JumpinJack AJ

Yeah, i'm not 2 worried about it. I plan on hearing new music reguardless. He also may be doing this 2 get out of his deal with Interscope. Back in the 90's, a handful of artists just totally stopped recording and touring...or doing ANYTHING. That way their labels would think they broke up or weren't gonna do anything worth releasing which got them out of their contracts. Put yourself in his shoes. There are $1,000 reason 2 not be motivated on the music front. So while he's not motivated, he's gonna say stuff like that. Taking the old interview and then putting it next 2 the newer newz that they are doing the real "Brand New Funk 2K7" shows nothing but hope 4 the hypefan.

Half the time, the shows that just get cancelled like this actually have unaired episodes (just not usually the final one). Which is cool now that shows get released on DVD, cuz the fans actually get 2 watch them now.

TANK - Please Don't Go Sex Love + Pain (2007) I've been in love with this song since it hit the radio months ago...finally the album is out.

Same here. Alot of his production is good. But his lackluster lyrics and often awful vocal presence just don't keep my attention...if not turn me off 2 his music. Overall, it's his attitude and personality that annoys the crap outta me.

I wasn't even sure the show waz still airing. My life has been 2 busy and/or crazy 2 commit 2 any TV shows that aren't regularly aired on cable channels. Since i had no idea what evening and time it aired, i just planned on buying it on DVD whenever it comes out.

JAMIE KENNEDY + STU STONE - Knuckle Up Blowin' Up (2006) Ha ha...these songs have gotten funnier since i've neglected the album.

I agree with both of y'all. However, while "Men In Black" may have been his "comeback"...it's also the reason that some people don't take him serious. Not the time between the albums dropping.

BONE: THUGS-N-HARMONY - Strength & Loyalty I haven't actually bought a Bone album since The Art of War (other than their double disc Greatest Hits album). I love Bone, but just didn't feel a strong erge 2 get the album. This one grabbed me more after reading a VIBE article...without even hearing "I Tried." The album opens with "Flow Motion" and "Bump In The Trunk." Both trax aren't reall the Bone sound...lacking a dark feel. Sadly, the production isn't that great...not bad...but definitly not impressive. "Wind Blow" takes on a twangy, slower kinda feel. I can't tell if the chorus is creative...or just bad. "I Tried" featuring Akon is next...and their 1st single. This song is the truth. Akon laces them with a nice actoustic laid back beath with piano and strings. Bone brings a song with a message. The lyrics are great and i'm sure they are identifying with people all over the world. I know they really have reached out 2 me during this time in my life. Akon is great on the hook...and doesn't come off as the "go-to" guy at the moment. "Lil' Love" is an interesting song. Jermaine Dupri provides the beat...which is good considering the kind of beats he's been giving rap acts recently (as many of them want crappy southern beats like Grillz). Mariah Carey continues her musical relationship with the fellaz in the seemingly akward relationship that comes off as fire every time. Bow Wow makes an alright adult appearance on the track as well. The song deals with relationships and i could see this as another single. "C-Town" pairs the group with Twista again as a mix of the biggest rhyme racers out now...who actually have good lyrics when u can make them out. That beat is standardly good. "Order My Steps (Dear Lord)" pairs the group with Gospel/R-N-B-Soul artist Yolonda Adams. The production is standard her as well...mixing a steady drum beat is a fast staggering percussion. It's a spiritutal song yet nothing like "Tha Crossroads." "Streets" is a unique collabo with Will.I.Am and The Game. I'm a big fan of Will.I.Am but this song doesn't impress me 2 much. At 1st i thought the beat was okay...but it has surprisingly grown with me. I'm not a fan of Game, but he holds his on on the track. I wish Will.I.Am spit a verse on this one. "9mm" has a nice haunting piano track that reminds u kinda of earlier Bone stuff. Sadly the song isn't that impressive 2 me. Either cuz lyrically, it's ground they have treaded on b4 or just cuz gun talk is so played out in general. This also reminds me of a beat they'd put on one of those doctored 2Pac albums. "So Good So Right" has a very feel good feel 2 it. At a 1st listen, u'll think it's weird 2 have Bone flowing over a track like this (tho' it's not the 1st time they've done it) but b4 u can finish that thought, u get wrapped up in the song. Mo Thugz artist Felicia sweetens the hook up real nice. This will be one of the songs i play in the car this summer. "Sounds The Same" has a nice solid smooth vibe. It opens with a nice sung hook 2 set the pace. "Never Forget Me" has Akon coming back 4 a song that has a good beat. Yet the synth in it sounds it waz sampled from a cheesy fantasy videogame. The vocals and lyrics make it all better tho.' In all, i'd give the album a 7.5 out of 10...possibly an 8 after a get 2 know it better. The production is the albums weakest issue. Some of the beats are just average or don't compliment their sound. The lyrics and presence on nearly every track are very good and do a good job of taking your mind off the weak beats on the songs it applies 2. The album is pretty good and they work great as a trio...but i wish they'd work things out and get Bizzy back. YOLONDA ADAMS - The Best of Me Yolonda Adams is an amazing artist 2 me. For those that don't know, she's a Gospel artist, but much of her music could crossover with the right marketing since not all her songs are written as obiously spiritual. Her music is incredibly inspiring and 4 those looking for that kinda music, this might be an album u wanna check out, as it throws 2gether her hits from the 90's thru' now. I only have one album by her, and i've intended 2 pick up the rest...and this album has only strenghtened that want. It opens with the uptempo hit "Victory" from "The Gospel" soundtrack (which is a great soundtrack 4 those who like Gospel). "I Gotta Believe" has a polished acoustic sound and her voice soars. Definitely a self-powering song for those who have felt alone and let down. The album flows nicely in2 "Yeah"...continuing the acoustic sound, yet it's a bit grittier this time. I've been a fan of this song 4 awhile. "Open My Heart" is the song that got me in2 Yolonda Adams back in the late 90's. This song waz actually a hit on Hip-Hop/R-N-B/Urban radio (back b4 the radio totally went 2 hell). Openly gospel, it opened some doors back then. This long is fueled be a basic piano and soaring vocals. The song deals with accepting your flaws and asking for God to take control. "Fragile Heart" is a comtemporary R-N-B song that talks about forgetting all the small meaningless things in life for what's really important. "Be Blessed" is another stress releaser. One of many songs on this album that could have a place on the radio with proper promotion. "Never Give Up" is about keeping your dream and, well...never giving up. "I Believe I Can Fly" has Yolonda pairing up with Gerald Levert for a cover of R. Kelly's megahit. This album 1st appeared on GL's "Voices" duet album. If u are looking for good music featuring a mix of contemporary R-N-B and a warm acoustics from one of the greatest voices of our generation...peep Yolonda Adams. If u love Gospel music or are interested in it but scared 2 commit 2 it, Yolonda Adams would be the artist 2 introduce u 2 it. And these 12 songs may be the ones 2 do it with. 9/10

Turntable and Visqo...just cuz u love the commercial stuff doesn't mean u can brand the Fresh Prince a "commercial rap artist." I can't see how u honestly believe he's in the same category as G-Unit. Have u even listened 2 The Return of The Magnificent?

JANET JACKSON - Go Deep (Masters At Work Down Tempo Mix) Go Deep (Import CD Single) (1998)

As much as i'd love an album from the 'Prince every 2 years or so...i almost think it would be weird. Legends and pioneers of Hip-Hop don't really release albums back 2 back like that. Tho' i hate waiting so long 4 new music sometimes, i like that he takes his time and waits 2 drop an album. When artists like Jay-Z and DMX were dropping a new album almost every year, the only people that were generally hyped about it waz the hardcore fans. The "kinda" fans or fans were just generally fans of music, it all ran 2gether and didnt' mean much. That being said, i DO think he needs 2 clear some time 2 get with Jeff. It's been time 4 that 2 happen 4 awhile. And the touring is cool, but it makes much more sense 2 do that with an album dropping. Jazzy just dropped one...so it's time 2 tour!!

KRS-ONE - Still Slippin Life (2006)

I would never call FP commercial either. What has he ever done 2 sell out and do what everyone else is doing? I would call his stuff radio-friendly or mainstream Hip-Hop....but not commerical. Mainstream Hip-Hop, 2 me, is Hip-Hop that caters 2 a big audience becuz people of wide array can identify with it. Polished or not, it's good music. It's radio friendly in the sense that it isn't going 2 offend or truely leave somebody out cuz it's sound or lyrics are so extreem. That's the same category i throw Nick Cannon and Skee-Lo in. They respect their listeners and hold themselve 2 a certain standard, whether they are respected or not. They make music they are proud of. Arrested Developement (and Speech) have released tons of albums, tho' they haven't had a hit since 1994. They are making quality music 4 the listeners...not the fame or money. That's love...that's Hip-Hop. It's funny now since true Hip-Hop isn't apart of the mainstream. So my term "mainstream Hip-Hop" and "Radio friendly" no longer literally fit. But some of us remember a time when the music on the charts was also some of the best music ever. Looking at modern day artists, even tho' Black Eyed Peas have flipped their style, i love their music. 1st of all, cuz i do think it's good, creative, and pushing borders. I firmly believe their earlier music is better, but they respect their listeners. They lyrics are good, their music is creative, and most of all, they love Hip-Hop. They love music. When i say commerical rap, i'm talking about the music that is quickly and carelessly thrown 2gether just 2 make a quick dollar. Listen 2 these dirty south beats. Most of them are empty. They suck. The consideration if the beat (i can't even call it music) is even good doesn't exist. The voice, flow, and lyrics mean nothing. They are unfocused, cookie-cutter, rhymes that don't say much of anything. Some of those songs don't even have a topic. Who can truely say someone like Young Joc has flow, delivery or charisma? Some of those dirty south rappers don't even speak english. They purposly talk like they are 3 year olds. Who can say Young Jeezy sounds good on a beat? Half of the verses on this crappy songs are just random freestyles. And the topics...sex, pride, drugs, guns, material things. It's idiotic poison. I don't care about Jay-Z's car. I don't care about whatever 50 Cent things he can pridefully mumble about. And i don't even wanna listen 2 some fool who can't say 15 words without cussing. Get some class. Get some education. Get some dignity. There's nothing "real" about over-cussing on a song. It just shows the lack of songwriting ability, lack of creativity, and a lack of class and intellegence. What's even worse, as Turntable actually tried 2 use as a defense, is that these losers don't even live the life they talk about. I think some rappers are idiotic for their week addictions 2 weed and/or cowardly packing guns. Then someone wants 2 defend them like "they don't really do that in real life." Then why are they glorifying negative stuff like that. How on God's green earth is that "keepin' it real." These people don't care about themselves, their image (other than beeing 'hard'), or about their listeners...especially the kids. It's all about heart. It's all about love. It's like that...and that's the way it is. p.s. If i said Jay-Z waz wack in a previous post, i take that back. While i keep my own opinion that i don't think he's that good, i don't consider him "wack." That term is reserved for the Young Joc's and Lil' Jon's. Jay actually has a few singles i like...like Ain't No..., City Is Mine, + Wishing On A Star. He's probably the most overrated rapper ever tho.'

How is it commerical when they aren't generating hits?!? Neither of them cuss or glorify violence. They don't waste time writing about over-told "hood-stories." Whether anyone likes their music or not, they are writing music that is actually relevant 2 their life...that's what we call keepin' it real...not sell-out, money chasing, phoney commerical rap.

:nhawong: PAULA ABDUL - Straight Up Greatest Hits: Straight Up (1988/2007) :3-laugh3: This takes me back! :1-say-yes:

That's a brave quote 2 make since the whole board is riding with him and he's registered at this board. I'm interested on how u can say something like that, yet give props 2 Nelly and 50 Cent in your other posts. Anyone else in the mood 2 listen 2 "Lost + Found?" And since when did an artist's name have anything 2 do with their skillz?!? Someone's really reachin' when making a statement like that. :shakehead:

If it's that short...maybe i can listen 2 it on my own computer! ha ha. I can't say i have much respect for Kanye anymore, but i'll definitly give it a listen.

I laughed when i saw this topic again. It's all opinions, man. Don't take it 2 seriously. If u like commerical rap, then u won't like what people like me have 2 say. I like Nick Cannon's stuff and Nitty's stuff...lot of people hate that. I'm not gonna get bent outta shape when people diss it. When posts like this are made, u just gotta agree 2 disagree. Giving props 2 Nelly, Ja-Rule, Jay-Z, 50 Cent will never fly with me. My favorites like JJ+FP, MC Hammer, Heavy D, Salt-N-Pepa, and Young MC will never be respected by someone who's 1st album ever waz The Chonic. Since this post is resurrected, let me add on that any song by Young Joc, Young Dro, Baby Boy, Ying Yang Twinz, Mike Jones, Youngbloodz, Slim Thug, T.I., Paul Wall, and ICP is straight crap.

I remember reading way back in the day that viewers loved Lisa, but that they prefered 2 see the show go on without her which is what lead 2 their split. One thing about the show, espeically Jazz's stuff is that it purposly had no consistency. I mean, Jazz is playing b-ball in the intro in Philly...then he's a drummer from L.A....who also DJ's...who also caddies, etc. It's all in fun and on purpose. It never really bothered me much.

Yeah, when i read that this morning i waz 2 rushed 2 say that...but i agree. I think "My Soul Ain't 4 Sale" is maybe my favorite song off the album....until the good version of "Brand New Funk 2K7" is released that is.

He should be going to the neptunes and star track records!, then hes gonna be blowin peoples minds! Nah, i can't wrap my mind about that one. Those labels don't have any proven ability 2 truely cater 2 an artist. I respect The Neptunes and Star Tracks, as i like some of the stuff they've done, but they have a certain sound and image. FP is an established artist with a long history in Hip-Hop with his own image and sound. The 2 just wouldn't make sense. Think of New Edition and Bad Boy. N.E. had 2 decades worth of hits, a sound, and an image. Bad Boy has their sound and image...which just didn't mix. N.E. didn't have control of their album, leading 2 crappy production, only moderate success, and a short time on the charts. Then they ended their deal. This is after they had HUGE success with their previous album Home Again, with 3 big hits and videos, a huge tour and lots of success. 2 established forumulas that don't mix simply don't work. FP needs a label that is free from a sound or style.

MICHAEL JACKSON - Man In The Mirror Bad / The Essential MJ (2005)

For those that don't know, FP actually wanted to be Robin in Batman Forever...ha ha. For serious! Comic Book movies are risky business, but i honestly think if he's gonna step up 2 the plate and do a real super hero movie, he should play Jon Stewart, the Green Lantern (the one featured in the Justic League cartoon). Since DC is dipping in2 more movies (Superman, Batman...now Flash, Wonder Woman, and Justice League), i think it would work out well. If he was playing Jon in the Justice League movie, which is probably going 2 be done properly and be HUGE, a Green Lantern movie is almost bound 2 happen. Since Jon Stewart has started becoming the more popular GL since the 90's...overshadowing the classic Hal Jordan version, a solo movie would work nice...or if they did a Green Lantern movie, featuring the whole Corps, which is a very cinamatic idea in itself. I can't really imagin any other established hero working or him being perfect 4 the part.

What i'm gonna say is kinda an extention of what Jin is saying. FP is too big for indie. I think that if he is truely sick of the commerical side of things and the constant fight he has 2 put up as a pioneer who refuses 2 cuss in his rhymes but wants 2 get his "fix" on every few years for the true heads, he should consider going indie. No politics, no A&R's, just him doing what he wants the way he wants. At the same time, he's a big artist and 2 keep things big, BIG lables are the way 2 go. On top of that, with his focus regularly going 2 films, being on a big lable lets them do alot of work 4 him that he can't commit 2. The problem is that, he's gotta find a lable that he can trust and will do their part. I think it depends on what he wants. If he wants 2 stay strong on the commerical side of things, he needs a trustworthy big lable. If he wants freedom and isn't worried about being Top 10 so much, indie is the way 2 go.

C.L. SMOOTH - It's A Love Thing American Me (2006) Love this joint!! Him and Pete Rock need 2 'straighten it out.'