JumpinJack AJ

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.

MARQUES HOUSTON - Circle Verteran (2007) Man, i just get over how good this song.

This is actually pretty embarassing. Why i'm left ?uestioning the level of respect i had for Eve, the list at the end of this posts is actually pretty ridiculous. Most of these people are idiots. Mos Def's case is just stupid...and a few of them are debatable how true they are. But ones like Tony Yayo's are just stupid. Even people who actually think his music is good can't respect that. Rapper Eve Arrested for Drunk Driving AP LOS ANGELES (April 26) -- Rapper-actress Eve was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence after she crashed a Maserati in Hollywood early Thursday. The crash occurred about 2:45 a.m. on Hollywood Boulevard, said police Officer Martha Garcia. Eve, whose full name is Eve Jeffers, submitted to testing to determine her blood alcohol level, but the results weren't immediately available, Garcia said. Eve was booked on misdemeanor drunken driving and posted $30,000 bail. She is scheduled to return to court May 17. A phone message left for her attorney, Matthew Johnson, wasn't immediately returned. Publicist Amanda Silverman said she had no immediate comment. Eve broke into hip-hop as a protege of gangsta rap pioneer Dr. Dre. She won a Grammy Award for the single "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" with Gwen Stefani . Her screen credits include "XXX," "Barbershop" and its sequel. She also had her own self-titled sitcom on UPN. ----------------- Rapper-actress Eve was arrested for misdemeanor drunk driving after crashing her Maserati at 2:45 a.m. on Hollywood Boulevard. Snoop's brushes with the law continue, as he's finally charged for being in possession of a gun and drugs back in October. A Manhattan Criminal Court judge determined Busta Rhymes will stand trial on two assault charges. Tony Yayo (right), a member of 50 Cent's G-Unit rap crew, was arrested on suspicion of slapping and hitting a 14-year-old boy. An arrest warrant was issued for rapper Foxy Brown after she failed to appear in court on charges stemming from her alleged attack of a beauty store employee. Prosecutors dropped charges against Kid Rock that he shoved a woman face-first into a snowbank after a night of drinking, citing "differing eyewitness accounts." Busta Rhymes refused to aid an NYPD investigation into a 2006 shooting. Now he's barred from the set of his newest film, scenes of which are being shot in New York. A police document shows that bad boy Sean 'Diddy' Combs is accused of being involved in an incident where a man was punched in the face. Jason "Jadakiss" Phillips pleaded not guilty following an indictment on charges of criminal possession of a weapon and marijuana. David Darnell Brown, aka Young Buck, was arrested on an outstanding warrant after an officer said he observed Brown weaving in his black Cadillac Escalade. Rapper 50 Cent was busted Sept. 8, 2006 for an unsafe lane change, driving with an expired permit, driving without insurance and vehicle registration. Noreaga, now known as N.O.R.E., testified on behalf of Darryl Henderson, who is on trial for a triple murder near Yankee Stadium. Two months following his arrest for drug possession, Lil' Wayne may face charges for throwing money into the crowd at a concert, thereby causing a melee. Fabolous was accused of possessing two loaded guns after being shot in the thigh Tue., Oct. 17. Mos Def's impromptu concert on a flatbed truck outside the MTV Awards was shut down by cops who said he was "playing without a permit." Lil' Kim was released from prison in July 2006 after serving time for conspiracy and perjury. While in jail she kept busy by writing over 200 songs. Eminem was picked up twice in 2002 on weapons charges, once for waving a gun at fellow Detroit natives Insane Clown Posse.

I can't agree with that. When PE blew up, countless political artists and groups came out. Some of them may have bitten PE's style...and some of them may have been struggling artists who got a break when record labels realized that political Hip-Hop would get commerical support. And when The Chonic came out, countless wannabe gangstas came out and the commercial game has been going downhill ever since. Then, and i don't even know how this mess up happened, people actually thought those dirty south losers actually made good "music." Why no single artist or group from the 90's to now totally pioners anything in Hip-Hop single handedly, when it comes 2 commerical success, often times, reguardless if it's a good or a bad thing, 1 artist or album DOES plant the seed that grows. JJ+FP has what it takes 2 get the success...reguarless of the industry. And if things fall in2 place, we could see positive Hip-Hop come back 2 the charts. We could see albums that dont' have an explict lyrics stickers on the charts again. We could actually see real music on the charts again. Other "old school" artists and groups could get better chance of getting back out there. Who knows? Other than all of us wanting a new JJ+FP album, there's nothing but good things that could come from it.

Yeah, but guns are the most cowardly. Think about it. Anyone who doesn't have one or doesn't know a killer has one is automatically at a disadvantage. With a gun u can be hidden or at a distance and do what u are trying 2 do. U don't have 2 be smart, rich, or talented 2 get a gun. Guns truely only serve a purpose to about 10% or less of the people that actually have them. If that idiot was going at people with knives and stuff like that, he would have been stopped after the 1st attempted murder or injury. To plant a bomb he's have to be more than averagely educated and intellegent.

Interesting...but not surprising. Jive used 2 be one of the premiere Hip-Hop/R-N-B labels. JJ+FP, A Tribe Called Quest, Souls of Mischief, Smooth, Too Short, R. Kelly, Nuttin' Nyce, Aaliyah, etc. Now look at them.

I wazn't able 2 check the link. But yeah, Tatyana waz on MJJ. I don't think the imprint exists anymore tho.'

SHAI - Baby I'm Yours (Smoove Mix) Baby I'm Yours CD Single (1993)

SALT-N-PEPA - Getty Up (The Brick Track Versus Gitty Up - Rickedy Raw Hide Radio Mix) Import CD Single (1999)

As long as none of them have died in a car accident while going 2 see MIIB...only 2 make a post after dying. The old heads will laugh at this.

BOYZ II MEN - Gonna Have The Remedy (2006) All u hardcore BIIM fans need 2 track down this import. It's worth the high price. This is probably in their top 5 when it comes 2 albums.

I totally agree, Lerky. :smartass: For the most part, guns only exist for negative reasons. I've never really supported hunting and stuff like that. I can't imagin why it's so easy 2 get one here in the US. Since so many people have guns, i kinda support the right 2 bare arms, cuz everyone has the right 2 defend their own family, but another gun out on the street is another oppertunity for death. Imagin if one of the teachers at VT had a gun locked away in their desk. Maybe this nightmare could have been prevented shortly after the gunshots started ringing out. It's one of those things that is so out of hand, that it's hard 2 imagin how 2 turn it around.