Fly Music- A Star is Born

Sometime in the Spring of this year, a friend and musical soul mate of mine were at a social event, when he turned to me and said: "Yo, J.Cole is the future" and gave me "the face". Unfamiliar with the name, I paused, looked at him, and it was then that I knew, I had to know what he knew. You know? So I went on MySpace Music and discovered that I might have been "napping" for awhile. From ‘The Come Up” to “The Warm up” I eagerly listened to these mix tapes filled with classic tracks sampled by Gil Scott-Heron, Nas and even records produced by the artist himself. I'm no mix tape expert and I can say that before this brief era I hadn't listened to any mix tapes since all of Lil Wayne's mysteriously appeared on my ipod playlist courtesy of my big brother. I do however genuinely enjoy the concept of rappers/ emcees rhyming over previously released songs adding their own sixteens to the music. J.Cole's lyrics are anything but typical. He's not afraid to discuss his personal life experiences in college in his relationships, and association with people. Because of his flow he also doesn't have the stigma of a "typical down south rapper" either; of course I like to credit his time in the concrete Jungle for that. After being signed to Roc Nation he started to generate a buzz amongst hip-hop fans and people quickly compared him to newcomer, Drake. To me they're completely different rappers, so get over it people, listen to the music. I also dig his humility thus far: I read in XXL magazine once that he refused an offer to “hob-nob” with Diddy at a party because he didn't feel like he was at the level where he should be doing that yet, and rather just focus on the music. In that same article, he also said that he's aware folks wouldn't be so intrigued if he wasn't signed to Jay-Z's label. It’s all about the music for me, so on behalf of hip-hop fans all over, thanks for bring us this warm breeze, "Fayettenam". J. Cole him self makes the darkness [of hip-hop] seem so bright, and I'm Feelin’ like things gon be alright.

Sweet Tee of the week

Whenever people around me have issues with each other whether light or heavy, the one phrase that pops in my head is "What's Beef?” And I just start rapping the song in my head. Ha-ha ...no kidding, I promise. It's one of my favorite songs by the late and great Notorious B.I.G, only because it makes a lot of sense. So this week, I dedicate the sweet tee to the Jay-Z and Beanie Siegel "Beef", just hug it out guys, it's not like anyone's going to “see anyone in ICU" for this, ok? Ok. Refer to the previous post if you don’t know what I’m talking about.

This tee is available at: http://www.districtlines.com/10107-Biggie-T-Shirt/Serra-Velle/T-Shirts  and is being sold for $12.00

Jay-Z this, Jay-Z that...

A skinny bald headed kid from Brooklyn once said “If every nigga in your click is rich, your click is rugged nobody would fall cus everyone would be each others crutches” perhaps this was the mindset he had when creating Rocafella records along with two friends in ’96. They’ve since split and aside from a few bars here and there on record; the actual cause of the demise has not been confirmed by any of the parties involved. So here's the thing: Beanie Sigel, who was once part of the extended Roca la familia has released a Jay-Z diss record, entitled Average Cats. He also had a very emotional call-in interview heard around the world explaining his feelings. I can specify everything he said this entire post, but between the track and the 38 minute interview, I think you have enough to reference.

After I finally sat down and listened to everything, I was truly at a loss for words. I thought, wow, this sounds bad. Considering how close those two were and how loyal Beanie’s been to Jay over the years, this puts him in a horrible position, bad enough everyone is running with this “evil doer” thing. So, damn, am I supposed start giving Jay-Z the side eye for not looking out for his boy, now like everyone else? On record, he nicely told grown men they “couldn’t sit on his lap”, but as it turns out, Beanie said he’s “not looking for gifts out Santa Clause’s sack”. Ok…So what we talking bout?

In Jay-Z’s statement he recognized that Beanie has “a lot to complain about” But to me it seems he may have merely miss-managed his assets at one point in time. Hov jokingly said “It’s impossible to drive two cars at once…how can you only sell 800, 000 records and Drive two Bentleys?” But Beans is saying that Jay didn’t teach him how to fish, he only fed him. Ok, who’s to blame for that? If you go into Business with someone because you claim “they got you no matter what” the mindset really isn’t fully prepared for the possibility of that ending. Let’s be adults here, this isn’t a lemonade stand. In dealing with big businesses such as the record industry they’re contracts, deadlines, loans and countless other details involved. If someone has invested in you, can you really blame them for not making a return on the investment? I bet you can, if you still believe they’ll be your “crutch” no matter what. But shouldn’t you take ownership in your failures when they’ve set you up for success? Beans sounds hurt, and I felt really bad for him at first. I mean, Damon Dash went behind his back and [allegedly] embezzled and, Jay-Z was harsh, didn’t want to be responsible for his whereabouts and didn’t offer him any moral support while in jail. All things considered, what did Beanie Sigel do? How did he help himself on the State Property owner/ Rocafella rapper platform? What’s he responsible for? Well, he took on two [Bentley] car notes (something that depreciates with time) when he could’ve invested in his businesses and artistry. And why was he, at this point in his life in and out of jail so much anyway? He’s actually said to have paid out $200,000 worth of lawyer fees but spent only $750 for the LLC of State Property. Priorities out of order much? Boggles my mind. Repeating the same actions never gets anyone different results.

Quite frankly, Beanie Sigel says a lot of things that make me raise my eyebrow at Jay-Z, but if he hasn’t spoken to him in two years, this could be a major communication fail or misinterpretation of badly orchestrated business deals. Very shortly after his interview with Beanie Sigel the Radio VJ Charlemagne Tha God was let go from The Beat 100.3 in Philly, on grounds that the radio station is now looking to “move in a different direction.” Sigh. Yes people, I know what you’re thinking, He don’t run rap no more, he runs the map... But consider this: when you are as huge a star as he is, people will most likely just blame you for things because you’re an easy target. Further more, rumor has it Beanie may be moving toward the G Unit camp, way to market that new album fiddy! Guess it’s on to the next one. But first, I need to know how you feel. Speak your piece.



Link to interview: http://www.zshare.net/audio/676959526535015c/

It is March 9th right???