JumpinJack AJ

Yeah, audio inputs...of course CD 2 CD can be done with the burner itself. It also overrides CDs that are copy protected.

Ugh...i don't care if the new "BNF" is played in a strip club. But it seems kinda weird that a Hip-Hop classic from a non-explicit group would be played in a classless greasy place.

Actually, i have an external CD burner. It has nothing 2 do with a computer. It allows me 2 play the vinyl and put it on CD...and the sound is excellent. However, since i can only manually record it, it's very hard 2 hear when the traks start and stop if it fades in and out 2 the trax. But in the end, putting classic 80's Hip-Hop and vinyl only releases on2 CD at this level of sound quality is totally worth the work.

DE LA SOUL - The Corner AOI Presents Impossible Mission (2006)

on Track to Beat Predecessors Third Film Already Setting Records Overseas By Dean Goodman Reuters LOS ANGELES (May 2) -- By the time "Spider-Man 3" opens in North America and Britain Friday, the superhero will have already ensnared moviegoers around the world. Columbia Pictures started rolling out the third installment of its lucrative comic-book adaptation Tuesday in 16 countries -- eight each in Asia and Europe. What's Behind the Half-Billion Dollar Movie? See what the critics are saying about Spidey: First-day sales in those markets, which include Japan, South Korea, Germany and France, totaled $29.2 million, the Sony Corp.-owned studio said Wednesday. In every case, the new film outperformed its predecessors, and set industry records in 10 of them. On a comparable basis, "Spider-Man 2" opened to $15.6 million in 2004 in those markets, while "Spider-Man" bowed to $10.6 million in 2002. With a budget of $258 million, according to Columbia -- or upward of $350 million, if the Hollywood gossip machine is to be believed -- "Spider-Man 3" reunites stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst with director Sam Raimi . As is often the case with superhero sequels, the action is a little darker. Some influential critics were not overly enthusiastic. The Los Angeles Times said the film possessed "an ungainly, cumbersome feeling." The Times of London described it as "a daft, highly polished couple of hours of fantasy fun." But the Rotten Tomatoes web site (http://www.rottentomatoes.com), which aggregates movie reviews, indicated that 71 percent of critics liked the film. No one expects the film will have any trouble dominating ticket sales in North America, at least until "Shrek the Third" opens May 18, followed a week later by another trilogy-closer, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." "Spider-Man 3" could "very likely" break the three-day opening record of $135.6 million set exactly a year ago by "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," said industry analyst Brandon Gray, president and publisher of Box Office Mojo (http://www.boxofficemojo.com). Comparisons with "Spider-Man 2" are difficult because it opened on a Wednesday. But the "Pirates" sequel beat the old three-day record of $115 million set by the first "Spider-Man." That figure would be about $130 million in today's money after adjusting for ticket price inflation, according to Gray. LOTS OF THEATERS Sony Pictures vice chairman Jeff Blake said it would be a "pretty daunting" task to surpass the "Pirates" sequel. "Everywhere we've opened so far has been the biggest 'Spider-Man' ever. That's our goal," he said. Another analyst, Paul Dergarabedian of Media By Numbers LLC, said "Spider-Man 3" could also break the single-day record of $55.8 million, also set by the "Pirates" sequel. "The box office has been in a lull for the past few weeks, and I think people are just waiting for 'Spider-Man' to hit the theaters, and then it's going to explode on Friday," he said. "This one could surprise a lot of people. It could do even better than we think." Also helping its cause is the fact that "Spider-Man 3" will open in 4,253 theaters, up from 4,133 for the "Pirates" sequel and 3,615 for "Spider-Man." The saturation release ensures no one will have trouble seeing the movie this weekend, but it also means the film could burn out more quickly. "Spider-Man 2" grossed $783 million worldwide, about $40 million short of the first one. The North American contribution fell $30 million to $373.6 million. The first sequel cost about $200 million to make, nearly double that of the original. Gray said the diminishing returns were not cause for great concern given the franchise's lofty start. Moreover, the "Spider-Man" franchise appears to be in better shape than the "Batman" and "Superman" films were at the same stage in their cycles, he added.

There is actually a vinyl instrumental version of The Magnificent. I waz gonna burn all the instrumentals to CD but for some reason, "Mystery Man" skips on my LP. I waz gonna get a new copy when i see it at a cheap price...even tho' that's probably the weakest beat on the album. There is an instrumental of "Jeff N Fess" on the CD promo of the EP.

1st Eve, now Busta. Is anyone else just about done with Busta? I love his music. I have since L.O.N.S. But in the past year or so...he's annoyed the crap outta me. At this point Britney Spears could give him better advice on life and career. Busta Rhymes Arrested for Drunk Driving AP NEW YORK (May 3) -- Busta Rhymes was arrested on a drunken driving charge early Thursday, police said, marking the latest in a series of recent legal troubles for the rapper. Officers stopped Rhymes at about 12:40 a.m. because the sport utility vehicle he was driving had overly tinted windows, Sgt. Mike Wysokowski said. He said officers then smelled alcohol on the rapper's breath. Rhymes, 34, was taken into custody on a charge of driving while impaired, Wysokowski said. An arraignment was expected later Thursday. A lawyer for Rhymes, Scott Leemon, declined to comment saying he would address the charges in court. A telephone message left early Thursday at the New York office of Rhymes' manager, Violator Management, was not immediately returned. Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, has had several law enforcement run-ins since last year. He is tentatively scheduled to go to trial Tuesday on two assault charges.

U got it.

NE-YO - All Because of You Because of You (2007)

Yeah, that's how i always looked at it. Like Tim mentioned tho'...i've been waiting for the 1st Old School/Retro Hip-Hop/R-N-B station that plays strictly 80's thru' mid-90's Hip-Hop and R-N-B. U know it's coming. Maybe in the big cities 1st...then in others.

I knew it!! This is great. I'm sure this album is gonna do much more than some of the people on this board think.

So i waz listening 2 The Michael Bayston Show on 96.3 WHUR. The station plays classic soul, R-N-B and neo soul. Michael Bayston takes on all topics from entertainment, life, etc. The other day he waz having a show on commercial rap. As usual, he mentioned how artists still throw the N-word around like crazy after all these years and how they carelessly drop cuss words. During the show, he had Eshe from Arrested Development and Chubb Rock on the show. And one of MC Lyte's dancers from back in the day called in. Eshe talked about how AD is considered irrelevant simply because they make positive music. Chubb Rock mentioned how some of these commercial rappers we diss actually do want 2 make quality music that has a purpose, but that some of the alter their style to do what their label wants so they can provide for their families. Eshe went on to say how that happened back in the 90's to an extent and how she was talking to "a popular emcee" from back in the day who said he never wanted to record alot of the music that appeared on his albums. Chubb Rock said that when a label is threatening 2 ignore u or shelve u, u'll alter your music to get spins, in hopes of getting 2 do things your way after u blow up...but that never happens cuz then lables wanna hold u 2 the standard u set 4 yourself when u were selling out. Another comment waz made that put BET on blast for openly ignoring real music 2 force feed trash like 50 Cent to listeners. They also talked about how u can't really request music on the radio anymore cuz they give u short list of what u can request since they are determined 2 play the same 10 songs all day long. During the show they played classics from Eric B + Rakim, Doug E. Fresh + The Get Fresh Crew, Public Enemy, Slick Rick and also JJ+FP. Mike waz like, do any other radio stations wanna play feel-good music and Hip-Hop with clean lyrics? Right then "Summertime" came on and he said "Some people tried to clown Will Smith back in the day...but now he's shuttin' it down!"

NE-YO - Because of You Wack title. The name of the album waz "Know Me" but i guess the money hungry people at the label formally known as Def Jam wanted 2 capitalize off the lead single, so they changed the title of the album to the same title as the single, which doesn't really fit as an album title. But what does the title have 2 do with anything...moving on. "Because of You" is a great song. It's a uptempo feel-good R-N-B track...and Ne-Yo's tribute to Michael Jackson. However, the album takes a bad turn on the 2nd single. "Crazy" starts off with a wack out-of-place rap from Jay-Z. The beat is also very boring compared 2 the stuff on his previous album. The problem with a weaker beat like this is that it shows that Ne-Yo is no Usher or Luther. Don't get me wrong...good voice, but the beat doesn't support his vocals like his previous work. "Can We Chill" is somewhere between the 1st 2 songs. Another upbeat danceable track, yet it lacks the polish of "Because of You." Luckily "Do You" redeems the album's vibe. Great song. "Leaving Tonight" is another really good track. The soul is there and Jennifer Hudson makes a nice appearance. Just a great soul duo. Sadly, this album has a lot of songs that are just average (unlike his 1st one). Addicted, Ain't Thinking About You, Sex With My Ex, Angel, and Make It Work are all pretty boring compared to Ne-Yo's level of craft. The production is so 'blah' that i haven't even listened 2 the lryics...which are good, i'm sure. "Say It" is a step in the right direction. "Go On Girl" wraps up the album with a sweet melody and a nice mid-tempo vibe. Over all, i gotta say that Ne-Yo is a great song writer and he has a nice voice. However, the production on this album is pretty tired. Maybe he rushed it, maybe the label formally known as Def Jam rushed him...but this album is nothing compared 2 his 1st. The mellow, soulful vibe and emotional lyrics of "So Sick" are not found on this album. The sweet young love feel of "Sexy Love" ain't here either...and neither is the unique subject matter approach of "When You're Mad." If u get the album at Wal-Mart, u can get an hour long DVD featuring all his videos, performances and interviews. I'm about 2 watch it, but since it's mostly full of stuff from his 1st album, i thing it's save 2 assume the DVD is great. JOE - Ain't Nothin' Like Me This might be the R-N-B album of the year. Joe stays consistant by bringing quality R-N-B once again. "Get To Know You" opens the album with a nice urban vibe featuring Nas. It's followed by the lead single "If I Was You Man." Just a smooth R-N-B joint with an edge 2 it. "If I Want Her" continues the R-N-B sound with a dash of Hip-Hop tossed in the mix. "Where You At" smooths it out, those the bass is nice and gives this song an edge as well. One of Hip-Hop's truly promising emcees pops on the track 2...Papoose fits right in on the track. "My Love" is the 1st straight R-N-B joint on the album. It's a bit slower with a real nice piano. Just flawless. R-N-B is back!! "Ain't Nothin' Like Me" is just as perfect as all the other songs...except Joe continues his relationship with G-Unit as Tony Yayo and Young Buck make an appearance on the track. Whatever happen 2 Radio Edits w/o Rap...ha ha. The album is 14 trax deep. I can honestly say that ever single song is great. Every song has the total package, dope flawless, timeless production iced up with great vocals and relevant lyrics. All i can say is if u like R-N-B at all, BUY THIS ALBUM!!! It's perfect. If u pick it up at Circuit City, u'll get a bonus track called "That's What I Like." BBBUUUYYY TTTHHHIIISSS AAALLLBBBUUUMMM!!!!!!!!!

KIRK FRANKLIN - September Interpretations: Celebrating The Music of Earth, Wind + Fire (2007)

I don't know that people really associate artists with a genre...i think people associate the stereotype of the KIND of artists that get success in a genre. And like it's been said, it depends on who u ask. Some people are truely fans of music. They buy albums, listen 2 lyrics and so on. Some people just listen 2 the radio and watch MTV and they think that makes them a music fan, which i wouldn't agree with. And i don't think anyone who is actually a true music fan would associate 50 Cent with Hip-Hop. These days, even non-Hip-Hop fans know there is a difference between Hip-Hop and Rap. I thin most people think old school when they hear Hip-Hop. When they hear Rap, i think they think of the top 20 people. When i think of pop, i don't think of Backstreet Boys...maybe i would have 7 years ago. But i do think of Britney. I've always considered MJ R-N-B...reguardless of the title King of Pop, i think many people would agree with that. Pop isn't even really a sound...it's just music that's popular reguardless of the genre. Sometimes Pop music is good, sometimes it's bad.

Vote people!! I think we got this one!

Thanx! Sadly, i had 2 people quit this week at work and will have 2 pull extra hours. If that wasn't the case i might have gone.

WILD ORCHID - Declaration Oxygen (1998) Ahhh...Fergie's sweet R-N-B/Pop beginnings

It feels good seein' him up there!!

BEYONCE - Listen (DJ Escape Remix) Shining Stars: Exclusive Music Sampler (2007) Next up... KELLY ROWLAND + EVE - Like This

Washington DC has 2 BIG Hip-Hop/R-N-B stations that stretch an extra state or 2 North and South. In many ways, they are like the common Hip-Hop/R-N-B stations that support alot of the garbage u can hear all over the radio, with moments of supporting good lesser-known artists and good radio shows. Anyways, i waz driving 2day listening to 93.9 WKYS and one of the radio personalities waz talking about new music coming out 2day (Ne-Yo, etc) and DJ Jazzy Jeff's new album on iTunes. It rolled in2 a voice bit of Jeff himself saying something along the lines of "Hey, this is DJ Jazzy Jeff letting u know my new album The Return of The Magnificent is available on iTunes before you can pick it up in stores." They played one of the trax off the album under it but i not sure which one i waz. I think it waz the joint with Jean Grea. So there u have it, the album is getting some decent promotion for it being a non-commerical release. Tons of people who actually listen 2 the radio know it's coming. Let's see what happens. It waz incredibly cool hearing Jazzy's voice on the radio. It felt like there is hope 4 the radio.

Definitely one of the best ever. I haven't listened 2 this in awhile. Man, i miss the '90's. Remixes were so common...and usually good and pointful (unlike most of the few remixes done these days).

I give him props for that. Reguardless of the outcome, seeing someone making the effort gets my respect. I'm still wondering about that LL album. No news about has come out about it in months. Seems like a forced or careless move on his part...directly releated 2 Jay-Z's ridiculous business-mind.

Hmmm...maybe i have tyme 2 go over then and tell them all they are idiots.

Well, i don't use iTunes, so i'm not sure what's up there. But the EP waz released awhile ago. U sure u didn't get the trax off the EP (some of them also appearing on TROTM LP). At least 3 of us on the board already have the album.