JumpinJack AJ

Over the years, Hip-Hop music and commerical rap have introduced it's long time fans 2 new and depressing lows. As a longtime Hip-Hop head, i give everything and everybody and honest listen. I respect that everyone in this world is different and has different talent and skillz. Everyone has different tastes. While one artists speaks 2 me, they may not be respected by other people. And while i think one rapper is wack, someone else is feeling them. Under all of that, there is a bottom line of something just being bad. Over the past few years, that dirty south style of rap has blown up 2 unbelieveable levels. Overall, the commercial Dirty South genre is straight trash. Now when i say that, i'm not saying that just becuz an artist comes from the south or is part of that genre, they can't be talented...but i am saying that overall, it's just embarassingly bad. When i think of southern emcees/groups, i think of Arrested Development. I think of OutKast. I am proud of what they are doing for Hip-Hop. They got lyrics, they got talent, they got flow, they put on a good show. Of course not everyone is gonna love them, but they easily have what it takes 2 represent Hip-Hop. But that crap that is getting on the radio is just unexcusable. Young Joc, J-Kwon, Lil' Wayne, D4L, Lil' Jon + The Eastside Boyz, Young Dro, T.I., Lil' Scrappy, Trillville, etc. These suckers SUCK!! Most of their beats are so cheaply produced, they sound like 2-bit video game soundtracks. They typically have clinky bells and whistles percussion sound with a 4 of 5 not melody that any 3 year old could bang out on electornic toy keyboard. The choruses are typically the same line chanted over and over again...example "make your shoulder lean, shoulder lean, shoulder lean"...or the obnoxious "now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out, now walk it out"...or "I know u see it, i know u see it, i know u see it." Young Joc steps it up by changing one word in it "Meet me in the trill, it's going down, meet me at the mall, it's going down, meet me in the club, it's going down, anywhere we meet, it's guarenteed to go down." Are u freakin' kiddin' me? Whe thinks these can be called lyrics. Then, their crappy lyrics are delievered in the most uneducated voices i've ever heard. It's beyond dialect, it's beyond and accent. These fools sound like they dropped outta 1st grade...for real. As if their voices weren't annoying enough, they can't even talk like members of society. Is anyone else on the same page as me. It should be illegal 2 give idiots like them record deals. I'm not hatin' on the south, but those who are given them the fame 2 represent the south are just as stupid. 2 not require talent and support stuff like that doesn't say much for the listeners intellegence.

AOL's 'Black Voices" have a mini-feature on FP's movie career. They briefly mention a handful of his movies while displaying a still from it beside the comment. Below is the captions next 2 the pix. Nothing really special here...just thought i'd share. ------------------------------- Ali (2001) Smith's Oscar-nominated turn as arguably the most recognizable man on the planet, was notable, not for the pro forma braggadocio, but for the quiet, introspective moments. Smith communicated all too well the doubts, if not the fears, that even "The Greatest" was subject to. Bad Boys (1995) A '90s buddy movie with a twist: both cops are black. Smith and Martin Lawrence play childhood friends now partners on the Miami police force, who battle international drug smugglers. While his character, Det. Mike Lowery, is supposedly a ladies' man, Smith never gets to an actual lip lock with the female lead, played by Tea Leoni. The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) As a mysterious and mystical caddy Smith's Bagger Vance helps Matt Damon's character get his game and his grove back. Maybe this was an attempt to cash in on the then burgeoning Tiger Woods phenomenon. But we still don't get it. Enemy of the State (1998) In this metaphor about state control and the dangers of technology re surveillance, Smith teams with Gene Hackman to combat a rogue government agency run amuck. Hitch (2005) This was Smith's first real shot at a romantic comedy. Only thing was, his romance took a backseat to that of Kevin James' ('The King of Queens'). Nevertheless, Smith's natural charm, likability and gift for physical comedy, made the film worth watching. Independence Day (1996) The Fresh Prince saves the universe! Well maybe not that television scoundrel, but Smith as Captain Steven Hiller does. First in a series of summer blockbusters that would cement Smith's rep as box-office platinum. Men In Black (1997) Big Willie again saves the universe! This time he has Tommy Lee Jones to mentor him. Funny and irreverent, MIB was the perfect follow-up vehicle to showcase even more of Smith's talents. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Smith in a dramatic piece, tinged with humor, finds him playing an aspirational character based on the real life experiences of Chris Gardner. The core of the film is Smith/Gardiner's relationship with his son (played here by Smith's own son, Jaden), who has a front row seat to his fathers attempts to make a better life for the duo. Shark Tale (2004) Voicing animated characters is all the rage, and this was Smith foray. He lends his voice to Oscar, a big-talking fish, who becomes friendly with a vegetarian Shark (Lenny, voiced by Jack Black) and takes credit for killing said shark in an elaborate scheme. Six Degrees of Separation (1993) The film, based on a play of the same name by John Guare, finds Smith playing a young con man pretending to be the Harvard-schooled son of Sidney Poitier. A mild success, the film is best remember for the same sex kiss that Smith wanted no part of. Wild Wild West (1999) Big-budget, big-screen, high star-wattage film based on the television series of the same name. Sad to say, Smith didn't let anyone forget about Robert Conrad, who originated the role on TV, as Captain James West.

NAS + KELIS- Not Going Back Hip-Hop Is Dead (2006) Yo, Nas finally came correct!! I could get used 2 stuff like this. Looks like he's growing up.

Man, i thought i replied 2 this post a few days ago...but i don't see it...so let me drop some newz. "The Building" is the 1st single. Kel feels really good about it and as of right now, that's what he's going with. The track is popping up on a handful of mixtapes 2. Kel has found a promising label deal here in Maryland and he's actually moving down here 2 test the waters. He's talked about doing a show here and there...so since he's in my backyard, i'm totally gonna be there. I can't wait 2 see how all this is gonna come 2gether. It's been a long tyme comin.'

LIONEL RICHIE - Reason To Believe Coming Home (2006) Holy Crap!!...this is one of the best albums of all time!! If u are 20 years old or older and claim 2 a fan of R-N-B...get this album or go kill yourself!! U'll thank me later.

NAS - Still Dreaming Hip-Hop Is Dead (2006) Joe asked me if i peeped Nas' album yet. I said no since i usually i think his stuff is average. I waz gonna peep after the holidays, but heard this song and it made me check the whole album.

I've said stuff like this on this board for years...some people roll their eyes when i do. Maybe it'll sink in since it's not me saying it.

Nice...i can't wait 2 track that down. I really wish he'd put out a CD version of the EP tho.'

ALVIN + THE CHIPMUNKS - I'm Too Sexy Club Chipmunk: The Dance Mixes (1996) There's always room 4 The Chipmunks in your music library.

Just clearing up speculation that FP doesn't write much anymore. Like bigted mentioned, in a 1997 Source article, FP talked about how as he waz writing for Big Willie Style, he worked with Nas. FP would drop some lryics and Nas would step in "how about u say this part like this..." That kinda thing. FP said it waz a way to keep a stable confiedence that he can do his thing and have a new school ear give feedback on it. Then in 2000, Kel mentioned in an XXL interview that he doesn't write songs for FP, but that it's a process of tossing ideas and lyrics back and forth. Kel went after him...not the other way around. I also have an article from 1992 (a younger-audience based magazine) where JJ+FP talk about writing lyrics. Jazzy says that he handles the music, FP handles the lyrics...but FP adds on that some songs were written while him and friends were just hanging out. I actually liked reading that, becuz when i used 2 write, some of my funniest songs were written that way. Just me and a friend or 2 spitting lyrics back and forth. Back 2 that 1997 interview, FP said that even while he waz "retired" he waz always writing. Becuz he is a legend, regularly proves what he can do, it doesn't bother me that he collaborates when writing some songs. But for the newer and not-established artists, it's hard 2 believe they can really hold things down on their own.

I didn't cry...but there were a few emotionally brutal scenes. The bathroom scene for the most part...and the end. Alot of people in the theater were crying, even my friend sitting next 2 me.

FP's performance is awesome. Without getting in2 it 2 much...every move he makes is real and honest. Every line, every expression. The movie over all is beautifully shot and lines are perfect. This isn't my kinda movie...but i love it. 10 all across the board. Someone get this man an Oscar.

Nah...they'd suck. :wiggle:

MADONNA - Jump (Jacques Lu Cont Mix) Jump CD Single / Confessions On A Dance Floor (2006)

K-CI - My Book My Book (2006) ...just ended...coming on... BEYONCE - Ring The Alarm (Karmatronic Remix) Ring The Alarm CD Single / B'Day (2006)

Fresh Prince + LL Cool J Fresh Prince + Heavy D Fresh Prince + Common Sense DJ Jazzy Jeff + Musiq Soulchild LL Cool J + Kool Moe Dee LL Cool J + Pete Rock MC Lyte + Kel Spencer Chuck D + 2Pac Skee-Lo + Twista (not the biggest Twista fan...but they have a similar voice and a crazy fast flow) Das EFX + Bone Thugs -N- Harmony TLC + IMX Mary J. Blige + Montell Jordan Boyz II Men + En Vogue Jon B. + Beyonce ...just some random mash up's that came 2 mind

Hmmm....well, i think Ludacris' current song with Mary J. Blige is dope. I actually liked he's 1st read break on Timbaland's solo album...so there is a song here and there that he's done that i like. But over all, i don't feel him. His flow usually annoys me (less is more...his simpler flow is much better than his usual flow). Alot of his lyrics don't mean anything either. He just writes random bars that don't make much sense or contain any solid subject matter. He makes most of his bar connect with the word "and" so it appears that they actually work 2gether. Looking at his career, it looks like over the years, he'll turn out much better than where he's been out (cuz when i listened 2 his new album, there waz 2 or 3 trax i thought were okay). I wouldn't rank him in the top 100. Eminem used 2 have crazy skilly. The Slim Shady LP is amazing. The lyrics are just complex, crazy, funny, edgy. And even tho' The Marshal Mathers LP seemed a lil' less focused, i still liked more than half of that album. Eminem waz truely talented back then. Shortly after tho', his music went 2 hell. His other albums SUCK. He got sucked up in2 gimmicks and uninspired commercial rap. He lost alot of respect from alot of Hip-Hop fans. When u look at his fanbase, they are pretty much all white high school kids who never stepped foot in the hood. Most of his music since 2000 has sucked...but he's had a few good songs here and there. Since i used 2 be a big fan of his, i peeped The Re-Up outta curiosity and i gotta say that a few of the songs aren't bad. They aren't anywhere near The Slim Shady LP, but 2 or 3 trax are actually pretty good. The artists he surrounds himself with are trash tho.' If Eminem keeps doing what he has been doing, i wouldn't rank him either. However, when u are talking about Eminem who put out The Slim Shady LP, i'd rank him at a respectable 100ish thru' 80ish. Let's not overlook the hurdreds of emcees who actually deserve a very high ranking.

MARY J. BLIGE + JOHN LEGEND - King & Queen Reflections (A Retrospective) (2006)

DRU HILL - This Christmas Plugged Into Christmas: Volume 1 (1996/2006)

I do think he's one of the best and i always have. In fact, i think it's rediculous that some don't see him in the top 10. Everyone has different tastes, opinions, and ties 2 Hip-Hop...but the reality is, is that some emcees clearly are good and some clearly are bad. Fresh Prince is the truth. He's one of the greatest storytellers...he's hilarious. He can hit u with with rhymes AND creative writing. He can write stuff the masses with feel and stuff that the die hard fan will identify with personally...like it waz written just 4 them. He's down 2 earth and he's real. He's not pretending 2 be something he's not like so many others. He's kept his rhymes clean and his style true even though it's turned in2 the unpopular thing 2 do. It would be so eazy 2 give up and quit...or surrender 2 the trends and become a useless recording artist. But one man stood up, and that man's he, 2 show u what it takes 2 be a real emcee (ha ha...forgive me). Be real, FP's kept his game tight. His lyrics and flow are timeless. They have stayed sharp over the years. He doesn't rely on overly done slang, cussing and tasteless lyrics, and his voice is crisp on the mic. I mean, think about it, how many emcees or rappers have a voice that has never been annoying (Ja, Jay, 50, Em, etc). On top of that, FP usually has top quality beats. And after all of that music stuff, he's a super cool, intellegent, humble, spiritual, family man. If u really think about it...alot of his biggest fans are even underrating him. FP truely is one of Hip-Hop's top finest...period.

U don't have 2 have a good voice...but u have 2 have good lyrics, smart lines, talent 2 rock the beat, rock the crowd, etc. Not all those guys u mentioned can do that. 2 me, it's just like singing. Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey have the most amazing voices. T-Boz has a raspy voice, but people love her vibe cuz of her style is real...and she can do the 'pretty voice' style when needed. Mary J. Blige has an amazing voice with cracks here and there. That's cuz her spirit, her lyrics, etc are all honest and fit her vocal style. Macy Gray doesn't even really have a singing voice...ha ha. But her style is successful becuz she is a songwriter and producer who sings as an artist and a vocal talent. So when it comes 2 talent, real music fans want artistry. So if u are lacking in one area, it's not always a bad thing (sometimes it is). But when u have a lacking voice and no other real talent 2 make up for it....it's just bad.

Yeah, u can carbon copy something over and over again...and eventually, there's nothing left from the original...and the carbon copy is uninteresting and blank...that's what happened with mainstream Hip-Hop and commerical rap. It all started with talented artists who made good music. Over the years, there's is pretty much nothing less. Turn on the radio...there's nothing 2 the music and nothing 2 the "artist."

It's funny that Lil' Wayne and Young Jeezy are acting so confident...cuz they are amoungst the worst. Hip-Hop and Rap may have alot of confidence...but when u are that lacking in talent, i don't understand how u can make statements like that. Most of these new guys are garbage...heck, at this point, most of the established people are garbage. Listen 2 commerical rap radio stations...the sounds from those stations are the flat line sound of quality music getting acknowledged commerically.

Nice...thanx 4 posting. I really can't wait 2 see this movie. It's good 2 see the trailor getting played alot now 2.

I have that issue...so i already read it...ha ha. I'm glad 2 see the new album is slated 2 drop in the US. I'm probably still getting the Japan release cuz i can't wait...and it has 2 bonus trax. I'm sure the packaging (and maybe even the tracklisting) will be different.