Hip-Hop Thursday

I don't think anything bothers me more than people who think that (1) They know more than everyone else about a certain subject, (2) If something was released after year x it must suck, and (3) If an artist gains fan or recognition, they sold out/aren't as good and then proceed to stop supporting. That means you HIPSTERS. You bother me. I bring this up on Hip-Hop Thursday because some people assume that any rap released after 1999 is terrible, without bothering to give a listen. The thought process is totally illogical to me-- why is good music relegated to only one era of time? Particularly one as short as a decade? I'm constantly finding new artists I had never heard- and never would hear without an open mindset. Which brings me to todays edition of the MFP Song of the Day:

"Bigger Than Life (feat. June Summers)"-- Nipsey Hussle

I first heard Nipsey during the 2009 BET Cyphers. He was on with Wale and KRS-One. And I have to admit- going only off the Cypher- I didn't think he was much more than a Snoop wannabe. But I hate to pass judgement on a sample size as small as 12 Bars, particularly one where you're being overshadowed by a LEGEND like KRS. So, I ventured out into the abyss of the Internet looking for further evidence. I returned enlightened, having learned there was much more to Nipsey Hussle than a laid back flow and cornrows. He has talent, strong storytelling ability and lyrically underrated. This song is a hidden track at the end of his most recent mixtape, The Marathon, and its the type of music I can get behind. Proof you never know what an artist has to offer until you give them a chance.

Tip of the Day: Keep an Open Mind & Try Something New Today!

Hip-Hop Thursday

"Desire" -- Pharoahe Monch

Pharoahe Monch is gifted lyrically and witty as hell. Lines like,

"Still get it poppin' without artist & repertoire, Cause march is a monarch only minus the A&R" plead my case for me. This was the first Monch song I remember hearing and it instantly won me over as a fan. The passion in his voice just oozes out over the beat, takes control of it in a way you can't help but buy into the inspirational picture he's painting. His latest album, W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), is dope, already in the discussion for my favorite Hip-Hop Album thus far in '11

Hip-Hop Thursday

" Til I Collapse" - Eminem feat. Nate Dogg

This Hip-Hop Thursday is dedicated to the recent loss of Nate Dogg, who appears to have died from complications of yet another stroke. Nate Dogg was a West Coast Legend, with a smooth flow and a voice that was just made for making hooks (see Ludacris, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Dr.Dre and Eminem for further evidence).

With all due respect to Eminem's execution and lyricism on this track, and to the epic beat that gives the song its powerful atmosphere, it is Nate Dogg's voice that made this song for me. Its the backbone of the track and his contribution could be overlooked. But here, I can't imagine the song being anywhere near as dynamic without him supplying the hook.

Hip-Hop Thursday

"Nobody Believes Me"- Styles P

Story-telling tracks get slept on way too often in the hip-hop community. The radio is all about the beat, the hook, the chorus. Youtubers get caught up in who has the best punchlines or the smoothest flow. Give me a guy with the ability to paint a story and have it unfold around me-- thats what sets the emcees apart from rappers. Styles P of the LOX produced one of my favorite story-telling hip-hop songs ever, delving into a persona of a gangster riddled with paranoia. By the end, you completely buy into the idea that he's arguing with his gun and money.

Hip-Hop Thursday

"State Run Radio"- Lupe Fiasco

I've been playing LASERS almost non-stop this week. This track especially has been playing over and over again (See what I did there?). Lupe's execution of weaving the double meaning of the song just blows me away. On the surface its about the repetitive nature of pop radio. Beneath it challenges the corruptive nature of government and the struggle for power. Wasalu is Great Music.

New Hip-Hop

Couldn't wait 'til tomorrow. Had to share a crop of new music brought to my attention today (2 released today, 1 a few days ago). Don't worry, I have one more in store for the regular edition of Hip-Hop Thursdays tomorrow.

"2.0 Boys"- Eminem, Slaughterhouse, YelaWolf.

Well it didn't take long for Shady to hop on a track with his latest recruits- the Voltron that is Slaughterhouse and the Alabama Up-And-Comer YelaWolf. It doesn't disappoint. I will say, Crooked went in HARD. I think he gave the best verse, which doesn't surprise me anymore, because he's done it time and time again.

For those who don't know about Slaughterhouse and need help IDing whose who- the order is Royce da 5'9", Eminem, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Crooked I, YelaWolf.

"Young, Wild & Free" - Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg

Obviously not here for the lyrical prowess that "2.0 Boys" flaunts. But for what it is (A Chill Weed Song- shocking new ground for Snoop and Wiz to be treading), it is a nice track to throw on if you want a smooth vibe and don't feel like thinking too hard.

"6 for 6 (Get Gully)"- 50 Cent.

What the fuck got into Fifty? Like seriously. Dude was phoning it in for years and he turned it back on for 2011. He's slugging like 3.000 right now, with 6 solid tracks in 2 months. Here's the latest. Hope he keeps this up-- would be awesome to see him put out another Classic.

Hip-Hop Thursday

I didn't forget today- I just had what might have been the longest Academic Day at UNH. Regardless, the time it took me to sit down to write this allowed for the release of the music video I'm about to share with you. (Also in that time frame, the Boston Celtics did a bunch of shit that I'm not 100% behind, but I'll likely address that tomorrow).

Dre announcing Detox "Coming this Winter," several winters ago.

"I Need A Doctor" - Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey.

The visuals for this video are pretty awesome-- that's why I picked it (I was initially leaning towards an all Slaughterhouse Thursday, but...). I tried to find the video footage of Dr. Dre saying "Detox" is coming back in 2009. And 2008. And again in 2005. And again on The Game's debut album. However I came up empty handed on the interwebs of YouTube. But it appears as though "Detox" may actually come out this decade-- which is good because 30-something's get more close-minded music-wise and long for those olden days.

Me, about 3 years after Detox was originally announced.

So after countless mis-leaks, release dates, and a whole lotta B.S. here's the second single off the mythical album. Em's right-- We Need You Dre.

Dr. Dre - New Music - More Music Videos

Hip-Hop Thursday

Following through on Day 2-- Thursday, time for Hip-Hop. This is the genre I consider my forte. I know my history, I know mainstream artists and I know artists that work the Underground scene. Of course, there's always room for improvement, so I welcome suggestions to check out new artists all the time.

So the first Hip-Hop Thursday goes to...

"Bring Me Down Part 3 feat. Joe Budden," - Saigon.

Now Saigon's debut album was released this week after some 6 years of delays and record label holdups. It was at a Detox-like level, except Saigon actually worked on the album and wanted it out a long time ago. This track was the last one to not make the album, so I'm including it here in hopes that it inspires you to go hear the rest of Saigon's work (which I must admit, was worth the wait). Saigon's flow here it ridiculous, the hook is amazing, and it features one of my personal favorites, the great Joe Budden. Saigon and Joe had a beef that didn't make any sense outside of it spawned this "bury-the-hatchet" track, so it worked out for all.

Wild West Wednesday

So, new idea for the MFP. I love 5 things in life- Basketball, Music, Women, Film and Food. I probably know the most about baketball and the least about women. But that's neither hear nor there. I'd like to use the MFP to share my personal tastes in music. And, since my tastes are so wide and varied, I'd like to dedicate each day of the week to a different genre. So my hopeful goal is to post as follows:

Classic Rock Mondays.

Alternative Tuesdays.

Wild West Wednesdays.

Hip-Hop Thursdays.

Friday Grab-Bag.

The rules are very lax as far as what fits where, mostly because its my blog and I can do that.

SO- to kick things off, and seeing that today is Wednesday, I have a country song for you.

"Water," - Brad Paisley, just seems like the right song to start with for the first W.W.W. For one, Brad Paisely is probably my favorite country artist. His last album, American Saturday Night, was the Best Album I heard in 2009- and I never thought I'd say that about an album of country music. Not a skippable song on it, most especially this one right here. The album has its genuine moments of reflection, but this song is just too much fun. Hope you enjoy.