Despite Incessant Radio Mediocrity, 5 Songs Make it to My "In Heavy Rotation" List

I could post a rant about the rather pathetic state of music right now, but I've decided to share what's currently in heavy rotation on my iPod. Of course, I listen to much more than 5 songs, but these are at the top right now. Below is my Imeem playlist.

1. "Get Fresh" Another single from Chicago MC, Kid Sister (still patiently awaiting her official album; i don't do mixtapes). It's mean base line and electro sounds are--simply put--FRESH, hence the title. If I could, I'd totally break dance to this.


2. "Liberian Girl" Don't know about you, but I grew up on Michael Jackson. One of MJ's lesser-known singles off of 88's Bad album, "Liberian Girl" is authentically romantic, and not even the funniest Michael joke can take away from that.


3. "Ready for the Floor" I picked this one up from my sister, therefore, it's different. Between that contagious 80's dance sound and random cell phone/pager noises, I can't help put tap into my inner dork dance moves. And of course, the band's name is Hot Chip.


4. "So Beautiful" Musiq Soulchild has made yet another R&B song that is capable of converting even this hip hop head. Take note, young men. I promise you; when it comes to us ladies, Musiq is your friend, not Lil' Wayne.


5. "Butterfly" So the band name Crazy Town, may be leaning towards the lame side, but this old throwback is not. Nearly 10 years later, "Butterfly" is still that cool/chill/swagged-out song. Well, to me, at least.


Enjoy!

In heavy Rotation

R.I.P. NY Hip Hop?

For the past at least 5 years (I say more like 8 years), hip hop has been dominated by mostly Southern rap artists, as well as some from the Mid-West (Nelly...remember him?). Last year, Lil' Wayne broke records with Tha Carter III, having the biggest debut since 50 Cent's The Massacre in 2005.

And you can hear for yourself on the radio (unless you're in NYC) that the game is pretty much dominated by rappers with various Southern drawls. And, for the record, I love my share of this music just like anyone else. (I go to school in Atlanta, ok)

But where does this leave everyone else, specifically New York rappers? No one can deny that NYC pioneered hip hop and even further evolved it into the late 90s (along with other regions, of course). So where's the play? BK rapper Fabolous (who isn't really the best NY has to offer, if I may say so myself) had a few words about it on Hot 97 with DJ Kay Slay. "They trying to force us [NY rappers] out. Not really trying to force us out, but take over. We need balance. Everybody can shine but we need balance and New York gotta get in where we fit in, too...You don't hear nothing [on Southern radio]. You might have something classic, like iconic, they don't cross that line..." Fabolous Calls On New York Rappers, "They Trying To Force Us Out" [Video] SOHH.com [Shared via AddThis]

Well, that's one way to look at it. It's true; Southern radio stations play Southern music and pretty much nothing else. But I'd argue that this could just be pay back for all those years when hip hop was virtually New York and nothing else (Ok, sometimes the West Coast). Let's be 100% real about it-- back in the 90s and early 20oo's, New York rappers were celebrating their fame and fortune and weren't really trying to share with anyone else. They didn't even want to collaborate with each other, let alone someone from New Orleans or Atlanta.

But what about Jay-Z? Jay continues to get play everywhere. Well, Maino (remember "Hi Hater?") thinks it's also a New School v. Old School issue: "So you mean to tell me that there is no one capable of becoming a Jay-Z? The problem with New York is that we don't produce stars no more we still stuck on the old stars...when Jay-Z puts out a record its gone be like, the biggest thing since the steering wheel...I'm glad Diddy signed Red Cafe cause nowhere [else] is opening up an avenue for a new n*gga. Instead of concentrating so much on his self..."
See Maino's Interview -- "Maino Ready to Bring NYC Forward" (Not Back!)



So what do I think? Well, my take on it is like this-- if you're making ringtone music, then you're signed, sealed, and delivered... enough to make the quick money for the label but not enough to develop a long-term career. Ringtone music = catchy beat + easy dance + shallow lyrics (YUUULE!) The fact is, whether or not you're from NYC, if you're a rapper who takes your craft seriously enough to expect your label to invest real time and money in your development, then you're pretty much left to the streets (or Myspace lol).

ALL IN ALL... Rest in peace to New York hip hop? Ha! I think not. That's just not the New York way-- please believe that we will bounce back.

But here's what everyone in the hip hop game should be worrying about-- Taylor Swift. She beat out EVERYBODY last year with her album, "Fearless." And now she's collaborated with T-Pain on a rap song. Don't call her Taylor; call her T-Swizzle. Taylor Swift Reclaims Billboard 200 Throne [Shared via AddThis]

Amber Rose: To Hate or Not to Hate?

It's not that I CAN'T knock the hustle. It's that I WON'T knock the hustle. Kanye's ladyfriend, Amber Rose, is literally a buzz topic on all the radio stations and even more on the Internet. Due to her *ahem* hard work and, of course, strategic partnership with Kanye West, Amber has managed to become a celeb in her own right.

On her blog on globalgrind.com, Amber recently announced that she will be moving to NYC, due to her new contract with Ford Models, claiming, "I do not want to 'waste my celebrity..." So, she is pursuing her modeling and acting career. And you know what? Why not?! She's young, beautiful (arguably), and Kanye's girlfriend. The fact of the matter is she is using her assets (no pun intended) to get what she wants in life. Do I agree with it? Not really. But Kanye has decided to practically give this woman fame on a platter. So let's not hate on her..."I ain't sayin she a gold digger..." LMAO

Check Out her Blog (OR just click on the pic above)>> http://globalgrind.com/content/790500/Amber-Blogs-Make-Your-Dreams-Come-True/

But on a side note...
Why couldn't none of his BLACK girlfriends get some fame? (Not to mention, his ex-fiance, who clearly wants some attention, hence, Harlem Heights) I know there's talk about Amber's "mixed" background, but let's keep it 100% real. Ya'll know most people view her as a white woman (no offense to white or bi-racial people of course). I don't mean to be so ignorant, but dang, Kanye!

Ok, ok I'm done now. =)

Why I Don't Listen to the Radio

The number one song in the country is Kelly Clarkson's "My Life Would Suck Without You." The only reason why I know of this song's existence is because I frequent iTunes store and noticed that it is a top download. I didn't even bother to click on the 30 second preview. Well, today was the first day I actually heard the song. I turned on Vh1's Jump Start this morning, just to have something playing while I do laundry (unnecessary info, I know). So my back was turned to the TV as I was collecting my laundry and I heard a guitar intro to a song. I knew it was Kelly Clarkson, before I even heard her voice or actually saw her face. Why does this song sound EXACTLY like "Since U Been Gone?!??" I felt like it was deja vu or I got caught in a time warp and found myself in 10th grade again when "Since U Been Gone" was blaring out of every radio. Now, I'll admit, I liked the screaming, rock-ish 2004 hit before it started taking over my life. However, this new song not only sounds just like it (which I think is boring in & of itself), but unlike "Since U Been Gone," she's screaming about needing some man in her life. Come on guys, "My life Would SUCK Without You?" If your life My Life would SUCK without somebody, then you're pretty pathetic. Compare for yourself.

Since U Been Gone - Kelly Clarkson

My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson

The moral of this story? This is exactly why I DO NOT listen to the radio. There is very little originality on the airwaves. I don't remember the last time I've been genuinely excited about a hip hop song. I can't recall being thoroughly satisfied with any of my fav artists' albums recently (except for M.I.A. & Santogold... fire). Beyonce's "Single Ladies" was forced on me (I like the song now, but initially I didn't get it). Why is "Live Your Life" still in the top 10 of Billboard? Britney Spears sounds exactly how she did in 1999. And now Kelly Clarkson is screaming again. And the record execs wonder why everyone goes online for their music. We're sick of the same old crap on the radio.