Hood Rat Radio Feature Artist

Gil Scott Heron

Eloquence was never a prerequisite, a disruption of consciousness almost assured, for that was the purpose to the writings, music and message.   Not out of anger, but out of a need to be heard Gil Scott Heron wanted to motivate people.  He came to prominence in the early 70s when protest was as assured as morning dew.   Heron inspired people to move there feet for change, to the beat of and the rhythm of poetic discord.   This was a time when your really may not have want your government to take notice; especially the suits coming out of the Hoover Building (FBI Headquarters). Hoover watched and listened like others to tracks like: The Revolution Won’t Be Televised, Winter In America, In The Bottle, Did You Hear What They Said, and other tracks.  Gil Scott Heron’s audiences grew his artful perceptive resonated in the hearts, souls and minds; and today he is still remembered.

Gil Scott-Heron
Promotional photo of Gil Scott-Heron in 1973
Background information
Birth name	Gilbert Scott-Heron
Born	April 1, 1949(1949-04-01) (age 59) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genre(s)	Proto-rap, soul, jazz, spoken word, jazz-funk
Occupation(s)	Poet, singer, songwriter, author
Instrument(s)	Vocals, electric piano, guitar
Voice type(s)	Baritone
Years active	1969–present
Label(s)	RCA, Flying Dutchman, Strata East, Arista, TVT Records
Associated acts	Brian Jackson, Perpis-Fall Music, Black & Blues, Musicians United for Safe Energy
Website	gilscottheron.free.fr

Gil Scott Heron

Often new millennium of artists refer to Heron as the GodFather of Rap.   Rap is not a new thing Hip-Hop is the current cultural fad. Heron like the griots’ invocations reminds the new protagonists of the entertainment trade that what they construct can stand, influence and truly be an art form for expression.   When it’s your time to say something, have something to say.  Gil Scott Heron expressed prophetically his views of the struggles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in his music.

Read more on: Hood Rat Radio on NottHeads

September⁰⁷ by D2Nott

Civil Rights

It’s hard to believe how far society has come, but incidents like the Jena 6 remind us that there is still work left to do. Demonstrate do not explicate. When you slow down to talk about the people that keep your name in their mouth you seem to end up falling behind. Last time I checked everyone’s goal was supposed to be getting ahead in life. Creativity seems to be at a standstill so beef, hate and sex sell.
That’s not going to change but it’s always good to stay competitive and September 11th gave the game a much needed edge. When something “new” comes out, it should change outlooks or at least give an innovative perspective on an already existing issue, if it doesn’t its kind of pointless. And you wonder why people don’t like to read. Is it possible to outgrow a type of music? The generation that grew up when rap first started now have kids who grew up more privileged than their parents.

So, turning to someone for advice who knows more than you, whether it’s about the streets, classroom, business or life in general should not be frowned upon. You’ve got one life to live – be prepared for the consequences of your actions.

What More Can I Say (The Black Album) …

Jay-Z smoking a cigar

“There’s never been a nigga this good for this long
This hood Or this pop, this hot, Or this strong
With so many different flows
This ones for this song, the next one i’ll switch up
This one will get bit up
These fucks To lazy to make up shit, They crazy
They don’t…paint pictures, They just trace me
You know what, Soon they forget who they plucked
They whole style from And try to reverse the outcome I’m like…huh
I’m not a biter, I’m a writter, For myself and others
I say a B.I.G. verse I’m only biggin up my brother
Biggin up my borough
I’m big enough to do it, I’m that thorough
Plus I know my own flow is foolish
So the rings and things you sing about, Bring em out
It’s hard to yell when the bar-rel’s in your mouth

Jay-Z

September 11th was not only a day to remember those who died on that fateful day 6 years ago, but also the day Rapper Kanye West, GQ International Man of the Year’s  album Graduation came out and moved over 957,000 copies its first week in stores, beating 50 Cent’s album Curtis, which sold 691,000 copies. Both albums exceeded some expectations, but their album sales dropped almost 80% after the first week. Gorrila Zoe and Common came out late in the month but seem to be the two albums to look out for. With Cornel West, Cassidy, Freeway, Blood Raw, Soulja Boy and Mac Dre’s tribute album all set to release in October, this fall you will have something to chat about.

Denzel Washington - American Gangster

On October 2nd EA Sports released the soundtrack to NBA LIVE 08 which features Wyclef Jean, Eve, DJ Jazzy Jeff, CL Smooth, Marley Marl and KRS-One just to name a few. Percy “Master P” Miller has been all over television promoting his new book, “Guaranteed Success: When You Never Give Up.” Miller Enterprises also teamed with Seth Green (Austin Powers, Family Guy, Robot Chicken) and Matthew Senreich to make the game, “Play the Industry.” Gamers assume the role of a rapper, an agent, a power broker or an athlete in a quest for fame.

Gaining interest with the anticipated debut, it was announced that proceeds from the premiere of American Gangster would be donated to the Boys & Girls Club of America. Speaking of which, Rapper Jay-Z has announced that he will release an album this November titled American Gangster. While Jay-Z’s version of American Gangster is separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, the new album is Jay-Z’s lyrical interpretation.

In sports, Marc Ecko announced that he was the anonymous bidder who won Barry Bonds’ 756th homerun ball, at a price tag of $752,000. Ecko set up a website and allowed the public to vote on the fate of the historic ball. Over 10 million fans voted to permanently brand the ball with an asterisk before sending it to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s popular clothing line Rocawear was in negotiations to become the naming-right pat to the Meadowlands arena. However, it was recently announced that The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority has awarded clothing maker Izod, best known for its sports shirts, naming rights to the arena in the Meadowlands. The building will now be called the Izod Center.

Ecko - asterisk on Bonds' 756

BET’s two-part special on the state of Hip-Hop music in the series Hip-Hop vs. America debuted and posed many questions that come up when speaking about hip hop. The show shed light on the influence music has on the African American community as well as those that may not be as familiar with that lifestyle. The show included such rappers and celebrities like Chuck D., Master P., Nelly, T.I., Mike Jones, Melyssa Ford, Benny Boom, Michael Eric Dyson, Stanley Crouch, and MC Lyte. Atlanta rapper T.I. emerged as the man to beat when nominations were announced for this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards set to air on BET October 17th. T.I.’s album T.I. vs. T.I.P. received nine nods for Best Collaboration, Best Live Performance, Lyricist of the Year, MVP, Track of the Year, CD of the Year, Hustler of the Year, Best Ringtone and Viewer’s Choice. Other nominees included Lil’ Wayne with seven nominations,Kanye West with six, Common with five and Jay-Z with four. While Ludacris and 50 Cent each received three nominations, Diddy and UGK earned two nominations. In addition to honoring the best in Hip-Hop, the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2007 will recognize rap legend KRS-One with the “I Am Hip-Hop” Icon Award.

Not to be outdone, Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons and legendary Jazz musician Herbie Hancock were among the musicians and celebrities taking part in the Daniel Pearl World Music Days concert series, scheduled for October 1-15 around the world. Bill Clinton, Bono, Wyclef, Shakira, Chris Rock and Alicia Keys made sure they gave the audience an evening to remember at the Apollo Theater. The event, called “Giving – Live at the Apollo” was co-sponsored by MTV and the Clinton Global Initiative.
Clinton took the stage and told the audience about his one-time ambitions to play at the world-famous Harlem venue. According to Clinton, community forums like MySpace and YouTube help like-minded young people come together far more easily than with previous generations. Thus reiterating that no matter what the means of getting information out, we can be the constructors of change.

A little life can take you far away. They say I work magic; just doing what I do. With Hip-hop honors week coming up the first week in October, its only right that I leave you with a quote reminding you that consumers seem to make prophets out of those that think ahead.

“What I See” – D2Nott

Read more at What I See at Nottheads

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To my young saplings - NottHeads

This young sapling that stands next to me, taller than I; but I with more rings, more branches that stretch in various directions, what do I say to him? He stands with me in the same grove, I have seen more sunsets, and I have witnessed more changes in season. He can only be what his DNA is, how can I ask of him what I still struggle to be? How can he define his goals and ambitions, when I, more than twice his age, have not attained my own? What does he see? Is he looking towards me or is he looking to the horizon?

Does he know to check the wind and the season, so that the seeds of his ambitions find fertile soil? Is he checking before he releases, so that the grove stretches to heights and distances that he can only imagine? So what do I tell him? Do I say it with a beat; do I give it a rhyme or make it street? I’m not quite old school, I’m not Hip Hop, but I want him to see that there is something beyond right-now; there is something different than what is popular. What I want him to see is what is sustainable; what is legacy; what truth is; and what love is.

The battle scars that he gets from trying to change people’s minds and opinions are worth the bloodshed of his emotional tears. Worth it, so that his name and accomplishments will be remembered; so that those who look like him and want to be him, those that follow in his footsteps know what path to take; know what the appropriate season is.

You don’t have to have music or a fad to get someone’s attention, at times people will be slow to follow. Be diligent about what you nourish yourself with and you will grow tall, you will grow strong, you will provide shelter, you will provide wisdom, you will be a beacon, you will be a guide-point, because you will be there in that same grove. From that same grove you can reach many horizons.

What I See!!

NottHeads

I’m not quite old school, I’m not Hip Hop, but I am a part of rap. So he stands tall, wonder how and what his goals should be, should I emulate what I see on television? He comes from seeds, I’m not gangster, I’m not a thug, he can’t change his DNA, and he can’t change his skin color. How do I tell him that he will always be faced with the challenge, that his color defines people’s perception of him without knowing him. That it’s more than one battle, it is a lifelong war, to move to challenge, to conquer, but to conquer with love, and appreciation of those that went before you and those who are to follow. Do not go it alone, but find some other warriors, some other soldiers who will stand by your side. Warriors that understand that the rhythm, of what he sees I have already seen, but since I’m not Hip Hop, I’m not Old School, I have to tell it in a rap. No music playing in the background, but there is a beat, there is rhythm. I do I make it prophetic, do I use metaphors, because there is a vernacular of what he is accustomed to, what captures his attention. Do I quote the existentialism: of “I must find a truth that is true for me . . . the idea for which I can live or die” from philosophers like Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. What about Chomsky, Shakespeare, Biggie, Tupac. Do I want to be poetic, and at the same time prophetic? Am I trying to entertain him or share some wisdom?

What he sees is no different; it’s just from younger eyes

NottHead

Summer⁰⁷ WISee

Reprinted from NottHeads.com – Posted by D2Nott, July, 2007

Finding your niche and staying consistent takes a discipline all on its own. Once mastered, the sky is the limit. I am thankful to have the chance to portray to others what I see. I only see so much from my perspective, (the good, the bad and the truth), but brave enough to share it with the world in this column. Having recently celebrated my birthday, a year gone by, a little wiser and smarter, I’m still getting better with time. During Black Music Month, Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World was playing in the background; “I see skies of blue, and clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark say’n goodnight, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world. “That Armstrong classic reminded me of how music has shaped society.

“It’s ironic kind of shit that we buy man make us iconic; Threat to corporate America, that why they runnin’ from it; How could they be so ignorant look at what Hip-Hop done done; It’s allowed us to run a business, legitimated our moneys; Got us out the ghettos, relocated our mommies I made it all the way here, ain’t no way you takin’ it from me; So excuse me Oprah honey; I’m sorry really I promise; But niggas, bitches, and hoes do exist I’m just bein’ honest” T.I. feat Eminem – Touchdown.

In a day and time where rappers are legitimating (not a Jesse Jackson ebonic-intellectual creation; check the dictionary: in accordance with established rules, principles, or standards) money and getting wealthy off selling water, when most black men don’t make it to their 30’s without a criminal record, Michael Eric Dyson has a new book chronicling the challenges to be successful in today’s America. Georgetown University professor Michael Eric Dyson has called on two of hip hop’s biggest names for his latest book entitled “Know What I Mean? Reflections On Hip Hop.“

According to the author, the book focuses on hip-hop’s international exposure, use of politics and gender relations, among other topics. Dyson’s book opens with an introduction by Jay-Z and an outro written by Nas. “Know What I Mean? Reflections On Hip Hop” hit stores on July 2nd.

Read More… Summer WISee

Other content of interest

• Michael Eric Dyson – Know What I Mean
• Dyson – Today Show interview
• Record Label Deal – Are You Ready?
• Road To Rap Game Riches

“couple words and like peaches and herb We’ll be reunited and it feels so
hood Have the whole world saying “How you still so good?” Well I do this in my
slumber summer I ain’t none of these half-assed newcomers, you know how I do
summer I drop heat, when you bring the sun up” -Jay-Z “Dear Summer”

With temperatures rising and summer releases set to hit the shelves soon seems like the weather and gas prices aren’t the only things changing. The game changes everyday, everyone adding a new spin on the world we live in. With rock n roll starting to influence mainstream hip hop once again with the Shop boys “Party like a Rockstar“, wallet chains and even Lil Wayne rapping over Prince samples on his latest project “The Carter III” are some examples.

The Wall Street Journal reported in an article “Sales of Music, Long in Decline, Plunge Sharply“; there’s much to and fro about what’s behind the drop. In a dramatic acceleration of the seven-year sales decline that has battered the music industry, compact-disc sales for the first three months of this year plunged 20% from a year earlier, the latest sign of the seismic shift in the way consumers acquire music. The sharp slide in sales of CDs, which still account for more than 85% of music sold, has far eclipsed the growth in sales of digital downloads, which were supposed to have been the industry’s salvation.

The industry as always wants to blame piracy. Critics want to blame poor quality of product, bad marketing tactics and digital rights restricting technologies. There’s even some far-sighted commentary about changing business models.

Business Week’s Aaron Pressman had a somewhat deferring opinion on the decline. There are only so many hours in a day for the consumers of entertainment – to consume entertainment. Various new forms of entertainment that catch on have to displace some of the time once spent on our former diversions. While CD sales are down, the number of households with DVD players more than tripled over the past five years to 84 million and sales of DVDs rose to 1.1 billion from 313 million in 2001. Similarly, the number of households with broadband Internet connections almost quadrupled to over 36 million. While the number of households with access to video on demand hit 24 million in 2005, which is ten times greater than the 2001 level. And with Internet video is just starting up. Compact discs might be known as a thing of the past sooner than later.

The music industry lashed out its frustration on Internet Radio community by lobbying and getting legislation that more than quadruples the royalty rates.  After much protest two senators rode to their rescue. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) have just introduced the Internet Radio Equality Act of 2007. “July 15, when collection begins on the new royalty fees, literally will be the day the music died,” said the two senators in a joint announcement.  If passed, the bill would overturn the decision of the Copyright Royalty Board and replace it with a rate mandated by Congress-7.5 percent of total revenues. This is the rate currently paid by satellite broadcasters like XM and Sirius, but the CRB’s decision meant that small webcasters could actually owe more in fees than they earn in revenue, and some of the fees would be retroactive to 2006.

Read more – What I See (May) on NottHeads

April⁰⁷ by D2Nott

Republished fron NottHeads.com monthly column “What I See“

“This year has started off as a sort of coming of age. You let them other ni**az get the name, skip the fame. Ten thou’ or a hundred Grand keep yo’ shit the same. On the low. Yeah, the only way to blow! You let your shit bubble quietly; AND THEN YOU BLOW! Hey keep your cool. The only way to peep a fool is let him show his hand, then you play your cards. Then he through dealin I understand!”
-Memphis Bleek and Jay Z- Coming of Age

All this noise from an industry that is really just trying to make sure that the only avenues to making money is to come through the systems that they already have set up.  Artist portray this glamor that isn’t real; you can fool some of the people some of the time; this is “What I See“.

What’s the next move for hip hop?  As a culture, as a fad; with more and more exposure, the concept of hip hop has dividing lines. There are those that stay true to the craft and those that just sell records with gimmicks.

There are a select few that do both.   Hip hop is being defined everyday, as the music flows more through the mainstream you get new twists.  From segments on 60 Minutes with Cam’ron about
snitching, to radio talk show host Don Imus’ comments, to hip-hop heavyweights calling for the ban of words while others defend their First Amendment right. After the Don Imus escapade many industry giants have been speaking out about words that are part of the common vocabulary, especially in the black community. Knowing the many that struggled for racial equality before; the focus shifted from Imus to the Black leaders at to what they would do about themselves and the language transmitted to millions via radio and television.

The discussion of First Amendment Rights, and the FCC, what can or can not be said goes as far back as 1972.  George Carlin’s (comedian) monologue “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television” spurned the wrath of the FCC when it was broadcast on a California radio station.  At the time, the words were generally considered highly inappropriate and unsuitable for use on the public airwaves, particularly on over the-air television and AM/FM radio stations.  These words are generally censored, though the FCC has never maintained a specific list of words prohibited from the airways during this time period, but has maintained general guidelines regarding obscenities.  Yet the word “ni***er” is uncensored on most cable television channels now.

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has called for the ban of “bi**h”, “ho” and “ni**er” from all rap songs. Simmons spoke out saying, “the rap community always tells the truth.  I think that it’s important that we listen to their voices so we can
have a road map, because artists’ almost every single artist in hip-hop, they paint a picture of society that’s overlooked.  The misogyny, the racism, the violence, the homophobia, these are things that we try to avoid instead of dealing with.”

It is seen and heard so often now, from television to even right outside of some people’s houses; desensitized those to reality, caught up in trying to live out fantasies.  But if you don’t have a dream, how you ever gonna have a dream come true?  Most do not realize how powerful the music you listen to is and in ignorance support messages that differ from what you as a person stand for.  Looking up to Hip Hop heroes kids take the words to heart.

Snoop Dogg spoke out on the issue, stating “the fact that while these word are derogatory, being programmed to use these words for so long; it will not just be an overnight change.”  Chamillionare added that “the negativity the words bring to hip hop music as a whole, is just creating a generation gap.  This is more of a societal issue; hip hop is getting looked at as a perpetrator though.  Change has to start at the top and be accepted in the community as a whole for change to be seen, its hard to change those that are not trying to change.”  Others around the country are trying to put this behind us and move forward.

In Detroit, the local NAACP chapter held a symbolic funeral 63 years ago for Jim Crow.  July 7-12 the civil rights organization will do the same for the “n-word.”  Reverend Wendell Anthony, president of the civil rights organization’s Detroit branch, said, Members and supporters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will conduct services and a “eulogy” for the racial slur.  The mock funeral will be held during the NAACP national convention in Detroit.  While offensive to some the word’s meaning can be confused and misunderstood. Ignorance is not a disease but it is contagious.

Flip the channel - now we’re here with a lot of the same from last month rappers in the news for everything but album sales.  It’s almost summer time again and there are several highly anticipated albums set to release.  The streets and the market are ready to bubbling with newcomers ready for solo debuts.  Imitation is the highest form of flattery and with “Crack Music” here to stay. Rich Boy and Young Jeezy are affirming their rapping capability.  With a case pending DJ Drama’s album is now set to release June 5th. T.I.’s album is set to release early in July.  In the words of Fredrick Douglas “an educated person can never be enslaved.” Is it foolish to try and think outside the box if you are the only one trying to change your surroundings and reality?  With another month “rapped” up and summer coming; its time to shine.

Chokkklit Soul

It’s all in the interpretation

August 07 – The Chokklit Shop on NottHeads.com

This month’s column looks at how men and women use words to communicate different emotions or representations of the relationship status. When a man says “I’m not really looking for a relationship” should alarms go off in a woman head? Or is the woman thinking, I can change his mind about me and that relationship thing.

The pursuit, chase and challenge of finding and keeping the “Right One” has been a daunting task since the beginning of time. Adam could not even keep Eve in check! Men have had this continuing challenge; where they say one thing and their counterpart hears something else. Why are relationships so difficult and communication is usually at the core of determining if it is a good relationship or soured? Women like to use labels to establish the status of this thing, this continued interaction between us.

Read the interpretation of relationship scenarios, marketing the male psyche in pursuit of a woman and a very special essay about friendship from Bonnie Glover; author of The Middle Sister.

Kal Cauthen

This month’s “The Chokklit Shop” column includes:

• Checked the Label, and I Ain’t Buying (Woman’s view)
• The Male Psyche in Pursuit – You need to break your friend off (Man’s view)
• In case of a loss friend; original essay from Bonnie Glover

Click for July 07 – Chokkklit Shop – Spicing Up Your Relationship

Grandmaster Flash

Republished from D2Nott monthly column What I See on NottHeads.com

March madness, with the NCAA tournament coming and going and album releases from some familiar names as well as some new faces in the game. Becoming somewhat disinterested in an industry that is now based on gimmicks and album sales more than the actual music. Feeling something like Common, “I used to Love Her“. Amongst all the rumors and speculations there are many artists still making good music and making business decisions to put them in a class all their own, moving past the stereotypes and category of just being rappers and poets. Its to the point that everyone wants to rap now, even Tony Parker is taking a shot at it.

Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5

On a more serious note, this month had its share of surprises and great moments in and out of the booth. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the first rap group to be honored, is a major stepping stone and helps lead the way for many of the rappers we look up to today.
Grandmaster Rocks the Hall for more information and background on this historic group. What other Hip Hop (Rap) groups are worthy of such an honor?

With rappers getting arrested or in the news every other day for one thing or another, the game itself might be in trouble. Major names such as T.I., Ludacris, Jay-Z and others showing up in commercials; now the object of the game is to make money. That’s good as long as the integrity of the music is not compromised to make a quick dollar. Transitioning the game from street level hustles to money making machines.
Putting yourself in position for a move is better than being caught off guard. I’ve even heard a statement saying that “Hip Hop is the new Disco.” Not that I agree but a valid point still. Everyone has a story, what makes yours worth hearing, more than someone else’s?

Whatever the case may be, the game provides an outlet for expression. The privileged few that get their message out should not only use it to make money and to gain fame but to educate and even put people up on game. Everyone seems to be a thug now. Like Jay-Z said, “Now you got these young cats acting like they slung cats. All in they dumb raps talking about how they funds stack“. Ludacris provides the template for making money in the track “Tell It Like It Is” from Release Therapy; get your pencil out time for some quick schoolin: entertainment lawyer, own company, trademark, bank account, sign yourself, record, mix and master music, press, sell in your own hood and out your trunk; show all those non-believers what you destine for!! Go buy the album if you want the lesson with sound effects. For anyone who wants to be in the music business, some educate will help you keep a few more dollars, and that makes sense Road To Rap Game Riches.

Read more… “March – What I See“

February – Hip Hop Music Review

D2Nott -Staff Reporter

Langston Hughes

Black History month. Remembering all the people that fought and struggled so that African Americans can be in the positions they are in today.

For all you Mensa (high IQ – top 2%, smart MFs) candidates this is a review; hence view of the stuff that happened. I got some feedback on the January Review, thanks for the positive comments. I am not in the industry, so I don’t have access to all the marketing and promo stuff sent out to those who are; I just give you my view on what I see and hear. From the book of Jay-Z quotes “Can I Live!”

The Grammy’s came and went with a lot of hip but not much said and not much noise for Hip Hop. The expected winners in each category won; interesting that Hip Hop was not the main draw in this year’s awards show. No Kayne blowing up backstage, no Jamie Foxx getting awards, no record breaking album sales, no real reason for white folks to take notice of Hip Hop, hence the de-emphasis. Why the mention of Kayne and Jamie, on the real, it is “Show Business”; Kayne was controversial with his Bush comments, and Jamie is that cross-over comic and folks didn’t know he could sing. Why mention white folks taking interest? Because white folks in the suburbs purchase 75% of Hip Hop music. When you stop being entertaining to your main purchasing audience, then you cease to have a job!

Ludacris

My bad; Luda won (he looked clean, low cut and shades), Mary J. Blige won 3 Grammy’s, but is she Hip Hop or R&B. Another interesting moment from the show; dressed as airline pilots, circa 1978, Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse began “Crazy” solo and in the round, performing on a small stage in the middle of the GRAMMY audience. Cee-Lo then walked down the aisle to the main stage, joined by Danger Mouse (on piano), a 16-piece orchestra, an orange-jumpsuit clad female choir and a kicking rock quartet. If you are going to do Crazy, then do Crazy; you can’t really put the old Atlanta Hip Hop heads (Goody Moob, Cee-Lo, Outkast) in a box; they keep expanding the concept of music and Hip Hop.

Big ups to Forest Witaker winning an Oscar; remember that Three six Mafia won last year becoming the first rap group to win such an award. Turn the light up so we can SHINE!!

If you are the Hip Hop community will you claim whomever? What is Robin Thicke? Is he a white boy who likes to hang with the brothers from the hood? Is he the new lighter shade and face of R&B? Is this just a marketing hype for a white guy who makes music with some crossover appeal? If you don’t know, then at next years Grammy’s look for Robin Thick to be nominated in several categories other than Rock and Pop. Remember I told you, I may not be the first to say it, but I put my thoughts in writing every month, so you can come back and reference my comments.

With all major pathways leading in the same direction, everyone’s just out to get money, which is understandable. With album sales declining and rappers showing up in all types of advertisements; Hip Hop isn’t dead its just going commercial. So much so that CNN did a show focusing on Hip-Hop’s effect on black culture trying to understand Hip-Hop and if it is a true “reflection of life in the ghetto”.

Expect more fallout with the DJ Drama issues. DJ Drama won’t be the only arrest. The music industry is changing right before our eyes, so pay attention to the folks pulling the strings in the background and side stage. Not too speak too soon, the charges DJ Drama faces are real but it has not seemed to affect the scheduled release for the “Gangsta Grillz” album.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, wrote an open letter to the music industry right after the Grammy’s asking for open DMR (Digital Management Rights), the software in iTunes and on iPods that limits your ability to transfer music between devices; iTune accounts for 80% of all online music sales.

Jobs’ proposal requested Music label companies to let users download tracks without digital rights management (DRM) antipiracy protection. Jobs criticized the labels — Warner, EMI, Sony and Universal — for demanding DRM on music sold online at the same time that they sell billions of CDs containing unprotected tracks. if the music companies are selling over 90% of their music DRM-free, what benefits do they get from selling the remaining small percentage of their music encumbered with a DRM system?

Warner Music CEO Edgar Bronfman rejected Steve Jobs’ suggestion earlier this week that the major music label companies should abandon digital tunes copy protection. For more details and background read “Worm in the iTunes Apple.”

January – Hip Hop Music Review

D2Nott -Staff Reporter (What I See)

Happy New Year! Will 2007 be a continuation of the previous or do we have something new and different to look forward to? Is Hip Hop Dead? How do aging rappers fit in the changing Hip Hop music culture? Does Hip Hop get you out of the street and springboard you into the boardroom? Do these statements represent the undercurrent of Hip Hop ambitions? Is every artist and/or label looking to the music industry to cash in like a free agent contract in sports?

Have many of the resolutions made just a few weeks ago already fallen by the wayside as record sales follow the change in temperature, getting colder by the day? Notice the decline of over 18% in both Rap and R&B Album sales in 2006 compared to 2005. So stop to ponder why Nas would proclaim the death of Hip Hop. On Nas’ part, was he ringing the alarm for those consciously charting a course for the culture or is he more of the prophet letting you know what it to come?

Source: Nielsen SoundScan

There were only a few major releases in the month of January, with two from South Florida that should draw some attention. Just in case you forgot Trick Daddy (a legend in his own right) put together another great album. Also from the 305, young guns “Pretty Ricky” put out something to get the ladies going with their 2nd album “Late Night Special”. Look for “Late Night Special” by Pretty Ricky to climb to #1 on the Billboard Charts in its album’s first on the charts.

A few other major developments going on outside of the studios have been getting the attention this month.

There aren’t many people that haven’t heard The Sale of Crack Music Has Been Temporarily Cancelled. The rap game was dealt a major blow with the crack down on mixtapes. DJ Drama and 17 others were arrested and over 80,000 mixtapes were seized. For a DJ who made his whole career off mixtapes, this is a major set-back. He has helped many rappers; even though labels do not formally condone the use of non-copyrighted music. Lil Wayne’s last album went platinum, without any of his songs breaking the top 25 on the charts. That is unheard of, so thanks in part should go to DJ Drama and other mixtape efforts.

Both DJ Drama (Tyree Simmons) and DJ Don Cannon (Donald Cannon) were arrested on felony charges under the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). This is the record industry’s way of saying “get your hands out my pockets!” DJ Drama being a major staple, not only for DJs in the South but rappers as well has been sidelined. DJ Drama’s Gangster Grills mixtapes have featured everyone from T.I., to Young Jeezy and even Pharell. This turn of events will put a hurt on the mixtapes for a while. Others, such as DJ Clue and DJ Khaled, have had major success with releasing mixtapes through record labels. We’ll see what happens next.

Young Jeezy’s album is surprisingly at the top of the hip-hop charts; living up to its name “Thug Inspiration”. “How you rate music that thugs with nothing relate to….?” Speaking of which, Jay-Z’s “Kingdom Come” is still holding strong, solidifying the legends staying power by being able to retire and then drop a successful (already certified double platinum) come-back album. While “Hip Hop is Dead” breathed new life into a drug heavy rap game, its release can be considered a huge success for Nas, (his 3rd #1 Hip Hop Album) although record sales are not reflective of his efforts.

January has been a somewhat lack luster month, everyone is getting set to release projects and make the coming months something to look forward to. RZA is doing the soundtrack for a new show called “Afro Samurai” starring Samuel L. Jackson on Spike TV. Wu Tang is set to reunite and release a much anticipated album this summer. Bring on the Spring Break releases! Oh I forgot, those spring break mixtapes might land me in jail.

(What I See)

Republished from NottHeads (http://www.nottheads.com)

NottHeads

This monthly column has changed names to “What I See“, same writer, same views, broader subject matter!! Someone must have been looking at the calendar, it’s money spending season. To assure that the public has music to buy for the holidays, starting in November the turkeys came a calling, squawking seeking attention. Hip Hop music for the holidays, a collection of veterans in the game rolled out new music: Puffy, Tupac, Snoop, Jay-Z, Clipse, Nas, Little Wayne and Baby, Jagged Edge and others.

Lil Wayne

The consumer anticipation was sufficiently in place for a holiday bonanza of big budgets, big marketing hip, big star lineups and great music. Puffy’s release was the first indication of the unfulfilling Hip Hop music stocking stuffers. Jay Z’s latest release has been at the top of the album sales charts but is not one of his better albums. Seems as if Jay-Z hurried the release of this highly anticipated album. You go from “The Black Album” to “Kingdom Come”, unfulfilling is an understatement. The intro says it all; “you got that corporate fantasy, but all you really know how to do is hustle”. So HOVA may be building a corporate Kingdom (did you see the Budweiser commercial, or the music video with racing car stars Dale Jr. and Dana Patrick), but his music kingdom took a blow to the head. Nas has always been kind of under the radar when it comes to the mainstream media. His new deal with Def Jam will ensure that he has the every opportunity to make a major impact with “Hip Hop Is Dead“. While Nas is not Diddy, Jay Z, or Snoop, he is Nas and still gets a lot of respect in the industry.

NAS - Is Hip Hop Dead

NAS named the album “Hip Hop is Dead” if for no other reason than to stimulate thoughts and opinions. Whether they are agreeing or disagreeing, Nas is somewhat trying to breathe new life into the game.Back from the contract confusion (fools on both sides confused like someone is suppose to be happy being pimped for pocket change) Clipse has risen. The majority of the Clipse’s beats are still produced by Pharell and The Neptunes. The Neptunes beats always promise to deliver a different sound, when all you hear is their beats they begin to sound the same. Too much of a good thing, but glad you’re back. Tupac has been dead for 10 years, haven’t heard his latest album but i am sure there are a lot of recycled verses and features from top artists now. Not interested! Of the recently released albums, Lil Wayne’s is the best. The new beef with Jay-Z will blow over soon enough, any publicity right now seems to be good for record sales.

Haven’t heard about anything coming out of Atlanta except Young Jeezy. Jagged Edge is pissed at it former label putting out and album that the group does not support. The record label deal is about to end, Jagged Edge did not want to produce any new music for the contract that they are trying to get out of, so the label put together a Greatest Hits, squeezing that last bit out and ringing the cash register, with not consideration as to the possible diminishing of the group public reputation. Under the radar release by the duo Slick & Rose; two sisters bringing it like humming birds, find it, listen, buy you some!! You don’t have to agree with me, but I am watching, listening and writing!

D2Nott
Staff writer NottHeads.com