#40 The Roots "Break You Off" (2002)
This 2002 single is off the follow up to their 1999 grammy winning classic hit "You Got Me", many say it was a disappointment, but that album along with this song is what got me into the legendary roots crew.
#39 Kanye West "Touch the Sky (ft Lupe Fiasco)[2005]
This song introduced the world to Lupe Fiasco, and Lupe goes off on this. Classic Just Blaze beat, one of Kanye's finer singles.
#38 Raekwon "House of the Flying Daggers (ft. Ghost, Inspectah, Mef, and GZA)[2009]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHVCQc6cbSw (Heres the video its awesome, no embedding allowed, gay youtube)
The lead single off of Royce's comeback album, and one of 09's best albums. A majority of the Wu shred's a Dilla production that sounded like it was crafted for a Cuban Linx album.
#37 Eminem - Lose Yourself [2002]
Everyone's heard this song a million too many times, but who can deny this song? It's easily one of the best things he's ever done, and it seems like this is the closest we'll ever see Mr. Mathers reach his full potential. While 09's Relapse wasn't bad, it still had a hand full of just shit songs, which plagued a lot of his career.
#36 Cunninlynguists - "Seasons (ft Masta Ace)" [2003]
Although there was no music video made for this underground classic, it was released as a 12" single, which qualifies it for this list. Ohio's RJD2 produced this gem, as its one of the few 'lynguists songs that kno does not produce, but he does do a job as he shares mic duties with Legend Masta Ace, former member Mr. SoS and fellow founder of the group Deacon the Villain.
#35 Atmosphere - "Trying to find a Balance" [2003]
Atmosphere's 2003 album, Seven's Travels is often considered the Minnesota duo's worst full-length, but it also features their career defining single, Trying to Find a Balance.
#34 Royce da 5'9" - "Boom!" [2002]
This is vintage Primo with one of Detroit's finest emcees unleashing some his best rhymes.
#33 OutKast - "The Whole World (ft Killer Mike)" [2001]
Outkast drops yet another gem off of their 2001 greatest hits album, some of the best drums I've ever heard on a hip hop song.
#32 Brother Ali - "Room with a View" [2003]
Classic Ant and Ali. Ali's vivid lyricism makes me feel like a resident of Minneapolis.
#31 Mos Def - "Life in Marvelous Times" [2009]
Off of one of 2009's best albums, Mos makes his "Comeback" from 2004 and 2006 duds with this masterpiece. The way this tracks builds beautifully, there is no other word to describe the track other than well, Marvelous.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Rhymes: Top 50 hip hop singles of the decade (50-41)
So I decided to compile the top 50 Hip Hop singles of the past decade (there's just too much rock and other genres that I havent heard so it would be unfair for me to do a ranking of those genres), heres the criteria:
- Must be released from 2000-2009
- Must be a Single (VLS,CDS, Digi-Single) or have an official music video made for it
- Must be released by a hip hop artist and there must be mostly rapping on the record (no autotune singing shit)
- Must be on my iTunes library (sorry for those who I havent heard, but my library consists of 9289 songs currently)
- Must have a strong personal influence
and with that being said...
#50 Twista - "Overnight Celebrity" [2004]
[Video Not Found, Thanks YouTube]
Well you all know it, one of 2004s biggest hits, a classic Kanye beat.
#49 Dilated Peoples - "Worst Comes to Worst" [2001]
The trio from the left coast's most famous hit (until they collabed with a certain chi-town producer)
#48 Erick Sermon - "Relentless" [2004]
I could've very well gone with 2001's classic "Music" but this is the song is what introduced me to the green eye'd bandit and it's straight rapping, no hook, which i've always had a soft spot for.
#47 Jake One - "The Truth (ft. Freeway and Brother Ali) [2008]
The Seattle beatsmith brought together two of the fiercest emcees on this hard hitting production. Who comes better? my vote goes to Ali, but Free wasn't a slouch on this by any means.
#46 B.o.B - "I'll Be in the Sky" [2008]
Bobby Ray is easily the least prolific artist on the list, but he certainly isnt the least talented. This song is undeniable, and is a personal classic. As for Mr. Ray's future? only time will tell, his debut album will be released (hopefully) this April.
#45 Substantial - "It's You (I Think)" [2009]
Stan has given the QN5 label its first major air-play with this kno laced track.
#44 Wu Tang Clan - "The Heart Gently Weeps" [2007]
The come back single from the almighty Wu, while 8 diagrams wasn't as great as many would hope this song was fantastic. Ms. Badu on the chorus and George Harrison's son playing guitar. And Rae, Ghost and Mr. Mef bring it home. Classic Wu.
#43 Wyclef Jean - "Sweetest Girl (ft. Akon and Lil Wayne)
This almost broke my must-have-rapping-on-it rule, but lil wayne saves the day (Whaaa?), but seriously this is one of those songs i could hear a million times and not get sick of. I dont know why I love it so much, its just a damn good song.
#42 Da Ranjahz - "Inspiration (ft Cee-Lo)[2003]
This is the only song I know from this horribly named group, but this primo-produced track is a personal classic.
#41 Jay-Z - "Song Cry" [2001]
Here is the best single released from 2001's blueprint (how was heart of the city not released as a single???).
- Must be released from 2000-2009
- Must be a Single (VLS,CDS, Digi-Single) or have an official music video made for it
- Must be released by a hip hop artist and there must be mostly rapping on the record (no autotune singing shit)
- Must be on my iTunes library (sorry for those who I havent heard, but my library consists of 9289 songs currently)
- Must have a strong personal influence
and with that being said...
#50 Twista - "Overnight Celebrity" [2004]
[Video Not Found, Thanks YouTube]
Well you all know it, one of 2004s biggest hits, a classic Kanye beat.
#49 Dilated Peoples - "Worst Comes to Worst" [2001]
The trio from the left coast's most famous hit (until they collabed with a certain chi-town producer)
#48 Erick Sermon - "Relentless" [2004]
I could've very well gone with 2001's classic "Music" but this is the song is what introduced me to the green eye'd bandit and it's straight rapping, no hook, which i've always had a soft spot for.
#47 Jake One - "The Truth (ft. Freeway and Brother Ali) [2008]
The Seattle beatsmith brought together two of the fiercest emcees on this hard hitting production. Who comes better? my vote goes to Ali, but Free wasn't a slouch on this by any means.
#46 B.o.B - "I'll Be in the Sky" [2008]
Bobby Ray is easily the least prolific artist on the list, but he certainly isnt the least talented. This song is undeniable, and is a personal classic. As for Mr. Ray's future? only time will tell, his debut album will be released (hopefully) this April.
#45 Substantial - "It's You (I Think)" [2009]
Stan has given the QN5 label its first major air-play with this kno laced track.
#44 Wu Tang Clan - "The Heart Gently Weeps" [2007]
The come back single from the almighty Wu, while 8 diagrams wasn't as great as many would hope this song was fantastic. Ms. Badu on the chorus and George Harrison's son playing guitar. And Rae, Ghost and Mr. Mef bring it home. Classic Wu.
#43 Wyclef Jean - "Sweetest Girl (ft. Akon and Lil Wayne)
This almost broke my must-have-rapping-on-it rule, but lil wayne saves the day (Whaaa?), but seriously this is one of those songs i could hear a million times and not get sick of. I dont know why I love it so much, its just a damn good song.
#42 Da Ranjahz - "Inspiration (ft Cee-Lo)[2003]
This is the only song I know from this horribly named group, but this primo-produced track is a personal classic.
#41 Jay-Z - "Song Cry" [2001]
Here is the best single released from 2001's blueprint (how was heart of the city not released as a single???).
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Rhymes: Jay Electronica Video
Jay Electronica Live @ Santos 11.3.09 from Adam Saewitz on Vimeo.
I dont know what this is, but its great. It includes performances of the unreleased Dear Moleskin and Exhibit C (both produced by Just Blaze). Jay is supposed to release an EP sometime this month. we'll see about that...
found at:
http://www.bengalyucky.com/
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Rhymes: Macklemore - "Otherside" (Live Performance)
This guy is awesome, I first heard him on CunninLynguists' SJV2 on the Song Close Your Eyes. This performance is incredible. His EP will be released this Tuesday.
You can download the song here, it samples the bassline from Red Hot Chili Peppers' song of the same name:
http://usershare.net/n59cmamjpm9r
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Rhymes: A Dorm is Not a Home (Free Download)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/wn31o5
Yes BRL is the only place (until midnight tonight) where you can download my new album, A Dorm is Not a Home. I worked exactly a year on this album, by recording "A Song for the Walk Home" during last Thanksgiving break and finishing up the final songs during this year's Thanksgiving break.
This is easily my best work, and I am ready for more and more people to hear my music. This album was primarily inspired by my freshman year in college, but I also touch on many different topics all with a similar theme: Home.
This album was a journey for me, as was the previous albums, but the last year of my life was something I have never experienced before, which definitely reflected in this music. Please give this album a serious listen and let me know what you think, thanks.
- Goose
Yes BRL is the only place (until midnight tonight) where you can download my new album, A Dorm is Not a Home. I worked exactly a year on this album, by recording "A Song for the Walk Home" during last Thanksgiving break and finishing up the final songs during this year's Thanksgiving break.
This is easily my best work, and I am ready for more and more people to hear my music. This album was primarily inspired by my freshman year in college, but I also touch on many different topics all with a similar theme: Home.
This album was a journey for me, as was the previous albums, but the last year of my life was something I have never experienced before, which definitely reflected in this music. Please give this album a serious listen and let me know what you think, thanks.
- Goose
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Rhymes: Grammy Nominations Announced
So the Grammys have announced their nominations and BRL will take you through each (important) category, we will tell you who WILL win and who SHOULD win.
Category 1
Record Of The Year
(Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s), if other than the artist.)
* Halo
Beyoncé
* I Gotta Feeling
The Black Eyed Peas
* Use Somebody
Kings Of Leon
* Poker Face
Lady Gaga
* You Belong With Me
Taylor Swift
Who Will Win: "Halo" Beyonce.
Unfortunately 2008-2009 was plagued with just god-awful music from Beyonce that many people for some reason loved, I think B will take home many awards in February.
Who Should Win: "You Belong With Me"
Swift may also win this category, her talent is undeniable, even though she isn't necessarily my cup of tea, she is an excellent song writer.
Category 2
Album Of The Year
(Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s)/Mixer(s) & Mastering Engineer(s), if other than the artist.)
* I Am... Sasha Fierce
Beyoncé
* The E.N.D.
The Black Eyed Peas
* The Fame
Lady Gaga
* Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
Dave Matthews Band
* Fearless
Taylor Swift
Who will win: Dave Matthews.
Every year the most prestigious award seems to go to an artist who is relatively irrelevant and who peaked atleast a decade earlier. I wouldnt be surprised if Beyonce or Swift takes home this award, but if history shows us anything the winner will be Dave and the Boys.,
Who should win: Im just astounished at how bad this category is this year. 2008 had several albums that were worthy of this award, honestly I dont think anyone mentioned here should take home this award, but if I had to award it I'd give it to Swift again.
Song Of The Year
(A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
* Poker Face
Lady Gaga & RedOne, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
* Pretty Wings
Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
* Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
* Use Somebody
Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill,
* You Belong With Me
Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
Who Will and Should Win: Taylor Swift
This award is for songwriters, which is why it is different than record of the year. I think Swift's is the best written song out of the mentioned, I wouldnt be too offended if "Use Somebody" wins in this category either.
Category 4
Best New Artist
(For a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist.)
* Zac Brown Band
* Keri Hilson
* MGMT
* Silversun Pickups
* The Ting Tings
Who Will Win: I have a feeling the academy will favor Keri Hilson, although her album did not fare all that will with critics, this category is surprising weak, with exception of:
Who Should Win: MGMT! Im very pleased to see these guys get nominated, but Im certainly not holding my breath for a victory.
Category 16
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
(For duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Can't Find My Way Home
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
* Life In Technicolor II
Coldplay
* 21 Guns
Green Day
* Use Somebody
Kings Of Leon
* I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
U2
Who Will Win: Fuckin Green Day,God I hate this band and song. Kings of Leon also may win, but the academy loves them some shitty rock, cant believe Nickleasscrack wasnt nominated.
Who Should Win: Coldplay. Easily the best song in this category, no explination needed.
Category 21
Best Rock Album
(Vocal or Instrumental. Includes Hard Rock and Metal.)
* Black Ice
AC/DC
* Live From Madison Square Garden
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
* 21st Century Breakdown
Green Day
* Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
Dave Matthews Band
* No Line On The Horizon
U2
Who Will Win: GreenDay
Who Should Win: Well not a big fan of any of these bands, but Id rather see Dave take this one over the rest of these other fucks (except Clapton, but seriously a live album?). I dont really care about this category.
Best R&B Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
* Blame It
James T. Brown, John Conte, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Christopher Henderson, Brandon R. Melanchon, Breyon Prescott, T-Pain & Nathan L. Walker, songwriters (Jamie Foxx & T-Pain)
* Lions, Tigers & Bears
Salaam Remi & Jazmine Sullivan, songwriters (Jazmine Sullivan)
* Pretty Wings
Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
* Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
* Under
D. Babbs, L. Bereal, M. Cooper, A. Dixon, J. Franklin, T. Jones, R. New & K. Stephens, songwriters (Pleasure P)
Who will win: Beyonce. the song is utter trash, the worst from her shitty ass collection of singles that plagued the air waves in the past year.
Who Should win: Lions Tigers & Bears, by Jazmine Sullivan. An excellent song, I wouldnt be too surprised if this song actually won the award.
Category 31
Best Rap Solo Performance
(For a solo Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Best I Ever Had
Drake
* Beautiful
Eminem
* D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)
Jay-Z
* Day 'N' Nite
Kid Cudi
* Casa Bey
Mos Def
This is actually a surprisingly good category.
Who Will Win: Drake
Who Should Win: Mos Def has the best song out of the nominations here, but all these songs represent mainstream hip hop very well, which is rare for the grammys.
Category 32
Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
(For duo, group or collaborative performances of Rap only. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Too Many Rappers
Beastie Boys & Nas
* Crack A Bottle
Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
* Money Goes, Honey Stay
Fabolous & Jay-Z
* Make Her Say
Kid Cudi, Kanye West & Common
* Amazing
Kanye West & Young Jeezy
Who Should and Will Win: Amazing. The only song that deserves a grammy nomination. The 50 Em and Dre song is just plain lazy. Make Her Say was a cool mixtape song, but had no business being on an album or single. And a big WTF at Fabolous taking a Jay-z leftover and recording a verse and getting a grammy nod for it.
Category 33
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
(For a Rap/Sung collaborative performance by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Ego
Beyoncé & Kanye West
* Knock You Down
Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne-Yo
* Run This Town
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
* I'm On A Boat
The Lonely Island & T-Pain
* Dead And Gone
T.I. & Justin Timberlake
Who Will and Should Win: T.I. and JT. I could also see jay, ye and rhi winning. As long as On a Boat does not win. They do realize thats a parody song right? pretty solid category other than that.
Category 34
Best Rap Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
* Best I Ever Had
Aubrey Drake Graham, D. Hamilton & M. Samuels, songwriters (Drake)
[Aspire/Young Money/Cash Money; Publisher: Sony/ATV Tunes.]
* Day 'N' Nite
S. Mescudi & O. Omishore, songwriters (Kid Cudi)
[Universal Motown/Good/Fool's Gold; Publishers: Elsie's Baby Boy, Owo Olorun, Universal Music Publishing.]
* Dead And Gone
C. Harris, R. Tadross & J. Timberlake, songwriters (T.I. & Justin Timberlake)
Track from: Paper Trail
[Grand Hustle/Atlantic; Publishers: Crown Club Publishing/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing/Tenman Tunes/Universal Z Tunes/Cleopatra's Sons Music/EMI April Music.]
* D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)
Shawn Carter & Ernest Wilson, songwriters (Gary DeCarlo, Dale Frashuer, Paul Leka, Janko Nilovic & Dave Sucky, songwriters) (Jay-Z)
[Atlantic; Publishers: EMI April Music, Carter Boys Music/Chrysalis Songs/No ID Music, Unichappell Music, APM Music.]
* Run This Town
Shawn Carter, R. Fenty, M. Riddick, Kanye West & E. Wilson, songwriters (Athanasios Alatas, songwriter) (Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West)
[Roc Nation; Publishers: EMI April Music, Carter Boys Music/Please Gimme My Publishing/EMI Blackwood/Chrysalis Songs/No ID Music/All The Above Publishing/Sony ATV/Annauhi Music/Athanasios Alatas Publishing.]
Who Will Win: Drake.
Who Should Win: Jay for D.O.A. as a song writing award DOA should win cuz its Jay at his best (well atleast on the lyrically disappointing BP3) lyrically.
Category 35
Best Rap Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
* Universal Mind Control
Common
[Geffen]
* Relapse
Eminem
[Aftermath/Interscope]
* R.O.O.T.S.
Flo Rida
[Poe Boy/Atlantic]
* The Ecstatic
Mos Def
[Downtown Records]
* The Renaissance
Q-Tip
[Universal Motown]
Im so pissed that UMC got a nod, that is by far the worst piece of shit Ive ever heard. Ok its not THAAT bad (close though), but its easily the worst thing common has ever put his name on.
Who will win: hmmmm my instincts make me want to say go with commercially successful albums such as Flo-Ryda (boooo!) or Eminem's comeback album, but I think this year will be different. People like Mos a lot, as they should, I think Mos will win.
Who should win: Well I think Mos should win, but I think Tip's album is just a little better, its a toss up.
Category 1
Record Of The Year
(Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s), if other than the artist.)
* Halo
Beyoncé
* I Gotta Feeling
The Black Eyed Peas
* Use Somebody
Kings Of Leon
* Poker Face
Lady Gaga
* You Belong With Me
Taylor Swift
Who Will Win: "Halo" Beyonce.
Unfortunately 2008-2009 was plagued with just god-awful music from Beyonce that many people for some reason loved, I think B will take home many awards in February.
Who Should Win: "You Belong With Me"
Swift may also win this category, her talent is undeniable, even though she isn't necessarily my cup of tea, she is an excellent song writer.
Category 2
Album Of The Year
(Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s)/Mixer(s) & Mastering Engineer(s), if other than the artist.)
* I Am... Sasha Fierce
Beyoncé
* The E.N.D.
The Black Eyed Peas
* The Fame
Lady Gaga
* Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
Dave Matthews Band
* Fearless
Taylor Swift
Who will win: Dave Matthews.
Every year the most prestigious award seems to go to an artist who is relatively irrelevant and who peaked atleast a decade earlier. I wouldnt be surprised if Beyonce or Swift takes home this award, but if history shows us anything the winner will be Dave and the Boys.,
Who should win: Im just astounished at how bad this category is this year. 2008 had several albums that were worthy of this award, honestly I dont think anyone mentioned here should take home this award, but if I had to award it I'd give it to Swift again.
Song Of The Year
(A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
* Poker Face
Lady Gaga & RedOne, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
* Pretty Wings
Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
* Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
* Use Somebody
Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill,
* You Belong With Me
Liz Rose & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
Who Will and Should Win: Taylor Swift
This award is for songwriters, which is why it is different than record of the year. I think Swift's is the best written song out of the mentioned, I wouldnt be too offended if "Use Somebody" wins in this category either.
Category 4
Best New Artist
(For a new artist who releases, during the Eligibility Year, the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist.)
* Zac Brown Band
* Keri Hilson
* MGMT
* Silversun Pickups
* The Ting Tings
Who Will Win: I have a feeling the academy will favor Keri Hilson, although her album did not fare all that will with critics, this category is surprising weak, with exception of:
Who Should Win: MGMT! Im very pleased to see these guys get nominated, but Im certainly not holding my breath for a victory.
Category 16
Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals
(For duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Can't Find My Way Home
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
* Life In Technicolor II
Coldplay
* 21 Guns
Green Day
* Use Somebody
Kings Of Leon
* I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight
U2
Who Will Win: Fuckin Green Day,God I hate this band and song. Kings of Leon also may win, but the academy loves them some shitty rock, cant believe Nickleasscrack wasnt nominated.
Who Should Win: Coldplay. Easily the best song in this category, no explination needed.
Category 21
Best Rock Album
(Vocal or Instrumental. Includes Hard Rock and Metal.)
* Black Ice
AC/DC
* Live From Madison Square Garden
Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood
* 21st Century Breakdown
Green Day
* Big Whiskey And The Groogrux King
Dave Matthews Band
* No Line On The Horizon
U2
Who Will Win: GreenDay
Who Should Win: Well not a big fan of any of these bands, but Id rather see Dave take this one over the rest of these other fucks (except Clapton, but seriously a live album?). I dont really care about this category.
Best R&B Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
* Blame It
James T. Brown, John Conte, Jr., Jamie Foxx, Christopher Henderson, Brandon R. Melanchon, Breyon Prescott, T-Pain & Nathan L. Walker, songwriters (Jamie Foxx & T-Pain)
* Lions, Tigers & Bears
Salaam Remi & Jazmine Sullivan, songwriters (Jazmine Sullivan)
* Pretty Wings
Hod David & Musze, songwriters (Maxwell)
* Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Thaddis Harrell, Beyoncé Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart, songwriters (Beyoncé)
* Under
D. Babbs, L. Bereal, M. Cooper, A. Dixon, J. Franklin, T. Jones, R. New & K. Stephens, songwriters (Pleasure P)
Who will win: Beyonce. the song is utter trash, the worst from her shitty ass collection of singles that plagued the air waves in the past year.
Who Should win: Lions Tigers & Bears, by Jazmine Sullivan. An excellent song, I wouldnt be too surprised if this song actually won the award.
Category 31
Best Rap Solo Performance
(For a solo Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Best I Ever Had
Drake
* Beautiful
Eminem
* D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)
Jay-Z
* Day 'N' Nite
Kid Cudi
* Casa Bey
Mos Def
This is actually a surprisingly good category.
Who Will Win: Drake
Who Should Win: Mos Def has the best song out of the nominations here, but all these songs represent mainstream hip hop very well, which is rare for the grammys.
Category 32
Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
(For duo, group or collaborative performances of Rap only. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Too Many Rappers
Beastie Boys & Nas
* Crack A Bottle
Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent
* Money Goes, Honey Stay
Fabolous & Jay-Z
* Make Her Say
Kid Cudi, Kanye West & Common
* Amazing
Kanye West & Young Jeezy
Who Should and Will Win: Amazing. The only song that deserves a grammy nomination. The 50 Em and Dre song is just plain lazy. Make Her Say was a cool mixtape song, but had no business being on an album or single. And a big WTF at Fabolous taking a Jay-z leftover and recording a verse and getting a grammy nod for it.
Category 33
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
(For a Rap/Sung collaborative performance by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only.)
* Ego
Beyoncé & Kanye West
* Knock You Down
Keri Hilson, Kanye West & Ne-Yo
* Run This Town
Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West
* I'm On A Boat
The Lonely Island & T-Pain
* Dead And Gone
T.I. & Justin Timberlake
Who Will and Should Win: T.I. and JT. I could also see jay, ye and rhi winning. As long as On a Boat does not win. They do realize thats a parody song right? pretty solid category other than that.
Category 34
Best Rap Song
(A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.)
* Best I Ever Had
Aubrey Drake Graham, D. Hamilton & M. Samuels, songwriters (Drake)
[Aspire/Young Money/Cash Money; Publisher: Sony/ATV Tunes.]
* Day 'N' Nite
S. Mescudi & O. Omishore, songwriters (Kid Cudi)
[Universal Motown/Good/Fool's Gold; Publishers: Elsie's Baby Boy, Owo Olorun, Universal Music Publishing.]
* Dead And Gone
C. Harris, R. Tadross & J. Timberlake, songwriters (T.I. & Justin Timberlake)
Track from: Paper Trail
[Grand Hustle/Atlantic; Publishers: Crown Club Publishing/Warner-Tamerlane Publishing/Tenman Tunes/Universal Z Tunes/Cleopatra's Sons Music/EMI April Music.]
* D.O.A. (Death Of Auto-Tune)
Shawn Carter & Ernest Wilson, songwriters (Gary DeCarlo, Dale Frashuer, Paul Leka, Janko Nilovic & Dave Sucky, songwriters) (Jay-Z)
[Atlantic; Publishers: EMI April Music, Carter Boys Music/Chrysalis Songs/No ID Music, Unichappell Music, APM Music.]
* Run This Town
Shawn Carter, R. Fenty, M. Riddick, Kanye West & E. Wilson, songwriters (Athanasios Alatas, songwriter) (Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West)
[Roc Nation; Publishers: EMI April Music, Carter Boys Music/Please Gimme My Publishing/EMI Blackwood/Chrysalis Songs/No ID Music/All The Above Publishing/Sony ATV/Annauhi Music/Athanasios Alatas Publishing.]
Who Will Win: Drake.
Who Should Win: Jay for D.O.A. as a song writing award DOA should win cuz its Jay at his best (well atleast on the lyrically disappointing BP3) lyrically.
Category 35
Best Rap Album
(For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.)
* Universal Mind Control
Common
[Geffen]
* Relapse
Eminem
[Aftermath/Interscope]
* R.O.O.T.S.
Flo Rida
[Poe Boy/Atlantic]
* The Ecstatic
Mos Def
[Downtown Records]
* The Renaissance
Q-Tip
[Universal Motown]
Im so pissed that UMC got a nod, that is by far the worst piece of shit Ive ever heard. Ok its not THAAT bad (close though), but its easily the worst thing common has ever put his name on.
Who will win: hmmmm my instincts make me want to say go with commercially successful albums such as Flo-Ryda (boooo!) or Eminem's comeback album, but I think this year will be different. People like Mos a lot, as they should, I think Mos will win.
Who should win: Well I think Mos should win, but I think Tip's album is just a little better, its a toss up.
Rhymes: Greatest Albums of All-Time: #5 Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) - Train of Thought
I bought this album 1/1/05. That was the beginning of the 2nd semester of my freshman year in high school. At this point I was starting my transition into a different type of hip hop. It was a few months after the disappointing Encore album by Eminem, and I was growing tired of mainstream hip hop in general. Reflection Eternal was my gateway into I dont want to say conscious, but just better hip hop.
This classic 2000 album, is highly regarded as one of the best hip hop releases of this decade. With flawless production provided by Cincinnati native, Hi-Tek and the peak of Talib Kweli's lyrical prowess. This is the type of album that happens once in a life time. The combination of two artists at their best; released during the perfect time where hip hop NEEDED a record like this. The vibe generated from this record cannot be duplicated. Although the two are currently working on the follow up to this classic record, they will never be able to recapture such a perfect and genuine moment in music.
I could sit here and take you through this album track by track, describing the sonic nirvana this album provides the listener. But instead I will keep this breif. This album is perfect for the winter time, which is upon us, so I highly suggest that you listen to it.
This classic 2000 album, is highly regarded as one of the best hip hop releases of this decade. With flawless production provided by Cincinnati native, Hi-Tek and the peak of Talib Kweli's lyrical prowess. This is the type of album that happens once in a life time. The combination of two artists at their best; released during the perfect time where hip hop NEEDED a record like this. The vibe generated from this record cannot be duplicated. Although the two are currently working on the follow up to this classic record, they will never be able to recapture such a perfect and genuine moment in music.
I could sit here and take you through this album track by track, describing the sonic nirvana this album provides the listener. But instead I will keep this breif. This album is perfect for the winter time, which is upon us, so I highly suggest that you listen to it.
Rhymes & Life: The Making of...
walks home.
the snow.
the wind.
leaving home.
dorm rooms.
room 57.
room 58.
room 56.
Rodgers Quad.
the bad smells.
the rusted pipes.
iPods.
escaping.
cell phones.
missing.
cigarettes.
self-destruction.
loneliness.
electric guitars.
1990 pontiac grand am.
wooster.
east reed street.
new homes.
nina simone.
bob dylan.
folk music.
hurricane katrina.
destroyed homes.
goodgirlsgonebad.
lost soul.
pink floyd.
walls.
glass house.
suicide.
losing friends.
walking away.
i'm not there.
more bob dylan.
nothing.
life.
love.
senses.
grandfather clocks.
time.
cuckoo birds.
bitter old men.
away we go.
even more bob dylan.
broken homes.
nights on the couch.
empty hearts.
alexi murdoch.
the open road.
post cards.
empty rooms.
big cities.
big buildings.
my teenage years.
ex-lovers and best friends.
norah jones.
walks at night.
god.
light.
luther vandross - a house is not a home.
thursday nights.
my freshman year.
bgsu.
The Rodge.
A Dorm is Not a Home.
December 8th.
Now I know I said I wouldn't talk too much about my personal music projects, but fuck that, it's my blog, I'm gonna talk about me for a while haha. But yeah brace yourself for some exclusives from my album coming soon. If you want a copy of my album contact me on here, or e-mail me or text me, or just yell my name really loud, or dont even say anything do something, with your eyebrow... was that it? (I couldnt find the video, but that line was from How I Met Your Mother... yepp)
the snow.
the wind.
leaving home.
dorm rooms.
room 57.
room 58.
room 56.
Rodgers Quad.
the bad smells.
the rusted pipes.
iPods.
escaping.
cell phones.
missing.
cigarettes.
self-destruction.
loneliness.
electric guitars.
1990 pontiac grand am.
wooster.
east reed street.
new homes.
nina simone.
bob dylan.
folk music.
hurricane katrina.
destroyed homes.
goodgirlsgonebad.
lost soul.
pink floyd.
walls.
glass house.
suicide.
losing friends.
walking away.
i'm not there.
more bob dylan.
nothing.
life.
love.
senses.
grandfather clocks.
time.
cuckoo birds.
bitter old men.
away we go.
even more bob dylan.
broken homes.
nights on the couch.
empty hearts.
alexi murdoch.
the open road.
post cards.
empty rooms.
big cities.
big buildings.
my teenage years.
ex-lovers and best friends.
norah jones.
walks at night.
god.
light.
luther vandross - a house is not a home.
thursday nights.
my freshman year.
bgsu.
The Rodge.
A Dorm is Not a Home.
December 8th.
Now I know I said I wouldn't talk too much about my personal music projects, but fuck that, it's my blog, I'm gonna talk about me for a while haha. But yeah brace yourself for some exclusives from my album coming soon. If you want a copy of my album contact me on here, or e-mail me or text me, or just yell my name really loud, or dont even say anything do something, with your eyebrow... was that it? (I couldnt find the video, but that line was from How I Met Your Mother... yepp)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
From Dwight Schrute's Beet Farm: Happy AIDS Day!
December 1st marks that it is AIDS day. Sorry I havnet been Mmmmmmming much, I've been busy, tried joining a new gym, thats one thing, there's others... a lot of paper work. so yeah....,.... I have some more posts coming soon (after I finish all these godddddaammmmmnnnnn papers).
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