Track of the day! - Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre - What's the difference (feat. Xzibit and Eminem)

Live performance from one of the best tours ever made, Up In Smoke Tour. If you have the chance to get hold of the complete video for this, do not miss the opportunity.

Denial, denial, denial!

...and it took about four days before he changed his mind.

KiD CuDi will not be retiring from the music scene. On a gig at a club on Thursday night, CuDi announced that he will keep the mic in his hand, rather than locking it up in the attic. He admits that he wasn't feeling it when he posted the announcement on his blog, but then realized that he needs his fans as much as they need him.

There you go. Never believe a quitting rapper. A Hiphop artist only retires when he Rests In Peace.

Have a look at a clip from the show where he withdraws his retirement, and please enjoy the performance afterwards:

Track of the day! - Three 6 Mafia

Three 6 Mafia - Stay Fly (feat. 8Ball & MJG and Young Buck)

"I had a bad experience...!"

The versatile Mos Def has announced he is back in the studio, working on his next album 'The Ecstatic'. Some people may recognize him more as an actor, starring in movies like The Italian Job, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and, my personal favourite, Be Kind Rewind.The album is set to come out late spring/summer this year.

It's nice to have him back in the game. Let's just hope he hasn't lost any of his rap skills while exchanging the stage for the big screens.

Mos Def - Summertime

Track of the day! - Nelly

Right now I feel like a champion!

Nelly - Heart of a champion

Playlist!

Anthony Hamilton - Cool (feat. David Banner)
Youngbloodz - Presidential
D-12 - Revelation
Nelly - Batter up (feat. St. Lunatics)
The Game - My Life (feat. Lil' Wayne)
Shawn Wigs - Gotta hold on (feat. Eamon)
Houston - I like that (feat. Chingy and Nate Dogg)
Onyx - Slam Harder
Dr. Dre - Still D.R.E (feat. Snoop Dogg)
Hurricane Chris - Bang
G-Unit - Poppin' them thangs
M.O.P - Ante up
LL Cool J - Phenomenon

L for Loser!

New day, new video, new artist.

Star in the making Charles Hamilton has released his second single, and here is the visual proof:



'Loser' is Hamilton's follow up to the hit 'Brookyn Girls'. His style can best be compared to other more laid back lyricists like Lupe Fiasco and KiD CuDi, but Hamilton is a bit more cocky.

It's a style that is spreading quick and taking up the battle with "gangsta rap". And for some reason it seems like it is the rappers from northern America that takes on this approach. E.g. Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco from Chicago, and KiD CuDi who is from the same home town as Hamilton, Cleveland, Ohio.

But I like it. So as far as I'm concerned, they can come from Alaska, Greenland or the North Pole, as long as they deliver.

Track of the day! - Roots Manuva

Roots Manuva - Witness the fitness

Review: CNN - Channel 10

It's been 12 years since CNN made their last appearence on the air, and it shows. The duo are having troubles finding their own sound. Every track of the album is different from the other. The sound differs according to the producers behind the beat, while Capone and NORE puts their rhymes on it, almost like three seas and two continents have separated them for the last couple of years rather than a prison wall.

NORE instantly takes charge of the album, while Capone just tries to keep up. But the distance is too far between them for him to catch up. We get predictable tracks and impersonal beats. Although there are a few exeptions.

The DJ Premier produced 'Grand Royal' is pure, classic New York hip hop, that will take anyone back to the 90's. Other tracks that stands out has got a clever hook, different chorus or personal lyrics. But to be fair, the album is not packed with them. With the material used we are allowed to expect straight up quality from each and every song, and espeacially 'My Hood' with Clipse, Maino, Uncle Murda and Tha Dogg Pound should be able to knock you of your seat, but I sit quite comfortably at the moment.

Best track: Channel 10

Grade: 3/5

Track of the day! - Huey

Huey - Pop, Lock and Drop it

True Story!

It's 2006. It's spring. It's just another day in paradise(?).

I'm at work as usual. Sports shop. Selling shoes. Joggers, trainers, sneakers, take your pick. Me and my co-worker David are alone in the shop so what is otherwise known as "forbidden shop music" is streaming through the speakers, placed high up under the ceiling. It's one of those fresh spring days in the end of march. On of those days you can keep the door open and it feels like summer. On of those days when the tarmac in the shade is a bit damp, but the tarmac in the sun is as dry as my dads sense of humour.

A car with the roof dropped down, probably for the first time this year, stops at the red light. We can hear what music they're playing, D4L - Laffy Taffy, and they can hear the music we're playing, The Game - Hate it or love it (feat 50 cent). The volume in the store is probably to high but who is going to find out?

The day goes by in a slow pace. The customers who make the days go by are not customers today. They are out in the sun. But the slow pace is nice today anyway. No rush, no worries.

As I wrap up one of few sales, new customers step in through the door. The anoying "pling" doesn't go off because we turned it off. However, these customers makes themselves heard anyway. They're big, they're American. They all wear baggy jeans, New Era caps, some pieces of jewelery and similar jackets with the print Wu Tang on the back.

"Whaddup man!", the man in front say to me.
I can't really squease out a reply at first. Because it just occured to me that Wu Tang Clan just stepped in to our little store on Södermalm in Stockholm. I don't even have to make sure because I know it's them, they're performing tonight, but I ask anyway:
"Are you really Wu Tang Clan?"
"Fo sho", he reply, smiling and showing of his "grill".

The 'Killa Bees' start looking around the shop. David looks at me with a surprised, astouned and happy face. The music is not loud anymore. We can't even hear it. But we can hear our famous customers asking for Timberlands. I step down to the dark basement and bring them what they want.

As they walk out 25 minutes later, the music goes back on. A few new customers come in, and a few new customers leave. But I don't move. Neither do David. But yet we walk around in the footsteps of Wu Tang Clan. Then we realise; David's Wu Tang shirt is on the counter, completely forgotten, completely unsigned.

Track of the day! - Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo

Unexpected!

Quick turns in life, and just as quick in the music business.

He barely just got started in the business, but KiD CuDi seems to be changing his mind as often as you would change your shorts. XXL reports that after the success with 'Day n' nite', which peaked at number 27 on Billboard's Hot 100 list, CuDi has simply decided he doesn't want to be a Hiphop artist any more. His debut album 'Man on the moon: The Guardians' will his first and last contribution to the charts.

Apparantely, people in his surroundings are saying that he has changed after getting the spotlight pointed at him. And this doesn't fly high with CuDi, who decided to quit and focus on his acting career.

First of all: If it's true, it's a shame for a young talent to throw the mic in the trash after just one album.
Second: Is it true? We have heard this sort of announcements before. And they have most often been false.

Been there done that. 50 Cent said that if his album 'Curtis' sold less than Kanye West's album 'Graduation', he would step back and enjoy the retired life with a walker, reading glasses and lots and lots of money. But despite losing the battle, his next album is set to come out later this year. This is just one example. The list is so long I can't be bothered mentioning any more of them.

Why would this be false then? It's simple. PR. KiD CuDi's debut album is highly anticipated, and if it will be the last album he ever makes, and by that the only album, sales will go through the roof. Then, a year or so later, he finds the mic deep down in the bin and everyone will want to hear the mighty comeback of the One Album Man.

Track of the day! - Plies

Plies - Put i on ya (feat. Chris J)

Brief Update!

Slow weekend, that's pretty much all I have got to say. I'm waiting for some new music to be released, and when waiting for it I, in a way, feel like a tortoise who really, really need to use the toilet. Desperate to get there but it takes forever.

So what do we have to work with? Well, rumours say that Barack Obama bans Hiphop music from his daughters' iPods. I'm not surprised, some music is better of kept away from the ears of young children, especially ears that are in the same family as the president's ears. A lot of rap artists have backed Obama in his campaign, but there should be no hard feelings despite that.

Other than that we have a few new tunes on the streets but nothing even worth mentioning. By the way, Busta Rhymes album in apparenty postponed until May now, so we're going to have to wait some more for that. One good thing though, CNN's album 'Channel 10' will very soon be in my possesion.

Track of the day! - Clipse

Clipse - When the last time (feat. Pharrell)

Track of the day! - Petter

I'm going to finish of this Swedish day with the song that got me to buy one of my first Hiphop album. The artist is Petter and the song is namned 'Saker och ting' which came out in 1999.

These days Hiphop is often a very shallow business, but it wasn't like that back then. At least not in Sweden. Lyrics meant more than it does today. To listen to some old stuff ones in a while is good for you, to mix it up a bit.

So here is the sounds of Stockholm in 1999:

Petter - Saker och ting

Blue and yellow!

I feel very Swedish today so I'm just going to help myself to announcing this day the Swedish day in this blog!

Electro inspired Hiphop is very big in Sweden at the moment. I've already mentioned Adam Tensta and Lazee, and now it's time for more. I'm talking about Maskinen (or The Machine, in English).

It's basically a group of rappers from other groups forming a new group. We have a lot of groups in meatball-land. Maskinen has become masters in creating Hiphop tracks out of electro music, which makes them very popular in the clubs with their controversial lyrics. For instance, their first track called 'Alla som inte dansar är våldtäktsmän' (Everyone who doesn't dance is a rapist), caused a lot of stired up feelings in the nation.

So it's a bit hard to accuse them of being completely serious, but nonetheless, they make well good music for the party, club or just your own speakers.

Maskinen - Segertåget

Nordic noice!

One of the most popular hip hop groups in Sweden the latest year has been Afasi & Filthy. It's a duo that combines clever lyrics with heavy beats that is really different to other acts. I definitely like it, and I think more people should get into them as well.

The rap is in Swedish, so even if you English people are afraid of everything that is not fried, drenched in salt and vinegar or chocolate, you can listen and hear what it sounds like in my part of the world, despite not understanding the language.

Afasi & Filthy - Glider

Just a reminder!

Who knew a stolen flower pot, some wood and some oven bars would make a perfect grill?

While the people back home is struggling with -3 degrees celius and snow storms, we were having a barbecue in the garden last night. Believe it or not, that actually makes me feel quite alright. Call me a gloat, I'll just sit back and happily take it.

In between eating half burnt miniature burgers and blowing up cans of deodorant, we were listening to some DJ from the housemate's hometown. Can't remember the name, but he was amazing. You got mixes of old school Hiphop, funk, soul, featured rap artists and I don't know where to stop. I'm going to try to find it so I can throw it up here so we all can ejnoy it.

During the endless track, at exactly 13 minutes and 54 seconds into it, "the best thing in music ever", were supposed to come. At least according to my housemate. And it was good, but it wasn't that good.

But it reminded me of something. Something that has been a bit forgotten, somewhere deep, deep down in my iTunes library. It came out in 2001, and I recall sitting for hours in front of the computer, listenning to it and playing solitare over and over again. They're both equally addictive.

That something is:

Wu Tang Clan - Gravel Pit


More from Wu Tang Clan will come. I have a personal encounter with them to report about.

Track of the day: Kardinal Offishall!

For you who thought Canada is all about snow, ice hockey and French people unable to read a map; here is Canadian Hip hop's pride and glory, Kardinal Offishall.

Kardinal Offishall - Set it off (feat. The Clipse)

Review: Anthony Hamilton - The Point Of It All

Anthony Hamilton might possibly be the best R n' B/Soul singer around at the moment. He is constantly featured on tracks with some of the biggest names in the business who wants to put a bit of soul into their tracks.

When you listen to an album in the genre Hamilton represents, you tend to find solely slow predictable tunes. But that is what differs him from the rest. 'The Point Of It All' is never boring.

Hamilton puts his voice on a great mix of tracks, all from slow love songs to up tempo tunes such as the collaboration with rapper David Banner. The whole number of songs on the album tells a story, almost a bit like he is talking to someone. I don't think the words are just made up and jot down on a piece of paper. There is a genuine feeling to the lyrics and real life experience is there, creating those words.

The album itself shines of quality, which is something we are allowed to expect after waiting since 2005 for another studio album from Hamilton.

Best track: Soul's on fire

Grade: 4/5

Anthony Hamilton - Soul's on fire (live)

Live!

I just found this video of T.I.'s performance from the MTV Video Music Awards 2006. I've pretty much been looking for it since that night when it took place.

It's a smashing act. T.I. brings his protege Young Dro to the stage, as well as a massive child choir and as usual, DJ Drama stands behind the turn tables. This makes it probably one of the best live performances I have ever seen.

There is a difference in live Hiphop and studio made tracks. In live acts rappers have to try so much harder and make a bigger effort to please the audience. The voices can be completely different to what you hear of the record, as all energy is put into making themselves heard over the roaring crowds. And that just what I like about it. It's completely unpredictable. You cannot expect what to hear, except for one thing. Rap artists always gives it all when on stage.

And this live performance has got all of that, and so much more.

T.I. feat. Young Dro - Shoulder lean & What you know

Track of the day! - Notorious B.I.G

Yesterday, March 9th, it was 12 years ago since Notorious B.I.G passed away after being shot in a drive by in Los Angeles. His death will always be remembered as the culmination of the East coast/West Coast war in rap music.

He only had a five year career, with more albums being released past his death and a movie being showed at the cinema at this moment, but he will always be considered one of the greatest.

Notorious B.I.G - Hypnotize

Track of the day! - V.I.C

V.I.C. - Get Silly!

Flo!

Remember 'Low', the Flo Rida track played to pieces in the clubs? I'm sure you do. He brought a new voice with a new sound to the game, and now Flo Rida is back again.

Following up his debut album 'Mail on Sunday', is the record with the name 'R.O.O.T.S (Routes Of Overcoming The Struggle)', and it is set to be released on April 7th.

It looks like another gold selling album is on its way, as the first single 'Right Round' is found on the number 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 chart at the moment.

Flo Rida - Right Round (feat. Kesha)



I can't really say I like this track though. It just not my bag of crisps, as we say back home. But I have no doubt that the album will be hot anyway.

Track of the day! - Schwayze

It's Sunday night. We are all tired. What do say we finish of the week with a laid back tune about just kickin' back in the summer...?

Sounds like a yes to me!

Schwayze - Buzzin' (feat. Cisco Adler)

CNN!

We are not going to talk about the TV channel here. CNN is short for the rap duo Capone-N-Noreaga. Their name is not well known to every man out there, but in the Hiphop world they're often seen at as classic.

The duo, from New York, met in jail in 1992. And crime would be something they were going to have to live with through their careers, as Capone was sent back to jail more than once during their years as a group.

In an argument with a record company they had to change their name from Capone-N-Noreaga since Tommy Boy Records own the rights to it. Hence the name CNN. This is also the reason why Noreaga is also known as NORE.

The duo split up in 2005, but now they're back together for a comeback! Is has taken a while, but their upcoming album 'Channel 10' is due to hit the shops later this year. While waiting we can listen to the first single 'Rotate'.

Capone-N-Noreaga - Rotate (feat. Ron Browz and Busta Rhymes)



I am definitely looking forward to this. They have got a sound significant for a bit more old school rappers. Especially Noreaga (NORE) brings a raw, east coast style. He represents New York and it shows.

Hardcore!

I mentioned last month that Lil' Wayne was working on a new project: a rock album. And Weezy is getting there. Have a look at the result in a teaser of his first video.

Lil' Wayne - Prom Queen



What's the verdict....?

Let's just say it sounds a bit so, so.

To be honest, he hasn't changed to much from what he usually does except from the chorus. Change the guitars for a nice beat, throw in T-Pain, Nate Dogg or some other chorus genious, and this could just as well be a Hiphop/Rn'B song.

So Mr Carter, pull the strings of that guitar, grab a mic, do your thing again, and it will all be back to normal!

Track of the day! - Purple Ribbon Allstars

This is an a couple of years old video from artists signed to OutKast member Big Boi's label Purple Ribbon Records, including Big Boi, Killer Mike, Rock D and C-Bone.

Purple Ribbon Allstars - Kryptonite



"I'll be on it all night, man I'll be on it all day..."

It's still a hit in my book!

Track of the (yester)day! - T.I.

T.I. - Bring 'em out



This is a real classic from T.I.'s album 'Urban Legend'. I would say it's the track that started to create the big hype around "The King of the South".

The Boss & Saigon da don!

Stockholm 13 June 2008

Berns Nightclub

Rick Ross & Saigon

The best gig I've ever been to.

Not a lot of people know who one of my favourite rappers, Saigon, is. I can understand why though. His debut album 'The Greatest Story Never Told', remain to be just never told. After years of expectations it still has not been released. But his lyrics might be the best in the business, and as he came out on the stage of Berns Nightclub, while blazing the hit 'Come on baby', the floor nearly busted. The people who chose to wait with their arrival to the main act, Rick Ross, really missed out.

As Saigon finished up and made his way to the VIP section to keep the party going, The Boss himself, aka Rick Ross let us all fill up our drinks before he stepped out in complete silence, facing the roar of the crowd. He fired of big tracks like 'Hustlin' and 'The Boss' alongside his sidekick Gunplay and kept the night going for hours.

This night had it all. A nice summer night. Great performances. Great partying. As Rick Ross says 'This is the life'.

Track of the day! - Twista

This track just fits in today.

It's been a good day. Let's just leave it at that.

Twista feat. Anthony Hamilton - Sunshine

Lazee lizzle!

My speakers and headphones has been full with the beats of Swedish rapper Lazee for quite a while now. No matter how many times I listen to the tracks, they just get better and better. Songs from both his album 'Setting Standards' and his mixtapes, has got enough quality to make it internationally.

The name Lazee is already well known in France but the rest of the world should definately open ut their eyes. He brings something different to the game with a mix of Hiphop, drum and bass, rock, house and in some sense Grime.

Since Hiphop had its breakthrough in Sweden around -97, most big names was rapping in Swedish, but lately with newcomers like Adam Tensta and Lazee, who also lived in London for 6 years, rapping in English is just as common. If you ask me it just sounds better when it comes to making it in the big leagues.

Lazee will stay on my playlist for years to come. He is constanlty working on new material, and I can strongly recommend the 'Setting Standards' album.

Just have a little taste and listen to this.

Lazee - I'm Not Pop

Lazee - Drop Bombs