JumpinJack AJ

I actually followed Jay-Z a good bit in the beginning when he had guest spots on lots of people's music. Reasonable Doubt will always be the album i like the most. By 1999 i waz pretty much annoyed with him. There's a single here and there that i liked (Sunshine, The City Is Mine, Money Ain't A Thang, Girls, Girls, Girls), but i didn't actually start giving him much of a listen again until The Kingdom. The stuff i heard from his latest album didn't interest me at all.

Keep in mind that this album came out at a time when Public Enemy had listeners really getting in2 the political side of Hip-Hop with that agressive sound. On the West Coast, hardcore Hip-Hop from N.W.A. waz getting attention. On the mainstream side, MC Hammer was taking Hip-Hop to new levels were people who would never know ANYTHING about Hip-Hop were getting their 101 from his huge hits. JJ+FP was kinda out of place of what was "new." They were experementing with live instruments and a slightly newer sound, but the formula wasn't totally fresh compared 2 their previous music. Lyrically, FP is on point and sharper than ever...Jazzy waz inovating a new sound and a new way 2 create Hip-Hop music. The fact that the album didn't do so well is strictly due 2 the growth Hip-Hop waz going thru.' The album still had plenty of attention. The sales just weren't as big. 1989 was around the time where a few Hip-Hop pioneers really suffered artistically or in terms of success. JJ+FP waz able 2 beat that with help of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and then Homebase. I don't think anyone on this board overlooks the album. It's just that we've talked about so many albums, songs, and topics so many times that the posts about them aren't really that fresh. With a few new board members, it'll open those old topics back up and they can be talked about again.

I have no idea why i am posting this. I waz reading that Tribe article again and came across this article. I think Khia is one untalented crap pile of an artist. She represents everything that is wrong with commercial rap. She thinks she's coming off as this really smart business person or something, yet only comes off as one of the biggest idiots 2 be proud of how stupid she is. And they way she disses MC Serch and Yo Yo makes it even worse. I don't know which i should warn u of 1st...her language or her ignorance. ---------------------- Miss Rap Supreme Castaways: Khia April 22nd, 2008 | Author: Quinton Hatfield« Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | Next » View All Pages After watching the new reality show with episode two of Vh1’s Miss Rap Supreme Monday night, Khia, may've contradicted her reason for appearing to begin with in "demanding respect." The self-proclaimed "Queen of The South" was booted by MC Serch for using an album verse when asked for original collaboration. The lyrics were all too similar to the song “Respect Me” from her 2006 album Gangstress - and Serch must be a die-hard Khia fan, album cuts and all. Surprisingly, Khia's reaction to the bad news was tolerable on TV, but a swarm of media blitzing now shows her gangstress side. The truth is, Khia's been competing all her career. Propelled by 2002's "My Neck, My Back," Khia moved over 800,000 units independently to start her mainstream career, but sustained her name with a vicious, catty beef with Trina. With that approach, and without another mainstream single, Khia has stayed relevant by linking up with Gucci Mane's former management, and doing a similar thing to him - claiming she's too trill for all of us to ever really understand. Explaining her attitude after Vh1, how Lil Wayne is her baby, and what makes up the style, do you understand Khia? HipHopDX: On the reality show you were recently a part of, Miss Rap Supreme, the explosion between you and rival Mz. Cherry was pretty intense. She definitely struck a nerve with you when she called you a one-hit-wonder. But as the most experienced rapper in the house, why didn’t you just brush it off your shoulder and take the high road? Khia: "Struck a nerve" definitely was not it. I’m from the same streets that she’s from, so I definitely knew that she was tryin’ to put on for the TV. So it was like, "Little girl, accomplish a ‘one hit.' I know you personally so for you to even try me…I’ll slide you under this refrigerator.” So when you know somebody, it’s like c’mon. I know Mz. Cherry personally. So, it’s like, don’t put on for the TV. DX: Why did you cheat on the elimination freestyle? Khia: I cheated during the whole show. That was my plan and my main objective for even going on the show. Everyone seems to not get it, but “You’re My Girl” was already on Thug Misses, “Respect Me” was on Gangstress, my object for going on the show was not to compete with a bunch of amateurs, but to promote my music. That was the whole reason why I went on the show and my mission was accomplished so I bowed out gracefully. It was great. DX: I get that your whole point was to use the show for publicity, but can you at least admit that it would have been better for you if you hadn’t cheated? That way you could stick around longer and gain more exposure, or even win the $100,000? Khia: Yes and no. Because Serch was a hater; he already knew that everyone else’s stuff was pre-written to but because mine was known; it was a conspiracy. They knew I had to go. Because they know I have **** for years and days, I would've never ran out of lines or forgot my words like Mz. Cherry did because my catalogue is out of the roof. I write songs for a living. So just because my song are known, I got eliminated? And because their songs are not, they didn’t? Because Serch knew everybody’s freestyle was pre-written so I felt like it was time for me to go because he was hatin’. DX: How do you know for sure everyone’s freestyle was prewritten? Khia: What do you mean? I lived with them. I was with them everyday. They were all raps that I had already heard…The joke’s on you Serch, if [everyone’s freestyle wasn’t already pre-written] you should've told me [when I was disqualified] “You did “You My Girl,” you did “**** Them Other Hoes,” you did “Hater Walk,” and you did “Respect Me;” you gotta go”. I did pre-written songs through the whole show! So, they knew. They was just hatin’. How can he be a judge when I’m not giving him any respect? DX: Speaking of respect, Don’t you think that just like you demanded respect from the girls in the house who were less experienced than you; that you should show respect to a pioneer like Yo-Yo who paved the way for female emcees like yourself? Khia: Please, Yo-Yo is a joke. She just wanna make everybody look like a fool. Yo-Yo wasn’t there to show any love to the females in Hip Hop. They picked a cast of crackheads, strippers, bull-daggers and a veteran to try to get tension going in the house. What makes for better TV: A whole bunch of lyricists or a whole bunch of jackasses? Yo –Yo didn’t pick girls with talent. Yo-Yo picked girls with issues. That makes better TV. So, no, she don’t get respect [from me]. ..I don’t even wanna be considered a female rapper; I’m an artist. I’m a music composer. I’m in a category all by myself so…I’m not even in a category with all of them DX: The last time we talked you said you were the queen of the south. Now it’s over a year and some time later as we're talking again, so do you feel the same and why? Khia: Yes I feel the same and I’m the queen of the south because I’m the only woman in Hip Hop that’s had a worldwide hit that sticks like grits. What other female artist writes, composes, and produces all three of their albums? None of their albums, none of their songs, if that’s the case. So until their able to do that I’m the queen of the south. I don’t even want to be in that category “female emcees,” because I’m not an emcee, I’m a creative artist that creates music. DX: Alright so how you feel about other people hating that might feel you not the queen of the south? Khia: They can hate, it’s either you with me or against me. Either or that’s what’s up, I love it. DX: To keep it real with me, what does it take to be the queen of the south and how long will you have the title? Khia: You definitely have to have your own business, you have to be the boss of your own enterprise, you have to run your own ship. You have to write, produce, and compose, and distribute your own music. You have to be the boss lady, you can’t work under others, you can’t let others dictate what you put out, how you want to look. You can’t let them come in and select writers for you, select producers for you. You have to produce your own image, your own style, and your own work. You have to love you yourself and if your doing what your supposed to be doing your music will come through your music. I feel like a lot of people are in positions and they ain’t supposed to be there. DX: So you airing it out right now that a lot of these females don’t handle their business and a lot of dudes is handling stuff for them? Khia: I don’t have to keep repeating myself over, we already know how it goes. That’s why I’m not gonna even put myself in the same category as them because they not even on my level, they don’t do what I do. DX: How do you feel about your hardcore lyrics and the image you representing for the women out there, do you feel that’s the case? Khia: Yeah because all my music is real, it’s me. I’m happy that women can relate and support me and my music. All I can is be me, DX: Now you know I was going to ask, but what is the problem with you and Trina? Let it be known and keep it real... Khia: You know Trina is so last year and everybody wants to mix the truth with beef. I don’t respect Trina as an artist, because I don’t feel she’s talented and she’s not on my level. For me to say that about her they mix that with beef in which all I did was told the truth. You don’t write your stuff, you don’t do what I do. She took offense and put a diss record out, not once, she put a lot of diss records out when her album dropped. I thank her for the promotion, I don’t have to be writing diss records I write hits, that’s what it is. I’m not putting no more diss records out, none of that. They mix the truth with beef and they can have fun with that. I make music and that’s what I do. DX: Trina just released the new album Still Da Baddest, when I read your album review you called it Still Da Nastiest, why did you say that? Khia: Because that’s what it is, if you read the review I spoke on everything. I’m done, Trina’s not even on my level so I don’t even have to speak on her anymore. Everybody knows how I feel about Trina. DX: Speaking on her review some people said you were hating. Can you explain to them why your review was not hating, but constructive criticism? Khia: You know you gonna have people that agree and disagree. I thank them all for the promotion, it’s all promotion. It’s entertainment and people need to be entertained. DX: If she wanted to call peace would you? Khia: You know what? Trina is like the whore in your neighborhood nobody likes, the whore at your school nobody likes. Hoes never get respect and it is what it is. It’s no beef, I don’t respect her as a women period and that’s just what it is. She can do her and I’m a do me. I can thank her for the promotion. DX: Aside from that you have a new album coming out called Nasty Musik. So what is so nasty about your music? Khia: Nasty, real, blunt, raw, upfront, in ya face, that’s me. When it’s nasty it’s not just because it’s sexual, it’s nasty because it’s real and it’s for the thugs and thug misses. It’s hot and it’s my best. All my albums are platinum, no matter what the numbers say. It only gets better and it’s a great album. DX: So were going to have more songs like “My Neck, My Back”? Khia: Yes, you know you got that on there, it’s the old Khia. DX: I was reading some on the Internet in which you was talking about Lil Wayne. This is the exact quote from what I read “I’m a be Weezy’s lady and have his baby,” so what’s good with that? Khia: Yes I love Weezy, that’s my baby. He gonna do big things this year. DX: So you look forward to dating Lil Wayne? Khia: That’s my baby. [Laughs] DX: You have the label Big Cat Records in which you're CEO right? Khia: Yeah, me and Big Cat did a joint venture so it’s Thug Misses Entertainment/Big Cat Records. We both been getting this independent money for a minute so were gonna get rich together. DX: You’re a boss lady on the independent level, in which you said a lot of females don’t handle their business and let a lot of males control them. What advice would you give to a lot of female upcoming artist out there? Khia: If music is what you love and that’s what your supposed to be doing being involved and handling your own business is a part of your job description. If you want to rap and you think it’s all about being on TV and playing dress-up like Trina you got the wrong idea, because you don’t make your money like that. You make your money with your publishing, owning your masters, and being in control of your situation. The bottom line is that everything that glitters ain’t gold. "The Diamond Princess" is really the rhinestone princess, you ain’t really getting no money like that. You definitely have to take control of your situation and be a boss bitch. DX: Oh so that’s what Khia is, a “Boss Bitch” huh? Khia: Yes, yes! DX: With you being a women in the music industry what made you come with the idea “Hey I ain’t letting no dudes takeover me”? Khia: You know what [laughs], once I dropped “My Neck, My Back” on my first album I learned early that it just was harder. It was just harder for me to get on BET, get on MTV, get on the radio. You know a lot of them was about payola, a lot of people don’t see what goes on underneath the surface. I seen all of the politics, all of the snakes early on and was like, “You know what I got to take it from the streets and direct from fan to artist.” From me to them, I got to put it under their heads, because other than that me being the queen, me having my dreads, me being beautiful and me loving my blackness. A lot of people want you to have the weave down your back, blonde hair and blue eyes, and getting injections in your cheek bones and ass. That’s what they considered beautiful so seeing me coming through the door they didn’t consider me beautiful, but I considered myself beautiful so it was time for me to take it through the streets. My fans in the streets embraced, welcomed me, and supported me. For me to be myself I had to do it myself and a lot of people sell they soul. Don’t go that route, so for me, I’m glad that I didn’t. DX: How you feel about the media when they say Hip Hop degrades women being a female artist yourself? Khia: You know what it’s so many things that the media say it’s like come on. You have people that write movies, killer movies, scary movies, nobody don’t say, “They this and they that,” so it’s like whatever. DX: Back to “My Neck, My Back” people would like to know you still freaky like that? Khia: The song was freaky to you? The song for me was niggas be hollering [to] suck they dick, so for me it was like, "**** what you got, I got my own money, I ride my own Benz, so lick my ass, nigga. I didn’t feel like it was freaky I feel like it was **** what you got, I love myself, I got myself, now please me, it’s not always about pleasing you. It wasn’t freaky it was just love me, it’s not all about you." DX: Oh so it goes back to what you were saying “Snatch the cat back” or something like that. Khia: Yeah, see it’s a different for thug misses. I’m not gonna say, "I’ma **** you and your homeboy over there tryin' to **** me in my ass and I’m rob you and set you up." I’ma say, "**** what you got, respect me because I hustle like you do. I’ma help you, we gonna help each other." Thug misses is a difference and my fan-base were like family so they know what it is. It’s either you’re a fan or your not.

I read this article the other day. I just figured i'd bring it over here 4 those who didn't wanna check the link. It just feels good 2 know they are doing their thing. I think i'm gonna have 2 make an ATCQ mixtape right now. ---------------------------------- A Tribe Called Quest: For Whom The Bells Toll May 8th, 2008 | Author: Andres Tardio« Prev | 1 | 2 | Next » View All Pages For many, A Tribe Called Quest embodies what Hip Hop is about. The crew came forward with a unique style, a movement with the Native Tongues, a message and a rhythm that the mainstream could not ignore. The collective has dropped classic or near classic albums, hits and their influence is still seen today through emcees and producers that grew up listening to The Tribe. With accolades upon accolades, they have been celebrated and hated. Now, they will be watched even more. For the collective, this is an opportunity to showcase their legacy and their skills in front of old fans, new fans and kids who have never heard an ATCQ album. They are headlining this year’s Rock the Bells as the tour heads out on its first global summer excursion, amplifying its own impact across the world. The Tribe, who will be joined on the bill by The Pharcyde, De La Soul and Nas, took some time to speak with us about the reunion, their latest solo projects, their legacy and the possibilities of a new group album. HipHopDX: It’s been awhile. What made you all decide, “We gotta get together again”? Ali: Honestly, I think any time that, looking at our history, our career or how long it’s been that we’ve been in the music business, how long it’s been that we haven’t been in…When you receive an invitation, you gotta look at where you are like, “Who am I to deny this?” It’s a blessing. Especially when it’s called Rock the Bells which in and of itself means a lot just as a quote. Then, looking at what these guys, Guerrilla Union are bringing with all the acts [click to read], how can we not be a part of this? DX: You talk about the name Rock the Bells. You hear the history with Rage Against the Machine, Public Enemy and then now, with you guys…How does it add fire or pressure up under you to perform even better? Phife: Wow! I wouldn’t say it adds pressure at all. But, we need to hit the gym. That’s it. [Laughs] Ali: It just reminds me of some of our early shows when we used to wear hooded robes. At that point in time, no one was doing what we was doing. I can't speak for these guys, but for me, it was a lot of nerves but it took a lot of balls to step out and do that and have confidence in what we knew we had. We always maintained that. Be it 1989 or be it 2009, I think that's our spirit. We love what we do and we want to make sure that the people out there know what it's about. It’s always been the same for us. DX: We’ll talk about 2009. Obviously, there’s the tendency to say, ‘Let’s look into the future.’ Currently, I know everyone just wants to kick back and enjoy the moment. But, looking into the future, there has to be some speculation, even inside of your minds, that there will be an album. Phife: We gotta take it day by day. Jarobi: But, there’s definitely speculation. We're not gonna sit here and say we're not thinking about it. Of course we're thinking about it! But everything has to be lined up in the proper way at the proper time. We can’t have A-to-Z and then a Y missing. DX: Is there anything you see missing, that you can see being fixed for it to happen? Ali: It's not anything tangible that we could physically pin point and say, "This is the element [missing for us to record another album]." It's a combination of a lot of different things. Q-Tip [click to read] is working on his solo album right now. He's been working on it for a minute. He's had several obstacles he's had to deal with with regards to the industry. That's what everyone is dealing with. It doesn’t matter if you’re the big star or the little star. So, he wants to see that happen and we want to make sure that it happens. Same with me and working on my album. We 'bout to start Phife on his. So, there’s a whole lotta other elements of life that exist as we try to co-exist with this mantra of A Tribe Called Quest that we put out there. DX: The Tribe is legendary. It’s iconic for some. But, now we have kids who have never heard it. They are now going to hear it without a doubt. You’re bringing a new generation to the fold. How does that feel? Phife: Fantastic! It makes me feel old, but it’s gonna be great because we toured in ’06. We had young kids then coming to our shows knowing every song word for word. Can’t forget, they have older brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles who grew up on us. They’re probably still wondering why "We Left Our Wallet in El Segundo," but they know everything else about us. So, now the kids know word for word, coming to our shows. That ain’t nothin’ but a blessing. Jarobi: The word I keep throwing out is "humbling." It puts your life in perspective. For me, to still be…I guess important after all these years is crazy! We didn’t start with any idea… Phife: We don’t really know how to be superstars, man. We was just doing what we loved to do, man. For people to walk up on us…I can’t do nothin’ but humbly accept it. Ali: As far as the element of kids who weren’t even born when we were doing our thing and now being old enough to get into concerts. For me, it’s proof. It’s proof that when you maintain a high level of integrity and care and love for the culture and for one another, it works. For all the people that made cracks on us like “Look at those funny kids making that funny music.” Twenty years later, it’s proof. Phife: I got three words: "Wow. Word? Damn!" DX: You got cats on the bill that love you guys or grew up on you guys. My question is, who do you see that makes you say, “Damn, I want to work with them. I respect them. That guys amazing.” Just talking about the up and comers. Ali: I like Murs because I think Murs is carrying the same kind of torch. He comes from the same roof we came from musically, just trying to make sure he puts something positive in it when you walk away from it. It makes you think. It’s not in a preachy way. Jay Electronica, the same way! He brings forward a spirit. He has crazy cadence, first of all. It’s ridiculous. His lyrics is the same thing. It makes me take a look at my life in comparison to what I see and how it should be. They kick it, not only how it’s supposed to be but also how it should be. You might not see it on a mainstream level but it exists. I’m happy to be on the same bill as those guys. They inspire me to go back in the studio. DX: So, it’s safe to say you’ll be peeking out of the curtains? Phife: Psh! Yeah! Out the curtain? I’ll be right there on the side! [Laughs]

RICH CRONIN - Impossible Billion Dollar Sound (2008)

I've been on an MC Hammer trip the past week. I know there are a handful of other Hammer fans here i figured i'd share this. For those that don't know, MC Hammer was working with Deathrow in 1996 after he got off Giant Records. He was good friends with 2Pac and Suge so he went 2 Deathrow 2 pick up the unpromoted pieces of his previous album (my favorite "V: Inside Out"). I never knew any of the songs from the album, titled "Too Tight" got leaked...but they did. And here is the trax i've found on YouTube. 2Pac and Big Daddy Kane are on the 1st track i listed. 2Pac wrote "Unconditional Love" (one of my favorite 2Pac songs) with MC Hammer in mind and Hammer actually recorded it himself, tweeking a few of the lyrics. The last link has 2Pac in the studio during one of the sessions for the album. For those that care, enjoy. Too Late, Playa w/ 2Pac + Big Daddy Kane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEsZjaMG7kk Free Intro (Interlude) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPYvfzVembw Unconditional Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeLXkCEMz7s Get Up http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DyNhpsjQhw Playa Hater of The Week (Interlude) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwbNayuifAA Everybody Party Down http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7bJp8UUsag 2PAC Studio Session for MC Hammer's “Too Tight” album http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoNgRZUdm2M

I didn't peep the track yet. Back in the late 90's Nas started 2 slip. In fact, i didn't really get back in2 him until Hip-Hop Is Dead. I can't say i've listened 2 that album in awhile, but i did like it alot. I still think the title of the album is stupid and annoying and if he's taking steps backwards, i can't say that i'm that surprised. I'll still give it an honest listen when it drops. I just hope he isn't gonna turn me off again like he did from the late 90's thru' the mid 2000's.

Even tho' i don't like Game, i watched this. He talks nice and has a good attitude in this...but i'll form a fresh opinion about him when i hear the music and let it speak for itself.

Allow me 2 randomly reply as well...the original version of "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble" is in the episode where Will and Carlton are chasing down a honey in the mall. I haven't read the first 4 pages of this post since they were new...excuse me if that waz already in there.

I like all the versions of "Brand New Funk" equally. The album version is classic...the live version is equally as classic...and the Extended Remix is the classic...just longer. The new version is pretty blah. It's got a classic beat with a less than classic emcee on it. Jeff's scratching is a plus but the song leaves me scratching my head. The idea of re-making a classic is risky enough, but when it's clearly not that good, why bother letting people hear it. Bottom line, it should have never been done without the 'Prince.

U forgetting an album? What about all the losers who ditched him on Born To Reign??

Why downgrade it tho'? Like Brakes said...

Yeah...classic Cube track.

It sucks. Peedi just isn't good. His voice is annoying. I've never heard any lyrics from him that impressed me. This is the weakest track Jeff has ever done. I don't know why he'd want 2 bastardize his own classic. The song should have never been done unless FP waz on it...probably the only one on it.

That waz awesome!! Ha ha...i loved it. Those kids got much more skill than any rapper i heard on Top 40 radio.

JILL SCOTT - Golden (Live) Live In Paris (2008)

I just got this album. It's only $7.99 this week at Best Buy. However, i just peeped the album online b4 opening it and i'm not feeling it 2 much. I like the experimental vibe 2 it, but i expected the straight Hip-Hop from the albums i own. I'm gonna listen 2 it online a few more times before i deside 2 open it or take it back.

Not the kinda video every other couple has out...ha ha. He directed "Touch My Body" after being slated 2 be in it. I waz impressed cuz it looks like someone who's been directing videos for years did it. I won't diss them as a couple tho.' Mariah is a down 2 earth free spirit who comes off much younger than she is. Nick Cannon actually has a smart business mind and is much more mature then how he put himself out there on Wildin' Out. Not all of his public relationships have gone smooth, but him and Mariah seem like they really want 2 be settled down. Yes, it is a bit weird, but i'm not gonna count them out like everyone else is. I mean, we know NOTHING about them personally. Why do u think Janet is with Jermaine Dupri. Cuz he's a down 2 earth guy who is a good person who can make her feel good compared 2 all of the idiot guys who drool over her and have complexes that they are with a superstar. When u are loved for u, it's more real than anyone is gonna realize.

Thanx! Great song (minus the random "ey"s) and a nice video.

When u worship stupid things, stupid things will happen 2 u.

HaPPy hAppY B-Day!!

DJ JAZZY JEFF + J-LIVE - Practice The Return of The Magnificent (2007)

Thanx everybody. It's my day off work...listening 2 The Return of The Magnificent and i'm looking forward 2 washing the car, getting out and enjoying this weather, then meeting up with friends. Thanx again everyone. And i apoligize 2 everyone for not dropping "Happy B-Day" replies in their birthday posts. I always read them but the craziness of life always has me saying "i'll reply later when i have more time...and i don't. So forgive me and know that i'm sending out B-day love each time i see them posted.

It is ONLY available on the 12" single from 1987. It waz never released on CD or on any album. U can usually find one on ebay every month or so. I remember bidding a good bit for mine but since then many of them have gone for cheaper. It just depends on how many JJ+FP/Hip-Hop fans are looking for it at the moment.

Wow, that sucks. 48 seconds of my life that i'll never get back.