because Jean Grae is the illest female MC repping Kings County, so naturally, there would be comparisons. TK Wonder doesn't hold a candle to Jean Grae. But it was
a good attempt, I'll give her that.

Philly soul singer and DJ, Vikter Duplaix, spun records in between sets. His song selection was excellent. He took everyone on a journey through soul music. Everything from The O'Jays to Mary J. Blige blasted throughout the park. Vikter Duplaix had people feeling like they were at a neighborhood block party, instead of a concert. It was just a little too hot to dance. But I just wished his transitions from one record to another was a bit smoother. He did his thing, otherwise.

Next up was the New York City debut of soul singer, Aloe Blacc. This Los Angeles native took to the stage with so much style and enthusiasm. He sang a few of his songs like "I Need A Dollar" and "Femme Fatale". Yet, what really made him stand out was his blues/jazz fusion cover of "Billie Jean". The beauty of Aloe Blacc's cover was how he made Michael Jackson's hit his own. Blacc's version sounding nothing like the original, which was refreshing.

After another great set by Vikter Duplaix, the headliner took to the stage. Decked in an all white suit, Raphael Saadiq opened the show with cuts from his latest effort, 'The Way I See It'. The crowd rocked and swayed as his tunes dipped in sixties and seventies soul filled the air. Raphael, then, jumped into the fan favorite, Lucy Pearl's 2000 hit, "Dance Tonight". His back up singer gave her best effort to sing Dawn's verse to a lukewarm response. Mr. Saadiq brought the crowd
to its feet when he ran through some of Tony Toni Tone's hits such as "Ask Of You", "It Never Rains In Southern California," and "Anniversary". Once he felt his audience was satisfied, he introduced his band and thanked everyone for coming out.

Raphael Saadiq is a man after my own heart. Get in, get the job done, and leave before you overstay your welcome. And being in the park for this concert was definitely a great way to spend a Saturday, if I do say so myself.

Rick Ross - Teflon Don

'Teflon Don' is the perfect name for Rick Ross' fourth outing. After an exhausting feud with 50 Cent, his former corrections officer employment being exposed, and a recently dismissed lawsuit brought against him by Freeway Ricky Ross, Miami's native son is still standing. With that being said, we find The Boss improving his rhyme skills and continuing to pick some of the best beats of the year. All of this adds up to a great body of work. While not a classic, it does come close.

It could never be mistaken, Ricky loves being wealthy and can't wait to gloat about it. Most of the songs feature themes of frivolous spending, fast and expensive cars, and faster women. Ross only strays away from that formula on the stellar cuts, "Tears Of Joy" and "All The Money In The World". Both feature Rick examining his feelings about his father and the hardships he's faced in order to get to where he is today, respectively. 'Teflon Don' also pictures Rick Ross as the leader of a gang of guest artists. Jadakiss, Erykah Badu, Drake, and a slew of others are wonderful foot soldiers carrying out The Don's
vision. Yet, Jay-Z plays Castellano to Ross' Gotti on "Free Mason". Only this time Castellano's verse murders Gotti's. Diddy and Gucci Mane's appearances have them looking like they were allowed in the crew because Ross owed some people a favor. They bring nothing to the table.

Ross proves with his composition that style and constant rhyme improvement takes precedence over authenticity. We know he's never sold drugs in his life, yet he still raps about having done so. But who cares? As long as the story is told creatively, flights of fantasy can be fun. 'Teflon Don' is fun and soulful. You can't beat that.

Top Five Dumb Questions I've Gotten From Customers

Hey friends. I know I've been missing in action for a bit, but a lot has been happening. Don't worry, I'm still grinding as a writer. But today, I don't want to talk about music. As most of you know, writing doesn't have me rolling in dough. So to support myself, I work at Five Guys resturant. And when I tell you I've gotten some of the dumbest questions ever, I'm not joking. Today, I'm going to share the top five dumbest. Please believe all questions are true. It will be hard to believe, but they are true.

5. What's the difference between a double and a single patty?
Excuse me. You mean to tell me as a grown adult, you can't figure out the difference? This is not rocket science, people. You are ordering a freaking burger. Do you want one piece of meat or two pieces of meat. Don't they teach that somewhere before first grade? I thought so.

4. So all the toppoings are free? If I get all of them, will I have to pay extra?
Questions like this make me want to cuss people out. If you are looking at the menu and it states that all toppings are free, why would you ask me that? Clearly, ALL THE DAMN TOPPINGS ARE FREE!!!!! You can get, both, ketchup and mustard for free. If you want to add relish, that's free too. They say reading is fundamental, but comprehension is key.

3. Oh, you don't serve pizza?
Now, this may seem really dumb being that "burgers and fries" is in the name. It kind of isn't because the location of my job was once a pizza shop. The reason why this is on the list is because our doors are clear glass. The name of the establishment is painted on top of said clear glass. So my question is if there is glass and then words painted on it, how can you just bypass that? I mean, it is right in your face. You have to look at it to open the damn door!

2. Do you have bones in your bacon?
Take a moment to digest what you just read. Yes, it was an actual question. Umm sir, I don't know what kind of bacon you're used to eating, but in my 22 years of living on this earth, I've never heard of bones being in bacon. That could quite possibly be the dumbest thing I've ever heard in my life. Well, I thought that was the dumbest, until I was asked the next question...

1. Do you have any toothpaste?
Once again, an actual question. Uh, yes we have toothpaste. We keep it right next to the tooth brushes and baby wipes in aisle six. Where do these people come up with mess like this? You walk into a burger joint and ask for tooth paste?!?!?!?!?! We don't even have tooth picks, let alone tooth paste. When she asked me that, all I could say was, "Get out." I felt if she was dumb enough to ask me that, there was no telling where that conversation was going to go.

and there you have it. I will post more dumb Five Guys questions as they roll in.

Jae Millz & DJ Whoo Kid - Dead Presidents Mixtape ( Review)

Jae Millz is probably most notably known for destroying a rapper from Diddy's ill fated Da Band on MTV in 2003. If you remember that, then you should recall Diddy hailing Millz as "the hardest rapper in New York". While I can't necessarily agree with Diddy's sentiments, I will say Jae Millz is a quintessential Harlem, New York rapper. Being a rapper from Harlem means there are only going to be a few topics heard on a project. You're going to hear songs about the hood, smoking weed, sexing and leaving girls, guns, and the title of the mixtape, dead presidents. That's exactly what Jae millz serves up.

Jae's mixtape is really hit or miss. There isn't an even balance of anything. The raps are either creative and tight or tired and cliche. The same goes for the production. However, it's cool to hear the man's effort and conviction. Jae commits to every word he spits, which is evident on many of the tracks, including the throwaway, "Leggoo". Skits from the actual movie give the mixtape an overcrowded feel. They don't add anything to the music. They're just there taking up space, too much space.

As a whole, this isn't worth a download. On the other hand, 'Dead Presidents' is worth a listen, if only to find out the names of the singles you want to download. Jae Millz has been grinding for success for a long time now. He has the ingredients to be a world famous star. But his latest mixtape isn't indicative of that. Hopefully, Jae Millz comes harder on the next one.

Prince's War Against The Internet

Recently, Prince did an interview with a british publication,The Mirror. In the interview he blasts the internet and technological devices. He was quoted as saying,"The internet's completely over. I don't see why I should give my new music to iTunes or anyone else. They won't pay me an advance for it and then they get angry when they can't get it. The internet's like MTV. At one time MTV was hip and suddenly it became outdated. Anyway, all these computers and digital gadgets are no good. They just fill your head with numbers and that can't be good for you."

Prince has always been ahead of the curve when it came to promotion and the distribution of his music. Usually, he is correct with his ideas. But this time, I'd have to disagree with the Purple One. It sounds to me Prince is getting greedy. Wasn't he the one in the early nineties wearing the word 'slave' on his cheek because he felt Warner Brothers Records wasn't paying him correctly? That would be a yes. Didn't Prince start to sell his music online in order to bypass sharing profits with his record company? Once again, yes. Once Youtube became a bit too popular for his liking, didn't he sue them for pirating his work? Yes, for the third time. When Prince was asked what he would need to settle with Youtube, he said he would need about $7,000 per song. So there's no need to wonder why he doesn't have a VEVO account.

Artists are struggling these days. Therefore, they will take the promotion any way they can get it. Be it through the internet or some other emerging form of media. But Prince should realize that the landscape of music distribution is changing. And if he wants his new material to be as successful as his former albums were, he's going to have to change with the times. Like they said in State Property, get down or lay down.

Big Boi - Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty (Album Review)

If you didn't know before, you should know now. Antwan "Big Boi" Patton refuses to be held down. In the works since 2007, 'Sir Luscious Left Foot' is finally seeing the light of day. It seems the the delays and obstacles in Big Boi's way have pushed him to make an enjoyably experimental piece of work. This album borrows elements from funk, indie rock, and electro-pop. Yet, there is little doubt this is a hip hop album and there is an abundance of the booty bass sound of early nineties Atlanta.

'Sir Luscious Left Foot' is an album meant to be listened to in your car with the windows down and the volume at the highest decible attainable. Every track has so much bottom, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez would be jealous. It seems as though, Big Boi and Organized Noize, the producers of majority of the album, wanted to make a party record. That is especially evident on the first single, "Shutterbugs". Big Boi spits "I'm double fisted and you empty you can grab a cup/Boy stop, I'm playing/Let me dap you up." Most of this fifteen song opus continues down that road, except for "Hustle Blood". That song finds Big Boi, alongside Jamie Foxx, spinning a story of a woman getting with a hustler because that was the kind of man her father was. But even that one knocks hard.

This album showcases Big Boi's quick wit and sharp tonuge. Even with a host of guests, Big Boi remains the star and never relinquishes the spotlight for too long. It must be said, Gucci Mane sounds very intelligent on the cut, "Shine Blockas". Who would have thought that could ever happen? Certainly not me, or most of us, for that matter.

This album makes any naysayers sit up and take notice Big Boi is no slouch on the mic. The project is a gift and a curse though. While you will absolutely be satisfied with Big Boi's debut effort, it does make you anticipate an Outkast record that much more.

Estelle and DJ Trauma - I Almost Made A Mixtape (Mixtape Review)

In the past, mixtapes served two purposes. They were meant to keep an artist's name in the forefront of fans' minds while the artist completed the official album and to give fans a taste of music the record companies wouldn't allow on the album. This mixtape by Estelle and DJ Trauma successfully does both. Instead of straight singing on every track, Estelle brings it back to when she first started out and raps a great amount on here. She confidently holds her own against rappers like Nas, Maino, and Kardinal O.

I Almost Made A Mixtape also proves Estelle to have a great ear for production. She rhymes over beats like Jay's "Dear Summer", Common's "They Say", and Kanye's "Last Call". The original soundscapes are uniquely individual just like the singer/songwriter. They range from smooth neo-soul jams to sparse, bass heavy hip hop cuts. Each one sounds as if it were specially tailored for her voice and style.

The lyrics are immersed in personal truth. On "The Rocks", she says," I talk about stuff that's real to me. The stuff that I've experienced and that my friends have experienced." That sentiment is exemplified on the track, "Star", where she sings, " I went through drama like you. I was all alone. Now, I got extra cousins I aint seen before. Because I'm a star." Sometimes, the words are funny and others are deeply serious. Either way, the emotion is always coming from a genuine place.

As a whole, there isn't a cohesive thread. But a mixtape usually isn't a cohesive project. It's more of a collection of extremely diffrerent sounding tunes to prove the range of the artist. Estelle's mixtape proves she has range and skills in the arenas of singing and rapping. This is definitely worth the download. If her album is as good as this, then she'll have another hit on her hands.