RIP Heavy D.
By now you’ve heard the tragic news about the untimely passing of one of musics great hero’s.
“Heav” was a trailblazer in many ways. He made it cool to be a big guy and be fly before “Big Dudes” became a fad. This is before the era’s of B.I.G., Fat Joe, Big Pun and Rick Ross.
Heavy never cursed on his records and still achieved superstar status and respect as a rap artist. This was during a time when hip-hop music was filled with violence and true scary tales from the hood witnessed in the meanest streets of our country.
But Heavy D’s music even your mother loved. Pop culture embraced him. Heavy did television theme songs for Mad TV and In Living Color. He even made appearances on a few sitcoms of the day. This was during the early 90’s, before the transformation of hip hop culture becoming pop culture.
Heavy D opened the doors of success for today’s hip hop artists who now lounge on its chairs of creativity and marketing plans.
Even NBC Nightly News’s Brian Williams made mention of his life stating “he was big before Biggie.”
Heavy’s recent performance at the BET Hip Hop Awards was simply, in one word — incredible.
Gone but never forgotten. R.I.P. Heavy. May you have a Peaceful Journey home.
[pagebreak]
Yelawolf is coming for ya spot. This kid keeps releasing records hotter then candle wax with lyrics that are sicker then the flu.
“Throw It Up” is perhaps the most anticipated song on Yela’s debut album Radioactive and it’s finally here. On this track he invites southern diva Gangsta Boo and his own label head Eminem to spit.
At its core Throw It Up is the reason why we guys love riot music in the club; it’s that gritty, we don’t give what! music that makes chicks absolutely lose their minds.
Yela and Eminems ferocious wordplay is deadlier then Busta Rhymes on “Look At Me Now.” Luckily Gangsta Boo’s verse is sandwiched in between the two and will allow you to catch your breath.
[pagebreak]
Slim Thuggs classic Houston draw under a dope beat and a screwed up vocal sample for the hook has become his signature sound.
This week I caught listen of a new banger he released with fellow south Texas rhymeslayers Bun B and Paul Wall titled “Creepin”.
On first listen, the sample is instantly recognizable due to Pitbull’s Calle Ocho. But Slim, Bun and Paul rapping over a sped up clip of Chicago’s Street Player to an 808 beat goes so hard.
Houston’s hip-hop scene never lost its stake but I speak for all music fans when I say we miss that constant heatwave from the southwest.
[pagebreak]
I also miss the Cee-Lo Goodie Mob days. Remember records like Soul Food?
There’s almost a whole generation of kids who don’t even realize the futuristic Cee-Lo Green is one of the most incredible MC’s on the planet.
If you never heard him rap you should listen to his verse on OutKast’s classic Git Up, Git Out. Listen to what he’s saying. Anyways, this week he put out a song titled “Anyway” that is sure to guarantee his continued journey on the pop crossover path. I’m not mad at him either.
After the whole Dangermouse collabo in the mid part of the 2000’s, Cee-Lo has morphed into a modern hit maker with Bootsy Collins flair. Have you seen his live show? Cee-Lo Green has definitely found his lane.
[pagebreak]
Ever sampled any Black Cocaine? Well soon, if you want you can and its all legal. Mobb Deep’s latest album Black Cocaine is set to drop soon. Until then here’s hit or line to sample called “Conquer”. Since Prodigy has come home, QB’s most infamous group (aside from the Juice Crew of course) has been hard at work on new music and settling into their roles as elder statesmen to this new school of MCs. Their recent NYC performance during the Borough to Borough citywide tour reminded fans of their dominance in music during the 90’s. Hopefully Black Cocaine will open up a another in the Infamous saga that is Mobb Deep.
[pagebreak]
Dev is back.
She was the sexy, sultry voice on the mega club hit Like A G6. This new record “Kiss My Lips” is a next level sound for her.
The Cataracs provide the sound scape for her again but they tailor the beat to sound sorta edgy and Gothic. Then they added a 16 from Funeral Fab that simply is going to body the entire club.
The song is really dope but I hope Dev’s core fans give it a chance as it’s different from her other records. It’s Dev though so at the end of the day, it’s good music.
