JumpinJack AJ

Alot of times with situations like this...if u have 2 bend over backwards 2 much, u just need 2 let it go. Seems like u'd be trying 2 hard. Instead of forcing things...let things fall into (or not fall into) place.

BRIAN MCKNIGHT - Holdin' On (Missin' You) Ten (2006) This album is dope. Definitly for the mature R-N-B fan. B. McKnight is back!!

This news saddens me. It seems like so many people i know are facing adversity. I myself and probably stressing more than i ever have in life. I have 2 fuel up my soul every day with the right music and reading the right books just 2 keep pressing on. My prayers go out 2 her Ted.

I don't think he came across 2 bitter. I mean, that's his story and having one of your best friends move one without u has gotta sting. At the same time, as a man of God, it's way past time 2 move on. I wish the best 4 him and really wish he'd do something musically in a big way. I've talked 2 him quite a few times (he's even signed my "He's The DJ..." insert and sent it back 2 me and left me a voice mail on my cell. He's good people, he's just stuck in the shadow of the early JJ+FP years.

Cray-Zee!! MJB is probably the only artist there who deserved that kinda recognition. They had 2 group Hip-Hop/R-N-B 2gether simply becuz most of the rappers nominated didn't have any talent. It would be just wrong 2 give someone like Young Joc an award even tho' u hear his awful songs on the radio non-stop. MJB has the whole package...the voice, the activism, the talent, the songwriting, the class, the struggle, ...the total package.

I think this post is a stupid excuse 4 stupid people 2 say stupid things that they would otherwise be criticized for but freely say it becuz they won't be held accountable for saying something negative, ignorant, and/or stupid.

Chamillionaire is one of the few emcees who has gotten commerical success that deserves it. When comparing him 2 his peers, he's far ahead of the compitition. I only hear 2 of his singles, but i liked them and planned on getting his album sometime. When i look at this tracklisting...it looks like garbage. After i pick up the 1st one...i wouldn't pick this one up with out hearing it thru' 1st. Way 2 many guest spots...and most of the guest artists have little to no talent.

JJ+FP - Just Kickin' It Code Red (1993)

Forgive me for the very generalizing reply...but...It's time AIDS be brought 2 the forefront again. In the early 90's there were songs, TV specials, music, and many foundations based on the finding a cure and helping AIDS victims . By the time the mid-90's hit, it waz quickly disappearing. These days, it's rarely brought up at all. The world needs 2 be aware of this disease and the people suffering from it. Things need to change. At the same time, people need 2 be accountable for their actions. We know how 2 get it...so why is it spreading the way it is?!?

This post is kinda inspired by some of Bigted's recent posts... For people who love real music, u probably identify with the lyrics and what the artist is saying...reguardless of the artist, music genre, or it's airplay. When u find the right song, u find the perfect outlet to help organize your thoughts or clear your head. Well, about 3 years ago, i waz going thru' a really rough time and created a mixtape 2 help me clear my head and get my thoughts right. I actually organized it 2 help me go from a hopeless kind of attitude 2 a place of peace and patience. I just wanted 2 share this tracklisting for those who might identify with music in a similar way i do. I'm including the albums u can find the trax on for those who are interested in tracking them down...again, this is off the top of my head, but i think my memory is good. THE RAIN - MiXtAPe 1. DMX - Sometimes (Intro) (The Great Depression 2001) 2. 2PAC - F*** The World (Me Against The World 1995) 3. LL COOL J - Can't Think (The G.O.A.T. 2000) 4. BLACK EYED PEAS - Anxiety (Elephunk 2003) 5. SNOW - That's My Life (Two Hands Clapping 2002) 6. 2PAC - So Many Tears (Me Against The World 1995) 7. DMX - Slippin' (Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood 1998) 8. GANG STARR + SNOOP DOGG - In This Life... (The Ownerz 2003) 9. A TRIBE CALLED QUEST - Stressed Out (Phife Dog Version) (Beats, Rhymes, + Life...remix on CD Single 1996) 10. DE LA SOUL - Trying People (AOI: Bionix 2002) 11. BIZZY BONE - Nobody Can Stop Me (Heaven's Movie 1998) 12. MC HAMMER - Where Will I Go (Active Duty 2001) 13. HEAVY D - Dancin' In The Night (Heavy 1999) 14. 2PAC - Me Against The World (Me Against The World 1995) 15. JJ+FP - The Rain (Willennium 1999) 16. GANG STARR - Moment of Truth (Moment of Truth 1998) 17. MC HAMMER - Keep On (V: Inside Out 1995) 19. SPEECH - Movin' On (Hoopla 1998) EDIT By Big Ted: Now I think we should use this post to talk about what songs we specifically like, I was thinking about using that in the Prayer and Support Circle but I figure it'd probably make more sense to put here, really we could talk about songs we really feel that got us through tough times, I'm gonna make a post now talking about that now, just post about a song that got you through a tough experience if you want to

The Cast of RENT - Seasons of Love (L.E.X. Theatrical Club Mix) Seasons of Love CD Single (2005)

Ted, i'm feeling u...just in different ways. Life just seems hard. I normally don't let things stress me, and while i won't get in2 those things...i am stressed right now. And alot of little things are not going my way. I know that 4 me personally, i just gotta maintain for about 3 weeks or so. It has nothing 2 do with the new year, but it looks like 2007 is gonna be a year of restoration 4 me. Alot of big things are gonna happen (along with alot of hard work). Until the new year comes, i just gotta hold out so that i can start off on a good foot. Even in these times when i feel stressed and in over my head, i look at this world and realized that i am blessed and better off than alot of people. I don't know if any of that applies 2 u, but if it does, there's my take on things during those darker times. I figure that if i'm dealing with hard times, i can choose 2 complain and be down...or keep my head up and fight thru' them and ultimatly keep myself positive. Instead of looking at how big your problems are...look at how big your God is. On a random note, one of my co-workers has a baby cousin who passed away this evening. I don't have any details, but i'm sure the family could use some "knee mail."

Yeah, by bidding at the end with your maximum amount, it'll allow less time for people 2 outbid u...and make it so that u personally don't blow your budget simply cuz u have more time 2 bid...ha ha. There were times when i'd start bidding at the last minute with my highest bid...and then freak when i wazn't the highest bidder...so i'd keep going higher in hopes of winning it even tho' it waz outta my budget...ha ha.

Flavor Flav needs 2 stay in the spot light...but not with more of these silly reality shows. Unless it's music based, he needs 2 give TV a break.

PUFFY + KEYSHIA COLE - Last Night Press Play (2006) Bigted, u are right. I found used copy of Puffy's new album really really cheap. I got it just cuz of Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Aguilera, Timbaland, Avant, Mario Winans, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige, and Jamie Foxx's guest spots. However, there are a few creative songs here. Puffy will never be a real emcee or even a good rapper 4 that matter...but at least he's not trying 2 be hard and just doing something creative and down 2 earth. If this is actually his last album, he did things about as good as he's capable of.

Yeah, FP has been open about being a non-swimming since '96 or '97.

DJ Jazzy Jeff...i've seen him do his things twice. I've seen Biz Markie do his thing 2. When it comes 2 seeing DJ's on TV, Grandmaster Flash, Jam Master Jay, Pete Rock, Kid Rock, Kid Capri, and DJ Nabs come 2 mind.

Nah, it's all hypocrictical 2 me. Over the years, he's been saying things in interviews and in music about bettering himself...yet he still goes back 2 do stupid things. It's his life...but as a fan, i'm sick of defending him.

Yeah, i made a JE 'greatest hits' CD about a year ago...and it's alot better than this release...ha ha. I didn't know 2Pac's "Soon As I Get Home" waz just mastered and not doctored. It just goes 2 show since it's one of my favs on the album. Thanx 4 that.

It means there may be no more 112 without him.

Scientology isn't even really a religion...it's like a cult. It's definitly one of the stupidest things 2 catch on in recent years.

There's lots of albums that have come out in the past few months...especially recently with the holidays approaching. So post your reviews here incase it'll help someone deside what 2 check out and what not 2. 2PAC - PAC'S LIFE (6/10) This heavily doctored disc marks the 10's anniversary of his death. UNTOUCHABLE (SWIZZ BEATZ REMIX) has Bone giving an average appearnce on the track. It's cool that someone who worked with him while he waz alive got on the album...but Swizz's beat sucks. It sounds like a beat DMX rejected. "PAC'S LIFE" is a really stupid song. T.I. brings a crappy verse 2 the song and Ashanti sings the stupidest hook yet on a doctored 2Pac track..."Pac's life...everybody talk about 'Pac's life..." puh-leez. I think Ashanti is okay, but she sounds like an amature on this song. The beat has a crappy 80's synth sound 2 it. Just garbage. 2Pac handles his of course. "DUMPIN'"...ahhh...this one is good. Most die hard 2Pac fans will probably agree with me that this song is dope. The hook, the beat...it just dose him justice. Carl Thomas's non-stoplight-stealing appearance is just right and Outlaw Hussein Fatal adds authenticity 2 the track and new school hopefully Papoose adds a good verse. "PLAYA CARDS RIGHT (FEMALE)" is another dope one. The beat is true 2 something 2Pac would have flowed over. And while Keyshia Cole wasn't recording in the 90's...her and 2Pac were cool...her history with him gives her a well-earned spot on the track...and she makes the most of it. Dope song. "WHAT'S NEXT" has an awful beat. Just awful. 2Pac fans will skip over this one quick unless they are clining on 2 his lyrics. "SLEEP" has an okay beat...but not what 2Pac would settle for. Young Buck makes a second attmpt 2 ruin 2Pac's music on this on...and out-of-place but promising talent Chamillionaire pops up on this one. "INTERNATIONAL" has a beat so bad, u don't even wanna wait for the lyrics. "DON'T SLEEP" provides a much better beat, but still not on the level 2Pac would have settled for. A few of 2Pac's homies are on this track...but so does Lil Scrappy (Why God?...WHY!?!?). "SOON AS I GET HOME" has a pretty good beat and 2Pac's vocals sound at home over the track. They got a pretty good one here. "PLAYA CARDS RIGHT (MALE)" is another good one. Like the earlier version, the beat is good. Ludacris makes one of his stand out appearances on this track. The R-N-B hook is nice 2. "DON'T STOP" has 2Pac stirring up some controversy lyrically...but the beat is subpar. Lots of 2Pac's roaddogs are on this joint tho'...keeping things in the family. "PAC'S LIFE (REMIX)" is a crappy revist of the earlier version. Snoop Dogg adds flava 2 it...but again, the beat and the hook sucks. "UNTOUCHABLE" is much better than the earlier version...but no where nearly as good as the original. The production is more solid...but still not very good. All in all, 2Pac's flow and lyrics are as dope as ever. Of course most of this stuff waz never intended 2 be released so some of it isn't quite on the level as some of his pre-1997 stuff. Alot of the production is not 2Pac's sound and not very good. Most of the guest spots are unnecessary and 2Pac would have never given half of them the time of day 2 make song with. As a long time fan, i'm of course upset, but there are a handful of trax i'll be sure 2 put on a new 2Pac mixtape for the car. My rating of the album is probably 2 favorable...but that's strictly cuz i love what 2Pac writes. SNOOP DOGG - THE BLUE CARPET TREATMENT (7 1/2 / 10) Maybe i didn't listen 2 Snoop's music very carefully, and on some albums, very often, but this is definitly on of his best. The sound is dope. It's just a good mix of Hip-Hop, Funk, and R-N-B. Like most albums, there are stronger tracks and weaker tracks, but over all, the sound of the album is dope. There's lots of quality production on this one. Snoop's definitly found his swagger when it come 2 his flow and lyrics. I'm still impressed with some of the lryics on this one...and this isn't even my favorite style of Hip-Hop music. I wish there wern't so many guest artists tho.' Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, R. Kelly, B-Real, Akon, MC Eiht, Kam, Jamie Foxx, and Stevie Wonder all give good performances tho.' Give this album a listen. GINUWINE - GREATEST HITS (6/10) Looks like someone's contract is running out. While Ginuwine's latest album didn't do big numbers like the ones b4, he's never slipped when it comes 2 bringing quality R-N-B music. This thrown 2gether album (which has no input from Ginuwine) features 13 of his hit singles. However, as a big fan, i'm really unhappy with the collection since it doesn't offer anything new for the fans. A remix or 2 or a b-side would be nice. Besides, it's missing Tell Me Do You Wanna, U R The Only 1, I'll Do Anything, and When Doves Cry. Is the music good...YES. Did Sony do a good job putting this 2gether...they did what they felt would make them money. The reason my rating isn't good is strictly cuz Sony sucks...it has nothing 2 do with Ginuwine. MARY J. BLIGE - MJB & FRIENDS (8 1/2 / 10 This album is only available at Circuit City. The purchase of this CD/DVD goes towards the Boys + Girls Club. It's not actually an album, but a 9 track compilation album featuring songs MJB shared the spotlight for (Tell Me Why would have been a great addition 2 the album). The album covers music made between 1997 thru' now. It's a weird mix since it jumps years and genres, but any MJB fan will like this album (and the DVD). I'm not sure where all these trax came from (except for 3 or 4 of them) but it's cool having them all 2gether. Favorite Flavor w/ LL is on there. Love Changes from Jamie Foxx's album is on there. Her 1997 single w/ Nas is on there as well as appearances from Sting, Robin Thicke, Patti Lavell, Dave Young, Santana, + Elton John. The DVD is loaded with interviews and live performances. AKON - KONVICTED (8 / 10) Akon has always come across as an underdog 2 me who made it. He's got that dancehall/reggae styled R-N-B with subject matter of a Hip-Hop artist. Eminem actually makes an appearance that fun and kinda like his early stuff. "I Wanna Love You" with Snoop is one of the best songs on the radio right now. Akon really does have a good album here. Get past his hit singles and listen 2 his lyrics. He's got alot of good things 2 say. The production is different 2. Not different enough 2 make him an outcast...but definitly different from alot of people who are sucessful right now. Listen 2 this album with an open ear. KIRK FRANKLIN - SONGS FOR THE STORM: VOLUME 1 (7 1/2 / 10) Kirk Franklin has put 2gether a compilation of songs he's done over the past 15 years that deal with pain, struggle and turning that around 2 comfort. Gospel music isn't for everyone...but i love what he's done with this album, it even has a new song called "Look At Me Now." TAMIA - BETWEEN FRIENDS (8/10) Tamia returns on the independent tip. She brings that sweet soul that regular fans will expect and a few uptempo trax. Shep Crawford handles most of the production, but Rodney Jerkins supplies 3 trax for it. This is definitly for the mature R-N-B fan. Another masterpiece. Scoop this up quick and get a bonus DVD. JAGGED EDGE - THE HITS (7/10) Here's another rushed out Sony project. JE has no involvment on this "Hits" disc. It's just an 11 track CD filled with some of their singles. JE is one of the best R-N-B group 2 come out in a long time. So the music is good, it's just that Sony did a poor job with this. It starts off with the cheap looking package and artwork of the album. The real mess up is that singles like The Way That You Walk, Slow Motion, Goodbye, and What's It Like are not on this project. 2 songs off their more recent album that appear on here weren't even singles...at least i didn't know of any videos...meaning they weren't hits if they were. It's just a rushed project. If a CD can hold 80 minutes of music...USE IT.

I heard this on the radio earlier. It's a shame he's still making stupid decisions. Especially with an album this good which shows so much growth. It's time 2 grow up Snoop!

KEL SPENCER - How 'Bout It The Streets Know That (2003)

That's a shame. 112 is crazy talented. However, i prefer 112 during the early years. Once the 2000's came around, the got 2 'sex u up' which is kinda tired 2 me. They have 2 offer than that, but it just seems that their image when that way. Give me a song like "Cupid."