Common is the truth...

Common is the truth. As the sample begins to play on the 'Ye produced "The People", I'm quickly reminded of the vigor and passionate tone that Common brings to every track. So when I think of how to describe him, "the truth", is the only thing that comes to mind. Common is a true emcee. Or as Russell Simmons would say a true "poet". This new track "The People" from his forthcoming album Finding Forever, picks up where Common and Kanye left off from the classic Be. Except this time 'Ye's focus was to channel the late Dilla's signature sound to the track. This could have been a disastrous effort considering the contrast in the two producers style but, "The People" comes off as a conquering, triumphant record ushering in the return of what may quickly become hip hop's greatest rapper/producer combo. Common even refers to 'Ye as the new primo. Fader magazine has a review of Finding Forever that breaks down every track. The album is set to be released on July 10th and if "The People" is any indication of what Finding Forever will be, Common may have another classic on his hands.

Common ft. Dwele "The People"

Bulls vs. Pistons

I haven't been excited about Bulls basketball since Jayson Williams was drafted there. And since that asshole wrecked his bike and ruined his career, my interest in the team quickly dwindled. Call me a fairweather fan all you want but I can't wait to see the Bulls square off with the Pistons in the second round of the playoffs. Plus, former Duke baller Luol Deng just finished demoralizing the Heat and is playing the best ball of his short career. Hopefully the '07 Bulls won't share the same fate as the 87-89 Bulls that couldn't beat the Pistons to save their lives. Here's Mike putting up 61 against the Pistons.

Myspace Music: Jeff Hendrick

According to Hov "30 is the new 20", so I shouldn't feel bad about staring down the round number of 30 in the next three years. And considering that Jay is damn near 40, I guess I can still claim to be "young". Anyway, with 30 years of life rapidly approaching, the reality of the matter is that I am getting "older". No matter how old I get I'll never be too old to listen to good hip hop. But considering that bullshit has superseded substance in todays hip hop world I am often forced to seek alternative entertainment. So for this week's myspace music, I'd figured I would play a little bit of "growns folk music" courtesy of blue eyed soul man Jeff Hendrick. My first contact with Hendrick came from my homie'sTariq Nasheed's myspace page with the smooth tune of Old school party. So I headed over to Hendricks' page thinking I would see this smooth looking brother (no homo) and to my surprise here was this pale white, corny lookin white dude(the pic says it all). No matter how corny I think the guy looks, the fact remains that this cat is smooth. The songs on his page not only highlight his soulful voice but also showcases his skills as a saxophonist. Apparently, Hendricks is somewhat of a star in his native country of Canada and though I can't assure that he will blow up here in the states, I can attest to the fact that he is making good "grown folks music". Yes, I'm getting "older". Check his page here

Swagger at the Beach...

Today the weather was warm and the wind was blowing so my girl dragged me out to the beach. Usually I hate the beach but today I bought an umbrella to block the sun so I wouldn't get 100 times darker. Anyway I brought along my ipod, so I took a page out of R.E.'s book and decided to upload a few songs that were on repeat for my sunny day at the beach.

Pharrell ft. Kanye West "Number One" ?uestlove remix

Ne-Yo ft. Jennifer Hudson "Leaving Tonight"

Joell Ortiz ft. Jadakiss and Saigon "Hip Hop" remix

Eazy E "Eazy Duz It"

GHETTO D (The Re Up)

Over the years I've had a strange relationship with Southern hip hop. Despite my southern roots, I've never really had a real connection with southern hip hop. So when my friends were crowning Master P and the Hot Boys as the "hardest" in the game, I was entrenched in east hip hop somewhere lost between Enter the 36 Chambers and Reasonable Doubt. But no matter how much I resisted, when you're the only one in a car packed with teenagers that wants to listen to Illmatic instead of Mr. Ice Cream Man, there's nothing you can really do. So whether I liked it or not, I was forced to listen to Comin' out Hard, Get It How You Live, and whatever else was corrupting our young minds. Eventually I got used to it and actually began liking it to an extent. One of my favorites just happened to be Master P's Ghetto D. Apparently P is trying to relive his former years when No Limit released a new album every week and he was actually a relevant member of the game by re-releasing this hood classic. Since I've been in a list making mood, I'd figured I would round up my top 5 favorite southern classics.

1. Juvenile - 400 Degreez
2. Eightball and MJG - Comin' Out Hard
3. Scarface - Last of a Dying Breed
4. Big Tymers - I Got That Work
5. Master P - Ghetto D

Myspace Music: David Ryan Harris

Even though I am a self declared hip hop head, I don't always confine myself to one genre. When I'm not embroiled in my love/hate relationship with hip hop, I do listen to white other types of music. One of my favorite non hip hop artist is John Mayer. I really believe he is one of the greatest songwriters of this generation. So for this week's spotlight, I figured I'd step outside the confines of my hip hop obsession and feature a non hip hop artist. David Ryan Harris is a singer/songwriter that has been touring with John Mayer. When not on tour, Harris is recording his own music, which can be labeled as acoustic soul. Harris has credited Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis and Coltrane as a few of his inspirations. The standout track on his page "Yesterday Shutting Down" has him channeling a little bit of the late Marvin Gaye into his falsetto. His debut Soulstice is available on itunes and from the clips that I have heard so far, he might make me come out my pocket with $9.99 to break up the hip hop monotony in my ipod.

Top 25 Ever, Period.

So apparently much of the hip hop blog world has been agonizing over creating a top 25 list of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. Initially, I wasn't going to dedicate the time needed to the grueling process of compiling such a list but after reading several lists that I believe omitted certified classics I had to intervene.





1. Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold us back
It's undeniable. The production revolutionized the game and the content was thought provoking. Now that I'm much older this album is even more relevant.

2. Raekwon - Only Built For Cuban Linx
The epitome of early 90's east coast hip hop.

3. Jay Z - Reasonable Doubt
Cinematic. The shit plays out like a movie.

4. NWA - Straight Outta Compton
The defiant tone of this record is still unmatched. I remember being scared to listen to this. True gangsta shit.

5. Eric B. and Rakim - Paid In Full
Paid in Full, I Ain't No Joke, Eric B. is President. No explanation necessary.

6. A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Marauders
Consistency. Their most complete album ever.

7. Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die
Grimy, NY Rap. Raw emotion condensed into an Lp.

8. Nas - Illmatic
The NY classic. Nas is so descriptive he made you smell, touch and hear QB.

9. Ice Cube - Predator
Back when Cube was relevant to hip hop.

10. Dr. Dre - Chronic
Melodic, west coast life's shining moment.

11. Redman - Muddy Waters
Pure hip hop. Redman always goes hard. 3 solid verses every time.

12. Ghostface Killah - Supreme Clintele
Who knows what the fuck Ghost is saying but damn does that shit sound fly.

13. Gangstarr - Hard to Earn
Mass Appeal, DWYCK, Code of the Streets, perfect blend of boom bap and lyrics.

14. Snoop Dogg - Doggystyle
The debut of a legend.

15. Mobb Deep - The Infamous
Grimy, hungry NY rap.

16. Notorious B.I.G - Life After Death
Big flaunted his versatility on this double disc.

17. Wu Tang Clan - Wu Tang Forever
The greatest group ever? I'm not sure about that, but this was definitely on the best team efforts ever.

18. Mos Def and Talib Kweli are Blackstar - Blackstar
Underground hip hop at its finest.

19. The Roots - Illadelphia Halflife
The Roots really became visible with this album and Black Thought emerged as one of the illest in the game.

20. Jay Z - Blueprint
9/11. The world changed and so did hip hop. Jay's most verstaile effort ever.

21. De La Soul - The Stakes is High
Back when everybody else wanted to be in the mob, De La went against the grain and created this classic.

22. Nas - It Was Written
Some will argue that this album marked the demise of Nas but, I believe Nas stuck to the script and created another classic.

23. Outkast - Aquemini
From start to finish, this cd is innovative and creative. Outkast at their best.

24. Common - Be
Be is the resurrection of Common. Kanye brought him back to his roots.

25. Mase - Harlem World
So yeah the shiny suits were corny but you can't knock the energy of this record. The soundtrack for the young, fly and flashy.

Honorable Mention: Noreaga - N.O.R.E, Mobb Deep - Murda Musik, Puff Daddy - Victory
CNN - The War Report