Maurice Garland: World-Renown, Locally-Respected Writer, Photographer. Tastemaker and Lifestylist

We've Moved: www.MAURICEGARLAND.com

2010-09-14T04:14:00.002-04:00

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"

2010-09-10T15:36:00.008-04:00

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)

2010-09-10T12:45:00.003-04:00

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)

2010-09-08T15:04:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-07T15:00:00.005-04:00

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

2010-09-02T16:40:00.006-04:00

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)

2010-09-02T13:03:00.002-04:00

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)

2010-09-01T11:06:00.002-04:00

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)

2010-08-30T11:37:00.005-04:00

Playboy Tre-The Last Call

Tracklisting after the jump.

Aleon Craft-"A Different World" video

2010-08-26T13:13:00.002-04:00

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)

2010-08-24T14:30:00.003-04:00

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)

2010-08-24T13:58:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-24T10:15:00.007-04:00

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

2010-08-23T11:08:00.000-04:00

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

2010-08-23T10:20:00.006-04:00

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...

From AUC:

On Friday, August 20th, Lil’ B of the California rap group, The Pack (“Vans”), performed a live concert at the Loft in Atlanta. For weeks, the show, which was opened by anti-hipster, Gripplyaz and FKi Music, had been tirelessly promoted and the Internet was flooded with the news of the upcoming arrival of the “Based God.”

For Lil’ B to be such an online phenom (he’s already garnered attention from Rolling Stone, The New York Times and The Village Voice) you would think that his more of his fans would’ve braved the rainy elements to attend the show; however, the crowd was underwhelming. Still, the skinny jean wearing, colored Vans sporting, “cookin” dancing teenagers made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in numbers. And Lil’ B didn’t disappoint, immediately adding to the weirded-out vibe of the evening with his zany antics.

Case in point: when the 21 year-old sauntered onto the small stage donning a cream t-shirt and dark glasses, he had a silk scarf veiling his face and cryptically announced, “Ya’ll know I don’t show my face.” Then he laughed, and the crowd laughed too.

Thankfully, after a few songs, he withdrew his announcement and went ahead and discarded the scarf. As he rolled through his “catalogue” (which basically consists of viral videos and song leaks) the crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch.
He breathlessly sped through the almost comical “Pretty B-tch,” “Suck My D-ck Ho” and “Violate That B-tch,” showcasing that there are apparently an infinite number of ways to rap about receiving oral sex.

Regardless, he was able to strike an honest rapport with his fans, thanking one for the snapback hat he was rocking, before fittingly asking, “Who all in here be Tweeting me?”

He also took the time between songs to vehemently deny the online whispers of him being “a Down South music biter,” stating that he was merely influenced by the South. The audience gave hoots of approval. He went on to deny the gay rumors as well—which were initially sparked by his constant references to himself as a being a “princess” and a “pretty b-tch.”

Then he performed his most outrageous track, “Look Like Jesus.” Of course, this song came after he’d already again referred to himself as a “pretty bitch” and strangely declared that he looked like 80’s TV icon, Matlock. The crowd, however, ate it up, singing along with unbridled enthusiasm as he bounced across the stage like he was on a sugar rush. Panting every few bars, he wore himself out by the song’s end.

No doubt, the internet-bred celebrity of Lil’ B, is extreme, even a sign of the times—an era when kids looking to declare themselves as “different” latch onto anything that seems weird, even if it makes no sense, and journalist clamor to be the first to find the next Internet phenom, no matter how bizarre the act is.
But, even with that said, Lil’ B has definitely created a movement. He has stage presence and is obviously smarter than his outlandish lyrics suggests. Like it or not, Lil’ B has made the machine work for him, and you can’t help but respect that.

Show Grade: C

From Creative Loafing:

The young crowd waiting to get into the Loft for Friday’s Lil’ B Live in Atlanta presented by Fadia Kader/Broke & Boujee show were a part of Atlanta’s rising hood-hipster hybrid. The Internet-fed fans of Berkeley, Calif.-based Pack member, Lil’ B, exemplified the power of social media to advance the careers of rising rappers and wannabes — who become virtually indistinguishable with each new YouTube video.

Like the explicit content advisory stickers of the past, an endorsement from the infamous Soulja Boy should also serve as a warning. It’s like saying, “this motherfucker is a gimmick.” Lil’ B’s loyal followers, however, remained undeterred. It may be the sense of belonging he gives them through shout outs via Twitter and Facebook. Or maybe it’s his uncanny ability to sound sincere with every profane utterance, such as “Y’all inspire the fuck outta me.”

Regardless, some couldn’t wait to see him.

As a result, the opening acts got lukewarm love. Especially Grip Plyaz, who was practically booed, as if his biggest song, “Fuck Dat Hipster Shit,” was a personal attack against those in attendance. Retro Sushi got some bounce from a version of “Black Boy, White Boy Swag,” built on the sound of Soulja's “Pretty Boy Swag.” Honestly, FKI was the highlight of the evening with their rendition of Gucci Mane’s “I Think I Love Her,” where their guitarist, Ricky, strummed on the strings behind his head.

Fortunately, the show moved quickly, so by the time Lil’ B came onstage, his face covered with a T-shirt, the excitement level was still high. He finally revealed himself and launched into “Pretty Bitch” and several other mindless tirades that make up the most recent of his approximately 1,500 songs on the web.

By the time he got to his “hit,” “Look like Jesus,” the scene was sick, but not in the good way. The “BasedGod” is baseless. Some left the show early, but a scant few stayed, hanging on his every word.

At that point, I wondered if the force of social media was really enough to propel his career into legitimacy. Who knows. I, like many others at the show, had enough.

A friend and I joked that if we took a shot every time he Lil B said the word "dick," we would have had alcohol poisoning.

Here are some other choice quotes:
"I was in church, but I don't give a fuck about shit."
"I look fruity, but I like girls."
"Suck my dick ho" — this was just shouted randomly throughout the performance, not necessarily as part of a song.
"If you can't fit Magnums, that's o.k., just wear Trojans."

So, there you have it. Did any of you go to the show? Feel free to leave your thoughts. I've heard everything from "he has great personality" to "he is the Black Male version of Lady Gaga."

Video Re-Cap: Bun B at Red Bull EmSee

2010-08-20T15:34:00.001-04:00

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)

2010-08-20T10:25:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-19T10:00:00.001-04:00

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

2010-08-18T17:07:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-17T10:49:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-16T15:42:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-16T14:20:00.005-04:00

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

2010-08-16T13:25:00.004-04:00

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

2010-08-13T13:50:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-12T18:25:00.004-04:00

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"

2010-08-12T13:59:00.004-04:00

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"

2010-08-11T13:45:00.006-04:00

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.

<a href="http://aleoncraft.bandcamp.com/track/yoga-flame">Yoga Flame by Aleon Craft</a>

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

2010-08-11T13:32:00.002-04:00

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

2010-08-10T14:01:00.002-04:00

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"

2010-08-10T12:53:00.005-04:00

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"

2010-08-10T10:47:00.004-04:00

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"

2010-08-10T00:09:00.003-04:00

Playboy Tre-"I Don't Care"

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

Freddie Gibbs-"Do Wrong (pt 2)"

2010-08-09T12:29:00.003-04:00

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"

2010-08-06T16:38:00.006-04:00

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

2010-08-06T12:57:00.003-04:00

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?

2010-08-05T11:48:00.027-04:00

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...

These are from January 2010 and November 2009

September 2009

June 2009

June 2009

May 2009

February 2009

If you read the incident reports, you will notice that all of these situations were pretty much handled by Club Crucial security (which includes 15 private security officer, 4 off-duty APD officers outside 2 Sherrif's officers doing patdowns at the door and 22 security cameras inside). Club Crucial security essentially handles the altercations themselves, and if the people don't calm down or leave, they have them arrested. Also of note is that it's rare that these incidents start because of something that happened inside the club that night. My sources (and just from being there enough times and being in the know) people have a problem with each other from some personal and family issues. People aren't in there fighting because somebody stepped on their shoe or looked at them funny.

Also, in the incident reports you will see that none of these altercations involved weapons, shootings, stabbing, hospitalization or death. You don't even see anything about a broken bottle because Crucial pours all of their drinks inside of plastic cups, including beers. Just for that reason alone. Beyond that, there is a general sense of respect that the club commands. Its owners and staff are respected figures in the community, and people in the neighborhood appreciate them being there, so they are on their best behavior for the most part.

On the flipside of this, there are a number of other nightclubs in Atlanta who have incident sheets that trump Crucial's. And these are supposed to be the more upscale establishments. For example...

Here is Luckie Lounge's sheet:

Luckie Lounge is easily one of the more popular clubs in Atlanta and have become notorious for their dress codes (and overzealous security). As you can see from this sheet of crimes reported that include Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Larceny, Larceny from Vehicle and Auto Theft. Some of these events you've read about on your favorite Hip Hop sites.

Here is Club Opera's sheet:

Again, a long list of Aggravated Assault, Larceny, Larceny from Vehicle and Auto-Theft at an "upscale" club. Again you might have read about some of these events on your favorite sites. Unlike Crucial's incidents, some of the incidents on Luckie and Opera's sheets involved weapons and people being hospitalized.

Beyond these two establishments, two murders have happened at other Atlanta nightclubs including The Masquerade and strip club Foxy Lady. None of these establishments have been threatened by the city with fines or license suspensions.

This is where I ask: Is Club Crucial Being Targeted?

It sure does seem that way. One reason is because of the city's efforts to "clean up" certain parts of town. As we all know, gentrification has been going on in every major city for decades now. As far as Atlanta is concerned, it has been in full effect since the Olympics when they cleaned out Techwood Homes to make way for Olympic athlete housing that was later turned into housing for Georgia State and Georgia Tech students.

Over the last few years the process has been sped up as we see some of the housing communities that gave Atlanta its identity (both notable and notorious) disappear. Bankhead is the latest on the list of communities to be stripped and gutted as Bowen Homes, Hollywood Courts, Bankhead Courts and other communities have been shutdown and bulldozed. The area is practically being primed for new homes and business to be built for people who aren't of the community.

If you follow, you will see that in communities like this, the property value drops while the property tax rises. Which discourages certain people from buying up the properties and encourages certain others to swoop in and get it. My sources tell me that in fact, currently, nobody is allowed to buy properties or start new business on Bankhead right now. To this journalist, that sounds like somebody doesn't want the people living there to build anything for themselves and would rather for the area to become even more rundown than it already is to the point that the people start to leave (or get forced out) so that new ones can come in and take over.

After years of carrying a bad reputation, some may wonder why the city has set its sights on Bankhead? Bankhead Highway is the only strip of highway that connects the more affluent Cobb County directly to Downtown Atlanta. Thus, Bankhead has become an important strip in Atlanta's growth plans.

Establishments like Crucial are viewed as a threat to those plans. Even with thousands of Bankhead citizens being erased from the community, many of them still return every week just to go to Club Crucial. It's one of the last places standing, it's one the last landmarks of many of these people's lives, so of course they "come home." As long as "these people" continue to be in the area, people with new interests in the Bankhead area will not be so quick to move in.

Another alarm is that Crucial was notified of the city's intentions in February 2010:

Crucial hasn't been able to properly represent themselves in front of the board since then and were practically attacked out of nowhere with last nights decision.

As of now, Crucial is still in operation, so do not believe the rumors that they are shut down. Their liquor license has not been suspended, yet. The motion has to be passed by Mayor Kasim Reed. This case will be presented to him sometimes in the next ten days. I am posting this information hoping that it will spread awareness and hopefully get into his ear so that he doesn't sign and stamp it without knowing what is going on.

In the event that Mayor Reed does sign off on this, Crucial can take the case to the Supreme Court and stay in business in the meantime of the case being investigated.

What do you guys think? Do you care? Does it matter to you?

Even if you aren't from Bankhead and never been to or plan on going to Club Crucial, I felt it was important to share this story so that you can tell others who may care. Or even to find a way to apply the information in this story to your daily operation. I saw alot of negative things being said about Crucial after this story broke, which I thought was unfair. To say that a place deserves to be shut down because "they ghetto" is not fair. If you don't like it, don't go. Keep going to your dress code clubs and risk getting shot and stabbed. Let the "ghetto" people have their fun. Don't wish that a place that actually serves the community gets shut down because "they ghetto."

Things are changing around us everyday by the minute. Just make sure you are prepared.

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

2010-08-04T18:19:00.003-04:00

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"

2010-08-03T16:07:00.012-04:00

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.

Of course you remember Ice Cube's classic, "Givin Up the Nappy Dugout":

If you've been in a cave for the last 20 years and never heard this song...Cube walks up to a house looking for the neighborhood freak. To his surprise, the freak's father answers the door. When Cube asks to see the girl, the father starts cussing saying "my daughter ain't going out with no damn Ice Cube...I raised her in a nice Catholic school." After that Cube pretty much lays it out to the dad that his daughter is a hoe. Of course, the father is in denial and says that Cube is lying.

That also got me to thinking about the role that Larry Fishburne played in Boyz N Da Hood(which Cube also starred in), Furious Styles:

Not sure if you realize it, but for alot of cats growing up...the Furious character acted as a surrogate dad, even if it was just for a few scenes in a movie. Outside of Cliff Huxtable and Uncle Phil, Furious Styles was one of the only Black father figures in TV/Film at the time (lame ass Carl Winslow don't count).

So the scene where Furious asks Trey "you got any p*ssy yet?" and then scolds him for not using a condom when he did get some was the closest alot of fatherless cats got to having "the talk" back in the day.

Both of these instances have a strange, funny and sad connection to the news of Fishburne's daughter entering porn to jumpstart her "career" and get her closer to her goal of being like Kim Kardashian.

Fishburne's daughter is the real life Cheryl from "Giving Up the Nappy Dugout ("we got the little hooker on tape"), this Brian Pumper dude is Ice Cube at the doorstep and unfortunately Fishburne is the "Furious" father who can't believe that his daughter is the neighborhood hoe.

I don't care man...even if my kid is grown. I'm still busting caps in anybody having to do with getting over on my kid. That said, I don't know what Larry plans on doing (if anything)...but if I was the Brian Pumper dude, I'd be worried that Larry go back into Furious mode and protect his kid (house and name) by licking shots in his direction (5:05 mark)

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

2010-08-03T16:00:00.003-04:00

[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)

2010-08-03T15:49:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-02T16:55:00.003-04:00

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

2010-08-02T15:54:00.003-04:00

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"

2010-07-30T14:04:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-30T13:27:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-28T16:03:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-27T19:14:00.005-04:00

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

2010-07-26T15:43:00.003-04:00

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

2010-07-23T14:53:00.005-04:00

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

2010-07-22T14:36:00.007-04:00

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.

I'll start with the awkward. As with most Rap-A-Lot albums, J Prince does the intro. It opened with the usual "aaaaaw yeaaaah"...but then he went on talking about how his son was the first guy to discover Drake and that he is backed by the Rap-A-Lot army. I mean, thats the truth and all...but it seemed a little strange to hear J Prince rambling about Drake on Bun B's album. But hey, J Prince does what he wants and if you are reading this sir know that I totally respect you and what you do and I mean absolutely, positively, no disrespect at all. As a matter of fact sir, just go ahead and disregard my measly opinion. I thought the intro was great!

But yeah, back to the album. Bun elected to let the album just ride instead of introducing each track, which was a good move because none of the songs were just amazing individually (take that with a grain of salt, it hasn't made it to the car or crib yet)...they are better to listen to as a cohesive part. The album had a great vibe and flow to it, without the out-of-the way attempts at cross-over that Bun's prior albums have had.

Well, hold on...from what I could hear the album has two Drake appearances, Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy features and hooks from both T-Pain and Trey Songz. But on Trill O.G. none of the cameos sound out of the way because these are cats that Bun has been working with for years anyway. So even if these were attempts at cross-over, they don't come off that way.

The highlight of the album and the song that Bun seemed to be most excited about was "Right Now" featuring Pimp C and 2Pac with Songz on the hook. The song is good, but its moreso of an event than it is a song. I mean, how are you NOT going to like a song with Pimp C and Pac on it? That's like NOT enjoying this year's NBA Finals, even if your team wasn't in it. It didn't strike me as the greatest song ever, but shit...its got Pimp C and Pac on it.

What seemed to be another favorite was "Let 'Em Know" produced by DJ Premier. Noz at Cocaine Blunts wrote a pretty on-point analysis of the song that I can't say I disagree with. Again, just like "Right Now" its moreso of an event than it is a song. You can't just NOT like the shit because of what it is.

But yeah, over all the album is a quality project. It falls in line with the consistency that Bun has demonstrated for the last 8-10 years. My personal favorite were "Speakeasy" featuring Twista. The room I was in was pretty loud and joyous environment, so I couldn't really make out anything that touched the soul like "The Story" or "Hi Life" or "One Day," or anything speaking on society like "Take The Hood Back"...so it doesn't sound like Bun was trying to go in that direction on here. I did hear flashes of supreme mic command ala "Trap or Die" but for the most part the album is an attitude/mindstate type listen, hense the name Trill O.G. Like I said earlier...its some Slab music. Some shit you throw on to ride and vibe to when you're chilling and drinking with some friends over. I want to buy it so I can really get into it though.

As far as the night itself...there were plenty of camera flashes and drinks pouring. Food was pretty good too. A little bit of everybody showed up including Goodie Mob (sans T-Mo). We haven't heard much fruit from the relationship, but Bun B and Goodie Mob go way back. You can catch Bun in the "Cell Therapy" video at the 2:12 mark standing next to Big Rube. Khujo Goodie was in the building fresh out of getting released from Henry County Jail the day before. I plan on hooking up with him to get ya'll the skinny on what all went down with that ordeal. Killer Mike, Pill, Cory Mo, GLC, Big Krit, Sean Falyon and JUSTICE League were all in the building too. I haven't been having the best day with my computer today but I managed to get at least some of the photos uploaded so you can see them.

Aleon Craft-"Strange" video

2010-07-22T14:31:00.002-04:00

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"

2010-07-22T14:30:00.000-04:00

"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"

2010-07-22T14:27:00.004-04:00

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)

2010-07-21T19:13:00.004-04:00

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

2010-07-20T19:03:00.006-04:00

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.

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com Featured on Usher's Vh1 Behind the Music

2010-07-20T11:03:00.004-04:00

Last night Vh1 televised the season finale of their Behind the Music series which featured Usher. As usual the show was well put together, they were able to add a lot to a story that a lot of us probably thought we knew already. They talked about his father, talked to his mom, spoke with Chili and of course sat down with L.A. Reid, Jermaine Dupri and close friends and family. They also talked to a handful of music journalist and I was included in that bunch...

This was my first time doing something like this and I was too nervous to watch it myself. Plus, the closer to the show date, I wasn't all the way sure if they were going to use me or not. Granted, they interviewed me for an hour...but still, never know.

I didn't really tell anybody I was supposed to be on there or to go watch the show...I didn't want to mess around and be embarrassed like DeAngelo Collins on MTV True Life. Ya'll know...buddy who swore he was better than Amare Stoudemire, skipped high school and declared for the NBA Draft, had MTV following him around, had cameras post up in his crib with his family on draft night...but went undrafted in front of the whole world? Yeah...didn't want to be embarrassed like that.

So I didn't even watch it myself. I went and ran and worked out instead. I figured if I made the cut, somebody would call me and let me know. Sho'nuff, when I got back to my phone folks was hitting me saying they saw me...all three seconds of me, hahhaah.

But yeah, much thanks to folks at Vh1 for reaching out to me and allowing me to be a part of the show. It was pretty fun to do. Hopefully it won't be the last time.

Nesby Phips-"Word To These Bo Jacksons"

2010-07-20T11:02:00.000-04:00

"Is it Deja Vu? Or is that everything I say, I do?"

Nesby Phips-"Word To These Bo Jacksons"

New music from the homie Nesby Phips. He let me hear what he's been working on lately and it sounded pretty cool. I don't think this was one of the song he let me hear. He's been up in NYC a lot lately with Curren$y and taking full advantage of the facilities up at Dame Dash's spot.

Laws' "Overtime" freestyles

2010-07-20T11:01:00.003-04:00

The Night Before

These joints had actually been coming out over the last couple of weeks, but I wanted to wait until they all came out so you could really appreciate the story telling. Laws is dropping a new mixtape today entitled Overtime, to symbolize that he no longer has to work a 9 to 5 since he has a record deal (his first mixtape was called 4:57 to symbolize the last time he clocked out). Matter of fact, I think I might've interviewed buddy on his last day on the job...

But yeah, starting with the one above, I've posted them in chronological order so you can follow the events. All of them are directed by the homie Decatur Dan. These kinda sorta remind me of what we all hoped Prince Paul's Prince Amongst Thieves would be, video wise at least. Unfortunately, instead of releasing a video for each song, they just crammed them all together into one.

But yeah, check these joints out though.

The Morning After

The Last Day

Overtime

Random Jam: Raphael Saadiq-"Skyy, Can You Feel Me" (2002)

2010-07-19T15:20:00.004-04:00

Mr. Saadiq sent out a tweet of a live performance he did of this song in some park in New York recently and it made want to go back and listen to this classic. Its the last song on his Instant Vintage album and is considered the "slept on" jam on the album. I heard he teases people at his shows with this song by ending the show...and then coming back out to perform this on some "oh, yall thought I forgot this song" ish.

L.E.$-"Story To Tell" video

2010-07-19T15:15:00.002-04:00

A video for one of my many favorites off of The Beautiful Struggle. Don't forget to go back and check out that Settle 4 Le$ too.

Big K.R.I.T. feat. Yelawolf-"Hometown Hero" (remix)

2010-07-19T14:39:00.004-04:00

Heard about this joint a while back but didn't really feel like driving all the way out to China to hear it. Above is a video of random Krit stuff including him playing some new music and his performance in Atlanta last week. My red Hawks hat makes a cameo.

Big K.R.I.T. feat. Yelawolf-"Hometown Hero" (remix)

Cutty Cartell-"Glenwood Road"

2010-07-19T13:58:00.003-04:00

The homie Jeron from Royal Flush just shot me over some fly on the wall footage of Cutty Cartel going over his song "Glenwood Road" at Stankonia. I'm telling you now, everything I've heard off this project is dope ass hell. If you miss that vibe that Jim Crow's albums used to give you, its alive and kicking on Cutty's project.

LE$ The Beautiful Struggle

2010-07-16T15:46:00.007-04:00

This is the latest offering from LE$ who is one the artists I've been listening to a lot lately. Everybody I've put up on his music has appreciated it. Dude is on some player shit and don't be talking all crazy. This is perfect music for riding and chilling. So if you hitting the highway out of town or chilling out on the patio with ya'potnas this weekend make sure you got this playing. Includes features from Big K.R.I.T. and Slim Thug, 98% of produced by DSF.

DOWNLOAD: LE$ The Beautiful Struggle

Chris Webber = Darko Milicic???

2010-07-15T17:43:00.004-04:00

Oh my god shawty. Shoutout to NBA.com and the homie Lang over at Slam Magazine for posting this. I was afraid I was the only person that saw this last night.

I've been getting my basketball fix courtesy of NBA TV showing Summer League games. But last night's game between the Timberwolves and Kings (Demarcus Cousins beasted by the way) was priceless, but not because of the game itself. It was because of of the in-game conversation between Chris Webber and Wolves GM David Khan.

I don't know if CWebb was doing it on purpose but he really exposed how clueless this dude is. You trade your best player for peanuts, sign an unproven player and insist that a better team breakfast will make this squad better. I mean, breakfast is important, but c'mon dude, hahaha. All these other teams stacking up on free-agents and the T-Wolves have...breakfast.

But the best part of the clip is at the 3:35 point. Hilarity.

"Good luuck"

Davinci feat. San Quinn-"Clean Ass Whip" x "The Beginning" feat. Big K.R.I.T.

2010-07-15T01:29:00.004-04:00

Davinci feat. San Quinn-"Clean Ass Whip"

Thought I saw this Davinci song with San Quinn floating around on twitter but just never got around to posting and sharing it. Shit is riding as expected. Perfect Cali music for the ride in the summer months.

But in trying to find a picture to put up with the post, I messed around and stumbled across this joint "The Beginning" with him, K.R.I.T. and these cats named Webbz and J.Rockwell rapping on it too. I'm not sure if its supposed to be out because I saw that the zshare and rapidshare links were dead now. But I found a working link, so fugg it man.

Davinci, Big K.R.I.T., Webbz and J.Rockwell-"The Beginning"

Killer Mike aka Mike Bigga Previews "Burn"

2010-07-14T10:55:00.004-04:00

I caught up with Killer Mike aka Mike Bigga a couple nights ago. He insisted that I fall through the studio (a studio that is FAR AS HELL by the way) to hear this song he made called "Burn." When I got there he played a few other cuts from the album he's working on that were all pretty good. He's staying on the more balanced route that he achieved on Pledge 2.

But he was very excited about this song "Burn." Yesterday I tweeted how I felt about the song, mainly because of what he's saying in the last verse. Unfortunately, you're not going to hear the last verse until the album comes out (gotta have something to look forward to right?). But you do get to hear the first two verses, including the one where he touches on the recent Oscar Grant ruling. Mike said he freestyled it. Seeing as how I've seen him do that in the booth before, I believe him.

But yeah, I don't want to talk your ears off or type your eyes off, so check out the video. And like he said leave him some feedback. I myself think this song can be a hit. I mean, the hook is simple enough.

Shoutsout to Ricardo and Kuzi of Sweatbox Productions on the beat. I think I got all these cats in contact with each other a while back. Glad something came out of it.

DJ Drama Interviews Pill on Gangsta Grillz radio

2010-07-14T10:52:00.000-04:00

After working together on 1140: The Overdose, DJ Drama and Pill sat down for an interview on Gangsta Grillz radio recently. They speak on Pill's choice (and circumstance) to go out and build a fan base via travel and the internet over going the usual routes of Atlanta. The conversation was similar to what I spoke on in the Creative Loafing story I did on Pill a few months ago where Drama is quoted in as well.

Oh yeah, here is a new Pill freestyle over that Drake and Jay-Z:

ALIen + Crucial Conflict "Hay"

2010-07-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

ALIen aka Travis Darker (I made that shit up, not his real alias), rocks out over one of my favorite songs of all time. Check his website to see where you can catch his next performance.

Greedmont Park Interviews Bilal

2010-07-13T15:18:00.004-04:00

Corey Davis and Greedmont Park caught up with Bilal up in NYC and sat down with him for a talk in the park. If you've been to a Bilal show...know that he pretty much talks the same way he performs, slightly calmer though. Cool stuff, part two is below and part three is supposed to be out soon. Make sure ya'll go get Bilal's new album Air Tight's Revenge on September 14th.

Update: Here is the third and final part of the interview where he talks about the Catch 22 behind Love For Sale being bootlegged and never coming out.

MARTA Cracking Down on "Enterprising Lawbreakers"

2010-07-12T18:05:00.008-04:00

AJC is reporting that MARTA will be cracking down on "Enterprising lawbreakers." Whatever, they got these working-class gate jumpers sounding like they run a multi-million dollar company that has a monopoly in a major city but still insists on raising the price for their service every few years without showing any real improvements in said service. Only to turn and make drastic cutbacks on said service with more plans to raise price.

BS aside though, I did find this video to be entertaining. I can honestly say that I've only jumped the fare gate once or twice my entire life. I was always too scared to do it because I don't like going to jail. Plus, I got accused of doing it way too many times when I actually paid. For real, MARTA police would run up on me talking about "we got you on camera jumping the gate...we seen a young Black male in a Braves had and t-shirt...you fit the description." As if I'm the ONLY person with that outfit on. So I never even bothered taking the risk unless I was extremely desperate. And I ain't even gonna lie, I've elbowed and kicked a couple folks trying to sneak in behind me. Ain't nothing cheap these days, and after a long day...you don't really have any compassion for somebody trying to come up off of YOUR $2.

Plus, with this footage, they make it obvious that they know who is doing what and when. Seems like they just pick and choose who they want to go after.

www.MAURICEGARLAND.com Interviews Big K.R.I.T.

2010-07-12T16:08:00.003-04:00

This past Saturday I fell through the 4th Spring Center to catch Big K.R.I.T.'s first performance in Atlanta since Krit Wuz Here dropped. He rocked it. Like I said in the video, it felt like I was at a 8Ball & MJG or UGK show. I never doubted that he had a fan base, but I was wondering about the energy they would bring. I was pleasantly surprised to see all these folks knowing the words to all of his songs.

Which was a shock because when DJ Dibiase was setting the mood for K.R.I.T. to come on stage, he played 20-30 minutes straight of old classic Suave House, No Limit, UGK, Rap-A-Lot shit...and these hipster ass folks was staring at the ceiling like they never heard these songs before. So they liked K.R.I.T. but don' know "Pocket Full of Stones?" Weird. But hey, alot those folks probably got put onto rap music 3 years ago via the internet, so yeah.

But back to Krit, dude did his thang for real man. I must have been causing quite a stir because when I checked the twitter timeline later that night all I saw were remarks about me going crazy.

Me and Krit go back a few years so we chopped it up after the show right quick, nothing crazy, the man looked as if he was still trying to catch his breath.

If you missed this show, please don't miss the next one. Also, you can peep some of the photos I took for Ozone HERE.

Random Jam: Rashad Morgan feat T.I. and Young Dro -"Tell'Em What They Wanna Hear" (2006)

2010-07-12T11:20:00.004-04:00

This video randomly appeared on the internet today. The song came out four years ago, but for some reason they never released the video for it. This song was jamming to me. "Tell'em What They Wanna Hear" is something that all dudes can relate to. I know I've said plenty of the stuff in this song to either get out of a sticky situation....or get into one (*rimshot*).

Un-Fun Fact about this video: Young Dro hasn't came out with an official album since

Rick Ross feat. Curren$y and Wiz Khalfia-"Super High" (remix)

2010-07-09T17:45:00.003-04:00

I was actually at City of Ink where the shot most of this video. Not much difference between the video and what was going on when the cameras were off. Smoking and chilling. Shoutout to the homie Tuki Carter of City of Ink and Hollyweerd for his brief cameo. He is a truly gifted tattoo artist if he was able to find open space on Ross and Wiz bodies.

Oh yeah, be on the lookout for this cat named Weed who appears throughout the video. He doesn't have a verse on the song, but he still made his presence felt.

Creative Loafing Finds Cody ChesnuTT

2010-07-08T16:08:00.005-04:00

I swear every few months I randomly ask myself "where is Cody ChesnuTT?" I rarely get an answer. And when I do get an answer it's usually from another musician who says something along the lines of "that nigga crazy, he out somewhere."

Well, a new Cody ChesnuTT song popped up on the web recently...

<a href="http://codychesnutt.bandcamp.com/track/come-back-like-spring-3">come back like spring by cody chesnuTT</a>

...and Creative Loafing caught up with him for an interview too. In it he talks a little bit about where he's been, what he's been up to, his new outlook on life and why he won't be performing two of my favorite songs anymore. Not mad at him, but dang.

READ: Cody ChesnuTT's rejuvenated soul

FKi-"Red Cup"

2010-07-06T15:08:00.003-04:00

Every time I've seen these cats a party has followed behind them. Looked like they had a ball shooting this. But yeah, this is probably one of the names you're going to be hearing alot from in the near future. Don't get it twisted though, FKi is great at making party music but these dudes can really spit. And I suggest you follow Raye Rich on twitter if you need a laugh.

I'm trying to be on some "music can coexist" shit nowadays so I'ma hold off on comparisons for a while and just let ya'll draw your own conclusions.

L.E.$.-"Reign"

2010-07-06T13:31:00.001-04:00

More ridin' ass music from L.E.$.

Rocko-"Maybe"

2010-07-02T14:55:00.002-04:00

I saw this on MTV Jams last night and it reminded me that I actually like this song. Hell, I like alot of Rocko's music actually. I was fooling myself into thinking that it was guilty pleasure, but nah, I like dude music. That Swag Season mixtape had some dope shit on it. And from what I remember his Self Made album had some cool joints too. Haven't quite got around to checking out Wild Life yet, might make some time this weekend to check it out.

BLVDST.com Interview With Rittz

2010-07-02T14:50:00.002-04:00

I'm actually kinda salty that I missed most of Rittz performance at the 529 show I hosted on Tuesday. Quite a bit was going on. But Burn One capture some footage and a brief interview with him too.

Random Jam: Ides of March-"Vehicle" (1970)

2010-07-02T11:29:00.002-04:00

Shawty...

This came on in the workout room this morning and I damn near cut my workout short just so I can run in the crib and google this song. When it came on over the speakers I thought it was Tom Jones because of the voice. Then I thought it might be a Jimi Hendrix or Santana song I never heard. But I still couldn't tell. So I listened hard as hell to try and catch the words in the chorus so I can go back and google them and hope a song name popped up. Fortunately it did. I never heard of this group before but this song is jammin like a mahfuggah shawty.

I looked the group up and apparently they were a big deal for a hot minute. They toured with Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Led Zeppelin. The lead singer of the group was also a member of Survivor and wrote "Eye of the Tiger."

This song is jammin...gonna have to look up more of their stuff.

Big Boi feat. Vonnegutt-"Follow Us"

2010-07-01T12:31:00.002-04:00

This was my personal favorite from Sir Luscious Leftfoot when Big let me hear it and it still is. Can't wait to buy this album on Tuesday.

Playboy Tre feat. Joell Ortiz-"Work"

2010-07-01T10:26:00.002-04:00

Playboy Tre feat Joell Ortiz-"Work"

Tre told me about this song a few months ago, said it might've been the only time he ever worked with somebody and was like "damn...he mighta got me." This will be on his upcoming project The Last Call.

Oh yeah, whats up with other folks beats all winding up on Rick Ross' Albert Anastasia mixtape? First Pill, now Tre...what gives?

Fake Shore Drive Interviews Big Boi

2010-06-29T14:47:00.004-04:00

Shoutout to the homie Andrew and his new hostess Laura Mitchell of FakeShoreDrive. They sat down with Big Boi while he was up in Chicago previewing the Sir Luscious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty album. They sat down and talked about a few things in the interview and they even discussed my Creative Loafing piece on him for a second. That was nice...made me and the piece sound like it was got damn....important. It always a shock to hear people quote and or reference my work. Honestly, sometimes I think the only folks that be reading my stuff be my mama, my friends and publicists making sure their client looks good. Cool to know that folks use my work for reference and discussion.

UPDATE: Sir Luscious Leftfoot is streaming on Myspace right now, so you can listen to it before you buy it on July 6th.

LISTEN HERE

Big Boi Covers Ozone Magazine

2010-06-24T14:03:00.002-04:00

Big Boi is on the cover of Ozone Magazine just in time for the release of his new album Sir Luscious Leftoot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The story is written by some guy and its titled "Outkasted." talks about why he left Jive Records, working with alot of big named artists and some of the humbling experiences Big has had over the last few years going at it alone. Shoutout to Diwang Valdez on the photos.

READ: OutKasted-Big Boi Ozone Cover Story

"The Making of Aquemini" in Creative Loafing

2010-06-24T12:10:00.002-04:00

The homie Rodney Charmichael penned a piece in Creative Loafing's Music Issue that I wish I could've wrote and been a part of. They tracked down all (or most) of the musicians that played a part in the making of Outkast's Aquemini album. Very interesting stuff that you may have known or never known gets exposed in this piece. Here are some excerpts:

On making "Rosa Parks"

Andre 3000: I actually submitted that beat to [Diddy’s old group] Total — ’cause I was going with Keisha from Total around that time — but they couldn’t use it, so we ended up using it.

On making "Skew It On the Bar-B"

Raekwon: I was in Atlanta ’cause I had a nice place out there in Buckhead, and I met Big Boi in Lenox Square Mall. He seemed like a cool, genuine dude, and we both were fans of each other's work. We both were like, “Yo, let's get up and do something.” Two or three days later I went to the Dungeon house and we started running through some beats.

On making "Liberation"

Kawan Prather: Yeah, that [song featured] Erykah, Big Rube, Cee-Lo — again random occurrences. Dre’s baby mama was Erykah Badu. I mean, damn, why wouldn’t you put your baby mama on the record if she’s Erykah Badu? It’s not like he came to the studio and said, ‘I want to put my girl on the song,’ and this bitch work at the Varsity. She’s Erykah Badu. Okay, do it.

This story is great, hats off to Rodney, Jacinta Howard and Phillip Mlynar for pulling this off. I pitched a similar idea to XXL about 5 years ago but was never quite able to pull all the pieces together. I wanted to see a 'Kast album get the same shine they gave Raekwon's Built 4 Cuban Linx and Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt when they did their Classic Material column in long form.

Would've loved to have been a part of this piece, but I was pretty swamped with other stuff at the time. Anyways, check it out, I'm sure you'll enjoy. Luda is on the actual cover of the issue in case you wanted to know.

READ: "The Making of Aquemini" in Creative Loafing

Po' Folks: Study Shows That Poor People Are Still Eating

2010-06-23T16:27:00.003-04:00

Creative Loafing just posted these findings by the Atlanta Regional Committee. This "regional snapshot" is intended to show the correlation between income and obesity. The counties with black dots are poor, the counties that are red are obese. So, pretty much, it shows that poor people out here eating, especially in Mississippi.

Random Jam: Trick Daddy-"I'm A Thug" (2001)

2010-06-23T14:06:00.002-04:00

"I got one request in this bitch, You can have the rest of this shit/If a nigga drop some shit and it's wack as hell and don't make no damn sense/Take it back, talk about it and tell your dog don't even buy that shit!"--Trick Daddy

I rarely ask questions like "what happened to...?" or "why aint so and so...?" Because nowadays, I pretty much know the answer. I know a couple reasons why we don't get treated to much [quality] Trick Daddy music, but I still kinda wonder, what happened? Sometimes it seems like he got DMX'ed out of the game. You know, refusing to conform or keep making music for or with people he probably genuinely does not f*ck with AT ALL. Anyways, this song popped up in my head. I know a couple people didn't like this song of video, but Trick was snappin to me on this. This shit is actually very poignant and at times political when you listen to it. But yeah, enjoy.

Rittz-"Rattle Back"

2010-06-23T13:56:00.003-04:00

Rittz-"Rattle Back"

New music from Rittz. The hook samples Yelawolf's old song "Kickin." Set to appear on he and DJ Burn One's upcoming mixtape, White Jesus. Buddy be snappin...

Cee-Lo Green Interview with www.OZONEMAG.com (part 1)

2010-06-21T18:15:00.003-04:00

Here is the first part of a pretty lengthy interview I did with Cee-Lo about a week ago. We did it at his Radiculture Records office. We talked about quite a bit, and even more off the record. I'll let the videos do the talking as I post them.

The Boondocks-"Pause"

2010-06-21T15:39:00.004-04:00

The last two weeks of The Boondocks have more than made up for the snooze fest they've been on since they came back. I interviewed one of the producers of the show back when I did that Freaknik: The Musical episode. When I tried to get him to give me some details about the upcoming Boondocks season, all he told me was "we have a Tyler Perry episode." I understood what he was saying without him saying much.

Now, I always had me opinions about Tyler Perry movies. I peeped early how dark-skinned dudes were always the bad guy and the fairer-skinned dude was always the hero. Hell, even the one time a dark-skinned dude was the "good guy" he was living in the hood with three kids, making a woman "lower her standards" to be with him. My brother always had a problem with him spreading the gospel as a cross-dresser, which is some in and of itself.

But yeah, this episode is spot on. I'm sorry. Now, I'm not one of those all out Tyler Perry haters, but man. There isn't much in this episode that ain't the truth or too far from it.

I wonder how Aaron McGruder feels about Cube have a show on TBS right along side Tyler Perry's shows now.

INBOXication: L.E.$.

2010-06-21T13:48:00.004-04:00

For the last two weeks I've been listening to two CDs in the car. One is Cee-Lo's Stray Bullets, and the other is L.E.$.'s Settle 4 Le$.

Now, I can't lie. I didn't start listening to L.E.$. until sometime a couple weeks ago. I remembered getting a couple emails about him but man, I was so turned off by his mixtape title. Settle 4 L.E.$.??? Hell no! Why would I want to do that? Settle for less? With a dollar sign in it too? Hell no. Then on top of that, I saw that his producer was Mr. Rogers.

Now, I'm not trying to hate on Mr. Rogers, but, that guy is responsible for alot of the music that's coming out of Dallas right now. You know...all that "Mr. Hit Dat Hoe"..."Do The Flex"...dance shit they've been doing out there for the last couple of years. Then on top of that, his production unit is called "The Shit Factory" and their tag is the sound of a toilet bowl flushing.

I interviewed Mr. Rogers a couple months ago and he told me that he was much more than that. He said he also produced for Z-Ro, Slim Thug and Trae...most notably Trae's classic "Swang." So, I kinda looked at him in a better light after hearing that. But I still couldn't get that other shit out of my mind.

But then, I started seeing some of L.E.$ music pop up on other sites that I respect. The stuff I heard was jammin' so I figured I'd go back and peep some of it out. I started with the Settle 4 Le$ and haven't been able to stop listening yet. Here are a couple of my favorite songs from the project:

"Make A Lot of Money"

"Les Ridin"

"What's Goin Down"

He has a laid back sound with some slow-rolling, sample-heavy production. As far as his flow and content, think Paul Wall but with less talk about his grills and cars and more about everyday living. He's the newest member of Slim Thug's Boss Hogg Outlawz, but hopefully he'll continue to do his own thing and not get out shadowed. Everybody I've put up on it is messing with it. Shit jammin, ya'll check him out when you get a chance.

June 16th...

2010-06-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

Rittz-"After Morning"

2010-06-16T11:00:00.002-04:00

Rittz-"After Morning"

Shouts out to DJ Burn One for liberating the MP3 of this joint. Rittz is the dude who came through snappin' on Yelawolf's "My Box Chevy pt. 3". I remember when Wolf and KP invited me to the studio to hear the track shortly after they made it, there was this longer haired white dude just posted up in the corner not saying anything to anybody. Wasn't necessarily alarmed by his presence, but, you still kinda gotta keep an eye on a long haired white dude just ducked off in the corner not saying anything to anybody. When the second verse of the "My Box Chevy" came on I was like "gawt dayum! who is this?!?!" Everybody just pointed to buddy in the corner...he nodded, chucked a duece and fell back off in the corner. When he told me his name was Rittz, I made a note of it and made sure I looked him up on myspace next time I got to a computer. When I looked him up, the first song that came on was "After Morning" and I've been looking out for more music ever since. I mean, its pretty difficult to not do your thing over this sample, but dude really rode this beat.

Burn One said he's making a mixtape with him and will start leaking songs from it pretty soon. I heard one of them already, and its pretty dope. Buddy be snappin.

Freddie Gibbs and Friends "Str8 Killa No Filla" Release Party at 529 on Tuesday, June 29th

2010-06-15T16:14:00.005-04:00

Clear your calendar for Tuesday, June 29th to celebrate the release of Freddie Gibbs next project Str8 Killa, No Filla. Jackie Chain, A.Leon Craft, Paper Route Gangstaz, Bobby Creekwater, Rittz and few others will be on the bill as well. If you missed Gibbs last show here you missed something special, so don't miss it this time.

This show is going to be hosted by some dude and DJ Burn One will be on the turntables and he might be bringing a surprise or two along with him.

Tickets are $10 and can be bought HERE

Keep coming around these parts for more news and info on this event.

Official Cover Art For Cee-Lo's "Stray Bullets" mixtape

2010-06-14T18:01:00.002-04:00

This is more like it. I don't know what was up with that AK-47 shit. Be on the lookout for my video interview with him later this week. He told me some of the secrets behind the mixtape and what else to expect from it. But I'm letting you know now, rapping ain't a big part of it shawty. Its going to be here and on Ozonemag.com.

Previously: 360: Cee-Lo Green's Stray Bullet mixtape

Ticket Giveaway #2: Reflection Eternal at The Loft, Monday June 14th

2010-06-11T16:39:00.002-04:00

Ya'll must really love some Reflection Eternal, the giveaway I did yesterday lasted all of 45 seconds. Shouts out to JR who answered the trivia question correctly:

Reflection Eternal's first album Train of Thought featured a certain comedian impersonating Nelson Mandela and Rick James on a couple skits. Who was the comedian?

Answer: Dave Chappelle. He impersonated Nelson Mandela on the albums intro "Experience Dedication" and he did Rick James on "Touch You."

Again, you're supposed to leave the answer in the comments section with either your twitter name or email so I can contact you and get you set. Plenty of ya'll texted, BBMed, emailed and tweeted me the answer, but you're supposed to leave it in the comments section.

That said, I'm giving out another pair. Here is today's question:

Producer Hi-Tek was affiliated with and produced for another Cincinnatti-based group before he went on to produce for Black Star and form Reflection Eternal with Talib Kweli. What was the name of the group?

First person to leave the correct answer in the comments section gets the tickets. In the comment section, not text me, email me or BBM me. Not even tell me if you sitting next to me right now. First person to leave the correct answer in the comments section gets the tickets. Make sure you leave either your twitter name or email so I can get in contact with you and get you right. Thanks for visiting and participating.

Ciara feat. Andre 3000 and Bei Major-"Ride" (remix)

2010-06-11T12:02:00.005-04:00

Ciara feat. Andre 3000 and Bei Major-"Ride"(remix)

Guess at this point any Dre appearance is an event, which is why I'm posting this song. Sounds like we might finally have something for the summertime. Still think its some BS how BET banned the video for the original talking about its too sexy. Whatever...if you can show all of Trey Songz videos with him hunching and licking on chicks I don't see why you can't show a video of a chick showing how well she can work her hips...guess she'd have to be in the submissive position instead of the in-control one if she wanted to have her video on BET.

Oh yeah, seems like ever since I made that "where's the new Dungeon music" post a few days ago we've been getting more of it. Guess I should write posts like that more often.

Ticket Giveaway: Reflection Eternal at The Loft, Monday June 14th

2010-06-10T15:42:00.004-04:00

Got some more free stuff for ya'll. The wonderful folks at Center Stage gave me three pairs of tickets to next Monday's Reflection Eternal show at The Loft. Kidz In The Hall and the homie Senor Kaos are also on the bill. You know how we do over here, so lets get into some trivia.

Reflection Eternal's first album Train of Thought featured a certain comedian impersonating Nelson Mandela and Rick James on a couple skits. Who was the comedian?

First person to leave the correct answer along with their email or twitter (for communication purposes, whichever you feel most comfortable giving out) in the comments gets the tickets. I'm going to be giving some more away tomorrow so if you don't win today, you still have a chance.

warrenJae-"Dear Jasmine"

2010-06-10T15:24:00.003-04:00

New video from warrenJae. This video actually has a backstory. warren is actually infatuated with a chick named Jasmine and wrote the song about her. The girl, the real Jasmine actually heard the song and liked it. warren and his team decided to make a video and Jasmine, who is actually a model, agreed to be in the video. So yeah, warren is actually rapping to and about the actual person in the video, no fiction.

Oh yeah, if you're into the gossip blogs, this is the same chick who had the internet going nuts recently after being spotted with Chris Brown. Yeah, actually.

Shoutout to RE as always.

360: Esthero "Flipher Overture" ------> Cee-Lo Green-"ChamPain"

2010-06-09T11:53:00.008-04:00

Yeah...time for another random column. Gonna start doing cool little posts about how songs and people borrow from each other and stuff...

Mr. Greg Street sent me this Cee-Lo "mixtape" a few nights ago before it got unleashed onto the internet. But I wasn't near a computer at the time so yeah...

But its been out for a couple days now, I haven't seen or heard an overwhelming reaction to it though. I just got around to listening to it last night, not every song on there blew me away, but the are each cool in their own little way. The title and cover of the "mixtape" are very misleading though. I guess Stray Bullets is supposed to be a play on words since Cee-Lo's upcoming album is called Lady Killer? Judging from the songs on here, it should actually be called Loose Feathers or something.

But yeah, I was just sharing the project with you in case you hadn't gotten your hands on it yet. I also felt like posting this song "ChamPain."

The song is basically about drinking, sex and escapism. The cold-hearted gentleman player vibe he's been on since '06 works well on it. Plus he does it over one of my favorite tracks from Esthero's Breath From Another album, "Flipher Overture" (flip her over...overture...flip the tape over...get it? get it?)

I remember we used to smoke and actually try to freestyle over this shit. This and that instrumental from Triple Six's The End album.

A gossip girl told me after Cee-Lo and Esthero worked together when Goodie Mob did a remix to "The World I Know" they started seeing each other off and on, which led to them eventually recording "Gone" together. If you never heard that song, know that its probably one of the most heart-wrenching break up songs EVER. Years later, it sounds like they we're probably talking to each other on that shit. But I don't know...I actually caught Esthero at the Loft a few years back and she performed the song. Since Cee-Lo was there in attendance, he went on ahead and joined her on stage and did his part. It didn't look planned, but hey, ya' never know.

But yeah, the Cee-Lo project is cool. Other songs to look out for are "Is It," "I'll Kill Her" and "Super Woman Theme Song."

DOWNLOAD: Greg Street presents Cee-Lo Green: Stray Bullets

Donnis feat. Yelawolf and Pill-"Country Cool" (remix)

2010-06-08T18:44:00.003-04:00

Donnis feat. Yelawolf and Pill-"Country Cool" (remix)

Donnis just dropped a new mixtape with DJ Infamous and DJ Holiday called The Invitation. I heard they was about to make this song when I was at the Animul House "Pig Roast" party this past Sunday, glad they knocked it out.