We've Moved: www.MAURICEGARLAND.com

Switched over to WordPress. No more Blogspot. Now, just type in MauriceGarland.com and you'll get directed to the new spot. Changing the direction of the content too. See you when you get there.

New Kilo Shawty!: Kilo Ali-"Nasty Bed"

So, I got an email from the homie Bem with a new Kilo Ali song. The subject line said "New Kilo (auto-tune warning!). Actually, that warning didn't really deter me from wanting to hear the song. The music that Kilo was making before he went to prison is actually conducive to auto-tune and probably wouldn't sound that bad with it on it. Then I saw all these other comments in the corresponding emails talking about "this is what happens when rappers get on crack and go to prison." That might be the truth, but that's not nice to say.

But yeah about the song. This is Kilo's first song since he got out of prison. I myself, don't really mind the song. It would probably be some vintage Kilo if he would've left the auto-tune off (again, he fresh out and probably didn't know any better) and tightened up some parts of the song...because towards the end, he does kind of go off on a tangent. But like I said, he just got out of prison. No rapper ever sounds good RIGHT after they get out of prison...not 2Pac, not Pimp C, and sure as hell not Shyne ("Roller Song" is growing on me though).

'Pac only sounded good to us when All Eyez On Me came out because he went to the studio with Dr. Dre and Death Row and actually worked for a few months before anything even left the studio and went to the public. If you go back and listen to some of those bootleg Makaveli's you can hear the fresh out the pen 'Pac trying to get his flow and timing back.

But yeah, I'm starting to ramble. According to this website, a new album will be dropping in March 2010. Tell me what ya'll think of the song. Personally, it kinda makes me want to dig out my neon green Braves jersey, clear bottom Reeboks and start ragtopping on ya'll ass.



UPDATE: According to Kilo's twitter this is not a new song, but actually something from 2004 that some folks put out behind his back.

Attitude-"Bout Money" (teaser)

Decatur Dan just released a sneak peak to Attitude's latest video. Shit is intense. Song hard as hell if you haven't heard it yet.

Random Jam: Cee-Lo feat. Timbaland-"I'll Be Around" (2003)

Gonna be busy doing other stuff, so unless its very pressing...not gonna be all'day aan'day. Keep checking back though, gonna have some tickets and other items to give away in the coming weeks.

Music is the New Movie

Is it me or is rap music more eventful than it is meaningful nowadays?

I swear everyday I'm hearing about some new event, or an event disguised as a song. Tip got arrested (again), Kanye is going off on twitter (again). Another dumb ass rapper banged Kat Stacks. Rick Ross has a song with Nicki Minaj, Drake, Puff Daddy and Swizz Beatz did the beat. Drake has a new song with Puff Daddy, Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross with Jay-Z on the remix and Kanye doing the beat.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no longer what you would consider a spring chicken. I've been walking to the globe long to "have seeeen some shit now" as Dave Chappelle once quipped. That said, there are plenty of events that got us talking and/or shaped the future of Hip Hop and rap. Ice Cube leaving NWA. KRS-ONE bumrushing PM Dawn off the stage. 'Pac and Biggie. Dr. Dre leaving Death Row.

In addition to that there were plenty of songs that we pretty big deals when they came out, like "The Symphony," "Scenario (remix)," "Who Shot Ya (remix)" or anything DMX breathed on in 1997-98.

But I don't know man, it could be my age bias talking, but it just seemed "different." Matter of fact, I pretty much know it was different. "Events" were once things that mattered, but didn't trump the music itself. When Cube left NWA and Dre left Death Row, in the interviews that followed, the first thing they let you know was they had new music coming out that was gonna change the world (Cube did this immediately, it took Dre a little longer).

Plus, when an event happened, it was really a big deal because most of the time, we'd hear it straight from the horse's (sober, calm, articulate) mouth and it was presented a certain way via magazine or MTV News.

Nowadays an "event" is two of these cats crossing paths at the strip club, sneaker store or VIP section in the club. Sometimes they don't even have to say anything to each other and that will be the event itself. "Gucci didn't speak to Jeezy at the club!" Then when an event like this happens, we get to see the people involved bitch about it on twitter, youtube, WSHH or wherever else that type of behavior is welcome. Or of course hear it from some gossiping bitches.

As far as the "event" songs, I'm not saying nothing new when I say that technology has allowed for cats who never even met, let alone be in the studio at the same time, to make music. In some cases, its great. In others, its just...so the f*ck what? You proved you can record a verse for a guy in Miami while your on tour in L.A. Congratulations, you can work a computer in 2010.

I remember interviewing Busta Rhymes a couple of years ago and we got on the topic of rappers hopping on every damn remix or feature that comes their way. Busta was blunt in his answer saying he has a family to support and that he feels that he is still relevant and talented enough to keep rapping. Bun B gave me a similar answer one of the times I talked with him also. Which I feel them on. Granted, not every Busta feature is my favorite but unlike so many of his peers do from time to time, you can tell Busta came on the song to actually rap and not just do it just to say "yeah, I'm rapping, on this song, too."

But the part that stuck out to me the most in our conversation was when he admitted that hopping on a DJ Khaled song didn't feel the same as recording a song like "Scenario." Mainly because, when he and the rest of The Leaders of the New School hopped on the song with A Tribe Called Quest, they were all in the studio AT THE SAME TIME. Not just the studio room itself, BUT THE BOOTH. He said, that's why the verses and adlibs were so animated. They did the entire song in full takes, top to bottom, in the booth together...stank weed breath and all.

To further illustrate this point. Really, outside of maybe "I'm So Hood" from a few years ago, "Swagga Like Us" from not to long ago and lets say, "Hello, Good Morning" now...do you feel compelled to listen to any of these super event songs on your own time? Sure, we all listen to it at least once (twice if we actually like it) on whatever blogsite we found it on. But did any of you listen to "Monster" today? Would you go apeshit in the club if the DJ played it tonight? If you answered yes...congrats! You are better than me because I buy none of this stuff.

I know its not far-fetched to think this...but I swear all of these super rappers of today have the same managers and interests so they all just make music with each other and drink Ciroc while doing it.

These folks have succeeded in making Hip Hop a big ass movie packed with events...but not moments. You go to the movies on a Friday night and probably forget about the flim by Sunday unless somebody asks if you saw it. Same thing with alot of the music now. You'll hear it once on Tuesday afternoon and won't think about again unless you follow said artist on twitter.

But yeah...I don't rap or make beats. So I'll never understand "what's going on." All I can do observe and share my thoughts with whoever is listening. What do ya'll think?

Bushwick Bill Facing Deportation, Has Been Detained In Atlanta Since May

This week's Creative Loafing has a feature on Bushwick Bill that explains his current situation that may lead to him being deported back to Jamaica (but may actually end up in Canada or England). This has been on the hearts and minds of a lot of people since Willie D and J Prince revealed the news at the Vh1 Hip Hop Honors when asked why Bill wasn't there.

I knew Bill had be living here but had no idea that he'd been sitting in jail downtown since May. He actually popped up at the Ozone office when I was working there one night. Didn't really want anything, he was just stopping by to chat.

The story also talks about Bill was trying to get his life together and go the spiritual route with his new music. That may explain why he lectured me at the 2008 Ozone Awards when I greeted him "aw man, Bushwick! wassup gah'damn!" He pulled me to the side (well, side and down actually) and said that I shouldn't use such language and queried "why should God be damned?" When I told him I'm moreso saying "got damn" he didn't really buy it.

But yeah, peep the story out...

READ: Bushwick Bill Teeters on the Brink of Deportation

Big Boi feat. Yelawolf-"Ain't No DJ" (video)

This came out pretty cool. Wasn't exactly sure what was gonna come out of them rapping in the hot ass sun all day.

Cee-Lo-"F*ck You" (official video)

Here it is, the video everybody has been waiting on. Shoutout to 'Lo for making an actual music video in this day and age. Kinda reminds me of "Roses." Wonder if Bryan Barber did this one too.

Playboy Tre-The Last Call (mixtape)

Playboy Tre-The Last Call

Tracklisting after the jump.

Aleon Craft-"A Different World" video

A new short from Craft's The Stargazing Soundtrack, shot by Dustin Chambers.

Previously: Aleon Craft Breaks Down The Stargazing Soundtrack.

Willie Hen-"In The Hood" (video)

I mean...

"In The Hood" is my favorite song off one of my favorite albums. But yeah, as a fan I'm kinda perplexed. The song is four years old now and the clip itself doesn't really do the song as much justice as it could have, in my opinion. But, Hen's words on this track are so potent and he paints the picture so well verbally that it makes up for it.

The other side of me is happy to see this cat Willie Hen is still being active in a music capacity, because I'd really like to hear some new stuff from him. A birdie whispered in my ear that we could see another The Product album in the future. Whether that future is near or far, I don't know.

But yeah, enjoy this for the time being.

Riot !n Paris-"Attack of the 5ft Hipster" (cool ass video)

Just got this in my email. This group called Riot !n Paris probably has the coolest video out right now. It's an interactive joint where you pick how the video continues and ends.

Remember those Booty Call games on Romp.com from the early 2000's? Well, its kinda like those, except here its actual real people, not cartoons. If you have a few minutes to burn, play with this for a while. It's pretty entertaining.

As for the song itself...eh. Not my cup of tea.

This Saturday: Chip Tha Ripper's Gift Raps Tour Comes To The Loft in Atlanta

This Saturday, Cleveland's very own Chip Tha Ripper will be coming to The Loft for the next stop on his Gift Raps tour.

For what's sure to be an entertaining show, MTV Freshman 5 winner Haziq Ali, AquaForce, Grand Hustle's latest signee Wil May and a "Big" special guest will also be on the bill. And its being hosted by yours truly.

Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. You can get yours at TicketAlternative.com.

Bilal Breaks Down Airtight's Revenge

Over the weekend I got a chance to catch up with Bilal. Apparently he came right back to Atlanta after his show with Erykah Badu from last Saturday. I was really looking forward to doing this interview after riding around to his new album Airtight's Revenge for the last couple of weeks.

With the current press run he is on right now, Bilal has a gang of (video) interviews on the web right now. But all of them pretty much focus on his past and "how do you feel about Love For Sale." Luckily, I was able to ask him about specific songs from the album after hearing them. Especially "Flying" and my personal favorite, "All Matter" (a more personalized rendition of the song he recorded for Robert Glasper's last album).

I didn't get as much time as I would've liked but I think it still came out pretty cool. I have an extended version of this interview with stuff about him growing up in Philadelphia, growing up as a Jazz guy in a Hip Hop generation and how his early days as a songwriter almost had him ready to jump off a cliff...but its kinda lengthy and we all know folks don't have the longest attention span on the internet. If ya'll want me to post it later, I will.

But yeah, check this clip out and let me know what you think. Airtight's Revenge in stores September 14th.

Oh yeah...today is dude's birthday, so wish him a happy one.

Video and Re-Cap: Lil B Show At The Loft In Atlanta

Besides "is it supposed to rain?" the biggest question in Atlanta this past Friday was "are you going to the Lil B show." When some people asked it, they had intentions on going and just wanted to know if they'd run into you there. When others asked it, it came off as if they were asking you "are you sure you want to eat that?"

I didn't go get "based" last Friday. Not a fan or follower of dude, so I wasn't really pressed on going. Wasn't going to be covering it for any outlet in particular, so wouldn't be "working." I "get" what's going on and what he's doing, so I really didn't need any baffling questions to get answered. Plus I had some personal obligations that night and it started raining...so yeah, didn't bend over backwards for it.

But a couple of folks did, so figured I let ya'll see what they had to say. The video above was shot by the homie Jeron Ward. The accompanying reviews were done by Nadine Graham and Shannon Barbour. Read after the jump...

Video Re-Cap: Bun B at Red Bull EmSee

In case you missed it the other night, here is some footage of the Red Bull EmSee show featuring Bun B...courtesy of the homies over at Fresh Start.

Cee-Lo Green-"F*ck You" (video)

Imagine waking up to an email with the subject "F*ck You From Cee-Lo Green." Yo...I'm not lying, I was about make some phone calls and see what was really good, I don't appreciate being talked to like that.

But it was just a new Cee-Lo song.

Sounds like 'Lo is really taking it there on this Lady Killer album. This song is kinda funny though.

Be on the look out for another version of this video (with actual people in it, I'm assuming) to drop next month. Lady Killer in stores October 4th.

Aleon Craft Breaks Down The Stargazing Soundtrack

Caught up with Aleon Craft the other day at Solar Sound Studios to get him to talk about some choice cuts from
The Stargazing Soundtrack and what this project means at this point in his career.

Previously: Aleon Craft: The Stargazing Soundtrack

Section 8 Mob: Atlantans Swarm East Point for Section 8 Applications

Grady Homes, Capital Homes, Bowen Homes, Herndon Homes, Thomasville Heights, Hollywood Courts, Bankhead Courts...all torn down over the last 5 years.

I, like so many of you, have asked, "where is the government sending these people?" Well, one of the answers is Riverdale and Clayton County, which explains the current conditions down there. The other answer came yesterday as thousands of people mobbed the complex where Central Station is located, just to get Section 8 applications...that will put them on a waiting list...to be approved.

Like the homie D said over at his site, "expect much worst."

Spotted at TEV

Lil B the Based God Animated Promo Video by Moxie Joe

Internet phenomenon Lil B is going to be in Atlanta at the Loft this Friday. I'm going to go to see what all the fuss is about. Right now the homie Noz is looking like he needs to change his name to Noztradamus for calling this early.

New York Times: Rescuing a Lost Era of Jazz History

I came across this video earlier this morning and found it interesting so I figured I'd share it with ya'll. It reminded me of when I used to tape songs, freestyles and interviews off the radio and when I used to record videos from off Rap City and Yo! MTV Raps. Obviously I wasn't the only one doing that because you look up just about anything on YouTube now.

But it seems our elders from the Jazz generation are still catching up to technology...or finally deciding to share some of their hidden treasures.

It also reminded me of one of my favorite posts from StuffWhitePeopleLike.com: "Black Music That Black People Don't Don't Listen To Anymore." I'm not saying that Black folks don't listen to Jazz at all anymore...but I sure as hell can count on my hand the ones that do.

As you can see the video, our White brothers still seem to be enthralled by the discovery of old jazz music. Hell it was a White cat that recorded all of this stuff. Over the last few years I've been starting to adopt the idea that Black folks don't record/preserve/protect as much of their own musical or cultural history because they are too busy living it or creating something new.

Which is a catch 22 because it leaves it up to folks from other backgrounds to record it and then ultimately control it and control how it is promoted and presented. Which usually leads to people feeling a certain way about "our" songs being copied, critiqued, ridiculed or used in paper towel commercials.

But yeah. Beyond all of that, I thought this was a cool clip. I know these recordings will be put in the museum when completed, but I'm looking forward to seeing what happens after that.

Cee-Lo Green to Host "Lay It Down" on FUSE TV

photo by Maurice Garland, September 19, 2009

This sounds like a pretty cool idea...

From LA Times:

Cee-Lo Green wasn’t exactly looking to become a television star -- until the opportunity was handed to him.
When the cable network Fuse went to the Gnarls Barkley rapper-singer with the idea for a new music show, “Lay It Down,” he couldn’t turn away.

“It’s more than me wanting to do this, it’s someone wanted me to do it, which was very flattering and a compliment in the fact that I was asked to be a part of it,” Green said. “That was gratifying for me.”

In the interview- and performance-based show, set to premiere in October, Green will act as host -- and sometimes collaborator -- as he puts artists such as Lil Jon, Ludacris, T-Pain, N.E.R.D., Janelle Monáe and Public Enemy in the hot seat to break down their biggest hits and discuss the inspiration behind specific verses and beats. It's a setting reminiscent, says Green, of a "modernized midnight television special."

He said he hopes the show will provide fans an inside look at and artist's creative process and offer little-known details behind some of the hits. For instance, Public Enemy’s “Yo! Bum Rush the Show” was written in the back of a U-Haul truck by Flavor Flav.

“I think this was an opportunity for everyone to be intimate about their own process, approach or formula, but true art isn't exposed in its entirety. I believe it's an opportunity to express a bit and reveal a bit but still maintain some mystique,” Green said.

Sal LoCurto, senior vice president of programming at Fuse, said adding shows such as Green's to the network's programming block only further sets it apart from other music networks such as BET, VH1 and MTV -- all of which have turned their attention to reality television.

“We are the only music channel. [BET, VH1 and MTV are] past tense. They’re not really music channels,” LoCurto said. “I always say it’s kinda like rooting for the Dodgers and expecting to see Sandy Koufax pitch. It’s a bygone era.”

Jason Hervey, executive producer of the show, said Green was targeted because of his vast career, be it from his days as a member of Goodie Mob to his solo career to being one half of Gnarls Barkley.

“He can connect to the artist and the subject really on any level, and there is such a knowledge and a passion for music and his fellow performer,” Harvey said. “I think there's an admiration, you know, and there's a point of view that really is unrivaled unless you've walked in the many different shoes within the musical career that he has."

With production on the first season of the show wrapped, Green is back to focusing on his upcoming solo album, “Lady Killer,” as well as a new Goodie Mob album -- his first with the group since 1999’s “World Party.”

There's only a few artist that can have a pretty good conversation with artists from all walks of life and Cee-Lo is one of them. Oh yeah...I still have the other parts of my interview with him for ya'll I didn't forget.

Universal Music Group Cuts Ties With MTV Networks, Will Show Videos Exclusively On VEVO

Not sure if MTV's online network was your preferred source for music videos and clips in the first place, but if your looking for content from Universal Music Group artists specifically, you're going to have to look elsewhere.

From Wall Street Journal:

Universal Music Group pulled its music videos from MTV’s websites starting earlier this week, the two companies said Friday, as talks over new licensing terms broke down.

While many details of the breakdown weren’t disclosed, MTV Networks has been in negotiations with Vevo, the Hulu-esque video service owned by Universal , Google and Sony Music. MTV previously licensed music videos directly from record labels for use on MTV.com, VH1.com and CMT.com. Now Universal, Sony and EMI want websites to let Vevo “syndicate” its videos through their sites. Under that arrangement, which is already in place on YouTube and several other sites, Vevo sells its own ads and delivers its members’ videos through a branded player. Website owners like MTV parent Viacom Inc. get a cut of the advertising revenue.

In a statement, Universal said: “MTVN has been unwilling to negotiate a fair syndication deal with Vevo to carry our artists’ videos and consequently our videos will not be shown on their online properties. We believe that using Vevo as our online music video syndication platform is the best way to maximize revenue for our artists, our songwriters and ourselves.”

The dispute doesn’t affect the ability of MTV’s cable channels to air videos from Universal artists.

While it’s not clear what the sticking point was, it probably relates to the attempted insertion of a new entity in the value chain between consumer eyeball and content owner. In other words, it’s not hard to imagine that MTV balked at the possibility of making less money so that a new company controlled by the record labels could get cut into the deal. Representatives of MTV and Universal declined to comment on financial details.

In a statement of its own, MTV Networks said: “we continue to seek out new and innovative ways to connect artists with their fans that are mutually beneficial to everyone. However, during our recent discussions with Vevo, we were unable to reach a fair and equitable agreement for rights to stream UMG artists’ music video content.” The company added that it was “disappointed” by Universal’s decision.

Also notable: MTV recently entered a partnership with Warner Music Group, the other major-label group, that represents an alternate—and competing—approach to selling ads that run with online music videos.

For now, the impasse applies only to Universal videos, because that company’s previous licensing deal with MTV expired last month. But Sony’s deal comes up for renewal in the fall, and if no deal is in place by then, Sony’s clips good be next to go dark at MTV.com.

Just in case you skimmed through and didn't read, no, this doesn't mean that MTV won't be showing music videos from UMG artists (do they still show videos?). It means that they won't be showing them online, nor will they be showing performance clips to coincide with interviews and other content.

VEVO is owned by Sony Music Entertainment and Universal Music Group, hosts its videos through YouTube while Google and Vevo share the advertising revenue. Sony's deal with MTV Networks is up for renewal in the fall.

Aleon Craft: The Stargazing Soundtrack

The homie Aleon Craft just dropped his latest project The Stargazing Soundtrack today on DJBooth.net. Just like his last few projects, SMKA handles the production.

I finally got a chance to make it to one of the dates on the Stargazing Tour at the Glenn Hotel last Friday. Craft really did his thing and it sounds like he's really coming into his own as a solo artist.

A lot of you know him from Da Backwudz while a couple of you may know him from Labratz, so he's always been a part of a group. Early on in his solo ventures, I can't lie, I heard a heavy Big Boi influence, which isn't a bad thing, but that's one of the things I felt that held Da Backwudz back...they were dope, but the sounded so much like their influences that their music sometimes got lost in the shuffle.

Since Craft has pretty much been working with SMKA exclusively, he sounds more like himself and he gets to even stretch his creativity more. The partnership seems to challenge SMKA just as much. I'm looking forward to seeing how far Craft's music goes. Its capable of appealing to a wide range of people.

But yeah, if you are a fan of George Clinton and consider yourself a Funkateer, you should enjoy this project. Stat tuned for an interview with Craft very soon.

LISTEN/DOWNLOAD: Aleon Craft The Stargazing Soundtrack

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com In XXLMag.com's AIM and FIRE Discussion

Yesterday XXLMag.com invited me to take part in their Aim & Fire online chat discussion. The way it works is they invite a bunch of journalist, bloggers, tastemakers, etc into a AIM chat room to talk about the hot rap topic of the day.

Yesterday's topic was this brewing "beef" between Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. The timing for it was perfect since Ross dropped his "diss" called "Summer's Mine" and Jeezy dropped his 1000 Grams mixtape earlier that day.

Other people in on the conversation included Bossip editor Janee Bolden, Gyant, Wendy Day, BET.com's Carl Cherry and XXL's Jesse Gissen. I didn't really say as much as the others...doesn't seem like anybody pay attention either. But I was there...calling stuff like this gay and lame like I usually do. When you get a second, peep it for yourself.

READ: XXLMag.com AIM & FIRE

Cy Hi Da Prynce Signs to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music label

photo by Maurice Garland

Conrgats to shawty...

From XXL:

Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music has just added another talent to it’s already strong roster. XXLMag.com has learned that CyHi Da Prynce is the latest artist to sign with the label.

“I just affiliated with Kanye,” the September 2010 Show and Prove rapper told XXLMag.com. “It’s been a beautiful journey for me.”

That journey’s other big highlight came in February 2009, when the Atlanta-bred MC was signed to Def Jam. CyHi credits the vice president of Def Jam, Bu Thiam, as well as L.A. Reid, with helping him link up with Ye-who flew him out to Hawaii for three and a half weeks earlier this summer. While there, the two worked on roughly five songs together, says Cy, who recounts that Kanye first took notice of him on the remix to Yelawolf’s “I Wish.” “He heard my verse and loved it,” he says. “After that, he took his time out to look my name up and he liked the music that I had.”

Now with an even greater backing than what he had before, CyHi expects big things. “To me, [Kanye] is the most complete artist in hip-hop, and I feel like that’s what I want to be. To have him as a mentor is just a blessing. I’m learning.”

CyHi Da Prynce plans to release an EP, The Royal Flush, in late August or early September.

Hey, I know there's hella internet theories and rumors swirling about this. But lets put that aside to recognize dude's come up. I'm glad to see an artist like Prynce get aligned with somebody like Kanye. Prynce is a VERY creative and conceptual dude so this partnership makes all of the sense in the world. Guess the music industry has another famous Redan Raider.

Random Jam: Masta Ace "Born to Roll" x "Masta Inc Ride" x "Sittin on Chrome"

These songs popped up in my head the other day. Might've been because I was listening to Gibbs' rendition of "Born To Roll." Fully aware of Masta Ace's contributions and legacy, but really, it wasn't until "Born to Roll" that I really got into him like that. Not an excuse because I've gone back and listened and researched, but his Juice Crew stuff was coming out when I knew more about Rick Flair and Hulk Hogan than I did about rap music.

I remember seeing this video and thinking "damn! who are all these light-skinned girls!" Guess you can say Masta Ace introduced to me (and a few of you too) to fineness of our Latin sistas. I also remember seeing this video on YO! MTV Raps and hearing Ed Lover and Dr. Dre borderline hate on the song and video, talking about Masta Ace was selling out to West Coast. Matter fact, I remember hearing that quite a bit from NYC based outlets. Which is in sharp contrast to what we hear and read nowadays from the same folks saying that his Slaughtahouse album was "acclaimed."

Ace kept this sound going on his next album Sittin' On Chrome with the singles "The I.N.C. Ride" and "Sittin On Chrome." I could be wrong, but outside of a couple Dr. Dre videos, Masta Ace was probably the only cat that actually showed car culture in his videos, with the Hispanic community included in it.

The Atlanta Stargazing Tour at Star Bar in LP5 (video) x Aleon Craft-"Yoga Flame"

All summer SMKA and Whynatte have been doing the Atlanta Stargazing Tour at different spots around the city. Unfortunately I haven't been able to make it out to any yet, but here is some video from the most recent show that will make you feel like you were there. It featured performances from Aleon Craft, STS, Vonnegutt, Grip Plyaz, Sean Falyon, Stanza, Jarren Benton, Tom P and HaZiQ aLi.

The next show will be this Friday at the Glenn Hotel:


Oh yeah, the song in the background is Aleon Craft's "Yoga Flame"...its pretty jammin.

4-Ize feat. Scar-"Rollin Like A Gee"

I was in the studio with these two a few months ago and heard some of the stuff they were cooking and this seems to be the first piece they're sharing with us. Listening to 4-Ize reminds you that Hip Hop can be silly and fun. Not saying that 4-Ize is a silly guy, dude is a real MC. But, you get what I'm saying. Reminds me of Redman and early-Ludacris.

Speaking of which, there is plenty of Conjure in this video. So much, that I should probably be getting paid or broke off with a bottle just for posting it.

2010 A3C Festival's Perfect Attendance Stage Artist Line Up Announced

Just like last year, everybody and their mama will be rocking at the A3C Festival's Perfect Attendance Stage. I ain't even gonna lie, I enjoyed it last year but I was about Hip Hop'ed out by day three. But don't let that discourage you from going to your very own Hip Hop Heaven. Here is the line up for the weekend:

East: Emilio Rojas, Esso, Gilbere Forte, J The S, Jasmine Solano, Kid Daytona, Mac Miller, Mickey Factz, Phil Ade, Ra the Mc, Skotch Davis, Young Chris

West: Ayomari, Bambu, Carter, Casey Veggies, El Prez, Pac Div, Rocky Rivera, Shawn Chrystopher, Skeme, TiRon

Midwest: Big Sean, Black Spade, Fly Union, Gotta Be Karim, LEP Bogus Boys, Ro Spit, Rockie Fresh, Royal Camp, Stalley, Vandalyzm

South: Big K.R.I.T, DGoodz, Embassy Music, FKi, Hollyweerd, Hollywood Floss, Jackie Chain, Jus Nice, Kooley High, Laws, Mach Five, Merc, Nesby Phips, RE, Skewby, Tom P, Warren Jae

Unlike last year, you won't have to hop in the car and ride down the street to see it. It will be in the same building as the rest of the festivities. For you artists out there, they have 4 slots left to fill. If you think you deserve to be on this stage visit REVERBNATION.COM to be considered.

A3C Hip Hop Festival will take place 10/7-10/9
Masquerade
695 North Ave
Atlanta, GA

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com On the Scene of SL Jones, Pill and Mike Bigga-"Grind 100 Hustler"

While I was out chilling this past Sunday, SL hit me up and told me him Pill and Killer were shooting a video for the "Grind 100 Hustler" song they just made together. It wasn't out of the way and its always cool to shoot down to Sweet Auburn so I went ahead and went. The video is being shot by the homie FLX and its something that's fitting with the title of the song.

Just captured some moments from the shoot, got some words from the fellas on why they insist on using backdrops like this for their videos and SL (who is from Little Rock) wound up being the only dude on set, in the middle of Atlanta, wearing a A-hat.

This was pretty cool, this is the first time these three cats actually cut a song and video together in a hot minute. Hopefully we'll see more of this.

Shoutout to DJ Trauma who I think was there before I got there.

Previously: SL Jones feat. Pill and Killer Mike aka Mike Bigga-"Grind 100 Hustler"

Hot Heavy and Bad (Joi and Devon Lee)-"One"

This is the new video from Joi and Devon Lee's new musical partnership Hot Heavy and Bad. They debuted this at Pal's Lounge on Auburn Ave (which is also where some of this video was shot) last Thursday and the felines in the building were going ape shit over it. Joi enlisted the talents of a lot of cool people on the come up in the city for this video, so that show you just how cool she is.

Be warned though, the name of the group is Hot Heavy and Bad. Do not run up on her saying "I like YOUR new song"...she will politely check you for it.

Previously: Joi Covers Creative Loafing

Playboy Tre-"I Dont Care"

Playboy Tre-"I Don't Care"

New music from the Liquor Store Mascot with some assistance from Smokey.

Freddie Gibbs-"Do Wrong (pt 2)"

Gibbs drops another dope video. Here the visuals go right along with the song's hook "when the world don't do you right can't help but do wrong" by showing that hard times are not color blind or age biased. Produced by the homie DJ Burn One, this is probably one of my favorite Gibbs tracks.

Correction from earlier...this track isn't on anything. Gibbs recorded a new verse just for this video because Pill couldn't make to NYC to shoot his part.

Groove Chambers-"In the Bag"

Groove Chambers-"In The Bag"

If you don't know the name Groove Chambers, this is the perfect time to educate yourself. Groove is the man that produced the bulk of Nappy Roots' debut album Watermelon, Chicken and Grits (including the hit "Awnaw" and the jams "Set It Out," "Ballin On A Budget" and "Headz Up" and it was his idea to put Anthony Hamilton on "Po'Folks") and he's also the man responsible for Lil Mama's "Lip Gloss."

Outside of that, he hasn't done much as a producer...because he's been hoarding all of his beats for himself and the debut album he's been working on for years. After meeting the cat a couple times I finally got a chance to really chop it up with him last night. In that time he played what will be the first single from his debut album. I don't know if it was the studio speakers or what, but when I heard this joint blast out, I wanted to jump out of my chair. But instead, my cool ass just nodded real hard and waved my arms a little.

But yeah, "In The Bag" is a dope ass song song with, favorite parts and stuff (I know that sounds corny, but you get what I'm saying). It just gave me one of those...feelings. You know how back in the day you'd be listening to the radio at night when they'd play all the new music and something would come out and you'd be like "I don't know what this is, but I like it and this is gonna be a hit." That's how I feel about this song.

Greg Street and Green Lantern have been playing it on V103 here and there, so its on its way. The song probably isn't going to blow up until later on, but I just wanted to give ya'll a head start on it.

Joi Covers Creative Loafing

The First Lady of the Dungeon Family is gracing this weeks issue of Creative Loafing. Written by Jacinta Howard, the story talks about how timing has always seemed to be an issue in Joi's career even though she has been co-signed and supported by everyone from Madonna to Raphael Saadiq to Outkast.

Though she will always be appreciated and known as Joi to her fans, she is recreating herself as a member of Hot Heavy & Bad that includes her musical partner, guitarist, producer and Pal's Lounge owner Devon Lee (who come to find out used to be in Proton way back in the day). They debuted their new video "One" last night at Pal's Lounge and its hot stuff. Everybody that's heard the album says its dope as hell, which isn't surprising.

READ: Joi's Bad Ass Revenge

Since we here, might as well share a couple of my favorite Joi songs right quick, both of these are from her last solo album, 2005's Tennessee Slim Is the Bomb. I remember kinda getting checked by Joi at this party when I told her how dope it was. Come to find out, it wasn't supposed to be out and I had a bootleg copy. Sorry.


"Say Say Lil Fine Ass Niggah" feat. Trauma Black, Bun B and Pastor Troy

"I'm So Famous"

Is Club Crucial Being Targeted?

Last night Fox 5 reported that T.I.'s Club Crucial was facing suspension of their liquor license and a $50,000 fine for violating Chapter 10 (10-109 (a)(12) and (a)(14) to be exact) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlanta. The code states that the city has the power to revoke, suspend or refuse a liquor license to any business that fails to "adequately supervise and monitor the conduct of the employees, patrons and others" on the premises. In layman terms, the city is looking to suspend Crucial's liquor license because they feel that the club has too many fights and is a violent establishment.

Club Crucial is located on the infamous Bankhead Highway (which is now named Donald Lee Hollowell), so a stigma has always been attached to this club. But anybody that's gone there before will tell you that this is a fine establishment that just so happens to be in the middle of the 'hood.

The City of Atlanta is citing six incidents over the last year as reason for their wanting to suspend Crucial's license and ultimately, cripple their business. I have the incident reports below...

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com Behind the Scenes at Big Boi feat. Yelawolf -"You Aint No DJ" videoshoot

Heard these dudes were shooting a video today. Since I stay down the street, figured I'd pop up and see whats good. I don't really know what the video is going to look like in the end. I think they are just focusing on MCing and performing in this one. Nothing too crazy, just a couple moments on camera, that's all.

It was hot as hell outside.

360: Ice Cube x Furious Styles x "Chippy D"

By now you've heard about Laurence Fishburne's daughter Montana (aka Chippy D) entering the porn industry...which drew me into another 360 post.

Willie Joe feat. Playboy Tre and Mistah F.A.B.-"Somewhere (part 2)"

[my XXL Show and Prove on Wille Joe from December 2007]


Willie Joe feat. Playboy Tre and Mistah F.A.B.-"Somewhere (part 2)"

Willie Joe just let this song out on the web and its pretty jamming. Over the years I can say I've dug most of dudes music. And even if you didn't like a particular song, if you saw him perform it, he would win you over. Back in what I like to call the "Showcase Era" of Atlanta (2003-2007) Willie Joe became notorious for ripping stages to the point that folks didn't want to go after him. Hell, ask B.o.B (who's live show has gotten better and is now getting rave reviews) who he got some of his stuff from and he'd tell you he got alot of it from being on the road with and watching Willie Joe back when they were running together. Which explains the Playboy Tre appearance here, which may look random to those who didn't know they go back for some years.

Joe had moved to Atlanta from the Bay back around 2003 and made his presence known on the indie scene, working with Fort Knox and Strong Arm Management at the time. They wound up making a street hit with "Get Em Got Em" around 06-07. Not sure what became of that relationship but eventually WIllie's buzz and talent were recognized and he signed a deal with Shonuff around 07-08. He came out with some hard ass songs including "How We Roll." Unfortunately some mind-changing and industry red tape kept that song from blowing up.

Since that Willie moved back out to the Bay and focused on building his own company Wataboy Entertainment. He may not think so but I listen to damn near everything he tweets me, hahaha, I just don't post all of it. But this joint right here was hard to deny, the shit is jamming. So, if Willie tweets you some of his music, go'head and check it out...its worth it.

Chromeo-"Don't Turn the Lights On" (video)

TSS just posted this video from Chromeo. The homie Jabari Graham has been telling me to check out this group for some months now. Guess I will now. If you're already up on them or like me, are starting to be intrigued...they have a show in Atlanta on August 27th at the Masquerade.

Freddie Gibbs – “Born 2 Roll” Documentary

Yours Truly's cameras captured Freddie in his essence for this short documentary. Hopefully this can be sort of a ying to the yang that is Freddie's Complex Magazine interview from last week.

Dude always speaks his mind in his raps if you're listening hard enough. Hope people don't just start looking at him as some guy who just goes around calling out other rappers for the hell of it or to get attention, dude speaks on what's really going on out here in these streets and in the hearts of men.

Its kinda like how some media outlets started painting Pimp C, or hell, even 2Pac as some dudes who had nothing else to say but how they felt about somebody else...almost diminishing their contributions to music as a whole. Pac spoke on everything from community organizing to religion, but people only remember him now for calling out Biggie, Nas and Dr. Dre. Pimp was known to expose a bit of vulnerability and display his great talents as a producer on his tracks, but folks only want to remember him for the volatile interviews he gave months before his passing. Freddie is one of the few rappers out today talking about the struggle, but it seems like alot of people just now want to pay more attention to him because he poked fun at DJ Khaled, Rick Ross a couple others.

Not trying to say that Freddie is ONLY going to be looked upon to "call niggas out"...just hoping that it doesn't.

Anyways, check out the documentary...download Str8 Killa/No Filla mixtape and go out and buy the Str8 Killa EP tomorrow.

Pastor Troy x ALIen the Drummer Perform "Vice Versa" at Art, Beats and Lyrics

I couldn't let the cat out the bag but I was trying to drop hints on Twitter all day about the special surprise at Art, Beats and Lyrics last Friday. One of them was a rare performance from Cody Chesnutt and the other was Pastor Troy being backed by ALIen the Drummer.

That shit was beyond crunk. The homie Kila captured some of this riot-inducing footage.

Pastor Troy-"These N*ggas Ain't Gangsta No Mo"

Straight fie. I don't know what NFL player Troy was talking about on that second verse but it was fie. This Crown Royal mixtape is straight fie so far.

Dominick Brady presents Headland and Delowe: ATL Hip Hop from ‘79- ‘til

The homie Dominick Brady just posted the first part of an in-depth audio documentary about Atlanta Hip Hop. What makes this documentary unique is that he is starting the story pre-LaFace. There is a common misconception that Babyface and LA just appeared in Atlanta one day and brought the gift of music with them, exposing us savages to melody and words with sounds attached.

I'm really looking forward to hearing the rest of this as it comes out.

LISTEN: Headland and Delowe

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com presents Yelawolf vs Mike Bigga in the Hip Hop Beer Chug Challenge

The homie Will from SMC invited me Tree Sound to sit in on the process of listening and picking records for Killer Mike aka Mike Bigga's Pledge 3 album last night. Fell through and the spot was pretty packed, a little bit of everybody was up in the building last night. Kyle Lucas of Vonnegut, Kyle of Jagged Edge, Sugar Tongue Slim and the homies Yelawolf and DJ Burn One were putting in some work with Nashville vets Jelly Roll and $truggle, that boy Rittz fell through too.

Since everybody was down the hall from each other, we was all pretty much just popping in and out the rooms hollering at each other. One of the times Mike fell through 'Wolf's session somebody offered him a beer...and then some straight comedy ensued...

I had the camera so I figured I'd catch some of the classic randomness that happens during late-night/early-morning studio sessions. Hip Hop truly does bring different races and cultures together, haha.

Freddie Gibbs-"National Anthem (F*ck the World)" video

I don't think I've seen this type of imagery in a rap video since...Public Enemy's "Can't Truss It"? (internet sticklers, feel welcome to offer your 2 cents). That's damn near 20 years.

This $10-$15 is burning a hole in pocket waiting for Str8 Killa No Filla to drop next month.

Art, Beats + Lyrics Returns to Atlanta This Friday

One of my favorite events is making its homecoming to Atlanta this Friday. From day one Art, Beats and Lyrics has been one of the more unique Art Exhibitions in Atlanta if not the country period. On top of all of that, its free Gentleman Jack all night long. Be warned though, the lines can get pretty long, so you might as well get double fisted when you get your drink from the bar.

Anyways, its free admission but you have to register at GentlemanJackABL.com. Once you do that you will get a PDF ticket that you have to print out and present. Its good for you and a guest. Again, get there earlier than later because the city really comes out for these.

Art, Beats + Lyrics
Friday July 30, 2010
7pm-2am

The Compound
1008 Brady Ave
Atlanta, GA

Nesby Phips-B Side

The homie Nesby Phips just dropped his latest project entitled B Side. He invited me over the crib last month to hear the unfinished version of it over a six pack and a Black. Sounded good on the computer speakers so it should sound even better finished and in the car. Matter of fact, Phips told me he was going to master it on an actual cassette so that it can sound like it has that old tape hiss on it. I haven't listened yet, so I don't know if he did it or now.

When he performed some of these joints at the Big K.R.I.T. show a couple weeks ago, people seemed to really mess with them...so check it out for yourself. Hope you enjoy.

DOWNLOAD: Nesby Phips-B Side

Pics and Re-Cap: Bun B Trill O.G. Listening Party at Patchwerk

Last night Bun B played his new album Trill O.G. (get it? as in trilogy?) at Patchwerk Studios for a host of media folks, music folks and just cool folks in general. The album was bumping in the studio but of course you have to test it out at the crib and car before you can just label anything. But I will say this, its some music for the Slab. Every track had some knock to it. I didn't hear any just mind blowing lyricism ala "Murder," but it had plenty of attitude to it. Its a listen that is full of moments, both good...and awkward.

Aleon Craft-"Strange" video

The title says it all. This will be appearing on Craft's Stargazing Sountrack set to drop next month.

City of Ink is getting to be quite the video spot these days.

Davinci-"Concrete Jungle Juice"

"Hi-hat homicide...baseline battery...snare drum slaying...kickdrum casualty"

Newest video and single from Davinci's The Day The Turf Stood Still. Dude got some strong ass thumbs if he popping tops of Coronas.

SL Jones feat. Pill and Killer Mike-"Grind 100 Hustler"

The Grind Time trio remixes Roc-A-Fella's 2001 classic...




...that borrowed from Convicts and Geto Boys' 1991 gem

Random Jam: Heltah Skeltah-"Therapy" (1996)

I was reading Noz's "25 Greatest Boot Camp Clik Songs" list over at Complex and got reminded of this song. Man, this has got to be one of the illest concepts ever. On it Rock and Ruck (now known as Sean Price) rap like a doctor and patient during a therapy session. My favorite part is probably when Ruck accuses Rock of being high and when Rock denies it and ask how he can tell, Ruck rhymes "because you acting funny, like when Blacks get money."

Hell yeah, that first Heltah Skeltah album Nocturnal was pretty hard, hell, I enjoyed the Magnum Force album too. I might've done a Random Jam on that song they did with Dogg Pound before, I don't remember.

I don't care man, Hip Hop at large is missing out on the East Coast not putting out jammin ass music right now. Notice I said jammin...I ain't saying they just need to be here for the sake of being here. But Hip Hop was at its best when cats from everywhere was all doing their thing and doing it well and at the end of the day knowing that the priority was to be tight. Granted, we didn't get to see UGK and 8Ball & MJG on Rap City as much as Smif & Wessun and Heltah Skeltah but that was moreso BET stupid ass fault...I never believed it to be because one was just better than the other. Matter of fact there is a video on the net somewhere where a former BET employee admitted that he played all New York shit on Rap City when he was in charge and didnt really start playing anything else until the video director we would later know as Dr. Teeth started working there and diversifying things.

But yeah...I'm rambling. Enjoy the song. While I'm talking I need to go find my Nervous Hip Hop CD, I swear I just saw it somewhere.

Khujo Goodie Released From Henry County Jail Today

photo by Maurice G. Garland, September 2009

Everybody's been asking what's been up with this whole ordeal, but hell...I was about in the dark as the rest of ya'll were. Same way ya'll was getting all the info from Ceelo and Big Boi's twitter...so was I and the rest of us. But the homie Rodney Carmichael at Creative Loafing was able to get in contact with Khujo's lawyer to break down exactly whats been going on and what's about to happen...

From CL:

After originally being sentenced to serve two years of a five year sentence, Willie Knighton Jr., aka Khujo Goodie, was freed today after a Henry County judge determined that one of his indictments was legally void. Big Boi and Goodie Mob members Cee-Lo and Big Gipp were all in attendance at today's hearing, and Big Boi testified on Khujo's behalf.

Turns out that Twitter has been the leading source of breaking news on this case, which had most Goodie Mob fans wondering what Khujo had done to provoke the long arm of the law in the first place.

In an effort to fill in the blanks, Creative Loafing called Knighton's lawyer Daniel Kane shortly after the news hit Twitter today.

According to Kane, Knighton had been serving time in a Henry County jail (located in the southeastern suburbs of metro Atlanta) since June 9, after being convicted of three counts of felony possession of a firearm and one count of violation of the Ga. Controlled Substance Act for having marijuana in his possession — charges he'd received in 2009 and 2010.

Khujo was originally sentenced to two years because Henry County had determined that he was already a convicted felon, due to a firearms violation dating back to 1990. But today in court, Kane proved that Khujo's previous charge was legally void.

"He had a case in 1990 when he was a teenager that was disposed of under the First Offender Act," Kane explained. "If you enter a plea under the First Offender Act you are not formally adjudicated guilty.

"The mistake was that they thought he was a convicted felon because they thought he was convicted in 1990," he continued. "So I went back into the archives and got the 1990 case, researched it, pulled the records and presented them to the district attorney and the judge in Henry County and said he could never be a felon in possession of a firearm — there were three counts — because he was never a convicted felon. It was a first offender case, and the court agreed."

Of course, a two-year sentence would have put a serious dent in the reunited Goodie Mob's plans for a new album. But the case isn't totally behind him — a new sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 3. When asked to speculate on the final outcome, Khujo's lawyer preferred not to comment on the ongoing case.

He did, however, comment on Khujo's disposition after being freed today: "Well, there's great joy, great joy and happiness. And also his friends from the music industry, they were very, very happy. Big Boi and Cee-Lo, Big Gipp, they were very happy, as well as [Khujo]'s wife, and his cousin.

In the meantime, it's back to business for Khujo, who is featured on the hook he penned for the song "Tangerine," (featuring T.I.), which, according to Kane, will be the next single from Big Boi's new album Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Return of Chico Dusty.

"It'll be a smash; I know the song well," said Kane, who says Khujo will be touring with Big Boi in support of the album. "It'll get released somewhere down the road as a single after [the current single] "Shutterbugg" runs its course. So we're looking for great success. [Khujo]'s going to go out and tour with Big."

Khujo's lawyer expressed equal excitement for the return of Goodie Mob.

"We're all very happy for Khujo and we wish him tremendous success, because the Goodie Mob is reunited and they're touring" said Kane, who, besides serving as long-time legal counsel for Khujo and other Dungeon Family members, also considers himself a fan. "We love Khujo. My son Trevor and Quinn just said, 'Dad, do anything you can to get him out."

So there you have it. Looks like Big Boi sicked that "tough team of attorney's" on the case and got 'Jo on up out of there.