Daily Grind : music

TYSON'S TAKE: Lloyd Banks--Terminated On Sight

Music — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:44:00 GMT

It’s been on the charts for almost two months and G-Unit’s Terminate On Sight STILL hasn’t sold 200,000 copies. It’s no surprise that we haven’t heard any statements from 50 Cent on the matter, but I'm sure Lloyd Banks is pissed. I think it should be a wake up call for him that he needs to get from behind 50’s (and now Tony Yayo’s) shadow for good. We all know about 50 Cent’s business ventures and with Yayo stepping into the acting world that leaves Banks as the only real lyricist left in the group.

He was the only "real" MC in the group to begin with but now he’s really going to have to put the pen to paper and firmly establish himself as a Hip-Hop heavyweight. He showed promise on his debut album, The Hunger For More but went way too formulaic on Rotten Apple and cost him a lot of credibility. His calm demeanor took the backseat to Young Buck’s brash personality once he was down with G-Unit and with The Game (aka G-Unit Killer)'s lyrical improvement he might challenge Banks as the best MC G-Unit ever had.

Hopefully on his next album, currently titled “Gang Green”, Lloyd Banks will be able to find that lyrical promise he still may possess. It was His witty punchlines, metaphors, similies, and interesting stories are what caught the public’s attention 4 years ago. If he can stray away from the redundant topics that mainstream rappers are known for (or at least do it in a real creative way) then he will be the one to bring G-Unit back to a relevant status again. His next challenge would be to wrestle the “King of NY” crown from Jay-Z… that is, if the Jiggaman doesn’t pass the torch to Nas first.

- Steve Tyson Jr.

Bow Wow Takes It To The Game On Madden 2009

Sports — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:24:00 GMT

When a new edition of Madden drops every year, it seems as if everything shuts down for a few weeks. In the video below, you’ll get a look at The Game showing his prowess in Madden football. He reveals his X-Box gamer tag (L-A-X) and blows out some guy he’s playing.

At the end, he pulls up his record on the internet and he stands at 50-4. Where did he find the time to play 54 games of Madden in less than 7 days? He’s currently on a press tour during TV & Radio interviews for his new album, yet found the time to sit in front of the screen for 54 games in six days?

Thats amazing…. I’ve had Madden for a week and I’ve only managed to play about 15….maybe 20 games.

Now, Bow Wow saw The Game's video, and issued a Madden challenge to The Game for $100,000 big ones. Knowing how competitive The Game is… I know he’s going to accept… Bow Wow wants to put the video of their match online for us to see.

Watch the video below (Warning: Bow Wow uses very foul language so if you’re at work…. might wanna turn it down….or not play it at all)

Keep An Eye On That Jonas Boy

Music — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 04:51:00 GMT

At first the whole Jonas Brothers thing was cute. There was a new band for the kids to get into who did songs that weren't thinly veiled odes to the female reproductive system.

Yes the Jonas Brothers would be clean music for good ol' Americans all over the country. As long as the heartland's princesses weren't screaming and clawing at the image of some little ghetto weed with a new dance, it was smooth sailing. But little do the unsuspecting purveyors of Americana realize, the most popular member--Nick Jonas could be hiding a dark secret that no one will see until it's too late. That bugger seems to have a habit of not taking "no" for an answer.

In a recent interview, with Girl's Life magazine, Nick talked about how he was on a date, asked for a kiss and the girl (allegedly Selena Gomez) declined saying that she doesn't kiss on the first date. Nick in true need-his-ass-beat fashion was quoted as replying, "Well, I never really play by the rules." Sounds like the revving engine of a serial date rapist to me. What other rules don't you play by Nick?

Call it post R. Kelly Syndrome but a dude with so many young girls in the palm of his hands with an attitude like that sends up all kinds of flags. Not saying that Nick Jonas is singing songs for the purpose of attracting your daughters into a trap but I'd keep an eye on him. The next time your little girl and her girls take a trip to the Jonas Brothers concert in your city. Give them all a can of mace to go along with the merchandise money.

-The Blackspot

Michael Phelps: Hip-Hop Hero?

Music — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:26:00 GMT

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps may not be the usual hip-hop hero, although he does listen to hip-hop. It’s amusing to think of him listening to “A Milli” when he’s got his iPod on between record-breaking swims, particularly because after this Olympics his bank account should be fattened up to the tune of many Millis.

On his run to be the first Olympian ever to win eight golds at a single Olympics and after already becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time, Phelps was stopped after a race and asked about his success.

He said “I just use my tools. The dolphin kick is one of my tools and that’s what I use.” The dolphin kick, perfected by Phelps, is the ability to swim with legs together without hitting the water’s surface right away after a turn. It’s this ability to stay underwater longer than most swimmers that has helped Phelps with his extraordinary run.

Phelps’ comments stuck with me. How many of us know what our tools are and how to use them? How many of us use the gifts God gave us (in Phelps’ case, a lean 6’4 body with long arms and legs perfect for swimming) to our best advantage? How many of us even know what are tools even are?

The thing is – everyone has a tool, of if you’re a “Heroes” fan – an ability. Maybe it’s the gift of gab. Maybe it’s listening or writing, or fixing things or photography or you’re the dude who’s great with gadgets that everyone comes to help set up their latest technological acquisition.

Some folks use their powers for evil – who doesn’t know a great liar or someone who’s always got an illegal hustle going on? But using your ability for good can bring rewards as well. Look at Phelps –a Baltimore native who was diagnosed with ADHD (attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder) as a child and who grew up in a household of women without a father. (His dad, who he is still distant from, split when he was 7). Yet fortunately, his mother, Debbie, channeled his energy into sports, which focused him and brought him accolades and riches I’m sure neither ever dreamed of. Look at Phelps determining the times he’s going to swim – several seconds off established paces, which is why he’s setting world records on nearly every swim.

Phelps turned a negative into a positive and then used what he had to get what he wanted ….and that, people, is as hip-hop as it gets.

-Hellifiknow

Jockin' Jay-Z? Maybe Just A Little

Music — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:59:00 GMT

“Whose house? Hov’s no doubt
Bout the only rapper still getting money in the drought”
- Jay-Z

With firmly established business ventures like Roc Nation, worldwide 40/40 Clubs, the NJ Nets, Rocawear and potentially the NY Yankees, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter has really come a long way. I’m not talking about the rags-to-riches story that everyone knows about. I mean the riches-to-wealth story that he’s still in the process of writing. No one else in the Hip-Hop game has turned their financial successes as an rapper into investment capital as an entrepreneur quite like Jay-Z has. Yes you can say 50, Diddy, & Russell should be mentioned as well, but Diddy & Russell weren’t rappers, and 50 Cent has always been more business minded than artistically gifted.

The fact is Jay-Z is creating a new trail for young Hip-Hop self starters who want to have more than just a record deal or be a fashion icon. Jay’s laying down a true blueprint of success--showing individuals how to focus on a vision, brand ideas and market to a worldwide audience. He is becoming so well established in the financial fabric of our country that he can now create music simply for the love of art, rather than relying on it to pay the bills.

Because of the path Jigga has chosen, young people can now look at the Hip-Hop industry and realize that being an artist can also be a platform to pursue bigger and better dreams. Essentially, if you’re good enough, have the right mentality, can establish, brand and market yourself, the sky can be the limit. It also doesn’t hurt if you’re name’s Shawn Carter too, haha.

-Steve Tyson Jr.

MUSIC: Musicians Are Not Political Experts

Music — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:44:00 GMT

Since we're dead in the middle of an election year, naturally the whole country is more politically minded, and it seems musicians have been the most vocal of all entertainers. Making songs and videos in support of their favorite candidate (Barack) has even led to a new term: Obamamania. However, some seem to be suffering from some other type of mania!

Snoop Dogg recently stated in an interview with a British newspaper that the "KKK gave Obama money". He goes on to claim they are "one of his biggest supporters". This left people wondering if Snoop has truly fried his brain with all that herb - "The weed has definitely affected Snoops mind!!!" says churchlady - while others were not so sure Snoop was wrong - "Personally. I wouldn't know. It could be true or untrue..." commented Kajistyl.

The answer is simple: Snoop was duped! In an article found right here on Global Grind posted almost 2 months ago, it was revealed that the rumor of the KKK endorsing Obama was false. It was actually a fake article posted by a British newspaper called the Dialy Squib which describes itself as a "satirical publication [that] should therefore not be taken too f**king seriously."

In another post from streetknowledge, Alicia Keys states that "Gangsta rap is a ploy to make Black people kill each other." WOW! Implying that "Gangsta rap didn't exist." HUH?! I don't know where Alicia's getting her information, but this one sounds even sillier than Snoop's comments. So by her theory Gangsta rap was manufactured by the government and implanted in our minds? Is there some secret underground bunker where young Black males are being injected with the "thug serum"?!

People are certainly entitled to their own opinions, even when those opinions don't make much sense. But imagine how many misinformed Snoop fans will repeat what he says, and in turn influence others that hear these comments. How many will take Alicia's words as fact - "nothing wrong with Alicia getting a little bit controversial" said Stryker , but is that really true? -Kapital One

MUSIC: How Not To Interview A Rapper

Music — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 18:13:00 GMT

Earlier this year kwame06 posted an article from MediaTakeOut.com that said rapper Webbie suffered a seizure. Now for those who don't know, MediaTakeOut is a gossip site, so naturally they post a lot of rumors that turn out to be completely untrue, but occasionally they get something right. I'm not sure if this is one of those times when they got it right, and apparently neither is DJ Wrekk1 who recently interviewed Webbie. Gengis Khan put up a video of the interview, which starts off good enough, but eventually goes south.

During the on-air portion Wrekk1 asks Webbie about seizures being the reason for missing shows. Webbie quickly dismisses the rumors and they move on. Later DJ Wrekk1 - who looks overjoyed about his own existence - conducts another interview off-air, in which he asks Webbie about the shows, again. Once again, Webbie graciously gives an explanation for his absences. But Wrekk1 is not satisfied and goes in again...bad move.

I don't know DJ Wrekk1, but here's some advice: Fall back! Maybe you had an opportunity to get to the bottom of something; maybe you felt this was you're chance to make a name for yourself by getting an "exclusive," but really, you almost got stomped at your place of work!

Maybe Webbie overreacted..."He did take that s*** personal" wrote maurice20, and Lee Da Rhymin Master offered this insight: "You know that only makes me think it's true...For real, no one's going to get that mad over a rumor.
Especially if it's as ridiculous as that."

Who knows for sure. All I know is, I wish the camera would've kept rolling. -Kapital One

MUSIC: Polow Da Con

Music — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:55:00 GMT

Earlier this week, it was revealed in a post from Blackspot that producer extraordinaire (smirk) Polow Da Don used loops from Apple's Garage Band to craft Usher's new song "Love In This Club." Okay now, Garage Band is a music program that comes with a bunch of factory preset sounds and loops, all of which are royalty-free and can be used without having to obtain permission. So, no big deal right? After all, isn't this the same thing thousands of other hip-hop producers do when they sample old Soul and Jazz records? But instead of using James Brown, Polow chose an unnamed musician hired by Apple. Ultimately, this just means Polow is not as talented as some previously thought, but that's certainly no offense.

What is offensive though, is Polow's response to the controversy posted by Necole Bitchie "There's this keyboard I have that a lot of sounds come in." Really? What keyboard would that be Polow? Unless said keyboard was also made by Apple, then you are guilty of copyright infringement. More likely you're just guilty of lying! Who do you think you're fooling? Millions of people have Macs, which comes with Garage Band pre-installed, so with the press of a few buttons anyone can duplicate the beat you "made". As sugarbread commented "Quite embarrassing, but not shocking for this fake-ass 'producer'"

Even more disturbing is his reasoning that by producing this song he made "Black women want to f*ck Usher again." Say what!? Is this really an area of concern for you Polow? Does this keep you up at night? Worrying about Ushers' status with the ladies?! I have to agree with Tanspot who says "He is spending too much time thinking about women wanting to f*ck Usher. Polow is corny."

He goes on to refer to himself as a genius for this accomplishment...but as Sportaphile nicely sums it up "Negro Please." -Kapital One

MUSIC: Hip-Hop's Upper Class

Music — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:05:00 GMT

Hip Hop, much like the rest of the world has a class system, but never before has this been more obvious than right now. Probably because Jay-Z's light is shining so bright everyone else is in his shadow. Jigga man pulled the ultimate hat-trick this past month, starting with his $150 million Live Nation deal, which is one of the largest music contracts in the history of the business. At a time when record sales are plummeting (including his own), Jay manages to convince executives that on the verge of turning 40 years old, he's still worth more than entire Def Jam roster. Now that's game! His deal with Live Nation also resulted in his current 28-city tour with reigning Queen of Hip Hop, Mary J. Blige. This would be the second time he pulled the #1 R&B artist of the time to tour with.( Who could forget the R. Kelly disaster). This may seem like a natural thing, but ask yourself: who else could pull this off? Rick Ross and Ashanti? Fat Joe and Cassie? Not likely. And speaking of male/female pairings, this past weekend Jay wed his longtime girlfriend and object of every man's desire, Beyonce in a private roof-top ceremony.

Meanwhile on the other end of the spectrum, rappers Papoose and Remy Ma plan to tie-the-knot somewhere near Cell Block D, after Remy's recent assault conviction landed her a substantial amount of jail time. 50 Cent and Fat Joe continue to send each other video mail and draw pictures of each other with Photoshop and Common - looking awkward and uncomfortable - MC's a gay dance party!

Rappers take note: Follow the blueprint laid down by Jay-Z. That plan seems to be working. -Kapital One

MUSIC: Hey Ladies!

Music — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:57:00 GMT

So it's been revealed that Usher and Bow Wow are both gay! Well, not officially, but according to the Hip Hop rumor mill these guys are sweet. I posted an article about Ushers wife preventing him from having any pretty ladies on the set of his video accompanied by a picture of Usher getting cozy with his very handsome...lady. In response JJMONEYBAGZ blasted "Homies wife looks like a certified manwich. Usher needs to step outta that closet already." It's been said before that Usher's buddy is just a front for his alternative lifestyle. Some have even gone as far to say that his wife is actually an ex-man. Could it be?

In another post by realerthanlife, one of the girls from BET's College Hill, Ashley R, who used to date rapper Bow Wow, says that he 's gay. This article also came with some suspicious looking pictures of a shirtless Bow Wow staring at a shirtless Omarion with a look that says a lot more than "How you doin'?"

I don't know if any of these rumors are true and I don't personally care, probably because I'm not a fan of either of these artists. But for the people who are fans, does this really matter to you? So much of Usher's career is based on sex appeal that something like this could ruin him. If Usher "came out" would you stop being a fan? If this went from being a rumor and became fact, would Bow Wow lose fans or just gain some new ones? -Kapital One

MUSIC: Freeze! Drop The Mic!

Music — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:49:00 GMT

Shhh! The Hip-Hop Police are listening. If you're a well-known rapper in New York, this is most likely your reality. Super-grinder realerthanlife recently posted a couple of articles revealing that the NYPD has a special "Hip Hop Squad", responsible for tailing rappers with criminal connections. This unit is profiling rapper Fabolous, along with several other members of the New York hip-hop scene. In response to this, Anthony voiced: "I bet there aren't any Rock cops or Pop cops..." True Indeed, but just imagine if there were.

How many DWI's would Britney Spears have amassed by now? Plenty, I suspect. In fact, she doesn't even have a drivers license, yet every time you see her she's in a car. How many rock stars would be arrested for possession of a controlled substance? Snoop Dogg gets pulled over like every other month for having weed. Are you telling me Tommy Lee doesn't have a stash hidden in his sock? Elvis Presley was a reported gun nut, who actually shot his own TV at one point. Can you imagine if Tupac did the same? He would've done the real jailhouse rock!

Double standards for rappers (i.e. black males) is nothing new, but a lot of these dudes became rappers to escape a life of crime, only to find themselves with more heat on their backs now, than when they were in the streets. -Kapital One

MUSIC: Hate Dat Soulja Boy!

Music — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:16:00 GMT

Soulja Boy got stoned. Well, almost. Your man realerthanlife posted the article about a kid who threw a rock at Soulja Boy's tour bus and busted the windshield. When he was questioned by the authorities as to why, he simply said "I hate Soulja Boy". Apparently, some others feel the same way "This 12 year old boy is a hero" stated JJMONEYBAGZ

I don't hate the kid. Maybe this is the solution to combat all of this wack music plaguing the airwaves.You don't think so? Have you ever been hit with a rock? A good stoning will stop the toughest of men dead in their tracks! Remember David and Goliath? Back in Biblical times it was a common occurrence for someone who had committed an offense to be publicly stoned. And some recent hip-hop is just plain offensive. So lets bring back the good old days of throwing rocks at people that suck. Hurricane Chris is in town? BONG! Flo Rida is on tour? SMACK! Ja Rule...wha? POW! Think about it, these so called "artists" would be a lot more careful about what they decide to put out if they knew they were gonna suffer some lumps for a bad album. Yeah, and I know I'm not alone in this either, "...I'd do that to" commented jeanius.

I know, I know, the average rapper would kill anybody who would dare do this. That's why I propose slingshots! They provide good distance and amazing accuracy, which would allow you to strike from an unseen location. Just imagine, slingshot snipers perched on rooftops, raining down judgment from up above... "Crank Dat, Soulja Boy!!!"

Just a thought. -Kapital One

MUSIC: Organized Rhyme

Music — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:31:00 GMT

Diddy did it, or did he? Yeah whatever. In an article found at AllHipHop.com titled Sean "Diddy" Combs Vehemently Denies LA Times Allegations, Diddy of course, claims he had no knowledge of the eventual ambush of Tupac Shakur in a New York studio lobby. Whether he did or didn't is not for me to argue. I wasn't there and I don't personally know Diddy, so I can't say what level of involvement he had, if any.

But this story brings up another point: Is the Hip Hop game surpassing the Mafia in terms of organized criminal activities? Everyone knows many rappers have violent or criminal tendencies, which they openly boast about, but what about the people behind the scenes, the so called "moguls". Very often these "businessmen" come from the same background as the artists they represent and sometimes are even more ruthless than the rappers that get the blame. There are more than enough similarities between the Mob and Hip Hop. There have been stories of extortion linked to Suge Knight and Death Row Records, money laundering connected to Irv Gotti and Murder Inc., and now a sanctioned "hit" linked to Diddy and an associate named James Sabatino, whose father is an alleged captain in the Colombo crime family. Not to mention the various tales of intimidation, assault, and under-the-table payoffs - and these are just a sample.

With the Hip Hop Police watching, how long before this all comes crumbling down? Studios and offices have already been raided by armed cops and evidence seized in hopes of uncovering more criminal activity...just like the Mafia. Rappers often fantasize of being like Mob figures, controlling an empire of crime. But are they really just trying to be like their bosses? -Kapital One

MUSIC: Old School Or New School?

Music — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:56:00 GMT

A recent article posted by Gengis Khan titled, Education Set To Hip Hop Beats A Success caught my attention. The article talks about how Hip Hop is being used to help educate elementary school kids. Teaching them mathematics, science, and geography through rapping and rhythm. This reminded me of another article posted a while back by GG Content about a Hip Hop High School. The school was hoping to make learning more attractive to teens by teaching them with textbooks with Hip Hop based titles like "Back In The Days" and "Yes Yes Ya'll". Global Grind users seemed to be unanimously in favor of this idea, as Anthony put it "I think that infusing hip hop into school is a great idea. Hip hop is a cultural phenomenon and many teens are influenced by it. If teachers can effectively tie in hip hop to studies, then students could become more interested, become motivated to do there work, and learn more then they normally would."

This is an excellent point, but is there anyone out there who would be opposed to this? If you asked your child "What did you learn in school today?", and they started rapping and dancing, how would you feel? I know a lot of Hip Hop has at times been very educational. Public Enemy taught Black history in their songs, KRS-One always had a thing for politics, and Canibus might as well be a college professor with his scientific theories and equations, but does Hip Hop belong in the classroom?

Is this the future of public education, or just a trend that will eventually pass? -Kapital One

MUSIC: Is Terrence Howard All Hustle And No Flow?

Music — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:56:00 GMT

People have been responding to the article posted by The Chef about actor Terrence Howard landing a record deal. Some favorably "Terrence is making his mark in the industry..." says Stryker, while others are more skeptical, such as Sportaphile, who comments "...I don't think this will end too well"

Does Terrence Howard posses any real musical talent? I have no idea, but it seems like the music industry is the dumping ground for every celebrity side project. Paris Hilton gave it a shot, Keanu Reeves and his band Dogstar dropped a few turds on the music biz, and Bruce Willis blows...his harmonica at the Hard Rock Cafe. It seems like every time a celeb has a break in their schedule, they make an album. As if it wasn't bad enough that serious musicians can't seem to sell any records, here come a bunch of actors to flood an already overcrowded market and further assault our ears with more bad music. And yeah, Terrence may even sell a few albums but as Global Grinder Young Beam put it "HE GETS THE RECORD DEAL BECAUSE HE'S TERRANCE HOWARD!!! YA NAME CAN ONLY TAKE YA SO FAR...TALENT IS A MUST."

Is talent a must, or is it just who you know? I doubt that any of these celebrities had to actually submit demos to some A&R. Nah, It was probably more like: "Yo Clive, it's me Terry...I wanna drop an album...yeah, seriously...alright, cool...thanks!

That may not have been the exact wording, but I'm sure it was something close. So Is this whole deal unfair to the thousands of struggling musicians, or is this just one of the many perks that go along with fame and fortune? -Kapital One