2009 Music Review

Hip Hop / Rap

Top 10 Albums

1. Raekwon- Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2
2. The Clipse- Til The Casket Drops
3. Ghostface Killah- Ghostface Presents: Ghostdini Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City
4. Wale- Attenion Deficit
5. Jadakiss- The Last Kiss
6. Skyzoo- The Salvation
7. Mos Def- The Ecstatic
8. Method Man and Redman- The Blackout 2
9. Rick Ross- Deeper Than Rap
10. Slaughterhouse- Slaughterhouse

Most Disappointing Album of the Year

Eminem- The Relapse

Top 10 Songs of the Year

1. Jay Electronica- Exhibit C
2. The Clipse- Popular Demand (ft. Cam'Ron)
3. Snoop Dogg- I Wanna Rock
4. 50 Cent- Flight 187
5. J. Cole- Lights Please
6. Wu-Tang Clan- Evil Deeds (ft. Havoc of Mobb Deep)
7. Lil' Wayne- Drop The World (ft. Eminem)
8. Wale- Beautiful Bliss (ft. J. Cole and Melanie Fiona)
9. Jadakiss- Death Wish (ft. Lil'Wayne)
10. Raekwon- New Wu

Most Overrated Song of the Year

Drake- The Best I Ever Had

Mixtape of the Year

J. Cole- The Warm Up

Verse of the Year

J. Cole- Beautiful Bliss (off of Wale's "Attention Deficit")




R&B

Top 10 Albums

1. Melanie Fiona- The Bridge
2. Maxwell- BLACKsummers Night
3. The-Dream- Love vs. Money
4. Mariah Carey- Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel
5. R. Kelly- Untitled
6. Chrisette Michelle- Epiphany
7. Keri Hilson- In A Perfect World...
8. Ryan Leslie- Ryan Leslie
9. Amerie- In Love and War
10. Trey Songz- Ready

Top 10 Songs

1. R. Kelly- Echo
2. Amerie- Pretty Brown (ft. Trey Songz)
3. Mario- Break Up (ft. Sean Garrett & Gucci Mane)
4. Lloyd- Pusha (ft. Pusha T)
5. Maxwell- Fistful Of Tears
6. Mariah Carey- H.A.T.E.U.
7. Marsha Amrosious- 25 to Life
8. Melanie Fiona- It Kills Me
9. Trey Songz- Brand New
10. Keri Hilson- Knock You Down (Ft. Kanye West & Ne-Yo)

50 Cent- Do You Think About Me

Official video for the second single off "Before I Self Destruct" , co-starring Vivica A. Fox, Tamala, Jones, and Tahiry.


Find more videos like this on ThisIs50.com : IF IT'S HOT IT'S HERE!

The Clipse- Popular Demand (ft. Cam'Ron) Video

Them VA boys still at it...December 8th "Til The Casket Drops"

The Clipse- Door Man

Fiyah!!!!!!

Til The Casket Drops December 8th

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Rakim returns to the game lying...Upset with Nas

Sooo, even the real God MC (my apologies to those who thought it was Jay-Z), has picked up on the new way to sell records...Beef. Rakim (one of my favorites by the way) has been doing interviews and promoting his new album "The Seventh Seal", which I am looking forward to by the way. Ra's target, none other than Nas himself. Seems Rakim is feeling a little salty about Nas' "Unauthorized Biography of Rakim" off of Streets Disciple. Rakim claims that Nas hasn't reached out to him and that he should have before or after recording this track. If memory serves me correct though, Nas & Rakim did an interview on MTV together with Sway where they spoke about this song and Rakim said he "felt honored", they recorded the "Classic" track and have performed together since then. So Rakim do you now have amnesia or are you trying to sell records? I'm really hoping that this is an old video.





Here is an excerpt from the interview with Sway, where they speak about working with each other. This interview is from 2006 by the way....

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1528276/04102006/rakim.jhtml?headlines=true



And here is the interview...

Nas - MTV Shows

Here is the MTV link, just in case video doesn't work (Viacom has a lot of power)...

http://www.mtv.com/videos/news/83903/the-ultimate-compliment.jhtml#id=1529705

Jay-Z responds to Beanie Sigel In Typical Jay-Z fashion...

Rapper Shawn has responded to Beanie Sigel's "Average Cat", in a interview, not on record of course. Jay's whole argument is centered around money while I really don't think that is Beanie's gripe with Jay. It's deeper than money Mr. Carter, more so calling your character in to question.

Jay-Z answers Beanie Sigel from la rue du hiphop.com on Vimeo.

The Clipse- Popular Demand (aka Popeyes) ft. Killa Cam and Skateboard P

One of the most anticipated tracks, from one the most anticipated albums this year surpasses the hype!!! Listen For Yourself....VA STAND UP!

Do Goon's Really Hide in the Bathroom Plies???

I don't have to say much other than I told ya'll this lame was fake as well as not very talented, but i'll let Jamie Foxx handle the rest for me...

The Return of Beanie Mac...

Jay-Z has been the target of couple shots this week alone. Game hasn't mentioned him in a negative light lately, but 50 Cent called Hovie out in his track "So Disrespectful", but the most shocking record has to be that of his for Roc label mate Beanie Sigel entitled "Average Cat". 50 has called Jay out for being afraid of competition, but now the competition is coming from his camp. Can Jay-Z continue to ignore the shots sent his way? Personally I don't think he can, at some point and time the issues at hand need to be address and Beans put a lot of them on the table. This is way different coming from Beans then all the other cats who throw shots his way. Beanie Mac had some thing's to get off his chest and man did he get them off. Check them for yourself plus the interview explaining how some of these issues began....

Okay Let's Get Serious For Just a Second......

Eminem decided to respond to Mariah's "Obsessed" video, I gotta borrow a line from the Jigga Man as say that's just so LAME!! All the RAPPERS out here and this dude picks a chick to beef with because his feelings got hurt. MAN UP!!! How have you moved on when you still speaking on the same chick (years after she axed you)? I guess this is the "Retro Shady" because it's the same tired bullshit we've heard before. Maybe Mariah has a point about him being obsessed. This is what he was rapping about ow many years agao and its 2009 and we all get the joy of listening to the same "old" thing. So now is Nick Cannon's fault this guy had shit for a mom, married a loose woman (twice)and couldn't make it to work, decided to become an addict, and won't battle credible rappers who just might be better? Well, shame on you Nick. But, I do blame Mariah for one thing, she should've let it go. Whats the point of responding everytime he opens his mouth? Maybe she still got him on the brain too, you better check that shit Nick. But really, lets check the list so far: ICP, Micheal Jackson, Kim Kardashien, Everlast (after he stopped rapping), Fred Durst, Moby, Britney Spears, Christina Agulera, NSYNC, and his mom over and over and over and over again. All people in their own lane, who are NOT RAPPERS. When there was a guy wo was Bigger and picked on people cause he was more popular or called out people he knew he could beat, we'd call him a PUSSY, how is this any different? Who's next on the list, the Jonas Brothers? Or maybe Hannah Montana? All that skill just used to mess with people you know can't or won't respond to you or hurt you. Where was the quick reply when Royce 5'9" wrote Malcom X? Or when Nelly spoke his name? And Ja Rule ( a beef he only decided to speak on after 50 had already put in all the work). Will the Real Slim Shady please stand up! Just proves one thing though, Marshall doesn't matter no more, YOUR TIMES UP.

-Shawn Hudgins

R.I.P. Micheal Jackson

We have lost another legend. Michael Jackson, 50, passed today in what appears to be a case of cardiac arrest. Details still don't seem to be completely clear at this point. Jackson was pronounced dead at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Paramedics said that Michael wasn't breathing when they found him in his home after responding to the call. According to CNN, he wass pronounced dead at 2:26pm this afternoon.

Micheal Jackson, the "King of Pop", had an amazing career. He changed the culture and the landscape of music almost single handedly. His track record speaks for itslef. It's estimated that he sold 50 million copies of "Thriller", easily the greatest selling album of all time. Things got rough (to put it lightly) for Jackson at the tail end of his career due to scandals and court cases for inappropiate behavior with children and so forth. With that said this is not a time to point all the negative aspects of his life but to celebrate his life and legacy. Rest in peace Michael, the greatest performer of all time. You will be missed!

Michael Jackson- Thriller



Billie Jean



Remember The Times



Dirty Diana



They Don't Care About Us



Man In The Mirror



Smooth Criminal



Beat It



Ben



In The Closet

Chris Browns Day In Court

This photo was taken earlier today as R&B superstar, Chris Brown appeared in a California court for his hearing, which steams from accusations that he assaulted fellow pop star and former girlfriend, Rhianna. Rhianna did testify today as it was previously stated that she would by her attorney's but the judge presiding over the case ruled against letting cameras into while she testified. Defense attorney Mark Geragos announced that a plea deal had been agreed upon. The deal which will allow Brown to avoid jail time but he will be sentenced to five years probation.

For more info on this case check out this link to SOHH.com:

http://www.sohh.com/2009/06/chris_brown_cops_plea_dea.html

A Visual For The Hottest Song In The Streets

Here's the video to The Clipse's " Kinda Like A Big Deal" ft. Kanye West, the 1st single off their highly anticipated 3rd album, Road Til The Casket Drops

Mo' Drama In The A

Check out Young Jeezy's new track "24,23" going at Gucci Mane and OJ da Juiceman



Jeezy is catching a lot of flack for this one. They have had beef since "So Icy" dropped. Many are screaming that he is jealous and that he is fake. With that said whats faker than Gucci Mane and OJ da Juiceman? By far two of the worst artist that I've ever heard pick up a mic. Do you dudes listen to music or do you just skim through it? I'm riding with Jeezy on this one. Gucci and OJ get no spins around here.

Aww F--k It My Favorite Team is the Lakers.....

More on the dominant performance by Kobe and the L.A. Lakers a little later but shout out to Weezy F. Baby for my new playoff anthem "Kobe Bryant"





And a throwback Wayne freestyle for you.....

Hovie's Home!!

Check out the new Jay-Z track "D.O.A" (Death Of Autotune). Fiyah!!!! No I.D. on the track by the way......



And no he isn't dissin his little brother....

Maino was right.......

Maino- 2009 Predictions

Check the 1:47 mark "Chris Brown and Rhianna won't make it to September", lol



And with the recent announcement from Beyonce's camp thats she will take a two year hiatus, he might be right about "baby Beyonce" also. Maybe Maino was on to something that the general public wasn't cause this record dropped in early January this year.

Wouldn't mind that Foxy Brown sextape though (as long as Rick Ross isn't the co-star).

The Hottest Record In The Streets

The Clipse- Kinda Like A Big Deal (ft. Kanye West)




Bonus:
The Clipse- Kinda Like A Big Deal Remix (ft. Kanye West & Bun B)



The Clipse always deliver that real raw. VA stand up. Til the Casket Drops coming soon! Be on the look out!

Just Keep Breaking My Heart....

There were of few select individuals who I thought would never get caught up in the steroid fiasco (A-Rod didn't make the list, I've always had my suspicions about him for whatever reason). Those names included the likes of Ken Griffrey Jr, Derek Jeter, Randy Johnson, Albert Pujos, Ryan Howard, David Wright to name a few. One name that was once on that list is now no more, Manny Ramirez. Major League Baseball announced that Manny had been suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. Manny says that he did not take steroids and that a prescription prescribed to him by his doctor contained an illegal substance that he was unaware of at the time.

MLB handed down the suspension for the use of hCG, which is said to be similar to chlomid. For those who don't remember chlomid is the drug at the middle of the Balco investigation. According to physicians hCG is a female fertility drug. ESPN analysts say that the drug is commonly used to restore testosterone of players who quit using steroids. Ramirez said that he had a personal health problem (believe to be erectile dysfunction) and that why he was prescribed the drug.

The suspension process began when a drug test submitted by Manny showed that had elevated levels of testosterone which was believed to have come from an artificial source, according to ESPN reports.

Unlike most, I kind of feel sorry for Manny. He is a great player, one of the best of our generation, one of the best hitters ever, point blank period. I do believe and totally agree with the notion of wrong being wrong, you will get no fight from me on that issue. However I do have a feeling that Manny is telling the truth about his situation even though he won't take the opportunity to prove if he is innocent or not. He was one of the few players in MLB who was intriguing enough to hold my attention for an entire baseball game and there are very few of those. So for these 50 games, Manny you will be missed.

Free Bandanna P!

Nah this is not a free Prodigy (of Mobb Deep) post but in regards to an open letter he wrote to Steven Marche of Esquire Magazine that has been posted on ThisIs50.com. This is probably the most honest and realest thing that P has put on pad since Murda Muzik. Check it for yourself:


http://thisis50.com/profiles/blog/show?id=784568%3ABlogPost%3A13263655


Hold Your Head P!!!!

Daddy's Home

Not to pleased with what Rick Ross has had to say lately, Trick Daddy finally decides that he has had enough of The Boss' games and the slick line he spit on the track "Valley Of Death", which Ross states "very first line he called Trick Daddy stupid/said he got AIDS telling people that its Lupus". Here's Trick's phone call with Angela Yee:

Facebook: Not A Place For Everyone?

Facebook board member, Gay? Racist? Check out this article I read on Livesteez.com:

http://livesteez.com/news/read/Is-Gay-Facebook-Board-Member-and-Investor-Peter-Thiel-Racist/1886.html

Even as an owner of a little used Myspace page, I've never been too involved in the recent rave of social sites in the last few years and I've never been to big on Facebook and then I then I read this article.

A Monkey and an Officer

With the G-Unit head honcho having no choice but to admit that Rick Ross' album wasn't a flop (it debut at #1 in the country) is it time for the 50 Cent to hang it up? Thing's just having been the same for the G-Unit boss and his goons since beefing with The Game and The LOX. Now it looks as Rick Ross, Officer Ricky, or The Boss (however you want to address him these days) has come along to put the finishing touches on the dismantling the G-Unit empire. Fif is struggling to find another hit to push his new album, "Before I Self Destruct", and the album itself has suffered from multiple push backs in release dates. 50, once known for "ending" the careers of Ja Rule and pretty much anyone associated with Murder Inc., has had to result to extracurricular activities in order to remain remotely competitive in his beef with Rick Ross. While Ross has chosen the traditional way of handling rap beef by keeping it on wax with lyrical jabs directed at Fif; Curly, as he is referred to by Rick Ross, has resorted to bringing Ross' baby mothers in the fold by taking one shopping for fur coats and financing a book aimed at destroying Ross' character (Tia) and posting a home made porn of the other (Brook), while also running skits centered around Officer Ricky's correctional officer past. Musically Rick Ross is winning by a land slide, you be the judge:

Rick Ross- Mafia Music

50 Cent- Try Me




Rick Ross- Kiss My Pinky Ring



50 Cent- Tia Told Me




Rick Ross- Valley Of Death (1st Verse)



Rick Ross- Mafia Music Remix (ft. The Game, Ja Rule , and Fat Joe)



G-Unit- I'll Be The Shooter



Lloyd Banks- Officer Down

Congrats King and Queen ( I know the haters hate that)!

I just wanted to take the time out to congratulate my brother Clint and my future sister in law Meagan on the birth of their beautiful daughter, Logan Vanessa Marie Arthur, born February 28Th 2009. Love ya'll.

And Your Super Bowl Winner Is.......

Arizona Cardinals



VS.

Pittsburgh Steelers

And The Winner Is: 34-26

Super Bowl MVP: Larry Fitzgerald , WR AZ

Analysis: Nothing to in depth, but there is no way to stop Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals passing attack unless you can get pressure up the middle. If Pittsburgh is unsuccessful in this it will be a long night for the Steelers cornerbacks who are average at best. Look for James Harrison and Troy Polamalu to have great games and capture the moment. The vaunted Steelers defense will do all it can do to keep this team in the game but at the end of the day the Steelers simply do not have enough offense.

NFL Playoffs- Championship Weekend

Last week I once again went 3-1, with my only loss being those guys from New York that wear blue. That was honestly the first time since his suspension that the Giants needed Plaxico Burress. I do have one question though: Why did you stop giving the ball to Brandon Jacobs, especially in those short yardage situations?
6. Philadelphia Eagles @ 4. Arizona Cardinals

Winner: Arizona Cardinals 33-30

Analysis: The trend of post season rematches continue in this match up to determine who will represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. A hard game to pick based off the season's statistics because these two teams have morphed into completely different monsters during the playoffs. The Cardinals have found a defense and a new found dedication to Edgerrin James and the running game, meanwhile the Eagles have a rejuvenated Donovan McNabb and a team that is hungrier than it has ever been led by its spiritual leader safety Brian Dawkins. The key to success for the Cardinals will be passing blocking against the plethora of exotic blitz Jim Johnson will be sending their way all game. Everyone knows the secret to defending Kurt Warner is punching him in the mouth a couple times to get him timid in the pocket. If the Eagles can't get to Warner look for Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Bolden, & Edgerrin James to have big days. The one player who stands in the Cardinals way to Tampa is, Donovan McNabb. McNabb rarely gets sacked and is one of the premier play makers in football. Look for McNabb to put up solid numbers but Philly will need a strong effort from Brian Westbrook, who with the exception of the 70yd screen pass he caught against Minnesota has been M.I.A, in order to have a chance. The Cardinals defense has proved that they can make an offense one dimensional and when that happens they are capable of forcing turnovers and converting them into points.


5. Baltimore Ravens @ 2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Winner: Baltimore Ravens 17-14

Analysis: One more rematch for the Baltimore Ravens, this one against a team who struggled to beat them twice during the regular season. The Steelers beat the Ravens on a field goal in overtime the first time they met and the second meeting was highlighted by the controversial Santonio Holmes TD catch on the goal line. I believe the Ravens deserve to win that game but at the end of the day the referees made the right call. This game was even harder to chose than the NFC match up because these teams are mirror images of each other. Both teams are hungry and playing with a chip on their shoulder. In order for Baltimore to prevail this week they will need to Joe Flacco upright and he has to complete at least 58-61 percent of his passes, I doubt he will be able to just get by like he has the previous two games. I will give Joe Cool his credit though, he hasn't beat the team by turning the ball over and seems to make the right reads, he now just needs to make the throws. The offenses of both teams will pose as the question make in this game because we all now what both of these stellar defenses bring to the table. If the Ravens can put pressure on Ben Rothlisberger similar to that of the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles did earlier this year look for this game to get away from the Steelers even though their defense will keep them in the game for majority of it. I look for both running games to have solid days on the ground but the onus of victory falls on the quarterbacks this week. With that said, it has been proven very hard to defeat a team as good as the Ravens three times in one year.

NFL 2008 Playoff Predictions Sure To Be Correct......(NFC Divisional)

4. Arizona Cardinals @ 2. Carolina Panthers

Winner: Arizona Cardinals 31-28

Analysis: First off, I would not be shocked nor surprised if the Cardinals' pull off what many would consider to be an upset. That's why im calling it. Let's not forget in their regular season match up the Cardinals' blew two second half leads (one leaf as big as 14 points) in a game that Carolina eventually won 27-23. A botched fake field goal and turnovers spelled their demise. That Arizona team however had no commitment to the run and had no attitude on defense. Carolina's dominant back field duo of De'Angelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart is the perfect remedy for Arizona's high flying offense as they will be able to run the ball and control the clock. In Steve Smith there is always a big play waiting to happen but based on the numbers that experts like to throw out, these two teams aren't that different with the only disparities being Arizona's passing and Carolina's rushing attack. Both defenses give up about 331 yards a game, while statistically Arizona has the better rush defense at around 110 yards which is 9 less than that of the Panthers' and about of difference of 10 yards against the pass as Carolina gives up around 212 yards a game. Look for a game a lot closer than the pundits would like.

6.Philadelphia Eagles @ 1. New York Giants

Winner: New York Giants 24-17

Analysis: When these 2 teams get together you can throw the stats completely out of the window. But keep this is mind, Brandon Jacobs, who was hurt in the previous game between these two NFC East rivals is rested and healthy and cornerback Aaron Ross who missed the previous game is healthy. Maybe the biggest reason of all: all the hype and distraction of the Plaxico "Chedda Bob" Burress has died down. Eli Manning was the victim of dropped passes by Domenik Hixon, who dropped a sure touchdown pass and Steve Smith who dropped a key 4th down conversion. These two teams are evenly matched and the Eagles' come in riding a emotional high similar to that of the Giants' in their championship run last year. Donovan McNabb will keep this game close with the help of Philly's fast athletic defense led by future Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins. For Philly to keep this game close they must continue to be committed to the run because if they get pass happy, the Giants' front four alone is enough to make McNabb's day very miserable.

NFL 2008 Playoff Predictions Sure To Be Correct....(AFC Divisional Round)

Last week I went 3-1 with my only loss being the Chargers defeat of MVP Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Shocked I was, but not surprised because San Diego seems to have the Colts number similar to the way the New England Patriots once did do to their 3-4 scheme. I personally didn't agree with many of the calls and probably the only one the got correct in overtime was the face mask on Colts linebacker Clint Sessions.

So with that said here go my predictions for the upcoming weekend......

6. Baltimore Ravens @ 1. Tennessee Titans

Winner: Baltimore Ravens 13-10

Analysis: This is my upset pick of the playoff but in a sense it wouldn't really be an upset. This is the rematch of their week 5 match up in which the Titans came back from a 10-6 deficit win on their final drive which as aided by a questionable personal foul call against the Ravens' Terrell Suggs for hitting Titans quarterback Kerry Collins in the helmet. I look for some of the same patterns that developed in that game to continue in this one as well. Baltimore's defense completely took Chris Johnson (18 carries for 44 yards) and Len Dale White (only 3 carries for 4 yards) out of the game, while the Ravens' game amassed 132 yards. The match up of the qb's (Collins 17/32 for 163 yards and Flacco 18/27 for 153 yards) was pretty much a toss up as they both threw 2 interceptions with the only touchdown being the aforementioned game winner by Collins. I look for the Ravens' defense to be even more dominant especially with the out of this world Ed Reed playing maybe the best football of his career. Look for the Ravens' to run the ball even more with the possibility of All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth not being able to go or not being at 100%.

4. San Diego Chargers @ 2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers 21-17

Analysis: The Chargers proved Saturday night that they belonged in the playoffs. Even with the questionable calls made late in the game, they managed to keep themselves in the game long before most of those calls occurred. This game will come down to who can execute best in the fourth quarter. With questions about the health of Ladanian Tomlinson (as well as his heart and toughness) look for Darren Sproles and Micheal Bennett, who came out of hiding against the Colts, to carry the load. The Steelers' top ranked D will be ready so don't look for Sproles to come anywhere close to duplicating the career numbers he posted against the Colts. Philip Rivers,who just doesn't seem to get any respect, will do all he can to keep this game close but at the end of the day the Steelers' D will prove to be too much as long as the Steelers' running game is semi effective and Ben Roethlisberger takes care of the ball against the Chargers aggressive 3-4 defense.